Month: September 2011

Getting Married One Chakra at a Time

Getting Married One Chakra at a Time

by Freya Ray

Marriage. We all know couples that do it and succeed. They have the big wedding, and then they’re at least reasonably happy with each other and have a nice long run. But what about the other version? Tom and Jeff or Jeff and Betty or Betty and Sue live together reasonably happily for years, decide to get married/handfasted/have a commitment ceremony, and within months aren’t speaking to each other.

What happens to cause this? Why do functional relationships crater so completely after a wedding? Surely it’s not just the stress of a big emotional production, as this type of breakup seems far more common than breaking up due to other kinds of stress. It’s almost predictable with many couples — wedding, three months later distance and fighting, three months after that filing for divorce.

I have a theory. I hope it’s even one that will help people avoid this fate themselves.

The focal point of a commitment ceremony is just that: the taking of vows that speak to the couple’s commitment to each other. Vows. The problem with vows is that they have great power, power beyond the words themselves. When spoken in front of one’s entire community of family and friends, in a sacred setting consecrated to the Divine, they are immensely powerful. They take on a life of their own.

And (drum roll, please) every way in which the relationship does not currently live up to the vows declared is immediately thrown in the couple’s faces.

If you vow to love and there are resentments in your heart, those will become magnified and impossible to hide. If you promise to take care of your partner and aren’t sure you mean it, that will be tested. If you promise to be truthful and sometimes you avoid the issue, you will get caught. Any and all ways in which reality does not live up to the grand promises made will be brought to the surface for attention.

It’s bad enough in a traditional wedding ceremony. To “love, honor and cherish, in sickness and in health… till death do us part” is hard. But at least it’s simple. There are just three things, which are pretty standard noble virtues. One should always love, honor and cherish the people in one’s life, whoever they are. But pagans have a bad habit of writing their own vows, and the next thing you know they’ve spent five minutes describing all they’re going to do and be for each other.

It’s a long laundry list of good intentions. When half of them come screaming at you for immediate remedial work, it’s overwhelming.

Welcome to the post-ceremony meltdown.

If you don’t believe me, do a mental inventory of the couples you’ve known who have broken up soon after their wedding. Most of the time, they break up because of issues they knew about before they got married. The issues were stuff they thought they could live with and were living with. And the issues were in conflict with the vows taken. When the issues were something to be accepted as part of living together, they could be worked with. When the full force of collective intention had been directed at a life consonant with the higher virtues and in conflict with the bad habits, it quickly leads to disaster.

How to avoid this? Well, you could only marry someone with whom you have no issues whatsoever. Ha! Welcome to lifelong celibacy. Or you could only promise to take one day at a time and care about each other as best you can in the moment and try to be nice. Seems rather pointless, doesn’t it?

How about taking things in stages?

Who says you have to get married all at once?

I’m proposing a chakra wedding ceremony — well, actually, seven or eight of them. In a series. Strung out over time.

Say we’ve got a couple with the following issues: He is tempted to lie and cheat occasionally; he comes from money and she doesn’t, so she feels guilty that he makes most of their money; she’s more powerful psychically and has a bad habit of using her intuition to manipulate him into doing what she wants him to. Before you think, “Wow, what a mess! They should never get married,” let me tell you this is not that bad a set of stuff. It’s just that mostly we only look at one problem at a time and minimize its importance. All of these issues can be overcome, and the couple is probably together to do the healing work to overcome them.

So what have we got here? We’ve got a belly chakra issue with the cheating, a root chakra issue with the money and dependency stuff and a third-eye issue with the psychic stuff.

The couple has a wedding; they promise to be honest and faithful, to take care of each other for richer and for poorer, and to respect each other, compromise and work through things together as equal partners. They’ve announced their intentions to eradicate their three huge issues, all in one day, when they’re already tired and overwhelmed on innumerable levels from the wedding stress.

Instead, why not try making a commitment to each other one chakra at a time? Have a private ceremony, speaking your root chakra vows to each other. Promise to take care of each other physically and financially. Promise for sickness and health, for richer and poorer. But leave all the rest of the stuff out of it.

Then sit back and wait for what comes up. Our example couple would, I hope, have opportunities to discuss their class issues, negotiate ways to share money, clarify for her that he loves her regardless of the amount of money she brings in and so on. They will have plenty of stuff to work through to keep them busy. Money issues, basic survival financial stuff, is incredibly stressful. It’s enough all by itself.

Issues that could come up at root for another couple might have to do with health, dependency, responsibility and reliability, getting off the couch and finding a damn job, where to live, getting out of debt, who’s going to do the cooking and cleaning, sleeping issues and so on. Everything having to do with survival on the material plane. Plenty.

Have a ceremony for your root chakras, and then do all the healing and cleanup work required. Do all the negotiation, moving, figuring out of schedules, learning how to live together, financial planning. Whether it takes six days or six years, stay with this one set of stuff until it feels clear. Then and only then, have a ceremony to commit to each other at the belly chakra.

Sexuality and relationships live at the belly. Many couples are going to have quite the rodeo ride here. Survivor issues, fidelity challenges, past relationships both good and bad, sexual incompatibilities and expectations and everything of that nature arises here.

In our example couple, he’ll get caught trolling for women on the Internet, or she’ll find a letter from a woman he cheated with a year ago, or he’ll confess to his urges, or something. It will come up. They’ll talk about it, fight about it, get couple’s counseling and either work through it or not. But, supposing they’ve done the root-chakra work first, they’ve got a vastly better chance of making it through, because they have a solid foundation to stand on. She knows he loves her enough that he doesn’t mind supporting her. She’s seen the way he’s been willing to talk through their root chakra incompatibilities and negotiate compromises. And it’s just the one thing.

Over time, maybe they’ll find the source of his need to cheat, he will get therapy for that, and it’ll be handled. Another couple might need to work out that she wants sex every day and he only once a week, she can’t have oral sex due to sexual abuse, he isn’t totally over his ex-girlfriend, she wishes he were in better shape, he wants to get kinky and she doesn’t. Etcetera. Every couple is likely to have sexual issues of some kind or another, and it takes time to work through them. Six days or six years later, you move on to the solar plexus.

Power. Power and success in the world, your sense of personal power and your level of power in the relationship. It’s a murky area, and every couple needs to deal with who’s running things and how the power is shared or not. It’s never as simple as “Let’s negotiate everything equally.” You’d go insane. You can’t sit down and process your feelings about zucchini in the grocery store. You can’t call each other during the day to find out if it’s okay to spend $10 on your lunch instead of $8 today. You need to divide up responsibilities somewhat, so you both understand what’s yours to decide, what’s the other’s to decide and what’s shared. This takes time to sort out.

I’m not going to go through all seven chakras, as you can study up on them and figure the rest out for yourself. Running through the first three in some detail gives you enough information to get started and a sense of what I’m talking about. There’s plenty there to deal with. You’ve got time to become an expert on chakras before you’re done with the first three, I promise.

What I’m proposing is that a couple deepens their commitment to each other one chakra at a time. When you’ve gotten through all seven, and you feel good, solid, stable and clear with each other on all fronts, then you can invite a couple hundred people over to help you celebrate your union. Take the public vows, inviting your community to hold that energy with you. Step into the arena of a sacred vow with a reasonably clear path between you.

Give yourselves time to grow closer. Give yourselves time to catch up to your promises, one step at a time. Breathe and grow closer in between each one.

You know you love each other. You know you’ve come together for your healing and to help each other move forward personally and spiritually. You know your love is not a simple thing, but rather a complex, intricate dance of life between you. If it were a tree, you wouldn’t transplant it, prune it and harvest its sap all in the same day. If you were managing a company, you wouldn’t announce layoffs the same day that the new product line is released. Don’t pile everything on the same day in your relationship either. Manage it more gracefully, taking one step at a time.

It’s just a thought. Whatever you do, bright blessings for you and all your loving relationships.

Freya Ray is a professional psychic, shaman, writer and teacher. She is available as a psychic for parties and events such as Samhain parties. In readings, she accesses the Akashic records and the client’s guides, bringing her clients the most useful information available for life’s challenges and adventures. She has worked at Phoenix and Dragon in Atlanta and Rainbow Moods and Lemurian Imports in Tucson. Her writing has appeared in the Sedona Journal of Emergence, the New Times, the Awareness Journal and the Magical Journal. She can be reached for comment or for psychic readings by phone at (206) 276-4290 or freya_ray@yahoo.com. For full information on her practice and a writings archive, check out www.freyaray.com/.

About Mabon

About Mabon

a guide to the Sabbat’s symbolism

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: September 20-23 (usually, the date of the calendar autumn equinox).

Alternative names: The Autumn Equinox, the Second Harvest Festival, the Feast of Avalon, Equizio di Autunoo and Alban Elfed.

Primary meanings: The Fall Equinox falls exactly opposite the Spring Equinox of March 20 to 23. Both are times of equal night and equal day. The Equinox is the time of equality between the God and Goddess–the God represented by the Sun, the Goddess by the Moon; fruitfulness of the land results from their connection, and now the harvest’s bounty is brought in and stored against winter and dark times. The key action at Mabon is giving thanks. At the Autumn Equinox, the Sun’s strength also begins markedly to diminish, even disappear, until Winter Solstice in December.

Symbols: Garlands, corn, apples, pinecones, gourds, acorns, wheat, dried leaves and horns of plenty (cornucopias). Foods include corn, beans, squash, nuts, apples and root vegetables; drink includes cider, wine and beer.

Colors: Red, orange, yellow, deep gold, brown, russet, maroon, indigo and violet.

Gemstones: Amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, sapphire, yellow agate and yellow topaz.

Herbs: Acorns, aloe’s wood, asters, benzoin, cedar, chrysanthemums, cinnamon, cloves, ferns, frankincense, hazel, honeysuckle, hops, ivy, jasmine, marigold, milkweed, musk, myrrh, oak leaves, passionflower, pine, pomegranate, roses, sage, Solomon’s seal, thistles, tobacco and vines.

Goddesses and gods: Goddesses include Morgon, Snake Woman, Epona, the Muses and Demeter; gods include Thoth, Hermes, Thor, Dionysus, Bacchus and Herne. The Sabbat is named for a god, the Mabon ap Modron, who symbolizes the male fertilizing principle in Welsh myths. His full name (depending on the translation) means Great Son of the Great Mother, Young Son, Divine Youth or Son of Light. Modron, his mother, is the Great Goddess, Guardian of the Otherworld, Protector and Healer. She is Earth itself.

Customs and myths: In the myth of Mabon, the god disappears, taken from his mother, Modron, when only three nights old. Mabon is freed with the help of the wisdom and memory of the most ancient living animals — the blackbird, stag, owl, eagle and salmon. All along, Mabon has been quite happy, dwelling in Modron’s magickal Otherworld — Modron’s womb — to be reborn as his mother’s champion, the Son of Light. Mabon’s light has been drawn into the Earth, gathering strength and wisdom to become a new seed. In a Greek myth associated with the season, autumn begins when Persephone leaves her mother, the earth goddess Demeter, to return to the Underworld to live with her husband, Hades, lord of the dead.

Mabon is rather like Thanksgiving for pagans. The foods of Mabon consist of the second harvest’s gleanings, so grains, fruit and vegetables predominate. Pagan activities for the Sabbat include the making of wine and the adorning of graves. It is considered taboo to pass burial sites and not honor the dead. Another traditional practice is to walk wild places and forests, gathering seedpods and dried plants to decorate home or altar or to save for future herbal magick. The sounds of baying hounds passing through the sky, the “Hounds of Annwn” in the Welsh mythos, are associated with fall and winter.

Spell-work for protection, wealth and prosperity, security and self-confidence are appropriate for Mabon, as are spells that bring into balance and harmony the energies in a room, home or situation. Ritual actions might include the praising or honoring of fruit as proof of the love of the Goddess and God. River and stream stones gathered over the summer can be empowered now for various purposes.

Today’s Runes for Sept. 10th is Ken

Today’s Runes

Jade Runes are most commonly used for questions about love, friendship, and relationships. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Sept. 10th is 37: Community

37: Community

Hexagram 37

General Meaning: A community or extended family that works is one where healthy interdependence is appreciated and supported. Good direction is essential, but strong kinship is dependent upon every member of the community. Trust, shared responsibilities and good communication are essential. Each member must be encouraged to find his or her appropriate expression, and contribution.

The functional family is a team that symbolizes the ideal of human interdependence, and has long provided a firm foundation for society. The healthy family is a microcosm of society and the native soil in which ethical values take root and grow. Fertilize this soil, and the whole of society benefits.

The power that bonds a tribe is the yin or feminine principle — gentleness and receptivity. Relationships are improved through cultivation of these. Learn to accept both advice and aid from others, and be willing to assume an appropriate role in any group that supports good relating. A good team player is always valuable to others. Increase your value!

Today’s Tarot Card for Sept. 10th is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

This Tarot Deck: Old English

General Meaning: Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, Sept. 10th

We need to talk about old hurts and pains today as Mercury the Messenger tensely opposes Chiron the Wounded Healer. Sharing memories can be cathartic but may also add stress to a current situation. Meanwhile, the quirky Aquarius Moon hooks up with confusing Neptune, making it hard to know what’s true. Thankfully, the Moon enters imaginative Pisces at 3:26 pm EDT, putting a kinder and gentler spin on a day that may start out on the rough side.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You might be stymied today because you want to share what you’re feeling, but the current circumstances may require you to wait. Logically, you can understand why it’s wise to keep your emotions to yourself, yet you are tempted to bend the rules and say more than is necessary. Remember, it’s probably better for everyone involved if you don’t act impulsively at this time.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You aren’t prepared to say exactly what you are feeling today because you don’t want to add to the current drama. However, you’re still eager to demonstrate your love and are able to do so in a manner that won’t make anyone uncomfortable. Of course, taking a risk by telling someone about your heart’s desires can be rather scary, so don’t reveal too much too fast.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You have plenty of words right at the tip of your tongue today, even if you’re talking about tender feelings that you don’t normally share. A combination of circumstances enables you to be secure now, so you are more willing than usual to take an emotional risk. Don’t waste too much time worrying about how others will respond. A discussion should unfold naturally as long as you’re not too dramatic in your delivery.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may want to step out of the spotlight today, but chances are you will still receive your fair share of love and admiration, anyway. But trying to hide is just one way to waste precious energy. Push beyond any embarrassment you feel about being the center of attention and graciously accept the positive vibrations that now come your way.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Creating emotional boundaries today gives you a safe place to retreat from the big world. Normally, you’re eager to put your feelings on the line, without even giving it a second thought. However, your emotions are raw now, and you’re not in the mood to share them with everyone. Keep in mind that you don’t need to justify your actions; it is always within your power to choose whether or not to talk about your inner process.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your key planet Mercury is keeping you busy analyzing your insecurities, but your logic can run into walls today as wounded Chiron enters the picture. However, your emotions may be integrated into your overall game plan now. Your friends are likely to respond warmly if you share what’s on your mind, but they may be reflecting your current eagerness for affection. Make the most of the positive Venus-Mars aspect by connecting with friends and family, but don’t expect too much in return.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may try to avoid being in the public eye today, yet the rewards from your previous work could follow you around and turn the spotlight on you anyway. Even if you’re being recognized and appreciated, you would be more comfortable if everyone was receiving acknowledgment and not just you. But rather than diverting the attention back on others, just say thank you while proudly enjoying the moment.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You aren’t in the mood to be the one who puts everything together today. Instead, you want to be pleasantly surprised when you discover that someone special has a dinner or a whole weekend planned especially for you. Although you crave adventure, romance and fun, spending your time waiting for the magic to happen isn’t a viable strategy. Don’t minimize your current choices; take responsibility for your half of the deal.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Feelings of discomfort or anxiety can catch you off guard today if your emotions become more intense than usual. Energetic Mars is in timid Cancer and your 8th House of Intimacy, preventing you from sharing your romantic insecurities. Don’t get hooked into believing that someone is going to rush in and sweep you off your feet. A healthy dose of realism can prevent your day from turning into a major disappointment.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may have a friend or lover who is so shy that he or she won’t let you know what’s going on today. Don’t make any assumptions about how much others like you, for you might miscalculate your popularity now. Luckily, romantic Venus in your 7th House of Relationships is setting a sweet and sensual tone for the weekend. Go ahead, make the first move and see what happens.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are on edge now as your natural high-frequency energy is impeded by inconvenient feelings that are rising to the surface. Although sidestepping your emotions isn’t always a good idea, remaining rational makes more sense today so you can focus on practical issues. Anything that draws your mind to the present moment can also act as a shield against someone else’s drama.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Flirty Venus and sexy Mars are quite active today in your 5th House of Romance and your 7th House of Partners, increasing your desire to spend special time with someone you love. However, don’t increase the complexity by dreaming and scheming for the future. Instead, live as joyfully as you can in the here and now.

the daily humorscopes for saturday, sept. 10th

the daily humorscope

 

 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

 
 
 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)

A tomato features in todays cuisine. Sadly, that’s going to be your pinacle of excitement for today.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You will casually mention the German term for “exit ramp”, and bring a conversation to a rapid close. That’s hardly your fault, though, is it?
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Today you will finally get around to exercising! Your cat will look at you like you’ve gone completely whacky. Don’t be intimidated, though — at least you never get distracted and forget that you’re holding your leg up behind your head.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Today you will find a note, folded into quarters, and torn from a steno pad. Surprisingly, it will refer to you. Even more surprisingly, it will refer to you as the object of adoration, someone whom the note’s author wishes to engage in “snuggle bunnies” with. Sadly, it will be impossible to determine who wrote it, and nothing will ever come of it.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Your children will return, but they’ll be unnaturally quiet and good-natured. Eventually, you’ll discover how the switch was made.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
A big spider will be waiting for you in the dark, chuckling its evil spider chuckle, and rubbing it’s hairy legs together in a chitinously evil way. Fortunately for you, someone else will come by before you, and will squish it without a second thought.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Tomorrow when you wake up, you’ll make an unpleasant discovery. Sometime during the night, you’ll have been visited by the nostril hair fairy.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Today you will find a really big piece of lint in your pocket. That’s it, though, for today’s excitement.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Good day to mumble.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
A big spider will be waiting for you in the dark, chuckling its evil spider chuckle, and rubbing it’s hairy legs together in a chitinously evil way. Fortunately for you, someone else will come by before you, and will squish it without a second thought.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
You will overhear a whispered conversation, regarding how cute it is the way someone wiggles their tushy when they walk. You will have an uncomfortable feeling that they may be referring to you. This may make you a trifle self-conscious.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. Oddly, that’s only true in some European-derived cultures. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, man’s best friend is a blue-tongued skink. They just have a heck of a lot more trouble fetching the paper. You may find your own type of best friend, soon.

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2011 September 10

Rollback from GRAIL’s Rocket
Image Credit & Copyright: Ben Cooper (Launch Photography) 

Explanation: This dramatic time-lapse photo traces a 20 minute long, late evening rollback of the lighted Mobile Service Tower at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17. Twin spacecraft are snug inside the 13 story tall Delta 2 rocket poised for launch. The duo will journey to the Moon on NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission, GRAIL, using precision formation flying to map the Moon’s gravity field. The scene was captured prior to the first launch attempt, canceled due to upper level winds, on September 8. Further launch opportunities for GRAIL begin this morning, September 10. The GRAIL launch is the last one planned from Complex 17 on Cape Canaveral’s oldest still active pad, in use since 1957.

Fertility Spell

This spell uses symbolism in the use of the fig and egg, but also ancient methods of acknowledgement in the offering to the Earth Mother for fertility. Crops were often offered to the goddess in the hope of a good harvest and in this spell that hope is for new life. The spell is best done at the time of the New Moon or in spring time when the Goddess of Fertility is commemorated

Items you will need

  • YOU WILL NEED
  • Frankincense and sandalwood incense
  • White candle
  • A fig (fresh if possible)
  • A fresh egg
  • A clear glass bowl
  • A marker pen
  • Your boline
  • A trowel
  • Light your incense and the candle.
  • Put the egg on the left and the fig on the right, -the bowl in the middle.
  • Draw a symbol of your child on the egg.
  • Very carefully break the egg into the bowl and -place the empty shell on the left side again.
  • Make a small cut in the fig with your boline -and carefully scrape the seeds into the bowl.
  • Place the remains of the fig into the egg shell -to represent the physical baby within the-womb and again replace it on the left side.
  • With your finger, stir the contents of the bowl

clockwise three times and say: As these two become one May the Goddess and the God Bless our union with child

  • Leave the bowl in the middle and allow the -candle to burn out.
  • Take the bowl and the eggshell with its-contents to a place where you can safely bury -them.
  • (Your own garden is good if you have one

otherwise a quiet secluded spot.)

  • Place the eggshell in the ground and pour -over it the contents of the bowl.
  • As you cover it with earth say:

I offer to Mother Earth A symbol of fertility In love and gratitude for her bounty

  • Now await developments without anxiety.

This spell is full of symbolism. The fig represents not

only fertility, but also is thought to feed the psyche that part of us that some call the soul. The egg is an

ancient symbol of fertility and indeed of the

beginning of life. Bringing the two together

acknowledges your sense of responsibility for the

continuation of life

Fertility

Gives couples who want babies but can’t have them or don’t want sexual intercourse, a baby.

Items you will need

  • Boyfriend or Girlfriend
  • Blanket (pink or blue light colored)
  • Paper
  • Pen (Permanent Black)
  • Silver Cup
  • Wooden Spoon
  • 3 Candles (Red, White, and Blue)
  • Concentration
  • Holy Water
  • Dried Rose Petals
  • Lighter
  • Bronze Pitcher

The Spell:

Get your girlfriend or boyfriend in one room with you. In complete silence take out either a pink blanket symbolizing a girl baby or a blue blanket symbolizing a boy baby. Take your permanent black pen and draw a pentagram. Put the pentagram in the middle of the blanket, then put the silver cup on top of it. Take the pen and let the girl write her name first on the paper with the pentagram on it. Then the boy must take the pen and write his name on the paper. Writing the name on the pentagram will have the spiritual power know the couple that wants the baby. Take out all three candles and put them in a line to the right side of the couple. Do not put the candles on the blanket unless you have a metal plate for the candles to be put on. Use the lighter to light the candles. Take the holy water and pour it in the silver glass without spilling a drop. Let the women take the rose petals and crunch it up until it is just crumbs of rose petals. After the petals are crunched put them in the silver cup. Then the boy must take the wooden spoon and mix the dried rose petals in the holy water until the rose petals are covered in water. The the boy with his own hands must take the holy water and lather it on his girlfriend’s stomach. The girl will then concentrate on the pentagram sign. As the boy rubs it on the girl’s stomach he too must think of the pentagram sign. After five minutes the girl will pull down her shirt covering her belly. The boy and girl must join hands, even though the boy’s hands are wet, and chant these words:

”Baby Baby come to me,
Baby Baby Mote it be.
God will give you life with me,
Baby Baby mote it be.
Life with you will be so good,
playing games and building wood.
You’ll be ours and you will see,
Baby Baby mote it be.”

After saying this once, the woman will become pregnant in a matter of 24 hours. This spell is for couples who cannot have babies or for couples who don’t want to go through sexual intercourse. This spell will make the female pregnant and she can still keep her virganity.

 

A Fertility Spell

To help with fertility problems or release alot of anxiety due to menstral problems

Items you will need

  • 1 Hens Egg
  • Paint or Permanent Pens (any colors)
  • Paper Knife
  • Almond or Olive Oil
  • Coconut Shell
  • Tiny Straw Basket
  • Moon water if needed

* When the crescent moon is in the sky, take a hen’s egg and paint or colour it with permanent marker pens and decorate it with Mother Goddess symbols, such as spirals, butterflies, bees and birds.

* Place it on the window ledge of your bedroom and leave it there until the night of the full moon.

* On this night, prick the egg gently with a silver pin or paper knife.

* The next day, early in the morning, sprinkle it with a few drops of almond or pure olive oil for added fertility.

* Place the egg in one half of a coconut shell (the coconut is the most potent fertility fruit) or a tiny straw basket, and set your little boat sailing on a river or the outgoing tide. If you cannot sail it, bury your egg and coconut shell beneath a willow or alder tree and water the soil with Moon water (water that has been collected when the full moon shines on it).

* Make love whenever you wish during the month, but if possible on the night of the full moon.

This spell will not overcome gynaecological problems, but can relieve anxiety and stress, which seem to block fertility.

Money Doubling-Spell

This spell is representational and helps double any denomination of paper money that you have. You are asking that the money be increased so you may also use a herb which has this effect. You are also appealing to the highest authority in asking the Angels to help you

Items you will need

  • YOU WILL NEED
  • Paper money (preferably new and as much as you
  • can spare)
  • White envelope
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Wax to seal the envelope
  • Place the money in the envelope, along with the cinnamon powder, and seal it with the wax.
  • Fold the envelope, leave it in your sacred -space and say once, every day, for seven days:

Hear me, angels in your glory, Hear me now Zacharael. I see the need for the common good And ask for this to be increased.

  • Hold the envelope up, and perceive that it -feels heavier than it was.
  • Keep the envelope in your bedroom for -safety.
  • After you receive more money, open the -envelope, and share what was in the envelope -with others.

Zacharael means remembrance of God and is the-angel who reminds us not to be bound by material-concerns. For this reason, when we have truly-shown that we understand both the value and the-illusions associated with money we should never-go short.

Have A Good Day Spell

Cast this spell first thing in the morning for best results

Items you will need

  • *a glass of water
  • * a mirror

Stand before the mirror and say quietly to yourself:
Im going to have a really good day.
Today everything will go well.
Today is going to be great!
Place your projective hand (the one you write with) over the glass of water and imagine that you are sending magickal white light into it. Now look yourself in the eye in the mirror. Smile and say:
I take into myself the power of a truly magickal day
Drink all the water and finish the spell with the words:
Blessed Be
Now wash and dress and generally go about preparing for the good day ahead

Attracting Extra Money

This is a representational spell since the money in your pocket is representative of a greater fortune. Use this only at the time of a New Moon and make sure you are in the open air. It is said that the spell is negated if the Moon is seen through glass.

Items you will need

  • YOU WILL NEED
  • Loose change

The Spell:

  • Gaze at the Moon.
  • Turn your money over in your pocket.
  • As you do so, repeat the following three times:

Goddess of Light and Love, I pray

Bring fortune unto me this day.

  • You will know that it has worked when you -find extra money in your pocket or your -purse or come across money unexpectedly.

In previous times the Moon was recognized as much-as the Sun as being the bringer of good luck. This-spell acknowledges that and allows you to make use-of her power. It is said to ensure that you have at-least enough for bed and board until the next New-Moon.

Achieving a Dream Job

Candles always work well when dealing with aims and aspirations. This spell introduces some of the techniques beloved of those who believe in using the Element of Fire, which represents drive. This particular spell is best begun on the night of a New Moon.

Items you will need

  • YOU WILL NEED 2
  • brown candles (to represent the job)
  • Green candle (for prosperity)
  • A candle to represent yourself (perhaps your
  • astrological colour)
  • Prosperity incense such as cinnamon
  • Prosperity oil such as bergamot, or blended
  • patchouli and basil

The Spell

  • Light your prosperity incense.
  • Anoint the candles with the prosperity oil from wick to end, since you want the good things to come towards you.
  • Place one of the brown candles in the centre of your chosen space. Place the green one on the right, with your personal candle on the left.(These candles should be in a safe place; they have to burn out entirely.)
  • As you light your personal candle, say: Open the way, clear my sight. Bring me chance, that is my right.
  • Light the green candle and say: Good luck is mine and true victory, Help me Great Ones, come to me.
  • Light the brown candle and say: Openings, work, rewards I see, And as I will, So Must it Be.
  • Leave the candles to burn out completely.
  • Each night for a week – or until the candle is used up – light the second brown candle for 9 minutes while contemplating the job and the good to come out of it. You need to identify exactly what you mean by a dream job. It is of little use aiming for something which is beyond your capabilities, though you might go for one initially which will begin to take you to where you want to be.

Atalanta

Atalanta

by Mia Gibson
Atalanta is the female athlete in Greek myth. It is unclear exactly where Atalanta comes from, some sources say that she came from Arcadia and was the daughter of Iasus and Clymene, but Hesiod and other sources attributes Atalanta’s origin to Boeotia where her father is Schoeneus. The contradiction over Atalanta’s birth contributes to the assumption that there were two maythic women that were merged into one person. 

Whoever Atalanta’s father was, he wanted a boy so bad that when Atalanta was born, he exposed her on a hill were she was suckled by a she bear, sent by Artemis, until a group of hunters found her and raised her to womanhood. Atalanta, like Artemis, loved to hunt.

Atalanta is best known for participation in male activities while at the same time having an aura of sexuality surrounding her. For example, some sources say that Atalanta was one of the Argonauts. Atalanta was even wounded in a battle with the Colchians and was healed by Medea, who was also on the voyage. But at the same time, other sources say that Jason refused to let Atalanta go on the voyage because she was a woman.

One male activity Atalanta definitely participated in was the Calydonian Boar Hunt. Other male members of the hunt objected to her presence, but consumed with lust, Meleagerinsisted that Atalanta be allowed to join. During the hunt, centaurs Hylaeus and Rhaecus tried to rape Atalanta. Atalanta killed both of them, thus the first bloodshed of the Calydonian Boar Hunt was human.

Atalanta shot the first arrow to pierce the boar. Because of this, Meleager gave Atalanta the boar’s pelt. This resulted in even more human bloodshed, Meleager’s two uncles protested to Atalanta receiving the pelt, so Meleager killed them. When Meleager’s mother heard that Meleager had killed her brothers, she threw an enchanted log on the fire, once the log finished burning Meleager would die.

After Atalanta’s success at the boar hunt, Atalanta’s father, Iasus or Schoeneus, was proud and claimed her as his daughter. Atalanta was reconciled with her father. Since Atalanta was now a princess, Iasus wanted Atalanta to marry. Atalanta had been warned not to marry by the Oracle. Atalanta came up with a witty plan that would stop her from having to marry. She would race the suitors, the one who beat her in the foot race would be the lucky man to marry her, but if she won, she could kill the man. Atalanta made the bargain knowing that no one could beat her. One day a racer, Melanion or to some sources Hippomenes, fell in love with Atalanta and wanted to marry her, but he knew he could not beat her so he called on Aphrodite, the love goddess, for assistance. Aphroditeprovided Melanion with three golden apples to entice Atalanta. During the race, whenever Atalanta would get ahead of Melanion, he would roll one of the golden apples forward, forcing a curious Atalanta to stop and pick the apple up. Atalanta’s frequent stops gave Melanion the advantage he needed and he won the race and Atalanta’s hand in marriage.

Once married, it seems that Atalanta could not contain her inhibitions any longer, for one day she allowed Melanion to seduce her in the temple of Zeus. Zeus was so angered that he turned them into lions. This was a fitting punishment because lions can not mate with each other.

Atalanta has a son named Parthenopaeus (son of a pierced maidenhead). Once again, there is a dispute as to who the father is. Some sources say that Atalanta had an affair with Meleagar, other sources attribute Parthenopaues to Ares or Melanion. Parthenpaoues was active in the war known as the Seven Against Thebes.

Argonauts

Argonauts

by James Hunter

The Argonauts were the heroes who sailed with Jason on the Argo, in quest of the Golden Fleece. They are often called the “Minyans,” because of the tribe and region from which Jason came, but many of them came from other parts of the Greek world.

According to Apollonius of Rhodes, 55 men accompanied Jason; Apollodorus lists 43 men and one woman, and various numbers can be derived from other sources. The lists do not correspond very well, but the following are some of the more famous names mentioned: Orpheus (the greatest musician of the ancient world); Heracles (the son of Zeus, famous for his Twelve Labors); Hylas (Heracles’ companion); Telamon (the father of Ajax); Peleus (the father of Achilles and the brother of Telamon); Argos (the builder of the Argo); Polydeuces and Castor (or Pollux and Castor — known as the Dioscuri, they were the sons of Leda and Zeus, and the brothers of Helen of Troy); Meleager (who killed the Calydonian boar); Zetes and Calais (the Boreads); Theseus (who killed the Minotaur and the hero of a number of other legends); Laertes (father of Odysseus); Autolycus (son of Hermes and a master thief); Atalanta (a great huntress who was the first to wound the Calydonian boar and was beloved by Meleager).

Ajax

Ajax

by James Hunter
Ajax was the son of Telamon, king of Salamis. After Achilles, he was the mightiest of the Greek heroes in the Trojan War. 

Ajax was a huge man, head and shoulders larger than the other Greeks, enormously strong but somewhat slow of speech. In the Iliad, he is often called the “wall” or “bulwark” (herkos) of the Greeks. When Achilles had withdrawn from the fighting at Troy, it was Ajax who went forth to meet Hectorin single combat; by the time darkness fell the fight was still a stalemate, but Ajax had wounded Hector without sustaining injury himself

After Achilles’ death, Ajax competed with Odysseusfor the ownership of Achilles’ armor. Both men delivered speeches explaining their own merits, but Odysseus was by far the more eloquent and won the prize. Ajax was driven mad by his disappointment. According to one account, he vowed vengeance on the Greeks and began slaughtering cattle, mistaking them for his former comrades-in-arms. He finally committed suicide.

Ajax is often called “Telemonian Ajax” or “the greater Ajax,” to distinguish him from Ajax the Lesser the son of Oileus, who also fought for the Greeks at Troy.

Agamemnon

Agamemnon

by James Hunter
Agamemnon was the son of Atreus and the brother of Menelaus. He was the king of either Mycenae (in Homer) or of Argos (in some later accounts), and was the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. He married Clytemnestra and had several children by her, including Orestes, Electra, and Iphigenia. 

When the Greeks sailed for Troy, their fleet was trapped by unfavorable winds at Aulis. The seer Calchas revealed that their misfortune was due to Agamemnon, who had boasted that he equalled Artemisin hunting; the winds would only change if Agamemnon’s daughter Iphigenia was sacrificed. Agamemnon reluctantly agreed to the sacrifice, but Artemis herself whisked Iphigenia away from the altar and substituted a deer in her place.

During the seige of Troy, Agamemnon offended the greatest of the Greek warriors, Achilles, when he took the girl Briseis from him. Achilles’ anger with Agamemnon furnished the mainspring of the plot in the Iliad. After the sack of Troy, Agamemnon acquired Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam, as his concubine, and took her home with him to Greece.

Agamemnon had an unhappy homecoming. He was either blown off course and landed in the country of Aegisthos, or he came home to his own land to find Aegisthus waiting for him. In either case, Aegisthus had become the lover of Clytemnestra, and the two together murdered Agamemnon and Cassandra shortly after their arrival. Aegisthus and Clytemnestra then ruled Agamemnon’s kingdom, but were eventually killed by Agamemnon’s son, Orestes (or by Orestes and Electra in some accounts). The homecoming of Agamemnon and its aftermath were favorite subjects for Greek tragedy.