Day: October 16, 2011

In The News…….American Council of Witches Returns

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

One issue that is often a bone of contention in the Pagan community is that we don’t have a universal set of guidelines – some of us may not even identify as Pagans, but as witches or something else. There have been repeated attempts to unify the various branches of the Pagan community, but in general, these are unsuccessful because we’re so diverse and varied in our beliefs and practices. Back in 1973, a group of witches decided to give this a shot, spearheaded by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke, the president of Llewellyn Worldwide. They formed the American Council of Witches, and attempted to define what the standards of modern witches and Neopagans could be. The group then disbanded after only a year or so of existence.

Now, it appears that the group is re-forming as the US American Council of Witches, in order to take a stand against the ever-increasing notion in American politics that non-Christian beliefs are somehow less valid than Christian ones. The group intends to “engage in an interfaith dialogue to identify and address the legal and social needs of members of our religions,” and will be composed of members of a wide variety of Pagan paths.
A press release states:

Newly Formed Group Defends Witchcraft Rights And Beliefs

The United States is a nation whose very foundation, the Bill of Rights, guarantees its citizens freedom of religious beliefs. Yet those citizens with beliefs that fall well outside of Christianity are often misunderstood and persecuted. There seems to be a rising voice in American politics that non-Christian beliefs are somehow less valid than Christian beliefs. One arena where we have seen this is the attack on our President by those claiming he is Muslim, which they appear to believe invalidates his ability to lead our nation. Another arena is such outspoken organizations as David Barton’s Wallbuilders, who advocate a Federal acceptance that the Unites States is a Christian nation.

In light of these attacks upon our basic religious freedoms, members of the community of Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, and other polytheists have united to re-form the American Council of Witches. First formed in 1973, the Council was a group of over seventy Witches and Pagans who drafted a set of principles outlining the common practices of Neopagan religions in North America. This statement was adopted by the Unites States Army for inclusion in their Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains in 1978.

Though the Council was disbanded in 1974, individuals who each follow a Pagan, Neopagan or Witchcraft Tradition feel it is time to reform the organization in order to achieve certain goals that were not addressed by the original council in the early Seventies. Among these goals are: to revise the original council’s Thirteen Principles of Belief Common Among NeoPagans; to re-submit revisions to the United States Army Handbook for Chaplains; to provide government and law enforcement on Federal, State and County levels with information on NeoPagan beliefs and practices to be used in creating and upholding laws, allowing NeoPagans their Constitutional rights, and ministering to the beliefs of Pagan inmates.

The revised American Council Of Witches will be composed of Pagans,Wiccans, Witches and other NeoPagan practitioners from each of the fifty United States. We will engage in an interfaith dialogue to identify and address the legal and social needs of members of our religions, and we will create policy and documents as deemed necessary. And we hope to dialogue with members of other faiths to foster a basic understanding of our beliefs.

For information, interviews and membership, please contact: usamericancouncilofwitches@yahoo.com

In The News……Haunted Happenings in Salem

Massachusetts town famous for its 1692 witch trials is the busiest Halloween tourist destination in North America

 
By DAVID JOHNSTON, The GazetteOctober 15, 2011
 
 

The busiest Halloween tourist destination in North America has no shortage of costumed ghosts and goblins wandering through town in the weeks before the arrival of the witching hours of Halloween night Oct. 31.

But there was nothing theatrical about the shock and the horror that gripped the seaside Massachusetts town of Salem in 1692, when 20 local residents were accused of witchcraft and put to death after the infamous Salem witch trials.

Ever since then, witch hunts in various shapes and forms have been a recurring metaphor in U.S. society. When Arthur Miller based his 1952 play The Crucible on the events of 1692, it was seen as an allegory for the anti-Communist fear and hysteria that was sweeping the United States at the time.

The historical and cultural backdrop to the Salem witch trials is a subject that is exhaustively interpreted by the many different niche museums in Salem devoted to this grim chapter in early U.S. history.

But the witch trials have also given rise, more than three centuries later, to a busy local tourist industry revolving around witchcraft in general, one that peaks in October with an annual Halloween festival, Haunted Happenings that attracts more than 200,000 people. (hauntedhappenings.org/)

The month-long celebration features parades, costume balls, various children’s events and witch-themed activities ranging from light fun to serious exploration of the world of witchcraft past and present. These activities include Ask a Witch – Make a Wand, a weekend event hosted by the local Witches Education League, where the public gets to ask questions of women and men who are self-described witches.

The Witches Education League is an outreach organization that reflects the demographic reality of Salem, a city north of Boston with a population of 38,000 where 2,000 people describe themselves as witches. Some are formally affiliated with the worldwide religious movement of Wicca, while others are known locally for their commercial profile. The commercialism is evident along the downtown Essex St. pedestrian mall where stores like Omen or Bewitched in Salem sell witch-themed products, but also conduct crystal-ball readings and seances, and give workshops in witchcraft magic.

The best way to see Salem is to start out by taking the Salem Trolley tour of the downtown area. It begins in the city’s fascinating old port district, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and then loops back from there into the downtown area, pointing out places of special interest relating to the Salem witch trials, and to architectural history as well.

The spiritual centre of Salem’s tourist industry is the Salem Witch Memorial, inaugurated in 1992 by Nobel Laureate Eli Wiesel. It’s a little garden bounded on three sides by a low stone wall. Embedded into the interior sides of the wall are 20 stone benches, each one bearing the name, date and method of execution of one of the 20 people put to death in 1692.

Not to be missed is the Salem Witch Museum, which tells the story of the witch trials using special sets, and life-size figures in a darkened auditorium, and then projects forward in time in connecting rooms to show how outbreaks of mass fear and intolerance have been a recurring theme in U.S. history.

The narrator of the auditorium show explains how the early Puritan settlers of Salem lived with a variety of overlapping fears that induced a form of paranoia. There was fear of their colonial charter being revoked, of Indian raids, of smallpox, of crop failure. Most of all, there was fear of the Devil, as common belief among the Puritans held that the Devil had come to New England to undo God’s new Kingdom – even creaky floors suggested the Devil’s presence.

And so when a group of local girls in Salem in 1692 started going into hysterical fits and accusing fellow citizens of having bewitched them, the underlying conditions were already in place to produce a witch hunt. Family feuds over property rights were also a contributing factor, and those forced Salem’s 550 residents to take sides during the witch trials.

Today, of course, Salem is a much different place. It is a busy northern Boston suburb, part of the metropolitan transit network. And so while Salem can be visited by commuter train as a day trip from Boston, Salem can also be used as a place to stay while visiting Boston more generally. Hotels are generally cheaper in Salem than in Boston.

The two main hotels in downtown Salem are the Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem Waterfront Hotel; there are also plenty of bed and breakfasts. The Salem Waterfront has an indoor pool and might be the better option for families with young children. The Hawthorne, built in 1925 when 1,000 local residents chipped in to buy shares to create a new “modern” hotel for the town, has a well-regarded local restaurant, Nathaniel’s (named after Nathaniel Hawthorne, a noted 19th-century Salem author), which serves up a famous apple-pumpkin bisque soup. Another renowned Salem edible delight is Gibraltar rock candy, which is sold at Ye Olde Pepper Compagnie, near Salem harbour. The store was founded in Salem in 1806 and is the oldest candy store in the U.S.

Short hops returns in mid-December with ideas for winter excursions.

IF YOU GO

To get to Salem from Montreal by car, drive as if you are going to Boston. That is to say, take Interstate 93 South. There are two ways to get to the 93 – either from Interstate 89 at the Philipsburg/ Highgate Springs, Vt., border crossing, or Interstate 91 from the Stanstead/Derby Line, Vt., crossing. As you approach Boston on the 93, take Exit 37A in order to get on Interstate 95 North. After a brief stint on the 95, take Route 128 North and Route 114 East into Salem. There are also air and bus options to Boston, but no direct rail link.

In The News Today……Soul Cakes: A Haunted Halloween Tradition and the History of Trick or Treating

 

  • By Christina Durner, Baltimore Baking Examiner

Trick or treating has long been a tradition that brightens up the dark holiday of Halloween for children worldwide. However, this fun and festive tradition was not always as lighthearted as it is today. Modern tradition dictates that children dressed in costumes who are brave enough to knock on doors of houses that are decorated in frightening décor are rewarded with sweet treats of tootsie rolls, caramels, and if you are lucky enough full sized candy bars. But this is not the way that this tradition began. It began with the distribution of an eighth century treat known as Soul Cakes.

At the beginning of the Christian era in Britain, when the ways of Pagans were still widely accepted, Christians wanted to incorporate some of the Pagan traditions of Samhain into their own religion in an effort to convert the practicing Pagans. Samhain was the beginning of the dark half of the year and was celebrated on what later became known as All Soul’s Day. The name of this holiday has undergone reconstruction throughout the centuries, changing to All Hollow’s Evening, All Hollow’s Even, All Hollow’s Eve, and finally Halloween.

This Pagan celebration was a way of saying farewell to days of sunlight and to prepare for the days of darkness and cold weather. Large bonfires were held and it was believed that the spirits of the dead could return to the earth on this day because it is the darkest and the veil between this world and the hereafter is the thinnest.

It is during these times that it is thought that the Soul Cakes supposedly came into being. There are many variations to the origin of Soul Cakes. Some say that Soul Cakes were baked upon a bonfire as a means of lottery. But this was no ordinary lottery. If you chose the burnt cake you became the human sacrifice that ensured your people had a prosperous crop during the following year. Others claim that the cakes were thrown about the land in an effort to appease evil spirits curse to wander the land in animal form.

No one quite knows the absolute origin of the cakes, but by the eighth century this tradition became a household practice in a very different way. Many Christians at the time (and in modern times) believed in Purgatory, the stage of waiting between Heaven and Hell. Purgatory is thought to be less torturous as Hell but not exactly pleasant. It is believed that the offering of prayers for a soul that is trapped in Purgatory will bring about a saving grace. If enough prayers were offered up, that soul would pass into Heaven.

Enter the tradition of Soul Cakes. The poor and destitute would travel from door to door asking for food in exchange for prayers. Each cake would represent a prayer for a departed soul stuck in Purgatory (hence, the name “Soul Cake”.) This tradition spread rapidly and eventually morphed into what is now modern day trick or treating.

Baltimore Baking Examiner decided to make this ancient recipe just in time for Halloween. There are many varying recipes for Soul Cakes. Some contain raisins and currants while others contain cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe used by this blog was found at ehow.com and contains oats, ginger, and molasses.

This easy to make recipe is even easier to gobble up! With the taste of spices that are seasonal in October and the moist texture provided by the oats, Soul Cakes are one treat that we guarantee you will add to your Halloween table each year.

Baltimore City residents can purchase the ingredients for this recipe at the following locations:

Fresh & Green

1020 West 41st Street

Baltimore, MD. 21211

Giant Foods

711 West 40th Street

Baltimore, MD. 21211

Eddies of Roland Park

5113 Roland Avenue

Baltimore, MD. 21210

_________________________________________

Christina Durner

Baltimore Baking Examiner

Earth Science Pic of the Day for October 16th

Light Pollution and Moonlight Glint off of Langer See in Berlin, Germany

October 16, 2011

Moonglint_off_Spree (2)

Photographers: Christopher Kyba and Thomas Ruhtz; Christopher’s Web site
Summary Author: Christopher Kyba

 

The above photo was taken while making light pollution measurements over Berlin, Germany as part of the Verlust der Nacht project. It nicely illustrates the differences between natural (moonlight) and artificial night lighting. It’s obvious that artificial street lights have different color spectra from that of moonlight; some street lamps emit discrete spectral lines rather than a continuous spectrum as produced by the Sun or Moon. Note the glint of moonlight off of Langer See, a part of Berlin’s Spree River system. The high reflectivity of water at large incident angles makes it very easy to distinguish the lake from the shoreline. Photo taken on July 14, 2011 — the Moon was one day shy of being fully illuminated.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 16th

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 October 16
See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

A Picturesque Venus Transit
Image Credit & Copyright: David Cortner 

Explanation: The rare transit of Venus across the face of the Sun in 2004 was one of the better-photographed events in sky history. Both scientific and artistic images flooded in from the areas that could see the transit: Europe and much of Asia, Africa, and North America. Scientifically, solar photographers confirmed that the black drop effect is really better related to the viewing clarity of the camera or telescope than the atmosphere of Venus. Artistically, images might be divided into several categories. One type captures the transit in front of a highly detailed Sun. Another category captures a double coincidence such as both Venus and an airplane simultaneously silhouetted, or Venus and the International Space Station in low Earth orbit. A third image type involves a fortuitous arrangement of interesting looking clouds, as shown by example in the above image taken from North Carolina, USA. The next transit of Venus across the Sun will be in 2012 June.

Your Daily Number for October 16th: 2

You may find yourself more sensitive to the world around you today. Your intuition is heightened, and you may find yourself longing for knowledge. You’re feeling somewhat emotionally exposed to the world, so be careful to guard against insecurity and keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Fast Facts

About the Number 2

Theme: Adaptable, Tactful, Gentle, Cautious
Astro Association: Moon
Tarot Association: High Priestess

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for October 16th is 33: Retreat

33: Retreat

Hexagram 33

General Meaning: All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-timed retreat is a good way to stay on the path to ultimate success. Tibetans know this.

Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat demands quick and nimble movement — taking up a new position before you are damaged by the current situation. You are not admitting defeat by temporarily retreating, but simply increasing your options, and preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back in order to develop countermoves for the future. Timing is critical, as is how well you position yourself after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.

Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool-headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture. Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-pity.

Waves of progress are, by their nature, short-lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-down cycles of life. When the wave is behind you, ride it in; when it’s not, lie low. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can ‘fix’ any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check and you will be better prepared to find creative openings.

Today’s Tarot Card for October 16th is Strength

Strength

This Tarot Deck: Goddess

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, October 16th

Today’s breezy Gemini Moon stimulates our thoughts as she emphasizes the mental element of Air. Nevertheless, we can still feel the weight of the Sun’s proximity to somber Saturn, especially as the Moon moves to trine Saturn later tonight. But we won’t miss a trick now because clever Mercury forms a cooperative sextile to incisive Pluto, making our perceptions very acute while a persuasive Sun-Pluto quintile strengthens our convictions.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are given another chance to learn your lesson today, but you would be wise to get it right this time because you may not be able to avoid the consequences of your current deeds. However, it isn’t just about your behavior; you’re being judged now on the value of your ideas, too. If you are serious about communicating your position, you could earn an opportunity to put your words into action.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You are taking your responsibilities quite seriously today, yet you still might be challenged to complete a project that you have already started. You’re easily distracted now by shiny objects or intriguing ideas, yet you’re better off if you stick to your work, even if it feels ordinary and boring. Thankfully, your concentrated effort should bring the positive acknowledgment you seek if your actions are aligned with your intentions.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You could easily waste time spinning your wheels today without getting very much accomplished. However, you can increase your efficiency by simply reconsidering your schedule and prioritizing your tasks. Taking yourself seriously might be sufficient cause to sit down and actually make a list of what you need to do. Normally, you might lack the patience for this kind of approach, but making plans ahead of time now will be worth the effort.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

No matter how much time you put into organizing your day, it won’t likely unfold according to your plan. Mental Mercury’s sextile with powerful Pluto in your 7th House of Others can bring a domineering person into your life now that isn’t shy about running the show. Although you might choose to set your needs aside for a while, don’t be so quick to say yes to someone else. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt and make your own dreams come true first.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might be wise today to consider any lingering issues of self-esteem. You Lions are usually seen as proud creatures who on occasion overstep your regular bounds to roar about your confidence, but the tables may be turned now. However, there’s no need to worry about the outcome of a current situation that is still up in the air. Do whatever you can to make things work before letting go of your attachment to what happens.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your key planet Mercury aligns with passionate Pluto in your 5th House of Self-Expression today, infusing you with strong feelings that fuel your creative process. Even if you’re feeling optimistic, you could be fighting an uphill battle against serious circumstances. Nevertheless, you can surprise others now, and even yourself, with a more spontaneous approach to life. Don’t try to change everything overnight; give yourself a few days to loosen your grip on the reins of control.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may be able to live up to other people’s expectations today, but you’ll need to ignore your own desires in the process. However, your closest friends and family can’t help but wonder if you’re hiding something. Thankfully, you’re still able to lighten up the mood and display a more playful side of your nature. Just don’t get sidetracked by your need to prove yourself to anyone else or you won’t be able to fully enjoy your day.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You can literally feel the power of your beliefs today as the Sun and Mercury align with unrelenting Pluto in your 3rd House of Communication, adding intensity to your words. Ironically, exercising self-restraint brings even more strength to your message. Nevertheless, don’t expect too much too fast; everything will continue to improve if you let it do so at its own pace.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re eager to be distracted from your chores by someone else’s agenda today, yet you can’t just walk away from your previous promises. Even though you are usually the one who seeks out adventure, your friends might be the ones with all the good ideas now. Naturally, you want to play with them, but it may be wiser to set boundaries and keep yourself on course to your destination. Believe it or not, achieving your goals sometimes is more important than having fun.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Witty Mercury aligns with transformative Pluto in your sign today, empowering you to say things that can have a positive impact on others. Mercury allows you to engage in a stimulating discussion now, without having to win the debate or even trying to convince anyone that your perspective is valid. Instead of attempting to prove anyone wrong, look for ways to make everyone right. Your open-minded outlook is a great example for others to follow.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re able to cleverly turn a sobering conversation into one of hope and inspiration today. What starts out feeling like a setback with a friend or partner can become powerful grist for your mill. You were looking for something significant to chew on and now it’s here. Don’t give up too easily; it’s going to take plenty of time for your special magic to work.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

An easygoing friendship could become more frustrating today if there is disagreement about the fundamental nature of reality. Oddly enough, you can both experience the same events while forming very different perspectives. Instead of trying to establish who is right, just put your assumptions and conclusions out on the table. Establishing common ground is all that’s needed to lighten up the energy for everyone involved.

Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, October 16th

For the most part, today continues yesterday’s cosmic trend of not overwhelming you too much with heavy-duty planetary onslaughts. Gemini Moon remains the psychic backdrop – offering you a mental boost across the board. The key challenge arrives early when Venus in Scorpio squares Vesta in Aquarius (6:07AM PDT). On a work day, this type of link would be highly unfavorable for dealing with business matters and investments. The fact that it is happening on a Sunday still carries a punch and warns against becoming too flippant about financial concerns. There may also be issues related to home and hearth, safety and security, insurance rates and coverage, as well as sister-oriented communications. Distant Pluto plays the good guy role today by making a supportive, 60-degree alliance with Mercury (9:59AM PDT) and an inspirational, 72-degree liaison with the Sun (1:21PM PDT). It is a rather rare occurrence for Pluto to make two favorable alignments in one 24-hour time-period while also making no challenging alignments. Therefore, tap into your spiritual willpower and laser-like concentration to take a great leap forward somewhere in your life. Get set for a new round of cosmic surprises arriving on Spaceship Earth tomorrow.

the daily humorscopes for sunday, october 16th

the daily humorscope

Sunday, October 16, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Today you will uncover astonishing proof that the dinosaurs died out due to a retrovirus contagion. Furthermore, you will find evidence of a government cover-up of research that indicates the same thing is likely to happen to humans. Don’t worry, though.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You will have more psychotronic energy today than usual. I recommend that you direct it towards the fridge. There’s something alive in there.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
At this point you have two choices: you can either get a haircut, or dye your hair white and black and pretend to be an old english sheepdog. The latter is usually more fun, but slightly less practical.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Good day to begin making a monster costume. Be sure to make it nice and comfy, since you will discover that you actually enjoy lounging around in it.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Good day to use nautical terms in ordinary situations, and to refer to the different sides of your building as “port” and “starboard.”
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
You will discover a bassoon player hiding in the shrubbery. That’s not something you should try to deal with yourself — call in the professionals.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
You’ve about had it with one particular fool in your life. Have you considered investing in a tranquilizer gun? Mine comes in very handy, especially at work.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Remember: it usually helps convince everyone you are right, if you jump up and down and yell.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will decide to change your life by taking up fishing. Unlike the average person, however, you will be “strictly bass”. One must have standards, after all.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
A coworker is going to steal one of your best ideas and claim it as his own. That’s about what you should expect, though, from a cow “orker”.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
You should give your car a name, so people will be more impressed when you give them a ride. I think you should call yours “The Federation Starship Intrepid”. And always do that little two-finger wave and say “engage”, when you start off, of course.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You’ve been thinking about stealing, to support your phonics habit. It’s time for you to seek professional help.

Spell Caster’s Affirmation

Spell Caster’s Affirmation

There is one Presence and Power in the Universe
That manifests to me as Goddess and as God
It guides the stars and the planets
It guides me and moves through my life
For I am a perfect incarnation of God /dess
And a perfect priest/ess of God/dess
I am a complete manifestation of this power
I release all imbalanced energy and it’s effects
I harness harmonious energy
And shape it for the good of all
In accordance with free will
With ease and with joy
With love and kindness
So mote it be

*Author Unknown To Me At This Time*
Transferred from the old WOTC Group
 
 

Talking Trees Divination (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Talking Trees Divination

(Blood/Harvest Moon)

At the sacred grove of Dodona dedicated to the great god Zeus, ancient Greeks would practice a form of wind scrying. This technique involves listening to the voice of wind as it moves through the branches of the trees. The wind talks in a language that is all its own, and in order to understand it, you have to listen carefully and become One with the spirit of Wind. When you do this, you will begin to understand what the wind is saying to you.

To perform this divination, you’ll need a quiet place where you can hear the wind moving through the trees. First write down in our journal the question or problem you want to talk about tonight with the wind.

At dusk, go outside and find a quiet place among the trees. If you can’t hear the wind, hang wind chimes or other things from the branches so you can hear it. (Or you may need to go out just after 2:00 a.m. when the wind picks up just before dawn.) 

Call to the wind three times:

Divine spirits and elemental beings
Come let your voices sing.

Repeat your question or problem aloud three times so the wind can hear it. Now, sit down and begin merging with the sound of the wind. Become One with the Air element and as you do, understand the language of the wind. Listen as it speaks to your spirit, telling you the answer to your problems. Write down the messages you receive from the wind.

Saucer Meditation (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Saucer Meditation

(Blood/Harvest Moon)

Before you go to sleep, turn on some soft meditative music. Lie back and begin breathing rhythmically by inhaling and counting to three and exhaling and counting to three. Each time you take a deep breath, imagine your lungs filling with the energizing white light of the stars and moon. As you exhale, sense all of the stress and tension in your body being cast out with your breath. A wave of tranquil bliss envelopes you being, sending it into a state of relaxed awareness. At the same time that you are becoming more relaxed, you are becoming more aware of your senses. Your mind is aware of all things at all times.

In your mind’s eye, imagine traveling on a saucer-shaped ship. Before you there is a giant portal and through it you view the many approaching stars. Sirius, Orion’s Belt, and the stars of Big Dipper fly across the portal as you watch with relaxed awareness. A large bluish-green planet comes into view. Its image grows lager on the screen as your flying saucer gets closer, and closer, and closer to it.

You watch as an alien world fills the screen with images that seem foreign but familiar. Alien beings with aqua-colored skin and right golden hair float lightly on emerald-green waves. They smile at you with smiles that send a warm glow through your entire being. You sense a Oneness with them that moves beyond physical barriers and mental limitations. They are your alien friends who you can visit anytime you want in meditation and dream. As you drift to sleep, imagine exploring the universe and all the magickal beings within it.

Puzzle Play Sex Magick (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Puzzle Play Sex Magick

(Blood Moon) 

You will need a puzzle with a maximum of twenty pieces, your favorite scented oil, two pens, and two sheets of paper.

Anoint the edges of the puzzle box with a bit of the oil, too. Hold the puzzle box in your hands, and say:

These pieces join us together as one

Ayea! So be it! Blessed Be!

Next, number the sheets of paper with as many numbers as you have puzzle pieces. Write down the love treat you would like from your partner when you match the puzzle pieces after each number. Have your partner do the same on his or her sheet of paper. For example, list a five-minute foot massage, a three-minute kiss, and a strip tease dance. You can take it from here! Next , spread out all the puzzle pieces, mix them up and begin. Whoever finds the first puzzle match wins his or her love treat. Whoever finds the second puzzle match wins his or her second love treat, and so on and so on. The biggest challenge is to actually finish putting the puzzle together before you join together in passionate love. Direct your sexual energies toward a shared dream or magickal goal.

Opening The Ancestral Doorway (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Opening The Ancestral Doorway

(Blood Moon) 

The dark and new phase of the Blood Moon offers you a perfect opportunity to get in touch with the power and wisdom of your ancestors. This is another of those times when the doorway between worlds becomes momentarily opened. The Old English world “blod” stems from the root meaning “bloom” defined as “flourishing” or “vigorous.” With regards to genetic memory, your blood, specifically the DNA in your blood, is like a mega filing system for ancestral wisdom and power. In this spell you are contacting the spirit of one of your ancestors. It works best if your pick a particular ancestor, but if you don’t know one, you can call on your ancestors as a whole.

 

You will need a blue candle, three drops of amber-scented oil, and frankincense incense.

At midnight, draw a magick circle and call in the elements. Rubs the candle with the three drops of amber-scented oil and place it in its holder on your altar. Anoint yourself with the oil. Wipe any remaining oil from your hands. Light the blue candle while inviting in the energies of your ancestors.

 

By the power of the divine Mother and Father

Grace this circle with the power and wisdom of my ancestors.

 

Light the incense and let the smoke fill each of the elemental gates as you move around the circle from north, to east, to south, and to west. Call to each of the elements:

Let the elemental doorway be opened

So that I may connect with the spirits of my ancestors.

 

Stand in the middle of the circle with your athame in your right hand and magick wand in your left. Raise both your arms and sense the power and wisdom of your ancestors entering into your body through your magickal tools, into your hands, down your arms, and into your conscious awareness. Merge with this energy and become One with it.

Thank your ancestral spirits, bid farewell to the elements and pull up the circle. Remember that the spirits of your ancestors are there whenever you need them. All you have to do is call to them.