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Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved… |
This Tarot Deck: Tarot of the Spirit
In medieval Europe, the Empress card was painted to represent whatever Queen currently ruled the land, probably to satisfy the Inquisitors. But the scholars of the Renaissance and beyond had no doubt of her true identity, although she could not be fully revealed on Tarot cards as the “woman clothed with the sun” until after the French Revolution.
This supreme archetype of femininity also symbolizes fertility. It is She who provides us nourishment and security. She is also sometimes seen as delighting us with flowers and fruit. A potentially terrifying aspect of this archetype manifests itself whenever karmic mood swings wipe out our plans, like a storm that has come upon us. Whatever happens, the Empress is the Source of our Embodiment and of Natural Law. She might even be called “the Great Recycler.”
‘Tis the season to make New Year resolutions–and to break them just as quickly, at least partly because the very language of most resolutions (“I will lose weight! I will stop smoking!”) is punitive and belittling to the soul. But our horoscope sun-sign can point the way to a life-affirming resolution your spirit can really get behind.
These resolutions speak a powerful, positive language that our spiritual selves respond to, in accordance with what is best in us, and working hand in hand with our deeper purpose in life. Find out the affirming resolution for your sun-sign, here:
Aries, March 21-April 19: I will allow my courage to blaze new trails in my life.
Taurus, April 20-May 21: I will focus on my inner garden, growing what I truly need.
Gemini, May 22-June 20: I will share my ideas with ease, finding playmates of the spirit with every word I speak.
Cancer, June 21-July 22: I will trust that my sensitive heart is continually nourished by pleasant memories and creativity.
Leo, July 23- Aug 22: I will know that my vital imagination is the fiery force that can change my life for the better.
Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: I will give thought to the messages of healing my body is sending me, and the ways I can give my body what it needs.
Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: I will create something beautiful today out of my deep love for Beauty.
Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: I will rise up again and again, filled with the power of renewal.
Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: I will speak the ideals of my heart clearly and with compassion for my self and others.
Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: I will begin behaving as if my most important responsibility is to express my true nature.
Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: I will be open to fresh new ideas that help me strengthen the bonds of community.
Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: I will believe that my deep intuition is a benefit to all my relations.
It’s challenging to find your groove today because the Gemini Lunar Eclipse rattles your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. However, you may finally establish a sustainable rhythm later in the day once your frustration peaks. It’s pointless wasting energy worrying about what you could have done if only you were able to focus sooner. Instead, just do what you can, knowing that your concentration will improve over the days ahead.
Although you probably won’t want to deal with financial concerns today, it’s wise to attend to money matters with the Gemini Lunar Eclipse stressing your 2nd House of Personal Resources. At least make sure your bills are paid before you purchase a luxury item. It’s smart to know exactly how much you have to spend, especially with the holidays rapidly approaching. Keep in mind that the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart and not just the wallet.
You may feel anxious today with the Full Moon Eclipse in your restless sign, especially if you recently made commitments that you’re now reconsidering. Your vulnerability leaves you feeling uncomfortable, tempting you to escape by withdrawing socially or running away from an unsatisfactory romantic involvement. Nevertheless, don’t make any impulsive moves that could adversely affect a meaningful relationship because your emotions are still in a state of flux.
It’s challenging to understand your own feelings today as the Gemini Lunar Eclipse polarizes your 12th House of Fantasy. Although your emotions may be quite intense, frustration is high because words can’t express what you want. Don’t try so hard to get your message across now. It will be much easier to say what you want tomorrow after the Moon enters your sign and you can speak from your heart.
This could be a very social day as the Gemini Full Moon Eclipse energizes your 11th House of Friends. But the stress level may be amplified because you wish you could have quality time with a special companion instead of being one of the group. However, losing yourself in a crowd isn’t all bad, for it allows you to maintain some anonymity. But it’s a good idea to wait until you’re ready before talking about a topic that you’re not ready to share.
Today’s Full Moon Eclipse in adaptable Gemini stimulates your 10th House of Career, revealing your ambiguity about work these days. You’re being pulled in two directions, making it tough to choose a single course of action. Meanwhile, personal activities or projects at home could distract you from professional responsibilities. Postpone major decisions for a few days until you have had more time to think things through.
Your desire to go somewhere far away accentuates your restless feelings today as the Gemini Lunar Eclipse activates your 9th House of Adventure. However, the Moon is offset by the Sun in your 3rd House of Immediate Environment, giving you good reasons to stay close to home. Don’t worry if you can’t resolve your current travel dilemma right away. Daydreaming about an incredible journey from the comfort of your couch may be better now than actually taking one at this time.
You might believe that you have chosen the easier path, only to realize that the Gemini Lunar Eclipse in your 8th House of Deep Sharing has drawn you into a complicated emotional situation. Thankfully, you’re quick to establish a healthy perspective; your communication skills come to your aid today as you extricate yourself as gracefully as possible from any unnecessary drama. Remember, it’s your choice; only you can decide where you want to direct your energy now.
You’re focusing on the distance now as you dream and scheme your way into the future. You might wish that nothing was standing in your way, but you still may need to stop and consider someone else’s point of view, too. Today’s Gemini Full Moon Eclipse shakes your 7th House of Partners, suggesting the presence of an unseen aspect of a relationship that complicates your current plans. Don’t make any major decisions until you share your thoughts with those you trust.
You may have so many chores to do today that you feel pushed and pulled in a variety of directions. The Gemini Full Moon Eclipse in your 6th House of Daily Routine scatters your energy, making it difficult to follow through on any single task. However, you can use your imagination to help create your future. Keep your dreams alive at any cost, even if you’re feeling frustrated because of your lack of progress. Don’t worry; you will soon regain your focus and continue on your path.
Today’s interactive Gemini Lunar Eclipse stimulates your 5th House of Love and Creativity. Actions usually speak louder than words, but communicating your feelings now is the most direct way to connect with others. But don’t get distracted by witty phrases and clever comebacks. Hold on to your vision of what you want to say and keep bringing yourself back to the essential point so that your message is well-received.
You may have community responsibilities today, but the Gemini Full Moon Eclipse in your 4th House of Home and Family encourages you to remember the importance of your personal life, too. Naturally, you must keep up with your worldly obligations, but don’t use them as an excuse to evade domestic issues. Balancing your public life with your private affairs helps to minimize problems in the future.
By John P. Millis, Ph.D
Simply put, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon. (This means that lunar eclipses, by definition, can only occur during a full Moon.) The result is that direct sunlight from the Sun does not strike the lunar surface. However, this does not mean that no light reaches the surface.
Under certain types of eclipses, light from the Sun can actually be bent by Earth’s atmosphere, casting the Moon in a red or orangish color. Other types of eclipses will simply block a percentage of the Sun’s rays, making the Moon appear darker. And of course, some eclipses are a combination of the two phenomenon (see below).
While the Moon does go around the Earth, it’s path is actually normally tilted with respect to the Sun. Therefore the different phases of the Moon that we observe during the normal lunar cycle are a result of only half of the Moon getting sunlight at any given time. Then depending on where you are on Earth, you see the Moon at an angle.
Boiling lunar eclipse down to the Earth’s shadow being cast over the surface of the Moon is quite an over simplification. As already stated, some of the Sun’s light can still reach the surface because of the bending of the light around the Earth. But to complicate the matter further, the Earth’s shadow is actually broken up into two distinct parts (see image).
The umbra is the portion of the Earth’s shadow that does not contain any direct radiation from the Sun. The focus of the umbra is the point at which all three celestial bodies are properly aligned. Despite this, the eclipse does not completely drape the Moon in darkness because light from the Sun can actually be refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere and find its way to the Moon.
The result of this refraction is that the Sun’s light will be separated into individual colors. The more directly aligned the Earth, Moon and Sun are the Moon’s color will transition to more of an orange hue, then red. This is actually the same phenomenon that causes the sky to appear reddish at sunset and sunrise.
When the Moon is fully contained within the umbra, the Moon is said to be in total eclipse. This event can last nearly two hours, while the Moon can be in at least partial eclipse for nearly four hours.
The penumbra is the region of space where the Earth is only partially blocking the light from the Sun. As the Moon moves from outside the shadow toward the umbra the Moon will begin to appear darker and darker. Again, the Moon never appears in complete darkness because some of the light from the Sun is always reaching the surface up until the Moon reaches the umbra.
Normally the Moon will lie only partially in the penumbra area (known as a penumbral eclipse), but occasionally, the Moon will find itself completely in the penumbra. These events, called total penumbral eclipses, are rare. And they are typically characterized by one side of the Moon appearing darker than the other due to one side approaching or receding from the umbra.
These total penumbral eclipses can immediately precede or follow a partial eclipse where the Moon is partially in each of the umbra and penumbra regions.
There are obviously a variety of lunar eclipses, causing a variety of different Lunar appearances. In order to classify what kind of lunar eclipse is occurring a scale known as the Danjon scale was developed by André-Louis Danjon.
Essentially an L value is determined based solely on the appearance of the Moon. Using only the naked eye, the observer estimates which category the eclipse falls into to.
The problem with the Danjon scale is that it is not based on an absolute flux or color level, meaning that scientific instruments aren’t used to decide what L value the eclipse represents. Therefore, different people observing the same eclipse can arrive at different L values. So, it’s not very precise, but typically it yields a fairly good idea of what kind of eclipse you are observing.
There are always at least two lunar eclipses per year. However, these are sometimes penumbral eclipses which can be difficult to see because the Moon simply appears slightly darker. And given atmospheric conditions, no noticeable different may be apparent.
Total and partial eclipses are far more exciting however, although these are more rare. Typically there are anywhere from zero to three total or partial eclipses each year. To determine when the next eclipse will occur, NASA has put together a handy online tool, which will tell you the date and time of the next lunar eclipse given your location on the Earth.
By Molly Hall
The Full Moon is always the alignment of the Sun and Moon in opposite Zodiac signs. The lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is smack dab in the middle, altering how the Moon reflects the solar light. Eclipses come in pairs, and usually come every six months, as that’s when the Moon’s orbit hits the ecliptic.
There’s a mysterious, underworld quality to the lunar eclipse. The Moon turns orangey or blood red, because of the shorter wavelengths being filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere. This frightened people in earlier times, as the cool lunar surface turned a malevolent red. Some cultures believed the Moon was swallowed by a three-legged toad (China) or a jaguar (Maya), and was a herald of demonic or destructive energies afoot. They shouted, clanged pots and pans, and banged drums to dispel the dark spirits lurking around.
What does it bring?
Since full Moon’s are a time of illumination, the lunar eclipse momentarily throws up shadows of darkness. And often it’s the shadows of the “unlived life,” buried potential, being brought to the surface. It’s a bit like the rich void of the New Moon, where you’re in touch with a well of psychic material. It can be disorienting, as your feet are often leaving the ground of the known!
If you’ve been living in a fantasy world, you’re knocked back to earth. It can be destabilizing and rock the foundations. You are forced to be fully present to some event. You may get shattering news. It takes awhile to fully understand what’s happening, and to find your footing again. Sometimes the events of the eclipse are worked out over a long period, say six months.
Full Moons are times of super high energy, and surging emotion across the spectrum. The eclipse intensifies the sense of being overwhelmed, and events are experienced in vivid color. You’ll get this hit in the house in which the eclipse is taking place. It also loosens the moorings of any planet it touches. You’re in the rapid transformation chute, and clues to how it’ll manifest come from the Zodiac sign of the Sun and Moon at the time. Eclipses liberate us from the status quo, and get things moving. It’s a time to trust, though the outcome may be uncertain, that all things work toward progress in the end.
New Moon Report
By Jeff Jawer
Saturday, December 10, 6:38 am PST, 9:38 am EST
The opposition of the Moon in multi-faceted Gemini and the Sun in philosophical Sagittarius always increases mental activity and intensifies conversations. This one, though, is also a lunar eclipse meant to reduce distractions so we can focus on one task at a time. Mars in meticulous Virgo reinforces this principle with its squares to the Sun and Moon. Conflicts may arise over minor matters or system failures. Yet concentrating on the work that must be done will turn nervous energy in a productive direction and replace excessive chatter with constructive action.
Stop, look and listen! Not only is Uranus still motionless in early Aries, but a potent New Moon (energizing 19 degrees of Sagittarius and Gemini) clocks in at 6:37AM PST – just 4 minutes after a Total Lunar Eclipse occurs at 6:33AM PST. Individual and group meditations are encouraged. Send out your healing thoughts and prayers to friends, family, associates, and the kingdoms of nature. Open the gates of knowledge and see yourself evolving as a wisdom-keeper. Realize that the simultaneous station of Uranus is adding an enormous dynamism to today’s potential achievements across the board. New ideas, containing enormous power to change the consciousness of the masses, are streaming into the Earth – just waiting for your eager mind to seize the day and turn your life around for the ultimate good. While everything that is serious and profound is accentuated – thanks to both the presence of the Full Moon as well as a flowing trine from the Moon in Gemini to Saturn in Libra (11:06PM PST) – word, board or card games can top the charts. Put more oomph into beloved hobbies and favorite arts and crafts. Weather permitting – fly a kite, kick a soccer ball around or toss the Frisbee to a pal or well-trained pet canine. Watch out for the shadow side of the Sagittarius and Gemini energy-field which sometimes create split-personality vibrations and dualistic thinking that sustain unnecessary worries and self-doubts. Focus more on helping and nurturing dear ones than pushing your own agenda.
Good Saturday Afternoon to you! I hope your day is going well. I have to say I woke up feeling like a human, lol! I just have one thing I want to mention and then I will get on with the postings. Oh, today after the daily postings, it is a super-sized Saturday day! What does this mean? You can find anything in the world posted on the blog today. From spells, rituals, potions, lotions, notions and etc., you get the idea. All the material I want to post during the weekdays but don’t have time.
Now for the one thing I wanted to mention…..we are in the process of coming up with a “Become A Member of The WOTC” program. We are discussing what we would like to do and offer these special people who become our members. Some of the ideas we are kicking around right now are special offers for joining, a monthly newsletter with special articles, spells, rituals, etc., that won’t be offered on the blog and monthly give-aways. Like I said this is just some of the ideas so far. But we can guarantee you that becoming a member will be well worth your time. We hope to have this up and running by 2012. So look for upcoming announcements!
Magickal Intentions: Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundaries, Time and Death
Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh
Planet: Saturn
Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius
Angel: Cassel
Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir
Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice
Oil: (Saturn) Cypress, Mimosa, Myrrh, Patchouly
Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects. It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.
HOUSE CLEANSING
If you can identify the actual spirit, locate the center point of the house, and standing there
take a cup of red wine. After each of the following statements take a sip of wine,
and drain the cup after the last direction.
Facing east:
Lady of love and power and all blessings, breathe love into this house, fill air with good.
Through you, in you, I bless this house.
Facing south:
Lady of love and living and all blessings, warm this house with comfort, make whole its hearth.
Through you, in you, I bless this house.
Facing west:
Lady of tide and time and every blessing, let every hour flow sweetly in this house.
Through you, in you, I bless this house.
Facing north:
Lady of strength and riches and all blessings, make this house strong and filled with earthly good.
Through you, in you, I bless this house.
Walk around the house saying the following in each room (including attic and cupboards):
Be comforted. All is well. Now you are blessed. You have life to nurture and nurture you.
Be calm. Be easy. Be comforted. You are blessed.
If you can identify the spirit, say the following in the room most affected:
It is time to leave here. All is well. There is nothing here for you. You must be gone.
Go now, go, complete your passing. Go, and with our blessing and farewell.
Often commanding any evil spirits to leave at once, in the name of your deity three times works well.
After this you could get a smudge stick of sage, or sage incense, and perform a house blessing
carrying it deosil around the property and from room to room, paying special attention to doorways, crevices and windows, and also any places that `feel` cold.
As you do this with words from a house blessing, scatter salt and water which has been
consecrated and blessed. Have windows and doors open as you bless the house.
Salt scattered along windowsills and doorways will prevent any entity re-entering the property.
Witches Of The Craft® 