Spell – A- Day: Murphy’s Magic

Spell – A- Day – Murphy’s Magic

 
One of the more mundane but useful forms of magic is called “Murphy’s magic.” Murphy’s first law goes: “If anything can go wrong,it will.” But the corollary to Murphy’s law is that what you don’t want to happen will happen. So, you can sort of use Murphy’s law to make things happen. For instance, if you wash your car, it will rain (unless you wash you car just to make it rain, in which case, it won’t). If you smoke, and you light a cigarette at a bus stop, the bus will come, and your will have to put out the cigarette. When you go to the doctor’s office, if you don’t bring a book you’ll have to wait for a long time, and the magazines will be unreadable or nonexistant.
 
By: Magenta Griffith

Today’s Goddess: BANBA

Today’s Goddess: BANBA

Burning of the Clavie (Scotland)
 
Theme: Protection
Symbol: Soil
 
About Banba: A Celtic War Goddess, Banba extends safety to those who follow her, wilding magic in their support. In Irish
tradition, she protected the land from invaders. As a reward for her sorcery’s assistance. Banba’s name became linked with
ancient poetic designations for parts of Ireland. Interestingly enough, Baba translates as “unplowed land,”
meaning it is left safe and untouched to grow fertile.
 
To Do Today: Considering crime and other societal problems, a little extra protection from Banba seems like something we
could all use year-round. Think of your home and possessions as the “land” she guards. Gather a pinch of dirt from near your residence, take it inside, and keep it in a special spot. Light a candle (white is good) near this anytime you feel you need
Banba’s diligent sheltering.
 
On this day the Scots burn a pole attached to a barrel of tar (a Clavie) and take it around town to banish evil influences,
especially magical ones. The Clavie’s remaining ashes are gathered by people as an anticurse amulet. In keeping with this
custom, burn a small bit of wood (perhaps oak) on a safe fire source. As it burns, recite this incantation:
 
“Banba, burn away negativity, burn away malintent.
Let the energy return from where it was sent.”
.
Keep the ashes as an anti-negativity talisman.
.
By Patricia Telesco

Celebrations Around The World for Jan. 8th

World Literacy Day
Redistribution of Wealth Day
Man Watcher’s Day
Justitia (Roman Goddess of Justice)
Kassada (Indonesia
Midwife’s Day (aka Women’s Day; Greece)
National Joygerm Day
Old Hickory Day
Feast of St. Gudula (patron of Brussels; against toothaches)
St. Severinus’ Day
Rock ‘n’ Roll Day
Postal Day
Jackson Day (Louisiana)
St. Amalburga’s Day (patron against bruises)
National English Toffee Day
St. Atticus’ Day
Pennsylvania Farm Show

Today Is Sunday, January 8th

Today Is Sunday

~ The Day of the Sun God ~ Helios, Apollo, Ogmios, Mithras and the Sun Goddess ~ Phoeb

Today’s Magick

~A day best suited for power magick, health, vitality, money, career, lightwork, especially work that combines the effects of gold and chrisolite. Wear topaz, sunstone, or diamond. Use pearl in crafting talismans..

Goddess Month of Hestia runs from 12/26 – 1/22

 

Color: Peach

 

Heads Up For Tomorrow: Wear White and/or Gray.

Moon Sign:Taurus


Incense: Cinnamon

Astronomy Picture of the Day for Jan. 8th{Beautiful}

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.

A Sirius Leonid Meteor
Credit & Copyright: Wally Pacholka  

Explanation: In the sky or on the web, have you seen this year’s Leonid meteor shower? If you have, a bright meteor flashing through the night sky should be a familiar sight. Recorded last year during the 1998 apparation of the Leonids, this time-exposure of the sky around the constellation Canis Major (big dog) shows the trail of a spectacular fireball meteor. The meteor, by chance, seems to leap from the constellation’s brightest star Sirius, near the top right. In the foreground is the beautiful desert scenery of Joshua Tree National Park. Reports of bright meteors from this year’s Leonids are already wide-spread, with the 1999 shower predicted to peak around 0200 UTC on November 18 at rates of several hundred to thousands of meteors per hour. Awe inspiring as they are, the Leonids pose no danger to earthbound skywatchers.

6 Feng Shui “Don’ts”

  • Erica Sofrina

By the author of Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World

Creating a harmonious and safe home that lifts your spirits, supports your highest aspirations and inspires will set the stage for you to go out into the world and soar! Take action on these six Feng Shui recommendations, and you will be well on your way to creating a HOME run in your life!

1. Don’t have a plain and/or unattractive entrance to your home.

The entryway is considered the important mouth of chi where all of our opportunities come to us. So fix it up, make it inviting and the opportunities will start finding their way to you as well!

2. Don’t have unfriendly furniture and objects in your home.

Feng Shui deals with the subtle and obvious. Our primitive instincts warn us to be on alert when something unsafe is in the room. Weapons should be locked up and kept out of sight. Kitchen knives should be hidden from view and sharp, Knife-edged furniture should be replaced with those with rounded edges.

3. Don’t sit, sleep or work for any period of time in the disempowered position.

Arrange your bed, office desk and your favorite pieces of furniture to sit on in such a way that you can see the doorway but are not in direct alignment with it. This alone can have a powerful affect on your feeling of coming from a place of strength in your life.

4. Don’t have a lot of clutter.

Feng Shui teaches that everything is alive and filled with chi or life-source energy and that we are energetically connected to everything we own. Having a lot of things that we are unaware of, such as those stuffed in boxes in the garage, drawers and closets, translates to stuck energy in our lives. Feng Shui also teaches that our homes having specific energy centers that are connected to all of the key areas of our lives. Eliminating the clutter translates to freeing up these important corresponding energy centers such as those related to wealth, health, career, family and our love lives. Ask yourself: do I love it, is it useful, does it reflect who I am now in my life? If it does not pass the test, deep-six it, and see how things start to flow in each of these corresponding areas of your life!

5. Don’t have negative or disempowering artwork in your home.

Replace it with art that uplifts and inspires. This is taking up powerful real estate on your walls that is moving your life in that direction.

6. Don’t live without Nature in your home.

Everything from the natural world, including our wonderful four legged friends, is filled with vibrant chi that will invigorate and enliven your home. Surround yourself with objects from the natural world from live plants to the fabrics, objects, textures, colors and art that represents it. Ultra modern decor often has sharp-edged furniture made of highly manufactured materials such as plastics and glass along with art that is often abstract. Make sure you add natural elements, fabrics and photography from nature if this is the style you have in your home.

Take care of these six things in your living space and you will be well on your way to a healthy, harmonious and ‘Feng Shui’d’ home!

Feng Shui to Alleviate Anxiety

  • Jana, selected from Natural Solutions magazine

Anxiety escalates around the holidays as life’s frantic pace shifts into overdrive. Too much to do in too little time leaves you more susceptible to the telltale signs of anxiety such as headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, irritability, and even panic attacks. Looking for relief? You could follow the typical Western path, or you could try an option with considerably fewer side effects: The metaphor-rich design system called feng shui (pronounced fung shway).

Based on influencing the flow of qi (chi) or energy through your home and other aspects of your environment, feng shui principles align energy patterns with healing forces of nature. The result is a harmonious home that lays the foundation for emotional, spiritual, and physical health, says Brooklyn-based chakracologist (a term she’s coined) and feng shui expert Nancy SantoPietro.

“The feng shui of your home mirrors your life and health back to you in an objective, tangible way,” says SantoPietro, author of Feng Shui and Health: The Anatomy of a Home (Three Rivers Press, 2002). Survey your abode. Do clutter and chaos reign supreme? If so, your home’s feng shui may reflect the emotional, spiritual, and physical issues contributing to anxiety. But according to SantoPietro, by correcting the energy flow in your intimate living space, you can dismantle anxiety supported by unhealthy energy patterns and design layouts.

Use these feng shui tips to make your home an anxiety-free zone.

Repair all electrical systems. “Electricity runs through the wires of your home much like qi runs through the meridians of your body. When your home’s electrical system breaks down, it interferes with your energy flow and ability to stay focused, clear, and calm,” SantoPietro explains. Avoid energy clogs or leaks by repairing or replacing worn wires, blown light bulbs, and faulty outlets.

Clear away clutter. Clutter stagnates energy, both in your environment and in you. Entranceways are particularly important, SantoPietro notes, as they set the tone for the feng shui throughout your home. Keep them clear and unrestricted.

Reduce bedroom energy. “Remove electrical sources such as TVs, computers, and LED clock radios from your bedroom because they leak radiation, depress immunity, and interfere with sleep,” urges SantoPietro. The bedroom is meant for rejuvenation, renewal, and intimacy.

Just add color. “White decor deflects life force and thus neutralizes feelings,” SantoPietro says, “but decorate with color and you’ll invoke it. Any time I evaluate a home with all white decor, I know that someone in that house is not dealing with something.” And avoiding feelings often leads to anxiety.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Jan. 8th

Let your worries and your woes go down the drain on this ‘Bubble Bath Day.’ In fact, today I think I’ll get off my soapbox and offer you a soothing soak that will have your energies awash in peace, good fortune and luck. Take seven stems of seven different but fragrant flowers, making sure that they are free of thorns or sharp protrusions. Let them soak and infuse their energy into your bath for at least twenty minutes before you get in. Refresh the water to the temperature that you like best and add a handful of marigolds or rose petals. Bathe in the normal way with the sure knowledge that this bath is drawing into your life the blessings and benefits that these blooms hold. Take this bouquet of a bath whenever you need peace, purity, grace and glory! Anything annoying or irritating will, as previously mentioned, circle down the drain!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

The Meaning Of The Number 5

The spiritual meaning of number Five deals with travel, adventure, and motion. With the highs that come with these attributes, Fives also carry instability and unpredictability, and radical changes. The spiritual meaning of Five draws our attention to the wonder of life, and beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. Five has wild vibrations: primitive and erratic. When Five continues to pop up in your life be prepared for some action, like a trip. Remember, trips aren’t all necessarily taken physically. Some of the best journey’s are taken in the mind and spirit.

 

The Spiritual Meaning of Numbers

Your Daily Number for Jan. 8th: 5

Maintain flexibility today, because your plans may change more than once. Your intuition can’t be beat, so don’t be afraid to rely on it and to be decisive. It’s a wonderful day for social interaction.

Fast Facts

About the Number 5

Theme: Resourceful, Adventure, Speculation, Travel
Astro Association: Taurus
Tarot Association: Hierophant

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 8 is 42: Increase

42: Increase

Hexagram 42

General Meaning: Substantial progress and increasing prosperity is pointed to. In whatever forms it takes, periods of increase are exhilarating, as long as you go with the flow while it lasts and keep the interests of others in mind. Like white water on a river, periods of increase are often of short duration; it furthers one, therefore, to shoot the rapids now, while the opportunity is there.

A good sense of direction in times of opportunity involves commitment to the needs of one’s cohorts and dependents. Only by realizing that to lead is really to serve, can an effective leader contribute to a lasting increase in prosperity for all. In times of general increase, those who contribute most directly to the common good will also receive the greatest rewards.

When opportunities for increase arise, supreme good fortune comes to those who act swiftly and boldly, while avoiding the trap of letting their actions be only self-serving. If you aspire to a position of prominence, the most enduring strategy is to work to raise the tide of your entire pond, rather than to try to swim upstream on your own.

When the times favor prosperity, and when leadership is in the hands of the broad-minded, supreme good fortune results.

Today’s Runes for January 8th is Perth

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night…as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win…

Today’s Tarot Card for January 8th is The Chariot

The Chariot

This Tarot Deck: Gendron

General Meaning: Traditionally, the card usually entitled the Chariot points to a triumphal feeling of freedom, as if the charioteer is being paraded through the streets as a hero (or heroine). The card reflects congratulations for high achievement, and serves as a sign of empowerment.

Huge wheels and frisky steeds speed the rate at which the driver’s willpower can be realized. This kind of charge makes more of the world accessible to anyone ambitious enough to seize the Chariot’s reins. But there is danger in this feeling of freedom, because of the increased rate of change and its power to magnify mistakes in judgment. As a seasoned warrior, the Charioteer is called upon to be extra attentive to the way ahead

Your Horoscope’s Lucky Flowers

Your Horoscope’s Lucky Flowers

  • Annie B. Bond

We can find out our own personal sun-sign connection to the world of flowers. Find out your horoscope flowers so you can bring their colors and fragrances into your life.

We also include a fun quiz that shows what your favorite flower tells you about your personal sense of style. So many ways to bloom! It’s all here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: Thistle, wild rose, gorse, nasturtium, woodbine

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Lily of the valley, violet, wild and red garden rose, myrtle

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Snapdragon, iris

Cancer, June 21-July 22: Poppy, water lily, white rose

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Marigold, sunflower, cowslip, heliotrope, peony

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Madonna lily, cornflower

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Violet, white rose, love-in-a-mist

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Celandine, purple heather, chrysanthemum

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Carnation, wallflower, clove-pink

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Snowdrop, Solomon‘s seal

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Snowdrop, foxglove, gentian

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Heliotrope, carnation, opium poppy, violet

Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, Jan. 8th

Exciting interactions complicate the day as communicator Mercury takes center stage. The messenger planet’s shift into earthy Capricorn helps us be more practical, but its fluid trine to philosophical Jupiter expands our ideas past the normal constraints of reality. Mercury’s unstable square with shocking Uranus provokes radical honesty, whatever the cost. However, the Moon’s visit to cautious Cancer makes us wary about revealing everything.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re trying to catch up on chores and your unrestrained optimism tempts you to take on more work than you can possibly finish. Unfortunately, your exuberance may be stymied if you reach too far. Instead of believing that you need to convert every intellectual breakthrough into tangible results, just allow your thoughts to rise and fall like the tides. Visualize yourself standing on the shores of awareness, but remember that you don’t have to capture every individual wave to make your mark.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You feel as if you’re waiting for something big to happen, yet it remains out of reach. You want to settle down, but your restlessness lingers until you accept that the resistance comes from your own attitude. Fortunately, when you begin to let go of control, the tension begins to disperse. Forget about adjusting specific details of your day; instead consider changing your long-term goals. Ironically, aiming your attention at the distant horizon has a positive impact on the present moment.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s challenging to follow through on anything that you start now, but you won’t likely be bothered about it for too long. You forget about what you were doing as soon as you get another idea and become immersed in the next activity. Your behavior might be upsetting to others today, yet you’ll probably continue scattering your energy until you can no longer keep up with everything. Ultimately, obtaining closure on unfinished business improves your reputation and raises your confidence.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Although you may wish things were simpler today, it feels as if you built your relationships on shifting sands. Thankfully, you might be able to change the energy faster than you thought possible by just telling the truth. Don’t hold back; even if your life is turned upside down for a while, it will settle back on the solid foundation that you seek. Have the courage to throw caution to the wind when it comes to following your heart.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You think you know what you want today, but the circumstances keep changing. Just as you become comfortable with one perspective, everything shifts and you need to readjust your expectations. Your willingness to be flexible could prevent a serious headache. Pay constant attention to the interpersonal dynamics and respond with your heart, not your head. Too much thinking now can get in the way of your best interests.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your key planet Mercury is totally buzzing today, yet it may be too much for you to easily integrate, especially if you believe you already have the answers. The more rigid you are in your thinking, the louder the static is from electrical Uranus. But your readiness for change empowers you to explore the outer limits of your imagination. However, remember that you don’t have to push your thought process over the edge; your evolving perspective is all you need.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your mind is operating at an incredibly high speed today, yet you’re wondering if you’re capable of keeping it up throughout the entire day. You might assume that things will eventually slow down, but other people keep introducing more complications. The hectic pace is fun at first, but might become more exhausting as the day goes on. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Extending your thinking into the future can help you remain calmer in the present.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are possessed with self-confidence today, especially if someone you trust is expressing his or her approval of your performance. Although unpredictable Uranus can set off a strike of lighting that upsets your current routine, lucky Jupiter is standing by with cosmic assistance. As long as you’re willing to change your mind quickly, you should be able to make good use of the new information that comes to you now. Letting go of old assumptions clears the way for an exciting new direction.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your key planet Jupiter encourages you to take on more than you would on another day. Fortunately, you’re able to accomplish so much today that others might think you are a superhero. However, there’s a price to pay for your action-packed day. So many events are interrelated now that one unexpected blip can bring down the entire house of cards. But even a crisis or two won’t stop you if you’re open to starting over again and shifting your course as needed.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may think that everything is going to calm down, but you probably won’t have time to catch your breath for a couple of days. You’re being called back into action today and you must show up ready to work or you might lose valuable ground. Fortunately, mental Mercury’s shift into your ambitious sign indicates that you’re up for the task. Accept the current challenges with a fierce determination and get started immediately; you don’t have any time to waste.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Although your thoughts are tied to your future, today’s tenacious Cancer Moon reveals your desire to stay exactly where you are now. Unfortunately, you must let go of the past as electric Uranus zaps you out of your nostalgic fantasies. Overcome your fears and face the brave new world that’s right around the next corner. You might not be able to see what’s coming, but if you’re willing to take a calculated risk the rewards will follow.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You don’t have to convince anyone that your plan is the right one today; you only need to communicate with honesty and integrity. There are no correct or incorrect points of view now, just differing ones. Even if your opinions are unconventional, others will respect you for clearly stating exactly where you stand. Nevertheless, you will appear more sincere if you are also sensitive to other people’s positions. Having an open mind is the key to making the best choices.

New Moon Report for Jan. 8th – Full Moon in Cancer

New Moon Report

By Jeff Jawer

 

Full Moon in Cancer

Sunday, January 8, 11:30 pm PST, Monday, January 9, 2:30 am EST

The opposition of the Moon in sensitive Cancer to the Sun in dutiful Capricorn exposes two very different ways of seeking security. Subjective feelings of safety and personal comfort are needed with the Moon in maternal Cancer while hardening our defenses to face the challenges of the world is Capricorn’s task. Should we be tender or tough? Favorable aspects to the Sun and Moon from Mars in skillful Virgo empower us to find healthy ways to move between these two positions. The emotions kicked up by this lunation can show us how to nurture our inner needs while still standing strong in our public lives.

the daily humorscope 

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your butler will return to work today, and pretend as if nothing had happened. It’s time for you to compromise, and give up those new argyles. It’s for the best, in the long run.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Good day to begin that toothpick sculpture you’ve been thinking of. Of course, where you’re actually going to put a life-sized toothpick sculpture of a rhinocerous is another matter.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
The bad news is, you’re competing for that new job with a Hindu goddess. The good news is, if you think YOU have trouble figuring out what to do with your hands during an interview…
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Someone you don’t like will make repeated attempts to talk to you today. The best way to handle this is to stuff extremely crunchy food in your mouth during each attempt, and then mumble “What?” while looking at something slightly over their left shoulder.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
A person of Irish descent will attempt to sell you something you don’t especially want, today. Strive to turn the conversation to Tilapia (a type of freshwater fish) — you’ll find it’s his new hobby.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Today you will receive an odd postcard from a long lost relative in Peru. He will invite you to come explore an ancient Incan ruin which he has discovered. Try not to be too impulsive — a better offer will soon arrive from a an old high school friend who is hiding out in a Burmese monastery.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Your obsession with Lapsang Souchong tea takes a turn for the worse, today, as you begin secretly soaking your undergarments in it. Professional help is indicated.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
A large cement dragon will appear to be following you, although you’ll never actually see it move. Don’t you just hate that?
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will discover a sure-fire method of fooling all the people, all the time. It will have something to do with Cottage Cheese.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Time to develop new friendships, and possibly to get a new hair style. Personally, I’m working on the “wacky inventor” hair style, in which I wash my hair at night and go to bed with it still damp. It’s not a look for everyone, however.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
You will discover proof that Sports Utility Vehicles are tangible evidence of Evil. Sadly, others will fail to heed your warnings.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
It will irritate you that nobody you meet any more has a “normal” name. Everyone is a “Darius”, or a “Baxter”, or a “Kyle”. Just to be ornery, you will change your name to “Xnarp”.

Daily Cosmic Calender for January 8th

Inspirations are flying fast and furiously as the entire day builds up to the exact moment of the Full Moon that activates 19 degrees of Capricorn and Cancer (11:31PM PST). Early on, your talents as a superb problem-solver are enhanced – thanks to a mentally-exuberant, 72-degree rapport from Pallas to Jupiter (3:45AM PST). This could also be a good day to conduct strategy sessions, on a wide range of topics, with a trusted adviser or friend. You receive some excellent back-up support – mentally and spiritually – as Mercury forms a flowing trine to Jupiter in earth signs (10:06AM PST). However, the universe seems to love tossing a shocking surprise into the proceedings just to see how mortals on Earth behave. This shocking surprise arrives in the form of a Mercury-Uranus 90-degree sharp square from Capricorn to Aries (3:24PM PST). Jumping to conclusions without information or clear answers is taboo. If you have to drive or travel a far distance, use sound judgment. Communications can also suffer around the time-period when Mercury and Uranus play mischief-makers. Meanwhile, the rest of the evening pulls you toward the potential magic of the Full Moon (11:31PM PST). Send out your uplifting thoughts and prayers to humanity and the kingdoms of nature. Individual and group meditations are advised. Think more of your higher purpose while dwelling in your physical, emotional and mental bodies in this lifetime. Be a loving, compassionate ambassador of goodwill to people on the skids.

Calendar of the Moon for January 8th

Calendar of the Moon
Beth/Poseideion II

Birch Tree Moon

Color: White
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white set the budded birch branches, a single white candle, the rune Berkana carved onto a piece of birch wood, and a bowl of clear water.
Offerings: White cakes with the Berkana rune carved upon them.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian with dairy and eggs.

Beth Invocation

Call: Now is the beginning of the year.
Response: Now is the time of stillness and cold.
Call: Now all is still and waiting upon the earth.
Response: Now the earth sleeps beneath her many blankets.
Call: Now is the time of patience.
Response: Now is the time of our longest wait.
Call: We are at peace with the Earth and with each other.
Response: We are at peace with the Earth and ready to begin.
Call: This is the month of indrawn breath.
Response: This is the time of all beginnings.
Call: May the year grow strong before us!
Response: May we grow strong before the year!
Call: For as the birch tree steps forth into the burned fields,
Response: So do we step forth into the aftermath of our own burning.
Call: For as the soft branches of the birch beat away the old year,
Response: So do we lower our heads for the strokes of the future.
Call: For as the pheasant hunts the snow for food,
Response: So do we seek through the ruins of the past.
Call: For as Frigga spins the clouds into thread,
Response: So do we circle like the spinning whorl,
Call: So do we take up the fiber of what has been,
Response: So do we bring forth the new year from our very hands.
Call: From our open hands,
Response: From our open hearts,
Call: From our open bodies,
Response: From our open souls.

Chant: Silver tree, in your branches
White of snow, stars are dancing
Tree of clouds, like thread of silver
Time runs through our hands.

Calendar of the Sun for January 8th

Calendar of the Sun
8 Wolfmonath

Carmentalia: Day of Sacred Pregnancy

Color: Red
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a red cloth place seven red candles and the figure of a pregnant woman. If possible, a woman who is with child should be present and honored on this day.
Offerings: Give gifts to pregnant women in need.
Daily Meal: Eggs.

Carmentalia Invocation

All things grow in the dark place
Safe within the womb of the Mother,
Safe within the dream of the Mother.
The Earth lies now asleep
Full with big belly,
Each seed pregnant with hopes
Waiting for the return of the Sun.
So we are each of us,
Pregnant with hopes and dreams,
Big-bellied in our minds,
Waiting to for the moment
To begin our sacred labor.
This is the time of waiting,
Feeling the child within come to fruition,
Feeling it grow and change,
Feeling the faint motions
That signify the oncoming flood of life.
Call: May Life burst forth in a flood of joy!
Response: May Life come forth through the gate of eternity!
Call: We hail the Mother beneath our feet!
Response: We hail the Mother within our souls!
Call: We hail the Mothers from whence we descended!
Response: We hail the Mothers that are yet to bring forth!
Call: We hail the growth of possibility!
Response: We hail all that it yet to come!
Call: We hail the growth of the future!
Response: We wait for the birthing-time with open arms!

Chant: Mother I feel you under my feet
Mother I hear your heart beat