Month: March 2012

Living Your Religion Every Day

Living Your Religion Every Day

Author: James Bulls

This story is neither about high ceremony nor exotic sorcery; it is not about the alchemical secret to eternal life but the simple secret to everyday life. To preface this simple secret, consider the words of Johann von Goethe who said, “Out of moderation a pure happiness springs.” There are some who would disagree with that statement, but consider its merits on a day-to-day basis. For contrast, consider James Dean’s statement, “Dream as if you’ll live forever; live as if you’ll die today.” You may certainly choose to live each day under the dictates of extremity, but such a lifestyle relies on black-and-white dichotomies quite incompatible with a harmonious lifestyle and a society that requires those members who wish to live successfully the ability to distinguish subtleties, nuance, and shades of grey.

To return to Goethe’s statement that moderation brings happiness, one must look at each day not as a singular opportunity to figuratively explode like James Dean but to burn a low, steady flame. Extremists who make dramatic resolutions toward religious expression attract much attention, but after the noise is finished what remains is a spiritual model incompatible with modern life. As it concerns living your religion everyday, the loud dramatists advocate set rules and habits for life: meditate for an hour every day; read cards every day; exercise every day; never eat this; never drink that; always perform the quarter, cross-quarter, full-Moon, and dark-Moon rituals; and so on. And so the misguided accept one absolute after another into their spiritual devotions until all their time and energy is devoted to planning for the next event.

The trouble with living your religion in terms of absolutes is that each of us is fallible and will fail to satisfy an artificial schedule and arbitrary definition of “spiritual perfection.” Absolutes invite failure, failure invites discouragement, discouragement invites dissatisfaction, and dissatisfaction invites mediocrity. This “mediocrity” of which I speak is the ball-and-chain, which prohibits daily expression of one’s religion – it is the intangible obstacle that stands between the spiritually dead and the sublime angels!

Living moderately provides room for failure and permits one to find as much satisfaction in the loving preparation of afternoon tea as another might find in an elaborate Spring Equinox celebration. Moderation permits one to say “I forgive myself for my weaknesses, ” and “This is enough for today.” Living your religion on a daily basis is determined in neither quantity nor quality, but in the process and your ability to find satisfaction in it.

Much of the spiritual insight commonly taught in the New Thought, New Age, Wiccan, and Occult communities is imported from the East, but there is much of value in the West that gets overlooked. With respect to living one’s religion every day and the importance of moderation I set out at the beginning, consider the Religious Society of Friends, also called the Quakers. The Friends believe in moderation, modesty, and (not unlike the Zen Buddhists) a direct experience of God outside of material limitations. The Friends live their faith every day not necessarily through dictated prayer times and worship services, but through quiet appreciation for the Divine and making common-sense choices to live modestly which not only prevent egoic obstacles to spiritual growth but also provide more time for to focus on their friends and family members, community, and simple acts of devotion.

Living moderately (and dare I say modestly) is not a sexy adventure for bold heroes but the source of pure happiness. Living one’s religion every day isn’t a matter of selecting specific rituals, adopting absolute views in the name of simplicity, or making loud declarations for the sake of consistency – it is in fact a broad, consistent expression of your core values. For example, consider Pantheism, a path whose travellers see the very world in which they live as the body of the Divine and who value the environment, wildlife, and the needs of their kin and neighbours. Pantheists may have specific rituals they practice for spiritual edification such as cartomancy, theurgy, and folk medicine (Qi gong, Reiki, etc.) , but it is putting the carriage before the horse to say that the rituals are the religion – a religion is the sum of the core values and ultimate goals!

To live their religion every day, Pantheists may choose activities or make simple changes which support their beliefs such as: turning off a light when they leave the room; taking the time and effort to recycle paper, glass, and plastic; collect litter in their neighbourhood or at the local park; volunteer once or twice a month at the animal shelter; donate their time to Habitat for Humanity; making a meal for a friend or inviting a friend to a meal; walking or riding a bike when a vehicle isn’t needed; using cloth shopping bags; turning off the TV or computer to spend more time with your spouse and children; or even just smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street. None of these actions are as sexy and exciting as high ceremony or deep meditation, but they are all easily adopted into one’s everyday life and each of them supports the religious expression of the Pantheist.

Moderation is the simple secret to daily expression of one’s religion; you will not find happiness in strict adherence to daily religious ritual but in the small, simple activities and choices, which are the mundane foundation of your religious philosophy. If you worship the Earth, make choices, which protect the environment. If you revere the sacred feminine, make choices that would lead others to respect femininity. If you believe that your spiritual purpose is to serve your fellows, be friendly and willing to help. But if you want to live your religion every day, don’t obligate yourself to an arbitrary schedule of worship or you’ll only become a slave to your faith. Remember you values and you’ll immediately change from an event-based religion to a day-to-day expression of faith.

New Moon Report for March 8 – Full Moon in Virgo

New Moon Report for March 8

by Jeff Jawer

Full Moon in Virgo

Thursday, March 8, 1:39 am PST, 4:39 am EST

The pragmatic and sometimes picky Virgo Moon’s opposition to the Sun in limitless Pisces makes it hard to buckle down and deal with details we’d rather ignore. Acerbic Mars in Virgo reinforces the lunar inclination to find fault instead of going with the flow. Criticism, though, is useful only when it’s constructive and meant to serve a higher purpose. Refining skills and engaging in self-analysis, it should be remembered, are means to an end rather than the goal itself.

Calendar of the Moon for March 8th

Calendar of the Moon

Ash Tree Month

Color: Pale Blue
Elements: Water and air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue set a great bowl of salt water in which are set many shells and stones, a shell full of salt, incense, and the figures of sea-birds and fishes.
Offerings: Wash something clean, or air it out.
Daily Meal: Either fish or seafood, or poultry.

Nion/Anthesterion Invocation

Call: Now is the time of wind and water.
Response: Now is the time of sea and sky.
Call: Now is the time of the Gods of weather.
Response: Now is the time of the great waves.
Call: Now is the time of terrible flooding.
Response: Now is the time of needed rain.
Call: Now is the time of battering gales.
Response: Now is the time of winds of change.
Call: Now is the time of fear of change.
Response: Now, and always, change will win.
Call: The wild winds disturb our dreams.
Response: The wild winds awake our minds.
Call: The heavy rains flood our hearts.
Response: The heavy rains water our future.
Call: The sea will sweep us away.
Response: The sea will bear us up.
Call: The sea is cold and unending.
Response: The sea is the source of life.
Call: We are ships on the lost expanse of the ocean.
Response: We are winds that call to one another.
Call: We will brave the wind and water.
Response: We will bring together mind and heart.
Call: We will come home safely after wandering.
Response: We will anchor safely after our journeys.
Call: We will come through wind and water!
Response: We will come through wind and water!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
We will come through wind and water
We will come through sea and sky

Calendar of the Sun for March 8th

Calendar of the Sun

Media Hiems

Color: White and grey
Element: Earth
Altar: Set out a cloth of white and grey, a vase of bare branches, a single grey candle, a pitcher of melted snow or rainwater, pots of earth, and seeds to be sown and nurtured in the greenhouse.
Offering: Seeds, preferably saved from the year before.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Media Hiems Invocation

Earth that lies asleep
Waiting for the touch of the Sun
To grow in strength and light
And awaken thee to life,
We warm thee with our breath,
We prepare thee with our hands,
We plant thee with our hopes,
We await thy awakening
With faith in the coming of Spring.

Chant:
Breath warms thee
Hands prepare thee
Hope sows thee
Sun awaken thee.

(All take seeds and plant them in the pots of earth, water them, and breathe onto them, visualizing the seeds awakening and growing. The remainder of the water is poured out as a libation to the Earth. The pots are then taken to the greenhouse in procession to be nurtured until planting time.)

The Daily Cosmic Calender for Thursday, March 8th

With the Full Moon at its apotheosis (1:41AM PST and energizing 19 degrees of Pisces and Virgo), think more about helping the downtrodden and uplifting humanity than fulfilling your own personal needs. Service to the world – via compassion and empathy – is a special keynote right now. Send your thoughts and prayers to dear ones, friends, colleagues, humanity and the kingdoms of nature. What’s unusual about this Full Moon is that it simultaneously begins a long void lunar cycle in Virgo that lasts until 8:51PM PST. Therefore, finishing old business and projects from the last few weeks is more appropriate during the bulk of today rather than dashing ahead with new, bold plans. However, problem-solving and strategy sessions look promising – courtesy of a supportive, 60-degree alliance between Pallas and Jupiter (7:12AM PST). Breakthroughs in the arts, social affairs and even romance are possible due to a subtle and yet still important, 30-degree embrace between Venus in Taurus and Uranus in Aries (9:14AM PST). Chiron – the archetypal wounded healer, maverick, catalyst and bridge-builder between soul and personality – is supremely active later on as this celestial body is moving 30-degrees to Mercury (6:41PM PST), parallel to the Moon (9:02PM PST) and then parallel to the Sun (10:01PM PST). The last two alignments take place after the Moon has entered airy and affable Libra (8:51PM PST). The hours after the Moon’s shift into Libra are superb for improving the quality of your primary partnerships.

Your Daily Correspondences for Thursday, March 8th

Days Of The Week Comments 

Correspondences for Thursday, March 8th

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and SuccessIncense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise

Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.

 
Magickal Graphics

The Wicca Book of Days for March 8th – Planting Advice

The Wicca Book of Days for March 8th

Planting Advice

English writer Gervase Markham’s seventeenth-century almanac, entitled “The English Hus-wife,” advised the sowing of seeds in March that would provide the household’s supply of herbs, scented flowers, and vegetables later in the year. It was important to match certain seeds to specific lunar phases, he noted, as follows: “In March, the Moon being new, sow Garlic, Chevil, Marjoram, white Poppy double Marigolds, thyme and Violets. At the Full Moon, the wane, Artichokes, Basil, Cucumbers, Spinach, Gillyflowers, Cabbage, Lettuce, Burnets, Leeks and Savory.”

Mother Earth Day

Either follow Markham’s advice today or celebrate Mother Earth Day, as is done in China. “Plant” congratulatory gifts of flowers, coins and other objects symbolizing fertility and prosperity in soil, in the hope that the coming agricultural year will be a fruitful and rich one.

Good Thursday Morning to you, my dear friends!

Witchy Comments & Graphics 

Today’s Affirmation for Thursday, March 8th

 When I look into the future, I see a vista of challenge and resolution. I venture forth with strength, hope and faith. 

 

Today’s Thought for Thursday, March 8th

 Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

Anonymous  

 

Today’s Meditation for Thursday, March 8th 

Welcoming the Dawn

 In many spiritual traditions dawn – when the world is at its most peaceful – is regarded as an ideal time for meditation.  Just before dawn go outside and find a place to sit and watch the sunrise.  As the sun emerges above the horizon, fill your awareness with the brightening hues of the sky and rejoice in the beauty of the new day. Feel the golden rays of the sun warm your face and allow hope to fill your heart and refresh your spirit. You have started the day well.

 If the weather is poor or you are unable to get a clear view of the sunrise, visualize the dawn instead.

  
~Magickal Graphics~

Dragons of Darkness Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Darkness

This element “feels” heavier even than the element of Earth. It give a sense of floating in the womb, of the time when each of us was being created. Choose deep, somber music with occasional rushes of energy. Dance as if you were awakening from a deep sleep and stretching for the first time in your life. Let your dancing reflect your desire to be reborn in a new and better image.

Note: Use black (or very dark) candles or other objects along with your chosen element color. Correspond the herbs and oils to the other primary element. Repeat this chant three times:

Dragons of Darkness, your power will run

Until the time of my magic is done.

Teach me your secrets, the dark not to fear.

For dark is receptive, not terror or tear.

Dreams of the Spirit, soar with the night.

Wrap me in guidance, you balance of light.
(The Charm of Making may be chanted here.)

(Ring gong five times, pause, ring once.)

Dragons of Light Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Light

The music for this element should be the astral, airy kind. It should make you think of floating through space, circling the Sun, and visiting the stars. Express yourself in dance as if you were dancing through the universe itself.

Note: Use white candles or other objects along with your other chosen element color. Correspond the herbs and oils to the other primary element. Repeat chant three times:

Light of the Spirit, symbol of Sun,

Be with me now ’til this spell working’s done.

Help me to balance all karma and force.

‘Til I reach to the truth of my life on this Earth.

Guide me and teach me, O Dragons of Light.
Sparkle my magic with power on this night.

(The charm of making may be chanted here.)
(Ring gong once, pause, ring five times.)

Dragon of Earth Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Earth

As humans, we are so familiar with the feel of Earth energies that it is often difficult to imagine what being Earth is like. Earth energies are creative, maternal, slower than those of other elements. Perhaps you can best identify with this element by feeling as if you are the mother of all, a parent who cares for her/his creations. Music should be slower and perhaps heavier, the dance more stately.
Note: Use candles or other objects of a pure dark green color. Choose herbs and oils that are listed as of the element of Earth. Repeat this chant three times:

From your mountain caverns deep,

Rise, Northern Dragon, from your sleep.

Grael (grail)! (Ring gong four times)

Lead me to riches, purpose true,

Endurance strong, I call on you.

Grael! (Ring gong four times)

Dragon of Water Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Water

There are several good environment tapes that play the actual sounds of the ocean or running streams. Some harp music is also reminiscent of Water. Let yourself be Water in your dance and singing; feel yourself flowing along a streambed or riding the ocean waves.
Note: Use candles or other objects of a pure blue color. Choose herbs and oils that are listed as of the element of Water.

Repeat this chant three times:

Calm Water, moving Water, seas and lake

I call upon the Water Drake.

Naelyan (nail’-yon)! (Ring gong three times)

Teach me the psychic. Grant to me calm.

And peace of mind, compassion warm.

Naelyan! (Ring gong three times)

Dragon of Fire Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Fire

 

In your dance and singing, imitate the movement of flames. If you have ever closely watched a wood fire, for instance, you become aware that fire dances and sings in its own manner. Choose music that helps you to reflect this mental imagery.

Note: Use candles or other objects of a pure red color. Choose herbs and oils that are listed as of the element of Fire.
Repeat this chant three times:

In your cavernous, fire-filled hall,

Echoes the Name that I now call.

Fafnir(faf’-near)! (Ring gong twice)

Stir my blood with will power bold.

Create new changes from the old.

Fafnir! (Ring gong twice)

Dragon of Air Chant

The following call or brief ritual are meant to be included in your other rituals, within a cast and sealed circle. They are used to add greater power to any spell working because they specifically call the elemental dragons of Spirit. This taps into a vast reservoir of power current which can amplify any other power raised within the magical circle.

Dragons of Air

Choose music that represents to you either storms or light, breezy conditions, depending upon the atmosphere you wish to create. Your dancing and singing should make you think of wind blowing across the land, stirring the plants, whistling over the mountain tops, pushing the clouds through the sky.

Note: Use candles or other objects of a pure yellow color. Choose herbs and oils that are listed as of the element of Air.
Repeat this chant three times:

Dragon Ruler of Wind and Cloud,

I call your secret Name aloud.

Sairys (sair-iss)! (Ring gong once)

Quicken my mind, renew my Life.

Grant me joy free from strife.

Sairys! (Ring gong once)

Calling The Dragon

Calling The Dragon

I do not know a practitioner who is not interested in calling a spiritual or astral entity who will project their presence with such clarity that there is no question of knowing the being is there. Dragons are such fascinating entities, how could a true practitioner not want to feel the unquestioning presence of such a creature?

There is also a greater reason for calling a dragon into stronger presence. The stronger the auric vibrations of such a creature within your ritual circle, the stronger the ritual and power sent into your motivation for the ritual. Practitioners perform rituals for praise and enjoyment; they perform them for special intentions. I know of no true practitioner who does rituals for no purpose whatsoever. To perform a ritual properly, a great amount of time and energy are expended, a complete waste if one has no specific goal in mind.

When you use the dragon call and feel the presence of one or more dragons about you, treat them with respect. Take time to make their acquaintance before asking their help. Most dragons are beneficial and helpful, but all draconic temperaments are extremely sensitive; treat them with the greatest respect.

Note: Perform during bright noon or the waxing Moon for increasing magic, with the Full Moon being strongest; during evening hours or the waning Moon for decreasing magic, with the New Moon being strongest. Use in conjunction with any ritual. This ceremony is primarily to summon the dragon for manifestation. The manifestation may be the rare physical type or, more likely, it will be the sharpening of your inner sight.

Supplies: Pentacle disk; dragon pentacle; water chalice with a little fresh water in it; dish of salt; wine chalice; black (left) and white (right) altar candles; sword; wand; incense burner; appropriate incense; dragon’s blood and mugwort; dragon mirror; gong or bell; staff. Paper and pen to write down any messages.

Use the Basic Dragon Ritual up to the point where you insert the necessary chants for specific spell workings.

Hold the sword in your power hand, the staff in the other. Stand facing the altar and tap the staff three times on the floor while holding the sword pointed at the dragon pentacle. Chant in tones that vibrate through your body:

COME, DRACONIS!

BY YOUR ALL-CONSUMING BREATH, I SUMMON YOU.

(tap staff three times)

BY YOUR PIERCING GAZE, I SUMMON YOU.

(tap staff three times)

BY YOUR MIGHTY STRENGTH, I SUMMON YOU.

(tap staff three times)

BY YOUR WISDOM ANCIENT AND CUNNING, I SUMMON YOU.

(tap staff three times)

BY YOUR MAGICK DEEP AND OLD, I SUMMON YOU.

(tap staff three times)

COME, DRACONIS, TO MY CALL!

You will feel power sent to you from all sides by the half-seen dragons. Listen for any messages that they may give you. You may feel their presence by a sudden temperature change, a prickly feeling between the shoulder blades, unusual currents of air, and other phenomena. If dragons are pleased with you, they often sound a deep vibrating rumble, almost like an enormous cat’s purr.

The Call Of The Air Dragons

The Call Of The Air Dragons

You can call upon air dragons in the spring or whenever you need positive change or fresh energies in your life. You can also invoke their strength when rain is needed either in a particular area of the country or world or when you need rain in your life after a stagnant, arid period (in terms of relationships, work or creativity). Oriental weather dragons are also potent for any form of healing. Their healing powers were found as small pearls after the rain, and red sage is said to grow where dragons rested on the earth.

They assist any artistic or creative venture and will wash away or stir the winds to carry off anything that is no longer making you happy or has run its course. Call the weather dragons whenever you are feeling stifled, whether by physical overcrowding or possessiveness.

Dragons love strings of bells or the Tibetan pairs of bells (mini cymbals you can clash together to stir the powers). Alternatively, buy a rain stick (long, wooden tubes containing beads or seed with spikes inside to create the rhythm). You can buy these in all sizes in any ethnic craft store or on the Internet, and can also use them for rain magick. Write your own dragon call if mine does not feel right for you.

Find an open space away from trees. The center of a lawn in your garden is fine but you can create your dragon call in different places in order to sense different dragon energies.

In time you can internalize the process and call for space in a crowded train. I sometimes visualize the call ritual if I am overloaded with luggage, as I was overloaded with luggage due to my working trips.

Tie long scarves to your wrists and one round your neck that will swirl as you move. You may even find scarves with a dragon design.

Picture your dragons, swirling blues and yellows, rising and swooping like Chinese kites on the breeze.

To begin, shake your rain stick three times, make three sounds with your Tibetan bells, shake your string of bells three times or clap loudly three times to stir the air.Call out:

Dragon of the skies, rise.

Dragon of the skies, rise.

Dragon of the skies, rise, if so is right to be.

Still holding your instrument or, if you are not using one, clap as you move round the area in spirals. You can modify the movements, scarves, etc., if people are around, but try to find a quiet time and place to get the full effect at least once.

Call as you move and play or clap:

Dragons, rise.

From earth to skies,

Dragon share with me,

your pearls of immortality,

that I may be free,

Dragons of the skies.

Continue moving faster, shaking or clapping and calling louder, until you feel the air dragon strength, vitality and creativity stirring within you.

When you feel filled with confidence and optimism, on the final word “free” give a final single loud shake of your rain stick, bells or a last clap.

SIt down wherever you are and shake your hands with the scarves attached to release any excess dragon power.

Quietly thank the dragons and leave a single small mother of pearl or pearl button or earring as an offering to be found by someone to whom it would give pleasure.

When you get home hand the scarves near an open window to absorb any breeze and wear one whenever you need creativity or space.

Repeat the dragon call whenever stagnation returns.

Circle Casting Dragon Style

Circle Casting Dragon Style

The circle is cast with the Blade, the Cup and the Censor. The
Priest starts with the Blade in the north and draws the boundary of the circle.
As he does he recites “I tread this Path for the Elements, that which comprises
all that we see.”

The HPS takes to sprinkling the boundaries with the Cup filled with salted
water. She recites “I tread this Path for Self, a reflection of the Divine.”

The HP then takes the censor and carries the smoke to the boundaries of the
circle in a deosil direction. He recites “I tread this Path for Spirit,
that which unites all things.”

The HP or HPS then state the charge of our Circle. It is as follows.

“Our Circle is a place where hearts and minds can meet and share in the
wonder and empowerment of a living and loving Goddess. We are a coven of
friends, but above all things we are Family. Our Love and our Magick binds
us together and our Circle keeps us and nurtures us. We are blessed. Blessed
Be!”

The Dragon Guardians are then invoked.

EAST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East. Your tongue is a sharp
sword, cutting with the knowledge of the arcane. Your spirit flows as graceful
as a swift in flight. Purify us with truth. Blessed Be.

SOUTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, your breath is aflame with
the fires of inspiration and passion. Your spirit is searing and fervent.
Purify us with Love. Blessed Be.

WEST
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, your coils are the cleansing
healing waves that nurture the soul. Your spirit lunges, leaps and splashes
like a Talbot at play. Purify us with pulsing tides. Blessed Be.

NORTH
Mighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, your talons run like roots
into the earth, giving you infinite strength. Your spirit is substantial, hard
and pure like a clear crystal. Purify us with persistent wisdom. Blessed Be.

Each of these Dragons has a secret name that they are also invoked with. A
suggestion is that anyone using these invocations meditate to find an
appropriate name for each Guardian and use it along with or instead of the words
“Mighty Dragon”.

I find that the Circle charge sets the mood for the Circle and I change it to
suit the situation.