Month: July 2012

Dark Moon/Chant to Seal a Spell During this Phase

Dark Moon

Some practitioners use this phase as a period of rest. They find it useful for regeneration, relaxation, and gathering  for the creative phase of the waxing Moon.
Others prefer to use it for meditation, psychic power enhancement, or for delving into past life memories to help them  better understand current difficulties. Dark Moon energy also lends itself to divination and maters where truth is an issue.
To seal spells performed during the dark Moon, use this chant or one of your own choosing:
I call on You, Oh Crone so wise–
One Who rules the darkest skies.
Come and be my treasured Guest,
And aid me on this magickal quest.

Waxing Moon/Chant to Seal A Spell During this Phase

Waxing Moon

This phase occurs when the Moon grows from dark to full. In this phase, the Moon provides the proper energy for magickal  efforts requiring growth or enhancement. It is a good time for beginnings, fresh starts and new love and is of benefit in building, businesses, friendships,  partnerships, and financial prosperity. The waxing phase also provides suitable conditions for planting herbs, developing psychism, and increasing physical  health and well-being.
To seal spells performed during the waxing Moon, use this chant or one of your own choosing:
Oh, Maiden Moon, now hear my plea:
Hearken, hearken unto me!
As you grow, my spell enhance–
And power its magick with Your dance.

Waning Moon/Chant to Seal a Spell During this Phase

Waning Moon

The shrinkage of the Moon from full to dark is called the waning phase, and it offers an energy suitable for recession,  peaceful separation or elimination. Use the waning Moon to end undesirable eating patterns, break bad habits or to remove yourself from dysfunctional  partnerships or stressful situations. Its energies favor any magickal effort requiring decrease or removal.
To seal spells performed during the waning Moon, use this chant or one of your own choosing:
Oh Aging One of grace, now hear:
With your guidance, this spell steer.
Remove all blocks and hesitation,
And take it to its destination.

Full Moon/Chant To Seal A Spell During this Phase

Full Moon

The Moon’s energy is most intense when She reaches abundant fullness. Any magickal effort, especially difficult ones,  can benefit greatly from the potency of this phase. Use the full Moon to amplify magickal intent and to give spellworkings additional power.
To seal spells performed during the full Moon, use this chant or one of your own choosing:
Abundant Mother, Moon so bright
Hear my plea upon this night.
Your fertile power lend this spell;
Make it potent, strong and well.

Dog Safety Tips for Fourth of July

Dog Safety Tips for Fourth of July

While we might associate the thump and boom of fireworks with festivity and a  great display, many of our canine companions are completely freaked out by  Fourth of July noises. Some dogs cower and shiver, some panic and try to escape  from their homes.

We checked in with the The Humane Society to gather some advice for the  pooches, here’s what they had to offer:

1. Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.

2. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a  car, your pet can suffer serious health effects–even death–in a few short  minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do  provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

3.  Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals  can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items  that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed.  Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while  you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

4. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like  thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help  alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks  displays.

 

 

Top 4 Things That Interfere With Central AC

Top 4 Things That Interfere With Central AC

 

By Carl Seville, Networx

Plenty of people who run central air conditioning systems in Houston (and other cities where  hot weather dominates the calendar) complain  about how their air conditioning  doesn’t do a good job keeping their  home comfortable, and, in most cases, they  are probably right.  There  are so many things that can and do go wrong  with central HVAC systems  that it’s tough to know where to start, but I’ll give  it a shot.

1. Leaky ducts

Probably  the single biggest cause of poor AC performance is leaky  ducts.  Ducts  are kind of like pipes – they move air through them and  deliver it at  the end.  We notice when our water pipes leak because we see  the damage  immediately, but we rarely see the effects of leaky ducts directly; rather it sneaks up on us over a long  period of time, and  many people never figure it out.  When ducts leak,  they let cool air out  into whatever space they are in, often the attic, which,  in case you  haven’t noticed, can get pretty hot in the summer.  Ducts need  to be  sealed at all the metal-to-metal and metal-to-flex connections – not at   the insulation.  Have someone pull back all the insulation and put a  nice  thick layer of goopy mastic at all the joints, then replace the   insulation.  Don’t use duct tape. It won’t work, and the metal tape   designed for ducts doesn’t do a whole lot better.

2. Too much or too little refrigerant charge

Something  else that can make your AC inefficient is the refrigerant  charge.   Traditional AC uses a refrigerant that transfers the heat between  the  inside and the outside.  Every system is designed to work efficiently   with a specific amount of refrigerant, and too often there is either too  much  or too little in the system.  A  good HVAC contractor can check the charge and either add or remove some to  make sure it is  set correctly.  A wrong charge can decrease the efficiency  by 20-30%, so  checking and fixing this can make a big difference.

3. Installing the wrong filter

Make sure you have the right filter installed.   Most HVAC systems  were designed to use one of those cheap fiberglass  filters to clean the  air.  Unfortunately, they don’t do a very good job  at it, so many people  go to their local hardware or big-box store and  buy a super-duper high  efficiency pleated paper filter GUARANTEED to  keep their air cleaner.  It  might actually keep the air cleaner, but it  also cuts down on the air flow,  making the whole system less efficient.   They can make the cooling coils  freeze, creating even bigger problems.   If you really need a good filter,  first seal the ducts to keep the air  in and the nasty stuff out, then get a 6  inch thick pleated filter which  fits into a special cabinet which your HVAC  contractor can install for  you. They do a good job filtering the air and don’t  cause the same  problems with the air flow.

4. Not enough return ducts

The  last thing I’m going to talk about is return ducts. Lots of HVAC   systems are installed with a single, large return somewhere in the  middle of  the house.  Each room has its own supply, but the air is  supposed to, sort  of magically, slide under the door and get back to the  big return duct to be  cooled again.  The problem is that the space  under the door usually isn’t  big enough, so the air doesn’t flow through  the whole house well enough to keep  things evenly cooled.  Some rooms  are hot, some are cold, and none are  just right.  Consider having an  HVAC contractor add some extra return  ducts in bedrooms and other rooms  with doors (except for bathrooms) to give you  better air flow and  increased comfort.

Notice that I haven’t said anything about  equipment efficiency.  That’s  what the manufacturers and installers talk  about, because they can make a lot  of money selling you fancy,  expensive air conditioners that are super  efficient.  The problem is, if  you put one of those on a system that is  otherwise pretty crappy, you  have wasted most of the super-duper efficiency you  paid for. Take care  of the more boring, tedious, and important things like  these first,  before you install new equipment.  You’ll be much happier,  and more  comfortable.  Then when you want to put in that super duper  equipment,  you’ll have a really good HVAC system.

10 Most Polluted Cities in the U.S.

10 Most Polluted Cities in the U.S.

By Brian Merchant, TreeHugger

There’s a pretty good chance you live in a city with air that’s so polluted it’s often unhealthy to breathe. Yes, you. Forty-one percent of Americans do. That’s 127 million people. That’s way too many.

The American Lung Association just released its annual ‘State of the Air’ report, which breaks down the most polluted cities in the nation. As usual, most of them can be found in California’s Central Valley. Here are the three different ‘top ten’ lists, according to the different kinds of pollution:

Cities with the Most Year-Round Particulate Pollution

#1: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#2: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#3: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#4: Visalia-Porterville, CA
#5: Fresno-Madera, CA
#6: Pittsburgh-New Castle, PA
#7: Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ
#8: Cincinnati-Middletown-Wilmington, OH-KY-IN
#9: Louisville-Jefferson County-Elizabethtown-Scottsburg, KY-IN
#10: Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland, PA-NJ-DE-MD
#10 (It’s a tie!): St. Louis-St. Charles-Farmington, MO-IL

Cities with the Most Short-Term Particulate Pollution
#1: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#2: Fresno-Madera, CA
#3: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#4: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#5: Modesto, CA
#6: Pittsburgh-New Castle, PA
#7: Salt Lake City-Ogden-Clearfield, UT
#8: Logan, UT-ID
#9: Fairbanks, AK
#10: Merced, CA

Cities with the Most Ozone Pollution

#1: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#2: Visalia-Porterville, CA
#3: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#4: Fresno-Madera, CA
#5: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#6: Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Yuba City, CA-NV
#7: San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
#8: Houston-Baytown-Huntsville, TX
#9: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
#10: Merced, CA

Hey, strong showing in all three by Bakersfield, L.A., and Hanford-Corcoran—nice work fellas; way to hustle.

If you’re looking for a silver lining in a report as inherently depressing as this one, at least there’s this: 22 of the 25 most polluted cities showed signs of improvement from last year’s report. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why we need tough air quality standards and plans to reduce traffic congestion—they work!—and we need them to keep getting stricter and more progressive, until 41 percent of the country isn’t breathing polluted air.

For The 9 Million People & Myself Without Power & A/C: 14 Ways to Keep Cool in Your Home Without Air Conditioning

14 Ways to Keep Cool in Your Home Without Air Conditioning

by Becky Striepe

Here in the South, the weather has definitely taken a turn toward the  sweltering.  There have been some unseasonably warm days already, with highs in  the 90s, and the temptation to flick the switch on that A/C unit to “on” is very strong. Before using  the air conditioner, consider this: home cooling accounts for 5 percent of the energy we consume in the U.S.  each year. That’s about 140 million tons of CO2 emissions annually! Here are  some ways to fight that urge by keeping your house cooler naturally.

1.  Keep the shades drawn during the day. When sunlight  streams through the windows, it creates a miniature greenhouse effect in your  home.

 

2.  Reflect the heat. If you do want to open the windows,  consider investing in some reflective window film to help keep the heat outside where  you want it to be.

3.  Let the cool evening air in. If temperatures are on the  chilly side after the sun goes down, crack a few windows open to let a breeze  come through and cool the house.  Just be sure to close them before the  temperature starts to rise again!

4.  Insulate! You want to keep cool air inside, so grab that  caulk gun and seal off anywhere that air might be escaping.  A handy draft dodger can help seal up those tricky leaks at the  bottoms of doors and windows.

5.  Get rid of incandescent lights. Not only do those  suckers use more energy, they generate a lot more heat than CFL or LED light bulbs.

6.  Make sure your ceiling fans are running counter  clockwise. Most modern fans will have a little switch on the side to  reverse their direction.  You want the fan to go clockwise in winter to push  warm air down and reverse it in the summer to circulate cool air.

7.  Drink icy beverages. This one seems like a no-brainer,  but it still bears mentioning.  What better way to beat the heat than to cool  your body from the inside out?

8.  Dress appropriately. Loose-fitting, light clothing goes  a long way toward keeping you cool.  It’s time to bust out those organic cotton shorts and tank tops!

9.  Grab a towel. A towel soaked in cold water is a great  way to cool down.  Apply it to your neck, wrists, and forehead for some relief  during the hottest part of the day.

10. Avoid the stove and oven. Both of these will add  unnecessary heat to the house.  Instead, fire up that outdoor grill or whip up a salad or sandwich.   Your rice cooker, slow cooker, and pressure cooker are other alternatives to  heating up the house with the stove or oven.

11. Try a buckwheat pillow. If the heat is preventing you  from sleeping, switching to a buckwheat pillow can make a big difference, since  buckwheat doesn’t hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows do.

12. Learn from your pets. How does your cat cope with the  hottest part of the day? She snoozes!  If you can squeeze in an afternoon nap,  go for it.

13. Chill out. Turn on your table fan and stick a frozen  bottle of water in front of it to get some cold air circulating.

14. Plant a tree. If you can, plant trees on the side of  your house that gets the most sun.  The extra shade will protect your home from  the sun’s rays.

 

So How Do You Know If Your Computer Is Infected?

By visiting this site sit up by the FBI. It will tell you whether your computer is infected or not. But my understand (and remember this is what I have gathered from reading up on this), if you have a “good,” “good” anti-virus you should be safe. But if you are concerned as I was, you can visit the following site and it will tell you if you are infected.

DNS Changer Check-Up

July 9 could be ‘Internet doomsday’ for some (so check your PC or Mac)

July 9 could be ‘Internet doomsday’ for some (so check your PC or Mac)

Suzanne Choney

July 9 might be “Internet doomsday” for PC and Mac users who haven’t taken steps to make sure their systems are not infected with what’s being called DNSChanger malware.

That’s right: Your Internet connection may not work that day because the safety net now in place from the FBI against the malware will be removed then, and if your computer is infected, you won’t be able to get to the Internet. Read More……

Lighten Up – Redneck Charge of the Goddess

Redneck Charge of the Goddess

 

(Tune:  The Beverly Hillbillies by E. Scruggs) (Lyrical adaption by Hare)

Now listen to the words of the Great Star Mother, In days long past called by one name or tuther, “I am your Mammy, Queen of Earth, Air, Fire, Sea, So you better quit your yappin’ an’ listen to me.”

(Isis that is, Astarte, Cerridwen)

“Now y’all listen up, ’cause I’d hate to be a bitch, When we have our shindigs t’aint none should wear a stitch. Y’all will eat an’ drink an’ dance an’ love, to show that you’re free, ‘Cause all acts of pleasure are sacred to me.”

(Skyclad that is, Great Rite, Cakes an’ Wine)

“If you wanna know my secrets, then look in your own hide, ‘Cause if what you seek aint there, well, it won’t be found outside. The greatest Mysteries t’aint really dread nor dire, I’m with you at the start, and at the end of desire.”

(That’s right, listen to your heart. Y’all will come back now, y’hear?)

 

Daily Feng Shui Tip for July 1 – ‘National Blueberry Month’

Happy July — it’s ‘National Blueberry Month!’ According to ancient tradition, the blueberry was considered more than just an antioxidant and anti-aging super food. Long believed to be a Native American fruit, the blueberry was thought to bring an arsenal of personal protection to whoever ate it with that same intention in mind. It is still believed by some to offset the negative energies associated with the ‘evil eye’ and magically enhance our own inner defense systems (when eaten with that specific goal). If you ever feel under attack, these fruity forces can bring that battle to an end. Crush some fresh blueberries, dip a finger into the blue juice, and mark a Star of David on a piece of plain white paper. Keep this talisman in the kitchen, and don’t forget to wash that finger right away!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Sunday, July 1 is 29: Dangerous Depths

29: Dangerous Depths

Hexagram 29

General Meaning: Exposure to passing dangers brings good fortune to those who move beyond them. Like boaters passing through white-water rapids, when you are faced with serious challenges, you must remain alert, take all available precautions, and above all, keep going forward so as to remove yourself from harm’s way. Once the danger has passed, good fortune.

The positive aspect of challenges is that they offer an excellent chance to cleanse the senses and strengthen the spirit. Surviving crises brings tremendous reinvigoration, and sharpens the eye and mind for future challenges.

It is reckless to court danger, but critical to inner development not to shrink from it either. Those who respond to challenges most effectively are those who are able to establish an inner bubble of calm in the midst of the action. A calm center keeps one rooted in the moment, alert and focused. Courage at such times springs from focused attention, from a willingness to penetrate the moment of danger to its very core, so as to shape it and transform the situation.

Today’s Runes for Sunday, July 1 is Ger

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Ger is one of the runes that touches on the cycles of the year, in this case the fall harvest. These cycles are eternal, which is represented in the rune by the fact that it is unchanged by reversal. Ger can represent pregnancy or other forms of fruitfulness, and is especially indicative of the cycles of providence and karma – that which has been sown is now being reaped. This rune can also represent the cycles of wealth, for crops were frequently a sign of wealth.

Today’s Tarot Card for July 1 is The High Priestess

Today’s Tarot Card

The High Priestess

This Tarot Deck: Fantastical Tarot

General Meaning:    Traditionally called the High Priestess, this major arcana, or trump, card represents human wisdom. She can be viewed as a kind of female Pope, the ancient Egyptian Priestess of Isis, the even older snake and bird Goddesses, the Greek Goddess Persephone, or the Eve of Genesis before the Fall.
For the accused heretics who were burnt at the stake for revering her in the 14th and 15th century, she symbolized the prophecy of the return of the Holy Spirit, which was perceived as the female aspect of the Holy Trinity.
In the sequence of cards in the major arcana, the High Priestess appears as soon as the Fool decides he wants to develop his innate powers, making a move toward becoming a Magus. The High Priestess is his first teacher, representing the Inner Life and the method for contacting it, as well as the contemplative study of Nature and the Holy Mysteries.

Venus Direct in Gemini

Venus Direct in Gemini

Jeff Jawer                Jeff Jawer on the topics of blogs
Sweet Venus, the planet of love, pleasure, art, beauty and self-worth, has been backpedaling in non-committal (or is it multi-committal) Gemini since May 15, and it finally turns forward on June 27.
We may have been spinning our wheels in relationships during this period, as finding traction to put a current alliance on track or to find a new one is often difficult during Venus Retrograde. The slipperiness of this cycle was greased even more in the adaptable sign of the Twins. Making serious choices in matters of the heart has been a confusing process.

Venus also relates to attraction, including money, making this another area of complexity since mid-May. Expenses and income may fluctuate wildly or, for those in more stable financial situations, attitudes about material resources may have been shifting from hope to doubt and back to hope again. One’s sense of self-worth, another Venusian subject, was probably also on a ferris wheel of ups and downs for the past six weeks or so.

There is a purpose, though, to retrograde periods. They provide a second chance to address matters that require further consideration. Experiencing a wide gamut of thoughts and feelings about relationships and resources may not appear to settle these questions at first, but it can broaden the range of inquiry, leading to better educated decisions later. Sometimes circling a serious issue several times is what it takes to see the whole picture before we’re able to make a meaningful choice.

Sociable Venus will be skittering along in Gemini — which is great for flirting — until August 6, when she enters cuddly, caring and self-protective Cancer. Until then, though, it’s worthwhile to taste various flavors of fun, explore entertaining ideas and start playing with diverse approaches to love. While these may still feel more like meanderings than meaningful activities, we’re expanding the number of ways in which pleasure and partnership can satisfying, even temporarily, our needs.

Choice is a particularly important subject now because philosophical Jupiter entered Gemini last month and will reside in this bubbly sign for a year. Usually, truth-seeking Jupiter prefers one overarching belief system or philosophy to answer life’s biggest questions. But now that it’s in the butterfly sign of the Twins, the road to wisdom is likely to branch off in numerous directions.

The downside of this is mealy-mouthed politicians and coy corporate shills, whose truths vary from moment to moment as suits their needs. Yet while we may mock them for the superficiality, it is a similar lightness that will help us discover new aspects of ourselves and ways to find love and purpose.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, July 1

We’re tempted to get our hopes up today but our expectations may be dashed as beautiful Venus tensely aspects austere Saturn. What begins as an adventurous excursion into the realm of fun and games quickly turns into a more serious encounter. The cavalier Sagittarius Moon encourages us to set aside our responsibilities, but she doesn’t give us permission to forget about them completely. Exercising self-restraint minimizes our disappointments.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re quite optimistic today as the uplifting Sagittarius Moon visits your 9th House of Big Ideas. But it’s tough to keep your visions in perspective when your fantasies loom so large. Although your desires are strong, your sense of urgency is dissipating. There’s no reason to push too hard now, so take time to enjoy your day. Paradoxically, slowing down can help you get what you need even faster.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may have recently been involved in an intense negotiation or even a conflict, yet others probably don’t even realize that you were struggling. You might still be worrying about the final outcome as the situation continues to develop. Instead of keeping your concerns to yourself, bring any lingering fears out into the open and convert your secrets into positive action. Your actions will be more successful if everyone knows what’s going on.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You are eager to meet new people and participate in nearly any activity that sounds exciting today. However, it’s too easy to get carried away in the moment by someone else’s idea of a good time. Make your highest aspirations your guiding light and you can figure out what you need to do next. Following your intuition now will lead you along the right path.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Improving your lifestyle by creating a balance between your personal needs and your obligations to others seems difficult now. The Moon’s visit to your 6th House of Healthy Living makes it crucial to stick to your workout regimen today. If you haven’t been exercising, this is a perfect time to start a new program. Managing your time wisely will give you the opportunity to take care of yourself and finish your work, too.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your thoughts may be on love today as the Moon in your 5th House of Fun harmonizes with mischievous Mercury and irrepressible Uranus. However, an austere Venus-Saturn connection could put the brakes on any flirting. Consider the consequences before behaving impulsively. If you are playing according to the rules and acting with integrity, then there won’t be any problem following your heart’s desire.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The planetary pressures continue to tug at your heart, while you swim into deeper emotional waters. Although you may feel overwhelmed, you might just satisfy a few of your curiosities about the mysteries of life, love and loss. Even if there’s a lot at stake, remember that you have more to gain than lose. Be courageous; fear is the only thing that can get in the way of your current explorations.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You are so sweet and gentle that you can lose yourself in the relationships that give meaning to your life. However, let your partner know what you really are feeling now. Although there’s no reason to go overboard, it’s best to come right out and express your needs today. If you remain silent about what you want, others won’t know what to give you. It may be difficult to get the ball rolling, but it should get easier once the conversation is moving along.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Stay on your toes today, because interactions with personal and professional partners can get quite entangled. Everyone seems to be pushing your buttons now, even if you’re trying to stay cool and collected. Take time to consider your role in creating the situation and what you want from it. Trust yourself, and don’t let anyone talk you into something that goes against your beliefs.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your idealism is magnified as the Moon flies through your sign. You feel energized as you attempt to live your life fully in each moment. You may even be more emotional today, prompting you to demonstrate your feelings through flirtatious behavior or romantic play. Luck is on your side now as long as you use it wisely. But if you rely strictly on your charm to get what you want, you’ll quickly be required to come up with the facts to back up your story.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your inner world is expanding these days, enabling you to become more aware of your feelings. This might be an important evolutionary step forward, helping you to relax the hold that self-imposed rules have on you. An overdose of ambition isn’t healthy now; however, staying in touch with your heart also holds the key to your future. Positive changes are already churning the stagnant waters of your mind.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The social aspects of love can pull you into a whirlwind of activity today with the aspirational Sagittarius Moon traveling through your 11th House of Friends, Hopes and Wishes. Fortunately, you are up for the adventure, as you want the chance to talk to others about your plans. Any thoughts you might have now about a major trip should be taken seriously. Nevertheless, it’s still wise to explore as many possibilities as you can.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You think that you can take it easy today, but the cosmos may have a different plan as you are pulled all over the map by your moods. Others play important roles in your life and it could be their needs, rather than yours, that make your world feel very hectic now. No matter what else is happening, fulfill your obligations, even while further cultivating your dreams

Calendar of the Moon for Sunday, July 1

Calendar of the Moon

1 Tinne/Hekatombaion

Day of the Holly Tree

Color: Iron-grey
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon an iron-grey cloth set a vase of holly branches, a single grey candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Arm yourself mentally for a conflict.
Daily Meal: Vegan

Invocation to the Green Man of the Holly Tree

Hail, Green Man of the Summer!
Holly tree of sharpest leaves
Like spearpoints in the forest,
With berries like drops of drawn blood,
You are the tree of weaponry,
The prick of an iron spear,
A swinging sword, the Green Knight’s club
Which is a whole holly-bush.
Charmed by Holda, whose tests
And trials in the underground world
Show the measure of our honor
And the length of our compassion.
Every warrior must have his rules
And bindings, else he turn rabid
And fall on those he protects,
And lose his vision of the humanity
Of other, lesser souls.
You teach us this lesson,
Tree whose color is beaten iron,
Tree of courage, of hellbent rush,
Flock of starlings that swarm as one
And seek their foe; executioner
Of the Oak King in his time.
We hail you, sacred Holly King,
Green Man of the Summer,
In this your time of greatest valor.

Song: Cold Iron
(Each comes forward and plants a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Sunday, July 1

Calendar of the Sun

1 Haymonath

Day of the Mother of Volcanoes

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a red cloth set the figure of a mountain, with incense coming out the peak, a piece of obsidian, and a bowl of cayenne tea.
Offerings: Sip the cayenne tea as a sacrifice. Deal openly with your anger. This is a propitious day to bring up difficult subjects that may spark argument, as long as the issues are actually resolved, and purifications done afterwards.
Daily Meal: Spicy food.

Invocation to the Mother of Volcanoes

Goddess of fire and earth
Goddess of sharp black rock
Goddess whose source is far under the earth
Goddess whom we dare not approach too closely
Goddess whose joyous dance
Broke an island from the sea,
Pele of the ocean islands,
Fuji of the high mountain,
Help me find the best place in my life
Where my rage may spring forth
And build more earth on which I may stand,
And someday grow green and fertile in memory
Of that moment of blazing truth.

Song: Rise with the Fires of Freedom

(All should pass the cayenne tea around and take a sip, and offer their discomfort to the Mother of Volcanoes. None may drink or eat anything else until they have left the room. The rest of the tea is poured out as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]