The Witches Correspondence for Monday, October 8

The Witches Correspondence for Monday, October 8

 

Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconciliations‘, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.

 

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Life As The Witch – The Witch’s Book Of Shadows

The Witch’s Book of Shadows

 

This is a book of beliefs, witchcraft laws, rituals, herbal and healing law, incarnations, chants, dances, divination  methods, spells, sabbat rites and other information which serves as a guide for witches in practising their craft and religeaon. Each tradition has its own  book of shadows.

In addition individual witches add their own personal material. This book must be kept secret at all times.

However sad to say some witches have gone public with their book over the years. In true tradition only one copy should be kept for a  coven. This is usually held by the High Priestess or High Priest.

The book of shadows should only ever be hand written. The secrets in the book are limited to the witches position in the  hierarchy.

Information in the book is passed out as the witch progresses through the ranks of the coven. If a witch leaves the coven the book must  stay with the coven.

Very little is known about “books of shadows” before the 20th century. In earlier times the secrets were generally passed down  through the generations orally.

Some hereditary witches claim their ancestors recorded secret spells and lore in little books. One of the first book of shadows to be  published was Charles Godfrey Leylands “Aradia” in 1899.

According to tradition a witches book of shadows is destroyed upon their death.

The Witches Almanac for *Monday, October 8

The Witches Almanac for *Monday, October 8

*Monday (Moon):  Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification and fertility.

Sukkot end ^ Columbus Day (observed)

Moon Sign: *Cancer

*Cancer:  Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

*Waning Moon

*The Waning Moon (From the Full Moon to the New): is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work(except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Incense: Hyssop

Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter 3:33 a.m.

Color:  Ivory

 

 

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Happy Columbus Day To All Those Celebrating Today!

I wanted to let you know that you are going to be stuck with me for a few days. The weather here has turned off chilly. We have small baby animals in the wildlife refuge. Those animals have to be kept warm. Lady A has been staying the night at the building down there. She is keeping watch over the electric heaters we have there. The little babies have to be kept cozy and warm. If the heaters go out, they will freeze and might even die. Lady A won’t ask any of us to stay at the building. She takes on all the hard tasks herself. I think this time she is enjoying the peace and quiet. I know she loves being with all the little babies.  If you love what you are doing, then you really don’t consider it work.

I will be around for the next few days. I will try my best to get your daily correspondence to you.  Please have patience with me and don’t get too upset. Remember this is only for a few days.

Thank you and Goddess Bless.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Oct. 7 – ‘Bright Light’

Feng Shui adherents know that changing a light can actually change an entire life! So today I am more than humbled to help change yours for the brighter and much better! Feng Shui says that placing a bright light in the bedroom is a tremendously powerful cure for strengthening relationships. This philosophy says that the main source of light in your bedroom should be strong enough to illuminate the entire room on its own. Bright Chi in this particular room will bring a positive future, and as a bonus, this cure works even if you never turn on that light. Simply the presence of the bright light is considered enough. This cure is also great for shoring up your health and for creating clarity, confidence and charisma! So visualize a brighter future for you and all those around you! After you change this bulb you might find that your future is so bright that you might need shades!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 7 is 54: Careful Affection

54: Careful Affection

I Ching hexagram nr. 11

Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction, and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person’s lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those that are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.

If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.

Today’s Tarot for October 7 is The Fool

The Fool

Pamela Coleman-Smith’s artful rendition of an “innocent Fool” archetype (Rider-Waite deck) is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of the Fool card, however, portray quite a different character — a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some instances, he is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable — as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of the Fool arise — that of an innocent Soul before its Fall into Matter, as yet untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don’t forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards self-knowledge, and eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves — and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves — in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, October 7

We’re tempted to believe that there actually is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow today as thoughtful Mercury aligns with lucky Jupiter. The clever Gemini Moon enables us to make up facts and then accept them as the truth. Our emotions kick in when the Moon swims into nurturing Cancer at 8:45 pm EDT. Ironically, our dreams have a chance of becoming real as the Moon forms a stabilizing Grand Trine with practical Saturn and magical Neptune.

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

In these uncertain times you now have a chance to feel certain. You are on the edge of a new endeavor and your key planet Mars is standing by ready to help you achieve your goals. However, the universe needs to know where you want to go before it can give you the necessary support. The best way to state your case is not necessarily by saying anything. Actions speak louder than words.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

An unexpected twist in a relationship may have recently impacted the stability of your love life. Nevertheless, your common sense brings a new level of integrity into a partnership. But this opportunity for steady growth extends beyond romance, possibly involving a coworker or friend. On a pragmatic level, be sure to protect your personal assets and your position at work because your dreams can take flight if you keep your feet on solid ground.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You can see yourself in a variety of situations, but you need to stop and check your bearings today. Slowing down may be challenging if you are scared of making a choice that could limit your independence. Nevertheless, find a quiet place to think about what is most important to your success and then act on it. You might be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to eliminate the extraneous noise in your life at this time.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You are feeling very protective of your loved ones and may be fearful that you could lose control of the situation today. Fortunately, circumstances are changing and you are gaining confidence in your strength. Consider all your options carefully; trusting your intuition enables you to stabilize a crisis before it becomes critical. If you act with certainty, your choices can have lasting impact.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The storms have temporarily subsided, allowing you to finally relax. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep your eyes wide open today so you can make the most of your recent experiences. The radical ideas that crossed your mind during the past couple of weeks now need to be executed with careful conservation of energy to maximize your potential for success.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

This can be a confusing time because your ability to stabilize your life is countered by temporary blind optimism, tempting you to overlook potential problems. Nevertheless, your management skills will see you through today if you don’t overextend your resources. Planting your feet firmly on the ground helps you gain traction as you move through the obstacle course. Proceeding with caution increases your chances of reaching your destination on time.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Jumping to quick conclusions today might land you in a heap of trouble. If someone presents you with an idea that seems too good to be true, listen to the whole story before making your judgment. At first you may think that the plan is crazy, but look for the foundation upon which a solid strategy can be built. Staying open to unexplored possibilities inspires you to turn a dream into something tangible as long as you use common sense as your final filter.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Complex issues concerning your career objectives may cause conflict with personal responsibilities at home. However, acquiring more emotional security requires you to give up some of your precious independence. Don’t be afraid of being perceived as very serious because you might need to assume an authoritative role to set things right. Creating balance in your life isn’t easy, but you already have all the tools at your disposal to make it happen.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You have run after your share of unicorns, seeking their elusive magic, yet you grow tired of being disappointed now. Nevertheless, you are standing at a crossroads today and you must make something happen, since this isn’t simply about manifesting your next possible adventure. Choose cautiously and wisely. Although change is in the air, nothing will transform unless you set realistic goals, formulate concrete plans and commit to doing the work that follows.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Today you might feel as if you’re assigned to cleanup duty after a wild party. Everyone has gone home and there’s quite a lot to do. You might even question whether or not the fun was worth it. Take advantage of jovial Jupiter’s presence your 6th House of Daily Routine by applying your skills to the job at hand while whistling while you work. Finding a way to turn your chores into fun is a creative way to get the job done.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Revolutionary Uranus has been operating in high gear recently with its unconventional brilliance stimulating original and unusual ideas. However, the practicality of your other key planet Saturn comes into the picture now, and you are likely to see things in a more realistic light. Sometimes it is challenging to integrate the suddenness of Uranus’ effect, but today you can make radical changes that have enduring consequences.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are usually capable of swimming with the currents, however deep they flow. Permanent redirection isn’t easy since you intuitively understand that tides rise and fall over and over again. Nevertheless, you have a special opportunity to initiate action that adds real stability to your life. Don’t try to do too much all at once, because it’s the smallest improvements now that will have the greatest impact.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 7

The next four days are no cake-walk since many celestial alignments can produce shock waves and unsettled conditions throughout humanity. Today seems to start rather peacefully as Mars makes a subtle and yet constructive, 30-degree rapport with often arch-enemy Saturn (2:31AM PDT) while the Moon in Cancer makes a supportive, nurturing 60-degree link to Venus in Virgo (3:30AM PDT). It also helps that the Moon trines Chiron (5:10AM PDT) — encouraging learning more about holistic healing and alternative medical advances.  However, the cosmic scene begins changing drastically when Juno squares Chiron (11:47AM PDT), Mars in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces (7:11PM PDT) while Venus opposes Chiron (8:05PM PDT), and then Venus squares Juno (11:07PM PDT). This represents not just four separate celestial alignments, but a potentially very confusing and chaotic Mars-Neptune 90-degree face-off as well as a T-Square type triangle of dubious merit where Venus is in polarity to Chiron and Juno is 90-degrees to both Venus and Chiron. In addition, Mars will move closer and closer to Juno in Sagittarius over the next 13 days until they finally merge early on October 20.  The net result of all this planetary mischief-making is to stir up soap-opera like conditions throughout society and add a lot of anxiety to everyday human emotions and interactions. Friends, lovers as well as business associates need to be on guard not to let negative energy overwhelm their usually stable relationships.

Calendar of the Moon for October 7

Calendar of the Moon

 

7 Muin/ Boedromion

Boedromia Colors: Red and Gold
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of red and gold place a fiery sun, two crossed spears, and three torches.
Offerings: Song and music.
Daily Meal: Food of yellow and red.

Boedromia Invocation

Hail Apollo, Lord of the Sun!
We must remember and be mindful of
Great Apollo who shoots from afar.
As he goes through the house of Zeus,
All spring up as he bends his bow.
All high headlands of lofty hills
Are your delight, great Phoebus,
And the whole range of song is fallen to you.
O God of the golden bow,
Who walketh on craggy Cynthus,
Be favorable to us below.
Leto’s all-glorious son from wave-swept Delos,
Wooer in the fields of love,
Chariot-driver of the sky
With your fiery horses,
God of the oracle that speaks
The twisting tongue of truth,
Star of noonday, flashing fire,
Lord of the Nine Muses,
Brighten our lives with your inspiration
And clear our clouded minds
Like the dawning light of the Sun.

(All shall then sing forth whatever song or chant is preferred, for Apollo takes joy in many songs.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for October 7

Calendar of the Sun

 

7 Winterfyllith

Ereshkigal’s Day

Color: Black
Elements: Earth and Air
Altar: Upon cloth of black place a chalice of dark wine, seven black candles, and a knife.
Offerings: Weep for her.
Daily Meal: Fasting, as Ereshkigal suffers for her Dead.

Invocation to Ereshkigal

Lady of Irkalla, Lady of the Darkness,
Widow of Gugulanna, the Great Bull of Heaven,
Widow of Nergal, conqueror of hubris,
Who drinks water with the Annunaki,
Who eats dust and clay for bread, who drinks river-mud for beer,
Who weeps for the young men forced to abandon their sweethearts,
Who weeps for the girls wrenched from their lovers’ laps,
Who weeps for the infant child, expelled before its time,
We hail you in your mourning.
Mistress of the Seven Gates
Guarded by Neti, Gatekeeper of the Underworld
Who answers only to Ereshkigal,
We hail you in your sorrow.
Lady who holds the water-gift, the river in its fullness,
Lady who holds the grain-gift, the fields in their fullness,
Lady who held the Queen of Heaven in her arrogance,
Hung her on the wall like a piece of meat,
Ransomed only by the tears
Of those neither male nor female,
And then sent her back only to have
Her husband instead, to decorate your throne,
May we all learn the wisdom of the kurgarra and galatur!
May we learn to weep for Death
And feel compassion for even that which we fear,
For this, too, is your painful lesson.
Lady of Irkalla, help us to move beyond ourselves
And our fears, and see all endings with new eyes.

Chant:
Dust of the Dark
Clay of the River
Run through my hands like the dawn

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for October 7: Last Quarter

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/58% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

The Witches Correspondence for Sunday, October 7

 

Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate
Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary

The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.

 

 

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The Witches Almanac for Sunday, October 7

Witches Almanac for *Sunday, October 7th

*Sunday (Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength and protection.

Kermesse (German)

Moon Sign: *Cancer

*Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurtance. Tends to domestic concerns.

*Waning Moon

*The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies)

Incense: Hyacinth

Moon Phase: Last Quarter

Color: Orange

 

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The Circle of the Witch

The Circle of the Witch

Within this sacred circle, two main activities occur: celebration, and the practice of magic. Celebration is most important at the major seasonal holy days,  the Sabbats. At these times, the myths of that particular holiday are enacted in ritual drama, and dancing, singing, feasting, and revelry are all part of  the festivities. On these occasions we celebrate our oneness with life on Earth, as well as assimilating on the deepest level myths and archetypes which map  and assist our own life-passages.

Magic is more often performed at smaller gatherings, called Esbats, which coincide with the phases of the moon. Types of magic  practiced include psychic healing sessions, the focus and direction of energy to achieve positive results, and work toward the individual spiritual  development of the coven members. Magic is an art which requires adherence to certain principles, and a conscious direction of will toward the desired end.  We believe it to be an attribute of magic that results toward which the will is directed return to the sender threefold. Therefore, Witches are very  conscientious in their use of magic.

When the celebration, teaching, or magical work is finished, the blessing of the Goddess (and God) is called into food and drink which  are shared by all. The circle is opened, and the space is no longer consecrated.

Deity

Deity

One of the biggest differences between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft are the beliefs. The difference in the view and belief of  Deity if one of the most notable. In Wicca, Deity is somehow viewed as being superior than we are. In Traditional Witchcraft, this is not the case.  Traditional Witches look at Deities and spirits of the land as having ego and human characters and being no higher than themselves. Also, Traditional Witches  do not worship a God and Goddess in the same way that Wiccans do. Traditional Witches rather honor the Gods in the sense that they are aspects of Nature and  not higher spiritual beings of Deities in the same way that Wiccans see them. To Wiccans, the God and Goddess are seen as being higher spiritual powers that  need to be worshiped through ritual, devotion, and libation. Traditional Witches see the Gods as part of the Universe, hence being part of Nature itself, and  call on them in ritual to act more as a focal point rather than an entity to be worshiped. When a Traditional Witches calls on spirits in ritual for the  point of aid in work, they will generally call on the help of local or land spirits, since they’re more connected to the land than the spirit world. In  essence, Traditional Witchcraft is polytheistic and view all spirits, Gods, and animal spirits as being part of one larger whole that is both different and  separate from them, but not inferior or superior and therefore not in need of worshipping.

In Traditional Witchcraft, there is a belief in the Spirit World, or Other World. This is where the entities, spirits, and deities called upon in ritual  reside. This world is not seen as being separate from our world, but rather a different level of it. Those called in ritual are not being beckoned or  summoned from another place really, they rather need to be invoked in order to work with and communicate with them. They are already there, they just need to  be awoken.

The Triple Goddess

The Triple Goddess

 

Another of the differences in beliefs is the idea of a Triple Goddess. This is something that is not found in Traditional Witchcraft. The Goddess is not seen  in the forms of Maiden Mother and Crone, but rather as having three functions. Each of these three functions will have something to do with a specific path  that one would follow, so the Witch will only follow and honor one of the Goddess’s three functions. At other times in their lives, they may find a need  to draw from one of the other two functions of their chosen Goddess, but there is always one of the three that is more pronounced and important to them.

The idea of the Triple Goddess, or any Deities seen in three forms or phases, has been traced back to Anatolia (now called Turkey), where in around 7,000 BC  a Goddess being worshiped in the triple form of virgin, mother, and hag was found. However, sine this is the only place that this practice was seen, and this  was in the Near East and not in Europe, it’s not something that is part of Traditional Witchcraft.

WITCHING HOUR

WITCHING HOUR

 

The witching hour is the hour of midnight on a full moon. It is at this time that the witches spell casting powers are at their fullest. It is a time of change and transformation.

The history of this may be traced to the ancient times of the worship of Goddesses associated with the moon and fertility. As the moon waxes in its phases so do the powers of those, until they culminate at the full moon.

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice with it’s roots in European practice and dating back to the beginning of man. Most  people do not trace back their involvement with Witchcraft past the Middle Ages because of the lack of information that is available in solid form from  beyond that time as well as the fact that much of the retrieved information was written by Priests from the Christian church as falsified documents or  accounts of what they believed their practices to be. In fact, it was the Christians that gave the word “Witch” and “Witchcraft” to these  people and their practices and was not a term that they themselves used. Witchcraft involves the use of magick, although it is not required, and the honoring  of Gods, local or land spirits and Ancestors rather than worship.  

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for October 6

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Why is it that the things we love so much can cause us so much pain, and perhaps without realizing it? Why is it that we find so much to worry about in all the “what ifs” that cross our minds with such persistence? What makes fatigue follow us through the hours and drain away precious strength that we need to help us in our daily routine?

All the things that plague us daily have one common cause-fear. To some, fear is a constant companion. We may call it by many other names such as necessity, time, busyness, demands, but all of these can be forms of fear.

Fear produces the most mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue that has ever overtaken humans. It rushes us so that we have accidents. It drains us of strength to resist illness. It tells us we cannot produce enough to meet the demands upon us. And it builds within our minds such dire images so that we cannot face the simplest.

Fear has one antidote. It is not to stop worrying and take it easy, but it is faith. Adverse conditions cannot break us in the face of faith. Faith allows us to look fear in the eyes with such confidence that it loses its power over us.

English divine, Fredrick William Robertson, wrote, “To believe is strong. Doubt cramps energy. Belief is power.”

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet:

 

http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org