"Witchcraft for the 21st Century"
Items Needed:
None
Instructions:
To bless the food at a table, have each person in the dinner party say a part of this blessing to the bounty embodied in the God and Goddess union.
“All fruits of the Earth
Are fruits of your union.
Your womb, your dance,
Lady and Lord.
Come, join with us,
Feast with us,
Enjoy with us!”
By Therese Francis
Crystal of the Day
Carnelian
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Carnelian is the clear red to brownish red member of the Chalcedony family. It is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz (Silicone Dioxide) and may contain small amounts of iron oxides. The hardness is 7, and the streak is white.
ENVIRONMENT: Chalcedony is formed in several environments, generally near the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are relatively low. It commonly forms in the zone of alteration of lode and massive hydrothermal replacement deposits and as bodies of chert in chemical sedimentary rocks.
OCCURENCE: Fine carnelian comes from India and South America.
GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Carnelian is used as an alternate birthstone for the month of May. It is normally cut into cabochons, engraved, or made into seal stones or rounded, polished, and pierced for necklaces and other items of jewelry.
NAME: The name means “flesh-colored”, from [caro], meaning “genitive” and [carnis], meaning “flesh”.
LEGEND and LORE: Carnelian has long been associated with courage and cleansing of the blood. It was believed that the stone would improve one’s outlook, making the individual cheerful and expelling fears.
MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Katrina Raphaell says that Carnelian can be used to “see into the past”. The “Crystal Oracle” says that Carnelian refers to the Self, and Current Conditions. It is a grounding stone, and associated with the Earth. As such, it is considered practical, sensible and balanced. Cunningham associates the stone with the element of Fire. He suggests it as a talisman against Telepathic invasion.
HEALING: It is recommended for infertility or impotency. In addition it is used for purification of the blood. It has also been suggested that this stone will stop nosebleeding.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I call this the “sexy” stone…since I believe it stimulates sexual appetites. I use it in the lower Chakras for infertility and impotency for men(I use Coral as the feminine counterpart.) I always get a good chuckle when I notice a man wearing a LARGE Cornelian belt buckle. In addition, I would use this stone for relief of pain from arthritis in men.
——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals”.
2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from “Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from “Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
5. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.
6. Some of the healing information may come from “A Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner.
Herb of the Day
MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis)
To Grow:
No directions to grow.
Uses:
The root is used primarily for digestive problems, inflammations of the digestive tract and on the skin. The leaves are used for the lungs and urinary system. The leaf can also be used for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, and irritating coughs. Externally, the root is indicated in varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses and boils.
Parts used:
Roots and leaves. Collect the leaves in summer after flowering and dig up the root in late fall. Clean the root of root fibers and cork and dry immediately.
Decoction:
Put 1 tsp. of chopped root into 1 cup of water and boil gently for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried leaves and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
This herb can be used as a compress also.
Deity of the Day
Diana
The classical moon goddess, Diana, is still worshipped by neopagans today. Long after Christianity’s triumph over classical paganism, her worship is still going strong. St. Kilian, a Celtic missionary to the pagan Franks, was martyred when he attempted to persuaded the peasants to abandon their worship of this goddess. A writing on the life of St. Caesarius offhandedly mentions “a demon whom simple folk call Diana.”
Diana was the personification of the positive aspects of lunar forces. She was also believed to have led groups of nightriders (known as the “Wild Hunt” or the “Furious Horde”) who flew through the air. The “Wild Hunt” was comprised of “people taken by death before their time, children snatched away at an early age, victims of a violent end.” The goddess would accompany her followers as they wandered at night among the houses of the well-to-do. Whenever they would arrive at a home that was particularly well-kept, Diana would bestow her blessings upon it.
Many benandanti (from the Italian for “those who go well” or “good-doers”) were followers of Diana. The benandanti were members of a fertility cult who were basically anti-witches and practicers of white magic. Nonetheless, they were tortured by the Inquisitors just the same as practicers of the black arts were.
Diana was intrinsically linked with several other witch deities, including Abonde, Abundia, Aradia, Hecate, Herodias, Holda, Perchta, Satia, and Venus.
Bibliography. (Ginzburg 40-46) Bibliography. (King 24)
A Guide for the Genetically Disadvantaged
By Everfool
Dedicated to Loki
From Chamber’s English Dictionary (1989 edition):
Humour (Us: Humor) ‘a mental quality which appreciates and delights in the ludicrous or mirthful: that which causes mirth and amusement: playful fancy’
Humourless ‘petulant’
Irony ‘the Socratic method of discussion by professing ignorance: conveyance of meaning (generally satirical) by words whose literal meaning is the opposite.’
Sarcasm ‘a bitter sneer: a satirical remark in scorn or contempt, often but not necessarily ironical’
Brain ‘in vertebrates, that part of the central nervous system that is contained within the skull…intelligence, common sense’
It has recently become apparent that some viewers of the fine website that is The Cauldron have missed out on one of the exciting developments in the evolution of bipedal mammals: the ability to notice when someone is not being entirely serious. Because most of the people behind the website are kind, generous people, who would not say a bad word about anyone, the writing of this article has rather naturally fallen to me.
With the intent of making many lives more wholesome and enjoyable, it is my hope to help you to separate ironic humour articles from hideously idiotic editorials. This is a basic course, however, so don’t get cocky and start reading the transcripts of political speeches.
Useful Clues
1) The presence of the word ‘humour.’ One would think that this is an obvious sign, and certainly I think so, but apparently I’m out of step with the world. I blame the stuff they put in the water supply.*
Read the article. Look all over the page. Examine the web address even. If anywhere appears the word ‘humour’ in a label format, you should probably move onto deciding whether the article is funny or not. If you can’t decide on that, please order my new book Is It Funny?retailing at £30.95.
* Shopping trolleys mainly.
2) ‘Tone’ When you read the article, is your first instinct to laugh at how bizarre it is? Congratulations, it’s probably a humour piece! While some people are unintentionally funny, most people have to work hard at it. Come to that, some people have to work hard at basic cognitive functions, but I’m digressing.
3) Content of the rest of the site: Possibly your most useful guide. The most basic point links back to number one: is this article stored within a section labelled as ‘humour’? If you can’t handle the ramifications of this one, please see your doctor immediately and tell him you’re not allowed to reproduce. More time consuming is the examination of the rest of the site. Do all of the pages seem in keeping with the item that originally inflamed your anger? If you think the article encourages an absurdly ‘fluff bunny’ attitude, the intelligent article on controversies within the Pagan community may change your mind. May.
4) Ask the people who run the website whether they’re being serious. This may save you the effort of remembering all those interesting words your dad/uncle/priest used to use when they smelled of domestic bleach, and will save you embarrassment if you ever planned on holding a conversation with representatives of the site.
This concludes the basic guide to spotting humour.
Remember to look out for:
And if this doesn’t help, frankly we’re going to send the flying monkeys after you.
I should never wander off my tried and true Pagan informational sites. NEVER! I find things that scare me, NOT! But check out the link below, this is the first time I have ever run across a site like this……
Tune in, turn on and get a leg up on the competition all by using this powerful and effective visualization. On ‘World Television Day’ you’ll want to use an image of a TV to help you turn your dreams into reality. In your mind’s eye, imagine a television screen hovering over your head. In the screen, in the ‘bigger picture,’ put an image or scene from your life as it currently appears to you. In the lower left-hand corner, replace that image with a dream that you’d like to see manifest. Breathe in through the mouth, and then blow out through your mouth four big breathes into the smaller version. Watch the dream sequence become larger while the original image fades away. Once you have completely filled the screen with your dream, blow another four big breathes into the imaginary TV and allow the entire visual to disappear. Do this once a day for nine days straight and you’ll soon be happily directing all the episodes of your life.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
There is a turning point that recharges you and eventually brings success. This hexagram is associated with a turning back of long nights towards more light, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the seasonal change when our hours of daily light begin to increase again. This is the beginning of a turnaround; a time of letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of new beginnings. Ironically, it all starts with rest.
Don’t move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turn-around demands that your energy be recharged by adequate rest, so that your life force will not be spent prematurely. This principle of hibernation, of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest applies to many situations — recuperation after an illness, the slow return of trust after period of estrangement, the careful development of new relationships after a splitting apart of old ones.
Your Rune For Today
Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.
Traditionally known as the Hierophant, this card refers to a Master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of Natural Law. This energy of this card points to some agent or resource that can reveal the secrets of life, the cycles of the moon and tides, the links between human beings and the heavens.
Because monasteries were the only places a person could learn to read and write in the middle ages, a Hierophant was one to whom a student would petition for entry. He was the one to set the curriculum for the neophyte’s course of study.
Often pictured with the right hand raised in blessing, the Hierophant is linked with the ancient lineage of Melchezidek, initiator of the Hebrew priestly tradition, the one who passes on the teachings. All shamans of any tradition draw upon this archetype.
Change is in the air today as our hopes bring a new wave of optimism. We need to be careful raising our expectations so high that we set ourselves up for disillusionment later on. But the square between the dreamy Pisces Moon and confident Jupiter also brings good news that’s magnified by the Sun’s shift into inspirational Sagittarius. Fantasies grow excessive as Venus slips into passionate Scorpio and harmonizes with visionary Neptune.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Happiness may be eluding you today, even if it feels very close. Unfortunately, when it gets near, reality doesn’t measure up to your fantastic expectations. All the best of intentions won’t ensure that everything will work out as planned, unless you are willing to live in a dream world now. Don’t get discouraged; enjoy the beauty without trying to capture it and make it last forever.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You’re normally not comfortable with uncertainty because you like to know where you are and where you are heading. Now, however, your key planet Venus is having a tough time getting her bearings due to fuzzy Neptune’s influence — and you might feel lost. Instead of struggling to continue on your path, give yourself the day to chill out without having to be anywhere at all.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
You may feel a bit awkward in an intimate encounter if the intensity of emotional expression goes to an extreme. But this isn’t necessarily about drama, since your feelings are probably quite contained. The difficulty stems from your inability to separate what you want from what you think you are experiencing. Analysis will not help today; let go and take the plunge. Given proper care and feeding, anything you imagine now can grow into something substantial over time.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You may feel as if the day has wrapped you in a soft velvety blanket of fantasy and you just want to curl up in your contentment. You feel very safe in your isolation, but it’s not as easy when you have to interact with the outer world. Others aren’t necessarily as supportive of your dreams now — and this makes you insecure. Don’t try to overcompensate with social niceties. Just be yourself and let others see the real you, complete with tender vulnerability.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Relationships are now a source of great pleasure and also a bit of confusion. Although you can temporarily sidestep conflict by glossing over a disagreement with broad philosophical generalizations and sweet gestures, you must face the truth sooner or later. It’s best to speak your heart today so that you don’t mislead anyone. Avoidance will only increase any misunderstandings; honesty is the best policy.
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Your words may be unintentionally hurtful today, precipitating a challenging emotional situation. It may be too easy to project your unresolved feelings on to the nearest person. Keep in mind that your imagination is working overtime now and you must do whatever is necessary to soften your own rough edges before saying anything you might regret.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Your key planet Venus has found a sweet ally in dreamy Neptune today, so let your imagination soar to the greatest possible heights. Give yourself some quiet time to fantasize about whatever you choose. Just remember that it’s easier to drift into the magical inner realms if you’ve already taken care of your commitments in the real world first.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Loving Venus enters your intense sign today, continuing to lure you into hidden worlds and magical dimensions. This journey into the unknown is accentuated as Venus opens channels to surreal Neptune, making the beauty of your imagination even more apparent to others. Keep your thoughts on positive possibilities rather than letting them drift toward darker fears. You are more in control of your future than you realize
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Your desires are now being fueled by idealism as the Sun enters your adventurous sign and moves toward a creative square to inspirational Neptune. You aren’t willing to settle for anything less than perfection now. Naturally, this attitude can create a real dilemma for your friends and associates, since no one can meet your unrealistic expectations. You are better off talking about your needs honestly so you can develop a proper sense of perspective before going any further.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You may have a frustrating time establishing balance in your life today. You might need to relinquish control because the edges of your plans are dissolving into a changing set of circumstances. Events are unfolding that can shift your center before you realize what happened. No matter what, don’t lose sight of your goals now, even if you have to close your eyes to get your bearings.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You have free reign within your own mind today because external noises won’t get in the way of your romantic fantasies. Without any sense of guilt, you can go wherever you want and travel on your wildest thoughts and desires. Unfortunately, this may not be such a great time to let your daily routine slip. Don’t neglect your unfinished chores now, even if they are less pleasant than your daydreams.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Be careful, for your optimism could blindside you today, especially with respect to relationships. Your key planet imaginative Neptune receives a sweet love tap from Venus, tempting you to sugarcoat nearly any difficult situation. Let your visions inspire you, but remember, the more honestly you face reality, the better the outcome for everyone involved.
Some Scorpio trickery is at play today as the Sun leaves this potent eighth sign of the zodiac for fiery Sagittarius (1:51PM PST) while Venus changes affiliation from airy Libra to watery Scorpio (5:21PM PST). It is due to the earlier six-week retrograde cycle by Venus in May-June of 2012 that Venus is still lingering some 30 degrees behind the Sun in the zodiac. That 30-degree distance right now creates the strange phenomenon of the Sun leaving Scorpio while Venus receives the red-carpet treatment by the same sign. All this cosmic horse-trading happens under the sensitive, emotional and psychic environment provided by Pisces Moon. If your moods are swinging wildly more today than recently, chalk it up to the Solar and Venusian shifts — amplified by the start of a new, lengthy void lunar cycle at 10:33PM PST that lasts until 5:13PM PST tomorrow. Plus — to add insult to injury, the Sun squares Neptune (11:12PM PST) during the void limbo cycle. Only two Sun-Neptune face-offs like this happen in a calendar year and both of them have shadow dimensions that can spread confusion and chaos like a virus.
Reed Month
Color: Blue-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue-green place a vase of reeds, a single blue-green candle, a great bowl of water floating with wetlands plant leaves, and a knife.
Offering: Recycle something useless into something useful.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian soup and sandwiches. Only water or herbal tea to drink.
Ngetal Invocation
Call: Now is the time of the bleak cold.
Response: Now the reeds whisper in the swamp.
Call: Now is the time when we see the growing dark.
Response: Now is the time when we begin to shiver.
Call: Now is the time of bare trees.
Response: Now is the time of rain and wind.
Call: Now the rain fills the wetlands to overflowing.
Response: Now the swamp overflows into our lives.
Call: We feel our feet dragged down into the cold waters.
Response: Yet the wetland is the source of greatest life!
Call: We feel ourselves pulled into the unfamiliar.
Response: Unfamiliar to us, but no less of value.
Call: The damp cold begins to reach our bones.
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: We must keep it far away with fire’s warmth!
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: Why should we not ban it from our lives?
Response: For this, too, is a Mystery of water.
Call: Not the deep mystery of the Ocean…
Response: Not the running flow of the river…
Call: Not the crystal of snow and ice…
Response: But the secrets of the still waters.
Call: From the still waters springs the greatest number of lives!
Response: And it is this that we must honor.
Call: Welcome into ourselves the song of the whispering reeds!
Response: Welcome into ourselves the oncoming winter.
Chant:
Cold as stone
Marshes heart
We will own
What is apart
21 Blutmonath
Quetzalcoatl’s Day
Colors: Bright red, gold, green, and blue
Element: Air
Altar: On a multicolored cloth set many feathers of different colors, and a plate of chocolate.
Offerings: Colored feathers. Make something creative.
Daily Meal: Mexican food. Chocolate.
Invocation to Quetzalcoatl
Feathered Serpent
Creature of earth
That learned to fly,
You who brought the gifts
Of civilization and culture
To a troubled people,
You who fought against
The unnecessary sacrifices
Of the greedy gods,
Once a god, once a man,
Always a mystery,
You who sailed away into the west
And one day promised to return,
Lord of good judgment
Who is always fair,
Brighten our minds
With thoughts that dance and run
And finally leave the earth
And fly.
(All partake in a drum circle, after which the chocolate is passed around and shared.)
