INVOCATION OF THE ELEMENTS
Air, Fire, Water, Earth,
Elements of Astral birth,
I call you now; attend to me!
In the circle, rightly cast,
Safe from psychic curse or blast,
I call you now, attend to me!
From cave and desert, sea and hill,
By blade and wand, cup and pentacle,
I call you now; attend to me!
This is my will, so mote it be!
[This invocation may be chanted while moving or dancing around the altar to raise elemental energy for magickal workings.]
RHYMING INVOCATIONS TO THE ELEMENTS
East
Soft scented stillness that warns of the storm
Whisper of wisdom full living and warm
Breathe into us wonder at all we may know
Welcome, wise wind, from wherever you blow.
South
Bright spark of courage, blaze of desire
The passion for change is a wild, raging fire
Kindled by will, it burns in our veins
Welcome within us, our hearts are your flames
West
Power of water, power to feel
Rising within us, ancient and real
Soothed into softness or tossed to extremes
Welcome, wild waves from the depths of our dreams
North
Mother in waiting, child in the womb
Newly strung thread waits the night on the loom
Earth that we come from, Earth where we go
Welcome, as you welcomed us long ago.
THE ELEMENTS
The Elements have been a part of man’s ancient and arcane lore since its
inception in pre-historic times. Different traditions associate them with
various things. The following list of correspondences comes from Starhawk’s
“The Spiral Dance.”
AIR:
Direction: East.
Rules: The mind, all mental, intuitive and psychic work, knowledge, abstract
learning, theory, windswept hills, plains, windy beaches, high mountain peaks,
high towers, wind and breath.
Time: Dawn.
Season: Spring.
Colors: White, bright yellow, crimson, blue-white.
Signs of the Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.
Tools: Athame, sword, censer.
Spirits: Sylphs, ruled by King Paralda.
Angel: Michael.
Name of the East Wind: Eurus.
Sense: Smell.
Jewel: Topaz.
Incense: Galbanum.
Plants: Frankincense, myrrh, pansy, primrose, vervain, violet, yarrow.
Tree: Aspen.
Animals: Birds.
Goddesses: Aradia, Arianrhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania.
Gods: Enlil, Khephera, Mercury, Shu, Thoth.
FIRE:
Direction: South.
Rules: Energy, spirit, heat, flame, blood, sap, life, will, healing and
destroying, purification, bonfires, hearth fires, candle flames,
sun, deserts, volcanoes, eruptions, explosions.
Time: Noon.
Season: Summer.
Colors: Red, gold, crimson, orange, white (the sun’s noon light).
Signs of the Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Saggitarius.
Tools: Censer, wand.
Spirits: Salamanders, ruled by King Djin.
Angel: Ariel.
Name of the South Wind: Notus.
Sense: Sight.
Jewel: Fire Opal.
Incense: Olibanum.
Plants: Garlic, hibiscus, mustard, nettle, onion, red peppers, red poppies.
Tree: Almond, in flower.
Animals: Fire-breathing dragons, lions, horses (when their hooves strike
sparks).
Goddesses: Brigit, Hestia, Pele, Vesta.
Gods: Agni, Hephaestus, Horus, Vulcan.
WATER:
Direction: West.
Rules: Emotions, feelings, love, courage, daring, sorrow, the ocean, the tides,
lakes, pools, streams, and rivers, springs and wells, intuition, the unconscious
mind, the womb, generation, fertility.
Time: Twilight.
Season: Autumn.
Colors: Blue, blue-green, green, gray, indigo, black.
Signs of the Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
Tools: Cup.
Spirits: Undines, ruled by King Niksa.
Angel: Raphael.
Name of the West Wind: Zephyrus.
Sense: Taste.
Jewel: Aquamarine.
Incense: Myrrh.
Plants: Ferns, lotus, mosses, rushes, seaweed, water lillies, and all water
plants.
Tree: Willow.
Animals: Dragons (as serpents), dolphins and porpoises, fish, seals and sea
mammals, water-dwelling snakes, all water creatures and sea birds.
Goddesses: Aphrodite, Isis, Mariamne, Mari, Tiamat.
Gods: Dylan, Ea, Llyr, Manannan, Osiris, Neptune, Poseidon.
EARTH:
Direction: North.
Rules: The body, growth, nature, sustenance, material gain, money, creativity,
birth, death, silence, chasms, caves, caverns, groves, fields, rocks, standing
stones, mountains, crystal, jewels, metal.
Time: Midnight.
Season: Winter.
Colors: Black, brown, green, white.
Signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
Tools: Pentacle.
Spirits: Gnomes, ruled by King Ghob.
Angel: Gabriel.
Name of the North Wind: Boreas, Ophion.
Sense: Touch.
Jewel: Rock crystal, salt.
Incense: Storax.
Plants: Comfrey, ivy, grains:barley, oats, corn, rice, rye, wheat.
Tree: Oak.
Animals: Coworbull, bison, snakes (earth-dwelling), stag.
Goddesses: Ceres, Demeter, Geae, Mah, Nephthys, Persephone, Prithivi, Rhea,
Rhiannon.
Gods: Adonis, Athos, Arawn, Cernunnos, Dionysus, Marduk, Pan, Tammuz.SPIRIT /
ETHER:
Direction: Center and circumference, throughout and about.
Rules: Transcendence, tranformation, change, everywhere and nowhere, within and
without, the void, immanence.
Time: Beyond time, all time is one.
Season: The turning wheel.
Colors: Clear, white, black.
Tools: Cauldron.
Sense: Hearing.
Plant: Mistletoe.
Tree: The flowering almond.
Animal: Sphinx.
Goddesses: Isis, the Secret Name of the Goddess, Shekinah.
Gods: Akasha, IAO, JHVH.
The Guardians are the 4 corners Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
Air: Compass point: East. Number: 1.
Represents intellect, communication, knowledge, concentration; the ability
to “know” and to understand; to unlock secrets of the dead; to contact the
angels; telepathy, memory and wisdom; the hawk, the raven and the eagle;
prophecy; movement, Karma and speed
Fire: Compass point: South. Number 3 .
Stands for energy, purification, courage, the will to dare,creativity;
higher self; success and refinement; the arts and transformation; the lion,
the phoenix and the dragon; loyalty and force.
Water: Compass point: West. Number: 2 .
Associated with intuition, emotions, the inner self, flowing movement, the
power to dare and cleanse all things; sympathy and love; reflection;
currents and tides of life; the dolphin, the swan and the crab; dreams and
Dreamtime.
Earth: Compass point: North. Number: 4.
Mystery and growth, fertility, material abundance, the combined forces of
nature and its bounty; birth and healing; business, industry and
possessions; the bear, the stag and the wolf; conservation and nature.
If you call all four at once you always call East, South, West, North.
After you call them and do what you need with them, you must dismiss them
just the opposite as you call them.
 |
|
|
More Funny Christmas Comments
This interesting yet sad obituary was sent to Will and Guy by a regular reader of our site. It represents a view often taken by British people when looking at the society that they have helped create. It may also apply in other countries. Let us know.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
It’s a perfect time to start a campaign since it’s ‘Letter Writing Day.’ If you’re planning on penning a letter to Santa, then by all means write it in red ink. And don’t forget to seal it in a red envelope as well. According to Feng Shui, both of these actions activate energies of fortune and luck. Speaking of sealing, forget about doing that with a kiss and try this next empowering method instead. When the letter has been signed and sealed, place it on a table that’s covered with a big black cloth. Pour salt around the letter so it forms a silver circle and then visualize that the note will work wonders for you. Fold the cloth to cover the letter and kiss the folds while sending rays of pink love from your heart to this now mystical memo. Release the letter and send it on its merry way! Soon enough you should see your own special delivery!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life. As spiritual author long ago put it, ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.’ Like a reservoir that is being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a decrease in position or material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.
We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease, particularly if it represents an investment in future gain — even if that gain be in the form of one’s education or the development of personal character. Likewise, the inner strength that comes from bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight — as in the expression ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ When letting go of attachment and personal demands leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes calling.
In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain that nurtures the surrounding forest. As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake. Similarly, an ‘evaporation’ or decrease in one area of your life, may give rise to an eventual increase in another. A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate more career options. A period of decrease is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it can free the spirit and fill the soul.
Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life. The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value. So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune, especially if you remain open to that possibility.
Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be going down at this time. Accept the cycle, and remember what goes down must come up.
Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.
Traditionally, the Magus is one who can demonstrate hands-on magic — as in healing, transformative rituals, alchemical transmutations, charging of talismans and the like. A modern Magus is any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth, one who seeks to bring forth the divine ‘gold’ within her or himself.
At the birth of Tarot, even a gifted healer who was not an ordained clergyman was considered to be in league with the Devil! For obvious reasons, the line between fooling the eye with sleight of hand, and charging the world with magical will was not clearly differentiated in the early Tarot cards.
Waite’s image of the Magus as the solitary ritualist communing with the spirits of the elements — with its formal arrangement of symbols and postures — is a token of the freedom we have in modern times to declare our spiritual politics without fear of reprisal. The older cards were never so explicit about what the Magus was doing. It’s best to keep your imagination open with this card. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by evolutionary forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul.
We’re concerned about the happiness of those we love as we try to balance our own needs with what others want today. However, our worries are diffused as self-directed Mars aligns with nebulous Neptune. The Moon’s entry into gracious Libra at 1:35 pm EST turns every decision into a dance between the individual and the partnership. Nevertheless, an unorthodox Venus-Uranus aspect prompts impatience, but we still hide our feelings just to be nice.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Good intentions at work are not enough to get you through a busy day; you must make a plan and stick with it. Paradoxically, you need to trust your intuition when circumstances dictate a strategic change. But don’t just give up when the going gets tough. Talking about a struggle as it unfolds can help you figure out what to do as long as you share your predicament with a trustworthy friend who will tell you the truth.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You don’t want to do things today in the same manner as you did them before. In fact, you’re interested in trying a new approach to nearly any activity you start now. Unfortunately, your co-workers and friends might not be so eager to support your uncharacteristic rebellious nature. Although the idea of working with somebody else sounds ideal, you may need to strike out on your own, anyway. The exhilaration you feel from reaching your goal makes doing it alone worthwhile.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
You may be so bored at work today that you check out for the weekend early. However, even if you’ve already escaped in your mind, you might have to stick around anyhow until it’s actually time to leave. Thankfully, you can turn your day around by adopting a creative approach to meeting your responsibilities. Use your imagination and find ways to make your job more fun, instead of just wishing you were someplace else.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Your friends may be counting on you now and expecting you to join up with them later. Although you might be looking forward to enjoyable social activities, you currently have to buckle down and finish your work before making your escape. Ironically, by the time you’re done with your chores, you might prefer to just go home and relax instead of heading out for a night on the town. There’s no reason to let anyone talk you into something you don’t want to do.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You might start the day with your head in the clouds of your imagination. But your impractical approach to the day begins to shift as the changeable Moon enters your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. Don’t be overly concerned about sticking to your plans. Choose excitement over routine to squeeze the most out of the present moment.
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
It’s challenging to concentrate this morning, making it harder to complete whatever you start. However, your mind sharpens midday, enabling you to successfully revisit a mentally challenging task. Even if your thoughts wander today, gently remind yourself of your current goal. Persistence is the key to reaching your destination now.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
The Moon’s entry into your sign today shifts your attention from the rational world toward a more subjective perspective. But you’re not satisfied with the status quo now and could be motivated to take up a new course of study that involves a deepening curiosity in some unexplored area of art, psychology or metaphysics. Don’t worry about applying your new interest to anything concrete; just see where your studies take you for a while.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
If you think that you’ve been missing a significant piece of information, today might be the right day to do some serious research. Messenger Mercury joins the karmic Lunar North Node in your sign, indicating the heightened importance of communication. Asking the right questions now should bring answers to your lingering doubts.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You might be unsure of your current destination, but a lack of clarity today won’t stop you from continuing on a road to somewhere. Even if you start off without a map, you’ll be able to better see where you’re going as the day progresses. Trusting your intuition takes courage, especially if your conclusions are not supported by the apparent facts. Nevertheless, blazing your own trail is a more successful strategy now than following a path that is well-worn by others.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Today’s timing may be frustrating because you have high hopes about accomplishing a lot at work. However, the day gets off to a slow beginning, making it harder to finish what you start. Fortunately, the Moon’s afternoon shift into your 10th House of Social Responsibility changes the game and gives your efforts a boost. Don’t worry if it seems like too little too late; just do the best you can considering the circumstances that are beyond your control.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
It’s hard to keep your feet on the ground today, even if you have very practical goals at first. Hopefully, you can fulfill most of your obligations before you lose focus because you won’t want to look back once your key planet Uranus tempts you to cut loose. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing the excitement of an adrenaline rush as long as your work doesn’t suffer in the process.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You might struggle to pay attention to your everyday affairs today because your imagination is running wild. Instead of perceiving things as they are, you can envision them as you wish them to be. The power of your mind is so strong now that believing is seeing. However, reality won’t necessarily support your fantasies unless you reinforce them with concrete plans that can produce tangible results.
Jeff Jawer on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology
The Moon’s entry into sociable Libra on Friday should make for a romantic weekend. However, the harmony sought in this fair-minded sign may be shaken by shocking surprises on Friday night with a lunar opposition to unpredictable Uranus. Sudden changes of plans or shifts of mood can unnerve even the coolest customer. However, those who are willing to break habits and explore alternative ways to connect with their partner or experiment with unconventional approaches in the pursuit of someone new will be rewarded.
Flexibility is a key to riding this wild wave of change without being sideswiped by unanticipated events. Getting physical by tackling challenging projects and engaging in outdoor activities are good options for tapping into the strong dose of energy delivered by the Moon’s stressful square with macho Mars on Saturday. Combining forces to take on a difficult task is safer than letting competitiveness get out of hand.
Sure, pushing hard is exciting now, but coming out on top and acting like a winner can make the other person feel like a loser. Passions increase on Sunday afternoon, when the Moon moves into formidable Scorpio. It’s not a time when teasing will be taken lightly, but the intensity serves those well who dig deeply in pursuit of emotional truth and the intimacy it often brings.
Be eagle-eyed for a good portion of today as strange cosmic forces are definitely on the prowl. You need a lot of clarity to separate reality from illusion. The Moon in Virgo enters a void uncertainty zone at 2:37AM PST and the lunar orb remains in this somewhat uncomfortable position until 10:36AM PST when the Moon enters airy Libra. During this 8-hour time-period, it is wise to complete old projects rather than launch any new enterprises. However, adding to the misery index is a frictional, 45-degree tie from the red planet Mars to far-out Neptune (3:18AM PST). Both of these celestial bodies relate to idealism, but in this abrasive combination, it is always possible that confusing and even fanatical views can enter the human kingdom on Earth. Resist the temptation to abandon logic for radical, unsound thinking while Mars and Neptune duel as a clash of the titans. The Moon’s entry into balance-loving Libra (10:36AM PST) should usually put an end to internal conflicts and interpersonal bickering. There is a real need now for creating harmony with loved ones and improving the quality of primary partnerships. Nonetheless, another potential fly in the ointment arrives as Venus makes a strident, 135-degree link with revolutionary Uranus (1:02PM PST). This Venus-Uranus contact can signify temporary shake-ups on the romantic horizon. Be on your best behavior and lend a helping hand to dear ones on the skids. A healing, soothing Moon-Chiron parallel (1:36PM PST) may be a welcome asset. Look forward to enjoying a night on the town with fun-loving pals.
Elder Tree Month
Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.
Ruis Invocation
Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.
Chant:
In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.
Witches Of The Craft® 
You must be logged in to post a comment.