Easy Yule Log Cake

(from _Sabbats_ by Edain McCoy)

1 package commercial cake mix, preferably chocolate
2 cans (24 oz.) pre-made frosting in a dark brown color
Several tubes of cake decoration frosting in green, white, and red
Several toothpicks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper. Mix the cake according to package instructions and pour a thin layer — no more than 1/4-inch thick — into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake the cake until just underdone. If you can’t tell by looking, then use the knife test. When the knife emerges not quite clean from the center of the cake, and when a light touch does not bounce back easily, it needs to come out. Check the cake at 7 minutes, and then every 2 minutes past that. DO NOT overbake or the cake will be hard to work with. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Remove the cake from the pan by lifting out the wax paper. With the dark frosting, coat the top of the cake. Carefully lift one end of the cake and begin rolling it up as if you were rolling up a map. When you are done, anchor the cake with toothpicks and let it cook 5 more minutes. Let it cool for 30 minutes, then frost it with the dark brown icing. Next take the tubes of icing and make holly and mistletoe on the top. To finish, use toothpicks to etch lines in the log. You can decorate with artificial greenery until time to eat.

BAKE A YULE LOG CAKE

CAKE

1 cup cake flour
1-1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
6 Tbl cocoa
1/3 cup boiling water
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup buttermilk

CREAM FILLING

1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

GLAZE

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup whipping cream
Confectioner’s sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

For cake, combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine cocoa, water, and vanilla, whisking until smooth. In a large bowl, cream butter and shortening. Gradually beat in the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Beginning with the butter and egg mixture, alternately beat in the flour mixture and buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Beat in cocoa mixture until smooth.

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat the remaining 2 Tbl. sugar until mixture is stiff. Fold 1/4 of the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture. Carefully fold in the remaining egg white mixture. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 15X10X1 inch foil-lined jelly roll pan. Smooth top with a spatula. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until the cake is slightly puffed and just begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cake will be underdone. Place on wire rack to cool.

For filling, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Using a knife, loosen the cake from the edges of the pan. Place a second jelly roll pan on top of the first pan and invert cake on to top of the second pan. Peel off foil. Invert cake again so it is right side up. Spread the cream filling over the cake, leaving a one-inch border around the edges of the cake. Beginning with one long edge, roll up the cake. Wrap the cake tightly with aluminum foil and freeze overnight.

For glaze, melt chocolate chips in the top of a double broiler over warm water. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat in butter and cream. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature until slightly thickened. Remove cake from freezer and unwrap. Place cake, seam side down, on a wire rack placed over wax paper. Pour the glaze over the cake — spread evenly over tops and sides. Transfer to serving platter. Use a fork to make the “bark.” Refrigerate until served. Prior to serving, sprinkle confectioner’s sugar on top to simulate snow and top with a sprig of holly.

MAKE A YULE LOG

To make a Yule Log, simply choose a dried piece of oak and decorate with burnable ribbons, evergreens, holly, and mistletoe. To make a Yule Log with candles (suitable for indoor observances when a fireplace is not available), you will need a round log at least thirteen inches long and five inches thick. Flatten the bottom of the log with a saw (preferably a power saw) by trimming off an inch or two so the log will sit without wobbling. Next determine where the three candle holes should be drilled along the top of the log. They should be evenly spaced. The size of the holes will be determined by the size candles you are using. Drill the holes 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to accommodate the candles.

The log with candles may be painted or sprayed with varnish or shellac to keep it from drying out. When the varnish is dry, insert candles and decorate it with holly, evergreens, and mistletoe. Candles may be green, red, and silver or white to represent the Oak King, the Holly King, and the Goddess; or white, red, and black to represent the Triple Goddess.

Yule Log Magick

The yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that the European pagans would set ablaze at the time of winter solstice. These bonfires symbolized the return of the Sun.

An oak log, plus a fireplace or bonfire area is needed for this form of celebration. The oak log should be very dry so that it will blaze well. On the night of Yule, carve a symbol of your hopes for the coming year into the log. Burn the log to release it’s power. It can be decorated with burnable red ribbons of natural fiber and dried holly leaves. In the fireplace or bonfire area, dried kindling should be set to facilitate the burning of the log.The Yule log can be made of any wood (Oak is traditional). Each releases its own kind of magick.

Ash –brings protection, prosperity, and health

Aspen– invokes understanding of the grand design

Birch– signifies new beginnings

Holly– inspires visions and reveals past lives

Oak– brings healing, strength, and wisdom

Pine– signifies prosperity and growth

Willow– invokes the Goddess to achieve desires

The burning of the Yule Log can easily become a family tradition. Begin by having parent(s) or some other family member describe the tradition of the Yule Log. The tale of the Oak King and Holly King from Celtic mythology can be shared as a story, or can be summarized with a statement that the Oak represents the waxing solar year, Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the Holly represents the waning solar year, Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice.

Lights are extinguished as much as possible. The family is quiet together in the darkness. Family members quietly contemplate the change in the solar year. Each in her/his own way contemplates the past calendar year, the challenges as well as the good times.

Then the Yule Log fire is lit. As it begins to burn, each family member throws in one or more dried holly sprigs and says farewell to the old calendar year. Farewells can take the form of thanksgiving and appreciation and/or a banishment of old habits or personal pains.

Once the Yule Log itself starts blazing, then the facilitator invites family members to contemplate the year ahead and the power of possibilities. Each member then throws in an oak twig or acorn into the fire to represent the year ahead, and calls out a resolution and/or a hope.

Families using a Yule Log with candles each family member can write a bad habit and/or a wish for the upcoming year on a slip of paper and burn it in the candle flame.

When this process is done, the family sings a song together. The traditional carol, “Deck the Halls,” is good because it mentions the Solstice, the change in the solar year, and the Yule Log.

Let the Yule Log burn down to a few chunks of charred wood and ashes (or candles burn down). Following an ancient tradition, save remnants of the fire and use them to start the Yule Log fire the following year.

THE YULE LOG

The Yule Log, an ancient symbol of the season, came to us from the Celts. The log, a phallic symbol, is usually cut from an Oak tree, symbolic of the god. The entire log was decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens to represent the intertwining of the god and goddess who are reunited on this Sabbat. The log was burned in the hearth or fireplace. Modern pagans also have the option of using pieces of oak small enough to be burned in the cauldron.

In modern times, another tradition has emerged since not everyone has fireplaces. Three holes are bored in the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects — maiden, mother, and crone. Normally these candles are white, red, and black in honor of this triple aspect. This log may be reused year after year, with the candles changed each year.

An ancient rhyme of unknown origin reflects the importance of the Yule Log on this Sabbat:

May the log burn,
May the wheel turn,
May evil spurn,
May the Sun return.

The ashes of the yule log or spent wax from candles are tied up in a cloth for the entire year as a charm for protection, fertility, strength, and health.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Dec. 17th – ‘Wright Brothers Day’

On ‘Wright Brothers Day’ you might think that I would advise putting an image of an airplane in the ‘Fame’ area of your main floor or office if you want reputation and rewards to take flight. But I am more inspired to share another kind of airplane Shui today. Feng Shui says that using color, sound and scent can greatly influence the environment you’re in, even if it’s at thirty thousand feet. The next time you’re traveling by plane be sure to take along something soothing and green (a small pillow or a scarf) as well as something that is music to your ears. Keep a few cotton balls drizzled with chamomile oil in a plastic baggie and sniff it whenever the need arises. Lavender acts as an antiviral and antibacterial while the chamomile calms. Up, up and Feng Shui!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Dec. 17th is 9: Small Influences

9: Small Influences

Monday, Dec 17th, 2012

A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of subtle forces grows. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.

In the ebb and flow of events, there are always ‘low tides’ — times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.

When the times are such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment, for they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.

Be wary of others’ intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.

Your Rune for December 17th is Kenaz

Your Rune For Today

Kenaz

Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

Today’s Tarot Card for December 17th is Justice

Justice

Monday, Dec 17th, 2012

Traditionally, what has been known as the Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.

Often including the image of a fulcrum which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It’s a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of Karma is represented here — what goes around comes around.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, December 17th

We may lose any sense of objectivity we have now as our blind optimism obscures troublesome facts. Although the power of positive thinking helps us overcome some obstacles, overconfidence creates more problems than it solves when mischievous Mercury opposes bombastic Jupiter today. The Moon’s shift into imaginative Pisces at 7:48 pm EST blurs fact with fancy, and her conjunction with surreal Neptune encourages us to make up our own truth.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may talk as if you’re on top of your game today, but you might be surprised when you realize the powerful effect you have on people in your immediate environment. Even if you are doing a bit of daydreaming now, consider making practical changes based on concrete experiences rather than some philosophical tangent. But don’t attempt to fix everything all at once; take one step at a time.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Powerful people at work can totally overwhelm you with their grandiose plans today. It’s apparent their ideas are misguided and they need to pay closer attention to the finer points. It may be your job now to gently remind others that even the greatest journeys are dependent on getting the details right. Instead of just saying yes, it’s crucial to tell the truth exactly as you see it. Being the messenger isn’t always easy, but someone has to do it and this time it’s you.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You might feel as if you have promised more than you can deliver today. Perhaps you have lost focus and are overcompensating by trying to accomplish too much. The simplest solution is to be honest, but you may be afraid to admit that you’re in over your head. Nevertheless, there’s no reason to pretend that you have it all together if you actually don’t. You will be better off in the long run by showing your vulnerability now and asking for help.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Fun and games sound better than hard work, but you’re not in the mood to skip out and join your friends, even if it looks like they’re having a good time. You are more likely to encourage everyone else to play while you stay behind to fulfill your obligations. It’s not that you have such an impeccable work ethic; rather, you couldn’t relax now knowing how much you have to do. Cover your bases first and then join up with your pals later.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may have to take a stand at work today; however, you might oversimplify a rather complex issue in order to make your point. There are conflicting opinions to be considered now, yet each person seems to be working with a different set of facts. Even if you believe that your solution is the most elegant, be prepared to let the group consensus override your personal position. Building trust with your community is more important than being right.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you’re often the champion of details, today it’s difficult to sustain your concentration. Even a quick phone call or short email could turn into a major project that distracts you from your goals. Every little thought opens a door to another journey of epic proportions. However, you don’t have to go on every trip that’s offered. Do yourself a favor by keeping your life as simple as possible until you’re truly ready for something new.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Normally you can avoid stress by talking out of both sides of your mouth until you muster up enough courage to begin a difficult conversation. However, today you may be eager to share your most intense desires. Your direct approach and willingness to go out on a limb could surprise others and possibly even put them off. Broach the subject slowly and wait for positive acknowledgment before going further.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may grow impatient in a relationship-oriented conversation today because the other person seems to take forever to say even the simplest thing. Maybe part of the problem is that you are sure of yourself when it comes to feelings, even if you choose to remain silent. However, once you decide to play your hand, you might dive right in. Paradoxically, you can speed things up by backing off and allowing others the time to put their emotions into words.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It may be challenging to keep your mind on your own agenda today when other people lure you into stories about their fantastic ideas. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that you are the one who is in control of your own thoughts. If you accomplish your assigned tasks first, then you’ll have adequate time later on to get lost in your dreams or go along for a ride on someone else’s.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The intensity of your co-workers may become overwhelming today, yet listening to their crazy ideas can also be a major source for growth and fun. In fact, this could be a perfect moment to participate in team sports, join a club or get active in a social cause. Even if it’s a workday, set your obligations aside for a while and make plans to enjoy the sweet company of others.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You have something important to say today, yet it seems as if you don’t have enough time to start the conversation. Activities at work may be pulling your energy away from personal matters, but it’s critical to find enough balance so you don’t ignore your home and family. Although you might not be able to tackle the entire situation all at once, begin by talking about what’s most crucial and move on from there.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It feels as if others are leaning on you today, but you may not be very emotionally available to them. Someone might want to talk about a specific issue, but your overly optimistic mood motivates you to stick with generalities. This difference of approach doesn’t need to be problematic as long as you’re willing to give a little for the sake of lasting friendship. Opening your heart is enough to invite positive change.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of December 17th

There’s a taste for adventure and a tendency toward excess this weekend with alluring Venus’ opposition to expansive Jupiter on Saturday night. It’s wise to be aware that over-indulging or over-estimating is possible; but this same joyful abandon can also give wings to our hearts, encouraging a spirit of generosity and hope heading into the holidays.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The Moon moves into your impetuous sign on Thursday, adding fire and passion to your emotions until midday on Saturday. Impatience may cause you to leap without looking or to say something that you might regret. Yet this could be the final push you need to take the initiative in connecting with someone new or to break out of predictable patterns in a current relationship. Change is risky but more desirable now than playing it safe.

Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may feel rushed later in the week with the Moon in hurry-up Aries and your sensitive 12th House of Secrets. But you should find yourself in a more comfortable position starting midday on Saturday with a lunar shift into your sensual sign. Your desire for pleasure could be off the charts with Venus, your loving ruling planet, opposing boundless Jupiter that night. Too much of a good thing might prove costly, but it can be a lot fun in the moment.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Pals bring a lot of sparkle to your personal life with the Moon’s presence in your 11th House of Groups from Thursday morning to Saturday afternoon. Try doing some new and different things with friends or volunteering with a worthy organization. Helping others could turn out to be a great way to help yourself. Saturday night amorous Venus opposes generous Jupiter in your sign, encouraging you to say more, do more and make promises that could be difficult to keep.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

The Sun’s entry into your 7th House of Partners on Friday is a time to start seeking more clarity about relationships. It’s healthy to think about what you want in your present situation or in a potential new one. You may deal with demanding individuals now, but it’s important to stand up for yourself. Still, you could feel a bit isolated this weekend until the Moon slips into cozy Taurus on Saturday afternoon, providing you with support and comfort from friends.

Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You could be in for a deliciously playful weekend. The pleasure planet Venus is hanging out in your 5th House of Romance, opposing permissive Jupiter on Saturday night. This is a sexy invitation to fun and games of an adult nature. It’s easy to love the one you’re with or someone new in this openhearted environment. You may be willing to give more than you get, but being generous is wonderful if it’s done for a person worthy of your gifts.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Put away your cost-analysis calculator this weekend because common sense isn’t worth all that much when it comes to love. There’s a holiday spirit of excess in the air that may spur some playfully irresponsible behavior. It’s healthier, and will make you happier, to surrender to the fun now rather than fighting the foolishness. If you truly don’t want to play, graciously step out of the way instead of sitting in judgment of those who are relaxing their self-restraint.

Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The excitable Aries Moon lights up your 7th House of Partners from Thursday morning to Saturday afternoon. This fiery energy can provoke excitement, some of it sexy, some of it feisty, but all of it bound to keep you on your toes. It is difficult to reason with unreasonable people so don’t exhaust yourself engaging in endless debates with them. Saturday night, though, can be lots of fun if you don’t take yourself or anyone else very seriously.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

A lunar transit into earthy Taurus and your 7th House of Others on Saturday is likely to attract some delightful companionship. It’s vital, though, to let go of the past so that you fully enjoy the present. There’s a party going on that night and you can choose to close your eyes to the raucous atmosphere or give up your grievances to dive in with passionate enthusiasm. The pleasure may be fleeting, but the joy you experience will be well worth the ride.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Saturday night could be very special with sexy Venus in your outgoing sign opposing your lucky ruling planet Jupiter. Your hunger for pleasure increases your appetite for fun but that’s no reason to stop enjoying yourself. Just remember that a little bit of self-control can go a long way toward helping you to avoid major mistakes. Pushing the limits in relationships might feel thrilling, as long as you don’t cross a line now that you will regret later on.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You tend to work hard and play hard, but it’s definitely the pleasure side that wins this weekend. The spotlight is on you once the Sun shifts into your ambitious sign on Friday morning. But the Moon moves into sensual Taurus and your 5th House of Romance on Saturday afternoon, which is an invitation to set responsibilities aside. If you’ve been overly restrained in your behavior lately, the holiday spirit could carry you beyond the bounds of reason. If you’re going to act a little wild and crazy, just make sure to do it in a safe place with people you can trust.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You could feel like you’re the ringmaster of a crazy circus this weekend. Planets are popping Saturday night while you might be feeling more responsible for others than usual. It doesn’t help that the Moon is in your 10th House of Obligation while everyone else wants to party. Maybe you get to be the designated driver or need to act as the sane adult managing your wild friends. If you handle the job graciously, great; but if you are just going to complain, you should consider staying away from the action, altogether.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Saturday afternoon is a good time for an emotional conversation, now that the Moon is in realistic but gentle Taurus and your 3rd House of Communication. If you’re in a relationship, putting it on solid ground frees both of you to relax and enjoy the evening. If you’re single, a discussion with a reliable person helps you clarify your values and your needs. Then you can let go of long-term personal ambitions to enjoy the freedom of a guiltless Saturday night.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 17th

You may as well get going early today with the favorable universal winds of lunar Aquarius at your beck and call. A subtle, 30-degree link between Mercury and distant Pluto (2:26AM PST) is good for reading, writing and research. The Moon approaching a supportive, 60-degree liaison with the Sun (forming exactly at 10:13AM PST) is a general boost for accomplishing key morning tasks. However, once the aspect is precise, a void-of-course lunar uncertainty zone is established for the next 6+ hours until 4:49PM PST and the arrival of Pisces Moon. You may be able to dot a few i’s and cross a few t’s in your business wheeling-and-dealing during the void limbo time-span since Mercury makes its annual opposition to Jupiter (11:23AM PST). Nevertheless, keep in mind that Mercury-Jupiter as a polarity can heighten tensions on the communication and transportation fronts. Just after the Moon’s entry into usually psychic and imaginative Pisces (4:49PM PST), your interest can grow in meditation, affirmations and visualization exercises as the Moon forms its monthly union with Neptune (6:08PM PST). Learn more about UFOs, ETs, pyramid power, ancient ruins, the Mayan civilization, astronomy and astrology as the Sun makes its annual union with the heart center of our galaxy. Dance the night away with an eager partner under the blissful sounds of psychically tuned-in Pisces.

The Astrology of 2012: The End of Days?

Get ready for a cosmic call to action in 2013

by Rick Levine

Are you scared? Don’t be! As we approach the infamous date of the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, fear continues to mount that it really is the end of days. But fortunately we’re here to set the record straight about that.

Countless books are now available that describe a Doomsday scenario, and of course Sony Pictures already released the John Cusack movie 2012 years ago, the major motion picture with a promotional website called “whowillsurvive2012.com.” As Sony stated in its film promotion, “Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists and governments. 2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells the heroic struggle of the survivors.”

The good news is that the world will not really end in 2012, although you don’t need to be an astrologer to see how quickly things are changing. You can get key dates and prediction for the year ahead with a Big Picture Yearly Astrology Forecast, but whatever big changes are coming, you can trust we will still be here.

Civilization as we know it seems to be in a precarious situation, with growing political unrest and financial stresses warning us that we are repeating epic mistakes from our own cultural history. For example, we have just witnessed the sharpest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Differences in political ideologies and spiritual beliefs continue to fuel increasingly destructive wars and unrest across the Middle East. Environmental threats make our water and food supplies more and more scarce; meanwhile, we are powering our world with a diminishing reserve of oil and others resources. So it’s no surprise that so many people — experts and laymen alike — are predicting that the fabric of our entire society is dangerously at risk.

Nothing to fear but fear itself

But if you look to the skies, you’ll see there’s nothing to fear on that notorious day in 2012. Astrologers watch the cycles of the Sun, Moon and planets to understand the changing nature of time and to put these shifts into historical perspective. For example, we had a dose of culture-wide panic at the threshold of this century. The start of the year 2000 — or “Y2K” — was as an apocalyptic date; some predicted that it would be the beginning of the “end times.” But astrologers could see then that there were no planetary alignments significant enough to warrant this kind of fear.

2012 is different — there are significant astrological factors that indicate these are truly significant times. But let’s clear one thing up right away: there won’t be a cataclysmic event on December 21, 2012. It’s been claimed that on this first day of winter, the Sun will line up perfectly with the center of the Milky Way Galaxy and that this will confirm the ancient Mayan prophecies. In other words, many claim that the Sun’s change of position will mark the end of time. But there is a scientific problem with this reasoning: The Sun’s alignment to the galactic center on Winter Solstice moves at the rate of one degree every 72 years! Therefore, this cosmic event is so slow-moving that it lasts more than a decade.

As astrologers track the cycles of planets, they pay special attention to the lunation cycle, which is the monthly flow of New Moons and Full Moons. This is how they are able predict the impact these movements will have on the personal and emotional cycles of our daily lives. Meanwhile, astrologers also track the activities of the slower-moving outer planets (the ones with the longest orbits), which create their own rhythms and are more closely related to large historical cycles.

For example, Uranus symbolizes sudden changes that release explosive energy, which is why astrologers refer to it as “The Great Awakener.” Pluto symbolizes total metamorphosis. The deep transformation that’s associated with mysterious Pluto is dramatic and complete, like a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly, which is why the profound cultural shifts of the 1960s corresponded with a conjunction between surprising Uranus and passionate Pluto in 1965-1966.

In the summer of 2012, these two planetary harbingers of change will come into a hard 90-degree alignment — their first since the mid-1960s. This dynamic angle between lightning-like Uranus and intense Pluto recurs seven times from June 24, 2012 through March 16, 2015. This is the period of upheaval we should be looking at, rather than focusing on a single day in 2012.

A great awakening

From an astrological perspective, we don’t have to wait until 2012 for the action to begin, because we are already in a time of profound change, not unlike the 1960s. Now, however, we communicate in ways that are far more revolutionary, due to our constant interconnection via cell phone, email, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and numerous other social networks. There are new political opportunities for disenfranchised people all over the world to connect with one another, which may explain Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to the Whitehouse over the fearful cries of the old-school American political machine. It is this factor — our ability to communicate more quickly and openly — that will prevent the end of the world.

Astrology is not about predicting fated events; it’s about being aware of cosmic movements so we can get our timing right to make positive changes. The Astrology of 2012 is not about announcing the end of the world. Rather, it’s a call to action. Each and every one of us has a job to do, because as the great psychologist Carl Jung said, “The salvation of the world depends upon the salvation of the individuals living in it.”

Some of us may play larger roles in the current changes by getting involved in community, national or global politics. But each of us adds to the total picture when we live our individual lives responsibly. Astrology reminds us that there is no time to waste — we are each an agent of change and each of us can impact the big picture by replacing doubt with courage, and by conquering fear with love.

In other words, this is truly the time to “think globally and act locally.”

Calendar of the Sun for December 17th

Calendar of the Sun

17 Yulmonath

Saturnalia Day 1: Day of Saturn

Colors: Black and Brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of black place a clock, a sundial, coins, a bowl of earth from the garden, farm tools, eight brown candles, a cup of strong tea, and the figure of a seated man, wrapped in chains.
Offerings: Discipline something in your life.
Daily Meal: Fasting till after Hesperis.

Invocation to Saturn

Hail to the Lord of Discipline,
Saturn bound in chains.
Hail to the Old Man of Time
With your fearsome sickle,
Lord of the Hourglass, the Sundial,
All that places restrictions on the bright,
The beautiful, the free and easy.
Hail Lord of Rules, Patron of Farmers
Who must live by the unrelenting cycle of the year,
Sowing and reaping whether they will or no.
Many fear you, Old Grandfather
Who insists that your grandchildren
Eat their vegetables and remain polite at table.
Great Sensei of the Dojo of Hard Knocks,
We know that you want us to succeed,
But the world outside is a hard place
Filled with troubles, and you will not
Turn us out without making certain we are ready,
Even if that means a hard testing
Over and over, until you are certain of us.
You have learned to live in chains
And learned that boundaries are a valuable thing.
Hail Lord of Limitations! Teach us,
Your unworthy and foolish students,
How to discipline our unruly souls,
And how to appreciate your gift of knowing our limits.

Chant: Saturnus Saturnus Accidia

(The tea is passed around, and each names the limits on them, consensual or no, and thanks Saturn. The rest of the tea is poured out as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

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Day: December 17, 2012

Easy Yule Log Cake