Valentine’s Day: Another Kind of Love

Valentine’s Day: Another Kind of Love

Spread love to everyone during this Aquarian holiday

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of love, insight, blogs, astrology

Valentine’s Day is Thursday, February 14. The holiday that celebrates romantic love seems to have nothing to do with the saint for which it was named. Its association with amour began in the 14th Century, about 1000 years after the death of St. Valentine. Although it’s a great way to sell chocolate and flowers and, hopefully, to open hearts, the astrological association with the holiday is almost as strange as its connection with a martyred priest.

The Sun is always in Aquarius on February 14. This is the sign of the Water Bearer but it’s not a sentimental Water sign. Aquarius is an Air sign characterized more by the head than the heart. Aquarius is about friendship, community and collective ideals rather than couples. It tends to be chilly, using the intellect to step back from the messy world of feelings to achieve understanding with the mind. Aquarian love is universal rather than personal and usually needs some emotional breathing space and independence to counter the confinement of intimacy.

Valentine’s Day, like Aquarius, is more about an idea than about reality. Its origins in the 14th Century reflect the romanticism of the Middle Ages … which was a model for spiritual rather than erotic love. (Robert Johnson’s book “We” is a good source of information on this subject.) Romantic yearning represented a desire for a divine connection, not personal pleasure. The partner was a symbol for God and the desire to experience sacred union. This model comes closer to Aquarius because it’s an ideal instead of a physical reality.

A higher plane of love

But the myth of romance has permeated culture for so many centuries that we’ve lost sight of its higher meaning. The unspoken expectation of becoming complete within a relationship is bound to produce disappointment. While personal love can be a delicious affirmation of our desirability, and intimacy serves as a bulwark against isolation, human partnerships usually fall short of our highest hopes. The familial, emotional, physical and financial connections we share within them have their divine moments but cannot confer immortality or answer life’s biggest metaphysical questions.

Romantic love comes with strings attached. Desire, jealousy, conflicting values and contrasting tastes are tests for even the most harmonious couples. Chocolate, flowers, champagne, a good dinner and great sex go a long way to erasing the illusion of our separateness but cannot eliminate it entirely. And depending on one person as the source of love is not an Aquarian formula for fulfillment … being part of a community is.

The sign of self-less love

One connection Aquarius has with romantic love is its opposition to Leo. The Lion is the sign of the heart and represents the personal experience of amour. It’s the rising of excitement we feel in the chest when someone arouses our feelings. It is the expression of affection that flatters others and warms ourselves. Yet if Leo is the heart, Aquarius is the circulatory system. The Water Bearer distributes, which is an important message about another kind of love. It is the love of humanity, called “agape” by the Greeks.

Agape aligns with Aquarius’ community consciousness and represents a less personal but equally noble expression of the human heart. Giving to others without expecting anything return is generosity of the highest order. It is a reminder that a truly Aquarian Valentine’s Day gift would be a contribution to a charity or acting as a volunteer for an organization. We can still give our chocolates and flowers for personal romance but contributing to people in other ways will make this day of love even more complete.

Single on Valentine’s Day? No Worries

Single on Valentine’s Day? No Worries

Celebrate yourself on this day of love

Sally Philips   Sally Philips on the topics of valentines day, love, astrology
Have you been dreading Valentine’s Day? Well, get over it! Cupid wants you to celebrate love in all of its manifestations, not just the romantic variety. As a single person, you have energy for loving friendships (which you might not have time for if you were part of a couple), so you have much to be grateful for.

Here are some tips for how each zodiac sign can use Valentine’s Day to affirm that a partner isn’t necessary when it comes to celebrating love — and a few suggestions for attracting a date as well!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

If you’re single and loving it, more power to you … but if want to find a partner, try making this holiday your Valentine’s New Year. Write resolutions about new ways you can reach out while having fun in the coming year. Get psyched up and create a positive attitude. The world is your romantic oyster!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You could use some pampering on this special day, so take yourself to a spa to enjoy a head-to-toe beauty treatment, massage or soak in a hot tub. Be your own best date by treating yourself to whatever sensual delights tickle your fancy. Invite a close friend along and indulge together.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

If you get the urge to call your friends and whine about your single status, go ahead. Get chatty and vent all you want … but whatever you do, resist the temptation to ring up your ex or that hottie you’ve got your eye on. Wait for another day to make those calls, when your emotions aren’t so volatile.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You’re one of the world’s biggest romantics, so don’t let being single stop you from celebrating love. Arrange a gift or card exchange in your circle of friends and invite them over for a Valentine’s party. Bake cookies and deck out the house in red hearts and candlelight. Declare a toast to the loving friendships that sustain you.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Okay, Leo, you may not have a date this year, but you can still spread some cheer. Offer to babysit your friends’ kids. Parents of young children often have trouble finding time for romance in their busy lives, so help them out. You won’t be alone, and you’ll have fun playing with their kiddos.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

This is going to sound crazy, but this might be the perfect day to clean and reorganize your space. De-cluttering improves Feng Shui, which creates chi (vital energy) that can help attract more magic into your life. If you’re looking for a relationship, enhance the southwest sector of your bedroom with gemstones, crystals and candles.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Being single isn’t easy for you, Libra. If you’re feeling sorry for yourself, here’s a sure-fire way to cheer up: help someone less fortunate than yourself. Seniors are often lonely, and not just on Valentine’s Day, so see if you can volunteer at a senior center in your neighborhood. Or, look for a church or non-profit group that could use your help.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

You love intrigue and the little white lies behind it, so find an online florist and order a bouquet of flowers to be sent to you at your workplace. Or have a local candy store deliver a big box of chocolates. Sign the card “From Your Secret Admirer.” The water cooler gossip will keep you amused all day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Recharge your batteries by taking a short trip. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just getting on a bus and heading to some new part of town can do the trick. Or, try this with a friend: get in your car, start driving, toss a coin at every corner and turn left (for tails) or right (for heads) accordingly. After a few tosses, have dinner wherever you end up.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You’ve already got a handle on creating attractive energy that draws people to you. Your flair for success is irresistible. Now’s a great time to share some of the fruits of that success by treating your friends to a special event. Look for a movie, concert, comedy club or theater production you know they will enjoy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Okay, so you’ve figured out that Valentine’s Day is a plot by flower shops and greeting card companies to bump up their post-Christmas sales. If you’re part of this “bah humbug” group, gather your like-minded friends and have a Valentine’s Scrooge party. Give a prize to the guest who brings the snarkiest card.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Today is the day to amplify the compassionate traits you are known and loved for. Reach out to a friend or family member who needs an open ear. As you listen, offer your support and help them find their way back to a more cosmic perspective. This comes naturally to you, but it isn’t always so easy for others.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 13th

A feeling of enthusiasm resurfaces today and we’re ready for something new now that the Moon is back in enterprising Aries. There’s a touch of anticipation in the air that encourages us to express our need for independence. Thankfully, we may have plenty of energy that will come in handy when we’re faced with emotional stress as the combative Aries Moon joins rebellious Uranus early in the day and squares ruthless Pluto later in the afternoon.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The Moon’s return to your sign infuses your day with emotional intensity. It may be wise to slow down because you tend to overreact to nearly everything that happens now. It’s as if the volume is turned up on a song that you can’t get out of your head. Nevertheless, strive to be gentle as you continue to stir up changes in your world.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Although you might lack clarity about your current role in the community, there are important interactions happening now that are just beyond your perceptions. It’s important to learn whatever you can about the hidden dynamics, for what you don’t know could have a negative impact on you. Fortunately, as you gather more information, you’ll have more positive options from which to choose.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your social life might be racing ahead in your thoughts, but the current circumstances of your life can’t catch up to your big ideas. Ultimately, you can get what you want, but you must proceed with caution today. However, don’t overreact and stop your forward movement entirely. Instead, imagine that there are yellow lights at each emotional intersection. Slowing down now could prevent you from having to clean up a messy accident down the road.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You are receiving strong cosmic signals that are pushing you forward, possibly creating anxiety in the process. A current relationship may be exerting pressure that requires you to balance your need for security with the expectations that other people place on you. Unfortunately, retreating to an emotionally safe place isn’t your best strategy today. Instead, face your resistance and take the next step forward. Breaking through your fears can be an exhilarating experience and just the catalyst for change you need.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although you’re not afraid to stick to your perspective even if everyone else disagrees, you still have a lot to learn now by listening to their opinions. It really doesn’t matter that your mind is already made up. Your argument isn’t with anyone else; it’s with your own inner voice telling you that you know better. Soften your position and let go of your need to control everything. Demonstrating that you’re a team player makes it easier to maintain your integrity in the long run.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s becoming easier to collaborate with others, even if their work habits clash with yours. You may even be excited about the idea of adopting a different style. Stay open to new ways of doing the same old things, for this flexibility might just provide you with the nudge you need. Whatever has become stale is fair game for revitalization today.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You might not have the final say in what you do today because unexpected circumstances demand quick reactions. Whatever unfolds around you has an immediate impact on your plans and could change your agenda. You can choose to be frustrated or consciously open your mind and let go of control. Take the external events in stride and enjoy yourself in spite of your previous expectations.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You have so many chores to do today that you may feel scattered if you try to do them all. Be smart; make a list and then start at the top. Consciously block out anything that isn’t specifically aligned with the immediate task at hand. Stay focused on what’s directly in front of you, and don’t start the next item on your list until you have completed the current one. A methodical approach helps you to overcome your lack of concentration and enables you to get everything done.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your current restlessness won’t likely cause you too much worry today. You’re quite familiar with experiencing bouts of wanderlust, allowing you to take your current fantasies of magical adventures in stride. Unfortunately, this may not be a sensible time to head out on a journey. Let your current impulse pass as a good idea that doesn’t need to materialize yet. You’ll get your chance to live out your dreams soon enough.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Life may present you with a problem that seems more like a puzzle to you today. Practicing what Zen philosophy calls “Beginner’s Mind” can be of great service in your search for a viable solution. If you become prematurely certain about the path to success, no amount of work will bring you satisfaction. However, treating the dilemma like a game frees your imagination to grasp the facts and allows you to come up with a brilliant answer.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The idea of shaking up your daily routine is exciting, but you may be content to just contemplate the concept without taking any action today. Fortunately, you’re committed to finding the most effective strategy to work within the current restraints. Seek ways to become more independent through the use of your rational skills. For now, your incisive thinking is the best tool you have at your disposal.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

An unexpected situation may require you to focus on your finances today. This could take you beyond simply balancing your checkbook or paying a few bills. You must decide how you are going to build on what you have and move into the future. It’s time to be practical about money; just remember that you can be responsible without overreacting. Don’t turn a molehill into a mountain while simply putting things in order.

Calendar of the Moon for February 13th

Calendar of the Moon

 

 

13 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 3: Khutroi

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth set a great jug of water, the ship of Dionysos, a wreath of grapevines, nine , and a cauldron in which are many beans.
Offerings: Food. Feed people in the community.
Daily Meal: Beans and lentils and rice. Grains cooked with honey. Only water to drink today. A great meal should be , and many people from outside the community should be invited, especially those who are in need. If there is not room, the meal may be cooked and taken to the appropriate shelter or soup kitchen.

Khutroi Invocation

After the joy of the vine,
We come to water and work.
Water of , which washed away
Our ancestors, may you give us
Only aid, and may we not see
Your terrible aspect, drowning the millions.
Work of the world, the greatest of which
Is the giving of sustenance to those who have none.
As we come to a better understanding
Of what it is to be past childhood,
After the day of joy and mirth
We come to the threshold
Of work and toil for the good of others.
For this is truly the mark
That we have passed youth and innocence:
When we realize the Fate does not
Take care of everyone, including we ourselves,
And that we must stand in for Fate
And alter the order of the world,
Giving of ourselves that others may survive,
And thus become Fate.
On this the Day of Pots
We open our cooking fires
To the rest of the world.

(All depart and proceed to the kitchen, where the meal is prepared in silence, with all meditating upon the effort that it will take to feed all that they can, and what that means to one’s understanding of oneself as a mature being connected to the web of life.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for February 13th

Calendar of the Sun

 
13 Solmonath

Parentalia

Color: Blood-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Set with a red cloth, and unlit red candles, and symbols of Mother and Father.
Offerings: Written words of thanks for one’s childhood. Be a parental mentor to someone young.
Daily Meal: Soups or stews, and bread.

Parentalia Invocation

Perhaps you gave us life,
Sowed our seed, gifted us with
Your chromosomes and genes.
Perhaps you birthed us
Or were there to greet us
As we entered the world.
Perhaps you fed us, cleaned us,
Held us when we cried,
Sang us to sleep, taught us
Many skills, or perhaps
You merely led by example.
Perhaps you were tied to us by
Or by marriage, or simply came
Into our lives when it was needed.
Perhaps you were a parent to our bodies,
Or to our minds, or to our hearts,
Or to our souls.
However it was, you were there,
And we are grateful,
For the flame you kindled
Has warmed us ever since,
And we will pass it on.

(Each steps forward,  a candle, and speaks the name of a parent, or one who has parented them, and everyone else calls it back to them, as in “I honor Maria, my stepmother who taught me to read!” “We honor Maria!” The next person lights their candle from the last one, until the ritual is over. At the end, all chant in two-part harmony the names they have spoken.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Witches Moon Phase for Feb. 13th – Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/24% illumination)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

The Witches Spell for Wednesday, Feb. 13th – Love Spell number 9

7rf%20W%2013

The Witches Spell for Wednesday, February 13th

Love Spell number 9

“Uniting Ladder” — a love binding spell for a new love, or to have an old love return to you.

Items Needed:

A string or thread from the target’s clothing about 9 (or preferably more) inches long.

A string from your clothing of the same length A Red Candle (any type)

A tall red taper candle

A drop of the person’s scent (this would be their favorite cologne/perfume, after shave, shampoo, whatever they smell like the most)

Dried rose petals

Vanilla extract, about 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce)

A rose quartz (washed in hot soapy water and rinsed well)

1 ounce of rum

2 cups of fresh water (spring water, rainwater, collected dew, and distilled water, whatever you prefer)

Salt (any type)

Incense (any type but musk or vanilla are appropriate)

Glass phial or bottle

Maintain focus on your target coming to you in love during the entire working and as often as you can until the spell is fulfilled.

Potion Preparation: Bring the fresh water to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn down the heat very low so the mixture stays warm but does not boil. Add the rose petals while saying:

‘Dancing on the wind I go,

To aid ________’s love to flow

His/her love will now fully bloom

His/her desire for me will come soon!’

Reconfirm your focus of the target loving you and coming to you. Add the vanilla extract while saying:

‘Sweet charm, not meant to harm,

Evoke his/her desire to take my arm.

Deep within him/her I summon it,

To come to me as I see fit!’

Reconfirm your focus; remove the mixture from the stove. Add a pinch of salt while saying:

‘No one may interfere magickally,

This spell can only be undone by me.’

Reconfirm your focus; add the ounce of rum while saying:

‘Drunk with love he/she will come to me,

No other love will he/she see.

Our love will grow in purity,

And once it is true, this spell is set free.’

Let the mixture cool and put it in a nice glass bottle with the rose quartz. This should be a bottle that has an appealing shape and is worthy of containing such a potion. (Do not use a bottle that used to contain something strong smelling like cologne) Now comes the actual spell casting, so far you have completed the potion, which is an ingredient of the actual spell.

Timing: This part of the working should start about 15 minutes before sunrise on a Friday. It should be concluded by 1 hour after sunrise so make sure you know it from start to finish in your mind. Check the almanac (on the links page) or your local weather station for exact sunrise times.

Begin: Clear an open area that you can work in and are comfortable in, this should be approximately a 6-foot diameter space. You should not feel cramped. Find some sort of table with at least 1-foot of top surface space. Place the table in the center of the area you have cleared and assemble the two candles, the strings, the potion, a bowl of salt, incense, target’s scent (cologne, etc)

Armed with the salt and starting in the north of your working area, cast a circle by making a salt circle. Cast is clockwise (deosil) while saying:

‘I cast this circle to protect me from bane.

I cast this circle to contain my energy until it is open.

The circle is strong and will hold true.’

Light the red candle and facing south say:

‘Burning passion and desire,

Arise in _______ like a burning fire!’

Place the candle on the table, pick up the taper candle and anoint it with the target’s scent. With the cologne or whatever on your index finger, start in the middle of the candle and move down. Go all around the candles bottom half-only rubbing in downward strokes. Now start in the middle again and rub up to the wick all around the candle only in upward strokes. Focus on your target coming to you in love.

Take both strings, hold them together and tie a knot at one end while focusing and saying:

‘I bind this knot and bring _____ ‘s love.’

Tie another knot at the opposite end of the parallel strings while saying:

‘I bind this knot and bring ______’s desire.’

Tie another knot near the first one on the opposite side:

‘I bind this knot and bring ______’s faithfulness.’

Tie another knot next to the second one you tied:

‘I bind ______’s love to me.’

Another next to the third one you tied:

‘Come to me, so mote it be!’

Wrap the cord around the anointed taper at the base and light it while saying:

‘The fire of love burns in his heart!’

Light the incense while saying:

‘This smoke does hereby evoke,

His commitment to me that he cannot revoke!’

Sit and focus on your goal, you may wish to chant the following:

‘________ to me, so mote it be.’

After a few minutes, pick up the red candle and let three drops of wax fall on the bottle of potion (not in it, just on the lid or glass) and say:

‘This spell is sealed!’

Put down the candle, remove the knotted cord, open the potion and dip the cord into it once while saying:

‘I infuse this cord,

The spell is stored.

So long as knots remain,

His/her love for me will never wane.’

Recap the potion and hold it above the incense so that smoke surrounds it. Turn it so the smoke reaches all sides and say:

‘This smoke seals his love for me!’

Repeat the ‘smudging’ with incense for the knotted core and say:

‘His love is bound!’

Place all items back on the table and go around the circle counterclockwise (widdershins) while saying:

‘The circle is open,

The spell is released.

His/her love for me,

Will never cease!’

Take the potion outside so that sunlight will infuse it. Set it in the sun for as long as remains of the hour past sunrise. Take the potion in and store it in a safe space. Each day place a drop of the potion on your forehead, each breast and your groin area (4 drops total) carry the cord with you at all times and keep it near you when you sleep. Do not let anyone else see it. You can optionally store the cord in a safe space. Whenever the opportunity arises, sneak a FEW, 3 is best, drops of the potion is food or drink that your target will consume.

This will work, but when is hard to determine as it depends on many factors, among them, your personal power and confidence, timing, the target’s will, etc.

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, February 13th

7rf%20W%2013

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, February 13th

 

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, February 13th

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, February 13th

*Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.*

Ash Wednesday

Waxing Moon

*The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.*

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

*Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to argumentative and assertive.*

Incense: Lavender

Color: Yellow

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

                                                                                             —–Albert Einstein

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.”

                                                                                              —–Albert Einstein

February 13th is best for…..

Cut Firewood, Cut Hair to Increase Growth, Mow to Increase Growth, Castrate Farm Animals, Dig Holes, Wean, Potty Train, Wax Floors, Get Married, Start Diet to Gain Weight

Gardening Calendar

February 12th – February 13th

Plant Peppers, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Other Aboveground Crops in Southern Florida, California and Texas. Extra Good for Cucumbers, Peas, Cantaloupes and Other Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.

Fishing Calendar

February 13th             Fishing Best in the Evening

Current Moon Astrological Phase & It’s Association with the Body

February 13th          Pisces “Fishes”             Sign in the Feet

Philosofact

“If you can’t see the bright side, polish the dull side.”

More Wednesday Comments