Day: October 17, 2013

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, October 17th

We may believe that nearly anything is possible today, but we could run into a host of problems along our path. Although the enterprising Aries Moon encourages us to act on our intuition, there are unforeseen bumps in the road, anyhow. The Moon’s alignments with domineering Pluto and disruptive Uranus indicate complex emotional entanglements that can delay gratification. We might still feel dissatisfied even if we ultimately get what we want.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It could feel as if your whole life is renewing itself and you are quite eager to embrace the future. Your enthusiasm may get you started on your path but, unfortunately, it won’t be enough to ensure that you reach your destination. But dreaming about it is just the first step; you need to walk your talk to make things happen. Add a dose of determination, though, and you just might accomplish the goals you are now setting.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone may ask more of you than you can give today, which tempts you to go into hiding to avoid confrontation. It’s crucial, though, to meet the current challenges head on without ignoring the role your consistency plays in keeping everyone else on track. The good news is that you don’t have to carry the whole burden upon your shoulders. Others are more than happy to pitch in and help when you need it.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You’re more productive today if you can be part of a group, rather than having to work by yourself. Paradoxically, you may also feel relief when you are finally alone. Acknowledge the conflict between your need to connect with others and the more subtle benefits you receive from solitude. Don’t choose one over the other; allocate time for both

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Your tendency to care for others may stand in the way of your own personal ambitions today. Paying close attention to what each person requires at work could clear a path for you to become a star, even if you merely play a supporting role. Don’t be concerned about temporarily losing sight of your own goals; they will still be there when you finish with your current obligations. Your willingness to nurture others casts you in a favorable light.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Keeping your mind focused on your immediate tasks is a challenge today, especially if you are very busy. Your confidence continues to grow and your daydreams might even be work-related. Unfortunately, they won’t likely make you any more efficient on the job. Still, as you contemplate how to escape current responsibilities, remember that your increased effort now should provide you with greater freedom later on

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You like the idea of doing something different at work today or even enrolling in a whole new course of study. You might want to consider a field that allows you to discover hidden mysteries or explore uncharted relationship dynamics. Don’t worry about applying your current interest to your career. This is more about personal growth and the immediate connection to your job may not be apparent at this time. Follow your bliss and see where it leads.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Everyone seems to stir up too much unneeded excitement in your life now by offering you one too many points of view. Although this information may not support your old perspective, you are eager to see where it takes you. A bit of common sense goes a long way today. Don’t change your mind too quickly; instead allow the transition to unfold at its own pace.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You bring a renewed vigor to your job and are anticipating what you can tackle at work today. You feel refreshed, as if your emotional batteries have been recharged. But don’t let your enthusiasm run off with all your good intentions. Be careful, for apologies might not be enough to undo a broken promise if you overcommit your time. Make the most of your momentum while you have the chance to gain real progress.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although it’s a work day for many, you are already dreaming about the weekend. Unfortunately, you probably have too much to do, even before adding recreational activities to your hectic calendar. In this same situation others might decline a social engagement, but not you. Somehow you think you’ll find the time and energy to fit it all in. Stop and get some much-needed rest; remember it’s not healthy to burn the candle at both ends.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Consider your ideas twice before you just blurt out what you’re thinking since impulsive expressions complicate nearly any situation today. You may not actually mean what you say; it’s just your way of blowing off pent-up feelings. But someone could interpret your words more seriously than you intend. If it’s really important, you might be better off waiting a few days until you’ve taken time to solidify your position and develop your plan.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

A heightened pace of activities, along with the many distractions and disruptions that come your way, doesn’t make your life any easier to manage today. You needn’t be afraid of taking a stand and establishing territorial limits. Normally, you might prefer to go along with the changes throughout the day, but now you gain more by remaining grounded and focused. Establish clear priorities and keep calm no matter what happens.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your life could settle down enough now to get your personal responsibilities under control. Perhaps you’ve been remiss in meeting your obligations, but today you are driven by more practical concerns. Forget the idle fantasies and sentimental journeys. Taking direct action — not dreaming about it — will bring you face to face with the happiness you seek.

Hunter’s Moon 2013 and its Lunar Eclipse: What You Need to Know

Hunter’s Moon 2013 and its Lunar Eclipse: What You Need to Know

By Michele Berger

It’s that time again, time for another full moon. The one that falls directly after the Harvest Moon (which was Sept. 19) is called the Hunter’s Moon, and it happens this Friday night, Oct. 18. The best time to view it is 7:38 p.m. Eastern — though of course it shines brightly all night long.

Plus, there’s a lunar eclipse happening, too. It’s subtle, however, not a total eclipse but what’s called a penumbral eclipse, when the Earth’s outer shadow partially covers the lunar being. “You might see a little darkening. It happens very gradually. It’s not like a snap of the fingers,” Jim O’Leary, senior scientist at the Maryland Science Center, told Weather.com. That event begins around 5:50 p.m. eastern, peaks around at 7:50 p.m. and ends around 9:50 p.m., he added.

The total package should make for some pleasant sky gazing of this cool moon.

Its name — one of several catchy monikers including the Blood Moon and the Sanguine Moon — reputedly comes from those who used the light to their advantage, according to Science@NASA. “Hunters … tracked and killed their prey by autumn moonlight, stockpiling food for the winter ahead,” writes NASA’s Tony Phillips. “You can picture them: Silent figures padding through the forest, the moon overhead, pale as a corpse, its cold light betraying the creatures of the wood.”

Chinese lore also describes this moon as the Kindly Moon, reports the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, and the Lakota Sioux called it the Moon When Quilling and Beading Were Done.

The Hunter’s Moon isn’t just any full moon. Like with other moons this time of year, its path — called an ecliptic — is shallow. That means for several nights in a row, the moon sits farther north on the horizon, according to EarthSky. “It’s this northward movement of the moon along the eastern horizon at moonrise,” EarthSky writes, “that gives the Hunter’s Moon its magic.”

Typically this time of year, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. Say it appeared in the night sky at 7:00 p.m. today, tomorrow it would show up around 7:50 p.m. For several days around the Hunter’s Moon, however, it only rises 30 to 35 minutes later. (In that same example, it would emerge at 7:00 p.m. tonight, 7:30 p.m. the next.)

Why does this matter? Well, if you lived at a time when you needed the moonlight to harvest and hunt by, it clearly did. “The light of moon allowed farmers to harvest their crops later into the night,” O’Leary said of the September Harvest Moon. By the Hunter’s Moon in October, “it’s time to go hunting for Thanksgiving and the fall. The prey is easier to find. Rather than the moon being up in the sky an hour or two after sunset, it’s up in the sky sooner…. There’s less of a period of darkness.”

So go out and enjoy. But be warned: “While you’re staring at the sky, you might hear footsteps among the trees, the twang of a bow, a desperate scurry to shelter,” NASA’s Phillips writes. “That’s just your imagination.”

The Weather Channel

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 17th

The two days prior to any Full Moon can be considered a time-period of preparation for the enlightening vibrations about to descend from the higher planes of being. Flashes of genius can keep you busy as the Moon makes its monthly union with Uranus in Aries (12:02PM). On the other hand, this conjunction can also cause a temporary shock to the system or immerse you in a wave of surprise and uncertainty.  Adding to the potentially topsy-turvy conditions are a frictional, 135-degree tie from the Sun to Chiron (1:17PM) followed by an intense parallel between Mercury and Pluto (1:36PM). Try to tweak these two aspects into providing you with a healing touch and in-depth insights across the board.  Meanwhile, coming to your rescue is a flowing trine of 120-degrees between the Moon and Venus (1:56PM). Romantic bonds, social activities and the creative arts all benefit from this harmonious sky pattern. Continue taking advantage of this lunar rapport with the traditional planet of love and beauty as the evening hours look promising for soulful interactions with dear ones. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for October 17th

Calendar of the Moon

Ivy Month

Colors: Light blue and dark green
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of dark green lay pots of ivy twined up around posts of gold with suns, three blue candles, a vine-painted chalice of water, and a feather fan.
Offerings: Pray for enlightenment, and to be lifted up.
Daily Meal: Sheep, goat, or vegetarian using the fruits of the local harvests.

Gort Invocation

Call: Hail the month of the Ivy!
Response: Hail the month of twining for the sky!
Call: Where the vine yielded forth the blood of the earth…
Response: The ivy yields up the winds of the sky!
Call: Where the vine dulls the mind with happiness…
Response: The ivy opens the mind with terror and light!
Call: Hail to the chains of the Maenads!
Response: Hail to Dionysos and his torrent of madness!
Call: Hail to the Lady that mates with the Oak!
Response: She has entwined him, she has wrapped her limbs about him!
Call: Even his great strength is not enough to stay her!
Response: She shows that not all strength is standing tall!
Call: Hail to she who is supported by others….
Response: Yet reaches as high as they themselves!
Call: Show us, sacred Ivy, what it is to rise with the aid of the strong.
Response: Show us what it is to be borne up by branches.
Call: Show us what it is to be borne up by hopes.
Response: Show us what it is to be borne up by the Gods.
Call: We cannot reach the sky without aid…
Response: So we entreat you, Ivy, beg for aid for our earthbound hands.
Call: Teach us that the sky can be gained not only by the straight path…
Response: But also by the path of the spiral!
Call: Dance that spiral for us, Ivy, and we shall follow you!
Response: We shall follow you toward the blessed realms of the Gods.

Chant:
Turn turn turn again
Turn wind turn leaf
Twine o’er the last sheaf
Turn turn turn again

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for October 17th

Calendar of the Sun

Aequinoctium Autumnale

Colors: Brown and Orange
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of brown and orange, patterned with autumn leaves, place a basket of fallen leaves, barrels of straw, shovels, spades, a bowl of rainwater, and seeds for cover crops.
Offerings: Turn under and mulch the used land.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Aequinoctium Autumnale Invocation

Earth, we have eaten of your bounty!
You have fed us, and we are content.
We have worked you hard, and you have responded
With generosity and fruitfulness.
Now, as the year draws on, and the Sun
Shortens its days and counts the moons
Until its chilly death and incandescent rebirth,
We gift you as you have gifted us,
We care for you as you have cared for us,
We give back that we may continue to take,
Year after year, cycle after cycle.
Do not think, O Mother, that we are merely selfish,
And would only rape you of your bounty.
Our hands shall toil that you may have,
If only in this one small place,
Richness to take back for yourself.
For we know the hard secrets of the cycle,
And we will someday give ourselves
Back to your quiet embrace.

Chant:
Leaves falling
To our hands
Autumn calling
Cover all the land

(All take up the buckets of leaves and straw, and the spades, and go out to the garden. Some will turn over the soil, and others shall follow with cover crop seeds and rainwater, or with mulch to cover the ground. This shall be done throughout the Aequinoctium Autumnale days until all the ground from this year’s crops are covered.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for October 17th – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/98% of Full)

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.

The Witches Magick for Oct. 17th – Silver Moon Spell

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Silver Moon Spell

This spell is called the Silver Moon Spell. Use it when you want to attract abundance.

You Will Need:

Your magickal broom

Cauldron/metal bowl

Fresh Water

Silver Coin

The spell should be done during the Full Moon.

Choose an outdoor space where you have a clear view of the moon, without any trees or houses blocking it.

Sweep your magickal space with the broom, and create your circle using natural Elements such as stones or twigs.

Fill the cauldron half full with water and position it so that the light of the Full Moon reflects in the water that is in the cauldron.

Drop the silver coin into the cauldron.

Gently sweep your hands just above the surface of the water, you are gathering the silver of the Moon.

As you do this, say the following

“Lovely Lady Of The Moon,
Bring to me your wealth right soon.
“Fill my hands with Your silver and gold,
all you give my hands will hold.”
 

Concentrate deeply on your needs, and focus on the thought of the endless abundance that exists. Focus on attracting a piece of that abundance to you.

When you have finished your spell, pour out the water onto the ground. Take the silver coin and keep it in your pocket until your fortunes begin to change.

Let’s Talk WItch – Solitary Practice

phantasmal_familiar_by_rebelkitty-d5iar4f

Solitary Practice

Some Witches practice alone— in solitary— rather than with a group. Perhaps no coven is available, or a Witch may prefer to follow solitary practice because it suits her particular purposes, temperament, or lifestyle. Some people may work alone for a period, then join a coven for a period. Witches who don’t belong to a coven may still gather with “kindred spirits” to celebrate the sabbats or other events, in a sort of extended Circle.

For seasoned Witches, a solitary path may be simply a choice. For the beginner, however, working alone can be lonely. It can also be more difficult than being guided by other, more experienced colleagues. On the other hand, a solitary pursuit enables you to develop your own style of magickal expression, rather than taking on the ideology or outward form of an established group. Fortunately, today many books— including this one— exist to teach a novice the basics of Wicca and Witchcraft.

As a solitary Witch— especially if you’re just starting out— some guidelines can help you proceed safely and successfully:

Read lots of books by different authors, to gain a variety of insights and perspectives.

Meditate regularly to improve your mental focus and your connection with your higher self.

Set a schedule for yourself that makes magickal study and work part of your everyday life.

Apply what you learn— study alone won’t make you a Witch.

Start with simple rituals and spells, then work up to more complicated ones.

Don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t work out the way you’d planned; try to determine what went wrong and why, and learn from your mistakes.

Practice, practice, practice— magick is like every other skill: The more you do it, the better you get.

Keep a journal (Book of Shadows) of your experiences.

After you’ve spent time studying and practicing on your own, you’ll have a better idea of what type of magick appeals to you and which path you want to follow. At some point, you may decide to find a teacher or a group of like-minded individuals to work with. Working with a teacher can help you advance more quickly and may steer you away from some pitfalls along the way. Good teachers tend to be selective about the students they take on. If you can show that you’ve done your homework through solitary study, you’ll have a better chance of convincing a teacher to help you reach the next level. Remember the old saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

 

Reference:

The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need
Singer, Marian; MacGregor, Trish

 

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Thursday, October 17th

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The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Thursday, October 17th

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oak moss, Star Anise

Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, October 17th

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The Witches Almanac for Thursday, October 17th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity and generosity.

Pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

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

Incense: Mulberry

Color: Crimson

God and Goddess, Quiet My Mind

pagan

God and Goddess
Help me to quiet my mind
And calm my Spirit
Let me seek my calm
And grounded center
And connect with the Earth
Let me be as one with the Elements
In their calmest forms—
 
The still pool
The soothing wind in the leaves
The crackle of the home fire burning
And let me be at peace
Quiet the voices that haunt me
And cease my circular thoughts
So I might think, and rest, and be
 
God and Goddess
Help me to quiet my mind
And calm my Spirit.

So Mote It Be

 

Oh, I almost forgot……

links

I believe everyone knows I am Irish by now. Really an Irish Hillbilly, lol! But I wanted to let you know what I was going to do today. I ran across some old Irish curses and superstitions. None of them are long they are just short, like some you would utter under your breath. I thought I would post some of the mild ones. I don’t know about you but I like to see how our Ancestors operated. From what I have studied so far, they operated very simply. I believe simple will get the job done just as well as some elaborate spell or ritual. Perhaps you disagree with me but I think you will enjoy these “ye olde, simple, one-liners!”

Good Morning, Good Morning, My Precious Family!

Good Morning, Good Morning, My Precious Family! How is your day going so far? I hope fine. You know when the chips are down, I can always turn to you for hope. I told you yesterday that the raffle so far was a flop. Our light bill needed to be paid and we didn’t have any money to do so. I opened up our PayPal account this morning and I couldn’t believe it. The donations, donations and donations. You are the most wonderful family I could ever wish for. After receiving all the wonderful donations (which will go into the raffle), I did some figuring. Look out when I get the pen and paper out, lol! We are still $50.00 short. So if you have been eyeballing any of the items up for the Raffle this month, make that donation. You have a great chance at some super items this time and besides you will be helping us out greatly. The ones that have already donated, I can never thank you enough. I know I say it and say it but you truly do mean the world to me.

You know what I would love to do, is start a donor/supporter’s wall of the WOTC. I want to because some of you have supported us from the very beginning and you are hidden in the shadows. I want people to know you and see who you are because I love each one of you so much. But I am scared to because I know some do not do it for recognition. They do it because they truly believe in us and want to see our work continue.  I don’t know if these supporters would want to be known or not. So if you have an opinion on this, please let me know. I don’t want to do anything to embarrass anyone but I believe the supporters of the WOTC need some kind of recognition. Please let me know supporters how you feel about this.

Now this is a 180 degree turn around, I will try to be short and brief. There was a comment in the back that I think needs to be addressed publicly. I had never thought of it till now and actually the comment did make sense. The comment was in regards to new people getting burned out on so much information to learn. I can understand that. It is overwhelming when you first come to the Craft. But you do not have to learn everything overnight. You have a year and a day to learn it.  When you start your new Path, the Goddess will help you and guide you. She will reveal new information when She knows you are ready. In the Craft, you never stop learning. Even as long as I have been in it, I still learn. All of us do. Witchcraft is a very beautiful religion that you have to experience for yourself. We aren’t pushing the Craft down anyone’s throat. We are just providing the information for all to learn. For those who seek or those who are just curious, we are here.

I think what bothers me most was the “feeling overwhelmed at the very beginning.”  At the very beginning? I believe you need to truly search your soul and see if you are on the right Path. Do some meditation and connect with your inner being. Make sure the Craft is right for you. The year and a day, I mentioned earlier, is to give you time to decide if you want to be in the Craft. If you want to follow our beliefs, our practices, and our Goddess. Please take a piece of advice and do some meditating. After you meditate and you see the Craft is right for you. Then pray to the Goddess to guide you on your new Path. She will answer.

In the Craft, you are never alone. Our Gods and Goddesses never desert us. All we have to do is call and They are there. Remember that as you start your new Religion. Also remember if you need any help, we are here for you.

Got to run for now. Thank you all again.

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A