Porcupine has appeared in your reading today to bring a message of innocence and trust. Although Porcupine can throw quills when cornered, he is gentle, loving, and non-aggressive. Is there an area of your life that need Porcupine energy? Have you lost the ability to trust??
The Dove
Throughout history the Dove has symbolized peace and innocence in nearly all cultures. Dove’s soft cooing and gentle nature bring a calmness to any situation. The Dove appears where peace has been attained or there is a need to bring events to a peaceful ending. It denotes a time to let lose of grievances and settle conflicts in a way that benefits all parties equally.
As a daily card, Dove suggests the need to put an end to conflict in your present life. The conflict may be yours or may be that of people close to you. Regardless of the parties involved, you have been called upon to bring the discord to an impartial end.
Traditionally called the High Priestess, this major arcana, or trump, card represents human wisdom. She can be viewed as a kind of female Pope, the ancient Egyptian Priestess of Isis, the even older snake and bird Goddesses, the Greek Goddess Persephone, or the Eve of Genesis before the Fall.
For the accused heretics who were burnt at the stake for revering her in the 14th and 15th century, she symbolized the prophecy of the return of the Holy Spirit, which was perceived as the female aspect of the Holy Trinity.
In the sequence of cards in the major arcana, the High Priestess appears as soon as the Fool decides he wants to develop his innate powers, making a move toward becoming a Magus. The High Priestess is his first teacher, representing the Inner Life and the method for contacting it, as well as the contemplative study of Nature and the Holy Mysteries.
Jeff Kishner on the topics of halloween, astrologyA person’s Sun sign often reflects their inner hopes and dreams. Halloween costumes are an exciting opportunity to bring these fantasy lives to the surface.
Some say the veil to the otherworld is lifted this time of year, so not only can you tap into your insight more easily with a Tarot reading, but you can have a little fun role playing, too.
If you’re stuck for Halloween costume ideas, check out the list below. It could provide you with the perfect outfit to express your inner demons!
Your sign is ruled by Mars, the warrior of the zodiac. Dress up as a gladiator or a luchador (a Mexican wrestler). Aries is also the sign of courage, so a police officer, firefighter or military officer uniform would help you express your inner Ram. Superhero costumes are also popular this year, and bold Aries is perfectly suited to take on Superman, Batman or Iron Man.
Your sign is known for earthy beauty, from sensuous curves to brawny muscles. Dress up as Miss America, who made a huge splash this year, or Mr. Universe to show off what you’ve got. You can also dress up as Poison Ivy or a walking tree to channel the Bull’s love for green pastures. Taurus also loves to indulge, so don’t hesitate to dress yourself up like a sweet cupcake!
What better way to dress up than to be Siamese Twins with your best bud or girlfriend? You can literally be joined at the hip! You could also go as famous real-life Twins, such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Or a famous real-life Gemini, Angelina Jolie. Gemini is also an androgynous sign, so be a half-man/half-woman creature … or just go in drag!
Your sentimental sign loves the homeland, so express your patriotism as the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam or America’s true ancestor, a Native American. Cancer also loves food, so dress up as an oversized banana or a milk carton. You can also pay tribute by dressing up as real-life Cancer Princess Diana, or embrace your sign’s nurturing instincts to dress as a famous mom, like Carol Brady or Octomom!
What better way to channel your sign’s mascot than as the Lion from The Wizard of Oz, or in a sexy cat costume? And of course, glamorous Leo rules over royalty and stars, so dress up as a king, queen or just wear tons of gold. Or go as an A-list celebrity or movie star, like Marilyn Monroe or Elvis.
This perfectionistic, word-loving sign can express its erotic earthiness as a sexy librarian. Virgo is also associated with Demeter, the grain goddess … so a chaff of wheat may be right up your alley. Virgo is a great pet lover, so you could dress up as an animal — a cat or dog or even a fox costume, which are selling out this year. Or go as a classic Virgo good-girl, like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz — and don’t forget her pet, Toto!
What better way to bring balance to this holiday than to dress up as Justice? A scale in each hand would help you make sure everyone gets their equal share of candy, especially if you’re dressed up as Judge Judy. Or put on your best threads and say you’re a fashion guru or interior designer. Libra is also the sign that most loves to shop, so dress up as a shopoholic with tons of boxes and bags and you’ll feel right at home.
Your sign is the private investigator of the zodiac, so you may want to dress up as Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew or Inspector Gadget. Scorpio also rules the underworld — so going all-out as your favorite Mafioso will do, whether it’s Tony Soprano or Al Capone. Scorpio is also perfect for so many dark, creepy Halloween costumes — the Grim Reaper, Darth Vader and the Devil will do. Or you could be a zombie prom queen, a skeleton or a corpse bride!
The adventurer of the zodiac may want to dress up as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Sagittarians also love to make people laugh, so donning a clown costume or the silliest outfit you can find will be good for a few chuckles. The sign of the Archer is also perfectly suited to play a huntress from The Hunger Games, like Katniss Everdeen — just don’t forget your bow!
The businessman of the zodiac may want to put on a power suit and a funny hairpiece to look like Donald Trump. Strong women, such as Hillary Clinton or Joan of Ark, are also well-suited to your sign. Capricorn also excels at building, so a construction worker’s outfit — make sure you wear a helmet — will help you blast through any crowd. You could also be a superhero, as Capricorn is known for its nearly superhuman strength of character!
Aquarius rules outer space, so what better way to celebrate Halloween than as an astronaut … or a space alien? Dress up as a scientist in a lab coat and taped glasses to channel this sign’s intellectual bent, or put on fake tattoos and piercings to show your inner rebel. Robots, like in Dr. Who or Star Wars — think R2D2 and C3P0 — are perfect for your quirky sign!
Your sign’s ruling planet, Neptune, commands the sea. Dress up as a mermaid or King of the Sea (carry your trident, or three-pronged spear!). Artistic Pisces would also love to be a ballerina, painter or poet for Halloween. Or wear soft flowing fabrics to be the Muse. Pisces is also known as the most psychic sign of the zodiac, so a gypsy fortune teller Halloween costume would be perfect!
We want to concentrate on the details today, but even the analytical Virgo Moon can’t draw our attention away from the bigger picture. We are reacting to social and cultural pressures and can feel the sense of urgency growing for the next few days because action-hero Mars is aligning with transformational Pluto and futuristic Uranus. Even if we try to remain practical, it requires willpower to avoid getting caught up in the turmoil of the times.
You might not be very happy about the attitude of a coworker today and may feel the need to confront the issue. Nevertheless, you’re not sure if you really want to stir things up so much that you lose your sense of stability. Instead of turning your world upside down, accept your frustration for a while longer without placing blame on anyone else. The winds of change are shifting and it will continue to get easier to alter your current direction in the days ahead.
An emotionally intense person may attempt to talk you into doing something that you prefer to avoid. Fortunately, you have an extraordinary amount of stamina today and might be ready to apply your legendary determination to the current situation. Normally, it’s helpful to hold your ground in spite of external pressure, but knowing when to negotiate can ultimately make your world a better place.
Narrowing your scope of vision is a very smart idea now, since it’s arguably more crucial to finish your work than it is to have fun. However, saying no may be the most important thing you can do today because this simple act gives you the additional time that you so desperately need to achieve your goals. Stay as focused as possible since your full presence in the moment makes a world of difference.
You are not readily lured into lowering your defenses today, since it’s easier to play with others if you don’t get too emotionally close to them. The cool Virgo Moon squares romantic Venus this evening, drumming up social conflict. It’s hard to stay in the present moment when there are important unanswered questions about your future. Don’t dwell on what’s missing; instead be thankful for what is already yours.
Sometimes it’s challenging to be you, even if your life seems amazing to others. However, external appearances can be misleading, for there are tricky planetary forces pulling you into deeper waters now. Luckily, you’re quite comfortable swimming in the intense emotional currents, so don’t waste any energy trying to avoid them. Dive in and learn something new about yourself.
You may feel waves of positive energy flowing into your life now, but you cannot integrate them until you resolve an unpleasant situation from the past. You might choose to avoid direct confrontation today, but being true to your emotions lifts your self-confidence. Naturally, when your self-esteem is higher, you can accomplish more than others expect. Roll up your sleeves and get busy while you have the planets on your side.
You want everyone to be happy, but you still might need to bring important news to the attention of others. However, you could inadvertently spread negativity now without even realizing what you are doing. Stay aware of how your thoughts impact your deeds throughout the day. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to overcome your own doubts if you simply take the time to acknowledge them first. Believe in yourself and anything is possible.
Your emotional intensity rises to an even higher pitch over the next couple of days as feisty Mars crosses paths with potent Pluto and irrepressible Uranus. It may be difficult to hide an internal conflict you are facing, and it gets harder the more you try. Instead of resisting your feelings, allow them to ripple outward through your life. Thankfully, you can express your needs with kindness and awareness without necessarily having to suppress them.
You like the idea of staying on the sunny side of your disposition, but today there could be a rather serious issue that needs airing, too. Naturally, others appreciate your positive attitude; nevertheless, don’t let anyone’s expectations stand in the way of your honesty. After all, part of your reputation is based on your ability to tell it like it is. You will feel free once the truth is out in the open.
Your heightened ambition tempts you to ride roughshod over the feelings of others today. You might even try to blame your current emotional disconnection on taking a direct path to success that doesn’t consider anything except reaching your goal. Being productive is admirable; however, there is more to life than working hard each and every day. Slow down and take time to smell the flowers along the way.
You are seeking ways to advance professionally and may find yourself putting in extra time and effort to get noticed. You are motivated now by several planets in your 10th House of Career, inspiring you to postpone fun activities while concentrating on more professional objectives. But working harder by itself might not be enough to do the trick today. Your gentle persistence combined with patience and positivity is an award-winning strategy.
You might feel as if someone is on your case today and you really don’t know how to set the record straight without turning the situation into a major conflict. Nevertheless, you can’t just let it go, even if it’s not that big of a deal. There’s no need to take any resistance personally. If you can avoid showing your annoyance, the obstacles could dissipate quicker than you think. Reframing the current circumstances makes more sense than trying to change them now.
An assortment of opportunities is available during a good portion of the day as the Moon in Virgo makes a supportive, 60-degree tie with Jupiter in Cancer (11:40AM) while the Sun forms an inspirational, 72-degree rapport with Pallas (12:56PM) and the Moon unites with soul-sister Vesta (4:47PM). The Moon-Jupiter connection is a clear boost for the power of positive thinking. The Sun-Pallas alignment promotes problem-solving and strategy sessions. The Moon conjunct Vesta energizes investment planning, fellowship gatherings, and sisterhood reunions. Stay calm and steady regarding family matters and parental figures due to a 45-degree link between Ceres and Saturn (4:34PM). The later hours may prove emotionally unsettling as the Moon squares Venus (7:49PM) — beginning a void lunar twilight zone that lasts until 5:23AM tomorrow. Being too pushy or cantankerous in primary partnerships is foolish as Mars in Virgo opposes Chiron in Pisces (11:09PM). It is much better to learn more about techniques that heal body and soul than to transform dear ones into adversaries. [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.]
30 Winterfyllith
Day III of the Mysteries of Isis and Osiris
Colors: Green and black
Elements: Earth and Air
Altar: Upon cloth of green and black set a figure of Isis, a figure of Osiris, a box carved like a sarcophagus, and two large ivory candles.
Offerings: Continue with the long-term difficult project.
Daily Meal: Beer. Barley. Figs. Dates. Nuts. Flatbread.
Osiris Invocation II
Hail O Osiris
Wake O Osiris
Arise O Osiris
Thy Mother Nuit gives thee birth
The great company of gods would converse with thee
Take thy seat, Osiris,
For none shall offend thee,
Thine enemies are beneath thee,
All honor is given
To Osiris, Lord of the Dead.
For Osiris was feasting at his table
And walking in the peace of his garden
When Set, his brother adversary,
Armed with many henchmen,
Lay upon him with weapons
And they slew the good Osiris,
Lord of the Earth beneath us.
So that his Queen might not revive him
With all her goodly magics,
Set cut his brother’s body
Into seventeen different pieces
And flung them into the swamps of the Nile.
So died the good Osiris
For the second time,
And the sun was dimmed,
And the West ran red as with blood.
And Isis searched for him for three days,
And in three days we will find her.
Weep for him, once King of the Gods!
(All weep and wail. The lights are put out, and the wailing continues as all exit.)
This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.
What do you Dream when the Veil thins ?
do you hear the weeping of an ancient tree or of the spider who’s lifework is lostdo you face the winds, the tunnel between nightmares and death
do you know the agony of emotion exploding into shards of color do you bleed as they pierce your flesh do you see the faces of your grandmothers as they give Birth, as they die, as they discover how many can you name how many know your Name
do you dream the lives of others, blending your self with their pain until you must stand and Name yourself again or be forever lost Will you whisper to me your secrets?
Place upon the altar apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, squashes and other late autumn fruits. Autumn flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemums are fine too. Write on a piece of paper an aspect of your life which you may wish to be free of; anger, a baneful habit, misplaced feelings, disease. The cauldron or some similar tool must be present before the altar as well, on a trivet or some other heat-proof surface (if the legs aren’t long enough). A small, flat dish marked with an eight-spoked wheel symbol should also be there. [This is just what it sounds like. On a flat plate or dish, paint a large circle. Put a dot in the center of this circle and paint eight spokes radiating out from the dot to the larger circle. Thus, you have a wheel symbol – a symbol of the Sabbats, a symbol of timelessness.]
Prior to ritual, sit quietly and think of friends and loved ones who have passed away. Do not despair. Know that they have gone on to greater things. Keep firmly in mind that the physical isn’t the absolute reality, and souls never die.
Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones. Recite the Blessing Chant. Invoke the Goddess and God.
Lift one of the pomegranates and, with your freshly-washed Boline, pierce the skin of the fruit. Remove several seeds and place them on the wheel-marked dish. Raise your wand, face the altar and say:
On this night of Samhain I mark Your passing, O Sun King, through the sunset into the Land of the Young. I mark also the passing of all who have gone before, and all who will go after. O Gracious Goddess, Eternal Mother, You who gives birth to the fallen, teach me to know that in the time of the greatest darkness there is the greatest light.Taste the pomegranate seeds; burst them with your teeth and savour their sharp, bittersweet flavour. Look down at the eight-spoked symbol on the plate; the Wheel of the Year, the Cycle of the Seasons, the End and Beginning of all Creation.
Light a fire within the cauldron (a candle is fine). Sit before it, holding the piece of paper, gazing at its flames. Say:
Wise One of the Waning Moon, Goddess of the Starry Night, I create this fire within Your cauldron to transform that which is plaguing me. May the energies be reversed: From the darkness, light! From bane, good! From death, birth!Light the paper in the cauldron’s flames and drop it inside. As it burns, know that your ill diminishes, lessens and finally leaves you as it is consumed within the universal fires. [The cauldron, seen as the Goddess.]
If you wish, you may attempt scrying or some other form of divination, for this is a perfect time to look into the past or future. Try to recall past lives too, if you will. But leave the dead in peace. Honor them with your memories but do not call them to you. [Many Pagans do attempt to communicate with their deceased ancestors and friends at this time, but it seems to me that if we accept the doctrine of reincarnation, this is a rather strange practice. Perhaps the personalities that we knew still exist, but if the soul is currently incarnate in another body, communication would be difficult, to say the least. Thus, it seems best to remember them with peace and love – but do not call them up.]
Release any pain and sense of loss you may feel into the cauldron’s flames. Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.
Most Pagans consider contacting the dead a risky proposal, at best. We do so only when absolutely necessary. Contacting the dead can be disruptive to your psyche. While some spirits involve themselves in our world as guides and mentors, others remain connected in more negative ways. Spirits need to be free to move on and we can best help them by leaving them alone. Death is a transition, signaling movement from one realm to another, and it’s risky, and rude, to disturb them.
Samhain is one of the few exceptions to this rule, but even at this time, we do not hold séances or call up spirits who do not want to be disturbed. During this time we invite those whom we wish to remember to be part of our celebrations IF they choose to join us, but we never coerce.
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, 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.
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.
Waning Moon
Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishments of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene and daily schedules.
Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter
Incense: Honeysuckle
Color: Yellow
Lady of the Harvest, now is the time
to feast and frolic, for we meet
on the edge of Winter’s shadow.
All the seed that was sown in
Springtime past has long
been reaped;
the fields stand barren, empty
and the spirit shall soon turn inward.
The world’s fabric grows thin and
souls of the dead pass by on their
way to the Summerland.
Bless their passing, for though to some it
seems an ending,
this exodus of spirit foreshadows new beginnings.
Thus do we celebrate the dawn of the New Year.
Blessed Be.
While everyone is waiting for us to get our act together, let me announce the first winner of October’s Raffle………
Bobbie will have the first pick of the three items up for raffle. Then we will announce the second winner. That person will have his/her pick of the two remaining items. So you could still be a winner! Keep those fingers crossed!
Let us know which item you would like and what address you want it shipped to. You can contact us at: thewotcstrustfund@yahoo.com
Witches Of The Craft® 
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