Your Rune For Today
Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.
The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.
While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.
The distractions are endless today, making it difficult to hold our concentration on any one task as the inquisitive Gemini Moon increases our curiosity and draws our attention to something new. It may be quite challenging to follow through on everything we start now, since we can imagine many possible outcomes in every direction we look. But it’s nearly impossible to gauge how much to say as messenger Mercury aligns with over-the-top Jupiter.
You may be feeling extremely enthusiastic today as effervescent Jupiter pumps up your optimism. Even if you are facing tough circumstances, you can still find something positive to focus on. But don’t paint such a worry-free picture that you overlook an important truth right before your eyes. Instead, map out a realistic strategy for the upcoming months ahead and concentrate on accomplishing your goals. Sheer determination and hard work could be all you need to make your dreams come true.
New perspectives continue to expand your understanding of the big world outside your door. You are going on a journey within your mind, so take every opportunity you can to learn more about yourself as you travel. Explore your interests in religion, philosophy, or metaphysics, even if you are normally concerned with more mundane things. Put your current inspiration to work by doing your best to discover the secrets of the universe.
Your moods may be a bit uncontrollable today, prompting you to react without thinking. Usually, you’re the one who cleverly motivates others, but the tables are turned for the next few weeks as your associates push you into action. You won’t be able to get away without cooperating, so use this time to act in a forward-thinking manner instead of waiting until it’s too late. It’s okay to take a risk, but allowing others to lead may be more productive for now.
Your big ideas might not solve any work-related issues, but they do help you think more globally. You could try to bury your feelings so you can kick yourself into action today, but you could move so fast that you overdo it. Don’t let your impulsive excitement lead you into any agreements that limit your range of action or you may feel stuck until the end of the year. Relying on your natural cautious instincts now works in your favor.
You receive an encouraging boost of energy today from witty Mercury as it stirs up colorful ideas in your 5th House of Creativity; however, it’s your decision on how best to use your current inspiration. You may be highly productive or choose to have a whole lot of fun instead. The good news is that you can get the best of both worlds, applying your playful spirit in a spontaneous way whether you are at work or at home. Whatever you do, don’t waste this magical moment.
Your primary concern over the following weeks may involve finding the right mixture of enthusiasm and restraint as you vacillate between moving forward with your career aspirations and retreating into the safety of your nest. Your best strategy might be to avoid making a final decision for a while. Let the internal conflict inspire you to imagine new possibilities even while circumstances continue to slow you down.
You may feel another surge of mental energy as you search for long-term solutions to current problems. But don’t squander a wonderful opportunity by staying within your head. Now that you are buzzing, do something about it and initiate a bold move. Don’t get hung up wondering if you are making the right decision or not; any movement now is better than waiting for the perfect moment. Strike while the iron is hot.
Your financial security might seem so important to you now that you’re tempted to set aside matters of the heart so you can focus on managing your business. Of course you realize your silence will not last forever, so you’re probably just delaying the inevitable. Although your self-esteem may be shaky today, you could boost your confidence by pushing past your fears and guiding your actions from a place of love.
The party vibes kick up another notch as jovial Jupiter spreads his good cheer all over the place. You may feel charged up with an energetic buzz, allowing you to enjoy just about anything that attracts your attention. Unfortunately, your short-term enthusiasm can temporarily overwhelm your long-term strategic goals. Beware of saying yes too quickly, even if you are more than ready for whatever happens next. A little bit of caution improves your chances of success.
Preventing your feelings from bottling up within you is critical today because your intentions will probably slip out even if you don’t express what’s on your mind. Taking full responsibility for your needs is much more admirable than playing the role of a victim. Your ambitions may be honorable, but circumstances can quickly get muddled unless you are prepared to walk your emotional talk. Thankfully, your sense of integrity will see you through.
You might be very surprised with all the changes occurring in your life. Your social calendar continues to get even busier as friendly Mercury is activated in your 11th House of Friends. Enjoy the energetic shift outward as you think about filling up your calendar with exciting activities. Just remember that it’s okay to turn down an invitation if you don’t feel up to it, for there will be plenty more opportunities for fun throughout the holiday season.
Although you may be a fairly private person, you now have a chance to show the world how well you can play with others. Perhaps you feel more ambitious today, yet you’re not certain how best to apply your efforts. Don’t worry about finalizing a new plan, for your greatest strength today is your ability to make it up as you go along. Have faith in the process of collaboration and be ready to create positive change.
Prepare to be electrified! Uranus will turn direct in your sign on Tuesday, and aside from the ability to express your innovative side like never before, you’ll demand the right to do so in the context of a relationship. Be careful, however, because all of this just might backfire in your face if you’re too reckless in your pursuit of independence. If there’s too much “I,” there’s no room for “we,” and it’s wise to remember that a partnership is a delicate balancing act. Are you up for it or would you rather go solo? Only time will tell.
Everything you thought you knew about love is about to change. On Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde, and until Jan. 31, 2014, you might not feel as shiny as usual. This lackluster demeanor might be due to the fact that Venus is your ruling planet, and when retrograde her powers of attraction are not as dynamic. You’ll need to revise your self-worth concept during this time in all areas — but especially in matters of the heart. The rules of love may change during this time, and what you once believed was not aligned to your ideology might suddenly begin to make sense.
Tuesday’s Full Moon in your sign will leave you wearing your heart on your sleeve — a not so comfortable place for a casual, airy sign such as yourself. You prefer to make light of things and to display affection in an almost childlike way. With the Full Moon highlighting your emotional side, however, you may appear more sensitive. Your partner might actually welcome the change of pace. Then, on Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde. Anticipate a shift in how you and your partner divvy up resources and approach bedroom activities. Don’t worry — revising this area of your life will ultimately strengthen it.
Welcome to relationship rehab, Cancer! Oh wait, you didn’t reserve a room? No worries, the universe will gladly offer you a suite this time around. You can thank Venus turning retrograde in your partnership sector on Saturday for this VIP treatment. Until Jan. 31, 2014, you’ll be in the position of redefining your relationship and your place in it. What is it about your mate that leaves you feeling less than valued? What are you bringing to your relationship these days? More importantly, is the love still alive? All of these questions and more are about to be answered. Let the restoration begin!
Have you been caught up in a cycle where you’re enjoying “friends with benefits?” If so, a Full Moon on Tuesday will bring the situation to light, and you might change your perspective about this relationship. Alternatively, if you’ve been entertaining the thought of an office romance, or if you’re currently wrapped up in one, Saturday’s retrograde of Venus in your work sector will prompt you to carefully consider the pros and cons behind such an affair. If it’s love you’ll be willing to take any potential fallout, but if it’s not you’ll soon realize it’s just not worth it
With Venus about to turn retrograde in your romance sector on Saturday, you may begin to feel less than satisfied when it comes to your love life. If single, this cycle will not be an ideal time to begin dating anyone new. In fact, until Jan. 31, 2014, you may feel more disappointed in matters of the heart as you struggle with loneliness, or feeling rejected by the object of your affection. If you’re in a relationship, you and your mate might feel as if you’ve lost that loving feeling. Ask yourselves what you can do to feel alive in love once more.
On Tuesday, you might feel that your lover or partner is acting in a rather abrupt fashion. Unexpected behavior may throw you off guard, and if so try not to take it personally. He or she may feel the need for extra breathing room. By Saturday, and until Jan. 31, 2014, you might experience trouble between your sweetheart and at least one close relative. This pair might not get along as easily as you’d hoped, setting up a disappointing reality for you to accept. You might be in love with your sweetie, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your family is.
Expect your most intimate needs to be revealed near Tuesday’s Full Moon. In fact, with this lunation it’s possible for you and your mate to reach a new level of closeness once you choose to face a demon you’ve had haunting you. Instead of automatically shutting your partner out of this deep part of you, allow him or her to help. You may be pleasantly surprised at the result. Communicating about your romantic feelings may become a challenge after Saturday. Re-read love letters or other correspondence between you and your mate from the past to help you move past any insecurity in this area
A Full Moon in your partnership sector on Tuesday might lead to a turning point in your relationship. Suddenly, you’ll be keenly aware of whether or not your union is flowing freely or blocked by a situation you need to confront. In all likelihood money is a factor and you may feel as if your resources need TLC. After Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in your earned income sector, forcing you to pay extra attention to financial matters. Indeed, money problems are often the greatest source of strife in a relationship. Now is the time to handle yours.
Are you feeling unbeautiful? Are you feeling insecure about your love life? Are you feeling stuck in a relationship rut? If so, it’s no surprise. On Saturday, Venus will station retrograde and it will remain in this weakened position until Jan. 31, 2014. During this time you’re encouraged to refrain from beginning a new relationship and instead work on loving yourself first. If you’re in a partnership, expect a reevaluation to determine whether or not your relationship needs are being met. Yes, this will be a sober time, but in the end you’ll know what you’re truly worth and what you deserve in love.
With your ruler, Uranus, turning direct on Tuesday, it’s likely you’ll feel free to exert your individuality in a close relationship this week. You may appear more detached to a lover as you focus on activities that make the most of your original spirit. Try not to leave your partner behind in the dust! By Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in the most hidden area of your chart. Keeping romantic matters secluded might prove to be more frustrating than you think. Ask yourself: Why do you need such privacy now?
Your social life might become more complicated this week. On Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in your friendship sector and will remain retrograde until Jan. 31, 2014. During the next several weeks it’s possible you’ll struggle with romantic feelings for a pal. Does your friend feel the same way about you? If so, are you both willing to risk a fabulous friendship in favor of exploring a potential love connection? Take things slow and avoid making a decision until after Venus turns direct. This might be the love of your life, but it may also be a beautiful disaster in the making.
The anxiety factor in humanity’s sociological state is being raised to high levels during the 24-hour time-span before tomorrow’s Full Moon and Uranus shift from reverse to direct. Even though nerves may be frayed more than usual, keep preparing for the illuminating energy-field about to descend into the physical realm from divine sources. Helping your financial bottom line is an inspirational, 72-degree link from the Sun to Vesta (1:29AM). Learn more about better ways to invest your monetary resources. Travel plans and communication strategies could go awry while Mercury forms an off-kilter, 150-degree contact with Jupiter (11:03AM). Adjust your thought process with the goal of being more open-minded and flexible in your attitudes. Trying too hard to make things happen your way can backfire with nasty results. Tensions are also rising in the realm of emotional expression due to Juno forming a frictional, 45-degree aspect to Uranus (6:10PM). You may want to meditate or focus on spiritual studies as the Full Moon occurs early tomorrow morning at 1:29AM. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]
Elder Tree Month
Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.
Ruis Invocation
Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.
Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.
Carista – Day of Peace in the Family
Color: Lavender
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a lavender cloth set a tray of cakes shaped like clasping hands, and many cups full of hot tea.
Offerings: Promise to attempt to be more considerate of those you live with.
Daily Meal: Any food, but it must be served from one great plate for every table, and it should not be in separate portions.
Carista Invocation
May there be Peace in this house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Peace can be a hard mistress.
The daily round of the ordinary,
The simple turn of day and night and day
The presence of the same souls
Can come to be like a shadow on the sun,
And yet Peace still demands
That we find a way to move past
That ordinariness
And all the thousand thorns and briars
And bring Peace into the house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Take the hand of your sister, your brother,
The one who shares your roof, your table,
The ground you walk on,
Whose feet know the boards as well as your own,
And swear to find a way
To bring peace into the space between you.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Chant:
My brother, my heart, my sister, my soul;
My family, my life, come in from the cold;
My sister, my heart, my brother, my soul;
My family, my life, that makes this life whole.
(Instead of a ritual, this period of time should be used to mediate and address problems between members of the community, with emphasis on peacemaking and compromise and useful solutions. At the end of the meeting, all share cakes and tea.)
A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.
The Coyote holds a most unique place in the legends and folklore of North American tribes. Although intimately associated with the Great Mystery in the very act of creation, his wily descendants are both pests and relentless competitors in the serious business of survival on the Earth Mother.
One of the tribes of Old California believed that the coyotes were the first humans who ever existed. In the beginning, of course, they walked on all fours. Then, gradually, they began to grow certain human body parts-a finger here, a toe there, an ear here. Over the course of generations, they eventually became perfect humans with beautiful tails. Although the tails were handsome, they slowly wore away through the human habit of sitting upright.
To another southwestern tribe, the coyote became an early, god-like savior of humankind. Originally, so goes the old legend, the Great Sun Chief had nine brothers, all flaming hot like himself. The native people down on Mother Earth were about to wither and die under the terrible heat of ten suns burning down on them. Brother Coyote, quickly assessing the situation and immediately perceiving the answer, leaped into the sky and slew the Sun Chief’s fiery brothers, thus saving the tribespeople from baking to a crisp.
However, this problem had no sooner been solved when Sister Moon’s nine sisters, each as cold as she, began to turn the night into a freezing torment. Once again, the tribespeople were helpless, for they had no way to keep warm, and they appealed to Brother Coyote to help them lest they perish.
Coyote had to have time to think, so he retreated to the far eastern edge of the world. After a time, the Great Mystery sent him an idea. Coyote picked up his flint knife and struck it against a rock. Sparks flew into some leaves, and almost before he knew it, he had created a fire. He took a few moments to warm his paws over the flames, then leaped into the sky and slew each of Sister Moon’s frigid sisters, thus saving humankind from freezing to death. But as an aid to their keeping warm on cold winter nights, Coyote gave the tribes the gift of fire.
So it was the coyote who gave humankind the knowledge of how to make fire, how to grind flour, and how to find the herbs that would bring about the quickest cures. But Brother Coyote has a very strange temperament-or maybe he didn’t think he received enough thanks for his gifts-for he is also a Trickster. True, he brought fire and food and healing herbs to humankind, but he also brought death. The tribespeople soon learned that when you ask such a creature to grant you a wish, you had better hope that there will not be some twist attached to it.
Medicine teachers Star-Spider Woman and Rattling Bear caution that if you must be foolish enough to ask Coyote a favor, at least be very precise in what you request.
The Navajo regard the coyote as the very essence, sign, and symbol of Dark Side witchcraft. If a Navajo were to set out on a journey and spot a coyote crossing his path, he would go home and wait for three days before setting out again. Borrowing the devil from the Christian missionaries, the Navajo believe that Satan uses the coyote as his steed on evil nocturnal missions.
If you have received the coyote as your totem animal, you must first remove all negative connotations from your mind about the creature being a representative of the Dark Side of spirit. The coyote is an exceedingly resourceful animal with amazing powers of adaptability. Listen carefully to your coyote totem guide, for it will teach you the fine line between wisdom and folly.
The coyote totem spirit may well have come to you because you, too, are a survivor, a person who knows how to adapt to any situation, good or bad. Ancient wisdom lies within the vibration of this spirit helper, but to gain its greatest spiritual treasures, you must truly pay very careful attention to the essence of each and every message that your guide relays to you. This totem animal will teach you discernment, one of the most valuable of all survival lessons on the earthplane.
Dreams
Your spirit helper may be preparing you for a death, a serious illness, or a dramatic change in your
family.
Totems
The Transformative Power Of Your Personal Animal Totem
Brad Steiger
ISBN 0-06-251425-3
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The Coyote
For a long time humans have been attempting to shoot, poison and trap coyote into non-exsistence. Instead, birds like the Condor have been nearly wiped out with poisoned meat, and the clever coyote may be more numerous today than ever. Despite humanities encroachment and aggression, coyote has found a way to walk its walk and survive.
Coyotes usually mate for life. They live in the sides of hills or in underground dens where the family unit is well protected. They prefer open grassland and thinly wooded brush, but can adapt to almost any environment. Because of this they have been able to survive and grow in numbers.
I once heard a story about a female Coyote who got caught in a trap and gnawed off her own paw—twice. At last report she was doing fine, hobbling around on her two front stumps, and she had borne a healthy litter. Coyotes hunt small game not with speed, but by pouncing and snapping with their jaws. She was able to do this quite well and was fulfilling her role as a mother. Those with this medicine will go to extreme measures to protect and nurture family members. Words that rip and tear another to shreds should be avoided. Sporadic bursts of energy are common and balanced action is required for ones overall well being. Excellent caretakers coyote medicine people put other peoples needs before their own. Care is advised however to give to yourself equally.
In some native tribes the coyote is referred to as the trickster. I prefer to see the coyote as cunning and clever. There are many stories about the coyote. He is known as the great one and the foolish one. Coyote does not consciously try to trick us, he mirrors our own human capacity for displaying cleverness and stupidity.
Like the coyote we can work with others to get what we want in life, or we can dive into a lake to catch a reflection. We can send troubles away or invite them carelessly. When coyote wanders into your life you are being asked to look at something you have been avoiding. Coyote is our mirror for the lessons we need to learn in order to walk a good sacred road. It will hold up the mirror relentlessly until we finally get the picture.
Call on coyote as an ally for negotiating a difficult situation. Or thank him for coming and showing you a trap that you are caught in, or a way that you are fooling yourself. Coyote is an especially powerful teacher with regard to relationships because it is when we are in a relationship that we can fool ourselves the most. Coyote is not out there to get us, but to teach us, whether we want to learn or not.
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
MEDICINAL: Licorice Root is a great source of the female hormone estrogen. It is used for coughs and chest ailments. It is an important herb to use when recovering from an illness, as it supplies needed energy to the system. Used as a remedy for stomach and heart problems, indigestion, and most respiratory ailments. Helps to normalize and regulate hormone production. Should not be used by pregnant women as it can sometimes lead to high blood pressure with prolonged use.
RELIGIOUS: Licorice root was buried in tombs and caskets to help the soul pass easily into the Summerland. Chewing on a piece of the root will make you passionate. It is added to love sachets, and an ingredient in spells to ensure fidelity.
GROWING: Licorice is a perennial that reaches 3 to 7 feet tall. Hard freezes will kill it, so it grows best in warm sunny climates.
Children of the Night and Daughters of the Earth and Darkness
“Then fell Tisiphone with Rage was stung,
and from her mouth th’ untwisted serpents hung,
Girt in a bloody gown a torch she shakes,
And round her neck twines speckled wreathes of snakes.
Part of her tresses loudly hiss, and part
Spread poison as their forked tongues they dart…” (Metamorphoses, Book IV)
The Erinyes, the three Goddesses of revenge, are among the most ancient Goddesses and predated Zeus and all the other Olympians. In Greek mythology, They gare called the Erinyes – in Roman mythology They are called the Furies (“the furious”) or Dirae (“the terrible”). They are usually represented as three black sisters: Alecto (“the Unceasing”), Megaera (“the Grudging”) and Tisiphone (“the Avenging”).
The Erinyes are the children of Gaia and Uranus. They were created from drops of blood coming from the wounds of Uranus when He was castrated by His son Cronus and which fell upon the Earth (Gaia). The first drop of blood formed Aphrodite, which is why She is sometimes referred to as the oldest of The Erinyes.
Artists in ancient times depicted The Erinyes as women with fiery eyes and snake hair and with attributes such as torches and whips. Sometimes They were dressed as hunters.
The Erinyes were placed in Hades and are Goddesses of the dead. They also are called upon to revenge the crimes – especially those against women and mothers – of murder, perjury, ingratitude, disrespect, harshness, violation of filial piety and the laws of hospitality. They are impartial and impersonal, and pursue these wrongdoers until they are driven mad and die. But even in death, the criminal does not find rest until he shows remorse.
The Erinyes are associated with funeral trees: the alder, the black poplar, and the yew. The color associated with the three is black and the animal associated with Them is the snake.
SPELL TO LOCK OUT ANYTHING NASTY
You need to start by meditating before hand on the effect of the spell for at least 15 minutes.
Then, to cast, you sprinkle holy (consecrated to the Lord and Lady) water mixed with salt and powdered iron; (try potteries to get this) Stand in front of the door that you want to lock…or in the case of a person the 3rd eye point which is between the eyebrows just above their level. Then place your hands on the 3rd chakra point or door and concentrate your energies going down your right arm and going through the door and back into your left arm. Then you start chanting over and over:
“Portal be controlled and mine, Become as one with my mind,
I hold thee fast, To make this last,
open you not, as I weave the knot, of my power from within.”
Keep chanting this as you build up power, and imagine the circle of energy (right arm through door back into left arm) getting faster and faster. Then upon release, visualize a green field of energy coming up in front of the door or the 3rd eye chakra.
Wassail was traditionally a hot drink made of ale, sherry, sugar, and spices, with pieces of toast and roasted apples floating in it. It is the legendary drink served on the Feast of the Three Kings with an oversized, decorated sweet yeast bread. The word wassail is derived from the Anglo-Saxon toast waes haeil, or “be whole.” On Christmas or Twelfth Night, revelers would carry a large bowl from door to door, asking for it to be filled, a custom known as wassailing. There are now many versions of wassail, and the palate for hot strong beer is limited, so it has evolved into a spiked juice toddy. The antique French Api apple was probably the apple of choice of the day. It is now called a Lady apple; look for it at Christmas, but any apple will do.
Ingredients:
2 quarts unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
1 quart cranberry juice cocktail
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
27 whole cloves
15 allspice berries
4 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
5 small firm cooking apples of your choice
1/2 cup water
1 medium orange
2 cups Calvados
Combine the apple juice, cranberry juice, and brown sugar in a 6-quart slow cooker. Place 12 of the cloves, the allspice berries, and the cinnamon sticks in a small piece of cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine to make a bag. Add to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Stud each apple with 3 of the remaining cloves and place in an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Add the water and bake until the apples are just a bit tender when pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
After the juices have stewed for 4 to 5 hours, add the apples to the slow cooker. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the orange peel in wide strips, making sure to avoid the white pith, and add the peels to the slow cooker.
Remove the spice bag and stir in the Calvados. Serve hot (leave the slow cooker on to keep the cocktail warm).
December 15th and 16th
Halcyon, Sophia
In ancient Greece, December 15th began the Halcyon Days–the seven days before and the seven days after the Winter Solstice. It was during this time that the sea was calm and the kingfisher, a magickal bird and symbol of the Goddess Alcyon, could lay her eggs. Legend has that it was the bird nesting upon the waters that made them calm, thus creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquilty.
December 16th is dedicated to the Goddess Sophia. According to Hebrew philosophy, Sophia is the personification of wisdom, the inner wisdom that functions of itself. Many Greek churches were dedicate to Sophie and in the Sistine Chapel’s painting of God rreaching out a finger to touch Adam, she appears behind God. A Gnostic Aeon, Sophia was so filled with the desire to generate out of herself, without a spouse, that she gave birth to the whole cosmos, including a daughter Sophia Akhamoth, who in turn began to generate, but on a lower and denser place. It it Sophia Akhamoth who in turn began to generate but on lower and denser plane. It is Sophia Akhamoth who brings wisdom to humankind.
Monday, “Moon’s Day” governs the emotions, wildlife, fertility and the life giving waters. In some traditions, the Moon may be attributed to a God or Goddess.
“Moon’s Day” or “Manidagar” as it is known in Old Norse governs the emotions, wildlife, and the giving waters. This day honors the God/dess, the moon cycles, the tides, and our feelings. This is a good day to honor the God/dess within. This Rune is called Lagu (OE), Laguz (G), or Logr (ON).
Many God/dess orientated Study Groups and Meta- physical Groups often meet on Mondays. It is good day to organize and plan for the rest of the week as well. IN THE NORSE AND GERMANIC TRADITIONS, THE MOON IS ALWAYS MASCULINE! In Norse, the Moon is “Mani.” Mani’s sister is Sol, the Sun. Sol is pursued by a wolf and Mani is pursued by Hati, who will catch him at Ragnorok and devour him. This is why the wolf is called Managarmr ‘devourer of Mani.’
This can also be a day of creativity drawing upon ones imagination and also a day of psychic awareness
Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconciliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood
Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.
Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification and fertility.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Sign: Gemini
Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.
Moon Phase: Second Quarter
Incense: Rosemary
Color: White
Witches Of The Craft® 