Badger is a ferocious opponent, unwilling to back down over any issue. Unfortunately, this unwavering stance leads some Badgers to their demise. If Badger has dug into your reading, he is asking whether you are fighting the right fight. Is this issue the hill you’re willing to die on, or are you fighting for no other reason than pure stubbornness? Think about it.
Chance
The Chance card denotes a period in which taking risks may produce positive results. This doesn’t mean head off to a casino with your life’s savings! What is suggested is that you should make gains by taking a well calculated risk. For the power of Chance to be fully realized it is essential that you pick your risk carefully, move forward with conviction, and above all else don’t get greedy!
As a daily card, Chance implies you are currently in a place where taking a chance is likely to produce substantial rewards. In other words, take a few calculated steps out on the proverbial limb, but remember if you take it too far you are likely to lose all that you gain and possibly more.
Traditionally entitled “Empress,” this major arcana or “trump” card portrays the energy of the Great Mother. She is Nature, around us but also within us, the ever-unfolding Source of life-giving power. She is often pictured as a pre-Christian Goddess, as the one whom the High Priestess is channeling down to earth for the rest of us.
In medieval Europe, the Empress card was painted to represent whatever Queen currently ruled the land, probably to satisfy the Inquisitors. But the scholars of the Renaissance and beyond had no doubt of her true identity, although she could not be fully revealed on Tarot cards as the “woman clothed with the sun” until after the French Revolution.
This supreme archetype of femininity also symbolizes fertility. It is She who provides us nourishment and security. She is also sometimes seen as delighting us with flowers and fruit. A potentially terrifying aspect of this archetype manifests itself whenever karmic mood swings wipe out our plans, like a storm that has come upon us. Whatever happens, the Empress is the Source of our Embodiment and of Natural Law. She might even be called “the Great Recycler.”
Astrology’s two largest true planets shape our aspirations and accomplishments. One, visionary Jupiter, begins the year in the sensitive Water sign of Cancer, where ambitions, beliefs and truths come through our emotions.
The other, karmic Saturn, spends virtually all of 2014 in fellow Water sign, Scorpio, which challenges us to look more deeply into our desires and to reevaluate our relationships. Answers we seek about career and life purpose are more likely to arise from instinct than intellect.
Major decisions need to feel right to ensure we’re on the appropriate path. However, the tender nature of Water signs makes it possible to allow fear to undercut self-confidence and keep us from making important decisions. Considering the possible risks of our actions makes sense, but not when they deter us from seeking solutions and pressing ahead with our plans.
A bolder attitude emerges when generous Jupiter enters outgoing Leo on July 16. The planet of expansion’s 12-month stay in this commanding Fire sign encourages creativity, self-expression and teaches us the meaning of life through love, play and children. Egos may be expanded during this transit, but if that’s what it takes to fully tap into and show off our talents, it’s worth the price.
Profound personal and collective shifts continue in year three of the ongoing squares between revolutionary Uranus and transformational Pluto. These slow-moving planets began their series of seven challenging right angles in 2012, and they won’t finish until March 2015.
This year they cross paths on April 21 and December 14, which can be critical periods of disturbance. Yet these planets also present opportunities for breakthroughs in institutions and individuals. Being flexible and open are the best ways to reduce stress and increase chances for making profound discoveries.
Jupiter participates in this process on January 31 when it opposes Pluto, and on February 26 during its square to Uranus. We may be wound up with nervous energy or caught in a downward spiral of mistrust that arouses questions about future plans.
However, April 20 is potentially the most powerful part of the year as Jupiter repeats these aspects with both outer planets on the same day. Rising tides of revolution, rebellion, innovation and extremism may occur around this time. Fears and hopes can both be exaggerated in a volatile environment that might even spur natural disasters.
Still, the point is not to run and hide during potentially dangerous times. This is, rather, a period when minds awaken and ambitions are intensified to radically reshape our worlds. Being proactive is more likely to produce a desirable outcome than trying to duck this cosmic tsunami.
2014 opens with love planet Venus backpedaling in serious Capricorn. Love may not flow very easily during this retrograde cycle. On January 31, however, sweet Venus stops in her tracks and will slowly start moving forward to take relationships, romance and resources in new directions. Allowing these patterns to play out slowly will produce better results than leaping into liaisons, investing money or making personal judgments impulsively.
On March 1, assertive Mars turns tail in diplomatic Libra, where it will be retrograde until May 19. The planet of initiative’s reversal can cause delays that demand that we take a second look at where, how and with whom we commit our energies.
Events take a surprising turn today by throwing us a curve ball. Although a shocking Sun-Uranus square is disruptive, our willingness to change plans on a moment’s notice can minimize any negative consequences. Nevertheless, a provocative Mars-Pluto square later in the day raises extreme feelings of fierce passion or intense power struggles. Moderation is elusive and emotions run rampant as the grandiose Sagittarius Moon pushes us over the top.
You could take yourself too seriously today and may go too far trying to prove yourself to someone. You’re ready to fight for your beliefs, but you need to chill out a bit because your passions are blown out of proportion now, especially if you bump into resistance. Even if it seems like others are purposefully blocking your way, it’s smarter to work with the energy instead of attempting to overpower it. But don’t succumb to fear; you can reach your destination by following the high road instead.
Managing your erratic energy is quite a challenge today, but it should get easier as you gain awareness about what’s really happening. A minor run-in with someone whose opinions are different from yours may stir memories of an unpleasant situation. Acknowledge your feelings; a molehill can turn into a volatile volcano if you try to bury them. There’s no reason to let the pressure reach a critical point. Avoid losing your temper by gently sharing what’s on your mind without blaming anyone else in the process.
You won’t be happy if your friends assume that you will go along with anything they want to do today. You may feel that they are being too pushy and you really don’t appreciate it. You might reach a point where you have no choice but to respond honestly, even if you don’t want to make such a big deal about what’s going on. But rather than instigating a conflict through direct confrontation, do your best to move through an uncomfortable situation by talking about your own concerns. Taking responsibility for your emotions is healthier than playing the role of a victim.
Trying to disappear into the shadows isn’t a sensible strategy today; something has to be done now and it’s up to you to do it. Although you may not want to take charge, it might be necessary if no one else steps up to the plate. Remember, if you take issue with someone’s performance, saying it out loud can prevent your anger from hardening into resentment. Keeping your feelings flowing is your key to happiness.
You like to play the part of the good guy and are usually happy to focus your intentions on the best possible outcome. You may truly believe your optimistic approach is the most intelligent strategy now, but someone might think you’re simply avoiding the facts. Ironically, you both could be right. However, if you try to prove your superiority today, everyone ends up losing. Concentrate your efforts on creating common ground instead of tearing each other apart.
A lighthearted conversation may unexpectedly turn into a very serious argument today. What bothers you most is if someone acts like a know-it-all, bending the truth for apparently selfish purposes. You don’t have any tolerance for people who spout facts that are blatantly false. However, a fight to the finish could do much more harm than good. Demonstrate your common sense and wait until everyone’s emotions have settled down before continuing the discussion.
Everywhere you turn today people seem to be on edge and you don’t like the confrontational atmosphere. You might be tempted to blame someone else because you know that your intentions are honorable. Unfortunately, the current circumstances are more complicated than you think; your suppressed anger could be coming back at you in a projected form. Accept full responsibility for your feelings, even the most negative ones. This simple act of courage may be sufficient to begin calming the disruptive energy.
If you haven’t been following a healthy exercise regimen, it’s time to put one into motion because your planetary rulers, muscleman Mars and formidable Pluto, cross paths to provoke powerful action. Although you might feel strong emotions bubbling upward into your awareness, this edge of intensity can be softened through physical exertion. Channeling your energy positively by working out at the gym or dancing all night long helps to moderate your extreme point of view.
Unfortunately, previous obligations may require you to reconsider your plans today. But you might not be happy when you realize that a social event will still go on, even without your attendance. Although you could be tempted to express your annoyance by criticizing others, shifting the focus away from you isn’t a useful strategy to get what you want. This tricky situation is a test of your maturity, so accept the current circumstances that can’t be altered and rise to the challenge by improving your attitude.
If you lose your temper today it will become more difficult to obtain the results you seek. Unfortunately, you may be frustrated because satisfaction doesn’t seem to be forthcoming now, and you have run out of patience. Nevertheless, an explosive emotional outbreak could turn your allies against you when you need them the most. Being honest and expressing exactly what you’re thinking might be the right thing to do, yet compassionate behavior conveys your message more kindly.
You might think you’re too busy to stop and process your feelings today. Unfortunately, this denial could take you down a bumpy path, causing unexpressed emotions to simmer beneath your awareness and turn a healthy reaction sour. Negative thoughts may be lurking in the shadows, so take your time and talk about your current frustrations. Thankfully, you can avoid a serious conflict if you adopt a proactive approach based on honoring your integrity and establishing clear channels of communication.
You are most often comfortable when feeling your way through a complex interpersonal landscape without a rational anchor. However, you might stubbornly choose to resist all forms of emotional engagement today. You realize that there are still issues left unresolved, and that it’s easier to avoid them than to confront the underlying causes. Unfortunately, there may be no way to sidestep the truth. Being honest now is the key to receiving the support you want later on.
Devotion to your career is admirable, but it might cost you in the relationship department. This week it’s likely that professional opportunity and obligation will conflict with your ability to offer attention to your mate. A New Moon on Wednesday looks potent and positive for you in terms of your ambitions, but it’s unlikely you’ll receive the support you yearn for from your partner. Sometimes, it’s lonely at the top. If there’s ever a time you’ll feel this way, it’s now.
One priority in your love life is that you must feel a deep spiritual connection with the person you’re with in order to fuel the sparks. If you aren’t connected in the soul department, then sex becomes empty. This week, expect a test in this arena. On Wednesday, you may begin a new quest that you’re passionate about, but you’ll quickly discover that your mate doesn’t share your same enthusiasm. In fact, it may conflict with his or her ideology. This could be a problem. You can’t open your heart to someone who keeps a closed mind.
The tension in your love life might hit an all-time high. You’re ready to explore deeper intimacy with a partner, but you might feel frustrated as you attempt to get closer. This may have to do with your sex life, but it can just as easily be a deeply personal matter you hope your mate can open up to you about. If you’re ready to fight for this relationship, you’ll certainly have an opportunity. Your sweetheart will not make it easy, but if you’re convinced the love is strong enough, then no amount of frustration will deter you.
A fresh start is possible for you and your partner, but it certainly won’t be without its share of stress. If you’re committed to working things out with your mate, remain confident in your ability to make it happen. At the same time, however, you may be at an impasse when it comes to a domestic situation you can’t seem to agree on. Optimism and faith may be renewed by Friday, but don’t forget that any conversation involves listening and speaking. Remember to take turns!
If you’ve been caught up in a bad office romance, things are about to get messier. Perhaps you and your lover have tried to keep this a secret affair, and if so it’s possible that by Friday someone at work will let the cat out of the bag. Another possibility is that you have unrequited feelings for someone or unrealistic expectations about a current relationship. Consider talking to a counselor or someone you trust about your love life debacle. It’s time to unravel a few knots.
Out of all the signs, you win the cosmic jackpot for the most promising developments in the romance department this week! You can thank a potent New Moon in your true love sector this Wednesday, joined by an even more transformational connection between the Sun and Pluto in the same area of your chart. You crave intensity and depth more than ever these days when it comes to love. Fortunately, you’re likely to attract someone who can meet your expectations and satisfy your hunger. Still be aware: An obsessive love connection is possible.
If you’re married or live with your partner, this may not be an easy week. It’s possible that you and your love are knocking heads these days when it comes to a domestic problem or living situation. You may be at a deadlock — unable to agree on where to live, whether or not to move, or even how to live with each other without losing your sanity. If you’re dating someone and plan to introduce him or her to your clan this week, you may want to think again. Hold off until next week, because that might be the difference between your family embracing your new sweetheart or rejection.
When it comes to your love life, you want to know the truth — no matter how hard it may be to digest. A New Moon in your communication sector on Wednesday may set the stage for information overload. You’ll likely have at least one new writing, teaching or sales project to focus on, and this may take your attention away from matters of the heart. Still, if there’s any secret information or unspoken words between you and someone close, this will be the week to get things out into the open. Besides, you already hear the screaming beneath the silence, don’t you?
Financial strain might distract you from romance this week. While it’s true that Wednesday’s New Moon in your earned income sector will invite the opportunity to earn cash from a new revenue stream, at the same time it appears that your expenses are unusually high these days. You might have decided to cut back on your holiday spending, and if so your sweetheart may take it personally if he or she didn’t get the material gifts hoped for. If this happens, you will begin to see your lover in a whole new light. A turn-off for sure.
This week it’ll be impossible to ignore the rumblings inside of you that demand change. If you’ve been less than satisfied with the course of your life or a love relationship, this Wednesday’s New Moon in Capricorn will urge you to be the change you want to see in the world. As you move toward the fresh chapter in your life, if there’s an old, outworn relationship holding you back you’ll examine whether or not it’s time to breathe new life into it or just let it go.
The roadblocks in love may continue for you this week. Not only is Venus Retrograde in your private 12th house, but a New Moon in the same area of your chart will occur on Wednesday. This lunation will be a tense one, and although there is the potential for new beginnings, it’s not without stress. In your case it appears that the fresh start has everything to do with your ability to let go of a past disappointment related to heartbreak. You deserve to move forward. What’s stopping you?
A testy New Moon on Wednesday, followed by the Sun connecting to Pluto, may stress you out socially. A power struggle between you and a friend might begin to surface, and if so it’ll be difficult for you to remain diplomatic. Not helping the situation is the potential for your lover to get involved by Friday. He or she may run off at the mouth to your pal in an effort to defend you. Do your best to resolve this situation on your own. This week, keep your friends and your sweetheart apart.
As 2013 enters its final 48 hours, shake-ups of all kinds are materializing around the globe. Yesterday brought squares between the Sun and Mercury with Uranus while today reveals Mars square to Pluto. Plus, tomorrow is no slouch in this regard as it will provide a union between Mercury and Pluto while also setting up a stage for Mercury to fight against Mars in another square off that can certainly increase tensions everywhere. The dark-of-the-moon phase also starts making its appearance today and tomorrow since 2014 will — rather amazingly — begin with a Capricorn New Moon uniting with Pluto, creating the closest Sun-Pluto conjunction on a New Year’s Day in approximately 247 years. Therefore, if you are feeling a little out-of-sorts and worried about the present and the future, you are not alone. Of course, it is always an asset to have a Sagittarius Moon presence at your beck and call that can give you encouragement to deal with whatever challenges may be on the horizon. This Sagittarius lunar asset is somewhat compromised today because a void lunar cycle begins at 3:37AM and continues all the way until 10:02AM tomorrow. From a positive standpoint, a supportive, 60-degree alliance between Mercury and Chiron (7:47AM) directs you toward looking into the merits of a wide variety of holistic healing techniques. The key discordant aspect of the day arrives at 5:23PM when Mars in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn. Any struggle between these two celestial bodies almost always results in earthly battles — often regarding emotional matters — that can leave the combatants angry and exhausted. Do your best to stay away from temperamental individuals or anyone who speaks too rashly and quickly without considering the consequences. [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.]
Dark Moon Night
Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a single black candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.
Dark Moon Invocation
At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your aging face
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and complete
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.
(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)
30 Yulmonath
Obatala’s Day
Color: White
Elements: Earth and Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white set a cup of coconut milk, eight white candles, the figure of an elephant, a white flywhisk, a bowl of white rice, and eight white or clear stones.
Offerings: Rice and coconut milk.
Daily Meal: Coconut anything and rice.
Invocation to Obatala
Great White King
Great White Queen
Pure as the snow
On the tops of mountains,
To sit in your space
On your white cloth
Is to be in the high place
Of objectivity
And perfect justice.
To work with your hands
Is to create life anew
Being both father and mother
Being the healer of wounds
That has no gender
As healing has no gender.
To touch with your vision
Is to see past the flaws
And faults of your children
To a cleaner place of fairness
Upon the high unbroken snow.
Song: Mountain God
(The ritual should end with a round of drumming and dancing.)
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.
Jade
Solid to translucent. There are two varieties of Jade, Jadeite and Nephrite. Nephrite is quite similar to Jadeite in its healing abilities, but its colors are creamier and less translucent than Jadeite; Nephrite is the more commonly found variety. Jade may come in a variety of colors, green, blue, black, violet, white, yellow and a reddish and brownish variety. Each with its own slightly different use.
Green Jade: Health, wealth, longevity stone. Ancient Chinese used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. Androgynous. A gentle, steady energy.
While all Jade has some healing influence, each color relates more specifically to certain ailments or organs. Properties common to all colors of Jade include its ability to mellow one’s existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Strengthens the body’s filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm’s way.
Blue Jade: A peaceful and passive energy source. Helps people who meditate to relax and gain an inner serenity. A quiet teacher of patience and slow, steady progress. It is a wonderful stone to give to people who feel restricted or overcome by situations beyond their control.
Brown Jade: A stone that connects us tot he earth. A good stone to use to help settle matters of the home or to adjust to a new environment.
Green Jade: Most common. Very calming to the nervous system. The color green is representative of life or growth. Helps one channel passions in a constructive way, making expressions of love easier.
Lavender Jade: In touch with the emotions. Beneficial to people who have been hurt by love or need to discover the gentleness within themselves. Can help one learn restraint and subtlety in matters of emotional importance.
Red Jade: A passionate and active stone. Caution is advised here: it can have such a stimulating influence that the wearer becomes agitated and feels the need to express anger. It can help you extract those feelings and come to terms with them. Use Red Jade to blow off steam, to release tension.
White or Cream Jade: Helps one direct their energy to its most advantageous outlet. Helps filter out distraction and allows you to envision the best result of a given situation. Also suggested for the eyes.
Yellow and Orange Jade: Both are similar enough to be considered together. Both impart the gift of joy and happiness. They teach the interconnectedness of all beings. Help organs that process food and waste in our bodies.
Jewel Weed
Impatiens capensis
Synonyms—Wild Balsam. Balsam-weed. Impatiens
pallida. Pale-touch-me-not. Spottedtouch-me-not.
Slipperweed. Silverweed. Wild Lady’s Slipper. Speckled
Jewels. Wild Celandine. Quick-in-the-hand.
Part Used—Herb.
Habitat—Members of the genus Impatiens are found widely distributed in the north temperate zone and in South Africa, but the majority are natives of the mountains of tropical Asia and Africa.
The flowers, purple, yellow, pink and white, sometimes a showy scarlet, are spurred and irregular in form and are borne in the leaf axils.
The name Impatiens is derived from the fact that the seed-pod, when ripe, discharges the seeds by the elastic separation and uncoiling of the valves.
Under the name of Jewelweed the herbage of Impatiens aurea and of I. biflora are largely employed in domestic practice and by homoeopaths and eclectics.
Description—The plants are tall and branching, tender and delicate succulent annuals, with swollen joints, growing in lowlying, damp, rather rich soil, beside streams and in similar damp localities.
They are smooth and somewhat glaucous, the stems somewhat translucent, the foliage showing a brilliant silvery surface when immersed in water, which will not adhere to the surface.
The leaves are thin, ovate oval, more or less toothed, of a tender green color.
The slipper-shaped, yellow flowers, in bloom from July to September, have long recurved tails, those of the first-named species being of a uniform pale-yellow, those of the second species, orange-yellow, crowded with dark spots, hence its common name of Spotted-touch-me-not. The oblong capsules of both species when ripe explode under the slightest disturbance, scattering the seeds widely. Most of the popular names refer to this peculiarity, others to the shape of the flowers.
Medicinal Action and Uses—The herbs have an acrid, burning taste and act strongly as emetics, cathartics and diuretics, but are considered dangerous, their use having been termed ‘wholly questionable.’
Constituents—The chemical constituents are not known, though the leaves apparently contain tannin, which causes them to be employed as an outward application for piles, proving an excellent remedy, the freshly gathered plants being boiled in lard and an ointment made of them. The fresh juice of the herb appears to relieve cutaneous irritation of various kinds, especially that due to Rhus poisoning. A yellow dye has been made from the flowers.
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Jewel Weed
Impatiens capensis
Found: in wet, shady soil throughout our area
Height: 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet)
Leaves: are oval shaped and toothed. Toward the bottom of the plant they are opposite; leaves on top are
alternate.
Flowers: have a characteristic pendant-like shape with red spots
Uses: crushed leaves can be made into a poultice to treat a rash or inflamed skin, including irritation from Poison Ivy. Lawsone, a component of Jewel Weed leaves, has reported antihistamine and anti-inflammatory activity.
Jewel Weed – “Touch Me Not” – Impatiens This plant is a very effective Poison Ivy antidote.
The Jewel Weed Stem should be crushed and the liquid rubbed into the skin contacted by the Poison Ivy and symptoms will not appear or will be much less troublesome.
Jewel Weed usually grows near water or in shallow ponds. It is often found in areas where Poison Ivy grows.
Leaves of three, Let them be … Poison Ivy Link to Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac Information Center. Jewel Weed totally neutralizes the Poison Ivy’s oily antigen called Urushiol, and you will no longer spread it by scratching or rubbing. The Urushiol oil may be carried on the fur of pets, clothing, shoes, toys, tools, or other objects and then transferred to the skin. Approximately 24 to 36 hrs after a sensitized person is exposed to the Urushiol, a blistery, itching rash develops. Usually within 15 minutes of contact, the Urushiol binds to skin proteins. If it is washed off with soap and water before that time, a reaction may be prevented. After the antigen is fixed, however, it cannot be washed off or transferred to other areas. Scratching or oozing blister fluid cannot spread the antigen to other areas of the body or to other persons.
Jewel Weed is still quite helpful even if you have developed scabs, though you need to work – Rub – it in longer, and it takes time for the blisters to heal.
Hecate is a powerful goddess representing the aspects of the Triple Goddess: goddess of fertility and plenty; goddess of the moon; and goddess of the night and the underworld, which led to her evolving as the patroness of magic and Witchcraft. She mixed fertility with death to be used as earth power. She has been called supreme, both in heaven and hell. It is believed that even Zeus called on her whenever he wished to grant something to someone. Hecate is portrayed as the most powerful – who could give aplenty or destroy totally. She is said to have the power to bestow on or withhold from mortals any gifts she chose. All the secret powers of Nature were at her command. She had control over birth, life, and death. Because of her power in the three areas of nature, heaven and earth she was represented as a triple form.
She is most known as an underworld goddess; the Goddess of the Dark of the Moon, the nights that there is no moon and the world above is as dark as the world below. She was the overseer of the world of the dead. At night she traveled roaming the earth accompanied by her dogs, Hermes, and dead souls. Some say she sent demons from the lower world at night and that she causes nightmares and insanity, and was called “the Nameless One.”
Aspects and Imagery
Festivals and Celebrations
Sacred to Hecate
Attributes
Misc
The above article is a compliation of materials from the sources listed below:
Purpose: To get rid of negative energy.
Items You Will Need:
A cup of salt A fresh lemon AthameLight white candles and protection incense. Anoint brow, heart and throat with oil. Put the lemon in the center of your altar and cut it into 4 slices (round).
Chant:
“All spells against me congregate in this lemon, that’s your fate.
Sour spell to sour fruit, you must go there cause it’s your suit.
Bound to this lemon evermore. Each spell against me that’s your store.
All in this lemon, now I see, and as my will so mote it be!”
When you feel that the chant has captured the negative thought forms in the lemon, begin to sprinkle the salt on the lemon.
Chant:
“Uncrossed! Uncrossed!
This salt for me breaks up the attacking energy.
As lemon dries in salt and air,
I’m freed from harm and all despair.
Uncrossed and happy now, you see!
And as my will so mote it be!!!”
Use lots of salt and when you are finished, thank all the elements.
Leave the lemon near your altar where you can watch it.
If it dries out, your work is done. If it should mildew, repeat the ritual.
All religious systems have a place where the soul ascends (or descends) when the physical body can no longer function. In Craft belief, we call this place the Summerland. This is the resting place- the way station, if you will- for souls to recover, and categorize information and lessons we have learned. We have no Hell, or place of terror or damnation.
Reincarnation- the logical process of living, dying, and living again on the earth plane. Some religions also believe in transmigration, where an individual’s soul may enter not only the body of a human, but the body of a plant or animal.
In most Witchcraft Traditions, reincarnation is the accepted theology for dealing with the subject of death and rebirth. We move with the seasons, the cycle of the Wheel, the turn of birth, death, and rebirth. That part of it usually isn’t questioned because it is logical.
What is questioned is the space between the living experiences, the number of lifetimes, and the reasoning for going through each one. Also intriguing is “who we were,” with whom, and when.
Reincarnation is one of Wicca’s most valuable lessons. The knowledge that this life is but one of many, that when the physical body dies we do not cease to exist but are reborn in another body answers many questions, but raises a few more.
Wicca teaches that reincarnation is the instrument through which our souls are perfected. one lifetime isn’t sufficient to attain this goal; hence, the consciousness (soul) is reborn many times, each life encompassing a different set of lessons, until perfection is achieved. No one can say how many lives are required before this is accomplished.
In Wicca, we seek to strengthen our bodies, minds and souls. We certainly live full, productive earthly lives, and we do so while harming none. The soul is ageless, sexless, non-physical, possessed of the divine spark of the Goddess and God. Each manifestation of the soul (i.e., each body it inhabits on Earth) is different. No two bodies or lives are the same.
What happens after death? Only the body dies. The soul lives on. Some Wiccans say that it journeys to a realm variously known as the Summerlands, Land of the Faerie, the Shining Land, and the Land of the Young. This realm is neither in heaven nor the underworld. It simply is- a non- physical reality much less dense than ours. Some Wiccan traditions describe it as a land of eternal summer, with grassy fields and sweet flowing rivers, perhaps the Earth before the advent of humans. Others see it vaguely as a realm without forms, where energy swirls coexist with the greatest energies- the Goddess and God in their celestial identities.
The soul is said to review the past life, perhaps through some mysterious way with the deities. This isn’t a judgment, a weighing of one’s soul, but an incarnational review. Lessons learned or ignored are brought to light.
After the proper time, when the conditions on Earth are correct, the soul is reincarnated and life begins again.
The final question- what happens after the last incarnation? Wiccan teachings have always been vague on this. Basically, the Wiccans say that after rising upon the spiral of life and death and rebirth, those souls who have attained perfection break away from the cycle forever and dwell with the Goddess and God. Nothing is ever lost. The energies resident in our souls return to the divine source from which they originally emanated.
Because of the acceptance of reincarnation, the Wicca don’t fear death as a final plunge into oblivion, the days of life on Earth forever behind them. It is seen as the door to birth. Thus our very lives are symbolically linked with the endless cycles of the seasons which shape our planet.
Reincarnation is as real as a plant that buds, flowers, drops its seed, withers and creates a new plant in its image.
The Day of the Moon
monandaeg (Anglo-Saxon) montag (Germanic) dies lunae (Latin) som-var (Hindu) peer or somwar (Islamic) lundi (French) getsu youbi (Japanese
This is traditionally viewed as the second day of the week. Although known as ‘Monandaeg’ by the Angle-Saxons it was also known as ‘the day of the moon’. ‘Black Monday’ was the term given to 14 April 1360 which was an Easter Monday. King Edward III of England had laid siege to Paris but was plagued by the weather as it turned foul and dark.. As a result it is said that many men and their mounts were lost in battle. The fact that this event is said to have occurred on Easter Monday is disputed, being later said to have occurred on the Tuesday, but ever since the Monday after Easter has been given this name. On 25 February 1865 a terrifying wind rose up in Melbourne, Australia coming from the NNW. Devastation hit an immense area of land between Castlemaine and Sandhurst, known after by this name. According to tradition it was believed that there were three specific Mondays of the year that were considered to be unlucky. The first Monday in April, the second in August, and the last in the month of December. It is said that Cain was born on the first Monday in April, and that later it was upon this day that he killed his brother Abel. Sodom and Gommorah was said to be destroyed on the second Monday in August, and that it was upon this day in December that Judas Iscariot was born. According to the English historian Richard Grafton certain dates of the month were unlucky as published in the ‘Manual’ in 1565. Days throughout the year were identified and of course could have related to any day of the week. The date was the most important point to consider. The work was reputed to have some credence with support given by astronomers of the day.
(For more information see Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Mystical Months).
*Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification and fertility.
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: Fourth Quarter
Moon Sign: Sagittarius
Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.
Incense: Neroli
Color: Ivory
By Chant of One – the Spell’s begun
By Chant of Two – it cometh true
By Chant of Three – it comes to me
By Chant of Four – through Heaven’s door
By Chant of Five – the Spell’s alive
By Chant of Six – the Spell I fix
By Chant of Seven – it flies from Heaven
By Chant of Eight – it’s at my gate
By Chant of Nine – the thing is mine
Good Morning my dear, dear family & friends! How are you doing today? I hope fantastic. It is good to be back with you. You know it doesn’t take long for your body parts to get stiff. I am talking about my fingers, good grief! Next time, I get sick I am going to remember to exercise the old fingers, stiff, stiff, stiff! But seriously, I want to take a moment to thank everyone of you for the warm wishes and prayers that you have sent our way. We deeply appreciate them. It is amazing after I did the post yesterday, I was still feeling a lousy. Then last night, I could feel this warm glow come over me. I suddenly started to feel better. I truly believe that is was from your prayers that the Goddess was answering. Thank you! You are the best bunch of witches I have ever known and I am honored to call you family and friends. I love you, I cannot tell you enough. I would ask that you please continue to pray for us. We aren’t out of the woods yet. I talked to my daughter (she is a nurse) and she was telling how people got to feeling better then they suddenly went down hill and in the hospital. I know one thing, I do not want to end up in the hospital. Your continued prayers are definitely appreciate.
So, my sweets, let’s get this show on the road…..
Have a great day and remember we love you more than you will ever know,
Lady A & the WOTC
Good afternoon, dear family & friends! How is everyone doing today? I hope super. I would like to thank everyone for their emails of concern to us. I have to admit we have been gone away to long. We have never let an active site of ours’ go down like this one did. I apologize for that. We have all been deathly ill with some sort of flu or virus. I know one thing, if you haven’t had it yet, hide, run for your life, leave the country (do I sound extreme, lol!). I can laugh now but I wasn’t doing much laughing with my head hung in the toilet. Bad, bad, bad experience. But the bug hit us, one right after the other. I have never seen anything like it. I know I was watching the local News and they said Kentucky was at its’ peak for the flu. I just wish they would tell me something I didn’t already know! I do feel better but I am not a 100% yet.
We are going to try to get the show back on the road tomorrow. Hopefully, we can get back to normal sometime soon. But like I always say, “what’s normal for us, huh?” Perhaps when Spring gets here, we will get back to normal then. I honestly hope it doesn’t take that long. :s If it does, I am going to dig me a hole and climb in. I hate being sick. I hate having my daily routine interrupted also. Speaking of which for the last two weeks my routine has been laying around on the couch moaning and groaning. I think the couch is calling my name now!
I hate to run but like I said I don’t feel 100% yet. I am going to go lay back down and hopefully tomorrow we will see you with bright, shiny faces. Thank you again for all of your concern and please keep us in your prayers.
Luv & Hugs,
Lady A
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