Wolf can survive either as a loner or as part of a pack, and he howls to remind you that you have to balance the needs of others with the needs of the self. If you’re giving yourself away to your own detriment, you are living in opposition to Wolf medicine. Return to balance—and begin feeding your emotions, your mind, and your body.
The Tower
As in the game of chess, where the towers stand guard at the corners of the battlefield, The Tower represents a defense and stronghold, perhaps at the edge of life, of change, of sanity. The tower rises out of solid bedrock and is a place to take refuge, to recoup, to meditate upon the next step. United as it is with solid earth, it also rises into the heavens, and it is there the answers appear to us, when we have climbed above daily worldly matters into a higher consciousness. When the Tower appears, seek solitude and cultivate inner strength, prepare for coming challenges.
As a daily card The Tower suggests you are in a time when you are likely to face major challenges. The Tower indicates that the best way for you to face these challenges is to fortify your inner resources and keep yourself solidly grounded.
Pamela Coleman-Smith’s artful rendition of an “innocent Fool” archetype (Rider-Waite deck) is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of the Fool card, however, portray quite a different character — a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.
In some instances, he is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable — as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of the Fool arise — that of an innocent Soul before its Fall into Matter, as yet untainted by contact with society and all its ills.
Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don’t forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards self-knowledge, and eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves — and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves — in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.
Everything may appear to fall into place now, but it’s not wise to raise our hopes up too high. The Moon’s shift into fair-minded Libra at 7:43 am EST enables us to view life more objectively. However, the Moon’s harsh aspects to communicator Mercury and stern Saturn reveal that we can fall short of our goals today. Fortunately, the Moon’s harmonious trine to the radiant Sun aligns our feelings with our actions and boosts our confidence.
You are quite eager to go along with your friends today because you can imagine the potential for new experiences wherever you look. Luckily, it’s natural to set aside your own agenda while doing what makes the most sense for everyone involved. But you must take time and figure out how to meet your needs, too. Unfortunately, trusting someone with your fate grows more difficult each hour that you hesitate. Find the magical balance between waiting for the right moment and missing your chance.
Establishing a brand new schedule for your diet and exercise routine might be tricky, especially if you’re secretly comfortable with your current state of affairs. Although you may be more certain about what you want, you still could find it hard to motivate yourself to change. Gathering more data is not necessary, for you probably have already done enough research. Anything healthy you do now can lead to an improvement in your physical well-being, so the sooner you take action, the better.
You might think that everything is rolling your way today; unfortunately, the logistics become more complicated as time goes on. Even if it seems as if there’s a lot of potential enjoyment just around the next corner, you can’t think about playtime until you’ve handled your responsibilities. Fortunately, once you’re finished with all your obligations, you’re game for just about anything. Work extra hard so you have time to pursue something more pleasurable later on.
It’s a good thing if you’re feeling flexible today because you might have to change your plans more than once. Domestic tension may be heating up and you could be required to step in and mediate a family disagreement. However, the current problem isn’t about someone being right and someone else being wrong. Concentrate your attention on helping everyone involved reach common ground, even if their perspectives still differ on a fundamental issue.
You’re able to deftly navigate your way through a complex interaction with conflicting groups of people today. Although everyone is stubbornly holding on to a different set of interests, your intervention may be sufficient to energetically shift the entire dynamic. On another day, you might have just given up and let it all play out on its own. Fortunately, you can maintain control now while still appearing as if you don’t have your hands on the steering wheel.
Instead of doubting your recent decision any longer, accept your previous judgment as being logically sound. It’s already well past the time to consider whether or not to proceed. You have moved beyond the point of no return, even if you’re still experiencing uncertainty. There’s no need to question your choices again; consciously shift your awareness now from the subjective inner realms toward taking the next steps on your journey.
Don’t waste time worrying about making a final choice today; instead use your current ambiguity to express yourself in a creative manner. Sometimes it’s critical to demonstrate your leadership style by behaving with clear authority, but now you are appreciated even more when you’re honest about your crisis of confidence. Be open and take whatever time is necessary to share your concerns rather than just leaving everyone in the dark.
You are often tempted to sink into the recesses of your own subconscious mind. On occasion these inner journeys might be overwhelming and could even pull you into deep emotional turmoil. However, today you can dance around the edges of the shadows with ease as the Moon travels through your 12th House of Imagination. Let your feelings go and follow your dreams.
You may unexpectedly find yourself in an intense power struggle when dealing with friends today. However, your relationships can be positively impacted by the social Libra Moon’s visit to your 11th House of Groups, where it alleviates some of the pressure you are experiencing. It doesn’t matter in the long run how you feel right now; just keep meeting your professional commitments with integrity and don’t worry about coming out on top. You currently have a better chance of succeeding if you remember not to take things so personally.
Leading by example may be especially challenging today as long as you continue to change your mind from minute to minute. It’s difficult to trust your decisions now, even if you have the intuitive data that you want to justify your choices. But don’t get hung up looking for a final answer to any one particular question. Just respond in the moment to the best of your current ability and be ready to move on.
You appear quite intense now that the willful Sun is traveling along in your sign. Luckily, today the Sun is receiving support from the Moon in fellow air sign, Libra. However, you could also feel dreamier than usual, as if your wishes have a life of their own. Be bold and take action as needed; just remember that karmic Saturn will judge you harshly if you believe that escape through fantasy is a viable option.
You have a bit of magic up your sleeve, and luckily it is there today when you need it most. Even if you are required to deal with powerful people who might be investing in your success, there’s no reason to be intimidated. Just stay fully present with your truth because maintaining your integrity sets the stage for successfully managing issues that will demand resolution in the near future.
Stephanie Dempsey on the topics of horoscopes, chinese, astrology, 2014January 31, 2014, begins the Chinese Year of the Wood Horse. Horse years place great emphasis on hard work and tenacity. 2014 could present fantastic opportunities for business, travel and adventure, but these things will require decisive action.
In general, “you snooze, you lose” could be the action-oriented Horse’s motto. Furthermore, dishonesty and injustice may backfire spectacularly this Chinese New Year. The forthright Horse does not reward those who achieve their goals through underhanded methods.
The Wood element is ambitious, assertive and heroic. By aiming high this Chinese New Year, you can achieve much more than you ever dreamed. Settling for second best and sitting on the sidelines may result in terrible disappointment.
In a Wood year, you’ll fare better by working to improve your life, rather than trying to maintain the status quo. Apply for jobs that pay more, afford greater satisfaction and offer more leisure time. Demand more from your romantic partner, and don’t tolerate shoddy behavior.
Horse years are wonderful times to expand horizons, explore unfamiliar territory and get plenty of mental stimulation. If you’ve been thinking about taking or teaching a class, this would be a wonderful time to do so. Learning a foreign language and mastering a musical instrument are also favored activities in 2014. Beware of biting off more than you can chew, however, because Horse years can prompt people to overestimate their abilities.
Wood years favor businesses that encourage education, exploration and hip trends. Day cares, schools and universities should fare well in 2014. Publishing houses and media enterprises could also turn handsome profits. Ventures related to travel may experience an uptick in business. Airlines, car rental firms and train lines could do very well in the Year of the Wood Horse, as well as travel agencies. After a prolonged slump, fashion lines may see a dramatic improvement.
Institutions that require thoughtful planning and patience, such as banking, accounting, architecture firms, government agencies and technical research, could have difficulty in this spontaneous Horse Year.
If you want to increase your chances of getting a good job during a Wood Horse year, adopt an optimistic outlook. Those who are decisive, imaginative, compassionate and idealistic will fare very well in 2014. Learning to turn anger into kindness can attract better job offers. A positive attitude is more important than impressive skill sets during The Year of the Horse.
The Wood Horse Year favors romance and adventure. Committed relationships that are showing signs of strain need careful attention. Impromptu outings, exciting vacations and spontaneous gifts can keep love alive throughout 2014.
Dull routines and predictable behavior could be the kiss of death for couples who refuse to mix things up! If you have children, hire a sitter so you can spend more quality time with your partner.
If you’re single, you could enjoy the dating scene this year. Playing the field could be really stimulating. Instead of going after a certain type, try dating as many different people as possible. This will help you narrow your choice for a life partner.
Ultimately, you may decide you’re having so much fun that you won’t settle down. Wood Years can make people a bit restless. In the event you do fall in love, it could be with someone who is introspective, imaginative and cautious. Neat freaks and critics could get on your nerves.
Maria DeSimone on the topics of birthdays, astrology, aquarius
Although you’re a social sign, Aquarius, you’re not the type who enjoys being the center of attention. As a result, on your birthday you might celebrate casually with a group of friends, but you’d feel just as comfortable working the night at your favorite soup kitchen or on your latest humanitarian cause. You are definitely the altruistic type! As long as your personal space is respected, you’ll go out of your way to help mankind.
While it’s true that you have your pulse on the most visionary of concepts, you also have the reputation for being offbeat — even weird — in your approach to life. The good news is that you’re an incredibly strong-willed individual. But at the same time, you might be uncompromising and rebellious — especially when you sense any threat to your personal freedom. When you need breathing room and ask someone to give you space, you tend to mean it … even if it’s on your birthday!
Some may accuse you of being cold or detached … and at times this might be the case. If this happens, however, it’s usually because you prefer not to reveal yourself until you’ve decided someone is worthy of something more than a superficial alliance. Once you’ve made that judgment, you’ll be a loyal friend through thick and thin. If your pals or relatives are planning a special birthday surprise for you, you may not get all gushy and sentimental about it, but that doesn’t mean their gesture hasn’t affected you. You may not wear your heart on your sleeve, but you certainly have feelings that run deep. True, you might be a little strange sometimes, but you’re also always authentic.
For the first few hours today, strange vibrations are in the catbird seat — as Chiron makes a fairly rare contra-parallel with Uranus (3:56AM). Learn more about holistic healing and alternative medical advances even though the Moon in Virgo is in void mode until 4:44AM. Once the Moon begins its 2+ day transit of sociable Libra (4:44AM), strive to improve the quality of your primary partnerships. A solar-lunar trine in air signs (7:42AM) has the capacity to lift your spirits and provide the impetus to reinforce bonds with dear ones. Find time to visit an art gallery and take a friend to lunch at a favorite restaurant. A shock to the system may be in the offing tonight as the Moon opposes Uranus (10:23PM) while the Moon parallels feisty, provocative Mars (11:13PM). Expecting the unexpected can keep you out of harm’s way. [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.]
This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Gibbous Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.
If you are feeling low on energy, or somewhat stressed, chances are, you need to clear and balance your chakras. Chakras are the seven points of energy within the human body. They are interconnected and when open to conduct your energy they can keep you feeling physically, mentally and spiritually fit. These energy points begin in the groin area and run up to the top of your scalp. Clearing the “build-up” of energies in your chakras will allow them to carry negative influences from your body. This will also open you to the benefits each of these centers bring.
Before you begin, locate each of the following points on your body.
Base Chakra (Sexual Center): The groin
Navel Chakra (Creative Center): The navel
Personality Chakra (Solar Plexus): Solar Plexus, just below the rib cage
Heart Chakra (Emotional Center): The middle of the chest
Throat Chakra (Communication Center): The throat
The Third Eye (Wisdom): The middle of the forehead
The Crown Chakra (Spiritual Center): Above the scalp
As you concentrate on each area, your chakra should feel warm, letting its location and presence be known. Now that you have located each of these areas, you can begin a clearing exercise. The purpose of this exercise is to push built up energies out of your body to allow a healthy flow of spiritual energy.
Find a comfortable position. You can lay with your feet elevated or sit in a comfortable position. Your back must be perfectly straight. Posture is very important. Consider your spine a pipe through which water must flow. If the pipe is bent, the water will need force behind it to move.
Now that you are positioned, remind yourself that you are a spiritual being as well as a physical being. Life itself is a spiritual experience.
Bring your concentration to your base chakra. Take a deep breath. Hold this breath and concentrate on the base chakra. When you can visualize this ball of energy, release your breath, and push the tension from this area up to the next chakra.
Now visualize your navel chakra. Inhale deeply. Now concentrate on the energy in this area. When you can visualize it, exhale while moving the tension up to the next.
Imagine the sphere of energy at your solar plexus. Take in another deep breath. When you can see this chakra in your mind, let out your breath, and move the tension up to the heart chakra.
Concentrate on the heart chakra. Inhale again. Visualize the ball of energy in your chest. When you can clearly “see” this energy, exhale, and move all of the tension up to your throat.
Think about your throat chakra, and breathe in. Once you can imagine this chakra, let your breath out slowly. Push your tension upto the middle of your forehead.
Visualize your third eye. Take a deep breath. When this chakra is clear in your imagination, push all of the tension up to a point just above your scalp.
This is the last of your seven chakras, the crown. Imagine this as something along the lines of a halo that conforms to the shape of your head. When you can see this image, release your breath, and push all the tension you have been carrying away from your body. It is no longer a part of you.
Remind yourself again that you are a spiritual being which is connected to a physical body. You should feel relaxed, and ready to fine tune your chakra energies.
Remain in the position you assumed at the beginning of the last exercise. Count to five, inhaling deeply at each count. When you reach five, exhale and say to yourself “I am relaxed, completely relaxed.”
Concentrate on your base chakra again. Feel it pulse in your body. While your attention is focused on this area, begin breathing in time to the pulse you feel from this area. With each exhalation, chant “ohm.” Do this until you feel completely in tune with this rhythm, usually three times.
Move up through each chakra repeating this process, just as you did for the clearing exercise. As you move up the pulsation should quicken and your “ohm” should rise in pitch. When you are finished, say to yourself, “I am in tune with my body, my mind, and my spirit. I am a being of light connected to a physical body.”
You have just cleared and balanced your chakras. Doing this on a regular basis should reduce your physical stress increase your energy, and give you a more positive outlook on life.
Items You will need:
Yellow flannel bag Charm or image 7 peppercorns Handful of dried peppermint Lock of your hairThis bag is used to master a skill or increase a talent. It should be carried on the body or kept in a workplace where you specifically work on your skill or talent.
The bag is only good for one thing. Choose what is most important to you if there are several skills you are building and make a new bag for each skill if necessary. The charm or image should be directly related to the talent or skill you are working on.
You may include charms or images for skills you currently have which relate directly to that which you are trying to master, or a petiton paper stating what you wish to master.
To fix the bag, breathe on it a few times.
Feed the bag with Success Oil:
¼ ounce carrier oil 3 drops heliotrope 2 drops lavender 1 drop patchouliNow hang with me, this is the first time I have tried to continue on with a topic from the previous day. So if I repeat a little bit, have patience I will eventually get to something new, lol! I believe we had just got through fixing Mojo Bags now we are ready to give it life and feed it.
Once you’ve determined what you’re going to put inside the bag, you are ready to fix it. There are many acceptable methods to do this. The most common ways to fix a bag involve using smoke from a candle, or incense, or breathing on the bag to breathe life into it. A prayer may be said while doing this, from the heart or from specific instructions.
After the ingredients have been added and the bag fixed, it must be fed, as it is now a spiritual item. Feeding can be done with alcohol like whiskey or vodka, perfume, a special oil blend specifically created for the bag, any oil blend that serves your purpose or water.
When the mojo bag is completed and alive with spirit, it can now work. To have the best success, most mojo bags should be carried on your person and out of sight. In some cases a bag may be worn as a necklace, though under the clothes, but more common ways to carry them include a pants pocket, a woman’s bra, or being pinned on the inside of clothing at the waist. A bag should always remain hidden and unknown to everyone, and it is extremely bad for another person, if they discover your mojo bag, to touch it. In most cases, this will result in the bag having to be remade.
These steps can be taken to create any type of mojo bag you would like, for any purpose. Simply choose the correct color and magickal components, fix the bag, and use a corresponding liquid to feed it.
How to Feed a Mojo Bag
Your mojo bag should be fed weekly, with at least one drop of liquid, and no more than five drops. Mojo bags are usually fed with an uneven number of drops, so one, three, and five drops are standard. The smaller the bag, the less drops you should use.
How Mojo Bags Get Ruined
There are several ways a mojo bag’s magic can be broken. Always take care of your mojo bag and try to prevent it from being broken, but if your bag is broken, just dispose of it and make a new one. Here are a few ways mojo bags can lose their powers.
If someone sees your bag or touches it, the power maybe broken. If a stranger or an enemy sees or touches your bag, it’s definitely history so you should dispose of it quickly. If an innocent being sees or touches your bag, like your child or spouse, your bag is probably okay. Feed your bag with a bit of oil and pray over it to recharge it.
To prevent your bag from being seen and touched, always keep it concealed. When you are not wearing your bag, keep it in a very well hidden and secure location. If you bag is a year or more old, you probably need a new one. In this case, you can undo the bag and dispose of its contents. Larger items like crystals or charms can be cleansed and set aside to go into the new bag. A good time to remake your mojo bag is at any Full Moon or Sabbat.
Also if your bag gets wet, the power it once contained is now gone.
Some excerpts from: Magical Mojo Bags Gianne, Lady (2013-07-30)Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants:Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger
Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.
Archangel: Samael
Candle colour: Red
Incenses: Dragon’s blood or cinnamon
Crystals: Jasper or garnet
Use Tuesdays for spells for courage, change, independence in home or business life, for overcoming seemingly impossible odds and for passion.
Where possible, work near a fire or a bonfire or with a huge red beeswax candle as a focus; alternatively work next to a flowerbed or large vase of red, orange and/or yellow flowers.
Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection.
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene and daily schedules.
Moon enters Libra 7:43 am
Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance and partnership.
Moon Phase: Third Quarter
Incense: Basil
Color: Maroon
So Mote It Be.
Good morning, FAMILY! How are ya’ll doing this morning? Do I have a captive audience or a snow bound one? I was digging around in the Spring graphics and come up with this, sorry!
I know most of us don’t even want to think about snow, me in particular. I am not a cold weather person. I would move to Florida but I heard it is 20 degrees down there. And to think, I have family that moved down there to get away from the cold. I guess the jokes on them, hmm.
Seriously now, I got up and listened to the News as usual. Oh, brother, I didn’t like what I heard at all. We are suppose to get some snow but it is going to be super cold here. I went to the kitchen, got a cup of coffee and just happened to look out the window. You know I saw something I really hadn’t noticed since I was a kid, that was snow. I leaned over the sink and just watched the beautiful snow flakes gently falling to the ground. It was amazing, something that I bitch so much about and now I am finding the wonder in it. I realized as I lost myself in each flake that passed the window that I had lost something. I had lost the ability to stop and take pleasure and joy in the smallest things on our plane. A simple snowflake, so beautiful and so peaceful, gently falling to the ground. I found a part of me that I really didn’t think I had lost until this morning. But unfortunately I had. I think in the hectic world we live in it is easy to lose that joy. You get a minute today, stop and look at those snowflakes passing your window. Watch them gently fall to the ground, visualize you floating and gently tumbling to the ground with them. Clear your mind, embrace that little flake and all the joys the Goddess has given us. Never, ever let yourself forget to embrace all the wonders of our world no matter how small they may be.
Have a very blessed day, my luvs!
Lady A
Witches Of The Craft® 