Day: January 24, 2014

Your Ancient Symbol Card for January 24th is The Hand

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hand

Although the exact meaning may vary, The Hand is a symbol of some form of personal power in many cultures and religions. The presence of The Hand is an indication that your personal powers are at or near their zenith. The Hand suggest a time when you should leave your mark on the world.

As a daily card, The Hand suggest that now is a time for you to leave your mark on the world. Your unique strengths are heightened to a point where you can not only expect to make substantial progress towards your goals, but enjoy recognition for your efforts as well.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Today’s Tarot Card for Friday, Jan. 24th is The Empress

The Empress

Friday, Jan 24th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.”

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, January 24th

We have a solid connection between our thoughts and our behavior today. We walk our talk now that mental Mercury forms a harmonious trine with go-getter Mars. Our physical energy is connected to our brains, for better or for worse. However, mind over matter is good news only when our thinking is sound. Fortunately, the powerful Scorpio Moon forms several smooth aspects this afternoon, intensifying our passions and turning our ideas into actions.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may avoid the most direct path to your goals now because you enjoy the interesting diversions that others present along the way. Although it’s not easy to concentrate, today you could benefit from a concerted effort to stay focused. Ultimately, exercising self-discipline is more effective than following someone else’s demand that you obey the rules. Accept your responsibilities as a challenge; you can earn respect by sticking to the program and fulfilling your commitments

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

A close friend might disappoint you today and you could even feel betrayed and angry at first. Nevertheless, the Moon’s presence in your 7th House of Others urges you to reconsider your initial reaction. Let go of any outmoded emotional responses, for you have a chance to make important changes now that can ultimately increase your security rather than jeopardizing it. Reassessing what you want from a relationship is a good place to start.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Keep your chin up and work hard today, even if your chores aren’t very satisfying. The rewards will arrive later on if you take care of the toughest jobs now. But this isn’t about going against the grain or bucking the system. Even if you believe you have a smarter way to run things, you’re better off to follow a traditional path and obey those with authority until you have completed your obligations. Whistle while you work and you’ll be done before you know it.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Oddly enough, taking care of your responsibilities might lead to a romantic opportunity today, or, at least, an enjoyable encounter. You may feel overly cautious about overstepping social boundaries, nevertheless, don’t rule out the possibility of getting more personal with an acquaintance. Just remember, pushiness won’t work in your favor; a friendly gesture is enough to get your message across. Then wait to see what develops before making your next move.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You are often the most sociable one in your group, but you may do well to pass on the party invitation now that the Moon is moving through your 4th House of Emotional Security. Of course you still want to enjoy yourself, but your contemplative state of mind suggests that an evening at home alone or with your family might be more in sync with your current mood. Taking some quality time for yourself today may be enough to put you back in a more outgoing attitude by tomorrow.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you might offer your best ideas to someone else today, your assistance may not be too well received. It doesn’t matter that your intentions are honorable; a simple comment can be taken as a serious criticism. Going out of your way to share positive words and gentle encouragement along with your suggestions gives you a better chance of being heard now. Your kindness will be appreciated more than you think.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The emphasis on your financial picture continues with the reflective Moon still traveling through your 2nd House of Personal Resources. If you are thinking about making a large purchase, consider the long-term value of your possible acquisition. If it isn’t a good deal, let it go or try negotiating a price that you could more readily afford. Remember, there’s a big difference between what you want and what you actually need.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

It’s time to focus on yourself for a while by putting sensible limits on your social activities and commitments. Exercising self-restraint makes you more effective today and could even simplify your life in ways you never imagined. You may be tempted to start something new, but it’s wiser to wait a few days before forging ahead. Instead of scattering your energy now, concentrate on making practical plans to reach your personal goals.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might need to adjust your plans today due to circumstances beyond your control. And even if you don’t have to reschedule your entire day, it’s still possible to lose your cool if something throws you out of rhythm. Remaining light on your feet helps you maintain your balance now, for an unexpected turn of events could be a blessing in disguise. Luckily, you may be released from an unwanted obligation and end up having more time to yourself. Stay calm and keep your sense of humor close at hand.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

A group of your friends may want to include you in their fun plans, but you aren’t so quick to say yes today. The secretive Scorpio Moon is approaching somber Saturn in your 11th House of Community, encouraging self-restraint when it comes to socializing in a group setting. Don’t judge yourself too harshly if you’re feeling reclusive. Honor your needs by graciously declining the invitation and creating an evening just for you. Indulge yourself and be gentle with your heart.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Someone’s great idea might catch your attention today, but think carefully before committing your energy and lending a helping hand. It might sound like an exciting project at first, but it could turn into more of a burden than you want to take on. However, if you reject a colleague’s plan, spend extra time with that person explaining your decision, so he or she doesn’t feel hurt by your refusal. A bit of diplomacy can fix a problem before it even manifests.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are on quite a philosophical roll while the Moon zips through your 9th House of Big Ideas. Step back and take a long-term picture of your life so you can get a fresh view on what’s currently happening. Look for any unhealthy patterns that you missed when you were too busy to notice them. For now, the lessons you learn along the way are more important than reaching your destination.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Weekend Love Horoscope for Jan. 24 – 26

Weekend Love Horoscope

January 24-26: Verbal Agreements

Maria DeSimone  Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

 

The Moon will pass through intense Scorpio on Friday and into Saturday night, making love a serious, all-consuming matter. If there’s someone you’re crushing on, it’s possible that you’ll courageously initiate a conversation on Friday thanks to a direct trine between Mercury and Mars. Actions speak louder than words but on this day you’ll be willing to speak up about your feelings and take action to help determine whether or not they are mutual.

On Saturday however, Mercury will square off with Saturn and you might suddenly lose your nerve so be sure to act on Friday. The Moon will move into Sagittarius late Saturday and remain there all day Sunday lighting the mood considerably.

Consider a date that involves something adventurous with your sweetheart. Whether it’ll be bungee jumping or dinner at an exotic restaurant is your call.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Age of Aquarius

The Age of Aquarius

A part of something bigger

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of blogs, astrology, aquarius

The Sun’s entry into Aquarius last Sunday night, January 19, began a 30-day period when the cool objectivity and innovative attributes of this sign become more visible. It’s an opportunity to step back from our individual identities to notice that we belong to many different networks of people. We have friends, families, colleagues, co-workers, and even competitors who weave the numerous webs of relationships that make up our lives.

None of us is alone. We are each parts of larger collectives, groups of people bound by blood and linked by nation, religion, race, politics, vocation, avocation, neighborhood, astrological sign, etc. Much of our identity is shaped by how we see ourselves within these different groups. The basic human needs for company, comfort and conversation, to say nothing of food and shelter, require the participation of other people. We are a sociable species who need one another to survive. Yet in the United States the primary political shift of the past 30 years has been away from public (government) and toward private (corporate) investment. There are many reasons for this, but the point is that the principles of collective and individual interests have become more polarized. Fortunately, this is not the only option, which is what Aquarius teaches us.

This is the dawning…

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. It awakens the idea that all human beings are connected and that by working together we can be as creative as the gods. Using our collective intelligence leads us to a sense of purpose rooted in love and cooperation. This is the open-minded, open-hearted ethos of Age of Aquarius hippies and other progressive groups. Some, though, believe that these principles are too open to hold society together and that we must rely on the wisdom of the past — religion and tradition — to ensure survival into the future.

Forward-looking Aquarius is not limited to old ideas and values, nor does it necessarily reject them. It is an inclusive sign that is open to many facets of belief and practice, which is why it is associated with freedom. Aquarius is opposite Leo, the fifth sign and symbol of Self-Consciousness. The Lion represents the awakening individual, the conscious self. It’s an all-consuming Fire sign who usually plays the hero and star of the show. Aquarius, though, represents a higher level of individual consciousness that is fully aware of its place in a community. Instead of the Leo way of identifying ourselves as the singular Sun of this solar system, we perceive ourselves as stars forming constellations with other stars. Each one of us is a unique source of light, but part of a larger community of lights.

One in a million

The Sun’s transit of Aquarius through February 18, 2014 is a good time to step back from our egos to see them as parts of constellations rather than isolated suns. Noticing the many different forms of our shared interests and experiences is an antidote to alienation and polarization. Our primary survival skill is cooperation. Yet acknowledging and acting on our common interests does not deny our individual ones. Aquarius is not an authoritarian system designed to raise public interests above private ones. It is not a 2-dimensional perspective bound by polarities but is more like a diamond with many facets, each unique yet part of a single whole.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Friday, January 24th

Following the increase in tensions related to last night’s Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase, the current state of affairs appears rather pleasant and upbeat. Put on your problem-solving, superhero disguise as Pallas forms a rare trine in earth signs with distant Pluto (12:02AM). A Mercury-Mars trine in air signs (6:58AM) is an additional signal from the cosmos that brain and brawn can mesh with positive results. Energize your exercise regime and get back in the swing of a favorite sport.  A Grand Triangle in water signs suggests that you explore holistic healing treatments and the teachings of great philosophers as the Moon trines Chiron (9:57AM) and Jupiter (1:24PM). This latter aspect doubles as a catalyst for the power of positive thinking — especially as the Moon sextiles Venus (4:07PM) and also parallels Venus (9:00PM). Love vibrations increase in wavelength while you add entries to your upcoming social calendar. Keep in mind that the Moon keeps moving through strong-willed, eagle-eyed Scorpio for this entire day. [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.]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Calendar of the Sun for Friday, January 24th

Calendar of the Sun

24 Wolfmonath

Paganalia: Celebration of the Country Farmer

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a cloth of green set agricultural tools, and perhaps a small model farm of paper.
Offering: Give aid to a farmer.
Daily Meal: Food from a small local organic farm.

Paganalia Invocation to Gaea

The mother of us all,
The oldest of all,
Hard, splendid as rock
Whatever there is that is of the land
It is she who nourishes it
It is the Earth that I sing.
(All cry out: “Hail Gaea, Mother beneath our feet!”)
Hear now the words of Gaea:
Without me
No seed grows
No milk flows
No honey in the hive
Without my touch
No sweet exchange of breath between plant and animal
No safe nest from which to try your fledgling span
No one to miss you when you go
Without the part of you that is me
No working the earth
No food in the belly
No caring hand to help another.
(All cry out: “Hail Gaea, Mother who gives us all!”)
Remember that those who work the earth
With their own hands are closest to me.
Lie upon me when the spring comes
And give thanks that you were born here.
(All cry out: “Hail Gaea, we give thanks to you!”)

Chant:
Mother I feel you under my feet
Mother I hear your heartbeat

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Current Moon Phase for January 24th – Last Quarter

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/46% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Magick for January 24th – Incense Spell to Reach Your Goal

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
Incense Spell to Reach Your Goal

Items needed:

Pen and paper

Fireproof dish

Incense.

Write your goal on a piece of paper and put it in the dish. Sprinkle with the incense and light the paper. As it burns, concentrate on your goal coming to fruition and say:

Smoke into the Cosmos go
So the Ancients will now know
I need assistance to achieve
This goal that I have set for me.

Repeat this spell every day for a week while working toward your goal.

 

—Everything Under The Moon

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

WOTC Extra – Book of Shadows Blessing Ritual

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
Book of Shadows Blessing Ritual

Decorate your altar to Brigid with her cross or any other appropriate symbols because she is the Goddess of inspiration and poetry. She is also a warrior for the weak and Goddess of Mid-wifery. To me, she represents everything women embody – strength, nurturing, creativity. That is why she gives me power when I speak to her in my magickal workings and also why I chose her to call upon when blessing my BOS.

Perform this on a New Moon because this is the time for new beginnings. Light one white candle dressed in an appropriate oil with her name inscribed on it. Burn some incense as an offering. Then speak this prayer aloud while handwriting it in your Book of Shadows.

Great Goddess, Brigid
to you I send
a Witch’s words
from start to end.

I seek your help
so wisdom grows
and from my pen,
magick flows.

Please bless these pages
with your light
and keep this book safe
day and night.

Let the candle burn out on its own and save some left over wax. Take this wax and place it in something safe. Then secure it to your book’s blessing page for good luck. Brigid will inspire you with her magick every time you write in it.

Please note that this does not have to be done on Imbolc for the Gods are always with us. If done on Bride’s Day, however, your Book will be especially blessed.

(c) Kelli Sposato, 2003

Enhanced by Zemanta

Let’s Talk Witch – Back to the Basics, Your Book of Shadows

Celtic & British Isles Graphics

Let’s Talk Witch – Back to the Basics, Your Book of Shadows

　

A Book Of Shadows

If you practice magick mainly alone, your Book of Shadows will be among your most valued tools. There are Books of Shadows of all kinds, from dark leatherbound volumes with pentagrams engraved in gold leaf on the front to equally effected ones scribbled in old school notebooks.

Many magickal practitioners have a large book of unlined paper in which they record spells they have created themselves, any particularly beautiful chants they write or speak and personal associations for different herbs, flowers and crystals. They may also record the names of those who need healing and the dates when healing was sent.

Other sections describe seasonal celebrations, wisdom received during full-moon meditation and other times of power. Some practitioners will create lists of protective angels and pre-Christian deities whose qualities form a focus for different strengths and qualities.

It can be incredibly useful to have to hand details of a particular incense mix created when you threw lots of ingredients into your mortar and it smelled fabulous.

There may be a chant you created one morning at a sacred site high on the moorlands when the sky was blue and you had the place almost to yourself (if you don’t count the children and the dog).

Even if you do buy a leather bound book, as your Book of Shadows, keep a notebook for your enroute scribbles (in a waterproof bag with a waterproof pen for days when the sky is not so blue).

Keep a back-up of any charts or lists you develop on computer and a back-up CD in case you ever lose your book–for the contents are more precious even than the book itself.

Make time at least weekly to update it and express your insights, while you are waiting for a candle or incense to burn through at the end of the spell. As such a time you will find that you are especially open to prophetic abilities, and the most down-to-earth among us may write beautiful chants when inspired by a particular ritual or spell.

Keep your Book of Shadows safe and only share its insight with those who will respect your tradition. One day it will become a heirloom of great spiritual worth.

The name “Book of Shadows” is also given to the formal handwritten reference book that is held by the High Priestess of a coven. Gerald Gardner, who founded the Gardnerian tradition, believed that the Book of Shadows, or grimoire, should be hand-copied from teacher to student, and some covens still adhere to this practice.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – St. Paul’s Eve

Celtic Comments & Graphics
Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – St. Paul’s Eve

St. Paul’s Eve

It was at this time that St. Paul was converted from a Roman persecutor to a member of the Christian faith. Due to the profound atmospheric conditions at the time, St. Paul’s Eve became a time of great importance, and a weather omen for the coming year:

“If the day of St Paul’s proves clear,
Then shall betide a happy year.
If it chance to snow or rain,
Then shall be dear all kinds of grain.
But if high winds shall be aloft,
Wars shall vex this realm full oft.
And if thick mists make dark this sky,
Born beasts and fowl this year shall die.”

—Erra Pater, 1694

Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

Celtic Comments & Graphics

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

Archangel: Anael

Candle colour: Green or pink

Incenses: Rose or geranium

Crystals: Jade or rose quartz

Use Fridays for spells for love, fidelity, healing, for anything to do with beauty, the arts and crafts and for all spells concerning the environment.

Where possible, work in any enclosed beautiful place outdoors, for example a botanical garden, a field, park or your own garden – even in a circle of plants indoors.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, January 24th

Celtic Comments & Graphics

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, January 24th

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Almanac for Friday, January 24th

Celtic Comments & Graphics

The Witches Almanac for Friday, January 24th

Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Alasitas Fair (Bolivian)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Fourth Quarter 12:19 am

Incense: Cypress

Color: Purple

Enhanced by Zemanta

Goddess Bless On This Fantastic Friday!

GOOD MORNING, WOTC! How ya’ doing this morning? We are fantastic. It is a balmy 12 degrees here. We have got the bikinis on, going to cut out early and do some sunbathing today! Just kidding by the way! But seriously we might as well I don’t believe it is going to warm up till September. I know a few days ago I promised not to gripe about the weather but…..I can’t find anything else to gripe about might as well, lol! Hmm, if I don’t have anything else to gripe about then life must be good. Hey that’s great!

Ok, I will stop the silliness and get down to business real quick. I hope you all realize by now, I actually hate talking about our financial situation & asking for donations. Because I really do, that is one reason we opened the store and started raffling off merchandise. At least that way I didn’t feel like a total bum. It is coming close to the end of this raffle, I figured it might be safe (I hope). We received a $700.00 electricity bill in the mail a few days ago. We don’t have the money to pay this at all. If you have been considering joining in on the raffle this month, we would definitely appreciate it. If not, we are going to be in crisis mode, again. You don’t have to give a lot every little bit is appreciated. Think it over because we could definitely use some help. We have never had an electricity bill like this and personally I don’t know what we are going to do. I know we have always survived with your help and most of all your love and we are deeply grateful to you.

I am going to run for now and get busy. I hope everyone has a super Friday and a great weekend. Stay in where it is warm and we will see you tomorrow.

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

 

Enhanced by Zemanta