Your Rune For Today
Ehwaz
Ehwaz represents movement. You may be closing in on reaching your current goals. Your life may be changing for the better. Harmony with others should come easy for you at this time.
Month: January 2014
Your Animal Spirit for January 1st is The Cardinal
Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 1, 2014
Cardinal
Wake up! Cardinal is chirping at you—bringing a message of personal power. Stop shrinking from your destiny. Stop pretending that you are less than. If you are unsure of your path, ask Cardinal to fly with you—it’s certain he will help you focus, gain clarity, formulate a plan, become self-assured, and step out into the world with the confidence befitting a person of your power.
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Jan. 1st is The Sword
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Sword
The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.
As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.
Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, 1st
We’re determined to make this New Year’s Day a special one. We know that there’s hard work ahead, but still might believe we can overcome all obstacles that are set in our path. The ambitious Capricorn New Moon at 6:14 am EST signals a shift in our responsibilities and its conjunction with potent Pluto strengthens our resolve to reach our goals. Increasing awareness about hidden issues can prevent us from being swept up in the current turmoil.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Unexpected developments lead to a whole new set of possibilities as today’s Capricorn New Moon activates your 10th House of Status. You’re eager to take on a big challenge this year, partly because you could underestimate the amount of work that will be required to complete a project. However, if you can keep your fantasies from distorting the facts, you have an excellent chance to make your dreams come true. Reach outside the box, but don’t leave your common sense behind.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
Your need for adventure might become obsessive now as the Capricorn New Moon joins relentless Pluto in your 9th House of Big Ideas. No matter how much you try to relax, your current sense of urgency won’t likely disappear. Instead of trying to deny your wanderlust, consider ways to satisfy your needs without turning your life upside down. For example, instead of distracting yourself with unobtainable visions of exotic travel, think about enrolling in a course of study to expand your mind.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
You are quite serious today and may have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your sound logic and emotional depth. But stay away from discussions about risky financial investments while the practical Capricorn New Moon triggers your 8th House of Shared Resources. Schemes that promise you a fast fortune should be avoided at all costs. Taking a carefully calculated risk can bring rewards beyond your wildest expectations, but you still need to work hard to receive the payoff.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
A relationship that usually seems safe may test your limits today as you struggle to redefine your boundaries. The Capricorn New Moon joins passionate Pluto in your 7th House of Relationships, possibly attracting an intense person into your life. However, this individual could reflect a portion of yourself that you don’t want to acknowledge. Even if you prefer to hold onto the status quo, dynamic changes are already afoot. Relinquish control and be ready to flow with the currents, wherever they may take you next.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You are enthusiastic about setting new goals and you might think that nothing can distract you from your path. You may even try to start a diet today while the rest of the world is indulging in holiday feasts. You’re strongly driven to clean up your act now that the Capricorn New Moon emphasizes your 6th House of Health. It’s not that you want to have any less fun; it’s just that you are highly motivated to improve your well-being. Your goals are admirable, but give yourself permission to enjoy the celebrations of the season, too.
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You have a lot you want to do today and you’re eager to get the ball rolling. The hardworking Capricorn New Moon highlights your 5th House of Self-Expression, encouraging you to show others how your creativity can add inspiration to an important project. Don’t be surprised if someone likes your work so much that he or she becomes your greatest supporter. Try not to make assumptions about the roles that your allies can play. If another person wants to help, graciously accept the offer with a smile.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You may be so engaged with your family today that you forget about the work-related pressures you temporarily left behind. The dutiful Capricorn New Moon falls in your 4th House of Security, requiring you to concentrate on important domestic concerns. Sidestepping an interpersonal issue isn’t a viable choice because your frustration could precipitate an emotional meltdown. Thankfully, bringing secrets out into the open just might be the preventative measure you need at this time.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Your attempts to minimize the intensity of a conversation today may be too little, too late. The Capricorn New Moon connects with shadowy Pluto in your 3rd House of Communication, obscuring the truth and complicating the issue. A recurring argument could feel like a runaway train, but you might not notice how far off the rails it’s gone until you try to stop the ride. Although panic feeds doubt, deep breathing can bring you back to your center. Every word you speak resonates with more intention than you realize, so consciously replace fear with love wherever you go.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You might become quite upset today if someone assumes that your personal possessions are meant to be shared. The industrious Capricorn New Moon is hooking up with suspicious Pluto in your 2nd House of Resources, prompting you to overreact. You could even become hostile if what you own feels like an extension of your identity. If you can’t share nicely now, then you probably shouldn’t be playing with others. A simple change of attitude makes all the difference in the world.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Your sense of power is a double-edged sword today because you could be driven by unconscious forces you don’t fully understand. One way of handling this emotional intensity is to create a simple ritual that channels your intentions in a positive manner. The Capricorn New Moon joins perceptive Pluto and communicator Mercury in your sign, so write down your resolutions for the year ahead. Stating your intentions out loud helps you focus so you can begin to fulfill your dreams.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You might be inclined to take care of someone else’s needs today, but it’s not a smart idea if you haven’t been asked to help. Acting with compassion is always admirable, but an awkward situation can develop if you assist where it’s not wanted. Don’t express any negative feelings now that the Capricorn New Moon lands in your 12th House of Secrets or your good intentions may backfire. If someone resists your helping hand, kindly wish them well and walk away.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
An emotional disagreement with your friends or family members may lead to discouragement today if your allies seem to be especially hard on you. Group interactions have a high level of intensity now as the Capricorn New Moon joins relentless Pluto in your 11th House of Community. But don’t focus your feelings on any one person; instead, disperse your current emotional charge over as many people as possible. Channeling your excess energy into positive action will help more than you think to lift everyone’s spirits.
Astrology Inspired New Year Resolutions
Astrology Inspired New Year Resolutions
Keep your New Year Resolutions with help from the stars
Sally Philips on the topics of new year, astrologyIt’s that time of year again, when we all promise to correct our bad habits and become perfect people. Riiiiight! As we all know, New Year resolutions are made to be broken … but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make them.
Whether we stick to them is not always the point. It’s more about adjusting our focus each year to gain greater awareness. Little by little, that awareness can help us clean up our mucky areas and get closer to living the lives we desire.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
If one of your resolutions last year was to finish projects that are still sitting on your shelf, it’s time to box them up and make room for a brand new endeavor. Here’s the resolution you will need to make it a success: I won’t start a new project until I finish the one I’m working on.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Your fixed energy makes you great at follow through, but it can also keep you stuck in bad habits. Resolve to tackle a few of your worst ones this year. If you are true to your resolutions for just three months, you will be well on your way to breaking even the most stubborn habit.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Your whirlwind life can be a lot of fun — and it certainly isn’t boring — but it might serve you well to slow down this coming year. Even though patience isn’t your strong suit, try adding a dash of it here and there. It will help you make progress in areas where your bouncy energy has actually been holding you back.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You love your routines and your security, but it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Resolve to reach out into unknown territory and see what you find this year. If it feels scary, remember that you’re just coming up on an edge where you need to stretch.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Have you used your irresistible charms to capture emotional prisoners this past year? If you’re a player — and you know who you are — resolve to be more devoted this year. Open up that big heart of yours and take your relationships to a deeper level.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Nag, nag, nag … the only time you stop is when you’re nitpicking. Okay, that’s a huge exaggeration … but chances are you’ve gotten on someone’s case a little too often this past year. Resolve to lighten up this year and let others take care of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
As hard as you try, you can’t have it both ways. Promise yourself you will make firmer decisions this coming year. You can still weigh all of your alternatives, but when it comes down to the line, make up your mind and stick to it. Your friends and colleagues will breathe a sigh of relief.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Keeping secrets adds to your mysterious allure, but there’s a limit. If you’re using your power to manipulate others, that’s where it needs to end. Resolve to be more transparent with those close to you this year. Let them in on your deepest secrets and enjoy the fruits of greater intimacy.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
You’re good at thinking big and you shouldn’t change that this year … but you might want to put more time into developing strategies that will help you reach your lofty goals. Remember — a goal without a plan is just a dream — so make this the year you follow through.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Here’s your mantra-resolution: It’s not all about money. Keep pursuing the almighty dollar if you like, but also take time to smell the roses that line your path to success. Your friends and family need you. Resolve to be more generous with your time and attention.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Even though we all love your quirkiness, it wouldn’t hurt to develop a bit more tolerance for the traditional. As it’s the flip side of where you usually put your energy, it may feel uncomfortable. But you shine when it comes to breaking the mold, so surprise everyone (again!) with a side of you they’ve never seen.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
This is the year to put your compassion to better use. Resolve to find a project where you can help others in need. Your understanding and supportive nature is a gift you need to give on a regular basis. Reach out and extend it beyond your friends and family.
New Moon in Capricorn Horoscopes
New Moon in Capricorn Horoscopes
Short and long-term concerns
Jeff Jawer on the topics of new moon, horoscopes, Capricorn, astrologyThe ordinarily well-organized Capricorn New Moon on January 1, 2014, New Year’s Day, occurs right in the midst of other intense planetary connections. Provocative Pluto joins the Sun and Moon while aggressive Mars, revolutionary Uranus and expansive Jupiter form stressful aspects to this union. Chaos and uncertainty are undesirable effects, yet flexible-but-committed people can ride these powerful forces to professional and personal breakthroughs as we kick off the new year. Keep reading to see what your sign can expect.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Career issues are likely to break out suddenly within the coming four weeks as this New Moon in Capricorn lands in your 10th House of Profession. Resentment of rules, boring routines, and authority figures could trigger explosive responses. It’s fine to recognize that you need more stimulating work, but it is wiser to be strategic in making plans than to allow an impulsive reaction to force you to make changes before you’re ready.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Your vision of the future could be shaken with this volatile New Moon in your 9th House of Higher Truth. Challenging your beliefs is to be expected and will be healthier if you’re the one making this happen. You can free yourself of outmoded expectations as light bulbs of awareness go off in your head now. The realization that additional education may be needed to reach your new and loftier goals could even send you back to school.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Whatever agreements and understandings you have with other people could be shaken up with this wild and crazy New Moon. The normally reliable Capricorn lunation lands in your 8th House of Deep Sharing where financial and romantic alliances are ripe for breakdowns or breakthroughs. If you’re seeking a partner one may suddenly appear, yet it’s best to think long and hard before making any lasting commitments.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Relationships are rocked by this volatile Capricorn New Moon in your 7th House of Partners. Reliable people may suddenly become unavailable, although it’s also possible that your interest in sticking to the status quo will disappear. Experimenting in who you connect with and how you work or play together reduces the stress of trying to stick to an old plan or stay on track when your needs and circumstances suddenly change.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
This explosive Sun-Moon conjunction occurs in your 6th House of Employment, Health and Daily Routines. Expect shakeups in these areas of life, which can be exciting and liberating if you’re willing to change. Curiosity and flexibility are better allies than persistence and loyalty under these circumstances. Developing new skills is an excellent way to tap into the powerful shifts that are likely to happen now.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
A fresh and bold approach to presenting your professional ideas and sharing your romantic desires is appropriate at this time. This is an exciting and volatile New Moon in your 5th House of Performance that could alter the ways that you express yourself. Giving yourself permission to explore and play instead of taking yourself so seriously reduces pressure and should provide you with more creativity, fun and freedom.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Family matters and security issues can explode suddenly with this electrifying New Moon in your 4th House of Roots. Secrets may be exposed and emotions expressed that have been too intense to share before. Giving yourself the liberty to think and feel outside the box can reveal different ways to feel at ease where you are, or to make the bold moves needed to find security in more stimulating forms.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Surprising sources of information can open up with this dynamic New Moon in your 3rd House of Communication. Secrets may be exposed, which can help to clear the air in personal matters. But this is also a chance to open your mind to different subjects and to express yourself more freely. Reactions to what you say or hear, though, can be very strong so temper your words and slow your response time to maintain peace.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Financial issues could take a sudden turn with this electrifying Capricorn New Moon in your 2nd House of Assets. While this might be unsettling when it comes to money, it can also awaken you to new and different ways to boost your income. If you have talents that haven’t been fully exploited, this is a time when you can recover old abilities and apply them to put more excitement and, perhaps, more cash into your life.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
This New Moon in your sign is a time when you could feel like you’re starting over. You generally prefer to stick to plans and carefully build on what you’ve done before. Yet while this lunation marks a radical departure from the past that might feel alienating, it also offers you a chance to alter your attitude, approach, and appearance in ways that make you more appealing to others and more interesting to yourself.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Don’t freak out if you encounter ghosts from the past during the next four weeks. This explosive New Moon lands in your 12th House of Spirituality and Secrets where unfaced issues and unfinished business can grab your attention. It’s wise to pull back and take all the time you need to reflect upon your life. The potential for breakthroughs increases when you allow yourself to imagine a radically different future.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Your connections with friends and colleagues may require some adjustments as this transformative New Moon lands in your 11th House of Groups. Chaos within organizations or unreliability among pals and co-workers can cause sudden shifts that shake your relationships. Holding on tightly to the past is won’t reduce stress and increase opportunities, but giving yourself the freedom to let go and move on will.
Daily Cosmic Calendar for January 1st
First off the bat as the New Year begins is the monthly New Moon (activating 11 degrees of Capricorn at 3:15AM). Any new alignment of the solar and lunar orbs can generate a dynamic, forward momentum across the board. Then, in fairly rapid succession, the Moon is conjunct mysterious-secretive Pluto (3:45AM), Venus makes an inspirational, 72-degree link to radical-change agent Uranus (4:29AM), the Moon unites with communication-boosting Mercury (6:33AM) and parallels Venus (7:03AM) — all leading up to our main course, the first Sun-Pluto rendezvous on a New Year’s day in 247 years at 10:58AM. Hit the psychology, metaphysical and self-help books with a vengeance. Learn more about reincarnation, fears and phobias, and how to eliminate them in order to dissipate many of the hidden, root causes of human suffering. As a dessert, try to savor the mentally-expansive, monthly Moon-Jupiter polarity (11:10AM) and a problem-solving enhancement arriving at 3:16PM when Mercury trines Pallas in earth signs. Not to be outdone, Mars makes a contra-parallel with Uranus (11:43PM) — with these two, potential planetary mischief-makers adding another psychic storm (particularly influencing relationships), and somewhat akin in nature to the Sun uniting with Pluto, to your New Year’s Day agenda. [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.]
Calendar of the Moon for January 1st
Calendar of the Moon
1 Luis/Gamelion
Day of the Rowan Tree
Color: Light grey
Element: Earth
Altar: On a cloth of light grey set a vase of rowan twigs, gathered ahead of time and forced into budding, dried rowan berries from the preceding year, a single red candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell.
Offering: Plant seeds. Keep your dreams alive.
Daily Meal: Vegan. Red food.
Invocation to the Green Man of the Rowan Tree
Hail, Green Man of the Winter!
Rowan tree of the mountains,
Slender of stalk and many of leaf,
Sacred berries that break any spell
And ward any home,
Red as the ochre of our ancestors,
Red as the food of the gods,
Brigid’s pride, magical branch,
Protector of doorways,
Protector of children,
Expunger of evil,
Fire of the forge,
Floods across the plain,
Duck who rides the flood,
We hail you, sacred rowan tree,
Green Man of the Winter,
On this the time of your dreaming.
Chant:
I rise with the sap,
I feel the deep spark,
I find joy in the cold,
I bend with the winds.
(Each comes forward and plants a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)
Calendar of the Sun for January 1st
Calendar of the Sun
1 Wolfmonath
Kalends: Day of the Moerae
Colors: White, red, and black.
Element: Air
Altar: Drape with cloths of white, red, and black, and place upon it three candles in these same colors, three goblets in these same colors holding white wine, red wine, and elderberry wine, a spindle wound with handspun thread, a piece of woven cloth, and a large knife or pair of shears.
Offerings: Libations of wine.
Daily Meal: Vegan. Should be eaten in silence.
Invocation to the Moerae
(Light the white candle and raise the spindle.)
Spin truth into words,
Spin words into doom,
Spin doom into fortune,
Spin fortune into life,
Spin my life fine and strong,
O Lady with the spindle
Whose thread is my beginning.
(All take a piece of thread from the spindle. Pour out the white wine as a libation. Light the red candle and lift the woven cloth high.)
Weave truth into vision,
Weave vision into mind,
Weave mind into spirit,
Weave spirit into life,
Weave my life with depth and color,
O Lady with the shuttle
Whose tapestry is my existence.
(All knot their thread. Pour out the red wine. Light the black candle and lift the shears high.)
Cut truth away from falsehood,
Cut falsehood away from illusion,
Cut illusion away from matter,
Cut matter away from body,
Cut my body away from my life
When the time comes,
O Lady with the shears
Whose knowing hand is my doom
And also my truth.
(The leader of the ritual drapes his or her head with a cloth of black and walks around the circle, cutting each thread in silence. The cut threads are laid upon the altar as an offering, and all sit in silence, meditating on their Fate and that of the coming year. Leave in silence.)
The next supermoon is January 1, 2014
The next supermoon is January 1, 2014
According to the definition of supermoon coined by Richard Nolle over 30 years ago, and popularized only in the past few years, the year 2014 has a total of five supermoons. They are the two new moons of January, and the full moons of July, August and September. January 1, 2014 is the first supermoon of the year, and January 30 is the second. Expect large tides around both dates. We won’t have a single calendar month with two supermoons again until January 2018. Follow the links below to learn more about the supermoons of 2014, about what makes a moon a supermoon….Read More
Current Moon Phase – New Moon
New Moon
(waxing/4% of illumination)
The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.
Crystal of the Day – Hematite Stone
Crystal of the Day – Hematite Stone
Main Chakra: Base
Planet: Mars & Saturn
Vibrates to the number: 9
Element: Fire
Astrological Sign: Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn
Hematite stone is the main mineral in Iron and is mined in locations all around the world. The most notable places being Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, England, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain and Russia. In the United States, the states where hematite stone mining is the most common includes Alabama, Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Tennessee, Wyoming and Utah.
Hematite stone is always opaque and is a grey metallic color or almost black. Occasionally you will find small amounts of red within the stone. This is where the iron has oxidized and is why in times past, hematite was called “bloodstone” because many of the stones would “bleed” a red color when they were cut.
The so called “bleeding” is actually nothing more than the iron oxidizing, which is nothing more than rust. Yet this red “blood” is where it got it’s name. It comes from the Greek word haima meaning blood.
Our world has become so complex, it is hard to find time to take a deep breath, much less actually relax and let go of a little stress. The hematite stone can help you maximize those few moments you may find to let go of stress. It leaves you in a calm state but at the same time, it leaves you in tuned to the universal energies, allowing you psychic abilities to increase.
If you have reached the age where your memory is not as good as it use to be, wearing hematite can help to increase your memory, making it easier to remember to get to appointments on time, to pay bills on time or even just to call your relatives on a semi-regular basis.
Hematite stone is a balancing healing stone, that bring all sides of the subject into balance. Self control and a go getter attitude can live side by side. Body, mind and Spirit can all work in harmony.
Not sure which path to take in your life to ensure you have all that you need? This also includes having peace and true inner happiness in your life. Hematite can cause your intuition to peak, helping you make the right choices to ensure all your hopes, dreams and desires can take you on the path to reach your goals.
Hematite is a great stone for students, mathematicians and engineers or anyone that use a lot of analytical skills in their jobs. It helps with memory, makes memorization easier, improves mathematical skills and aids in logically moving from a single concept through the many possible conclusions that could arise.
A hematite is a great stone for a beginner just learning to meditate. Often beginners will feel overwhelmed by the information and feelings they receive during their early attempts at meditation. Hematite helps you to stay grounded so you are not so overwhelmed, but at the same time, still allows you to maintain a meditative state.
If you are ill, especially where fever is concerned or the if the body has a build up of toxins, have someone comb your aura while holding a hematite stone. If you don’t have someone to do this for you, meditate while holding one of the stones and visualize the stone drawing the fever/toxins/illness from your body and into the stone. Afterwards, make sure you wash the stone under running water to remove the build up of negative energy from it.
If you are in need of a chiropractic treatments but can’t get one done at this point in time, lay on your stomach and have someone place several hematite stones on your back in a line down your spine. Hematite stone helps ease back pain and the magnetic qualities can help align your spine.
Hematite stone works closely with the base chakra helping to keep you grounded. This makes it the perfect stone for someone who tends to have their head in the clouds. It helps them to keep their mind on what has to be done, without cutting off their love of life and flow of creativity.
Hematite stone is great for anyone that does any sort of public speaking, including teachers, business executives and such. It gives you courage and self control while also reducing stress, which can help you to shine when communicating with others.
Source:
Herb of the Day – Vervain, The Witches Herb
Herb of the Day – Vervain, The Witches Herb
Vervain
(Verbena officinal is)
Feminine. Venus. Earth.
Deities: Cerridwen, Mars, Venus, Aradia, Jupiter, Thor, Juno
The Witches Herb. Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep. Healing. Empowers any magick, especially love spells. Enhances the dreaming process and is recommended for dream quests. Used to consecrate and empower any ritual tools. Protects from negative emotions and depression. Used in house and home blessings. Turns back negativity. In love spells: add to recipes to attract mates, find true love, achieve sexual fulfillment, work sexual magick, an for bringing extra bliss on the wedding night. The herb of poets, singers, and bards. Inspires artistry. Instills a love of learning. Best when gathered at Midsummer.
Deity of the Day – Janus, God of New Beginnings
Deity of the Day – Janus, God of New Beginnings
In the mythology of ancient Rome, Janus was the god of new beginnings. He was associated with doors and gates, and the first steps of a journey. The month of January — of course, falling at the beginning of the new year — is named in his honor. He is often invoked together with Jupiter, and is considered a high-ranking god.
In many portrayals, Janus is depicted as having two faces, looking in opposite directions. In one legend, bestows upon him the ability to see both the past and the future. In the early days of Rome, city founder Romulus and his men kidnapped the women of Sabine, and the men of Sabine attacked Rome in retaliation. The daughter of a city guard betrayed her fellow Romans and allowed the Sabines into the city. When they attempted to climb the Capitolian Hill, Janus made a hot spring erupt, forcing the Sabines to retreat.
In the city of Rome, a temple known as the Ianus geminus was erected in Janus’ honor and consecrated in 260 b.c.e. after the Battle of Mylae. During periods of war, the gates were left open and sacrifices were held inside, along with auguries to predict the results of military actions. It is said that the gates of the temple were only closed in times of peace, which didn’t happen very often for the Romans. In fact, it was later claimed by Christian clerics that the gates of the Ianus geminus first closed at the moment that Jesus was born.
Because of his ability to see both back and forward, Janus is associated with powers of prophecy, in addition to gates and doors. He is sometimes connected with the sun and moon, in his aspect as a dual-headed god.
To The Ancestors…..
To The Ancestors…..
The Winter fire was an echo of the Sun–of life itself. During the Winter, our ancestors gave thanks to the slowly increasing power of the Sun as the year made its steady climb toward Spring and Summer. To do this, they’d raise a glass of beer or ale before the Winter fire as a sign of respect. Using your favorite beverage you can continue this custom.
No matter if your Winter fire consists of one candle, or a roaring blaze of oak and hickory logs, let is power you magic with its light.
The Witches Magick for Jan. 1st – To Conjure A Vision With Fire
The Witches Magick for January 1st
To Conjure A Vision With Fire
To work this spell, gather some apple peel, dried leaves of chrysanthemum, and rosemary. You’ll also need one white feather. Cast the peel, chrysanthemum leaves, and rosemary into the flames and say:
“Life and death,
Fire’s breath,
Flames crackle and flare,
Let me see
A face, a name, or sign upon the air.
Smoke gray, smoke white,
Let me see my future this night.”
With the feather, fan the smoke gently, letting it curl about you. Gaze at the fire and smoke for as long as you wish, looking for signs. Leave the fire to burn for the rest of the evening. As a sign of gratitude, leave the feather before the hearth or on the fireplace mantel.
Let’s Talk Witch – Winter Purification Rituals
Let’s Talk Witch – Winter Purification Rituals
During the winter, stagnant energy and negativity can build up in our homes. Fire is a natural purifier and is excellent to use during the winter to cleanse our living space. Here are three rituals for you to try.
This ritual uses winter spices to help clear the home of negativity. Combine a pinch each of allspice, ginger, and clove. Sprinkle these spices onto the fire. Using a small pine branch, trace the shape of the pentagram in the air over the hearth. At first, hold the pine branch above the flames and visualize any negativity being sucked up the chimney. Then lay the pine branch directly into the flames, if it pops and cracks a lot, then you did have some negative energy hanging around. If you perform this ritual in your cauldron or other dish, when the ashes cool, sprinkle them away from your home.
To create a calm atmosphere in the home and to purify yourself of any negative thoughts, this spell combines snow (or ice), rose water, and fire. First, in a bowl combine some fresh snow, or a few ice cubes, and a teaspoon of rose water. Place the bowl in front of the fire and let the snow or ice melt. When melted, stir the mixture with your hand and anoint your forehead and each wrist. The scent of the rose water should calm you— let go of any bad thoughts. Take this mixture around your home and sprinkle it in front of doors and windows. Return to your hearth and bless the fireplace and chimney. Pour any extra mixture outside.
As a good general cleansing technique, after you have built a fire or when the wood is glowing brightly, sprinkle a handful of regular table salt onto the fire. This serves to bless and purify any space, as a bonus the salt also helps to slow any creosote build-up in the chimney. Use this once a day in my wood stove.
Excerpt from: Article: Winter Fire Magic Author: James Kambos Source: Llewellyn’s 2014 Magical Almanac: Practical Magic for Everyday Living
Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury
Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury
Archangel: Raphael
Candle colour: Yellow
Incenses: Lavender or fennel
Crystals: Citrine or yellow calcite
Use Wednesdays for spells for money-making ventures, learning new things, passing examinations and tests, house moves and travels, overcoming debt and repelling envy, malice and deceit.
Where possible, work in a windy place or when the clouds are moving fast across the sky.
The Witches Magickal Correspondence for January 1st
The Witches Magickal Correspondence for January 1st
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender
This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, January 1
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, January 1
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.
New Year’s Day * Kwanzaa ends
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: Capricorn
Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.
New Moon 6:14 am
Incense: Marjoram
Color: Yellow
Witches Of The Craft® 
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