Day: March 14, 2014

A Little Humor for Your Day – You Finally Know You are a Witch When…

You Finally Know You are a Witch When…

© 1998 Connie Gilbert

 

1. Your BOS has spots on the pages from spilled brews.

2. When cleaning house you have to specify. “Where is the broom? No, not the broom, where is the one to clean the floor with?”

3. Candle wax has dripped on your keyboard.

4. There are more jars of strange smelling plants in your cupboards than there are cereal boxes.

5. Friends know they can always give you candles and incense as a gift.

6. When watching old re-runs of Bewitched, you find you side with Samantha’s mother Endora.

7. When travelling, stranger and stranger strangers tell you their problems.

8. You find yourself making corn dollies in the checkout line at the grocery store (well, I thought about it).

9. You ask for Halloween off, because it’s a religious holiday.

10. You start answering the phone with “Merry Meet”.

 

ecauldron.net

Your Charm for Friday, March 14th is The Conch Shell

Your Charm for Today

The Conch Shell

In India and Tibet, and other countries were Buddhism is practiced, the Conch Shell is prized as a charm for oratory, learning, protection, good fortune and riches. As Conch Shells were used as the current coin among all the primitive peoples of the East, no doubt this has suggested their use as charms for bringing wealth. The Conch Shell is also one of the eight emblems of Buddha, all of which are used as talismans. They consist of the Wheel of the Law, Conch Shell, Lucky Diagram, Golden Fish, Umbrella, Vase, Lotus, and the Trumpet of Victory.

Your Animal Spirit for March 14th is the Skunk

Your Animal Spirit for Today

Skunk

Phew! Everyone knows Skunk’s power—that’s why people (and other animals) get out of his way! If you’re lacking self-esteem, Skunk is there to help. You are worthy of a happy life—and if someone is making you miserable, look to Skunk as a confidence builder. Remember, though, Skunk doesn’t have to spray to be powerful—his reputation precedes him! And, like Skunk, you don’t need to spray either-but you do need to stand your ground calmly, and with Skunk’s confidence.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for March 14th is The Phoenix

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Phoenix

The mythical, endearing Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and coming full circle. Tired in both body and spirit the aged Phoenix combust into flames and from its ashes is reborn. The Phoenix does not indicate change so much as it does renewal and revitalization. It denotes the completion of a cycle and beginning anew.

As a daily card, The Phoenix suggest you are at a place where some aspects of your life have reached the end of a cycle. Your energies may be weakened from use and stretched over too many arenas to be as effective as they once were. As a result, now may be a good time for you to take a step back and allow yourself time to revitalize both your physical and spiritual self.

Today’s Tarot Card for March 14th – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Friday, Mar 14th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

 

 

Your Celtic Astrology Signs

Your Celtic Astrology Sign

Attract the luck of the ancient Irish with your Celtic Astrology

Tarotcom Staff Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, st patricks day, astrology

What’s your Celtic tree sign? What about your Celtic color, animal … gemstone? Learn all about your Celtic Astrology now!

While Western Astrology centers around the planet Earth, the 13 signs of Celtic Astrology are based on the cycle of the Moon. Long ago, the Celts imagined the universe as a tree with deep roots and neverending branches. Around 1000 B.C. people began to designate a tree for each Moon phase in the lunar calendar.

Each Celtic tree sign has different powers and meanings, along  with corresponding spirit animals, a color, gemstone, and a Celtic  “ogham” — a symbolic letter of the Celtic alphabet meant to attract  luck, protect from harm, and heighten each tree sign’s unique powers.

Look up your birth date on the infographic below to learn about your Celtic sign, and the lucky talismans that come with it. Click the image to view it full size, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest!

Birch (Dec. 24 – Jan. 20)

You are renowned for having a fresh and unusual outlook on life. Your ogham is Beithe, which symbolizes beginnings, change, and fresh opportunities, and is therefore quite useful in times of transition. The animals associated with the Birch tree are the golden eagle and the white stag. Your color is white, and your gemstone is rock crystal (clear quartz).  

Rowan (Jan. 21 – Feb. 17)

With the Rowan tree comes excellent taste. Your ogham is Luis, which represents strength in the areas of insight and discernment. The Celts linked the crane and the green dragon to the energy of the Rowan tree. Your color is gray and your gemstone is peridot.

Ash (Feb. 18 – March 17)

The Ash tree represents escape and peaceful solitude in Celtic Astrology. Your ogham is Nuin, which symbolizes peace and tranquility. The animals associated with the Ash tree are the seal, the seahorse, and the seagull. Your color is green and your gemstone is coral.

Alder (March 18 – April 14)

Under the sign of the Alder tree, you are famous for your bravado. The Alder tree’s ogham is Fearn, which represents moral and physical courage, and should be invoked when you need to make a bold move in life. The bear, the fox, and the hawk are the animals the Celts associated with the Alder tree. Your color is red and your gemstone is the ruby.

Willow (April 15 – May 12)

Represented by the Willow tree, you are known for your vivid imagination. Your Celtic ogham is Saille, which embodies the principles of intuition, creativity and artistry to support that imagination. The animals associated with the Willow sign are the adder, the hare and the sea serpent. Your color is yellow and your gemstone is moonstone.

Hawthorn (May 13 – June 9)

People born under the sign of the Hawthorn tree are patient, thoughtful and hopeful. Your ogham is Huathe, which embodies the principle of restraint, providing you with optimism and keeping you from jumping the gun. The animals associated with the Hawthorn tree are the bee and the owl. Your color is purple and gemstone is topaz.

Oak (June 10 – July 7)

Represented by the Oak tree, you stand out for your reliability, diligence and emotional strength. Your ogham is Duir, which holds the powers of protection, ideal when you’re about to undertake a difficult project. The wren, the otter, and the white horse are the animals the Celts associated with the Oak tree sign. Your color is black and your gemstone is the diamond.

Holly (July 8 – Aug. 4)

Under the Holly tree sign, you are celebrated for your physical strength and star power. Your ogham is Tinne, which represents additional strength and brilliance. The Celts associated the cat and the unicorn with the Holly tree. Your color is silver and your gemstone is carnelian.

Hazel (Aug. 5 – Sept. 1)

As a Hazel tree sign, you are prized for your intellect, maturity and perspective. Your ogham is Coll, which represents wisdom, and is therefore strongest when you are feeling tested or when you must put faith in your head over your heart. The crane and the salmon are the animals associated with the Hazel tree sign. Your color is brown and your gemstone is the amethyst.

Vine (Sept. 2 – Sept. 29)

The sign of the Vine carries an uninhibited nature and the strength of foresight. Your ogham is Muin, which symbolizes the power of prophecy and faraway thinking. The Celts linked the lizard, the hound and the white swan to the energy of the Vine. Your colors are pastels and your gemstone is the emerald.

Ivy (Sept. 30 – Oct. 27)

Represented by the Celtic tree sign Ivy, you are famous for your sheer determination and willpower. Your ogham is Gort, which symbolizes progress and aids in overcoming obstacles that stand in your path. The boar, the butterfly and the goose are the animals associated with the Ivy sign. Your color is blue and your gemstone is opal.

Reed (Oct. 28 – Nov. 24)

Under the sign of the Reed you are celebrated for your open-minded attitude and worldly sophistication. Your ogham is Ngetal, which symbolizes unity and is especially beneficial when you venture out of your comfort zone. The animals associated with the Reed sign are the hound and the owl. Your color is orange and your gemstone is jasper.

Elder (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23)

The energy of the Elder sign is wise beyond its years. Your ogham is Ruis, which represents maturity, and is beneficial when you must come to terms with a difficult situation or heal from heavy emotional pain. The Celts linked the badger, the black horse and the raven to the energy of the Elder tree. Your color is gold and your gemstone is jet.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for March 14 – 16

Weekend Love Horoscope

March 14-16: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

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

This weekend, you’re only interested in what’s important. When it comes to romance, fairy tale moments aren’t likely, and hypnotic stares of longing into each other’s eyes might make you laugh. What you really need this weekend is to know that no matter what, your relationship works. It functions. If it doesn’t, you may seriously reconsider whether or not it’s worth your time and energy.

The Moon will be in discerning Virgo all weekend, but the Full Moon on Sunday deserves extra attention. You might need to take stock of what you’re putting into your relationship, and whether or not you’re getting what you need and deserve in return. Are you the one doing all of the work, taking care of every detail to make sure that your partnership runs smoothly? Or is your mate carrying his or her weight, allowing you to feel loved and validated? Only you know the answer to this question.

One thing is certain: Whatever is useful and valuable about your relationship will be front and center on your mind. If there’s nothing fitting, then you can expect a major emotional void. Something must change.

Daily Cosmic Calender for Friday, March14th

For nearly 7 hours, the Moon in late Leo is in a void twilight zone — starting at 12:25AM and lasting until 7:19AM when the lunar orb enters earthy, meticulous Virgo. The standard rule of thumb during the void-of-course Moon is to finish old business on a high note while steering clear of launching bold, new plans. During this particular void zone, the Moon forms its monthly conjunction with Pallas (2:58AM) — enhancing problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. This can also be a good time-period to play word, board or card games, master puzzles, and enjoy detective stories.  Once the Moon arrives in the sixth sign of the zodiac (7:19AM), health and nutritional matters top the charts during the next 2+ days. If a temporary wave of anxiety strikes without warning, chalk it up to an abrasive, 45-degree link between Mercury and Uranus (8:03AM). There is smooth sailing shortly thereafter when Mercury switches its focus to making a flowing trine with Mars in air signs (9:18AM). Fine-tune your skills in a favorite art, craft, hobby or sport.  Sidestep confusion that can arise on the partnership front as the Moon makes its monthly polarity to Neptune (6:42PM). Keep in mind that the two days before a Full Moon constitute a time-period to prepare for the monthly crescendo of the illuminating solar-lunar cycle.  [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight 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 March 14th

Calendar of the Moon

 
14 Nion/Anthesterion

Day of the Gorse Plant

Color: Tan or dun.
Element: Earth.
Altar: Upon a cloth of tan or dun set a bundle of dried gorse twigs and leaves, a single tan candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Make an effort to subdue a troublesome habit.
Daily Meal: Vegan.

Invocation to the Green Man of the Gorse Plant

Hail, Green Man of the Spring!
Gorse plant with its prickles,
Furze who waves its indignant head
At our trampling ankles,
Belligerent as the strongest spring gale,
You remind us that nature
Is not always helpless,
And has a right to its territory.
You remind us that there are places
We have no right to walk
Unaware and thoughtless
Treading all that comes into our path
With no thought for smaller lives.
We bless your prickles, guardian
Of small pathways and hedges,
Protector of tiny beasts
And the untrodden ways,
Shrieking cormorant who drives off
All who are disrespectful of her nest.
We hail you, sacred gorse plant,
Green Man of the Spring,
On this your eve of awakening.

Chant:
I guard the paths of sunlight,
I guard the little mysteries,
I guard those joys of daily life
That come not into histories.

(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.)

{Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for March 14th

Calendar of the Sun

Media Hiems

Color: White and grey
Element: Earth
Altar: Set out a cloth of white and grey, a vase of bare branches, a single grey candle, a pitcher of melted snow or rainwater, pots of earth, and seeds to be sown and nurtured in the greenhouse.
Offering: Seeds, preferably saved from the year before.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Media Hiems Invocation

Earth that lies asleep
Waiting for the touch of the Sun
To grow in strength and light
And awaken thee to life,
We warm thee with our breath,
We prepare thee with our hands,
We plant thee with our hopes,
We await thy awakening
With faith in the coming of Spring.

Chant:
Breath warms thee
Hands prepare thee
Hope sows thee
Sun awaken thee.

(All take seeds and plant them in the pots of earth, water them, and breathe onto them, visualizing the seeds awakening and growing. The remainder of the water is poured out as a libation to the Earth. The pots are then taken to the greenhouse in procession to be nurtured until planting time.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for March 14 – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/96% of Full)

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.

 

The Witches Magick for March 14th – Healing Herbal Balm

The Witches Magick for March 14th –  Healing Herbal Balm

Herbs You Will Need:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Plantain (Plantago major)

This sweet-smelling balm soothes and protects cuts and scrapes. And it’s so gentle you can even use it on diaper rash. Calendula and plantain are known for their ability to speed skin healing. Both soften skin, relieve pain, and are antibacterial.

How to make it: This is a two-step process.

First, you’ll make an herb-infused oil:

In a large glass jar, combine 2 tablespoon each of crushed Calendula flowers and dried plantain leaves with 1/3 c of extra-virgin olive oil. Leave uncovered, and place in a pan filled with enough water to cover the lower half of the jar. Set the burner on very low heat and simmer gently for about 4 hours. Check the oil periodically to be sure it’s not scorching; don’t let it boil.
(You can also make the infused oil in a Crock-Pot set on very low without a lid.)

After the allotted time, remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain away the herbs through several layers of cheesecloth and discard.

To make the balm, combine the infused oil with 1 or 2 tablespoon of grated beeswax and put it into a small stainless steel bowl; set the bowl into a pot of water and heat just until the beeswax melts, stirring gently to help the melting

To test the consistency, insert a cool metal spoon into the balm and check the balm that sticks to the spoon; it should be spreadable but firm. If it’s too oily, add another few shavings of beeswax.

At this point, you can add a natural preservative to your balm to prevent spoilage. Vitamin E, squeezed from capsules, works very well. Rosemary extracts or oil might improve the aroma and antiseptic properties as well.

You’ll need about 1/4 tsp. (two capsules) to preserve this much balm. After you’ve blended in the vitamin E, transfer your final product to a sterile glass jar. Use a clean spoon or small spatula to transfer the balm to avoid introducing bacteria to the jar.

How to use it: Apply the balm to rashes, scrapes, and other small or superficial abrasions

WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically

WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically

The top five plants all remove chemical vapors that build up in the home from paints,
cleaners, solvents and other unhealthy things – and they have magickal abilities too as listed below:
5: GERBERA DAISY Great to encourage happiness.
4: PEACE LILY Encourages harmonious energies and good communication.
3: BOSTON FERN Encourages psychic ability and intuition.
2: ENGLISH IVY For protection and luck – especially good for newly weds.
1: ARECA PALM (or Butterfly or Yellow Palm) For peace and creativity.

Let’s Talk Witch – Time to Start Those Gardens

Let’s Talk Witch – Time to Start Those Gardens

 

In some areas, it is getting time to start planning and hoeing those gardens up. For those of us blessed with land attached to our homes, a mystic garden is an excellent addition to the magickal household. A garden brings beauty and ensures a steady supply of fresh and dried herbs. It also spreads an aura of protection around your home, shielding it from the outside world. When people approach, even before they have steppped over the threshold. they will have been enchanted by the garden’s subtle powers.

Not everyone has the space to plant a garden, but even apartment dwellers can grow herbs and flowers on window sills or porches in pots and planter. Indeed a garden can be maintained indoor with house plants.

Still, an outdoor garden is worth creating if you have the time, space and inclination. In fact, it is an ideal setting in which to perform magick. Spells cast in gardens are more powerful than those done indoors, for the forces of nature resident in the plants around you and the solid earth beneath your bare feet align with your own powers to produce the needed results.

Magical Herbalism describes one method of creating a magick garden. There are countless others–in fact, you should let your imagination run wild when fashioning your mystic green corner.

Your garden need not advertise its powers. It can be your secret with the Earth. Since no one seems to think twice about herbs or fruit trees growing in a garden, on the stairs or in window boxes, why not pick plants that will bring wealth, protection and love to your home?

Your garden can also be a source of help in fulfilling your personal magical goals. If you wish to improve your psychic powers, for instance, plant a bay tree, common celery, honeysuckle, marigolds, roses or thyme. While thriving in the garden, the plants will help attune your home to psychic vibrations. Plus, their flowers, leaves and seeds can be used in magick rites to further accentuate their effects.

Those desiring a loving household may wish to include such common plants and flowers as the gardenia, primrose, spearmint, tomato, pansy, jasmine and catnip, and (if space is no problem) a few trees such as cherry, apple orange, mape and willow.

To ensure happiness in a home, you might wish to fill a window box or ranks of flowerpots with hyacinth, lavender, marjoram, catnip and morning glory (care–it creeps everywhere).

If money is a problem, you could choose mint, onion, snapdragon, camellia, chamomile, clover, dill, basil and perhaps even a small section of what. Pine, oak, ash and apple trees planted near the house also help direct prosperity your way, as will a banana plant

To ward off thefts in your home, plant a “fence” of ti (ki) around its perimeter or be sure to include garlic, cumin, vetivert, a clump of thistlees, an aspen, catcus or a juniper tree.

Bamboo and hydrangea near the home offer it general luck, as does a sunflower, which is sometimes considered a prerequisite for a garden in Mexico. Myrtle-filled widow boxes, if planted by a woman are lucky too.

When all is growing greenly, no one will be the wiser concerning your garden’s powers, although every plant is virtually a spell in and of itself.

 

Source:
“The Magical Household” Book

Scott Cunningham & David Harrington

February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash

February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash

　

In the Norse eddas , Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae .

 

Source:

Celtic Tree Months

Author Patti Wigington, About.com

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

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.