Month: March 2014

Keltrian Druidism

Keltrian Druidism

Author: Tony Taylor

Keltrian Druidism was founded in 1985 by members of Ár nDra”ocht Féin who were looking for a Celtic-specific path. In doing so, they built an organization, The Henge of Keltria, and a tradition honoring our ancestors, revering the spirits of nature, and worshipping the Gods and Goddesses of our Celtic heritage. The tradition uses a very specific formula in its ritual form. Those people who regularly practice Keltrian style ritual and who define themselves as Keltrian Druids are following the tradition regardless of their membership within The Henge of Keltria. There are Groves and Study Groups in several states.

Core Beliefs

Keltrian Druids have developed thirteen statements which encompass their values and world view. They are as follows:

1. WE BELIEVE IN DIVINITY as it is manifest in the Celtic pantheons and that polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, animism, and pan-polytheism are all valid theistic perceptions of the Pantheon.
2. WE BELIEVE THAT NATURE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE GODS.
3. WE BELIEVE THAT NATURAL LAW REFLECTS THE WILL OF THE GODS.
4. WE BELIEVE THAT ALL LIFE IS SACRED and should be neither harmed nor taken without deliberation or regard.
5. WE BELIEVE IN THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SPIRIT.
6. WE BELIEVE THAT OUR PURPOSE IS TO GAIN WISDOM THROUGH EXPERIENCE, and that we may undergo several incarnations to facilitate the variety of experience necessary to gain wisdom.
7. WE BELIEVE THAT LEARNING IS AN ONGOING PROCESS, and should be encouraged at all ages.
8. WE BELIEVE THAT MORALITY IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL CONVICTION BASED UPON SELF RESPECT AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS.
9. WE BELIEVE THAT EVIL IS NOT A MATTER OF INHERITANCE BUT OF INTENT; therefore, actions are not in themselves evil. Rather, it is through the intent behind actions that evil manifests.
10. WE BELIEVE IN THE RELATIVE NATURE OF ALL THINGS, nothing is absolute, and all things, even the Gods, have their dark sides.
11. WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO PURSUE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM THROUGH HIS/HER CHOSEN PATH.
12. WE BELIEVE IN HONORING THE GODS THROUGH THE CYCLICAL CELEBRATIONS OF OUR CELTIC ANCESTORS.
13. WE BELIEVE IN A LIVING RELIGION able to adapt to a changing environment; therefore we recognize that our beliefs may undergo change as our tradition grows.

Besides the thirteen beliefs, there are the three foundations which are to:

1. Honor the Ancestors
2. Revere the Nature Spirits
3. Worship the Gods and Goddesses of our Celtic Tribe

All religious activities of Keltrian Druids should be directed to support one of those three foundations.

Organization of Groups

Groups are organized into Groves. Keltrian Groves must abide by the Henge beliefs, ethics, bylaws and religious methodology. Chartered Groves apply to the Henge of Keltria Board of Trustees and are granted charter pursuant to a recommendation of the Council of Elders. There are differing terms for a Grove based upon the achievement level of the Grove Leader.

Groups who are just beginning may register themselves as Study Groups. Study Groups may be practicing Keltrian Druidism and have all the appearances of being a Grove but have not formally gone through the Chartering process.

Finally, there are many individuals who are practicing Keltrian Druid Ritual in a solitary environment. They may meet with one or more other individuals on occasion and may appear to be study groups but have not registered themselves as such.

Holidays

We celebrate 8 Feasts (holidays) throughout the year. These holidays originally come from two separate cultures. The solstices and equinoxes, which celebrate the cycle of the sun, came from one culture, and the ‘cross-quarters,’ which mark the agricultural and pastoral seasons of the Earth, came from another. The feasts are:

The Feast of Death (Samhain – Nov. 1),

The Feast of Rebirth (Winter Solstice)

The Feast of Stirring (Imbolc – Feb. 2)

The Feast of Flowing (Spring Equinox)

The Feast of Greening (Beltaine – May 1)

The Feast of Ripening (Summer Solstice)

The Feast of First Harvest (Lughnasadh – Aug. 1)

The Feast of Second Harvest (Fall Equinox)

In our rites, we relate the cycle of the year to the cycle of our lives. We choose a specific God and Goddess (Patron and Matron) to honor at each rite.These deities represent a different aspect of our lives, from youth to vitality to old age, wisdom, and finally death. As the year gets older, the Patron and Matron age as well.

Standards of Conduct

Members of The Henge of Keltria are bound by the by-laws of the organization which includes a set of ethical requirements. These ethical rules are similar to most Neopagan organizations and include the following:

1. Shall not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, or sexual preference.
2. Shall not espouse or engage in the practice of blood sacrifice.
3. Shall not participate in the torture, mutilation, enslavement, or abuse (physical or emotional) of any sentient creature.
4. Clergy are expected to be honest, to abide by the law, respect the rights and privacy of others, to maintain a professional profile, and to respect certain sexual taboos placed upon virtually all professionals in our society, rules which have been instituted for the protection of the client.

Ways of Worship

Since we consider ourselves a nature religion, the ideal place for our rituals is outdoors, preferably in the woods or another place away from cities and ‘civilization’. This is not always practical, especially during winter, so we worship wherever it is convenient. The purpose of our rituals is to celebrate the Divine and have communion with the Gods and each other. We do this mainly through meditation, prayer and invocation of the Gods, Ancestors and Nature Spirits.

Most of our rituals are done around a sacred fire (or sacred candles for indoor rituals). Our rituals involve the participation of everyone in attendance. We distribute the ritual functions among several people, rather than have everything done by a priest and priestess. Our rituals also involve the participants through a good deal of singing and dancing.

In addition to the eight Feasts, we celebrate two lunar rites. They are called the Mistletoe Rite and the Vervain Rite. The ancient Druids collected mistletoe on the 6th night of the moon (roughly just before the first quarter). Since mistletoe was known as ‘all heal,’ one of the themes of this rite is healing. This theme extends to healing of our community, through a sharing of food and drink at the rite. The Sun and Moon are in a position of equilibrium at this time, so we also see this as a time of balance. This is when we seek to find balance in our lives.

Our other lunar rite is the Vervain Rite. The time of this rite was also chosen from classical descriptions of ancient Druidic practices. It was written that vervain was gathered when neither sun nor moon were in the sky. This occurs sometime during each night, except when the moon is full. We generally celebrate this around the 3rd quarter. This gives ample time for the rite during the evening hours. It also places this rite opposite the Mistletoe Rite in the lunar cycle. Vervain is said to be of aid in working magic. Thus, the Vervain Rite is our time for working magic. The purpose of magic in a Druidic sense is more like prayer. We work magic to help effect change in our lives. Druidic magic may involve contemplation, meditation, ritual or ecstatic dance.

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Reading and Other References

The Henge of Keltria Book of Ritual (http://www.keltria.org)

Sources

The Henge – An Introduction to Keltrian Druidism (http://www.keltria.org/membersh.htm)
What is The Henge of Keltria and What is Neopagan Druidism (http://www.keltria.org/druidq3.htm)
The By-Laws of The Henge of Keltria (http://www.keltria.org/Bylaws.htm)

For further information, contact The Henge of Keltria via its web site: http://www.keltria.org.

Living Your Religion Every Day

Living Your Religion Every Day

Author:   James Bulls 

This story is neither about high ceremony nor exotic sorcery; it is not about the alchemical secret to eternal life but the simple secret to everyday life. To preface this simple secret, consider the words of Johann von Goethe who said, “Out of moderation a pure happiness springs.” There are some who would disagree with that statement, but consider its merits on a day-to-day basis. For contrast, consider James Dean’s statement, “Dream as if you’ll live forever; live as if you’ll die today.” You may certainly choose to live each day under the dictates of extremity, but such a lifestyle relies on black-and-white dichotomies quite incompatible with a harmonious lifestyle and a society that requires those members who wish to live successfully the ability to distinguish subtleties, nuance, and shades of grey.

To return to Goethe’s statement that moderation brings happiness, one must look at each day not as a singular opportunity to figuratively explode like James Dean but to burn a low, steady flame. Extremists who make dramatic resolutions toward religious expression attract much attention, but after the noise is finished what remains is a spiritual model incompatible with modern life. As it concerns living your religion everyday, the loud dramatists advocate set rules and habits for life: meditate for an hour every day; read cards every day; exercise every day; never eat this; never drink that; always perform the quarter, cross-quarter, full-Moon, and dark-Moon rituals; and so on. And so the misguided accept one absolute after another into their spiritual devotions until all their time and energy is devoted to planning for the next event.

The trouble with living your religion in terms of absolutes is that each of us is fallible and will fail to satisfy an artificial schedule and arbitrary definition of “spiritual perfection.” Absolutes invite failure, failure invites discouragement, discouragement invites dissatisfaction, and dissatisfaction invites mediocrity. This “mediocrity” of which I speak is the ball-and-chain, which prohibits daily expression of one’s religion – it is the intangible obstacle that stands between the spiritually dead and the sublime angels!

Living moderately provides room for failure and permits one to find as much satisfaction in the loving preparation of afternoon tea as another might find in an elaborate Spring Equinox celebration. Moderation permits one to say “I forgive myself for my weaknesses, ” and “This is enough for today.” Living your religion on a daily basis is determined in neither quantity nor quality, but in the process and your ability to find satisfaction in it.

Much of the spiritual insight commonly taught in the New Thought, New Age, Wiccan, and Occult communities is imported from the East, but there is much of value in the West that gets overlooked. With respect to living one’s religion every day and the importance of moderation I set out at the beginning, consider the Religious Society of Friends, also called the Quakers. The Friends believe in moderation, modesty, and (not unlike the Zen Buddhists) a direct experience of God outside of material limitations. The Friends live their faith every day not necessarily through dictated prayer times and worship services, but through quiet appreciation for the Divine and making common-sense choices to live modestly which not only prevent egoic obstacles to spiritual growth but also provide more time for to focus on their friends and family members, community, and simple acts of devotion.

Living moderately (and dare I say modestly) is not a sexy adventure for bold heroes but the source of pure happiness. Living one’s religion every day isn’t a matter of selecting specific rituals, adopting absolute views in the name of simplicity, or making loud declarations for the sake of consistency – it is in fact a broad, consistent expression of your core values. For example, consider Pantheism, a path whose travellers see the very world in which they live as the body of the Divine and who value the environment, wildlife, and the needs of their kin and neighbours. Pantheists may have specific rituals they practice for spiritual edification such as cartomancy, theurgy, and folk medicine (Qi gong, Reiki, etc.) , but it is putting the carriage before the horse to say that the rituals are the religion – a religion is the sum of the core values and ultimate goals!

To live their religion every day, Pantheists may choose activities or make simple changes which support their beliefs such as: turning off a light when they leave the room; taking the time and effort to recycle paper, glass, and plastic; collect litter in their neighbourhood or at the local park; volunteer once or twice a month at the animal shelter; donate their time to Habitat for Humanity; making a meal for a friend or inviting a friend to a meal; walking or riding a bike when a vehicle isn’t needed; using cloth shopping bags; turning off the TV or computer to spend more time with your spouse and children; or even just smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street. None of these actions are as sexy and exciting as high ceremony or deep meditation, but they are all easily adopted into one’s everyday life and each of them supports the religious expression of the Pantheist.

Moderation is the simple secret to daily expression of one’s religion; you will not find happiness in strict adherence to daily religious ritual but in the small, simple activities and choices, which are the mundane foundation of your religious philosophy. If you worship the Earth, make choices, which protect the environment. If you revere the sacred feminine, make choices that would lead others to respect femininity. If you believe that your spiritual purpose is to serve your fellows, be friendly and willing to help. But if you want to live your religion every day, don’t obligate yourself to an arbitrary schedule of worship or you’ll only become a slave to your faith. Remember you values and you’ll immediately change from an event-based religion to a day-to-day expression of faith.

A Little Humor for Your Day – Inspirational Messages Not Heard At Work

Inspirational Messages Not Heard At Work

17. There is no “I” in “teamwork.” But there is in “management kiss-up.”
16. If you do a good job and work hard, you may get a job with a better company someday.
15. The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off due to budget cuts.
14. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG 14 times gives you job security.
13. If you think we’re a bad company, you should see the competition.
12. Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings–they did it by killing all those who oppose them.
11. We put the “k” in “kwality.”
10. 2 days without a human rights violation.
9. Your job is STILL better than asking, “You want fries with that?”
8. We build great products when we feel like it and don’t have any reason to call in sick.
7. If at first you don’t succeed, try management.
6. Teamwork means never having to take all the blame yourself.
5. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
4. Pride, Commitment, Teamwork. Words we use to get you to work for free.
3. If at first you don’t succeed, delegate it.
2. Plagiarism saves time.
1. Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

 

Source:

Funny Humor

Daily Feng Shui News for March 21st – ‘Fragrance Day’

Today’s ‘Fragrance Day’ energies let me share some of the many benefits of wearing grapefruit essential oil as your signature scent. This pure essential oil has a dynamite reputation for cleaning toxins from the body while also detoxing the lymphatic system and eliminating excess fluids. Inhaling this oil is also believed to help burn fat and even protect against cancer. A recent study showed that women who wore grapefruit essential oil as their fragrance were also perceived to be between seven and 12 years younger than they actually are. That’s a good enough reason to smell like citrus to me!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for Friday, March 21st is Pisces the Fishes

Your Charm for Today

Pisces the Fishes

Today’s Meaning:   

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is imaginative, sensitive, compassionate, kind, selfless, unworldly, intuitive and sympathetic. This person could be merely an acquaintance who has influence with people in your circle.

General Description:  

Twelfth sign of the Zodiac, Feb 19th to March 20th. Ruled by the planet Jupiter; correct metal, Tin. Those born under the influence of Pisces were believed to be highly emotional, imaginative, observant, artistic, musical, precise and prudent. The gem for Pisces is the Amethyst, whose occult properties were firmly believed in by the ancients. The Egyptians wore these stones as amulets against witchcraft, and for success in their undertakings. The Amethyst is also called The Bishops Stone from its supposed soothing influence, imparting a pious calm in time of danger. The stone was believed to confer happiness on the newly married.

Your Animal Spirit for Friday, March 21 is The Horse

Your Animal Spirit for Today
March 21, 2014

 

Horse

When Horse came back to the Americas, he brought with him the ability to move rapidly from place to place—and it’s this rapid movement that he brings to you today. Get up, get out of the rut you’ve created. Grab Horse’s mane, pull yourself onto his back and let him carry you across the plains of your life. The time for being stuck is over.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for March 21 is The Western Dragon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Western Dragon

Unlike the beneficent Easter Dragon, The Western Dragon is a symbol of totally unleashed destructive power that is set upon anyone who crosses the Dragon’s path. The Western Dragon also hordes treasures that should rightfully be ours, and whose absence deprives us from being complete. The challenges set  before us by the Western Dragon are truly prodigious, because they denote a force whose sole intent is not simply to keep us from moving forward in our lives, but to usurp all that we have previously gained as well. What is even more disturbing about the force behind the Western Dragon is that it may well indicate primal forces in ourselves so powerful that they do in fact turn us into our own worst enemy.

As a daily card, The Western Dragon is a powerful negative force intent upon thwarting your progress. In such a short time frame it is most likely you’re being undermined by an external force–someone who wants what you have gained or gains your are near realizing. While formidable, this bellicose entity does have vulnerabilities. First, there is nothing subtle about the forces represented by The Western Dragon, so the source will be easy for you to identify. Secondly, The Western Dragon represents undisciplined, primal energies that aren’t easy to control, so they are susceptible to logical responses steeped in self control. In short, don’t panic, act deliberately and decisively, and you will weather this storm.

Today’s Tarot Card for March 21 is The World

The World

Friday, Mar 21st, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, March 21st

We may visualize climbing to the top of a distant mountain today, but dreaming about the journey isn’t enough to get us there. Nevertheless, our minds are infused with idealism once the Moon shifts into philosophical Sagittarius at 11:38 am EDT. However, the growing emphasis on initiating action is softened as the Moon squares Mercury and Neptune in mystical Pisces, dampening our enthusiasm and shifting the emphasis to more spiritual matters.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

On one hand, your reality can mysteriously blend with fantasy today, making it hard to tell the difference. On the other hand, the Moon’s move into fiery Sagittarius rejuvenates your spirit and inspires you to think big. Your energy is irrepressible, even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going. Patience serves you better now than blindly pushing ahead; you don’t have to act on every whim unless you want to stir up trouble.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

The wide-open spaces in front of you may be a bit daunting because it’s nearly impossible to know which opportunities make the most sense now. Fortunately, you can rely on your friends and colleagues for the guidance you need today. Listen to what they have to say, even if you aren’t sure that they truly understand your interests. You can greatly benefit from the wisdom of experience if you remain open to the helpful advice. Just remember that the final choice is still yours to make

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You might not run into any obstacles today, yet slowing down is a wise strategy anyhow. Emotional issues can present problems, even in the most cooperative relationships. You may feel as if you are split in two, with your heart telling you one thing now while circumstances require you to act differently. Don’t try to solve the dilemma yet; just be aware of the source of stress. Taking full responsibility for your own feelings makes it easier for everyone involved.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Even if you have been a bit too anxious recently, you may feel the soothing waves of contentment wash up on your shores today. Somehow, you can see the whole picture more clearly now and you’re happy to do anything that fits into the larger plan. Unfortunately, you could get caught up in the excitement, committing to more than you’re able to deliver. Taking careful baby steps is a better approach than running too fast and falling down.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although you might attempt to remain confident today, you continue to gain awareness of complex feelings that you were hiding from yourself. Perhaps you remember a particular event from your childhood or maybe someone shares a deep secret with you. Either way, you probably feel more vulnerable now than you prefer. Don’t push away the uncomfortable emotions since they can work as an amazing catalyst to your next phase of growth. You don’t have to perform to impress others with your courage.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may believe that someone is being manipulative in their dealings with you today, giving you plenty of justification to withdraw. Paradoxically, you might consider your retreat as an act of kindness; if you don’t walk away from the situation now, you could lash out and say something that hurts others. But one person’s bad behavior doesn’t need to ruin it for you and everyone else. Find a way to maintain your boundaries without turning into a hermit and spoiling all the fun.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Knowing how to respond to circumstances at work grows more difficult as the day wears on. Your beliefs may be called into question today, especially if you rely on them to rationalize your current actions. Stick with the facts; don’t let your subjectivity color your decisions. Be as fair-minded as possible now when separating the truth from the fiction. Others will appreciate your honest approach and sincere intentions.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your search for meaning takes top priority once the Moon enters philosophical Sagittarius. Nevertheless, you also wish you could forget about your troubles and have a good time today. Even if you are often quite serious about your spiritual journey, laughter may be the best medicine for your soul now. Instead of looking for answers in the shadows, it’s time to let your dreams play in the light.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Being connected to a deeper source of inspiration can be tricky business for you today, since your tendency is to put a positive spin on everything you do. However, your current path may drive you into the hidden realms of your own emotions, confusing an already complex situation. Instead of isolating yourself from others now, try sharing your feelings even if it makes you more vulnerable. It’s okay to open your heart as long as it’s with someone you trust.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Instead of basing your decisions on concrete information today, you may be better off paying more attention to your dreams now than to hard data. Obviously, it’s foolish to ignore the facts, but you can quickly see that they don’t tell the entire story. If you act on your intuition, don’t waste energy worrying about the judgment of others. Ultimately, your integrity speaks for itself.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might uncover a misunderstanding over money matters today, but a bit of extra attention should quickly put the situation to rest. Perhaps you took action on something you thought to be true, only to later discover that you don’t have all of the numbers in front of you. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of your next move now, ask your friends and coworkers for advice. They will offer you immeasurable support and help you put your financial affairs in order.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You feel as if you’re drifting in a thick fog today, but others still see you as a person who knows what he or she wants and how to get it. Nevertheless, strong emotional currents are pulling you in a variety of directions that confuse your navigational process. Don’t worry about the lack of visibility now; trust your moral compass and have faith that you will arrive safely at your still-unknown destination.

Weekend Love Horoscopes for March 21st – 23rd

Weekend Love Horoscope

March 21-23: Being Right vs. Being Happy

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

When it comes to romance, you’ll have the best intentions in the world this weekend. The Moon will be in Sagittarius from Friday until Sunday afternoon. Sagittarius is a sign concerned with integrity and morals. He holds on tight to his beliefs, and he needs to have his opinions respected. As a result, if your lover isn’t sharing your perspective on an important matter this weekend you might feel slighted. Indeed, you may take it too personally, and you may even perceive this difference of opinion as a form of rejection.

If you find this happening, take a step back and ask yourself: “Are you being self-righteous?” A sanctimonious attitude will be a surefire killer to the weekend fun potential with your mate. Sometimes in love we have to make the conscious decision to be happy instead of feeding the need to always be right. This will be one of those weekends.

On Saturday, Mercury will connect to Neptune, and your thoughts about faith in love will be as ideal as they can get. If there’s anything to be suspicious of, your tendency will be to ignore the flaws and convince yourself that you and your love are living the dream. If that’s true, good for you! If not, you might feel a slight emotional hangover by late Sunday when the Moon enters sober Capricorn.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Friday, March 21st

Patience is a cosmic and cardinal virtue. That should be your motto in the early hours today as the Moon in Scorpio continues in its void mode. There is no sense trying to leapfrog over competitors or push your way to the top of the executive totem pole when last night’s lunar conjunction with Saturn is still trying to make all the rules and force human souls to kowtow to numerous restrictions on the material plane.  The breakthrough comes to fruition at 8:40AM when the Moon goes through its monthly alchemy of changing from fixed water (Scorpio) to mutable fire (Sagittarius). In many ways, this is the toughest of all the lunar shifts as Scorpio implies the need for some kind of dying to the old while Sagittarius suggests the need to be reborn and renewed via a generous injection of fiery will and stimulating goal-orientation. Before you know it, fortuitous vibrations are on the upswing as the Moon trines the Sun in fire signs (10:28AM) while — just three minutes before — Venus makes a supportive, 30-degree tie with Chiron (10:25AM and energizing a variety of healing rituals).  Watch out for a rise in communication snafus as the Moon squares Mercury (5:30PM) and keep your distance from foggy conditions in the artistic, photographic and musical realms as the Moon squares Neptune (7:21PM). Even though the Moon in Sagittarius doesn’t sit too well with Mercury and Neptune 90-degrees away in Pisces, there are plenty of games and sports you can enjoy as the lunar orb graces this multi-faceted, eager and enthusiastic sector of the zodiac. [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 Friday, March 21st

Calendar of the Moon

4 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Alder Tree Month

Color: Crimson
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of crimson set a flaming brazier filled with charcoal and incense.
Offerings: Purification. Write what has been dragging your down, and place it in the fire.
Daily Meal: Hot, nourishing food.

Fearn Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the warming of Earth.
Response: Now is the time of the Sun’s first warmth.
Call: Now is the time when the waters of Spring are banished.
Response: Now is the time when fire dries the flood.
Call: Now is the time when the heat rises within us.
Response: Now is the time when our tears are dried.
Call: Now is the time when our inner floods give way.
Response: Now is the time when our inner fields are greening.
Call: Like the birds who build their nests in the Spring….
Response: Like the creatures of the woods who brave the open fields…
Call: As they brave the world….
Response: So we now brave the world.
Call: As they seek sustenance of the body….
Response: So we seek sustenance of the soul.
Call: As they are driven forth by need and the cycle of life…..
Response: So we are driven forth by need and the cycle of life.
Call: No house can contain our souls….
Response: As no house contains the foundation on which it is built.
Call: We will be the piles that lift the house from the water….
Response: And we will lift our spirits from the winter’s flood.
Call: We will be the island in the river….
Response: The islands where the future is told…
Call: And we will see that future running like the current….
Response: Knowing not where it will lead….
Call: Save by the grace of the gods.
Response: Save by the grace of the Gods.

Chant:
We gather at the river
We bring fire to the water
Our fire burns within us
The river parts before us

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Friday, March 21st

Calendar of the Sun

21 Hrethemonath

Quinquatria Day 3: Music Day

Color: Blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a blue cloth lay many musical instruments, blue candles, a clear glass bowl of water, and a fan made from a bird’s wing.
Offerings: Song and music.
Daily Meal: Light vegetarian meal.

Quinquatria Invocation II (to be sung)

Hail Athena, true and bright,
Sharp your blade and keen your sight,
Goddess of a Thousand Works,
Giver of the soul in flight.
Guide our touch as we reach out,
Weaver, crafter, artisan,
Guide our urge to build and make,
Guide the power of our hands.
Mentor, teacher, patient tutor,
Maker of heroes through the years
In the epic glance of history,
Giving sight to blinded seers,
Giving purpose to the wanderer,
Giving courage to the weak,
We beseech you, armored Lady,
By the Word of Power you speak,
Like the wind that blows so cold
And bright and clear through minds of grey,
Stand beside us when we falter,
Sweep our weakness clean away.

(The rest of Sponde should be spent in song, whatsoever has been chosen by the community as the absolute best that they can do, as an offering. Songs can be solo offerings, or as a group. Those who wish to give private offerings can play instrumental music after the main group has left.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Current Moon Phase for March 21st – Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /66% of illumination)

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 Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

Magickal Activities for the Spring Equinox

Ostara Comments
Magickal Activities for the Spring Equinox

Prosperity Seed Spell

 

Items You Will Need:

Marigold seeds
A clay pot filled with Earth
One green candle
A small topaz stone
Green paint
Brush
A small square of paper
 

Paint the rune symbol for wealth (Fehu) on the clay pot and on the paper. Put the topaz stone along with the paper in the bottom of the pot, and fill it with the Earth. Place the pot and seeds, along with the candle, on a small table or altar covered with a green cloth.

Light the candle. Pick up the seeds and hold them as you meditate on what it is you need. For more than one participant, put the seeds on a small plate so that each person can take a seed and plant it, making his or her own wish. When you feel the time is right, plant the seeds as you chant:

“Seeds and earth,
To dreams gives birth.”
 

Leave the candle to burn for four hours. Extinguish the candle and place it along with the pot in a window. Each time you water the seeds, light the candle and repeat the chant. This is a great activity for the whole family, particularly if family members have a collective goal in mind.

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 A Day – Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox

Ostara Comments
Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox

March 20 – 22

 

The Equinox is the time when the Sun crosses the plane of the equator, making day and night of equal length. This is the actual beginning of Spring and occurs somewhere between the 20th and 22nds of March. In fact, most of our modern-day Easter customs come from the Pagan Ostara, named after the Saxon Goddess Eostre. This is a time of balance, equality, and harmony between the masculine and feminine forces in Nature, the time of year when practitioners of the Wiccan and Witchcraft religions, both physically as well as symbolically, plant the seeds of their desires–seeds that in time will grow into plants representing individual, long-term goals, that began at Yule, the Winter Solstice and rebirth of the Sun.