Month: May 2015

Today Is …

Today Is …

 

Day of Devi-Hindu Goddess of all force and form. Use Her to bring clarity of vision and organization to your life.

Fire-Walking Festival – In certain villages in northern Greece, on the feast day of Saint Constantine, the Anastenarides (the groaners) dance barefoot on hot coals for hours at a time. It is said that the Saint protects those men who he summons to this dance.

After the dance, a black bull is sacrificed on the steps of the church and the raw, still-steaming meat is distributed to all. The strips of hide are given out as well to be made into sandals. According to Blackburn, these rituals “are opposed by the Church as survivals from the ancient worship of Dionysos, the God of wild Nature in such manifestations as plant growth, wine, and ecstasy, but are stoutly defended by their practitioners as Christian defenses against the Devil.” [p. 216] Blackburn, Bonnie and Leofranc Holford-Strevens, Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999 Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994

St. Elena – While discussing the link between bread and religion that runs so deep in Italy, Waverley Root comments on a ritual that takes place at Quartu Sant’Elena, near Cagliari in Sardinia on May 21st. The people dress in traditional costumes and make an offering to St. Elena of eight large loaves of bread, which contain wine and honey, and are sweetened with jam. Root, Waverley, The Food of Italy, Scribner 1971

St. Rita – This 14th century Italian woman is the patron saint of the unhappily married, due to her sufferings at the hands of a vicious husband, and after his death in a vendetta, her two sons who had inherited their father’s tempers. Only after their deaths, was she free to enter an Augustinian convent and dedicate her life to ministering to the sick. Blackburn, Bonnie and Leofranc Holford-Strevens, Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999

Rome: The Agonalia of May – dedicated to Vediovis, a personification of Mars as a protector.

 

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Tasha’s Day by Day Astro Planner

Tasha’s Day by Day Astro Planner

 

Thu. 5/21 Moody Cancer Moon suggests asking for what is needed. Sun into Gemini brings energy to travel, communication. Late Venus opposing Pluto says go slow with desires.

Fri. 5/22 Flirty Gemini Moon smiles through the day. Romantic Leo Moon says go out and play. Later Sun opposing Saturn could solidify actions.

Sat. 5/23 Creative Leo Moon suggests art projects for fun.

Sun. 5/24 Playful Leo Moon brings joyous energy to the day.

Mon. 5/25 Picky Virgo Moon is needed to rein in Venus Square Uranus and Mars Square Neptune. Impulsive choices best postponed today. Vision may be unclear.

Tue. 5/26 Clever Virgo Moon helps bring mindful energy to good solutions.

Wed. 5/27 Analytical Virgo Moon is assisted by Mercury conjunct Mars for crisp efficiency.

Thu. 5/28 Balance loving Libra Moon helps keep the peace.

Fri; 5/29 Justice oriented Libra Moon can help pierce Mercury Square Neptune confusion. Be mindful.

Sat. 5/30 Penetrating Scorpio Moon gets to the bottom of issues; Sun conjunct Mercury helps.

Sun. 5/31 Mystery loving Scorpio Moon finds food for thought as Sun squares Neptune.

Contact tashahal@gmail.com

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Thursday, 21 May, 2015

fc58b-wish-upon-a-harvest-moonLunabar Moon Almanack for Thursday, 21 May, 2015

 
Waxing, Crescent Moon Age: 3 ¾ days.
Ascending Node is at 7° Libra.
Moon in 20th degree of the Sign Crabba (Cancer), the Crab fish;
also in 21st deg. of the Constellation Gemini, the Twins.
Moonrise: 9:02 morn. Souths: 4:17 eve. Moonset: 11:35 eve.

• • • •

Aspects of Crabba: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Cardinal, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding,
Solstitial, Tropical, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold, Psychic, Sensitive..

• • • •

The Current Moon Phase Is: The Waxing Crescent Moon

Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiriation, Energy, Vitality, Freedom. Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)

Perform magic on Waxing Moons to attract a new quality or behavior, to increase the light within, to attain personal and spiritual growth and greater awareness. The quarter moon suggests a period of overcoming obstacles and continuing on the path to growth.
• • • •
Spells and rituals involving the Water Element should be performed when the Moon is in a Water Sign: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
• • • •

Moon Moon, Mother Moon
Lunar Lore

The short night
Broken, in the shallows,
A crescent moon.
~ Buson.
• • • •

Moon in the Lunar Mansion

Alhan’a, A Brand, or Mark, on a Camel,
also known as Sidus Parvum Lucis Magnae,
The Small, Bright Star.
Marked by the fix’d Star: Alhena, in Gemini.
***
Tender Gemini in strict embrace
Stand clos’d and smiling in each other’s Face;
~ Thomas Creech’s trans. of Manilius’ “Poeticon Astronomicon.”

 

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Thursday, 21 May, 2015

Sun+WallpapersLunabar Sun Almanack for Thursday, 21 May, 2015

Sunrise: 5:50 morn. Sunset: 8:18 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 28m.
Dawn: 5:20 morn. Dusk: 8:48 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 30m.
Sun in 0th degree of the Sign Gemini, the Twins;
also in 8th degree of the Constellation Taurus, the Bull

Solar Lore

But yonder comes the powerful king of day,
Rejoicing in the east. The lessening cloud,
The kindling azure, and the mountain’s brow,
Illumed with fluid gold, his near approach
Betoken glad.
~ Thomson

• • • •

Sun moves into Gemini, Sign of the Twins, influenced by Mercury. Especially favorable time for learning and studies of all kinds.
(Why final exams are always held at this time!)

Aspects of Gemini: Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Airy, Mutable, Barren, Horary Western, Vernal, Boreal, Commanding, Double, Double-Bodied, Dual, Bicorporeal, Human, Moist, Vocal, Sweet, Hot.

 

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Merry Meet, Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft On This Thursday Morning!

Dragon Comments & Graphics=

Children of the Goddess

You step from the shadows
I have seen you there before
You wait for a sign
I know why you have come here this
night
You have been called
I called you this night

I sent my power to the wind to
summon you this Full Moon
You stand before me and wait
I take my hand and run it over your
body I feel you quiver at my touch
I remove my linen shift, it drops to
the ground
I stand naked before you

The Goddess has called her Witches
She has called us to join in the great
ritual
We will dedicate ourselves to her
this night, as we have done in the
past
You have waited for me, as we have
joined in the past

We are known to each other
Our lives have been intertwined in
the past, now in the present
You take me this night
Your power reaches deep into me, it
fills me with desire

We have joined as Witches do, no
shame just pleasure
The night is filled with the desire of
Witches
As children of the Goddess we know
who we are

And the power we have this night
We rule ourselves and this night
We go into the night as children of
the Goddess
For we are Witches and the Earth
belongs to us…..

A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese

Great Spirit, Mother Earth

Great Spirit, Mother Earth, 

Powers of the four directions, 

my ancestors, 

And all those who love me, 

hear me now. 

This is a prayer of thanksgiving for the miracle of life. 

When I awake in the morning, Great Spirit, And I take a breath of morning air, I look toward the sky, searching the morning light For your face, 

And when I find it, a radiance comes to me, So beautiful and so blissful That I cannot put words to the gratefulness That is in my heart. 

There is much pain and confusion in this world, And oftentimes I lose my way, And I know not what to do. 

Then I sit in silence, and I listen To the high north wind in the pine trees, 

And you sing to me. 

I open my eyes and I look at the flowers And the miracle of beauty that they are. 

Again I see your face, And I wonder at my ignorance. 

So days go by, and I follow my path of heart, 

And I pray to you, Great Spirit, Grateful and strong from your grace. 

The four-legged and the winged ones Bring joy to my life, And I thank you for their presence all around me. Their purity of being reminds me of you, And I know that they are mirrors, Shiny and brilliant with your reflection. 

I know that much gives away so that I may live. The sacred give-away I receive and return, 

Ever grateful for your flowing power within me. 

Without you, I could not see the beauty That you have given us. 

I feel the sun on my face, and I know your warmth, 

And I know that somehow everything is perfect. 

I give thanks as I walk my path of beauty. 

For you I live all the days of my life. 

Ho!

Chant for Calling the Elements

Chant for Calling the Elements

I call upon Earth, the power to make.
I call upon Air, the power to take.
I call upon Fire, the power to grow.
I call upon Water, the power to flow.
(Circling deosil, chant)
Green power and gold,
red power and blue,
Here the power we do unfold,
Quarters’ might, strong and true.
Four the winds to weave the round,
‘tween the worlds the power be bound.
Till we send it at the last,
Guardians keep it strong and fast.

–From Rhiannon Ryall’s West Country Wicca

Acorn Protection Chant/Talisman

Acorn Protection Chant/Talisman

The acorn especially is well suited for magicks of protection. Obtain an acorn or two (pine cones can substitute in a pinch, be sure though to alter the spell accordingly) and say:

“Acorn true, acorn seed

Hush and listen to my need:

Protection from all harm I ask

Fail me not in this task.”

Bless Acorn and empower as per usual method; Carry acorn in pocket or purse.

A Cleansing Chant

A CLEANSING CHANT

Uphold the rules of the Wiccan Rede.
Be high in spirit ye shall succeed.
Power of the Elements Five,
Will help Mother Nature stay alive.
From grains of Earth to the moving Air.
Past the burning Fire that magick flares.
Flow with Water, lakes, and streams;
Around the Spirit’s aura and dreams.

Poppet Binding Spell

Poppet Binding Spell

The purpose of this spell is to rid yourself of the negative energies of someone who is mentally or emotionally abusing you. If done properly, it will not harm the object of the spell nor will it affect his or her daily life in any way. It will simply make the person powerless to mentally or emotionally harm you.

Preform when Moon is dark

Materials:

Small cloth doll,(poppet) leave the head unstitched until you are ready to begin the ritual Needle and thread

Some personal item from the person you want to bind (fingernail clippings, hair, handwriting sample)

Black ribbon

Black candle

Cauldron or other fireproof container

Sterilized needle

Piece of parchment paper and pen or quill

One candle at each quarter (optional)

 

Ritual:

Call the quarters – I like to use candles at each quarter to form a circle of fire for extra protection. Light the black candle Concentrating deeply on the person you are binding, place the personal object inside the head of the doll and sew it shut.Tie the black ribbon around the poppet’s head, signifying the binding of that person.

‘With harm to none, my will be done

I hereby bind you (name of person)

Your words cannot harm me

Your thoughts cannot harm me

You cannot harm me’

Continue chanting this or something like it until you feel power surging through you. Visualize the person helpless to slander or verbally and mentally abuse you while you are chanting.

~ Now, to bind the spell ~

If you have a sigil or a craft name, sign it on the small piece of paper. If not, sign your own full name. If others are working the ritual with you, they too should sign the paper. With the sterilized needle, prick one of your fingers and put a small drop of blood over your signature. Again, if others are working with you, they should place a drop of blood over their signatures. (using a different needle, of course) Fold the paper, light it on fire and drop it into the cauldron (which should be on a heat-proof surface!). Meditate on the flames until the paper completely burns away. If you are working with a group, join hands at this point and feel the power surging around the circle as the spell is bound. Ground and center Release the circle. Thank the Goddess and God for their protection and power Bury the doll as far away from you as possible within the next few days.

 

Ice Binding 2

Ice Binding 2

Another way of ridding yourself of an unwanted negative influence is to write the name of the person or event at cause on a piec of paper. Concentrate on putting the negative energy into the paper. Place the piece of paper into a jar of water and put it into the freezer. Allow the paper to remain frozen in the water until all of the negative energy flow has completely stopped, then you can remove it, thaw it, and bury it in the ground.

Ice Binding 1

Ice Binding 1

 

Light a white candle and your favorite incense. Meditate a short while
on the problem. Invoke the Spirits of Protection for you and yours. Then
take a piece of brown paper, like from a grocery bag, on it use a lead
pencil to print and write the name of the offending person or people. If
unknown people are involved, also print and write, “and all persons unknown
that are causing harm to me!”

 

Cross off each line forcefully and say, forcefully,

” I freeze name(s) to be bound by this spell, unable to cause any more
harm to (name(s)! As I will, so mote it be! “

 

Then put a spoonful of used coffee grounds on the brown paper, fold it
small, and place it in the freezer. Leave it until the problem is
completely resolved. You may wish to  wrap a rubber band, string, twist tie, etc. to keep the coffee grounds from falling out of the paper. You can also use a ziploc bag. Be sure and burn the candle completely up. Don’t  use that candle for a different purpose.

Hecate Binding Spell

Hecate Binding Spell

Needed 1 Black Candle

In Hecate’s name we bind ____ to the flame
May she bring nightmares, depression, and pain
We cast ____ to the wind, that all know ____ shame
May Hecate envelope ____ in the threefold law
May all forget ____’s shame, their harm, their call
May their ability to raise magic fall on deaf walls
We join our energies fellow friends in the Craft
May Hecate stop ___’s harm in the future, present and past
Only when their deeds are reversed will this binding be undone
So Mote It Be!

Binding Chant

Binding Chant

 

Come ye as the charm is made!

Queen of heaven, Queen of hell,

Horned Hunter of the night

Lend your power unto the spell,

And work our will by magic rite!

By all the power of land and sea,

By all the might of moon and sun

I call the Earth to bind my spell.

Air to speed it well.

Bright as Fire shall it glow.

Deep as tide of Water flow.

Count the elements fourfold,

In the fifth the spell shall hold.

CANDLE BINDING

CANDLE BINDING

 

Get a large white candle, the kind that drips wax, and set it up on a tray. Affix it to a photograph or other image of the person you wish to bind. Make a ring of sea salt around it. Make a second ring with protective herbs. Fill the rest of the tray with images that represent what you are binding the person from: pictures of your family, keys to your house, legal documents, whatever. If the problem is too complex for images, write what the person is bound from on slips of paper and place them around the candle. Papyrus, or paper made from cotton or linen work best for this. Use red ink if you are angry, purple ink if you are sad.

 

Wrap the candle and the image with black thread. Invoke Isis and Linda, the Binder with Linen Thread. Say out loud what you are binding the person from. Light the candle and leave it to burn until the wax begins to drip over the thread and image. Burn it every day for a week, until the image is thick with wax. Use this as a meditation device to direct your will to binding the person.

Binding Spell

Binding Spell

You will need:
One glass jar with lid
Photograph or personal item of person you want to bind
One white ribbon
Sea salt
Canning wax

Wrap the photo or item with nine knots of white ribbon, as you do, envision the person leaving in peace. Each time you make a knot, chant

“I bind you (person’s name) so you can harm none, not even yourself”.

Place the photo or item in the glass jar. Say

“I bind you with all the power of the great Mother”

Cover the item with sea salt.

Melt the wax and pour into the jar and say

“I bind you from this day and forever”.

Seal up the container and bury it in the north end of your yard. Tell no one what you have done

Banishing & Cleansing RItual

BANISHING AND CLEANSING RITUAL

Point your Athame at the sky, and then at the earth. Then pointing Athame horizontally either spin 360 or walk around the perimeter with the Athame held out in a threatening manner.

Spirits of evil, Unfriendly beings
Unwanted guests, Be gone!
Leave us leave this place, leave this Circle,
that the Goddess and the God may enter.
Go, or be cast into the outer darkness!
Go, or be drowned in the watery abyss!
Go, or be burned in the flames!
Go, of be torn by the whirlwind!
By the power of the Mother and the Horned One
We banish you! We banish you! We banish you!

Sprinkle the perimeter with salt and water.

My Daily Prayer

My Daily Prayer

 So far today, Goddess, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent. I’m really glad about that.

But in a few minutes, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I’m probably going to need a lot more help!

(This is suppose to be a funny!)

Principles Of Wiccan Beliefs


Witchy Comments & Graphics
Principles Of Wiccan Beliefs

 Council of American Witches

  1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarter.
  2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
  3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
  4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
  5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. – and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
  6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
  7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it – a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way.
  8. Calling oneself “Witch” does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, not the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
  9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal roll within it.
  10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be “the only way” and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
  11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
  12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as “Satan” or “the Devil”, as defined by the Christian traditions. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
  13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
The aforementioned principles are from the Council of American Witches circa 1974