Month: May 2015

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Sacred Well Day/Well Dressing

Cast A Spell on you TonightMay 26 – 28

Sacred Well Day/Well Dressing

May 26 is well-dressing day in dozens of European villages. Celebrations may vary from town to town, but the actual dressing of wells remains consistent with tradition.

A large shallow wooden tray, up to 12 feet long, is packed with smooth soft clay. Elaborate pictures or patterns are made by pressing thousands of flower petals into the clay, plus other natural items, including moss, stones, and shells. The trays are then mounted on scaffolding behind, around, or across the well. In addition to the panel, the wells are decorated with ribbons and fresh flower garlands. It is believed that the spirits of the well enjoy this practice and that, if placated, they will continue tinue to bless the water with healing properties.

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

To banish A SkinwalkerTuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:

*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads

*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions

*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery

*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home

*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, April 28th

witchThe Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, April 28th

Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel

Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli

Herb: Basil

The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.

Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.

Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.

Waxing Moon Tidbits

Love's WitchWaxing Moon Tidbits

The Waxing Crescent Moon occurs 3 ½ to 7 days after the New Moon. She rises in the mid-morning and sets in the evening. The Moon’s light is quickening. As the Moon has dropped back until she is about ?th of the way behind the Sun, we see her lumination as a crescent shape.
You will see the first quarter Moon from 7 to 10 ½ days after the New Moon. She will rise around noon and set around midnight.

As the Moon is at a right angle to the Sun the difference between high and low tide is minimized. Because light and dark are in balance, the Moon will appear to be a Half Moon, but the area of light will continue to grow each day.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon occurs between 10 ½ and 14 days after the New Moon. She rises sometime in the mid-afternoon and sets in the early dark hours of the morning.
As the Moon has fallen back around ? of the way behind the Sun, one side of the Moon is seen fully and the light on the other side bulges out, but does not yet fill all of the Moon’s face.

Now your projects can get into their stride. Be aware, however, that overstrains are more likely at this time and that the body takes things in and absorbs them more readily with a Waxing Moon.
It is also a good time to build yourself up if you have been unwell or otherwise off-colour. Absorbing, boosting your energy and taking up supplies are crucial now. Go on an active holiday, get in touch with friends, plan a party, arrange meetings and increase communication.
As Full Moon approaches, notice what isn’t working and shed it in order to focus your energies more effectively. Remind yourself to slow down a little and conserve your strength. This is a time of regeneration and to gather information and resources.

Waxing Moon Colours
White, pastel colours, red and silver.

Waxing Moon Herbs, Oils and Incense Ingredients
Coriander, geranium, juniper, marjoram, nutmeg, St. John’s wort, tansy, thyme, caraway, mace, rosemary, rue, spearmint, bay, carnation, mugwort, pennyroyal, saffron, eucalyptus, cedar, hyacinth, ginger, pine, sandalwood, cinnamon and sweet pea.

Waxing Moon Crystals
Carnelian, citrine, aragonite, green aventurine, malachite, ruby and banded agate.

Waxing Moon Oil Recipe
6 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops basil essential oil
2 drops pine essential oil
1 drop nutmeg essential oil
Add to a base oil such as sweet almond or grape seed (about 15mls of carrier oil should be about right).

Waxing Moon Incense Recipe
2 parts juniper
2 parts cedar
1 part pine
1 part eucalyptus

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic
Rachel Patterson

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, May 26th

Book of ShadowsThe Witches Almanac for Tuesday, May 26th

Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection.

Pepys’ Commemoration (English)

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Incense: Basil

Color: Gray

Tuesday’s Must Dos

Wiccan MagicTuesday’s Must Dos

 

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate onTiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Tuesday

Wiccan Tuesday

Tuesday: Is associated with Mars and the colors of – Red, Pink and Orange

Tuesday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Action, Aggression, Business, Buying and Selling Animals, Combat, Confrontation, Courage, Cutting, Energy, Gardening, Guns, Hunting, Mechanical Things, Metals, Muscular Activity, New Beginnings, Partnerships, Passion, Physical Energy, Police, Repairs, Sex, Soldiers, Sports, Strife, Surgery, Swift Movement, Tools, Woodworking

 

—Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

It Seems Like It Ought To Be Monday, hmm! But Instead, It Is A Very Blessed Tuesday!

The Witching HourThe Night Belongs to Us

As the world sleeps
We awake
We look towards the moon
She sends her power
Feeling the wind
We gather her strength
Our capes flap in the wind
Wind encircles us
Taking hold of our brooms
Control comes to us
We ride high this night
Our silhouettes against the moon
Ride high my Sisters and Brothers
The night belongs to us

—-A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The Galaxy Tree

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 May 25

The Galaxy Tree
Image Credit & Copyright: César Vega Toledano ; Rollover Annotation: Judy Schmidt

 

Explanation: First came the trees. In the town of Salamanca, Spain, the photographer noticed how distinctive a grove of oak trees looked after being pruned. Next came the galaxy. The photographer stayed up until 2 am, waiting until the Milky Way Galaxy rose above the level of a majestic looking oak. From this carefully chosen perspective, dust lanes in the galaxy appear to be natural continuations to branches of the tree. Last came the light. A flashlight was used on the far side of the tree to project a silhouette. By coincidence, other trees also appeared as similar silhouettes across the relatively bright horizon. The featured image was captured as a single 30-second frame earlier this month and processed to digitally enhance the Milky Way.

Sun in Gemini

 

Sun in Gemini

Explore all your options with this curious Gemini energy!

Tarotcom StaffTarotcom Staff on the topics of sun, gemini, astrology
It’s time to pick up the pace! The Sun is moving into breezy Gemini from May 21 to June 21, 2015, signaling a lighthearted time to meet new people, explore new ideas and learn new things.

Gemini is a curious and intellectual zodiac sign, ruled by planet Mercury and the wing-footed messenger god. This connects Gemini to ideas, information and communication, which is why so many of us do a lot of extra thinking, analyzing, learning and chatting time of year.

Gemini is also restless, preferring to do 20 fantastic things at once instead of focusing on just one (how boring!). Yet all of this unfocused energy can make Gemini seem scattered and fail to finish what they start, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing the same while the Sun is in Gemini.

This may be a confusing time for some people, because there are two sides to Gemini. They are symbolized by the Twins because there is a dark side and a light side that can see both sides of every situation and change moods in a moment.

So if you find yourself changing your mind a lot and having trouble sitting still now, you can look to the Sun in Gemini for an explanation.

Those born from about May 17-23 were born on the Taurus-Gemini cusp, and those born from about June 18-24 were born on the Gemini-Cancer cusp. Being born on the cusp simply means that you were born during the transition time between two zodiac signs, so you retain some qualities from each sign.

More than anything, Gemini brings an affectionate, playful and fun energy to everyone this time of year. If you can learn to enjoy it all without overextending yourself during this time, the bright, playful energy of the Gemini Sun will light up your life!

Here’s how to make the most of life during Sun in Gemini:

What to do: A million things at once! Gemini is far too mentally active to sit still doing one thing. These are the folks you’ll see browsing the Internet with 10 different tabs open while they watch TV, eat a sandwich, talk on the phone and text a few different friends at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself multi-tasking more than usual while the Sun is in Gemini, and don’t be too hard on yourself when only half of those things get done.

What to say: Anything and everything to anyone who will listen! Gemini is the communicator, and they’ve got a lot to say — they can talk almost non-stop, spouting facts, cracking jokes and asking questions like a five-year-old going “Why? Why? Why?” It’s almost impossible to get a word in edgewise with a Gemini around, and with the Sun in Gemini you’re likely to hear an increased amount of chatter everywhere you go.

Where to go: As the Sun transits Gemini, our lust for knowledge will be on the rise. Satisfy your need to know with trips to the library, catch a foreign flick at the indie movie theater, or take in a lecture or class at a local community college. You can learn something new by meeting new people, too, so get out there! Accept every invitation you get and meet as many new people as you can.

What to wear: Gemini doesn’t take life too seriously, and the best attire this time of year is something playful and colorful to match that carefree Gemini mood. You never know where you’ll wind up now because Gemini is always up for anything, so it’s best to be prepared. Wear whatever you like, but be sure to pack a spare bag with workout gear, a swimming suit and a cocktail dress wherever you go.

What to buy: Shop for anything that will engage the mind or allow you to communicate, such as books (you’ll start more books than you finish while the Sun is in Gemini), computers, iPads, pretty stationary — all that stuff. And make sure you buy a blank journal and a good pen to bring with you everywhere you go, because ideas come fast this time of year and you’ll want to write them all down!

What to watch out for: Hyperactive Twins sometimes overthink and over-analyze things to the point of anxiety, and you might find yourself doing the same while the Sun’s in Gemini. If so, try a relaxing activity that will get you out of your head, such as yoga, watching silly TV programs or just keeping your hands and body busy. Gemini is also known for quick and cutting wit, so be careful about speaking too quickly or making offhand remarks that hurt someone’s feelings now.

What to look forward to: Having fun, meeting new people and learning new things. What are you waiting for? You better get started, there’s a million things to do while the Sun is in Gemini!

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Sight Group+ Site

Your Charm for May 25th is The Abraxas

Your Charm for Today

Abraxas

Today’s Meaning:
A powerful force will rule you within aspect for the duration of a year. You will be given few choices to make as most will be made for you. This force is benign in nature and the end result will be positive.

 

General Description:
Abraxas stones were commonly worn and highly esteemed in the Roman Empire about the time when Christianity was becoming established there. Much importance was attached to the word Abraxas in the Greek notation making up the number 365, signifying 365 heavens, occupied by the 365 gods, who according to the Gnostic religion, formed the earth and ruled its destiny. The Abraxas, the curious devide Jeo, of jehovah of the Gnostics, has a fowl’s head, signifying watchinfulness and foresight; the shield, wisdom; whip, authority; two serpents, mystery, eternity, vitality. These rings were worn as talismans for protection against physical ills.

Your Animal Spirit for May 25 is The Horse

Your Animal Spirit for Today
May 25, 2015 

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 May 25 is Strength

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Strength

Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will, development of inner might, and the ability to lead effectively. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to ease others to your side.As a daily card, Strength indicates a period in which your psychological powers are extremely strong. Your mental endurance may well astound even you at this time. Possibly it is time for you to stand up and take command of any loosely run situations in your life. If you take the lead others will follow.

 

Your Daily Witches Rune for May 25 is The Crossed Spears

Your Daily Witches Rune

The Crossed Spears

Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.

 

Additional information from
Witch Runes- How to make and Interpret
Allison Beldon-Smith

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for May 35 is The Lovers

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Lovers



The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.

 

Your Rune for May 25th is Gebo

bw-gebobw-geboYour Rune For Today
Gebo

Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Gebo.

 

gebo: gift

Phonetic equivalent: g (as in ‘girl’)

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: gift, offering, relationship, love, marriage, partnership, generosity, unexpected good fortune

MAGICAL USES: to find or strengthen a relationship, for fertility, to mark a gift or offering, to bring luck

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Sigurd & Brunhild; Aesir & Vanir treaty

ANALYSIS: Gebo is a rune of connection, particularly the connections between people. Up until now, our journey has been a solitary one. This rune represents those places where our path intersects with others, and allows us to begin to form conscious relationships. Such relationships are strengthened and sanctified by the exchange of gifts. The use of the gift as a symbol of an oath or a bond is an ancient one. When a lord wanted to ensure the loyalty of one of his subjects, he would give that person a gift. The gift would create a debt on the part of the person receiving it, and this debt would ensure his readiness to serve his lord. Similarly, a gift given between lovers, especially that of the ring symbolizes the bond between them.

Originally, only the man gave the ring in a marriage for much the same reason as the lord giving gifts to his vassals, but today the arrangement is usually more equitable. Gifts or offerings given to the Gods often carry the same meaning, representing the giver’s love for or loyalty to their Gods. The giving of a gift implies the acceptance of a debt with the understanding that the debt will not be repaid. It is this imbalance that forms the bond

Your Daily Hexagram for May 25th is 47:Confirming

Your Daily Hexagram

May 25th, 2015
_____________________________________

47:  Confirming

 

 

Summary:

Remain optimistic in the face of adversity.
Line One of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Mistakes in your approach may cause setbacks.
Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Do not make impulsive decisions concerning important matters. Remain calm and think things through.
Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Be discreet. Develop a plan for solving your problems alone.
Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Be patient. In time assistance will come.
Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9:
You may lose ground. Do not act with malice. Accept your losses and move on to new things.
Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Evaluate your next move. Do not repeat old mistakes. Move carefully and with optimism and results will be positive.

Your Daily Tarot Card for Monday, May 25th is The World

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The World



Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.