Seasons of the Witch

Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays

And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

Day of Dedication to Mother Earth. Recycle today. Help with a local park clean up. On this date in ancient Rome, a nature festival known as the Nonae Caprotinae (Nones of the Wild Figs) was celebrated in honor of the Goddess Juno, the Great Mother. It is believed to be one of the oldest of the women’s festivals.

In Tomar, Portugal, there is an annual parade in which girls balance flower-covered pillars of bread on their heads. This parade is believed to ward off the spirits of illness for the remainder of the year.

Rome: Day of Joy, Honoring Vitula: This day and the next, are called the Vitulatio, or Day of Joy, and is a day of celebration honoring Vitula, the personified

Goddess of Joy and Victory.

Tinne (Holly) – July 8 to August 4: The Holly is male, and so symbolizes paternity and fatherhood. With the Ivy and the Mistletoe, the Holly has always been

regarded as a potent life symbol, both for his year-long foliage and for his winter fruits. Concealed within the verses of the ‘Song of Amergin’, chanted by a chief Bard as the landed on the shores of Ireland, is the line “I am a battle-waging spear” – the wood of the Holly was used in fashioning spear shafts.Magical Associations: Protection, prophecy, magic for animals, sex magic.

July 3-August 15. This was recognized by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Arabians and Polynesians. The Dog Days of Summer takes it’s name from the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. The ancient words which we translate as “the Dog Star” could also be interpreted as “the little bitch bringing heat.” This is the hottest period in the Northern hemisphere of Earth.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

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Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, July 8th

Wednesday (Mercury): Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection

St. Elizabeth’s Day (Portuguese)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Fourth Quarter 4: 24 pm

Moon Sign: Aries

Aries: Good for starting things but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Incense: Bay laurel

Color: Brown

Tasha’s Day by Day Planner for July 2015

Wed. 7/8 Active Aries Moon keeps things hopping. Mercury enters Cancer: Talk centers on home and parenting. Mars/Neptune says beware potential deception.

Thu. 7/9 Enterprising Aries Moon until 4 PM says begin projects now; Steady Taurus Moon after 4 keeps things going well.

Fri. 7/10 Earthy Taurus Moon is good for shopping, gardening, crafts of al kinds.

Sat.7/11 Sensual Taurus Moon makes for a day devoted to pleasure. Chatty Gemini Moon at 8 PM says meet friends tonight.

Sun. 7/12 Restless Gemini Moon makes for good multitasking. Sun/Uranus suggests be mindful and avoid accidents.

Mon. 7/13 Clever Gemini Moon means fun with ideas. Mercury/Neptune says be wary of chicanery. Venus/Saturn says your choices must be responsible.

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Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Wednesday, 08 July, 2015

Sunrise: 5:50 morn. Sunset: 8:35 eve.

Length of Day: 14h. 45m.

Dawn: 5:18 morn. Dusk: 9:07 eve.

Length of Twilight: 0h. 31m.

Sun in 15th degree of the Sign Crabba, the Crab fish;

also in 16th degree of the Constellation Gemini, the Twins;

Solar Lore

If there be red clouds in the West at sunset, it will be fine;

if they have a tint of purple, it will be very fine;

or if red, bordered with black in the Southeast.

~Encyc. of Superstitions, Folklore & Occult Sciences of the World.

Aspects of Crabba/Cancer: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Cardinal, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Summery,

Boreal, Commanding, Solstitial, Tropical, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold, Psychic, Sensitive.

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Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

THE WITCHES’ REDE OF CHIVALRY

Insofar as The Craft Of The Wise is the most ancient and most honourable creed of humankind, it behoves all who would be witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods and Goddesses, to their brothers and sisters of The Craft, and to themselves

Chivalry is a high code of honour, which is of most ancient Pagan origin and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways.

Know well that thoughts and intent put forth will wax strong on many planes of existence and return, bringing into creation that which has been sent forth. For this reason the adept must exercise discipline over his or her thoughts. Remember, ” as you sow, so shall you harvest”

It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we may one day unite with the Godhead.

“This above all … to thine own self be true…”

A witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed document. It is only by developing such mental discipline that great power may be controlled and directed

It is well to refrain from speaking ill of others for not all truths of the matter may be known

Pass not unverified words about another. For the most part hearsay is a thing of falsehoods

Be honest with others. Have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them

The fury of the moment plays havoc with the truth. Strive always to keep your head

Harm not another. Think always of the consequences of your actions

Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired

As a witch you wield much power. Therefore exercise much discretion in its use

Courage and honour endure forever.

Offer friendship only to those worthy of it. To associate with younger souls will only pull you down

Those who follow the mysteries must be above reproach in the eyes of the world

Keep pride in thyself. Seek perfection in body and in mind

Passed down from generation to generation, these are the words of “The Witches Rede of Chivalry.”

So Mote It Be.

Planet Tracker

Venus in Leo

Now Until Jul 18, 2015

When Venus is in Leo, love shouts its name from the rooftops. There’s little subtlety about this combination, since the planet of relationship and beauty is passing through the sign of dramatic expression. Expect your romantic life to be a bit more colorful these days, regardless of your birth chart.

Leo, a fire sign, is about risk. So, Venus’ placement here is a reminder to take some chances with creativity and openings of the heart. Sure, it’s possible that you’ll go overboard and let your imagination turn a mild flirtation into the love affair of the century. But, that’s part of the fun of Venus in Leo.

We’re not here now to play it safe, to carefully monitor and control our feelings, but rather to recapture the hopefulness of childhood. This is a time when wounds may be set aside (at least partially), allowing us to let love flow without restriction or fear. Excesses are possible, even likely, but a truly open heart only leads to greater opportunities to share, connect and create.

Venus in Leo reminds us that we need to be adored now, not just simply liked or appreciated. Pride expands, which can, of course, lead to hurt feelings if one does not receive adequate recognition. Be generous in giving praise, while allowing others to show their appreciation of you, as well. The challenge here is to combine the willfulness of Leo with the responsiveness of Venus. Successful relationships are based on listening, something worth remembering at this time.

The dramatic expression of Venus in Leo can be readily seen through a collection of people who exemplify this combination. The wildly inventive Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (“gaudy”) personifies the joyous creativity of Venus in Leo. Show biz icons Lauren Bacall, Bob Fosse, Barbara Walters and Tom Cruise are also part of this group.

Gestalt guru Fritz Perls was born with Venus in Leo, as were designers Joshua Logan and Pierre Cardin, author Jacqueline Susann, artist Andy Warhol, financier Michael Milken and magician David Copperfield.

Venus in Leo includes superstar performers Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paula Abdul. With Venus in Leo, Amy Fisher, Xaviera Hollander, John Holmes, Jessica Hahn and Pamela Anderson have achieved fame through sex. Yet, the higher side of Venus in Leo love is found in the charts of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Mary Baker Eddy.

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Your Daily Witches Rune for Today

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.