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.
There can be some up and down energy today, particularly as you may not be seeing things very clearly, dear Aries. Something might not quite measure up as you had hoped, particularly when it comes to material goods or comfort items, and possibly a creative project or romantic relationship. Conversations today can be enthusiastic at some points, and marred by insecurities at other times. There can be a mental disconnect now, particularly with a partner, love interest, or child, in the afternoon, or news coming in that points to a change of plans. Save important ideas or topics for later. When it comes to relationships, romance, and finance, you are not only emotional about these matters, you could be acting on self-sabotaging impulses, or you might jump to conclusions that are not entirely logical. There can be some ups and downs in how you’re perceiving things. You can also suffer from lack of drive and self-motivation now, but you’re in fact turning a corner.
Taurus
Taurus
There is a strong emphasis on your home and family sector these days, dear Taurus, and this can bring a lot of attention to your support system, but it can also point to a stronger need for reassurance, comfort, familiarity, and security. While you may enjoy some helpful and inspiring conversations, news, or ideas, there can also be a disapproving person to deal with, or news that dampens your spirit a little. A partner might be aloof or defensive. Be courageous now, even if someone seems to be putting a damper on your plans, or if you face criticism. This can be an important month for house and home, family, and security, and what you learn these days can benefit you for some time. This can also be an important time for learning about past relationships.
Gemini
Gemini
You can be very up and down today, dear Gemini, thinking positively at times and worried the next. The truth is somewhere in between, but the tendency to swing to extremes is with you now. You might also find that others are resilient and hypersensitive at different times, and it can be hard to know what to expect. Walking on eggshells may be a theme. Try to remain light and positive in your communications. Otherwise, you could become quite confused by others’ responses and worried too much about their opinions. There can be a conversation about the past that satisfies your curiosity but might somehow disappoint. Information surfaces that disagrees with you or challenges your take on a situation. Look for ways to minimize stress now, as you can be sensitive.
Cancer
Cancer
While there can be excitement about new ideas today, dear Cancer, and perhaps some new insight into an old relationship, there can be a minor letdown involved. You can be up and down about what you learn today. This is another day for watching your money and for avoiding emotionally-driven decision making. As well, you may misinterpret others’ intentions or words. There can be news about a financial reality to deal with. Even so, you are certainly turning a corner, and you’re likely to enjoy the emphasis on comfort, building your resources, and communications going forward. Mars is almost at the end of its transit of your sign, a transit that occurs once every two years, and things are likely to settle down for you.
Leo
Leo
There can be excitement over new ideas or plans today, dear Leo, but there can also be a veto or disapproval, possibly due to restrictions that keep you close to home or family obligations. You may have a stronger desire to be heard now, but could also face some opposition. If others seem to want to challenge you or prove you wrong, respond with sincerity and fairness. Avoid over-explaining and stick to simple actions and responses. You are learning a lot about yourself these days, perhaps through challenges. Mars will be transiting your sign in two days, lasting from August 8th to September 24th. This brings desires closer to the surface and clearer tools for going after what you want.
Virgo
Virgo
Big ideas and plans can come to you today, dear Virgo, but you can also be on an emotional swing, seeing the positive and the negative but not necessarily the truth. It’s best to stick to the rules now, as boring as this may sound. There can be a tendency to talk or learn about a past matter, most likely a relationship, but what you learn may not be as helpful as you’d like. Some things are better left alone! Think twice before reawakening an old topic. Avoid worrying too much about a poor choice or decision made in the past. Take extra time for self-reflection.
Libra
Libra
Friendships are complicated today, and new ideas and plans coming to you now can seem wonderful and doable one minute, and unrealistic the next, dear Libra. Money concerns or reality can temporarily put a damper on plans. It’s important not to make decisions from a state of worry or a state of the other extreme, over-optimism. If a decision absolutely needs to be made, try to find quiet time in order to sort out your thoughts. You may be too sensitive to others today to make strong decisions while on the go. Look inside yourself and allow your own wisdom to emerge. You can receive quite a bit of attention today, and others can be very attracted to you now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
There can be quite a bit of multi-tasking going on right now, dear Scorpio, with very little time to truly think. There may be some concern or worry about your reputation or position now, and it’s better to play by the rules at least until you feel stronger. Whether you’re overly fearful or overconfident, you’re not at a state of truth or calm. Aim for this middle ground now. You might rethink some of the things you’ve recently said or there could be a new understanding of a matter that is a little disappointing. Look within for your own wisdom instead of allowing others’ input influence your decisions unduly. Keep your sense of humor today.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Watch today for some misunderstandings surrounding education, learning, communications, and transportation, dear Sagittarius. You may not be seeing plans clearly just for now. Distractions are plenty, and you could find yourself a little forgetful. You may be revisiting old ideas or even relationships from a new perspective. Enjoy the moments, share your enthusiasm, and avoid letting others’ opinions take precedence over your own inner wisdom. If you’re doubting yourself, then take more time for yourself to think. Mars will be moving into your adventure sector in just two days, and this will bring back more decisiveness and forward motion to your life.
Capricorn
Capricorn
While there can be big ideas and plans coming to you this morning, the afternoon may not play exactly to your favor, dear Capricorn, with your ruler, Saturn, in difficult aspect with Mercury. Try to keep a sense of humor, and perspective. Your prospects seem to be restricted at the moment, but it’s a temporary matter, and it may very well only be in the way you’re perceiving things. You might lack motivation for the time being, or you could find that others are setting up roadblocks for your advancement. Concentrate on improving your life rather than bemoaning the apparent lack of support. Opportunities can come through looking behind the scenes, in research, and in analysis, but watch that you don’t prod anyone, as people can be touchy now.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You can experience some tensions and inner unrest today, dear Aquarius. The need for structure in your life is strong, but some of the structures you’ve put in place are limiting your own growth. Circumstances and people seem to be blocking your progress now, but do consider whether some of your own attitudes have been self-limiting as well. You can accomplish a great deal if you keep expectations in check. It’s a time for modest ambitions, just for now, and for slowing down a little in order to make sure you’re getting things right. There can be important conversations or thoughts about a partnership, particularly a past one. Even so, there is also a tendency to see things as far bigger or smaller than they actually are. You are turning a corner, however, after a week that may have felt rather exhausting.
Pisces
Pisces
Patience is necessary to get over a hurdle now, dear Pisces. There is, in fact, nice energy for your powers of attraction, work ideas, and conversations about the past, but there may be a little reality check or small disappointment tucked within any of these things. You could feel that others are being negative, critical, or disapproving. You might also experience restrictions on the job or with duties that involve re-working or redoing things that you had thought were already complete. Try to let go of frustrations and anger. You always feel better about yourself when you are able to rise above these things. As well, you can be dealing with especially helpful people in addition to disgruntled ones, and focusing on the positive makes sense.
You are authoritative, well-liked, and respected. You tend to do very well in whatever you choose to do, and you are especially hard-working. You are especially good at managing and directing others, although this trait can be difficult if it’s extended to your personal life! Because you are so independent and strong, you tend to do best when you are your own boss or leading in some manner. While you can be stubborn and determined, you are also versatile and open-minded enough to always learn and improve as you mature. Famous people born today: Neil Armstrong, John Saxon, Loni Anderson, John Huston, James Gunn, Jesse Williams.
The energies of the first half of the day are less than warm with a Venus-Saturn square, dear Aries, which tends to stimulate any insecurities you may have on an interpersonal or financial level. You could have a strong urge to splurge, but worries about your financial bottom line can leave you struggling with the desire. However, you can be especially productive, particularly later today, around the home and with work. The key to success right now is to focus on the things that need doing. If you can manage to set your own pace today, you can move mountains. It’s an excellent time for applying yourself to a meaningful project or endeavor and really making a dent. It’s also a good time for working on domestic projects that have long-term benefits. You can see the value of small but significant efforts and are patient enough to realize that good things truly do take time. Moderation is key now.
Taurus
Taurus
Again today, there is tricky and rather critical energy with you when it comes to relationships, dear Taurus, although as the day advances, the load lightens. For some of you, strides you’re making with a family relationship could be the cause of frustration for someone else who may be vying for your attention, as an example. You could be feeling pulled in different directions and it might seem that nobody wins. Confidence does build as the day advances, however. You can apply yourself to your work, projects, or interests later today, and feel that you’re making headway. Working with someone one on one can be of mutual benefit.
Gemini
Gemini
Put decision making on a shelf today, dear Gemini, and instead focus on getting the work you need to do, done. Emotional matters could interfere with your mood at times, as you may not be feeling especially confident this morning. The tendency is to expect the worst. You might feel a little burdened when it comes to work or things to do. There can be negativity or emotional distance around you, so watch for this. If you don’t feel you deserve something, you’re not likely to get it. Confidence builds as the day advances, though, and you can get a lot done. Harness the energy available to you now into something truly worth pursuing. You have an exceptional sense of what is truly valuable to you, and also of your own capabilities.
Cancer
Cancer
Some awkward energy, particularly socially, continues into today, dear Cancer, but leaves us by midday. This is not the time to rock the boat or to go out on a limb. It’s the kind of energy that supports head down, nose to the grindstone, and sticking with what has worked for you in the past. Fortunately, this is temporary. Concerns about money can be part of this, and the most obvious solution is to curb spending. As well, you may be bothered if someone in your life is not truly showing that they value you. You are sensitive to these things today. Lacking confidence creatively and romantically is a temporary thing. The second half of the day brings easier energy to focus on your priorities and enjoy the process. It’s more natural to take on responsibilities and feel good about yourself as you do.
Leo
Leo
Relationships can be a little strained in the first half of the day, dear Leo, likely as people can be more defensive and self-protective than usual with a Venus-Saturn square. You could be feeling a stronger than normal desire for others’ appreciation, but it might seem you have less than your usual takers. The fact is, it may be better to pull into yourself just for the time being, cool off, and reconsider your needs. This process can be helpful in the long run and can get you into closer touch with your true needs and values. As the day advances, you are more likely to appreciate some level of solitude to have a go at your projects or work, or for some reflection.
Virgo
Virgo
With a Venus-Saturn influencing us in the first half of the day, dear Virgo, there can be a lack of natural flow which makes it difficult to find satisfaction or to please others. Your desire to unwind can be challenged with a sudden need to tend to problem areas or other responsibilities. Put off making commitments instead of doing so with half your heart. As the day advances, you could find that pouring your energy into a special project can be consuming in a good way. You might enjoy working by yourself rather than with others for the time being, but teamwork can succeed as well. You might find that you get some small area of your life back on track, organized, or otherwise running smoothly, and this can be very satisfying.
Libra
Libra
The Venus-Saturn square this morning can point to a need to get some emotional distance from a friend or a problem, dear Libra, in order to get into better touch with your feelings and what you may be missing or avoiding. It’s also a healthy reminder that you can be on your own and enjoy yourself, too. There can be feelings of being unappreciated or undervalued, and these need to be dealt with now. Avoid taking on more – think in terms of simplifying your life. Giving yourself space is important now, and later today, you might feel especially motivated to take care of business. Being productive can satisfy a need now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
A Venus-Saturn square this morning can remind us of a need to take time to ourselves in order to better understand our needs, dear Scorpio. There can be some minor tension or emotional distancing in your close relationships and possibly even professionally now, but it’s best not to take it too personally. It’s a good idea to try to detach yourself rather than push, probe, or cling, which may attract more problems. As the day advances, you can feel far more comfortable with your responsibilities and with your work or doing something on your own. Energy levels even or smooth out. You could get fired up about an idea or belief, and this can motivate you to pursue a new interest or renew an old one.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
There can be some tension or simply a bit of reserve sensed in your interactions in the first half of the day, dear Sagittarius. There can be resistance to new ideas or to change, but it’s temporary and not to be taken too personally. If you’re feeling out of sync or acting a little unnaturally, second-guessing yourself, then consider you need a little break, time to yourself, or a project or interest to put your energy into. Remind yourself that you can be very comfortable doing things on your own once in a while. This can boost your self-confidence and make you a little more self-reliant. As the day advances, your energy levels improve, and you are less sensitive to potential distractions.
Capricorn
Capricorn
A Venus-Saturn square in the first half of the day can pull out insecurities or lead you to feel a little undervalued, dear Capricorn. You may be desirous of more closeness or intimacy, but others are not quite catching on or are simply on a different vibe. Detaching yourself from others just for a short while can be a valuable exercise at times like these. This way you can focus on things that you enjoy or that contribute to a sense of satisfaction on your own, and perhaps take the time to consider what it is you feel is lacking in your life, or what is standing in the way of satisfaction. Later today, it becomes far easier to go your own way and enjoy yourself as you do. As this happens, you might find that others seem to join in or lend a hand. Energy levels increase as the day moves forward.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This is unlikely to be the most adventurous of days, dear Aquarius, but you may very well welcome and need this right now. You are likely to seek out the familiar rather than the untried just for now. However, you could be particularly sensitive to criticism or perceived criticism now. There could also be a disappointment with a work responsibility or a person in authority. There day’s energies tend to make it easier to be productive as the day advances, and you may thoroughly enjoy your hobbies, work, or projects and be very productive. Motivation comes from a clearer end goal or sense of meaning to what you’re doing.
Pisces
Pisces
Relating patterns are unlikely to be ideal in the first half of the day, dear Pisces, with Venus and Saturn forming a square. There can be defensiveness or misunderstandings to deal with, but if you resolve to invest yourself in your practical priorities and give relationships some healthy distance, you could feel much better for it. We can’t be full-on, all the time. Concentration improves as the day advances. It’s easier to tune out distractions as you feel more motivated to handle a matter or pursue a project or personal interest. You might also find that you’re able to draw on self-discipline. Creative projects that require a practical touch or detail work can especially benefit now. Laying down the law or boundaries can be helpful as well.
The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Wednesday, August 5th
ARIES STRONG
Initiating, pioneering energy. Independent, bold, courageous, assertive, fiery, inspirational, direct, decisive. Can be egotistical, impulsive, impatient, aggressive, lacking subtlety.
LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
FIRE STRONG
Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily.
EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
BALANCE OF MODES
FIXED STRONG
We are thinking about the long view, seeking out security and stability rather than change. We may be committed, focused, resistant to making changes, and stubborn.
MUTABLE WEAK
We can have a hard time adapting to changes and to others’ agendas.
a message from Emmanuel Dagher
To read more of Emmanuel’s insight, please visit his website, Emmanuel Dagher
My Friend,
I’m so excited to connect with you again in this way. We have lots to catch up on, so let’s get right to it!
A Sacred Gateway
From the last few days of July until about August 23rd, many changes will occur that will keep things very interesting, and moving at a fast pace.
There is currently an energetic opening that is helping us to manifest the deep desires we’ve been wanting to fulfill. If we are someone who has been choosing to align with an authentic heart-centered path, clearly knowing what we are choosing to create more of, then this is the time when many more pleasant blessings will begin to show up in our lives.
If we take a quick moment to reflect back, starting in January until now, it’s clear that the changes that have entered our lives this past year have made it like no other year we can remember. The amount of changes that have taken place within and around us have been life-altering, to put it mildly.
And, the month of August is going to DRENCH us with super-high energy waves that will impact us on many levels. Depending on what we choose to do with this energy, we will either be propelled in the direction of our highest vision, or take a detour to learn more from contrast.
Regardless of what happens, it’s all going to create change!
To make sure we are aligned with an authentic heart-centered path, so that we are propelled in the direction of our highest vision, here is a simple checklist that may help:
Are we:
Being as kind to ourselves and others as we can be?
Meditating often?
Being of service to others in a selfless and compassionate way, without expecting anything in return?
Performing random acts of kindness?
Cleansing our mind with loving and empowering thoughts?
Nurturing our body with foods that enrich it?
Moving our body through exercise?
Practicing the art of forgiveness?
Honoring and spending time in Nature?
Thinking less, and feeling more?
Communicating openly in an honest and loving way?
Appreciating and paying attention to all of the blessings already in our lives?
New Adventures!
This is the time to allow that deep fire within us to contribute to the amazing changes life is bringing our way! This is our time to awaken and live our life to the fullest. This is the time to let our guard down, take our energetic shoes off, and begin our new adventures!
One of the things that holds most people back from truly living their life to the fullest, is fear of the unknown. The truth is, there is no such thing as the unknown, because that part of us known as the Spirit already knows everything.
Yes, our Spirit is a “know-it-all,” in a way that has absolutely nothing to do with the ego. Let’s take comfort in the fact that our Spirit knows exactly what It needs to do to take the best care of us, and that our only job is to honor the guidance It shares with us.
Imagine the extraordinary possibilities we instantly open ourselves up to, when we let go of fear of the unknown!
Right now is the time to release our fear of the unknown, because while the energies of the Sun are in Leo, they will energize us to go beyond any of the previous limitations we have set for ourselves.
This is the time to notice the amazing opportunities that begin to present themselves to help us enrich our lives. And when something feels good, let’s just go for it!
Whether it’s in the areas of relationships, environment, career, our health and well-being, creativity, etc.—this is the time to open ourselves up to the expected and unexpected blessings coming our way!
As we begin our new adventures, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. Let’s allow our Spirit/Life to guide us on the journey It desires to take us on.
This can sometimes be a little challenging for the mind, however if there was a perfect time to just let ourselves run free, this is it!
This is not a time to hibernate. This is a time to go out in the world, and engage and share in the love, joyous laughter, and higher energies available to us!
Stability
By mid-August, a new sense of stability will begin to rise up in our consciousness, and in the collective.
This new stability that is emerging is about anchoring ourselves in a reality where we no longer sweat the small stuff. Life is just too beautiful to focus on the things that cause us unnecessary stress.
It’s rare for a more down-to-earth energy like stability to emerge when the Sun is in fiery Leo, however this year is an exception. We will have opportunity to find stability in the simple things in life, and to remember how truly grounded we can be in them.
Things like appreciating our blessings and being kind to ourselves, others, and Nature, rather than focusing on what we “think” we don’t have, will help us stabilize ourselves amidst the fast-paced changes occurring all around us.
This is our time to fly, play, and enjoy life to the fullest! So let’s do so together, and I look forward to catching up with you again soon!
The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.
Phase Details for – Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 68%
Moon Age: 20.45 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 364,924.21 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,750,255.52 km
This Norse spell is one of the simplest and most effective spells for warding off any negative night energy. It is quite effective for banishing night mares.
Many children and even adults are afraid of the dark. It’s spooky! Night is the traditional time when spirits and demons rule. During the Middle Ages people never went out after dark for fear of catching their death.
To ward off evil spirits or bad dreams, place a bowl of fresh spring water on the bed stand. Slowly add a pinch of sea salt and say,
“Evil spirits touch not me nor mine. Thy power I drain into this brine.”
You must use three pinches of salt in total and repeat the verse as you add each pinch. In the morning empty the bowl down the sink or toilet. Repeat as often as necessary.
In the beginning, silence was deafening. Darkness twisted and turned relentlessly in an empty, turbulent sea, anticipating the time when it would no longer be alone. No matter Darkness’s wishes, change remained slow and methodical in its movements, seeming to take an eternity. So the darkness waited patiently in solitude.
Finally, after eons, from the depths of the indigo silence, came a whisper. All but imperceptible at first, it grew outward on a wave that transformed the night into an ocean of promise. In the center of the swell, a small spark appeared from which stars, planets, and galaxies poured forth endlessly, gloriously, joyfully filled with potentials beyond compare. Darkness would never be alone again.
Thousands of years later (but a second in infinity), the winds of change blew across a blue planet, and the Wheel of Life began to spin. Molecule to molecule, link to link, web to web, it reached outward. Following its motion, the earliest creatures crawled from their homes in the deep. This had been their safe womb, but another voice above the waves beckoned, the voice of the soil.
On and on, the great Wheel turned. With it, these beings grew and changed, shaped by the hand of time. As their minds expanded, they began to think about the “spirits” in nature; the call of the wind, the strength of the sun, the fury of storms. How could humankind touch such awesome powers? This macrocosm, this superconscious, was vast. Would the cries for insight be heard above the swell?
The Wheel kept inching forward, bringing constant transformation. As philosophers in every culture began walking sand strewn paths, they provided many outlooks to consider. Ardent seekers everywhere listened intently, hoping to find universal truths within the words. Yet, the words were somehow wanting. External truth, it seemed, was illusive and prone to opinion, prone to politics and era, prone to personal consciousness. Nonetheless, undaunted, the Wheel spun onward and another cycle began.
Later still, idealists, dreamers, and visionaries looked within. There they found the same spirits, the same spark that existed without. Symbols were sought to express this knowledge; the cup or grail, the sword, the staff or rod, the coin or pentacle, each provided one part of a greater picture. Yet, again, this picture was incomplete. The tools were lifeless, and unlike the Earth they lay sleeping at the Seeker’s fingers waiting for expression.
When the Wheel moves again, the voices gain volume; the voices from nature that have always been here. It has been millions of years now; years of being deaf to this ageless canticle, blind to the power of the Earth, and unable to express the message in the waves. Yet the symphony sings on, knowing that there will be a few special people in each generation who hear and heed the call. It is time to answer.
Finally, the Fool turns to the world, turns to the time-not-time, lying aside outmoded notions, and ready to make the leap of faith. There, stretched expectantly before the Seeker, are all the secrets, all the power of creation, all the tools ever needed by humankind. In the song of a bird, the murmurs of a volcano, the groan of a sprouting seedling, and yes, the music of the ocean . . . our ancient home.
Today, the Seeker returns to the Monad and to the Sacred Self, listening intently to the voice of eternity. Here to attain vision; here to retrieve truth.
A Witch’s 10 Commandments: Magickal Guidelines for Everyday Life
Marian Singer
Healing Arts and Pagan Studies – Use Your Socks to Repel Bugs
For a safe alternative to potentially harmful insecticides, place
three drops of peppermint, citronella, or eucalyptus essential oil on
your socks. Mosquitoes and other bugs hate the smell of these oils.
Don’t apply essential oils to your favorite socks, as they can
stain. Some EO’s may cause skin irritation, so avoid direct
contact. Reapply the EO every two to three hours.
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From GrannyMoon’s Feast Archives
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays
And Some Not So Ancient!
Today Is …
Day Dedicated to the Sea Goddess Ys of Brittany. Enjoy a swim or soak your feet in water. Put a little salt under your tongue in remembrance of Her.
Many folks still believe in this ancient superstition: if you make a secret wish wile looking up at the new moon (which normally begins on or near this date in August), your wish will be granted before the year is through.
Oyster Day – Londoners believe that if you eat an oyster today you will not want for money all year. This sentiment is expressed in the following rhyme from Hone’s Every-Day Book, published in 1829, which describes the mad dash to Billingsgate where the fish market was located:
Greengrocers rise at dawn of sun
August the fifth — come haste away
To Billingsgate the thousands run
To Oyster Day! To Oyster Day!
Actually in England, the legal close season for oysters was 15 June to 4 August so this was actually the day after oyster season closed. But the common saying is that one should never eat oysters in months without an R, which would include August, as well as June and July.
Blackburn, Bonnie & Leofranc Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999
Kightly, Charles, The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore, Thames & Hudson 1987
Brigg Fair – The date of a famous horse fair held in Lincolnshire, mentioned in the lovely folk song: Horse-racing was a common activity at Lammas, particularly in Ireland.
It was on the 5th of August
The weather fair and fine
Unto Brigg Fair
I did repair
For love I was inclined.
GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives
Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred!
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Live each Season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)
Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds
Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike
God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden
Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel
Courtesy of Moonlight Musings
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.
Benediction of the Sea (French)
Waning Moon The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work(except magick designed to banish harmful energies)
Moon phase: Third Quarter
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.
Moon enters Taurus 9: 29 pm Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience.
To the Romans, this day was called Dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s day” Mercury was a popular character in the Roman pantheon. A messenger of the gods, he presided over commerce, trade, and anything that required skill or dexterity. The Celts also worshiped Mercury and eventually equated him with the Norse god Odin (some spelling variations on this name include Wotan, Wodin, and Wodan). In Norse mythologies, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetry and music. Interestingly enough, both Odin and Mercury were regarded as psychopomps, or the leaders of souls, in their individual mythologies.
Odin, one of the main gods in Norse mythology, was constantly seeking wisdom. He traveled the world in disguise as a one-eyed man with a long gray beard, wearing an old, beat-up hat and carrying a staff or a spear (which brings to my mind images of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings). In the Old English language, this day of Mercury evolved into Wodnes daeg, “Woden’s day,” or Wednesday.
Wednesday carries all of the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits included good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. And don’t forget all of those wise and enigmatic qualities associated with the Norse god Odin/Wodin, not to mention the goddess Athena’s contributions of music, the arts, handmade crafts, and writing. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.
Source:
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.
Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?
Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Wed. 8/5 Impatient Aries Moon suggests we get going. Venus squaring Saturn says don’t choose too much responsibility.
Thu.8/6 Steady Taurus Moon helps ground busy energy. Mars trine Saturn makes excellent progress, Mercury conjunct Venus brightens all talent, Mercury square Saturn later could say call a halt.
Fri. 8/7 Sensuous Taurus Moon suggests a nature walk or swim. Mercury conjunct Jupiter helps with happy communication, speedy journeys. Mercury into Virgo helps with organizing thoughts and arrangements.
Sat. 8/8 Chatty Gemini Moon makes for good sociality. Mars into Leo expands romantic inclinations.
Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following
Keywords: Success, creativity, communication
The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Wo (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.
In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.
On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.
Lunabar Moon Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015
Waning, Gibbous Moon Age: 20 days.
Ascending Node is at 3° Libra.
Moon in 17th degree of the Sign Aries, the Ram;
also in 17th deg. of the Constellation Pisces, the Fishes.
Souths: 5:28 morn. Moonset: 12:09 eve. Moonrise: 11:37 eve.
Mists which occur with the crescent moon indicate winds
until that time [next moon]. But those which occur when
the moon is doubly convex [full] indicate rain.
~Theophrastus “(Signs, etc. J. G. Wood’s Translation)”
Lunabar Sun Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015
Sunrise: 6:12 morn. Sunset: 8:15 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 3m.
Dawn: 5:42 morn. Dusk: 8:45 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 29m.
Sun in 12th degree of the Sign Leo, the Lion;
also in 15th degree of the Constellation Crabba, the Crab;
Aspects of the Sun in Leo: Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Fiery, Fixed, Barren, Horary Eastern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Feral, Bestial, Animal, Four-footed, Dry, Bitter, Hot.
Solar Lore
A breeze usually springs up before sunset ; or if a gale is
blowing, it generally subsides about that time.
~Collected in R. Inwards, “Weather Lore”.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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