Month: September 2015

Ten Ways to Celebrate Mabon


Mabon Comments & Graphics
Ten Ways to Celebrate Mabon

 

Mabon is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly bare, because the crops have been stored for the coming winter. Mabon is a time when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21, for many Pagan and Wiccan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings. It is also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours light and dark. Here are some ways you and your family can celebrate this day of bounty and abundance.

1. Find Some Balance
Mabon is a time of balance, when there are equal hours of darkness and light, and that can affect people in different ways. For some, it’s a season to honor the darker aspects of the goddess, calling upon that which is devoid of light. For others, it’s a time of thankfulness, of gratitude for the abundance we have at the season of harvest. Because this is, for many people, a time of high energy, there is sometimes a feeling of restlessness in the air, a sense that something is just a bit “off”. If you’re feeling a bit spiritually lopsided, with this simple meditation you can restore a little balance into your life. You can also try a ritual to bring balance and harmony to your home.

2. Hold a Food Drive
Many Pagans and Wiccans count Mabon as a time of thanks and blessings — and because of that, it seems like a good time to give to those less fortunate than ourselves. If you find yourself blessed with abundance at Mabon, why not give to those who aren’t? Invite friends over for a feast, but ask each of them to bring a canned food, dry goods, or other non-perishable items? Donate the collected bounty to a local food bank or homeless shelter.

3. Pick Some Apples
Apples are the perfect symbol of the Mabon season. Long connected to wisdom and magic, there are so many wonderful things you can do with an apple. Find an orchard near you, and spend a day with your family. As you pick the apples, give thanks to Pomona, goddess of fruit trees. Be sure to only pick what you’re going to use — if you can, gather plenty to take home and preserve for the coming winter months. Take your apples home and use them in rituals, for divination, and for delicious recipes that your family can enjoy all season long.

4. Count Your Blessings
Mabon is a time of giving thanks, but sometimes we take our fortune for granted. Sit down and make a gratitude list. Write down things that you are thankful for. An attitude of gratefulness helps bring more abundance our way — what are things you’re glad you have in your life? Maybe it’s the small things, like “I’m glad I have my cat Peaches” or “I’m glad my car is running.” Maybe it’s something bigger, like “I’m thankful I have a warm home and food to eat” or “I’m thankful people love me even when I’m cranky.” Keep your list some place you can see it, and add to it when the mood strikes you.

5. Honor the Darkness
Without darkness, there is no light. Without night, there can be no day. Despite a basic human need to overlook the dark, there are many positive aspects to embracing the dark side, if it’s just for a short time. After all, it was Demeter’s love for her daughter Persephone that led her to wander the world, mourning for six months at a time, bringing us the death of the soil each fall. In some paths, Mabon is the time of year that celebrates the Crone aspect of a triune goddess. Celebrate a ritual that honors that aspect of the Goddess which we may not always find comforting or appealing, but which we must always be willing to acknowledge. Call upon the gods and goddesses of the dark night, and ask for their blessings this time of year.

6. Get Back to Nature
Fall is here, and that means the weather is bearable once more. The nights are becoming crisp and cool, and there’s a chill in the air. Take your family on a nature walk, and enjoy the changing sights and sounds of the outdoors. Listen for geese honking in the sky above you, check the trees for changing in the colors of the leaves, and watch the ground for dropped items like acorns, nuts, and seed pods. If you live in an area that doesn’t have any restrictions on removing natural items from park property, take a small bag with you and fill it up with the things you discover along the way. Bring your goodies home for your family’s altar. If you are prohibited from removing natural items, fill your bag with trash and clean up the outdoors!

7. Tell Timeless Stories
In many cultures, fall was a time of celebration and gathering. It was the season in which friends and relatives would come from far and near to get together before the cold winter kept them apart for months at a time. Part of this custom was storytelling. Learn the harvest tales of your ancestors or of the people indigenous to the area in which you live. A common theme in these stories is the cycle of death and rebirth, as seen in the planting season. Learn about the stories of Osiris, Mithras, Dionysius, Odin and other deities who have died and then restored to life.

8. Raise Some Energy
It’s not uncommon for Pagans and Wiccans to make remarks regarding the “energy” of an experience or event. If you’re having friends or family over to celebrate Mabon with you, you can raise group energy by working together. A great way to do this is with a drum or music circle. Invite everyone to bring drums, rattles, bells, or other instruments. Those who don’t have an instrument can clap their hands. Begin in a slow, regular rhythm, gradually increasing the tempo until it reaches a rapid pace. End the drumming at a pre-arranged signal, and you’ll be able to feel that energy wash over the group in waves. Another way of raising group energy is chanting, or with dance. With enough people, you can hold a Spiral Dance.

9. Celebrate Hearth & Home
As autumn rolls in, we know we’ll be spending more time indoors in just a few months. Take some time to do a fall version of spring cleaning. Physically clean your home from top to bottom, and then do a ritual smudging. Use sage or sweetgrass, or asperge with consecrated water as you go through your home and bless each room. Decorate your home with symbols of the harvest season, and set up a family Mabon altar. Put sickles, scythes and bales of hay around the yard. Collect colorful autumn leaves, gourds and fallen twigs and place them in decorative baskets in your house. If you have any repairs that need to be done, do them now so you don’t have to worry about them over the winter. Throw out or give away anything that’s no longer of use.

10. Welcome the Gods of the Vine
Grapes are everywhere, so it’s no surprise that the Mabon season is a popular time to celebrate winemaking, and deities connected to the growth of the vine. Whether you see him as Bacchus, Dionysus, the Green Man, or some other vegetative god, the god of the vine is a key archetype in harvest celebrations. Take a tour of a local winery and see what it is they do this time of year. Better yet, try your hand at making your own wine! If you’re not into wine, that’s okay — you can still enjoy the bounty of grapes, and use their leaves and vines for recipes and craft projects. However you celebrate these deities of vine and vegetation, you may want to leave a small offering of thanks as you reap the benefits of the grape harvest.

Source:
Author:  Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article found on & owned by About.com

The Tale of Mabon of Modron


Mabon Comments & Graphics
The Tale of Mabon of Modron

“The tale of Mabon of Modron, the Welsh God, (the “great son of the great mother”), also known as the Son of Light, the Young Son, or Divine Youth, is celebrated. The Equinox is also the birth of Mabon, from his mother Modron, the Guardian of the Outerworld, the Healer, the Protector, the Earth. Mabon was taken after he is a mere three nights old (some variations of the legend say he is taken after three years). Through the wisdom of the living animals — the Stag, Blackbird, Owl, Eagle and Salmon — Mabon is freed from his mysterious captivity. All the while Mabon had rested within his mother’s womb; a place of nurturing and challenge. With strength and lessons gained within the magickal Outerworld (Modron’s womb), Mabon is soon reborn as his mother’s Champion, the Son of Light, wielding the strength and wisdom acquired during his captivity.”

 

– Joyous Mabon

Magickal Activity for the 21st Day of September, Mabon – The Corn Baba or Dolly


Mabon Comments & Graphics
Magickal Activity for the 21st Day of September, Mabon

 

The Corn Baba or Dolly

To make a Corn Baba, strip the off the husks from a dried ear of corn and soak them in water until pliable. Drain the strips on a paper towel and press flat with a warm iron. Take one strip and wrap around a cotton or foam ball to form the head. Attach the head to the cob with tape or glue. Use several long strips to cover the head and body. Cut a narrow strip of husk for arms and roll into 7″ length. Tie off at the ends with string. Attach to cob and then fashion dress from strips of corn husks. Finish off the doll using the silk or yellow yarn for hair. Embellish with colored ribbon, buttons, hats, and a basket.

Celebrating Folklore, Legends & Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Autumn Equinox/ Alban Elfed/Mabon


Mabon Comments & Graphics
September 20 – 23

Autumn Equinox/ Alban Elfed/Mabon

Name Alban Elfed by the Druids and Mabon by the Welsh, the Autumn Equinox marks the completion of the harvest. Once again, day and night stand in balance with equal hours of light and darkness. As do most celebrations held around this time of the year, the Autumn Equinox focuses on the harvest, vest, the waning sun, and the onset of Winter. In the rural countryside, those who work the land come together to cut the last stalk of corn and sheaf of wheat. Following the gathering in of the last sheaf is Harvest Home, a huge supper or feast of roast beef, chicken, a stew of harvest vegetables, home-baked bread and cheese, and plenty of ale and cider. In Scotland, and parts of England, the man who cuts down the last sheaf is honored as lord and master of the harvest. The young woman who plaited the sheaf would be seated next to him and regarded as his consort.

In Wicca, the Autumn Equinox marks the waning of the year when the Goddess descends into the Underworld. As she withdraws, we see the decline of Nature and the onset of Winter. Now is the time we count up our blessings, give thanks for our bounty, and look within. As the God’s shadowy presence begins to emerge, we remember what it took to achieve our goals and what is needed to maintain them.

The Witches Correspondences for Mabon


Mabon Comments & GraphicsThe Witches Correspondences for Mabon

MAY-bon, MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon or MAH-bawn, – Lesser Sabbat/Autumn Equinox, September 21-23

Michaelmas (September 25th, Christian), Second Harvest Festival, Witches’ Thanksgiving, Harvest Home (Anglo-Celtic), Feast of Avalon, Wine Harvest, Festival of Dionysus, Cornucopia, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Chung Chiu (China), Night of the Hunter, Alban Elfed “The Light of the Water”(Caledonii/ Druidic-celebrates Lord of the Mysteries), Winter Finding (Teutonic, from Equinox ’til Winter Night or Nordic New Year, Oct 15th.)

Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-bussle of everyday life. May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and spirits be filled to overflowing!

Purpose: Second harvest festival, new wine pressing/making preparation for winter and Samhain, rest after labor, Pagan day of Thanksgiving, honoring the spirit world, celebration of wine.

Dynamics/Meaning: death of the God, assumption of the Crone, balance of light and dark; increase of darkness, grape harvest, completion of the harvest.

Essence: Beauty, joy; fullness of life, harvest of the year’s desires, strength; laughter; power; prosperity, equality, balance, appreciation, harvest, protection, wealth, security, self-confidence, reincarnation.

Symbolism of Mabon: Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Symbols of Mabon: wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.

Tools, Symbols & Decorations: Indian corn, red fruits, autumn flowers, red poppies, hazelnuts, garlands, grains especially wheat stalks, and colorful, fallen leaves, acorns, pine & cypress cones, oak sprigs, pomegranate, statue/or figure to represent the Mother Goddess, mabon wreath, vine, grapes, gourd, cornucopia/horns of plenty, burial cairns, apples, marigolds, harvested crops, burial cairns, rattles, the Mysteries, sun wheel, all harvest symbols.

Herbs & Plants: Acorn, aster, benzoin, cedar, ferns, grains, hazel, honeysuckle, hops, ivy, marigold, milkweed, mums, myrrh, oak leaf, passionflower, pine, rose, sage, solomon’s seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Foods of Mabon: Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, cornbread, wheat products, grains, berries, grapes, acorns, seeds, dried fruits, corn, beans, squash, roots (ie onions, carrots, potatoes, etc), hops, sasssafras, roast goose or mutton, wine, ale, & cider.

Incense & Oils of Mabon: Pine, sweetgrass, apple blossom, benzoin, myrrh, frankincense, jasmine, sage wood aloes, black pepper, patchouly, cinnamon, clove, oak moss, & sage.

Colors/Candles of Mabon: Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, gold, deep gold, green, orange, scarlet, all autumn colors, purple, blue, violet, & indigo.

Stones of Mabon: Sapphire, lapis lazuli, yellow agates, carnelian, yellow topaz, & amethyst.

Customs: Offerings to land, preparing for cold weather, bringing in harvest, cutting willow wands (Druidic), eating seasonal fruit, leaving apples upon burial cairns & graves as a token of honor, walk wild places & forests, gather seed pods & dried plants, fermenting grapes to make wine,picking ripe produce, stalk bundling; fishing,. on the closest full moon (Harvest Moon) harvesting corps by moonlight.

Activities of Mabon: Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Spellworkings and Rituals of Mabon: Protection, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance. Celtic Festival of the Vine, prosperity rituals, introspection, rituals which enact the elderly aspects of both Goddess & God, past life recall.

Animals/Mythical beings: Dogs, wolves, stag, blackbird, owl, eagle, birds of prey, salmon & goat, Gnomes, Sphinx, Minotaur, Cyclops, Andamans and Gulons.

Goddesses: Modron (Welsh), Bona Dea, Land Mother, Aging & Harvest Dieties: the Triple Goddess-Mother aspect, Persephone, Demeter/Ceres, Morgan (Welsh- Cornish), Snake Woman (aboriginal), Epona (Celtic-Gaulish), Pamona (roman), the Muses (greek)

Gods: Mabon ap Modron (Welsh), Sky Father, The Green Man, Wine Gods, Aging Gods, John Barley Corn , the Wicker-Man, the Corn Man, Thoth (Egyptian), Hermes, Hotei (Japanese), Thor, Dionysus (Roman), Bacchus (Greek) & all wine Deities

Element: Water

Threshold: Evening
Source:
PaganPages.org

Autumnal Equinox


Mabon Comments & Graphics
Autumnal Equinox

On the autumnal equinox, which generally occurs on September 21 – give or take a day – Wiccans and Witches celebrate the sabbat that we call Mabon. With the fruits of the earth safely gathered in, there is at last time for a Harvest festival and for Thanksgiving. Yet while day and night may be of equal length, the balance will imminently shift in favor of darkness, and everything associated with it, including death. ANd it is now that the Horned God, having conquered the demons of the underworld, returns to Earth to claim the Goddess, so that together they descend to their dark realm.

 

 

Meditate on Mabon

Mabon heralds a time of turning inward. This is a good occasion on which to give thanks to the Goddess and Horned God, for their fruitfulness and for all that you have metaphorically reaped this year. You may also want to plan your spiritual development from the coming months.

—-The Wicca Book of Days
Selena Eilidh Ash

 

Mabon to Samhain

Mabon Comments & Graphics

Mabon to Samhain

Wiccans and Witches observe the autumnal equinox with a lesser sabbat that many call Mabon. The day and night may briefly be of equal length, but from now on the hours of darkness will grow steadily longer, with the signs of natural life fading a pace. With harvest over, the Goddess of the Waning Moon now descends to the Otherworld, where she will reign alongside the Horned God, who has battled hideous being in his quest to become Lord of Death.

—The Wicca Book of Days
Selena Eilidh Ash

Thank You Goddess for this Glorious Mabon! Bless Each & Everyone with a Bountiful Harvest this Year & In Years to Come!


Mabon Comments & Graphics

Autumn Equinox

Farewell, O Son, ever returning light.
The hidden god, who ever yet remains.
He departs to the land of youth,
through the gates of death,
to dwell enthroned,
the judge of gods and man.
The horned leader of the hosts of air.
Yet, even as stand unseen about the circle
the forms of the Mighty Lords of the Outer SPaces.
So dwelleth he, ‘the lord within ourselves.’
So dwelleth he within the secret seed,
the seed of new reaped grain, the seed of flesh,
hidden in the earth, the marvellous seed of the stars.
‘In him is life, and life is the light of men.’
that which was never born and never dies.
Therefore the Wicca weep not, but rejoice.’

—The Book of Shadows (1957)
Gerald Gardner

My Growth and Journey as a Maiden, Mother and Crone

High Priestess Raven Spirit Walker's avatarEnchanted Circle of Witches®

I thought it might by nice to share a little more about this person I am now with you. I took the name Beltane for my witch’s name because one it is my birthday and two it is one of my favorite Sabbats. My most favorite is Samhain which allows me to set aside a day for remembering my ancestors in a ritual and the fact that it starts a new year. The “Lady” part was bestow on me when my coven broke into hive covens, I did not just one day decide to give myself that title..

As a young maiden I found happiness in everything around me. At the time I was being raised in a Christian faith of my father and mother’s. I had carefree days of playing with friends and cousins, fishing and hunting with my dad, playing sports and learning an instrument or two along with…

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Magickal Goody of the Day for September 17th – Make Your Own Truth Oil

Magickal Goody of the Day for September 17th

TRUTH OIL

You can buy this is Occult shops but why not make it!

You will need:
3 drops Clary Sage
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Pine
3 drops calamus roots or use (marigold leaves)
Optional: Roll candle in Mugwort and/or Nutmeg

 

Blend and swirl and anoint candle in spell. Wear near the person you want the truth from.

They do not stand a chance of lying so it is so handy to have.

Gemstone of the Day for September 17th is Valentinite

Gemstone of the Day

  Valentinite

 
Valentinite was named in the middle of the 19th century in honour of Basilius Valentinus, a German chemist and alchemist, who discovered the properties of antimony.

Hardness: 2.5 – 3                    
Specific Gravity: 5.6 – 5.8                     
Chemistry: Sb2O3
Class: Simple Oxides                
Crystallography: Orthorhombic – Dipyramidal                
Cleavage: perfect
Fracture: uneven                    
Streak: white                
Luster: adamantine


Healing: Valentinite is used in the treatment of issues related to the heart, lungs, larynx, esophagus, stomach and the upper intestines.

Magical Workings: Valentinite is a excellent stone for use in meditation. It is also useful in telepathy and other forms of communication.
Valentinite is associated with the astrological sign of Gemini and Cancer and vibrates to the number 5. 

Chakra Applications: Valentinite is used in the stimulation of both the Herat and Crown chakras.

Foot Notes: Valentinite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and typically forms as radiating clusters of euhedral crystals or as fibrous masses. It is a weathering product of hydrothermal antimony bearing veins, where it forms as a seondary mineral through oxidation in the upper parts of the deposits.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Herb of the Day for September 17th is Marsh Mallow

Herb of the Day

Marsh Mallow

(Althaea officinalis)

 

Medicinal Uses: Marsh Mallow is useful in inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of the urinary and respiratory organs. The dry roots boiled in water give out half their weight of a gummy matter like starch. Decoctions of the plant, especially of the root, are very useful where the natural mucus has been abraded from the coats of the intestines.

The decoction can be made by adding 5 pints of water to 1/4 lb. of dried root, boiling down to 3 pints and straining: it should not be made too thick and viscid.

It is very useful in painful complaints of the urinary tract, exerting a relaxing effect upon the passages. This decoction is also effective in curing bruises, sprains or any ache in the muscles or sinews. In cases of hemorrhage from the urinary tract and in dysentery, it has been recommended to use the powdered root boiled in milk. The action of Marsh Mallow root upon the bowels is unequaled by any other astringency. Mallow is a very soothing demulcent. It can be used internally as a cough preparation.

The flowers, boiled in oil and water, with a little honey and alum, have proved good as a gargle for sore throats.

Teas made from marsh mallow may be taken up to three times a day. Marsh mallow leaf tea may be made by adding 2 to 5 teaspoons of dried leaf to about 5 ounces of hot but not boiling water, allowing it to soak for 10 minutes, and then straining out the solid particles. For marsh mallow root tea, place 2 to 5 teaspoons of the dried powdered root in about 5 ounces of warm water and let it soak for at least an hour before straining out the solids. The resulting tea may be heated or consumed cold. Drink three to five cups a day.

For use on the skin, shredded or powdered marsh mallow root may be mixed with enough warm water to form a thick paste, which may be spread onto a soft cloth. The resulting poultice may be heated or simply applied to irritated skin as often as needed. If the skin at the area where marsh mallow is applied blisters or becomes more irritated, the marsh mallow preparation should be washed off with warm water and it should not be re-applied.

Marsh Mallow may possibly reduce blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should be careful when taking it.

Magickal Uses: Place a bouquet of mallow in a vase in your window to attract a straying lover.

Culinary Uses: The mallow root was used to make the French candy, pâté de guimauve, which is the original “marshmallow.” The root is also good lightly steamed and then fried with butter and onions. Add the tender young leaves to salads.

Properties: Demulcent, anti-inflammatory and emollient. Marsh Mallow contains starch, mucilage, pectin, oil, sugar, asparagin, phosphate of lime, glutinous matter and cellulose.

Growth: Marsh Mallow is a very hardy perennial. It likes moist, light soil with a neutral pH in full sun. The Marsh Mallow plants consist of tall, thick stems with broad leaves that are covered in soft hairs.

 

 

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

WOTC Quiz of the Day: What Soul Sign Are You?

What Soul Sign Are You?

 

This elemental approach to the human soul is a fascinating way to understand who you are, especially in relationship to others. Do you crave attention from a partner? You may be a Fire type. Do you like to organize and plan activities with your significant other? You may be an Earth.

Take this simple quiz to find out your soul-type so you can learn more about the ways you relate:

1. You sometimes have regrets, but nonetheless you revel in the joy of having created an effect, whether good or bad. You live in a drama of sorts, either emotionally or creatively.

2. You are a person who needs attention, who needs to be recognized and admired, who is sensitive and easily hurt over the smallest thing, who can love and hate with equal passion.

3. You are a person who thrives on love and passion in personal relationships, who needs to be number one in their partner’s life, who likes to have their own way, who feels easily neglected and is capable of being quite jealous when their spouse’s attention is somewhere else.

4. You are a person who needs to plan before acting, although you are determined to turn your plans into action. You make lists and like to take control.

5. You pay close attention, striving for perfection, even in the little things, generally organized, especially in situations you consider important, sensitive but able to reason and to be fair, steady, and reliable.

6. You thrive on being the organizer in the family; are loyal to your spouse and expect the same respect and loyalty in return; can seem on occasion to be bossy and you like to take charge; you like to be romanced and need genuine affection.

7. You don’t like pressure, and you don’t like to be upset or argue, but you do like new people and new experiences.

8. You love animals and children, do not sweat the small stuff, and are usually easygoing, happy to go along in life without fuss, generally calm, and somewhat passive.

9. You thrive on simply being loved, are undemanding in your personal relationships, like to keep things simple and uncomplicated, hate arguments and fights, and will try in most cases with your spouse to pacify and keep things on an even keel.

10. You usually find a way, through compromise, to please others and yourself. You are able to evaluate and solve problems by negotiating and seeking harmony.

11. You avoid attention, shy away from the limelight but still like approval from others for work well done; you strive to be fair and considerate of others’ feelings, but can be so immersed in your own life that you can be neglectful of issues outside yourself or your family.

12. You thrive on the ability to communicate with your spouse and family; feel the need to always strive to be seen to be reasonable, even when they perhaps cannot be, and are strong-minded and capable of standing your ground in an argument when issues are important.

If you answered yes to 1, 2 and 3, you are a FIRE.

If you answered yes to 4, 5, and 6, you are an EARTH.

If you answered yes to 7, 8, and 9, you are an AIR.

If you answered yes to 10, 11, and 12, you are a WATER.

Be sure to read this great book to find out more about your sign and the ways it manifests.

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Pickering’s Triangle in the Veil

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 September 17

Pickering’s Triangle in the Veil
Image Credit & Copyright: J-P Metsävainio (Astro Anarchy)

 

Explanation: Chaotic in appearance, these filaments of shocked, glowing gas break across planet Earth’s sky toward the constellation of Cygnus, as part of the Veil Nebula. The Veil Nebula itself is a large supernova remnant, an expanding cloud born of the death explosion of a massive star. Light from the original supernova explosion likely reached Earth over 5,000 years ago. Blasted out in the cataclysmic event, the interstellar shock waves plow through space sweeping up and exciting interstellar material. The glowing filaments are really more like long ripples in a sheet seen almost edge on, remarkably well separated into the glow of ionized hydrogen and sulfur atoms shown in red and green, and oxygen in blue hues. Also known as the Cygnus Loop, the Veil Nebula now spans nearly 3 degrees or about 6 times the diameter of the full Moon. While that translates to over 70 light-years at its estimated distance of 1,500 light-years, this field of view spans less than one third that distance. Identified as Pickering’s Triangle for a director of Harvard College Observatory and cataloged as NGC 6979, the complex of filaments might be more appropriately known as Williamina Fleming’s Triangular Wisp.

Scanning the Planets: Saturn in Sagittarius

Saturn in Sagittarius

A true test of faith

Maria DeSimone

Maria DeSimone on the topics of saturn, sagittarius, astrology

 

On September 17, 2015, Saturn enters Sagittarius after revisiting Scorpio during its annual retrograde. Saturn first entered Sagittarius in December of 2014, but backed all the way back into Scorpio on June 14. When Saturn re-enters Sagittarius in September, he won’t leave again until December of 2017! During this time, with occasional tribulation, he’ll help you answer the all-important question: What do you believe in?

Saturn’s job, whether by current transit or in your birth chart, is to provide enough compression to ensure we confront what isn’t working in our lives. He’ll offer us the discipline to repair it, or the maturity to accept that it’s time to let it go. As a result, we gain a new level of soul growth in direct proportion to our willingness to do the work Saturn demands. As long as we take the responsible approach, we can master Saturn and eventually experience remarkable rewards because of him … in due time.

At first glance, you might think that Saturn and the zodiac sign Sagittarius are polar opposites. Saturn is all about restriction and limitation; he’s the ultimate reality check. But Sagittarius is a sign naturally ruled by exuberant Jupiter and is filled with faith and optimism. Saturn sees the glass as half empty, but Sagittarius reminds us that the glass is also half full. So what happens when this ultra-positive sign becomes mired in the grip of the greatest party pooper in the entire zodiac?

Something incredible.

Oil and water come together

The thing about Saturn and Sagittarius is that they actually do have a few things in common. They are both extremely committed to ethics. Saturn plays by the traditional rule book but Sagittarius plays by whatever he believes at his core is right. Together, Saturn in Sagittarius has an amazing capacity to review current principles. He’ll ensure that a moral review is conducted and that any failure to be honorable is corrected.

We’ll see this happen collectively and personally over the next few years. During this stretch of time you’ll endure a certain kind of pressure to define your moral compass in a certain area of your life (depending on what house Saturn is transiting for you). Ultimately, you can emerge from this transit having built up a solid and enduring belief system relating to that part of your life.

At the same time, with Saturn in Sagittarius there will likely be a cosmic pause that allows us to consider areas of law, race, culture, religion, education, spirituality, and philosophy with greater sobriety. Outmoded principles concerning these areas that are too weak to survive might fall away. In certain cases, that could be a very good thing.

Saturn in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces

If our current beliefs aren’t cutting it, then a test of faith might be more significant. Saturn, the planet of boundaries will square Neptune, the planet that dissolves boundaries on November 26, 2015, June 17, 2016, and again on September 10, 2016. Now that’s the ultimate cosmic oxymoron!

During these times you might lose faith altogether. If this happens, remember that true enlightenment is only possible when you go deeper and create a solid foundation to the divine spirit within. Losing your religion, your dreams and goals, or your faith in humanity can become a catalyst for developing the most grounded and untouchable belief system — one that feels right from deep within your gut and one that no one can ever take away.

Saturn in Sagittarius trine Uranus in Aries

After all of the Saturn-Neptune fuzziness evaporates, there’s Saturn trine Uranus to look forward to. Expect amazing support from these two planets to help create a foundation for your most innovative, pioneering goals yet! We’ll experience this gorgeous aspect on December 24, 2016, May 19, 2017, and again on November 11, 2017.

This is when you will finally see that Saturn’s initial delays, frustrations and hindrances have only dragged you back to ensure that you planned wisely. Now, you’ll be ready to launch into something great. The key? Just focus and keep aiming.

 

 

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