Day: December 8, 2015

Want More Information on Becoming a Witch?

If you are interested in doing lessons on the basics of Witchcraft go to WOTC sister site http://covenlife.co/ . I mentor people who want more information on how to become a witch for both sites. I am always happy to try to answer questions about The Craft in general also. If you want to email me questions please send them to ladybeltane@aol.com. You can read my bio on there and decide if I might be able to help you in any way. There is no cost for the lessons but it would be nice if you could donate a little something to Witches of The Craft to help us keep both sites going.

I will also try to answer questions for those doing papers on Witchcraft for a regular school assignment.

I do not to spells for individuals, so please do not ask me to, but I will teach you the basics of The Craft so you know how to properly do them yourself.

To Make A Charm for Control

A Charm for Protection and Control

Special Tools:
• One red candle, One white candle, A small piece of white paper, Protection oil (pre-made or homemade), Ink pen, Red ribbon
Cast the circle. Set a white candle alight on the left to represent the Goddess and a red candle alight on the right to represent the God. Place materials for the charm between the candles. Using the protection oil, with the index finger of the right hand, draw a pentagram in the middle of the paper while saying:

“With the seal of this pentagram I request this charm be used for protection and authority over those I am with today.”

Using a pen, in the center of the oil-drawn pentagram, draw the rune Algiz, (the rune of protection). Say:

“With this rune, Algiz, I request this charm be used for protection and control over all I do”.

Now seal it but If you’re doing the ritual for someone else, hand him/her the piece of paper and tell him/her to concentrate on the rune and what it means and ask aloud for what you want. Then to seal those energies into the charm, tell him or her:

“When you are ready, roll the paper up tightly, lengthwise and give it back to me.”

When the charm is handed back it is wrapped three times with a red ribbon sealed with wax dripped onto it (use a ring or seal if you have one or draw a symbol like the 3 pointed star in the hot wax pool to seal and then tie the ribbon into a bow. Consecrate the charm with an element of the God, fire, and an element of the Goddess, air (the smoke from the candles). Hold the charm over the red candle of the God and say, “I consecrate you in fire for (name) so that he/she can defend and protect him/herself/ myself with the powers he/she/ I has (have). Hold the charm in the smoke of the white candle of the Goddess and say:

“I consecrate you in air for (name) so that he/she I can defend and protect him/herself or self with the powers he/she (I) has (have).”

Tightly clasp the charm in both hands, the right hand around the charm and the left over your right. Concentrate on the charms task. Seal the left end of the charm with white wax and right end with red wax. The charm is complete and given to the intended person or kept by you if you make it for yourself. Close the circle.

Turquoise Protection Amulet

TURQUOISE PROTECTION AMULET

The ancients regarded turquoise as a powerful magical aid to ward off misfortune, illness, and the evil eye. You can use turquoise to make your own amulet for protection.

To begin, during the waxing Moon take a piece of blue turquoise or an item of blue turquoise jewelry and hold it in your hand for a moment. In your mind’s eye, picture a blue light surrounding you. Hold the stone to your heart, and breathe on it to charge it with your power, saying:

“Stone of blue, surround me with protective energy.

I am protected by your soothing blue light.”

Carry your turquoise with you or wear it as often as you can. Handle it frequently to keep the spell active.

The Cauldron and the Knife Spell

THE CAULDRON AND THE KNIFE

Just before going to bed, fill a cauldron (or iron bucket, bowl or pot) with water and place it inside your house near the front door. Take a very sharp knife or Athame and place it point-down into the water, saying:

“Into the water I place this blade,

To guard against the thief and shade.

May no flesh nor astral shell

Enter this place wherein I dwell”

This is a good protection spell, and can be performed every evening. In the morning, remove and dry the knife, and place it somewhere safe. Then, without touching it, pour the water outside, (or down the drain if necessary) and put the cauldron away. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to do this spell if you’re expecting company, as it could be dangerous (and wet). You can do this at each door if desired, and protects against more than corporeal forms.

Protection from Harm Ointment

PROTECTION FROM HARM OINTMENT

You will need:

• 2 parts Mallow (not Marshmallow Root)

• 2 parts Rosemary

• 1 part Vervain
For the base of ointment with shortening, follow these directions:

Melt 4 parts shortening over low heat until liquefied.

Watch that it doesn’t burn. Add one part dried herbal mixture (which would be all of the herbs listed above). Blend with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.

Continue heating until the shortening has extracted the scent.

You should be able to smell it in the air.

Strain through a cheesecloth into a heat-proof jar, a canning jar would be perfect for this. Add 1/2 tsp. tincture of benzoin (can be found at an herb store or drug store) to each pint of ointment as a natural preservative. Store in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.

Ointments will last for weeks or months. Discard any that turn moldy, and make a fresh batch. Rub onto the body and to drive out negative influences and to keep them far from you.

Protection Oil

PROTECTION OIL

Use a base oil like sweet almond oil, jojoba, sesame, etc. To the oil add any three of the following:
• Rue

• Rosemary

• Angelica

• Bay

• Basil

• Fennel

• Sage

• Mugwort

• Vervain.
Use either the whole herb or a pure essential oil. Allow the herbs to mix and steep in the oil for 1 week. Handle the bottle frequently, projecting protective energy into the mixture. Recommend you make this oil during a waning moon but you can also make your own timing judgment.

Creating a Spell: Animals, Their Association & Correspondences In Spellwork

Creating a Spell: Animals, Their Association & Correspondences In Spellwork

Bat
Blood – Rebirth Navigation – Finding one’s way in the dark.

Bear
Introspection – Mystery – Strength.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Dog
Loyalty – Compassion – Kindness.
Direction: West, element of water.

Dragonfly
Illusion, dreaming.
Direction: East, element of air.

Fox
Camouflage – Stealth – Observation.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Frog
Fecundity – Creativity – Moisture.
Direction: West, element of water.

Hawk
Far-seeing – A messenger.
Direction: East, element of air.

Horse
Power – Beauty – That which can be controlled.
Direction: East or North, elements of air and earth.

Hummingbird
Joy – Brevity – Speed.
Direction: East, element of air.

Jackal
Trickster – Humour – Stealer of fire – Psychopomp.
Direction: South, element of fire.

Lioness
Aggressiveness – Pride – Protection – Healing.
Direction: South, element of fire.

Lynx
Secrets – Silence.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Otter
Woman medicine – Healing – Sensuality.
Direction: West, element of water.

Owl
Deception – Scrutiny.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Raven
Magic – All colour in darkness – Law – Beginnings and endings.
Direction: all directions, all elements.

Racoon
Moving in shadows – Earth-magic – The unerring attainment of desires.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Skunk
Reputation – Protection – Secrecy.
Direction: South, element of fire.

Snake
Transmutation – Rebirth – Sacred spiral.
Direction: South, element of fire.

Spider
Weaving – Hunting – Single-mindedness of purpose.
Direction: East, element of air.

Wolf
Teacher – Leadership – Self-esteem.
Direction: North, element of earth.

Creating a Spell: Moon Phases Associated With Spellwork

Moon Phases Associated With Spellwork

The phases of the Moon influence the power and efficiency of the magick work. Simply, there are two cycles and three phases during each cycle. These are the times used when working magick…

 

Waxing Moon

Times From new moon to full (approx. 14 days)
Godess Asp. : Maiden
Overview : The Moon is called Waxing when it moves from the period of the New Moon to the Full
Moon. The Moon is growing and has a pulling in effect on all things exposed to her energy.
This is the time of great psychic enhancements and effects.
Energies- Abundance wishes – New projects – Expansion – Increasing health and well being –
New love affairs – Increasing knowledge and spirituality – Planting herbs – Fertility –
Beginning long spells for such as mentioned.
Goddesses : Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

 

Waning Moon

Times From full moon to dark moon (approx.14 days)
Godess Asp.Crone
Overview- The Moon is called Waxing when it moves from Full Moon to New Moon. The
psychic vibrations are still there, just lower and has the effect of pulling away on
things. So, this is the best time for getting rid of anything you want nor need in
your life.
Energies & Destructive magick – Remove low vibes in your home or work – Banish negative
thoughts – Eliminate – Separate – Undo – Recede – Let go of the past and guilt –
Start a weight program – Affirmative thinking – Cutting herbs and flowers – Release
hostile or anger situations and emotions.
Goddesses : Callieach, Banshee, Hecate, Kali, Morrigan

Full Moon

Times : Approx. 14 days after new moon
Godess Asp Mother
Energies -Best for the strongest psychic energies and can be used in any magick spells.
Friutition, Manifesting goals, nurturing, passion, healing, strength, power.
Goddesses : Danu, Cerridwen, Gaia, Aphrodite, Isis

New Moon, No Moon or Black Moon

Is time for rest and attainment of desires. This is the best time to prepare for the new wishes and to form your requests very seriously. Take a break and give yourself a rest.

Creating a Spell: Colours and Properties Associated With Spellwork

Creating a Spell

The best type of spell is the one you have created yourself with your own words and rhymes. Remember, as much energy as you put in your magick, is as much energy as you will get out from it. And believe. The key is to believe.

State why you need the spell, what’s the purpose of it. Research what Deities you’ll need to call, determine what tools you need, and decide when to perform the spell, according to the purpose of it.

Colours and Properties

 

A major tool in any magick is colour. The effective use of colour and its meanings is very important for ones success in candle magick. Use all the elements as one and you will have one powerful wish coming up. The colours are… Black, Brown, Gray, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Red, Gold, Pink, Orange and Green.

WHITE
Gender Female
Day Monday
Planet Moon
Sign Cancer
Fragrance Eucalyptus – Jasmine – Myrrh – Sandalwood
Energies Protect – Purify – Heal – Children – Pets – Balance – Birth – Repel – Peace –
Spirituality.
Related Colours Solid white – silvers – pearls – iridescent whites. It can be used in place of any
other colour.

 

BLACK (Caution must be exercised!)
Gender Male – Female
Day Saturday
Planet;  Saturn
Sign Capricorn
Fragrance Iris – Pansy – Black Orchid – Patchouli
Energies Void for all unwanted influences – Repel – Banish – Bind – Flesh out secrets.
Related Colours Dark blues – Black – Dark browns – Most dark colours.

 

BROWN
Gender Female
Day Monday (Tan browns) – Friday (All browns)
Planet Moon – Venus
Sign Libra (Light browns)
Fragrances Iris – Black Orchid
Energies Earth energy – Grounding – Centering consciousness – Success through labour –
Faerie Magick

 

GRAY (Neutraliser)
Gender Female – Male
Day Monday
Planet Moon
Fragrance Eucalyptus – Jasmine – Myrrh – Sandalwood
Energies Erase without repercussions – Aid in balancing.

 

BLUE
Gender Male
Day Saturday (Dark blues) – Friday (Blues) – Thursday (Royal blue)
Planet Saturn – Venus – Jupiter
Sign Aquarius (Dark blues) – Pisces (Royal blue)
Fragrance Nutmeg – Sage – Sandalwood
Energies Wisdom – Sleep – Truth – Loyalty – Dreams – Emotions.
Related Colours Light blue : Peace – Patience – Health.
Dark blue  Banish depression – Justice.

 

PURPLE
Gender Male
Day Thursday
Planet Jupiter
Sign Sagittarius
Fragrance Nutmeg, Sage, Sandalwood
Energies Psychic and spiritual enhancement – Wisdom – Reversal – Law – Power.

 

YELLOW
Gender Male
Day Wednesday
Planet Mercury
Sign Virgo
Fragrance Cedar – Clove – Cinnamon – Frankincense – Rosemary
Energies Knowledge – Concentration – Healing – Study – Memory – Persuasion –
Subtle attraction.

 

RED (Base attributes, Caution!, Stay with the lighter shades)
Gender Male
Day Tuesday
Planet Mars
Sign Scorpio – Aries
Fragrance Carnation – Dragon’s Blood – Ginger – Pine – Peppermint
Energies Physical pleasures – Stimulating – Lust – Anger – Hate – Marriage – Courage –
Strength – Enemies – Peril – Sexual potency.

 

GOLD
Gender Male
Day Sunday
Planet Sun
Fragrance Cedar – Clove – Cinnamon – Frankincense – Rosemary
Energies Heal inner wounds – Money – Quick actions – Obtain knowledge.
Related Colours Can be used with orange and yellow to enhance or bring quick change.

 

PINK
Gender Female
Day Friday
Planet Venus
Sign Taurus
Fragrance Cherry – Rose – Thyme – Vanilla
Energies Emotions from the heart – New relationships – Raise energies – Fiends –
Family – Healing – Raises vibrations – Banishes negative vibrations and hate
Promotes honour, morality, and unselfishness.

 

ORANGE
Gender Male
Day Sunday – Tuesday
Planet Sun – Mars
Sign Leo
Fragrance Bayberry – Lavender – Peppermint
Energies Balance – Neutraliser – Prosperity – Mental and physical action – Success –
Mental agility – Energiser – Stamina.

 

GREEN
Gender Male – Female
Day Friday – Wednesday
Planet Venus – Mercury
Sign Gemini
Fragrance Cherry – Rose – Thyme – Vanilla
Energies Money – Herbal magick – Attracts success – Growth – Healing – Faerie magick.

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Icelandic Legends and Aurora

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 December 8

Icelandic Legends and Aurora
Image Credit & Copyright: Elizabeth M. Ryan; Rollover Annotation: Judy Schmidt

Explanation: Legends collide in this dramatic vista of land, sea, and sky. The land is Iceland, specifically Vík í Mýrdal, a southern village known for its beautiful black sand beaches. The sea, the Atlantic Ocean, surrounds Reynisdrangar, a sea stack of eroded basaltic rock pillars that Icelandic folklore tells are the petrified remains of trolls once attempting to drag a three-masted ship onto land. Watching from overhead and shining bright on the upper right is the god of the sky, according to Greek mythology: the planet Jupiter. Also visible in the sky are several other Greek legends encapsulated as constellations, including a lion (Leo), a big bear (Ursa Major), and a water snake (Hydra). One might guess that all of this commotion caused the spectacular aurora pictured — but really it was just explosions from the Sun.

Earth Sky News for Dec. 8th: N. Hemisphere? Watch for earliest sunsets

N. Hemisphere? Watch for earliest sunsets

The earliest sunset for 40 degrees N. latitude is on December 8, and the year’s earliest sunset comes around then for everyone near this latitude. The exact date of the Northern Hemisphere’s earliest sunset or the Southern Hemisphere’s earliest sunrise varies by latitude. But, at temperate latitudes, both of these annual hallmarks in our sky come some weeks before the December solstice, not on the solstice as you might expect.

Every year, toward the end of the first week of December – that is, around now – mid-temperate latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere have their earliest sunsets. That would be the latitude of New York City; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver, Colorado; Reno, Nevada; Beijing, China; Madrid, Spain; Naples, Italy.

Suppose you live at 40o South latitude? Then, you’d be waking up to the earliest sunrises of the year.

What if you’re not at 40o North or 40o South latitude? At latitudes closer to the equator, the earliest sunset or earliest sunrise comes at an earlier date.

Closer to the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, the earliest sunset and earliest sunrise happen nearer the December solstice.

The next solstice in 2015 comes on December 21 or 22 (depending on your time zone) and marks an unofficial beginning for winter in the Northern Hemisphere. For this hemisphere, this upcoming solstice brings the shortest day and longest night of the year. And yet the earliest sunsets for middle latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere happen around December 8.

It seems paradoxical. At middle latitudes in the U.S. – and throughout the Northern Hemisphere – the earliest sunsets of the year come about two weeks before the solstice and the shortest day of the year.

Why isn’t the earliest sunset on the year’s shortest day? It’s because of the discrepancy between the clock and the sun. A clock ticks off exactly 24 hours from one noon to the next. But an actual day – as measured by the spin of the Earth, from what is called one “solar noon” to the next – rarely equals 24 hours exactly.

Solar noon is also called simply midday. It refers to that instant when the sun reaches its highest point for the day. In the month of December, the time period from one solar noon to the next is actually half a minute longer than 24 hours. On December 8, the sun reaches its noontime position at 11:52 a.m. local standard time. Two weeks later – on the winter solstice – the sun will reach its noontime position around 11:59 a.m. That’s 7 minutes later than on December 8.

The later clock time for solar noon also means a later clock time for sunrise and sunset. The table below helps to explain.

For Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date Sunrise Solar Noon (Midday) Sunset Daylight Hours
December 8 7:09 a.m. 11:52 a.m. 4:35 p.m. 9 hours 26 minutes
December 22 7:19 a.m. 11:59 a.m. 4:39 p.m. 9 hours 20 minutes

Solstice tale of two cities: New York, NY, and St. Augustine, FL

As you might have guessed, the latest sunrises and sunsets aren’t on the day of the solstice either. For middle latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the latest sunrises come in early January.

So there’s variation in the exact dates, but the sequence is always the same for both hemispheres. First: earliest sunset before the winter solstice, the winter solstice itself, latest sunrise after the winter solstice. Half a year later: earliest sunrise before the summer solstice, the summer solstice itself, latest sunset.

The earliest and latest sunsets and sunrises are lovely phenomena that happen around every solstice. People around the world notice them and often ask about them.

Click here for more details on why the earliest sunset doesn’t fall on the shortest day.

Bottom line: The 2015 solstice comes on December 22, but the earliest sunsets at mid-northern latitudes – say, 40 degrees N. happen on or near December 8. Latitudes closer to the equator had their earliest sunset in late November, or earlier in December. Latitudes closer to the Arctic Circle have their earliest sunset closer to the December solstice.

 

Author’s Bio

 

Your Daily Influences for Tuesday, December 8

Your Daily Influences
December 8, 2015 

 

Tarot Influence

Four of Pentacles
Financial gain, success and worldly power seem assured, but lack any higher meaning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rune Influence

Elhaz
Watch for hidden traps. Look for holes in your defenses and fill them.

 

 

 

 

Charm Influence

Inscribed Amulet
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.