The Chance card denotes a period in which taking risks may produce positive results. This doesn’t mean head off to a casino with your life’s savings! What is suggested is that you should make gains by taking a well calculated risk. For the power of Chance to be fully realized it is essential that you pick your risk carefully, move forward with conviction, and above all else don’t get greedy!
As a daily card, Chance implies you are currently in a place where taking a chance is likely to produce substantial rewards. In other words, take a few calculated steps out on the proverbial limb, but remember if you take it too far you are likely to lose all that you gain and possibly more.
Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.
While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.
The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.
In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.
Adjustment denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Adjustment represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Adjustment also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Adjustment is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies. Adjustment suggests the need and ability to make our decisions based on objective perceptions of events, and good or bad, accepting responsibility for our actions.
Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today
The Past Tiwaz
Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.
The Present Wunjo
Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.
The Future Fehu
Fehu reversed represents material stagnation, possibly poverty as well as infertility.
ANALYSIS: Ing is a Danish / Anglo-Saxon name for Freyr, the God of agriculture and fertility. Agriculture represents one of the first attempts by mankind to control the environment, and the fertility of crops, animals and people has always been the primary concern and religious focus of most Pagan agrarian societies. From the earliest Sumerian accounts to modern-day British folk custom, people throughout history have sought to ensure the success of their crops.
The vast majority of people in Western society have lost all contact and connection with the land and the process of growing things.
The spiritual consequences of this segregation from the earth have been disastrous, since most people find it difficult to relate to deity in a purely man-made environment. The shape of this rune can be likened to that of a field, but its real significance may lie in its balance, representing the harmonious relationship between ourselves and the four elements / four directions. Inguz reminds us of that ancient connection between the Gods and the land, and re-links (the real meaning of the ‘religion’) us with our spiritual natures through the realm of the physical. It is quite literally a grounding rune, and by reintroducing us to the earth, it reconnects our bodies, our minds and our spirits.
The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.
While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.
What’s your favorite part of the holidays? Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, you’ve got plenty of traditions to choose from. Here are some of each zodiac sign’s favorite ways to make the season merry.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You’re in luck, Aries, because most holiday traditions include your favorite element — Fire! Both Kwanzaa and Hanukkah have candle-lighting rituals that last seven days. On Christmas day, you can take charge of burning the Yule log, an ancient custom that originated in pagan winter solstice Fire festivals.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
With all of their delicious traditional foods, the holidays are made for your discerning palate. Christmas party hosts would be wise to check with you when it comes to fine-tuning their spiked eggnog. And if you’re Jewish, surely your latkes are the tastiest.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Some people complain about the holidays being too busy, but this time of year is perfect for your short attention span. You love keeping your dance card chock full as you flit from shopping spree to social gathering. Don’t be surprised if your family nicknames you “the Blur.”
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
From twinkling lights to boughs of holly, you excel in making your home a warm and comfy haven for intimate gatherings, often decorating with your own handcrafted items. Your friends and family rely on you to create the perfect atmosphere for their best holiday memories.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
With your big heart, giving thoughtful presents is key to a happy holiday. You also love to hang with the kids because they bring out your playful side … so you’re usually the one on the floor helping them open, assemble and play with their new toys.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
You love the miraculous story of Mary’s virgin birth, so you look forward to setting up a creche each Christmas season. Since white is your color, you surround the manger scene with billows of cotton snow. Spraying white frost figures on your windows is another one of your favorites. And if it snows on Christmas day … ecstasy!
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
You have a blast picking out ribbons, paper and other baubles for wrapping presents. It calls on your artistic abilities, satisfies your love of beauty and gives you practice in overcoming your personal bugaboo — indecision — since you’ve only got so many shopping days before your gifts must be wrapped and ready.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
For you, dear Scorpio, it’s got to be mistletoe. Adopted from Scandinavia, this tradition gives you the perfect excuse to amp your favorite flirtation up a notch. One can never tell what will come of a kiss in a doorway … but you could have a very happy New Year!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
You’re a big fan of getting away for the holidays, but if you must stay home, gambling with your cronies on a Christmas football game — or playing a competitive game online — can satisfy your restless nature. For Jewish celebrants, try a bout of the traditional Hanukkah betting game and spin the dreidel.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Family traditions of all types make your nostalgic soul happy as long as they follow the same patterns you grew up with. The Christmas dinner table must have all of your favorite dishes, and everything else, from decorating the tree to opening presents, must be “just so” as well.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Some families have developed a tradition of volunteering to help the needy during the holidays. Whether that means donating toys to children or helping out in a soup kitchen, you and your community-oriented soul are on board. Sending a hefty donation to your favorite cause might also be on your list.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Even though you usually describe yourself as spiritual rather than religious, you make an exception for Christmas when you look forward to attending a midnight Mass. The dimly lit cathedral with twinkling candles, chiming bells, magical singing and chanted prayers feeds your mystical soul.
This is a good day for focusing on activities that promote emotional renewal, dear Aries. You can gain a better perspective on your financial picture as well as your relationships today with Venus and Pluto vibing and the intuitive Moon picking up this energy as well. Look to the talents and resources of others or a partner to see if these can benefit a business. Think strategically and draw on your imagination and past experience/wisdom to your plans and to better understand your connections. You benefit the most today through observation rather than direct action. You should also find ways to soothe nerves. Today and the next few are strong for healing relationship rifts.
Taurus
Taurus
Venus is your ruler, and when it connects well with your partnership ruler, Pluto, you tend to find yourself connecting well with others or reaching a pleasant agreement of sorts, dear Taurus. Today’s Venus-Pluto connection occurs in the morning, but the Moon picks up and carries these energies later on, and you may very well enjoy some special interactions and insights now. Venus happens to be in your partnership sector as well, further boosting possibilities of enhancing or attracting relationships. You’re also coming across with more confidence and personal power. The general vibe is friendly but not frivolous, and this becomes you well. If you want to express your commitment or passion, now is a good time to do so.
Gemini
Gemini
There may be a project that you find especially absorbing and compelling today, dear Gemini, and you are likely interested in exploring things further. Today and this week are strong for investigation, getting to the heart of a matter, and discovering important truths. Research efforts can bring good results, and even if you don’t get somewhere, you enjoy the process. Doing some sleuthing is appealing now. This can also be a good time for looking into a health or fitness matter, for enjoying the process of getting healthier, and possibly finding a way to monetize a favorite activity. You’re likely expected to be on top of things today, and your quiet confidence goes a long way towards gaining respect or recognition.
Cancer
Cancer
This is a strong day for enhancing or attracting a partnership or close relationship, dear Cancer, particularly an affair of the heart. A connection made or a moment shared can be significant and meaningful now. For some, this is about a project or creative work that you love, and you’re ready to pour your heart into it. A relationship or project can fill you with a stronger sense of purpose. You might consider ways to improve or get ahead. There is good intuitive sense today, and your powers of attraction are stronger than usual. There can be a desire to share a belief, dream, or tradition with someone you care about.
Leo
Leo
This is a good day for looking at yourself and your needs or desires honestly, dear Leo, and benefiting from what you discover. You might thoroughly enjoy and throw yourself into a work, health, or home project now, as the motivation is there to do so. Your personal security and comfort with yourself can attract others to you now. There is more intensity in your interactions and/or your love and feeling nature today, such that you may skip over small talk and get to the meat of a matter. This can be a good time to recognize emotional blocks and finding ways to move past them. The Moon in your solar eighth house all day encourages observation and strategy. You benefit most from attracting things to you rather than chasing them just for now.
Virgo
Virgo
Conversations are especially rich and possibly even moving today, dear Virgo, and you may be able to bring a relationship or project to a new level now. You might come up with a good strategy for handling your money, or possibly even for converting a just-for-fun hobby into a money-making business. Others are truly listening to what you have to say now, and your powers of persuasion are at a high. Even so, a good idea you come up with now might better be kept to yourself just for the time being. Sharing an overview with a significant other can be fun, however. Passions and interests don’t always need to be shared, but respecting them is important in any relationship.
Libra
Libra
You’re likely to enjoy warm and supportive interactions today that boost your basic levels of confidence, comfort, and security, dear Libra. Your ability to strategize, and even to hold your tongue, brings the most rewards now with the ruler of your sign, Venus, in beneficial aspect to Pluto. You can inspire trust now, and possibly even awe. Your strength of character is recognized by others and earns you more respect. Whether you’re clearing out your desk, your closet, or your brain, it’s a good time to get rid of what you don’t absolutely need. Progress and self-improvement are in focus. You can make some important changes in your image today, and with money, talents, and resources.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You’re on a roll today, with energy to spare, dear Scorpio. This can be a wonderful day for attracting positive people and energy into your life. You can find yourself naturally drawn to mutually beneficial or simply pleasing social situations, and your manner is especially attractive and appealing. It’s a great time for attracting or building/healing a relationship, and also for building upon and improving a pet project. You are persuasive and personally powerful. It’s a generally good day for making a commitment, particularly to a learning or communications project, or possibly simply purchasing equipment. You are seeing what you truly need and ready to put your heart into whatever moves you.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Relationships with friends are supportive and pleasing today, dear Sagittarius. You might enjoy keeping a secret today as you hold on to something that makes you feel special and you are not quite ready to share it. This is your prerogative, and it may in fact be a good idea to keep things on the down low for now. There is a compelling quality to feelings of love now. Emotional longings can be in strong focus, but more easily understood. There is also good energy for recycling or repurposing resources such that they’re transformed. Your money sense is good now.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You’re in a most expansive and expressive mood today, dear Capricorn. The desire to explore and learn is strong, and any activity that ties you to a desk, that seems stifling or limiting, or that feels lifeless and dull will have you itching to escape. Your powers of magnetic attraction are good right now, and you’ll find it rather easy to maneuver things the way you’d like them to be. Offering your expertise to colleagues can open up great rewards for you these days. You stand to gain the respect and appreciation of others, and self-respect as well. It certainly feels good to contribute and share.
Aquarius
Aquarius
It’s a good day for expressing patience and employing strategy, dear Aquarius. You may be throwing yourself into something you truly love doing, and with this motivation, you can accomplish and uncover a lot. You’ll find that the conviction behind your desires and ideas attracts support from others. Past good deeds can bring rewards to the present. Others are putting their faith in you as someone who is discreet and professional – someone who can keep a secret if necessary, and who doesn’t need to take credit for everything. There is good money sense with you today, as you’re seeing things for their value and priority.
Pisces
Pisces
Conversations today tend to be intense but pleasant, dear Pisces, and you could be quite impassioned about an idea or a project. Some of you could feel more confident as a result of your involvement in a team, or for contributions you make to a cause or group effort. You might enjoy new opportunities to prove yourself and your effectiveness. Strong creative and/or romantic energies flow today, and you could find yourself attracted to a new idea or person, or interested in repurposing and rejuvenating a current project or relationship.
You dislike planning ahead, preferring to wing it and then pick up the pieces, if necessary, later on. You see life as an adventure. Although your intuition is quite good, sometimes you act on impulse just for the sake of stirring things up. It’s when you are acting on blind impulse rather than intuition that you are accident-prone (not just physically, either!). You are a natural psychologist, and your powers of observation when it comes to people are superb.
Famous people born today: Ludwig van Beethoven, Benjamin Bratt, Jane Austen, Margaret Mead, Steven Bochco, Liv Ullmann.
Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, December 16th
Aries
Aries
Your higher ideals are in strong focus today, dear Aries. You are less interested in professional goals now, and more concerned about your connection to the world through your community and friendships. The second half of the day brings a stronger need to pull back into yourself and more of a desire to sidestep the more demanding elements of daily life. It’s a good time to do a bit of reflection, looking back, and looking within. A Venus-Pluto aspect is on the horizon and helps you to do so with self-honesty. You might also gain new insight into a relationship or business move. With the Sun moving to the top of your solar chart next week, when your ambitions will move to the front burner, take advantage of opportunities to rest and sort out your priorities now.
Taurus
Taurus
You can feel quite committed to what you’re doing today, dear Taurus, particularly in the morning. You’ll find that your energy is virtually limitless when you feel the magic of commitment. This afternoon’s Pisces Moon tends to bring out your more sociable side, as well as need for a sense of community and belongingness. We’re moving into a Venus-Pluto sextile that subtly intensifies your feelings, particularly related to a person or relationship, and this energy becomes stronger as the day advances. You’re framed well now, particularly as you show willingness to delve deeper than usual. Use this time to repair or enhance a relationship if needed.
Gemini
Gemini
There is general ease with expressing your feelings and desires in the first half of the day, dear Gemini, and you’re likely to be spirited and enthusiastic although not necessarily directed. By early afternoon, you become increasingly tuned in to what you need to do. Responsibilities come into focus and if you’re generally on top of things, this can feel good. If you’ve been procrastinating, you might feel a little nervous until you get to work. A Venus-Pluto influence is approaching, and this helps you to cut out the fluff and focus. Even so, Venus-Pluto is about throwing yourself into what you love, and this can be distracting if what you love is not what you need to do! Relationships can be consuming now, in a mostly positive way.
Cancer
Cancer
You continue to live life as an observer in the first half of the day, dear Cancer, which can be very useful in moderation. By early afternoon, you’re feeling ready to jump into action, although you might feel a little restless initially if you’re not sure where to channel your energy. As the day advances, focus becomes easier and more natural. This is a time for following a passion. Relationships can be strengthened through focus, presence, and involvement. You are able to make the best out of a situation, and to work for what you want.
Leo
Leo
With the Moon in your opposite sign until midday, dear Leo, you are in the position to see the other side of the story, and this can be eye-opening. Helping out a partner, or simply listening more intently to others’ wishes and needs, is the key to success and fulfillment. As the day advances, you’re inclined to seek out more depth in your interactions or meaning to your activities. You might prefer to be alone if you aren’t able to engage in meaningful conversations. There is good energy for throwing yourself into a project or activity that you enjoy, and this can be related to family and home.
Virgo
Virgo
You continue to concern yourself with your daily affairs and small problems that need fixing in the first half of the day, dear Virgo. From early afternoon forward, you’re more likely to look for a wider perspective. There can be a tendency to want someone you trust and know well to take charge in small ways, as you may be a little exhausted from making all the decisions. Revealing conversations can occur today that give you a fresh new perspective on important people in your life, as well as practical problems, such as personal finances. Good energy is with you for throwing energy into a communications and/or creative project tonight and into tomorrow.
Libra
Libra
Going with the flow today comes quite naturally, dear Libra, although you may not feel especially productive until later. The second half of the day is strong for getting serious after several days of a wandering mind and difficulties focusing. Friends can also be supportive, backing you up or defending you, and possibly even pulling you out of a funk. From a feeling of lack or limitation with money or resources comes a stronger motivation to take care of what you have and for drawing up plans to improve your lot in life. Tonight and tomorrow are excellent for gaining a new understanding of your own resources and talents, and for personal presence and power. The more empowered you feel, the closer you get to your heart and your true desires.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Self-nurturing and playing it safe continues to be beneficial in the first half of the day, dear Scorpio. Boosting your inner self helps you to express yourself more creatively and from the heart as the Moon moves into your creative sector early afternoon. Even so, your sense of responsibility is building, so that you can better balance your life with productivity and play. We move towards a gently motivating influence as the day advances, and it’s especially strong for your personal magnetism and ability to reach a new level in a relationship.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You may be feeling a little scattered early today, dear Sagittarius, but generally curious and interested. However, your passions and interests come into stronger focus as the day advances. By early afternoon, you’re likely to want to settle down, both mentally and physically. Immersing yourself in what truly pleases you comes naturally tonight and tomorrow. New insight into financial or security matters can emerge. You might also see a matter of the past more clearly, and find a way to put it behind you. Desires are especially intense as you have a tendency to keep them to yourself, so finding ways to release them, even in little ways, can work to your advantage.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You’re craving a steady pace in the first half of the day, dear Capricorn. As the day advances, your curiosity grows. By early afternoon, the Moon moves into a more harmonious position viz a viz your sign, and you’re in a busy but pleasant frame of mind. Let go of expectations and remind yourself that things don’t have to make sense right now – this kind of mental detachment can relieve a lot of pressure. If there’s a project that requires research, later today is strong for investing time and energy into it. Recent problems with friends might be dealt with now and handled in a practical yet effective way.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Moon is in your sign until early afternoon, dear Aquarius, and your emotional needs are in strong focus. While these needs may seem urgent, remind yourself that you have time to fill them, and in fact, get to know yourself better in the process. Your emotions settle and life tends to calm down in the second half of the day. The pace is slower and this may be just what you need. Even so, it’s quite easy to get caught up in an enjoyable pursuit with Venus and Pluto moving towards a harmonious aspect. You can have fabulous business ideas under this influence that will follow you into tomorrow. You may be seeking out something meaningful to put your heart into, and have a good chance of finding it.
Pisces
Pisces
The first half of the day continues to be another time best used for private or low-profile activities, dear Pisces. The Moon is in the sign just behind yours, and will be until early afternoon. This points to additional need for rest, relaxation, and reflection. As the day advances, your emotional enthusiasm grows, and a stronger sense of purpose or mission can fall into place. While emotional needs continue to demand your attention, you’re likely to be clearer about what they are and how to go about satisfying them.
The Moon today is in a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
Phase Details for – Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 27%
Moon Age: 5.12 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 369,207.46 km Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,220,935.36 km
When the water comes to a boil, stir in the rice and cook for 10 minutes. Add the milk to the pot and cook over a low heat for 1 hour. Add the raisins in the last 10 minutes. Add salt to taste. Add milk, sugar, and cinnamon to taste. The skinned almond is added and the porridge poured into a bowl. The housewife deals portions out and whoever finds the almond receives a small gift.
Odin ruled over the month of December, which was called Jule. This period of time was referred to as Jultid, or Yuletide. Odin is pictured as an older man with a flowing white beard and an eye patch or a hat pulled low over his missing eye. He was typically covered in fur, as befitted his cold northern climate, and he also possessed a shape-shifting cloak. Odin rode through the winter skies dressed in warm furs on an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. This magickal horse had runes engraved on its teeth.
Odin is a patron of shamans, occultists, and the keepers of secret knowledge. He is married to the goddess Frigga. Frigga stayed happily at home while her husband took to the skies for his wild rides. Frigga is the mother of Balder and is associated with spinning, the keeping of hearth and home, wisdom, fertility, and children and their protection. If you have ever lost a child, as Frigga lost Balder, it was believed that Frigga has claimed you for one of her own.
The Yule log is also associated with Frigga, which makes sense. The Yule log was burned in the hearth, and keeping a home and raising the children is an honorable task, and one to be revered. So Odin wandered among his people, and people felt energized and happy in Odin’s presence, whether they actually knew he was there or not. Sounds like a precursor to the spirit of the season, does it not?
Ellen Dugan, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch
Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it’s a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female. It’s also easily adaptable to a small group of people.
Perform this ritual on the evening of the Winter Solstice. If you normally wear a ritual robe or ceremonial gown, do so — and feel free to embellish for the season!
Consider a crown of holly, a special Yule-themed robe, or adding holiday bling to your existing robe. Sparkly is good! Decorate your altar with a Yule log or tree (although obviously the tree might have to go on the floor, rather than the altar itself), lots of seasonal symbolism, and candles — after all, Yule is a celebration of light.
You’ll also want to have some holiday incense on your altar. Frankincense, cinnamon, myrrh — all are appropriate to the season; don’t light it just yet, though. Finally, have two candles in seasonal colors.
If you normally cast a circle, do so now.
To begin the ritual, sit on the floor near your altar — don’t light the candles just yet.
Take a few moments to remember what it was like for our ancestors at this time of year. The harvest had been brought in, and they knew that in a few months, their stockpiles of food would be running low. It was the season of Death, the time when the earth went dormant once more, sleeping until the spring returned. Our ancestors knew that despite the darkness of this night, soon the light would return to the earth, bringing with it life.
This night, the Winter Solstice, welcomes back the Sun, the ultimate giver of light.
Light the first candle, and say:
Tonight is the night of the Solstice, the longest night of the year. As the Wheel turns once more, I know that tomorrow, the Sun will begin its journey back to us. With it, new life will begin, a blessing from Earth to her children.
Light the second candle, and say:
It is the season of the winter goddess. Tonight I celebrate the festival of the winter solstice, the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth. As the Wheel of the Year turns once more, I honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
Light the remaining candles on the altar at this time, and if you have decorative holiday lighting, turn it on. Return to your place at the altar, and face the holiday tree or Yule log. Raise your arms up to the tree, and say:
Today I honor the god of the forest, the King of nature, who rules the season. I give my thanks to the beautiful goddess, whose blessings bring new life to the earth. This gift I offer you tonight, sending my prayers to you upon the air.
Light your incense, and if you’d like to make an offering of food, bread, or something else, do so now. As the smoke of the incense rises to the night sky, meditate on what changes you’d like to see before the next Sabbat. Reflect upon the time of the season. Although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the soil. What new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? When you are ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon.
Tips:
If you don’t have a ritual robe, you can take a cleansing bath before the rite, and then wear a simple cotton or other organic material. Another option would be to make a robe as a Yule gift to yourself!
Despite the fact that some people hate cold weather, it does have its advantages. After all, a good cold day gives us an opportunity to cuddle up indoors with the people we love the most. If your magical tradition honors a seasonal goddess, offer up this prayer in her honor at Yule.
O! Mighty goddess, in silvery ice,
watching over us as we sleep,
a layer of shining white,
covering the earth each night,
frost on the world and in the soul,
we thank you for visiting us.
Because of you, we seek warmth
in the comfort of our homes and hearths.
Herbs are commonly used within Wicca and Magick due to the essences they contain, it is believed that herbs are considered sacred as they have their own energy and identity such as genders and elements, it is often considered good practice to grow your own herbs as then you have your own energy running through a plant you have nurtured and brought to life since its seed form.
Herbs can be used in many different ways, particularly in spell work, one of the most popular and shown methods is using herbs within sachets, this is because you effectively create a wearable, portable charm which can be worn, carried or placed depending on the contents and intended spell. Other methods include burning the herbs as a form of incense, drinking tea brewed from the herbs, using them in baths in pure or oil form and lastly smoking.
The good thing about the herbs used in Wicca is that many of them are in lurking in your kitchen right now! The herbs and spices found within a spice rack are commonly used when practicing Wicca and for use in spells, not only does this make certain aspects of Wicca easier for those starting out, it also makes material gathering that little bit cheaper plus most are very tasty on food!
All of the herbs and spices mentioned here are easily accessible from any good supermarket, some of the rarer herbs can easily be found from any Wicca shop or from various online stores such as eBay and Amazon.
Below are number of common and slightly rarer herbs which can be found in most kitchen cupboards:
– Garlic: Most commonly used in spells that are protection based, garlic has great healing power within the body as it has both antifungal and viral properties.
– Dill: A multiuse herb used in protection, love, money and lust spells, typically used in baths or hung in the doorway of your home.
-Cumin(both seeds and powder): A strong herb used for protection particularly against evil spirits, commonly used with frankincense.
– Bay leaves: Said to once be chewed on by the priestesses of Delphi to induce visions, bay leaves are considered to bring on visions and ward off evil.
– Cayenne pepper: Typically used to make or break a hex, or used in love or rejection spells, this is a very powerful spice with varying effects, can also be used to treat joint pains and high blood pressure.
– Nutmeg: Commonly used in spells focusing in wealth, health and good luck, it is also believed to boost psychic powers, toxic in large doses.
– Rosemary: Popularly used as incense, this herb is typically used for exorcisms and used in love and healing potions, drinking this herb in the form of tea can heighten the senses.
– Star Anise: Used for protection against evil and keeping nightmares at bay, a very powerful herb in smell that is great for incense, used in protection and purification spells.
– Thyme: Has 3 main uses, is either burned as incense for purifying areas, worn to boost clairvoyance and used in many health or healing potions and rituals.
– Vanilla beans: Considered a very powerful aphrodisiac, vanilla beans are popular choices for a variety of different love and seduction spells, it is also considered to boost brain activity.
– Ginger: Typically consumed before performing rituals or spells to boost their effectiveness and power, ginger is commonly used in love and power potions.
–Pamela Taylor, Wicca Witch of the West: A Beginner’s Guide to Wicca, Spells, Herbs, Runes, and Rituals
In ancient Greece, December 15 began the Halcyon Days-the the seven days before and the seven days after the Winter Solstice. It was during this time that the sea was calm and the kingfisher, a magickal bird and symbol of the Goddess Alcyon, could lay her eggs. Legend has that it was the bird nesting upon the waters that made them calm, thus creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
December 16 is dedicated to the Goddess Sophia. According to Hebrew philosophy, Sophia is the personification of wisdom, the inner wisdom that functions of itself. Many Greek churches were dedicated to Sophia, and, in the Sistine Chapel’s painting of God reaching out a finger to touch Adam, she appears behind God. A Gnostic Aeon, Sophia was so filled with the desire to generate out of herself, without a spouse, that she gave birth to the whole cosmos, including a daughter Sophia Akhamoth, who in turn began to generate, but on a lower denser plane. It is Sophia Akhamoth who brings wisdom to humankind.
Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:
Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange
Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms
Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.
Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation
Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication
Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project
Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity
Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life
The Past
The Present
The Future
Witches Of The Craft® 
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