One of the contractors that is rebuilding our old building has showed up. The poor man can’t understand directions, drawings or anything. You have to take him and led him by the hand. So we have to run over to the office real quick. Hopefully, there is more progress made this time than the last we were there.
Since we probably won’t be back till tomorrow, have a very beautiful & blessed Thursday!
Love ya,
Lady A
December 17, 2015
Summary:
You are in a time of great achievement and prosperity. You will be recognized for your contributions. Do not allow yourself to feel too self-important.
Line One of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Never underestimate your competition. Some hard moments will arise.
Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Seek support to insure your success.
Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Expect rewards for a job well done.
Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Humility will allow you to avoid the jealousy and gossip of others.
Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Treat others as you would have them treat you. Sincerity breeds loyalty.
Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9:
You will be a leader. Good things await you.
Your Rune For Today
Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Ansuz.
uruz tempered with the discipline and experience of þurisaz. These elements are combined in the personage of Odin, who exhibits the characteristics of both chieftain and shaman – a god of wisdom as well as war. Odin is also a shaman, traveling between the worlds on his eight-legged horse, SleipnirAnsuz is a balanced rune.
As with fehu, many people choose to remain at this point in their journey. It represents power, both secular and magical, and this power can be quite seductive. Odin has learned the lessons of the first three runes, thus gaining the wisdom to rule wisely, but this is really only another beginning. He has only gained temporal power, and has only a few of the tools he will need to perfect himself spiritually. There is a certain lack of compassion and perspective in this rune. Odin sits high above his world, looking down and making decisions, but he doesn’t yet have the capacity to really care about or understand his people or himself. He still needs that emotional connection to become a truly great leader
The central theme of what is traditionally called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying — no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.
Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at one point or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson — and we can learn to take comfort in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don’t like the look of things right now, just wait — things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!
Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site
Aries
Intensity, passion, and emotional attachment are more prominent themes in your love life with Venus transiting your intimacy sector these days, dear Aries, and you might find that attracting resources from outside sources comes more easily. It’s a good time to work out money problems or other issues of sharing with a partner, and this is especially true this week. While there can be some confusing signals coming from someone close to you this tonight, once past that, it’s a strong time for repairing relationship woes, if necessary, or of coming to a better understanding of your relationship situation. The Moon enters your sign this afternoon, and this brings your emotions to the surface. You could have a feeling of urgency when it comes to filling your needs.
Taurus
Venus has been moving through your partnership sector, dear Taurus, and this tends to warm up close relationships or brings pleasant people into your experience. Today, however, you can feel a little caged in, but it’s a temporary feeling. Try to put worries about your past behind you so that you can better enjoy the present. Tonight and tomorrow are, in fact, excellent for naturally gaining respect without having to prove yourself. Your better qualities are emphasized, and your ability to connect with others enhanced further. You’re entering a slightly less sociable phase this afternoon – two and a half days when it’s natural to need to recharge your emotional “batteries”. It’s not the best time for visibility, but some level of withdrawal is necessary for busier times to come.
Gemini
Ideally in the last couple of days you have become clearer about what is expected of you, and what you can expect from yourself, dear Gemini. Now, it’s time to absorb what you’ve learned but also to release some of the pressure. Pay close attention to how you feel in a group or with a particular friend today. Decide whether your interactions are empowering and encouraging, or if they leave you feeling drained. Consider ways to keep yourself busy, absorbed in things you love doing, so that you are not as vulnerable to the ups and downs of your social life, and embrace a greater sense of peace. Tonight and early tomorrow brings warm energy for putting faith in and learning from someone.
Cancer
New attractions and desires can abound today, dear Cancer, but may not settle in for the long term. Emotional outbursts, rebelliousness, or impulsiveness are tendencies now if you’re feeling stressed. Take a deep breath and try to tackle things one at a time, step by step. Later today, you feel a little more playful and love matters tend to be laced with a touch of drama. Tonight and tomorrow are good for strengthening a love bond. Open your heart! With the Moon moving into your public sector this afternoon, it’s that time of the month when you should be on your best behavior. It’s time to take care of business, tend to professional priorities, and keep your cool (unless you want something private to come to light).
Leo
While there is generally good energy with lovers or love interests these days, dear Leo, there can be some tension and indecision affecting your mood. You value familiarity in love with Venus in your sector of home and family these days, and can sometimes feel a little off center if schedules change or plans are disrupted. Today, expect the unexpected and aim to be flexible. You may be unsure whether you want to play it safe for go out on a limb. Bringing peace, harmony, and beauty to your home environment can be a strong need, and tonight and into tomorrow morning, you should find it easier to do so. It’s also a time for healing and better understanding your affections.
Virgo
You can learn a lot about your relationships today and tomorrow, dear Virgo, and also about your own needs, wants, and desires. Read too much or dig too deeply and you will only get yourself into sticky and ambiguous territory, however. This can be revealing if you’re aware, but perhaps a little disruptive if you’re avoiding deeper issues. What is most appropriate now is to take a step back to observe your interactions today without detaching yourself from the intimacy of your interactions. These days, verbal rapport and open lines of communication are especially vital to engage your heart. Tonight and tomorrow are strong for showing support of important people in your life, particularly through kind words and verbal support. It may also be a good time for making a decision about finances.
Libra
While these days are good for relationships and personal magnetism, dear Libra, today you may be feeling a little out of step, particularly if you are waiting or relying on others. Try not to dwell on feelings of being ignored and instead attempt to immerse yourself in things that you love doing. There can also be a strong desire to spend on clothes, furniture, and entertainment, or anything that makes you feel comfortable, secure, and pampered. Of course, it’s important to consider the future if you do, as comfort in the present may not be worth longer-term feeling of insecurity or worry over resources. If you move past your fears and look within, you can take fuller advantage of a lovely Venus-Chiron aspect coming into orb tonight and perfecting tomorrow. This is a time for opening your heart and putting fears behind you. Others may be putting faith in you, and they’re appreciating your more unusual and unique qualities.
Scorpio
Today, you may be struggling with your seemingly at odds needs for closeness and intimacy and your desire for independence, dear Scorpio. This can lead to mixed signals that throw others for a loop until you recognize that there are ways to combine the two needs. This energy can also be felt in terms of desires for unusual things, activities, and pleasures that are different or reflect your inner unrest and need for change. There could be some erratic behavior in a partner or love interest. Insecurities are likely to dissipate dramatically once you get in touch with your heart. You are more courageous in love tonight and tomorrow. Have faith in someone, and they will want to do right by you.
Sagittarius
Avoid behaving erratically in your relationships today, dear Sagittarius, and instead attempt to get to the root of any unrest stimulated now. You may be dealing with private matters of the heart, and should try not to make premature or rebellious decisions. People may surprise you or make changes now that can be a little disruptive. Tonight and tomorrow morning, be open to sharing something of yourself. It doesn’t have to be a commitment or a statement if you’re not ready to make one; it can simply be some current feelings or stories about the past. The Moon moves into your romance and creativity sector late afternoon, and this points to a stronger sense of fun.
Capricorn
There can be some feelings of unrest experienced today, dear Capricorn, and perhaps some off timing socially. It makes sense to try to get to the root of any unusual desires that come over you now, as they may simply be a symptom of the need for a small change in your relationships or patterns of relating. Later today, you might derive special pleasure and satisfaction from groups of like-minded individuals, or with friends and associates. Camaraderie is especially important to you right now, and this is a good time for building faith in a relationship. There can be healing powers to your words. Opening up to warm feelings brings rewards now.
Aquarius
You can experience some over-sensitivity to what you might perceive as criticism today, dear Aquarius, even if none is intended. Inner restlessness can lead to overindulgence. Try not to speak too soon of unrest, as you may simply need a change of pace. Later today and into tomorrow, there is good energy for understanding a business or financial matter better, or the motives of a person you work with or for. It’s important to be open to learning from and through others and to share your own expertise as well. Comfortable activities delight you most right now, but as the day progresses, there is a stronger tendency to reach out and communicate.
Pisces
Emotions can fluctuate today when it comes to money and possessions, dear Pisces. You must first learn to define what is yours before you feel confident about giving to and sharing with others. However, look for inspiration from a loved one, as someone could awaken a new perspective or way of thinking in you. You fare best when you are reaching out beyond your usual bounds these days, so aim to deal with fears of change in order to move past them. Insecurities are better handled tonight and tomorrow. This afternoon, the Moon leaves your sign, and this tends to take emotional pressure off.
You are a leader at heart–whether you choose to lead or not, others naturally follow, turning to you for insightful and unique advice as well. You are articulate and sociable, and while a breezy manner might suggest otherwise, you have a strong business sense, possess keen organizational skills, and you are rather ambitious. You also admire others with a strong work ethic and may easily go into business with a romantic partner. Intuitive and compassionate, you have a philosophical or religious side to you that is not always apparent.
Famous people born today: Bill Pullman, Penelope Houston, William Saffire, Milla Jovovich.
Courtesy of Cafe Astrology
Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site
Aries
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
PISCES STRONG
Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper- sensitive, gullible.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
BALANCE OF MODES
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.
MUTABLE STRONG
We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.
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 western 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.
One of the more interesting names for December’s full moon is the Oak Moon. In Europe durning and before medieval times this moon was considered a time of mystery, magic and rituals. The ancient druid priests of the British Isles held the oak tree very sacred and would preform rituals in the December full moon using acorns and candles to renew there commitment to the gods.
The December full moon is the closest to the winter solstice. For this reason some cultures call it the Long Night Moon. The Chinese call it the Bitter moon while the Cherokee Indians referred to it as the Snow moon.
Courtesy of MoonGiant.com
Have you ever wondered why there’s so much singing at Christmas? This is the story of the very first song. It’s a true story just as all stories are, if you believe in them
This story begins a long long time ago when Earth and Sun made the first beings. — the very first plants and animals and people.
It was springtime and the Sun shone warm and bright from His high perch above, and Earth, proud mother that She was, held and fed Her newborns and relished them with tenderness and love.
It was a time of joy, it was a time of great delight. The Moon waxed and waned time and again in the night sky, and the children of the Earth grew well and strong through Summertime. They played and danced and Earth and Sun watched over them.
Then Autumn came, and the Earth began to sleep much longer every day. She grew tired and pale. She could no longer feed Her children and had no strength to make new life. High above the Sun grew more distant and took longer to return each morning. The nights grew longer and cold winds blew where none had blown before.
And then, one day, Earth went to sleep and never did wake up. She wrapped Herself in a blanket of snow and rested Her tired head on pillows of dried leaves and She did not wake up. Her children could do nothing to rouse Her from her slumber. They prodded Her, they called Her, but She would not awaken.
In the sky, the Sun was nowhere to be seen and the children of the Earth felt fear and also felt despair. This was the longest night that they had ever known.
“What shall become of us” they pondered. “Earth Mother sleeps, and Father Sun is oh so far away that we can barely see Him in the sky. He is much too far to hear our call. What shall we do?”
So they brought their questions and their fears to the Moon, the sister of the Sun, for they knew not where else to turn. She closed Her eyes and took a slow deep breath and looked within Herself and awoke thoughts that had never been awakened until then.
She opened Her soft eyes and said “When hope is lost, the best way to get it back is with a song. Climb you the tallest trees, the biggest hills and the mountains and yule a song to reach the Sun.
Now ‘yule’ is a word from one of the worlds oldest tongues. It is related to words like ‘yell’ or ‘yodel’ and it means ‘to call out in song’.
But the first beings had never heard a song so once again they sought the Moon’s advice. “How shall we yule?” they asked. “How shall we sing a song?”
“Take the best of what you have,” she said, “the best of what you are. Take what you love; take what you cherish most. Take your joys, your dreams, your fondest hopes and weave them all together in a sound.”
And so they did. They climbed atop the tallest trees, the mountains and the hills. They stood in all the places that would bring them closest to the Sun. They shut their eyes and thought and felt the best of thoughts and feelings and dreamt the finest dreams. And as they did their voices rang out and made a bridge of song across the sky to reach the distant Sun.
He heard, and turned, and smiled, and wrapped Himself in all His light and warmth and sped to where the yuling voices called. As He drew near the sleeping Earth did stir and dreamed a dream of Spring. And so the wheel of life made its first turn, and hope and joy prevailed. And ever since, that time of year has been called Yule in honour of the song.
But the first song did not end. It had such power, such allure that the first beings kept singing it throughout, and then the second beings born of the Earth took up the song, as did the third and so it ever since has gone, through years and years until this very day.
At times the song is very soft and scarcely can be heard above the din and clatter of our lives, but when Yule comes it rises and swells in memory of that night when the Sun heard, and light and life returned.
And so do we upon (this) that longest night gather with those we love and who love us and stand upon the body of slumbering Earth and light the log with last years and lift our voices soaring to the Sun and join the song that first was sung so very long ago.
We sing our thanks to those who went before and sing our fondest wish to those who come after. We bask in the returning light of re-awakened hope and welcome YULE.
From the CD ‘This Winter’s Night’ by Mother Tongue.
Would you like to help your friends and loved ones by increasing their good luck throughout the coming year? This Yuletide custom lets you make a unique magickal gift for everyone on your list.
INGREDIENTS/ TOOLS:
A Yule log
Matches or a lighter
A cloth drawstring pouch for each person on your gift list
Dried pink rose petals (for love)
Dried lavender buds (for peace of mind)
Dried basil (for protection)
Dried mint leaves (for prosperity)
Dried echinacea (for health)
A sheet of paper
Scissors
A pen
BEST TIME TO PERFORM THE SPELL:
Yule (usually December 21)
On the night of the winter solstice, build a Yule fire in a safe place and burn an oak log in it. The next morning when the ashes have cooled, scoop some into each pouch. Add the dried botanicals. Cut the sheet of paper into slips, one for each person on your list. Write a personalized wish on each slip of paper. Fold the papers three times and add them to the pouches. Tie the pouches closed and give them to your loved ones.
–Skye Alexander, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells
4 fl oz. brandy
2 tsp. sugar
2 eggs Milk
Pinch nutmeg
Method
Shake the brandy, sugar and eggs with the crushed ice and strain into 2 tall glasses. Fill with milk and sprinkle nutmeg on top.
–Anna Franklin, Yule (The Eight Sabbats)
In northern Germany the Hag was Frau Holle or Frau Holt. To placate the goddess and her host, people would leave out offerings. In Germany the Hollenzopf (‘Hölle’s braid’) plaited loaf was left out. Her German counterpart Frau Holda rides about in a wagon at Yule. Holda, whose name means ‘the kindly one’ brought rewards for diligent spinners, and on every New Year’s Eve, between nine and ten o’clock, she drove in a carriage full of presents through villages where respect had been shown to her. At the crack of her whip the people would come out to receive her gifts. In Hesse and Thuringia she was imagined as a beautiful woman clad in white with long golden hair, and, when it snows hard, people said “Frau Holle is shaking her featherbed.” She is derived from the Germanic sky goddess Holda or Hulda, who was also a goddess of fertility, the hearth and spinning.
–Anna Franklin, Yule (The Eight Sabbats)
Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for some 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 — it’s a time to bid the Crone farewell, and invite the Maiden back into our lives. This ritual can be performed by a group of four or more.
Frequently, when I post rituals that are goddess-focused, inevitably I get messages from people demanding to know what to do when there’s no reference to the menfolk.
Clearly, this ritual is designed for at least four female participants, but if you don’t have that many, don’t sweat it — improvise, or allow one woman to speak all the roles. Likewise, If you have an all-male group, you could revise this rite so that it focuses on the battle of the Oak King and the Holly King, rather than the Crone and the Maiden. If you have a mixed group, make adaptations as necessary.
First, set up a Yule tree near the north side of your altar. Decorate it with lights and symbols of the season. If there’s no room for a tree, use a Yule Log instead.
Cover the altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders.
The oldest female present should take on the role of High Priestess (HPs) to lead the ceremony.
Of the other women present, one represents the aspect of the Maiden, another the Mother, and a third the Crone. If you’re really into ceremony and symbolism, have the Maiden wear a white robe and stand in the east. The Mother can wear a red robe and stand to the south, while the Crone dresses in a black robe and veil, and takes her place to the west of the altar.
Each holds one of the three white candles.
If you normally cast a circle, do so now.
The HPs says:
It is the season of the Crone, the time of the winter goddess. Tonight we 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, we honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
The Maiden then takes her candle and holds it while the HPs lights it for her. She then turns to the Mother and lights the Mother’s candle. Finally, the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone. The High Priestess then says:
O Crone, the Wheel has turned once more. It is time for the Maiden to claim what is now hers. As you lie down for the winter, she is born once again.
The Crone removes her veil and hands it to the Mother. The Mother then places it on the Maiden’s head. The Crone says:
The days will now get longer, now the Sun has returned. My season has ended, yet the season of the Maiden begins. Listen to the wisdom of those who have come before you, and yet be wise enough to make your own way.
The Maiden then says:
Thank you for the wisdom of your years, and for seeing the season through to its end. You have stepped aside that the new season may begin, and for this we give you honor.
At this time, the High Priestess should invite anyone who wishes to make an offering to the Goddess to come do so — offerings can be placed on the altar, or if you’re outdoors, in a fire. The HPs concludes the rite by saying:
We make these offerings tonight, to show our love to you, O Goddess. Please accept our gifts, and know that we are entering this new season with joy in our hearts.
Everyone present should take a few moments to meditate 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 everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon.
Author: Patti Wigington
Article published on & owned by About.com
The Celtic people knew the importance of the solstice. Although the Yule season marks the middle of winter, colder times were still to come. It was important to put aside staple foods for the coming months, because it would be many months before anything fresh grew again. Consider, as you think on this devotional, what your family has put aside — both material goods and things on the spiritual plane.
Keep in mind that this is not an ancient Celtic prayer, but a modern one inspired by Celtic myth and folklore.
The food is put away for the winter,
the crops are set aside to feed us,
the cattle are come down from their fields,
and the sheep are in from the pasture.
The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is gray.
The nights are dark, but we have our family,
kin and clan around the hearth,
staying warm in the midst of darkness,
our spirit and love a flame
a beacon burning brightly
in the night.
Article published on & owned by About.com
If you want to do some “naked” magick but are too uncomfortable to stand around in your living room in your altogether, try doing this simple spell while in the bath or shower (where, presumably, you’ll be naked anyway):
Close your eyes and visualize your naked body in a waterfall or pond. See the water as the physical manifestation of the energy of the universe, and take in as much of that energy as you can hold. Then say, “As I was born, I am at this hour, fill my body with your power.”
—Deborah Blake. Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Witches Of The Craft® 
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