Many times in discussion of modern Paganism, it’s easy for us to overlook a valuable source of information – the past. Some of our not-so-distant ancestors practiced various forms of folk magic, and we can learn a lot from those old remedies, charms, and stories. In fact, in many parts of the world, what is often dismissed as superstition is in fact a perfectly valid system of folklore-based practical magic. Today, let’s look at some of the most popular types of folk magic. We’ll talk about animal legend and folklore, omens, simple protection rituals, and more.
The Magic of Animals
In many modern Pagan traditions, animal symbolism — and even actual animals — are incorporated into magical belief and practice. Let’s look at some of the ways people have welcomed animals into their magical practice throughout the ages, as well as specific animals and their folklore and legends.
Four of Pentacles Reversed
Gain is hindered by obstacles.
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.
The Heart
A course of events that cannot be altered has been set in motion within this aspect. Accept whatever happens in the near future and do not waste your time fretting about it–you can do nothing.
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.
A much revered swami said “Simplicity is the nature of great souls.” There is a natural sense of art and genius in Simplicity. Keeping things simple produces solutions that are not only efficient but work well and are easy to maintain and build upon. Whether it takes a physical form or is an idea simple constructs please our aesthetic self. Simplicity is soothing, because you don’t have to fight your way through layers of complexity to see and understand the end result.
As a daily card, Simplicity indicates a time when you will do well by looking for simple solutions, and avoiding that which cannot be easily understood or implemented. In short, if a plan can’t get you form point A to point B without any side trips, then it is the wrong plan. Look for answers that you see immediately, that sets the proverbial light of in your head and makes you exclaim Eureka!
Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.
In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.
The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.
Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.
In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.
Only The Universe card of the Crowley Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.
The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.
When The Hierophant or Justice are among your personal cards, the influence of The Emperor may be increased. Having The Empress in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Emperor.
The Fool
This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.
When The Hanged Man or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Fool may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Fool.
The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true.
Our romantic dreams are ready to take flight today, yet it’s difficult to get them off the ground. Sweet Venus reactivates the lingering square between expansive Jupiter and contractive Saturn. Reality teases us with looming satisfaction before setting it out of reach as we seek the sweet spot between scarcity and plenty. Unfortunately, there’s little room for error once the Moon sinks into the extreme emotional depths of Scorpio at 2:08 pm EDT.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
Pursuing pleasure sounds like a good idea, but it can be disconcerting if you’re feeling anxious about meeting everyone’s expectations today. However, you could simply declare this a welcome day of rest, especially if you have been working hard and responsibly attending to your chores. Give yourself permission to indulge your senses while you have the chance. True happiness comes from appreciating your blessings in the present moment.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
You might not be overly interested in doing the right thing today, even if you are sternly reminded to finish your chores. Flirty Venus opposes jovial Jupiter in your playful 5th House of Romance, motivating you to rattle up some fun wherever the opportunity arises. But ignoring your obligations now might lead to unpleasant consequences. Consider the ramifications of your actions before you stir up an avoidable mess. Maximize your creativity by setting yourself up for success.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
You’re pulled in two distinctly different directions today, but there’s no need to resolve this all-too-familiar dilemma right away. On one hand, you feel a growing sense of urgency to express what’s on your mind. On the other hand, you want to sidestep any complications now so you can relax in peace. Even if pleasant events distract you from what you originally intended to do, there really isn’t any harm in having fun as long as you know how far you can push your limits.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
Someone might not come through for you today in the way you expect. You must pay meticulous attention to every little thing that’s happening now because you can easily convince yourself that your life is better than it truly is. You’re tempted to overstep boundaries and may even end up regretting your lack of discretion, unless you’re wise enough to restrain your blind enthusiasm. Make decisions based on the rules of reality instead of what you wish to be true. The truth will set you free.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
A synchronistic confluence of circumstances creates a perfect day for you Lions to purr and play like carefree kittens. Although it’s a cat’s job to sleep in the afternoon sunshine, your current laziness is not an excuse to escape from your responsibilities. Nevertheless, you still can have a wonderful time as long as you don’t overdo it. Balancing work and play may be extra-challenging now, but it’s the key to finding personal satisfaction.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Although you may secretly worry that your strategy won’t lead to success today, you are likely to go ahead with your plans, anyhow. Your uncharacteristic indecision might have you playing the waiting game at first, but your confidence builds until you’re motivated to take a risk in your search for love. It’s easier to believe someone who encourages you to follow your heart’s desire now than to face the facts. Nevertheless, a quick reality check does more to ensure your emotional gratification than leaping before you look.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
Your resistance to participating in a fun adventure today may originate from your natural instinct to nurture others instead of yourself. Although wanting those you love to feel cherished is an admirable trait, you can take your good intentions too far and possibly even discourage yourself in the process. You might end up resenting the very people you are trying to please unless you honor your own needs first. Practicing enlightened self-interest sets a better example for everyone in the long-run.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
Unavoidable obligations continue to stack up, making it difficult to kick back and chill today. Nevertheless, your desire for sensual pleasure is quite strong now that jolly Jupiter is activating indulgent Venus — and you can’t fathom any reason to deny your cravings. Just be careful to watch the quantity of food and drink you consume, the money you spend or the love you promise since you can inadvertently overdo anything that makes you feel good. Applying a touch of moderation is a healthy strategy when you attempt to experience the finer things in life.
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Following the expected rules of behavior is no simple matter today. Although you can normally stay on track if it’s part of a larger plan, you’re intrigued by the alternatives now. However, you’re more enamored with your own original ideas, rather than the contributions of anyone else. Unfortunately, you might be so gung ho about the big picture that you don’t see the problem staring you in the face. Step back to consider what could go wrong before a minor complication becomes a major dilemma. Success favors the prepared.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
You may believe you have waited long enough to get what you want. However, voracious Venus forms a tense opposition to permissive Jupiter today, making it temporarily difficult to manage your desires. There’s no harm in harboring this perspective as long as you don’t go too far defending your self-indulgence. It’s okay to enjoy an extra dessert or a lingering flirtation if you’re so inclined, but think twice about exhibiting a brazen disregard for sensible limits unless you’re willing to suffer the consequences.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
You could be nearing a point of exhaustion today, and don’t want to spend your entire day trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. You’re eager to break the mold of responsibility while letting others fend for themselves. It’s time to satisfy your own needs by doing something memorable. Your previous commitments can be better fulfilled after you take some quality time for yourself. Pull out your bucket list and choose an item that makes your heart skip a beat.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
You possess an uncommon knack for turning a fleeting conversation into a long-winded philosophical debate today. Or, maybe you transform a minor crush into a major romance because everything is taking on bigger-than-life proportions now. Of course, you should delight in this sweet phase while your key planet Jupiter inspires beautiful Venus. Don’t worry if you waste the day engaging in pleasant social interactions and have little to show for it, except for fond memories. Follow your bliss and see who follows.
Exceptionally intuitive, you are highly perceptive and often have very good instincts. Many of you have psychic ability, or at least, very accurate first impressions. You are idealistic and truthful, and others generally respect you for speaking the truth, even if it hurts sometimes! You are stubborn but determined; loving and dedicated.
Famous people born today: Harry Houdini, Steve McQueen, Jim Parsons, David Suzuki, Alyson Hannigan.
You can be responding to unusual desires and may be acting on whims today, dear Aries, or perhaps simply entertaining these things now. You are in the mood for something a little different. The Moon is in your service sector all day again today, and this stimulates a desire to set the smaller things in your life into order. It meets with Jupiter today, stimulating your sense of joy that goes along with attending to your health, work, or routines. This will stay with you for much of 2016, and the attitude itself can attract positive circumstances as well as benefits into your life. Self-improvement endeavors can be in focus and successful now.
Taurus
Taurus
This can be a very self-expressive day, dear Taurus. You can feel quite energized this morning, and the trick will be to manage it or channel it effectively, as self-discipline may not match. There can be a restless quality this morning, and a sense that moods and desires are impermanent – you’re probably right that they won’t last long. Things tend to sort out and calm down by midday. There can be an opportunity to enjoy yourself, an invitation, or simply a very pleasant, playful mood now. Inhibitions and defensiveness tend to drop, and this can be felt as a very pleasant release.
Gemini
Gemini
There can be animation in your domestic life today, dear Gemini. Excess energy when channeled well and into the home can point to home improvement and organization efforts, or lively family activities. By midday, you’re more inclined to slow down long enough to enjoy yourself, and to get into better touch with your deeper feelings about things. The enjoyment of family or familiar settings can be especially soothing, and in many ways, this is a general theme for much of the year ahead.
Cancer
Cancer
You are likely to have many ideas and plans going on today, dear Cancer, although there can be a tendency to scatter your energy this morning. Desires and whims may not last, and schedules may be overturned. Surprise elements tend to subside by midday. This is a good time to sell your ideas to others, or to present your case. You can go at mental tasks, interests, and projects with enthusiasm. You might experience a stronger desire to communicate, connect, and learn. Your curiosity can be stimulated in a most pleasant way. A problem might come to a resolution, and with it comes a nice feeling of relief. A neighbor or sibling can be supportive or a friendly gesture might be made.
Leo
Leo
This can be a good day for pouring your energy into a project, pastime, or money-making endeavor today, dear Leo, and some may feel compelled to take care of a prized possession. It can be a very resourceful time. Impulse buying could be an issue this morning. You may be dealing with some unpredictability with a friend or lover that changes your plans. By midday, your appetite for comfort is large. You end the year with the Moon in your solar second house, putting you in a nice position to assess what you have and need, quite patiently.
Virgo
Virgo
The Moon is in your sign again today, dear Virgo, and aligns with joyous Jupiter midday. Emotions are transparent, immediate, and clear. In some ways, this is giving you a nice taste of a theme with you much of the year ahead. You can experience an emotional release that is cleansing and even comforting. There is some tendency to switch around plans this morning, particularly related to family. Shows of independence from others may throw you for a loop at first, but they can also prompt you to find other activities that you’re just fine doing solo. You can certainly have and enjoy company today, but the less expectations you have for this, the better.
Libra
Libra
Energy for you today continues to be a little insular, dear Libra. The Moon is in the sign just behind yours until very early into the day tomorrow. It’s a natural time for reviewing recent events and recharging your emotional batteries rather than for leaping into something new with a splash. A partner could be a little confusing this morning, or there could be a shuffling of plans. If possible, take extra time for yourself. The atmosphere is ripe for the unexpected and surprise elements, and you may very well be the catalyst! As the day advances, life settles a little. Shortly into the New Year, the Moon enters your sign, and emotions bubble up to the surface. Clarity is likely. You end the year feeling quite content with yourself.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Solutions to practical problems may seem a little wild and impractical this morning, dear Scorpio, and yet they seem to work. You can whip through your chores, improve a system for getting things done, and enjoy yourself in the process today. There can be a nice feeling of belonging or acceptance with a group or friend today. A partner may introduce some surprises. Watch spending now. There is some tendency to act on whims or to entertain unusual desires now. Group activities and cooperative efforts are in focus.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
In some ways, dear Sagittarius, today is good for playing things by ear, and this kind of spontaneity is right up your alley. Changes in plans can actually stimulate new approaches and ideas, so keep an open mind. It’s a good time for intuitively understanding what others want to hear, although if you need to make a warm impression or express yourself in deep ways, this is perhaps not the time. Keep your schedule open. People may be noticing you for your contributions and your ability to meet challenges and responsibilities.
Capricorn
Capricorn
There can be a very strong desire to get away, to change the pace of your life, and to do something totally different than you usually do, dear Capricorn. The morning’s energies are a little erratic socially, and while it’s not the best time to pour out your heart and soul, it’s a fine time for thinking of ways to make small changes in your life so that you feel more engaged and connected. There can be a nice feeling of joy and comfort in thinking about the bigger picture, long-term goals, and far-off plans. There is a positive attitude that suits the day well. The desire to get out and about or to do something different can grab hold now. There can be an attitude change or a relief/release on an emotional level.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Sexuality and intimacy are stimulated today, dear Aquarius, from a more emotional perspective. Relationships can be strongly on your mind now. Some of your deeper desires can come up from within and possibly even surprise you with their intensity, but this morning, it can be difficult to discern whether the need or desire is a deep one or simply a surface whim. As the day moves forward, it becomes clearer which is which! There can be an intimate understanding or a new awareness that brings a sense of calm and happiness to your life. In many ways, this is an ongoing theme in your life for much of 2016.
Pisces
Pisces
A relationship matter can come into strong focus today, dear Pisces, and, positively, you can work through a problem or deal with a matter directly and honestly. On the other hand, you might find others a little too detached or unreliable for your liking this morning. By midday, you’re more inclined to feel good about your relationships or about your “take” on them. You might benefit from a one-on-one conversation, or you might take on the role of advisor. Relationships and partnerships benefit from expansive, warm energy.
Blessed Beings, you are at an exciting time in your evolution of beginning to work more directly with the subtle realms of creation. It is exhilarating and sometimes frustrating as you learn new rules of the physical and the mysterious non-physical.
First your mind dominates the process as you seek to define. That is a valuable and necessary functionality of the mind, but not as effective in the same way when dealing with the physical and non-physical realms.
To create more with the subtle realms, you learn different information and processes—such as thinking positively, Loving Life, and that you create your reality with your thoughts and feelings. There is truth within these and many ways to learn and implement these changes.
However, what must ultimately occur is an understanding of the non-physical in relation to the physical realm in which you live. That is to say that what you learn must apply to your physical realm to have value in your day-to-day life, otherwise it can become confusing and even harmful.
As you implement subtle changes in your perceptions, perspectives, choices, and actions, you integrate a new level of being human.
What often occurs is an intellectual understanding of some non-physical principles, while still continuing to live the rules of the physical realm. Thus the first instinct is to use positive thinking, Love, and creating your reality to control your feeling of safety in life.
To control your feeling of safety, there is often a mental patterning of right or wrong that gets applied instinctively. Your instincts work well for the physical realm. They are immediate, survival based, and effective. However, they do not apply in the same way as you work with your inherent non-physical creative abilities.
As you work with the non-physical realm, your safety shifts from your physical survival needs, into a balance with the deep understanding of your infinite safety within the flow of Life. This begins a true integration of the duality of Life on Earth—which can not help but reflect your internal information to you.
This balance of physical and non-physical can be taught informationally, supported with healing, but it can not be given to you from an outside source. The Law of Resonance ensures that you either become that which you desire, or you only have effect in the physical world. In essence, you must change your internal world, your mental and emotional, your non-physical subtle self. This is “being the change you want to see in the world.”
This brings us to Knowing When. To learn the rules of creation requires internal observation. You learn the principles of shaping your thoughts and emotions, but understand that it goes beyond controlling them. In essence, you are learning to control your inner world better. But rather than control that just restricts, it is a control that understands, focuses, and transforms. You must transform your inner world for effective participation with the non-physical realms of creation.
When your inner world becomes naturally connective, courageous in the face of humanity’s worst; that is when you are resonant with the Love that transforms. That is different than a love that enables, avoids, or disregards the value of lesson learned for the future.
Knowing When to take action is one of the biggest challenges as you shift from physical focus into the true integration of the power of creating through (non-physical) Love. Action is how you ensure your physical survival in the physical realm. If you do not take it, you do not survive. The action of taking a step creates your path.
As you begin to implement using the power of Love to create, you are still in the physical realm that requires action. Yet creating from Love requires an internal action of observing beyond the obvious, trusting yourself, and trusting the flow of Life.
To be this, you must remain loving and open to Life, and patient with the flow of Time. This is “the peace that passes all understanding.” Rather than reacting out of survival fears, you transform the moment with a deep knowing beyond form.
How do you Know When to take action? Trust yourself more, for your biomechanism is perfect for this environment, both physical and non-physical. Learn to listen to the heart more, for it is your instrument of courageous, Loving connection. Calm the mind fears more, soothe them. Do not shove them aside, they speak to you of your survival fears that you must resolve in order to resonate at a different vibration. Trust Life more. It wants your thriving.
As you implement these internal changes, you will notice less fear and more trust. You will notice less need to control and more knowing all is well and improving. You will notice less confusion and more patience, even with the unknown future.
You will notice the clues of Life speaking to you of When by doors opening from your action and participation with Life.
You will appreciate doors closing, knowing your action and participation with Life has been valuable. You will worry less about the past and the future, and focus more into the now, where your creative power forms the future potentials.
As we sit to Blast Knowing When, we are observing our inner world and allowing fear and insecurity to be loved into wholeness by honoring the unknown. We are observing our personal experiences as the information of Life calling us to choose to Love the self into a new empowerment, affecting All Life. We are noticing the subtle changes in our feelings of peace in the face of adversity, as we recognize that fear is louder than Love because it knows it is not as strong. We are taking action first in the internal world, because we know it changes the reflection from the external world. We recognize the time to live Love is now. Blast on!
The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.
Phase Details for – Thursday, March 24, 2016
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%
Moon Age: 15.67 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 405,220.06 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 149,196,334.54 km
Magickal Activity for the 24th Day of March, The Day of Heimdall
Prayer for the Angel Gabriel to Grant a Wish
In honor of Gabriel, light a violet votive candle and ask for something you need by saying: In the name of the Great Creator of all that is, I call upon Gabriel, guardian of the Moon, and all that grows upon the earth to grant me- (state wish)-this special favor that I shall realize- (repeat wish) for the good of myself and to harm none.
Four of Pentacles Reversed
Ansuz
The Heart
The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.
This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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