If Today is Your Birthday: June 22

You are an unusual, charming, and determined person. You have a bit of a perfectionist in you, and while you can be enormously sensitive, you are also so focused that you rarely give up on something (or someone, in some cases). You are dedicated, gentle yet strong, possess an unusual intelligence that might be defined as emotional intelligence, and you can be very stubborn in the pursuit of your goals. You are also very security-minded.

Famous people born today: Meryl Streep, Kris Kristofferson, Cyndi Lauper, Tracy Pollan, Lindsay Wagner, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Katherine Dunham.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

The Sun in a waxing sextile to the Moon in your Solar Return chart has a fortunate influence on your year ahead. You can be especially productive this year, as in many ways you are starting fresh, but you have a rather clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa, which helps to boost your confidence and happiness levels. You more readily accept that challenges are part of the natural cycle in life, which in turn helps you to meet them with confidence and to worry less. You are likely to be on top of your game this year for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there will be less stress on both your mind and body.

This can be a year in which you are bolder, more assertive, and energetic. You are especially interested in setting goals and challenges for yourself this year, and taking the necessary action to meet them. You may meet or interact with others who encourage or inspire you in some way to have more confidence in yourself. Your energy levels are generally strong this year, and your sense of timing better than usual. Independent work is favored and competitive activities may also thrive this year, although you may need to tone things down at times, and learn more patience. Your passions and enthusiasm run high, and the trick is to channel this extra energy constructively.

You are attracting relationships that are fair and balanced. Your decorative or artistic sense is more strongly developed this year. Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly at this time in your life. You might find that others are more cooperative with you this year.

Even so, with Mercury in challenging aspect to Neptune in your Solar Return, some difficulties with communications are possible during this period. There can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, confusion, carelessness, and deception. Verify the facts before making decisions and avoid taking precipitate action. Read all the fine print before signing a contract or making an agreement.

You tend to crave more activities with a partner or meaning and purpose to what you’re doing together. This can be a strong year for dedication to a particular craft, personal interest, or your work. Pleasing circumstances surrounding your love life, finances, and creative pursuits are in store this year. You are more generous, and others return the favor. You might receive financial backing or special gifts in the period ahead. You seek a little more from your love life and you are likely to receive it. Some of you could fall in love this year, or existing relationships are enhanced. Adventure-seeking is a theme.

A Jupiter-Uranus trine in your Return chart suggests that an enterprising spirit this year can really take you places. Sudden opportunities for advancement in different areas of your life appear. At the heart of this is your ability to recognize and capitalize upon opportunities and potentials. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. This aspect favors group activities, financial endeavors associated with groups or organizational efforts, educational pursuits, writing, publishing, speaking, and humanitarian efforts.

You’re bolder and more courageous this year, and you’re quick to take the initiative. You might watch for impatience or rebelliousness, which can trip you up at times. Overlooking important details can also be a problem. It can be a good year for both independent work and partnerships. Others are more cooperative and generous with you.

2015 is a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice – let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.

2016 will be a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice – Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, June 22nd

Aries

It’s important to keep a check on your communications today, dear Aries, as you are inclined to speak too much and/or too soon. You may be campaigning for a good cause now, but the message may be a little over the top or perceived as such, and plans may not come together just yet. Mental restlessness can lead to positive experiences, particularly if it compels you to seek out new and interesting information or interests. Discipline, however, can be lacking if you are required to focus on dry or monotonous work. Later today, difficulties communicating are quite possible. While conversations seem light on the surface, there can be some tense undercurrents. The root of tension is something that would benefit you to explore.

Taurus

You could come up with a truly visionary idea today, dear Taurus, or you could be thinking too big! There may be a war of words about personal possessions, value, intimacy, and respect for some of you. For others, this can be a day when the ordinary doesn’t satisfy, which can lead to interesting thinking. You might encounter some power dynamics with others. Someone may be feeling threatened or insecure and can act out as a result later today. While you could be unproductive right now as you focus on the less important things, priorities will be easier to see shortly. Today, you’re stretching your mind, and this is a good exercise.

Gemini

Big ideas are exciting today, dear Gemini, but they may not be viable without plenty of refinement. Try to enjoy the exercise of thinking up possibilities, but don’t bank on them until you’ve had more time to sort out the practical side. Watch for exaggeration and overlooking details today. Something communicated could be misinterpreted. The Moon’s move into your adventure sector late afternoon can stimulate your curiosity but also inner restlessness. Your mind is on long-range plans. You are optimistic about the future, but not especially interested in considering the details. This can be quite fine for the time being, particularly as a mental exercise.

Cancer

You can expect some pretty interesting and hopeful ideas or conversations today, dear Cancer, with a Mercury-Jupiter connection that stimulates thinking in big, creative terms. You can be privy to some interesting news, as well. However, people may be making mountains out of molehills today, or they could be promising more than they can eventually fulfill. This is unlikely to be about intentionally deceiving others, and more about making judgments based on the energy and optimism of the moment. You can choose to entertain big thoughts and aim to handle the practical details later, or you might decide to hold off on important decision making. This is a good time for affirmative thinking, but the details can be missed.

Leo

You can be entertaining wonderful ideas and dreaming up ways to pursue long-term happiness today, dear Leo. Try not to give in to the temptation to make a quick decision without all the necessary information. Don’t speed ahead just yet. Gather your thoughts and formulate your plans. Later today, it will be important to try to stay centered and focused rather than to allow others’ dramas to throw off decision making. Depending on how you approach today, you can get a lot done or you can spend too much time on activities that don’t amount to much. Watch for going overboard but enjoy the mental exercise involved with thinking in big terms.

Virgo

You are thinking far ahead and in bigger terms than usual today, dear Virgo, particularly when it comes to your career. However, there is some tendency to overdo, and especially, to say too much or rub people the wrong way with what you say or how you say it. Try to leave your ego at the door when entering into professional areas and avoid sweeping, impulsive decisions. Be careful about what you communicate, especially professionally, as your words hold much more weight than usual. Avoid exaggerating or blowing things out of proportion and, especially, adding more to your plate. It’s important to simplify as you can be juggling far too much right now. Even so, it’s a good time to dream up new plans and ideas. Career matters are a little complicated, but also quite fresh and exciting.

Libra

You can be excited about sharing your thoughts, ideas, or beliefs today, dear Libra, and they can be very inspiring, but be careful to listen to others as well, and watch for power plays. You can be quite focused on a moral issue or a particular belief and perspective. While giving something further thought is just fine, try to shake it off if it’s truly interfering with your day. Alternatively, you can find a way to act upon your feelings and beliefs, even in a small way, so that you can feel you’re actually going somewhere with it. Watch for those who are boasting or exaggerating, as the truth can too easily be stretched today. However, all ideas entertained now are not write-offs. In fact, you can come up with something very special today that will need fine-tuning later. Real opportunities are coming your way, and they’re likely to do with creative, publishing, travel, or educational channels.

Scorpio

New ideas about how to manage your financial affairs can surface today, dear Scorpio, or you might have a revelation of sorts about an intimate matter or relationship. Today has a “two steps forward, one step back” energy to it, however. There can be a sense of progress, with some regret or back-stepping. This is a time when what’s below the surface of matters is more important to you than pretty much anything else! Find ways to know yourself and important people in your life more deeply, but watch for missing important, practical details or focusing on things that don’t truly matter in the long run to the detriment of your happiness. The Moon’s move into your home and family sector this afternoon helps in this respect – you are more inclined to want to nest, get comfortable, and take better care of yourself.

Sagittarius

You could have flashes of insight about a partnership today, dear Sagittarius, but power dynamics can be tricky. You’re inclined to want to hash things out in order to get to the bottom of problem areas. Nervous tension might get the best of you, but don’t let it! Watch what you say and avoid rushing through paper work and conversations. The temptation is to borrow from the future in some manner – by promising something, for example, that defers things to a later date, but won’t go away. The tendency to go a little overboard, or for a partner to demand too much from you, is strong. Keep things real for best results. Even so, sometimes our minds can use a good stretch before coming back to earth a little more open, and this may be the case now. Entertain big ideas, but don’t do it at your own expense.

Capricorn

This can be an exciting day for ideas about how to handle chores, work, or health endeavors, dear Capricorn. There could be innovative ways to handle a health or mechanical problem coming to you now, but the trick will be to focus long enough to build up a realistic plan. Keep in mind that irritability or tension due to the stress of increased demands from others can be experienced today, so be sure not to add even more to your plate. Being comfortably withdrawn boosts your chances that you’ll get a bit of a break. There can be some misleading talk or false leads today, but sometimes we need to entertain big or impractical ideas as a form of mental exercise before coming back down to earth in order to see things we normally may miss, and this may be the case today.

Aquarius

There can be new or innovative thinking and conversations about love, creative projects, and possibly children today, dear Aquarius. On some level, your nerves may be tested now, however, and there can be a tendency to exaggerate that needs to be tamed. You might jump upon a new idea, and, in your excitement, forget about the practical details required for its realization. Otherwise, listen to your creative ideas and inspirations, even if they seem a little way-out. Stretch your mind while keeping your feet on the ground. Great ideas usually go through many transformations before reaching their potential. The Moon moves into your sign late afternoon and this acts to increase your visibility as well as your desire to feel connected to your environment and reinforced by people around you.

Pisces

Ideas are big and easy to come by today, dear Pisces, but focus can be elusive! The problem is that there are so many things to think about and to consider that it can be hard to know where to begin. The pace may be hectic, and your domestic life may be awhirl, although for some of you, this can all take place in the mind – nervous tension is possible. Watch for tense relations with a partner. You might take things quite personally right now. There can be a lot of talk that is impractical or exaggerated. Even so, it may be a helpful exercise to think in big ways, largely because you could completely miss an opportunity by focusing only on practical possibilities. The Moon’s move into your privacy sector late afternoon suggests a need to rest, renew, and replenish on an emotional level.

The Balance of the Elements & the Signs for Wednesday, June 22

CANCER STRONG
Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE WEAK
We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.

LUNAR PHASE: FULL MOON
Moon 180 to 135 degrees behind the Sun.
We are concerned mainly with the nature of relationships and are made aware of recent imbalances. Something can come to fruition. Our concern is not limited to personal relationships, but relationships of all kinds. Our cards are on the table.

Astrology of Today – June 22, 2016

Summary:

• The Moon is in Capricorn until 4:08 PM.
• The Moon is void from 4:57 AM to 4:08 PM.
• The Moon is in Aquarius from 4:08 PM forward (until Friday, June 24th, at 10:30 PM).
• The Moon is waning and in its Full Moon phase.
• A Full Moon occurred on the 20th and a Last Quarter Moon will occur on June 27th.
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).

Calendar of the Moon
22 Duir/Skirophorion

Day of Thunder

Color: Grey and black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of black patterned with grey clouds and yellow lightning place nine yellow candles, a chalice of rainwater, and if possible, a Tesla coil or other static lightning lamp.
Offerings: Go out into the rain during the next storm, and stand unprotected in it.
Daily Meal: Cold food. Only rainwater to drink.

Day of Thunder Invocation

(Call and response, repeating:)

Dark powers of Air, we honor you!
Lords of the storm cloud, we honor you!
Dancers of the lightning bolt, we honor you!
Roar of the summer skies, we call you!
Zeus of the eagle’s eye,
Shango, leaper in the fire,
Oya, Lady of the Wild Winds,
Thor, Lord of the Hammer,
We acknowledge your power
And we give you our respect!
But rather than merely fear you
We ask for your protection,
For the Thunder can be your friend
If you know how to ask!
So we ask this, Gods of Thunder,
Summer storm that rolls across the land,
Protect us from your fury!
Protect us from your wrath!
Protect us from your destruction!
Protect us from your floods!
Protect us from your wrenching winds!
Protect us from the heat of your lightning!
Protect us from your eroding rain!
Protect us from your pelting hail!
Have mercy on us, Gods of Thunder!

(During the last nine lines, one candle is extinguished on each line. As the room falls into darkness, the snuffer of candles flings the rainwater into the libation well. All cry out, “Protect us!” and flee the room.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun
22 Lithemonath

LITHA – SUMMER SOLSTICE

Colors: Yellow and gold
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of yellow and gold light eight yellow candles, incense of cedar and bay, many yellow flowers, a golden chalice of mead, another of citrus fruit juice, and as many figures of the sun as you can find or make. A great sun on a pole should be brought in procession, and one man should stand before the altar with it, and read the call and response.
Offerings: Open the House to others to share the ritual, or take it elsewhere. Like all the great high holidays, this ritual should be shared with the greater community.
Daily Meal: Yellow and orange food of any kind.

(Four who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual come forward and cast the quarters.)

North Caller: All hail the Standing Stone of the North,
Guardian of the Earth!
Whose name is the Great Bear,
Whose name is Midnight Star,
Whose name is Sleep of Winter
Whose name is Constancy.

West Caller: All hail the Standing Stone of the West,
Guardian of the Waters!
Whose name is the Salmon of Knowledge,
Whose name is Edge of Twilight
Whose name is Autumn Rain
Whose name is Yielding.

South Caller: All hail the Standing Stone of the South,
Guardian of the Fire!
Whose name is the Coiled Dragon,
Whose name is High Noon
Whose name is Summer Solstice,
Whose name is Fervor.

East Caller: All hail the Standing Stone of the East,
Guardian of the Air!
Whose name is Hawk in Flight,
Whose name is Light of Dawn,
Whose name is Equinox,
Whose name is Wanderer.

One steps forward and pours a libation of mead onto the ground, and says:

Accept this offering, O sun above us, whose golden rays pour down and give us Life, and yet can give Death if we do not take care. Teach us to glory in your generosity and yet respect your power. Do not desert us, but burn forever in our souls.

Call and Response:
All Hail the longest day!
We have slept away the shortest night,
We have watched the wheel turn
From early darkness to early light.
All hail the highest moment of the year!
Come forth Sun and shine upon us!
Let nothing cloud your brilliance!
Let nothing cloud your light!
Let all your veils of rain be cast away!
Come forth and give us life, O Sun!
We stand where our ancestors stood,
We hail you on the day they hailed you,
We follow in their footsteps!
Hail Apollo of the golden chariot,
Hail Lugh Sun-Face of many talents,
Hail Ra who battles serpents each night,
Hail Amaterasu Omikami, mother of emperors!
Take joy in the morning rays!
Take joy in the noon heat!
Take joy in the sunset colors!
Take joy! Take joy! Take joy!

(One steps forward and says:)

Never forget that we live because our world, our green Gaea, is the right distance away from the Sun’s power. Further away and we would be robbed of its lifegiving rays; further in and we would be burned to death by them. Never forget that life depends on the right amount of closeness and distance. Ponder this as you go your ways, and remember it every time you look up at the Sun above you.

(Another steps forward and says:)

For this is the time of the Sun’s highest glory, and like Him, we will fade and decline, and then be reborn new. For this is the way of the Universe: unending cycles within cycles. Rather than praying for an end to things, see it rather as a source of comfort that all dies and is reborn, and so nothing truly dies forever, and so nothing ever truly ends.

Song: Oak and Ash and Thorn

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

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 Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, June 22

Dedicated to the Teutonic god Woden or Odin, an aspect of the “All-Father” god of knowledge wisdom enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes.

Element : Air

Planet: Mercury

Zodiac Sign : Virgo / Gemini

Angel : Raphael

Metal : Mercury

Incense / Perfumes : Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea

Oil: Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender

Color : Red, Orange, Light Blue

Stones : Bloodstone,Garnet, Aventurine, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite

Plants/Herbs : Almond, Anise, Cherry, Clover, Dandelion, Dill, Fern, Hazel, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lilac, Mace, Peppermint, Rosemary, Vervain

Magick to Work: the conscious mind, study, travel, divination, consulting oracles, wisdom, communication ,cleverness, contracts, creativity, information, intellect, memory, erception, science, wisdom, writing

Aspects of Aquarius

Attributes: Controlling, unusual, social, open-minded, leadership

Herbs: foxglove, pine, nutmeg, curry, allspice

Stones: amber, malachite, aquamarine, turquoise

Element: Air

Day: Saturday

Colors: All colors

Planet: Saturn and Uranus
 

Source

The Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paajanen

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, June 22nd

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

Rose Festival (English)

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Capricorn
Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Moon enters Aquarius 4:08 pm
Aquarius: Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.

Incense: Bay laurel

Color: Topaz

Wednesday Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

Source

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Did You Know Wednesday…..

The name Wednesday comes from the Old English Wodnesdæg, meaning the day of the Germanic god Woden, more commonly known as Odin, who was the highest god in Norse mythology. It is based on Latin Dies Mercurii, “Day of Mercury.” The connection between Mercury and Odin is more strained than the other syncretic connections. The usual explanation is that both Odin and Mercury were considered leaders of souls in their respective mythologies. Also, in Old Norse myth, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetic and musical inspiration.

Source

Dixie Allan, Clip Art Expert

Article originally published on & owned by About.com

Magickal Days of the Week – Wednesday

Wednesday is named for Woden himself, although the Romans called it dies Mercurii. This is a day associated with the color purple, the planet Mercury, and the metal quicksilver – which is also called mercury. See a pattern here?

When it comes to deities… yes, Mercury! However, there are a few other gods associated with Wednesday, including Odin and Hermes, Athena, and Lugh. Gemstones like adventurine and agate come in handy as well, as do plants such as aspen trees, lilies, lavender and even ferns.

Business and job-related issues, communication, loss and debt, traveling, and journeys are all tied in to Wednesday. This is a good day to do a working to open up lines of communication – especially if your own actions are preventing you from being an effective speaker or listener. Go someplace new or return to an old favorite stomping ground, step up your game, and settle up your accounts.
 

Source

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Goddesses Associated With Wednesday, The Day of Woden

Isis, Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya, Devi-Kali, Hella, Rhiannon, Coatlique, Maman Brigette

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

The Goddess Book of Days for Wednesday, June 22

Summer Solstice, a Wiccan Sabbat, also Midsummer’s Night or Litha. The fullness of the year, dedicated to: Freya, Demeter, Anahita, Kupalo, Athena, Cybele, Aine, Amaterasu, Erzulie, Oshun, Spider Woman, Venus, Neit, Isis, Hathor, Hou Tu, Iamanza, Yemaya, Hera, Ma, Emma, A- Ma, Astarte, Ishtar, Ashtoreth, Aida Wedo, Mawu, the Great Mother. In Brazil, Candalaria ceremony for Yemaya/Iamanja at the ocean.

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Wednesday, June 22

Wednesday is the day of the Teutonic deity known as Wodin or Odin, an aspect of the Allfather, god of knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes, the planet Mercury.

Deity: Woden

Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Virgo

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Ash

Herb: Cinquefoil

Stone: Emerald & Sardonyx

Animal: Raven & Cat

Element: Air

Color: Red & Blue

Number: 6

Rune: Odal(O)

Celtic Tree Month of Duir(Oak) – June 10 – July 7. Oak month is a time for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune.

Runic Half-Month of Dag(day) – June 14 – June 28

Goddess of the Month of Rosea – June 13 – July 10
 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick