Month: November 2016

In the Witch’s Tool Chest: “Cauldron and Chalice – My Cup Runneth Over”

queen of dragons:fire cave angel

“Cauldron and Chalice – My Cup Runneth Over”

 

Many of the tools that Witches use are said to represent either the masculine (the god) or the feminine (the goddess). Two of the most common “female” tools are the cauldron and the chalice. Because of their cupped shape, they symbolize the womb of the goddess.

Who isn’t familiar with the image of the Witch stirring up some magickal potion in her cauldron? (Okay, I think most of the time it was probably just her dinner, but who are we to argue with centuries of fairy tales?) These days, Witches are more likely to use the cauldron-usually an iron pot with three legs-to hold a fire during ritual or just for decoration. The Celtic goddess Cerridwen was famous for her cauldron, in which she brewed the mead of wisdom and inspiration. (Don’t you wish you had that recipe?)

The chalice is used to hold the wine or water for use during ritual, and it represents the feminine forces of intuition, understanding, and receptivity. They are often made of silver, glass, pewter, or pottery. I think it is important to choose a chalice that you truly love the look and feel of, and set it aside for use during rituals only. Somehow using that Batman juice glass doesn’t seem to cut it.

 

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful  World of Witchcraft

Deborah Blake

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Deosil or Widdershins?

dragons:my red angel

Deosil or Widdershins?

 

I love the use of archaic (that is, really darned old and not in common use anymore) terms in the practice of Witchcraft-I think it gives us a feeling of connection to the Witches who have gone before us. But it can get confusing, too. Two of the most apt-to-befuddle terms are deosil and widdershins (also sometimes seen as windershins). These are both used to tell us which direction to turn in when we are moving in circle. Deosil (DEE-oh-sill or JESS-il) means to turn clockwise, or sunwise. Widdershins (wID-der-shins) is the opposite, or counterclockwise.

Almost all movement inside a magickal circle is done deosil. We cast the circle moving to the right, and once in circle we continue to move in that direction-so that if you get up to go to the altar, for instance, you then continue tinue moving all the way around the circle until you come back to your place. Widdershins is only used to undo things, so it may be used at the end of a ritual to open the circle space or in doing any magick for “undoing” (such as unbinding spells).

 

 

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful  World of Witchcraft

Deborah Blake

 

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

In the Land of Dragons

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

 

Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:

 

*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads

 

*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions

 

*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery

 

*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home

 

*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success

 

Correspondences for Tuesday, November 22

im land der drachenCorrespondences for Tuesday, November 22

 

Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

 

Planet: Mars

 

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

 

Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel

 

Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli

 

Herb: Basil

 

The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.

 

Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.

 

Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

 

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.

A Little Witchery for Your Tuesdays

..Dragons moonlight...

A Little Witchery for Your Tuesdays

 

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.

 

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate on Tiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

 

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

 

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

 

Source

—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Ellen Dugan

 

The Witches Guide To Tuesdays

When Knights were Knights

The Witches Guide To Tuesdays

 

A god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see its connections to Mars.

 

Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.

 

Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.

 

Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

 

Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.

 

On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

 

Source:

Gypsy Magic

 

Tuesday, November 22nd

Lady of the Dragons...

Tuesday, November 22nd

 

Tuesday is dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified in Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, Tuisco and Tyr. Tuesday rules controlled power, energy and endurance.

 

Deity: Tiwaz

 

Zodiac Sign: Aries

 

Planet: Mars

 

Tree: Holly

 

Herb: Plantain

 

Stone: Agate

 

Animal: Crab

 

Element: Fire

 

Color: White

 

Number: 2

 

Rune: Tyr (T)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ngetal (Reed) – 28 October – 24 November

 

The Runic Half Month of Hagal (constraint) – 13 November – 27 November

 

Goddess of the Month of Cailleach/Samhain – 31 October – 27 November

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days

Nigel Pennick

 

Tuesday, November 22nd, Today We Celebrate…..

Fantasy Girl and Dragon

Tuesday, November 22nd, Today We Celebrate…..

 

Sagittarius Begins (Various Locations)

IEUCOTHEA

Themes: Creativity; Energy; Communication; Balance; Harmony; Change

Symbols: Bow and Arrow; White Items; Milk; Seawater

About Leucothea: In Greek tradition, this woman gave birth to the centaurs and was a wet nurse to Dionysus. Her name translates as “milk-white goddess” alluding to a strong maternal nature. In later times she became a sea goddess, bearing the visage of a mermaid.

Through this transformation we see the mingling of the spiritual nature (water) with that of the earth (half-human appearance) to create Sagittarius’s customary energies.

To Do Today: In astrology, Sagittarius is the centurion archer who represents a harmonious mingling of physical and spiritual living. Those born under this sign tend toward idealism, upbeat outlooks, and confidence. Like Leucothea, Saggitarians seem to have a strong drive for justice, especially for those people under their care.

To consume a bit of Leucothea’s maternal nature or invoke her spiritual balance in your life, make sure to include milk or milk products in your diet today. Or, wear something white to figuratively don her power.

For help with personal transformations, especially those that encourage personal comfort and tranquillity, soak in a nice, long saltwater or milk bath today. As you do, ask Leucothea to show you the right steps to take next.

 

Source

 

365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess

Patricia Telesco

 

The Sky This Week for November 22 to 27

Fantastic Creature Challenge ~ Dragons

The Sky This Week for November 22 to 27

 

A globular star cluster, the Summer and Winter triangles visible, and other beautiful things to look for in the sky this week.

By Richard Talcott

 

Tuesday, November 22

 

Uranus reached opposition more than a month ago, but it remains a tempting target. The outer planet appears in the southeast after darkness falls and climbs highest in the south around 9 p.m. local time. The magnitude 5.7 world lies in southern Pisces just 1.1° due east of the 5th-magnitude star Zeta (z) Piscium. Although Uranus shines brightly enough to glimpse with the naked eye under a dark sky, binoculars make the task much easier. A telescope reveals the planet’s blue-green disk, which spans 3.7″.

 

Wednesday, November 23

 

Although the Leonid meteor shower peaked before dawn November 17, observing conditions have improved significantly since then. The gibbous Moon of last week has now waned to a crescent that doesn’t interfere much with viewing a few last-minute stragglers. To tell a Leonid meteor from a sporadic, trace the shooting star’s path backward. If it points toward the constellation Leo the Lion, it likely is a shower member.

 

Thursday, November 24

 

While Venus dominates the evening sky, Jupiter rules the predawn hours. The giant planet rises four hours before the Sun and climbs 25° high in the southeast by the time twilight starts to paint the sky. Jupiter shines brilliantly at magnitude –1.8 and shows a 32″-diameter disk when viewed through a telescope. A small scope also reveals an unusual alignment of the planet’s moons this morning. Callisto, the outermost major satellite, passes due north of Jupiter. For North American observers, this is the first time in 3.5 years that Callisto’s orbit has not carried the moon in front of the planet.

 

Friday, November 25

 

The variable star Algol in Perseus appears faintest at 12:13 a.m. EST tomorrow morning, when it shines at magnitude 3.4. If you start watching it immediately after darkness falls, you can see it dim from its peak brightness (magnitude 2.1) to minimum and then rise back to maximum all in a single night. This eclipsing binary star runs through a cycle from minimum to maximum and back every 2.87 days, but the drop from peak brightness and subsequent rise lasts only about 10 hours. Algol appears in the east-northeast after sunset and passes nearly overhead around 11 p.m. local time.

 

Saturday, November 26

 

Although Thanksgiving weekend signifies autumn to many people, the stars of both summer and winter appear prominent in late November’s evening sky. If you head out around 9 p.m. local time and look toward the west, you’ll see the bright stars of the Summer Triangle. These three luminaries — Vega, Deneb, and Altair — stand out nicely against the fainter stars in their vicinity. Deneb appears highest (nearly halfway to the zenith), while the brightest, Vega, lies farthest to the right. Now, if you turn around and face east, you’ll find stars normally associated with winter. Betelgeuse, Rigel, Aldebaran, and Capella all clear the horizon before 8 p.m. and appear conspicuous an hour later.

 

Sunday, November 27

 

While the stars of summer and winter remain on view on late November evenings, the stars of spring are not so lucky. The Big Dipper swings low in the north at this time of year. Although this conspicuous asterism never sets from much of the United States and Canada, it does come close. And the star at the end of the handle — magnitude 1.9 Eta (h) Ursae Majoris — does dip below the horizon around 9 p.m. local time for viewers south of 40° north latitude.

 

The Moon reaches apogee, the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, at 3:08 p.m. EST. It then lies 252,621 miles (406,554 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

 

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

 

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Tuesday, November 22

Dragons
Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Tuesday, November 22

 

The Sun

Sun Direction: ↑ 144.32° SE

Sun Altitude: 24.01°

Sun Distance: 91.797 million mi

Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2016 4:44 am (Winter)

Sunrise Today: 6:41 am↑ 115° Southeast

Sunset Today: 4:40 pm↑ 245° Southwest

Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 59 minutes

 

The Moon

Moon Direction: ↑ 237.11° WSW

Moon Altitude: 43.42°

Moon Distance: 245405 mi

Next New Moon: Nov 29, 20166:18 am

Next Full Moon: Dec 13, 20166:05 pm

Next Moonset: Today1:18 pm

Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

Illumination: 37.2%

 

Source

 

Timeandddate.com

 

Wishing You & Yours The Goddess's Blessings, Love & Light This Tuesday Morning!

death or notI Bring My Pain to You

 

I bring my pain to you, not

holding back,

not bothering with words, just

in Your presence,

allowing myself to honestly feel

and express

my upset, frustrations,

and fears.

I bring it all to You.

With You as loving Witness,

I feel my feelings, I cry my tears,

and I allow You to help,

opening myself to Your love

and influence in my life.

 

—To Whom It May Concern: Prayers Without the G-Word  

Phyllis Capanna.

 

A Little Humor for Your Day – The Joy of Coffee

The Joy of Coffee

Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.

It maketh me to wake in green pastures: it leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.

It restoreth my buzz: it leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction, I will fear no Equal ™: for thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.

Thou preparest a carafe before me in the prescence of Juan Valdez: thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.

Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of Maxwell forever.

 

—Author Unknown

Originally published on Pagan Library

Earth Sky News for Monday, November 21: Orion the Hunter now easy to view

Orion the Hunter now easy to view

By

Tonight, watch for Orion the Hunter – perhaps the easiest-to-identify of all constellations – rising at mid-evening. It’s around late November and early December that people begin to notice Orion in the evening sky, and to comment on it. Orion will climb over your eastern horizon by around 9 p.m. tonight. You can find this constellation and watch it for months to come.

The most noticeable part of Orion is the pattern called Orion’s Belt: three medium-bright stars in a short, straight row. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, Orion appears to be lying on his side – with his Belt stars pointing upward – when he first ascends into our eastern sky in mid-evening at this time of year. Orion’s two brightest stars — Betelgeuse and Rigel — shine on opposite sides of the Belt.

As night passes, and Earth spins beneath the sky, Orion will climb higher in our sky. When this constellation is highest in the south, it is a huge, noticeable star pattern. But Orion doesn’t reach its highest point until an hour or two after midnight (that’s local time, for all times zones around the world) at this time of year.

Like all the stars, Orion’s stars rise some four minutes earlier with each passing day, or about two hours earlier with each passing month. If you see Orion shining in the east at 9:00 p.m. tonight, look for Orion to be in the same place in the sky at about 7:00 p.m. a month from now. Or if Orion is due south at 1:30 a.m. tomorrow, look for Orion to be due south at 11:30 p.m. in late December.

This shift in Orion’s location is due to Earth’s movement in orbit around the sun. As we move around the sun, our perspective on the stars surrounding us shifts. At the same hour daily, all the stars in the eastern half of sky climb up a bit higher, whereas all the stars in the western half of sky sink a bit closer to the western horizon.

Are you familiar with the W- or M-shaped constellation Cassiopeia the Queen? Or Polaris, the North Star? As Orion rises in the east this evening, look for Cassiopeia to soar to her highest point for the night, above Polaris in the northern sky.

Bottom line: The famous constellation Orion the Hunter is rising at mid-evening in late November and early December.

 

 

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.

Article originally published on EarthSky

Sun in Sagittarius

Sun in Sagittarius

Live it up as the Sun visits the adventurous Archer

 

By Tarot.com Staff

Videos, Sun, Sagittarius, Fall, Astrology

It’s time to emerge from the dark and into the light! The Sun moves from mysterious Scorpio to sunny Sagittarius on November 21, 2016, encouraging us to step outside and explore the big, beautiful world out there.

Sagittarius is known for having a happy-go-lucky good time, but they can also be impulsive and somewhat reckless. So, make sure you use a little more caution than usual now to avoid getting yourself into trouble. Watch out for things like being too blunt and hurting someone’s feelings, or overindulging in food or drink.

Then again, Thanksgiving takes place while the Sun is in Sagittarius, so maybe it’s OK to indulge just a little. After all, Sagittarius is all about abundance!

Here’s how to make the most of life with the Sun in Sagittarius:

What to do: Anything new! Sagittarius loves adventures, whether that means taking a trip, signing up for a class or meeting someone new. The point is to explore all your options now while the eager Sagittarius Sun gives you a boost of optimism and good luck.

What to say: Yes! Sagittarius is the quintessential opportunist, and they’re always up for anything at a moment’s notice. So whether you get a last-minute offer to travel abroad or if someone asks you to babysit their triplets for a weekend, don’t worry about it or overthink it — just say yes!

Where to go: Someplace different. Sagittarius gets the biggest thrill from going places they’ve never been before. So this is the time to finally book that ticket to a city you’ve always wanted to visit, or at the very least go to a restaurant where you’ve never eaten before.

What to wear: Something versatile enough to wear anywhere, durable enough to do anything in, and inexpensive enough that you won’t be upset when you spill on it, tear it or lose it. Sagittarius is pretty casual, so loosen up and love your jeans-and-T-shirt uniform for the next month!

What to buy: If you can’t buy an airline ticket right now, beer and books are all you need to have a good time while the Sun is in Sagittarius. Even better if you’re buying international beer and have someone to share it with, and if the books you’re reading area bout travel or philosophy.

What to watch out for: Accidents and hurting other people, either physically or emotionally. Sagittarius tends to leap before looking, which can sometimes create problems for themselves or others. This is a month to watch your step and watch your mouth so reckless behavior or blunt speech doesn’t spoil the good times.

What to look forward to: Expanding your mind! Take advantage of the Sun in Sagittarius’ outgoing and enthusiastic approach to life and use this time to learn new things, meet new people and attract and spread positive energy. Everyone loves a Sagittarius, and now’s your chance to experience their lifestyle for yourself!

 

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving Feng Shui Tips

Thanksgiving Feng Shui Tips

Give thanks and attract positive energy in return!

 

By Stephanie Dempsey

Thanksgiving, Feng-shui

Thanksgiving is a marvelous opportunity to acknowledge all of the bounty we enjoy on a daily basis. By being more receptive to abundance, you can attract it more readily.

If you have a hard time counting your blessings, get calming insight with a Peace and Harmony Tarot reading, and try integrating these Feng Shui cures into your living and office spaces. They will help you focus on what you have, instead of concentrating on what you lack.

Mellow out

Muted colors like chocolate brown, goldenrod, pumpkin and olive lend a sense of safety, protection and support. If you’re preoccupied with financial worries, integrate these colors into your decorating scheme. They will make you more content with what you have. Earth tones can also make you more resourceful.

Back to square one

Sturdy and reassuring, square shapes promote contentment. Using square plates instead of round ones will make you slow down and appreciate meals more fully. If you have a hard time sitting still and enjoying your surroundings, put some square cushions on your sofa or square pillows on your bed. And a square-shaped mirror will make you more satisfied with your appearance.

Soft as silk

Soft textures can make you more receptive to warmth, kindness and affection. Go ahead and splurge on a downy comforter, some plush pillows or a set of luxurious sheets. Positioning a plush, comfortable love seat in the far right corner of your home or office will make you more open to loving, nurturing relationships. This will also stimulate your own generous instincts …

A trip to bountiful

It’s easy to be thankful when you’re surrounded by symbols of abundance. A bowl filled with fresh fruit, a vase of colorful flowers, a rack filled with fine wine, a painting of a harvest field … all of these things will make you feel prosperous and content. If you have a collection, display it to its best advantage. The sight of it will remind you that there is more to wealth than money in the bank.

Stay focused

Do you have a hard time putting work aside, even after you come home? Hang a shelf bracket in the far left corner of your bedroom, and then place a beautiful vase or sculpture on it. This will help you lift your thoughts to a higher plane.

Picture this

Sometimes a desire to get ahead at work can cause you to neglect the people and things you love most. Displaying a recent photo of your loved ones on the far right corner of your desk can help you to strike a better balance between work and home.

Create boundaries

If you have no choice but to keep a desk in your bedroom, create a barrier between your sleep and work stations. Suspend a flowing curtain so that you can’t see your desk when you’re lying in bed. Alternately, you can shield the desk with some lush plants.

Soften up

Your bathroom represents your ability to nurture yourself. Make this space more inviting with soft lighting, fluffy towels and a tactile rug. Add soaps, candles and lotions that are pleasing to your sense of smell. A radio tuned to a relaxing music station can also transform your bathroom from a utilitarian space to a mini-spa.

Give thanks

The best way to enjoy the fruits of your labor is to pause and acknowledge them. Make a list of 27 things for which you are grateful, and then place this list in a red envelope. Put the envelope under your mattress and keep it there until the Winter Solstice. The energizing power of your list will suffuse you with peace and contentment, allowing you to enjoy autumn’s blessings to the very fullest.

 

 

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.