Witches Of The Craft
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So Mote It Be
Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..
Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 22
Aries
With the Waning Crescent Moon, this is a time for winding down rather than revving up, dear Aries. However, there can be continued tensions to deal with today, making it a real challenge to relax. Work or duty demands your attention, but there can be many different distractions as you struggle with where to devote your energies. Your responsibilities and reputation are prominent in your mind today and continue to be sensitive topics. While you should concern yourself with what others expect of you to some degree now with the Moon at the top of your chart, there is no need to overdo this beyond what you can do at the moment. Try to turn competition or criticism around by using it to fuel your motivation to improve.
Taurus
Today, you’re thinking in bigger terms than usual and larger issues that concern you come into play, dear Taurus. You are prompted to think about your long-range goals and plans. Looking at the bigger picture often soothes and comforts you, but today, you may feel a little tense about what might lie ahead of you. Uncertainty can prevail, and it’s a good idea to resist the inclination to attempt to control situations to compensate. Focus on what you have to do and save important conversations for a better day. Others may be promising more than they can deliver today, so keep that in mind before you count too much on something. A wait-and-see attitude is best.
Gemini
You can be a little secretive or protective of your plans and feelings today, dear Gemini. You are not feeling very trusting right now, and this may be a sign that you are not secure about your own decisions. Even so, there is certainly a fair amount of subterfuge going on now so you may have good reason to keep some things to yourself. Think more carefully before going forward with important projects. The Moon moves into its waning Crescent phase, and this points to the need to wind down in the days before the Solar Eclipse on the 26th. Superficial interactions are likely to feel especially awkward and unappealing now, as you are craving more intimacy and depth to your experiences. Work on emotional self-control today, but do listen to what your feelings are telling you. Try not to waste your time worrying about those things you can’t control.
Cancer
Be more on guard than usual about gossip or misrepresentation today, dear Cancer. Confront your fears about past matters so that you’ll be better equipped to handle them if they do reappear in your life. Your larger focus today is to help foster a sense of balance and peace with others and in your personal environment. However, it can take a lot of frustrating trial and error getting to this point – it’s a tall order right now, so don’t get down on yourself if you can’t quite achieve it. It takes two, as they say! Maintain a strong sense of identity while you tend to the needs of others to avoid resentment. If you feel too dependent on others’ schedules, plans, and needs, take steps to change this, but keep in mind that it will take time, so don’t put all the pressure on to do so immediately.
Leo
Make sure you get all the facts before making commitments right now, dear Leo, or hold off on the big issues for a while longer. There is a tremendous amount of tension in your communications sectors these days which can play with your reasoning powers. You have a stronger than usual desire today to be useful and helpful, but if you are not appreciated for all that you do, you might feel resentful. The trick now is to do it for yourself first. Even if the task is about helping others, do it because you feel good about helping. While there can be a tendency to scatter your energies, you might end up getting a lot done, largely because you can be quite worked up about things that aren’t going well for you and motivated to set things right again. Today requires some form of clean-up.
Virgo
This is not the most open or trusting of days, dear Virgo. The Moon in your solar fifth house of heartfelt pursuits clashes with a number of planets, stimulating doubts, fears, and a sense that you’ll encounter blocks if you go after what or who you want. Signals can get crossed in love matters, and emotions are up and down. Be mindful of what you’re taking on, particularly new projects or commitments, as there may be a reason to regret them later on. There can be intensity in your personal life today, and possibly some moodiness. It can be difficult making a definitive decision, but it may be wise to wait, particularly as we approach a Solar Eclipse which will bring new energy into our lives.
Libra
Buried resentments continue to pop up today, dear Libra, and you’ll be in the best shape if you can nip those in the bud as soon as possible. People around you are dealing with their own issues and are less likely than usual to intuit your needs, so you may need to find ways to take care of yourself. This is not the most outgoing of days in the lunar cycle, and while you are more emotionally invested in your personal life, it’s an area where there is likely to be more intensity than usual. If excess energy is used positively, feeling frustrated with your domestic situation can light a fire under you to get things sorted out. Look for ways to unburden and simplify your environment and think in terms of lightening your load.
Scorpio
You have a tendency to read so much into situations today that you put yourself into a funk, dear Scorpio. It can be difficult to pull your mind out of a spiraling loop today, but it’s important to try to do so. Obsessing over things that have already happened can only serve to bring you down. However, if you need to sort something out, take the time to do so. Keep in mind that this is not the best time to speak your mind – wait until you are in a clearer headspace. Gentle physical exercise may be just the ticket for soothing an exhausted nervous system. Streamlining your work is important now, and it’s likely to become abundantly clear that you need to tune out distractions.
Sagittarius
Emotions do settle a little with the Moon in your solar second house, dear Sagittarius, but the day is not without conflict. There can be some crankiness to deal with today, as well as concerns about your income or money situation. In all likelihood, your fears are blown out of proportion, and the sooner you get perspective, the better. Your appetite for material comforts increases today, but so does your desire to bring in more money. As long as you can find a healthy balance between these two drives, you will come out ahead. You’re fine with going your own way, but things are much easier when others are cooperating, so you may want to wait it out.
Capricorn
Aim to be as flexible as possible today, as difficult as that may be, dear Capricorn, to avoid letting small things get to you. The Moon in your sign brings unacknowledged feelings to light, which can be illuminating, but with the Moon’s challenging aspects today, watch for overreaction. Pushing or working too hard could be an issue now, and taking on far too many lofty goals at once can wear on your patience. Relations can be a little tense with or among family, and the matter may be about power and control rather than the surface topic. You are especially sensitive right now, and your emotions can swing dramatically. Aim to take undue pressure off yourself now.
Aquarius
Try not to rush matters to a quick conclusion due to impatience today, dear Aquarius. With the Moon in your private twelfth house all day, you instinctively withdraw from challenging or demanding situations. You may be seeking some alone time or extra rest. However, truly relaxing today can be difficult, and demanding people or circumstances may very well find you! Learning, communications, and partnering are areas of big opportunities these days, but you may be jumping ahead of yourself, and in the process, creating unnecessary tension.
Pisces
You can feel particularly impatient if left waiting for others today, dear Pisces. At the same time, you shouldn’t be entirely excluding people, as this is the time in your lunar cycle to recognize the value of the team. Instead of waiting for people to sense what you want or need, express yourself and take action. While today can certainly be difficult with cranky energy around you, frustrations experienced now can be lead to new strategies that truly work for you. Try not to jump ahead on new projects if you haven’t yet completed the ones already in place. Give thought to your finances and how you can make important changes that free you from worry and limiting attitudes.
Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.
Learn The Tarot
General Meaning
Traditionally, The Magician is one who can demonstrate hands-on magic — as in healing, transformative rituals, alchemical transmutations, charging of talismans, and the like. A modern Magician is any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth; one who seeks to bring forth the divine gold within her or himself.
At the birth of Tarot, even a gifted healer who was not an ordained clergyman was considered to be in league with The Devil! For obvious reasons, the line between fooling the eye with sleight of hand and charging the world with magical will, was not clearly differentiated in the early Tarot cards.
Waite’s image of The Magician as the solitary ritualist communing with the spirits of the elements — with its formal arrangement of symbols — is a token of the freedom we have in modern times to declare our spiritual politics without fear of reprisal. The older cards were never so explicit about what The Magician was doing. It’s best to keep your imagination open with this card. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by evolutionary forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul.
Trust your inspiration. You are smarter than you think.
The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.
Have faith in your innate creativity. The Magician advises you give your questioning nature and free-associating mind plenty of room to explore the subject at hand. Behave just as if you were an open-minded and curious scientist. Through this process, you may bring freshness and clarity into the situation that is both stimulating and catalytic.
You do not have to understand it all intellectually. Besides, intuition is your ace in the hole. Respond in a spontaneous manner to what is right in front of you. There is no reason to hold yourself back. Your natural urges are exactly what is needed, and, your ingenuous timing and elegant style will help smooth over any awkwardness.
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
Your Lucky Tarot Card for the Week of February 20th
This card represents elements that favor you.
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.
Shuffling The Cards, Your Influences for the Week of February 20th
The Devil
This card represents the dark forces in the world, misuse of power, depression and addiction to the material world. Beware of The Devil in you and do not allow him to gain control.
Libra Reversed
Libra reversed denotes a lack of fairness, imbalance
Fire Reversed
Fire reversed denotes calamity that may be on a catastrophic level. Prepare to deal with changes you do not want.
Ancient culture associate Magpies with excellent fortune—so it looks like you’ve got something really terrific coming into your life today. However, you may need to search a little to understand the true gift that’s being presented. Pay attention to omens, messages, the clouds, feathers, bird song—your fortune is hidden in those subtle messages. Opportunity is knocking at your door—will you answer?
Your Charm for Today
A few prayers to your deity of choice would serve you well when dealing with this aspect. Your questions or requests stand a better chance of being answered in the next few days if you do so.
This elaborately ornamental charm, worn by Egyptian women, was supposed to bestow upon them all the blessings of their powerful Hathor, goddess of the sunrise, whose worship was universal in Egypt. Health, strength, happiness – all these were the gifts of this their goddess of love. She was regarded as a loving, protecting mother, both of the living and of the dead; was the deity who filled both heaven and earth with her beneficence, and the dispenser of all the blessings of life.
Crack the Cookie
The Wisdom of Buddha
Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
It’s time to reconnect with your spiritual side
It’s time to wrap up another astrological year! When the Sun moves into Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, from February 18 to March 20, it signals the ending of one cycle before the next begins at the Spring Equinox.
And what do you do when something ends, before you begin again? Rest! That’s why the Sun in Pisces is considered a time to dream and heal and regain strength before starting the new cycle.
Pisces is symbolized by two Fish, which we like to call “the fishes with wishes.” The fish are swimming in opposite directions, which is representative of the Pisces paradox. This sign is at once caught between feeling the harshness of reality and the desire for dreamy escapism.
It’s normal to feel more spiritual while the Sun is in Pisces. It’s easier to tap into your intuition and we’re more inclined to follow our instincts and surrender to something greater than the individual self. But it can also be a lazy, daydream-filled period, so we must keep our escapist tendencies in check.
Those born from about February 15-21 were born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, and those born from about March 18-22 were born on the Pisces-Aries cusp. Being born on the cusp simply means that you were born during the transition time between two zodiac signs, so you retain some qualities from each sign.
If we can embrace empathy for others without letting their pain make us feel victimized while the Sun is in Pisces, this promises to be a very healing time.
Here’s how to make the most of life with the Sun in Pisces:
What to do: Take care of someone! Pisces is the most compassionate and caring zodiac sign, so they are at their best when doing something kind for others. Adopt this admirable Pisces quality now and use it to ease someone’s pain.
What to say: Something poetic. The dreamy fishes are artsy and creative, so now’s the time to channel your inner Pisces poet and write or speak something beautiful to someone you love.
Where to go: Bed! Pisces can sometimes be called “lazy,” but really they just need a safe place to lie down, close their eyes and dream the day away. If you find your mind meandering while the Sun is in Pisces, give yourself permission to take a sweet little nap.
What to wear: Who cares?! Seriously. Life is not about what we wear, it’s about who we are. That’s the typical Pisces mindset, of course, so if you’re tired of dressing for success, this is a good time to slack into some sweats and forget about fashion while you follow more spiritual pursuits.
What to buy: Anything that will help you feel more connected to your spiritual side. It’s easier to tap into your intuition while the Sun is in Pisces, so shop for New Age healing crystals, incense, candles, Tarot cards and all of Pisces’ favorite spiritual supplies.
What to watch out for: Highly sensitive, compassionate and imaginative, Pisces is at risk of wanting to escape when they feel too much or get caught up in daydreams. Alcohol and drug abuse are common to this sign, so be aware of escapism and try to keep yourself grounded (at least a little bit) while the Sun is in Pisces.
What to look forward to: Healing! By the time the Sun moves out of Pisces, you’ll be rested, renewed, reconnected with your spiritual self and ready to begin a new astrological year!
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
Earth Sky News for February 21: Find blue-white Rigel at Orion’s foot
Yesterday, on February 20, we talked about Orion’s bright star Betelgeuse. Tonight … its bright star Rigel.
Before you can find Rigel, you need to know how to find Orion. The three sparkling blue-white stars of Orion’s Belt are easy to spot. As viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, this compact line of stars can be found in the south to southeast sky at nightfall. It is more toward the northern sky for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. No matter where you are, if you look outside in the evening now, chances are the pattern you’ll pick out will be Orion!
You might note that Orion’s two brightest stars – Betelgeuse and Rigel – lodge at an equal distance above and below Orion’s Belt. Rigel is shown on today’s chart. Look back at the February 6 chart to see Betelgeuse.
Look again at Rigel. Because it lies some 775 light-years away, Rigel must be intrinsically extraordinarily luminous to shine so brightly in our sky. If this star were as close as our sun, it would outshine the sun by 40,000 times!
Although both Rigel and Betelgeuse are extremely luminous supergiant suns, the stark color contrast between these two stars makes Betelgeuse and Rigel readily distinguishable. (Try binoculars, if you can’t distinguish color with the unaided eye.) Betelgeuse has a reddish hue, while Rigel sparkles blue-white. By the way, a star’s color is very revealing of its surface temperature. Red stars are cool (2,000 to 3,500 Kelvin) and in the autumn of their years, while blue and blue-white stars are hot (over 10,000 K) and young, in the heyday of youth.
Astronomers believe both red and blue supergiant stars blow up into supernova explosions, though at one time it was thought that only red supergiants did so. Look for Rigel, Orion’s blue supergiant star, at the foot of Orion tonight!
Bottom line: This post describes how to locate Orion’s bright blue-white star Rigel.
Let’s Talk Witch – Divining the Future
Divination is the practice of consulting some form of an oracle for messages, answers, or predictions of the future. Popular methods for divination include the tarot, I Ching, scrying, and runes. Most Wiccans use some form of divination before a spell to determine if it will have the desired outcome. Some also do a morning divination to see how the day will go, or if there is a particular message to focus on for the day.
Tarot Cards
Tarot is one of the most popular forms of divination. A tarot deck consists of seventy-eight cards: twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana represent archetypes and reflect the life cycle. When they appear in a spread, they are considered to have a stronger influence than the Minor Arcana cards. The Minor Arcana has four suits, and roughly corresponds to a standard deck of playing cards. The four original suits were coins, staffs, wands, and swords, but many modern decks have updated the suits as pentacles, wands, cups, and swords. Each suit is related to specific attributes, and has the numbers one through ten, plus an ace, page, knight, queen, and king.
I Ching, the Book of Changes
The I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is a very complicated Chinese divination system. At over 4,000 years old, it is the first form of divination known to man. I Ching is comprised of a set of sixty-four hexagrams that translate the knowledge of the subconscious to the conscious mind. The six-line hexagrams are based on the binary yin/ yang symbol. To create a hexagram, stocks or coins are tossed into the air and the order in which they land is compared against a book containing the meanings of the sixty-four symbols and the various interrelations of all the possible line combinations.
Gaze into a Crystal Ball
Scrying is a form of divination performed by gazing into a crystal ball, a bowl of water, a flame, or a scrying mirror. As you do so, you think of a question, quiet the mind, and stare into the device until an answer is received. The answer could be a picture you see, or it may appear in your mind. It could also be auditory.
Scrying is usually done in a darkened room. If you want to use a scrying mirror, you can make your own. All you need is a glass side-table topper that you can paint black on one side. Set a candle in the middle and then stare into the reflection of the flame with a question in mind.
Wiccan practices take a variety of forms. Together with celebrations, beliefs, and tools, the four elements form the basis of the Wiccan faith. Other Neo-Pagan faiths, such as Asatru, may seem to have similar elements, but they are applied in a different way.
The Everything Paganism Book: Discover the Rituals, Traditions, and Festivals of This Ancient Religion
Selene Silverwind
Goddess of Tuesday
Goddess of Tuesday
I present myself for Your benevolent smile,
Ask You for a generous day,
To have my habits loosened,
For blessings to come and fill the spaces,
To be able to feel Your presence,
Your hand guiding mine,
To be let in on the Conspiracy of Goddesses,
Who whisper delightful experiences
Into my life. I ask for inspiration and patience,
For protection and ease,
To be able to enjoy people,
To welcome home my beloveds.
And, Goddess of Tuesday,
Can You be outrageous with me?
Imagine me receiving a great car for free, somehow?
(I know this is as an old belief:
Somebody has to do it for me,
I am incapable of having enough money.)
You know what? I step aside!
Please, I ask You, love it to death!
Deep, deep healing, I ask,
Of not-enough-ness!
Of all-alone and can’t-do.
Fill that void with light and love,
Tenderness, for my point of healing.
Goddess of Tuesday,
It must be the end of my prayers,
Because I know what I am praying for.
Walk with me the rest of the day.
Give me the prompts,
I am listening.
—-To Whom It May Concern: Prayers Without the G-Word
Phyllis Capanna.
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