Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Since I took up the most of the morning talking, I thought we should make it up to you somehow. So we are stopping at the Horoscopes for the day and going to add some Imbolc information on the site. I figure Imbolc will lift anyone’s spirits or at least I hope it will. It is just amazing to me how fast this month has gone by. I looked at the calendar the other day and couldn’t believe it, only 5 (at the time) more days to Imbolc? Where or where has January gone! I felt bad we generally start putting information about the upcoming Sabbat on a few day in advance. So we are starting that today. I hope it is information you can use and as always we are going to do our best to try to find pages you can print out for your BOS.

 

It just seems like when Imbolc gets here, it is the most magickal time of the year. I am not a huge fan of Winter and when Imbolc arrives a spark ignites in my heart and soul. The reawakening of Mother Earth what a glorious time of the year. It means Spring is not that far off, we have survived another winter (even though they are calling for snow this weekend, YIKES!).  You can feel the Earth reawakening under your feet. The grass starts to grow little by little, the yellow lilies start to emerge and you know the Earth is coming back to life when you see your first red bird or cardinal. It is time to open the doors and raise the windows to get rid of some of old Man Winter who might be lingering around your house. It is time to renew not only your home but also yourself. You feel alive again, full of hope. I love Imbolc it is my favorite time of the year.

 

Now if you don’t mind, we are going to provide you with some Imbolc information. Hopefully you will find it useful for your celebrations. If you have any special rituals or activities you do on Imbolc, let us know. We would love to hear what you do and share your celebrations with others.

 

As you already know, I am off for now….. 

Love ya,

Lady A

The Witches Digest for Tuesday, January 30th

(The Witches Guide to Tuesday)

Today Is Tuesday, January 30th

 

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)

 

The Celtic Tree Month of Luis(Rowan) January 21 – February 17)

Runic Half Month of Elhaz (January 28 – February 11)

Goddess of the Month of Bridhe (January 23 – February 19)

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Tuesday, January 30th, We Celebrate the Goddess Morrigan

Areas of Influence: The Goddess Morrigan represented the circle of life, she was associated with both birth and death.

Her name means great queen or phantom queen. It is spelt in several different ways including Morrigu, Morgane, Morrighan and Morgan le Fay in the Arthurian legends.

She is one of the triple Goddesses, her different aspects are represented by Anu (the fertility maiden), Badh (the boiling mother cauldron) and either Macha (the death crone) or Nemain.

Morrigan is also a water Goddess, ruling over rivers and lakes. In one myth she appears as an old washer woman at the ford and offering her love to Cu Chulainne. He failed to recognize Morrigan on this occasion and on several others. Enraged she threated to hinder him in battle, when he is killed as a result of this she appears on his shoulder as a crow.

This Goddess also grants monarchs the power of sovereignty.

Origins and Genealogy: I can find no mention of her parentage but in some myths she was said to be the consort of Dadga

Morrigan was also one of the Tuatha de Danann (The tribe of the Goddess Danu). She protected her people by blowing a fog over the land, the lack of visibility discouraged invading armies.

Strengths: Fearsome and strong.

Weaknesses: She is vindictive, killing the person she loves when he fails to recognize her.

Goddess Morrigan’s Symbolism
As a symbol of death the Goddess Morrigan is linked with the festival of Samhain.

Sacred Bird: Crows and ravens.

Sacred Plants: Mugwort, yew and willow.

Morrigan’s Archetypes

The Celtic Goddess Morrigan has several powerful archetypes.

Shape-Shifter:

The Shape Shifter has the ability to change her physical appearance. They are also able to adapt easily to different environments by altering there behavior.

Shadow Shape shifter is fickle, lacking conviction and constantly reinventing themselves, like politicians trying to appeal to more people.

Morrigan is a bird Goddess who shape-shifts into the form of a hooded crow and a washer woman at the ford.

The Crone:

The Crone represents the wise old woman whose child bearing days are behind her. Other associations with this Archetype include: compassion, transformation, healing and bawdiness death and endings. She is the respected older woman or grand-parent at the heart of family who enjoys life and sharing her experience.

Unfortunately the word Crone or Hag often has negative connotations as many wise woman and midwives were persecuted as witches in the middle ages.

Shadow Crone is the bitter, old woman who has failed to learn from her life. She blames all her failings and unhappiness on a society that no longer respects the elders. As a result she becomes increasingly isolated and fearful.

The Warrior:

Warrior represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of of others.

Whilst the shadow side of the Warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principals to prove your supremacy.

As the battle Goddess she appeared on the battlefield in the form of a crow and returned later to feed on the dead.

How to Work With This Archetype

The Shape-Shifter: A useful Goddess Archetype to have if you need to be flexible or perform lots of different roles.

The shadow side asks whether your chameleon like tendencies reflect a deep insecurity and inability to commit to any particular path.

The Crone: This maybe one of your Archetypes if you have gained wisdom, learning from your mistakes and showing a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

You are experiencing the Crone’s shadow if you have become rigid in your beliefs and have become stuck in a rut having lost all ability to let those areas of your life go that no longer serve you.

The Warrior:

If you are drawn to work with this Goddess you may require her Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personnal boundaries. This Goddess can be a great stereotype to work with if you want to take control in your life, and wish to no longer play the role of the victim.

You may also wish to call upon this Goddess to champion the cause of others.

Conversely this Goddess may appeal to you if you have a very strong sense of self and are proud of the victories you have achieved. The shadow side of this Goddess may be asking you to reflect honestly on the cost of these victories. Have they been at the expense of others or your principles?

Source

Goddess-Guide.com

Spell Work for Tuesday, the Day of Mars

 Strength
 Anger
 Independence
 Motivation
 Conquest
 Action
 Education
 Force
 Handling conflict

Source

A Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paajanen

Magical Days Of the Week – Tuesday

 

Named for the Norse god Tyr, who was a deity of heroism and combat, Tuesday is a very martial sort of day – color associations include bright red and oranges, as well as warrior-like metals such as iron and steel.

The ancient Romans called this day Martis, after the warrior god Mars – other deities associated with Tuesday include Ares, the Morrighan, and other gods of battle and glory. Red gemstones like rubies and garnets come into play on Tuesdays, as do herbs and plants such as thistles, holly, coneflowers and cacti – you’ll notice these are all sharp, prickly plants!

One of the interesting – and more than a little amusing – aspects of Tuesday magic is that in addition to war and conflict against your enemies, this is a day also associated with marriage. You can also use this day of the week for magical workings connected to protection and initiation. Use Tuesday to assert yourself, make a mark and stake your claims.

Author

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

 

On Tuesday: Shake the only hand of Tyr

 

Tyr (referred to as Tiw, Tiu or Tew in Old English) was the god of combat. He had just one hand and the story behind it is as follows.

The prophecy of the sybil that three siblings would bring troubles to gods alarmed the pantheon and Odin (see also the section for Wednesday) decided to get rid of them. One of them was Fenrir, a huge mythological wolf. They tried to bound him, but he was too strong and tore any chain they used.

Finally they asked dwarves to make a special, untearable binding called Gleipnir. It consisted of six wondrous ingredients which do not exist any longer because the gods took them from the world for good. These were the sound of a cat’s footfall, the beard of a woman, the breath of a fish, the roots of a mountain, the sinews of a bear (meaning rather sensibilities in this case) and the spittle of a bird.

Fenrir did not believe them that they would set him free again after having tried the binding on him. Tyr had to put his arm in his mouth as the guarantee. That is why one of his arms is missing. And again, when Ragnarok begins, the wolf will free himself from Gleipnir and avenge this deception by devouring Odin.

In Romance languages, this day belongs to Mars, the Roman god of war (martes in Spanish, mardi in French).

Tuesday–The Day of Tiu

 

Tuesday is the first day of the week which is named after a god of the Angles and Saxons–Tiu, the God of War. The Angles and Saxons, like the Greeks and Romans, worshiped many gods, and though these gods were in a great number of ways similar to those of the Greeks and Romans, we also find very great differences. These differences are due to the fact that the Angles and Saxons lived in a very different kind of country, led a very different kind of life, and consequently had different ideas. Their chief enemies were frost and cold, and they imagined the freezing winds to be caused by frost-giants who lived in a land of ice and waged continual warfare with the gods who befriended man and protected him as far as they could against the frost-giants and all the suffering which they caused. The chief of these gods was Woden or Odin, the All-father, of whom we read in the following chapter, and next to him in importance came Thor, the God of Thunder, the bitterest enemy of the giants. The god after whom Tuesday is named was known as Tiu among the Angles and Saxons, and as Tyr among the Norsemen. He was the God of War, and corresponds to Mars among the Romans, whose name for this day was Dies Martis, the day of Mars. The French have kept the Roman name in the form mardi.

Tiu was a great fighter and knew no fear, and was naturally always called upon in time of battle. He was usually represented as having no right hand, owing to a misfortune which befell him in the following way. From his lofty throne Odin, the chief of the gods, one day saw in the land of the giants three terrible monsters, which grew so rapidly that he was filled with fear lest they should invade the home of the gods. Accordingly he determined to get rid of them before they became any stronger. One Hel, an enormous giantess, he flung into the Underworld, where, as the Goddess of Death, she ruled over the kingdom of the dead. Another, Iormungandr, a serpent, he cast into the sea, where it grew so huge that it encircled the whole earth. The third was Fenrir, a wolf, whom Odin brought to Asgard, the home of the gods, hoping that he might eventually tame him. Fenrir, however, grew stronger and fiercer each day, until the gods, of whom Tiu alone was brave enough to go near him, decided at last to bind him in such a way that he could do no harm. A very strong chain was obtained, and the gods suggested to Fenrir, who often boasted of his great strength, that he should allow himself to be bound with it in order to prove whether he was really as strong as he claimed to be. Fenrir agreed, and then by merely stretching himself easily brohe his bonds. Again the gods put him to the test with a still stronger chain, but as before he succeeded in breaking it. Seeing that no ordinary chain would be strong enough to bind Fenrir, the gods sent one of their servants to the home of the dwarfs, a race of little people who lived underground, and who were very clever workers in metal. They also possessed great powers of magic, as we shall see in a later story. At the bidding of the gods, the dwarfs made a silken rope out of the voice of fishes, a woman’s beard, the roots of a mountain, and the footsteps of a cat, which was so strong that no power could break it! A third time the gods challenged Fenrir to show his strength by allowing himself to be bound with this new cord, but Fenrir became suspicious, and at last consented only on condition that one of the gods should put his hand in his mouth, and hold it there as a pledge that the gods were not deceiving him. This condition greatly alarmed the gods, who began to fear that their trick was not going to succeed, but the bold war-god Tiu stepped forward and, without any hesitation, placed his right hand in the wolf’s mouth. The gods at once bound Fenrir with the magic cord made by the dwarfs, and, in spite of all his struggles, the wolf was unable to free himself. Great was the delight of the gods at their success, a delight shared by all but Tiu, who had little cause to be pleased with the result of the trick, for Fenrir, finding he was trapped, immediately bit off the hand of the god. Thus Tiu was deprived of his sword hand, but so clever was he that he wielded his sword equally well with his left hand, and still remained invincible in battle.

On one occasion Tiu and Thor, the God of Thunder, set out for the land of the giants to obtain an enormous kettle, which the gods required for a feast. They came at last to the home of a giant, Hymir, who possessed a kettle a mile deep and a mile wide, and were hospitably received by the giant’s wife. When she learned the errand on which they had come, she warned them that her husband was very fierce and hot-tempered, and advised them to hide themselves when Hymir returned, lest he should kill them with a glance. No sooner had the gods taken refuge behind some kettles, which were kept on a beam at the end of the hall, than Hymir came in. When he heard that visitors had called, he flashed his eyes round the hall so fiercely that, as his glance lighted on the gods’ hiding-place, the beam split in two, the kettles came crashing to the ground, and Tiu and Thor were discovered. Hymir, however, was persuaded by his wife to receive the gods kindly; he prepared a meal of three oxen in their honour, but was astonished and dismayed to see Thor eat two of them himself. The next day the gods gave the giant many proofs of their great strength and skill, and Hymir consented to give them the kettle they were seeking. Tiu at once tried to lift it but failed; then Thor, after a mighty struggle, raised it from the ground, and, as he gave the final pull, his feet broke through the floor of the giant’s house. As soon as the gods had departed, Thor carrying the kettle on his head, Hymir called his brothers together, and pursued after them. Thor, however, attacked them with his famous hammer, and killed them one by one. Tiu and Thor then continued their journey, and brought the huge kettle safely to their own land.

There are few stories told of Tiu, yet he held a high place among the gods, as the name Tuesday shows. He is most famous for his share in the binding of Fenrir, whereby was put off the dreaded Ragnarok, the day of the final battle between the gods and the giants.

 

Tuesday’s Witchery

 

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.

Reference

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

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, January 30th

Up Helly Aa (Scottish)

 

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Moon enters Leo 1: 53 pm

Incense: Cinnamon

Color: Scarlet

Moon in Cancer

 

 

 

The Moon is traveling through Cancer

 

Beware of mood swings. Cook some soul food. Cuddle up with someone.

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. Feelings of belonging and safety are what motivate us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

 

Moon Folklore for Your Tuesday

To make things flourish and grow, do a spell during the waxing moon — from the first day of the new moon to the first day of the Full Moon. At this time work for an increase of anything, or to diminish something.

To decrease anything do a spell during the waning period of the moon. This is a good time to get rid of any bad situation, including illness.

To put a stop to anything irksome, choose the second day of the Full Moon. Use silver and white to establish a link with the Moon.

Reference

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

 

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, January 30th

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.

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

 

The Energy of Mars

Weekday ruled by Mars: Tuesday
Stones:
Bloodstone
Garnet
Carnelian
Pink Tourmaline

Herbs and Plants:
Red Rose
Cock’ comb
Mugwort
Mullien
Nettle
Thistle
Wormwood

Magickal Intention: Courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, breaking negative cycles, war, viltality, Assertiveness.

Tuesday & The Perfect Corresponding Spells

By Tuesday, most people are over Monday’s slump and are ready to charge. They feel more alert and energized on this day. Tuesday are considered good days for communication, tenderness, taking care of business and exercise spells.

 

Communication Spells – Candle Communication Spell

1 blue candle
1 bottle of anointing oil (optional)
Take a blue candle and, if you have some oil, go ahead and anoint it. If you choose not to use oil, simply, hold the candle in your hands, and allow your energy to flow into it. After doing this, place the candle on a fire-safe surface and light it. Now, say this chant one time:

“Oh, Great Spirit,
Over land and sea,
Make me a magnet.
Make me as the bees.
Words buzzing to and fro.
As all the rivers run,
Let my channels grow.
Connections opening.
Drawing them close.
Happy smiles
And wonderful host.
I speak into this flame.
The smoke carries into trees.
As I blow it out,
So mote it be.”

Now, blow out the candle. The smoke is supposed to drift your spell out into the world and open up new lines of communication for you.

 

________________________________

Taking Care of Business Spells – TCB Penny Spell

Items needed for this spell:
2 pennies
Your hands
Take two pennies in your hands and shake them, fairly hard. While doing this, say this chant three times:

“Penny, Penny, Penny.
I’m shaking these pennies.
And all is fun.
In a snap,
I need this done.
Sending this out in a run.
I will slap
These, two pennies, down, into one.”

After this chant, throw the pennies on-top of each other, on the ground. The hardness of the throw and the clanking of the pennies will send out the serious urgency of your spell.

Source

A Witch’s Week of Spells and Activities
Helga C. Loueen

 

 

Good Morning, My Sisters & Brothers! I hope everyone is doing fine this beautiful Tuesday morning. I apologize for us running late. It is totally my fault. I have been talking to Eleanor this morning and I believe she is about the only one who truly understands me. She tells me she can look at my face and tell what I am feeling. Look into my eyes and know exactly what I am thinking. I don’t know if that is a good think or not to have someone who can read you like a book. She is the only one around here that can and thank goodness for that.

 

She came in the office this morning to drop off some orders. The minute she looked at me, she immediately asked, “what was wrong?” I started to tell her nothing but why lie, she would know. I told her I really didn’t know. My entire body feels strange, it is like my inner being has been ripped out of my body. I just feel numb to the world. She told me, that reality was finally sitting in. I had done more than I should emotionally wise and now it has hit home. Boy has it ever! I told her that it started this morning when we passed the burned out cabin that I use to call home. It just got worse after that I could feel a part of me slip away as I looked at the cabin. The full details of that night came back. Truthfully I was hoping they never did but…. I also have this reminder on my leg for a bit that won’t let me forget.

 

Then the dear friend whose niece had been shot in the High School shootings who asked me to take away her pain. Help her cope. Eleanor warned me but I didn’t listen. She told me I had enough crap floating around in my own head, how did I expect to take someone’s else’s pain away? Good question, but I had to try and I did. It drained me both emotionally and physically. I think most of all I got sick of hearing other religious leaders say that something glorious would come out of what had happened. Really? Glorious? The aunt and I talked and are still talking about what happened. The leader that made the glorious comment made her very angry. She asked me how could she stand up there and say such a thing? I told her it was her religion that saw something glorious coming out of what had happened. Personally, I told her I saw no good out of those two young people’s deaths. That lady went on and on and by the time it was over I wanted to strangle her. I have been to funerals before but nothing like this. When it was over, the aunt had nothing but questions. The only thing that came to me was to tell her about the image of my Goddess I had seen once. I told her how my Goddess was nothing but pure love, you could sense it and see it illuminating from Her. She welcomed all and she (the aunt) could rest assured that her niece was in the Goddess’ loving care and comfort. There was no more pain, no more confusion in the cosmos, the Goddess had grabbed her sweet soul and took her home to be with her. I told her aunt that we had the guarantee that we would all meet one day again. We would meet in a field of softly blowing grass, our finger tips touching the tops as we ran to meet our loved ones. We had the promise they would be there waiting for us. We also knew that as long as they were in our hearts, they would never be forgotten. They would always be with us. There would be times of sadness and times of joy thinking back on the time you had with your niece on this plane. I told her to hold those memories tight and never, ever let them go.

 

After I was emotionally drained out, it came to me, the aunt’s question. I had an answer for it. How could something glorious come out of their deaths?  I told her to live her life in honor of her niece. Honor her memory each and every day. Let her life and the life of the other family members be a beckon among people. Let their light shine so brightly that no evil can ever touch them again. Let their light and lives be a symbol for no matter what evil occurs it will not destroy them. For as long as they stand as a family together, they will be the goodness that comes out of their lose. Let their children’s light shine through them and let that light shine brightly and be a symbol for those who have lost so much as they have.

 

Evil can never win. I know we aren’t suppose to believe in evil but it is out there and we must face it. We have to face it head on. We can never let it win out over us no matter how bad the circumstances. We must pull from our own faith and from our Divine Mother for the strength and courage to face any and all obstacles put in our way.

 

I am sorry I didn’t mean to “preach,” I guess it was something I just had to get off my chest. I know I do feel some what better now. I appreciate you listening and most of all I appreciate you loving me. If nothing else we learn for incidents like this, there is one thing. Hug your children, your spouse, your significant other every day and most of all tell them you love them, not only tell them show them. In these days and times, you never know any more and that is a very sad thing to say about the world in which we live.

 

Now something I want to share with you. You have heard it before but it does give me strength in times like these…..

 

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth
that bore a witch like me!
I once was burned, now I survive,
was hung and now I sing.

 

T’was grace that drew down the moon
and grace that raised the seas.
The magic in the people’s will
will set our Mother free.

 

We face the East and breathe the winds
that move across this earth.
From gentle breeze to hurricane
our breath will bring forth the change.

 

Turn towards the South and feel the fire
that burns in you and me.
The spirit’s flame will rise again
and burn eternally.

 

We greet the West, our souls awash
in tides of primal birth.
Our tears and blood, our pain and love
will cleanse and heal the earth.

 

Reach into the North and know your roots
down deep ancestral caves.
We find the wisdom of the Crone,
Of circles we are made

 

Amazing earth, enduring life,
from death into rebirth.
T’is earth I am and earth I love
and earth I’ll always be.

 

Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth
that bore witches like we.
We once were burned, now we survive,
were hung and now we sing.

 

Goddess bless, so mote it be,
Our magic spirals on.
Merry meet and merry part
and merry meet again.

—Verna Knapp

 

Thank you, Almighty Goddess for Your Grace & For Your Love!

 

The Witches Digest for Monday, January 29th

(Your Daily Horoscopes, Tarot, Runes & Much More)

Your Weekly Karmic Forecast: Jan 28 – February 3, 2018

 

 

 

 

Source

Astrology Cafe

If You Were Born Today, January 29

 

You are extremely likable and quite brilliant. You love a good debate, friendly challenge, and stimulating conversations, and always have something unique to share. Although you seem wiser than your years while young, you have a youthful quality that is with you throughout your life. There is a gentle and caring quality about you that others love. While you could get away with a whole lot just because you are so easy to like, you are fair to an extreme and will always end up doing your share. Famous people born today: Oprah Winfrey, Tom Selleck, Adam Lambert, W.C. Fields, Heather Graham.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

You have a stronger ability to direct your energies into meaningful activities this year. You’re in a fabulous position to pour concentrated energy into the pursuit of your desires or special ventures and activities.

You’re particularly charming in the year ahead, and you’re particularly proud of your relationships. It’s a strong year for strengthening your connections with others, both partnerships and friendships.

You are seeking out equal, fair, and balanced relationships. There can be a stronger inclination towards togetherness and sharing, creating harmony, and sharing power now. You may gain an advantage in business or finances or by promoting harmony and beauty.

There can be a stronger tendency toward, or desire for, commitment and deep involvement in your relationships — you’re taking love seriously. There can be a willingness to make sacrifices if it seems the best way to make improvements in relationships and with money matters. You can be quite particular in your taste and good with money and savings.

Your ability to express yourself and to solve problems is enhanced this year. You may have opportunities to travel, and matters related to publishing, teaching, and writing should go especially well. You may find that you have the right information at the right time. You could also have big ideas and plans, as your mind is filled with ideas. Work, especially in communications, goes well. Relationships with young people may be particularly rewarding and positive. An optimistic attitude serves you very well, and the desire to expand your mind is strong. With greater receptivity to new ideas and perspectives, you are more likely to attract positive energies.

You are likely to be popular with others when it comes to your ideas and communications, especially as you are communicating with enthusiasm and cheerfulness, and this can bring rewarding experiences and opportunities into your life.

There may be a project, idea, or person that demands much of your attention or occupies much of your thoughts. It’s a strong year for any project or studies that require concentrated effort. You are especially resourceful.

You’re expressing and asserting yourself more naturally and confidently this year, which benefits all areas of life. Suppressed anger is more effectively released in creative ways. It is easier than ever to express your individuality in a manner that is true to you.

Your passions and enthusiasm run high in the period ahead, and you find it natural to channel this extra energy constructively. This is an excellent year for enterprising endeavors and new interests. You’re drawn instinctively to certain projects that have long-term value. It can be an especially creative, tuned-in year for self-expression, not only verbally but through hobbies, games, or sports. Even so, you’re especially charming and diplomatic, investing much in your relationships.

 

2018 is a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of discovery and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise, promote, and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken for the better. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed; or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, diversify, mingle.

2019 will be a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It’s a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are especially able to attract others–and material things as well–this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

Source

CafeAstrology.com

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, January 30th

 

Aries

The morning can find you uncertain or wavery on a matter, dear Aries. Perhaps you are wrestling with whether to put your faith in something. However, as the day progresses, Lunar Eclipse energy builds. The eclipse will occur tomorrow morning and points to the awakening or illuminating of feelings and matters surrounding friends, romance, and personal goals. There can be an epiphany, fruition, or final word on a subject as well as a powerful urge to create, share, and express yourself. A big turning point can happen in your social life, or with a creative project, in the coming days and weeks. Listen to your heart, but take your time before jumping into action.

 

Taurus

The Moon spends time in your communications sector and then your zone of home and family today, dear Taurus, and you might begin the day feeling a little scattered, but end it more directed and focused. We’re moving to a Lunar Eclipse occurring tomorrow morning that brings emotions to the surface and illuminates previously hidden issues, affecting your career and family life. There can be some level of chaos or state of flux now, but an important revelation about security, family, and how to manage your personal life. Once you acknowledge and face those things that you’ve ignored or brushed aside, you have a stellar chance of moving on. A Solar Eclipse will occur in two weeks and prompt a new start along career or reputation lines, and now, it makes sense to sort out your home life. This can mean house repairs, family drama, and possibly even career changes that affect home life.

Gemini

We’re building towards a Lunar Eclipse that occurs tomorrow morning, dear Gemini, influencing your sector of communications and your immediate environment. Your senses are stimulated to the max right now! You can experience a revelation of sorts now or this week, a writing or learning project can come to completion, there may be stress over meeting deadlines, or there can be publicity or promotion playing a significant role in your life now. Try not to be too hasty with your speech or motions Whatever reveals itself or new developments happening now are meant to push you forward, even if at first they slow you down. Avoid sensory overload by tuning out distractions and instead tuning into your intuition.

 

Cancer

The Moon continues to transit your sign for part of the day, dear Cancer, after which it moves into your resources sector, and your focus changes from expressing yourself to considering your practical needs. The Lunar Eclipse occurring tomorrow morning happens in this sector of your chart that rules finances and values. Lunar Eclipses are potent Full Moons and tend to mark important turning points in our lives, and for you, this can be about your money, valuables, values, and talents. You might make discoveries along these lines, or there can be an illumination of matters that were previously brushed aside or hidden. Whether it’s an important revelation about business or a situation that calls for standing up for yourself, this is a time that demands you make changes.

 

Leo

This morning, you may feel a little out of sorts, dear Leo, but as the day advances, you’re encouraged to come out of your shell, and quite boldly, at that! A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs in your sign early tomorrow, bringing a personal matter to a head, perhaps in the form of an epiphany. Emotions seem to want to rule your day, particularly by midday forward. Today and in the weeks ahead, you’re likely to experience significant epiphanies, personal triumphs, and incredible discoveries about your life plan, body, and attitude or outlook. This can also be a time when a close relationship makes headlines in your life. Some of you may be putting an attachment behind you and embracing the joys of independence or discovering yourself through the help of a significant other. Others are finding ways to break out of old patterns and exploring new ways of expressing yourself.

 

Virgo

This morning may find you doubting your abilities to handle all that’s happening in your life, dear Virgo, but the feeling is temporary, and a Lunar eclipse can guide you. This eclipse occurs tomorrow morning and stirs a revelation about your feelings, or it might point to a culmination of work or health matters. Events are such that you recognize the need for extra time to rest or to attend to your spiritual, emotional, and mental health needs. Your feelings about a past matter become undeniable, or a previously hidden or secret issue reveals itself. This is a time for deciding to either embrace or let go of a situation, relationship, or powerful feeling. Revelations occurring now have the power to push you forward with less psychological baggage. This is particularly useful with a Solar Eclipse happening only two weeks from now and paving the way for new beginnings with work and routines.

Libra 

While you begin the day with a sense that you need to take care of business, dear Libra, the Moon moves into your social sector and builds towards Full, pulling up strong feelings and possibly a significant epiphany. The Lunar Eclipse occurring tomorrow morning affects your sector of aspirations, dreams, ideals, community, and friendships, and there can be a sudden need for your help or support. There might also be a culmination or turning point of a friendship matter, group project, or romantic relationship. Whatever comes to light now and this week provides you with valuable insight into an old or brewing problem, and you are likely to feel purged and empowered as a result. Love affairs, children, friends, and teams are areas of life that can involve revelations, unveilings, and important discoveries. Significant shifts in your social life are likely in the coming months.

 

Scorpio

The Moon moves to the top of your solar chart today, dear Scorpio, and you can feel the desire — or need — to take charge. There are building emotions today as something seems to want to emerge or release. This is due to a Lunar Eclipse that’s exact tomorrow morning, and that illuminates a matter related to your career or a major life goal. You may experience an epiphany about where you want to head in your life, or a project culminates or reaches a turning point now. You may be in the position to show off your professional and responsible side. The weeks ahead are particularly keen for revelations about your career and responsibilities, mainly as this relates to your increased focus on home and family. For some, there can be a meaningful reward or announcement or even a change in a career path or life direction. Some of you could discover your true calling or come in better touch with your goals and ambitions through your revelations now.

Sagittarius

The day can begin quietly and perhaps not very confidently, dear Sagittarius, but as it advances, you’re encouraged to embrace your feelings boldly. The Moon moves into your spirit sector and builds towards a Full Moon. The Lunar Eclipse that occurs tomorrow morning stimulates your senses and illuminates a matter of spirit, adventure, or learning. There can be the fruition of a significant project or a turning point reached in your studies. Some of you might question a course of study or belief system now. Epiphanies can be substantial enough to change your perspective or even your life path. Announcements, awards, or completed projects can generate quite a bit of attention. Keeping in mind that feelings are a little overblown around this time, it’s best to welcome whatever insight you have now, but wait a little before taking action.

 

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your intimacy sector today, dear Capricorn, and will reach full by tomorrow morning. This is, in fact, a powerfulFull Moon as it’s a Lunar Eclipse that we’re building towards, and this one can point to significant turning points or revelations related to financial, sharing, and ownership matters for you. Money owed or shared can involve some drama now. There can be new money coming into your life or a significant shift in money sources. You can have epiphanies regarding issues of sharing, give and take, power dynamics, ownership, emotional support, dependencies, and intimacy now and this week. You may be dealing with inflated feelings about a person, relationship, or situation that help you see something that you’ve avoided or missed in the past. Realizations made now can be powerful motivators for making lifestyle changes, particularly related to your close relationships, independence, and finances.

Aquarius

The day may not begin very confidently, dear Aquarius. In fact, you may find yourself questioning certain projects or decisions. However, as the day progresses, it asks you to be bold, and you’re up to the task! The Moon moves into your partnership sector and reaches full there by tomorrow morning. This Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse and occurs in your opposing sign, bringing to light relationship or personal matters. Undeniable feelings rise to the surface now and this week. Feelings that have gone unacknowledged might surface and can be game-changing. Others might learn something about you now, or you may decide to make a significant announcement, and it’s a good time to be open and forthcoming, to the right people, of course! Eclipses in your sign and your opposite sign will continue to occur until January 2019, making this period a time of major discoveries about your independence and close relationship needs. A Solar Return in Aquarius will happen in just two weeks so that any work you do now on understanding your feelings will help you tremendously for your fresh start in mid-February.

Pisces

The day can begin without a strong sense of purpose, dear Pisces, but as it progresses, you’re likely to feel more directed. The Moon moves into your work and health sector today and will reach full early tomorrow. This Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse and it’s likely to bring illumination, a turning point, or culmination of a significant venture related to your work, services, or health and wellness. Discoveries made now can be substantial and perhaps even game-changing. For some of you, information surfacing now and this week helps to push your life forward. Keep in mind that decision-making should be a process, not a quick thing right now, even if you feel a lot of pressure today and tomorrow, so take your time. Knowing your heart about a matter will always help, and that’s what this eclipse helps reveal.

 

Source

AstrologyCafe.com

Lunar Eclipse in Leo Horoscopes: Less Drama, More Love

See what February’s Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse in Leo means for your sign

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Tarot Card of the Day

The Fool

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Your Personal Daily Love Tarot Card

The Fool

You deserve a partnership that deepens as you get to know each other. Wait for the person who has risen above commitment immaturity if commitment is your desire. The Fool reminds us that dating someone is not a mistake. It is falling in love and marrying them if it is not right. If your long-term relationship is encountering a difficult patch, now is the time to work together to rebuild.

 

Your Personal Daily Erotic Tarot Card

The Judgement

The Judgement card indicates that you’ve had some sexual hang-ups in the past, but you’re working toward getting over them. This is a period of transition, and although you’re doing the work, you may not be getting the exact results you desire. Forgive yourself for past missteps in order to take a sexual step forward today. Being afraid to express your true erotic self can even effect other areas of your life, so getting beyond your sexual inhibitions translates into a happier overall existence.

 

Psychic Tip of the Day

Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

 

Your Daily Rune for Monday, January 29th, 2018

Laguz

“Log-uhz” – Literally: “Water” or Ocean – Esoteric: Unconscious, Collective Memory

 

Rune of the unconscious context of becoming or the evolutionary process. Rune of Life’s longing for itself.

Psi: emotion, psychic powers, unconscious mental processes, love, dreaming

Energy: life energy, ocean spirit, origins of life, collective unconscious, the astral plane, love as unity, evolution

Mundane: water, imagination, occultism, dreams

Divinations: Life, passing a test, sea of vitality and of the unconscious growth, memory, dreams; or fear, circular motion, avoidance, withering, depression, manipulations, emotional blackmail, lack of moral fiber, fantasy, poison, toxicity

Governs:

Transpersonal powers
Mastery of emotion in order to shape wyrd
Guidance through difficult initiatory tests, ie. initiation into life
Increase in vitality and life force
Communication between your conscious mind to another’s unconscious mind
Development of ‘second sight’ or prophetic wisdom
All powers of dreaming (lucid dreams, astral projection)

 

Your Weekly Influences for Monday, January 29th, 2018

 

Tarot Influence

Eight of Coins
A time to learn the ways of an occupation. A viable venture may be beginning. Handling worldly affairs skillfully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Cancer Reversed

Cancer reversed denotes a lack of creative energy and disregard for home-life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Water Reversed

Water reversed denotes secrets to which you are not privy. Approach all ventures with caution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Animal Spirit for Today

 

Advice from a Deer

 

 

Daily Karmic Number

Brace yourself. The number 3 as it appears for you today signals that your spirit guides are close by, eager to help you with your needs. You have been on a path of taking care of yourself and your efforts are being rewarded. They have always been there, but you are in a position to sense them more now. Ask them for help with anything. Your mind, body, and spirit are integrated into a seamless unit. You are one with the Universe. Let the Universe benefit you as you send out your own positive energy.

 

Your Daily Charm

Today’s Meaning:
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.

General Description:
This was a favorite charm in Egypt, worn in order to frustrate magicians, sorcerers and evil wishers from bewitching the wearer and stealing the soul from the heart; for it was the general belief that if the soul left the heart, the body would soon fade away and perish. The ancient Egyptians also believed that, after death, the heart was taken, in the underworld, and weighed against the symbols of the law; if found perfect, it was restored to the body, which at once came to life again and enjoyed everlasting felicity.

 

Crack the Cookie

 

The Wisdom of Buddha

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

Moon Diary Eclipse Special: The Total Lunar Eclipse in Leo, January 31st, 2018

by Jane Lyle.

From The Astrology Room

January’s total lunar eclipse in Leo is quite something. It’s our second full Moon this month – making it a rare Blue Moon.

Plus it’s the second supermoon in a month, meaning it’s a full Moon at a point closest to us here on Earth, or perigee.

Stormy weather, geo-physical upheavals, and high tides accompany such powerful Moons. More turbulence rises as human emotions peak, and we’re generally not in a good position to make sensible decisions. That’s because not only are we more impulsive and emotional than usual, but also the information we need to make decisions can be unstable, hidden, or even surprising. Eclipses reveal and conceal, so it’s wise to wait at least a few days, if at all possible, before doing anything final.

The astrology of this total Leo lunar eclipse emphasises the tension between our own individual needs and concerns (Leo), and the needs, opinions, and desires of the wider population (Aquarius). It’s an ongoing theme that began in 2017, with eclipses falling in Leo and Aquarius this year too.

Leo eclipses tend to highlight events around famous people, leaders, royalty, and matters connected with children, creativity, romance, and entertainment. This eclipse has a strong, female edge to it, for the Moon is exactly aligned with Ceres and the Aquarian Sun is close to Venus. Female scientists, social campaigners, and humanitarians could be in the eclipse spotlight.

Ceres is a dwarf planet, named for one of the ancient grain goddesses of the Mediterranean. So, in astrology, she rules over crops, grains, and the seasonal cycles of nature. Ceres aligned with this eclipse asks us to think about how we take care of our environment, or fail to take care of it – and the consequences of that. Wild weather around this time may help to focus global attention on our often-overlooked symbiotic relationship with nature.

Ceres says ‘to everything there is a season’ – you can extend that idea to include love, and the cycles of our relationships – romantically, and amongst our families, children, and friends.

Ceres in Leo has a very queenly vibe – who’s ‘queen’ of your own social circle, workplace, or extended family? That person could be the focus of attention or changes over the next few months. Ceres is also a ‘mother goddess’, although her power in this role goes beyond any sweetly mystical ‘yummy mummy’ persona. She rules over death and decay, alongside fertility and birth. So this full Moon brings certain emotional relationships to a head – there’s generous potential for growth, endings, or chaos.

Neptune’s awkward aspect to the Leo eclipse offers further confusion. Watch out for news about big pharmaceutical companies, plus other drugs-related issues such as legal marijuana, or the use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental health conditions. Neptune always promises glamour, gossip, and scandal too – in Pisces, this includes news about the film, music, and fashion industries, as well as medical organisations and those who work in them. A Leo eclipse puts our bosses, leaders, and prominent people in the spotlight – more than usual, that is.

This Leo lunar eclipse is most likely to trigger your own horoscope if you have planets or points at around 8 -12 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, or Scorpio.

The generation of people, like Donald Trump, who all have Pluto at this degree of Leo, are affected – some more than others, depending on their personal horoscope. When Pluto is triggered, powerful experiences are flagged up – either in deeply emotional, personal ways, or in stunning outer events that shape an individual’s future path.

Other famous people whose horoscopes are energised include Barack Obama and Meghan Markle, with their natal Suns at 12 Leo; Queen Elizabeth II, with her Moon at 12 Leo; Madonna, with Uranus at 12 Leo; and Sharon Stone – another Uranus in Leo generation individual – with Uranus at 8 Leo. Uranus was in Leo from August 1955 – November 1961.

And what’s worth watching out for in the world? Horoscopes for Iran, Qatar, and the UK House of Commons are all stimulated by the Aquarian side of this eclipse – groups of people may find themselves opposing a leader, or losing a leader or figurehead.

Israel, India, Pakistan, and the United Nations represent a small number – amongst many – of world horoscopes whose Leo planets – and leaders – are affected.

This eclipse will be visible in North America, Eastern Asia, across the Pacific Ocean, and in Australia. Regions where an eclipse is visible are, according to traditional astrology, more likely to see obvious manifestations of the eclipse’s meaning.

Events linked with this eclipse will unfold over the next six months, until summer 2018’s eclipses appear in July and August.

Once in a Blue Moon

Learn about the Blue Moon and its meaning

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Remember for all your magickal needs, think Magickal Necessities!

 

The Witches Digest for Monday, January 29th

(Part 2, The Witches Guide to Mondays)

Today is Monday, January 29th

 

Monday is the sacred day of the moon, personified as the goddesses Selene, Luna, and Mani. The moon is ruler of flow, affecting the changeable and impressionable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, then the powers of the moon are at their most potent.

Deity: Mani

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Planet: Moon

Tree: Willow

Herb: Chickweed

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Water

Color: Green

Rune: Lagu (L)

 

The Celtic Tree Month of Luis(Rowan) January 21 – February 17)

Runic Half Month of Elhaz (January 28 – February 11)

Goddess of the Month of Bridhe (January 23 – February 19)

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Monday, January 29th, We Celebrate the Goddess Minerva

Minerva

The Roman goddess of wisdom and science

Discover the legends and myths and religious beliefs surrounding Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and science. She was also the Roman goddess of war and arts, such as spinning, weaving and music. She is depicted in art in a standing attitude, completely armed, with a composed but smiling countenance, bearing a golden breast-plate, a spear in her right hand, and the Aegis, a shield in her left, having on it the head of Medusa, entwined with snakes. The Greek counterpart of this ancient Roman deity was Athena.

Minerva in Roman Mythology
Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and science, featured in many stories, myths and legends in Roman Mythology. Her birth was very mysterious as she is supposed to have sprung, fully grown and completely armed, from the head of Jupiter. This goddess was in the unique position of having a father but no mother. As one of the goddesses of war she was often represented in Roman art with various weapons. She was credited with inventing the chariot, plow, bridle, rake, ox yoke and the flute. The weapons reflected her strategic approach and her preparation for war and were symbols of victory. Her symbol of the olive tree relates to the gift she offered to Cecrops, the first king of Athens during her contest with Neptune.

Facts about Minerva
The following facts and profile provides a fast overview of Minerva:

Minerva Profile & Fact File
Roman Name: Minerva
Role & Function: The function of Minerva is described as being the goddess of wisdom, science, war and arts, such as spinning, weaving and music.
Status: Major Goddess and one of the ‘Dei Consentes’, the Council of Gods.
Symbols: The owl, the snake and the olive tree
Alternative names: Mentor. The name ‘Mentor’ was assumed by Minerva to act as a guide for Telemachus,
Greek Counterpart: The Greek name for this goddess was Athena or Pallas Athena
Name of Father: Jupiter
Name of Mother: None
Names of Children: Unmarried, no children

Goddess Athena

Facts about Minerva in Roman Mythology and History
Discover interesting information and facts about Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and science. The facts about Minerva provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Minerva in Roman Mythology and history.

History and Mythical Facts about Minerva
Fact 1 about Minerva: She was the daughter of Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods
Fact 2 about Minerva: Although Jupiter alone was most commonly named as her parent however alternative myths give Jupiter and Metis as her father and mother
Fact 3 about Minerva: She was a warlike goddess, and had a controlled strategic approach that brought her success in conflicts.
Fact 4 about Minerva: She was a member of the Capitoline Triad which consisted of three major gods – Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. The most important temples in Rome were dedicated to the triad of gods and situated on the Capitoline Hill.
Fact 5 about Minerva: Her festival was called Quinquatria. It was celebrated on March 19 through to March 23. On the first day of her festival no blood was shed, but that on the last four days there were contests of gladiators.
Fact 6 about Minerva: Her symbol of the owl is closely associated with wisdom and victory
Fact 7 about Minerva: The snake or serpent is often depicted at the feet of the goddess as a symbol of the creative power of wisdom
Fact 8 about Minerva: The god of war, Mars, assisted the armies of Troy in the Trojan war against the Greeks, but was wounded in an encounter with the hero Diomedes and the goddess Minerva
Fact 9 about Minerva: She used wisdom and cunning to help her in her battles and was more successful than Mars, the god of War.
Fact 10 about Minerva: Vulcan fell in love with her but she rejected him with the utmost contempt because of his ugly appearance.
Fact 11 about Minerva: She gave the hero Perseus a mirror-like shield to help in his quests. Perseus went on to slay the terrifying gorgon and gave the head of Medusa to the goddess.
Fact 12 about Minerva: As Minerva Medica, she was the goddess of medicine and doctors.
Fact 13 about Minerva: She is represented holding the Aegis, a shield in her left hand having on it the head of Medusa, entwined with snakes.

Minerva (Greek Counterpart was Athena)
The Romans habitually assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Greeks and other nations. When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC many of the Greek gods and goddesses were adopted by the Romans. The Romans simply changed the Greek gods names to Latin equivalents.

Athena, goddess of Wisdom

The Greek counterpart of Minerva was Athena. The Roman religion significantly differed from the Greeks in that it was officially endorsed by the state and exerted influence over the government of Rome. Politicians took the offices of influential priests, called pontiffs, to gain control of the popular worship, Roman gods and goddesses like Minerva were worshipped at every public event, including the gladiatorial games, where blood sacrifices were made to the gods. In ancient Rome, the pantheon of 12 major gods, including Minerva, were called the ‘Dei Consentes’ meaning the Council of Gods.

Minerva and the Roman Gods Family Tree and Genealogy
The Roman gods family tree provides an instant overview of the genealogy and the family connections and relationships between the main deities, including Minerva, who feature in the legends and mythology of the ancient Romans. The Primeval gods and deities, the Titans and the Roman Olympians.

Interesting information and Facts about the Roman goddess Minerva
Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and science
Stories and Legends in Roman Mythology associated with the goddess of wisdom and science
Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids
The Roman goddess of wisdom and science

Monday: Keep the moon safe from the wolf

 

Easy to remember – Monday is the Moon Day. The word moon is associated with the Norse god Mona (Máni). He was pulling the moon accross the sky, trying to escape and save it from a mythological wolf. At the end of the world, the wolf will catch them and tear the moon into pieces. This apocalyptic period of the world is called Ragnarok in Norse mythology.

In Romance languages, Monday is also the Moon Day (lunes in Spanish, lundi in French, lunedi in Italian: coming from Latin Dies Lunae).

Ritual Work Associated with Monday The Day of the Moon

 

Perfume: White Poppy, White Rose, Wallflower

Incense: Myrtle

Wood: Willow

Color: Silver, Grey-white

Influences: Agriculture, Domestic, Longlife, Medicine, Travels, Visions, Theft (new moon)

Reference:

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

Monday–The Day of the Moon

The moon, like the sun, was an object of wonder in the days of old, and was worshiped almost everywhere in some form or other, but it does not play quite so important a part in story as the sun. Since the moon is paler than the sun and its light soft and gentle, it was often regarded as being a chariot driven by a woman, but the course of the moon-goddess across the sky was similar to that of the sun-god.

Diana, the moon-goddess of the Greeks and Romans, known also as Cynthia, Phoebe, and Arterms, was the twin-sister of Apollo, and drove a golden chariot drawn by milk-white horses. Diana and Apollo were children of Jupiter, and were born in the Island of Delos, where a temple to Apollo was afterwards built. Another of the Seven Wonders of the World was the temple to Diana at Ephesus, on the west coast of Asia Minor. The worship of Diana at Ephesus is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles: “And when the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he saith, ‘Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?'” The temple was destroyed in the year A.D. 263, but remains of it may still be seen.

Diana was also the Goddess of Hunting; she was a skilled archer, and spent the day in huuting, as we have seen in the story of Orion.

The most famous story of Diana is that of her love for Endymion, a young shepherd–a story which has been told by the poets many times. One evening as the moon-goddess was driving silently across the sky, she saw sleeping on a hillside a handsome youth, his resting flock scattered over the gentle slope. Attracted by his beauty, Diana stepped from her chariot and gazed long at his face; then softly stooping, she kissed him lightly on the lips. Endymion, half wakened by her touch, caught a fleeting vision of the fair goddess as she hastened to her chariot. Filled with wonder at the sight, he rose quickly and rubbed his eyes, but all he saw was the bright moon floating across the dark sky, and he thought that he had been dreaming. The next night the goddess came to him again, and again he saw her with his half closed eyes. Each night when the bright rays of the moon fell on his upturned face he dreamed this wonderful dream, but he was always sleeping when the goddess came, and nevr saw her in her full and dazzling beauty. The days now seemed long and dreary to Endymion, and he waited anxiously for the night that he might see again the glorious vision.

Diana was filled with dread at the thought that the beautiful youth would lose his beauty as the years went by, and at last she cast a spell over him while he slept, so that he should never wake again, and carried him away to a cave in a mountain-side known only to herself. There the loving Diana paused each night in her journey across the sky, and gazed on the face of the fair Endymion.

Diana, when hunting in the forest, was attended by a band of wood-nymphs who were her faithful followers. One of these nymphs, Arethusa, was one day cooling herself after the chase on the banks of the River Alpheus, when suddenly the God of the River appeared. The startled nymph ran quickly into the woods, but the god Alpheus pursued her, telling her that he loved her and that she need fear no harm. Arethusa was too frightened to listen to the god, and ran on, till at last, worn out, she prayed to Diana for help. The moon-goddess was ever ready to help her faithful nymphs, and in answer to the prayer transformed the girl into a fountain, which she hid in a thick mist. Alpheus, suddenly losing sight of the nymph, wandered sorrowfully about, calling out her name in his distress. Arethusa now thought that she was safe, but the wind-god, Zephyrus, blew aside the mist, and Alpheus saw a fountain where there had not been one before, and guessed what had happened. He quickly changed himself into a river and rushed towards the fountain, but Arethusa sprang from the rocks and hastened away over the stones and grass. Diana now saw her fresh danger, and made an opening in the ground, through which Arethusa slipped, to find herself in the kingdom of Pluto, the God of the Underworld. Here she wandered until she found another opening, by which she escaped once again into the sunshine on the plain of Sicily. Alpheus, however, at last made his way across the sea to Sicily, where he found Arethusa and won her love. The Greeks believed that flowers cast into the River Alpheus in Greece were carried by the river as gifts to his lover, and appeared later in the fountain of Arethusa in Sicily!

Among the Egyptians the moon was regarded as a god, who was named Thoth (The Measurer). He was also the God of Wisdom, Invention, Writing, and Magic. He was one of the earliest of the Egyptian gods, having come into being at the same time as Ra, the sun-god, and it was he who was said to have created the world. The Romans compared him with Mercury because, like Mercury, he invented writing. As the God of the Moon, he was represented as wearing a crescent moon on his head, and holding in his hand a stylus, a pointed instrument used by the Egyptians for writing on their wax tablets.

The Babylonian moon-god was Sin, the Lord of Wisdom. He was the father of the sun-god, and was one of the greatest of the gods, owing to the fact that the Babylonians regulated their calendar by the moon.

The Angles and Saxons believed that the moon was driven across the sky by Mani, the son of a giant, in a golden chariot drawn by a horse named the All Swift. As in the case of the sun, our ancestors had no distinct goddess of the moon; but we shall read of Mani again in a later chapter.

 

Hymn to Diana

Queen and huntress, chaste and fair,
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in thy silver chair,
State in wonted manner keep:
Hesperus entreats thy light,
Goddess excellently bright.
Earth, let not thy envious shade
Dare itself to interpose;
Cynthia’s shining orb was made
Heaven to clear when day did close;
Bless us then with wished sight,
Goddess excellently bright.
Lay thy bow of pearl apart,
And thy crystal shining quiver;
Give unto the flying hart
Space to breathe, how short soever,
Thou that mak’st a day of night,
Goddess excellently bright.
BEN JONSON–Cynthia’s Revels.

The Witches Monday

In the word Monday, we can see part of the word Moon. In the romance languages such as Italian or Spanish, this day of the week is called Lunes and clearly relates to the word lunar. On Mondays, a variety of magick may be worked. Because Monday centers on the energies of the Moon, things like dreams, feminine energy, health, success in spiritual pursuits, domestic matters, and things of family origin are especially important this day.

Mondays are best for love magick and anything concerning home or family, thus old saying, Mondays child is fair of face, which seems clearly to relate to the themes of love and health.

Angels of Monday are Gabriel, Arcan, Missabu, and Abuzaha. Arcan is known as the king of the angels of air and the “ruler” of Monday. Abuzaha (Abuzohar) serves Monday, and is very responsive to invocations and ritual magick. Missabu is a ministering angel of Arcan.

Check whether the moon is waning or waxing to determine what your spell will be. During waning moons, do spells to rid yourself of obstacles or for wisdom and protection. During waxing moons do magic for increase of any kind or to draw something into your life.

On Mondays, the best hour to work is moonrise. Get this information from your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac.

Source

Gypsy Magic

Monday’s Witchery, Magick and Enchantment

 

Think for a moment on all of the witchery, magick and enchantments that you have discovered. Don’t be afraid to adjust spells to suit your own specific needs. Any gentle, illusory, and dreamy charms and spells can be enhanced when you work on the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon. Mondays are a fantastic day to boost your psychic abilities and to tune in to your intuition and empathy. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a different lunar phase each and every Monday, which means in one month you could work four different types of moon magicks on Mondays. How’s that for adding to your repertoire? You are going to have mad skills in no time at all.

So light up those lunar scented candles and add a little mystique to your outfit by wearing an enchanting lunar color. Wear your sparkling silver jewelry and maybe add a pair of dangling silver earrings or a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. Create lunar potions and philters; make a dream catcher and give it as a gift to someone you love. Burn some sandalwood or jasmine-scented incense today to inspire the glamour and magick of the moon. Slice up a favorite variety of fruit that is in season for a snack or share it with your love and enjoy his or her lunar and romantic qualities. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea, enchant it with a little moon magick, and relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Most importantly, get outside tonight and watch the moon for a while. What phase is she in? What color was the moon as she rose? Why not start a journal and write down at what location the moon rises and sets for a few seasons? This is a great way to teach you to tune in and to become more aware of the moon and the influence that she pulls into our lives. Try calling on Selene for her magickal assistance, and call Thoth for wisdom and strength. Get to know the Norse Mani and the Latvian Meness. These gods of the moon have plenty to teach, and if you allow their influence to cycle through your life, you’ll receive many blessings. Be imaginative, and create your own personal lunar magick and witchery. Go on….the moonlight becomes you.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Monday, January 29th

Feast of St. Gildas

Waxing Moon

 

Moon phase: Second Quarter

 

Moon Sign: Cancer

 

Incense: Narcissus

 

Color: White

The Witches Correspondences for January 28th

 

Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconciliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise

Incense: African violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood

Planet: Moon

Sign: Cancer

Angel: Gabriel

Colors: Silver, White and Gray

Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris

Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Fluorite, Geodes

Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.

 

Monday Is Ruled By the Moon

 

This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility.

Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include:

*Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues.

*Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight

*Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit.

*Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue.

*Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone

*Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon

*Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers

*Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace

*Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep

The Energy of the Moon

Planet: Moon

Day: Monday

Color: Silver, white, light blue, purple

Metal: Silver

Associations: Childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, intuition

MAGICKAL APPLICATIONS FOR MONDAY

 

Monday is named after the moon. The Latin term for Monday is Dies Lunae (“moon’s day”); in the Old English language, this day was Monandaeg; in Greek, it was Hermera Selenes. All of these different names and languages translate to the same thing: the “day of the moon.”

Working with the different phases of the moon is an important skill that takes a bit of time for Witches to learn. So why not cut to the chase and experiment with the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon in all of its magickal energies and aspects?

Magickally, Monday encourages the lunar energies of inspiration, illusion, prophetic dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women’s mysteries, and fertility.

Source

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

Ellen Dugan

Monday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

The Spell of the Magus

 

Try working this spell on a Monday while both the moon and the sun are in the sky at the same time. During certain phases of the waning moon, the moon can be seen in the morning sky (or in the new to waxing moon phase, in the evening sky just before the sun sets). This time-when both the sun and the moon are visible in the sky-is believed to be a time of incredible magickal power.

Choose a small pillar style of white candle. Inscribe the candle with a lunar symbol. Anoint the candle with sandalwood oil to increase your spirituality. Next, light the white candle and place it in a candle holder on a safe, flat surface. Gather a few almonds in a dish off to the side of the candle holder. Almonds are sacred to Thoth and are thought to grant wisdom. Note: If you are allergic to nuts, then substitute a white wintergreen-flavored mint.

Wintergreen is also associated with the moon. Repeat the spell below three times:

Thoth, Egyptian god of wisdom and of the moon so white

Hear my call: grant me might and power on this special night

Honor and integrity creates its own power

Grant me wisdom and strength in this magickal hour.

At the final repetition of the spell, eat the almonds/mint, then close the spell by saying:

As I consume these nuts/this mint, I take into myself the wisdom and benevolence of Thoth For the good of all, with harm to none By the moon and stars, this spell is done.

Keep an eye on the candle; let it burn until it goes out on its own. Meditate on the old saying that with great power comes great responsibility. Be sure you are fair and wise in all of your magickal actions. If you are unsure of your motives, then contemplate Thoth, use your imagination, and see what he has to tell you.

Source

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

Ellen Dugan

The Dark Night of the Soul

“The Dark Night of the Soul” is the name given to that experience of spiritual desolation that all students of the Occult pass through at
one time or another. It is sometimes characterized by feelings that your occult studies or practices are not taken you anywhere, that the initial success that one is sometimes granted after a few months of occult working, has suddenly dried up. There comes a desire to give up on everything, to abandon exercises and meditation, as nothing seems to be working. St.John of the Cross. a christian mystic, said of this experience, that it; “…puts the sensory spiritual appetites to sleep, deadens them, and deprives them of the ability to find pleasure in anything. It binds the imagination, and impedes it from doing any good discursive work. It makes the memory cease, the intellect become dark and unable to understand anything, and hence it causes the will to become arid and constrained, and all the faculties empty and useless. And over this hangs a dense and burdensome cloud, which afflicts the soul, and keeps it withdrawn from the good.”

Though the beginner may view the onset of such an experience with alarm (I know I did), the “Dark Night” is not something bad or destructive. In one sense it may be seen as a trial, a test by which the Gods examine our resolve to continue with occult work, and if you are not completely whole-hearted about your magical studies, it is during this period (at its beginning) that you will give up.

The Dark Night of the Soul should be welcomed, once recognized for what it is (I have always received an innate “warning” just before the onset of such a period), as a person might welcome an operation that will secure health and well-being. St.John of the Cross embraced the soul`s Dark Night as a Divine Appointment, calling it a period of “sheer grace” and adding;
“O guiding Night,
O Night more lovely than Dawn,
O Night that has united the lover with his beloved
Transforming the Lover in her Beloved.”

When entering the Dark Night one is overcome by a sense of spiritual dryness and depression. The notion, in some quarters, that all such experiences should be avoided, for a peaceful existence, shows up the superficiality of so much of contemporary living. The Dark Night is a way of bringing the Soul to stillness, so that deep psychic transformation may take place. All distractions must be set aside, and it is no good attempting to fight or channel the bursts of raw energy that from time to time may course through your being. This inner compulsion to set everything aside results in the outer depression, when nothing seems to excite.

The only thing to do is obey your inner voice and become still, waiting for the inner transformation, (which the “Dark Night” heralds), to take place. You may not be aware for a very long time of the results of that inner change, but when the desire to work comes again and the depression lifts, the Dark Night has (for a moment) passed. No one can help during this time, and in many cases there is hardly anyone to turn for advice. One must disregard the well-meaning advice of family and friends to “snap out of it” this is no ordinary depression, but a deep spiritual experience which only those who have passed through themselves (in other words to a magical retreat) but for many, as the routines of everyday life prohibits this, all you can do is cultivate an inner solitude, a stillness and silence of heart, and wait, (like a chrysalis waits for the inner changes that will result in a butterfly) for the Transformation to work itself out. There are many such “Dark Nights” that the occult seeker must pass through during the mysterious process of mitigation. They are all trials but experience teaches one to cope more efficiently.

—-Fra.: Apfelmann, Author

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year

January 28th – 29th

Up-Helly-Aa

Up-Helly-Aa is a centuries-old fire festival held in the Shetland Islands. It is derived from the ancient Yuletide festival celebrating the triumph of the sun over darkness and winter, and it pays

tribute to the ancient Viking Gods and Goddesses. The festival began with torch light processions that ignited giant bonfires and culminated with the burning of a replica of a Viking ship. It was believed that the fire would dispel evil spirits from the villagers and their homes. The festivities usually ended with great feasting and dancing until dawn.

Magickal Activity for January 28th – 29th the Day of Up-Helly-Aa

Personal Cleansing

 

This simple rite is based on the power of the Nordic rune sol (sun), the nurturing potentials of the north that are believed to banish, and gently destroy the forces of restriction and constraint. This is especially critical during the shift from darkness to light-from the old to the new.

Items needed: The rune sol, inscribed with red ink or paint on a piece of heavy construction paper or card stock; one fireproof dish with handles to which is added 1/4 cup table salt; one cup 150-percent grain alcohol; six drops Frankincense oil.

Place all the necessary items on your altar. Set the rune next to the fire proof dish containing the salt, alcohol, and oil. Light the alcohol mixture. As it burns, visualize it cleansing the mind and body as you chant:

Dark forces fade into night,
But not the power of the sun.
All be cleansed with the power of light,
For now a new time has begun.

As soon as the fire burns out, pick up the rune, kiss it, and then hang it over the main entrance of your home. Each time you pass beneath the rune, its power will strengthen and energize your mind and body.

 

Up next, my sweets…..

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