The Witches Digest for Friday, January 5th

(Part 3)

Your Daring Dating Horoscopes for the Weekend of January 5th

David Wells, Astrologer

From The Astrology Room

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

You know that thing where you see someone and you just know, you know! Not that. It’s more a case of slowly, slowly catchy fun-times as someone who may not even interest you grows in confidence and in your heart. Ahh, how lovely. Really.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

When love opportunity knocks don’t have your head in the fridge looking for leftover holiday treats. You’re hiding away T, I get it, I feel the same but you won’t find true love chasing an eat by date. Head out, Mars and Jupiter have some hot love offers on.
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

Until Thursday your ruler Mercury is in your relationship sky, there he is, asking you to say hello, to let someone know if you’re in or out of a new relationship perhaps? Be honest about it all Gemini, show your true colours or wear false ones for longer than you wanted to.
CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

Of all the signs in the zodiac you’re the one most likely to have a week full of relationship goings on. Goings on? What on earth does that mean? It means single sorts inundated with offers, newly hooked up have some choices to make, been in it a while have commitments to commit to. Get on.
LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

If you like the look of that bloke on the bus, that young lady on the tube or maybe you can’t decide which one appeals most? Travel and romance mix until Thursday, if there is someone who gains your attention of a morning say hi, before it’s bye-bye from Mercury.
VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

It’s an effective strategy, getting out and about, mixing and mingling with lots of folks and where you’re having fun you’re more likely to meet someone who is interested in the same things as you. Five out of ten planets and luminaries would agree with you.
LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

What if your mum told you she’d found the perfect partner for you? You’d run a mile, right? What if your sibling suggested it, any better? How about a best mate? Picky aren’t you. Someone close has some golden introductions, don’t dismiss them.
SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Can you see out of that fog you’re in? It’s all consuming Scorps but I can promise you it will clear, this week I would guess, and when it does you’ll know if it’s stay or go with someone who may be very nice and all, but is nice what you’re looking for?
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

Mercury and Uranus are making a last-ditch attempt to help you see someone who has been under your nose all this time, not literally to be clear. Someone who’s been around, someone who may have been challenging in a conversation of two, someone who’s not your type. Turns out they are.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Are you sure you want to step out the door? You’re a magnet for many things and in amongst them is the presence of Venus asking around, finding someone who may suit you. Find some space amongst the noise Capricorn, Venus gets what she wants, always.
AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Seeing is believing, a good philosophy to live by Aquarius, but what about the unseen, what about believing in forces that are conspiring to bring you and someone closer together; just not this week? Relax, cosmic strings are being pulled.
PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Getting to know someone better is a good idea, taking your time, finding out what they like and what they don’t; Facebook is good for that, right? Well, it’s useful for finding out what face they like to show to the world. Your job is to asses if it’s a true on, or not?

If You Were Born Today, January 5

Extremely versatile, you are multi-talented, clever, and imaginative. You are highly compassionate and sensitive, sometimes to the point of despondency, and it can take time in your life to find effective ways to manage this trait. Emotional impulsiveness is something you are likely to struggle with in your lifetime. When focused, you have strong leadership skills and a strong will as well. You are independent and unique, very perceptive, and highly original. Famous people born today: Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Marilyn Manson, Walter Mondale.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Neptune transits in harmony with your Sun this year, and a higher purpose to your life is something you seek. You rely more heavily on your intuition in order to achieve it. You could find that your intuition is subtly enhanced and that you’re often in the right place at the right time, probably because your hunches are more likely to be correct. This aspect softens your disposition somewhat, as you tune into your imaginative and artistic side.

This is a good year for self-improvement programs or efforts. A more sensitive, even mysterious, persona is projected this year, and this can attract pleasantly unusual circumstances (and people) into your life. Career and life path matters may seem to magically fall into place, taking you in a direction that fits.

With the Sun and Moon in harmony in your Solar Return chart, the year ahead should be satisfying and balanced overall. You are in comfortable demand and personally popular, and you are able to achieve a decent balance between work and play; personal and professional life. For the most part, you are on top of your game this year, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there is less stress on both your mind and body. Your self-confidence and positive attitude will reward you!

You have tremendous enterprising spirit this year, attracting strong opportunities on both professional and personal levels. You are able to see the “big picture”, which helps you plan effectively. You have significantly more courage and gumption, making the year ahead a standout one in which you are ready to try new things and take on challenges.

You’re also quite driven to make improvements and effect positive change in the year ahead. This positively impacts many areas of your life beyond the personal, including relationships and work.

This can be a good time for updating your electronics and technology in ways that open up new avenues for communication or ease. Wonderfully creative ideas can fill your head this year.

Again this year, powerful energy is with you for exploring various hobbies related to dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment (as was last year). If you are an artist, this could be an especially inspired, imaginative, and productive year. Pay attention to your gut feelings, which will, more often than not, give you valuable information. If you are involved in sales, you will be able to tune into your client’s inner desires and motivations. Your hunches are often right on target.

You are imaginative, creative, and communicate warmly and considerately. This is a good time for both teaching and learning, and for expressing feelings. Researching cooking, health, and nutrition can be fruitful now. It’s also a strong time for marketing.

You are attuned to the world of beauty and romance in the year ahead. Gentleness with others is a wonderful approach for attracting what you want into your life. There could be truly magical times on a romantic and social level. You are especially romantic or idealistic this year, and you might expand a relationship through sensitive interactions and a giving approach. Benefits come from paying attention to your dreams and intuitions, as well as through creativity.

This is an excellent year for enterprising endeavors and new interests, but equally as potent for relationships and creativity. 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.

2018 is a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

2019 will be a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice – let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.

Source

Cafe Astrology.com

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, January 6th

Claire Petulengro, The Astrologer

From The Astrology Room

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)Do the best you can until you know better Aries. And then, when you know more, do more. You have been trying to move to the pace others set for you. Don’t be a follower but be a leader. Ring now so I can tell you your best points.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)
You feel that the atmosphere between you and a close one has changed. You’re no longer so sure you can tell them anything. Follow your instincts as the Sun is filling you with enough psychic energy to solve your own problems.
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)
There is a feeling of urgency to your chart. Just be careful you are not pushing things which are not yet ready. You’ve done that before remember. Time is your new best friend this month.
CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)
Have you said things you now regret? Do you want to take back your words? You can and should as today gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. Be nice to new faces in business, especially the ones you think don’t hold the power.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)
Try to take more time when making important decisions. It would be far better for you to think of every aspect that could go wrong as well as right before you commit. Remember last year?
VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)
A scatty mind could see you getting all manner of things wrong. Try to think before you act and before you speak. An important friendship in your life can’t take much more pressure Virgo.
LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)
Having fun is top of your list, but careful you don’t belittle those trying to get the job done. Have respect for those you know have been working hard on projects. There are hidden opportunities for you if you do.
SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)
For once you hold all the aces. You can afford to ask for what you want with confidence. You also see the error of your ways over festive dramas and are willing to take responsibility.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)
Jupiter knocked your confidence last week so you’re feeling a little more sensitive than usual. You want to do what others deem is ‘the right thing’, but you also know you have to follow your heart.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)
Try not to speak badly about those you’ve only just met. You may not realise it, but you’re unlikely to have all the facts. If you can allow others to move at their own pace this week, then you’ll find out all not just some of the facts.
AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)
Having goals is what life is all about. Knowing how to achieve those goals is not as easy as you thought, but could be if you can hold your head up high and talk with confidence my friend.
PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)
Why are you saying what others want to hear, rather than what is in your own heart? You of all signs should know that true happiness comes from being one’s true self. News from far away gives you peace over a worry you’ve had.

Psychic Tip of the Day

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

Tarot Card of the Day

Ten of Wands

January 5th, 2018

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

Tarot Love Card of the Day

The Emperor

The Emperor card has selected you to let you know that you sow seeds of better things and more fulfilling times ahead. Give yourself permission to reach out for more, especially if you are dissatisfied. You create a solid foundation, built on a sense of higher purpose. If your current relationship suffers from stress, today let tender actions reveal what you may be unable to put into words. Rebuild, from the ground up.

Erotic Tarot Card of the Day

The Pope

Your Daily Rune For January 5th, 2018

Isa

“Iss-ah” – Literally: “Ice” – Esoteric: Stasis, Stillness

Rune of concentration of things in a static or frozen state. Rune of stillness and the Ego-Self.

Psi: mental faculties, focus, ego, self-image/self-identity

Energy: stillness, contraction, stasis

Mundane: cold, self-preservation, harsh reality

Divinations: Concentrated self, ego-consciousness, self-control, unity of being; or egomania, dullness, blindness, dissipation, immobility, self-centeredness, lack of change, psychopathy.

Governs:
Development of concentration, will and focus
Halting of unwanted dynamic forces as an act of self-defense (ard against demonic influences)
Basic ego integration within a balanced multiversal system
Power of control and constraint over other wights (entities), emotional outbursts
Focus of the will into single-minded action

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Magus

The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. Thoroughly Yang by nature and firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.

As a daily card, The Magus suggest you currently possess a tremendous power and freedom to move your life in any direction you choose. In short, you can make things happen. Your true challenge at the moment is to move forward without trampling the dreams of others. Fortunately your moral fiber is strong as well, and will guide you down the right path.

Your Animal Spirit for Today

Your Karmic Number for Friday, January 5th

You are a natural leader today. People will look to you to clear a path for them to follow. You may be asked to take the reins of a project or situation because of your ability to listen and provide clear communication. Don’t be shy or doubt your abilities – you have unique talent that only your own self-doubt can hide. Abundance flows to you when you step into the role of leading others. If you aren’t offered an opportunity, look for one as a volunteer or even start writing a blog.

Crack the Cookie

The Wisdom of Buddha

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

By Stephanie Dempsey

New Year, Feng Shui

The New Year marks a fresh start. Make the most of this auspicious time by implementing a few Feng Shui cures. You can get a Personalized Feng Shuifor tips tailored just for you, too.

The beauty of Feng Shui is that it is quick, simple, and effective. You may not be able to lose 10 pounds overnight, but you can get the scale moving in the right direction with just a few of these simple adjustments.

Clean up your act

Don’t wait until spring to launch a massive cleaning effort. By cleaning your abode from top to bottom in preparation for the New Year, you’ll wash away any negative energy. Be especially attentive to your kitchen, as this room governs your ability to cultivate good health and impressive wealth.

3 is a magic number

Feng shui experts view 3 as a magic number, as it embodies growth and creativity. Squaring the number 3 is even more auspicious. Therefore, if you want to experience a fabulously fortunate New Year, move 27 objects in your home. The objects could be as big as a sofa or as small as a cologne bottle. The important thing is to move 27 items with the intention of improving your luck.

Fill your wallet

Start the year right with a big, fat wallet. Get 27 crisp, new dollar bills from the bank and put them inside. This will set the trend for a prosperous New Year. Spice things up by sprinkling ground ginger on the outside and inside of your billfold. Ginger is a stimulant, and will attract new sources of income to you.

Sweeten the pot

Fill your sugar bowl and canisters to the brim with sweetener on New Year’s Day. This will make it easier to enjoy all of the good fortune that will come your way in the months ahead.

Set the proper tone

The first words you say in the New Year will set the tone for next twelve months. Therefore, you should prepare a little speech to utter at the stroke of midnight. “Health, wealth and happiness for all” is a good choice, as is “Thank you for all the prosperity ahead.”

Make noise

Loud noises are thought to scare away malevolent influences. Therefore, be sure to make a big racket on New Year’s Day, if only for a couple of seconds. Blast the stereo, bang some pots and pans or toot a toy horn. Your neighbors may grumble, but you’ll be sitting pretty!

Orange you glad it’s the New Year?

Because of their resemblance to the Sun, oranges represent prosperity. Put a bowl of 9 oranges on your kitchen table on January 1 as a means to summon all of that positive, life-giving energy.

Soak up negative energy

If you’re getting over a troubled relationship or need to find a new job, sprinkle sea salt around the interior perimeter of your home. Let the salt stand overnight, and then vacuum it up the next day. Imagine yourself beginning a happier, healthier life as you vacuum. When you are finished, throw the vacuum bag into an outdoor garbage can.

Find a new job (and get a new bod)

People often put off job searches until after the New Year. If you’d like to get a head start on the competition, get rid of 27 objects you no longer use or need. You can donate these things to charity, throw them in the trash, or sell them for a profit — it’s up to you. The key is to make room in your home for new energy. There’s an added bonus to getting rid of stuff: weight loss! When you get rid of dead weight in your home, it starts falling off your body, too.

Find a new love

If you’re in the market for love, you can find it in the coming year by absorbing more western energy. Make it a habit to pause and watch the sunset at least three times a week. By maintaining a positive attitude and a hopeful heart, you could be planning your wedding at this time next year!

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

CHARMED, I’M SURE
The Ethics of Love Spells
by Mike Nichols

To gain the love of someone:  On a night of the full moon, walk to a spot beneath your beloved’s bedroom window, and whisper his/her name three times to the nightwind.
–Ozark love spell

It seems to be an immutable law of nature.  You are interviewed by a local radio or TV station, or in some local newspaper.  The topic of the interview is Witchcraft or Paganism, and you spend the better part of an hour brilliantly articulating your beliefs, your devotion to Goddess and nature, the difference  between Witchcraft and Satanism, and generally enlightening the public at large.  The next day, you are flooded with calls.  Is it people complimenting you on such a splendid interview?  No.  People wanting to find out more about the religion of Wicca?  Huh-uh.  People who are even vaguely interested in whatyou had to say???  Nope.  Who is it?  It’s people asking you to do a love spell for them!

This used to drive me nuts.  I’d take a deep breath and patiently explain  (for the thousandth time) why I won’t even do love spells for myself, let alone anyone else.  This generally resulted in my caller becoming either angry or defensive, but seldom more enlightened.  ‘But don’t you DO magic?’, they ask.  ‘Only occasionally,’ I answer.  ‘And aren’t most magic spells love spells?’, they persist.  That was the line I really hated, because I knew they were right!  At least, if you look at the table of contents of most books on magic, you’ll find more love spells than any other kind.  This seems as true for the medieval grimoire as for the modern drugstore paperback.

Why?  Why so many books containing so many love spells?  Why such an emphasis on a kind of magic that I, personally, have always considered very negative?  And to make matters even more confusing, the books that do take the trouble of dividing spells between ‘positve’ and ‘negative’ magic invariably list love spells under the first heading.  After all, they would argue, love is a good thing.  There can never be too much of it.  Therefore, any spell that brings about love must be a GOOD spell.  Never mind that the spell puts a straightjacket on another’s free will, and then drops it in cement for good  measure.

And that is why I had always assumed love magic to be negative magic.  Years ago, one of the first things I learned as a novice Witch was something called the Witch’s Rede, a kind of ‘golden rule’ in traditional Witchcraft.  It states, ‘An it harm none, do what thou will.’  One uses this rede as a kind of ethical litmus test for a spell.  If the spell brings harm to someone — anyone (including yourself!) — then don’t do it!  Unfortunately, this rule contains a loophole big enough to fly a broom through.  It’s commonly expressed, ‘Oh, this won’t HARM them; it’s really for their own good.’  When you hear someone say
that, take cover, because something especially nasty is about to happen.

That’s why I had to develop my own version of the Witch’s Rede.  Mine says that if a spell harms anyone, OR LIMITS THEIR FREEDOM OF THOUGHT OR ACTION IN ANY WAY, then consider it negative, and don’t do it.  Pretty strict, you say?  Perhaps.  But there’s another law in Witchcraft called the Law of Threefold Return.  This says that whatever power you send out, eventually comes back to you three times more powerful.  So I take no chances.  And love spells, of the
typical make-Bobby-love-me type, definitely have an impact on another’s free will.

So why are they so common?  It’s taken me years to make peace with this, but I think I finally understand.  The plain truth is that most of us NEED love.  Without it, our lives are empty and miserable.  After our basic survival needs have been met, we must have affection and companionship for a full life. And if it will not come of its own accord, some of us may be tempted to FORCE it to come.  And nothing can be as painful as loving someone who doesn’t love you back.  Consequently, the most common, garden-variety spell in the world is the love spell.

Is there ever a way to do a love spell and yet stay within the parameters of the Witch’s Rede?  Possibly.  Some teachers have argued that if a spell doesn’t attempt to attract a SPECIFIC person into your life, but rather attempts to attract the RIGHT person, whomever that may be, then it is not negative magic.  Even so, one should make sure that the spell finds people who are ‘right’ for each other — so that neither is harmed, and both are made happy.

Is there ever an excuse for the make-Bobby-love-me type of spell?  Without endorsing this viewpoint, I must admit that the most cogent argument in its favor is the following:  Whenever you fall in love with someone, you do everything in your power to impress them.  You dress nicer, are more attentive, witty, and charming.  And at the same time, you unconsciously set in motion some very powerful psychic forces.  If you’ve ever walked into a room where someone has a crush on you, you know what I mean.  You can FEEL it.  Proponents of this school say that a love spell only takes the forces that are ALREADY
there — MUST be there if you’re in love — and channels them more efficiently.  But the energy would be there just the same, whether or not you use a spell to focus it.

I won’t attempt to decide this one for you.  People must arrive at their own set of ethics through their own considerations.  However, I would call to your attention all the cautionary tales in folk magic about love spells gone awry.  Also, if a love spell has been employed to join two people who are not naturally compatible, then one must keep pumping energy into the spell.  And when one finally tires of this (and one will, because it is hard work!) then the spell will unravel amidst an emotional and psychic hurricane that will make the stormiest divorces seem calm by comparison.  Not a pretty picture.

It should be noted that many spells that pass themselves off as love spells are, in reality, sex spells.  Not that there’s anything surprising in that, since our most basic needs usually include sex.  But I think we should be clear from the outset what kind of spell it is.  And the same ethical standards used for love spells can often be applied to sex spells.  Last year, the very
quotable Isaac Bonewits, author of ‘Real Magic’, taught a sex magic class here at the Magick Lantern, and he tossed out the following rule of thumb:  Decide what the mundane equivalent of your spell would be, and ask yourself if you could be arrested for it.  For example, some spells are like sending a letter to your beloved in the mail, whereas other spells are tantamount to abduction. The former is perfectly legal and normal, whereas the latter is felonious.

One mitigating factor in your decisions may be the particular tradition of magic you follow.  For example, I’ve often noticed that practitioners of Voudoun (Voodoo) and Santeria seem much more focused on the wants and needs of day-to-day living than on the abstruse ethical considerations we’ve been examining here.  That’s not a value judgement — just an observation.  For example, most followers of Wicca STILL don’t know how to react when a Santerian priest spills the blood of a chicken during a ritual — other than to feel pretty queasy.  The ethics of one culture is not always the same as another.

And speaking of cultural traditions, another consideration is how a culture views love and sex.  It has often been pointed out that in our predominant culture, love and sex are seen in very possessive terms, where the beloved is regarded as one’s personal property.  If the spell uses this approach, treating a person as an object, jealously attempting to cut off all other relationships, then the ethics are seriously in doubt.  However, if the spell takes a more open approach to love and sex, not attempting to limit a person’s other relationships in any way, then perhaps it is more defensible.  Perhaps.  Still, it might be wise to ask, Is this the kind of spell I’d want someone to cast on me?

Love spells.  Whether to do them or not.  If you are a practitioner of magic, I dare say you will one day be faced with the choice.  If you haven’t yet, it is only a matter of time.  And if the answer is yes, then which spells are ethical and which aren’t?  Then you, and only you, will have to decide whether ‘All’s fair in love and war’, or whether there are other, higher,

Acorn Guild Press

A Little Humor for Your Day

13 Commandments

1. Thou shall not turn thy ex into a frog
2. Thou shall not meddle in the affairs of dragons, thou are crunchy and taste good with ketchup
3. Thou shall not laugh at nekked snow sprites
4. Thou shall not get drunk with thy Goddess’s wine
5. Thou shall not sacrifice thy little sister
6. Thou shall not go running around proclaiming thy witchhood if thy are in times of burning.
7. Thou shall not question the word of thy High Priestess – She is God
8. Thou shall not laugh at being nekked at coven – thou shall be killed
9. Thou shall not commit to signing anything that declares any single person as thy lord and savior
10. Thou shall not invoke thy Watchtowers only to say “never mind”
11. Thou shall not burn enough candles to burn thy house down
12. Thou shall not have the magickal name “Sir Stinky Fartsalot”
13. Thou shall not call coven only for laughs

Willow Blackthorn, Author

Published on Pagan Library

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Remember the store is still open and running for all your magickal needs. Proceeds from the sales go to Lady A’s recovery fund. Thank you.

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The Witches Digest for Friday, January 5th

(Part 2)

The Witches Current Moon Phase for Friday, January 5th

Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 84% 

The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.

PHASE DETAILS FOR – FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018

Source

Overview of Today’s Sky

The Moon ends its transit of Leo and enters Virgo at 3:13 AM EST. We’re moving into a period of unusually growth-oriented aspects until the 9th as the Sun, Venus, and Pluto head towards an alignment in Capricorn, as do Mars and Jupiter in the sign of Scorpio, and form sextiles to one another. This is set to be a fertile, creative, go-getting period for relationships, business, and new enterprise.

Today, Mars and Jupiter form a parallel and we get in the spirit of things, but a Sun-Saturn parallel reminds us we should take care of other business before we get started and helps us avoid pushing too fast or hard with new initiatives. The Virgo Moon is particular but earnest and encourages us to get organized before exciting days to come.

The Moon ends its void period when the Moon enters Virgo at 3:13 AM EST.

Preview of January 2018 Energies

a message from Selacia

To read more Selacia’s insight, visit her website, Selacia and the Council of 12

Foresight for Success

As the year is winding down, it’s helpful to have a look ahead at January, a pivotal jumping off point for 2018. In chaotic times like these, having foresight about societal and energy cycles can be both comforting and an essential tool for spiritual transformation. Continue reading for highlights of energies unfolding and what they mean.

Background

This has been one of the most unusual years in our recent history. In fact, our collective psyche continues to process the relentless cascade of changes, surprises, and uncertainty. There is much to integrate and heal.

Given this background, it’s essential to regularly connect with a higher view of happenstance. That includes outer-world events and your personal life situation.

Many things are not as they appear. Consider that some of the challenges and craziness may be divinely orchestrated to catalyze mega shifts and awakening. Factor in the potential of blessings in even the direst circumstances.

When you connect with the higher view, it’s easier to discover peace within. This leads to more stability, more hopefulness, and more creativity to manifest your best life.

Here’s another thing – more peace within helps you to see the world in a heart-centered way. This amplifies your ability to make a beneficial impact as a divine changemaker. The world needs your love and inspiration, put into practice daily.

January Planetary Opportunities

January’s planetary energies provide a number of opportunities to create beneficial personal life shifts and see yourself more clearly. Examples are noted below.

Supermoons Jan 1 and 31

January begins the year in a powerful way with two supermoons. These include a Cancer Full Moon on New Years, then another Full Moon with total Lunar Eclipse the last day of the month. Both of these times are energy gateways with illumination that can help you to get resourced in new ways. Relationships and other issues will have a helpful spotlight, which can translate into resolutions and other breakthroughs.

New Moon Jan 16/17

The first New Moon of 2018 can be an opportunity to clarify feelings about key goals. The energies will support getting grounded and tapping a deep knowing within regarding what stirs your passion. Use this time to self-reflect about what your goals will feel like in manifested form. Your heart needs to be involved for success. Doing this assessment before specific intention setting can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Your Personal Preparations

Now is a good time to reflect on goals you previously set to see what needs updating before the new year. These are fast-changing times and you are changing fast too. Factor in your growth and make adjustments so you can soar in 2018!

You have more options than you realize as you’re preparing for next year. Knowing that, make your intentions and plans with a quantum mindset that factors in the unexpected and wonderful you cannot yet see.

 

Apply the same quantum mindset as you focus on your outer world. This mindset, since it is spiritual and big picture, will help you to stay hopeful and resourced in the coming year.

Year of the Feminine – January 2018

a message from Emmanuel Dagher

To read more of Emmanuel’s insight, visit his website, Emmanuel Dagher, Heal, Prosper, Thrive

Hello my friend,

Happy New Year!

2018 is the Year of the Feminine, and this will impact all of us in a big way.

A Definite Shift in Power

In 2017, we saw many seeds planted in regards to the shift in power coming in 2018.

Before we dive further into what 2018 has in store for us, it’s important to get an aerial or expanded view of what’s happened overall in the past decade.

From 2007 to 2016, a quantum leap in consciousness occurred that affected every area of life, from science, innovation, and art to personal and global awakening.

It’s as if the curtains were being pulled back, allowing us to finally see beyond the veils of illusion.

People from all walks of life started noticing their consciousness expanding into new ways of thinking, living, and being. They also noticed that time is speeding up, and that the world is shifting like never before.

Here are some specific examples of the “pulling back of the curtains” that showed up in 2017:

Meditation has become mainstream, and is being used as a powerful tool of healing and transformation. Not only in people’s personal lives, but in the workplace, health-related organizations, schools, and beyond.

A decade or more ago, if you had told someone who wasn’t familiar with the mind/body/spirit community that you were meditating, well—you probably would have seen a blank, glazed look in their eyes, at best.

The demand for organic and non-GMO foods and products is so high, that the supply can barely keep up. New farmer’s markets and health-oriented stores and restaurants are opening up everywhere, creating options for people to take good care of themselves, from the inside out.

People are realizing that they can no longer give their power away to institutions and organizations such as religion, government, or any of the old structures that promote suppressive, fear-based agendas.

Of course, there’s still room for improvement in that area, but the past decade has seen a huge shift in a new direction.

Caring for the environment has become a priority like never before, with people beginning to create new ways of living that are more beneficial for our planet.

The consciousness of humanity as a whole has evolved beyond the old patterns of separating ourselves from one another.

People are looking beyond the color of each other’s skin, gender, sexual orientation, or cultural background, and are connecting through the knowing that we are far more alike than our ancestors may have believed.

Again, there’s always room for improvement. Yet the big strides are taking place, and shifts are happening everywhere.

You may have noticed that people are becoming friendlier to the idea that we are not alone in the Universe(s).

Every few months, we hear about an “Earth-like” planet that has been discovered in a far-off galaxy that “could” be the home of other civilizations.

Of course, our indigenous cultures, and the current Wayshowers and Lightworkers, have known for a long time that these civilizations exist. But it’s nice to see the idea making its way back into the mainstream Western consciousness.

Western medical practices are more and more acknowledging and integrating with natural and holistic approaches and methods of healing than ever before.

There’s also a great deal happening in the areas of technology, creative arts, and personal well-being. But the examples offered above offer a clear picture of how quickly we are evolving.

Two Steps Back, Thousands of Steps Forward

To many, 2017 felt like a year in which much of the progress that was made in the last decade took a backward turn in the direction of the old fear-based paradigm.

Again, from an aerial view, there’s always a blessing in every experience, even if that experience feels challenging or doesn’t seem to make any sense at the time.

In the case of 2017, the entire year served as a “reset” button.

Here’s a simple analogy to describe what happened:

Imagine you have a fairly new computer that you leave on day and night.

During the time you are working on the computer, you create, read about, and save lots of helpful, uplifting, and consciousness-expanding content.

However, at one point you notice that the computer is processing a bit slower than usual, because it has not been shut off for a while.

So, you decide to turn it off to let it rest.

The next day, you turn your computer back on. It now works like it did when you first got it, and … you still have all of the great content you had saved prior.

Now that the computer is working faster again, you can create, learn about, and save even more helpful, uplifting, consciousness-expanding content to enjoy.

2017 was like that. It gave us a needed reset, a time to put into perspective what we truly desire to create or enrich our lives with now—and what we are ready to completely release.

It was an eye-opening, often head-scratching year for many, yet it shined a light on many of the shadow aspects of humanity that still needed healing.

For that, as challenging as it was, we are grateful.

Because what it did was pave the way for something far greater to emerge.

The calls for the Divine Feminine were strong, and She is set to come back in the year 2018, a “2” year.

(Numerologically, 2018 is 2+0+1+8=11. Breaking down the 11 into 1+1, the year reduces to a 2.)

She has heard our calls, and is roaring her way back as the sacred mothering lioness that she is to all of us.

The Divine Feminine is preparing to carry us all the way to our new paradigm on her energetic wings, and nothing can hold her back her anymore!

2017 was two steps back, yet 2018 will be thousands of steps forward.

The Year of the Divine Feminine

In 2018, the Divine Feminine seeds that were planted in the Summer of 2017 will blossom fully, and command our full attention.

The power that comes with this Year of the Feminine will be like none other in our recent history. The closest time this much Feminine energy came in was in the late ’50s. What followed was all of the advancement that took place in the ’60s.

This is the year that the Divine Feminine makes her presence felt more than ever in the heart, mind, and experience of every being.

In 2018, the Divine Feminine will ensure that every living being on the planet will be guided to fully learninghow to embrace, honor, and respect the Feminine within themselves, others, and in the world around them.

For those who resist or intentionally decide not to embrace, honor, and respect the Divine Feminine, 2018 will be a challenging year that will continue to pull them onward, until they are able to embrace, honor, and respect the Feminine energy.

The Divine Feminine is often associated with soft and gentle energy, although that is only one small aspect of the qualities that represent Her. The Feminine energies making their way into our consciousness this year will be bolder, louder, and more powerful than ever, requiring justice, fairness, and freedom in all areas of life.

The idea that the human mind can best associate with the energies of 2018, is the concept of “Enough is enough!”

This is the energy of this new year: Enough is enough, and now something is finally going to be done about it.

2018 will feel more like the beginning of the new era that many thought had started in 2012.

The winds have shifted direction, and the core foundations that our world has been operating on are being rewired to make the Divine Feminine the core foundation of everything, as She was originally meant to be.

The “reset” we recently experienced was an integral part of our journey, and made absolutely clear what needs to be changed.

And 2018 is the year it WILL be changed.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a woman or a man. Give yourself full permission to embrace, honor, and respect the Divine Feminine within yourself and others, and it will be reflected back to you many fold.

Here are some qualities we can implement to help us connect and align with the Divine Feminine energy:

• Integrity
• Respect for everything
• Transparency
• Kindness
• Compassion
• Unconditional love (for self, and all life)
• Child-like wonder
• Justice
• Fairness
• Awareness of karma
• Creativity
• Freedom (releasing adherence to the old structures and conditions, and to feelings of guilt and shame)
• Sacred geometry in Nature, ourselves included
• Spirituality (free of fear-based programming or structures)
• Humility
• Otherworldly strength
• Soul-centered beauty
• Community
• Friendship
• Romance
• Intimacy
• Vulnerability
• Holistic healing and well-being
• Receptivity (the key ingredient to manifesting from the invisible to visible realm)
• Intuition
• Expansiveness
• Change
• Allowing (rather than controlling)
• Ease
• Flow
• Gentleness
• Being (rather doing)
• Abstract (rather than concrete)

Embracing Compassion and Unity

In 2018, we will see many more women and men who are fully embracing, honoring, and respecting the Divine Feminine step into roles and platforms that have them serving as leaders. This can be in local communities, businesses, and all the way up to the global stage.

Many voices around the world will shine a light on the importance of unity, compassion, and healing.

Voices like this, which were once silenced, will continue to take center stage, and will help to usher in a more heart-centered world that benefits everyone, rather than a select few.

Selfishness, control, ignorance, and greed in the collective will find it very hard to survive in 2018 and beyond. The Divine Feminine will be cleaning these qualities up from the heart and mind of humanity. The more love and kindness we choose to embody, the easier this process will be.

This year gives us the opportunity to honor our emotions in a loving way, and to allow them to fully be expressed so that they can heal out in the open, rather than keeping them buried deep inside.

Once our emotions have been expressed in way that is productive and healing, they can be released from our body, where we can be at ease with ourselves.

Dis-ease manifests when someone is not at ease, due to holding stress in their body. The way to be at ease is to pace ourselves, not rush all the time, and to listen to our intuition and body.

This is also the year that we will be given the ability to learn how to release the need to attach ourselves to the seeming global occurrences that are promoting fear and separation.

This will be big, because it will allow us to not get distracted or held back from living our best life in each present moment.

One thing that will help tremendously is to cut back our media time (phone, TV, news, internet) and spend time being in Nature, seeking spiritual enrichment, and spending time with the people we love.

2018 is also a great time to embrace big changes such as having a baby, taking care of a new pet, moving to a new home, traveling, rekindling a relationship or starting a new one, and starting a new business venture.

This year also provides us with the gift of bettering the human experience for all. So kindness will be a big theme, along with anything that promotes the betterment of the human experience for all.

Our educational system, our values and behavior, our relationship with Nature, our health and well-being, and how we are treating one another, are all things that will be focused on and improved this year.

As we continue to connect with the Divine Feminine throughout this new year, we will discover and allow aspects of ourselves that are increasingly empowering and freeing.

These new strengths can include greater kindness toward ourselves and others, more creativity, and spiritual strengths, such as the ability to forgive what we may have resented in the past.

They may include the desire to flow easily with the day’s events, to live more in the present moment, and to see the joy of life, not only the responsibilities of it.

If you have been desiring a flowing, joyful, fulfilling life that allows you to be more fully who you are—2018 will be a life-changing year for you!

The Divine Feminine is calling us up into wholeness, lightness, inner knowing, and a feeling of connection to all Life we never knew was possible.

Until next time!

Miraculously Yours,

Emmanuel

Your Love Horoscopes for the Weekend of January 5th, 2018

Sarah Bartlett, Astrologer

From The Astrology Room

ARIES

There’s a distinct feeling of aloof detachment around you at the moment. Recently, you’ve been fearful of rejection and had to play the ‘free spirited, careless little old me’ game. Luckily, with a rational approach to your moods and a whimsical approach to love and life, you begin to see that someone special is actually in agreement with you.

TAURUS

Whether you want to make it clear that you fancy someone, or just to clear the air with the one you love, it’s time to do the very thing that you aren’t that keen on doing: speaking up. So welcome and embrace the unpredictable. Know that being honest won’t send someone away. In fact, they are there for you, so trust in their integrity.

GEMINI

As usual, you’re in the middle of making a difficult decision. In fact, you’re in the mood to get away for a while to get some ‘space.’ It’s hard to commit yourself to something which a few months ago might have been easy. Mercury is encouraging you to see love from a new angle. Time to reflect on it a little.

CANCER

Thanks to the planetary line-up there’s a renewed sense of being true yourself. At last the light breaks through. Because, in a way, you know if you aren’t true to yourself, then how can you be true to anyone else? So make it clear who you are and what you want, and do so with all your heart.

LEO

So why are you letting someone manipulate you or get away with thinking they’re right?  I’m not saying a partner or lover is emphatically wrong and you’re right. I’m not saying ‘rebel’, but I am saying stand up and fight for your cause. Please look at what you’re giving up to keep the peace. It’s time to stand up for you.

VIRGO

Committed love is important to you, so now is your chance to explain the situation. With hand on heart and a sudden flurry of romantic indulgence, you realise that your independence is sacred too. Soon, you will know the way forward for real, mutual understanding if attached, and if single, the chance to honour your true needs.

LIBRA

New ideas and interesting romance are enticing. But please think carefully before replacing the devil you know for a newer model. Let your partner or current lover enjoy a little battle of wills, and the mental arrows flying between you will be tipped not only with love’s gold, but the power of Eros.

SCORPIO

You’re being slightly led astray by all your friends’ opinions. Could it be you’ve lost touch with your instincts?  Relax.  If you were sure enough to start something (whether a love affair, new beginning, an ending or parting of the ways) then be sure enough to get on with it. Then those who think they know best, will remember next time to think twice before opening their mouths.

SAGITTARIUS

You’re deeply uncertain about whether to make a promise to someone or not. You feel you deserve only what you get, and as that’s not very much right now, it confirms you’re opinion that you’re worth very little. But with the gradual changing influence of the planets, you realise the only promise you need to make, is to please yourself first.

CAPRICORN

We admire, love and nurture our friends, lovers or partners. Often, we import these kind of people into our lives because we believe these qualities to be lacking in ourselves. For example, at the moment you can’t get enough of romantic admirers. However, this week, if you look carefully, you will see the romantic protagonist and the admirer are one and the same. In fact they are both you.

AQUARIUS

This week, if you could have just one beautiful flash forward of how things will be, or just one word from someone, you’d be content forever.  So right now, nurture your own desires and start to take responsibility for the choices you have made, whether good or bad.  Let go of the past, don’t look back, and then you can start to walk free from regrets.

PISCES

You now have the confidence to speak your mind, and to ask for what you truly need. This is the chance to think positively about your own self, take love seriously and pull out the stops to achieve your heart’s desire. ‘Enlightenment’ in its purest essence, is the art of seeing into the nature of one’s own being. You are about to see through the window to your own soul’s desire.

Be right back, we are currently experiencing graphic problems

The Witches Digest for Friday, January 5th

(Part 1)

Free

There is a time and a place,
In it we all stand alone and apart.
We look upon the world and ask why,
We scream at the universe and feel abandoned.
It is not till we can stop the screaming that we can hear,
Finally we hear what the Lord and Lady have to say.
Life will have its ups and downs,
You are not made to receive but to endure.
Take what is given to you and cherish it,
Cherish those around you, who make life special.
Cherish those who not just give you joy but pain as well,
For those are the ones that teach you lessons.
It is then we realize that we are not alone, we are not apart.
Love them, laugh with them, dance with them, live with them.
Some will come, some will go, some will love, and some will hurt.
Know that with pain there is love and with love there is pain.
We were made to be free;
Free to make our own choices,
Free to live our lives.

—A Journey with the Lady
Steven Spears

Today is Friday, January 5th, 2018

Friday is the day of Venus. It takes it name from Frigg, the Goddess of love and transformation. She rules the spiritual side of a person that manifests in the physical. Because of this, Friday is often thought of as dangerously unpredictable. This is expressed in an old East Anglian adage:

Friday’s day will have its trick
The fairest or foulest day of the week.

Deity: Frigg

Zodiac Sign: Taurus/Libra

Planet: Venus

Tree: Apple

Herb: Vervain

Stone: Sapphire/Chrysolite

Animal: Bull/Serpent

Element: Earth

Color: Yellow/Violet

Number: 7

Rune: Peorth(P)

The Celtic Tree Month of Beth (Birch) (December 24 – January 20)

Runic Half Month of Eoh (Yew tree) (December 28 – January 12)

Goddess of the Month of Hestia (December 26th – January 22nd)

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Friday, January 5th, We Honor the God Horus

Horus

Another of the oldest and most important deities of the pantheon, Horus existed in several distinctly different forms over the long time span of ancient Egyptian civilization, and eventually became a patron god on a national level.

 
He was known as a sky god, and a god of war, hunting, and protection, and was particularly important to the belief in the link between the Pharaoh and the gods, as he was the one to defeat the evil Set and restore order to the land from the King’s throne.

Over the centuries, the pharaohs would eventually claim direct lineage from Horus, strengthening their image as divine rulers.

 
Horus is the son of Isis and Osiris, who battles with Set—his father’s murderer—in many different stories, and protects Egypt from him according to his mother’s wishes.

Ultimately, Horus and Set come before the Sun god Ra to make their cases for the throne, and Ra rules in Horus’ favor. The various myths and legends around this epic conflict contributed to Horus’ exalted status as a hero.

 
Horus was originally a falcon god, flying through the sky on his hunt, and at festivals honoring him, a live falcon was crowned to represent his sovereignty. He has also been depicted as an infant sitting on a lotus petal, since his childhood was intricately linked with Isis’ mother-protector role in the central myth.

 
As a sky god, Horus was seen to rule both the Sun and the Moon. His powerful eyes reflected these dual domains, with one eye associated with the Moon, and the other with the Sun. (Which eye is which depends on whether you’re looking at an image of Horus or visualizing his actual perspective.)

 
The long-revered symbol known as the Eye of Horus is usually associated with the Moon, while the Eye of Ra symbolizes the Sun. However, the Eye of Horus is more familiar in the present day, perhaps because of Horus’ dominion over both celestial bodies.

 
The eye of Horus is a particularly beloved symbol for many Wiccans, who appreciate the powerful protection it conveys, and its association with reincarnation, a central tenet of Wiccan belief.

 
In a magical context, Horus is the son of the great magician Isis, and so his energy is considered to be especially strong, as well as forceful and even aggressive, given his status as a warrior and king. Though Wiccans reject the use of magic for negative and even overtly manipulative purposes, the assistance of Horus can be channeled for positive intentions, particularly when aimed at problem-solving and helping those in need.

 
You might call on Horus for assistance in navigating an interpersonal conflict, or in “hunting” for needed sustenance. Drawing or painting the Eye of Horus symbol is believed to attract protective energy and good health—in fact, this is a popular design on clothing as well as a common tattoo for Wiccans and other Pagans.

 
Represent him at your altar with images of falcons, hawks, or other birds of prey. Offerings to Horus traditionally include raw meat to honor the falcon aspect, but vegetarians can use bread as an appropriate alternative. Iron and symbols of weaponry honor the warrior aspect, as well.

Source

Wicca Magical Deities: A Guide to the Wiccan God and Goddess, and Choosing a Deity to Work Magic With
Lisa Chamberlain

Friday’s Magick

Magickal Intent:
Lust
Romance
Happiness
Travel
Friends
Beauty
Sexuality
Harmony
Growth

Planet: Venus

Colors: Pink, Aqua, Seafoam

Crystals: Coral, Emerald, Rose Quartz

The Magickal Day of Friday

Friday falls at the end of the work week for many of us, and that means we get a chance to relax for a little bit! Mark your Fridays with colors like pink and aqua, and metals such as copper. This is a day ruled by the planet Venus, so it should be no surprise that Venus and Aphrodite – goddesses of love and beauty – are associated with Fridays. This is a day named for the Norse goddess Freyja, so be sure to take a moment to honor her as well.

Gemstones associated with Friday include coral, emerald and rose quartz, and plants like strawberries, apple blossoms and feverfew are also related. This is a good day to do spellwork associated with family life and fertility, sexuality, harmony, friendship, growth. Take advantage of Friday’s correspondences and plant a seed, make something grow, and enjoy your blessings

*Note: There are a lot of disputes as to the origins of the word Friday, because there is still a great deal of discussion as to whether it was named for Freyja or Frigga, and whether they were the same deity or two separate ones. Some scholars believe that while they may have eventually become two distinctly different goddesses, they could have had their origins in a single, common Proto-Germanic deity.

Source

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

Friday–The Day of Freya

In the stories of the gods and goddesses of the Angles and Saxons we find two goddesses, Frigga, the wife of Odin and queen of the gods, and Freya, the Goddess of Love. Some people think that Friday was named after Frigga, and others that it was Freya’s day. Since very similar stories are told of each of them, it is quite probable that they were really the same person. The Roman name for the day was Dies Veneris, the day of Venus, who, it will be remembered, was the Goddess of Love, and so corresponded to Freya. The modern French name is taken from the Latin and is vendredi.

Frigga was the Goddess of the Clouds, and, when she was not with her husband Odin, spent her time in spinning clouds. Her spinning-wheel was studded with jewels, and at night could be seen in the sky as the constellation to which the Romans gave the name of Orion’s Belt, as we have seen in the story of Orion.

Frigga was also the Goddess of Spring, and as such was known as Eastre, whom we have already mentioned as giving us the word Easter.

Freya, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, like the Venus of the Romans, received a great welcome when she came to the home of the gods, and was given a special kingdom called Folk Meadow, where was a vast hall known as the Hall of Many Seats. Here she received half of those slain in battle, the other half being entertained by Odin, as we have seen.

Freya is depicted as having blue eyes and golden hair, and often as wearing a robe of feathers, which enabled her to fly through the air like a bird.

The goddess is said to have married Odur, who was probably Odin under another name. Odur once had occasion to leave Freya and travel over the world, and the goddess was broken-hearted at his departure. Her tears fell among the rocks and were changed to gold, while some which fell into the sea were transformed into amber. All nature mourned with her: the trees shed their leaves, the grass withered, and the flowers drooped their heads. At last Freya in her distress set out to find her husband, and, passing through many lands, where her golden tears were afterwards found, came to the sunny south, and there overtook the wandering Odur. As the lovers returned, the fields and the flowers rejoiced with them. The frost and snow fled before them, and the earth became green again as they passed.

“And Freya next came nigh, with golden tears;
The loveliest Goddess she in Heaven, by all
Most honour’d after Frea, Odin’s wife.
Her long ago the wandering Odur took
To mate, but left her to roam distant lands;
Since then she seeks him, and weeps tears of gold.”

MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead.

This story, of course, reminds us of Ceres and Persephone, and is only another fanciful explanation of summer and winter.

Freya was the proud possessor of a dazzling necklace of gold, which had been made by the dwarfs, and which she wore night and day. On one occasion only did she lend the necklace, when Thor, disguised as Freya, went to the land of the giants to recover his hammer, which had been stolen by the Giant Thrym. Loki, by borrowing Freya’s robe of feathers and flying over the country of the giants, had discovered the thief, but had also found that Thrym would only return the hammer on condition that Freya would become his wife. When Freya heard of the giant’s presumption, she became greatly enraged, and vowed that she would never leave her beloved Odur and go to live in that dreary and desolate land of cold. Heimdall, the guardian of the bridge Bifrost, then suggested that Thor should go to Thrym disguised as Freya, in company with Loki disguised as Freya’s attendant. The gods at last allowed themselves to be persuaded, and Thor, having borrowed Freya’s clothes and necklace and wearing a thick veil, set out with Loki, who was dressed as a handmaiden. On reaching the giant’s palace, they were welcomed by Thrym, who was delighted at the success of his plan, and who led them to the banqueting hall, where a great feast was held. At the end of the feast, Thrym ordered the famous hammer to be brought in, and he himself laid it in his bride’s lap as a marriage gift. Thor’s hand immediately closed over the hammer, and in a few moments Thrym and all the guests invited to the wedding feast lay dead.

Freya was greatly relieved to have her necklace returned in safety, but the evil Loki, attracted by its wonderful beauty, determined to steal it. One night the god, by changing himself into a fly, succeeded in entering Freya’s palace. He then resumed his own shape, and, creeping stealthily to Freya’s bed, gently removed the necklace from the goddess’s neck. The watchful Heimdall, however, had heard Loki’s footsteps, and, looking in the direction of the Folk Meadow, became a witness of the theft. He at once set off in pursuit of Loki, and, overtaking him, drew his sword and was about to kill the thief, when Loki changed himself into a flame. Heimdall immediately changed himself into a cloud, and sent down a shower of rain to put out the fire. Loki then took the form of a bear, and opened his mouth to catch the water. Heimdall also took the form of a bear and attacked Loki, who, finding that he was being overpowered, changed himself yet again, into a seal. Heimdall followed suit, and fought again with Loki, and at length compelled him to give up the necklace, which was returned to Freya.

On another occasion Freya was sought by one of the giants, and it was only by the cunning of Loki and by an act of bad faith on the part of the gods that she was saved. The gods, ever anxious lest the giants should invade Asgard, decided to build a stronghold which would prove impregnable. They received an offer from a stranger, who was willing to undertake the work in return for the sun, the moon, and the goddess Freya. By Loki’s advice they accepted the offer on condition that he should complete the work in one winter, aided only by his horse. To the surprise of the gods the stranger agreed to these conditions, and with the help of his horse, which could haul the heaviest stone, set to work. The gods, who at first felt sure that their conditions had made the task impossible, were alarmed to find as time went on that the stranger was working so quickly that it seemed certain that he would be able to keep his promise. The gods on their side had no intention whatever of keeping their promise, since they could not possibly part with the sun and the moon and the Goddess of Love, and they angrily pointed out to Loki that since it was he who had got them into this difficulty, he must find some way out of it. Loki replied that the gods need have no fear, for with his usual cunning he had thought of a plan whereby the stranger might be made to forfeit his reward. On the last day, when only one stone remained to be dragged into position, Loki changed himself into a horse, and, trotting out from the forest, neighed loudly to attract the attention of the stranger’s horse. Tired of his continual labour and longing for freedom and rest, the horse broke free from its load and galloped after Loki. The stranger, after pursuing it vainly through the forest, at last made his way to Asgard, and, full of anger at the trick which had been played upon him, took on his real shape, for he was a frost-giant, and was about to attack the gods when Thor hurled his hammer at him and killed him.

Frey, the god mentioned in the story of Loki and Sif’s golden hair, was Freya’s brother. He was the God of the Fields, and sacrifices were made to him for the crops. In the early spring his wooden image was driven in a chariot through the countryside, in order that he might bless the fields and bring a fruitful harvest: Frey, as we have seen, became the possessor of a ship which could travel over land and sea, and though large enough to contain all the gods, yet could be folded up like a cloth, and he also possessed a boar with golden bristles. The god often rode on this boar, which was swifter than a horse, and was no doubt a symbol of the sun, which ripened the crops. We find the same idea of sunshine in Frey’s flashing sword, which fought of its own accord as soon as it was drawn from its sheath.

The month of the Angles and Saxons which begins just before our Christmas was sacred to both Frey and Thor, and it was customary at that time, as we have already mentioned, to bind a huge wooden wheel with straw, and, setting fire to it, to roll it down a hill. The wheel was a symbol of the sun, which at that time began to chase away the winter. At this time, too, was held a great feast to all the gods, and the chief meat eaten was a boar’s head, in honour of Frey. The missionaries who first brought Christianity to the Northmen, finding this feast was of great importance and was celebrated by all the people, did not try to do away with it. Instead, they changed it from a heathen to a Christian festival by putting Christ in the place of the Norse gods, and calling it the Feast or Mass of Christ. A similar change was made, it will be remembered, in the case of the Easter festival, held in honour of Eastre or Frigga, the wife of Odin.

The Witches Guide to Friday

Ruler: Freya, Venus

Colors: Emerald green or pink

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following.

Key Words: Love, money, health

It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. In the word Friday, we see the roots of the name of the Norse goddess Freya, a goddess of love and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses thus the verse “Friday’s child is loving and giving.”

In Spanish this day of the week is called Viernes and is derived from the goddess Venus. Matters of love, human interaction, the fluidity of communication, sewing and the creation of artistic garments, household improvement, shopping, and party planning all fall under the aspects of Friday and its ruling planet, Venus.

Friday’s angels are Ariel/Uriel, Rachiel, and Sachiel. Rachiel also concerns himself with human sexuality and is a presiding spirit of the planet Venus.

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

Source

Gypsy Magic

Friday’s Witchery

Love magick is a perennial popular topic. However, there is more to this topic than meets the eye. There are many enchanting layers here for us to explore on this day of the week. What about creating a loving home, or producing a loving and nurturing family? What about keeping your intimate relationships vital and on track? How about promoting happy, healthy, and enduring friendships? See, there is more to be considered than just the “You shall be mine…” type of fictional love spell.

Don’t forget that many of the deities associated with Fridays are also parents. So, yes, while this is the day to work on romance, sex, and love spells, there is additional magick to be considered here, which makes Fridays a more well-rounded and bigger opportunity for witchery than many folks ever truly realize. The truest, strongest magick always comes from the heart.

Source

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Honey Do List for Fridays

Fridays are days of loving enchantments and passionate emotions.
See how many ways you could add a little loving enchantment into your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you wish to explore the topic of love and romance witchery even further, then check out my book How to Enchant a Man: Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle &Beguile. If cat magick has tickled your fancy, then for further study read my book The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells &Magick.

In the meantime, try sharing red berries with your partner some enchanted evening. Work that meditation, and see what other mysteries Freya has to teach you. Wear a Venus planetary color and call on the Goddess for a little inner sparkle. Burn some floral incense, light up some rosy candles, and set a romantic mood. Try wearing a little copper jewelry, and see how it affects you and your Friday magick. Get those potpourri and philter recipes going, and see what you can conjure up.

Advancing your magickal skills takes drive, ambition, and passion. Work with Eros to discover just how much enthusiasm, inspiration, and drive he can bring into your days, for the imagination is a place where dreams flourish and ideas come to fruition.

Call on these fertile and romantic powers, and create your own unique spells and charms. Just think of all the magickal information that you can now add to your repertoire of witchery. Lastly, remember this: when you combine imagination and a loving heart with magick, you’ll succeed every time.

Source

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Almanac for Friday, January 5th

Bird Day

Waning Moon

 
Moon phase: Third Quarter

 
Moon Sign: Leo

 
Moon enters Virgo 3: 12 am

 
Incense: Vanilla

 
Color: Purple

Moon in Virgo

We instinctively gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In order to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

FRIDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Venus/Water/East/West/South/Dawn/Female/Libra/Taurus

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Heart

Color: aqua, blue, light blue, brown, green, pale green, magenta, peach, pink, rose, white, all pastels

Number: 5, 6

Metal: copper

Charm: green or white garments, scepter

Stone: alexandrite, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, jade, jet, black moonstone, peridot, smoky quartz, tiger’s-eye, pink tourmaline

Animal: camel, dove, elephant, goat, horse, pigeon, sparrow

Plant: apple, birch, cherry, clematis, clove, coriander, heather, hemlock, hibiscus, ivy, lotus, moss, myrtle, oats, pepperwort, peppermint, pinecone, quince, raspberry, rose, pink rose, red rose, rose hips, saffron, sage, savin, stephanotis, strawberry, thyme, vanilla, verbena, violet, water lily, yarrow, and all flowers

Incense: ambergris, camphor, mace, musk, myrrh, rose, saffron, sage, sandalwood, sweetgrass, vanilla, violet, all floral scents

Goddess: Aphrodite, Asherah, Baalith, Brigid, Erzulie, Freya (Passionate Queen), Frigg, Gefion, Harbor (Beautiful One), Hestia, Inanna, Ishtar (Lady of Passion and Desire), Lakshmi, Lilith, Mokosh, Nehalennia, Nerthus, Ostara, Pombagira, Sarasvati, Shakti, Shekinah, Sirtur, Al Uzza, Venus (Queen of Pleasure), Vesta

God: Allah, Bacchus, Bes, Cupid, the Dagda, Dionysus, El, Eros (God of Love), Freyr, Frit Ailek, Shukra

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Anael, Hagiel, Mokosba, Rasbid, Sachiel, Uriel, Velas

Source

Moonlight Musings

Friday Is Ruled By Venus

Friday belongs to Venus, both the planet and its namesake Roman goddess of love. This day is sacred to many other gods and goddesses of love such as Eros, Venus, Aphrodite, and the Norse goddess that gave the day its name, Freya. This day of the week is for magical topics such as love, birth, fertility, and romance. Colors for today include pink and aqua.

Some suggestions for Friday enchantments would include:

Carrying a rose quartz with you today to send out some gentle and loving vibes to those crabby co-workers

Working a loving Tarot spell to charm a friend’s pregnancy with good health and safety

Working a little flower magic to enchant a single pink rose for friendship and inner beauty, and setting it on your desk. Or try empowering a red rose for passion and placing it in your bedroom

Burning rose-scented candles to encourage the same effect. Call on Eros to “bring a passion for life” to your days.

Sharing a romantic snack with your partner. Feed each other ripe, red strawberries. Those strawberries are love-inducing food, and are sacred to many love goddesses, including today’s patroness, Freya.

Magickal Applications for Fridays

Friday is named after the Norse goddesses of love, Freya and Frigga. There seems to be some debate as to whom the day is actually named after, so I thought I would share a little information so you can decide for yourself.

In Latin, this day is known as Dies Veneris, “Venus’s day.” In Greek, it’s Hermera Aphrodites, which translates to the “day of Aphrodite.” In Old English, this day is called Frige- daeg, or “Freya’s day.” This day has the Germanic title of Frije-dagaz, which, once again, could be Freya’s day or Frigga’s day.

Both Freya and Frigga were Norse goddesses of love and were the Teutonic equivalent of the Greco-Roman Venus/Aphrodite. However, Freya was one of the Vanir—the gods of fertility who supervised the land and sea—and she was the leader of the Valkyries. Frigga, Odin’s wife, was the goddess of the heavens and of married love. She was one of the Aesir—the gods associated with battle, magick and the sky. Freya and Frigga could be looked upon as different aspects of the same goddess. They both were called on to assist in childbirth and then in naming of the new baby. Frigga represented the faithful wife and loving mother, while Freya, who really captured the hearts and imagination of the Norse people, was the passionate mistress and lover.

Fridays classically are days for love, fertility, romance, and beauty magick, as well as working for happiness, harmony in the home, and friendship. So let’s take a look at some of the mythology involved with this loving, voluptuous, passionate, and luxurious day of the week, and see where it leads us.

Source

Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Friday’s Perfect Corresponding Spell = The Witch Bottle Love Spell

Items needed:

A glass jar

Spring water

Drop of your own blood

Strand of your own hair

Vanilla extract

Rose quartz stone

Other items mentioned are optional

Witch bottles are popular in magic, and, though most often employed for protection, they can be effective talismans for drawing love into your life. In a clean glass jar place some or all of the following while visualizing love being drawn to your dwelling: spring water, a drop of your own blood, a strand of your own hair, vanilla extract, and a rose quartz stone. You may also use any from of coriander, cinnamon, hyacinth, licorice, yerba maté, rue, myrtle, jasmine, lemon, lavender, jasmine, mastic, rose, peppermint, thyme, or plum. Drawings or other love talismans representing your goal of romance can also be included. On a Friday or during a Full Moon, bury the sealed bottle near an entryway to your home. It will work for a year and a day.

Source

Everything Under the Moon

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days a Year for January 5th

Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany

This 11th day of Christmas is dedicated to the Italian fairy-Goddess Goddess Befana. Although they are rapidly disappearing, many of the customs associated with this day are still held, especially in rural-Italian farming areas. At sunset, an effigy of Befana is placed on a stack of brushwood, which is then burned. If the smoke blows to the east, it is believed that the year will be filled with prosperity and abundance.

Reminiscent of our Christmas Eve, Italian children put out stockings on this night in hopes that Befana will fill them with presents while the adults write their wishes on pieces of paper.

The papers are then tossed in the hearth where they catch fire and float up the chimney, granting the petitioners wish.

Magickal Activity for January 5, The Eve of the Feast of Epiphany

Hearth Blessing

Items needed:
A broom; one
3-foot length of natural cord;
one white 3-wick candle.

Place the candle on a table near the hearth along with the broom and the piece of cord. The entire family should gather around the table. The head of the household will step forward, light each candle wick, and say:

I bring light to this home,
I bring love to this home,
I bring honor to this home.

In turn, each member of the household will then tie a knot in the cord. The last person to tie a knot in the cord will then tie the cord around the handle of the broom. He or she will pass the broom to the mother of the household, who will symbolically cally sweep all of the negative energies away from the hearth while chanting:

All that is evil is now swept away,
And nothing but good shall come this way.

The broom should then be placed next to the hearth. The candle is left to burn for one hour and extinguished. Each evening, the head of the household will light the candle in Befana’s honor to ensure peace and harmony within the home.

Coming Up

The Witches Digest for Friday, January 5th

(Horoscopes, Tarot, Runes & Maybe More?)

First, I had to share this beauty with you. Jacob knows Lady A loves wolves. So he searched the internet and gathered some beauties that he printed out and framed for her. Every time I go to get a graphic from the back this is what I see. He is too cute for me to keep just to myself. Take a look, what a cutie?