February’s Partial Solar Eclipse in Aquarius

a message from Lynda Hill

To view more of Lynda’s insight, please visit her website, Lynda Hill’s Sabian Symbols

Safety And Security And Supplies

Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.Warren Buffett

When the oak is felled the whole forest echoes with its fall, but a hundred acorns are sown in silence by an unnoticed breeze. Thomas Carlyle

If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend 6 sharpening my axe. Abraham Lincoln

Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice. Thoreau

The pioneers cleared the forests from Jamestown to the Mississippi with fewer tools than are stored in the typical modern garage. Dwayne Laws

From a fallen tree, all make kindling. Spanish Proverb

Some men go through a forest and see no firewood. English Proverb

Write without pay until somebody offers to pay you. If nobody offers within three years, sawing wood is what you were intended for. Mark Twain

February’s new Moon is a partial solar eclipse. Occurring on February 15, it will not be visible to most of the planet. It will be visible in southern South America, including many locations in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and in Antarctica. The eclipse will also be visible from some areas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For more information on this eclipse, there’s some good information here.

Although this is only a partial eclipse, no doubt many of us will be feeling the effects of it. As always, a solar eclipse is a new Moon, and, as such, it is a great time to be getting those affirmations going. As Neville Goddard said, it is best to assume that you already have what you want, or you are already who you want to be – it is by assuming that you are or have those things that they become reality. “Assumption hardens into fact”, Goddard used to say. If you ‘assume’ something, the universe will provide those things or conditions. So, of course, we have to watch our thoughts, our imagination, our beliefs, our desires, etc. We must keep a tight rein on negative thoughts as they will just help us go further and further away from the things we really want. After all, worrying is praying for things we don’t want.

I mention the above as this eclipse season is very much about the issue of ‘where to from here’. There are some very good aspects in this chart, but, some of the Sabian Symbols are quite challenging.

We have the new Moon and Mercury sextiling Uranus, the ruler of the new Moon (solar eclipse), so, if we are aligned with our thoughts, desires and wishes, we can have some wonderful breakthroughs and realizations. Venus and Saturn are also in a sextile aspect, and, this can be good for actions and outcomes and relationships and healing what might have gone astray around relationships, friendships, financial issues, etc.

We also have Mars trining the Moon’s north node, and, this can be great for moving past the past, for getting past issues that have seemed to be roadblocks and stalemates – we can find things moving in bigger and better ways by focusing our hearts and minds on right action.

We also have Mercury and Jupiter in a separating square aspect. This can be good for making decisions and taking actions, as long as we are not promising more than we can deliver, as long as we are not overdoing things or going into overreach.

And, within the week following this eclipse, Venus will conjunct Neptune, adding to the impulse to follow our hopes and dreams and wishes. The trick is not to do more than you are mentally, emotionally or physically equipped to be doing as we can wear ourselves out if we take on too much. Moderation is key, but, so is getting clear.

So, the above aspects, and, no doubt others that are at play, are some of the good energies around us at this time. The more difficult aspects of this chart can be seen through some of the Sabian Symbols. We have Venus on a Symbol that often speaks of losing faith, feeling deserted, feeling as though one has been neglected, or, sacrificed too much, etc. Venus is on Pisces 7: ILLUMINATED BY A SHAFT OF LIGHT, A LARGE CROSS LIES ON ROCKS SURROUNDED BY SEA AND MIST. This Symbol can show the need to tune in to our faith, our belief in the goodness of life, to see where we might have to change or modify how we expect life to go, especially in regards to other people and their life trajectory.

Mars is on Sagittarius 12: A WIDOW’S PAST IS BROUGHT TO LIGHT. This can be about family secrets, wills and legacies, issues that may have laid dormant for some time and are now revealed, etc. We might find that we, or others, blurt out a little too much information, or, there may be some uncomfortable realities that we have to deal with. Still, Mars here can see us dealing with these issues and getting them sorted and healed, leading to better outcomes. The recent revelations about domestic abuse fit in with this Symbol, as does the Symbol for Venus, although, of course, that is just one type of manifestation that we see occurring.

Saturn is on a degree that can speak about the power of the press, the issue of ‘fake news’, etc. What to believe? And, Saturn here can show us how powerful our own words, thoughts and feelings – our own ’emanations’ – can be. Saturn is on Capricorn 7: A VEILED PROPHET SPEAKS, SEIZED BY THE POWER OF A GOD. Finding the ‘truth’ in what’s said or thought or bouncing around can be an interesting challenge.

Paying attention to what’s going on can bring good outcomes with Mercury on Aquarius 26: A GARAGE MAN TESTING A CAR’S BATTERY WITH A HYDROMETER. Be watchful, be thoughtful, look after the ‘mechanics’ of situations. Some need a good dose of WD40, while other things may need a master ‘mechanic’ to sort them out. Whatever, we can find good outcomes from being mindful of conditions.

The main issue of this new Moon (partial eclipse) is to find safety and security and a good place to be. The Symbol for this eclipse, Aquarius 28: A TREE FELLED AND SAWED TO ENSURE A SUPPLY OF WOOD FOR THE WINTER, shows us that issues to do with our future, our ability to heat and cool and feed and clothe and look after ourselves and our loved ones is a main issue at the moment. How are you doing on that score?

15th February 2018: Solar eclipse in 28th degree of Aquarius

a message from Sarah Varcas

To view more of Sarah’s insight, please visit her website, Astro-Awakenings

A solar eclipse occurs at a new moon and sees the light of the sun obscured by the moon. Astrologically, the sun reflects our core will and essence. It reveals the qualities that we manifest as we mature (giving it a future-oriented quality) and the path we must walk to step into an independent, unique expression of our being. As such it is the organising force of the psyche through which is filtered all experience, both internal and external. The sun relates to consciousness and in growing increasingly conscious of ourselves and our motivation we step more deeply into its life-giving energy.

The moon, on the other hand, is our instinctive and feeling self. A part of us so deep within and close to our very core that we barely know it consciously, instead expressing it as readily but unconsciously as we draw breath. Reflecting both subconscious and unconscious forces in the psyche, the moon reveals our emotional habits and our default orientation towards life. Where the sun is conscious and radiant, the moon is unconscious and deceptively influential. Born of our innate subjectivity and yet all-encompassing, it both constrains us within our individual worldview and connects us with the collective consciousness from which we all draw breath.

Because the light of the Sun (the life-force expressed as will) is blocked by the physicality of the Moon (the life force expressed as instinct) the shape of our life at a solar eclipse often reveals the consequences of past actions and reactions. How we manage our emotions and feelings, how we respond to those of others, the stories we tell ourselves about the ‘who, what, where and how’ of our existence, all have consequences which a solar eclipse can bring into sharp relief. If we find ourselves challenged by unexpected disruption now, honest and open reflection may reveal our part in current events no matter how randomly beyond our control they at first appear. Identifying the present consequences of past actions and omissions, denials and assertions, will assist us greatly in moving forward with deeper wisdom that supports a more awakened responsiveness in future. Such a process allows for humility, not despair, to arise in the face of challenge. It asserts authority over victimhood and reminds us that everything we do has consequences, many of which are out of our grasp as soon as we’ve acted. Whilst life does indeed deal unexpected cards and everyone is blindsided sometimes, being able to trace our own footsteps and fingerprints among what may at first look like a pile of rubble enables us to take stock, ‘cowboy up’ and get back in the saddle!

Nonetheless, we may be tempted into victim mentality at this time, convinced we are being punished or scapegoated, unfairly treated or powerless to effect change in our lives. But we are only victims if we allow something or someone to dictate our state of mind and heart, instead of rising up, sovereign even in the face of our greatest challenge. To do the latter we must understand how our mind and heart work: what triggers our own personal spiral into despair or hopelessness, anger or confusion. There’s simply no time to wait for feelings to change of their own accord now. We must be masters of our destiny and agents of necessary change. Within the darkness of a solar eclipse, we need to hold our centre and stand firm, allowing whatever occurs to penetrate us to our deepest core and speak its wisdom. We may not want to hear this particular piece of wisdom right away, of course, but the least we can do is write it down and return to it later because we can rest assured it will be central to our lives and how we live them before too long.

Like the obscured light of the sun, our capacity to take effective action may seem blocked at a solar eclipse, but not for want of trying! These eclipses tend to have a mind of their own, shaping events and emotions according to their own often difficult to comprehend priorities. They disrupt our malaise and act to insert new experience into our personal timeline. Events associated with solar eclipses can be shocking by nature and wholly unexpected. Just when we thought life was taking us in one direction we are turned to face a different one and must forge a new path ahead. Aspects of our life which we assumed were unassailable can be thrown into disarray and we must pick up the pieces, like it or not. Alternatively, a solar eclipse may bring an unexpected and often inexplicable stroke of good luck which changes our life for the better in ways we couldn’t possibly have imagined. But adjustment will still be necessary and we may at first discover we’re a lot more scared of positive change and progress than we previously anticipated!

An interesting paradox exists within every solar eclipse, for whilst they augur a time of high energy and often radical experiences, they occur at a new moon which is a time of retreat, low energy, introspection and inner illumination. So a solar eclipse is akin to driving a car with one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake! We must decide which foot to move in response to the road ahead. Do we release the break and progress at increasing speed, or do we release the accelerator and rest for a while? Either choice is fine, as long as it’s the right one! If we need to slow down and rest we won’t miss the boat. It’ll wait because our resting is all part of the process towards the next step. But if we need to keep going on a wave of high energy, that’s all good too. We can rest another time. So choose wisely when the sun is eclipsed. Don’t push yourself if you know it’s time to step back, because stepping back at the right moment is equally important as stepping forward, and both contribute to the potential of an eclipse well-lived.

Despite the intense nature of a solar eclipse its fruits may take the following six months to ripen, fertilised by our energy during the two or three days either side of the actual event. It is therefore especially important to attend to the quality of our thoughts, emotions and behaviour at this time. A solar eclipse reminds us we are both sovereign over our lives and subject to forces beyond our control. Playing our part as well as possible, with integrity, awareness and grace, ensures our power is used to the fullest and greatest effect. The rest we must leave to chance and embrace when it arrives!

So we could say a solar eclipse is a brush with destiny, but not in the ‘pre-ordained there’s no avoiding it’ kind of way. We are our own destiny, a fact which may become startlingly apparent at this time. The events of our lives, their twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, reflect our deepest essence and unique presence in this world. We are force-fields of energy and intent, interacting with the unified field of being woven through all things. The causative factors of events in our lives are many and varied, but we are the common denominator and it is through self-knowledge and self-acceptance that we can more fully live, whatever life (and a solar eclipse!) throws our way.

If you want to understand how a particular solar eclipse impacts you more personally, look to the house where it falls in your birth chart. Here you will experience its direct impact as the affairs and issues of that house are subject to disruptive or unexpected forces which may feel beyond your control. Previous activity or achievement in the eclipse house may be undermined and new plans or efforts required. You may have to think on your feet for a while if you want to make up lost ground. Alternatively, it may make more sense to let go of previous goals and reconsider the shape of things to come in this area of your life.

Any aspects the eclipse makes to natal planets, or conjunctions to the Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven or Imum Coeli, will also influence how its energies are experienced. Look especially to the personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and sometimes Jupiter) and to conjunctions, squares and oppositions, which will be most acutely felt.

Look also to the position and condition (aspects and strength etc.) of your natal sun, whose impact upon your life will be emphasised during a solar eclipse. You may find that the issues your natal sun reflects in your chart are particularly brought to bear in the house where the eclipse occurs. For example, if your natal sun is in your 10th house of career and public life and the eclipse is in your 4th house of home and family, you may find that work issues and demands from the outside world greatly impact your home life, and your work/personal life balance requires some skilful attention.

It’s also worth considering the house ruled by the sun in your natal chart: that is the house with Leo on its cusp. Here you will also feel the impact from a solar eclipse, but often more in the long-term than at the actual time of the eclipse. Once the eclipse season has passed and things begin to settle you may see a gradual change in this area over the following few months, as events and changes associated with the eclipse ‘bed in’ to your life. Your decision-making abilities and sense of sovereignty in this area of your life will mature as a result of the eclipse and you will gain a broader and wiser perspective upon the affairs of this house and how best to take them forward.

The Energy of Jupiter

Weekday ruled by Jupiter: Thursday

Stones:
Sugilite
Amethyst
Turquoise
Lapis Lazuli
Sapphire

Herbs and Plants:
Cinnamon
Beech
Buttercup
Coltsfoot
Oak

Magickal Intentions: Happiness, luck, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure and wealth, honor, riches, leadership, public activity, power and success.

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, February 15th

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil

Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

On January 31st, we have a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse and on February 15th a New Moon Solar Eclipse.

Eclipses have a way of amplifying the already potent energy of the NEW and FULL Moons, which symbolically represent peaks of energy, beginnings, endings, & celebrations.

How this translates into our own lives can be observed by a surging intensity around the deeper issues within our own lives.

Both the Full and New Moon Eclipses occur in the Signs of Leo and Aquarius.  This is the Axis of Creativity and Expression.

It’s about the personal individual self-expression (in Leo), in reflection to the collective co-creative expression (in Aquarius)

The Moons here in these signs are enlivening and energizing these qualities in all of us ~ Personal Expression and Co-Creation.  How are You doing it? 

The focus is on how we are personally showing up in our own individual expression and how this affects others, the community, the collective, and the whole of life.

Looking at the World Stage, it is clear that this is a very important area to be paying attention to!  It’s time.

2018 is a year that emphasizes Integrity and Authenticity.  We must all do what we can to move into alignment with these important ways of being.  It is becoming clearer that nothing can stay hidden for very long anymore.  The next years ahead of us are very much about “full disclosure”, as we can see now that we are already clearly experiencing this.

So, with these next Full and New Moons, may we all embrace the opportunities at hand to see more clearly, to reflect on the information we are receiving with all that is being revealed, and to have the strength and courage to express ourselves from our hearts in integrity for all of life.  

Daily Overview of the Planets, Stars & Sky for February 15th

Partial Solar Eclipse

A partial Solar Eclipse occurs today at 4:06 PM EST in the sign of Aquarius. This eclipse prompts turning over a new leaf regarding friendship, fellowship, group activities, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, humanitarian efforts, or joining a group.

Occurring today and tied nicely into the eclipse energy (which effectively extends the influence of these aspects) are lovely Mercury-Uranus and Venus-Saturn sextiles. A sextile between Mercury and Uranus this morning opens our minds to new, progressive ideas. Our intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue.” Original, creative ideas are easy to come by. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding.

With Venus sextile Saturn later today, however, affections stabilize and mature. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships might come now. Small advances can be made in business and in partnerships. We are drawn to productive pastimes, and we are a little more sensible when it comes to seeking out pleasure and comfort. A new sense of responsibility might emerge with friendships. We give one another space, yet we’re also showing our commitment. This is an excellent time to connect with others and to build trust. The Moon enters Pisces at 9:42 PM EST.

The Moon is void from 4:06 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 9:42 PM EST.

Moon in Aquarius

The Moon is traveling through Aquarius today. Go against the grain. Fight for a cause. Stand up for the underdog.

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, February 15th

Susan B. Anthony Day

Waning Moon

New Moon 4: 05 pm

Moon Sign: Aquarius

Moon enters Pisces 9: 42 pm

Incense: Mulberry

Color: Crimson

Thursday–The Day of Thor

Thor, the Thunderer, is perhaps the most famous of the gods of the Northmen, and was considered by some to be greater even than Odin. He was the God of the Peasants–the poor people, while Odin was thought more of by the rich people and the great fighters. Thor usually rode in a chariot of brass, drawn by two goats, Tooth-cracker and Tooth-gnasher, and it was this chariot which was supposed to make the thunder; hence Thor’s name. Thor, alone of all the gods, was never allowed to cross the bridge joining Asgard and the earth, lest this chariot should break it down.

As the Thunderer, Thor corresponded to Jupiter, who, as we have read, hurled thunderbolts when enraged, and for this reason Thor’s name was given to the Roman Dies Jovis, the day of Jupiter, the modern French jeudi.

Thor was of very great strength, like Hercules among the Greeks and Romans, and possessed a wonderful hammer called Miolnir, the Crusher, which always returned to his hand when he had thrown it at an enemy. He also wore a magic belt which increased his strength the more he pulled it in. The way in which Miolnir came to be made is told in a story of Thor’s wife Sif, who was very proud of her golden hair, which reached down to her feet. One morning Thor woke to find that Sif’s hair had been cruelly cut off during the night. Filled with anger, he set out to find the culprit, whom he rightly guessed to be Loki, the God of Fire. Loki was the spirit of evil and mischief, and was always playing cruel tricks on the gods, who frequently punished him. Thor soon caught Loki, and would have strangled him had he not promised to bring Sif a new head of hair as beautiful as the first. Thor then released Loki, who quickly went to the home of the dwarfs, who lived underground. There he found a dwarf who agreed to make the hair for Loki, and also presents for Odin and Frey, the God of the Fields, whom Loki was afraid would be angry with him. The dwarf made a head of hair of the finest gold thread, which he said would grow on Sif’s head as soon as it touched it. Then he made the spear Gungnir which, as we have seen, Odin always carried with him; while for Frey he made a ship which could sail through the air as well as on the water, and could be folded up like a cloth. Loki was of course delighted with the skill of this clever little smith, and declared that no other dwarf could be as clever. This led to a challenge from another dwarf, who claimed that he could make three still more wonderful things. This dwarf in his turn made a wild boar with golden bristles, which travelled through the air, and gave out a bright light as it passed; a magic ring, out of which came eight more rings exactly like it every ninth night; and lastly an iron hammer, Miolnir, which no one could resist. Loki and the dwarf then gave their presents to the gods: the spear and the ring to Odin, the ship and the golden boar to Frey, and the hair and the hammer to Thor. The gods decided that the contest had been won by the second dwarf, because Miolnir would be of such great use against the frost-giants, with whom the gods were continually fighting.

Thor often journeyed to the land of the giants, and on one occasion, having set out with Loki, he reached the desolate giant-country at nightfall. A thick mist covered the ground, and, after struggling on with some difficulty, the gods came to what seemed to be a house with an open doorway which took up all one side of the building. The gods entered the house, which was cold and dark, and, tired with their journey, lay down to sleep. Their rest, however, was soon disturbed by a loud noise and the trembling of the ground, and, fearing the roof of the house might fall on them, Thor and his companion moved into a smaller room which led out of the main building, and there slept till dawn. On going out into the open the next morning, Thor saw lying near an enormous giant, whose snores shook the ground, and was thus able to account for the noise and the trembling of the earth which had disturbed his sleep. But imagine the astonishment of the gods when the giant woke and picked up the house they had slept in–they had passed the night in the thumb of his glove! Thor and his companion then continued their journey, accompanied now by the giant, whose name was Skrymir. When evening came, they rested beneath a tree, and the giant, before going to sleep, offered them the food which he carried in his wallet. Thor, however, was unable to undo the straps of the huge wallet, so the gods had to go hungry. Angry at this, Thor dealt the giant, who was now asleep, three terrible blows on the head with his hammer Miolnir. But the only effect this had on the giant was to cause him to wake up and complain that three times a leaf or a twig had fallen on his head. The next morning Skrymir showed the gods the way to the castle of Utgard-loki, the giant king, and then left them. Arriving at the palace, the gods entered and presented themselves to the king, who recognized them and asked them to show him their powers of which he had heard so much. Loki, who was very hungry, offered to eat more than anyone, and the king’s cook was matched against him. They each stood at the end of a wooden trough full of meat, and though Loki soon reached the middle of the trough, leaving nothing but bones behind, he found that the giant had eaten the bones and the trough as well. Loki’s defeat made Thor even more anxious to show his powers, and he offered to empty the largest drinking-horn in the palace. A huge drinking-horn was at once brought in, and Thor drank so deep and so long that it seemed as if he would never stop, only to find, however, when he could drink no more, that the horn was still almost full. Nothing daunted by his failure, Thor now offered to show his strength, but when he tried to lift Utgard-loki’s cat, he only succeeded in raising one paw from the ground. Thor tried yet again to show his skill, this time in wrestling, but he was easily beaten by Utgard-loki’s old nurse. The gods were then entertained by the giants till the following day, when they returned. Before they left, however, Utgard-loki explained that he was the giant Skrymir, and that he had used magic against the gods in all their contests. By magic he had placed a mountain between his head and Thor’s hammer and thus saved his life, for the blows had made three huge clefts in the mountain. The cook who had beaten Loki was really Wild Fire; the end of the drinking-horn which Thor had failed to empty had been placed in the sea, which had sunk lower after Thor’s enormous draughts; the cat was really the huge snake Iormungandr, which encircled the earth, and which Thor had nearly lifted out of the sea; the nurse was really Old Age, whom, of course, no one could possibly overcome.

Thor seldom lost an opportunity of making war on the giants, and on a famous occasion challenged to single combat the giant Hrungnir, whose head and heart were of stone. Hrungnir one day matched his horse Golden Mane against Odin’s steed, Sleipnir, and, in the excitement of the race, followed Odin right to the gates of Valhalla. Though, of course, the presence of a giant in Asgard could not be allowed, the gods had no wish to take advantage of Hrungnir’s mistake, and offered him meat and drink in their banqueting hall. Hrungnir, however, drank too freely of the mead of the gods, and began to speak proud words and boast one day that he would overthrow Asgard and kill all the gods. This so enraged Thor that he raised his hammer to kill Hrungnir, but the gods would not allow him to shed blood within their home. He then challenged the giant to a duel, which was arranged to take place three days later on the boundary of Hrungnir’s kingdom. At the appointed time the giant was on the chosen spot awaiting his enemy, and, feeling the earth shaking beneath him, he stood on his shield of stone, lest Thor should come up from the ground. But no sooner had he done this than Thor suddenly came in sight and hurled his hammer straight at the giant’s head. Hrungnir, having no shield, tried to ward off the hammer with his stone club, which was shattered to pieces, thus scattering flint stones over the whole earth, where they may still be found. One piece entered Thor’s forehead, and he dropped fainting to the ground, but as lie fell his hammer struck Hrungnir on the head and killed him. Thor was pinned to the ground by one of the giant’s legs, and, after each of the gods had tried in vain to free him, he was at last rescued by Magni, his little son of three, who easily raised the giant’s leg and released his father, receiving as a reward Hrungnir’s horse, Golden Mane. Magni was one of the few gods destined to survive the terrible Ragnarok, the day of destruction, when, as we shall see, Thor, the Thunderer, fell in mortal combat with the sea-monster Iormungandr.

The Challenge of Thor

I am the God Thor,
I am the War God,
I am the Thunderer!
Here in my Northland,
My fastness and fortress,
Reign I for ever!
Here amid ice-bergs
Rule I the nations;
This is my hammer,
Miolner the mighty;
Giants and sorcerers
Cannot withstand it!
These are the gauntlets
Wherewith I wield it,
And hurl it afar off;
This is my girdle;
Whenever I brace it,
Strength is redoubled!
The light thou beholdest
Stream through the heavens,
In flashes of crimson,
Is but my red beard
Blown by the night-wind,
Affrighting the nations.
Jove is my brother;
Mine eyes are the lightning;
The wheels of my chariot
Roll in the thunder,
The blows of my hammer
Ring in the earthquake!
Force rules the world still,
Has ruled it, shall rule it;
Meekness is weakness,
Strength is triumphant,
Over the whole earth,
Still is it Thor’s-day!

LONGFELLOW–The Saga of King Olaf.

February–The Month of Purification

This month did not always hold its present position, but was originally the last month in the year. The name is taken from a Latin word, februare, meaning “to make pure”.

In the Palatine Hill, another of the seven hills of Rome, was a cave dug in the rock, and in it stood an image of the god Lupercus covered with a goat’s skin. Lupercus was the God of Fertility or springing into life, and on the 15th of February a great festival was held in his honour. Sacrifices of goats and dogs were made; then the priests cut up the skins of the goats, twisted the pieces into thongs, and ran through the city striking all who came in their way. As in the very earliest times it was the shepherds who held this festival, it is thought that this running about with thongs meant the purifying of the land. The idea of the whole festival seems to have been one of purifying, of a new life, so the name chosen for the month in which it was held was one formed from a word meaning “to make pure”.

There are some who think that Lupercus was the same as Pan, the God of the Shepherds. Pan was said to have been a son of Mercury, but he was not like the other gods; his body was covered with goat’s hair, and his feet and ears were also like those of a goat. He was very fond of music and dancing, and spent most of his time in the forests playing with the wood nymphs–beautiful girls who lived among the trees. One day he saw a wood nymph, named Syrinx, with whom he fell in love, but she was frightened and ran away from him, and when Pan pursued her she prayed to the gods for help. She was at once changed into a clump of reeds, and Pan, in his disappointment, broke off seven pieces of the reed, bound them together, and so made an instrument of music, which was called the Syrinx after the beautiful wood nymph.

The invention of the Syrinx by Pan has been wonderfully described by Elizabeth Barrett Browning in a poem which begins:

“What was he doing, the great god Pan,
Down in the reeds by the river?
Spreading ruin and scattering ban,
Splashing and paddling with hoofs of a goat
And breaking the golden lilies afloat
With the dragon-fly on the river.”

This story of Pan and Syrinx reminds us that the Greeks and the Romans imagined the mountains, the valleys, the woods, and the rivers to be peopled with lesser gods and goddesses, whose task of caring for the trees, the flowers, and the grass was appointed them by Jupiter. The woodland gods were known as Satyrs, and like their leader, Pan, were half man and half goat. Another famous satyr was Silenus, who was put in charge of Bacchus, one of Jupiter’s sons, and the God of Wine. Silenus taught Bacchus, and accompanied him on his travels on the earth. The God of Wine rode in a chariot drawn by wild beasts, Silenus following him on an ass, and with them a merry company of nymphs and satyrs crowned with ivy leaves, who danced and sang and made music in praise of Bacchus.

“And as I sat, over the light blue hills
There came a noise of revellers; the rills
Into the wide stream came of purple hue–
‘T was Bacchus and his crew!
The earnest trumpet spake, and silver thrills
From kissing cymbals made a merry din–
‘T was Bacchus and his kin!
Within his car, aloft, young Bacchus stood
Trifling his ivy-dart, in dancing mood,
With sidelong laughing.”
KEATS–Endymion.

Many stories are told of the wood nymphs, as the Goddesses of the Woods were called. One of the most famous is that of the nymph Echo, who fell deeply in love with the beautiful Narcissus, whom she met hunting in the forest. Narcissus, however, took but little notice of her, and Echo’s love soon turned to hatred and anger. She prayed to Venus, the Goddess of Love, that Narcissus might be punished for his hard-heartedness, and then sorrowfully hiding herself among the mountains, pined away until only her voice remained, and in lonely places the voice of Echo still answers those who call.

Meanwhile Venus sought an opportunity for punishing Narcissus by making him suffer in the same way as Echo had done. One day Narcissus, hot and thirsty with hunting, came to a shaded pool, and, as he stooped to drink, saw in the clear water the face, as he thought, of a water nymph. So beautiful was she that Narcissus was filled with love for her, and eagerly stretched out his arms; but no sooner did his hands touch the water than she vanished. He drew back in surprise and waited anxiously till the ruffled water became smooth, when again he saw the beautiful nymph. He spoke to her, and her lips answered him, though he heard no sound; he slowly put out his hands towards her, and her hands came to meet his. Sure now of her love, he tried a second time to clasp her in his arms, but, as before, she vanished. Again and again he strove to seize the nymph, but, each time she escaped his grasp. Amazed, Narcissus sank down by the pool and gazed upon that lovely face, which seemed to mock him, and yet held him there. Apollo and his chariot sank into the Western sea, but the Goddess of the Moon shone on the water and showed the nymph still answering his words and holding out her arms to him. The days passed, and Narcissus, unable to tear himself away, grew pale and weak, watching the face, which also grew pale with despairing love. Thus was Echo avenged, for Narcissus slowly starved himself to death through love for his own image! The gods, however, took pity on him and changed his body into a cluster of flowers, which have ever since borne his name.

We have associated Pan, the God of the Shepherds, with this month, and his name is found in a very familiar word in our language. He took a great delight in frightening travellers by creeping up behind them in the dark, and the fear with which he filled them was called “Panic”.

It is interesting to note that just as the Romans held a ceremony of purification during the month of February, so the Christian Church holds the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary on the second day of the month. The feast is called by Roman Catholics, Candlemas, because it is the custom to have a procession in which candles are carried, and it is on this occasion that the candles to be used in the church during the year are consecrated.

The weather at Candlemas is said to show what the weather will be like during the year, and an old proverb says:

“If Candlemas is fair and clear,
There’ll be twa winters in the year”.

The Old English name for February was Sprout-Kale, since the cabbage begins to sprout at this time of the year. It was later changed to Solmonath–sun month–because it is the time when the sun rises higher in the sky and begins to drive away the chill of winter with its glowing rays.

The Magickal Day of Thursday

Thursday is a day of royal blues and greens, associated with the planet Jupiter and metals like tin. When it comes to deities, look at leader type gods like Thor, Zeus, and Jupiter. Gemstone correspondences for Thursday include turquoise, amethyst and lapis lazuli, and plant associations can be found in honeysuckle, cinquefoil, and even oak trees.

This is a day for honor, fealty and family loyalty, as well as harvesting, success, and prosperity.

Take advantage of Thursday’s different aspects and do spellwork that brings abundance to you, declares your allegiance, and embraces prosperity.

Author

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

Spellcrafting for Thursday, February 15th

ñ Prosperity
ñ Wealth
ñ Growth
ñ Luck
ñ Male energy
ñ Debts
ñ Finances
ñ Development
ñ Legal issues

Source

A Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paajanen

The Pagan Book of Days for Thursday, February 15th

Faunus/Lupercalia/Sigfrid/St. Oswy

Lupercalia is an ancient festival of Roman Paganism. Ovid ascribes this festival to the rustic god Faunus, protector of agriculture and flocks, giver of oracles, and an aspect of the great god Pan. This is a day when animals help humans. It also celebrates the she-wolf who suckled the infants Romulus and Remus. In that Odinist calendar this day is sacred to the hero Sigfrid.

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

Thursday, February 15th

Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor(Thor), God of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday, Judaism the Sabbath(calculated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positve, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, something better,” or “Cut nails on Thursday for wealth.” Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being and material success.

Deity: Thor

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Pisces/Sagittarius

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Oak

Herb: Henbane

Stone: Turquoise/Bloodstone/Topaz

Animal: Fish/Goat/Aurochs

Element: Fire

Color: Brown/White/Orange

Number: 3

Rune: Thorn

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

Runic Half Month of Sigel (sun) (February 12 – February 26)

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

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

 That one thing would be that you pray for the victims of the school shooting in Florida and our country.

It has only been a little over three weeks since the shootings here. To hear of another one only rips my heart open along with everyone else who has suffered through school violence. I am actually numb and confused. I don’t understand why someone would go into a school and kill our children. I wonder does something snap inside their brain or do they even have a brain. I know they have no respect for life. They have never been taught life is the most precious gift we are given. For some mindless individual to go into a school and gun down our innocent children is unthinkable to me.

I don’t want to understand the mind of a killer. Then again, perhaps I am wrong in thinking that way. Maybe if we knew what these animals were thinking, we could prevent these senseless killings. Maybe its not their brains at all that is the problem. Perhaps it is in their heart, a very black and hardened heart toward society and mankind alike. It hasn’t come out in the News yet, but the animal who did the shootings at Marshall County wanted to commit suicide. So instead of killing himself, he goes to a school and kills two innocent kids and wounds 14 more. He was hoping for death by cop. Maybe the one in Florida was hoping for the same thing. We will never know and when we do, we won’t understand because these are very sick individuals, very sick.

I have family in Florida also. I received a phone call last night from one of them I hadn’t heard from in a while. I thought the worse when I was told my family was on the phone. They have four teenage boys that are in high school down there. Two of them go to that high school were the shootings occurred. I feared the worse. Thankfully, they were calling to tell me the boys were fine. What a relief. But unfortunately, they are scarred for life. They witnessed their classmates getting shot and barely escaped themselves. What those boys witnessed will haunt them the rest of their lives. One of the girls up here involved in the Heath shootings lost her sister that day. She saw her sister get killed and she said to this day, that haunts her. How do you erase those imagines from a young person’s mind? You don’t and you can’t.  My family member cried and cried, I know for the safety of her own children and those who lost their lives yesterday. She apologized for crying and I told not too because I had cried a many a tear myself.

These senseless killings of our young people have to stop. Not only the killing of our young people but all killing has to stop. It has to start with us. We have to teach the value of life. Somebody has too because somewhere along the line the mainstream has failed. It is up to us to pick up the slack and remind our country of the sanctity of life. How precious it is and how fragile it is. We always hear the preachers saying we have to turn our country back to God. Let’s turn our country back to the Goddess. Let us show our country and the world, our Divine Mother’s love. Let us teach them our ways. For our ways are the Ways of the Old. During that time, we lived in harmony with each other, no killings, no blood shed, just harmony. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could live like that again. Never having to be afraid to send our children to school, never having to wonder if our loved ones would be coming home again. The Ways of the Old sound pretty good.

Personally, my heart breaks and bleeds every time I think of a parent having to bury their own child. I am left numb. I have family and friends who want me to take away their pain and offer them words of comfort. But I am about out of words. There is no comfort in death. There is no words to take away the pain they feel. Temporary relief is all I can give them. The pain comes back, it lessens over time but it is always there. If I had one wish, it would be I never had to console another parent or friend on this planet and all the killing would stop. Pray with me, brothers and sisters, that the killing stops and no parent ever has to bury their child again. Pray that our world comes to know our Goddess and she will guide us into a better tomorrow. Without Her Divine Guidance, I hate to think what our world will become.

When loved ones, mothers, fathers, children
are taken from us,
We cry, our heart breaks and we look for answers.
We look for some reason as to why,
Yet we find no reason,
We are always left wondering,
Why, oh why and the answer never comes.

The only comfort that we can find is knowing
our Divine Mother spoke softly to our loved ones
as they were taken from this world….

“My beloved children give me your hand and follow me,” She said.
“Close your eyes and become one with the Wind.”
“Be one with the Rain. Be one with the Earth.”
“Be one with the power of Fire.”
“Join your loved ones who have gone before you.”
“Be of comfort, no more pain, no more hurt,”
“Just love, joy and happiness for you have come home,”
“My sweet, precious children.”

–Lady of the Abyss