“Four Days to Yule”
“Three Days to Litha”

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NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SECTION

A Celtic Yule Blessing

The food is put away for the winter,
the crops are set aside to feed us,
the cattle are come down from their fields,
and the sheep are in from the pasture.
The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is gray.
The nights are dark, but we have our family,
kin and clan around the hearth,
staying warm in the midst of darkness,
our spirit and love a flame
a beacon burning brightly
in the night.

By Patti Wigington
Article published on & owned by ThoughtCo

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Current Planetary Positions

December 17, 2018
Tropical Zodiac

Sun: 25 Sagittarius 34
Moon: 19 Aries 23
Mercury: 04 Sagittarius 32
Venus: 10 Scorpio 22
Mars: 20 Pisces 19
Jupiter: 08 Sagittarius 40
Saturn: 09 Capricorn 41
Uranus: 28 Aries 47 Rx
Neptune: 13 Pisces 50
Pluto: 20 Capricorn 07

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Planetary aspects for the Month of December

December 17, 01:57 am – Mars sextile Pluto
December 20, 11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus
December 21, 12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune
December 21, 12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter 09 34
December 22, 12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49
December 24, 07:31 pm – Mercury square Neptune
December 28, 04:30 pm – Venus sextile Pluto
December 29, 04:34 am – 3rd Quarter Moon 07 36

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The Solar Almanac for Monday, December 17th

Sun Direction: 128.45° SE↑
Sun Altitude: 9.02°
Sun Distance: 91.471 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2018 4:22 pm (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 7:01 am↑ 119° Southeast
Sunset Today: 4:39 pm↑ 241° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 37 minutes

—timeanddate.com

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The Lunar Almanac for Monday, December 17th

Moon Direction: 12.60° NNE↑
Moon Altitude: -49.98°
Moon Distance: 242319 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 22, 201811:48 am
Next New Moon: Jan 5, 20197:28 pm
Next Moonrise: Today1:28 pm

—timeanddate.com

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The Moon is the fastest moving “planetary” cycle in the astrological chart. The Moon’s placement within a zodiac sign is measured in degrees °, minutes ‘ and seconds “. For convenience, most astrologists round the measurement to degrees and minutes. The Moon moves approximately one minute through a sign every two minutes in time or approximately 13 degrees each day. Similar to “time,” astrology measures movement through the zodiac as 60 seconds equals 1 minute and 60 minutes equals one degree. Then the difference becomes more apparent. Each sign equals 30 degrees and all 12 zodiac signs total 360 degrees to form a complete circle.

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A Look At the Planets for December 17 thru December 22

Monday December 17

01:57 am – Mars sextile Pluto gives a tremendous surge of energy to meet your goals and your passionate desires. This goal-directed energy is intense yet well-regulated, and gives endurance and stamina. Once you have decided on a course of action, you will keep going with determination until you reach your aim. This is a good time for tackling hard projects that seemed too difficult earlier. There will be no procrastinating and you can stay focused with ease. Something deep inside is driving you, a primal kind of survival instinct. This energy is excellent for taking the lead and making a strong impression on superiors.

Tuesday December 18

4:37 am – Moon enters Taurus

Thursday December 20

9:34 am – Moon enters Gemini

11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus is an exciting time when increased intuition and flashes of insight lead to self-discovery and revelations. These insights combine with increased self-confidence, to allow you to express the more unique or quirky side of your personality. Your keen perceptive skills means that you can better understand studies of science or the occult like astrology. You will feel like trying sometime new, outside of your normal routine.

Friday December 21

12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune is perfect for romance, relaxation and daydreaming. Besides fantasizing about your ideal lover, you can put your hand to any creative projects under this influence. This weekly horoscope aspect especially favors singing but anything creative can lead to something beautiful. Your sense of compassion and wish to be of service to others is heightened. This would be a good time to join a charity or some other organization to help less fortunate people or endangered animals.

12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter at 09 34 brings good news, optimism and a happy frame of mind. Fortune comes to many areas of life so this is an excellent time work and play. You should feel broad-minded, generous and sociable. This is the ideal weekly horoscope to start a new course of study and to sit exams. Journeys and holidays can be booked or started. Your enthusiasm and positive thinking means that nearly anything you put your mind to will succeed.

Saturday December 22

11:27 am – Moon enters Cancer

12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49 is about excitement, positive change and pleasant surprises. This is a welcome change to the last two moon phases that were both square Mars. The weekly horoscope full moon sextile Uranus makes it easy to quickly change direction, away from the anger and hostility of recent weeks. it also joins the supergiant red star Betelgeuse in Orion, associated with great power, honor and wealth. So follow your intuition and be open-minded about any unexpected opportunities that arise. New people or even a new attitude could lead to pleasant surprises with your career, finances or love life this Christmas.

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The Sky This Week from December 17 to December 23

Comet 46P/Wirtanen reaches its peak while the Sun makes its lowest arc and the Full Moon makes its highest arc across our Northern Hemisphere sky.
By Richard Talcott

Monday, December 17
A lone bright star now hangs low in the south during early evening. First-magnitude Fomalhaut — often called “the Solitary One” — belongs to the constellation Piscis Austrinus the Southern Fish. From mid-northern latitudes, it climbs 20° above the horizon at its best. How solitary is Fomalhaut? The nearest 1st-magnitude star to it, Achernar at the southern end of Eridanus the River, lies some 40° away. It doesn’t appear quite as isolated as normal this year, however, because Mars stands about 25° north of it.

Tuesday, December 18
Venus appears brilliant from the time it rises around 3:30 a.m. local time until close to sunrise more than three hours later. It stands about 25° above the southeastern horizon an hour before the Sun comes up. Gleaming at magnitude –4.8, the planet shines far brighter than any other object in the predawn sky. When viewed through a telescope, Venus spans 31″ and appears about 40 percent lit.

Wednesday, December 19
The variable star Algol in Perseus appears faintest at 2:47 a.m. EST tomorrow morning, when it shines at magnitude 3.4. Observers across North America should start watching it after darkness falls tonight if they want to witness its dramatic drop from peak brightness (magnitude 2.1). This eclipsing binary star runs through a cycle from minimum to maximum and back every 2.87 days, but the drop from peak brightness and subsequent rise lasts only about 10 hours. Algol appears in the east-northeast after sunset and passes nearly overhead around 9 p.m. local time.

Thursday, December 20
The nearly Full Moon passes through the background stars of the Hyades star cluster tonight. Use binoculars to best see the V-shaped star group frame Earth’s only natural satellite. The conjunction affords a good opportunity to witness the Moon’s motion. Early this evening, Luna sits just west of the Hyades, but by time they sink low in the west tomorrow morning, the Moon has pulled east of the cluster. As you gaze at our satellite tonight, take a minute to remember that today is the 50th anniversary of Apollo 8 leaving Earth on humanity’s historic first voyage to the Moon.

Friday, December 21
Mercury has started to dip lower in the predawn sky as its orbit carries it back toward the Sun. As it descends, Jupiter rises to meet it. This morning, the two stand less than 1° apart. At magnitude –1.8, Jupiter appears more conspicuous than magnitude –0.5 Mercury. Enjoy this pretty conjunction starting about 45 minutes before sunrise, when the pair lies 8° above the horizon. Those with binoculars might spot the 1st-magnitude star Antares 5° to Jupiter’s lower right.

Earth’s winter solstice occurs at 5:23 p.m. EST. At that moment, the Sun reaches its farthest point south in the sky. The solstice marks the official beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and tonight has more hours of darkness than any other. From mid-northern latitudes, however, the earliest sunset occurred about two weeks ago and the latest sunrise won’t happen until early January.

Saturday, December 22
Full Moon officially arrives at 12:49 p.m. EST, but our satellite looks completely illuminated all night. You can find it rising in the east just after sunset and peaking in the south shortly after midnight local time. It dips low in the west by the time morning twilight begins. As the Full Moon closest to the winter solstice, it climbs higher in the sky than any other Full Moon during the year. It lies among the background stars of western Gemini tonight, near the feet of the Twins.

Sunday, December 23
Head outside in early evening this week and you can see the Big Dipper scraping the northern horizon. For latitudes north of about 40°, this conspicuous asterism never rises or sets (“circumpolar” in astronomical parlance), though December evenings find it at its lowest ebb. This means that the constellation on the opposite side of the North Celestial Pole, the familiar W-shaped Cassiopeia, currently rides highest in the sky.

Astronomy Magazine

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Moon Phase Calendar
Monday – 17th December 2018

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Moon Currently in the Sign of Aries

Moon in Aries:
The feeling of uncertainty can make you solve problems faster then is natural. Do not rush as if there was a deadline. Try to slow down so that you can decide what you want to do and proceed at your own comfortable pace.

Organs influenced by Aries Moon Sign:
Organs: Head, teeth, tongue, striated muscles, penis, gall bladder, arteries, blood.

These organs are now more sensitive so provide them with extra care.

Surgical operations:
Surgical operations are not recommended during the Waxing Moon.

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Today is Monday, December 17

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

Deity: Mani

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Planet: Moon

Tree: Willow

Herb: Chickweed

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Water

Color: Green

Rune: Lagu (L)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis (Elder) (November 25 – December 22)

The Runic Half Month of Jara (December 13 – December 27)

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28 – December 23)

—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

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The Goddess Book of Days for December 17th

Day of Eurydice in Greece, Goddess of the Underworld. Her rescue by Orpheus is a reversal that appeared in later times. She is: Inanna, Persephone/Demeter, Proserpina/Ceres, Hel, Sedna, Mother Holle, Venus, Cybele, Heurodis, Fortuna, the Fates, Dike, Oya, Kali, Tlatzlteotl, Cerridwen, Hecate, and Rhiannon.

Goddesses Associated with Monday, the Day of the Moon

Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gealach, Ida, Artemis, the Witches, Yemaya, Erzulie

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

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The 17th Day Before Yule – Saturnalia

Saturnalia Begins

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December. The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms: gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves. The poet Catullus called it “the best of days.”

In Roman mythology, Saturn was an agricultural deity who was said to have reigned over the world in the Golden Age, when humans enjoyed the spontaneous bounty of the earth without labor in a state of innocence. The revelries of Saturnalia were supposed to reflect the conditions of the lost mythical age, not all of them desirable. The Greek equivalent was the Kronia.

Although probably the best-known Roman holiday, Saturnalia as a whole is not described from beginning to end in any single ancient source. Modern understanding of the festival is pieced together from several accounts dealing with various aspects. The Saturnalia was the dramatic setting of the multivolume work of that name by Macrobius, a Latin writer from late antiquity who is the major source for information about the holiday. In one of the interpretations in Macrobius’s work, Saturnalia is a festival of light leading to the winter solstice, with the abundant presence of candles symbolizing the quest for knowledge and truth. The renewal of light and the coming of the new year was celebrated in the later Roman Empire at the Dies Natalis of Sol Invictus, the “Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun,” on December 25

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Monday’s Magick

Monday – Is associated with the Moon

Colours – White, Silver, Grey and Pearl.

Monday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Psychic Pursuits, Psychology, Dreams, Astral Travel, Imagination, Women’s Mysteries, Reincarnation, Short Trips, Women, Children, Public, Domestic Concerns, Emotions, Fluids, Magick, Spirituality, Nursing, Full moon magic, Purity, Protection, Truth, Meditation, Peace, Sincerity, Justice, Warding off Doubts and Fears, Anything to do with Water and Bodies of Water, Antiques, Trip Planning, Household Activities, Initiation, Astrology, New-Age Pursuits, Archetypes, Totem Animals, Shape-shifting and Religious Experiences.

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Ritual Work Associated with Monday The Day of the Moon

Perfume: White Poppy, White Rose, Wallflower

Incense: Myrtle

Wood: Willow

Color: Silver, Grey-white

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

Reference:
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

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Monday

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

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

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

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

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Monday’s Witchery

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

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

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

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

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The Witches Almanac for Monday, December 17

Saturnalia (Roman)

Waxing Waning Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

Incense: Lily

Color: Silver

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Correspondences for Monday

Day: Monday ( Moon-day)

Planet: Moon

Colors: Silver and White and Grey

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Silver, Selenite

Aroma: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood, Moon Oil, African violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, and Wormwood

Herb: Moonwart

The sacred day of the Moon, personified by such goddesses as Selene, Luna, Diana, and Artemis. The Moon is ruler of flow affecting the changeable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, its powers are at theirmmost potent. Magical aspects: peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friendships, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility

Monday is ruled by the moon – an ancient symbol of mystery and peace. Monday is a special day for mothers as the cycle of the moon has long been associated with the female menstrual cycle. Those wishing to conceive a baby would be wise to try on a Monday as the magic of motherhood is strong and pregnancy is in the air.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving agriculture, animals, female fertility, messages, reconciliation’s, theft, voyages, dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, psychic work, Faerie magic, and Goddess rituals.

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Saturnalia: The December Festival of Joy and Merriment in Ancient Rome

Saturnalia was a festival celebrated by the ancient Romans. Originally, this celebration was held annually for a day on the 17th of December, but the festival was so popular that it was extended to a week (December 17-23). Despite efforts to reduce the length of the celebration (Augustus tried to reduce it to three days, whilst Caligula attempted to cut it to five), the celebration of Saturnalia remained a weeklong event.

This was a period when the Romans indulged in excessive joy and merriment. As Sir James Frazer puts it in his work, The Golden Bough , it was a time “when the darker passions find a vent which would never be allowed them in the more staid and sober course of ordinary life.”

Commemoration of the Roman Golden Age and Saturn
Saturnalia was celebrated in commemoration of the legendary Golden Age, a time in the past when, as Frazer wrote:

“the earth brought forth abundantly: no sound of war or discord troubled the happy world: no baleful love of lucre worked like poison in the blood of the industrious and contented peasantry. Slavery and private property were alike unknown: all men had all things in common.”

The Romans believed that during this Golden Age, Italy was ruled by the god Saturn (the Roman equivalent of the Greek Cronus). Saturn reigned as a righteous and benevolent king, and taught the inhabitants of Italy agriculture, while giving them laws. After the god vanished suddenly, his memory was kept by the people. One of the ways this was accomplished was through the celebration of Saturnalia.

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Celebrating Saturnalia

When it comes to festivals, parties, and downright debauchery, no one beats the folks of ancient Rome. Around the time of the winter solstice each year, they celebrated the festival of Saturnalia. As the name implies, this was a holiday in honor of the agricultural god, Saturn. This week-long party typically began around December 17th, so that it would end right around the day of the solstice.

Fertility rituals were performed at the temple of Saturn, including sacrifices. In addition to the large public rites, many private citizens held ceremonies honoring Saturn in their homes. One of the highlights of Saturnalia was the switching of traditional roles, particularly between a master and his slave. Everyone got to wear the red pileus, or freedman’s hat, and slaves were free to be as impertinent as they wished to their owners. However, despite the appearance of a reversal of social order, there were actually some fairly strict boundaries. A master might serve his slaves dinner, but the slaves were the ones who prepared it — this kept Roman society in order, but still allowed everyone to have a good time.

According to History.com,

“Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.”

Businesses and court proceedings closed up for the entire celebration, and food and drink were everywhere to be had. Elaborate feasts and banquets were held, and it wasn’t unusual to exchange small gifts at these parties. A typical Saturnalia gift might be something like a writing tablet or tool, cups and spoons, clothing items, or food. Another popular present was the cerei, a tapered wax candle used in many temples and shrines.

Citizens decked their halls with boughs of greenery, and even hung small tin ornaments on bushes and trees. Bands of naked revelers often roamed the streets, singing and carousing, as a sort of naughty precursor to today’s Christmas caroling tradition.

Not everyone was down with these shenanigans, though. Pliny the Younger was a bit of a Scrooge, and said,

“When I retire to this garden summer-house, I fancy myself a hundred miles away from my villa, and take especial pleasure in it at the feast of the Saturnalia, when, by the license of that festive season, every other part of my house resounds with my servants’ mirth: thus I neither interrupt their amusement nor they my studies.”
In other words, Pliny didn’t want to be pestered by merrymaking, and was perfectly happy to indulge himself in the solitude of his country home, away from the debauchery of the city. Saturnalia was considered a holy day — after all, it was held in honor of a major god — and so a number of religious rituals took place during the festivities. According to early legends, Saturn himself was sacrificed, so in some areas, mock sacrifices of the god took place. In some temples, an ivory statue of Saturn was portrayed with linen or woolen bonds around the feet and ankles. During Saturnalia, these bonds were loosened to represent Saturn’s liberation. This ritual was typically followed by an elaborate public banquet.

The Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger wrote,

“It is now the month of December, when the greatest part of the city is in a bustle. Loose reins are given to public dissipation; everywhere you may hear the sound of great preparations, as if there were some real difference between the days devoted to Saturn and those for transacting business….Were you here, I would willingly confer with you as to the plan of our conduct; whether we should eve in our usual way, or, to avoid singularity, both take a better supper and throw off the toga.”

In wealthier Roman households, the Saturnalicius princeps, or “leader of Saturnalia,” was selected from among the slaves. Similar to the custom of the Lord of Misrule in Britain, who appears around the Yule season, this person was responsible for organizing merrymaking and mischief during the celebrations. He was seen as the ruler of chaos, in direct contrast to the normal orderly manner of Roman life. In addition, he was in charge of making offerings to the Penates, who were Roman household gods associated with domestic life.

A contemporary of Seneca, Macrobius, wrote a lengthy work on the celebration, and said,

“Meanwhile the head of the slave household, whose responsibility it was to offer sacrifice to the Penates, to manage the provisions and to direct the activities of the domestic servants, came to tell his master that the household had feasted according to the annual ritual custom. For at this festival, in houses that keep to proper religious usage, they first of all honor the slaves with a dinner prepared as if for the master; and only afterwards is the table set again for the head of the household. So, then, the chief slave came in to announce the time of dinner and to summon the masters to the table.”

The traditional greeting at a Saturnalia celebration is, “Io, Saturnalia!” with the “Io” being pronounced as “Yo.” So next time someone wishes you a happy holiday, feel free to respond with “Io, Saturnalia!” After all, if you lived in Roman times, Saturn was the reason for the season!

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

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THE LOVE AND LUST SPELL (NO HARM TO BE DONE TO ANYONE)

Items You Will Need:  A male action man type doll that closest resembles the sort of man you lust over secretly, a Barbie, Cindy or other fashion type doll you think is like you and has your hair colour,3 red taper candles,2 large, strong rubber bands, a lighter or taper, a shoebox, cloth that is large enough to wrap the dolls in and yarn of the same color.

Cast your circle the way you are comfortable with and call the Quarters and Deities associated with love. ( Freya, Aphrodite, Eros…….) whichever you feel is appropriate to you. Light the incense that you feel attracts love/lust – e.g. musk or whatever feels right to you. Anoint your candles with rose or other love attracting oils. Light the candle that is for you, and say:

“This candle is my burning love/lust for you. ”

Then also light and anoint the one for your target, and say:

This candle is your will to love/lust me.

(Envision and think of the sort of man you long to be with in an intimate way!)Get out your cloth and write “Lust” on it and tie two knots in the yarn one at each end.

Place your male target doll by its candle and your doll by your candle. Anoint the last anointed red candle and place it between the other two, say:

“This is the growing love/lust attracting us to each other.”

Take the two lit candles and light the last candle with them at the same time . Now extinguish the candles for the target candle and your own candle and say :

“By the light of this growing lust for each other

I bind him with it until I choose to break the bonds

and part ways with you.”

Cover the dolls facing each other with the rubber bands around them if desired , then bind the cloth with the yarn or sting and tie with one more knot in the center. Place the dolls in the shoebox and put them somewhere they are not disturbed. Thank the Quarters and the Deities you called for their presence at your ritual. Close the circle your usual way

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE SECTION

Litha Prayer to the Sun

The sun is high above us
shining down upon the land and sea,
making things grow and bloom.
Great and powerful sun,
we honor you this day
and thank you for your gifts.
Ra, Helios, Sol Invictus, Aten, Svarog,
you are known by many names.
You are the light over the crops,
the heat that warms the earth,
the hope that springs eternal,
the bringer of life.
We welcome you, and we honor you this day,
celebrating your light,
as we begin our journey once more
into the darkness.

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

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Custom Planetary Positions

December 18, 2018
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun: 26 Sagittarius 36
Moon: 02 Taurus 30
Mercury: 05 Sagittarius 41
Venus: 11 Scorpio 13
Mars: 20 Pisces 59
Jupiter: 08 Sagittarius 53
Saturn: 09 Capricorn 48
Uranus: 28 Aries 46 Rx
Neptune: 13 Pisces 51
Pluto: 20 Capricorn 09

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Planetary aspects for the Month of December

December 20, 11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus
December 21, 12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune
December 21, 12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter 09 34
December 22, 12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49
December 24, 07:31 pm – Mercury square Neptune
December 28, 04:30 pm – Venus sextile Pluto
December 29, 04:34 am – 3rd Quarter Moon 07 36

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The Solar Almanac for Tuesday, December 18

Sun Direction: 155.95° SSE↑

Sun Altitude: -28.77°

Sun Distance: 91.470 million mi

Next Solstice: Dec 22, 2018 9:22 am (Summer)

Sunrise Today: 5:39 am↑ 119° Southeast

Sunset Today: 8:03 pm↑ 241° Southwest

Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 24 minutes

timeanddate.com

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The Lunar Almanac for Tuesday, December 18

Moon Direction: 273.58° W↑

Moon Altitude: -0.45°

Moon Distance: 242118 mi

Next Full Moon: Dec 23, 20184:48 am

Next New Moon: Jan 6, 201912:28 pm

Next Moonrise: Today3:11 pm

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Illumination: 70.8%

timeanddate.com

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Amusing Lunar Facts

What is the Moon? It is not a planet, although many scientists may think of it as one! It is a satellite of the Earth. In other words, it is a big chunk of rock, orbiting the Earth and is kept within a certain distance from the Earth (approx. 238,866 miles away) because of the Earth’s gravitational pull. Without that gravitational pull, the Moon would move farther out into space away from the Earth. Also, the Moon’s gravity affects our ocean tides. Obviously, as with astrology, there is a fine balance between the Sun, Moon and Earth.

The Moon is larger than Pluto with a diameter of approximately 2,160 miles. It takes approximately 27.3 days to travel all the way around the earth, moving at a rate of a little over one-half mile each second. According to some scientists, the Moon’s rate of orbit is slowing down and it is slowly moving away from the Earth.

It is believed that asteroids crashing into it millions of years ago created the many craters on the Moon. Since there is almost no atmosphere, there is essentially no wind or rain to cause these craters to erode or change. Also, because of this, the temperatures on the “sunny-side” of the Moon can reach 273°F while on the dark-side the temperatures plummet to a chilly -243°F

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BEST DAYS IN DECEMBER 2018

Below are the best days for activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase in December.

Cutting hair:
1, 3, 29, 30

Quit Smoking:
5, 28

Traveling for pleasure:
25, 26

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Moon Phase Calendar

Tuesday – 18th December 2018

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Moon Currently in the Sign of Taurus

Moon in Taurus:
Your safety depends on the need for stability, which is not easy to satisfy now. You have to learn to accept change as part of your life. The basic problem is finding your own self-respect in order to ensure that you do not mistakenly seek it in material things. When you accept yourself for who you are, it will become easier for you to find peace and tranquility in the outside world.

Organs influenced by Taurus Moon Sign:
Organs: Neck, larynx, throat, vocal cords, thyroid gland, tonsils, Adam’s apple.

These organs are now more sensitive so provide them with extra care.

Surgical operations:
Surgical operations are not recommended during the Waxing Moon.

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Today is Tuesday, December 18

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

Deity: Tiwaz

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Planet: Mars

Tree: Holly

Herb: Plantain

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Fire

Color: White

Number: 2

Rune: Tyr (T)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis (Elder) (November 25 – December 22)

The Runic Half Month of Jara (December 13 – December 27)

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28 – December 23)

—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

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The Goddess Book of Days for December 18th

The Roman Day of Anna,who is also Anu, Danu, Don, Aine, the Three Fates (Lachesis, Clotho, Atropos), the Morrigan (Ana, Badb, Macha), the Noms, Fortuna, Agnes, Yngona, Anahit, the Erinyes or Eumenides, Befana, and Anna Perenna. In India, Jagannath Ratha Yatra for the God Jagannath or Vishnu. (Attis, Adonis, Tammuz, Damuzi, Heme, Pan, Cernunnos.)

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

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~ The Goddess Days of the Moon ~

Days 16-18 Dedicated to Gaia, the Earth Goddess
Days 19-21 Hestia, Goddess of Waning Moon, is the matriarchal grandmother, ruling and protecting her family
Days 22-24 Ruled by Medusa, the crone of death and spiritual release, the necessary destruction that allows a new cycle to begin
Days 25-27 Ruled by Hecate, queen of the underworld and the shades, she is seen as the one who allows departed souls to choose thier paths in the next phase of existence and rebirth
The remaining days of the moon – the dark days – are those of the unknowable Masked Goddess, who is present, but invisible.

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Tuesday’s Magick

Tuesday – Is associated with Mars

Colours of – Red, Pink and Orange.

Tuesday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Passion, Partnerships, Courage, Swift Movement, Action, Energy, Strife, Aggression, Sex, Physical Energy, Sports, Muscular Activity, Guns, Tools, Metals, Cutting, Surgery, Police, Soldiers, Combat, Confrontation, Business, Buying and Selling Animals, Mechanical Things, Repairs, Gardening, Woodworking, Hunting and New Beginnings.

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Ritual Crafting for Tuesday

Ruling Planet: Mars

Perfume: Hellebore, Carnation, Patchouli

Incense: Lignum Aloes, Plantain

Color: Red

Influences: Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical Strength

–-A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

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Tuesday’s Witchery

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

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

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

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion.

Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

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

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The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, December 18th

Feast of the Virgin of Solitude

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

Moon enters Taurus 4: 37 am

Incense: Cedar

Color: Maroon

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The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday

Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

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

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

Herb: Basil

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

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

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

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

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About Litha: A Guide to the Symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

a guide to the symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: June 20-23 (usually, the date of the calendar summer solstice).

Alternative names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Alban Heruin, Alban Hefin, Gathering Day, Vestalia, La Festa dell’Estate (Summer Fest), the Day of the Green Man.

Primary meanings: This Sabbat celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. It is a time to absorb the Sun’s warming rays, and to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and beginning of the waning year in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. This is a time to celebrate work and leisure, to appreciate children and childlike play and to look internally at the seeds you’ve planted that should be at full bloom. Some people believe that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk pass into our world; welcome them on this day to receive their blessings.

Symbols: Fire, the Sun, blades, mistletoe, oak trees, balefires, Sun wheels, summertime flowers (especially sunflowers), summer fruits, seashells and faeries. If you made Sun wheels at Imbolc, display them now prominently, hanging from the ceiling or on trees in your yard. You may want to decorate them with yellow and gold ribbons and summer herbs.

Colors: White, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, green, blue and tan.

Gemstones: All green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, and also tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli and diamond.

Herbs: Chamomile, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frankincense, galangal, heliotrope, hemp, larkspur, laurel, lavender, lemon, mistletoe, mugwort, oak, pine, roses, saffron, St. John’s wort, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, wisteria and ylang-ylang. Herbs gathered on this day are said to be extremely powerful.

Gods and goddesses: All father gods and mother goddesses, pregnant goddesses and Sun deities. Particular emphasis might be placed on the goddesses Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar and Venus and other goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty. Other Litha deities include the goddesses Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis and Juno and the gods Apollo, Ares, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus and Thor.

Customs and myths: One way to express the cycle of the Earth’s fertility that has persisted from early pagan to modern times is the myth of the Oak King and the Holly King, gods respectively of the Waxing and Waning Year. The Oak King rules from Midwinter to Midsummer, the period of fertility, expansion and growth, and the Holly King reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter, the period of harvest, withdrawal and wisdom. They are light and dark twins, each being the other’s alternate self, thus being one. Each represents a necessary phase in the natural rhythm; therefore, both are good. At the two changeover points, they symbolically meet in combat. The incoming twin — the Oak King at Midwinter, the Holly King at Midsummer — “slays” the outgoing one. But the defeated twin is not considered dead — he has merely withdrawn during the six months of his brother’s rule.

On Midsummer Night, it is said that field and forest elves, sprites and faeries abound in great numbers, making this a great time to commune with them. Litha is considered a time of great magickal power, one of the best times to perform magicks of all kinds. Especially effective magick and spells now include those for love, healing and prosperity. Wreaths can be made for your door with yellow feathers for prosperity and red feathers for sexuality, intertwined and tied together with ivy. This is also a very good time to perform blessings and protection spells for pets or other animals.

Nurturing and love are key actions related to Midsummer. Litha is a good time to perform a ceremony of self-dedication or rededication to your spiritual path as a part of your Sabbat celebration. Ritual actions for Litha include placing a flower-ringed cauldron upon your altar, gathering and drying herbs, plunging the sword (or athamé) into the cauldron and leaping the balefire (bonfire) for purification and renewed energy. Considered taboo on this holiday are giving away fire, sleeping away from home and neglecting animals.

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Litha Legends and Lore

Myths and Mysteries of the Midsummer Solstice

Litha, or Midsummer, is a celebration that has been observed for centuries, in one form or another. It is no surprise, then, that there are plenty of myths and legends associated with this time of year!

In England, rural villagers built a big bonfire on Midsummer’s Eve. This was called “setting the watch,” and it was known that the fire would keep evil spirits out of the town. Some farmers would light a fire on their land, and people would wander about, holding torches and lanterns, from one bonfire to another. If you jumped over a bonfire — presumably without lighting your pants on fire — you were guaranteed to have good luck for the coming year.

After your Litha fire has burned out and the ashes gone cold, use them to make a protective amulet. You can do this by carrying them in a small pouch, or kneading them into some soft clay and forming a talisman. In some traditions of Wicca, it is believed that the Midsummer ashes will protect you from misfortune. You can also sow the ashes from your bonfire into your garden, and your crops will be bountiful for the rest of the summer growing season.

It is believed in parts of England that if you stay up all night on Midsummer’s Eve, sitting in the middle of a stone circle, you will see the Fae. But be careful – carry a bit of rue in your pocket to keep them from harassing you, or turn your jacket inside out to confuse them. If you have to escape the Fae, follow a ley line, and it will lead you to safety.

Residents of some areas of Ireland say that if you have something you wish to happen, you “give it to the pebble.” Carry a stone in your hand as you circle the Litha bonfire, and whisper your request to the stone — “heal my mother” or “help me be more courageous”, for example. After your third turn around the fire, toss the stone into the flames.

Astrologically, the sun is entering Cancer, which is a water sign. Midsummer is not only a time of fire magic, but of water as well. Now is a good time to work magic involving sacred streams and holy wells. If you visit one, be sure to go just before sunrise on Litha, and approach the water from the east, with the rising sun. Circle the well or spring three times, walking deosil, and then make an offering of silver coins or pins.

Sunwheels were used to celebrate Midsummer in some early Pagan cultures. A wheel — or sometimes a really big ball of straw — was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. The burned remnants were taken to the local temple and put on display. In Wales, it was believed that if the fire went out before the wheel hit the water, a good crop was guaranteed for the season.

In Egypt, the Midsummer season was associated with the flooding of the Nile River delta. In South America, paper boats are filled with flowers, and then set on fire. They are then sailed down the river, carrying prayers to the gods. In some traditions of modern Paganism, you can get rid of problems by writing them on a piece of paper and dropping them into a moving body of water on Litha.

William Shakespeare associated Midsummer with witchcraft in at least three of his plays. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest all contain references to magic on the night of the summer solstice.

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article originally posted on & owned by  ThoughtCo

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Litha Ritual to Celebrate Fathers

In many traditions of Paganism, particularly those that are Wicca-based, there is a great deal of focus on the Goddess. Sometimes, there’s so much attention to the feminine that the masculine aspects get overlooked. By welcoming the God of your tradition, you can honor the men who have impacted your life–whether they raised you, loved you, or are being brought up by you. This simple rite also offers your boys a chance to get out there and dance, and to celebrate the masculine within themselves.

Prior to the ritual, make a headdress for each male that will be present. This can include horns, antlers, branches, feathers, and other symbols of fertility and masculinity. Headdresses are fairly simple to make; use a strip of heavy fabric or cardboard cut to size, and just glue items on it. If your boys are younger, this is a fun craft project. Assign one male to act out the part of the Horned God in the ritual.

Also, give each member of the group some sort of noisemaker–drums, rattles, bells, etc. This is a ritual best performed in a group, either as a family or coven. If you normally cast a circle or call the Quarters in a ceremony, do so at this time.

Light a red or gold candle in the center of your altar to represent the Sun. The High Priestess (HPs) or whoever is leading the ritual should face the sun, and say:

We are here as a family (or coven)
On this longest of days.
The power of the Sun is above us,
and its heat and strength reminds us
of the power of the God.

At this point, the group members should shake their rattles, bang their drums, ring their bells. Do so slowly, almost at the tempo of a heartbeat. The HPs continues:

The God is strong and powerful,
he is virile and fertile.
He is the Lord of the Hunt,
the King of the Forest,
and with the Goddess, together they create Life.

At this point, speed up the beat of the drums and rattles just a bit. The HPs goes on and says:

We honor the God today, and celebrate the masculine within him.

I call upon the Horned God!
Cernunnos, Herne, Apollo!
We ask you to honor us with your presence!

Now the drumming should speed up even more. The man or boy chosen to be the Horned God leads the male members of the group around the altar clockwise in a dance, keeping up with the rhythm of the drums and rattles. As the males circle the altar, they should move faster each time.

Allow the men and boys to dance around the altar as many times as they like. As the dance gets faster, the music will get faster too, until there is a palpable hum of energy. This sensation is often indicative of the presence of the Divine. Let the music run its course–it will end when it’s ready to end, and at that time, the dance should stop too. Once the dancing and drumming has ceased, the HPs should call out:

Horned one, God of the Hunt,
Lord of the Forest!
We honor you tonight, on this longest day.
We celebrate the men in our lives,
those who raised us,
those who love us,
those that we are raising.
We honor them in Your name.

Each member of the group, both male and female, may make an offering at this time. If you have a fire burning, throw your offerings into the flames. If you don’t have a fire, place your offerings on the altar instead.

Take a few moments to reflect upon the balance of male and female in your life, and in the world. Think about the men you have known, and those you will know in the future. Recognize the qualities that make them honorable and worthy of your love. When you are ready, dismiss the quarters or close the circle.

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

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Make Your Own Litha Blessing Broom

Litha is the time of the summer solstice, and it’s a season of great solar energy. A great project to put together is a blessing besom. Sweeping is, after all, one of the best ways of making a space sacred and clean. Make a blessing besom, and you can use it to physically cleanse your home, and then hang it up to keep positive energy flowing around you.

To make a blessing broom, or besom, you’ll need the following:

A broom — either make your own, or purchase one at a craft store
Ivy or vines
Flowers and herbs from your garden
Ribbons
Small bells

Wrap the ribbons and ivy around the handle of the broom. Don’t wrap them too tight, though, because you’ll want to be able to tuck sprigs of herbs and flowers into the ribbons. Once you’ve added all of these things, tie a few small bells onto the broom, so that it will jingle as you sweep. In many cultures, bells are used as noisemakers to frighten away evil spirits and negative energies.

If you like, you can consecrate your blessing besom as you would any other magical tool. Use it to sweep around your home, starting near a window or a door, and working in a deosil (clockwise) direction. As you do so, you may wish to chant something like this:

Sweeping, sweeping, ’round the room,
Blessings from this cleansing broom.
From floor to ceiling, and all between,
May this space be fresh and clean.
Sweeping good energy here to me,
As I will, so it shall be.

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

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Before Time Was

a creation myth by Scott Cunningham

Before time was, there was The One;
The One was all, and all was The One.
And the vast expanse known as the universe was The One,
all-wise, all-pervading, all-powerful, eternally changing.
And space moved.
The One moulded energy into twin forms,
equal but opposite, fashioning the Goddess and God
from The One and of The One.
The Goddess and God stretched and gave thanks to The One,
but darkness surrounded them.

They were alone, solitary save for The One.
So They formed energy into gasses into suns and planets and moons; They sprinkled the universe with whirling globes and so all was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God.
Light arose and the sky was illuminated by a billion suns.
And the Goddess and God, satisfied by their works, rejoiced and loved,
and were one.

From their union sprang the seeds of all life, and of the human race,
so that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth.
The Goddess chose the Moon as Her symbol,
and the God the Sun as His symbol,
to remind the inhabitants of Earth of their fashioners.

All are born, live, die and are reborn beneath the Sun and Moon;
all things come to pass there-under,
and all occurs with the blessings of The One,
as has been the way of existence before time was.

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Daily Incantations & Enchantments for December 18th

Clarity of Mind

When you need to see things clearer.
River of red, pool of black
Target my focus to stay on track.
Hocus pocus, let me see,
All things before me with clarity.

The Power of Positive Witchcraft: Daily Incantations & Enchantments: A Spell a Day for 30 Days
Garden Summerland

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Witch Tip #117 for Tuesday, December 18

Try to wait a couple of days (if you can afford to) before performing a spell, especially one that involves other people. Circumstances can change quickly and new information can surface that may change your mind.

—Witch Tips : The Essential Guide to Contemporary Witchcraft
A. Rayne

“Blessed Are The Witches”

 

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