FERTILITY, FLOWERS, AND FREE LOVE: THESE ARE MAY DAY’S PAGAN ORIGINS

• ELLEN RICKS

If you dig deep enough into history, you’ll find that most modern holidays steam from pagan traditions. With the rise of Christianity, many religious leaders repurposed pre-existing pagan holidays to fit a Christian mold to gain access to more of the population and ease the transition from one religion to the next. May Day is no exception. Recognized on the first day of May, May Day is a time to celebrate spring and all the comes with it (think: a beribboned Maypole). But May Day is actually the daughter of three deeply pagan traditions that welcomed the height of spring and offered transmutable material for many of the Christian traditions still embraced today (spoiler: hares, eggs, and beans, the hallmarks of Easter, are all synonymous with fertility). Here are three springtime bacchanals that predate May Day.

 

FLORALIA

Often cited as the earliest May Day celebration, Floralia was celebrated in ancient Rome from April 28–May 3 to honor Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, spring, and fertility. Floralia was an expectedly wild party for the ancient Romans, and saw them trading white togas for more colorful clothing—or no clothing at all. The festival included a set of public games know as the Ludi Florales, which featured a gladiator contest, theatrical performances, and circus events. Hares and goats, considered fertility animals, were released during the celebration. Ancient Romans were also encouraged to scatter beans—another symbol of fertility—on the steps of Flora’s temple during the festivities. Floralia was known to be a party for prostitutes, who, in ancient Roman society, were slaves and outcasts. During Floralia, sex workers were not only allowed to observe social events but actively partake in them by dancing naked and fighting in faux gladiator combat.

 

 

BELTANE

Beltane is Wiccan Sabbat, and was originally observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Held on the evening of April 30–May 1 (halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice) the holiday was a nod to the Celtic god Bel (meaning “bright one”), as well as the general life force of light, and was a time to welcome new life and fertility. Beltane can be translated as “bright fire,” and, expectedly, fire played a major part in the revelries. The event kicked off on the night of April 30 with a huge bonfire around which people danced, played music, and made love all night in the woods—a practice called going a-Maying. Participants decorated their homes with flowers and plants such as primrose, rowan, hawthorn, hazel, and marsh marigolds to increase fertility and good fortune. Beltane was also a time in which the aos si (the Irish name for elementals like fairies and spirits) were most active in the mortal realm. People would leave milk on their doorsteps or at the base of trees as an offering to the fairies.

 

 

WALPURGISNACHT

Walpurgisnacht—also known as Walpurgis Night, Hexennacht, or Witches’ Night, depending on who you ask—was a German holiday, celebrated on the eve of April 30–May 1. With its heavy focus on costumes and witchcraft, Walpurgisnacht was almost like an old world incarnation of what we now call Halloween. According to German folklore, on Witches Night’ it was believed that witches would meet on the highest peak in the Harz Mountain of central Germany. The witches were said to fly around the mountain as the humans harkened the beginning of spring, dancing around bonfires to increase the chances of fertility.

This pagan tradition shifted somewhat with the arrival of Christianity: Hexennacht became Walpurgisnacht, and Walpurgisnacht became a holiday to honor the English Saint Walpurga, who is credited for driving witches out of Germany. Rather than associating the bonfire with spring and fertility, the bonfire was suddenly said to drive out witches. People began to dance around the bonfire in costume, banging pots and pans to scare away spirits. Some hung foliage from their homes meant to protect themselves. The history of Walpurgisnacht is the ultimate example of a pagan holiday turned on its head to uphold Christianity.

 

So this May Day, welcome spring with both hope for the future and a backward glance. And good luck keeping your clothes on!

 

Published on Astrology.com

The Springtime of Your Soul

SPIRIT HACKS: 6 QUICK WAYS TO CLEANSE YOUR ENERGY

• CHRISTINE APRILE

Your phone buzzes from across the room. Without even a glance, you know exactly who is texting you. In fact, you can see the person’s name popping up in your mind’s eye. You reach for the phone to find that your premonition was correct.

Everyone has experienced this sort of intuitive hunch. Clairvoyance translates as “clear seeing,” meaning that events beyond our normal perceptions are received as if an invisible antenna is picking up a faraway signal. There are many types of clairs, such as clairaudience, clairsentience, and claircognizance, but clairvoyance is the most well-known. Imagine being aware that your psychic sense is an antenna that connects you to the subtleties of the world around you. It taps into the emotions, thoughts, and hidden motivations of others, as well as the energies of the environment and cosmos.

Sounds a little…overwhelming perhaps? Whether you’re a practicing intuitive or just beginning to tap into your psychic side, the following practices can help clear your body, mind, spirit, and even your environment of stagnant energy—making for better days and higher vibes.

 

THE POWER OF INTENTION

The most important aspect of energy clearing is intention; any act with enough intention behind it becomes magical. Life will always have its fair share of challenging days and interactions, so it’s important to learn how to release the anger, sadness, or fear that comes along with life in 3D.

Trust that your intention to clear negativity will, in fact, clear it. We often forget how much power we have within our lives, but the practice of energy clearing can renew personal autonomy by helping us learn to trust our own magical abilities.

 

SMUDGING

Perhaps the most popular form of energetic cleansing, smudging involves the ritualistic burning of sage, Palo Santo, or another incense of your choice. Light your chosen smudge and let the smoke wrap around your body, visualizing any negative emotions or thoughts evaporating into the air. Spaces are cleansed in much the same way, and with the same intention. Move throughout your home, letting the smoke touch each corner and doorway. Open the doors and windows and visualize any negativity leaving the space.

Your choice of smudge is very personal. There are a number of options from many spiritual practices, so consider researching your own cultural heritage for inspiration.

 

RITUAL SALT BATHS

Salt is a powerful mineral. Its antibacterial properties have made it a staple in the human diet for thousands of years, helping to preserve foods and treat various health conditions.

If you’re feeling energetically drained and heavy, consider a ritual bath using salt. Add a healthy amount of Epsom or sea salt to your bath water and soak away the negativity. Both your soul and body will thank you. Plus, a warm salt bath soothes muscle aches and joints. Don’t have a tub? Fill a bucket with salt and hot water and pour it over yourself, visualizing any bad vibes flowing down your drain. You can also take a swim in the ocean or any naturally-occurring body of water to clear your aura.

 

SOUND AND VIBRATION

Music is an incredible healer, and the ritualistic use of sound is found in cultures throughout the world. From chanting to the ringing of bells, sound is used to frighten evil spirits, clear stagnant energy, and raise the vibration of a space. Whether you’re attending a sound bath with crystals bowls or just listening to relaxing music on your headphones, music elevates and soothes the nervous system. Chanting mantras or singing your favorite song can also raise your spirits and oxygenate your body.

Feeling down? Put on something upbeat and dance. Ring a bell or shake a rattle and imagine the worries leaving your space. Use these tones to clear yourself of unwanted energies and to call in what you desire.

 

GROUND YOURSELF

Grounding is essential. In order to create the experience we want, we need to be in the present moment, living life to its fullest. It’s not unusual to lose a sense of stability when we’re energetically bogged down.

Here’s a simple grounding ritual that you can do anytime. While either sitting or standing, quiet your mind and visualize the bottom part of your body as a tree. Your feet are your roots, reaching deeply into the ground. Imagine them pushing through the dirt, past rocks, and underground aquifers until they reach the very center of the Earth. Imagine that your roots are anchored to the core of the planet, supported and protected. Now visualize any fear, anxiety, or pain passing through your feet into the ground. Trust that the planet knows what to do with this old, stagnant stuff.

 

GET AN ENERGY HEALING

Having a personal clearing practice is incredibly beneficial, and the methods above can greatly improve your well-being and energetic field. But even so, life can get overwhelming, and sometimes we all need a helping hand. If you’re still struggling to lift the mental or emotional fog of a particularly challenging time, scheduling an energy healing like reiki, pranic healing, or acupuncture can be incredibly helpful.

There are countless healing modalities to choose from, and much like choosing the smudge that works for you, some practices will resonate with you and some might not. Through a simple laying of hands or ritual prayer, a healer can help to shift the subtle energies of your body, allowing better flow and balance to return.

 

Published on Astrology.com

JUPITER RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS: A TIME TO DISCOVER A DEEPER TRUTH

• PRIYA KALE

 

 JUPITER RETROGRADE 2019 DATES

January 14 Jupiter enters shadow phase at 14’ 30 Sagittarius

 April 10 Jupiter stations retrograde at 24’ 21” Sagittarius

 August 11 Jupiter stations direct at 14’ 30” Sagittarius

 November 5 Jupiter leaves shadow at 24’ 21’ Sagittarius

 

JUPITER RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS MEANING

Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and its transit here—even retrograde—is an inherently benevolent one.

On a collective level, there could revisions in laws surrounding international travel, foreign policies, airline policies, and religious laws, among others. On an individual level, this is an internal process, an inner expansion of consciousness, and exploration in the area of your life/chart ruled by Sagittarius.

Expect the transit to bring huge revelations to the surface, along with previously suppressed truths or anything one has been trying to escape from—consciously or unconsciously.

What’s being magnified is trying to get your attention so you can confront it honestly. As the great benefic, Jupiter offers protection. Even the most chaotic situation holds a blessing in disguise, and the truth will set you free. This is Jupiter’s promise.

This is a crossroads, and there may be detours, whether literally or metaphorically. Consider this an opportunity to pull back, focus on the big picture, and make necessary course corrections if you’ve strayed too far from your path.

As Jupiter retraces its steps, a chance to embody the lessons of the previous months—while Jupiter was transiting the initial shadow phase—and discover a deeper truth appears.

Avoid premature judgment, for better or worse. This is a retrospective journey—you couldn’t have known then what you know now. And there will be even more to learn as Jupiter stations direct and moves out of its shadow period. The journey is the destination. Be philosophical and objective and you can learn what you need to know to make wise choices.

Jupiter in Sagittarius is a seeker of knowledge and wisdom. One major aspect coloring the zeitgeist this year is Jupiter’s square to Neptune in Pisces. There could be a desire now to dive deeper into religious, esoteric, psychological, philosophical, or higher studies—and question spiritual and religious beliefs.

This is a time to rediscover one’s faith—in oneself and in existence. At its essence, this is a spiritual journey, recalibrating and realigning you with an inner navigation system, and the knowing that guides you.

What you seek is within you.

 

JUPITER RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS—ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS

April 11: Mercury 24° Pisces square Jupiter Rx 24° Sagittarius

April 14: Sun 24° Aries trine Jupiter Rx 24° Sagittarius

April 15: Venus 24° Aries square Jupiter Rx 24° Sagittarius

May 2: Mercury 23° Aries trine Jupiter Rx 23° Sagittarius

May 5: Mars 23° Gemini opposition Jupiter Rx 23° Sagittarius

May 9: Venus 23° Aries trine Jupiter 23° Sagittarius

May 30: Mercury 20° Gemini opposition Jupiter Rx 20+ Sagittarius

June 10: Sun 19° Gemini opposition Jupiter Rx 19° Sagittarius

June 16: Jupiter Rx 18° Sagittarius square Neptune 18° Pisces

June 23: Venus 17° Gemini opposition Jupiter Rx 17° Sagittarius

July 25: Mars 14° Leo trine Jupiter Rx 14° Sagittarius

August 6: Sun 14° Leo trine Jupiter Rx 14° Sagittarius

August 8: Venus 14° Leo trine Jupiter Rx 14° Sagittarius

August 11: Jupiter stations direct at 14° Sagittarius

 

JUPITER RETROGRADE EFFECTS

Most intense for:

Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo, Pisces

 Most challenging for:

Cancer, Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn

 Most beneficial for:

Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Libra

HOROSCOPES FOR JUPITER RETROGRADE 2019

These Jupiter retrograde insights can be read for both your sun and ascendant sign.

Aries

Jupiter retrogrades in your ninth house, highlighting themes surrounding international travel, higher education, legal matters, philosophy, psychology, publishing, religion, and spirituality.

You’re approaching a crossroads, offering a chance for course corrections. You have freedom—but what do you want, and where are you going? Be very honest with yourself and keep sight of the big picture. You don’t know it all, but stay curious and open-minded, and you can learn what you need to make wise choices.

At its essence, this is a spiritual journey, realigning you with your inner compass and rediscovering your faith. The journey is the destination and you’re being guided.

  

Taurus

Jupiter stations retrograde in your eight house, suggesting there are huge changes unfolding in a financial situation, sexual partnership, marriage, or something that feels larger than life.

You’re not powerless and have a choice. But first clarify a dream, your values, and the true value of what’s being exchanged. There’s more potential in a situation than you think. But if you feel divided, investigate, before you make life-changing decisions.

This is a chance to make choices that take you closer to a dream of financial or personal freedom. Believe in yourself and have faith—the situation is evolving as it needs to.

 

Gemini

Jupiter entered your relationship zone late last year, opening the door to relationships that have the ability expand your world and be positive influences.

As Jupiter stations retrograde, you’re learning information, asking for a deep reevaluation of your one-to-one relationships. If partners seem like they are stalling or backtracking, avoid premature judgment for better or worse.

You can have the freedom, commitment and the security you desire. Be honest with yourself first, the better to allow you to be honest with others, and open to receive the love and support that is present. You are loved, protected, and deeply cared for—even if it doesn’t always seem that way.

 

Cancer

Jupiter stations retrograde in your sixth house of work, selfless service, daily routines, and health—mental, emotional, physical, and most importantly spiritual.

Changes at work, a health matter, or in your life are asking you to step back to look at the bigger picture. You have a lot to give. But does your life give you joy? Or do you feel like you’re living a double life?

Acknowledge a secret ambition, any subconscious fears that limit you, what needs healing, and eliminate what doesn’t serve a greater purpose. You can live a life that is rewarding and aligns with an inner truth. Believe in yourself and you can find a way.

 

Leo

As Jupiter moves retrograde in your fifth house over the next four months, this transit marks a phase of a deeper process of self-discovery and journey into your heart.

You’re gaining perspective on your life, a long-term goal, and the way forward to freedom. Creatively, sexually, personally—you can have what you want. And you have gifts, talents, and desires you haven’t fully explored yet. Children too have a lot to teach you.

You needn’t worry about what the world thinks of you. What matters is that you’re being true to yourself. You’re creating your life in every moment. Learn to love and have more faith in yourself. You’re already free.

 

Virgo

Jupiter stations retrograde in your fourth house, drawing your attention to matter surrounding your home, family, and sense of security; offering a deeper understanding of the past.

What was your childhood like? What were the relationship dynamics you’ve watched play out between caregivers? As you regain perspective, you can free yourself of patterns and a burden that has weighed on you. The present is not the past, and you have the authority to make choices that align with your highest goals.

It may call on you to rediscover deeper reserves of faith. Trust—you are safe and protected.

 

Libra

As Jupiter stations retrograde in your third house, you’re learning new information that calls you to question what you think you know. What and whom do you believe? Why? What do you want? This is the quest for a deeper truth, which begins with being honest with yourself.

Communication is highlighted, and you’re learning that kindness, honesty, and compassion are equally important. Sometimes it may be wise to say nothing at all and just listen. That way you can learn what you need to know.

Clarify a long-term goal, then apply course corrections, find solutions, and make wise choices that guide you to your destination.

 

Scorpio

Jupiter’s move to retrograde for the next four months marks a journey of rediscovering your true sense of worth, security, values, self-esteem, and what’s truly precious about you.

Whatever your current bank balance or relationship status, realize you can’t take your money to the grave, and all relationships either change or die. It’s the love you share that matters.

You have a lot to give the world and your relationships: creatively, financially, and emotionally.  You can have the financial and personal freedom and security you desire. Value yourself and invest in situations and commitments that give back to you equally. You’re worth a lot more than you realize.

 

Sagittarius

You’ve grown leaps and bounds over the past six months in both wisdom and self-awareness.

As Jupiter stations retrograde, you’re entering a phase of deeper self-discovery and self-awareness. You may feel divided about a relationship or situation. But are you being motivated by fear or love? You are protected and have gifts and talents that you take for granted—and the treasures of the world at your feet.

The only thing to fear now is fear itself. This is your chance to realign with an indivisible truth within and allow it to guide you. Be kind, honest, and give yourself permission to be happy.

 

Capricorn

As Jupiter stations retrograde in your twelve house, pay attention to your dreams, your intuition, and a growing knowing. You have big ideas and dreams. But you’re also becoming aware of subconscious fears—and perhaps a need for healing.

We are only as sick as our secrets. You’re not a child anymore and have the authority to make choices in your life. You needn’t tell the whole world your business, but keep partners informed on a need to know basis.

It will require teamwork and a daily process of communication, but you can manifest a vision. It starts with making healthier choices daily.

 

Aquarius

Jupiter stations retrograde in your eleventh house of friends, community, social network, and fulfillment of wishes.

You’re learning something about a friendship, or something that you’ve long aspired to, asking you to clarify your values and realign with the truth in your heart. All hope is far from lost. Acknowledge your desires, aspirations, acknowledge the ones you’ve outgrown, and avoid arguing for your limitations.

There’s a creative and loving solution to a dilemma you face. You’re free to make a choice—and may find you don’t even have to. Just do your best to be honest.

 

Pisces

Jupiter stations retrograde in your tenth house of career, profession, ambition, and public image.

You may be having second thoughts about a goal you once felt sure about. You needn’t fear opportunity slipping you by. If something is right, it will meet you down the road.

Financially and emotionally, you’re safe. But what do you want to be known for? What does an ambition mean to you? You’re reconnecting with a long-forgotten ambition. This is not about fame, or success, but what you have to give back to the world—it’s a lot. Rise above your insecurities and have more faith in yourself.

 

Published on Astrology.com

COSMIC CALENDAR

• APRIL 10, 2019

There’s an old astrological saying—forewarned is forearmed. One of the advantages of reading this calendar is often stellar events in the future are mentioned before they happen. The biggest astro-headline today is Jupiter at 25 degrees of Sagittarius (10:02 a.m.) halting its direct motion in the heavens to go into reverse. This major event on its own would make this 24-hour time-span crucial to understand. However, the cosmos piles on by forming a solar square to Saturn (1:48 a.m.) and a 10 hour void-of-course lunar twilight zone in Gemini that begins during the monthly lunar polarity to Jupiter (10:28 a.m.) and concludes with the moon’s arrival in its natural abode of watery Cancer (8:32 p.m.).

Venus follows up its conjunction with Neptune in Pisces yesterday with a parallel to the ancient ruling deity of the seas (1:52 p.m.). The only clear-cut helpful sky configurations are supportive, 60-degree alliances between the moon and sun (3:07 a.m.) and Mercury and Pluto (2:47 p.m.). Take a good look at the following archetypes and qualities associated with Jupiter—the power of positive thinking, goal-orientation, developing higher-learning skills, seeing the shape of things to come, providence, and benevolence, good fortune, big business, long-distance journeys, as well as pride, arrogance, hubris and overdoing a good thing. (Jupiter continues in its retrograde cycle until August 11 when it stations again to go direct at 15 degrees of Sagittarius.)

[Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd. 

Astrology.com

Witchy Tip #114 for April 10

Instead of leaving a jar of water out to be charged by the moon go for a night walk or go star-gazing and bring it along.

 

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

Daily Incantations & Enchantments for April 10

This is a spell to recover your heart. Works even if the sadness you feel is from an old break up.

This love like blood, flows through my veins
Embrace me fully, no pain remains.
My heart is pure, and always true I have been healed,
I am over you. i.e. romantic feelings or for friendship, etc.

 

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

Home & Hearth Magick for Wednesday, April 10

On Wednesday cast for communication matters and to improve good luck

Planetary Influence: Mercury

Household Symbols: Phones, television, computers, letters, silver coins

Colors: Orange or purple

Kitchen Spices: Dill and celery seed

 

–Cottage Witchery, Natural Magick for Hearth & Home
Ellen Dugan

Spirit Message of the Day – Release Judgments of Self and Others

THE GODDESS KUAN YIN

“In China she is the Great Mother also known as She Who Brings Children; the approachable and merciful goddess of peasants and Madonna figure. She is the principle of yin portrayed as unconditional love. She was a human woman who gained immortality and goddess stature. Her father planned for her to marry well, but she resolved not to marry at all. She begged to be allowed to go to the monastery every day. Her father finally relented, but with instructions to the monks to make life so hard for her that she would not stay. When nothing seemed to bring about the desired result, she was threatened with execution if she did not give in. At the appointed hour a tiger rushed out of the hills and saved her. That is why she is sometimes called the compassionate rebel.”

“Kuan Yin served as a symbol of the Chinese assimilation of Buddhism. She is often depicted meditating, giving the sign of a blessing or holding an infant in her lap. Converted Asian Catholics continue to worship Kuan Yin as the Virgin Mary. She represents healing, heath, childbirth, music, flowers, protector of fisherman and sailors, and is the champion for the unfortunate. Her symbols include the weeping willow, the lotus flower, raindrops (sometimes symbolized by beads or pearls), the sea, and an infant. Her figure is often seen with a tiger. In the Chinese culture red symbolizes joy, good fortune, health, happiness, peace and prosperity which is why it is worn by brides. In terms of color, red is the soul of China.”

– Excerpt taken from Seasons of the Witch 2010 Weekly Calendar by Victoria David Danann.

MESSAGE FOR YOU
“Release judgments about yourself and others, and focus on the love and light that is within everyone. Gentleness is strength behind true power, and it comes from feeding yourself with nourishing words, thought, deeds, intentions, and all forms of food. Shield yourself from harshness by placing an intention to attract only kind and gentle life lessons and relationships. Transform harshness into gentleness by refusing to see anything but the shining light that’s within each person and situation. This intention begins with your relationship with yourself. Be very gentle with yourself in all ways. Be happy, be kind, be sweet, but most of all, be true to you.”

Originally published on Spiritblogger’s Blog

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, April 10

Siblings Day

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini

Moon enters Cancer 11:31 pm

Incense: Marjoram

Color: Brown

 

 

–Llewellyn’s 2019 Magical Almanac
Charlie Rainbow Wolf

The Witches Guide for Wednesdays

Ruler: Wodin, Mercury

Colors: Orange, light blue, and gray

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

Keywords: Success, creativity, communication

The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Wo (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.

In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.

On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.

Ritual Work Associated With Wednesday, The Day of Mercury

Perfumes: Sweetpea, Lavender, Mastic, Frankincense, Cloves

Incense: Cinnamon, Cinquefoil

Color: Yellow or Grey

Influences: Conjurations, Predictions, Knowledge, Writing, Eloquence

 

Reference:
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

Wednesday: On the way to the afterlife

The fourth day of the week is named after Odin (Wodan or Woden). In Anglo-Saxon world, Woden is not necessarily the mirror of the Norse Odin. Up to the seventh century, he was worshipped as the main deity. He was the psychopomp which is a word for someone who helps deliver human souls to the afterlife.

In Romance languages, the name of the day comes from Latin Dies Mercurii (miércoles in Spanish, mercoledi in Italian, mercredi in French), associated with Mercury, the Roman god of trade, profit and commerce.

In German, the word for Wednesday is simply Mittwoch, meaning the middle of the week

On Wednesday, April 10, We Celebrate…

Humane Day (United States)
POLUKNALAI

Themes: Kindness to Animals; Nature

Symbols: All Animals About Poluknalai: In Afghanistan, Poluknalai is the goddess of all animals, being both their creatrix and their protectress. Now that the warm weather has many people walking their pets or taking them to parks, Poluknalai walks alongside, watching over the animals who give us love and companionship.

To Do Today: People in the United States dedicate the first Sunday in May to commemorating the Humane Society, which was established to prevent cruelty to animals, in the true spirit of Poluknalai. Numerous organizations schedule fund-raising events today and extend compassion to both animals and people, in keeping with the festivities. If you have the means, adopt an animal today or make a small donation to the Humane Society in your area so they can continue their work. Both actions honor Poluknalai.

Back up your actions spirituality with this spell for animal welfare:

Gather any picture of endangered species you can find. Put them inside a Ziploc bag while visualizing the white light of protection surrounding each. As you close the bag, say,

Protected by Poluknalai’s command, these creatures are safe across the land.
Sealed with love and magick within, by my will this spell begins.

As long as the bag remains sealed and safe, it will continue generating protective magick for those animals.

 

–365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco