Magickal timing: Choosing the right day of the week for your spell

Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology, and celestial intelligences in an attempt to bring the most effective results. In this article, we’ll discuss the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week, and the best day to perform different types of magick.

Planetary magic can seem cumbersome, especially to Witches more accustomed to elemental (Earth) magic.  But you don’t have to spend hours drafting talismans or poring over charts to add some planetary flavor to your spellwork. Using a very simple overview of magickal timing, you can make sure your working is aligned with the appropriate planetary ruler.

The idea of planetary rulership (and the 7-day week) dates all the way back to Chaldean (Babylonian) astrology.  They assigned a planet to rule each day, and further divided the day into planetary hours.  Later, the Greek and Roman civilizations adapted the Babylonian calender for their use.  Planetary magic was re-discovered by the medieval magicians, who looked to the Classical world for inspiration.  The tradition of using different days for different types of magic was put forth in the 16th-century Key of Solomon, a foundational text of the Western magical tradition.

Planetary magick relies mainly on the seven Classical “planets,” (although minor planets, comets, and other features enter into advanced systems).  Of the seven, the sun and moon aren’t really planets, of course.  But ancient astrologers didn’t know that, so the nickname stuck.

In English (as well as in French, Spanish and related languages), the names of the days of the week still reflect their planetary rulers.  (This is very handy when you’re trying to remember which is which!)

Source: groveandgrotto.com

May 15 and 16, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

May 15, 2024

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the moon is one quarter of the way through its orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one-day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.

Visit the May 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s First Quarter Phase

The First Quarter on May 15 has an illumination of 50%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On May 15 the Moon is 7.38 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 50%
Moon Age: 7.38 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 402,385.72 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,266,465.74 km

Southern Hemisphere

16 May 2024

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full MoonThis September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the May 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on May 16 has an illumination of 59%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On May 16 the Moon is 8.28 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 59%
Moon Age: 8.28 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 404,361.13 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,297,924.39 km

Divination Journal

Tarot Cards

Source: astrologyanswers.com

9 Of Wands – Minor Arcana

Meaning

When the 9 of Wands Tarot card appears, it is a gentle nudge from the Universe that you are doing everything right.

It seems to be a slow-moving and stalemate position card, but that is only half true. No action is happening in this card, so making a big move on a key issue is advised against. Instead, pull back, retreat into defensive mode, and assess the situation. You will find that you are farther along in this situation than you initially felt.

This is a courageous card, noting the courage you have exuded along the way in your battles. This card also says your patience will be rewarded if you keep your current course.

Symbolism

When the 9 of Wands Tarot card appears in your day, know that the Tarot is sending a message to acknowledge and validate your sense of perseverance and patience. This card also denotes courage.

This is not an action card but a card to say your patience will pay off. Here we see a man in an almost defensive position. He holds one wand close to his chest, and the others are all up in front of him, almost like a barrier. He looks guarded and peeks between the wands to see what lies ahead. What does he find? A glorious horizon. When this card appears in your day, know that the battles you have been facing are drawing to a close, and your courage will pay off.

Animal Spirit Guide or Helper

Source: uniguide.com

Cougar

Cougar meanings and symbolism include protection, agility, adaptability, secrecy, beauty, and wealth. The cougar (also referred to as a mountain lion, puma, or panther) is native to the Americas, with a range that spans from the Yukon in Canada all the way to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. As a result, these wild cats are subjects in the mythology of cultures throughout the Americas.

In this post, you’ll learn about cougar symbolism and meanings, the cougar spirit animal, and cougar mythology. This post will also include the symbolism and mythology of the mountain lion, panther, and puma (the alternative names for cougar) and I may use the words interchangeably throughout this post.

Rune

Source: naturesenergieshealth.com

GYTU

(G) GIFT

A Rune of a sacred mark dedicated to the Gods.
Right Side
A rune of generosity and the giving and receiving of gifts; and with the help of the Gods, kindness and aid to others. It is a gift and a greeting of peace. Partnerships and relationships are blessed. People unite and relationships move to a deeper level. “The lovers kiss; the bountiful Goddess abundance.” This rune also represents sacrifice and the balance of opposing factions or elements. A remnant of Gyfu
gis still sent today to mark the passing of another year.
Reversed
This rune reversed is indicative of harm to friendship, separations and self centred behaviour.

Witches Rune

Source: tarotingie.com

Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Ogham

Source: thepeculiarbrunette.com

Onn

Pronunciation – uhn

Tree Association – Gorse

Meaning – Spiritual paths, lust, arousal, spiritual guidance, and movement. Onn also represents the health and vitality of intimacy and sexuality. Do not feel bashful about what you desire and allow yourself to experience pleasure fully. Onn can also represent forward motion or movement similar to a wagon wheel. It can be indicative that you need to examine and deepen your connection with your spiritual journey or change your life’s direction. Movement can also indicate an actual trip or moving to a new home.

If reversed – Complications, peril, unhealthy behaviors, and danger. You may be putting yourself in jeopardy by taking too many chances. Do your best to slow down and find the path that is right for you.

Inscription and Magical Uses – Helpful for safe journeys or travel, physical movement issues (health or physical therapy), or to remove obstacles from your path.

Folklore – Gorse was believed to be protective obstructions when planted around the home and would keep the Sidhe (faerie folk) away. It was also used in a famous saying – “When gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of season.”

I Ching

Source: ichingonline.net

Hexagram One/1

Ch’ien / Creative Activity

Heaven above and Heaven below:
Heaven in constant motion.
With the strength of the dragon, the Superior Person steels himself for ceaseless activity.

Productive Activity.
Potent Influence.
Sublime Success if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The time for action has come.
You now have the focus and the stamina necessary for accomplishing great tasks.
The path before you is being cleared and reward lies ahead.

Numerology

Source: numeroscop.net

One

One, among the numbers of the numerological core, is a clear evidence that you are entrusted with a certain mission, and sooner or later you will have to accomplish it. You won’t manage to stay away from situations requiring courage and determination and avoid complications and responsibility forever. The day is sure to come when you perform an Action with a capital A. And it will be the major step on your way, the most striking fact of biography, the action for which you will be assessed by your contemporaries and remembered by your descendants.

Angel Number

Source: numerologynation.com

One Hundred Thirty

When you see this number repeatedly, that’s a sign that you still question the reason for your existence on this Earth. 130 serves as the beginning point for a newer, better life. If you feel discouraged and you’re on the verge of giving up, your angels compel you to keep striving forward through the number 130. Whenever this number appears in your life, know that you have the power to overcome whatever challenges and obstacles you may be going through. Your angels support you in everything you do, and they urge you to stay broad-minded to live a life full of new expectations.

One of the most interesting facts about angel numbers is that their hidden universal energies lie in their individual digits. In this case, the vibrations and energies of the three numbers—1, 3, and 0— hold the secret meaning of the 130 angel number.

Number 1

Number 1’s a powerful number. It sets solid foundations in the life of a discouraged soul and assures them of new beginnings in the future.

This same number also serves as a special sign from your angels that you’re destined for a life full of success and happiness.

Number 3

Number 3’s vibrational influence enhances your creativity, which, in turn, boosts your inspiration and motivation to spark growth in your life. 3 is a number of progress and blessings.

Number 0

Lastly, number 0’s symbolism is centered around infinity, eternity, and nothingness. This number is the Divine Source’s paradox that goes beyond our limited understanding as human beings, and it also amplifies the influence of the other two numbers.

Number 130

With the information gathered, we can now say that number 130’s a sign that you should take positive action in your life. Number 1’s assurance of new beginnings, number 3’s creativity, and number 0’s infinity combine to give you reason to have a more positive self-expression.