Author: H.P. Lady Beltane

Merry meet Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests, I'm an ordained High Priestess walking my spiritual path as an Eclectic Witch for over 45 years. I'm mother of 5, mother-in-law of 4 (although I treat them the same as those, I gave birth too) , grandmother of 13 and great-grandma to 5. I am a spirit mother and sister to many of my dearest friends and apprentices. I enjoy helping witches find their spiritual and magickal path. More information for the novice course offered look under "WOTC's School of Witchcraft" on the main menu. Please email me at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com for further information about my novice or private study with Lady Carla Beltane witchcraft courses. If you have questions or suggestions for posts please email me at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com I offer different types of readings, house, aura, and chakra cleansings, look for "Readings and Cleansings Done by Lady Beltane" in the main menu. Merry part and blessed be, Lady Carla Beltane

(One Person’s View Point) Wicca, Witchcraft or Paganism?

As you study and learn more about magical living and modern Paganism, you’re going to see the words witch, Wiccan, and Pagan pretty regularly, but they’re not all the same. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, we often discuss Paganism and Wicca, as if they’re two different things. So what’s the deal? Is there a difference between the three? Quite simply, yes, but it’s not as cut and dried as you might imagine.

Wicca is a tradition of Witchcraft that was brought to the public by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. There is a great deal of debate among the Pagan community about whether or not Wicca is truly the same form of Witchcraft that the ancients practiced. Regardless, many people use the terms Wicca and Witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan.

So, in a nutshell, here’s what’s going on. All Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccans. All Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Finally, some witches are Pagans, but some are not – and some Pagans practice witchcraft, while others choose not to.

If you’re reading this page, chances are you’re either a Wiccan or Pagan, or you’re someone who’s interested in learning more about the modern Pagan movement. You may be a parent who’s curious about what your child is reading, or you might be someone who is unsatisfied with the spiritual path you’re on right now. Perhaps you’re seeking something more than what you’ve had in the past. You might be someone who’s practiced Wicca or Paganism for years, and who just wants to learn more.

For many people, the embracing of an earth-based spirituality is a feeling of “coming home”. Often, people say that when they first discovered Wicca, they felt like they finally fit in. For others, it’s a journey TO something new, rather than running away from something else.

Paganism is an Umbrella Term… CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Saturday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Friday Source: plentifulearth.com

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth, Fire

Gender: Female

Deities: Cronos, Fates, Hecate, Loki, Saturn

Colors: Purple, Black, Maroon, Dark Colors, Indigo

Crystals: Apache Tear, Black Onyx, Coal, Coral, Hematite, Jet, Lead, Obsidian, Pewter, Salt, Serpentine, Smoky Quartz, Tourmaline

Herbs & Plants: Amaranth, Beet, Belladonna, Boneset, Comfrey, Cypress, Hellebore, Hemlock, Hemp, Ivy, Mimosa, Morning Glory, Mullein, Quince, Skullcap, Slippery Elm, Thyme

Incenses: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Saturn Oil

Energies & Associations: Agriculture, Apprehension, Banishment, Binding, Boundaries, Caution, Cleansing, Creativity, Cursing, Destruction of All that Does Not Serve, Elderly Care, Endings, Exorcism, Fortune, Freedom, Hexing, Hidden Matters, Hope, Limitations, Locating Lost Items or People, Longevity, Meditation, Overcoming Obstacles, Protection, Psychic Defense, Revealing Truth, Self-Discipline, Spiritual Communication

Friday Source: amagickalpath.co.uk

Planet – Saturn

Spells/Magic – binding, debts, discovery, justice, karma, protection, longevity, endings, home

Magical aspects: longevity, exorcism, endings, apprehension, austerity, caution, and limitations.

Oils – Black Orchid, Hyacinth, Iris, Juniper,

Plants and trees – black helleborn,garden nightshade,blackthorn tree,cypress tree,hedge bindweed,hemlock.ivy,morning glory,mullein,snowdrop,marigold,Rosemarry,Rue,Rowan tree, yew tree, holly tree.

Stones – Obsidian, onyx,black pearl

Colours – black, grey, red, white, brown, blue

Metal -Lead

Energy Type – Female

Dieties – dedicated to the shadowy Anglo-Saxon god Saetere, the equivalent to the Roman Saturn, and the Greek Cronos. It is also associated with the Norns, the Norse equivalent of the Three Fates, and the Trickster-god, Loki.

Saturday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Binding, Patience, Stability, Neutralization, Material Gain, Protection, Karma, Death, Manifestation, Structure’s, Reality, Laws of society, Limits, Obstacles, Tests, Handwork, Real Estate, Dentists, Bones, Teeth, Farm Workers, Sacrifice, Separation, Stalkers, Murderers, Criminals, Civil Servants, Justice, Math’s, Plumbing, Joint Money Matters, Wills, Debts, Financing, Real Estate, Discoveries, Transformation and Relations with Older People.

July 26, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 26th, 2025 is the Waxing Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 1.67 days old and 2.88% illuminated with a tilt of 145.971°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 383,235.36 km and the moon sign is Leo.

The Moon phase for July 26th, 2025 is a Waxing Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon started to become visible again after the New Moon.

In this part of the moon cycle, the Moon is moving away from the Sun and is becoming more and more illuminated by sunlight. In this phase, the moon will go from 0.1% to 49.9% illuminated before reaching the First Quarter phase.

In the Waxing Crescent phase the moon rises before noon in the east, transits the meridian before sunset, before setting in the west before midnight.

The Waxing Crescent phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. The moon is close to the Sun in the sky and the right edge will become brighter as it approaches 50% illumination and the First Quarter phase

Solar system phone cases
Sun lamp products

Fun fact: although only a small part of the Moon is illuminated in the Waxing Crescent phase, you can still sometimes see the rest of moon as faintly visible. This is known as “earthshine” or Da Vinci glow and is a result of sunlight being reflected off the Earth and back to the Moon.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Crescent

Moon age: 1.67 days

Moon illumination: 2.88%

Moon tilt: 145.971°

Moon angle: 0.52

Moon distance: 383,235.36 km

Moon sign: Leo

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. Best seen in the west after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. This is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase

The Waxing Crescent on July 26 has an illumination of 4%. 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 July 26 the Moon is 1.92 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 Crescent
Illumination: 4%
Moon Age: 1.92 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 388,165.38 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,922,975.35 km

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

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be

Spell For Tomorrow – Money Crystal Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Money Crystal Spell

Low on cash? Want to be a money magnet? Why not try using crystals.

How to Perform It:

You’ll need a citrine crystal for this spell. Place it on top of your wallet and focus on attracting wealth to you. Imagine the universe adding money to your bank account.

You can even tuck the crystal into your purse, near your wallet during the day.

July 25, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 25th, 2025 is the Waxing Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 0.64 days old and 0.32% illuminated with a tilt of 123.96°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 378,584.82 km and the moon sign is Leo.

The Moon phase for July 25th, 2025 is a Waxing Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon started to become visible again after the New Moon.

In this part of the moon cycle, the Moon is moving away from the Sun and is becoming more and more illuminated by sunlight. In this phase, the moon will go from 0.1% to 49.9% illuminated before reaching the First Quarter phase.

In the Waxing Crescent phase the moon rises before noon in the east, transits the meridian before sunset, before setting in the west before midnight.

The Waxing Crescent phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. The moon is close to the Sun in the sky and the right edge will become brighter as it approaches 50% illumination and the First Quarter phase

Fun fact: although only a small part of the Moon is illuminated in the Waxing Crescent phase, you can still sometimes see the rest of moon as faintly visible. This is known as “earthshine” or Da Vinci glow and is a result of sunlight being reflected off the Earth and back to the Moon.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Crescent

Moon age: 0.64 days

Moon illumination: 0.32%

Moon tilt: 123.96°

Moon angle: 0.53

Moon distance: 378,584.82 km

Moon sign: Leo

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. Best seen in the west after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. This is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase

The Waxing Crescent on July 25 has an illumination of 1%. 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 July 25 the Moon is 0.94 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 Crescent
Illumination: 1%
Moon Age: 0.94 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 383,520.20 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,937,649.94 km

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

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be

New Moon July 24, 2025 – Ultimatums

The new moon in July 2025 is opposite Pluto. So, the spiritual meaning of the new moon in July 2025 astrology is letting go of the need to be in control. To be willing to change and transform, evolving your soul to live a better life and experience greater satisfaction.

However, this harsh Pluto aspect can lead to internal or external battles, resulting in low self-esteem and a crisis of confidence. Thankfully, the July 2025 new moon in good aspect to the Saturn-Neptune conjunction enables you to solve problems and overcome hardship with endurance and determination.

New Moon July 2025 Astrology

The new moon on July 24, 2025, is at 02°08′ Leo. The most significant planetary influence comes from the opposition to Pluto. Next is a trine to Saturn-Neptune, then the sextile to Uranus. With so much going on, I will focus only on the tightest new moon aspects, specifically those to Saturn-Neptune and Pluto.

New Moon July 2025 Meaning

Sun conjunct Moon represents cyclic renewal as a new 28-day moon phase begins. You can draw a line under the past, turn over a new leaf, and start fresh. You can also question old habits, behaviors, and beliefs as you search for creative and inventive new ways to grow and … Click here to read the rest of this article Source: astrologyking.com

July 24, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for today is the New Moon phase.

On this day, the moon is -0.4 days old and 0.35% illuminated with a tilt of -2.882°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 374,551.26 km and the moon sign is Cancer.

The Moon phase for today is the New Moon phase. In this phase, the moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth and is 0% illuminated (i.e the moon is not visible to us in the sky).

Due to the alignment of the Sun, the Moon and Earth, the side of the moon that faces Earth is left in complete darkness. In technical terms this is referred to as a conjunction or Syzygy.

Also, during the New Moon phase, the moon rises and sets at around the same time as the Sun. This brings to the moon too close to the glare of the Sun for us to see the moon with the naked eye.

Fun fact: The moon can’t emit its own light, it can only reflect the light from the Sun’s rays. Since there is no sunlight during the New Moon phase there is nothing to reflect, so the moon becomes completely dark and unable to be seen in the sky.

Phase Details

Phase: New Moon

Moon age: -0.4 days

Moon illumination: 0.35%

Moon tilt: -2.882°

Moon angle: 0.53

Moon distance: 374,551.26 km

Moon sign: Cancer

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a New Moon phase. During this phase the Moon is too close to the sun in the sky to be visible. The moon rises and sets with the sun and is not present in the night sky. Because of this the night sky is darker and an excellent time to view other celestial objects. Like the Full Moon, a New Moon happens at a very specific time when the sun and moon have the same ecliptic longitude and it can be measured down to the second it occurs.

Visit the July 2025 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s New Moon Phase

The New Moon on July 24 has an illumination of 0%. 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 July 24 the Moon is 29.38 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: New Moon
Illumination: 0%
Moon Age: 29.38 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 378,486.39 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,952,899.88 km

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

July 23, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 23rd, 2025 is the Waning Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 28.02 days old and 3.14% illuminated with a tilt of -29.691°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 371,399.02 km and the moon sign is Cancer.

The Moon phase for July 23rd, 2025 is a Waning Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon is less than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 0% illumination (which would be a New Moon).

In this part of the moon cycle, it is getting closer and closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing earth with a decreasingly thin crescent being illuminated.

The waning (shrinking) crescement Moon will rise at around midnight, transit the meridian after sunrise, before setting after noon. This phase is best viewed 1-2 hours before sunrise and is a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the illuminated crescent you can see the craters and mountains of the moon casting long shadows.

Solar system phone cases
Earth travel guides
Sun lamp products

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the illuminated side of a waning crescent moon is always pointed eastwards, towards the sunrise.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Crescent

Moon age: 28.02 days

Moon illumination: 3.14%

Moon tilt: -29.691°

Moon angle: 0.54

Moon distance: 371,399.02 km

Moon sign: Cancer

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Crescent phase. This phase is best viewed just before the sunrise in the western sky. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Today’s Waning Crescent Phase

The Waning Crescent on July 23 has an illumination of 2%. 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 July 23 the Moon is 28.31 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: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 2%
Moon Age: 28.31 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 373,946.85 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,966,849.13 km

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

Spell for Monday – Psychic Communication

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Psychic Communication Spell

This spell will help increase your long-distance psychic abilities. For it, you’ll need a like-minded partner who does not live with you. Set a time when you can perform this ritual with your friend. You’ll both need a white candle and charged amethyst stone. At the designated time, each of you should light your candle and gaze at the flame. Handle the amethyst stone. Concentrate on one thought; visualize a blue-white light surrounding the candle. Then, project your thought in the direction of your partner. Limit this exercise to about ten minutes. Extinguish the candle and call your friend. Tell each other what you felt, thought, or any images you saw. Perform this ritual at least once a month and you will increase your psychic awareness. Ideally, this spell should be worked on Mondays or Wednesdays, during a waxing Moon.

Source: GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archive by James Kambos

July 22, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 22nd, 2025 is the Waning Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 26.98 days old and 8.64% illuminated with a tilt of -41.51°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 369,278.79 km and the moon sign is Gemini.

The Moon phase for July 22nd, 2025 is a Waning Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon is less than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 0% illumination (which would be a New Moon).

In this part of the moon cycle, it is getting closer and closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing earth with a decreasingly thin crescent being illuminated.

The waning (shrinking) crescement Moon will rise at around midnight, transit the meridian after sunrise, before setting after noon. This phase is best viewed 1-2 hours before sunrise and is a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the illuminated crescent you can see the craters and mountains of the moon casting long shadows.

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the illuminated side of a waning crescent moon is always pointed eastwards, towards the sunrise.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Crescent

Moon age: 26.98 days

Moon illumination: 8.64%

Moon tilt: -41.51°

Moon angle: 0.54

Moon distance: 369,278.79 km

Moon sign: Gemini

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Crescent phase. This phase is best viewed just before the sunrise in the western sky. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Today’s Waning Crescent Phase

The Waning Crescent on July 22 has an illumination of 6%. 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 July 22 the Moon is 27.27 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: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 6%
Moon Age: 27.27 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 370,113.11 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,979,578.74 km

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

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be

July 21, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for today is the Waning Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 24.89 days old and 26.48% illuminated with a tilt of -58.028°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 368,120.90 km and the moon sign is Taurus.

The Moon phase for today is a Waning Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon is less than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 0% illumination (which would be a New Moon).

In this part of the moon cycle, it is getting closer and closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing earth with a decreasingly thin crescent being illuminated.

The waning (shrinking) crescement Moon will rise at around midnight, transit the meridian after sunrise, before setting after noon. This phase is best viewed 1-2 hours before sunrise and is a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the illuminated crescent you can see the craters and mountains of the moon casting long shadows.

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the illuminated side of a waning crescent moon is always pointed eastwards, towards the sunrise.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Crescent

Moon age: 24.89 days

Moon illumination: 26.48%

Moon tilt: -58.028°

Moon angle: 0.54

Moon distance: 368,120.90 km

Moon sign: Taurus

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Crescent phase. This phase is best viewed just before the sunrise in the western sky. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Today’s Waning Crescent Phase

The Waning Crescent on July 21 has an illumination of 12%. 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 July 21 the Moon is 26.17 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: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 12%
Moon Age: 26.17 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 366,878.65 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 151,992,192.18 km

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

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, July 20 to Saturday, July 26, 2025

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily and Weekly Horoscopes

All Signs

The Sun is the energy source of our solar system; and likewise, it is the energy source of our horoscope. As the Sun changes signs every four weeks, it brings into focus different issues in your life. It will reveal areas where you can better express yourself. It can show you where to explore new opportunities. On Tuesday, the Sun moves into Leo to stay for four weeks. This will increase everyone’s confidence, charisma and desire for recognition. People will feel playful, and take pride in their leadership skills. The next four weeks are the perfect time to showcase your talents, spend time with kids and enjoy happy getaways (especially romance). Incidentally, the word “happy” derives from the Icelandic word “happ” meaning good fortune, which is why no amount of careful planning will ever replace dumb luck.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Twice a year, (four months before and four months after your birthday), your life is easier, even uplifting. Your energy level will be higher, and you’ll feel like you can do whatever you want! Certainly, the next four weeks are a wonderful time for a vacation and expressing your creative talents. Sports events and fun activities with kids will appeal. Old flames from the past might be in the picture because Mercury is retrograde. Meanwhile, life is so good, the beauty of your daily surroundings will impress you more than usual. Communications with others will be charming and rewarding. Plus, you also have energy to work! Oh yes, this time you’re the winner!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Home, family and your private life will be a strong focus for you in the next four weeks. In part, this is because relatives you haven’t seen for a while might be camped on your doorstep due to Mercury retrograde. (This could trigger a mild crisis for you.) You might end up with people who are working at cross purposes to your efforts. Grrr. Fortunately, you have the energy to play and have fun. Competitive sports in particular will appeal. Romance will be passionate! Meanwhile this is a favourable time for financial dealings and negotiations. Expect to enjoy objects of beauty and perhaps investing in art. Ka-ching!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Fasten your seatbelt because the pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks due to short trips, visits, errands and increased interaction with siblings and relatives. You might take a vacation. You certainly will want to tell others how you feel about something. In fact, as the wordsmith of the zodiac, you will be chatty and articulate! Of course, Mercury retrograde will trigger transportation delays, communication problems, silly errors and confusion. Do what you can to deal with increased activity on the home front that could be challenging. Secret affairs and saucy flirtations will be exciting diversions for many of you. (You love an adoring peanut gallery.) Bottom line – socialize extensively in the next four weeks. Live it up!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

In the next four weeks, you’ll think about money, cash flow, earnings and your core values. You will observe your relationship to your possessions. Let’s face it – you can’t throw anything away, “I might need this one day.” (You know who you are.) Actually, the next four weeks are a great chance to look at how you relate to your possessions. Do the things you own serve your needs, or are you a slave to them? Financial matters will be delayed because of Mercury retrograde. Cheques in the mail will be late. However, previous moneymaking ideas might fly! (Be open to this.) The pace of your everyday life is fast now. Furthermore, your conversations with others are dynamic, even argumentative because you identify with your ideas. “Who me?” “Yes, you.”

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Lucky you! The Sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. It’s appropriate to focus on yourself because “this is your turn”. Actually, you have a strong need now to express yourself with Mercury in your sign (and retrograde). Find people who want to listen to you. Buy them a drink because you need an audience! Fortunately, fair Venus is in your House of Friendships making this the perfect time to enjoy friends, groups and organizations. (Your bathroom mirror is covered in kisses.) When it comes to financial negotiations – be aggressive. Stand up for yourself. Of course, you’re blowing money big time because you identify with what you own. “Shops must be visited. Money must be spent!”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The Sun is hiding in your chart for the next four weeks before it steps out centre stage in your sign. This means, you feel more inclined to take a backseat, or work alone or behind the scenes. However, with fiery Mars in your sign, you want to work and be productive. And if pushed, you’ll react! This is because when Mars is in your sign (something that happens for six weeks every two years) you are more of a fighter for your rights than usual. Fortunately, nicely offsetting this, Venus is sitting at the top of your chart smoothing your relations with parents, bosses and authority figures. (It’s hard to keep your shirt on when you have to get something off your chest.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You’re popular! In the next four weeks, enjoy friendships, groups and organizations, especially because Mercury retrograde is attracting old friends from your past back into your world. Meanwhile, this is the perfect window to share your hopes and dreams with someone to get some helpful feedback. It’s also an excellent time to set goals. Travel for pleasure will appeal. Be aware that because Jupiter is at the top of your chart (something that occurs only once every 12 years) you look successful and capable to everyone. Make the most of this great impression! (A true friend is one who likes you despite your achievements.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

For the next four weeks, the Sun is at the top of your chart. This can happen only once a year, and when it occurs, it means that symbolically, you’re being thrust in a spotlight that is flattering! Because of this, people will admire you and be impressed by your talents and your abilities – even if you don’t do anything different. (It’s smoke and mirrors.) Meanwhile, you have lots of energy to compete with teams and groups at this time. This combination means when you go after what you want, you will likely get it! One more lovely blessing brings gifts, goodies, money and favours your way. Plus – romance is favoured. (Mom always liked you best.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Like Aries, you’re experiencing a favourable influence that occurs about four months before or four months after your birthday. Life is good! Things are unfolding easily. In fact, as the traveller of the zodiac, you’ll be delighted to discover more opportunities than usual to travel and get outta Dodge. Admittedly, Mercury is retrograde, creating hiccups and delays. But that won’t hold you back. Meanwhile, Mars is at the top of your chart arousing your ambition; and Venus is opposite your sign paving the way for warm relations with everyone – even your enemies. Hey, with these advantages and messages from the universe, just do it. Book the flight.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

For the next four weeks, you’re drawn to private, intimate situations. You might pursue different activities that you feel will make you a better person. This is because you are exploring your inner world and healing old wounds. Relationships with others will be more intense; however, you can rebuild them. This will also be a time when you will give more thought to inheritances, shared property and anything that you own jointly with others – including debt. Avoid power struggles with others. Travel if possible. Enjoy warm relations with coworkers. Oscar Wilde said “It’s better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The Sun will be opposite your sign for the next four weeks – something that occurs only once a year. (Does anal-retentive have a hyphen?) This could create tension between you and partners, close friends and spouses. However, it will also give you an opportunity to see your role in these relationships because you will have more objectivity. Admittedly, with Mercury retrograde also opposite your sign, attracting ex-spouses and ex-partners back into your world – things could be challenging. Nevertheless, romance, love affairs, vacations and fun outings are full of promise and sexy adventure! (Don’t worry about avoiding temptation. As you get older, it starts avoiding you.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Your energy, drive and desire to be productive will get a boost in the next four weeks because you’ll be thinking more about how you want to manage your life. You want things to flow more smoothly. Might a look at physical efficiency be the answer? While you’re on this improvement kick – you’ll also want to do things to feel healthier. Food for thought: if you want something you’ve never had – you’ve got to do something you’ve never done. Put out energy into making where you live more attractive because you’ll enjoy entertaining someone. Your challenge is dealing with Mars opposite your sign, which makes you easily irritated with others. Remember: A closed mouth gathers no feet.

July 19, 2025 Current Southern Hemisphere/Tomorrow’s Northern Hemisphere Moon Phase

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 19th, 2025 is the Waning Crescent phase.

On this day, the moon is 23.85 days old and 37.68% illuminated with a tilt of -63.809°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 368,847.41 km and the moon sign is Taurus.

The Moon phase for July 19th, 2025 is a Waning Crescent phase. This is the phase where the moon is less than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 0% illumination (which would be a New Moon).

In this part of the moon cycle, it is getting closer and closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing earth with a decreasingly thin crescent being illuminated.

The waning (shrinking) crescement Moon will rise at around midnight, transit the meridian after sunrise, before setting after noon. This phase is best viewed 1-2 hours before sunrise and is a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the illuminated crescent you can see the craters and mountains of the moon casting long shadows.

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the illuminated side of a waning crescent moon is always pointed eastwards, towards the sunrise.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Crescent

Moon age: 23.85 days

Moon illumination: 37.68%

Moon tilt: -63.809°

Moon angle: 0.54

Moon distance: 368,847.41 km

Moon sign: Taurus

Source: MoonGiant.com

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 Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Crescent phase. This phase is best viewed just before the sunrise in the western sky. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this part of the Moon cycle, the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Today’s Waning Crescent Phase

The Waning Crescent on July 19 has an illumination of 31%. 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 July 19 the Moon is 23.98 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: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 31%
Moon Age: 23.98 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,446.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,015,354.19 km

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