Each year in Japan the festival ofAomori Nebuta commemorates rates the beginning of the harvest season. The celebration begins with a parade of bamboo effigies, with grotesquely painted faces that are used to frighten away the spirits of sleep. The rituals that follow are designed to keep the farmers awake for longer periods of time allowing them to complete their harvesting.
On Monday, casts for matters concerning the home, emotions and nurturing.
Planetary Influence: The Moon
Household Symbols: Silver platters and bowls, moon shapes
Color: White and Silver
Kitchen Spices: Lemon rind and wintergreen.
Source:
Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Ellen Dugan
This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility.
Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include:
*Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues.
*Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight
*Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit. Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue.
*Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone
*Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon
*Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers
*Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace
*Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep
August, the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Summer’s rule, derives its name from Augustus (Augustus Caesar).
The traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx; and the gladiolus and the poppy are the month’s traditional flowers.
August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Ceres, the Corn Mother, Demeter, John Barleycorn, Lugh, and all goddesses who preside over agriculture.
During the month of August, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Lammas, one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world.
August 1~ 2 On this day, the Lammas sabbat is celebrated by Wiccans and Witches throughout the world. Lammas (which is also known as Lughnasadh, August Eve, and the First Festival of Harvest) marks the start of the harvest season and is a time when the fertility aspect of the sacred union of the Goddess and Horned God is honored. The making of corn dollies (small figures fashioned from braided straw) is a centuries-old Pagan custom which is carried on by many modern Witches as part of the Lammas sabbath rite. The corn dollies are placed on the sabbath altar to represent the Mother Goddess who presides over the harvest. It is customary on each Lammas to make or buy a new corn dolly and then burn the old one from the past year for good luck.
On this day in the country of Macedonia, Neo-Pagans celebrate the Day of the Dryads, an annual nature festival dedicated to the maiden spirits who inhabit and rule over forests and trees.
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August 2
On this day, the Feast of Anahita is celebrated in honor of the ancient Persian goddess Anahita, a deity associated with love and lunar powers.
Lady Godiva Day is celebrated annually on this date in the village of Coventry, England, with a medieval-style parade led by a nude woman on horseback.
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Today Is …
August 3
The harvest season begins on this date in Japan with an annual festival called the Aomori Nebuta. Bamboo effigies with grotesquely painted faces are paraded through the streets in order to drive away the spirits of sleep.
Feast Of Caligo, Mother Of Chaos.
England: Bell-Belt Day In Congleton, Cheshire: drunken excesses were announced by midnight runners wearing belts of bells. In 1601, money destined for the church was hijacked to buy a replacement town bear:
“Congleton rare, Congleton rare, Sold the Bible to pay for a bear”.
Weather Prognostication – Greeks look at the weather on the third day of August to predict the weather for the next three months. If it’s nice, it will be nice for the next three months. Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994
)0( GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred! )0( Live each Season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
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.
Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility.
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).
Current Moon Phase: Third Quarter
Moon Sign: Pisces
Pisces: The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition, and psychic impressions. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities.
Moon enters Aries 7:24 pm
Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.
Incense: Rosemary
Color: Silver
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 dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women’s mysteries, and fertility.
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
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
In the word Monday, we can see part of the word Moon. In the romance languages such as Italian or Spanish, this day of the week is called Lunes and clearly relates to the word lunar.
On Mondays, a variety of magick may be worked. Because Monday centers on the energies of the Moon, things like psychism, dreams, feminine energy, health, success in spiritual pursuits, domestic matters, and things of family origin are especially important this day.
Mondays are best for love magick and anything concerning home or family, thus old saying, Mondays child is fair of face, which seems clearly to relate to the themes of love and health.
Angels of Monday are Gabriel, Arcan, Missabu, and Abuzaha. Arcan is known as the king of the angels of air and the “ruler” of Monday. Abuzaha (Abuzohar) serves Monday, and is very responsive to invocations and ritual magick. Missabu is a ministering angel of Arcan.
Check whether the moon is waning or waxing to determine what your spell will be. During waning moons, do spells to rid yourself of obstacles or for wisdom and protection. During waxing moons do magic for increase of any kind or to draw something into your life.
On Mondays, the best hour to work is moonrise. Get this information from your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac.
Source:
Mon. 8/3 Compassionate Pisces Moon softens hearts; after 7:30 PM radical Aries Moon energizes the atmosphere.
Tue. 8/4 Energetic Aries Moon gives go power to any project. Venus cozy with Jupiter means a lucky day for all.
Wed. 8/5 Impatient Aries Moon suggests we get going. Venus squaring Saturn says don’t choose too much responsibility.
Thu.8/6 Steady Taurus Moon helps ground busy energy. Mars trine Saturn makes excellent progress, Mercury conjunct Venus brightens all talent, Mercury square Saturn later could say call a halt.
Fri. 8/7 Sensuous Taurus Moon suggests a nature walk or swim. Mercury conjunct Jupiter helps with happy communication, speedy journeys. Mercury into Virgo helps with organizing thoughts and arrangements.
Sat. 8/8 Chatty Gemini Moon makes for good sociality. Mars into Leo expands romantic inclinations.
Sun. 8/9 Friendly Gemini Moon smiles on all.
Contact tashahal@gmail.com
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
Waning, Gibbous Moon Age: 18 days.
Moon On Equator.
Moon in 18th degree of the Sign Pisces, the Fishes; also in 21st deg. of the Constellation Aquarius, the Water-Bearer. Souths: 3:43 morn.
Moonset: 9:51 morn. Moonrise: 10:20 eve.
Aspects of Pisces: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Mutable, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Wintery, Austral, Obeying, Double, Double-Bodied, Dual, Bicorporeal, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold.
The Waning Moon
Time: From full moon to dark moon (approx.14 days)
Goddess Aspect: Crone
Associated Goddesses: Cailleach, Banshee, Hecate, Kali, Morrigan
Magickal Attributes: Banishing: Releasing the old, removing unwanted negative energies, wisdom, psychic ability, scrying reversing circumstances. Workings on this day are for banishing magick, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity, physical and psychic cleansings.
Spells and rituals involving the Water element should be performed when the Moon is in a Water sign: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Moon in Pisces: Spells involving music, telepathy and clairvoyance.
Moon Moon, Mother Moon
Lunar Lore
The crescent moon, set like a silver signet in the western sky, delayed a little the approach of night. – Stowe …
The Mother is the giver,
We value what she gives.
Her earthen power has given Life to all that lives.
…
The Moon in opposition to Mercury, shews a good day for all things, except Writing and Contracts. ~ Bethem’s “Centiloquium”.
…
For ages the army of spirits, once so near, has been receding farther and farther from us, banished by the magic wand of science from hearth and home, from ruined cell and ivied tower, from haunted glade and lonely mere, from the riven murky cloud that belches forth the lightning, and from those fairer clouds that pillow the silvery moon… – Frazier, “The Golden Bough.”
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
Sunrise: 6:10 morn. Sunset: 8:17 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 7m.
Dawn: 5:40 morn. Dusk: 8:47 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 30m.
Sun in 10th degree of the Sign Leo, the Lion; also in 13th degree of the Constellation Crabba, the Crab;
Aspects of the Sun in Leo: Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Fiery, Fixed, Barren, Horary Eastern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Feral, Bestial, Animal, Four-footed, Dry, Bitter, Hot.
Solar Lore
The sun is noted to be hotter when it shineth forth between clouds than when the sky is open and serene. ~ Bacon
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
Life is full of noise and bustle
Rush and hurry, run and hustle
People ’round us with demands
Open mouths and open hands
Lend us now a quiet place
A moment’s peace, a silent space
Time to think and time to plan
A quiet, peaceful, restful span
We ask the Gods to grant us peace
A brief time for the noise to cease
An hour or two out of my life
Free from hurry, free from strife
Peace and quiet for our soul
A restful place to make me whole
Grant us now this time and place
So we might live our lives with grace.
So Mote It Be
You will need:
A broom or beson
Ribbon (traditional Lammas colors, green(for abundance) or gold(for prosperity and gathering)
A Sprig of Mint
As far as the broom or beson goes, any broom/besom will do as it is always the intent of your actions that are important. If you don’t have a broom then collect a bundle of twigs and tie time at the top with your ribbon to make a hand shaped broom. The broom/besom is a potent symbo of hearth and home, found in some form in almost every home. It is a traditional magickal tool useful for everyday charms as it has the imprint of its owner firmly on it.
Next take your sprig of mint (ideally from your own garden, or dried mind – put in a pouch. The mint represents abundance and plenty and is easily accessible to obtain.
Take your broom and tie your ribbon around the top. Tie in your sprig of mint or securely fasten your pouch. Take your broom outside, place both hands on the stave and focus on your intention – gathering in the harvest for winter. Turn slowly three times in a clockwise direction then start to sweep towards your door saying:
“By one, two, three and four, sweep Lammas gifts to my door. May abundance be a constant friend by my hearth till Winter’s end.”
If you don’t have an outside space, you can sweep from your front door inwards to either you kitchen or hearth.
Repeat this three times, take your besom back into your house and put it in its usual place. You can leave the ribbon on for as long as you want to. If you have made your own broom you can place it where you consider the heart of your home to be. You can return the mint to the earth and be sure to say thank you for the use and gift of it.
2 Parts Frankincense
1 part Heather
1 Part Apple Blossoms
1 pich Blackberry leaves
few drops Ambergris oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Aug 1 or 2, or at that time to attune with the coming harvest.
(Pale brass-yellow)
The name Pyrite comes from the Greek word “pyr” (fire) because pyrite emits sparks when struck by steel.
Hardness: 6–6.5
Specific Gravity: 4.95–5.10
Chemistry: FeS2 Iron Sulfide
Class: Sulfides
Crystallography: Isometric Diploidal
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fracture: Very uneven, sometimes conchoidal
Streak: Greenish-black to brownish-black
Luster: metallic
Healing: Pyrite is used to tprevent and to treat DNA damage. It is also used in the treatment of Bronchitis and other lung diseases. And it is used to lower fevers and related inflammation.
Magical Workings: Pyrite is an excellent stone to use when shielding against negative energy. Carry this stone when engaged in hazardous types of work. Pyrite is also useful in memory enhancement. It helps one to communicate more openly and honestly, providing both emotional and physical protection. Pyrite is also used to ease the discomfort of menstruation.
Folks in ancient Mexico made scrying mirrors out of pyrite; they were created by polishing one side flat, to use for scrying, while the rounded side was carved with mystical symbols to assist in the scrying process.
Pyrite is associated with the astrological sign of Leo and vibrates to the number 3.
Chakra Applications: Pyrite is used to open and energize the Kundalini/Root chakra. Pyrite also vibrates to the solar plexus chakra, thus strengthening ones will.
Foot Notes: Pyrite’s metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool’s gold because of its resemblance to gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals. Pyrite is usually found associated with other sulfides or oxides in quartz veins, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock, as well as in coal beds, and as a replacement mineral in fossils.
Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
(Avena sativa)
Medicinal Uses: Oat gruel is a mild nutritious aliment, of easy digestion in inflammatory cases and fevers. It is found useful also as a demulcent enema and boiled into a thick paste makes a good emollient poultice.
Magickal Uses: Oats are used in money and prosperity spells.Oats are feminine and its planet is Venus. It is associated with the Element of Earth.
Properties: Nervine, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic; emollient; refrigerant. Oats contain starch, gluten, albumen and other protein compounds, sugar, gum oil, and salts. Oat grains are high in carbohydrates and contain about 13 percent protein and 7.5 percent fat. They are a source of calcium, iron, vitamin B1, and nicotinic acid.
Growth: Annual growing to 1.5m. The wild oat was first found in western Europe, apparently as a weed mixed with barley. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by Wind.
Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
The Devil Reversed
The reversed Devil signifies a spiritual rebirth, freedom from the preoccupation with the secular and the overcoming of pride and selfishness.
Berkano
Berkano reversed may foretell family problems and dissatisfaction. Your life path my not be clear to you at this time. Be careful to protect that which is yours.
The Tortoise
The tortoise represents the dome of the sky, the universe. It tells you to take slow, deliberate steps and you can acheive everything you desire.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
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