May the Goddess Bless You On this Monday Morn’!

Egyptian Comments & GraphicsPagan Ways

 

Upon my altar a crystal ball,
An athame, candles and chalice tall,
A pagan goddess, a pagan god,
All laid upon my altar cloth,
A bell to help me celebrate,
Offerings placed upon a plate,
My pagan tools I now display,
How I love my pagan ways.

 

I’ll cast my circle upon the floor,
Then call upon the quarters four,
Earth, Fire, Water, Air,
The God and Goddess may join
me there,
I may sing, or I may dance,
I may even dare to chant,
As pagan music softly plays,
How I love my pagan ways.

My ritual over, now time to seek,

I’m feeling light upon my feet,
I’ll walk among the trees and plants,
And search for berries upon the branch,
I’ll feel the breath of natures kiss,
At one with all is total bliss,
I wish I lived in bygone days,
To learn first hand these Pagan Ways.

—-Pagan Ways
Alan Faraway

Blowing in the Wind Spell [Element of Air]

Lovely breezes and windy days can be used to connect with the magical element of Air and this magick charm is one that anyone can easily do for themselves and their friends. On a breezy day, find a piece of blue material or ribbon and tie one end to a fence, a tree branch or a clothesline.  Then, as you watch the ribbon fly and wave in the wind, repeat these words out loud,

“Blow laughing winds from North and South, from fairy lands and East to West, I’ll be happy as I say send me magic every day,”

You can leave the ribbon there for as long as you like and add any others to it for a magickal message to family and friends.

FROM: http://www.whitemagic.com.au/fairymagic/freemagicspells.html

A Little About June Birth Symbols

June Babies

“The air is like a butterfly, With frail blue wings. The happy earth looks at the sky, And sings.” —Joyce Kilmer

Zodiac: Gemini until June 21 and Cancer from June 22

Gemstone: Pearl
The pearl has long been associated with purity. Pearls are the only gems that come from living sea creatures, and they’re also unique in that they require no faceting or polishing to reveal their beauty. Today, most pearls are cultured, grown under controlled conditions by farmers to ensure perfect shape.

Flower: Rose, Honeysuckle
A rose’s color signifies different meanings: red means “I love you,” pink means perfection and white is innocence. Honeysuckle, June’s other flower, stands for the strong bonds of love.

Tree: Ash, Hornbeam, Fig, Birch, Apple

FROM: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/photo-gallery/birth-signs-symbols#07

June’s birth flower is the rose, which has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means “I love you.” A white rose signifies innocence and purity, while a yellow rose conveys jealousy or a decrease in love. A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means “I REALLY love you”). The other June flower is honeysuckle, which is a strong symbol for the everlasting bonds of love.

FROM: http://www.almanac.com/content/birth-month-flowers-and-their-meanings#

June Birthstone – Pearl

The month of June is represented by the pearl. “Pearl” is derived from the Latin word “pirum”, meaning pear, which is the shape that many pearls take on naturally when they grow. Many ancient civilizations have told a variety of stories and the birth of the pearl. The Greeks believed that they were tears of joy that had been hardened when they were shaken from the eyes of the goddess of love when she was born in the sea. Arabs believe that they were formed when oysters were lured by the light of the moon from the depths of the seas. The moon would leave dewdrops of its light, which would be swallowed by the oysters and taken back with them to their deep oceanic homes. The Chinese in ancient times thought they came from the brain of a dragon.

Specific gemstones are utilized to symbolize our birth-month according to the Gregorian or Western Calendar. Each month of the year brings in a new cycle. For many of you reading this, there needs to be no mention of what one might feel from the energy emitted from each stone representing each month and season. The cycles of each season have their own meaning and energy. Aligning with the changing times, each gemstone can increase our spiritual and mental energies. Many of these yearly shifts compromise our bodies, our immunity, mental health. Many have believed for centuries specific gemstones can counter these affects, granting strength and even cure ailments that might come with each season.

The formation of the pearl is as mystical as its history. For oysters to create a pearl, a small irritant, usually a small fish or parasite would lodged itself in the flesh of the oyster. The presence of the fish or parasite would then cause the oyster create what is called a “nacre”. This nacre grows over the intruder layer after layer and creates a luxurious pearl. As natural pearls are rare, man has created a process in which a small bead or piece of shell is placed inside the mollusk, stimulating the nacre production. This practice makes up about ninety percent of the pearl industry. They are harvested all over the world from the South Pacific, Gulf of California, Gulf of Mexico and its Pacific coast, Gulf of Manmar, the Persian Gulf, Europe, Japan and Australia.

At one time, Royalty were the only ones who were allowed to wear jewelry with pearls. Eventually, they were seen worn by all status’ of culture. Pearls have been obsessed over and been a passion for many. They are the symbol of purity, enhances ones integrity, and are often times given as a gift celebrating the birth of a child or marriage. Pearls are viewed as a sign of refinement and good taste. White pearls are usually given as gifts, however there are a wide variety of spectrum that the pearl grows: white, silver, cream-colored, gold, green, blue and black.

Other interesting facts about the June Birthstone Pearl:

-The pearl has been ground up into fine powders for use in cosmetics, and is effective for health problems of the intestine, stomach, and heals ulcers.

-In earlier times, pearls were seen as more valuable than the diamonds.

-They were sought after by powerful rulers and emperors around the world

-The pearls that have perfect symmetry, sometimes large are viewed as the best ones

Other June Symbols:

June Birth Flower:

The Rose, created by the goddess of flowers, Chloris, according to Greek mythology

June Birth Tree:

Fig

Famous People born in June:

Mark Wahlberg- June 5, 1971

Gene Wilder- June 11, 1933

Liam Neeson- June 7, 1952

– See more at: http://birthstonesbymonths.net/june-birthstone-pearl/#sthash.NwuqI8dx.dpuf

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Pearl of a New White Dwarf

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 May 17


NGC 2440: Pearl of a New White Dwarf
Image Credit: H. Bond (STScI), R. Ciardullo (PSU), WFPC2, HST, NASA; Processing: Forrest Hamilton

Explanation: Like a pearl, a white dwarf star shines best after being freed from its shell. In this analogy, however, the Sun would be a mollusk and its discarded hull would shine prettiest of all! In the above shell of gas and dust, the planetary nebula designated NGC 2440, contains one of the hottest white dwarf stars known. The glowing stellar pearl can be seen as the bright dot near the image center. The portion of NGC 2440 shown spans about one light year. The center of our Sun will eventually become a white dwarf, but not for another five billion years. The above false color image was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. NGC 2440 lies about 4,000 light years distant toward the southern constellation Puppis.

Daily Planet Tracker: Saturn In Sagittarius, Now To June 14, 2015

 

Planet Tracker

Saturn in Sagittarius

Now to Jun 14, 2015

Saturn is the last planet visible to the naked eye. For millennia, it represented the limits of the solar system and came to symbolize time, structure and order. Saturn takes about 29 years to orbit the Sun, spending about two and a half years in each sign of the zodiac.

Saturn is the planet that says “no” but means “yes.” The no comes from Saturn showing us what isn’t working, sometimes in the form of frustrating blockages or delays. But these help us see where we need to put in effort to make concrete changes. Saturn says “yes” as the planet of crystallization that brings energy into matter. Saturn’s presence in a sign of the zodiac shows us where we are likely to meet limits and how to construct something useful.

Saturn in the expansive sign of Sagittarius help you answer the all-important question: What do you believe in? Saturn is all about restriction and limitation, yet Sagittarius is a sign that’s filled with faith and optimism. Saturn sees the glass as half empty while Sagittarius reminds us that the glass is also half full.

Though Saturn and Sagittarius may seem as incompatible as oil and water, there are incredible strengths to this combination of power: They are both extremely committed to ethics. Saturn plays by the traditional rule book but Sagittarius plays by whatever he believes at his core is right. So together, Saturn in Sagittarius has an amazing capacity to review current principles.

Saturn in Sagittarius also brings us a pause that allows us to consider areas of law, race, culture, religion, education, spirituality, and philosophy with greater sobriety. Outmoded principles concerning these areas that are too weak to survive might fall away during this transit.

Some famous folks with their natal Saturn in Sagittarius include Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Prince, Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, Ellen DeGeneres, Alfred Hitchcock and Jacqueline Kennedy.

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Regular Daily Influences for May 17

Your Daily Influences
May 17, 2015 

 

The Wheel of Fortune
This card signifies success and a change of fortune for the better. Chance is on your side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isa
The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

 

Abracadabra
You or someone close to you will succumb to an infection that will bring a weakening illness. This illness may last longer than expected.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Your Charm for May 17th is The Tau Cross

Your Charm for Today

The Tau Cross

Today’s Meaning:
A journey that you or someone close to you must make will have a positive influence on this aspect. This trip may be over a great distance.

General Description:
This charm was worn by the ancients toprotect the wearer against disease and snake bites. The Jews used it as an amulet for epilepsy and erysipelas. It is still used in Ireland as a talisman against stickness. The Tau is one of the most ancient crosses and the forerunner of the Latin Cross. Moses used the Tau Cross with the brazen serpent attached, to save the Childrenof Israel in the wilderness from the attacks of the fiery serpents. The Cross has always been the symbol of life eternal. It was this mark, the Tau Cross, that was placed upon the foreheads of those exempted from Divine wrath in Jerusalem. :

Your Animal Spirit for May 17th is The Heron

Your Animal Spirit for Today
May 17, 2015 

Heron

Is your life in a state of balance? If not, long-legged Heron has flown in today to help you. Because Heron is a water bird, he is most often associated with emotions. He stands motionless, almost in a trance, his body mirrored in the water below. Take a few moments today to be like Heron—be quiet, go within, and discover the answer to your questions.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for May 17th is The Priestess

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Priestess



The Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. Purely Yin in nature, The Calling of The Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.

As a daily card, The Priestess suggest the answers you seek can only be found by looking beyond the obvious. This is a span in which you may do better by applying the power of your subconscious to your everyday actions. Your intuition should be very strong. Be patient, allow events to unfold and you will find propitious moments of opportunity.

Your Daily Influences Using the Minichiate Tarot Deck

The Daily Influences

This is a three card reading intended to show what forces will influence your day. The three cards selected represent the traditional Tarot, Astrological, and Elemental influences.

Tarot Influence:

The Star

This is the card of hope, perception and revelation. Great love is possible and good health will be enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Sagittarius

Sagittarius upright denotes strength and energy tempered by wordly wisdom and civility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air

Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.

Your Daily Witches Rune for May 17th is Romance

Today’s Witches Rune

Romance

Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for May 17th is The Hierophant

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today


The Hierophant

 

The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.

Your Rune for May 17th is Mannaz

bw-mannaz

bw-mannazYour Rune For Today
Mannaz

Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Mannaz

mannaz : man, humankind

Phonetic equivalent: m

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: significator, self, family, community, relationships, social concerns

MAGICAL USES:  to represent a specific person or group of people; to establish social relationships

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Ask and Embla, Midgard

ANALYSIS:  In its broadest sense, mannaz represents all of humanity, and therefore the entire realm of Midgard.  In more practical terms, it is those with whom we have personal connections, from our immediate circle of family and friends to the wider community around us, reminding us of our nature as social animals.  It also represents our connection with the Gods (Ymir), and with nature (the two trees).  It takes the raw energy of ehwaz and controls it through our social conscience, reminding us of those we affect with our deeds both magical and mundane.

The rune itself resembles gyfu with its joining of masculine and feminine elements, but is much more complete.  It is the entire web of human relationships, with the self at the centre, which mirrors the web of fate explored through raiðo.  But while that web joined was more or less fixed, this one is mutable and alive.  Past and present, male and female, self and other – all opposites are joined here and made whole.  Mannaz is our home, and speaks for all those whose lives we touch when we use the gifts we have been given through the runes.

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

By Jennifer Smith

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for May 17th is 10:Treading

Today’s I Ching Hexagram
____________________________

10: Treading

May 17th, 2015

 

 

Summary:
Test your plans before fully implementing them.

Line One of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Rely on a prudent approach at this time.

Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Remain focused. Digressions may harm you.

Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Edit unsound plans. Be wary of taking more on than you can handle. Delusions of grandeur will harm you.

Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 9:
When ready, move forward with caution. Only the fittest will survive. You should be successful.

Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Being unprepared invites disaster.

Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Scrutinize your work with great care. Giving it your best will insure success.

Your Lucky Tarot Cards For May 17th

Your Lucky Tarot Cards For Today

This drawing represent elements that favor you.

The Emperor

The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.

When The Hierophant or Justice are among your personal cards, the influence of The Emperor may be increased. Having The Empress in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Emperor.

The Fool

This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.

When The Hanged Man or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Fool may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Fool.

Your Personal Daily Tarot Car for May 17th is The Hierophant

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card


The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is a staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Monday, May 18th

Your Horoscopes for Monday, May 18th

by Rick Levine

 

Getting back to basics is required by the pragmatic Taurus New Moon at 12:13 am EDT, but keeping things simple now is no easy task. The Moon jumps into flighty Gemini at 5:27 am, tempting us to change direction mid-stream. But her opposition to authoritative Saturn a few hours later halts us in our tracks. This stop-start-stop rhythm is accentuated when trickster Mercury turns communication inside-out during its retrograde cycle that ends June 11.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Building your nest egg is at the top of your list as the solid Taurus New Moon highlights your 2nd House of Resources. The cosmic emphasis is on your personal finances for the month ahead, so take stock of your assets and put your accounts in order. However, the judgments you make about yourself impact your earning power more than you think. You can add value to your life by considering what you have to offer to others and how they perceive you. But a one-time fix isn’t the answer today; revisit your progress regularly in the days ahead to generate the prosperity you seek.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You have a special opportunity to see yourself clearly today as the New Moon falls in your sensible sign. You have a rare chance to reevaluate how you process your emotions which can change your life for the better. But unless you act on your newly found self-awareness right away, you might slip back into old patterns. Maintaining strong protective defenses may no longer be appropriate. Your life will grow richer and more rewarding as you consciously share your vulnerabilities with those you can trust. Your heart is like other muscles; it gets stronger when you use it.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s time to uncover any thoughts you have secreted away in your subconscious mind, for some of these hidden stories can now be told. The Taurus New Moon falls in your 12th House of Privacy, yet moving emotions out of denial and into a shared reality deepens the intimacy in your relationships. Mercury’s retrograde turn might tempt you to sidestep the intensity by intellectualizing your feelings; instead, seize the moment and open your heart to those you love.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Surrounding yourself with allies seems like a natural thing to do while the Taurus New Moon activates your 11th House of Community. Spending time with a group of like-minded people happily sets the social stage for the next few weeks. However, you still might doubt your decisions today, but don’t let that stop you from following through with your initial intentions. Trust your original instincts now, push through any fears and keep moving your energy outward. The world is a better place with you in it.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although it’s your time to shine in the public eye, you may want to hide from the attention once you get it. Today’s Taurus New Moon occurs in your 10th House of Career, casting a spotlight on your professional life for weeks to come. But you might be afraid that you won’t be able to live up to everyone’s expectations once they see who you really are. A healthy amount of humility works as an asset, but your uncharacteristic self-doubt only gets in your way. Fortunately, you will stand up to the scrutiny as long as you are honest and open in you interactions with others.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are pulled in opposite directions as you attempt to be practical and philosophical at the same time. The earthy Taurus New Moon encourages you to be dependable, yet its influence on your 9th House of Big Ideas destabilizes your plans. Meanwhile, mischievous Mercury’s retrograde turn makes it tougher to resolve the opposing forces. It takes practice to keep your feet on the ground while aspiring toward the heavens. Fortunately, you can soar to new heights as long as you give yourself extra time to honor both approaches.