Today’s Rune for April 29th is Mannaz

bw-mannazbw-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

By Jennifer Smith

Your Personal Tarot Desire Cards for April 29th

Your Desire Cards

This drawing focuses on your ambitions and dreams.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is the most enigmatic card of the Tarot. Even Tarot giants like Waite, Crowley and Levi had trouble deciphering The Hanged Man’s true meaning. Generally The Hanged Man is thought to represent the value of surrender and selfless acts. The Hanged Man embodies the notion that sometimes to lose is to win. Unlike the aggressive Chariot, The Hanged Man creates his fate through inaction and accepts his fortune passively, without resistance. He does not struggle to control the path his life takes, but rather allows events to sweep him where they will, even if he is called upon to sacrifice himself. He is so at ease with the Fate the Universe chose for him that even hanging upside down from a tree does not ruffle his inner peace.

When The High Priestess or Strength is among your personal cards, the influence of The Hanged Man may be increased. Having The Magus or Chariot in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Hanged Man.

The Empress

The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.

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

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card for April 29th is The Hermit

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card


The Hermit

 

The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and the everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can both learn and teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid mental and physical overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Thursday, April 30th

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, April 30th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

Our need to establish balance reaches beyond relationship issues and into cosmic proportions today. The Moon enters objective Libra at 10:02 am EDT, placing us in the middle of a dilemma so we can ponder a variety of solutions. However, we are also pulled into a parallel universe by magnetic Venus as she forms a complex pattern with philosophical Jupiter and metaphysical Neptune. Dancing between the real and the unreal is enough to keep us busy now.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are distracted by one unexpected event after another today, but you handle the apparent chaos well. Although you are comfortable hanging out on the edge of the unknown, you should tread carefully now; you’re not as invincible as you might think. Ironically, even if your adrenaline is pumping, you still have a positive effect on others because the current uncertainty is more exciting than being stuck in a rut. Nevertheless, it’s wise to calm your nerves with meditation, yoga or physical exercise. You can do even more good if you channel your excess energy into healthy pursuits.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might feel ready to give up today, tired from doggedly chasing material goals. You have more on your plate than anyone realizes yet you’re still being asked to spread your energy even thinner. Instead of agreeing to someone else’s agenda, set priorities and focus on the most important tasks first. Panic is unnecessary even if you run into unanticipated problems. It’s all about your frame of mind. Looking at the current pressures from a more spiritual perspective offers you the breathing room you need.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s all too easy to wear your heart on your sleeve with sweet Venus bringing her special charms to your 1st House of Personality these days. But there’s an awkward tension in the air and you can lose your patience if you don’t take time to honor your feelings. You may even find yourself swept up in the heat of an argument now, wondering how things went so wrong. Remember, you’re not the only person who is stressed out today, so steer clear of unnecessary conflict by demonstrating how well you listen when relationships are at stake. Responding with kindness cultivates an atmosphere of love and respect.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

People may assume that you’re satisfied with your personal relationships, but they don’t have a clue because you’re keeping your true feelings under wraps. Your heart is drawing you out into deeper waters today where the emotional currents can carry you off course. However, you could reach a breaking point if it requires too much energy to hide your inner world from those you love. Don’t procrastinate; say what’s on your mind before it’s too late. Nevertheless, demanding results will just stir up unnecessary resistance. Keep your expectations to a minimum now and give others time to respond in their own fashion.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You don’t understand why people seem to expect more from you now, but you’re not happy with the extra pressure and you could spend much of the day attempting to alleviate the tension. Unfortunately, even the cleverest of tactics won’t hide the edge in your voice. Examine your underlying emotions if you notice that your words sound sarcastic or mean. There are several sensible strategies for reestablishing harmony, yet saying hurtful things is not one of them. Instead, cultivate the peace you seek by treating others with respect and kindness.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Concentrating on your job is more complicated now than anyone realizes. Sometimes it’s relaxing to let your thoughts meander for a while, but today your fantasies may activate memories that are not all that pleasurable. Worrying about meeting someone’s expectations leads you around in endless circles. Fortunately, you can halt a temporary emotional tailspin by doing something useful in the present moment, rather than wasting time stressing about the past. Focusing on what you can control instead of what you can’t is essential for your progress.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Behaving in a practical manner can be tricky business while romantic Venus aligns in an otherworldly configuration with jovial Jupiter and surreal Neptune. Nevertheless, a lighthearted attitude seems inappropriate if you think you should be more concerned with serious issues. You may be too conscientious to even entertain the notion of escaping from your responsibilities today. Although satisfaction seems elusive now, the Moon’s return to your sign helps you understand your feelings in relation to the outer world. Figuring out what your heart wants is the first step to happiness.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re not happy about having to maintain such a high level of productivity today, especially with so many intriguing distractions knocking on your door. However, your strength of purpose is non-negotiable when it comes to your work. You really don’t want to get angry at anyone, but enforcing your limits could be an effective way to quickly let others know that you mean business. Those unwilling to help you along your path would be wise to quietly step out of your way. Establishing clear boundaries now sets you up for future success.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are especially intrigued by the mysteries of life and love today. However, you may be frustrated by your unsuccessful attempts to put your feelings into words. You’re tempted to sidestep the entire issue by telling a humorous story so you don’t have to expose your vulnerability. However, skimming the surface won’t reveal the hidden meaning of life or deepen a relationship. Although it’s easy to demonstrate your clever wit, it’s more important now to be completely honest and share what’s in your heart.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you’re listening to the beat of a distant drummer today, you won’t likely be caught off guard by an unexpected event. In fact, you appear to be more emotionally stable than ever, drawing people to you as they try to manage the stressful situations in their lives. However, you have your own worries now, and everyone else’s demands just add extra layers of anxiety. Nevertheless, go ahead and offer your shoulder to a loved one; what might feel like a sacrifice at first could end up being the most meaningful thing you do all day.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Remembering simpler days from the past makes you feel nostalgic today as you secretly wish for their return. You long for the innocence and simplicity lost, and can’t help but feel frustrated with how complicated your life has grown. Thankfully, you still have an opportunity to live out your dreams, even if you’re balancing on an emotional high wire now. This chance won’t come again, so don’t let your fears or doubts stop you from embracing your future.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You have more emotional strength held in reserve than people realize, yet your uncertainty about your own power can get in the way of your success. Don’t succumb to any feelings of insecurity by needlessly comparing yourself to anyone else. You are a unique individual with unique capabilities; the key now is your own self-awareness. Listen to your inner voice of intuition; having faith in the wisdom of the universe empowers you to be true to yourself.

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsightGroup Site

 

 

If You Were Born Today, April 29

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, April 29

You are an inventive and expressive person with a strong aura. While you hold onto many traditional values, there is an unconventional streak to your personality that is unmistakable and fascinating. At times cynical, you can also be inspiring with your unique and quite witty take on the world. Famous people born today: Daniel Day-Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld, Andre Agassi, Dale Earnhardt, Uma Thurman, Michelle Pfeiffer.

Courtesy of Café Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, April 29th

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Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, April 29th

by Rick Levine

 

 

General Horoscope

We’re still holding onto the dreams of stability from yesterday’s self-contained Grand Earth Trine. Today’s logical Virgo Moon harmonizes with energetic Mars, blessing us with the stamina to fight for our beliefs. Thankfully, we can assert our wills now without gratuitous aggression; words, rather than guns or swords, are our weapons of choice. Mars and the Sun create supportive alignments with spiritual Neptune, turning us into peaceful warriors.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

There’s a stack of chores in front of you and you have high hopes of getting everything done today. However, events may not unfold according to your plans due to circumstances that are beyond your control. Don’t waste time trying to figure out what went wrong because you might not be able to understand it, even if you have all the facts. Nevertheless, your imagination reigns supreme now. Exploring fantasy realms inspires you to loosen the reins and try a new approach to the work at hand. Trusting your instincts leads to greater productivity.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You believe that you are being your most charming self today, but something you say might be misconstrued, creating problems where there previously wasn’t one. You are patient enough to meticulously explain your intentions, but somehow your words can still miss the mark. Your smartest strategy now is to stop trying so hard to convince others to listen. Paradoxically, as you relax your need to prove anything, others will finally get your point.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Discovering a hidden truth can be a real shocker but at least you have a stable emotional framework to soften this unexpected reality check. If interactions with friends are stressed because of a recent disagreement, the dialogue should flow more easily now if you don’t get hung up on unimportant details. But you could also gloss over a significant piece of data that spins a conversation into strange territory. It’s not necessary to force the topic back onto familiar ground today; just be aware of where you stand and how far you’re willing to go.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You’re expected to take the lead on the job today, but someone may hesitate to follow your directions. This lack of support is only one facet of a delicate situation — especially since the negativity that appears to come from others could actually be yours. Reexamine your plans and be open to the possibility that you are facing your own suppressed fear in a projected form. If this is the case, you’re the only one who can change your mind. Believing in yourself is the first step to success.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may be operating on autopilot today. It’s not that you aren’t aware of your actions; it’s just that you are spontaneously making choices while you are still in motion. However, you might need to modify your behavior now because you want to be more conscious of why you are deciding one thing and not another. Logical analysis can be constructive as long as you don’t turn it into an obsession that disconnects you from your intuition. Your self-awareness enhances your professional success.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s nearly impossible to understand people’s behavior today because their words don’t seem to match their actions. Confusing relationship dynamics might throw you off course as you try to make all the pieces fit together into a comprehensible picture. Surreal experiences and an overactive imagination can lead you to feeling alienated from others, even if your conversations seem to flow smoothly. Simply acknowledge the gulf between your fantasies and reality; thankfully, just talking about the differences may be enough to bridge the gap.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You don’t like it when someone prods you into doing something that you are not ready to do just yet. Luckily, your current indecision is already starting to wane and a friend or an acquaintance acts as a catalyst by sharing a perspective you hadn’t previously considered. The good news is your intuition may be more on target than you realize when it comes to manifesting your dreams. Make your move while the cosmic forces are working on your behalf.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You have the potential to feel passionate about a new project if you are open to the guidance of your imagination and signs from other spiritual dimensions. But you might float through the day in confusion if metaphysical communication isn’t your cup of tea. Your traditional planetary ruler, Mars, is downloading cosmic instructions sent from mystical Neptune today, requiring you to stay receptive to the messages contained in symbols rather than words alone. Fortunately, you can still learn valuable lessons even if you don’t understand the meaning of it all just yet.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It may not be easy to maintain your optimism now, but a touch of self-doubt need not be a source of worry. Every once in a while, it’s healthy to consider realistic scenarios and integrate them into your plans to increase your chances for success. It’s absolutely crucial to think critically today, even while dreaming of all the amazing possibilities just around the corner. However, there’s no need to shut off your imagination in order to reach your goals.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re relieved that everything seems to fall into place today as you take care of your domestic chores. But, you might also feel as if you’re just going through the motions and that your mind is wandering elsewhere. Although your inability to concentrate could be somewhat disconcerting, there’s no harm in living in two worlds now. Keep one foot here on Earth while the other one steps off into Fantasyland for a little excursion. A wondrous adventure is waiting for you in your imagination if you’re willing to go there.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s as if you’ve been given a free pass to visit imaginary worlds that you get to create on your own. Whatever indulgence you choose now, sensory stimulation becomes a catalyst for generating vivid fantasies. However, you also have very real obligations to handle today, and you can’t avoid them by burying your head in the clouds. Balancing your desires and your responsibilities is never easy, but if you simply take your time and do it right you can enjoy the escapist behavior of your choice with a clear conscience.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may as well be co-starring in a fantasy movie while your key planet Neptune sends out several scripts from a parallel universe today. You are eager to impress everyone with how well you play your role, but you’re perplexed because you aren’t sure which part is yours. Your real lesson now is about trust. Asking a reliable friend for direction is a good start, but you must put your faith in their advice to earn your place in the spotlight.

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsightGroup Site

The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for April 29th

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The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for April 29th

TAURUS STRONG
Stable and enduring, strong values, unyielding, earthy, acquisitive, strong desires. Can be stuck, stubborn, overly possessive, self-indulgent.
VIRGO STRONG
Meticulous, discriminating, pure, practical, health conscious, hard working. Can be hyper-critical, petty and perfectionistic.

EARTH STRONG
We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER WEAK
There may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.
CARDINAL WEAK
This is not a time that we tend to naturally initiate actions. We may be stronger at following up than starting anew. Survival mechanisms may be weaker now.

Astrology of Today – April 29, 2015

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Astrology of Today – April 29, 2015


Summary:

We’re inclined to give of ourselves today. With both the Sun and Mars connecting favorably to Neptune, this is a good time for acting on our intuition and imagination, making a dream happen, and connecting with a higher purpose.
•The Moon is in Virgo all day (until Thursday, April 30th, at 10:03 AM).
•The Moon is waxing, and is in its First Quarter phase until 10:51 PM / Waxing Gibbous phase from 10:51 PM forward.

Your Optimal Report for 4/27 – 5/3/15

Your Optimal Report for 4/27 – 5/3/15

a message from Rev. Irma Kaye Sawyer

To read more of Rev. Sawyer’s insight, please visit her website, Irma Kaye Sawyer

 

Hello friends. If you’re feel a bit of a cosmic hangover/comedown thing, you’re right on cue. With earthquakes and a large volcanic eruption last week it hasn’t been an easy time for Gaia, or for us. Empath/Sensitives may be especially challenged right now. Ground, Clear, Breathe and Center. Repeat as needed.

I’ve got a picture of the phone here as it’s a big theme this week, but you probably won’t be feeling it today (Monday) with that long, moon void in Leo that either wants to goof off or take a big cat nap. A slow start to the week is to be expected after the energetic jolts we’ve been through. Tonight the moon moves into Virgo which will get productivity going again.

There are so many squares, quincunxes and other aspects this week it would give you cosmic whiplash to hear about all of them, so as per usual I will give you the “Cliff Notes” version. The main themes for the week (leading to the Full Moon) next weekend are TRUST and lISTENING. As in, what voice are we going to listen to in fear vs. trust. With Chiron (the wounded healer) in the mix along with Saturn, that would explain many of us not feeling at the top of our game right now. Thankfully this too shall pass. However it’s always a good time to check up on just WHAT REALLY IS bugging us right now. Some times we get to busy and preoccupied to notice.

Just like last week, one of the power days of the week is WEDNESDAY which brings Neptune in to help us align to higher ideals and voices within. Thursday through Saturday we’ve got continued movement on the road to the FULL MOON and also a Mercury-Saturn square on Sunday which can definitely create a serious, inwardly focused tone. The shadow of this energy is a self-absorption in one’s own thoughts and doubts, so obviously being wrapped up in positive thoughts would be favored here. If that isn’t possible, it’s a good time to NOT take yourself too seriously. Sounds like some good timing on the rock show I’m going to attend on Saturday night.

Communications of all types including written and spoken can also reflect this. If you need to have a “state of the union” chat with someone, I wouldn’t recommend next weekend.

The Full Moon in Scorpio is the “Wesak” moon which celebrates the birth of the Buddha. This is a highly spiritual and powerful moon and is one of my very favorites. The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, “Telephone lineman at work establishing new connections.” This also aligns nicely with a lot of information I’ve been receiving for my new work, “The Aquarian Empath, Part II.” The bottom line is this: if we can steer clear of pessimism and self-absorption and align with higher spiritual vibrations and ideals we will be sitting pretty. Be sure to check this site of the Cosmic Weather page for the Full Moon report to be posted on 5/1.

Have a great week ahead friends! Please do keep a good thought and love in your hearts for our Nepalese brothers and sisters. Thank you.

Article located on Spiritlibrary.com

 

Current Moon Phase for April 29th – Waxing Gibbous

Celtic Dragons

April 29
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 81%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Phase Details for – Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 81%
Moon Age: 10.51 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 405,504.03 km

Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,671,369.76 km

The Witches Magick for the 29th Day of the Seed Moon – Blue Ladies Wildflower Spell

gold fantasy

Blue Ladies Wildflower Spell

The Blue Ladies are water and air faeries who live high in the mountains. They are especially fond of butterflies and flowers. The Blue Ladies appear small or large, and they are more beautiful than any mortal, with skin and hair sparkling with ice and snow. They don robes colored with the gray and blue shadows of the snow and have gold and pink wings. The Blue Ladies plant wild flowers on the hills, help meadow grass grow long and green, save mortals and animals from avalanches and harsh mountain storms, and teach shepherds about love and the properties of medicinal plants. Use this spell to ask the Blue Ladies to grant you a special wish for love.

You will need a blue outfit and a package of wildflowers.

After dark, dress yourself all in blue. Hold the seed package in between your hands, and merge with the powers of the faeries. Imagine the seeds growing into blossoming flowers. Say:

Blue Ladies, beautiful faeries

Please bless these seeds with your

magic powers

May you grant my wish for love [state

your wish].

Thank you blessed Ladies, blessed be!

Plant the wildflowers the next morning. As you do, repeat:

Blue Ladies, beautiful faeries

Please bless these seeds with your

magic powers

May you grant my wish for love [state

your wish].

Thank you, blessed Ladies, blessed be!

 

Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year

Sirona Knight

 

WOTC Extra – Element Shrines

The Dragon Guardian

Element Shrines

An element shrine is a place where you can connect with one element or all four. For example, if you build a water shrine, you can include a crystal goblet of water, a small water fountain, shells, river stones, and pictures of waterfalls, rainstorms, or calm lakes. You may place a soft blue scarf under these objects and perhaps add a clear quartz crystal or two to represent ice. A fire shrine may be a collection of candles in reds and golds on a crimson cloth, perhaps with a small copper or brass figurine of a lion or a dragon. The important thing is to think about what the element means to you and to gather a small selection of items that evoke the feeling that element inspires in you. It is important to remember that a shrine is not an altar. The altar is a place of focus consecrated to the spiritual use of the green witch. It is used as a place to hold tools and equipment during a spell or ritual, and a place to work on charms and witch crafts. An altar can be permanent or temporary. Many witches set up a temporary altar each time they wish to work. As shrines may be used to honor deities or elements, the altar is not required for this purpose, and thus can be considered more of a workspace. Many green witches use whatever surface they wish as an altar, perhaps using the same cloth to spread over various surfaces each time they set up their altar. In this case, the cloth itself becomes the altar, carrying the energy associated with repeated spiritual workings. Green witches follow their intuition, and so may not perform rituals or work spells in the same place each time, choosing the location according to what feels right for their purpose. For the green witch, this means that a workbench or a craft table may sometimes serve as an altar. The practicality of the green witch determines where she works, and very often these sorts of tasks are undertaken in a variety of different places. Potions and salves may be created in the kitchen, while the creation of a protective wreath may take place in the garage. You may choose to formally consecrate your temporary altar each time you set it up, or not, as the mundane is sacred to the green witch. A simple blessing with the four elements can serve to consecrate the surface you have chosen to use as an altar. As a green witch, you may also consider using a stone or stump as a permanent outdoor altar in a corner of your yard or balcony, if you have one.

A shrine, however, is a place to honor something or someone or to leave offerings, a place where you can collect things of personal significance and various energies to weave together an energy that is greater than the sum of its individual parts. A shrine creates a location for a certain kind of energy. The wonderful thing about a shrine is no one has to know what it is. It can be as simple as a photograph, a candle, a seashell, and a colored ribbon grouped together on a shelf. You know why those particular things are together; anyone else looking at them will likely think that it’s simply a decorative arrangement. What’s important is that the energy produced by combining these objects accomplishes the goal you envision for it.

An element shrine doesn’t have to be in a place generally associated with that element. For example, you don’t have to put an earth shrine outside, or a water shrine in the bathroom, or a fire shrine in your kitchen.

Experiment with having four separate shrines in four different places. You can try building the earth shrine in the northern part of your house, the air shrine to the east, the fire to the south, and the water to the west, which is how they’re usually associated with directions in various traditions of Western occultism. Or think about the kinds of energy you feel in various areas within your home, and site a shrine accordingly even if it’s not in one of the traditional directions. If you have a room where a lot of thinking and communicating take place, try setting an air shrine there. If you have a room where everyone relaxes and feels at peace after a long day, try setting up an earth or water shrine there. Make sure to have one shrine for each element so that your home remains balanced.

You can also experiment with creating a single shrine to all four elements. Place this shrine where it feels right to you. This may be near your own personal sanctuary, near the door so that it is the first thing you see when you enter and the last before you leave, or near the center of your home. In a shrine to all four elements, you don’t need to collect multiple representations of a single element. Instead, choose one or two objects to symbolize each element and group them in an arrangement that pleases you and feels right. Shrines are fluid things; you can add objects as you feel drawn to or remove objects when you feel they no longer serve their purpose. Make sure, however, that you always have at least one item to represent each element at all times. Traditionally, a small dish of salt or sand holds the energy of earth, a candle holds the energies of fire, a small dish or glass of water holds water energy, and a stick of incense or a fresh flower holds the energies of air. If you’re worried about salt or water being knocked over, try a small potted plant or a stone for earth and a shell for water. Light the candle and the incense only when you are in the room. Doing this once a day for a few minutes can help you collect your thoughts and your energies. It gives you a moment of peace to commune with these four basic building blocks of nature.

 

 

The Way Of The Green Witch: Rituals, Spells, And Practices to Bring You Back to Nature

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Let’s Talk Witch – Using the Four Elements Inside the Home

The Dragon Guardian

 Using the Four Elements Inside the Home

 

Being surrounded by nature may be the first thing that pops to mind when you think of the path of a green witch, but as you have seen, what’s inside a green witch’s home is just as important as what’s outside.

Many of us who live in an urban environment do not have access to wild areas. The modern green witch needs to figure out how to connect to green energy without being surrounded by nature. This can be easily accomplished in the home. Every green witch is different, and as the practice is informal, there is no prescribed way to decorate your personal space. Depending on your personal tastes and preferences, your home may look extremely different from the home of another green witch. One of the easiest ways to bring the energy of the natural world into your home is to introduce plants into your space.

By surrounding yourself with items of personal significance and choosing colors and décor for your home that reflect your goal of harmony and balance, you reinforce your home as your place of power. Although most green witches have one or more rooms or nooks or crannies in or around the house specifically designated as sacred locations where they work or commune with nature and the divine, your entire home can become sacred space. The hearth (the “heart” of the home) is always a focus for the home of the green witch, whether it’s the kitchen or another room where the family gathers. This is rarely a convenient place for practical worship. Although green witchcraft is certainly not a ceremonial path and not laden with formal ritual, a central area through which you can touch the divine can make your spiritual journey more grounded. Shrines are ideal for this purpose.

The green witch acknowledges that the energy of the divine manifests within the natural world. The basic building blocks of the natural world are the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water. By working with these elements, you can strengthen your connection to the natural world, and this can be done inside or outside. If you don’t have access to forests and fields, you can work with the four elements indoors and balance your connection to the natural world through them.

 

 

The Way Of The Green Witch: Rituals, Spells, And Practices to Bring You Back to Nature

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Wednesday’s Perfect Ritual – Clearing the Air with Blue Lace Agates

fire mountain

Wednesday’s Perfect Ritual – Clearing the Air with Blue Lace Agates

Clearing the Air with Blue Lace Agates

Here is a Wednesday-night ritual that will help clear the air after a nasty argument. This crystal magick will help to remove any family discord in the home. This is also excellent witchery to work if you think that things feel “off” or if you believe that the psychic energy in your home needs a good clearing out.

Try it for yourself, and see the difference that it makes when you work magick in balance with all four of the natural elements.

You Will Need:

• 1 blue votive candle

• 1 votive cup

• 4 blue lace agates

• A picture of your home and/or your family and pets (whoever lives in the house)

• Lighter or matches

• A safe, flat surface on which to set up the spell

Place the blue votive in the votive cup. Set the photos of your home and family on either side of the candleholder. Next, arrange the four blue lace agates in a small circle around the candle holder. As you place the tumbled stones one by one, say these lines:

Blue lace agates, lend me your power

Cleanse this home in this time and hour

Around this candle I create a ring

These four blue lace agates are just the thing.

Now light the spell candle and hold your hands out and over the stones and candle.(Not too close, we don’t want you scorching your witchy fingers.) Finish the spell by saying the following verse:

I now call the four elements on this Wednesday night

On the wings of Mercury, I quickly set things to right

By blue lace agates and candle flame, this spell is begun

Now remove all negativity, and let it harm none. Allow the votive to burn until it goes out on its own. (Most votives take four to six hours to burn completely out.) When the spell candle is consumed, take the four blue lace agates and place one in each of the four main corners of your home. This will keep the spell moving along quickly, and it will reenforce the cleansing. Clean up the rest of your spellwork supplies, and put up the pictures of your family in a prominent place so you can enjoy them.

 

Source:
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

DAILY MAGICKAL APPLICATIONS FOR WEDNESDAY

Dragons Keep

DAILY MAGICKAL APPLICATIONS FOR WEDNESDAY

 

To the Romans, this day was called Dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s day” Mercury was a popular character in the Roman pantheon. A messenger of the gods, he presided over commerce, trade, and anything that required skill or dexterity. The Celts also worshiped Mercury and eventually equated him with the Norse god Odin (some spelling variations on this name include Wotan, Wodin, and Wodan). In Norse mythologies, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetry and music. Interestingly enough, both Odin and Mercury were regarded as psychopomps, or the leaders of souls, in their individual mythologies.

Odin, one of the main gods in Norse mythology, was constantly seeking wisdom. He traveled the world in disguise as a one-eyed man with a long gray beard, wearing an old, beat-up hat and carrying a staff or a spear (which brings to my mind images of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings). In the Old English language, this day of Mercury evolved into Wodnes daeg, “Woden’s day,” or Wednesday.

Wednesday carries all of the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits included good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. And don’t forget all of those wise and enigmatic qualities associated with the Norse god Odin/Wodin, not to mention the goddess Athena’s contributions of music, the arts, handmade crafts, and writing. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.

 

 

Source:
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Magic

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

 

Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:

Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange

Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms

Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.

Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation

Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication

Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project

Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity

Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life

Today Is …

dragon luv

Today Is …

 

Casse Canarie – In the Vodoun tradition, it this time of the year which is associated with releasing and honoring the dead, as well as Halloween, directly across the Wheel of the Year. The dead are free to roam the earth from Holy Thursday until Whitsunday.) Practitioners of Vodou breaks jugs at ritual involving the breaking of jugs is performed to send the souls of those who have died in the past year to the land of the dead. See also April 30, Mange-les-Morts.

Floralia and Beltane ~ Ancient Roman Floralia (Florales Ludi) was a festival from April 28 – May 2 which began in Rome in 238 B.C. Floralia was originally a Spring Festival which honors Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora (Chloris) another manifestation of the earth-goddess which includes Fauna, Maia and Ops. The temple of this goddess was founded on this day on the Aventine. Offerings of milk and honey were made on this day and the surrounding five days, which comprise the Florifertum. The city would have been decorated in flowers, and the people would wear floral wreaths or flowers in their hair. Games would be celebrated on this day. The celebration of this day survives in many cultures where it is known as May Day.

Beltane is the Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer, where the cattle was driven between purifying fires before they were let out to graze the meadows. Also the festival of Belenus, the Celtic God of Fire and the Sun. Beltane” was Bel-fire, or fire of the Celtic God Bel (Beli, Balar, Balor, Belenus), “Bright One,” God of Light and Fire. In the Celtic tradition, Beltane was the beginning of Summer. On this date, the herds were driven to the summer pastures, where they would graze and grow fat for the coming winter.

Floralia Begins – The Romans began honored the Sabine Goddess of blossoms and spring with six days of celebrations including games, pantomimes, plays and stripteases, which went on into the night illuminated by torchlight. Everyone wore their most colorful clothes and decked themselves and their animals in flowers. Goats and hares were let loose–they represented fertility and sexuality and Venus in her role as patroness of cultivated nature. Small vegetables (one imagines cucumbers and zucchinis) were distributed as fertility tokens. Flora represented the sexual aspect of plants, the attractiveness of the flowers, and was the matron of prostitutes.

Blackburn, Bonnie and Leofranc Holford-Strevens, Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press, 1999
Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994

28 – May 3:The three day Festival of Flora and Venus, or the Florialia in Rome; Goddess of Sexuality and Spring flowers.

30: Walpurgisnacht celebrated by German Witches

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

 

 

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Fire And Ice

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • • •.

Goddess Month Month of Maia begins 4/18 – 5/15
Celtic Tree Month of Willow April 15 – May 12

• • • •

May Moon Phases
Full “Flower” Moon falls on Sunday, 03 May, 2015 at 11:44 PM
Last Quarter falls on Monday, 11 May, 2015 at 6:36 AM
New Moon falls on Monday, 18 May, 2015 at 12:15 AM
First Quarter falls on Monday, 25 May, 2015 at 1:20 PM
• • • •

The Year Is Divided Into Four Seasons:
The first season is of a frigid complexion, and this is “Winter”;
The second is of the complexion of Air, and this is “Spring”;
Then follows the third, which is “Summer”, and is of the complexion of Fire;
Lastly, there is the fourth, wherein fruits are matured, which is “Autumn”.
~The Turba Philosophorum, ca. 12 century

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

 

 

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, April 29th

I Love You My Dragon by Preciousbaby63

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, April 29th

 

Wednesday (Wodin’s day)

 
Planet: Mercury

 
Colors: Yellow, Grey, Mixed Hues

 
Crystals: Citrine, Agates, Aventurine, Mica, Pumice, Quicksilver, Zinc

 
Aroma: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mercury Oil, Jasmine, Sweetpea

 
Herb: Lavender

 

 

Dedicated to the Teutonic god Woden or Odin, an aspect of the “All-Father” god of knowledge wisdom enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes.

 

 

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. Magical aspects: the conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom. This is the best day to engage in anything dealing with communication.

 

With Wednesday brings the beauty of luck, the satisfaction of psychic work, increased communication and the retail success that it brings. If you feel that lady luck has been rather mean with her glances recently, it might be worth asking for a little extra something on a Wednesday and await the returns.

 

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving communication, divination, writing, knowledge, business transactions, teaching, reason, skill, self improvement, debt, fear, loss, intellectual pursuits, and flexibility.

 

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, April 29th

LAND OF DRAGONS. . . .BY SJ

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, April 29th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

Green Day (Japanese)

 

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo

Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Incense: Honeysuckle

Color: White