“Eight More Days to Yule”

“Seven More Days to Litha”

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NORTHERN HEMISPHERE SECTION

“Each Yule I remember
The ones of long ago;
I see our mantelpiece adorned
With stockings in a row.

Each Yule finds me dreaming
Of days that used to be,
When we hid presents here and there,
For all the family.

Each Yule I remember
The fragrance in the air,
Of roasting turkey and mince pies
And cookies everywhere.

Each Yule finds me longing
For Yule s now past,
And I am back in childhood
As long as memories last.”

– Carice Williams, Christmas Past
Re-phrased by Lady of the Abyss

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“Yule, is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, much celebration was to be had as the ancestors awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth and made her to bear forth from seeds protected through the fall and winter in her womb. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were “wassailed” with toasts of spiced cider.”

–Yule Lore

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Current Planetary Positions

December 13, 2018
Tropical Zodiac

Sun: 21 Sagittarius 20
Moon: 28 Aquarius 43
Mercury: 00 Sagittarius 21
Venus: 07 Scorpio 04
Mars: 17 Pisces 34
Jupiter: 07 Sagittarius 45
Saturn: 09 Capricorn 12
Uranus: 28 Aries 51 Rx
Neptune: 13 Pisces 47
Pluto: 20 Capricorn 00

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Planetary aspects for the Month of December

December 15, 06:49 am – 1st Quarter Moon 23 26
December 16, 09:26 am – Venus sextile Saturn
December 17, 01:57 am – Mars sextile Pluto
December 20, 11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus
December 21, 12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune
December 21, 12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter 09 34
December 22, 12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49
December 24, 07:31 pm – Mercury square Neptune
December 28, 04:30 pm – Venus sextile Pluto
December 29, 04:34 am – 3rd Quarter Moon 07 36

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The Solar Almanac for Thursday, December 13, 2018

Sun Direction: 95.74° E↑
Sun Altitude: -32.73°
Sun Distance: 91.511 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2018 4:22 pm (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 6:59 am↑ 119° Southeast
Sunset Today: 4:37 pm↑ 241° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 38 minutes

–timeanddate.com

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The Lunar Almanac for Thursday, December 13, 2018

Moon Direction: 346.43° NNW↑
Moon Altitude: -67.20°
Moon Distance: 251464 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 22, 201811:48 am
Next New Moon: Jan 5, 20197:28 pm
Next Moonrise: Today11:28 am
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination:30.9%

–timeanddate.com

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What’s in December’s night sky? Here are the highlights:

A strange configuration rules the sky after Saturn and Mercury vanish on the 7th. Not a single naked-eye planet can be seen virtually all night, from nightfall until Mars and Jupiter finally rise before dawn.

But 2017’s best meteor shower, the Geminids, delivers a superb show on the 13th, starting at around 9:00 p.m.

A thin crescent Moon will not interfere.

Jupiter has a close meeting with the Moon on the 14th.

The year’s most distant Moon is the new Moon on the 18th.

Winter arrives with the solstice on the 21st at 11:28 a.m

At month’s end, Jupiter rises 3 hours before the Sun. Now in Libra, Jove approaches Mars and will very closely meet the Red Planet on January 6 and 7.

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This Week’s Sky at a Glance, December 13 – 15

By: Alan MacRobert

Thursday, December 13

• The Mars-Moon-Fomalhaut triangle has narrowed since yesterday as the Moon moves eastward along its orbit.

• The Geminid meteor shower should be at its peak late tonight! In early evening the meteors will be few, but those that do appear will be Earth-grazers skimming far across the top of the atmosphere. As the hours pass and the shower’s radiant (near Castor in Gemini) rises higher in the east, the meteors will become shorter and more numerous — the most so from midnight to dawn.

Layer up even more warmly than you imagine you’ll need; think radiational cooling! Find a dark open spot with no local lights to get in your eyes, lie back in a reclining lawn chair, and gaze up into the stars. Be patient. As your eyes adapt to the dark, you may see a Geminid every minute or two on average as night grows late.

Friday, December 14

• In early evening, Mars shines above the Moon. Mars is about twice as big as the Moon in physical diameter, but it’s currently 425 times farther away.

Look far below them for Fomalhaut. At a distance of 25 light-years, Fomalhaut is 1.4 million times farther away than Mars.

Saturday, December 15

• Now, in early evening, Mars shines to the right of the first-quarter Moon. Look above them for the Great Square of Pegasus.

As evening grows late, Mars tilts down to the Moon’s lower right.

–Sky and Telescope

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Moon Phase Calendar

Thursday – 13th December 2018

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Moon Currently in the Sign of Aquarius

Moon in Aquarius:
Your relationship with your emotions might be more complicated, because Moon in Aquarius has a strong need for emotional freedom. However, when you are in a group of people, it is easier for you to understand your feelings and free yourself from negative emotions such as fear, anger and jealousy.

Organs influenced by Aquarius Moon Sign:
Organs: Calf, ankle, shin, Achilles, forearm muscles, thyroid hormones.

These organs are now more sensitive so provide them with extra care.

Surgical operations:
Surgical operations are not recommended during the Waxing Moon.

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Moon in Aquarius

Moon in Aquarius may be prone to temper tantrums when young, even though as they grow they end up feeling that emotions are “messy.” While they can be so good at understanding others’ motivations and behaviors, they often lose touch with their own. This happens because they get too caught up in what they want to achieve rather than what is reality.

Aquarius Moon Sign person is kind and compassionate, though it may tend to be shown more as a broad philosophy rather than in actual actions. While they may seem aloof, in fact they enjoy the eccentricities of those around them, and they feel confident in giving their partners a lot of freedom. Their optimism and friendliness helps them attract lots of friends. When they are unhappy, they tend to focus on their activities to such an extent that those around them have difficulty figuring out that something is wrong.

Aquarius Moon is an intellectual that is both intense and intuitive. They love all aspects of freedom, both on a personal level as well as in the wider sense for humanity. They can work long hours to support a cause they believe in. Playful and childlike, they can have a great sense of humor, but they must be cautious they don’t inadvertently hurt an other’s feelings while trying to be funny. They are great dreamers, preferring to keep their head in the clouds at times.

Aquarius Moon can be unreliable about the little details in life, but they are seldom flaky. They are usually loyal and trustworthy and make terrific friends. Criticism can make them stop in their tracks and dig in their heels like a donkey. They expect to be accepted just as they are, even when they are wildly unpredictable. Their charm makes it difficult to remain angry with them for long.

–-Always Astrology.com

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Today is Thursday, December 13

Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor(Thor), God of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday, Judaism the Sabbath(calculated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positive, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, something better,” or “Cut nails on Thursday for wealth.” Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being and material success.

Deity: Thor

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Pisces/Sagittarius

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Oak

Herb: Henbane

Stone: Turquoise/Bloodstone/Topaz

Animal: Fish/Goat/Aurochs

Element: Fire

Color: Brown/White/Orange

Number: 3

Rune: Thorn

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis (Elder) (November 25 – December 22)

The Runic Half Month of Jara (December 13 – December 27)

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28 – December 23)

—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

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The Runic Half Month of Jara Begins Today

December 13 – December 27

Today marks the beginning of the Runic half-month of Jara, which symbolizes the completion of the cosmic cycle and the joining the forces between the mundane and spiritual worlds. This makes it a great day for wish magick. Just write your wish–or draw a symbol of it–on the back of a bay leaf. Then strike a match, light the leaf, and leave it to burn in a fireproof dish. Your wish will soar into the cosmos and take immediate steps toward manifestation.

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The Goddess Book of Days for Thursday, December 13

St. Lucia Day in Sweden, second Festival of St. Lucia in Italy, also Feast of Belisima in Italy, the return of light. This is the darkest day of winter in Sweden. Lucia is Lucina, Lucy, Luz, Oya, Brigid, Bride, Burgitta, Vesta, Hestia, Befana, Perchta, Bertha, Aurora, and Eos. The day is also celebrated in Hungary and other parts of eastern Europe. In Japan, Koto-hajime, “the beginning of things”; in Greece, a day of Demeter/Ceres, who nurtures seeds in darkness.

Goddesses Associated With Thursday, The Day of Thor

Juno, Hera, Kwan Yin, Mary, Cybele, Tara, Mawu, Mbaba Mwana Waresa, Ishtar

–The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

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A Pagan’s Look At Thursday, December 13

December 13 is a big day with lots of things to celebrate. For one thing, it’s the Feast of St. Lucia (the Christianized version of the Sun Goddess, Lucina), known in some areas as “the light of the world.” In Sweden, the oldest daughter of each family represents the melting winter and growing days by dressing in white, wearing a wreath of candles on her head, and serving her parents a breakfast of saffron rolls and coffee. While a headdress of candles certainly stirs the romantic in all of us, clearly, it isn’t safe. Instead, dress in light colors and have a candle lit breakfast to celebrate, serve biscuits (add some yellow food coloring if your like), eggs sunny-side up, and orange juice. Encourage the Sun to grow by saying something like:

Coldest Darkness, melt away
Sunlight,, grow, and with ius stay
Warm our bodies, hearth and Earht
And guide our path in joy and mirth.

Koto-Hajime, the Japanese festival of beginnings, also occurs today. It not only provides an excellent time to turn over a new leaf and start something new, but to make peace and put old things to rest. I like to celebrate by working magick to break bad habits. If this appeals to you, the following spell will jump start your will power. Just write down the habit and burn the paper in a fireproof dish while chanting.

(Habit), be gone as paper burns
Urges, be quiet–you cannot churn
I cannot hear you anymore
You are gone–O’ve barred the door.

Flush the ashes down the toilet or throw them in a running body of water.
Finally, the Greeks pay homage to Demeter today as she tends seeds and roots in the dark womb of the Earth. To celebrate, serve a supper of vegetables and grains tonight. Before you eat honor Demeter by saying something like:

Great Goddess of all plants on Earth
Who tends the crops then fill its firth
We ask your blessing on this meal
And honor You in turning Wheel.

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~ The Goddess Days of the Moon ~

Days 13-15 Demeter, the nurturer, rules these
Days 16-18 Dedicated to Gaia, the Earth Goddess
Days 19-21 Hestia, Goddess of Waning Moon, is the matriarchal grandmother, ruling and protecting her family
Days 22-24 Ruled by Medusa, the crone of death and spiritual release, the necessary destruction that allows a new cycle to begin
Days 25-27 Ruled by Hecate, queen of the underworld and the shades, she is seen as the one who allows departed souls to choose thier paths in the next phase of existence and rebirth
The remaining days of the moon – the dark days – are those of the unknowable Masked Goddess, who is present, but invisible.

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On Thursday, December 13, We Celebrate…..

Saint Lucy’s Day (Sweden)
LUCINA

Themes: Banishing; Kindness; Charity; Health; Protection

Symbols: Candles (light sources)

About Lucina: Lucina means light, and judging by her description and attributes, it is very likely that this Swedish goddess was the prototype for Saint Lucy. Lucina is a mother and guardian, offering fertility, protection, and well-being. In worship, Lucina is often represented by a simple, lit candle.

To Do Today: To chase away winter’s oppression and darkness, Saint Lucy’s festival is one of lights and charitable acts. Saint Lucy is the patroness who protects against winter throat infections, and commemorating her (or Lucina) today keeps one healthy.

Begin the day in Swedish tradition by lighting a candle to represent the goddess’s presence. After this a breakfast of coffee, saffron buns, and ginger cookies is traditional fare. Coffee provides energy to give of yourself, saffron is often used in healing spells, and ginger promotes success in all your endeavors today.

To manifest Lucina’s energy and keep the goddess close by today, carry luminescent stones like moonstone or cat’e eye wit you, then visit hospitals or elder homes in the spirit of giving of yourself. Lucina will bless those you visit, and you, with well-being, productive and safety.

–365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco

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Thursday

Thursday: Is associated with Jupiter and the colors of – Blue and Metallic Colors

Thursday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Broadcasting, Business, Charity, College Education, Correspondence Courses, Doctors, Expansion, Forecasting, Foreign Interests, Gambling, Growth, Guardians, Horses, Logic, Long Distance Travel, Luck, Material Wealth, Merchants, Philosophy, Political Power, Psychologists, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Religion, Researching, Self-improvement, Social Matters, Sports, Studying, and The Law

–Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

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Thursday’s Magick

Wealth
Male Fertility
Ambition
Expansion
Luck
Happiness
Honor
Family
Harvests

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Dark Blue, Green

Crystals: Turquoise, Amethyst, Lapis

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Thursday’s Witchery

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.

Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

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

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The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 13

St. Lucy’s Day (Scandanavian and Italian)

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Aquarius

Moon enters Pisces 7: 40 am

Incense: Clove

Color: Crimson

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Correspondences for Thursday, December 13

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil

Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

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The Witches Magick for Thursday, December 13

SPELL TO BREAK BAD HABITS

With water colors or chalk, draw or write the bad habit on a piece of paper. Immediately take it out into the rain. Let the rain dissolve and disperse the water colors or chalk. So shall your habit dissolve, cleansed by the sanctifying rain.

To Free Yourself From Habits Etc. If you wish to be free from a habit, thought, idea; if you wish to be rid of past associations, guilt or blockages; take the symbols of that problem – whatever they may be – & throw them onto a raging fire. The fire will consume the symbols & so shall it consume the power they had over you. For the symbols think a moment – if you overeat, take a portion of your favorite food & throw it onto the fire. Smoking, drinking the same. For problems which utilize no concrete objects, draw a symbol or image & burn. For getting rid of things (like habits, houseguests, etc.), I always like to add a bath element.

After your ritual, take a bath in the appropriate herbs/oil. During the bath, relax and focus on how your life will be without X. Wash X away from you. When you pull the plug, stay in the tub until the water has completely drained out, watching X go down the drain.

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YULE

Yule is observed on the day of the Winter Solstice.

Also known as Jul, Yule predates the Christmas holiday by thousands of years. There is some debate as to the origin of the word Yule. Some linguists suggest the word is derived from “Iul”, the Anglo-Saxon word for wheel. This makes a connection to a Celtic calendar, the Wheel of the Year. In the Norse culture, “Jul” refers to the god, Odin. Odin was celebrated during Yule as well.

Yule celebrations included bonfires, decorating with holly, mistletoe and the boughs of evergreen trees, ritual sacrifices, feasts and gift giving.

Do you recognize any Christmas traditions borrowed from Yule?

The Yule midwinter feast usually lasted 12 days.

Vikings would decorate evergreen trees with gifts such as food, carvings, and food for the tree spirits to encourage them to return in the spring.

Mistletoe combined with a mother’s tears resurrected her son, the God of Light and Goodness, in a Viking myth. The Celts believe Mistletoe possessed healing powers as well and would ward off evil spirits.

In Norse tradition, Old Man Winter visited homes to join the festivities. The Viking god, Odin was described as a wanderer with a long white beard and is considered the first Father Christmas.

Viking children would leave their shoes out by the hearth on the eve of the winter solstice with sugar and hay for Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.

Children would traipse from house to house with gifts of apples and oranges spiked with cloves and resting in baskets lined with evergreen boughs.

The Yule log was a whole tree meant to be burned for 12 days in the hearth. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice. They thought by keeping the Yule log burning for these 12 days encouraged the sun to move, making the days longer. The largest end would be fed into the hearth, wine poured over it, and it would be lit with the remains of the previous year’s Yule log. Everyone would take turns feeding the length of timber into the fire as it burned. Letting it burn out would bring bad luck

–National Day Calendar

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Food of the Gods:

“Yule Wassail”

Wassail comes from a toast that translates as be in good health” and can be made with alcohol (traditional) or without alcohol. It is usually made for Yule but can be served at any of the harvest festival holidays.
Combine a gallon of apple cider, a bottle of red wine, and a bunch of spices (usually in whole form, such as allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a slice or two of ginger) with maple syrup to sweeten (how much you use will depend on personal taste). Warm on the stovetop or in a Crock-Pot, then top with slices of orange or an apple sliced crosswise to show its pentacle shape. Then shout “Wassail!” and share with those you love.

—Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE SECTION

“See what delights in sylvan scenes appear!
Descending Gods have found Elysium here.
In woods bright Venus with Adonis stray’d,
And chaste Diana haunts the forest shade.
Come lovely nymph, and bless the silent hours,
When swains from shearing seek their nightly bow’rs;
When weary reapers quit the sultry field,
And crown’d with corn, their thanks to Ceres yield.
This harmless grove no lurking viper hides,
But in my breast the serpent Love abides.
Here bees from blossoms sip the rosy dew,
But your Alexis knows no sweets but you.
Oh deign to visit our forsaken seats,
The mossy fountains, and the green retreats!
Where-e’er you walk, cool gales shall fan the glade,
Trees, where you sit, shall crowd into a shade,
Where-e’er you tread, the blushing flow’rs shall rise,
And all things flourish where you turn your eyes.”

– Alexander Pope, Summer

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The sabbat of Midsummer is a potent and magickal date. This is a great time for fire magick, bonfires, garden witchery, herbal and green magicks, and the best night of the year to commune with the elemental kingdom and the faeries. This is a time of celebration in nature: everything is green and growing. Nature is celebrating her achievement!

Fire festivals and fireworks are complementary; it all goes with that theme of fire magick for summer. At this time of year, your spellworking themes may include asking for the blessing and assistance of the faeries or working green magick with the garden. Prosperity, health, and abundance spells are appropriate at this point in time as well, since the light is at its peak and all of nature is at its most lush, vibrant, and green.

If you like to work with the more traditional fire theme of this sabbat, consider building a small ritual fire in your outdoor fire pit or chiminea. Bonfires on Midsummer have been lit by people from all over the world, from many magickal customs, for centuries. The bonfires were classically lit at sundown on Midsummer’s Eve. So set up your fire and get ready to go! If you like, you can toss a few herbs or oak leaves into the flames as an offering to the Old Gods.

–Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch
Ellen Dugan

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Custom Planetary Positions

December 14, 2018
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun: 22 Sagittarius 21
Moon: 10 Pisces 35
Mercury: 01 Sagittarius 15
Venus: 07 Scorpio 50
Mars: 18 Pisces 13
Jupiter: 07 Sagittarius 59
Saturn: 09 Capricorn 19
Uranus: 28 Aries 50 Rx
Neptune: 13 Pisces 48
Pluto: 20 Capricorn 02

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Planetary aspects for the Month of December

December 15, 06:49 am – 1st Quarter Moon 23 26
December 16, 09:26 am – Venus sextile Saturn
December 17, 01:57 am – Mars sextile Pluto
December 20, 11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus
December 21, 12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune
December 21, 12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter 09 34
December 22, 12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49
December 24, 07:31 pm – Mercury square Neptune
December 28, 04:30 pm – Venus sextile Pluto
December 29, 04:34 am – 3rd Quarter Moon 07 36

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The Solar Almanac for Friday, December 14, 2018

Sun Direction: 224.77° SW↑
Sun Altitude: -17.63°
Sun Distance: 91.511 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 22, 2018 9:22 am (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:37 am↑ 119° Southeast
Sunset Today: 8:00 pm↑ 241° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 22 minutes

–timeanddate.com

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The Lunar Almanac for Friday, December 14, 2018

Moon Direction: 273.20° W↑
Moon Altitude: 30.39°
Moon Distance: 251449 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 23, 20184:48 am
Next New Moon: Jan 6, 201912:28 pm
Next Moonset: Tomorrow12:18 am
Current Moon Phase:Waxing Crescent
Illuminaton: 31.2%

–timeanddate.com

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The Sun and the Moon

Once upon a time the Sun and the Moon were married, and they had many children who were the stars. The Sun was very fond of this children, but whenever he tried to embrace any of them, he was so hot that he burned them up. This made the Moon so angry that finally she forbade him to touch them again, and he was greatly grieved.

One day the Moon went down to the spring to do some washing, and when she left she told the sun that he must not touch any of their children in her absence. When she returned, however, she found that he had disobeyed her, and several of the children in had perished.

She was very angry, and picked up a banana tree to strike hime, whereupon he threw sand in her face, and to this day you can see the dark marks on the face of the Moon.

Then the Sun started to chase her, and they have been going ever since. Sometimes he gets so near that he almost catches her, but she escapes, and bay and bay she is far ahead again.

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BEST DAYS IN DECEMBER 2018

Below are the best days for activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase in December.

Cutting hair:
1, 3, 29, 30

Quit Smoking:
5, 28

Traveling for pleasure:
25, 26

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Moon Phase Calendar

Friday – 14th December 2018

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Moon is Currently in the Sign of Pisces

Moon in Pisces:
Moon in Pisces has the greatest sensitivity and perceptiveness of surroundings. You can experience feelings of insecurity, be passive and only wait and see what happens in your life. If you engage in creative or spiritual search, you will benefit from great imagination of Pisces.

Organs influenced by Pisces Moon Sign:
Organs: Feet, toes, hypophysis, pineal gland, endorphin, melatonin.

These organs are now more sensitive so provide them with extra care.

Surgical operations:
Surgical operations are not recommended during the Waxing Moon.

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The Moon in Pisces

When the Moon is in Pisces
No matter what Sun sign you are, for a couple of days a month we all feel a little bit like a Pisces. When the Moon is in the whimsical sign of Pisces, you’ll find yourself drifting and dreaming. Forget that pressured series of events in your day planner, and don’t bother checking your watch. This lunation will have you more concerned with the thoughts that are dancing through your mind than the realities of your everyday life. Your intuition will be heightened, and you’ll accomplish more by letting your instincts guide you.
Because emotions are on overdrive during the Pisces Moon, you’ll have a sensitivity and receptivity to the world around you. This will be a time when you’ll feel sentimental, and wanting to connect with your loved ones in an effort to be closer to them. Don’t be surprised if you get a little misty during television commercials — this is just how this Moon affects us.

New Moon in Pisces
New Moons are always a time of new beginnings, and the New Moon in Pisces inspires us to imagine the future we want. Write down what it is you’ve been dreaming of and what’s stopping you from getting it. This is the time when we overcome our fears so that we can begin manifesting the things we’ve fantasized about.
The Pisces New Moon is also a period of profound healing. If you’ve been wounded emotionally or spiritually, this is when you will focus on your regrets, your anger, your insecurities, and your doubts. This is a good time to meditate or take a walk. These moments of solitude will allow you to go within and reconnect with yourself so you can patch up old wounds that have been lingering.

Full Moon in Pisces
The Pisces Full Moon is a time of compassion. When the empathy of the Pisces Moon combines with the skills of the opposing Virgo Sun, we truly have the best of both worlds. What these signs have common is a sense of service. This Full Moon reminds us that we don’t have to be precise to be helpful, and that making an error with a loving attitude is sometimes more beneficial than perfect behavior done begrudgingly.
The Full Moon in Pisces turns our simple thoughts into vivid fantasies. We might feel like we’re in a cosmic tug of war where we’re being pulled between idealism and reality. It may seem as though we’re being forced to choose sides, but the point of this lunation is to put ideals and inspiration into concrete forms so we can bring our dreams down to earth.

Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

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Today is Friday, December 14, 2018

Friday is the day of Venus. It takes it name from Frigg, the Goddess of love and transformation. She rules the spiritual side of a person that manifests in the physical. Because of this, Friday is often thought of as dangerously unpredictable. This is expressed in an old East Anglian adage:

Friday’s day will have its trick
The fairest or foulest day of the week.

Deity: Frigg

Zodiac Sign: Taurus/Libra

Planet: Venus

Tree: Apple

Herb: Vervain

Stone: Sapphire/Chrsolite

Animal: Bull/Serpent

Element: Earth

Color: Yellow/Violet

Number: 7

Rune: Peorth(P)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis (Elder) (November 25 – December 22)

The Runic Half Month of Jara (December 13 – December 27)

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28 – December 23)

—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

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The Goddess Book of Days for December 14, 2018

The Lesser Quinquatrus of Minerva (second day) in Rome, Minerva honored as the patroness of the city. (Athena, Sophia, Oya, Anath, Neith, Metis, and Medusa.) The fourteenth day of the Moon/month, the Full Moon, belongs to Gos or Drvaspa the Cow (Persia) and Aida Wedo of Haitia.

Goddesses Associated with Friday

Friday For Freya: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wooo, Eve, Venus, Diana, Isis, the Witch of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique

—The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

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~ The Goddess Days of the Moon ~

Days 13-15 Demeter, the nurturer, rules these
Days 16-18 Dedicated to Gaia, the Earth Goddess
Days 19-21 Hestia, Goddess of Waning Moon, is the matriarchal grandmother, ruling and protecting her family
Days 22-24 Ruled by Medusa, the crone of death and spiritual release, the necessary destruction that allows a new cycle to begin
Days 25-27 Ruled by Hecate, queen of the underworld and the shades, she is seen as the one who allows departed souls to choose thier paths in the next phase of existence and rebirth
The remaining days of the moon – the dark days – are those of the unknowable Masked Goddess, who is present, but invisible.

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On Friday, December 14, We Celebrate….

Soyal (Southwestern United States)
SAKWA MANA

Themes: Prayer; Communication; Cycles; Harvest; Health; Joy; Providence

Symbols: The Color Blue; Corn; Prayer Sticks; Pine

About Sakwa mana: The Hopi Blue Corn Maiden, this goddess participates in the Soyal festival by carrying a tray of blue corn and spruce bows, both of which represent the goddess’s ongoing providence, no matter the season.

To Do Today: The Hopi gather in kivas today to comfort and bring happiness to the old year so that the new one will be filled with earth’s and Sakwa Mana’s bounty. Several customary activities today are fun to try. First, offer the gift of a feather to a friend. This ensures them of a new year filled with health and joy. To invoke Sakwa Mana’s blessing on the gift, pack it with a few pine needles. Over time, the feather will absorb the goddess’s aroma and disperse her power each time it’s fanned in ritual.

Making a sun shield brings victory in your life over any darkness holding you back. To create a simple one, cut out a round piece of paper and decorate it with your creative vision of the sun. Either keep this with you or put it in a predominant spot in your home. When success comes, burn the paper with a thankful heart. Finally, find a fallen pine twig outside and attach a small feather to it. This represents both the goddess and your wish for a gentle voice in prayer.

–365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco

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Friday’s Conjuring

Friday – is associated with Venus

Candle colors – Green, Red, Blue, White, Purple

Spellcrafting Associations: Love, Marriage, Money, Attraction, Luck, Healing, Prosperity, Change, Road Opening work, Bring Peace, Relationships.

–Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies
Starr Casas

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Friday’s Magick

Magickal Intent:
Lust
Romance
Happiness
Travel
Friends
Beauty
Sexuality
Harmony
Growth

Planet: Venus

Colors: Pink, Aqua, Seafoam

Crystals: Coral, Emerald, Rose Quartz

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The Magickal Days of the Week – Friday

Friday falls at the end of the work week for many of us, and that means we get a chance to relax for a little bit! Mark your Fridays with colors like pink and aqua, and metals such as copper. This is a day ruled by the planet Venus, so it should be no surprise that Venus and Aphrodite – goddesses of love and beauty – are associated with Fridays. This is a day named for the Norse goddess Freyja, so be sure to take a moment to honor her as well.

Gemstones associated with Friday include coral, emerald and rose quartz, and plants like strawberries, apple blossoms and feverfew are also related. This is a good day to do spellwork associated with family life and fertility, sexuality, harmony, friendship, growth. Take advantage of Friday’s correspondences and plant a seed, make something grow, and enjoy your blessings

*Note: There are a lot of disputes as to the origins of the word Friday, because there is still a great deal of discussion as to whether it was named for Freyja or Frigga, and whether they were the same deity or two separate ones. Some scholars believe that while they may have eventually become two distinctly different goddesses, they could have had their origins in a single, common Proto-Germanic deity.

—Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by ThoughtCo.com

 

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Friday’s Witchery

Love magick is a perennial popular topic. However, there is more to this topic than meets the eye. There are many enchanting layers here for us to explore on this day of the week. What about creating a loving home, or producing a loving and nurturing family? What about keeping your intimate relationships vital and on track? How about promoting happy, healthy, and enduring friendships? See, there is more to be considered than just the “You shall be mine…” type of fictional love spell.

Don’t forget that many of the deities associated with Fridays are also parents. So, yes, while this is the day to work on romance, sex, and love spells, there is additional magick to be considered here, which makes Fridays a more well-rounded and bigger opportunity for witchery than many folks ever truly realize. The truest, strongest magick always comes from the heart.

–Book of Witchery – Spells, Charms & Correspondences For Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

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The Witches Almanac for Friday, December 14

Forty-Seven Ronin Memorial (Japanese)

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Pisces

Incense: Orchid

Color: Rose

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FRIDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Venus/Water/East/West/South/Dawn/Female/Libra/Taurus

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Heart

Color: aqua, blue, light blue, brown, green, pale green, magenta, peach, pink, rose, white, all pastels

Number: 5, 6

Metal: copper

Charm: green or white garments, scepter

Stone: alexandrite, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, jade, jet, black moonstone, peridot, smoky quartz, tiger’s-eye, pink tourmaline

Animal: camel, dove, elephant, goat, horse, pigeon, sparrow

Plant: apple, birch, cherry, clematis, clove, coriander, heather, hemlock, hibiscus, ivy, lotus, moss, myrtle, oats, pepperwort, peppermint, pinecone, quince, raspberry, rose, pink rose, red rose, rose hips, saffron, sage, savin, stephanotis, strawberry, thyme, vanilla, verbena, violet, water lily, yarrow, and all flowers

Incense: ambergris, camphor, mace, musk, myrrh, rose, saffron, sage, sandalwood, sweetgrass, vanilla, violet, all floral scents

Goddess: Aphrodite, Asherah, Baalith, Brigid, Erzulie, Freya (Passionate Queen), Frigg, Gefion, Harbor (Beautiful One), Hestia, Inanna, Ishtar (Lady of Passion and Desire), Lakshmi, Lilith, Mokosh, Nehalennia, Nerthus, Ostara, Pombagira, Sarasvati, Shakti, Shekinah, Sirtur, Al Uzza, Venus (Queen of Pleasure), Vesta

God: Allah, Bacchus, Bes, Cupid, the Dagda, Dionysus, El, Eros (God of Love), Freyr, Frit Ailek, Shukra

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Anael, Hagiel, Mokosba, Rasbid, Sachiel, Uriel, Velas

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On Friday, December 14, We Focus Our Magick on Love

LOVE OIL

On a Friday evening when the Moon is waxing gather a little orris root, an earthen bowl and a quantity of pure olive oil. If you are a woman also have a vial of jasmine oil; patchouly will do for.

Lay a pink cloth on the altar. Light pink candles. Pour the orris root into the earthen bowl, then add about half a cup of olive oil. Stir with the forefinger of your strong hand seven times clockwise. Now add the essential oil, no less than three drops, no more than seven. Place the bowl on the altar. Gaze into it, infusing the oil with your desire for love. Enchant it by saying:

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love.

Simple and to the point, right? You might want to substitute a favorite love poem or sonnet.

Pour the oil into a jar and cork it tightly. Leave in a dark place, surrounded by the pink altar cloth, for 7 days. Upon the next Friday night uncork the bottle, strain and then store in the same bottle until needed.
Love oil should only be worn by its creator.

 

A BASIL AND CINNAMON LOVE TALISMAN

Items needed: A large, Flat plate
A small picture of yourself (no one else should be in it)
Ground Cinnamon
Dried Basil
A ceramic bowl
A pink candle
A candle holder
A small piece of pink cotton cloth
Pink yarn
Matches (and a heat-proof container for the spent matches)

This ritual can be performed at any time. Hold the candle between your hands. Close your eyes. See yourself as a loving person. Fill yourself with love. Push that loving energy into the candle. Place it in its holder and light the candle. Next, place the plate before the candle. Put the small picture of yourself on the middle of the plate.
Using a spoon or the bottle of spice itself, pour a small circle of ground cinnamon on the plate around the picture.

Cast The Magic Spell By Saying:
LOVE SURROUNDS ME

Pour a larger circle of basil around the cinnamon ring, saying once again:
LOVE SURROUNDS ME

Now pour a third, larger circle of cinnamon around the basil circle saying:
LOVE SURROUNDS ME

Hold your hands, palms down, over the three herb circles and your picture for a few moments. Sense the energies that are rising from the herbs. Raise energy. Visualize. Carefully pour the herbs and the picture into the bowl. Place your hands into the bowl and mix the herbs with your fingers, sending energy into them,
while saying these or similar words:

SPICE AND HERB,
PLANT AND TREE:
SEND SOMEONE
TO LOVE ME.
LOVE WE’LL SHARE
EQUALLY
AS MY WILL,
SO MOTE IT BE!

Dust off your hands. Pour the spices and the picture into the center of the pink cloth. Gather up ends, twist them together, and tie them shut with the pink yarn. Place the love talisman beside the candle. Let sit there at least 18 minutes.

Afterward, pinch out the candles flame (or snuff it) and carry the talisman with you to attract love. Burn the candle at approximately the same time each day for at least 7 minutes. Love will find you.
You should make another one in about 7 months.

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I confessed that I don’t know the Southern Hemisphere’s Sabbats very well but I am learning and we are giving it our best shot. I ran across this article and found it very interesting. It is probably more interesting for us in the Northern Hemisphere than those in the Southern. I thought I would pass it along. Hopefully all of us Northern Witches will learn something about our Southern Brothers & Sisters. Enjoy!

Litha in Australia

Midsummer or Litha (21st & 22nd December)

Midsummer, also known as Litha, is the time of the year when the days are longest and the nights shortest. The colors of the season are red and gold, representing heat and ripe fruit, and fruit is eaten in thanks.

In Australia the Sturt Desert Pea is a sacred flower of this time. Litha falls in the dry stifling heat of summer in the southern part of our land, but in the north, Litha falls in the hot, wet season, and represents fruitfulness.

Due to fire restrictions in Australia throughout summer, celebrations for this Sabbat tend to be quite different from those those throughout the rest of the year. No candles can be lit, no cauldrons burned, and no open flames are allowed throughout much of the country.

This means that we seek other ways of marking the quarters. One method is to make staffs for the Quarter Priest/esses to hold and brandish as the Elements are called in. Light sources include battery-operated torches that can be covered in colored cellophane to produce different colored light applicable to the various Elements.

The cauldron can be replaced with a glass bowl of water, filled with rosewater and seashells, symbolising the importance of water to Australian Witches at this time. Garlands for our hair, wreaths to carry and use in ritual, and light, casual clothing are all a part of Midsummer celebrations.

Midsummer falls on the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, and a time of joy and strength for the light. This holiday celebrates the Sun King in all his glory, who can be identified amongst others as Mithras, the Bull God and Jesus Christ in Christian belief. In Pagan celebrations in northern Europe, this is the time when the Oak King, representing the waxing year, is cast down by the Holly King, representing the waning year. The two are aspects of the one: the Oak King is the growing youth while the Holly King is male maturity.
Because Midsummer in Australia falls close to the mainstream Christian festival of Christmas, a lovely traditional part of Midsummer celebrations is to ask Coven members to give small monetary donations, which can then be passed on to children’s charities. By doing this, we are acknowledging that although our faiths may differ, we are all part of the Australian community and have a responsibility towards caring for children – especially at this time of the year.

Healings, growth spells, empowerment spells, and love magick are all incredibly potent at this time of the year. It is a time when all things are possible, and the sprites and faeries of Midsummer Night can cause mischief in the mortal world. It is considered that the veil between the immortal and mortal worlds is thin at Midsummer, and that time can be stretched and twisted as the worlds are drawn closer together.

Midsummer is celebrated on the 21st and 22nd of December in the Southern hemisphere, and on the 21st and 22nd of June in the Northern hemisphere. It is associated with Alban Hefin (Scottish), and the general midsummer mysteries.

(FROM HTTP://WWW.AKASHAWITCHCRAFT.NET – WEBSITE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.)
I found it republished on An Aussie Wytch’s Book of Correspondences

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Summer Solstice Guided Meditation

Close your eyes take a few deep breaths and relax. At this time of greatest light, we meditate on light as a symbol of spiritual energy. Breathe now gently and deeply and with each breath become aware of the light that surrounds you and the light that is within you — the light that is the energy of Our Great Mother.

The light can be any color. It is often imagined as white — like bright sunlight. But it can be any color, any intensity, that is best for you. Blue, green, yellow, purple, rose; we know that light can also be black. The light may stay the same color for you during this meditation or it may change from color to color, or become a blend of many colors. See the light now in your mind’s eye. This light is all around us, we are bathed in its brightness, energy, and warmth.

(Pause)

Focus on the light until you sense that you and the light are one. This will be your signal that you can now bring the light inside you.

(Pause)

When you bring the light inside you, one way is to let it stream in through your crown chakra at the top of your head. (If it’s already entered another way, that’s okay.)

The light — this healing energy — flows through you now, from your crown, down to your third eye (between your eyebrows) to your throat, your shoulders and your arms, and your hands, to your heart, your stomach, shining brightly at your solar plexus just above your navel, to your sex organs, shining too at your tailbone. The healing light travels down through your legs, your knees, your ankles and your feet. Feel the warmth of this healing energy now as it travels all through your body.

(Pause)

Now sense the one part of your body where the light can shine the brightest and imagine the light there. See it shine.

(Pause)

Now send the light out from that part of your body where it shines the brightest. Send it out a few inches from your body.

(Pause)

Now extend your light out from your body just a little more, then a little more, until your light extends a few feet from your body. Now, if you like, extend your light to reach your sisters. Our lights meet and we are connected by this great light, connected by our renewed knowledge of Our Great Mother. Take a few minutes now to sense this energy and this connectedness.
(Pause)
Now take from this light the energy that you need, and know that there is plenty for all. For the Source of this light is endless and ever abundant. Take a moment to experience Her abundance, and know that as you partake of Her light and Her love, so do you give your light and your love. And as you give energy, so do you receive it. And thus does the circle of life continue.

(Pause)

And as we come back now to this time and place, let us give thanks for the return of Our Great Mother, and for our return unto Her.

From She Lives! The Return of Our Great Mother, 10th Anniversary Edition. Copyright 1999 by Judith Laura.

The Magical Circle School Newsletter: Litha 2009
The Magical Circle Students

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A Litha Craft to Make and Enjoy – Sun Disk

Supplies:
grapevine wreath
2 straight pieces of grapevine, similar to that in the wreath
florist twine, wire or ties
orange, yellow, green, red or gold ribbons
dried greenery (St. John’s Wort, Maidenhair, Holly)
adornments (holey stones, crystals, fetishes, beads, feathers etc.)

Instructions:
Grapevine wreaths can be made using purchased natural grapevine, faux grapevine  or harvested materials, however I will presume the wreath is already created or purchased for the purpose of these instructions.

Most craft stores will have pre-formed wreaths, but will also have pieces of grapevine that are straight (or as straight as they can be) for using in crafts. Two of these pieces need to be measured to fit across the center of the wreath, and cut accordingly. Each piece can be pushed into the wreath, across the center to form a cross.

While the ends of the sticks should stay fairly secure in the wreath, it’s best to be safe and wrap florist twine or wire around the center where the pieces cross each other. To hide the wrappings, if you wish, you can cover it with ribbon or other materials, securing fetishes, holey stones, beads and crystals into the ties.

Next, take the greenery and tuck pieces here and there amongst the vines. Make sure the pieces have long enough stems to wrap around and through the vines, and they will be self-securing. However, you can use the florist twine or wire to secure them fully if you so desire. Again, other adornments can be secured to the wreath.

Tie the Sabbat-oriented colored ribbons in varying lengths to the bottom of the wreath to create a decorative fringe. Each ribbon could have a different adornment, if you choose. Choose two colors (red and gold, green and yellow, etc.) to tie to the top, creating a loop. Knot the ends, and this becomes the hanger. Depending on the size of the wreath, this could be hung from a tree, or from a door to celebrate the season, to be removed or replaced at Lughnasadh.

Litha (Creating New Pagan Family Traditions)
Jodi Lee

Spirit Message of the Day – Personal Integrity Brings Honor

THE CELTIC OIR – SPINDLE

“Patient work you will need to fulfill
Your knowledge and skill indispensable
Your tasks bring honor to you and your clan
And community spirit be you woman or man.”

OBLIGATION AND DISCIPLINE
“You will need self-discipline in order to stay focused and complete your tasks at hand. The work that you do is very important and honorable; you can take pride in your accomplishments. Your skills are needed by your family and perhaps even by your community, and your abilities have the potential to boost your status. You may be up for a promotion, more responsibility, or even a new career. A new opportunity may come as a big surprise or a sudden change, as the wheels seem to have been set in motion by outside forces. Your ability to make something out of nothing may benefit you as you attempt to roll with these changes in an unselfish manner.”

“Patience is your focus at this times; the winds of changes are blowing, but you must allow things to happen in their own time. Meet your current obligations before moving forward with other activities. Take this time to spin your own thread and plan while you wait for the outside forces that weave the future.”

OIR – SPINDLE SYMBOLISM AND LORE
“A spindle tree is seen beyond the door of the roundhouse where a woman spins wool into heavy thread. The first spinning wheels weren’t what we think of today, with their big wheel and spokes, but were instead simple, rustic drop spindles. the spindle tree’s wood is perfect for making drop spindle because it is very straight, hard wood. This is patient work, but each family and the entire community relied on this important work to clothe them, and the Celts were known for their bright-colored clothing with intricate checks and tartan fabrics.”

“If a woman was skilled and dedicated, she could spin and weave enough for her family and to trade with others, bringing her high status in the clan. The whorl stone on her drop spindle is similar to ones found in archeological digs from the third to fifth centuries. We also see a loom in the background, which she will use to weave her cloth. Spindle was indeed the wood used to craft its namesake textile tool. In fact, there were even whorl stones found up until the eighth century with ogham and Latin inscriptions carved on them with complimentary messages or blessings on its owner. One can imagine the power of that blessing as the spindle spun away, sending that blessing into the air with every spin, and into each thread as well. Maybe this old practice is why, in the language of flowers, the flowers of the spindle tree mean “your charms are engraven on my heart.”

“A spindle is a powerful tool indeed. Through hard work, it transforms one thing into another, seeming to do the impossible. Spindles and, later on, spinning wheels became associated with the Fates, the mystical women who hold sway over life and death itself, further pointing to the spindle’s tree’s equal benefits and dangers, as its wood is useful, but its berries are poinsonous.”

Today’s message is from Voice of the Trees by Mickie Mueller.

To read Spiritblogger’s message for Kids and Parents alike please visit the site at http://www.spiritbloggerkids.wordpress.com

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Daily Incantations & Enchantments for December 13 & 14

An incantation for protection

Encased in white light
Safe from harm and prey
I have protection, throughout the day.
Sanctuary within these bounds
Shielded from detriment, armor surrounds.

*Obviously, this spell doesn’t make you invincible. So do NOT intentionally put yourself in danger to “test” it. This incantation works best if applied alongside common sense.

–The Power of Positive Witchcraft: Daily Incantations & Enchantments: A Spell a Day for 30 Days
Garden Summerland

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Witch Tip #125 for December 13 & 14

If you don’t feel comfortable using or don’t want to use blood in your ritual use orange, beet, or cherry juice instead.

Witch Tips : The Essential Guide to Contemporary Witchcraft
A. Rayne

“Walk barefoot, listen to the wind, drink in the moon…. BE MAGICK”