The Witches Magickal Journal for Friday, May 4th

I have always believed in magic. I used to run into the woods as a little kid looking for witches. But I’m not superstitious, because I m not afraid of it. I see it as something really beautiful, and I wouldn’t want to live in a world without magic.

Anya Taylor-Joy

May–The Month of Maia

This month is named after the goddess Maia, to whom the Romans sacrificed on the first day of the month. Maia was one of the Pleiades, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione. They were all transformed into pigeons that they might escape from the great hunter Orion, and flying up into the sky were changed into seven stars, which form the constellation known as the Pleiades. On any clear night you may see these stars clustered closely together, but they are not very bright, one of them being very faint indeed. A story says that at first they shone brightly, but after the capture of Troy by the Greeks they grew pale with sorrow. Another story says that all but one were married to gods, and that when they became stars the one who had married a mortal did not shine so brightly as her sisters.

Maia was the Goddess of the Plains and mother of Mercury, the messenger of the gods. In order that he might perform his duties as messenger more swiftly, Mercury was given by Jupiter wings for his feet, and a winged cap for his head. He is said to have invented the lyre, or harp, and to have given it to the Sun-god Apollo, who gave him in return a magic wand called Caduceus, which had the power of making enemies become friends. Mercury, in order to test its power, put it between two fighting snakes, and they at once wound themselves round it. Mercury ordered them to stay on the wand, and, in statues and pictures, the god is nearly always holding in his hand this wand with the snakes twisted round it.

Mercury was not only the messenger of the gods, but was also the God of Rain and Wind, and the protector of travellers, shepherds, and thieves. Festivals were held every year in Rome in his honour during the month of May.

Atlas, the father of the Pleiades, was a giant who lived in Africa and held up the sky on his shoulders. The great Hercules, when seeking for the Golden Apples of the Hesperides (daughters of the Evening Star), came to Atlas to ask him where he could find the apples. Atlas offered to get them for Hercules if he would take his place while he was away, so Hercules took the heavens on his shoulders, and Atlas set off to fetch the golden fruit. But on his return he told Hercules that he must stay where he was, while he himself would take the apples to the king, who had set Hercules the task of finding them. Hercules, as you may imagine, had no wish to spend the rest of his life holding up the sky, and, by a trick, succeeded in getting Atlas back to his place, and so was able to set out on his homeward journey.

The last story of Atlas we read in the account of the great hero Perseus, who, after slaying the Gorgon Medusa, passed Atlas on his way home. Now the face of the Gorgon turned to stone all who looked on it, and Atlas, worn out by the terrible burden he had to bear, persuaded Perseus to show him the Gorgon’s head. “Eagerly he gazed for a moment on the changeless countenance, but in an instant the straining eyes were stiff and cold; and it seemed to Perseus, as he rose again into the pale yellow air, that the grey hairs which streamed from the giant’s head were like the snow which rests upon the peak of a great mountain, and that, in place of the trem bling limbs, he saw only the rents and clefts on a rough hill-side.”

Thus Atlas was changed into the mountains which bear his name, and are to be found in the north-west of Africa.

Hercules, whom we have mentioned in this story of Atlas, is one of the best known of the Greek heroes, and to this day we often speak of an especially strong man as a Hercules, and we also have the expression “a Herculean task”. Hercules was a son of Jupiter, and devoted his life to ridding the country of the fierce beasts which brought death and destruction to many of his people. But through the hatred of the goddess Juno, Hercules knew much sorrow, and underwent great trials. To atone for crimes committed in a fit of madness sent upon him by Juno, he was condemned by the gods to become for a year the slave of the King of Argos, who set him twelve labours. The first of these labours was to slay a lion known as the Nemean lion. In spite of the attempts of many brave men to kill this fierce animal, it still continued to carry off men and women, and steal cattle and sheep. Hercules at once set out, and, tracking the lion to its den, seized it by the throat and crushed out its life. He then tore off the lion’s skin and made it into a covering which he always wore.

The second task was also to destroy a monster–a seven-headed serpent, known as the Hydra. Hercules attacked the serpent with a sword and cut off one of its heads, but was horrified to see seven new heads spring from the wound. Thereupon the hero called to his help his friend Iolaus, who seared the wounds with a lighted torch and thus prevented the new heads from growing. In this way Hercules finally slew the cruel Hydra.

Another task set the hero was to capture and tame the horses of the King of Thrace. These horses were fed on human flesh, and the king had ordered all strangers who entered his kingdom to be executed and given as food to the horses. Hercules succeeded in securing these animals, and, after throwing the king to his own horses as a punishment for his cruelty, led them to his master, the King of Argos.

Of the remaining labours, one was the fetching of the Golden Apples of the Hesperides, which we have mentioned; but the most famous was the cleaning of the Augean stables. King Augeas possessed enormous herds of cattle, and their stables had not been cleaned for many years. Hercules might well have lost heart at the sight of such a task, but he very cleverly overcame the difficulty. Near by the stables ran a swift river; this Hercules dammed and turned from its course, making it run through the stables, which in time it washed perfectly clean. Then, his task accomplished, Hercules led the river back to its course.

After a life of trial and labour, Hercules finally met a tragic death. By a trick he was persuaded to put on a robe which had been stained with poison. The poison ate into his flesh, and all the hero’s attempts to tear off the robe were in vain, so at last he resolved to die. He built an enormous funeral pyre by tearing up oak trees by the roots, and then laid himself on the pyre, to which one of his friends put a torch. In a short time roaring flames rose up to the sky and consumed the great Hercules, the man of might.

The Angles and Saxons seemed to have called this month of May “Tri-milchi”, meaning that, owing to the fresh grass of spring, they were able to milk their cows three times a day.

Today Is Friday, May 4th

 

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)

 

The Celtic Tree Month Saille (Willow) (April 14 – May 12)

 

Runic Half Month of Lagu(flowing water) (April 19 – May 13)

 

Goddess of the Month of Maia (April 18 – May 15th)

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

 

The Pagan Book of Days for Friday, May 4th

The hawthorn tree, sacred to the Good Goddess, is honored on this day. The hawthorn is often called the may tree. At the festival of the Veneration of the Thorn, holy bushes and tree~those marking sacred places and holy wells~are today acknowledged by having new scraps of cloth tied to them.

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for Friday, May 4th

Veneration of the Sacred Thom (Moon) Tree in Ireland, became St. Monica’s Day, the beginning of the Hawthorn Moon. The fourth day of the Moon/ month belongs to Hathor/Isis, Saoka, Arstat, and the Mothers. In Babylon, a sabbat or shapatu for Ishtar.

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

 

Goddesses Associated With Friday

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

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

 

The Wicca Book of Days for May 4th

Changeling Times

If you are the parent of a baby or young child, keep your offspring close to your side today, for human children are in particular danger of being snatched by fairies and spirited away to fairyland on May 4, according to Irish folk belief. You may not notice the abduction at first, for the “little people” may substitute a changeling for your baby, but as the days and months progress, you may develop an uneasy sense that your infant is not developing as he or she should. The telltale signs of a changeling child include a foul temper, wizened features, and withered limbs.

 

Take Precautions

Whether or not you have a child, the fairies may still wreak havoc through sheer maliciousness. If you consider yourself or your home to be at risk, wearing your cardigan coat, or jacket inside out and leaving a placatory cup of tea and a cake on your doorstep should ensure that you are left alone.

 

Friday: The day of beauty

Frigg was the Norse goddess of beauty, love, household, fertility and motherhood. She was Odin’s wife. She wonderfully balances out the dreadfulness of all the masculine gods sitting around our week table.

Derived from Latin Dies Veneris, Friday is viernes in Spanish, vendredi in French and venerdi in Italian. The day belongs to Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, love and fertility.

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

 

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.

 

Reference:

Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies
Starr Casas

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.

Author

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

Friday–The Day of Freya

In the stories of the gods and goddesses of the Angles and Saxons we find two goddesses, Frigga, the wife of Odin and queen of the gods, and Freya, the Goddess of Love. Some people think that Friday was named after Frigga, and others that it was Freya’s day. Since very similar stories are told of each of them, it is quite probable that they were really the same person. The Roman name for the day was Dies Veneris, the day of Venus, who, it will be remembered, was the Goddess of Love, and so corresponded to Freya. The modern French name is taken from the Latin and is vendredi.

Frigga was the Goddess of the Clouds, and, when she was not with her husband Odin, spent her time in spinning clouds. Her spinning-wheel was studded with jewels, and at night could be seen in the sky as the constellation to which the Romans gave the name of Orion’s Belt, as we have seen in the story of Orion.

Frigga was also the Goddess of Spring, and as such was known as Eastre, whom we have already mentioned as giving us the word Easter.

Freya, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, like the Venus of the Romans, received a great welcome when she came to the home of the gods, and was given a special kingdom called Folk Meadow, where was a vast hall known as the Hall of Many Seats. Here she received half of those slain in battle, the other half being entertained by Odin, as we have seen.

Freya is depicted as having blue eyes and golden hair, and often as wearing a robe of feathers, which enabled her to fly through the air like a bird.

The goddess is said to have married Odur, who was probably Odin under another name. Odur once had occasion to leave Freya and travel over the world, and the goddess was broken-hearted at his departure. Her tears fell among the rocks and were changed to gold, while some which fell into the sea were transformed into amber. All nature mourned with her: the trees shed their leaves, the grass withered, and the flowers drooped their heads. At last Freya in her distress set out to find her husband, and, passing through many lands, where her golden tears were afterwards found, came to the sunny south, and there overtook the wandering Odur. As the lovers returned, the fields and the flowers rejoiced with them. The frost and snow fled before them, and the earth became green again as they passed.

“And Freya next came nigh, with golden tears;
The loveliest Goddess she in Heaven, by all
Most honour’d after Frea, Odin’s wife.
Her long ago the wandering Odur took
To mate, but left her to roam distant lands;
Since then she seeks him, and weeps tears of gold.”
MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead.

This story, of course, reminds us of Ceres and Persephone, and is only another fanciful explanation of summer and winter.

Freya was the proud possessor of a dazzling necklace of gold, which had been made by the dwarfs, and which she wore night and day. On one occasion only did she lend the necklace, when Thor, disguised as Freya, went to the land of the giants to recover his hammer, which had been stolen by the Giant Thrym. Loki, by borrowing Freya’s robe of feathers and flying over the country of the giants, had discovered the thief, but had also found that Thrym would only return the hammer on condition that Freya would become his wife. When Freya heard of the giant’s presumption, she became greatly enraged, and vowed that she would never leave her beloved Odur and go to live in that dreary and desolate land of cold. Heimdall, the guardian of the bridge Bifrost, then suggested that Thor should go to Thrym disguised as Freya, in company with Loki disguised as Freya’s attendant. The gods at last allowed themselves to be persuaded, and Thor, having borrowed Freya’s clothes and necklace and wearing a thick veil, set out with Loki, who was dressed as a handmaiden. On reaching the giant’s palace, they were welcomed by Thrym, who was delighted at the success of his plan, and who led them to the banqueting hall, where a great feast was held. At the end of the feast, Thrym ordered the famous hammer to be brought in, and he himself laid it in his bride’s lap as a marriage gift. Thor’s hand immediately closed over the hammer, and in a few moments Thrym and all the guests invited to the wedding feast lay dead.

Freya was greatly relieved to have her necklace returned in safety, but the evil Loki, attracted by its wonderful beauty, determined to steal it. One night the god, by changing himself into a fly, succeeded in entering Freya’s palace. He then resumed his own shape, and, creeping stealthily to Freya’s bed, gently removed the necklace from the goddess’s neck. The watchful Heimdall, however, had heard Loki’s footsteps, and, looking in the direction of the Folk Meadow, became a witness of the theft. He at once set off in pursuit of Loki, and, overtaking him, drew his sword and was about to kill the thief, when Loki changed himself into a flame. Heimdall immediately changed himself into a cloud, and sent down a shower of rain to put out the fire. Loki then took the form of a bear, and opened his mouth to catch the water. Heimdall also took the form of a bear and attacked Loki, who, finding that he was being overpowered, changed himself yet again, into a seal. Heimdall followed suit, and fought again with Loki, and at length compelled him to give up the necklace, which was returned to Freya.

On another occasion Freya was sought by one of the giants, and it was only by the cunning of Loki and by an act of bad faith on the part of the gods that she was saved. The gods, ever anxious lest the giants should invade Asgard, decided to build a stronghold which would prove impregnable. They received an offer from a stranger, who was willing to undertake the work in return for the sun, the moon, and the goddess Freya. By Loki’s advice they accepted the offer on condition that he should complete the work in one winter, aided only by his horse. To the surprise of the gods the stranger agreed to these conditions, and with the help of his horse, which could haul the heaviest stone, set to work. The gods, who at first felt sure that their conditions had made the task impossible, were alarmed to find as time went on that the stranger was working so quickly that it seemed certain that he would be able to keep his promise. The gods on their side had no intention whatever of keeping their promise, since they could not possibly part with the sun and the moon and the Goddess of Love, and they angrily pointed out to Loki that since it was he who had got them into this difficulty, he must find some way out of it. Loki replied that the gods need have no fear, for with his usual cunning he had thought of a plan whereby the stranger might be made to forfeit his reward. On the last day, when only one stone remained to be dragged into position, Loki changed himself into a horse, and, trotting out from the forest, neighed loudly to attract the attention of the stranger’s horse. Tired of his continual labour and longing for freedom and rest, the horse broke free from its load and galloped after Loki. The stranger, after pursuing it vainly through the forest, at last made his way to Asgard, and, full of anger at the trick which had been played upon him, took on his real shape, for he was a frost-giant, and was about to attack the gods when Thor hurled his hammer at him and killed him.

Frey, the god mentioned in the story of Loki and Sif’s golden hair, was Freya’s brother. He was the God of the Fields, and sacrifices were made to him for the crops. In the early spring his wooden image was driven in a chariot through the countryside, in order that he might bless the fields and bring a fruitful harvest: Frey, as we have seen, became the possessor of a ship which could travel over land and sea, and though large enough to contain all the gods, yet could be folded up like a cloth, and he also possessed a boar with golden bristles. The god often rode on this boar, which was swifter than a horse, and was no doubt a symbol of the sun, which ripened the crops. We find the same idea of sunshine in Frey’s flashing sword, which fought of its own accord as soon as it was drawn from its sheath.

The month of the Angles and Saxons which begins just before our Christmas was sacred to both Frey and Thor, and it was customary at that time, as we have already mentioned, to bind a huge wooden wheel with straw, and, setting fire to it, to roll it down a hill. The wheel was a symbol of the sun, which at that time began to chase away the winter. At this time, too, was held a great feast to all the gods, and the chief meat eaten was a boar’s head, in honour of Frey. The missionaries who first brought Christianity to the Northmen, finding this feast was of great importance and was celebrated by all the people, did not try to do away with it. Instead, they changed it from a heathen to a Christian festival by putting Christ in the place of the Norse gods, and calling it the Feast or Mass of Christ. A similar change was made, it will be remembered, in the case of the Easter festival, held in honour of Eastre or Frigga, the wife of Odin.

The Witches Guide to Friday

 

Ruler: Freya, Venus

Colors: Emerald green or pink

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following.

Key Words: Love, money, health

It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. In the word Friday, we see the roots of the name of the Norse goddess Freya, a goddess of love and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses thus the verse “Friday’s child is loving and giving.”

In Spanish this day of the week is called Viernes and is derived from the goddess Venus. Matters of love, human interaction, the fluidity of communication, sewing and the creation of artistic garments, household improvement, shopping, and party planning all fall under the aspects of Friday and its ruling planet, Venus.

Friday’s angels are Ariel/Uriel, Rachiel, and Sachiel. Rachiel also concerns himself with human sexuality and is a presiding spirit of the planet Venus.

On Fridays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Venus, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest four hours for conducting ritual.

Check the local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source

Gypsy Magic

The Witches Almanac for Friday, May 4th

Bona Dea (Roman)

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Capricorn

Incense: Violet

Color: Purple

 

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

 

Courtesy of Moonlight Musings

 

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

 

Archangel: Anael

Candle colour: Green or pink

Incenses: Rose or geranium

Crystals: Jade or rose quartz

Use Fridays for spells for love, fidelity, healing, for anything to do with beauty, the arts and crafts and for all spells concerning the environment.

Where possible, work in any enclosed beautiful place outdoors, for example a botanical garden, a field, park or your own garden – even in a circle of plants indoors.

 

The Energy of Venus

Weekday ruled by Venus: Friday

Stones:

Rose quartz
Moonstone
Pink tourmaline
Peridot
Emerald
Jade

Herbs and Plants:

Pink rose
Ivy
Birch
Heather
Clematis
Sage
Violet
Waterlily

Magickal intentions: Love, romance, marriage, sexual matters, physical beauty, friendship and partnerships, strangers and heart matters.

 

Magickal Applications for Fridays

 

Friday is named after the Norse goddesses of love, Freya and Frigga. There seems to be some debate as to whom the day is actually named after, so I thought I would share a little information so you can decide for yourself.

In Latin, this day is known as Dies Veneris, “Venus’s day.” In Greek, it’s Hermera Aphrodites, which translates to the “day of Aphrodite.” In Old English, this day is called Frige- daeg, or “Freya’s day.” This day has the Germanic title of Frije-dagaz, which, once again, could be Freya’s day or Frigga’s day.

Both Freya and Frigga were Norse goddesses of love and were the Teutonic equivalent of the Greco-Roman Venus/Aphrodite. However, Freya was one of the Vanir—the gods of fertility who supervised the land and sea—and she was the leader of the Valkyries. Frigga, Odin’s wife, was the goddess of the heavens and of married love. She was one of the Aesir—the gods associated with battle, magick and the sky. Freya and Frigga could be looked upon as different aspects of the same goddess. They both were called on to assist in childbirth and then in naming of the new baby. Frigga represented the faithful wife and loving mother, while Freya, who really captured the hearts and imagination of the Norse people, was the passionate mistress and lover.

Fridays classically are days for love, fertility, romance, and beauty magick, as well as working for happiness, harmony in the home, and friendship. So let’s take a look at some of the mythology involved with this loving, voluptuous, passionate, and luxurious day of the week, and see where it leads us.

Source

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

The Witches Magick for Friday, May 4th

Banishing And Sealing Ritual For The Home

 

To be performed during at the New Moon, but may be performed at any time in need.

You will need a new white Candle (any size with holder), small bowls for Water and Salt, and a large bowl of water as well, and the censer and an appropriate incense. (Choose one that brings to your mind qualities you wish to have in your home.)

Banishing Ritual:

Meditate for a few moments on the task ahead; then make a brief invocation to the Goddess and the God, asking for Their Aid and Power in the Work you will do.

Light the white candle in its holder, and charcoal in the censer (or an incense stick may be used instead).

Consecrate Water and Salt in the usual way.

Consecrate the water in the bowl in the same manner, but do not add Salt; place this bowl in the center of the room.

Take the consecrated Water, elevate it to North, and say,

“In the name of (Goddess) and (God)
I banish with Water and Earth.”

Sprinkle the Water lightly widdershins around the perimeter of the room.

Bless the incense, then elevate the censer (or incense stick) to North, and say,

“In the name of (Goddess) and (God)
I banish with Fire and Air.”

Cense the perimeter of the room widdershins.

Take the Candle and cast a Banishing Earth Pentagram at North. (Draw the Pentagram with the censer or incense stick, starting from the bottom left point up to the top point, and so forth.) As you cast the Pentagram say,

“With this Sign I banish ye, foul shades of the (Quarter)!
Let this home be freed of your baneful influences!”

Then go widdershins around the perimeter of the room, casting a Banishing Pentagram at each Quarter beginning at the West and ending back at North, repeating the above at each Quarter. (Do not repeat it again at North.)

Now turn and face the center of the room, where the bowl of water sits.

With your hands, draw any negative energy or vibrations remaining, and cast them into the water in the bowl by flicking or snapping your fingers at it. Repeat this action until you are satisfied the room is cleansed. Do not touch the water in the bowl, as it is being filled with the negative forces you are eliminating.

Move the consecrated Water, the Salt, the Incense, the Candle, and the bowl of water (being careful not to spill it) into each room in your home and repeat this ritual.

After banishing every room in the home (including bathroom, closets, pantry, etc.) you have finished. Empty the large bowl of water into running water (a sink or toilet will do). Wash the bowl thoroughly with cold water, scrubbing with some of the consecrated Salt.

Sealing Ritual:

Take all the Elemental substances used in the Banishing Ritual (Salt, consecrated Water, wax drippings from the Candle, and ashes from the incense) and mix them into a paste.

Using your forefinger, use the mixture to draw an Invoking Fire Pentagram at each opening leading outside the home (the doors and the windows – and even the water pipes, if you should feel the need) while concentrating on the Intention of protecting your home from outside influences. (Draw the Pentagram from the top point to the bottom right, and so forth. Form the Star so that it is point up, or point out, as appropriate.) You may make two Stars at each opening if you wish – one on the sill or threshold, and the other on the door or window itself.

Remember that Intent is the key to success in this, as in all magickal operations; going through the motions without Will brings no results.

 

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for May 4th, Festival of Bona Dea

May 3 and 4

Festival of Bona Dea

Bona Dea is the Roman Goddess of the earth and bountiful blessings. In ancient times, her festival was held in secret, usually ally in the house of the officiating counsel or praetor of the city. Presided over by the mistress of the household, selected matrons, and the Vestal Virgins, special ceremonies were enacted acted at night for the benefit of the city and its inhabitants.

This festival was for women only, to the extent that all statues and paintings of male deities and male members of the household were covered with veils. The room where the ceremonies emonies took place was decorated with vine branches and fresh flowers. Wine was served but called milk, and the covered jar containing it was referred to as the honey pot.

 

Magickal Activity for May 4th, The Festival of Bona Dea

Wishing Pot

Items needed: A small ceramic jar or pot with a tight-fitting lid; 2″ square piece of parchment paper; a gold ink pen; a jar of honey; three silver coins.

Write out your wish on the parchment paper. Place the paper in the bottom of the jar. Add the coins and fill the jar with honey. Cover with the lid. Hold the jar close to your heart and the chant the following nine times to empower the wishing pot:

Goddess of blessings and bountiful earth
To my wishes and dreams give birth.

Place the pot on your altar until your wish comes true. Once you receive your petition, toss the pot into the nearest water way.

 

The Witches Astronomy Journal for Friday, May 4th

The Lady’s Prayer

Our Mother
Who art here present,
Honored be thy name.
Thy time is come
We shall be One
On Earth, which is our heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And love us in our imperfections
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
For thine is the spirit of the great transformation
Forever and ever.
So Mote It Be

Author Unknown
Published on Pagan Library

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Friday, May 4th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 89.38° E
Sun Altitude: 26.49°
Sun Distance: 93.729 million mi
Next Solstice: Jun 21, 2018 5:07 am (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:56 am↑ 69° East
Sunset Today: 7:46 pm↑ 291° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 13 hours, 49 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 233.37° SW
Moon Altitude: 10.37°
Moon Distance: 250552 mi
Next New Moon: May 15, 20186:47 am
Next Full Moon: May 29, 20189:19 am
Next Moonset: Today9:24 am
Current Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 81.1%

Source

timeanddate.com

Astrology of Today – Friday, May 4, 2018

The Moon is in Capricorn.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase.
The Full Moon occurred on the 29th in the sign of Scorpio. The Last Quarter Moon will occur on May 7th.

 

Moon in Capricorn

The Moon is traveling through Capricorn today. Make a list of goals. Work overtime. Climb higher. Don’t sulk.

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead with a Capricorn Moon. We are instinctively aware of the limitations of time and motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are more important to us now. We are resourceful and don’t want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a somewhat sober influence, but it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

A Look At Your Planets And Stars for Friday, May 4th

The Moon transits Capricorn all day, and we seek more order and structure in our lives. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most areas of life now. Our careers, reputation, and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign. The Moon aligns with Saturn in Capricorn this afternoon, which is sobering. We aim to be more responsible, practical, and efficient under this influence.

A Sun-Jupiter contraparallel active today, however, has us questioning and philosophizing, not only dealing with the practical world. Moral dilemmas may present themselves.

The sky this week for May 4 to May 6

By Richard Talcott

Friday, May 4

Although the calendar says May, the sky’s Summer Triangle returns to prominence this month. The asterism’s three bright stars — Vega in Lyra, Deneb in Cygnus, and Altair in Aquila — all clear the horizon by midnight local daylight time. An hour later, they rule the eastern sky. Vega shines brightest and appears at the apex of the triangular asterism. Look for Deneb to Vega’s lower left and Altair to the lower right of the other two. The Summer Triangle will grace the Northern Hemisphere’s evening sky from now through the end of the year.

Saturday, May 5

The waning gibbous Moon appears roughly halfway between Mars and Saturn this morning. All three objects rise by 1:30 a.m. local daylight time and climb nearly 30° high in the south by 5 a.m. Mars shines at magnitude –0.5 and is already a little brighter than it was earlier in the week. Saturn glows about half as bright, at magnitude 0.3. The trio stands against the backdrop of northern Sagittarius the Archer. If you view Saturn through a telescope this week, you’ll see its 18″-diameter disk surrounded by a stunning ring system that spans 40″ and tilts 26° to our line of sight.

The Moon also reaches apogee today, at 8:35 p.m. EDT. It then lies 251,318 miles (404,457 kilometers) from Earth’s center, the farthest it gets from our planet during its month-long orbit.

Sunday, May 6

The annual Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks before dawn. Unfortunately, the waning gibbous Moon shares the sky, and its bright light will wash out fainter meteors and render the brighter ones less impressive. Don’t give up hope, however. For the best views, find an otherwise dark site and position yourself where a tree or building blocks the Moon’s direct light. The Eta Aquariid shower derives from bits of debris ejected by Comet 1P/Halley during its many trips around the Sun.

Although the Moon interferes with the Eta Aquariids, take a few minutes to enjoy a binocular view of our satellite next to Mars. The Moon slides 3° due north of the Red Planet at 3 a.m. EDT.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

In the Sky This Month

Of the five planets easily visible to the unaided eye, only Mercury is missing from view this month. The other four are in good view, with one of them, Jupiter, putting in its best showing of the year. Venus climbs higher as the Evening Star, while Mars and Saturn remain in the early morning sky. Among the stars, Regulus and Spica climb to their full spring glory.

May 4: More Moon and Planets
Mars and Saturn will be easy to spot early tomorrow, because they will flank the Moon. Saturn will stand to the right of the Moon at first light, with Mars a little farther to the lower left of the Moon. Orange Mars is the brighter planet.

May 5: More Moon and Mars
The planet Mars is in great view early tomorrow. It looks like a bright orange star just to the lower right of the Moon as the first blush of twilight begins to paint the sky. Mars will grow much brighter over the next couple of months.

May 6: Ursa Major
Ursa Major, the great bear, is high in the north on May evenings. The bear’s body and tail form the Big Dipper. The bear aims nose-first at the northern horizon.

May 7: Jupiter at Opposition
Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, shines at its best for the year this week. It rises at sunset and sets around sunrise. It is brightest for the year, too, outshining everything else in the night sky except the Moon and Venus.

May 8: Evening Lights
As twilight fades this evening, two lights will pop into view long before the others. In the west, look for Venus, the “evening star.” At about the same height in the southeast, look for slightly fainter Jupiter, at its brightest for the year.

May 9: Coma Berenices
Coma Berenices is in the eastern sky at nightfall. Its stars are faint. But under a dark sky, they offer one of the prettiest sights in the heavens: streamers of stars that represent the hair of Berenice, a queen of ancient Egypt.

May 10: Coma Star Cluster
The star cluster Melotte 111, in Coma Berenices, is a good target for binoculars or a small telescope. The constellation is high in the east at nightfall, and good binoculars reveal a small swarm of stars.

Source

StarDate

Your Daily Cosmic Calendar for Friday, May 4th

As indicated at the end of yesterday’s calendar entry, take a good look at investments, insurance needs, safety and security issues as well as soul-sister bonds as the moon in Capricorn makes its monthly rendezvous with Vesta (4:51am).

Emulate the tortoise with a slow-and-steady climb to the executive penthouse of your professional aims during the monthly lunar conjunction with discipline-encouraging Saturn (1:03pm).

Drop old fears and jettison chronic worries to the best of your ability. Giving you rays of hope is a contra-parallel between the Sun and Jupiter (7:33pm) as long as pride and arrogance are replaced by humility.

Strive to make progress empowering primary partnerships — courtesy of a 60-degree tie between Juno in Aries and underworld-chieftain Pluto in Capricorn (8:00pm).

[Note to readers: All times are now calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

 

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd.
Astrology.com

Cosmic Weather Horoscope – May 2018

Jane Lyle, Astrology
From The Astrology Room

Thought for May:

‘May, the blossom of the hawthorn, smells of sex and death. This is neither hyperbole nor poetic licence: it contains a substance called trimethylamine that appears when bodily tissues and sexual fluids decompose. Perhaps because of this, and perhaps because of religious opposition to its ritual use as a portal to the otherworld, a folkloric fear of hawthorn exists in living memory.’

– Nina Lyon, ‘Uprooted: On the Trail of the Green Man’ (2016)

Traditionally the ‘Merry month of May’ is an enticing layer-cake of folklore, fairy-tale, pagan rituals and otherworldly beauty. Green Men, May Queens, the spirits of the dead, fairies and all manner of mischievous supernatural beings dance around the Beltain bonfires – even in our tumultuous, high-tech world.

May is always a portal. What lies on the other side of the mysterious door?

May 2018’s astrology signals movement, tension, and change. We are half way between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice in June (or the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere), and six planets are due to change signs. Only the Sun and Venus moved home in April, so chances are we’ll all feel a shift in ourselves, our priorities, and in the world around us.

Certainly, there’s high global tension as May begins. Mars and Pluto in Capricorn foster a brooding, ruthless atmosphere, while revolutionary planet Uranus in war-like Aries clashes with Mars, and continues to signify a time of upsets, unexpected possibilities, and sudden upheavals.

Mid month astrology heralds an exciting, even shocking atmosphere as Uranus enters earthy, security minded Taurus, and Mars enters clever, geeky Aquarius. The warrior and the nutty professor clash beneath a potent, earthy new Moon in Taurus.

There’s more to say about this – but some essential themes are money and the stock markets, technology, earthquakes, and electrical storms. Its bumpy, with strange algorithms causing confusion, internet-based meltdown, or yet more leaks of information, documents, and shadowy hacking scandals – perhaps more aggressive than usual.

Cyber warfare or hostilities are a strong possibility, particularly between Monday 14th and Friday 18th May.

By the end of May, some love and inspiration flows – in one corner of the universe at least. Venus in Cancer, Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces offer beauty, healing, and inspiration then – and I think we’ll all be eager to drink deeply at that particular cosmic fountain, and look forward to happier times.

 

The Witches Current Moon Phase for May 4

Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 82%

The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.

 

PHASE DETAILS FOR – FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 82%
Moon Age: 18.94 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 404,652.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,870,103.87 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

The Waning Gibbous Moon

This intermediate Moon phase comes after Full Moon and lasts until half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated at Third Quarter Moon.

Just after Full Moon, when the face of the Moon is 100% illuminated, the intermediate phase called Waning Gibbous Moon starts.

Waning means that it is getting smaller. Gibbous refers to the shape, which is less than the full circle of a Full Moon, but larger than the semicircle shape of the Third Quarter Moon.

With some exceptions, the Waning Gibbous Moon rises after sunset but before midnight and doesn’t set until after sunrise.

During this period, the lit up portion of the Moon goes down from 99.9%% to 50.1%.

Technically, this phase starts as soon as the Full Moon moment has passed. However, it can be difficult to differentiate the first stage of a Waning Gibbous Moon from a Full Moon when as much as 98% to 99% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated.

Sun Lights Up the Moon
The Moon does not radiate its own light, but the Moon’s surface reflects the Sun’s rays. Half of the Moon’s surface is always illuminated by direct sunlight, except during lunar eclipses when Earth casts its shadow on the Moon. Just how much of that light we can see from Earth varies every day, and we refer to this as a Moon phase.

Primary and Intermediate Moon Phases
In Western Culture, we divide the lunar month into 4 primary and 4 intermediate Moon phases.

The Moon phases start with the invisible New Moon. The first visible Moon phase is the thin sliver of a Waxing Crescent Moon. Around a week later, half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated while the other half is in darkness at First Quarter Moon.

The illuminated part continues to grow into a Waxing Gibbous Moon, until 14 to 15 days into the cycle, we see the entire face of the Moon lit up at Full Moon.

The illuminated part then gradually shrinks into a Waning Gibbous Moon, and when it reaches Third Quarter, the opposite half from the First Quarter is illuminated. From there, it fades into a Waning Crescent Moon. Finally, the Moon disappears completely from view into another New Moon phase, only to reemerge and repeat this cycle over and over.

Same Phase Looks Different
Moon phases are the same all over the world. The same percentage and area of the Moon are illuminated no matter where on Earth you are. However, the Moon is rotated in different ways depending on the time, the date, your location, and the Moon’s position in the sky. Therefore, the illuminated part of a Waning Gibbous Moon can appear on the left, the right, the top, or the bottom.

No Gibbous Moon in Calendars
There is no symbol for the Waxing Gibbous Moon in calendars as it is an intermediate Moon phase.

 

Source

timeanddate.com

Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, May 6th

The Eta Aquarids will peak on May 6, 2018. The best time to see the shower, which is visible from most of the world, is in the early morning, just before dawn.

 

Where Can I See the Eta Aquarids?
The radiant, the point in the sky where the Eta Aquarids seem to emerge from, is in the direction of the constellation Aquarius. The shower is named after the brightest star of the constellation, Eta Aquarii.

When Can I See the Eta Aquarids
Also sometimes spelled as Eta Aquariid, the meteor shower is usually active between April 19 and May 28 every year. In 2018, it will peak on May 6.

 

Dust From Halley’s Comet
The Eta Aquarids is one of two meteor showers created by debris from Comet Halley. The Earth passes through Halley’s path around the Sun a second time in October. This creates the Orionid meteor shower, which peaks around October 20.

Comet Halley takes around 76 years to make a complete revolution around the Sun. The next time it will be visible from Earth is in 2061.

The table below shows the exact direction of the Eta Aquarids from your location.

 

Location in the Sky Tonight
A slight chance to see η-Aquariids; the table below is updated daily and shows the position for the coming night.

η-Aquariids meteor shower for Kentucky (Night between May 4 and May 5)

Time                          Azimuth/Direction                              Altitude
Sat 3:00 am                     96°East                                               5.9°
Sat 4:00 am             105°East-southeast                                 17.6°
Sat 5:00 am              116°East-southeast                                 28.7°

Direction to see the η-Aquariids in the sky:

Azimuth is the direction, based on true north; a compass might show a slightly different value.

Altitude is height in degrees over horizon.

Note that this is not the prime period to watch the η-Aquariids, so there may be few or no meteors visible this night. Set your location

 

How to Watch Meteor Showers
Check the weather: Meteors, or shooting stars, are easy to spot; all you need is clear skies and a pair of eyes.
Get out of town: Find a place as far away as possible from artificial lights.
Prepare to wait: Bring something to sit or lie down on. Stargazing is a waiting game, so get comfortable.

Source

timeanddate.com

 

Good morning, my sweets! I hope everyone is having a very beautiful and blessed Friday. I don’t know if you know it or not but…….Twitter has had a major security “glitch”(what they are calling it). They are advising everyone who has a Twitter account to change their password immediately. I guess they have learned from Facebook not to call a hack a hack. Instead, Twitter uses a “glitch.” Call it what it is! Anyway, while you are waiting on us, run over to Twitter (if you have an account) and change your password.

See you in just a minute or two…..

Love ya,

Lady A

The question is where do I begin? First, I owe you an apology for not telling you what has been going on. I believe I am not the only one around here that owes you an apology. It looks like someone could have posted what was happening and we hadn’t skipped the country. But that is water under the bridge. I am sick of telling you about my health and I know you are probably just as sick as I am hearing about it. Hopefully this go around will be the last of my health problems and we can resume normal operations tomorrow.

First, I have good news. You know I told you I had a large hernia that looked like an alien popping out of your rib cage. Come to find out, I went to the surgeon and I do not have a hernia. At one time in my life, I had a woman’s washboard ab. I sort of got older and let myself go a little bit and what I am seeing is a result of that. The surgeon told me he could repair it for cosmetic looks and I said no. I have been cut on enough. So that is the good news.

 

The bad news is I have always had a disease in my bones. This disease goes dormant then it will resurface. It has resurface with a vengeance.  I am now undergoing treatment for that. I also found out I have another rare disease, this one pertaining to my blood. The blood disease is nothing like the bone disease. It was caught soon enough that hopefully with proper diet and 5 different medicines it can be controlled. The doctor even said if my body reacts the way it is suppose too, I might not have to take the medicine the rest of my life. We would just keep an eye on it.

 

So that is what has been going on with me. I didn’t know how long all of this would take so I told the ladies to close up the office and take a vacation. They are getting a vacation and I am being used for a pin cushion. Sounds like they are getting the better end of the deal to me. But for now I am alive and kicking and I plan on staying that way. I have to eat a proper diet, take my medicine and exercise more. The doctor didn’t consider eating two Three Musketeers for breakfast a proper diet, imagine that? Now I feel like the monkey from the Tarzan movies, I get a banana and a bowl of cream of wheat. I start swing from branches, look out!

 

Again I apologize for no one letting you know what was going on. I was sort of down in the dumps. I mean it is one thing right after another, give me a break. I know one thing, I am through talking about my health. The store is still open. It is open because of all the recent added expense to my budget. I believe Jacob is going to start adding new merchandise over there. I know one thing if doctors and hospitals don’t drain your blood dry they will your bank account. This is pathetic. Anyway, I am going to get myself straightened out finally. Things will get back to normal and we will have a fantastic rest of the year. Agreed? Agreed.

 

We will see you tomorrow, till then….

 

Love ya,

Lady A

Learn the Tarot: King of Swords

---

Employ patient listening and ask penetrating questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Meaning

Traditionally, representing the energy of a King, this masculine energy form is The Adjudicator, the wise judge or mediator. He helps parties in conflict discover common ground and build upon it, and guides societies to see their greater good. His archetype is Solomon, ancient lawgiver and philosopher of the Old Testament. Sometimes appearing cool and detached, he can be misunderstood as not caring.

But emotional displays are just not his medium, nor is he moved by appeals to sympathy or pity. With the philosophical overview that comes from long experience, he listens deeply, watches closely and speaks last. In the end, his even-handedness and objectivity earn him the respect he receives from his community, and those who cannot work out their problems come to him voluntarily for advice.

Occasionally this man is subtly detailed to imply that he is a woman in male armor. If you notice this theme in your deck, it is a reference to Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, archetype of a devout and inspired woman warrior, who was mystically led to abandon her social role to defend what she saw as the greater good. Although she was martyred young, her model crystallizes the message that sometimes the good of the whole is more important than the good of the individual, and in that case, even if you lose, you win just for being there.

In the Advice Position

Listen to the inner wisdom offered by the wise elder that dwells inside of you.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

In this position, the King of Swords advises that you research your situation and in the process question existing authorities. It may be time to examine underlying assumptions and bring greater clarity into areas that have been left in the dark. Don’t wait for others to do it. Instead, draw your own conclusions.

Spend time reviewing all the ramifications because this King of Swords requires a thorough, methodical examination of ideas and possibilities. Call forth the sober and wise part of yourself — the elder father figure. Then act on the instructions given you.

 

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

 

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

 

If You Were Born Today, April 27

You are poised and come across as calm and refined. You are not easy to get close to, and much of your nature remains a mystery to others. Nevertheless, you are charming and others tend to respect you. You are extremely observant and generally think before you speak, and you are a great listener.  Famous people born today: Jack Klugman, Coretta Scott King, Ulysses S. Grant, Sheena Easton, William Moseley.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Until December, you continue to have a strong, protective, and stabilizing influence with you. It helps you stay on track and meet your responsibilities. Your popularity tends to be strong, and your leadership skills are valued. Work you have done in the past begins to pay off this year–not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in small, measurable ways. You may be recognized or rewarded in some manner for the efforts you put forth. Because you project a more responsible and credible “you”, people in authority are more inclined to appreciate you and recognize your work. This is a year in which you put your life in order in some significant manner. Improved concentration, a more realistic outlook, and a practical awareness of the limits of time all help you to make steady progress, particularly in your career. Your concern for your future this year is stronger than usual, and you may find that projects you start, or investments you make, this year will benefit you for years to come.

Something big is in the works regarding your love or social life. You’ll have a chance to heal old wounds with regards to love this year. You’re also bound to find new ways of making money.

Your ambition is stimulated now, and you are determined to meet or exceed your goals. You can bring great discipline and meaning to your life this year. You might totally revise an important project or area of your life, or you could be bent on getting rid of something in your life so that you can move forward. The tendency to be too willful this year should probably be avoided. You should also watch for overdoing to the point of exhaustion. This can be a compulsive time when power struggles are more likely. On the other hand, it can be a time when you enjoy a strong sense of purposefulness, focus, and determination.

The year ahead can be an ambitious time and a supportive period for reaching your goals. You might solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

You might experience some difficulties and delays in communications in the period ahead. It’s a strong year for recognizing flaws and errors. As long as you don’t forget the “big picture”, you could find you are motivated to channel your mental energy into tasks that require structured and organized thought, tackling projects that you may have found too mundane or downright boring in other years. It’s a strong year for polishing your skills and formal learning.

You are determined and focused in the year ahead, and you can move mountains in important areas of your life. As well, this can be a wonderful year for meeting new people or more thoroughly enjoying your current friendships. It’s a powerful year for relationships and excellent for making lifestyle changes.

2018 is a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It’s a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are especially able to attract others–and material things as well–this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

2019 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study, observe, research, and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

 

Source

Cafe Astrology

The Witches Magickal Journal for Friday, April 27th

“The Great Spirit is in all things, he is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the earth is our mother. She nourishes us; that which we put into the ground she returns to us…”

– Big Thunder (Bedagi) (Wabanaki Algonquin Tribe)

Friday, April 27th

 

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)

 

The Celtic Tree Month Saille (Willow) (April 14 – May 12)

 

Runic Half Month of Man(human being) (April 14 – April 28)

 

Goddess of the Month of Maia (April 18 – May 15th)

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for Friday, April 27

Feast of St. George in the Western Church calendar; he is the God Ogun, Ogan or Ogu in African Santeria and Voodoun. (Hephaestus, Eros, Vulcan, Quetzalcoatl, Mars.) The saint was originally derived from Apollo, twin of Diana and a Sun God.

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Goddesses Associated with Friday

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

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Friday: The day of beauty

Frigg was the Norse goddess of beauty, love, household, fertility and motherhood. She was Odin’s wife. She wonderfully balances out the dreadfulness of all the masculine gods sitting around our week table.

 

Derived from Latin Dies Veneris, Friday is viernes in Spanish, vendredi in French and venerdi in Italian. The day belongs to Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, love and fertility.

Friday

Friday: Is associated with Venus and the colors of – Green, Pink and White

Friday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Affection, Alliances, Architects, Artistic Ability, Artists, Balance, Beauticians, Beauty, Change, Chiropractors, Cosmetics, Courage, Courtship, Dancers, Dating, Decorating, Designers, Engineers, Entertainers, Fashion, Fertility, Friendship, Gardening, Gifts, Grace, Harmony, Herbal Magick, Household Improvements, Income, Luck, Luxury, Marriage, Material Things, Music, Painting, Partners, Peace, Physical Healing, Planning Parties, Poetry, Prosperity, Relationships, Romantic Love, Shopping, Social Activity, Soul-mates, Success

Source

Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

Ritual Influences for Friday, April 27th

 

Friday Venus

 

Perfumes: Stephanotis, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris

 

Incense: Saffron, Verbena

 

Wood: Myrtle

 

Color: Light Blue, Pale Green

 

Influences: All Love Matters, Friendships, Affection, Partnerships, Money, Sex

Reference

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

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.

 

Author

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

On Friday, April 27th, We Celebrate…

Smell the Breeze Day (Egypt)
NUT

Themes: Air, Health

 

Symbols: A Pot; Turquoise; Musk; a Star; Wind; Cow Images

 

About Nut: This great Egyptian sky goddess bears a star-spangled belly that stretches over the earth like a protective atmosphere. Today she breaths on us with a late-March zephyr bearing health and well-being.

 

Legend tells us that when Ra went to escape the earth, Nut offered her aid by becoming a huge cow who lifted him into heaven. Wen Nut found herself dizzy from the effort, four gods rushed to her aid. They later became the four pillars of creation—the four winds.

 

To Do Today: If the weather permits, I highly recommend a brish, refreshing walk. Breathe deeply of the air, which has rejuvenating, healthy energies today. As you exhale, repeat the goddess’s name, Nut, and listen as she responds in the breeze.

 

Any type of wind magick honors Nut, and it is certainly fitting today. If the wind blows from the west, sprinkle water into it for emotional healing. If it blows from the east, toss a feather out so it can return to you with healthy outlooks. If it blows from the north, sift a little soil into the wind to give fruitful foundations to a generating idea, and if it blows from the south, burn musk incense to manifest vital energy and a little passion.

 

Source

365 Goddess, A Daily Guide to the Magick and Inspiration of the Goddess
Patricia Telesco

Friday–The Day of Freya

In the stories of the gods and goddesses of the Angles and Saxons we find two goddesses, Frigga, the wife of Odin and queen of the gods, and Freya, the Goddess of Love. Some people think that Friday was named after Frigga, and others that it was Freya’s day. Since very similar stories are told of each of them, it is quite probable that they were really the same person. The Roman name for the day was Dies Veneris, the day of Venus, who, it will be remembered, was the Goddess of Love, and so corresponded to Freya. The modern French name is taken from the Latin and is vendredi.

 

Frigga was the Goddess of the Clouds, and, when she was not with her husband Odin, spent her time in spinning clouds. Her spinning-wheel was studded with jewels, and at night could be seen in the sky as the constellation to which the Romans gave the name of Orion’s Belt, as we have seen in the story of Orion.

 

Frigga was also the Goddess of Spring, and as such was known as Eastre, whom we have already mentioned as giving us the word Easter.

 

Freya, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, like the Venus of the Romans, received a great welcome when she came to the home of the gods, and was given a special kingdom called Folk Meadow, where was a vast hall known as the Hall of Many Seats. Here she received half of those slain in battle, the other half being entertained by Odin, as we have seen.

 

Freya is depicted as having blue eyes and golden hair, and often as wearing a robe of feathers, which enabled her to fly through the air like a bird.

 

The goddess is said to have married Odur, who was probably Odin under another name. Odur once had occasion to leave Freya and travel over the world, and the goddess was broken-hearted at his departure. Her tears fell among the rocks and were changed to gold, while some which fell into the sea were transformed into amber. All nature mourned with her: the trees shed their leaves, the grass withered, and the flowers drooped their heads. At last Freya in her distress set out to find her husband, and, passing through many lands, where her golden tears were afterwards found, came to the sunny south, and there overtook the wandering Odur. As the lovers returned, the fields and the flowers rejoiced with them. The frost and snow fled before them, and the earth became green again as they passed.

 

“And Freya next came nigh, with golden tears;
The loveliest Goddess she in Heaven, by all
Most honour’d after Frea, Odin’s wife.
Her long ago the wandering Odur took
To mate, but left her to roam distant lands;
Since then she seeks him, and weeps tears of gold.”

MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead.

 

This story, of course, reminds us of Ceres and Persephone, and is only another fanciful explanation of summer and winter.

 

Freya was the proud possessor of a dazzling necklace of gold, which had been made by the dwarfs, and which she wore night and day. On one occasion only did she lend the necklace, when Thor, disguised as Freya, went to the land of the giants to recover his hammer, which had been stolen by the Giant Thrym. Loki, by borrowing Freya’s robe of feathers and flying over the country of the giants, had discovered the thief, but had also found that Thrym would only return the hammer on condition that Freya would become his wife. When Freya heard of the giant’s presumption, she became greatly enraged, and vowed that she would never leave her beloved Odur and go to live in that dreary and desolate land of cold. Heimdall, the guardian of the bridge Bifrost, then suggested that Thor should go to Thrym disguised as Freya, in company with Loki disguised as Freya’s attendant. The gods at last allowed themselves to be persuaded, and Thor, having borrowed Freya’s clothes and necklace and wearing a thick veil, set out with Loki, who was dressed as a handmaiden. On reaching the giant’s palace, they were welcomed by Thrym, who was delighted at the success of his plan, and who led them to the banqueting hall, where a great feast was held. At the end of the feast, Thrym ordered the famous hammer to be brought in, and he himself laid it in his bride’s lap as a marriage gift. Thor’s hand immediately closed over the hammer, and in a few moments Thrym and all the guests invited to the wedding feast lay dead.

 

Freya was greatly relieved to have her necklace returned in safety, but the evil Loki, attracted by its wonderful beauty, determined to steal it. One night the god, by changing himself into a fly, succeeded in entering Freya’s palace. He then resumed his own shape, and, creeping stealthily to Freya’s bed, gently removed the necklace from the goddess’s neck. The watchful Heimdall, however, had heard Loki’s footsteps, and, looking in the direction of the Folk Meadow, became a witness of the theft. He at once set off in pursuit of Loki, and, overtaking him, drew his sword and was about to kill the thief, when Loki changed himself into a flame. Heimdall immediately changed himself into a cloud, and sent down a shower of rain to put out the fire. Loki then took the form of a bear, and opened his mouth to catch the water. Heimdall also took the form of a bear and attacked Loki, who, finding that he was being overpowered, changed himself yet again, into a seal. Heimdall followed suit, and fought again with Loki, and at length compelled him to give up the necklace, which was returned to Freya.

 

On another occasion Freya was sought by one of the giants, and it was only by the cunning of Loki and by an act of bad faith on the part of the gods that she was saved. The gods, ever anxious lest the giants should invade Asgard, decided to build a stronghold which would prove impregnable. They received an offer from a stranger, who was willing to undertake the work in return for the sun, the moon, and the goddess Freya. By Loki’s advice they accepted the offer on condition that he should complete the work in one winter, aided only by his horse. To the surprise of the gods the stranger agreed to these conditions, and with the help of his horse, which could haul the heaviest stone, set to work. The gods, who at first felt sure that their conditions had made the task impossible, were alarmed to find as time went on that the stranger was working so quickly that it seemed certain that he would be able to keep his promise. The gods on their side had no intention whatever of keeping their promise, since they could not possibly part with the sun and the moon and the Goddess of Love, and they angrily pointed out to Loki that since it was he who had got them into this difficulty, he must find some way out of it. Loki replied that the gods need have no fear, for with his usual cunning he had thought of a plan whereby the stranger might be made to forfeit his reward. On the last day, when only one stone remained to be dragged into position, Loki changed himself into a horse, and, trotting out from the forest, neighed loudly to attract the attention of the stranger’s horse. Tired of his continual labour and longing for freedom and rest, the horse broke free from its load and galloped after Loki. The stranger, after pursuing it vainly through the forest, at last made his way to Asgard, and, full of anger at the trick which had been played upon him, took on his real shape, for he was a frost-giant, and was about to attack the gods when Thor hurled his hammer at him and killed him.

 

Frey, the god mentioned in the story of Loki and Sif’s golden hair, was Freya’s brother. He was the God of the Fields, and sacrifices were made to him for the crops. In the early spring his wooden image was driven in a chariot through the countryside, in order that he might bless the fields and bring a fruitful harvest: Frey, as we have seen, became the possessor of a ship which could travel over land and sea, and though large enough to contain all the gods, yet could be folded up like a cloth, and he also possessed a boar with golden bristles. The god often rode on this boar, which was swifter than a horse, and was no doubt a symbol of the sun, which ripened the crops. We find the same idea of sunshine in Frey’s flashing sword, which fought of its own accord as soon as it was drawn from its sheath.

 

The month of the Angles and Saxons which begins just before our Christmas was sacred to both Frey and Thor, and it was customary at that time, as we have already mentioned, to bind a huge wooden wheel with straw, and, setting fire to it, to roll it down a hill. The wheel was a symbol of the sun, which at that time began to chase away the winter. At this time, too, was held a great feast to all the gods, and the chief meat eaten was a boar’s head, in honour of Frey. The missionaries who first brought Christianity to the Northmen, finding this feast was of great importance and was celebrated by all the people, did not try to do away with it. Instead, they changed it from a heathen to a Christian festival by putting Christ in the place of the Norse gods, and calling it the Feast or Mass of Christ. A similar change was made, it will be remembered, in the case of the Easter festival, held in honour of Eastre or Frigga, the wife of Odin.

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.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Friday, April 27th

Arbor Day

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Libra

Incense: Rose

Color: White

About the Waxing Moon Phase

The period when the Moon is waxing occurs between a New Moon and a Full Moon, which is characterized by many changes in appearance. The first is known as a Waxing crescent, where 1-49% of the Moon is illuminated. Which side appears illuminated will depend on the observer’s location. For those living in the northern hemisphere, the right side will appear illuminated; whereas for those in the southern hemisphere, the reverse is the case.

 

Next up is the First Quarter, where 50% of the Moon’s face is illuminated – again, the right side for those in the northern hemisphere and the left for those in the south. This is followed by a Waxing Gibbous Moon, where 51 – 99% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated – right side in the northern hemisphere, left side in the southern. The waxing phase concludes with a Full Moon.

Source

Universe Today

The Witches Correspondences for Friday, April 27

 

The day of Venus, Friday takes its name from Frigga, the Goddess of Love and Transformation. She rules the spiritual aspects of people as they manifest on the physical. because of this, Friday is sometimes thought of as unpredictable.

Element : Water / Earth

Planet: Venus

Zodiac Sign : Taurus / Libra
Angel : Ariel

Metal : Tin

Incense / Perfumes : Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla

Oils : Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Color : Green, Aqua, Rose

Stones : Emerald, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Jade

Plants/Herbs : Apple, Balm of Gilead, Bergamot, Birch, Catnip, Clematis, Damiana, Dragons Blood, Geranium, Heather, Hibiscus, Ivy, Magnolia, Mugwort, Plumeria, Rose, Rose Geranium, Sage, Strawberry, Vanilla, Vervain, Violet, Water Lilly

Magick to Work: love, friendship, beauty, sensuality, arts, attraction, healing, peace, harmony, artistic ability, creativity generally, reconciliation, beauty, female sexuality, luxury, music, pleasure, scent, sensuality, social affairs

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

 

Archangel: Anael

Candle colour: Green or pink

Incenses: Rose or geranium

Crystals: Jade or rose quartz

Use Fridays for spells for love, fidelity, healing, for anything to do with beauty, the arts and crafts and for all spells concerning the environment.

Where possible, work in any enclosed beautiful place outdoors, for example a botanical garden, a field, park or your own garden – even in a circle of plants indoors.

The Energy of Venus

 

Weekday ruled by Venus: Friday

Stones:

Rose quartz
Moonstone
Pink tourmaline
Peridot
Emerald
Jade

Herbs and Plants:

Pink rose
Ivy
Birch
Heather
Clematis
Sage
Violet
Waterlily

Magickal intentions: Love, romance, marriage, sexual matters, physical beauty, friendship and partnerships, strangers and heart matters.

Friday’s Magickal Applications

Fridays are days of loving enchantments and passionate emotions.

 

See how many ways you could add a little loving enchantment into your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you wish to explore the topic of love and romance witchery even further, then check out my book How to Enchant a Man: Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle &Beguile. If cat magick has tickled your fancy, then for further study read my book The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells &Magick.

 

In the meantime, try sharing red berries with your partner some enchanted evening. Work that meditation, and see what other mysteries Freya has to teach you. Wear a Venus planetary color and call on the Goddess for a little inner sparkle. Burn some floral incense, light up some rosy candles, and set a romantic mood. Try wearing a little copper jewelry, and see how it affects you and your Friday magick. Get those potpourri and philter recipes going, and see what you can conjure up.

 

Advancing your magickal skills takes drive, ambition, and passion. Work with Eros to discover just how much enthusiasm, inspiration, and drive he can bring into your days, for the imagination is a place where dreams flourish and ideas come to fruition.

 

Call on these fertile and romantic powers, and create your own unique spells and charms. Just think of all the magickal information that you can now add to your repertoire of witchery. Lastly, remember this: when you combine imagination and a loving heart with magick, you’ll succeed every time.

Source

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

The Witches Magick for Friday, April 27th

Spell To Put A Little Adventure Into A Life That Has Turned Sort of Dull

 

Goal: To bring a spark of adventure into a life that has gotten a little dull

 

Optional extras: Cut out or draw pictures of a specific kind of activity if you have one in mind (travel, a new hobby or craft, etc.), and place them on the altar if you are using one; red or orange candle; cinnamon oil or a small bowl of powdered cinnamon

 

Note: Be sure to fix your mind and intent on positive adventures. After all, a hurricane might be an adventure, but it probably isn’t one you want to experience! This spell should be done in a spirit of fun and is a good one to do with a group if so desired.

 

(ANOINT CANDLE WITH OIL OR SPRINKLE A BIT OF CINNAMON ON IT, THEN LIGHT IT IN A FIRE-SAFE BOWL)

 

Life is good
And all is well
But now and then
I find it dull

I wish for fire
To add a spark
A flash of light
Inside the dark

Let adventure come
In a positive way
So I might laugh
Have fun and play.

Let doors swing wide
And open my heart
As on life’s journey
I depart.

So Mote It Be.

Source

Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook: Wonderfully Witchy Blessings, Charms & Spells
Deborah Blake

 

Let’s Talk Witch: Supernatural Entities

Some of your magical workings may involve the help or guidance of supernatural entities. These entities could be Gods or Goddesses. They may be Angels, ancestors or the Fae. There is a belief that witchcraft requires the use of at least one of these beings, however many witches don’t use any of them but that’s entirely up to you.

It is useful and important to know the difference between the various types of supernatural entities. Some have their own rules and etiquettes that it pays to know before engaging in any kind of contact with them. Some may make specific demands on you so it’s best to discover what is required for each and then decide for yourself whether or not it’s a good idea to get them involved. There is always a price and if you expect their help it is advisable to find out what that price is before you start.

 

When it comes to using any entity in spell working, it means that you are asking them to provide you with what you are trying to achieve; perhaps that they’ll go on an information gathering mission for you, or that they’ll harass an enemy for you. A lot of this depends on your desired outcome. If you are trying to clear or heal a piece of land, getting in touch with the genius loci first and asking what they need is always smart. I personally can’t think of much that I would bother the Fae for, but that’s me and I know that others enlist their help for various workings.

 

In Vodou and other African Tribal Religions, spirits are used for nearly every piece of magic. It’s the spirits that go and make your purpose become reality and those spirits require offerings and food.

 

It is my belief that the various entities have different areas of expertise and usefulness. Deities can be included in almost everything but as for the others, I’d recommend learning more before asking for help or guidance from them. Just like you would for mundane matters. If you need to borrow money you have various options; banks, pawn shops or loan sharks etc. You wouldn’t sensibly enter into any kind of relationship without first discovering the ins and outs and any possible risks associated with each. Why would you be any less vigilant in magic?

Source

The Common Sense Spell Book
Debbie Dawson

WOTC Extra: Deities

The first thought with regards to Deities is usually prayer. There are often great discussions about the difference between spell casting and prayer. Many describe spell casting as ‘prayer with props’ and indeed, I have done this in the past. But personally, I have come to the conclusion that there is a difference aside from the addition of tools. Prayer is sometimes pure worship, not the request of favours. Prayer can also include asking the Divine (in whatever form you experience It) to watch over or intercede for you. Casting a spell is taking matters into your own hands and doing what you can to make something happen. I saw it described recently as:

Prayer— Asking Dad for $ 20
Spell— Mowing the neighbour’s lawn to earn $ 20.

In the context of prayer vs spells, this is correct, but in the context of asking Deity to help in your spell, it would be more like asking Dad to help fix the lawn mower so you can mow the neighbour’s lawn for $ 20

If and when you choose to ask for Divine help and intervention in your spell workings, there are a few things that must be considered.

Is this a God or Goddess that you are familiar with? By familiar with I mean one that you have prayed to, researched and come to know well. Or are you going to expect a Deity to perform a task for a complete stranger and have Them leave again afterwards with no thought to payment, return or reward? Frankly, I think that is quite rude and would recommend some serious thought into what happens when you disrespect Gods.

Do you understand any required forms of address? Some Gods are fickle or proud and expect their honorifics when you call on Them. Some have come to us with different names and slightly different functions. Isis is the Greek name for Aset, for example, but over several thousand years, Isis and Aset are no longer the same Goddess. Differences exist between the two. The same can be said for several of the other Egyptian Netjer who have become more commonly known by Greek names. There is also the duplication of Greek Deities with Roman ones. A belief exists, that still holds to this day among some people, that though each Deity is named differently, the functions and analogues can be found in across pantheons. While this is true between the Roman and Greek pantheons, it is not necessarily accurate with relations to other pantheons.

Do you know and understand the dynamics between pantheons and the individual Deities within pantheons? I have a friend who wanted to call on Hecate and Hela in the same ritual. I understand that she was thinking of dark Goddesses, but she hadn’t thought the whole thing through. Scandinavia was never conquered by the Greeks or the Romans which is still a source of pride for modern Asatru or followers of the Norse Gods. Understandably calling on Deities from these pantheons could cause friction between the two which may rebound on the caller.

Within pantheons there are also frictions and problems. Hera cursed many within Her husband’s family tree. Set murdered Osiris. Loki caused problems for most of the Aesir. Yemaya and Oya don’t get on well together. It’s especially important to do some research before mixing and matching

 

Deities

Is your purpose for casting a spell within the understanding and realm of your chosen Deity? While I don’t believe that the Gods are stuck in a vacuum, existing unchanged eternally and unable to evolve, there are still things that need to be considered. A Goddess of the sea is unlikely to be able to help you to find a job as a secretary and a God of war is not likely to be able or willing to help bring your true love into your life, at least not in a healthy or desirable way.

Are you addressing a specific Deity or an archetype? Archetypal energies refer to certain constants. Many Goddesses may come under the heading of ‘Mother Goddess’ but there is no actual ‘Mother Goddess’. When you call on Her as such, you are calling upon those energies in an archetypal form. I cringe when I see or hear people talking about ‘The Goddess’. Which one specifically? Or are they monolatrous— believing that all are reflections or facets of the same being? In my experience, it’s never a good idea to be that general. There are many trickster entities just waiting for such an opening.

 

If you do happen to think that way, then why not clarify which aspect of Goddess you are calling on? ‘Great Goddess in the form of Persephone’ or ‘The Goddess who is also known as Brighid’. This keeps it specific to which type of energy or Deity you are calling on, without the risk of having something else turn up.

When you have worked with a Deity for a period of time, there is a relationship that only familiarity grows. I’ve found that I don’t need to worship my Gods, that’s not what they need from me. They need me to work in their name, do the work they set me (which isn’t always obvious) and in return they look out for me. I have left a few things in Their hands, when I’m not certain if this person has crossed me with intent or just carelessness and thoughtlessness. These days I rarely do actual spellworking, I discuss it with my Gods and stuff happens. I have called upon the Patron Goddess of another person who was busily breaking oaths they’d made to Her and to others publicly. I asked if She wanted me to deal with it or did She want to take care of it Herself. She took care of it and did a much better job than I would have. Importantly though, I have taken part in a number of rituals in Her honour, so we did have a passing acquaintance.

Communication with Deity is experiential. It comes under the heading of Unverifiable Personal Gnosis. Your experience is very personal and cannot be verified by anyone else. This means that someone else who has an experience that differs from yours is not wrong or lying about your chosen Deity. Neither are they necessarily being disrespectful, they may have merely had a different experience. Perhaps that Deity chose to show them another side for reasons of their own— they are all quite capricious.

Another point worthy of noting with regards to Deity is that They don’t require your belief. They are there, believing in Them is, to quote Terry Pratchett, like believing in a table. They will answer questions so do not be shy about asking them. You may not get the answer you want to hear, but you will get an answer.

If you are going to do some research into Deities, don’t stick purely to the pagan or Wiccan books. Read mythology from the time period, there are plenty of translations available nowadays. Read history books, read poetry and speculative fiction. The pagan books are often filled with wishful thinking and fantasy. Some authors make the Gods out to be purely noble and nice and that’s just not true. Any mention of anything dark or that they required sacrifice is skipped over or justified as “having been demonised by the Patriarchy”. There will be a bias, there always is whenever thought is turned into words, however, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s wrong. Read more than one translation if possible. There are several famous works being re-translated in recent years with completely different meanings and depictions of events. Whether any of them are actually correct, I don’t know, I can’t read the original languages and don’t have access to the manuscripts either but it’s important to get more than one person’s interpretation of the material.

When you’ve finished with the serious stuff, I recommend Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. You may wonder why a book of spell crafting would suggest reading comic fantasy. Woven within the comic fantasy world is a very clever social commentary that is rather accurate, especially when it comes to his witches.

Source

The Common Sense Spell Book
Debbie Dawson

 

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for April 26 & 27

April 26 & 27

African Fertility Festival

In many African republics, this New Year’s Day celebrates the ancient seed-sowing ceremony performed in honor of the Goddess of fertility, Mawu. Associated with the moon, Mawu is considered to be cool and gentle. She is the creatrix who made people from clay and brings abundance to the land. In some areas, Mawu (moon) is combined with Lisa (sun) to create a dynamic union between the two controlling factors of universe for the protection of crops and people.