The Witches Digest No. 7

Sunday, July 23rd, 2017

 

The Cauldron Chant

We form the Circle,
The Circle most round.
We form the Chalice,
The Chalice now found.

 

We call the Goddess,
to meet the great need.
We call the God,
To plant His fertile seed.

 

We call the quarters,
which we call four.
We summon the powers,
that contain the force.

 

We stir the Cauldron,
from which we were born.
We call the Gods,
from whom we were torn.

 

We say the words,
which lead us round.
We pass the kiss,
with our lovers found.

 

We face our dreams,
in nights psychic flight.
We face our hopes,
in bright moon of the night.

 

We face our fears,
on the Dark Lords Horn.
We face our failure,
in the Mothers new planted corn.

 

We live our lives,
drumming and dancing on the meadow.
We confront our Death,
in the dancing moon light shadow.

 

Our paths run quickly,
on fleet foot and wing.
Our Circle is joyous,
with our Queens and our Kings.

 

Let our little Circle be happy,
with Bell, Bowl or Bow.
And form now this Circle,
with gracious Love, Joy and Hope.

Blessed Be

 

—Ammond ShadowCraft, Author
Originally published on Pagan Library

Your Sun & Moon Data for Sunday, July 23

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 81.39° E
Sun Altitude: 22.57°
Sun Distance: 94.435 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:52 am↑ 64° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:08 pm↑ 296° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 16 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 82.87° E
Moon Altitude: 19.56°
Moon Distance: 226127 mi
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next New Moon: Aug 21, 20171:30 pm
Next Moonset: Today8:26 pm
Current Moon Phase: Near New Moon (Waxing Crescent)
Illumination: 0.1%

 

Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waxing Crescent
First Quarter: Jul 30, 2017 at 10:23 am
(Next Phase)
New Moon: Jul 23, 2017 at 4:45 am
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeanddate.com

What Is a Total Solar Eclipse?

 

Total solar eclipses occur when the New Moon comes between the Sun and Earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on Earth. A full solar eclipse, known as totality, is almost as dark as night.

 

During a total eclipse of the Sun, the Moon covers the entire disk of the Sun. In partial and annular solar eclipses, the Moon blocks only part of the Sun.

 

Complete Solar Eclipse Has 5 Phases

There are 5 stages in a total solar eclipse:

 

Partial eclipse begins (1st contact): The Moon starts becoming visible over the Sun’s disk. The Sun looks as if a bite has been taken from it.
Total eclipse begins (2nd contact): The entire disk of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Observers in the path of the Moon’s umbra may be able to see Baily’s beads and the diamond ring effect, just before totality.
Totality and maximum eclipse: The Moon completely covers the disk of the Sun. Only the Sun’s corona is visible. This is the most dramatic stage of a total solar eclipse. At this time, the sky goes dark, temperatures can fall, and birds and animals often go quiet. The midpoint of time of totality is known as the maximum point of the eclipse. Observers in the path of the Moon’s umbra may be able to see Baily’s beads and the diamond ring effect, just after totality ends.
Total eclipse ends (3rd contact): The Moon starts moving away, and the Sun reappears.
Partial eclipse ends (4th contact): The Moon stops overlapping the Sun’s disk. The eclipse ends at this stage in this location.

 

Protect Your Eyes!

Never look directly at the Sun, eclipsed or otherwise, without proper protective eyewear. The Sun’s UV radiation can burn the retinas in your eyes, and cause permanent damage or even blindness.

 

To watch a solar eclipse safely, wear protective eclipse glasses or project an image of the eclipsed Sun using a pinhole projector.

Only Safe during Full Eclipse

It is safe to view a fully eclipsed Sun, totality, with the naked eye. It is also safe to observe totality through cameras, telescopes or binoculars without any special filters. However, naked eye observations MUST NOT begin until Baily’s beads have completely disappeared (see below). Also, naked eye observations MUST finish before Baily’s beads reappear at the end of totality. Make sure you know how long totality will last at your location.

Unique Sights around Totality

Certain phenomena can only be seen during a total solar eclipse:

 

Shadow bands: About 1 minute before totality, moving wavy lines of alternating light and dark can be seen on the ground and along walls. These shadow bands are the result of Earth’s turbulent atmosphere refracting the last rays of sunlight.
Diamond ring: Seen about 10 to 15 seconds before and after totality, the solar corona (the outer atmosphere of the sun) becomes visible; seen together with a single jewel of light from the sun, this creates a diamond ring effect.
The Sun’s corona: As the diamond ring fades, the Sun’s corona becomes more prominent and is visible as a faint ring of rays surrounding the silhouetted Moon. The corona is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, and it is around 200–300 times hotter than the Sun’s surface. The corona’s temperature can reach over 1 million °C (1.8 million °F).
Baily’s beads: About 5 seconds before totality, Baily’s beads appear. They are little bead-like blobs of light at the edge of the Moon. They are created because gaps in the mountains and valleys on the Moon’s surface allow sunlight to pass through in some places but not others.
The Sun’s chromosphere: A lower layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, the chromosphere, gives out a reddish glow which can only be seen for a few seconds after totality sets in.

 

The phenomena then repeat in reverse order:

Baily’s beads: The beads grow and merge into a crescent as the Moon continues to move away.
Diamond ring and corona: As the diamond ring grows brighter, the corona fades.
Shadow bands: The moving wavy lines reappear on the ground shortly before the crescent Sun becomes visible again and nature recovers.

 

The Science of Total Solar Eclipses

Only those located in the path of the Moon’s full shadow, its umbra, can see a total solar eclipse. The Moon’s umbra travels eastward at about 1,700 km/h (1,056 mph).

 

A total solar eclipse can last for several hours. Totality can range from a few seconds to 7.5 minutes. The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century took place on July 22, 2009 when the totality lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds.

 

The Moon’s orbital path around Earth is inclined at an angle of approximately 5° to Earth’s orbital plane (ecliptic) around the Sun. The points where the 2 orbital planes meet are called lunar nodes. Solar eclipses occur only when a New Moon takes place near a lunar node, 2—5 times a year.

 

Moon Phases

The Moon’s path around Earth is elliptical, with one side of the orbit closer to Earth than the other. The side closest to Earth is called the perigee and the side farthest from Earth is known as the apogee.

 

Earth’s orbit around the Sun is also elliptical, with the Sun closer to one end, the perihelion of the orbit than the other aphelion.

 

Earth’s and the Moon’s elliptical orbits mean that Earth’s distance from the Sun and the Moon’s distance from Earth varies throughout the year. It also means that from Earth, the Sun’s and Moon’s apparent sizes change during the year.

 

When the Moon is about 400 times closer to Earth than the Sun, the Moon’s and the Sun’s apparent sizes roughly match. Because of this, total eclipses of the Sun can only occur when the Moon is near perigee – it is the only time when the disk of the Moon looks big enough to cover the entire disk of the Sun.

Source

timeanddate.com

How Not to Watch Solar Eclipses

According to NASA, the following materials should never be used to view a solar eclipse:

 

sunglasses of any kind
color film
medical X-ray film
smoked glass
floppy disks

 

The Sun’s UV radiation can burn the retinas in the eyes leading to permanent damage or even blindness. This can occur even if your eyes are exposed to direct sunlight for just a few seconds.

 

Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse

The only way to safely view the Sun – eclipsed or not – is to either project or filter the Sun’s rays.

Projectors

Projection works well. You can make your own box projector or use a telescope or binoculars. However, don’t look through the telescope’s eyepiece or side-mounted finder scope while projecting the Sun’s image onto a screen.

 

Eclipse Glasses

If you are not the DIY type, check online or with your local natural history museum, space museum, or astronomy club for where to get proper eclipse glasses.

 

Use protective gear.

NASA recommends welder’s glasses rated 14 or higher. These can be found at your local welding supply store. Keep in mind that welder glass grading may be different in different countries.

Solar Filters

You can use special solar filters to watch the Sun during a solar eclipse, but use the proper type of solar filter that is designed for eclipses. Check that filters do not crack under the Sun’s magnified and focused intensity. Solar filters must be treated with care, or they can quickly become damaged and unsafe to use.

Source

timeanddate.com

Protect Your Eye Sight: How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse

The Sun’s UV radiation can permanently damage your eyes. Never look directly into the Sun, not even for a few seconds! To safely view a solar eclipse, you can either project or filter the Sun’s rays. Read more here….

Your Astronomy for Sunday, July 23rd

The Moon is in Cancer until 4:33 AM, after which the Moon is in Leo.
The Moon is void from 2:04 AM to 4:33 AM.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent/Balsamic phase until 5:45 AM, after which the Moon is waxing and in its New phase.
The New Moon occurs today in the sign of Leo.
The Sun spends its first full day in Leo (the Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22).

Moon in Leo

The Moon is traveling through Leo today. Shine and be proud! You rule right now!

 

The Moon in Leo speaks to our “inner child”. It’s a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It’s a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

 

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

The Sky This Week for July 23 to 30

Constellations, a crescent Moon, and other cool things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Sunday, July 23

New Moon occurs at 5:46 a.m. EDT. At its New phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden by our star. But that won’t be the case the next time our satellite completes an orbit of Earth. On August 21, the New Moon will pass directly in front of our star, bringing a total solar eclipse to millions of observers across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The rest of the country will experience a partial eclipse, though viewers should try their best to get into the path of totality.

Pluto reached the peak of its 2017 appearance earlier this month, and it remains a tempting target for those with an 8-inch or larger telescope. The 14th-magnitude world is visible all night among the background stars of northeastern Sagittarius, some 1.5° east-southeast of 3rd-magnitude Pi (p) Sagittarii. See “In pursuit of Pluto” in the July Astronomy for complete details on finding this world.

Monday, July 24

Grab your binoculars and scan just above the western horizon after sunset. There you’ll find three bright objects that fit in a single field of view. Mercury will be the easiest to see. It shines at magnitude 0.2 and stands about 8° high a half-hour after the Sun goes down. The 1st-magnitude star Regulus in Leo the Lion lies 1° to the planet’s upper left. And a slender crescent Moon just 4 percent lit hangs about 5° to the lower right of the close pair.

Tuesday, July 25

The waxing crescent Moon stands some 8° to the upper left of the Mercury-Regulus pair this evening. Nine percent of Luna’s face appears lit tonight, and the greater illumination combined with the higher altitude make it much easier to see than it was yesterday.

Wednesday, July 26

By the time morning twilight starts to paint the sky, brilliant Venus already dominates the scene. The planet rises around 3 a.m. local daylight time and stands 10° high at the start of twilight an hour later. It’s hard to mistake Venus for anything else — at magnitude –4.0, it shines far brighter than any other object in the morning sky. Although the view with the naked eye or through binoculars is dazzling, you also should point a telescope in the planet’s direction. Not only does Venus show an 15″-diameter disk that appears nearly three-quarters illuminated, but this morning also offers a bonus: The planet lies less than 1° south of the Crab Nebula supernova remnant (M1).

Mars reaches solar conjunction at 9 p.m. EDT, when it lies on the far side of the Sun from our perspective. The Red Planet will remain hidden in our star’s glare until it emerges into morning twilight in September.

Thursday, July 27

As an inner planet, Venus moves quickly relative to the background stars. After passing south of M1 yesterday, this morning the planet appears 0.4° north of the 3rd-magnitude star Zeta (z) Tauri, the southern horn of the constellation Taurus the Bull.

Friday, July 28

The waxing crescent Moon appears about one-third illuminated this evening, when it lies just 3° above brilliant Jupiter. The two lie about 25° high in the southwest an hour after sundown and look spectacular from then until they set after 11 p.m. local daylight time. Although the naked eye and binoculars show this conjunction best, a telescope delivers great views of magnitude –1.9 Jupiter all week. The giant planet’s disk spans 35″ and shows a wealth of detail in its massive atmosphere.

Saturday, July 29

Mercury pops out of the twilight glow this evening as the sky begins to darken. The innermost planet lies 27° east of the Sun tonight, its greatest elongation for this evening apparition (the configuration officially occurs at 1 a.m. EDT on the 30th). Look for it 30 minutes after sunset, when it lies some 8° above the western horizon. The innermost planet should be fairly easy to spot because it shines brightly, at magnitude 0.3. (Use binoculars if you can’t see it with naked eyes.) Through a telescope, Mercury appears 8″ across and slightly less than half-lit.

The Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight, but meteor rates remain essentially the same from July 27 to August 1. And with the nearly First Quarter Moon setting around midnight local daylight time, early morning viewing conditions should be ideal. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, which rises in late evening and appears highest in the hours before dawn. At its best, the shower produces 20 to 25 meteors per hour under a dark sky, though the highest rates occur at tropical locations and in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sunday, July 30

First Quarter Moon arrives at 11:23 a.m. EDT. Our satellite won’t rise until around 1:30 p.m. local daylight time, however, so observers in the Americas won’t see it precisely half-lit. As darkness falls this evening, the Moon appears about 55 percent illuminated and resides among the background stars of Libra the Scales.

Venus’ rapid eastward motion relative to the background stars carries it from Taurus the Bull into Orion the Hunter this morning. The planet will reside in this non-zodiacal constellation for only two days, however, and will cross into Gemini the Twins on August 1.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Sunday, July 23rd

 

Traditionally, Sunday is the first day of the week. It is also known as the Lord’s Day from it original association with the Lord, that is, the Sun God, personified as Helios, Apollo, Ogmios, Mithras, and St. Elia. But in the Northern Tradition, the sun is seen as feminine, personified as the goddess known as Phoebe in East Anglia and Saule in eastern Europe. The sun rules the conscious element of the human being, the ego, the real self, and Sunday is the day on which this conscious power is at its most effective.

Deity: Sol

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Planet: Sun

Tree: Birch

Herb: Snakeroot

Stone: Ruby

Animal: Lion

Element: Fire

Color: Gold

Rune: Sigel

 

Celtic Tree Month of Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Sunday, July 23rd, We honor the God Helios

Do you feel that you need the extra drive, ambition, and power of the god of the sun, who sees all and watches over us as he blazes through the sky? Try picturing a buff, chariot-driving, golden-haired centurion-that would be Helios, the Greek god of the sun.

Helios was thought of as the physical representation of sun. He was portrayed as sometimes wearing a golden helmet or having a golden halo. He was often characterized ized in art as a handsome man draped in a white, sparkling tunic and cloak. Helios drove his blazing sun-chariot across the sky from east to west, every day. The golden chariot was pulled by his four white horses, named Pyrois, Eos, Aethon, and Phiegon. Symbols for this sun god include the chariot, the rooster, the globe, and his four white horses.

Source

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

Spellcrafting for Sunday

 

 Health
 Abundance
 Leadership
 Strength
 Ambition
 Individuality
 Authority
 Hope
 Joy
 Happiness
 Creativity

Source

A Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paajanen

Your Magickal Guide to Sunday

Ruler: Sun

Colors: Gold or yellow

Power Hours: Sunrise and sunset.

Key Words: Love, happiness, health, wealth

It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. Sunday is the day of the sun. Community work, volunteer services, exercise, outdoor sports, buying, selling, speculating, meeting people, anything involving groups, running fairs and raffles, growing crops and taking care of all health matters fall under the influence of the Sun. With all this activity and the brightness of the sun, it’s easy to see why the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

Michael is the primary angel of Sunday but each hour of this day also has it’s secondary angel. These angels are Michael (first hour), Anael (second hour), Raphael (third hour), Gabril (fourth hour), Cassiel (fifth hour), Sachiel (sixth hour), Samael (seventh hour), Michael (eighth hour), Anael (ninth hour), Raphael (tenth hour), Gabriel (eleventh hour), and Cassiel twelfth hour). Notice some of the angels do double duty this day.

On Sundays, (unless you are invoking a specific angelic energy) the hour of sunrise will be the most powerful time to work, especially if you want to infuse energy into your work. Sunset is the second best time and is favored when you need to calm down a situation. Check the local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source

Gypsy Magic

A Little Witchery For Your Day

 

Those ambitious, successful spells and charms will be heightened by working on the day of the week that has the planetary influence of the sun. So light those sunny candles, wear some luminous colors, and break out the gold jewelry! Bake up some cinnamon rolls or low-fat cinnamon muffins for an enchanting family breakfast. Take an orange with you to eat at lunch today. Try using a little magickal aromatherapy and burn some cinnamon-scented incense to encourage success and wealth today. Make the talisman to keep your solar magick with you. Sprinkle some dried marigold petals around your house-or across the threshold-to pull triumph and protection toward you and your family.

 

Get outside and tip up your face to the sun. Take a walk outside, and soak up some sunshine! Acknowledge the power of Sunna or Helios as they blaze across the sky and bring courage and motivation into your life. Sit outside at sunrise on a Sunday morning and bask in its warm, rosy-golden glow Acknowledge Brigid as the inner, creative spark of imagination and inspiration. She can help these gifts burn brightly within your own soul. Use your imagination and create your own brand of witchery and magick. Here comes the sun, and it’s your turn to shine!

Source

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

Flowers Associated with Sunday – The Marigold

The common garden marigold (Tagetes) is a powerful little magickal flower. While its scent is strong and maybe unpleasant to some folks, don’t turn up your nose at it! This flower’s astrological correspondence is the sun. According to folklore, it was thought that if you gathered marigolds at noon, it would double their solar energy. The marigold is used to encourage wealth and riches. It also helps keep wandering spirits away By the way, the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is edible, and its flower petals may be added to salads or used as garnish.

Source

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

Herbs Associated With Sundays – St. John’s Wort

The herb St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb, blooming typically cally once a year right around midsummer. St. John’s wort is a classic summer solstice herb and is often incorporated into sabbat rituals. This flowering herb is also associated with the sun, and its magickal properties include health, happiness, and protection from faerie magick or trickery. Try gathering the blossoms for a good luck charm, or work with the green foliage and tuck it into a vase with other magickal flowers for its protective qualities.

Source

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

For All You Gardeners, A Gardening Witch Tip

HERE is A practical tip for working with fresh flowers. If you’d like your flowers to stay fresher in the vase for a longer period of time, then give the bottom of the stems a fresh diagonal cut with a knife or scissors just before you plunk them into a water-filled filled vase. Also, strip off any lower leaves from the stems that may be below the water line. (The only thing you want in the water is the stems.) Change your water every other day so the flowers will stay fresher longer. Adding a bit of white soda, such as 7-Up, to the water is rumored to keep flowers fresher longer, too.

Source

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

Crystals/Gemstones Associated with Sunday – The Diamond

Beyond eing a girl’s best friend, the diamond promotes spirituality and self-confidence. The diamond has the elemental correspondence of fire, and it has a projective energy. Due to the way that the stone flashes and reflects when direct light hits it, it is also considered a defensive stone. If you own any diamond jewelry, no matter what the size, it falls under the category of an associated stone of the sun. Diamonds are the birthstone for April. A diamond is also rumored to promote fertility and to keep your sexuality on track, as it is thought to cleanse and remove any blocks to the root chakra.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Sunday, July 23rd

Mysteries of St. Cristina (Italian)

Waning Moon

New Moon 5: 46 am

Moon Sign: Cancer

Moon enters Leo 4: 34 am

Incense: Juniper

Color: Amber

Today’s Correspondences for the Witch

 

Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightenment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money

Incense: Lemon, Frankincense

Planet: Sun

Sign: Leo

Angel: Michael

Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White

Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak

Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate

Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary

The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.

Sunday is Ruled by the Sun

 

Sunday corresponds to the sun, our closest star. This day is full of wonder and all sorts of magical potential for success, wealth, and fame. Sundays are for personal achievements of any kind such as working towards a promotion at your job, seeking fame and wealth, or being acknowledged for a job well done. All of these goals fall under the golden influence of the sun. Some suggestions for Sunday enchantments would include:

Sitting outside at sunrise and calling on the goddess Brigid for illumination and inspiration

Wearing gold jewelry or clothing that is gold or sunshine yellow to pull some color magic into your life

Arranging a few sunflowers in a vase and empowering these “flowers of the sun” for fame and ambition

Gathering up the common marigold flower and scattering it’s petals about to encourage prosperity

Baking up a batch of cinnamon rolls for the family and enchanting them for health and success

Snacking on a solar fruit, the orange, and enjoying the magical boost it brings to your life

Magickal Applications for Sundays

 

The Latin term for Sunday, our first day of the week, is Dies Solis (“sun’s day”). In ancient Greek, it was called Hemera Heliou. In the Old English language, it was known as Sunnandaeg; in Middle English, Sonenday. All of these titles mean the same thing: the day of the sun.

What do you think of when you feel the sun shine down on you? What sorts of enchantments and energies do you think would be complementary to a day named after our closest star? Sunday brings those bright solar energies into your life and has the magickal correspondences of success, promotion, leadership, pride, light, generosity, warmth, fitness, and personal growth. Astrologically, the sun symbolizes the conscious self and rules the zodiac sign of Leo.

The charms and spells that would complement this magickal day of the sun are ones for personal achievements of any kind-such as if you are seeking fame and wealth, working for that much-deserved promotion at work, or being acknowledged for a job well done. Health issues, increasing personal power, or simply sticking to your diet and being proud of what you have accomplished all fall under the sun’s golden influence.

Source

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

Sunday and The Perfect Corresponding Spell

 

Finally, it’s Sunday, the official day of rest. Not only do Christians acknowledge this day, but I’m sure many Pagans appreciate this day, as well. Everyone needs rest and lot of people need a good day to worship their creator (whomever or whatever that may be), however they deem fit to do so. With the Sun being the central theme of many ancient rituals, Sunday just seems to fit, in name and theory. Not only is it a good day to worship, it seems good to do more relaxed spells, such as, sleep, dream and rebirth.

Sleep Spells – Nap Lavender Spell

 

Items you will need for this spell:
1 small sachet or bag
1 pinch of lavender
1 handful of roses
1 pinch of allspice
1 pinch of nutmeg
1 white candle
1 lighter or match

 

Fill a small sachet or bag with the above ingredients. After the bag is filled, tie off the end and shake all the ingredients around. Then, lay the bag on a table next to the white candle. Light the candle and think about having a nice, peaceful rest. Think about how long you want to sleep and how wonderful it feels just to be able to sleep. Take about five, deep breaths and relax. Pick up the candle and pour some wax over the end of the sachet or bag. After that, blow out the candle and put the sachet or bag under your pillow. At night, before you go to bed, get the sachet or bag from under your pillow and smell it. Breathe in the scents and allow your body to relax. Hold it in your hands for as long as you need to. Before you know it, you will be falling asleep.

Source

A Witch’s Week of Spells and Activities
Helga C. Loueen

Home & Hearth Magick for Sunday, July 23

 

On Sunday, work for success, healing and blessings.

Planetary Influence: The Sun

Household Symbols: A rooster, a sun, gold jewelry

Colors: Yellow and gold

Kitchen Spices: Cinnamon and orange peels

Source:

Cottage Witchery, Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Author: Ellen Dugan

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for July 23 – Neptunalia

July 23
Neptunalia

The Neptunalia venerates the divine God of the sea, Neptune. Originally a freshwater God, Neptune acquired his maritime status when he was identified with the Greek Poseidon. At Rome, there was a temple dedicated to Neptune in the circus Flaminius within the Campus Martius where his festivals were held on July 23 and December 1.

 

Neptune was one of only three Gods to whom a bull might be sacrificed (the others were Mars and Apollo). According to legend, he has a wife whose name was Salacia, Goddess of the salty sea and inland guardian of springs. It is believed that the Goddess Sulis, who is still worshiped at the sacred hot springs at Bath, may have been an aspect of Salacia.

 

“Mighty Neptune, may it please,

Thee, the Rector of the Seas.

Through thy watrie-region;

And a Tunnie-fish shall be,

Offer’d up with thanks to thee.

 

—Robert Herrick, “To Neptune, Hesperides”

(1648)

The Current Moon Phase for Sunday, July 22

New Moon
Illumination: 0%

The Moon today is in a New Moon phase. During this phase the Moon is to close to the sun in the sky to be visible. The moon rises and sets with the sun and is not present in the night sky. Because of this the night sky is darker and an excellent time to view other celestial objects. Like the Full Moon, a New Moon happens at a very specific time when the sun and moon have the same ecliptic longitude and it can be measured down to the second it occurs.

Phase Details for – Sunday, July 23, 2017

Source

MoonGiant.com

 

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

You’re riding high on waves of spontaneity that create the potential for all kinds of self-expression. The affectionate Leo New Moon rattles your 5th House of Romance, reinvigorating a current relationship or introducing a new partner into your life. Luckily, you find it easier to show up in social situations with a cheerful attitude and an open heart. However, there still may be fears brewing beneath the surface, preventing you from enjoying the wonderful possibilities all around you. Nevertheless, focus on the positive; the grass is always greener where you water it.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

It’s time to throw a party at home or head out on the town with a few close friends. The bold Leo New Moon fires up your 4th House of Domestic Conditions, but the current focus is not necessarily on your chores or obligations. Instead, the cosmos is offering you the chance to experience pleasure in the company of those you love the most. Although the fun and games are not limited to the present moment, start planning immediately so you can fully enjoy yourself during the days ahead. A joy that’s shared is a joy made double.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

It seems like magic when you can talk people into seeing things from your perspective. Fortunately, the demonstrative Leo New Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, amplifying your gift of gab. You are optimistic that you can get your message across efficiently, but your lack of follow-through may confuse others. Nevertheless, you needn’t be too concerned about anyone’s reactions to your behavior. Although you are acutely aware of your priorities, you might not be ready to bring your plan to fruition. Timing is everything. Ultimately, the only person you need to prove anything to is yourself.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

Sometimes people don’t stop to notice your competence because you’re so adept at supporting others. However, the energy is shifting and you can proudly strut your stuff without being too self-conscious. It actually might feel amazing to appear in the spotlight while the proud Leo New Moon shakes up your 2nd House of Self-Worth. There’s no reason to shy away from the recognition you rightly deserve. Bask in the warm appreciation you receive for the special gifts you bring to the party.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

A convergence of cosmic currents catches you in this magical moment, motivating you to start a personal project. Although you might feel a great sense of urgency, building momentum requires an investment of time and energy. This assertive New Moon joins macho Mars in your proud sign, inspiring you to announce your plans and take the first steps on your journey. But don’t pretend all the pieces are in place when there are still so many details to be ironed out. You must maintain your enthusiasm if you are to succeed, so explore ways to sustain your determination without cooling down the heat of your passion. Live loud, love hard.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Although many people schedule their vacations over the summer, this may be a very hectic time of year for you busy worker bees. The lively Leo New Moon attempts to hide in your 12th House of Privacy, suggesting a lot is going on in your world that’s invisible to others — enough angst to make you a bit anxious. Avoid deepening a conflict with anyone for petty reasons. You really can’t afford to waste any energy if you want to complete everything you start. Choose your battles carefully and save your wrath for those things that truly matter.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Managing your social calendar is often one of your top priorities. Juggling a complicated schedule seems more critical than ever while the outgoing Leo New Moon heats up your 11th House of Friends and Wishes. However, you might feel overwhelmed if you commit to more than you can handle. It’s challenging to tell if your intentions are grounded in reality or if they are products of an overactive imagination. Nevertheless, it’s not wise to isolate yourself. Make a plan that allows you to say yes to the most tempting opportunities, even if you are unsure of your motives. Find joy in the ordinary.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Although you might wish you had more privacy, your responsibilities to family, profession or community draw the bright spotlight toward you. The action-packed Leo New Moon highlights your 10th House of Public Life, impacting your place in the outer world. You may be tempted to overreact, but there’s no need to make any immediate changes as long as you spend time reassessing your long-term goals. Initiate action only when you feel fully inspired. Joseph Campbell wrote, “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You are riding a new set of wild waves that are carrying you into your future. Although the theatrical Leo New Moon’s presence in your 9th House of Big Ideas infuses you with optimism, you may also be hiding secrets that you don’t want anyone to know. A tiny seed of self-doubt could be enough to sour your plans, especially if others catch wind of it and water it with their fears. Discretion is your friend. Actor Josh Radnor said, “Talk about what you love and keep quiet about what you don’t.”

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You strive to be in complete control of your life and the sole director of your destiny, but other people may hold some of the keys to your success. The Leo New Moon points to your 8th House of Shared Resources, indicating that working with someone else is a strategic move. However, the current situation becomes tricky if another person needlessly flaunts their power. Don’t waste time fighting an obvious display of emotional insecurity. Instead, concentrate on negotiating solid agreements with your partners to ensure mutual success down the road.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

A friend or relative may be acting exceptionally nice, but you can’t help but wonder if there is more going on than meets your eye. You might be feeling extra pressure to perform in a certain way while the melodramatic Leo New Moon agitates your 7th House of Companions. However, it’s highly unlikely people are scheming against you. It’s more likely that you’re afraid to fully trust the positive vibes floating in the atmosphere. Fortunately, there’s no rush; respond only when your heart is ready.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You might feel as if you’re talking to a wall, especially if others seem disinterested in your story. Keep in mind the dramatic Leo New Moon occupies your 6th House of Details, making it nearly impossible to envision the entire picture. Unconsciously pushing ahead with your plans by turning them into a performance can raise the ire of your peers. Taking smaller steps allows you to make steady progress without hogging the spotlight. Ultimately, a new strategy based on toning down your vision and focusing on one project at a time is the most reliable path to your success.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, July 23rd

 

Aries

The New Moon occurring this morning brings further strength to make changes and start fresh, dear Aries. It opens doors for you on romantic and creative fronts in the coming weeks. This is a time for starting new hobbies, finding new avenues for entertainment and creative expression, and, for some of you, romantic relationships. It’s also time to inject more fun into your life. With the Sun and the Moon applying to your ruler, Mars, in fellow Fire sign, Leo, you are pumped up and super-motivated to enjoy yourself and to express yourself creatively. This is a time for following your heart rather than the crowd. If you’ve been working way too hard, and many of you have, this is a time for finding ways to lighten the load. You’re braver and more courageous than usual about pursuing who and what you want. Be careful not to become over-confident when it comes to taking risks with your money, however.

In the weeks ahead, you’ll be bringing healing and wholeness, as well as some refinement and organization, to your home life and family relationships, dear Taurus. The New Moon occurring today connects with brave, action-oriented Mars, and you’ll have a lot of energy to pour into your personal life in the weeks ahead. Even so, you’ll be looking to cast anchor on a psychological level. It’s a time for boosting your comfort levels and increasing self-knowledge. You might also work on plans that make you feel more secure in the long-term, or you may be laying down the foundation for a long-term venture. Reorganizing or renovating in the home are favored. Some of you may move, and others will work on improving current living conditions and arrangements. You’ll need to get over a hump before pushing ahead, however, with Venus and Saturn moving towards an opposition, but dealing with financial problems head-on makes sense now.

Gemini

A New Moon occurring this morning brings new-beginning energy to your world, dear Gemini, particularly when it comes to meeting new people, learning new things, and finding interesting ways to connect, get around, and communicate. It’s likely to stimulate all-new interests now and in the coming weeks, as well as new avenues for expressing yourself. You can feel a rush of desire to take a course or begin a new project now. You’re connecting with people and information that help round out your life. The coming weeks are active for new writing projects, friendships, courses, transportation opportunities, and relationships with siblings and neighbors. For some of you, there could be a breakdown in transportation or communications that bring about the need to do things differently. For others, you could get the courage to begin something you’ve often dreamed of doing, or you might speak up about a matter that needs addressing.

Cancer

The New Moon that occurs this morning brings a blast of energy that may very well inspire you to take charge of your finances, dear Cancer. Unexpected events surrounding your finances can occur in the coming weeks, and you may want to tame impulses to spend that come on suddenly, but overall, circumstances are pushing you into new and improved directions. You can feel quite energized, enthusiastic, and driven, in fact, to take charge of matters related to security. Some of you could be looking to make more money, but this cycle is more about getting into a position of control for most. Opportunities to better your business or to get yourself back on a more productive schedule should be taken now and in the coming weeks, although you may need to get over a hump in the form of facing reality on a practical matter before moving forward with new plans.

Leo

The New Moon occurring this morning is in your sign, dear Leo, and this brings a sense of a personal new beginning. This can be a time to reinvent yourself in some significant way or to come out of your shell and express yourself more creatively and spontaneously. You can be at your most impulsive now and in the next few days, and while you possess tremendous energy, it would be wise to weigh all sides of a situation before pushing forward. Pace yourself! However, do consider new projects and initiatives now. You have more impact and personal presence in the weeks ahead. You are receiving a blast of energy that you can harness to bring about needed changes in your life, and especially in your personality, manner, appearance, and image. Something may need to go for you to move forward with less baggage and more confidence.

Virgo

The New Moon this morning brings heightened awareness of the need for more privacy and time for reflection in your life, dear Virgo. As this New Moon connects to Mars, you’re likely to be facing buried anger or desires, which can burst forth quite suddenly now. The weeks ahead are strong for review of the past year and for clearing out the cobwebs before you begin your new birthday year. You may be discovering sides of yourself that you’ve recently overlooked, and this can be illuminating. Powerful feelings surface, and your intuition can demand attention as you become aware of issues that you ignored or simply didn’t see or notice before now. You also have take-charge energy with you for dealing with unresolved matters of the past. This can be a wonderful time for recognizing a need to approach your life in new and improved ways, and you’re focused on changes from the inside out.

Libra 

The New Moon occurring this morning brings a blast of energy to the sector of your solar chart that rules your friendships and group associations, as well as your hopes and wishes for the future, dear Libra. This area of your chart is getting a lot of attention this week and will continue to be active in the coming weeks. A feeling of belonging assumes more prominence in your life and drives much of what you do. You might choose to become more actively involved in your community, or to network and share more of yourself with associates. Surprising events surrounding a social matter can occur now. You can experience romantic or creative energy — or increased emotional satisfaction — with or through friends and group associations. With your ruler, Venus, approaching an opposition to Saturn, however, you may need to get over a hump before you feel free to push forward, and this reality check can help you pace yourself.

Scorpio

The New Moon this morning brings a charge of energy to your professional life, dear Scorpio. The coming weeks are about taking action and shooting for the stars! Your ambitions are high now — perhaps at their peak — and you’re ready to pursue your goals and make needed changes in your life. There are likely to be some hurdles to get over, but these may help you pace yourself. Discern between being impulsive and honoring your impulses. You want to take the lead and initiative, and this can be a time for launching something pivotal. In the coming days, you’ll be clearer about putting something behind you to move forward. It’s a time for pushing your normal boundaries a little as Mars connects with the New Moon and gives you extra muscle and courage. A new project, image, or a new lease on your career can be in the works in the weeks ahead.

Sagittarius

The New Moon this morning brings a charge of energy to your adventure sector, dear Sagittarius. If you’re itching to do something entirely new and adventurous, then the weeks ahead are ideal for doing so. You’re taking on a braver, more courageous approach to your life, and you’re excited about what you might learn and discover. Those of you looking to expand your horizons or education can be highly motivated now. A new beginning of sorts is in the offing. You’ll be anxious to set plans in motion for new experiences, adventures, and a stronger understanding of your life’s purpose. You’ll still do well to follow some routines, but in a general sense, stepping outside of them for a spell or from time to time can energize and inspire you. Be bold but avoid rash moves. As well, be sure to check in with current commitments, even if they don’t seem quite as compelling.

Capricorn

The New Moon this morning brings power to your private world, dear Capricorn, as it occurs in your solar eighth house –  a sector of your chart that’s receiving a lot of attention this week and will continue to be active for weeks ahead. This is a time for getting a stronger sense of who you are and what you want. It’s also an excellent period for handling debts to others or for gaining support you need, whether these are of the material or emotional variety. Because the New Moon connects to Mars, you can experience insistent desires that you may have buried or left unacknowledged in the past. You might deal with tricky or sticky matters bravely, rallying for your needs or your fair share. Some of you could begin a new intimate relationship or elevate a current one to new heights. Sharing of resources can be in focus. Drawing upon others’ resources to get something done is possible now. The weeks ahead are good for taking charge of your finances, and if you need some support, you’re likely to find that people are more willing to offer it.

Aquarius

A New Moon occurs this morning, dear Aquarius, opposite your sign. A door opens for change in a close relationship now and in the coming weeks. A fresh start in a partnership, or with someone new, can figure strongly. This is a great time for improving your ability to negotiate with, or simply relate to, others on a one-to-one basis. Relationship needs awaken, and unusual impulses can overcome you that push you into a new beginning of sorts. Expect the unexpected when it comes to others in the weeks ahead of you. Attractions and pairings are in focus now. Even so, you may need to get over a hump tonight and tomorrow before you feel free to pursue your desires.

Pisces

The New Moon occurring this morning can jumpstart a new direction, dear Pisces, and motivate you to take charge of work or health matters. This is a time for new beginnings and fresh energy in your daily affairs. In the weeks ahead, you’ll be taking better care of yourself as well as organizing and primping your daily routines. Improved methods help you in many areas of life — the more organized and on top of the details of your life you feel, the more confident you approach many other life departments. There can be job offers in the coming weeks, or you could have new priorities and tasks to manage. Unexpected changes can nudge you towards creating better conditions. Draw on the courage to make changes but watch for impulsiveness and impatience – don’t push yourself too hard.

If You Were Born Today, July 23rd….

You are very intelligent in a quiet way. You have a great love of security and consistency that you avoid making major changes if you can. Your worst enemy is self-doubt and procrastination. You may attract, or be attracted to, a certain level of drama in your love life. You work best in life when you have a passion. Family and work are two great loves for you, and you need to strike a balance between the two.

Famous people born today: Amy Vanderbilt, Willem Dafoe, David Spade, Selena Gomez, Rufus Wainwright, Rhys Ifans, Keegan Allen, Colin Ferguson.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, July 24th

Aries

An opposition between Venus and Saturn this morning points to the need to “get real” about a project’s limitations, dear Aries, or you may be facing some delays or criticism for an issue or project that’s close to your heart. Try not to fret over this — this aspect tends to produce the climate for some negative feedback! However, you might ultimately find it useful if you aim to deal with things maturely and positively. You might need to revisit and change the structure of a project, and this can be time-consuming, but you’re ultimately making something stronger. Prioritize and listen to others but then tune into your heart and make changes that suit you. While something you say may lead to resentment from someone, you also have a Mercury-Uranus influence working for you now, and this is creative as heck! You are likely to come up with a breakthrough idea now, and a project or plan can move forward suddenly and happily. Although you have some difficulty choosing between a safe choice and a slightly riskier one, you can also enjoy some open, forward-looking conversations or news that inspires you. Learning a new method for your art or learning something about someone you love (or like a lot) can figure strongly now.

This morning, there can be a responsibility or a realization that slows things down, dear Taurus, or that dampens your spirits just for now. A partner’s income or a loan matter can be an issue, disturbing your equilibrium or making you worry about whether you have enough. Or, there may be a limitation to what you’re allowed to do that curtails indulgence or a purchase. You may feel opposed or blocked, or a person’s jealousy may interfere with your life now. Slow down a little for best results. Fortunately, your thinking is innovative, and while your pursuit of independence can cause a few waves with loved ones, you can enjoy excellent conversations that open up a whole new world of possibilities. A home or private matter warms your spirits and pulls you out of a funk. Domestic plans can push forward. There may be a clearing of the air, or you could be seeing opportunities to put the negative elements of the past behind you. Conversations can be freeing and eye-opening.

Gemini

Venus in your sign opposes Saturn today, dear Gemini, and you could similarly feel blocked or opposed now. Duty and pleasure are at odds, or a responsibility puts a damper on your plans. You might need to attend to someone else’s needs or address important issues in a relationship now. Draw on maturity and try to reach a compromise. If someone in your life seems overly critical, strict, unyielding, or cool, deal with the situation as you may, but consider that it may be best to meet someone you care about halfway and that you might, in fact, need some structure in your life. As frustrating as someone may be, partners have something to teach you about yourself now. Consider taking this “lesson” even if isn’t in a pretty package. Fortunately, a Mercury-Uranus aspect active today helps you think positively and innovatively. New interests are exciting. Friends can inspire you to think creatively or might encourage you to try something new. Throwing yourself into a project or surrounding yourself with friends can be liberating.

Cancer

An opposition between Venus and Saturn this morning can seem to pit responsibilities against pleasure, dear Cancer, and can be a reminder of your duties calling, as much as you feel you need a break from them! You may come to a realization that pops your bubble in some way, but that ultimately gets you back on track. The desire to escape pressure and stress or to hide away is high these days, but right now, you may need to handle practical matters before you can justify a break. There can be some opposition or negative feedback to deal with now, but it’s best to sort out what part is constructive and what can be safely ignored. A Mercury-Uranus transit helps you think positively. A new idea or method frees up your time or excites you. You may be entertaining ideas on practical, financial, or business levels that are breakthrough or otherwise pivotal. You can be valued for your ideas and intelligence now. Keep your mind open to new information. While not all ideas considered now will lead to something concrete, one of them might click into place.

Leo

This morning, you may find it hard to juggle your responsibilities and desires, dear Leo. If you pursue one, you feel pulled in the other direction. See-sawing can leave you feeling unsatisfied, but might ultimately lead to a fair compromise. Whether to do something yourself or call upon others for help, or whether to pay particular attention to a lover or a friend can be dilemmas now. Try not to focus too much on whether someone is slowing you down — or letting you down — and focus instead on what you can do to remedy the situation. It may be that you need to pour more attention to filling a responsibility before you can heartily enjoy a pleasure without distraction or guilt. Restructuring a project or dealing with limitations or criticisms can be annoying but ultimately strengthening. Fortunately, a Mercury-Uranus transit suggests talking or thinking things through leads to a greater feeling of freedom. You’re communicating with more enthusiasm and courage. Look for new ideas and perspectives that excite and motivate you. You may be on the top of discoveries with something you’re working on or studying.

Virgo

This morning, duties or delays can interrupt or slow you down from pursuing your plans or professional pursuits, dear Virgo. You may be enjoying your work more than usual these days with Venus at the top of your chart, but home life or personal matters can pull you away from these things. As much as you’d love to throw yourself into something special, you’re likely to feel better once you take care of your priorities, after which you can come back to what truly makes you happy with less worry and better concentration to boot. Fortunately, a Mercury-Uranus influence turns your attention to positive news and ideas. In fact, you’re particularly open to new ideas now, and this attitude can lead to fun and perhaps useful discoveries. Seeing something from the past in a more detached way can help you big time now! There can be a real feeling of purging or release involved with bringing something hidden to light.

Libra 

A hurdle comes in the form of a Venus-Saturn opposition across your communications sector this morning, dear Libra. This could mean you’re dealing with time constraints or negative feedback that lead to some restructuring. Ultimately, you are in the position to strengthen something, whether this is an opinion, studies, a project, or a plan. Responsibilities to your daily affairs, errands, and other duties and tasks can suddenly increase or make themselves known, throwing a wrench in your plans. Your best bet may be to put in the extra work to get your duties out of the way, but consider that you’ll be in a much better place to enjoy yourself once you do. A Mercury-Uranus influence today is excellent for collaborating, sharing ideas, and relating to others in liberating and peaceful ways. A bit of detachment can put things into perspective, particularly a relationship. People and networks can inspire new methods and ideas today.

Scorpio

A Venus-Saturn opposition can point to the need to deal with critical or insensitive people, dear Scorpio, although a bit of negative feedback may ultimately help you if you listen only to constructive criticism and discard the rest! Consider also that you’re particularly sensitive now, seeking out security or reassurance at a time when others are focused on something else entirely. A financial constraint or disagreement may emerge now. The extra work that goes towards fixing mistakes can be truly worthwhile in the long term, however, so focus on adapting to any reality you need to face. A Mercury-Uranus influence, also active today, is good for exploring new ideas and possibilities related to money and business or work and health. The discovery of a new method can free your mind or possibly free up some time. Your ideas or intelligence might receive particular attention now. You’re getting over a hump or a problem area. With this positive energy, you’d rather think about the future than dwell on the past.

Sagittarius

You have a stronger need for companionship or approval and support from others in your life these days, dear Sagittarius, but today, your insecurities or fears, and possibly your plans, can interfere. With Saturn in your sign, you often handle problems on your own and/or in your own way, and this runs at odds with your urge to merge. If others seem irresponsible today, you could feel frustrated that you’re left to deal with the practical side of things. Attempting to restrict others is not the way to go, so do what you can to meet them halfway, perhaps by loosening up a little and hoping they take you a bit more seriously. A Mercury-Uranus transit, also active now, can help lift you above small concerns, and leads to the exploring of creative or unique topics to think or converse about. Travel, romantic, or creative opportunities can be opening up to you now, and it helps to allow yourself time to do some musing and free-form thinking.

Capricorn

A Venus-Saturn opposition occurs across your health and wellness sectors today, dear Capricorn. You’re taking pleasure in your work and routines, but delays, setbacks, time limitations, or responsibilities to others can pull you away from the fun. Past mistakes or unfinished business can surface now, and the effort needed to correct or complete these things can be significant, or at least seem that way. Recognize the need to let something go or to make changes in existing projects to go forward in improved ways. A Mercury-Uranus transit, also active today, helps you detach yourself just enough to pull you out of a funk. You might release yourself from a burden or a secret, clear the air, or talk through a problem and feel relieved or even liberated for doing so. When it comes to family and intimate relationships, focusing on the future makes more sense to you now than bringing up the past, and this is the major key to success now.

Aquarius

Venus in your pleasure sector these days can ignite your passion for a hobby, pastime, person, or project, dear Aquarius, but Saturn’s opposition to Venus this morning may serve to remind you of areas you’ve ignored in the process, particularly if you’ve been going overboard. Some of you could feel a bit put off by a friend now, or there can be worries if a friend seems to be ghosting you or doesn’t seem as into you as you’d like. You may simply need to give in and deal with facts and figures or practical matters before returning your attention to the things you actually want to accomplish. If there are criticisms to face, take what’s constructive from it and use it to firm up your life in fundamental ways — ignore the rest (and the delivery). Fortunately, a Mercury-Uranus trine helps you rise above things, and also stimulates your curiosity. You can bring a new light or perspective to a problem. It’s, in fact, an excellent time for coming up with a solution to a nagging problem with a partner, or for learning something new and helpful about someone significant in your life.

Pisces

This morning, you may get a sharp reminder of a responsibility that keeps you from the rest, comfort, and peace you’ve been craving, dear Pisces. A Venus-Saturn opposition wants to bring back some balance to your life, and if you’ve been overdoing pleasures and comforts, now is a time for a bit of a “calling out.” This ultimately serves you well, even if it’s irritating or limiting right now. Saturn’s lessons are usually about putting in an effort so that you take better care of yourself and things you love in the long term. Responsibilities or problems that have been neglected or overlooked in the past have a way of surfacing now for your immediate attention. Authority figures, teachers, parents, or bosses may have feedback you don’t want to hear now. A Mercury-Uranus trine also active today can point to excellent conversations that open your mind and free you from certain burdens and frustrations, however. It serves to enliven relationships, and it also leads to successful new methods and ideas related to work and health. Unusual and exciting elements on the job or in your daily routine can be in focus.

Tarot Card of the Day

Knight of Cups

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Your Rune for Sunday, July 23

Isa

“Iss-ah” – Literally: “Ice” – Esoteric: Stasis, Stillness

Rune of concentration of things in a static or frozen state. Rune of stillness and the Ego-Self.

Psi: mental faculties, focus, ego, self-image/self-identity

Energy: stillness, contraction, stasis

Mundane: cold, self-preservation, harsh reality

Divinations: Concentrated self, ego-consciousness, self-control, unity of being; or egomania, dullness, blindness, dissipation, immobility, self-centeredness, lack of change, psychopathy.

Governs:
Development of concentration, will and focus
Halting of unwanted dynamic forces as an act of self-defense (ard against demonic influences)
Basic ego integration within a balanced multiversal system
Power of control and constraint over other wights (entities), emotional outbursts
Focus of the will into single-minded action

A Little Thought from Me to You….

 

Why should we hide in the Shadows?
We don’t sacrifice living creatures
We do not worship Satan
Our religion is based on nature…..
peace and love to all mankind.

The Zodiac

The word zodiac is derived from the Greek zoidiakos, or “figures of animals.” It resembles a circle that has been divided into 12 sections of 30 degrees each and is traversed by the sun, moon, and planets each year. Its 12 signs are named after the adjacent constellations that form a great belt around the earth. Each sign governs a month, represented by a symbolic figure that is related to one of the four Elements and human condition.

 

As the sun enters a sign, all persons born during that period inherit or express the qualities and traits it represents. The real significance of the zodiac concerns the process by which primordial energy passes from the potential to the virtual or from sprit to matter. When the sun, moon, and planets pass through a sign they unify the energy of that sign to complement the monthly period and complete a segment of yearly cycle.

THE TWELVE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC

Aries

 

March 21 through April 19. Symbol: ram; Element: Fire; Quality: cardinal; Ruling planet: Mars; Metal: iron; Gem: ruby or red jasper; Color: scarlet; Plant: geranium or sage. Like the Ram, Aries has a reputation for egotism, action, self-assertion, and the desire to be first. Aries is a masculine sign that is looking for identity. Aries can be fearless on the outside and timid on the inside. The ram spontaneously falls in love, but usually has a difficult time verbalizing his or her feelings. Headstrong and aggressive, the Aries has tremendous power and energy. Aries are leaders, entrepreneurs, and adventurers, usually pushing the envelope in their direction.

 

Taurus

 

April 20 through May 19. Symbol: bull; Element: Earth; Quality: fixed; Ruling planet: Venus, Metal: copper; Gem: topaz or emerald; Color: red and orange; Plant: clover and mallow. Taurus is stable, conservative, and practical, and values the comfortable, unchanging way of life. Taurus is down -to-Earth and one of the most productive signs, always searching for the true value and meaning of life. Like a bull, the Taurus usually remains passive and content, but when angered will attack. Fidelity and consistency are the sign’s virtues; obstinacy and refusal to change are its weaknesses.

 

Gemini

 

May 20 through June 20. Symbol: twins; Element: Air; Quality: mutable; Ruling planet: Mercury; Metal: quicksilver; Gem: alexandrite; Color: orange; Plant: orchid and gladiolus. The search for variety is the trademark of the Gemini, who is always thinking and looking. Maddeningly inconsistent; Geminis can argue one point of view one day, and the completely opposite view the next. The symbol that represents this sign embodies the essential split in its nature of always  trying to view both sides of the coin at the same time. Geminis are the true Jacks of all trades, but unfortunately if their talents are spread too thin, they may not realize their dreams.

 

Cancer

 

June 21 through July 22. Symbol: crab; Element: Water; Quality: cardinal; Ruling planet: moon; Metal: silver; Gem: emerald or turquoise; Color: amber; Plant: lotus or comfrey. The crab, with its soft and fleshy body covered by a hard and protective shell, depicts the nature of this sign. Cancer is the embodiment of compassion, caring, and maternal instincts, but it often hides these emotions behind a mask of indifference. When upset, Cancers withdraw into their shells but still have sharp pincers to attack with. Cancers are renowned homemakers and require domestic stability for happiness. As long as Cancers have a strong base from which to operate and to which they can retreat, they will succeed and reach their goals.

 

Leo

 

July 23 through August 21. Symbol: lion; Element: Fire; Quality: fixed; Ruling planet: sun; Metal: gold; Gem: opal or zircon; Color: yellowish green; Plant: sunflower or cyclamen. Just like the king of the jungle, Leo is proud, ostentatious, and the most egotistical of all the signs. It takes effort for Leos not to cross the line and become excessively vain, arrogant, and selfish. Leos live to make an impression and need to have an audience. Leos can be difficult to love and to work with, as they have very little sense of anyone but themselves. If Leos can learn to accept responsibility, personal change, and the fact that others have feelings too, they make energetic and fun companions. To thrive, the Leo needs space and a spotlight.

 

Virgo

 

August 22 through September 22. Symbol: virgin; Element: Earth; Quality: mutable; Ruling planet: Mercury; Metal: quicksilver; Gem: diamond or chrysolite; Color: light green; Plant: snowdrop, lily, and narcissus. The Virgo is practical, productive, and prepared to sacrifice its own interests in order to complete its assigned tasks. Virgos are always searching for something meaningful to do, which is an open door for those who would take advantage of their good nature and willingness to help. This sign is the embodiment of service. However, they are often fussy and obsessed with cleanliness and order to the point that they lose their ability to be spontaneous. Virgos need to balance out their perfectionism.

 

Libra

 

September 23 through October 22. Symbol: scales; Element: Air; Quality: cardinal; Ruling planet: Venus; Metal: copper; Gem: jade; Color: emerald green; Plant: aloe. The scales are the key to understanding Libra, who is constantly weighing the possibilities, and the choice at hand. Often crippled by indecision, in desperation the Libra will resort to making a choice, any choice, even though it may not be the best option. Ideally Libra’s function is to resolve opposing possibilities by seeking a third way. Ruled by Venus, the Libra likes things that are aesthetically pleasing, charming, and artistic. Libras tend to hide personal flaws they imagine might offend.. They are diplomats and like peaceful, harmonious surroundings.

 

Scorpio

 

October 23 through November 21. Symbol: scorpion; Element: Water; Quality: fixed; Ruling planet: Mars (with Pluto as a co-ruler); Metal: iron; Gem: carnelian; Color: greenish blue; Plant: cactus, hound’s tongue. The search for transformation is what motivates Scorpios. The intense emotions of this sign are toughened by the influence of Mars, which gives it an obsessive, sometimes abusive, quality. Those born under this sign have a keen sense for what is right and wrong. Scorpios are usually fascinated with the dark, hidden side of things. They make great Witches and magicians. The sign’s greatest strength is commitment, the ability to see things through to the end. Its greatest weakness is a reluctance to change or forgive.

 

Sagittarius

 

November 22 through December 21. Symbol: archer; Element: Fire; Quality: mutable; Ruling planet: Jupiter; Metal: tin; Gem: sapphire; Color: blue; Plant: rush and pimpernel.   Sagittarius is a deep, complicated sign, a mixture of instinct and reason always searching for wisdom. The combination of mutability and fire makes this sign unstable; its plans are often dropped before completion. Often possessed by wanderlust, idealism, and the search for truth, Sagittarius needs freedom. The sign’s greatest strength is optimism and enthusiasm, and its weakness is impracticality. However, when their faith is strong, Sagittarians get along well with little material success.

 

Capricorn

 

December 22 through January 20. Symbol: goat; Element: Earth;, Quality: cardinal; Ruling planet: Saturn; Metal: lead; Gem: black opal or tourmaline; Color: indigo; Plant: thistle. The Capricorn is the ideal industrialist or merchant, letting no humanitarian concerns interfere with important business or money-making opportunities. Capricorns harbor powerful emotions that as Earth signs they find difficult to express. This sign can be very unimaginative, serious, and cautious when drawn into the world of materialism. Capricorns’ greatest traits are their ability to heal and to have great visions. Their greatest downfall is being manipulative and deceitful.

 

Aquarius

 

January 21 through February 19. Symbol: water bearer; Element: Air; Quality: fixed; Ruling Planet: Saturn (with Uranus as co-ruler); Metal: lead; Gem: lapis lazuli or aquamarine; Color: violet; Plant: absinthe, fennel, and buttercup. The search for the Holy Grail defines the essence of Aquarius. This enigmatic sign is ruled by two planets with totally incompatible natures, one desiring order, the other tearing it down. The contradictions in this sign’s character are what makes it interesting. Aquarians are concerned, sometimes to the point of obsession, with being new, radical, and different. They are often eccentric, frequently awkward, and always demanding freedom. The Aquarian is best at developing new ideas but needs others to help carry them out.

 

Pisces

 

February 20 through March 20. Symbol: two fishes; Element: Water; Quality: mutable; Ruling planet: Jupiter (with Neptune as co-ruler); Metal: tin; Gem: pearl or amethyst; Color: crimson; Plant: opium and birthwort. Pisces is the most unworldly of all the signs. It leans toward religion and mysticism and often withdraws from the world. Emotional and sensitive, Pisceans tend to wear many disguises to mask their vulnerability. Imaginative, artistic, and self-sacrificing, Pisces will succeed on the stage or in the church. Pisces’ strength lies in its ability to rise above materialism; its weakness lies in handling the real world.

THE ZODIAC AND MAGICK

 

Knowledge is power, we all desire power over our own lives. No one gets into magick to save the whales or the suffering masses. You can join the peace corps to do that. You get into magick to reclaim your personal power and hopefully gain some control over your life and future.

 

We all wear masks to hide our imagined flaws and imperfections. So, if you know the birth signs of people you’re dealing with, you have a better idea of discerning who they really are, as opposed to the images they portray. By knowing something about the individual, you avoid doing things that will offend him or her and thus create an uncomfortable situation. This type of knowledge can be of great magickal value when beginning a long-term relationship, starting partnerships, getting your business proposal on the table, as well as when you are just trying to appease your mother-in-law.

 

For example, to attract a Cancer (who basks in the light of domesticity), you will need to avoid any type of sudden movement that might infringe upon the home life. If you are an Aries contemplating a long-term business partnership, avoid the Leo—a space big enough for the two of you does not exist. That Geminis looking for love should steer clear of Libras, because by the time they get through analyzing the situation, they will be too old to do anything about it. And if your mother-in-law is a Scorpio, just agree with her.

 

Since we are all born under a specific Zodiacal sign, the energies of that sign can be incorporated into magickal rites and spells. If you are planning to do a love attraction spell, consider incorporating the Zodiac symbols of the one you desire into your rite. Use a Zodiac candle to represent your boss in that promotional spell you are planning. And, just before that big proposal, burn a Zodiac candle for each person involved, as you visualize success.

 

Remember for all your magickal needs, it’s Magickal Necessities

 

 

To hot to get out and shop,

then surf on by and check out some of the newest Witchy merchandise we have to offer!

 

“Remember for all your magickal needs, think Magickal Necessities”

The Witches Digest No. 6

July 21st, 2017

 

A Witch’s garden

a Witch’s garden
grows with the sun, flows with the rain
a flowering of air and earth

 

ancient is the knowledge of herbs
their properties and powers
a thing for Grandmothers, Midwives, Witches

 

flowers speak their own language
all but a few phrases forgotten
but Witches know more than roses mean love

 

how now? the drought comes
but the Witch’s garden still grows green
though elsewhere even the weeds are wilting

 

through magic and the hard work of her hands
a Witch brings the rich earth to bloom
making the world a more beautiful place

 

the only secret is this
many a woman talks to her plants
but a Witch also listens

 

—Elizabeth Barrette, Author
Published on Greenhaven: A Pagan Tradition

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Friday, July 21

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 92.88° E
Sun Altitude: 38.96°
Sun Distance: 94.449 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:50 am↑ 63° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:10 pm↑ 296° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 19 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 117.66° ESE
Moon Altitude: 58.96°
Moon Distance: 224469 mi
Next New Moon: Jul 23, 20174:45 am
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next Moonset: Today6:36 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 4.9%

 

Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waning Crescent
New Moon: Jul 23, 2017 at 4:45 am
(Next Phase)
Third Quarter: Jul 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeandddate.com

Your Astronomy for Friday, july 21

The Moon is in Gemini until 4:09 AM, after which the Moon is in Cancer.
The Moon is void from 1:40 AM to 4:09 AM.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
The Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 16th, and the New Moon will occur in Leo on the 23rd.
Mars spends its first full day in Leo (Mars is in Leo from July 20-September 5).

Moon in Cancer

 

The Moon is traveling through Cancer today. Beware of mood swings. Cook some soul food. Cuddle up with someone.

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. Feelings of belonging and safety are what motivate us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

The Sky This Week for July 21 to 23

An asteroid in a constellation, a meteor shower, and other amazing things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Friday, July 21

Perhaps no month better epitomizes summer in the Northern Hemisphere than July. And this month finds the season’s namesake asterism, the Summer Triangle, on prominent display. The trio’s brightest member, Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp, stands nearly overhead shortly before midnight. The asterism’s second-brightest star, Altair in Aquila the Eagle, then lies more than halfway from the southeastern horizon to the zenith. Deneb, the luminary of Cygnus the Swan, marks the Summer Triangle’s third corner. Although it is this asterism’s dimmest star, it’s the brightest point of light in the northeastern sky.

The Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, at 1:12 p.m. EDT. It then lies 224,462 miles (361,236 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

Saturday, July 22

Pluto reached the peak of its 2017 appearance last week, and it remains a tempting target for those with an 8-inch or larger telescope. The 14th-magnitude world is visible all night among the background stars of northeastern Sagittarius, some 1.8° east-southeast of 3rd-magnitude Pi (p) Sagittarii. See “In pursuit of Pluto” in the July Astronomy for complete details on finding this world.

Sunday, July 23

New Moon occurs at 5:46 a.m. EDT. At its New phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden by our star. But that won’t be the case the next time our satellite completes an orbit of Earth. On August 21, the New Moon will pass directly in front of our star, bringing a total solar eclipse to millions of observers across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The rest of the country will experience a partial eclipse, though viewers should try their best to get into the path of totality

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Today Is Friday, July 21

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 Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Pagan Book of Days for Friday, July 21

The seeress Damo, venerated today, was the daughter of the Greek sage, Pythagoras. All of the secrets of his philosophy were entrusted to her at his death.

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Friday, July 21st, We Honor The Goddess Chalchiuhtlicue

Chalchiuhtlicue

Aztec Goddess of Lakes, Streams, and Oceans

 

Chalchiuhtlicue (Chal-CHEE-ooh-tlee-quay), whose name means “She of the Jade Skirt”, was the Aztec goddess of water as it collects on the earth, such as rivers and oceans, and so was considered by the Aztecs the patroness of navigation. She was one of the most important deities, as protector of childbirth and newborns.

 

Chalchiuhtlicue was linked to the rain god Tlaloc, in some sources as his wife and feminine counterpart.

 

In others, she is Tlaloc’s sister and some scholars suggest she was Tlaloc himself in a separate guise. She was also associated with the “Tlaloques”, Tlaloc’s brothers or perhaps their children. In some sources, she is described as the wife of the Aztec god of fire god Huehueteotl-Xiuhtecuhtli.

 

She is also associated with different mountains in different Aztec communities. All rivers come from the mountains in the Aztec universe, and the mountains are like jars (ollas) filled with water, that spring from the womb of the mountain and wash down to water and protect the people.

A Watery Rule

According to the Spanish conquistador and priest Fray Diego Duran, Chalchiuhtlicue was universally revered by the Aztecs. She governed the waters of the oceans, springs, and lakes, and as such she appeared in both positive and negative guises. She was seen as a positive source who brought full irrigation canals for growing maize when she was associated with the corn goddess Xilonen.

 

When displeased, she brought empty canals and drought and was paired with the dangerous snake goddess Chicomecoatl. She was also known for creating whirlpools and big storms making water navigation tricky.

 

She was also the goddess who ruled over and destroyed the previous world, known in the Aztec mythology as the Fourth Sun, the Mexica version of the Deluge Myth.

The Aztec universe was based on the Legend of the Five Suns, which said that before the current world (the Fifth Sun), the various gods and goddesses made four attempts to create versions of the world and then destroyed them in order. The fourth sun (called Nahui Atl Tonatiuh or 4 Water) was ruled by Chalchiutlicue as a world of water, where fish species were marvelous and abundant. After 676 years, Chalchiutlicue destroyed the world in a cataclysmic flood, transforming all the humans into fish.

Chalchiuhtlicue’s Festivals

As the partner of Tlaloc, Chalchiuhtlicue pertained to the Aztec group of gods supervising water and fertility. To these deities was dedicated a series of ceremonies called Atlcahualo, which lasted the entire month of February. During these ceremonies, the Aztecs performed many rituals, usually on the mountain tops, where they sacrificed children. For the Aztec religion, the tears of children were considered good omens for abundant rain.

 

The festival month of February dedicated to Chalchiuhtlicue was the sixth month of the Aztec year called Etzalcualiztli. It took place during the rainy season when the fields were beginning to ripen. The festival was conducted in and around the lagoons, with some objects ritually deposited within the lagoons.

 

The festival involved fasting, feasting, and auto-sacrifice on the part of the priests, and the human sacrifice of war captives, women, and children some of which were dressed in the costume of Chalchiuhtlicue and Tlaloc. Offerings included maize, the blood of quail birds and resins made of copal and latex.

 

Children were also sacrificed to Chalchiuhtlicue at the height of the dry season just before the rains were due; during the festivals dedicated to Chalchiuhtlicue and Tlaloc, a young boy would be sacrificed to Tlaloc on a mountaintop outside of Tenochtitlan, and a young girl would be drowned in Lake Texcoco at Pantitlan, where whirlpools were known to occur.

Chalchiuhtlicue’s Images

The goddess Chalchiuhtlicue is often illustrated in the pre-Columbian and colonial period books called codices as wearing a blue-green skirt, as her name illustrates, from which flows a long and abundant stream of water.

 

Sometimes new-born children are portrayed floating in this water flow. She has black lines on her face and usually wears a jade nose-plug. In Aztec sculpture and portraits, her statues and images are often carved out of jade or other green stones.

 

She is occasionally shown wearing Tlaloc’s mask. The allied Nahuatl word “chalchihuitl” means “drop of water” and sometimes refers to jade. The word is also used in connection with Tlaloc’s goggles, which may themselves be a symbol of water. In the Codex Borgia, Chalchiuhtlicue is wearing a serpent headdress and dress ornaments with the same markings as Tlaloc, and her half-moon nose ornament is the serpent itself, marked with stripes and dots.

Sources

Original author, by Nicoletta Maestri
Edited and updated by K. Kris Hirst.

Almere Read K, and Gonzalez JJ. 2000. Mesoamerican Mythology: A Guide ot the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs of Mexico and Central America. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Berdan FF. 2014. Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Brundage BC. 1983. The Fifth Sun: Aztec Gods, Aztec Worlds. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Carlson JB. 2015. The Maya Deluge Myth and Dresden Codex Page 74. In: Dowd AS, and Milbrath S, editors. Cosmology, Calendars, and Horizon-Based Astronomy in Ancient Mesoamerica. Boulder: University Press of Colorado. p 197-226.
Garza Gómez I. 2009. De Calchiuhtlicue, Diosa de ríos, lagunas y manantiales. El Tlacuache: Patrimonio de Morelos 2009:1-4.
Heyden D. 1983. Water symbols and eye rings in the Mexican codices. Indiana 8:41-56.
Leon-Portilla M, and Davis JE. 1963. Aztec Thought and Culture: A Study of the Ancient Nahuatl Mind. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Taube K. 1993. Aztec and Maya Myths. Fourth Edition. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texa.s
Van Tuerenhout DR. 2005. The Aztecs. New Perspectives, ABC-CLIO Inc. Santa Barbara, CA; Denver, CO and Oxford, England.

Ritual Influences for Friday, July 21

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

The Magickal Day of 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

Friday’s Witchery

 

On Friday’s 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 ing 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, July 21st

National Day (Belgian)

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini

Moon enters Cancer 4: 09 am

Incense: Alder

Color: Rose

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.

Aspects of Venus

Venus is associated with love, lust, romance, relationships, friendships, family and other emotional attachments. It is also associated with Women’s Mysteries and Feminine Magic. Crystals that draw upon Venus energy are Rose Quartz and Amethyst. Herbs and flowers of Venus are Rose, Lavender and Elder. It’s day for magic is Friday and The Lovers card from the Tarot can be used. Venus colors are shades of Red, Pink and Blue. The metal of Venus is Copper, and it‘s Chakra is the Heart. (I sometimes simmer herbs in a copper cauldron when using Venus energies).

Magickal Applications for Friday

 

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, July 21 – Attract the Perfect Lover Spell

 

Attract the Perfect Lover Spell

 

Timing: Perform on a Friday during the waxing moon.

Supplies:

6 rose petals
1 teaspoon of lavender
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
a rose quartz
6-inch square of pink cloth
green ribbon (floss or yarn will do)
an inch of red ribbon
needle and thread
a penny

Place the petals, rose quartz, lavender, cinnamon, red ribbon, and penny in the center of the cloth square. Gather the edges of the fabric together and hold the pouch close to your heart. Then say:

“Venus, Queen of love, divine
Bring the love to me that’s mine.
Perfect, he (she) and perfect, me
Together we are meant to be.
Venus, Queen of love, so warm
Bring my love to me, without harm.
Let nothing keep us now apart,
Bring perfect love to fill my heart.”

Still holding the pouch against your heart, fill it with loving energy. Secure the pouch with the green ribbon to seal the spell. Carry it on your person and sleep with it under your pillow. When the lover comes to you, bury the pouch under a tree.

THE BESOM

The Witches Broom

 

Hardly anything symbolizes Witchcraft more than the besom (pronounced BEH-sum). The idea of Witches flying on brooms is as old as the Craft itself. We may never find out just where or when this phenomenon began, but it lends certain magick to the tales of old.

 

The significance of the besom (broom) rests with its ability to sweep, and therefore clean an area of unwanted dirt. European folklore is full of stories about using brooms along with certain incantations while sweeping out the house, the purpose being to sweep out the evil influences along with the dirt. The broom has also been used to form common law marriages. Both parties jump over the broomstick to signify they are joined in a union. Today, many Wiccans and Pagans still jump over the broom at the end of the marriage ceremonies to seal their union.

 

An authentic besom or Witches broom has seven distinct parts

 

. 1. The Staff Butt: Usually solid, but may also be hollow and plugged with a wood cork.

 

2. The Staff: The long shaft of the broom, sometimes referred to as the wand, will vary in length, thickness, and texture. Its carvings and decorations also vary.

 

3. The Choke Ring: This binds the upper part of bristles to the staff and is usually made of metal, silver being the best as it represents the moon and goddess. Sometimes there may be several of these used. When more than one is used the first is silver, the second is gold, and the third is copper.

 

4. The Stalks (bristles): These are grouped evenly around the opposite end of the staff. The stalks should be about half the finished length of the broom.

 

5. The Stalk Tips: The thick ends are held by the choke ring, with the thin ends extending. All of the stalks should be bending in the same direction.

 

6. The Splay Ring: There is only one of these and it keeps the stalks evenly placed about the stalk. This ring is usually made of a very strong pliable cording, as it takes up the strain and pressure of the use that is exerted when sweeping.

 

7. The Stalk Butts: These are the thick ends of the bristles and are bound by the choke ring.

 

BESOM (BROOM) MAGICK

Besom Blessing

Items needed: a small bowl of salt and one of water, a white candle, a small bunch of fresh rosemary, a censer, a small block of church charcoal, and your besom.

 

Perform this simple ceremony to bless and consecrate your broom. This will remove all of the negative thoughts and vibrations that may be attached to the broom making it ready for magickal works.

 

Place the candle, the bowl of salt, and the one of water, along with the censer and rosemary on a small table. Light the charcoal, and the white candle. Sprinkle some salt over the broom and then some water as you say:

 

Water and Earth
Wash thee clean,
Of all that was
And is unclean.

 

Place some of the rosemary on the hot coal in the censer. Pick up the broom and pass it through the smoke of the burning herb, and then through the candle flame as you say:

 

Essence of Air
Flame of Fire,
Cleanse thee of all
But what I desire.

 

The broom is now ready to use for both mundane and magickal works. Use your broom to purge your house of negative thoughts and vibrations as well as unwanted guests.

 

Get Rid of Unwanted Guests

Item needed: Besom.

 

This simple spell works better than anything I have ever found to get folks to leave. We have all had that moment when people have overstayed their welcome and don’t have the good sense to get up and leave. Here is a surefire way to get them up and out the door post-haste.

 

Take a broom into a room that is either facing your unwanted guests or is directly behind them. Close the door. Lay the broom on the floor with the stalk butts facing the direction of the guests. Stand behind the broom, and chant the following:

 

Get ye out beyond my door
For I’m weary to the core!

 

Take a few relaxing breaths, and visualize your guests leaving. Put the broom away. Within 10 or 15 minutes they will take their leave, unaware of your magickal nudging.

The Current Moon Phase for Friday, July 21st

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Friday, July 21, 2017

If You Were Born Today, July 21st….

You are sociable, charming, and wise, and you love to share your thoughts and time with others. People receive you well, finding you entertaining and interesting. Your intelligence and unique perspective on life can sometimes lead to negative thinking, anxiety, and manipulative behavior. Your emotions are up and down. Extremely clever, you need to apply your mental ability to something constructive. You are unique and want to be recognized as such.

 

Famous people born today: Ernest Hemingway, Robin Williams, Jon Lovitz, Josh Hartnett, Cat Stevens, Juno Temple, Don Knotts.

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow,,,,,,

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, July 22

Aries

A month-long cycle that places further emphasis on entertainment, self-expression, creativity, and romance begins today, dear Aries, with the Sun’s move into the sign of Leo and your solar fifth house. You bring more energy and inspiration to creative efforts and the seeking out of fun projects or an avocation. Save brand new projects after tomorrow’s New Moon, but enjoy the rush of enthusiasm you feel now. Mars is already in this sector, bringing added courage and muscle to your projects and relationships, and Mercury is in this sector encouraging a smart approach. Love, fun, and games are lively now, and you can be in the perfect mood for a vacation of sorts, even if it’s only in spirit. Today’s Moon is Balsamic with a New Moon occurring tomorrow morning, so aim to wind down and take things easy.

The Sun begins its month-long transit of your home and family sector today, dear Taurus, and you’re all set to settle in! This is a cycle for appreciating the comforts of familiarity. You may be investing more time and energy, as well as pride, in your home and family life in the weeks ahead. This transit encourages a more focused approach to your life after a rather busy-bee period. Security and stability are prioritized goals right now, and with Mars and Mercury already in this sector of your chart, you have the energy, motivation, courage, and smarts to make some fabulous improvements in your personal life. Today, however, aim to wind down before the New Moon tomorrow. This is a day for reflection and tying up loose ends.

Gemini

The Sun begins its month-long transit of your solar third house today, dear Gemini. Mercury moved into this sector of your chart first, two weeks ago, turning at least some of your attention to communicating and connecting. Mars arrived here two days ago, and you’ve been feeling the itch to put your ideas into action. Now that the Sun is here, you’re even more interested in learning, pursuing personal interests, connecting, and sharing. You’ll get a further boost after tomorrow’s New Moon. You’ll be bringing more oomph to your communications and projects now that not only your mind is engaged, but also your pride. In the coming weeks, you’ll be running more errands than usual and communicating with people more frequently. Transportation and communication systems are stronger themes in your life now. Watch, however, for brusqueness in your speech or writing. As well, today’s Moon is Balsamic, and this means you should wind down instead of wind yourself up.

Cancer

The Sun ends its yearly transit of your sign today, dear Cancer, and moves into your resources sector, where it will spend the coming month. You’ve received more attention, or you’ve focused on personality development more than usual in recent weeks, and now you’re shifting gears and moving into a more settled and deliberate period. You’re ready to flesh out ideas and projects and work on building something important to you. Matters of comfort, security, money, and stability are of higher importance to you in the coming weeks. Sensual enjoyment and activities that remind you of the simple pleasures in life are in focus. You’re also bound to get in better touch with how you feel about your talents and value, and the impact this has on your earning power. Putting more energy and effort into your work can have its payoffs with assertive Mars and smart Mercury already in this sector. A New Moon is about to occur here as well — speaking of which, it’s a good idea to rest up and reflect today in preparation for this new cycle.

Leo

Your personality shines this week, dear Leo. Mars just recently entered your sign, and you’ve been hosting Mercury for a couple of weeks now. Today, the Sun ends its introspective transit of your privacy sector and emerges in your solar chart, where it will stay until August 22nd. And the list goes on: tomorrow’s New Moon is also in your sign, and a Solar Eclipse will occur in Leo next month. It’s a true power period for you! You’re making a real impact in the weeks ahead. The extra rest and deeper thought of recent weeks can begin to pay off. All eyes are on you, and you’re sure to want to turn over a new leaf. You can pull this off best after the New Moon tomorrow, but you can do some serious thinking about what you’d like to change and improve today. A personal update is on the horizon, and today, you’re best off resting and reflecting in preparation.

Virgo

Mercury and Mars are transiting your privacy sector, and the Sun moves into this same part of your solar chart today, dear Virgo, for its month-long stay. You have an increased need for rest, calm, peace, and quiet. If you can manage to release yourself from some of the more demanding or competitive energies of your life, that would be ideal for you now. You may choose to seek out more alone time and periods devoted to reflection on the activities and developments of the last year. You are wrapping things up now! Your mind has certainly been toying with ideas about what you need to change in your life to improve it, and now you can feel as if you’re ready to take the necessary action to clear the path. This is a period of rest and physical and emotional replenishment — not the best time to push yourself or your plans. Look for closure on matters that have run their natural course. On this day before a New Moon, wind down and let go rather than wind yourself up.

Libra 

You’re shifting gears this week, dear Libra, as the Sun and Mars move into your social sector and a New Moon is about to occur here as well, pointing to new beginnings and activities related to friendships, networking, community, and causes. The coming weeks are lively for group activities, experimenting with new ideas and methods, dreaming up plans for your future, and rallying for a matter that’s close to your heart. You take more pride in your social life in the coming month, and friends tend to look to you for direction. In fact, you may be taking the lead in a group setting or sharing your ideas with others and making a difference. There can be an increased focus on humanitarian activities and personal happiness goals in your life now. Today, however, it’s best to chill out, relax, and reflect rather than begin something brand new since a New Moon will occur tomorrow and start a new cycle, possibly leading you in a new direction.

Scorpio

There can be a real rush of activity and attention to your career, social status, ambition, public standing, responsibilities, or reputation this week, dear Scorpio. You’ve been thinking more and more about where you’re headed for the last two weeks, and now you’re gearing up to take action. With the New Moon occurring tomorrow morning, it’s better to rest and reflect and let things unfold naturally today. However, you can certainly enjoy the enthusiasm and ambition building now. The weeks ahead are for taking more pride in your work and goals and taking charge of your life path. You may feel compelled to do something to prove yourself, or you may simply want to beat a personal best. You’re noticed for what you do, and your competence is something that others see more readily, perhaps because you have the opportunity to show it!  Be bold but don’t push yourself too hard now.

Sagittarius

The Sun begins its month-long transit of your solar ninth house today, dear Sagittarius, and you’re quickly shifting gears, focusing more and more on enjoying new life experiences. Places of higher learning and around the world begin to hold larger appeal and can be areas for exciting developments in your life. You’re no longer content to stay within your comfort zone. In fact, you’re looking for a challenge. Competitive activities, making bold moves, and standing up for what you believe in can figure strongly in the weeks ahead. You’re moving into a more outgoing, spontaneous, and exploratory period. The New Moon tomorrow morning will help redirect you and will boost your spirits further, but today, it’s better to unwind than work yourself up. Rest, reflect, and dream about what you want to do and where you want to go!

Capricorn

The Sun begins its month-long cycle that encourages you to explore a deeper level of intimacy and sharing or depth, whether this is with yourself, a special someone, or a special project! You’re not content to know half-truths or to skim the surface of things in the coming weeks, as you want to dig deep and get to the bottom of matters. The Sun is now shining its light on some of the things that are typically hidden from view, and you stand to learn a lot about your inner workings. Your private world assumes more importance now, and you take strong notice of the hidden elements of circumstances and people around you. You may need to take charge of financial matters and resources that are shared with a partner or non-income sources of money and support. You can be hungry for emotional stimulation, making this an excellent opportunity to pour energy into a passion project or self-improvement program. Especially after the New Moon tomorrow, resolutions to quit a bad habit can be powerful. Today, however, take things easy and draw upon your intuition.

Aquarius

The Sun begins its month-long transit of your partnership sector today, dear Aquarius, and while energy levels are not at their peak, it’s a great time for gaining perspective and appreciating and improving relationships. With Mercury and Mars already in this part of your solar chart, you’re in a strong position for pairing up and negotiating. You’re expressing yourself more fully through your relationships, and you may very well gain motivation as well as perspective from a significant someone in your life at this time. With active and assertive Mars, the proud Sun, and intellectual Mercury in this house of one-to-one relationships, you can be very active with others but should watch for a business-like or hard approach now. While you have lively exchanges in the weeks ahead of you, today is appropriate for letting go and winding down before the New Moon tomorrow redirects you.

Pisces

The Sun begins its month-long transit of your work and health sector today, dear Pisces, launching a powerful time for getting your daily life in order. You take more pride in your work and health, and especially after the New Moon in this sector tomorrow, you’re in a great position to take charge of your life and body and put bad habits behind you. You have Mars in the same sector giving you extra courage and initiative, and Mercury here as well, helping you to see things clearly and to work smartly. The weeks ahead are excellent for self-development and laying the groundwork for future success. Today, however, you need to wind down before winding back up. The Balsamic Moon wants you to reflect and ponder rather than begin something brand new

 

Your Tarot Card for the Day

July 21, 2017

_____________________________________

Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of this suit is typically a paean to the humble laborer who is willing to show up every day and sweat in the sun for next season’s bounty. The traditional concept is cultivation, with an attitude that slow and steady wins the race, with faith in nature’s assistance. The protagonist of this card doesn’t make excuses, isn’t whimsical or moody, but is dedicated and sees the job through. Of course, it’s no good to count your chickens before they hatch, but there’s no question that the person who is vigilant over a project is more likely to get the desired result.

Someone who works with nature, cooperating with her ways, will waste less energy and time than the person who works against her. As a side meaning, we sometimes see this normally humble farmer in a moment of frenzy, betting the crop on a roll of the dice. This represents a moment of dementia, addiction or desperation which hopefully will not last long enough for the farmer to lose everything!

     Your Daily Love Tarot Card

July 21st, 2017

______________________________

The Devil

Step back if you sense a toxic union. It comes in the form of a smothering relationship. Perhaps someone misuses and manipulates you. Or, they are afraid to get too close. You have control that includes the ability to have power over the amount of love you give out. You stop giving it the moment you feel something is wrong. You do not doubt your decision before you even verbalize it.

Your Erotic Tarot Card for the Weekend of July 21

July 21, 2017

______________________________________

The Lovers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lovers card means your capability to fully surrender to pleasure is at its peak. Letting go in this way used to be hard for you because of your need to feel in control of your actions and/or emotions. What you ultimately desire from a sexual connection right now can only happen if you completely let go of hesitation, inhibition, and any fear of communicating your deepest desires. The Lovers tell you that the door to true intimacy is opening because you and another will allow your hearts to reach true ecstasy!

Your Rune for Friday, July 21st

TIWAZ

Tiwaz – “Tea-waz” – Literally: “The god, Tyr” – Esoteric: Justice, Sacrifice

Rune of the balance and justice ruled from a higher rationality. The rune of sacrifice of the individual (self) for well-being of the whole (society).

Psi: spiritual warrior, honour, righteousness

Energy: sovereign order, sacrifice, right decision making

Mundane: the rule of law, fairness, peace keeping

Divinations: faith, loyalty, justice, rationality, self-sacrifice, analysis, victory, honesty, even-handedness; or mental paralysis, over analysis, over-sacrifice, injustice, imbalance, defeat, tyranny.

Governs:
Obtaining just victory and success in battle, litigation or legal matters
Building spiritual will and development of sound judgement
Develops the power of positive self-sacrifice
Develops the “force of faith” in magic and religion

Your Influences for the Weekend of July 21st

Tarot Influence

Three of Cups Reversed

Over indulgence leads to pain and failure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Scorpio Reversed

Scorpio reveresed represents the lack of will and confidence to move ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air reversed

Air reversed denotes a lack of freedom to move through life as you want.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought of the Day

Be like the moon,
darling,
and shine when they
least expect it.
–Harbinger

 

 

Don’t forget today is the last day of “Customer Appreciation” Week. With your purchase, you will receive a sample of one of the finest lines of incense currently on the market.

The Witches Digest No. 5

Thursday, July 20, 2017

 

Witches Affirmation

A witch is…

One who has power over her/his own life
One who makes his/her own rules, but can abide by the rules of Nature
One who refuses to submit to self-denial
One who recognizes no authority with greater esteem than her/his own, who is loyal to self
One who is untamed and tamed
One who transforms energy for the good of all
One who can be passionate about her/his ideals and values as they are changing
One who is explosive, whose intensity is like volcanoes, floods, winds, and fire
One who is disorderly and orderly
One who is ecstatic
One who alters reality
One who says, “I am a witch” aloud three times

“I am a witch”
“I am a witch”
“I am a witch”

The Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, July 20th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 83.27° E
Sun Altitude: 26.36°
Sun Distance: 94.456 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:50 am↑ 63° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:10 pm↑ 297° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 20 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 118.76° ESE
Moon Altitude: 57.80°
Moon Distance: 225107 mi
Next New Moon: Jul 23, 20174:45 am
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next Moonset: Today5:32 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 11.7%

Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waning Crescent
New Moon: Jul 23, 2017 at 4:45 am
(Next Phase)
Third Quarter: Jul 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm
(Previous Phase)

Reference

timeanddate.com

Astronomy for Thursday, July 20

The Moon is in Gemini all day.
The Moon is waning and in its Third Quarter phase until 12:10 AM, after which the Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
The Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 16th, and the New Moon will occur in Leo on the 23rd.
Mars enters Leo today (Mars is in Leo from July 20-September 5).

Moon in Gemini

The Moon is traveling through witty Gemini today. Call, text, send email, write letters. Visit someone you’ve missed. Watch a movie and talk about it at a coffee shop. Get out and about. Don’t sleep in.

Our instincts are to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

The Sky This Week for July 20 to 23

An asteroid in a constellation, a meteor shower, and other amazing things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Thursday, July 20

Early risers should be on the lookout for this morning’s spectacular conjunction between Venus and the waning crescent Moon. The two rise around 3 a.m. local daylight time and come to dominate the eastern sky by the time twilight begins an hour later. Brilliant Venus shines at magnitude –4.1 just 3° to the upper left of the 12-percent-lit Moon. If you view the planet through a telescope this morning, it shows a 16″-diameter disk that appears 70 percent illuminated.

Friday, July 21

Perhaps no month better epitomizes summer in the Northern Hemisphere than July. And this month finds the season’s namesake asterism, the Summer Triangle, on prominent display. The trio’s brightest member, Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp, stands nearly overhead shortly before midnight. The asterism’s second-brightest star, Altair in Aquila the Eagle, then lies more than halfway from the southeastern horizon to the zenith. Deneb, the luminary of Cygnus the Swan, marks the Summer Triangle’s third corner. Although it is this asterism’s dimmest star, it’s the brightest point of light in the northeastern sky.

The Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, at 1:12 p.m. EDT. It then lies 224,462 miles (361,236 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

Saturday, July 22

Pluto reached the peak of its 2017 appearance last week, and it remains a tempting target for those with an 8-inch or larger telescope. The 14th-magnitude world is visible all night among the background stars of northeastern Sagittarius, some 1.8° east-southeast of 3rd-magnitude Pi (p) Sagittarii. See “In pursuit of Pluto” in the July Astronomy for complete details on finding this world.

Sunday, July 23

New Moon occurs at 5:46 a.m. EDT. At its New phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden by our star. But that won’t be the case the next time our satellite completes an orbit of Earth. On August 21, the New Moon will pass directly in front of our star, bringing a total solar eclipse to millions of observers across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The rest of the country will experience a partial eclipse, though viewers should try their best to get into the path of totality

Reference

The Astronomy Magazine

Two dozen tips for the August 21, 2017, total solar eclipse

Posted by Michael Bakich

You know, I’ve served as a tour guide to 10 total solar eclipses. During my conversations and lectures, I’ve given people lots of advice. So, I thought why not repeat some of it here? I therefore present my top 25 tips related to the United States’ 2017 eclipse.

1. Take eclipse day off — now!

You may think three years is a bit of a long lead time, and, unless you work for a magazine called Astronomy, it may be. The point I’m making is that August 21, 2017, may turn out to be the most popular vacation-day request in history. If not now, figure out the earliest date that makes sense for you to request August 21 as a vacation day, and mark it on your calendar.

2. Make a weekend out of it

Eclipse day is a Monday. Lots of related activities in locations touched by the Moon’s inner shadow will occur on Saturday and Sunday. Find out what they are, where they’re being held, and which you want to attend, and make a mini-vacation out of the eclipse.

3. Attend an event

Trust me when I say you’ll enjoy the eclipse more if you hook up with like-minded people. If you don’t see any special goings-on a few months before August 21, call your local astronomy club, planetarium, or science center. Anyone you talk to is sure to know of eclipse activities.

4. Get involved

If you interests include celestial events and public service, consider volunteering with a group putting on an eclipse event. You’ll learn a lot and make some new friends in the process.

5. Watch the weather

Meteorologists study a chaotic system. Nobody now can tell you with absolute certainty the weather a specific location will experience on eclipse day. And don’t get too tied up in the predictions of cloud cover you’ll see for that date. Many don’t distinguish between “few” (one-eighth to two-eighths of the sky covered), “scattered” (three-eighths to four-eighths), or “broken” (five-eighths to seven-eighths) clouds and overcast. You need to dig deeper.

6. Stay flexible on eclipse day

Unless you are certain August 21 will be clear, don’t do anything that would be hard to undo in a short time. For example, let’s say you’re taking a motor home to a certain city. You connect it to power, hook up the sewage hose, extend the awnings, set up chairs, start the grill, and more. But if it’s cloudy six hours, three hours, or even one hour before the eclipse starts, you’re going to want to move to a different location. Think of the time you would have saved if you had waited to set up. Also, the earlier you make your decision to move, the better. I only can imagine what the traffic might be like on eclipse day.

7. Don’t plan anything funky

Totality will be the shortest two and a half minutes of your life. All your attention should be on the Sun. Anything else is a waste. And be considerate of those around you. Please, no music.

8. Pee before things get going

Yes, I could have phrased this more politely, but I wanted you to read it. And, trust me, you’ll thank me for this tip above and beyond any other on this list. Don’t wait until 10 minutes before totality to start searching for a bathroom. Too much is happening then. Make a preemptive strike 45 minutes prior.

Perhaps as much as 30 minutes before totality, someone in your group is likely to have spotted brilliant Venus.

9. Notice it getting cooler?

A point-and-shoot camera that takes movies will let you record the temperature drop. Here’s a suggestion: Point your camera at a digital thermometer and a watch, both of which you previously attached to a white piece of cardboard or foamcore. Start recording video 15 or so minutes before totality and keep shooting until 15 minutes afterward. The results may surprise you.

10. Watch for the Moon’s shadow

If your viewing location is at a high elevation, or even at the top of a good-sized hill, you may see the Moon’s shadow approaching. This sighting isn’t easy because the shadow is moving at more than 1,000 mph (1,600 km/h). Another way to spot the shadow is as it covers thin cirrus clouds if any are above your site. Again, you’ll be surprised how fast the shadow moves.

11. View the 360° sunset

During totality, take just a few seconds to tear your eyes away from the sky and scan the horizon. You’ll see sunset colors all around you because, in effect, those locations are where sunset (or sunrise) are happening.

12. Get a filter in advance

Cardboard “eclipse” glasses with lenses of optical Mylar cost about $2. Such a device — it’s not a toy — will let you safely look directly at the Sun. It filters out most of the light, all of the dangerous infrared (heat) and ultraviolet radiation, which tans our skin. Buy one well in advance, and you can look at the Sun anytime. Sometimes you can see a sunspot or two. That’s cool because to be visible to our eyes, such a spot has to be larger than Earth. Another safe solar filter is a #14 welder’s glass, which also will cost you $2. Wanna look cool at the eclipse? Buy goggles that will hold the welder’s glass. I’ve even seen people wearing whole helmets. Either those or goggles serves one purpose — you won’t need to hold the filter, so you can’t drop it.

13. No filter? You can still watch

Except during totality, we never look at the Sun. But what if you’ve forgotten a filter? You can still watch by making a pinhole camera. It can be as simple as two pieces of paper with a tiny hole in one of them. (Try to make the hole as round as you can, perhaps with a pin or a sharp pencil.) Line up the two pieces with the Sun so the one with the hole is closest to it. The pinhole will produce a tiny image, which you’ll want to have land on the other piece of paper. Moving the two pieces farther apart will enlarge the Sun’s image but will also lessen its brightness. Work out a good compromise.

14. Bring a chair

In all likelihood, you’ll be at your viewing site several hours before the eclipse starts. You don’t really want to stand that whole time, do you?

15. Don’t forget the sunscreen

Most people who go outside during the summer know this. Remember, you’ll be standing around or sitting outside for hours. You may want to bring an umbrella for some welcome shade. And if you see someone who has forgotten sunscreen, please be a peach and share.

16. Take lots of pictures

Before and after totality, be sure to record your viewing site and the people who you shared this great event with.

A Sunspotter solar telescope by Learning Technologies (and sold through a variety of dealers) provides a sharp image of the Sun that many people can view simultaneously.

17. The time will zoom by

In our August 1980 issue, author Norm Sperling contributed a “Forum” in which he tries to convey how quickly totality seems to pass. You can read it here.

18. Bring snacks and drinks

You’re probably going to get hungry waiting for the eclipse to start. Unless you set up next to a convenience store, consider bringing something to eat and drink. And keep in mind that August is warm. A cooler with ice-cold drinks is a great idea.

19. Nobody you meet will have seen totality.

If you’re planning an event or even a family gathering related to the eclipse, consider this: Statistically, 100 percent of the people you encounter — to a high degree of accuracy — will never have experienced darkness at noon. You will be the expert.
A telescope equipped with an approved solar filter will help Sun-watchers get the most from the eclipse.
20. Invite someone with a solar telescope

In the event you’re thinking of hosting a private get-together (ignoring #3 above), make sure someone in attendance brings a telescope with a solar filter. While it’s true that you don’t need a scope to view the eclipse, having one there will generate quite a bit of buzz. And you (or the telescope’s owner) can point out and describe sunspots, irregularities along the Moon’s edge, and more.

21. Experience totality alone

The 2017 eclipse plus the events leading up to it will combine to be a fabulous social affair. Totality itself, however, is a time that you should mentally shed your surroundings and focus solely on the sublime celestial dance above you. You’ll have plenty of time for conversations afterward.
A get-together with family and friends after the eclipse will help you unwind a bit and hear what others experienced during the eclipse.
22. Schedule an after-eclipse party or meal

Once the eclipse winds down, you’ll be on an emotional high for hours, and so will everyone else. I’ve found no better time to get together with family and friends and just chat. Or, if you’re like me, take a secondary position and just listen to others talking about what they’ve just experienced. Fun!

23. Record your memories

Sometime shortly after the eclipse, when the event is still fresh in your mind, take some time to write, voice-record, or make a video of your memories, thoughts, and impressions. A decade from now, such a chronicle will help you relive this fantastic event. Have friends join in, too. Stick a video camera in their faces and capture 30 seconds from each of them. You’ll smile each time you watch it.

24. Don’t photograph the eclipse

This tip — specifically directed at first-time eclipse viewers — may sound strange because it’s coming to you from the photo editor of the best-selling astronomy magazine on Earth. But I’ve preached this point to thousands of people who I’ve led to far-flung corners of our planet to stand under the Moon’s shadow. True, few of them have thanked me afterward. But I can tell you of upwards of a hundred people who have told me with trembling voices, “I wish I’d followed your advice. I spent so much time trying to center the image and get the right exposures that I hardly looked at the eclipse at all.” How sad is that? And here’s another point: No picture will capture what your eyes will reveal. Trust me, I’ve seen them all. Only the top 1 percent of the top 1 percent of photographers have ever come close. And — no offense meant — but you, with your point-and-shoot pocket camera or off-the-shelf digital SLR, are not one of them.

25. DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH THE ECLIPSE!!!

I’ll state this again for emphasis. Why, oh why, would you even consider looking down and fiddling with a camera when you could be looking up at all that heavenly glory? This eclipse will — at maximum — last 162 seconds. That’s it, my friends. If your camera isn’t doing what you think it should, you’re going to lose valuable time adjusting it. There will be plenty of pix from imagers who have viewed a dozen of these events. So just watch. Watch your first eclipse with your mouth agape, where your only distraction is occasionally wiping tears of joy from your eyes. You will not be disappointed.

Reference

The Astronomy Magazine

Thursday, May 25th

 

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. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positive, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, some 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 – Sagittarius

Planet: Jupiter

Tree: Oak

Herb: Henbane

Stone: Turquoise – Topaz

Animal: Goat – Aurochs

Element: Fire

Color: Orange – Brown

Number: 3

Rune: Thorn (TH)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for Thursday, July 20th

In Lithuania, the Binding of the Wreaths, a lover’s festival like Opet. Goddesses of Love are: Aphrodite, Venus, Oshun, Erzulie, Aida Wedo, Astarte, Isis, Inanna, Flora, Ishtar, Freya, and Xochiquetzal. Also Day of St. Margaret of Antioch, Goddess of Childbirth (Carmen, Carmenta, Mary, Isis, Yemaya, Kwan Yin, Oddudua, Ix Chel, Diana, Artemis, Eileathyia, Demeter, Sheela, Baubo, Mylitta, Spider Woman, Chalchiuhtlique.

Reference

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

On Thursday, July 20th, We Celebrate the Goddess Amaterasu

AMATERASU

Amaterasu, in full Amaterasu Ōmikami, (Japanese: “Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven”), the celestial sun goddess from whom the Japanese imperial family claims descent, and an important Shintō deity. She was born from the left eye of her father, Izanagi, who bestowed upon her a necklace of jewels and placed her in charge of Takamagahara (“High Celestial Plain”), the abode of all the kami. One of her brothers, the storm god Susanoo, was sent to rule the sea plain. Before going, Susanoo went to take leave of his sister. As an act of good faith, they produced children together, she by chewing and spitting out pieces of the sword he gave her, and he by doing the same with her jewels. Susanoo then began to behave very rudely—he broke down the divisions in the rice fields, defiled his sister’s dwelling place, and finally threw a flayed horse into her weaving hall. Indignant, Amaterasu withdrew in protest into a cave, and darkness fell upon the world.

 

The other 800 myriads of gods conferred on how to lure the sun goddess out. They collected cocks, whose crowing precedes the dawn, and hung a mirror and jewels on a sakaki tree in front of the cave. The goddess Amenouzume began a dance on an upturned tub, partially disrobing herself, which so delighted the assembled gods that they roared with laughter. Amaterasu became curious how the gods could make merry while the world was plunged into darkness and was told that outside the cave there was a deity more illustrious than she. She peeped out, saw her reflection in the mirror, heard the cocks crow, and was thus drawn out from the cave. The kami then quickly threw a shimenawa, or sacred rope of rice straw, before the entrance to prevent her return to hiding.

 

Amaterasu’s chief place of worship is the Grand Shrine of Ise, the foremost Shintō shrine in Japan. She is manifested there in a mirror that is one of the three Imperial Treasures of Japan (the other two being a jeweled necklace and a sword). The genders of Amaterasu and her brother the moon god Tsukiyomi no Mikato are remarkable exceptions in worldwide mythology of the sun and the moon. See also Ukemochi no Kami.

Reference

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Today We Celebrate….

Moon Day (United States)
HINA

 

Themes: Moon; Communication; Cycles; Mediation

Symbols: Lunar (silver/white items or any corresponding plants/stones); Coconut

About Hina:
This Tahitian goddess is the Lady in the Moon who shines on us with her changing faces. As the dark moon, she presides over death. As the waxing moon, she is the creatrix who made people from clay and the moon, her home. As the full moon, she embodies a mature woman’s warrior spirit. As the waning moon, she is the aging crone full of wisdom and insight.

According to tradition, coconuts were created from the body of Hina’s lover, an eel god, after he was killed by superstitious locals. She also governs matters of honest communication, and when properly propitiated, Hina sometimes acts as an intermediary between humans and the gods.

To Do Today: On July 20 in 1969, American astronauts visited Hina in person, landing on the moon’s surface and exploring it. In spiritual terms this means taking time to explore the magical nature of the moon today. If the moon is dark, it represents the need to rest from your labors. If it is waxing, start a new magic project and stick with it so the energy grows like the moon. If Hina’s lunar sphere is full, turn a coin in your pocket three times, saying “prosperity” each time so your pocket remains full. If the moon is waning, start taking positive action to rid yourself of a nagging problem. Eat some coconut to help this along by internalizing Hina’s transformative powers.

Reference

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

Thursday’s Conjuring

Thursday – is associated with Jupiter

 

Candle colors – Green, Purple, Orange, or Blue

 

Business, Gambling, Power, Material Wealth, Luck, Road Opening

 

—-Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies
Starr Casas

The Magickal Day of Thursday

 

Thursday is a day of royal blues and greens, associated with the planet Jupiter and metals like tin. When it comes to deities, look at leader type gods like Thor, Zeus, and Jupiter. Gemstone correspondences for Thursday include turquoise, amethyst and lapis lazuli, and plant associations can be found in honeysuckle, cinquefoil, and even oak trees.

This is a day for honor, fealty and family loyalty, as well as harvesting, success, and prosperity.

Take advantage of Thursday’s different aspects and do spellwork that brings abundance to you, declares your allegiance, and embraces prosperity.

Source

Patti Wigington
Article published on ThoughtCo

The Witches Guide To Thursday

 

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

Source

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

Witchery for Your Thursdays

Try wearing some honeysuckle-scented perfume to encourage prosperity. Bewitch someone by wearing deep royal blue or brighten up a dreary day by wearing lucky, prosperity-drawing green. Brew up a pot of mint tea to help increase your cash flow. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to an unscented candle to encourage some fast cash. Bake up a loaf of wheat bread for the family, and celebrate abundance and be thankful for all that you have.

Conjure up a witchy craft and create a philter or two for your magickal needs. Work with the deities and the magickal plants featured in this chapter and experiment. How did the energies of the plants of Jupiter enhance your magick?

What did you learn by working with Juno, Jove, or Zeus? The truth is that by adding these new techniques and information into your spellcasting repertoire, you will indeed advance your skills, thereby moving up in the ranks to become a more adept magickal practitioner.

Just by believing in yourself and working toward creating abundance, health, and prosperity, you have already begun to transform your outlook on life. Put your game face on; think positively. Work with Thor for perseverance and courage, and apply those qualities to your own prosperity spells and healing witchery. Break out the tarot cards; take a careful look at those images of the three featured cards in this chapter. How could you incorporate that symbolism into other spells of your own design?

Call on the gods and goddess of Thursday and bring some positive change, abundance health, and prosperity into your life!

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, July 20th

Binding of Wreaths (Lithuanian)

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini

Incense: Myrrh

Color: Crimson

Correspondences for Thursday

 

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success

Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage

Planet: Jupiter

Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces

Angel: Sachiel

Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo

Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak

Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire

Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise

Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.

Thursday is Ruled By Jupiter

 

Thursday is a Jupiter day. Here is the day of the week for prosperity, abundance, and good health. Thursday is “Thor’s day.” This Norse god gave the day his name and many of his attributes, including strength and abundance. Some suggestions for Thursday enchantments would include:

Wearing a regal and royal shade of blue to see how it affects your mood and your magic. Other colors for the day include purple and green

Carrying a turquoise tumbled stone in your pocket to draw a little protective and healing energy your way Incorporating honeysuckle blossoms and cinquefoil foliage into prosperity charms

Calling on Thor for abundance, or on the Roman god Jupiter for the ability to peacefully referee a fight

Adding a few oak leaves—which are sacred to these Thursday gods—to your charms to see how much better your spell works out

Casting a charm with wheat stalks for prosperity, and calling on Juno Moneta to bring wealth into your life

Baking up some whole wheat bread and blessing it for abundance. Be sure to thank the gods for your family and your good health.

Energy of Jupiter

Notes: Perform on a Thursday and/or during the waxing moon, with the Full moon being strongest. A purple or blue candle.

Color: Thursday

Color: Blue, purple

Metal: Tin

Stones: Lapis lazuli, amethyst, turquoise, sapphire.

Plants: Anise, betony, cinquefoil, jasmine, lavender, oak sage, yerba santa.

Rules: Sagittarius, Pisces

Oils: Anise, beramot, cedar, fir honeysuckle, jasmine, laveder, ntmet, orris, strawberry.

Rules Involving: honor, riches, health, friendships, the heart’s desires, luck, accomplishment, religion, trade and employment, treasure, legal matters.

Thursday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

 

Thursdays are good days for travel and change. It’s the perfect day to re-arrange the furniture of your house and gain a new perspective on something. Even if you are not able to do any traveling on this day, you can still use Thursdays to do spells for travel. You can even do spells for positive change, and re -arrangement of your life. It’s a good idea to exercise on this day, as well. That way, your body can be in-shape by the time Friday comes along.

Vehicle Blessing Before Traveling

Goal: To bless a new or existing vehicle.
Optional extras: Sage smudge stick; salt and water

Notes: This spell can be used for any vehicle, including trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc. Before or during the spell, walk around the vehicle and smudge it with the sage, then sprinkle it with the salt and water. Visualize a shining shield being placed around the vehicle. (You can substitute the word car, truck, or whatever.)

With fire and air, I bless this vehicle
With earth and water, I bless this vehicle
May it run smoothly
May it carry me safely
Wherever I travel
And return me safely to my home
In the name of the goddess
I bless this vehicle
In the name of the god
I protect this vehicle

And all who travel in it
So Mote It Be

Source

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

The Dragon

The dragon is a fantastic beast that appears in almost every mythological tradition throughout the world. Often depicted as a mix of several different creatures, it represents the four elements of life: air, fire, water, and earth. The dragon has the wings of a bird and is covered with the scales of a fish or snake. It is capable of breathing fire, and usually guards a horde of treasure deep within the earth. In pre-Christian Europe and the Far East, the dragon was seen a symbol of power, virility, and superhuman strength, and was considered to be a friend of mankind.

In magick, the dragon is wholly beneficent and is seen as the manifestation of life-giving waters (the serpent), and the breath of life (the bird).

Generally it is considered to be a celestial power, and has the attributes of both the sun and moon, masculine and feminine, good and evil sides of nature. The dragon and serpent are usually interchangeable as representations of the unmanifest and the creation of form and matter.
The dragon represents the highest spiritual power, the supernatural, and the spirit of change. When you align your forces with those of the dragon, you gain strength and power. Its magick can help you overcome negative thoughts and it can teach you how to live abundantly.

DRAGON MAGICK

Dragon Prosperity Spell

This spell is designed to create prosperity.

It works best if you have a job and are looking for a pay raise or bonus.

Items needed: One large green pillar candle, dragon’s blood incense, incense burner and charcoal, dragon prosperity oil, a green silk pouch, five new coins (a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar), and an altar or small table.

Dragon Incense
(To make dragon’s blood incense, mix 1/2 tsp. dragon’s blood resin with 1/2 tsp. allspice, 1/2 tsp myrrh resin, 1/2 tsp. dried orange peel, 1/2 tsp. sandalwood powder. To the mixture add 3-drops cinnamon oil, and 3 drops orange spice oil.

Dragon Prosperity Oil
To make dragon prosperity oil, mix 5 drops cinnamon oil with 3 drops orange spice oil and 2 drops sandalwood oil in a small bottle.) (To make dragon prosperity oil, in a small bottle mix 5 drops cinnamon oil with 3 drops orange spice oil, and 2 drops sandalwood oil.)

The first thing you will need to do is engrave the figure of a dragon on the candle. This can be easily done using a ball point pen or small sculpting tool. The engraving does not have to be an elaborate work of art, just a simple outline will do.

Begin on the night of the new moon. Place the dragon candle on your altar with the incense burner in front of it. Place the coins on the left side of the candle and the silk pouch on the right side.

Light the green candle and charcoal. When the coal is glowing red, sprinkle some incense on it. Pick up the penny, hold it tightly, close your eyes and visualize the dragon in his cave. See his treasure and all the wealth he guards. In your mind’s eye, slowly approach the dragon. Show the dragon your coin. Then, with great respect, ask the dragon to expand your wealth as you say:

O great dragon of wealth and power,
I greet thee in this sacred hour.
Great good fortune on me now shower.
That my prosperity shall blossom and flower.

Stay with the dragon for a short time. Listen to what he says, and take heed of his advice. When the dragon begins to fade, leave his cave and return to the present. Place the penny in the green silk pouch. Thank the dragon by saying:

I thank thee great dragon of power and might
For granting my wishes on this night.

Leave the candle to burn for four hours and then snuff it out. Repeat this spell every night until all of the coins have been placed in the green pouch. When the last coin has been placed in the pouch, allow the candle to completely burn out. The rite is then complete.

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year for July 20th thru 21st

The Binding of the Wreaths

The Binding of the Wreaths is a popular festival among the young people of Lithuania. At sunset, the participants go into the forest and gather summer flowers. The flowers are then made into wreaths, crown circlets, and streamers to be exchanged the following day between lovers.

Household Magick for Thursday, July 20th

Increase prosperity on this day; work toward expansion and moving up in the world

Planetary Influence: Jupiter

Household Symbols: A dollar bill, coins, a paycheck stub, a picture of your home.

Color: Green and royal blue

Kitchen Spices: Sage and nutmeg

The Witches Current Moon Phase for Thursday, July 20th

Waning Crescent
Illumination: 12%

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Thursday, July 20, 2017

Mars in Leo: Let the Good Times Roll!

Passion ignites as the action planet enters this showy Fire sign

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Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, July 20th

 

Aries

You can have a difficult time enjoying yourself with ongoing worries about your work or duties, dear Aries. As well, the Sun in your home and family sector forms a square to Uranus in your sign, suggesting that personal plans and your sense of freedom can also take a hit now. There are times when your “inner rebel” gets in the way of the calm you crave, and today, this can be obvious. You’re wanted in all sorts of directions, and it can feel a little confining right now. Resist the urge to rebel or jump into — or out of — situations without forethought. You are indeed seeking out more security and comfort these days, but you also need to honor your need for a change of scene. Balancing your life makes sense now so that you can come back to a situation refreshed and at your best. Try to sniff out false distractions that steer you off course. There are ways of answering to both needs for independence and for comfort.

Taurus

You can feel torn between playing things safe and making a change today, dear Taurus. When it comes to money and valuables, you can be see-sawing on decisions since you’re unclear about what you want most. Secrets can weigh heavily on your mind today as well. Aim to learn from the frustrations or resentments that arise suddenly and seemingly out of thin air. Keep in mind that there is a tendency for you to express something that ends up causing a stir today. In truth, a part of you wants to break free from confining patterns and secrets, but you’re not certain how to do so just yet, and this secret desire may be at the root of foot-in-the-mouth moments. Perhaps you bring up something and then instantly regret it — but is this your way, on some level, of getting something out of your system once and for all? It’s possible whenever unconventional Uranus in your privacy sector is activated. Mix-ups with instructions or involving transportation may frustrate today and can happen more frequently when you’re distracted. Consider that changes of schedule or routes may lead to new and exciting connections.

Gemini

You can be in the mood for some fun and a change of scenery today, dear Gemini, but something seems to be preventing this. It may be guilty feelings or fear of leaving a situation unmonitored that’s keeping you from being as free-spirited as you’d like. For some, it can be about sharing and ownership or power dynamics in a relationship. Debts to others can weigh more heavily on your mind than usual. Try not to make decisions under pressure and examine any jealousy or resentment that emerges today so that you can deal with it directly. Another challenging influence today — a square between the Sun and Uranus — can lend further tension to the day, particularly with a large dose of unpredictability. If you don’t recognize a need for changes in the ways you connect with others, then circumstances may seem to conspire to prove the point to you! If you’ve been feeling a little too possessive of someone or even a thing, such as a business or project, or if you feel similarly “owned” by someone, then the issue can be forced now. For others, this is about dealing with unreliability in your social life.

Cancer

There can be an air of discontent to the day that’s distinctive, dear Cancer, but there’s a lot to learn by the end of it. A matter that you thought you put behind you — a.k.a. ghosts from the past — seep into your life now, perhaps through chance meetings, dreams, sudden memories, or other triggers. While the discovery that you may still be nursing a wound or that you haven’t satisfactorily closed something can be frustrating, you may be thankful for the window into the situation now. After all, these things don’t truly go away until you deal with them. You might also need to manage some unpredictability in your career or regarding long-term goals that interfere with the enjoyment of the moment. There can be surprises related to career, rules, and responsibilities. If you’re frustrated about not having a clear goal or path, then consider focusing on small jobs with clear goals until things make more sense. Watch for provocative behavior that doesn’t help your case now.

Leo

The desire to enjoy a more vibrant social life is real, dear Leo, even if a big part of you is seeking out extra time for reflection and rest. Today, however, you’re challenged to find a balance. Fears of letting a work or health matter go unmonitored can get in the way of enjoyment. Whether there are power plays involved with people with whom you share your work or daily affairs, or if your own ambition is at play, it can be difficult truly letting go long enough to relax and have fun. Be sure to honor your need for some psychic space, as much as friends and work or health routines are calling to you. The square between the Sun and Uranus today can accentuate an inner conflict between seeking out new experiences and getting time to process recent ones. If your desire to grow and expand is pulling you away from healing activities and much-needed rest, keep in mind that you’ll do nothing well if you don’t refresh yourself.

Virgo

The day’s energies are complicated but revealing, dear Virgo. While you are coming across well with superiors and the public as well as in your work these days, there can be some second-guessing goals or challenges harmonizing work and your personal life today. A predicament about children or a romantic relationship can interfere with your enjoyment of work. If thoughts of these problems are bringing you down, try to replace them with positive affirmations. There are too many things going on to know all the variables. You may also be dealing with conflicting feelings for a person or project. As much as you’re seeking some stability these days, you don’t want to stagnate. Change your methods and pull yourself out of the usual patterns if you’re unfulfilled instead of expecting different results from the same approach. Accept surprises rather than let them discourage you, because in the process, you might discover something entirely new and precious. Later today, your mind opens to new ideas and possibilities.

Libra 

You may be wrestling with a decision or dealing with a tricky matter today, dear Libra, likely related to whether to try something new or stick with what you know. Desires for more freedom are in focus, but emotions are complicated, and you may struggle with a choice to make. People may be trying to pull your strings, or you may be worried about leaving a situation unattended. Perhaps it would be better to relax some control. Identify areas of your life that require a change or a new approach instead of falling back on the same behaviors that keep frustrating patterns alive, particularly in your career and with a partner. Try not to allow others’ unreliability get in the way of the pursuit of your important goals. It can seem as if close relationships and your ambitions don’t mix very well these days. Business and reputation matters are especially important to you, but while they are subject to ups and downs, you begin to see patterns and priorities today. Aim to break out of habits that don’t serve you well and instead focus on making steady progress and improvements.

Scorpio

There can be complicated feelings to navigate today, dear Scorpio. You may not know how to express your feelings, or if you do, but it doesn’t go over smoothly. With your ruler, Pluto, at odds with Venus today, this is not the best day for understanding others nor for gaining others’ faith and trust, but keep in mind this is temporary. Lingering grudges may surface in unexpected ways. The desire to get close to someone is strong, but fears can lead to a feeling you need to control things which drives a wedge between you and others. Also today, a square between the Sun and Uranus tends to bring out your need for a change of pace or a new and improved routine. Rigidity leads to stagnation, so open your mind to new methods and approaches so that you can break out of dull patterns. If you haven’t prepared well or if your daily life is chaotic, then you may have troubles getting away. The atmosphere is ripe for change, however, and the sooner you identify this, the better.

Sagittarius

This is not the easiest of days for feeling in sync with others, dear Sagittarius, even though you’re in a particularly conciliatory cycle. Rhythms in relationships can be off, and satisfaction can be more difficult to achieve than usual. Defensiveness doesn’t get you anywhere, but you may very well need more time to process your feelings and some emotional distance from a situation can buy you that time. You are hungry for more from life than the ordinary these days, but your approach to others can sometimes totally throw them off the scent altogether! Your playfulness is fantastic, but you don’t always communicate your desire for a little more depth and meaning from your interactions and projects. You can have a hard time conveying your message right now, partly because you’re torn on the inside, and partly because you have a hard time expressing your deeper needs. Be willing to let go of a pattern or habit so that you can magnetize more positive energy into your life.

Capricorn

You can feel slightly off today as Venus in your work sector forms an awkward angle to Pluto in your sign, dear Capricorn. Try to avoid the temptation to micromanage people or control a situation through manipulation. Letting go of some control can be one of the best things you can do for your mind, body, and spirit. You could feel that others are making too many demands on you or don’t appreciate you for all that you do. Also today, a Sun-Uranus square keeps things unpredictable. Feeling unsettled when it comes to your home life, family, or living conditions can impact a relationship today. If you’ve been feeling some unrest due to feelings of being typecast or restricted, you’re likely to want to handle the situation now. Don’t wait for the rest of the world to decide what needs to change — taking steps to make your own changes is the path that empowers Fortunately, by the end of the day, you’re willing to try fresh, new approaches to relating and living.

Aquarius

This is not an ideal day for gaining favor or for reliability, dear Aquarius. We can be more defensive than usual, and resistance to your plans or will is quite likely as a result. However, it’s how you redirect yourself in the face of conflict or changes in schedule that matter most now. Friction, in fact, can motivate you to make changes that truly benefit you. If others are pushing your buttons, try to keep a cool head today. Talking openly and honestly about issues may be energy-draining but ultimately helpful, particularly when you explore possible resentments. However, it may be wise to observe now and work things out on a day when we’re more conciliatory. Buried emotions that emerge today are real clues to what may be sabotaging your success and happiness, so pay close attention. You may be thrown off center temporarily by what seems like sudden changes of heart or changes of plans. Choose flexibility over frustration. In fact, a shuffling of responsibilities or activities may lead to good things or good times, if you allow yourself to enjoy the change of pace. Later today, defenses drop, and you find it easier to make adjustments willingly.

Pisces

With a Venus-Pluto quincunx, relationship problems can reach a difficult point, dear Pisces, but even though they’re not likely to come a head yet, you receive some clues now. You may not be directly confronting issues, and while it’s okay this way for now, try to avoid mind games and the like. Resentment robs you of energy, so work on a strategy or solution. Also active today, the Sun and Uranus form a square, challenging you to break out of a rut or a pattern that’s preventing you from growing and changing. Be as mindful as possible, for if you act out without self-awareness, you may be taking risks, overpaying, or jumping into (or out of) something too quickly. Alternatively, uncertainty about your income or security can interfere with your desire to have fun. However, later today, you may open up to someone, and as defenses drop, you learn something about yourself and your real feelings.

If You Were Born Today, July 20th

You possess personal magnetism and mental power, and you can also be very fixed and stubborn. Positively, you stick with something for a long time without giving up easily. Negatively, you might hold on to things or situations that have outgrown their worth, or you might become obsessive. You are success-oriented, but you don’t abandon your basic values and traditions in the process of achieving your goals. You tend to be most successful in partnership, whether your partner is involved in what you do or not.

Famous people born today: Carlos Santana, Natalie Wood, Kim Carnes, Josh Holloway, Judy Greer, Sandra Oh.

Birthdays on the Cancer-Leo Cusp

Learn all about the personality of “The Cusp of Oscillation”

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Find out what all the cusps mean to you!

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Horoscopes for Friday, July 21st

 

Aries

Since Mars is your ruler, its transits are especially significant for you, dear Aries. With Mars now in your romance and creativity sector until September 5th, and the Sun soon to follow, you may feel as if the summer has truly begun! It’s an excellent transit for smooth-flowing energy, self-expression, and entertainment. Your magnetism levels increase. Some of you are pouring a lot of energy into dating or romantic pursuits. For others, this is about stepping up your hobbies, pastimes, leisure time, creative works, or activities with kids. You’ve certainly been thinking about having more fun or pursuing your heart’s desire in the past two weeks, and now you’re coming to a point where you’re ready to act on your thoughts and plans. This morning, your perceptions may not be super reliable, as you see things through the lens of wishful thinking. As the day advances, however, you become considerably more confident, alert, and directed. Your words are particularly creative, and there is a unique charm to your presentation.

Taurus

Until September 5th, Mars transits your home and family sector, dear Taurus, and this means you’re pouring more energy into your personal life. While this is not the easiest position for smooth flow of energy, and in fact, you can experience variable energy and motivation levels now, it’s an excellent time for taking care of household and family matters. Activities with or on behalf of family figure strongly now. Projects around the home can be satisfying now. Watch for bottling up anger or taking your frustrations with the outside world out on people you live with! This morning, a minor challenging aspect between the Sun and Neptune can pull up a feeling that others are draining you of energy or confidence, which can be the result of their negativity or your expectations of them. However, creative energy is good if you can direct it, and as the day advances, it becomes easier to do so. You are particularly creative with money and business. You are magnetic, and you may be taking the lead in charming and fruitful ways.

Gemini

Mars is transiting your communications sector now and until September 5th, dear Gemini, and this can serve to enliven your daily affairs as well as motivate you to learn more, pursue personal interests, get out and about, and connect with others. Mercury has been in this sector for the last two weeks, stirring up mental energy and encouraging you to make plans, but now with Mars here, you want to put plans or ideas into motion. The Sun will follow tomorrow, and the New Moon on the 23rd can get you going as well. You’re moving into a far busier, more engaging period of your summer, and you’re likely to have a great time with it! While you should watch for aggressive or impulsive words and transit during this cycle, it’s a great time for taking the lead and the initiative with learning and sharing your ideas or reaching out to others. This morning, there can be a mental disconnect or illusions related to money and work to deal with, but as the day advances, you’re increasingly more directed and motivated.

Cancer

Until September 5th, Mars moves through your resources sector, dear Cancer. Now that you’re no longer hosting active, aggressive Mars in your sign, you’re likely to find life becomes quieter. Even so, you’re more motivated to build and develop something important to you, such as a business, pet project, bank account, or relationship. With less focus on personality development, you’re moving into a great period for enjoying what you have and building upon your resources at a comfortable pace. While your drive to make money or to make your life more secure increases, you can sometimes be quite impulsive with your purchases. This morning, watch for self-deception, as you may not be seeing yourself and others very clearly. You mean different things to different people and this can confuse true understanding of yourself. As the day advances, clarity returns, and your creative juices flow. A private longing can take hold.

Leo

Mercury entered your sign on the 5th, dear Leo, and you’ve been thinking a lot about personal plans. Now that Mars entered Leo, you’re taking on more of Mars’ fiery, assertive, and courageous traits until September 5th. Tomorrow, the Sun will arrive in your sign, and then the following day, a New Moon occurs in Leo, so you’re moving into a busier, more noticeable and personally influential period this week! This is a time of increased independence and initiative. You might be presenting yourself more boldly or taking on new projects now. Your energy levels increase, and your best bet is to pace yourself and take action on matters that need doing most. This morning, a minor challenging aspect increases your psychic sensitivity and you may feel a little disoriented temporarily. As the day advances, you can feel particularly invigorated by people around you.

Virgo

Until September 5th, Mars spends time in your privacy and soul sector, dear Virgo, and you’re in particular need of extra rest as well as activities that aid healing and energy replenishment. This is also a time for working on motivation levels as you may be putting a particular venture to rest or wrapping up a project, and you now need to reorient yourself. Mercury has been in this sector for the past couple of weeks, and tomorrow, the Sun will move in here, too. On the 23rd, a New Moon occurs in the same area of your solar chart and next month, an eclipse happens here as well. All in all, you’re in a strong position to do some soul-searching, vacationing, and resting as you consider new directions for the future. There can be considerable attention to the past now. You’re also more inclined to feel out situations and pay special attention to what your intuition has to say, and it can be important stuff! In fact, over the coming weeks, you’re likely to receive powerful messages from your inner guide. This morning, a person or a connection can be difficult to see clearly, but as the day advances, you’ll feel more motivated and on track. It’s a good time for making nice with bosses, customers, or associates.

Libra 

Until September 5th, Mars is lending extra energy, courage, assertiveness, and fire to your sector of groups, friendships, and aspirations, dear Libra. A more active and lively social life is likely now, or there can be a particular focus on group or teamwork. You can play a stronger role in others’ lives now. Generally speaking, competitive energy with friends now is the motivating kind – something inspires you through your friends or networks to take better charge of your life or to work towards a special goal or dream. This morning, however, when it comes to practical matters, you may not be thinking realistically. You may be tempted to gloss over problems. As the day advances, a parallel aspect between your lovely ruler, Venus, and Mars can motivate you and fill you with enthusiasm and confidence. It also improves your powers of attraction, although you’re not content to wait for something or someone to find you — you’re ready to go and get what or who you want! You manage to be both gracious and assertive.

Scorpio

Until September 5th, Mars transits your career and reputation sector, dear Scorpio, bringing high energy and ambition, as well as motivation and competitive feelings, to your world. Life path goals, your public life, responsibilities, performance, business affairs, and career are the subjects of this sector of your solar chart, and these matters can awaken, enliven, and animate, assuming far more importance in your life than usual. Mercury has been in this sector of your chart for the last couple of weeks, and your thinking has become more goal-oriented. You now want to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak, and put ideas and plans into motion. It would be wise to do so after the Sun enters this same sector tomorrow, and after the New Moon occurs here the following day. In fact, a second attempt to get where you want to go can come after an eclipse takes place in this sector next month. Motivation to excel, improve, and advance increases in the coming weeks. You may experience some clashes with people who’d prefer to take the lead during this cycle, however. This morning, you may feel some temporary loss of direction, but the daydreaming and envisioning you do now can be helpful. Coming to a good balance between work and down time is a cinch as the day advances.

Sagittarius

Until September 5th, Mars moves in harmony with your sign, dear Sagittarius, and motivates you to actively learn and participate, as well as boost your spirits and zest for life. This is an enthusiastic and energetic cycle in which you feel more confident about making changes or trying new things. You’re attracted to new physical or mental challenges and your desire to learn about the world and share your ideas and opinions increases. Debates can become very lively and passionate at this time. You may take up a new interest, self-publish, or pursue a course of study. You’re seeking out truth and justice as well as greater understanding of the world around you and your place in it. Routines can bore you more than usual, however, and you’ll be wise to keep one foot on the ground. While today can begin a little groggily, as the day advances, you’re in a fabulous position to connect with others. This can be an exciting time for learning.

Capricorn

Now and until September 5th, Mars is heating up your intimacy sector, dear Capricorn, encouraging you to seek out deeper connections, whether this is with a project or a person! You’re more strategic about going after what and who you want during this cycle. You’re also more willing and courageous than usual to dig deep and acknowledge your innermost desires. If you’ve been having issues with power dynamics and sharing in a relationship, now is the time to pull them out of hiding. It can also be a time for pursuing a loan or support if needed. Your intimate life can heat up in the coming weeks. While the morning’s energies are a little murky and undirected, the remainder of the day finds you particularly creative and resourceful. Impulsiveness in relationships and with your work is possible now, but this can also be a time for pursuing an exciting direction. You may want to act upon your desires today.

Aquarius

Mars is now transiting your opposite sign, dear Aquarius, and will animate your relationships until September 5th. This transit can play out in different ways. Some of you are attracting more energetic, assertive, and active people into your life. For others, this is a time for actively seeking out a relationship or for becoming more active with a partner. You’re likely to find others energizing, or irritating! There can be a competitive feel to relationships. It’s a great time for clearing the air or taking charge of problem areas if you don’t mind some liveliness. This morning, dreamy or creative activities can be satisfying detours from pressures. As the day advances, creative energy builds but now with more purpose. You crave harmony, and you’re ready and willing to take real steps to get to a position of mutual benefit, making negotiations very successful now.

Pisces

Mars is now animating your work and health sector, dear Pisces, and will continue to motivate you to get on top of your daily routines until September 5th, so take advantage! You may be pouring a lot more energy into organizing your space, pursuing fitness or other health methods, and providing services or doing your work during this cycle. You’ve had Mercury in this sector since the 5th, and where you’ve been thinking and talking about your plans to step up these things, you’re now getting ready to act on your ideas or put plans into motion. Watch for pushing yourself too hard in these areas, and wait until after the New Moon on the 23rd to begin brand-new initiatives along these lines, but enjoy the rush of enthusiasm to take better care of yourself and your daily habits and routines. This morning, however, it can be difficult to get going on anything solid, but as the day advances, you begin to see something coming together. There can be uniquely creative, dynamic ideas about handling your home or personal life as well.

Tarot Card of the Day

Three of Coins

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Do some magic of your own today, like penetrating facades and gaining insights into dubious stories that lack credibility. Hold onto your heartstrings until you know you haven’t met a fickle flirt or a trickster. The Magician makes us see what we want to see regardless of the reality of a situation. He draws us in because we love secrets and mysteries, but who wants to live with them day after day and year after year?

Your Daily Rune for Thursday, July 20th

Othala

 

Othala – “Oh-thall-ah” – Literally: “Homeland” or “Ancestral Lot” – Esoteric: Inheritance, estate, noble

Rune of anscetral spiritual power, divine inheritance and earthly estate.

Psi: ancestral spiritual power

Energy: ancestral spiritual power, inheritance, heaven on earth, “The gift of Ing”, paradise, utopia

Mundane: household, estate, inheritance

Divinations: A home or estate, group prosperity, group order, freedom, productive interaction; or lack of customary order, totalitarianism, slavery, poverty, homelessness, xenophobia, racism, genocide.

Governs:

Rightful inheritance from ancestral holdings
Collection of numinous power and knowledge from past generations
Acquisitions of wealth and property
Right understanding of global unity
Security, safety, protection, the walls of Asgard
Ascension to King amongst men
Realization of Paradise

Your Animal Spirit Guide for July 20th

The Wisdom of Buddha

The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve.

Sun enters Cancer on July 20

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The Witches Digest No. 4

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

 

Known

Out of the dark
Out of the shadows
Out of the closet

 

Stand and be known…

 

Draw down the moon
Cast the energy
Work the magick

 

Stand and be known …

 

Fear be gone
Hatred is shed
Dread is released

 

Stand and be known …

 

Know who you are
Accept who you are
Walk your path

 

Stand and be known…

 

For you are daughter
For you are a Sister
For you are a Witch

 

Stand and be known….

—A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Tuesday, July 18th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 65.75° ENE
Sun Altitude: 3.09°
Sun Distance: 94.469 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:48 am↑ 63° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:12 pm↑ 297° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 23 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 123.72° ESE
Moon Altitude: 52.01°
Moon Distance: 228891 mi
Next New Moon: Jul 23, 20174:45 am
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next Moonset: Today3:16 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 31.7%

 

Lunar Phase
Moon Phase Tonight: Waning Crescent
New Moon: Jul 23, 2017 at 4:45 am
(Next Phase)
Third Quarter: Jul 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm
(Previous Phase)

Reference

timeanddate.com

 

Your Astronomy for Tuesday, July 18th

The Moon is in Taurus.
The Moon is waning and in its Third Quarter phase.
The Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 16th, and the New Moon will occur in Leo on the 23rd.

 

 

Moon in Taurus

 

The Moon is in Taurus all day, encouraging enjoyment of the world of the five senses. Reinforcing a theme of the seeking out of pleasure is Taurus’ ruler, Venus, in harmonious aspect to Jupiter today.

 

This morning, Mars forms a trine to Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead –or to take action — regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. There can be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas. There is a drive to take positive action, most notably to defend or help others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity, although a dynamic aspect between Mars and Neptune can point to some questioning of our resolve.

 

This afternoon, the happy Venus-Jupiter connection stimulates friendly energy and our desire for the ideal, and it can lift our spirits further. Our tolerance for rudeness or crassness decreases. This aspect helps to both soften and strengthen us. We are big-hearted, and our feelings are big, begging expression. Gestures tend to be thoughtful and verbal. We’re hopeful, cheerful, and cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent, time. We are quick to find meaning in our social connections. We are especially open and trusting of others, expecting the best, and both integrity and loyalty are favored.

 

The Sky This Week for July 18 to 23

An asteroid in a constellation, a meteor shower, and other amazing things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Tuesday, July 18

Jupiter appears nearly one-third of the way to the zenith in the southwestern sky an hour after sunset this week. The brilliant planet shines at magnitude –1.9 and dominates the evening sky. It appears against the backdrop of Virgo, some 9° northwest of the Maiden’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Spica. When viewed through a telescope, Jupiter’s disk spans 36″ and shows a wealth of atmospheric detail, while its four bright Galilean moons line up west of the planet. Conveniently, the quartet of satellites appears in order of increasing distance from the planet, with Io closest followed by Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

Wednesday, July 19

The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower ramps up this week. The shower doesn’t peak until the end of July, but you should see a few of its members in the hours before dawn. The best time to look is between 3 and 4 a.m. local daylight time, just before twilight begins. Viewing conditions should be excellent because the waning crescent Moon sheds little light into the morning sky. To tell a Southern Delta Aquariid meteor from a random dust particle burning up in Earth’s atmosphere, trace the streak of light’s path backward. A shower meteor will appear to originate from the constellation Aquarius the Water-bearer.

Thursday, July 20

Early risers should be on the lookout for this morning’s spectacular conjunction between Venus and the waning crescent Moon. The two rise around 3 a.m. local daylight time and come to dominate the eastern sky by the time twilight begins an hour later. Brilliant Venus shines at magnitude –4.1 just 3° to the upper left of the 12-percent-lit Moon. If you view the planet through a telescope this morning, it shows a 16″-diameter disk that appears 70 percent illuminated.

Friday, July 21

Perhaps no month better epitomizes summer in the Northern Hemisphere than July. And this month finds the season’s namesake asterism, the Summer Triangle, on prominent display. The trio’s brightest member, Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp, stands nearly overhead shortly before midnight. The asterism’s second-brightest star, Altair in Aquila the Eagle, then lies more than halfway from the southeastern horizon to the zenith. Deneb, the luminary of Cygnus the Swan, marks the Summer Triangle’s third corner. Although it is this asterism’s dimmest star, it’s the brightest point of light in the northeastern sky.

The Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, at 1:12 p.m. EDT. It then lies 224,462 miles (361,236 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

Saturday, July 22

Pluto reached the peak of its 2017 appearance last week, and it remains a tempting target for those with an 8-inch or larger telescope. The 14th-magnitude world is visible all night among the background stars of northeastern Sagittarius, some 1.8° east-southeast of 3rd-magnitude Pi (p) Sagittarii. See “In pursuit of Pluto” in the July Astronomy for complete details on finding this world.

Sunday, July 23

New Moon occurs at 5:46 a.m. EDT. At its New phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden by our star. But that won’t be the case the next time our satellite completes an orbit of Earth. On August 21, the New Moon will pass directly in front of our star, bringing a total solar eclipse to millions of observers across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The rest of the country will experience a partial eclipse, though viewers should try their best to get into the path of totality.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

 

Today is Tuesday, May 16

 

Tuesday is dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified in Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, Tuisco and Tyr. Tuesday rules controlled power, energy and endurance.

Deity: Tiwaz

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Planet: Mars

Tree: Holly

Herb: Plantain

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Fire

Color: White

Number: 2

Rune: Tyr (T)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

 

On Tuesday, July 18th We Honor The Goddess Lakshmi

LAKSHMI IS TREASURED IN India as the goddess of prosperity and beauty. She is believed to represent all that is wonderfully feminine, while her consort, Vishnu, the conqueror of darkness, represents all that is masculine. Many delicately detailed paintings from India show Lakshmi and Vishnu riding on the back of Garuda, the king of birds, as they fly across the land.

According to Indian mythology, the goddess Lakshmi was created from the Ocean of Milk. Vishnu churned the Ocean of Milk for Indra, king of the gods, to make a magic potion that would bestow eternal life. As Vishnu churned the ocean, many wonderful things came out of it, including a wish-granting cow, an elephant, and a handsome white horse. But most precious of all was beautiful Lakshmi.

As Lakshmi rose out of the Ocean of Milk upon her lotus flower throne, elephants bathed her with water poured from golden vessels. The ocean dressed the goddess in a wreath of unfading lotuses; jewels as bright as stars wrapped themselves around her plump, graceful arms and neck. All who looked upon Lakshmi knew instant happiness.

The goddess immediately announced that her place was next to Vishnu’s heart.

Fortunately, Vishnu agreed. Lakshmi married Vishnu, and they soon had a son named Kama. Kama came to be considered the god of romantic love; in many paintings, he looks similar to cherubs depicted on greeting cards for Valentine’s Day. These three deities represent the abundant promise of wealth the world can offer us—if we choose to accept its blessings.

Source

The Book of Goddesses: Expanded Anniversary Edition
Kris Waldherr

 

On Tuesday, July 18th, We Celebrate…..

Tabuleiros Festival (Portugal)

AKERBELTZ

 

Themes: Harvest; Charity; Health; Thankfulness; Beauty; Peace

 

Symbols: Rainbows; Health and Healing Amulets

 

About Akerbeltz: This Basque goddess attends the human body by protecting it from disease, encouraging health, and offering healing when needed, especially when we overdo summer activities! Being a goddess of earth and nature too, she sometimes appears as a rainbow, a bridge that takes us from being under the weather to overcoming circumstances.

 

To Do Today: The Tabuleiros has been celebrated for six hundred years in Portugal by honoring the harvest, giving thanks to the goddess for her providence, and making donations to charitable organizations. The highlight of the day is a parade in which people wear huge headdresses covered with bread, flowers, and doves—symbols of Akerbeltz’s continued sustenance, beauty, and peace. These are retained by the wearer through the year to keep Akerbeltz close by, warding off sickness. A simpler approach for us might be to get a small rainbow refrigerator magnet or window piece that reflects this goddess’s beauty throughout our home to keep everyone therein well and content.

 

Also, give a little something to someone in need today. Doing good deeds for others pleases Akerbeltz because it makes them healthier in spirit. She will bless you for your efforts with improved well-being, if only that of the heart.

 

Source

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

 

Ritual Crafting for Tuesday

Ruling Planet: Mars

Perfume: Hellebore, Carnation, Patchouli

Incense: Lignum Aloes, Plantain

Color: Red

Influences: Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical Strength

 

Source

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

 

The Magickal Day of Tuesday

 

Named for the Norse god Tyr, who was a deity of heroism and combat, Tuesday is a very martial sort of day – color associations include bright red and oranges, as well as warrior-like metals such as iron and steel.

 

The ancient Romans called this day Martis, after the warrior god Mars – other deities associated with Tuesday include Ares, the Morrighan, and other gods of battle and glory. Red gemstones like rubies and garnets come into play on Tuesdays, as do herbs and plants such as thistles, holly, coneflowers and cacti – you’ll notice these are all sharp, prickly plants!

 

One of the interesting – and more than a little amusing – aspects of Tuesday magic is that in addition to war and conflict against your enemies, this is a day also associated with marriage. You can also use this day of the week for magical workings connected to protection and initiation. Use Tuesday to assert yourself, make a mark and stake your claims

 

Source

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

 

The Witches Guide To Tuesdays

 

A god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see its connections to Mars.

Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.

Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.

Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.

On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source:

Gypsy Magic

 

Tuesday’s Witchery

 

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day

 

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate onTiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

 

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

 

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

Source

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

 

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, July 18th

Nelson Mandela International Day

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Taurus

Incense: Ylang-ylang

Color: Scarlet

 

Tuesday’s Correspondences

Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel

Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli

Herb: Basil

The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.

Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.

Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

 

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.

 

 

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:

*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads.

*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions

*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery

*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home

*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success

 

The Energy of Mars

Weekday ruled by Mars: Tuesday

Stones:
Bloodstone
Garnet
Carnelian
Pink Tourmaline

Herbs and Plants:
Red Rose
Cock’ comb
Mugwort
Mullien
Nettle
Thistle
Wormwood

Magickal Intention: Courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, breaking negative cycles, war, viltality, Assertiveness.

 

Tuesday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

Hot Stuff Candle Spell

 

Want to drive your lover crazy? This candle spell is meant to entice and tempt. The whole point of it is to add a little spark back into your relationship and to make you irresistible. In this spell, you will be calling on Lilith, so prepare yourself for a good time. Please remember to be conscientious of this spell and only work this upon yourself, self, so you and your partner can have a little fun.

Gather a red candle, a black candle, and two candle holders. Sprinkle a dash of pepper per and a pinch of allspice on the unlit candles. Arrange three snapdragons or three red roses in a vase. Repeat the following charm three times:

As I light red and black candles for a hot and sexy spell
I now call on Lilith for passion, and all will be well
Peppers and spice and snapdragons/red roses three
These will make me very enticing, so now must it be.

Close the spell with:

For the good of all, with harm to none
May my love and I have a little fun!

Now go and find your lover, give him or her a bewitching smile, and see what kind of reaction you get.

Source

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

 

The Witches Current Moon Phase for July 18th

Waning Crescent
Illumination: 31%

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, July 19th

 

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Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

 

Tarot Card of the Day

The Emperor

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In the most practical terms, The Emperor Tarot card represents the highest leadership, a head of state, or the most exemplary and powerful person in the realm. This archetypal ruler is responsible for the affairs of a society or community, which are directly proportional to his well being and happiness.

The more enlightenment and cosmic perspective this energy brings, the better life is for all. The Emperor archetype masters the world of matter and physical manifestation. When you apply this card to your situation, acknowledge your potentials for mastery. Reinforce a sense of sovereignty within yourself, despite any self-limiting beliefs, habits, or appearances to the contrary.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

 

Your Daily Rune for July 18th

Urus

Uruz – “Oo – Ruse” – Literally: “Aurochs” – Esoteric: Endurance, Formation, Manifestation

Key Concepts: life force, physical health, courage, organic structure, manifestation, formation, healing, vigor, endurance

Psi: determination, persistence, freedom, courage, will, territoriality, independence

Energy: Vital formative force, archetypal patterning, raw primal power, survival, healing, endurance, manifestation, organic structuring

Mundane: physical health, stamina

Divinations: Strength, constancy, vitality, tenacity, pattern, luck, health, pragmatic knowledge, understanding; or weakness, obsession, misdirected force, inconstancy, sickness, ignorance, uncontrolled rage, insensitivity, brutality

Governs:
Shaping and forcing fortunate circumstances creatively through will and inspiration
Self-healing and maintenance of good mental and physical health
Assertion of home ground, personal space, independence and freedom
Strength and tenacity, courage, persistence against all odds
Ability to control aggression and take responsibility
Rites of passage, especially into adulthood

 

Your Weekly Influences for May 17th

 

Tarot Influence

Time Reversed

Time reversed denotes the waste of time, a lack of learning or gaining wisdom from experience. You may find yourself alone and without allies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Aries

The Ram is energetic, courageous, optimistic and obstinate. The Ram is not a quitter! He will get his way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air reversed

Air reversed denotes a lack of freedom to move through life as you want

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Sky News for April 18th:  Venus, moon, Aldebaran before dawn

 

Save

Wheel of the Year plaque

 

 

 

Cat and Pentagram Wall

 

 

    The Witches Digest #2                                                                                                           Saturday, July 15th, 2017

 

 

Invocation to the Three-Fold One

Maiden, Maiden, robed in light
Rejoice with us, this Sabbat night
Beauty Thy shield, and love Thy sword
Hath vanquished even death’s dark Lord.
We bow before Thy gentle might.

Thy youthful joy doth never fade
Be welcome, oh Crone, sweet Mother, and Maid!
Mother Goddess, clad in green
Our circle Thy court, oh gracious Queen
All that lives comes forth from Thee
And dying returns – as the drop to the sea.
Rule Heaven, rule Hell, and the wide worlds between.

Thy lunar crown will light our scene,
Come and bless us Old Crone, sweet Maiden, and Queen.
Ancient Crone, in tatters old
Thy lore is bitter, Thy rede is cold
In wisdom fabled beyond our ken
Thou holdest wake over Gods and men
Then layest them down, to rest, in the mould.

With Thy wisdom be with us – Maid, Mother, and Crone!

 

by Seleneicthon, from “Spokes of the Wheel”, © 1979

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Saturday, July 15th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 36.50° NE
Sun Altitude: -22.20°
Sun Distance: 94.483 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:46 am↑ 62° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:13 pm↑ 298° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 27 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 132.98° SE
Moon Altitude: 39.84°
Moon Distance: 237281 mi
Next New Moon: Jul 23, 20174:45 am
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next Moonset: Today12:00 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 65.8%

Lunar Calendar
Third Quarter: Jul 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm
(Next Phase)
Full Moon: Jul 8, 2017 at 11:06 pm
(Previous Phase)

 

Source

timeanddate.com

Your Astronomy for Saturday, July 15th

The Moon is in Aries.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase.
The Full Moon occurred on the 9th in the sign of Capricorn, and the Last Quarter Moon will occur tomorrow.

 

Moon in Aries

 

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

The Sky This Week for July 15 to 16

 

Pluto’s peak appearance, asteroid 6 Hebe, and other cool things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Saturday, July 15

Although Saturn reached its peak a month ago today, when it appeared opposite the Sun in the sky, our view of the ringed planet remains spectacular. It resides against the backdrop of southern Ophiuchus, a region that climbs highest in the south around 11 p.m. local daylight time. Saturn glows at magnitude 0.2 and easily outshines the background stars. When viewed through a telescope, the planet’s globe measures 18″ across and the dramatic ring system spans 41″ and tilts 27° to our line of sight.

Sunday, July 16

Last Quarter Moon occurs at 3:26 p.m. EDT. Look for it either before dawn this morning (when it looks slightly more than half-lit) or after it rises around 1 a.m. local daylight time tomorrow (when it appears as a fat crescent). Earth’s only natural satellite straddles the border between the relatively inconspicuous constellations Pisces the Fish and Cetus the Whale.

 

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

 

Saturday, July 15

Saturday is dedicated to the shadowy Anglo-Saxon God Saetere or Seater, July 15equivalent to the God Saturn. It is a day also associated with the Norns, the Norse equivalent of Three Fates, and the trickster God Loki. It is connected generally with apprehension, austerity, caution, and excessive self-limitation.

Deity: Saetere

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Planet: Saturn

Tree: Alder

Herb: Daffodil

Stone: Amethyst

Animal: Eagle

Element: Earth

Color: Dark Blue

Number: 4

Rune: Dag(D)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

Reference

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Pagan Book of Days for Saturday, July 15th

The rowan tree goddess, Rowana or Rauni, is patronesss of the secret knowledge of the runes. The rowan is the tree of protection and its wood, used in making defensive amulets, is especilaly effective if cut on ths day, St. Swithin’s Day is a weather marker. if it rains this day, it is said, then it will rain for the next forty days.

Reference

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

Goddesses Associated with Saturdays

Ops, Rhea, Tellus Mater, Gaia, Eartha, Ge, Tonantzin, Ashera, Anath, the Shekinah, the Matronit, Mary, Gula, Herodias, Oddudua, Demeter

Reference

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Today We Honor The Goddess Gaia

GAIA
Mother Earth, Mother Nature

The first Greek god was actually a goddess. She is Gaia, or Mother Earth, who created herself out of primordial chaos. From her fertile womb all life sprang, and unto Mother Earth all living things must return after their allotted span of life is over.

Gaia, as Mother Nature, personifies the entire ecosystem of Planet Earth. Mother Nature is always working to achieve and maintain harmony, wholeness and balance within the environment. Mother Nature heals, nurtures and supports all life on this planet, and ultimately all life and health depend on Her. In time, Nature heals all ills.

The way of Mother Gaia is the passive, feminine, Yin way of healing. All we need to do to regain our health is to return to the bosom of Mother Nature and live in accordance with Her laws. The Gaia archetype underlies all notions of the Nature Cure. Mother Nature is a healing goddess.

In the 1960s, James Lovelock formulated the Gaia hypothesis. It states that all life, and all living things on this planet, are part of a single, all-encompassing global entity or consciousness which he named Gaia. It is this global consciousness, Mother Gaia, that makes our planet capable of supporting life, while our near neighbors in the solar system are barren and lifeless.

Through the global consciousness of Mother Gaia, all living things on this planet, from their most primordial instincts, are constantly interacting with their environment to ensure the harmony, balance and continuity of Life. Live in abalance with Mother Nature and health and healing are yours; violate Her laws and get out of balance, and you pay the price in suffering and disease. In this sense, all medicine and healing can be seen as a system of ecology.

Acknowledgements:
Greek Medicine.Net
Cassell’s Dictionary of Classical Mythology by Jenny March
Copyright 1998 by Cassell and Co. in the UK
Entry on Gaia – pg. 324

Today Is Saturday, July 15th, We Celebrate…

Mount Fuji Climbing (Japan)
FUCHI

 

Themes: Inspiration; Courage; Safety (protection); Fire (ancient); Skill (sports); Relationships

Symbols: Mountains; Fire

About Fuchi:
This goddess gave her name to the sacred volcano Fujiyama. As a fire goddess, she rules natural energy (heat) sources, and also those generated in our hearths, homes, and hearts. This energy, along with summer’s sun, joins together in our life today, generating strength, endurance, keen vision, and relationships filled with genuine warmth.

To Do Today: July and August mark the climbing season at Mount Fuji. For most people, attempting this is a pilgrimage of sorts dedicated to “climbing the mountain because it’s there.” On a deeper level, however, the mountain houses the deities of Shinto tradition, challenging all who dare visit to stretch their limits and do their very best. While most of us can’t go to Japan to visit the goddess in her abode, we can climb stairs to help us reconnect with Fuchi’s uplifting powers. Today, instead of using elevators, climb stairs whenever and wherever possible. As you do, visualize the area(s) in your life that could use a boost from Fuchi’s energy, those areas that really challenge you somehow, or those where emotional warmth seems lacking. When you reach the top, claim your reward with some type of affirmation (such as I am strong, I am loving), and then act on this change with conviction!

 

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

Ritual Influences for Saturday, July 15th

Planet: Saturn

Perfumes: Hyacinth, Pansy

Incense: Peperwort, Assodilious, Black Poppy Seeds, Henbane, Lodestone, Myrrh

Wood: Oak

Color: Black

Influences: Duties, Respondibilities, Finding Families, Works of Magic, Buildings, Meditation, Life, Doctrines.

Reference
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

The Magickal Day of Saturday

It’s the end of the week for many of us, so Saturday – named for the god Saturn – is a good time to wrap things up. Associated with the colors black and dark purple, and the metal lead, this day is also connected to the goddess Hecate. Gemstones like Apache tear, obsidian, and hematite are all connected to Saturday’s magic, as are plants such as thyme, mullein, and the cypress tree.

When it comes to magical workings, focus on agriculture and creativity, fortune and hope, protection and banishment of negativity.

Put up a barrier to keep the unwelcome out, eliminate the things that make you miserable, and wash your hands of anything other than your hopes, dreams and goals.

Author

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

The Witches Guide to Saturday

The planetary correspondence for Saturday is Saturn. Matters dealing with the public, farming, family ties, legal matters (such as wills and estates), taking care of debts, dealing with lawyers, financing, joint money matters, real estate, older people, banishing or binding negativity, and getting rid of bad habits all fall under the charge of Saturn. It’s easy to see why “Saturday’s child works hard for his living.”

 

Saturday’s angels are Cassiel, Machatan, Uriel, and Orifiel. Cassiel is the angel of solitudes and tears. He is one of the rulers of the planet Saturn and occasionally appears as the angel of patience. Cassiel links himself to dragon energy. Regarding Machatan, the only information we get is that he works well with Cassiel and is also a power of Saturn. Orifiel is an angel of the wilderness, a ruler of the second hour of the day, and also associated with Saturn.

 

On Saturday, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Saturn, 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

Saturday’s Witchery

 

Saturday is a day filled with opportunities to clean up and clear out. So if you are wondering why Hecate is assigned to this day, take another look at what she symbolizes and the magick that is associated with her. That should answer the question.

Hecate was the oldest form of the Greek Triple Goddess, as she presided over heaven, the underworld, and earth. Crossroads where three roads met were especially sacred to Hecate, earning her the title of Hekate of the Three Ways. It’s interesting to note that even after the worship of other goddesses waned, ancient people still worshiped Hecate as the Queen of the Underworld and the Guardian of the Three-Way Crossroad. It was also believed that if you left her an offering of food there, she would grant you her favors. As Hecate Trivia, her triple images were often displayed at these crossroads, where she was petitioned on the full moon for positive magick and on the dark of the moon for cursing and dark magick.

While this last bit of information sounds a little ominous, keep in mind that Hecate/Hekate was known by many titles and is a shapeshifter. Her appearance could and did change often. As a dark moon goddess, her faces are many. To some she may appear as a old crone, hunched over a smoking cauldron and draped in a midnight cape. To others she may appear as a dark beautiful, mysterious, and mature woman wearing a shimmering crown. To some she may be perceived as a maiden priestess. She was called the “most lovely one,” the Great Goddess of Nature, and the Queen of the World of Spirits. This dark goddess knows her way around the earth and the underworld. All the powers of nature, life, and death are at her command.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Saturday, July 15th

St. Swithin’s Day

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

Incense: Sage

Color: Black

About The Waning Half-Moon (or Third Quarter)

 

On the Lunar Calendar: 7 to 10 ½ days after the Full Moon
Degree: 270-315 degrees ahead of the Sun
Inner Directive: to reassess how things are done

In his book, The Astrological Moon, Haydn Paul writes of this phase, “This personality type often feels a secret destiny, for which they endeavor to serve as pioneers by anchoring future strands into the present.” It’s a friction between the old (being released) and the new.

Soul Searching

You were born at the last quarter, before the descent into the Dark Moon. This gives you a sense that it’s time to disengage from certain outdated ways of living/thinking. You sense the need to prepare for the descent, by shedding old skins.

It can make you appear detached from what’s going on around you. You may feel alienated from the same-ole’ social rhythm that others seem in synch with.

You can come across as discontented and feel misunderstood.

It’s important to have life’s work that makes use of your discernment and sense of inner struggle.

You straddle two worlds but feel equally the pressures of both. You master this energy when you understand it as an important point in the transformation process. To work with the inner tension, rather than deny it exists. To find the right personal vehicles for your particular sturm and drang.

Clearing for the New

At the waning half Moon, the showdown is between the way things have been and the new vision.

If you ignore this inner turmoil and go along business as usual, you will likely suffer in quiet desperation. You honor your life purpose when you find ways to live this tension through hobbies, competition, a demanding career, etc.

You also play an important role, often seeing what needs to go before others do. You may be ahead of the curve, and face resistance to your ideas. There may be many times when you doubt yourself because you seem so at odds with the mainstream. But you grow stronger when you learn to trust your unique way of knowing, and use it to alter your course.

Sun in a Square Aspect to the Moon

With the Sun-Moon square, you are the creator of new realities, and these emerge from the friction of letting go of the old. Sometimes you have to let go of habitual emotional reactions, to act on your purpose.

You show others and society at large how to churn and compost what’s dead and make space for the new.

Reference

Molly Hall, Author
Published on ThoughtCo.com

Influence of the Moon on Your Astrological Sign

What is the meaning of the moon sign?

There are many people who connect with their astrological sun sign, but, to be fair, your moon or lunar sign can be equally as important. For example, there are some people who do not connect with their sun sign and the main reason may be that their lunar sign has more influence over their personality.

The position of the moon in the zodiac at the time of your birth is your moon sign. This sign is especially important for women as the moon is considered the patroness of women and has female qualities.

Moon Sign in a Birth Chart

The moon is in a new constellation every couple of days. If you have a birth chart created, you can find your lunar sign by looking for the symbol of the lunar crescent to find your moon sign and house position.

Importance of the Moon Sign

The moon’s position when you were born can shed light on your inner self. The moon’s sign, house and phase can tell you a lot about your emotional instincts and habits. The moon can help define your emotional development or express the unconscious side of your personality. It can explain why you do what you do.

The moon’s position in your a birth chart can explain why two people with the same sun sign can be so different.

What If Your Sun and Moon Sign Are the Same?

If you were born with both your sun and moon in the same sign, that would make you a “double” of that sign, which creates both a harmony and an amplification of the sign’s traits.

For example, someone born with sun and moon in Scorpio is a “double Scorpio” and these two planets act in harmony with Scorpio traits.

Meaning of the Moon in Astrology

While the sun can be considered the core self through which you find expression in the world, the moon is like the inner life that only close companions get to experience.

It is the private you that reveals itself behind closed doors. It is also the unguarded you that has to act on instinct, the one that comes out in a crisis.

In astrology, the moon is the instinctual self, and because of that, some might not feel comfortable with its full expression. In times of great stress, these qualities could be exposed and make the person feel strangely out of control. If you have ever completely lost it, you know what it is like when the sun is eclipsed by the moon. You might feel like a full-fledged “lunatic.”

In your daily life, the moon is what you fall back on to restore your sense of emotional security. For some this means reaching out socially, but for others, this could mean retreating to a solitary corner of the mind. It also speaks volumes about how you handle your intimate life.

A key relationship in astrology is that between the sun and the moon. If someone has an ongoing tug-of-war between the will to act and your emotions, it often the two signs dueling. When you understand the essence of the moon and its influence on you, you are no longer “in the dark.” Your moon sign is valuable information for understanding the interior life of family members, friends and potential romantic partners.

Reference

Molly Hall, Author
Published on ThoughtCo.com

Correspondences for Saturday, July 15th

 

Magickal Intentions: Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundaries, Time and Death

Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh

Planet: Saturn

Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius

Angel: Cassel

Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo

Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir
Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice

Oil: (Saturn) Cypress, Mimosa, Myrrh, Patchouli

Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects.

It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.

 

Custom Made Magick for Saturday

Protection, removing negativity, justice and balance have been the theme today. As we have just seen you can indeed a perform a binding and not cross the ethical line. Bindings are a more ethical route than cursing someone. But are there other options? Why, of course. I know of some Witches who, when they see a criminal’s face on television or read about them in the paper, mentally pain a white X over a criminal’s face while they say the phrase “I neutralize that person” with intention. This neutralizes the power and harm that the stranger causes.

If there is someone that you personally know who is causing you or your family harm, it is possible to use a photograph of the destructive person. Simply wrap white ribbon around their photo to symbolize you binding them up as you say, “I neutralize any physical or emotional harm that you are causing.”

But if you feel magickal bindings are the way to go, then perhaps your best course of action is to remove all emotion from yourself and the spell when you perform the binding. Just as I stated before, justice—like magick—is a neutral force. For lack of a better term, be businesslike. Wild swings of emotion only make for an uncontrollable magickal energy. Therefore, your best bet is to be neutral. If there was ever a time to be calm and in control, this is it. If you are not sure that you can pull off being neutral, then I suggest that you leave magick alone. It is essential to be in control. How much karma drama are you willing to pull into your life?

Source

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

The Witches Magick for Saturday, July 15 – Stay On The Path Charm

Staying on the path to better health takes effort and resolve. The rewards are well worth it so use all your resources to remain focused.

For this charm, use a white candle and a white stone you find in nature

At 10:00 p.m., light the candle. Clean the stone thoroughly, and put it on your altar. Say this prayer when you need some divine help to stay on your path:

Dear Goddess and God, I pray you
Help me stay on the path
To healing and better health
Strengthen my will and spirit
So that I make healthier choices
Every night and every day
Thank you divine Lady and Lord!
Blessed Be!

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Day A Year for July 15

Travectio Equitum/Rowana

In ancient Rome, this was the parade of the cavalry in front of the temple of Castor and Pollux, the great Twin Horsemen, men, to thank them for their part in the victory of Lake Regillus in 496 B.c. The parade consisted of 5,000 riders wearing purple togas with red stripes and decorated with olive garlands.

This day is sacred to the Goddess of the rowan tree, Rowana-patroness of the secret knowledge of runes. The wood of the rowan tree is used for making protection amulets, and the wood is especially efficacious when cut on this day.

The Current Moon Phase for Saturday, July 15th

Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 64%

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 – Saturday, July 15, 2017

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 64%
Moon Age: 20.81 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,250.46 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,055,501.29 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, July 15th

Aries

A disagreement with a friend or acquaintance may annoy you today, dear Aries, but it’s minor and likely has its roots in feeling drained or dismissed. It’s a day of relative haste, so do take extra care. You don’t want to trip over yourself in your desire to do as many things as you can! There can be some challenges getting the answers you need from family, or there can be frustrating decisions to make. A bit of chaos or a disagreement aside, the day is good for feeling you’re in the driver’s seat. The Moon is in your sign all day, and life seems more colorful as a result. You seek to feel alive and crave more emotional interaction. With the Moon opposing Jupiter tonight, your emotions are magnified whether you’re feeling down or up.

Taurus

With the Moon in your privacy sector all day, dear Taurus, you’ll benefit from reserving chunks of time for yourself. You need rest from the hectic pace of daily life now. Disagreeing on core issues can prompt a heated discussion today, and so can anything that seems to attack your ego and your pride, as you may be feeling on the defensive with Venus, your ruler, in minor challenging aspect to Mars. It can be easy to feel slighted, but if you take a deep breath and think about it, it’s probably not worth the added stress! There may be annoying things to deal with related to communications or an unforeseen expense, but once over this hump, you’re in good shape for enjoying some peace.

Gemini

You are raring to go, and all fired up today, dear Gemini, but you may not know where to direct all of this extra energy, which can lead to impatience or impulsiveness. You may get attention of the unwanted variety now! You are certainly attracting attention your way these days, and most of it is very positive, but right now, there can be a rather provocative aura around you. The Moon in Aries, however, is excellent for boosting friendships and for pushing you to pursue causes you believe in. There may be some resistance related to your love life today, but right now, you need to be around people who don’t have expectations or demands.

Cancer

You are one part hesitant and one part raring to go today, dear Cancer, with Mars in your sign pumping you up connecting with Venus encouraging you to relax! You may set yourself up for difficulties if you speak before you get all the facts, especially if what you are talking about was meant to be private. Emotionally, however, you are feeling fresh and energetic as well as particularly equipped to take the lead. You might feel torn between dedication to your personal plans or development and service or commitments to others. Ideally, you can divide your energy or combine these pursuits creatively.

Leo

With the Moon in the sector of spirit and learning in your solar chart all day, dear Leo, you can be excited about new ideas or experiences. The tendency to go overboard is strong tonight, but if this is kept in check, you can simply enjoy increased enthusiasm and a positive outlook. You can be feeling a little competitive, and while this can lead to improvements, energies are a little cantankerous right now, and others may not be very forthcoming or cooperative. In fact, people may be taking things very personally. Negotiations of any sort can be tough today, as there are likely to be egos on the line. Debates can quickly become personal.

Virgo

Lots of activity in both your social and professional lives can leave you feeling divided at times today, dear Virgo. There can also be negative attention or competitiveness stimulated now that annoys you. Others are noticing what you’re doing more than usual, so avoid impulsiveness as much as you can. You are learning how to use challenges and obstacles to your advantage, and it can be a bumpy ride along that road today. Part of you can be intent on stirring things up and testing your feelings, and another part prefers to enjoy what you already have and revels in comfortable situations. Do your best to find a middle ground, or consider dividing your time by working hard and then relaxing hard!

Libra 

You can feel as if you’re raring to go with a goal or career matter right now, dear Libra, but you may not be seeing eye to eye with key people now, which puts a damper on your plans. Personal interactions can be on the tense, or possibly intense, side. Watch for a tendency to push a matter when a sensitive, intelligent approach would get the best results. The Moon is in your partnership sector all day, and this serves to enliven relationships. There can be some seesawing between wanting to assert your independence or going your own way and seeking out the comfort of company. This can leave you on a fence for awhile, but if you think carefully, you may very well find a way to satisfy both needs without too much ado.

Scorpio

You can be filled with a strong desire to take care of problems and sort out your life in fundamental ways, dear Scorpio, with the Moon in your solar sixth house all day. However, you’re likely to find that others are not very cooperative or that interactions easily become tense as you feel out of tune. Impatience and restlessness with the status quo can be the reason for minor conflicts and discord. As well, a Moon-Jupiter opposition pits the desire for escape against the putting of problem areas behind you, and both sides can be very equally appealing. Debates can too quickly get personal today, and it may be about ego. Your own desires and wants seem conflicting. However, as the day advances, you feel more and more comfortable with someone who sees you in a wonderful light.

Sagittarius

The temptation to push a relationship matter is probably not very wise today, dear Sagittarius. A Venus-Mars influence can make a relationship matter seem urgent when a slower, gentler pace makes the most sense right now. Your desire to investigate, detect, uncover, or expose anything that is hidden runs very high now, so aim to use it for good, such as for research and analysis, rather than for stirring up problems. Seek to solve rather than create problems! You might also feel torn between personal interests and a commitment to someone later today. Watch for a tendency to do all or overindulge. Toning things down is a good idea.

Capricorn

It’s a strong day for getting a whole lot of small tasks done at great speed, dear Capricorn, as you are more able to multi-task than usual now. However, there can be impatience to your approach, or you may be tempted to skip steps, and either of these things can result in slip ups. You might also end up worrying needlessly over the tiniest of things, making you feel very irritable and restless. Minor health complaints may crop up if you don’t keep busy. Distractions are plenty and restlessness can set in today, and you may feel torn between the desire for alone time and your commitment to others. However, if you find a middle ground, you’re likely to enjoy a productive, satisfying day.

Aquarius

Interactions can be touchy, and people can be cranky when they don’t get their way today, dear Aquarius, with Venus and Mars in minor challenging aspect to one another. The line between wants and needs blurs. Distractions are plenty today, and as much as you’d enjoy keeping a pleasantly busy momentum going, it can be difficult to choose any one thing to focus on. Be more careful with details than usual today. As well, relationships can feel competitive, or tempers can flare quickly. Once past the feeling of being scattered, this can be a great day for learning new things and for self-studies.

Pisces

You can feel rather torn between sticking with what’s comfortable and taking a risk today, dear Pisces. The extra energy you’re experiencing may frustrate you if you’re not channeling it into something productive. You might decide to take action on a home matter, but the temptation to rush through things should be watched. As well, timing in relationships can be off. Tastes can seem starkly different, even if these discrepancies existed before and didn’t bother you quite as much. You may not even be sure if you want to go your own way or lean on someone today. It may be best to avoid fretting too much and aim to look for the positive in what’s in front of you.

If You Were Born Today, July 15

 

You are a very capable person with intense personal magnetism and a great love of home and family. You are detail-oriented and have a hard time letting something rest until you’re satisfied it’s complete and accurate. Others may not always know it, but you are very sensitive and often think about your childhood and how it affects you in the present. Learning to let go of things is something that will contribute greatly to your happiness and success in life.

Famous people born today: Diane Kruger, Brian Austin Green, Iris Murdoch, Linda Rondstadt, Brigitte Nielsen, Forest Whitaker, Rembrandt.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, July 16th

 

Aries

The day finds you busier, more connected, and involved than usual, dear Aries, but also perhaps a little high-strung. Others’ unreliability may impact you today, or someone could be vying for your attention in a disruptive manner. People can grate on your nerves, and your impatience — or the sheer number of things to do — doesn’t help. There is a tendency to stir up some trouble or to act on a whim, but choose not to let inner restlessness set you back. It’s best to aim for self-understanding so that you can get to the root of problems rather than use a band-aid fix. Worries about impending changes related to your career or reputation, or concerns about not being on top of things, can be part of this. Or, a fear of becoming less relevant in a business endeavor or of falling behind can be at the root of tensions. You can’t resolve this all at once, but you can make a plan to strengthen areas where you feel the most vulnerable one step at a time.

Taurus

While you have a strong desire to stick close to home or stick with familiar situations today, dear Taurus, another part of you is inclined to feel that you’re missing out as you do, and this combination can lead to a restless, discontented frame of mind. Watch for a tendency for fickleness now, as you could be putting a lot of energy into getting what you want but not really appreciating it once you have it! This can be a sign that you need a change of pace. It may be difficult to trust what you hear today, or you could find it hard to make a choice and stick with it without wondering if another choice would have been better. Work on making adjustments today rather than making bold moves. You may find it useful to work out some tension through gentle exercise.

Gemini

Today is not ideal for straightforward moves, dear Gemini, but maneuvering things to get your way could backfire as well. As such, it may be best to observe and wait things out. Even so, try not to worry or overthink things to the point that you don’t enjoy the moment. Instead, take a little extra time before sharing news or your opinion. Feeling guilty, after all, is usually a waste of psychic energy. Doing something about problems, on the other hand, even through small adjustments, is how you win. In fact, feeling a little uncomfortable or vulnerable can motivate you to strengthen areas of your life, and this leads to increased confidence.

Cancer

There can be some feelings of discontent or discomfort that push you to make much-needed adjustments and changes today, dear Cancer. You may not see obvious forward movement now, but the workarounds you make today can improve your life significantly going forward. There may be some challenges relating smoothly with a partner or someone close to you today, as conversations seem to be loaded or we’re taking things the wrong way. Alternatively, you could be super-motivated to get going on a practical or business matter, but worries about a relationship can weigh you down or distract you. It can be hard to be objective now but watch for drawing hard and fast conclusions based on today’s perceptions. What seems wrong today may be disproved tomorrow.

Leo

You may want to be hyper-aware of what you say or how you say it today, dear Leo, as Mercury in your sign forms an awkward angle with Pluto. There is a contrary theme to the day, and since Mercury is in your sign, or others can completely misconstrue your communications. There is also a tendency to second-guess your choices or to stir up the kind of controversy you don’t need right now! Pressures to get things done can interfere with personal enjoyment. Physical activity or other body-focused activities that help reduce stress may be particularly appropriate today. Keep in mind that it’s better to adapt or adjust than make big moves just for the time being. Changes you make now can very well redirect you along a healthier path.

Virgo

You may suspect a hidden agenda in communications today, dear Virgo. In fact, you may have one as well! This is due to a Mercury-Pluto aspect that can have us second-guessing our perceptions or initial impressions. Try not to allow this to interfere too much with the enjoyment of the moment. Watch for a tendency to want to control results or situations, as this drains you of more energy than if you were to let things unfold as they may! You may be feeling unsettled about a relationship or work issue, or you are distracted from your work as you worry about a relationship. Try to focus on something both enjoyable and productive to take your mind off the negative thought patterns.

Libra 

Libras are known to have a hard time making decisions, and today, dear Libra, it’s particularly difficult to choose between alternatives. Whether it’s a choice between two things that are equally appealing or unappealing, it can be difficult to see a middle ground. In fact, it may be better to reserve decision making and observe things a little longer. As well, it can be hard to balance your thoughts and interactions related to your friends and social life with issues related to home and family. Watch for the tendency to want to maneuver things to go your way — you may be making things more complicated than they need to be. With a Mercury-Pluto quincunx today, we may be making too much of something that will be of little importance later. Fickleness in others can be another issue you’re facing today. Try to focus on the positive and avoid dwelling on things that make you tense.

Scorpio

Watch for coming across as too probing in your personal life, dear Scorpio. Certainly, the day’s energies have you questioning motives and suspecting a hidden agenda, but it’s quite likely that what worries you today will be a moot point later. Others might need to tiptoe around you right now, simply because you seem a little on edge! Avoid taking on too many — or too demanding — activities so that you don’t feel like you’re running behind. A good rule of thumb today is to strive to be gentle with others and yourself as much as possible, which means be careful with what you reveal or expose. People may not be as reliable as you’d like, but this can be about scattered energies and not something to take personally.

Sagittarius

There can be some seriously mixed signals today, dear Sagittarius, that ultimately are not too serious! Communications are tricky. For one thing, you may be second-guessing your first impression or past choices. For another, restlessness can lead to unusual whims or desires, but your heart may not be fully into it. You might simply only need a change of pace. All in all, it’s unlikely to be anything drastic or permanent, but could lead to a few misunderstandings or minor tensions. Keep the status quo if possible now. Watch for an attraction to a big purchase or commitment that can interfere with your freedom, eventually.

Capricorn

A couple of influences active today can stir up some minor trouble, dear Capricorn, but nothing you can’t handle. You could find it hard to satisfy an itch today, largely because you’re not sure where it’s coming from! Consider that you need a change of pace, and try to shake things up a little. Even a small change in your routine can be pleasant. Look for things to update. Another influence points to troubles communicating without kicking yourself later, or difficulties trusting your perceptions. Minor problems can seem larger than life, as you may be giving too much power to a matter that is not significant in the long run. Watch for a tendency to micromanage or to act upon fears of losing your clout.

Aquarius

You’d be best off letting things unfold naturally rather than make drastic or bold moves today, dear Aquarius. Initial perceptions need a second look, as all is not what it seems to be on the surface. In fact, perceptions are distorted by fear or guilt. You may be expecting the worst with someone, but consider that it’s your fear that may be leading you to negative conclusions. Past problems can emerge or moments of insecurity tend to drive negative patterns of behavior. Try to focus on simple or uncomplicated activities and tame the tendency to make more of something than it deserves. Saying the wrong things can lead to this, so think twice before speaking out today. Be gentle with yourself and wait out major decisions. You can be particularly clever with the technical side of things today.

Pisces

Your desire to solve problems and get work done or tackle your projects is strong, dear Pisces, but the social side of things can distract you. In fact, you may be feeling quite unsettled about a matter related to a friend or associate, and this can interfere with productivity. Breaks in the routine are also likely now and can be quite distracting. A partner or friend may be contrary, or a relationship is complicated. Certainly, people are giving off very mixed signals now, but overthinking things only leads to trouble. Try not to allow doubts hold you back. You may be better off putting the big decisions on hold until you see things clearly. As much as possible, disengage from negative thoughts by replacing them with positive affirmations.

 

Tarot Card of the Day

Ace of Wands

---

Your Rune For Today
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

Remember These Things

• A Witch knows the nature and ways of her time.
• A Witch knows what she knows, and should make no other claims.
• A Witch seeks to harm none, but faced with the necessary choice between two ills, she will seek the lesser.
• A Witch places wisdom first in life rather than love, for love without wisdom is hurtfull, but always temper wisdom with love.
• A Witch knows to seek not more than she needs and she shall ever have enough and even abound.
• A Witch seeks to know two things, and these are: what she is, and what deity is, and if she comes to know the anser to either of these, she will know the other.
• A Witch turns no one away seeking the ancient knowledge.
• A Witch knows that she is one with all things and all things are one with her.
• A Witch strives to overcome fear, of man, death, and other entities/things.
• A Witch knows that all things work best when they are positive to all concerned. She also realizes the duality, for the negarive is also part of the oneness. So seek balance – not stasis. You cannot build upon that which you refuse to recognize.
• A Witch knows that there is an element of laughter in all things, no matter how negative they seem. Seek this out, for it is your protection against deviation of mind and will. It can neutralize and make clear the answer you need.

CRYSTAL MAGICK

 

Working with crystals is a direct experience with energy as it moves from moment to moment. There is no way to develop standard techniques that can be learned and applied to everyone. People are unique and different, and so are their energy outputs. When working with crystals or stones, the energy output of the individual handling the crystal produces the final outcome.

 

Learning to work with crystals is easy. Begin by experimenting with a single quartz crystal. Choose one small enough to carry, but large enough to work with. In addition to size, clarity and perfection of the crystal should be considered—make sure your crystal is reasonably clear and free of chips and scratches.

 

Once you have selected a crystal to work with, you will need to cleanse and charge it. Cleansing the crystal will remove any previous thoughts and vibrations that may be on it. Charging the crystal will program it with your thoughts and vibrations.

Crystal Cleansing

Items needed: Sea salt, an empty bowl, incense burner or smudge pot, charcoal, matches, smudging stick or loose smudge incense, and a protective pouch for carrying the crystal.

Place your crystal in the empty bowl and cover it with salt. Place the bowl where it will receive full sunlight and moonlight for three days. On the fourth day, remove the crystal from the salt and rinse in cool water. Light the smudge stick or smudge incense. Hold the crystal in the smoke emanating from the incense as you chant the following:

 

All negative thoughts are banished

All unwanted vibrations are gone

Only the forces and powers I wish

Shall be with me from this moment on!

 

Repeat this process for about a minute or until you are sure the crystal is clean and free of negative vibrations.

Crystal Programming

 

After a crystal has been properly cleansed it should be programmed for personal use. This is a simple process which imbeds personal feelings and desires deep within the heart of the crystal. Once programmed, a crystal becomes a unique magickal tool attuned to its owner’s individual vibratory frequency.

 

Programming a crystal for personal use is easily done. Crystals attract and hold energy vibrations, which makes them useful tools for focusing and directing energy. Think of your crystal as a mini-computer, and what you program into it designates what it will be able to do. The thoughtforms used to energize the crystal will determine the power and frequency level at which it will vibrate. If you program the crystal with love, it will radiate love. Conversely, if you program the crystal with determination, aggressiveness, and force, these will be the vibrations it will emit.

 

Once a crystal has been cleaned, it is ready to be programmed for personal use. Of the many ways to program a crystal, the following two methods are the most common.

 

Hold the crystal in your hand and create a thoughtform (mental picture) of what you want to happen. For example, if you want to program the crystal for good health, visualize yourself energetic and in glowing health. You will then need to force this vision or thought-form into the crystal. To intensify the visualization, chant or speak your desire directly into the crystal.

 

The other way to program a crystal involves holding the crystal over your heart. Create a thought-form of your desire and allow this picture to flow directly from your heart into the crystal. To empower the mental picture, reaffirm it audibly through prayer or chant.

Crystal Gazing

 

At the stroke of midnight, just before the moon begins to wax, is the best time to look into the future. You will need a crystal, a clear glass bowl filled with spring water, and a white taper candle. Place your crystal in the bowl and cover it with the spring water. Place the candle just behind the bowl and light it. With your right index finger, slowly stir the water around the crystal as you chant: Blessed spirits of the night Bless me now with second sight. With your intense focus, the water will begin to cloud over, and a mist of psychic awareness will fill the bowl as you stir the water. When the mist begins to flow out of the bowl, stop stirring the water and look directly into the bowl. Focus your attention on the crystal and repeat the following:

Fire and water, crystal clear

Let the visions now appear.

 

Visions of the future will appear. When the visions begin to fade, make a mental note of what you saw. Snuff out the candle and place your crystal under your pillow. The crystal will provide you with more information during your dream time. Later, write your visions down in your book of shadows.

 

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Witches Digest No. 1                                                                                                                                                                                                     Friday, July 14, 2017

 

She’s Been Waiting

She’s been waiting
She’s been waiting, waiting.
She’s been waiting so long.
She’s been waiting for her children
To remember, to return.

 

Blessed be, and blessed are,
The lovers of the lady.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The mother, maiden, crone.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The ones who dance together.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The ones who dance alone.
She’s been waiting, waiting.
She’s been waiting so long.
She’s been waiting for her children
To remember, to return.

 

Blessed be, and blessed are,
The ones who work in silence.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The ones who shout and scream.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The movers and the changes.
Blessed be, and blessed are,
The dreamers and the dream.
She’s been waiting, waiting.
She’s been waiting so long.
She’s been waiting for her children
To remember, to return.

 

– Paula Walowitz
Originally published on Blessed Be

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Friday, July 14th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 267.68° W
Sun Altitude: 40.81°
Sun Distance: 94.488 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 5:45 am↑ 62° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:14 pm↑ 298° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 29 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 1.32° N
Moon Altitude: -60.72°
Moon Distance: 241083 mi
Next New Moon: Jul 23, 20174:45 am
Next Full Moon: Aug 7, 20171:10 pm
Next Moonrise: Today11:09 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 79.4%

 

Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waning Gibbous
Third Quarter: Jul 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm
(Next Phase)
Full Moon: Jul 8, 2017 at 11:06 pm
(Previous Phase)

Source:

timeanddate.com

Your Astronomy for Friday, July 14th

The Moon is in Pisces until 7:52 PM, after which the Moon is in Aries.
The Moon is void of course from 1:00 PM until 7:52 PM.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase.
The Full Moon occurred on the 9th in the sign of Capricorn, and the Last Quarter Moon will occur on the 16th.

 

Moon in Pisces

The Moon is traveling through Pisces today. You may feel disconnected. Serve others. Listen to music. Paint a picture. Daydream.

 

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It’s a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

 

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

 

The Sky This Week for July 14 to 16

Pluto’s peak appearance, asteroid 6 Hebe, and other cool things to look for in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Friday, July 14

Venus passes 3° due north of 1st-magnitude Aldebaran this morning. Although the star ranks among the 15 brightest in the entire sky, the planet appears 100 times brighter. Aldebaran marks the ruddy eye of Taurus the Bull and forms one tip of the V-shaped Hyades star cluster. Aldebaran only appears to be a cluster member, however — it actually lies only about half as far away as the Hyades.

Saturday, July 15

Although Saturn reached its peak a month ago today, when it appeared opposite the Sun in the sky, our view of the ringed planet remains spectacular. It resides against the backdrop of southern Ophiuchus, a region that climbs highest in the south around 11 p.m. local daylight time. Saturn glows at magnitude 0.2 and easily outshines the background stars. When viewed through a telescope, the planet’s globe measures 18″ across and the dramatic ring system spans 41″ and tilts 27° to our line of sight.

Sunday, July 16

Last Quarter Moon occurs at 3:26 p.m. EDT. Look for it either before dawn this morning (when it looks slightly more than half-lit) or after it rises around 1 a.m. local daylight time tomorrow (when it appears as a fat crescent). Earth’s only natural satellite straddles the border between the relatively inconspicuous constellations Pisces the Fish and Cetus the Whale.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Today is Friday, July 14

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 Tinne(Holly) – July 8 – August 4

Runic Half-Month of Ur (primal strength) – July 14 – July 28

Goddess of the Month of Kerea – July 11 – August 8

Reference

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Pagan Book of Days for Friday, July 14

The half-month of Ur, primal strength, is a time of collective action, when our power as a sosiety can be best applied to projects for the commond good. It is a good time for geginnings, for this time is sacred to the Norn Urda, the primal foundation of things and to the active principle in the shape of Thor, the hammer-wielding thunder god.

Reference

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for Friday, July 14th

 

In China, the day of Chung Yuan, Festival of the Dead, like O-Bon or Samhain, dedicated to Ti-Tsang, ruler of Hades. (Pluto, Orpheus, Janus, Legba; Goddesses are Hel, Hecate, Holda, Mother Holle, Erishkegal, Sedna, Eurydice, Oya, Rhea, Rhiannon.) July 15–August 15 is also the Celtic Feast of Lughnasadh, usually

Reference

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Goddesses Associated with Friday

 

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

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

On Friday, We Honor Venus, Goddess of Love and Beauty

 

The Roman equivalent of Aphrodite, Venus was a goddess of love and beauty. Originally, she was believed to be associated with gardens and fruitfulness, but later took on all the aspects of Aphrodite from the Greek traditions. She is considered by many to be the ancestor of the Roman people, and was the lover of the god Vulcan, as well as of the warrior god Mars.

Worship and Celebration

The earliest known temple to Venus was dedicated on the Aventine hill in Rome, around 295 b.c.e. However, her cult was based in the city of Lavinium, and her temple there became the home of a festival known as the Vinalia Rustica. A later temple was dedicated after the defeat of the Roman army near Lake Trasimine during the Second Punic War.

Venus appears to have been very popular amongst the plebian class of Roman society, as evidenced by the existence of temples in areas of the city which were traditionally plebian rather than patrician. A cult to her aspect of Venus Erycina existed near Rome’s Colline gate; in this guise, Venus was a goddess primarily of fertility.

Another cult honoring Venus Verticordia also existed between the Aventine hill and Circus Maximus.

As often found in Roman gods and goddesses, Venus existed in many different incarnations. As Venus Victrix, she took on the aspect of warrior, and as Venus Genetrix, she was known as the mother of the Roman civilization. During the reign of Julius Caesar, a number of cults were started on her behalf, since Caesar claimed that the family of the Julii were directly descended from Venus. She is also recognized as a goddess of fortune, as Venus Felix.

Brittany Garcia of Ancient History Encyclopedia says, “Venus’ month was April (the beginning of spring and fertility) when most of her festivals were held. On the first of April a festival was held in honor of Venus Verticordia called Veneralia. On the 23rd, Vinalia Urbana was held which was a wine festival belonging to both Venus (goddess of profane wine) and Jupiter. Vinalia Rusticia was held on August 10th. It was Venus’ oldest festival and associated with her form as Venus Obsequens. September 26th was the date for the festival of Venus Genetrix, the mother and protector of Rome.”

The Lovers of Venus

Similar to Aphrodite, Venus took a number of lovers, both mortal and divine. She bore children with Mars, the god of war, but doesn’t seem to have been particularly maternal in nature. In addition to Mars, Venus had children with her husband, Vulcan, and when conflated with Aphrodite, is commonly believed to be the mother of Priapus, conceived during a fling with the god Bacchus (or one of Venus’ other lovers).

Scholars have noted that Venus doesn’t have many myths of her own, and that many of her stories are borrowed from the tales of Aphrodite.

Venus in Art and Literature

Venus is nearly always portrayed as young and lovely. Throughout the Classical period, a number of statues of Venus were produced by different artists. The statue Aphrodite of Milos, better known as the Venus de Milo, depicts the goddess as classically beautiful, with womanly curves and a knowing smile. This statue is believed to have been done by Alexandros of Antioch, around 100 b.c.e.

During the European Renaissance period and beyond, it became fashionable for upper class ladies to pose as Venus for paintings or sculptures. One of the best known is that of Pauline Bonaparte Borghese, younger sister of Napoleon. Antonio Canova sculpted her as Venus Victrix, reclined on a lounge, and although Canova wanted to sculpt her in a robe, Pauline apparently insisted on being portrayed nude.

Chaucer wrote regularly of Venus, and she appears in a number of his poems, as well as in The Knight’s Tale, in which Palamon compares his lover, Emily, to the goddess. In fact, Chaucer uses the turbulent relationship between Mars and Venus to represent Palamon, the warrior, and Emily, the lovely maiden in the flower garden.

Author

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

Today is July 14, We Celebrate….

Linden Festival (Germany)

MINNE

Themes: Protection; Love; Luck; Devotion; Unity

Symbols: Linden Tree; Cup; Beer

About Minne:
Minne is a German goddess of love and fertility. Her name—meaning “remembrance”—was applied to a special cup for lovers in this part of the world. The cup was filled with specially prepared beer and raised between two people wishing to deepen their love. This gives Minne a strong association with devotion, unity, and fidelity.

To Do Today: During the second weekend in July, people in Geisenheim, Germany, gather around an ancient linden tree (six hundred-plus years old) and celebrate the year’s new wine. All aspects of the festival take place beneath the linden’s branches, which in magic terms represent safety and good fortune. The linden flowers portray Minne’s spirit, having been used in all manner of love magic! To protect a relationship, two lovers should carry dried linden flowers with them always.

When making a promise to each other, a couple may drink a wooden goblet of beer today, linking their destinies. Raise the glass to the sky first, saying,

Minne’s love upon our lips, devotion in each sip.

Drink while looking deeply into each other’s eyes. Or, exchange pieces of linden wood as a magical bonding that invokes Minne’s blessing. If linden isn’t native to your area, other trees and bushes that promote Minne’s loving qualities include avens, elm, lemon, orange, peach, pear, primrose, rose, and willow.

Reference

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

Ritual Influences for Friday, July 14th

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

The Magickal Day of 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

The Witches Guide to Friday

Freya’s Day

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

Friday’s Witchery

On Friday’s 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 ing 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, July 14th

Bastille Day (French)

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Pisces

Moon enters Aries 7: 52 pm

Incense: Thyme

Color: White

Moon in Aries

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

 

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

Source

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.

Magickal Applications for Friday

 

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

Friday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

 

For many, Friday is the last work day of the week. It’s considered the fifth day of the work week and, also, the “cut loose” day. By Friday night, people are out having a party. That makes Friday the perfect day for lust, banish, fast-grant, and find spells . This day is so powerful (energy wise). That’s why whatever you do on this day will, usually, have a strong effect. If you want things out of your life, the darkness and power, associated with this day, bring the energy you need for that. If you need strong, immediate results, this is your day, as well.

 

Eros’s “Passion for Life” Spell

Gather a white feather (symbol for Eros and his mighty wings), a rosy pink candle, and a coordinating candle holder.

Carve a simple figure of a bow and arrow on the side of the candle. Place the feather off to the side, away from the heat of the candle flame. Picture the winged god Eros in your mind, and meditate on this image for a moment. Now, ask Eros in your own words to inspire you with passion and enthusiasm. Then repeat the following spell three times:

Eros, winged Greek god of passion and delight

Aid me in my quest for inspiration tonight

Passion is more than sexual, it conveys ambition too

Help me face my challenges and succeed in all that I do.

Allow the candle to burn out in a safe place. Close the spell by saying:

For the good of all, with harm to none

By flame and feather, this spell is done.

Source

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

Ellen Dugan

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days a Year for July 14th

Bastille Day

 

This patriotic holiday in France commemorates the seizure of the Bastille, a fortress in Paris that housed political prisoners such a Voltaire and the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. It was the storming of the Bastille that brought the lower classes into the French Revolution.

 

In the United States, Bastille Day is still celebrated by descendants of French Canadians, especially in Kaplan, Louisiana, a small town about 75 miles southwest of Baton Rouge. The Bastille Day celebration is of such epic proportions that it requires a special committee to monitor its activities. The high point of the festivities is the annual Bastille Day Wine Glass Race. The contestants each pay $15 to race a sloped walkway while balancing trays of wine-filled glasses on one hand. The first-place winner receives a bottle of Moet & Chandon and a trip to New York; second place wins a trip to Boston; third, dinner for two a local restaurant.

The Current Moon Phase for Friday, July 14th

Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 74%

Tommorow the Moon will be 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, July 14, 2017

Source

The Moon will be in Aries all weekend, helping you to easily go after whatever lights your fire! By Saturday, the Moon will connect beautifully to love planet Venus, which is currently moving through Gemini. As a result, you and your sweetheart can look forward to lively conversation along with plenty of flirty dialogue.

Mercury in playful Leo and Jupiter in partnership-oriented Libra are also well connected on Friday. This encourages open-hearted and generous mental exchanges all weekend long.

This Weekend’s Romantic Rating*

* Heart ratings are based on the lunar cycle. They range from low to full, with low indicating a rocky weekend for romance and full indicating plenty of passionate potential.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, July 14th

 

Aries

Your need for familiarity, comfort, and security can be at odds with the need to move out of your comfort zone to fill a responsibility today, dear Aries. Alternatively, you may be tempted to do something that you can’t fully get behind now, which may not be the best idea. You tend to throw yourself into decisions just because you quickly become impatient with indecision! However, try to tap into the positive energy for thinking and sharing that’s also with you today. A Mercury-Jupiter aspect helps conversations flow smoothly, and creative thinking can find satisfying channels or mediums. One-on-one exchanges can be particularly beneficial.

Taurus

It can be difficult to loosen up entirely at times today, dear Taurus, and it can also be difficult to judge when it’s appropriate to take something seriously or to brush it off. Even if you’re determined to enjoy yourself, there can be concerns or guilt hanging over you now that ‘s hard to ignore completely. These worries are with you for a reason, so do consider ways to meet your responsibilities that will satisfy you. Adjustments you make now can have long-term benefits. As well, there is good energy with you for conversations and problem-solving related to family, home, parents, work, and health matters. Great ideas can come to you now — your thinking is fresh and new. You’re feeling good about your job or home life.

Gemini

Your enthusiasm may meet with disapproval or coolness today, dear Gemini, and while this can be frustrating, this might lead to making adjustments that truly benefit you down the road. Seek out strategies to deal with your responsibilities so that they don’t creep into your life and undermine you in insidious ways. However, you have a super useful transit occurring today as well, and it helps boost up a partnership or romance as you put more faith in one another, and it favors your communications and creative output. Word of mouth is good, encouraging words are shared, or you receive positive feedback now. You find many reasons to think positively!

Cancer

Worries, problems, and concerns related to health or work can undermine your confidence today, dear Cancer, as the Sun in your sign encourages independence while Saturn in your solar sixth house reminds you of what you’re NOT doing. This makes firm decisions difficult. As well, it can be hard to pursue personal plans wholeheartedly if you feel guilty. However, a Mercury-Jupiter aspect, also active today, raises the mood and encourages positive thinking. You’re in particularly good shape for powerful ideas, thinking, and conversations about money, family, or home life. Business thinking is excellent. You are inclined to want to share and discuss ideas with people close to you, and this can be very fruitful. Instead of repeating old patterns that are keeping you in a rut, shake things up a little now.

Leo

You have a need for extra time to yourself away from scrutiny today, dear Leo, but this may not work out fully. The Sun in your privacy sector encourages a low-profile approach to your life right now, but responsibilities loom, and you may need to make a presentation or otherwise present yourself. In truth, you may need to handle a few things and make some adjustments based on a new assessment of time and energy, and this will benefit you in the long run. Also today, Mercury in your sign harmonizes with Jupiter in your communications zone, encouraging positive thinking and exchanges, excitement and motivation to pursue your projects or studies, or the chance to talk yourself out of a funk. Good news may arrive now.

Virgo

The Sun in your social sector encourages you to try on new methods and enjoy a rather detached, lighthearted approach to life these days, dear Virgo. Today, the Sun forms an awkward aspect with Saturn in your home sector, however, highlighting inner conflicts. Self-doubts may undermine your interactions or guilt about your responsibilities to a home or family matter can throw a wrench in your plans today. Look for compromises instead of staying in a place of limbo. Do necessary maintenance now. Helping out in the mood department is a Mercury-Jupiter aspect, also active today. This influence not only boosts your mood but your credibility as well. You might figure out a way to handle a private matter or a problem that has been weighing on you heavily.

Libra 

Insecurities about your performance, meeting responsibilities, and your ideas and communications can be activated today, dear Libra, and may undermine your confidence in your work or even with the general direction your life is taking. Alternatively, technical problems can temporarily delay a project or plan. You may need to do further homework or handle some details before getting back on it. However, you also benefit from an influence that strengthens your resilience. You’re forward-looking now, and problems are easier to handle as a result. The support of friends or incoming news and tips can figure strongly now.

Scorpio

The day’s energies are quite mixed, dear Scorpio. You could be feeling torn between playing things safe or going out on a limb. You might also be feeling a pinch on a financial level. While energy levels could indeed suffer from indecision, fortunately, you have a Mercury-Jupiter influence opening your mind to possibilities. This is particularly the case for the bigger decisions. Pay particular attention to areas of your life that require some extra maintenance, as this can help secure your future. Your mind is particularly sharp, and thinking is clear, which brightens your mood. Tap into the power of positive thinking. You are drawing upon your wisdom and experience to make fabulous decisions for the future.

Sagittarius

There can be some struggle with a decision today, dear Sagittarius, but you’re coming out on top. You may be unsure about how to proceed in a matter, and weighing your options doesn’t necessarily resolve things! Minor problems and hiccups can be good indicators of issues that may one day get out of hand if you don’t pay some attention now. A Mercury-Jupiter aspect brightens the mood, however, and encourages you to think in the most positive terms. You’re observant and mentally sharp. You might enjoy good news on the lines of education, travel, business income, or friendship. You have a keen sense for future trends. You want to share your happiness or helpful information.

Capricorn

There can be some matters to clear up from your past or in your mind before your relationships thrive today, dear Capricorn. The temptation may be to use a band-aid or quick-fix approach, but escaping things will keep you in a rut and problems may very well multiply going forward. For some, this is about obligations and services that interfere with a partnership. Fortunately, a Mercury-Jupiter sextile is also with us now, and this quickly pulls you out of a thinking rut. Mental energy is strong, and you can feel highly stimulated and motivated to do things that you may have let slide. It’s a good time to deal with financial support issues as well as formulate strategies for meeting your goals and highest ambitions. An open mind works wonders today!

Aquarius

You may be feeling a little out of sync with a friend, goal, or dream today, dear Aquarius, or you could discover that worries about a social matter interfere with your productivity. You may need to do some restructuring or cutting back on a plan or project to make it work better for you, and while this may be a bit of a downer, today is excellent for sharing ideas and putting your head together with someone to solve a problem, so do take advantage! You are willing to learn from others, and they from you, which increases clarity many times over. Conversations rev up your own thinking on a matter, and this is inspiring and useful. Keep the lines of communication open and refuse to become weighed down by syntax errors or other minor annoyances.

Pisces

You can have a tough time enjoying either work or leisure time right now, dear Pisces, as there is a sense that you have to choose one or the other, when in fact you may be able to combine the two creatively. Try not to stay stuck in the middle, accomplishing little as a result of worrying too much. Responsibilities or fears of what the future may bring can really cut into your sense of joy now if you just leave them hanging there, but if you quantify and acknowledge these things, they may seem far less weighty. Helping you out today is a Mercury-Jupiter aspect that brightens your thinking and conversations. The motivation to sort our problems takes over, and you can feel particularly good once you’ve uncluttered your mind.

 

Aries

A disagreement with a friend or acquaintance may annoy you today, dear Aries, but it’s minor and likely has its roots in feeling drained or dismissed. It’s a day of relative haste, so do take extra care. You don’t want to trip over yourself in your desire to do as many things as you can! There can be some challenges getting the answers you need from family, or there can be frustrating decisions to make. A bit of chaos or a disagreement aside, the day is good for feeling you’re in the driver’s seat. The Moon is in your sign all day, and life seems more colorful as a result. You seek to feel alive and crave more emotional interaction. With the Moon opposing Jupiter tonight, your emotions are magnified whether you’re feeling down or up.

Taurus

With the Moon in your privacy sector all day, dear Taurus, you’ll benefit from reserving chunks of time for yourself. You need rest from the hectic pace of daily life now. Disagreeing on core issues can prompt a heated discussion today, and so can anything that seems to attack your ego and your pride, as you may be feeling on the defensive with Venus, your ruler, in minor challenging aspect to Mars. It can be easy to feel slighted, but if you take a deep breath and think about it, it’s probably not worth the added stress! There may be annoying things to deal with related to communications or an unforeseen expense, but once over this hump, you’re in good shape for enjoying some peace.

Gemini

You are raring to go, and all fired up today, dear Gemini, but you may not know where to direct all of this extra energy, which can lead to impatience or impulsiveness. You may get attention of the unwanted variety now! You are certainly attracting attention your way these days, and most of it is very positive, but right now, there can be a rather provocative aura around you. The Moon in Aries, however, is excellent for boosting friendships and for pushing you to pursue causes you believe in. There may be some resistance related to your love life today, but right now, you need to be around people who don’t have expectations or demands.

Cancer

You are one part hesitant and one part raring to go today, dear Cancer, with Mars in your sign pumping you up connecting with Venus encouraging you to relax! You may set yourself up for difficulties if you speak before you get all the facts, especially if what you are talking about was meant to be private. Emotionally, however, you are feeling fresh and energetic as well as particularly equipped to take the lead. You might feel torn between dedication to your personal plans or development and service or commitments to others. Ideally, you can divide your energy or combine these pursuits creatively.

Leo

With the Moon in the sector of spirit and learning in your solar chart all day, dear Leo, you can be excited about new ideas or experiences. The tendency to go overboard is strong tonight, but if this is kept in check, you can simply enjoy increased enthusiasm and a positive outlook. You can be feeling a little competitive, and while this can lead to improvements, energies are a little cantankerous right now, and others may not be very forthcoming or cooperative. In fact, people may be taking things very personally. Negotiations of any sort can be tough today, as there are likely to be egos on the line. Debates can quickly become personal.

Virgo

Lots of activity in both your social and professional lives can leave you feeling divided at times today, dear Virgo. There can also be negative attention or competitiveness stimulated now that annoys you. Others are noticing what you’re doing more than usual, so avoid impulsiveness as much as you can. You are learning how to use challenges and obstacles to your advantage, and it can be a bumpy ride along that road today. Part of you can be intent on stirring things up and testing your feelings, and another part prefers to enjoy what you already have and revels in comfortable situations. Do your best to find a middle ground, or consider dividing your time by working hard and then relaxing hard!

Libra 

You can feel as if you’re raring to go with a goal or career matter right now, dear Libra, but you may not be seeing eye to eye with key people now, which puts a damper on your plans. Personal interactions can be on the tense, or possibly intense, side. Watch for a tendency to push a matter when a sensitive, intelligent approach would get the best results. The Moon is in your partnership sector all day, and this serves to enliven relationships. There can be some seesawing between wanting to assert your independence or going your own way and seeking out the comfort of company. This can leave you on a fence for awhile, but if you think carefully, you may very well find a way to satisfy both needs without too much ado.

Scorpio

You can be filled with a strong desire to take care of problems and sort out your life in fundamental ways, dear Scorpio, with the Moon in your solar sixth house all day. However, you’re likely to find that others are not very cooperative or that interactions easily become tense as you feel out of tune. Impatience and restlessness with the status quo can be the reason for minor conflicts and discord. As well, a Moon-Jupiter opposition pits the desire for escape against the putting of problem areas behind you, and both sides can be very equally appealing. Debates can too quickly get personal today, and it may be about ego. Your own desires and wants seem conflicting. However, as the day advances, you feel more and more comfortable with someone who sees you in a wonderful light.

Sagittarius

The temptation to push a relationship matter is probably not very wise today, dear Sagittarius. A Venus-Mars influence can make a relationship matter seem urgent when a slower, gentler pace makes the most sense right now. Your desire to investigate, detect, uncover, or expose anything that is hidden runs very high now, so aim to use it for good, such as for research and analysis, rather than for stirring up problems. Seek to solve rather than create problems! You might also feel torn between personal interests and a commitment to someone later today. Watch for a tendency to do all or overindulge. Toning things down is a good idea.

Capricorn

It’s a strong day for getting a whole lot of small tasks done at great speed, dear Capricorn, as you are more able to multi-task than usual now. However, there can be impatience to your approach, or you may be tempted to skip steps, and either of these things can result in slip ups. You might also end up worrying needlessly over the tiniest of things, making you feel very irritable and restless. Minor health complaints may crop up if you don’t keep busy. Distractions are plenty and restlessness can set in today, and you may feel torn between the desire for alone time and your commitment to others. However, if you find a middle ground, you’re likely to enjoy a productive, satisfying day.

Aquarius

Interactions can be touchy, and people can be cranky when they don’t get their way today, dear Aquarius, with Venus and Mars in minor challenging aspect to one another. The line between wants and needs blurs. Distractions are plenty today, and as much as you’d enjoy keeping a pleasantly busy momentum going, it can be difficult to choose any one thing to focus on. Be more careful with details than usual today. As well, relationships can feel competitive, or tempers can flare quickly. Once past the feeling of being scattered, this can be a great day for learning new things and for self-studies.

Pisces

You can feel rather torn between sticking with what’s comfortable and taking a risk today, dear Pisces. The extra energy you’re experiencing may frustrate you if you’re not channeling it into something productive. You might decide to take action on a home matter, but the temptation to rush through things should be watched. As well, timing in relationships can be off. Tastes can seem starkly different, even if these discrepancies existed before and didn’t bother you quite as much. You may not even be sure if you want to go your own way or lean on someone today. It may be best to avoid fretting too much and aim to look for the positive in what’s in front of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Eight of this suit is the card of works. We see here the successful artisan spending time at his bench, hammering out the commissions he has attracted because of his skill. This artist is the best in her or his class, so popular that it’s become difficult keep up with demand. She is paid whatever she asks and accepts only the most worthy assignments.

If there is a problem in this card, it has to do with the trap of workaholism, the feeling of being so indispensable that you will not ask for help or delegate anything. There is also the issue of becoming so identified as the creator of elegant works, that the personal identity of the creator becomes consumed by the works themselves. This artisan seldom gets to have a home life, time off, much time for friends. The solution lies in balancing creative energy with a personal life.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Learn the Tarot 101

How to Do a Serenity Tarot Reading

A Tarot spread to help you heal and find inner peace

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Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Your Daily Rune for November 19th is Jera

Tarot Influence

Knight of Cups Reversed

Scrutinize all ventures and deals carefully. Lies, laziness and underhandedness are possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Virgo Reversed

Virgo reversed signifies a lack of honor and settling for the superficial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Water

Water is the card of hidden truths and emotions. It also calms and soothes and is basic to life. The Water card may denote a period of discovery, fulfillment through learning and the unraveling of mysteries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Sky News for Friday, July 14th

Vega and its constellation Lyra

THE PENTACLE

No other symbol is more widely associated with Witchcraft than the pentacle, a round disk engraved with a pentagram (five-pointed star). The circle surrounding the pentagram is the universal symbol of totality. The pentagram itself symbolizes the human microcosm. It also represents the five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit. Upright (as pictured), the pentacle depicts the spirit above matter and is a symbol of the Goddess. Inverted, it corresponds to matter above spirit, the quest for temporal gain, and the Horned God of materialism.

 

In the practice of magick, the pentacle represents the practitioners’ ability to create or manifest desire. As the embodiment of the element of Earth and the realm of materialism, the pentacle provides a place, like an artist’s canvas,   on which abstract thought forms can be brought to life. From a spiritual or esoteric viewpoint, the pentacle represents the realm of birth, life, death, and renewal.

 

During a magickal operation, practitioners use the symbol of the pentacle to help conceptualize their thoughts, believing that what they see in their minds’ eyes they will surely realize in physical form. The pentacle becomes the point of focus where all the practitioner’s attention is directed. If practitioners are totally focused and are able to force their will toward a single purpose, they will achieve results and make manifest their desires.

 

The true beauty and power of the pentacle lies in its versatility. It provides the practitioner with a mode of expression and a place to arrange his or her thought forms until they can be forced into reality. For example, by placing the logo or symbol of your coven or lodge on the pentacle and charging the logo during ritual, you endow those affiliated with the group a portion of the energy raised. This is especially helpful during fund-raising campaigns or when trying to recruit new members.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PENTACLE

When performing a magickal rite, it is important that the symbols you use convey your objective. As an agency of the Earth element, the pentacle makes the ideal surface on which to place your symbolic representations during ritual. Because the pentacle will be serving as the host to your magickal objectives, it is important to consider the physical properties of the pentacle itself. These include: the substance you make your pentacle from, color, and inscriptions or engravings.

Wood

Wood is symbolic of the mother, the Goddess, and wisdom. Wood makes an ideal pentacle, and is very easy to work with. Wood absorbs and radiates energy, infusing the focused thought forms into the objects placed upon it. Choose the wood for your pentacle according to the natural vibrations you would like it to have.

Apple: Belongs to Aphrodite, Venus, Freya, Ishtar, Cerridwen, and the element of Water; used for love, passion, fertility, foundation, and inspiration.

Ash: Corresponds to the gods Neptune, Odin, and Mercury and the elements of Air and Water; aids in mental clarity.

Birch: Associated with the mysteries of the Goddess; the elements of Earth, Air, and Water; is used in making parchment; contributes to health, healing, and general magick.

Hawthorn: Belongs to Mars, Thor, Blodeuwedd, and Hera; the elements of Fire and Earth; allows access to the underworld; is protective, cleansing, and helps to manifest desire.

Hazel: Equates with Mercury, Hermes, Woden, and Thor; the elements of Air and Water; is associated with dowsing, divination, finding hidden things, and developing wisdom.

Maple: Corresponds to Jupiter; the element of Air; promotes love, longevity, and material success.

Oak: Associated with Zeus, Thor, Juno, Diana, Rhea, Demeter, Dagda, Bridget; the elements of Fire and Earth, and sometimes Water; permits entrance into the mysteries, is a keeper of knowledge, and promotes courage, spiritual strength, and protection.

Pine: Aligns with Mars, Freya, Osiris, Cybele; the element of Fire; helps with birth, purification, insight, and divination.

Metal

Metals are the bones of the Earth; the reflection of the powers of the God and Goddess. Metals are beautiful, they conduct energy, and they were considered to be sacred in ancient times. In addition to their temporal qualities, each metal is aligned with a planetary energy that influences all it comes in contact with. Most New Age and Occult shops carry a variety of planetary pentacles for practitioners to choose from. The following six metals are most often used in the construction of altar pentacles.

Silver: Associated with the Moon, Artemis, Selene, Hecate, Diana, Sin, Shiva; the element of Water; encourages the feminine mystique, intuition, instinctive wisdom, spiritual and psychic understanding, fertility, and magick.

Gold: Belongs to the Sun, Apollo, Dionysius, Helios, Sol, Vishnu, Ra; the element of Fire; develops strength, power, success, achievement, wealth, and masculine energy.

Copper: Corresponds to Venus, Aphrodite, Ishtar, Lakshmi, Bast; the elements Water and Fire; aids with matters of the heart, love, passion, friendship, reconciliation of differences, harmony, beauty, and attraction.

Tin: Associated with Jupiter, Zeus, Athens, Poseidon, Minerva, Marduk, and Indra; the element of Water; helps with idealism, expansion, attracting success, obtaining justice, religious leadership, and prosperity.

Iron: Belongs to Mars, Volcanus, Durga, and Sekhmet; the element of Fire; supports dynamic energy, enthusiasm, courage, bodily strength, and war.

Lead: Corresponds to Saturn, Hera, Kronos, Saeturnus, Parvati, Kali, and Ptah; the element of Earth; encourages creativity, the bringing of ideas into material form, restriction, formation, discipline.

 

Stone

Stone is the symbol of stability, durability, immorality, cohesion, and the indestructibility of the supreme reality. Stones often accompany trees in sacred places, or stand alone to mark a sacred place or event. The Stone of Foundation is the rock on which the universe was founded, the keystone of the Earth and source of the waters of life, the rock that prevails against Hades and the powers of the underworld. The stones listed here are ones that usually come in slices or sections large enough to fashion into a pentacle.

Agate: Associated with Mercury; the elements of Earth and Fire; helps to build courage, strength, and self healing, is good for protection.

Beryl: Corresponds to Neptune, Tiamat, Mara; the element of Water; can be used for healing, love, and to stop gossip.

Calcite: Equates with Venus; the element of Water, aids in centering, spiritual endeavors, purification, protections, and healing.

Geodes: Associated with the Great Mother; the element of Water; are used for meditation and fertility.

Malachite: Corresponds to Venus; the element of Earth; is good to use for love, peace, business success , and power.

Petrified Wood: Is not an actual stone but rather a fossil that is associated with the Akasha and the elements; most often used for past-life regression, healing, and protection.

Thought of the Day

“In primitive society, when native tribes beat the ground with clubs and yelled, it was called witchcraft; today, in civilized society, it is called golf”

 

 

Customer Appreciation Week, July 14 – 21

With ANY PURCHASE, you will receive your choice of one of  the best lines of incense on the market today.

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All I have to say right now is….

I’m

Back!

Lady A

and after all the time I have to think these days, I know one thing. Things are changing!

The Free and Open Net Is Under Attack, Again

By Blake Irving

 

About two years ago, I wrote an article for Inc. Magazine warning of the danger to the content neutrality of the Internet.  At the time, the FCC was considering a move that would essentially divide the Internet into two traffic lanes—one for big business and one for everyone else. That meant Internet Service Providers could create “fast lanes” for preferred companies or content, leaving small businesses, charities, and individual initiatives to wither on the old, slow networks.

Along with many other leaders in tech, I felt an overwhelming responsibility to speak out and make sure that the Internet remained open and free.  Thankfully, the voices of tech, along with four million individuals who also wrote to the FCC, made a difference and the catastrophe was averted.  Now however, just 2 years later, the open Internet is once again under threat by the new administration.  It’s Groundhog’s Day all over again.

To help individual and small business voices be heard, GoDaddy, along with hundreds of other technology companies, is participating on July 12th in  a “Day of Action on Net Neutrality.”  The day was created to raise awareness for everyone who accesses the Internet to get informed on the new danger we face, to share the news on their social networks and to make their voice heard once more commenting on the FCC’s proposal here before the deadline of July 18.  

A Free Internet is the Free Economy

The equalizing force of the open Internet, known broadly as “Net Neutrality” is once again on the FCC’s table and nothing less than our long-term economic well-being is at stake.  As I’ve argued in the past, the open Internet has been the greatest force for positive economic and social change I’ve seen in my lifetime. It connects people to ideas, marketplaces and one another.

No one has felt this equalizing force of the Internet more than small, independent ventures. Over the past three decades, we’ve seen countless businesses catapulted from obscurity to success purely by the power of the open Internet.

Today our economy is in the midst of another revolution that marks a massive shift in the way society operates. The ubiquity of Internet access and impartial content delivery gives every business the unparalleled opportunity to succeed. With an idea, some initiative, tons of grit and virtually no money, an individual can create a venture that sustains themselves and their family.  We’re transforming into a digital economy that is powered by billions of individual ideas and efforts.  It’s an economy that depends on the fairness and accessibility of the Internet. The move once again by the FCC to introduce fast lanes would stifle innovation and growth — and leave this revolution stalled on the side of the road.

Unfortunately, the odds seem stacked against us this time around. There’s a new sheriff in town at the FCC, and he is radically different from the last. In 2015, the Chairman of the FCC was Tom Wheeler.  It took a lot of convincing, but ultimately Chairman Wheeler came around, writing in an article for Wired that protecting the open Internet “assures the rights of internet users to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone’s permission.” Despite Chairman Wheeler’s late-found convictions, the FCC vote was still 3-2 to protect what made the internet great since HTTP: was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.

One of the two dissenting votes (and the most vocal opponent of Net Neutrality) was cast by Ajit Pai, a commissioner whose background includes work for Verizon as an Associate General Counsel. His reaction to the net neutrality proposal was, “The Internet is not broken. There is no problem to solve.” The translation is “there’s nothing unique that needs protection.” I respect Mr. Pai’s position as a vocal advocate for free markets and I understand that he believes the result of Internet regulation would be a decreased level of investment by network providers. However, what Mr. Pai fails to understand is that in 2017, the Internet is the free market and its openness is the key to its freedom.

Mr. Pai is now the Chairman of the FCC and with the welcoming of a new administration to Washington, the entire political dynamic of the FCC has changed. Under his leadership, the FCC has already voted to reexamine the Net Neutrality policy that was formalized two years ago. Worrisomely, the public conversation about this new threat to Net Neutrality seems to be quietly advancing with much less attention than last time.

Neutrality is Policy, Not Politics

Net Neutrality is in grave danger of falling victim to a wave of partisanship rather than receiving the attention and discussion it is due.

Our leaders need to adopt a policy structure that promotes and secures a better economic framework for independent businesses, the foundation and strength of the US economy. 

The current administration is generally appointing heads of agencies and commissions that are weary of regulation; including the appointment of Ajit Pai to chair the FCC.  But if the administration’s goal is to remove government barriers to business, Chairman Pai’s goal in turn needs to be protecting what has made the Internet an incredible force for economic freedom—and that means keeping the Internet data neutral.

Ironically, Chairman Pai and I share the same philosophy on maximizing freedom and minimizing regulation where it’s not needed.  Where we fundamentally disagree, however, is in the view of the Internet as a product rather than a marketplace—or the marketplace. Chairman Pai and opponents of a data neutral Internet simply view the Internet as a commodity, and as such, believe it should be at the discretion of providers to extract as much value from it as possible. But allowing providers to build “fast lanes” for global enterprises by default makes “slow lanes” for every small business and individual initiative that can’t afford to pay the elite tolls.

Imagine if your local mall could direct the entire budget of your city’s planning department.  Eventually all the roads to and from the mall would be in pristine condition while the roads to Main Street shops would fall into disrepair.  When customers can no longer navigate the potholes and overgrown rambles on Main Street, they simply won’t go back and your town mall would hold a monopoly on brick and mortar business.  In this metaphor, Net Neutrality keeps the roads department focusing on the entire area, not just the town’s big businesses.

The Internet is the Marketplace

The reality of the Internet is that it has advanced well beyond being a commodity. From the very first moment of network connectivity, we were launched onto a path that culminates at one inflection point: the Internet has become the most important marketplace for goods and services in the history of humanity. The Internet’s commerce story began much like the story of the  Sears Roebuck catalog; let me explain.

During the mid- to late- 1800’s, America was racing ahead with Western expansion. New towns and communities were forming, far away from the more urbanized east coast, and the railroads and postal system served as critical connections between the two sides of the country. Sears Roebuck recognized that this infrastructure created an environment primed for a mail-order business. They released the first catalog in 1894, and it exploded in popularity because it gave consumers access to products outside of their physical geography. For the first time, farmers in rural Wyoming could purchase many of the same products as a person living in New York City.

The big difference is that the Internet has always been far more than just the catalog of one company; it’s the catalog of every idea, plus the railroads, the postal system and the spirit of exploration rolled into one. That is what is at risk when we talk about the end of Net Neutrality. How different would the story of Sears Roebuck and the US be if the postal service or railroads had simply said, “We won’t deliver your catalog.” It doesn’t require endless amounts of analysis to realize the chilling effect that would have had on the development of communities and businesses. That same chilling effect is what is bound to happen without Net Neutrality, only on a global scale.

If network providers are incentivized to treat traffic preferentially, to prioritize certain content and sites over others, the average small or medium business around the world will find themselves at a dramatic disadvantage. Though I’m sure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will offer all businesses the opportunity to pay for prioritization, the economies of scale will instantly favor large businesses. The same is true for bringing new communities online. What’s more, ISPs aren’t likely to invest in places where economic value isn’t as clear, like charities, clubs and social groups.  Without a content neutral Internet all that will be at risk.

These issues are the very reason the FCC moved to protect the Internet two years ago.  There is a  precedent for protecting the Internet that goes beyond economic theory.  As far back as 1934, when the Communications Act was passed, the telephone was recognized as central to interstate commerce. Any attempt to manipulate access or openness of the telephone system was more than just a threat to a business or a consumer. It jeopardized the well-being of an entire economic and social system. Conservative government regulations through the FCC weren’t implemented to limit the use of the telephone (or broadcasting or any of the other elements of the Communications Act). They were implemented to ensure that what had become a marketplace for innovation remained open and stable.

Similarly, the Internet needs to remain open and free if we want it, and all of the connections and innovations it enables, to grow. Chairman Pai and his colleagues regularly point to a study that shows investment in network infrastructure declining by 5.6 percent over the last two years. That argument has been debunked on a number of fronts, with one of the most important being the investment cost in network infrastructure is actually decreasing over time. They also claim that small ISPs have told them over and over again that Title II (the 2015 Net Neutrality policy) has prevented them from building new networks. And yet, only a few days ago, 30 small ISPs petitioned the FCC to maintain Net Neutrality because it gave them a fair playing field just like the small businesses and communities they serve. They shouldn’t be left to stand alone for the future of the Internet.

Your Voice Needed

The fact of the matter is we need Net Neutrality if we want a new, vibrant economy. Big and small businesses alike are aligned around the idea that an open Internet creates opportunity and spurs market growth. The Internet isn’t just a utility – it is the utility fueling our global economy. The Internet has become a necessity for the interaction of consumers and businesses. If we allow the FCC to create an environment that encourages preferential treatment, we’ll allow our government to inadvertently starve innovation and small business initiative. Let’s not let that happen.

That’s why this isn’t an argument for increased governmental regulation in the Internet. Instead, it’s a demand for our government to help preserve what is a foundational element of our future. I, along with thousands of others, am asking you to become a part of making that demand heard.

July 12th will be an incredibly important day in the fight for a free and open Internet. It’s been coined the “Day of Action,” and GoDaddy, along with 40,000 other companies like Amazon, Netflix, Twitter, and Kickstarter, will use our home pages and channels to encourage users to get involved in the conversation. You’ll see banners, messages and pages all asking you to comment on the FCC’s proposal.

It may seem like an uphill battle, but there is power in your voice. Even Thomas Jefferson, a man renowned for his belief that a little government goes a long way, once wrote, “the basis of our government is opinion of the people.” Based on what I witnessed in 2015, I believe the opinion of the people is clear: we have to maintain an open Internet. I’m hopeful that you will make your voice heard—and at such volume the FCC can’t ignore the volume.

I’m hopeful that you will make your voice heard—and at such volume the FCC can’t ignore the volume.

Join me and GoDaddy in the conversation. Become a part of the Day of Action by posting a comment in support of Net Neutrality during the FCC’s open comment period which ends July 18. Our window of time is limited, so take action now. The future of a free and open Internet is up to you.

 

 

For full disclosure, we are associated with Mozilla and GoDaddy.  Even if I wasn’t I would support this cause 100%. The government wants to put us all in a little box so it can control our access, what is put on it and most of all our speed. Sound like something you would like, then sit on your hands and do nothing. If not, let the FCC hear from you. The internet is suppose to be free for all. It opened up a new way of life for most of us, don’t let the government take that way of life away from us.

—Lady of the Abyss

lla cares about net neutrality — use these or any that express why you care about this issue.

Net neutrality is fundamental to free speech.

Without net neutrality, big companies could censor people and perspectives online. Net neutrality has been called the “First Amendment of the Internet.”

Net neutrality protects small businesses and innovators who are just getting started.

Without net neutrality, creators and entrepreneurs could struggle to reach new users. Investment in new ideas would dry up and only the big companies would survive, stifling innovation.

Net neutrality allows consumers — not big companies — to choose what they watch & do online.

Without net neutrality, ISPs could decide you watched too many videos on Netflix in one day and throttle your Internet speeds, while keeping their own video apps running smooth.

Tell the FCC to leave net neutrality alone.

In case you are, I know just the place to get them, Magickal Necessities. We are expanding our product line daily. We have recently added three pages of essential oils. Some are hard to find, the others’ every day oils that a witch might use in her daily rituals or spells. Next, we are working on a section for herbs. Again, this will include herbs that are every day and hard to find. I forgot to mention we will be selling herbal teas and accessories also. Right now, that page has about 4 or 5 herbs listed on it and the teas/accessories are not listed. But by the time tomorrow gets here, that will change.

If you don’t have anything else to do this afternoon or just want to browse the net, surf on over to Magickal Necessities and check out the new items now listed there. If you are going to shop for magickal items, why not support your site or organization you follow? And remember if we can’t get it, just ask.

Lady of the Abyss

POSTED BY MISTRESS OF THE MYST

Announcing the Grand Opening of Magickal Necessities! What is Magickal Necessities, you might ask. It is the latest Magickal, Metaphysical and Occult Store to hit the net. And hit the net it did, top quality merchandise at affordable pricing. You will be amazed at the products we have to offer. We offer everything from the every day item to that hard to find item for that special spell or ritual. Don’t see it, just ask! We can get it for you!

Saturday, July 8th thru Sunday, July 9th All day, all night Magickal Necessities Sign up for daily gift aways, gift certificates and free pentagram necklace to given away every hour on the hour, just sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and you are registered for some great prizes! Just that simple! Come on over, shop, have aome fun & get some great prizes just for stopping by! Remember it is for a great cause, all proceeds go to Lady of the Abyss’ catastrophe medical expenses

Brass Cauldron 3″ – $21.95 $14.95 Magic Pillar Candle with Fairy Dust Necklace – $18.95 $14.95 Change Your Luck Amulet – $9.95

 

 

Grand opening is going so goooood, HA! The proceeds this weekend were suppose to be for Lady A’s medical bills. So far, it looks like she is going to have to sell her home, car and dog just to even to begin to pay her medical bills. Then when that happens, no more WOTC or any of this. All the expenses for the WOTC and everything else were coming straight out of her pocket because she thought we were making a difference. What difference? I am beginning to think she ought to took that money and went on a well-deserved vacation.

Mistress of the Myst

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Announcing the Grand Opening of Magickal Necessities! What is Magickal Necessities, you might ask. It is the latest Magickal, Metaphysical and Occult Store to hit the net. And hit the net it did, top quality merchandise at affordable pricing. You will be amazed at the products we have to offer. We offer everything from the every day item to that hard to find item for that special spell or ritual. Don’t see it, just ask! We can get it for you!

Saturday, July 8th thru Sunday, July 9th All day, all night Magickal Necessities Sign up for daily gift aways, gift certificates and free pentagram necklace to given away every hour on the hour, just sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and you are registered for some great prizes! Just that simple! Come on over, shop, have aome fun & get some great prizes just for stopping by! Remember it is for a great cause, all proceeds go to Lady of the Abyss’ catastrophe medical expenses

Brass Cauldron 3″ – $21.95 $14.95 Magic Pillar Candle with Fairy Dust Necklace – $18.95 $14.95 Change Your Luck Amulet – $9.95

 

 

 

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