Author: ladyoftheabyss

Jupiter Retrograde April 2019 – Test of Love

celtic knot

Jupiter Retrograde April 2019 – Test of Love

 

Jupiter retrograde 2019 begins on April 10 at 24° Sagittarius and ends on August 11 at 14° Sagittarius.Jupiter retrograde is a time of philosophical and spiritual introspection and reflection, involving growth, happiness and success.

This year the main theme of Jupiter retrograde is romance and intimate relationships. However, Jupiter stationary retrograde on challenging fixed star in the Sting of the Scorpion can cause immorality and embarrassment. Some testing planetary aspects also bring the potential for jealousy, obsession and a variety of other excessive and destructive behaviors.

Before more detail on Jupiter retrograde 2019 you will information about natal Jupiter retrograde followed by the general meaning of Jupiter retrograde in transit.

Jupiter Retrograde Meaning

Jupiter retrograde natal suggests there was a problem in achieving goodness of the soul in an earlier life. This certainly does not mean you have a bad soul, but that there will be some lessons or extra effort required this life to achieve goodness of the soul, to be genuinely happy and content.

Jupiter retrograde shows the areas of life, or the personality traits and behaviors, which specifically need extra development. The optimum Jupiter nature is broad-minded, happy, comfortable and content. A healthy Jupiter is continually growing and expanding in philosophical and spiritual outlook. The aim is to be charitable, generous, friendly and welcoming to all people, regardless of social status, religion, cultural or ethnic background.

Natal Jupiter retrograde could show as greed, selfishness, gluttony, extravagance, wastefulness or self-righteousness. Addiction, intolerance, bigotry, ignorance or showing off might be holding you back. Whatever is stunting your personal and spiritual growth is what Jupiter retrograde focuses on. This could well have been an ongoing problem hindering success over many incarnations. Events or relationships will keep reinforcing the problem area this life, especially during Jupiter retrograde phases.

Jupiter retrograde transit is a regular cycle occurring every 13 months and lasting for about 4 months. Transiting Jupiter retrograde is a time of philosophical or spiritual introspection and reflection. You could have to deal with particular issues involving growth and development, happiness and success.

Jupiter retrograde means that whatever area of growth you need to work on is so important, extra time is needed to take stock and make sure everything in order before you continue. You may be tested to make sure you are ready to receive the good fortune, new romance, or increased wealth you seek.

Perhaps a destructive behavior like greed or addiction is out of control. In this case, Jupiter retrograde will offer a chance to recognize and admit the problem. Things may get so out of control that an intervention or some drastic event must occur to shake you out of your complacency or ignorance.

Once Jupiter stations direct you should have come to terms with the relevant issues and be ready to leap ahead toward success and happiness

Jupiter Retrograde 2019

Jupiter stations retrograde on April 10, 2019 at 24°21′ Sagittarius on a challenging fixed star and in challenging T-Square aspect pattern to the Moon and Mercury.

Fixed star Lesath at 24°16′ Sagittarius in the Sting of the Scorpion gives danger, desperation, immorality and malevolence, and is connected with acid poisons, accidents, catastrophes, and operations. But with Jupiter it “can make for marked achievements.” [1] It also gives a probing, sharp intellect and incisive wit with an enterprising spirit of keenness of insight.

People with this star strong in their charts are noted for doing well in debate, business, sport, and high office in general. If not well aspected, though, they can be inclined to strike first and ask afterwards, with an embarrassing loss of face. [2]

Jupiter Retrograde T-Square

Moon square Mercury can bring disagreement because of parochialism or moodiness. You may feel very opinionated on a particular subject and care little what others think.

Emotional biases can influence your thinking, and your intellectual reasoning can influence how your feel about a person or subject. Try to take a critical look at both sides as you perfect your ideas.

Mercury square Jupiter brings a broad and optimistic outlook. But a lack of concentration or inability to focus on the smaller details may lead to errors of judgement and mistakes.

Overconfidence is possible and could be seen as arrogance or even bigotry. Don’t promise too much or over-estimate your abilities when making plans for the future.

Moon opposite Jupiter brings good feelings and generosity but also lack self-control and gullibility. If you are too trusting and kind you could be taken advantage of. Your generosity might be seen as a weakness by others.

Being less guarded about your feelings can be an open invitation to interfering mothers or moral crusaders. Obsessions and jealousy are possible.

Concerns about your future or questioning of your belief system could make you feel emotionally upset and trigger excessive behaviors such as over eating and substance abuse.

Asteroid Juno

Asteroid Juno conjunct Moon makes romance a major focus of Jupiter retrograde 2019. Juno rules women of childbearing age, soul mates, true love and commitment.

Demetra George says Juno symbolizes the mystical union, or state of spiritual consciousness you can reach when you transcend your ego. Overcoming separateness through union and becoming one with the universe.

“Juno symbolizes the yearning for full mystic union that is emotionally, sexually, and psychologically fulfilling…In the horoscope, Juno represents the emotional and psychological needs that motivate us to seek marital union” [3]

But the challenging star and aspects suggest true love will be tested by selfishness, arrogance, intolerance, jealousy, infidelity or disloyalty.

Venus conjunct Neptune reinforces the romantic theme of Jupiter retrograde 2019. It brings new love or more compassion and spiritual bonding to an existing relationship. But disappointment is possible if you have not been accepting the harsh realities of a negative relationship.

Jupiter square Neptune on June 16 stays within 2° orb all of June 2019 so it is important for Jupiter retrograde 2019. It can test your faith due to an embarrassment or disappointment. You may have been too trusting or over idealized a romantic interest.

Avoid being too optimistic. You may feel trusting and generous but the risk of delusion and deception is too great to risk your resources. Also avoid gambling, drugs, gurus, cults and get-rich-quick schemes. Rely on the advice of trusted friends and family.

Jupiter Retrograde Dates

  • 2018, March 8 to July 10 – 23° to 13° Scorpio
  • 2019, April 10 to August 11 – 24° to 14° Sagittarius
  • 2020, May 14 to September 12 – 27° to 17° Capricorn
References
  1. Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1971, p.69.
  2. The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.85.
  3. Asteroid Goddesses, Demetra George & Douglas Bloch, 2003, p. 158.
  4. Astrology King

Venus Square Jupiter 15 April 2019

Celtic knot

Venus Square Jupiter 15 April 2019

Venus square Jupiter in the natal chart makes you a fortunate, creative and fun-loving person. Of all the challenging square aspects in astrology, this has to be the best one. There are a number of associated difficulties but they are generally quite easy to overcome.

Your optimistic outlook, generosity and all-round charming good nature makes you pleasant to be around and you should be popular, having little difficulty making friends. The tension that does exist inside you is actually a good motivator for creativity. This aspect favors any of the arts including drama, comedy, music, creative writing, painting and sculpture. Your sense of humor would verge on the cheeky side.

Motivation may be a problem for you when it comes to daily chores and monotonous hard work to earn an income. A lack of self-discipline can cause difficulties at work and in fulfilling other serious duties and responsibility in life. This would be especially so when you have a family. Your charisma will only get you so far in avoiding the heavy responsibilities involved in raising children.

Other people may find you to have questionable, or ‘loose’ morals. This would most likely cause problems in your love life, where lowering your standards would cause complications or embarrassment. Or it could be that making commitments in relationships like marriage causes you concern. Sometimes a lax attitude may irritate your partner, or you may give the impression that you don’t care, or couldn’t be bothered.

However, as mentioned earlier, it would not take too much effort to address any weaknesses that add friction to your relationships. The same applies to your finances. You may have difficulty finding enough money to support the lifestyle you desire. Such luxuries as entertainment, amusements and holidays may require you to take on a more responsible position in your career.

There is a tendency with this aspect to overestimate your resources and to be rather extravagant. The worst case scenarios would involve greed and addiction. Your generosity to yourself and others may need to be reigned in. Generally, however, you should enjoy enough lucky breaks in life to avoid many of the hardships which restrict others people’s ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

Venus Square Jupiter Transit

Transiting Venus square Jupiter is ideal for having fun but not so good for working hard. You should be feeling happy, optimistic, generous and very sociable. Problems will arise if you need to attend to more serious matters in which a responsible or conservative attitude is needed.

This is generally a good time for socializing and making new friends. Care must be taken, however, not to lower your standards if dating as this could lead to wrong choices or embarrassing situations. You may be more inclined to have an affair at this time and that would eventually backfire leading to stress in a marriage.

Dieters may have difficulty avoiding gluttony at this time. A tendency toward greed, excess and extravagance also poses problems for drinkers and drug users. Moderation is required but that is difficult to come by when you are in such a jovial mood.

One more area of concern is you finances, as Venus rules money and Jupiter rules wealth. There will be a tendency to overspend on luxury items, fashion, cosmetic, holidays and entertainment, anything that you can actually do without if money is tight.

Venus Square Jupiter Celebrities

Bobby Fischer 0º00′, Jeremy Silman 0°04′, George Grosz 0º06′, Dolly Parton 0º09′, Michael Crichton 0º18′, Gustave Courbet 0º30′, Boy George 0°37′, John Frawley 0º38′, Walter de la Mare 0º38′, Andy Leslie 043′, Larry King 0º44′, Andreas Vesalius 0º45′, Nancy Spungen 0º51′, Princess Margaret 0º57′, Thomas Edison 1º03′, Wilt Chamberlain 1º08.

Venus Square Jupiter Dates

27 March 2015
18 January 2016
4 June 2016
25 November 2016
17 August 2017
4 February 2018
25 June 2018
15 April 2019
2 September 2019
23 February 2020
16 November 2020
8 May 2021
30 September 2021
25 July 2022
9 December 2022
11 June 2023

An In-depth Look At The Planets for April 15 – April 21

Celtic Maiden~FLB

An In-depth Look At The Planets for April 15 – April 21

Monday April 15

  • 06:13 am – Moon enters Virgo
  • 07:14 pm – Venus square Jupiter is ideal for having fun but not so good for working hard. You should be feeling happy, optimistic, generous and very sociable. Problems will arise if you need to attend to more serious matters in which a responsible or conservative attitude is needed. This is generally a good time for socializing and making new friends. Care must be taken, however, not to lower your standards if dating as this could lead to wrong choices or embarrassing situations.

Wednesday April 17

  • 02:00 am – Mercury enters Aries
  • 07:21 am – Moon enters Libra

Friday April 19

  • 07:12 am – Full Moon at 29 ♎ 06 is opposite Uranus. This means your need for change, excitement or freedom could make you restless and impulsive. Unexpected events and unpredictable behavior could add much tension to close relationships. The full moon also highlights relationship imbalances involving emotional support and love. Asteroid Hybris conjunct the full moon calls for compassion and humility to replace overconfidence and arrogance.
  • 08:40 am – Moon enters Scorpio

Saturday April 20

  • 04:55 am – Sun enters Taurus
  • 12:10 pm – Venus enters Aries

Sunday April 21

  • 11:59 am – Moon enters Sagittarius

 

 

Reference:

The Sky This Week from April 15 to 21

CELTIC KNOT

The Sky This Week from April 15 to 21

The Full Moon dominates the sky late this week, but observers still have good opportunities to view several bright planets and the winter sky’s swan song.
By Richard Talcott
Monday, April 15
The annual Lyrid meteor shower ramps up this week. Although the shower won’t peak until the morning of April 23, you should see a few meteors in the predawn hours before then despite the presence of a bright Moon. To tell a Lyrid from a sporadic meteor, trace the streak of light back to its origin. Lyrids appear to come from the constellation Lyra the Harp, while sporadics appear at random and can come from any direction.Tuesday, April 16
Mars continues to add luster to Taurus the Bull this week. And this evening, the Red Planet passes 7° due north of the constellation’s brightest star, ruddy 1st-magnitude Aldebaran. Shining at magnitude 1.6, Mars appears slightly fainter than Aldebaran. The planet lies 30° above the western horizon an hour after sundown and doesn’t set until after 11 p.m. local daylight time.

The Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, at 6:05 p.m. EDT. It then lies 226,306 miles (364,205 kilometers) away from us.

Wednesday, April 17
Venus pokes above the eastern horizon about an hour before sunrise. The brilliant planet dominates the predawn sky as the rosy glow heralding the Sun’s arrival grows brighter. Venus shines at magnitude –3.9, nearly four times brighter than the second-brightest planet, Jupiter. When viewed through a telescope, the inner world shows a disk that spans 12″ and appears 85 percent lit.

Thursday, April 18
Full Moon arrives at 7:12 a.m. EDT tomorrow morning, but it looks completely illuminated throughout the night. It rises in the east shortly before the Sun sets this evening and reaches its peak in the south around 1 a.m. local daylight time. The Full Moon lies in Virgo, about one binocular field northeast of that constellation’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Spica.Friday, April 19
Jupiter continues to grow more prominent before dawn. The giant planet rises shortly after midnight local daylight time and climbs nearly 30° high in the south as twilight starts to paint the sky. It also shines at magnitude –2.4, making it the brightest point of light in the sky until Venus rises during twilight. A telescope reveals at least two conspicuous cloud belts on Jupiter’s 42″-diameter disk and the four bright Galilean moons.

Saturday, April 20
Look west after the last vestiges of twilight fade away and you’ll witness the beginning of the winter sky’s decline. By 9:30 p.m. local daylight time, the lower tier of bright winter stars and constellations barely clears the horizon. From mid-northern latitudes, Sirius in Canis Major, Aldebaran in Taurus, and the three belt stars of Orion the Hunter all stand about 10° high. (Ten degrees is the approximate width of your closed fist when held at arm’s length.) Still, a higher tier of winter stars remains prominent. Look for Capella in Auriga, Castor and Pollux in Gemini, and Procyon in Canis Minor to keep the cold season on our minds — and in the sky — for several weeks to come.

Sunday, April 21
Saturn grows more conspicuous in the morning sky with each passing week. The ringed planet rises before 2 a.m. local daylight time and climbs 20° above the southeastern horizon by the time twilight begins. Saturn shines at magnitude 0.5 and appears significantly brighter than any of the background stars in its host constellation, Sagittarius the Archer. A telescope shows the gas giant’s 17″-diameter disk and a stunning ring system that spans 38″ and tilts 23° to our line of sight.

Monday Is Now Weekly Astronomy Day (Unless Something Important Comes Up On Another Day of the Week)

Celtic Angel

Current Planetary Positions

April 15, 2019

Sun:25 Aries 23
Moon:03 Virgo 07
Mercury:28 Pisces 05
Venus:23 Pisces 55
Mars:10 Gemini 09
Jupiter:24 Sagittarius 19 Rx
Saturn:20 Capricorn 21
Uranus:02 Taurus 07
Neptune:17 Pisces 35
Pluto:23 Capricorn 08

Monthly Horoscope Aspects for April

The planetary aspects listed below are for New York time.

15 Apr, 07:14 pm – Venus square Jupiter
19 Apr, 07:12 am – Full Moon 29 ♎ 06
22 Apr, 07:06 pm – Sun conjunct Uranus 02 ♉ 31
24 Apr, 02:47 pm – Pluto Retrograde 23 ♑ 09
26 Apr, 06:18 pm – 3rd Quarter Moon 06 ♒ 23
27 Apr, 09:03 am – Mars square Neptune
29 Apr, 08:54 pm – Saturn Retrograde 20 ♑ 31

Question of the Day (Alright Guys This One Is For You)

It is a common misunderstanding by those who are not familiar with the Craft to call male witches, “warlocks.” I know I have seen new comers to the Craft and they also refer to themselves as Warlocks. They think being called a warlock is, I guess a super witch or cool but really. I have tried to tell them that a male witch is not a warlock, just another witch and then give them the definition of a warlock. They get mad because they don’t like the definition I give them and tell me I am wrong. I think since I am a Hereditary Witch, I should know what I am talking about. So guys, it’s your turn……What I want to know has anyone ever found out you were a witch and then said, “Hey, you’re a warlock?” If so, did you correct them? Also how does it make you feel when you are referred to as a warlock?

I will give you my answer or opinion right now, it makes me very angry when someone refers to our brothers as warlocks. To me it is a personal insult to each and every male in our community and I believe anyone ignorant enough to refer to a male witch as a warlock, should be corrected. I believe if I were a male witch being called a warlock would be fighting words. To be referred to as an oath-breaker, a person who has betrayed their own and done unspeakable acts, that to me would be a slap in the old face. Now guys, I want to hear your take on this subject. You’ve heard mine, now it is your turn.

Goddess Grace

Celtic IV.

Goddess Grace

I am the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All Her gifts are mine.
All Her powers reside in me.

I am Athena of Greece.
Like my totem the owl, I am wise
for I see and hear everything around and within me.
Like the oak, I am strong, for the olive of peace is sacred to me.

I am Bast, cat goddess of Egypt.
I am graceful, flexible, playful, and affectionate.
I radiate the warmth and light of the glorious sun.

I am Cerridwen of Wales.
My magic cauldron contains food for the soul,
an inexhaustible source of wisdom and inspiration.
The more I give, the more I receive.

I am Diana, Roman goddess of the ever-changing moon.
I am a protectress of women and children,
a guardian of the wild.
I focus my aim on my heart’s desire and draw it to me.

I am Ereshkigal, Assyro-Babylonian goddess of the underworld,
Queen of the Great Below.
I shed dead skin to grow.
Deep powers of renewal are mine.

I am Freya, Well-beloved Nordic Lady.
I survey the beauty of my world in joyous flight.
I celebrate and honor the bonds between friends and lovers.

I am Gaia, Greek Earth Mother.
Grounded and centered in the rhythms and patterns of chaos,
I emerge to create my universe.

I am Hecate of Greece.
Triple Goddess of the crossroads of choice.
I balance my powers of thought and emotion.
I choose the path I walk.
The torch of my reason is illumined by my brilliant intuition.

I am Isis, Egyptian Queen of the World.
I offer healing and transformation to all in need.
I hold the power to shape my world.

I am Jagad-Yoni, Hindu universal yoni, womb of the world.
I am the gatekeeper of the next generation.
I choose the life that emerges through me.
I use my power wisely.

I am Kwan-Yin of Buddhist China, goddess of compassion.
I hear and comfort the wounds of the world.
I welcome children and teach the magic of change.

I am Liban, Irish mermaid goddess.
I revel in the healing power of pleasure.
Quench your thirst at my sacred well.

I am Maat of Egypt.
Truth, justice and law are the natural order of my universe.
Harmony arises as I attune to my divine will.

I am Nu-Kua, Chinese dragon-tailed creatress.
I restore the cosmic equilibrium.
I form community among women and men,
connecting in equality, love and respect.

I am Old Spider goddess of Micronesia.
I created the moon, the sea, the sky, the sun,
and the earth from a simple clamshell.
All the vast and varied universe is present in the smallest form of
life.
As above, so below.
As within, so without.

I am Pele, Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
My fiery energy erupts from my core to create new worlds.
I flow easily over obstacles in my path.

I am Qedeshet of Syria.
I balance lightly on the lion I ride.
Laughter lifts me from the pull of gravity.
The lotus blossoms I hold and the serpents I carry
Symbolize the life and health I bring.

I am Rhiannon, horsewoman, Divine Queen of Wales.
My steady pace is swift and smooth.
I travel freely through my world, safe, serene and secure.
My winged friends can wake the dead
And lull the living to sleep.

I am Sedna of the Inuit.
Know and honor me through my animals.
Bears, whales and seals,
All creatures of the land and sea are part of me.
We share the right to be.

I am Tiamat of Babylon, primordial sea-serpent.
I am the great mother womb
Who brought forth the earth and heavens.
I dive deep into the watery unconscious to find the treasures buried
there.

I am Uttu, Chaldean-Sumerian goddess of weaving and vegetation.
I offer shelter and nourishment to all who know me.
We feed and clothe each other through our work.

I am Vasudhara, Hindu goddess of abundance.
My six arms hold everything you need and offer it to you.
Earth Water Fire Air Center Spirit
Purpose Love Passion Wisdom Here Now.

I am White Winged Woman of Honduras.
I descend from heaven to build my temple on earth
and return as a glorious bird.
I honor and express my true spirit.
My beauty is beyond my compare.

I am Xochiquetzal, Aztec goddess of flowers, love,
spinning, weaving, singing, and dancing.
I am an Original Woman.
I delight in sharing my many gifts.

I am Yemaya, Nigerian Fish Mother, Brazilian Voodoo mermaid.
Lakes, rivers and oceans are my home.
The waters of life belong to me.
We cleanse and sustain each other.

I am Zoe, Gnostic Aeon of Life.
Mother of All Living.
I am the embodiment of growth and vitality.
I am unique life energy.

I am the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All Her gifts are mine.
All Her powers reside in me.

We are the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All our gifts are mine.
All our powers reside in me.

You are the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All my gifts are thine.
All my powers reside in thee.

 

–Mariel, Author
Originally Published on Pagan Library

Good Monday Morn’ To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft! May The Goddess Bless You & Yours Today & Always!

celtic blessings
Well, good morning, my little sunshines! How are you doing today? I see no one answered the question of the day for yesterday. I figured out why, you were too busy getting ready to watch the show, right? Probably not but anyway, Lady Beltane called an left a message last night to remind me that Game of Thrones was coming on. I thought that was sweet of her. Then again I thought, she never visits this site or else she would have seen the question. Watch today I talk about her, she will show up, lol! She know I love her. She is a wonderful, caring person and a true friend. But I didn’t want to talk to you about Lady Beltane and my friendship,, I wanted to ask you a favor……

Wednesday, we won’t be on the internet because I have several tests I have to have done at the hospital. I know most of you remember when I was attacked at my first and last day at work. The bruises and the ribs have healed but I had been having tremendous hip pain. I don’t know if I was knocked into the desk or the counter and injured my hips or what but something happened. Anyway, the pain has gotten so bad that I don’t sleep at all at night anymore. I called my doctor and went into see him. He is concerned that one of my nuts or bolts might have been damaged or the tumor they removed from that side has come back. He didn’t want to come right out and say it because he didn’t want to worry me needlessly. But it has been in the back of my mind and it will always be there. What I am asking for you is your prayers and your blessings for me on Wednesday. I know you might think it is silly just going in for test, sure you will be fine. I am not so sure about that. I have been seeing strange signs and those signs have stopped and made me think. Remember I am from the hills and we take signs very seriously. But the signs I have been seeing aren’t good ones. Perhaps it is just my imagination feeding into to my pain and sleepless night but I don’t want to take any chances. I would sincerely ask that you say a prayer and light a candle for me Wednesday. I am sure everything will go fine but you never know. I just have a horror that I will never walk out of that hospital Wednesday. So I need your prayers desperately.

I am not wishing ill on anyone else but I am seriously hoping those signs I have been seeing do not pertain to me. But I am not going to take any chances. So please, take time Wednesday to say a prayer for me and keep me in your thoughts. You know I would really like to be back here Thursday. I think I might kind of miss you guys and gals, lol! But would you miss me, lol! Just kidding! Just remember Wednesday please, and now it is time to get to work.

Have a very beautiful and blessed Monday,

Love ya,

Lady A

Question of the Day for Sunday, April 14th

Question of the Day

What happened to Lady A and the posts for Sunday? No, that’s not the real question of the day. I do apologize for telling you, we would see you Sunday. I ought to have known better. Got the taxes done, which really didn’t take that long. I hope those of you who haven’t done your taxes yet are hard at work on them. Should I start a count down clock for you, lol!  I always get all tensed up and my nerves on edge when it comes to doing the taxes. So every nerve in my body seemed like it was tied in knots. When I got up this morning, I just couldn’t go. It was dark, gloomy and raining like someone was pouring buckets on the roof. I thought I would take a quick shower and that would make me feel better, HA! I ended up going back to sleep and waking up at 12:30. I figured by that time, you probably didn’t want your horoscopes for the day, so I just goofed off. I wish, I use to be able to goof off but no more time for goofing anymore. But that isn’t my real question of the day, what happened to Lady A, yeah right, we know. She likes to sleep in on rainy days, lol!

The question of the day is…..

How many of you are going to watch Game of Thrones tonight?

I am just checking because out in the sticks if too many people get on the same show, the show crashes, seriously! Talking about out in the stick, oh brother! Since this is the last season of Game of Thrones, I was kind of curious on how many would be watching. Also have you followed the show the entire time or have you binged watch to catch up to the series final season? Simply enough question. I expect lots of answers so I know whether or not my area is going to experience a crash tonight and I get to rant and rave till it comes back on, lol!

Anyway, I am off for now (as usual). I hope everyone is having a very relaxing and blessed Sunday. We will see you tomorrow, I promise. Till then…..

Love ya,

Lady A

Charging And Cleansing Your Tools

Charging And Cleansing Your Tools

Once you have prepared your elemental substances, you can charge your tools ready for use. If they
have been bought, whether new or second-hand, you might also like to cleanse them first. You can also
cleanse them after a formal ritual or when their energies seem depleted.

If the ritual is important or arduous, you can recharge the tools before each use, but usually this is not
necessary, as the cleansing from a previous ritual will automatically restore the energies. However, as
you polish your candlesticks or athame before putting them on the altar, you may wish to focus on the
intention of the ceremony and visualise light entering the tools.

Charging With Power

You can charge your tools separately as you obtain them. Alternatively, group them together on a table
before their first use in ritual and create a circle of light around them with small purple candles at the
eight main compass points (North, North-east, etc.). Start at the North candle and end with the Northwest candle.

* First create a circle of salt round the tool(s), beginning in the North, to offer the tool(s) the protection
of the ancient Earth element, saying:

Mother Earth, charge with the power of the ancient stone circles and the wise ways of the ancestors
this – [name the tool(s)] of magick and healing, that my work may be rooted in what is possible and
help create abundance and prosperity for others and the land, as well as for my own needs.

* Next, draw a circle of smoke deosil in the air around them, using a frankincense or myrrh incense
stick, saying:

Father Sky, charge with the power of the mighty winds and the limitless potential of the cosmos this –
[name the tool(s)] of magick and healing, that my work may be focused, filled with energy and bring
positive change to ever-widening horizons.

* Now, using a golden or scarlet candle in a broad-based candle-holder, mark an inner circle of fire in
the air, around the artefact(s), saying:

Brother Fire, charge with the power of ancient ritual fires and the brilliance of the Sun, this (these)
tool(s) of magick and healing, that my work may be filled with light and inspiration and purged of all
self-seeking and negativity.

* finally, sprinkle sacred water or rainwater that has not touched the ground before collection on top of
the circle of salt saying:

Sister Water, charge with the power of mighty oceans, wide rushing rivers and deep still pools this
(these) tool(s) of magick and healing, that my work may release stagnation and bring fertility and
peace, not only to myself and my loved ones, but to people whose lives are blighted by polluted places
and, especially, water.

Cleansing Using The Forces Of Nature

Leave your artefact(s) on a piece of white silk in a sheltered, safe place out of doors or near an open
door where children, pets or the curious cannot reach them. Begin at dusk where they can absorb the
light of the Sun, the Moon and the stars, for 24 hours. This will be effective even if you cannot see any
of these heavenly bodies in the sky.

Charge at the time of the waxing moon to the full moon if possible; if not, let them stand for 48 hours.
If the Moon is waning and so not good for energising, create a circle of alternate moonstones and
crystal quartz for the powers of the Sun and Moon, and leave the tools within this circle for the full 48-
hour cycle.

Sprinkle the tools with nine drops of sacred water that was collected under the full moon or rainwater
that has not touched the ground, saying a variation of this old magical rhyme whose origins are
unknown:

One for joy, two for gladness,
Three and four to banish sadness,
Five and six do life renew,
Seven, eight, nine bring power anew.

Few of these old chants are great poetry, but that was not their purpose – they were created in the days
before widespread literacy as a way of remembering magical rituals. If you prefer, you can substitute
your own, composed by you or a coven member who may have a gift for such work. The rhymes
served like simple mantras to build up power – some people recite the chant several times, very fast,
while sprinkling the water slowly.

Cleansing Using A Crystal Pendulum

Hold a clear crystal pendulum over the tool(s) and make nine circles widdershins.

Plunge the pendulum in cold running water to cleanse it, shake it dry and circle it nine times deosil
over the tool(s) to restore energies. You may need to repeat this several times if a tool seems lifeless or
after you have been carrying out a banishing ritual.

 

— Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magic Spells By Cassandra Eason

Ritual Magick

Ritual Magick

Ritual magick is no different from any other activity that you may carry out in a systematic way. Yes, it is true, it is more formal than folk magick: you are using special tools and following a series of preordained steps based on traditional practice. But this does not mean that it has to be so complicated as to be beyond the capabilities of any normal person. You do not need special powers; and the preparation is just the same as you would do if you were redecorating a room, servicing your car or preparing your annual accounts.

When you decide to do any of these tasks, you set out the necessary equipment in advance, so you are not constantly dashing off to find what you need. You check that it is all in working order and you probably consult a reliable reference book, computer software or calculator to clarify the necessary stages and finer points of the method. And that is exactly what preparing for ritual magick is like.

First, you need to collect any relevant information; for example, you must find out which tools, herbs, candle colours, etc. you may require. Then you must check that your magical tools are charged with power. You must check whether the hour and the day are well chosen to benefit from the energies and are most aligned to the focus. If you are working with a group, you must decide in advance who is to carry the salt and other elemental substances round the circle, who will perform particular parts of the ritual, such as welcoming the Spirit Guardians.

This preparation is important, although, as I have previously said, many of the words and actions in the best rituals remain spontaneous within the basic framework. You do not even need to belong to a coven to create beautiful rituals. Indeed, practising alone, you will find that as you increase in confidence, the natural rhythm of the ritual cycle will amplify your own innate powers and you will feel angelic or devic forces joining with you as you walk around the circle and hear their voices mingling with your chants.

You should not allow yourself to be overawed, as I have been in the past and still occasionally am, by books and practitioners who vaunt their knowledge of obscure magical phrases, measure their circles down to the last millimetre and insist that only their form of working is authentic.

What matters is the actual connection you make in your ritual with the storehouse of natural and higher energies – and that can be done with a kitchen candle if the need is great and the intention pure. Ultimately, the power is within you, and as you become skilled with magick, you may find that the external form becomes less important.

However, formal magick does have its place, for a special need or for raising spiritual awareness, or for focusing magical energies through the accumulated power of tools charged and regularly used for positive purpose. Some people believe also that in ritual you tap into the energies of all those before you who have created circles of power and protection, and within them have raised and called upon the elemental qualities to bring desires and needs from the thought to the material plane.

 

—Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magic Spells By Cassandra Eason

Astronomy Picture of the Day – A Cosmic Rose

Astronomy Picture of the Day

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

2019 April 12

A Cosmic Rose: The Rosette Nebula in Monoceros 
Image Credit & Copyright: Jean Dean

 

Explanation: The Rosette Nebula, NGC 2237, is not the only cosmic cloud of gas and dust to evoke the imagery of flowers, but it is the most famous. At the edge of a large molecular cloud in Monoceros some 5,000 light years away, the petals of this cosmic rose are actually a stellar nursery. The lovely, symmetric shape is sculpted by the winds and radiation from its central cluster of hot young, O-type stars. Stars in the energetic cluster, cataloged as NGC 2244, are only a few million years young, while the central cavity in the Rosette Nebula, is about 50 light-years in diameter. The nebula can be seen with a small telescope toward the constellation of Monoceros, the Unicorn. This natural appearing telescopic portrait of the Rosette Nebula was made using broadband and narrowband filters, because sometimes roses aren’t red.

Daily Planet Tracker for April 12: Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Pisces: Creative, Intuitive, Magical

Feb 10, 2019 – Apr 16, 2019

 

By Tarot.com Staff
Astrology, Mercury, Pisces

When Mercury enters the fantastical sign of Pisces, our dreams become more vivid, our thoughts are looser, and our instincts are especially strong. Mercury is the mental planet that rules our thoughts and communication style. While this focus on data and details doesn’t naturally align with Pisces widespread, all-inclusive style, there are so many ways to enrich our lives during this transit!

When Mercury enters the fantastical sign of Pisces, our dreams become more vivid, our thoughts are looser, and our instincts are especially strong. Mercury is the mental planet that rules our thoughts and communication style. While this focus on data and details doesn’t naturally align with Pisces widespread, all-inclusive style, there are so many ways to enrich our lives during this transit!

Pisces thrives in a world of magic, fantasy, and idealism. While Mercury is here, our minds are more open and we can find solutions in places we’ve never even considered before. Mercury in Pisces shines a light on the furthest reaches of our minds to illuminate fresh ideas, creative inspirations, and different ways of thinking.

When Mercury is in Pisces

Our minds are never open as wide as they are during Mercury in Pisces! Pisces thrives in the most vast spaces you can imagine. Think about the unbelievable depths of the ocean or the infinite reaches of space — these are Pisces’ realms. So while Mercury moves through this sign, our minds are expanded to this same level of vastness. We can see things we couldn’t see before, and understand things we couldn’t understand before.

It’s no surprise that some thoughts we have during this transit are beyond words. Our ability to communicate becomes fuzzy here, and some of the things that are happening in our minds are just too big to find words for. This is where our intuition comes in. Pisces is the most intuitive sign of the zodiac, and reminds us to pay close attention to the “feelings” we have in our minds. We know things in ways we can’t explain, because our subconscious is being triggered more than usual while Mercury is in Pisces.

Of course, there are also some cons to Mercury in Pisces. Miscommunication is possible, and we may have trouble staying on track. We might forget critical details, show up late for meetings, or say things that don’t quite make sense. This is because we’re speaking from the heart and gut, not our brains. Finding the words to match our feelings can make for some seriously stop-and-start conversations.

But overall, Mercury’s time in Pisces can bring amazing new opportunities our way. There are no limits during this transit. We’re open to all possibilities, so we can easily embrace the things that are suddenly inspiring us. The level of promise and potential is high here, because we’re not focusing on the things we can’t do, but the things we can do.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

When the planet Mercury goes retrograde, it appears, from our view here on Earth, to be moving backward through the sky. Therefore, the things Mercury rules — communication, travel, details — all start to get a little messy during Mercury Retrograde. When Mercury retrogrades in the sign of Pisces, though, there’s a definite Piscean spin on its effects. We find our energy depleted, and show up late to work or appointments more often than usual. Because communication is already unclear with Mercury moving direct in Pisces, we can expect even more misunderstanding during a retrograde here.

But it’s certainly not all bad! Mercury hibernating in Pisces leaves more time for daydreaming and fantasizing, helping to rejuvenate a stale imagination. And even though it’s not the best time to make a key argument or presentation, because everyone has the attention span of a gnat, using this time to polish your approach will have you ready to state your case effectively once Mercury turns direct.

 

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