Perfumes: Sweetpea, Lavender, Mastic, Frankincense, Cloves
Incense: Cinnamon, Cinquefoil
Color: Yellow or Grey
Influences: Conjurations, Predictions, Knowledge, Writing, Eloquence
Reference:
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater
The fourth day of the week is named after Odin (Wodan or Woden). In Anglo-Saxon world, Woden is not necessarily the mirror of the Norse Odin. Up to the seventh century, he was worshipped as the main deity. He was the psychopomp which is a word for someone who helps deliver human souls to the afterlife.
In Romance languages, the name of the day comes from Latin Dies Mercurii (miércoles in Spanish, mercoledi in Italian, mercredi in French), associated with Mercury, the Roman god of trade, profit and commerce.
In German, the word for Wednesday is simply Mittwoch, meaning the middle of the week
Humane Day (United States)
POLUKNALAI
Themes: Kindness to Animals; Nature
Symbols: All Animals About Poluknalai: In Afghanistan, Poluknalai is the goddess of all animals, being both their creatrix and their protectress. Now that the warm weather has many people walking their pets or taking them to parks, Poluknalai walks alongside, watching over the animals who give us love and companionship.
To Do Today: People in the United States dedicate the first Sunday in May to commemorating the Humane Society, which was established to prevent cruelty to animals, in the true spirit of Poluknalai. Numerous organizations schedule fund-raising events today and extend compassion to both animals and people, in keeping with the festivities. If you have the means, adopt an animal today or make a small donation to the Humane Society in your area so they can continue their work. Both actions honor Poluknalai.
Back up your actions spirituality with this spell for animal welfare:
Gather any picture of endangered species you can find. Put them inside a Ziploc bag while visualizing the white light of protection surrounding each. As you close the bag, say,
Protected by Poluknalai’s command, these creatures are safe across the land.
Sealed with love and magick within, by my will this spell begins.
As long as the bag remains sealed and safe, it will continue generating protective magick for those animals.
–365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco
Days 10-12 Ruled by Hera, Queen of Heaven and creatrix, representing the power of inspiration
Days 13-15 Demeter, the nurturer, rules these
Days 16-18 Dedicated to Gaia, the Earth Goddess
Days 19-21 Hestia, Goddess of Waning Moon, is the matriarchal grandmother, ruling and protecting her family
Days 22-24 Ruled by Medusa, the crone of death and spiritual release, the necessary destruction that allows a new cycle to begin
Days 25-27 Ruled by Hecate, queen of the underworld and the shades, she is seen as the one who allows departed souls to choose thier paths in the next phase of existence and rebirth
The remaining days of the moon – the dark days – are those of the unknowable Masked Goddess, who is present, but invisible.
Day of Bau, Mother of Ea, the Earth in Babylonia. Other names for the Earth are Demeter, Ceres, Eartha, Ge, Gaia, Rhea, Rhiannon, Asintmah, Iduna, Hera, Ops, Hertha, Mawu, Urtha, Anna, Tellus Mater, Artha. The last day of the Megalesia of Cybele in Rome, the Games of the Great Mother.
For Woden: Isis, Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya, Devi-Kali, Hella, Rhiannon, Coatlique, Maman Brigette
—The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein
According to ancient Celtic folklore, the Sun dances each year on this day. In many parts of Ireland, people arise at the first light of dawn to watch the Sun “dance” in a shimmering bowl of water.
Bau, the Goddess Mother of Ea, was honored each year on this day in ancient Babylonia with a sacred religious festival called The Day of Bau.
–The Wicca Book of Days
Gerina Dunwich
Wednesday is the day of the Teutonic deity known as Wodin or Odin, an aspect of the Allfather, god of knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes, the planet Mercury
Deity: Woden
Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Virgo
Planet: Mercury
Tree: Ash
Herb: Cinquefoil
Stone: Emerald & Sardonyx
Animal: Raven & Cat
Element: Air
Color: Red & Blue
Number: 6
Rune: Odal(O)
Celtic Tree Month of Fearn (Alder) (March 18 – April 14)
The Runic Half Month of Ehwaz (March 30 – April 13)
Goddess of the Month Rhiannon
—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick
Insofar as The Craft Of The Wise is the most ancient and most honourable creed of humankind, it behoves all who would be witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods and Goddesses, to their brothers and sisters of The Craft, and to themselves
Chivalry is a high code of honour, which is of most ancient Pagan origin and must be lived by all who follow the Old Ways.
Know well that thoughts and intent put forth will wax strong on many planes of existence and return, bringing into creation that which has been sent forth. For this reason the adept must exercise discipline over his or her thoughts. Remember, ” as you sow, so shall you harvest”
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we may one day unite with the Godhead.
“This above all … to thine own self be true…”
A witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed document. It is only by developing such mental discipline that great power may be controlled and directed
It is well to refrain from speaking ill of others for not all truths of the matter may be known
Pass not unverified words about another. For the most part hearsay is a thing of falsehoods
Be honest with others. Have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them
The fury of the moment plays havoc with the truth. Strive always to keep your head
Harm not another. Think always of the consequences of your actions
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired
As a witch you wield much power. Therefore exercise much discretion in its use
Courage and honour endure forever.
Offer friendship only to those worthy of it. To associate with younger souls will only pull you down
Those who follow the mysteries must be above reproach in the eyes of the world
Keep pride in thyself. Seek perfection in body and in mind
(Adapted from Rites From The Crystal Well)
We all know that herbs make great companions in the garden and kitchen. Herbs also have a long history as a natural remedy—and many other more unusual uses, too! Read on…
Anise
Romans paid taxes with anise, and it was used in cough drops.
Anise seed steeped in milk is said to be a sleep-producing drink, but it is also quite likely that the warm milk alone would do the trick.
Basil
Precious to lovers in Italy and considered sacred in India. Many years ago, Italian men wore a sprig of basil to indicate their intended marriage. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Ease a headache by drinking tomato juice blended with fresh basil.
Borage
The Romans believed the herb to be an antidepressant, and ancient Celtic warriors took it for courage.
Caraway
Caraway was used to scent perfumes and soaps. The Greeks used it for upset stomachs.
Chervil
Eating a whole plant would cure hiccups; chervil was said to warm old and cold stomachs.
Chives
Bunches of chives hung in your home were used to drive away diseases and evil.
Dill
Romans made wreaths and garlands out of dill. Dill keeps witches away.
Fennel
Bunches of fennel were used to drive off witches. It was used in love potions and as an appetite suppressant.
Garlic
It was thought to give strength and courage. Aristotle noted garlic’s use as a guard against the fear of water. It’s also been widely used against evil powers.
Lovage
Chewing on a piece of the dried root will keep you awake. Lovage warms a cold stomach and help digestion. Added to bathwater, it was believed to relieve skin problems.
Marjoram
The Greeks believed it could revive the spirits of anyone who inhaled it. At weddings wreaths and garlands were made of marjoram.
Mint
It was believed to cure hiccups and counteract sea-serpent stings. The Romans wore peppermint wreaths on their heads. It was added to bathwater for its fragrance.
Oregano
Used for “sour humours” that plagued old farmers. Also used for scorpion and spider bites.
Parsley
Used for wreaths and in funeral ceremonies. Believed to repel head lice and attract rabbits.
Rosemary
Rosemary in your hair will improve your memory. It will protect you from evil spirits if you put a sprig under your pillow.
Sage
Thought to promote strength and longevity and believed to cure warts. American Indians used it as a toothbrush.
Summer Savory
It was believed to be an aphrodisiac. Some thought it was a cure for deafness.
Tarragon
Put in shoes before long walking trips to give strength. It has been used to relieve toothache and as an antifungal.
Thyme
Burning thyme gets rid of insects in your house. A bed of thyme was thought to be a home for fairies.
Anyone who has sage planted in the garden is reputed to do well in business.
There are many superstitions and old wives’ tales about the house and home. Are they fact or fiction? Let us know what you think.
These sayings for good luck in your home come from The Old Farmer’s Almanac folklore archives.
Scatter Solomon’s seal on the floor to banish serpents and venomous creatures from the room.
To protect your house from lightning, gather hazel tree branches on Palm Sunday and keep them in water.
Add caraway seeds to chicken feed to keep poultry from wandering. Feed the seeds to homing pigeons to help them find their way back.
Stuff fennel in your keyhole or hang it over your door to protect against evil spirits. (Of course, we now know fennel has many natural remedy benefits to help keep us healthy!)
Never carry a hoe into the house. If you do so by mistake, carry it out again, walking backward to avoid bad luck.
Never walk under a ladder, which is Satan’s territory. If you must do it, cross your fingers or make the sign of the fig (closed fist, with thumb between index and middle fingers).
If you give a steel blade to a friend, make the recipient pay you a penny to avoid cutting the friendship.
Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy.
Never pound a nail after sundown, or you will wake the tree gods.
Nail an evergreen branch to new rafters to bring good luck. An empty hornets’ nest, hung high, also will bring good luck to a house of any age.
When you move to a new house, always enter first with a loaf of bread and a new broom. Never bring an old broom into the house.
We wholeheartedly endorse the rigorous and unpleasant methods of extending life suggested by doctors, but our research into centuries of American folk wisdom has turned up 100 EASY ways of avoiding death by observing a few simple rules in everyday situations. These beliefs come from all over this country and were actually collected by students of folklore and anthropology.
None of them were made up. Just remember: if you fail to observe these rules, we won’t be responsible for the consequences!
1. Don’t take ashes out of the fireplace or wood stove between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
2. Never place a broom on a bed.
3. Close umbrellas before bringing them into a house.
4. Avoid sweeping after sundown.
5. You mustn’t wash clothes on New Year Day.
6. Don’t shake out a tablecloth after dark.
7. Never wash a flag.
8. Don’t turn a chair on one leg.
9. Keep cats off piano keys.
10. Don’t hang a dishcloth on a doorknob.
11. Sweeping under a sick person’s bed will kill him or her.
12. Don’t ever, ever rock an empty rocking chair.
13. Never add-on to the back of your house.
14. You mustn’t cut a new window in an old house; the only way to avoid fatal consequences is to toss your apron through the new window, and then jump through it yourself.
15. Never drive a nail after sunset.
16. Don’t move into an unfinished house.
17. Avoid carrying axes, shovels, and other sharp-edged tools through a house; if you must take one inside, always take it out by the same door.
18. If you move out of a house, don’t move back into it for a year.
19. Don’t hang your sweetheart’s picture upside-down.
20. If a picture falls from the wall, don’t pick it up.
21. Never carry a peacock’s feather into a house.
22. Keep cut flowers out of bedrooms overnight.
23. Don’t ever carry a bouquet of wildflowers indoors before May 1.
24. If you cut out a new dress on Friday, you must finish it that same day.
25. Don’t make new clothes between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
26. Never hold a stick in your mouth while sewing.
27. Always sew cross-stitching on your underwear.
28. Don’t walk around in one shoe.
29. If you see a will-o’-wisp while out walking at night, turn your coat inside-out.
30. Never wear another’s new clothes before they have worn them.
31. A woman who makes her own wedding dress will not live to wear it.
32. Never set three lamps on a table at the same time.
33. Don’t set the table backwards.
34. Never serve 13 at a table.
35. Avoid drinking coffee at 5 o’clock.
36. You mustn’t write on the back of a dish.
37. Never return borrowed salt.
38. Don’t ever cross knives while setting the table.
39. Be sure that someone else cooks your birthday dinner.
40. Don’t put two forks at one place setting.
41. Never, never turn a loaf of bread upside down.
42. Sleeping with your head at the foot of the bed is surely fatal.
43. Don’t sing in bed.
44. If you hear a dog howl at night, reach under the bed and turn over a shoe.
45. Don’t count stars.
46. A man should never dream of a naked woman; a woman should never dream of a naked man. (You know who you are…)
47. Never rub soap on your skin on a Friday.
48. Don’t look into a mirror over another’s shoulder.
49. Avoid combing your hair after dark.
50. Absolutely no haircuts in March.
51. Let a baby’s hair and fingernails grow until their 1st birthday.
52. Don’t let two people comb your hair at once.
53. Never shave at night.
54. NEVER, EVER share a razor used by a dead man.
55. Never hold a funeral on a Friday.
56. When a person dies in a house, you must immediately cover all mirrors and stop all clocks.
57. Children should not pretend to have funerals.
58. Don’t ever try on a mourning veil.
59. Always remove a dead body from a house feet first.
60. Never ride in a hearse, unless you are the driver.
61. Don’t count the cars in a funeral motorcade.
62. Avoid wearing new clothes to a funeral, especially new shoes.
63. Pull the shades in a room where a funeral service is taking place; if the sun hits a mourner’s face, he is the next to die.
64. When walking in a funeral procession, don’t look backwards.
65. Never point at a grave.
66. Try not to step across a grave.
67. Never leave a grave open overnight.
68. Don’t ever be the first to leave the graveyard after a funeral. (And hope that not everyone else follows this rule, too…)
69. If a corpse lies unburied on Sunday, another in town will surely die soon.
70. Wait a year before putting up a tombstone for a family member; if you don’t, another family member will go before the year has ended.
71. Drink May rainwater.
72. When sick, don’t look in mirrors.
73. Don’t give a person a peony.
74. Never measure your own height.
75. Try not to imagine it’s Saturday when it’s not.
76. Don’t count cars on a passenger train.
77. Never whistle in a coal mine.
78. Avoid measuring a person who is lying down.
79. Don’t walk backwards.
80. You mustn’t allow a candle to burn itself out.
81. Never sell a dog.
82. Try not to kill a crow; but if you do, be sure to bury it while wearing black.
83. If you transplant a cedar tree, you will die by the time it is big enough to shade a grave.
84. The same is true of a willow tree (as in 83)
85. Don’t ever hang your hoe on a tree branch.
86. Don’t skip a row when planting corn or beans.
87. If you watch a person out of sight, you’ll never see them again.
88. Avoid stepping over a person who is lying down.
89. When your name is called, don’t answer the first time—it may be the Devil calling you.
90. Never shake hands through a window or over a fence.
91. Try not to sit with your back to the fire.
92. Don’t burn sassafras wood.
93. If you walk with your hands locked behind your head, it will kill your mother.
94. Don’t even THINK of mocking an owl. (Who?)
95. Don’t store your shoes above your head.
96. Never kill a locust.
97. Never kill a lizard.
98. If you hear a hen crow, you must kill the hen.
99. If you are on a train when a woman boards, dressed in black, get off.
100. Whatever you do, don’t let a lizard count your teeth. (Seriously, just DON’T.)
Do you know any folklore like the above? A saying passed down from parents or grandparents? Let us know in the comments!
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 8
AZURE Vapor Tracers over Norway
Image Credit & Copyright: Yang Sutie
Explanation: What’s happening in the sky? The atmosphere over northern Norway appeared quite strange for about 30 minutes last Friday when colorful clouds, dots, and plumes suddenly appeared. The colors were actually created by the NASA-funded Auroral Zone Upwelling Rocket Experiment (AZURE) which dispersed gas tracers to probe winds in Earth’s upper atmosphere. AZURE’s tracersoriginated from two short-lived sounding rockets launched from the Andøya Space Center in Norway. The harmless gases, trimethylaluminum and a barium/strontium mixture, were released into theionosphere at altitudes of 115 and 250 km. The vapor trails were observed dispersing from several ground stations. Mapping how AZURE’s vapors dispersed should increase humanity’s understanding of how the solar wind transfers energy to the Earth and powers aurora.
Generally, any moon that’s less than one day old (or 24 hours past new moon) is hard to spot with the eye alone, or, sometimes, even with binoculars. For the most of the world, however, the moon was over a day old after sunset on Saturday evening (April 6, 2019). And so we heard from many people today who saw the April 6 young moon, a fleet little moon that appeared in the west at evening twilight on Saturday, then set before nightfall. If you missed it, check out the young moon photos posted at EarthSky Community Photos. Or just look outside in the coming evenings, after the sun goes down.
The moon will be waxing larger and appearing farther from the sunset each evening. On April 7 to 9, you can watch as the moon sweeps up past the red planet Mars, the famous Pleiades star cluster – also called the Seven Sisters – and the red star Aldebaran, which represents the Eye of the Bull in the constellation Taurus.
If you have clear skies, watch for the moon on each of the coming evenings. And realize that the moon’s motion upward away from the sunset from night to night is due to its motion in orbit around Earth. Each hour, the moon in its orbit edges its own angular diameter farther from the sun on the sky’s dome. Thus, the widening lunar crescent stays out a little longer after sundown.
Also, as it moves away from our line of sight to the sun, the sliver of the moon’s daytime side turns increasingly toward Earth.
In other words, the older the moon gets (the farther it is from new moon), the easier it becomes to see … farther from the sunset, with more of its illuminated side showing.
By the way, young moons in early spring are usually much easier to catch than young moons in early autumn. That’s because the ecliptic – the approximate monthly pathway of the moon – hits the sunset horizon at a steep angle in spring yet a shallow angle in autumn. And since it’s now spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, you’d normally expect this April young moon to be more easily viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.
But this time around, the April 2019 new moon passed 5 degrees (10 moon-diameters) south of the ecliptic, greatly negating the Northern Hemisphere’s advantage and the Southern Hemisphere’s disadvantage.
That’s probably why we saw so many young moon photos today. They were coming in from various spots arounds the globe.
And if you live at temperate latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, be mindful that the sparse moonlight over these next several evenings may provide you with your last good opportunity to view the post-dusk zodiacal light until next year.
Bottom line: After sunset on April 7 to 9, 2019, watch for the young waxing crescent moon to widen day by day as it climbs upward toward the red planet Mars, the Pleiades star cluster and the ruddy star Aldebaran.
Published on EarthSky
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