Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Feb. 23 is The Devil

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Devil



The Devil is the more perplexing cards one can draw in a reading. He represents all that most find undesirable, distasteful. He embodies the seven deadly sins (Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride). The Devil is evil personified. However, it is unlikely his presence in your cards means you are most suited to be a child of Satan. Think of the saying “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The more plausible explanation is that you are actually quite moral, and feel a deep duty to oppose the dark forces The Devil embodies. This in no way implies you should establish your own inquisition, but simply that you are acutely aware of the destructive influences in our world and have the strength to resist them.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for February 23 is 52: Stopping

Today’s I Ching Hexagram

52: Stopping

___________________________________

February 23, 2016

hexagram09

 

 

 

 

 

Summary:

Solicit the attention of those you wish to advise.

Line One of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Offer a worthy one sound advice.

Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 6:
A relationship with someone will be ruined if you do not advise him.

Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Do not stop that which is already in motion.

Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Try to stop an action before it starts.

Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Consider your words wisely before you speak them.

Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Be diplomatic and act with integrity when giving advice to others.

Your Daily Tarot Card for Tuesday, Feb. 23 is The Emperor

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The Emperor


The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 24

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 24

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

You can be especially excited about projects and plans, dear Aries, and perhaps a little worked up about opinions and perspectives today. As the day advances, you’ll be seeing more and more opportunities through, of all things, responsibilities. Committing yourself to a goal, a cause, or a pet project can actually help bring you down to earth and get your mind off emotional conundrums. You’re eager to work on your to-do list today after some rather unfocused days behind you.

Taurus

Taurus

Today, you are likely to be feeling especially excited about a person, an idea, or a feeling – whatever it is, you can feel alive and motivated, dear Taurus. You are reminded of your commitments, in a pleasant way, and can feel especially good about working on a project or endeavor – one that’s designed to last. This is a good time for enthusiasm in a relationship, as well as getting some solid work done. Career planning efforts can be worthwhile now.

Gemini

Gemini

While you can begin the day a little scattered but highly motivated, dear Gemini, you tend to finish it in very realistic terms. A commitment to make improvements comes easily, especially with or about a partner. You can be filled with a strong desire to accomplish something solid and practical. There is great energy for new ideas and interests, but also willingness to put your plans into motion – a nice combination! A friend might come through for you today.

Cancer

Cancer

You can feel especially excited about an idea and possibly some breakthrough thinking today, dear Cancer. Both emotional and mental energy run high, and you can feel quite motivated to tackle projects or duties that you may have let slide or avoided. You may want to use this energy to sort out financial support issues. Later today is strong for work, research, and investigation. Focusing on something absorbing can do wonders for your sense of purpose. You can be drawn to details and excited about finding solutions to problems.

Leo

Leo

There can be quite a bit of excitement in your conversations today, dear Leo, and you can find yourself quite enthusiastic about new ideas. Others may not seem to be keeping up with you, but if you can work independently, you can accomplish a lot. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to find an area of focus and work towards a specific goal. There is a “back to business” feel to the moment, and you’re interested in long-term results. While much of the day you tend to be quite self-motivated and do well on your own, later on you seem to be better off thinking up plans with a partner.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

You have the power of increased mental energy with you today, dear Virgo, and a real need to put ideas into motion – or your money where your mouth is – with Mercury and Mars coming together in a parallel. This may benefit your daily activities and projects most, as you can feel especially excited about trying out new things or simply getting things done. As the day moves forward, there is good energy for applying yourself to something productive and purposeful in a more focused manner, particularly related to work and home life. A pet project and something to focus your attention on can add to your feelings of purpose and direction. You can feel good about committing to something specific, and making headway.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

You can be feeling especially enthused about producing and moving forward in your projects today, dear Libra. There may be an exciting conversation or thoughts about a money-making pursuit, and willingness to put ideas into motion. Details that you may have missed in recent days begin to fill your consciousness, making this a good time for paying more attention to a particular area of interest. You are more focused and willing to put in effort as the day advances, and you can end the day in a very practical frame of mind.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

You have more than usual mental energy today, dear Scorpio, as well as courage to express your more cherished ideas and opinions. As the day progresses, focusing on family or a practical project can relieve stress, particularly if you cut out distractions and concentrate on one thing at a time, one step at a time. While wit and speed are favored much of the day, slow and steady wins the race later today. You’re in great shape for taking care of business and dealing with details that may have been missed (or that you didn’t care to see) in the past.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

There is great enthusiasm with you today, dear Sagittarius, particularly related to expressing yourself and learning new things. Conversations can be inspiring, helpful, and revealing. Not everyone is working at the same pace, but you don’t seem to need approval or help just for now. Coming out of some emotional, high-flying days, you begin gearing up to take care of business as the day moves forward. You are able to focus, and traditional methods seem to work best now – avoid skipping steps. You’ll feel more accomplished if you pay extra attention to details or duties that you’ve let slide.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

Thoughts about money or business matters can be accelerated and progressive today, dear Capricorn. While you’re encouraged to be quick on your feet in the morning, it’s best not to be hasty with decision making. As For some of you, you could be in the position to defend your worth or your values. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to slow down and consider the details. Early day courage is good, but practicality and willingness to draw upon common sense as the day progresses can help you lock something down.

Aquarius

Aquarius

While there can be moments when you may be super hasty when expressing yourself early today, dear Aquarius, you’re also in an especially courageous, intelligent, and effective frame of mind. You are excited about an idea or project and ready to run with it. There can be a nice channel for expressing yourself and your personal interests. As the day advances, you’re in a stronger position to pay more attention to the nitty gritty details or practical angle of a project. Organizing or researching work can be attractive, and some of you could be making solid plans with a friend. A new level of respect or reliability in a relationship can be achieved now.

Pisces

Pisces

Mental energy is powerful today, dear Pisces, and you could be wanting to take action on an idea or new information about a matter from the past. You have the courage to confront or face problem areas and then move forward. There can be an important conversation or thinking with/about a partner. New insight into a private matter or relationship can come now, and can be very exciting. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to think in practical terms, and this helps you to hone in on your priorities. Dealing with responsibilities rather than hiding from them can in fact be quite satisfying now.

If You Were Born Today, February 23

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, February 23

Considerate, sensitive, and passionate, you are also determined in your work, once you’ve found the right path for you. Focusing on one path, however, is something that can be challenging for you, as you value variety in your work and you are multi-talented with many different interests. You possess a wonderful blend of logic and intuition, as both sides are well-developed and this means you can understand most any concept or subject. Idealistic in relationships, you must avoid the trap of expecting too little or too much from them.

Famous people born today: Peter Fonda, Johnny Winter, Michael Dell, Dakota Fanning, Aziz Ansari, Emily Blunt.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 23

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 23

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

Your emotional focus tends to be on work and health or daily matters today, dear Aries. With Jupiter in your work and health sector this year, there can be a lot of enthusiasm generated for work projects and/or health routines. However, with Chiron opposing Jupiter today (this first happened in November), some insecurities or inconsistencies can have you second-guessing. You may be thinking of past mistakes or missed opportunities, but try not to dwell. Recognize areas that may be weak or not working well so that you can go forward with better plans. Attach yourself to dreams that are realizable, and you’re in a good place. If you have taken on too much, then you are at the risk of poor productivity due to a feeling of overwhelm. Simplify for best results now, rather than falling for the idea that doing more will make you happier – it won’t!

Taurus

Taurus

The Moon’s alignment with Jupiter in your creativity sector today amps up emotions surrounding the joys of romance, love, entertainment, and creative activities in your life, dear Taurus. However, Chiron’s opposition to Jupiter can serve to pull up some doubts. This influence first occurred in November, and will come exact again in August. If things are moving too fast or if you’ve neglected to take care of special friendships, you are inclined to worry about it now. Second-guessing yourself may occur now, but it could also serve you well to take a breather, especially if you’ve taken on too much. If you’re uncertain of where you are headed, it’s important to avoid allowing someone else to make important decisions for you.

Gemini

Gemini

The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your home and family sector today, dear Gemini, emphasizing your joy in settling in, getting comfortable, and enjoying down time. However, with Chiron opposing Jupiter today, insecurities about where you’re headed in your career or in the longview can interfere with comfort levels. Aim to learn your true wishes and needs before making the bigger decisions, and avoid going along with plans that others make for you if you’re not totally on board with them. Find ways to fill your very real needs for familiarity and comfort today, without guilt. This might be achieved more easily by filling some duties or paying due attention to the outside world before settling in.

Cancer

Cancer

The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your communications sector today, dear Cancer, expanding your sense of emotional satisfaction from learning, connecting, and communicating – areas of general increase and good fortune in recent months. Jupiter has a way of magnifying feelings, whether they’re good or bad, so that any discomfort in these areas might be felt strongly. Today, there can be some second-guessing your current ideas or projects as you become aware of a different perspective, inconsistency, or setback. It’s better not to put too much stock into news you hear or what others are saying now, unless you use it to jumpstart your own thinking. It would be best to wait for clarity rather than handing over decision making to someone else.

Leo

Leo

The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your solar second house today, dear Leo, expanding your feelings of emotional satisfaction surrounding your level of comfort or security, talents, or current financial situation. There may be some confusion involving matters of finances and ownership, however, with Chiron opposing Jupiter – a longer-term influence that first appeared in November and will form again in August. You may have been counting on certain support and now you could be questioning whether it’s as strong as you anticipated, as an example. Insecurities about reliance on support from others could be an emerging issue for some, but avoid making big decisions based on worries of the present. Give yourself time to think things through. Be a little more vigilant with money matters and contracts now, and avoid putting all of your eggs into one basket, or too much faith in an iffy proposition.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

The Moon is in your sign all day, dear Virgo, and aligns with Jupiter, pulling up your feelings of emotional satisfaction for review. With Chiron’s opposition to Jupiter, insecurities can emerge through a relationship or another person’s perspective. If you feel misunderstood, drained, or demotivated, know that it’s temporary and try to pull into yourself a little. Allowing yourself to be ruled by others’ emotions and opinions is a draining experience, and you owe it to yourself to look for happiness within. It’s also important to avoid giving up decision making to someone else if you’re not totally on board with others’ plans for you, as the tendency now is to second-guess your choices or to feel too exhausted to argue a point.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

Insecurities about your current work projects or performance may be stimulated today, dear Libra, on a day when you otherwise might thoroughly enjoy a breather or healthy escape from the demands of daily life. You may not know what is expected of you, or could have incomplete information to work with now. Try not to go overboard with people-pleasing, as you may end up feeling taken advantage of or left feeling unappreciated. Your own expectations of others may need some adjustments. Tackle areas of guilt that may be preventing you from getting the break you need and deserve. If this involves applying yourself to a duty or task first before settling in, then so be it.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

The Moon meets with Jupiter in your social sector today, dear Scorpio, pulling up strong feelings about friends, goals, hopes, and dreams. Socially, there can be some insecurity to deal with before moving forward. Insecurities about your relationships or creative talents can emerge today, and a balancing act may be in order, but also emotionally draining. Your ability to support people emotionally is a strength, particularly with lovers, friends, and children. However, if you’re not feeling up to par, you should also tend to your own needs. Try to avoid allowing insecurities or guilt to influence big decision making today. Think of ways you might boost your confidence or sense of worthiness with regards to expressing your creative side and/or relating with lovers and friends.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

The Moon aligns with your ruler, Jupiter, today, dear Sagittarius, but Jupiter also forms an opposition with Chiron, which tends to have you second-guessing recent choices. While you’ve been feeling rather confident about your work and performance or general life direction, today you could be entertaining some insecurities or dealing with some lack of support for your goals. This may give you pause to think and lead you to make important edits and adjustments, don’t let anyone take the wind from your sails. Consider that you may need to make changes if someone has brought up a good point, but aim to pick yourself up and get back in the game once you’re prepared. Don’t give up decision making to someone else unless you are certain they have your best interests at heart.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

Plans may hit a snag today, dear Capricorn, and the obstacles may very well be psychological ones. Insecurities, once identified and addressed, can be overcome with some work. These are likely to revolve around intelligence or ability to concentrate and pay attention to details, as you can be very distracted these days. While you should consider others’ input or deal with any inconsistencies that might become apparent today, this is not the time to throw out a plan or give up on a project. Take a break or a step back, and then return to it in a stronger frame of mind. The goal may now be to attend to daily affairs well enough that you can pursue other interests more freely. Handle those things you’ve pushed aside in order to free yourself of guilt.

Aquarius

Aquarius

You may need to address any insecurities you may have been feeling when it comes to income or self-worth, dear Aquarius, before enjoying yourself fully, as you deserve to do. Jupiter opposes Chiron today – an influence that first occurred in November and that will emerge again for final handling in August. This is a time for getting in touch with what may be holding you back from enjoying the gifts of Jupiter’s transit of your solar eighth house, which include increased support from others and an improved intimate life. Be a little more vigilant than usual with your money and energy until you have a better grip on who and what you can trust. Aim to strengthen trust with others, rather than avoiding the situation, and consider ways to improve your own feelings of worthiness.

Pisces

Pisces

The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your partnership sector today, dear Pisces, putting sharp emotional focus on the satisfaction you’re deriving from your relationships. However, Chiron in your sign opposes Jupiter today, and this can point to a misunderstanding or clash of beliefs and values with a partner or someone important to you. There could also be a question raised about commitment or involvement. If conflicts arise, or a different perspective on a matter is uncomfortable, consider if a middle ground or compromise might be found. Don’t let insecurities about your ability to be independent drive decision making in or about a partnership. Look for ways to more fully enjoy your connections with others.

Calendar of the Moon for February 23rd

Calendar of the Moon
23 Luis/Gamelion

Day of Boannan

Color: White
Element: Water
Altar: On a white cloth set a blue bowl filled with water and small polished stones.
Offerings: Small paper boats set afloat on a river.
Daily Meal: River fish.

Invocation to Boannan

Lady of the River
Wash us clean in your rippling waves.
Lady of the Onward Flow
Carry us into our future
And safely home to our lives.
Lady of the Fishes
Nourish and provide for us.
Lady who lay with the Oak Tree
And bore him the newborn Sun,
River mother, mountain mother,
Lady of clear springs and cold water
Wherein lies sacred talking fishes,
Lady whose cool hands stroke us
And whose blood flows cold
Out to the unforgiving sea,
With each sip of water we take
We will remember your name.

Chant:
River go on, river go on forever
River run through my heart

(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual bring the bowl of water to each person in turn, and let them drink from it, and then pour the rest out as a libation to Boannan.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Tuesday, February 23

Calendar of the Sun
23 Solmonath

Feast of Friends

Colors: Rainbow
Element: Air
Altar: On a cloth of many colors, sewn with symbols of clasped hands, place seven candles also of different colors, and a cup of milk.
Offerings: Colored candles. Offers to be better friends to those both in the house and out of it. Promises to make new friends.
Daily Meal: Any food, preferably simple.

Invocation for the Feast of Friends

Friendship is a light in the darkness,
A call in the wilderness,
A shelter in the storm.
It crosses all boundaries,
It appears where we least expect it,
And it is the first step
Toward opening ourselves
To something new and unexpected.
The friend who is like us
Is like an old comfortable quilt
That lies on our bed
And greets us every night.
Yet the friend who is unlike us
Is like an old comfortable quilt
Found in a stranger’s home
That comforts us
In our homesickness.
May we remember that the one
Is as valuable as the other,
For someday we may need
That spark of friendship
In a strange place
More than we may ever know.

(For this ritual, each steps forward and speaks the name of a friend who has come to be valuable to them, and all respond, “We bless _______ for the gift of friendship.” That day, friends from outside the house may be welcomed in for lunch, dinner, or merely socializing.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Your Current Moon Phase for February 23 is Waning Gibbous

Dream of Dragons
February 23
Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%

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 – Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%
Moon Age: 15.44 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 400,578.05 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,023,757.91 km

Source

The Wicca Book of Days for February 23 – Blessing the Boundaries

The land of dragons

February 23

Blessing the Boundaries

February 23 was once dedicated to Terminus, the Roman Supreme God of boundary markers, and to the termini, the individual spirits that were associated with each boundary stone. During the Terminalia, as the festival that honored these deities was called, Terminus would be worshiped in Rome at the stone that embodied him in the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, on the Capitoline Hill, and also at the sixth milestone of the Via Laurentia. The boundary stones that represented the lesser termini, in fields and elsewhere, were anointed with aromatic oil and garlanded with fragrant flowers, and animals were sacrificed to them.

Amazing Amethyst

The ancient Greeks – believed that February’s birthstone, amethyst, has the power to prevent intoxication, so if you are attending a function where it would be rude to refuse an alcoholic drink, but want to remain sober, wear a piece of amethyst jewelry.

 

THE COROLLARIES (The Revised Edition)

Magic of Dragons
THE COROLLARIES

a. As above so below. You can extrapolate the universe from one atom.

b. Rhythm serves as a counterbalancing pendulum.

c. “Chance” is a Law which tends to be ignored.

d. “Time” is a function of perspective, subject to the aggregate psychological outlook of your society.

e. Matter is a function of energy, energy can be converted but not destroyed.

f. The combination of any two energy forms will result in a third energy form more complex that the combination of the original two.

g. Even though there are always three choices available, you can always think of another one.

h. There is no such thing as a wrong emotion, just an incorrect interpretation and manifestation.

i. Don’t take yourself too seriously, you are a physical function of a very young race. And Life is lowlife clever practical joker, that loves to piss on your plans – keep your sense of humor.

j. It may not matter 10,000 years from now, but if it affects you it matters. Understand it and react accordingly.

k. Don’t pee in the beer.

The Laws of Magick

Magic of Dragons
The Laws of Magick

1. Law of Knowledge: to effect/affect a thing you must know the thing. The more you know about yours the more you can know something else.

2. Law of Identification: with your will you can become anything- be one with anything.

3. Law of Contagion: anything that has been in contact with something else maintains contact with things through the ether.

4. Law of Names knowing the True Name of something defines the action you take to focus a function on that thing.

5. Law of Cause and Effect: under exactly the same conditions using the same actions you will always obtain the same results.

6. Law of Infinite Data: there is more in the universe than we can sense or know. Learning never stops.

7. Law of Association: if a thing reminds you of something else it can be used as a substitution for the original purpose you had in mind.

8. Law of Infinite Universes: change your perspective in one area and you change your universe. There always three choices available.

9. Law of Invocation and Evocation: there are forces outside and inside of you that you can tap and act through your brain.

10. Law of Pragmatism: if it works, it is true.

11. Law of Predestination and Free Will: events are predestined, each person chooses whether or not to participate.

12. Law of Polarity: everything contains and implies its opposite.

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

dragons
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 Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, February 23

My Darkside

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, February 23

 

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

Element : Water

Planet : Mars

Zodiac Sign : Aries / Scorpio

Angel : Samuel

Metal : Iron, Steel

Incense / Perfumes : Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli

Oil : Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Color : Red, Orange

Stones : Bloodstone, Garnet, Carnelian

Plants/Herbs : Allspice, Blessed Thistle, Cayenne, Daisy, Garlic, Ginger, Pepper, Pine, Red Rose, Thyme, Tobacco, Wormwood

Magick to work: self-assertion, energy, and courage, victory, endurance, passion, masculine goals in general, sex, aggression, protection, controlled power, ambition, arguments, competition, conflict, destruction, lust, male sexuality, sports, strife, struggle, surgery, medical issues, upheaval, war

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, February 23

c.59 fantasy
The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, February 23

Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

Terminalia (Roman)

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Incense: Bayberry

Color: Black

Deities Who Have Ties to Tuesdays – Eros, Greek God of Passion and Lust

dragons
Eros, Greek God of Passion and Lust

Often described as a son of Aphrodite by her lover Ares, the god of war, Eros was a Greek god of lust and primal sexual desire. In fact, the word erotic comes from his name. He is personified in all kinds of love and lust — heterosexual and homosexual — and was worshiped at the center of a fertility cult that honored both Eros and Aphrodite together.

Eros in Mythology

There does seem to be some question about Eros’ parentage.

In later Greek myth he is indicated to be Aphrodite’s son, but Hesiod portrays him as merely her servant or attendant. Some stories say Eros is the child of Iris and Zephyrus, and early sources, such as Aristophanes, say he is the offspring of Nix and Erebus, which would make him quite an old god indeed.

During the classical Roman period, Eros evolved into Cupid, and became portrayed as the chubby cherub that still remains as a popular image today. He is typically shown blindfolded — because, after all, love is blind — and carrying a bow, with which he shot arrows at his intended targets. As Cupid, he is often invoked as a god of pure love during Valentine’s Day, but in his original form, Eros was mostly about lust and passion.

Early History and Worship

Eros was honored in a general way across much of the ancient Greek world, but there were also specific temples and cults dedicated to his worship, particularly in the southern and central cities. The Greek writer Callistratus described a statue of Eros that appeared in the temple at Thespeia, the earliest known, and most popular cult site. Callistratus’ summary is extremely poetic…and borders on the erotic.

“The Eros, the workmanship of Praxiteles, was Eros himself, a boy in the bloom of youth with wings and bow. Bronze gave expression to him, and as though giving expression to Eros as a great and dominating god, it was itself subdued by Eros; for it could not endure to be only bronze, but it became Eros just as he was. You might have seen the bronze losing its hardness and becoming marvelously delicate in the direction of plumpness and, to put the matter briefly, the material proving equal to fulfilling all the obligations that were laid upon it. It was supple but without effeminacy; and while it had the proper color of bronze, it looked bright and fresh; and though it was quite devoid of actual motion, it was ready to display motion; for though it was fixed solidly on a pedestal, it deceived one into thinking that it possessed the power to fly… As I gazed on this work of art, the belief came over me that Daidalos had indeed wrought a dancing group in motion and had bestowed sensation upon gold, while Praxiteles had all but put intelligence into his image of Eros and had so contrived that it should cleave the air with its wings.

As a god of lust and passion – and fertility as well – Eros played a major role in courtship. Offerings were made at his temples, in the form of plants and flowers, vessels filled with sacred oils and wine, beautifully crafted jewelry, and sacrifices.

Eros didn’t have too many boundaries when it came to making people fall in love, and was considered the protector of same-sex love as well as hetero relationships.

Festivals and Celebrations

In the city of Athens, Eros was honored side by side at the acropolis with Aphrodite, starting around the fifth century B.C.E. Every spring, a festival took place honoring Eros – after all, spring is the season of fertility, so what better time to celebrate a god of passion and lust? The Erotidia happened in March or April, and was an event full of sporting events, games, and art.

Interestingly, scholars seem to disagree on whether or not Eros was a god who functioned independently of others, or whether he always appeared complementary to Aphrodite. It is possible that Eros did not appear as an autonomous deity of fecundity and reproduction, but instead as the fertility aspect of Aphrodite’s worship.

Modern Worship of Eros

There are still some Hellenic polytheists who honor Eros in their worship today. Appropriate offerings to Eros include fruits like the apple or grapes, or flowers that are representative of love, such as roses. You can also include a bow and arrow, or symbols of them, on your altar. If you’re honoring Eros as a deity of fertility, rather than primarily of lust, consider fertility symbols like rabbits and eggs.

Author

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

Magickal Days of the Week – Tuesday

Game of Life
Magickal Days of the Week – 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.
 

Author

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

Tuesday’s Witchery

fire mountain
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 on Tiw/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