Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, January 16th

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, January 16th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

There can be an inner conflict experienced today, dear Aries, with the Sun and Moon in challenging aspect involving your sign and your reputation and career sector. Your desire to tend to your own personal needs and emotions is strong, but the need to put on your professional hat and/or to tend to your responsibilities is ever-present. Other influences active now can compound this problem with conflicting needs. You might be lacking the patience to really get something solid going. Stay active, but hold off on making important plans until you are clearer about what you truly want. Try to compartmentalize and avoid bringing your personal life to inappropriate places. Even though energy is stop and go today, it’s in fact a fine time for looking ahead and mapping out long-term goals.

Taurus

Taurus

Timing may be a little off in your relationships, dear Taurus, and part of the problem may be that you and others are not one hundred percent certain what you truly want – and perhaps not even half sure! This can play out as one person wanting to be active and the other in a passive mood, or one is worked up about a particular idea and the other wants to let it go. For some of you, the conflict is more internal – you want something badly and then change your mind, for example. A Sun-Moon conflict can also present a challenge between a desire for new experiences, but also some reticence to go far with this. These scenarios are not too serious, but can be annoying. Look for ways to entertain yourself so that you don’t feel dependent on others’ cooperation.

Gemini

Gemini

Inner conflicts and some disagreeableness around you can be issues today, dear Gemini. Others may not be sharing your passions and interests now, and might even seem quite passive and indifferent in comparison to you. This is a good day for drawing upon energy and motivation to get things done, but social matters or a partner can be a distraction. There can be a disconnect between your own needs for detachment and for intimacy, and people around you may be wrapped up in their own issues. Try not to worry too much about others’ ambivalence, but do try to tone down impatience or impulsiveness, especially in your work, but also with friends and partners just for good measure.

Cancer

Cancer

You could feel pulled in different directions today, dear Cancer, but the emotions and the actions don’t always seem to match, which can be frustrating. General ambivalence is likely, and it can be difficult to find agreement or gain others’ cooperation as a result. You can also be feeling a strong need to please on the job or in your duties, but an equal desire to go your own way. Energy is up and down. Avoid pushing too hard to balance things out or to try to change a person’s mood or feelings. Be as impartial and light as possible when trying to understand others’ moods and different needs and opinions and let the small things go – you’ll be kinder to yourself in the process. Seek out ways to make yourself happy or to better understand your needs.

Leo

Leo

Romantic feelings and matters can be very strong today, dear Leo, but perhaps also agitated, as fulfilment of desires seems a little out of reach or timing is off. You could feel some conflict between playing it safe and taking a little risk, which may leave you on the fence. Your head may be in work mode but your heart is somewhere else. Emphasis should be on diplomacy today, as it’s too easy to offend others, although you might not feel smooth enough to pull that off perfectly! This is because your emotions and passions run high right now. Impatience gets you nowhere, but tapping into excess energy for creative purposes can be fruitful now.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

You may want to express what’s in your heart today, dear Virgo, but you might also be quite emotionally charged about it, and misunderstandings could result. Defensiveness and/or impulsiveness can interfere with things now, and you may be feeling a little resentful if others are not intuiting that your needs or reaching out to you. Consider that you might be giving off mixed messages without realizing it. You can be hungry for intimacy but giving off the impression that you’re lighthearted. Enjoy the passion of the moment, explore your feelings, but watch for too-quick reactions and focus on understanding your own conflicting needs.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

You could be experiencing a stronger desire to be with a special friend or partner today, dear Libra, but part of you would prefer to stay quiet and pensive or to keep to yourself. This might lead to sending off mixed messages. It can be too easy to get worked up over delay, as people around you may not seem to be moving at the same pace you are. News may be a little premature. Conversations can be especially enthusiastic and passionate right now, and while exciting, you may be reticent and self-protective, and this leaves you on the fence about what you want to pursue. You don’t need to have a master plan or to know exactly where you are headed to be active, busy, and happy today. Try to channel excess energy into journaling or a learning endeavor and sort out your true needs.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

You could feel strongly motivated to express yourself today, dear Scorpio, perhaps about matters that you previously felt you’d rather keep to yourself. Impulsiveness should be watched for, however, as there is a bit of a discontented quality to the day’s energies, and you might end up buying something beyond your means, or saying something you end up wishing you hadn’t. Feelings can run hot and cold, and there can be a problem with overscheduling activities. Attention to all you want/need to do with personal interests and duties can be difficult with only so many hours in a day! Aim to tone things down and channel excess energy into something productive or physical.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

While you’re generally in good shape these days when it comes to personal manner and appeal, dear Sagittarius, today you could have a hard time going after what you wan. You could be feeling a little stuck deciding whether to wait for something to come to you or to go your own way. There can be an impatient or impulsive streak with us today. It may not be the best of days to reach an agreement or a compromise, and timing in relationships can be a bit off. However, you can also use the tension that you may be feeling now to light a fire under you. Channel energy into something productive or releasing/cathartic rather than waste time waiting and wondering.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

There is an inclination to reawaken a topic that may very well belong in the past, dear Capricorn, and social interactions can be a little off in timing. It can also be difficult coming to agreements, even on the smallest things. Part of you wants to go your own way and assert your independence, and another equally insistent part of you would prefer to stick with familiar situations and people. It’s probably best that you think twice before jumping to conclusions, and before you bring up a topic that you are not quite ready to discuss. Before venturing off, you may very well need some time to regain your center, so do your best to honor your need for quiet time in order to better understand your needs.

Aquarius

Aquarius

You may be wrestling with a desire to communicate and connect today, dear Aquarius, and an equal need to keep things to yourself. With this inner conflict, you may be giving off some mixed signals to others. Consider ways to combine both, such as getting things off your chest with someone you trust or who is impartial, or simply writing things out and waiting to decide whether you need to share it. Even so, generally speaking, we can be a little off in our timing today, and in your case, this can play out with friends, schedules, and work. Intentions may be quite good, but impatience or impulsiveness makes it a less than ideal time to really make progress. Vow to move forward in spirit, but don’t push a situation that needs more time to unfold gently and on its own.

Pisces

Pisces

While life can be quite animated in many ways today, dear Pisces, we may be experiencing some off-timing and disconnects. Inner conflicts and dilemmas may be at the root of misunderstandings. Stay active, think about what you want to accomplish down the road, and avoid pushing something too fast right now, as it may be premature. Control impulses and aim to get in touch with what you truly need and want. This can be a good time to slow down and smell the roses, appreciating all of the good in your life, and reminding yourself that you have time to sort out any problems or needs that currently feel unmet. It’s also strong for focusing on the long term and what you’re heading towards.

A Year of Full Moons

 

 

 

 

 

A Year of Full Moons

Learn the name and meaning of the Full Moon every month

Moon, Full Moon, Astrology

 

In Astrology, the Full Moon signals a time each month when we are able to take a clear look at what is happening in our lives so we can decide if we need to make changes. But culturally and historically speaking, the Full Moon has additional meaning that changes from month to month throughout the year.

Which Moon sign were you born under?  The Full Moon stirs our emotions, so it’s fitting that the Full Moon for each month has a different name and personality. Many of the Full Moon names date back to ancient tribes who followed the Full Moon to help keep track of the seasons.

Other Full Moon names have been created by different cultures around the world, and most of the Full Moons have more than one name — although one is likely more widely used than the others.

Let’s take a glance at a year’s worth of Full Moons!

January: The Wolf Moon

The Full Wolf Moon in January is named for the time when wolves could be heard howling with hunger in the heart of winter. Alternate names: Snow Moon or Old Moon.

February: The Snow Moon

The Full Snow Moon in February is named for the time of the heaviest winter snowfall. This is also a time when hunting is more difficult, so it is also known as the Hunger Moon.

March: The Worm Moon

The Full Worm Moon in March is named for the time of year when the temperature begins to warm, the earth softens and earthworms begin to reappear, followed by the birds. Alternate names: The Sap Moon or the Crow Moon.

April: The Pink Moon

The Full Pink Moon in April is named for the time of year when the earliest pink phlox and wildflowers begin to bloom. Alternate names: The Grass Moon, the Egg Moon or the Fish Moon.

May: The Flower Moon

The Full Flower Moon in May is named for the abundance of flowers that begin to bloom this month. Alternate names: The Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.

June: The Strawberry Moon

The Full Strawberry Moon in June is named for the time of year the Native American Algonquin tribes would rush to gather ripe strawberries. Alternate names: The Honey Moon, the Rose Moon or the Hot Moon.

July: The Full Buck Moon or Thunder Moon

The Full Buck Moon in July is named for the time of year when buck deer begin to grow new antlers. Alternate names: The Thunder Moon (for frequent thunderstorms), or the Hay Moon.

August: The Sturgeon Moon

The Full Sturgeon Moon of August is named for the time when Native American fishing tribes could most easily catch this fish in certain lakes. Alternate names: The Green Corn Moon, the Red Moon or the Grain Moon.

September: The Corn Moon or Harvest Moon

The Full Corn Moon of September is named for the time of year when Native Americans harvested corn. It’s alternately called the Harvest Moon (which is the Full Moon closest to Fall Equinox and can happen in September or October) or the Barley Moon.

October: The Hunter’s Moon or The Harvest Moon

The Full Hunter’s Moon of October is named for the time of year when Native American tribes hunted for the fattest game and stored provisions for winter. October’s Full Moon is called the Harvest Moon when it falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Alternate names: The Travel Moon or the Dying Moon.

November: The Beaver Moon

The Full Beaver Moon of November is named for the time when Native Americans would set their beaver traps before the water began to freeze over. It’s also the time of year beavers begin to prepare for winter. Alternate name: The Frosty Moon.

December: The Cold Moon or The Long Nights Moon

The Full Cold Moon or Full Long Nights Moon of December is named for the mid-winter month in which the cold really takes hold, and nights become long and dark. Alternate name: Yule Moon.

 

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The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for Saturday, January 16th

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for Saturday, January 16th

 

ARIES STRONG
Initiating, pioneering energy. Independent, bold, courageous, assertive, fiery, inspirational, direct, decisive. Can be egotistical, impulsive, impatient, aggressive, lacking subtlety.
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE STRONG
Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily.
EARTH STRONG
We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.

Astrology of Today – January 16, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – January 16, 2016

Summary:

  • The Moon is in Aries all day (until Sunday, January 17th at 12:48 AM).
  • The Moon is void from 6:26 PM forward (until tomorrow at 12:48 AM).
  • The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase until 6:26 PM / the Moon is waxingand in its First Quarter phase from 6:26 PM forward.
  • A First Quarter Moon occurs at 6:26 PM.
  • Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from January 5-25).

2016 and All Her Gifts

2016 and All Her Gifts

As the celestial leylines within and without, above and below, re-adjust themselves for incoming landings of illumination, all will feel strewn about and discombobulated by an unexpected mischievous dust devil of interference. Bumps and grinds during these sky-lined events may shake up the human linear patterns of thinking just long enough for some enlightment to get thru. Like one that is drenched by an unexpected spring shower, there is no way to avoid complete saturation, with or without cosmic umbrella. A deep healing is occurring with or without your permission.

The cells of Earth have their encoded orders and know what to do; they march forward at a steady pace never missing a beat. Each pain within your body is a cry for help, a stuck fear, trauma or memory, literally a pain from the past. 2016 is about ‘promises and completion’, Cosmic and Personal completion. Humanity is asked nicely to enter the next level of love, of heart, of soul and service to the Universe.

99, 999

Cosmic and personal completion! Entering the next level of love, of heart, of soul and service to the planetary evolution through healing self-first. Free falling from the height of the nine into the next level of Light can be faster than the speed of time. Entry and exits all in the same breath. A quantum leap into unknown gifts comes through the nine. Are you ready to be more than you are at this minute of time? Nine is the photo finish on the heavenly column of multiple choices. If you believe you have won, you have. 

2016 graces us with the timeless and sometimes endless teachings of the vibration of nine, and all that entails. A quantum leap into the string theory leaves one hanging with multiple and multidimensional choices. Does one free fall in the string theory or does one hang on riding the dimensional rift? Either way this feat can only be accomplished through a divine point of healing self.

The vibration of nine is about entry and exit all in the same breath. Free-falling from the height of the nine into the next point of the unknown equation. Everything is enhanced in 2016 vivid peyote 5-d Technicolor, with many coyotes taking shape in the background. Dimensionally you will glimpse these places of a thin veil, like looking at a desert mirage. Portal after portal opens to every place not within the imagination. Hidden agendas are so visible even those not looking notice.

Unknown gifts come in this nine-year enhancing all one yearns to be. Self-doubt will be what sabotages your future choices. Nine is the photo finish on the heavenly pageant of multiple choices. If you believe you have won, you have! Driving thru the milky way of truth and collective wisdom takes a true pilot. Flying only on the fuel of faith he must believes in the magic of it all to keep his hologram afloat. Loosen your assemblage points and keep them loose.

Become fluid in nature allowing more expansion. Rewrite your script into a place with no constraints allowing all realities to merge and show their full potential You are asked to embody and become all that you have prepared to be in the fullness of this time. Be fluid of intent and enter the best adventure of your life.

Incomplete creational thoughts drifting thru dimensional flux are waiting for someone else to sup upon them. Thoughts always seek their freedom, never answering to one master. They seek free rein and free range trying to avoid all restraint. Thoughts transcend time and space allowing them selves to be birthed again and again into new forms. Thoughts can be kept captive like a genii in a bottle but not for long, they always seem to find a way out.

The Witches Current Moon Phase is First Quarter

January 16
First Quarter
Illumination: 45%

The Moon today is in a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the earth is one quarter of the way through it’s orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.

Phase Details for – Saturday, January 16, 2016

Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 45%
Moon Age: 6.88 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,329.18 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,161,538.20 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

Magickal Activity for January 16th, The Day of Concordia

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Circle of Friendship Spell

Items needed: One pink candle for each person you wish to befriend; one gold candle to represent yourself; one sprig of rosemary; one sprig of lavender.

Begin by placing each pink candle, evenly spaced, in a circle. In the center of the circle lay the rosemary and lavender sprigs in a cross formation. Place the gold candle next to the center of the cross. Take a few moments to relax. Visualize yourself and your circle of friends having a wonderful time.

Light the gold candle first, and then in a clockwise direction light each of the pink candles. Chant the following once for each friendship candle:

“As the stars above in darkness shine,
With a light that fills the heavens divine.
So bright with radiance our friendships glow,
Outshining the sun and dimming all foes.”

Allow the candles to burn for one hour and then extinguish. Repeat the spell every evening until the candles have burned out. Save the rosemary and lavender. It can be used later for friendship amulets.

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for January 16th – Concordia

Fantasy gothic Blingee

January 16

Concordia

To the ancient Romans, the Goddess Concordia was the personification of concord (an agreement between members of the state or between members of groups within a guild) and sometimes associated with the Greek Goddess Homonoia—the incarnation of harmony.

On this day considered to be the center-post of the first month of the new year, Concordia was petitioned to help with the formation of favorable partnerships with business as well as with love and friendship.

Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

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Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

This day of the week got it’s name from the god of karma and time, Saturn. This day is obviously associated with the planet Saturn and is our last day of the week. Traditionally Saturdays are great days for protection, banishing a negative situation, and generally a good time to clean up any magical messes that you have been ignoring. Some suggestions for Saturday enchantments would include:

◦Wearing the colors of the day, black and deep purple. Here’s your perfect excuse to be dramatic and witchy. Empower these dramatic pieces of your wardrobe for protection and strength.

◦Burning black candles to absorb negativity and burning purple ones to increase your magical wisdom and boost your spirituality

◦Adding a touch of garden witchery to your Saturday spells by working with the pansy (in black or purple of course), the morning glory flowering vine, or the cypress tree.

◦Carrying an obsidian, hematite, or jet tumbled stone in your pocket to reinforce your personal protection and to ward off bad vibes and sour feelings. You can also add these crystals to a candle spell on a Saturday night to really increase the punch of your spellcasting.

◦Cleaning your house and cleansing it while you are at it. Tap into those obstacle-removing vibes and the positive, concluding energies.

◦Closing up the final day of the bewitching week with a bang by calling on Hecate for protection and guidance.

The Witches Correspondences for Saturday, January 16th

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The Witches Correspondences for Saturday, January 16th

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

Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh

Planet: Saturn

Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius

Angel: Cassel

Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo

Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir

Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice

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

Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects.
It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.

The Witches Almanac for Saturday, January 16th

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The Witches Almanac for Saturday, January 16th

Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes, and houses.

Apprentices’s Day

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.

Second Quarter 6: 26 pm

Moon Sign: Aries
Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Incense: Sage

Color: Brown

Saturday’s Witchery

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Saturday’s Witchery

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

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

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

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

Ellen Dugan

Saturday

~Lonely Angel~ by Xiluu

Saturday

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

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

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

Source:
Gypsy Magic

Saturday’s Conjuring

Lady Gothic Red
Saturday’s Conjuring

Saturday – is associated with Saturn

Candle colors – Black, Grey, and White

Magickal applications: Binding, Obstacles, Justice, Reversal, Uncrossing, Crossing, Cut and Clear work
 

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

Wishing All Our Dear Family & Friends A Very Beautiful & Blessed Saturday!

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Dedication to the Goddess

The Goddess brings us no more or
less than we are to her
She is the power for us to find
ourselves
She is the light that guides our
ways
She is the hand that extends when
we are lost
She finds our heart and soul
For she knows what we hide
She bears all for us
For she is Mother and we are child

—JoAnne Spiese, A Witch’s Prayerbook

 

The Witches Magick for January 15th – Breaking a Curse

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Breaking a Curse

To do this spell you will need:
1 brown bag
1 black string. You must knot it nine times
1 small square of black cloth about the size of your hand.
1 tablespoon of curry
1 tablespoon of dill
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
1 black candle
A piece of parchment paper and a black ink pen

Once you have collected these things write the full name of the person who you think has cursed you on the parchment paper. Place the paper in the center of the bag. Add the herbs one after another until you have covered the slip of paper.

Now light the candle and drip 10 drops of wax over the paper and herbs.

Concentrate on the person who has cursed you and whisper their name aloud three times as you tie the bag shut with the knotted string.

Now take the bag and bury it on the property of the person who cursed you. Leave the bag buried there until the moon waxes again.

When you dig up the bag burn it completely up.

—Douglas Hensley, A Book Of Magic Spells And Hexes

WOTC Extra – Intent Is Everything

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Intent Is Everything

Intent is important but is an often misused word. Intent and intentions are not the same thing. The road to hell is paved with good intentions after all. Intentions are about what you mean to do; intent is more focused. Intent is what you have when you’ve followed “to know” to its logical conclusion. When all your research is complete and your Will, your Divine True Will is completely clear.

A clear intent is important in any working. If there are muddy areas, parts that are not well thought out and planned for or darker motivations that perhaps you haven’t been entirely honest with yourself about, your working will become a mess of confusion. Personally, it means nothing to me if you have those darker motivations, a balanced person will acknowledge and work with them after all. Just know that if you’re ashamed of them or try to repress them, they’ll have power over you. Your spell workings are yours and yours alone, you do not need anyone else’s approval or good opinion (unless you are initiated into a Traditional Wiccan coven which will make a difference, although, you should be talking to your High Priestess and High Priest before you cast any spells). Be completely and brutally honest with yourself before you begin anything.

Someone once said to me “If your intent is pure then that’s the best you can do”. It struck me then as incredibly naive and terribly fluffy. What we were talking about was dealing with spirits of another culture and the strongest person present was adamant that they had to conform to her personal rules of conduct. Pure intent or not, this was going to end badly without some serious understanding of what those spirits considered to be good and bad manners, forms of address and making an effort to know how they operated in the world. But unfortunately, this type of thinking still seems to prevail. Many of the lighter Wiccan 101 books suggest and some even state this silly idea. If your intent is pure that’s fine, but it is not justification for plain arrogance or laziness. It is not the best you can do, it is a beginning. Do your homework. Do some research. Find out what is required and what you need to know before you begin.

Debbie Dawson, The Common Sense Spell Book

Let’s Talk Witch – Be Careful What You Wish For Because You Just Might Get It.

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Be Careful What You Wish For Because You Just Might Get It.

When you decide you want to cast a spell you need to know what your purpose is. “Oh,” I hear you say. “That’s easy, I want more money, or a job, or the perfect lover.”

Easy is it? Really? So how much money are you wanting? Where do you want it to come from? Are you prepared to pay it back later on? Do you need it or just want it? Have you tried all the mundane channels first?

What seems straight-forward and simple on the surface is usually very different in reality. A successful spell needs to be specific. All points covered. All true motivations for the spell uncovered. And there’s the rub. How often do you know what your true, deep down motivations really are?

To Know of the Four Pillars of Magic is extremely important at this stage of your spell planning. There are many questions that you need to be sure you can answer truthfully.

What is my desired outcome? Exactly what is it that you are casting this spell for? Be specific, you need to be able to clearly visualise the end result. Half-baked, spur of the moment spells have a tendency to turn out differently from what you hoped or expected. Be realistic too, don’t go aiming for something that is ridiculously impossible. You will never sprout physical wings and fly to the moon, but you can travel there in pathworkings.

How will my desired outcome happen? Again, be specific. If you’re wanting money, will that come from a pay rise? Will it come from a gambling win? Will it come from a favourite wealthy old aunt who unexpectedly dies for no apparent reason? All of these things need to be considered, planned for and taken into account. Just like electricity or water, the magic takes the path of least resistance, so the path must be clear and ready for it. A disclaimer tacked on the end of it isn’t going to make up for a lack of research and forethought. How much do you want? Do you have any unpaid bills that you’ve forgotten about that may turn up just after you get your money?

How will I know if my spell is successful? Some results are clear and obvious, but others are not. When you are considering how you want your outcome to occur, it pays to also set a clear indication of success or failure. With a money spell, receiving money from a pay rise or gambling win is a clear result, but what about something like protection or cleansing? How will you know?

What are my true motivations for this? Deep down, where we tend to hide stuff even from ourselves, are you sure of the real reasons behind wanting or feeling you need this outcome? Are you sure that there isn’t some selfish, childish, whiny little voice saying “I want” or perhaps you’re wanting revenge for a slight against you? I’m not saying this needs to stop you from doing the spell but you need to know your true motivations before starting.

If this goes ahead, what are the long-term implications or consequences? The smallest stone thrown into a pond creates ripples that extend outwards from the initial point of impact. You need to consider, very carefully, how achieving your outcome will affect your life and the lives of those around you.

I cast a spell in a moment of anger. I wanted my (then) husband to understand the value of money. He was the stay-at-home parent who seemed to go through all the money I earned faster than I earned it. What I hadn’t considered was that the only way for him to learn the value of money was to have to be responsible for it all himself. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me when I left him 3 weeks later, but it was. He had to learn it after that— he didn’t have me to pay for everything. It was a foolish spell, cast without thought for the implications. I’m not blaming my marriage breakup on it, that had been coming for a while, but I believe that it gave me the final push to go.

Think of the butterfly effect— the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings can create a tropical storm half a world away. Will your spell have that same effect? It sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, but you never know how big the snowball will get when you start it down the hill.

The intention here amongst my mixed metaphors isn’t to frighten you away from casting spells. My intention is for you to be sure that this spell is what you want and that you’re prepared for any consequences before you begin. Too many times I’ve heard stories from those who’ve made a huge magical mistake. There was the lady who performed a love spell. She’d fallen madly in love with a chap who didn’t know she existed. She did a love spell to make him love her and the immediate result was that they were married. Unfortunately, it took 13 years of physical, mental and verbal abuse before she was finally able to tear herself away from him. This kind of thing is one of the many reasons people will tell you to be careful of love spells. Many spells from books or the internet will have some kind of disclaimer on the end. Something like “should my spell cause harm to any, let it dissipate without effect”. Or worse still, “in no way will this spell reverse, or place upon me any curse!”
I find these disclaimers tacked on like an afterthought to be a waste of time. They set you up for failure. If you have done your homework and been specific in all the aforementioned areas there is no need for them. They create the doubt or disbelief that will cause failure.

If your spell is able to reverse or curse you, then again, you haven’t done the work. It’s your own fault and the price you pay for a half-baked planning session. Saying these words will not have any effect on the ‘Powers that Be’ who decide such things (be it natural laws of cause and effect or a Karmic Court).

Debbie Dawson, The Common Sense Spell Book