The Full Moon Of Christmas Day

The Full Moon Of Christmas Day

 

Here’s To New Beginnings, A New Awareness And New Realities

When the cat’s away the mouse will play. Proverb

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog. Mark Twain

When the mouse laughs at the cat there is a hole nearby. Nigerian Proverb

The cat in gloves catches no mice. Benjamin Franklin

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, “He’s so big we can never kill him.” But David looked at the same giant and thought, “He’s so big, I can’t miss.” Ode to Joy

Kitty heaven is mousy hell. Anon

The lion and the calf will lay down together, but the calf won’t get much sleep. Woody Allen

The mouse is a magician with only one trick: it can cast an illusion that it is as big as an elephant. Jessica MacBeth

The Cancerian full Moon falls smack on Christmas Day, on December 25, this year. It’s an interesting occurrence, and one that can have feelings, emotions and responses heightened, in some cases to the point of argument, but there can also be a strong sense of family unity. It depends on how things unfold in individual cases. The Sabian Symbol is one of A Cat Arguing With A Mouse, and this could show arguments, bickering, feeling picked on, being the odd-one-out, having a sense of ill-ease and having to watch one’s p’s and q’s. It could, though, show a strong sense of social cohesion where we can mark a victory of sorts to have got through some difficult, compelling or challenging time and having come out on top. There is no need for this to mean actual arguments amongst family, although for a great many, that is exactly what it will bring about (on some level). Some issues can be avoided, or swept under the carpet. Some need to faced head-on.

I have made a Daily Rave audio of my observations of both the Solstice and Christmas astrological placements. You can listen to it – click here.

I also made a youtube video about this time. You can watch it here – click here.

With Mercury on Capricorn 23: A SOLDIER WINNING TWO AWARDS FOR BRAVERY IN COMBAT, trining Jupiter on Virgo 23: A LION-TAMER RUSHES FEARLESSLY INTO THE CIRCUS ARENA, there are bound to be some that really want to push their barrows. Political or religious conversations may be highlighted, and, also, issues to do with gun rights, issues to do with right and wrong, left and right, up and down, in and out, etc, all those kinds of talk can arise with some feeling the need to impress on others what they consider to be right. Of course, as this is a trine, there can be a lot shared and it can be wonderfully edifying and useful to hear how they (or you) are feeling, or what’s being thought.

HOWEVER, we also have Mars squaring Mercury. Mars is on Libra 25: THE SIGHT OF AN AUTUMN LEAF BRINGS TO A PILGRIM THE SUDDEN REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY OF LIFE AND DEATH squaring Mercury on Capricorn 23: A SOLDIER WINNING TWO AWARDS FOR BRAVERY IN COMBAT, and this can bring up arguments, differences of opinion and the desire to dominate. Still, with Mars on that Autumn Leaf degree, we can learn whether we want to die in combat on that hill, or, let go of the issue and just observe, watch and learn. Counting to ten may help.

It’s a good thing that both Mercury and Jupiter are in earth signs as this can bring about some reserve and mollify situations somewhat. However, Mars in Libra can do this: ‘I’m ok, I’m ok, I’m fine with this, no, it’s fine —– omg I’m so freaking angry I could explode’… it can be that kind of thing. Of course, the exploder does not have to be you. In fact, you may not have anyone’s head exploding at the table, it could be something you observe in the media, whatever.

I should point out here that, although all the signals are there, it doesn’t mean that any of this will happen to you personally. We could observe something happen domestically (in our country), or, internationally (on the world stage), but one thing is for sure: Mercury and Mars square can bring up issues that may astound. The exact square happens in the hours of the lead up to Christmas. All interesting and all worth observing to see how it unfolds.

An excellent aspect in amongst this is Venus sextiling the Moon’s north node and trining the Moon’s south node. New relationships, new realisations around friendships and relationships, forging of tighter bonds, good opportunities, surprise gifts, etc, all these and more are possible with this. Venus in this aspect is likely to mollify the energies surrounding Mercury and Mars.

Having said that, some relationships are likely to be left behind as the Moon’s south node is on one of separation, division and the parting of the ways. Further, Venus is separating from a sextile to Jupiter, and Jupiter is about to station, so it is powerfully placed. This can show people overdoing things somewhat; overspending, overeating, over committing, over eating… there can be quite a lot of expansion going on, some of which (not all, of course!) may lead to regret later.

Uranus is on Aries 17: TWO PRIM SPINSTERS SITTING TOGETHER IN SILENCE. This is likely to have us chatting almost non-stop with some and not wanting to engage others at all. There can be a communication that is happening on a subtle, non physical level. This communication can be loving, sharing, understanding and deep, or, it can be superficial, merely socially acceptable and nothing more, not deep at all and not full of care for how each other is feeling. Both extremes can be seen on this (as with all) degree, especially with Uranus on it.

The full Moon each month marks a time of heightened energies and events. It often marks the culmination of the energies released at the new Moon. Emotions can be supercharged as the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the zodiac and illumination is increased – it’s like we can see in the dark – and we can be hyper-aware as well as being hyper-awake. The effects of a full Moon can be major or minor, depending on how they interact with your own chart. Sometimes, realisations or events that are unleashed, or unlocked, can stretch their meaning months into the future. A lot can be learned at the time of the full Moon and whether it’s lunacy or illumination, or a combination of both, there’s magic unleashed with every full Moon.

symbols_moon.jpgThe Full Moon is on Cancer 4: A CAT ARGUING WITH A MOUSE

This Symbol often implies arguing, taking on opponents regardless of size and the ability to win, and, sometimes, being unable to let things just be. Along with bullying, this can show bickering, which is time consuming, often immature and useless. What is the central issue around what’s going on and what are the old values that require reassessment? There is an imbalance at work. There can be a desire to justify to the other what should be done and why. This Symbol can show a selfless advocate for the underdog; prepared to protect others. Try to stop useless mental monkey chattering.

Having said the above, it could merely be a matter of mental jabbering where you find it hard to turn off your mind. If you’re going over and over old stories, old hurts, or whatever, it can feel like the cat arguing with the mouse. Best to let go of the jabbering and to accept people’s differences and to just, well, accept.. thing is, I wonder if there might be some horrid thing happen on the world stage – forget I said that… put it out of your mind I will try to do the same.

Keywords: Aggressively and actively taking advantage of situations or people. Hide and go seek games. Aggression vs. innocence. Harassment. Standing up for one’s self. The David and Goliath story. Questioning established power structures. Looking out for one’s best interests. Shock and fear. Cats. Mice. Hiding. Waiting.

The Caution: Time-wasting arguments and bickering. Being aggressive because one can. Picking on those smaller. Fighting dirty. Being patronizing. Power trips. Hiding away to avoid being targeted. Feeling like someone’s prey. Feeling victimized and bullied. Antagonism. Unfair battles. Those who think they know more. Mental, physical or emotional torment. Beating yourself up.

The Karmic Condition (the previous degree) for the Moon is Cancer 3: AN ARCTIC EXPLORER LEADS A REINDEER THROUGH ICY CANYONS

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, of plowing on through cold or difficult times by facing up to difficulties with a brave attitude and a determination to get through them. By adapting to changing needs and constantly aware of difficulties, success can be achieved. You probably need to persevere and progress slowly. There is really no possibility of stopping or slowing down too much as the situation could freeze-up. You may be surprised by “icy” feelings and cold responses. Although you have the natural elements to help, it is more a time of struggling through unusual difficulties than trying to create a particular appearance. Using animal instincts to get through tough times. Facing bad weather and hardship. Following the leader without knowing where one is going. Unfamiliar surroundings.

Keywords: Using animal instincts to get through tough times. Facing bad weather and hardship. Following the leader without knowing where one’s going. Unfamiliar surroundings. The point of no return. Being in a cul-de-sac. Being led around by the hand (or the nose). Treading carefully. Icebergs. Glaciers. Snow and ice. Risky ventures. The Titanic story.

The Caution: Taking those unfamiliar to the situation and unwittingly heading towards danger. Putting one’s self through hard times when it’s avoidable. Restrictive outlooks on life. Frozen responses. Frigidity. Feeling lost, alone, frozen with fear or forsaken. Willingly going the hard way. Lack of provisions.

The Quest Degree (the degree following) for the Moon is Cancer 5: AT A RAILROAD CROSSING, A CAR RACES WITH A TRAIN

This Symbol implies the desire, or the ability, to compete with or take on society as if life were a race or something to be conquered. The ‘Car’ is a vehicle for the individual and the ‘Train’ a vehicle for the masses. There is often a need for caution; the individual will not always survive a collision with the more powerful collective. It may not work to be insisting bravely that your individual needs should be considered. The collective has too much momentum. If someone pits themselves and their energies continually against society, sooner or later they are likely to lose.

Keywords: Not looking to the consequences of actions. Recklessly going for an objective. Not considering the ramifications. Lots of people causing problems with scheduling. Having the guts to go against society. Cars, trains. Individual rights. Rebelling. Crossroads. The need for good timing.

The Caution: Recklessness. Sacrificing individuals for larger gains. Working until one drops. Not looking left or right for possible trouble. Going in the wrong direction. Working at cross-purposes. Not nourishing one’s self. Putting the desire for gain before one’s more basic personal needs. Valuing possessions before people. Talking so no one gets a word in. Going off the rails. Upsetting or obstructing others. Wreckage. Emotional panic. Spinning out of control.

The Moon symbolizes: Emotions, moods, mother, family, clan, domestic issues, relationship to home and country. Feelings, sentiments, nourishment, emotional nurturing, monkey chatter mind, lunar and menstrual cycles, clarity of emotions or lunacy. Female energy – yours and others.

symbols_sun.jpg The Sun is on Capricorn 4: A GROUP OF PEOPLE ENTERING A LARGE CANOE FOR A JOURNEY BY WATER

This degree shows journeying with others. Each person brings with them their individual stories, their needs and wants. They come together to accomplish something, to set out for somewhere. To embark on a journey with a number of people is to embark on an emotional discovery, along with learning the rules of society about interacting with others. With cooperation, and everyone heading in the same direction, there can be great success. You may find episodes when different and separate aspects of your personality come together to explore where you’re going. Are you and others in the same boat? The trick is, are you all headed in the same direction?

Rather amazingly, the Sun each year is on this degree as people travel far and wide to visit family and friends at Christmas. Further, the day after Christmas day often falls with the Sun on this Symbol and in Australia we have the Sydney To Hobart yacht race and there are boat races happening all over the world. It’s so interesting how the Symbols so often fit with the collective energies going on and literal world events.

Keywords: Cohesive effort, cooperation and coordination. People coming together with a shared goal in sight. Being continually on the move. Feeling like one’s on a ‘Journey’ of destiny. People all pulling together. Canoes. Boats. Vehicles of discovery. Setting off on an adventure. Entering the unknown. Workshops. Unknown destinations. Setting sail. Observing the weather. Yacht races.

The Caution: Uncoordinated energies. Not going along with anybody. Rocking the boat. The urge to get off midstream. Being bored with close company. A lack of privacy or quiet time. Back seat drivers. No one navigating. Lack of a realistic itinerary.

The Karmic Degree for the Sun is Capricorn 3: THE HUMAN SOUL, IN ITS EAGERNESS FOR NEW EXPERIENCES, SEEKS EMBODIMENT

This Symbol shows the idea of the ’embodiment’ of Christ. Each year, the Sun is on this degree at Christmas. How extraordinary that the spiritualist medium Elsie Wheeler (unknowingly) combined this Sabian Symbol with this degree, which the Sun is always on at Christmas.

This Symbol shows being open and receptive to the messages of the world around you, as there is an expansion into a new understanding and a new way of life. Writing is an excellent way for the “Soul” to “Seek Embodiment”. Also there can be issues to do with one’s body. There can be many times of quiet; of inner contemplation and outer observance. Regardless of your more immediate, physical circumstances, there is an evolution of understanding going on. Unbounded enthusiasm is likely to be around. It may be useful to keep a diary or to write things down. Extraordinary events can happen with this degree.

Keywords: Inner motivation leading to expansion. Jesus and his disciples. Being “born” quickly. Manifesting one’s desires without concern for consequences. Being “born again”. Feeling like a changed person. The need to drop into the body. Religious and spiritual rebirth. Reincarnation. The urge to create. Writers and writing. The embodiment of Christ.

The Caution: Denying the growth that’s beckoning in favor of social responsibility. Not leaving when perhaps one should. Having to seek permission to come through any “new gateway”. A loss of faith. Being obsessed about an ideal or idea. Feeling cast adrift from one’s reality.

The Quest Degree for the Sun is Capricorn 5: INDIANS – SOME ROWING A CANOE WHILE OTHERS ARE DANCING A WAR DANCE

This degree shows the need to bring stability and calm to situations, whilst continuing to “Row” in the direction you’re meant to go. Sometimes we’re just rowing our boat and someone wants to upset it, or, they are in our environment trying to drum up trouble or antagonize others. This shows the choice: row the boat or be on the defensive. Someone may solve situations with aggression. However, at the right time, showing one’s strength can work in your favor. Aggression isn’t really the answer, but, to make a show of your position and the effort you will make to defend it, will ultimately win respect. Keep rowing, and head towards your desired destination.

Keywords: Some getting on with their lives whilst others are not. Vehicles of discovery versus arguing and bickering. Threats and intimidation. Making a show of power and mobility. Cooperation bringing release from difficulties. Mobilizing forces. Psyching oneself up. Group efforts. Traffic.

The Caution: Making one’s case whilst having to be continually on the move. Being emotionally charged. Arguments and bickering that halt forward movement or growth. Intimidation. Moving targets. Superficial shows of strength for display purposes. Making a lot of noise. Pulling faces. Gestures that threaten. Accepting no opposition to progress. Aggression. Divergent motivations leading to confusion. Road rage.

The Sun symbolizes: One’s core center, spirit, heart, issues to do with father, men, self, ego, your male side. How you radiate your sense of being. What others see, how you are recognized or remembered, sense of identity and connection with male energy – yours and others.

symbols_mercury.jpg Mercury is on Capricorn 23: A SOLDIER RECEIVING TWO AWARDS FOR BRAVERY IN COMBAT

This Symbol shows being able to receive praise, awards or rewards when they are due. We often need to be acknowledged for the issues or causes we’ve fought for and the battles we’ve endured. True deeds of valor and bravery should be rewarded. Whether you are rewarded, respected or recognized, for the good things you’ve done or not, you’ll know that you’ve done them. You will find that your efforts will, at some time, be recognized and some appreciation, payment or compensation will be offered. You may also be the one who needs to recognize others’ achievements. Subsequent awards are often greater than the first because the dangers are well understood.

Keywords: Desperate striving for recognition. Rewards for involvement in tough situations. Medals and trophies. Tributes, acknowledgments and benefits given or showered. Award ceremonies. Posthumous awards. Giving thanks. Compensation. Insurance and legal claims. Recompense for taking action.

The Caution: ‘Awards’ as Band-Aids to assuage guilt produced in war. Expecting money or other rewards for doing anything that one doesn’t want to. The ills, social and otherwise, of combat fighting. Neurotic seeking of praise or acknowledgment. Rejection lines. Bribery.

Mercury symbolizes: Mind, thought, communication, memory, expression, intelligence. News, exchanges, chatting, conversations, short journeys, connections with others, telephones, emails, siblings, neighbors, the reasoning mind. Day-to-day activities. Cars, keys, small animals.

symbols_venus.jpg Venus is on Scorpio 25: AN X RAY PHOTOGRAPH HELPS WITH THE DIAGNOSIS

This Symbol shows being able to see into areas or realms that others generally don’t take any notice of. You may find yourself looking for a deeper understanding of situations and you need to peel away the layers in order to get to the truth of the matter. You may need to employ both the emotions and the intellect. Ask yourself: what do you want to find and what is being done to reveal the structure or the nitty gritty of situations? Looking inside for clues. Being able to see through layers into the reality of things helps you to be able to make a “Diagnosis” – dia which means “by”, and gnosis which means “knowledge”

Keywords: Penetrating insight. Piercing through external appearances. Pure understanding. Incredible insight and revelations. Having the eyes to see. X-ray machines, spying, detective work. Reaching conclusions. Evaluations. Photographs. Negatives. Radiation. X-ray vision. Expensive and up-to-date equipment. Chemotherapy. Mammograms. Scanning equipment. Finding causes. Paparazzi.

The Caution: Disregarding the flesh on the outside-the humanity of people. Invading other people’s psychic or intellectual space. Undressing or revealing people through subtle manipulation. Always being intense and dissatisfied with the easy, or obvious, answers.

Venus symbolizes: Relatedness, cooperation, what attracts you. The experience of sweetness, beauty or delight. Social interactions, love, friends, how you reach out to people. Feminine persona, relationship with mother and females. Money, possessions, sense of values.

symbols_mars.jpgMars is on Libra 25: THE SIGHT OF AN AUTUMN LEAF BRINGS TO A PILGRIM THE SUDDEN REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY OF LIFE AND DEATH

This Symbol implies the ability, or the necessity, of seeing far more in simple things than most people see. Instead of merely seeing “An Autumn Leaf”, “The Pilgrim” sees the cycle of life, the seed turning into the tree, the leaves turning in the autumn, etc, etc. There is far more to see than is first apparent. You may have learnt much and grown tired of seeking information about life through conventional channels. A sudden insight can lead to a whole new revelation of life and its processes. Seeing things that others miss, look for answers in simple, everyday things around you. They may be fleeting, but they are around you – look for the signs, they can have profound effects.

Keywords: Seasonal adjustments. Fleeting inspiration. Seeing things in their own time. Spiritual revelations. Conversations with God. Feeling blessed. The beauty and timelessness of nature. Contacts with nature spirits. Angelic visions. Photography and having a photographic mind. Being here now. Pilgrims and their journeys. The Hadj pilgrimage. Solving problems. Quick and deep minds. Snapshots in time.

The Caution: Focusing on things that have no lasting value or are no longer relevant. Looking for answers in everything, therefore missing out on the big picture that’s right in front of you. Making a big deal out of insignificant or everyday occurrences.

Mars symbolizes: : Drive, determination or agenda, how you get to your goals. How you express and handle anger, ambition, assertion of self and ability to step forward. The male principle, sexuality, the ability to step up to the plate when one needs to. Fight or flight.

symbols_jupiter.jpg Jupiter is on Virgo 23: A LION-TAMER RUSHES FEARLESSLY INTO THE CIRCUS ARENA – Jupiter is stationing on this degree and it goes retrograde in about two week’s time. So, we are really feeling the effects of this Sabian Symbol – are you rushing into the ‘arena’ – are you rehearsed and ready? This could be a time for going for one’s objective, even if you’re not exactly sure you have your ducks in a row. Something is set to happen with Jupiter on this degree, that’s for sure.

This Symbol implies having the talent, skills, training and discipline to be able to tame wild energies like those of a “Lion”. It is not that you need to extinguish powerful emotions and energies, but by skillfully manipulating what’s going on, these very wild emotions and energies will perform in a way that makes you the victor. Self-discipline and mastery are needed, along with being well rehearsed for what you are doing. There’s a need to put fear behind you and to go for it – perhaps rushing in where angels fear to tread. The question is: How trained are you and prepared for the consequences?

Keywords: Having faith and courage in your abilities. Sublimating animal instincts. Control. Fearlessness. Professionalism. Extremism. Adrenaline rushes. Dangerous spectacles. Training and conditioned responses. Restrained passion. Coordination and skill. Superheroes. Holding the whip.

The Caution: Needing to be in control. Believing that things are dependent on your direction. Showing off and boasting. Plunging into situations, physically or emotionally, that are inherently dangerous without regard for the consequences. Overplaying one’s abilities. Dominant attitudes. Taking on anything and anyone.

Jupiter symbolizes: The big picture, expansion, exploration, aspirations, religious and philosophical ideals, issues to do with traveling, foreign lands, people and traditions, culture, education, generosity, luck, abundance, support, optimism. Insight through knowledge and wisdom.

symbols_saturn.jpg Saturn is on Sagittarius 11: IN THE LEFT SECTION OF AN ARCHAIC TEMPLE, A LAMP BURNS IN A CONTAINER SHAPED LIKE A HUMAN BODY

This Symbol implies seeing the body as being ones “Temple”; something to be honored and given respect, exercise and good nutrition. It also pictures linking the spirit and the body. Logic is not always involved in this equation – this mostly speaks of emotions, spirit and physicality. Sometimes we need to remember to be ‘in our bodies’ and this shows the rewards that can come from regarding our body as our temple. There’s a need to sleep and exercise when we need to, to eat when we need to; to be alive and happy. However, if taken too seriously, one can forget to nourish their mind, preferring to concentrate on physical attributes and forgetting about other possibilities.

Keywords: Connecting the left and right sides. Working out, physical fitness and exercise. Yoga. Grounding reality. Sexuality. Realizing that body is the same as spirit. Remembering to be in the body. Light workers. The acceptance of the body and its functions. Sport and its physical rewards. Metabolic rates. Oil burners. Gas lamps. Aladdin’s lamp. Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Albert Schweitzer

The Caution: Worshiping the body at the expense of the intellect, psyche or spirit. Concentrating exclusively on physical desires and needs. Needing actual physical evidence to accept anything. Being caught up in the illusion of the body, the “physical self”. For this is the great error of our day in the treatment of the human body.That physicians first separate the soul from the body. Plato

Saturn symbolizes: Authority, rules, discipline and obligation The heavy stuff. What we fear, loss, karma, aging, the establishment, orthodoxy, tradition, status, the concept of time, walls, boundaries, limits, older people, restrictions, patience, conquering difficulties. 

symbols_uranus.jpg Uranus is on Aries 17: TWO PRIM SPINSTERS SITTING TOGETHER IN SILENCE

This Symbol shows that quiet withdrawal might be just what you need. However, it is easy to become isolated in conservative, albeit moral, ideas. You may find that there is only a select, restricted group with whom you wish to associate. There can be a quiet knowing that does not need a lot of words or emotional displays. Just be wary that this false sense of security doesn’t isolate you from change and growth. Unresolved issues can lead to stunted emotional responses. Look for opportunities to open up to new possibilities.

Keywords: The need to loosen up emotional blockages. The struggle to hold onto one’s original identity. Compromise because of social expectations. Meditations that communicate. Exclusive relationships. Relationships that have a quiet “knowing”. Dignified silence. Inner withdrawal. Communicating through body language.

The Caution: Emotional isolation. Refusing to accept relationship. Pretending to be someone that one is not. Disapproval of younger, more vital energies. Being fussy and judgmental. Chattering that is not conducive to growth or true relating. Gossip. Difficulty in communicating. Being shutoff, or shutdown. The loss of joy and spontaneity.

Uranus symbolizes: The unexpected, things that are individual or ‘different’. Charged, energetic dynamics, electricity, light, lightning bolts, sudden changes, those who live on the fringe of society. Sudden turns and twists of fate. Rebellion, surprises, liberation, freedom.

symbols_neptune.jpgNeptune is on Pisces 8: A GIRL BLOWING A BUGLE

This shows sounding the call, rallying people together, knowing when to speak or “Blow a Bugle” to awaken others, to wake up to realities going on in the world, join some cause, etc. Perhaps you feel the need to wake up those around you, or, perhaps be woken yourself. When situations get bogged down in emotional or rational complexity and everyone just needs to be rallying and going for the objective, you may be the one to let everyone know. Sometimes this Symbol can show someone who makes a lot of noise; justified or unjustified and they can get people moving. Using simple, receptive innocence will get situations back on track.

Keywords: Sounding the call. Awakening all to action. Going on and on about something. Loudspeakers, telephones, announcements. Being prepared to state one’s case. Calling attention to one’s self. Blowing your own trumpet. Whistleblowers. Heralding and proclaiming the dawn. Rise and shine! Girls in a man’s world. Leading the charge. Resurrection. Mass announcements. Advertising campaigns. Alarm clocks. Ear plugs. Blind folds. Break the fast. Proclamations.

The Caution: Making unwarranted and disturbing noise. Showing off. Unbalanced messages. Evangelists and politicians. Sounding the call but not making the grade. Being annoying. Trumpeting about one’s achievements. Not listening to people.

Neptune symbolizes: Mystical, “out there,” spirituality and con artists. Dreams, mysteries, mystics and religious issues. Intuition, clairvoyance, seeing into the invisible. Addictive, chaotic, charming, deceptive, illusory, co dependent, sensory awareness.

symbols_pluto.jpg Pluto is on Capricorn 15: IN A HOSPITAL, THE CHILDREN’S WARD IS FILLED WITH TOYS

This Symbol shows the need to heal, calm, soothe and repair the lives of those who need your help, comfort and shelter. In times of healing there’s simple pleasures to raise the spirits, whether it’s of “Children” or people of any age. The “Toys” in the “Hospital” can be healing tools of any kind – it doesn’t matter what type or modality; if they bring relief and joy to someone’s life, they fill a need. There is also a need for caring shows of affectionate concern. Simple things done in times of healing can bring great relief to all. Sometimes it’s a smile, a special treat or soothing words of encouragement these are more healing than one can imagine.

Keywords: Bringing simple gifts to the sick or disadvantaged. Looking after one’s responsibilities. Nurturing people of younger years or those who’ve had less growth. Workshops held to improve one’s health; be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Drugs, crutches, cots, doctors, nurses. Waiting for and needing individual attention. Waiting rooms. Magazines. Toys. Gadgets. Puzzles. Games.

The Caution: Making a large generous show when one doesn’t really care. Being dogmatic. Feeling in charge of healing and not listening to what others have to say. Using gadgets instead of simple human caring. Fear of things such as needles, etc. Being greedy and wanting all the toys.

Pluto symbolizes: Unconscious motivations, depth psychology, history. Sex, procreation at a deep level, intensity, profound emotions, taking hold of one’s power. Being king or queen of one’s underworld. Strength, survival mode instincts. Big money. Big power. The Plutocracy.

symbols_chiron.jpgChiron is on Pisces 18: IN A HUGE TENT A FAMOUS REVIVALIST CONDUCTS HIS MEETING WITH A SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE

This shows hearing or delivering important messages, decrees or rules for living, making sense of spiritual instruction, seeing who’s an authority worth listening to and who’s not. Seeing through false intentions or messages could be one of your objectives now. You may need to organize and stage a display to promote, teach or disseminate, bringing a feeling of community in a common goal. With the power to influence or sway groups of people, there needs to be a feeling of moderation and the ability to listen as well as speak. This can, however, picture situations of hysteria or overstating one’s case. Is the audience listening? Is the cause just?

Keywords: Energy and inspiration. Evangelism. Whipped up emotions. Having a lot to say. Being instructional and dogmatic about how things should be. Being in charge. Ecstasy. Loud voices. Conversations that are said out loud. Acoustics affecting sounds. Preaching. Mind control. Performing. Political, religious and spiritual activism. Showmanship. Transformative experiences. Captivated audiences. The media circus.

The Caution: Using spiritualism for greedy financial gain. Overblown feelings of one’s abilities. Big egos. Hysteria. People whipped-up and manipulated by those in charge. Having the agenda of controlling others. Feeling that one has all the answers. Getting het-up about ideals and beliefs. Manipulation and exploitation. Bigotry.

Chiron symbolizes: Our wounds and it is known as The Wounded Healer, it also shows The Stories That We Tell Ourselves, it is where we have to focus on healing, it can show things that are out of shape or misplaced or in need of repair.

symbols_north_node.jpg The Moon’s North Node is on Virgo 26: A BOY WITH A CENSER SERVES NEAR THE PRIEST AT THE ALTAR

This Symbol implies doing an apprenticeship or spending time with someone who knows about a skill, craft or profession, or, being in an authoritarian position with someone younger or less experienced who is rising up through the ranks, learning as they go. It doesn’t matter what part you’re playing; even the smallest contribution is an important part of the whole. Give reverence and respect to everyday routines, and find hope renewed through the promise of what’s to come in the future. Either your time is coming as you grow and mature and take a higher position in life, or, you’re handing over the reins to someone younger who’s prepared to carry on with the work.

Keywords: Youthful attitudes. Doing what’s simple, with silence and devotion. Participating in the toil but not the glory. Altars and shrines. Incense. Burning candles. Passing down wisdom and knowledge. Looking up to those in power. Work experience. Apprenticeships. Feelings of awe and respect. Religious and social ceremonies. Issues of authority and the abuse of it.

The Caution: Being dominated by spiritual hierarchy that is devised by human rationalism. Doing “lesser things” to avoid responsibility. Not taking a place of authority when one could or should. Feeling not good enough because of inexperience. Someone always hanging around. Incompetence. Refusal to take instruction. Sexual abuse. Betrayal of beliefs. The church overpowering one’s life.

The Moon’s North Node symbolizes: This is known as quite a ‘karmic point’ (although all planets and points in a chart can be’karmic’). One’s destiny in this life. The things you are meant to integrate, move towards, become. Destined relationships and relationship issues can show up here.

symbols_south_node.jpg The Moon’s South Node is on Pisces 26: A NEW MOON REVEALS THAT IT’S TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR DIFFERENT PROJECTS

This shows being able to see, or to accept, when it’s time for people to move on or to part from each other. They need to “Go Ahead With Their Different Projects” – their focus has changed and, quite possibly, they’ve parted ways. There’s a picture here of new beginnings. People will have their own response to situations – not everyone will react in the same way. It can be a good idea to direct some energy into your desires or projects at the time of the new moon. Light a candle and state your intentions with honesty and love.

Keywords: Diversifying. Applying talents in a different direction. People splitting up and splitting off. New opportunities and potentials. The beginning of a new age. Letting go of the old and outworn. Separations. Embracing one’s future without the need for others. Coming to a fork in the road. Divorces. New jobs, directions and destinies. The dawning of a new era.

The Caution: Not giving, or receiving emotional support. Feeling split off and alone, even when one is with others. The fear and loathing of possible separation. Overthrowing the old too quickly. Changing direction unexpectedly. The fear of old age. Relationships that fail again and again.

The Moon’s South Node symbolizes: Past karmic patterns to be overcome, can be habits that are good, but can describe things, relationships, issues that you need to let go of, or, hold you back from manifesting your true destiny. Relationships that feel karmic and difficult, memories from the past.

The Current Moon Phase for December 24th is Waxing Gibbous

Mond im Winter
December 24
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 99%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

Phase Details for – Thursday, December 24, 2015

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 99%
Moon Age: 13.75 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 375,060.93 km

Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,135,964.98 km

The Witches Magick for the 24th Day of December – Some Folk Magick Protection Spells

Winter Mythologie

Some Folk Magick Protection Spells

Protection Against Evil
Ingredients: Turquoise Stone
Carry with you a small piece of Turquoise stone for constant protection from evil sources.
Protection
Ingredients: Tortoise Shell
An unusual spell to help obtain protection from various sources requires you to carry with you a small piece of Tortoise shell.
Protection from Evil
Ingredients: Amber Stone
Another charm to be carried for protection is an Amber stone. You should carry this with you when you are in need of protection from negativity.
Prevent Evil
Ingredients: Basil
One form of preventing evil from arising through a seance or through any other means, is through protecting your home by sprinkling Basil powder around your home. Be sure to include windowsills, and doorways as well as the floors.
Protection
Ingredients: Basil Plant / Stems with leaves
Another protection spell calling for basil requires you to place a vase of Basil stems and leaves in the room where you desire the protection.
–Dawn Flowers, The Spell Book of Wiccan Shadows Under the Moon

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Your Magickal Name

winter magix

Let’s Talk Witch – Your Magickal Name

Names are important. Everybody knows this. Pregnant women spend hours poring over books of names to find the perfect moniker for their little Witch-to-be. Movie stars change their names to sound more, well, movie star-like. Some people even name their cars. (Merrie Grace, I miss you!)

Witches and other magickal workers have always known that names have power. In Egyptian mythology, the Witch goddess Isis is said to have used her magick to discover the secret name of the sun god Ra and thus gain power over him. In some cultures, children are given “use names” until they are old enough to find their real name for themselves, or their names are kept secret so that evil spirits can’t cause harm.

Witches have traditionally taken on a “Witch name.” In the good-old, bad-old days, that may have been done in part as a way to keep one’s identity a secret from non-Witches. These days, a Witch name may be taken as part of a Witch’s formal dedication or simply adopted along the way. Mine came to me as a gift from one of the members of the original group I practiced with: we were talking one evening about Witch names, and I was bemoaning the fact that I had never found one that seemed right to me, when one of the guys turned to me and said, “Of course you have a Witch name-it’s Onyx.” And so it was.

Ann Moura, in her book Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft, points out that there are actually two different kinds of Witch names. One, which she calls the Craft name, is chosen by the Witch and used in public. My name Onyx is one of these-it appears in my books where everyone can see it and is in no way intended to be secret.

The other type of Witch name, which Moura calls the “working” name, is a gift which is bestowed upon the Witch by the god and goddess. This name has more power and should be used only when speaking to the gods (as in “I, , beseech you”) or when working with the magickal folks that you trust the most. Don’t worry if this one doesn’t come to you right away; I’ve been practicing for many years and just got my working name a few months ago. (No, I’m not going to tell you what it is!)

The important thing to keep in mind is that names do have power. So choose carefully when you pick a Witch name-make sure that it is one that means something to you and that it feels powerful and right. Witches can and do change their names over the course of their practice, as they themselves grow and change, but you are better off waiting for the right name to come to you-as I did-than picking just any old name in order to have one.

–Deborah Blake. Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful  World of Witchcraft

 

Celebrating Other Spirituality, Folklore & Legends 365 Days a Year – Christmas Eve, Christmas, Yule

verliebte Vogelwelt

December 24 and 25

Christmas Eve, Christmas, Yule

It is generally accepted that the birth of Christ on December 24th is the invention of some overzealous authors who were trying to create some sort of symmetry between Paganism and Christianity. According to the late fourth-century Scriptor Syrus, it was the custom of the Pagans to celebrate the birthday of the sun on December 25, at which time they kindled lights in token of festivity. The Christians also participated in these solemnities and revelries. Accordingly, when the administrants of the church observed that the Christians had a preference for the festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnized on that day.

The Pagan feast that was replaced by Christmas was of far older origins and may have been built upon the cult of Mithras, who, for the Persians, was the creator of the universe and manifestation of the Creative Logos, or Word. His birth on December 25 was witnessed by shepherds. After many deeds, he held a last supper with his disciples and then returned to heaven. Some believe that, had Christianity not taken hold when it did, Mithraism very well might have become the world religion.

For more that three centuries Christ Mass was a moveable feast, celebrated on the Epiphany (January 6), the day that, according to biblical account, Jesus manifested himself to the Magi. The Western date of December 25 was fixed to coincide with the Roman midwinter festival of the Kalends, which was preceded by seven days of tribute to their God of agriculture, Saturn.

Many of the Yuletide customs we observe today were common to various thanksgiving days and new year’s rites. For example, the hanging of greenery comes from an old ivy-worshiping worshiping cult dating back to the Dionysian revels in ancient Greece; mistletoe was valued-almost worshiped-by the Druids; ids; and gift exchange most likely generated with the Saturnalia. The Christmas tree was introduced by the Prince Albert of Saxony in 1844 and was an adaption of the Paradeisbaum(decorated tree of life) from the medieval drama of the Tannenbaum.

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, December 24th

winter queen
The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, December 24th

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect. This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 24th

Winter Angel **** Winterengel
The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 24th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

Christmas Eve

 

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

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini
Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games, and fun.

Incense: Clove

Color: Green

Thursday’s Witchery

tears of hope...
Thursday’s Witchery

 

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.

Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

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

 

Thursday

winter

Thursday

Jupiter’s (Thor’s) day

The name is derived from Old English and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretatio romana.

In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi. This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.

The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.

Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.

There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi—referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.

The Pagan Calendar for Thursday, December 24th

winter
The Pagan Calendar for Thursday, December 24th

The Mothers -The Venerable Bede, writing about the customs of the Pagan Anglo Saxons in England, mentioned their practice of celebrating a holiday he called Modranicht or Modresnacht on the eve of Christmas. In his account of the Pagan calendar in 725 CE, he said:

“And the very night that is sacrosanct to us, these people call modranect, that is, the mothers’ night, a name bestowed, I suspect, on account of the ceremonies which they performed while watching this night through.”

This ‘night of the Mothers’ was evidently a sacred night devoted to a group of feminine divinities, like those pictured on carvings and statues all over Celtic France and Britain which show three women together, holding children and fruit, fish, grain and other bounties of the earth.

In Shetland, into recent times, it was called Helya’s Night when each child was committed into the protection of Mother Mary. Helya may be a corruption of the Old Norse heilagr, meaning holy. This is probably Mother’s Night overlaid with a Christian veneer.  [237] An account written in the nineteenth century says that, once the children were in bed, the old woman (the reporter’s grandmother) rose from her place by the peat fire and made her way over to the cradle where the youngest lay. Raising her hands over the slumbering infant, she spoke aloud:

Mary Midder had de haund
Ower aboot for sleepin-baund
Had da lass an’ had da wife,
Had da bairn a’ its life.
Mary Midder had de haund.
Roond da infants o’ wur land.

This procedure was repeated over all the children, while the grandfather sat raking the peats in the hearth. The old man was also thought to have been reciting something but, unfortunately, his softly spoken words were inaudible.

Anna Franklin, Yule (The Eight Sabbats)

A Very Beautiful & Blessed Thursday Morn’ To All Our Dear Family & Friends!

ωιηтєя мαgι¢

The Evening

The evening has descended and all is still
I hear my heart beat as I wait for the moon’s fullness
I can hear the wind as it travels to me
I stand in the clearing waiting for what is to come
I stand naked before the Goddess as she knows who I am

I feel my Sisters as they come for me
I feel their love as they encircle me
I hear the thoughts of those who have gone before me
I hear their Blessings as they are sent to me
I know what is asked of me
I know what is expected of me
I have become one with the past, present and future
I am a daughter of the Goddess
I am a Sister to those who stand with me
I am a Witch, past, present and future.
JoAnne Spiese, A Witch’s Prayerbook

 

Wassail (Non-Alcoholic)


Yule Comments & Graphics

Wassail (Non-Alcoholic)

2 quarts apple juice
2 1/4 cups pineapple juice
2 cups orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 (3-inch) stick cinnamon
1 tsp. whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer an additional 20 minutes. Strain and discard cinnamon and cloves.Serve hot.

Yield: 3 quarts

Wassail Punch


Yule Comments & Graphics

Wassail Punch

1 dozen apples; baked
1 cup water
4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. freshly ground nutmeg
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground mace
6 whole cloves
6 allspice berries
1 stick cinnamon
1 dozen eggs, separated
4 bottles sherry or Madeira wine
2 cups brandy

*Ancient England gave us the custom of “wassailing”. It is based on the tradition of friends gathering in a circle, whereupon the host drinks to the health of all present. He sips from a glass of hot punch or spiced ale, then passes the glass. A special bowl was used as the vessel. As each friend raises the vessel, before sipping he or she proclaims the Saxon toast, “Wass hael!” meaning “be whole” or “be well”. Although many versions exist, this one contains the symbolic ingredients: apples, representing fertility and health; spices, signifying riches and variety; eggs, a symbol of life and rebirth; as well as wine and brandy. This beverage is served hot, so plan on a heatproof punch bowl. this makes enough for a crowd. Just how large a crowd depends on your groups taste for rich, spicy wine drinks. Figure on at least 16-18 servings.*

**Cook’s notes: This also can be made with a combination of beer and wine, preferably sherry, with roughly 4 parts beer to 1 part sherry. The resulting flavor is authentic to the Colonial period, but far less familiar to contemporary palates.**

Prepare the punch: Combine water, sugar, and spices in a large stainless steel, enamel or glass saucepan. Bring to boil over medium high heat, and boil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until light in color. In separate pans, bring the wine (and beer, if used) and the brandy almost to the boiling point. Fold the whites into the yolks, using a large heatproof bowl. Strain the sugar and spice mixture into the eggs, combining quickly. Incorporate the hot wine with the spice and egg mixture, beginning slowly and stirring briskly with each addition. Toward the end of the process, add the brandy. Now, just before serving and while the mixture is still foaming, add the baked apples.

Presentation: Serve in heatproof cups or punch glasses. Guests are welcome to take part or all of an apple

Yule Ritual for Groups


Yule Comments & Graphics

Yule Ritual for Groups

This is a Neo-Pagan rite that has been adapted for the Northern Tradition, honoring the Wheel of the Year, to be performed at Yule when the Sun is at its lowest point.

Make a Sun Wheel by lashing pieces of wood to a yard-wide metal hoop bought in a craft store, so as to form an eight-spoked wheel, cover the unsightly metal by wrapping it with colored yarn. More yarn is tied to the ends of the spokes and knotted together, about four feet up from the center of the wheel. A flat candle holder was affixed to the center. Then you bind (with more colored yarn) evergreen boughs onto it.

Light a short fat red candle in the center, where the strings were farthest away, but you can put candles on the edges as well. When it is covered in fresh evergreens, use cut oranges in half and hollow out the inside (throwing the orange bits into the Yule punch), and nestle the half-orange-peel cups in among the boughs holding votive candles. Be very careful that no candle flames are near enough to the supporting strings to burn through them, or the whole thing will come down in a flaming mess.

This rite uses at least nine people, so it’s a good one for an inside ritual where you’ve got a lot of folks who want to participate. Each person is dressed in the appropriate colors. One group’s sun symbol was trashpicked, someone’s thrown-away art project, a base with a big gilded metal spiral and a candle holder on top. One could just as easily be made from a toy horse and cart and a wooden disk, all sprayed gold.

(Eight people gather around the sun wheel, decorated and hanging from the ceiling. The ninth—the Sunna officiant—is clothed in colors of glittering flame and carries the sun symbol. The Sunna officiant lights the candle in the center of the sun wheel and says:)
Hail to the Sun who walks the way
Of dusty dawn, of golden glow,
Of glint of growing, turning Day.
Hail to the cycle and the flow.
Welcome to our hearth and home and tribe.
This is the darkest day of the year, the longest night, when the Sun is swallowed up and dies. In ancient times, the Sun was brought back to life with fire and light on the Solstice.
Let us imagine, now, those dark and ancient times. Go back six thousand years to a cold place. You are clad in clothing of rough wool and fur, and you speak a language unlike ours, yet with some words that will someday be passed on to us. Your people have lived in this cold place for so long that you remember the glaciers melting, the Ice Age receding. It is part of your creation myths.

Imagine that you are standing in a clearing in the woods, the scent of pine all around you, just before dawn. It is freezing cold, and for days uncounted you have huddled inside next to a fire, with the sky too dark to work or even to see outside. Yet on this morning your eyes are fixed on a single standing stone, or perhaps a pole driven into the earth, which will prove the rebirth of the Sun which gives all life.

Imagine that you watch the Sun rise, seeing it come up in its appointed place as it always does, and a hush of wonder falls over your tribe, crowded around you. It is the promise of the new year, the promise that the days will get longer, and eventually warmer, and the spring will come. You rejoice. You cheer. You weep with joy. You beat on drums and shout. You call this day Yeohwla, which means simply, the Winter Solstice.

Someday strangers will come, driving wagons, great numbers of them. They will settle next to you, and intermarry with you, and teach of things like wheels and horses, and you will give them the words “wife”, and “child”, and teach them the mysteries of “Yeohwla”, which their descendants—and yours—will pass on as Yule. You will teach the mysteries of Hope and Rebirth, of fire and light that resurrects the year. And they will stand in that cold place and learn to praise the coming of the Sun, and so will their children=s children. And so do we.

Take flame now, flame from the wheel of the Sun, and carry it close to you, for fire is precious. It means warmth and light and cooked food. Be careful with it, neither letting it spread nor go out. Each of you light a candle and hold it close.

(Everyone comes forth with small candles and lights them from the wheel’s flame. The Sunna officiant lights the Sun symbol. Then the first of the eight callers steps forth, dressed all in white and gold. The Sunna officiant moves to stand behind them, and holds up the Sun symbol so that it can be seen above their head.)

First Caller:
Hail to the sleeping Sun Maiden who awakes!
Hail to her first steps, like one newborn,
As she feels the change, the shift,
The turn from downward to upward!
On this the shortest day of all,
Odin leads the Wild Hunt in shrieking furor,
Bonfires burn and voices are upraised in song,
And Sunna blinks her sky-bright eyes
And blesses us on the frosty Yule morning.

(The first caller ties a straw pinecone to the end of one wheel spoke.

The second caller steps forward, dressed all in red and gold.)

Second Caller:
Hail to the Sun over the snowfields!
Hail to her light over the frozen land
As the lambs are born and the ewe’s milk flows.
Frau Holle shakes the snow from her pillows
Like clouds of feathers in the sky,
We hail the Disir of our ancestors,
The women who survived to watch in wisdom,
And Sunna lights the darkened sky
And blesses us on this frozen Oimelc morning.

(The second caller ties a snowflake to the end of one wheel spoke.

The third caller steps forward, dressed all in blue and gold.)

Third Caller:
Hail to the Sun in the time of Spring!
Dawn’s own moment, the in-breath of perfect air,
The time of wind and rain, fierce storms
And freshest of wet mornings. Hail Ostara
As she dances through the greening fields, hail Freya
With flowers blooming in her footsteps.
Hail Thor who brings the rain and washes clean,
And Sunna lights the equinox sky
And blesses us on this wet Ostara morning.

(The third caller ties a colored egg to the end of one wheel spoke.

The fourth caller steps forward, dressed all in green and gold.)

Fourth Caller:
Hail to the Sun in the time of Greening!
The trees spread their leaves, the flowers bloom,
The pole rises to touch the sky!
For deep in the darkness Odin the Wanderer
Who hung three nights in the embrace of the Tree
Has won the runes and broken free, and we rejoice!
Walburga walks the woods, the Hunt can never catch her,
And Sunna lights the green-leaved sky
And blesses us on this fair Walpurgisnacht morning.

(The fourth caller ties a bunch of colored ribbons to the end of one wheel spoke.

The fifth caller steps forward, dressed all in yellow and gold.)

Fifth Caller:
Hail to the Sun on her most perfect day!
We are torn between great joy and great sorrow
For the Sun is golden overhead, and abundant are the fruits
Of the earth, and yet Baldur’s blood soaks
Into that earth as well. It is the first sudden funeral
Of the year, and we dance for sorrow and for joy.
The first golden king walks the Hel Road,
And Sunna reigns over the tear-blue sky
And blesses us on this bright Litha morning.

(The fifth caller ties a tiny golden sun to the end of one wheel spoke.

The sixth caller steps forward, dressed all in amber and gold.)

Sixth Caller:
Hail to the Sun over the fields of grain!
On this day Frey, the second golden king,
Walks willingly to his doom. As the sickle cuts,
As the grain falls, as the harvest is begun,
The people are fed, and the Sun’s bounty is collected.
Hail to Frey and his willing sacrifice, no sudden thing
But measured, open, gentle-handed like Death
And Sunna lights the summer sky
And blesses us on this golden Lammas morning.

(The sixth caller ties a tiny wheatsheaf to the end of one wheel spoke.

The seventh caller steps forward, dressed all in orange and gold.)

Seventh Caller:
Hail to the Sun over the Harvest Fair!
We have worked and toiled on Jord’s fertile breast
And we reap the abundance that we deserve, or at least
That we have been lucky enough to get this year.
Hail to the scythe, the winnowing basket, the honey in the hive,
The grain and beer, the milk that flows and the flesh
That is sacrificed that we might live and thrive,
And Sunna lights the autumn sky
And blesses us on this cool Harvest morning.

(The seventh caller ties a straw horn to the end of one wheel spoke.

The eighth caller steps forward, dressed all in black and gold.)

Eighth Caller:
Hail to the Sun on Winter’s Gate!
The leaves fall like a carpet before Sunna’s fading path
And the barrows of the Ancestors call us, looming
Like dark shadows through the bare black trees.
Darkness is setting in, but we do not fear,
For all things turn again unto the light, as Sunna
Herself has taught us, in her dancing round of the year.
And Sunna lights the clouded sky
And blesses us this Winternight morning.

(The eighth caller ties a skull to the end of one wheel spoke. The Sunna officiant steps forth.)
Sunna officiant:
Hail to the Ancestors who lived that we might live,
Who watched the Sun’s round and praised her mightily.
Hail Sunna! Bless us all with your bright gaze
And bring the light of contentment
With all things that flux and change
And yet always come around
Into our questing hearts.

All:
Hail Sunna!

(A horn of mead is passed, and folk speak of some great difficulty that troubled them, but that they have now come to terms with, and how they came to understanding on a day-to-day basis. This is the sort of thing which Sunna excels at—aiding those who would learn how to cope daily with something hard that will not pass, and teaching them never to let it dim their light. The candles are not put out until everyone has left the room, unless they become a fire hazard.)

Yule Activities

Yule Comments & GraphicsYule Activities

 

Sing pagan solstice carols. Appropriate ones are: Deck the Halls, the Holy and the Ivy, Joy to the World, Tannenbaum, Wassailing Song, Green Growth the Holly. And there are others that can be slightly altered to fit Yule.

 

Decorate the Solstice or Yule tree. Decorate pine cones with glue and glitter as symbols of the faeries and place them in the Yule tree. Hang little bells on the Yule tree to call the spirits and faeries and purify your space. Decorate with items symbolizing what you want in the new year. Hang gold, yellow and red balls to symbolize the God and the Sun.

 

Light an enclosed candle, and let it burn through the night.

 

Stay up until sunrise to welcome the strengthening Sun.

 

Make a wreath decorated with pine cones.

 

String popcorn and cranberries and hang them on an outdoor tree for birds.

 

Glue the caps onto acorns and attach a red string to hang on the Yule tree.

 

For prosperity, burn ash wood.

 

Symbolically act out the struggle between the Holly King (an older man) and the Oak King (a younger man).

 

Yule blessings: wreath on the door, mistletoe indoors, food and clothing donations, sunflower seeds outside for birds, ring the bell to greet the Solstice Morn, and perform magick for a peaceful planet.

 

Gather up Yule greens after 12th night and save. At Imbolc, burn the greens to banish winter and usher in spring.

 

Consecrate the Yule tree — asperge with salted water, pass smoke of incense through the branches, and walk around the tree with a lighted candle saying:
By fire and water, air and earth,
I consecrate this tree of rebirth.

 

Make wassail: 2 cups cranberry juice, 1/4 cup grenadine, 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rum (optional). (taken from Green Witchcraft by Moura)

 

Make classic eggnog.

 

The Wild Hunt at Yuletide


Yule Comments & Graphics

The Wild Hunt at Yuletide

During the Wild Hunt ancestral spirits are thought to come back to earth. The deity who ruled over this is Odin, who is actually the leader of the Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt was traditionally a procession of spirits and heroes. In European traditions, during the twelve days of Yuletide (those last days of the calendar year), these spirits traveled in a procession to visit families and loved ones.

This may explain why, in Scandinavian lore, it is believed that the spirits of children were along for the wild ride on the night of the winter solstice for the purpose of coming back to earth to visit their parents. These children who had passed over were thought to be under the care of Frigga, so I suppose she turned them loose to travel with Odin so they could visit their loved ones.

I personally was surprised to discover that the Wild Hunt has more ties to Yule than any of the other sabbats we celebrate today. The Wild Hunt was traditionally a procession of spirits and heroes. After Christianity took over, in an effort to demonize the hunt, it began to be called the Parade of the Damned. It’s sad to me that they attempted to turn what was originally a joyous, mysterious, and powerful thing into something frightening. The Wild Hunt is also called Asgard’s Chase, Spirit’s Ride, and Holla’s Troop.

According to legend, if you were caught by the Wild Hunt, you had to keep going with them until they were finished. This was a type of spirit possession, and one where you were truly “along for the ride.” The only way to protect yourself from being swooped up and carried along on those wild winter nights was to consume the herb parsley. The folkloric treatment for the madness that follows having seen the hunt was also to eat fresh parsley.

On wild and windy nights the hunt is out. The procession of spirits led by Odin on his eight-legged horse is indicated by winter storms, howling winds, thunder, and lightning. Another of his cohorts along for the ride was the goddess Freya, a patroness of seers, a shapeshifter, and an all-purpose deity. Other deities along on the wild ride include Hulda (other variations are Holle and Holda). This is a northern German Mother goddess. Holland may have gotten its name from her: Holle’s land. Hulda/ Holle/ Holda was known as the Queen of Witches, and it was thought that Odin’s congregation of spirits traveled together with Hulda’s host of Witches.
In German fairy tales, Hulda is known as Mother Holly, or Mother Holle. She travels about in a long, snow-white hooded cloak. Hulda is a Snow Queen and is associated with Epiphany and fertility. It is thought that when she fluffed up her feather bed, the feathers fell to earth as snow. Hulda is thought to be surrounded by unborn babies. She is their guardian and releases them to be born into the world of men. It is not surprising to learn that she is a deity of fertility and birth.

From the Southern Alps we have Berchta. Offerings of dumplings and pickled herring were left to Berchta and put out on rooftops so she could “grab and go” as she flew by on the Wild Hunt. These wild, white ladies visited the home at Yuletide and were believed to be goddesses that could bridge the gap between the living and the dead.

Ellen Dugan, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch

Here Comes the Sun


Yule Comments & Graphics

Here Comes the Sun

 

The winter solstice, also called the December Solstice, occurs exactly when the earth’s axis is titled the farthest away from the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere the sun’s daily journey in the sky is at its lowest point. Also, the sun’s noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice, which explains the origin of the word solstice, meaning “sun stands still.”

In the Northern Hemisphere this festival occurs on the shortest day or longest night of the year, in the sense that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a minimum for the year. This marks the beginning of an astronomical winter. For Witches and Pagans it is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun. The winter solstice’s date moves around year to year, anywhere between December 21 and 22. Sometimes the winter solstice will fall on December 20 and 23, but that is more rare. Like the other sabbats that occur on a solstice or equinox, the winter solstice, or Yule, is generally celebrated at the time when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Following the date of the December or winter solstice, the daytime hours begin to grow longer and the nighttime hours shorter.

The pre-Christian holiday of Yule was the premier holiday in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The Yule season, or tide, was a time for feasting, drinking, gift-giving, and gatherings while the people celebrated the light returning to the land. However, during these dark and cold days, folks were also aware and a bit afraid of the forces of the dark.

The popular name for the sabbat at the winter solstice is Yule, which comes from the Norse Jol, representing the winter solstice celebration. It is also linked to the Saxon word hweol, meaning “wheel,” similar to a German word meaning “the turning of the wheel” or “the rising of the sun wheel.” The ancient Romans celebrated the winter solstice between December 17 and 24 each year in a weeklong festival called Saturnalia.

 

 

Ellen Dugan, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch