Your Charm for May 19th is The Caduceus

Your Charm for Today

 

The Caduceus

Today’s Meaning:
You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:
The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attached to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm of prosperity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

Your Animal Spirit Guide for May 19th is The Wolf

Your Animal Spirit Guide for Today

Wolf
Wolf can survive either as a loner or as part of a pack, and he howls to remind you that you have to balance the needs of others with the needs of the self. If you’re giving yourself away to your own detriment, you are living in opposition to Wolf medicine. Return to balance—and begin feeding your emotions, your mind, and your body.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for May 19th is The Medicine Bowl

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Medicine Bowl

The Medicine Bowl is an essential shaman’s vessel for preparing and dispensing sacred blends of herbs and other items used to keep both clan and individuals physically and spiritually healthy. Often The Medicine Bowl and the hallowed potions made with it are cornerstones to tribal ceremonies and member’s rites of passage. The Medicine Bowl represents both the practical and spiritual aspects of healing the body and cleansing the soul through the use of natural remedies and the affirmation of your spiritual self. In a broader sense, The Medicine Bowl symbolizes the health of a clan and strengthening of ties within the clan.

As a daily card, The Medicine Bowl suggests that now may be a good time for you to take a holistic approach to ensuring both your physical and spiritual self are in top form. If there has been strife within your core social circle lately, the appearance of The Medicine Bowl suggest the time is right for your group to reaffirm their basic connection to both the group as a whole and the individuals within it.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for May 19th is 14: Abundant Blessings

14: Abundant Blessings

hexagram09Supreme success! Like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a person whose fortunes have turned for the better shines as bright. At the core of this success lies unselfishness and modesty, for it is the tendency of a flexible or yielding nature to bind powerful forces to it, particularly when prosperity begins to manifest. When power is wielded with grace and dignity, there is supreme success and great abundance!

Ah, but be careful. Along with any accumulation of wealth or influence can come pride and arrogance. Fight such tendencies if you intend to continue enjoying your bliss. Stay attentive enough to manage your affairs well. And remember that while material prosperity certainly beats the alternative, it is only one of many elements of a satisfying life.

Your Daily Tarot Card for May 19th is Judgment

Judgment

Monday, May 19th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Judgment card, sometimes entitled Resurrection, represents the great reunion that the ancients believed would happen once in every age. This was the time when souls are harvested and taken Home to their place of origin, outside the solar system. Then the World is seeded with a batch of new souls and the process starts over.

From a modern point of view, this great reunion — which includes every personality that you have ever been and every soul that you have done deep work with — reunites to consciously complete the process. In a way, we symbolically celebrate this returning to center every year on our birthday.

In personal terms, the Judgment cards points to freedom from inner conflicts, and so clear a channel, that the buried talents and gifts of past incarnations can come through an individual in this lifetime. This card counsels you to trust the process of opening yourself, because what emerges is of consistently high quality. You can effortlessly manifest as a multi-dimensional being, and assist in evoking that response from others.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of May 19th

Ahhh, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! On Monday, Mars will turn direct after traveling retrograde in partnership-oriented Libra since March 1. This has been a frustrating time for many of you because the energy to push ahead with dynamism in any relationship matter has simply not been available. Now, it’s time to take whatever it is you’ve re-evaluated in matters of the heart and put it into action. Plus, your libido will receive a most welcome jump start! On Tuesday, the Sun enters Gemini, shining a light on communication matters and intellectual stimulation as a prerequisite to physical stimulation. Then, on Saturday, Jupiter and Saturn connect in a way that promotes emotional fulfillment and stability.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may begin to feel as if you’re gaining solid footing again in a partnership matter. The power to assert what you want in relationship or to even put up a fight about anything hasn’t been strong for you. Most likely, there has been any pent up resentment or “beating around the bush” when it comes to a sore spot in your love connection. Starting this week, however, you should be able to use a more direct approach with your mate to figure things out.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Communication with your partner will go exceptionally well this week. If there’s a long-term decision you need to make with your love, aim for as close to Saturday as possible to finalize your agreement or to sign a contract. Whatever it is you’re discussing, it’ll be clear that you both have each other’s best interests in mind. A conversation filled with emotional depth is likely. Don’t worry — it’s all good!

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You might have been asleep at the wheel since March 1 when it comes to your love and sex life. The trouble is, no matter how much you may have wanted to direct your energy toward giving love and pleasure, it seems you experienced a frustrating block. Your love life might have suffered if your sweetheart perceived this as personal rejection. Now, you’ll be able to make things right. If single, there’s also good news: You’re back in the game!

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

If you’re dating someone, it looks like your love connection is heading toward a more substantial place. By Saturday, you and your lover may decide to go exclusive, or you might simply realize that your heart is full enough of love to know that you’re in it for the long haul. If married, you’ll notice a lot of noise on the home front this week. You and your mate need to clear the air about this domestic dispute once and for all.

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

After Monday, you might feel like you’ve got the courage to bring up that conversation you know you need to have with your partner. The last few weeks have been tricky in this regard because you may have felt as if you’ve lost your communication nerve altogether. Thankfully, now this problem will begin to disappear and the world — including your lover — will be able to hear your roar once more.

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The confidence to display your natural talents out to others will return this week, allowing you to feel as if you can show someone you love just how much you have to offer. In addition, if single, plan on attending a group event on Saturday. A club or organization you belong to or have been invited to speak at may provide the perfect setting to meet someone special.

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

If you’ve felt as if all the energy has been sucked right out of you over the last few weeks, you weren’t imagining things. Mars, the planet of motivation, has been traveling retrograde in your sign since March 1. The effects on your personal vitality might have been quite draining, leaving little to no stamina to pursue your passion. Luckily, on Monday, Mars will turn direct once more, allowing you to seize the moment in love and any other area of your life.

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’ll feel extra motivated this week to head towards intimate territory with your mate. There might be a secret you’ve kept from your partner that you decide to reveal this week. Although this isn’t likely to be anything that would hurt your lover, it’s something you have had a difficult time reconciling. As a result, your approach has been to sweep it under the rug. Now, you may finally realize that by sharing this with your sweetheart you might actually free yourself of it once and for all. It will.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might be overly eager to share the most intimate personal details about yourself this week with a new lover. Remember that intimacy is meant to unfold slowly, over time, after both of you have had a chance to feel comfortable. Instead of drawing your new sweetheart closer to you with these “true confessions,” you might actually push him or her farther away. Allow love to bloom naturally, you’ll cherish it more.

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

While you may focus more on career this week than matters of the heart, there is still room for you to carve out some quality time with your mate. On Saturday, you and your partner might attend a party or other social event with mutual friends and find that the time out on the town does wonders for your relationship. There is definitely potential these days for you and your partner to expand what is good between you. Take advantage of it.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

After Tuesday you’ll have a significant focus on romance and pleasure. Wherever the Sun is traveling in your chart will indicate where you’re shining a light for that particular month. This week the Sun enters your true love sector, allowing you to make all the time in the world for dating pleasures. Even if you’re attached you’ll find a way to renew the sparks between you and your mate. Enjoy!

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

On Monday, Mars will turn direct in the area of your chart that rules shared resources. What you’ll notice immediately is that your motivation to pursue financial growth with your mate will increase — and so will your drive to achieve physical intimacy. If newly dating, on Saturday you might decide to expand your horizons with your lover by attending a spiritual workshop or making travel plans together. If single, you could meet someone who is from a background quite different than yours.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Tuesday, May 20th

Our pent-up energy has had nowhere to go since March 1, when dynamic Mars turned retrograde. Now, relief arrives and we find our direction as Mars begins to move forward. But it’s hard to gain momentum while the Sun is still in stubborn Taurus. Thankfully, we may receive a cosmic permission slip to step into new territory once the Sun enters restless Gemini at 10:59 pm EDT, emphasizing intellectual curiosity over maintaining the status quo.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Everywhere you look today there’s so much going on, but you thrive on the adrenaline rush anyhow. You feel quite alive as the volume on your life is turned up loud and you feel quite alive. It’s a wonder that you can do everything that is expected of you now. In all your busyness, remember to stop long enough to appreciate the beauty around you. A smile in your heart is worth more than lots of words slipping off your tongue. Spread joy not stress.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might feel panic-struck as you realize you can’t tie up all the required loose ends prior to beginning a whole new set of projects. Meanwhile, others may be depending on you to demonstrate your strength of character by following through on your commitments. Breathe deeply to calm your energy; roll up your sleeves and focus on fulfilling your previous obligations before making any new promises. A little determination and elbow grease go a long way.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You can realize your fantasies as long as you remember two things: First, even if your goals seem to be within grasp, it’s not going to be all that easy to reach them. Second, some ideas are better left unrealized, for they won’t bring satisfaction once they are materialized. Be aware that you always have multiple choices as to which dreams to chase. Choose wisely before you begin your pursuit.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You are receiving weird signals on your psychic radar, but you may not be able to decipher them today. It might seem as if they are somehow coming from your own future, yet remain just barely out of range. Don’t struggle trying to make sense of these unintelligible messages. Just show up and listen; keeping your mind open and maintaining awareness is good enough for now.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The weeks ahead bring promises of a busier social calendar and more exciting interactions with your friends. Although this sounds like good news, you have to pay attention to all of your relationships now since they can be the source of assumptions that have crept into your life. Don’t accept things on face value, especially when it involves love. A meaningful conversation is useful to explore the possibilities before heading off in the wrong direction.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may be harboring secret illusions about how you want to live your life. Although you could be successfully deceiving yourself, you’re probably not fooling anybody else. Take an objective look at your current lifestyle and realign your priorities with your new goals. If necessary, change some of your habits to positively impact your health and increase your vitality. Undoubtedly, you will be happier for it.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your future shines with unrealized potential as the clouds of your imagination dissipate — or so it seems. Active daydreaming lulls you into the belief that all is copasetic, even when unresolved issues are still present. Enjoyment is still possible as long as you don’t lose sight of your long-term goals and the extra effort needed to reach them. Achieving success starts with inspiration yet still requires hard work.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Circumstances might seem a bit chaotic today, but it feels good to be passionate about your life. However, there might be a voice in your head suggesting that you are missing something important. The good news is it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition. Find middle ground where you can celebrate the present moment without feeling as if you are avoiding your more mundane responsibilities.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you may be committed to creating a future that’s more in line with your long-term goals, you might not be ready to talk about what’s really important to you yet. For you, communication is often used as a defense mechanism where you keep the conversation — written or verbal — in emotionally safe territory. It’s not necessary to change your tactics today, but it is wise to be more aware of them so you can make better choices in the present moment.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

A fairly straightforward set of circumstances may get muddled today as you uncharacteristically play the role of Pollyanna. Negativity isn’t constructive, but a dose realism will certainly help to bring clarity to the mix. You can get a better idea of what’s going on now by asking others for feedback. Listening good good advice and focusing on your options strengthens your current position.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You could be stressing about a simple misunderstanding that has created an awkward situation. Paradoxically, the more you try to make it right, the worse it becomes. Instead of fixing anything in your outer world today, the solution may be easier to find if you simply alter your own frame of reference. Everything changes when you change your mind.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re not one to peek ahead to the end of the book; you prefer to take the pages in order and dream about all the possible outcomes on each and every page. However, you might be frustrated now because you may see paths around you coming to an end. Nevertheless, you have an opportunity to decide what’s next in your life, rather than grieving over what is slipping away. If unexpected events precipitate change, take this as a signal from the cosmos that these shifts are long overdue.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, May 19th

We’re thinking globally today but ready to act locally. The Moon’s entry into conceptual Aquarius at 5:57 am EDT shifts our focus from the individual to the larger community of humanity. However, we may need to handle the frustration of an emotional setback as friendly Venus runs into an awkward aspect with stern Saturn. Thankfully, the Moon harmonizes with action-packed Mars this evening as it turns direct to end its ten-week retrograde period.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Even if you have important obligations to fulfill today, you can probably figure out how to involve your friends and make your work more fun. It’s all about relationships now as assertive Mars turns direct in your 7th House of Partnerships. You could feel like Tom Sawyer, making your chores appear so enjoyable that others want to jump in and join you in your efforts. Everyone may end up having a wonderful time, regardless of the work at hand. Ultimately, it’s the feeling of camaraderie that makes this day a memorable one.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You would like to demonstrate your intelligence today so others see you as a masterful leader. Staying two steps ahead of everyone else enables you to command just enough authority to be in charge. However, you might have a challenging time with all the responsibilities that come with the territory of being seen as the top dog. Figuring out your next move requires patience because you’re not sure about the choices you have to make. Worrying won’t make anything better, so just decide the best you can and move on.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Thinking about your future fires up your imagination while the evocative Moon travels through your 9th House of Faraway Places. However, everything grows more complicated if you have to include others in your dreams. At first, you may enjoy the idea of developing a strategy to get someone else involved, but executing a concrete plan is more challenging than it appears. You might even grow irritated because your friend isn’t interested in playing by your rules. If the frustration level escalates today, don’t be afraid to just take the high road and proceed on your own.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You have managed for a while to pull off a balancing act between your personal needs and your public responsibilities, yet now a conflict with a close friend or partner complicates things even more. You don’t care about the superficial aspects of what’s happening; you need to share on a much deeper level now. Nevertheless, it’s not easy to open up if you are afraid of being hurt. Revealing your emotions without being overly attached to the outcome is no easy task, but it can alleviate the pressure, enabling you to overcome your fear and speak from your heart.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Even if you’re very hopeful about a new relationship today, you still may experience wide mood swings as the emotional Moon activates your 7th House of Partners. There is no reason to allow your fear of abandonment to stop you from connecting with others; don’t over-personalize a situation if someone inadvertently excludes you. You are best off trusting your friends and giving them the same freedom now that you want given to you.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you may be feeling a bit anxious today, setting priorities and concentrating on the most practical chores should help to soothe your nerves. Unfortunately, maintaining your focus isn’t a simple task because you can see so many possibilities ahead, making you more resistant to the upcoming changes. Bring your thoughts back to the here and now, since the present moment is the only place where you can create a real impact. Don’t worry about the inevitable; your future will arrive exactly on schedule

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Looking back over the past couple of months might reveal less progress than you expected while energetic Mars retrograded in your sign. But now, as the action planet turns direct, you could be envisioning a big leap forward. Just remember that it takes time for the momentum to build, especially when coworkers are part of the picture. Ultimately, your interactions with others give you a mirror with which you can see into your own soul.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Mistrusting your feelings is your natural reaction while the emotionally detached Aquarius Moon visits your 4th House of Security today. You’re uncomfortable when your rational thoughts are all but commanding your heart what to do. And you’re particularly vulnerable if you lose touch with your feelings. Finding balance is tricky now because ignoring your passions leads you further from your truth. Nevertheless, take time to reconsider your response before doing something you may instantly regret.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your friends and associates might find it nearly impossible to accept the fact that you’re so confident now. They may think something is lurking in the mysterious twilight behind your bright and friendly smile. Luckily, they are wrong. Although profound issues can unexpectedly rise to the surface over the weeks ahead, you are quite capable of handling them on your own. Don’t worry about what others think; just be true to yourself and follow your heart.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Financial uncertainty has crept into your life and nothing you do seems to make sense of your current fiscal picture. Even a simple decision about a straightforward purchase could set you on a path that culminates in the realization that you do not have an endless supply of money. Although you might understand how to manifest abundance now, it may take a while before you have enough cash to buy what you want. Fortunately, your patience is the key to achieving the prosperity you seek.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Sometimes you don’t realize how much of an impact you have on those around you. However, it’s useful to contemplate the results of your actions before you undertake something that wastes your time and energy. No matter how good your intentions are now, you still might come on too strong. It’s counterproductive to annoy someone who normally supports you. However, you could raise suspicions if you are overly cautious. Your smartest strategy is to acknowledge your own power, but wield it only if necessary.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are enamored with your own fantasies today as the reflective Moon drifts through your 12th House of Imagination. You might even forget when to return to reality if you get lost in your mind. Although floating off into your dreams is often a rejuvenating activity, you aren’t allowed to turn your back on your responsibilities now. Planning a temporary escape to another dimension can work as long as you cover your bases in the real world first.

Born on the Taurus-Gemini Cusp

Born on the Taurus-Gemini Cusp

The Cusp of Energy charges on

Tarotcom StaffTarotcom Staff on the topics of taurus, gemini, cusp, astrology

 

Earth meets Air for those born on the Taurus-Gemini Cusp, and it’s quite a dust storm of activity these individuals can kick up. If you were born between the signs of Taurus and Gemini, from about May 17 to May 23, you’re one of the most youthful and go-getting cuspers of ’em all.

Those born on the Taurus-Gemini Cusp have the bonus of being both physically strong and mentally agile, which makes them stable and driven, as well as clever and communicative.

Such traits give these cuspers the ability to adapt to many different situations and people, and to want to do it all — and to do it a lot.

In fact, burning the candle at both ends to the point of fatigue could become a problem for Taurus-Gemini because they’re having so much fun they don’t want to stop. Finding balance will be important to these individuals so they don’t wear themselves out.

A few other areas to watch for are not overindulging in food and drink — Taurus and Gemini are both such pleasure-loving signs — and to try to be sensitive to the feelings of others.

If these highly charged cuspers can learn to sit back and listen from time to time instead of just charging and chatting ahead full force, they’ll be quite successful and have more friends to the end.

Your Daily Cosmic Calendar for Monday, May 19th

Easy does it! An illusion takes hold early on that all is well since the Moon in Capricorn and the Sun in Taurus form a flowing trine in earth signs (12:03AM). The Sun and Moon in a favorable link like this can increase your physical and emotional vitality, but this solar-lunar rapport also begins a nearly 3-hour void-of-course Moon cycle that lasts until 2:59AM. Worries and self-doubts can proliferate during the void time-span as the Sun forms a caustic, 135-degree tie with Pluto (1:32AM) followed quickly by a Moon-Saturn parallel (1:53AM). The Moon’s entry into service-oriented, airy Aquarius (2:59AM) is often a major catalyst each month that can advance your work in group projects, team sports, community events, and global causes close to your heart. However, despite a fairly rare, emotionally-strengthening trine between Juno and Pluto (9:25AM), troubles appear to outweigh solutions today as Venus opposes Ceres (10:10AM) and then Venus moves on to form an off-kilter, 150-degree link with Saturn (2:52PM). The combination of these challenging alignments can lead to feelings of exhaustion. Plus, the big event still is waiting in the wings as the red planet Mars finally reaches a station or halt in its retrograde motion at 9+ degrees of Libra (6:32PM), and begins to very gradually go forward until its next pause at 9 degrees of Sagittarius on April 17, 2016. All Mars themes — leadership, assertion, courage, idealism, athleticism, passion, desire, emotion, egocentric drives, aggression, rash acts, volatility, inflammatory and acute behavior, temper tantrums, anger and its management, violence and warfare — are accentuated throughout the day and into tomorrow as well. Strive for serenity to keep the blues at bay. Avoid disagreements on the job, with a significant other or around your home environment. Put the good-neighbor policy into effect and treat dear ones and elders with respect. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for Monday, May 19th

Calendar of the Moon
19 Huath/Thargelion

Kallynteria: Spring Cleaning

Color: Grey and white
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of grey and white place many brooms locked together in a geometric star, a clay bowl of water, and strong incense.
Offering: Clean the house.
Daily Meal: Vegan and simple.

Kallynteria Invocation

Call: Hail, Spirits of Cleansing!
Response: Hail, Wind of Change!
Call: We walk through the grime
Of many days and nights,
Grime of body that comes
On the bottom of our soles!
Response: Grime of spirit that comes
From the depths of our souls!
Call: On this day we sweep it all away!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: Weariness and drabness!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: Despair and sadness!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: The ashes of fear!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: The coals of resentment!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: The cobwebs of boredom!
Response: Sweep it all away!
Call: We will make this place ready for the Gods.
Response: We will make ready!
Call: We will clean and purify!
Response: We will await the Plynteria!
Call: This place will be sacred space!
Response: As is each of our souls!

(Each takes a broom from the altar and goes to sweep one part of the house. As they approach the altar, they are anointed with water from the cup as a purification. Others follow behind with the incense, fumigating every room. Open all windows and let the winds blow in.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Monday, May 19th

Calendar of the Sun
19 Thrimilchimonath

Hlin’s Blot

Colors: White and blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white and blue set twelve lit white candles, one lit sky-blue candle, a great jug of mead, and a knotted black scarf.
Offering: Mourn some loss in your life. Do things correctly.
Daily Meal: Fasting today until dinner.

Invocation to Frigga’s Handmaidens

Call: Twelve maidens hold the halls of Asgard!
Response: Twelve virgins hold the pillars of heaven!
Call: Twelve mysteries hold the luck of Asgard!
Response: Twelve virtues hold the Law of heaven!
Call: Twelve words of power resound through Asgard!
Response: Twelve stars light up the dome of heaven!
Call: We call upon the power of Virtue!
Response: We call upon the mysteries of heaven!

Invocation to Hlin

Hail, Maiden of Mourning
Who gives consolation to those stricken by grief,
Who teaches us to bear up under sorrow.
Maiden robed in grey and veiled in black,
Teach us when we must weep
So that we may someday let go of weeping
And bravely face the dawn empty-handed
But with open eyes lifted to the Sun.
For the gift of true Courage
Is nothing like fearlessness,
But is the ability to face all fear and loss
And walk the path in spite of it.

Chant: Cloth of honor from the thread of truth
Weave your heart into all you offer

(All step forward and name their greatest sorrow. The last of the mead is poured out in a libation for Hlin. All go silently about their business today, with no speaking from the end of Mousika to the beginning of Hesperis. There is no breakfast and no lunch, and all meditate upon what they must mourn and let go of, in the name of the virtue of Courage.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for May 19th – Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /71% of illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Gibbous Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

The Witches Magick for May 19th – Mirror spell to send energy

Celtic & British Isles Graphics
The Witches Magick for May 19th

Mirror spell to send energy

 

Mirrors are commonly used in magic to protect against negative energy by reflecting it away from oneself, but a mirror’s reflective properties could also potentially be used to direct positive energy toward something or someone. This spell will fill a mirror with your intention and the energy that you wish to send, and then project that energy just as the mirror projects the images it reflects. Remember, if you cast this or any other spell for someone, make sure you have his or her consent first.

Because the mirror is associated with the moon, it’s best to perform mirror spells in accordance with the phases of the moon. A waxing moon could lend its energy to your spell in an effective way, but even better is a full moon, when the moon’s power can amplify your own and when the moon itself is a perfect round circle, like your mirror. A round mirror reflecting a full moon can be especially effective, because the mirror becomes like the moon; not only is it round and bright, but it is reflecting the moon’s light as the moon reflects the sun’s light. The sun’s light reflected in the moon, the moon’s light reflected in your mirror, and your mirror reflecting the moon’s light into the world all culminate to be an extremely powerful piece of magic. As such, this spell is designed to be performed outside on the night of a full moon.

Needed:

A round mirror, preferably frameless or at least without a handle (although a silver-handled mirror could work, as silver is tied to the moon). Your mirror must be cleansed and charged for magical work to be most effective.

A length of ribbon in a color that represents your intentions.

Something that symbolizes the energy that you wish to send (a certain type of flower or herb, a small figurine, a picture, etc.)

Anything you’d like to use in casting your circle. Keep in mind that you only need minimal tools. Much of what we use for indoor rituals is largely unnecessary when working outside, because we are already surrounded by the elements and the power of nature. Processes and paraphernalia that we use to invoke these things are not needed.

Something small to eat and drink.

Find a quiet, private place outside to do your ritual, but be sure that the moon is clearly visible. Cast your circle (again, this does not have to be extravagant) and, if you wish, invoke a moon goddess or simply the Goddess to watch over your rite. Meditate for a moment to center yourself, and instead of grounding to draw energy from the Earth, fill yourself with energy from the moon for use in your ritual. This is not drawing down the moon (invoking the Goddess into oneself), but simply filling yourself with the moon’s gentle energy and power. Stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Raise your hands so that your palms are facing outward, and then bring them together so that the thumb and forefinger of both hands join to make a triangle shape. The triangle is significant because of its three points, which suggest the three aspects of the Goddess and her triple moon. Gaze up at the moon through the triangle formed by your hands, and imagine its light being focused through the triangle and onto you. Visualize it filling every area of your body, starting from the top of your head and then moving down to your feet. Imagine that you are glowing with the moon’s light, and feel the moon’s calm, gentle energy suffused throughout your body.

When you are ready, begin the ritual work. Place the mirror in the center of your circle, and position the ribbon around it to make a smaller circle. This circle marked out by the ribbon is an amplifier or charger that will fill the mirror with your intentions. (Note: while this part of the ritual CAN charge the mirror with power, this is not the purpose of this particular process. The mirror will be charged with power immediately afterwards.) Hold the representation of your intentions above the mirror so that it may catch its image. Speak your intentions — for example, you might say, “I will that this mirror be filled with peaceful, loving energy. With my own power and with the power of the moon and the Goddess, I fill this mirror with peace, love, and happiness.” As you speak, imagine that a light or a mist of any color you choose (the ribbon’s color, perhaps) is coming out of the symbol that you’re holding (both the actual, physical thing and the reflection of it in the mirror). Visualize the mist or light filling the ribbon’s circle, charging the mirror with your intentions and the energy that you wish to send. Imagine all of this light or mist going into the mirror, filling it until the circle is clear and all energy is within the mirror.

Then, when the mirror is fully charged with the energy you wish to send, fill the mirror with magical power. Remove the ribbon and hold the charged mirror up to catch the moon’s light. Just as you had filled yourself with the moon’s power, fill the mirror. Imagine light from the moon charging the mirror with power (you may also push the power within yourself into the mirror, as well). Visualize the mirror glowing with moonlight as well as the color of the energy you had put into it. Then, when you are ready, turn so that the mirror is facing the direction where you wish to send the energy. If you are sending it to a friend, point the mirror in the direction where you know his or her house to be. If you are not sure which direction that is, you might choose to point the mirror in one of the four cardinal directions — either West, for its associations with water (which, of course, is closely tied to the moon), or any direction that is relevant to your intentions. For example, if you are sending love, you might point your mirror south. Or, if you prefer, you can simply hold the mirror directly above your head, to let the energy fly into the universe in all directions. Release the energy in a burst of power and feel it leaving the mirror, flying out toward its destination. Know that it will do the work that you sent it out to do.

Then, conclude your ritual. Ground any extra energy into the Earth. Have a little bit to eat and drink. If you had invoked a deity to preside over your rite, thank them and present an offering to show your gratitude, and then say farewell. Thank the moon, close your circle, and it is done.

(You may choose to use variations on the processes in this ritual — for example, instead of reflecting an object in the mirror to fill it with your intentions, you might like to anoint and charge a candle and then reflect its flame in the mirror. You can alter this ritual however you like, and however you think would work best for you.)

 

Source:
The Witch’s Spellbook

 

WOTC Extra – Important things to consider when casting a spell

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Important things to consider when casting a spell

 

Timing. The moon phase, time of day, day of the week, season, astrological position, weather, etc., can all be symbolic and significant in spellcasting. For example, if you were to do a spell to help you succeed in a new endeavor, you might like to cast it on the day of the new moon, as this moon phase represents new beginnings. Then the moon growing full can symbolize your success increasing. Do some research to see what different times and occurrences mean, if you want to incorporate their significance.

Symbolism. Magic relies heavily on symbolism. Everything used in spellcraft — herbs, tools, colors, actions, etc. — symbolize something. By being aware of what certain things mean and using them in accordance with your intentions, you can add meaning and significance to everything you do, which can aid your mentality and make your spells more effective. Be sure to use symbols that you find meaningful and that make sense to you.

Effort and intention. Spells are fundamentally based on feeling, desire, and will. You could perform a spell exactly as it’s written, with no mistakes or fumbles, but it still won’t be effective if you don’t push your energy and intention into your work. It’s not the tools you use, the words you say, or the actions you perform that make magic work — it’s whatyou put into the spell that’s important. You can use visualization, energy raising, and other techniques to put energy into your spells. Do everything you do in your spells purposefully and with intention. It’s my opinion that, when using magic to make an effect happen, the most important thing is to want it intensely and to will it to happen.

Your experience and level of knowledge. It’s easy to understand that a beginner will be less adept at magic than an experienced practitioner. As you learn and practice, you’ll grow to be better at the skills used in magic, such as meditation or visualization. You’ll also learn what works best for you.

Your state of being. If you are mentally, physically, or emotionally tired, distracted, distressed, or otherwise not in an optimal state for spellwork, spells tend to be less effective. Many people like to do some sort of pre-ritual to get themselves in the right state of mind. In general, be sure that you get enough sleep, eat well, manage stress effectively, and otherwise keep yourself healthy.

 

 

Source:
The Witch’s Spellbook

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Magical Ethics

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Magical Ethics

I will write down a more detailed description below, but here is a quick checklist whenever you do magic:
Never work to influence any other person’s will or freedom of choice
Never work to cause harm to others
Never work for ego or unreasonable financial gain

When working on a magical level we must understand the possibility that any change we attempt to make by the way of the magical arts may be returned to us. In some Craft traditions, and particularly Wicca, it is believed that you receive three time whatever you send out – the ‘Threefold Law of Return’. The true origin of the Threefold La is sketchy, and something that only you can decided whether to follow. However, it isn’t a bad rule of thumb to keep in mind that whatever we send out we are going to get back, and quite possibly more generously than we offered it. Whether what you get back is positive or negative is then, ultimately up to you. We create our own path, and we reap the consequences of our actions.

So, if we choose to believe in the power of cause and affect, then that means we must take responsibility for our own actions – both magically and non-magically – within our day to day lives. So then, when working with magic and ritual, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not cause accidental harm towards ourselves or anyone else. Take spells seriously! They are not completely harmless and you could cause disastrous consequences if you do not take them seriously! So, how do we do this? Keep reading below:

When we decide to do a spell, we must first think about HOW the spell will reach the end goal. For instance, consider that you have done a spell for prosperity, so that you can get out of debt. If you don’t specify HOW that money is going to get to us, it is statistically more likely that the money will come to you through the death of a family member rather than buying a winning lottery ticket. Magic is like electricity in a way; if you do not give it a specific way to travel then it will find the quickest route itself, which usually ended up with someone being shocked. So, give your magic a safe route and give it specifics so it will work without hurting you or anyone else.

A good idea would be to use a good circle casting if that is what the spell requires. I have a separate page that will describe this in more detail. Also, it is a good idea to use affirmations at the end of your spell. A popular one is ‘for the good of all’, though there are others out there. It is called a ‘fail-safe’.

 

Source:

“Craft of the Wise” by Vikki Bramshaw
On the Website, The Pagan Journey