Boil the water with the spices. Add the honey and raisins and stir until dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the fruit juice. Remove from the heat and add the wine. Pour into a stew pot or deep casserole dish with a lid. Place in a low oven at 140oC/275oF/gas mark 1 for 40 minutes. Do not remove the lid whilst the wassail is in the oven, or the alcohol will evaporate. Serve hot.
If your family uses a holiday tree during the Yule season — and many Pagan families do — you might want to consider a blessing ritual for the tree, both at the time you cut it down and again before you’ve decorated it. Although many families use fake holiday trees, a cut one from a tree farm is actually more environmentally friendly, so if you’ve never considered a live tree, maybe this is a good year to start a new tradition in your house.
Things to Take With You
You’ll want to have the following items on hand when you go to cut down a tree for Yule:
A sharp saw
Gloves
Rope
Some fertilizer sticks and birdseed
Selecting Your Tree
First of all, make sure you’re in a place where you have permission to cut trees. Either find a local Christmas tree farm, or if you’re on private property, get the approval of the landowner before you cut anything. Never cut a tree down in a park or forest without permission.
Don’t just randomly start hacking away at trees. Take some time to wander around and find the tree that’s right for you. Often, you’ll know the right tree when you find it — it will be just the right height and width, the exact fullness you want, and so forth.
In our family, our annual tradition is that we only cut down our tree if it has a bird’s nest in it (obviously, by December the birds don’t need it any more, it’s just something my teenager started as a child).
Cutting Down Your Tree
If you’ve found the right tree, take a moment to touch it. Feel its energy flowing from the earth and into you. Recognize that once you’ve cut it down, it will no longer be a living thing.
In many traditions, people find it comforting to ask the tree for permission to make the first cut. In Dorothy Morrison’s book Yule, she recommends asking the tree to move its spirit deep into the ground so that it will not feel injury or pain when you cut the trunk.
Use the following blessing before you make the cut:
O evergreen, mighty tree, you who are full of life. I am about to make the cut, and ask your permission. We will take you into our home and honor you, adorning you with light in this season of the sun. We ask you, o evergreen, to bless our home with your energy.
As an alternative, if you have children with you and you’d like to make the occasion more fun than somber, try something like this instead:
Evergreen, evergreen, big fat tree! I ask you now please to come home with me! We’ll cover you with ornaments and lots of pretty lights, and let you shine about our house at Yule, the longest night! Thank you, tree, thank you tree, for the gift you give today, we’ll plant another in your name, when spring comes our way!
Make the cut about eight inches above the ground, and cut quickly. Make sure no one is standing on the opposite side when the tree begins to fall. Using the gloves to protect your hands if necessary, tie the rope around the trunk so you can pull it out of the area. Before leaving, push the fertilizer sticks into the soil near the cut trunk. This will promote new growth from the remaining stump. If you can, periodically stop by and add more fertilizer sticks to the newly sprouted branches.
You may wish to also leave some birdseed on the ground as an offering to the wildlife in the area. Some families even use the birdseed to cast a protective circle around the stump where they’ve cut their tree down. Finally, if you’ve promised to plant a new tree somewhere in the spring, be sure to keep your word.
Decorating Your Tree
Decorating a Yule tree is a lot of fun, and should be a celebration of family. Put on some holiday music, light some incense or scented candles, get a pot of herbal tea brewing, and turn it into a ritual of its own. Before you decorate, you may wish to bless the tree once more.
Have on hand some salt, incense, a candle and water. Bless the tree as follows:
By the powers of earth, I bless this tree, that it shall remain sacred, a symbol of life, stable and strong in our home throughout the Yule season. By the powers of air, I bless this tree, as the cool winter winds blow away the baggage of the old year, and we welcome the brightness of the new into our hearts and home. By the powers of fire, I bless this tree, as the days have gotten shorter, and the nights grown dark, yet the warmth of the sun is returning, bringing with it life. By the powers of water, I bless this tree, a gift I give, that it may stay bright and green for us a bit longer, so that we can enjoy the harmony and peace of Yule.
As you say the blessing, sprinkle the salt around the tree in a circle (not on the tree, just around it), smudging with the incense, passing the candle over it, and finally, adding water to the tray at the bottom.
Once you’ve finished the blessing, decorate your tree and celebrate!
Keep in mind that it is important to do a little magick well than to do a lot of magick poorly. If you only have an hour a month to devote to magickal work, you are better off taking that hour and really concentrating on what you want to achieve than you are trying to stuff a few minutes of magick into your day here and there and never really giving it enough attention to make it work.
–Deborah Blake, Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
At the start of a ritual, we ask the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – to join us in circle. We call these the four quarters (for the four directions of north, east, south, and west), or watchtowers. towers. As the term watchtower suggests, we are asking them to protect and watch over us as we do our magick. This way, we can relax and concentrate on our Witchcraft instead of having to guard ourselves against negative energy or the like.
We also ask the watchtowers to lend us their assistance in our magickal work. As I mentioned in the section on elements (which, again, I know you have memorized), each element has certain aspects associated with it, such as air being the property that rules over intellect.
So, if you were going to do magick to help you succeed on an important test (in addition to studying hard, of course, not instead of studying at all), you might ask that quarter for particular help during your ritual.
Here is an example of a typical quarter call or invocation:
I call the watchtower of the north, the element of earth.
Come guard me in my circle, and keep me safe as I work my magickal craft.
Help me to stay grounded and centered, and lend me your strength.
Come now, and enter the circle. So mote it be.
Once we have completed our magickal work and are ready to open the circle, we dismiss the quarters. Don’t be misled by the terms calling and dismissing-we don’t actually try to boss the quarter powers around. After all, you don’t want to irk the power of water and have your toilet explode, now do you? Always invoke and dismiss the watchtowers respectfully, and say thank you when you are done. As Witches, we have the power to summon the elements, but hopefully we also have the wisdom to treat them with the awe and deference they deserve.
–Deborah Blake, Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
It was on this day in 1503 that the famous astrologer-prophet Nostradamus (Michel de Notre-Dame) was born. From an early age, he experienced many psychic visions that eventually led him to study magick, astrology, mathematics, and the Qabalah. It was around 1555 that his first collection of predictions was published, followed by a second and much larger edition of his now-celebrated rhymed quatrains. Even after his death in 1566, his works remain the prototype of predictive astrology.
This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility.
Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include:
*Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues.
*Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight
*Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit. Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue.
*Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone
*Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon
*Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers
*Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace
*Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep
The sacred day of the Moon, personified by such goddesses as Selene, Luna, Diana, and Artemis. The Moon is ruler of flow affecting the changeable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, its powers are at their most potent.
Magical aspects: peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friendships, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility Monday is ruled by the moon – an ancient symbol of mystery and peace. Monday is a special day for mothers as the cycle of the moon has long been associated with the female menstrual cycle. Those wishing to conceive a baby would be wise to try on a Monday as the magic of motherhood is strong and pregnancy is in the air.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving agriculture, animals, female fertility, messages, reconciliation’s, theft, voyages, dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, psychic work, Faerie magic, and Goddess rituals
General: Inventions, social life, future goals, technology, science, forming and maintaining friendships, establishing groups, gaining more freedom or autonomy (be careful of bringing in rebellious energies though), developing intuition, independence, heightened perception and resourcefulness, becoming more detached or overcoming being too emotional.
Watch out for unorganized thoughts, selfishness, not finishing projects and being opinionated.
New Moon: Independence, change, love, new ideas, individuality and the sciences.
Full Moon: Courage, loyalty, leadership, self-worth and independence.
Monday Is A Day of Witchery, Magick and Enchantment
Think for a moment on all of the witchery, magick and enchantments that you have discovered. Don’t be afraid to adjust spells to suit your own specific needs. Any gentle, illusory, and dreamy charms and spells can be enhanced when you work on the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon. Mondays are a fantastic day to boost your psychic abilities and to tune in to your intuition and empathy. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a different lunar phase each and every Monday, which means in one month you could work four different types of moon magicks on Mondays. How’s that for adding to your repertoire? You are going to have mad skills in no time at all.
So light up those lunar scented candles and add a little mystique to your outfit by wearing an enchanting lunar color. Wear your sparkling silver jewelry and maybe add a pair of dangling silver earrings or a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. Create lunar potions and philters; make a dream catcher and give it as a gift to someone you love. Burn some sandalwood or jasmine-scented incense today to inspire the glamour and magick of the moon. Slice up a favorite variety of fruit that is in season for a snack or share it with your love and enjoy his or her lunar and romantic qualities. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea, enchant it with a little moon magick, and relax and get a good night’s sleep.
Most importantly, get outside tonight and watch the moon for a while. What phase is she in? What color was the moon as she rose? Why not start a journal and write down at what location the moon rises and sets for a few seasons? This is a great way to teach you to tune in and to become more aware of the moon and the influence that she pulls into our lives. Try calling on Selene for her magickal assistance, and call Thoth for wisdom and strength. Get to know the Norse Mani and the Latvian Meness. These gods of the moon have plenty to teach, and if you allow their influence to cycle through your life, you’ll receive many blessings. Be imaginative, and create your own personal lunar magick and witchery. Go on….the moonlight becomes you.
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
In the word Monday, we can see part of the word Moon. In the romance languages such as Italian or Spanish, this day of the week is called Lunes and clearly relates to the word lunar.On Mondays, a variety of magick may be worked. Because Monday centers on the energies of the Moon, things like psychism, dreams, feminine energy, health, success in spiritual pursuits, domestic matters, and things of family origin are especially important this day.
Mondays are best for love magick and anything concerning home or family, thus old saying, Mondays child is fair of face, which seems clearly to relate to the themes of love and health.
Angels of Monday are Gabriel, Arcan, Missabu, and Abuzaha. Arcan is known as the king of the angels of air and the “ruler” of Monday. Abuzaha (Abuzohar) serves Monday, and is very responsive to invocations and ritual magick. Missabu is a ministering angel of Arcan.
Check whether the moon is waning or waxing to determine what your spell will be. During waning moons, do spells to rid yourself of obstacles or for wisdom and protection. During waxing moons do magic for increase of any kind or to draw something into your life.
On Mondays, the best hour to work is moonrise. Get this information from your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac.
Halcyon Days begin – The Halcyon Days are the seven days before and the seven days after (or some say the seven days surrounding) the winter solstice, when the weather is supposed to be calm and storms never occur. The name comes from Greek myth, reported by both Ovid and Hyginus.
Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus, and married Ceyx, son of Eosphorus, the Morning Star. They were very happy together but made the mistake of blasphemously calling each other Zeus and Hera. Not surprisingly, this made Zeus very angry and he threw a thunderbolt at Ceyx’s ship, as he was sailing to consult an oracle. Ceyx appeared to Alcyone as a ghost, and in grief, she threw herself into the sea. Out of compassion, the gods changed them into halcyon birds (kingfishers). During the Halcyon Days, Alcyone the kingfisher lays her eggs, and her father, the god of winds, ensures that they are safe. The Mediterranean is typically calm around the time of the winter solstice. The dried body of a kingfisher was used as a talisman against lightning.
Ember Days (moveable) -The Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after December 13th are Ember Days, when Catholics say special prayers for the clergy.
Rural Dionysion – The ancient Greeks celebrated this holiday around the time of the full moon in the month of Poseidon. Plutarch complained that the rustic festival he remembered from his youth, featuring a jar of wine, a vine, a goat, a basket of raisins and a depiction of a phallus had been replaced with an elaborate procession featuring gold vessels, decorated horses and people wearing costumes and masks. This was a time for revelry including bawdy songs and raucous game.
Goooood Morning! Goooood Morning! I hope everyone is having a super Monday so far today. It is rainy and very gloomy here today. I don’t know if it is the weather, the events in the News or what, we just can’t get in the Yuletide Spirit this year. Which ain’t good at all considering Yule is official a week for today. So we have decided to do something a little different this year(and hopefully along the way it will give us some Yuletide Spirit). All this week, we are going to feature little articles in our daily postings about Yule. For example today, we start out with a traditional Yule song, then we have a Yule ritual, a Yule story for your children and a Yule recipe. We got to thinking (oh, brother, are we in trouble now, lol!) we always wait and throw everything at you the day of the Sabbat. Some of this info you could use before the particular Sabbat that is coming up. I know the information we put out on that day, you surely couldn’t do everything in one day. This way with the information is spread out over a period of time, you can do what you want, relax and enjoy the Sabbats the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
During this week, take time to try out some of the recipes, make an ornament or two, or just tell your child a bedtime story about Yule. Enjoy the information, it is our gift to you & yours.
We may grow agitated today if we run into obstacles while pursuing our goals as the ambitious Capricorn Moon amps up our determination. Unfortunately, we’ll likely face setbacks since the Moon forms difficult aspects with Pluto, Uranus and Mars. Thankfully, the Moon’s smooth trine with generous Jupiter later in the day indicates that hard work will be rewarded. Even if we are bouncing around in the emotional currents, persistence pays off.
Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19
You may be annoyed if circumstances don’t go your way today, requiring you to jump in and handle an unexpected crisis. Although a twist in the plot isn’t normally enough to stop you in your tracks, you are ready to call off the battle now so you can catch your breath. Intuitively, you know there are many ways to measure progress and not all of them matter. Your greatest satisfaction starts with a simple change in your attitude. Let go of your preconceived agenda and embrace the element of surprise.
Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20
It seems as if you’re spinning around in circles without getting much done today. Thankfully, you can still meet your commitments as long as you don’t throw in the towel too soon. Whether you’re out running errands or just working around the house, concentrate on one task at a time. You may surprise yourself with how much you finish if you make a commitment to focus, rather than allowing yourself to be distracted by every little thing. The key to your current productivity comes from establishing priorities now and rewarding yourself with rest and relaxation later.
Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20
You are more than ready for the hectic pace of life to settle down today, but instead, you seem to face one irritating problem after another. Even if you can minimize the complications, your natural curiosity drives you to seek answers to an ever-growing list of questions. But your obsession for more information is an obstacle to your success. Fortunately, you can easily break this frustrating pattern once you realize that too many facts are almost as bad as no facts at all. Ironically, the apparent chaos was created by you and can be undone by your decision to live in the present moment.
Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22
You don’t always like other people making decisions for you, but someone’s interference might come as a welcome relief today. Take your cues from a trustworthy friend since he or she will steer you in the right direction. Unfortunately, your unfulfilled dreams could negatively influence your choices if you rely on your own instincts now. Just remember, heeding sound advice doesn’t alleviate you of the final authority; ultimately, you’re the one who must walk along the path you choose.
Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22
It bothers you to be tied to one predetermined course of action, but you’re wise enough to acknowledge when something is for your own good. Swallow your pride and play the role expected of you today, especially if you want to be known as a person who follows through on your promises. Instead of rambling on about your dreams now, get busy with the work at hand. There’s little time to waste; the truth is you will be judged by your accomplishments and not your words.
Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22
Everyone seems to look to you for guidance because your practical outlook is exactly what they need now. Your friends and relatives beg for your assistance because they’re doing everything they can to make up for previous inefficiency. You might be in the mood to enjoy a day of rest but, nevertheless, you are still likely to help the ones you love out of a sense of obligation. There is no point in begrudgingly doing what’s expected of you. Act from your heart or don’t do it at all.
Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22
Family responsibilities may interfere with your ability to participate in other activities today, but you can do it all if you manage your time thoughtfully. You know that your loyalty to those you love trumps all the other items on your daily wish list, so you won’t likely run out before you’ve done your duty. Just remember that approval from others isn’t the only thing that matters, so follow your conscience when setting priorities. There’s no stopping you if your actions are aligned with your heart.
Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21
Establishing a steady rhythm today enables you to accomplish much more than you ever thought possible. Adhering to a set schedule works to your advantage, even if you’re planning on a day of relaxation. No matter what, don’t commit to more than is feasible, for the pressure you place on yourself will make you anxious. Thankfully, others appreciate your honesty even if it’s awkward at first. Your willingness to tell the truth is more important than almost anything else now.
Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21
You appear to be a pillar of stability today, even in the face of uncertainty and unrest. Your current determination to meet your obligations may win the admiration of your family and friends. But it’s not about how hard you work; it’s about your uncharacteristic practicality. You don’t need to conjure up any brilliant ideas or perform with great expertise. All you must do is stick to the acknowledged agenda the best you can now. There will be plenty of time to wander off the beaten path later on.
Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19
Although you may be known as the champion of responsibility, your current success comes from your skill at blending your competence with a disarming emotional vulnerability. People find you extremely approachable today and are more likely to share their feelings with you. In return, you find it easy to present your softer side without sacrificing your strength. Even if you believe maintaining an air of authority is prudent, you will be happier now if you open your heart.
Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18
You might not understand all the nuances to your feelings today, but this doesn’t mean that you should try to bury them. Although you’re quite capable of hiding your frustrations, denying your emotions isn’t a healthy strategy. It’s always wise to be more conscious of your unexpressed needs before responding to any complex situation. As the anti-guru Krishnamurti proclaimed, “The highest form of human intelligence is to observe yourself without judgment.”
Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20
Your assistance on an emotional cleanup team could be required today, especially if you are guilty of creating the original mess. Your recent declarations may have offended someone and now you must smooth over any feelings that were inadvertently hurt in the process. Thankfully, your determination to speak your mind with compassion sets a good example for everyone else to follow. A heartfelt “I’m sorry” works wonders when it comes to mending fences.
You have a distinctly dual nature that, at your best, makes you versatile, and at your worst, downright confused (and confusing!). While a great lover of peace and harmony, you are also determined and fiery. While idealistic, you mostly have your feet on the ground. In relationships, the need for partnering and cooperating is strong, but freedom also matters to you. You are a natural counsellor, offering excellent advice. There is usually quite a bit of drama and colorful emotion in your relationships, whether it’s because you bring this to the table or attract these kinds of people.
Famous people born today: Frank Sinatra, Edward Koch, Connie Francis, Jennifer Connelly, Bridget Hall, Bob Barker, Dionne Warwick.
With the Moon’s move to the top of your solar chart early into the day, dear Aries, your attention turns to your responsibilities, image, and larger life goals. However, you’re not feeling the typical pressure in this respect, and instead you tend to feel connected and relatively content about your general direction right now. There is compassion and patience in your approach to others today. One-to-one interactions can thrive. Conversations can be lively and stimulating, as well as refreshingly open. You can quite successfully draw on past experience, wisdom, and intuition in order to further your goals.
Taurus
Taurus
With the Moon’s move into harmony with your sign early into the day, dear Taurus, you can feel emotionally lifted up and out of slumber, ready to take on new challenges and open to new experiences. There is a stronger focus on forward movement now. Gently stimulating energy is with you for social and romantic connections. You are especially companionable and easy to talk to today. Conversations about intimate or personal matters tend to flow naturally, and it can be natural to clear the air without too much in the way of drama. There can be a chance to learn from past mistakes or to put a problem behind you.
Gemini
Gemini
The day favors contemplation and observation, dear Gemini, and you might choose to lay low in some way or pull yourself out of regular activities in order to connect with your deeper needs and desires. You could be involved in some level of research now, or you may be throwing yourself into something that requires more deep thought or concentration, and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it! While you are inclined to be a little introspective, the day is nevertheless good for communication. Whether you’re looking within for answers or if others are offering their perspectives, it’s a strong time for seeing something more clearly or for finding resolutions to the more complex problems in your life.
Cancer
Cancer
This can be a good day for some validation from people in your life, dear Cancer, and for finding ways to gain a stronger feeling of balance. Socially, this can be a strong day. Your own natural gentleness draws others to you, and you could find that people are naturally opening up to you, or that conversations naturally flow in a productive, healing, healthy direction. It’s a good time to talk through difficulties without having to force issues, and for repairing relationships if needed – or simply improving a bond. Another person’s perspective, even if it diverges from yours significantly, tends to enhance your own.
Leo
Leo
Good energy is with you today for work and health pursuits, dear Leo, as well as conversations about and with family. It’s rather easy now to put two and two together when it comes to recent family and work events. You might find research and analysis quite absorbing and successful. The desire to improve basic habits and daily routines is with you, minus the pressure that is often behind this, and leading to happier productivity. Open communication with a relative or intimate partner can help center you and relieve your mind regarding some of your troubles or concerns, especially related to health and work.
Virgo
Virgo
This is a strong day for exploring creative avenues of expression, dear Virgo, for expressing your feelings and affections, and for finding good outlets for enjoying yourself, perhaps related to hobbies or creative works. There can be especially open, healthy, and supportive conversations in/about your meaningful relationships. If you need to patch up differences, particularly with a lover, partner, or child, this is a good time to do so – not necessarily in a confrontational way, but simply through gentle conversation and gestures of reaching out. Look for ways to relieve recent stress now, and pay close attention to news and conversations that might point you in the right direction towards healing.
Libra
Libra
This can be a good day for taking a break from a quick pace in your life, dear Libra, and for attention to home, family, and matters of comfort and security. It can be quite healing to unwind or simply take a break from mental busy-ness now by concentrating on self-nurture, comforting or familiar activities, and attending to root matters or your home or base of operations. There can be satisfying conversations that focus on solutions or wisdom rather than only venting or gossip, which can be soothing. You have a tendency to want to get at the heart of an issue rather than skim its surface now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The more likable, charming qualities of your personality are subtly enhanced today, dear Scorpio, although this is generally true of most of Venus’ transit of your sign already underway (from December 4-30). Today, your charm tends to especially shine through your communications and gestures. Especially attractive, and also very soothing, is your current ability to express contentment in the moment, patience, and optimism. You might share a cherished belief, or arrive at a new one, through your conversations with others or your own musings. There can be relief about sharing a particular topic now, or you could be a go-between helping others to come to a compromise or state of peace.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
With the Moon moving out of your sign where it’s spent the last few days, dear Sagittarius, you’re likely to feel increasingly more content and happy to build upon what you have rather than urgently seek out a connection to the world. You are seeing and enjoying your connections now, and especially drawn to the pleasures and comforts of the physical world. There is good energy for bringing out matters into the open with someone you trust, however, so don’t miss that opportunity. You’re more likely to seek out and find the resources to solve recent dilemmas and problems now, particularly as your patience is improved.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The Moon moves into your sign very early into the day, dear Capricorn, adding more color to your emotional world. Your feelings and emotional needs tend to surface now, and this can seem sudden and slightly overwhelming if they involve buried emotions. However, you could find it rather easy and natural to find channels for expressing your feelings today, and in fact you could enjoy a wonderful sense of relief to talk about certain issues that have been on your mind. If you need to repair relationships with relatives or friends, this can be a good time to do so. Your own good humor and wisdom can be an important resource today.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Moon moves into your privacy sector this morning, dear Aquarius, signalling a time for behind the scenes activities, extra rest, and reprieve from recent demands or competitive situations. It’s an ideal couple of days to take extra time for yourself, look within for answers, and tap into your dreams, inner world, and intuition. With increasing activity in this sector of your chart in the coming weeks, you’re in a great position to better understand yourself and to connect with your spiritual needs and wishes. Today, there can also be new insight into business and financial matters, and conversations can be healing.
Pisces
Pisces
If you need to unwind after busy days, dear Pisces, you’re in a good position to do so now. The Moon moves into your pressure-free solar eleventh house shortly into the day, and your focus tends to shift away from responsibilities and towards those things, ideas, and people who make you feel good or that you belong. Easy energy is with you for socializing and for experiencing new situations. An appreciation for things that are ever so slightly exotic is stimulated today. Compassion and acceptance are in large supply today. Romantic feelings are abundant, and your powers of attraction are in good form.
This winter, romance will enjoy a striking opportunity to balance the depths and heights of love. From December 30 to January 23, Venus will be in Sagittarius, offering a broader perspective on your romantic life. You’ll not only see the bigger picture, but you’ll also feel more openhearted and optimistic about love. Although romance might feel extra fuzzy on January 5 and the weight of a love relationship will become apparent on January 8, the good news is that you will definitely know where you and your sweetheart stand. Venus will make her annual conjunction to Saturn on January 8 ensuring this.
As for the depths? When Mars enters Scorpio from January 3 through March 5, you’ll see firsthand how far your lover is willing to go in order to keep you. The energy to own your lover may be strong now, so be sure you’re aware of this. Do what you can to avoid falling into the shadowy expression of Mars in Scorpio. If you find yourself feeling more jealous, insecure, and obsessive, take a step back.
Venus enters sobering Capricorn on January 23, where she’ll remain until February 16. Although matters of the heart will emphasize duty and responsibility, during this time you will also have the most romantically interesting weekend of the winter. Bookmark the weekend of February 5 through February 7 when Venus is conjunct Pluto, square Uranus, and sextile Mars. Make some magic happen!
Venus in Aquarius from February 16 through March 12 emphasizes how important it is to be friends with your lover. Expect good times between February 29 and March 2, when Venus is at a friendly angle to Saturn and Uranus. Mars enters Sagittarius on March 5, and you’ll feel ready to chase what’s on the other side of the fence. Before you jump too quickly, consider that the grass isn’t necessarily greener there. Don’t lose out on true love just because you need some adventure. You might regret it.
Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)
If you’re partnered up this winter, you and your mate will spend time delving intimately into each other’s world both physically and emotionally. From January 3 through March 5, your ruler Mars will tour Scorpio and your 8th House of Shared Resources. You and your mate will feel extra motivated to explore one another’s darker side. You’ll also have an opportunity to courageously transcend any fears preventing you from truly baring your soul to the one you love.
A serious difference of opinion on January 8 may threaten the peace of mind you have in your relationship. Let the dust settle before making a rash decision based upon these divergent viewpoints.
If single, a Full Moon in your true love sector on January 23 might usher in an opportunity for romantic fulfillment. A friend might turn into a lover this winter as well. Pay attention to developments between you and a pal from February 16 through March 12. Chemistry will be palpable.
Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)
You and your partner might decide it’s time to kick things up a notch in your relationship this winter. From January 3 until March 5, you will feel the fire in a whole new way, but if you’re not careful, one or both of you might get burned!
Expect more passion but also more arguments. You might begin to fight over things like how to split the bills or what sexual position to enjoy. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness may emerge, and if this happens you’ll want to do what you can to nip it in the bud.
February 10 will be a 5-star day for romance! If single, you might meet someone very special who has the ability to open you up to new perspectives. Romance will also be quite satisfying on February 22, thanks to a Full Moon in your true love sector. Your heart will be full.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)
Harmony between you and your mate will be extra special December 30 – January 23. Enjoy it while it lasts, because things might take a decided turn into more argumentative territory after March 5. At that point, it may become clear that the two of you have more issues to iron out connected to your future together than you previously anticipated.
This winter, the theme of those issues might begin to emerge from January 5 until January 25, while Mercury is retrograde in the area of your chart connected to intimacy and shared finances. Whatever the two of you disagree on will either become fuel for fiery arguments, or will be the impetus that motivates you to improve your relationship with more open communication.
If you ignore the work in your love life this winter, it’ll become extra difficult by spring. Don’t sweep anything under the rug.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)
Although you’ll begin the winter with extra sentiment, matters of the heart will quickly become steamy and sexual. Between January 3 and March 5, you’ll have the most extraordinary opportunity to enjoy sexual fulfillment with someone special. If you’ve been single for a while, this might suddenly become a stretch of time where opportunity knocks. Open the door!
If you’re partnered up, there’s a lot happening for you and your mate this winter. Communication might be extra tense between the two of you from January 5 to January 25. Fortunately, after January 23 and until February 16, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy loving vibes again. Be sure to spend time away with your mate the weekend of February 5, since sparks will fly.
Whatever you do this winter, don’t allow a sudden problem connected to your profession to get in the way of romance. Work problems can wait.
Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Romantic potential is off the charts for you this winter! From December 30 through January 23, love planet Venus will help you meet someone very special if single. If you’re attached, it’ll be a great time to enjoy all sorts of dating adventures with your lover. You might even feel the sparks of falling in love for the first time all over again.
If there is someone you recently started to date, you might decide to make a serious decision about this person near January 8. It’ll either be time to go exclusive, or to part ways. Or, it’s possible that you and your lover will have a bit of trouble in paradise.
A Full Moon in your sign on January 23 leaves you emotionally open. Then, a New Moon in your partnership sector on February 8 suggests a brilliant opportunity for you to move forward in a new direction with your mate. Once Mars enters your 5th House of Romance on March 5, you’ll focus more on pursuing all sorts of pleasure with your love. Yes!
Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
You might feel extremely confused about romantic decisions from January 5 through January 25, while Mercury is traveling retrograde through your 5th House of True Love. It’s possible that during this time you and an ex will reconnect. Do your best to avoid making any final decisions until after Mercury regulates his orbit.
Venus entering the same area of your chart on January 23 is a bright spot filled with potential for love. Until February 16, dating prospects will shine and you’ll have a wonderful chance to meet someone new and fall in love. Or, if you’ve decided to give that old flame another run, it appears you’ll be quite happy during that stretch of time.
There will be an extra intense weekend for love February 5 through February 7. Don’t waste it! A Solar Eclipse in your partnership sector on March 8, followed by Venus entering the same part of your chart on March 12, suggests a very happy event if you’re married or in a committed relationship.
Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Your love life might feel like a massive ball of confusion early this winter. From January 5 through January 25, Mercury will retrograde, but between the 5th and 8th, he’ll be in your romance sector. What that means is that your love life will “punk” you in some way…
You might think something amazing is about to get off the ground only to be sorely disappointed with excuses, delays, or circumstances that your sweetheart throws your way. Or, it’s possible that you’ll become way too distracted with a domestic situation until late January to even think about paying attention to your love life.
Fortunately, there are a couple of bright spots this winter. Venus will move through your true love sector from February 16 through March 12, offering you opportunity for passion during those long, dark winter nights. And pay attention to March 2 — an unexpected lucky break will come your way connected to matters of the heart.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
The heat is on this winter! With Mars in your sign from January 3 – March 5, you might be too hot to handle! Your sex drive will be strong, but you might decide to channel most of this energy into a communications-related project for most of the winter.
Still, pay attention to when opportunity knocks because when it does, it’ll do so loudly thanks to a Solar Eclipse in your true love sector on March 8. If single, this will usher in amazing potential for you to meet someone special and fall in love. If attached, you and your sweetheart might begin an exciting creative endeavor together, or consider having a baby.
Then on March 12, Venus enters the same part of your chart. This is amazing for everything connected to romance. You’ll have a heart wide open to give love.
Another day to watch is March 14, when Venus squares off with Mars. You might spend more money on your lover than you should. But don’t worry, there will be a happy fairytale ending for you this winter on March 20, when Venus and Neptune embrace. Love conquers all!
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
You’ll begin this winter as the “fairest of them all” thanks to Venus moving through your sign from December 30 through January 23. While Venus is in Sagittarius, you’ll not only look and feel more beautiful, but this will translate into a vibe that others will find hard to resist. Confidence is an aphrodisiac and you’ll definitely have it going on!
You will have a moment of sobriety, however, when it comes to matters of the heart. On January 8, Venus and Saturn will bind together in your sign, helping you keep it real in love. You’ll know exactly where you stand with someone special, and if he or she is worth it, this relationship just might be able to stand the test of time.
If you’re single, pay attention to January 12. Venus and Uranus are at a brilliant angle to each other and sudden love is possible! And when Mars enters Sagittarius on March 5, nothing will stop you from going after what and who you want.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
A Full Moon in your partnership sector on December 25 might leave you dwelling on whether or not your mate is meeting your deepest security needs. If he or she is, all is well. If, however, you’re feeling less than nourished, it’ll be difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, you might not express what you feel in a way that serves relationship growth — at least not in early winter.
With Mercury turning retrograde on January 5 and being retrograde in your sign from January 8 through January 25, your words might come across in a way that’s easily misconstrued. Do your best to re-evaluate what it is you truly want to say to your partner in order to move forward rather than continuing to stumble backward.
If you can’t agree on a major decision, agree to disagree for now. Things between you and your mate are likely to escalate and explode the weekend of February 5 if you haven’t been able to move past whatever stormy weather you’re experiencing. If this happens, it’ll feel like a pressure cooker finally letting off steam.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
While Mercury is retrograde from January 5 through January 25, it might feel as if you’re walking backward in matters of the heart. Since Mercury rules your true love sector, communication might feel extra confusing in this area, too.
Add to this the fact that Mercury stations retrograde in your sign, and then days later moves back into your 12th House of Contemplation — you can begin to understand why your mind might appear to play tricks on you every time you attempt to make sense out of your love life. Make peace with the fact that during this time, it’s not supposed to make sense and that your job is to figure out why.
A Full Moon in your partnership sector on January 23 will bring to light exactly what makes you feel fulfilled in your relationship — as well as where you or your mate are starving for more attention.
Romance looks stellar from February 16 through March 12, when Venus tours your sign. You’ll feel more confident and will be able to magnetize others your way.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)
A Full Moon in your true love sector on December 25 will leave no doubt as to what it is you really need from your lover. The question is: are you getting it? Domestic themes are likely to play a part in your ability to answer that question. In fact, it might seem as if you and your sweetheart are focused much more on matters of home and hearth this winter. From January 5 through 25, you might need to reassess living conditions or how much of a say your family has in your love life.
Expect love to be extra special on February 10, when Venus is at a gorgeous angle to expansive Jupiter, now in your relationship sector. A romantic dream might come true.
Partnership matters are even more fulfilling at the Full Moon on February 22. Then a Solar Eclipse in your sign on March 8 suggests a major fresh start, and since Venus enters Pisces on March 12, there are clear romantic themes connected to it.
The Balance of the Elements & the Signs for Saturday, December 12
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
EARTH STRONG
We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
BALANCE OF MODES
CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.
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