Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Wiccan

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays
And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

 

Day Dedicated to the Sea Goddess Ys of Brittany. Enjoy a swim or soak your feet in water. Put a little salt under your tongue in remembrance of Her.

Many folks still believe in this ancient superstition: if you make a secret wish wile looking up at the new moon (which normally begins on or near this date in August), your wish will be granted before the year is through.

Oyster Day – Londoners believe that if you eat an oyster today you will not want for money all year. This sentiment is expressed in the following rhyme from Hone’s Every-Day Book, published in 1829, which describes the mad dash to Billingsgate where the fish market was located:

Greengrocers rise at dawn of sun
August the fifth — come haste away
To Billingsgate the thousands run
To Oyster Day! To Oyster Day!

Actually in England, the legal close season for oysters was 15 June to 4 August so this was actually the day after oyster season closed. But the common saying is that one should never eat oysters in months without an R, which would include August, as well as June and July.

Blackburn, Bonnie & Leofranc Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford University Press 1999
Kightly, Charles, The Perpetual Almanack of Folklore, Thames & Hudson 1987

Brigg Fair – The date of a famous horse fair held in Lincolnshire, mentioned in the lovely folk song: Horse-racing was a common activity at Lammas, particularly in Ireland.

It was on the 5th of August
The weather fair and fine
Unto Brigg Fair
I did repair
For love I was inclined.

GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives
Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred!
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Live each Season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)

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Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, August 5th

Wiccan
WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel
Courtesy of Moonlight Musings

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, August 5th

Merry Meet
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, August 5th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

Benediction of the Sea (French)

 

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work(except magick designed to banish harmful energies)

Moon phase: Third Quarter

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

Moon enters Taurus 9: 29 pm
Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience.

Incense: Honeysuckle

Color: Yellow

DAILY MAGICKAL APPLICATIONS FOR WEDNESDAY

Gothic
DAILY MAGICKAL APPLICATIONS FOR WEDNESDAY

To the Romans, this day was called Dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s day” Mercury was a popular character in the Roman pantheon. A messenger of the gods, he presided over commerce, trade, and anything that required skill or dexterity. The Celts also worshiped Mercury and eventually equated him with the Norse god Odin (some spelling variations on this name include Wotan, Wodin, and Wodan). In Norse mythologies, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetry and music. Interestingly enough, both Odin and Mercury were regarded as psychopomps, or the leaders of souls, in their individual mythologies.

Odin, one of the main gods in Norse mythology, was constantly seeking wisdom. He traveled the world in disguise as a one-eyed man with a long gray beard, wearing an old, beat-up hat and carrying a staff or a spear (which brings to my mind images of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings). In the Old English language, this day of Mercury evolved into Wodnes daeg, “Woden’s day,” or Wednesday.

Wednesday carries all of the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits included good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. And don’t forget all of those wise and enigmatic qualities associated with the Norse god Odin/Wodin, not to mention the goddess Athena’s contributions of music, the arts, handmade crafts, and writing. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.
Source:
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Wednesday Witchery

Wiccan

Wednesday Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Tasha’s Day by Day Planner for August 2015

fantasy

Tasha’s Day by Day Planner for August 2015

 

Wed. 8/5 Impatient Aries Moon suggests we get going. Venus squaring Saturn says don’t choose too much responsibility.

Thu.8/6 Steady Taurus Moon helps ground busy energy. Mars trine Saturn makes excellent progress, Mercury conjunct Venus brightens all talent, Mercury square Saturn later could say call a halt.

Fri. 8/7 Sensuous Taurus Moon suggests a nature walk or swim. Mercury conjunct Jupiter helps with happy communication, speedy journeys. Mercury into Virgo helps with organizing thoughts and arrangements.

Sat. 8/8 Chatty Gemini Moon makes for good sociality. Mars into Leo expands romantic inclinations.

Sun. 8/9 Friendly Gemini Moon smiles on all.

 

Contact tashahal@gmail.com
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Wednesday

Wiccan magicWednesday

 

Ruler: Wodin, Mercury

Colors: Orange, light blue, and gray

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following

Keywords: Success, creativity, communication

The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Wo (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.

In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.

On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.

Source:
Gypsy Magic

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015

blue+moon

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015

 
Waning, Gibbous Moon Age: 20 days.
Ascending Node is at 3° Libra.
Moon in 17th degree of the Sign Aries, the Ram;
also in 17th deg. of the Constellation Pisces, the Fishes.
Souths: 5:28 morn. Moonset: 12:09 eve. Moonrise: 11:37 eve.

• • • •
Aspects of Aries: Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Fiery, Cardinal, Barren, Horary Eastern, Vernal, Boreal, Commanding, Equinoctial, Feral, Bestial, Animal, Four-footed, Dry, Bitter, Hoarse, Hot.

• • • •

Moon Moon, Mother Moon
Lunar Lore

Mists which occur with the crescent moon indicate winds
until that time [next moon]. But those which occur when
the moon is doubly convex [full] indicate rain.
~Theophrastus “(Signs, etc. J. G. Wood’s Translation)”

• • • •
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015

Sun+Wallpapers

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Wednesday, 05 August, 2015

 
Sunrise: 6:12 morn. Sunset: 8:15 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 3m.
Dawn: 5:42 morn. Dusk: 8:45 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 29m.
Sun in 12th degree of the Sign Leo, the Lion;
also in 15th degree of the Constellation Crabba, the Crab;

Aspects of the Sun in Leo: Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Fiery, Fixed, Barren, Horary Eastern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Feral, Bestial, Animal, Four-footed, Dry, Bitter, Hot.

Solar Lore
A breeze usually springs up before sunset ; or if a gale is
blowing, it generally subsides about that time.
~Collected in R. Inwards, “Weather Lore”.

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Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

A Very Happy & Blessed Hump Day To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of the Craft!

witchcraft
Live and learn, learn to live
We strive to get what life can give
Send to us the lessons true
And help us know just what to do.

 

Amid the mess and chaos fierce
Shine a light to darkness pierce
Show the way to knowledge deep
Which to let go and which to keep.

 

Clear the way so we might heed
The lessons that we truly need
Show us what we need to learn
And guide us along our daily paths
As life’s pages we do turn.

 

So Mote It Be.

 

 

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Aurora in the Backyard

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 August 4

Aurora in the Backyard
Image Credit & Copyright: P-M Hedén (Clear Skies, TWAN)

 

Explanation: On the night of March 17/18 this umbrella of northern lights unfolded over backyards in Vallentuna, Sweden about 30 kilometers north of Stockholm. A result of the strongest geomagnetic storm of this solar cycle, auroral displays were captured on that night from back and front yards at even lower latitudes, including sightings in the midwestern United States. A boon for aurora hunting skywatchers, the space storm began building when a coronal mass ejection, launched by solar activity some two days earlier, struck planet Earth’s magnetosphere. So what’s the name of the backyard observatory on the right of the wide field view? That’s Carpe Noctem Observatory, of course.

Your Daily Planet Tracker: Sun in Leo, Now Until August 23, 2015

 

 

 

Planet Tracker

Sun in Leo

Now Until Aug 23, 2015

 

Signs are Seasons

Leo occupies the middle of the summer in the northern hemisphere, the hottest time of the year for half the planet. It’s appropriate, then, that the sign Leo is associated with our source of heat, the Sun. This central star of our solar system is the hub around which all of the planets orbit. This position of centrality is basic to the Leo personality.

Leo represents awareness of self and is, arguably, the most self-centered sign of the zodiac. Taken negatively, this means that Leo can be blinded by the light of its own ego. Like a shining star, its brilliance can make it difficult to recognize the importance of others. Learning to share the spotlight is a core issue for many Leos.

The Ruler

The Sun in astrology is said to “rule” the sign Leo. That means that there is a natural affinity between this “planet” and sign. Being born with a planet in its “home” sign is considered to be an advantage by astrologers.

The energy of the Sun is thought to flow most easily in Leo. However, a planet in its home sign can also be overly simplistic and narrow in its expression. A lack of obstacles in not always a strength.

Leos, then, can benefit from humbling experiences. It’s important that they learn how to fail, so that they can reconnect to the sources of their creativity and confidence and begin again.

The Child

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. It represents that point in the cycle when a child becomes aware of his or her personal power. The discovery of self is a wonderful thing, a fascinating experience in which the rest of the world is seen as a toy with which to play. From a healthy perspective, this offers a sense of confidence that encourages creativity and risktaking throughout life. However, a potential pitfall is for Leo to operate under the illusion that he or she is creating the world in which all of us live, rather than just being a part of it.

Growing up can be a challenge for everyone, but is particularly true for Leos. Moving from the excitement of possibilities to the real commitments necessary for accomplishment can be the measure of Leo’s potential for success. Learning to listen, too, can be vital for Leo to fulfill its considerable ambitions.

Stars vs. Constellations

It is natural for Leo to see him or herself as a star. Those born under this sign do best when their self-confidence is high. Yet, even though it is the hub of our solar system, the Sun is but one star among the uncountable billions in the sky. What appears to be the source of life from one perspective is just another point in a distant constellation from another. Leos who understand that everyone is a star are best able to build the co-operative relationships that can make life so satisfying.

Famous Leos

Leos tend to do well in the spotlight, so show business is full of them. Half the cast of Friends are Leos (Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry). So are Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Kathie Lee Gifford, Woody Harrelson, Sandra Bullock, Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburne, Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Mick Jagger, Christian Slater, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Snipes, Billy Bob Thornton, Halle Berry and Steve Martin.

Leo pairs in the world of entertainment include Madonna and Sean Penn, Melanie Griffth and Antonio Banderas, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman (as reporters Woodward and Bernstein). Other Leo pairs are Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky and that perfect Leo couple: Jerry Garcia and Martha Stewart.

Sports stars Magic Johnson, Deion Sanders, Barry Bonds, Walter Payton and Patrick Ewing were all born with the Sun in Leo, too. Showmanship and heart helped make these athletes great.

 

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Daily Influences for August 4th

Your Daily Influences
 August 4th, 2015

 

Four of Wands
Work will be well done. Peace and harmony will be realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isa
The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

 

 

 

The Tusk
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your diety of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissipate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

 

 

Your Ancient Symbol Card for August 4th is The Hourglass

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hourglass


The Hourglass is a gentle reminder that time passes and with it goes opportunity. Every moment is a moment we cannot retrieve or relive, and there are no guarantees that what we put off today really can be done tomorrow. The Hourglass urges us to make every second of our lives as rich and fulfilling as we possibly can.

As a daily card, The Hourglass suggest you may be allowing opportunities to pass you by. If you’ve been procrastinating or putting too much of your precious time into activities with no lasting value to you, now is the time for you redirect your energies into actions that will enrich your life.

Your Witches Rune for Tuesday, August 4th is The Crossed Spears

Today’s Witches Rune

The Crossed Spears

Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Aug. 4th is The Empress

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Empress



The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for August 4 is 34: Great Vigor

Hexagram of the Day

August 4th, 2015

____________________________________________

34: Great Vigor

hexagram09

Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation — like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a powerful force comes into its own and achieves influence.

When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength is required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain that lofty position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, a strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his or her position be secure, for she will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.

If you find yourself in a high or strong position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Your personal power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force that rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good of all is the key to the successful exercise of strength. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power that in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance always contains the seeds of its own undoing.

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for August 4th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-perthroThe Past
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

bw-fehuThe Present
Fehu

Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.

 

bw-naudhizThe Future
Naudhiz

Naudhiz reversed may tell of needs met and harmonious relationships. Your passions for someone or something may be at their pinnacle.

 

Your Daily Rune for August 4th is Fehu

bw-fehu

bw-fehuYour Rune For Today
Fehu

Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Fehu

fehu: cattle

Phonetic equivalent: f
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: prosperity, money, wealth, concern with physical and financial needs, goals, promotion, self-esteem, centredness, karma

 

MAGICAL USES: for money, business, promotion, finding a job, achieving a goal, starting new enterprises
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Freyr, Brisingamen, Gullveig, Dwarfs, Sigurd & the Otter’s Gold
ANALYSIS: Fehu is both the day-to-day reality of our lives and the catalyst that awakens us to what lies beyond. It is whatever we think we are which frequently bbears no resemblance to what we will eventually find. It is also our home, for after all our wanderings we will need to attend to our physical needs and ground ourselves in the simple pleasures of home, family, and good work. Oz might be a fun place to visit, but after a while all you really want to do is go back to Kansas.

 

Fehu reminds us that we must be secure in our physical situation before embarking upon any spiritual journey. We all must begin with the mundane reality of our lives, although many people never get beyond this. In many ways, we have become as domesticated as the cattle, living our day-to-day existence without wanting or even being aware of anything more being possible. The first step in breaking away from this situation is to catch a glimpse of what is possible, without dwelling on what security we may lose to attain it.
uruz

 

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

by Jennifer Smith