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

Today Is …

Egyptian: Anubis Ceremony

Midsummer Eve (old calendar) ~ This is a traditional day for a man and a woman to make their relationship official. It was also a night for bonfires throughout the ancient world, and still to this day. In Ireland there were celebrations for the Faery Goddess Aine, who inspired lots of good things. At night by torchlight, the peasantry would invoke Aine and run through the fields and cattle to purify them of evil in hopes for a good harvest. Other areas have their own celebrations of Earth Mothers.

Britain: Traditional Midsummer. Although Midsummer is celebrated by most Pagans worldwide on the eve and day of the actual Solstice, Britain traditionally celebrates on June 23rd. In the North it is the time of the midnight sun.

In parts of Ireland and Great Britain, Pagans celebrate an annual festival on this date called the Day of Cu Chulainn. It is dedicated to the legendary Irish folk hero of the same name and to the ancient Pagan fertility god known as the Green Man.

Asatru: Sommerblot. The Midsummer Festival is a century-old tradition in Scandinavia, celebrating the earth, summer, and the longest day of sunlight – the Summer Solstice.

Saint John’s Eve. This night is a traditional time for Witches to gather herbs for spells and love potions, for it is believed that the magickal properties of plants are at their peak on this mystical night.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

• • •.

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, June 23rd

Day: Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel

Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli

Herb: Basil

The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection. Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.

Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honours, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics

Waxing Moon Meditation

Make yourself comfortable, close your eyes and focus on your breathing….deep breaths in and out….Visualize the real world disappearing.

As your world dissipates you find yourself at the foot of a hill, the grass is green beneath your feet and you can feel a gentle breeze on your face.

The lush grass is scattered with white daisies and you can smell their fresh scent in the air.

A small narrow track leads up the side of the hill in front of you, twisting and turning, spiralling its way up to the top, so you decide to follow it.

As you walk, following the path round and up with each step, release any stresses and worries that you are carrying with you….

Look out across the scenery, what do you see? What sounds can you hear?

Look out for any wildlife along the way.

Take deep breaths of cleansing, refreshing air as you walk. Walk on, continuing to ascend the path, heading always upward.

When you reach the top of the hill you lay down on the grass, lying on your back and looking up at the sky. Watch the white, wispy clouds as they float pass in the bright blue sky. What shapes do you see?

In the distance you see a darker cloud and realize that in the opposite valley there is a light rain shower, but the sun is still shining on your hilltop. After a short while a beautiful rainbow appears.

As you lie on the hilltops, allow yourself to draw renewing, invigorating energy from the rainbow, it is a gift from Mother Nature and she is happy to share it. Take as much as you need.

When you are ready, stand up and take a long look around at the landscape.

Then start to make your way back down the hillside, slowly following the pathway as it spirals down until you reach the foot of the hill.

Give thanks to Mother Nature and come back to this reality. Stamp your feet and wriggle your fingers.

Moon Magic – Pagan Portals

Rachel Patterson

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, June 23rd

Tuesday(Mars): Passion, sex, courage, agression, and protection.

St. John’s Eve

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo

Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Incense: Ginger

Color: Black

Tuesday Must Dos

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate onTiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

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

Ellen Dugan

Tuesday

Ruler: Mars

Colors: Red, rose or scarlet

Power Hours: Sunrise, and the eighth, sixteenth and twenty-fourth hours following

Keywords: Business, sex, hunting, energy

A god, goddess or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruled of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see it connections to Mars.

On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. The four hours are the strongest one to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source:

Gypsy Magic

Tasha’s Day by Day Astro Planner

Mon 15th Bouncy Gemini Moon keeps us on the go. Finish old business to prepare for New Moon tomorrow.

Tue 16th Brotherly New Moon in Gemini helps us see others in a different light, emphasizing our kinship. Begin projects involving communication today

Wed 17th Kindly Cancer Moon suggests loving care of others.

Thur 18th History loving Cancer Moon inclines us toward research, family archives

Fri 19th Playful Leo Moon says take time to have fun

Sat 20th Romantic Leo Moon generates hopes for a happy love match

Sun 21st Summer Solstice (1st Day of Summer) Begins June 21st 2015 (Fact Interesting Facts about Summer / Interesting Facts about Solstices) and Fathers Day (Fact The History of Fathers Day) – Luxury loving Leo Moon begins the day, changing to Practical Virgo Moon at 1 PM. Summer Solstice as Sun enters Cancer at 12:38 EDT. Enjoy the year’s longest day doing something new and different

Mon 22nd Efficient Virgo Moon gets the day off to a good start. Jupiter trining Uranus suggests unusual opportunities may emerge.

Tue 23rd Picky Virgo Moon could help generate undue criticism. Mercury square Neptune could mean misunderstandings. Think twice before commenting

Wed 24th Indecisive Libra Moon says wait and see before acting. Mars into Cancer could make for an emphasis on real estate, home repairs

Thur 25th Beauty Loving Libra Moon suggests we visit an art museum or concert

Fri 26th Justice seeking Libra Moon gives way to passionate Scorpio Moon at 2 PM EDT; have fun with a significant other tonight

Sat 27th Organizing Scorpio Moon means good energy for rearranging and reorganizing home and/or life

Sun 28th Paul Bunyan Day (Fact The History of Paul Bunyan) and Ramadan (begins at sundown in the Middle East/Europe but starts a day later in North America, see below for details) – Possessive Scorpio Moon wants to hold on. Venus Trining Uranus may bring unusual surprises.

Mon 29th Wisdom seeking Sagittarius Moon discovers new ways to perceive as the Venus Uranus energy continues

Tue 30th Fun Loving Sagittarius Moon craves adventures, try somewhere new for lunch.

Contact tashahal@gmail.com

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Tuesday, 23 June, 2015

Waxing, Crescent Moon Age: 6 ½ days.

Ascending Node is at 5° Libra.

Moon in 17th degree of the Sign Virgo, the Virgin;

also in 30th deg. of the Constellation Leo, the Lion.

Moonset: 12:27 morn. Moonrise: 12:25 eve. Souths: 6:44 eve.

• • •

Aspects of Virgo: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Earthy, Mutable, Barren, Horary Southern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Double, Double-Bodied, Dual, Bicorporeal, Human, Dry, Vocal, Cold.

• • •

The Current Moon Phase Is: Waxing Crescent

Waxing Crescent – occurs when the visible Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the illuminated part is increasing.

Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)

Symbolic of growth, manifestation, attainment, gravidity (heavy with child – both philosophical and literal).

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiriation, Energy, Vitality, Freedom.

Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)

Spells and rituals involving the Earth Element should be performed when the Moon is in an Earth sign: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.

• • •

Moon Moon, Mother Moon Lunar Lore

As the Moon grows from New to Full, it forms an image of the letter D, Called by some “Diana’s Bow” And on the opposite end, it forms the letter C, Called by some “Hecate’s Sickle” The sickle is an ancient image relating to death and endings. ~ Wiccan Lore.

• • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Tuesday, 23 June, 2015

Sunrise: 5:43 morn. Sunset: 8:37 eve.

Length of Day: 14h. 54m.

Dawn: 5:11 morn. Dusk: 9:09 eve.

Length of Twilight: 0h. 32m.

Sun in 1st degree of the Sign Crabba, the Crab fish; also in 2nd degree of the Constellation Gemini, the Twins;

Solar Lore

If the sun in red should set, Then next day surely will be wet ; If the sun should set in grey, The next will be a rainy day. ~ Collected in R. Inwards, “Weather Lore”.

Aspects of Crabba/Cancer: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Cardinal, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Solstitial, Tropical, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold, Psychic, Sensitive.

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

May The Goddess Provide You With A Cool Breeze To Soothe The Body & Soul On This Tuesday!

The Natural World

Let the sun beat down its

blistering heat,

That warms the earth beneath my

feet, The waves break gently upon the

shore,

The tide ebbs and flows for

evermore.

Let the moon above with gentle hands,

Bathe the earth in silvery strands,

As a trillion stars in the heavens

deep,

Twinkle and sparkle in gentle

sleep.

Let the flowers turn their pretty

heads,

Their yellows and blues and pinks

and reds,

Dance and sway in the summer

breeze,

That gently touches the tallest

trees.

The goddess works in harmony,

With her lover to bring to you

and me,

The wonders of the natural world,

With love eternal, arms unfurled.

—Pagan Ways

Alan Faraway

Till tomorrow, my sweets……..

Magical Goody of the Day for June 22nd – Citrus Delight Potpourri

Magickal Goody of the Day

Citrus Delight Potpourri

2 tbsp of dried Orris root
5 tbsp of Bearberry leaves
6 – 8 drops of lemon essential/fragrance oil
1/2 cup of dried Yarrow blossoms
1/2 cup of Lemon verbena
1/4 cup of dried Safflower flowers
1/4 cup of Orange peels finely sliced and dried.

This potpourri recipe makes your house smell so good, everyone will then you have just cleaned it. Fresh, lovely and invigorating!

Incense of the Day for June 22nd is Water Incense

Incense of the Day

Water Incense

3 parts lavender
1 part willow tree bark
1 part catnip
1/4 part valerian

Other water related herbs and plants include cypress bark, jasmine, kelp, lotus, moss, myrtle, myrrh, rue, sandalwood and vanilla.

Crystal of the Day for June 22nd is Lazulite

Crystal of the Day

Lazulite

(Color: dark azure-blue to a bright indigo blue)

Hardness: 5.5 – 6
Specific Gravity: 3.1
Chemistry: (Mg, Fe)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2, Magnesium Iron Aluminum Phosphate Hydroxide
Class: Phosphates
Crystallography: Monoclinic; 2/m
Cleavage: distinct in one direction
Fracture: uneven
Streak: pale blue to white
Luster: vitreous to dull

Healing: Lazulite is used for treating disorders of the thyroid, lymph glands, pituitary and the liver. Lazulite is used to overcome compulsive behavior patterns.

Workings: Lazulite is often used as a “worry” stone. It is an excellent grounding stone and is used for meditation. Astrological signs are Sagittarius and Gemini. It vibrates to the number7.

Chakra Applications: Use Lazulite to balance the Brow Chakra.

Foot Notes: Lazulite is a blue, phosphate-based mineral containing magnesium, iron, and aluminium phosphate. Its name comes from the arabic for heaven.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Deity of the Day for June 22nd – Olwen, Welsh Goddess

Deity of the Day

Olwen

Welsh Goddess

(Welsh) [O-loon] Also Olwyn. A daughter of the king of the Giants, Ysbadadden. Her name means “the golden wheel”, which makes some see her as an opposing force to Arianrhod of “the silver wheel”. Her other nickname was “Lady of the White Tracks” because wherever she walked the trefoil plants commonly called shamrocks would pop up. This indicated that she may have been a Triple Goddess unto herself with several other associations long lost to us.

The hero Culhwch was a suitor of Olwen’s who went on a mythic journey to find her after her father, who knew he would die if their marriage took place, hid her. In this part of the myth she is the May Queen, a partner of the new sacrificial God who takes the place of the old one

Olwen also had adventures in faeryland after she was captured by horse riding faeries. She was rescued by her father after a year and a day of captivity. (May Queens are often linked to the faery kingdom.)

For

I

Am

Witch

And

Shall

Remain.

—–A Witch’s Prayerbook

JoAnne Spiese

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The Black Eye Galaxy

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.

M64: The Black Eye Galaxy
Image Credit & Copyright: Michael Miller, Jimmy Walker

Explanation: This big, bright, beautiful spiral galaxy is Messier 64, often called the Black Eye Galaxy or the Sleeping Beauty Galaxy for its heavy-lidded appearance in telescopic views. M64 is about 17 million light-years distant in the otherwise well-groomed northern constellation Coma Berenices. In fact, the Red Eye Galaxy might also be an appropriate moniker in this colorful composition. The enormous dust clouds obscuring the near-side of M64’s central region are laced with the telltale reddish glow of hydrogen associated with star forming regions. But they are not this galaxy’s only peculiar feature. Observations show that M64 is actually composed of two concentric, counter-rotating systems. While all the stars in M64 rotate in the same direction as the interstellar gas in the galaxy’s central region, gas in the outer regions, extending to about 40,000 light-years, rotates in the opposite direction. The dusty eye and bizarre rotation are likely the result of a billion year old merger of two different galaxies.

Your Daily Planet Tracker: Sun in Cancer, Jun 21, 2015 to Jul 22, 2015

Planet Tracker

Sun in Cancer

Jun 21, 2015 to Jul 22, 2015

Cancer is the sign of the Summer Solstice, the beginning of the warmest season of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the first water sign of the Zodiac, representing the forming of identity around home, family and personal experiences.

Cancer is associated with the Moon, planet of emotions and feelings. This reminds us of the deeply sensitive nature of this sign, a quality that enables Cancer to respond to the needs of others in a caring manner. But, it also can represent a highly subjective nature that finds it difficult to step back and see itself with detachment.

The Mother

Mother symbolizes the unifying force of family consciousness. She brings life to babies and is the center of domestic life. Cancer’s connection with the mother is clear through its role as a nurturer and protector. The passage of the Sun through this sign is a reminder to all of us to listen to our inner feelings and to respond to them in a constructive matter.

Holding onto the past, to relationships and useless objects are negative expressions of Cancer’s energy. Ideally, this sign connects us to a source of vitality that gives us the energy to move on, rather than cling to old, outmoded patterns.

Building Nests

Cancer builds nests. It gathers materials and people to give birth to new groups, companies and organizations. As the first sign of a season, it is cardinal (initiating) in nature. But, as a water sign, it bends to external forces, preferring to go around obstacles, rather than meeting them head on.

Although considered moody, the Crab can be very tenacious. It is guided by internal feelings, rather than external values. This provides a rich source of motivation, even when working alone. This reminds us that when we touch our core, we find an enormous river of personal energy to propel us forward in life.

The Tough Cancer

The sign Cancer has a reputation of being rather warm and fuzzy. While caring for others is certainly part of its make-up, there are those born under this sign who express themselves quite differently.

Cancer business giants John D. Rockefeller, Ross Perot and Richard Branson used their toughness and determination to build enormous commercial empires. Navy Seal turned pro wrestler Jesse Ventura used his will to become the governor of Minnesota.

Crabs can climb the ladder of success when their emotions are channeled into the present, rather than spent clinging to the past.

Famous Cancers

Cancer feeling expresses itself through the work of Meryl Streep, generally considered the greatest actress of our time. Tom Hanks, Kathy Bates, Tom Cruise, John Cusack and Harrison Ford are other prominent Cancer actors.

Sweet sounds come from Cancer singers Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt and George Michael. Mike Meyers and Ringo Starr reflect the humor of this sign. July 1 is the birthday of Cancers Liv Tyler, Pamela Anderson and the late Princess Diana. The range of this sign is enormous, stretching all the way from diet guru Richard Simmons to the Dalai Lama.

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

	H.P. Lady Beltane on Only 2 Posts Today I’m N…
	Alpha on Only 2 Posts Today I’m N…
	H.P. Lady Beltane on I Need a Little Help Plea…
	Billy Murphy on I Need a Little Help Plea…
	H.P. Lady Beltane on I Need a Little Help Plea…
	H.P. Lady Beltane on I Need a Little Help Plea…
	H.P. Lady Beltane on I Need a Little Help Plea…