Category: Daily Posts

Let’s Get Crafty – Making a Smudging Stick

Making a Smudging Stick

Be aware of any dangerous chemical reactions or allergies to the plants being used. If you intend to burn a plant in a smudge stick do your research into the plant first to ensure that what you are burning is not dangerous to your health. Always find out if you are allergic first, and have another person on hand or ready to help you if something goes wrong. Call 911 or the appropriate telephone number if a dangerous condition occurs.

Always be careful of how you burn your smudge stick, ensuring that you do not burn yourself. Always use proper fire preventative measures; place burning objects within or upon the appropriate fire burning apparatus. Be aware that holding the smudge stick within your hands can result in burning your hands.

When wrapping the bundle, you should be careful to wrap tightly enough to hold the stems and leaves in place, but not to cut them.

Humidity is a factor in dry time, ensure that your bundle has dried fully before attempting to burn it.

Ensure that there is no mold/mildew growth upon your bundle before burning it.

~Ingredients~

  • Herb(s) appropriate for the smudging
  • String that will safely burn, such as jute line or cotton string

~Process~

  1. Select your fresh herb from the plant (unless you can get long stems of plants elsewhere).
  2. Cut the plant according to size. Plants which are more leafy should be cut in smaller sections, and those that are less leafy can be cut in larger sections.
  3. Cut the string to a good length, such as five to six feet.
  4. Place the pieces according to like, stems to stems and leafs to leafs.
  5. Wrap string around the base, leaving a few inches of string loose.
  6. Wrap up from stems to leafs, then back again in a crisscross pattern.
  7. After returning to the base, tie the few inches from before to the end of your string.
  8. Trim if necessary to give a uniform look.
  9. Place your bundle in a place where it shall dry.

Full Moon Ritual No. 2 (Solitary)

Solitary Full Moon Ritual

The ritual can be performormed indoors as well as out. Try to have a a type of representation of the Full Moon floating in the water, it may be made of white paper or use a white flower, so long as you cannot see its reflection.

Items you will need:a bowl of water

White paper Moon or a White flower

Raise the bowl towards the Moon in the sky and say these words;

‘Hail to thee white swan on the river. Present life, tide turner, moving
through the streams of life, all hail.
Mother of old and new days, to you, through you, this night we cling to
your aura.
Pure reflection, total in belief, touched by Your presence, I am in your
power and wisdom.
I praise Your power, your peace, my power, my peace.
I am strong, I praise, I bless.’
 

Replace the bowl on your altar. Stand for a few moments while appreciating the power of the Moon.

Full Moon Ritual No. 1

Full Moon Ritual No. 1

You will need

-two white candles

-a bell

-Wine or lunar liquid

-Your chalice (or cup)

-spell material if you are doing something afterwards

Cast your circle . Stand before the altar facing North and say:

This is the time of the full moon, a time of great power for positive manifestation, a time of increasing and gaining. The tide of Moon-power is strong. I am of the Goddess. I stand before You at Your altar, in love and adoration. Be with me Goddess. Let me feel your presence here tonight.”

Go to the east with the bell. Ring it once and say:

“Hail Selene. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my mind.”

Go to the South. Ring the bell once and say:

“Hail Cerridwen. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my spirit.”

Go to the West. Ring the bell once and say:

“Hail Athene. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my emotions.”

Go back to the North. Ring the bell once and say:

“Hail Aphrodite. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence in my body.”

You will probably have an amazing wave of feelings come over you. Let them sink into your body and soul. When you are ready, return the bell to the altar, turn to the North, and raise your arms high above your head. Say:

“Hail Goddess! Moon Mother, Lady of Light, Mistress of Magick and Animals. You are the white light of the Moon upon the Earth, the brillant rays of sun upon life. You are the beginning and ending, the One who creates and takes away. Within You, I see myself and all woman. In this time, You come to me and fill me with your presence.”

Communicate with Her now. Tell Her your problems, wishes and anything you wish to tell her. When you are finished say:

All honor and love to the wonderful Goddess, for She is the power behind all powers, the Goddess behind all gods, the Eternal Life behind death. I see Her loving face within the moon and rejoice. All Hail Queen of the heavens and the earth, the eternal on of Wisdom!”

Raise the chalice to toast her and say:

To Diana and all the Goddesses!”

Now is the time for divination, meditation, and spellwork of any kind.

Close the circle when done.

A Full Moon Ritual For Energy

A Full Moon Ritual For Energy

A ritual to be used on the full moon to charge you up.

Use this ritual to bring specific lunar energies into your life. It should be carried out on the evening of the full moon or as close as you can. When calling for help to finish things left undone, but you can use the same method and much of the ritual for any of the full moons. You can also use this ritual without focusing on a specific full moon, for bringing plans to fruition or for an extra surge of energy when you need it to overcome an obstacle or seize an opportunity.
* Light a row of three silver candles, two of the same size for the waxing and waning phases and one much larger in the centre for the full moon.
* Light three sticks of jasmine or mimosa incense.
* Take a branch from a willow or any other tree or plant that grows near water, and on it hang three silver baubles; one should be very large. If you have no baubles, make discs from silver foil. Silver is the colour and metal of the Moon. Add nine tiny, silver-coloured bells, hung with thread.
* If the full moon is visible, use a hand mirror, silver if possible, to direct its light toward the tree or plant, saying:
Isis, mother of the Moon, your power this night bring to me soon.
Your silver radiance on me shine, your fertile light now strengthen mine.
Full moon, full glory, fill my heart, your loving wisdom to me impart.
Mother Isis, your child I call, uplift and guide me lest I fall.
(You can, instead of Isis, choose your own Moon goddess if you prefer or just invoke the Moon mother.)
* Now with silver thread or ribbons, bind the tree and the baubles with nine loose knots, saying: I bind your tree with tasks undone, Maiden, Mother, not yet Crone. I bind your strength my race not won, I take the power and it is done.
* Moon Magick *
*Pull all your knots undone, one after the other, and shake the tree, ring the bells and the energy is released.
* Leave the candles to burn down in a safe place. Leave the branch or plant still hung with silver baubles and bells throughout the week of the full moon and use the week to focus on your specific Moon theme. Sit, if you can, for a few minutes each night by silver candlelight and see yourself surrounded by an orb of silver light. Maximize the possibilities in your everyday world. You can adapt the words to suit the different months and, if you wish, rest an appropriate symbol in the branch, tied on with silver ribbon, for example, a toy horse during the month Equos, for travel and the expansion of horizons, mental as well as physical.

Awakening Your Magick

Awakening Your Magick

Find some time alone, where you have some peace and quiet in a room that you will be able to make dark .(close blinds, drapes or place blankets over windows)?

Find a candle that you feel represents you. It could be one of your favorite colors…or it could be the one that when you pick it up you feel something special – it just ”feels” right.?

Take the candle, and sit in a comfortable position on the floor. Put both of your hands around the candle, and hold it in your lap. Clear your mind of all thought and slow your breathing. Take long, deep, even breaths. Relax.?

Once you feel relaxed, think about your past and your present. As you recall it, visualize each thought you have ”transferring” it into the candle…if it helps, you can visualize a white puffy jet stream flowing from your head, into the candle in your hands…?

Focus on this for a few minutes (or longer), you’ll know when you’ve put enough of yourself into the candle. One?s true self, who you really are as a person.

Next, place the candle in a candle holder and set it on your altar in the room. Light the candle and turn off the lights, close the curtains, and create a dark room. This dark room represents the clarity of emptiness, and the candle represents all that you are.?

Focus on the flame. Feel the magick filling the room and filling you. Think of everything sacred and belive you are filled with magick. Build the belief till you have no doubt about your ability. When you are done snuff out the candle…?

You can repeat this process at any time you feel the need.?

A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘WAYS TO HANDLE STRESS’

WAYS TO HANDLE STRESS

Here’s something just for fun … something to make you laugh when you don’t
feel like laughing. By the way …. I’m not taking responsibility for anyone
crazy enough to do some of these things!

Suggestions for Handling Stress

1. Jam 39 marshmallows up your nose and try to sneeze them out.
2. Use your Mastercard to pay your Visa.
3. Pop some popcorn without putting the lid on.
4. When someone says, “Have a nice day”, tell them you have other plans.
5. Find out what a frog in a blender really looks like.
6. Forget Jenny Craig and send yourself chocolates.
7. Make a list of things to do that you’ve already done.
8. Dance naked in front of your pets.
9. Put your toddlers clothes on backwards and send them off to pre-school like
nothing was wrong.
10. Retaliate for tax woes by filling your tax forms with Roman numerals.
11. Tattoo :Out to Lunch” on your forehead.
12. Tape pictures of your boss/least favorite professor on watermelons and
launch them from high places.
13. Leaf through a National Geographic and draw underwear on all the natives.
14. Go shopping. Buy everything. Sweat in it. Return it the next day.
15. Buy a subscription to Penthouse or High Times and send it to your boss’s
work address.
16. Pay your electric bill in pennies.
17. Drive to work in reverse.
18. Relax by mentally reflecting on your favorite episode of “The Flintstones”
during an important finance meeting.
19. Sit naked on a shelled hard-boiled egg.
20. Refresh yourself; put your tongue on a cold steel guard rail.
21. Tell your boss to blow it out his mule and let him figure it out.
22. Polish your car with ear wax.
23. Read the dictionary upside-down and look for secret messages.
24. Start a nasty rumor and see if you can recognize it when it comes back to
you.
25. Bill your doctor for time spent in his waiting room.
26. Braid the hairs in each nostril.
27. Write a short story using alphabet soup.
28. Lie on you back eating celery using your navel as a salt dipper.
29. Stare at people through the tines of a fork and pretend they’re in jail.
30. Make up a language and ask people for directions.

Your Charm for October 16th is The Food Charm

Your Charm for Today

The Food Charm

Today’s Meaning:

Your health vibration is very high! You are energetic and feel you can accomplish anything. This aspect reflects positive vibrations due to diet. This will continue for a few weeks.

General Description:  

The Lamas of Tibet encourage all sorts of magic. Their religion is a form of Buddhism, introduced into Tibet about 750 A.D. It is corrupted with the worship of demons, and many curious magical beliefs. The Food Charm is used to stamp the form of their god Buddha on their food for protection against the powers of evil, and for happiness, both of the physical and spiritual body. The device shows the god Buddha probably surrounded with the emblematic circle of rice, which in Tibet means the Wheel of Life, or misfortunes roll off, and good fortune rolls on

Your Animal Spirit for October 16th is Deer

Your Animal Spirit for Today
October 16, 2013

Deer

If you can imagine Bambi, you can imagine the message Deer brings to you today—a message of sweetness, innocence, and gentle spirit. Be delicate today in your communication with other and with yourself. This is definitely not a time for being critical, mean-spirited, or sarcastic. Just as Deer’s heart can be easily wounded, so can the heart of your friends, co-workers, or family members.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for October 16th is The Swan

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Swan

The elegant Swan is an ideal symbol of beauty and grace. Its flowing curves and fluid movement give an ethereal air of perfection realized. The Swan’s beauty embodies the feminine (Yin) qualities of intuition and sensitivity. But The Swan does not begin life as a creature who appears to be the creation of divine inspiration. Indeed at birth The Swan is an ungainly creature that lacks any indications of the magnificent being it is destined to become. The Swan’s transformation from ordinary to extraordinary have made it an emblem of discovering the beauty and power of your true self.

As a daily card, The Swan is a reminder of the beauty, creativity and power your true self embodies. In this period it is best to let the real you rule and be known to all–to remember who you really are and what you are really about. The Swan also marks a time when your creative powers may be at their zenith.

Today’s Tarot Card for October 16th is Strength

Strength

Wednesday, Oct 16th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

Superstitions of the Zodiac

Superstitions of the Zodiac

Learn the worst fears of every zodiac sign

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of insight, halloween, astrology

Black cats, ladders, Friday the 13th and Halloween traditionally get a bad rap among the superstitious. And of course, Astrology itself is a superstition to some people, too, isn’t it? What-ever.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ever the pioneer, Aries loves to be first and hates having his or her view blocked by anyone. Sitting behind another person in a theater might be considered bad luck or, perhaps, getting caught on the slow line at the supermarket. When you see someone bolting out of the store rather than wait five minutes for a cashier, it’s probably an Aries.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

No one likes life’s sensual delights more than a Taurus. This sign’s dominant superstition involves the need to have ice cream in the freezer at all times. A lack of chocolate might be particularly terrifying, motivating even the most laid-back Bull to get off the couch, rush out of the house and buy some premium creamy dessert to avoid catastrophe.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Many chatty Geminis are convinced that if they don’t use up all their cell phone minutes every month, they will be struck with terribly bad luck. Rollover plans are definitely a no-no as they can encourage a lax attitude when it comes to calling friends, family members and new acquaintances to discuss last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers are the great collectors of the zodiac. They keep objects from childhood that most people would have tossed decades earlier. It’s bad luck, a good number of them might presume, to let go of your junior high school sweatshirt even though it’s full of holes and the building was torn down way back in 1975.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Leos love to be noticed … and remembered … and revered. It’s not only considered bad form to forget one’s name, even though you met them for two minutes at a convention of 10,000 people, but considered to be very bad luck for the Leo. Most Lions do whatever it takes to burn their name in your brain to avoid this danger.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Virgos are specialists in superstition, although they usually claim that they’re just being practical. An interruption in their carefully calibrated routine can ruin a day. If items aren’t put away in exactly the right place or if their hair or clothes aren’t perfect, this is no mere inconvenience, it can turn the most logical Virgo into an illogical mess.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Librans require peace and harmony and will sometimes short-change themselves (especially in relationships) to keep others happy. Many of them are convinced that if they get even the tiniest extra bit of love, attention, money, food or fun than their partner that they are doomed and will be punished severely for three lifetimes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Scorpios are the sheriffs of superstition — the marshals of metaphysics — and they know that everything counts and will either work for you or against you. The shadow of a flying bird seen against a house, driving behind a 1983 Buick convertible or even catching the same Will and Grace rerun on two different channels can all be dangerous.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Sagittarians love to take risks, but they might be the most superstitious sign of all. They often have a string of them, like no petting of dogs on big days, no wearing green on weekends, or never checking luggage on trips to Hawaii. Of course, stuffing ginormous carry-on bags is considered perfectly normal and good luck, too.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Capricorns don’t have time for the foolishness of superstitions. In fact, they think it’s bad luck to be with a superstitious person and will do their best to avoid them. Unhappily for them, most of them marry Pisces, who turn their homes into something that looks like a cross between St. Peter’s Cathedral and a Buddhist temple.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Aquarians think that following rules is bad luck. If they’re in the “10 item or less” line with nine items, they’ll seek out two more things and return with 11 things. It’s clear that filing income taxes, going to the dentist more than once a year or carrying ID when driving is only going to get them into some serious trouble.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Pisces are superstitious about rainy days … and sunny ones, about stepping on cracks in the sidewalk or stepping between them. Consistency is the biggest danger of all, so changing their superstitions according to the phases of the Moon, local barometric pressure or the PH of their bathroom water is common.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, October 16th

Caution and uncertainty discourage us from initiating action early in the day, but the cosmic landscape changes, prompting impulsive behavior later on. Our irrepressible desires urge us to defy social convention as pleasure-seeking Venus aligns with radical Uranus. We’re even more willing to take a risk and express our feelings after the Moon shifts into spontaneous Aries at 9:17 pm EDT. Luckily, stepping outside of the box is rewarded now.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re quite determined to fulfill your heart’s desire, but you may be thwarted each time you make a move toward your goal. Fortunately, you are not so quick to give in to negativity now. Pick yourself up as often as necessary and start all over again. Your persistence will play out in your favor today if you have everyone’s best interests in mind.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your friends and coworkers might witness your stubborn side today, even if you aren’t expressing the real power of your desires. Perhaps you believe that what you really want is so far outside the range of acceptability that you refrain from telling them anything at all. Unfortunately, your discretion can make you feel disconnected from others. It’s not an all-or-nothing matter. Taking small risks will be rewarded if you’re willing to be patient.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You are feeling a bit scattered as you jump into your chores with a whole new way of looking at them today. You’re not satisfied by just doing the same old thing in the same old way. Innovation is your game, but too much originality now might send you back to the drawing board. Try transforming your unconventional approach into a slightly more conservative one for the best results.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Although you may be drawn out of your self-protective shell today, you still could have mixed feelings about it. You are eager to engage with others as you share your deepest feelings, yet simultaneously wish you had more privacy. Even if you find it difficult to let go of your fear of being judged, this is a great opportunity to stretch outside of your comfort zone. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might be feeling even more reclusive than others realize today. Everyone else thinks you are fully engaged, but you are actually keeping your most passionate emotions hidden. There is no need to satisfy anyone else’s expectations of you now. Be true to yourself and take whatever personal time you need. Sometimes you just have to work things out on your own.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s tricky to keep your emotions in check today. Logically, you know what to do, but something motivates you to take a different course of action that brings you dangerously close to the edge of rebellion. Don’t waste too much energy doubting yourself now. Instead, speak up and surprise someone by asking for something you really want, even if it’s out of character for you. Be brave and let the words fall out.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A simple relationship issue is intensified today when someone lays his or her values on the line and then impatiently waits for your response. However, you are of mixed emotions now; although your key planet Venus is activating non-conformist Uranus, you’re still feeling some self-restraint. Your indecision may be insurmountable, so it might be wise to let the other person decide for you both. Choosing compromise over conflict is often your best instinct.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Someone might be pushing you into a situation against your will and you don’t like it one tiny bit. Events are unfolding too quickly and you resent being coerced. Although you seem willing to go along with the plan today, you may be cooking up your own resistance so you can plant your feet when the time is right. Don’t react too quickly, for your position will only increase in strength if you delay your response a little while longer.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It may feel like a playday today, but behind the excitement lurks a more serious tone. Nevertheless, delicious Venus in your fun-loving sign is zapped by electrical Uranus, drawing your attention away from work and toward social pleasures. But you’re also quite aware that you have obligations that need to be taken care of before you go out and enjoy yourself. Normally, you are the one who tells others to lighten up and have fun, but now you should remind yourself.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You might be caught between two opposing ways of responding to your current circumstances. On one hand, you want to reward yourself for your hard work. There are treats already waiting for you and it would be very easy to take advantage of what’s being offered. On the other hand, you may not be able to forget about your responsibilities, even if you have completed your chores. Indulge yourself for a change; you can always tie up any loose ends tomorrow.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Nearly everyone will find you more sociable and charming today, and you can use this secret weapon to move closer to your goals. Your key planet Uranus electrifies sweet Venus, putting a high-frequency buzz into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, someone might try to prevent you from having the fun you know you deserve. Acknowledge the resistance you perceive from others and take their feelings into consideration before charging ahead with your unconventional activities. The pleasure may still be well worth the consequences.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Take a leap of faith today and risk exposing your dreams to the outer world; your timing couldn’t be better. But don’t give up if you also receive a strong reality check in the process. Keep in mind that some of your fantasies may be better left unrealized. Nevertheless, others are unusually receptive to your ideas now, so move forward with your plans while you can. Step out of your imagination and into your future.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aries Horoscopes (Oct. 18th)

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aries Horoscopes

Discover the energies at play for your sign during this fiery Full Moon…

Jeff Jawer    Jeff Jawer on the topics of lunar eclipse, horoscopes, full moon, eclipse, astrology, aries

This opposition of the independent Aries Moon and the accommodating Libra Sun on October 18, 2013, at 7:38 p.m. EDT, is a contrast between self-interest and putting others first. But it’s also a Lunar Eclipse that reminds us to let go of habits that keep us isolated from others. Going it alone is often commendable as a signal of individuality and strength, yet the message here is that while engaging with others adds complexity to our lives, there’s much more to be gained than lost.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This Full Moon in your fiery sign is a Lunar Eclipse that signals the need to take a step back, breathe deeply and turn down the heat of your emotions. Passion is a wonderful thing but pushing too hard and too fast is more likely to produce panic than progress. The counsel and support of an objective individual can help you to let go of an old habit that’s keeping you from heading in an exciting new direction.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

This impulsive Aries Full Moon lands in your 12th House of Secrets to arouse feelings of restlessness and rebellion. You may be in the mood to break some rules, which is both exciting and risky. If you’re going to ride this wave of boldness, do something original and creative that makes you feel stronger. Taking chances in a positive direction will produce less trouble and be more rewarding than being angry.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The impatient Aries Full Moon eclipse could shake relationships with friends and colleagues. It lands in your 11th House of Groups where pressures could rise within organizations and among teammates. If you’re battling over an old issue, it’s time to change the playing field so that these habitual irritations finally end. Breaking patterns and, perhaps, ending alliances may be the way to do it.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Professional matters could take a sudden turn with this fiery Aries Full Moon eclipse in your 10th House of Career. If you’ve pushed too hard or are burdened by new responsibilities, you may need to seek support in meeting them. Slowing down, changing directions and getting help from others will reduce stress. If you’re initiating a bold business move, making adjustments could be your key to success.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Plans for travel could shift with this Full Moon eclipse in your 9th House of Faraway Places. Careful preparation is a good way to avoid complications. This part of your chart is also about learning and beliefs, so you might have to adjust your educational plans to reach your long-term goals. Going faster at this time could simply take you further off course, so slow down and think twice before making a major decision.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

This fiery Aries Full Moon eclipse lands in your 8th House of Deep Sharing where it can shake up a key personal or professional relationship. Don’t let overhyped enthusiasm lead to impulsive behavior because the outcome may be very far from your expectations. Reaching out and making connections is fine as long as you keep a flexible attitude that allows you to make adjustments or back out if it’s not working.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Keeping the peace in partnerships might not be easy with this fiery Aries Full Moon eclipse in your 7th House of Relationships. It could be that you’re getting bored with a personal or professional alliance that’s just not going anywhere. It’s worth standing and fighting, though, if you can find a fresh perspective on the situation. If not, it might be time to cut your losses and seek alliances with more amenable people.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Your work life could be altered with this restless Aries Full Moon eclipse in your 6th House of Employment. Pushing harder to get new projects off the ground may not get them going any faster. It’s smarter to develop your skills and refine systems to make them more efficient than to race ahead without building a solid foundation. Brilliant ideas may arise in an instant but turning them into reality takes time.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Your desire to play and take risks tends to increase with this fiery Aries Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance and Self-Expression. But this Sun-Moon opposition is also a Lunar Eclipse, which can turn what sounds like a fun idea into one you’d rather avoid. The point is to be a little less impulsive in your pursuit of pleasure and in your professional presentations. Be sure to lay a solid foundation before taking a leap.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Domestic issues could heat up with this fiery Aries Full Moon in your 4th House of Home and Family. This event is also a Lunar Eclipse that’s more about cleaning up the past than pushing forward with new projects and plans. Dealing with unfinished personal business requires a fresh approach to be successful. Persistence may be one of your strengths, but innovation and adaptability will be more useful to you now.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Brilliant ideas could be popping with the innovative Aries Full Moon in your 3rd House of Information. Enthusiastic conversations might assure you that you’re on the right track. However, this event is also a Lunar Eclipse in the communications area of your chart that could lead to sudden changes of mind. Double check data and agreements with others to make sure that what’s been said before still holds true.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Money matters could change suddenly with this Aries Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in your 2nd House of Assets. This is not the ideal time to make some fast cash so be leery about any get rich quick schemes. On the plus side, this is an opportunity to clean up unfinished financial issues like reducing debt or other economic obligations. Going leaner in spending now will provide you with more resources when you need them later.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 16th

The early trine of the Moon in Pisces to Jupiter in Cancer (12:16AM) sounds delightful and has an exuberant nature built into it. In addition, it creates a Grand Triangle in water signs since the Moon is coming from a similar trine to Mercury in Scorpio several hours earlier.  However, this unique geometric formation in the sky may not easily materialize into magnificence due to the start of a void-of-course lunar cycle as the Moon-Jupiter contact becomes exact (12:16AM). This lunar uncertainty time-period lasts for 18 hours until 6:19PM when the Moon darts into fiery Aries. Completing odd jobs and old projects is the right thing to do during an extensive void lunar cycle — especially when the Moon is transiting through the last sign of the zodiac.  During the void time-span, Venus becomes the active planetary player in our solar system by forming a square to Chiron (7:30AM) and a trine to Uranus (3:05PM). The Venus square to Chiron is a reminder to keep studying matters related to holistic healing while the trine to Uranus opens the gates of genius in arts and crafts.  Once the Moon enters Aries (6:19PM), it is an opportune time of the month to strengthen your leadership skills and tap into your assertive demeanor. Start tuning into the potent Full Moon that occurs on Friday. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for October 16th

Calendar of the Moon

16 Gort/Puanepsion

Day of the Blackthorn Tree

Color: Dark Blue
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a dark blue cloth set a vase of blackthorn twigs, a single dark blue candle, a knife, a pot of soil, herb seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell. Several wooden staves lean against the altar.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Face conflict.
Daily Meal: Vegan

Invocation to the Green Man of the Blackthorn Tree

Hail, Green Man of the Autumn!
Blackthorn tree of the hedges,
Whose thorns dissuade cattle
And intruders from trespassing,
Tree of the walking staff
Whose name is Strife
And whose job is Boundary,
You teach us that sometimes
Guardianship can lead to battle,
And that not everything can be held
Peacefully, be it land or goals
Or objects or rules or values.
Sometimes there will be strife
By the very nature of the universe,
Which encompasses both equally
And sees conflict as the necessary
Adjustment that points out our blindnesses.
Tree of thorns, hulking and sullen,
You will not stand to be mistreated
Or taken advantage; your nature
Does not lend itself to yielding.
We hail you, sacred blackthorn tree,
Green Man of the Autumn,
On this the day of your bloodshed.

(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual arm themselves with a staff, and guard the altar. Each approaches the altar, and is swung at; they take up a staff and meet the blow with it. After this they are allowed to approach and plant a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for October 16th

Calendar of the Sun

16 Winterfyllith

Laufey’s Day

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of pale green set a miniature willow tree in a pot, a goblet of fruit wine, five yellow and green candles, many mugs of some nourishing herbal tea, and many plates of nourishing oat-cakes.
Offerings: Plant trees.
Daily Meal: Tree fruits, soup and bread, herbal tea from tree-leaves.

Invocation to Laufey

Laufey, Wise Goddess, I hail You.
Mother of Loki, Nurturer of the flame,
I honor You.
You are rooted and ancient wisdom,
The strength of the trees that wind their roots
Deeply into the earth,
Of rich dark soil,
Of solitude, and seasons,
Dissolution and quiet change.
You are patient endurance,
Wise weaver of the threads of fate,
Luck-warder, mother of warriors,
Fierce defender, skilled healer.
All of these things You have been.
You restore and rebalance.
You sustain
And grant to Your children
The enduring strength of the forest,
The quickness of flame,
The swiftness of light, liquid and untouchable.
Lady of the Leafy Isle, no ornament
To Farbauti’s hall but to Your own alone
Wherein You shine, ever shall I speak Your praises.
Hail, Laufey.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual shall bring forth the oat-cakes and herbal tea, and all shall eat and drink of Laufey’s generosity. The wine shall be poured out as a libation, and then all should go forth from the House to plant trees in some place that is needful of them.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]