You are a determined, sharp-witted person with strong desires and attainable ideals. You need to stand out, not in a flashy manner, but as an entirely unique individual. Others naturally admire you for your strength of character and backbone. Although you are a natural leader, you are also a humanitarian. At times quite self-absorbed and private, you are very much at ease in social settings as well. You need channels for your strong desires and your need for self-expression. Never afraid of an obstacle along your path, you are gutsy, dynamic, resourceful, and you rise to a challenge.
Famous people born today: Calvin Klein, Dick Cavett, Jodie Foster, Indira Gandhi, Larry King, Meg Ryan, Ted Turner.
The Moon slips into your privacy sector this morning, dear Aries, and from now until Saturday morning, you’re more inclined to seek out some form of solitude or withdrawal from overly demanding situations. You are in need of an emotional recharge and perhaps some review before a new lunar month begins. You can do some important digging today, whether this is in your own psyche or some form of research, and become completely absorbed in what you’re doing. Whether it’s just for fun or more serious work, this can be a day in which you’re especially motivated. Try not to waste your time on trivial matters, as there can be a tendency to obsess or become mentally wrapped up with something, and it’s best channeled into something worthwhile and constructive. Take extra care in your communications, as your intent may be misinterpreted.
Taurus
Taurus
Today is strong for expressing and showing your loyalty, dear Taurus, and for throwing yourself into a special project or cause. You’re looking for some level of devotion from the people around you, although this can be tricky, as not everyone is on your wavelength right now. Try not to stress over conflicting perceptions of the way you feel things should be, or over differences of opinion, as people tend to be wrapped up in their own personal issues right now. You can enjoy a nice escape from everyday concerns through friendships or networking activities. Take the pressure off and don’t over-think things today, unless, of course, you’re enjoying the process or topic!
Gemini
Gemini
Your tendency today is to dig a little deeper in whatever you’re doing, dear Gemini, as you’re not especially content to live life on the surface of things. It can be a strong day for business and work of all kinds, and particularly projects that require dedication or focus. It’s quite easy for you to become thoroughly absorbed in your work and experiences right now. Today and the next few days bring a Pluto theme, which can intensify your feelings but it can also stimulate any tendency to dwell on problem areas, so watch for that. Harness the passion and direct it into a worthwhile cause, or something that truly helps you. You may be trying to push the envelope today, which can be a good thing if you want to take something further. Use this time to find answers to problems rather than to entertain negative or suspicious thoughts.
Cancer
Cancer
With the Moon moving into your solar ninth house this morning, dear Cancer, you can feel as if you’re coming into the light, feeling more outgoing and adventurous. Even so, Pluto is strong and a little difficult today and in the next couple days, which can point to a tendency for people to be more serious than usual. Don’t tolerate people who are trying to play games with you through double talk or other manipulative methods. You don’t need to be taken down that road. Also, if you begin to feel a little threatened by others’ behavior, try to pull yourself out of a negative or jealous mindset. As long as you don’t absorb others’ tension, and focus instead on what you’d like to accomplish, you should have a fine day. There is strong energy with you for creative or educational pursuits that require an extra dose of passion or dedication, both of which are easier to come by today.
Leo
Leo
This morning, the Moon moves into your intimacy zone for a couple of days, dear Leo. This is a slightly more introspective phase when you’re more inclined to watch and see than to jump into action. With Pluto strong and a little challenging today and the next two days, this quality is emphasized. You may be feeling especially passionate about something or someone, and if you channel this intensity constructively, this can be a strong time for important research or progress on a project. Watch that you don’t waste energy on negative thinking or dwelling on problems that you have no power to change. The need to make important changes to your routines or your work situation can be pronounced now. Try not to become obsessed over finding answers to problems, but do try to focus your energy so that you can really make headway. Directing your own work, if possible, is ideal for you right now, as you can resent others controlling your schedule. Today is good for researching health and self-improvement topics, especially alternative therapies for healing.
Virgo
Virgo
Your ruler, Mercury, is in a minor tense aspect with intense Pluto today, dear Virgo, which can give you a rather serious or intense aura. Try your best to avoid negative lines of communicating and thinking, as these can spiral downward rather quickly! There is no need to dwell on problem areas. Your inclination is to go your own way, and stick to your way. A stubborn streak surfaces! This can work to your benefit if you find a constructive channel for your passion and determination. In fact, you can make wonderful progress on a project or explore an interest more deeply today with good results and much satisfaction. You are not very content with falseness or superficiality, and a little less willing to overlook these things than usual. The Moon moves into your partnership sector this morning, and you tend to want to have company in most things you do.
Libra
Libra
With the Moon’s move into your work and health sector this morning, dear Libra, you’re shifting focus to slightly more serious matters. A Mercury-Pluto influence with us today furthers this theme – you’re likely to be seeing the details that aren’t working more than the systems that are. This can be helpful if you use it constructively. In fact, it can be a very productive day when problem solving skills are emphasized. Avoid negative thought patterns. Around the home front, here may be some frustrations surfacing that need to be aired. Clear these up and work on resolving problem areas, but don’t overdo things. Overextending yourself won’t help. This can be a good day for handling a financial or work matter with finesse. You might also find the motivation and dedication to pursue a fitness or health goal.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You are especially sharp and curious today, dear Scorpio, and might be asked to speak or express yourself about an important matter. However, there may be a tendency for certain others to misunderstand some of the things you say, so strive to be as clear as possible. Watch for pushing a matter too far, and protect your light by avoiding negative thought patterns. Do encourage the investigator and detective in you, as today requires a deeper analysis, and you are particularly skilled at getting to the bottom of things. The Moon’s move into your sector of recreation, entertainment, romance, and creative pursuits encourages your more spontaneous side. It can be an expressive time!
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Moon moves into your family and soul sector this morning, dear Sagittarius, where it will spend a couple days, turning your emotional focus to personal and familiar matters. It’s time to explore your inner and domestic worlds and get into better touch with your needs for nurture and comfort. Interactions with a partner or good friend can be warm and passionate, but also quite intense. A powerful conversation that might feel uncomfortable at first can actually be healing, but only if you are especially conscious that suspicion and negativity are avoided. Don’t be afraid to tackle the deep stuff, but don’t push for “truths” if you don’t like what you’re currently hearing. This can be a good time for throwing yourself into a home project or domestic activity.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Getting through your schedule or routine could be a tad challenging today, dear Capricorn, as your mind is somewhere else altogether – on your personal issues. Avoid frustration by opening your mind and making room for the unexpected. You may be feeling a strong desire to micromanage things, or to be in control of situations that probably should be given some space! Unusual and possibly tricky situations with friends or acquaintances can occur today. Try your best not to get into power plays. Keep your mind stimulated by mixing up the routine in small ways with the Moon moving into your solar third house – a sector of your chart that demands a bit of variety. Even so, this can be a good time for putting extra energy into a particular project, cause, or study.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Moon moves out of your sign this morning, dear Aquarius, and into your resources sector. A quiet day would be ideal for you as emotions tend to settle in. Both professional and personal responsibilities can weigh heavily on your mind now, particularly if there are rumors circulating or if you hear something that you are inclined to take the wrong way. People can be moody today, and there can be some double talk or manipulative tactics at play, which can be frustrating, as you’d prefer that people say what they mean. Try not to absorb others’ negativity, and focus on your own projects and goals. In fact, today is strong for investing time and energy into a pursuit that requires concentration or dedication.
Pisces
Pisces
The Moon moves into your sign this morning, and this brings out your need to be part of the main story line, engaged, and involved, dear Pisces. The tone around you can be a little tense or intense at times today, however, and you’re inclined to soak things in like an emotional sponge. Be sure to avoid taking on others’ poor moods or immersing yourself in tense situations. Conversations today tend to be intense rather than light. While you shouldn’t avoid important topics altogether, you can certainly let others know that you’d like to defer them for a better time. If something can’t wait, be as aboveboard as possible. There is good energy for doing something creative, particularly a project or activity that requires passionate involvement and concentration or dedication.
The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for November 19th
LIBRA STRONG
Even-handed, harmonious, artistic, diplomatic, balancing, strong sense of fairness. Can be over- compromising, appeasing, judgmental.
SCORPIO STRONG
Intense, magnetic, penetrating perception, power to confront. Can be destructive, vengeful, jealous, overly dramatic.
PISCES STRONG
Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper- sensitive, gullible.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
FIRE WEAK
We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.
EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.
In this Year of Creativity, you have been learning your creative power. It can be frustrating at times, for it first resides in the invisible realm, the unknown; the future. It requires that you grow a trust in yourself and the world around you. It requires that you stay astute to signals and open to change. You are learning that Love sometimes calls you to hold a boundary or take a risk that is uncomfortable in a moment. You are discovering your ability to choose rather than just react. It is a powerful time.
Your ability to choose is the foremost important factor in any creation. You can observe life around you and sometimes feel as if choice is not possible or valuable. Choice is always internal. Your inner world is the timeless, the potential, the beginning. When you choose, you are utilizing the passive force, that which builds form in the invisible realm first. Your choice shapes your vibration, the true shapeshifter. Your vibration then emanates and the world responds.
Creation is time formed. From your choice, form has responded and creation comes to be. Rather than time moving, your creation is now moving through time. We play with these words of paradox to begin to release the grip that time has upon you, for it is responding to you more than you know.
As time forms, it becomes part of your creation. As your creation forms, it becomes part of time. As you release your resistance to the movement of Life, you find that creation forms more easily, life flows more easily and your experience is less effort and more enjoyment. Worry drags time and space, disrupting its forming. Doubt is merely a perspective shift into the peace of the unknown, the excitement of discovery and the enjoyment of the journey.
Creation Comes to Pass because it is always moving. Relax and let go more. Discover the future more. Appreciate the past more. You are Life building the form of Life. Life wants to thrive, with you.
As we sit to Blast Creation Comes to Pass, we are releasing the fear of the unknown and discovering our ability to flow into a fulfilling life. We are observing life around us and appreciating the interplay of past and future/self and others, as we create a new now. We are letting go of resistance that interrupts our flow into Love’s grace. We are patient with challenges as they create strength and new perspective. We are the passive force of Love that shapes our world into a new experience of empowered humanity loving Life. Blast on!
The Moon today is in a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the earth is one quarter of the way through it’s orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.
Phase Details for – Thursday, November 19, 2015
Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 53%
Moon Age: 7.63 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 367,618.90 km Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,832,152.79 km
Here is a simple protection charm that can be hung over the front door, in your car, or even buried at the entrance to your home:
Take a black or white cloth (silk or cotton are best) and place in it a few sprigs of rosemary, some sage, a clove of garlic(still in its skin, if you don’t want to stink up the place), and some dried basil. Add a piece of black onyx or an agate, and tie up the whole bundle with black or white string. Visualize yourself safe and protected, along with whatever space you are trying to protect, then say the following words:
Safe for now,
Safe forever,
Harming none
But harmed never.
Then place the charm wherever you feel it is needed.
Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Use this spell to draw your heart’s delight to you during the holidays.
You will need a large wooden bowl, pine boughs, twelve small pine cones, twelve dried red rose buds, twelve fresh bay leaves, six cinnamon sticks, six teaspoons of dried nutmeg spice, twenty-four whole cloves, twelve drops of vanilla oil, twenty-four drops of orange essential oil, twenty-four drops of pine essential oil, and twenty-four drops of rose essential oil.
At 6: 00 p.m., draw a magic circle around the bowl. Now line the bowl with the pine boughs and small cones. Do this slowly and deliberately. Make a circular pattern with the ingredients. As you do, chant:
Divine holiday so bright
Bring to me my heart’s delight!
Now add the cinnamon sticks, and continue chanting:
Divine holiday so bright
Bring to me my heart’s delight!
Add the bay leaves, and continue chanting:
Divine holiday so bright
Bring to me my heart’s delight!
Now add the rose buds on top. Sprinkle the nutmeg spice on top, and add the essential oils, one drop at a time. All the while, keep chanting:
Divine holiday so bright
Bring to me my heart’s delight!
Put the potpourri in your bedroom for a moon cycle to draw your heart’s desire to you. Return the bowl content to the earth after that time.
Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year
Our old pal Webster defines invocation as the act or process of petitioning for help or support, a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship), or a formula for conjuring.
Maybe Webster was a Witch?
Well, okay, probably not. But these are all pretty good descriptions of what an invocation is in the magickal world.
Specifically, there are two kinds of invocations that are almost always used in Pagan rituals. The first is what we usually refer to as “calling the quarters.”
The other common form of invocation that we use in rituals is somewhat different. After we summon the quarters, we invoke the goddess and the god, or sometimes just one or the other-for instance, on full moons we often only call on the goddess. The main difference here is that while we summon the elements, we ask the gods to join us in our circle. (Politely, if we know what’s good for us.)
After all, they are god and we are just mortals. There is no way that we can order them to do anything.
So we ask them to come our circles. Nicely. God and goddesses invocations are essentially a way of getting their attention and letting them know that we would like very much for them to spend some time with us, pretty please.
A typical goddess invocation used for a full moon ritual might go something like this:
Great Goddess, mother of us all, we ask
you to join us here in our circle as we
celebrate this, your night. Under the glowing
moon, we gather in your name and seek to
use the power that you have given us. We
ask you to join us and aid us in our task.
Welcome, and blessed be.
It is important to be respectful in both kinds of invocations (since the elements are our allies, not our servants) but especially when calling upon the gods. It just makes sense. After all, you wouldn’t call up your parents and order them to come to dinner, even if that tactic actually worked on your younger brother.
You will note that the last definition of invocation is “a formula for conjuring.” Technically, this would mean that any spell or incantation is also an invocation. And you can certainly call them that if you want to; the Pagan Definition Police will probably not show up at your house and haul you away. (This time.) But in general, when we use the term invocation in magick, we are talking about calling the quarters or the gods, not casting a spell.
Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
In some ways this is the heart of all Wiccan ritual, and indeed is the only necessary part. Wiccan rites are attunements with the powers that are the Goddess and God; all else is pageantry.
According to the Perpetual Almanack of Folklore and Markham Hunger’s Prevention 1621, this is the best time for night-fowling. The weather should be mild and the moon full. One is to then take a small bell with a melodic sound, a net, and a bundle of straw into some stubble field. The net is then to be laid upon the ground close to the bushes. The bell is then tolled to awaken the fowl lingering nearby. A fire is then started with the straw to frighten the awakened birds out of the bushes and into the net.
Makahiki is the beginning of the Hawaiian harvest season when the Pleiades become visible in the night sky. According to Greek legend, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of Atlas and the Oceanid Pleione; sisters of Hyades. Zeus placed them in the heavens to help them escape the amorous inclinations of Orion, who had fallen in love with them.
Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.
Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.
Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.
Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion
General: Spiritual and psychic matters (but guard against confusion and deception), creativity, the arts, care, compassion, peace, devotion, inspiration and empathy, enhance or develop psychic abilities, letting life flow.
Watch out for discontent, emotional imbalance, secrets, depression and lack of concentration.
New Moon: Imagination, visualisation, dream work, divination, compassion, peace, seeing the big picture.
Full Moon: Dream work, meditation and helping others.
Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.
I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestion of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.
Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.
Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.
Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
The name is derived from Old English and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretatio romana.
In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi. This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.
The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.
Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.
There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi—referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.
We will be bright and fierce
Like the flame that burns
In the candle hot
We will be strong and grounded
Like the tumbled stone
That once was earth
We will be flexible and resilient
Like the water that flows
Always to return
We will be the essence of potential
Like the seed that waits
And grows when needed
We will endure
We will survive
We will triumph
And rise like the phoenix
At the dawn of another day
With the help of the gods
And our own determination
We will endure
And rise like the phoenix
From the flames.
Decoctions require simmering for a long time, opposed to steeping in boiled water like infusions. This means that the materials used in the tea must be crushed beforehand and cut into small pieces suitable for simmering temperatures. This method is just as simple as infusing as it only consists of a few simple steps.
Decoction – 30g herb to 750ml cold water which reduces down to approx 500ml. Bring up to heat and simmer gently for up to 30 minutes. This formula works on a standard dosage and makes approximately 3 doses. Decoctions should be made fresh each day and should be stored in the fridge. It may be sweetened and can be drunk hot or cold.
If you are using unusually hard roots then you may want to increase the simmering time until the roots begin to soften. If using fresh plant material double the quantity to dried. During this entire process you need to keep the saucepan covered to ensure the important oils and nutrients do not evaporate away. Strain before drinking.
Herbal tea or tisanes are infusions – however a medicinal infusion is a lot stronger than a cup of herbal tea, therefore more of the herb material is needed.
Infusions are made of leaves, flowers, soft seeds and green stems. If the herb is particularly fragile you may wish to do a cold infusion. However, since this takes a long time, this method is usually reserved for the most delicate of herbs which lose their essential oils when heated.
Herbal Tea – 1 tsp of dried herb for every cup of almost boiling water. Cover and let infuse for approximately 10 minutes.
Hot Infusion – 25g dried herb for every 500 ml of almost boiling water. Cover and let infuse for up to 30 minutes. This formula works on a standard dosage of 3 times daily and makes approximately 3 doses.
Cold Infusion – Same basic ratio as for hot infusion applies, except you soak herbs in cold water for 8 hours or overnight.
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