Category: All Regular Daily Posts

WOTC Extra – Maintaining Cohesion in a Solitary Practice


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Maintaining Cohesion in a Solitary Practice

 

It can be very lonely working as a solitary Wiccan, no matter what your reasons for the solitary path may be. At times it can seem that there are more obstacles, more frustrations, more opportunities for self-doubt. It’s all too easy to let your practice become lax and unfocused, because there’s no one else to monitor your progress and encourage you when you need it.

Giving yourself smaller daily rituals to engage in—no matter how short and simple they are—keeps you in touch with the gods and your spirituality on a more regular basis. If you touch the Divine on a daily basis, it’s much easier to touch the Divine on the big occasions. The human mind can be remarkably apathetic when it comes to actually stirring ourselves to do something requiring energy and input. Doing a sabbat every six weeks can be a really huge undertaking if you haven’t trained yourself with baby steps in between.

Wicca should never be something you take time out of your regular life to practice. The point of a spiritual path such as Wicca is to incorporate your spiritual practice into your daily life without fuss and drama. Your spirituality should inform your thoughts, opinions, and action in daily life as well as in ritual. Practicing Wicca every moment of the day should make your life more harmonious, not more complicated.

So often a solitary Wiccan becomes more of a philosopher than an active participant in the dance of life. It can be very easy to think about Wicca, and to slowly cease your actual ritual practice. While thinking and reflecting upon your spiritual evolution is essential to further development, maintaining your regular daily practice is paramount. Your ritual practice is your interface with the world beyond.

Solitary Wicca For Life: Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Let’s Talk Witch – Growing as a Solitary Wiccan/Witch


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Growing as a Solitary Wiccan/Witch

 

How do you relate to the larger picture when you work alone? Here are some methods by which you can structure and appreciate your own evolution and spiritual growth, and how this spiritual practice relates to the world at large.

To offer recognition of the divine feminine, to show one’s respect for nature, to have the opportunity for self-improvement and self-self-empowerment, and in appreciation of the decentralized aspects of the religion—these are all common reasons people choose to practice Wicca.

How do we define the goal of Wicca? A common answer is “to serve the gods.” We work with the gods, not for them. And while this is one of the goals of Wicca, it is not the only purpose. You can serve God or gods in any other religion. What makes Wicca unique?

Scott Cunningham titled one of his books Living Wicca, and this wonderful phrase encapsulates what Wicca truly is: Wicca is more than a practice—it’s a way of life. To live Wicca means living in awareness, in peace, in balance, and in harmony. It means living with the goal of every action contributing positively, and every situation teaching you something. It means being mindful, sincere, and true. Living Wicca means recognizing the Divine in everything that surrounds you, and always being able to feel your connection to the gods and the universe.

The true goal of Wicca is to create a way of life that brings you to this state. That state isn’t an end; it is a means by which you can improve your life and maintain the harmony so essential to a better life and a better world.

Solitary Wicca For Life: Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

365 Days of Spirituality, Folklore and Legends for Sept. 8th – Feast of the Blessed Virgin


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September 8th

 

Feast of the Blessed Virgin

 

It was more than 1900 years ago, in a little Galilean village of Nazareth, that a holy couple of the royal lineage of the House of David was blessed with a child. The child was called Mary, the chosen one of Adam’s race destined to be the Mother of Jesus Christ-the Christian redeemer of humanity. The feast of September 8 in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary originated at Jerusalem, as did the solemnity of August 15-the the Assumption of Mary.

 

Invocation for the Virgin Mary

Our Lady’s love is deep and wide,

To some her secrets are denied.

But we shall fearless still proceed,

To follow where she may lead.

She fills our hearts with hope and laughter,

That we shall not fear of what comes after.

Praise be to the Virgin, Mother,

and to the Queen of Heaven.

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars


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Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

 

Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:

*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads

*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions

*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery

*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home

*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, September 8th


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The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, September 8th

 

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 honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, September 8th


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The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, September 8th

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

Birthday of the Virgin Mary

 

Waning Moon

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

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon enters Leo 10: 36 pm

Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Incense: Basil

Color: Gray

Tuesday’s Witchery


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Tuesday’s Witchery

 

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 on Tiw/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


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Tuesday

A god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler 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 its connections to Mars.

Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.

Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.

Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.

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. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source: Gypsy Magic

Wisdom


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Wisdom

Through the ages I have travelled

I have seen all there is to know

I have entered the space that lies untouched

My power has bridged time

Energy has filled the void

Their voices can be heard

I know what they have been taught

Their memories travel with me

For I know who they are

Our circle remains unbroken

For they call to me

I have come freely to know them

They have passed their knowledge to me

I can feel their thoughts

Their wisdom is mine

From time to time

From Witch to Witch

We are one …

—A Witch’s Prayerbook

JoAnne Spiese

A Very Fabulous & Blessed Tuesday Morning To All Our Family & Friends!


Gothic Comments

 

Good morning, my sweets! How is everyone doing today? I hope super. We have actually managed to get back on the internet. Yesterday was just so much fun I could hardly stand it. When we lose our internet everything goes, no TV, no phone, it goes POOF! They finally managed to fix it this morning. These people don’t get in a hurry to do anything. But is definitely funny how they expect you to pay them on time. Anyway, I had a lovely discussion with the man who is the supervisor for our service provider. We had such a lovely conversation that we are all looking for them to come and dig our line up. All I can say it is lovely living in the sticks. I guess I should consider us lucky we even have an internet provider. We could be sending out our daily posts by carrier pigeons, lol!

Sorry about the small rant, I will stop for now and see if we can get some work done today.

Have a great day, my sweets!

Love ya,

Lady A

Current Moon Phase for September 7th is Waning Crescent

September 7
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 29%

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Monday, September 7, 2015

Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 29%
Moon Age: 24.21 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 386,584.00 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,741,490.51 km

The Witches Magick for the 7th Day of the Barley Moon – Barley Moon Ritual Oil

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BARLEY MOON RITUAL OIL

 

You will need a ballpoint pen and a white taper candle. To make the oil, you will need eight teaspoons of apricot oil, three drops of vanilla extract, three drops of rose-scented oil, three drops of patchouli-scented oil, three drops of neroli-scented oil, and a cup. Note these are scented oils, not essential oils. Scented oils are diluted essential oils that are specifically formulated to be used on your skin.

After dark, draw a sacred circle and call in the elements. Use the ballpoint pen to inscribe the words, Barley Moon Dream Candle on the candle body. Put the oils in the cup and stir together clockwise with your fingers. As you do, chant:

May this oil be blessed with divine lunar power.

Rub a thin film of oil on the candle body, and put it in the candleholder. Anoint yourself with the remaining oil. Rub the soothing ritual oil into your arms, hands, feet, legs, torso, and throat. Wipe any remaining oil from your hands, and light the candle. Merge with the divine and say:

Barley Moon dream candle so bright

May your light guide me tonight

By luminous moonbeams and star streams

May I understand the meanings of my dreams

So be it! So dream it! Blessed be!

Gaze into the candlelight (or its reflection) for at least fifteen minutes. As you do imagine a dream you have had recently. Imagine its meanings being illuminated in the candle flame. Take a few deep breaths to intensify your focus and to clarify the images and sensations.

When you are done, bid farewell to the elements and pull up the circle. Make a note of your dream and the dream meanings you received in your journal. Allow the candle to burn down safely.

 

Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year

Sirona Knight

WOTC Extra – How to make a Rune charm for safe travelling

How to make a Rune charm for safe travelling

 

One of the most popular ways to use runes is in the form of charms due to their ease and versatility; they can also be carried around with you making them ideal for good luck charms or for going on trips.

Follow the steps below to create your own safe travelling charm, or if you like use the basic steps to create your own charm based on your needs.

Step 1: Using the chart above, pick what rune you would like to use for your charm, if making this charm for safe travelling, a good choice would be Raido, however you could easily make this for good luck using Algiz.

Step 2: Once you have decided on your rune, next take a small pouch and draw the corresponding rune on the bag.

Step 3: You will next want to take a stone with the rune on or a suitable herb (check the herb guide at the back of this eBook for details) and place that inside the pouch.

Step 4: Now take a small slip of paper and draw the rune symbol, fold this piece of paper up and place inside the pouch before tightening the strings at the top sealing everything inside.

Step 5: Your charm is now all ready to use for your trip, this charm will promote safety while travelling as well as make the time pass by quicker.

 

Wicca Witch of the West: A Beginner’s Guide to Wicca, Spells, Herbs, Runes, and Rituals

Pamela Taylor

Let’s Talk Witch – Rune Magic

Rune Magic

 

Rune magic or Magick is a Wiccan practice which involves using certain symbols and items when performing rituals or spells; they are most commonly used to create a physical charm which can be carried around with you. This section is designed to teach you the basics of rune magic and introduce you to the most common runes used as well as explain how to use them.

The first thing you need to understand about rune magic is that it is not simple, although it may look like it is just about drawing or making intricate symbols and sticking them to things it is actually more complex than that.

The runes themselves have very static meanings, this means they tend to be specific for one purpose or have only one meaning, this makes them ideal when casting specific spells such as good luck or protection but if you want anything more complex than that you will have to be very clear about the runes that you use, they are typically used in conjunction with other spells but can work great by themselves.

The list below will explain some of the most common runes, what they are used for and what they look like:

– Raido: Resembling the letter R, this rune is commonly used for safety in travel, trips or to help bring justice to a bad situation.

– Lagaz: Resembling the letter L, this is an especially popular rune for women due to the passion it can bring; it is also popular among students as it brings success and creativity to academic situations.

– Tir: Resembling the letter T, popular among men, just like Lagaz it promotes passion in males; it can also bring success over those competing against you.

– Sigel: Represented by an S and Z, this rune is used with those who have creative blocks or those who want to succeed, it is also used to bring strength to those who need it.

– Perdhro: Resembling the letter P, this rune is often used to help the caster find something that they thought was lost forever, to bring to light a situation that they were not aware of or to help them gain something of importance.

– Hagall: Resembling the letter H, this rune is often used by those who are in a situation in which they have no control and feel like they need a helping hand to make it through; it is also used to ward off unwanted interruptions.

– Othel: Represented by the letter O, this rune is often associated with protecting your most prized possessions, it is also used when wanting to inherit something from an elder, this doesn’t always refer to physical items, and it is often used to pass down traits through a bloodline.

– Uruz: Resembling the letters U and V, this rune is used commonly by those who are sick or know someone in need of healing, it promotes health and vitality, and it can also be used to boost the strength of your magic.

– Wunjo: Represented by a W and V, this rune is one of happiest runes out there, it promotes joy and success in every aspect of your life from your career to your love life.

– Algiz: Resembling the letter Z, this rune is particularly popular for good luck charms, personal development and to bring success.

 

 

Wicca Witch of the West: A Beginner’s Guide to Wicca, Spells, Herbs, Runes, and Rituals

Pamela Taylor

365 Days of Spirituality, Folklore and Legends for September 7th: Labor Day

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September 7th

Labor Day

 

Peter J. Maguire, leader of the Central Labor Union of New York, suggested that it might be a good idea to have a celebration honoring the American working man. Acting on his idea, more than 10,000 workers showed up to parade in Union Square, New York. After the parade, there were political cal speeches, picnics, and fireworks. Afterward, Labor Day became an annual event. September 5 had no traditional or historical significance. According to Maguire, it was simply convenient-midway between the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. giving. Labor Day is still with us 120 years after its inauguration. tion. Even though its original theme of being a trade union holiday has diminished and its date moved to the first Monday of September, the day remains important. It marks the end of the vacation season, is a day for family reunions and picnics, and is the kick-off for Fall festivals.

Monday Is Ruled By the Moon

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Monday Is Ruled By the Moon

 

This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility.

Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include:

*Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues.

*Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight

*Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit. Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue.

*Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone

*Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon

*Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers

*Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace

*Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays

And Some Not So Ancient!

 

Today Is …

 

Egyptian; Neith goes forth to Aten

Feast of Yemaya – Brazilian celebration of Yemaya, Goddess of the Ocean.

Celtic: Horned Dance at Abbotts Bromley, which honors the Horned God, Cernunnos. “The Horned One” is a god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld. He was worshipped all over Gaul, and his cult spread into Britain as well. Cernunnos is depicted with the antlers of a stag, sometimes carries a purse filled with coin. The Horned God is born at the winter solstice, marries the Goddess at Beltane, and dies at the summer solstice. He alternates with the Goddess of the Moon in ruling over life and death, continuing the cycle of death, rebirth and reincarnation.

The seventh day of each month is sacred to the God Apollo.

Healer’s Day. This is a special day dedicated to all women and men who possess the Goddess given gift of healing and who use it unselfishly to help others.

Daena, the Maiden Goddess of the Parsees, is honored on this date each year with a religious festival in India.

Sept. 13 ~ Grandparents’ Day – Day to give love and thanks to all grandparents; day for all grandparents to celebrate their age and contemplate their sacred duty to share their wisdom with the young.

Aug 29 -Sep 11 – Return of Isis – Egyptian festival marking the return to Egypt of Goddess Isis (as the star of Sept/Sirius) and God Osiris (as the rising Nile River).

Aug 30 -Sep 10 -Ganesha Chaturthi – Hindu festival honoring God Ganesha (son of Goddess Parvati and God Shiva) as the challenger, creator and remover of obstacles.

GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred! )0( 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)

  • • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

 

The Witches Correspondences for Monday, September 7th

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The Witches Correspondences for Monday, September 7th

 

Day: Monday ( Moon-day)

Planet: Moon

Colors: Silver and White and Grey

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Silver, Selenite

Aroma: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood, Moon Oil, African violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, and Wormwood

Herb: Moonwort

The sacred day of the Moon, personified by such goddesses as Selene, Luna, Diana, and Artemis. The Moon is ruler of flow affecting the changeable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, its powers are at their most potent.

Magical aspects: peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friendships, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility

Monday is ruled by the moon – an ancient symbol of mystery and peace. Monday is a special day for mothers as the cycle of the moon has long been associated with the female menstrual cycle. Those wishing to conceive a baby would be wise to try on a Monday as the magic of motherhood is strong and pregnancy is in the air.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving agriculture, animals, female fertility, messages, reconciliation’s, theft, voyages, dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, psychic work, Faerie magic, and Goddess rituals.

 

The Witches Almanac for Monday, September 7th

The Witches Almanac for Monday, September 7th

Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility.

Labor Day

 

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Incense: Neroli

Color: White