Medicinal Uses: An ancient Egyptian remedy in the Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BC) recommends dill as one of the ingredients in a pain-killing mixture. The Romans knew dill as “anethum” which latter became “anise”.
Dill is used to treat colic, gas, and indigestion. Dill has always been considered a remedy for the stomach, relieving wind and calming the digestion. Dill’s essential oil relieves intestinal spasms and griping and helps to settle colic, hence it is often used in gripe water mixtures.
Chewing the seeds improves bad breath. Dill makes a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, and is a mild diuretic.
Dill increases milk production, and when taken regularly by nursing mothers, helps to prevent colic in their babies. To stimulate the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers bring one pint of white wine almost to a boil, remove from heat and add 1 tsp each of anise, caraway, coriander and dill. Bring one pint of white wine almost to a boil, remove from heat and add 4 tsp of dill seeds, let steep 30 minutes and strain. Drink 1 ½ cups a half hour before retiring to sleep well. Chewing dill seeds removes bad breath. Dill can also be made into a Tea, and sweetened with honey, or prepared as an infusion by steeping 2 teaspoons of seed in 1 cup of water for 10-15 minutes, then straining. Take 1- 2 cups per day.
Magickal uses: Dill is used in love and protection sachets. The dried seed heads hung in the home, over doorways, and above cradles provides protection. Add dill to your bath to make you irresistible to your lover. Place in the baby’s cradle for protection. Use in money spells.
Properties: Digestive, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic. Contains volatile oil, consisting mainly of carvone with dihydrocarvone, limonene, a- and b-phellandrene, eugenol, anethole, myristicin, carveole, x-pinene. Flavonoids: kaempferol and its blucuronide, vicenin. Coumarins such as scopoletin, esculetin, bergapten, umbelliferone. Xanthone derivatives such as dillanoside. And triterpenes, phenolic acids, protein and fixed oil.
Growth: Dill grows in most regions of North America. It needs sun and a well-drained soil, and frequent waterings. It is a hardy annual, biennial in the deep southern regions, that reaches 2 – 3 feet tall. The leaves are bluish-green, bi-pinnate with fili-form leaflets; the base dilates into a sheath surrounding the stem. Flat, compound umbels of yellow flowers appear from July to September, producing eventually the oval, ribbed dill seeds. Dill matures quickly, and self-sows for the following year. Plant in six week intervals for a season-long supply of fresh dill.
Areas of Influence: Minerva was the Goddess of wisdom and crafts.
Only in Rome was she worshiped as the Goddess of war.
This Goddess represented the application of intellect to everyday tasks. As the Goddess of wisdom she was accredited with inventing spinning, weaving, numbers and music. Her attributes were so numerous that Ovid described her as the “Goddess of a thousand works.”
She is also the patron of Goddess of medicine.
Origins and Genealogy: The name of this Goddess is said to be of Etruscan origin.
Her parents were Jupiter and Métis. Elements of the myths surrounding her birth however have been poached from Greek Goddess Athena, as she too is born fully grown, from her father’s head.
She was considered third among the Gods and Goddesses and was part of the Capitolian triad alongside Juna and Jupiter.
Strengths: Wisdom, creativity and strength.
Weaknesses: Out of touch with emotions.
Minerva’s Symbolism
The Roman Goddess of wisdom is depicted in full battle dress with a coat of mail, a helmet and a spear.
Sacred Animal/Insect: Owl and the spider.
Sacred Plants: Her sacred plants were the olive, mulberry and alder trees.
Festivals: The main festival celebrating this Goddess took place March 19th – 23rd.
A smaller festival occurred later in the year on the 13th of June.
Greek Equivalent: Athena
Minerva’s Archetypes
The Teacher/ Inventor:
The Teacher and Inventor communicates knowledge, experience and wisdom.
In it’s shadow aspect, the Teacher may manipulate and mislead their students by indoctrinating them with negative beliefs and destructive behaviours.
This is Minerva’s primary Archetype as she teaches humans how to spin and weave. She is also accredited in Roman mythology for inventing numbers and medicine.
The Warrior:
Archetype represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of of others.
The shadow side of the Warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principles to prove your supremacy.
Although Roman mythology borrows heavily from it’s Greek counterparts, it is only in Rome that Minerva is worshipped as the Goddess of war, despite always being depicted in full battle dress. This is why I have ranked this Archetype as only of secondary importance for this Goddess.
How To Work With These Archetypes
The Teacher/Inventor:
This Archetype may suggest a love of passing on wisdom and learning to others.
This Goddess wise counsel can also be called upon to help you see a way through any present difficulties or to help you to master a new skill.
The shadow aspect of this stereo type is also a reminder that whenever we find ourselves in a teaching or mentoring role we must aim to be a positive role model, encouraging others to reach their full potential.
The Warrior:
If you are drawn to work with this Goddess you may require her Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personnal boundries. This Goddess can be a great stereotype to work with if you want to take control in your life, and wish to no longer play the role of the victim.
You may also wish to call upon this Goddess to champion the cause of others.
Conversely this Goddess may appeal to you if you have a very strong sense of self and are proud of the victories you have achieved. The shadow side may be asking you to reflect honestly on the cost of these victories. Have they been at the expense of others or your principals?
We sing and dance and hold our rites,
We live and love together.
We go sky-clad or wear our outer robes
If it is chilling weather.
About the altar we do dance;
We praise The Gods
We love and ever do, we give
Our thanks to the sun.
And moon above, We are The Craft;
Love The Craft; We are Witches All.
Join us.. In Our Circle For We Are Witches All.
Walk into our Circle and feel the love Bound,
And Meet The Lord and Lady who guide us in our Rounds;
” An’ Harm None, Do What Thou Wilt.”
It is The Wiccan Rede.
We fear no foe for love we show,
In thought and also Deed.
Our words of thanks, our songs of praise,
We offer them in pray’r.
We sing their praise, we ask their help;
We know that they are there.
Mercury, the dualistic planet of communication, has two home signs: Gemini and Virgo. Its stay in one of them, Gemini, opens a door to clear seeing, objectivity and mental flexibility. Take in Mercury’s breath of fresh Gemini air, and let curiosity teach your mind how to be young again.
Gemini is an air sign associated with cool detachment and reason. Air signs (Libra and Aquarius are the others) love to watch and comment, but don’t like to get their hands dirty or their emotions overheated. With less interference from feelings, Mercury is able to do its job of collecting and passing along information quite well at this time.
Both Mercury and Gemini are into data, leaving philosophy, meaning and big picture concerns to others. This means that talk may come more easily for all of us now, even though real truth could be hard to find. This is a time when reality comes in more than one flavor. Facts, compelling as they might be, do not necessarily equal wisdom.
Diverse ideas are more common now, which could easily lead to distraction. Staying on track and prioritizing may require some extra attention.
Mercury in the sign of the Twins is common in the charts of songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joel, Brian Wilson and the Gemini formerly known as Prince. Gifted communicators among actors with this combination include Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep (the queen of accents), Rupert Everett, Dennis Hopper, Helen Hunt, Marilyn Monroe, Courtney Cox Arquette and Sandra Bernhard.
Athletic agility, particularly related to Mercury-ruled hands, is obvious for Joe Montana, Sugar Ray Leonard, Steffi Graf and Marvin Hagler. Basketballer Dennis Rodman is a Merc in Gemini whose mouth has frerquently gotten him into trouble.
Political talkers in this group include Newt Gingrich, Ross Perot, Henry Kissinger and Mario Cuomo not a shy one among them. And, for some strange reason, Mercury in Gemini includes more than its fair share of murderous bad boys: John Hinkley, Mark David Chapman and Jeffrey Dahmer.
Fortunately, the soul is not bound by the symbol. The mystery of life is that given the same equipment, individuals will use it quite differently. The Dalai Lama, born with Mercury in Gemini, is a luminous reminder of the clarity and compassion that can be held within one human mind and heart.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
The Hanged Man Reversed
The card of false prophecy and time wasted. The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
The Tau Cross
A journey that you or someone close to you must make will have a positive influence on this aspect. This trip may be over a great distance.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is emotional, loving, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective and sympathetic. This could be an elder you look up too.
General Description:
Fourth sign of the Zodiac, June 22nd to July 23rd. Ruled by the Moon; correct metal, Silver. Those born under Cancer’s influence were supposed to be keen observers, imaginative, strong willed, reliant, tenacious, imressionable, brilliant, reserved, exacting, and sometimes over anxious. The Cancer stones are the emerald, agate, and chalcedony. The emerald was most highly esteemed in ancient times, was believed to possess great healing powers, and to be benficial to the eyes. Emerald talismans were worn to invode eloquence, courage, protection from sickness, and by seamen to guard them from perils at sea. Emeralds were supposed to turn pale at the approach of danger.
West Wind
Symbol: Metal
The West Wind tile represents an obstacle that must be faced before you can make progress towards your goals. This obstacle may be anything from a person to needing to find work.
This Reading is used to reveal key influences that will effect your life in the current month.
For The Month of June
Beaver
Beaver may be one of the hardest working animals on the planet. Beaver is attuned to both earth and water medicine, and is strongly attached to home and family. Beaver appears in your reading to remind you that sometimes there’s no substitute for hard work. Make a plan, create a solid foundation, then take the next indicated step.
Crow is always on the alert for trouble—and their loud caws! warn each other of impending danger, Very little escapes Crow’s keen vision—which is why many cultures associate Crow with the keeper of knowledge. Crow has flapped his way into your life today to bring a message of watchfulness—have you built your nest high enough to really understand what’s going on around you?
High flying and courageous Hawk uses his sharp vision to see all aspects of the world below him in minute detail. He is gifted at taking in all he sees and quickly creating a powerful plan of action. The Hawk suggests that while a broad view of the situation should be taken, the details cannot be overlooked. The Hawk calls for authoritative action based upon a thorough understanding of the circumstances.
Meaning: This rune represents abundance, success and happiness. This is considered a lucky rune and if leading, it is very positive about your query, whether the query is about finance, business, friendship, partnership or spirituality. In conjunction with the Rings, it indicates a happy and prosperous marriage. With the Sun, it means success in your career, and with Waves, success abroad.
While similar to classic Tarot’s Strength card, Lust goes a step further by suggesting we should enjoy the pleasures of exercising our strengths, sating our passions, and embracing that which allows one to express the majesty of their unique self. The lust this card indicates is not purely sexual, but at its most basic this lust is a primal desire to experience life to the fullest degree possible while taming our more beastly side. Lust implies that we not fight with our base instincts, but rather that we accept and manage and nourish them as an essential aspect of maintaining a balanced, complete self.
Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today
The Past Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.
The Present Ehwaz
Ehwaz represents movement. You may be closing in on reaching your current goals. Your life may be changing for the better. Harmony with others should come easy for you at this time.
The Future Fehu
Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
Ehwaz represents movement. You may be closing in on reaching your current goals. Your life may be changing for the better. Harmony with others should come easy for you at this time.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Ehwaz…..
power, aiding in communication, transportation; to ‘send’ a spell
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Sleipnir, Freya’s feathered cloak
ANALYSIS:
The horse has been a powerful symbol in nearly every culture and every age. They were often believed to draw the sun about the heavens. Strong, swift and loyal, their relationship with humankind is unique. They allow us to perform tasks that would normally be beyond our strength, and to travel distances that would normally be beyond our reach. The mare symbolizes fertility and fecundity, and the stallion is the epitome of virility and raw energy. It is an animal that never lost its power by being domesticated.Like the sun which is its counterpart, ehwaz represents energy and motion. In this case, however, there is also respect for the source of the power to be considered. This is not merely an impersonal energy source – it is a living, breathing thing whose needs and desires must be taken into consideration, rather than be simply used as a slave. This is the power that was given by the God at algiz, and this rune reminds us of our oath to only use it to help, never to harm. Like the two-edged sword, the horse is a powerful tool, but must be carefully controlled to avoid harming yourself or other. It is tempting to just go barrelling along recklessly, but to do so is to risk loosing that power forever. This is the balance that must be achieved on the path of pure magic.
The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of conformity.
When The Emperor is among your personal cards, the influence of The Hierophant may be increased. Having The Fool or The Lovers in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Hierophant.
The Lovers
The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
The Lovers’ influence is increased when The Empress is among your personal cards. Having The Hierophant or The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of the Lovers.
Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies.
This can be a wonderfully motivating day, dear Aries, as your ruler, action-oriented Mars, aligns with the Sun and come together in your communications sector. You might receive an ego boost of sorts, or feel acknowledged or validated today, which motivates you to succeed all the more. Watch for impatient or even haughty communications, as you have a tendency to speak before thinking, as well as to come across as a tad impatient or even aggressive. Before voicing your unsatisfied desires, see if the feeling passes, particularly if the desires come on very suddenly. Also be cautious en route, as impatience can lead to tricky situations. Otherwise, this can be a fabulous day for the energy to work towards a goal or pet project, taking the lead, and mustering up the courage to make a connection or follow through on a missed connection. A love relationship may be animated now as well.
Taurus
Taurus
You can accomplish much today, dear Taurus, as long as you are self-aware and avoid giving in to impatience or unhealthy risk-taking. Business matters can suddenly move forward or require action. You’re not afraid of taking charge. Avoid defensiveness, particularly revolving around money or income, but stand up for yourself if the need arises. You are very protective by nature, and this trait may come to the fore now. You might have the courage to ask for a raise or pursue a business deal. Impulses today can be powerful, but also a little misleading. See if they have long-term viability before rushing to indulge them. In fact, while this is a great time to work tirelessly towards a goal, important new launches or new beginnings are best left for after the New Moon on the 16th.
Gemini
Gemini
Fiery, action-oriented Mars aligns with the powerful Sun in your sign today, Gemini, and this can bring great energy into your life. While it can be an excellent day for pushing forward with personal plans, do watch for impatience and even aggressiveness. Be honest, straightforward, and direct in your dealings, but use some sensitivity as well. Confidence is attractive; impatience leads to poor choices. This can be a strong day for working on personal plans and doing independent work with increased motivation, expressing yourself more creatively and assertively, and going your own way where you’ve previously felt less than confident. While this is a strong time for solo efforts, you can also benefit greatly now from teamwork, even if you are at the head of it.
Cancer
Cancer
Where there may have been complicated feelings about a past or private matter recently, dear Cancer, today there can be a sudden surge of desire to take care of things once and for all. You are more courageous and bold now, and you may find yourself acting on impulse. Because the Sun and Mars align in your sector of secrets, anonymity, privacy, service to others, and endings, you might boldly pursue a secret relationship or desire, gain the courage to end a frustrating problem, drawing upon your considerable inner strength as you do, or experience anger or resentment that you’ve previously buried, and that you now want to deal with. You have little tolerance for things you may have put up with for a long time. Because this house of your chart is also connected with self-undoing, be careful that you don’t act too quickly on matters that may need more processing.
Leo
With fiery Mars and the powerful Sun in alignment in your friendship and goals sector today, Leo, your social life can be quite animated. This configuration can stimulate ambitions and competitiveness, but it occurs in a cooperative area of your solar chart, so that the need to lead is strong, but you might also depend on others to reach your goals or teamwork is essential to your success. You might assume a leadership role in a group, encounter aggressiveness in a group setting, or take a courageous step in your social life. Collaborations can work, but there is strong need for more than just talk – you need activity and movement and a say about how to achieve your goals. Alternatively, you might have a sudden rush of gumption and motivation to work on an ambitious project or ready a project for a launch. If there’s a friend or group goal that you want to pursue, this can be a time that you do so with more vigor. This can also be an important time for developing skills and gaining knowledge.
Virgo
Virgo
There is a strong need today to take action on a matter that might involve career, reputation, or relationships with parents and authority figures, dear Virgo. This can be a time when you’re sticking up for someone or for yourself, asking for a better position or raise, and other activities that call for more confidence or boldness than usual. Be confident, courageous, and commanding, and avoid being blindly impulsive, especially with authority. You have a desire to do things your way, but watch for a runaway ego. Clear the air honestly but respectfully, too. This can be a wonderful time for tackling ambitious projects, for working almost tirelessly towards a project launch, and for showing a braver or bolder face to others.
Libra
Libra
Today, you might feel the need or desire to stand up for yourself or your beliefs, dear Libra. You certainly have a lot of courage and energy at your disposal today. You may be reworking a project or going after something you’ve been wanting for some time. Travel or education may be part of the story now. Competitive activities can thrive. Some of you might enjoy a new adventure of sorts, or otherwise experience a sudden detour from the regular routine. There is a strong tendency towards impatience and a desire for instant gratification, which should be watched. Try to avoid bringing your ego into any debates arising now. While this can be a great time for competitive activities and enjoying more personal bravery and a pleasing drop of inhibitions, launches of all-new projects may be a little premature, and could fare better after the New Moon on the 16th.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You can feel inspired or motivated to take action today, dear Scorpio. The Sun and Mars are aligning, and when these two bodies come together they stimulate courage and impulse, and sometimes recklessness. This activity is happening in your solar eighth house, which rules a number of things, including intimacy, sharing, finances shared with others or received through others, and self-empowerment. You may suddenly get a push or impulse to pursue these things, or there can be an argument stimulated now revolving around power dynamics. The Sun rules your career sector, and Mars rules your work sector, so the impulses you experience now may be work-related. There can be a strong desire to research a matter. You are especially persuasive with others. You can be in an especially passionate mood today, and it may be best to channel this into positive activities, as you are quite hungry for emotional stimulation.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Sun, the powerful leader, and Mars, the planet of action, aligns in your relationship house today, dear Sagittarius. This can bring stimulation to a relationship and can manifest in a variety of ways. Someone may be trying to take the lead in your life, and possibly attempting to strong-arm you, for example. While the affected sector of your chart can represent others’ influences on you, it’s nevertheless YOUR chart, so if you are self-aware enough, you can own this energy and use it to fuel your own courage to pursue a relationship, for example, or to take the lead. Either way, it’s likely to be an animated day in which impulses rule over the head. Follow your instincts, but avoid throwing all caution to the wind. This is a potentially excellent day for asserting yourself and going after what (or who!) you want.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Your daily routine or work environment is unlikely to be calm or static today, Capricorn, with two powerful, action-oriented bodies aligning in your work, health, and routine sector. Things to avoid are impatience, needless arguments, and shortness with others. Things to nurture, on the other hand, are courage and initiative. Take charge of your life today in some way, and take advantage of the motivation you feel now. While launching new work projects or health programs may be best left for after the New Moon on the 16th, this is a good time to take important steps. Being active or taking on an active role today is best. Otherwise, excess energy can lead to impatience or brusqueness with others and unnecessary stress.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This can be a highly-charged and animated day, dear Aquarius, particularly related to matters ruled by the solar fifth house where the Sun and Mars join today in your chart. Fifth house matters include romance, relationships with children, recreation, sports, and creative self-expression. You can be impatient and impulsive now, but preferably confident and in charge rather than reckless. Inner stores of courage are readily accessible, and you are likely feeling free of guilt or inhibition at the moment. Tune into your energy and motivation, but tune out of any egocentric or reckless inclinations now, as the former can bring you to the finishing line a winner, and the latter can lead to regret.
Pisces
Pisces
Abundant energy is available to us today, Pisces, but we need to know what to do with it and how to channel it in order to make the most of it. With your sector of home and family stimulated, and occurring in a sign in conflict with yours, this may be a challenge. Avoid getting into who’s right and who’s wrong arguments or games. Be direct but also sensitive to others’ feelings – this can be difficult but it is far from impossible. Take charge, but if someone wants to take the lead more than you do, know when to step aside. Egos can be difficult to satisfy right now. Some of you could come to the defense of a loved one today. Put energy into a constructive project for best results today.
The Hanged Man Reversed
The Tau Cross
The Past 
The Present 
The Future 
The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of conformity.
The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
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