Category: All Regular Daily Posts

The First Yule

The First Yule

Author:   Serenity Starbright Dilsworth (Owl)  

Once upon a time … before your mother was born … and before her mother was born …and even before your mother’s mother was born …. when the world was new and the Earth and the Sun gave birth to the first beings …the very first people … the very first animals … and the very first plants.

It was the season of Spring, which celebrates new life, and the Sun shone warm and smiled down upon the world from his lofty perch in the sky while Earth took pride in all her newborns and nurtured them tenderly and with love. It was a time of great joy!

The Moon waxed and waned and traveled the night skies and Earth’s Children grew healthy and strong through the warm Summer season. They laughed and worked, played and danced and The Earth and Sun watched over them lovingly.

Then came the Autumn season …and the Earth began to sleep longer with every passing day. She grew so tired and was not able to feed her children any longer. She did not have enough strength to bring forth new life. High overhead … the Sun grew distant … and took longer and longer to return each morning. The nights grew longer and cold winds replaced the gentle breezes of the Summer.

Then …one very cold day …the Earth went to sleep. She laid her head down upon a pile of fallen leaves and nestled under a pure white blanket of snow. And she slept … and she slept … and she slept and nothing the Children could do would disturb her Winter slumber. The children called and called to her, but she did not wake up.

The children looked to the skies for advice and comfort from the Sun … but he was so distant that he could no longer be seen at all …and the children were frightened and sad … it was the Longest Night they had ever known.

The people wept and wondered what would happen to them now for it was bitterly cold and the bounty from Spring and Summer was depleting. They were afraid that they would starve and freeze with Father Sun so far away and Mother Earth sleeping.

They went to the Moon … sister to the Sun … with all their concerns and worries … entreating her to have the Sun return and Moon listened quietly.

The Moon gazed upon the children and advised them gently:” Do not fear little ones … go climb the tallest of trees and the highest of mountains … turn your voices to the sky and yule a mighty song to reach the Sun.”

The children had never heard of a yule or a song. (In the Ancient Tongue, to yule means to yell or yodel … to call out loudly in song.) And they asked Moon to explain what it is because they very much wanted to reach the Sun in hopes he could wake the Earth.

The Moon smiled gently. “Look deep within yourselves and find your magick …find that thing that makes you the special person you are … find the thing that brings you joy …take your dreams and your desires … your hopes and your love … and weave all of that together into sound.”

So the children climbed the tallest trees and the highest mountains and closed their eyes to find the magick within them …they brought forth their hopes, their dreams, their joys and their love and when they opened their mouths … their voices rang across the skies in a symphony or harmony and the Sun heard them …he turned and began his journey back … the better to hear this glorious sound.

The closer he came … the more his warmth spread across the Earth … and the Earth smiled in her sleep and dreamt of Spring… The Wheel turned and hope and joy spread amongst the children.

And that …dear children …is the story of the first Yule.

This is an old story that has been told and retold many times. It is one I used to tell at Winter Solstice in the coven I belonged to when I lived in New England. I put it into writing so that the story may be preserved and enjoyed by others and it is my hope that folks will tell the tale to their children who in turn will eventually tell it to their children.

Yule is a time of joy, of hope, of dreams and wishes. On the Longest Night, it is good to gather with those that we love and cherish and stand upon the Earth as she slumbers and call out to the Sun in mighty song to herald his return and the fulfillment of dreams and wishes.

Rowan Pendragon explains: The winter solstice occurs when the Earth is tilted on its axis farthest away from the sun. This means that when the northern half of the Earth is pointed away from the sun at winter solstice then the southern part of the Earth is going to be tilted closest to the sun. This is why when we are celebrating winter solstice in the northern hemispheres our Pagan friends “down under” are celebrating summer solstice. We often celebrate Yule and the solstice on either December 20th or 21st but the fact is the date varies each year since the holiday is based on an astronomical event; when the event occurs is when the holiday takes place.

When the winter solstice comes we experiences the longest night of the year and the shortest day of light. On the night of Yule we first honor the death of the God and the decline of the sun, something that has been slowly happening from the day after the summer solstice. After we make this honoring we then begin to work acts of sympathetic magick to encourage the sun’s return and to aid the Goddess in her long night of labor as she prepares to birth the Son, the Child of Light, the Young God.

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Footnotes:
Day 1 of Yule – Preparing for Yule 2011 by Rowan Pendragon
Day 7 of Yule – The Return of The Light by Rowan Pendragon

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Chri… Yuletide!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Chri… Yuletide!

Author:   Lori Dake  

One of the things I truly enjoy doing is decorating for the Holidays, and the Sunday before Thanksgiving is when I start doing my yearly ritual. It was a lot later when I was growing up, sometimes as late as Christmas Eve, because we always had a real tree, and as you all know, real trees tend to dry out and look rather Charlie Brown-ish if it’s left up too long.

I do miss the wonderful pine smell, but I certainly don’t miss the pine needles all over the floor stabbing my toes, or the resin giving me a terrible rash as I string up the lights, nor do I miss the aftermath of what an urban Pagan apartment dweller is to do with a tree that was cut down for our amusement. So, since we use an artificial tree year after year, I get to decorate mine much earlier, as well as lavishly cover our humble abode in twinkly white lights and pretty red ribbons. So, early decorating is a bit of a tradition I have started, and hey – one of the perks of having your own family is to change things up a bit!

And why do I choose to decorate before Thanksgiving? I means seriously! Don’t we always complain about how the holidays are rolling around earlier and earlier, no thanks to the Big Box stores (and all their evilness!) trying to make a few more dollars? Well, quite frankly, I’m going to be busy preparing Thursday’s feast all this week starting on Monday, since I do prep work like a well-founded catering company! Also, since we run a home business predominantly through eBay, the Dakes will be in a retail full swing, trying to compete with those aforementioned Big Box stores and their incredibly low prices! And, Sunday is Clean Up The House! day around these parts, so this is really the only opportunity I have to decorate before Santa starts to pack up his sleigh. That, and well, decorating, for me at least, is a lot of work – an all-day thing actually! – so I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor for just a little bit longer. But I promise, after New Year’s Day, they really do come down! I swear! Really! No ornaments will be discovered with decorated eggs!

So, with this being the Saturday before, I’ve already started straightening up the living room / warehouse to make room for all the decorations, and I’ve even bought a couple new items for this year’s Yule Diorama, which is my version of the Nativity Scene; I have a wolf and a moose to add! I have such fond memories of playing with the cast of characters as a kid, so I restructured the scene to more accurately reflect my Pagan beliefs.

My husband said if I keep adding onto it, that by the time our son has his own kids, my little “manger scene” is going to take up a whole wall! And since almost all of the pieces in my Yule Diorama were originally intended to be children’s playthings, as opposed to being delicate, hand painted porcelain religious icons to be admired and not touched, I happily welcome the thought of having that wall of critters and magickal creatures readily available for my future grandchildren.

We also break another tradition of throwing ourselves into bankruptcy over buying the biggest and best gifts for extended family and ourselves. My husband’s family is huge, and their tradition is that everyone buys everyone a gift. When his sisters, their husbands, their children and now, their children’s husbands and children are factored in, even token five dollar gifts can easily jack up to over a thousand dollars!

So, in order to still manage to give something to everyone, I also invest a full day of cookie baking, with at least four varieties and a dozen cookies per gift bag. (Yes, that’s a LOT of flour and sugar, but soooo good!) Okay, so we end up looking like cheapskates to some of our wealthier family members, especially when the gifts we get in exchange are pretty darn sweet, but I am at least trying to convey the message we do care and hopefully one day, someone will do the math and realize just how much work and love was put into them all. If anything, I got to make my home smell delicious and was able to sprinkle a little magick into their tummies!

Now, one tradition I have retained intact from childhood is to add at least one new ornament for the tree. For at least the last decade, I’ve been desperately searching for a blue Santa, more like a Father Christmas than the Coca-Cola image people are mostly familiar with, because somehow, it just feel ‘right’, for lack of a better term. Our tree is very Pagan-ish, but without being blatant or tacky about it, and I feel it reflects our faith as a whole. So, to find that special Santa would be such a wonderful addition to all the birds, bells, stars, icicles, snowflakes and winter woodland creatures that currently adorn our happy little tree, and it would just plain make me happy.

Here’s the way I see it:

Yes, we’re Pagan, yes we celebrate Yule, but yes, we also open presents on Christmas and have no problem calling them Christmas presents. Sure, we also open a special gift at Yule, but just like any religiously blended family, that’s another perk: more presents for the holidays! But no, we do not send out cards that say “Merry Christmas!” on them, unless we specifically know the recipients celebrate the holiday as such.

Oh, and no – I wouldn’t be offended if you or anyone else were to wish me a “Merry Christmas”. I know a couple times, people have tap-danced around that term, and it always came off as rather awkward, even in email form. I was able to just sense that fumbling around with a half-hearted, generic “Happy Holidays”, and to me, it just took away from the gesture.

Now, while I honestly do appreciate that extra effort, the sentiment is all the same to me, so I kindly ask my friends and family to just say whatever comes to mind. It’s not necessary with us. We always appreciate the sincere wishes, in all its guises. I’m a vegetarian too; as just the same, I’m not out to inconvenience anyone when what he or she gives me is out of love (I’ll just stick with the sides!)

So in closing, I wish a Merry Christmas to you, a Blessed Solstice, a Happy Yuletide, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, a Happy Boxing Day and a thousand other ways to wish you a wonderful holiday, however you wish to call and celebrate it!

PS. Pssst! So hey – if anyone comes across a blue Santa ornament, would you kindly let me know where to find it? 🙂 I’d really like to start a new quest!

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Footnotes:
Yule Diorama: http://pagan-wiccan-practice.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_pagan_nativity_scene

How to Make Ice Candles

How to Make Ice Candles

By , About.com

Ice candles are a lot of fun and easy to make during the winter months. Since February is traditionally a snow-filled time, at least in the northern hemisphere, why not make some ice candles to celebrate Imbolc, which is a day of candles and light?

You’ll need the following:

  • Ice
  • Paraffin wax
  • Color and scent (optional)
  • A taper candle
  • A cardboard container, like a milk carton
  • A double boiler, or two pans

Melt the paraffin wax in the double boiler. Make sure that the wax is never placed directly over the heat, or you could end up with a fire. While the wax is melting, you can prepare your candle mold. If you want to add color or scent to your candle, this is the time to add it to the melted wax.

Place the taper candle into the center of the cardboard carton. Fill the carton with ice, packing them loosely in around the taper candle. Use small chunks of ice — if they’re too large, your candle will be nothing but big holes.

Once the wax has melted completely, pour it into the container carefully, making sure that it goes around the ice evenly. As the hot wax pours in, it will melt the ice, leaving small holes in the candle. Allow the candle to cool, and then poke a hole in the bottom of the cardboard carton so the melted water can drain out (it’s a good idea to do this over a sink). Let the candle sit overnight so the wax can harden completely, and in the morning, peel back all of the cardboard container. You’ll have a complete ice candle, which you can use in ritual or for decoration.

Snow Magic

Snow Magic

By , About.com

When winter rolls around, in some parts of the world there is an abundance of wonderful white stuff – snow! If you live in one of those areas, it makes sense to take advantage of snow’s natural properties and work those energies into your magical endeavors. Think about, for starters, some of snow’s physical characteristics. The most obvious one is that it’s cold. It’s also white. Sometimes it’s light and powdery, other times it may be heavy and wet. How can you incorporate these into your magical workings?

  • If you’re a fan of candles, make ice candles – they’re are a lot of fun and easy to make during the winter months. Try the instructions here: Imbolc Ice Candles to make your own ice candles.
  • Build a snowman as a very large magical poppet. Assign a snowman the magical task of being a guardian at the entrance to your property.
  • Got a bad habit you need to get rid of? Form that bad habit into snowballs, and throw them as far away from you as you can.
  • Snow quartz crystals are often associated with fulfillment of hopes and dreams. Use actual snow instead of crystals in workings related to wishes and goals.
  • If someone is bothering you and won’t leave you alone, try this simple bit of magic. Write their name on a slip of paper, and pack it in snow in a zip-loc bag. Place the bag in your freezer, and leave it there until the person “chills out.”
  • Go for a walk in the woods on a day that it’s snowing. Enjoy the silence, and the magic of the snowfall – some people report that they have experienced messages from the Divine as they walk on a snowy day. Perhaps it’s because we’re better able to hear the gods when it’s quiet!

History of Yule

History of Yule

By , About.com

A Festival of Light:

Many cultures have winter festivals that are in fact celebrations of light. In addition to Christmas, there’s Hanukkah with its brightly lit menorahs, Kwanzaa candles, and any number of other holidays. The Pagan holiday called Yule takes place on the day of the winter solstice, around December 21. On that day (or close to it), an amazing thing happens in the sky. The earth’s axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and the sun reaches at its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. As a festival of the Sun, the most important part of any Yule celebration is light — candles, bonfires, and more.

Origins of Yule:

In the Northern hemisphere, the winter solstice has been celebrated for millenia. The Norse peoples viewed it as a time for much feasting, merrymaking, and, if the Icelandic sagas are to be believed, a time of sacrifice as well. Traditional customs such as the Yule log, the decorated tree, and wassailing can all be traced back to Norse origins.

Celtic Celebrations of Winter:

The Celts of the British Isles celebrated midwinter as well. Although little is known about the specifics of what they did, many traditions persist. According to the writings of Pliny the Elder, this is the time of year in which Druid priests sacrificed a white bull and gathered mistletoe in celebration.

Roman Saturnalia:

Few cultures knew how to party like the Romans. Saturnalia was a festival of general merrymaking and debauchery held around the time of the winter solstice. This week-long party was held in honor of the god Saturn, and involved sacrifices, gift-giving, special privileges for slaves, and a lot of feasting. Although this holiday was partly about giving presents, more importantly, it was to honor an agricultural god.

Welcoming the Sun Through the Ages:

Four thousand years ago, the Ancient Egyptians took the time to celebrate the daily rebirth of Horus – the god of the Sun. As their culture flourished and spread throughout Mesopotamia, other civilizations decided to get in on the sun-welcoming action. They found that things went really well… until the weather got cooler, and crops began to die. Each year, this cycle of birth, death and rebirth took place, and they began to realize that every year after a period of cold and darkness, the Sun did indeed return.

Winter festivals were also common in Greece and Rome, as well as in the British Isles. When a new religion called Christianity popped up, the new hierarchy had trouble converting the Pagans, and as such, folks didn’t want to give up their old holidays. Christian churches were built on old Pagan worship sites, and Pagan symbols were incorporated into the symbolism of Christianity. Within a few centuries, the Christians had everyone worshipping a new holiday celebrated on December 25.

In some traditions of Wicca and Paganism, the Yule celebration comes from the Celtic legend of the battle between the young Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King, representing the light of the new year, tries each year to usurp the old Holly King, who is the symbol of darkness. Re-enactment of the battle is popular in some Wiccan rituals.

Aspects of Yule

Yule Comments & Graphics
Aspects of Yule

Time of deepest darkness
The God is born anew
Seedling in the frozen earth
Awaiting springtime dew.

The ground, an icy wasteland,
Though neighbors hearts are warm
We share our goods with everyone
So no one comes to harm.

Snow lies on her shoulders
Frosted mantle for her hair
Winter’s Queen is giving birth
The Goddess, always there

The sun is growing brighter.
It happens every year
Promising return of light
For sod and oak and deer

Stag King, his mighty antlers
Rising from a drift
Leaps for the hunter’s arrow
Just as strong and swift

He knows his time has ended
He is heading to the plain
Where joy caresses memory
Like softly summer rain

New fawn takes his first step,
The buck he will become.
After the time of knowing
A new year has begun.

(poem by: Zephyr Lioness )

A Little Humor For Your Day – You’re no longer cool when….

You’re no longer cool

You Are No Longer “Cool” When

  1. You find yourself listening to talk radio.
  2. You daughter says she got pierced and you look at her ears.
  3. The pattern on your shorts and couch match.
  4. You fondly remember your powder blue leisure suit.
  5. You think Tragically Hip is when a middle-aged man gets a new sports car, hair piece and a 20 year old girlfriend.
  6. You criticize the kids of today for their satanic suicide-inducing music, forgetting that you rocked to Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath.
  7. You call the police on a noisy party next door instead of grabbing beer and joining it.
  8. You turn down free tickets to a rock concert because you have to work the next day.
  9. When grass is something that you cut, not cultivate.
  10. When jogging is something you do to your memory.
  11. Getting a little action means your prune juice is working.
  12. All the cars behind you flash their headlights.
  13. You remember the “Rolling Stones” as a rock group not a corporation.
  14. You bought your first car for the same price you paid for your son’s new running shoes.
  15. You actually ASK for your father’s advice.
  16. You don’t know how to operate a fax machine.
  17. When someone mentions SURFING you picture waves and a surf board.

AhaJokes.com

Today’s Quiz – ‘What Mask Do You Wear?’

What Mask Do You Wear? Quiz

One of the first steps toward creating a life that fills us with joy and  contentment is recognizing the role we play that may be keeping us confined in  unhappy, unsatisfying patterns of behavior. Most of us learned our roles early  in childhood, but after a certain point, those masks we wear stopped helping us.  Which mask do you wear?

Take this quiz to see which role you play. You may recognize the masks your  loved ones wear, too!

1. Do you often find yourself thinking, “It should be like THIS” or “They’re  doing it WRONG”?

2. Does your striving for perfection sometimes drive you crazy?

3. Do you feel like you will never be good enough?

4. Do you often tell yourself, “I can’t help it” or “It’s not my fault”?

5. Do you find yourself looking to the past and thinking, “It would have been  alright if only. . .”

6. Do you look to the future and think “Everything will be alright  when. . .”

7. Do you sometimes do things because you think you should or you feel  obligated to, but you really don’t want to?

8. Do you commonly tell yourself that making others happy is more important  than what you need or feel?

9. Do you often say yes when you really want to say no?

10. Do you often rush in to help people and fix it for them?

If you answered “yes” to 1, 2 or 3, you may be wearing the mask of the  Judge. The Judge is the mouthpiece of the Demon of Perfection that says,  no matter how good it gets, it will never be good enough.

 

If you answered “yes” to 4, 5, or 6, you may be wearing the mask of the  Victim. The Victim makes up “poor me” stories and is rarely in a state of  gratitude or in the present moment.

If you answered “yes” to 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, you may be wearing the mask of  the Prostitute/Rescuer. The Prostitute pretends to be anything you want  her to be, compromising herself to get what she wants–which is usually love and  acceptance. She hides the truth of how she really feels. The Rescuer is the more  respectable face of this mask–the Nurse endlessly mopping the brows of the  wounded, the Hero rushing in to make everything better. The problem with this  mask is that it subtly (or not so subtly!) tells people, “I don’t respect you  enough to believe you can do this yourself.”

There is no shame in having learned to play one of these roles. Most of us  did. But we can all learn how to gently put aside the masks that hide our  authentic selves

 

Daily Feng Shui News for Dec. 16th – ‘Blue Topaz’

One of the birthstones associated with the month of December is blue topaz, a stone that has long been linked with aiding physical health. It’s believed that wearing this stone will help to steady and regulate the action of the heart while also stabilizing the body’s glandular systems. It has even been known to help treat tonsillitis, whooping cough and mumps. Just remember that if you give this stone to someone and tell them to ‘wear it in good health,’ the odds are pretty high they will.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for December 16th is The Scarab

Your Charm for Today

The Scarab

Today’s Meaning:  

The Scarab is a symbol of creation. Someone close to you will soon announce the conception of new life, life that will positively affect you within this aspect.

General Description:  

Scarabs are engraved stones representing the Scarab beetle (Scarabaeus sacer), which rolls each of its eggs in a ball ofmud and may be seen on sandy slopes in the hot sunshine of Egypt; rounding the pellet by pushing it backwards uphill with its hind legs, and allowing it to roll down again. The ancient Egyptian compared this living germ to the sun, which brings matter into life, and the Scarab became the symbol of creation, and sacred to their Sun-god, khepera. It was their custom as far back as 4,600 years B.C. to bury these engraved Scarabs with their dead, and frequently one was placed in the heart itself. It was an emblem of re-creation, and symbolized this evolution of the soul through eternity.

Your Animal Spirit for December 16th is The Dolphin

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 16, 2013

Dolphin

Ever watched a school of dolphins playing with each other, or with the surfers in their midst? If you have, you’ll understand the message Dolphin brings today—the message of joyful play. Dolphins are in total harmony with their environment, and practice love for each other—always helping the young, or a sick comrade. Join Dolphin’s happy community today and celebrate how much we’re all alike, instead of focusing on our differences

Your Rune For December 16th is Ansuz

Your Rune For Today        

Ansuz       

Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

 

 

 

Today’s Tarot Card for December 16th is The Hermit

The Hermit

Monday, Dec 16th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, Dec. 16th

The distractions are endless today, making it difficult to hold our concentration on any one task as the inquisitive Gemini Moon increases our curiosity and draws our attention to something new. It may be quite challenging to follow through on everything we start now, since we can imagine many possible outcomes in every direction we look. But it’s nearly impossible to gauge how much to say as messenger Mercury aligns with over-the-top Jupiter.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may be feeling extremely enthusiastic today as effervescent Jupiter pumps up your optimism. Even if you are facing tough circumstances, you can still find something positive to focus on. But don’t paint such a worry-free picture that you overlook an important truth right before your eyes. Instead, map out a realistic strategy for the upcoming months ahead and concentrate on accomplishing your goals. Sheer determination and hard work could be all you need to make your dreams come true.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

New perspectives continue to expand your understanding of the big world outside your door. You are going on a journey within your mind, so take every opportunity you can to learn more about yourself as you travel. Explore your interests in religion, philosophy, or metaphysics, even if you are normally concerned with more mundane things. Put your current inspiration to work by doing your best to discover the secrets of the universe.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your moods may be a bit uncontrollable today, prompting you to react without thinking. Usually, you’re the one who cleverly motivates others, but the tables are turned for the next few weeks as your associates push you into action. You won’t be able to get away without cooperating, so use this time to act in a forward-thinking manner instead of waiting until it’s too late. It’s okay to take a risk, but allowing others to lead may be more productive for now.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Your big ideas might not solve any work-related issues, but they do help you think more globally. You could try to bury your feelings so you can kick yourself into action today, but you could move so fast that you overdo it. Don’t let your impulsive excitement lead you into any agreements that limit your range of action or you may feel stuck until the end of the year. Relying on your natural cautious instincts now works in your favor.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You receive an encouraging boost of energy today from witty Mercury as it stirs up colorful ideas in your 5th House of Creativity; however, it’s your decision on how best to use your current inspiration. You may be highly productive or choose to have a whole lot of fun instead. The good news is that you can get the best of both worlds, applying your playful spirit in a spontaneous way whether you are at work or at home. Whatever you do, don’t waste this magical moment.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your primary concern over the following weeks may involve finding the right mixture of enthusiasm and restraint as you vacillate between moving forward with your career aspirations and retreating into the safety of your nest. Your best strategy might be to avoid making a final decision for a while. Let the internal conflict inspire you to imagine new possibilities even while circumstances continue to slow you down.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may feel another surge of mental energy as you search for long-term solutions to current problems. But don’t squander a wonderful opportunity by staying within your head. Now that you are buzzing, do something about it and initiate a bold move. Don’t get hung up wondering if you are making the right decision or not; any movement now is better than waiting for the perfect moment. Strike while the iron is hot.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your financial security might seem so important to you now that you’re tempted to set aside matters of the heart so you can focus on managing your business. Of course you realize your silence will not last forever, so you’re probably just delaying the inevitable. Although your self-esteem may be shaky today, you could boost your confidence by pushing past your fears and guiding your actions from a place of love.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The party vibes kick up another notch as jovial Jupiter spreads his good cheer all over the place. You may feel charged up with an energetic buzz, allowing you to enjoy just about anything that attracts your attention. Unfortunately, your short-term enthusiasm can temporarily overwhelm your long-term strategic goals. Beware of saying yes too quickly, even if you are more than ready for whatever happens next. A little bit of caution improves your chances of success.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Preventing your feelings from bottling up within you is critical today because your intentions will probably slip out even if you don’t express what’s on your mind. Taking full responsibility for your needs is much more admirable than playing the role of a victim. Your ambitions may be honorable, but circumstances can quickly get muddled unless you are prepared to walk your emotional talk. Thankfully, your sense of integrity will see you through.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might be very surprised with all the changes occurring in your life. Your social calendar continues to get even busier as friendly Mercury is activated in your 11th House of Friends. Enjoy the energetic shift outward as you think about filling up your calendar with exciting activities. Just remember that it’s okay to turn down an invitation if you don’t feel up to it, for there will be plenty more opportunities for fun throughout the holiday season.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may be a fairly private person, you now have a chance to show the world how well you can play with others. Perhaps you feel more ambitious today, yet you’re not certain how best to apply your efforts. Don’t worry about finalizing a new plan, for your greatest strength today is your ability to make it up as you go along. Have faith in the process of collaboration and be ready to create positive change.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of December 16th

This may be a destabilizing week when it comes to love. A Full Moon in Gemini on December 17 will leave us grappling with whether we should feel our emotions or think them through first. On the same day, Uranus will hurtle direct in self-oriented Aries. This jolt to our system might throw the balance of partnership way off — and your lover might even fall off the seesaw! Then, on Saturday, love planet Venus enters her retrograde phase and will backpedal until Jan. 31, 2014. With Venus in Capricorn, we’ll struggle with redefining our responsibility in a love relationship and relearn how to love ourselves with greater commitment. Yes folks, love keeps us alive. This week however, it might also drive us a little batty.
Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Prepare to be electrified! Uranus will turn direct in your sign on Tuesday, and aside from the ability to express your innovative side like never before, you’ll demand the right to do so in the context of a relationship. Be careful, however, because all of this just might backfire in your face if you’re too reckless in your pursuit of independence. If there’s too much “I,” there’s no room for “we,” and it’s wise to remember that a partnership is a delicate balancing act. Are you up for it or would you rather go solo? Only time will tell.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Everything you thought you knew about love is about to change. On Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde, and until Jan. 31, 2014, you might not feel as shiny as usual. This lackluster demeanor might be due to the fact that Venus is your ruling planet, and when retrograde her powers of attraction are not as dynamic. You’ll need to revise your self-worth concept during this time in all areas — but especially in matters of the heart. The rules of love may change during this time, and what you once believed was not aligned to your ideology might suddenly begin to make sense.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Tuesday’s Full Moon in your sign will leave you wearing your heart on your sleeve — a not so comfortable place for a casual, airy sign such as yourself. You prefer to make light of things and to display affection in an almost childlike way. With the Full Moon highlighting your emotional side, however, you may appear more sensitive. Your partner might actually welcome the change of pace. Then, on Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde. Anticipate a shift in how you and your partner divvy up resources and approach bedroom activities. Don’t worry — revising this area of your life will ultimately strengthen it.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Welcome to relationship rehab, Cancer! Oh wait, you didn’t reserve a room? No worries, the universe will gladly offer you a suite this time around. You can thank Venus turning retrograde in your partnership sector on Saturday for this VIP treatment. Until Jan. 31, 2014, you’ll be in the position of redefining your relationship and your place in it. What is it about your mate that leaves you feeling less than valued? What are you bringing to your relationship these days? More importantly, is the love still alive? All of these questions and more are about to be answered. Let the restoration begin!

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Have you been caught up in a cycle where you’re enjoying “friends with benefits?” If so, a Full Moon on Tuesday will bring the situation to light, and you might change your perspective about this relationship. Alternatively, if you’ve been entertaining the thought of an office romance, or if you’re currently wrapped up in one, Saturday’s retrograde of Venus in your work sector will prompt you to carefully consider the pros and cons behind such an affair. If it’s love you’ll be willing to take any potential fallout, but if it’s not you’ll soon realize it’s just not worth it

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

With Venus about to turn retrograde in your romance sector on Saturday, you may begin to feel less than satisfied when it comes to your love life. If single, this cycle will not be an ideal time to begin dating anyone new. In fact, until Jan. 31, 2014, you may feel more disappointed in matters of the heart as you struggle with loneliness, or feeling rejected by the object of your affection. If you’re in a relationship, you and your mate might feel as if you’ve lost that loving feeling. Ask yourselves what you can do to feel alive in love once more.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

On Tuesday, you might feel that your lover or partner is acting in a rather abrupt fashion. Unexpected behavior may throw you off guard, and if so try not to take it personally. He or she may feel the need for extra breathing room. By Saturday, and until Jan. 31, 2014, you might experience trouble between your sweetheart and at least one close relative. This pair might not get along as easily as you’d hoped, setting up a disappointing reality for you to accept. You might be in love with your sweetie, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your family is.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Expect your most intimate needs to be revealed near Tuesday’s Full Moon. In fact, with this lunation it’s possible for you and your mate to reach a new level of closeness once you choose to face a demon you’ve had haunting you. Instead of automatically shutting your partner out of this deep part of you, allow him or her to help. You may be pleasantly surprised at the result. Communicating about your romantic feelings may become a challenge after Saturday. Re-read love letters or other correspondence between you and your mate from the past to help you move past any insecurity in this area

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

A Full Moon in your partnership sector on Tuesday might lead to a turning point in your relationship. Suddenly, you’ll be keenly aware of whether or not your union is flowing freely or blocked by a situation you need to confront. In all likelihood money is a factor and you may feel as if your resources need TLC. After Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in your earned income sector, forcing you to pay extra attention to financial matters. Indeed, money problems are often the greatest source of strife in a relationship. Now is the time to handle yours.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Are you feeling unbeautiful? Are you feeling insecure about your love life? Are you feeling stuck in a relationship rut? If so, it’s no surprise. On Saturday, Venus will station retrograde and it will remain in this weakened position until Jan. 31, 2014. During this time you’re encouraged to refrain from beginning a new relationship and instead work on loving yourself first. If you’re in a partnership, expect a reevaluation to determine whether or not your relationship needs are being met. Yes, this will be a sober time, but in the end you’ll know what you’re truly worth and what you deserve in love.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With your ruler, Uranus, turning direct on Tuesday, it’s likely you’ll feel free to exert your individuality in a close relationship this week. You may appear more detached to a lover as you focus on activities that make the most of your original spirit. Try not to leave your partner behind in the dust! By Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in the most hidden area of your chart. Keeping romantic matters secluded might prove to be more frustrating than you think. Ask yourself: Why do you need such privacy now?

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your social life might become more complicated this week. On Saturday, Venus will turn retrograde in your friendship sector and will remain retrograde until Jan. 31, 2014. During the next several weeks it’s possible you’ll struggle with romantic feelings for a pal. Does your friend feel the same way about you? If so, are you both willing to risk a fabulous friendship in favor of exploring a potential love connection? Take things slow and avoid making a decision until after Venus turns direct. This might be the love of your life, but it may also be a beautiful disaster in the making.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 16th

The anxiety factor in humanity’s sociological state is being raised to high levels during the 24-hour time-span before tomorrow’s Full Moon and Uranus shift from reverse to direct. Even though nerves may be frayed more than usual, keep preparing for the illuminating energy-field about to descend into the physical realm from divine sources.  Helping your financial bottom line is an inspirational, 72-degree link from the Sun to Vesta (1:29AM). Learn more about better ways to invest your monetary resources. Travel plans and communication strategies could go awry while Mercury forms an off-kilter, 150-degree contact with Jupiter (11:03AM). Adjust your thought process with the goal of being more open-minded and flexible in your attitudes. Trying too hard to make things happen your way can backfire with nasty results. Tensions are also rising in the realm of emotional expression due to Juno forming a frictional, 45-degree aspect to Uranus (6:10PM).  You may want to meditate or focus on spiritual studies as the Full Moon occurs early tomorrow morning at 1:29AM.  [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard 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 December 16th

Calendar of the Moon

Elder Tree Month

Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.

Ruis Invocation

Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.

Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.

[Pagan Book of Hours]