Waning Moon Prayer
I call upon you Hecate
My words I ask you harken
For your waning moon is in the sky
Her silver shine be darken…
As you ride her silver crest
Deep into the night,
Take with you the powers of my words
When upon I see her newborn light
I’ll know my spell has been heard.
So Mote It Be
Use to increase power and use it wisely.
You will need:
Orange candle
High John the Conqueror oil
The best time to cast this spell is at midnight on a Full Moon, but if you don’t want to stay up that late, you can work it at any point on the Full Moon night or on a Sabbat.
Since you are asking to draw in power, be sure you are firmly grounded and centered before casting this spell and that the space you are working in is protected. Unlike some of the spell where it makes little difference whether or not you start by casting a formal cycle, in this case you should do so. This is not a spell to take lightly.
Cast your circle, ask for help from the four quarters, invoke the triple Goddess of your choice, then anoint the candle with the High John Oil. Be sure you are centered before reciting the spell.
As my craft I work to hone At this deep and sacred hour I call on Maiden, Mother, Crone To send me wisdom, strength and power. Lend me power for my spells Power for work and power for play Send wisdom so I’ll use it well Growing in power every day. So Mote It BeWhen you finish saying the spell, visualize power and energy spilling down the moonlight and into your body. Stay in the circle for as long as it takes to feel done. Then be sure to say thank you before dismising the circle.
Of all the spaces that surround us, of all the blessings we send out into the world, of all the things we honor and consider sacred, it is often our own bodies that are most in need of honor and celebration. Considered by many to be the vehicle through which our soul experiences the physical world, our bodies are indeed worthy of recognition as the spiritual temples they are. Too frequently we focus on our perceived physical imperfections, forget the miracle of the body’s ability to heal itself when we are ailing, or take for grannted the fragile balance our bodies need to sustain us, instead choosing to abuse ourselves with excess, deprive ourselves of adequate sleep or nourishing food, and engage in other physically and psychologically damaging behaviors.
For women especially, how we carry ourselves and think about our body is incredibly emotionally charged. We are constantly being bombarded with messages telling us how we are suppose to look and what we are supposed to wear. Women’s bodies have been objectified by a culture that has also programmed us to believe they are objects of sin and shame. Reclaiming the sacred nature of our physical form is a service both to our selves and to our sisters—it is a rejection of the old paradigm and a reframing of how women think about themselves on their own terms.
There is a Hermetic Axiom that states: “As above, so below. As within, so without.” One treatment and reverence for our body both reflects upon, and is a reflection of, the spirit that dwells within. How can you bring a sense of the sacred to your physical self? Perhaps you can incorporate a daily routine of self-anointing with oils you have blessed for this purpose and chosen to consciously eat wholesome foods to power your body-temple. Indulge in sacred spa days and pamper yourself with a luxurious bath scented with herbs and flowers that stimulate the essence of the Divine within. Wear colors and styles that reflect your personality and make you feel beautiful, rather than feeling like a slave to the trends of fashion. Adorn yourself with stones and symbolic jewelry that serve as reminders of your holy nature. And, perhaps most importantly, support other women in cultivating a sense of the self as sacred: discourage self-deprecating remarks, do not engage in disempowering body behaviors, and praise your sisters and brothers as the beautiful and perfect being they are.
While it’s useful and beneficial to create a physical sacred space, such as a hearth or garden, creating sacred space within yourself may be the best thing you can do for your spirit.
Excerpt from:
Making Space Sacred Author Jhenah Telyndru Llewellyn’s 2012 Witches Companion
That the day after Thanksgiving is the “official” start of the holiday shopping season may be linked together with the idea of Santa Claus parades. Parades celebrating Thanksgiving often include an appearance by Santa at the end of the parade, with the idea that ‘Santa has arrived’ or ‘Santa is just around the corner’ because Christmas is always the next major holiday following Thanksgiving.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Santa or Thanksgiving Day parades were sponsored by department stores. These include the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, in Canada, sponsored by Eaton’s, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade sponsored by Macy’s. Department stores would use the parades to launch a big advertising push. Eventually it just became an unwritten rule that no store would try doing Christmas advertising before the parade was over. Therefore, the day after Thanksgiving became the day when the shopping season officially started.
Later on, the fact that this marked the official start of the shopping season led to controversy. In 1939, retail shops would have liked to have a longer shopping season, but no store wanted to break with tradition and be the one to start advertising before Thanksgiving. President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the date for Thanksgiving one week earlier, leading to much anger by the public who wound up having to change holiday plans. Some even refused the change, resulting in the U.S. citizens celebrating Thanksgiving on two separate days. Some started referring to the change as Franksgiving.
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow
Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.
Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation, and beauty.
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: Libra
Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance and partnership.
Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter
Moon enters Scorpio 11:03 pm
Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.
Incense: Violet
Color: Purple
The lightness of Your touch may not be noticed
The brightness of Your presence may not be seen
The coolness of Your body may not be felt
Until You, Goddess of Snow, fall heavy
Until You, White Lady of the Forest, reflect sunshine
Until You, Ice Queen, want to be felt
Praises to the White Goddess
Praises to the Lady of the Ice Forest
Praises to the Snow Queen
Blessed Be
How many of you have braved the crowds and the cold this morning? You are a braver soul than I am, lol! We had one of heaters that we use to keep the critters warm go out. So I have to venture out today and pick up a new one. Believe it or not, I am dreading that.
So did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? Lots of good food & good company? I know I had an excellent meal yesterday. My daughter has turned out to be an wonderful cook. We got ready to leave, she packed me down with leftovers galore. I’m not complaining I will probably has turkey for the next week. I love turkey. I don’t know why I think you can eat it only a certain time of the year. The funny thing, no sooner had we got through with eating turkey and dressing, she started talking about Christmas. She knows I celebrate Yule and she also knows when she was growing up I celebrated Christmas with them. Since both of my children have become adults, I have come out and told them, “I don’t celebrate Christmas.” I do believe that is when I was told I was going to hell, huh? The funny part was, she would mention getting the fixings and me doing the cooking. Every time she would say, “So I buy everything you need and you can cook?” I believe she is getting a taste of what dear old mom did all these years. It is good though to be with family at this time of year. It would be even better that this feeling we have or perhaps tradition to be with family would last all year long. Don’t get me wrong about what I am trying to say. It just seems like at special season, we long for family and friends, to be with them is a must. We should have that feeling last all year long.
I am stopping now, I feel a soapbox moment coming on and I am hushing. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and may the rest of the holiday be relaxing and joyful. Don’t get knocked about in the malls and please don’t get shot (yes, shot! We had a local shooting around here this morning over sales!). Perhaps if you do go out, wear some body armor. We also had several fights around here too. The world, what is it coming too!
I am going to get busy now. Enjoy your holiday and please stay safe!
Luv & Hugs,
Lady A
May you be blessed with love of family and the Love of Our Goddess not only today but all year long!
Wishing you a very Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!
Lady Of The Abyss & Witches Of The Craft
Luck-oriented legends say that eating a pear on Thanksgiving night will bring fortuitous fortunes and tons of luck for the year that follows. Sharing this empowering tip is my way of thanking you for being you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
The Amulet Box
Today’s Meaning:
There are papers in your near future. This aspect is affect by legal papers of some kind–a contract, a deed or a license of some kind. These papers will bring improvement to your life.
General Description:
The people of Tibet are most superstitious. It is the custom for almost everyone to wear charms. The Amulet-box illustrated contains small inscribed scrolls covered with magical characters. These magical formulae are written and blessed by their Lamas. The scrolls are believed to be all powerful spells for appeasing evil spirits, keeping the wearers from all physical harm, safeguarding them from every kind of danger, and protecting them from the blighting effects of the evil eye. Many of these charm boxes are of gold elaborately chased, and encrusted with turquoise.
When Horse came back to the Americas, he brought with him the ability to move rapidly from place to place—and it’s this rapid movement that he brings to you today. Get up, get out of the rut you’ve created. Grab Horse’s mane, pull yourself onto his back and let him carry you across the plains of your life. The time for being stuck is over.
The Moon
Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.
As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.
Your Rune For Today
Laguz
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.
Traditionally, what has been known as the Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.
Often including the image of a fulcrum which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It’s a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of Karma is represented here — what goes around comes around.
Experiencing harmony in relationships isn’t likely enough today; we also want to talk about our feelings. The pleasure-seeking Libra Moon reflects our need to play the role of host, with our satisfaction dependent upon others. Sweet Venus opposes joyful Jupiter, adding a sense of optimism, even if our current situations are less than perfect. Thankfully, words come easily now because chatty Mercury forms a harmonizing trine with Jupiter.
You might hit a few emotional speed bumps if you move too fast today. Even if your life is running smoothly, you would be wise to pay attention to a potential problem before it creates trouble. If you’re not careful, your enthusiasm may get the best of you and you could even go too far. Remind yourself throughout the day that your high energy can make others uncomfortable. Tempering your exuberance with a little common sense enables you to lead with your heart while still acknowledging the needs of everyone else.
Enjoying the finer things in life now without overdoing it isn’t as easy as it sounds. You may be tempted to eat or drink more than you should or to spend more money than you have. Thankfully, you don’t need to let these warnings prevent you from having a wonderful time. Go ahead and joyfully indulge in a bit of sensory pleasure, but make sure that you don’t push your limits too far.
You may feel like a million bucks today; you’re at the top of your game when it comes to dishing out your clever repartee. You can easily put your best foot forward and then do your famous verbal tap dance to impress others. However, you might be too smart for your own good now. The power of positive thinking only works if you don’t push the envelope beyond what’s socially acceptable. Taking a calculated risk is a good idea as long as you’re ready to abandon your plans if they go awry.
You can communicate quite effectively today, even if you would rather withhold your emotions. You should be able to manifest your dreams if you just let your intuition take over. However, there’s a delicate balance between your ideals and what you actually achieve. Your romantic fantasies may now be realized, but you must give voice to your feelings or you won’t get what you need. Be brave and speak from your heart.
Letting your errant feelings out into the open can be stressful today, for your current needs might appear out of character for you. Nevertheless, it’s nearly impossible to adjust your desires to what others are willing to give. Meeting someone halfway begins with listening rather than just stating what you want. Finding a way to be emotionally flexible now will better your chances of having a memorable day spent with those you love.
You might prosper in love today, but circumstances could stress you out, nonetheless. Normally, you are careful about what you say and what you eat, but now you are tempted to overindulge. As long as you aren’t concerned with making these pleasures last, this can be quite an amazing day. But tomorrow may not be as pleasant when you realize what you’ve done in the name of immediate gratification. Paying attention to your limits makes more sense and won’t detract from your fun.
Going out of your way to consciously perform random acts of kindness can make your day much more pleasurable. Even if you’re just chatting with your friends today, your optimism encourages those around you. Your spirit of generosity is reflected back to you in the form of greater freedom, more expansive thinking and heightened creativity. Something special will happen if you continue to express love and beauty in an altruistic way.
Say whatever’s on your mind today because the planets can maximize the positive impact of your words. Even if you have felt unforgiving in the past, it may be the right time now to reassess the situation. Relationship issues are best tackled with a loving and supportive approach, but behind the serious talk is your desire to bask in the glory of love. Be extra sweet to someone you cherish and the positive repercussions will ripple back to you quickly.
You like to dream big and your fantasies are over the top today, enticing you away from a more practical approach. Your key planet Jupiter is overstimulated by sensual Venus and mischievous Mercury, encouraging you to partake in one too many social activities. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in the fun, but don’t go overboard. Steer clear from jumping to conclusions before you logically think your vision all the way through.
Your organizational skills are operating at peak efficiency, but you could become distracted today and gloss over a few important details. Although you can clearly see the whole picture, it’s difficult to stay on track as temptation tests your self-discipline. It might be too easy to let your responsibilities fall to the wayside now as you seek the pleasure in your life that may be long overdue. Balancing work and play is your best approach — as long as you lean toward having fun.
You want to be appreciated for your actions today and your current routine may send you off in an entirely different direction than you imagined. However, this isn’t a great time to trust your intuition, for you might be attracted to the easiest path instead of the smartest one; your sense of proportion is slightly bent out of shape. Remember, it’s less important to be recognized now than it is to feel good about what you’ve done. True self-esteem comes from within.
It’s all too easy to become obsessed with the ideas, myths and religions of another culture as expansive Jupiter harmonizes with mental Mercury in your 9th House of Distant Places. Falling in love with someone or something is quite possible now. Opportunities for pleasure are knocking at your door, but they won’t wait around forever. Enjoy each experience for what it offers, but don’t ruin it by trying to make it permanent.
Tarotcom Staff on the topics of thanksgiving, holidays, astrologyLet’s get real: Life is not a Norman Rockwell painting. When it comes to spending a lot of time with family during the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into the most stressful time of the year.
Even the people we love the most have a unique way of pushing our buttons when we spend too much time together. Add that to the stress of juggling holiday parties, meal planning and gift shopping from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, and … well, let’s just say it’s easy to go from holly jolly to downright brawly in the blink of Santa’s eye.
Astrology can help you watch for the things that trigger your horoscope sign’s stress levels most. Here are some cosmic tips on how every zodiac sign can cope with stressful family situations all season long.
Even dynamic Rams can run out of energy during the holidays, and it stresses you out when you don’t have enough steam to get everything done. If a family member asks for one more thing on top of this, watch out for your fiery temper! Prevent a meltdown by setting aside at least one hour of alone time per day. Delegate some of your tasks to others and go for a walk or take a nap. You don’t have to do everything yourself — that’s what family is for!
Taurus, you’re the peacemaker, and your family relies on you to solve disputes over the dinner table during the holidays. And you know what? That stresses you out! You don’t like to witness conflict or hurt feelings, and it’s even worse if you can’t help settle everyone down because then you feel like you’ve failed. If you find yourself stressed by family drama this year, use your stubborn nature to cope. Insist everyone calm down and speak respectfully, and don’t walk away until peace prevails.
You don’t suffer fools gladly, Gemini. Your short temper can be triggered when a family member says something you disagree with, or if they move too slowly — like when Granny drives you to the mall in her 1987 Cutlass Ciera. You need to practice patience, dear Gemini. Take part in daily activities to calm your overactive mind, like yoga or an art class to, so you won’t blow a gasket at Thanksgiving dinner.
Sensitive Cancer Crabs are especially prone to holiday family stress. You are very negatively affected by criticism, angry outbursts or being ignored. And it’s easy for certain family members to hurt your feelings unintentionally — like if one of your siblings seems to be getting preferential treatment, or if someone accidentally insults you with a nose trimmer as a holiday gift. To keep Crab from getting crabby, it’s important you speak up and let the offending family member know how you feel. Don’t keep your hurt feelings to yourself, or you’ll wind up nursing a stress-related ulcer. Take a deep breath and let your feelings be known, and more than likely you’ll find peace in an apology.
Leo, you need to let go. Your stress triggers are primarily situations you can’t control, and that is an inevitable part of the holidays. One of your family members might break the gravy dish, you may lose your car in the mall parking garage on Black Friday, or Uncle Jerry might infer that your career choice falls short of family expectations. Whatever it is that takes place to trigger your insecurities and prompt you to throw a childish temper tantrum… Let. It. Go. You’ll be much happier that way.
You think too much, Virgo — which accounts for your greatest holiday stress. Just the thought of getting all your holiday chores done and attending to every family member’s needs is enough to tie you in knots. But the thing is, once you actually start working on the things you need to get done, you’re fine. Make lots of lists to help keep you on track – write down what you can do to help others, too. You’ll feel calmer just putting it all on paper. Pretend you’re making a list for Santa, it’ll be fun!
Not being treated fairly is hugely stressful for you, Libra. And you also can’t deal with a lot of clutter. But during large family holiday gatherings, it’s easy for these needs to be neglected. If someone takes the last slice of pumpkin pie before you’ve had any, and then has the nerve to leave the dirty dish on the counter, look out! That will set you off, and you could waste hours weighing the pros and cons of confronting them about it. Rather than seething in silence or overreacting defensively, respond calmly in the moment. Keep it short and sweet — no long-winded speeches or accusations. You’ll get better results once people know where you stand.
Your family doesn’t realize how sensitive you are, Scorpio, because you hide it well. You have a quiet strength, so you’re easily stressed out by big noisy family gatherings. You also feel tense and nervous when you don’t get enough privacy, so be sure to let your family members know your needs and boundaries so you can negotiate what works for all. It may be as simple as going into a private room alone for an hour to regroup, or leaving a lit bit sooner than the rest of the clan. If you explain, they will understand.
You’re all about movement, Sagittarius, so the idea of sitting in a relative’s living room for five hours straight is your personal hell. You’re also not big on formal family dinners where you must act properly and “behave.” Any situation that reins you in can trigger stress, like someone pressuring you to buy too many gifts or show up on time for dinner. Find ways to spend some time outdoors to feed your restless spirit. Help decorate the family home with outdoor lights or shovel snow from the sidewalks up and down the street so you won’t feel so constrained.
You demand a lot from yourself, Capricorn. And, you feel pressured when you fail to live up to your high expectations during the holidays. You worry worry worry about serving the right holiday dishes, buying the right gifts or telling the right jokes at the holiday dinner table. You can end up going over the “what ifs” or “if onlys” ’til you’re all lathered up. The remedy is to live in the moment, the only place where joy can be found. And, be sure there’s plenty of time to relax in your hectic holiday schedule.
Though “live and let live” is your motto, Aquarius, you really like to have your way. But when you’re surrounded by family members during the holidays, you need to learn the art of compromise. You don’t need to bend your will entirely to that of every family member, but do make more of an effort to accommodate their needs, too. You’re a little high-strung even when it’s not the holiday season, so trying to do so much traveling, partying, shopping and planning in so little time can stress you out right quick. Just slow down a little. Ironically, by slowing down you’ll actually get more done and feel more relaxed.
You’re a very private person, Pisces, so nosy family members or being put on the spot at a family gathering in which you feel exposed can be stressful. And you’re sensitive nature is also unnerved by loud family revelry, teasing and obnoxious behavior. You might become overly anxious in these family holiday situations because you don’t know how to shield yourself from such invasions. It’s difficult, but if you can give yourself a temporary attitude adjustment you’ll fare much better. Keep thinking “This too shall pass,” and take little escapes for an hour here and there so you get plenty of time alone to process your emotions and clear your slate.
Thanks to the Huffington Post for this beautiful graphic. You can also read an excellent article on “How to Find ISON, the Comet of the Century” at Mashable.
As indicated at the close of yesterday’s calendar entry, the lunar orb meets up with Vesta in airy Libra (12:01AM) — offering support for sisterhood bonds and increasing the value of assets and investments. There is additional good news less than 2 hours later when the Moon and the Sun form a supportive, 60-degree contact (1:43AM). Primary partnerships are more vulnerable to shake-ups and uncertainty due to Venus in Capricorn opposing Jupiter in Cancer (4:02AM) as well as the Moon in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries (6:11AM). If these two polarities behave like adversaries, then instability rises. However, there is always the chance that the four celestial bodies involved in these polarities can act as beacons of light and harmony instead of discord. The monthly Moon-Ceres union in Libra (8:58AM) is the perfect calming and comforting force that can bring warring parties to the negotiating table and smooth over hurt feelings and bad behavior. Trying too hard to solve problems this evening can backfire or prove too challenging as the Sun squares Pallas (8:08PM). Get ready for a rather turbulent end to November on Friday and Saturday as one long void lunar cycle and several disturbing sky patterns may put many human souls on the defensive. [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.]
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