Category: Articles

Astrology of Today – July 21, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – July 21, 2015

Summary:

The trine between the Sun and Saturn today brings a stabilizing, protective energy.

  • The Moon is in Virgo until 9:22 AM.
  • The Moon is void from 6:06 AM to 9:22 AM.
  • The Moon is in Libra from 9:22 AM forward (until Thursday, July 23rd, at 10:06 PM).
  • The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
  • A New Moon occurred on the 15th, and a first quarter Moon will occur on the 24th.
  • Venus is direct and is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Venus will retrograde from July 25-September 6).

Your Current Moon Phase for July 21 is Waxing Crescent

July 21
Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 26%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the western sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Phase Details for – Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 26%
Moon Age: 5.01 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 405,476.12 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,001,628.05 km

Lady A’s Spell of the Day – A Mirror Spell of Protection for the Home

FANTASY DRAGON

A Mirror Spell of Protection for the Home

Compose an altar: place a censer in the center before an image of the Goddess. Have a 12 inch (or so) round mirror there as well. Ring the altar with 9 white candles. Burn a protective incense (such as sandalwood, frankincense, copal or rosemary) in the censer. Beginning with the candle most directly before the Goddess image, say these words:

“Lunar light protect me!”

Repeat as you light each candle until all are glowing. Now, holding the mirror, invite the Goddess in Her lunar aspect with these words:

“Great Goddess of Lunar Light and Mistress of the Seas;
Great Goddess of the mystic night and of the mysteries;
Within this place of candles bright and with your mirror nigh;
Protect me with your awesome might while ill vibrations fly!”

Standing before the altar, hold the mirror facing the candles so that it reflects their flames. Keeping the mirror toward the candles, move slowly, clockwise, around the altar, watching the reflected firelight bouncing off your surroundings.

Gradually increase your speed, mentally invoking the Goddess to protect you. Move faster and faster; watch the light shattering the air, cleansing it, burning away all negativity and all lines along which the ill energies have traveled into your home.

Charge you home with the protective light of the Goddess. Race around the candles until you’ve felt the atmosphere change, until you feel that your home has been cleansed and guarded by the Great Goddess.

When finished, stand once again before the image. Thank the Goddess in any words you wish. Pinch out the candles one by one, bind them together with white cord and store them in a safe place until (and if) you need to use them again for this same purpose. Say:

“In no way will this spell cause me
to suffer any adverse effects!”

Let’s Talk Witch – Magic Coming Back

Les dragons
Magic Coming Back

The theory concerning one’s magic coming back to them, often referred to as the “three-fold law”, which was mentioned earlier in The Wiccan Rede is a common belief that negative or positive vibrations sent out while you perform Magic will come back to you in multiples of three or more. Wiccans generally accept that Magic will come back in multiple of three. Other branches of Witchcraft may believe the rule extends to six or nine times, while others do not accept the theory at all. For example, let’s say you curse Tom, according to the rule of three… or six, or nine… you would receive negativity back, but worse, and bad things would soon begin to happen to you. The same can be said for the opposite. If you work good magic, and perform multiple acts of healing, you may be rewarded very nicely.

This boomerang theory regarding your Magic coming back is another issue under debate by many in the Pagan communities, but my personal opinion is that it does exist. Regardless of one’s religious affiliation, I think we all endure the repercussions of our actions, regardless if our intentions are good or bad. Some people believe that your magic will come back to you nine times, but it is unlikely, judging from my own experience. Your Magic does in fact come back to you, but I don’t think the degree is accurately represented by most Pagans. From personal experience, I would say that it comes back to you in the same degree which you sent it out. I think you get back what you send out, just in a different package, but the same degree.

I would like to add, that I’ve performed Magic which I felt was very negative, and never received what I would consider the “Payback” of the 3X Rule. At the time, I certainly felt I was doing the world a favor by binding and causing minor destruction to this particular person. Perhaps my negative Magic was really goodness in disguise.

Maybe the rule of “X” is psychological, and if you believe you are doing evil, evil will then find its way to you. If you feel you’re doing good through performing negative magic, then maybe it’s not negative Magic, but good Magic after all. Perhaps the rule of 3X was a device created by earlier Pagans to attempt to instill a sense of morality, or more likely fear into people for wanting to perform potential negative Magic. Like an unwritten law or a rule of thumb to persuade others not to be bad. It’s also possible that a tiny bit of each of these possibilities comes into play when you perform Magic and the time comes for you to roll in the rewards or suffer the consequences. I strongly encourage students of Wicca to evaluate their motives and any possible repercussions when performing their Magic, especially when the Magic is negative and involves a 2nd or 3rd person. You should certainly ask yourself how your Magic will impact these other people, and how the repercussions will affect you. You and you alone know if what you’re doing is “right”.

I feel one of the biggest debates in the Pagan community at this time exists between sub-branches of Wicca. I’ve seen countless squabbles over what defines negative Magic, and let me tell you, the line between Good and Bad in the Wiccan world is very thin. I feel for anyone, to automatically classify a particular spell as improper or negative simply because it does not pertain to healing, is rather a naive and close-minded viewpoint. In order to completely understand whether a Magical act is negative or not, you would have to evaluate the motives of the person performing the Magic, the repercussions of the Magic performed, and the means by which the Magic was carried out.

A spell to bind a person, under most Wiccan regulations, would definitely be a “bad” Magical act; however, I believe that some people need cursing. For example, if a known rapist is stalking my daughter…. You can bet the bank I’m going to be doing some serious binding. Binding is prohibited under most Wiccan philosophies. I personally, would be willing to suffer the ill effects of the “Boomerang theory” or “Three-fold law” to magically deal with someone who may cause harm to my loved one. I would not see the Magical act as negative either. This is how I feel, but I certainly do not advocate or condone the use of Negative Magic, but admit that there may be a time and place for it, under dire circumstances. Magic should be used like a gun when dealing with questionable issues, use it for protection, and let your morals guide you.

 

The Spell Book of Wiccan Shadows
Dawn Flowers

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

to infinity and beyond:queen of dragons
Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

dragon:remember queen of my sun...foreverSeasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!

Today Is …

The Mayan New Year is celebrated annually on this date in South America. This is a very sacred day to the Maya, who welcome their New Year with feasts and prayers in honor of the old gods.

Mayan New Year. Make an offering in a well.

Egyptian: Birthday of Aten. Aten was the radiant disk of the sun. Aten (also Aton, Egyptian jtn) is the disk of the sun in ancient Egyptian mythology, and originally an aspect of Ra.

Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, July 21st

Dragons:magic forest
The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, July 21st

Day: Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red and Autumn Shades

Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel

Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli

Herb: Basil

The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection. Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.

Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honours, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, July 21st

Fantasy World
The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, July 21st

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

National Day (Belgian)

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Moon enters Libra 9: 23 am
Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.

Incense: Ylang-ylang

Color: Maroon

Tuesday’s Witchery

DRAGONS BOOK OF DREAMSTuesday’s Witchery

Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.

So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate onTiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.

Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.

Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.

—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Tuesday

LAND OF DRAGONS . . . . by aeva62022
Tuesday

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

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

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

On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source:
Gypsy Magic

Tasha’s Day by Day Planner for July 2015

LAND OF DRAGONS. . . .BY SJTasha’s Day by Day Planner for July 2015

 

Tue. 7/21 Justice loving Libra Moon leads us to the right choices. Sun/Saturn enhances long term planning.

Wed. 7/22 Artistic Libra Moon suggests rearranging for harmony. Sun into Leo expands our hearts.

Thu. 7/23 Arbitrating Libra Moon brings out fair mindedness. Mercury enters Leo enhancing romantic communication. Sun/Mercury speeds our words.

Fri. 7/24 Passionate Scorpio Moon heightens feelings today.

Sat. 7/25 Intense Scorpio Moon suggests a tight rein on feelings especially with Venus turning retrograde and a strong Mars/Uranus aspect. Watch out!

Sun. 7/26 Adventuresome Sagittarius Moon is enhanced by Uranus turning retrograde. Almost anything could happen.

Mon. 7/27 Philosophical Sagittarius Moon helps us cope.

 

Contact tashahal@gmail.com
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

LLunabar Moon Almanack for Tuesday, 21 July, 2015

fc58b-wish-upon-a-harvest-moonLunabar Moon Almanack for Tuesday, 21 July, 2015

 
Waxing, Crescent Moon Age: days.
Moon On Equator, at Ascending Node.
Moon in 6th degree of the Sign Libra, the Balance;
also in 13th deg. of the Constellation Virgo, the Virgin.
Moonrise: 11:11 morn. Souths: 5:22 eve. Moonset: 11:31 eve.

• • • •

Waxing Crescent Moon

Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiriation, Energy, Vitality, Freedom. Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)

Perform magic on waxing moons to attract a new quality or behavior, to increase the light within, to attain personal and spiritual growth and greater awareness. The quarter moon suggests a period of overcoming obstacles and continuing on the path to growth.

Spells and rituals involving the Air Element should be performed when the Moon is in the Air sign: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

Aspects of Libra ~ Yang, Masculine, Solar, Positive, Diurnal, Airy, Cardinal, Semi-fruitful, Horary Western, Autumnal, Austral, Obeying, Equinoctial, Moist, Vocal, Sweet, Hot.

• • • •

Moon Moon, Mother Moon
Lunar Lore

It is sure to be a dry moon if it lies on its back,
so that you can hang your hat on its horns.
~Welsh Border Saying
)0(
The moon she possibly doth shine because
Strook by the rays of sun, and day by day
May turn unto our gaze her light, the more
She doth recede from orb of sun, until,
Facing him opposite across the world,
She hath with full effulgence gleamed abroad…
~ Lucretius, “On the Nature of Things.”

• • • •
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Tuesday, 21 July, 2015

Sun+WallpapersLunabar Sun Almanack for Tuesday, 21 July, 2015

 
Sunrise: 5:59 morn. Sunset: 8:29 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 30m.
Dawn: 5:28 morn. Dusk: 9:00 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 31m.
Sun in 28th degree of the Sign Crabba, the Crab fish;
also in 1st degree of the Constellation Crabba, the Crab;

)0(
Red clouds at sunrise foretell wind;
at sunset, a fine day for the morrow.
~Francis Bacon, “Historia Ventorum”

• • • •

Aspects of Crabba: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Cardinal, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Solstitial, Tropical, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold, Psychic, Sensitive.

• • • •
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Wishing You & Yours A Very Beautiful & Blessed Tuesday Morn’!

In the Land of DragonsTraditional Scottish Blessing

 

May the blessing of light be on you:
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on
you like a great peat fire,
so that stranger and friend
may come and warm himself at it.
And may light shine out of the two
eyes of you,
like a candle set in the window of a
house,
bidding the wanderer come in out of
the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be
on you,
may it beat upon your spirit
and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there a shining pool
where the blue of Heaven shines,
and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the Earth
be on you,
soft under your feet
as you pass along the roads,
soft under you as you lie out on it,
tired at the end of day;
and may it rest easy over you
when, at last, you lie out under it.
May it rest so lightly over you
that your soul may be out from
under it quickly;
up and off and on its way to the Divine.
And now may the Lord and Lady bless you,
and bless you kindly.

—anonymous Celtic blessing
Celtic Nature Prayers Volume 1: Prayers from an Ancient Well
Kenneth McIntosh

A WITCH’S PERSONAL MANIFESTO


Witchy Comments & Graphics

A WITCH’S PERSONAL MANIFESTO

 

The following personal manifesto was presented by Paul V. Beyerl to the 1987 Harvest Moon Celebration in Woodland Hills, California. It was in no way written to represent a set of laws to govern the behavior of others, but only as an open discussion of personal ethics to provoke thought and communication.

A WITCH’S PERSONAL MANIFESTO demands these things as a Witch:

– I must pursue my Highest Ideals
– I must strive to elevate my ethics
– I must be as good as my word
– I must demand integrity of myself
– I must be willing to suffer for my religion
– I must willingly embrace discipline
– I must develop financial responsibility and independence
– I must be able to pay my bills
– I must pay attention to my diet & intake of food
– I must LIVE the Hermetic Principle
– I must respect the astral
– I must approach ritual with great care
– I must see ritual work as a disciplined art form
– I must consider seriously the ramifications of reincarnation
– I must conserve fuels
– I must recycle whenever possible
– I must not litter, not even a cigarette butt
– I must avoid negative energy, even within my own thoughts
– I must avoid placing blame for any of the events in my life
– I must take responsibility for my ill health
– I must take myself seriously
– I must have humor
– I must live with my eyes open and my feet grounded

I demand these things of myself as a member of the Wiccan Community:

– I must support the work of making Wicca a respected religion
– I must expect financial accountability from those groups to which I donate
monies
– I must stop the mockery of other religions (including anti-Christian sentiment
sometimes found in modern Paganism)
– I must not support religious plagiarism (such as the teaching of shamanism by
those who have never experienced the wilderness nor studied from a real
shaman).
– I must be respectful of all other’s ritual forms
– I must separate myths and reality in our history and in our future
– I must work to contribute towards a reputable public image of Wicca
– I must protest against pagans who use shock tactics in dealing with the public
– I must upgrade standards of Wiccan education
– I must support serious research of our religious heritage
– I must demand quality in pagan literature, newsletters and books
– I must support the assembling of libraries
– I must not be a religious isolationist and I must work to remove pagan ghetto
mentalities from our communities
– I must demand provocative, challenging workshops over entertainment
– I must share my knowledge and skills
– I must make Initiations increasingly difficult, challenging and rewarding
– I must consider the amount of education other religions expect of their clergy
when planning Wiccan training
– I must be willing to network
– I must remain in contact with pagans in other places

I demand these things of myself as a Priest/ess:

– I must prepare for the deaths and burials of our peoples
– I must provide for the future of my consecrated tools beyond my physical death
– I must work towards the establishment of legal ministries
– I must provide for children and their education
– I must provide for the survival of my Tradition

I demand these things of myself as a Wiccan citizen:

– I must promote community service, being of help to all peoples regardless of
their beliefs
– I must be willing to be political
– I must be a knowledgeable, active voter
– I must respect and utilize the system
– I must find value in the political system in which I live or work actively to
promote change
– I must be aware of the world perspective
– I must extend myself to world poverty and hunger

 

Be Careful Of What You Wish For

Be Careful Of What You Wish For

As you work with natural energy and refine your abilities to effect change upon your environment, you will begin to recognize that idle wishes and spoken thoughts will seem to have more power invested in them.

As time goes on, you will discover that anything spoken with awareness and intent can be powerful. The more you learn, the  more knowledge and experience you acquire as a spellcaster, the more power you bring to bear on your everyday life. Spellcasting trains you to create change at will, using the energy available to you. If you are careless, then the change you have not thought through can occur in response to your words and actions. As you’ve read, the spoken word is an important element in the “as above, so below” relationship, representing bringing a thought or desire, which exist on the mental plane, into manifestation on the material plane.  The spoken word alone carries great power as a spell or as a technique to raise energy. The more experience you gain in this sort of application of energy, the more you will develop your abilities, and your words will carry greater and greater significance.
It may sound like a cliché, but with greater power come greater responsibility. Be aware of what you say and how you say it. Make every word count, both in spellcasting and in your daily life.

The Charge to New Initiates


Witchy Comments & Graphics

The Charge to New Initiates

O Thou who hast declared intent to become one of us, hear then that which thou must know to do: Single is the race, single of men and of Gods, from a single source we both draw breath, but a difference of power in everything keeps us apart, for we are as nothing but the Gods stay forever. Yet we can, in greatness of minds, be like the Gods. Though we know not to what goal by day or in the night, Fate has written that we shall run beyond all seas, and earth’s last boundaries. Beyond the Spring of night and the Heaven’s vast expanse there lies a majesty which is the domain of the Gods. Those who would pass through the Gates of Night and Day to that sweet place, which is between the world of men and the domains of the Lords of the Outer Spaces, know that unless there is truth in thy heart, thy every effort is doomed to failure.

HEAR THEN THE LAW: That thou lovest all things in nature. That thou walkest humbly in the ways of men and the ways of the Gods. Also it is the law that contentment thou shalt learn, through suffering, and from long years, and from nobility of mind and of purpose.

FOR THE WISE NEVER GROW OLD. Their minds are nourished by living in the daylight of the Gods and if among the vulgar some discoveries should arise concerning some maxims of thy belief in the Gods so do thou, for the most part, keep silent. For there is a great risk of those who straightaway vomit up that which they hast not digested. And when someone shall say to thee, thou knowest naught and it bites thee naught, then knowest thou that thou hast begun the work. And as sheep do not bring their food to the shepherd to show how much they have eaten but digesting inwardly their provender do bear outwardly wool and milk, even so, do not display the maxims to the vulgar, but rather the works that flow when they are digested

What do the elements mean?

What do the elements mean?

The Guardians are the 4 corners Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
(Christian belief may be called the 4 horsemen)

The Elements are named: Uriel, Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel

Air: Compass point: East. Number: 1.

Represents intellect, communication, knowledge, concentration; the ability
to “know” and to understand; to unlock secrets of the dead; to contact the
angels; telepathy, memory and wisdom; the hawk, the raven and the eagle;
prophecy; movement, Karma and speed

Fire: Compass point: South. Number 3 .

Stands for energy, purification, courage, the will to dare,creativity;
higher self; success and refinement; the arts and transformation; the lion,
the phoenix and the dragon; loyalty and force.

Water: Compass point: West. Number: 2 .

Associated with intuition, emotions, the inner self, flowing movement, the
power to dare and cleanse all things; sympathy and love; reflection;
currents and tides of life; the dolphin, the swan and the crab; dreams and
dreamtime.

Earth: Compass point: North. Number: 4.

Mystery and growth, fertility, material abundance, the combined forces of
nature and its bounty; birth and healing; business, industry and
possessions; the bear, the stag and the wolf; conservation and nature.

If you call all four at once you always call East, South, West, North.
After you call them and do what you need with them, you must dismiss them
just the opposite as you call them.