The Summer Solstice is celebrated between June 20 and June 22—the longest day and shortest night of the year. The festival of Midsummer venerates the potential of the life-sustaining powers of fire and water, forces that were vital to our ancestors’ survival. It was believed that fire would help keep the sun alive and that the blessing of water wells would continue their flow to nurture the parched earth. Without sun and water, there would be no crops and all would perish.
One of the most popular customs that grew out of the early fertility rites was that of jumping or leaping over Midsummer bonfires. The idea being, the higher one jumped, the higher the crops would grow.
Another symbol that was popularized at this time was the Wheel. The turning of the Wheel represented the turning or progression of the seasons. Wheels decorated with brightly colored ribbons and fresh flowers. Lighted candles were placed on them, and then they were set afloat on the lakes and rivers.
Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Night are genuinely thought to be particularly uncanny times. It was reasoned that certain plants were endowed with magickal properties on this night, that, if gathered before sunrise, could be used for protection against all evil spirits and forces.
With the sun at its zenith, Midsummer was, and still is, a time for marriages, family celebrations, and coming-of-age parties.
Symbolically, Midsummer is the time to nurture those goals you made at the beginning of the year as you reflect on the progress you made toward bringing them into fruition.
“ Legends and Lore and Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient
)0(
The Seasons, 2015
Goddess Month of Rosea begins 6/13 – 7/10.
Celtic Tree Month of Oak begins.
)0( June Holidays: June is National Burglary Prevention Month June is Dairy Month (more on this later) June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month June is Children’s Awareness Month June is National Rose Month June is National Frozen Yogurt Month June is National Candy Month June is Turkey Lovers’ Month International Volunteer Week – June 1-7
)0( The Summer Solstice
One of the four major festivals of the solar year, when the Sun reaches the quarter points on the zodiac wheel. It now reaches the cardinal (“hinge”) point of 90B0 as the Sun enters the sign of Cancer, the Crab. For the next month, the side-to-side moves of the Crab are favored in all things. This is more a time to organize of what has been gained, and plan what comes next, than it is either to start new enterprises or dissolve old ones that don’t work. The Crab lives where it can jump sideways into an ocean wave when threats appear. Those who have the grace, humility and aquatic skill to do this are favored now. The sideways motion of the Crab is also that of the Farmer, who works sideways in rows to preserve productive order.
Among the countless Summer Solstice celebrations and ceremonies: The Sonnenwende (“Sun’s turning”) of the Norse calendar, so named because at this point in the year, the Sun reaches its farthest northern sunset point on the horizon, and must now begin moving south, and bringing with it the hotter, more rapid movement of Summer, and everything else that the South implies. The season of husbandry begins now in bonfires that mark this day as the one when the Sun’s light stays longest in the Sky.
In northern Russia, especially in St. Petersburg, this day begins the White Nights, which last for the next ten days. In this and other fire festivals that can get more raucous than most, fireworks and all, many people love the days of the Long Light because this is the best time to burn the chaff and the worry of the year gone by, and get ready to work the field under the waxing Sun, and care for children.
In the Celtic calendar, this day is called Litha, and honors the water goddess. Many European peoples also honored the Green Man, leafy symbol of nature’s resurgence, counterpart to the Egyptian Osiris.
In some Native American calendars, this day begins the Month of the Flicker. Hunting is easier than it usually is.
Taoist festival honoring the Heavenly Emperor Shang-Ti and celebrating the active presence of the Tao in all things. This is the time when the masculine Yang force is at its peak, and initiates the season of fire, south and Summer.
In many ancient calendars, this is one of the year’s best times for honoring Wise Women. In the Greco-Roman calendar, this was the Day of All Heras (Roman counterpart Juno, for whom this month is named), when people gather to listen to women who have achieved spiritual Union with the Great Goddess. In ancient Britain this was the Day of Cerridwen, celebrating all Wise Women.
Among the Lakota and other Native Americans of the plains, the days before the early summer Full Moon are the annual time of the Sun Dance, a festival of fasting and healing ceremonies affirming the manifestation of Takuskanskan the Creator in all things.
June 20
On this day, Pagans in parts of England celebrate the Day of Cerridwen in honor of the ancient Celtic Goddess of fertility.
Vervain (the herb most sacred to Cerridwen) is burned in small cauldron pots as an offering to the Goddess, green ribbons
are tied to trees, and green candles are lit on altars dedicated to her.
Summanus – This was the dedication day of the Roman temple honoring Summanus, who was responsible for lightning by night (Jupiter delivered lightning by day). It is unclear whether or not he was an ancient deity or an aspect of Jupiter. His temple was struck by lightning in 197 BC, which was the occasion for irreligious jokes.
Blackburn, Bonnie and Leofranc, Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Book of Days, Oxford University Press, 2000
. June
21: Litha
21: Yule (Southern Hemisphere)
22: England’s last Witchcraft Law is repealed in 1951
23: Full moon — Strong Sun Moon at 7:32 am
27: Birthday of author Scott Cunningham in 1956
Some appropriate Goddesses: all love, beauty, and mother Goddesses; Aestas (Roman), Aine of Knockaine (Irish), Anu (Irish), Aphrodite (Greek), Astarte (Canaanite), Bast (Egyptian), Elat (Semitic), Eos (Greek), Flora (Roman), Freya (Norse), Gaia (Greek), Gerd (Teutonic), Grianne (Irish), Hathor (Egyptian), Hera (Greek), Ishtar (Assyro-Babylonian), Isis (Egyptian), Juno (Roman), The Muses (Greek), Nut (Egyptian), Olwyn (Welsh), Venus (Roman), Vesta (Roman)
Some appropriate Gods: all sun, fire, and fertility Gods; Apollo (Greek), Baal (Phoenician), Baldur (Scandinavian), El (Semitic), Hadad (Babylonian), Helios (Greek), Hephaestus (Greek), Jupiter (Roman), Lugh (Irish), Osiris (Egyptian), Prometheus (Greek), Ra (Egyptian), Sol (Roman), Zeus (Greek)
Activities: Picnics, leave out food for faeries, jumping bonfires, gathering herbs.
Spell/ritual work: Healing, love magick, protection, purification, energy, faery.
The Witches Almanac for Sunday, June 21, Summer Solstice
Sunday(Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength and protection
Midsummer – Summer Solstice – Father’s Day
Waxing Moon The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.
Moon Phase: First Quarter
Moon Sign: Leo Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.
Moon enters Virgo 12:59 pm Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.
Sun enters Cancer 12:38 pm Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.
An Ancient Solar Celebration:
Nearly every agricultural society has marked the high point of summer in some way, shape or form. On this date – usually around June 21 or 22 (or December 21/22 in the southern hemisphere) – the sun reaches its zenith in the sky. It is the longest day of the year, and the point at which the sun seems to just hang there without moving – in fact, the word “solstice” is from the Latin word solstitium, which literally translates to “sun stands still.” The travels of the sun were marked and recorded. Stone circles such as Stonehenge were oriented to highlight the rising of the sun on the day of the summer solstice.
Traveling the Heavens:
Although few primary sources are available detailing the practices of the ancient Celts, some information can be found in the chronicles kept by early Christian monks. Some of these writings, combined with surviving folklore, indicate that Midsummer was celebrated with hilltop bonfires and that it was a time to honor the space between earth and the heavens.
Fire and Water:
In addition to the polarity between land and sky, Litha is a time to find a balance between fire and water. According to Ceisiwr Serith, in his book The Pagan Family, European traditions celebrated this time of year by setting large wheels on fire and then rolling them down a hill into a body of water. He suggests that this may be because this is when the sun is at its strongest yet also the day at which it begins to weaken. Another possibility is that the water mitigates the heat of the sun, and subordinating the sun wheel to water may prevent drought.
Saxon Traditions:
When they arrived in the British Isles, the Saxon invaders brought with them the tradition of calling the month of June Aerra Litha. They marked Midsummer with huge bonfires that celebrated the power of the sun over darkness. For people in Scandinavian countries and in the farther reaches of the Northern hemisphere, Midsummer was very important. The nearly endless hours of light in June are a happy contrast to the constant darkness found six months later in the middle of winter.
Roman Festivals :
The Romans, who had a festival for anything and everything, celebrated this time as sacred to Juno, the wife of Jupiter and goddess of women and childbirth. She is also called Juno Luna and blesses women with the privilege of menstruation. The month of June was named for her, and because Juno was the patroness of marriage, her month remains an ever-popular time for weddings. This time of year was also sacred to Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The matrons of Rome entered her temple on Midsummer and made offerings of salted meal for eight days, in hopes that she would confer her blessings upon their homes.
Midsummer for Modern Pagans:
Litha has often been a source of contention among modern Pagan and Wiccan groups, because there’s always been a question about whether or not Midsummer was truly celebrated by the ancients. While there’s scholarly evidence to indicate that it was indeed observed, there were suggestions made by Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern Wicca, that the solar festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) were actually added later and imported from the Middle East. Regardless of the origins, many modern Wiccans and Pagans do choose to celebrate Litha every year in June.
In some traditions, Litha is a time at which there is a battle between light and dark. The Oak King is seen as the ruler of the year between winter solstice and summer solstice, and the Holly King from summer to winter. At each solstice they battle for power, and while the Oak King may be in charge of things at the beginning of June, by the end of Midsummer he is defeated by the Holly King.
This is a time of year of brightness and warmth. Crops are growing in their fields with the heat of the sun, but may require water to keep them alive. The power of the sun at Midsummer is at its most potent, and the earth is fertile with the bounty of growing life.
For contemporary Pagans, this is a day of inner power and brightness. Find yourself a quiet spot and meditate on the darkness and the light both in the world and in your personal life. Celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year with fire and water, night and day, and other symbols of the opposition of light and dark.
Litha is a great time to celebrate outdoors if you have children. Take them swimming or just turn on the sprinkler to run through, and then have a bonfire or barbeque at the end of the day. Let them stay up late to say goodnight to the sun, and celebrate nightfall with sparklers, storytelling, and music. This is also an ideal Sabbat to do some love magic or celebrate a handfasting, since June is the month of marriages and family.
Source:
Author: Patti Wigington
Source: Article found on & owned by About.com
Beltane (a greater Sabbat named for a Celtic God, which is otherwise known as either May Eve or May Day) hails the coming-together of the Horned God, now in the Phallic Lord, and the irresistible Godddess in a rapturous celebration of light and life. It is as though all of nature—not least the birds and bees—is abuzz at this time of year, energized by a potent combination of irrestible physical attraction and an equally compelling urge to procreate.
Life giving power surrounds us The Goddess will soon give life Our earth is filled with the promise of growth It is a time of joy and celebration Yet, there is a whisper that dark will soon come Light has reached its power The Sun power begins to wane Our Oak King is rich in abundance But soon his brother will reign The decent begins with the Holly King Bonfires are alight We find each other and prepare for the night None will sleep We wait for the sunrise We dance with abundant Leaping high through flames The smells of healing herbs fill the air We prepare for what will come Our homes prepared for the darkness As we make our bread we pray that the Goddess fills our homes Wheat from our fields changed to grain Mixed by loving hands Placed in the fire to cook Ale, honey cakes and bread fill the pantry Sprigs of rosemary hang from the rafters The Wheel of Life continues.
A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He’s someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He’s proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad’s love plays a part.
There’s always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you’re even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad…
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
We love you!
Happy Father’s Day.
Great Goddess, Divine Mother, Be with these families that have lost loved ones Be with them in their time of sorrow and ease Their breaking hearts and soothe their battered spirits Enfold them in your loving and compassionate arms Help them to learn to live with their loss Though it will be difficult Let the pain they feel grow less with time Reassure them that one day they will be reunited with their loved ones Till that time comes bless them with your love Watch over them and help them cope with The difficult days to come Bless them, Divine Mother, in their time of great need. So Mote It Be
We are home, we are give out and very, very thankful to all the wonderful people who donated to get us back to Kentucky. It has been a very long four day and it is such a relief to be here, I can’t begin to tell you. I do have to say Mystie was determined to get us home one way or the other. The ladies from the office, Mystie, her brother and all of you are responsible for us being back. Thank you so, so much.
I know Mystie posted the WOTC was closed. I don’t fault her for that, I told her to do it. I did, however, to tell her to put “temporarily” in the caption. I know she was upset and just forgot to do it. Mystie and I had plans to go out to eat that evening. She called and wanted to know what time I thought we would be back to Kentucky. At that time, we had just had the accident and I told her I couldn’t talk right now. She wanted to know what was wrong and I told we had an accident, I had things to do and I would call her later. Mystie and I might not be blood relatives but I consider her my actual sister. We grew up together. Her brother and her are my family. It is funny, they have always thought they had to protect me. Why? I don’t know. I guess it is because the deep love we have for each other. Mystie is not only my sister but a very extremely wonderful lady. You can tell she is very head strong. Once she see something that has to be done, she goes at it full force. She didn’t want me to go to start with. I haven’t mentioned it but I am in a back brace, have a sling on my left arm and a new cast on my right hand. So I wasn’t really in the shape to go but it was a good friend that called and needed my help. I felt we had no choice but to go.
We loaded up the truck we use to transport animals in. Got on the road and everything was fine. We met the man at the location we were suppose to meet him. He led the way to the cougar. We couldn’t get very close at that time because she was very aggressive and angry. Animals in this state of mind, I really don’t like dealing with. But I saw why she was so upset. There were 6 farmers in the bushes and over-growth with this rifles and shotguns pointed at her. I told them all to leave. Well, they just backed up a few feet, the reason being if she attacked me, they were going to kill her. I actually believe this is one of the hardest recovery and relocation we have ever done. She could still sense the farmers which wasn’t good for me. I calmed and centered myself, took a deep relaxing breath and move out of the brush. Immediately, she started toward me. I just stood still and prayed and prayed and prayed. As she got closer I held out my hand and told her I wasn’t there to harm her. She had to trust me, I was going to take her to a safe place. As she began to calm, I looked in the hole in the wall and she had babies there. That was why she was so aggressive and hostile, she was protecting them. I inched my way toward her. She growled off and on but she did let me sit down. I knew the minute she let me sit down, she wasn’t going to harm me or at least I hoped so. I always chant to the animals after I get close to them. It seems to calm them and also helps them to trust me. They are put into an enchanted state. After an hour, I told the men with me to bring the crater for her. They slowly approached and she got nervous and I chanted that much louder. I can tell you she didn’t like it when I went to pick up her babies. I picked one up and she growled and showed me her teeth. I continued to pick it up. I let her smell of it from a distance and held her baby out as I put it in the crate. The whole time she was following me. I went back, got the next one and did the same thing. When all the babies were loaded up, I told her it was her turn. Amazingly enough, she went in the crate willingly. The men loaded her and the babies in the truck. All the farmers were amazed and very thankful. She had been killing their livestock to feed her babies. I promised them she would be relocated to a new place were she wouldn’t be a danger to people. They did offer money for what I did, I didn’t want to take it but they insisted. I found it in the cupholder of the truck.
Now, we have the cougar loaded up and headed home. Everything seemed like it was going to be fine. We were traveling down the interstate and suddenly the truck just went crazy. The driver could not steer it or nothing. We were in a vehicle that was out of control. The truck started heading toward the emergency lane on the side of the road. We went to it but we didn’t stop. The man driving was doing everything he could to stop the truck. Thank goodness, we still had some brakes left on it. We ended up stopping about five foot from a drop-off (and I mean drop-off). And just my luck, it was on my side and I liked to have crapped when I saw how far down it was. We all crawled out the driver’s side door and the cougar was wild. I was scared she would rock the truck and it would go over the side with her in it. I went to the back of the truck and tried to calm her, nothing worked. It seemed like forever but a trooper did finally show up. And right about then was when the phone rang, it was Mystie. I told her we had an accident, I couldn’t talk and I would call her back. It took two tow trucks for us. One for the truck and another flatbed for the cougar’s crate. We were towed to an out of the way place but it was the only garage around for 150 miles so what do you do.
When we got to the garage, the mechanic informed us, he couldn’t look at the truck then. He was booked up for the day. He could look at it tomorrow. Well what choice did we have? He pointed the way to the closest motel and we started walking. I don’t know if it was because we were strangers in this little town or not, but the price of the rooms was sky high. Thankfully though, it was a one level motel. I had them put the cougar under the shade tree outside our rooms. I made a call to the person who was going to pick the cougar up in Kentucky and take it to a safe spot out west. I asked him if there was anyway possible he could come and pick her up where we were at. I told him the whole story and he agreed.He was there the next day to get her. So one worry off my mind, next the mechanic called. I like to have fell out when he told me the cost of fixing the truck. The steering column was demolished. He didn’t have one, he would have to order it but to order it, he needed half the money up front. We counted pennies, dimes, nickels and every cent we could find, we got the money. But we still had a problem, it took every cent we had just to get the part ordered and pay up front. Next, Mystie called. I told her what had happened. All I heard was, “I told you not to go, I told you not to go.” Yes, I know but right now I am worried about spending three days in a town without a dollar to my name. She immediately panicked, she was complaining about WordPress not cooperate, she was having to do html code, this, and that. I just had to much on my mind and I told her to temporary shut the site down. I was 500 miles away from home and there wasn’t a thing I could do about the site. I also had other things more pressing on mind at the time. I told her just to take a breathe and close the site temporarily.I told her we were going to be stuck in the town for about three days. We had pooled all our money together just to get the mechanic to start work on the truck. Not to mention, we still had to pay him when he was finished, we had to have a place to stay, and we had to eat. I guess that is when Mystie when on her mission to get me home. All of you did a hell of a job, I can never begin to thank you enough. Mystie’s little drive provided us with the money to pay the mechanic what we owed him, a place to stay and most of all food. Funny, I have grown very fond of eating, lol!
Next to the last night we were there, the mechanic told us he had a small trailer at his house. If we wanted to save us some money for the trip back home, we could stay there. We all agreed, we did need gas money to get back home, so we took him up on his offer. When he closed for the day, we all rode out to his house. He had a very lovely family. We met his wife and five children, yes, five. I found out he had his own reason for bringing us out to his house. He had saw how I handle the cougar and one of the men let it slip that I was a witch. I found that out, I figured there would be a mob coming with pitchforks and flaming torches. But he assured me, he told no one what I was. He brought us to his home to see if I could help one of his children. He told me due to his daughter’s condition, the town considered them outcasts. Something, I am all to familar with, up in the hills where I come from they do the same thing. Then a healer comes along, heals the afflicted person and they are invited back into the community. I believe if I was ever outcast, then told I could come back, I would tell them where they could go and leave. My heart went out to the man and his family. I told him to let his daughter and me spend some time alone. I guaranteed him nothing but I told him I would try. The girl and I went for a walk down to this beautiful pond they had on their property. We sit down and begin to talk. Immediately, her problem appeared. She had a bad stutter and also had the shakes, some of them were very violent at times. The town’s people believed she was possessed. I casted the circle around us. I made her a healing charm and also casted a spell to ask the Powers of the Universe to heal this child. Remove the suffer she had endured and torment from others. Make her whole once again. She was a very beautiful little girl and to be treated the way she had been was ashame. She told me that she felt a warm energy come over her. When she told me that, she didn’t stutter. We stayed in the circle for a bit and talked. No more stuttering and no more shakes. When it got dark, I pulled up the circle and we walked back to the house. I told her to keep the charm with her at all times. I even gave her father my cellphone number in case, they needed me again. I cannot tell you how overjoyed the family was with their daughter. It made me cry. All week, I had nothing on my mind but our troubles. But now to see this beautiful young girl embraced in her family’s arms, overjoyed and so happy, it made our journey very fulfilling. Perhaps everything happened for a reason. Maybe we were meant to end up at this man’s house. I know one thing for sure now, everything does happen for a reason. I should add the man cut out repair bill in half. He only charged us for the steering column but I also paid him for his labor and time he worked on the truck. He has to eat just like the rest of us.
We left down there early this morning. It seemed like the longest drive of my llfe. I have never wanted to get home so bad. I had to pick up Kiki and Razzy. You ought to have saw them, Razzy came running, jumped on me and knocked me down. Kiki came running too, she gave me kisses all over my face. Then after I settle in, I just had to look at the site. WOW! All the wonderful things you had to say about me, teared me up again. Thank you so much for thinking so highly of me and caring so much. Thank you for getting me home. I can never thank you enough for everything that you have done. It is wonderful to be home and thanks to all of you, we are finally here. Oh, Mystie was standing in the driveway when we pulled up. I got out of the truck and she liked to have bear hugged me to death. We got hugs and kisses from the whole bunch, you would have thought we had been away for a 100 years. I know it seemed like it, anyway.
Now on a serious note, I read several comments on people being worried about the WOTC closing. Like I mentioned earlier, it should have stated temporarily closed. Mystie was upset and I can understand her doing what she done. I have no fault with her at all. But let me guarantee you one thing right now, as long as I am here, the WOTC will never permanently close. I made a commitment and we have a mission to fulfill, I plan on us accomplishing our mission. Now, kick back, relax and rest assured as long as I am breathing and have a spell left in me, the WOTC WILL NEVER CLOSE!
I am going to take a long, well-deserved nap and we will see you tomorrow. Thank goodness we made it back in time to celebrate the Summer Solstice with all our dear family and friends!
Again, thank you so very much for everything you have done. I love each and everyone of you very much. I hope you know that by now. You are my family and don’t ever forget it.
From the bottom of my heart and soul, much love to all,
Lady A
From the very start, I have been beside Lady of the Abyss. We grew up together, we have been close friends and I consider her a sister. I have been beside her for the last fifteen years as she has poured her heart into something she believed in. She not only believe it in, so did I. I watched as her and four other people took the WOTC from a handful of people to over thousands of followers on MSN. She fought her way to the top to keep our site number one in its category. Then MSN pulled the rug out from under her.
Lady Abyss took our site to Yuku. Again to rebuild something she truly believed in. She believed in our religion, our mission and most of all our Goddess. Nothing has changed she still believes in those things. I watched as she got disgusted and fed up and shut that site down. It was something she didn’t want to do and it nearly killed her to do it, but she did.
For four months, she stewed around the house. I know she wanted to give it another try and she did with the help of the Goddess. She came to WordPress and built us this wonderful home. I have watched her work tirelessly on this site late into the night. Right now, she has been working with one arm in a sling and three broken fingers just to deliver to you the daily posts you expect. She does it because she considers each of you her family. Not just mere acquaintances on the net, but her brothers and sisters. I see what she does for our religion, I see what she does for you, whether she is hurt or not, it is always for you. She is a good woman and a very fine leader amongst many.
Today, I am sad and I miss my sister. I want her home and I cannot even accomplish that for someone who gave us all so much. She has given and given, worked tirelessly, through pain and suffering, for us. Now when she needs us, we turn our backs on her.
You don’t know how much you mean to her and you probably won’t never. If you could meet her, get to know her like I do, you would see the person she truly is. But you probably won’t never get to meet her and you will just have to take my word for it. She is a great lady and today I have let her down tremendously. Due to that fact, I feel I am no longer fit to carry on in her absence. I am closing the WOTC till she gets back. When that will be, I don’t know. I am ashamed of myself and I apologize for asking you to assist me in helping bring her home.
You may now consider Witches Of The Craft closed until further notice,
Mistress of the Myst
Administrator of the WOTC
For any questions concerning this matter, please read:
Meanings: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances.
The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.
Summary:
You may be in a compromised position. Relations and projects may be on the verge of collapsing. It is time to look toward different opportunities.
Line One of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Gain the support and trust of others by demonstrating your good intentions. Humility is your ally.
Line Two of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Be courageous in the face of adversity. You will overcome any obstacles.
Line Three of Your Hexagram is a 9:
The times may be chaotic and dangerous. If so, be careful.
Line Four of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Your problems are not as big as they seem. However, to avoid trouble in the future, handle them carefully.
Line Five of Your Hexagram is a 9:
Taking advantage of the unworthy is not noble.
Line Six of Your Hexagram is a 6:
Rely on your intuition, diligence and courage to help you through difficult times.
era denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Jera
jera : year, harvest
Phonetic equivalent:y (but may be used in place of ‘j’)
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: change, cycle turning, reward, motion, productivity, inevitable development
MAGICAL USES: to bring change; for fertility and growth
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Sif, Thor, Freyr, Granni
ANALYSIS: In this modern age of central heating and oranges in February, it is difficult to imagine the close ties that people once had with the cycles of the year, particularly in the more Northern climes. The changing seasons affected not only the weather, but also the day to day activities and even the diets of ancient peoples. Constant change was the norm, and the object was to become attuned with those changes, not to fight against them. An ancient farmer (or even some modern ones) wouldn’t need to look at a calendar to tell him when to plant, or read a weather forecast to know when the snows were coming. The changing seasons were a part of his blood and bones, and his very existence depended on adapting to change.
Jera follows isa just as spring follows winter. The frozen stagnancy of ice is broken by the turning of the wheel, and things are once again moving along as they should. In fact, we have now broken out of the entire set ‘negative’ runes with which we began this aett. This has been accomplished not by fighting to escape the ice or railing against the unfairness of fate, but by learning from those experiences and simply waiting for the inevitable thaw. Jera is the communion wine – the product of the joining of opposites bringing life. Storms may come and go, but the sun is always there and life is generally pretty good. Enjoy it while you can.
Only The World card of the Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.
You’re coming out of your protective shell today, dear Aries, after a couple of days in which you were more likely to want to stick with familiar activities. You are more affectionate, willing to take small risks, and communicative. There can be building excitement surrounding recent plans and projects. You could be feeling the weight of financial or career decisions these days, however, and this can be emphasized later today and into tomorrow. Whether or not to make changes or to stick with traditional or familiar patterns can be an issue now. You’ll find a healthy balance, although you may agonize over the details a little before you get there.
Taurus
Taurus
With the Moon moving into your family and home sector today, dear Taurus, you’re a little more self-protective and inclined to want to insulate yourself from change, distraction, and demands on you. You are seeking out comfort and security rather than new experiences today. These days, there can be some tension experienced with differing beliefs and opinions, particularly related to a partner, and this may be emphasized later today and into tomorrow. Stubbornness can be a real problem now, even if you know that peace is more easily achieved by letting go of the desire to be right. Problems may run more deeply, and that could be why tensions are mounting.
Gemini
Gemini
A busier pace resumes today, dear Gemini, and for the most part, you very much feel that you’re in your element. Getting your message across is easier today, and you may be considered an authority on a matter. In some way, your ideas are wanted. Even so, these days there can be some frustrations with work, routines, or your own habits if you feel that you can’t quite get over a bad habit or can’t seem to move past an old frustration. This can be emphasized tonight and tomorrow morning. You might get over this hump more easily if you take things slowly. Change can be scary, but the alternative is stagnation, so you’re best off looking for a middle ground.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon leaves your sign early today, and you’re coming back down to earth, dear Cancer. You’re feeling quite comfortable being in the relative background now, going about your business. You are far more focused today, finding it rather easy to put your emotions aside in order to focus on practical affairs. Ongoing tensions and frustrations in a partnership or with romance or children can come into the light later today and into tomorrow. Whether to stick with the familiar or to make changes can be the issue now. However, decisions are not easy to come by and you may need to let go of over-thinking things temporarily if thinking becomes negative or otherwise counterproductive.
Leo
Leo
The Moon moves into your sign very early into the day, Leo, and this brings a stronger need to connect with others, and for your feelings to be acknowledged. There is good energy for back and forths with colleagues and acquaintances. You are able to get your message across. However, frustrations with routines, work, or health matters seem to be ongoing with you from time to time, and decisions can be difficult to come by. Later today and early tomorrow, these issues can come to the foreground. A resolution isn’t likely yet, but you may begin to see ways to make adjustments that will improve the situation.
Virgo
Virgo
The Moon’s move into your sector of endings very early today points to a need to take a pause, at least emotionally, dear Virgo. If you aren’t already naturally drawn towards activities that help replenish, renew, and heal you, try to seek them out, as they’ll do you a world of good now. Tension on romantic or creative levels can be a sporadic but ongoing issue, and it revolves around difficult decisions about making big changes – whether to stick with what you know or move on. As well, you may be finding it difficult to break away from your many obligations in order to enjoy and pursue your creative aspirations, entertainment, and leisure activities. The problem is, more responsibilities seem to be added to your life. While you are unlikely to resolve this problem now, you may get important clues about your next step.
Libra
Libra
The Moon’s move out of your performance sector and into your happiness sector very early today can signal a need for a change of atmosphere, dear Libra. You’re likely to seek out accepting, easygoing environments and people now. Difficulties on the home front or with finances can resurface later today. Increasing responsibilities make it difficult to handle current problems, and as a result, you can feel quite stunted in terms of growth and progress. However, fear of change can also be at play. Resolution to these ongoing challenges is unlikely to come right away, but you could get some important clues, so be alert to signals.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Very early into the day, the Moon moves into your performance and responsibility sector, dear Scorpio, and your need to be productive emerges strongly. Good conversations can be enjoyed that help further your goals. From time to time these days, you can feel rather weighed down by responsibilities and restrictions and might be questioning the amount of time and effort you have been putting into certain projects or towards your goals. You may feel that there has been little in the way of freedom to pursue your more creative interests. Aim to cut out distractions as much as possible. There can be a simultaneous desire to make big changes and improvements and a desire to hold on to things the way they are, and this can leave you sitting on a fence. Look for important signals today that will help guide you towards the right decision, but give the matter time.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Moon’s move into your adventure sector early into the day is a comfortable, happy one for you, dear Sagittarius. You more easily find ways to express your feelings or channel your energy into satisfying activities. Sharing your ideas and dreams can give you or a relationship a boost. Later today, you may be reminded of an ongoing dilemma about whether to make big changes in order to grow, or to stick with what you already know, particularly related to financial or security matters. The solution is unlikely to be immediately apparent, but today and tomorrow, you might make some progress with difficult decision making.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The Moon’s move into your solar eighth house very early today starts a short period of more introspection, dear Capricorn. You’re more interested in the “why” and “how” of situations, people, and your inner workings. You may be a little less patient with frivolous matters or superficialities of interaction. A longer-term aspect involving your ruler, Saturn, comes exact early tomorrow, and you could be feeling it more strongly later today and again tomorrow morning. This can involve the frustrations felt from a sense that changes are being forced upon you, and the desire to keep things as they are/were, particularly related to friendships. Try to avoid cycling, obsessive thinking about those things that you cannot control or change, and instead attempt to focus on possible solutions. Even with these, go gentle on yourself, because decisions are not necessarily easy to come by right now.
Aquarius
Aquarius
With the Moon’s move into your partnership sector today, dear Aquarius, you’re likely to feel far more sociable. You are looking to bring more balance to your life, and fully appreciating the people in your life who are there for you. There can be satisfying conversations about creative or entertainment interests. Later today and into tomorrow, you can be reminded of a long-term matter related to career, performance, and others’ expectations of you. You are aware that you need to make changes, but you could be struggling with a desire to keep things as they are or were. It’s difficult to embrace change when there are unknowns or larger responsibilities involved, but the alternative is stagnation, which simply won’t do.
Pisces
Pisces
The Moon moves into your work and health sector very early today, dear Pisces, turning your attention to the important systems and routines that keep your life running smoothly and yourself healthy and balanced. There can be good conversations or ideas about how to make improvements to these things today. Later today and into tomorrow, there may be a reminder of an ongoing problem involving friendships and possibly disagreements about beliefs and opinions. Part of you could be feeling worried that people in your life are changing, and you may be sentimental about keeping things as they were. Problems of this kind are difficult to resolve all in one moment – a process is involved, and it’s about learning to let change happen, even as it involves some unknowns.
You are highly intuitive – an “old soul” who can understand people from all walks of life. Not much can get past you! Your ability to communicate articulately and, at the same time, with great warmth is admirable. You can be inconstant and contradictory at times, due to mood swings and emotional restlessness. You are respected, charming, and very fair with others. Famous people born today: Paul McCartney, Roger Ebert, Isabella Rossellini, Carol Kane.
This is another good day for feeling a strong sense that you’re moving forward, for enthusiasm, and for energy, Aries. Ideas are easy to come by, and for some of you, a useful connection may be made now that helps you put ideas into action. Even with your mind engaged today, a strong part of you needs to settle in, put your feet up, relax, and enjoy the familiarity of people you love or home surroundings.
Taurus
Taurus
This is another day for keeping busy, but not necessarily concentrating, dear Taurus. This morning, try not to take on too much or speak too soon, as your nerves could be a touch frazzled now and this compromises judgment. After this, you remain energetic, but it’s not nervous energy. Today is strong for making financial connections, finding good advice, and emotional support from a partner or friend.
Gemini
Gemini
You have a strong sense that you need to take care of details and do preparation work today, dear Gemini, and this can be quite satisfying at the end of the day, as you’re emotionally geared towards feeling more secure in the practical world just for now. Even so, the day holds much promise when it comes to making connections with others, particularly creative ones. For some, there can be inspiration from a romantic interest. You are communicating in a far more positive, certain manner, and others are taking note of what you say.
Cancer
Cancer
You can be especially sensitive to what you believe others are thinking about you this morning, dear Cancer, after which you tend to come into your own. You could be feeling inspired and encouraged by your own thoughts of future plans related to travel, educational, or spiritual affairs. These things soothe and center you, and you’re able to tune out the negative distractions. You can have wonderful ideas about how to make your living conditions or relationships with family more enjoyable and supportive.
Leo
Leo
You may be a little more sensitive to the demands of life today, dear Leo, with the Moon in a part of your solar chart that encourages some level of solitude that allows for emotional renewal and healing. This is a time for taking a timeout of sorts in order to pull yourself together so that when you do emerge, you’re in a state of better understanding of your needs. You’ve been giving a lot of yourself to others these days, and it’s important now to reclaim your emotional center. Even so, today holds promise of potentially very useful information through friends, so keep yourself connected, but on your own terms.
Virgo
Virgo
You may be taking in a lot of diverse information today, dear Virgo, and the pace can be a little hectic as a result. However, as the day progresses, things seem to be falling into place, and in fact, you can come to some important conclusions and possibly make helpful connections along the way. You’re able to sort through what ideas or projects are worth your time and energy, and which of them may need to wait or fall behind. Today, you have a greater need to feel that your future is relatively secure, and that what you’re working towards will make you happy in the long run.
Libra
Libra
Your heart is in your work, responsibilities, and performance again today, dear Libra, and if you’re feeling on top of these things, there is likely to be a nice feeling of satisfaction now. If not, then go out of your way to be productive, but avoid setting expectations of yourself too high. Chances are, you’re doing a lot more than you recognize. You’re more inclined to look for appreciation for what you do, so it makes sense to be creative or mix things up a little in order to earn some positive feedback. Today is strong for communicating in warm, positive ways. Show off your ability to take charge and handle things maturely.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You are in need of some level of escape from the ordinary, the routine, and the mundane today, dear Scorpio, as these things could make you feel a little claustrophobic or limited. While there is some tendency to speak a little too soon or too frankly this morning, the day progresses in such a way that things naturally smooth over. There is a need to reach, stretch, and go beyond the usual today, as your tastes for experiences, people, and things runs somewhat towards the exotic now. While your disposition is rather outgoing today, you’re nevertheless especially observant, and can make a nice connection with someone through your understanding manner.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
While this is a generally sociable period in your life, dear Sagittarius, today you’re a little more introspective, and likely especially interested in getting to a place of better understanding, about yourself, close relationships, and your current path. It’s a good day for doing so, particularly as this understanding relates to your past. There is a little more patience at your disposal today, after the rebelliousness or mental tension of the early morning has passed, as you have a sense that you’ll get your turn soon. While you’re inclined to live inside yourself today, you’re nevertheless quite capable of being around others, and learning something important by observation.
Capricorn
Capricorn
With the Moon in your opposite sign all day, dear Capricorn, you’re inclined to seek out balance in your life. This likely involves giving special attention the needs or agendas of important people in your life. While your charm is definitely a big asset today, it’s important to not go overboard with pleasing others, even if you are in greater need of peace and harmony now. It might “work” in the moment, but could lead to resentment later on. Today can bring you the right information at the right time, particularly related to work or health matters.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You may be a little detached emotionally today, dear Aquarius, not necessarily because you aren’t feeling attached, but more because you are keeping your emotional distance because you are driven to take care of business. Perhaps as well you are more inclined to analyze your feelings than just let go and feel them. Even so, prioritizing practical matters is a rather useful thing from time to time, and it may very well be that you need to handle important details in order to feel that you’re making progress. Today does stimulate good, creative ideas, so take note of some of the information coming your way.
Pisces
Pisces
Today is likely to feel steadier than it has been, dear Pisces. There is a good sense that you’re making progress. This week is good for getting new plans related to home and family into motion. Aim to keep your focus as you go forward, considering ways to improve your feeling of security and emotional comfort. Connections (or improved connections) to people who are reassuring and who make you feel comfortable may be made now.
The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for Thursday, June 18th
GEMINI STRONG
Agile, versatile, inquisitive, flowing, conversational, airy, many ideas. Can be volatile, superficial, changeable, restless and inconsistent.
CANCER STRONG
Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.
LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
AIR STRONG
We tend to favor rational, objective thought over emotions, impulses, and feelings at this time. We are more intellectual, fair-minded, and logical in our approach, Ideas flow easily and quickly, we are more communicative and guided by principles, and also somewhat dispassionate or impersonal.
June 20, 21, and 22
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