Category: Articles

Beltane Planting Ritual for Solitaries

Beltane Planting Ritual for Solitaries

By , About.com

This ritual is designed for the solitary practitioner, but it can easily be adapted for a small group to perform together. It’s a simple rite that celebrates the fertility of the planting season, and so it’s one that should be performed outside. If you don’t have a yard of your own, you can use pots of soil in place of a garden plot. Don’t worry if the weather is a bit inclement – rain shouldn’t be a deterrent to gardening. Just be sure you’re past the safe planting date for your region.

You’ll need:

  • Packets of seeds, or seedlings if you have them started already
  • Water
  • Pots of dirt, if you don’t have a garden
  • Gardening tools, such as a shovel

There is no need to cast a circle to perform this ritual, although if you prefer to do so, you certainly can. Plan on taking some time with this rite, though, and not rushing through it.

To begin, you’ll prepare the soil for planting. If you’ve already gotten your garden tilled or mulched, great – you’ll have a bit less work. If not, now’s the time to do so. Use your shovel or tiller to loosen the soil as much as possible. As you’re turning the earth over, and mixing it all up, take time to connect with the elements. Feel the earth, soft and moist beneath your feet. Take in the breeze, exhaling and inhaling calmly as you work. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and listen to the birds chattering in the trees above you. Connect with nature, and with the planet itself

If your tradition includes a deity of agriculture or land, now is a good time to call upon them. For instance, if your tradition honors Cernunnos*, a fertility god, you might choose to use the following:

Hail, Cernunnos! God of the forest, master of fertility!
Today, we honor you by planting the seeds of life,
Deep within the womb of earth.
Hail, Cernunnos! We ask you to bless this garden,
Watch over it, and grant it abundance,
We ask that these plants grow strong and fertile
Under your watchful eye.
Hail, Cernunnos! God of the greenwood!

When you have finished turning the soil and preparing it, it is time to plant the seeds (or seedlings, if you started them earlier in the spring). While you can do this easily with a shovel, sometimes it is better to get down on your hands and knees and really connect with the soil. If you’re not limited by mobility issues, get as close to the ground as you can, and use your hands to part the soil as you put the seeds in place. Yes, you’ll get dirty, but that’s what gardening is about. As you place each seed into the ground, offer a simple blessing, such as:

May the soil be blessed as the womb of the land
Becomes full and fruitful to bring forth the garden anew.
Cernunnos*, bless this seed.

After you’ve gotten the seeds in the ground, cover them all up with the loose dirt. Remember, this could take a while if you’ve got a large garden, so it’s okay if you want to do this ritual over the course of a few days.

As you’re performing all the different actions of gardening – touching the earth, feeling the plants – remember to focus on the energy and power of the elements. Get dirt under your fingernails, squash it between your toes if you don’t mind being barefoot outside. Say hello to that worm you just dug up by accident, and place him back in the ground. Do you compost? If so, be sure to add the compost to your plantings.

Finally, you’ll water your freshly planted seeds. You can either use a garden hose for this, or you can water by hand with a can. If you have a rain barrel, use the water from the barrel to start your garden.

As you’re watering your seeds or seedlings, call upon the deities of your tradition one last time.

Hail, Cernunnos*! God of fertility!
We honor you by planting these seeds.
We ask your blessing upon our fertile soil.
We will tend this garden, and keep it healthy,
Watching over it in your name.
We honor you by planting, and pay you tribute with this garden.
Hail, Cernunnos, master of the land!

You may also wish to include a general Garden Blessing.

Once you have completed watering, take a look through your freshly planted garden one last time. Did you miss any spots? Are there any weeds you forgot to pull? Tidy up any loose ends, and then take a moment to savor the knowledge that you have planted something new and wonderful. Feel the sunlight, the breeze, the soil beneath your feet, and know you have connected once more to the Divine.

*Cernunnos is used as an example in this rite. Use the name of the appropriate deity for your tradition.

 

How To Hold a Family Abundance Rite for Beltane

How To Hold a Family Abundance Rite for Beltane

By , About.com

 

Beltane is a celebration of fertility, and despite that it’s a perfectly natural aspect of the human existence, let’s face it — some parents may not always be comfortable discussing the erect phallus of the god or the open womb of the goddess with their young children. However, in addition to sexual fertility, the Beltane sabbat is also about abundance, in many forms. Don’t just focus on material gains — it’s about the growth of the earth and its bounty, and it’s about increasing your own spiritual and emotional wealth.

This family ritual is one that you can easily include children in. Hold it at night, if possible. Before beginning, prepare your family’s evening meal. Include spring foods, such as a light salad, fresh fruit, or breads. Set the table as you normally would, and go outside. For this ritual, you’ll need the following:

  • A small flower pot for each person in the family
  • A bowl of dirt or potting soil
  • Seeds for your favorite herbs or flowers
  • A cup of water
  • A small fire
  • A piece of paper for each person in the family

Go out in your yard with the entire family — be sure you have a small table or other flat surface you can use as an altar. For the fire, you can either build a large one in your yard, or if space is an issue, use a table-top brazier. A small cast iron pot is perfect for this purpose. You may want to decorate your altar space beforehand with symbols of the season. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

The oldest person in the family should lead the ritual. Begin by saying:

Welcome, spring!
The light has returned, and life has come back to the earth.
The soil is dark and full of energy,

so this evening we plant our seeds.
They will lie in the soil, taking root and growing,
until the time has come for them to meet the sun.
As we plant these seeds, we give thanks to the earth
for its strength and life-bringing gifts.

Each person fills their pot with soil. You can either pass the bowl of dirt around, or if you have small children, just let each approach the altar or table. If there are a number of people participating, you may want to sing a chant as everyone fills their pot. A good chant for this is:

Earth my body, water my blood,
air my breath and fire my spirit;

repeated multiple times, or sung as a round-robin.

Once everyone has filled their pot with soil, pass out the seeds. Say:

Tiny seeds, containing life!
They travel upon the wind and bring to us abundance.
Flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit…
all the bounty of the earth.
We give thanks to the seeds,
for the gifts that are to come in the harvest season.

Each person should push their seeds down into the soil. Older participants can help smaller children with this. Finally, pass around the cup of water. Say:

Water, cool and life-giving!
Bringing power to these seeds,
and moistening this fertile soil.
We give thanks to the water,
for allowing life to bloom once more.

When each person has finished potting their seeds, set the flower pots on the altar or table. Give each participant a small piece of paper and something to write with. Say:

Tonight we plant seeds in the earth,
but Beltane is a time in which many things can grow.
Tonight we plant seeds in our hearts and souls,
for other things we wish to see blossom.
We plant the seeds of love, of wisdom, of happiness.
We dig deep, and begin a crop of harmony, balance, and joy.
We add water to bring life and abundance of all kinds into our homes.
We offer our wishes into the fire, to carry them out to the Universe.

Each person should write on their paper something they wish to see blooming in their own life — harmony, happiness, financial security, strong relationships, healing, etc. For small children, it may be something very simple — even if your first-grader writes down that he wants a pony, don’t discourage anyone’s wishes. After each person has written their wish down, they approach the fire one at a time and cast the paper into the flames (help little ones with this part, just in the interest of safety).

When everyone has placed their wishes into the fire, take a few moments and think about the meaning of Beltane. Think about the things you want to see bloom and grow in your own life, in both the material and the non-physical realm. When everyone is ready, end the ritual. You may wish to follow the ceremony with another Beltane festivity, such as a Maypole Dance, or the traditional cakes and ale.

Setting Up Your Beltane Altar – What To Include on Your Beltane Altar

Setting Up Your Beltane Altar – What To Include on Your Beltane Altar

By , About.com

It’s Beltane, the Sabbat where many Wiccans and Pagans choose to celebrate the fertility of the earth. This Sabbat is about new life, fire, passion and rebirth, so there are all kinds of creative ways you can set up for the season. Depending on how much space you have, you can try some or even all of these ideas — obviously, someone using a bookshelf as an altar will have less flexibility than someone using a table, but use what calls to you most.

Colors of the Season

This is a time when the earth is lush and green as new grass and trees return to life after a winter of dormancy. Use lots of greens, as well as bright spring colors — the yellow of the daffodils, forsythia and dandelions; the purples of the lilac; the blue of a spring sky or a robin’s egg. Decorate your altar with any or all of these colors in your altar cloths, candles, or colored ribbons.

Fertility Symbols

The Beltane holiday is the time when, in some traditions, the male energy of the god is at its most potent. He is often portrayed with a large and erect phallus, and other symbols of his fertility include antlers, sticks, acorns, and seeds. You can include any of these on your altar. Consider adding a small Maypole centerpiece — there are few things more phallic than a pole sticking up out of the ground!

In addition to the lusty attributes of the god, the fertile womb of the goddess is honored at Beltane as well. She is the earth, warm and inviting, waiting for seeds to grow within her. Add a goddess symbol, such as a statue, cauldron, cup, or other feminine items. Any circular item, such as a wreath or ring, can be used to represent the goddess as well.

Flowers and Faeries

Beltane is the time when the earth is greening once again — as new life returns, flowers are abundant everywhere. Add a collection of early spring flowers to your altar — daffodils, hyacinths, forsythia, daisies, tulips — or consider making a floral crown to wear yourself. You may even want to pot some flowers or herbs as part of your Sabbat ritual.

In some cultures, Beltane is sacred to the Fae. If you follow a tradition that honors the Faerie realm, leave offerings on your altar for your household helpers.

Fire Festival

Because Beltane is one of the four fire festivals in modern Pagan traditions, find a way to incorporate fire into your altar setup. Although one popular custom is to hold a bonfire outside, that may not be practical for everyone, so instead it can be in the form of candles (the more the better), or a table-top brazier of some sort. A small cast-iron cauldron placed on a heat-resistant tile makes a great place to build an indoor fire.

Other Symbols of Beltane

  • May baskets
  • Chalices
  • Honey, oats, milk
  • Antlers or horns
  • Fruit such as cherries, mangos, pomegranates, peaches
  • Swords, lances, arrows

 

Legends and Lore of Beltane

Legends and Lore of Beltane

By

 

In many cultures, there are different legends and lore surrounding Beltane. Here are a few of the stories about this magical spring celebration.

  • Like Samhain, the holiday of Beltane is a time when the veil between the worlds is thin. Some traditions believe that this is a good time to contact the spirits, or to interact with the Fae. Be careful, though — if you visit the Faerie Realm, don’t eat the food, our you’ll be trapped there, much like Thomas the Rhymer was! 
  • Some Irish dairy farmers hang a garland of green boughs over their door at Beltane. This will bring them great milk production from their cows during the coming summer. Also, driving your cattle between two Beltane bonfires helps protect your livestock from disease. 
  • The pious Puritans were outraged by the debauchery of Beltane celebrations. In fact, they made Maypoles illegal the mid 1600’s, and tried to put a halt to the “greenwood marriages” that frequently took place on May Eve. One pastor wrote that if “tenne maiden went to set (celebrate) May, nine of them came home gotten with childe.” 
  • According to a legend in parts of Wales and England, women who are trying to conceive should go out on May Eve — the last night of April — and find a “birthing stone”, which is a large rock formation with a hole in the center. Walk through the hole, and you will conceive a child that night. If there is nothing like this near you, find a small stone with a hole in the center, and drive a branch of oak or other wood through the hole — place this charm under your bed to make you fertile. 
  • If you go out at sunrise on Beltane, take a bowl or jar to gather morning dew. Use the dew to wash your face, and you’re guaranteed a perfect complexion. You can also use the dew in ritual as consecrated water, particularly in rituals related to the moon or the goddess Diana or her counterpart, Artemis. 
  • In the Irish Book of Invasions, it was on Beltane that Patholan, the first settler, arrived on Ireland’s shores. May Day was also the date of the defeat of the Tuatha de Danaan by Amergin and the Milesians. 
  • Babies conceived at Beltane are considered a gift from the gods. They were sometimes referred to as “merry-begots”, because the mothers were impregnated during Beltane’s merrymaking. 
  • In Cornwall, it’s traditional to decorate your door on May Day with boughs of hawthorn and sycamore. 
  • Eating a special oatcake called a bannock or a Beltane cake ensured Scottish farmers abundance of their crops for the year. The cakes were baked the night before, and roasted in embers on a stone.

 

Honoring the May Queen

Beltane Comments & Graphics

The leaves are budding across the land
on the ash and oak and hawthorn trees.
Magic rises around us in the forest
and the hedges are filled with laughter and love.
Dear lady, we offer you a gift,
a gathering of flowers picked by our hands,
woven into the circle of endless life.
The bright colors of nature herself
blend together to honor you,
Queen of spring,
as we give you honor this day.
Spring is here and the land is fertile,
ready to offer up gifts in your name.
we pay you tribute, our lady,
daughter of the Fae,
and ask your blessing this Beltane.

Make an offering of a floral crown, or a libation of honey and milk, to the Queen of the May during your Beltane prayers.

Source:

About.com

A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘Five Rules of Wisdom For Men’

Five Rules of Wisdom For Men

 

1. It’s important to have a woman who helps at home, who cooks from time to time, cleans up and has a job.

2. It’s important to have a woman who can make you laugh.

3. It’s important to have a woman who you can trust and who doesn’t lie to you.

4. It’s important to have a woman who is good in bed and who likes to be with you.

5. It’s very, very important that these four women don’t know each other.

Daily Feng Shui News for April 30th – ‘Beltane’

On some Celtic calendars today is called ‘Beltane,’ a day dedicated to fertility and the return of the sun. Fairies are believed to be quite active during Beltane, and including them in your celebration is important. One way to do that is to leave food and drink on a windowsill or outside of your front door as an offering to nourish and nurture the fairy folk. Legend says that by doing this they will protect you and yours for the rest of the year.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for Wednesday, April 30th is The Abraxas

Your Charm for Today

Abraxas

Today’s Meaning:
A powerful force will rule you within aspect for the duration of a year. You will be given few choices to make as most will be made for you. This force is benign in nature and the end result will be positive.

General Description:
Abraxas stones were commonly worn and highly esteemed in the Roman Empire about the time when Christianity was becoming established there. Much importance was attached to the word Abraxas in the Greek notation making up the number 365, signifying 365 heavens, occupied by the 365 gods, who according to the Gnostic religion, formed the earth and ruled its destiny. The Abraxas, the curious divide Jeo, of Jehovah of the Gnostics, has a fowl’s head, signifying watchfulness and foresight; the shield, wisdom; whip, authority; two serpents, mystery, eternity, vitality. These rings were worn as talismans for protection against physical ills.

 

 

Your Animal Spirit for April 30th is the Loon

 Your Animal Spirit for Today
April 30, 2014

Loon

Loons mate for life, and their medicine is about loyalty, family, and deep caring for one another. If you’re experiencing a relationship fraught with power struggles, you are NOT practicing Loon medicine. If your relationship has BECOME a power struggle, Loon has appeared to remind you that this is a time of equal sharing and equal happiness. Something is amiss and Loon thinks you already know what it is.

 

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 30th is The Beacon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Beacon

The Beacon symbolizes both guidance to safe harbors and a warning of dangerous waters. The Beacon is represented by a lighthouse atop jagged rocks with its powerful light cutting a path that leads to an adjacent entrance to a calm harbor on a stormy night. The Beacon suggest that if you look for it, there is a general path for you to follow to reach a place of peace and harmony. However, The Beacon itself sets upon rough ground, so you must still step carefully as you follow it to quiet waters.

As a daily card, The Beacon provides guidance away from conflict. It implies that the path to resolving differences is marked and visible to any who look for it. The Beacon also warns that while there is a way to quell strife, you still must move carefully towards a solution.

Your Daily Tarot Card for Wednesday, April 30th is The Moon

Your Daily Tarot Card for Today

The Moon

The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true.

Happy Birthday, Taurus!

Happy Birthday, Taurus!

Raising a glass to the zodiac’s pleasure-loving Bull

Maria DeSimoneMaria DeSimone on the topics of taurus, birthdays, astrology

Taurus, when it’s your birthday it’s time to pull out all the stops. We’re not talking fanfare or loud parties here — that’s not really your style. You do, however, relish the kind of celebration that indulges all of your senses in the most intoxicating way. Your sign, more than any other, has an almost sacred connection to the earth and this physical world we live in. As a result, anything that involves an opportunity to maximize your capacity to taste, touch, smell, see or hear will result in instant bliss.

Aged to perfection

With each passing year you get even better — like a fine wine. What makes you happiest is knowing that you continue to build your own personal legacy and empire as you utilize your special talents in a grounded, enduring way. Since you’re also the money sign of the zodiac, you have a gift for creating lasting wealth. You’ll work steadily to reach any goal, and if there’s one person who’s known for loyalty and perseverance, it’s you. Nothing will stop you once you’ve made a decision or started a project.

Ironically, your greatest strength may also be your weakness. Tenacity can help you achieve unlimited goals, but if you become too locked in your stubborn ways, you might miss out on important opportunities to grow. Remember, when life demands change, the more you dig in your heels, the more you sabotage your soul. Don’t get stuck in a rut! Why not shake things up a bit and try a new place? Believe it or not, you CAN get a gourmet steak dinner and rich chocolate birthday cake at more than one place. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised!

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Thursday, May 1st

Although we can quickly adapt to new situations today, we’re not very patient when waiting for someone else. The inquisitive Gemini Moon stimulates our curiosity and encourages us to seek answers to our most pressing questions. However, we’re annoyed as impulsive Mars is fired up by the radiant Sun, prompting us to express our anger without considering the consequences. We can inadvertently instigate trouble with a quick wit and a sharp tongue.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Bouncing from one thought to the next is fun today, but it’s tough to complete anything that you start. Every idea that pops into your mind warrants serious attention until the next one pulls you in a different direction. Although you may not be able to eliminate the distractions now, you can modify your responses. Thankfully, if you stay aware of your tendency to wander, you could turn the day into a productive one as long as you keep bringing yourself back to your center.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone expects you to do something that just doesn’t make sense to you now, and it’s challenging to respond favorably to their requests. You often have deep energy reserves to draw upon when you have your mind set on a specific goal. But you tire easily today, especially if you secretly believe you’re wasting time. Don’t hide your true feelings; bringing your uncertainty out into the open is awkward at first, but makes everyone feel better in the long run.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your dual nature is quickly apparent today as your enthusiasm fluctuates throughout the day. Although you might be comfortable with your ongoing mood swings now, others could have a harder time understanding why you are hot one moment and cold the next. Address their concerns preemptively by simply letting them know that you’re still considering your options. Your honesty may be all that is necessary to clear the air.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Following a strict schedule might be the best way to keep yourself on track now; however, it could also have the exact opposite effect. If one appointment runs late, a cascading effect may cause the rest of your day to tumble out of control. Ironically, exerting too much pressure is an invitation for disaster today. A little less worry and a lot more flexibility helps to spin everything in a more positive direction.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your friends may be a welcome source of enthusiastic encouragement at first and then offer stone cold resistance just a few minutes later, forcing you to decide which extreme reaction to accept. But you might be experiencing your own dilemma, as you vacillate between impulsive and cautious feelings. When you acknowledge these forces as merely two facets of your complex personality, you will be more open to seeing how contrary aspects can peacefully coexist in yourself and others.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

A personal relationship could be stressed today, leading you to accomplish less than you wish while adding another serving of anxiety onto your plate. Although you may be required to respond to the feelings of others, they don’t need to become the center of your day. Let everyone else manage their own reactions for now. Do whatever intuitively feels right for you and then move on. You can care for those you love without taking responsibility for their emotions.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Hanging in the balance is a classic Libra response to stress, and that’s exactly what’s going on for you now as you struggle to make up your mind about your goals. You may wonder if you should sign up for a new course of study or take a long overdue trip. Paradoxically, what you choose today may prove to be less significant than simply initiating some sort of action at this time. Although you must work within your current limitations, your life is on the launch pad and ready to blast off.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Getting an early start on your routine chores is almost always a wise move, yet single-mindedly focusing on your work today is not as smart as it sounds. A very narrow band of concentration could distract you from a chance to share an amazing experience with a loved one. Practicing flexibility creates the space for something wonderful to happen. Keep your heart open: magic is everywhere you look.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You can learn something valuable from a friend or partner today. But you may have a difficult time listening to what people want now, because their needs can thwart your desire to create your own future. Don’t let your frustration stand in the way of your success. Slowing down to accommodate others also has a positive impact on your work. Instead of rushing ahead, it makes more sense to fine-tune your current plan before moving on.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Avoid falling into the trap of allowing today’s whimsical Gemini Moon to drag your feelings all over the place. It’s crucial to be highly selective about your social causes now because getting involved with too many groups — even if they include amazing people — might drain your energy. Demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment by picking one issue and sticking with it until you create the impact you want. Don’t underestimate how much positive change one person can make.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your inner child is eager to play today, encouraging you to set serious responsibilities aside for a while. This lighthearted attitude enables you to enjoy yourself, but it may not be such a wonderful thing if you are up to your neck in work. Nevertheless, you are driven to seek spontaneous avenues of expression no matter how much your current commitments constrain you. Ultimately, a new approach to fulfilling your obligations can replace old counterproductive habits. A change of pace will do you good.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It feels as if you can’t escape today as your head and heart are tugged in opposite directions by the clever Gemini Moon that reminds you to logically think your way through any problem. However, you Fish like to rely on your gut feelings to navigate your route to success because you know that facts can sometimes hide the truth. Keep in mind that your answer won’t be found in the rational or the emotional side of the debate now. Instead, just jump directly into the fray without any extra thought and let intuition be your guide.

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, April 30th

Looking back at the previous month brings anticipation for the weeks ahead. The practical Taurus New Moon at 2:14 am EDT is a Solar Eclipse that reveals how our need for security stands in the way of our next phase of growth. Although Taurus likes stability, we can’t cling to the status quo. Fortunately, communicator Mercury’s smooth trine to evolutionary Pluto enables us to discuss our deepest concerns and eliminate self-destructive patterns.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You must become more practical now by leaving the preparatory phase of a project and entering into the building phase. The Taurus New Moon Eclipse rattles your 2nd House of Self-Worth, forcing you to focus on producing tangible results and letting go of your unrealistic ideas. But you don’t have to perform miracles overnight. Even a little bit of progress today gets you heading in the right direction and gives you a foundation on which to create enduring success.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You are at the edge of a magical initiation that can lead you in an entirely new direction. Today’s Solar Eclipse falls in your sign, shocking you with a fresh array of feelings and requiring you to react with integrity. However, you must proceed cautiously because your mind is running ahead of your actions now. Thankfully, as long as you don’t get caught up in your own whirlwind of thoughts, you should be able to turn your best ideas into reality

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Something isn’t as it seems today, since the Taurus New Moon Eclipse emphasizes your 12th House of Secrets. Significant pieces of the puzzle may still be missing from your big picture, making your perspective incomplete until you unearth the additional data. Take everything that happens without an apparent reason as a clue now. Following the mysteries without knowing where you’re going can lead you on a circuitous route into uncertainty. Have faith; there are treasures lurking in the shadows if you have the courage to look.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Although others can help you stay on task, don’t just blindly follow all the advice that is offered to you today. Luckily, your friends may be the source of valuable guidance now that the pragmatic Taurus Solar Eclipse shadows your 11th House of Social Networks. You are at a fork in the road; once you pass this point you won’t be able to circle back and make a second choice. Give yourself plenty of time to consider the consequences of your current decision before you commit to any one direction.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might feel as if someone is rapidly flipping the switch of the spotlight that’s shining on your career today. The strobe effect is shocking and the Taurus Solar Eclipse in your 10th House of Public Status casts a whole new perspective on your professional path. Luckily, you can make choices that positively alter your long-term goals if you are thinking ahead of the curve. But don’t spend too much time lost in thought. Planning time is over; get busy and manifest your dreams.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Applying the energy of today’s Taurus New Moon Eclipse empowers you to make pragmatic plans for your future. However, its emphasis on your 9th House of Adventure also suggests you could be planning a weekend getaway. Or, perhaps you are dreaming about turning your life upside-down by moving to a foreign country or embarking on a spiritual journey. Nearly anything is possible now if you remember to proceed slowly through the changes with careful deliberation. If it’s worth doing, it’s also worth taking the time to do it right.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Exploring ways to experience new pleasures takes center stage now that the earthy Taurus New Moon Eclipse highlights your 8th House of Intimacy. Nevertheless, attending to your priorities while also leaving time to indulge in sensual delights such as delicious food, soulful music or relaxing massage is tricky. You don’t have the luxury of simply idling the day away; you must also be proactive to get the most out of this moment. Carefully consider what you want on your path of life, for whatever choices you make today could have a powerful impact on your future.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Relationship stability is a double-edged sword now. You like the emotional security, but too much safety can make you complacent. One way to raise the stakes is to create a ritual with a close friend or partner since the powerful Taurus Solar Eclipse sets the stage for metaphysical magic in your 7th House of Companions. Try something as simple as lighting candles and giving voice to your intentions for the month ahead. Whatever you choose to do today, just be sure that everything is done with conscious purpose.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This is a great time to handle any health concerns now that the physical Taurus New Moon lands in your 6th House of Self-Improvement. Make an appointment if you are due for your yearly exam or are overdue for a dental checkup. Set aside a bit of time now to reevaluate your diet and exercise program. Examine how you can improve you wellbeing by making small changes in your daily regimen that stand up to the tests of time. Living a life of adventure demands that you take excellent care of your body.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If you recently had trouble finding time to relax, play or pursue a romance, a change of schedule marks the beginning of a new phase. It’s not likely that something magical will just happen to you now; you must be the one who initiates the action. Fortunately, the Taurus Solar Eclipse rocks your 5th House of Self-Expression, encouraging your spontaneity these days, whether it’s about indulging your inner-child, exploring your creativity or shining your love light. Relentlessly chase your dreams if you want them to become real.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You must face very basic issues today, such as what price you’re willing to pay for the emotional security you receive from your home and family. This is a time of profound soul-searching; however, it’s not constructive to just wander around in the memories of your childhood, lost in the recesses of your subconscious mind. Oddly enough, revisiting your past can help you decide what you want in your future now that the Taurus New Moon Eclipse activates your 4th House of Roots. Breaking unconscious patterns makes your relationships healthier in the long run.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The pace of your daily rhythm is speeding up again, even if your life is already busy. But even with the additional distractions, you can still make your ideas very clear to others in a way that they quickly understand. The Taurus New Moon Eclipse stimulates your noisy 3rd House of Communication, initiating a highly active and interactive month ahead. There’s no time to nostalgically reminisce about the way things were. Jump into the data stream, share what’s on your mind and don’t miss any opportunities that come your way.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, April 30th

It may be a little too soon to shout from the rooftops that the recent stellar conflicts are at an end, but some of today’s fortuitous alignments are pointing in that general direction. The early hours appear promising across the board — courtesy of a high-minded, 72-degree liaison between Mercury and Jupiter (1:20AM) while the Moon in Pisces in a 60-degree, supportive tie with the Sun in Taurus (7:15AM) provides a good-sized dose of physical and emotional revitalization. Remember that it was Mercury (on April 14) and Jupiter (on April 20) that each made several adversarial aspects — magnifying the potential discord of those time-periods. Now they act as though it never happened by reaching across the zodiac in a thought-provoking 72-degree contact. Enjoy explorations in the fine and graphic arts, music and dance improvisations as the Moon unites with Neptune (11:50AM) and parallels Venus (3:02PM). The latter sky pattern can rev your romantic engines. However, focus attention on safety and security measures while Venus forms an off-kilter, 150-degree link with Vesta (12:04PM) and keep your emotional cool when the Moon parallels Mars (8:40PM). Maintain a steady hand if you need to deal with evening business matters since Venus trines Saturn in water signs (10:16PM). Insights inundate your consciousness as Thursday night morphs into Friday morning as the Moon makes a flowing trine to Jupiter (11:55PM). [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Current Moon Phase for April 30th – New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/10% of Full)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Watch Your Words

Watch Your Words

Witches say that words have power, but what does that mean to our everyday lives? Since words are a way of putting our intentions out into the universe (which is why we speak our spells aloud), it is important to be sure your words are sending the message you want. Spent a day truly listening to yourself. Are you critical of yourself or others? Is your attitude positive or negative? Are your words kind or hurtful? If you’re not happy with what you hear, make an effort to watch what you say in the days that lie ahead. Because words really do have power, but you have power over your words.

–Deborah Blake