Category: Articles

Total lunar eclipse, Mars close approach tonight

Total lunar eclipse, Mars close approach tonight

Celestial event peaks at 3:45 a.m. ET April 15

CBC News Posted: Apr 14, 2014 5:00 AM ET

A red moon will hang below a Red Planet in the night sky tonight, during a lunar eclipse that coincides with our closest approach to Mars in six years.

“This will be a great one for us. It’s very dramatic,” predicts Colin Haig, vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada of the lunar eclipse scheduled to peak at 3:45 a.m. ET Tuesday.

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the full moon as it passes between the moon and the sun.

This eclipse will be a relatively rare total eclipse, when the moon is completely cloaked in the shadow.

The relative positions of the lunar eclipse, the planet Mars and the blue star Spica (not to scale) are shown in this illustration of the south-southwest sky early Tuesday morning. (Duk Han Lee/CBC)

“What makes this one special is the moon is going to end up in the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow,” said Haig.

That will cause it to dim and turn a dramatic red colour.

“Some people like to say it’s sort of a blood-red moon,” Haig said, “which has great emotional impact but it’s not really blood colour —  it’s more of a coppery colour.”

That’s because during a lunar eclipse, any light from the sun has to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere in order to hit the moon. And because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light the most (the reason the sky looks blue during the day), most of the light that hits the moon and then is reflected back at us is red.

Lunar eclipses don’t happen during every full moon because the moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

While lunar eclipses happen several times a year, each one can only be viewed from certain places around the globe, and in most cases, only part of the Earth’s shadow falls on part of the moon.

1 hour and 20 minutes

Another thing that makes tonight’s eclipse special is it will be visible across the whole country. Canadians who live west of Kingston, Ont., will be able to see the entire event, which will unfold slowly over an hour and 20 minutes. For those who live east of Kingston, the moon will set while it is still orange, before the end of the eclipse.

Besides the lunar eclipse, there is another celestial event of note tonight – the planet Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in six years, just 96 million kilometres away. That means it will also be close to its biggest and brightest. appearing above and to the right of the moon by about nine degrees during the eclipse, Haig said.

The Red Planet will look like a reddish orange star, Haig said. But unlike a star, it won’t twinkle.

The red moon will also contrast sharply with the bright blue star Spica in the constellation Virgo, which will be just below the moon and to the right.

All that may make for some nice photos.

Haig says you’ll be able to capture the moon with just about any camera, but he recommends using a “modest” telephoto lens of at least 200 millimetres. He suggests taking a series of photos at intervals of about five minutes.

“You’ll have a nice mosaic of the event as the moon works its way across the sky.”

Tonight’s lunar eclipse kicks off a tetrad — a group of four total lunar eclipses over the next two years. The next ones are:

  • Oct. 8, 2014.
  • April 4, 2015.
  • Sept. 28, 2015.

But Haig warns that tonight’s eclipse will likely put on the best show for Canadians, as the next one won’t be visible in eastern Canada.

 

Source:

CBCNews

Current Moon Phase for April 14th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/100% of Full)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

The Witches Magick For April 14th – Full Moon Wishing Spell

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
Full Moon Wishing Spell

This is a good spell to ensure a wish comes true.

Items You Will Need:

1 Glass of Juice/Wine

 

The Spell:

At night, under a full moon go outside with a glass of juice/wine. Look up at the moon and tell her exactly what you wish, visualizing the wish coming true, be specific and explain in as much detail as possible. When complete lift you glass in a toast to the moon goddess and say, with more visualization of the wish coming to being:

“Lunar Goddess, look and see
This goblet that I offer thee,
It is yours for all you do
Gracious one of silver hue.”

 

Pour your juice/wine into the soil in belief that your wish will be granted.

Let’s Talk Witch – Lunar Phases’ Magick

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics

Lunar Phases’ Magick

New Moon workings can be done from the day of the new moon to three-and-a-half days after.
The new moon is for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.

Waxing Moon Magic:
From seven to fourteen days after the new moon.
The waxing moon is for constructive magic, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health.

Full Moon Magic:
From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon.
Prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, divination.
Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.

Waning Moon Magic:
From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon.
The waning moon is used for banishing magic, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity.

Dark Moon Magic:
From ten-and-a-half to fourteen days after the full moon.
The dark moon is a time for dealing with attackers, for exploring our darkest recesses and
understanding our angers and passions. Also bringing justice to bear.

WOTC Goodies for the Full Moon


Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics Full Moon Oil

13 drops of sandalwood essential oil

9 drops of vanilla essential oil or extract

3 drops of jasmine essential oil

1 drop of rose essential oil
Mix prior to a full moon. Charge in a clear container or vial in the light
of the full moon. Use to anoint candles or yourself for full moon rituals
or just when you feel like you need the moons energy.

MOON WATER TONIC

Tonic waters containing the energies of the moon embody very powerful healing benefits that bring about integral balance and wholeness throughout the body, mind and soul. Clear quartz crystal catalyses the absorption of lunar energies as well as amplifies the healing benefits.

Wait for a clear night, preferably on or right before the full moon. Put your crystal in a clear glass and cover with one cup of purified water. Check an almanac for the exact time of sundown on the day you have chosen.
At sundown, place the glass out of doors in a moonlit place (cover the glass with clear plastic wrap). Remove the glass at dawn. The water is now filled with lunar potency.
Drink the moon water every morning to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the stress of the day.

The Wiccan Book of Days for April 14th – The Rune Of Man

April 14th

The Rune of Man

The runic half-month of Mannaz (or Man) begins today, and its last day will fall on April 28th. As its name indicates, this rune means “man,” and it may be interpreted on the one hand as signifying a male person, and on the other, as referring to mankind or humankind. Different interpreters put a different gloss on the meaning of the rune, with some saying that it points to the self, and others, that it highlights how the individual relates to the wider human community. And yet another view is that Mannaz denotes defense, especially of the human race collectively.

Heartening Hyssop

If you are feeling vulnerable to attack, fortify yourself with a herb that grows under mighty Mars’s protection, namely hyssop. Inhaling the essential oil will strengthen your immune system and will lift your spirits if you are feeling down.

 

 

Household Magick for Monday, April 14th

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
Household Magick for Monday, April 14th

 

Cast spells for matters concerning the home, emotions and nurturing.

Planetary Influence: The Moon

Household Symbols: Silver platters and bowls, moon shapes

Colors: White and Silver

Kitchen Spices: Lemon rind and wintergreen

Source:
Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Correspondence for Monday, April 14th

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
The Witches Correspondence for Monday, April 14th

Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconcilliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.

The Witches Almanac for Monday, April 14th

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Monday, April 14th

Monday (Moon): Peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friends, psychic awareness, purification and fertility.

Sanno Festival (Japanese)

 

Waxing Moon

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

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Libra

Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.

Incense: Neroli

Color: Gray

Wishing You & Yours A Very Glorious & Blessed Monday!

Days Of The Week Comments

I call upon You, Sisters Three,

You Who sit beneath Life’s Tree,

Bless and watch over me this day.

These things of You, I ask and pray.

Mighty Clothose, You Who spin

The thread and yarn of life on whim,

Grant my thread be soft, yet strong

And the essence of my own life’s song

Mighty Lachesis, You Who weave

And measure the cloth of life with ease

Weave my life beautifully

With color and texture for all to see.

Mighty Atropos, You Who slice

Life’s fabric and thread with a snip precise,

Grant me now another day

To return to thank You–this I pray.

Mighty Ones, Oh Sisters Three,

You Who sit beneath the Tree,

For each day I awaken to

Accept the thanks I offer You!

 

Source:
Everyday Magic
Dorothy Morrison

 

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!


Extra, Extra, Read All About It! I have got some great news for all my brothers and sisters. I know I haven’t been seen all weekend. But I have a great excuse for that. I have been a busy little bee. Over the weekend, I decided that we needed a little place to go and relax every now and then. So I went and created a little page just for that purpose. It is called the “Witches Rec Room.” It has tons of information on it. You can read anything from today’s Deity to the Article of the Day. It also has tons of games on it (I should mention the games will be updated each month). I have one in particular I love to play. But it meant to be a place to go and relax after you have visited this site. Or if you are just particularly having a bad day, go visit it. It will surely pick you up.

I hope you enjoy this new section of our site. I know I enjoyed creating it that’s for sure. There will be a tab for it at the top of the page. Then when I catch my breath, I am going to put a banner up for it. So go, look, have a good time, just don’t forget to come back here, lol!

Love Ya,

Lady A

The Witches Rec Room

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for April 11th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Before we can share with others, we must have something to share. And all of us do have something to give. Not material things, but we can share our peace and our love and our loyalty.

Before we can share with others, there must be others with whom to share. For if we are selfish and self-centered enough, we will never have to worry about sharing anything. We will be alone.

Before we can expect others to share with us, we must be capable of accepting. We must be worthy of others who desire to share with us; we must deserve their love.

Before the two of us can ever find anything in this world of mutual interest, we must have enough concern and enough love to feel a need within to produce something good enough to offer; not only to others, but to ourselves. If we have abused our own nature with thoughts of bitterness, harboring painful experiences, self-condemnation for little progress regardless of circumstances, then we have nothing to offer.

The French philosopher Achille Poincelot once said, “Some people think that all the world should share their misfortunes, though they do not share in the sufferings of everyone else.”

 

_____________________________________

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 11

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 11

“Spiritual matters are difficult to explain because you must live with them in order to fully understand them.”

–Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

To know something we must become one with it. We cannot know what a flower smells like until we actually smell it. Close your eyes and experience the fragrance. The Elders say there are two worlds, the Seen World and the Unseen World. To experience the Seen World we need to physically pick the flower and smell it. To experience the Unseen World we need to know about principles, laws and values; and no matter what our mind or our physical senses tell us, we must decide and act on these principles. If someone does wrong to us, we must pray for that person or persons to have peace, happiness and joy in their life. We must not get even or retaliate in any way. Only by doing this can we understand spiritual matters.

Great Spirit, give me your power whenever my weakness shows so I can live by spiritual decisions

April 11 – Daily Feast

April 11 – Daily Feast

If the wind were a person, we would probably say something unpleasant about him. The more we try to ignore it, the more it seems to intrude, blowing away the cherry blossoms before we have seen them, whipping the lilacs and irises when their exquisite beauty is at its peak. But the wind is like circumstances; it serves a purpose to make the season go forward. It carries seeds of wildflowers and drops them in unexpected places to please us. It helps to unfurl the new leaves and to bring rain. Changes, like the wind, have to be endured at times. But eventually we understand and often like the results. It requires our patience – which gives us time to prepare for what is to come, the same way we have patience with what the Cherokee calls, ga no le s gi, a windy person that blows and goes but means well.

~ As there is no alternative between a falsehood and a lie, they (the Cherokee) usually tell any person, you ‘lie,’ as a friendly negative to a reputed truth. ~

ADAIR

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

The Daily Motivator for April 11th – Make the effort to make it happen

Make the effort to make it happen

Don’t just hope to get it done. Take the time and make the effort to make it happen.

The things you get done are the things you make a specific time for in your schedule. If it’s important enough to be an intention, then it’s important enough to get it scheduled.

Don’t relegate your valuable intentions to an open-ended to-do list. Put them on your calendar.

There’s only so much time in each day, so scheduling your intentions will force you to prioritize them. That will help you make sure the most important things actually get done.

Thoughts and intentions are important because they can define your direction. For your direction to actually matter, though, you must get yourself in motion.

Go beyond wishing, hoping, planning and talking. Take the time, take the action, and get it done.

— Ralph Marston
Source:
The Daily Motivator

The Daily OM for April 11th – Revenge

Revenge
A Different Approach to Anger

by Madisyn Taylor

Thoughts of revenge create an energy of imbalance and is best dealt with by releasing your anger.

There can be times when we get so angry with someone that we find ourselves imagining ways to seek revenge for the hurt they’ve caused us. Remember, however, that the thoughts you’ve just had are energetic creations. In order to keep yourself from having to take part in the rebalancing of energy, it is important to release the person and the thoughts into the care of the universe with forgiveness.

Before we allow ourselves to invest our energy into negative thought or action, we can remind ourselves that everything has a purpose. We can then consider that perhaps the actions of the other person or people may have had nothing to do with us. If we don’t take their actions personally, it may be easier to release them. Remembering that every interaction is an opportunity to make a better choice, we can take a deep breath before responding, allowing us just enough time to connect to center and make the choice to respond from our higher self. We can never know all the circumstances that may have led anyone to do anything. By not passing judgment on anyone, and instead sending hope for their healing, we may create something positive out of a difficult situation. We can then release it, since dwelling on it can cause an energetic drain in our system, causing us to really only hurt ourselves. When we can release our hold on negative events and interactions, we leave it in the hands of a wise universe to work out the best solution for all involved.

In every moment we have a chance to make a choice to bring light into the world. When we bless others with the gift of our positive energy, instead of letting circumstances affect us negatively, we bring a little peace to the world every day.

 

Source:
The Daily OM

Long Term Healing Spell

Long Term Healing Spell

 

Supplies:

  • a feather
  • rosemary oil
  • a shell
  • a stone
  • an onion
  • a horseshoe

 

Directions:

This spell is good for slowly healing long-term illnesses.

Write the name of the person you wish to heal on the onion. (You can either use your athame to inscribe it or use a pen; it’s fine either way…)

Plant the onion in a pot or garden. Put a stone to the north, 3 drops of rosemary oil to the south, a shell to the west, and a feather to the east. Cover the objects with soil.

Place the pot on the horseshoe, or place the horseshoe close by if the onion is planted in the garden.

Freedom from Pain Spell

Freedom from Pain Spell

 

Think intensely about the person you want to free from pain. Visualize them in pain and agony, then visualize the pain fleeing from them as you chant the following nine times (three sets of three):

Wrap thee in cotton,
Bind thee with love,
Protection from pain,
Surrounds like a glove,
Brightest of blessings,
Surround thee this day (night),
For thou art cared for
Healing thoughts sent in flight.

White Candle Wound Healing Spell

White Candle Wound Healing Spell

 

Supplies:

  • 4 white candles
  • A photograph of the person you are helping.

 

Directions:

This ritual works best while facing east. If you feel better asking for permission if you’re going to work this ritual on someone else, go ahead. Arrange the candles and picture on your altar or workspace as follow:

               white candle
  white candle    Photo     white candle
               white candle

 

Invoke guardians and welcome your Gods. Concentrate on the subject receiving these magickal healings. Identify the problem that needs correcting. Light the candle facing east. As you do this, say:

Candle burn,
shine your light.
Take what’s wrong
and make it right.

 

Repeat with candle facing south.

Repeat with candle facing west.

Repeat with candle facing north.

Take time now to imagine the healing powers generated by these candles flowing into the subject of the ritual. Chant:

Dispell the agony,
let these wounds heal.
Banish the suffering,
no suffering to feel.

 

As you say this, imagine your subject surrounded by a healing, protective light that shines brighter each time you repeat the chant.

Thank the guardians and the Lord and Lady. Either extinguish the candles or allow them to burn out. Dispose of the candle remnants. It works best if you throw them into a river or bury them near a healthy tree, plant, or flower.

Basic Candle Rules to Follow…

Basic Candle Rules to Follow…

 

Always smother a flame that is to be extinguished before the candle is completed its burning. Never blow out a flame. This is considered extremely rude to the fire elements.

Always try to light a candle from the flame of a perpetually burning sourse.

If this is not possible, use a lighter, but never a match! Phosphorous and sulfur are used in destructive, negative magik and can greatly influence your candle Spellcasting.

Always use a new, fresh candle when starting a new rite or spell. An old or broken candle will not hold the energy of a new candle. A candle that has been used before has already been energized and dedicated to a task or affermation.

If a candle goes out on its own–do not relight it. Either your magic is concluded or your spell was done improperly and you need to begin again.

Remember to keep yourself, your belongings and your surroundings safe and protected from fire hazard when working candle magick. This is why it is so important to have an Altar-so you don’t burn the house down!