Category: Articles

The Memory of a Scent

The Memory of a Scent

Author:   Bliss Diva   

Sometimes we all just need to breathe. Breathe in the dozens of scents on the earth. Everything has a scent: the rain, the soil, the cold, the warm, the snow, the sunshine, the fire, the wind…everything has a smell.

I fill myself with these smells each day. I breathe them in, and each one evokes a different emotion, a different sensation, and a different memory.

I sit in my room, the smoke of my new Dragon’s Blood incense swirling around me. The scent takes me back to a time in eighth grade, when my friend Kat and I were at our friend Hayley’s house. We were sitting on her floor, listening to Evanescence and talking about Wicca when we decided to go astral traveling.

And so we set down a blanket, cast a circle, lit candles and Dragon’s Blood incense at each of the four corners, set Kat’s crystal in the middle (the crystal was red, and set me in a trance just by looking at it) , and held hands to astral travel together. We all were in a light trance, and I opened my eyes just for a moment.

The smoke from the incense was filling the room; dulling the candlelight and making everything look magickal. The smoke seemed to twist and turn, revealing images of roaring dragons, giggling, mischievous pixies, and all sorts of other creatures, smelling of the Otherworld.

When I looked at Kat and Hayley, they still had their eyes closed and seemed unbothered by the strange forms surrounding them. The smoke creatures tickled my arms, and when I blinked, their images went away, so perhaps it was just my imagination.

And still the scents of the world evoke images and feelings within me.

The smell of bacon simmering on the pan reminds me of when I was little, and I used to steal my dad’s bacon when he turned away.

The smell of the Anchor River tickles my noise and reminds me of the days I spent inner tubing.

The sweet scent of the snow takes me back to times skiing at the Alyeska Ski Resort.

Indeed, even the moonlight has a scent. I lay in my bed at night, the moon sending shivering warmth down upon my bed, and I bask in the moonlight’s scent; a scent I can never even begin to name or describe.

Can we give a scent a name? A scent is a distant memory, long forgotten. A scent is an emotion we cannot explain. A scent is the silent dance that weaves its way through the air.

Your nose can name and recognize a million different smells. The nose is still not completely understood by modern science. It’s a wonder how the nose can pick up smells from far away, how it can place them, how it can recognize them, how it can recall them from your distant memory. And when there is a smell you have not smelled before, it relates the smell to past smells and scrambles around in your brain for a word to call it. And once it smells a smell, it never forgets it.

Can you recall the first scent you have smelled?

Is it the scent of your mother’s blood as you burst out of her, screaming and crying for grief of leaving the warm womb?

Is it the scent of your mother’s breast milk?

Is it the scent of the room in which you were born?

Or perhaps you can’t remember that time. Maybe your first smell was the smell of the dust in the road as you walked to school for the first time.

Maybe it was the smell of your favorite food, just before you ate it for the first time.

Maybe it was the smell of the winter air, as you saw snow for the first time.

Maybe it was the smell of the kitchen, where a million different foods are cooked.

Or maybe it was simply the smell of life, which you continue smelling at this moment.

Perhaps you can evoke the memory of the smell of the Goddess, the first time you experienced Her in all Her beauty, whether it be through astral travel, or through a dream, or when you stepped before a vast mountain range, or when you stepped in front of a huge tree larger than any you’ve ever seen, or when you looked in to the face of the most beautiful girl you’ve ever imagined, or when you held a baby close to your breast.

Can you remember the smell you smelled yesterday?

Can you remember the memory that went along with it?

I remember the smell of tears, running down my mother’s face when her mother died. Though I didn’t remember my grandmother, I cried for her, and I smelled the sea-salt smell of my own tears.

I can remember the smell of the day when my dad began to build our cabin, and the air was heavy with hope and the scent of the coming spring.

I recall the scent of pain, when I burned my finger while camping.

I can recall the smell of my memory itself, thick with nostalgia, regret, comfort, and promise.

Can you recall the scent of yourself?

Can you recall the scents of your memory?

“Your sweet scent
Lingers on the sweater I lent you.
The breezed smell
Of the beach we stood on,
Lingers on my jacket,
Just waiting to leave.
Each time I bring myself near to them,
Slip on the sweater,
Or pull on the coat,
I fall into a dreamland.
I am not in love with you, though,
But with Me.
I have fallen in love with
The person you have made me.
I have fallen hard.

As that scent disappears
I can only look back
Through my mind
And the few snapshots
We’d captured on that beach that day
But I soon realize
That I will never forget your scent.
It will linger on me forever,
not matter how much the wind blows
to try to steal it away
or how much time passes…
Your scent and your effect,
Remain in my heart
Never being blown away.”

(–A Lingering Scent, by Penny roe, poems-and-quotes.com)

Trail Magic: Creating an incense trail

Trail Magic: Creating an incense trail

Author:   Incense Dragon   

Everyone knows what incense is, don’t they? It’s the little sticks and cones you get at the grocery store that smell like Apple or Musk, right? Well, it hasn’t always been that way.

Incense is one of the oldest tools of magic and ritual but its lore, history and modern hobbyists are virtually unknown to much of the Pagan community. The incense “trail” represents an ancient incense burning technique that is highly applicable to modern magic practices and ritual. I should also mention it’s a great deal of fun.

An incense trail is simply a line of incense powder that is burned. A trail can be as simple as a line of powdered sandalwood on a rock. While this is not the preferred method, you can make it work with practice. This is likely the first form of incense trail, but ancient practice eventually elevated the incense trail to a critical role in society.

Before the availability of high quality, spring-powered clocks there were many different methods employed to keep track of time – especially at night. Among the many devices created were clocks powered by dripping or running water. Although some were fairly accurate, they were no good in freezing conditions or on a swaying ship. There were also candles used to mark the time, but environmental conditions could greatly affect their accuracy. The incense “clock” was another attempt to mark time.

In a bed of pure ash, a line can be pressed into the surface. That depression would then be carefully filled with a powdered incense mixture. When used for timekeeping, a special incense blend was used since its burning times were well known. Special markers were then inserted along this trail of incense. The markers could be used to signal a changing of guards, mealtimes or working hours, but their primary use was to mark times to pray.

Eventually incense clocks were developed that used incense sticks to give even more consistent timing. Incense alarm clocks were eventually created. These sometimes used bells hung from the incense stick with thread. When the stick burned to the thread it would break and the bell would clang to the floor.

This is an extremely condensed look at a fascinating topic. If you have more interest in the ancient use of incense clocks read Silvio Bedini’s book The Trail of Time. It is a rare look at this amazing lost art form.

The good news about all of this is you can start using incense trails yourself. You will need ash, incense powder (powdered sandalwood works great), a heat resistant dish or large incense censer and a match or lighter. It’s best to put your censer where it will be used before you begin to minimize movement.

What should you draw? Just think of the magical possibilities. Symbols are an important part of magic. You can draw symbols for deities, astrological signs, runes or geometric shapes. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. Think of the energy of the slowly burning shape as you raise power in your circle. Use trails to time rituals or to cleanse a space. Trails can elevate your incense from being a part of the magical background to a central part of any ritual.

You might have everything you need in your house except for the required amount of ash. You can harvest ash from some other activity if you wish. Never use ash from your charcoal grill or ashes containing synthetic “fire logs.” Ash from incense censers, campfires and fireplaces can be used but I don’t recommend them. If you use such recycled ash, be certain to sift it through a fine screen and then bake the ash in a warm oven for 20-30 minutes to remove as much scent as possible.

A better solution is to purchase ash specifically for incense use. Ash is an important part of Asian incense traditions (such as the Japanese Kodo ceremony). As a result, many shops that sell Asian incense sell pure ash as well. That’s the best possible source if you plan to make incense trails. The pure white ash is scentless and ready for use.

Simply fill your dish or censer with ash and lightly tamp the censer (you can tap the censer lightly a few times on a sturdy table, but pressing down on the ash with something solid works even better). This is to level the ash and make it a bit firmer. You can then make shallow impressions on the surface of the ash. For this, you can use simple stamps (complex designs don’t work very well) from your local craft store, cookie cutters (insert the cutter about 1/8 of an inch deep and move it very slightly from side to side) or simply draw in the ash with a skewer or toothpick. The edge of a paper card will work as well.

No matter what tool you choose, keep the impressions no more than 1/8 inch deep and try to move the excess ash to the sides of your impressions. Especially when using a toothpick or skewer, the ash might try to build up in front of your tool making it more difficult to draw. Push the ash side to side instead. Just try and create a smooth impression – you might need to trace the shape several times to clear the entire trail.

You are not limited in what you can draw. The important thing to keep in mind is that every one of the lines you draw needs to be connected to another line. You might think of it as a line of dominoes you want to topple. If they don’t touch, the chain will stop. It’s the same with incense. Unlike dominoes, burning incense travels in multiple directions. If you draw a circle of incense, when you light it the incense will burn both directions around the circle. Every junction of lines will be lighted at the same time. I have a pentagram stamp that I made that would originally burn in eight different places at once.

While you can use those burning characteristics to your advantage, in general you want only one point on the line of incense to burn. Otherwise plumes of smoke result. The simplest way to control this it to put “blocks” in place. Use your drawing tool to break the lines of incense with a barrier of ash. You can also place small pieces of metal (in a pinch, a penny will work) in the trail of incense. Once the burning incense reaches the metal, it will go out.

Once you have made an impression in the ash and established any ash blocks you might need, fill the impression with incense powder. This is the trickiest part, although it’s not as tough as it seems at first glance. I’ve experimented with a lot of techniques but have found one to be the easiest. I was actually inspired to it while watching Tibetan monks making a sand painting. They use long metal tubes, tapered at one end, which they fill with colored sand and then gently rub to release the sand from the narrow end. It gives them great control over where every grain of sand goes. I tried this with tubes and met with some success, but when I transitioned to paper cards I found the method I prefer.

Use a 3” X 5” paper card. Fold the card in half in line with the long edge. This gives you a 1 ½ X 5 card. Open the card partially and you have a large cavity you can fill with incense powder. Fill the card about 1/3 full with powder (as I said before, you can just use powdered sandalwood and get great results). Push some of the powder away from one end of the card, so that only a thin line is left at the edge of the card. You can then use that end of the card to fill your impression in the ash.

Put the end of the card just above the impression with the folded edge of the card down. That will make the card a large V-shape with the incense powder held in the center. I like to hold the card in my right hand with the two folded up edges touching the palm of my hand. I then extend the “drawing” end of the card slightly past the palm of my hand. With the end of the card just above the ash and the card at about a 25 degree angle, I tap the end of the card with my left hand. Each tap causes a small bit of incense powder to fall precisely where I want it to go. By gently tapping the card and moving it over every part of the impression in the ash, I can fill the impression to the exact depth I desire.

Once the impression is filled, you can tap or press its surface lightly to get perfect contact, but that’s an optional step. With practice you can fill the impression very well without the need to press it together. The trail looks better without pressing, since that process “blurs” the shape you draw in the ash.

After you’ve drawn an impression and filled it with powder, the incense trail is ready for use. Once the impression is filled, you should move your censer as little as possible. Each time you move it, you could displace the trail and make it harder to see or break the line. If the trail won’t be used immediately, consider covering the censer to keeping wind or drafts from disturbing it.

To light the trail, you can simply apply flame directly to the lighting point you’ve chosen. It’s usually best to light the trail at one end, but you can get a great effect from starting in the middle of the trail. You will need to hold the flame in place for at least 30 seconds to get it burning well. You might notice that where ash and flame meet, the ash becomes discolored. The same will happen as the incense trail burns past the ash. Once the flame is removed, the incense will continue to burn along the path you’ve set for it.

A more elegant way to light the trail is to use stick or cone incense. You can use the stick or cone as a fuse. Set the incense cone directly atop the lighting point on the trail. If using a stick, break off a small section and insert it into the starting point of the trail. If you use so-called “masala” incense sticks (the kind with a wooden rod in the center of the stick), make certain you break off a piece that is completely covered in incense material. The top two inches of stick is best. If you’re using a “joss stick” of incense, any two-inch section will be fine.

Put the cone or stick in place at the starting point (the trailhead, if you will) and light it as you normally would. As the stick or cone burns down to the incense trail, the trail will light. You can also light an incense stick and place it atop the powder parallel to the trail. Some traditions call for lighting an incense stick and then inserting the burning end into the powder.

Incorporating incense trails into your rituals, both large and small, is not only rewarding magically, it’s also a lot of fun. Like any skill, it requires practice to get the exact effect you desire but even first-time trail makers will find it easy and enjoyable. Bring an ancient form magic to your next circle and you won’t be disappointed.

A picture is sometimes worth a million words, so to see pictures of this process, just visit this link:
http://members.cox.net/donalgram/trails.htm

________________________________

Footnotes:
Bedini, Silvio A. – The Trails of Time: Time measurement with incense in East Asia – Cambridge University Press, 1994

Neal, Carl F. – Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents – Llewellyn Worldwide, 2003

MAKING INCENSE STICKS

MAKING INCENSE STICKS

First: when working with incenses/perfume/dyeing use utensils that you never
ever again use for cooking – some ingredients are not good to ingest
accidentally in your dinner later. Secondly: although I have not had a bad
reaction to any of the recipes given below, you, might indeed, so take care with
their use.

There are available in some supply shops pre-formed ‘punks’ which you can then
steep in the oil combination that you want, let dry and then burn. About 35
drops of oil (approximately 1 tsp/5ml) will soak between 3-8 sticks, depending
on how intense you want the scent to be. You will want to turn them so the oil
is not just soaked up on one side, but uniformly.

Basic recipe is to take some finely powdered sawdust, mix in something to help
it smolder a bit – often a resin or other chemical, some herbs or essential
oils, form it around a fine split piece of bamboo sliver, and let dry. Be
careful of some of the herbs that release small amounts of cyanide when burned,
like bay leaves, or any other toxic substance. Also usable for the sawdust are
powdered dried flower petals or other herbs.

Amounts of sawdust/gums/chemical/herbs/essential oils vary widely depending on what type of incense you are making. To make your own finger formed sticks you want a rather thick paste, but for ‘dipped’ sticks, you will want a much thinner semi liquid goop that you dip the stick into several times.

Since I don’t have access to sawdust as fine as I normally want, I went to the
kitchen spice bottles, and got dried cinnamon to use. Dried woody spices will
substitute nicely for the powdered sawdust – but – since they are not inert,
they -will- affect the use of the incense.

For instance, the following combination is thought by some to invoke the Goddess of the Greenwood if burned in the spring:

4 parts dried powdered violet leaves
2 parts dried honeysuckle flower petals
1 part fresh mint leaves
You are supposed to grind them together, and the liquid from the mint will bind
it together. (Since there is no wood in this, it works better as a loose incense
burned on charcoal, rather than formed into a stick, but I have done both.)

If I were to use dried cinnamon powder as a base, that would very much change
the character of the incense. It would smolder more evenly, but…..I have never
seen violet -leaf- essential oil, synthetic or otherwise commercially available
and that moist spring woodland scent would be lost in the heavy cinnamon base
when burned.

One of the incenses to increase clairvoyance:

2 parts finely ground gum mastic
2 parts frankincense
3 parts ground cinnamon
2 parts dried lavender flowers
1 part gum arabic

assumes that you will heat the gum resins to the melting point in a -heavy-
ceramic vessel stirring constantly with a glass rod, remove them from the heat,
stir in the other ingredients, then when it is cool enough to touch, you will
form it onto the bamboo split. Take great care not to scorch or set aflame the
resin while melting it, and take care not to get it so hot that the stuff
splatters up at you while you are melting it: lower heat may take longer but is
a better choice.

The following incense that was thought to be attractive to the God of the
Greenwood in the autumn (traditionally burned out of doors) is also not a good
one to use cinnamon as a base for:

5 parts dried pine (not spruce or fir) needles gathered from a wild tree
2 parts white sandalwood powder
2 parts powdered Valerian root
1 part cinnamon
3 parts finely ground frankincense
1 part dried cedar bark
1 part dried oak leaves
3 parts dried oakmoss

Again, although you heat the resin until it is melted, and then mix the
ingredients together, the cinnamon is just a small part of the scent
combination. Using it as a base would make it the most pronounced scent and very much change the affect it had.

Many of the ‘oils’ on the market are synthetic in origin, and a good many have
been cut with alcohols. There are many folks who insist on only using the pure
essential oil from natural organic sources. This does seem to make a difference
to some folks, and not much of a one, or none at all to others. YMMV on this.

However, one of the techniques for using the gums is to steep them in an alcohol
base to turn them into a semi-glue like stuff, rather than heating them to the
melting point. If that is what you are doing, the alcohol base becomes useful:
you grind the gums into a fine powder, steep in the essential ‘oils’, then add
the sawdust/dried herbs and then form onto the stick.

One of the simplest incenses to make using this technique is thought to
stimulate the air element by some folks, but frankly, I find this more evocative
of the fire element than air:

3 parts finely ground gum mastic
1-2 parts cinnamon ‘oil’
dried cinnamon powder

Steep the gum in the oil in a tightly sealed glass container, shaking several
times a week until it is ‘melted’ and no lumps or grains are visible. Stir in
enough cinnamon bark to make a stiff paste, then form into cones or onto sticks.

Obviously, this could be used for a basic recipe for other incenses by
substituting the various ‘oils’, either individually or in combination, and
substituting other dried ingredients for the cinnamon – just remember that some
wood/bark will make the incense smolder at a more even rate than an incense
composed of just dried herbs and flower petals.

I steeped the resins in the God of the Greenwood incense above in alcohol based
vetivert ‘oil’ which allowed it to be very easily formed into sticks, although
it is quite stiff from all the other ingredients.

My suggestion is to make incense in the beginning with a single scent in it, and
observe your reaction to it. Then check what the books say – you may respond
differently to a substance than the folklore found there would suggest. After
you have an idea of how you respond, then you can begin working with various
combinations. After all, you may have an allergy to, say, carnations or -any-
other ingredient, including one of the resin gums.

There is another problem with incense recipe books. I have an interest in
gardening and botany. When I see a recipe that calls for Deer’s Tongue, I know
that it is actually calling for the roots/leaves/flowers of a European member of
the gentian family, not my locally available Frasera speciosa (I could –
possibly- substitute the local plant.) How many folks would be looking for a
hunter to bring them some tongue of a deer?

How many folks upon seeing an ingredient Khus Khus would go looking for the
couscous grain product in the kitchen, unaware that it refers to either the
essence of a particular musk deer’s glands or a relative of North American Sweet
Grass used by Native American bands/tribes?

There are other ingredients that are given ‘pet’ names, names that are not known
outside of a specific tradition, so even if you have a recipe, it may not be as
straight forward as it looks on the surface. I have seen numerous books that say
that ‘bay salt’ is sea salt, instead of salt that has had numerous fresh bay
laurel leaves stored in it in a tightly sealed container for several months
until the salt smells of bay leaves.

You need to do a bit of research in several areas before you begin making
incense from some of the traditional recipes if you want to avoid some of the
pitfalls – which in part explains why some groups don’t encourage exploration
into incense making by beginning students.

Incense Making 101

Incense Making 101

I’ve got myself together sufficiently to have a crack at this message 🙂

Making incense doesn’t need to be expensive, and isn’t really complicated. It’s
very much like cookery; if you understand the principles, then you can make the
most amazing things for next to nothing. A few hints before we start:

If you can afford a good pestle and mortar, make it one of your investments. A
company called Milton makes an excellent one, standard equipment in
laboratories, as it is acid proof. You don’t use acid <g>, but some of the oils
might as well be, the way they eat through plastic! Milton makes a range of
sizes, from tiny to huge. The person who taught me the art of making incense had
a mortar so large, it was bigger than the average sized sink <g>.

Avoid pestle and mortars made from wood, marble or other stone. All of those
will absorb oils, and you’ll never get the smell out. Avoid metal as well, as it
seems to taint the incense. Glass and plastic are also impractical, although you
can use glass to mix, as it doesn’t absorb oils.

Your second investment should be a good set of measuring spoons, and some glass
pipettes for measuring oils. (Although, some oils are sold with a dropper, in
which case you can use that instead.)

But let’s assume that you haven’t got any spare funds, and have to make do with
what’s already in the house 🙂 You would be able to get away with a glass bowl,
some spoons, and a knife to mix. If you need to crush gums, use a hammer or
rolling pin with the gum wrapped in greaseproof paper.

And now onto the ingredients. Most incenses are a combination of one or more of
gums, resins, oleoresins, herbs, roots, barks, buds, petals, berries, leaves,
stalks, seeds, oils, etc (you get the idea <g>). Some of these you will probably
already have in the house. Others you will be able to purchase relatively
cheaply by shopping around.

I was taught to start my incense with a base of gum, then add whatever dried
plant ingredient I wanted to use, then oleoresins, then finally, oils to mix.
The tradition in which I was trained is of the classical sort, and uses quite a
lot of oils in the incense. This isn’t the only way to make incense, but it’s
the one I prefer, as it produces a rich incense that burns very well. I dislike
incenses that have a high herbal mix, as they nearly always smell of burning
leaves, no matter what plant is used <g>. Just a personal preference 🙂

When you refer to tables of correspondences, you have to remember that these
have been compiled over hundreds of years, by hundreds of different people,
living in different countries, and used for different purposes! The best advice
to anyone is “go with your intuition” because what the substance means to you
personally is definitely the one to go with.

People often wonder what raw ingredients they should buy to start their stock.
Olibanum (Frankincense) is one of the most adaptable gums, and is used in lots
of different recipes. It is generally reckoned to be Fire, or solar. It’s not
very expensive, and worth while having a fair bit of this on hand.

Mastic on the other hand, is expensive (except for the kind sold in Greek
delicatessens, which should be avoided, as it’s nearly all sugar!). But, Gum
Damar is an excellent alternative for Mastic, and a fraction of the price.
Mastic and Damar are both attributed to Air.

Myrrh isn’t something that most people use in prolific amounts, as it is rather
bitter, and actually conflicts with a number of other gums (including
Frankincense!).  Myrrh is attributed to water.

Other popular gums include Arabic (Acacia), Copal, Tragacanth, Benzoin, and
Karya. There are lots more, including (in Australia) gum from the Eucalypts that
grow here in profusion. Red gum is particularly good, for those Ozzies reading
this 🙂

Dried petals, dried fruit peel, dried berries, roots, barks, etc., are all
useful for making incense, and cost nothing to collect. You can also use honey,
and one recipe I have calls for raisins to be soaked in retinae before being
chopped up and added to the incense!

Balsams and oleoresins are basically gums or resins mixed with essential oil, so
they are semi-solid or liquid. Storax would be at the semi-solid end of the
scale (more solid than not!), whilst something like Tolu Balsam would be more
liquid. Essential oils (often available in synthetic form as well as essential),
are of course liquid.

One ingredient which is very useful as a base (instead of a gum) is Peat Moss.
It gives a very earthy smell, and when combined with other earthy substances
(eg, cedar, sandalwood, white willow bark), and mixed with a good helping of
oil, the result is a very rich incense indeed.

If I don’t stop here, none of this will end up on the PC! Hopefully, this will
give a few hints to be going on with. Next time I get the chance, I’ll post up
some recipes, and more helpful hints 🙂

Author:
JULIA PHILLIPS

CUNNINGHAM’S INTRO TO INCENSE

CUNNINGHAM’S INTRO TO INCENSE

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INCENSE HAS SMOLDERED on magicians’ altars for at least 5,000 years. It was burned in antiquity to mask the odors of sacrificial animals, to carry prayers
to the Gods, and to create a pleasing environment for humans to meet with Deity.

Today, when the age of animal sacrifices among most Western magicians is long
past, the reasons for incense use are varied. It is burned during magic to
promote ritual consciousness, the state of mind necessary to rouse and direct
personal energy. This is also achieved through the use of magical tools, by
standing before the candle-bewitched altar, and by intoning chants and symbolic
words.

When burned prior to magical workings, fragrant smoke also purifies the altar
and the surrounding area of negative, disturbing vibrations. Though such a
purification isn’t usually necessary, it, once again, helps create the
appropriate mental state necessary for the successful practice of magic.

Specially formulated incenses are burned to attract specific energies to the
magician and to aid her or him in charging personal power with the ritual’s
goal, eventually creating the necessary change.

Incense, in common with all things, possesses specific vibrations. The magician
chooses the incense for magical use with these vibrations in mind. If performing
a healing ritual, she or he burns a mixture composed of herbs that promote
healing. When the incense is smoldered in a ritual setting it undergoes a
transformation. The vibrations, no longer trapped in their physical form, are
released into the environment. Their energies, mixing with those of the
magician, speed out to effect the changes necessary to the manifestation of the
magical goal.

Not all incense formulas included in this book are strictly for magical use.
Some are smoldered in thanks or offering to various aspects of Deity, just as
juniper was burned to Inanna 5,000 years ago in Sumer. Other blends are designed to enhance Wiccan rituals.

You needn’t limit incense use to ritual, but avoid burning healing incense just
for the smell, or to freshen up your stale house. Burning magically constructed
and empowered incenses when they’re not needed is a waste of energy. If you
wish to burn a pleasant-smelling incense, compound a household mixture for this purpose.

THE TWO FORMS OF INCENSE
—————————————————————————-

Incense is virtually a necessity in magical practice, but there seems to be a
great mystery surrounding its composition. Fortunately with practice, it’s
surprisingly easy to make incense.

Two types of incense are used in magic: the combustible and the non-combustible.The former contains potassium nitrate (saltpeter) to aid in burning, while the latter does not. Therefore combustible incense can be burned in the form of bricks, cones, sticks and other shapes, whereas non-combustible incense must be sprinkled onto glowing charcoal blocks to release its fragrance.

Ninety-five percent of the incense used in magic is the non-combustible, raw or
granular type. Why? Perhaps because it’s easier to make. Herbal magicians are
notoriously practical people.

Also, some spells (particularly divinatory or evocational rites; see the
Glossary for unfamiliar words) call for billowing clouds of smoke. Since cone,
stick and block incense burn at steady rates, such effects are impossible with
their use.

The advantages of combustible incense can outweigh its drawbacks, depending on circumstance. Need to burn some money drawing incense for an unexpected ritual?  You could take out the censer, a charcoal block and the incense, light the
charcoal, place it in the censer and sprinkle incense onto it. Or you could pull
out a cone of money-drawing incense, light it, set it in the censer and get on
with your ritual.

Different magicians prefer different types of incense. I’m partial to raw or
non-combustible incenses, but the wise magical herbalist stocks both types.
Hence, instructions for the preparation of both forms appear here.

NON-COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE
—————————————————————————-

Be sure you have all necessary ingredients.

Each ingredient must be finely ground, preferably to a powder, using either a
mortar and pestle or an electric grinder. Some resins won’t powder easily, but
with practice you’ll find the right touch. When I first worked with herbs I
couldn’t powder frankincense. It kept on gumming to the sides of the mortar and
to the tip of the pestle. After a while I stopped fighting it (and cursing it,
I’ll admit-not a good thing to do with herbs used in incenses) and got into the
flow of the work. The frankincense came out just fine.

When all is ready, fix your mind on the incense’s goal-protection, love, health.
In a large wooden or ceramic bowl, mix the resins and gums together with your
hands. While mingling these fragrant substances, also mix their energies.
Visualize your personal power-vibrating with your magical goal-exiting your
hands and entering the incense. It is this that makes homemade incense more
effective than its commercial counterparts.

Next, mix in all the powdered leaves, barks, flowers and roots. As you mix,
continue to visualize or concentrate on the incense’s goal.

Now add any oils or liquids (wine, honey, etc.) that are included in the recipe.
Just a few drops are usually sufficient. On the subject of oils: If there’s a
sufficient amount of dry ingredients in the recipe, you can substitute an oil
for an herb you lack. Simply ensure that the oil an essential oil, for
synthetics smell like burning plastic when smoldered.

Once all has been thoroughly mixed, add any powdered gem-stones or other power boosters. A few-not many-of the recipes in this book call for a pinch of
powdered stone.

To produce this, simply take a small stone of the required type and pound it in
a metal mortar and pestle (or simply smash it with a hammer against a hard
surface). Grind the resulting pieces into a powder and add no more than the
scantiest pinch to the incense.

One general power-boosting “stone” is amber. A pinch of this fossilized resin
added to any mixture will increase its effectiveness, but this can be rather
expensive.

The incense is now fully compounded. Empower the incense and it is done. Store
in a tightly capped jar. Label carefully, including the name of the incense and
date of composition. It is ready for use when needed.

COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE
——————————————————————————–

Combustible incense (in the form of cones, blocks and sticks) is fairly complex
in its composition, but many feel the results are worth the extra work.

To be blunt, this aspect of incense composition isn’t easy. Some of the
ingredients are difficult to obtain, the procedure tends to be messy and
frustrating, and some even question whether combustible incense is as magically
effective as its non-combustible counterpart. For years I hesitated making or
using sticks, cones or blocks because they contain potassium nitrate. This
substance is magically related to Mars, and I felt this might add unneeded
aggressive energies to the I incense.

But when I considered that the charcoal blocks I use to burn I non-combustible
incense also contain saltpeter, I relented and experimented. However, to this
day I prefer the raw form. To each their I own.

At first, making combustible incense may seem impossible to accomplish. But
persevere and you’ll be rewarded with the satisfaction of lighting incense cones
you’ve made yourself.

Gum tragacanth glue or mucilage is the basic ingredient of all molded incenses.
Gum tragacanth is available at some herb stores; at one time in the past every
drugstore carried it. It is rather expensive ($3.00 an ounce as of this
writing), but a little will last for months.

To make tragacanth glue, place a teaspoon of the ground herb in a glass of warm
water. Mix thoroughly until all particles are dispersed. To facilitate this,
place in a bowl and whisk or beat with an egg beater. This will cause foam to
rise, but it can be easily skimmed off or allowed to disperse. The gum
tragacanth has enormous absorption qualities; an ounce will absorb up to one
gallon of water in a week.

Let the tragacanth absorb the water until it becomes a thick bitter-smelling
paste. The consistency of the mixture depends on the form of incense desired.
For sticks (the most difficult kind to r make) the mixture should be relatively
thin. For blocks and cones a thicker mucilage should be made. This is where
practice comes in handy after a session or two you will automatically know when
the mucilage is at the correct consistency.

If you can’t find tragacanth, try using gum arabic in its place. This, too,
absorbs water. I haven’t tried using it for incense yet, but all reports say it
works as well as tragacanth.

When you have made the trag glue, cover with a wet cloth and set aside. It will
continue to thicken as it sits, so if it becomes to thick add a bit of water and
stir thoroughly.

Next, make up the incense base. Not all formulas in this hook can be used for
combustible incense; in fact, most of them were designed to be used as non-
combustible incenses. Fortunately, by adding the incense to a base it should
work well. Here’s one standard formula for an incense base:

CONE INCENSE BASE
——————————————————————————–

* 6 parts ground Charcoal (not self-igniting)
* 1 part ground Benzoin
* 2 parts ground Sandalwood
* 1 part ground Orris root (this “fixes” the scent)
* 6 drops essential oil (use the oil form of one of the ingredients in the
incense)
* 2 to 4 parts mixed, empowered incense

Mix the first four ingredients until all are well blended. Add the drops of
essential oil and mix again with your hands. The goal is to create a powdered
mixture with a fine texture. If you wish, run the mixture through a grinder or
the mortar again until it is satisfactory.

Add two to four parts of the completed and empowered incense mixture (created
according to the instructions for Non-combustible Incense above). Combine this
well with your hands.

Then using a small kitchen scale, weigh the completed incense and add ten
percent potassium nitrate. If you’ve made ten ounces of incense, add one ounce
potassium nitrate. Mix this until the white powder is thoroughly blended.

Saltpeter should constitute no more than ten percent of the completed bulk of
the incense. If any more is added, it will burn too fast; less and it might not
burn at all.

Potassium nitrate isn’t difficult to obtain. I buy mine at drug stores, so check
these (it isn’t usually on the shelf; ask for it at the pharmacy). If you have
no luck, try chemical supply stores.

Next, add the tragacanth glue. Do this a teaspoon at a time, mixing with your
hands in a large bowl until all ingredients are wetted. For cone incense you’ll
need a very stiff, dough-like texture. If it is too thick it won’t properly form
into cones and will take forever to dry. The mixture should mold easily and hold
its shape.

On a piece of waxed paper, shape the mixture into basic cone shapes’ exactly
like the ones you’ve probably bought. If this form isn’t used, the incense might
not properly burn.

When you’ve made up your cone incense, let it dry for two to seven days in a
warm place. Your incense is finished.

For block incense make a 1/3 inch-thick square of the stiff dough on waxed
paper. Cut with a knife into one-inch cubes as if you were cutting small
brownies. Separately slightly and let dry.

Stick incense can be attempted as well. Add more tragacanth glue to the mixed
incense and base until the mixture is wet but still rather thick. The trick here
is in determining the proper thickness of the incense/tragacanth mixture and in
finding appropriate materials to use. Professional incense manufacturers use
thin bamboo splints, which aren’t available. So try homemade wooden or bamboo
splints, broom straws, very thin twigs, or those long wooden cocktail skewers
that are available at some grocery and oriental food stores.

Dip the sticks into the mixture, let them sit upright and then dip again.
Several dippings are usually necessary, this is a most difficult process.

When the sticks have accumulated a sufficient amount of the incense, poke them
into a slab of clay or some other substance so that they stand upright. Allow
them to dry.

One variation on stick incense making uses a stiffer incense dough. Pat down the
dough on waxed paper until it is very thin. Place the stick on the dough. Roll a
thin coating of dough around the stick. The incense shouldn’t be more than twice
the thickness of the stick. Squeeze or press it onto the stick so that it will
stay put, let dry.

Personally, I find the inclusion of charcoal in this recipe to be distasteful
and unnecessary. It makes it imperative that you wash your hands numerous times throughout this process. Although traditional, charcoal also lends a peculiar odor to the incense. So here’s another recipe I’ve used with good results:

CONE INCENSE BASE #2

* 6 parts powdered Sandalwood (or Cedar, Pine, Juniper)
* 2 parts powdered Benzoin (or Frankincense, Myrrh, etc.)
* l part ground Orris root
* 6 drops essential oil (use the oil form of one of the incense ingredients)
* 3 to 5 parts empowered incense mixture

In this recipe, powdered wood is used in place of the charcoal. Use sandalwood
if it’s included in the incense recipe. If not, use cedar, pine or juniper,
depending on the type of incense to be made. Try to match the wood base of this
incense to the incense’s recipe. If you can’t, simply use sandalwood.

Mix the first three ingredients until combined. Add the oil and mix again. Then
add three to five parts of the completed incense to this. Again, this should be
a powder. Weigh and add ten percent potassium nitrate.

Mix, add the gum tragacanth glue, combine again and mold in the methods
described above.

RULES OF COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE COMPOSITION
—————————————————————————-
Here are some guidelines to follow when compounding combustible incense. These are for use with the Cone Incense Base #2 recipe above. If they aren’t followed, the incense won’t properly burn. There’s less room for experimentation here than with non-combustible incenses.

* First off, never use more than ten percent saltpeter. Ever!

* Also, keep woods (such as sandalwood, wood aloe, cedar, juniper and pine) and
gum resins (frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal) in the proper proportions: at
least twice as much powdered wood as resins. If there’s more resinous matter,
the mixture won’t burn.

* Naturally, depending on the type of incense you’re adding to the base, you may
have to juggle some proportions accordingly. Simply ensure that frankincense and its kin never constitute more than one-third of the final mixture, and all
should be well.

* Though this hasn’t covered all aspects of combustible incense making (that
could be a book in itself), it should provide you with enough guidelines to make
your own. Experiment, but keep these rules in mind.

INCENSE PAPERS
—————————————————————————-

Incense papers are a delightful variation of combustible incense. Here, rather
than using charcoal and gum tragacanth, tinctures and paper are the basic
ingredients. When finished you’ll have produced several strips of richly
scented paper that can be smoldered with a minimum of fuss.

To make incense papers, take a piece of white blotter paper and cut it into six-
inch strips about an inch wide.

Next, add one and one-half teaspoons potassium nitrate to one half cup very warm water. Stir until the saltpeter is completely dissolved.

Soak the paper strips in the saltpeter solution until thoroughly saturated. Hang
them up to dry.

You now have paper versions of the charcoal blocks used to burn incense. The
obstacle in scenting them is to overcome the normal smell of burning paper. For
this reason, heavy fragrances should be used, such as tinctures.

Tinctures compounded from gums and resins seem to produce the best results. I’ve tried using true essential oils with incense papers but without much success.

Empower the tincture(s) with your magical need, then pour a few drops of the
tincture onto one strip of paper. Smear this over the paper and add more drops
until it is completely coated on one side.

Hang the strip up to dry and store in labeled, airtight containers until needed.

To speed drying, turn on the oven to a low temperature, leave the door open, and
place the soaked incense papers on the rack. Remove them when dry.

Generally speaking, incense papers should be made with one tincture rather than
mixtures. But, once again, try various formulas until you come up with positive
results.

To use incense papers, simply remove one paper and hold it above your censer.
Light one tip with a match, and after it is completely involved in flame,
quickly blow it out. Place the glowing paper in your censer and let it smolder,
visualizing or working your magical ritual.

Incense papers should burn slowly and emit a pleasant scent, but again your
results will vary according to the strength of the tincture and the type of
paper used.

Plain unscented incense papers can be used in place of charcoal blocks. For this
purpose soak the papers in the potassium nitrate solution and let dry, then set
one alight in the censer. Sprinkle a thin layer of the incense over the paper.
As it burns the paper will also smolder your incense.

You may have difficulty in keeping incense paper lit. The secret here is to
allow air to circulate below the papers. You can ensure this by either placing
the paper on some heat-proof object in the censer, or by filling the censer with
salt or sand and thrusting one end of the paper into this, much as you might
with incense sticks. The paper should burn all the way to its end.
Incense papers are a simple and enjoyable alternative to normal combustible
incense. Try them!

USING INCENSE
——————————————————————————

THE CENSER

Whether you use raw incense, blocks or incense papers, you’ll need an incense
burner. The censer can be anything from a gilt, chain equipped, church-type
affair to a bowl of sand or salt. It truly doesn’t matter. I know occultists
who’ve used the bowl-and-salt method for years, long after they could have
afforded to purchase other censers.

Although I have several, perhaps my favorite censer is actually a mortar from
Mexico. It is carved from lava, stands on three legs and is perfect for use as a
censer.

Your own taste should determine which censer is right for you. If nothing else
is available, use a bowl half-filled with sand or salt and get on with it The
sand protects the bowl and the surface on which it sits against heat. It also
provides a handy place on which to prop up stick incense.

USING COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE

Simply light it, blow out the flame after the tip is glowing, and set it in the
censer. As it burns visualize your magical goal manifesting in your life. It’s
that simple. You may wish to also burn candles of the appropriate color, perhaps
anointed with a scented oil that is also aligned with your goal.

Naturally, incense may also be smoldered as a part of a larger ritual.

USING NON-COMBUSTIBLE INCENSE

Light a self-igniting charcoal block (see below) and place it in a censer. Once
the block is glowing and saltpeter within it has stopped sparkling, sprinkle a
half-teaspoon or so of the incense on the block. Use a small spoon if you wish.
It will immediately begin to burn, and in doing so, release fragrant smoke.*

Remember: Use just a small amount of incense at first. When the smoke begins to
thin out, add more. If you dump on a spoonful of incense it will probably
extinguish the charcoal block, so use small amounts. Incenses containing large
amounts of resins and gums (frankincense, myrrh and so on) burn longer than
those mainly composed of woods and leaves.

Don’t knock off the ash that forms on top of the charcoal unless the incense
starts to smell foul. In such a case, scrape off the burning incense and the ash
with a spoon and add a fresh batch. Frankincense does tend to smell odd after
smoldering for some time.

Incense can be burned as part of a magical ritual, to honor higher forces, or as
a direct act of magic, such as to clear a house of negativity and to smooth
peaceful vibrations throughout it.

* There’s a difference between burning and smoldering; though I use such terms
as “burn this incense” several times, I really mean “smolder.”

CHARCOAL BLOCKS

These are necessities for burning non-combustible incense. They’re available in
a wide range of sizes, from over an inch in diameter (they’re usually round) to
about a half-inch size. Most religious and occult supply stores stock them, and
they can be obtained from mail-order suppliers.

Potassium nitrate is added to these charcoal blocks during their manufacture to
help them ignite. When touched with a lit match, fresh charcoal blocks erupt
into a sparkling fire which quickly spreads across the block. If you wish, hold
the block. It may light easily. If so, quickly place it in the censer to avoid
burning your fingers. Or, light the block in the censer itself, thereby
preventing burns. This is some what harder to do.

Unfortunately, some charcoal blocks aren’t fresh, have been exposed to moisture, or haven’t been properly saturated with the potassium nitrate solution and so don’t light well. If this is the case re-light the block until it is evenly
glowing and red. Then pour on the incense.

A Little Humor for Your Day – Dating Vs Marriage

Dating Vs Marriage

When you are dating….. Farting is never an issue.
When you are married ….You make sure there’s nothing flammable near your husband at all times.

When you are dating….. He takes you out to have a good time.
When you are married ….He brings home a 6 pack, and says “What are you going to drink?”

When you are dating….. He holds your hand in public.
When you are married ….He flicks your ear in public.

When you are dating….. A Single bed for 2 isn’t THAT bad.
When you are married ….A King size bed feels like an army cot.

When you are dating….. You are turned on at the sight of him naked.
When you are married ….You think to yourself “Was he ALWAYS this hairy????”

When you are dating….. You enjoyed foreplay.
When you are married ….You tell him “If we have sex, will you leave me alone???”

When you are dating….. He hugs you, when he walks by you for no reason.
When you are married ….He grabs your boob any chance he gets.

When you are dating….. You picture the two of you together, growing old together.
When you are married ….You wonder who will die first.

When you are dating….. Just looking at him makes you feel all “mushy.”
When you are married ….When you look at him, you want to claw his eyes out.

When you are dating….. He knows what the “hamper” is.
When you are married ….The floor will suffice as a dirty clothes storage area.

When you are dating….. He understands if you “Aren’t in the mood.”
When you are married ….He says “It’s your job.”

When you are dating….. He understands that you have “male” friends.
When you are married ….He thinks they are all out to steal you away.

When you are dating….. He likes to “discuss” things.
When you are married ….He develops a “blank” stare.

When you are dating….. He calls you by name.
When you are married ….He calls you “Hey” and refers to you when speaking to others as “She.”

Winter Feng Shui

Winter Feng Shui

Lighten up during the darkest days of the year

Stephanie Dempsey  Stephanie Dempsey on the topics of winter, insight, feng shui
The winter months invite you to turn away from social pursuits and attend to your personal needs. Too often, the demands of modern life tempt us to forgo rest and relaxation. This can create a terrible imbalance. This winter, take your cue from nature and turn inward. Make more time for solitary pursuits like reading, writing and prayer. If you have a hard time switching gears, try integrating some of the following Feng Shui cures into your home. They’ll help you savor all the benefits this wonderful season affords.

Slow down

Winter affords a welcome opportunity to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. If you have a hard time slackening your pace, make some Feng Shui adjustments. Close the curtains, outfit the furniture with dark slipcovers and switch from overhead to task lighting. The more you minimize visual stimulation in your household, the easier it will be to turn inward.

Make waves

If you’re starting to get cabin fever, integrate some wavy patterns into your decor. Cascading plants, swagged curtains and a hanging display of pots and pans will make it easier to go with the flow. That’s because curved lines slow energy down, rather than speed it along.

Listen up

Soft, rhythmic sounds will put you in a contemplative mood, which is perfectly suited to winter’s calm. A white noise machine or a recording of the ocean’s surf will prove soothing, even on the most hectic days.

Block distractions

Nothing disrupts peace more than the insisting ringing of a telephone. Get into the habit of turning your phones off for two hours a day, just as a means to promote calm. Never fear: whoever is calling can always leave a message.

Take a hot bath

Once you’re in the bathtub, it’s very difficult to get out. This is just the sort of activity that’s perfect for winter, because it forces you to stay in one place. Stock up on bath salts, special soap and fluffy towels as a means to make this ritual even more tempting. Remember, winter is a time of self-pampering. Shop accordingly.

Paint it black

Black is the color of winter, for it symbolizes the season’s absence of sunlight. Dressing in black will help slow your pace. So will decorating with this color. A black tablecloth, bedspread or area rug are all good ways to introduce calm to a hyperactive household.

Make time fly

Throw the clock out of the window. Well, not literally, but hiding timepieces from view is a great way to instill an air of calm to any room. Remember, winter is a season of quiet reflection. You can’t cultivate a meditative state if you feel like you’re on a deadline.

Out of sight, out of mind

Now that you’re spending more time at home, you might as well feel comfortable. Take this opportunity to sort through any junk that accumulated during the busy autumn months. When you’ve cleared the area of trash, store necessary items neatly away in closed containers. This will prevent you from worrying about bills, doctor’s appointments and social appointments when you should be relaxing with your nearest and dearest.

Round ’em up

Winter is a time of intimacy. Integrating more circles into your decor will draw everybody in your household into a circle of trust. Polka dotted fabrics, oval area rugs and circular mirrors can bring even the most fractured family together in a spirit of harmony.

Daily Feng Shui News for Jan. 2nd – ‘New Year’s Resolution Week’

Some calendars call this ‘New Year’s Resolution Week’, so I thought I’d share what Feng Shui has to say about making successful resolutions of your own. You will need a few pieces of paper, a red pen and red envelopes. Write your resolutions separately on the individual pieces of paper and then put each one into its own separate red envelope. Then burn the envelopes. This last step is said to ‘seal’ the resolution, thereby making it permanent and promising that you will successfully complete the action.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for January 2nd is Aquarius the Water Bearer

Your Charm for Today

Aquarius the Water Bearer

Today’s Meaning:    

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is friendly, humanitarian, honest, loyal, original, inventive, independent and intellectual. If you can identify this person get close to them–they can be quite helpful.

General Description:  

Eleventh sign of the Zodia, Jan 20th to Feb 19th. Ruling planet Uranus; correct metal lead. Those bon under the influence of the Aquarius were supposed to be intelligent, of strong will power, restless, inventive, deep thinkers, artistic and caustios in money matters. The Aquarius gems are Garnet and Hyacinth. The Garnet, through India and Persia, was a favourite amulet against plague and poison, also worn to attract cheerfulness and good health. In the middle ages used as a charm to protect against all inflammatory disease and to ensure happiness. It was also supposed to warn its wearer of approaching peril and danger

Your Animal Spirit for January 2nd is The Raven

Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 2, 2014

Raven

Raven has long been known as the magical bird—the one who carries our messages and our prayers to spirit. Raven has been called a shape-shifter, and his message to you today is one of change—expect the unexpected, but know that Raven is flying close and will help you transform life’s challenges into life’s greatest blessings.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for January 2nd is The Crow

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Crow

The Crow is the trusted messenger that alerts its allies to both danger and opportunity. Although they may appear playful and too opportunistic to be trusted, Crows are in fact powerful and trustworthy. The Crow sees and hears all. When The Crow reports it is best to listen as their news is always important and presented accurately.

As a daily card, The Crow indicates that you will soon receive news that will either protect you from loss or lead you too opportunities doorstep. To fully realize the advantage the information will soon receive carries with it you will need to react to it quickly and with sureness.

Today’s Tarot Card for January 2nd is The Magician

The Magician

Thursday, Jan 2nd, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the Magus is one who can demonstrate hands-on magic — as in healing, transformative rituals, alchemical transmutations, charging of talismans and the like. A modern Magus is any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth, one who seeks to bring forth the divine ‘gold’ within her or himself.

At the birth of Tarot, even a gifted healer who was not an ordained clergyman was considered to be in league with the Devil! For obvious reasons, the line between fooling the eye with sleight of hand, and charging the world with magical will was not clearly differentiated in the early Tarot cards.

Waite’s image of the Magus as the solitary ritualist communing with the spirits of the elements — with its formal arrangement of symbols and postures — is a token of the freedom we have in modern times to declare our spiritual politics without fear of reprisal. The older cards were never so explicit about what the Magus was doing. It’s best to keep your imagination open with this card. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by evolutionary forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul.

Your Daily Horoscopes for January 2nd

We may be annoyed that the holidays are over, but heading back to work today is not a valid reason to be angry. Nevertheless, the responsible Capricorn Sun forms a harsh square with warrior Mars today, increasing the potential for petty ego skirmishes. Our adrenaline based fight-or-flight response might get the best of us, even if we know what to do. Meanwhile, we grow more hopeful once the Moon shifts into futuristic Aquarius at 12:02 pm EST.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Obtaining what you want today may be elusive if your frustration escapes its container and spills over into your world. Unfortunately, it’s too late to enroll in a stress management class. If you are feeling isolated, don’t blame others. Striking out only pushes them further away. Go running or hit the gym, but whatever you do, make sure to sweat it out. If you discuss your feelings with someone you trust, be sure to approach the topic gently and treat your confidant with the utmost respect.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might want to take off the padded gloves today and express your dissatisfaction. But remember that if you lash out (even if it’s only with words) you will have to deal with the consequences sooner than later. Don’t create conflict unless you are sure that you want to fully engage with the rest of the process. It may be much more beneficial to wage peace in your personal life rather than war.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Although you might feel emotional tension all around you today, you can be quite productive if you simply adapt to the changing dynamics. But if your need to share what’s on your mind prompts you to fight the wrong battles, you could end up exhausted and not any closer to your goals. However, engaging in physical activity or doing any type of hard work reduces the stress and increases your chances for success.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

This is no time to be harboring resentments because unexpressed emotions have a way of cycling back around and catching you off guard. You may like the idea of withdrawing socially for a while, though you still might engage in an intense interaction if you feel threatened. If stress triggers a confrontation today, be sensible and do whatever you can to keep the conversation civil. You don’t need to take the bait if someone is egging you on and looking for trouble. Hot tempers won’t lead to a cool solution.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

If you think your positive intentions are being blocked by someone today, remind yourself that the obstacles in your path aren’t necessarily only on the outside. Naturally, you can’t just snap your fingers and change the external circumstances. Nevertheless, you are fully capable of altering how you react to the situation. Instead of confronting anyone, take a few deep breaths and just get on with your own work. The less you push back now, the better.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Free-floating anxiety can be quite bothersome today, especially if you’re trying to overcome feelings of isolation. At first, it might seem as if the solution to your dilemma is to share your thoughts with another person. But he or she may not be as accessible as you wish. Consider participating in a team sport or putting in extra hours on a group project. Either way, don’t withdraw now; keeping your energy moving is the best way to lift your spirits.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A business or romantic partner may act too impulsively today, but your feelings don’t diminish in intensity even if you disengage from the situation. In some ways, you’re more frustrated since a lasting solution seems a long way off. There’s no reason to worry about fixing what has already happened. Just don’t make things worse now by losing your temper. Remember, you can still let your emotions flow without drawing others into your drama.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might try to hold back a flood of fiery passions today, but your feelings are likely to spill out into the open anyhow. Be aware that others may be overwhelmed by your emotional heat wave if you suddenly release your stored-up tensions. It’s time for you to do what Scorpios do best: transform the negative into positive energy. No matter what the question is now, the answer is love.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You have an overabundance of physical energy, but you might believe that there’s no easy way to express it today. However, keeping your feelings locked up inside doesn’t work, either. You may mistakenly assume that if others knew what you are really thinking that they wouldn’t like you as much. Unfortunately, the truth is that by keeping secrets now, you’re inadvertently building walls where you don’t really need them. Be courageous; dismantle borders instead of fortifying them.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Hopefully, no one will push you too hard today since you are likely to respond in a way that is quite disruptive. Your internal sense of your own power is growing. Like a capacitor in an electrical circuit, you might hold back now until enough of a charge is built that your release has the desired impact. Just be careful not to act too soon or your recent hard work will be for naught. Patience is your best weapon of self-defense.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are learning powerful lessons these days about what not to say. If you just express everything, the end result may be opposite of what you actually want. But withholding your feelings isn’t in your best interest, either. Whatever you share now can affect others, so it’s best to speak only after you reconsider your motives. Remember, it’s not just about you today; act for the greatest good for all involved.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may feel residual anger from a recent situation, you are entering a new phase when you experience a wider range of emotions. This means that, assuming you pay attention to what’s in your heart, you can be more proactive in a positive manner rather than feeling like you are just at the mercy of the changing currents. Although you might not have control over your initial reaction to the current circumstances, you can choose how to respond. Demonstrate your good intentions by taking the high road whenever possible.

Meet Your Moon Sign

Meet Your Moon Sign

Your personal Moon sign rules your emotions

Emily Trinkaus  Emily Trinkaus on the topics of moon, astrology

Everyone wants to feel good, but how to get there varies significantly depending on your unique needs. While your Sun sign shows how you express your identity and shine your light out in the world, your Moon sign gives insight into your inner world, revealing what you need to feel safe, happy and comfortable.

The Moon moves so quickly — changing signs every two and a quarter days — that you need to know your time of birth in order to be sure about your Moon sign.

Once you know your Moon sign, read below to discover your path to emotional fulfillment. Learning about a friend or loved one’s Moon sign is a great way to get a deeper understanding of their needs and desires.

Moon in Aries

Aries is the warrior, and you need to express your fiery, creative and pioneering spirit. Ideally, you have a place in your life where you can take the lead and be number one, possibly within your home or family. To feel safe in relationships, you require honesty and directness — you prefer to experience conflict and get your emotions out in the open rather than gloss over unpleasantness for the sake of harmony.

Moon in Taurus

Your earthy, sensual and peace-loving temperament requires frequent communion with nature, and you appreciate having plants and animals in your home. You feel best when you have a stable routine, are surrounded by creature comforts and can indulge in the pleasures of the physical world. In relationships, you need loyalty, reliability and sensuality. Naturally grounded, you have the ability to remain calm even in the midst of crisis.

Moon in Gemini

With your Moon in the airy and mentally active sign of the Twins, staying connected with others through various forms of communication brings a feeling of security. You’re happiest when your ever-curious mind is being fed with new ideas and perspectives, and when you’re sharing the knowledge you’ve acquired. You need a steady flow of communication in relationships, and subscribe to the theory that variety is the spice of life.

Moon in Cancer

The Moon is strong in its home sign of Cancer, so lunar themes are prominent in your life — home, family, food and your inner world. You need plenty of time to devote to these realms. With your strong connection to the past — especially family and ancestors — you feel secure when surrounded by family photos or other mementos. You need nurturing relationships where you can share your deepest feelings and be treated with tenderness and sensitivity.

Moon in Leo

The Lion is the king of the jungle and you need to be treated like royalty — to feel special and be the center of attention. Leo also represents the archetype of the child, and playing and having fun are food for your soul. Expressing your creativity leads to satisfaction and is your best bet for avoiding emotional drama. You have a big heart and need to demonstrate your generosity, perhaps through entertaining in your home.

Moon in Virgo

Above all, you need to feel useful — to know that you’re contributing your skills and talents to a worthy cause. Order, efficiency and simplicity give you a feeling of comfort and ease — otherwise, you can be prone to overwhelmed feelings, worry and anxiety. You find security in the little things in life, and feel best when you’re in your own environment. You have high standards in relationships, and require reliability and responsibility from your partners.

Moon in Libra

Your inner world is symbolized by the Scales, giving you a strong need for balance, justice and harmony. You feel secure in peaceful and beautiful surroundings, while discord can throw you off-kilter. You enjoy an active social life, but withdrawing into solitude from time to time is essential to discover what you really want. Expressing your needs leads to genuine harmony — avoid the temptation to suppress your desires to please others.

Moon in Scorpio

With your Moon in the sign associated with the underworld, you need to dive into the emotional depths. While other Moon signs may feel uncomfortable with emotional intensity, you thrive on it. Scorpio symbolizes the process of transformation and rebirth, and you need to engage with this process in some way — creativity, spirituality and psychology are some possible healthy outlets. In relationships, you require passion, depth and loyalty.

Moon in Sagittarius

You have the soul of a gypsy and need travel, freedom and adventure to feel fulfilled. Most of all, you require a lot of personal space — being tied down by routine or obligations stifles your spirit and dampens your naturally buoyant personality. Being active, including vigorous exercise, healthy competition and time in the wilderness helps you thrive. You’re happiest when you balance your physical activity with philosophical and spiritual exploration.

Moon in Capricorn

Your highly pragmatic Moon finds satisfaction through being productive and competent and by achieving your ambitious goals. You need to feel respected by others and are willing to earn this respect through hard work. Being organized and surrounded by the highest quality material objects gives you a sense of security. In relationships, you seek long-lasting quality, and are willing to wait for the best. You may need to let go of control and show vulnerability.

Moon in Aquarius

In an intellectual Air sign, your Moon requires mental stimulation and social activity. Aquarius is the sign of friendship and your many friends are likely to feel like family. You need an outlet for expressing your uniqueness and unconventional thoughts, perhaps through writing or another form of creativity. A sense of freedom and independence makes you feel secure in relationships, while too much clinginess turns you off.

Moon in Pisces

Pisces represents dreams, fantasy, spirit and the imagination. To feel nurtured, you need to take regular time out from ordinary reality to connect with these other-worldly realms, whether through meditation, creative pursuits or daydreaming. Your highly sensitive nature easily picks up on others’ emotions, and you need solitude to identify your own feelings. You feel the urge to merge with others in relationships, but need to be careful not to lose yourself.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for January 2nd

The Moon is void in Capricorn from 3:13AM (during a potentially loving-nurturing and business-reinforcing Moon-Venus union) to 9:04AM when the lunar orb enters Aquarius. Adding to the early 2014 possible misery-loves-company index are a Moon-Saturn parallel (4:59AM), the Sun in Capricorn square to Mars in Libra (4:15PM), and Mercury in Capricorn opposite Jupiter in Capricorn (11:12PM).  While the Moon’s entry into the eleventh zodiacal sign can emphasize team sports, group projects, community activities and participation in global causes close to your heart and philosophy of life, the quartet of the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter creates a tension-filled T-Square type triangle with the red planet Mars at the fulcrum. Therefore, wisdom dictates the need for care and conservative behavior patterns to replace unruly, rash attitudes and approaches to resolving difficulties at work or on the home front.  The Moon forming a supportive sextile of 60-degrees to Uranus (10:47PM) can provide some positive leverage — helping you garner intuitive flashes that assist in making breakthroughs in higher consciousness. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for January 2nd

Calendar of the Moon

Rowan Tree Moon

Color: Orange-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a cloth of orange-red set a row of red candles, Brigid’s cross, and a bell.
Offerings: Votive candles. Quicken a newborn idea into birth.
Daily Meal: Hot drinks with every meal. Keep food warm.

Luis/Gamelion Invocation

Call: Now is the quickening of the year.
Response: Now is the time of the first movement.
Call: Now the child stirs in the womb.
Response: Now the seed stirs in the earth.
Call: Now the plains flood and our fire is threatened.
Response: Now the cold water drowns our spark.
Call: Now is the time of the hard struggle.
Response: Now is the month of desperation.
Call: Now is the time of desperation to live.
Response: Now is the time of desperation to be born.
Call: We turn in our sleep as the earth turns.
Response: We dream with the sleeping earth.
Call: Each of our dreams is a lit candle in the dark.
Response: Each of our dreams is a single point of hope.
Call: They shine faint and alone in the night of struggle.
Response: They are alone as we are alone.
Call: Yet we are not alone in our dreams.
Response: We are not alone!
Call: We will keep our fires burning.
Response: We will burn against the night!
Call: We will warm our dreams with the force of life.
Response: We will not die alone in the cold!
Call: We will ward off all evil.
Response: Only good shall pass our gates.
Call: We will care for each other.
Response: We will never cease to care!
Call: We will survive the winter.
Response: We will survive!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
Protect the flame that warms your dreams
And dreams shall never die.

[Pagan Book of Hours]