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Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Third Degree]

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Third Degree]

[Third Degree]
Magus: “Ere we proceed with this sublime degree, I must beg purification at thy hands.”
High Priestess binds Magus and ties him down to the altar.  She circumambulates three times, and scourges Magus with three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes.  She then unbinds him and helps him to his feet.
Magus now binds the High Priestess and ties her down to the altar. He circumambulates, proclaiming to the four quarters, “Hear, ye mighty Ones, the twice consecrate and Holy (name), High Priestess and Witch Queen, is properly prepared and will now proceed to erect the Sacred Altar.”
Magus scourges High Priestess with three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes.
Cakes and wine may now be taken [see section A.5].
Magus: “Now I must reveal to you a great Mystery.” [kiss].
Note: if High Priestess has performed this rite before, omit these words.
High Priestess assumes Osiris position.
Magus: “Assist me to erect the Ancient Altar, at which in days past all worshipped, the Great Altar of all things.  For in the old times a woman was the Altar.  Thus was the altar made and so placed [Priestess lies down in such a way that her vagina is approximately at the center of the circle], and the sacred place was the point within the center of the circle, as we of old times have been taught, that the point within the center is the origin of all things.  Therefore should we adore it.” [kiss]
“Therefore, whom we adore, we also invoke, by the power of the lifted lance.”  Invokes.
“O circle of stars [kiss], whereof our Father is but the younger brother [kiss],
“Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, before whom time is ashamed, the mind bewildered and understanding dark, not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be of love [kiss].
“Therefore, by seed and root, and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke thee, O, Queen of space, O dew of light, O continuous one of the Heavens [kiss].
“Let it be ever thus, that men speak not of Thee as one, but as none, and let them not speak of thee at all, since thou art continuous, for thou art the point within the circle [kiss], which we adore [kiss], the fount of life without which we would not be [kiss].
“And in this way truly are erected the Holy Twin Pillars Boaz and Jachin [kisses breasts].  In beauty and strength were they erected, to the wonder and glory of all men.”
(Eightfold Kiss: 3 points, Lips, 2 Breasts and back to lips; 5 points)
“O Secrets of secrets that art hidden in the being of all lives.  Not thee do we adore, for that which adoreth is also thou.  Thou art that and That am I [kiss].
“I am the flame that burns in every man, and in the core of every star [kiss].
“I am Life and the giver of Life, yet therefore is the knowledge of me the Knowledge of Death [kiss].
“I am alone, the Lord within ourselves whose name is Mystery of Mysteries [kiss].
“Make open the path of intelligence between us.  For these truly are the 5 points of fellowship [on the right appears an illuminated diagram of the point-up triangle above the pentacle, the symbol for the third degree], feet to feet, knee to knee, groin to groin, breast to breast, arms around back, lips to lips, by the Great and Holy Names Abracadabra, Aradia, and Cernunnos.
Magus and High Priestess: “Encourage our hearts, Let thy Light crystallize itself in our blood, fulfilling us of Resurrection, for there is no part of us that is not of the Gods.”
(Exchange Names.)

Closing the Circle
High Priestess Circumambulates, proclaiming, “The twice consecrate High Priestess greets ye Mighty Ones, and dismisseth ye to your pleasant abodes. Hail and Farewell.” She draws the banishing pentacle at each quarter.

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Second Degree]

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[Second Degree]

[Second Degree]
Magus binds Witch as before, but does not blindfold her, and circumambulates with her, proclaims to the four quarters, “Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name), a duly consecrated Priestess and Witch, is now properly prepared to be made a High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
Magus now leads her thrice around the circle with the half-running, half-dancing step, halts south of the altar, has the Witch kneel, and ties her down to the altar as before.
Magus: “To attain this sublime degree, it is necessary to suffer and be purified.  Art ready to suffer to Learn?”
Priestess Witch: “I am.”
Magus: “I prepare thee to take the great oath.”
He strikes three knells on the bell, and again gives the series of three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes with the scourge as before.
Magus: “I now give thee a new name: _______. [kiss]
Magus: “Repeat thy new name after me, <saying> I, (name), swear upon my mother’s womb and by mine Honor among men and among my brothers and sisters of the Art, that I will never reveal to any at all any of the secrets of the Art, except it be to a worthy person, properly prepared, in the center of a Magic Circle, such as I am now in.  This I swear by my hopes of Salvation, my past lives, and my hopes of future ones to come, and I devote myself to utter destruction if I break this my solemn oath.”
Magus kneels, placing left hand under her knees and right hand on her head, thus forming magic link.
Magus: “I hereby will all my power into you.” Wills.
Magus now unties her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, and helps the Witch to her feet.
Magus: “I hereby sign and consecrate you with the great Magic Sign. Remember how it is formed and you will always recognize it.
“I consecrate thee with oil.” (He anoints her with oil on her womb, right breast, left hip, right hip, left breast, and womb again, thus tracing a point-down pentacle.)
“I consecrate thee with wine.” (He anoints her with wine in the same pattern.)
“I consecrate thee with my lips” (he kisses her in the same pattern), “High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
Magus now unbinds Witch’s hands and removes the cord, saying, “Newly made High Priestess and Witch Queen” [kiss] “you will now use the working tools in turn.  First, the Magic Sword; with it you will scribe the Magic Circle [kiss]
“Secondly, the Athame” (Form Circle) [kiss]
“Thirdly, the White Handled Knife” (use) [kiss]
“Fourthly, the Wand” (Wave to 4 Quarters) [kiss]
“Fifthly, the Pentacle” (Show to 4 Quarters) [kiss]
“Sixthly, the Censer of Incense” (Circle, cense) [kiss]
“Seventhly, the cords; bind me as I bound you.”
Witch binds Magus and ties him to Altar.
Magus: “Learn, in Witchcraft, thou must ever return triple.  As I scourged thee, so thou must scourge me, but triple. So where you received 3, return 9; where you received 7, return 21; where you received 9, return 27; where you received 21, return 63.”
Witch scourges Magus as instructed, 120 strokes total.
Magus: “Thou hast obeyed the Law.  But mark well, when thou receivest good, so equally art bound to return good threefold.”
Witch now unbinds Magus and helps him to his feet.
Magus, taking the new Initiate by the hand and holding the Athame in the other, passes once round the Circle, proclaiming at the Four Quarters, “Hear, Ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been duly consecrated High Priestess and Witch Queen.”
(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with “Hail and farewell.” If not go to next degree.)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[First Degree]

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft -A.4. The Initiation (1949)[First Degree]

A.4. The Initiation (1949)
[First Degree]
Magus leaves circle by the doorway, goes to Postulant, and says, “Since there is no other brother here, I must be thy sponsor, as well as priest.  I am about to give you a warning.  If you are still of the same mind, answer it with these words: `Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.'”
Placing the point of the sword to the Postulant’s breast, he says, “O thou who standeth on the threshold between the pleasant world of men and the domains of the Dread Lords of the Outer Spaces, hast thou the courage to make the Assay?  For I tell thee verily, it were better to rush on my weapon and perish miserably than to make the attempt with fear in thy heart.”
Postulant: “I have two Passwords: Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.”
Magus drops the sword point, saying, “All who approach with perfect love and perfect trust are doubly welcome.”
Going around behind her, he blindfolds her, then putting his left arm around her waist and his right arm around her neck, he pulls her head back, says, “I give you the 3rd password, a Kiss to pass through this dread Door,” and pushes her forward with his body, through the doorway and into the circle.  Once inside, he releases her saying, “This is the way all are first brought into the circle.”
Magus closes the doorway by drawing the point of the sword across it three times, joining all three circles, saying, “Agla, Azoth, Adonai,” then drawing three pentacles to seal it.
Magus guides Postulant to south of altar, and whispers, “Now there is the Ordeal.” Taking a short piece of cord from the altar, he ties it around her right ankle, saying, “Feet neither bound nor free.”  Taking a longer cord, he ties her hands together behind her back, then pulls them up, so that the arms form a triangle, and ties the cord around her neck, leaving the end dangling down in front as a Cable Tow.
With the Cable Tow in his left hand and the sword in his right hand, the Magus leads her sunwise around the circle to the east, where he salutes with the sword and proclaims, “Take heed, O Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, (name), properly prepared, will be made a Priestess and a Witch.”
Magus leads her similarly to the south, west, and north, making the proclamation at each quarter.
Next, clasping Postulant around the waist with his left arm, and holding the sword erect in his right hand, he makes her circumambulate three times around the circle with a half-running, half-dancing step.
He halts her at the south of the altar, and strikes eleven knells on the bell.  He then kneels at her feet, saying, “In other religions the postulant kneels, as the Priests claim supreme power, but in the Art Magical, we are taught to be humble, so we kneel to welcome them and say:
“Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.” (He kisses her feet.)
“Blessed be thy knees that shall kneel at the sacred altar.” (He kisses her knees.)
“Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.” (He kisses her Organ of Generation.)
“Blessed by thy breasts, formed in beauty and in strength.” (He kisses her breasts.)
“Blessed be thy lips, which shall utter the sacred names.” (He kisses her lips.)
Take measure thus: height, around forehead, across the heart, and across the genitals.
Magus says, “Be pleased to kneel,” and helps her kneel before the altar.  He ties the end of the Cable Tow to a ring in the altar, so that the postulant is bent sharply forward, with her head almost touching the floor.  He also ties her feet together with the short cord.
Magus strikes three knells on the bell and says, “Art ready to swear that thou wilt always be true to the Art?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus strikes seven knells on the bell and says, “Before ye are sworn, art willing to pass the ordeal and be purified?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus strikes eleven knells on the bell, takes the scourge from the altar, and gives a series of three, seven, nine, and 21 strokes with the scourge across the postulant’s buttocks.
Magus says, “Ye have bravely passed the test.  Art always ready to help, protect, and defend thy Brothers and Sisters of the Art?”
Witch: “I am.”
Magus: “Art armed?”
Witch: “With a knife in my hair.”
Magus: “Then on that knife wilt thou swear absolute secrecy?”
Witch: “I will.”
Magus: “Then say after me. `I, (name), in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of my own will and accord, most solemnly swear that I will ever keep secret and never reveal the secrets of the Art, except it be to a proper person, properly prepared, within a circle such as I am now in.  All this I swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure has been taken, and may my weapons turn against me if I break this my solemn oath.'”
Magus now unbinds her feet, unties the Cable Tow from the altar, removes the blindfold, and helps her up to her feet.
Magus says, “I hereby sign thee with the triple sign.
“I consecrate thee with oil.”  (He anoints her with oil on the womb, the right breast, the left breast, and the womb again.)
“I consecrate thee with wine.” (He anoints her with wine in the same pattern.)
“I consecrate thee with my lips” (he kisses her in the same pattern), “Priestess and Witch.”
Magus now unbinds her hands and removes the last cord, saying,  “Now I Present to thee the Working Tools of a Witch.
“First the Magic Sword.  With this, as with the Athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles, dominate, subdue, and punish all rebellious Spirits and Demons, and even persuade the Angels and Geniuses.  With this in your hand you are the ruler of the Circle. [Here “kiss” means that the initiate kisses the tool, and the Magus then kisses the Witch being initiated.]
“Next I present the Athame.  This is the true Witch’s weapon and has all the powers of the Magic Sword [kiss].
“Next I present the White-Handled Knife. Its use is to form all instruments used in the Art.  It can only be properly used within a Magic Circle [Kiss].
“Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control certain Angels and geniuses, to whom it would not be mete to use the Magic Sword [Kiss].
“Next I present the pentacles.  These are for the purpose of calling up appropriate Spirits [Kiss].
“Next I present the Censer of Incense. This is used to encourage and welcome Good Spirits and to banish Evil Spirits.[kiss]
“Next I present the scourge. This is a sign of power and domination. It is also to cause suffering and purification, for it is written, to learn you must suffer and be purified. Art willing to suffer to learn?”
Witch: “I am.”[Kiss]
Magus: “Next, and lastly I present the Cords.  They are of use to bind the sigils in the Art, the material basis, and to enforce thy will. Also they are necessary in the oath.  I Salute thee in the name of Aradia and Cernunnos, Newly made Priestess and Witch.”
Magus strikes seven knells on the bell and kisses Witch again, then circumambulates with her, proclaiming to the four quarters, “Hear, ye Mighty Ones, (name) hath been consecrated Priestess and Witch of the Gods.”
(Note, if ceremony ends here, close circle with “I thank ye for attending, and I dismiss ye to your pleasant abodes.  Hail and farewell.” If not, go to next degree.)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.3. “Lift Up the Veil” [The Charge] (1949)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.3. “Lift Up the Veil” [The Charge] (1949)

A.3. “Lift Up the Veil” [The Charge] (1949)
Magus: “Listen to the words of the Great mother, who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arianrhod, Bride, and by many other names.”

High Priestess: “At mine Altars the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice.
“Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, ye shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who am Queen of all Witcheries and  magics.
“There ye shall assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet  have not won its deepest secrets.  To these will I teach things that are yet unknown.
“And ye shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites, both men and women, and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music, and love, all in my praise.
“There is a Secret Door that I have made to establish the way to taste even on earth the elixir of immortality.  Say, `Let ecstasy be mine, and joy on earth even to me, To Me,’  For I am a gracious Goddess.  I give unimaginable joys on earth, certainty, not faith, while in life!  And upon death, peace unutterable, rest, and ecstasy, nor do I demand aught in sacrifice.”

Magus: “Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess.”

High Priestess: “I love you: I yearn for you: pale or purple, veiled or voluptuous.
“I who am all pleasure, and purple and drunkenness of the innermost senses, desire you.  Put on the wings, arouse the coiled splendor within you.
“Come unto me, for I am the flame that burns in the heart of every man, and the core of every Star.
“Let it be your inmost divine self who art lost in the constant rapture of infinite joy.
“Let the rituals be rightly performed with joy and beauty.  Remember that all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.  So let there be beauty and strength, leaping laughter, force and fire by within you.
“And if thou sayest, `I have journeyed unto thee, and it availed me not,’ rather shalt thou say, `I called upon thee, and I waited patiently, and Lo, thou wast with me from the beginning,’ for they that ever desired me shall ever attain me, even to the end of all desire.”

This much of the rites must ever be performed to prepare for any initiation, whether of one degree or of all three.

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.2. Drawing Down the Moon (1949)

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.2. Drawing Down the Moon (1949)

A.2. Drawing Down the Moon (1949)
High Priestess stands in front of Altar, assumes Goddess position (arms crossed).
Magus, kneeling in front of her, draws pentacle on her body with Phallus-headed Wand, invokes, “I Invoke and beseech Thee, O mighty Mother of all life and fertility.  By seed and root, by stem and bud, by leaf and flower and fruit, by Life and Love, do I invoke Thee to descend into the body of thy servant and High Priestess [name].”
The Moon having been drawn down, i.e., link established, Magus and other men give Fivefold Kiss:
(kissing feet) “Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways”;
(kissing knees) “Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar”;
(kissing womb) “Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be”;
(kissing breasts) “Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty and in strength”;
(kissing lips) “Blessed be thy lips, that shall speak the sacred names.”
Women all bow.

If there be an initiation, then at this time the Magus and the High Priestess in Goddess position (Arms Crossed) says the Charge while the Initiate stands outside the circle.

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft – A.1. Casting the Circle

Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft

The Public Contents of the Book of Shadows

There is really no such thing as the text of the Book of Shadows, because Gardner never bothered to word things the same way twice; whenever he copied something, he simultaneously rewrote it.  But this, of course, is the way that an author treats his own original material; it is not how anyone treats authoritative texts preserved from an earlier generation.
I have grouped the documents according to the dates when they were written; these dates are accurate to within a year or so, and the point to providing them, of course, is to emphasize that these documents are modern creations, NOT anything preserved from ancient or medieval tradition.  Material or comments added to these documents later on I have enclosed in square brackets [these things].

A.1. Casting the Circle (1949)
It is most convenient to mark the circle with chalk, paint or otherwise, to show where it is; but marks on the carpet may be utilized.  Furniture may be placed to indicate the bounds.  The only circle that matters is the one drawn before every ceremony with either a duly consecrated Magic Sword or an Athame.  The circle is usually nine feet in diameter, unless made for some very special purpose.  There are two outer circles, each six inches apart, so the third circle has a diameter of eleven feet.
[1] Having chosen a place proper, take the sickle or scimitar of Art or a Witch’s Athame, if thou mayest obtain it, and stick it into the center, then take a cord, and ’twere well to use the Cable Tow for this, and loop it over the Instrument, four and one half feet, and so trace out the circumference of the circle, which must be traced either with the Sword, or the knife with the black hilt, or it be of little avail, but ever leave open a door towards the North.  Make in all 3 circles, one within the other, and write names of power between these.
[2] First draw circle with Magic Sword or Athame.
[3] Consecrate Salt and Water: Touch water with Athame, saying, “I exorcise thee, O creature of Water, that thou cast out from Thee all the impurities and uncleannesses of the Spirits of the World of Phantasm, so they may harm me not, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos.”
[4] Touching Salt with Athame, say, “The Blessings of Aradia and Cernunnos be upon this creature of Salt, and let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hencefrom, and let all good enter herein, for without Thee man cannot live, wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me.”
[5] Then put the Salt into the water.
[6] Sprinkle with exorcised water.
[7] Light candles; say, “I exorcise thee, O Creature of Fire, that every kind of Phantasm may retire from thee, and be unable to harm or deceive in any way, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos.”
[8] Caution initiate (if any); warn companions; enter circle and close doors with 3 pentagrams.
[9] Proclaim object of working
[10] Circumambulate 3 times or more before commencing work.
[11] Summon: “I summon, stir, and Call thee up, thou Mighty Ones of the East, South, West, and North.”  Salute and draw pentacle with Magic Sword or Athame, the first stroke being from the top down to the left.

No, I haven’t left yet, I’m sorry, lol!

I have a collection of old documents some have been seen on the net, others’ haven’t. Most of the documents have been moved over to disc. I had a moment to catch my breath and drug some of the discs out last night. I ran across one that I am getting ready to put on here. It is about Gerald Gardner and a collection of writings that were written down by one of his followers. There was never an official Book of Shadows for the Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft. So you can imagine any piece of writing that was contributed to Gardner was considered very sacred.

Some of the writing Gardner contributed to an ancient clandestine witch cult, which he claimed to have been initiated into. However, modern researchers have concluded that it was composed by Gardner. The text shows influences from English and Celtic Folk-lore, the Enochian system of John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, the KJV Bible and even Kipling.

I know some revere Gardner as being the father of Wicca, the traditional Witch. I am thinking it so I might as well say it. How do you become the father of Wicca and then proclaim yourself to be a Witch at the same time? Curious. No matter how you feel about the man, love him or hate him. It is very seldom that you have the opportunity to look into someone’s thoughts and beliefs.. I think these few pages will give you an idea of how Gardner thought.

There is a lot of material on this site. But there is no cold, hard information from those who played an important part in our history. That is going to change. When I run across such information from now on, I am going to place it on the site. I know the Elders have probably already read the material. But we have several generations of new witches coming up. They need to know. If we don’t show the info to them and tell them, then who will.

A Little Humor for Your Day – ’31 Signs Technology has Overtaken Your Life’

THIRTY ONE SIGNS TECHNOLOGY HAS OVERTAKEN YOUR LIFE

1. Your stationery is more cluttered than Warren Beatty’s address book. The
letterhead lists a fax number, e-mail address for two on-line services, and your
Internet address, which spreads across the breadth of the letterhead and
continues to the back. In essence, you have conceded that the first page of any
letter you write “is” letterhead.

2. You have never sat through an entire movie without having at least one
device on your body beep or buzz.

3. You need to fill out a form that must be typewritten, but you can’t because
there isn’t one typewriter in your house — only computers with laser printers.

4. You think of the gadgets in our office as “friends,” but you forget to send
your father a birthday card.

5. You disdain people who use low baud rates.

6. When you go into a computer store, you eavesdrop on a salesperson talking
with customers — and you butt in to correct him and spend the next twenty
minutes answering the customer’s questions, while the salesperson stands by
silently, nodding his head.

7. You use the phrase “digital compression” in a conversation without thinking
how strange your mouth feels when you say it.

8. You constantly find yourself in groups of people to whom you say the phrase
“digital compression.” Everyone understands what you mean, and you are not
surprised or disappointed that you don’t have to explain it.

9. You know Bill Gates’ e-mail address, but you have to look up your own
social security number.

10. You stop saying “phone number” and replace it with “voice number,” since we
all know the majority of phone lines in any house are plugged into contraptions
that talk to other contraptions.

11. You sign Christmas cards by putting 🙂 next to your signature.

12. Off the top of your head, you can think of nineteen keystroke symbols that
are far more clever than :-).

13. You back up your data every day.

14. Your wife asks you to pick up some minipads for her at the store and you
return with a rest for your mouse.

15. You think jokes about being unable to program a VCR are stupid.

16. On vacation, you are reading a computer manual and turning the pages faster
than everyone else who is reading John Grisham novels.

17. The thought that a CD could refer to finance or music rarely enters your
mind.

18. You are able to argue persuasively the Ross Perot’s phrase “electronic town
hall” makes more sense than the term “information superhighway,” but you don’t
because, after all, the man still uses hand-drawn pie charts.

19. You go to computer trade shows and map out your path of the exhibit hall in
advance. But you cannot give someone directions to your house without looking up
the street names.

20. You would rather get more dots per inch than miles per gallon.

21. You become upset when a person calls you on the phone to sell you
something, but you think it’s okay for a computer to call and demand that you
start pushing buttons on your telephone to receive more information about the
product it is selling.

22. You know without a doubt that disks come in five-and-a-quarter and three-
and-half inch sizes.

23. Al Gore strikes you as an “intriguing” fellow.

24. You own a set of itty-bitty screw-drivers and you actually know where they
are.

25. While contemporaries swap stories about their recent hernia surgeries, you
compare mouse-induced index-finger strain with a nine-year-old.

26. You are so knowledgeable about technology that you feel secure enough to
say “I don’t know” when someone asks you a technology question instead of
feeling compelled to make something up.

27. You rotate your screen savers more frequently than your automobile tires.

28. You have a functioning home copier machine, but every toaster you own turns
bread into charcoal.

29. You have ended friendships because of irreconcilably different opinions
about which is better — the track ball or the track “pad.”

30. You understand all the jokes in this message. If so, my friend, technology
has taken over your life. We suggest, for your own good, that you go lie under a
tree and write a haiku. And don’t use a laptop.

31. You e-mail this message to your friends over the net. You’d never get
around to showing it to them in person or reading it to them on the
phone. In fact, you have probably never met most of these people face-
to-face.

Daily Feng Shui News for Dec. 19th – ‘Look for An Evergreen’

You’ll get a big boost of all different sorts of seasonal blessings if you follow today’s ‘Look for An Evergreen’ advice. Long considered a ‘healing’ color (hence the propensity of use in hospitals and other health-related environments), the color green is also strongly considered the most ‘cooling color’ in the spectrum. At this time of year, green is believed to be able to help to offset the intense and burning heat caused by all the fiery red that’s around. Green also promotes peace and plenty, while the evergreen is said to magically absorb negative vibes in the home. Hanging an evergreen branch or bough above and on the outside of the front entryway door at any time of year has long been believed to keep evil at bay while inviting peace and prosperity. One could say that this is a totally different slant on ‘going green’ for the holidays.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for December 19th is The Serpent

Your Charm for December 19th

THE SERPENT

Today’s Meaning:

This aspect will be affected by someone’s illness being shed. Their healing will cause positive changes within this aspect for you.

General Description:  

In primeval days the Serpent deeply appealed to man’s imagination, and owing to its length of life was used as the emblem for wisdom and eternity. It was a household god in ancient Rome, and sacred to their god of medicine. The Romans believed that the Serpent renewed its youth by casting its skin, and it became their symbol for long life and vitality. In India the Serpent symbolizes the infinite duration of time and wisdom. Serpent rings were worn to ensure health, strength, and long life. The rings were also believed to possess great protective and enduring virtues. The Serpent was a mark of royalty in Egypt, and worn as a head dress or UR.AEUS.

Your Animal Spirit for December 19th is The Otter

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 19, 2013

Otter

Otter represents one of the most playful feminine energies on earth—and she has swum over into your reading to bring a message of joyful play. If life has been difficult or challenges overwhelming, relax a little—Otter is here to remind you that play is just as important as work—and NOT competitive play, but rather the kind you loved as a child. Hopscotch anyone?

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 19th is The Sword

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Sword

The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.

As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.

Today’s Tarot Card for Dec. 19th is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Thursday, Dec 19th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 19th

Emotional retreat is quite tempting today because the self-protective Cancer Moon can raise concerns that encourage us to withdraw from others. The apparent significance of our thoughts is inflated by magnifying Jupiter as it aligns with intelligent Mercury. Luckily, we have the ability to think up unusual solutions to our problems now. However, it’s still tricky to know whether or not any of the brilliant ideas are actually worth pursuing.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You actually think that you’re being sensitive to the needs of everyone else now, but you’re probably not looking much further than your own ambitions. Instead of just assuming that others have goals that are identical to yours, ask them what they want. Remember, you must listen to how they respond without trying to convince them to change their minds. Be wise and keep an open mind in all your interactions today. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you have in common.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

It may be flattering if others attempt to persuade you to participate in their far-out schemes today. However, you need to be firm about your limits so you don’t end up wasting your valuable time and resources on someone else’s idea that distracts you from your own work. Be exceptionally cautious now if an opportunity seems too good to be true — because it probably is. Be smart and wait a few more days before actually saying yes.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Hold on to your wallet today since you could quickly get into trouble by purchasing something that’s beyond your means. If an investment opportunity comes your way, it may not be as lucrative as it appears. You might think that you are in control, but that’s because you cannot tell if any of the facts are being distorted. Double check everything you are told now before taking an unnecessary risk; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Play it cool today because you may be feeling vulnerable and managing your emotions can be challenging, especially with the Moon moving through moody Cancer. To complicate matters even more, someone could be exaggerating the story they are telling you, which makes it harder to know if something is awry. Nevertheless, constant suspicion on your part creates its own set of problems and you might miss a real opportunity. Your best strategy is to verify your facts before making any long-term commitments.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Things are looking up today, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket because your current view may be a little too optimistic. Be careful, for your positive thinking can stoke your confidence so much that you get in over your head. Cut back your expectations just a bit so you won’t have to face unnecessary disappointment in the near future. Adopting a realistic approach enables you to achieve the creative expression you seek

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your hopes for a relationship might be so high now that you can’t possibly make your unrealistic dreams come true. You may become frustrated, leading you to try overly hard to please your friends. It’s tempting to expect so much from others that they cannot possibly satisfy all your needs. Instead of fixating on the outcome today, keep bringing your attention back to the present so you can fully engage in the process as it unfolds.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Although you might be hesitant to share your true feelings today, your tone might convey more than you actually intend, anyhow. It’s hard for others to tell whether you are exaggerating or if they are just reading more into your words because of their own expectations. Ultimately, it makes no difference where the problem begins. Avoid misunderstandings by softening your message. Less intensity works wonders now when it comes to matters of the heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

There are a limited number of productive hours in each day because some of them need to be reserved for sleeping and eating. Although you can pack a lot of activity into a short amount of time, your tendency is to take on more than you should today. You might even tell yourself that you’re being practical, but you could convince yourself of nearly anything now. Make your life easier by reducing your commitments before things get out of hand.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your interest in discovering new ideas might open up an unexpected avenue of exploration today as you seek to understand the mysteries of the universe. You could be drawn toward a spiritual tradition or unusual philosophy if you attempt to delve beneath the surface. But don’t just accept the truth in everything that comes your way. A bit of healthy skepticism now can save you a big headache down the road. Nevertheless, traveling with an open mind is still your ticket to the next adventure.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You are the one that everyone comes to for advice because you see opportunities through a very wise and practical lens. Additionally, you are able to communicate your ideas with great clarity now. While others may miss the potential problems with your plan, you can quickly spot the flaws, too. But this isn’t about being negative; it’s more about keeping it real. Relying on your pragmatic nature improves your chances for success.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may think you have to share every little detail in order to clearly explain your position, but spending too much time on the minutiae actually gets in the way of your message. After a certain point, the more you talk today, the less anyone will listen. Give your audience the basics in as few words as possible. They can always ask questions if they need to know anything else. Less is more.

 Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Sharing your feelings may be just what you need today, but you can alienate others if you say too much too fast. It’s misleading if your friends encourage you to keep talking, since they might be supportive only because they think it’s their duty to listen. Luckily, there’s no need to shut out those who truly care about you, but rambling on about the details of your life won’t make anyone feel any better now. Thinking about your message in advance allows for the best possible reception.

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Cozy up with a hot drink tailored just for you…

Tarotcom Staff  Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, winter, holidays, astrology
Cuddling up to a hot winter drink on a cold winter night makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you make others feel good, too! So forget the same ol’ same ol’ boring drink, and banish the winter doldrums with these hot drinks and cool cocktails (while drinking responsibly, of course).

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ask the bartender what’s new and you’ll be sure to give it a go. Male or female, Aries tends to like manly drinks like Jack Daniels and Coke or scotch on the rocks, which are fine alone or warmed up into a classic hot toddy when combined with hot water and honey.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Just a beer, please! Good European beer marketed in America, like Beck’s or Heineken, will satisfy your taste buds — even on cold winter nights. For more refined Taurean moods, indulge in sweet, cozy drinks with a touch of decadent dairy, like a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The social talk is as important as the drinks. Whether in an upscale joint or a dive bar, the Twins need social and mental stimulation. Experiment with trendy new cocktails, or drinks that have unusual names or ingredients. Maybe Absinthe or a lychee martini? Winter wine tastings and drink sampler nights appeal to your curiosity and love for variety, too.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers enjoy classic, cozy drinks they can cuddle up with. Try hot buttered rum, a spicy, buttery blend that’s as decadent as it gets and perfect for comfort-loving Crabs; or splash some Kahula in your coffee for another hot take on tradition.

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)

Splashy, sophisticated Leos want their drinks made with premium brand liquor. The Carlyle Hotel’s Hot Blueberry Tea made with Grand Marnier, amaretto and honey in a stylish glass will make these Lions purr.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos have highly discriminating taste, so specialty wines and micro-brewed beers should appeal most to your Virgin love of craft. Even better, consider taking your Virgin on a tour of a winery or microbrewery complete with taste testing and twinkly winter lights.

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Drinks served in fine glassware will go a long way to please a Libra, as the visual and aesthetic experience of the cocktail is very important. Librans also enjoy the elegance of champagne, consumed in romantic settings and combined with the sweetness of fruit, as in the classic mimosa. But no slamming fists on the bar, please — Libras like it serene.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The darker the better for reclusive Scorpio. This applies to a bar’s ambiance as well as to the liquor itself — dimly lit, out of the way bars, and drinks using bourbon, scotch, dark wines and dark rum enhance your tendency to go within.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are usually game for something with a kick — like an Irish coffee with a strong whiskey punch. The Archer also loves the flair of international drinks, like a Spanish coffee with Kahlua, rum and whipped cream. Along with Pisces, Sagittarius is the sign prone to overdoing it, so keep that designated driver or taxi phone number handy.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns like cocktails classic and on the dry side — just like them! Gin and tonic and standard martinis, to be exact (without the frilly garnishes). Like Leo, you Capricorns prefer high-end liquors that speak to your good taste. Try a classic after-dinner ritual like dry port with cheese to please your tendencies.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Admit it, Aquarius: in college or your younger years, you would have been voted “Most Likely to Consume Jello Shots.” Your taste still tends toward the quirky, including kamikaze shooters or trendy drinks such as the pomtini, though you do enjoy the effervescence of a good champagne. Coffee drinks such as Keoki Coffee offer the alertness you crave, especially among a group of friends.

Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20)

Perceptive Pisces picks up subtle flavors, and will especially enjoy wine tasting or sampling cocktails or a glass of top-notch dessert wine. The complexity of cognac is especially appealing, so why not try an Alhambra Royale, which will have happy Fish swimming in cognac, hot chocolate and whipped cream?

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 19th

If a touch of giddiness and euphoria has entered your state of mind, chalk it up to last night’s monthly lunar conjunction with jovial Jupiter. However, confusion and uncertainty can arrive early today as Ceres follows Jupiter’s lead from two days ago by making a caustic, 135-degree tie with far-out Neptune (4:23AM). This is not a good time to start changing your diet around or experiment with nutritional supplements that have a questionable background or origin.  Clean-up campaigns around your residence or office environment fit in well with the current transit of Cancer Moon. Cooking, baking, antique hunting, and sprucing up your home are back in style. Remember that since the recent Full Moon only occurred two days ago, this is still a time-period when you should be an ambassador of goodwill to relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues.  Pull away from outside activities during a 2+ hour void lunar cycle that starts at 8:38PM and lasts until 10:49PM when the Moon enters fiery, warmhearted Leo. Start gearing up for a six-week reversal by Venus in Capricorn that begins on Saturday. [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.]