Category: Articles

The Goddess, The Maiden

The Goddess, The Maiden

 

The second aspect of the Goddess is that of Mother. As previously stated among her names by which she is called are the Great Mother and Mother Nature which signifies her worshippers believe her to be the Mother, creator and life-giver to all of nature and to every thing within.

This at first may seem confusing to many within the Christian Age where the Father God is claimed to be the creator. What many are not aware of, but more are becoming so, is that the world passed through a matriarchal age before the present patriarchal one. There is ample archaeological, historical and anthropological evidence of this. The previously mentioned findings of numerous female figurines and drawings in many locations supports the fact that during such ancient times the female was very honored. The depictions self-fertilization and women giving birth states the Goddess has been very honored for motherhood.

Seas, fountains, ponds and wells were always thought as feminine symbols in archaic religions. Such passages connecting to subterranean water-passages were often thought as leading to the underground womb. Currently science partly substantiates these archaic beliefs. It is known that hugh quantities of microscopic plants and animal live close to the ocean surface. Upon this sea life’s death its shell remains settle to the ocean floor, and when studied through accumulations of sediment core samples, which represent millions of years of sea life, they provide a continuous history of the earth’s environmental stages. To this extent the ocean, which seems to contain the beginning stages of life, may be thought as the Mother’s womb. “And water, like love, was (is) essential to the life-forces of fertility and creativity, without which the psychic world as well as the material world would become an arid desert, the waste land.”

This idea of the Goddess or maternal womb is embedded in history. It was and is symbolized by the ceremonial bowl. When used in the Egyptian temples as the temple basin it was called the shi. In Biblical times it became the brass sea in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:23-26). Such bowls or vassals were used for illustrations, baptisms and various purification ceremonies. Although the Christians often fail to disclose that the holy water fount still symbolizes the womb. This symbolically is true since the water is to bestow blessings or grace upon the one which it is sprinkled upon, or who sprinkles it upon himself, and this grace supposedly comes from Jesus Christ who came from the womb of Mary.

Although, in the ancient maternal temples this womb-vessel was very much respected for its inherent fertile power. Its holy waters were revered as they were considered spiritual representing the birth-giving energy of the Goddess.

Throughout the history of Goddess worship, witchcraft, and currently in Neo-pagan witchcraft the cauldon has been a feminine symbol associated with the womb of the Mother Goddess.

All Christian sects have not thought of God as just masculine. This is especially true of the Gnostics. It is in the Apocryphon of John one sees the apostle John grieving after the crucifixion. John was in a “great grief” during which he experienced a mystical vision of the Trinity:

the [heavens were opened and the whole] creation [which   is] under heaven shone and [the world] trembled. [And I   was afraid, and I] saw in the light…a likeness with multiple   forms…and the likeness had three forms.

To John’s question of the vision came this answer: “He said to me, ‘John, Jo[h]n, why do you doubt, and why are you afraid?…I am the one who [is with you] always. I [am the Father]; I am the Mother; I am the Son.'”

To many this description of the Trinity is shocking, but it need not be. What so many forget, or do not realized is that the New Testament was written in Greek; whereas, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The Hebrew word meaning spirit is ruah having a feminine gender, but the Greek word for spirit is pneuma having a neuter gender. Thus the Greek language, or to be more specific a change in language when writing the New Testament, virtually made the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, asexual. It also, when accepted by the orthodox Christian Church, eliminated any femininity concept of God. Also Mary is held to have remained a virgin by Catholics and some Christians because Matthew in his gospel used the Greek word parthenos, meaning “virgin,” instead of almah when referring to the virgin birth of Jesus. But, the Gnostics did not adhere to the orthodox teaching. Possibly one reason was that many of the Gnostic leaders, particularly Simon Magus, were of Greek or Samaritan heritage, and within these heritages polytheism and feminine deities were known and accepted, also they knew Hebrew. Therefore they kept the feminine meaning of the Holy Spirit which remained in their sacred writings and interpretations.

In The Sacred Book one reads:

…(She is)…the image of the invisible, virginal, perfect spirit…  She became   the Mother of everything, for she existed before them all, the mother-father  [matropater]…

In the Gospel to the Hebrews, Jesus speaks of “my Mother, the Spirit.” Again, in the Gospel of Thomas “Jesus contrasts his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, with his divine Father–the Father of Truth–and his divine Mother, the Holy Spirit.” And, in the Gospel of Philip, “whoever becomes a Christian gains ‘both father and mother’ for the Spirit (rurah) is ‘Mother of many.'”

In a writing attributed to Simon Magus it states:

Grant Paradise to be the womb; for Scripture teaches us that this is     a true assumption when it says, “I am He that formed thee in thy mother’s     womb” (Isaiah 44:2)…Moses…using the allegory had declared Paradise  to   be the womb…and Eden, the placenta…

“The river that flows forth from Eden symbolizes the navel, which nourishes the fetus. Simon claims that the Exodus consequently, signifies the passage out of the womb and the ‘the crossing of the Red Sea refers to the blood.'” Sethian gnostics explain that:

heaven and earth have a shape similar to the womb …and if…anyone  wants   to investigate this, let him carefully examine the pregnant womb of any  living   creature, and he will discover an image of the heavens and the earth.

In scriptural writings we find standing at the foot of the cross at the time of the crucifixion three Marys: the Virgin Mary, the dearly beloved Mary Magdalene, and a more shadowy or mysterious Mary. “The Coptic ‘Gospel of Mary’ said they were all one. Even as late as the Renaissance, a trinitarian Mary appeared in the Speculum beatae Mariae as Queen of Heaven (Virgin), Queen of Earth (mother), and Queen of Hell (Crone).”

Within modern culture these roles of Goddess and Mother are seen to be reemerging. While the psychanalyst Sigmund Freud down played the emergence devotion to the Goddess as infantile desires to be reunited with the mother, his theory was challenged by C.J. Jung who described this emergence devotion as “a potent force of the unconscious.”

Jung theorized that “the feminine principle as a universal archetype, a primordial, instinctual pattern of behavior deeply imprinted on the human psyche, brought the Goddess once more into popular imagination.”

The basis of Jung’s theory rested on religious symbolism extending from prehistoric to current times. His archetypical concept is that it is not “an inherited idea, but an inherited mode of psychic functioning, corresponding to that inborn ‘way’ according to which the chick emerges from the egg; the bird builds its nest;…and eels find their way to the Bermudas.”

The biological evidence of Jung’s archetypical concept indicates the psychological meaning. Although the psychological meaning cannot always be as objectively demonstrated as the biological one, it often is as important or even more important than the biological one. It lies deep within the levels of personalities, and can elicit responses not possible by mere abstract thinking. These responses energize and deeply effect persons. “Jung believed all religions rest on archetypical foundations.”

This does not necessarily mean that all or every religion originated from an archetype, but rather the archetype on which most, if not all, religions were and are based is the deep felt (italics are the author’s) need within the people for their particular religion. This need is what brought forth the religion. There are various views on the causes this need arouse, but “Jungians have espoused the Mother Goddess as an archetype, a loadstone in the collective consciousness of both men and women to be minded of psychological wholeness.”

Many men have expressed the need to return to the Goddess, indicating that this is not only a woman’s search or desire. “English therapist John Rowan believes that every man in Western culture also needs this vital connection to the vital female principle in nature and urges men to turn to the Goddess. In this way men will be able to relate to human women on more equal terms, not fearful of resentful of female power. Perhaps this is how it was in prehistoric times when men and women coexisted peacefully under the hegemony of the Goddess.”

To many men in Neo-paganism and witchcraft sexism seems absurd and trifling. If all men were honest they would admit that they would not be here if it were not for their biological mothers. Sexism immediately disappears when this fact is agreed to. All human beings are sexual, and sexuality propagated, although at times it would seem the Christian Church would have liked to dismiss this fact completely. But, the fact cannot be dismissed because, again, according to Jung this biological fact is also imprinted as the archetypes of anima and animus upon the human unconscious. They represent the feminine side of man and the masculine side of woman. As behavioral regulators they as most important; for with out them men and women could not coexist. When the two unconscious elements are balanced harmony exists, but when there is an unbalanced over masculinity or femininity is exerted.

Most people admit we currently live in troubled, if not, perilous times. Both our species and planet are endanger of extinction. Our customary religions and governments seem stifled if not helpless to solve all of the enormous problems which confront us. Perhaps many are feeling the urgent need to cry for help to the Good and Divine Mother asking her to please clean up her children’s mess, or wipe up their split milk before it’s too late.

The Goddess, The Virgin

The Goddess, The Virgin

The Virgin is the first aspect of the Goddess that dates back to Grecian times. “Holy Virgin” was a title for temple prostitutes, a duty of the priestesses of Ishtar, Asherah, or Aphrodite. The title itself did not mean virginity, but it simply meant “unmarried.” The functions of these “holy virgins” was to give forth the Mother’s grace and love by sexual worship; to heal; to prophecy; to perform sacred dances; to wail for the dead; and to become Brides of God.

The Semites, and parthenioi by the Greeks called children born of such virgins bathur. Both terms mean virgin-born. According to the Protoevangelium, the Virgin Mary was a kadesha and perhaps was married to a member of the priesthood known as the “fathers of the gods.”

There is an analogy between Mary’s impregnation and that of Persephone’s. The latter, in her virgin guise, sat in a holy cave and began weaving the great tapestry of the universe, when Zeus, appearing as a phallic serpent, impregnated her with the savior Dionysus. Mary sat in a temple and began to spin a blood-red thread, representing Life in the tapestry of fate. The angel Gabriel came to Mary, telling her that the spirit of the Lord would over shadow her and she would be with child. (Luke 1:28-31) This child was Jesus Christ, who many call savior.

In the Hebrew Gospels the name Mary is designated by almah which means “young woman.” The reason that Mary is held to have remained a virgin by Catholics and some Christians is because Matthew in his gospel used the Greek word parthenos, meaning “virgin,” instead of almah when referring to the virgin birth of Jesus. Also almah was derived from Persian Al-Mah, the unmated Moon goddess. Another cognate of this term was the Latin alma, “living soul of the world,” which is essentially identical to the Greek psyche, and the Sanskrit shakti. So the ancient Holy Virgins, or temple-harlots, were “soul-teachers” or “soul- mothers.” Thus comes the term alma mater.

The Introduction & History of Our Goddess

The Introduction & History Of Our Goddess

 Introduction

In Neo-pagan Witchcraft the Goddess is the very essence or central figure of the Craft and worship. She is the Great Mother, representing the fertility which brings forth all life; as Mother Nature she is the living biosphere of both the planets and the forces of the elements; she has roles of both creator and destroyer; she is the Queen of Heaven; and she is the moon. She possesses magical powers and is emotion, intuition and psychic faculty.

The Divine Force within the Goddess is believed to be genderless, but within the universe it is manifested as male and female principles. Often within the worship of the Divine Force the Goddess, or the female principle, is emphasized to the exclusion of The Horned God, or the male principle. But, theoretically both are recognized.

The Goddess has many facets, names and aspects. Although in witchcraft and Neo-paganism she is mainly worshiped in her aspects of the triple Goddess: Virgin, Mother and Crone.

History

Goddess worship dates back to Paleolithic times. Many anthropologists speculate the first “God ” or gods of the peoples were feminine. This coincides with ancient creation myths and beliefs that creation was achieved through self-fertilization. Within the concept of creation the participation of the male principle was not known or recognized yet. The Goddess was believed to have created the universe by herself alone.

From this belief came the agricultural religions. It was thought that the gods only prospered by the beneficence and wisdom which the Goddess showered on them. Evidence appears to indicate most ancient tribes and cultures were matriarchal.

Although this maybe true, there seems to be little evidence that the feminine portions of these societies held themselves superior over their male counterparts. Generally Goddess worship had been balanced by the honoring of both the male and female Deities. This is illustrated by the belief in and the observance of the sacred marriage of the Sky God and Earth Mother in many global societies.

Among the first human images discovered are the “Venus figures,” nude female figures having exaggerated sexual parts that date back to the Cro-Magnons of the Upper Paleolithic period between 35,000 and 10,000 BC.

In southern France is the Venus of Laussel which is carved in basrelief in a rock shelter. This appears once to have been a hunting shrine which dates to around 19,000 BC. In this carving the woman is painted red, perhaps to suggest blood, and holds a bison horn in one hand.

Also in Cro-Magnon cave paintings women are depicted giving birth. “A naked Goddess appears to have been the patroness of the hunt to mammoth hunters in the Pyrenees and was also protectress of the hearth and lady of the wild things.”

Other female figurines were discovered dating back to the proto-Neolithic period of ca, 9000 – 7000 BC, the Middle Neolithic period of ca. 6000 – 5000 BC, and the Higher Neolithic period of ca. 4500 – 3500 BC. Some of these figurines were decorated as if they had been objects of worship. In black Africa were discovered cave images of the Horned Goddess (later Isis, ca. 7000 – 6000 BC). The Black Goddess images appeared to represent a bisexual, self-fertilizing woman.

During the predynastic Egyptian period, prior to 3110 BC, the Goddess was known as Ta-Urt (Great One) and was portrayed as a pregnant hippopotamus stand on her hind legs.

The Halaf culture around the Tigris River, ca. 5000 – 4000 BC, had Goddess figurines associated with the cow, serpent, humped ox, sheep, goat, pig, bull, dove and double ax. These things were known to the people and became symbols representing the Goddess.

In the Sumerian civilization, ca. 4000 BC, the princesses or queens of cities were associated with the Goddess. A king was associated with God.

Throughout the eons of history the Goddess assumed many aspects. She was seen as the creatress, virgin, mother, destroyer, warrior, huntress, homemaker, wife, artist, jurist, healer and sorcerer. Her roles or abilities increased with the advancement of the cultures which worshipped her.

She could represent a queen with a consort, or lover. She might bear a son who died young or was sacrificed only to rise again representing the annual birth-death-rebirth cycle of the seasons.

Throughout the centuries the Goddess has acquired a thousand names and a thousand faces but most always she has represented nature, she is associated with both the sun and moon, the earth and the shy. The Goddess religion, usually in all forms, is a nature religion. Those worshipping the Goddess worship or care for nature too.

It might be acknowledged that author Barbara G. Walker made two comments concerning the thousand names of the Goddess. The first is that “Every female divinity in the present Encyclopedia may be correctly regarded as only another aspect of the core concept of a female Supreme Being.” The author’s other comment is, “If such a system had been applied to the usual concept of God, (giving him the different names and titles which people throughout the centuries have attributed to him), there would now be a multitude of separate ‘gods’ with names like Almighty, Yahweh, Lord, Holy Ghost, Sun of Righteousness, Christ, Creator, Lawgiver, Jehovah, Providence, Allah, Savior, Redeemer, Paraclete, Heavenly Father, and so on, ad infinitum, each one assigned to a particular function in the world pantheon.”

Both comments may be considered correct when it is recognized that humankind is only able to speak of God, the Supreme Being and the gods in anthropomorphic terms. As it has been noted elsewhere, the human mind is unable to comprehend any godhead without the aid of anthropomorphism. But, many people such as Simon Magus have gotten themselves in serious trouble when calling God by another name. The early Church Father Hippolytus condemned Simon for referring to God as the Infinite Force.

The beginning of the Hebrew religion with its God Yahweh is said to have marked the end of the Goddess’ Golden Age. Approximately this was between 1800 – 1500 BC when the prophet Abraham lived in Canaan.

The Christian Church, and especially the Roman Catholic Church, has fought hard to suppress or root out all Goddess worship. The Goddess along with all pagan deities were labeled as evil. But, little proof has been offered for this. One notable example is The Canon Episcopi.

Even though the Church attempted to completely abolish Goddess worship it never successfully did so. Remanents of it remained within the hearts of the people. An example of such devotion is seen within the actions of the people during the Church Council of Ephesus (432 AD). Until Christianized Ephesus had been a sacred city where the Divine Mother was worshiped by “all Asia and the world” (Acts 19:27). Also in this city of Ephesus, as elsewhere, she was called Mother of Animals. “Her most famous Ephesus image had a torso covered with breasts, showing her ability to nurture the whole world.” During this council of bishops people rioted in the streets demanding the worshipping of the Goddess be restored. The prime candidate was Mary, the Virgin and Mother of Christ. The bishops conceded so far in allowing Mary to be called the Mother of God, but the forbade her to be called Mother Goddess or Goddess.

To the very present many, both Catholics and especially Protestants, wonder why Catholics have a great devotion toward the Virgin Mary. Few know the occurrences at Ephesus, and that this devotion is probably the long surviving remanent of their early ancestors’ devotion to the Goddess.

A Little Humor For Your Day – ‘Man Goes To Dentist (Pun)’

Man goes to a dentist

A man went to his dentist because he feels something wrong in his mouth. The dentist examines him and says, “that new upper plate I put in for you six months ago is eroding. What have you been eating?”
The man replies, “all I can think of is that about four months ago my wife made some asparagus and put some stuff on it that was delicious…Hollandaise sauce. I loved it so much I now put it on everything — meat, toast, fish, vegtables, everything.”
“Well,” says the dentist, “that’s probably the problem. Hollandaise sauce is made with lots of lemon juice, which is highly corrosive. It’s eaten away your upper plate. I’ll make you a new plate, and this time use chrome.” “Why chrome?” asks the patient.
To which the dentist replies, “It’s simple. Everyone knows that there’s no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise!”

Aah! Jokes

Daily Feng Shui News for Dec. 2nd – ‘Special Education Day’

On this ‘Special Education Day’ I’d like to teach you a Feng Shui cure for getting good grades. This adjustment is applicable for any student at any age or stage in their studies or lives. According to this tradition, a small statue of a seven- or nine-layered pagoda placed on a student’s study desk or at bedside is believed to be a powerful way of cleaning the atmosphere of impurities while also bringing study ‘luck’ to students. Placing this pagoda in either the ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Fame’ area of the student’s room is additionally believed to bring fame and eventual career advancement. That’s a lot of punch from one small pagoda.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for December 2nd is Leo The Lion

Your Charm for Today

Leo The Lion

Today’s Meaning:

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is generous, warm-hearted, creative, enthusiastic, broad-minded, expansive, faithful and loving. This person is most likely a relative.

General Description:

Fifth sign of the Zodiac, July 23rd to Aug. 23rd. Ruled by the Sun; correct metal, Gold. Those born under the influence of Leo were believed to be enthusiastic, high spirited, affable, generous, strong, quick tempered, artistic, inventive, generally successful and proverbially lucky. The Leo stones are the Peridot and Onyx, also Amber. The Peridot was in former times valued more than the Diamond. In Rome it was worn as a charm to drive away evil spirits, despondency and illusions. Peridot amulets enjoyed a great reputation in the Middle Ages for inspiring wisdom and eloquence. Many medicinal properties were attributed to Amber, and its supposed virtues are still relied on in the East.

Your Animal Spirit for December 2nd is the Cougar

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 2, 2013

Cougar

Cougar has long been associated with leadership. Cougars are powerful, agile, and unhesitating. When Cougar attacks, he throws one hundred percent of himself into the pursuit. Although cougar is strong, he is also elusive —hard to spot in the wild—until he decides to pounce. His lesson to you today is one of being a balanced leader—not rushing into the attack, not always lurking in the brush.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 2nd is The Moon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Moon

Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.

As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, December 2nd

We might throw caution to the wind today as the cosmic energy blows in a fresh point of view. The Moon’s shift into farsighted Sagittarius at 1:31 am EST clears the clouds of illusion from our minds, enabling us to see the distant horizon. The New Moon at 7:22 pm makes us more aware of all the opportunities waiting just around the next corner. We may attempt to act cautiously, but we’re feeling confident and more hopeful about the future now.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You can go so far today fueled only on your boundless optimism that you could stir up some unexpected resistance, especially if you’re behaving outrageously. Although you may overlook a critical fact with the cavalier Sagittarius New Moon activating your 9th House of Big Ideas, your current intentions are strong enough to overcome challenging odds. Acting on a strong conviction is healthy, but it’s not necessary to spend energy defending your position with hollow words. Let your work speak for itself.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Including another person in your plans could be quite advantageous now that the fun-loving Sagittarius New Moon lands in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. However, you must be open to what your partner wants, too. A positive attitude is always an asset, but it won’t be enough today unless you pay close attention to the facts. Don’t minimize what you’re told because slipping into a dreamy space of denial won’t help you reach your goals. Keeping your feet firmly on the ground is just as important as knowing your destination.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

A personal relationship may be infused with exciting energy today because the fiery Sagittarius New Moon falls in your 7th House of Others. Or, perhaps, someone might enter your life now and inspire you with possibilities of creating something very special. Either way, it is your responsibility to transform your dreams into reality by releasing previous expectations and allowing the power of the moment to work its magic.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You want to accomplish a lot of work today, but you could underestimate the amount of effort required to meet your obligations. You’re up for the challenge because the optimistic Sagittarius New Moon occurs in your 6th House of Employment, but you also might discover that you’re in over your head. If you suddenly realize that you overcommitted your resources, taking out your bad judgment on others isn’t a useful strategy. Instead, be up front about your predicament and ask for assistance. You may be surprised at how quickly your real friends rush to your rescue.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may feel like letting loose and kicking up your heels today with the playful Sagittarius New Moon charging up your 5th House of Fun and Games. You might be so eager to enjoy yourself that you temporarily forget about your previous commitments. But don’t be overly concerned now; you will finish everything even if you have to work harder later. Give yourself permission to truly enjoy the present moment while expressing your gratitude as often as possible.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your philosophical perspective and realistic attitude can have a very positive influence on those around you. But you would prefer to focus on the good news today rather than the bad. Even if your actions portray the purest of intentions, your self-criticism might be harsh and you may fall short of your own expectations. Today’s Sagittarius New Moon energizes your 4th House of Emotional Security, so don’t be too rough on yourself. Simply do your best while leaving enough time to enjoy the company of those you love.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You’re quite appreciative of your closest friends and family now because their presence adds so much joy to your life. Thankfully, the Sagittarius New Moon lands in your 3rd House of Immediate Environment, so anyone can inspire you just by initiating an interesting discussion. Although you might prefer to narrow your focus, everyone around you will be happier if you are flexible and allow the day to carry you along on a wonderful ride without worrying about your destination.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You find it challenging now to separate your philosophical views about personal wealth from any judgments that you might have of yourself. You may appear certain of your current financial choices, but it’s still wise to exercise a little caution with the zealous Sagittarius New Moon falling in your 2nd House of Money. All the details haven’t surfaced yet, so don’t draw any premature conclusions. In the meantime, don’t underestimate the value of the connections you have with those who care about you the most.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might believe you’re on a roll, especially if you have a lot to be thankful for today. But the happy-go-lucky Sagittarius New Moon could inspire you to feel so enthusiastic about what may come next in your life that you are a bit sloppy with the execution of your plans. Instead of building your entire future on a dream, make certain that your strategy is grounded in reality. Success requires equal parts of creative imagination and hard work.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

It’s not that you want to rain on anyone’s parade; it’s just that you value your integrity more than your desire to project hope. Nevertheless, you could set aside your high standards today while you encourage everyone to create his or her own vision. The Sagittarius New Moon occupies your 12th House of Fantasy, so don’t take the easy way out by glossing over the truth just to go along with the crowd. Hold on to your level-headed approach, even if others don’t always appreciate what motivates you. Only you can decide which path you should follow.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You have a cheerful attitude and it seems as if everyone’s taking notice now that the exuberant Sagittarius New Moon activates your 11th House of Social Networking. You’re very easygoing today and don’t require a lot of maintenance. You might even prefer to have a memorable time with your friends without being the center of attention, instead of putting yourself through performance anxiety. Even if you shirk the spotlight, you will still be recognized for the joy you bring to others.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You have a strong desire to know where you are heading in your chosen profession now that the Sagittarius New Moon emphasizes your 10th House of Public Recognition. Your general career path may be the topic of a hot discussion today, but don’t try to reach any final decisions or make a detailed action plan for what comes next. The greatest limitations at this time can arise from within your own mind. Instead, just go ahead and dream big because nearly anything is possible if you simply believe in yourself.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of December 2nd

An optimistic New Moon in Sagittarius may renew your faith in love on Monday. In particular, we’re talking about the kind of love that takes you on a magic carpet ride, opening you up to a whole new world. Set your sights on the exotic vacation you and your sweetheart never had the opportunity to take, and make it happen if possible. The itch to travel will be strong — especially after Wednesday when Mercury enters Sagittarius. The real headline news in love this week, however, has more to do with Mars. The planet of assertive drive will enter relationship-oriented Libra on Saturday, where he’ll settle in for an unusually long visit — until July 2014! Think all is fair in love and war? Not so fast…

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Big news, Aries! On Saturday, Mars, your ruler, will enter your 7th House of Partnership. This transit happens about once every two years, but this time it’ll be extra special. Why? In 2014, Mars will turn retrograde, giving you an opportunity to carefully revisit your approach to partnership matters. How are you using your energy in relationship? Are you fighting with your partner for no good reason or are you avoiding a fight because you’re afraid of rocking the boat? Oh, and by the way, what happened to your sex life? These questions and more will be answered over the next several months.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You might not even be looking for the opportunity for a new intimate encounter this week, but thanks to Monday’s New Moon it’s quite possible that someone will approach you with a sexy request. Whether or not you choose to accept is up to you, of course, but if you do, be sure not to kiss and tell. On Friday, there’s a testy link between Mercury and Neptune to caution you against sharing any of that private pillow talk with friends. You wouldn’t want to be the subject of gossip.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

On Monday, a New Moon may promise a fresh start for you and your mate. If things have been dull in the relationship department, it’s possible this lunation will open up the door for new adventures in love. After Wednesday, you’ll even find it easier to communicate with your partner and you may decide to pursue a new course of study together for fun. If single, your sex life is about to get a major jump start. Mars will enter your romance sector for the first time in nearly two years. Ooh la la!

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Because you’re ruled by the fluctuating Moon, it’s no surprise that wherever the Moon goes in your chart is where your mood will focus. This week, on Wednesday and Thursday, you’ll have your emotions set on your partner as the Moon makes her way through your relationship sector. An intuitive grasp of your mate’s feelings will be easy to achieve. On Saturday, Mars will enter partnership Libra and your domestic 4th House of Home and Family. You and your sweetheart may have more quarrels about a home renovation project. Don’t lose sight of what really matters.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Are you looking for love in all the wrong places? This week, a brilliant New Moon might send just the signal you need to help you get your heart out of the “lost zone.” Anticipate at least one opportunity to date someone new. This person will likely captivate you more because of your differences rather than what you have in common. Be careful on Friday, however, because it’s possible that you’ll misunderstand your new paramour’s signals. Talking about a sexual fantasy doesn’t mean it’s time to manifest it!

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may feel extra sentimental about romance on Wednesday and Thursday, as the Moon tours your 5th House of True Love. While it’ll be a wonderful time to shower someone close with affection, at the same time you may feel distracted because these feelings will occur in the middle of your hectic work week. Give yourself permission to let loose once in a while.  Besides, having your lover in bed will be more fun than taking home all of that paperwork!

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Get ready to feel more energy than you have in quite some time! Mars, the planet that rules our “get up and go” factor, will move into your sign this Saturday, and isn’t going anywhere for several months. For the next few weeks you’ll feel passion return to your veins as Mars prompts you to go after what and whom you want most! You might notice a stronger sex drive, as well, as the ability to make that first move if you’re typically the shy type. You’ve got game!

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

A confusing conversation with your lover may set the tone for bewilderment rather than fulfillment in the romance department — especially by Friday. You might have unrealistic expectations about a relationship or what a lover can offer you in return for what you can offer him or her. On Saturday, Mars will enter your 12th House of Privacy. It might become more difficult to outwardly pursue someone you’ve got a crush on. You’ll need to make an extra effort because your intentions might not be as easy to read.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

A New Moon in your sign on Monday can spell the beginning of something wonderful because it’ll allow you to write a brand new chapter in the story of your life. If a relationship is your priority now, you can certainly use this energy to help you attract an emotional equal. You’ll have an even stronger edge by Wednesday, when Mercury enters your sign and helps you communicate what you want clearly. You’ll offer up scintillating conversation that’ll make it difficult for someone you admire to ignore.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If there’s something private you’ve longed to share with your partner but somehow couldn’t open up enough to reveal, all of that may change this week. A New Moon will illuminate your 12th House of Privacy, opening up an opportunity for you to make a personal breakthrough. Because the Moon rules your partnership sector, it’ll be easy for you to “go there” with your mate and not worry so much that he or she will judge or condemn you. Trust that by sharing your innermost feelings, it’ll only draw the two of you closer.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

If you’re single, you’ll want to focus on your circle of friends to help you breathe new life into your romantic prospects. A gorgeous New Moon on Monday will open up the floodgates in your social life. A pal may offer to set you up on a date or you might go out with a group of friends and meet someone special. On Wednesday, when Mercury (ruler of your romance sector) enters your friendship sector, you may consider asking a friend for advice about your love life. He or she can help you solve a relationship problem.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

On Saturday, with sexy Mars moving into your erotic 8th House of Deep Transformation and Sex, on Saturday you’ll have the stamina to pursue your most taboo fantasies in the bedroom. Fortunately, your partner will be on board! You might experience some tension, however, when it comes to shared finances. If your mate has built up any credit card debt, for example, you may get into a quarrel. Alternatively, you and your partner might find yourselves in a position where you need to address a tax issue. Don’t let money problems ruin your great love affair.

Mercury in Sagittarius (December 4th)

Mercury in Sagittarius

Expand your mind with mental Mercury in sunny Sagittarius

Tarotcom Staff    Tarotcom Staff on the topics of sagittarius, mercury, astrology

Open your mind, but hold your tongue — that’s the best advice we have when communication planet Mercury moves back into bold and sometimes reckless Sagittarius on December 4, 2013.

Mercury is a bit of wild-card in Sagittarius. That’s because Mercury is all about thoughts and words, and Sagittarius is all about action. This translates into a time when we may find ourselves speaking too soon, accidentally saying rude things, or spouting off things that aren’t true.

If you’re prone to telling tall tales or getting your facts wrong, or if you know anyone like that, it’s going to be exacerbated now. We’re all advised to try harder to think before we speak and to consider others’ feelings more. But there’s an upside to Mercury in Sagittarius, too.

Because Sagittarius is so open-minded and adventurous, our thoughts will become more expansive, too. We might start thinking about travel or going back to school or starting a new job. Sagittarius is a visionary, so our minds will wander far and wide during this time.

Make big plans for December! With Mercury in Sagittarius until December 24, it’s a great month for feeling confident, thinking positive and doing something exciting.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 2nd

The dark-of-the-moon monthly phase always takes place as the lunar orb seeks to rejoin the Sun in their every 29.5-day cyclic dance through the heavens. Thus, we are currently in the extreme waning time-period of the solar-lunar cycle and then at 4:23PM the Sun and Moon will merge at 11 degrees of Sagittarius.  In the hours before that official New Moon moment, your main goals should be to finish odds and ends from the past four weeks in order to wipe the slate clean for upcoming, exciting plans that can manifest during the month ahead. Creating some commotion — particularly on the social front and in the area of primary partnerships — are a Mars-Uranus parallel (6:28AM) and a Sun-Jupiter contra-parallel (3:26PM). As a reminder — for those of you who may be newcomers to this cosmic calendar — parallel and contra-parallel aspects are calculated using the Celestial Equator as a great circle surrounding the Earth, rather than the Ecliptic which contains or marks out the twelve signs of the zodiac and their total of 360-degrees of space. Nevertheless, the parallel and contra-parallel alignments carry equal billing as star attractions — just as though they might be conjunctions and/or oppositions in the zodiac.  Mars combining vibrations with Uranus definitely has shocking and explosive potentials while the Sun linking up with Jupiter indicates that very large forces are on the march and capable of scuttling even the best-arranged plans for the day. Fortunately, these aspects both take place in the dark-of-the-moon phase and prior to the actual New Moon which still has the capacity to send you on great adventures of the mind, heart and spirit. [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 December 2nd

Calendar of the Moon

Elder Tree Month

Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.

Ruis Invocation

Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.

Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for December 2nd

Calendar of the Sun

Bruma

Colors: White and brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a bare table lay a large pot shaped like a human figure, reclining, filled with earth. All should enter bearing two white cloths, one on each arm.
Offerings: Silence and meditation.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian

Bruma Invocation

Earth, you lie sleeping in silence,
And we can do nothing but wait.
We have breathed upon your first seeds,
We have sung your first green shoots
Up from the bare brown soil,
We have watered you with tears and sweat
And fed you with the remains of our meals,
We have cut down your bounty and saved it,
Yet this is not the time for seeds, or green,
But simply the long cold wait in the dark
Until the light waxes and the time comes again.
You are silent, and will not speak to us,
No matter how we cry out.
You are dormant, and will not sing to us,
No matter how we raise our voices,
For all things come in their own time,
And this is not the time for movement.
So we will sit with you, Earth,
We will watch over you as you sleep
And take part in your dreams
In silence, and wait for your awakening.

Chant:
Earth dreaming
Silent seeming
Winter’s vigil
We will wait for you.

(After the chant has been sung five times, all come forth to the altar. Each lays one white cloth gently over the pot, saying, “Blessed be the Earth in the time of winter.” Then each sits on the floor and places the other white cloth over their heads, and meditates on all that is sleeping and cannot be awoken. Silence in the House until Akte.)
[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for December 2nd – New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/0% of Full)

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

The Witches Magick for Dec. 2nd –

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments
A Spell To Boost Your Physical Energy

Sometimes, we just feel depleted. We need a day off from work simply to laze around and read, go swimming, or take a long walk in the countryside. We aren’t sick, we aren’t recovering from any illness–we just need to refuel ourselves. For those times, this is the spell for you:

You will need:

Your favorite music

Rose quartz

Vervain

This spell is best done when you’re alone because you’re going to crank up the music. Select music that boosts your spirits and makes you want to move around and dance. The rose quartz is intended to amplify the surge in your mood. The vervain, when burned, provides a general boost to the spirit and cleanses negative vibes, among other things.

Light the vervain, put the quartz next to it, then put on your music and turn the volume up. Let the music suffuse the  room and permeate your senses. Then get up and dance to it. Continue as long as needed.