Category: Articles

What Witchcraft Means To Me

What Witchcraft Means To Me

Author: allisjames

So what does witchcraft mean to me? Wow. What a question. Is there an easy answer? No! Witchcraft is beautiful and complicated, mysterious and wonderful. For some it is all about the gods and goddess; for others it is about spell-work and ceremony; and for the rest it is just the flavor-of-the-month religion or practice.

Is Witchcraft a religion, or is it a practice? Is Witchcraft different then Wicca?

Wicca, we know, came into being somewhere between the 1930’s and the 1950’s via Gerard B. Gardner. Yet history blooms with stories of witches, brooms, black cats, and spell-work. People were burned as witches in both England and America. The monotheistic religions had a hard time with anyone who believed in other gods other then their own. Apparently, Jesus dying on a Roman stake was not good enough for the Western church – more blood had to be spelled.

But every society seems to have had some kind of equivalent to the witch. They may have been called Shamans, witch doctors, gypsies, maybe even grandmother herself. Whoever the healers were in society – the psychic, the spiritualist, the herbalists- you had the makings of a witch. And witches were not exactly liked by the church.

Gerard Gardner brought witchcraft back to mainstream society after the last laws banning witchcraft were repelled in England in the 1950’s. He reintroduced ‘The Craft’ to the world with his book ‘Witchcraft Today;’ a book published in 1954.

My initial introduction to the Craft was through a 1960’s TV show called ‘Bewitched, ’ a comedy about an American witch who married a mortal man. Throughout the show we were introduced to covens, rituals, magic, wands, warlocks, Sabbats, and spell-work. Even though a lot of the show was based on false premises (witches being immortal) , the show was on-point with true witchcraft in many ways.

In the 1980’s I came across a book by Erica Jong called ‘Witches.’ This was a coffee table sized book loaded with text, pictures, and poetry explaining Witchcraft. I devoured this book like no other. Erica Jong crafted a very fitting tribute book to a religion she never claimed to be party too. But her involvement in the neo-pagan life style is evident from reading her books and interviews. Erica’s views on sexuality and religion are very close to my own views.

To put it bluntly – I was drawn in.

In 2004 I became a member of Unity Church of Fredericksburg, VA, USA. This church was strong on the Father/Mother God concept, the unity of all things, meditation/yoga, and the divine in all of us. By 2005 I was examining, via the Internet, Wicca or Witchcraft. I started taking a course on Witchcraft through http://www.magickaschool.com. I was also hobnobbing with different witches in the local area where I lived. I did complete one course on the Introduction to Witchcraft through magickaschool.com, and still have a little ways to go on course number two. I am also involved somewhat in the Northern Virginia Witches and Pagans Meetup Group.

After a year of being homeless, I find myself once again drawn to the magick and mystery of this Path. I am reading books on the subject, meditating more, and enjoying the outdoors more. I especially enjoy watching the moon at night going through its many phases. Currently I am reading books by Raymond Buckland and Deborah Lipp. I am also learning The Hidden Path divination cards by Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor, with artwork by Mickie Mueller.

As a pagan/witch/wiccan I am no longer restrained by the shallowness and limitations of the Christian Church. I will put down no religion, but my calling seems to be more metaphysical then revelation based. I believe strongly in the line from the movie ‘Inherit the Wind’ where the defense attorney, played by Spencer Tracey, said regarding the Bible – “The Bible is a good book, but it’s not the only book.”

The path of Witchcraft is an inward path and a mystical path. In a way all spiritually minded people are witches – we all believe in some divine being, we live by some code of law, we believe in the concept of magic/miracles, and we all reach for inner transformation.

I am a Witch because I can be nothing other then a Witch. I can’t twiddle my nose like Samantha in Bewitched and cause magick to happen. It doesn’t work that way. And it’s not about that anyway. Witchcraft is about inner transformation, empowerment, magic, and ultimately LOVE. We love, not by judging and condemning, but by understanding and appreciation. All life is sacred because all life comes from a divine source. That should be the heart and soul of any religious path.

Witchcraft satisfies an inner hunger like nothing else. It is a lifelong study and practice that draws me closer to the god/goddess, keeps me open for all sorts of possibilities, and makes me a channel for light and magick. I feel more at home in this vast universe, and more appreciative of life in general. As I celebrate the Sabbats and esbats, I also celebrate the seasons and learn to adapt to each one. No matter what season, I can follow the moon as it waxes and wanes through each of its cycles.

My spiritual journey began with my introduction and acceptance of the Christian path. But even then I knew there had to be more. And there was: Buddhism, Hinduism, Shamanism, Voodoo, The Golden Dawn, Freemasonry, Gnosticism, and Cabbala, as well as the historical evidence of goddess worship spanning way back into the Old Testament periods.

Witchcraft, in one form or another, has always been here. I embrace it with open arms freely and in sound mind and body. The more I read and study the Craft, the more I am drawn into it. Coming out of the sixties, Witchcraft appeals to me because of its Nature based emphasis, its emphasis on the sacred in everything, its openness to change and its encouragement to grow on whatever Path you are on. Somehow, the idea of celebrating the Goddess out in the openness of nature – singing, chanting, dancing, (skyclad or not) , under an open sky, or under a full moon, appeals to me. Celebrating Nature, and not just theological dogma’s, is what worship is all about.

When I see the full moon in the sky now, I feel like I am walking on sacred ground. The earth is my Cathedral and the Divine is everywhere. I don’t have to worry whether I am theologically sound, or politically correct – it is just me, the goddess, and Mother Nature creating energy and magick through each season, through each rising sun, and through each phase of the moon.

What does it mean to be a Witch? Everything!

So mote it be.

Footnotes:
My personal journey from Christianity to Witchcraft.

Who Inherits Your Knowledge?

Who Inherits Your Knowledge?

Author: Lady GoldenRaven

Here is a thought: For us older wytchs, have you ever thought about who you will pass down your wytchy items to when your time comes to cross over? By the time we hit our “golden years”, most of us have amassed a rather large collection of books, articles, herbs, oils, etc. So where does it go?

We have thought about how we divide up the money we leave for our children, which one gets the house and this one gets the car. But, has anyone given thought to the wealth of knowledge we have put into our Book of Shadows?

Who gets the special oils you created? What becomes of the beautiful staff and wand we created with our own hands?

Do we leave our sacred Book of Shadows to our covens?

Is there a special child or friend who will use this information wisely and keep its secrets to themselves?

Has anyone thought of donating them to the military or some other organization?

Will they find their rightful owners or will they end up in the trash or floating around space with all the missing socks.

As I approach my Crone years and since I have taught many students in the ways of the Wise, I have often thought about leaving my stuff to one of them. However, several of my students have been online. It would be hard to leave my trusted Book of Shadows to any of them, since I have only had little contact with them. So, that leaves the students I taught in person, who are now either in my coven or have moved on.

However, I am lucky. I recently met a woman who is 25 years old. She and I have become really close friends. She had several pagan friends (who are also my friends) who had taught her a little bit about their path.

She calls me Mama Beth, since I am older and she can talk to me about things one cannot talk to about with her real parents. Since I have no children of my own, she is now my adopted daughter. She is serious about her learning of the craft, so I am now teaching her my ways.

I thought long and hard about whom would be heir to my wytchy fortune. I do not own a home, so all I have to pass along is my wytchy stuff, my Led Zeppelin/Robert Plant collection, and my car.

All that has been decided. And now, I have made my decision as to where my Book of Shadows and the rest of my stuff shall go. My daughter shall be heir to all I have in my Wytchy World. I have such a huge collection of books on the subject that is would fill two walls!

I started thinking about this when a friend of mine nearly died a few months ago in a terrible accident. I put much thought and many hours of thought into this decision. Once I decided, I made my intentions clear.

When I told Debbie of my decision, I thought she would never stop crying. She was happy yet sad. It was something she did not want to think about.

Well, nobody wants to think about such things, but you must. She is the only one allowed to even touch my Book of Shadows, let alone look in it to read from it. She has come over for her lessons on time every time. She is learning the Craft well. Most of all–I TRUST HER.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I surely do not want my Book of Shadows, which I spent many hours working on, ending up in a dumpster somewhere. I wrote every word in that book in calligraphy. If anything, it is a piece of art. For one, I have the fortune of having bought a grand Book of Shadows from a great company called Brahm’s Bookworks (link enclosed at the end), which is like the one you see on the show Charmed. Mine weighs over 30 pounds. Now you see why I do not want it simply dumped in the trash.

Who do I know who would appreciate this? My daughter!

Where will the hundreds of jars of herbs end up? Herbs that I lovingly planted, nurtured, and harvested. I have many bottles of oils which I have made, not to mention the holistic medicines I have made from all the above.

My staff, which I lovingly hand picked, designed by me for me, blessed and consecrated and has become a part of me, I do not want to end up in a burn pile somewhere as trash. If, my daughter chooses to burn it in memory of me so that none can use my “magickal” staff, then so be it.

A few of my friends may end up with a few things–some of the herbs and oils and such. My stones and all I promised to a friend who also makes jewelry. So he can use what he wants for wytchy works and pick what he needs for jewelry.

Of course, some things, I can leave to the world via the net. Some of this I have accomplished already. But face it, out in the world of Cyberspace, one cannot be too sure of who they are dealing with. A lot of my stuff is found and will be found as I continue, on Pathways Seminary.

But, I thought I would offer up this little essay as a reminder to all not to forget about whom you will leave your most precious Wytchy wears to. Since the baby boomers are now into their Crone years or close to it as I am, there are a lot of us pagans who belong to this age group.

So while you are sitting there, making out your wills, reserve space and time to have it in writing, to whom you are passing down your religious and magickal items to. I know, whomever ends up with them shall appreciate both the deep thought you put into giving it to them, as well as appreciating the work you did, and all the knowledge contained within these items.

I am happy that I know where my knowledge is going to be used and appreciated.

Thank you,
LadyGoldenraven

Footnotes:
Link to Book of Shadows:  http://www.brahmsbookworks.com/id2.html

White-Washed Witches

White-Washed Witches

Author: BellaDonna Saberhagen

Witches are good. They were the great priests and priestesses of the “Old Religion” that everyone turned to in times of need. They were healers and seers, guides and advocates. It was only when the big bad Christians came and burned the Witches (nine million women, to be exact) that they were seen as bad, malevolent, evil things seeking to destroy all that was good and holy. Christianity maligned the good people of the earth, demonized the gods, and spread the hatred and fear of Witches that survives until this very day.

The above sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It’s what many Pagan authors believe and would like their readers to believe. The only problem is, it’s not true. It’s rewritten history. Every bit of it. If we’re to grow beyond the haphazard anthropology of Margaret Murray, we have to accept that. Many Pagans do accept that (most Pagans by now, I would hope) ; but there is one part of it that seems to be ignored: that Witches are good, and in fact MUST be good.

Historically, often the opposite is true. I’m not speaking of Celtic or even Norse tales; one can argue that since they were not written down until after Christians took over their respective regions that they may well have been changed to suit Christian morality. However, the Greeks had tales of witches that far pre-date the Christian take-over, and even these do not paint witches too kindly.

Medea was a princess well skilled in magic. In the tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece, she plays a key role. Hera takes an interest in the success of the mission and asks Aphrodite to have her son Cupid strike Medea with love for Jason so that she would be willing to help him with her “dark knowledge.” Medea’s father was King Aetes, the keeper of the Golden Fleece. After being struck with love for the enemy of her father, Medea considers killing herself with one of her deadly potions rather than betray her father or her love. However, she decides to betray Aetes and help Jason, which sets the tone for future actions. She gives him a balm that makes him invincible for a day and tells him how to win the trial her father has set before him to win the Golden Fleece. After the trial is won, she learns that her father has no intention of honoring his bargain and handing over the Fleece. She tells Jason of this and he and the Argonauts steal the Fleece and take her with them as they flee. During the pursuit, Medea is responsible for allowing the Argonauts to escape by causing her brother’s death; either by asking him to rescue her and sending him into a trap or by cutting him into pieces herself and forcing her father to stop pursuit to gather the remains of his dismembered son.

Upon arriving home, Jason finds that his father, the rightful king, was forced to suicide by the evil Pelias (the entire expedition for the Fleece was a bargain made between he and Jason, if Jason could bring the Fleece, Pelias would relinquish the kingdom back to its rightful ruler) . Jason needs to bring Pelias down and again turns to Medea. Pelias is an old man, so Medea approaches his daughters with a magical way to make the old young again. She cuts up an old ram in front of them, puts the pieces in a pot of boiling water, says a charm and out springs a lamb. That night, the daughters happily cut their own father to ribbons in their effort to make him young again. Jason becomes king. Medea bears Jason two children, but he does not marry her. Instead, he marries the princess of Corinth in order to gain that kingdom as well and forces her and her sons to leave his realms because she threatens harm to his new wife and he has seen what she can do. In exile, Medea sends a poisoned garment that kills Jason’s wife. Once Jason finds out, he threatens to sell his sons into slavery, so Medea kills them herself so that they would not be so tortured and shamed; then she escapes as Jason curses her.

While some of her magic may have been for what she saw as good, she certainly did not live by the codes modernly associated with Witches. She was a Witch, but not a good Witch. Her early magic may not seem so bad, helping Jason to win the Fleece through the trial; but she had to betray her own family to even go that far and that was certainly seen as evil in those days. Circe was a “most beautiful and dangerous witch.” She turned every man she came upon into a beast, but with a human mind so that they remained conscious of their predicament. When Odysseus sent a scouting party out to check the island, she turned them into swine, save one who got away and ran back to tell his captain. Odysseus went alone to face Circe, having been given an herb by Hermes to prevent her magic from affecting him. That he was able to resist her magic sparked Circe’s romantic interest and she freed his men and told him what he must do next on his long journey home.

In another tale, Glaucus sought a love potion from her to make the woman he desired love him. His story made Circe love him, but he was not interested. She decided it was the fault of the woman for which he longed. Circe turned this woman into a monster that destroyed all that tried to get close. Her name was Scylla; she became a monster that different sea-farers worried about in several tales. She was another Witch doing evil things, possibly in the name of love, possibly for her own selfish aims.

The concept of Witches as evil is older than Christendom. These tales prove this. In fact, the idea of Witches as good is more modern than many would prefer to believe. The book, The Wizard of Oz was banned in some places for daring to have good Witches in it. Even Leland’s Aradia has Witches doing bad things (the age of this text is up for conjecture, I date it to Leland, since his claimed source was never heard from again; others consider it to be based on a much older text) . Aradia is told by her mother: “And thou shalt teach the art of poisoning, Of poisoning those who are great lords to all; Yea, thou shalt make them die in their palaces; and thou shalt bind oppressor’s souls; and when ye find a peasant who is rich, then ye shall teach the witch, your pupil how To ruin all his crops with tempests dire (…) And when a priest shall do you injury By his benediction, ye shall do to him double harm and do it in the name of me, Diana, queen of witches all!”

I find that Leland’s Aradia states that Witches should out-right harm those who oppose them (and even those simply better off than they are) very interesting since some of his writings were clearly taken and applied to some forms of modern Wicca. The Charge of the Goddess as written by Doreen Valiente states, “Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of She, who is Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will She 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.”

From Aradia: “Whenever ye have need of anything, Once in the month, and when the moon is full, ye shall assemble in some desert place, or in a forest all together join to adore the potent spirit of your Queen, my mother, Great Diana. She who fain would learn all sorcery has not won its deepest secrets, then my mother will teach her, in truth all things as yet unknown. And ye shall be freed from slavery, and so ye shall be free in everything; and as the sign that ye are truly free, ye shall be naked in your rites.”

I only hope Valiente gave Leland credit and did not just outright plagiarize him. This piece is clearly taken from Aradia, but the morality taught in that book (what I took as proof of Witches doing bad things was from the very same chapter as the “Charge” was “borrowed” from) was discarded and the Wiccan Rede placed in its stead. Since, by what most modern Witches would prefer to believe, all Witches follow the Rede, there are no bad Witches; and if you believe Wicca is the “Old Religion” of Europe, there never were bad Witches.

This belief creates individuals who become indignant every time pop-culture and media portray Witches as anything but good. They cry everything from “Christian persecution” to “the patriarchy gets nervous about powerful women, so they have to make them evil, cruel and sometimes insane.” While these beliefs may not be baseless, it must also be understood that Witches are not always good, just as Christians are not always good, just as your five year-old is not always good. Witches are humans and as humans, we can make mistakes, get angry, be selfish, exact revenge and wish to protect our families and property at all costs. If modern Witchcraft really wants to strive to be one with nature, then we cannot go against nature. Nature is both destructive and creative, we need to be the same or we are unbalanced. It may well be true that “The Witch that cannot hex, cannot heal.”

I see the modern good interpretations of Witches to be like old B-rate horror day-for-night shots (outdoor scenes filmed in broad day-light with a filter over the lens trying to create the illusion of darkness and usually failing) ; they give the darkness lip-service but stay within the circle of their white-light lamp. Sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to get in touch with reality; you might not always like the reality you see, but at least it is real and not a fantasy. The Witch as always good is just as much a fantasy as the Witch that is always bad.

Footnotes:
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Aradia or Gospel of the Witches by Charles LeLand
The Charge of the Goddess by Doreen Valiente

Where is Our Connection With Our Bodies and The Earth?

Where is Our Connection With Our Bodies and The Earth?

Author: Aarisa

Where is our connection with our bodies and the Earth, in ritual and in our lives?

It is my belief that we profess a religion that follows the Mother and Father, the Earth and Surrounding Energies, yet I seem to so often see such a disconnection. Connection with our bodies, the Mother Earth, the Seasons, even the rituals we perform seem to get put on the back burner, hidden behind flashy ritual items, robes, and vehement vows of our faith.

Now I am the most non-judgmental person I know, but I do make observations. At a recent Public Full Moon Ceremony that I attended, I found myself wanting after it was all said and done. The disconnection with the energy of our bodies and the rituals was obvious. Every one there, from the young children handing out seedlings to the ritual performers, all seemed very unhealthy. They read the ritual off in broken words from a paper, with no heart in it. When it came time for Cakes and Ale, they served Graham Cracker Bears and Hi C Fruit Punch.

So, lets start our conversation with the connection with our bodies, and the planet.

The junk foods and soft drinks that so many Pagans take home and chow down are detrimental to not only their bodies but also to our Mother. Way more than just what such a diet does to our bodies, the negative effects on the earth, from the way the foods were produced to the plastic packing they are served or sold in, are anything but ‘nature based.’ Everything that we put in our bodies affects us, and if our bodies cannot be healthy, how can we connect with ourselves, let alone with the Earth and our Community?

Who can call themselves a follower of the old ways when they get up, eat their McDonalds breakfast, come home and turn on the T.V and sit on the couch until they get up, put on their crushed velvet robes and perform a ritual, trying to connect with energies that don’t they incorporate into the rest of their lives? My like-minded friends have a joke about RC Cola and Moon Pies for Cakes and Ale but, my Gods, it happens so much. *

I certainly don’t feel a connection to ‘earth’ after eating junk food, do you? I certainly don’t think that eating food produced in ways that harm our Mother, and in its consumption harms us as well, is cohesive to our Earth-Based Religion. I’m not saying that everyone needs to be a health and exercise nut, but being a little more consciousness towards how we treat our bodies and the planet can be more powerful than any showy ritual.

Every holiday for us is about connecting with the seasons and the energies around us. We then take lessons from that and expand them. But let’s get back to the core… connecting with the seasons and the energies around us. (And that perhaps goes a bit deeper than eating hot dogs and hamburgers during Summer Solstice after reading from a printed-out ritual piece.) ‘Seasonal food’ does not mean food that America chooses to push out of a factory from any place at any particular time of year. It means what naturally grows in our/your local area at that particular time of year.

Our planet is in peril. The chemicals we are leaking into the world and that are in our food cause cancer, obesity, diabetes, and many other ailments. They are also killing the Earth. How can continuing to ‘live’ off of those things be cohesive to our religion? The very corn we eat now is being grown with pesticides already in them! The energies around us, those that we create, are so out of whack that I fail to see how we can make any real world change just by going through the motions of a ritual?

Lets move on to the reading part. I’ll admit that I have read off a ritual before. I was not happy with the results, and vowed thereafter to spend time not just memorizing, but knowing the ritual, and meditating on its meaning, connecting with the energies. When just reading off something, one does not grasp the meaning and depth of the words. There is then, no connection or creation of energy, and the ritual, in my opinion, is for naught. And really, how valid can a Priest or Priestess look when they read emotionlessly from a printed-out ritual?

Who here has gone to ritual where everything was read off of a piece of paper? How did it feel to you? Do you feel like the participants connected? Do you feel like you connected? If you did, then great! If you’re like me and like most people whom I talk to, then you felt as if the ritual was missing a key piece. That saddens me. I don’t want to go to ritual worrying whether or not the performing Coven will actually raise a Cone Of Power. Every person who is involved in the Craft should know his/her Craft, and know himself or herself, and therefore, know the energies!

So what has happened to our connection? The most powerful rituals are those connected with taking care of our planet and ourselves… the two things that we get most of our energy from. Wait…don’t we also get our energy from the people around us? Why, yes! We do! So what about their energy? Well, if they take care of themselves and the earth, then they are more connected, most likely. So there is more positive energy to draw upon!

Therefore, if we do the same, then we are making ourselves healthy, positive, connected avenues of energy for those that are around us! In conclusion, I say please…

TAKE CARE of yourself and our Mother!
CONNECT with yourself and our Mother!
HEAL yourself and our Mother!
CREATE good energy for yourself and our Mother!

Blessed Be!

Footnotes:
*PS- This is not a hate note for those who are “overweight”. It is about caring about your health. I know plenty of people who aren’t “skinny” but eat healthy.

 

When You Might Not Want to Come Out of the Broom Closet

When You Might Not Want to Come Out of the Broom Closet

Author:   Bronwen Forbes   

A great deal has been written about the benefits and advantages of coming out as Pagan to your family, friends and co-workers, both here on Witchvox and in other places. Living an honest life, helping Paganism be more accepted as more people say “I know a Pagan, ” and taking pride in who and what you are – these are all excellent reasons to be open about your faith. However, as a friend of mine reminded me recently, coming out is never something you do just once. You continue to choose with every new day, every new situation and every new person you meet whether or not to say anything about your spiritual path.

Which means, of course, that there are some valid reasons to never come out to anyone, or only to a select few in specific situations. For example (obvious as it is) , if you’ve recently begun the process of legally severing your marital bonds with someone and, before the divorce is final and all child and property custody disputes have been resolved, and you realize in the middle of all this that you’re Pagan, it would probably be in your best interests not to announce your new path until after the dust has settled.

Another obvious example is on the job. I hate to sound like an alarmist, but in this economy, just because you think it’s safe to be openly Pagan at work doesn’t mean it *is* safe. I lived for years in the Baltimore-Washington DC area where no one, not even my employers, cared if I was Pagan or not.

I left DC for a Midwest town that had a university – and a very prominent journalism school. As leaders of a training coven (consisting mostly of college students including one journalism major) , my husband and I were pretty good candidates for “interview a witch for the Halloween edition of the school paper.” It happened every year. While I wasn’t exactly out at work, between my regular appearance in the university’s school newspaper and occasional mentions in the city’s paper for being on various Pagan-related discussion panels, I wasn’t exactly hiding my religion, either. Five minutes on Google would have told my employers everything they wanted to know about it. I don’t think it even occurred to them to check.

Unfortunately, I took this lack of interest in my religious affairs for granted when we moved to a tiny town in New Mexico and I got a job at the local (much smaller) university in the admissions office. We also tried to help revive the campus Pagan student group which had been prominently featured in the local paper a year earlier, when every Baptist minister in the county denounced its existence (which should have been a clue to me to keep my flapping mouth shut) . Connections were made among the students, and next thing I knew it was two weeks before Samhain and the editor of the school paper was interviewing me. It was a good, well-written article, and no one in my office said a word about the fact that I’d just outed myself to the entire campus. I didn’t think any more about it.

Until I realized that my immediate supervisor was quietly and subtly going out of her way to make my workday a living hell – and had been since the article appeared in the paper.

For example, whatever I did wrong was discussed loudly and in public, while my co-worker, a Catholic, got a bit of quiet privacy when her errors were pointed out (We started the same day and did the exact same job) . I mentioned it to my boss and was told it was all my imagination and that I was “too sensitive.”

Eventually I quit; I’m convinced that if I hadn’t, I would have been fired. Was it because of the article? I’ll never know for sure, but in retrospect my decision to come out of the broom closet was, in this instance, a pretty poor one.

Sometimes, though, the decision of whether or not to come out as Pagan is not so obvious. Family and close friends, for example, are the people you most want to accept this part of you, and as a result your prediction of their reaction to your news may be skewed; you so very much need them to be happy for you that you could project the reaction you want onto them.

I’ve asked around, and a lot of my friends suggest telling a close sibling, aunt or uncle and see how they react before having the “Big Talk” with Mom and Dad. But – and this is hard – telling your nearest and dearest may not only be a bad idea, you may not know it’s a bad idea until it’s too late.

Back in the mid 1980s when I first realized I was Pagan, I told my parents. I had plenty of solid, valid reasons for doing so: 1) I was about to be divorced by my first husband over my Paganism and I thought they deserved to know the truth. 2) I had a strong feeling, even in the early days, that my spiritual path was going to be a major part of my life (turns out I was right) and I couldn’t see cutting my parents out of that much of my world (we were a lot closer back then) . 3) My parents are highly educated people with five college degrees between the two of them, have been professional performers most their lives (i.e. used to odd, artistic, fringe folk) , and are reasonably liberal in their personal and political views. In other words, if there are (or were) two Christians (Episcopalians) more likely to accept their daughter’s new spiritual path with open-mindedness and grace, I don’t know them.

At first it looked like I made a good decision to come out to my folks. My father, a college librarian, found a copy of Starhawk’s The Spiral Dance on my recommendation and read it. He said that while he’d never be a Pagan, he was struck by how “poetic it is.”

Fast forward a decade or so. In the intervening years my religion has been referred to as “that Pagan b*llsh*t” more than once. I’ve been told, “We’re just so relieved you’ve managed to stay away from the drugs” (What drugs? Did I miss the memo on rampant drug use in the Pagan community?) , and treated to this day like a not-quite-bright teenager by – you guessed it – my intellectual, liberal parents.

Was coming out to my parents a good idea? Probably not.

Knowing what I know now, would I do it today? No.

The decision to tell or not to tell someone you’re Pagan is a deeply personal one, and not in any way something you should be pressured into. Coming out as Pagan is not “cool” or something to do for the shock it might cause the listener. Although it’s true that the more of a presence we are in society the less “other” we become, and the more our faith is accepted in the world.

But we need to be aware that sharing our religious choice with anyone or everyone is not always the best solution. We no longer need to worry about witchfinders, hangings and other historically dire consequences for openly celebrating our faith, but we do need to think very hard about our livelihoods, our children and the feelings of the one we’re outing ourselves to before we choose to share this most personal information.

The Origin of Magick

The Origin of Magick

Author:   Crick   

Have you ever wondered about the origins of magick?
By magick I am not referring to the stage tricks employed by various entertainers for our amusement, but rather the energy which numerous cultures and belief systems have tapped into in order to manifest their various objectives.

This universal gift is known by many different names depending on which culture/belief system one looks at. It may be known simply as magick, prayers, miracles, life force, juju, karma and so forth.
For the purpose of this article it will be referred to as energy.

Have you ever wondered if such energy was a latent presence here on earth prior to the arrival of humankind? Residing here as an ancient primordial force, which was patiently waiting for sentient beings to discover its presence and purpose.

And if it was here prior to the arrival of human beings, did it serve an active purpose in the shaping of life and/or the creation of events that allowed for said life to begin? Was this primordial energy an essence that was introduced by Deity by way of a direct involvement with what we know as life? Or was it a side effect that formed as a result of actions taken by Deity during the course of said activities?

Or perhaps it is a development that manifested itself with the advent of humans? Could it be that the life force that we know as spirit introduced this energy into the life process in order to provide us with opportunities to expand our spiritual awareness and/or connection with alternate realms?

And if this is the case, why do you suppose that such a tool for growth and/or communication is so under utilized?

I say this because in society today, folks tend to become less connected with the world around them and more absorbed with the part of the self that is influenced by the individual ego.

And if this is a tool for growth and communication, why is it that those folks who actually use this energy for this purpose are spurned and looked upon with suspicion and in many cases with outright disdain by others in society? Witchcraft in essence, embodies the concepts and principals in the use of such energy.

And yet the word “witch” brings out and runs the gauntlet of emotions and perceptions of humanity as a whole. And depending on which side of the fence one stands, a witch is either an evil and vile creature or a person who is in touch with and resonates with the universal energies of which magick is a major part of.

Where does this fear of the unknown come from?

Was the ego installed into our souls as a balance to such a powerful tool? Has the balance shifted too far to one side of our souls?

As humans we readily employ magick in our various endeavors, but do we really understand its origins and what exactly is that we are using as a tool? Could the ego be a safety mechanism that has been allowed for whatever reasons, to exceed its purpose?

In some cultures, magick known as prayers is used as a means of communication with Deity. Does magick have but one specific intended use? And if so, are all other uses of such energy but an abuse of its original intended use?

Within these same cultures, when an event that is normally beyond the capacity of mere mortals, occurs, it is called a miracle.

Are these so called miracles really but a form of the same energy that others would call magick? Can we as humans in fact manifest these miracles by employing this energy? Or should such manifestations be the sole province of deity?

And while we are on the subject, does this energy have a shelf life?

Does it become stronger with use, opening even more avenues of discovery and power as one venture along the path, or does it weaken from non-use and/or the cultural disbelief in such a power?

Or is it simply a neutral tool offered by the powers to be, with many different attachments waiting to be realized by humanity.

Regardless of what name we call this energy or by what concept we use to identify with it, this gift has surpassed all boundaries of cultural, religious and societal beliefs. It is found in all aspects and fiber of this existence that we call life. It is a dominant force, often in a passive way, in basically everything that we do as humans. As such we may most likely only achieve but a peripheral understanding of such a complicated and diverse force.

Perhaps one day when we become as one with deity, a more comprehensive understanding of such a gift will be made known to us. But until such a revelation is proffered by the powers that be, we should always strive to understand as much as we are able to in order to effectively use such energy in a way that is both constructive and meaningful to our personal lives and not only our personal lives but to those around us as well.

As members of a diverse community, we have a responsibility to contribute to the health and well being of our community. Because of the diversity of society, there will always be divergent views as to what this energy is or in how it is to be used. But at the end of the day, how we use such energy is still an individual decision.

There are certain pagans, in particular Wiccans, who believe that whatever energy is sent out will return to the originator threefold.
As a traditional witch, I personally am not so sure that such a transfer is so cut and dry, but in general such a concept is a good yardstick or learning curve to adhere to.

I personally do not consider myself a master for I do not believe in such a being outside of deity. Rather I am a student of life with lots of questions. For without such questions there are no answers.
And quite frankly I don’t have answers to many of the questions that I have asked here. What few answers I may have are based upon my personal life experiences.

As pagans we are each individual and thus should answer such questions as they pertain to each person in regards to ones own beliefs and practices…

A Little Humor for Your Day – An Ode To Old Age

An ode to old age

There’s quite an art to falling apart as the years go by,
And life doesn’t begin at 40. That’s a big fat lie.
My hair’s getting thinner, my body is not;
The few teeth I have are beginning to rot.

I smell of Vick’s-Vapo-Rub, not Chanel # 5;
My new pacemaker’s all that keeps me alive.
When asked of my past, every detail I’ll know,
But what was I doing 10 minutes ago?

Well, you get the idea, what more can I say?
I’m off to read the obituary, like I do every day;
If my names not there, I’ll once again start –
Perfecting the art of falling apart

Quiz of the Day: What Season Are You Now?

Quiz: What Season Are You Now?

The spirit has its own seasons that may or may not coincide with the world of  nature outside our doors. What season are you in right now? Is your life  beginning to open up with a burgeoning Spring-like sense of new life? Or are you  in a quiet Winter time of lying fallow? Depending on where you are in the  seasons of the soul, there are many ways you can work with and honor–rather than  resist–your inner reality.

Take this fun quiz to find out what inner season you’re in right now. Then  find out how to get the most from it! It’s all here:

Make note of any answers that are true for you.

1. I can almost see the doors opening right in front of me: new opportunities  seem to be all around me.

2. I crave activity, movement, and change: I may be considering moving house  or starting a new job or beginning a program of some sort.

3. I am eager to make plans for my future.

4. I may feel a little vulnerable and tender.

5. My life feels very outwardly-focused and expansive right now.

6. Everything seems to be aligning for me so that I will have what I need in  the near future.

7. My activities are many and varied and I have plenty of energy to do what I  want.

8. I feel very powerful and optimistic.

9. I am finally reaping the rewards of a lot of hard work.

10. I like to feel that I have enough: I may find myself stocking up on  necessities now that abundance seems to fill my life.

11. I am letting go of many things in my life that no longer fit who I am.

12. I find I am becoming more reflective, looking inward and taking stock of  my life.

13. I have no desire for activity: I crave quiet and doing nothing.

14. I have faced some important losses in the recent past.

15. Whenever I try to start something new, I am prevented or it does not work  out.

16. I feel stuck and a bit frozen over. It seems that my life will never  change.

If 1, 2, 3, or 4 were true for you, you are in a SPRING period. This is a  wonderful time to plant the metaphorical seeds of your future life-garden; make  plans, gather information, allow the rising green life-force to point you in the  direction of your best and brightest future. Surround yourself with fresh spring  colors, flowering bulbs, nests, and eggs. They will remind you of your own new  beginnings.

If 5, 6, 7, or 8 were true for you, you are in a SUMMER period. Now that warm  sunlike energies fill your life, make the most of it! Stay as busy as you can to  solidify your position and celebrate this expansive time. Surround yourself with  golden, fiery colors, and images of suns, vibrant flowers, and ripening fruits.  They will remind you of your own vibrant  I-can-do-it life-force.

If 9, 10, 11, or 12 were true for you, you are in an AUTUMN period. This is  the time to celebrate your accomplishments, gather in what you need for the  future, evaluate your life, and release what you have outgrown. Surround  yourself with warm wine and turning-leaf colors, and images of harvest: apples,  pumpkins, vines and bunches of ripe grapes, and vibrant leaves. They will remind  you of your own life-harvests and encourage you to continue letting go of  anything that is no longer appropriate for you as you gather in your own inner  harvest.

If 13, 14, 15, or 16 were true for you, you are in a WINTER period. Although  it may feel as if this time will last forever, take heart:  everything changes,  and so will this–especially if you stop fighting it and decide to honor it  instead. Take plenty of time to sleep, and be sure to write down your dreams.  Take a retreat from the busyness of life. Surround yourself with the grounding  energies of stones and clear quartz crystals, soft cozy fabrics, and bare  branches. They will remind you that a period of rest is an essential part of the  cycle of life.

Daily Feng Shui News for Oct. 7th – ‘Smiling’

Turn that frown upside down today because smiling comes with actually health benefits. Smiling is said to make you more attractive while also affecting an immediate lift to your spirits and mood. Smiling relieves stress while boosting your immune system and releasing natural pain-killers. And a smile is said to make you look younger, as it lifts the muscles in the face. Some studies suggest that smiling people appear more confident and successful while others say that a smile can actually help you to stay positive while relieving depression and stress. Like I said, turn that frown upside down today — you’ll be really happy you did.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for October 7th is The Greek Vowels

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:   

This aspect will be influenced by a sudden strong stroke of good fortune. This good fortune will be unpredictable and will last only a short time. It will bring with it good health, happiness and success.

General Description:

This talisman was a great favorite in olden times, and was composed of the Seven Vowels of the Greek Alphabet. The desired favours were supposed to be granted upon the correct utterance of the forty-nine different sounds of the Seven Vowels, each vowel having seven distinct methods of expression. Of the many benefits supposed to be conferred were – good health, happiness, wisdom, fortune, foresight, success in all undertakings, complete protection from moral, as well as physical ills, and control over the powers of darkness. The ancients thought that there was an affinity between the seven vowels and the seven planets which they believed kept this earth in existence.

Your Animal Spirit for October 7th is the Dolphin

Your Animal Spirit for Today
October 7, 2013

Dolphin

Ever watched a school of dolphins playing with each other, or with the surfers in their midst? If you have, you’ll understand the message Dolphin brings today—the message of joyful play. Dolphins are in total harmony with their environment, and practice love for each other—always helping the young, or a sick comrade. Join Dolphin’s happy community today and celebrate how much we’re all alike, instead of focusing on our differences.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Oct. 7th is The Golden Egg

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Golden Egg

The Golden Egg denotes the opportunity for substantial material gains. However, the Golden Egg is also a reminder that unmanaged greed ensures what gains are made will be lost.

As a daily card, The Golden Egg suggest that the prospects for you to increase your financial wealth are very strong today. Seize whatever opportunities come your way, but don’t ride them too long or you may find yourself no better off than you were before they came along.

Today’s Tarot Card for October 7th is The World

The World

Monday, Oct 7th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, October 7th

Often we can use logic to understand what’s happening, but today our hearts override our heads as the passionate Scorpio Moon intensifies our feelings. Nevertheless, our desires grow less obsessive as sweet Venus enters philosophical Sagittarius. Meanwhile, an unsettling alignment between physical Mars and electric Uranus has us on edge. We want to believe that our thoughts can dominate our emotions, but experience reminds us that they do not.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It’s hard to hide your feelings today, especially if you’re experiencing jealousy now that the possessive Scorpio Moon is visiting your 8th House of Intimacy. You might try to keep everything light and easy, but others aren’t necessarily playing by the same rules. You don’t know whether to heat things up by expressing your feelings or to cool off by withdrawing until you can regain your equilibrium. Take a step back; the intensity settles later in the day, allowing you to address the issue in a calm and collected manner.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You may not understand why someone needs to be so intense today. Nevertheless, a close friend or colleague might appear to be unable to let go of an unnecessary drama. You find it annoying and frustrating if you attempt to use reason to settle down the energy. Your discomfort becomes less problematic when you finally realize that you don’t have to empathize with everyone around you. All you need to do is be present and listen; sometimes offering a supportive shoulder is enough.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

A case of irritability could get the best of your morning, but the emotional skies begin to clear this afternoon. Your restlessness is magnified by so many planets dragging you into the deep waters of Scorpio and drawing you into personal issues that you would rather avoid. Instead of wasting your energy resisting the currents, it’s safer now to go with the flow when Venus shifts into inspirational Sagittarius today. Rather than lingering in the past, start looking forward to the possibilities ahead.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You’re comforted by the change of dynamics today as someone close to you acknowledges your feelings and supports you in an unexpected manner. However, the more you talk, the more you might realize that your goals aren’t in alignment. Keep in mind that you may be a bit oversensitive now, so don’t judge others too quickly just because their assumptions are different from yours. Diversity is healthy because it fosters a more creative approach.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may be feeling the need to retreat as your thoughts pull you into the shadows of your inner world. Exploring the hidden realms of your imagination could be quite productive, but others might be worried about you and attempt to lure you back out into the sunshine. Remember, it’s not necessary to live up to someone else’s expectations now. The most important thing is to learn what you can from your visit to the dark side so you’re ready for the next round of progress.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You feel more secure when you have useful information at your disposal, but being overwhelmed with unnecessary data only fills your head with noise. Unfortunately, you may be caught in a complex swirl of emotions these days, making it difficult to ascertain what to do next. It might feel like an exercise in futility if you can’t immediately apply the lessons you are learning. Practicing patience is your smartest strategy now; integrate your current experiences before swinging into action for the best results.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You’re feeling quite attached to your possessions these days with so much planetary action packed into your 2nd House of Resources. You might even appear to have more than you actually do because you’re willing to get along with less. But feeling good about yourself encourages you to also feel more positive about your finances. Don’t delude yourself and spend more than you should since banking on future income could create trouble. A more realistic approach leads to a richer tomorrow.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your persuasive powers are hard to resist now; it’s as if you can put a spell on someone you love or convince people to see a situation from your perspective. However, there is more going on than meets the eye, so refrain from using your charms for anything other than the common good of all. Controlling anyone for a selfish reason is likely to backfire quicker than you think. Happily, an altruistic attitude sets the stage for success that exceeds your expectations.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your intuition is telling you that sunny days are on the horizon. But you may appear smug today if you truly believe you know something that others don’t. Rather than explaining your point of view, you’re tempted to bask in the light of the superiority of your privileged perspective. Don’t take advantage of your current position because it won’t last forever. As soon as everyone else catches on and recognizes the potential, the playing field will be even again. Sharing the good news right away cultivates a lovely spirit of generosity.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Playing nicely with your friends and family is easy today because you’re able to cut through the noise and be fully present in your personal interactions. It’s not that you forget about more serious issues, but you are tempted to place your ambitions on hold while you deepen your most important social relationships. Don’t waste energy doubting your sentimental approach; you can always put your professional aspirations back on the front burner next week.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Being appreciated for your contributions at work is a real boost to your confidence today, especially if the current recognition is from people you respect in return. But you might be concerned that someone isn’t being totally genuine and their actions aren’t only about you. Even if political complexities exist that could justify someone’s ulterior motives, don’t let your fears prevent you from enjoying the attention in the present moment.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

This is a great time to discuss your plans with others to get their reactions, especially if you have been considering a long vacation or even a quick getaway. Fortunately, with so much action occurring in your 9th House of Travel, you will likely receive the approval you want. Don’t hold back; dream big and share your aspirations. You may be happily surprised at the response. Pack your bags and go before anyone changes their mind.

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of October 7th

Your heart may fill with wanderlust this week, thanks to love planet Venus moving into adventurous Sagittarius on Monday. You’ll be more inclined to take a leap of faith when it comes to romance now until November 5. Be careful, however, not to jump to fast into anything because your unguarded optimism might lead to disappointment. Venus will crash into Neptune on Thursday, creating an atmosphere that could leave you feeling blindsided, thanks to an open, over-trusting heart.
Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Sharing love with a like-minded soul will be especially important to you this week. Love planet Venus enters your 9th House of Intellectual and Spiritual Expansion on Monday. Until November 5, you and your mate will search for the greater meaning of life together — possibly through travel or study. On Tuesday, it might be difficult to communicate about an intimate matter, and if you feel pushed into a corner you’re likely to respond by shutting down altogether. Living in a romantic bubble of denial? On Thursday it might burst.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’ll be easier for you to reveal your erotic side to your partner this week, thanks to Venus moving into your 8th House of Intimacy on Monday. You’ll be more willing to open up to your lover, body and soul, now until November 5. This trend might help nurture your relationship, however, a sober conversation or decision you need to make on Tuesday about the direction of your partnership may tempt you to put the walls right back up. With love these days, it’s one step forward, two steps back.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Expect greater relationship harmony starting on Monday and lasting until November 5. Venus will move through your 7th House of Partnerships, allowing you and your mate to see the best in one another. If you’re in a happy place with someone you’ve recently started to date, this cycle may lead you toward a greater commitment, such as an exclusive relationship, or even a possible engagement. On Thursday, you might feel as if your ideal partnership falls from its pedestal of perfection. This is not necessarily a bad thing — it’ll remind you that your relationship is real and not storybook fodder.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

An office romance may soon heat up. While it might feel as if you’ve finally found someone to love, the quagmire about mixing business with pleasure may also have a chokehold on you. On Tuesday, you and your paramour may decide whether or not you’re ready to risk the potential fallout from exploring a relationship together. If you’re already in a relationship, it’s possible your mate will receive disappointing news about a work situation. Take heart — it’s temporary.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Love is in the air! Venus will move into your 5th House of Romance on Monday, and from then until November 5 you’ll enjoy magnificent potential to attract a new love interest your way. If you’re attached, it’s possible this energy will lead you and your mate to consider starting a family in the near future. One caveat this week: Keep love and money as separate as possible on Thursday. Venus will square off with Neptune, and you’re not likely to see Venusian ruled matters clearly.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Domestic and romantic harmony will go hand-in-hand this week. You and your partner might decide to move forward on a home decorating project, and if so you’re likely to share similar champagne tastes. Whether or not your budget can afford such extravagances, try to remain realistic as you move forward making these home improvements. On Thursday, you might feel a twinge of disappointment when it comes to your relationship and how it affects your family dynamic. Don’t fret, bliss will return by the weekend.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Expect communication between you and your mate to improve dramatically this week. Venus, the planet of love and harmony, will enter your 3rd House of Information on Monday, where she will remain until November 5. Not only will this improve your ability to speak from the heart, but you’ll also find that it’s easier to compromise if there’s a vital decision you and your love need to make together. On Thursday, you might discover that someone has a crush on you at the office. If so, you’ll feel flattered and confused. Now what?

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

As Venus enters your 2nd House of Money on Monday, you’ll notice a definite improvement in your financial situation, but there will be another, more subtle bonus you can certainly take to the bank. This has to do with your confidence and feelings of validation. Your partner will have a stronger ability to make you feel like a million bucks. Maybe you’re just more receptive to his or her compliments now, or maybe you’re actually getting the praise you’ve been missing out on for quite some time. Either way, soak it all in.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re beautiful and you know it! On Monday, Venus will enter Sagittarius, and until November 5 there’s no denying that you’re the fairest of them all. Use your powers of attraction wisely and you’ll have the potential to kiss a prince or princess. On Thursday, however, you may also discover that you’ve kissed a frog. A relative might try to warn you that you’re falling for the wrong one, but you’re not likely to listen. Think twice. Love is blind, but thankfully your family isn’t.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Romantic matters are likely to take a more private turn for you this week. Perhaps you just feel a stronger urge to take time away from the noise of your love life in order to consider the direction your relationship is heading. Or it’s possible you’ll need time to grieve a love that was lost — or one that was never reciprocated. Either way, be gentle with yourself and allow the feelings you’ve tried to keep buried to surface. That’s the only way to heal.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Friendship is a prerequisite to love in your eyes, and this week that will become even more of a requirement. Thankfully, you’ll feel especially connected to someone you’re already partnered up with. In fact, you may discover that exploring a mutual interest together adds extra sparks to your love fest. Consider joining a new club or pursuing a mutual aspiration together. If single, you might meet someone new on the Internet or through a friend’s introduction. The affinity you feel will be uncanny. Love is grand, but when your lover is also your BFF you’ve got it made.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

When it comes to love, you might feel a stronger urge to be with someone you can respect and admire. Venus will enter your 10th House of Status on Monday, and you’ll be more conscious of this desire until November 5. It’s natural to want to be with someone who elevates you, however, on Thursday, if you discover your sweetheart isn’t all he or she appears to be, you may decide to end things. If you remain in an unhealthy relationship because of appearances, you’re in for a rude awakening. The only person you’ll fool is yourself.

Heads-up! Draconid Meteor shower coming tonight

Heads-up! Draconid Meteor shower coming tonight

(USA TODAY) – The Draconid meteor shower will sweep across U.S. skies early Monday evening just after sunset.

Although not among the showiest showers of the year, the Draconids stand out for one reason: Unlike most meteor showers, they are best seen in the evening rather than before dawn. That makes them a great introduction to sky-watching because they don’t require getting up early. Read More…..

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 7th

Take advantage of a day which is more favorable than discordant. Giving you a strong upward-and-onward type of boost is the Moon in Scorpio forming a harmonious trine of 120-degrees with Jupiter in Cancer (10:34AM). The several hours just before this aspect is exact are filled with optimistic, hopeful and auspicious vibrations. This is reinforced as Venus enters the Jupiter-ruled sign of Sagittarius (10:55AM) — an upbeat, goal-oriented cycle that lasts until November 5.  A main challenging alignment of the day clocks in just a few minutes after Venus enters Sagittarius as Mars makes a frictional, 135-degree tie with Uranus (11:03AM). All hard and intense aspects between the red planet and the revolutionary planet can lead to explosive, unpredictable happenings. Plus, this Mars-Uranus association can stay influential for much of the day. Therefore, risk-taking and acting without careful forethought are off-limits.  Thankfully, the fields of holistic healing and alternative medicine are positively activated via a Mercury trine to Chiron (3:08PM). Raise your productivity I.Q. in your main areas of expertise as Venus forms an inspirational, 72-degree contact with Ceres (8:38PM). This link-up doubles as an encouragement for making helpful changes to your dietary and nutritional needs.  Slow your tempo later on when the Moon squares Mars (9:55PM) — starting a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 5:23AM tomorrow. Keep overnight decision-making to the bare minimum as Mercury is also approaching an off-kilter, 150-degree link to its higher-guardian planet Uranus (forming exactly at 12:12AM on Tuesday). [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]