Category: Articles

About Litha: A Guide to the Symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat


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About Litha: A Guide to the Symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

a guide to the symbolism of the Wiccan Sabbat

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: December 20-23 (usually, the date of the calendar summer solstice).

Alternative names: Summer Solstice, Midsummer, Midsummer’s Eve, Alban Heruin, Alban Hefin, Gathering Day, Vestalia, La Festa dell’Estate (Summer Fest), the Day of the Green Man.

Primary meanings: This Sabbat celebrates the abundance and beauty of the Earth. From this day on, the days will wane, growing shorter and shorter until Yule. It is a time to absorb the Sun’s warming rays, and to celebrate the ending of the waxing year and beginning of the waning year in preparation for the harvest to come. Midsummer is another fertility Sabbat, not only for humans, but also for crops and animals. This is a time to celebrate work and leisure, to appreciate children and childlike play and to look internally at the seeds you’ve planted that should be at full bloom. Some people believe that at twilight on this day, the portals between worlds open and the faery folk pass into our world; welcome them on this day to receive their blessings.

Symbols: Fire, the Sun, blades, mistletoe, oak trees, balefires, Sun wheels, summertime flowers (especially sunflowers), summer fruits, seashells and faeries. If you made Sun wheels at Imbolc, display them now prominently, hanging from the ceiling or on trees in your yard. You may want to decorate them with yellow and gold ribbons and summer herbs.

Colors: White, red, maize yellow or golden yellow, green, blue and tan.

Gemstones: All green gemstones, especially emerald and jade, and also tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli and diamond.

Herbs: Chamomile, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frankincense, galangal, heliotrope, hemp, larkspur, laurel, lavender, lemon, mistletoe, mugwort, oak, pine, roses, saffron, St. John’s wort, sandalwood, thyme, verbena, wisteria and ylang-ylang. Herbs gathered on this day are said to be extremely powerful.

Gods and goddesses: All father gods and mother goddesses, pregnant goddesses and Sun deities. Particular emphasis might be placed on the goddesses Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar and Venus and other goddesses who preside over love, passion and beauty. Other Litha deities include the goddesses Athena, Artemis, Dana, Kali, Isis and Juno and the gods Apollo, Ares, Dagda, Gwydion, Helios, Llew, Oak/Holly King, Lugh, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus and Thor.

Customs and myths: One way to express the cycle of the Earth’s fertility that has persisted from early pagan to modern times is the myth of the Oak King and the Holly King, gods respectively of the Waxing and Waning Year. The Oak King rules from Midwinter to Midsummer, the period of fertility, expansion and growth, and the Holly King reigns from Midsummer to Midwinter, the period of harvest, withdrawal and wisdom. They are light and dark twins, each being the other’s alternate self, thus being one. Each represents a necessary phase in the natural rhythm; therefore, both are good. At the two changeover points, they symbolically meet in combat. The incoming twin — the Oak King at Midwinter, the Holly King at Midsummer — “slays” the outgoing one. But the defeated twin is not considered dead — he has merely withdrawn during the six months of his brother’s rule.

On Midsummer Night, it is said that field and forest elves, sprites and faeries abound in great numbers, making this a great time to commune with them. Litha is considered a time of great magickal power, one of the best times to perform magicks of all kinds. Especially effective magick and spells now include those for love, healing and prosperity. Wreaths can be made for your door with yellow feathers for prosperity and red feathers for sexuality, intertwined and tied together with ivy. This is also a very good time to perform blessings and protection spells for pets or other animals.

Nurturing and love are key actions related to Midsummer. Litha is a good time to perform a ceremony of self-dedication or rededication to your spiritual path as a part of your Sabbat celebration. Ritual actions for Litha include placing a flower-ringed cauldron upon your altar, gathering and drying herbs, plunging the sword (or athamé) into the cauldron and leaping the balefire (bonfire) for purification and renewed energy. Considered taboo on this holiday are giving away fire, sleeping away from home and neglecting animals.

The History Of Litha

The History Of Litha

 

The celebration of Midsummer’s Eve (St. John’s Eve among Christians) was from ancient times a festival of the summer solstice. Some people believed that golden-flowered mid-summer plants, especially Calendula, and St. John’s Wort, had miraculous healing powers and they therefore picked them on this night. Bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southwards again. In later years, witches were also thought to be on their way to meetings with other powerful beings.

In Sweden, Mid-summer celebration originates from the time before Christianity; it was celebrated as a sacrifice time in the sign of the fertility.

The solstice itself has remained a special moment of the annual cycle of the year since Neolithic times. The concentration of the observance is not on the day as we reckon it, commencing at midnight or at dawn, as it is customary for cultures following lunar calendars to place the beginning of the day on the previous eve at dusk at the moment when the Sun has set. In Sweden, Finland and Estonia, Midsummer’s Eve is the greatest festival of the year, comparable only with Walpurgis Night, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.

In the 7th century, Saint Eligius (died 659/60) warned the recently converted inhabitants of Flanders against the age-old pagan solstice celebrations. According to the Vita by his companion Ouen, he’d say: “No Christian on the feast of Saint John or the solemnity of any other saint performs solestitia [summer solstice rites] or dancing or leaping or diabolical chants.”

As Christianity entered pagan areas, MidSummer celebrations came to be often borrowed and transferred into new Christian holidays, often resulting in celebrations that mixed Christian traditions with traditions derived from pagan Midsummer festivities. The 13th-century monk of Winchcomb, Gloucestershire, who compiled a book of sermons for the feast days, recorded how St. John’s Eve was celebrated in his time:

Let us speak of the revels which are accustomed to be made on St. John’s Eve, of which there are three kinds. On St. John’s Eve in certain regions the boys collect bones and certain other rubbish, and burn them, and therefrom a smoke is produced on the air. They also make brands and go about the fields with the brands. Thirdly, the wheel which they roll.

The fires, explained the monk of Winchcombe, were to drive away dragons, which were abroad on St. John’s Eve, poisoning springs and wells. The wheel that was rolled downhill he gave its explicitly solstitial explanation:

The wheel is rolled to signify that the sun then rises to the highest point of its circle and at once turns back; thence it comes that the wheel is rolled.

On St John’s Day 1333 Petrarch watched women at Cologne rinsing their hands and arms in the Rhine “so that the threatening calamities of the coming year might be washed away by bathing in the river.”

Midsummer – Summer Solstice


Litha Comments & Graphics
Midsummer
Summer Solstice
December 20 – 23

Midsummer or Litha, is a celebration of light. This is a solar/ fire festival that marks the astrological day of the summer solstice, which occurs on or around June 21, when the sun enters the sign of Cancer, the crab. Cancer is the only astrological sign that is associated with the moon. If you combine that lunar influence with the ultimate strength of the sun, you have quite the magickal wallop.

The day of the summer solstice has the longest daylight hours and the shortest nighttime hours of the year. As the sun reaches its highest position in the sky, we are at the climax of the sun’s power. This is the greatest day of the sun’s magick, even though it is bittersweet— for as soon as the day after the summer solstice, the sun’s power gradually begins to decline, with nighttime hours slowly and inexorably increasing. After today, we are in the dark half of the Wheel of the Year, which may seem confusing, but truly the daylight hours are decreasing now, and the sun will start to reach its zenith at a lower point in the sky from now until December and the winter solstice.

The sabbat of Midsummer is a potent and magickal date. This is a great time for fire magick, bonfires, garden witchery, herbal and green magicks, and the best night of the year to commune with the elemental kingdom and the faeries.

This is a time of celebration in nature: everything is green and growing. Nature is celebrating her achievement!

Fire festivals and fireworks are complementary; it all goes with that theme of fire magick for summer. At this time of year, your spellworking themes may include asking for the blessing and assistance of the faeries or working green magick with the garden. Prosperity, health, and abundance spells are appropriate at this point in time as well, since the light is at its peak and all of nature is at its most lush, vibrant, and green.

If you like to work with the more traditional fire theme of this sabbat, consider building a small ritual fire in your outdoor fire pit or chiminea. Bonfires on Midsummer have been lit by people from all over the world, from many magickal customs, for centuries. The bonfires were classically lit at sundown on Midsummer’s Eve. So set up your fire and get ready to go! If you like, you can toss a few herbs or oak leaves into the flames as an offering to the Old Gods.

If you are unable to safely have an outdoor fire, then light several bright yellow candles and group them together inside of a cauldron, and enjoy the effect that several flickering flames make inside of that cauldron. Another idea that I started with my coven years ago was to pass out sparklers; after our rituals are complete, we light up the sparklers and dance around the gardens with the lightning bugs. When the sparklers are finished, we drop them into a bucket of water. Celebrate the summer solstice and put your own personal spin on things!

Source

Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch
Ellen Dugan

Summer Invocation

Litha Comments & Graphics

Summer Invocation

 

Fireflies and summer sun
in circles round
we become as one.
Singing songs at magic’s hour
we bring the winds
and timeless powers.
Turning inward, hand in hand
we dance the hearth
to heal the land.
Standing silent, beneath the sky
we catch the fire
from out God’s eye.
Swaying breathless, beside the sea
we call the Goddess
so mote it be!

(This can be used as a chant, part of a spiral dance, or to invoke quarters.)

by Trish Telesco, ThoughtCo

Wishing All Our Brothers & Sisters In The Southern Hemisphere A Very Blessed & Joyous Litha!


Litha Comments & Graphics

Southern Hemisphere Magick


Author: Frances

Despite what appears to be a wealth of information available on neo-Pagan traditions, one section of the community seems to be grossly under-represented and that is those of us who reside in the Southern Hemisphere – Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa, to name but three countries. The majority of authors residing in the Northern Hemisphere seem to have little or no knowledge at all of the differences between the hemispheres. And if such a difference is acknowledged, it is usually limited to only the Sabbats. It is no wonder that endless debates occur on how to “do things” down under.

The following is a suggestion based on my own personal observances as both a Wytch and magickian who resides in the Southern Hemisphere, which may be of assistance to others.

There are at least four major differences between the Hemispheres. The first is the obvious six-month difference in the seasons. When it is Midsummer in the Northern Hemisphere, we in the South are celebrating Midwinter (the “Christmas in July” theme is becoming a popular event even amongst non-Pagans). The dates, according to general consensus, of the Southern Sabbats are:

  • Samhain – 30 April
  • Midwinter Solstice (Yule) – 21 June
  • Imbolg – 1 August
  • Spring or Vernal Equinox (Eostre) – 21 September
  • Bealtaine – 1 November
  • Midsummer Solstice (Litha) – 21 December
  • Lughnasadh – 1 February
  • Autumn Equinox (Mabon) – 21 March

If we use the astrological signs in which the Sun moves into to determine each Sabbat date as opposed to actual calendar dates, then this too is changed by six months:

  • Samhain – 15 deg Taurus
  • Midwinter Solstice – 0 deg Cancer
  • Imbolg – 15 deg Leo
  • Spring Equinox – 0 deg Libra
  • Bealtaine – 15 deg Scorpio
  • Midsummer Solstice – 0 deg Capricorn
  • Lughnasadh – 15 deg Aquarius
  • Autumn Equinox – 0 deg Aries

This means that Northern Hemisphere-based festivals appear largely out of place in the Southern Hemisphere. Our Morris Dances however still celebrate “May Day” on 1 May regardless of the fact that it marks the beginning of Winter; likewise the Christian Easter falls in Autumn as opposed to Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. However, there are specific events that do align – in particular specific Southern Hemisphere-based public holidays. One good example is ANZAC Day, the day on which we remember Australian and New Zealand service men and women that died at war. This day of remembrance occurs on 25 April, close to the Southern Samhain on 30 April.

The next major difference between the Hemispheres is the direction in which the Sun moves across the sky. As in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun still rises in the East and sets in the West, however on its journey across the sky in the Southern Hemisphere, it travels via the North because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis. For this reason, most Pagans in the Southern Hemisphere cast their circles in this direction, via the North or in an anti-clockwise direction.

It irks me when authors refer to deosil as meaning “clockwise” and widdershins as meaning “anticlockwise.” Not only does this not apply to the Southern Hemisphere, but also it is etymologically incorrect. According to the Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary, the word deosil comes from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “sunwise” or “in the direction of the (apparent) motion of the sun,” and in the Southern Hemisphere this is anticlockwise. The term widdershins comes from the Middle High Germanic word “widersinnes” meaning “against the sun.” In the Southern Hemisphere, this is clockwise, representing the direction for banishing, winding down energies or even for darker workings. Of course, as English – as well as other European languages incorporated into the English language – stem from the Northern Hemisphere as opposed to the Southern Hemisphere, Northern associations are more dominant. For example, deosil is also said to come from the Irish word “cor deiseil” which means “auspicious right hand turn,” while widdershins is akin to the Irish “cor tuathal” meaning “the mundane left-hand turn.” To save confusion, however, for Southern Hemispheric Pagans, I prefer and recommend the first definition with respect to the Sun.

A further observance is that the energy flow of the Earth between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is also reversed. Prior to spending time in England I was told to observe the direction in which the water drained down the plughole. In the Northern Hemisphere, energy moves in a clockwise direction, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it is anti-clockwise.

If we take the above information into consideration when placing the elements around our magickal circle, it then seems logical for the placement of Fire to be in the North, while Earth is placed in the South. Environmentally, to the North is the Equator and from the North come the scorching Summer winds. North is also the placement in the sky of the Noonday Sun. In the South however, where the Sun never appears in the Southern Hemisphere, are the bitter cold Winter winds, as well as the frozen mass we refer to as Antarctica. However, this goes against the directional placements of the elements in more traditional Pagan groups.

I know a number of traditional Crafters who continue to place their altars in the North because according to their tradition (despite it being Northern Hemispheric-based) this is the “dark quarter.” One reasoning behind this is that on the astral the directional placements of the elements do not matter. If this is the case, then when I operate between the worlds, it should not matter if my physical altar and circle casting reflects the land in which I reside. Surely, if the founders of Earth-based traditions such as the Craft and Wicca (for example, Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders or even Aleister Crowley) were based, or had spent some time, in the Southern Hemisphere, would they not have taken the differences into consideration?

Some Pagans living in the eastern states of Australia not only swap the elemental directions of Fire and Earth around, but also Water and Air. When you take the environment into consideration, it is easy to see why they do this. East of Australia is the Tasman Sea or even the Pacific Ocean – large bodies of water. In the Southern Hemisphere our weather patterns move largely from the West (therefore the placement of Air).

Another difference between the hemispheres, which is often overlooked, is the direction in which the crescents of the Waxing and Waning Moons point. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Waxing Moon in the sky actually points to the right, while the Waning Moon points to the left. Therefore the symbol of the Triple Moon Goddess (the maiden, mother and crone) reflects an introverted appearance opposed to the extroverted appearance in the Northern Hemisphere. But there are times where the Moon decides to really throw the spanner into the works and the Waxing Moon can be observed lying on her back pointing upwards, and the corresponding Waning Moon pointing downwards.

For us Southern Pagan practitioners, there is more to take into consideration when we work our magick and our circles than simply swapping the Sabbat dates around. And with the varying opinions and reasons behind even basic circle casting, it is little wonder newcomers to the various Pagan traditions in the Southern Hemisphere find it all very confusing. Maybe Pagan book publishers should take this into consideration, and if anyone is interested in issuing a contract for such a book, I would be interested in writing one (shameless plug, but I couldn’t resist).

In the Southern Hemisphere not only do we appear to do things standing on our heads but also working backwards as well – or maybe it is you Northern Hemispheric Pagans who have got it wrong!

Frances Billinghurst

Old vs. New Magic

Old vs. New Magic

The nature of spirituality and magic has changed substantially in the last few centuries. In medieval times, people felt themselves surrounded by hostile forces beyond their control, and they developed spells and other rituals to protect themselves. Today we are also surrounded by hostile forces beyond our control, but the spells and rituals have changed to meet modern needs.

Herewith a list of medieval spells, items, and spiritual concepts, and their current equivalents:

Medieval Magic Modern Magic
Summon spirit of the dead Summon waiter
Heal the sick Heal bad haircut
Garlic turns away vampire Garlic turns away tax auditor
Confession absolves sin Confession obtains plea-bargain
Exorcise demonic possession Exorcise daughter’s interest in biker
Exorcise demonic possession 2 Exorcise mother-in-law from property
Charm a dragon Charm your date
Cast out demons Cast out cockroaches
Remove curse Remove pimple
Dispel evil spirit Dispel smell of dope in car
Fairies are playful woodland creatures Fairies are playful urban creatures
Brownies are malicious Brownies are delicious
Witches’ brew Vicks Nyquil
Venal sin Misdemeanor
Mortal sin Felony
Papal indulgence Mayor can fix parking tickets
Lay curse on overlord Lose boss’ overheads

Full Moon 22 December 2018 – Pleasant Surprises

Full Moon 22 December 2018 – Pleasant Surprises

 

The full moon on Saturday December 22, 2018 at 0° Cancer makes a helpful aspect to Uranus. So the Full Moon December 2018 astrology is about excitement, positive change and pleasant surprises. This is a welcome change to the last two moon phases that were both square Mars. The December 22 full moon sextile Uranus makes it easy to quickly change direction, away from the anger and hostility of recent weeks.

The December 2018 full moon joins the supergiant red star Betelgeuse in Orion, associated with great power, honor and wealth. So follow your intuition and be open-minded about any unexpected opportunities that arise. New people or even a new attitude could lead to pleasant surprises with your career, finances or love life this Christmas. Venus trine Neptune is another strong influence on the full moon and is a good omen for romance.

Full Moon Meaning

A full moon occurs when the Sun is opposite the Moon. This highlights opposing forces or polarities in your life such as your work versus home, or what you need versus what you want. Inner tension and external pressures can lead to personal conflict and crises that drain your energy. Your home, family and intimate relationships comes into sharper focus following a full moon.

The lunar qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a full moon. Use you increased emotional strength and intuition to overcome any relationship challenges. Subconscious awareness allows for an impartial and balanced look at your personal relationships. You will clearly see any relationship dynamics or negative feelings causing disharmony.

A full moon has a relationship to the previous new moon. Your December 7 new moon goals can now be fine-tuned or completed, it is harvest time. You can make emotional adjustments in response to those new goals. Full moon November 2018 lasts for two weeks up to the 5 January 2019 Solar Eclipse.

Full Moon December 2018 Astrology

The December 22 full moon makes just one planetary aspect and it is a good one. Moon sextile Uranus brings stimulating personal encounters and exciting events. You will feel more open to change in your life and may actively seek it out. This is a good full moon for trying something new in your domestic routine or personal life. Your stronger than normal intuition can guide you in making quick decisions on which way to go. Follow your instincts and make the most of any opportunities that come your way.

This is a good full moon to find original ways of doing things because of your inquisitive and inventive nature. You might receive flashes of insight to solve lingering problems in an instant. Chance encounters can also provide valuable information. You are more likely to stumble upon some critical piece of information while surfing the net. Chance encounters may lead to instant attraction and new friendships.

Your mood may become changeable and somewhat odd. However, you should feel comfortable expressing a more unique side of your personality. The lowering of your inhibitions is what facilitates the change and excitement. Importantly, this also makes it easier to share your feelings with loved ones, especially after the anger and hostility or recent weeks. This is also a good full moon to break old habits and replace them with something new.

Full Moon in Orion

The closest fixed star the full moon December 2018 is Menkalinan in the left shoulder of Auriga the Charioteer. Betelgeuse is not as close but is a more significant influence. Overall, these fixed stars have a positive influence on the full moon.

Fixed star Menkalinan (00 ♋ 10) is unhelpful when badly positioned. But the sextile to Uranus means it should have little effect and be overpowered Betelgeuse.

Fixed star Betelgeuse (29 ♊ 01) is a supergiant red star in Orion the Hunter. Robson said it gives martial honor, preferment and wealth. [1] Noonan adds great fortune and ‘kingly’ attributes. [2] Moon conjunct Betelgeuse: Active mind, strong will, turbulent, rebellious under restraint, military success but suffering through quarrels with superiors, likelihood of great power, honor and wealth. [1]

Full Moon Romance

Venus trine Neptune is the strongest aspect in the full moon December 2018 astrology chart besides the full moon itself. It is exact only 24 hours before the full moon. Venus trine Neptune is perfect for romance, relaxation and daydreaming. Besides finding your ideal lover, you could put your hand to any creative project but especially singing.

Your love life will benefit from increased tenderness and compassion. While not particularly an indicator of steamy sex, this aspect encourages tender touch and smooching. Connecting to a companion at the spiritual level is more important, though tantric sex would be most enjoyable.

The December 2018 full moon is the last moon phase in the current eclipse phase which began with the July 2018 Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse. It is a good time to look back over the last five months to check how well you have progressed with your personal goals. That lunar eclipse was at 4° Aquarius. You can look back to the August 2018 solar eclipse at 18° Leo which might apply more to your professional goals.

Full Moon December 2018 Times and Dates
  • Los Angeles – 22 December, 9:48 am
  • New York – 22 December, 12:48 pm
  • London – 22 December, 5:48 pm
  • Delhi – 22 December, 11:18 pm
  • Sydney – 22 December, 4:48 am
References
  1. Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.147.
  2. Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.59.

 

Astrology King

Your Ogham Reading for December 19(N.H.) and December 20(S.H.)

Your Ogham Reading for December 19

 

Gort-Ivy

The ivy is a sneaky plant that will first use another tree for growth, but overtime it will potentially take away vital nutrients and water from the tree itself. Ivy can be a symbiotic helper bringing birds and wildlife or it can destroy the one it is with, drawing this letter is a sign of warning to pay attention to those in life with potential ill intentions. Ideas associated with Gort are restrictions, warnings, bindings, and potential deceit.

Fortune – Be wary of those in life who like the Ivy may be draining you of life energy. Be sure they are helpful to your soul and not harmful!

Your Ogham Reading for December 20

 

Straif-Blackthorn

This thorny tree is known for it’s negative uses over the years. It has been used for cattle proofing with its thorns, the berries have been turned into alcohol, and the thorns were once dipped in poison as a weapon. Drawing this letter brings forth ideas of pain, negativity, pessimism, and potential conflict. If Straif comes up in your reading it is very wise to pay attention to any warnings.

Fortune – This Ogham can denote very bad signs ahead. Pay very close attention to matters in life that way you can avoid the warning that you were given.

The Witches Rune for December 19(N.H.) and December 20 (S.H.)

The Witches Rune for December 19

The Ear Of Corn

Keywords: Good luck, success.

Meanings: This rune represents abundance, success and happiness. This is considered a lucky rune and if leading, it is very positive about your query, whether the query is about finance, business, friendship, partnership or spirituality. In conjunction with the Rings, it indicates a happy and prosperous marriage. With the Sun, it means success in your career, and with Waves, success abroad.

The Witches Rune for December 20

The Wave

Keywords: Friends, family, travel.

Meanings: This rune symbolizes your friends and family and their influence upon you. Its meaning is usually derived from the other stones closest to it. This rune is also associated with travel. A journey abroad is indicated especially if the Sun rune is nearby, but a journey for someone close to you if the Moon stone is closest. If it is near to the Rings it foretells a holiday or long distance relationship.

The Daily Runes For December 19(N.H.) and December 20(S.H.)

Your Daily Rune for December 19

Thurisaz

If we must fight for peace then let us find our peace in battle.”

Thurisaz – “Thor-is-as” – Literally: “Thurses” or “Giants” – Esoteric: Strong one, Resistance

Key Concepts: Unconscious forces, sociological forces, Thor, Loki as giant, chaos, destruction by natural forces, complexities of aggression, conflicts, disputes, psychological problems,  lightning, breakthrough, aggressive male sexuality, battering down barriers, thorn of awakening, trouble, enthusiasm

Psi: enthusiasm, struggle against unconsciousness, male sexual prowess

Energy: enthusiasm, self-empowerment, chaos, active defensive force, breaker of resistance, destructive storms

Mundane: storms, tools, weapons, conflict

Divinations: Reactive force, directed force, vital eroticism, regenerative catalyst, constructive conflict; or danger, defenselessness, compulsion, betrayal, dullness, disease, explosive violence, annoyance, strife

Governs:
Destruction of enemies, curses binds and fetters
Awakening of the will to action
Breaking resistance of blockages in body, mind and spirit
Increased potency and prowess in romantic relationships
Understanding of the division and separation of all things
Aiming the use of psychic force
The combination of right/left brain processes for generating powerful realization

Your Daily Rune for December 20

Ansuz

Find your ears before you search for words.”

Ansuz – “Anne – suhz” – Literally: “Woden” – Esoteric: “Breath” or “Ancestral Sovereign God”

Key Concepts: order, gods, Odin, transmission of intelligence, communication, reason, inspiration, language, breath, sound, origins of language, the Voice of the Universe, spellsong, casting, chanting, ancestors, passing of the breath along the ancestral line, evolution of gods, speech, poetry, discussion of runes, memetics, semiotics, etymology, linguistics.

Psi: mental stability, communion, inspiration, listening

Energy: sovereign ancestral god, animating spirit, breath, communication, exploration, order, answers

Mundane: words, conversation, symbols, elders, music

Divinations: Divine inspiration, word-power, synthesis, transformation, intellect, open paths of communication; or misunderstanding, delusion, manipulation by others, boredom, bad advice

Governs:
All powers of naming and conceptualization
Convincing and magnetic speech and writing, and the power of suggestion and hypnosis
Acquisition of creative wisdom, inspiration, ecstasy and divine communication
Reason, analysis and good advice
Connecting and networking
Listening to oneself and one’s own particular inner-voice

Avoid These Mistakes When Reading Tarot for Yourself

Avoid These Mistakes When Reading Tarot for Yourself

by 

 

It’s natural when learning to read tarot that your first client is going to be yourself. You want to find out just how accurate these cards can be. Yet most of us are guilty of making certain mistakes. Do your best to avoid these common errors when reading tarot for yourself.

Over Complicating the Question

This can go two ways. Either we formulate a convoluted question, or we don’t ask one at all, expecting the cards to know the information we’re after. It’s fine to do an ‘open’ reading, by asking ‘Tell me what I need to know’. But if you have any kind of situation in mind, it’s best to spend a little time to work out what your question should be. And to keep the question simple and straightforward.

For example, Jane is in a relationship with Mike. She’s confused about whether they are going to stay together, or if he has lost interest. So she decides to do a reading. Jane mulls over the relationship in her mind and writes out her question: “Can the cards tell me if Mike still loves me and if we are going to get married? Will we have children and buy a home together?” Then she draws a few cards and has no idea which cards mean what. She’s utterly confused.

So Jane needs to break her questions down into four separate ones and draw a single card for each.

Seeing What You Want to See

This is when you shoehorn the card into giving you the answer you want. You twist its meaning, even though it might have given you a different answer. For example, Ali wants to know if she should look for a new job. She’s conflicted about this because although she thinks she needs to get a new job in order to progress in her career, she is also a little nervous about doing so.

She asks, “Is this the right time to be looking for a new job?” She gets the Eight of Wands, which is a direct answer and clearly means, ‘Yes! Get going!’. She looks through her book and sees that another meaning for the Eight of Wands is organization. So she decides not to apply yet and instead spends time organizing her files at work.

Of course, that’s an extreme and simplistic example, but it illustrates how someone ignores her initial instinctive response to the card and looks for a way to make the interpretation fit into her comfort zone. Applying your preferred interpretation is natural, but won’t help you.

Drawing Too Many Cards

This is really common. For some reason, new readers don’t think they are doing a proper reading unless they are laying out a full 10-card Celtic Cross. And they only wanted to know if there was a likely promotion coming their way.

Huge complicated spreads for simple questions are unnecessary and confusing. You only need to use large spreads for general situations, or for things like spiritual questions, birthday, astrological, and New Year spreads.

When it comes down to it, most questions can be answered with five cards or fewer. When I started branching into larger spreads, I’d even do a Celtic Cross and then use a different deck and lay a second spread over the first. Crazy.

Clarification and More Clarification

This follows on from the previous point. The reader asks her question, draws a card, doesn’t like the answer so draws a second ‘for clarification’. Don’t do it. If, in your preparation for reading, you decided to draw one card, then stick to it. It’s unlikely that the second card in the deck is relevant, because the tarot is only responding to that one-card only intention.

Similarly with outcome cards. If you are going to do a 10-card reading with an 11th for clarification of the outcome, then be clear in your mind about it before you begin. Drawing more cards after the fact will never help you.

There is one exception to this, and that is the base card. What is the base card? It’s the card at the bottom of the deck. So often I’ve found that the base card has provided a lot of information which is completely relevant to the question. It usually tells me why the question is being asked in the first place. It can show up insecurities, motives, or other underlying factors. Keep it in mind next time you feel the need for clarification.

Repetition When Reading Tarot for Yourself

It’s so tempting. You’re really keen on that person and you desperately want to know if they are interested in you, so you do a reading. Next day, you do another. And sometimes another on the same day. All with the same question in mind. And of course, you get different cards, with confusing messages.

Take the first answer. Wait at least a week before asking the same question again.

Asking Others to Interpret Your Cards

Asking other people to interpret your reading is a big no no. The only exception is if you are participating in a tarot training course and are asking for feedback from your tutor/mentor.

As a tarot reader and writer, I get many requests asking what do I think about this card appearing in that reading or in that position. Sometimes the person picks out one or two cards and seems to think that I have the magickal ability to see right into their life and give them the definitive answer. Other times people give me a list of all the cards in their spread and expect me to interpret them. In other words, to give them a complete free reading. Like we professional readers and writers haven’t got better things to do <grin>.

As well as it being rather cheeky, there is another more important reason for not interpreting someone else’s reading. When you turn the cards, they are responding to you. In that moment. A reading is an energy snapshot. It’s personal. Asking another person to interpret your reading is never going to work.

So if you want a professional reading, set it up and get one. If you want to read for yourself, then read for yourself. If you are confused by the answer, write down your question and the cards in your journal. After a week or so has gone by, go back and review it. The passing of time will often shed light on the message from the cards.

 

–LunarCafe

Your Past Lives Tarot for December 19 (N.H.) and December 20 (S.H.)

Past Lives Tarot for December 19th

The Hanged Man

A famous artist is a visionary who has captured images of the moment of time they lived in. You are probably also feeling that this is your moment to express what you really have to say and you need to do it visually. Possibly you were an acclaimed artist in a past life and once again their spirit yearns to express itself through you. Open yourself up to this incredible gift and use it wisely.

 

 

 

 

 

Past Lives Tarot Card for December 20

Temperance

When the inner 16th Century heir/heiress comes to the surface you will probably feel your money worries begin to ease. Whether you receive an inheritance or not, your past life incarnation as an heir/heiress is drawing toward the luxury and privilege you had in the past. Heirs and heiresses are fortunate because they have all the benefits wealth can bring without having to have gone through the usual hard times needed to accumulate the fortune. This is a good time to practice gratitude and take advantage of your blessings.

Daily Love Tarot Card for December 19 (N.H.) and December 20 (S.H.)

Daily Love Tarot Card for December 19

The High Priestess

Today, the High Priestess reminds you that it is not the three little words that say “I love you,” but the awareness and the importance of three big words, like “jealousy,” “manipulation,” and “possessiveness” that rip relationships apart. Intense emotions need control because they have the tendency to overrule logic and lead to extremes. No matter what, people cannot own people. Reverse the situation. A true love shouldn’t jump through hoops.

 

 

 

 

Daily Love Tarot Card for December 20

The Sun

The Sun encourages realistic admissions. Acknowledge that you tried. You were patient until you could not do it anymore. It is humanly impossible to please everyone. There are situations when we do too much because we love ourselves through our loved ones. The latter takes advantage and still criticizes. We try to live the best way we can. It is time to forget about today and think about tomorrow.

The Daily Tarot Card for December 19 (N.H.) and December 20 (S.H.)

The Daily Tarot Card for December 19

The Hermit

Keywords: awakening, enlightening, shedding light, the “key” to a situation, crisis, isolation!

Astrological Correspondence: Virgo

The Hermit card symbolizes meditation, reflection, and solitude. As one of the cards resembling old age it also represents bearing the light of wisdom, looking into the unconscious, observing dreams. There is an emphasis on peace and patience, by which maturity is reached, and a striving to connect to the higher spiritual self. The Hermit also depicts the spiritual leader, the taskmaster who leads with purpose, conscience, and wisdom. A mature person, the Hermit symbolizes deliberation about which path to follow, reassessment of achievements and goals, and taking the time to reflect and plan. In a negative environment this card can resemble excessive isolation, lack of communication, intolerance, crisis and doubt.

 

The Daily Tarot Card for December 20

The Chariot

Keywords: victory, (material) success, mastery, graduation, completion!

Astrological Correspondence: Cancer

The Chariot symbolizes enthusiasm, competitiveness, and triumph. Success and victory are achieved by employing all powers at one’s disposal – physical, spiritual, and intellectual. The Chariot symbolizes the positive side of the self, being strong and self-controlled, balancing conflicting emotions, triumphing over obstacles, sustaining an effort, and support attaining goals, thereby leading the way to transformation and self-knowledge. A dictatorial approach, recklessness, and extreme ambition can be on the other, negative side of the equation.