“Now the seasons are closing their files
on each of us, the heavy drawers
full of certificates rolling back
into the tree trunks, a few old papers
flocking away. Someone we loved
has fallen from our thoughts,
making a little, glittering splash
like a bicycle pushed by a breeze.
Otherwise, not much has happened;
we fell in love again, finding
that one red reather on the wind.”

– Ted Kooser, Year’s End

Current Planetary Positions

December 06, 2018
Tropical Zodiac

Sun: 14 Sagittarius 20
Moon: 05 Sagittarius 10
Mercury: 27 Scorpio 17 Rx
Venus: 02 Scorpio 15
Mars: 13 Pisces 02
Jupiter: 06 Sagittarius 14
Saturn: 08 Capricorn 26
Uranus: 29 Aries 01 Rx
Neptune: 13 Pisces 44
Pluto: 19 Capricorn 48

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Planetary Aspects for the month of December

The planetary aspects listed below are for New York time.

December 06, 04:21 pm – Mercury Direct 27 16
December 07, 02:20 am – New Moon at 15 07
December 07, 09:11 am – Mars conjunct Neptune 13 44
December 15, 06:49 am – 1st Quarter Moon 23 26
December 16, 09:26 am – Venus sextile Saturn
December 17, 01:57 am – Mars sextile Pluto
December 20, 11:21 am – Sun trine Uranus
December 21, 12:11 pm – Venus trine Neptune
December 21, 12:36 pm – Mercury conjunct Jupiter 09 34
December 22, 12:48 pm – Full Moon at 00 49
December 24, 07:31 pm – Mercury square Neptune
December 28, 04:30 pm – Venus sextile Pluto
December 29, 04:34 am – 3rd Quarter Moon 07 36

A Cosmic Weather Yule List

Jane Lyle, Astrologer
From The Astrology Room

For Aries, Leo and Sagittarius – the Fire Signs:

The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter are in sociable Sagittarius. Uranus is back for the final time in fiery, impulsive Aries.

*Mercury’s most useful gift arrives early, on 6th December, when the planet of travel, media, tricks and communication turns forward again.

All our travel plans still need extra care though – Mercury (briefly in Scorpio) is arguing with disruptive Uranus until Wednesday 12th December, and then squaring off to discombobulating Neptune just before Christmas Day itself. Surprises, or a sudden turn of events, could scramble our holiday plans.

*December’s big cosmic boost from messenger Mercury and jolly Jupiter will be right on the Winter Solstice, 21st December. This one looks to be quite something. It’s at 9 degrees Sagittarius, aligning with the Watcher of the West, fixed star Antares.

Antares is a very potent, important star. It’s also known as the Heart of the Scorpion. Antares denotes success, but some kind of journey to the underworld and back again is always involved. This could be through an intense experience, or a psychological trip into your personal subconscious. Some kind of underworld beckons. Antares is also closely associated with news about nuclear energy.

So, do watch out for the days around this December event – they’ll more than likely be brimming over with intense news, passion, and major announcements. If you have planets at around 9-11 degrees in your own natal chart, this could herald important personal news for you, too.

*Jupiter in Sagittarius is surely Father Christmas in some of his many guises. For, just like Jupiter, Secret Santa is a shape-shifter.

He’s a Siberian shaman, flying high on magic mushrooms, and attended by sprites and elves on the inner planes. He’s Odin, galloping aloft on his magical horse in the dark December skies. He’s a close friend of the Holly King of pagan tradition, and somewhere or other he’s kindly St. Nicholas and jolly Sir Christmas too. And like Jupiter in Sagittarius, which is mostly lucky and wondrous, Santa Claus has a devilishly dark side called Krampus. Yes, you better watch out! He knows when you’ve been good or bad……

Santa – and Jupiter – contribute much more than just a sense of fun to this holiday season. Jupiter is radiating goodwill and a sense of adventure from his home in Sagittarius until next December. When Jupiter activates your own natal horoscope it’s time to be more expansive and open. How and where will depend upon the planets and houses involved for you personally.

*Gemini, Libra and Aquarius can all benefit from these planets in fire too, so they aren’t totally missing out during the Yuletide season’s astrology. The astrological element of air is, in fact, mostly absent until 20th January, when the Sun enters Aquarius. Meantime, air signs can enjoy an energising, imaginative and fiery boost to their dreams and plans.

For Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces – the Water Signs:

*Venus returns to Scorpio again on Sunday 2nd December, retracing her September and October path and perhaps reawakening deep thoughts and feelings we had then.

Venus is in new Scorpio territory just before the Solstice.
Fresh thoughts on love, friendship, money and fashion begin to emerge – it could all get very spiritual and romantic for some of us around Friday 21st December. Venus meets Neptune then for some intensely misty enchantment. There may be tears before bedtime, but the festive season always has many intricate emotional layers – and I can’t be the only person who’s welled up when watching certain Christmas ads!

*Mars is in musical, intuitive Pisces all month.

Christmas ghost stories, heavenly choirs, and supernatural Yuletide beings are extra energised between Sunday 2nd – Saturday 8th December, when Mars meets Neptune in Pisces. These are also days to be extra vigilant around your cash, online scams, and smooth-talking would-be lovers or salesmen. Fishy? Yes indeed.

*Neptune often represents a glamorous magician, or spiritual guru. This can be a misty, even delusional astrological influence, fond of mind-altering drugs, alcohol, and deception.

But Neptune has a kind-hearted side too. Astrological aspects involving Neptune this month can prompt us to give something back to our community, spend a little time helping others, or decide to donate to our local food bank or favourite charity.

For Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn – the Earth Signs:

*Serious Saturn and enigmatic Pluto are in earthy Capricorn now and on into 2019. They’re joined there by the Sun on 21st December.

This Sea Goat trio mean that business, finance, government and security are issues we can’t completely ignore during December. They’ll push their message home in January for sure, aided and abetted by a potent solar eclipse in Capricorn on 6th January. All this activity supports serious ambition, hard work, and practicality. It doesn’t wear a party hat though.

However, let’s give sober old Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, a holiday break too. December brings echoes of the Saturnalia, which was a wild party in the Ancient Roman world.

–The Astrology Room

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The Solar Almanac for Thursday, December 6, 2018

Sun Direction: 115.89° ESE↑

Sun Altitude: -2.84°

Sun Distance: 91.592 million mi

Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2018 4:22 pm (Winter)

Sunrise Today: 6:53 am↑ 118° Southeast

Sunset Today: 4:37 pm↑ 242° Southwest

Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 43 minutes

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The Lunar Almanac for Thursday, December 6, 2018

Moon Direction: 117.63° ESE↑

Moon Altitude: 6.08°

Moon Distance: 243276 mi

Next New Moon: Dec 7, 20181:20 am

Next Full Moon: Dec 22, 201811:48 am

Next Moonset: Today4:31 pm

Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

Illumination:
0.7%

—timeanddate.com

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Lunar Lore

The legend of the werewolf (were has etymological roots in Old English and means man) comes from the tales of the beastly side of men coming out at the Full Moon.

The Moon is the Queen of the Underworld and a bridge to the shadowy realms of the psyche.

The Moon is a passageway to the hidden (occulted) mysteries, including ancestral memory and past lives.

The natal Moon in the birth chart can be a symbol of feminine identity for women; for men, it’s the sought-after feminine ideal, and the kind of woman to form a soul-bond with.

Molly Hall, Author
Published on ThoughtCo

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Lunar Superstitions

The first time you see a crescent moon for the month, take all your spare coins out of your pocket, and put them in the other pocket. This will ensure good luck for the next month.

Some people believe that the fifth day after a full moon is the perfect time to try to conceive a child.

Many cultures throughout history have honored lunar deities, including Artemis, Selene, and Thoth.

In some Chinese religions, offerings are made to the ancestors on the night of a full moon.

In some Native American legends, the moon is held captive by a hostile tribe. A pair of antelope hope to rescue the moon and take it the village of a good tribe, but Coyote, the trickster, interferes. The antelope chase Coyote, who tosses the moon into a river each night, just out of reach of the antelope.

The night of the full moon is believed to be a good time for divination and scrying.

Patti Wigington, Author
Published on ThoughtCo

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The Sky This Week from December 6 to December 9

Venus dazzles in the predawn sky, and gets a little help from the Moon December 3. Meanwhile, Mars and Neptune appear closer to each other under a dark sky than they will until the 23rd century.

By Richard Talcott

Thursday, December 6
Mars continues to put on a nice show these December evenings. The Red Planet appears nearly halfway to the zenith in the southern sky as twilight fades to darkness. The ruddy world shines at magnitude 0.1, as bright as any other early evening object, against the faint backdrop of Aquarius the Water-bearer. As you gaze at Mars with your naked eye, you might assume it’s the only object of interest in the area. But target the planet through binoculars or a telescope and you’ll also see the much fainter glow of Neptune. The magnitude 7.9 ice giant lies 23′ east-northeast of Mars this evening. The two switch positions tomorrow night, with Neptune 16′ southwest of Mars. (The magnitude 6.1 star 81 Aquarii then stands 12′ north of Mars.) The actual conjunction between the two planets occurs at 9:08 a.m. EST on the 7th, when Mars passes 2.2′ north of Neptune, but both objects then lie below the horizon from North America. When viewed through a telescope, Mars appears 9″ while Neptune spans 2.3″. The two planets won’t pass closer to each other under a dark sky until October 19, 2210.

Friday, December 7
Although people in the Northern Hemisphere won’t experience the shortest day of the year for another two weeks (at the winter solstice December 21), those at 40° north latitude will see the Sun set earlier today than at any other time this year. Tomorrow’s sunset will arrive about one second later than today’s. The date of earliest sunset depends on latitude — the farther north you live, the closer it occurs to the solstice.
New Moon occurs at 2:20 a.m. EST. At its new phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden in our star’s glare.

Saturday, December 8
The days of viewing Saturn in the evening sky are just about over. In fact, tonight might be your last, best chance to see it this year. Although the magnitude 0.5 ringed world stands only 7° high in the southwest 45 minutes after sunset, a slender, two-day-old Moon serves as a guide. The two objects lie 3° apart and look beautiful through binoculars.

Sunday, December 9
Head outside in early evening this week and you can see the Big Dipper scraping the northern horizon. For latitudes north of about 40°, this conspicuous asterism never sets (“circumpolar” in astronomical parlance), though December evenings find it at its lowest ebb. This means that the constellation on the opposite side of the North Celestial Pole, the familiar W-shaped Cassiopeia, currently rides highest in the sky.

—The Astronomy Magazine

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Moon Phase Calendar

Thursday – 6th December 2018

Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

Moon Currently in Sagittarius

Moon in Sagittarius:
The greatest need is to always search for something. In order to feel safe you might find that you need to have a goal, mission or philosophy that gives your life meaning. With Moon in Sagittarius you have an optimistic approach to life and you believe that things will get better even if you get into trouble.

Organs influenced by Sagittarius Moon Sign:
Organs: Liver, sacrum, thigh bone, tail bone, hip muscles, hip joint, lumbar vertebra, lumbar muscle.

These organs are now more sensitive so provide them with extra care.
Surgical operations:

Surgical operations are recommended during the Waning Moon.

However, avoid surgeries of organs under the influence of the Moon Sign.

Today is Thursday, December 6th

Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor(Thor), God of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday, Judaism the Sabbath(calculated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positive, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, something better,” or “Cut nails on Thursday for wealth.” Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being and material success.

Deity: Thor

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Pisces/Sagittarius

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Oak

Herb: Henbane

Stone: Turquoise/Bloodstone/Topaz

Animal: Fish/Goat/Aurochs

Element: Fire

Color: Brown/White/Orange

Number: 3

Rune: Thorn

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis (Elder) (November 25 – December 22)

The Runic Half Month of Is (November 28 – December 12)

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28 – December 23)

—The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

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The Goddess Book of Days for Thursday, December 6

Sinterklaas or St. Nicholas Day in the Netherlands. Santa Claus had female roots in Befana, Bertha, Perchta, Lucia, Brigid, and the Yule Child (Persephone or the newborn Goddess). The sixth day of the Moon/month is dedicated to the Mothers, or Spenta- Armaiti and Haitian Voodoun Goddess Erzulie.

Goddesses Associated With Thursday, The Day of Thor

Juno, Hera, Kwan Yin, Mary, Cybele, Tara, Mawu, Mbaba Mwana Waresa, Ishtar

—The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

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On Thursday, December 6th, We Celebrate….

Kashim (Alaska)
TAKANAKAPSALUK

Themes: Providence; Purification; Strength; Thankfulness; Luck; Health

Symbols: Saltwater; Arctic Animals

About Takanakapsaluk: This Arctic sea goddess rules over the successful catching of game and over personal health. Takanakapsaluk lives far beneath the cold waters, where she also receives the spirits of the dead and cares for them.

To Do Today: Among Inuit hunters, this is the time of year when special rituals propitiate the spirits of Takanakapsaluk’s animals, who give themselves for the tribe’s food. Specifically, all the bladders of seals, whales, and polar bears are returned to her icy waters in thankfulness. In a similar spirit, go to any open body of water and toss in a small biodegradable offering to the goddess in thanks for your food. Consider abstaining from meat today, or from some other beloved food, as a way of showing appreciation for the goddess’s bounty.

The Kashim traditionally includes ritual fire jumping and sweat baths for purification. Try this yourself by jumping a small candle (carefully, please) or taking a steamy shower (the goddess is part of that water). Additionally, any show of physical prowess today brings continued strength. So, add a little exercise to your day. Take a brisk walk, do some jumping jacks. As you do, think of Takanakapsaluk filling you with revitalizing health.

–365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco

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Thursday’s Magickal Correspondence

Wealth
Male Fertility
Ambition
Expansion
Luck
Happiness
Honor
Family
Harvests

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Dark Blue, Green

Crystals: Turquoise, Amethyst, Lapis

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Thursday

Thursday: Is associated with Jupiter and the colors of – Blue and Metallic Colors

Thursday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Broadcasting, Business, Charity, College Education, Correspondence Courses, Doctors, Expansion, Forecasting, Foreign Interests, Gambling, Growth, Guardians, Horses, Logic, Long Distance Travel, Luck, Material Wealth, Merchants, Philosophy, Political Power, Psychologists, Publicity, Publishing, Reading, Religion, Researching, Self-improvement, Social Matters, Sports, Studying, and The Law

–Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

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Thursday’s Witchery

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.

Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

–Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

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The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 6

St. Nicholas’s Day

Waning Moon

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

Incense: Balsam

Color: Turquoise

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St Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas of Myra is a popular Christian Saint among children across Europe because of his reputation as a bringer of gifts. Both the North American Santa Claus and the British Father Christmas are legendary figures whose attributes derive from the myths surrounding St. Nicholas.

What Do People Do?
St. Nicholas Day is a popular occasion for children in many parts of Europe because children usually receive gifts on this day. Some European cities such as Bari, Italy recognize St. Nicholas as the patron saint and celebrate with different activities such as gift-giving, parades, feasts and festivals.

St. Nicholas is referred to by many names throughout Europe such as Sinterklaas in the Netherlands or Nikolaus in Germany. In the days leading up to December 6, children throughout Europe put their shoes or a special St. Nicholas boot in front of the fireplace or the front door at night to find them filled with small presents the next morning. A larger amount of gifts is usually brought on the eve of St. Nicholas Day or December 5.

Public Life
St. Nicholas Day is a religious observance but not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Background
The legendary figure of St. Nicholas is derived from Nicholas of Myra who officiated as a bishop in 4th century Greece. During his lifetime he developed a reputation for gift-giving by putting coins in other people’s shoes, which accounts for many of today’s Christmas traditions that involve leaving gifts in shoes or boots.

Having inspired both the figure of the North American Santa Claus and the British Father Christmas, St. Nicholas has in some countries been more recently joined on his visits to children’s homes by an evil companion who punishes the naughty ones: in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and northern Italy, this personification of evil is called Krampus, in Germany Knecht Ruprecht, and in the Netherlands Zwarte Piet.

—timeanddate.com

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Correspondences for Thursday, December 7

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil

Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

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Magickal Applications for Thursday

Thursday comes from the Latin Dies Iovis, which means “Jove’s day” Jove, or Jupiter as he was sometimes called, was the supreme god and patron of the ancient Romans. Jove/Jupiter is associated with wealth, leadership, thunder, and lightning. A lord of heaven, Jove/Jupiter was also a god of light, and his sacred color is white. In the Greek mythologies, this deity was known as Zeus. This fifth day of our bewitching week was eventually turned into the Old English Thursdaeg or Thunresdaeg, which translates to “thunder’s day” or, more simply, “Thor’s day.” This day of the week is named after Thor, the popular Norse god of thunder. Thor was the son of Odin. He carried a war hammer called Mjollnir, and it was this that made the thunder and lightning. All of these Thursday gods-Jupiter/Jove, Zeus, and Thor-were wielders of the thunderbolt.

Thursday has the planetary association of Jupiter, and this day of the week is associated with prosperity, abundance, leadership, and good health. Prosperity and abundance are the typical magickal concerns on a Thursday. However, the way people define prosperity can vary greatly between individuals.

Personally, I think prosperity and abundance aren’t about owning the biggest house, fanciest wardrobe, or the newest car. It’s about living within your means and living well. My definition of prosperity is having enough money in the checking account to cover the bills and to pay for the groceries; anything left over is gravy.

But with a family, there is always something. Just about the time you’re feeling confident, something pops up. Somebody has to go to the doctor or the dentist, or someone needs work done on their car. Or my daughter calls from college with the classic “send money” request. It’s enough to drive me bonkers! For instance, just this past month, I got hit up for sorority dues, book fees, dentist bills, a bit of car repair and, lest we forget, living money for my daughter while she is away at school. Ouch!

The aspiration to make your budget stretch and to find ways to cover extra expenses is a real need for just about everybody. So on this bewitching day, let’s look at some practical, magickal ways to increase your prosperity and try out a few enchanting ideas designed to create a little abundance and, last but not least good health.

–Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

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Thursday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

Thursdays are good days for travel and change. It’s the perfect day to re-arrange the furniture of your house and gain a new perspective on something. Even if you are not able to do any traveling on this day, you can still use Thursdays to do spells for travel. You can even do spells for positive change, and re-arrangement of your life. It’s a good idea to exercise on this day, as well. That way, your body can be in-shape by the time Friday comes along.

Rock Safe Trip Spell

Items you will need are:
1 small rock
1 blue candle
1 tube of black paint or black marker

Walk around outside and find a small rock, with a flat surface on one side. When you return inside, write the rune symbol “Raido” on the rock, with your paint or marker This symbol looks like the letter “R.” After the paint or marker dries, take the rock and hold it between your hands. Once the rocks feels warm from the heat of your hands, place it beside the candle. Then light the andle. Close your eyes and prayer to The Powers That Be, for a safe trip. Now open your eyes and hold the rock over the flame and wave it back and forth, careful not to burn your hands. Once you feel like you have infused the energy from the candle into the rock, set the rock aside and blow out the candle. After the rock cools off, place it in your pocket, to ensure a safe journey.

–A Witch’s Week of Spells and Activities
Helga C. Loueen

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Winter Magick

Winter can be a time when aligning oneself with the forces of Nature can seem difficult. The cold and snow can keep everyone locked indoors, and all time spent outside must be limited for one’s own safety. But Winter is a time just as applicable to magick as any other season. And though all plant life has diminished and many animals have hidden themselves away, slumbering till Spring, there is still much at hand that the Witch can use.
Winter is a time of pause, reflection and self analysis. It is one of the times when the Crone turns to face us, reminding us just how mortal we truly are. Stand outside, let the wind tear at your clothes and hair, the cold bite at your skin, penetrating to the bone. Listen to the susurrus of the snow blowing across the ice, just as softly Her words can be heard: “all things must pass.” For these reasons, Winter is a perfect time for purificatory and cleansing magick. And these are ends to which the snow, ice, and cold of Winter are perfectly suited.

Snow is simple to work with magickally and it’s rather versatile. It can be used to “wash” items in to cleanse them. Altar clothes, ritual tools, crystals, and candles can all be “washed” in the snow. Just hold the item in your left hand, with your right take a handful of snow and rub it all over the items. Cleansing with snow is like cleansing with a million very small clear Quartz crystals, and that is the affect it has, as well. It leaves the items feeling freshly cleansed, but energized at the same time. Items like tools and crystals can also just be left outside overnight, buried in a snow bank, to be cleansed by the snow.

Snow can also be used in the creation of a “snowbane” for banishing magick. Outside, form some snow into an image of what it is you will to be rid of. As you form the snowbane, fill it with all the energy and power that thing, person, bad habit, or whatever, has over you. Take your snowbane indoors now. Ideally, place it in a cauldron, but a large cooking or mixing bowl will do perfectly. As the snowbane melts, so, too, the power of what it represents has over you fades.

Snow and ice can also be used to intensify energy within your Circle, just be sure to do your ritual at a time when the winds are calm as Winter winds are prone to dissipation. To this end, the snow can be mounded up to designate the Circle boundaries and piled up a la snowman style for an altar and for smaller altars at the Quarters, as well. If you are particularly ambition and like to play in the snow, you could construct a small outdoor temple outdoors, entirely out of snow, much like an igloo. It need only be big enough for you to sit comfortably in and you could create a snow-sculpture inside to represent your patron Deity.

Another simple means to harness the power of Winter is to work your spells and rituals in silence, as silence is one of the virtues of the North and, thus, of Winter. Gestures alone are quite powerful and evocative, but, as Winter is a time of introversion, visualization alone can be quite appropriate.

These are just a few examples of ways to tap into the power of Winter and keep oneself aligned with the changing of the seasons. Magick is flexible and permeates life, experiment and see what other ways you can up with.

–-Lady Althaea

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Spirit Message of the Moment – Ideas To Celebrate Yule 2018

CELEBRATING THE PAGAN SABBAT: YULE

In many Pagan and Wiccan celebrations, often the cornerstone of a successful Sabbat is the food. Yule is a time of rich, delicious cooking for many of us, so start planning your menu ahead of time. Open up your hearth and home for your guests, and once you’re seated at your meal, take a moment to be thankful for all the bounty and blessings you have before you this Yule season!

Food Blessings, Pagan and Wiccan Style
Many religions celebrate the consumption of food with some sort of prayer of thanksgiving. Many Pagans and Wiccans believe that not only should we thank the gods for our food, but also the earth and the food itself. After all, if you’re eating plants or meat, something had to die so that you could have a meal. It seems rude not to thank your food for its sacrifice. Any of the following may be said over a meal, a Cakes and Ale ceremony, or any other event where food is served. Feel free to include the names of the deities of your tradition, of you prefer.

• This Simple Meal Blessing offers thanks to the God and Goddess for a meal.

• A Prayer to the Earth shows gratitude for the planet’s bounty.

• If you’re eating a meal that once walked around, offer a prayer Celebrating Meat.

• Invite the Gods to dine with you.

• Make an Offering of a bit of your food.

Basic Wassail Recipe
Wassail was originally a word that meant to greet or salute someone — groups would go out Wassailing on cold evenings, and when they approached a door would be offered a mug of warm cider or ale. Over the years, the tradition evolved to include mixing eggs with alcohol and asperging the crops to ensure fertility. While this recipe doesn’t include eggs, it sure is good, and it makes your house smell beautiful for Yule!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients:
• 1 Gallon apple cider
• 2 C. cranberry juice
• 1/2 C honey
• 1/2 C sugar
• 2 oranges
• Whole cloves
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• Allspice
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• 3 cinnamon sticks (or 3 Tbs. ground cinnamon)
• 1/2 C – 1 C brandy (optional)

Preparation: Set your crockpot to its lower setting, and pour apple cider, cranberry juice, honey and sugar in, mixing carefully. As it heats up, stir so that the honey and sugar dissolve. Stud the oranges with the cloves, and place in the pot (they’ll float). Add the diced apple. Add allspice, ginger and nutmeg to taste — usually a couple of tablespoons of each is plenty. Finally, snap the cinnamon sticks in half and add those as well.

Cover your pot and allow to simmer 2 – 4 hours on low heat. About half an hour prior to serving, add the brandy if you choose to use it. Buttered RumButtered rum was a popular recipe in colonial America, and it’s easy to see why — it’s GOOD. You can brew this up in your crockpot, ladle out a nice big mug and sit by the fire on a chilly winter evening. It’s the perfect warm drink for Yule. If you leave out the rum, your kids can enjoy it too (here’s a tip — when your little one wants to have a Harry Potter party, make a rum-free pot of this recipe and call it butter beer).

Ingredients:
• 2 Quarts apple juice
• 2 C firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 stick butter (use the real stuff, not margarine)
• 3 Tbs. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 2 C. your favorite rum
• Refrigerated whipped dessert topping
• Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg for garnish

Preparation: Warm up the apple juice and brown sugar in a pot. Add the butter (dice up the stick before you put it in there, so it’ll melt faster). Stir until the butter is melted. Add the spices and the rum. Cover the pot, and allow to simmer on low for 2 – 4 hours. Ladle into mugs for serving. Top each with a dollop of whipped topping and a cinnamon stick. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.

Sunshine Skillet
When the sun comes up on Yule morning, there’s nothing quite like it. If your family celebrates with a solar ritual, after you’re done, head to the kitchen for a big breakfast. This sunny skillet dish is full of good stuff — if you’re vegetarian, simply substitute something else for the sausage, or leave the meat out altogether. This is fabulous with some nice warm biscuits and gravy.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
• 2 Tbs. butter (use the good stuff, not margarine)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 C shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• 2 C southern-style hashbrown potatoes, thawed
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 2 C sausage, browned
• 2 C cheddar cheese, grated
• Fresh rosemary and sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 C Asiago cheese, grated
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 small tomato, diced

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350. Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onions, sautéing until they are opaque. Add potatoes, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. In a buttered or greased casserole dish, spread the potato mixture around to evenly cover the bottom. Mix the eggs, sausage, cheese, herbs, salt and pepper together in a small bowl, and then pour over potatoes. Bake in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes. About ten minutes into the bake time, sprinkle the Asaigo cheese on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool for ten minutes before serving. To serve, dish onto plates and garnish with tomatoes and onions.

All Above Excerpts authored by Patti Wigington, ThoughtCo
Published on Spiritblogger’s Blog

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MAGIC IN THE HOME

Without hearts, there is no home. —LORD BYRON

Hovel, hotel, or houseboat—your home should be your castle. If it’s not, a little magic fairy dusting is in order. Of all the places where the Goddess can manifest herself, your home is one where she can really shine without the aid of furniture polish. Every part of your living space has magical potential. What about your living room, you ask? Use the TV screen as a crystal ball (but turn it off first)! And the rugs—metaphysically sweep problems under them!

One of the favorite magical jokes in my home is about the hot tub. When people come over and meet Trish the witch for the first time, we often open the tub by way of hospitality. A little later, when everyone’s relaxed, I come out with a handful of mixed vegetables, a wooden spoon, and a sneaky grin! Gives a whole new meaning to “bubble, bubble,” eh? The point is that the hot tub could be my cauldron if I wanted it to be, just as many things around your home can take on the Goddess’s glimmer if you will allow them to.

–Goddess in My Pocket: Simple Spells, Charms, Potions, and Chants to Get You Everything You Want
Patricia Telesco

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Witchy Tip for Thursday, December 6th

Yule is also a time to share our wealth and happiness with those around us. Gift-giving to family, friends and circle-mates is a wonderful gesture, not only of our own path but others as well. Symbolically, we’re sharing the bounty of a harvest, though in times past it was elements of the harvest that were shared out among those closest to the giver. The gift was often something one couldn’t provide oneself, and in return a gift was given to someone else, something they didn’t have.

–Yule (Creating New Pagan Family Tradition)

Jodi Lee

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 6th

Deal with the dark-of-the-moon unsettled monthly vibes as best as possible. This challenging situation lasts until the moment the new moon at 16 degrees of Sagittarius occurs at 11:22pm. In the meantime, the universe is handing you a couple of golden opportunities as the moon in Sagittarius makes its monthly conjunction with optimism-boosting King of the Gods Jupiter (6:32am) while Mercury makes its station to turn direct at 28 degrees of Scorpio (1:25pm). Zero in on the following important themes associated with Mercury – communications, learning and primary education, words and language, transportation and travel plans, business and trade, messages and paperwork, health and medical concerns, the five senses, air and breathing, wind and temperature changes. Since Mercury, like every celestial body, has a shadow side, don’t let down your guard concerning signings and agreements as Mercury is fundamentally motionless all of today and can influence earth dwellers positively or negatively. (Mercury will remain in forward motion until March 5, 2019 when it will begin a new retrograde cycle at 30 degrees of Pisces.) Before the new moon happens, two additional sky anomalies test your patience as the moon squares Mars (8:12pm) and Neptune (8:43pm). After the new moon enters the history books, keep striving for serenity since several planetary shake-ups make their appearance in the heavens on Friday.

[Note to readers: All times are calculated as Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd

Astrology.com

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ARE YOU SECRETLY AN ALIEN? IF YOU WERE BORN AFTER 1978, YOU MIGHT BE!

• ASTROLOGY.COM

How would you describe yourself? A millennial? Super-creative, highly intuitive, instinctually rebellious, and… existentially lonely? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you might be an Indigo Child.

In her book “Welcome Home, Wanderer: A Guide for Indigo Children,” author Sophia Gubb asks, “Have you felt different all your life? Do you feel that you have an important purpose, even when you don’t know what it is?… Are you, in other words, an alien with a mission?”

by Anna Ortiz

WHAT IS AN INDIGO CHILD?

“Indigo Children” was a term coined in the 1970’s by Nancy Ann Tappe, an author and synesthete who developed the idea of a “life color” – a single color that remains in your aura from birth to death. She began seeing a rare aural shade of a deep purplish-blue appearing in a unique set of people starting in the ‘60s and early ‘70s – before noticing a prominent spike in its occurrence in the ensuing decades.

Since Tappe named the phenomenon, numerous works have been written about the Indigo children, who are generally characterized as people who were born in or after 1978 that have the telltale indigo aura. There are many specific characteristics attributed to this burgeoning group of individuals, including the belief that they are a spiritually evolved generation whose purpose is to enlighten society and steer humanity to a better path.

Some even believe that Indigo children are alien hybrids or, at the very least, have a special celestial connection to extraterrestrials. Craig Lang, a Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) field investigator, proposes that otherworldly visitors could be genetically integrating these characteristics into the human populace in order to introduce a population of “awakened” individuals. In her book “Children of the Stars: Advice for Star Children and Parents,” author Nikki Pattillo theorizes that Indigos are spiritual incarnations of extraterrestrials in human bodies, rather than genetic science experiments.

Either way, there’s no doubting that countless young outsiders have found their place among the Indigo tribe.

LIFE AS AN INDIGO CHILD

There was one widely shared sentiment among the Indigos we interviewed: Growing up, they felt like outsiders. Most Indigos we spoke to admitted to experiencing alienation or a feeling of generally being misunderstood. In fact, Indigos are often diagnosed with conditions such as ADD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Terek Schofield, of Petawawa, Ontario has struggled with severe ADHD all his life. When he recently stumbled upon articles about Indigo children, “the scary accuracy of every single trait pretty much made me a believer.”

Learning of this phenomenon has made the 32-year-old feel less alone. “I have a community, or rather a family,” he explains. “And when you’ve felt a strange outsider your whole life, it’s comforting.”

That sentiment has been echoed by many others across the globe. Simply feeling a part of a like-minded community, even if it’s just a Facebook group or online forum, has helped to cope with the challenges they face as an Indigo. Aurexia Rivers, a 33-year-old from South Africa,  identifies as an Indigo and says that learning about the community has helped her make sense of her own life. “Learning about Indigo Children has helped me to understand myself better,” she says. ”I’m not just a freak.”

In addition to ADHD and other diagnoses, Indigos are also often highly attuned to things that others cannot see.  “Ever since I was a little girl, I have been able to see entities that ‘normal folk’  do not see,” explains Isabelle Alba, a 35-year-old from Stockholm, Sweden. “Both good and bad entities. It was and still is a very scary experience.”

On the other hand, the sensitivity can bring about a feeling of connectivity. For instance, Marie Velan spent her childhood talking to the wildlife around her home in Seattle. The 31-year-old would hold conversations with birds in her treehouse and could sense when a stray cat was going to have kittens before it was visibly apparent.

If any of these stories feel familiar to you, you might be an Indigo as well.

7 SIGNS OF BEING AN INDIGO CHILD

You don’t follow the rules. Indigo children are not the personality type to accept rules and authority at face value. Instead, they choose to be led by their internal values and their innate sense of integrity above all else. This means growing up at odds with authoritarian figures like parents and teachers. As a result, adult Indigos tend to clash with authority throughout their lives because of their strong sense of right and wrong and they’re not afraid to make their opinions known.

You are an empath. Indigos pick up on a lot from the people and the atmosphere around them and have an uncanny ability to tap into other people’s emotions. When Indigos are unaware of this trait, it can lead to depression and a sense of feeling overwhelmed.

You have psychic abilities. Often, Indigos have an innate connection to the spirit world, which can include seeing or feeling ghosts. They have a sixth sense in tuning into other’s motives, feelings, characteristics and underlying issues, and they often already know the outcome of a situation before it comes to fruition. It’s hard to pull the veil over an Indigo’s eyes since their perception is so fine-tuned.

You often feel lonely. Even though much of the time Indigos are well-liked and even admired for their altruistic character, feeling disconnected with those around them is still a lifetime battle. Because they have always lived with a feeling of isolation and alienation beginning in their earliest years, Indigos typically have trouble falling into step with the rest of society. This makes for a challenging adolescence, in which depression and anxiety can develop early on. Questions like, “What’s wrong with me?” and statements like, “Everything is wrong,” tend to be repetitive throughout an Indigo’s lifetime.

You’re super-creative.  Indigos think outside of the box and gravitate towards the world of fantasy, and often find artistic ways to express themselves such as through music, writing, and the arts.

You’re hypersensitive. Indigos, especially if they are younger, are filled with a whirlwind of emotions, which amplifies their reactions to situations and people. They are the first to get their heart-strings tugged by a moving scene in a movie and react strongly when reading the news of a person or animal who was harmed. They also have many physical sensitivities, such as allergies to foods and chemicals. In addition, Indigos can have a heightened reaction to stimulus, especially in chaotic or overbearing atmospheres.

You want to make the world a better place.  Indigos are born with a desire to find their destiny, which often ties in with humanitarian-based efforts. Part of their driving force is the persistent feeling that they are here for a reason, combined with intense empathy for not only other people but also animals and the environment. They don’t believe in living for material gain and comfort, but rather use their time on Earth to enact solutions to humanity’s’ many quandaries.

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Your Daily Love Horoscopes for Thursday, Dec. 6 & Dec. 7

The Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 6

For Claire’s in-depth horoscope for this week, call 0905 072 0237
Calls cost 77p/min from a BT landline

To book a private tarot, horoscope or clairvoyant reading with Claire over the telephone, click here.
Phone consultations cost UK£55, US$83 for 20mins, UK£90, US$135 for 40mins.

More details…

Your Daily Tarot Card for December 7th is Temperance

Temperance

Keywords: providing aid, healing, concentration, moderation!

Astrological Correspondence: Sagittarius

The angel between heaven and earth blending different elements into a harmonious substance represents a bridge between polarities, like heaven and earth, masculine and feminine, beginning and end. The combining of varied substances serves as imagery for the merging of diverse forces to create a new whole for cooperation, coordination, a harmonious balance, looking for a middle ground, achieving healing, and recovery. Temperance signifies that moderation is necessary to regulate passions and maintain harmony in relationships, and to build tolerance and cooperation in groups. In a negative situation, Temperance characteristics are indecision, inconstancy, excess, obsession, and lack of control.

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Your Daily Love Tarot Card for December 6th is The Magician

The Magician

Have you fallen under a spell today and do not want to let go of the fantasy? Do you think you found the ideal? Could you be ignoring what you feel might destroy the ideal? Think twice. Put the brakes on and contemplate as you work to see things in perspective. If in a relationship, criticism might be a turn on for someone, but does it work for you?

 

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Your Daily Tarot Power Card for December 6th is The Magician

The Magician

You’re in the zone! During this time, your silver tongue seems to be able to do no wrong. So, seal the deal, whether that means signing a contract, purchasing a house, or reaching out to your crush to propose a date! This adventure can only be started if you are the one to initiate by starting the conversation, so don’t wait around for somebody else to be the one to get the ball rolling. Take charge of your own destiny!

 

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Your Daily Rune for August 31 is Elhaz

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Your Daily Witches Rune for December 6 is The Blank Rune

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances.

Your Animal Spirit Guide for December 6 is The Robin

When the Robin enters your life you can expect a brighter future is on its way.

Characteristics of the Robin

New Growth
Cleansing
Communication
Harmony
Hope
New Beginning
Bright Future

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Your Daily Karmic Number for December 6 is 11

Have you noticed how beautiful autumn leaves are when they move through the air or across the ground when the wind moves them? It’s like a dance with Mother Nature. It’s magical. That’s not your life right now, under number 11. You have been blowing around like debris being swept down a sidewalk by a leaf blower. You are ungrounded and easily influenced by outside forces. You have too many people giving you advice that has nothing to do with your life. Tell them to stop sharing then focus on your breath for five minutes. You will gain clarity this way. You’ll soon become more like a leaf, floating through the air.

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Crack the Cookie

Quarreling is the weapon of the weak

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Wisdom of the Buddha

To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance

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Your Daily Planet Tracker for Dec. 6: Moon in Sagittarius

 Optimistic, Philosophical, Adventurous

December 5 – December 8, 2018

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Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018

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A Little Humor for Your Day

“Walk barefoot, listen to the wind, drink in the moon…. BE MAGICK”

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