Spiritual Spice: The Mixing of Pantheons

Author: NightLad

Isis. Odin. Hera. Anubis. We know the mythology which accompanies each of these ancient Gods. We study their history, their followers, the teachings and morals which we believe they stand for. Indeed, as with all ancient reflections of Divinity, it is only the mythology and scattered records of their existence which has been left for our modern interpretation. Yet when all is said and done and we sit before our altar in prayer, just who is a confused Pagan supposed to commune with? Isis? Odin? Maybe I’ll play it safe and just go with Zeus. Errr… but then Kali will get pissed. Oyi!

I believe that it could be beneficial for the Pagan community to stop and take a step back from the onslaught of Pantheons which seem to be flooding our global village. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Where do the Gods and Goddesses come from, and why do we really pay so much heed to their existence? The answer is one which philosophers have struggled with for years beyond measure, yet still the stories of Athena and Loki resound within our community. They are indeed teachers and guides to us, friends and approachable (within limit) allies. And beyond all, there is the fact that each God and Goddess is him/her self only a specific reflection of the Divine. They are portions of a greater view which, sadly, far too few attempt to see.

There is a ‘Pagan Spiritual Pyramid’ which can illustrate the idea of all pre Judeo-Christian Pantheons. It is by far not the only idea about Divinity’s structure, yet it is one which I find to be particularly insightful. At the peak of this proverbial pyramid is the Divine: omnipresent, omnipotent, the universal soul which resounds through, around, and within all living things. It is the beginning, the fount of life eternal, the circle of creation, death, and rebirth all in one. It is male, female, good, bad, and every shade of gray imaginable as well as the mixing pot of all emotions. It is the heart of Magick. Yet not all of us can, or particularly want to, envision such an immense source of life as that which we celebrate. Indeed it is hard, if not downright impossible, for any mortal mind to envision such an immensely beautiful consciousness while in prayer. Yet as nature is our most imminent teacher, we find that all things are born by two opposites. Male and Female. If it is reflected in all aspects of nature, surely it must be true for the Great Spirit. The Divine, then, can be divided into two separate yet unified halves- Male and Female. Let us name the second level of the Pagan Pyramid “God and Goddess.” Whether you envision the God and Goddess as metaphors for the split of Divinity to humanistic (and therefore slightly more understandable) representations, or as actual manifestations which govern the universe, it is not of primary importance. That is an essay unto itself. So now we have Divinity, the God and the Goddess. Yet even divided into the natural reflections of all things, all parents and thus all creation … there is still a vastness about them. They, split into the energies which might be best termed with their respective sexes, continue to be beings of immensity and, well, supremacy. As it should be. Right?

One God and one Goddess, as perfect as They are (whether taken in a literal or symbolic sense), still do not give much variety when it comes to matters of general theology. We have the story of creation in which They star, but … then what? The spiritual leaders of old knew that to further explain the many aspects of Divinity there must still be additional “break downs” of its diverse aspects. If the Divine is the proverbial sea of all existence, and a mortal desires to work or appeal to one specific aspect of its depths, then how are we to extrapolate that faction from the rest? The Gods and Goddesses might have been seen as ways to not only appeal to the specialized emotions, energies, creativities and overall power of the Divine, but also as ways to grow myths rich with symbolism and story about the way the universe works. If an individual Pagan wants to get in touch with the Love energies of the Universe, it can be intimidating to pull (or call) that specific desire amongst a sea of equally powerful and pure emotions. Yet there is a Branwen, a Chama, an Aphrodite to appeal to. They are the focal points of a unique aspect of the Divine. They are teachers through their myths and the personalities which have sprung from their stories. The Gods and Goddesses speak to the generations as beings of human quality, while providing a pure focus to attain connection with portions of Spirit. Despite the fact that I personally choose to appeal directly to the Divine, or to the God and Goddess, I do understand and value the legends of the fragmented forms of Divinity which exist throughout the world.

Should we mix Pantheons? Of course we should! Each legend, personality born through associated emotion, power, and reflection of the Divine should be treasured. If one God or Goddess particularly “speaks” to you, then commune with them. Perhaps they offer a channel to an aspect of Spirit which you might not currently have open to you. Perhaps they can help unlock a greater portion of yourself, and share some of their own knowledge. The Gods and Goddesses are alive and well, each one sustained by the rainbow of emotion, thought, and will which exists in all expressions of creation. If anything, it is no wonder why there are so many Pagans flocking to research about the Gods and Goddesses of old. Who knows the wonderful treasures an ancient civilization might have discovered then imbued in the likeness of a God? Who knows what wisdom lies out there just waiting to be uncovered! However when seeking Pantheons to research, keep mindful of the religion from which they spring. Many of the pre Judeo-Christian religions have Gods and Goddesses which can basically “stand on their own”. However later religions have a different form of spiritual ‘families’. Christianity, for example (as it is a religion many of us are quite familiar with), has a Deity structure which will not stand without the backing of the religion as a whole. If you are to accept one aspect of its Pantheon, you must accept it all. Or at least recognize its relation. Such religions and their Pantheon make incorporation to Paganism a titch more difficult, however not truly impossible.

Some think that the act of being “eclectic” can lead to the pollution of the Pagan path. They might go so far as to state that the use of too many Deities will dilute the pool of “hard core” Paganism we are still working to purify. I, for one, believe that all the Gods and Goddesses are simply further avenues to celebrating that which is the Divine, the Great Spirit, the Universal Soul. Celebrate, learn and grow from each fragment you study. We all have a working mind and spirit of our own. I believe that each one of us is more than capable of differentiating fact from fiction. By carefully examining the myths of ages past, and working with those aspects which speak to us as truth, we can further regain our Pagan heritage. After all, isn’t one of the greatest truths in our religion the realization of Divinity as a whole?

Just as there are Male Gods for any particular legend, energy, or emotion there can be seen a Female counterpart. In the Universe there is balance, and this simple truth is reflected too in our religion through the equality of the Male and the Female. Be it the God and Goddess, or the multitude of “specific” Gods and Goddesses which have sprung forth from our own human history. In any light the balance is kept. The mythology which fuels the personalities of Spirit are alive through our texts, in our minds, and in our hearts. By keeping Paganism (or any one of its divisions; Witchcraft, Wicca, Shamanism, etc.) as your spiritual rock, I do not believe it is possible to be “too eclectic”. How can one home have too many paths leading into the world? How can a tree have too many branches?

These have been a few of my own thoughts and should be taken as such. The Gods and Goddesses truly are alive and do speak to us. They are never silent. Their voices are whispered on the wind, and their messages written in the veins of every leaf. Strive to understand them for yourself, and truly know the touch of Divinity.

In blessings and light,

NX

Spirituality: A Personal View

Author: Rhys Chisnall

It seems that spirituality means different things to different people and perhaps as spirituality is a very individual and subjective experience this is only right and proper. However as the word is often used in different contexts I believe that it is a phenomena that is worthy of some thought, so for those of you that may be interested here is my take on this difficult subject. If you care to look at the Oxford English Dictionary you will find that it says that spirituality is 1. Relating to or affecting the human spirit as opposed to material or physical things. 2. Relating to religion or religious belief.

For me this raises more questions than it answers.

What exactly is meant by the human spirit? Is it really something that differs from material and physical things? Is it a literal human spirit as believed by followers of some religions; a dualist point of view of a spirit that is of a different substance to the body that survives after death as Descartes claimed? It certainly seems to imply this, but that just does not seem to describe my experience of spirituality or those of some others that I know especially as I am someone who finds the dualism pill a hard one to swallow. These are perhaps questions for another time and are discussed in my essay, Spirit and Character.

Then there are those people who do not feel that they can’t fit their beliefs into any particular religion or religious belief. These people often regard their beliefs as their spirituality, but are they just splitting hairs as others might describe their beliefs as religious? That aside there does seem to be the intuition that spirituality is different to, though related to religion. Perhaps the key word here is ‘relating’, perhaps spirituality is about relationships. Within this article I am going to argue that spirituality is actually a certain kind of relationship that has particular qualities and we shall explore what those qualities could be?

In his book, Breaking the Spell, Religion as a Natural Phenomenon the American philosopher Daniel Dennett suggests that people’s belief in God may be in part down to the idea that people love God, or at least the idea of God. Dennett argues that some people continue to believe in God despite scientific evidence that makes a personal God unlikely because they are in love with the idea of him. So is love a necessary and sufficient condition of the relationship that defines spirituality?

Of course, Dennett is not suggesting that it is. After all someone who really loves Manchester United or his or her brand new convertible car is in a loving relationship of a kind. But however entertaining harbouring the notion might be, it would be a very long stretch of the imagination to believe that they were engaged in spirituality.

Love is not sufficient for spirituality and neither is it necessary. After all it is not hard to imagine someone who has a relationship with ‘God’ that is based on resentment and even hatred. Several Hollywood films seem to be based on this premise, though the characters may still feel that they have a spiritual relationship with the deity. The characters in the films Dogma, Signs and the Poseidon Adventure seem to fit this picture.

In real life I dare say there are many practising Christians who feel a sense of hatred or resentment (perhaps unconsciously) towards God for how their lives may have turned out. One wonders how Job might have felt towards God as he was plagued by misfortune in the myths of the Old Testament.

Who is to say whether historical pagans felt that they loved their gods? They obviously felt that they had a relationship with them and no doubt felt a sense of spirituality (thought they may not have expressed it in quite that term) but they did not always seem to love them. The Egyptians use to get in right huff with their Gods if they didn’t do what was expected of them.

In modern times the anthropologist Pascal Boyer described how a traditional community banished one of their local goddesses for not fulfilling her side of the religious bargain. Perhaps rather than love, the pagans took a more pragmatic approach to their deities based on appeasement of powerful ‘beings’ or the reciprocal altruism of ‘if I worship you will you be nice to me’.

I can recall reading an account of a reconstructionist pagan — these are modern pagans who are literal polytheists and seek to reconstruct pre-Christian pagan religions (within one assumes the bounds of the law) — who suggested that despite having spiritual relationships he did not feel any particular love for his gods. Mind you, he later changed his allegiance to a Chinese Goddess for whom he did feel it but nevertheless it seems from the evidence that love is not sufficient.

It seems to me that spirituality involves the kind of relationships that feel to the people who pursue them as being extremely important. These are relationships that are so important that we would feel the poorer or bereft in some way if we could not pursue them. This kind of relationship reminds me of the relationships described in the essay written by the phenomenologist Jane Howarth entitled Neither Use nor Ornament: A Consumer’s Guide to Care (an essay that I first assumed to be about middle managers) .

In the essay, Howarth uses the concept of cherishing, an idea similar to the German philosopher Martin Heidegger’s concept of care, to describe the relationship between subject and object. In other words she says that cherishing something comes from a history of interaction; the relationship between the parties involved.

For example, imagine two old friends that have gone through the hardships of life together, supporting each other through tough times, cried on each other shoulders, looked after each other’s kids and been through hell and back. They have also shared the good times, partied together and rejoiced at each other’s triumphs and shared each other’s joys. They have a history together, a history of interaction.

It could be argued that perhaps from their perspective it is the relationship that is cherished as much as the other person. The relationship has an instrumental value but it is also intrinsically important and cherished due to the history of interaction. By this I mean that you can have other friends, but you can never replace that specific person, you can never replace that relationship. The other friends and other relationships are just not equivalent. The experience of the relationship, the history of the interaction can never be repeated.

Admittedly in her essay Howarth was talking about relationships and interactions directed towards objects that we cherish and her ideas are often used in arguments within environmental philosophy, but it could just as easily be applied to people or characters.

Before we go on, I should just note that you don’t necessarily have to love something to cherish it. It could be argued that people have all sorts of habits and personality traits that they cherish. They may cherish certain traditions not because they particularly like them but because that is what they have always done and it gives them a sense of familiarity and positioning within their lives.

They may also have relationships with people that they simply cannot stand, but cherish these relationships nonetheless, if only to cause annoyance and upset to the other person. I daresay there are a few marriages that are carefully cherished for that very reason. However surely this is still not sufficient for our idea that spirituality is about relationships. After all, the fanatical football fan and car fancier could still conceivable fall into this category. For surely they too have had a history interaction leading to cherishing their object.

To me it seems that spirituality is an important relationship so important that many people who experience spirituality whether religious or not, says that it has helped them to endure times of hardship and difficulty. I would argue that this was the kind of relationship that the existentialist psychiatrist Viktor Frankl had with his wife.

During the Second World War, the Nazis imprisoned him in the Auschwitz concentration camp. As a Jew he was stripped of his psychiatric practise and forced into slave labour and endured terrible hardship including being separated from his wife who was imprisoned elsewhere. Frankl tells the story of being forced to march through the dark accompanied by guards driving them with the butts of their rifles. Anyone with sore feet was supported by their neighbours and a man stumbling close to Frankl murmured to him from behind an upturned collar, “If only our wives could see us now”. As they stumbled through the dark, Frankl’s mind turned to his wife, and he later wrote that he saw her image in his mind eye with uncanny accuracy; that on that cold dark night she seemed to him more luminous than the rising sun. And in that most horrific of places by contemplating his beloved he could still know a bliss that helped him endure. Sadly, his wife was later murdered by the Nazis at the Bergen-Belson concentration camp.

Is this an example of a spiritual relationship? Many people might not consider the idea that Frankl’s experience as spirituality but I personally think that it is. Perhaps it is similar to the kind of relationship that a Christian has with God or Jesus. It is of the upmost importance and sustains them through adversity and even, if genuine, sustains them in the face of death. Though I should add that this does not necessarily imply that the object with which they form the relationship has any literal reality.

For me, it is the same as the relationship and connection I have for and with the wonders and horrors of nature as personified through the Lord and the Lady of the Craft. My pattern’s relatedness and connection to the rest of the wider pattern related through such symbols — that which the famous mythologist Professor Joseph Campbell describes as transparent to the transcendent. It could be argued that Frankl felt this wonder in his relationship with his wife, and I see no reason why we can’t experience this in another person. It was the quality of the relationship that sustained him and led him to bliss in the most horrific of circumstances. I daresay that no matter how much the football fan loves their team or the car fancier cherishes his car their relationships with these objects are not sufficient to sustain them through hardship, grief or terminal illness; it does not connect them with something more important.

The relationship of spirituality, from my perspective engenders a sense of wonder. By wonder I mean that spirituality connects us with something other, it is a relationship, which is perceived as greater and more potent than ourselves. It takes us beyond ourselves, beyond limiting self-service and the limited sense of self. It connects us with something wider and other, yet intimately the same. It is that kind of relationship beyond ourselves that leaves us with that sense of awe and wonder which can’t really be adequately described in words and hinted at only with metaphor.

The 19th Century philosopher John Stuart Mill said that it was familiarity not understanding that destroys wonder. I would argue that it is mystery and awe despite an intellectual understanding that can fuel the wonder and awe in the relationship. Often intellectual understanding can add to the wonder experienced. For example I understand intellectually the process of evolution by natural selection and yet the process fills me with wonder at the blind power of nature. We intellectually know the stars are thousands of light years distant, that it takes thousands of years for their light to reach our retinas. We know that when gaze at the night sky we are looking back in time. Is that not wonderful and is it not awe inspiring, perhaps more so because we know these facts about them?

The British philosopher Ronald Hepburn claims in his essay on Wonder that, “if problems should arise over the philosophical basis of belief, and worship becomes impossible for a person, wonder is probably the nearest intense appreciative attitude and emotion that is free of problematic metaphysics and so remains available”. It is this relationship of wonder that changes our outlook, adding depth to our existence relating us to the mysteries of life and death. It is sustaining and life changing and so very important. It is the connection and interaction with the larger picture.

To my mind spirituality is not necessarily about spirits or spirit (what spirits are, is another question) . Rather it is found in the quality of a relationship or the character of the relationship. It is not simply a love for something, or just a history of interaction within the relationships. Nor really is it simply about relationships, which are seen as being very important, although these factors are part of it.

I consider spirituality to be about a relationship that is bigger, more powerful, with greater potency than just ourselves; a relationship that is based upon wonder that can sustain us in times of extreme adversity as it did with Frankl, and so provides us with a sense of meaning in times of extreme hardship. It is a relationship that takes us beyond ourselves and limited self-interests.

To sum up with metaphor I think that spirituality can be likened to beer; life without spirituality is like drinking pub larger, bland and flavourless, whereas life with it is like supping real ale, richer, more fulfilling and with greater depth and flavour.

The Wisdom of Buddha

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

Your Weekly Influences for March 26th

 

Tarot Influence

The Knight of Wands

Energy and generosity countered by cruelty. Unrestrained impulsiveness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Scorpio

With Scorpio come victory through a forceful inner drive. Scorpio also denotes a high level of sensuality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Earth Reversed

Earth reversed denotes a lack of positive connection with the life spirit–a lost soul. If you are not careful you may miss much of what life has to offer you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If You Were Born Today, March 26

 

You are hard-working, energetic, security-minded, and determined. You tend to go it alone in your work, or you take on more than your share. You are ambitious, and while you do enjoy instant results, you are able to outlast others through any trials and tribulations life has to offer, simply because you so quickly get back on your feet after a fall. You enjoy a big challenge. Famous people born today: Robert Frost, Leonard Nimoy, Tenessee Williams, Keira Knightley, James Caan, Sandra Day O’Connor, James Iha, Martin Short, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Grey, Diana Ross.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

With the Sun and Moon in harmony in your Solar Return chart, the year ahead should be satisfying and balanced overall. You are in comfortable demand and personally popular, and you are able to achieve a decent balance between work and play; personal and professional life. For the most part, you are on top of your game this year, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there is less stress on both your mind and body. Your self-confidence and positive attitude will reward you!

Saturn transits square to your Sun until November 2018, and this can encourage you to straighten out neglected areas of your life. You’ll be working hard at disciplining yourself. You are likely to have new or increased responsibilities, and it might take some time to get adjusted to them. The need to re-structure and re-organize your life will be apparent at some point during this period. Much can be accomplished. Although you may not always see immediate results for your efforts, important groundwork can be laid for the future.

The year ahead can be an ambitious time and a supportive period for reaching your goals. You might solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

This is an excellent year in which to advance projects revolving around communications – writing, speaking, selling, and so forth. Your reputation may be enhanced through word of mouth. Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly as well.

With Mars conjunct Saturn in your Solar Return chart, you are more determined and hard-working than usual. This is an excellent time to get organized and to stick with projects through to the end. When you face obstacles to your goals, which is a likely scenario this year, you are likely to just keep on pushing. Progress may be slow, but it’s steady and solid. What you accomplish now will benefit you for years to come. You may be called to task for a responsibility that you’ve avoided in the past.

Connecting with like-minded people is likely but also with people who have new perspectives to share. It’s a particularly powerful year for friendships that are often sudden or exciting, social affairs, and artistic work. Whirlwind changes in your love life and/or financial state are possible. It may be that you experience sudden changes or breakups with a friend or lover. However, the chance of a sudden new friendship is just as likely. At the root of this is a stronger taste for the unusual. What is familiar is less exciting to you than what is new and different. If a relationship seems to threaten your sense of freedom, you may have an easy time separating from it. Some fireworks in both your social and financial lives are expected.

Jupiter forms a trine to your Sun in November, and you have a stronger than usual desire to improve, grow, and learn. This is a fortunate aspect that helps boost optimism and confidence, and you are able to attract fortunate circumstances into your life as a result. Problems are easier to resolve. Matters related to universities, higher education, religion, publishing, legal affairs, and/or foreign interests can be especially strong. It’s an excellent time to further your education. You are likely to enjoy a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses during the course of the month.

This is a year for solving problems and getting your life in order in significant ways. You receive plenty of cosmic support for making big improvements or lifestyle changes, although hard work is necessary. This can be a wonderful time for meeting new people or more thoroughly enjoying your current friendships.

4 in Numerology 2018 is a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to pay special attention to practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are often not formed in a Four personal year. However, it can be a wonderful year for building, development, and laying a solid foundation for future successes. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

2019 will be a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of discovery and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise, promote, and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken for the better. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed; or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, diversify, mingle.

 

Cafe Astrology

How Each Zodiac Sign Shows They Love You

Discover the covert clues that signal when a Sun sign likes you

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

How to tell if an Aries likes you

Regardless of age or gender, there’s one absolutely infallible way to know if an Aries loves you: they’ll pick a fight. Not a physical fight, of course, but a playful war of words, designed to simultaneously flirt and test your mettle. Aries was the ancient God of War — so, far more than romance, they want a worthy opponent. They also want to count on someone to have their back. Banter, fight back, and play practical jokes on them. Keeping up is tiring, but totally worth it.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

How to tell if a Taurus likes you

Taureans express love the way they do everything else — slowly and thoroughly — so they won’t say the words you’re longing to hear until they feel the time is right. Be patient. If you need reassurance, pay attention to their actions. The wining and dining, the sincere compliments, the unswerving reliability … oh, and the gifts! A thoughtful gift given simply because it reminded them of you, or because they knew you’d enjoy it, or even “just because.” Obviously, you must have been very good this year.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

How to tell if a Gemini likes you

They’re always funny, but you’ll know they’ve got it for you — and bad — when they’ve gone out of their way to make you laugh. They’ll hang around a lot, too, regaling you with all kinds of trivia. If you’re coworkers and they get in trouble for devoting too much time impressing you, they won’t stop — they’ll just quit. The only thing that will stop them is if you tell them to. But why would you do that? How many people do you know who have their very own charming, brilliant stand-up comedian?

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

How to tell if a Cancer likes you

Stop wondering if the Cancer you’re attracted to — okay, madly in love with — feels the same. Find out by carefully watching for the following rock-solid, classic astrological indicators. First, they’ll cook or bake for you. Of course, they love their kitchens, so a frosted Bundt cake won’t tell you what you want to know. The flowers and compliments, however, indicate the next stage for the two of you, followed by an evening at their place, poring over scrapbooks … an extremely good sign. The clincher? When they not only worry about you, but actually mention it.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

How to tell if a Leo likes you

Ever since they tossed you “the eyes” from across the room, which was also the first time you tossed a pretty serious glance right back, you knew the game was on. The thing is, you’re quite smitten, you don’t want it to be just a game, and they’re notorious flirts. So how do you know whether they love you or you’re just their flavor of the month? It’s simple. Their schedule will suddenly be wide open, including lunch, dinner, and even entire weekends. Break a leg, huh?

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

How to tell if a Virgo likes you

Want to call one of these meticulous creatures your own? Great, but you’d better get your stuff together, because if you don’t, they will. You’ll find them at your place some afternoon, happily alphabetizing your movies or arranging your books by height on the shelves of your freshly waxed entertainment center. Virgos show their love by creating clean, organized environments for those they love because they believe you deserve it. It’s a tremendous compliment, so don’t dare get territorial. Kiss them, thank them, and help them finish.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

How to tell if a Libra likes you

Rather than trying to decide whether that lovely Libra is attracted to you, watch them with others. They’re always nice, especially when they’re chatting one-on-one, but that’s their nature. And while we’re on the subject, if you get jealous easily, choose another sign. Seriously. Immediately. Anyway, once you’ve seen them with others, you’ll recognize them being even nicer with you — and that’s how you’ll know they’re in love. The surefire way to tell? They’ll create a pet name for you, and only use your real name for official matters or arguments.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

How to tell if a Scorpio likes you

You’ll only pick up on your first clue if you’re naturally perceptive — and you’d better be if you want to keep a Scorpio interested. They’ll watch you intently, for long periods of time. They won’t stare at you directly, though. That would be far too obvious, and these intriguing creatures are born equal parts detective and analyst, which is why you’re so fascinated, right? The absolute dead giveaway will be when you realize their eyes are on you, via reflections: mirrors, sliding glass doors, large windows. That’s when you’ll get the message.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

How to tell if a Sagittarius likes you

If a Sagittarius loves you, it’s because you’ve learned to hold on with an open hand. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when they call (almost) every day, but more so when you’re invited to travel with them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend at a bed and breakfast or a plane ticket for a week in Rome. Either way, it’s the brass ring. Don’t be surprised if it takes a while, though. Freedom is important to Archers, almost as important as choosing the right travel partner.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

How to tell if a Capricorn likes you

Rules, regulations, and doing things the way they’re supposed to be done … that’s what Capricorn is all about, so if they’re happily attached, they’re all the way in it. When they’re devoted, they’re impossible to distract. If they’re single, get busy proving yourself to be a worthy partner. You won’t have to do that forever, though. Once they get to know you — or “interviewed you,” so to speak — and have decide you’re worth your salt, you’ll know it. They’ll make their love clear with a serious conversation — and you’ll know that they’re not kidding. When and if they say it, lucky you!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

How to tell if an Aquarius likes you

They’ll show their affection by studiously scanning your shoulder, back, or other part of your body and suggesting what type of tattoo, stud, or ring would look really good there. If you weren’t the type to consider agreeing, you wouldn’t want them, but you are, so you do. When they take you to the tattoo or piercing shop themselves and closely scrutinize the artist, you’ll absolutely know they care. But when they ask you to go to a Renaissance fair with them, dressed in period garb that they provide, that’s it. They’re definitely in love.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

How to tell if a Pisces likes you

Pisces tends to be more than a tad on the shy side — some of them more than others. So if you’re waiting for them to make the first move and they’re one of the especially shy types, you may end up watching your nails grow. Like all the Water signs, you need to watch them to see if they care. The one and only tip you’ll ever need: If a Pisces loves you, they may find it tough to speak at all at first. But once they get to know you, they’ll be chattier than any Gemini you’ve ever met.

 

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

Weekly Forecast: March 25 – 31, 2018

Astrology of Today – Monday, March 26, 2018

• The Moon is in Cancer until 7:44 AM, after which the Moon is in Leo.
• The Moon is void from 2:57 AM to 7:44 AM.
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
• The First Quarter Moon occurred on the 24th and a Full Moon will occur on March 31st.
• Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th).

 

Source

Astrology Cafe

 

The Witches Journal for Monday, March 26th

Monday is the sacred day of the moon, personified as the goddesses Selene, Luna, and Mani. The Moon is rule of flow, affecting the changeable and impressionable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, then the powers of the moon are at their most potent.

Traditional Lore for the Days of the Week

Monday for wealth,
Tuesday for health,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for losses
Friday for crosses
And Saturday no luck at all.

—-The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Magick of Monday

Deity: Mani
Planet: Moon
Tree: Willow
Herb: Chickweed
Element Water
Number: 5
Rune Lugu (L)

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

Monday

Monday: Is associated with the Moon and the colors of White, Silver, Grey and Pearl

Monday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Antiques, Archetypes, Astral Travel, Astrology, Bodies of Water, Children, Domestic Concerns, Dreams, Emotions, Fluids, Full moon magic, Household Activities, Imagination, Initiation, Justice, Magick, Meditation, New-Age Pursuits, Nursing, Peace, Protection, Psychic Pursuits, Psychology, Public, Purity, Reincarnation, Religious Experiences, Shape-shifting, Short Trips, Sincerity, Spirituality, Totem Animals, Trip Planning, Truth, Warding off Doubts and Fears, Water, Women, Women’s Mysteries

Source

Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

Magical Days Of the Week – Monday

Monday is the day of the moon itself, and it’s a day that’s connected to lunar colors like silver, white, or even a pale blue. Metals and gemstones like silver, pearl, opal and moonstone all come into play today.

There are plenty of deities associated with the moon – Thoth and Diana for instance – and herbal correspondences include many members of the mint family. Utilize wintergreen or peppermint, as well as catnip, comfrey, sage and chamomile in your workings.

When it comes to Monday magic, because of that lunar connection, it’s a good time to focus on workings related to childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, and intuition. Do a little bit of self exploration and work on developing your intuition – learn to trust your gut. Celebrate birth and life, and make some magic to fix what is broken.

Author

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by ThoughtCo.com

 

Today is Monday, March 26th

Monday is the sacred day of the moon, personified as the goddesses Selene, Luna, and Mani. The moon is ruler of flow, affecting the changeable and impressionable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, then the powers of the moon are at their most potent.

Deity: Mani

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Planet: Moon

Tree: Willow

Herb: Chickweed

Stone: Agate

Animal: Crab

Element: Water

Color: Green

Rune: Lagu (L)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn (Alder) (March 18 – April 14)

 

Runic Half-Month of Beorc (March 14 – March 29)

 

Goddess of the Month of Columbina (March 20 – April 17)

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for Monday, March 26th

Mata Syra Zemlja, Slavic “Moist Earth Mother.” Pregnant until March 25, it is a sin to strike the Earth with iron (plow) until March 26. This is plowing day. (Demeter, Ceres, Tonantzin, Mawu, Gaia, Rhea, Ge, Ops, Goddess of Grain and Fertile Harvests).

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

On Monday, March 26, We Celebrate….

Slavic Plowing Season
LESHACHIKHA

Themes: Earth; Nature; Harvest; Birth; Protection

Symbols: Soil; a Leaf; Seeds

About Leshachikha: A goddess who sometimes appears as a Slavic forest, a wild animal or a leave, Leshachikha is said to have died in October and revived around this time in spring. She fiercely protects her lands, not taking kindly to any who abuse them. In tis manner she teaches us about reciprocity and nature’s fury. Additionally, Leshachikha’s watchful aspect can be applied to our figurative lands—for example, safeguarding our homes.

To Do Today: Whenever you need a little extra protective energy, pick up a fallen leaf and put it in your pocket. This will keep Leshachikha’s guardian powers with you all day. To bring that protection into your home, wax the leaf to preserve it, symbolically sustaining the magickal energy forever. Put the waxed leaf near your entryway or in the room where you spend the most time.

Go to a nearby field or park today and scatter some seeds to Leshachikha to greet her as she awakens. Today marks the beginning of the plowing season in Slavic regions. Before this date the earth is regarded as pregnant. It is a crime against nature and Leshachikha to plow the soil with iron tools when it still bears a magickal child (Spring). Once earth has given birth, the fields can then accept new seed, which the bird will also appreciate!

Source

365 Goddess, A Daily Guide to the Magick and Inspiration of the Goddess
Patricia Telesco

The Witches Monday

In the word Monday, we can see part of the word Moon. In the romance languages such as Italian or Spanish, this day of the week is called Lunes and clearly relates to the word lunar. On Mondays, a variety of magick may be worked. Because Monday centers on the energies of the Moon, things like dreams, feminine energy, health, success in spiritual pursuits, domestic matters, and things of family origin are especially important this day.

Mondays are best for love magick and anything concerning home or family, thus old saying, Mondays child is fair of face, which seems clearly to relate to the themes of love and health.

Angels of Monday are Gabriel, Arcan, Missabu, and Abuzaha. Arcan is known as the king of the angels of air and the “ruler” of Monday. Abuzaha (Abuzohar) serves Monday, and is very responsive to invocations and ritual magick. Missabu is a ministering angel of Arcan.

Check whether the moon is waning or waxing to determine what your spell will be. During waning moons, do spells to rid yourself of obstacles or for wisdom and protection. During waxing moons do magic for increase of any kind or to draw something into your life.

On Mondays, the best hour to work is moonrise. Get this information from your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac.

Source

Gypsy Magic

Witchery, Magick and Enchantment for Your Monday

 

Think for a moment on all of the witchery, magick and enchantments that you have discovered. Don’t be afraid to adjust spells to suit your own specific needs. Any gentle, illusory, and dreamy charms and spells can be enhanced when you work on the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon. Mondays are a fantastic day to boost your psychic abilities and to tune in to your intuition and empathy. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a different lunar phase each and every Monday, which means in one month you could work four different types of moon magicks on Mondays. How’s that for adding to your repertoire? You are going to have mad skills in no time at all.

So light up those lunar scented candles and add a little mystique to your outfit by wearing an enchanting lunar color. Wear your sparkling silver jewelry and maybe add a pair of dangling silver earrings or a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. Create lunar potions and philters; make a dream catcher and give it as a gift to someone you love. Burn some sandalwood or jasmine-scented incense today to inspire the glamour and magick of the moon. Slice up a favorite variety of fruit that is in season for a snack or share it with your love and enjoy his or her lunar and romantic qualities. Brew up a cup of chamomile tea, enchant it with a little moon magick, and relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Most importantly, get outside tonight and watch the moon for a while. What phase is she in? What color was the moon as she rose? Why not start a journal and write down at what location the moon rises and sets for a few seasons? This is a great way to teach you to tune in and to become more aware of the moon and the influence that she pulls into our lives. Try calling on Selene for her magickal assistance, and call Thoth for wisdom and strength. Get to know the Norse Mani and the Latvian Meness. These gods of the moon have plenty to teach, and if you allow their influence to cycle through your life, you’ll receive many blessings. Be imaginative, and create your own personal lunar magick and witchery. Go on….the moonlight becomes you.

Source

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

 

The Witches Almanac for Monday, March 26th

Prince Kuhio Day (Hawaiian)

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Moon enters Leo 7: 45 am

Incense: Clary sage

Color: Lavender

Moon in Cancer

The Moon is traveling through Cancer today. Beware of mood swings. Cook some soul food. Cuddle up with someone.

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. Feelings of belonging and safety are what motivate us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers

Correspondences for Monday, March 26th

 

Day: Monday ( Moon-day)

Planet: Moon

Colors: Silver and White and Grey

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Silver, Selenite

Aroma: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood, Moon Oil, African violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, and Wormwood

Herb: Moonwart

The sacred day of the Moon, personified by such goddesses as Selene, Luna, Diana, and Artemis. The Moon is ruler of flow affecting the changeable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, its powers are at their most potent.

Magical aspects: peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friendships, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility

Monday is ruled by the moon – an ancient symbol of mystery and peace. Monday is a special day for mothers as the cycle of the moon has long been associated with the female menstrual cycle. Those wishing to conceive a baby would be wise to try on a Monday as the magic of motherhood is strong and pregnancy is in the air.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving agriculture, animals, female fertility, messages, reconciliation’s, theft, voyages, dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, psychic work, Faerie magic, and Goddess rituals

Monday Is Ruled By the Moon

This day of the week is dedicated to the moon and all of her magic and mystery. Mondays are for women’s mysteries, illusion, prophetic dreaming, emotions, travel, and fertility.

Some suggestions for Monday enchantments would include:

*Getting outside and looking for the moon in the heavens. Sit under her light and absorb a little glamour. Call on the moon goddess Selene for practical help in magical issues.

*Invoking the god Thoth for wisdom and insight

*Empowering your silver jewelry under the light of the moon. Wear moonstone or pearl jewelry today to add a lunar and magical shimmer to your outfit. Be mysterious and subtle and wear moon-associated colors such as white, silver, and blue.

*Working spells for safe travel with a simple moonstone

*Gathering bluebells, jasmine, gardenias, or white roses to create a little garden witchery with the flowers that are associated with the moon

*Setting up a lunar Tarot spell today to increase your psychic powers

*Eating a lunar fruit such as a melon to be healthy, serene, and at peace

*Brewing up a cup of chamomile or mint tea and enchanting it for sweet dreams and restful sleep

 

Moon Lore

A Full Moon during Yuletide foretells in British lore an abundant harvest next year.

A halo around the moon foretells bad weather or an unwelcome guest.

Full Moons are good for divination and crystal-gazing.

Souls of the Dead, no matter where they have gone are able to make contact on the three nights of the full moon (the night before, the night of, of the night after).

Some folks say that the fifth night of a full moon is good for conceiving a child.

A red moon predicts a day of high winds.

Misty moons promise the coming of rains.

The moon clear and beautiful presages excellent weather to follow.

Lottery numbers dreamed or thought of during the New Moon are very lucky.

Source

The Enchanter’s Almanac: 2017 to 2018
Murray T. Paschal

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Other Spirituality 365 Days a Year

March 26th and 27th

Liberalia/Smell the Breeze Day

The wine God Liber Pater was annually honored on this day in ancient Rome. His festival was a time of great feasting, dancing, and drinking. It was believed that by participating in the festival, young men entering manhood would be gifted with strong sons and bountiful crops.

In Egypt, the little-known festival of Smell the Breeze Day commemorates the Easter holiday and Spring with festive outings. It is believed that if one smells a fresh-cut onion at dawn he or she will be blessed with good luck and good health.

The Witches Magick for Monday, March 26th – To Enlist the Aid of the Muses

Materials
1 yellow candle
Vanilla oil
Thyme

Anoint the candle with oil, then roll it in the thyme. Light the candle while chanting something like:

Muses come from near and far
Hear my call from where you are
Propose, inspire, enchant, enthuse
Until I am at last infused
With new ideas and clear directive
Fill me with a fresh perspective

Let the candle burn down completely.

Source

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living (Everyday Series)
Dorothy Morrison

 

Ancient Folklore for Monday: Keep the moon safe from the wolf

Easy to remember – Monday is the Moon Day. The word moon is associated with the Norse god Mona (Máni). He was pulling the moon accross the sky, trying to escape and save it from a mythological wolf. At the end of the world, the wolf will catch them and tear the moon into pieces. This apocalyptic period of the world is called Ragnarok in Norse mythology.

In Romance languages, Monday is also the Moon Day (lunes in Spanish, lundi in French, lunedi in Italian: coming from Latin Dies Lunae).

“The first time I called myself a ‘Witch’ was the most magical moment of my life.”

― Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America

Almighty God and DIvine Goddess
Bless this site
That is may be full of love and laughter
That it may invite friendship to all who enter here
That is may support our love to all
That is may shelter those who visit here
That it may protect all those are within this circle
That it may be refuge for those who need it
That it may be sacred space for the spirit
May the barrier of our circle casted be strong and sturdy
May it be safe from the dangers of man and nature
May this site be resistant to negativity from within and without
May joy fill all this site’s spaces, every nook and cranny
From this day forth.

 

So Mote It Be