(I should have done this like I do all my emails, “didn’t proofread, read at your own peril, lol!” Ask Lady Beltane, she’ll tell you. She’s got several of them like that).

It’s been Tuesday morning for me since about two o’clock this morning. I accidentally feel asleep in the floor last night. I woke up around two and straightened up the cabin. Climbed up the ladder to the loft, carrying Kade, got up there and got all nice and comfy, then…….a GROWL came through the lower floor window. I always crack a window, love fresh air. I stopped because I thought I was imagining things then it happened again, except louder and Kade heard it, he growled back. I thought I had heard every kind of critter there is but I didn’t know what this was a growling. I automatically woke up real quick and loaded the shotgun. Yes, I am a witch with a broom and a shotgun(never know when a bat might fly in your path and you have to take him out, lol!). I opened the door and went outside, walked around, didn’t see a thing. I had the flashlight and I did see human footprints and as I was stopped I saw the bushes moving. I know the direction the bushes were moving, there is no houses or anything except empty woods. So I emptied the barrel in that direction, above the movement, of course, didn’t want you reading about me in the paper this morning. Funny, those growls when from “grrrrrr to lets get the hell out of here!” Must have been a man animal, what’cha think? There is a farmer out here that has a tendency to like to come and peep in my windows at night. I told him I knew it was him and I was going to fill his butt with buckshot one of these days but….the dumb ass keeps it up. Some people never learn. So I have been up all night, once I get fired up(literally) and I couldn’t go back to sleep.

Anyway, you don’t care about how long I have been up and that ain’t the purpose of this post anyway. First, we are doing things a little different this morning as far as the postings go. We are going to do the Astronomy and Horoscopes, then in between we are going to through in a little Yule material. Hey after shooting off a shotgun at 2 in the morning, I am trying to get in the Yule spirit, lol!

Next the ladies did call it to my attention that perhaps the post I made about the store yesterday was misunderstood. They said that you might have thought I meant you had to buy the jewelry to get qualified for the $100 gift card, NO! NO! NO! That’s not what I meant at all. You can buy anything you want, a box of incense, and still qualify for the gift card. I was just tickled that we got the rights to carry this line of jewelry that’s all. And oh, yeah, boys, they carry some fabulous jewelry for you too. I was looking at it this morning and they have rings, watches, leather bands with sterling silver on them(which can be engraved), cuff links, you name it, they got it. I am about half way jealous. But we will be adding that also. If you haven’t figured it out yet, we are trying to provide you with the best merchandise out there. We don’t want to sell junk and we don’t. You have no idea how many deals and negotiations I have made to sell some of the merchandise we do and it is so we can provide you with quality merchandise. So if you misunderstood me yesterday, I am sorry. You can buy anything in the store and still qualify for the gift card.  But do check out the jewelry, what is on there right now does not even begin to cover what they carry. Fantastic line, fantastic supplier, we were very lucky to have gotten them.

Now with that all said and done and I try to get in the Yule spirit, let’s get this show on the road. Have a super blessed day, my sweets…..

Love ya,

Lady A

You ever have one of those days when you feel like or wish you had a double. Well, today is one of those days for me. We started working on the store this morning at 4:30. Everything was going fine till about 6:00, Comcast has been putting in new lines around here and everything went to hell in a basket. The store’s main page would just sit and reload and reload. It got so bad I wanted to throw my laptop out the window. I know the last time we had Comcast, it was super. This time is sucks out loud!

So they eventually got that fixed and we went back to work. Then the site started acting up. It was a mess out of this world. I redone the front page because we are introducing a new line of jewelry. If you remember a few months ago, I had told you, we were negotiating and trying our best to get this particular line of jewelry from a wholesaler and we finally did. The reason I was so hot and heavy after this one particular jeweler is because they are the best on the internet. They have numerous stores throughout the country and the jewelry is gorgeous. If you go to the site you will see some examples of it there. Besides this jeweler having superior jewelry I wanted them to let us use their merchandise because they carry a lot of gemstone necklaces, bracelets, rings and everything else you can imagine. They carry Onyx, Amethyst, Garnet, Pearl, Turquoise, Amber, Diamonds and tons more of natural gems. Their jewelry is not costume jewelry it is the real deal and will last you for years. They have a bracelet(which is on the front page) with multi-faceted gemstone in it, it is beautiful. With all the problems we have experienced over there, we only have the jewelry on the front page not in a category yet but it will be soon.

Next, the Yule chime candle holder is back in. We were fortunate enough to get about 25 of them in. Last time, I believe they left as gifts within three days of their arrival here. Still the same thing, $15.00 purchase you get one of the beautiful chime candle holders. I don’t like repeating a monthly gift but there was lots of people who were disappointed that we were out of stock of that particular order so quick.

Finally, if you make a purchase between now and December 20th(I believe), you will automatically be entered into our drawing for a $100 gift certificate. This is our Yule gift to you. You can purchase anything you like, go crazy stock up on herbs, buy a necklace or two, whatever you want. Just remember between now and December 20th, make those purchases and you will be entered for the drawing for the gift certificate.

Well if you can put up with the craziness for a few more weeks, Lord M will be here at the first of the year to help out. He has decided(against my better judgment) to rent out his property and move down here. He can run the store and I can get back over here where I belong. But he said he was lonely up there and missed us, so he is coming down here to stay. Which I believe will be a good thing for the boys. They need a man in their life and I think he will be an excellent role model for them. So just hang in there, just a little bit longer.

I guess that pretty much covers everything. I am back to the store to see if we can get some of that jewelry on and don’t you forget about the $100 gift certificate to the store. I will see you tomorrow, if not later this afternoon. Till then….

Love ya,

Lady A

For all your magickal needs & a $100 gift certificate, think Magickal Necessities!

To tell you the truth, we don’t know what we are doing today, lol! I know it ain’t funny. I don’t understand why that man on TV got under my skin so. Well, I take that back I do too. It was his fault, he started talking about blessings, anointments and a few other things that sounded like Paganism to me. Then that through me back into our past on how much had been stolen from us, I got angry. They still try to steal from us today. Every time an Equinox comes around the date has been changed or a Sabbat. What gives them the right to change something they know nothing about?

So yes, I got angry and I put that anger to good use, we did a morning Banishing ritual with fire. We went outside in the back yard and built a huge fire. We did a ceremony and each of us had an item or items that we wanted banished from our lives or no longer served us. I had several and I believe I took the longest. I can imagine the others were thinking, “is this woman ever going to finish, Good Grief!” But that is why we are running late, we did the morning banishing ritual at the crack of dawn. No wonder our neighbors don’t mess with us, lol! Way I like it too!

It just dawned on me, there is a lesson in this for all of us. I am occasionally talking about taking your emotions and turning them or directing them toward your spell. Well, I took my anger and directed it toward the banishing spell and immediately I could feel my heart and soul lighten. Just like a gush came over me, it was a relief and I feel 100% better. I not only banished the items that no longer served me but I also banished the ill will I was carrying around with me and didn’t even realize it.

It doesn’t have to be anger, it can be passion or desire, or any other emotion you have bottled up. Tonight, take that bottled up emotion and use it in your spells. Direct that energy toward your spell work. Don’t stop the energy coming from you, let it flow. Let if flow till it is totally consecrated in your spell. You will know when you are free of that emotion or energy, you will feel relaxed and at peace. But before you get to feeling to relaxed, remember your spell now has a lot of energy built up in it, release it to the winds and then relax and ground. You will feel so much better, I promise you. You would not believe how relaxed I am right now.

One more thing then I will shut up, I promise, lol! Since tonight is a special Full Moon, some of us are going to do a renewal of our self dedication to the Craft. Even as long as I have been in the Craft and a Witch, I still do renew my commitment to the Craft and the Goddess. So tonight would be a perfect and beautiful night to do that, if you have time. Also don’t forget to do your house blessings, clear out any excessive magickal residue that might be hanging around. You know that stuff does build up. Then go outside and go around your house with your salt. Don’t discard the salt to the wind. Old hillbilly belief and it works…..take the rest of your salt and go in your home. At each corner of your home, take a small dab of salt and lay it in that corner. When you do ask that your home be blessed with prosperity (this is done in the East corner of your home). Now move to the next room which has an outer corner facing South. Take a dab of the salt and place in it a neat pile and ask that your home be protected from all harm. Next move to the room which has an outer corner facing West. Put a dab of salt there and ask that your home be blessed with happiness. Finally, go the the room that has  a corner facing the North. Repeat the process of making your salt hill and ask that your home be filled with love. Give it about two to three weeks and I guarantee you, you will see a difference. Oh, by the way, I am horrible on directions. My house is built strange. All I know is I go to the East corner, start there and work my way around clockwise. You also don’t have to ask for what I suggested. If you need anything else besides prosperity, love, happiness and whatever the other one was, then feel free to substitute.

Ok, I am shutting up for now, believe it or now.

Love ya,

Lady A

(You have a televangelist to blame for getting me on my soapbox this morning, Sorry!) 

Good Sunday Morning my dear brothers & sisters of the Craft! Oh, and I should say, “Happy Super Full Moon to you” also. I am going to ask you a crazy question and I know the answer before I ever ask it but……have you ever by chance listen to one of the Sunday morning preacher on TV. I occasionally do because they come on right after “Meet The Press” and I am too lazy to change the channel really.

Nothing new, the same old stuff I had heard all my life. I know most of you know I grew up in a half and half house. Half Witch and Half Baptist. I remember the sermons and the preacher when I was growing up. Now I listen to the preachers occasionally on Sundays like I said and nothing has changed, except me.

When I was given the opportunity to chose which path I would follow and committed my life to the Goddess, listening to those preachers use to make me so angry. By that time, I had been taught our full history. I realized how much had been stolen from us. I also realize how complicated they made finding the Divine sound. Now as I have gotten older, I am seriously beginning to wonder if the Burning Times didn’t occur just because of a greedy church but because they wanted to silence us also. At that time we were a very strong religion and for a new church starting out, we posed a great threat to them. So perhaps it was both, the new church grabbed our lands, our money, anything of value and silenced us at the same time. Very convenient, wouldn’t you say?

Today, it is a different story, thank the Goddess for that and our ancestors. We are once again growing strong and getting stronger every day. I look for a time to come again when they will try to silence us. But this time it won’t happen, we have the truth and we have the Goddess on our side. Our truth is simple, you don’t have to hunt for the Divine all you have to do is look inside yourself. Look and listen and you will find the Divine waiting for you to answer Her call. She has always been there and She is in all of us. Whether you be Witch, Wiccan, Druid, Baptist, Catholic or any other Faith, the Divine is in all of us. And why wouldn’t the Divine be in us? Our history does state that we were created by the Divine. We don’t have to look or search, we are truly blessed. We know where our Divine Being is, we know the promises that She has given us and we know that She keeps her promises to us. We know we don’t die, but we live again and again. She teaches us, she loves us and she cares for us.

We have proof of the Divine by just simply looking out the window or going outside. You see Her every where you look. She is part of the ground you walk on, She is in the clear blue sky, She is in the wind that blows. We see things and witness things that others would call miracles. We call them magick and the Divine at work in us. She has given us the power and freewill to determine our own fate. We don’t need a book to tell us what we should believe and what we shouldn’t. The Divine is in our hearts and we know She is there. We can feel Her love, we can feel Her comfort and we can feel Her coursing through our very veins and existence. The beauty we see, everything we experience is gifts from Her.

For those who have walked the Path for years and years, we know the Goddesses and Gods exist. We have seen them, we have witnessed what they can do when asked. We know our religion is alive and well because we see proof of it every day.

For those I see on TV, I feel pity for. They will never know the greatest power in the entire universe, our Goddess. We don’t need a book to sing Her praises, we do that on our own. Because of the love we feel and know from Her. We don’t need a man telling us how to worship, She has showed us how and continues to this day to guide our footsteps.. We don’t have to search for Her or look any further than our own being to find the Divine. The Divine lives in each of our hearts. All we have to do is listen and answering her calling.

What a wonderful world we would live in, if only the rest believed as we do. We have work to do, brothers and sisters of the Craft. We have to make this world a better place for our children and their children. We need to start before it is too late, we need to spread the truth about the Ways of the Old. That our religion is not dead but steadily growing day by day.

One day, maybe not in my lifetime, but in my children’s lifetime, Witchcraft will be back in the mainstream religions. What a beautiful day that will be and what a glorious place our world will once again have become. The world needs hope, let us be the ones to give them that hope.

In The Service Of Our Goddess,

Lady of the Abyss

The Witches Digest for Saturday, December 2nd

(Daily Horoscopes)

A Look Ahead at Your Daring Dating Horoscopes for the Week of December 3rd

David Wells, Astrologer

From The Astrology Room

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

In his final week in your relationship sky, Mars takes his job very seriously. He creates a way to say hi to someone or maybe it’s goodbye to what started off promising, now not so much? Energy in, results out. Spend this week directing your love power.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

With Venus out of your relationship sky take a breath, consider what you want from romance rather than feeling the pressure to just get out and go on that date will you? Slow down T, this is a week to re-think what’s next; unlike next week. That full on!

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

A full Moon in your sign could have you more emotional than ever as she brings on the need to let go, let go of what you feel you no longer need in your life. It’s not necessarily about love, but the Sun’s presence in your relationship sky directs your attention to a one-on-one that needs a review.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

What would you think if someone swooped in and asked them out, said hi and flirted a little? If you’re ok with that, move along; your question has been answered, you’re not that into them. If you’re not ok, make sure you’re the one asking for that date.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

You can’t be all things to all people, who’s even asking? What you can be, and you do this very well, is be yourself. Love isn’t about altering your behaviour to be what you think someone is looking for, dismiss that idea and anyone who courts such nonsense. Authenticity, brings new romance.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

Your ruler, Mercury, is in reverse and that can mean delays to travel and communication; no biggie. Unless you’re making your way to that first date and you know he or she isn’t what you’d call the patient type? Leave space for delays.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

As long as you’re prepared to let someone take the lead they will take the lead, sometimes it’s nice to know you need only show up. Sometimes. When does taking the lead turn into taking over? Usually about two years in and you’ve not noticed. Balance those decisions.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

What would you say if you could speak to your perfect partner? Would you ask him or her what their favourite colour was, maybe how they liked their roast potatoes? Quite the banal banter, perfect could be right in front of you seeking a deeper conversation. Give them it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

With your relationship planet Mercury in reverse from Sunday it’s probably a good idea to pause, consider what you’re going to say before you say it. Given Uranus is in reverse too it may be wise to resist what you think are clever witticisms. Turns out they’re not.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Shoulders can be broad or they can slope, you can accept the invitation to help or let it go. Someone asks, what do you do? It’s not based on whether or not you fancy them, surely? Not in the slightest, but helping could bring romance your way and all because you’re being your helAQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Social invitations begin to flow, your sequins are being dusted off and your hair is looking amazing; all set to go. But wait, your new love planet Mercury is in reverse, so too is your ruler Uranus so should you be wary? Only of the bus and train timetables.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

As the Moon goes full your new love ruler suggests you ask what you don’t want from a new romance, in progress or not. A sense of duty is a good thing, but not when it tips over into being Mother or Father to his or her neediness. Just saying.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, December 2nd

Aries

The first of three Jupiter-Neptune trine aspects that extend until next August occurs today, dear Aries. This influence augurs exceptionally well for your intimate, inner, and emotional life this month and beyond. You’re entering a favorable period for intimacy and psychological growth. Imaginative activities or behind-the-scenes efforts can be rewarding, either spiritually or materially, and perhaps a bit of both. Generosity and compassion increase. The months ahead are excellent for your dreaming life, fantasy, belief systems, inner world, intimate relationships, and writing/sharing experiences. Also today, however, there can be some impatience and frustrations. Although your spirits are bound to be high today and tomorrow, there can be some nitpicky problems or complications to deal with that set you off course temporarily. Avoid making big changes now.ms to deal with.

Taurus

Jupiter and Neptune come together in a harmonious trine aspect today, dear Taurus. They will revisit this aspect in May and August 2018, but you’re receiving the first signs of this influence now. Its themes are subtle but inspiring. This is a period for learning a tremendous amount – the types of things you don’t learn in books or in school – through your experiences and interactions. It’s an excellent and extended opportunity period for forming or strengthening alliances and improving the spiritual or friendship element of a partnership. Friendships improve, as well. You’re likely to seek a kindred spirit now, and a connection can be a source of inspiration. Another side of this aspect involves the seeking and realization of a long-term dream or goal, which seems more likely now through the support or positivity of a friend/partner. Today and tomorrow, there is confusing, impatient, and frustrating energy, however, as various little things seem to go wrong. Nevertheless, your prevailing mood is accepting and confident, so you’re taking things in stride.

Gemini

A Jupiter-Neptune aspect that is in effect until August next year first forms today, Gemini, and encourages a more spiritual or imaginative approach to your work, services, and health. Until August 2018, you’re in an excellent cycle for enjoying or finding work, showcasing your skills, and improving working relationships. There is powerfully creative, generous energy with you for matters related to your career and reputation. A vocation or life path/direction may seem to fall into place quite magically, especially if you relax on the need to strictly define your end goals and instead focus on doing your best in the present. Trust that by doing what you love, you’ll get where you need to go, however long it may take! This can be a good time for coming up with creative solutions to problems. Today and tomorrow also host some somewhat confusing, tense, and impatient energy, however, so do your best to avoid drawing final decisions and conclusions. The day is more about accepting and enjoying people than making big moves.

Cancer

A Jupiter-Neptune trine occurring today is a long-term aspect that will influence us until August 2018, dear Cancer, and is a potentially magical transit for romance, children, creativity, publishing, travel, and self-expression. This is a time for using your imagination to your benefit instead of allowing it to stand in the way of happiness and success. Matters of the heart can be inspiring. There can be beautiful connections made through travel or educational endeavors or shared adventures. This is a time for opening your mind or spirit to new experiences. Trips or learning experiences could be especially rewarding for you – they can provide a pleasant breather from pressures in your life. Your creative works may even inspire others and certainly serve to motivate you. Today and tomorrow, however, energies are confusing at best. Luckily, you are in a reasonable frame of mind, as disruptions are highly likely now.

Leo

Jupiter and Neptune form a harmonious aspect today, dear Leo, and this is the first of three such aspects spanning until August 2018. The theme of this longer-term influence is supportive, imaginative, and even a bit magical. It aids you in strengthening and making the most of the positive effects of Jupiter’s transit to your home and family sector. There may be increased resources available to you for improving your home life in the months ahead, or you can be thoroughly enjoying building a cozy home or relationship. For some of you, your financial dealings improve, possibly due to shared efforts or combined income. There can be more power and resources available to you to establish yourself through a home, property, or long-term business endeavor. You are in need of a spiritual or creative escape from time to time, and this influence nudges you to seek it out. Today and tomorrow, things may be moving slowly or with difficulty. Try not to get angry at yourself if you can’t seem to decide on a course of action as much can be accomplished in the mind and heart now.

Virgo

Jupiter and Neptune come together in a fabulous trine aspect today, dear Virgo. This is the first of three such connections that span until August 2018, introducing a fun theme of intuitive relationships and pleasing communications or projects into your life over the course of the next eight months. During this period, you can be especially motivated to pursue your studies, personal interests, or connections with a partner. You’re in particularly good shape for sharing your ideas or working with someone to produce something special. Your speech or writing is more creative and inspired during this period. Transportation options make transit more enjoyable for some of you and might even open up partnering opportunities. A special relationship may develop that is highly communicative, or there is increased daily contact in an existing relationship. You express yourself imaginatively now. Today and tomorrow, however, there is picky energy that points to miscommunications and disruptions. Fortunately, you’re in a positive frame of mind. It’s best not to make hasty decisions or big changes now.

Libra 

A lovely trine aspect forms between Jupiter and Neptune today, dear Libra. This is the first of three such exact aspects spanning until August 2018, and augurs exceptionally well for you in the areas of work, finances, and health. Your self-image improves, and this has positive effects all around, as you take better care of yourself and pay more attention to the mind/spirit element of your life. This is a time not so much for perfecting your craft or talents, but for rounding them out and putting them to good use. The work you do now may feel more compatible with your overall philosophies or mission. Today’s energies are complicated, however. With Mercury about to turn retrograde especially, signals are difficult to read, and misunderstandings are likely. You have much that you’d like to accomplish now, but the day doesn’t seem to want you to push forward! Avoid making significant changes for the time being.

Scorpio

Jupiter and Neptune connect in a harmonious aspect today, dear Scorpio, and this is the first of three such exact connections, the final of which will occur next August. Now and until August 2018, creative and romantic endeavors thrive. There is a magical quality to your charisma and appeal as well as your creative output. It can be a popular time for you as you stand out as unique and desirable. Expressing yourself creatively or romantically helps you understand and define yourself better — it’s a confidence-booster all around. Love, love affairs, and other social activities help to enhance a healthy self-image, and you draw in others magnetically. Today’s energies are complex. There can be some confusion that leads to impatience. Take note that Mercury stations retrograde tomorrow at the time of a Full Moon and a problematic Sun-Neptune aspect. As such, it’s better to watch for overspending, desires that come on suddenly, and snap decisions. While you may feel some pressure from others to make a choice, try not to succumb to it, as we’re not seeing things very clearly at the moment.

Sagittarius

Jupiter is transiting the sign just behind yours until next November, dear Sagittarius, making this is a relatively quiet but not necessarily passive time for you. Today, Jupiter forms a beautiful aspect with Neptune for the first of three times, extending until August 2018. During this period, you may find greater joy in being of service to others, and your perceptions heighten. You build your confidence in yourself as you help and support others. It can be a period for developing your psychic abilities and understanding your family connections more intuitively. This can also be a time for getting in touch with past conditioning that makes you what you are today. You may be able to gain property or support from family, or you could secure a loan or mortgage that helps you to improve your home life in the months ahead. Today’s energies are on the complicated side, particularly when it comes to relationships. Misunderstandings are possible, and with Mercury about to turn retrograde as well, it’s best to avoid significant changes or decisions. There can be some psychic phenomena experienced now, as your hunches tend to be well-developed, but you’re best off if you avoid succumbing to pressures to perform.

Capricorn

Jupiter and Neptune connect in a supportive trine aspect today, dear Capricorn, and this is the first of three aspects spanning until August 2018. The themes this connection brings to your world are subtle but uplifting. Your social life and friends base might expand in the coming months, and you’re likely to see signs of this starting now and this month. Alternatively, you may be dreaming up exciting new paths for the future, and this keeps you feeling motivated and spirited. This is a powerful period for imaginative interactions and communications. Your ideas are inspired and inspiring. This aspect stimulates your idealistic nature, and you’re likely to yearn for a connection to more spiritual or creative pursuits. Today and tomorrow are complicated, however. Imagination is dominant now, and there can be confusion in your practical affairs. You may be better off reserving judgment and avoiding significant changes for now.

Aquarius

Jupiter and Neptune form a supportive trine aspect today, dear Aquarius, and because these planets are relatively slow-moving, this aspect will stick around and influence you until August 2018. You’ll begin to see themes of this influence now. Business, financial, and reputation matters are likely to improve and develop in almost magical ways over the coming months. It’s also a time for carrying yourself with more self-respect and attracting positive attention. You may be joining with people who further your career or personal interests, and through their wisdom or faith in you, you are encouraged to reach your highest potential. Your ability to earn a living from what you love doing increases, you grow to love your work/responsibilities, or your work transforms in pleasant ways. Today, while there is good energy with you for accessing your imagination, you may not find it easy to apply it to your projects or work effectively just yet. In fact, it may seem to interfere with your practical affairs. Confusing energy continues tomorrow, making it better to avoid significant changes.

Pisces

Jupiter and Neptune connect in an easy trine today, dear Pisces, and this harmonious influence is the first of three, spanning until August 2018. This can be a time for meeting a significant friend or a romantic interest through travel or other activity that involves breaking the routine. Communications thrive, and publishing can be successful. In the coming months, you may be going entirely new places with your mind or body! Teaching, guiding, and learning are prominent themes. It can be a time of tremendous personal appeal as well as life-changing, positive experiences that expand your mind. You are building your faith, not only in yourself but in life itself. Today and tomorrow, however, take things easy. Mercury is about to turn retrograde, and the Sun is moving into a challenging aspect with Neptune in your sign. There can be some pressure to perform or to get things done quickly, but your best bet now is to allow things to flow more naturally.

If You Were Born Today, December 2

You are spontaneous, fun, moody, and intriguing. Others are drawn to your adventurous spirit and sunny personality. Variety is what you crave, although without solid footing you don’t feel at all comfortable about seeking it. You can be highly creative, and it is especially important to channel your creativity, because, without focus, you can easily feel uncertain, lost, and confused. You are constantly working on your self-confidence in this lifetime, although others might not know this about you until they truly have been let into your heart. Famous people born today: Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Lucy Liu, Maria Callas, Stone Phillips, Monica Seles.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Your ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced this year. You may, in fact, have a lot of work to do in relative solitude or you might often retreat to study, work, or think. You might be required to travel for business purposes. Thinking in realistic and practical terms is your best bet, and the need for tangible results for your efforts is strong.

You may be actively involved in teamwork and collaboration with others this year. Passions are stirred and you’re in a good position for connecting with others to accomplish your goals. There can be the beginning of a significant new relationship or the intensification of an existing romance.

You express yourself more clearly and you can be excellent at guiding and instructing others. There is a pronounced ability to order your thoughts and ideas, come up with designs, and recognize patterns. You can especially enjoy making plans, lists, and connections this year.

However, this can be a year when bursts of restlessness, rebellion, and impatience figure prominently. You have a tendency to take risks and to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences. You assert your will and individuality powerfully, and you are ready to fight for freedom. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge you in such a way that you need to change your goals or actions. This can also be a time when you tend to resist others and challenge them if they are trying to hold you back. Arguments and confrontations are likely. Technology may be a source of irritation, and electrical appliances may break down or not work up to par.

Energy fluctuates this year. Anger can erupt seemingly from nowhere and it gives you the chance to deal with it. If you aren’t too rash or impulsive, this can be an excellent year in which to free yourself from restrictive circumstances. You could also have more courage than usual to do things that break the routine, and confrontations engaged in this year could clear the air and help you to move forward.

Helping ground you is a Mars-Saturn sextile that gives you a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards. Practice or refining a technique is favored this year. The approach that seems to work best with this aspect is a step-by-step one, with modest ambitions and the appreciation of slow but steady progress. This is particularly true of mental projects and special interests. You can be prolific when your heart is engaged in what you’re doing.

This can be a good time for updating your electronics and technology in ways that open up new avenues for communication or ease. Wonderfully creative ideas can fill your head this year.

Making connections with others from a different background is likely to figure in the year ahead, or widening your mind through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Generosity and compassion increases and your faith is boosted. You more easily make personal sacrifices for what you believe to be the better good.

The year ahead can involve some surprise directions and detours. Advances in intellectual and mental pursuits are likely this year, as you make steady progress that has long-lasting results. You’re in good shape for staying on track and meeting your responsibilities. However, watch for rash, impulsive decisions.

2017 is a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It’s a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are especially able to attract others–and material things as well–this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

2018 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study, observe, research, and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

Source

Astrology Cafe

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, December 3rd

Aries

The Full Moon this morning can bring quite a scurry of activity, dear Aries. In fact, it can accelerate the days surrounding today, as well. There can be some confusion and possibly misinformation as this lunation occurs just when Mercury turns retrograde and the Sun is forming a square to Neptune. Delayed travel or issues with communications/transportation systems in your life can wreak some havoc, although this is nothing you can’t handle. Mercury begins its retrograde in your communications, travel, and education sector today, and will remain retrograde until the 22nd. In the coming weeks, look at past projects and places for answers. In a recent rush, you may have missed some vital details, and now it’s time to reconsider. Today’s energies are too loopy to fully back new beginning or big changes and decisions, so aim to lay low, observe, and process. Keep sincere detachment from the day’s events for best results. Misjudging things is entirely possible, so it’s best to leave assessments open-ended. However, this is a good time to stretch your mind and consider new possibilities, as long as you wait to act upon them.

Taurus

Mercury turns retrograde today and will remain so until the 22nd, dear Taurus. Look back before moving forward now, as there can be some important things you’ve overlooked during the rush of recent weeks. While you should wait to begin brand-new projects until after the 22nd, you can be busy refining or reworking those already in progress. Finances deserve special attention, notably shared money and property as well as loans and support payments. There may be delays or uncertainty in these areas, but the month ahead is strong for sorting out long-standing issues and for discovering hidden or overlooked resources, so be patient. Do watch for overspending or overlending. Today’s Full Moon illuminates a money or ownership matter, but there is more to the story, so wait for details to fill in before taking action.

Gemini

Mercury, your ruler, begins its retrograde cycle today and will continue its apparent backup motion in your partnership sector until the 22nd, dear Gemini. You may be revisiting old issues or feeling stuck at times, particularly in or about a close relationship, but reflection ultimately serves you well. Do watch what you say and how you say it today during this shift which can be particularly confusing. Also happening today, a Full Moon occurs in your sign, pulling up mighty, previously buried or unacknowledged emotions. This can be a time of release, epiphany, or culmination. Pay attention to your feelings but take your time forming conclusions and decisions. It can be challenging to get a straight story from others today. Leave important decision making for a clearer time. Enjoy creative activities and avoid scheduling tasks that require a lot of focus or concentration. If you’re thinking about making big changes, sit with this decision a while longer to see what sticks.

Cancer

Mercury turns retrograde today, dear Cancer. With your work, methods, habits, or health, you’re likely to be dealing with backtracking or delays until the 22nd, but these may give you time to reconsider and refine recent decisions and ideas. A Full Moon occurs today as well, bringing strong emotions to the surface as well as awareness of feelings you’ve been burying. Listen to your intuition, but try to cut through some of the fog that’s likely to mask things for the time being. Or, wait to draw conclusions and make big decisions. Something that’s communicated today can easily be misinterpreted. There is a somewhat chaotic energy to the day, and it can make your daily routine a little muddled, or you might feel demotivated and slightly under the weather as your mind wanders. Make room for more time for fantasy and daydreams, but keep these things separate from your practical affairs today.

Leo

Mercury is retrograde today and until December 22nd, dear Leo. Take this time to get in touch with your intuition and look at old problems in new ways. All Mercury retrograde cycles particularly affect you concerning personal finances, as well as communications with friends or groups, and this particular cycle affects matters surrounding romance, children, and creativity. If a project or relationship is not moving forward in distinct ways, it might seem like stagnation, but it’s more likely a period of review and rest. People or projects from the past can be an active focus. There can be waiting games, delays, stalling, or a catch-up period, but giving due attention to what you’ve overlooked means you end up ahead of the game, ultimately. It would be wise to go easy on speculation and spending for now. A Full Moon occurs today and reminds you of your need to pay particular attention to friends. Watch, however, that you’re not too dependent on circumstances going (or not going) your way. Some confusion is likely today, making it wise to wait before making dramatic changes.

Virgo

The Full Moon this morning occurs in your career and reputation sector, dear Virgo. While it can be a time of increased recognition, there can be some exaggeration or misinformation happening around this time. Mercury’s retrograde station and a challenging aspect between the Sun and Neptune occur today as well, both of which point to temporarily foggy thinking and lack of clarity, so it’s best not to jump to conclusions now. Wishful or fearful thinking can play with your perceptions. Mercury’s retrograde cycle will run until the 22nd and may mean dealing with some delays and slowdowns. However, it’s a useful time for processing and digesting recent events. You may be waiting for an answer, particularly related to home or work, but this affords you time to reconsider options. The weeks ahead are excellent for returning to old projects around the home and tackling them differently. This is a strong day for freeform and behind the scenes activities, but a potentially difficult one for more worldly, practical concerns.

Libra 

Mercury turns retrograde in your communications sector today, dear Libra, and will remain retrograde in this area of your solar chart until the 22nd. This can point to some misunderstandings and redirects in the next while, but it’s great for collecting information, research, and work that involves refining and editing. Returning to unfinished projects or reconnecting with old studies, places, or people can be interesting and instructive. Delays or slowdowns may be blessings in disguise as they afford you the opportunity to think things through and to see old problems in a new way. A Full Moon occurs today as well, potentially leading to exciting discoveries or epiphanies. Take note of your feelings now, but consider that wishful or fearful thinking can obscure perceptions just for now. Communications and interactions today can leave more questions than answers. This can, in fact, be a satisfying day if you choose to entertain daydreams and avoid expecting everything to run precisely as scheduled.

Scorpio

Some confusion over boundaries, limits, or differences in values can arise today, dear Scorpio, but the solution is not apparent at the moment, and you may need to wait things out. A Full Moon occurs today that can pull up strong feelings about a matter concerning ownership, shared money, or intimate relationships. It happens at the same time that Mercury turns retrograde, which can be confusing. Mercury will remain retrograde until the 22nd, and during this period, you can do some fantastic research and review of old projects and decisions. You are looking back before you move forward, and this can be a valuable exercise. There can be temptations to jump into a new purchase or experience without considering the consequences today, however, as you may not be seeing your needs realistically. Take things easy and avoid big changes for now for best results.

Sagittarius

Mercury turns retrograde in your sign today, dear Sagittarius, and will remain retrograde until the 22nd. Tremendous insights and possibly the beginnings of critical new ideas can emerge during this cycle. While you may be putting your foot in your mouth from time to time, you’re also working on clarifying your thoughts and ideas, and you’re getting plenty of space to do so. However, the shift today can be disorienting as it happens when a Full Moon and a Sun-Neptune square occurs as well. Look for ways to slow down and consider your spiritual needs before pushing forward. You may feel a little off track today, which can seem a nuisance, but it, too, gives you the chance to rethink certain plans or goals in creative ways. Today’s Full Moon pulls up strong feelings about a relationship or significant other.

Capricorn

Today, Mercury begins its retrograde cycle that runs until the 22nd, dear Capricorn, and you’ll be doing even further ruminating over the past. The cycle itself is useful for reconsidering recent decisions and for noticing previously overlooked details. You might unwittingly reveal something that you’d prefer to keep private right now, however, and it would be wise to be exceptionally clear when it comes to communicating about your inner world now; or take this time to re-examine issues rather than talking about them prematurely. Today is complicated as Mercury’s directional shift occurs and other astrological factors point to temporary clogs and misunderstandings. Try not to schedule crucial conversations or meetings now. If focusing is difficult today, consider ways to fill your needs for more imagination, romance, or spirituality in your life. Today’s Full Moon can remind you of an approaching deadline or duty.

Aquarius

Today’s Full Moon is complicated as Mercury turns retrogradeat the same time it occurs, dear Aquarius, and a Sun-Neptune square challenges us as well. Emotions that bubble up to the surface are valid, but information that’s coming to light now may not be complete. Boundaries with friends can be a little blurred right now, or you may be questioning someone’s feelings for you. Either way, there is a general air of confusion today, mostly related to your social life, and the atmosphere is ripe for misunderstandings. Avoid making any commitments that you might later regret. Changes in essential life departments are imminent, but today the changes are liable to bring some level of chaos. Wait things out, get rest, and aim to approach problems from a fresh perspective later. Mercury’s retrograde will last until the 22nd and is a good time for looking at old issues or recent decisions in a new way. Overlooked details may come to light during this period, giving you the chance to change your mind.

Pisces

Today’s Full Moon can push buried emotions or unresolved matters to the front burner, dear Pisces. If you’ve been too focused on responsibilities to the outside world recently, you’ll get a potent reminder to tend to the hearth now. However, today is complicated as Mercury turns retrograde and the Sun and Neptune reach a square aspect. Career and reputation are strong for you these days, but there can be some backtracking or delays involved until the 22nd during Mercury’s retrograde. These slowdowns are ultimately helpful, even if they seem like a nuisance initially, as they give you the chance to catch up or notice things you missed the first time around. There can be crossed wires and annoying detours today, so aim to avoid big decisions or changes. Watch for misrepresentation.

Today’s Horoscopes As Well As Tomorrow’s Courtesy of Astrology Cafe

From December 3-22 Mercury, the planet of communication and commerce, will travel retrograde in the philosophical sign of Sagittarius. Over these weeks you’ll have an opportunity to rethink your moral stance or what might be a self-righteous perspective concerning a specific area of your life. This will also be a valuable time to slow down and make sure you’re truly assimilating a subject matter you might be studying. Anticipate delays with travel — especially if you are traveling overseas. This will be a perfect time, however, to re-test for a certification of license that is due for renewal or to visit a part of the world you never have before.

Be sure to read your sign’s horoscope below for YOUR Mercury Retrograde advice!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You’ll need extra patience over the next few weeks if you are studying for an advanced degree or are in a class to test for a license or certification. Mercury will be retrograde in your 9th House of Learning, making it an ideal time to hire a tutor or form a study group to make sure you’ve got all the information embedded into your brain the way it needs to be. Also, if you’re involved in a legal matter you might experience frustrating delays. Fortunately, it’s all temporary.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

If you recently applied for a mortgage, loan, or line of credit, or if you are attempting to secure venture capital for an investment, you’ll need to be patient during this Mercury Retrograde. Expect delays or botched paperwork. You and your financial advisor or accountant might also be playing phone tag with each other for a bit. Don’t worry; everything will begin to sort out after Mercury turns direct on December 22.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Now is the time for serious relationship rehab. You and your partner might notice extra frustration with communication over the next few weeks while Mercury travels retrograde through your 7th House of Relationships. Misunderstandings and miscommunication might be the rule rather than the exception. Fortunately, you’ll also have an opportunity to go back to unfinished conversations or decisions you’ve had a stalemate on and possibly resolve them once and for all.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You might have more paperwork come across your desk than you know what to do with — especially if there are assignments that require extensive revision over the next few weeks. At first, however, you may feel quite overwhelmed at just how much you’ve got on your plate. Remember — handle one task at a time. On the plus side, this Mercury Retrograde creates a fabulous opportunity to re-organize your office space and find a more efficient and productive strategy for completing tasks and assignments.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

It’s time to clear your mind of the mental clutter that has been holding you back from experiencing the most joyful love life possible. Perhaps you still have unresolved debris from a previous relationship that you’re holding on to. If so, this Mercury Retrograde in your 5th House of Love and Dating will be a valuable time to talk to someone you trust so that you can delete the fragments of romantic wreckage from your mind once and for all. If you’re second guessing what to do in a current romance, hold off on all final decisions until after Mercury is back on track. For now, ruminate.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You might find yourself in the middle of a miscommunication with at least one relative while Mercury retrogrades through your 4th House of Family. Recognize that it’s all too easy to misunderstand what each other’s words and intentions are right now, and do what you can to give your family member the benefit of the doubt. If there is a major decision you have to make with someone in your clan, try to put it off until after Mercury regulates his orbit. Until then, you’ll only feel as if you’re going in circles.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Out of every sign, you’ll be the one most sensitive to problems with communications during this Mercury Retrograde. That’s because Mercury will be in your message sector. As a result, you might have to contend with more of the hassles like delays, lost mail, sending an email or text to the wrong person, or even a problem negotiating a contract. Fortunately, this will also be an opportunity for you to find any errors in a writing or other communications-related project and correct them.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

You might realize that you’ve been mismanaging money recently. In fact, you might notice that money has gone missing and you’re not sure why. Before you panic, realize that it’s possible you simply forgot where the money went. Perhaps, for example, you signed up for a recurring subscription payment that might have come due. These are the kinds of financial blunders that happen when Mercury is retrograde in your earned income sector. They serve as a reminder that, when it comes to your financial health, you can’t let it run on auto-pilot.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You might not be able to convey your vital thoughts and ideas in as seamless a way as you’d hope to during this Mercury Retrograde. This might be because you’re trying too hard or because you’re overthinking a situation. Another possibility is that all of a sudden you’re second guessing yourself too much. Take misunderstandings with others for what they are now and don’t read more into it. Perhaps a better strategy until Mercury turns direct will be to revise your personal goals and approach. Don’t implement changes until after the retrograde is over.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

If you have any creative revisions to make on a communications project, the next few weeks might be quite positive for you. With Mercury traveling retrograde in your 12th House of Escape, you’ll find a way to carve out extra time in solitude in order to rework your book or other endeavor. Another possibility is that you will go back to visit someone who has been sick in the hospital or is battling an addiction or depression. This person might have a relapse now and need your support. You’ll be there.

Aquarius (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

While Mercury is retrograde in your friendship sector, it’s possible that you and a pal will go through a phase of frustrating miscommunication. What’s equally possible, however, is that you and a friend you have been out of touch with for quite some time will now reconnect. In other news, if you’re working on a website or other technological endeavor, this will be a time to exercise extra patience. Anticipate delays and rework what you already have in place rather than forging ahead with new ideas.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

If you and your boss are not seeing eye to eye over the next few weeks take a deep breath and try to ride it out. Don’t approach him or her for a meeting and attempt to discuss your points — you’re not likely to make any progress. In fact, you’ll probably feel completely frustrated and as a result, might end up saying something to your boss your later regret. This is the time to quietly re-evaluate your professional goals. Fly under the radar with VIP’s until after Mercury has stationed direct.

Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

This inquisitive Gemini Full Moon stretches your mental agility, emotional flexibility, and spiritual limits. How far are you willing to go? Read your sign’s horoscope now…

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

The temptation to share every bright idea is strong, but sometimes a plan takes on a life of its own once it is under the light of public scrutiny. You can talk all you want but most folks are going to tune out and just nod their heads while you run your mouth. Your enthusiasm is palpable, but your thoughts are scattered all over the map near this Full Moon in Gemini. Consider a solo expedition or choose someone who is truly invested in your dreams to accompany you on a spiritual adventure. A deep well of compassion and a powerful connection to the divine are two of the many treasures you might discover if you are willing to explore the trails of your own imagination.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

The noise of the holiday season is amplified by everyone’s expectations, and clear communication is essential if you want to maintain relationship harmony around this Full Moon. You may think an epic shopping spree is mandatory now, so you can shower gifts on your loved ones and impress them with your generosity. Or you might get lost in a fairytale left over from your childhood as you follow the crowd in pursuit of your happily-ever-after. There’s nothing wrong with wandering around in a dream as long as you remember what is real and what is fantasy when you wake up.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

A familiar call for freedom rings in your head as you find yourself overbooked, overcommitted, and overwhelmed at this Full Moon in your sign. Old patterns of filling every inch of your mental bandwidth with a thousand distractions are keeping you from working more efficiently, both in your personal and professional spheres. Your charm is tough to resist as you flirt without even trying, but re-evaluating your priorities may mean you don’t lead anyone on in the process. Objectivity is your saving grace, but it’s nowhere to be found now as you wear your dreams on your sleeve for the whole world to see. Follow your heart but don’t leave home without your common sense.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

Your dreams might be keeping you up at night as you replay your joys and your regrets, leaving you slightly sleep-deprived and extremely sensitive during the waking hours. Paranoia could creep in as you rush around trying to catch up on a long list of chores, and you may start to fear that people are hiding critical facts from you. The truth is you are the one with the big secrets now, and you are not obligated to share them until you are ready. Translate the symbols of your imagination into your next creative masterpiece.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Your charisma lights up the stage, and others are drawn to you like moths to a flame. You cherish your position in the community and rarely disappoint your adoring fans. Naturally, you aim to please your audience, but you are afraid of missing your private meeting with your muse if you get lost in the crowd now. Fulfilling the expectations of others can be a seductive trap, limiting you from releasing your true potential. Create for the sole sake of passionate self-expression and set your soul on fire.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You wish you could merge your personal and your professional worlds for the sake of productivity, but not everyone is on the same page near this Full Moon in Gemini. A fog of confusion permeates the atmosphere and you may find it easier to talk to strangers than friends. An overall lack of clarity regarding your most important relationships might even have you wondering who you can trust. Turn off the endless mental chatter and reassess your priorities with an objective eye. Expecting perfection sends you down a path of disillusion and disappointment. Find your center and your faith in people will return.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

The urge to escape the holiday hustle is irresistible and you’re packing your bags before you even know your destination. It’s easy as pie to convince yourself that you deserve a break, even if it’s just a working vacation or a change of scenery. Truth be told your daily routine is stale and overdue for a healthy rearrangement. Stretching your mental and physical boundaries empowers you to thrive in your immediate environment and act as a positive inspiration for everyone around you. Spell out your intentions to keep confusion to a minimum, but don’t expect immediate validation for your life choices. All you can really do is listen to your heart.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

The safe thing to do is to smile and keep moving now; but real growth is only possible if you shut out the external interference and push past the internal remnants of resistance regarding the topic of intimacy. Flirting is more fun than fighting, and skating around a relationship conversation might be your first preference near this Full Moon. However, sinking into your vulnerability invites more meaningful interactions where hearts and minds connect on a new playing field. Your imagination is operating on overdrive, tricking you into thinking your dreams are real. Interdimensional dancing isn’t for everyone, but you are in your element as you search for your next source of inspiration. A word of warning: If you start to believe you are a character in your creation, you may need to call for assistance.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The dichotomy of independence versus relationship is palpable as you struggle to find the right balance between freedom and commitment. Mixing and mingling is impossible to avoid near this holiday Full Moon, and why would you evade the spotlight when you are loved everywhere you go? But all the superficial chit-chat and flirtatious banter can leave you feeling bittersweet when you are secretly craving a deeper connection with yourself. Give the gift of self-love by taking the time to figure out what your heart truly wants. Honoring your needs encourages others to do the same. The roots of compassion start within.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You may go through the motions of performing your regular routine, but it is clearly obvious that your mind is not on the work at hand. Your family and friends do their best to keep you grounded, but your brain continues to run a full-length film of epic proportions in your imagination. Mistakes and misunderstandings happen when your head isn’t in the game. The truth is, the more you try to drown out this cosmic distraction with pragmatism and chores, the louder and bigger it gets. Stop pretending everything is normal and your perspective will start to take a philosophical turn. Meandering down a spiritual path allows you to discover treasure beyond your wildest dreams.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Opportunities are knocking on every door around this Full Moon, but you can only answer so many at once. Knowing when to say no is critical now, but knowing when to say yes is even more important when it comes to love affairs or creative pursuits. Romance is on your mind, but commitment isn’t; be clear about your intentions right from the start. A foot-loose and fancy-free lifestyle might be loads of fun now, but it can also keep your heart from getting invested. Overindulgence and overexpansion may send you wandering down the wrong path if you’re unwilling to follow your moral compass. Choose quality over quantity and meaningful over more.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You are experiencing the cosmic-twin energy in a very personal way as one half of you wants to remain curled up at home watching your fantasies, while the other half of you thrives on being needed at work or in the community. An irrepressible yearning for variety may clash with previously scheduled commitments, but fun can be found in cleverly rearranging your plans to accommodate fickle tastes and inquiring minds. You delight in making others smile, but in the process of spreading glee your feelings might get misplaced in all the glitter and lights. Give yourself the gift of solitude when your heart requests it.

Content written by Morgan Friday

Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Up Next….

A Little Witches Potpourri!

The Witches Digest for Saturday, December 2nd

(Your Survival Guide to Saturdays)

Today Is Saturday, December 2nd

Saturday is dedicated to the shadowy Anglo-Saxon God Saetere or Seater, July 15 equivalent to the God Saturn. It is a day also associated with the Norns, the Norse equivalent of Three Fates, and the trickster God Loki. It is connected generally with apprehension, austerity, caution, and excessive self-limitation.

Deity: Saetere

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Planet: Saturn

Tree: Alder

Herb: Daffodil

Stone: Amethyst

Animal: Eagle

Element: Earth

Color: Dark Blue

Number: 4

Rune: Dag(D)

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

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

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28th – December 25th)

Reference

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Saturday, December 2nd, We Honor the God Baldur

BALDUR

Baldur (pronounced “BALD-er;” Old Norse Baldr, Old English and Old High German Balder) is one of the Aesir gods. He’s the son of Odin and Frigg, the husband of the obscure goddess Nanna, and the father of the god Forseti.

He’s loved by all the gods, goddesses, and beings of a more physical nature. So handsome, gracious, and cheerful is he that he actually gives off light.

The meaning and etymology of his name are uncertain and have been the topic of intense scholarly debate. Numerous possibilities have been proposed, including a derivation from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhel- (“white”), Old Norse bál, “fire,” or a hypothesized word for “lord” common to various Germanic languages. The most straightforward – and probably correct – explanation, however, is that his name comes from the Old Norse word baldr, “bold.” Scholars have been reluctant to accept this explanation due to its implication of a warlike character for Baldur. But as we’ll see below, Baldur may not have been as innocent and passive as he’s portrayed to be in the late Old Norse literary source that provides the most extensive description of the god and the tales in which he features.

This literary source is the Prose Edda of the medieval Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson. From this treatise on mythology and poetics comes the most complete account we have of the primary tale concerning Baldur, the story of his death and resurrection. This tale can be briefly summarized as follows:

When Baldur began to have dreams of his death, Frigg went around to everything in the world and secured from each of them an oath to not harm her son. Confident in Baldur’s invincibility, the gods amused themselves by throwing weapons and any random thing they could find at Baldur and watching them bounce off of him, leaving him utterly unscathed.

Loki, the guileful trickster of the gods, sensed an opportunity for mischief. He inquired of Frigg whether she had overlooked anything whatsoever in her quest to obtain oaths. She casually answered that she had thought the mistletoe to be too small and harmless a thing to bother asking for such a promise. Loki straightaway made a spear from the mistletoe and convinced the blind god Hodr to throw it at Baldur. The projectile pierced the god, and he fell down dead.

The anguished gods then ordained that one of them should go to the underworld to see if there was any way Baldur could be retrieved from the clutches of the death goddess, Hel. Hermod, another one of Odin’s many sons, agreed to make this journey, and, mounting Odin’s steed, Sleipnir, he rode down the world-tree until he came to its dark and damp roots, wherein lies Hel’s abode. When he arrived, he found his brother, pale and grim, sitting in the seat of honor next to Hel. Hermod implored the dreadful goddess to release Baldur, and after much persuasion, she replied that she would give him up if and only if everything in the world would weep for Baldur – to prove, in other words, that he was as universally beloved as Hermod claimed.

The whole world did indeed weep for the generous son of Odin – all, that is, save one creature. The giantess Þökk (“Thanks”), generally assumed to be Loki in disguise, callously refused to perform the act that would secure Baldur’s return.

And so the bright god lay in the grave until Ragnarok, the destruction of the cosmos at the end of the great mythical cycle, after which Baldur returned at last to the land of the living, gladdening the hearts of the creatures who filled the new world.

While this account comes overwhelmingly from one source, bits and pieces of it can be found in earlier Old Norse poetry, and many details of the narrative are depicted on pieces of jewelery dating from before the Viking Age. We can be reasonably certain that the tale as told by Snorri is not only authentic, at least in its general outline, but very, very old.

However, whether out of ignorance or a desire to portray Baldur as a martyr-like figure, Snorri likely omitted a key element of Baldur’s character: a warlike disposition. There’s one other literary account of Baldur’s death, that told by the medieval Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus. As confused and euhemerized (historicized) as this version is, one of the characteristics that stands out is Baldur’s constant eagerness to engage in battle. He’s even depicted as something of a warlord. This, combined with the many kennings that link Baldur’s name with weapons and war in general, suggests that Baldur was much more of an active fighter and less of a passive, innocent sufferer than Snorri makes him out to be.

Other than that, references to Baldur are scarce. He’s mentioned in an Anglo-Saxon chronicle (where he’s given the additional name Bældæg, “The Shining Day,” and described as a son of Woden, the Old English name for Odin). Another brief reference to him can be found in the so-called Second Merseburg Charm from continental Germany, which comes from a manuscript that dates from the ninth or tenth century CE.

While we know relatively little about Baldur due to the fragmentary nature of the sources of our knowledge of pre-Christian Germanic religion, he evidently occupied a position of renown and splendor in the hearts and minds of the heathen Germanic peoples. He seems to have been regarded as the divine animating force behind the beauty of life at the peak of its strength and exuberance. His death marks the beginning of the decline into old age, night, winter, and ultimately the death and rebirth that characterize Ragnarok.

Source

Norse Mythology for Smart People

Saturday’s Magick

Psychic Work
Astral Travel
Banishing
Spirit Work
Seances
Cleansing
Prosperity
Protection
Transformation
Creativity
Fortune
Hope

Planet: Saturn

Colors: Black, Dark Purple

Crystals: Apache Tear, Obsidian, Hematite

Magickal Days of the Week – Saturday

It’s the end of the week for many of us, so Saturday – named for the god Saturn – is a good time to wrap things up. Associated with the colors black and dark purple, and the metal lead, this day is also connected to the goddess Hecate. Gemstones like Apache tear, obsidian, and hematite are all connected to Saturday’s magic, as are plants such as thyme, mullein, and the cypress tree.

When it comes to magical workings, focus on agriculture and creativity, fortune and hope, protection and banishment of negativity.

Put up a barrier to keep the unwelcome out, eliminate the things that make you miserable, and wash your hands of anything other than your hopes, dreams and goals.

Author

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

The Witches Guide to Saturdays

Saturday is a day filled with opportunities to clean up and clear out. So if you are wondering why Hecate is assigned to this day, take another look at what she symbolizes and the magick that is associated with her. That should answer the question.

Hecate was the oldest form of the Greek Triple Goddess, as she presided over heaven, the underworld, and earth. Crossroads where three roads met were especially sacred to Hecate, earning her the title of Hekate of the Three Ways. It’s interesting to note that even after the worship of other goddesses waned, ancient people still worshiped Hecate as the Queen of the Underworld and the Guardian of the Three-Way Crossroad. It was also believed that if you left her an offering of food there, she would grant you her favors. As Hecate Trivia, her triple images were often displayed at these crossroads, where she was petitioned on the full moon for positive magick and on the dark of the moon for cursing and dark magick.

While this last bit of information sounds a little ominous, keep in mind that Hecate/Hekate was known by many titles and is a shapeshifter. Her appearance could and did change often. As a dark moon goddess, her faces are many. To some she may appear as a old crone, hunched over a smoking cauldron and draped in a midnight cape. To others she may appear as a dark beautiful, mysterious, and mature woman wearing a shimmering crown. To some she may be perceived as a maiden priestess. She was called the “most lovely one,” the Great Goddess of Nature, and the Queen of the World of Spirits. This dark goddess knows her way around the earth and the underworld. All the powers of nature, life, and death are at her command.

Source

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

Your Honey-Do List for Saturdays

Feel the need for a psychic cleansing in the house? Light up some patchouli- or myrrh-scented incense, and wave the smoke around your house or apartment. It will help to break up any lingering negativity or bad feelings. Crumble up a few dried mullein leaves and create a circle around your home, or scatter it across the thresholds, to keep prowlers away.

Burn a few black candles to repel manipulative intentions or unwanted advances. Add a few protective herbs to your dinner such as thyme or basil. Try growing a blooming cyclamen plant in your kitchen to ward the family and to encourage Hecate’s blessings. Grow deep purple and black pansies in window boxes to encourage the planetary vibrations of Saturn. Let ivy grow up the walls of your home for even more bewitching security.

Saturdays are the particular day of the week for protection and for dealing with more serious magickal matters. Go back over the at-a-glance list and see what components you can add to your spells for today for a little more oomph.

Meditate on Hecate to learn her lessons and include some dark goddess wisdom into your Craft. As a Witch, you already know that you have power-the power to effect real change in your life. Working with Hecate can teach you how and when to best use this power for the greater good.

If you want to expand your magickal skills, then start learning how to incorporate all of this information on the days of witchery in a whole new way. This includes the knowledge you already have and the new day-by-day correspondences and witchcraft that were presented in this Book of Shadows. Put your own unique spin on things. Decide what your enchanting specialties are, then apply them to your Craft each and every day with wisdom and style.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Saturday, December 2nd

Republic Day (Laotian)

Waxing Moon

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Taurus

Moon Enters Gemini 4:21 pm

Incense: Ivy

Color: Blue

Correspondences for Saturday

Saturday (Saturn’s Day)

Planet: Saturn

Colors: Maroon, Dark Shades, Black

Crystals: Obsidian, Jet, Coral, Hematite, Salt, Lead, Serpentine, Pewter

Aroma: Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouli, Saturn Oil, Black Poppy seeds

Herb: Mullein

Dedicated to the shadowy Anglo-Saxon god Saetere, the equivalent to the Roman Saturn, and the Greek Cronos. It is also associated with the Norns, the Norse equivalent of the Three Fates, and the Trickster-god, Loki.

Magical aspects: longevity, exorcism, endings, apprehension, austerity, caution, and limitations.

Not surprisingly, Saturday is ruled by Saturn. The logic and almost sly nature of Saturn is most prominent on Saturday, which is why it is the perfect day for habit breaking and scientific experimentation.
If you have someone that just will not let go of a relationship that you thought was long since dead, give a restriction spell a go next Saturday.

Human manipulation is also a very powerful aspect of Saturn’s power over Saturday.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving spirit, communication, meditation, psychic attack or defence, locating lost items or missing persons, self-discipline, life, building, doctrine, protection, freedom, elderly, destroying diseases and pests, crystallization, hidden or obscure matters, limitations, and boundaries

Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

This day of the week got it’s name from the god of karma and time, Saturn. This day is obviously associated with the planet Saturn and is our last day of the week. Traditionally Saturdays are great days for protection, banishing a negative situation, and generally a good time to clean up any magical messes that you have been ignoring. Some suggestions for Saturday enchantments would include:

◦Wearing the colors of the day, black and deep purple. Here’s your perfect excuse to be dramatic and witchy. Empower these dramatic pieces of your wardrobe for protection and strength.

◦Burning black candles to absorb negativity and burning purple ones to increase your magical wisdom and boost your spirituality

◦Adding a touch of garden witchery to your Saturday spells by working with the pansy (in black or purple of course), the morning glory flowering vine, or the cypress tree.

◦Carrying an obsidian, hematite, or jet tumbled stone in your pocket to reinforce your personal protection and to ward off bad vibes and sour feelings. You can also add these crystals to a candle spell on a Saturday night to really increase the punch of your spellcasting.

◦Cleaning your house and cleansing it while you are at it. Tap into those obstacle-removing vibes and the positive, concluding energies.

◦Closing up the final day of the bewitching week with a bang by calling on Hecate for protection and guidance.

Magickal Aspects of Saturn

Attributes: knowledge, endings, protection, banishings, depression, lost things

Elements: Earth and Water

Herbs: patchouli, mandrake, comfrey

Stones: onyx, lodestone, hematite

Day: Saturday

Source

The Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paajanen

Custom Made Magick for Saturday

Protection, removing negativity, justice and balance have been the theme today. As we have just seen you can indeed a perform a binding and not cross the ethical line. Bindings are a more ethical route than cursing someone. But are there other options? Why, of course. I know of some Witches who, when they see a criminal’s face on television or read about them in the paper, mentally pain a white X over a criminal’s face while they say the phrase “I neutralize that person” with intention. This neutralizes the power and harm that the stranger causes.

If there is someone that you personally know who is causing you or your family harm, it is possible to use a photograph of the destructive person. Simply wrap white ribbon around their photo to symbolize you binding them up as you say, “I neutralize any physical or emotional harm that you are causing.”

But if you feel magickal bindings are the way to go, then perhaps your best course of action is to remove all emotion from yourself and the spell when you perform the binding. Just as I stated before, justice—like magick—is a neutral force. For lack of a better term, be businesslike. Wild swings of emotion only make for an uncontrollable magickal energy. Therefore, your best bet is to be neutral. If there was ever a time to be calm and in control, this is it. If you are not sure that you can pull off being neutral, then I suggest that you leave magick alone. It is essential to be in control. How much karma drama are you willing to pull into your life?

Source

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

Saturday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

A Black Candle Uncrossing Spell to Deflect Negativity

Have you had one ghastly week at work? is bad luck plaguing you, or does everything seem to be going wrong? Maybe you simply feel that you are surrounded by everyone else’s psychic garbage. Before you start to panic, stop and consider your options. Here is a candle spell to break up those bad vibes and to deflect the negativity that seems to be surrounding you. Technically this would be referred to as an uncrossing. A crossed condition is somewhat like a low-scale hex, but a crossed situation typically happens from a combination of events and influences. Uncrossing spells and rituals focus on making the magickal problems leave for good, as opposed to focusing on where it all started from.

All this time you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to get all vamped up and to break out the black candles. This dramatic spell is a favorite of my friends and students, as many of them love to have any excuse to be as theatrical and witchy as possible. For this spell, you’ll need to go all-out: black clothes, dark makeup (if you wish), and several black candles. Play your favorite magickal music-Native American drums, haunting Celtic tunes, or a dreamy synthesizer piece-whatever you find particularly inspiring or magickal.

When should you work this spell? Set it up late Friday night and, as the clock strikes midnight, signaling the start of a new Saturday, light the altar candles and begin the spell.

Gather the following supplies:
• A black piece of cloth or scarf to drape over your work area
• 2 black votive candles (you will use the votives as altar candles for illumination)
• 1 black taper candle to represent the negativity you are fighting
• 3 coordinating candle holders (2 votive cups, i candlestick holder)
• Matches or a lighter
• 1 brown paper lunch bag
• A black permanent marker
• A safe, flat surface on which to set up the spell

One of these candles must be a taper, as you need to be able to easily snap the candle in half during this spell. This is a quick sort of witchery, but it’s very effective. Ground and center yourself before you begin this spell, and remove all hatred from your heart. Put yourself into a determined and practical state of mind, and then get to work. Begin then get to work. Begin speaking the charm as the clock strikes twelve:

As the clock strikes midnight, this candle spell now takes place
Fear and dread, begone—-I banish you from time and space!

Light the black taper. Take a few moments to calmly visualize all of the negativity and problems that you need safely removed from your life, and say:

This black candle represents all the negativity
With magick I break the bad luck that is surrounding me
With Saturn’s power to bring all problems to an end
These crossed conditions will now surely begin to mend.
Pinch out the candle and then snap the taper in half, and say:
By the powers of the moon, the stars, and the sun
As I will, so mote it be, and let it harm none.

Place the broken taper candle into the lunch bag. Fold the bag closed and drip a bit of votive candle wax on it to seal the spell. Now draw the symbol for the planet Saturn on the bag with a black marker. You may allow the votive illuminator candles to burn until they go out on their own or save them to reuse for another Saturday spell.

Take the paper bad holding the candle and remove it from your property. This represents the negativity that has been surrounding you, so let’s get ride of it. Take a drive—or better yet, a walk—and toss the brown bag into a public garbage can, somewhere away from your house and away from where you work. Once it’s been disposed of, turn your back and don’t look back. Put all this garbage behind you.

Source

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

The Perfect Magickal Philter for Saturday – Magickal Protection Oil

Magickal Protection Oil

This recipe will enable you to create your own magickal protection oil. Add this to candles or dab a bit onto a talisman or a sachet bag filled with protective herbs. Put a bit of a cotton ball and rub it on door frames and thresholds to ward your home or office (Don’t go overboard, now—we don’t want to ruin the woodwork or cause someone to slip on a oily surface.) Just a small amount will work beautifully. As with all philter and potion recipes, do not apply it directly to the skin.

• 1 small decorative glass bottle
• Base oil, approximately /8 cup
• Clean dropper
• 3 drops myrrh or cypress oil
• 3 drops patchouli oil
• 1 pansy flower (dark purple or black is best)
• 1 small morning glory leaf or tiny bit of the vine
• A small chip of black tourmaline
• 6 inches each purple and black thin satin ribbon
• 1 small metal pentagram charm or talisman that you feel coordinates with protection
• A label and a pen (to list the ingredients and to decorate and mark the bottle

Pour the base oil into the bottle; fill it three quarters of the way full. Add the essential oils one at a time. Next, add the herbs and the crystal. Close up the bottle with the lid, place your fingers over the lid, and carefully shake up the mixture. Hold up the mixture to the sunlight and allow the light of Saturday’s sun to illuminate the philter for a moment or two

Wipe off the outside of the bottle. Use the label to list the ingredients and the use of this potion. Decorate the bottle by drawing the sigil of Saturn or pentagrams. If you have other magickal symbols that you would like to use for protection, then add those to the label. Attach the label to the glass bottle, and finish up by threading the metal charm onto the ribbon and then tying the two colored ribbons around the neck of the bottle.

As you finish tying on the bow, hold the bottle in your hands and concentrate on the visualization that your aura around your entire body is glowing with a deep and sparkling purple color. Silently call on the god of karma and time, Saturn, and the triple goddess Hecate to ask for their assistance. Visualize that protection is swirling around you, your home, and your loved ones in the best possible way. Now pull all that energy from your visualization into the philter bottle that you hold in your hands. Take a deep breath, hold it for three counts, and then blow it out slowly. Now, repeat the chant below:

Hecate, I call upon you now
This philter with your magick endow
Saturn’s strong energy will circle around
With this potion, only protection is found
Witches’ herbs and crystal add their power
Begin the magick in this hour.

Set the bottle aside and ground and center yourself. Clean up the supplies, and eat a few crackers or do something physical. Make sure to store the protection philter in a dark, dry place out of the reach of young children.

Source

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

One more for the Road…..

The Perfect Spell/Ritual for When the Full Moon Falls on a Sunday

Sunday Full Moon Spell for Success

• Golden candle
• White candle
• 2 coordinating candle holders
• A pin or nail to engrave the candles with
• A fresh yellow carnation in a bud vase
• Matches or a lighter
• A safe, flat surface on which to set up the spell
• Items of sympathy
• Yellow envelope or sachet bag

You may incorporate whatever size and style of candle you personally prefer: taper, votive, mini spell candle, whatever you like. Add the sun’s astrological symbol (Q) to the golden candle, and the carve the moon’s astrological symbol (1) into the white. Arrange the candles in their holders. Place the bud vase holding the carnation in the center, back from the candle flames.

Now add an item of sympathy to this spell to help strengthen the spellwork.

The item that you add should be in sympathy with what you are casting toward. For example, if you are going for a promotion or applying for a new job and you want to be successful  at it, then add your company letterhead, the ad, your business card, resume, or the description of the job.

If you are dieting and working toward being healthier, then work with a nice picture ture of yourself, with a realistic and healthy goal weight written on the back. These items of sympathy then supply the energy link between the spell and the goal. Take a few moments to ground and center.
Light the candles, and repeat the following spell verse three times:

I combine the full moon’s magick with the day of the sun
For a winning combination, now this spell has begun
My goals will come to fruition beginning today
These two bright candle flames will illuminate the way
This Sunday night esbat brings rich power to spare
Success is mine as my words flow out on the air.
Close the spell with these lines:
May the full moon’s light bless all the ways
I’ll work my witchery on this day.

Allow the spell candles to burn out in a safe place. Keep an eye on them. When the candles are finished, gently take a few of the carnation’s fragrant petals and gather up any remaining wax and the item of sympathy. Tuck the petals, wax fragments, and your item of sympathy inside of a yellow envelope or cloth bag, and keep them together and on your person, magickal working space, or altar until the next full moon. Allow the flower to stay in the vase until it begins to fade, then neatly return the flower to nature.

Source

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

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Other Spirituality 365 Days a Year for December 1st & 2nd – Festivals of Neptune and Pietas

December 1 and 2

Festivals of Neptune and Pietas

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.

-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

You do ill if you praise, but worse if you censure, what you do not rightly understand.

-Leonardo Da Vinci

December 1 celebrated the festivals of Neptune and Pietas. This festival was the equivalent to the one that was held on July 23 at the temple dedicated to Neptune in the Circus Flaminus within the Campus Martius. There would have been games, a sacrifice, and, more than likely, some sort of horse and chariot race.

Pieta, a Roman Goddess who was the personification of respectful duty, is often portrayed in human form and sometimes accompanied by a stork, the symbol of deferential duty. She was frequently represented on coins, which were considered to be a symbol of the reigning emperor’s virtues. Her temple was in the Circus Flaminius and later at the Forum Holitorium, where her December 1 festival was held.

It was on the 1st of December in 1750 that seven men (for a wager) buttoned themselves into the waistcoat of Mr. Edward Bright of Maldon, Essex, who had expired at the age of 29 and was considered to be the fattest man that ever lived in Britain.

On December 2, Tibetan Buddhists make their annual pilgrimage to the world’s oldest tree in what it known as Bodh Gaya. The tree was planted in 282 B.c. and is believed to be an offshoot of the Bodhi tree-the tree that the Buddha sat under when he attained enlightenment.

Blame it on the weather is my excuse, lol. I just haven’t gotten in the spirit of the Season yet. Perhaps it is too early or perhaps it has something to do with the weather. It is in the 70’s with a possibility of it getting warmer. This is more like Spring instead of Winter Solstice. Who can get in the mood of the season if you walk out and you have herbs still standing and new ones emerging? I mean really. It not my fault I put on Yule music, it’s the weathers, lol! Enjoy!

Up Next…..

Your Daily Horoscopes & Divination

The Witches Digest for Saturday, December 2nd

(Astronomy)

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Saturday, December 2nd

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 133.56° SE
Sun Altitude: 15.04°
Sun Distance: 91.638 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2017 10:27 am (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 6:50 am↑ 117° Southeast
Sunset Today: 4:37 pm↑ 243° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 46 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 321.42° NW
Moon Altitude: -30.27°
Moon Distance: 223994 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 3, 20179:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 201712:30 am
Next Moonrise: Today4:17 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 98.1%

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Direction: ↑ 322.08° NW
Moon Altitude: -30.59°
Moon Distance: 223990 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 3, 20179:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 201712:30 am
Next Moonrise: Today4:17 pm

Source

timeanddate.com

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Sunday, December 3rd (Those Down Under)

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 164.20° SSE
Sun Altitude: -32.46°
Sun Distance: 91.638 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 22, 2017 3:27 am (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:37 am↑ 118° Southeast
Sunset Today: 7:52 pm↑ 242° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 15 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 325.16° NW
Moon Altitude: 33.55°
Moon Distance: 223973 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 4, 20172:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 20175:30 pm
Next Moonset: Today5:13 am
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 98.2%

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Direction: ↑ 323.72° NW
Moon Altitude: 32.84°
Moon Distance: 223965 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 4, 20172:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 20175:30 pm
Next Moonset: Today5:13 am

Source

timeanddate.com

Overview of Your Daily Astronomy for December 2nd

(Northern Hemisphere)

The Sun continues to transit Taurus until 4:22 PM EST, and is void, suggesting the going would be tough if we were to begin brand-new endeavors during this period. It’s better to take in than take action now. The Moon enters Gemini at 4:22 PM, stimulating our desire to communicate and connect.

A Sun-Mars semi-square this evening casts a somewhat tense or aggressive tone to the day. As long as we channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting our time arguing, we can accomplish much.

However, a lovely Jupiter-Neptune trine occurs tonight and is a longer-term aspect that will reconnect again in May and August 2018. Effectively, this aspect is in influence until next August and can be considered an overarching trend. Idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses surface now.

Making connections with others from a different background and widening our minds through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Practical considerations may take a back seat now, although Saturn moving into Capricorn on December 19th will push our practical affairs.

Generosity, faith, and compassion increase. We more readily make personal sacrifices for what we believe to be the greater good.
The Moon is void until it enters Gemini at 4:22 PM EST.

Jupiter forms a trine with Neptune On December 2nd

(Northern Hemisphere)

This is the first of three aspects in a set. Jupiter at 11° Scorpio 30′ forms a trine aspect with Neptune at 11° Pisces 30′. This aspect will perfect two more times: in May and August 2018.

With Jupiter forming a trine to Neptune, idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses surface now. Making connections with others from a different background may figure. Widening our minds through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Practical considerations could take a back seat now. Generosity and compassion increase and our faith is boosted. We more easily make personal sacrifices for what we believe to be the better good.

JUPITER TRINE NEPTUNE DATES:

1st: December 2nd, 2017, when Jupiter is at 11° Scorpio 30′ and Neptune is at 11° Pisces 30′ (first)
2nd: May 25th, 2018, when Jupiter is at 16° Scorpio 20′ and Neptune is at 16° Pisces 20′
3rd: August 19th, 2018, when Jupiter is at 15° Scorpio 36′ and Neptune is at 15° Pisces 36′ (final)

Overview of Your Daily Astronomy for December 3rd

(Down Under)

Today is very busy astrologically and potentially congested. Mercury turns retrograde in the last degree of Sagittarius, still very close to Saturn. This retrograde cycle will last until the 22nd and will remain in Sagittarius for the full period. This can be a time for reconsidering a long-term dream or vision of our future, and it’s strong for returning to an old study, writing project, or personal interest. There may be scattered thoughts and mental disarray, however. The tactlessness of Mercury in Sagittarius is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of being misinterpreted and missing deadlines or appointments run higher than usual, even more so than with other Mercury retrograde cycles.

Mercury’s retrograde station today can be confusing. As the shift from direct to retrograde occurs, there can be the magnification of problems and difficulties understanding directions.

During the cycle itself, our thinking is turned inward as we review and re-assess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can re-connect us to other, possibly more meaningful, means of communication. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves – near the stations – after which we grow more and more accustomed to the energy.

As well, the Sun forms a square to Neptune this morning, and then a Full Moon occurs in the sign of Gemini. The Full Moon can bring sudden awareness to our lives and an urgent “need to know,” to get a critical message across, to finish a communications project, or to make an announcement. Travel and communications are in sharp focus. However, given the current astrological climate, we may be dealing with misinformation, sloppiness, or exaggeration. We may return to a past problem or discussion with a critical eye, but it’s important to keep in mind that we don’t have the full story. There can be a temporary drain of energy as we are challenged to consider our spiritual needs, which might at this point seem to contradict our plans and goals; or we may need to confront how current projects or conditions aren’t measuring up to our ideals. Until we find ways to incorporate imagination and spirit into our lives appropriately, there can be problems feeling motivated.

With Mars in minor square to Neptune, we may believe the route to our desires is a roundabout one. There can be some disorganization or a desire to act upon an unrealistic fantasy. The Sun-Neptune and Mars-Neptune challenges today reduce our sense of certainty, and we can choose to go with that flow or resist it and feel a little lost and without direction. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking makes the most sense now. The Moon is in Gemini all day.

Mercury Goes Retrograde on the 3rd

(For Those Down Under)

Mercury turns retrograde today at 29° Sagittarius 18′ beginning a retrograde cycle that lasts just under three weeks. Mercury entered its pre-retrograde shadow on November 14, 2017.

Mercury will be retrograde until December 22nd when it reaches 13° Sagittarius 00′.

Moon in Taurus

(Both Hemispheres)

The Moon is traveling through comfy Taurus today. Eat something you love. Have a second serving.

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

The sky this week for December 2 to December 3

The First Quarter Moon brightens to Full as it’s joined by Mars, Mercury, Uranus, and Jupiter in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Saturday, December 2

Head outside before dawn and you’ll find Jupiter blazing low in the southeast. The giant planet rises 2.5 hours before the Sun and climbs 15° high an hour before sunup. Jupiter shines at magnitude –1.7, which makes it the brightest point of light in the night sky, and resides among the much dimmer stars of the constellation Libra. A telescope reveals the planet’s 31″-diameter disk.

Sunday, December 3

Full Moon officially arrives at 10:47 a.m. EST, though it will look completely illuminated all night among the background stars of Taurus the Bull. The Full Moon rises close to sunset, appears highest in the south around midnight local time, and sets as the Sun comes up. Our satellite reaches its Full phase just 17 hours before its closest approach to Earth during its monthly orbit. The coincidence between these two events makes this the largest Full Moon of 2017, and you can expect to hear the phrase “Super Moon” used to describe it. Just how special is it? This Full Moon spans 33.4′, 7 percent larger than average. Most people won’t notice that small of a difference, but you can bet a lot of them will head out this evening, see the bright Moon hanging low above the horizon, and be amazed at its size. But this is an illusion — viewing the Moon near familiar foreground objects tricks the mind into thinking it looks bigger.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Your Cosmic Weather Report for December 2017

by Jane Lyle, Astrologer
From The Astrology Room

Thought for December:

“I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud.”

– Dr. Carl Jung

December opens with intensity, and a shape-shifting full Moon in tricky Gemini.

The first few days of December pack four important cosmic patterns into a short space of time. It’s a dynamic, eventful start:

1) Sudden Actions: Mars in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries

These are uncertain days, with impulsive acts and unexpected upheavals flagged up by the stand-off between warrior Mars and rebellious Uranus. This connection symbolises electrifying moments, sudden outbursts, and more than a whiff of excitement at best, accidents, fights, and danger at worst. Anyway, more haste, less speed – and take it easy. Alongside this, there’s the hallucinogenic supermoon – full on 3rd December – but heightening emotions and craziness from 1st to 5th December.

2) Gift from the Sea: Jupiter in Scorpio trine Neptune in Pisces

‘The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach- waiting for a gift from the sea.’

– Anne Morrow Lindbergh, ‘Gift from the Sea’ (1955)

I’ve written about the beautiful potential of Jupiter and Neptune in the Cosmic Weather horoscope for November. It’s wonderful for creativity and spiritual adventures, yet generally very dodgy when it comes to delusions, financial bubbles, and unwise investments of love, cash, or belief.

In honour of this watery, magical astrology I’ve chosen the work of three mystical women artists for three of the illustrations this month. They are – Georgiana Houghton, Ethel Le Rossignol, and Hilma af Klint.

Jupiter and Neptune have all the glamorous allure and danger of fairy gold. This aspect repeats again exactly in May and August, 2018.

3) Invisible Hands: Full Moon, Supermoon in Gemini, 3rd December 2017

‘Hardcore spirits have been exorcised with the vacuum cleaner of secular psychology, but what can we do if their invisible hand sometimes still wants to reach out to ours and shake it?’

– Marco Pasi, Associate Professor in History of Hermetic Philosophy, University of Amsterdam. From ‘The Hidden Hand, Tate Etc. Summer 2016’

Here’s a chaotic full Moon at 11 degrees of Gemini, spilling over with wild gossip, high spirits, and mesmerising words. Many of us will feel a little unhinged – mostly in a delightful way, I hope. December is full of magical folklore and ghostly tales, and this full Moon favours a few otherworldly Yuletide adventures.

This is a supermoon, closer to us here on Earth – with clear winter skies, it should look stunning.

4) Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius

Mercury backtracks through the sign of travellers, philosophers, sportsmen and women, humorists and adventurers. I don’t think it bodes well for seamless holiday travel plans – strikes, cancellations, and other delays or hold-ups are very likely. Making careful plans, allowing plenty of time, and seeing the funny side should help.

Things tend to backfire when Mercury travels in reverse – and in Sagittarius this includes jokes, social media posts, and generally tactless remarks. Avoiding social media when intoxicated is always wise, and never more so than right now.

Mercury retrograde is always a helpful time to review things. If something needs more research, or a fresh point of view, now’s the time to tackle that.

Mercury is retrograde from 3rd December until 23rd December.

18th December:

Traveller’s Tales: New Moon rises in Sagittarius, 26 degrees

This exciting, fiery new Moon offers inspiration for the month ahead, particularly over the next two weeks. It favours what’s unconventional, and loves spontaneity and the far horizons. The far horizons of your own imagination will be just as important as real-world traveling.

20th December:

Saturn Comes Home to Capricorn

It’s an extremely important astrological moment, right on the cusp of the Winter Solstice. This is Saturn’s season, when the Roman Saturnalia meant that the god Saturn was unchained, and bacchanalian mayhem celebrated his temporary release from bondage. In 2017, Saturn enters the sign of the Sea Goat for the first time since 1988. Here, Saturn is rock solid – perfectly at home in the sign it rules, and master of earthly powers. Saturn in Capricorn will be part of our lives and culture until 2020.

Seven Saturn in Capricorn characteristics:

Ambition and love of status and social success
Practicality
Pragmatism
Hard work, veering towards workaholic habits
Caution
Determination
Persistence

Eleven Saturn in Capricorn themes:

Building – strong foundations and lasting structures can be created
Engineering
Budgeting – Saturn in Capricorn can be particularly frugal and risk averse.
Banking and finance – Saturn in Capricorn wants to see stricter controls and rules in these areas.
Authority – Saturn represents the archetypal, old-fashioned father-figure.
Security
Science – Saturn is all about structure and foundations, so scientific work that examines these is favoured – for example, in physics, chemistry, and genetics.
Medical and archaeological research involving bones and fossils is also highlighted.
History and archaeology in general are favoured by Saturn in Capricorn.
Tradition
Older people and the stories of our ancestors

21st December:

Winter Solstice – Sun enters Capricorn

Human beings have celebrated the Winter Solstice for thousands of years. The Sun dies, the Sun is reborn – it’s just such a powerful moment for life here on Earth.

This year, the astrological Capricorn flavour is strong. The Sun, Saturn, and Pluto are in Capricorn, joined by Venus on Christmas Day to make a serious line-up in this, the most serious of signs. It’s a dynamic Solstice season, favouring realistic, rational plans and ambitions. Yet Capricorn is also musical, has a quirky, often dry, sense of humour, and admires stylish glamour. The determined goat climbs, the fish-tailed part of Capricorn dips into the waters of wisdom and universal knowledge.

If you’re a December Capricorn, March Aries, June Cancerian, or September Libran this is a notable turning point time for you – now, and on into 2018.

25th December: Happy Christmas!

We’re drawn to tales of the past, and the romance of wild places this Christmas.

Venus enters earthy Capricorn today, joining the Sun, Saturn, and Pluto in this dynamic cardinal sign. The Moon is in mystical, musical Pisces. In many ways, it’s a sentimental Yuletide holiday this year with a strong feeling for tradition and ritual.

2018 has much positive potential for quiet achievements and massively important changes in finance and politics. It will be a very tough year for those who resist restructuring and rebuilding – what needs reforming is already obvious, so if we can work with that, then changes can be made more constructively and have lasting value. As ever, we can always hope. Wishing you a very happy, fulfilling 2018!

The Witches Current Moon Phase for Saturday, December 2nd

Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 98%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked

PHASE DETAILS FOR – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 98%
Moon Age: 13.41 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 367,288.85 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,467,663.08 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

Tomorrow’s Night Full Moon Is A Supermoon

What Is a Supermoon?

A Supermoon happens when a Full Moon or New Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth; also called perigee.
A Super Full Moon looks around 12% to 14% bigger than its counterpart, the Micromoon.

Next Supermoon December 2017
The next Supermoon will be on December 3, 2017.

The Supermoon on November 14, 2016, was the closest since January 26, 1948. The next time a Full Moon will come even closer to Earth is on November 25, 2034 (dates based on UTC time).

Perigee and Apogee
The Moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle, but elliptical, with one side closer to Earth than the other.

As a result of the Moon’s elliptical orbit, the distance between the Moon and Earth varies throughout the month and the year. On average the distance is about 382,900 kilometers (238,000 miles).

The point on the Moon’s orbit closest to Earth is called the perigee and the point farthest away is the apogee.

Super Full Moon and Super New Moon
When a Full Moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, it is called a Super Full Moon. A New Moon that takes place when the Moon is around its perigee is known as a Super New Moon.

A Micromoon, on the other hand, is when a Full or a New Moon is farthest from the Earth, around apogee. It’s also known as a Minimoon, Mini Full Moon, or a Mini New Moon.

Not an Official Name
Supermoon is not an official astronomical term. It was first coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, in 1979. He defined it as ‘a New or a Full Moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in its orbit’. It is not clear why he chose the 90% cut off in his definition.

There are no official rules as to how close or far the Moon must be to qualify as a Supermoon or a Micro Moon. Different outlets use different definitions. Due to this, a Full Moon classified as a Supermoon by one source may not qualify as a Super Full Moon by another.

Supermoon Definition
The following definitions are used at timeanddate.com:

Supermoon: A Full or New Moon that occurs when the center of the Moon is less than 360,000 kilometers (ca. 223,694 miles) from the center of Earth.
Micromoon: A Full Moon or New Moon that takes place when the center of the Moon is farther than 405,000 kilometers (ca. 251,655 miles) from the center of Earth.

Technical Name: Perigee-syzygy
The technical term for a Supermoon is perigee-syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system. In astronomy, the term syzygy refers to the straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies.

When the Moon is close to the lunar nodes of its path during syzygy, it causes a total solar eclipse or a total lunar eclipse

Looks Bigger and Brighter
The Full Moon setting over Jobs Peak, Carson Valley, Nevada.
Because it’s so close to Earth, a Super Full Moon looks about 7% bigger than an average Full Moon. When compared to a Micromoon, it looks about 12% to 14% larger.

A Super Full Moon also looks about 30% brighter than a Micro Full Moon and about 16% brighter than an average Full Moon.

Biggest During Winter
Supermoons during Northern Hemisphere winter months tend to look larger than Supermoons that occur during the rest of the year. At this time of the year, Earth is closer to the Sun. Because of this, the Sun’s gravity pulls the Moon closer to Earth, making any winter Super Full Moons look bigger than summer Super Full Moons.

Best at Moonrise
The best time to enjoy a Super Full Moon is after moonrise when the Moon is just above the horizon, weather permitting. At this position, a Super Full Moon will look bigger and brighter than when it’s higher up in the sky because you can compare the apparent size of the Moon with elements in the landscape like hills, foliage, and buildings. This effect is called the Moon Illusion.

Higher Tides at Supermoon
The greatest difference between high and low tide is around Full Moon and New Moon. During these Moon phases, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun combine to pull the ocean’s water in the same direction. These tides are known as spring tides or king tides.

Supermoons lead to around 5 cm (2 inches) larger variation than regular spring tides, called perigean spring tides.

The tidal range is smallest during the 2 Quarter Moons, known as neaps or neap tide.

Natural Disaster Trigger?
Although the Sun and the Moon’s alignment cause a small increase in tectonic activity, the effects of the Supermoon on Earth are minor. Many scientists have conducted studies, and they haven’t found anything significant that can link the Super Moon to natural disasters.

According to NASA, the combination of the Moon being at its closest and at Full Moon, should not affect the internal energy balance of the Earth since there are lunar tides every day.

Source

timeanddate.com

Next Up…

Your Survival Guide for Saturdays!

The Witches Digest for Wednesday, November 29th

(Your Survival Guide for Wednesdays)

Today is Wednesday, November 29th

Wednesday is the day of the Teutonic deity known as Wodin or Odin, an aspect of the Allfather, god of knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes, the planet Mercury.

Deity: Woden

Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Virgo

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Ash

Herb: Cinquefoil

Stone: Emerald & Sardonyx

Animal: Raven & Cat

Element: Air

Color: Red & Blue

Number: 6

Rune: Odal(O)

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

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

Goddess of the Month of Astraea (November 28th – December 25th)

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

Today, November 29th, We Celebrate the Goddess of the Month, Astraea

Astraea

Astraea is a minor but important goddess from Greek mythology. Known as the “Star Maiden” or “Star Goddess”, she is best known for being the last immortal to live among the humans on Earth before leaving in disgust of humanity’s brutality and wickedness.

There are arguments about who her parents are. She is the daughter of either Zeus (Greek God) and Themis or of Eos and Astraeus. She is often depicted as a winged woman, carrying a torch and the scales of justice. She is also said to have helped Zeus in battle, and is sometimes portrayed carrying his lightning bolts with her.

Astraea is most often associated with two of the major constellation myths, those of Virgo and Libra. While there is much debate about her role in Virgo mythology, I believe that she is the most likely candidate for the role of Virgo. Whether she is or isn’t the figure of the Virgo myth, she is definitely very closely connected to both Virgo and Libra mythology.

Some believe that Astraea’s image is the portrayed on the “Justice” card in the major arcana of the tarot. There is reason to believe that this is true. In the most famous rendition of the card’s artwork, a winged woman carrying a torch and thunderbolts stands beside the throne of Zeus. The name “Astrape” is inscribed above her.

Though often called “the virgin goddess”, Astraea is best known as a goddess of Justice, along with Dike (Greek mythology) and Erigone (Roman mythology), with whom she is often interchangeably mentioned. When she left Earth for the heavens, she essentially took the “Golden Age of Man” with her. Later literature inferred that once humanity realized what it had done, they hoped for her to return, inferring that she would bring the Golden Age back with her. This is notably similar to the “return of the messiah” in Christian mythology.

Though not one of the most well-known the Greek gods and goddesses, the Star Maiden’s influence has lasted throughout the years. Greek epics and English literature refer to her in poems over several centuries, including one by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In modern mythology the image of Astraea is re-imagined in the video game “Demon’s Souls” published by Atlas Software in 2009. In the game, a character named “Maiden Astraea” rules over a land of sickness and disease. She is a beautiful, powerful, and once noble woman whose soul has been corrupted by demonic spirits and has charged herself with taking care of those living in the uncivilized, plague-infested land. This re-imagination combines the images of the goddess Astraea with the role of the immortal monster Echidna, who is also an important mother figure in Greek mythology. Whether this was intentional or not, it serves as an interesting example of ancient mythology transformed into modern mythology.

Reference:

Gods-and-Monsters.com

Spellcrafting for Wednesday, the Day of Mercury

Creativity
Divination
Employment
Knowledge
Travel
Communication
Wisdom
Learning
Addictions
Business
Negotiations

Source

The Spell Crafter’s Compendium
Terri Paaganen

Wednesday

Wednesday: Is associated with Mercury and the colors of Purple, Magenta and Silver

Wednesday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Accounting, Advertising, Astrology, Clerks, Communication, Computers, Correspondence, Critics, Editing, Editors, Education, Healing, Hiring Employees, Intelligence, Journalists, Kin, Learning Languages, Legal Appointments, Memory, Merchants, Messages, Music, Neighbors, Phone Calls, Placing Ads, Siblings, Signing Contracts, Students, Visiting Friends, Visual Arts, Wisdom, and Writing

Source

Practical Magick for the Penny Pinching Witch
Carol Moyer

Wednesday–The Day of Woden

Woden, or Odin as the Norsemen called him, was the chief of the gods of our ancestors, and corresponds to the Jupiter of the Romans. Also, for reasons which we shall read later, he was similar to Mercury, and his name was given to the Roman Dies Mercurii, day of Mercury, which still survives in the French mercredi.

As in the case of Jupiter and the Titans, Odin led the Northern gods in a gigantic struggle with the giants of ice and frost, and finally overthrew them. With the help of the gods, he then fashioned the world from the body of the chief of the giants. From the flesh he made the earth, known as Midgard (middle garden), and from his blood the sea, while from his bones he made the mountains, from his teeth the cliffs, and from his hair the trees. The giant’s skull was then fixed over the earth to form the vault of the sky, and was held in place at the four corners by four dwarfs, Nordri, Sudri, Austri, and Westri, from whom we have obtained the names North, South, East, and West. Next the gods made the sun and moon, which were placed in golden chariots driven by Sol and Mani, the daughter and son of a giant who had named his children after the newly-created sun and moon. The Northmen thought that they could see on the moon the outline of two children carrying a pail, and the story goes that Mani, while travelling across the sky, one night caught up two children, Hiuki and Bil, who were compelled by their cruel father to carry water all night. Hiuki and Bil are still known to us in the familiar story of Jack and Jill. The sun and moon were said to be pursued continually by two fierce wolves, whose shapes could be seen in the clouds, and who, if they caught them up, would swallow them and plunge the world in darkness. Sometimes they nearly succeeded, and thus caused the eclipses.

Having completed the earth and peopled it with men and women, the gods, led by Odin, built magnificent palaces for themselves in Asgard, their home. The most famous of these was Valhalla, to which the bravest and mightiest of the mortals who fell in battle were summoned at their death. The walls of Valhalla were made of spears, and golden shields formed the roof. In the hall stood long tables, at which the dead heroes feasted.

The Northmen honoured a great fighter above all men, and they even thought it a disgrace for him to die in any other way than sword in hand. The great ambition of every fighting man was to be called to Valhalla after his death, there to spend his time in fighting and feasting. The fortunate ones were chosen from among the slain on the battle-fields by the Valkyries, Odin’s battle-maidens, whose horses carried them through the air and over the sea. They rode among the storm-clouds, and the flash of their spears was seen in the lightning.

Odin was often pictured as sitting on a throne from which he could see the whole world, and wearing a suit of armour, covered with a blue mantle, which represented the sky. In his hand he held a famous spear, Gungnir, which never missed its mark. On his shoulders sat two ravens, Thought and Memory, which he sent out into the world every day to obtain news of all that happened. Like Tiu, the God of War, Odin suffered from a disfigurement, having lost one of his eyes. This loss is explained in the following story.

After the creation of the world, Odin wished to obtain great wisdom which would place him far above the other gods. This he could only procure from Mimir’s spring, in whose clear waters the future was mirrored. Odin, therefore, visited Mimir and begged a draught of the wonderful water, but Mimir would only grant the request in return for one of Odin’s eyes. The god was willing to make even this sacrifice for the great knowledge the water would give him, and accordingly he plucked out one of his eyes and gave it to Mimir, who sank it deep in the spring where it could always be seen shining. Odin then drank deep of the water, and thus gained the wisdom for which he was always famous.

All the life of the world, including even the lives of the gods, was said to depend on an enormous ash tree, Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. This tree was created by Odin, and had three roots, one in the Underworld, another in Midgard, near Mimir’s spring, and the third in Asgard. It grew to such a height that it overtopped the whole world, and in its topmost branches sat an eagle with a falcon between its eyes. The falcon could see all three kingdoms, and reported all that happened in them to the gods. In the Underworld was a dragon, which continually gnawed the roots of Yggdrasil in order to destroy it and so bring about the downfall of the gods. To prevent this disaster, the tree was daily watered from a fountain in Asgard, whose magic waters kept it continually green.

Joining Asgard and the earth was a bridge made of fire, earth, and water, whose colours were those of the rainbow. This bridge was guarded against the giants by a god named Heimdall, whose sight and hearing were so keen that he could see a hundred leagues by night as well as by day, and could hear the grass growing on the earth and the wool on the sheep’s back! He was armed with a flashing sword, and carried a horn with which he was to give warning when the giants should come against Asgard.

Odin was the inventor of Runes, the first alphabet of the Northmen. The letters consisted almost entirely of straight lines placed in different groups and positions, and were thought at first to have a magical meaning. Each god had a special rune or sign, and the use of the sign was supposed to bring help from the god. Thus all fighters carved the rune of Tiu on their swords in order that they might have his aid in battle. Runes were afterwards used in the ordinary way for writing, and very old runes have been found carved on stones in Scandinavia and in England. As the inventor of runes, Odin is like Mercury, who was supposed to have given the Romans their alphabet.

In addition to being the wisest of the gods, the inventor of runes, and the God of Eloquence, Odin was also the God of Poetry. The gift of poetry was guarded very jealously by the gods, and was only granted to mortals in special cases. Odin obtained the gift for himself and the other gods only with great difficulty. Hidden away in a hollow mountain, and carefully watched over by a giantess, were three vessels containing a magic fluid, which gave to anyone who drank of it the gift of poetry and song. Odin, knowing of this magic drink, determined to obtain it. Accordingly he set out for the land of the giants, dressed as a mortal, and wearing a broad-brimmed hat to hide the fact that he had only one eye. He hired himself as a servant to Baugi, the brother of the giant Suttung, to whom the vessels belonged, and asked as payment for his labour one draught of the magic fluid. As soon as his work was finished, Odin demanded payment, but Baugi was afraid to ask his brother for the drink, and suggested they should win it for themselves by trickery. They came to the mountain where the vessels were hidden, and bored a hole right through to the cave inside. Odin then changed himself into a snake and wriggled through the hole, just in time to escape the giant, who tried to kill him as he entered the hole. Having found his way into the cave, Odin again took on the form of a god, and begged the giantess who watched over the vessels to allow him just a sip of the magic drink. The giantess at last consented, but Odin, instead of taking a sip, quickly emptied all the vessels, and then, making his way out of the cave transformed himself into an eagle and flew swiftly towards Asgard. He soon discovered, however, that the giant Suttung was pursuing him, also in the form of an eagle. As he neared Asgard the gods caught sight of him, and, seeing that the giant was gaining on Odin, they gathered together a great quantity of fuel and piled it on the palace walls. Immediately Odin had passed over the wall the gods set fire to the fuel, and the flames rose so high that the wings of the pursuing giant were scorched, and he fell into the fire and was burnt.

Odin seldom used this precious gift of poetry himself, but imparted it to his son Bragi, who became the minstrel of the gods and sang many songs in honour of the gods and the great heroes in Valhalla. All the singers among men, the bards, or scalds, as they were sometimes called, were thought to have received the gift from Odin, and were greatly honoured for that reason.

The Creation of the World
In the beginning, ere the Gods were born,
Before the Heavens were builded, thou didst slay
The giant Ymir, whom the abyss brought forth,
Thou and thy brethren fierce, the sons of Bor,
And cast his trunk to choke the abysmal void.
But of his flesh and members thou didst build
The earth and ocean, and above them Heaven.
And from the flaming world, where Muspel reigns,
Thou sent’st and fetched’st fire, and madest lights,
Sun, moon, and stars, which thou hast hung in Heaven,
Dividing clear the paths of night and day.
And Asgard thou didst build, and Midgard fort.

—-MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead

The Heroes of Valhalla
And all the Gods, and all the Heroes, woke.
And from their beds the Heroes rose, and donn’d
Their arms, and led their horses from the stall,
And mounted them, and in Valhalla’s court,
Were ranged; and then the daily fray began.
And all day long they there are hack’d and hewn,
‘Mid dust, and groans, and limbs lopp’d off, and blood;
But all at night returned to Odin’s hall,
Woundless and fresh; such lot is theirs in heaven.
And the Valkyries on their steeds went forth
Tow’rd earth and fights of men; and at their side
Skulda, the youngest of the Normes, rode;
And over Bifrost, where is Heimdall’s watch,
Past Midgard fortress, down to earth they came;
There through some battle-field, where men fall fast,
Their horses fetlock-deep in blood, they ride,
And pick the bravest warriors out for death,
Whom they bring back with them at night to heaven
To glad the Gods, and feast in Odin’s hall.

—MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead.

The Witches Guide to Wednesday

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

Source

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

Wednesday’s Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

Source

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

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 29th

William Tubman’s Birthday (Liberian)

Waxing Moon

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

Incense Lilac

Color: Brown

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, November 30th (For Those Down Under)

St. Andrew’s Day (Scottish)

Waxing Moon

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries

Moon enters Taurus 3:38 pm

Incense: Mulberry

Color: Turquoise

WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel

Source

Moonlight Musings

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:

Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange

Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms

Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.

Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation

Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication

Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project

Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity

Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life

The Energy of Mercury

*Notes: perform on a Wednesday and/or during the waxing Moon with the Full Moon being strongest. An orange or violet candle is associated with any magick cast on this day.

Day: Wednesday

Color: Orange, violet, multicolored, pale yellow

Metal: Quicksilver, alloys.

Stones: Carnelian, fire opal, agate

Plants: Anise, caraway , cassia, club mosss, dittany of Crete, lavender, licorice, parsley, sandalwood, storax

Rules: Gemini, Virgo

Oils: Lavender, lemon, lily of valley, nutmeg, sandalwood, styrax, vervain

Rituals Involving: Intellect, memory, science, creativity, business, magickal conjuration, divination, prediction, eloquence, gift of tongues, speed, speech, writing, poetry, inspiration, improvement of mind power, healing of nervous disorders.

Physical Chant for Mercury:

Magick, the Arts, success on my trade,
Business wisdom and divination,
These gifts I would gain for my physical growth
And to help in my conjurations.

Source

Dancing with Dragons, Invoking Their Ageless Wisdom and Power
D. J. Conway, Author

The Threefold Goddess

To understand the concept of Goddess requires more than the ability to visualize God as a woman. The Goddess concept is built around the myth and mystery of the relationship between God and Goddess, and beneath that, and part of it, Her Threefold Aspect … Maiden, Mother and Crone.

One of the oldest recognized Goddess forms is the first Greek Goddess – Gaia, the Earth Mother; the Universal Womb; Mother of All. The most ancient Goddesses were most often Earth and Mother Goddesses. They were worshipped and revered as bearers of life … fat, healthy, pregnant and fruitful. As the Goddess concept developed, then came the Harvest Goddesses, who were also Earth Goddesses. Understand that this was a time when people did not even understand the basic mechanics of procreation. Life was very sacred and mystical indeed!

Gradually, myth and mystery developed and revealed themselves, creating the legend which we honor in the modern Wiccan Craft.

We recognize the Goddess as the mother of all, including her Mighty Consort, the God. To Her he is Lover and Son, and together they form the Ultimate, the Omniverse, the Dragon, the Mystery.

Now that is a pretty tough concept all things considered. Especially in our society as it sounds rather incestuous. From a mundane perspective, it gets worse as the Wheel of the Year Turns, and the Oak and Holly Kings battle … eternal rivals and sacrificial mates.

In the pages that follow, we will explore the Goddess foundation concepts and try to reach an understanding of the basis of the Mystery.

I don’t want to get off into all the names of all the Goddesses in all the mythology in all of history. While that is certainly a noble endeavor, it is not the objective here. What I do want to do islook at the Goddess, in whole and in part, and see just who and what she is.

First and foremost, the Goddess is the symbol of the Cycle of Everlasting. She is constant, ever present, ever changing, and yet always the same. She could be compared in that respect to the oceans.

As a part of that, she is that from which we have come, and to which we will return. She is the Universal Mother, the Cosmic Womb. While those are largely symbolic images, as opposed to literal ones, they are important to bear in mind about any aspect of the Goddess. She never harms, she is Mother.

One of the most difficult throwback mentalities to dispell in a student is the difference between “dark and light” and “bad and good”.Societally, and often religiously, we are trained to see bad and darkand evil as being the same. Hence, we are also taught to hate and fear our own mortality. All too often I see practicing Wiccans, who ought to *know* better, fall back on these concepts when trying to explain or understand a concept.

The Goddess is dark, she is light, she is birth, she is death, and she rejoices in all things. With death comes joy, for with deathcomes renewal. With life comes joy, for with life comes promise. With growth comes joy for with growth comes wisdom. Sorrow and fear are not a part of her, not the way we feel those emotions. She is incapable of sorrow without joy, she fears nothing, because fear is not real. It is a creation of the mind.

Whether you see the Goddess as a Warrior Queen, or like the GoodWitch of the North in the Wizard of Oz, she is the Goddess. And she has many parts and facets which defy comprehension as “One”. She simply IS, and in that, can be whatever you need her to be in order toestablish a relationship with her. But none of that changes what she IS.

“I greet thee in the many names of the Threefold Goddess and her Mighty Consort. Athe, malkuth, ve-guburah, ve-gedulah, le-olam, Amen.Blessed Be.”

So here, at the Circle Door, greeted by the High Priest or Priestess we first see mentioned the Threefold Goddess. Full-sized covens have three priestesses who take the specific roles of Maiden, Mother and Crone, the High Priestess being Mother.

The Threefold Goddess however is NOT three entities, she is one.Her aspects represent Enchantment, Ripeness and Wisdom.

Taking first things first is usually best, so we shall start with a look at one side of the Maiden.

Quoting “The Myth of the Goddess” as found in Gardenarian Wicca(Gerald B. Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, Aquarian Press, London,1959.):

Now Aradia had never loved, but she would solve all the Mysteries, even the Mystery of Death; and so she journeyed to the Nether Lands.

The Guardians of the Portals challenged her, “Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught may ye bring with ye into this our land.”

So she laid down her garments and her jewels and was bound, as were all who enter the Realms of Death the Mighty One. Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt and kissed her feet, saying, “Blessed by thy feet that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me, let me place my cold hand on thy heart.” She replied “I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things that I love and take delight in to fade and die?”

“Lady,” replied Death, “it is Age and Fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all things to wither, but when men die at the end of time I give them rest and peace, and strength so that they may return. But thou, thou art lovely. Return not; abide with me.”

But she answered, “I love thee not.”

Then said Death, “An’ thou receive not my hand on thy heart thou must receive Death’s scourge.”

“It is Fate; better so”, she said, and she knelt, and Death scourged her and she cried “I feel the pangs of love.”

And Death said, “Blessed be” and gave her the Fivefold Kiss, saying “Thus only may ye attain joy and knowledge.”

And he taught her all the Mysteries. And they loved and were one, and he taught her all the Magicks.

For there are three great events in the life of Man: Love, Death and Resurrection in a new body, and Magick controls them all. For to fulfill love you must return again at the same time and place as the loved one, and you must remember and love them again. But to be reborn you must die, and be ready for a new body; and to die you must be born; and without love you may not be born. And these be all the Magicks.

So there in the Gardnerian Myth of the Goddess we have her Maiden aspect, seeking, searching and opening herself to the mysteries. But it is well to remember that the Goddess herself is a mystery, and the primary gift of the Goddess is intuitive Wisdom.

Beltaine (Bealtain) is the only Sabbat where the Goddess is entirely devoted to the Maiden. Here, she revels in the enchantment, in the joy of coming into fullness and mating with the God. Here, she is maiden bride and we can most easily understand that facet of the Maiden aspect. I should probably note here that some see this festival as maiden turning into mother, with the maiden being in full at Candlemas, but I do not agree with that.

Youth, newness, innocence and beauty are fundamental facets of the Maiden aspect. But beneath those are seeking, and love, and love of seeking. There is more to understand of the Maiden though. Enchantment does not end with maidenhood, it is simply the beginning of the Mystery of Life, for that, above all, is what the Goddess stands for.

In Circle, in the Balanced Universe, the Maiden takes her place in the East. In examining this most comfortable quarter, you learn more about the Maiden Aspect. East (Air) rules the free mind and intellect. It is the place to seek the ability to learn and to open spiritually, to open your mind and find answers. It is a masculine quarter, ruled by intellect, and analytical logic, but she brings to it an intuition which is required to use these to best advantage.

“The river is flowing, flowing and growing, the river is flowing back to the sea. Mother carry me, a child I will always be. Mother carry me, back to the sea.”

This Circle chant, sung in joy, sung in sorrow, is a cry to the Mother Aspect for comfort and warmth, a power chant calling upon the steady power and fullness of the Mother and a plea for guidance. While the Earth Mother, and the fully aspected Goddess are placed North in the Earth quarter, the Mother aspect alone belongs in the west.

Comfort and love rule here. Emotions, sorrow, joy, tears, these belong to the ripeness of the Mother. Caring and loving for all her children, watching in pain and pride as they struggle to gain their own, knowing full well she could reach out and do it for them, but being both bound and desirous to let them do it for themselves.

There is a considerable difference, as you might have interpretedfrom the above, between the Earth Mother and the Mother Aspect of the Goddess. That is why we’ve started with her quarter, because it reveals the limitations of the Aspect.

The Mother aspect is ripeness, the ancient bearing of fruit, child and grain. She represents emotion and sexuality. The Goddess in that aspect is most of the altar (as discussed in the Great Rite lesson.) It is interesting to note the practice in numerous ancient cultures of lovemaking or outright sex magick in cornfields to help make the corn grow.

The Dark Mother should also be placed here, although culturally, Ihave a tendancy to think of the Dark Mother as more in keeping the Crone Aspect. It is a bit of work to see the Dark Mother in the West,to separate Dark Mother from Crone, but it is worthwile. If you have any background with the tarot I would suggest you take it in that context, it is beyond the scope of this text.

Our exploration of the Goddess and her Aspects brings us now to the Crone. For me, the Crone is the most fascinating of the Aspects of the Goddess. Partly I suppose because she is the most mysterious and paradoxical.

“Blessed Goddess, old and wise, open mine, thy child’s, eyes. Speak to me in whispered tones that I may know the rune of Crones.”

With life and growth comes age and wisdom, and the Crone is this in part. She holds fire and power, which wisely used can be of great benefit, but hold great danger for the unaware. Hers are the secrets of death and of life, and the mystery beyond the mystery.

Part of the pleasure in knowing the Crone aspect is that while, unlike the fully aspected Goddess, she is not also Maiden and Mother,she does retain the experiences of both those Aspects in order to be Crone. The Crone, wizened though she is, must still be able to reach into herself and recall the innocent joys and high passions of the Maiden and the love and warmth of the Mother. To be Crone and to not have forgotten, to still be able to experience Maiden and Mother is, to me, very appealing. More importantly, to be comfortable in that Aspect, where you have truth and knowledge but have left youth and physical beauty behind, and to still _feel_ youth and beauty without being desirous of them is an admirable quality.

Crone is the least paralleled Aspect of the Goddess to our human society. We discard our old and wise, not understanding their value as teachers and models, and fearing their appearance as a reminder of our own mortality.

Knowing Crone is a door we much each open for ourselves for to know and love her is to cast aside a great many of our cultural and societal malteachings.

While the individual Aspects of Threefold Goddess are certainly valid concepts and paths to knowing Goddess, I should caution that most mythological Goddess figures are composite Goddesses. Earth Mother Goddess figures are fully aspected Goddess by definition because they represent the full cycle of the Wheel. Most other Goddess figures can be classified as having a dominant (or operative) aspect and recessive(promised, or in some cases past) aspect. Future and past should not be taken literally, mythological Goddess figures are always whatever they are eternally, they do not tend to change (ie age).

Maiden Goddesses possessing their operative in the Huntress or Warrior aspects most often have a promise of Crone. Maiden Goddesses expressing their dominance in beauty and/or love usually have their recessive aspect as Mother. For example, Athena is a Maiden Goddess with Crone attributes (the combination produces many Mother-type qualities, and this results in the Crone aspected Maiden being the most complete of the Mythological Goddesses, with the exception of Earth Mother Goddesses.) Aphrodite is of course a Maiden Goddess with Mother attributes.

Similarly, Dark Mother Goddess figures mostly find their promise in Crone and Light Mother figures their recessive in Maiden. Crone recessives work the same way, although sometimes it takes a bit of close examination to find the “hidden” aspect.

One should note that this is not a formula, rather a tool to assist in examining and understanding Goddess figures and creating one’s own personal spiritual link with Goddess. It is also a useful consideration when invoking a specific Goddess with purpose in ritual. The purpose of this course has been to open avenues of approach in discovering and developing a relationship with Goddess. For me personally, I do not “believe” in the reality of mythological Goddess figures as they were presented, but I do believe they are a valid way to establish communication with Goddess. I also believe Goddess will appear in whatever form we are most ready to accept. The real Goddess, by my belief (and this is personal, not trad) is an entity beyond my comprehension, perhaps composed of light (could 5000 sci-fi films be wrong?), most assuredly unlike anything I could ever imagine in true form. However, I do find mythological Goddess figures highly useful for ritual, and of some help in my personal relationship with Goddess. I hope you will too.

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for November 29th

Last Chance Day

This was considered to be the last chance to marry before the beginning of Advent, during which marriage was frowned upon. It was believed tat if a man wanted to marry a woman who was in debt, he would not be responsible for the woman’s financial obligation if he took her, dressed onlly in her undergarments, from the hands of a priest.

Home & Hearth Magick for Wednesday, November 29th

On Wednesday cast for communication matters and to improve good luck

Planetary Influence: Mercury

Household Symbols: Phones, television, computers, letters, silver coins

Colors: Orange or purple

Kitchen Spices: Dill and celery seed

Source

Cottage Witchery, Natural Magick for Hearth & Home
Ellen Dugan

Up Next….

Your Daily Horoscopes & Divinationi

Welcome to the Witches Digest for Wednesday, November 29th

The Sun & Moon Data for Wednesday, November 29th (Those Above the Equator)

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 145.05° SE
Sun Altitude: 23.14°
Sun Distance: 91.683 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2017 10:27 am (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 6:42 am↑ 117° Southeast
Sunset Today: 4:34 pm↑ 243° Southwest
Length of Daylight: 9 hours, 51 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 27.95° NNE
Moon Altitude: -48.95°
Moon Distance: 233558 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 3, 20179:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 201712:30 am
Next Moonrise: Today2:12 pm
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Moon Illumination: 78.9%

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waxing Gibbous
Full Moon: Dec 3, 2017 at 9:46 am
(Next Phase)
First Quarter: Nov 26, 2017 at 11:02 am
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeanddate.com

The Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, November 30th (Those Below the Equator)

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 152.63° SSE
Sun Altitude: -29.48°
Sun Distance: 91.683 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 22, 2017 3:27 am (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:37 am↑ 117° Southeast
Sunset Today: 7:50 pm↑ 243° Southwest
Hours of Daylight: 14 hours, 12 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 277.71° W
Moon Altitude: 8.22°
Moon Distance: 233543 mi
Next Full Moon: Dec 4, 20172:46 am
Next New Moon: Dec 18, 20175:30 pm
Next Moonset: Today3:11 am
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Moon Illumination: 78.9%

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waxing Gibbous
Full Moon: Dec 4, 2017 at 2:46 am
(Next Phase)
First Quarter: Nov 27, 2017 at 4:02 am
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeanddate.com

Overview of Your Daily Astronomy for November 29, 2017

The Moon spends the day in Aries, stimulating our pioneering instincts. We want to start fresh or come first. The Moon’s square to Pluto can introduce a conflict between wanting to push ahead and needing to use strategy.

The directness of Moon in Aries is weakened by a quincunx between Aries’ ruler, Mars, and Chiron which influences the day and is exact early tomorrow. We might doubt the effectiveness of our assertions or efforts to go after what we want, which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, defensiveness, or frustration. We can find it difficult to be both assertive and sensitive now, and possibly see-saw between one and the other.

Overview of Your Daily Astronomy for November 30th (Those Below the Equator)

Early today, it can be difficult to assert ourselves effectively without provoking, annoying, or concerning others. The trick is to combine both sensitivity and directness instead of going for either/or. The Moon continues its transit of independent, competitive Aries until 3:39 PM EST, after which its transit of Taurus may help settle us down.

However, we’re building to a Mars-Uranus opposition, exact tomorrow morning, that’s potentially quite tense and can stimulate impatience. Tempers can flare and a tendency to take careless risks or jump into premature action is possible. We tend to challenge situations that make us feel restricted or people if they seem to be trying to hold us back. Arguments and confrontations are likely. Positively, this can be a time of more courage to free ourselves from restrictive circumstances or to push ourselves to break out of the routine and try new things. Confrontations may help clear the air.
A void of course Moon occurs from 1:38 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 3:39 PM EST.

Moon in Aries (Both Hemispheres)

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

The sky this week for November 29 to December 3

The First Quarter Moon brightens to Full as it’s joined by Mars, Mercury, Uranus, and Jupiter in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Wednesday, November 29

The second-brightest asteroid of 2017 puts on a nice show during November. Minor planet 7 Iris rides high in the evening sky among the background stars of Aries the Ram. It glows at magnitude 7.7 and should be relatively easy to spot through binoculars even from the suburbs. This evening, you can locate Iris 0.5° due east of the magnitude 5.9 star 4 Arietis.

Thursday, November 30

The variable star Algol in Perseus reaches minimum brightness at 9:27 p.m. EST, when it shines at magnitude 3.4. If you start watching it after darkness falls this evening, you can see it more than triple in brightness, to magnitude 2.1, over the course of a few hours. This eclipsing binary star runs through a cycle from minimum to maximum and back every 2.87 days. Algol appears high in the northeastern sky after sunset and passes nearly overhead around 10:30 p.m. local time.

Algol can guide you to one of the finest binocular star clusters in the late autumn sky. Just after darkness falls, target the variable star through binoculars and place it at the bottom of your field of view. At the top of the field, you should see a hazy patch of light roughly the size of the Full Moon. This is M34, a collection of roughly 100 suns near Perseus’ border with Andromeda. Through 10×50 binoculars, M34’s brightest stars appear to twinkle against the unresolved glow of the cluster’s fainter members.

Friday, December 1

Uranus reached opposition more than a month ago, but it remains a tempting target. The outer planet appears in the southeast after darkness falls and climbs highest in the south around 9 p.m. local time. The magnitude 5.7 world lies in southeastern Pisces 3.2° west of the 4th-magnitude star Omicron (ο) Piscium. Although Uranus shines brightly enough to glimpse with the naked eye under a dark sky, binoculars make the task much easier. A telescope reveals the planet’s blue-green disk, which spans 3.7″.

Saturday, December 2

Head outside before dawn and you’ll find Jupiter blazing low in the southeast. The giant planet rises 2.5 hours before the Sun and climbs 15° high an hour before sunup. Jupiter shines at magnitude –1.7, which makes it the brightest point of light in the night sky, and resides among the much dimmer stars of the constellation Libra. A telescope reveals the planet’s 31″-diameter disk.

Sunday, December 3

Full Moon officially arrives at 10:47 a.m. EST, though it will look completely illuminated all night among the background stars of Taurus the Bull. The Full Moon rises close to sunset, appears highest in the south around midnight local time, and sets as the Sun comes up. Our satellite reaches its Full phase just 17 hours before its closest approach to Earth during its monthly orbit. The coincidence between these two events makes this the largest Full Moon of 2017, and you can expect to hear the phrase “Super Moon” used to describe it. Just how special is it? This Full Moon spans 33.4′, 7 percent larger than average. Most people won’t notice that small of a difference, but you can bet a lot of them will head out this evening, see the bright Moon hanging low above the horizon, and be amazed at its size. But this is an illusion — viewing the Moon near familiar foreground objects tricks the mind into thinking it looks bigger.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

The Witches Current Moon Phase for November 29

Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 78%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

PHASE DETAILS FOR – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 78%
Moon Age: 10.14 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 379,667.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,539,084.96 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

The Witches Moon Phase for Thursday, November 30 (Those Down Under)

Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 86%

Tommorow the Moon will be in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

PHASE DETAILS FOR – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 86%
Moon Age: 11.19 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 374,958.70 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,514,644.84 km

Source

MoonGiant.com

Where’s the moon? Waxing gibbous

By Deborah Byrd

This week’s waxing gibbous moon rises during the hours between noon and sunset. It sets in the wee hours after midnight. It falls between a first quarter moon and a full moon, and, it so happens, this upcoming full moon is a supermoon.

Any moon that appears more than half lighted but less than full is called a gibbous moon. The word gibbous comes from a root word that means hump-backed.

People often see a waxing gibbous moon in the afternoon, shortly after moonrise, while it’s ascending in the east as the sun is descending in the west. It’s easy to see a waxing gibbous moon in the daytime because, at this phase of the moon, a respectably large fraction of the moon’s dayside is now facing our way.

Source

DEBORAH BYRD

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Originally published on EarthSky

Top 4 keys to mastering moon phases

By Deborah Byrd

Why does the moon seem to change its shape every night? Why can I see the moon in the daytime?

The answer to both questions is the same. It’s that the moon is a world in space, just as Earth is. Like Earth, the moon is always half illuminated by the sun; the round globe of the moon has a day side and a night side. From our earthly vantage point, as the moon orbits around Earth, we see varying fractions of its day and night sides. These are the changing phases of the moon. And the moon is in the daytime sky about half the time. It’s just that it’s sometimes it’s so near the sun we don’t notice it. How can you understand moon phases? Here are four things to remember:

1. When you see the moon, think of the whereabouts of the sun. After all, it’s the sun that’s illuminating and creating the dayside of the moon.

Moon phases depend on where the moon is with respect to the sun in space. For example, do you see which moon phase is being shown in the illustration above? The answer is, it’s a full moon. The moon, Earth and sun are aligned with Earth in the middle. The moon’s fully illuminated half – its dayside – faces Earth’s night side. That’s always the case on the night of a full moon.

Don’t just take our word for it. Go outside. No matter what phase of the moon you see in your sky, think about where the sun is. It’ll help you begin to understand why the moon you see is in that particular phase.

2. The moon rises in the east and sets in the west, each and every day. It has to. The rising and setting of all celestial objects is due to Earth’s continuous daily spin beneath the sky.

Just know that – when you see a thin crescent moon in the west after sunset – it’s not a rising moon. Instead, it’s a setting moon.

At the same time, though …

3. The moon takes about a month (one moonth) to orbit the Earth. Although the moon rises in the east and sets in the west each day (due to Earth’s spin), it’s also moving on the sky’s dome each day due to its own motion in orbit around Earth.

This is a slower, less noticeable motion of the moon. It’s a motion in front of the fixed stars. If you just glance at the moon one evening – and see it again a few hours later – you’ll notice it has moved westward. That westward motion is caused by Earth’s spin.

The moon’s own orbital motion can be detected in the course of a single night, too. But you have to watch the moon closely, with respect to stars in its vicinity, over several hours.

The moon’s eastward, orbital motion is easiest to notice from one day (or night) to the next. It’s as though the moon is moving on the inside of a circle of 360 degrees. The moon’s orbit carries it around Earth’s sky once a month, because the moon takes about a month to orbit Earth.

So that the moon moves – with respect to the fixed stars – by about 12-13 degrees each day.

4. The moon’s orbital motion is toward the east. Each day, as the moon moves another 12-13 degrees toward the east on the sky’s dome, Earth has to rotate a little longer to bring you around to where the moon is in space.

Thus the moon rises, on average, about 50 minutes later each day.

The later and later rising times of the moon cause our companion world to appear in a different part of the sky at each nightfall for the two weeks between new and full moon.

Then, in two weeks after full moon, you’ll find the moon rising later and later at night.

Source

DEBORAH BYRD

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Originally published on EarthSky

Up Next….

Your Survival Guide to Wednesdays!

The Witches Digest for Monday, November 27th

(Part 2 Horoscopes)

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of November 27th

by Sarah Bartlett.

From The Astrology Room

With Mercury’s focused link to Saturn in Sagittarius this week, we begin to think seriously about how to make the best out of our relationships and be more philosophical about how we go about doing just that too.

Time may be a factor, but patience is a virtue in this particular case, as Mercury will go retrograde at the beginning of next week and hold us back a little. Even if it takes another few months before we get what we truly want, the waiting will be worthwhile.

ARIES

Communicate your true needs rather than assume your partner or new admirer or just a dating friend, or knows what turns you on. That way, together, you can form an unbreakable bond and forget the mind games. Whoever we are, whatever we think ourselves to be, there’s always a bit of us we don’t really know. This week, fashion your love life so you begin to see the truth.

TAURUS

As much as people keep raving about how everything is changing for the better, you aren’t convinced. At the moment, it seems that remaining a pessimist means you can’t get let down. But it’s actually time to engage in a risk-taking, madcap romance which could lead to spectacular times. Not only that, but you’ll also be liberated from all your doubts and fears about long-term love.

GEMINI

This week, the planets reveal it’s time to take a deep breath and re-ignite good intention, then act accordingly. If single, do you want to guard your independence but take on a lover, or are you looking for a traditional commitment? Answers come thick and fast as you look around and realise there is someone out there. If attached, you begin to see how to change your relationship for the better.

CANCER

As soon as you feel you’re getting involved, there’s a tremendous desire to totally possess the other, or get out as quickly as possible. And this week, you’ll probably notice this reactionary behaviour more acutely than you have for a long time.  Yet at the same time the desire to be in that place of a happy ever after land lures you ever on. Making a choice could be hard, but prevaricating may mean you miss out on passion.

LEO

This week, you feel like blurting out the kind of honest, yet tactless truths about what you want and don’t want. For example,  ‘I love you today, but I might not tomorrow, because I can’t guarantee it’s forever’.  Quite frankly, this week is not going to be easy. But with the planets reminding you that love is fragile, opt for the romance of love rather than any wrangling.

VIRGO

Express those thoughts or feelings that hurt or niggle you. Either to yourself or to a close friend who won’t judge or disapprove. Accept that the mysterious nature of love is part of you as it is of someone else. As one ancient philosopher said, ‘You yourself are another little world and have within you, the sun, the moon and also the stars.’ Be part of that cosmic truth and let yourself shine with love.

LIBRA

Right now, you’re one of those people who may have itchy feet or who is ready to move on.  And you can have what you want if you are prepared to change your outlook on love and what it means to you. The root of successful relating is to first have a good relationship with yourself. In the next few months, someone special will be the catalyst for this major turning point in your life.

SCORPIO

You’re in one of those hyper-critical moods. If single, every possible right person, becomes wrong.  And all this cursing about life, people and love, is simply because you hate to be imperfect yourself. You long for a perfect world where all is ideal and good, and you’re at the centre of someone else’s existence. But, the hard truth is this week, other people have themselves to think about.

SAGITTARIUS

This week,  learn to respect that your partner or admirer have their own ego to boost too. As someone once said, “at the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry.” So, this week remember that lovers, new admirers and the world out there, are part of you, as you are part of them. This is the joy of accepting an ancient connection to the world soul, and to your own too.

CAPRICORN

You need to know where you stand. For a start, does someone love you and only you, and that when they promise something do they mean it?  Now you’re thinking, can you really demand this? Aren’t you supposed to be accepting, kind, and place no conditions of love? But for once in your life you’re going to be a little selfish and make it clear you have needs. Why not start today?

AQUARIUS

Don’t stop to question yourself. This is your chance to romantically leap ahead and do all those crazy things you never believed possible. In fact, many moons ago, you would have been horrified at the thought of doing something which you can now take in your stride.  Forget your fears, cast off self-doubt and remember that thing about the law of attraction? It’s coming your way.

PISCES

Destiny is what you make of your life; it’s the melting pot of your choices and who you are, mingled with the encounters you meet on your way. And right now you will be led down paths you hadn’t consciously chosen, but somehow were led without knowing how or why. This week, be led, but don’t become ‘a stray.’ Time to make a conscious choice where fate and free will merge to make love real for you.

Your General Weekly Horoscopes for November 27th

By Claire Petulengro

From the Astrology Room

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

The question is not who is going to let you, it is who is going to stop you. You are far stronger than you think and if you can slow your pace and stop worrying about what or who may stand in your way, then you will find the success I know you have been craving throughout 2017. Financial deals on Wednesday bring security to your future. Ring now so we can talk recent mixed feelings in love.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Try to support your family throughout the rest of this month. It is important you enter December with your close ones knowing you will be there for them. Mercury helps you to finish difficult work projects on Monday and Tuesday in less than half the time expected. Use these days to tackle what has proved impossible. Ring now to hear why I’m glad ‘that’ influence has gone.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve. You have allowed others to blur your usually good judgement for too many days now. Stand up for what you believe in and who you want. Groundwork you do on Tuesday and Friday can offer you breakthroughs which you previously could not obtain. Ring now to see how romantic December can be.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

Travel is well starred. You start to realise that life doesn’t have to be all hard work. By focusing on having some ‘me’ time you start to look and feel like a more relaxed version of you. Your element of water helps you get to the bottom of what is really troubling an older family member. Ring now to hear how Mars hands you the power of negotiation in business.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

Are you saying what others want to hear just for a quiet life. Because if you are Leo, you will only be making life harder for yourself in the long run. Being up front about what you expect from the rest of this year can make your life a more enjoyable and fulfilling place to be. Energy levels return on Thursday thanks to the magic of Mars. Ring now to hear where your time is best spent.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion Virgo. It is then that you will find your true riches. Children bring good news and are forecast to be the source of much joy. Careful how much information you give about others’ lives. It would be far better to let others divulge their own news Virgo. Ring now to hear how forced home changes will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

I can see that time to yourself is really important to you lately. Getting it is not as easy as it seems though, is it my friend? Mixed messages Mars brought has meant there has been a messy feeling to your life recently. Your chance to clean things up both personally and professionally comes this week. Take steps to be honest about who your priority is. Ring now so I can give you a confidence boost.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. You have been living life by the standards others set and it’s time to work out what you think is and isn’t acceptable. That low feeling is replaced by one of optimism, as you finally realise you don’t have to spend time with those who bring you down. Ring now to hear how upcoming travel plans can end this year on a high for you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground. You start to see, as you enter December, that you have been living life by the standards of others, when you can and should have been living life by your own. Know how far is too far to go when pushing for deals in work. Pride pays a part in you proving you are worth investing in. Ring now for a message from Jupiter.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

An opportunity you thought had passed you by is given a second wind by someone you didn’t know wanted to help you. Your humble attitude in recent days has earnt you many admirers and supporters. Don’t say no just because you’re being shown charity. Others would not invest in you if they did not think you were worth it. Ring now to hear why being on time means everything this week.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Saturn, your ruling planet helps you to realise what you want from the rest of this year. This may mean letting down those who said they were relying on you. By the time you enter December, however, you will realise that this more honest approach is actually for everyone’s benefit. News of a split changes the dynamics in a major way. Ring now so we can make your future great.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Try not to let jealousy blur your good judgement. It would be far better for you to wait and let others prove, over the coming days, what they will or won’t do for you Pisces. Hard work you do this week can help you finally get back on track with those you fell out with in October. The written word can make you money, so pay attention to detail. Ring now for clear vision.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, November 27th

Aries

The Moon spends the full day in your quiet solar twelfth house, Aries, and this points to a continued need for some time to recharge your batteries, so to speak, on an emotional level. This can be a day when you’re more retiring than usual, and it’s right for you. You’re also in a beautiful position to do detail work or fill in the details of a plan. Your eye for design is excellent right now. Your mindset is increasingly practical as the day advances, and patience is easy to muster up if it means focusing on priorities. There can be a sense that you need to give up something pleasurable in order to gain in another area of life, and decisions can be difficult as a result, but they also tend to be good for you in the long run. Advice now tends to be helpful and mature. There may be a reality to face about a far-out fantasy and your feet return to the ground, which can be a bit disappointing. The good news is that you are likely to have better information to move your plans forward in practical ways. While a hole in your thinking or education may become obvious now, it does give you the chance to fill it in.

Taurus

The Moon spends the day in your social sector, boosting your desire to connect with others and enjoy some networking, Taurus. Decisions or serious conversations about financial or relationship matters may be necessary as Mercury and Saturn move towards an alignment, however. It’s a good time for thinking about ways to cut back on excesses or to be more mindful of responsibilities. A partner may be strict with you, or you may feel temporarily unsupported, but it can lead to a stronger grip on what’s realistic and where you stand. While there could be some realities to face today, this is the start of fresh new thinking or a new direction on a mental level. Ultimately, you gain more confidence in your newly strengthened plans. This is particularly the case with business affairs and also your feelings about a person or relationship. With Saturn approaching the end of its transit of your solar eighth house, any work you’ve put towards reducing debt or strengthening a relationship has its payoffs.

Gemini

The Moon spends the day at the top of your solar chart today, Gemini, and things get a little more serious than usual as you are made aware of your responsibilities. As well, your ruler, Mercury moves into alignment with stern Saturn in your partnership sector, and serious thoughts or conversations about relationships are likely to figure strongly. There may be decisions made about a relationship or where you’re headed on the relationship front. The practical side of your connections is in focus, and you may be making joint plans, decisions, and commitments. You may be feeling a little somber now, but you are also more equipped to take care of practical details. Sometimes others’ criticisms or indifference can motivate you to make improvements. Alternatively, there can be a smart agreement reached today, or you see eye to eye with a partner on an important issue.

Cancer

The Moon spends the day in your adventure sector, dear Cancer, and this keeps your spirits high, even with a somewhat somber tone to the day due to Mercury’s alignment with Saturn. Indeed, this can be a time to sober up on a particular area of your life so that you see things a little more clearly, but do be aware that you may first swing to an overly negative viewpoint before seeing things in a balanced way. For the most part, decisions made now tend to be considered and sensible when related to work, health, and habits. Certain realities faced now can lead to a freeing feeling of acceptance of things precisely as they are. Even if you wrestle with some criticisms now, they’re likely to be of the constructive variety, and even if they aren’t, you have the power to turn them to your benefit. Resolve to take better care of yourself. Conversations can be serious or businesslike, but constructive.

Leo

More serious thoughts tend to figure strongly today, dear Leo, or conversations tend to take the serious route. You can be unusually contemplative now. You may undoubtedly hear more criticisms swirling around you now, but you can make these constructive even if they’re not intended that way. In fact, today is excellent for seeing flaws and working on fixes. For some of you, love relationships are a little weightier than usual. If you’re inclined to voice your frustrations today, take a little extra care that you don’t do this in a negative way that turns others off from helping or supporting you. If you’ve been mulling over a decision recently, this can be a time for coming to a conclusion. It can feel wonderful to commit to a person or project or to make a meaningful resolution. Perhaps the best use of the Mercury-Saturn energy today, however, is to think up practical ways to improve your leisure time, relationships, and enjoyment of life.

Virgo

The Moon spends the day in your partnership sector, dear Virgo, and you’re in the mood for some company. You’re also in the position to gain a different perspective on your life. A Mercury-Saturn alignment casts a somewhat somber tone to the day, whether it’s because of a desire to make solid plans about a practical matter or due to news or conversations that broach more serious topics. You may feel the need to act with authority today or to be strict and firm. Decisions related to family or the home may be approached now. Fortunately, you are in the position to assess issues realistically and with much practicality. Honing in on your priorities may not be a lot of fun, but it’s helpful now. There can be criticisms to deal with, but as a result, you may decide to strengthen uncertain areas, and this boosts your confidence going forward.

Libra 

The Moon spends the day in your work and health sector, dear Libra, and this gets you in a productive frame of mind — an ideal climate for the Mercury-Saturn alignment occurring today that encourages you to get serious. There is good energy with you for firming up a project or clinching a deal. You’re in great shape if you have important work or plans to attend to that require particular focus and concentration. Conversations tend to be serious and others may be a little heavy-handed, however. Complaints and criticism are more likely than usual when Mercury and Saturn come together. Sacrifices may need to be made in order to realize growth, but they may very well be worth it. Although the day requires more discipline and a realistic outlook than usual, if there are ways to be both firm and kind to yourself and others at the same time, you, as a Libra, will find them!

Scorpio

With Mercury and Saturn moving into alignment in your sector of self-worth and resources, dear Scorpio, you can benefit from taking a critical look at your finances, income, or attitude towards earning. Circumstances may be such that you need to get serious about — or have a good think about — money or business issues. The good news is that you are seeing things for what they are, rather than what you would like them to be, and this realism helps you to tackle problems with maturity. Be realistic, but not pessimistic. Avoid negative thinking, but do be honest with yourself. You need to tend to your own interests first right now. If there are criticisms, which is frequently the case when Mercury and Saturn get together, turn them into a positive by strengthening your position.

Sagittarius

The Moon spends the day at the bottom of your solar chart, Sagittarius, and there is a strong tendency to keep to yourself or to stick with what you know. This works exceptionally well with a Mercury-Saturn alignment occurring in your sign, which is a somewhat cautious and practical influence. It would be wise to take a closer look at personal plans to see where you might make some improvements. Your mind is a little more critical than usual, and you can use this to your benefit. You may present yourself with an air of authority or with seriousness today, but this may mask your true feelings, so do watch for misunderstandings. As well, be careful not to criticize or come across as harsher than you intend.

Capricorn

The Moon spends the day in your communications zone, dear Capricorn, and this influence encourages you to stay or get in touch. With the planet of communication, Mercury, in alignment with your ruler, Saturn, information becomes an even stronger focus now. Decisions about long-standing problems and the past may need to be made now, and you can have a strong urge to settle issues that have been left unresolved. Words have increased impact now, so choose them carefully. It may be better to keep silent about some issues now, as there can be a tendency for others to see things in absolute terms and compassion and understanding can be missing just for the time being. However, this can also help you to make practical choices. Avoid over-thinking things, but do aim for self-honesty.

Aquarius

The Moon spends the day in your resources sector, dear Aquarius, and you’re inclined to put emotions to the side so that you can take care of your practical affairs more effectively. Helping you along is a Mercury-Saturn alignment, encouraging you to adopt solid, concrete, and realistic plans for the future. There can be useful advice coming from a friend or your networks, or discussions with friends can turn to business or can become business-like. Agreements (very practical ones!) may be reached. This planetary alignment in your sector of friends, hopes, and dreams prompts giving all or some of these matters further thought and specialized attention.

Pisces

The Moon spends the day in your sign, dear Pisces, highlighting your emotional needs and wants. Even so, a Mercury-Saturn alignment at the top of your solar chart keeps you on your professional toes. It makes sense to be more aware than usual of what you’re communicating today, as your words have more impact than usual and can stick around for much longer than usual, as well! People may be taking things at face value rather than seeking out the fine or subtle points, which is not up your alley, but necessary to note. Career projects may be subject to scrutiny, and flaws may be revealed now that need fixing. There can be criticism to deal with, but this can motivate you to work on fixes, if only to protect yourself from further scrutiny. Ultimately, all of this works in your favor. It’s true that a day influenced by Mercury-Saturn can involve hearing more complaints than usual, but it’s also a good time for firming things up and getting back on track.

If You Were Born Today, November 27th

Although you march to the beat of a different drummer, you are also a very sensitive and emotional person. Highly original, your creativity and ability to think outside the box earns you respect from others. However, your emotions sometimes get the best of you. Impulsiveness and a tendency to borrow from your future can get you into trouble as well. You are friendly and warm, but you can also be quite difficult to read, as your nature is rather contradictory. On the one hand, you are sensitive and have your eye on security. On the other, you have an undeniable adventurous and independent streak. Famous people born today: Bruce Lee, Robin Givens, Jimi Hendrix, Alexander Haig, Jaleel White.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday occurs around a First Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of great energy, motivation, and growth. You are more ambitious and desirous of action in the year ahead. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

Something big is in the works regarding your love or social life. You’ll have a chance to heal old wounds with regards to love and friendship this year. You’re also bound to find new ways of making money. Relationships are mutually beneficial and naturally equal, fair, and balanced during this period of your life. There can be a stronger inclination towards togetherness and sharing.

Your ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced this year. You may, in fact, have a lot of work to do in relative solitude or you might often retreat to study, work, or think. You might be required to travel for business purposes. Thinking in realistic and practical terms is your best bet, and the need for tangible results for your efforts is strong.

You may be actively involved in teamwork and collaboration with others this year. Passions are stirred and you’re in a good position for connecting with others to accomplish your goals. There can be the beginning of a significant new relationship or the intensification of an existing romance.

However, this can be a year when bursts of restlessness, rebellion, and impatience figure prominently. You have a tendency to take risks and to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences. You assert your will and individuality powerfully, and you are ready to fight for freedom. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge you in such a way that you need to change your goals or actions. This can also be a time when you tend to resist others and challenge them if they are trying to hold you back. Arguments and confrontations are likely. Technology may be a source of irritation, and electrical appliances may break down or not work up to par.

Energy fluctuates this year. Anger can erupt seemingly from nowhere and it gives you the chance to deal with it. If you aren’t too rash or impulsive, this can be an excellent year in which to free yourself from restrictive circumstances. You could also have more courage than usual to do things that break the routine, and confrontations engaged in this year could clear the air and help you to move forward.

Developing existing businesses is highly favored this year. Long-term alliances can be made. This is a potentially excellent year for making prosperous connections.

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.

This can be a good time for updating your electronics and technology in ways that open up new avenues for communication or ease. Wonderfully creative ideas can fill your head this year.

Advances in intellectual and mental pursuits are likely this year, as you make steady progress that has long-lasting results. The year is good for enjoying wonderful social or love opportunities. Your faith increases and you seek out more meaning from your life. You’re in good shape for staying on track and meeting your responsibilities as well. Useful contacts can be made during this period. Your love or social life grows and satisfies.

2017 is a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time when you find it natural and easy to enjoy life and other people. The focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure than you are in other years. It’s likely to be a rather lighthearted year when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a favorable year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out and connect but avoid scattering your energies.

2018 will be 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.

Source

CafeAstrology.com

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, November 27th

Aries

You tend to keep to yourself in the first half of the day, dear Aries. This is an excellent time for letting go of frustrations and tension, especially with a Mars-Neptune connection helping you wind down. It’s an imaginative time, as well. Retreating a little from mainstream activities so that you can regroup on an emotional level makes sense now if you can manage it. The Moon moves into your sign just before noon, and emotions surface, feeling urgent. These desires will pass, often as quickly as they came on in the first place, but pay attention to which ones remain. You’re bound to feel more get up and go now. You may not know where you’re headed just yet, but there is good energy for exploration and discovery. No longer content to take the back seat, you are ready to take action. People are valuing the very qualities that come naturally to you today, and this can subtly boost your popularity.

Taurus

You might enjoy others’ company more than usual in the first half of the day, dear Taurus. Casual communicating works well now. You want to share thoughts with others rather than feel the burden of all the decision making. Doing favors for people in your life may be a good way to express yourself at the moment, particularly with a Mars-Neptune parallel that encourages contributing, helping, and generosity. Shortly before noon, the Moon moves into your solar twelfth house for a couple of days, making it a good time for reflecting on your personal life, particularly with your future in mind. This is a signal from the cosmos to take things easy, or easier than you have been recently, in preparation for a new cycle that will begin with the Moon enters your sign on Thursday afternoon. You are attracted to activities that help you relax and take a load off. It’s an excellent time for regrouping and refreshing, but not the best for getting noticed.

Gemini

In the first half of the day, Gemini, you’re more aware than usual of your responsibilities and performance. As such, the sooner you meet your obligations, the more emotionally satisfied and calm you’ll feel. You may be moved to take charge or situations put you in the position of leader. Just before midday, the Moon moves into your social sector, and the need for non-competitive outlets for self-expression emerges. In fact, the less expected of you, the more naturally you contribute, share, and connect with others. You’re likely to find the remainder of the day gently stimulating. While you crave action, you’re also seeking creative and imaginative outlets. You enjoy the feedback you receive from others, which tends to jumpstart your own thinking processes. You are likely to want to keep busy and connected today — a welcome break after a day of taking things quite seriously.

Cancer

The first half of the day favors spontaneous expression, dear Cancer, although it can take a bit of time to loosen up after a Mercury-Saturn alignment. Honesty is charming and winning now. Ultimately, it frees you from unnecessary guilt. Look to others or different schools of thought for a different, fresh perspective on your life. By midday, the Moon will have moved into your career and reputation sector, and others’ expectations tend to pull you in a particular direction. You may be more aware of the rules, and you tend to want to put in the necessary effort to make life a little more orderly. You’re experiencing more “get up and go” related to business, finances, or career. You’re likely to feel proud of your performance now, or you’re motivated to do your best.

Leo

With the Moon in your solar eighth house, thinking, journaling, or ruminating can get you into better touch with your inner needs, wants, and motivations, dear Leo. Until midday, you’re likely to gravitate towards quiet, healing activities, after which you’ll want to pull yourself up and out. As the Moon moves into fellow Fire sign, Aries, you feel the need to feed your spirit, and a Mars-Neptune parallel can help nudge you towards activities that do so. Larger issues come into play, and you are prompted to think about your bigger goals and plans. Doors can open in your life for personal growth opportunities, and a broad mind is a prerequisite. This is a good time for finding inspiration through something you read or experience.

Virgo

There may have been some heavy thinking or serious food for thought, dear Virgo, and now you’re ready to relax a little and get perspective. A partnership or friendship deserves some special attention in the first half of the day, especially. This is a strong day for bonding with someone, especially if you are tuning into nonverbal cues. In the second half of the day, the Moon is now moving through your solar eighth house, and you seek out a real connection with someone or a project. You’re drawn to activities that absorb you. This two-day transit is beneficial, as you can learn a lot about yourself and others through observation. Today, you might have a significant memory or personal revelation that motivates you.

Libra 

You continue to focus on the details of your life and getting things into order in the first half of the day, dear Libra, and this leads to a stronger sense of purposefulness. Just before midday, the Moon moves into your partnership sector, and this tends to bring you into a more sociable mood, or one in which you’d prefer to share your ideas or activities with someone. As well, a Mars-Neptune parallel points to a greater need to be supportive and helpful. This is a time in which establishing balance in your life is a stronger focus. There are times to go solo, and there are times to be with others, and today’s energies favor the latter. Others may challenge you, but they also make you a little stronger. Teamwork is especially favored in the second half of the day.

Scorpio

The Moon continues to transit your creative and romantic sector in the first half of today, dear Scorpio, and you’re likely in the mood for some special attention or recognition for your more unique qualities. This is not the time for blending in. You are displaying more confidence, vitality, and optimism. Just before noon, the Moon moves into your work and health sector, and you become more sensitive to details that may be out of whack. A focus on daily routines or details can be comforting. Taking care of business or chores can sometimes help take the pressure off overthinking other areas of your life, and that’s likely the case today. You tend to go out of your way to support or help others.

Sagittarius

There is some caution or introspection to the first half of the day, Sagittarius, and you’re inclined to set priorities and enjoy simple activities. You don’t feel any pressure to push or reach beyond boundaries, and this is useful to you now. You’ll crave more emotional involvement with the rest of the world in the second half of the day, however. The Moon moves into your creativity sector, and tensions might be released through creative, entertaining activities. Pulling yourself away from problems or a tendency to overthink can sometimes give you a better perspective. You can feel especially inspired by family and friends now.

Capricorn

The Moon in your communications sector this morning stimulates a desire to communicate, connect, and collect information, dear Capricorn. Stay flexible and be spontaneous if you feel right about something in your gut. There can be a nice feeling of camaraderie with a partner or friend. In fact, today is excellent for supporting and helping others. With the Moon moving into your home and family sector towards midday, find familiar, comforting activities that help build confidence from the ground up. Focus on tending to your domestic or personal needs. This Moon position can encourage you to back away from problems coming from the outside world so that you can see them from a better perspective. Today and the next couple of days are good for feeling rooted and secure, but you won’t necessarily be content unless you accomplish something productive, so aim to meditate in motion now.

Aquarius

You are more inclined to stick with the familiar than to venture out looking for new experiences early today, dear Aquarius. Even so, you could be feeling close to someone who seems to be sharing the same values as you or who looks to you with particular respect. You benefit from a pleasing sense of clarity or a hook on reality that boosts your feelings that what you’ve been recently doing has been worthwhile. Just before noon, you enter a more curious lunar period, and it’s now time for branching out and entertaining new possibilities. Reaching out to others can be rewarding. You are coming across as articulate and intelligent, and others respond positively. You’re radiating good, calm energy now.

Pisces

The Moon in your sign until shortly before noon tends to magnify your emotions, sometimes at the cost of reason, dear Pisces. However, this is an important time for getting in touch with your emotional wants and needs, keeping in mind that they may seem a bit larger than life for now. In the second half of the day, your emotional requirements don’t appear as urgent. It’s a good time for reminding yourself of what you already have in your life, and for finding ways to appreciate these things. You begin to fill up with more patience. You’re inclined to play it safe on an emotional level, and this is an essential exercise as you work on making your life more comfortable and secure. Life no longer feels like a pressure cooker, and a Mars-Neptune connection today helps you wind down, as well. You benefit from reasonable pacing now.

Read Your 2018 Horoscope

On the edge of greatness

By Maria DeSimone

From Tarot.com

Without a doubt, 2018 will be a year to get down to business. A series of planetary switch-ups allows for notable support in practical matters. You’ll build foundations in your life by trusting your instincts. You’ll also seek out an innovative approach to your finances — all with great potential for success.

Back on October 10 of 2017, Jupiter, the planet of possibilities, began swimming in the emotional depths of Scorpio, and remains in this sign until November 8, 2018. With Jupiter moving swiftly through Scorpio as the year begins, you’re already feeling quite comfortable with profound, intimate, emotional exchanges in your relationships. You’ll continue to feel blessed when you explore hidden terrain, since you’ll likely find buried treasure that will help you grow spiritually, psychologically, and physically.

Your personal powers are strong

2018 will be a year of heightened intuition, so if you’ve wanted to cultivate your psychic gift, the universe is offering to be your mentor. Pay close attention to May 25 and August 19 when Jupiter will be at a perfect trine to Neptune. Faith, intuition, and luck are your perfect trifecta around these dates.

Jupiter and Pluto will also work together well this year — a stark contrast to the power struggle they engaged in during 2017. On January 15, April 14, and September 12, these planets will help you remember that you had the power within you all along. More importantly, this planetary connection will encourage you to use it in a way that strengthens you and those in your circle. Business and financial ventures will be favored.

On November 8 Jupiter enters Sagittarius, the sign Jupiter naturally rules. This will be an auspicious time when you notice greater success and support in any endeavor that opens your mind. It’ll be time to explore new horizons!

Building foundations for the future

While Jupiter encourages us to grow through expansive opportunities, Saturn, his counterpart, demands that we grow through patience, discipline, and hard work. On December 19, 2017, Saturn moved into Capricorn, the sign he naturally rules. Until 2020 we’ll have dominating lessons about building solid foundations that will serve and protect us through any storm. As the New Year begins, we’re still getting used to the subtle but profound difference Saturn makes when he moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

Consequently, in 2018 you’ll know that it’s time to approach your life and responsibilities with a plan. Fortunately, you probably feel ready, willing, and able to do so. As long as you come to the cosmic workplace on time each morning ready to do the work necessary, Saturn in Capricorn will help you build a structure in a certain area of your life that you’ll be able to rely on for the long haul.

Revolutions and revelations

Later this year, expect a material revolution to begin. From May 15 to November 6, Uranus, the planet of innovation and sudden change, will give us a hint of what he can do when in the practical, financially-oriented sign of Taurus. Expect a shift in the financial market — especially anything that has to do with technology and science. On a personal level, how you maintain physical and material security is likely to change. You can choose to reinvent yourself in these areas or you can resist. If you fight it, though, you’ll only feel more rattled and ultimately left behind when the rest of the world moves into more progressive terrain. Lastly, Mars and Venus will both retrograde in 2018, making certain times tricky to successfully negotiate new business ventures and romantic endeavors. Avoid launching anything new from both June 26 – August 27 while Mars is retrograde, and October 5 – November 16 when Venus retrograde.

Remember, success in life is most supported when we swim with — and not against — the tides. Why create unnecessary strain? Don’t work in contradiction with planetary cycles. Instead, let them work for you.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

2018 Love Horoscope

The deepest level of love

By Maria DeSimone

From Tarot.com

Expansive opportunities to forge genuine relationships were available to all back in 2017, thanks to Jupiter moving through the partnership-oriented sign of Libra. As 2018 begins, there will be an extraordinary occasion to create remarkable depth and intimacy in any romantic connection you might have made. Jupiter will move through Scorpio until November 8, 2018, supporting the desire to delve into everything that terrifies and excites you about intimacy.

With Venus turning retrograde in Scorpio from October 5-31, and then retrograde in Libra until November 16, you’ll also have an opportunity to practice facing the skeletons in your love life … or the debris that keeps you from enjoying genuine love and commitment with someone. Lessons connected to learning how to share resources with your lover, both emotional and physical, are strong this year. You also have the chance to overcome trust issues, fear of betrayal, and any sexual hang-ups that are blocking your ability to enjoy making love.

Two eclipses in playful, romantic Leo round out the year’s possibilities for pleasure in matters of the heart. A Lunar Eclipse on January 31 and a Solar Eclipse on August 11 can bring you an affair to remember … or the love of a lifetime.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

We have witnessed a widening schism in politics, social upheaval, and the economy for some time — it was the dominant factor in the 9-year cycle from 2008 until 2017. However, the following 9-year cycle from 2017 through 2025 doesn’t slow this polarization one bit: instead, it will be dominated by what could be called the “information chaos…”

A surge of misinformation

Two hundred years ago, information came to a person sparingly, a bit of gossip one day, a note sent by a pigeon, perhaps a two-page newspaper once a month. Today, data comes at us like hail in a thunderstorm. We are relentlessly bombarded with information through our devices, written material, television, computers, social media… and to make matters worse, much of it is false. This complicates our ability to accurately comprehend what is happening around us. When facts are not clearly discernable, doubt becomes the only consistency. How do you make choices when you can’t trust the information you receive?

The choices you make today will create the world you live in tomorrow. This has always been the case. The challenge today is that things are moving at a dramatically increased speed, and often in the dark, as waves of distorted data make it difficult to see clearly. And with life moving this fast, crashes are exponentially more damaging. To put it in a nutshell: At a time when personal choices carry heavier consequences than ever, our ability to separate good information from bad has been severely hampered.

Brace for change

Changes tend to have a perceptible footprint — there is a buildup, then the event, followed by a period of stabilization. Sometimes a change seems to happen so quickly or dramatically it feels sudden and unexpected. While such changes may appear to come out of nowhere, they have a backstory; we just weren’t watching. In 2018 we’ll see quite a few of those, following each other so rapidly it will be difficult to keep track. To help you prepare, let’s take a look at the numbers of 2018 to see how they will affect the global community, as well as your personal cycles.

The numbers of 2018

2018 is a 2 Universal Year, reducing from the number 11 (because 2+0+1+8=11, and then 1+1=2). With the sensitive, finely-tuned, emotionally-conscious 11 behind this peace-loving 2, you can count on an emotionally-charged year that touches our hearts more than previous years — even more than 2017, which is saying something.

Passion dominates in 2018, which is good when driven by positive forces, but not so great when negative powers are at play. Most importantly, no one gets to sit on the sideline without being affected by these changing times. With a 4 at the top of the Numerology chart for 2018, and a 5 at the bottom of the chart, chaos rules. We are riding a speeding train on a rickety track. Just about anything you can imagine could happen, and probably will.

The voices of greed, selfishness, fear, and separation will get louder and louder this year. But we will also see a surge in our desire to learn, to advance, to overcome, to grow, connect, and rectify. A growing force floats unseen under the surface in search of common ground, of healing and sharing spreading in unlikely places.

2018 continues a long spiral of grueling extremes, further dividing us into those led by the heart and those led by the mind. This struggle will be felt in our individual lives, as well as nationally and globally.

A year of opposites

No part of the planet will escape the turbulent effect of a year driven by passion and confusion. But, where some parts of the world will see great upheaval, others will see improvement and progress. It will be a year of opposites, with waves of goodwill, promise, peace, and prosperity, as well as rapid downfalls, disasters, storms of human-created misery, war, and famine.

Uprisings across the globe will become more frequent, as social media exposes the differences between political systems, and people recognize the power in numbers. Oppressed groups will push harder for change, equality, and basic human rights. In an age where nothing stays hidden for long, it will become clear who is responsible, and where to push.

As a result, we will almost certainly see several high-profile, powerful leaders or parties tumble, in turn causing major changes in their countries, especially those known for oppression and religious intolerance. Unrest in the Middle East grows and spreads to countries currently relatively quiet.

In the US, turmoil becomes a daily part of life, bringing more frequent protests and clashes. As a result, the US political status quo is likely to be dramatically altered by the time 2018 has ended.

Natural disasters will continue, some caused by climate change (storms and wildfires), but more often by the instability of the Earth itself (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes), and often in areas long considered stable.

Our financial markets experience a major shake-up, but here too, parts of the planet appear almost immune to the troubles caused elsewhere.

Find clarity in simplicity

The chaos and turmoil we experience on the surface is essentially a reflection of a deeper, somewhat hidden struggle.

Over the past few hundred years, our daily lives have become more complex (compared to a few hundred thousand years before that), especially since the birth of the digital age. There is a contradiction in that. As life on the surface becomes increasingly hectic and chaotic, we are drawn (or forced) to seek answers within, for ourselves and our global community. Obviously, this has always been true. What’s different is the grey areas are disappearing. The intense polarization we see happening around us reflects the polarization happening within us, between the heart and the mind.

For example, when you are faced with a refugee family, or someone in great need, your heart will be drawn to let them in, to feed them, to help. Your mind, however, will tell you that there is no room, they are unlike you, it’s not your problem, someone else will help… The heart is subtle, quiet, open — the mind is loud, and quick to react and judge. Knowing which is which can make or break you in 2018.

Our lives are governed by two rulers: Feelings (the realm of the heart) and logic (the mind). Every decision, every action — whether made by an individual, a nation, religion, or political party — is based solely on these two driving forces. There is no third influence, no alternative. Something is either dominated by the heart, the mind, or a combination of the two. Both are necessary.

Here’s the clincher: One without the other causes disharmony. Period. The more disproportionate, the greater the disharmony.

Make the right choice

Today’s toxic and chaotic environment makes it harder to choose, yet easier to know. If it is loud, obnoxious, hurtful to others (anyone, anywhere), or is motivated by fear, greed, distrust, or anger, it is the mind, without the heart, and it is wrong. Always. Without exception.

If it is gentle, warm, loving, helps or heals others (anyone, anywhere), or is motivated by generosity, courage, or empathy, you can be certain it comes from the heart, and it is right.

It’s really all about you

Make no mistake; all this chaos is here for you. The underlying, hidden force causing the shake-up is trying to reach you, to help you choose, or perhaps to force you to choose. But the information chaos will bring doubt and confusion to your mind, so where will you turn to make your choices? What’s left that you can trust?

Here’s a helpful hint. If you are listening to sounds and images playing between your ears, it’s your mind, and you can be sure some of the information stored there is inaccurate. So be careful, because the mind can be an ugly beast.

If you are feeling something near the heart area, if it affects you emotionally, if it reminds you of love and empathy, if it makes you feel powerful and helpless at the same time, if the only confusion you experience is that it seems both sad and beautiful, if you feel a need to share it and treasure it, then you should probably also act on it. Because when your heart speaks, it speaks the truth.

This coming year the numbers 11 and 2 rule. You can be sure the events and the turmoil will touch you deeply — as a witness and perhaps a participant — in a cosmic play of “Can you Tell the Difference?” Play to win this year, and know the difference — the quality of your life depends on it.

2018 month by month

In a year that already has a barrage of information (both false and factual) as its most significant influence, January and October peak in this regard. Long hidden facts come to the surface, secrets are revealed, and high-ranking people are exposed during these months.

February, May, June, and November are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, as well as upheaval in the financial markets.

April has its focus on everything about labor — expect strikes or other labor-related unrest.

March and December are centered around the abuse of freedom, nationally and internationally, as well as breakthroughs in bringing freedom to places where there was little previously. There will be rapid changes and much unrest.

September and November bring emotions and passion to the surface, causing considerable upheaval globally.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017