Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, May 26th

by Rick Levine

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

If You Were Born Today, May 25

You are a witty, humorous, talkative person. Under the chatty or sociable surface, you are a lot more serious than you appear. In fact, you never take anything at face value. You consider yourself unusual, and most people agree! You are highly imaginative with fantastical dreams and ideas. Famous people born today: Robert Ludlum, Mike Myers, Anne Heche, Karen Valentine, Cillian Murphy.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

The New Moon in your Solar Return chart suggests that you will instinctively begin a new phase of your life this year. A decisively new direction has come about in your life. This can be an emotionally stimulating time in which you feel the urge to initiate and project, even if you are not quite clear about what you are projecting. Much of the energy in your life can have a magical quality to it as things are just automatically going in a certain direction. It is important to be intuitive at this time and allow the natural course to show you the way to the next step. Surprises (mostly very pleasant) pepper your year. New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as the year unfolds.

This can be a year in which you experience important turning points, or you could begin new projects or goals that have a long-term impact on your life.

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. Your ability to make decisions increases this year. You are sensitive but sensible.

There can be some intensity in your love or social life this year, as you want to grow and develop in these areas of life. You should watch for impatience or too-high expectations in this regard. Your love nature is strong although given to extremes at times. You may overvalue something (or someone), perhaps in an attempt to dramatize your life. While at times you may feel insecure on a social level, other times this year you feel quite the opposite: sociable, in the mood to party, dramatic, extravagant, and inclined to overindulge as a result of a feeling of inner discontent and a desire for more from life than daily routines.

Connecting with like-minded people is likely but also with people who have new perspectives to share. It’s a particularly powerful year for communications, friendships that are often sudden or exciting, social affairs, and artistic work.

Mars in challenging aspect to Saturn suggests some ups and downs in the year ahead due to your plans and efforts meeting with resistance. At times, circumstances seem to block your efforts to assert yourself, and you might feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks, which could lead to some frustration. Patience is necessary because progress may not always be steady, and energy can be stop-and-go.

This is a powerful period for persuasion, meeting with people who can help you advance your goals, and intensive study or work on pet projects. Your words and ideas hold more weight and influence others more than usual. Publicity can figure strongly. Ideas are excellent, although you can sometimes be too impatient with startups or communicating too soon.

Significant attractions, meetings, or relationships can figure strongly this year. Personal magnetism is powerful.

This is a year of new beginnings and directions. Energy is fresh, although personal energy levels can be up and down. The year ahead is one of both practical application and a resourceful, confident approach. It can be a time of career advances. You can make serious progress on work that’s important to you, but be emotionally prepared for peaks and valleys. Connections made this year tend to motivate you to learn more and gain more confidence in your ideas. Your social life is likely to be busy and animated.

2017 is a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to deal with 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. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

2018 will be a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed; or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle.

Source

Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, May 25th

Aries

The New Moon today ignites your desire to connect, communicate, share your ideas, and be heard, dear Aries. You may be anxious to begin a new project, venture, or course of study. You’re seeking more intelligent interactions and conversations or more interesting topics to explore. This cycle often brings the urge or need for new ways to get around, and it can be a particularly busy time for daily affairs, errands, activities in the neighborhood, and the learning of various odds and ends. You may be looking to add more life, vibrancy, or personality to your work or your communications. Today, a couple of challenging aspects can point to delays and blocks that need managing, however. The desire for more freedom and spontaneity is big these days, but your ambitions or desire to be in control of and on top of things with your work can interfere, leading to tensions and perhaps a boiling-over point. Try not to allow worries about competition or changes and uncertainties in your work, your future, or with your reputation affect your personal enjoyment.

Taurus

There is a New Moon today that inspires or motivates you to take better care of your resources, dear Taurus. You may want to put more of your energy into building and securing your life in fundamental ways in the coming weeks, and good energy is with you for doing so. Taking charge of your personal finances can play a big role in this, but so can working on developing your natural talents or your current resources to make better use of what you already have. Seek out ways to feel more in control of spending, saving, and managing. Today, your ruler, Venus, forms a challenging aspect with Pluto, pointing to the need to confront problem areas that you’ve brushed off or avoided. Matters from the past can play in your mind almost as if they are your present. Your belief that you want life to be simple and straightforward can lead to the stifling of feelings that are unpleasant or uncomfortable. However, what you’ve buried won’t go away until you face it, and can, in fact, drive your behavior in destructive ways. If challenging patterns of relating surface today, consider looking for the root of the problem. Aim to fully own complicated feelings instead of giving in to the temptation to assume complications are coming from others.

Gemini

The Sun entered your sign on Saturday, and now the New Moon occurs in Gemini, launching an exciting and empowering cycle for turning over a new leaf, dear Gemini. This lunation can serve as a boost of energy and initiative to put personal plans into motion. New beginnings related to health, image, personality, manner, and appearance are in store now and in the coming weeks. The chances are good that you’ve been feeling ready for a reboot or restart, and this New Moon may very well be it. Today, however, there are some difficult feelings or negative thinking to overcome before feeling free to move forward, but handled well, you’ll be in a better position for truly clearing the decks and starting fresh. Fear of being out of the loop or of being blindsided can be at the root of challenging behaviors today. The desire to enjoy your friendships, social life, or new projects is active these days, but it can be difficult to do so with jealousies, resentment, fears, and worries about worthiness working close to the surface. Mixed feelings need sorting now.

Cancer

The Sun moved into your privacy and soul sector on Saturday, dear Cancer, and themes of rest, reflection, bringing matters to a close, solitude, and the past are stronger than usual. With today’s New Moon in this sector of your solar chart, you’re now in a more motivated position to take action on these matters. This lunation has the power to push you on a new path of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment which can come in very handy when the Sun enters your sign on June 21st. Getting comfortable with your inner needs and desires is a highly appropriate goal now. Understanding and processing recent events are part of this. Today, people can be a little easy on the trigger or particularly sensitive with a Venus-Pluto square shaking things up — those things we’ve buried or ignored, mainly related to our fears, can emerge in unruly and unexpected ways, but a little self-knowledge and understanding can go a long way. Your ambitions are motivating and even enjoyable these days, but resentments from others or your own fear of pulling yourself away from a relationship can interfere with the fun.

Leo

Since Saturday when the Sun moved in as a guest in your solar eleventh house, dear Leo, you’ve been more focused on teamwork, networking, connecting with friends and groups, or experimenting with new ventures and ideas. The New Moon occurring today supplies you with an extra boost of courage or a push towards putting plans into motion, realizing your dreams, and making moves. The coming weeks are excellent for inspiration, new starts and ideas, and collaboration. Today, there can be some challenging energies to release and manage before you feel completely refreshed and ready to take on the world. A Venus-Pluto square can have the effect of pulling up buried frustrations and triggering fears related to a sense of being out of the loop or out of control. The desire to explore the world around you, live life more spontaneously and expressively, meet new people, and enjoy different settings and experiences is strong, but you can feel weighed down by pressures related to work and health. You may not want to, but delegating tasks, releasing your tight hold on your work or routines, or reducing your workload might help you find more time to explore, expand, and flourish.

Virgo

Since Saturday, the Sun in your solar tenth house of career, life path, responsibilities, and reputation has ignited your interest in and drawn your attention to your goals and ambitions, dear Virgo. Today’s New Moon supplies you with motivation to improve, take charge of, and grow these things. A new launch can be exciting for some of you, and for others, breathing new life into a plan, project, or business can be in focus in the coming weeks. Moving your work ahead is vital and invigorating for many of you now. Opportunities for improving your image or reputation can surface. Even so, today’s energies are quite complicated and suggest the need to handle lingering problems and negative expectations or communications before moving forward. Tensions in your romantic or personal life can be huge draws, pulling you away from exploring new feelings and experiences. Try to let go of overanalyzing things or dwelling on things you can’t or can no longer control, particularly people and relationships, so that you can free yourself up for more positive, empowering energy coming into your life.

Libra

Since Saturday, the Sun has been lighting up your adventure sector, dear Libra, igniting your desire for new or exotic places, experiences, and topics to explore. A New Moon occurs in this sector today, providing a boost of energy to pursue these things or to put plans into motion. The weeks ahead can be good for sharing your experiences with others, publishing, marketing, travel, promotion, and studies. It’s an excellent time for an attitude change for the better, optimistic feelings, and a stronger sense of purpose or meaning. You’re seeking out ways to feel more alive, vibrant, and connected, and you’re likely to find them. Today, your ruler, Venus, is in a difficult relationship with Pluto, and there can be some storm clouds if you’ve been ignoring or burying your feelings, fears, or resentments, particularly with family, a close friend, or a partner. There may be the need to make deep, lasting changes that pull you out of a rut but don’t put all the pressure on yourself to do so immediately.

Scorpio

The New Moon today points to new beginnings, the stirring of desire, and fresh energy, dear Scorpio, and occurs in the sector of your chart that rules intimacy, trust, bonding, and power dynamics. It also rules support, shared resources, and debts. The weeks ahead are strong for finding new ways to connect with a partner, pay off debts, get a loan, or seek out emotional support. Take your time on this, however. It’s too soon to go hard with these things, so make plans. Today, Venus forms a square to Pluto, your ruler, and there can be some tension related to relationships, as there can be suspicions raised or a lack of trust. You may feel frustrated if your daily affairs or relationships have become chaotic or seem out of your control. Avoid clinging to certain ideas if they are not serving you well.

Sagittarius

The New Moon today clears the way for new beginnings and stirs desires to head in a fresh new direction, dear Sagittarius, affecting your close relationships and partnerships. It can point to a new or renewed connection in your life or it can be about fresh negotiations and a stronger feeling for what you want from and can bring to a relationship. You are in a good position to team up with someone, boost a current partnership, benefit from counseling or consultations, and opening up two-way conversations. Today, however, a Venus-Pluto square and Mercury-Saturn challenge suggest blocks and obstacles in your path. There can be twists or complications with your feelings in a relationship or an issue related to money and resources that you’re concerned about affects your mood. Watch for issues with self-worth interfering with your ability to let down your hair and express yourself freely. It can be difficult to stay detached and impartial now, and it’s far too easy to become all riled up about or fixated on problems. Trying to force an issue will only lead to frustration today – draw on patience and aim to understand your fears and feelings better going forward.

Capricorn

You’ve recently been focusing on habits, health, work, and routines, dear Capricorn, and with today’s New Moon, you are in the position to jumpstart improvements or initiatives related to any of these things. In the coming weeks, there can be opportunities to put new or renewed programs into action that improve your daily affairs and well-being. New priorities, jobs, or tasks can be motivating now. Today, there can be tensions related to discomfort with feeling that you’re not in control or “in the know” about events occurring in your private life or relationships. There is a strong desire to get comfortable, settle in, and enjoy quiet time or familiar surroundings these days, but your personal plans or problems can make it difficult to relax. Your ambitions or desire to stay on top of things require some taming now so that you can take time off that you need. If there are interpersonal conflicts today, try to learn from them rather than fall back into old patterns of relating that don’t allow you to grow and flourish.

Aquarius

The New Moon today points to new directions or beginnings related to creative projects, hobbies, romance, dating, and leisure time for you, dear Aquarius. It motivates you to seek out more time to “play” or pursue creative and expressive activities. The pursuit of your passions is in focus now and the coming weeks. Consider making a resolution to listen to your heart, express yourself more openly, or enjoy leisure time more often. There can be opportunities emerging for new or renewed romance, or there can be creative channels opening up. In fact, you may be making these things happen. However, today’s energies are a little complicated and point to some obstacles to face before feeling fresh and renewed. Watch for attempts to control situations too tightly. There is a tendency to push problems or complicated feelings to the side these days, but today, they can surface in disruptive ways. If you are easily triggered and tense today, aim to understand your sensitive points better and try to let go of mental pressures or circling. Look for creative ways to express your frustrations or seek out a confidante you trust to help release buried tensions.

Pisces

The Sun moved into your home and family sector on Saturday, dear Pisces, and today, a New Moon occurs in this same area of your solar chart, stirring a desire or need to start fresh in your personal life. The weeks ahead are excellent for turning over a new leaf. This sector of your chart rules your sense of security, desire for safety and a feeling of belonging, and your support system. A New Moon here points to a time for new or renewed initiatives related to these things. Reorganizing, redecorating, investing in a home or items for the home, and connecting to loved ones in healthier ways can be in focus. There is complicated energy with us today, however, pointing to the need to manage feelings of resentment and fear with Venus in difficult aspect to Pluto, and likely related to relationships with friends, money, and resources or talents. Be more cautious than usual with your wallet and personal information, but dig deep if you face repeated problems with friends or getting new projects off the ground. The challenge is to face problem areas rather than allow them to fester and control your behavior.

New Moon in Gemini: Confront Your Shadow Side

Read your sign’s New Moon in Gemini Horoscope now

By Rick Levine

Videos, New-moon, Horoscopes, Gemini, Astrology

Normally the Gemini New Moon is known to be as free and easy as a kite flying in a spring breeze … but this New Moon in Gemini on May 25, 2017, carries a heavier burden with unrelenting Pluto and taskmaster Saturn in the picture. An uneasy Venus-Pluto square indicates expressing your emotions can stir up hurt feelings. Vulnerable Venus seeks love, but Pluto brings more than sweet romance to the picture. Additionally, this New Moon creates anxious aspects with both of these planets, confronting us with the shadow side of relationships. We are drawn toward the bright light of attraction, but ignoring the darker issues only makes matters worse. Bringing previously hidden issues into awareness isn’t necessarily fun, but the results make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Nevertheless, we may be required to take a circuitous path to reach satisfaction. Messenger Mercury forms an uneasy connection with Saturn, restricting the flow of communication. Usually, talking about a problem leads to resolution, but this anxious aspect makes us work harder for it. Although the Gemini New Moon tempts us with a loosening of personal and professional restraints, we have obstacles to overcome on our way.

Setting intentions for new goals is only the first step; we must be determined when following through with our commitments to ourselves and others.

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

There are countless signs that lure you in many directions and, true to your curious nature, you want to pursue all of them. Although the light-footed Gemini New Moon dances in your 3rd House of Distractions, a solemn feeling weighs on your soul. Instead of shooting off a snappy comeback or changing the subject by telling a joke, you’re more likely to confront a complex emotional dilemma. Those close to you might be put off by your directness at first, but they will appreciate your honesty in the long run. Author Peter McWilliams wrote, “Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.”

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

You are feeling pressured to reassess your fiscal condition. You may uncover a financial picture that’s quite different from the one you expected as the data-rich Gemini New Moon lands in your 2nd House of Resources. You might even panic when you realize the gravity of the situation, but you can quickly rebound if you make the necessary adjustments to your course. Your patience will serve you well since you won’t achieve your newly clarified goals overnight. Break down your action plan into simple steps, so you can set yourself back on track with the least amount of collateral damage.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

You nostalgically dream of a time when you had more stability in your life than you do these days. Although the flexible Gemini New Moon can be a serious game-changer in your 1st House of Personality, the current uncertainty could be very exhilarating. But your attempts to keep systems functioning as they did in the past is futile; the incomprehensible speed at which your life is changing might leave you a bit awestruck. Thankfully, your willingness to flow with the everchanging circumstances is your greatest talent now. If it looks like you may fall short of your goals, stop and reassess your plans so you can try again. Adaptability is your middle name.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

Although you might be so scattered that you’re not very productive at work, there are many kinds of success stories. In fact, your accomplishments aren’t visible to others with the Gemini New Moon occurring in your 12th House of Privacy. Luckily, your stream of consciousness reveals a new direction for you to follow. Don’t resist any thoughts that enter your mind, even if they seem outrageous in the current context. Happily, there is plenty of time to weed out the irrelevant ideas while nurturing the best ones. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

It seems as if everyone wants a piece of you while the friendly Gemini New Moon stirs the energy in your 11th House of Networking. An unexpected string of events draws you out into the community even if you wish you could retreat. Nevertheless, your public life is shifting from being a distraction into the main event. You need to be in the middle of the action because social connections are the missing link that provides timely and much-needed support. Altering your perspective empowers you to see the advantages of allies who believe in you. Be the friend you wish to have.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Your ability to concentrate is being tested as you’re tempted to start a new journey by taking several paths at once. Although the breezy Gemini New Moon quickly disperses your stuck energy, its presence in your 10th House of Responsibility makes this an auspicious moment to discuss your next significant project. Nevertheless, you are still constrained by time; trust your intuition and make a choice. Pick just one route with confidence, but stay flexible enough to change directions farther down the road.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

You can’t wait to share your travel plans with others. Although it’s fun to fantasize about your next adventure, you must get serious if you truly intend to turn your visions into reality. Rather than spinning wild stories based on your conjectures, start a productive dialogue. The curious Gemini New Moon sets up shop in your 9th House of Distant Horizons, inspiring you to reevaluate your long-term goals. Create a bucket list if you don’t already have one. Life is short; do whatever is necessary to make your dreams come true.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Your nervous system is naturally wired for the most intense exchanges, which is why you’re attracted to extreme emotional situations. Your brute honesty is even harder for others to handle now that the interactive Gemini New Moon sends ripples of energy through your 8th House of Intimacy. Although you may be willing to talk about sensitive topics that others try to avoid, there’s still plenty of room for compromise. A more laid-back approach allows you to participate in the deep and meaningful discussions that you crave without scaring off your audience.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Relationship dynamics are in the midst of powerful changes, prompting you to ask for what you want while the energy is still in flux. The Gemini New Moon falls in your 7th House of Partners, continuing to agitate your personal interactions. Choosing the right words to accurately convey your message is critically important. Keep your disclosure concise and to the point. However, if you get stuck in your delivery, stop and start again from the beginning. The character, Malcolm Wallace in ‘Braveheart’ said, “Your heart is free; have the courage to follow it.”

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You might correctly assume that changing your attitude is the best way to improve your life, but breaking free from old habits can be a daunting challenge. Your obligations pull you in conflicting directions, making it tricky to hold your course. Fortunately, the versatile Gemini New Moon blasts your 6th House of Self-Improvement with positive vibrations, offering you the chance to initiate action to confirm new patterns. Luckily, the small gains you make now will grow into bigger ones over time.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Your schedule is stretched to the max but the last thing you want to do is neglect your responsibilities. Nevertheless, the whimsical Gemini New Moon broadcasts its happy-go-lucky energy in your 5th House of Play, fueling a growing urge to kick off your shoes and have fun. You believe that you will be able to accomplish more if you are enjoying yourself rather than suffering in silence. Fortunately, the decision is totally yours; you can put your shoulder to the wheel and make yourself miserable by complaining as you work. Or, you can change the game by simply whistling a happy tune.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

There’s a valuable lesson to learn if you can demonstrate your vulnerability by explaining your inner process to someone you trust. Thankfully, the loquacious Gemini New Moon energizes your 4th House of Emotional Security, inspiring you to reveal your personal needs. However, there’s no reason to water down your message by invoking vague generalities. Being more specific about your feelings leads to the most positive results. Opening your heart encourages others to do the same.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Moon Diary: New Moon in Gemini, 25th May 2017

Now You See It, Now You Don’t

by Jane Lyle

The Gemini new Moon rises at 4 degrees of the agile, tricksy Twins. As a new Moon, it tells us this is a time for new beginnings.

And in Gemini, those beginnings could feature communication, booking a holiday, or getting something out there through social media magic tricks this coming month. There’s nothing in our way, for this new Moon makes no big aspects with other planets.

In another part of the forest there are some intense show-downs and deep, dark feelings brewing as Venus challenges Pluto and Mars challenges Saturn. But this new Moon doesn’t connect with these dramatic tensions, and its lively Gemini energy could prove to be a welcome distraction for many of us.

Mercury, ruler of the Gemini Moon, is currently in a practical frame of mind in earthy Taurus. In a couple of days things turn a little dreamy, arty, and musical when Mercury meets Neptune. But, for now, it’s all about seed-time, not harvest. And there’ll be numerous ideas whizzing past – catch them if you can.

This new Moon rises against the backdrop of a cluster of stars, the Hyades, mistily visible in the forehead of the constellation of the Bull, Taurus. They are, mythically speaking, daughters of the Titan, Atlas, who’s job was to hold up the sky on his mighty shoulders. They are said to have taught the infant Dionysus, wild god of ecstasy, wine, bisexuality, and theatre.

Ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese astrologers all say these stars signal rain, storms, and human tears. Sometimes the fixed stars seem to bring synchronicities – events and trends here on Earth reflect their symbolism. We shall see.

Meanwhile, why not make the most of Gemini’s ability to talk, write, and juggle multiple thoughts simultaneously? Whatever else is going on in our fractious world – and there’s way more than enough to concern us – this airy new Moon is a sliver of light. If you like, you can focus your intent for any new beginnings this month on the areas of life described by Gemini’s house in your natal chart.

“Conversation. What is it? A Mystery! It’s the art of never seeming bored, of touching everything with interest, of pleasing with trifles, of being fascinating with nothing at all.” 

Source

The Astrology Room

Cosmic Weather Horoscope (Thursday 25th May)

Jane Lyle’s Cosmic Weather horoscope

Thursday, 25th May:

Seeing Double: The new Moon rises at 4 degrees of airy Gemini, the Twins

A Gemini new Moon communicates about more or less anything and everything.

There’s much mental energy and some emotion stirred up by news media, talks, negotiations, and short journeys during the whole month ahead.

Mars is in Gemini until 4th June, and Mercury is entering Gemini on 6th June.  They join the Sun, which travels through Gemini from 20th May – 21st June. Thoughts and ideas are flying around us.

During the next month, we’ll talk endlessly about choices. But it could be fiendishly difficult to make them.

Source

The Astrology Room

Festival of Fortuna

Fortuna was probably originally a fertility Goddess, and rites to her would have reflected this concept. However, as she became associated with the Greek Tyche, her persona changed to that of a Goddess of fate, chance, and luck.

Fortuna’s main symbol is the wheel upon which she stands, implying the instability of human fortune. Her most recognized nized symbols are those of the cornucopia and rudder, indicating her ability to steer the destiny tiny of people. At this time of year, her temples would have been decorated with fresh flowers. Offerings would have been made to her for the purpose of bringing good fortune and luck to those who followed her ways.

Hecate Incense

3 parts Sandalwood
2 parts Cypress (can be substituted with pine, ground)
1 part Spearmint or Peppermint.
Grind on the new moon.

Hecate Oil

3 drops Myrrh
2 drops Cypress (again can sub. pine oil, not Pine Sol)
1 drop Patchouli
1 dried Mint leaf.
Start on the new moon and finish on the next one.

Celebrate the New Moon (Simple New Moon Ritual)

In early societies, the reappearance of the moon was often a cause for celebration — after all, it meant that the dark had passed, and the full moon was on its way back.

The following rite is one which welcomes the moon back at the beginning of her cycle. If you’re raising children in a Pagan or Wiccan tradition, this can be a lot of fun. It’s also a simple ritual that can be performed by a solitary practitioner.

A Simple Ritual

First, if your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so at this time. If you don’t normally cast a circle, take the time to ritually purify the area by smudging or asperging. This will establish the space as sacred.

Perform this ceremony outside if at all possible — it’s the best way to get a good look at the sliver of new moon. You’ll need a moon candle, wrapped in a black cloth, to place on your altar. This is traditionally a white unscented pillar-style candle. You’ll also need a hand-held mirror.

Tie some silver and white ribbons on it if you wish. Finally, have a small bowl of Blessing Oil handy.

Hold this ceremony at sunset if you can. Turn to the west, and watch as the sun goes down (without looking directly at it). Once the sun has dropped below the horizon, you’ll be able to see where the new moon is rising – and the location is going to vary from month to month, depending on the time of year and where you live.

If the sun sets before you began, you’ll need to look a bit higher in the sky, but you should still be able to find it as long as the night is a clear one.

If you’re doing this rite with children, have them each try to be the first one to spot the new moon.
Once you see the moon in the sky, unwrap the candle.

Hold it up high and say:

Welcome back, Moon!
We’re glad to see you again.
Another cycle has passed
another month gone by
and our lives have moved forward.

Place the candle on the altar and light it, still facing the moon. Say:

Today is a new day,
and a new month begins.
As the tides flow, and the moon rises above,
we are thankful that She has returned.
She watches over us, ever constant,
yet always changing,
and we are thankful for her light.

If you have children present, have them wave to the moon and thank her for returning — you’d be amazed how silly and fun this simple task can become!

Next, turn to face east, where the sun will rise in the morning. Pick up the mirror and hold it so you can see the new moon behind you. Say:

Bring us your wisdom, your guidance,
your protection, in the coming month.
You are behind me at every step,
watching and guiding me,
and I am thankful.

Place the mirror back on the altar, beside the moon candle. Take a moment to reflect on your goals. After all, this is a time of new beginnings and a good time for new commitments and vows.

Warm the Blessing Oil over the candle for just a moment, and then anoint each others’ foreheads. As you do so, say:

May the blessings of the moon be with you.

If you are working alone, anoint your own forehead, and grant yourself the blessings of the moon.

When you are ready, close the circle and end the ritual. If you choose, you can move into healing rites or magical workings, or a Cakes & Ale ceremony.

Tips:
⦁ Decorate your altar with silvers and whites to celebrate the return of the moon
⦁ If you’re doing this rite as a family, the eldest female relative present should light the moon candle.
 

Blessing Oil

This oil can be blended together in advance and used for any ritual requiring blessing, anointing or consecration oil. Use this blend of sandalwood, patchouli, and other scents when welcoming guests into a ritual circle, for anointing a new baby, consecrating magical tools, or any number of other magical purposes.

To make Blessing Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:
⦁ 5 drops Sandalwood
⦁ 2 drops Camphor
⦁ 1 drop Orange
⦁ 1 drop Patchouli

As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Author

Patti Wigington
Article published on ThoughtCo

New Moon Rituals

A Portal of Change

Rituals are a way to mark turning points in your life. The symbolic actions you take help to create the right atmosphere.
They can be used to symbolically welcome changes in your life. They can be simple candle rituals or elaborate ones. The most important thing is your full presence in the moment.
Magic is Simply Change
The New Moon is a magical time of beginnings, when you can recharge goals, or set new ones.

Rituals bring meaning to our lives by “charging” an intention with power. We’re always setting intentions, and this is a way to do it in a more conscious way. There is power in coming up with visions for your life, and keeping them in your sights as they come into being.

But even as you fully commit to those visions, stay flexible, since new doors may open that you didn’t expect. At the New Moon, goals and wishes take root, as you reach out for spiritual wisdom, draw on unseen allies and open the door to magical change.

You might get what you ask for, or something even better that you can’t imagine yet.

It’s important to come up with a ritual that has meaning for you, instead of trying to follow any set guidelines (unless you’re part of an established ritual group).

You’re the one that knows your personal story best, and what to lift out of that narrative, what will infuse your ritual with power.
Here are some general guidelines to shape your rituals using the unique symbols and totems from your life.
Gathering your Sacred Supplies
Your altar is where you collect your sacred objects — pictures, found objects and the like. Using herbs with healing or symbolic properties adds to your ritual.

Stones and crystals are another powerful ally.

Candles are magical, and in its form contains all four of the elements. A small journal on hand allows you to keep a record of your intentions.

Preparing for the Ritual
This is the most important part of ritual, since your commitment is the key. Take a ritual bath with sea salt to clear your field of any negative energies.

Sage is an herb used by the Native Americans to clear a space, and make it sacred for ritual. It’s available in most health food stores these days, and easiest to use in its wand form. Light the end and blow on it until there is a smoldering glow.

Use it around your own body, and in the space of your ritual. Clear your mind with meditation, using music or just quieting down in your cleared, sacred area.

Grounding
This is something that’s important anytime, for staying connected to earth energy. Signs that you’re not grounded are mania, nervousness, racing thoughts and the like. Too often we forget to feel the earth under our feet.

A straightforward grounding exercise is to visualize your roots going down into the Earth, through the layers, into the core, and then drawing that energy back up through your feet again.

It moves through each chakra, coming out the top and down around you.

Try this or another variation of grounding before you set New Moon intentions.

Your New Moon Wishes
After you’ve cleared a sacred space and settled your energy, you’re ready to set your intentions. Make a list of what you’d like to draw into your life, and Dream Big!

The New Moon is a moment to conjure what seems out of reach, and creating the vision is the first step to making it a reality. But these are not just words on paper.

As you write them down as intentions, you are committing to doing your part to make them real. Some call it co-creating, since you’re opening to universal energies to set dreams in motion.

Dreams of the Soul
Your intentions come from the longings that keep coming up. In the days leading up to the new Moon, give some thought to those longings, and see what images, dreams and streams of thought come up.

Use symbolic associations to go along with your intentions. Weave in the element for the New Moon, and think about the astrological Houses and planets that are affected by it.

For an earth element new Moon, for example, you might plant seeds that represent your intention. Rituals are a way to work with universal energies, and draw attention to the particular life lessons, or arena (house, planet, etc) that it illuminates for you.
Symbolic Acts
Here’s where you get to be creative. If your intentions are to write a book, or broadcast your ideas out to the world, tie them to a helium balloon and send them off.

Write them on a stick and offer it to the fire. To open to love, put lavender and a rose quartz in a small pouch, along with the qualities you’re seeking. If you’re inspired, add a symbolic act to your intention-setting ritual.
Keep them Alive
A big part of success with new Moon intentions is what comes after. Find ways to keep them in the front of your awareness. Put them in a visible spot, or keep them in your wallet.

Make notes in your journal about your progress. At the Full Moon , find ways to take action on those intentions, and celebrate any signs of change.

Author

Molly Hall

Article originally published on ThoughtCo

Home & Hearth Magick for Thursday, May 25

Thursday increase prosperity on this day, work toward expansion and moving up in the world.

Planetary Influences: Jupiter

Household Symbols: A dollar bill, coins, a paycheck stub, a picture of your home.

Color: Green and royal blue

Kitchen Spices: Sage and nutmeg

Source:

Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Author Ellen Dugan