The ABC’s of Paganism

Altar To change, deform, or rearrange. Black Magic Magic used by those with much pigmentation in their skin. Centering In the case of public rituals, this practice in done to alter the alignment of text on flyers. Circle A term used by techno-Pagans when refering to circle-dot mode, the storage of binary units using a code of plane figures with a bounding edge equidistant from a fixed point where some of these figures have dots, and some do not. The Craft A movie made in 1996 by Sony Pictures which stars Robin Tunney. Cove A small sheltered bay, creek, or inlet of the sea. Coven Referring to or being cove-like. Discord The appropriate musical notes to be played at dis time in the ritual. Esbat Spanish for “it is a flying mammal.” Flying Something which witches do. Recent surveys show that TWA is the most favored method, though some traditionalists stick with smaller single-engined airplanes. Glossary A place where they add gloss to ceramics. Grounding When all young children who have misbehaved during the ritual are sent to their rooms for the weekend. Hain Sam Hain, founder of a successful company which makes underwear. Handfasting During protests, this is done to ensure the difficulty of ones removal by use of handcuffs. Incense When capable of reasonable judgement, when acting sensible. Jack−o−lantern In the Pagan playing cards, it is the card of the suit of lights (traje de luces) higher than a ten but lower than a queen. Karma An old Star Trek term from the original series which stands for Klingon and Romulan Military Alliance. Lammas Animals of south America of the family Camelidae. Magick An art made popular by David Copperfield and Harry Houdini. Nine The most Pagans you can fit in a standard phone booth in Iowa City. (Trust me on this one) Orgy The ending often used by technopagans at the end of their URL. Pentagram A five sided cracker. Quest What deities send you on when they are bored and have nothing better to do. Rowan A term used on slave ships when the slaves have rested long enough and need to continue rowing. Sabbat Of or relating to hydrogenated organic compounds. The term comes from the French chemist Paul Sabatier. Skyclad A material similar to nickel-clad, though with ozone instead of nickel. Spell A turn at work, a shift. Talisman Opposite of Shortisman. Underwear See Hain. Virginity Sorry, no Pagan I’ve talked to seems to know what this is. White Witch A Caucasian member of the Wiccan religion. Witch Pronoun, what one or ones of several things pointed out. Used as a relative in a subordinate clause representing a noun or noun phrase in the principal sentence. Xerox The easiest and quickest way to go from a monotheistic religion to a polytheistic one. Though it may cost you ten cents. Yorkshire A place where they make a type of bread, perfect for rituals, though they call it pudding. Zygurmist The one who devotes his or her life to studying, in order to make rituals more fun.   Find more great Pagan humor at Turok’s Cabana

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2016 June 19

Galaxy and Planets Beyond Bristlecone Pines
Image Credit & Copyright: Brad Goldpaint (Goldpaint Photography)

 

Explanation: What’s older than these ancient trees? Nobody you know — but almost everything in the background of this picture. The trees are impressively old — each part of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest located in eastern California,USA. There, many of the oldest trees known are located, some dating as far back as about 5,000 years. Seemingly attached to tree branches, but actually much farther in the distance, are the bright orbs of Saturn (left) and Mars. These planetsformed along with the Earth and the early Solar System much earlier — about 4.5 billion years ago. Swooping down diagonally from the upper left is the oldest structure pictured: the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy — dating back around 9 billion years. The featured image was built from several exposures all taken from the same location — but only a few weeks ago.

Solstice eve moon still near Saturn

Tonight – June 19, 2016 – it’s solstice eve and the moon you’ll see shining near Saturn and the star Antares may look full. The 2016 June full moon and solstice fall on the same date, June 20. But, for the Americas, the June 19 moon is closer to the crest of the moon’s full phase than the moon June 20. Although the full moon and solstice happen at the same instant all around the world, the clock reading differs by time zone. At U.S. time zones, the moon turns precisely full on June 20 at 7:02 a.m. EDT, 6:02 a.m. CDT, 5:02 a.m. MDT and 4:02 a.m. PDT.

So, if you’re in the Americas, as we are, the moon you’ll see during the night tonight is closer to full than tomorrow night’s solstice full moon.

The June solstice comes on June 20, 2016 at 6:34 p.m. EDT, 5:34 p.m. CDT, 4:34 p.m. MDT and 3:34 p.m. PDT. Read more about it here.

In the Northern Hemisphere, we call the June full moon the Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon or Flower Moon.

In the Southern Hemisphere, we could perhaps call the June full moon the Long Night Moon since it’s winter there, and the nights are long, and the moon rides high in the sky.

For the entire world, this year’s June full moon is somewhat unusual in that it’s the fourth of four full moons in one season. Normally, there are only three full moons in a season. But when a season harbors four full moons, the third of these four full moons is often called a Blue Moon.

The first full moon came soon enough after the March 2016 equinox to allow for a fourth full moon before the June 2016 solstice:

Equinox: March 20, 2016
Full moon: Mar 23, 2016
Full moon: Apr 22, 2016
Full Moon: May 21, 2016 (Blue Moon)
Full moon: Jun 20, 2016 (11:02 Universal Time)
Solstice: June 20, 2016 (22:34 Universal Time)

In cycles of 19 years, the phases of the moon recur on, or near, the same calendar dates. Sure enough, 19 years ago and 19 years from now, in the years 1997 and 2035, four full moons take place in between the March equinox and June solstice, and the May full moon counts as a Blue Moon – third of four full moons in one season.

It’s said that the moon rides high in winter and low in summer, but that’s only true of the full moon. Remember, the full moon is opposite the sun. Around the June solstice, the sun is rising farthest north (left) of due east and setting farthest north (right) of due west. It’s highest in the sky (summer) for the Northern Hemisphere and lowest in the sky (winter) for the Southern Hemisphere.

The full moon is opposite the sun. This June solstice full moon will mimic the path of the December solstice sun, rising south of due east and setting south of due west. It’ll follow the low path of the winter sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and, south of the equator, assume the lofty path of the summer sun.

Bottom line: The June 19, 2016 moon, near Saturn on solstice eve, looks full. The June 20 full moon falls on the solstice.

 

Author

The Wisdom of Buddha

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

 

Today’s Witches Rune

Romance

Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, Romance, courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Ogham Reading for Today 

Beith, or Beth, corresponds to the letter B in the alphabet, and is associated with the Birch tree. When this symbol is used, it is representative of new beginnings, change, release, and rebirth. In some traditions, it also has connections with purification.

Birch trees are hardy. They’ll grow just about anywhere, including on bare soil. Because they tend to grow in clusters, what may be just one or two seedlings now can be practically an entire forest in a few decades.

In addition to being a sturdy sort of tree, the Birch is useful. In days gone by, it was used for infants’ cradles, and is still harvested today to make cabinets and furniture.

From a magical perspective, there are a number of uses for Birch. The branches are traditionally incorporated into the construction of a besom, and are used for the bristles. Use the white outer bark in ritual in place of paper or parchment — just be sure you only harvest the bark from a fallen Birch tree, not a living one. Ancient herbalists discovered that various parts of this tree can be used for medicinal purposes. Bark was once brewed into a tea to fight fevers, and the leaves were used alternately as a laxative and a diuretic, depending on how they were prepared.

Beith Correspondences

Mundane Aspects: When this symbol appears, it means it’s time to get rid of all those negative influences you’ve been carrying around with you. Figure out what things are bad in your life, which relationships are toxic, and find a way to leave them behind.

Instead of being dragged down by the negative, focus on the positive things you have in your life, the blessings and abundance. Use these things as a focus, rather than the harmful or damaging ones.

Magical Aspects: Consider the property of renewal and rebirth, as demonstrated by the Birch. Use this as a tool for spiritual and emotional regrowth, and developing your own ability to regenerate where there has been emptiness or devastation.

 

Author

Your Thor Reading for the Upcoming Week

 

 

The Situation
Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

 

 

Barriers
Dagaz

Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

 

 

Positive Influences
Gebo

Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.

 

 

What’s coming soon
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

 

 

 

The Long Term Results
Ansuz

Ansuz reversed denotes failed communications and missed opportunities to become more in harmony with the universe. Your path may be unclear at this time. False advice and malicious rumors may be afoot.

 

 

 

 

 

Full Moon in Sagittarius Horoscopes

June’s Full Moon hits on the Summer Solstice

Part of the Daily Insight Group

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, June 20th

 

Aries

Emotional energy runs high today, dear Aries, and it’s important not to invest too much into what’s said or announced. It can be challenging to direct excess mental energy just for now. Your best bet is to give yourself time to process any news or new information coming your way. There can be some second-guessing now, and possibly some mechanical problems or misunderstandings to deal with. Errors tend to have their root in communication problems today. Try not to let the opinions of others dictate your next move. Look for the lesson from your experiences, even if you initially consider it to be unjust. Tonight, you’re likely to feel a strong desire to start fresh, to get in touch with family, and to focus on domestic matters. You are entering a month-long cycle in which collecting your thoughts, reconnecting with your needs for nurture and inner peace, and enjoying quiet activities figure strongly. Your social life will continue to bring some excitement into your life, but your heart is where your home is in the coming weeks.

Taurus

A tendency toward deeper thinking is with you today, dear Taurus, which can be productive if you make the most of it. However, with the energies present today, it can be a little challenging seeing things clearly. There may be a negative slant to conversations now – complaints and poor feedback are real possibilities – so be extra aware of your tone of voice and what you are talking about today. Feelings are more complex and complicated than usual. Try to avoid getting into arguments over trivial matters, and getting upset over some small detail. This morning’s Full Moon can bring an intimate or financial matter to a head. The Sun’s move into your communications sector this evening starts a month-long cycle in which you are especially curious and open to learning, communicating, and connecting.

Gemini

Emotions can be very up and down today, dear Gemini. People in your life could be unduly critical, too quick to call you out, or frustratingly unresponsive. Even so, today’s Full Moon can ultimately open up communications, pull up buried feelings or emotions, or lead to a turning point in a close relationship. Work on solutions today for best results, as they’re not as out of reach as you may think. You’re likely to have some important and seemingly sudden insight into the past, and how to put certain elements of your past behind you – those that are holding you back from personal growth. The Sun moves out of your sign this evening and will spend the coming month in your resources sector. This is a time for paying special attention to matters of finance, personal possessions, and business.

Cancer

Interactions with those close to you can be eye-opening, dear Cancer, but could also be rather unstable and volatile at the moment. It may be better to turn your attention to a problem outside of yourself rather than leaving personal matters open and vulnerable to misinterpretation. You could be struggling with just how involved you want to become today, and this can be puzzling to those around you, as you turn from passionate to bored and back again. Tensions can arise that revolve around looming deadlines, health matters, or scheduling issues. Dealings with others can be tricky for the time being. However, this is a very strong time for putting an outlived attitude or situation behind you. The Sun moves into your sign this evening, bringing a sense of newness to your life. The month ahead is strong for personal initiatives. You are making a stronger impression than usual.

Leo

Avoid unnecessary stress, dear Leo, which is far too “available” with today’s diverse and rather disruptive energies, but take note of what emerges now. A creative project or romantic relationship can reach a turning point. New information emerges. Avoid complaining unless it’s something that truly needs addressing, as conversations can too easily take a bad turn today. Work quietly on solutions for best results. It’s important to look at the big picture today and to shrug off life’s minor inconveniences and challenges. You’ll feel better and others will appreciate your resilience. The Sun moves into your privacy sector this evening, and you begin a month-long solar cycle in which you experience an increased need for rest, privacy, and a break from overly competitive energies.

Virgo

While you’re generally feeling quite positive, you could find that doubts arise today, dear Virgo. Others may be wrapped up in their own problems and you can be quite sensitive to the words people select to express themselves. The Full Moon this morning can point to an epiphany or culmination related to work or home life. Feeling a little overwhelmed with decisions and things to do can figure strongly now. If you choose to express discontent today, choose your words carefully. There can be difficulties balancing personal and professional spheres of your life, but it’s something that’s quite necessary for your peace of mind. The Sun enters your solar eleventh house this evening, and there is a greater shift away from a focus on performance towards seeking out a more well-rounded lifestyle.

Libra

With a Full Moon activating your communications sector today, dear Libra, and a Mercury-Saturn opposition here as well, there can be some chaotic situations or feelings to deal with. It will be important to avoid off the cuff remarks, as it is too easy to misinterpret things today. The best way to deal with this energy, which tends to repeat itself rather frequently these days, is to look for the lesson in negative feedback, delays, and obstacles, which can ultimately get you into a strengthened and clearer position. The trick will be to avoid taking things too personally. The Full Moon can bring a project or commuting matter to a head. The Sun’s move to the top of your solar chart this evening starts a month-long cycle in which goal setting and performance figure strongly.

Scorpio

Energies and emotions can be very up and down today, dear Scorpio. A love or financial matter can reach a head, but the emotionalism involved can be a little too weighty to see things clearly just for now. Wait things out before drawing big conclusions. While people around you can be a little difficult, it may be better to conserve your energy than to argue a point or push an issue. People do, however, have something to offer you, even if it’s in an unattractive package! Feedback may not be especially pleasant, but can ultimately help you to make improvements. The Sun moves into a comfortable relationship with your sign this evening and will transit your adventure sector for the coming month. During this energetic cycle, you are especially interested in the big picture and this can lift your spirits.

Sagittarius

A Full Moon occurs in your sign this morning, dear Sagittarius. Last month’sFull Moon was also in Sagittarius, and this Blue Moon pulls up more emotions, possibly bringing a matter to conclusion or to a turning point. The day’s energies are on the chaotic side. It can be difficult to express yourself clearly, as much as you’d like to make an announcement. People may not be responding in the ways you had anticipated. Take a step back before drawing conclusions or making statements that you may later regret. For the coming month, attention to your ability to share and blend with others, particularly partners, comes into focus. You may need to take charge of financial matters and resources that are shared with a partner, or that come from sources beyond your personal income. You are drawn to those things you feel deeply about, and a more passionate attitude towards life in general emerges.

Capricorn

A lot is going on beneath the surface of things right now, dear Capricorn. AFull Moon in your privacy sector happens this morning, around the same time that a Mercury-Saturn opposition occurs along the same axis. This can pull up complicated feelings. You are likely to encounter some resistance or blocks to your plans and ideas, yet you could be bursting with ideas and desires. However, consider whether your own insecurities, fears, or even feelings of guilt are at play. The solar twelfth house is a sector of self-undoing after all – watch for shooting yourself in the foot. A secret or hidden information can emerge for some of you. This evening, a new solar cycle begins. This month-long influence brings your attention to relationships, particularly of the one-on-one variety. Your increased ability to compromise and negotiate brings rewards. Sometimes this cycle is about honoring those who count in your life, and it’s the best time of the year for you to do just that.

Aquarius

You may be battling tension, stress, or a feeling that someone is against you in the first half of the day, dear Aquarius. You might feel that you’ve done far more than your share in a friendship without the other person meeting you halfway or giving back enough. There can be an important revelation or turning point in a relationship, or for some of you, a project, as the Moon reaches Full this morning. Criticisms can be irritating, but they may also stimulate clearer thinking and stronger convictions. This evening, a new solar cycle begins and will be in effect for the coming month. Taking charge of your work and health routines is vital now as new information arrives that stimulates you to lead a more organized, productive, and healthier lifestyle. You take more pride in your work during this cycle.

Pisces

This is a time for reflecting in order to understand where you’re headed or want to go, dear Pisces. In the first half of the day, there is a tendency for your mind to turn to the past, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Something might suddenly come to mind that seems wrong or unfinished, and this might nag at you. There can be some stalling experienced having to do with household endeavors, career, and personal plans. Life feels a little chaotic. Others may not be as supportive as you’d like them to be. This evening, you begin a month-long cycle in which there is a great emphasis on pleasure, creative self-expression, romance, and entertainment. Even so, you are called to task today, with little chance of escaping your duties! Aim to fill your responsibilities in order to get them behind you sooner.

If Today is Your Birthday: June 19

You are mischievous, playful, and youthful throughout life. Finding any one path to follow is a little difficult for you, simply because you are multi-talented and prefer not to be tied down to any one thing. You are also highly versatile and clever with a personality that sparkles even though it can be contradictory at times. You will go to great lengths for love, and you are capable of making sacrifices in order to sustain a partnership.

Famous people born today: Kathleen Turner, Paula Abdul, Phylicia Rashad, Mia Sara.

 

Your Birthday Year Forecast

A Full Moon in your Solar Return chart marks this as a year of great personal significance, when major new beginnings, endings, and activities occur. This period is the culmination of a stage of personal growth and development. Events occurring this year may bring various developments in your emotional, psychological, or spiritual life over the past several years to a head. Relationships are especially important. There can be increased activity in your professional and public life, causing a conflict with your domestic and personal goals. There is little moderation in your life this year. Connections are made or ended; or your job focus may change as one focus fades to make way for a new direction. The year ahead is certain to be a very busy, dynamic, and significant period in your life.

The year ahead is strong for organizing, integrating, and planning. There are likely to be quite a few doors opening for you. Negotiations, marriage, and business partnerships benefit. Artistic talent is emphasized this year, and respected – you can truly shine. You are motivated by the desire to strike a balance in your relationships and in your personal environment. Smooth negotiations with others are sought. You are more diplomatic and gracious this year. This is a good period in your life for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance.

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. You are taking more pride in your relationships. It’s a good time to strengthen and support others, and to build trust. This can also be a pleasantly ambitious period.

You are seeing possibilities in everything this year, which is wonderful, but focus can be a difficulty as a result. There is more joy in your work, however, which can get you far. You are especially versatile this year – adapting to circumstances and bouncing back from disappointments.

You may be displaying more refined, artistic, and harmonious traits than usual this year. There can be some nervousness to combat, however, and perhaps an inclination to stress out too easily during this period. Watch also for unusual expectations – either glamorizing situations or worrying excessively about them. While in most ways you are seeking out harmony this year, there is a nonconformist, rebellious streak in you that can emerge from time to time, possibly disruptively. This is a signal that you may need to make some important changes.

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. Energy fluctuates this year. If you can avoid rash or impulsive moves, you could enjoy more courage than usual to do things that break the routine or clear the air.

Your unique manner of expressing and asserting yourself is in focus and appreciated this year. Suppressed anger is more effectively released in creative ways. Physical healing can help inner healing, and vice versa.

Relationships are in strong focus this year. Your charm and attractiveness can be in the spotlight, and artistic tendencies come to the fore. It is easier than usual to express your individuality in a manner that is true to you. Communications projects move forward. Love and social matters can be exciting, although at times a little destabilizing. New and interesting experiences are likely, but energy can fluctuate and impulsive moves should be watched for.

2016 is 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 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.

2017 will be a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology