28th/29th April – 22nd May 2016: Mercury Retrograde in Taurus

a message from Sarah Varcas

To view more of Sarah’s insight, please visit her website, Astro-Awakenings

Mysterious Magic

Mercury stations retrograde at 5:15 p.m. UT on 28^th April in the 24^th degree of Taurus. Forming an alignment with Uranus, Eris, Chiron and the Moon, this passage of Mercury promises to expose truths, reveal missing puzzle pieces and offer what we need to rebalance mind and spirit. In Taurus, Mercury seeks certainty and fact, preferring to avoid the more ephemeral world of fantasy and imagination. It favours clear communication and the expression of thoughts and feelings that have taken time to percolate through the many levels of being before articulation. If life has been somewhat puzzling of late, throwing up questions and queries we’ve struggled to address satisfactorily, this passage of Mercury retrograde offers hope in the form of new information, opportunities thus far overlooked and some good old fashioned common sense to ground insights.

Mercury’s about-turn means we now have five planets retrograde (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto), three in earth signs and two in fire. This distinctive heavenly signature speaks of a time to ground inspiration by turning within to nourish and nurture our most treasured dreams. It affirms we can safely take our foot off life’s accelerator for a while and allow our soul to whisper encouragement in the quiet of our own hearts. Life is not always about activity and action, being seen to be doing and achieving on the outer plane. That is part of the human realm, yes, but so is turning within to connect with the pulse of being that flows through us every second of every day: awake or asleep, in love, in pain or in the supermarket! The cosmos currently supports those who seek the silence of inner enquiry and the heartbeat of the divine, ever rhythmic at their core.

Of course, life itself is busy I know. Schedules must be maintained, responsibilities met, work done, bills paid and mouths fed. Few of us can simply switch all that off and go on retreat for the next three weeks (But if you can, do it!! There’s rarely been a better time!). Instead we can be sure to set aside time for quiet reflection and gentle repose. Time to cherish our own company and embrace all our thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams and fears as a mother does her new born child, with a heart replete with love and a mind ablaze with the wonder of what is now to come.

There may be a few surprises in the coming weeks. We may discover that thing we thought we wanted doesn’t look so attractive after all; that plan we’ve been sweating to implement looks tarnished in the light of inner revelation. Even our greatest achievement upon which we have built so much begins to look decidedly more ball and chain than a passport to fulfilment. So be it. What we see now, whatever it is and however it looks, reveals itself for a reason and does so imbued with the creative power of a world forever unfolding before our very eyes. The awesome mystery of life is ours to embrace. What we think we know with such certainty may simply be an illusion, whilst those hopes we dismissed as mere Walter Mittyish imaginings suddenly become real. Be open, as much as is possible now. Open to everything, all possibilities, for the cosmos is an infinite place filled with wonders we have yet even to suspect may be there.

This is no ordinary passage of Mercury retrograde and there is magic in the air. On 9^thMay an occultation of Mercury occurs, when it crosses the face of the Sun. Such an event occurs only about fourteen times in a century, the last one being in November 2006. Mercury, planet of the mind, will be hyper-charged by the power of the Sun, our very life force. Forget any doom and gloom Mercury retrograde scare-mongering! Any chaos of this time is profoundly creative and filled with potential. This transit of Mercury supports manifestation at a material level and will imbue our thoughts and speech with great power. As we speak so it shall be, so speak well and clearly, with clarity of intention. As we think so shall life unfold, so honour your highest potential, not a diminished and disempowered self-view.

During this retrograde passage of Mercury, who delights in keeping us on our cosmic toes, we may discover that fulfilment lies not in pursuing long held dreams but in building new ones; not in being who we thought we wanted to be, but in being who we are right now. Only then will we find out what actually happens next and the part we have to play in its unfolding…

Floralia: The Roman May Day Celebration

The Romans had a celebration for just about everything. Certainly, any Roman deity worth their salt got a holiday of their own, and Flora was no exception. She was the goddess of spring flowers and vegetation, and one of many fertility goddesses. In fact, she was so well respected as a fertility deity that she was often seen as a the patron deity of Roman prostitutes.

 
Her holiday originated around 235 b.c.e. It was believed that a good festival ensured that Flora would protect the blooming flowers around the city. At some point the celebration was discontinued — but it clearly took its toll when wind and hail did some serious damage to the flowers of Rome. In 173 b.c.e., the Senate reinstated the holiday, and renamed it the Ludi Floralis, which included public games and theatrical performances.

 
Oxford professor and anthropologist E.O. James discusses the Maypole and its connection to Roman traditions in his 1962 article, The Influence of Folklore On the History of Religion. James suggests that trees were stripped of their leaves and limbs, and then decorated with garlands of ivy, vines and flowers as part of the festival of Floralia. Other theories include that the trees, or poles, were wrapped in violets as homage to Attis and Cybele.

 
The Floralia took place during the five days between April 28 and May 3. Citizens celebrated with drinking and dancing. Flowers were everywhere, in the temples and on the heads of revelers.
Anyone making an offering to Flora might give her a libation of milk and honey.

Source:

Author: Patti Wigington
Article found on & owned by About.com

28 April – 3 May

Floralia

On April 28, 238 B.C., the Romans dedicated their first temple to the Goddess Flora. At the time there had been a food shortage, and, according to the Sibylline Books, the dedication cation of a temple to the Goddess would ward of the impending famine.

 
The festival was designed to ensure that the crops blossomed somed well, so that the harvest would be good. The games and festivities lasted for six days, to May 3. It began with theatrical cal performances and ended with circus games and a sacrifice to Flora.

 
The Floralia came to be regarded by prostitutes as their feast. The games drew crowds of commoners, and prostitutes were more licentious than during the Saturnalia-December 17 to 23.

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, April 28th

Thursday (Thor’s day)

 
Planet: Jupiter

 
Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

 
Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

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

 
Herb: Cinquefoil

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

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

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

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

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

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, April 28th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

Floralia (Roman)

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

 
Moon phase: Third Quarter

 
Moon Sign: Capricorn
Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

 
Incense: Clove

 
Color: Green

Custom Made Magick For Thursday, April 28th

Well, let’s see … abundance, prosperity, and good health has been our focus for this day. Now how about a little more information and ideas for working practical magick with one of our fascinating featured deities of the day?
Juno was the Queen of Heaven. As the matriarch of the gods, she guarded over women in every aspect of their lives. Juno was thought to have renewed her virginity every year. Similar to other goddess stories, Juno was a triple goddess-a virgin who belonged to no one; a mother and woman in the prime of her life, sexual and mature; and also a crone, powerful, wise, and sometimes vengeful (as she made her husband’s many mistresses’ lives either fairly unhappy or short).
There are references to an early all-female triad of goddesses known as the CapitolineTriad. This triad consisted of Juventas, Juno, and Minerva. To the Greeks, they would have been known as Hebe, Hera, and Hecate. Ultimately the triad became Juno, Minerva, and the male Jupiter. Jupiter, another of Thursday’s gods, was Juno’s consort.
As mentioned earlier, Juno, in her aspect as Juno Moneta, was the patron and protector tector of the Roman mint. The coins produced at her temples were blessed by Juno and imbued with her powers of abundance and prosperity. In another of her aspects as Juno Augusta, Juno was the goddess of an abundant harvest.
In addition, another of Juno’s magickal correspondences is the semiprecious stone malachite. Malachite is a beautiful green-banded stone that was also called the “peacock cock stone” in Italy. The peacock was a sacred animal of Juno’s, and the magickal energies of malachite encourage health and prosperity. So, guess where we are going with all of this information? That’s right, a spell for prosperity and abundance.

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

The Witches Must Dos for Thursday, April 28th

Try wearing some honeysuckle-scented perfume to encourage prosperity. Bewitch someone by wearing deep royal blue or brighten up a dreary day by wearing lucky, prosperity-drawing green. Brew up a pot of mint tea to help increase your cash flow. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to an unscented candle to encourage some fast cash. Bake up a loaf of wheat bread for the family, and celebrate abundance and be thankful for all that you have.

 
Conjure up a witchy craft and create a philter or two for your magickal needs. Work with the deities and the magickal plants corresponding with Thursday.

 
How did the energies of the plants of Jupiter enhance your magick? What did you learn by working with Juno, Jove, or Zeus? The truth is that by adding these new techniques and information into your spellcasting repertoire, you will indeed advance your skills, thereby moving up in the ranks to become a more adept magickal practitioner

 
Just by believing in yourself and working toward creating abundance, health, and prosperity, you have already begun to transform your outlook on life. Put your game face on; think positively. Work with Thor for perseverance and courage, and apply those qualities to your own prosperity spells and healing witchery. Break out the tarot cards; How could you incorporate that symbolism into other spells of your own design?

 
Use your imagination, check Thursday’s correspondence list, and see what other bewitching things you can conjure up for prosperity magick all by yourself. Call on the gods and goddess of Thursday and bring some positive change, abundance, health, and prosperity into your life!

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

The Witches Thursday

Jupiter’s (Thor’s) day

The name is derived from Old English and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretatio romana.

 
In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi. This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.

 
The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.

 
Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.

 
There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi—referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.

Magical Days Of the Week – Thursday

Thursday is a day of royal blues and greens, associated with the planet Jupiter and metals like tin. When it comes to deities, look at leader type gods like Thor, Zeus, and Jupiter. Gemstone correspondences for Thursday include turquoise, amethyst and lapis lazuli, and plant associations can be found in honeysuckle, cinquefoil, and even oak trees.
This is a day for honor, fealty and family loyalty, as well as harvesting, success, and prosperity.
Take advantage of Thursday’s different aspects and do spellwork that brings abundance to you, declares your allegiance, and embraces prosperity.

Author

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

Naming Thursday – Thor’s Day

The English word Thursday is named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor. Thursday literally means “Thor’s day” in Old English. Thor is represented riding a chariot drawn by goats and wielding the hammer.

 
In most languages with Latin origins, the day is named after the god and planet Jupiter. Jupiter is depicted as the chief god of sky and thunder who maintained his power with his thunderbolt.

Middle English – thursday or thuresday
Old Norse– thorsdagr – Thor’s day
Old English– thunresdæg – Thunder’s day
Latin – dies Jovis – “Day of Jupiter”
Ancient Greek – hemera Dios – “day of Zeus”

Source

timeanddate.com

Thursday, April 28th

 
Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor (Thor) god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas, and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday. Judaism the Sabbath (calculated from sunset on Friday to sunrise on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positive. Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well=being and material success.

 
Deity: Thor

 
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

 
Planet: Jupiter

 
Tree: Oak

 
Herb: Henbane

 
Stone: Topaz

 
Animal: Fish

 
Element: Fire

 
Color: White

 
Number: 3

 
Rune: Thorn (TH)

 
Celtic Tree Month of Saille (Willow) – April 15th thru May 12. The Willow tree is associated with healing and growth. During this phase, work on rituals, involving healing, growth of knowledge, nurturing, and women’s mysteries.

 
Runic Half Month of Man (human being) April 14 thru 28

 
Runic Half Month of Lagu (flowing water) begins April 29 and run thru May 13

 
Goddess of the Month of Maia April 18 thru May 15

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Wicca Book of Days for Thursday, April 28th

Frolicking for Flora

 
The ancient Romans venerated Flora, the goddess of all that blossoms, by the means of a riotous festival called the Floralia, which began on April 28 and ended on May 3. Throwing pease, lupines, and bans at one another and watching plays may have been a lot of fun, but a serious purpose underlay the frolics, namely to encourage the Goddess to nurture the spring blooms that would bear fruit later in the year. Indeed, it was as a result of some disastrous harvests and consequent famines that it was decided, in 173 BC, to hold the Ludi Florales (Games of Flora) each year.

Springtime Promise

 
If you are growing flowers, give Flora a helping hand and check that your plants are free of pests, well fed and if necessary, well watered too. You could also cut a few stems or twigs on which buds have formed to arrange in a vase for your altar or home.

 
The Wicca Book of Days
Selena Eilidh Ash