What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.
The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.
The holidays are here again — time to think up some fun gift ideas for your friends and family members. Try consulting the zodiac this year! Considering the astrological signs of those on your gift list is a great way to get your gift-giving spirit in gear.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Active Aries is always looking for ways to stay in shape, even during the winter months, so athletic equipment is usually a good choice. People born under this zodiac sign are also fond of the color red, so a cranberry scarf or a scarlet hat could win their favor. If romance is in the air, let Aries know that you put his or her needs first. Buy tickets for two to a sporting event you loathe, or make a playlist of an artist you can’t stand to win big points with your favorite Ram.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus appreciates any gift that appeals to his or her sensual side. A box of gourmet chocolates, a richly colored tapestry, or a soft cashmere blanket are all great options for Bulls. This sign also enjoys having money to play with, so a gift certificate to their favorite store is a welcome option. Always remember that quality is more important than quantity — Taurus would rather have a small bottle of expensive cologne than a carafe of the cheap stuff.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Quick-witted Gemini enjoys gifts that appeal to their sizable intellects. An engaging book is always welcome, as is a magazine subscription. This sign rules the hands, so some scented hand lotion or a sparkling ring might delight. Geminis also love to entertain, so a set of glassware might fit the bill. If you want to splurge on a special Twin, give them the latest cell phone or i-device, so they can keep in touch with their gazillion friends.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Sentimental Cancer loves gifts that have personal meaning. Handmade items always delight, whether it’s a finger painting, angora sweater, or mincemeat pie. This sign also has a special affinity for silver — a monogrammed hand mirror or picture frame would be very well received. Since Crabs have an affinity for liquids of all kinds, a special bottle of wine, a fancy cappuccino maker, or a shiny tea kettle are also good possibilities. And don’t forget that these Moon children love the domestic arts — a cookbook specializing in comfort food is another sure winner.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Lions love gifts that make them look and feel terrific. Hair accessories, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this image-conscious sign. Leos love drama, and enjoy presents that involve a bit of flair. Opera tickets, gold jewelry or animal print lingerie are right up this cat’s alley. Leos also love to gamble, so a sheaf of lottery tickets or a weekend getaway to the casino could make them purr with delight. When shopping for clothing, remember that Lions have a special affinity for red, gold and purple.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Virgins love practical gifts … so avoid dust-catching baubles. A bread-making machine or a power drill would be welcome, but these folks are also known to pride themselves on their impeccable appearance. Scented soaps, lotions and shampoos made by an earth-friendly company might be just the ticket. Virgos are also incredibly organized and might appreciate a good watch or a leather-bound date book. Or try a health-conscious basket of organic foodstuffs.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Libras have a special affinity for music, and always appreciate a good new artist to add to their voluminous collection. If you want to do something really special for a Libra friend, splurge on a two concert tickets — this zodiac sign hates to do anything alone. Born beneath the sign of the Scales, they also need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal. If you’re still stumped for ideas, have a lavish bouquet of red roses delivered accompanied by a loving handwritten note.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Scorpios are secretive by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their appearance in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a filmy scarf or a slouchy hat are all great choices for this sign. These mystery-lovers also enjoy moody, atmospheric stories. A collection of film noirs on DVD are sure to go over well with your favorite Scorpion. The rumors concerning this sign’s sexual appetite are happily true, so seductive lingerie would get plenty of use. Since Scorpios also like to get beneath the surface; a gift certificate for a deep-cleansing facial will be appreciated.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
As far as Archers are concerned, half the fun of getting gifts is ripping them open! If Sag doesn’t like a present, though, he or she will tell you outright. Avoid awkward scenes this holiday season by giving this outdoor enthusiast some camping equipment. Hiking boots or a waterproof parka would also be appropriate. These animal lovers adore any gift associated with their pets. A calendar filled with pictures of dogs or horses is sure to elicit a big smile. Finally, you can always feed this sign’s wanderlust with a comprehensive atlas.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Career-oriented Capricorn always enjoys gifts that will boost their job status. A leather laptop carrier or monogrammed briefcase would be welcome. Contrary to popular belief, though, Goats aren’t all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wicked sense of humor, so try the “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation” series on DVD. Capricorns also love luxurious presents they’d never buy for themselves, like a silk bathrobe.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
You never know what this unpredictable zodiac sign will be doing from moment to moment — one week it’s skydiving and the next it’s yoga! Still, this quirky sign always appreciates technological gadgets, whether it’s the latest i-device or gaming system. If you’d like to choose something a little more personal, why not make a photo album detailing all of your exploits with your favorite Aquarius? Aquarius may not show it, but they harbor a special fondness for their friends. Still stumped for ideas? A basket filled with brand new socks is both weird and practical enough for this sign, which rules the ankles.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
These mystics love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the harsh realities of life. A bottle of champagne, a kaleidoscope, or a book of fairy tales will appeal to your Fishy friends. And because Pisces is a Water sign, it’s a good bet they’ll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. If you’d like to give something really special, a digital camera will make a big hit with this natural-born photographer. Looking for a romantic gift? Choose a gilt-edged volume of love poetry.
Your higher ideals are in strong focus today, dear Aries. You are less interested in professional goals now, and more concerned about your connection to the world through your community and friendships. The second half of the day brings a stronger need to pull back into yourself and more of a desire to sidestep the more demanding elements of daily life. It’s a good time to do a bit of reflection, looking back, and looking within. A Venus-Pluto aspect is on the horizon and helps you to do so with self-honesty. You might also gain new insight into a relationship or business move. With the Sun moving to the top of your solar chart next week, when your ambitions will move to the front burner, take advantage of opportunities to rest and sort out your priorities now.
Taurus
Taurus
You can feel quite committed to what you’re doing today, dear Taurus, particularly in the morning. You’ll find that your energy is virtually limitless when you feel the magic of commitment. This afternoon’s Pisces Moon tends to bring out your more sociable side, as well as need for a sense of community and belongingness. We’re moving into a Venus-Pluto sextile that subtly intensifies your feelings, particularly related to a person or relationship, and this energy becomes stronger as the day advances. You’re framed well now, particularly as you show willingness to delve deeper than usual. Use this time to repair or enhance a relationship if needed.
Gemini
Gemini
There is general ease with expressing your feelings and desires in the first half of the day, dear Gemini, and you’re likely to be spirited and enthusiastic although not necessarily directed. By early afternoon, you become increasingly tuned in to what you need to do. Responsibilities come into focus and if you’re generally on top of things, this can feel good. If you’ve been procrastinating, you might feel a little nervous until you get to work. A Venus-Pluto influence is approaching, and this helps you to cut out the fluff and focus. Even so, Venus-Pluto is about throwing yourself into what you love, and this can be distracting if what you love is not what you need to do! Relationships can be consuming now, in a mostly positive way.
Cancer
Cancer
You continue to live life as an observer in the first half of the day, dear Cancer, which can be very useful in moderation. By early afternoon, you’re feeling ready to jump into action, although you might feel a little restless initially if you’re not sure where to channel your energy. As the day advances, focus becomes easier and more natural. This is a time for following a passion. Relationships can be strengthened through focus, presence, and involvement. You are able to make the best out of a situation, and to work for what you want.
Leo
Leo
With the Moon in your opposite sign until midday, dear Leo, you are in the position to see the other side of the story, and this can be eye-opening. Helping out a partner, or simply listening more intently to others’ wishes and needs, is the key to success and fulfillment. As the day advances, you’re inclined to seek out more depth in your interactions or meaning to your activities. You might prefer to be alone if you aren’t able to engage in meaningful conversations. There is good energy for throwing yourself into a project or activity that you enjoy, and this can be related to family and home.
Virgo
Virgo
You continue to concern yourself with your daily affairs and small problems that need fixing in the first half of the day, dear Virgo. From early afternoon forward, you’re more likely to look for a wider perspective. There can be a tendency to want someone you trust and know well to take charge in small ways, as you may be a little exhausted from making all the decisions. Revealing conversations can occur today that give you a fresh new perspective on important people in your life, as well as practical problems, such as personal finances. Good energy is with you for throwing energy into a communications and/or creative project tonight and into tomorrow.
Libra
Libra
Going with the flow today comes quite naturally, dear Libra, although you may not feel especially productive until later. The second half of the day is strong for getting serious after several days of a wandering mind and difficulties focusing. Friends can also be supportive, backing you up or defending you, and possibly even pulling you out of a funk. From a feeling of lack or limitation with money or resources comes a stronger motivation to take care of what you have and for drawing up plans to improve your lot in life. Tonight and tomorrow are excellent for gaining a new understanding of your own resources and talents, and for personal presence and power. The more empowered you feel, the closer you get to your heart and your true desires.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Self-nurturing and playing it safe continues to be beneficial in the first half of the day, dear Scorpio. Boosting your inner self helps you to express yourself more creatively and from the heart as the Moon moves into your creative sector early afternoon. Even so, your sense of responsibility is building, so that you can better balance your life with productivity and play. We move towards a gently motivating influence as the day advances, and it’s especially strong for your personal magnetism and ability to reach a new level in a relationship.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You may be feeling a little scattered early today, dear Sagittarius, but generally curious and interested. However, your passions and interests come into stronger focus as the day advances. By early afternoon, you’re likely to want to settle down, both mentally and physically. Immersing yourself in what truly pleases you comes naturally tonight and tomorrow. New insight into financial or security matters can emerge. You might also see a matter of the past more clearly, and find a way to put it behind you. Desires are especially intense as you have a tendency to keep them to yourself, so finding ways to release them, even in little ways, can work to your advantage.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You’re craving a steady pace in the first half of the day, dear Capricorn. As the day advances, your curiosity grows. By early afternoon, the Moon moves into a more harmonious position viz a viz your sign, and you’re in a busy but pleasant frame of mind. Let go of expectations and remind yourself that things don’t have to make sense right now – this kind of mental detachment can relieve a lot of pressure. If there’s a project that requires research, later today is strong for investing time and energy into it. Recent problems with friends might be dealt with now and handled in a practical yet effective way.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Moon is in your sign until early afternoon, dear Aquarius, and your emotional needs are in strong focus. While these needs may seem urgent, remind yourself that you have time to fill them, and in fact, get to know yourself better in the process. Your emotions settle and life tends to calm down in the second half of the day. The pace is slower and this may be just what you need. Even so, it’s quite easy to get caught up in an enjoyable pursuit with Venus and Pluto moving towards a harmonious aspect. You can have fabulous business ideas under this influence that will follow you into tomorrow. You may be seeking out something meaningful to put your heart into, and have a good chance of finding it.
Pisces
Pisces
The first half of the day continues to be another time best used for private or low-profile activities, dear Pisces. The Moon is in the sign just behind yours, and will be until early afternoon. This points to additional need for rest, relaxation, and reflection. As the day advances, your emotional enthusiasm grows, and a stronger sense of purpose or mission can fall into place. While emotional needs continue to demand your attention, you’re likely to be clearer about what they are and how to go about satisfying them.
You are versatile, witty, and often quite impulsive. Mentally restless, you are curious and easily bored if left without new and stimulating things to do, or at least to talk about. You are quick to take action, and often jump into new endeavors blind, figuring that you can pick up any pieces later, if need be. You can be accident-prone as a result. Very good-hearted, you easily empathize with others and while you tend to keep some distance emotionally, you readily help out anyone in need. You are a great lover of debate and any kind of friendly competition.
Famous people born today: Tim Conway, Don Johnson, Adam Brody, Alex Cox.
You can be feeling more free to be yourself today, dear Aries, and this can be because others are not putting as much pressure on you or you are detaching yourself from it! You are projecting friendly qualities now, and you can quite naturally guide others towards healing through your own actions and ideas. You may be looking to a team or cooperative unions to accomplish a job. You could also be exploring ways to update technology in some way now, as you’re interested in making progress and perhaps feeling gently competitive. You might also simply feel the need to challenge yourself to move into unexplored territory.
Taurus
Taurus
People are noticing your performance and actions more than usual today, dear Taurus, with the Moon at the top of your chart, but this can be felt as gently stimulating. Sometimes you need a little boost that reminds you to take better care of your life, and being slightly more accountable gives you that nudge. You can be feeling confident that others are seeing your worth and value, and if you aren’t feeling this, you can do things that make yourself proud, and this will, by extension, boost that confidence. This is a good day for gaining a little more clarity, which has been rather lacking in recent days, and for figuring out where you stand. It’s also strong for drawing up plans on a professional level.
Gemini
Gemini
Good energy is with you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with others, dear Gemini. While ego issues may have interfered in your relationships yesterday, today your natural approach to others is endearing and attracts positive feedback. Put progress and self-improvement at the top of your list now for best results. It’s also important to feed your need for movement, growth, and variety. Even if you are in the position to handle routine matters, your craving for more interesting experiences can be satisfied in small ways if you mix up your routine or take some pleasant detours from it, even if it means taking a walk or a drive in order to freshen up emotionally. You can better manage your feelings about recent pressures in your social life now.
Cancer
Cancer
This is a good day for focusing on your inner world, dear Cancer, and for getting in touch with deeper feelings. If there’s something you need to change within that will improve your life, this can be a day when you’re especially open to facing fears and attacking problems from their root. Emotional satisfaction comes through applying yourself to something, digging deep under the surface of things, research, and depth experiences. You are more able to see what parts of your life or attitude are dysfunctional, and those that truly work for you. Intimate relationships can be in focus and can help take the pressure off from recent tension in home and career life.
Leo
Leo
There is good energy for your social life today, dear Leo, and for any situation that requires one-on-one relating, including counseling, meetings, and pairing up. A partner might demand some attention today, but not in an unpleasant manner. In fact, you’re inclined to enjoy showing your appreciation for the people in your life, who tend to help relieve some of the recent mental tension and pressures you’ve been experiencing. Roll with changes today. The key to success right now is to adapt to the needs of others, giving less attention to your own needs without ignoring them entirely. You might be able to solve a problem, particularly of the interpersonal variety, lay a debate to rest, or simply get a little closer to someone special.
Virgo
Virgo
This is a good day for meeting your goals, dear Virgo, that involve daily life and routines. The inner workhorse emerges now, and can distract you from recent pressures and tensions. There can be a pleasant sense that the work you are doing at the moment is something that truly contributes to your future, in little ways. The important thing is that you’re seeing just how important the “little things” are. Focus might be on improving efficiency in your life or solving a problem that you’ve shelved. Take care of small issues that assume bigger proportions in your mind simply because they have been put off for too long. This will take the weight off.
Libra
Libra
The enthusiasm you express today, dear Libra, tends to inspire others to follow suit. The affection you’re putting out there is infectious, and others appreciate your unique vision and perspective. It’s a good time for following a passion or a new interest. Drawing upon your natural talents and creative bent comes naturally today, and is likely to be rewarding. Use them to grow your own confidence and well as others’ confidence in you. Some recent pressures, particularly in partnerships, can be managed today with some humor and a willingness to let go and move on. The ability to find something to learn in almost anything you experience now is the key to happiness and emotional satisfaction.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You could be feeling especially good about connecting with family or spending quiet time with familiar people today, dear Scorpio. This can lift your spirits and help you deal with any pressures that work or health have placed on you recently. You are in a frame of mind that is intimate and warm. This is a good day for looking within instead of worrying unduly about what others are doing. Keep things simple, familiar, secure, and comfortable, as you’re in need of some stability and a break from “hectic”. There are times for moving out of your comfort zone, and other times for gathering your strength, and today is more likely to be the latter.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Confidence in your ideas, which can be quite brilliant right now, is building, dear Sagittarius, and you’re more willing to share them with others. A friend or lover might provide you with feedback or may be a sounding board for you now, and this can have good results, leading you to important conclusions. Interpersonal conflicts tend to be superficial and temporary today, and restlessness is easily managed by mixing around your routine in order to help things hum along more smoothly. The Moon’s presence in Aquarius today complements you well, and can pull out your idealism or motivate you to reach out and make a connection.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You can feel quite productive today, dear Capricorn, putting worries aside in order to focus on your priorities. Consciously work on your patience and ability to concentrate on what matters in the present, as this will help iron out difficulties that come from pressure to perform or to meet responsibilities related to career or home life. This is a day for taking stock of your situation and your resources, and reconnecting with the things that matter the most to you. Look more closely at your current projects, talents, and resources, and aim to nurture and develop these things.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Your emotions are running very close to the surface with the Moon in your sign all day, dear Aquarius. You express yourself with natural ease. All eyes are on you, and you are more than willing to give them a show. It’s important to listen to your feelings, but not to be so overruled by them that you unwittingly create crises or emergencies. Recent mental tension and pressure can be eased today with a little humor or possibly even a soothing distraction. Your ability to let go and move on is vital to emotional satisfaction now, as it’s a wonderful way to take a load off your mind. Aim to wipe the slate clean and start fresh attitude wise with a new lunar month ahead.
Pisces
Pisces
A certain level of anonymity becomes you today, dear Pisces, as working below the radar can help you to focus on your inner world, healing, and resting. It’s a time for laying low, connecting with those closest to you, and enjoying familiar surroundings and people. You seem to be more productive in privacy or when you remove yourself from the hub of activity. Even if you’re idle,, you’re doing something for yourself. Do what you can to take some time out to reflect or to simply recharge emotionally. While helping out others can feed a need and make you feel proud of yourself, too much can wear you down, so aim to find a balance.
The Balance of the Elements & the Signs for December 15th
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.
AQUARIUS STRONG
Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
The elements are balanced.
BALANCE OF MODES
The modes are balanced.
LUNAR PHASE: CRESCENT
Moon 45 to 90 degrees ahead of the Sun.
This is an eager, impulsive, and progressive time. We are motivated and ready to take on challenges.
The Moon today is in a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
Phase Details for – Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 18%
Moon Age: 4.08 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 372,979.67 km Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,234,861.64 km
“Grandfather can you tell us a story?” the children asked in unison as they ran up to the old man reclining peacefully by the fire.
The old man sat up straighter in the chair, took a puff from his pipe and asked with a grin, “What story should I tell? What story do you want to know? You there,” he said pointing to one of the children, the smallest, “you havent had a turn to ask for a story in quite a while. So you pick, tell me what you want to hear.”
In a small voice, the child said “Grandfather can you tell me of the story of the first Yule? I always liked that one the best.”
With a clearing of his throat and another puff on his pipe, the Grandfather started to spin the tale of the first Yule.
“We all know that Yule is at the end of December, but the story really starts much earlier. In fact over a month earlier. For you remember that in August the Harvest Lord laid down his sword of power and went away to Summerland to rest. Well the Goddess missed her husband so much that she began to grow old just with the grief alone and that is why we have Winter. The time when the Earth grows barren and cold.
“Well the Goddess because of her sadness after a time, left us also and went on a journey to Summerland to try and find him. Now she doesnt die now, she only goes on a vision quest. But she is gone so long that at Samhain her body passes on and when she is found frozen in the forest two weeks later a wake is held for her in the Holly Kings drinking hall.
“It took over a week for all the faeries and other mourners to come.For they came from all corners of Creation. But there was one unexpected guest, an old woman. She was so old that she almost looked like a walking skeleton. So of course everyone there was mean to her out of fright and disgust.
“Yet when she greeted the Holly King, calling him her Son, everyone realized with much fright that this was the Goddess returned to them. The very Goddess whose death, they were there to mourn.
“So angry was she, that she was treated so poorly, the Goddess passed a prophecy to the Holly King. That she had within her the Oak King, soon to be reborn. And for rebuking her the Holly King would pass to Summerland upon the birth of that child.
“Now this scared the Holly King that he decided to lock the old Crone away in the top room of the tallest tower in all the world. Then he walled up the doors and all but one of the windows so that she is trapped within the room at the top of this tower. The window he left open so that he could have the birds fly food to her.
“Now he did this hoping that he could escape the doom that was foretold to him. But the Crone knew that the birth of her child was her only hope of escape. The Crone then wove magick and took the light and warmth from the Sun, and passed it to her son. So that in just four weeks, she gave birth to the Oak King. Who ever after was also given the name of the Sun King. For he was born fully grown and glowing with a golden light so bright that it caused the dying of the Sun to be reversed.
“Those four weeks of magick are why we light the candles for the four weeks before Yule. One candle for the first week and two for the second and so on until we have four candles lit on the night of Yule. This represents the growing light inside her as outside the Sun grew weaker.
“But the birth was hard on the old Crone, so hard that she slipped into a sleep very near to Death. So the Sun King in his anger thinking that his mother was dead, flew out the lone window as a large golden eagle. All across the Earth he hunted the Holly King, Lord of the Wintertime. Finally cornering him at the shores of a great ocean.
“And when he found him he threw his magickal spear at him and destroyed him. The spear hit the Holly King so hard that his body just vanished. But dont worry, for the Holly King simply reappeared in Summerland. When he got there he found the Crone in one of her other aspects, the Young Maiden.
“She spoke to him of prophecy and the Wheel of the Year. She spoke of the new cycle that had been made in the last year. That the events of the last year would repeat themselves forever and ever.
“And although the Holly King had passed away now, he now knew that he would return just past the height of Summer to take the Sun Kings place again.
This is why the Holly King, as Santa Claus, brings us gifts every year to make up for the Winter that he brings with him. But he only brings presents to good little boys and girls because he wants us to learn to not be mean like he was to the Crone on that first night that he met her so long ago.
“Now back to the Sun King, when he returned to the Crone he saw that she wasnt really dead but only asleep. So he went out and found a large log, the first Yule Log, cut from the largest Oak he could find. In hopes that this would revive the Goddess. And for their lifegiving properties he decorated her room with evergreens. Even bringing in a tree and decorating it with his light.
“But all this magick did was to make her youthful again, so that now she was a beautiful youthful Maiden. Yet she still slept a deep sleep almost near death.
“So you see my grandchildren there are good reasons why we do the things that we do at Yule. They served a purpose long ago and it is good to recognize and honor that. “”But Grandfather,” spoke up the eldest, “What happened next? I know the Goddess didnt stay asleep forever. Please tell us more.”Shaking his head, the old man said, “Lunch is overdue and Im hungry so let us go to eat and then I will tell you all another tale. I will tell you of what happened next to the Goddess and to the Sun King. I will tell you the story of the first Imbolc.”
About the Author:
Patrick McCleary has been a Pagan dad for 8 years. Visit his Pagandad Website for more of Patrick’s wonderful articles and recipes. A great resource for celebrating the Sabbats and seasons with your children.
Try this simple Yuletide charm as you hang up and arrange your Yuletide greenery in your abode this year. Deck your halls and mantles as you like; then, as you finish, repeat this charm with intention. This charm incorporates the four Yuletide plants: pine, holly, ivy, and mistletoe.
When a Witch decks the halls with boughs of holly
Expect that the Yuletide feast will be jolly.
Green ivy for good luck and fertility
Add pine boughs and branches for prosperity.
The Druid’s golden bough we called mistletoe
Encourages kisses and make cheeks to glow.
Now add a touch of magick and a pinch of glee
Welcome renewal in Yuletide’s season of peace.
Close up the charm with these lines:
By the bright magick of a midwinter sun
As I will, so mote it be, and let it harm none.
—Ellen Dugan, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch
Heat the oven to 180oC/350oF/gas mark 4. Grease a baking sheet. In a pan melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat. Remove from the heat and add the flour, ginger and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is smooth. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the biscuits in there to keep warm- if they cool they won’t be malleable. One by one remove them from the baking sheet with a palette knife and curl them round the handle of a greased wooden spoon. Ease them off and put them on a cooling rack. When you are ready to serve them, beat up the cream until thick and add the brandy. Whisk up again until stiff and pipe into the brandy snaps.
The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the year — and that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. It was a time of celebration, and for rejoicing in the knowledge that soon, the warm days of spring would return, and the dormant earth would come back to life.
On this one day, the sun stands still in the sky, and everyone on earth knows that change is coming.
Because this is a festival of fire and light, feel free to use lots of candles and lights, solar symbols, bright colors, or even a bonfire. Bring light back into your home and your life.
Like any Sabbat, this festival works well if paired up with a feast. Celebrate the sun’s return by preparing all kinds of winter foods — whip up a batch of cornbread, a pot of buttered rum, plum pudding, cranberry dressing, game stew, etc. Have the whole family eat together prior to the ritual. Clean up, and when you’re done, cover your table or altar with candles. Use as many as you like; they don’t have to match.
In the center, place a sun candle** on a riser, so it’s above the rest. Don’t light any of the candles just yet.
Turn off all the other lights, and face your altar. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Face the candles, and say:
The wheel of the year has turned once more, and the nights have grown longer and colder. Tonight, the darkness begins to retreat, and light begins its return once again. As the wheel continues to spin, the sun returns to us once more.
Light the sun candle, and say:
Even in the darkest hours, even in the longest nights, the spark of life lingered on. Laying dormant, waiting, ready to return when the time was right. The darkness will leave us now, as the sun begins its journey home.
Beginning with the candles closest to the sun candle, and working your way outward, light each of the other candles. As you light each one, say:
As the wheel turns, light returns.The light of the sun has returned to us, bringing life and warmth with it. The shadows will vanish, and life will continue. We are blessed by the light of the sun.
Take a moment to think about what the return of the sun means to you.
The return of the light meant many things to different cultures. How does it affect you, and your loved ones? When you’re ready, go through the house and turn all the lights back on. If you have children, make it a game — they can yell out, “Welcome back, sun!”
If you’re not too full from dinner, have some eggnog and cookies on standby, and take the time to bask in the light of your candles and eat some treats. When you’re done, extinguish the candles from the outside of the altar working towards the center, leaving the sun candle for last.
Tips:
** A sun candle is simply a candle you’ve designated to represent the sun in ritual. It can be in a sunny color — gold or yellow — and if you like, you can insribe it with solar sigils.
If you like, you can do this ritual on the morning of Yule. Cook a big breakfast with lots of eggs, and watch the sun rise. If you do this, you can eliminate all the candles except the sun candle. Allow the sun candle to burn all day before you extinguish it.
Magick trees show up in lots of contemporary stories and films; some of the best known include the Evil Talking Trees in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Treebeard in Lord of the Rings, the Tree of Life in Avatar, and Mother Willow in Pocahontas. But the concept of enchanted trees dates back to ancient times. In early Germanic and Norse cultures, people believed the King of the Forest made his home in a fir tree. Others thought benevolent nature spirits lived in firs. People danced around magick fir trees and decorated them with painted eggs, charms and flowers. Quite possibly, Christmas trees have their origin in this old tradition.
Skye Alexander, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells
Projective and Receptive Energies In Crystals and Gemstones
One particularly helpful tip for becoming more adept at tuning in to your crystals is to know whether their particular energies are projective or receptive.
Like the concept of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, these two seemingly opposite types of energy are fundamental to the makeup of the Universe, and each serves equally important purposes in healing and spellwork.
Just as we do magical work with the energies of night and day, sun and moon, God and Goddess, and other forces of polar opposites, the particular type of energy a stone brings is significant to the spell being worked.
Learning to feel these energies physically helps you strengthen your relationships with your crystals, and gain a more instinctive sense of which stones best serve any given purpose.
Projective Stones
Projective energies can be likened to the yang energy of the Chinese system.
These are masculine energies, often characterized as being or feeling strong, bright, physical, active, electric, and hot. The colors of projective stones tend to be associated with strong sunlight – red, yellow, orange and gold. They often emit a “charged” feeling, which can range from subtle to quite “buzzy,” depending on the type of stone and the level of receptivity of the person holding it.
Projective stones are ideal for magic involving healing and protection from negative energy. They are associated with the masculine Elements of Fire and Air, making them also good choices for working for vitality, courage, and intellectual power. Projective stones affect the conscious mind, and are great to carry with you when you’re feeling a need for strength, determination, will power, or self-confidence. Some popular projective stones include amber, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, garnet, red jasper, onyx, and tiger’s eye.
Receptive Stones
Receptive energies can be said to correspond with the yin energy of the Chinese system, and are described as feminine energies, which may be experienced as calm, inward, spiritual, passive, magnetic, and cold.
Colors of receptive stones are cooler colors, such as green, blue, purple, silver, and grey. (Pink stones, although they are toward the beginning of the color spectrum, are also generally receptive, as the color is more calming than energizing when compared to red or orange.)
Holding a receptive stone in your hand is almost guaranteed to make you feel calmer, as if the stone is absorbing anxiety from your body. As with projective stones, this effect will vary from stone to stone and person to person.
Associated with the feminine Elements of Earth and Water, receptive stones are great for meditation and emotional and physical grounding, as well as promoting psychic abilities.
They are good for working on the subconscious mind, and may be used in spellwork for love, compassion, peace, and spiritual development. Some receptive stones include jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, opal, rose quartz, and turquoise.
—Lisa Chamberlain, Wicca Crystal Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Practicing Wiccan Crystal Magic, with Simple Crystal Spells (Wicca Books Book 4)
In ancient Greece, December 15 began the Halcyon Days-the the seven days before and the seven days after the Winter Solstice. It was during this time that the sea was calm and the kingfisher, a magickal bird and symbol of the Goddess Alcyon, could lay her eggs. Legend has that it was the bird nesting upon the waters that made them calm, thus creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
December 16 is dedicated to the Goddess Sophia. According to Hebrew philosophy, Sophia is the personification of wisdom, the inner wisdom that functions of itself. Many Greek churches were dedicated to Sophia, and, in the Sistine Chapel’s painting of God reaching out a finger to touch Adam, she appears behind God. A Gnostic Aeon, Sophia was so filled with the desire to generate out of herself, without a spouse, that she gave birth to the whole cosmos, including a daughter Sophia Akhamoth, who in turn began to generate, but on a lower denser plane. It is Sophia Akhamoth who brings wisdom to humankind.
Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:
*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads
*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions
*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery
*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home
*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success
The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, December 15th
Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)
Planet: Mars
Colors: Red and Autumn Shades
Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel
Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli
Herb: Basil
The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.
Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.
Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.
Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day.
So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate on Tiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.
Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.
Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.
—-Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
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