Category: Articles

Question of the Day (Alright Guys This One Is For You)

It is a common misunderstanding by those who are not familiar with the Craft to call male witches, “warlocks.” I know I have seen new comers to the Craft and they also refer to themselves as Warlocks. They think being called a warlock is, I guess a super witch or cool but really. I have tried to tell them that a male witch is not a warlock, just another witch and then give them the definition of a warlock. They get mad because they don’t like the definition I give them and tell me I am wrong. I think since I am a Hereditary Witch, I should know what I am talking about. So guys, it’s your turn……What I want to know has anyone ever found out you were a witch and then said, “Hey, you’re a warlock?” If so, did you correct them? Also how does it make you feel when you are referred to as a warlock?

I will give you my answer or opinion right now, it makes me very angry when someone refers to our brothers as warlocks. To me it is a personal insult to each and every male in our community and I believe anyone ignorant enough to refer to a male witch as a warlock, should be corrected. I believe if I were a male witch being called a warlock would be fighting words. To be referred to as an oath-breaker, a person who has betrayed their own and done unspeakable acts, that to me would be a slap in the old face. Now guys, I want to hear your take on this subject. You’ve heard mine, now it is your turn.

Goddess Grace

Celtic IV.

Goddess Grace

I am the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All Her gifts are mine.
All Her powers reside in me.

I am Athena of Greece.
Like my totem the owl, I am wise
for I see and hear everything around and within me.
Like the oak, I am strong, for the olive of peace is sacred to me.

I am Bast, cat goddess of Egypt.
I am graceful, flexible, playful, and affectionate.
I radiate the warmth and light of the glorious sun.

I am Cerridwen of Wales.
My magic cauldron contains food for the soul,
an inexhaustible source of wisdom and inspiration.
The more I give, the more I receive.

I am Diana, Roman goddess of the ever-changing moon.
I am a protectress of women and children,
a guardian of the wild.
I focus my aim on my heart’s desire and draw it to me.

I am Ereshkigal, Assyro-Babylonian goddess of the underworld,
Queen of the Great Below.
I shed dead skin to grow.
Deep powers of renewal are mine.

I am Freya, Well-beloved Nordic Lady.
I survey the beauty of my world in joyous flight.
I celebrate and honor the bonds between friends and lovers.

I am Gaia, Greek Earth Mother.
Grounded and centered in the rhythms and patterns of chaos,
I emerge to create my universe.

I am Hecate of Greece.
Triple Goddess of the crossroads of choice.
I balance my powers of thought and emotion.
I choose the path I walk.
The torch of my reason is illumined by my brilliant intuition.

I am Isis, Egyptian Queen of the World.
I offer healing and transformation to all in need.
I hold the power to shape my world.

I am Jagad-Yoni, Hindu universal yoni, womb of the world.
I am the gatekeeper of the next generation.
I choose the life that emerges through me.
I use my power wisely.

I am Kwan-Yin of Buddhist China, goddess of compassion.
I hear and comfort the wounds of the world.
I welcome children and teach the magic of change.

I am Liban, Irish mermaid goddess.
I revel in the healing power of pleasure.
Quench your thirst at my sacred well.

I am Maat of Egypt.
Truth, justice and law are the natural order of my universe.
Harmony arises as I attune to my divine will.

I am Nu-Kua, Chinese dragon-tailed creatress.
I restore the cosmic equilibrium.
I form community among women and men,
connecting in equality, love and respect.

I am Old Spider goddess of Micronesia.
I created the moon, the sea, the sky, the sun,
and the earth from a simple clamshell.
All the vast and varied universe is present in the smallest form of
life.
As above, so below.
As within, so without.

I am Pele, Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
My fiery energy erupts from my core to create new worlds.
I flow easily over obstacles in my path.

I am Qedeshet of Syria.
I balance lightly on the lion I ride.
Laughter lifts me from the pull of gravity.
The lotus blossoms I hold and the serpents I carry
Symbolize the life and health I bring.

I am Rhiannon, horsewoman, Divine Queen of Wales.
My steady pace is swift and smooth.
I travel freely through my world, safe, serene and secure.
My winged friends can wake the dead
And lull the living to sleep.

I am Sedna of the Inuit.
Know and honor me through my animals.
Bears, whales and seals,
All creatures of the land and sea are part of me.
We share the right to be.

I am Tiamat of Babylon, primordial sea-serpent.
I am the great mother womb
Who brought forth the earth and heavens.
I dive deep into the watery unconscious to find the treasures buried
there.

I am Uttu, Chaldean-Sumerian goddess of weaving and vegetation.
I offer shelter and nourishment to all who know me.
We feed and clothe each other through our work.

I am Vasudhara, Hindu goddess of abundance.
My six arms hold everything you need and offer it to you.
Earth Water Fire Air Center Spirit
Purpose Love Passion Wisdom Here Now.

I am White Winged Woman of Honduras.
I descend from heaven to build my temple on earth
and return as a glorious bird.
I honor and express my true spirit.
My beauty is beyond my compare.

I am Xochiquetzal, Aztec goddess of flowers, love,
spinning, weaving, singing, and dancing.
I am an Original Woman.
I delight in sharing my many gifts.

I am Yemaya, Nigerian Fish Mother, Brazilian Voodoo mermaid.
Lakes, rivers and oceans are my home.
The waters of life belong to me.
We cleanse and sustain each other.

I am Zoe, Gnostic Aeon of Life.
Mother of All Living.
I am the embodiment of growth and vitality.
I am unique life energy.

I am the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All Her gifts are mine.
All Her powers reside in me.

We are the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All our gifts are mine.
All our powers reside in me.

You are the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.
All my gifts are thine.
All my powers reside in thee.

 

–Mariel, Author
Originally Published on Pagan Library

Good Monday Morn’ To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft! May The Goddess Bless You & Yours Today & Always!

celtic blessings
Well, good morning, my little sunshines! How are you doing today? I see no one answered the question of the day for yesterday. I figured out why, you were too busy getting ready to watch the show, right? Probably not but anyway, Lady Beltane called an left a message last night to remind me that Game of Thrones was coming on. I thought that was sweet of her. Then again I thought, she never visits this site or else she would have seen the question. Watch today I talk about her, she will show up, lol! She know I love her. She is a wonderful, caring person and a true friend. But I didn’t want to talk to you about Lady Beltane and my friendship,, I wanted to ask you a favor……

Wednesday, we won’t be on the internet because I have several tests I have to have done at the hospital. I know most of you remember when I was attacked at my first and last day at work. The bruises and the ribs have healed but I had been having tremendous hip pain. I don’t know if I was knocked into the desk or the counter and injured my hips or what but something happened. Anyway, the pain has gotten so bad that I don’t sleep at all at night anymore. I called my doctor and went into see him. He is concerned that one of my nuts or bolts might have been damaged or the tumor they removed from that side has come back. He didn’t want to come right out and say it because he didn’t want to worry me needlessly. But it has been in the back of my mind and it will always be there. What I am asking for you is your prayers and your blessings for me on Wednesday. I know you might think it is silly just going in for test, sure you will be fine. I am not so sure about that. I have been seeing strange signs and those signs have stopped and made me think. Remember I am from the hills and we take signs very seriously. But the signs I have been seeing aren’t good ones. Perhaps it is just my imagination feeding into to my pain and sleepless night but I don’t want to take any chances. I would sincerely ask that you say a prayer and light a candle for me Wednesday. I am sure everything will go fine but you never know. I just have a horror that I will never walk out of that hospital Wednesday. So I need your prayers desperately.

I am not wishing ill on anyone else but I am seriously hoping those signs I have been seeing do not pertain to me. But I am not going to take any chances. So please, take time Wednesday to say a prayer for me and keep me in your thoughts. You know I would really like to be back here Thursday. I think I might kind of miss you guys and gals, lol! But would you miss me, lol! Just kidding! Just remember Wednesday please, and now it is time to get to work.

Have a very beautiful and blessed Monday,

Love ya,

Lady A

Question of the Day for Sunday, April 14th

Question of the Day

What happened to Lady A and the posts for Sunday? No, that’s not the real question of the day. I do apologize for telling you, we would see you Sunday. I ought to have known better. Got the taxes done, which really didn’t take that long. I hope those of you who haven’t done your taxes yet are hard at work on them. Should I start a count down clock for you, lol!  I always get all tensed up and my nerves on edge when it comes to doing the taxes. So every nerve in my body seemed like it was tied in knots. When I got up this morning, I just couldn’t go. It was dark, gloomy and raining like someone was pouring buckets on the roof. I thought I would take a quick shower and that would make me feel better, HA! I ended up going back to sleep and waking up at 12:30. I figured by that time, you probably didn’t want your horoscopes for the day, so I just goofed off. I wish, I use to be able to goof off but no more time for goofing anymore. But that isn’t my real question of the day, what happened to Lady A, yeah right, we know. She likes to sleep in on rainy days, lol!

The question of the day is…..

How many of you are going to watch Game of Thrones tonight?

I am just checking because out in the sticks if too many people get on the same show, the show crashes, seriously! Talking about out in the stick, oh brother! Since this is the last season of Game of Thrones, I was kind of curious on how many would be watching. Also have you followed the show the entire time or have you binged watch to catch up to the series final season? Simply enough question. I expect lots of answers so I know whether or not my area is going to experience a crash tonight and I get to rant and rave till it comes back on, lol!

Anyway, I am off for now (as usual). I hope everyone is having a very relaxing and blessed Sunday. We will see you tomorrow, I promise. Till then…..

Love ya,

Lady A

Charging And Cleansing Your Tools

Charging And Cleansing Your Tools

Once you have prepared your elemental substances, you can charge your tools ready for use. If they
have been bought, whether new or second-hand, you might also like to cleanse them first. You can also
cleanse them after a formal ritual or when their energies seem depleted.

If the ritual is important or arduous, you can recharge the tools before each use, but usually this is not
necessary, as the cleansing from a previous ritual will automatically restore the energies. However, as
you polish your candlesticks or athame before putting them on the altar, you may wish to focus on the
intention of the ceremony and visualise light entering the tools.

Charging With Power

You can charge your tools separately as you obtain them. Alternatively, group them together on a table
before their first use in ritual and create a circle of light around them with small purple candles at the
eight main compass points (North, North-east, etc.). Start at the North candle and end with the Northwest candle.

* First create a circle of salt round the tool(s), beginning in the North, to offer the tool(s) the protection
of the ancient Earth element, saying:

Mother Earth, charge with the power of the ancient stone circles and the wise ways of the ancestors
this – [name the tool(s)] of magick and healing, that my work may be rooted in what is possible and
help create abundance and prosperity for others and the land, as well as for my own needs.

* Next, draw a circle of smoke deosil in the air around them, using a frankincense or myrrh incense
stick, saying:

Father Sky, charge with the power of the mighty winds and the limitless potential of the cosmos this –
[name the tool(s)] of magick and healing, that my work may be focused, filled with energy and bring
positive change to ever-widening horizons.

* Now, using a golden or scarlet candle in a broad-based candle-holder, mark an inner circle of fire in
the air, around the artefact(s), saying:

Brother Fire, charge with the power of ancient ritual fires and the brilliance of the Sun, this (these)
tool(s) of magick and healing, that my work may be filled with light and inspiration and purged of all
self-seeking and negativity.

* finally, sprinkle sacred water or rainwater that has not touched the ground before collection on top of
the circle of salt saying:

Sister Water, charge with the power of mighty oceans, wide rushing rivers and deep still pools this
(these) tool(s) of magick and healing, that my work may release stagnation and bring fertility and
peace, not only to myself and my loved ones, but to people whose lives are blighted by polluted places
and, especially, water.

Cleansing Using The Forces Of Nature

Leave your artefact(s) on a piece of white silk in a sheltered, safe place out of doors or near an open
door where children, pets or the curious cannot reach them. Begin at dusk where they can absorb the
light of the Sun, the Moon and the stars, for 24 hours. This will be effective even if you cannot see any
of these heavenly bodies in the sky.

Charge at the time of the waxing moon to the full moon if possible; if not, let them stand for 48 hours.
If the Moon is waning and so not good for energising, create a circle of alternate moonstones and
crystal quartz for the powers of the Sun and Moon, and leave the tools within this circle for the full 48-
hour cycle.

Sprinkle the tools with nine drops of sacred water that was collected under the full moon or rainwater
that has not touched the ground, saying a variation of this old magical rhyme whose origins are
unknown:

One for joy, two for gladness,
Three and four to banish sadness,
Five and six do life renew,
Seven, eight, nine bring power anew.

Few of these old chants are great poetry, but that was not their purpose – they were created in the days
before widespread literacy as a way of remembering magical rituals. If you prefer, you can substitute
your own, composed by you or a coven member who may have a gift for such work. The rhymes
served like simple mantras to build up power – some people recite the chant several times, very fast,
while sprinkling the water slowly.

Cleansing Using A Crystal Pendulum

Hold a clear crystal pendulum over the tool(s) and make nine circles widdershins.

Plunge the pendulum in cold running water to cleanse it, shake it dry and circle it nine times deosil
over the tool(s) to restore energies. You may need to repeat this several times if a tool seems lifeless or
after you have been carrying out a banishing ritual.

 

— Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magic Spells By Cassandra Eason

Ritual Magick

Ritual Magick

Ritual magick is no different from any other activity that you may carry out in a systematic way. Yes, it is true, it is more formal than folk magick: you are using special tools and following a series of preordained steps based on traditional practice. But this does not mean that it has to be so complicated as to be beyond the capabilities of any normal person. You do not need special powers; and the preparation is just the same as you would do if you were redecorating a room, servicing your car or preparing your annual accounts.

When you decide to do any of these tasks, you set out the necessary equipment in advance, so you are not constantly dashing off to find what you need. You check that it is all in working order and you probably consult a reliable reference book, computer software or calculator to clarify the necessary stages and finer points of the method. And that is exactly what preparing for ritual magick is like.

First, you need to collect any relevant information; for example, you must find out which tools, herbs, candle colours, etc. you may require. Then you must check that your magical tools are charged with power. You must check whether the hour and the day are well chosen to benefit from the energies and are most aligned to the focus. If you are working with a group, you must decide in advance who is to carry the salt and other elemental substances round the circle, who will perform particular parts of the ritual, such as welcoming the Spirit Guardians.

This preparation is important, although, as I have previously said, many of the words and actions in the best rituals remain spontaneous within the basic framework. You do not even need to belong to a coven to create beautiful rituals. Indeed, practising alone, you will find that as you increase in confidence, the natural rhythm of the ritual cycle will amplify your own innate powers and you will feel angelic or devic forces joining with you as you walk around the circle and hear their voices mingling with your chants.

You should not allow yourself to be overawed, as I have been in the past and still occasionally am, by books and practitioners who vaunt their knowledge of obscure magical phrases, measure their circles down to the last millimetre and insist that only their form of working is authentic.

What matters is the actual connection you make in your ritual with the storehouse of natural and higher energies – and that can be done with a kitchen candle if the need is great and the intention pure. Ultimately, the power is within you, and as you become skilled with magick, you may find that the external form becomes less important.

However, formal magick does have its place, for a special need or for raising spiritual awareness, or for focusing magical energies through the accumulated power of tools charged and regularly used for positive purpose. Some people believe also that in ritual you tap into the energies of all those before you who have created circles of power and protection, and within them have raised and called upon the elemental qualities to bring desires and needs from the thought to the material plane.

 

—Practical Guide to Witchcraft and Magic Spells By Cassandra Eason

Astronomy Picture of the Day – A Cosmic Rose

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.

2019 April 12

A Cosmic Rose: The Rosette Nebula in Monoceros 
Image Credit & Copyright: Jean Dean

 

Explanation: The Rosette Nebula, NGC 2237, is not the only cosmic cloud of gas and dust to evoke the imagery of flowers, but it is the most famous. At the edge of a large molecular cloud in Monoceros some 5,000 light years away, the petals of this cosmic rose are actually a stellar nursery. The lovely, symmetric shape is sculpted by the winds and radiation from its central cluster of hot young, O-type stars. Stars in the energetic cluster, cataloged as NGC 2244, are only a few million years young, while the central cavity in the Rosette Nebula, is about 50 light-years in diameter. The nebula can be seen with a small telescope toward the constellation of Monoceros, the Unicorn. This natural appearing telescopic portrait of the Rosette Nebula was made using broadband and narrowband filters, because sometimes roses aren’t red.

Daily Planet Tracker for April 12: Mercury in Pisces

Mercury in Pisces: Creative, Intuitive, Magical

Feb 10, 2019 – Apr 16, 2019

 

By Tarot.com Staff
Astrology, Mercury, Pisces

When Mercury enters the fantastical sign of Pisces, our dreams become more vivid, our thoughts are looser, and our instincts are especially strong. Mercury is the mental planet that rules our thoughts and communication style. While this focus on data and details doesn’t naturally align with Pisces widespread, all-inclusive style, there are so many ways to enrich our lives during this transit!

When Mercury enters the fantastical sign of Pisces, our dreams become more vivid, our thoughts are looser, and our instincts are especially strong. Mercury is the mental planet that rules our thoughts and communication style. While this focus on data and details doesn’t naturally align with Pisces widespread, all-inclusive style, there are so many ways to enrich our lives during this transit!

Pisces thrives in a world of magic, fantasy, and idealism. While Mercury is here, our minds are more open and we can find solutions in places we’ve never even considered before. Mercury in Pisces shines a light on the furthest reaches of our minds to illuminate fresh ideas, creative inspirations, and different ways of thinking.

When Mercury is in Pisces

Our minds are never open as wide as they are during Mercury in Pisces! Pisces thrives in the most vast spaces you can imagine. Think about the unbelievable depths of the ocean or the infinite reaches of space — these are Pisces’ realms. So while Mercury moves through this sign, our minds are expanded to this same level of vastness. We can see things we couldn’t see before, and understand things we couldn’t understand before.

It’s no surprise that some thoughts we have during this transit are beyond words. Our ability to communicate becomes fuzzy here, and some of the things that are happening in our minds are just too big to find words for. This is where our intuition comes in. Pisces is the most intuitive sign of the zodiac, and reminds us to pay close attention to the “feelings” we have in our minds. We know things in ways we can’t explain, because our subconscious is being triggered more than usual while Mercury is in Pisces.

Of course, there are also some cons to Mercury in Pisces. Miscommunication is possible, and we may have trouble staying on track. We might forget critical details, show up late for meetings, or say things that don’t quite make sense. This is because we’re speaking from the heart and gut, not our brains. Finding the words to match our feelings can make for some seriously stop-and-start conversations.

But overall, Mercury’s time in Pisces can bring amazing new opportunities our way. There are no limits during this transit. We’re open to all possibilities, so we can easily embrace the things that are suddenly inspiring us. The level of promise and potential is high here, because we’re not focusing on the things we can’t do, but the things we can do.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

When the planet Mercury goes retrograde, it appears, from our view here on Earth, to be moving backward through the sky. Therefore, the things Mercury rules — communication, travel, details — all start to get a little messy during Mercury Retrograde. When Mercury retrogrades in the sign of Pisces, though, there’s a definite Piscean spin on its effects. We find our energy depleted, and show up late to work or appointments more often than usual. Because communication is already unclear with Mercury moving direct in Pisces, we can expect even more misunderstanding during a retrograde here.

But it’s certainly not all bad! Mercury hibernating in Pisces leaves more time for daydreaming and fantasizing, helping to rejuvenate a stale imagination. And even though it’s not the best time to make a key argument or presentation, because everyone has the attention span of a gnat, using this time to polish your approach will have you ready to state your case effectively once Mercury turns direct.

 

Tarot.com is Part of Zappallas USA © 2019

Your Karmic Number for April 12 is Eight

Your Karmic Number of the Day

Wealth, or even a few extra dollars, can be manifested soon after getting an 8. Thinking about money 24/7 means that you are not open to the signs that are helping you know where to look. You have a poverty consciousness because it was instilled in you at an early age. You are still holding on to those messages that you are poor in at least one way. If you need money to pay bills then ask the Universe for a project that will do exactly that. Also, work through your foot and root chakra issues. Those old messages about money are closing you off to whatever wealth is truly yours.

Your Daily Witches Rune for April 12 is The Blank Rune

Your Daily Witches Rune for April 12

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances.

Your Daily Rune for April 12th is Kenaz

Your Daily Rune for April 12th

Kenaz

“The student surpasses the teacher.”

Kenaz – Literally: “Torch” – Esoteric ‘Ken’ or Knowledge

Key Concepts: torch as a symbol of knowledge and intellect, illumination, searching for enlightenment, shedding light on matters, quest for truth, skills and abilities, creativity, art, craftsmanship, cunning, acquisition and application of knowledge, occult female secrets, intuition, enthusiasm in teaching/learning, study, kin-fire, opportunity, playfulness

Psi: observation, clarity of thought, cognitive faculties, humility

Energy: Controlled energy, transformation (pheonix fire), teaching/learning dynamic, illumination

Mundane: art, technique, improvement of skills, school, the stars

Divinations: Artistic or technical ability, craft, transformation, offspring, new information; or disease, decay, breakup, inability, lack of creativity, ignorance, arrogance, elitism, over-conceptualization

Governs:
Illumination (torchlight) when exploring transpersonal pathways
Creative inspiration, enthusiasm for learning
Exploration of paradigms in the search for truth
Exposing the hidden to gain new knowledge, esp. through study, reflection and new information
Strengthening of abilities in all realms
Female occult secrets
The light within, the observer