Sympathetic Magic

Sympathetic Magic

Definition:

In many traditions of magic, both older and modern, the concept of sympathetic magic plays a crucial role. The idea behind sympathetic magic is, at its core, that a person can be effected magically by actions performed towards something that represents them.

A perfect example of this is the use of the poppet or doll in magical workings. The poppet has been around for a long time – there is documentation that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians used them – long before pop culture discovered “Voodoo dolls.” A doll is used to represent a person, and the magical acts performed on the doll are then reflected on the person himself.

Sir George James Frazer, who wrote The Golden Bough, summarized the concept of sympathetic magic as “like produces like.”

Frazer broke down the idea further into two distinct parts – the Law of Similarity and the Law of Contact/Contagion. He said, “From the first of these principles, namely the Law of Similarity, the magician infers that he can produce any effect he desires merely by imitating it: from the second he infers that whatever he does to a material object will affect equally the person with whom the object was once in contact, whether it formed part of his body or not.”

To carry the idea of sympathetic magic a step further, in many modern magical traditions we use correspondences, or connections between non-magical items and magical concepts.

It’s why sage is associated with wisdom, or rose quartz with love, or the color red with passion.

There are some theories that prehistoric cave art may represent the earliest documented examples of sympathetic magic. If, for instance, a tribe’s shaman wanted to ensure a successful hunt, he might paint images of the hunting group killing an animal that could later be consumed by the whole tribe.

 

Source:

Astronomy Picture of the Day – When Black Holes Collide

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.

2015 October 20

When Black Holes Collide
Video Credit & Copyright: Simulating Extreme Spacetimes Collaboration

Explanation: What happens when two black holes collide? This extreme scenario likely occurs in the centers of some merging galaxies and multiple star systems. The featured video shows a computer animation of the final stages of such a merger, while highlighting the gravitational lensing effects that would appear on a background starfield. The black regions indicate the event horizons of the dynamic duo, while a surrounding ring of shifting background stars indicates the position of their combined Einstein ring. All background stars not only have images visible outside of this Einstein ring, but also have one or more companion images visible on the inside. Eventually the two black holes coalesce. The end stages of such a merger may provide a strong and predictable blast of gravitational radiation, a much sought after form of radiation different than light that has never yet been directly observed.

Daily Planet Tracker for Oct. 20: Sun in Libra, Now Until Oct 23, 2015

Planet Tracker

Sun in Libra

Now Until Oct 23, 2015

 

Ideally, Libra represents the dynamic balance of a healthy couple. This sign includes the principles of fairness, diplomacy and the recognition of others as equals. Librans, therefore, are very socially sensitive. They notice who is getting his or her share and who isn’t. They understand the role of give and take in the creation of harmonious communities.The desire for peace, though, can be so strong that honest communication becomes stifled. It is vital that we remember that moments of challenge and conflict are sometimes necessary for relationships to grow.

Venus-ruled Libra is traditionally associated with a sense of beauty and good taste. This is a period in which we benefit by paying more attention to how we are affected by our environment. It’s a good time for making your home or workplace more attractive. Outer harmony supports inner peace.

Libran battles
Libra has a sense of justice that can lead to non-violent political activism as expressed by Mohandas Gandhi, Lech Walesa, Jimmy Carter, Eleanor Roosevelt or Jesse Jackson. There are, too, more acerbic Librans, ranging from Oscar Wilde, John Lennon and Lenny Bruce to Janeane Garofalo, Eminem and Snoop Dogg.

Famous Libra singer-songwriters are Sting, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Paul Simon and Will Smith. Many Libra actresses are doing well these days, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jenna Elfman, Mira Sorvino, Neve Campbell, Alicia Silverstone, Joan Cusack and Kate Winslet. Matt Damon is another Libra who is prospering in the movie business. There are even two double Libra movie couples: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas and Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.

The world of sports has Librans Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, Mark McGwire and Evander Holyfield. Barbara Walters, Anne Rice, Sarah Ferguson and Luciano Pavarotti are other celebrities born under this sign.

 

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Your Daily Influences for October 20th

Your Daily Influences
October 20th, 2015

 

Ace of Pentacles
Prosperity, pleasure and beauty can be realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

 

 

 

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Three Dragon Reading for October 20th

The Three Dragons Reading

The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

 

 

The Red Dragon represents success, achievement and fulfillment. The three tiles under the Red Dragon tile will influence the power your Red Dragon currently has in your life

 

 

 

The Green Dragon indicates beginnings. The Green Dragon’s tile set will suggest places where you should consider putting your energy.

 

 

 

The White Dragon is indeed a wily fellow. His domain is the great unknown, and the tile set under him suggests an area or areas that could affect your life in unexpected ways.

 

Shuffling The Cards, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Oct. 20th

Shuffling the Cards, Your Past Present & Future Reading for Today Using the Ancient Symbol Cards

 

Past Influence whose impact on your life is waning.

The Believer

The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.

 

 
Present Influence whose impact on your life is very strong.

Alturism

Altruism denotes the noble act of giving to those in need without the expectation of a return. The act of giving has been seen as one of humankind’s greatest attributes throughout history. It is honored in nearly every culture. To give is a gift to both those who receive and those who give. Giving is usually associated with addressing the material needs of others, but the gift given can take many forms such as wisdom or protection or simply a shoulder to cry on.

 

 

 

 

Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong in the future.

Solitude

Solitude is represented by a single person standing at the end of a boardwalk staring out at a vast, empty panorama. They are truly alone, but may not feel loneliness. They are at a place in their life where the need to withdraw from the our secular world is strong, because their focus should be on their inner self, their morality, and their dreams. The view before them is empty, but it is a canvas on which they may paint their future–a future restricted only by the size of their imagination and courage. For them Solitude is a choice. They chose to take the walkway that distances them from the rest of us. It is also a choice that can be undone. Just as they chose to take a path that leads them away from us, they may choose to turn around and come back at anytime.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for October 20 is The Golden Egg

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Golden Egg

The Golden Egg denotes the opportunity for substantial material gains. However, the Golden Egg is also a reminder that managed greed ensures what gains are made will be lost.

As a daily card, The Golden Egg suggest that the prospects for you to increase your financial wealth are very strong today. Seize whatever opportunities come your way, but don’t ride them too long or you may find yourself no better off than you were before they came along.

Today’s Witches Rune for October 20th is The Star

f5680-star

f5680-starToday’s Witches Rune

The Star

Meaning: In many cultures, the Star is a symbol of hope, dreams and destiny, and in the Witches Runes this symbol has a similar connotation. When the Star rune appears, it’s green light for you to go after what you want.

Note that the Star does not say you’ll get everything you want without any work. No. This symbol is a not about easy success, but about having faith in what you are doing – and doing it. In fact, the goals suggested by the Star are usually the highest and most significant ones – the ones that are hardest to get. It does not matter what the dream is, but its significance in your life. This symbol also represents ideals, and they can be both individual and collective ones.

In a more down-to-earth way, the Star is related to revolutions, changes, risks, speculation and all things motivated by faith and ideals. It can represent a sudden spark on inspiration, a windfall, a sudden rise to fame or a promotion. Though the sudden changes brought by the Star are usually positive, they are also fast: you can get back to point zero as quickly as you rose. So don’t be afraid to jump forward when the opportunity arises.

The Star urges you to take the risk, to have hope and to trust. After the staleness of Crossroads, the Universe finally begins to move again. If you believe in Higher Powers, this symbol shows that They are guiding you in this moment. The Star is a very positive rune, but in a more negative context it can represent revolution for revolution’s sake and the constant idealization of people and situations. It can also stand for excessive individualism when going after a dream.

In relationship readings, this rune represents hope and an idealistic kind of love. Usually the people involved in the relationship have high expectations about the other. They easily put their partner on a pedestal, only to feel frustrated when reality strikes. The Star can also represent unrequited love, or the love for someone who is unattainable. On the other hand, this rune tells you to not give up love entirely – keep looking, because someone is coming.

 

Additional Information About Today’s Witches Rune courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

 

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Oct. 20th is The Universe

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today


The Universe

Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 20th is 43: Determination

 

 

 

Hexagram of the Day

43: Determination

October 20, 2015
hexagram09

Personal resolution points to a breakthrough, but decisive action is required. As long as you diligently hold your ground and ward off negative tendencies and influences, the good will prevail.

The persistence of negativity, which is that which opposes the good, is a constant in human affairs. Just when it is thought to have been eradicated, up it will pop again, sprouting through some crack in the pavement of civilized society. Evil need not take dramatic or extravagant forms, such as those exhibited in Nazi Germany. Garden-variety lies and deceit are much more common and persistent, but should be rooted out just as diligently. One must be determined to not accidentally feed negativity — either in one’s social or professional life, or in one’s own soul. In either case, definite rules must be followed for the struggle to succeed.

The first rule: do not compromise with evil. Destructive or exploitive actions must be identified openly for what they are, and discredited. The second: one cannot successfully resist negativity on its own terms. New, positive alternatives that lead away from the source of the problem are generally more successful, and appropriate than trying to counter negativity with raw power. The third rule: the means used to counter negativity must be consistent with the end to be achieved. One cannot stop the spreading of lies by spreading more of them.

 

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Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Oct. 20

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-tiwazThe Past
Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.

 

bw-isaThe Present
Isa

The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

bw-kenazThe Future
Kenaz

Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

Your Rune for Tuesday, October 20th is Thurisaz

 

Your Rune For Today
Thurisaz

Thurisaz embodies the polarity of life and death and the struggle to keep them in balance. Expect conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in touch with your inner strengths will see you through whatever comes your way. This Rune may also represent protection from your enemies, which is never a bad thing.

Additional information on today’s Rune, Thurisaz, courtesy of The Runic Journey

þurisaz : giant

Phonetic equivalent: th (as in ‘thing’)

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
hardship, painful event, discipline, knowledge, introspection, focus

 

MAGICAL USES:
aid in study and meditation, self-discipline, clearing out a bad situation

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
the Frost Giants, Loki

 

ANALYSIS:
Þurisaz is the first of the ‘obstacle’ runes. These obstacles are not necessarily destructive things, but are placed in our path to strengthen and teach us. After all, you can’t have a mythic hero without dragons to slay or giants to fight!The lesson of this rune is ‘to learn you must suffer’, meaning not only literal suffering, but also in the biblical sense of ‘allowing’ – allowing one’s destiny to unfold as it should, and allowing one’s self to experience all that life offers us. What may at first appear to be a negative, destructive event, may well turn out to contain an important lesson. The Giants may seem to be evil and destructive to the Aesir, but they bring about change, and eventually clear the way for a new age.

Your Daily Tarot Card for October 20th is The Devil

 

 

 

Tarot Card of the Day

The Devil


October 20th, 2015

What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could “lose their soul” to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700’s gives us a more sophisticated rendition — that of the “scapegoated Goddess,” whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione’s highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul’s passage from mortal to immortal.

 

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Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, October 21st

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, October 21st

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope
We might have a run-in with reality today when someone says something we can’t ignore. A fateful Mercury-Saturn alignment is not a game-changer, but rather a minor annoyance that takes us on a detour from our scheduled plans. In fact, we may grow nervous about things that don’t usually bother us while the Moon travels through high-strung Aquarius. We’re more detached from our desires now and intellectualizing our needs is easier than feeling them.

 

Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19
A recent event may have unexpectedly triggered emotions that influence what you expect from your friends. However, something is brewing today that isn’t obvious, and in the typical style of the Ram you just charge headlong into the situation without even stopping to think. Luckily, a sudden change of plans could lead to a win-win outcome if you can place the greater good of the community ahead of your own personal needs. Your quickest path to success is found by making others happy now.

 

Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20
You might be entangled in a complicated situation at work and speaking the truth won’t make your life any easier today. Even if you can rationalize your desires with the best of intentions, you may still feel more comfortable if you temporarily suppress your emotions and follow a more practical course of action now. Sometimes direct confrontation is effective; other times, it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie. Fly beneath the radar as long as it’s feasible; better safe than sorry.

 

Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20
Your dreams have a chance to become real today, so don’t squander this surprising opportunity by fixating on unattainable goals. The Aquarius Moon’s presence in your 9th House of Adventure may give you an irrepressible case of restlessness. Fortunately, you could effectively use this cosmic energy to plan a quick getaway or a fabulous trip to a distant place. Pack your bags and pick a destination because you might just find yourself on the road for business or pleasure before you know it.

 

Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22
You like the idea of being amongst your peers today, even if you actually prefer to be alone. Ironically, your paradoxical thinking could quickly grow annoying to everyone else. On one hand, you want to sink into your feelings and wallow around in the recesses of your imagination. But you also want to enjoy the camaraderie of your friends and benefit from their wisdom. Don’t try to resolve this inner contradiction now. Your current detachment will reward you with the inner clarity that you seek. Save your social networking until you’re in the mood.

 

Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22
The conflict between your desire to get ahead professionally and your attachment to a personal relationship creates a minor dilemma today. You may find yourself in a tense situation where contradictory demands are being placed on you, but an emotional response might be inappropriate. Instead of making a scene, keep a tight lid on your feelings until you are alone. Maintaining a stable and steady outward appearance now cultivates peace and puts you on the path to resolution.

 

Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22
You’re naturally quite adept at sorting through all the information and determining the most efficient route to get the job done. However, organizing your thoughts is more challenging now, especially since your perspective is distorted by your obsession with the details. At first, you believe you know the solution and act accordingly; but then you may wonder if you moved too soon. Don’t declare your final answer just yet; instead, relax and allow the process to work out on its own.

 

Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22
The energetic imbalance between your current experience and what you previously thought to be true is making you second guess everything you believed. However intense this stress feels today, rest assured that it’s a temporary condition. Your head and your heart are at odds with each other now as you perceive a reality that’s vastly different from your ideal scenario. Simply acknowledging that there are many ways to view your world multiplies your options. Open your mind; the path to your future will appear when you least expect it.

 

Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21
Undeniable opportunities relentlessly lure you forward, but following your calling can cause undue stress on your personal life. Several planets place energetic emphasis on resourceful Venus and bountiful Jupiter as they wander through your 11th House of Long-Term Goals. However, maintaining domestic stability is just as important when it comes to your happiness. Don’t run off to pursue altruistic ambitions until you know that your feet are on the ground and your priorities are in order. Reconnecting with those closest to you gives you the wind beneath your wings.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21
You are a straight shooter when sharing information, but your penchant for blunt honesty has unexpected consequences. You may have recently upset a coworker by expressing what was on your mind and now you have to clean up the mess that you inadvertently created. The problem is that you meant exactly what you said and you’re irritated that you have to apologize today. Take the high road for the sake of the team and consider this as a lesson learned. Stating the truth is still the best policy but don’t forget to be considerate of other people’s feelings along the way.

 

Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19
It’s a good idea to slow down now to avoid a snag in your plans if you’re working on a creative project. Luckily, you can see the potential trouble before it rears its ugly head and adopting a more deliberate approach gives you additional time to solve the problem in advance. But don’t give up on your vision when your clarity is so sharp; just regroup and acclimate to the new dynamics before pushing forward. Keeping your current inspiration alive is the key to your soul’s satisfaction.

 

Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18
Although your ingenuity is in full bloom now, you can become overly fixated on executing your plan exactly as you see it in your mind’s eye. Unfortunately, you may be tempted to dig in your heels today, even when the current circumstances are begging for an entirely new strategy. Ironically, greater flexibility in your thinking ultimately strengthens your position rather than weakening it. Being willing to modify your agenda doesn’t necessarily mean changing your goals. Let your cool logic save you from yourself.

 

Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20
It appears that you can effectively communicate your needs today, but there is a churning turmoil within your heart that no one knows anything about. You may experience conflicting desires now, and are clueless on how to express them diplomatically. Honestly, you could benefit from a bit of solitude so you have the time to quietly sit with your own thoughts. You can turn your ideas into the right words once you get in touch with your feelings. Journey within before reaching out.

 

 

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If You Were Born Today, October 20

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, October 20

You are warm and enthusiastic in your approach to the world. Your face is expressive, and you are moody, fun-loving, and compassionate. You have a real way with words–people listen when you speak. You are a romantic person with a distinctly gentle side to your nature. Music, lyrics, and poetry appeal to you and touch you deeply. Your sense of humor is well developed, and you make each person you talk to one-on-one feel very special. Your talents and interests are diverse.

Famous people born today: Mickey Mantle, Snoop Dogg, Tom Petty, Art Buchwald, Joyce Brothers, John Krasinski, Viggo Mortensen.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology