Category: Daily Posts
Archaeologists Find Well-Preserved 500-Year-Old Spices on Baltic Shipwreck
By Tom Little
LUND, Sweden (Reuters) – Archaeologists say they have uncovered a “unique” cache of well-preserved spices, from strands of saffron to peppercorns and ginger, on the wreck of a royal ship that sunk off Sweden’s Baltic coast more than 500 years ago.
The wreck of the Gribshund, owned by King Hans of Denmark and Norway, has lain off the coast off Ronneby since 1495 when it is thought to have caught fire and sank as the monarch attended a political meeting ashore in Sweden.
Rediscovered by sports divers in the 1960s, sporadic excavations of the ship have taken place in recent years. Previous dives recovered large items such as figureheads and timber. Now an excavation led by Brendan Foley, an archaeological scientist at Lund University, has found the spices buried in the silt of the boat.
“The Baltic is strange – it’s low oxygen, low temperature, low salinity, so many organic things are well preserved in the Baltic where they wouldn’t be well preserved elsewhere in the world ocean system,” said Foley. “But to find spices like this is quite extraordinary.” …
A Laugh for Today
Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – HEXAGRAM or SIX-POINTED STAR
HEXAGRAM or SIX-POINTED STAR
When surrounded by a circle, it represents the “divine mind” to many occult groups throughout the centuries. Many still use it in occult rituals. But to Jewish people, it is their Star of David.
Crystal, Gems, and Stones Meanings and Magickal Usage
Moonstone/Oligoclase from galleries.com
Chemistry: Na(90-70%) Ca(10-30%) (Al, Si)AlSi2 O8, Sodium calcium aluminum silicate.
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Tectosilicates
Group: Feldspars
Uses: ornamental and semi-precious stone and as mineral specimens.
Oligoclase is not a well-known mineral but has been used as a semi-precious stone under the names of sunstone and moonstone. Sunstone has flashes of reddish color caused by inclusions of hematite. Moonstone shows a glowing shimmer similar to labradorescence, but lacking in color. The display is produced from lamellar intergrowths inside the crystal. These intergrowths result from compatible chemistries at high temperatures becoming incompatible at lower temperatures and thus a separating and layering of these two phases. The resulting shimmer effect is caused by a ray of light entering a layer and being refracted back and forth by deeper layers before it exits the crystal. This refracted ray has a different character than when it went in and produces the moonlike glow. Moonstone is an alternate birthstone for the month of June.
Oligoclase is a member of the Plagioclase Feldspar Group. The plagioclase series comprises minerals that range in chemical composition from pure NaAlSi3 O8, Albite to pure CaAl2 Si2 O8 , anorthite. Oligoclase by definition must contain 90-70% sodium to 10-30% calcium in the sodium/calcium position of the crystal structure. The various plagioclase feldspars are identified from each other by gradations in index of refraction and density in the absence of chemical analysis and/or optical measurements.
All plagioclase feldspars show a type of twinning that is named after albite. Albite Law twinning produces stacks of twin layers that are typically only fractions of millimeters to several millimeters thick. These twinned layers can be seen as striation like grooves on the surface of the crystal and unlike true striations these also appear on the cleavage surfaces. The Carlsbad Law twin produces what appears to be two intergrown crystals growing in opposite directions. Two different twin laws, the Manebach and Baveno laws, produce crystals with one prominant mirror plane and penetrant angles or notches into the crystal. Although twinned crystals are common, single crystals showing a perfect twin are rare and are often collected by twin fanciers.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually off-white or gray or pale shades of green, yellow or brown.
Luster is vitreous to dull if weathered..
Transparency crystals are translucent to transparent.
Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1
Crystal Habits include blocky, or tabular crystals. Crystals have a nearly rectangular or square cross-section with slightly slanted dome and pinacoid terminations. Twinning is almost universal in all plagioclases. Crystals can be twinned according to the Albite, Carlsbad, Manebach and Baveno laws. Oligoclase can be found as a major rock forming component in granites and syenites.
Cleavage is perfect in one and good in another direction forming nearly right angled prisms.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 6 – 6.5.
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.64 – 2.68 (average)
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals are quartz, muscovite and K-feldspars.
Other Characteristics: index of refraction is 1.533 – 1.552. Lamellar twinning may cause a grooved effect on cystal and cleavage surfaces that appear as striations.
Notable Occurrences include Sri Lanka; New York, USA; Russia; Sweden and Canada.
Best Field Indicators are occurrence, twinning striations, shimmer, density and index of refraction.
All About Rainbow Moonstone & It’s Hidden Powers from lakaiser.com
Rainbow moonstone.. such a magical stone! The name ‘Rainbow Moonstone’ was given due to the gemstone’s white sheen color that changes if it is rolled or rotated. The iridescent flashes on the gemstone have captivated the hearts of jewelry lovers for centuries. Moonstone is a mineral of the feldspar group and the optical phenomenon that causes the color play is known as Adularescence. The light moves across the gem much like the moonlight glides over a large body of water hence causing the extraordinary glow. The light reflects off of the thin layers of the feldspar minerals within the moonstone. The layers act as a diffuser, hence softening the light and allowing it to bounce around.
With its otherworldly facade, moonstone has mesmerized people of different cultures. Its use can be traced back to the ancient civilizations. The Romans believed that the moonstone was born from the solidified rays of the moon. The Greeks and the Romans have long associated the gem with their lunar gods. Other cultures strongly coveted that the stone’s powers were with the moon. It was especially prized during a full moon.
Although the Rainbow Moonstone found its way into jewelry throughout history, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the stone became an iconic focal point. Rainbow Moonstone became immensely popular with various artists and goldsmiths during the Art Nouveau period, in the early 20th century. In the preceding years it was mainly used as an accent stone. Artisans like René Lalique focused on using natural, mystical stones with unique properties which were favored over glitzy stones. But the movement was short lived and it was soon followed by Art Deco which emphasized on the use of diamonds and precious gemstones. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that moonstone came back into fashion.
Seen as a veiled spectacle of light passing over the moon, the gemstone is highly valued among the monks, shamans, spiritualists, and devotees from various religions. The pearly iridescence it showcases holds a deep meaning and has a towering significance.
As ancient as the moon itself, the meaning of the Rainbow Moonstone lies within its playful glimmer. Its power nourishes, gives passion and awakens your feminine energies. The gemstone has the ability to not only heal you but is believed to guide you to your inner path. With the waxing and waning of the moon, it evokes tranquility and peace that has a sensual, enigmatic feel to it. It emanates an exuberance that can re-energizes a person’s mind, body and wash the negativity away. Enveloped in gleaming rays of gold, blue and purple the Rainbow Moonstone is embraced with white energy that makes it a protective gem.
But what does it really mean?
Often connected to the water signs, the Rainbow Moonstone is associated with lots of healing properties :
Enhances intuition
Makes wearer more accepting of change
Alleviates fear associated with change
Balances emotions
Promotes a calm mood
Encourages peace, harmony, and balance
Improves confidence
Helps a person become more passionate
Often called the “visionary stone”, Rainbow Moonstone mostly occurs in the regions of Armenia, Australia, the Alps in Austria, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Goddess Of The Day: THALIA
THALIA
Feast of Fools (Europe)
Themes: Humor; Festivity; Recreation
Symbols: Party Decorations
About Thalia:
Among the Greek muses, Thalia is the goddess of festivity and humor. She inspires today’s celebration with unbridled revelry and joyfulness to round out the year on a playful, upbeat note.
To Do Today:
During the Middle Ages, around this time of year, a mock religious ritual took place, much like the impious Saturnalia. Normal roles were often reversed, and reverence went by the wayside, replaced by fun and pleasure.
I see no reason not to follow the example of our ancestors and give ourselves time to frolic a bit today. Do something that energizes you, inspires you, or makes you laugh out loud. For example, throw yourself a party complete with silly decorations and hats. Watch your favorite comedy flicks with folks who make you feel good, and generally let Thalia live through (and in )in your pleasure.
To keep Thalia’s playful, enthusiastic energy with you, bless an amethyst ( for joy and luck), saying,
Thalia, inspire my humor and muse; throughout my life, joy diffuse. Carry this with you anytime you feel your sense of humor waning.
By Patricia Telesco
Prayers, Symbols, Books and More for the Goddess Hecate or Hekate –
Goddess Hekate: Prayers, Symbols, Books & More
From magickalspot.com
Today I want to start exploring the incredible magical realm of gods and goddesses with you, and I could not start from any other than Hekate, the mother of all witches! If you want to get to know this mysterious, fascinating goddess, keep reading this article!
Contents
Who is Hekate?
The myth of Hekate: from its origins to ancient Greece
How do you know that Hekate is calling you?
What are Hekate’s symbols?
Best books about Hekate
My favorite Hekate ritual for guidance
Hekate artwork
Conclusion
Dawn’s Thoughts on The Goddess Hecate
History and Origins
Threefold Hecate
Hecate’s Companions
Hecate’s Spheres of Influence
Worship of Hecate
Symbols of Hecate
A Laugh for Today
Thought for the Day
Astronomy Picture of the Day February 27th to March 5th
These are the Astronomy Picture of the Day for the proceeding week starting on the past Monday through this Sunday. Just click on the hyperlink next to the date for the pictures you want to see.
2023 March 05: Jupiter and Venus over Italy
2023 March 04: 10 Days of Venus and Jupiter
2023 March 03: RCW 86: Historical Supernova Remnant
2023 March 02: Unraveling NGC 3169
2023 March 01: The Flaming Star Nebula
2023 February 28: Crescent Moon Beyond Greek Temple
2023 February 27: Zodiacal Ray with Venus and Jupiter
Let’s Have Some Fun – Printable Coloring Page
It is small but I enjoyed coloring it with one of my grandchildren.
Meet Your Moon Sign C. 2011
Meet Your Moon Sign
What do you need to feel happy, safe
and fulfilled?
Everyone wants to feel good but how to get there varies significantly depending on your unique needs. While your Sun sign shows how you express your identity and shine your light out in the world, your Moon sign gives insight into your inner world, revealing what you need to feel safe, happy and comfortable.
The Moon moves so quickly — changing signs every two and a quarter days — that you need to know your time of birth in order to be sure about your Moon sign. Once you know your Moon sign, read below to discover your path to emotional fulfillment. Learning about a friend or loved one’s Moon sign is a great way to get deeper understanding into their needs and desires.
Moon in Aries
Aries is the warrior, and you need to express your fiery, creative and pioneering spirit. Ideally, you have a place in your life where you can take the lead and be number one, possibly within your home or family. To feel safe in relationships, you require honesty and directness — you prefer to experience conflict and get your emotions out in the open rather than gloss over unpleasantness for the sake of harmony.
Moon in Taurus
Your earthy, sensual and peace-loving temperament requires frequent communion with nature, and you appreciate having plants and animals in your home. You feel best when you have a stable routine, are surrounded by creature comforts and can indulge in the pleasures of the physical world. In relationships, you need loyalty, reliability and sensuality. Naturally grounded, you have the ability to remain calm even in the midst of crisis.
Moon in Gemini
With your Moon in the airy and mentally active sign of the Twins, staying connected with others through various forms of communication brings a feeling of security. You’re happiest when your ever-curious mind is being fed with new ideas and perspectives, and when you’re sharing the knowledge you’ve acquired. You need a steady flow of communication in relationships, and subscribe to the theory that variety is the spice of life.
Moon in Cancer
The Moon is strong in its home sign of Cancer, so lunar themes are prominent in your life — home, family, food and your inner world. You need plenty of time to devote to these realms. With your strong connection to the past — especially family and ancestors — you feel secure when surrounded by family photos or other mementos. You need nurturing relationships where you can share your deepest feelings and be treated with tenderness and sensitivity.
Moon in Leo
The Lion is the king of the jungle and you need to be treated like royalty — to feel special and be the center of attention. Leo also represents the archetype of the child, and playing and having fun are food for your soul. Expressing your creativity leads to satisfaction and is your best bet for avoiding emotional drama. You have a big heart and need to demonstrate your generosity, perhaps through entertaining in your home.
Moon in Virgo
Above all, you need to feel useful — to know that you’re contributing your skills and talents to a worthy cause. Order, efficiency and simplicity give you a feeling of comfort and ease — otherwise, you can be prone to overwhelm, worry and anxiety. You find security in the little things in life, and feel best when you’re in your own environment. You have high standards in relationships, and require reliability and responsibility from your partners.
Moon in Libra
Your inner world is symbolized by the Scales, giving you a strong need for balance, justice and harmony. You feel secure in peaceful and beautiful surroundings, while discord can throw you off-kilter. You enjoy an active social life, but withdrawing into solitude from time to time is essential to discover what you really want. Expressing your needs leads to genuine harmony — avoid the temptation to suppress your desires to please others.
Moon in Scorpio
With your Moon in the sign associated with the Underworld, you need to dive into the emotional depths. While other Moon signs may feel uncomfortable with emotional intensity, you thrive on it. Scorpio symbolizes the process of transformation and rebirth, and you need to engage with this process in some way — creativity, spirituality and psychology are some possible healthy outlets. In relationships, you require passion, depth and loyalty.
Moon in Sagittarius
You have the soul of a gypsy and need travel, freedom and adventure to feel fulfilled. Most of all, you require a lot of personal space — being tied down by routine or obligations stifles your spirit and dampens your naturally buoyant personality. Being active, including vigorous exercise, healthy competition and time in the wilderness helps you thrive. You’re happiest when you balance your physical activity with philosophical and spiritual exploration.
Moon in Capricorn
Your highly pragmatic Moon finds satisfaction through being productive and competent and by achieving your ambitious goals. You need to feel respected by others and are willing to earn this respect through hard work. Being organized and surrounded by the highest quality material objects gives you a sense of security. In relationships, you seek long-lasting quality, and are willing to wait for the best. You may need to let go of control and show vulnerability.
Moon in Aquarius
In an intellectual Air sign, your Moon requires mental stimulation and social activity. Aquarius is the sign of friendship and your many friends are likely to feel like family. You need an outlet for expressing your uniqueness and unconventional thoughts, perhaps through writing or another form of creativity. A sense of freedom and independence makes you feel secure in relationships while too much clinginess turns you off.
Moon in Pisces
Pisces represents dreams, fantasy, spirit and the imagination. To feel nurtured, you need to take regular time out from ordinary reality to connect with these other-worldly realms, whether through meditation, creative pursuits or daydreaming. Your highly sensitive nature easily picks up on others’ emotions, and you need solitude to identify your own feelings. You feel the urge to merge with others in relationships, but need to be careful not to lose yourself.
Let’s Talk Witch – Sigils and Symbols Used In Magick c. 2014
Let’s Talk Witch – Sigils and Symbols Used In Magick
Sigils, symbols and names are often carved into candles to add to the intent, power and purpose of the spell.
To draw something to you carve your symbol or sigil into the candle by starting from the bottom and make your sigil ‘grow’ moving it upwards. To banish something start your carving from the top of the candle moving downwards.
If you are drawing letters you can stack them, by drawing each letter one over the top of another. Again if you are drawing something to you start to carve at the bottom of the candle and if you are banishing something start at the top.
The spiral method means you start your carving at the bottom of the candle and move to the right, spiralling the letters of your carving upwards to bring something towards you, or start at the top and spiral downwards to banish something.
For a straightforward carving just draw your design in the middle of the candle, it could be a heart for a love spell or a pound/ dollar sign to draw money.
To reverse a spell or when banishing negativity, you could try writing a word backwards on the candle.
If you don’t want anyone to see what you have carved into the candle use a needle as this makes a very fine line and even you probably won’t be able to make out the end result, but the important thing is that spirit will.
Another way of hiding what you are doing is by carving your intent on the base of the candle so that no one can see it.
Source:
Pagan Portals – Hoodoo: Folk Magic Patterson, Rachel16 Common Witchcraft Spell Casting Essentials c. 2018
These common witchcraft spell casting essentials are not listed in any particular order. They are listed in the order in which they came to me for the purpose of writing this article.
These are not the only common witchcraft spell casting essentials, however, they are some of the ones that I feel are the main ones.
THE most important witchcraft spell casting essential is intent. Without intent, you have nothing but words and actions, and not really a spell cast at all.
In no particular order, a list of Common Witchcraft Spell Casting Essentials
1. Salt
Used for cleansing and banishing. It is also used for protection during cleansing and banishing spells. Salt is a natural antiseptic. Salt is commonly used for circles for standing or sitting in while casting. It also ensures a clean spell.
2. Broom
Brooms are highly symbolic. Brooms symbolize the sweeping away of anything unwanted. They are used physically, as well as symbolically. You would use a broom to physically sweep away in a cleansing spell, banishing spell, also in some protection spells (ones that would rid unwanted energy from your home to keep it out).
3. Candles
Candles are used for focus and mood. Candles should be readily available in as many colors as you can get a hold of. Different colored candles hold symbolism for a variety of spells. Colors are chosen based on the nature of the spell and what feels right. White can be substituted for any color in the absence of the chosen color.
For example, some people like to use the color Red for love spells, or the colors Green or Gold for money spells, or Blue for healing spells, etc.
You can choose what colors feel right for you for any spell of your choosing. You do not have to go with the commonly used color associations if you feel another color will work better for you in a certain spell or ritual.
4. Crystals and Stones
You should have a variety of stones and crystals for different purposes. Crystals and stones contain a charge for various things so you will want to choose wisely based on your spell. In the absence of the proper crystal, Quartz can be charged with the necessary properties. I find Quartz to be quite powerful and quite generic because of its nature.
Important: You do not want to use crystals or stones of any kind (even wedding rings or other jewelry) when doing banishing spells. When you are working to banish (especially with entities), crystals and stones can absorb the energy of the entity, keeping the entity attached to that stone forever.
Be selective in what spells you use crystals and stones in.
5. Incense
Incense comes in a wide variety of scents /odors. You will always want to choose what suits the spell best and what feels right for you at the time of casting.
Incense can be used to trigger certain emotions or invoke a mindset. Different smells for different purposes.
I prefer vanilla for most spells, as it is very soothing and calming, and helps to set the mood for casting.
6. Anointing Oils and Essential Oils
Oils are used for various purposes. Some are for scent and feeling, and others are for cleansing or blessing. The different oils are chosen based on items they are needed for and for the spell they are being used in.
7. Silence
Silence is optimal for casting any spell. You need to be able to focus on your spell without distraction. If you have children, especially young ones, you need to choose your timing wisely.
8. Isolation
Unless you are with a coven, isolation is a preferable. (If you are with a coven, then the coven should be isolated.) Being alone goes hand-in-hand with silence.
9. Book of Shadows (Spell Book)
A book with your spells written inside it. It is important to always write down your spells that you cast in the event that you want to perform a certain spell again. This is something that you will always have and should keep protected. A notebook can be used, but you should transfer your spells into something more permanent. Spells, although written down in this book can be altered at any time.
10. Intent
THE most important thing you need when casting any spell. Witchcraft is based on intent. Make sure that your intentions are known before you even begin casting your spell. Know what you want to achieve and focus on it.
11. Focus
Focus works alongside intent. You want to focus on your intentions and on what it is that you are doing throughout the spell to make those intentions be your outcome.
12. Confidence
You must have confidence in order for your spells to take effect. The more confident you are, the stronger your casting will be. Know in your heart and in your mind that what you are doing within the spell has worked, is working, and will work. Believe it and so shall it be.
13. Altar
A place where you have all of your essentials gathered together to perform your rituals and castings. Usually a table or desk dedicated to your collection of Witchcraft items. This is also where you would perform offerings to the Gods or Goddesses that you are calling upon to help you. For lack of a table or desk, you can use the top of a dresser or a shelving unit, a shelf, or even a window sill.
14. Herbs and Flowers
You will want to have various herbs and flowers on hand at all times for various spells. Herbs and flowers can be used fresh or dried. If burning the herbs or flowers, you will of course want to use dried. Fragrance from fresh herbs and flowers may be needed depending on the spell to be cast and the ritual to be performed. Also, if being used for symbolism, you would choose fresh or dried accordingly. (eg. dried to symbolize old, and fresh to symbolize new)
15. Cauldron
A fireproof container for burning various objects, incense, images, herbs, etc. When a spell calls for it, you will need to burn certain things, so a cauldron will make the perfect venue for this. A cauldron is not used only for burning; it is also used for mixing. In your cauldron, you can mix any of your “ingredients” that you need to bring together for your spell or ritual. You may want to heat some mixtures in your cauldron, so this is another reason it should be fireproof. It should also be food-safe if you are mixing potions
Go with your instinct no matter what kind of spell you are casting or ritual you are performing. Use your instincts when choosing every element and every word to a spell or ritual. Only you know what is right for your spell or ritual, no one can tell you what should be used and what shouldn’t. Go with your instinct every time, even if you have a spell previously written. If that spell feels like it should be changed, then change it. Instincts will get you very far with witchcraft.
This is not a complete list of everything that you will ever need or that you will ever use in your spells and rituals, and it is not meant to be. It is simply a list of some of the most common witchcraft spell casting essentials that are important to ensure a great spell.
You don’t need all of these things for each spell. You want to use any combination of the essentials (and anything else that you feel is necessary) in each individual spell.
Source
Unhypnotize.com Wicca/Witchcraft
A Little Humor for Your Day – Signs That You Might Be a Pagan c. 2019
Signs That You May Be A Pagan
You Might be Pagan If …
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Sunday’s Witchery c. 2018 (Correspondences and Spell)
Gna’s Blot
Colors: White and blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white and blue set twelve white candles, one sky-blue candle, a great jug of mead, and a white feather. Throughout the next ten days, the altar stays the same, and one more candle is lit. On this day, light the blue candle and two white candles.
Offering: Take a message of truth to someone. Speak the truth. Do things correctly.
Daily Meal: Soup or stew. Bread with cheese, meat, or jam.
Invocation to Frigga’s Handmaidens
Call: Twelve maidens hold the halls of Asgard!
Response: Twelve virgins hold the pillars of heaven!
Call: Twelve mysteries hold the luck of Asgard!
Response: Twelve virtues hold the Law of heaven!
Call: Twelve words of power resound through Asgard!
Response: Twelve stars light up the dome of heaven!
Call: We call upon the power of Virtue!
Response: We call upon the mysteries of heaven!
Invocation to Gna
Hail, bright messenger of Frigga,
Bringer only of the truth,
Be it joyful or painful.
You whose lips speak only what is true
And whose wings rush the truth to every corner of the world,
Teach us to love that messenger when she comes,
Even when she bears tidings
That wring the heart to sorrow.
Teach us that truth is never unwelcome,
And that its radiance burns through
All confusion, all illusion, and all shadows.
For truth is more than merely our words;
It is every step that we take on the road of life.
Chant:
Cloth of honor from the thread of truth
Weave your heart into all you offer
(A libation of mead is poured out for Gna, and the jug replaced for the next day’s ritual. There should be a House meeting for this day, during which the virtue of Truth is stressed.)
Goddess of the Day – Frigg
Frigg
Areas of Influence: Frigg was the Norse Goddess of marriage, childbirth, motherhood, wisdom, household management and weaving and spinning.
She was the Queen of Aesir and the only one permitted to sit on the high seat other than her husband Odin.
This Goddess’s home was Fensalir (Marsh hall) in Asgard. All marshy and boggy ground was sacred to this Goddess.
As Goddess of weaving she was associated with weaving clouds and the threads of fate, known as Wyrd in the Nordic tradition. Despite this and the gift of prophecy she is unable to save her own son from his fate. The Goddess made him invincible to everything other than mistletoe but unfortunately Loki disguised himself and tricked her in to revealing this weakness.
She has more than ten handmaidens who assist her, the most well known of these are Hlin (Goddess of Protection), Gna (a messenger Goddess) and Fulla (a fertility Deity). Some academics have suggested that the attendants represent different faces of this particular Deity.
Barren women would invoke this Goddess and ask her to bless them with children.
Her name means “beloved one.” Other spellings of this Goddesses name include Frea, Fija, Friia, Frig and Friggja.
Origins and Genealogy: She was the daughter of Fjorgynn (the male personification of the earth) and was married to Odin with whom she had two sons, Balder and Hodr.
She was briefly married to Odin’s brother’s Vili and Ve as Odin had been away travelling a long time and was believed to be dead. When he finally returned, the marriage to Odin’s brothers was dissolved and she returned to her husband’s side.
Strengths: A loving mother and home maker.
Weaknesses: Unable to save her son.
Symbolism
Like Freya she wears a ravens clock.
She is associated with constellation the Orion’s Belt which was known as the Frig’s Distaff upon which she winds the threads of fate and weaves the clouds.
Sacred Birds: Ravens, hawks and falcons.
Sacred Plants: Frigg’s grass is a plant was traditionally used as a sedative during birth. Mistletoe is also sacred to her.
Frigg’s Archetype
The Mother
The Mother is a life-giver and the source of nurturing, devotion, patience and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is the essence of a good mother.
In its shadow aspect the Mother can be devouring, abusive and abandoning. The shadow Mother can also make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. It is not necessary to be a biological Mother to have this stereotype. It can refer to anyone who has a lifelong pattern of nurturing and devotion to living things.
This Goddess was a devoted mother who was unable to prevent the death of her son. She is also a great domestic Goddess looking after the home.
How to Work With This Archetype
The Mother
You are exhibiting the features of the shadow Mother if you smother your children and are over protective. Encourage independence and allow children to make mistakes but be available to give care and advice when it’s needed.
The other shadow Mother is the one that abandons her children, or is so busy that she has no time for nurturing her young.
Source:
Magick Symbols – SUN GOD FACE c. 2018
SUN GOD FACE
The sun face is a symbol that has been central to most major spiritual systems throughout history. Since the sun god usually reigned over a pantheon of lesser gods. His symbol played a vital part in pagan worship (and in the rituals of occult secret societies) around the world. In Inca myths, the sun was worshipped as the divine ancestor of the nation. The sun was worshipped as a personified, life-giving deity in Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and other major civilizations of history. The more common symbol is the familiar face in the center of the sun’s rays. A dot or point in the center of a circle symbolizes the blending of male and female forces. Hindus call the midpoint in a circle the bindu – the spark of masculine life within the cosmic womb.
Witches of the Craft’s Daily Divination Digest c. 2019
Witches of the Craft’s Daily Divination Digest for January 25th
Your Daily Tarot Card for January 25
The Moon
Keywords: imagination, dreams, emotion, competition (the dogs), illusion!
Astrological Correspondence: Pisces
The Moon in all its phases represents the world of dreams, illusions, and the subconscious. Traditionally the symbol of the feminine, the card’s meaning encompasses the maternal, the Great Mother, womanhood, and cycles. The Moon is an ambivalent card, and its imagery signifies the difficulty to see things clearly: simultaneously inspiring and lacking courage, enchanting and bewildering, deceptive and receptive – all sides of the same coin. Signaling fluctuating moods and uncertainty we must pay attention to our dreams, confront our subconscious and deal with the issues that come to the surface in order to progress to a higher level of awareness. Being able to put our imagination and creative talents to good use is an added bonus. Negative qualities such as ambiguity, confusion, hidden fears, and deception can be causes for failure.
Your Daily Love Tarot Card
The Sun is an invitation to a supportive relationship in which you can be yourself around your significant other. You feel relaxed and loved, with a sense of peace of heart. You’ve struck gold and entered into a new realm. Keep looking if this is not how you feel because it is how things should be. You can’t expect improvement in a long-term union if you do not take effective steps to create it.
Your Erotic Tarot Card
The High Priestess
The High Priestess card is a sign that you’ve recently made a big decision in your life, and you finally feel like you’ve reached some level ground. Now that you can finally breathe a sigh of relief, your sex life will feel revitalized. Everything isn’t perfect, but the positive factors far outweigh the negative ones, and you’re feeling sexually free to explore new and exciting options. Sexual balance is high on your priority list, so go out there and find the erotic yin to your yang.
Your Weekend Influences
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Ten of Cups Reversed
Betrayal and failure. The loss of freindship and love |
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Astrological Influence |
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Virgo
Virgo denotes intelligence and a drive for perfection taking command–the dealing with all aspects of life honorably. |
Element Influence
Water Reversed
Water reversed denotes secrets to which you are not privy. Approach all ventures with caution.
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Dove
Throughout history the Dove has symbolized peace and innocence in nearly all cultures. Dove’s soft cooing and gentle nature bring a calmness to any situation. The Dove appears where peace has been attained or there is a need to bring events to a peaceful ending. It denotes a time to let lose of grievances and settle conflicts in a way that benefits all parties equally.
As a daily card, Dove suggests the need to put an end to conflict in your present life. The conflict may be yours or may be that of people close to you. Regardless of the parties involved, you have been called upon to bring the discord to an impartial end.
Psychic Tip of the Day
NEW FRIENDS
What you lack in intimacy you make up for in the feeling that the world might be conspiring in your favor, finally. Are you looking forward to new friends?
Tarot.com is a Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2019
Your Daily Rune
Jera
Rune of harvest and reward for, or reaction to, right actions in a horizontal (naturally ordered) cyclical process. Rune of peace on the land and in the heart.
Psi: psychological time, patience, the measurement of time
Energy: good harvest, orbits, cycles, progress, biorhythms, right effort
Mundane: waiting, gardening, farming, the seasons, harvest
Divinations: Reward for positive action, plenty, peace, proper timing; or repetition, bad timing, poverty, conflict, regression.
Governs:
Fertility, creativity and harmony with the land
Peace, prosperity and plenty
Realization of the cyclical nature of the multiverse, invoking the power of time and cycles
Bringing other concepts gently into material manifestation
Initiating gradual and lasting change in flow of life
Your Animal Spirit for Today
Eagle
Eagle soars high enough to see the grand panorama of life, and yet has vision keen enough to spot a fish a mile away. How’s your vision? Are you seeing the big picture or are you only concentrating on the fish? Eagle is asking you to take a step back so you can once again see the whole. You’ve gotten so lost in the trees you’ve forgotten the forest.
Crack the Cookie
The Wisdom of Buddha
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
WHICH WITCH ARE YOU? FIVE WAYS TO HARNESS THE CRAFT c. 2019
WHICH WITCH ARE YOU? FIVE WAYS TO HARNESS THE CRAFT
Witchcraft seems like a particularly buzzy topic these days, with books, blogs, and more delivering ancient magic to a modern audience. But while stylized Tarot cards and light-catching crystals have their place, the shift from intrigued observer to practicing pagan can be a daunting one. So why not start the process by determining which brand of witchery resonates with you?
Read on to learn about five specialized takes on witchcraft—and where the variants came from.
COSMIC WITCH
A comic witch is a witch who uses planetary and celestial energy in their practice. They study and feel a personal and spiritual connection with not only the main planets in our solar system, but with asteroids, meteors, supernovas, stars, constellations, galaxies, and black holes. Cosmic witches pay particular attention to astrology, horoscopes, and zodiac signs—but that only gives us a picture of how the cosmic forces influence the individual. Cosmic witches are focused on how celestial energy influences the inner self, but also the world.
Cosmic witches have been around since the study of planets. According to the American Federation of Astrologers, the Babylonians are credited with the birth of astrology. They used their astrological charts to predict the “recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events.” Around 2000 B.C., Babylonian astrologers believed that the sun, moon, and the five known planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had yet to be discovered) all had distinct character traits (Mercury representing communication, Venus representing affection, and so on). Cosmic witches use these planetary traits to call upon their energy. For example, many witches choose to perform spells on a full moon because the full illumination can create an extra magical boost and enchantment—and the rock itself is said to align with emotions and the soul.
A present-day cosmic witch may not be using astrology to predict the weather, but rather to predict future events or influences. For example, it’s beneficial for a cosmic witch to know when Mercury is in retrograde, and in which sign, because it will allow them to determine where communication breakdowns will occur, and in what guise. If a cosmic which was planning to perform a love spell, their best chance of having it being successful during a new moon which corresponds with new beginnings and relationships.
DIVINATION WITCH
A divination witch uses their magic to try to predict the future, often employing a variety of tools—or one that resonates. There are so many mediums with which to connect into the magic of the world: think Tarot, oracle cards, a pendulum, the I Ching, palmistry, and tasseography, and more.
Divination and divination witches have existed in just about every time period in history. In ancient Greece, divination witches were known as Oracles, and it was believed that deities spoke through them. A famous oracle was high priestess Pythia—known as the Oracle of Delphi—who was thought to be the mouthpiece of the god, Apollo. Every culture has its own form of divination. In ancient China, the diviner would carve out their question onto an ox bone until it cracked, and then the cracks were analyzed.
Today, divination witches don’t claim to be the mouthpiece of the gods, instead using divination predict likely answers to simple queries like, “Am I on the right career path?” or “Does this relationship stand a chance?” And in true modern fashion, divination methods like Tarot can even be found on our phones.
GREEN WITCH
A green witch works with magical properties found in the natural world. Their craft is based on respecting nature and all living things. Green witches focus on the magical correspondence of herbs, plants, and flowers. This incorporates herbalism, which is the study of botany and use of plants intended for medicinal purposes.
Herbalism is found in many cultures, but Chinese herbal medicine is one of the ancient variations still practiced today. Chinese herbology is based on the concepts of yin, yang, and Qi energy, where the herbs can either cool (yin) or stimulate (yang) certain parts of the body, the concept used for ritual and spiritual practices as well as medicinal. In parts of Africa, an herb known as purslane was used for purification during and after ritual ceremonies, while in some Scandinavian countries, clover was once used to ward off evils spirits and help develop psychic ability. In folk magic tradition, chamomile is said known to bring luck.
Today, green witches still take herbal magic very seriously, using essential oils and creating small physic gardens in their own apartment. Be aware that this is a learned art: it’s extremely important to know the health effects of the herbs you plan to use or ingest as well as the magical benefits.
KITCHEN WITCH
A kitchen witch practices magic within their own home. Their magic is not based on any divine power or spiritual guidance, but that magic that can be found in the everyday routine. Their craft comes out while cooking, baking, and nesting while tapping into the power of their own intention.
Witchcraft and cooking have always gone hand-in-hand. During the late 15th and mid-18th century many of the 200,000 witches (mostly women) were tortured, hanged, or burned at the stake were accused of poisoning food. Even now, our classic image of a witch persists as a woman stirring her cauldron. There has always been a magical and ritualistic nature surrounding food. Like green witchcraft, kitchen witches use herbalism in their food-based magic—but kitchen witchery isn’t just about food. It can also be making a homemade offering to a deity, cleansing and protection your home, and so on.
SEA WITCH
A sea witch, also known as a water witch, works with the element water in order to tap into their magic. They feel a deep, powerful connection to the water—whether it is the ocean, sea, or lake. This powerful pull leads them to be more aware of their own mystical energies.
Sea witches have been found in many cultures throughout history. From the sea nymph Calypso of The Odyssey; Sycorax of Shakespeare’s play The Tempest; even Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. However, sea witches have a deeper history in mythology. In Norse mythology, sea witches were magical, malevolent feminine spirits who often took the form of mermaids. These witches believed that their power and bond over the sea and tides was born of their worship for the moon. The triple goddess symbol holds particularly deep meaning for sea witches, as it represents the three phases of the monthly lunar cycle: waxing, full, and waning.
Along with praying to the moon, sea witches have had a long history with practicing dowsing, a method of divination for finding water, metals, even grave sites underground by using a Y-shaped stick made of hazel. Dowsing has been around since the Middle Ages, used frequently in Europe until its association with witchcraft caused the practice to be shunned; its legitimacy as a science is still up for debate. Contemporary sea witches may not be luring sailors to their deaths, but they are still incorporating water, weather, and the moon into their practices, finding their own magical connection with the sea.
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