Hold an Esbat Rite – Celebrate the Full Moon

What is an Esbat?

An esbat is a Wiccan meeting held each month at the time of the full moon. This is usually the time for initiation ceremonies or healing magic to be done, as opposed to a Sabbat (holiday) celebration.

There’s also an old joke in the Wiccan community about “what do you feed your esbat?”

The answer? Purina Esbat Chow!

Celebrating the Esbat with Ritual

In addition to the eight Sabbats observed every year, many Pagans celebrate a regular Esbat, in which magic is performed and the gods and goddesses of the tradition are honored.

Most covens and groups meet at least once a month, and time this ceremony so it coincides with the full moon. The word Esbat is of French origin, from s’esbattre, which loosely translates to “frolic joyfully.” In addition to frolicking, this is a time to commune with the gods of your tradition. In some groups, the Esbat rite is followed by a Cakes and Ale ceremony. You may also wish to tie this in to Drawing Down the Moon.

First, if your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so at this time. If you don’t normally cast a circle, at least take the time to ritually purify the area by smudging or asperging.

This will establish the space as sacred. You’ll need a bowl of water and a moon candle for the altar. This is traditionally a white unscented pillar-style candle. You can decorate the moon candle with sigils or inscriptions etched with a hot knife. Adorn your altar with lunar symbols — mirrors, silver ribbons, white crystals. Feel free to substitute the names and attributes of the deities of your path in this incantation.

Turn to the altar, and hold your arms open wide. Tilt your head so that your face is skyward — after all, this is a celebration honoring the full moon. Say:

Goddess of the moon, queen of the night,
keeper of women’s mysteries, mistress of the tides,
you who are ever changing and yet always constant,
I ask that you guide me with your wisdom,
help me grow with your knowledge,
and hold me in your arms.

At this time, light the moon candle, and take a moment to reflect upon the gifts you have in your life.
Hold the bowl of water to the sky. Say:

The moon is the symbol of the mother,
and she watches over us day and night.
She brings the changing tide, the shifting night,
the flow that changes women’s bodies,
and the passion of lovers to their beloved.
Her wisdom is great and all-knowing,
and we honor her tonight.
Keep your watchful eyes upon us, great mother,
until the cycle returns once more,
and bring us to the next full moon,
in your love and light.

Take a few moments to think about the things in your life which have changed in the past moon cycle. Are there people who have come into your world that you’re thankful for? Have you ended a toxic relationship? Have you experienced good fortune at work? Meditate on all the things you have to be thankful for, as well as the things you would like to see change for you by the next full moon. When you are ready, close the circle and end the ritual. If you choose, you can move into healing rites or magical workings, or a Cakes & Ale ceremony.

Tips:

Use the moon water over the next month for watering plants, making offerings, or doing spellwork.
 

Author

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

Aspects of the Moon in Taurus

The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

Strength and Sensuality
The Moon is exalted in Taurus, and that means its an easy-going fit. The Taurus lunar mood is mellow, calm and low-to-the-ground. You can go barefoot, languish in the Sun, draw out the enjoyment of a particularly tasty meal.

It’s easier to feel the weight of who you are, on the Earth, rather than just being “in your head.” It’s great for tending to practical matters, since your two hands are ready to dig in.

Being at Home in the Body
When the Moon is in Taurus, it’s easier to sink into the moment, be in the body, and enjoy delights of the five senses. This earth sign brings out our capacity to revel in earthly life! Some languid intimacy in a cozy atmosphere sounds good! Taurus is the slow mover of the Zodiac, and everything is savored thoroughly. That might mean dancing, and really feeling the groove of the music.

It’s also great for relaxing deeply, like taking an afternoon siesta.

Slow and Steady Steps
The grounded nature of Taurus allows us to be focused on one thing. It’s a fixed sign, that inspires us to go into something fully, to flesh it out. The Taurus energy helps you discover your natural talent. And you might find it easier to practice your craft or hobby. You can get in the zone of work, and take pleasure in making real progress.

It’s an excellent time to be in the studio or with your musical instrument. You can earth your dreams in real ways.

Activities Favored Under the Taurus Moon:
Massages given and received; baking and cooking; singing or dancing; gardening; building structures; considering steps of a plan, experimenting with home aromatherapy, stretching (especially the neck), try new fruits, concoctions, cocktails and dishes; make pottery or sculpture; sound therapy.
 

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Aspects of Moon in Pisces

The Moon in Pisces is the end of the lunar trip through the Zodiac. These couple of days are more meditative, great for first drafts or purely imaginative art-making.

The Muse is close-by during this transit in Pisces. This is the sign of the Fishes, and wrap up time. Good activities are resting, day dreaming, meandering, soaking and escaping into the imagination.
Pisces is a mutable sign, so the mood can shift in a moment.

That’s why it’s wise to create wide open unscheduled time to dillydally. It’s restorative to the soul, on these days, to simply Be.

Big Feeling
Sensitivity of feeling is acute and boundaries between each of us dissolve when the Moon is passing through Pisces. We’ve got a heightened sense of empathy, and can show compassion for human struggles and weakness. Pisces is a water sign, the element of great feeling.

We’re apt to root for the underdog, lift up the lowly, and try to soothe the wounded. We may get overly involved in the problems of others, and temporarily lose ourselves in the process.
It’s wise to watch out for those who prey on the good will of others at this time.

Beyond Time
When the Moon is in Pisces, we swim in imaginative currents that go beyond the normal limits of space and time. It’s a mood when symbols, music and images convey the messages of the soul. This happens through art, dance, film, photography, theatre and play.

A Pisces Moon native is artistic, kind-hearted and has a poetic soul.

A gesture or wise look tells another what words can’t. With the Pisces Moon, we’re wrapped up in the mystery that has infinite meaning, and never try to grasp too tightly to its form. It’s a great time to nourish the imagination.

Zoned Out?
It’s harder to deal with the harsh aspects of reality during these lunar days. We may escape with one more drink, or “check out” in front of the television. It’s easy to coast through the day, when you’re dreamy or “lost.” It helps to have some creative focus, in order not to flounder in the sign of the Fishes.

We soften our hard edges, and find forgiveness where there was resentment.

It’s easier to see the wounds that cause people to act as they do. We have a big heart for those suffering, especially the vulnerable, children, animals and the elderly. We can see the oneness of all life.

This puts a mystical spin on everyday life. We can see the mystery and that can bring divine inspiration or a sense of wonder. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet that’s to do with transcending the everyday, rising above, and experiencing the sublime.

That’s why Moon Pisces time is ideal for doing nothing, and deeply listening.

Favored when the Moon is in Pisces: long soaks; being near the ocean or other water body; watching or doing theatre; taking in a film festival; meditation or spirit-based retreat; being solitary; any imaginative project; tending to those in crisis or lost.

The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

Author
Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Greenhouse Therapy

No winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn. Hal Borland It’s easy to get down in the dumps by the end of winter. You think you are doing so great and then, before you know it, you have the wintertime blues. There is a condition that happens to folks who do not get enough sunlight in the winter months. It’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). There are treatments for this, and one of them is light therapy.

I know: I battle with this every year, especially in late winter. The popular theory on this is because I am part plant. I mope when it’s cold and gloomy out and I can’t get outside to take my walks or work in the gardens. The winter holidays keep me busy, and it does not kick in until mid-February. That’s when I start watching for gardening magazines and scowling out through the windows and complaining about the snow, ice, and cold, wishing for spring.

The best cure I have ever found? Well, if it’s not too cold, then I bundle up and take a brisk walk outside. Or if it’s snowing, then I cowboy up, dig out the cars, and then shovel the snow off the sidewalk and driveway— anything to move and to get outdoors.

Should I really feel blue and it’s very nasty and bitter cold, then I go to the local nursery greenhouses and walk around inside of them for a half hour and simply enjoy the green. Oh, that yummy warmth inside— the rich, earthy smell of the potting soil, the moisture and the humidity, and that blast of green— it all really helps me. After all, green is the color of hope and of life.

So on nasty, frigid days, if I’m really missing the light and the warmth and the color green and my gardens, I quietly walk around inside of a local greenhouse. It cheers me up the minute I hit the doorway. I walk around and soak up the warmth and vibrations of all those plants that are rushing to grow. I close my eyes, breathe deep, and pull in that garden smell. I let the bright green color of the foliage fill me up with power and cheer. And it works like a charm!

Now, before someone accuses me of vamping the plants, relax. I’m soaking up atmosphere— the scents, the sounds, the colors— not the life force of the plants themselves. Sheesh. Write about psi-vamps once and everyone starts pointing fingers.

Anyway, you can safely soak up the smells, the light, and the sounds in a lush greenhouse. Try it for yourself. The worst that could happen is you’ll end up scooping out the best new varieties of plants for your garden or taking home a couple of houseplants. Besides, I’m sure the greenhouse staff would be devastated to sell you something during their slow season.

If you want to give something back to the greenhouse, then buy some plants from them while you are there or in the spring— that’s what I always do. As the greenhouses have cheered me up during the winter, I repay them by supporting the greenhouse with my business and by also planting the flowers, herbs, and shrubs and caring for them for the rest of the plant’s life cycle. It works for me. Try it for yourself the next time you are down in the dumps with the wintertime blues.

 
Ellen Dugan, Seasons of Witchery: Celebrating the Sabbats with the Garden Witch

Aspects of the Moon In Capricorn

Digging In
When the Moon is in Capricorn, we’re more serious minded. It’s harder to just hang out. We want to feel productive on something that has substance to it. Capricorn is an earth sign that means business. With the Moon here, emotional force can be applied to whatever is in process.

These days are great for pushing past difficult obstacles. You’ve got extra discipline and patience. And you’re able to forgo the satisfaction of short term gains for longer term achievements.

Conserving Energy
There’s more social reserve, and we like to have common goals. It’s a conservative mood, that makes us more thrifty, looking for more bang for the buck. This gives us an eye for what’s solid, and has enduring value.

You’re more apt to choose the tried and true now, over something experimental. When in doubt about it, you’ll pass it by.

This lunar mood puts the focus on real world ambitions. You might spend our time mapping out a business plan. It’s timely for considering what’s a good investment of your time, energy and resources. What will bring a solid return? Everything is viewed through a practical eye, including relationships.

You can see how to make structural changes that make life more efficient.

Power activities under the Capricorn Moon: meeting with clients or collaborators; putting together a proposal; considering investments; acting or speaking with authority; working with a mentor or “mentee”; upholding a longstanding tradition; taking control of a situation.

Follow the Moon
It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

 

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Aspects of the Moon in Scorpio

The mood of Scorpio is sultry, secretive, mysterious. This fleeting transit favors excavation of the soul and imagination. It’s a fixed sign that motivates us to go deep into the creative work we’re doing. The psychic radar is stronger, giving us eyes to see what’s really going on.

It’s a time that reminds us that there’s more to life than meets the eye. And it puts us in touch with the driving forces within ourselves and those we engage with.

Someone born with the Moon in in Scorpio is soulful person who likes to get to the heart of a matter. When the Moon is in Scorpio, we long for an end to the small talk. We crave deep conversations that unravel a dilemma or solve a psychological puzzle.

Striking the Root
It’s time to get to the root causes of any current suffering. We’re willing to go into dangerous psychic territory, because we know that’s the only way to heal fully.
This is a great time to sketch out characters for a detective novel. There’s a fascination with the darker side of life and ourselves. In dreams and waking life, we go through the doors marked enter at your own risk.

When we encounter what’s intense and coiled up within, we release that primal power. It becomes the creative seeds of the new, and we’ve been transformed.

Haunted
This is the Moon for telling ghost stories, or visiting a haunted house. You might corral friends for a seance or spend time with the Ouija board. As an aside, a random night with the Ouija board is what set me on a path of exploring the paranormal.

Our small group of friends sensed the presence or presences there, and that created in me the desire to know more.

However, it’s wise to always use caution when inviting spirits. After wrestling with the dark and its entities, I know it’s not something to take lightly. Sometimes Scorpio energies create an atmosphere of romance with the dark.

With Moon in Scorpio, the risks of opening to the potential that lies in the dark look more attractive.
Power Moves: keep a secret or tell a secret to a trusted friend or your healer; do a major purge (of your purse, closet, office); go scuba diving; plan for a night of sexual healing; do a detox or get a colonic treatment; take out the recycling; weed the garden; do a shamanic journey; get a deep tissue massage; be emotionally honest with a friend.

The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

 

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Moon In Libra

The Moon sets the emotional tone as it transits through the Zodiac signs. It changes signs every 2 1/2 days. You can work with this rhythm to “go with the flow” of the Moon. You can use it to know the general feeling tone to expect.

When the Moon is in airy Libra, the mood is very social. We want to pair up and bounce ideas off each other in one-on-one situations. It’s easier to extend ourselves to see the other person’s point of view.

That makes it favorable for easy breezy togetherness.

The Moon in Libra is a good time for entertaining, too. Relaxed, leisurely gatherings are favored. Being together becomes sublime in settings that are aesthetically pleasing.

Peace and Tranquility:
Under this Moon, we especially enjoy being pampered. And we’re more apt to dote on a friend or mate. The mood is that of mutual devotion, so we seek to draw out the best in others. We enjoy conversation, and even arguing to prove a point. An idea may come that brings balance to a situation, or has the potential to. These are power days for speeches, and offering your big idea.

It’s also the right mood to make amends or compromise.

Activities favored under the Moon in Libra: mediating, negotiating a fair deal, restoring balance with a friend or family member, taking it easy, beautifying your home space, meditating, decorating, de-cluttering, throwing a dinner party, attending a lecture, visiting a museum, writing or editing, experimenting with fashion, indulging in luxury.
 

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

 

MAGIC HERBS FOR EVERY ZODIAC SIGN

Herbs can be mixed and combined to produce a “recipe” that’s just right for each of us.Since the Sun sign you were born under has such an amazing influence on your health and well-being, using the herbs that correspond with that sign alone can be a tremendous help in times of stress or illness. Here’s a short list of herbs that seem to be tailor-made for each of the signs, due to their associations with both the planetary ruler and the positive qualities of that sign.

Aries – Mars
Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper. It’s no secret that Aries is the astrological equivalent of a bullet. It’s a red-hot burst of energy that’s capable of overcoming any obstacle by charging straight for it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the “red” planet, the ancient god of war who was known for his equally fiery temperament. No wonder, then, the herbs that correspond with your sign are also a bit “hot” to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise your endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.
Taurus – Venus
Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose.Taurus is the sign that’s fondest of the pleasures that life inside these bodies can provide. Whether it’s a blazing sunset, a symphony by Mozart, or a delicious meal, you folks are experts at enjoying the physical delights of the senses. It’s no surprise that the herbs you’ll enjoy most are the sweet ones, since your planet, Venus, is the purveyor of sweetness. Use each of them to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Gemini – Mercury
Clover, eyebright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley. Your quick-witted, fleet-footed energy just loves variety – in fact, the expression “variety is the spice of life” was written with you in mind. Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and
actions grounded.
Cancer – Moon
Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac.Nurturing is your business, Cancer, and you distribute your soothing touch to one and all. There’s nothing you like better than a home that smells good, too, whether it’s because there’s something wonderful simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room
table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath waiting for you upstairs. Each of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime tea.
Leo – Sun
Chicory, cinnamon, goldenseal, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, sandalwood. Your planet is the Sun, Leo, the source of life and warmth that keeps us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our
life’s quest. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bright, cheerful sunflower would be the perfect representation of your equally bright and happy sign. Herbs like goldenseal and St. John’s Wort are tailor-made
for you, too, since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness and depression are well known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.
Virgo – Mercury
Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory.Your quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental challenge, Virgo, whether it’s organizing a pile of papers at the office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. The herbs listed above are all well known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give you a boost you often need at the end of a long day. The lily of the valley seems perfect for you, too, with its subtle, “clean” scent and delicate flowers.
Libra – Venus
Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet.There’s no sign as fond of pleasing others as yours, Libra, whether it’s by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by using your polite charm to draw the object of your desires closer. Of course, catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving relationships that last forever. Since you’re ruled by Venus, you’re capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane – but if you need a bit of help to attract a beloved, use this potent plant (sugar cane) that’s long been used to conjure love – sweetly.
Scorpio – Pluto/Mars
Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.As fond as you are of intensity and intimacy, Scorpio, it’s no wonder the herbs you’ll love best are famous for their use in stirring up passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with seductive Pluto, your ruling planet.
Sagittarius – Jupiter
Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage. There’s no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and determination than yours Sagittarius. To keep that youthful appearance and disposition going as you travel the world in search of yet another experience, drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and Vervain. To aid in making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort. Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you’ll need to pay for your travels.

Capricorn – Saturn
Comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff. You’ve always been described as a very “focused” sign, Capricorn, intent on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of your planet, Saturn, gives you the ambition and self-discipline to attain those goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters, too. Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract that success, and most can be mixed together in a tea.
Aquarius – Uranus/Saturn
Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage. Your sign is a cerebral one, Aquarius, and your ability to turn “odd” or eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well known. Since communication (and mass communication in particular) is your specialty,bthe herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules the intellectual side of life. To increase your already powerful intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.
Pisces – Neptune/Jupiter
Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue. As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, yours is the one that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of others. Since you have no boundaries to keep you separate from others, you also need protection against negative influences. To that end, use rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or inside your home.

ZODIAC CORRESPONDENCES FOR SPELLWORK

Aries: action enthusiasm
Taurus: renewal sensuality
Gemini: communication curiosity
Cancer: emotion nurturing
Leo: vitality determined
Virgo: organizing studious
Libra: balance cooperation
Scorpio: sexual philosophical
Sagittarius: strength humor
Capricorn: authority ambitious
Aquarius: innovation social
Pisces: sensitivity idealistic.

THE ZODIAC

Sit around in any bar for long enough and someone is sure to come up and ask you what your sign is. (I always say, “Go slow, dangerous curves”-but that’s another story.)

They are talking about zodiac signs, an important component in astrology, an ancient science used by Witches (and a lot of other people) for divination and magick.

The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy by Rosemary Ellen Guiley defines astrology as an ancient system “based on a principle attributed to Hermes Trismegistus: `as above, so below.”‘Hmm … isn’t that interesting?
Astrology uses the positions of the planets and the stars to predict the future and explain the past. Zodiac signs in particular are often used to shed light on the various character traits that people tend to have and can be used as a tool for self-exploration and self-improvement.

Zodiac signs and astrology are used in casting horoscopes as well. Using the date and time of your birth (horoscope is Greek for “I look at the hour”), an astrologer can come up with predictions tions on future trends or events in your life. Astrology has been practiced by cultures around the world throughout history, including the Chinese, Mayans, Egyptians, and Greeks. During the Renaissance, it was considered to be a serious science but then dropped out of favor until relatively recently.

Witches don’t just use zodiac signs to find out if that cute person they met in the bar is a good match. Astrology can also be used to determine the best time to do a spell or a ritual. The signs of the zodiac are divided into earth, air, fire, and water, just like many of the other elements of Witchcraft, which may help you decide which time is best for doing any particular magickal work.

If, for instance, you want to work on magick for prosperity, you may wish to do a spell when the moon is in Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn-all earth signs. On the other hand, if you want to do magick for something emotional (like love), then you may decide to wait until the moon is in Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, since they are all water signs.

 
Deborah Blake. Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft

A dog howling at night when someone in the house is sick is a bad omen.