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Moon in Taurus
Moon in Taurus
The Moon is traveling through comfy Taurus today. Eat something you love. Have a second serving.
We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.
The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.
The Witches Current Moon Phase for April 17
The Witches Current Moon Phase for April 17
Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 3%
The Moon today is in a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
PHASE DETAILS FOR – TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018
Illumination: 3%
Moon Age: 1.51 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 373,737.94 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,199,687.87 km
We Are Flying by the Seat of Our Pants
While I was writing the past post, we experienced a rolling black-out. If you are not familiar with what that is, it is when your power flashes on and then back on in a few seconds. This was unexpected and most of the time we save our work for the day we put on the site. This morning, however, none of saved anything. All the information we had for Tuesday is gone. We are going straight to the horoscopes. I know that those sites aren’t around here and didn’t experience what we did. Bear with us.
Eleanor
As We Bid You Good Day

Your Tarot Card for the Week of April 16 – 22 is Four of Swords
Weekly Tarot Card for April 16-22:
Four of Swords

This week the Four of Swords confirms it’s time to rest and reflect as the dust settles on recent changes we have implemented. Any time big shifts occur in life, it’s necessary to take stock, checking in with the self to confirm aspects of identity and renew personal truths. In the discussions of the previous weeks’ cards, I’ve been using the example of moving homes to illustrate our theme of dealing with change. I actually did move homes recently, so these examples aren’t arbitrary! It was a huge change after spending five and a half years in one place (and came as a full-on Tower moment that I had been resisting). After the hard work of moving, I was tempted to reassemble my life as closely as possible to the old one, putting up the same pictures, recreating old furniture arrangements, but instead I took some time to get to know myself in the new situation. What still suited me, and what needed to be altered to fit these surroundings?
Exertion transforms us. We learn we are capable of a lot more than we thought, and it’s important to incorporate this new perspective into our identities. We also owe it to our minds and bodies to honor those efforts with recuperation. In the Motherpeace deck’s imagery, the Four of Swords shows a figure self-isolated inside a meditation pyramid designed for healing and chakra activation. Obviously, it’s not realistic for most of us to enjoy a fully sequestered retreat any time we need rest and recuperation. We have jobs, families, and other responsibilities than can’t be extensively put on hold. But even with those responsibilities, it is possible to find time for healing and reflection, often in connection with self-care activities that are already part of our regular routines. It’s just a matter of adding some extra awareness into these actions.
Exercise for this week: Realigning the self
How might you create mini-retreats inside of your busy life? Take a walk around the neighborhood, sit in silence in a favorite place, or enjoy a cup of tea at the local café while you write down your thoughts about recent experiences. If it’s too tough to carve out this extra time, turn one of the times you already spend alone taking care of your basic needs into a personal ritual. For example, use bath or shower time as a mini-retreat by increasing awareness of the activity as yours and yours alone. Be present with yourself instead of just going through the motions as a means to an end. Select a special scented soap or add salts and herbs to your bath. Play your favorite relaxing music. Be aware of each part of your body and how it feels as you honor it through cleansing. If you have trouble finding time alone, don’t be ashamed to ask for help; perhaps you can trade breaks with a co-parent or a friend who is also in need of a little self-care.
You might also take a suggestion from this illustration in the Motherpeace Tarot and give some attention to each of the chakras as a way to reconnect with the self. You can do this through meditation, if that is your practice. (Peacock Ore is said to be a great stone for realigning all the chakras, so consider incorporating a piece of it into your session.) If you prefer to engage with these concepts in a more cerebral way, try a journaling exercise exploring how each of the following are represented in your life. Give extra attention to any that seem underrepresented:
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Your Weekend Influences for April 13 – 15
Your Weekend Influences
Tarot Influence

The Hanged Man Reversed
The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy. This is the card of false prophecy and time wasted.
Astrological Influence

Aries
The Ram is energetic, courageous, optimistic and obstinate. The Ram is not a quitter! He will get his way!
Element Influence

Air
Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.
Your Daily Tarot Card for April 14th is Father of Water
Tarot Card of the Day
Father of Water

The man in this card doesn’t need to speak to communicate strength, passion and commitment. Sometimes he is robed like a priest or shaman. Intense and intuitive, he is a force to be reckoned with.
What Does Your Birth Date Mean? Born on the 14th

Born on a Saturday

Mercury Is Going Direct!
Mercury Is Going Direct!
Kiss retrograde goodbye! Planet Mercury is turning direct!
If you’ve spent the last three weeks or so feeling mentally scrambled, misunderstood or just plain indecisive, relief is near. That’s because Mercury, the planet that rules the mind, is turning direct on April 15, 2018, after having gone through another one of its retrograde phases.
When Mercury is not operating smoothly there can be plenty of mishaps related to anything ruled by Mercury — whether its transportation, commerce or communication. Now that Mercury has stationed direct, it will need a few days to regulate its orbit and then you’ll be good to go. Any delay, frustration or confusion surrounding Mercury-ruled matters will soon find resolution.
So, what does it mean when Mercury goes direct?
A planet changing motion is a potent phenomenon. Remember, Mercury has been out of its usual forward orbit for three weeks, so turning direct again will not be as easy as declaring “On your mark, get set, go!” and watching Mercury zoom out. Ahhh, if only it were that simple.
What really happens when a planet moves from retrograde to direct motion is more akin to waking up from a deep slumber. Mercury will need time to drink some cosmic coffee and fully regain consciousness.
Full speed ahead
It won’t be until Mercury reaches the degree where it originally turned retrograde and then passes it that you’ll know Mercury truly has its full strength back. That tends to take a couple of weeks. But don’t stress — this time frame is nothing at all like the Mercury Retrograde cycle.
In fact, now you’ll be ready to apply whatever it is you’ve learned during the retrograde period into your current reality. It only takes a few days of Mercury being back on track for you to notice the difference. From here on out the planet will get stronger every day!
What’s interesting is that while Mercury will need time to regulate its orbit, the very day of its stationing direct can be a potent time. It’s like Merc will be jolted awake for a short time (remember Mom screaming at you to wake up or you’ll be late for school?). During this day or even the next, it’s likely you’ll experience incredible clarity about whatever issues you’ve been grappling with during Mercury Retrograde.
Be patient, though … it will take just a little more time before you’re ready to execute your newfound lucidity with success.
In the meantime, now that Mercury is direct, over the next few days you are free to sign contracts, schedule vital meetings, have a significant conversation and make important decisions or purchases. Remain confident as you push ahead with anything that requires cerebral muscle.
Mercury finally has its mojo back!
Tarot.com is Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2018
Magickal Tips & Hints for Saturday

Study of Pagan Gods and Goddesses: Mars, Roman God of War

Mars, Roman God of War
Mars is the Roman god of war, and scholars say he was one of the most commonly worshiped deities in ancient Rome. Because of the nature of Roman society, nearly every healthy patrician male had some connection to the military, so it is logical that Mars was highly revered throughout the Empire.
Early History and Worship
In early incarnations, Mars was a fertility god, and a protector of cattle. As time went on, his role as an earth god expanded to include death and the underworld, and finally battle and war.
He is known as the father of twins Romulus and Remus, by the Vestal virgin Rhea Silvia. As the father of the men who later founded the city, Roman citizens often referred to themselves as “sons of Mars.”
Before going into battle, Roman soldiers often gathered at the temple of Mars Ultor (the avenger) on the Forum Augustus. The military also had a special training center dedicated to Mars, called the Campus Martius, where soldiers drilled and studied. Great horseraces were held at the Campus Martius, and after it was over, one of the horses of the winning team was sacrificed in Mars’ honor. The head was removed, and became a coveted prize among the spectators.
Festivals and Celebrations
The month of March is named in his honor, and several festivals each year were dedicated to Mars. Each year the Feriae Marti was held, beginning on the Kalends of March and continuing until the 24th. Dancing priests, called the Salii, performed elaborate rituals over and over again, and a sacred fast took place for the last nine days.
The dance of the Salii was complex, and involved a lot of jumping, spinning and chanting. On March 25, the celebration of Mars ended and the fast was broken at the celebration of the Hilaria, in which all the priests partook in an elaborate feast.
During the Suovetaurilia, held every five years, bulls, pigs and sheep were sacrificed in Mars’ honor.
This was part of an elaborate fertility ritual, designed to bring prosperity to the harvest. Cato the Elder wrote that as the sacrifice was made, the following invocation was called out:
“Father Mars, I pray and beseech thee
that thou be gracious and merciful to me,
my house, and my household;
to which intent I have bidden this suovetaurilia
to be led around my land, my ground, my farm;
that thou keep away, ward off, and remove sickness, seen and unseen,
barrenness and destruction, ruin and unseasonable influence;
and that thou permit my harvests, my grain, my vineyards,
and my plantations to flourish and to come to good issue,
preserve in health my shepherds and my flocks, and
give good health and strength to me, my house, and my household.
To this intent, to the intent of purifying my farm,
my land, my ground, and of making an expiation, as I have said,
deign to accept the offering of these suckling victims;
Father Mars, to the same intent deign to accept
the offering of these suckling offering.”
Mars the Warrior
As a warrior god, Mars is typically depicted in full battle gear, including a helmet, spear and shield. He is represented by the wolf, and is sometimes accompanied by two spirits known as Timor and Fuga, who personify fear and flight, as his enemies flee before him on the battlefield.
Early Roman writers associated Mars with not only warrior prowess, but virility and power. Because of this, he sometimes is tied to the planting season and agricultural bounty. It is possible that Cato’s invocation above connects the more wild and frenzied aspects of Mars with the need to tame, control and defend the agricultural environment.
In Greek legend, Mars is known as Ares, but was never as popular with the Greeks as he was with the Romans.
The third month of the calendar year, March, was named for Mars, and important ceremonies and festivals, especially those related to military campaigns, were held this month in his honor. Mark Cartwright of Ancient History Encyclopedia says, “These rites may also have been connected to agriculture but the nature of Mars’ role in this area of Roman life is disputed by scholars.”
______________________________
Mars
Roman God of War – Mars
Religion was an important part of daily life in Rome. It helped Romans make sense of good and bad things that happened. If terrible things like natural disasters or battle losses occurred, Romans believed it was evidence that the Gods were unhappy with the people of Rome. When good things like a battle victory or a good harvest happened, Romans believed it was evidence of help or approval from the Gods. To keep the Gods happy, Romans often participated in animal sacrifices of lambs, pigs or bulls. At one time, even prisoners of war were offered as human sacrifices, but this practice was discontinued. Romans also held festivals and built temples to celebrate the Gods.
Romans worshiped a pantheon, also thought of as a council, of 12 major gods. These 12 major gods were called the Dii Consentes. This group included six gods and six goddesses. The gods included: JUPITER, Neptune, Mars, Apollo, Vulcan and Mercury. The goddesses were Juno, Minerva, Venus, Diana, Vesta and Ceres. Jupiter ruled over the Pantheon.
In fact, the famous Pantheon in Rome was dedicated to the ROMAN GODS. The exact purpose of the building is unknown. Though it has been used as a church, historians are unsure of whether ancient Romans actually worshiped there. The Pantheon was built by the consul Agrippa between 27 B.C. and 25 B.C.
In Roman religion, Mars was a very important god. His role was second only to Jupiter, the leader of the pantheon. Mars was the son of the God Jupiter and the Goddess Juno. His father, Jupiter, was the God of the sky and thunder. Jupiter was considered the chief, or central, guardian of Rome and was often considered to be witness to solemn oaths such as those undertaken by government officials or soldiers. His mother, Juno, was the protector of Roman women and was the patron Goddess of Rome. Both his mother and father were renowned for strength and protection. Mars himself was the god of war and was, himself, seen as protector of the Roman Army. He was thought to be difficult, argumentative and unpopular among the gods, but was revered by men; especially soldiers. It was even reported that Mars was the father of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who were the founders of Rome.
Mars was known as the Roman god of war. He was said to love the violence and conflict. His persona represented military power and the noise and blood of battle. Since he was the father of Romulus and Remus it was believed he would come to the aid of Rome during times of conflict or war. He was the patron God of soldiers and was worshiped prior to battle. Soldiers in the Roman Army prayed to Mars before battle, asking that he might fight on their side. Soldiers hoped that their prayers would appeal to Mars and that he would protect them in battle and lead them to victory. They believed that ultimately it was Mars who decided who would win any battle. All aspects of war in Rome were associated with the God Mars. This did not only apply to military campaigns of conquest. Mars was said to protect cities from invading armies and help soldiers crush rebellion as well.
As the God of War, Mars had many symbols associated with him. The most recognizable was The Ancile. The Ancile was his sacred shield. Legend has it that this shield fell from heaven during the rule of Pompilius. It was said that if the shield remained in the city, Rome would be safe. Priests were commissioned to protect the shield and eleven copies were made, reportedly to confuse would-be thieves. The group of 12 ancilla were used in rituals. Mars was often depicted clothed on bronze armor. He carried a spear that was often depicted as covered in blood.
Other symbols surrounding the God of War included a burning torch, a vulture, dog, woodpecker, eagle and owl. Mars was a strong god and rode a chariot drawn by fire-breathing horses. The names of his horses were Aithon, Phlogios, Konabos and Phobos. Aithon means red fire, Phlogios means flame, Konabos means tumult – which is a loud confusing noise – and Phobos means fear.
Mars was celebrated twice a year in March and October. The old Roman calendar began with mensis Martius. This translates to Mars’ Month. This is what the month of March is named for. The Salii – the priests who protected and carried the ancilia – celebrated the new year on the first day of March by dressing and dancing in battle armor. This was said to be when Mars was born. Also in March, the twelve Salii carried the ancilia around the city in a parade with war trumpets, stopping at different sacred locations along the way.
Festivities complete with trumpets, dancing, feasts and sacrifices continued throughout the month of March. On the 23rd, The Tubilustrium festival was held in Mars’ honor in the Atrium Sutorium. This date was chosen because it coincided with the start of the military campaign season. This group of festivals and celebrations were called the Feriae Marti.
In February and March, horse races were held at the Campus Martius outside the walls of Rome in honor of Mars. These races were said to have been started by Romulus. In October, Mars’ parents Jupiter and Juno were celebrated. On the Ides – or 14th – of October, one of the winning horses from the races was sacrificed in honor of Mars for his continued protection.
As a nation of conquest and war, Gods such as Mars were important to Rome. It was believed that he kept enemies of the state at bay and protected the divine right of the state’s rule. At different times in history, he meant different things to the people. He was a military deity as Rome conquered its neighbors and a protector in times of peace.
Eventually, Mars became not just the protector of Rome, but the guardian and avenger of Emperor Caesar himself.
Reference
Patti Wigington, ThoughtCo.com
– Greek Gods & Goddesses, February 22, 2017 Mars: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net
Friday 13th Chant

The Witches “Witchy” Journal for Friday the 13th

The Witches “Witchy” Journal for Friday the 13th

I’m not nearly as afraid of Friday the 13th as I am of the people who are afraid of Friday the 13th.
—Unknown

Friday: The day of beauty
Frigg was the Norse goddess of beauty, love, household, fertility and motherhood. She was Odin’s wife. She wonderfully balances out the dreadfulness of all the masculine gods sitting around our week table.
Derived from Latin Dies Veneris, Friday is viernes in Spanish, vendredi in French and venerdi in Italian. The day belongs to Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, love and fertility..

Today is Friday, April 13
Friday is the day of Venus. It takes it name from Frigg, the Goddess of love and transformation. She rules the spiritual side of a person that manifests in the physical. Because of this, Friday is often thought of as dangerously unpredictable. This is expressed in an old East Anglian adage:
Friday’s day will have its trick
The fairest or foulest day of the week.
Deity: Frigg
Zodiac Sign: Taurus/Libra
Planet: Venus
Tree: Apple
Herb: Vervain
Stone: Sapphire/Chrsolite
Animal: Bull/Serpent
Element: Earth
Color: Yellow/Violet
Number: 7
Rune: Peorth(P)
The Celtic Tree Month of Fearn(Alder)(March 18 – April 14)
Runic Half Month of Ehwaz(horse) (March 30 – April 13)
Goddess of the Month of Columbina (March 20 – April 17)
Source
The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for April 13
Karno-Tama-Yori-Hime in Japan, the sacred fertility marriage of God O-yama- kui-no-kami and Goddess Kamo-tama-yori-hime, resulting in the birth of the child Kami. Dedicated to Goddesses of Birth and Fertility (Demeter, Yemaya, Kwan Yin, Isis, Spider Woman, Tonantzin, Carmen, Mawu, Erzulie, Aphrodite, Ishtar, Astoreth, Sheela, Mary).\
The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

Goddesses Associated With Friday
Friday For Freya: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wooo, Eve, Venus, Diana, Isis, the Witch of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique
Source
The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

On Friday, April 13th, We Celebrate…..
Songkran (Thailand)
TOU MOU
Themes: Cleansing, luck, charity, karma, history
Symbols: Pen (or Quill), books, light
About Tou Mou: The Chinese/Thai goddess of record keeping takes specal notice of our actions (or inactions) today, keeping careful notes for the karmic bank account. In works of art, Tou Mou is depicted sitting behinds books and glowing with the beautiful light of the aurora. It is this brightness that shines on our lives today, revealing both the good and the bad. Suitable offerings for this goddess include rice, fruit, and all acts of goodness.
To Do Today: In Thailand, this water festival begins with tossing water down the street to chase away evil influences. I suggest using your driveway instead, or a glass of water on the kitchen floor that is judiciously mopped up later.
People in Thailand traditionally wash their parents’ hands with scented water today to bring them honor and long life. So remember your elders today, and do something nice for them—it’s good karma, and it definitely catches Tou Mou’s attention. Another activity extends good deeds to the natural world—that of freeing sonbirds, who then bear their liberator’s prayers directly to Tou Mou’s ear. You might want to simply scatter some birdseed instead for similar results.
Finally, it might be a good day to balance your checkbook to make sure your financial karma stays in good standing. Burn a green candle nearby for prosperity.
Source
365 Goddess, A Daily Guide to the magic and Inspiration to the Goddess
Patricia Telesco

Friday’s Conjuring
Friday – is associated with Venus
Candle colors – Green, Red, Blue, White, Purple
Spellwork – Love, Marriage, Money, Attraction, Luck, Healing, Prosperity, Change, Road Opening work, Bring Peace, Relationships, Power and Success
—Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies
Starr Casas

Ritual Influences for Friday, April 13
Friday Venus
Perfumes: Stephanotis, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris
Incense: Saffron, Verbena
Wood: Myrtle
Color: Light Blue, Pale Green
Influences: All Love Matters, Friendships, Affection, Partnerships, Money, Sex
Reference
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

Friday–The Day of Freya
In the stories of the gods and goddesses of the Angles and Saxons we find two goddesses, Frigga, the wife of Odin and queen of the gods, and Freya, the Goddess of Love. Some people think that Friday was named after Frigga, and others that it was Freya’s day. Since very similar stories are told of each of them, it is quite probable that they were really the same person. The Roman name for the day was Dies Veneris, the day of Venus, who, it will be remembered, was the Goddess of Love, and so corresponded to Freya. The modern French name is taken from the Latin and is vendredi.
Frigga was the Goddess of the Clouds, and, when she was not with her husband Odin, spent her time in spinning clouds. Her spinning-wheel was studded with jewels, and at night could be seen in the sky as the constellation to which the Romans gave the name of Orion’s Belt, as we have seen in the story of Orion.
Frigga was also the Goddess of Spring, and as such was known as Eastre, whom we have already mentioned as giving us the word Easter.
Freya, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, like the Venus of the Romans, received a great welcome when she came to the home of the gods, and was given a special kingdom called Folk Meadow, where was a vast hall known as the Hall of Many Seats. Here she received half of those slain in battle, the other half being entertained by Odin, as we have seen.
Freya is depicted as having blue eyes and golden hair, and often as wearing a robe of feathers, which enabled her to fly through the air like a bird.
The goddess is said to have married Odur, who was probably Odin under another name. Odur once had occasion to leave Freya and travel over the world, and the goddess was broken-hearted at his departure. Her tears fell among the rocks and were changed to gold, while some which fell into the sea were transformed into amber. All nature mourned with her: the trees shed their leaves, the grass withered, and the flowers drooped their heads. At last Freya in her distress set out to find her husband, and, passing through many lands, where her golden tears were afterwards found, came to the sunny south, and there overtook the wandering Odur. As the lovers returned, the fields and the flowers rejoiced with them. The frost and snow fled before them, and the earth became green again as they passed.
“And Freya next came nigh, with golden tears;
The loveliest Goddess she in Heaven, by all
Most honour’d after Frea, Odin’s wife.
Her long ago the wandering Odur took
To mate, but left her to roam distant lands;
Since then she seeks him, and weeps tears of gold.”
MATTHEW ARNOLD–Balder Dead.
This story, of course, reminds us of Ceres and Persephone, and is only another fanciful explanation of summer and winter.
Freya was the proud possessor of a dazzling necklace of gold, which had been made by the dwarfs, and which she wore night and day. On one occasion only did she lend the necklace, when Thor, disguised as Freya, went to the land of the giants to recover his hammer, which had been stolen by the Giant Thrym. Loki, by borrowing Freya’s robe of feathers and flying over the country of the giants, had discovered the thief, but had also found that Thrym would only return the hammer on condition that Freya would become his wife. When Freya heard of the giant’s presumption, she became greatly enraged, and vowed that she would never leave her beloved Odur and go to live in that dreary and desolate land of cold. Heimdall, the guardian of the bridge Bifrost, then suggested that Thor should go to Thrym disguised as Freya, in company with Loki disguised as Freya’s attendant. The gods at last allowed themselves to be persuaded, and Thor, having borrowed Freya’s clothes and necklace and wearing a thick veil, set out with Loki, who was dressed as a handmaiden. On reaching the giant’s palace, they were welcomed by Thrym, who was delighted at the success of his plan, and who led them to the banqueting hall, where a great feast was held. At the end of the feast, Thrym ordered the famous hammer to be brought in, and he himself laid it in his bride’s lap as a marriage gift. Thor’s hand immediately closed over the hammer, and in a few moments Thrym and all the guests invited to the wedding feast lay dead.
Freya was greatly relieved to have her necklace returned in safety, but the evil Loki, attracted by its wonderful beauty, determined to steal it. One night the god, by changing himself into a fly, succeeded in entering Freya’s palace. He then resumed his own shape, and, creeping stealthily to Freya’s bed, gently removed the necklace from the goddess’s neck. The watchful Heimdall, however, had heard Loki’s footsteps, and, looking in the direction of the Folk Meadow, became a witness of the theft. He at once set off in pursuit of Loki, and, overtaking him, drew his sword and was about to kill the thief, when Loki changed himself into a flame. Heimdall immediately changed himself into a cloud, and sent down a shower of rain to put out the fire. Loki then took the form of a bear, and opened his mouth to catch the water. Heimdall also took the form of a bear and attacked Loki, who, finding that he was being overpowered, changed himself yet again, into a seal. Heimdall followed suit, and fought again with Loki, and at length compelled him to give up the necklace, which was returned to Freya.
On another occasion Freya was sought by one of the giants, and it was only by the cunning of Loki and by an act of bad faith on the part of the gods that she was saved. The gods, ever anxious lest the giants should invade Asgard, decided to build a stronghold which would prove impregnable. They received an offer from a stranger, who was willing to undertake the work in return for the sun, the moon, and the goddess Freya. By Loki’s advice they accepted the offer on condition that he should complete the work in one winter, aided only by his horse. To the surprise of the gods the stranger agreed to these conditions, and with the help of his horse, which could haul the heaviest stone, set to work. The gods, who at first felt sure that their conditions had made the task impossible, were alarmed to find as time went on that the stranger was working so quickly that it seemed certain that he would be able to keep his promise. The gods on their side had no intention whatever of keeping their promise, since they could not possibly part with the sun and the moon and the Goddess of Love, and they angrily pointed out to Loki that since it was he who had got them into this difficulty, he must find some way out of it. Loki replied that the gods need have no fear, for with his usual cunning he had thought of a plan whereby the stranger might be made to forfeit his reward. On the last day, when only one stone remained to be dragged into position, Loki changed himself into a horse, and, trotting out from the forest, neighed loudly to attract the attention of the stranger’s horse. Tired of his continual labour and longing for freedom and rest, the horse broke free from its load and galloped after Loki. The stranger, after pursuing it vainly through the forest, at last made his way to Asgard, and, full of anger at the trick which had been played upon him, took on his real shape, for he was a frost-giant, and was about to attack the gods when Thor hurled his hammer at him and killed him.
Frey, the god mentioned in the story of Loki and Sif’s golden hair, was Freya’s brother. He was the God of the Fields, and sacrifices were made to him for the crops. In the early spring his wooden image was driven in a chariot through the countryside, in order that he might bless the fields and bring a fruitful harvest: Frey, as we have seen, became the possessor of a ship which could travel over land and sea, and though large enough to contain all the gods, yet could be folded up like a cloth, and he also possessed a boar with golden bristles. The god often rode on this boar, which was swifter than a horse, and was no doubt a symbol of the sun, which ripened the crops. We find the same idea of sunshine in Frey’s flashing sword, which fought of its own accord as soon as it was drawn from its sheath.
The month of the Angles and Saxons which begins just before our Christmas was sacred to both Frey and Thor, and it was customary at that time, as we have already mentioned, to bind a huge wooden wheel with straw, and, setting fire to it, to roll it down a hill. The wheel was a symbol of the sun, which at that time began to chase away the winter. At this time, too, was held a great feast to all the gods, and the chief meat eaten was a boar’s head, in honour of Frey. The missionaries who first brought Christianity to the Northmen, finding this feast was of great importance and was celebrated by all the people, did not try to do away with it. Instead, they changed it from a heathen to a Christian festival by putting Christ in the place of the Norse gods, and calling it the Feast or Mass of Christ. A similar change was made, it will be remembered, in the case of the Easter festival, held in honour of Eastre or Frigga, the wife of Odin.

The Witches Guide to Friday
Freya’s Day
Ruler: Freya, Venus
Colors: Emerald green or pink
Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following.
Key Words: Love, money, health
It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. In the word Friday, we see the roots of the name of the Norse goddess Freya, a goddess of love and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses thus the verse “Friday’s child is loving and giving.”
In Spanish this day of the week is called Viernes and is derived from the goddess Venus. Matters of love, human interaction, the fluidity of communication, sewing and the creation of artistic garments, household improvement, shopping, and party planning all fall under the aspects of Friday and its ruling planet, Venus.
Friday’s angels are Ariel/Uriel, Rachiel, and Sachiel. Rachiel also concerns himself with human sexuality and is a presiding spirit of the planet Venus.
On Fridays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Venus, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest four hours for conducting ritual.
Check the local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.
Source

FRIDAY CORRESPONDENCES
Venus/Water/East/West/South/Dawn/Female/Libra/Taurus
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Heart
Color: aqua, blue, light blue, brown, green, pale green, magenta, peach, pink, rose, white, all pastels
Number: 5, 6
Metal: copper
Charm: green or white garments, scepter
Stone: alexandrite, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, jade, jet, black moonstone, peridot, smoky quartz, tiger’s-eye, pink tourmaline
Animal: camel, dove, elephant, goat, horse, pigeon, sparrow
Plant: apple, birch, cherry, clematis, clove, coriander, heather, hemlock, hibiscus, ivy, lotus, moss, myrtle, oats, pepperwort, peppermint, pinecone, quince, raspberry, rose, pink rose, red rose, rose hips, saffron, sage, savin, stephanotis, strawberry, thyme, vanilla, verbena, violet, water lily, yarrow, and all flowers
Incense: ambergris, camphor, mace, musk, myrrh, rose, saffron, sage, sandalwood, sweetgrass, vanilla, violet, all floral scents
Goddess: Aphrodite, Asherah, Baalith, Brigid, Erzulie, Freya (Passionate Queen), Frigg, Gefion, Harbor (Beautiful One), Hestia, Inanna, Ishtar (Lady of Passion and Desire), Lakshmi, Lilith, Mokosh, Nehalennia, Nerthus, Ostara, Pombagira, Sarasvati, Shakti, Shekinah, Sirtur, Al Uzza, Venus (Queen of Pleasure), Vesta
God: Allah, Bacchus, Bes, Cupid, the Dagda, Dionysus, El, Eros (God of Love), Freyr, Frit Ailek, Shukra
Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Anael, Hagiel, Mokosba, Rasbid, Sachiel, Uriel, Velas
Courtesy of Moonlight Musings

Friday Is Ruled By Venus
Friday belongs to Venus, both the planet and its namesake Roman goddess of love. This day is sacred to many other gods and goddesses of love such as Eros, Venus, Aphrodite, and the Norse goddess that gave the day its name, Freya. This day of the week is for magical topics such as love, birth, fertility, and romance. Colors for today include pink and aqua.
Some suggestions for Friday enchantments would include:
Carrying a rose quartz with you today to send out some gentle and loving vibes to those crabby co-workers
Working a loving Tarot spell to charm a friend’s pregnancy with good health and safety
Working a little flower magic to enchant a single pink rose for friendship and inner beauty, and setting it on your desk. Or try empowering a red rose for passion and placing it in your bedroom
Burning rose-scented candles to encourage the same effect. Call on Eros to “bring a passion for life” to your days.
Sharing a romantic snack with your partner. Feed each other ripe, red strawberries. Those strawberries are love-inducing food, and are sacred to many love goddesses, including today’s patroness, Freya.

The Energy of Venus
Weekday ruled by Venus: Friday
Stones:
Rose quartz
Moonstone
Pink tourmaline
Peridot
Emerald
Jade
Herbs and Plants:
Pink rose
Ivy
Birch
Heather
Clematis
Sage
Violet
Waterlily
Magickal intentions: Love, romance, marriage, sexual matters, physical beauty, friendship and partnerships, strangers and heart matters.

SIMPLE SPELLS FOR GOOD LUCK
In life it can sometimes seem that everyone else around us gets all of the luck! Whether it be always revealing the winning numbers on a scratch card, or constantly being in the right place at the right time, you might ask yourself “why is it never me?”!
It’s time to start welcoming more good luck into your life! There are many spells you can do to create good fortune. Yes! Spells really can be used to bring you more luck.
Spells have been used by people all over the world for many, many years with plenty of good results, but, of course, we do not guarantee that a spell will always work. Spells can take their time to produce results, and the outcomes will vary from person to person. Remember, a good luck spell will bring to you what is truly best for you, and that may come in unexpected ways! When performing a spell, remember to keep an open mind and look out for any opportunities and signs in the future.
Good luck!!
A Penny for Good Luck
This is one of the oldest, most simple spells you can perform for luck, and all you need is a penny!
When you are out and about, carry the penny in your pocket. When you feel ready, hold the penny in your hand and raise your hand towards your heart. This will help capture energy from your soul. Next, hold the penny to your third eye point (this is at your forehead, between your eyes) and say to yourself, out loud if you can, “penny for luck!” Kiss the hand in which you are holding the penny and leave it behind somewhere, such as a fountain or in a bed of flowers. You are done! Walk away from the penny and don’t look back.
The magical thing about this spell is that not only will it welcome luck into your own life, but for the person who finds the penny too! This is why you should always pick up a penny should you find one. Remember the phrase “find a penny, pick it up, for the rest of the day you’ll have good luck”?
The Full Moon Spell
The spell uses the extra powers of the full moon to bring you good luck.
Simply say the words below during the next full moon.
“Lady of luck come out of your hidden course, bless your light upon me as the light of the moon shines above and in the light luck will be bless I, when the moon is next to be full”
Repeat the spell every full moon for good luck!
Wiccan Good Luck Spell
For this good luck spell you will need three candles in orange or gold, frankincense, and a pen and paper. Draw a circle and light the frankincense, then set out the candles in a triangle (don’t light them just yet!).
Next, repeat the following words aloud…
“God and Goddess, Spirits and Guides. Thank you for all that I have. I ask you now for good luck (or replace with what you really want). Aid me as I work to achieve it. Please bring it to me when the time is right. So mote it be”.
Have clear in your mind what it is you want. Focus as deeply and as clearly as you can on feelings of good luck and success, joy and elation. Imagine those feelings of achievement and happiness in your chest. As you focus on these feelings, an image or symbol will eventually appear in your mind. Take note of this and draw it on your paper. Place the piece of paper inside the triangle of candles.
Now it is time to light the candles! As you light each of the three candles, say aloud “fire, ignite my dream, for the highest good”.
Sit for a moment with the candles and visualise good luck in your life.
Finally, you must bury your piece of paper with the drawing in the earth. As you do this, say aloud “Earth, seal my dream, for the highest good.”
Remember, these spells don’t guarantee success. Have fun and open your heart to the possibilities!
Reference
Wishingmoon, Author
Website: WishingMoon

Home & Hearth Magick for Friday, April 13
On Fridays cast for love, luxury, pleasure and entertainment
Planetary Influence: Venus
Household Symbols: A sea shell, a fountain, fresh flowers, your wedding ring or wedding photo, red or pink paper hearts, apples and cherries.
Color: Pink and aqua green
Kitchen Spices: Thyme and sugar
Source:
Cottage Witchery, Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Ellen Dugan

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days A Year for April 13th
Thailand Water Festival
April 13 marks the annual three-day festival of water celebrated ebrated by the Buddhists in Thailand. The temples are cleaned and then purified with the smoke of incense. All of the Buddha statues are then ritually bathed, and the water is thrown on those attending the ceremony to “wash away” the evil spirits of the previous year.

Origin of the Fear of Friday 13th
The Knights Templar rose to prominence in Europe between 1096 and 1307. Their downfall came on Friday 13th October 1307. This date saw the catastrophic destruction of the Knights Templar at the hands of King Philip of France and his puppet Pope Clement V. Some say this event, in which the Templars were burnt at the stake, gave birth to the superstition associated with Friday 13th.
One superstition is that if 13 people sit down to dinner together, all will die within the year. One form of this legend dates back to the Norse god of mischief – Loki. The saga tells of Loki gate-crashing a party bringing the number of guests to 13. To cut a long saga short, Balder the good was killed. For this reason Norwegians believe that 13 at a dinner party is bad luck. Friday 13th Trivia
Beware naming your children with 13 letters in their name, they may be cursed for example, Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson.
Warning: count your women because there are precisely 13 witches in a coven.
How many loaves are there in a ‘Baker’s Dozen’? It is superstition that prevents this number be mentioned by name, in fact the extra loaf, presumably the runt of the litter, was baked as a special bribe for the devil not to spoil the batch of loaves.
Sportsmen are notoriously superstitious and many teams avoid using number 13 in their squads. Dan Marino broke most of the quarterback’s records, he fearlessly wore number 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. However, some say his number was his undoing and is responsible for his epithet, ‘The greatest quarterback never to win a Super Bowl’. Fate played it’s part in Super Bowl XIX, where Dan Marino (13) was beaten by his nemesis Joe Montana who preferred number 16 on his back
In the Bible, Luke’s Gospel Chapter 22, tells us that there were 13 present at the Last Supper. There is evidence that this Last Supper was held on a Friday, and of course this is when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ to the Romans.
Some people are so afraid that they refuse to get out of bed, or go to work on Friday 13th. A study in the BMJ [British Medical Journal] in 1993 looked into the relationship between driving and road accidents in the UK on two separate Fridays: the 6th and the 13th. This study was carried out over a period of years. They eventually concluded that, ‘Friday 13th is unlucky for some. The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended.

In Magic Realms
In magic realms,
There exists a truth,
We forever searching,
In realms above,
Looking for this truth perfect,
Our mortal lives to reflect,
Upon the past,
We must let go,
To be re-born in the present,
The here and now,
Our journey through life,
Is all but a dream,
A blink of an eye,
In the great cosmic scheme,
In outer realms,
The search for perfection,
We will never find,
It’s only a figment,
In our mind,
This is the truth,
We must all realise,
Until we reach inner realms,
Where pure love and truth abide,
So seek not dear traveller,
Through time and space,
Accept what has been given,
With good grace,
For life is a cycle of re-birth,
Only hope exists,
In our lives on earth.
Julie Ann, Author
Published on The Blessed Be
Good Friday Morning! It case you haven’t heard it is Friday the 13th, are you superstition?

The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha

I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.
Advice from a Fox

Prayer to the Spirit of the Fox


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