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November Babies
“No spring nor summer’s beauty hath such grace, As I have seen in one Autumnal face.” —John DonneZodiac: Scorpio until November 21 and Sagittarius from November 22 Gemstone: Topaz, Citrine
Meaning love and affection, the topaz comes in many colors: yellow, pink, purple, orange and a variety of blues. It is believed to bring the wearer strength and intellect. The citrine, known as a “healing quartz,” is this month’s other birthstone. It’s believed to bring vitality and health to the wearer, as well as hope, energy and warmth.Flower: Chrysanthemum
A chrysanthemum’s meaning changes depending on its color: red means “I love you,” while white stand for innocence, purity and pure love.Tree: Walnut, Chestnut, Ash
FROM: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/photo-gallery/birth-signs-symbols#12
November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. A red chrysanthemum means “I love you;” a white chrysanthemum means innocence, purity, and pure love; a yellow chrysanthemum means slighted love.
FROM: http://www.almanac.com/content/birth-month-flowers-and-their-meanings#
November Birthstone – Citrine
The birthstone for November is the Citrine. The warm, fiery colors that exude from this precious stone are off the Van Gogh painting of the sunflowers. The name originates from the French word, “citrin”, meaning lemon. It has been found in the palest of yellows to a dark amber. The dark amber citrine, is referred to as Madeira, because of its resemblance to the wine.
Since the beginning of time, man has dug within the earth to find useful tools for it’s survival. In these earlier times, there was a greater connection with the planet and its gifts and the cosmic world. With each advancement and achievement of the human species, we developed tools to dig deeper within the Earth’s crust. At one point we began to dig for treasures or sometimes they were come upon accidentally. With every unearthing of these treasures and gemstones, they were believed to emit a power to its discoverer. They were thought to offer healing and magical powers, strength or protection. Most of these treasures today represent the birthstones for each month of the year in the calendar we are familiar with today, the Gregorian or Western Calendar. As time went on, each stone was believed to represent a specific time or season of the year.
Citrine is a form of quartz and the sister of Amethyst. It is worn to keep evil thoughts from one’s thinking and ward against venomous snakes. It is also a symbol of strength and hope. It is considered to having medicinal qualities used to remedy kidney and urinary complications. Throughout time it has been extensively utilized to improve the function of ones heart and digestive system. The citrine has the power to remove toxins form the body and treat muscular disorders. The vibrant color and “fire” of the citrine has always been symbolic of healing in general, as fire represents power and strength.
Citrine is very scarce, which could be the reason that it is not mentioned until the first century B.C. The Romans were noted as the first to wear it, where they would fashion the stone into a style that is referred to, cabochon. For this style, the citrine first would be polished to a most brilliant shine and then the pieces of the unfaceted stone would be fashioned into their jewels. During the Romantic Period, artisans would utilize the warmth of the citrine to enhance the color gold jewelry.
The alternate birthstone for the month of November is the Topaz.
Here are some interesting facts for this gemstone:
-In Sanskrit, Topaz also means fire
-In the Middle Ages, it healed mental and physical disorders and warded against death
-Romans used it to improve eyesight
-The Greeks believed Topaz to contain the power to make one invisible and increase their strength.
-The most famous of all Topaz is actually colorless, and originally thought to be a diamond. It measures in at 1,680 carats and is named the “Braganza Diamond” that is set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels
Other Symbols of November:
November Birth Flower:
The Chrysanthemum. It is a symbol for compassion, secret love and friendship. In Asia, the chrysanthemum is recognized as one of the most honored of flowers. In Japan they are traditionally exchanged between friends, symbolizing an invaluable friendship, resembling the virtue shared between the pair.
November Birth Tree:
Chestnut Tree and the Ash Tree
Famous People born in November:
Bruce Lee- November 27, 1940
Ryan Gosling- November 12, 1980
David Schwimmer- November 2, 1966
Richard Burton- November 10, 1925
Charles Bronson- November 3, 1921
Bo Derek- November 20, 1956
Scarlett Johansson- November 22, 1984
Rachel McAdams- November 17, 1978
Neil Young- November 12, 1945
Bjork- November 21, 1965
– See more at: http://birthstonesbymonths.net/november-birthstone-citrine/#sthash.EqwECPFK.dpuf
Tag: Ash
A Little About June Birth Symbols
June Babies
Zodiac: Gemini until June 21 and Cancer from June 22
Gemstone: Pearl
The pearl has long been associated with purity. Pearls are the only gems that come from living sea creatures, and they’re also unique in that they require no faceting or polishing to reveal their beauty. Today, most pearls are cultured, grown under controlled conditions by farmers to ensure perfect shape.
Flower: Rose, Honeysuckle
A rose’s color signifies different meanings: red means “I love you,” pink means perfection and white is innocence. Honeysuckle, June’s other flower, stands for the strong bonds of love.
Tree: Ash, Hornbeam, Fig, Birch, Apple
FROM: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/photo-gallery/birth-signs-symbols#07
June’s birth flower is the rose, which has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means “I love you.” A white rose signifies innocence and purity, while a yellow rose conveys jealousy or a decrease in love. A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means “I REALLY love you”). The other June flower is honeysuckle, which is a strong symbol for the everlasting bonds of love.
FROM: http://www.almanac.com/content/birth-month-flowers-and-their-meanings#
June Birthstone – Pearl
The month of June is represented by the pearl. “Pearl” is derived from the Latin word “pirum”, meaning pear, which is the shape that many pearls take on naturally when they grow. Many ancient civilizations have told a variety of stories and the birth of the pearl. The Greeks believed that they were tears of joy that had been hardened when they were shaken from the eyes of the goddess of love when she was born in the sea. Arabs believe that they were formed when oysters were lured by the light of the moon from the depths of the seas. The moon would leave dewdrops of its light, which would be swallowed by the oysters and taken back with them to their deep oceanic homes. The Chinese in ancient times thought they came from the brain of a dragon.
Specific gemstones are utilized to symbolize our birth-month according to the Gregorian or Western Calendar. Each month of the year brings in a new cycle. For many of you reading this, there needs to be no mention of what one might feel from the energy emitted from each stone representing each month and season. The cycles of each season have their own meaning and energy. Aligning with the changing times, each gemstone can increase our spiritual and mental energies. Many of these yearly shifts compromise our bodies, our immunity, mental health. Many have believed for centuries specific gemstones can counter these affects, granting strength and even cure ailments that might come with each season.
The formation of the pearl is as mystical as its history. For oysters to create a pearl, a small irritant, usually a small fish or parasite would lodged itself in the flesh of the oyster. The presence of the fish or parasite would then cause the oyster create what is called a “nacre”. This nacre grows over the intruder layer after layer and creates a luxurious pearl. As natural pearls are rare, man has created a process in which a small bead or piece of shell is placed inside the mollusk, stimulating the nacre production. This practice makes up about ninety percent of the pearl industry. They are harvested all over the world from the South Pacific, Gulf of California, Gulf of Mexico and its Pacific coast, Gulf of Manmar, the Persian Gulf, Europe, Japan and Australia.
At one time, Royalty were the only ones who were allowed to wear jewelry with pearls. Eventually, they were seen worn by all status’ of culture. Pearls have been obsessed over and been a passion for many. They are the symbol of purity, enhances ones integrity, and are often times given as a gift celebrating the birth of a child or marriage. Pearls are viewed as a sign of refinement and good taste. White pearls are usually given as gifts, however there are a wide variety of spectrum that the pearl grows: white, silver, cream-colored, gold, green, blue and black.
Other interesting facts about the June Birthstone Pearl:
-The pearl has been ground up into fine powders for use in cosmetics, and is effective for health problems of the intestine, stomach, and heals ulcers.
-In earlier times, pearls were seen as more valuable than the diamonds.
-They were sought after by powerful rulers and emperors around the world
-The pearls that have perfect symmetry, sometimes large are viewed as the best ones
Other June Symbols:
June Birth Flower:
The Rose, created by the goddess of flowers, Chloris, according to Greek mythology
June Birth Tree:
Fig
Famous People born in June:
Mark Wahlberg- June 5, 1971
Gene Wilder- June 11, 1933
Liam Neeson- June 7, 1952
– See more at: http://birthstonesbymonths.net/june-birthstone-pearl/#sthash.NwuqI8dx.dpuf
A Little About May Birth Symbols
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May Babies
“Spring’s last-born darling, clear-eyed, sweet, Pauses a moment, with white twinkling feet, and golden locks in breezy play, Half teasing and half tender, to repeat Her song of ‘May.'” —Susan Coolidge Zodiac: Taurus until May 20 and Gemini from May 21
Gemstone: Emerald
Symbolizing love and success, the deep green stone is thought to bring foresight, good fortune and youth to the wearer. It’s also a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings — an appropriate symbol of spring.Flower: Lily of the Valley
The lily of the valley represents sweetness and humility, purity of heart and honor.Tree: Poplar, Chestnut, Ash
FROM: http://www.almanac.com/content/birth-month-flowers-and-their-meanings#
May’s birth flower is the lily of the valley, which signifies sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. If you want to show your loved one that your life is complete with them, give them a few lilies of the valley. The other May flower is the hawthorn plant, which represents hope and supreme happiness. Hawthorne signifies that you want only the best for the recipient.
FROM: http://birthstonesbymonths.net/
May Birthstone – Emerald
The gemstone representing May, is the Emerald. As spring in the northern hemisphere occurs in May, the emerald stands for a time of rebirth and growth. The French refer to the emerald’s inclusions and fractures as “jardin’s”, translated as garden, resembling the color of spring foliage.
For each stone of the Gregorian calendar, each month of the year brings in a new cycle. Each cycle represents a new season, has a renewed energy, and a new meaning. The month of May is one of abundance and life in it’s youthful beauty. Following the rainy month of April, the month of May is one that symbolizes fresh, new, green life. The emerald as a precious stone for the month of May. Beautiful, fertile valleys blessed with rain are symbolic of the Emerald in that both offer energy both in a spiritual and physical sense giving sustenance for one who might own an Emerald and for those living within the valleys.
The emerald has been a symbol since the Egyptians engraved the stone with pictures of foliage. It would then be gifted to their deceased loved ones for their burials to represent eternal youth. It is the Egyptians who mined emeralds in the desert to the east over two-thousand years before the birth of Cleopatra. During her reign, this was her favorite stone, and even claimed one of the emerald mines as her own. She would bestow an emerald to a visiting dignitary on their departure. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in South America, they noticed that the natives were wearing some of the largest emeralds they had ever seen. They attempted to hide the mines from the Conquistadors, but were unsuccessful. Today, that area is known as Columbia, where some of the most prize emeralds are unearthed. There are sources of emeralds that have been found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Russia.
The Romans regarded the emerald representative to the goddess of love, Venus. They wore the gem to honor Aphrodite, their adopted goddess of love for fertility, beauty and love. Their emperor, Nero had eyeglasses that were made of emerald so that he might watch the gladiators battle and maintain his eyes’ health, and to ease the strain upon his eyes.
These crystals grow slowly within the confines of metamorphic rock, making them rare and thus, very valuable and expensive, sometimes more so than diamonds. It represents wisdom, patience and growth. It often given as an anniversary gift, as these characteristics in a relationship are important. It also represents friendship, faithfulness and loyalty, and they have been utilized for the effective treatment of health issues related to fertility, eyes, spine and for headaches. The Emerald can prevent seizures, reduce fevers and stop bleeding.
Some other interesting facts about the May Birthstone Emerald:
-Mostly all Emeralds have been treated with an epoxy resin or oil to fill in surface cracks making them less visible
-Some of the oils used to treat Emeralds are clear, however, some are tinted green in order to make them appear more vivid
-Mummies were buried with emeralds
-It is often times worn by travelers for luck and has legends of calming stormy seas
Other symbols of May
May Birth Flower:
Lily of the Valley and the Hawthorn. Hawthorns flower in May and symbolizes the return of spring and summer. Maypoles were constructed of hawthorn.
May Birth Tree:
Ash, Popular, and Chestnut
Famous People born in May:
Fred Astaire- May 10, 1899
Mr. T- May 21, 1943
Bing Crosby- May 2, 1903
Tina Fey- May 18, 1970
Audrey Hepburn- May 4, 1929
Candice Bergen- May 9, 1946
Anne Heche- May 25, 1969
Cate Blanchet- May 14, 1969
See more at: http://birthstonesbymonths.net/may-birthstone-emerald/#sthash.VNnsHCVq.dpuf
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Nuin/Ash, Feb. 18 – March 17
Divination: Magic, peace
About Nuin / Ash
Tree- Ash
Month- March
Color- Green
Letter- N
Class- Chieftain
Animal- Snake, snipe
Planet: Neptune
Gemstone: Coral
Flower: Wood Anemone
Diety: Lir, the sea-god and Gwydion The Magician.
Ash: (Nion: NEE-uhn) Nuin. Battle of Draiocht Prosperity/Harm Nua/Nuin/Hardihood. Feminine — Moon of Waters . The fifth tree and its latin name is fraxinus meaning firelight. The Ash is also known as the Cosmic Ash, or World Tree. It is said to be an ancestor of humankind. In Greece powerful families were believed to have come from ash trees. In Celtic cosmology, it is said to connect the three circles of existence – Abred, Gwynedd and Ceugant – which can be variously interpreted as past, present and future, or as confusion, balance and creative force; there being no hell, but only continual rebirth as passage is made from circle to circle until the Land of the Blessed is finally reached.
The common ash is a major tree of the lowland forests in much of Europe & is considered an important timber tree. It is the traditional material for the handle of a besom & a popular wood for making wands.The Ash tree has the toughest, most elastic wood & is used in weaver’s beams. The women would weave cloth and intermingling threads together in a tight pattern as the microcosm and the macrocosm are united. The bark of the ash can be used as a substitute for quinine in intermittent fevers. Simmer 2 Tablespoons of bark for 20 minutes in one cup of water. Take a quarter cup four times daily. The leaves have a laxative effect. Steep 2 Tablespoons of the leaf in one cup of water for 20 minutes & take a quarter cup daily. The Ash tree symbolizes the linking of the inner and outer worlds. You may feel locked in or bound but this aids in realizing that all things are connected. Magickal Associations: Prosperity, protection, healing. Healing wands and protective staffs are made of ash. If you bury a newborn’s nail trimmings beneath an ash tree, it is said to ensure that he or she will grow up to be a good singer.
Physical: You and the world are interconnected & your actions echo continually, infinitely in the cosmos, so stay aware of the effects of your actions.
Mental:Your problems or questions do not solely belong to you. Many others have these same qualms & musings, so try & look at the question in a broader sense and ask opinions of others.
Spiritual: Try your best to realize & understand that all things are connected. Balance your needs with the Earth’s.
February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash
February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash
In the Norse eddas , Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae .
Source:
Celtic Tree Months
About Those Born Under the Sign of the Ash Tree (Feb. 18 – Mar. 17)
About Those Born Under the Sign of the Ash Tree – The Enchanter
February 18 – March 17
Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associates with and people see out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and desire. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partners well with Willow and Reed.
SourceWhats-Your.Sign.Com
Lunar Energies & Esoterica: Alder
LUNAR ENERGIES & ESOTERICA: ALDERby Muirghein uí Dhún Aonghasa (Linda Kerr) & Epona
Alder is the time of birthing, after the inception in Birch, the quickening in Rowan, and the premature urgings of Ash. Alder is the beginning of a new cycle, just as the Spring Equinox brings forth new life on the earth. Also at the Equinox, the days and nights are of equal length, and an egg can be balanced on its end. Try it!
This balance is an important part of Alder, in more than physical terms. We also have the balance of yin and yang, male and female, fire and water. A symbol of this balance is the Alder King of Celtic legend, a man whose rule is based not on fear, but on sensitivity, understanding, and reverence. He works in harmony with his queen and the natural order of life to make sure he, and his people, are connected to, and in balance with, the earth (for more on the Alder King, see “Bran and the Sacred Kings of the Alder Moon,” pg. 28).
The glyph of this moon is “I am a shining tear of the sun,” from the ‘Song of Amergin,’ in The White Goddess. Take a moment to think on this, before you continue reading.
One meaning of this glyph is the dual nature of Alder: it is a tree of both water and fire. Alder grows in and around water, yet is known for its ability to make charcoal and gunpowder. Alder pilings lift buildings out of the water, and in the same way, Alder acts to lift our spirits out of the waters of the first three moons, and onto the dry land of the spring and summer months ahead. Alder also acts as a bridge between the two halves of the year, connecting and balancing the fire and water aspects, and the male and female sides of ourselves.
You can use the energies of this moon to reconnect with the earth, and bring your inner natures into balance. Now that the storms of Ash have passed, we can quit trying to attack each other, and learn to work together in harmony, especially with the opposite sex. A left-over effect of Ash is that the men are pretty fed up with the women. Be sensitive to each other now, act responsibly, and understand how your actions can affect others. This must be done now, when the balanced energies of nature are all around us, or things will get really out of skelter by Holly moon.
The hardest thing to overcome in this moon is self-doubt and doubts about other, but these are a natural consequence of new beginnings and birthings, when we look toward the year ahead. This is a good time to honestly examine these doubts, so you will know what you have to deal with in the future moons. The Alder can help you through this, and give you joy and hope for the future.
The Wicca Book of Days for Feb. 18th – Mighty Ash
The Wicca Book of Days for February 18th
Mighty Ash
The Celtic tree month of the Ash begins today, and will last until the Alder takes over on March 18th. Yggdrasil, the Norse world tree, was envisaged
as a mighty Ash, and this is just one of the reasons why the Ash was considered to supply stability and strength (another is that its hard-wearing wood was favored for spear shafts and tool handles). The ancient Greeks believed that serpents fled from the Ash tree, so that it also had protective powers, that is, unless you sheltered under it during a thunderstorm, for according to an old English rhyme, “And shun the Ash/It courts the flash.”
“A Heavenly View”
Take inspiration from U. S. astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh, who discovered the planet Pluto on February 18, 1930, to do some stargazing of your own this evening, perhaps after wrapping up warmly and venturing out in the dead of night. Communing with the heavens will be time wonderfully spent.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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