The Current Moon Phase for Dec. 31 – Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /1% of Full)

This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Tuesday, December 31

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Tuesday, December 31

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants:Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures

Calendar of the Moon for December 30th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a single black candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.

Dark Moon Invocation

At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your aging face
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and complete
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.

(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for December 30th – Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /4% of Full)

This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.

Light Is Returning

Yule Comments & Graphics

Light Is Returning

Light is Returning
Even though this is the darkest hour
No one can hold
Back the Dawn

Let’s keep it burning
Let’s keep the light of hope alive
Make safe our journey
Through the storm.

One Planet is turning
Circle in her path around the sun
Earth Mother is calling
Her children home.

© Charlie Murphy

Current Moon Phase for December 21 – Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /75% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

The Witches Almanac for Saturday, December 21st

Yule Comments & Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Saturday, December 21

Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes and houses.

Yule – Winter Solstice

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Leo

Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Sun enters Capricorn 12:11 pm

Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Incense: Ivy

Color: Brown

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 20th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/80% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, December 20th

The Witches Almanac for Friday, December 20th

Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation, and beauty.

Commerce God Festival (Japanese)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon enters Leo 1:48 am

Leo:  Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Incense: Orchid

Color: Coral

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 19th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/86% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 19th

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 19th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

Opalia (Roman)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer:  Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Incense: Clove

Color:  Green

Calendar of the Moon for December 18th

Calendar of the Moon

Elder Tree Month

Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.

Ruis Invocation

Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.

Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 18th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/92% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams

The Witches Magick for Dec. 18th – Bow To The Moon Spell

The Witches Magick for Dec. 18th – Bow To The Moon Spell

In many countries, it is considered unlucky to point directly at the moon, but if you curtsey or bow to the moon, it will draw gifts and favors to you during the next moon cycle.

Use a lapis dream charm or a tumbled piece of clear quartz for this spell. Once the moon rises, go outdoors or stand where you can see the moon clearly, and bow(men) or curtsey(women) to the moon nine times. Each time you bow or curtsey, repeat:

“I curtsey(bow) to the Mother, I curtsey(bow) to the moon, please bring me abundance and bring it soon!”

Now hold the stone in your receiving hand as you say this prayer:

“Dear Goddess and God of the moon and stars
Please hear my prayer tonight
Grace me with your divine presence
So that I may dream of joyful abundance.
And help me to remember my dreams
When I awaken once again
Help me to interpret my dream messages
So that I may know their deeper meanings
Thank you, divine Lady and Lord, blessed be!”
 

Bow or curtsey to the moon three times. Each time you bow or curtsey, repeat:

“I curtsey(bow) to the Mother, I (curtsey)bow to the moon, please bring me abundance and bring it soon!”

When you go indoors slip the stone inside your pillowcase or put it next to your bedside as you sleep. As you drift to sleep, repeat to yourself:

“I clearly remember my dreams when I wake up and easily understand the dream messages.”

When you awaken, hold the stone in your receiving hand as you write down everything you recall from your dreams in your journal. Continue doing this until you draw abundance to you.

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, December 18th

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, December 18th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

Feast of the Virgin of Solitude

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Incense: Bay Laurel

Color: Topaz

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, December 17th

Our emotions are running strong now, yet words have extra power as we dance circles around the real issues. The Full Moon occurs in interactive Gemini at 4:28 am EST, stretching the polarities between what we say and what we believe. Our feelings change with the changing circumstances of life, but our belief systems remain constant. The Moon’s entry into nurturing Cancer at 1:16 pm helps us to shift out of our heads and into our hearts.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Self-indulgence isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it’s in moderation. But self-restraint may be elusive today as the Gemini Full Moon lights up your 3rd House of Information, unless you stay on your toes. You are compelled to share what you feel and your moods are intense and immediate now. Before going to extremes, examine the negative consequences of expressing your moods too soon. This proactive approach will help you gain a healthier perspective.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You may be lured out past your regular boundaries of safety as the restless Gemini Full Moon rattles your 2nd House of Core Beliefs. Resistance is futile, but going along with the flow doesn’t necessarily mean slipping into denial if your values are tested. You might even feel as if you’re being overloaded with too much information. Thankfully, relief arrives when the evocative Moon sinks into care-giving Cancer later in the day, shifting the focus to your heart.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You’re experiencing the pull of your own feelings quite strongly now, but it may be difficult to act as today’s Gemini Full Moon floods your sign with a variety of emotions. The biggest danger you currently face is a loss of perspective, making it easier to blow something out of proportion. Even if you feel strongly about your opinion, let the energies settle for a day or two before sharing what’s on your mind.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

It’s all about how you process feelings and then talk about them as the clever Gemini Full Moon brightens your 12th House of Destiny. The seas of your emotions are normally contained securely within your boundaries. However, you’re riding the emotional high tides and there may be little you can do now to keep your dreams, desires and fears from flooding right out into the open where everyone can see them. Fortunately, your vulnerability could ultimately deepen the bonds between you and those you love.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

No matter how hard you try to meet someone’s expectations now that the Full Moon emphasizes your 11th House of Social Networking, you can’t really be everything to everyone in your life. Even if you are gloriously multitalented and multifaceted, you can still be pulled into something too deeply. If you find you are in over your head today, begin a gentle self-extraction from the situation. Expressing what’s in your heart doesn’t necessarily require the approval of anyone else.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Today’s energy may bring a bit of emotional anguish as you wish the complexity of life’s circumstances would settle down. Your feelings are in the spotlight now that the reflective Full Moon is highlighting your 10th House of Ambitions. You might be nostalgic, but you must focus on the present and not the past. Make the mental adjustments necessary to balance your future objectives with the current circumstances. But don’t settle for less; just acknowledge that it could take more time to reach your goals.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You could easily spend your day talking with friends and sharing your ideas about what you want to do with your life now that the chatty Gemini Full Moon is agitating your 9th House of Big Ideas. Your emotions are all over the map today, but you are intently fixated on the potential of your own future. Although this may not be the best time to make firm plans, it’s a great time to imagine the plethora of possibilities that are in front of you.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You understand the big picture in theory, but in practice it’s difficult to apply what you know today. Your mind is on overdrive now as it runs through every possible scenario. The flexible Gemini Full Moon falls in your 8th House of Deep Sharing, intensifying your resolve to make the most of your current relationship situation — even if it’s not ideal. Let logic be your guide until the Moon shifts into emotional Cancer and you are back in your element.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are influenced by the inconstant feelings of people around you as the changeable Gemini Full Moon shines in your 7th House of Relationships. A close partner may be the source of a minor conflict now, distracting you from what you prefer to be doing. But don’t ignore the messages you are receiving today because you have something special to learn from the differences of opinion between you and others. Open your heart and listen to those you love.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You might not know how you got yourself into such an awkward predicament today. Unfortunately, you won’t escape from your dilemma by just walking away now that the Gemini Full Moon stimulates your 6th House of Employment. This is a very busy time and there are many things that need your attention. You feel tugged in too many ways and it’s difficult to know exactly where to begin. Take a deep breath and a small step. And then take another one. You’re already on the road to success — even if your destination still feels far away.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Don’t attempt to make everything fit into place now that the flighty Gemini Full Moon occurs in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Although you want full resolution, you need to let go before you have all the answers. It might even be fun if you take a risk and share your feelings with those involved. But you could have some apprehension, for you sense that things are not going to unfold the way you envisioned them. You may want to run out on your responsibilities today, but some issues are just too important to ignore.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Don’t attempt to make everything fit into place now that the flighty Gemini Full Moon occurs in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Although you want full resolution, you need to let go before you have all the answers. It might even be fun if you take a risk and share your feelings with those involved. But you could have some apprehension, for you sense that things are not going to unfold the way you envisioned them. You may want to run out on your responsibilities today, but some issues are just too important to ignore.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You feel as if you must do something immediately to exercise your control in the outer world, but the Gemini Full Moon emphasizes your 4th House of Home and Family, drawing your energy inward. You can think of each and every possible option, as if you were playing a game of chess. But it’s just too much today to keep it all in order. You may have to throw in the towel and just ride the uncertain waves of emotional change to see where the currents will take you

Calendar of the Moon for December 27th

Calendar of the Moon

Elder Tree Month

Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.

Ruis Invocation

Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.

Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 17th is Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/98% of illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, December 17th

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, December 17th

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants: Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, December 17th

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, December 17th

Tuesday (Mars):  Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection.

Saturnalia

Moon Sign: Gemini

Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.

Moon Phase: Full Moon 4:28 am

The Full Moon is the time of greatest power.

Moon enters Cancer 1:17 pm

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Incense; Geranium

Color: Black