Tag: Astronomy

Lunar Lore for January 16th

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics

 

 If the full moon rise pale, expect rain.
– Collected in R. Inwards, “Weather Lore”.
.

The Moon in opposition to Venus,
shews a laudable day in all kind of business.
– Bethem’s “Centiloquium”
.
The Moon in Scorpio or Pisces, having Latitude South
and descending, begin no Building, for if you do,
it will quickly fall.
– J. Partridge, “Mikropanastron”

)0( )0( )0(  

~Magickal Graphics~

Current Moon Phase – Waning

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
Current Moon Phase: Waning

 
Waning Moon Magick: The period between the Full Moon and the New Moon, from three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the Full moon. From the Full Moon to the New is a time for study, meditation,and magic designed to banish harmful energies and habits, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity. This is a time for banishing and rejecting things in our lives that we no longer wish to carry around with us.

~Magickal Graphics~

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Monday, January 16

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics

 

        Lunabar Moon Almanack for Monday, January 16, 2012

Last Quarter Moon, at 4h. 9m. morning.

Moon in Via Combusta.

Moon in 23rd degree of the Sign Libra, the Balance;

also in 30th deg. of the Constellation Virgo, the Virgin.

Moonrise: 12:26 morn. Midheaven: 5:59 morn. Moonset: 11:24 morn.

 

~Magickal Graphics~

New Moon Report for Friday, Jan. 13th – Venus in Pisces

Venus in Pisces

Friday, January 13, 9:48 pm PST, Saturday, January 14, 12:48 am EST

Venus is exalted in Pisces where the love planet is at its most spiritual and compassionate expression. Idealism, imagination and exquisite sensitivity can enrich our relationships and help us find inspiration through music, art, nature, beauty and spirituality. Yet romantic fantasies and sacrificing ourselves to get affection could lead to disillusion and a sense of martyrdom. Venus in Pisces’ gift of unconditional love works best when mixed with a dose of discernment.

Precious Pet of the Day for Jan. 11th

Aurora, the Pet of the Day
Name: Aurora
 Age: Unknown
Gender: Female
 Kind: Long-tailed Tamandua
Home: Oakridge, Oregon, USA
This is Aurora Jane and she’s a Long-tailed Tamandua (anteater), the Latin name is Tamandua tetradactyla longicaudata.

Aurora is not your typical pet because she was rescued. Her full history is not known. Her age is unknown, but she may be four to five years old. One night I got a call from a friend who runs a rescue and she said there was a tamandua in desperate need of a home. She was taking in several other animals so was short on room and knew we would take good care of the tamandua, as I own one already, and had another until he passed away. At first I said only if it was a male but after discussing it with the family we agreed to take it no matter the gender.

And so we were off to pick up what turned out to be a very pregnant female. We had a peek at her there but she was not going to let us move her from her box to the crate so we took her home that way. When we got her home we had to move her from the box to her cage because the box was too big for the door. I’ve never seen a tamandua hyperventilate before. We thought she might die of fright. She was in surprisingly good health though aside from being thin.

Then I saw how big her belly was and declared her pregnant as a cow. She calmed down and soon was exploring my room, though not that same night. She was desperate for a friend but Pua, my first anteater, wanted nothing to do with her and would chase her off. Aurora would camp out as close as Pua would let her but she wasn’t winning her over. Aurora got so desperate for a friend she was grooming my geriatric cat. She would let me touch her but didn’t like it and would only take treats of cheese from me.

Less than two weeks after arrival Aurora had her baby. Then Pua got curious but Aurora would chase her off like the momma bear she is. Aurora has been a great momma. Eventually, when baby was bigger, Pua won Aurora over. It took lots of grooming by Pua. Pua did lots of grooming while Aurora pretended to ignore her. Now they are best friends. They play together and snuggle together but when it’s time for bed Pua still chooses to sleep alone in her washer while mother and Daughter sleep together in their fabric house.

Pua almost seems to think Aurora is her new mommy, as she loves to try and ride her like the babies ride their moms. Though, now that she is big, Aurora sometimes tries to ride her own baby too. One time Baby was riding Aurora and Pua hopped onto the big baby but the triple decker anteater did not go very far. Aurora is so gentle and sweet she puts up with a lot from both her babies, adopted and natural.

To Aurora, she is no pet. I am but her lowly servant and must bring her fresh cold food. She won’t eat unless her food is ice cold. She still growls at me if I pick her up but she is very sweet and has never tried to hurt me. She is just not shy of telling you when she doesn’t like something. She’s not the brightest anteater. She kept panicking that her baby was lost but baby was merely clinging to her rump, like they are supposed to do. With some help from me she was able to figure that out after a while.

Aurora may not be a true, snuggle and cuddle pet, but is happy here with her baby and best friend so I am happy with her. In fact, I love her a great deal. Despite her not returning my feelings Aurora has stolen a special place in my heart. She’s a sweet gentle soul.

Aurora, the Pet of the Day

Moon Almanack for Tuesday, January 10


Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics

 
Lunabar Moon Almanack for Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Waning, Full Moon Age: 17 ¼ days.
Ascending Node is at 12° Sagittarius.
Moon in 13th degree of the Sign Leo, the Lion;
also in 16th deg. of the Constellation Moonchild, the Crab.
Midheaven: 12:58 morn. Moonset: 8:04 morn. Moonrise: 6:45 eve.
 
 

Spell for Psychic Housecleaning

Spell for Psychic Housecleaning

By: Barrie Dolnick
 
This spell is preferably performed during a waning moon but can be cast as needed for cleansing during any moon phase.
 
Any evening after sunset,
light the end of a sagebrush stick.
Have a glass of water and a bowl
containing a shallow pool of water nearby.
Blow out the flame and blow on the ambers
of the stick to increase the smoke.
In each room of your house, blow smoke in each of the four directions.
Blow gently upon the burning stick
as you face each wall of the room.
 
Say Aloud:
I clear this space of all negativity
and of the energy of people or things
that have no purpose in our household.
I ask that this clearing be gentle
and that all of this energy be returned to its source.
 
When you are done with your whole house,
return to the room your started in.
Take the stick and dip it into the shallow
bowl of water to douse the embers.
Take a sip of water from your glass.
 
Say Aloud:
This home is a gentle and supportive environment.
I offer gratitude to the universe that this is don.
 
So be it.
And it is so.
 
Courtesy of http://Mystickblue.com ~New Age & Old Ways~

Calendar of the Moon for Jan. 9th

Calendar of the Moon
9 Beth/Poseideion II

Winter Waxing Moon

Color: White
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a silver cloth set four silver candles on it, a cauldron with dry ice in it, a silver vase containing some naked birch twigs, some dry stalks of burdock, a few briar canes, a round moon-shaped mirror, a silver bell; and goblets containing pale white wine, anise liqueur, white corn syrup, and extract of bitter almonds; a spool of silver thread, and a small vial of jasmine oil.
Offerings: Do community service for the mentally ill.
Daily Meal: White food.

Winter Waxing Moon Invocation

(Ring bell after each line. Hold moon-mirror up where all can see.)

Call: Hail Luna of the Growing Belly!
Response: Hail Selene of the Waxing Light!
Call: Spirit of night,
Response: Spectre of Sun,
Call: Egg of the serpent,
Response: Web of the spider,
Call: Servant of dreams,
Response: Lamp of delusion,
Call: Beacon of madness,
Response: Bearer of power,
Call: Crystal of knowledge,
Response: Mirror of knowing,
Call: Bringest thou visions of joys or of fears?
Response: We rejoice in this awakening.
Call: We live again, and we are fair!
Response: The Moon has risen here to bear
Call: A mirror for our altered faces
Response: For her love that all things seizes.
Call: We are risen in her light,
Response: Where the dying live again,
Call: Silver serpent, silver spider,
Response: All show fair within her mirror.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual brings the goblets around for each to drink, one at a time. For the first, they say, “Taste madness.” For the second, “Taste purity.” For the third, “Taste sweetness.” For the fourth, “Taste bitterness.” Anoint all with jasmine oil, and say, “Scent of dreams.” The bell is rung, and all exit.)

Lunar Lore

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
The line of the horizon was clear and hard against the sky,
and in one particular quarter it showed black against
a silvery climbing phosphorescence that grew and grew.
At last, over the rim of the waiting earth
the moon lifted with slow majesty till it swung clear
of the horizon and rode off, free of moorings;
– Grahame, “The Wind in the Willows.”

…
“Alilat” – the name by which the Arabs adore nature,
which they represent by a crescent moon.
– Brewer, “Dictionary of Phrase & Fable”.
…

The month is divided into three periods,
the waxing, the mid-month, and the waning,
which answer to the phases of the moon.
Endnotes to Evelyn-White’s trans. of Hesiod’s “Works and Days.”

  
~Magickal Graphics~

Jewels Of The Moon

Jewels Of The Moon

 
The primary jewel of the Moon is chalcedony. Chosen by medieval metaphysicians as birthstone for the zodiacal sign of Cancer, the chalcedony is a translucent quartz varying in color from milky white to pale blue gray or warm fawn. An age-old occult use for the gem was to cheer melancholy spirits. Talismans carved from chalcedony were thought to counteract the dispiriting influences of the planet Saturn. The Romans wore the stone as protection against the ravages of the evil eye. Its wax like luster calls to mind an image of the Moon, and many Gnostic amulets of chalcedony were engraved with the Moon’s symbol. Seamen from all quarters of the Mediterranean cherished the gem as a protection from drowning. European folk medicine claimed the touch of the chalcedony upon the brow reduced fever, brought tranquility to a troubled mind and speeded recovery.

Other treasures of the earth and the sea with strong lunar associations are amber, aquamarine, beryl, coral, moonstone, pearl, rock-crystal, and selenite.
.
Elizabeth Pepper, The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd

Astronomy Picture of the Day for Jan. 8th{Beautiful}

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

A Sirius Leonid Meteor
Credit & Copyright: Wally Pacholka  

Explanation: In the sky or on the web, have you seen this year’s Leonid meteor shower? If you have, a bright meteor flashing through the night sky should be a familiar sight. Recorded last year during the 1998 apparation of the Leonids, this time-exposure of the sky around the constellation Canis Major (big dog) shows the trail of a spectacular fireball meteor. The meteor, by chance, seems to leap from the constellation’s brightest star Sirius, near the top right. In the foreground is the beautiful desert scenery of Joshua Tree National Park. Reports of bright meteors from this year’s Leonids are already wide-spread, with the 1999 shower predicted to peak around 0200 UTC on November 18 at rates of several hundred to thousands of meteors per hour. Awe inspiring as they are, the Leonids pose no danger to earthbound skywatchers.

New Moon Report for Jan. 7th – Mercury in Capricorn

New Moon Report

By Jeff Jawer

 

Mercury in Capricorn

Saturday, January 7, 10:34 pm PST, Sunday, January 8, 1:34 am EST

Cerebral Mercury in responsible Capricorn is excellent for rational thinking and clear communication. However, the speedy messenger’s aspects with boundless Jupiter and spontaneous Uranus today fill our heads with original ideas and spur provocative comments. Once this energy settles down we will quickly put our thoughts in order and find the intellectual discipline needed to concentrate on achieving our ambitions.

Moon Moon, Mother Moon (Moon Lore)

Moon Moon, Mother Moon

Lunar Lore
…
Thou in the Moon’s bright chariot, proud and gay,
Dost thy bright wood of stars survey;
And all the year dost with thee bring
Of thousand flowery lights thine own nocturnal spring.
– Abraham Cowley, “Hymn to Light.”
…
Fairy elves,
Whose midnight revels by a forest side
Or fountain some belated peasant sees,
Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon
Sits arbitress.
~ John Milton, “Paradise Lost.”

MOON LORE

MOON LORE
 
Our mother used to take all the neighborhood young people on a moonlight
hike across the prairies. We always found a haystack that gave reason to
shove and push and throw hay at each other. Then we would stretch out
and our mother would tell us about the stars, pointing out different
ones — and the moon.
 
We were all quiet, listening to her words until she told us about the
different phases of the moon. Some asked when the moon would be full and
she said, “The moon is always full.” We all contradicted her but she
said, “We see the moon in all its phases but it is always the same.” She
told us there is a lunar moon and a solar moon according to time, and
that the moon is the only satellite that orbits our world.
 
The ultimate lesson was things are happening even if we cannot see it.
She said that we were disbelieving because wanted to see and touch
everything — but it takes faith to know what is going on whether we can
see it or not.
 
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

MOON LORE

MOON LORE

 

Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side
which he never shows to anybody
~Mark Twain~

Moon Passage


Once long ago, humans depended upon the Moon for reckoning time, planting crops and harvesting the sea. It’s phases and it’s path through the sky were matters of concern and interest to all. Today very few people indeed are even aware, beyond a casual glance, of the Moon’s presence. In a sense the lovely silver sphere which sometimes lights our darkness is more mysterious now despite the exploration of its surface. The Moon’s curious forces continue to exert their influence over us and our planet. We and the oceans of Earth still unceasingly respond to the Moon’s magnetic appeal. As a symbol of Mystic significance, appreciated by so many ancient religious expressions, the Moon remains as potent as ever, at least to the poet, the artist and the witch.


Due to the nature of its orbit, the back of the Moon is unseen by viewers on Earth. This lends one more element of mystery to our single satellite. The Moon like the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Unlike the sun, its size and shape continually change. Four cycles of approximately seven days each total a lunar month, which forms the basis for our present calendar system. The ancients held that the day began at nightfall, and the custom of celebrating holidays on their eve echoes the old tradition.


The slender crescent appearing soon after dark-of-the-Moon is called, obviously enough, the new Moon. It waxes, grows larger, to the first quarter visible in the sky as a half-Moon. The quarter in this instance refers to the sequence of the four phases. As the Moon waxes, its horns point to the east until it reaches full circle. The waning Moon diminishes in size, horns pointing west, until we see no Moon at all.

The times of rising and setting relate to the phases according to a definite pattern, as recorded in this old country rhyme:

A new Moon rises with the sun,
Its waxing half at midday shows.
The full Moon climbs at sunset hour,
And waning half the midnight knows.

The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd