A Hinge in the Year: the White Solstice

A Hinge in the Year: the White Solstice by H. Byron Ballard

Homer used “rosy-fingered dawn” to describe the rising of the sun, and here in the mountains of western North Carolina the dull gray of morning twilight gives way to a fresh bright pink. If the weather holds, this is the sight that will greet Pagans as we celebrate our next holy day on the Winter Solstice.

My daughter and I will rise in the darkness, put the kettle on the stove and bundle up to stand in the back yard with warm drinks in gloved hands. When the gray smoothes to pink, we will sing some songs and welcome the sun’s “return.”

Though our simple celebration is colored with the trappings of modern life we are following an ancient impetus and performing a ritual of thanksgiving that harkens back to the earliest human times. How often do we think about the life-giving properties of our nearest star? We wear sunscreen and dark glasses to protect us from the power of its rays and the gardeners among us may squirm uncomfortably when the rainy days of early spring delay planting.

But our ancestors knew the rhythms of the seasons because they lived close to the land. They waited for the strengthening sun to warm and dry the soil in the spring. They watched tender shoots grow thick in the heat of summer and observed the daylight lessen day by day after the celebrations of Midsummer. Harvests and animals were brought in and preserved against the dark and cold of winter. And after an enforced time of rest and conservation, the lengthening daylight following the midwinter holy days was a welcome sign of nature’s continuous nurturing cycle.

The burst of light at the Winter Solstice is reflected in so many religious observances at this holy time that we can easily recognize how our ancestors felt about the sun’s return. In the contemporary Pagan community, the celebration of the Winter Solstice is less intense than Samhain, less flashy than Beltane. It is generally an intimate holiday that features good food and song and bright hearth-fire. We honor our biological and intentional families and share tales of times past and plan the months to come.

In Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the same three spirits that challenge each of us at this time of the rolling year: the dreamlike past, the delicious present and the unknown yet-to-come. The Winter Solstice is a hinge in the year when we may, like the Roman Janus, look both forward and back. In the dark and long nights of winter, let us find some time to rest and reflect, to share a story and a song. The sun’s returning will bring the warmth of May and the glare of August but for now, it is the promise of the coming harvest that motivates us as we rise in the dark, wait through the twilight with our fragrant steaming mugs and sing a lullaby to the young sun.

Joyous Solstice!

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Author: Bronwen Forbes

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will make as a newcomer to the Pagan path is whether to join an existing group of like-minded practitioners or go it on your own as a solitary. Of course, there will be other big decisions to make later but they are all dependent upon what you choose to do now.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will confess that I am a big advocate of finding others who a) are further along the path than you and learning all you can from them and b) are folks your gut seems to trust (more on this in a future article, I promise) . Why? Let me give you an example.

At one time my group’s holiday rituals were open to any Pagans in the area who chose to attend (if they told us they were coming in advance) . Since our group was the only one and the first one in the area for some time, we attracted a lot of people who hadn’t ever been in ritual with other Pagans, even though they’d been solitaries for years.

A solitary came to one of our rituals, speaking to anyone who would listen about her “astral fiancé.” Apparently she’d met a man on the astral plane – but never in real life – and they planned to marry just as soon as she moved to Ireland and figured out which one of several million Irishmen he was. To further hinder her search, she didn’t know what his name was. At some point in the ritual they apparently got “married” (it was Beltane, after all!) because by the end of the evening she was referring to her “astral husband.” As an occasional writer of fiction, I wish I could make up stuff this good!

Does the idea of an anonymous “astral fiancé” sound a little farfetched? It sure did to us – especially when she quit her job, moved to Ireland, and (no surprise) never found him. Last we heard she was back in the States, flat broke, and living out of her car. If this woman had had some basic non-book training and/or regular contact with a group at the beginning of her Pagan studies, she’d have known better than to delude herself to the point of homelessness.

I’m not saying that every solitary Pagan is going to end up doing something profoundly stupid, spiritually-speaking, and end up living in a car, but just as you turn to a more experienced roadster when you’re learning how to drive that car, it makes just as much sense to find someone – preferably several someones – when you’re learning the Pagan basics. The book you study in order to pass the written driver’s test is good for learning the rules of the road, but you’re not going to get your license without a lot of supervised, hands-on experience. So it is with Paganism.

On the other hand, there are times and places and personalities that are better suited for solitary work. Perhaps you live too far away from the nearest group to make regular travel for rituals and classes impossible. Or maybe the local coven or grove sets off your “icky alarm” and you’d prefer to never be in their presence again, thank you very much. Or maybe your work life is too hectic and home life is too full of the needs of small children to be able to make a commitment to a group’s calendar.

Or maybe, just maybe, you are more suited to a spiritual life of quiet, private observance and contemplation and will, in fact, go farther on your Pagan path if you travel alone. I’ve met some fine people in my life for whom this is the case; I admire their personal dedication even though I can’t emulate it.

If it’s just my husband, my child and I in the house on a holiday or full moon, we’re not likely to have a formal ritual – much like my widowed mother-in-law who will cook up a storm if a few of her children or grandchildren are expected for dinner but “just can’t be bothered” to cook if she’s just feeding herself.

So how do you know if you’re more suited for a group or a solitary practice? Ask yourself the following questions. Your answers should tell you what decision you need to make to better your chances of a satisfying spiritual future.

Is there a group nearby that I like and trust? If the answers are “yes” (Yes there is a group, yes it is nearby, yes I like them, and yes I trust them) , and they have space for you, by all means petition to join. However, if there is even one “no” (There’s a group nearby but I don’t like them and wouldn’t trust them to teach me how to walk my dog, much less take an active role in my spiritual development) , you’re much better off on your own.

Do I have the personal discipline to actively practice on my own? I freely admit that I do not. I need to commit to a group and the group calendar to actively, integrally observe even the basic holidays and moon phases. And that’s okay – I’m not the only one!

However, if you can – or would even prefer to – make a personal commitment to make small observances to the Gods at this time every day (or week, or holiday) and know you’ll keep that commitment, then I say good for you! You have at least some of what it takes to be a solitary.

Am I willing to ask for help or a reality check from time to time? I don’t think it ever occurred to our above-mentioned Beltane guest to ask anyone online or in person if she was deluding herself or if her astral experiences were real. When my husband was first starting to study Paganism, he made a point of seeking out community elders and experienced practitioners at local Pagan festivals and asking them questions. Even though these good folk weren’t his formal teachers, they were more than happy to answer him.

If you join a group, your High Priest or High Priestess will provide help and reality checks – that’s their job. If you choose to go solitary, you should consider attending a nearby gathering, Pagan Pride Day, or workshop at a Pagan store once in a while just to touch base with the rest of the community. I’d hate for you to drop everything and move to Ireland if it’s all in your head.

Ultimately, only you can choose whether to join a group or strike out on your own at the beginning of your Pagan life. Only you know your geographical, work, family, and personal circumstances that will all factor into the decision.

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the best. In some ways, we are all alone – the Path is different for each person who walks it; in other ways we are all part of this wonderful, awe-inspiring, sprawling Pagan community.

How To Honor the Harvest’s End – A Samhain Ritual for Wiccans and Pagans

By Patti Wigington

Samhain represents, among other things, the end of the harvest season. If you haven’t picked it by Samhain, you probably won’t be eating it! The gardens have died off by now, and where we once saw lush green plants, there is nothing left but dry and dead stalks. The perennials have shut down for the season too, going dormant so that they may return to us in the spring. Animals are brought in from the fields for the winter — and if you’ve ever had a spider come wandering into your living room one chilly October night, you know that even the insects are trying to find a place to stay warm.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

If we had lived a few hundreds of years ago, we would not only have brought our cows and sheep in from the pastures. Most likely we’d slaughter a few of them, as well as some pigs and goats, smoking the meat so it would last through the cold months. Our grain that we picked back at Lughnasadh has been baked into bread, and all of our herbs have been gathered, and hang from the rafters in the kitchen. The harvest is over, and now it’s time to settle in for winter with the coziness of a warm fireplace, heavy blankets, and big pots of comfort food on the stovetop.

If you want to celebrate Samhain as the time of harvest’s end, you can do so as a single ritual, or as the first of three days of ceremony. If you don’t have a permanent altar in place, set up a table to leave in place for the three days prior to Samhain. This will act as a your family’s temporary altar for the Sabbat. Decorate the altar with symbols of late fall, such as:

Skulls, skeletons, grave rubbings, ghosts
Harvest food such as pumpkins, squash, root vegetables
Nuts and berries, dark breads
Dried leaves and acorns
A cornucopia filled with an abundance of fruit and veggies
Mulled cider, wine, or mead

To begin your ceremony, prepare a meal for the family — and this is something that everyone can get involved in. Put emphasis on fruits and vegetables, and wild game meat if available. Also make sure you have a loaf of a dark bread like rye or pumpernickel and a cup of apple cider or wine. Set the dinner table with candles and a fall centerpiece, and put all the food on the table at once. Consider the dinner table a sacred space.

Gather everyone around the table, and say:

Tonight is the first of three nights,
on which we celebrate Samhain.
It is the end of the harvest, the last days of summer,
and the cold nights wait on the other side for us.
The bounty of our labor, the abundance of the harvest,
the success of the hunt, all lies before us.
We thank the earth for all it has given us this season,
and yet we look forward to winter,
a time of sacred darkness.

Take the cup of cider or wine, and lead everyone outside. Make this a ceremonial and formal occasion. If you have a vegetable garden, great! Go there now — otherwise, just find a nice grassy spot in your yard. Each person in the family takes the cup in turn and sprinkles a little bit of cider onto the earth, saying:

Summer is gone, winter is coming.
We have planted and
we have watched the garden grow,
we have weeded,
and we have gathered the harvest.
Now it is at its end.

If you have any late-fall plants still waiting to be picked, gather them up now. Collect a bundle of dead plants and use them to make a straw man or woman. If you follow a more masculine path, he may be your King of Winter, and rule your home until spring returns. If you follow the Goddess in her many forms, make a female figure to represent the Goddess as hag or crone in winter.

Once that is done, go back inside and bring your King of Winter into your home with much pomp and circumstance. Place him on your table and prop him up with a plate of his own, and when you sit down to eat, serve him first.

Begin your meal with the breaking of the dark bread, and make sure you toss a few crumbs outside for the birds afterwards. Keep the King of Winter in a place of honor all season long — you can put him back outside in your garden on a pole to watch over next spring’s seedlings, and eventually burn him at your Beltane celebration.

When you are finished with your meal, put the leftovers out in the garden. Wrap up the evening by playing games, such as bobbing for apples or telling spooky stories before a bonfire.

What You Need:

A table to use as your Samhain altar
Decorations that represent the late autumn season
A meal with lots of veggies, fruit, and bread
A cup of wine or cider

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Author: Bronwen Forbes

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will make as a newcomer to the Pagan path is whether to join an existing group of like-minded practitioners or go it on your own as a solitary. Of course, there will be other big decisions to make later but they are all dependent upon what you choose to do now.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will confess that I am a big advocate of finding others who a) are further along the path than you and learning all you can from them and b) are folks your gut seems to trust (more on this in a future article, I promise) . Why? Let me give you an example.

At one time my group’s holiday rituals were open to any Pagans in the area who chose to attend (if they told us they were coming in advance) . Since our group was the only one and the first one in the area for some time, we attracted a lot of people who hadn’t ever been in ritual with other Pagans, even though they’d been solitaries for years.

A solitary came to one of our rituals, speaking to anyone who would listen about her “astral fiancé.” Apparently she’d met a man on the astral plane – but never in real life – and they planned to marry just as soon as she moved to Ireland and figured out which one of several million Irishmen he was. To further hinder her search, she didn’t know what his name was. At some point in the ritual they apparently got “married” (it was Beltane, after all!) because by the end of the evening she was referring to her “astral husband.” As an occasional writer of fiction, I wish I could make up stuff this good!

Does the idea of an anonymous “astral fiancé” sound a little farfetched? It sure did to us – especially when she quit her job, moved to Ireland, and (no surprise) never found him. Last we heard she was back in the States, flat broke, and living out of her car. If this woman had had some basic non-book training and/or regular contact with a group at the beginning of her Pagan studies, she’d have known better than to delude herself to the point of homelessness.

I’m not saying that every solitary Pagan is going to end up doing something profoundly stupid, spiritually-speaking, and end up living in a car, but just as you turn to a more experienced roadster when you’re learning how to drive that car, it makes just as much sense to find someone – preferably several someones – when you’re learning the Pagan basics. The book you study in order to pass the written driver’s test is good for learning the rules of the road, but you’re not going to get your license without a lot of supervised, hands-on experience. So it is with Paganism.

On the other hand, there are times and places and personalities that are better suited for solitary work. Perhaps you live too far away from the nearest group to make regular travel for rituals and classes impossible. Or maybe the local coven or grove sets off your “icky alarm” and you’d prefer to never be in their presence again, thank you very much. Or maybe your work life is too hectic and home life is too full of the needs of small children to be able to make a commitment to a group’s calendar.

Or maybe, just maybe, you are more suited to a spiritual life of quiet, private observance and contemplation and will, in fact, go farther on your Pagan path if you travel alone. I’ve met some fine people in my life for whom this is the case; I admire their personal dedication even though I can’t emulate it.

If it’s just my husband, my child and I in the house on a holiday or full moon, we’re not likely to have a formal ritual – much like my widowed mother-in-law who will cook up a storm if a few of her children or grandchildren are expected for dinner but “just can’t be bothered” to cook if she’s just feeding herself.

So how do you know if you’re more suited for a group or a solitary practice? Ask yourself the following questions. Your answers should tell you what decision you need to make to better your chances of a satisfying spiritual future.

Is there a group nearby that I like and trust? If the answers are “yes” (Yes there is a group, yes it is nearby, yes I like them, and yes I trust them) , and they have space for you, by all means petition to join. However, if there is even one “no” (There’s a group nearby but I don’t like them and wouldn’t trust them to teach me how to walk my dog, much less take an active role in my spiritual development) , you’re much better off on your own.

Do I have the personal discipline to actively practice on my own? I freely admit that I do not. I need to commit to a group and the group calendar to actively, integrally observe even the basic holidays and moon phases. And that’s okay – I’m not the only one!

However, if you can – or would even prefer to – make a personal commitment to make small observances to the Gods at this time every day (or week, or holiday) and know you’ll keep that commitment, then I say good for you! You have at least some of what it takes to be a solitary.

Am I willing to ask for help or a reality check from time to time? I don’t think it ever occurred to our above-mentioned Beltane guest to ask anyone online or in person if she was deluding herself or if her astral experiences were real. When my husband was first starting to study Paganism, he made a point of seeking out community elders and experienced practitioners at local Pagan festivals and asking them questions. Even though these good folk weren’t his formal teachers, they were more than happy to answer him.

If you join a group, your High Priest or High Priestess will provide help and reality checks – that’s their job. If you choose to go solitary, you should consider attending a nearby gathering, Pagan Pride Day, or workshop at a Pagan store once in a while just to touch base with the rest of the community. I’d hate for you to drop everything and move to Ireland if it’s all in your head.

Ultimately, only you can choose whether to join a group or strike out on your own at the beginning of your Pagan life. Only you know your geographical, work, family, and personal circumstances that will all factor into the decision.

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the best. In some ways, we are all alone – the Path is different for each person who walks it; in other ways we are all part of this wonderful, awe-inspiring, sprawling Pagan community.

Goddess Of The Month

DEMETER

Goddess of grain and agriculture, pure Nourisher of youth and the green earth, health-giving cycle of life and death, and preserver of both marital fertility and the Sacred Law.

In Greek mythology, Demeter (Greek: “mother-earth” or possibly “distribution-mother” from the noun of the Indo-European mother-earth) is the goddess of grain and agriculture, the pure nourisher of youth and the green earth, the health-giving cycle of life and death, and preserver of both marital fertility and the sacred law. She is invoked as the “bringer of seasons” in the Homeric hymn, a subtle sign that she was worshiped long before the Olympians arrived. The Homeric Hymn to Demeter has been dated to sometime around the seventh century B.C.E. She and her daughter Persephone were the central figures of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which also predate the Olympian pantheon. The Roman equivalent is Ceres, from whom the word “cereal” is derived.

Demeter is easily confused with Gaia or Rhea, and with Cybele. The goddess’ epithets reveal the span of her functions in Greek life. Demeter and Kore (“the maiden”) are usually invoked as to theo (‘”The Two Goddesses”), and they appear in that form in Linear B graffiti at Mycenaean Pylos in pre-classical times. A connection with the goddess-cults of Minoan Crete is quite possible.

According to the Athenian rhetorician Isocrates, the greatest gifts that Demeter gave were cereal, which set humans apart from wild animals, and the mysteries, which give humankind higher hopes in this life and the next.

The Eleusinian Mysteries

Without a doubt, the most important role of Demeter was as a goddess of the Elusinian mystery religion. In this capacity, her primary function was to provide the cultic adherents with hope for eternal life (or a pleasant afterlife). Though little is known of the specifics of worship, it appears that it involved a hidden knowledge (gnosis) being shared by the participants:

The object of the [mystery] is to place the [participant] in a peculiarly close and privileged relation with the divinity or the deified spirit…. all of the members of the city, gens or household could freely join in the cult, if they were in the ordinary condition or ritualistic cleanliness; and the sacrifice that the priest performed for the state might be repeated by the individual, if he chose to do so, for his own purposes at his own house-altar. Both in the public and in the mystic service a sacrifice of some sort was requisite, and as far as we can see the religious conception of the sacrifice might be the same in both. But in the former the sacrifice with the prayer was the chief act in the ceremony, in the latter it was something besides the sacrifice that was of the essence of the rite; something was shown to the eyes of the initiated, something was done: thus the mystery[.]

These rites are one of the most compelling enigmas in human religious history, as the vow of secrecy that all participants were obliged to take has remained largely unbroken—meaning that many elements of these practices have been lost to the mists of time.

Demeter and Poseidon

Demeter and Poseidon’s names are linked in the earliest scratched notes in Linear B found at Mycenaean Pylos, where they appear as PO-SE-DA-WO-NE and DA-MA-TE in the context of sacralized lot-casting. The ‘DA‘ element in each of their names is seemingly connected to an Proto-Indo-European root relating to distribution of land and honors (compare Latin dare “to give”). Poseidon (his name seems to signify “consort of the distributor”) once pursued Demeter, in her archaic form as a mare-goddess. She resisted the sea king’s advances, but she could not disguise her divinity among the horses of King Onkios. Poseidon became a stallion and “covered” (read: violated) her. Demeter was literally furious (“Demeter Erinys”) at the assault, but washed away her anger in the River Ladon (“Demeter Lousia”). She bore to Poseidon a daughter, whose name could not be uttered outside the Eleusinian Mysteries, and a steed named Arion, with a black mane. In Arcadia, Demeter was worshiped as a horse-headed deity into historical times:

The second mountain, Mt. Elaios, is about 30 stades from Phigaleia, and has a cave sacred to Demeter Melaine [“Black”]… the Phigalians say, they accounted the cave sacred to Demeter, and set up a wooden image in it. The image was made in the following fashion: it was seated on a rock, and was like a woman in all respects save the head. She had the head and hair of a horse, and serpents and other beasts grew out of her head. Her chiton reached right to her feet, and she held a dolphin in one hand, a dove in the other. Why they made the xoanon like this should be clear to any intelligent man who is versed in tradition. They say they named her Black because the goddess wore black clothing. However, they cannot remember who made this xoanon or how it caught fire; but when it was destroyed the Phigalians gave no new image to the goddess and largely neglected her festivals and sacrifices, until finally barrenness fell upon the land.

Demeter, Persephone and the Eleusinian Mysteries

The central myth of Demeter, which is at the heart of the Eleusinian Mysteries, is her relationship with Persephone, her daughter through a dalliance with Zeus. In the tale, Persephone becomes the unwilling consort of Hades (Roman Pluto, the underworld god of wealth) and is taken from her mother’s side into her new spouse’s dusky kingdom. Demeter, distraught over the loss of her precious daughter, devoted the entirety of her time and attention to seeking her, which had the consequence of halting the progression of seasons. During her search, she had many additional adventures, though none of them were sufficient to distract her from her maternal concerns. Eventually, the situation on Earth grew so dire that Zeus found it necessary to intercede directly, imploring his brother to return Persephone to her mother. Before she was released, however, Hades tricked her into eating six pomegranate seeds, which forced her to return to his realm for six months each year. When Demeter and her daughter were together, the earth flourished with vegetation. But for six months each year, when Persephone returned to the underworld, the earth once again became a barren realm. This myth, in addition to providing an aetiological explanation for the progression of the seasons, also explain the connection between Demeter/Persephone and the Eleusinian Mysteries (which were centered around the achievement of eternal life).

Demeter’s stay at Eleusis

While Demeter was searching for her daughter Persephone, she found it expedient to adopt the guise of an old woman (Doso). In this form, she received a hospitable welcome from Celeus, the king of Eleusis in Attica (and also Phytalus). He asked her to nurse Demophon and Triptolemus, his sons by Metanira.

As a gift to Celeus (in thanks for his hospitality), Demeter planned to make Demophon as a god, which was achieved by coating and anointing him with Ambrosia, breathing gently upon him while holding him in her arms and bosom, and by burning away his mortal spirit in the family hearth every night. Unfortunately, Demeter was unable to complete the ritual because one night Metanira (the child’s mother) walked in and saw her son in the fire and screamed in fright. This angered the fertility goddess, who lamented that foolish mortals did not understand the power of her ritual.

Instead of making Demophon immortal, Demeter chose instead to repay her host’s generosity by teaching Triptolemus the art of agriculture. From him, the rest of Greece learned to plant and reap crops.

Portrayals of Demeter

Demeter is usually portrayed on a chariot, is frequently associated with images of the harvest, including flowers, fruit, and grain. She was also sometimes pictured with Persephone.
Demeter is not generally portrayed with a consort, though the exception is Iasion, the youth of Crete who lay with the goddess in a thrice-ploughed field and was sacrificed afterwards.
Demeter placed Aethon, the god of famine, in Erysichthon’s gut, making him permanently famished. This was a punishment for cutting down trees in a sacred grove.

Reference:

New World Encyclopedia

Samhain Oils – Protection Oil

PROTECTION OIL

Protection Oils are used to anoint any manner of objects in order to
enhance the purity of spiritual vibrations. This 1 is best made on The Dark of the Moon.

* 1 dram-sized bottle

* 1/2 dram Sweet Almond Oil

* 3 drops Amber Oil

* 1 drop Jasmine Oil

* 7 drops Dark Musk Oil (Plain Musk may be substituted)

* 5 drops Rue Oil

* 3 small pieces Dragon’s Blood Resin

* 1 pinch coarse Sea Salt

Add the ingredients and shake, to mix well, after each addition.

Living a Magickal Life

I ran across the following article several days ago. I have been aiming to share it with you but got busy updating the blog. The article first caught my eye, which is unusual because I seldom read short ones. Then I got to reading it, the article really touched my heart and soul as Samhain approaches. I hope you enjoy it……..

Living a Magickal Life
By Lotus Moonwise

It might seem strange to tell a story about Beltane in an issue about Samhain, but the two go hand in hand. Beltane is about manifesting the Goddess externally, through union with others and the World around us. Samhain is about manifesting Her internally, by going within, connecting with the deepest parts of yourself, and allowing Her messages to come to you
from across the thin veil.

Last Beltane, I was just coming down from an intense “expansion” phase, working hard, making major changes in my life and was feeling uncentered, caught up in a frantic, unnatural pace. I felt like I was going around and around in circles in my mind, feeling so overwhelmed with all I had to get done that I couldn’t get anything done and was beginning to feel more and
more paralyzed and disconnected from my Spirit. I wondered how I was going to find the energy to organize a big Beltane celebration, like I do every year. The more I thought about it, the more I felt sure, I just didn’t have it in me this year. So I threw my hands up in surrender and made the decision to “skip” the Sabbat.

On the Thursday afternoon before the weekend of Beltane, my husband came home and told me he’d gotten a surprise bonus at work. That same day, my friend called and said she was in a jam and needed some money and offered to watch my three kids for the weekend in exchange for the cash she needed. Everything was suddenly in place for a quiet weekend away.

I wanted something in the mountains, near a river. I found this place that looked perfect and I called up the reservation company. It was booked, but they had just had someone call earlier that day to cancel, so had an opening for another house. It was in the mountains, down a dead end dirt road, at the point where two rivers meet. They call it Two Rivers Cottage. We booked it on the spot. What followed was two days and nights of intense, deep quiet, cradled by the one I love with the forest surrounding us like a blanket. We made love by the huge stone hearth, cooked a feast for two, and enjoyed the fullness of silence, together.

As I sat near the hearth, with my tarot cards laid out, Hecate kept coming up – showing me the crossroads. And it hit me when I looked at the image. The two roads… the two rivers….they were just outside my door. I put on my coat and walked outside. I stood at the point where the two rivers converge into one, and heard the message She whispered in my ear : it doesn’t matter which path you choose, it’s all leading you home. I heard the words of a song flow through my heart…”there’s no need for turning back, for all roads lead to where we stand, and I believe we walk them all, no matter what we may have planned.” I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I could relax. I didn’t have to figure everything out right now. It was enough to just be here, in this space with Her, loving myself and loving the moment.

The weekend was magickal. And even though I hadn’t planned anything for this holy day –the Goddess had planned something for me. A weekend of pure, loving union between the God and Goddess, embodied within us and expressed through us in the most natural and effortless way possible.

As Samhain approaches, I reflect on the magick in my life, the gifts from the Goddess, and the sense of trust and allowing that has become the cornerstone of my faith. This time of year, especially, I am reminded how to live a magickal life, day in and day out. Living a magickal life is about allowing the Universe to express itself through you. As you pay attention to the subtle clues She leaves along the way, a path of possibilities is paved. Every question is answered before it’s asked. In the moment of need, all things are already there, in your life, placed there by your Goddess self before you even knew you needed them.

Blessed Samhain to all…….

(Song lyrics by Don McLean)

About The Author: Lotus Moonwise is a High Priestess and leader of a small family circle. She walks a wise woman path, recognizing the union of the spiritual world with the physical. She considers herself an eclectic hearth witch, honoring her home, family and circle of community as the central focus of her service to the Goddess. She is a massage therapist, Reiki
master, writer, and artist and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, three children and three cats.

http://www.moonwisewellness.com/school/

Beyond the Smudge Stick

Beyond the Smudge Stick

Author: Amy

Do you find the smoke of smudge sticks to be, well, wimpy? Is what you need a truly cleansing smudge? Then try some Hibachi Herbal Magic. Tossing loose herbs on hot charcoal is style of smudge favored by the Mesoamerican indigenous for a few thousand years, like this recent experience of mine in the Mayan Yucatan:

A red glow danced across Paloma’s dark skin as she leaned toward the modest bonfire, using a small stone rake to draw steaming embers to the edge. She deftly a large terra cotta chalice with one hand to scoop up hot charcoal and tossed on copal granules from a bowl with the other, quickly rising up and walking toward me in a cloud of thick white smoke. With a few swift motions up my body, she enveloped me in swirling copal fumes.

To become immersed in smoke is a baptism, a complete submission to another world. The animated smoke feels alive with strong aromas that can transport the mind and liberate the spirit. If you have herbs, a fire container and charcoal, you can do this, too.

More Than Sage

In making a smudge stick you’re limited to herbs still on their stems. But with loose herbs on hot charcoal, the possibilities are boundless, with not only leafy herbs but resins such frankincense, sandalwood and other woods, plus seeds, flowers, berries and a plethora of essential oils.

Ooomph up a sage smudge with super purifiers like blue vervain. Add in protective herbs so that the vigorous cleansing doesn’t leave you vulnerable. Tailor the smudge for your event, using a rich, sweet myrrh and mugwort-based blend for the emotional openness of Moon ceremonies. Salute the Sun with a mix emphasizing rosemary and bay laurel for a sharp aroma that will quicken the mind.

A smudge can be fashioned for any sabbat, with Beltane and Summer Solstice bonfires having strong herbal traditions. A male-honoring smudge might be musky with highly spiced overtones. One for women could reflect their complexity, with sweet and warm aromas brightened with elements of green herbs and grounded with earthiness.

Here’s an example of a woman-honoring smudge:

Feminine Focus

Aroma: resinous – sweetly musky with spicy overtones
Ceremonial Use: purifications; Venus, Moon and women’s ceremonies
Significant Days: New and Full Moons; goddess and divine feminine days

Preparation Notes: Crush the cardamon pods, myrrh, sandalwood and valerian root, if necessary, and grind into a rough powder. Add thyme and blue vervain and blend.

cardamon (or cardamom) pods1/2 cup 1 part
myrrh resin 1 cup 2 parts
sandalwood 1/2 cup 1 part
thyme 1/4 cup 1/2 part
valerian root 1/2 cup 1 part
vervain, blue 1/2 cup 1 part

The warm aroma and purifying qualities of the lunar myrrh and sandalwood are paired with purification punch of blue vervain and thyme. Valerian provides relaxed grounding, while cardamon adds spice and pays tribute to Venus, the goddess of love. (See note about balancing with solar blends in Lunar Purification, below.)

More Than Smudge

You can push smudges a step further with adult-only blends that I call immersents. The smudges are done naked or lightly clothed. Active ingredients in the smoke are absorbed through bare skin and inhaled into the lungs. They should only be done with lung-buffering herbs like coltsfoot and great mullein to counter the stress of inhaling smoke.

Immersents are ideal for situations when you want to create a mind-altering effect in participants in a mild and gradual way so the gathering doesn’t go all wacko. Hibachi Herbal Magic is not for parties, but can be used to take your mind to new places.

Psychotropic herbs can be used to foster passion and induce trances, deepen divination and cause prophetic dreams. Some facilitate deep meditation. None should be used if driving within three hours of partaking.

Even if mind altering is not what you seek, you can guide your gatherings with non-ceremonial inhalants for sharpening the mind when folks have gotten too loose or chilling out when overly revved up.

It’s Better Together

One of the cool things about Hibachi Herbal Magic is the way it puts the herbs and their power at center stage. When being blessed with a smudge stick, I’m always aware of the person who’s doing the smudging. But with loose herbs on a hibachi of hot charcoal, it’s just the smoke and the smudgee.

Everyone’s been through the interminable wait while the circle is smudged with a stick. But with Hibachi Herbal Magic, to smudge a group of people they just have them stand downwind, or use large hand fans to direct the smoke. Using the Mesoamerican chalice technique you can still smudge people individually, while doing it quicker and with a more potent smoke.

Hibachi Herbal Magic can also sub for a Beltane or Summer Solstice bonfire in places where open fires are not allowed. A leap through the smoke of special seasonal herbs can be a perfect conclusion to a ceremony. It’s very tactile and memorable!

But the technique also excels for individuals and small groups. It’s an awesome experience to do Hibachi Herbal Magic alone; it’s like a dance with the smoke. Either way, you can even straddle the hibachi and smudge the goods!

Fire Up!

The whole igniting-charcoal-in-the-hibachi thing can be intimidating for the barbeque-impaired. It all depends on the charcoal you use. Self-lighting charcoal briquettes are a breeze; one flick of a Bic will get them started.

Natural charcoal or regular briquettes are by far the more environmental option. Both use waste from lumber processing, with pre-charred wood scraps making natural charcoal and sawdust mixed with binder for briquettes. Or look for treeless briquettes made from coconut shells, which have a great aroma.

Use ethanol a plant-derived lighter gel, which is essentially liquefied Sterno, for the complete green approach. Using a charcoal chimney can will help the lighting process immensely.

Charcoal fires can a bit of an art, and a messy one at that, but worth it. The poised glowing fire of the hot embers provides a powerful focus point for any gathering. The clouds of smoke redolent with complex aromas can focus and entrance a crowd, quickly transporting them out of the ordinary in a very whole-bodied way.

The Lion King Explains the Wheel of the Year

The Lion King Explains the Wheel of the Year

Author: Sevati Pari

The Wiccan tradition celebrates eight festivals or Sabbats that follow the Wheel of the Year (their term for the Earth’s seasons) (Wikipedia) . Among these are Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha or Midsummer, Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain (Healing Happens) . Allow me to tell you a little about each Sabbat and the mythology behind it before moving on to concentrate on Yule and Litha for my pop culture reference.

For reference though the Wiccan Goddess is a triple goddess. She is Maiden, Mother, and Crone separate and simultaneously. The Maiden is when she’s a youth still young and virginal, the Mother is after she gives birth to the Sun God who becomes the Horned God at Beltane, and the Crone is the wise woman she becomes in her elder years when the cycles of her life are done.

There are two different myths that follow the wheel of the year. One being the Goddess/God duality where the Sun God is born to the Mother/Crone at Yule, The Mother becomes the Maiden at Imbolc as the God grows in power and courts the Goddess in her Maiden aspect during Ostara, He impregnates the Goddess Beltane during the height of his power becoming the Horned God, he begins to wane in power during Lammas, and passes away at Samhain becoming the Sacred King who dies so that the land might be reborn, to be born again to the Mother/Crone at Yule (Healing Happens, Sherri Maddon) .

Another myth is that of the Holly King and the Oak King. One rules winter the other rules summer. The Holly King fights and defeats the Oak King at Litha only to have the tables turned at Yule when the Oak King comes back to challenge and defeat the Holly King (About.com) .

Samhain begins our calendar as the beginning of the Pagan New Year. It falls on October thirty-first and corresponds with the Christian’s Halloween. It’s a celebration of the final harvest and a day to honor those that have passed before us. Samhain is not a mournful holiday in which we mourn their passing but more a celebration of their life. It is on this Sabbat that the Horned God passes on to the Summerland (Wiccan afterlife) .

The wheel continues on to Yule which falls anywhere from December twenty-first to December twenty-fifth depending on when the Winter Solstice (the longest night of the year is) . It is a celebration that even in the dark there is light, of the hope that spring will come again and winter soon will be over.

It is on this night that the God is born to the Goddess in her Crone aspect. Imbolc is the next Sabbat on the wheel’s cycle. It’s celebrated on February second and is one of the first spring festivals. It’s also a time for purification as the Goddess moves from her Crone state to that of the Maiden.

Following Imbolc is Ostara, which lands on the Spring Equinox usually around March twenty-first. It corresponds with the Christian’s Easter. It’s a celebration of Spring. Then comes Beltane celebrated on May first.

Beltane is a celebration of the fertility of the land and would usually end up in more than one woman walking away from the Beltane fires carrying a baby in her belly. The Sun God mates with the Maiden and she walks away a Mother while he walks away as the Horned God. The days grow longer till we reach Midsummer, which falls on June twenty-first, or the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year) .

Midsummer is a celebration life in general. Next on the wheel is Lammas celebrated on August first. It’s one of the first harvest festivals. It is a time to celebrate the fruit of our yearly labors.

The days progressively decline till we reach Mabon, which actually just passed on September twenty-first. Mabon celebrates the Fall Equinox and is a day of Thanksgiving. It’s a day to be thankful for what you have and for those you have to share it with, much like the American holiday of Thanksgiving that falls in November.

As the day’s decline we swing back around to Samhain where the Horned God becomes the Sacred King and dies so that the land may be reborn (Healing Happens, Sherri Madden) .

I know I went a little off topic here telling about all the Sabbats but I wanted to give you some basic knowledge so you could understand the two I chose for my pop culture reference example, which was that of Walt Disney’s “The Lion King.”

The story was actually based off of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Disney’s movie Bambi but I doubt Walt even knew of the story of the Holly King and Oak King or the Wheel of the Year when he set about making this Disney Classic and created the “Circle of Life.” At the beginning of the movie you see Simba being presented to the kingdom as heir, much as the Goddess presents the Sun God at Yule.

Then later on Mufasa gives Simba a tour of the lands he will one day rule teaching about the “Circle of Life” and how everything is born and dies but even in death nurtures the land (i.e. the wildebeest eat the grass, the lions eat the wildebeest, and when a lion dies his body becomes nourishment for the grass which keeps the circle going) , a clear reference to the Wheel of the Year.

Scar (Simba’s uncle) leads him into the gorge for a “surprise” for Mufasa that turns out to be a stampede that Mufasa tries to save Simba from. He saves him only to be pushed off a cliff by Scar a clear example of the fight of the Holly King vs. the Oak King, Scar being the Holly King and the Winter of Pride Rock.

Simba runs away and grows up meeting Nala (a childhood friend) , they fall in love, and she convinces him to come back to save Pride Rock an example of Ostara and Beltane when the God courts and mates the Goddess. Simba returns and exiles Scar but Scar attacks him forcing Simba to push him off a cliff like Scar did to Mufasa.

Again this is a reference to the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King, this time with Simba being the Oak King and the Summer of Pride Rock. Scar survives the fall but finds himself surrounded by Hyenas who attack him (Wikipedia) .

I didn’t even think of this till I got further into my studies as a first-year initiate in Wicca and I started this class. I just happened to be watching the movie with my little sister and it all fell into place. It was one of those Ah Ha/Eureka moments where the light bulb goes off in your head. But now the movie makes perfect sense to me.

Then I started thinking about how Lion King has affected pop culture. Snippets of the movies have shown up in other movies, TV shows, and books. It’s shown on Home Improvement multiple times since Jonathan Taylor Thomas played Simba voice one clear example was: “I found another Lion King reference on Home Improvement [episode titled “Say Goodnight, Gracie”– 7th season, 15th episode].

In one scene, Tim and a little girl named Gracie are playing with some Lion King animals. Randy gets a chance to tell Gracie about “his” experiences impersonating a lion cub. Tim says, “Oh sorry, I’ve never been a lion cub before, ”

Then Randy replies, “Well, I have. And let me tell you. It’s a tough gig. Everybody expects you to be king.” (Lion King Sightings) .

There’s also a scene in Aladdin and the King of Thieves where Genie turns to Pumbaa and says “Hakuna Mattata” Then turns back and goes “Whoops, I just had an out of movie experience, ” (Lion King Sightings) .

Footnotes:
Works Cited
About.com: Paganism/Wicca. 23 September 2008. About.com
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/p/Holly_KIng_Yule.htm

Healing Happens. 23 September 2008. http://www.healinghappens.com/wheel.htm

Lion King Sightings. 4 August 2008. Brian Tiermann. 24 September 2008.
http://www.lionking.org/sightings/

Madden, Sherri. Personal Interview. No specific date (classes)

Wikipedia. 25 August 2008. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 23 September 2008.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_the_Year

Wikipedia. 25 August 2008. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 23 September 2008.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King

Zelda the Witch (“As Told by Zelda’s Familiar, Hemlock the Cat”)

Zelda the Witch (“As Told by Zelda’s Familiar, Hemlock the Cat”)

Author: RainyLane

The sound of clinging glass could be heard from the tiny wooden home occupied by Zelda the witch. Zelda lifted a heavy leather bound book off the table and made her way towards the tiny mirror hanging from the wall. She examined the age that had accumulated on her face, as she had done everyday for the last few years.

Zelda was not always such a vain soul and in her youth enjoyed the attention and praise that often accompanies beauty. But as she began to age, and wrinkles began to plague her once youthful face the compliments from the villagers began to fade and Zelda decided, by Goddess, she was a witch and she would do something about it. For years she had managed to soften times blow by mixing concoctions of toad and bones, lavender and thyme, but these proved to be temporary fixes to an unsolvable problem.

Or was it?

Zelda could remember her mother’s words and a potion she once came across in her childhood. Having no use for the particular potion during her youth, she dismissed it from her memory and for years this spell eluded her thoughts.

As the years passed Zelda became so consumed with her vanity it slowly began turning into desperation and the memory of the potion crept its way into her thoughts once more. Then one night in dream, the spell found its way back into Zelda’s life.

Upon waking the next morning, Zelda scoured her extensive spell collection in an attempt to retrieve the potion. She sat the book back down on the table and began to flip through its aged pages. Flip, flip, flip…nothing. More flipping, more searching and just when Zelda began to think she never really saw the spell at all a loud “ah-ha” rang through the air.

Zelda’s finger halted the next page from landing and quietly she repeated the words before her “Le beau charme de Lune”. Zelda had found the potion! She began to scroll the list of ingredients: Rose hips and sage grounded up fine, with a pinch of moon dust, one can erase time.

To the moon a ladder must be made, from the moon some dust saved. The Beautiful Moon Spell.

Zelda’s first few attempts to retrieve the last elusive ingredient of “Le beau charme de Lune” were quite humorous. There was the broomstick attempt, but witches are people too and getting up that high on an enchanted piece of wood wasn’t flying.

After a few more failed attempts, Zelda was on the verge of giving up when the answer came to her, as it does to most witches, in another dream. Children, millions of children under a powerful spell forming a ladder all the way to the moon.

And so the beginning of the end… began.

The spell had been easy to cast over the children, for Zelda was a powerful well-trained witch. Within moments millions of children began to rise from their silent slumber and follow the enchanted sound of Zelda’s voice.

As Zelda sent the last child up the ladder she tilted her head back and took in the night sky. The moon was high harvest and the smell of burning chimneys could tell anyone dead or alive that Beltane was approaching.

“All these years, all this time”, she mumbled under her breath.

Zelda used to imagine what this moment would feel like. The moment where she knew things could now change. No more toads, no more bones, just eternal youth, in her body… forever.

With a sigh of relief and hike of her skirt was revealed a woman who was about to be herself again.

She couldn’t believe how easy it was to climb the children at first; they said nothing, their eyes blank. Now only remained a hollow emptiness where life used to be. Zelda half questioned herself whether or not this would work, but the closer she got to the moon, the more convinced she became that this time, it would work!

And then… “Oh my Goddess!” she screamed as she lost her footing. Zelda felt the a gust of cold Winter’s air brush by the back of her neck and before she knew it she was plummeting to the ground…and then all that could be heard was a massive shock of screams, children screams, piercing the once silent night sky.

The ladder began to give way as millions of children flew through the air, breaking the strong chain they had formed just moments before. Zelda’s concentration had been broken the moment she slipped and the enchantment over the children was no more.

Zelda’s arms flayed, desperately grasping for anything that might save her life, but all she got was cold night air. And with a soft thud, Zelda’s body finally touched the ground.

It was at that moment I ran over desperate to find sign of life in Zelda’s cold body. There were none. Because of the spell’s workings all the children landed safely and softly on the ground. Silently and without question the children found their way back home as I mourned the loss of my companion and friend.

800 years later the story of Zelda the witch is not easily found in books or prose for it is has now become a cautionary tale told in the silent whispers of wizards and witches around a fire in good company. Vanity to mortal and witch alike is no laughing matter and in some cases, like Zelda’s, could cost you your life.

I, Hemlock the cat and Zelda’s beloved familiar, still reflect fondly on the life and memory of Zelda and wish that she had never found “Le beau charme de Lune”. I guess the lesson to be learned here, dear friends, is to beware of vanity, for it can find its way into your hearth, life and sometimes, if you’re not careful, into your craft as well.

Just as is did in the story of Zelda the Witch.

*Dedicated to the spirit and memory of my mother, Wendy, who passed into her next incarnation in February of 2007.

March 20, 2025 Daily Horoscopes and Birthday Horoscope’s Traits

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily and Weekly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Click here to read anyone’s birthday traits and more Source: sunsigns.org

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Birthday Horoscope’s Traits

Joyful and blessed birthday wishes from Lady Carla Beltane with the WOTC Family and Friends!!

May the next year of your life bring you more love, laughter, joy, happiness, enough income to cover what you have to have along with a little leftover for fun! May it bring you everything you want if it is supposed to be and everything you need. May sorrow be unknown, and any negativity be minimal. May the wind always be at your back.

Being a Pisces born on March 20th, you are all about change and new experiences. You are relentless and get annoyed by too much calm.

Active and bold during your young years, you eventually decide to settle. In time, you become more and more practical and oriented towards finding solutions to the problems of those around. Prepare to read a special personality report below.

The zodiac sign for March 20 is Pisces.

Astrological symbol: Fish. The sign of the Fish is influential for those born February 19 – March 20, when the Sun is considered to be in Pisces. It signifies Divine Consciousness and ambivalence.

The Pisces Constellation with the brightest star being Van Maanen’s is spread on 889 sq degrees between Aquarius to the West and Aries to the East. Its visible latitudes are +90° to -65°, this being just one of the twelve zodiac constellations.

In Greece it is called Ihthis and in France goes by the name Poissons but the Latin origin of the March 3 zodiac sign, the Fish is in the name Pisces.

Opposite sign: Virgo. This means that this sign and Pisces are a straight line across each other on the zodiac wheel and can create an opposition aspect. This suggests compassion and diligence as well as an interesting cooperation between the two sun signs.

Modality: Mobile. The modality proposes the creative nature of those born on March 20 and their optimism and modesty in tackling most life events.

Ruling house: The twelfth house. This zodiac placement suggests the starting over after a success or a pitfall and rising each and every time more powerful and with more experience to learn from.

Ruling body: Neptune. This connection suggests intuition and pleasure. It also suggest the creativity surrounding the lives of these natives. The glyph of Neptune combines the cross with three crescents directed above.

Element: Water. This element represents transformation and continuous growth and is considered to determine the mood swings of those associated with March 20 as they tend to support their actions on feelings and less on reason. Water boils things in association with fire, it’s vaporized by air and shapes things in combination with earth.

Lucky day: Thursday. This is a day ruled by Jupiter, therefore deals with domination and seduction. It suggests the intuitive nature of Pisces natives.

Lucky numbers: 5, 9, 18, 19, 23.

Motto: “I believe!”

People born on March 20 are original and intuitive and love when they are surrounded by others who are as talented as they are. They also take time to observe what is going with those around them, be it at a human personality level or beyond that. They are easily annoyed by materialistic and selfish individuals and are amongst the first to point them out. They enjoy being par of fancy enterprises that allow them to showcase their potential and they are often quite accepting.

Positive Traits: Energetic and quick learners, these Pisces natives have their own lifestyle in many regards. They make faithful and romantic lovers and also insightful and altruistic companions. They are active and bold in their early years but then with age they smooth things with their knowledge and become more confident in themselves.

Negative Traits: Capricious and often stubborn, quick to dramatize and rapid to exaggerate what is going on in their lives, these natives want the whole attention to be on them. Unfortunately they are often victims of their own ideals and life principles and rarely know when to temper their behavior and smooth their impulses. They rely on instinct but often prioritize other things ahead. They try to make logical and rational arrangements but their feelings get caught along the way.

Love and Compatibility: Lovers born on March 20 are creative and adventurous. They love dating and meeting new and exciting persons but when it comes to commitment they avoid any kind of attachment. However, if they ever get struck by love they start acting like fools and their whole world starts revolving around the object of their affection. They are attracted to energetic and fun persons who can keep up with their active and unpredictable lifestyle.

They are prudent and circumspect lovers and although not passionate their gentleness and honesty compensate. Their relationships are likely to grow on friendships as they need time to know the person that stays beside them. They offer everything they have to their loved one and ask for the same. Gentle and loving daydreamers now, but when time comes they will prove to be very dedicated to their family and they are likely to sacrifice many of their dreams for their loved one’s sake. They are most compatible with those born on the 2nd, 5th, 9th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 27th and 29th. March 20 Zodiac people are very attracted to the other water signs: Cancer and Scorpio as they tend to share the same vision of life. In life, Pisces is constantly seeking for a partner whom to support and motivate them in exchange for their enthusiasm and energy and the most suitable to offer them this is the native from Taurus. Pisces is thought to be least compatible with Aquarius. As for the rest of compatibilities between the other star signs and Pisces, you know what they say, stars predispose but people dispose.

Lucky Color: The preferred color for Pisces zodiac is Turquoise.

This ever changing mix, ranging and changing shades appeals and stimulates the creative and visionary Pisces. This combination of watery colors is not only inspiring but surprisingly soothing for Pisces.

Other hues that appeal to people born on March 20 are purple, pink and sea-green.

Representative Birthstone: The sign stone for Pisces zodiac is the irresistible Aquamarine.

This precious stone is said to ease communication and humanitarian endeavors. Aquamarine also symbolizes increased awareness and quick response.

Other sign stones that are thought to bring luck to people born on March 20 are Amethyst and Opal.

Characteristic Flower: The representative flower for Pisces zodiac is Water Lily.

Water Lily also symbolizes a sincere and warm hearted nature. This is a flower said to influence emotional responses. The multiple petals focused around the golden center suggest a complex and focused nature.

Other flowers suggestive for Pisces are Jonquil and Violet.

Symbolic Metal: Aluminum is the characteristic metal for Pisces zodiac.

Aluminum suggests invention and innovation. This light weight original metal relates to travel and also has a few connections with spirituality and prosperity.

Another metal considered beneficial for people born on March 20 is Zinc.

Characteristics: March 20 Zodiac belongs to the third decan of PISCES (March 11-March 20). This decan is strongly influenced by the planet Pluto. This is representative for people who are creative and idealistic just like Pisces and focused just like Pluto. This period tempers the positive and negative characteristics of the Pisces zodiac sign, slightly enhancing the negative ones.

Being born on the 20th day of the month shows a person who is patient, task oriented but also imaginative and emotional. The numerology for March 20 is 2. This number reveals balance and partnerships. It is the representative number for the desire of harmony and peace. Those Pisces associated with this numerology can become great mediators and with age they will only turn wiser, gentler and incredibly more considerate to other people. March is the first spring month in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the revival and enthusiasm of spring. Those born in March are generous and attractive. March 20 Zodiac people are determined and attractive. The symbols for March include Aquamarine and Emerald as gemstones, Daffodil and Shamrock as plants and Mars, the god of war.

What Statistics Say: March 20 is counted in the Gregorian Calendar as the 79th day of the year or the 80th day in leap years, while until the end of the year there are 286 days left. The twentieth day of spring, this is the International Day of the Francophonie, the International Day of Happiness and the World Sparrow Day.

Pisces as occurrence in birth signs is considered to be the fourth most popular. Under a definite feminine symbolism, this even number sign is considered to have a negative polarity with deep energy. This relates to introvert people who are reserved and quite strict. The archetype used when talking about this sign is the Medic. These natives don’t seem to be very interested in material possessions as they were rated the least earners. Famous people born on March 20 under the Pisces zodiac sign: Spike Lee, Carl Reiner, William Hurt, Fred Rogers, Brian Mulroney, Holly Hunter and David Thewlis.

If you were born on March 20, you are so sensitive and compassionate toward others that it may overwhelm you sometimes. While you are naturally optimistic, you are also so empathetic that seeing others in pain hurts you personally. Embrace this beautiful gift of sensitivity but practice a modicum of detachment to protect your own feelings and ward off depression. Your sense of loyalty is admirable, but you’ve got to learn to make yourself and your own needs a priority, too!

March 20 Pisces at Their Best: Insightful, compassionate, versatile

March 20 Pisces at Their Worst: Depressed, hyper-sensitive, weak

What to Wear: Soft pastels and relaxed-looking shirts, pants and skirts. Fairy godmother and knight in shining armor outfits are optional.

What to Eat: Clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, baked fish and sea scallops.

Who to Invite: All the millions of people who find their way into sentimental Pisces’ humongous heart.

Where to Go: Any water lover’s paradise like a river, pool, or the beach.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS March 20, you are original. Your adaptable personality is suited well for party-goers. You can interact with anyone from any background. You are most attracted to nontraditional places, things, and people.

In social situations, you love to amuse people or to showcase your many talents. People are often attracted to you for your ability to set everyone at ease.

If you are a Piscean born on this day, your birthday personality characteristics show you to be inquisitive. You tend to develop a unique way of thinking that people may sometimes view as being odd.

Pisces, do not worry about that… keep on doing what you do. It is what makes you, You! Those with March 20 birthday, love their freedom and along with that, is your right to have your own experiences.

You are somewhat like the air we breathe. You can be high one day and low the next. When you are at your low, you can be reclusive and withdrawn.

There is a positive side to this, however. Yes… Pisceans will use this time to regroup or to reinvent themselves. You are on the right road to success. You have a great understanding of how you want your life to be.

On the negative side of Pisces zodiac birthday, 20 March people can be stubborn and competitive. You can get an idea in your head, and it is hard to get you to see otherwise.

Those born on this day would like to keep conflict to a minimum so this Piscean will not have many friends at all. Lessons learned from previous experience, it is easier that way and less drama is involved. You like to keep a positive attitude and avoid destructive influences.

Your birthday astrology predicts that your imagination needs fuel. You get your inspiration from others and your surroundings. Sometimes, Pisces, you get a gut feeling about something and it turns out to have favorable results.

This could be your inner self, leading you in the direction in which you should go. Listen to it especially regarding your financial affairs. It may be beneficial to you.

As the March 20 birthday horoscope foretells, you can excel at anything you do when it comes to your profession. However, you probably would be happiest in creative fields such as careers in writing or music.

Nature has a way of speaking to you when you involve yourself in spiritual things. In addition, Pisces, you would do well in the medical practice or social interaction since you love people and they love you as well.

As a Piscean, you are subject to illnesses relating to allergies or common ailments of the feet. It is also possible that you will have mental challenges. This could be due to a certain trauma in your life or something that is hereditary. Either way, you should seek professional help.

You cannot do some things on your own. It is human to reach for a drink of some kind when we are upset, but you, Pisces born on March 20, should avoid doing this. This kind of behavior can lead to a pattern of excessiveness. Pisceans are also at risk for eating disorders as well.

20 March Pisceans love to dress in free-flowing clothes while they are lounging at home. Often times, you can be in your bare feet. You do not shop at the major department stores for your bargains.

Pisces’ love to bargain hop visiting garage sales and thrift stores. You know you can find many interesting and unique things there. It is also a great way to give back to the community by using the local stores instead of those franchises and chains. You love a good buy and have a distinctive way of dressing.

You love yourself, Pisces. Self-love is a wonderful thing but you let other people’s opinion influence your decisions or and how you feel. You need to have a plan and order in your life.

The March 20 birthday meaning shows that you know exactly how you want things done and how they should turn out. Some of you born on this day are suited for most any profession but you will do well in the music field or something that can use your writing skills.

See: Famous Celebrities Born On March 20

This Day That Year – March 20 In History

1760 – Boston’s Great Fire destroys 349 buildings
1896 – In order to protect US citizens, Marine forces arrive in Nicaragua
1952 – Peace treaty with Japan is ratified
1976 – Patty Hearst is convicted on an armed robbery charge

March 20 Meen Rashi (Vedic Moon Sign)
March 20 Chinese Zodiac RABBIT

March 20 Birthday Planet

Your ruling planet is Neptune that symbolizes spirituality healing, feelings, emotions and mercy.

March 20 Birthday Symbols

The Two Fishes Are The Symbol For The Pisces Zodiac Sign

March 20 Birthday Tarot Card

Your Birth Day Tarot Card is The Moon. This card symbolizes psychic strengths, feelings, confusion, and doubts. The Minor Arcana cards are Ten of Cups and Queen of Wands

March 20 Birthday Compatibility

You are most compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Cancer: This is an enchanting match that can be quite interesting.
You are not compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Sagittarius: A relationship will be full of problems, fights, difficulties.

See Also:

March 20 Lucky Numbers

Number 2 – This number stands for caring, nurturing, sensitivity and tenderness.
Number 5 – This number symbolizes enthusiasm, innovation, experimentation and adventure.

Read about: Birthday Numerology

Lucky Colors For March 20 Birthday

Turquoise: This is a stable color that symbolizes psychic powers, sophistication, grounding, and optimism.
Silver: This color stands for elegance, mysticism, caring and wealth.

Lucky Days For March 20 Birthday

Thursday – This day is ruled by planet Jupiter. It symbolizes positive emotions, enthusiasm and wish to accomplish your goals.
Monday – This day is ruled by the Moon. It stands for nurturing, feelings, love, and emotions.

March 20 Birthstone Aquamarine

Aquamarine gemstone can help you connect to your spiritual inner self through meditation.

Ideal Zodiac Birthday Gifts For People Born On The 20th Of March:

An iPad for the man and a handmade jewelry box for the woman.

August 9, 2024 Birthday Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Click here to read anyone’s birthday traits and more Source: sunsigns.org

Click here to read more about traits for anyone’s birthday horoscope Source: tarot.com

Joyful birthday wishes from Lady Carla Beltane with the WOTC Family and Friends!!

May the next year of your life bring you more love, laughter, joy, happiness, enough income to cover what you have to have along with a little leftover for fun! May it bring you everything you want if it is supposed to be and everything you need. May sorrow be unknown, and any negativity be minimal. May the wind always be at your back.

Being a Leo born on August 9th, you are creative and energetic. You don’t hesitate to show anyone when you are ready for something and often take a lot of chances.

You are sincere and fun to be around, even if at times you are quite direct and not everyone’s cup of tea. You are reliable and quite punctual. Prepare to read a detailed horoscope profile below.

The zodiac sign for August 9 is Leo.

Astrological symbol: Lion. The sign of the Lion represents people born July 23 – August 22, when the Sun is placed in Leo. It symbolizes an emotionally strong individual who is also courageous and loyal.

The Leo Constellation is located between Cancer to the West and Virgo to the East and has Alpha Leonis as the brightest star. It is spread on an area of 947 sq degrees and its visible latitudes are +90° to -65°.

The Lion is named from the Latin Leo, the zodiac sign for August 9. In Italy it is named Leone while the French call it Leo.

Opposite sign: Aquarius. On the horoscope chart, this and the Leo sun sign are on opposite sides, reflecting affection and creativity and some sort of balancing act between the two with a creation of opposite aspects at times.

Modality: Fixed. The modality proposes the determined nature of those born on August 9 and their persistence and amicability in regard to most life events.

Ruling house: The fifth house. This zodiac placement represents life pleasures that come from simple things up to social contact. It reveals the areas that attract the most the attention of Leos.

Ruling body: Sun. This association reveals support and help. The Sun’s position at one’s birthday determines the zodiac sign. The Sun also shares an insight on pride.

Element: Fire. This is the element of those who confidently pursue their plans and who are quick to reveal their fiery nature. It works so to the benefit of those born on August 9.

Lucky day: Sunday. This day is representative for the fun nature of Leo, is ruled by the Sun and suggests vision and strength.

Lucky numbers: 5, 8, 10, 17, 26.

Motto: “I want!”

People born on August 9 benefit from being driven, convincing and even romantic. Just like a true Leo, they are direct and brave when faced with any life matter. They love to win at everything, whether it is a competition or simply the achievement of a simple task. They dislike coward people and can’t stand to lose anything. Those born under this sign enjoy situations where they can control and lead everything.

Positive traits: These natives are revolutionary and avant-garde and make some of the best visionaries of times. They are the men of action of the future and when this couples with a bit of impulse and kind heart they tend to help others be more assured and overcome their fears. They are known to be emotionally forceful and they rarely show their deficiencies.

Negative traits: Acknowledging that they can’t behave all possessive and vain is the way to go for these natives who are too controlling and too inflexible. They want to have it their way but they need to learn that compromise would often do them more good then the perpetual stubbornness they are displaying when other people are trying to get a bit of the spotlight that is always on them. They can exaggerate certain things just for the sake of the argument.

Love and Compatibility: Lovers born on August 9 are passionate and sensual. They like to take time and invest both emotionally and materially in the dating ritual. They are attracted to exciting and adventurous persons who are also very ambitious and can keep up with them. You can conquer the heart of Leo if you know how to balance the moments when you recognize their merits and celebrate them for who they are with the moments where you temper their risky impulses.

Their love life is rather hectic and unpredictable because they tend to be in and out of love quite easy and for no particular reason. They find it hard to connect to a deeper level with one person. For them, relationships and settling will probably be a complex matter but once they decide to have their own family they will turn out to be very protective and patient. They are most compatible with those born on the 3th, 5th, 6th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 21th, 23th, 24th and 31st.

August 9 Zodiac people are very attracted to the other fire signs: Aries and Sagittarius as they tend to share the same vision of life. In life, Leo is constantly seeking for a curious and passionate partner who can expand their horizon and the most suitable to offer this is the native from Aquarius. Leo is thought to be least compatible with Cancer. As for the rest of compatibilities between the other star signs and Leo, you know what they say, stars predispose but people dispose.

Lucky Color: The lucky color for those born under the August 9 is orange.

Orange is a hue that indicates enthusiasm and vitality mixed with endurance. The zodiac color should be used in items of clothing or objects in the house.

Those with orange as sign color are creative, optimistic persons for whom the world is a stage and they have so many things to show. They need to socialize, be accepted and respected as part of a group. This rich hue can bring a boost of energy and power to the charismatic Leo.

Other colors indicated for Leo are red and purple.

Representative Birthstone: The fiery Ruby is the birthstone defined for August 9 and in general for Leo natives.

Ruby is a precious material that denotes faithfulness and passion. This zodiac birthstone should be used in all kinds of jewelry items that are to be worn frequently.

It is thought to relax and open the mind of the wearer in social situations therefore helping communication and understanding. There are also many legends from different historic times involving the special properties of the Ruby.

Another gemstone considered beneficial for Leo natives is Peridot. It represents vitality and enthusiasm.

Characteristic Flower: Sunflower is the flower said to be representative for Leo people born with August 9.

Sunflower is a known symbol of warmth and happiness. The zodiac flower could be used in gifts and decorative items.

This is a fertile and happy flower, always searching for the sun just as Leo is in a permanent search for success. This flower is to be found during midsummer.

Other plants that suit Leo natives are Narcissus and Marigold.

Symbolic Metal: The metal for Leo natives born with the August 9 is Gold.

Gold symbolizes elegance, power and bravery. The zodiac metal could be used in accessories and jewelry items.

Gold is a precious metal with many benefic properties and also meanings related to healing and knowledge. A gold leaf may be only 0.19 microns thick.

Another metal considered lucky for Leo natives is Bronze.

Characteristics: August 9 Zodiac belongs to the second decan of LEO (August 2-August 12). This decan is under the supervision of the planet Jupiter. Those born in this period are enterprising and ambitious just like a true Leo and opportunists full of luck just as Jupiter makes them be. This period tempers the positive and negative characteristics of the Leo zodiac sign with a great accent on the positive ones.

Being born on the 9th day of the month means compassion, responsibility, affection and a little bit of mystery. The numerology for August 9 is 9. This number reveals change, progress and innovation. In association with number nine Leo people turn out to be innovative and humanitarian idealists.

August is the eight month of the year, bringing holidays and very hot, tense days. Those born in August are adventurous and romantic. August 9 Zodiac people are attractive and rebellious. August has as representative symbols the Gladiolus and Poppy as plants and the Peridot and Sardonyx as gemstones. The name comes from Augustus Caesar, the roman emperor.

What Statistics Say: In the Gregorian Calendar, August 9 is the 221st day of the year or the 222nd day in leap years, while until the end of the year there are 144 days left. The seventieth day of summer, this is also the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People as recognized by the UN.

Leo is the eleventh zodiac sign in order from most common to least commonly met. Under a definite masculine symbolism, this odd number sign is considered to have a positive meaning with exuberant energy. This is defining for extrovert natives who are affable and forthcoming. Amongst the archetypes used when talking about this sign there is the Ruler. Many of the people born in the summer months are either in engineering or leadership positions.

Famous people born on August 9 under the Leo zodiac sign: Amedeo Avogadro, Whitney Houston, Gillian Anderson and Anna Kendrick.

If you were born on August 9, you are the shining star of any team you might find yourself on! Whether it’s sports, work, or family, you are a well-liked, hardworking teammate. You know how to bring people together and make them feel like they’re a part of something important. This is an incredibly admirable trait that will make you a great leader and influencer. Make sure to carve out time for yourself! You can only prioritize everyone else for so long. Take care of number one!

August 09 Leo at Their Best: Inspirational, dedicated, caring

August 09 Leo at Their Worst: Righteous, bossy, prodding

What to Wear: Nothing that could possibly out-class the guest of honor. Arrange to fade into the background when the “star“ makes a grand entrance.

What to Eat: Caviar, foie gras, Chateaubriand and, of course, truffles!

Who to Invite: If heads of state can’t make themselves available, check if Beyonce, Brad Pitt, or a Kardashian might squeeze the soiree into their schedules.

Where to Go: A palace (or a diner that can be decorated like one) would be rather appropriate.

AUGUST 9 birthday horoscope says that your zodiac sign is Leo – The Lion. The Lion is strong and has a potential to be extremely creative. Your desire to be a success is great and so is the likelihood. You are charismatic and pleasant.

In order for the person born today to provide a comfortable life for the family, a stable career is necessary. Although stability is sought after, there may be some blockage due to this drive. It may be a good idea to let the lion roam so that creativity is restored. All eyes are watching your every move but you love it.

As an employer, the August 9th birthday personality has excellent leadership ability. Those in management positions usually go all the way up the chain. While you may have the enthusiasm for life, others may not.

It is your wish that you provide another avenue for them. You believe prosperity is for all and not just a limited few. It could be that you disapprove of poverty. However, occasionally, you can be somewhat of a snob.

The August 9th astrology analysis also predicts that on the other hand, your attitude can be infectious. Seeing others enjoying themselves does your heart good. You like being a part of that, and that is what keeps you grounded.

If today is your birthday, you inspire others to give their all in life. Personally and professionally, you are constantly growing. If you are not helping someone to do better, then those born on August 9 are unhappy. Inactivity can diminish this Leo’s capabilities.

Your friends and family love you. In spite of this, you need constant praise. As a young lion, you were impressionable and would crave praise as a means of affection. The Leo birthday horoscope for August 9 predicts that you do not take criticisms very well. Your self-confidence could have been crushed as a child so as an adult you are super sensitive.

To effectively communicate with a Leo born on this day, you could use a little wit. Laughter goes a long way with the person born under this zodiac sun sign. Many problems could be solved with a smile.

As a negative August 9 horoscope characteristic, you can be stubborn. You certainly willpower, as the optimist would say. Depending on how you look at it, it could be a good thing. It could be said that when you make up your mind about something, you stick with it until it has lost its usefulness.

A Leo in love will usually take the lead. You would think that the Lion would be strong, but you are just the opposite. You are likely to be a temperamental individual. Those with the birthday of August 9 mostly have idealistic notions when it comes to romance. It could be the reason why your feelings are so easily hurt.

However, the August 9 birthday meaning rightly predicts that you are supportive of your lovers and friends. Additionally, as you love to be seen or noticed, this could cause you conflict with your love interest. This in turn can lead to disappointments in the relationship department.

While dating, this August 9 zodiac birthday person, will generally treat his or her partner with loving kindness. You like to do it big with expensive hotel rooms and fine food. The person you would most like to share your experiences with should be independent and equally as smart as you are.

The August 9 zodiac analysis predicts that those born on this day, could be a sculptor, you have an eye for the unusual. Now, your imagination is not limited to work involving the hands. You are quite an actor. You love live music and could play an instrument.

It is possible that you have thought of auditioning for a few parts, but nothing ever came out of it. Maybe you have put the thought off until later in life. The child of a Leo is likely to be pampered and is an essential part of his or her life. Mostly as an occupation, you may look to recognizing your hobbies as being worthwhile and profitable.

A person with an August 9 birthday personality is capable of occupationally doing almost anything. You are extraordinarily gifted, and you possess a great deal of will-power. Being idle means to stifle your creativity. Characteristically, you may not handle criticisms very well, but you are likely a leader who is smart and inspiring.

Famous People And Celebrities Born On August 9

Mahesh Babu, Sam Elliott, Derek Fisher, Melanie Griffith, Whitney Houston, Michael Kors, Deion Sanders

See: Famous Celebrities Born On August 9

This Day That Year –August 9 In History

1803 – First-time horses are brought to Hawaii
1841 – 242 people died as a result of an Erie boat fire in Buffalo, NY
1923 – First NY State Golf Association is formed
1964 – The Rolling Stone’s first concert in the Netherlands

August 9 Simha Rashi (Vedic Moon Sign)
August 9 Chinese Zodiac MONKEY

August 9 Birthday Planet

Your ruling planet is Sun that symbolizes your present feelings, thoughts, and actions.

August 9 Birthday Symbols

The Lion Is The Symbol For The Leo Star Sign

August 9 Birthday Tarot Card

Your Birthday Tarot Card is The Hermit. This card symbolizes a period of contemplation, aloofness, solitude, and deliberation. The Minor Arcana cards are Six of Wands and Knight of Wands

August 9 Birthday Zodiac Compatibility

You are most compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Leo: This match can be a battle of wits.
You are not compatible with people born under Zodiac Sign Pisces: There is no love in this match only sparks.

See Also:

August 9 Lucky Numbers

Number 8 – This number signifies your Karmic and materialistic goals in life.
Number 9 – This number signifies the charitable and humanitarian aspect of your personality.

Read about: Birthday Numerology

Lucky Colors For August 9th Birthday

Red: This color stands for love, action, enthusiasm, and revenge
Orange: This is an energizing color that stands for success, joy, trust, and balance.

Lucky Days For August 9 Birthday

Sunday – This is the day of the Sun that helps you plan your future and gives you the determination to fulfill your dreams.
Tuesday – This is the day of the planet Mars and is symbolic of ability to come out a winner if you avoid getting into useless arguments.

August 9 Birthstone Ruby

Ruby gemstone gives you courage and strength and makes you more passionate and energetic.

Ideal Zodiac Birthday Gifts For People Born On August 9th

A dinner suit for the man and an evening gown for the woman. The August 9 birthday horoscope predicts that you will love formal gifts.

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