Tag: Earth

Calendar of the Sun for December 15th

Calendar of the Sun

Feralia: Day of Purification

Color: White
Element: Air
Altar: On a white cloth put a lit candle, incense, a cup of water, and a bowl of salt.
Offering: Although this day is not a day of total silence, it is a solemn day and talking should be done only when necessary and in quiet tones. Bodies should be thoroughly cleaned during the bathing hour, and then the altar area should be cleaned and purified with all four elements. Each person, upon entering the altar space at the beginning of Sponde should remove their clothing and be naked, and each body should be purified with the four elements and marked with water and salt, at which point they may enrobe again. Chores of the day should concentrate on cleaning and repair.
Daily Meal: Vegan and extremely simple and plain.

Feralia Invocation

Breathe the air into your body
And breathe out again,
And as you breathe out,
Let all grime and corruption
Depart on that breath
(All breathe together for twelve breaths.)
Feel the blood coursing through your body
And imagine it clean
Of anything but what should be there.
Feel the energy coursing through your body
And wash it clean
Of anything that does not belong.
Feel the Earth beneath you,
Remember that She can absorb all
Remember that all rot is her provenance
Draw her energy up into you
And give it back again.

(After this grounding, all breathe together again in a yogic breathing pattern for the next half an hour, after which all will go with water and salt and incense and fire to all rooms in the house and cleanse them. Great care should be taken for the rest of the day not to disturb the energy of the freshly cleaned house.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Our Current Moon Phase for December 15th: New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/20% illumination)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 14th is Moon

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today

moonCardMED

The Moon

Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.

As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.

Current Moon Phase for December 14th: New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/12% illumination)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

You come to see the Witch for a Spell, Yes? A Spell You Seek, A Spell You Shall Have!

Nature Comments & Graphics

SPELL TO BRING LOVE

Note: This spell is not intended to be used on someone.
It is a general spell to be sent out to the universe, so you can find your mate.

Preparations

Create an oil consisting of 1/8 cup unscented oil (safflower or sunflower), mixed with enough rose geranium and lavender to create a pleasant scent. Blend these in a clear glass jar.
Empower the oil to the cause of finding love. Rub well onto a Pink candle.

Ritual

To empower the oil, focus on the jar, and think of the feelings of love. Contentment,
commitment, joy, etc. Allow this love energy to flow into the oil.

At a quiet moment, when you know you will be around long enough for the candle to
burn fully, say the following prayer, and light the candle.

Oh Lady who loves us,
Oh Lord who loves us well,
Please bring my true love to me,
the one of whom my dreams do tell.
Bright Lady of the Heavens,
Strong Lord of the Earth,
Please aid me in finding this love.
Let this harm none, let none be coerced.

~Magickal Graphics~

Making Moon Water

Making Moon Water

 

Moon water is at its most potent when made on the night of the full moon or during a partial or total lunar eclipse. You can also make it in the two or three days before the full moon if the skies are clear and the moon is shining brightly.

1.   On the night of the full moon (it rises around sunset) set a silver colored or clear crystal bowl outdoors where the moonlight can shine on it.

2.   Half-fill it with still mineral water, if possible from a sacred source, and, if you have any add a few drops of water from a holy well. You can substitute bubbling tap water.

3.   Surround the bowl with pure white flowers or blossoms or small moonstones.

4.   If you have a small silver bell, ring it three times, saying for each ring:

“First the Maiden, now the Mother, then the Wise Grandmother.”

5.  Raise your arms on either side of your head, your hands facing upwards flat with pal uppermost and repeat the same words three times.

6.   Stir the water nine times moonwise (anticlockwise) with a silver colored paper knife (silver being the color and metal of the moon) or an amethyst crystal point. Ask the moon mother to bless the water and those who use it.

7.    If you are not carrying out a moon ceremony, leave the bowl in position, covered with fine mesh, overnight.

8.  Ring the bell three times more before leaving and say:

“Blessings Be.”

9.   If you don’t have a bell, kneel and put your hand round the bowl, saying:

“Blessings Be.”

10.  Using a glass jug and filter, pour the water if possible into small blue, silver or frosted glass bottles that you can seal and keep in your fridge or a cool place until the next full moon night. If you use a plain bottle label it so you don’t mistake it for another magickal water.

11.  Any water left at the end of the moon period should be poured into the ground before moonrise on the next full moon night.

Making A Moon Altar

Making A Moon Altar

 

1.   Outdoors, use a rock or a table and on it either set a silver tray or make a circle with white stones, shells or clear glass nuggets. Thirteen stones for the 13 moons is most symbolic unless you are superstitious, in which case use nine (for the three by three of the triple moon goddess).

2.   Set the stone circle anticlockwise if following moon lore or keep to the normal clockwise direction if you prefer.

3.   If you are using an indoor altar, place a white or natural beeswax candle at the four main direction points. If you decide to work outdoors,  you can use small, glass enclosed white night lights that will not blow out in the wind or you can rely on the moonlight.

4.  In the center of the altar place a dish of moon water (in beach rituals you can collect sea water, the water ruled by the moon).

5.   Circle this bowl with moonstones of white shells (13 or nine), creating an inner circle.

6.   Position a moon incense to the right of the dish of water as you face west, still within the moonstone inner circle.

7.   You will also need a metal or ceramic oil burner with a night light underneath it to the left of the water bowl with the middle circle as you face west.

8.   You can enclose just the bowl in a third even smaller circle of three small white stones, shells or moonstones, thus giving one circle for each phase of the moon.

9.  The bowl of water will act as the medium for raising the power.

10.  If you have a willow wand (or a pointed twig willow twig), lay this directly in front of the bowl with the tip facing west (outside the innermost circle if you make one).

 

The Phases of the Moon In Magick

The Phases of the Moon In Magick

 

The different phases of the moon offer differing energies that can help not only the timing of a spell, but add power to strengthen a wish (waxing) or can or banish sorrow or bad luck (waning).

The full moon is the most powerful force of all for change and for action. You can follow the different moon phases in the weather section of the paper or a diary or here on this site. But what you see in the sky and what you feel are always your best guides to using moon energies in spell casting. The best way to follow the monthly journey of the moon is to watch her in the sky, not just for one month but for several. Each day in your Book of Shadows write just a line or two on the way you feel and over the months you may detect a pattern that explains hitherto seemingly random mood patterns and energy flows. Even in town you can use building as markers and will not slight variations in position on ensuing months, because of the moon’s irregular path.

Men as well as women are affected by the moon, emotionally and perhaps also physically. If we can tune in with the ebbs and flows then we become more harmonious and able to use natural energy surges as the moon waxes and not try to force ourselves more than necessary or to take risks when the moon is waning.

There are many ways of dividing the moon cycle. In magick there are three main divisions: the waxing or increasing period, the time of the full moon and the waning period. The waxing period is usually calculated from the crescent moon to the night before the full moon. The time of the full moon is calculated as anything from the second the moon becomes full (by purists), the day of the full moon and the period until the next day or even the week of the full moon. the waning period extends until the moon disappears from the sky. The intervening two and a half to three days are called the dark of the moon and while this generally is not used for magick, it is a powerful period for divination and meditation and for allowing the seeds of the future to grow.

The triple divisions accord with the Maiden, Mother and Wise Woman mythology.

Other practitioners have the dual waxing and waning periods with the full moon in the center as the waxing reaches a climax of power.

 

 

Moon Associations For Magick

Moon Associations For Magick

 

There are the general associations given for moon work but there are variations in different traditions.

Element:   Water

Color:   Silver or white

Day of the week:   Monday

Metal:   Silver

Crystals:  Opal (unpolished green or pink ones are very cheap), moonstone, mother of pearl, pearl, selenite, white or pearly sea shells, especially double ones

Animals/birds:   Bat, heron, moth, owl, snake, wolf

Herbs, incenses and oils:   Jasmine, lemon, lemon balm, lotus, mimosa, myrrh, poppy, wintergreen

Flowers:   Any with small white flowers or which are especially fragrant at night

Trees:   Alder, eucalyptus, mimosa, willow

Archangel:   Gabriel

Use moon magick for:    Spells concerning the home and family matters, especially the mother, children and animals. Its prime focus is fertility and it rules over all the ebbs and flows of the human body, mind and psyche. The moon will provide protection, especially while traveling and will aid psychic development, clairvoyance and meaningful dreams. It is potent for all sea and gardening rituals and for herb magick and healing – as well as for keeping secrets.

The Chinese Moons

The Chinese Moons

 

Chinese tradition tells how once there were 12 moons, one for each month of the year. Their mother Heng O, who was also mother of the ten suns washed her 12 moon children in a lake at the western edge of the world and each traveled for their month’s journey to the East where the sun children waited.

In one version the divine archer Yi killed nine of the sun children and was punished by their father (whom he also killed)by being made mortal. Yi then married Heng O, who agreed to spare her life and those of the moon children, if she became his wife. But he tricked her and killed 11 of the moon children as well. She stole from him the herb of immortality and fled with her youngest child to the skies where Yi could not follow her. Here she took the form of the toad who can still be seen in the moon and who is a symbol of prosperity and good luck in China. In some versions all the moon children were saved and they went to the physical moon from which each still flies his moon chariot on his appointed month high across the sky so that Yi cannot harm him.

Mythology of the Moon

Mythology of the Moon

 

In legend, the Moon was seen as the home of the Goddess or as the Goddess Herself and like the Sun was among the first things to be created.

The Creation Of The Moon

The Navajo legend tells of the creation of the Sun and Moon. The first people emerged from the Underworld to live on the surface of the Earth. But the Earth was dark and cold and so First Man and First Woman fashioned two disks from glowing crystal quartz to form the Sun and Moon so that there would be light by both day and night.

First the Sun disk was adorned with a mask of blue turquoise with red coral around its edge and it offered warmth as well as light. First Man and First Woman next attached eagle and lark feathers to the Sun so that its light and heat would be cast to all four corners of the Earth. The Sun disk was fixed in the Eastern sky with lightning darts. First Man and First Woman paused to admire the great beauty they had created for the day and then turned to the night.

The moon disk was decorated with clear shimmering crystal and pearl white shells, and like the Sun was fixed high in the sky. But to the sorrow of the first people, their creations were static and lifeless.

Two wise old men offered their spirits to the disks that they might live and move forever. First Man and First Woman then marked out the daily path of the Sun by fixing twelve eagle feathers at equal points. At dawn, the Sun began to move across the sky, warming and illuminating all in the blackness beneath. At dusk, the Sun returned tired from his journey, and the Moon, also adorned with eagle feathers began his course.

However, Wind Boy, who thought it unfair that the Moon should have to travel so far by night alone, blew his strong breezes so that the moon might glide effortlessly across the darkened heavens. However, the moon’s eagle feathers blew across his face, temporarily blinding him and so to this day the moon follows an irregular passage across the night sky.

Current Moon Phase for December 13th: New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/4% illumination)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

The Witches Almanac for *Thursday, December 13th

The Witches Almanac for *Thursday, December 13th

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

 

St. Lucy’s Day (Swedish)

Moon Sign: *Sagittarius

*Sagittarius: Encourages flight of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical and athletic Moon Sign. Favors expansion and growth.

*Waning Moon

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

Moon enters *Capricorn 4:43 pm

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

Moon Phase: New Moon 3:42 am

Incense: Balsam

Color: Turquoise

 

 

More Dream Catcher Comments

Calendar of the Sun for December 12th

Calendar of the Sun

Bruma

Colors: White and brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a bare table lay a large pot shaped like a human figure, reclining, filled with earth. All should enter bearing two white cloths, one on each arm.
Offerings: Silence and meditation.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian

Bruma Invocation

Earth, you lie sleeping in silence,
And we can do nothing but wait.
We have breathed upon your first seeds,
We have sung your first green shoots
Up from the bare brown soil,
We have watered you with tears and sweat
And fed you with the remains of our meals,
We have cut down your bounty and saved it,
Yet this is not the time for seeds, or green,
But simply the long cold wait in the dark
Until the light waxes and the time comes again.
You are silent, and will not speak to us,
No matter how we cry out.
You are dormant, and will not sing to us,
No matter how we raise our voices,
For all things come in their own time,
And this is not the time for movement.
So we will sit with you, Earth,
We will watch over you as you sleep
And take part in your dreams
In silence, and wait for your awakening.

Chant:
Earth dreaming
Silent seeming
Winter’s vigil
We will wait for you.

(After the chant has been sung five times, all come forth to the altar. Each lays one white cloth gently over the pot, saying, “Blessed be the Earth in the time of winter.” Then each sits on the floor and places the other white cloth over their heads, and meditates on all that is sleeping and cannot be awoken. Silence in the House until Akte.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Current Moon Phase for December 12: Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /1% illumination)

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

The Witches Almanac for *Wednesday, December 12th

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

The Witches Almanac for *Wednesday, December 12th

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

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican)

Moon Sign: *Sagittarius

**Sagittarius:  Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical, and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.

*Waning Moon

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

Incense: Lavender

Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter

Color: Yellow

~Magickal Graphics~

Current Moon Phase for December 11th – Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /12% illumination)

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

Seeking A Spell, Let’s See What We Can Conjure For You Today – Three Red Leaves Spell

Witchy Comments
 A spell to protect the most powerful part of your being, your mind…

Three Red Leaves Spell

This spell is used to protect the mind against things such as nightmares, negative thoughts and ‘invasions of evil.’ First you must gather three red leaves from any tree, plant or bush. Lay them in a triangle on a flat surface. In the center of the leaves, place an already lighted candle, and place a few drops of chrysanthemum oil on each leaf.

Repeat the following chant three times:

“Red leaves, gift from Earth,

Birth to death and death to birth,

Keep all evil far away.

Day to night and night to day.”

Then extinguish the candle and wrap the leaves in a white cloth or pouch. Place this near your bed within three feet of your head and it will stop all nightmares and negative thoughts.

~Magickal Graphics~

The Witches Almanac for *Tuesday, December 11th

The Witches Almanac for *Tuesday, December 11th

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

Pilgrimage at Tortugas

Moon Sign: *Scorpio

**Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

*Waning Moon

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

Moon enters *Sagittarius 5:22 pm

**Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.

Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter

Incense: Cinnamon

Color: Red

 

 

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Your Current Moon Phase for December 10th: Waning Crescent

Waning Crescent Moon

(waning /20 illumination)

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