Tag: Lammas/Lugnasadh

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for December Full Moon

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

December 27 and 28 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 27 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Full Moon phase. The Moon will be visible throughout the night sky rising at sunset in the east and setting with the sunrise the next morning in the west. During a Full Moon the moon is 100% illuminated as seen from Earth and is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The point at which a Full Moon occurs can be measured down to a fraction of a second. The time it takes between full moons is known as a Synodic month and is 29.530587981 days long. Keep track of all the Full Moons throughout the year on the Full Moon Calendar >

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Full Moon Phase

The Full Moon on December 27 has an illumination of 100%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 27 the Moon is 15.23 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Full Moon
Illumination: 100%
Moon Age: 15.23 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 394,696.04 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,116,106.09 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

28 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on December 28 has an illumination of 98%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 28 the Moon is 16.18 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 98%
Moon Age: 16.18 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 398,469.95 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,111,161.18 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Spell for December “Cold” Full Moon

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Cold Moon Ritual & Spell (December)

The radiant full Moon is an ancient power for making Magic. December marks the beginning of the cold season in the Northern Hemisphere. Cold Moon is the name traditionally given to the Full Moon closest to the time when the astronomical winter begins: The Winter Solstice (around Dec. 21st).

Also known as Yule, and sometimes called Midwinter, the Solstice is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the lengthening of days. December is an excellent time to get quiet, reflect, and celebrate. Here’s an easy Cold Moon ritual for introspection and reflection.

How does this spell work?

The color silver represents the Moon. Tonight’s Full Moon ritual will be about opening up intuition and inviting the protective and positive influence of the Goddess. 🌕

The color gold represents the Sun. It symbolizes the strength and confidence of the Sun being reborn in December. It brings warmth, understanding, and energy for growth. ☀️

They will be your guides as you journal and answer questions about this past year. This part of the ritual requires self-reflection and a deeper look inside yourself.

Cast this Cold Moon spell any of the three nights when the Moon is full in December.

A Cold Moon ritual to gather your energies and cast a spell of Magic on December’s Full Moon. Set an intention, call out your guides and meditate.

INGREDIENTS

  • Your journal or paper

  • Pen or pencil

  • 1 silver candle

  • 1 gold candle

  • (Optional) Guided meditation below

HOW TO CAST THE SPELL

Take a moment to calm your inner self by taking three deep breaths.

Light the silver candle. Visualize the power of the Moon coming into yourself and opening your intuition.

Light the gold candle. Visualize the power of the Sun warming your body and filling you with energy. If you have other spirit guides, invite them to your ritual.

Say: “I welcome your Powers to guide me.”

You can play meditative music or follow the guided meditation below to get in tune with the energy of this Full Moon.

When you are ready, take out your journal or Book of Mirrors and answer the questions included in the page below.

Once you have finished writing, take a moment to sit quietly and reflect on what you have written.

When you are finished, extinguish the candles.

NOTES

Practice candle safety. Never leave candles burning unattended.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for the Full Moon

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Look closely you can see the Lady smiling down at us as she helps guide us, the Earth’s waters, and many other living things!

What Magickal Energies Correspond to the Full Moon? Source: explorewicca.com

What Magickal Energies Correspond to the Full Moon?

Drawing Down the Moon is not the only magick associated with the full moon. There are plenty of energies and correspondences that are strengthened by the full moon and its power. In this section, we’re going to take a look at some of those associations.

The Energies and Magick of the Full Moon

As I mentioned in the section on the Triple Goddess, the Mother (and thus, the full moon) is associated with maternal protection and life-giving energy. So, any sort of spells or rituals that fall within those categories are a good choice for a full moon.

Most commonly, this includes spells relating to fertility and love. However, spells of protection or a blessing for a home would also be a great choice for the full moon–as you can tap into the stability and protection that it provides.

Additionally, if you’re a gardener, the full moon moon is a great time to ask the goddess to bless your plants. The full moon is when she’s at the peak of her life-giving powers.

Full Moon Correspondences

In a nutshell, correspondences are physical depictions of spiritual energy–they’re things like colors, herbs, and symbols which help to add more energy and power to certain types of spells.

And when it comes to full moons, there are plenty of correspondences that will help make your spells as strong as they can be.

In terms of colors, the full moon is closely associated with silvers and whites. However, green could also be an option (as it represents life and growth), as well as red or pink if you’re harnessing the power of the full moon for fertility or love.

There are far too many plants and herbs associated with the full moon to list them all, but here are some of the more common ones, along with their specific energies:

  • Apples (abundance, life)
  • Cedar (for honoring or contacting deities)
  • Goldenrod (guidance and protection)
  • Red roses (love and passion)
  • White roses (the Triple Goddess)

Moonstone and selenite are two gems/crystals that are associated with the full moon. However, charging any kind of crystal or gem in the moonlight can help to increase its power.

December Cold Moon Correspondences

Nature Spirits: Snow Fairies, Storm Fairies, Winter Tree Fairies

Herbs: Holly, Fir, Mistletoe

Flowers: Holly, Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus

Colors: White, Black

Scents: Patchouli, Frankincense, Myrrh

Stones: Serpentine, Peridot

Trees: Fir, Pine, Holly

Deities: Hathor, Hekate/Hecate, Athene, Minerva, Ixchel, Osiris, The Fates

Spells/Rituals: Helping those in need, Darkness, To Endure or be Reborn

December 26 and 27, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 26, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This December Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 26 has an illumination of 100%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 26 the Moon is 14.27 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 100%
Moon Age: 14.27 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 390,382.59 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,121,810.42 km

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

27 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Full Moon phase. The Moon will be visible throughout the night sky rising at sunset in the east and setting with the sunrise the next morning in the west. During a Full Moon the moon is 100% illuminated as seen from Earth and is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The point at which a Full Moon occurs can be measured down to a fraction of a second. The time it takes between full moons is known as a Synodic month and is 29.530587981 days long. Keep track of all the Full Moons throughout the year on the Full Moon Calendar >

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Full Moon Phase

The Full Moon on December 27 has an illumination of 100%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 27 the Moon is 15.23 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Full Moon
Illumination: 100%
Moon Age: 15.23 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 394,696.04 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,116,106.09 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

December 23 and 24, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 23, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 23 has an illumination of 87%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 23 the Moon is 11.27 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 87%
Moon Age: 11.27 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,330.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,143,460.05 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

24 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 24 has an illumination of 93%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 24 the Moon is 12.29 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 93%
Moon Age: 12.29 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 380,961.12 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,135,489.63 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

December 22 and 23, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 22, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 22 has an illumination of 79%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 22 the Moon is 10.24 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 79%
Moon Age: 10.24 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 372,088.01 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,152,180.95 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

23 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 23 has an illumination of 87%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 23 the Moon is 11.27 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 87%
Moon Age: 11.27 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,330.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,143,460.05 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

How the Pope Stole Christmas

How the Pope Stole Christmas

Once in ol’ England, both ancient and vast,Lived folks with traditions, long held and steadfast.

They danced and they sang when winter was nigh,
Under the stars, beneath the cold sky. The solstice was coming, the shortest of days, They prepared for the feast in so many ways.
With holly and ivy, they decked every hall, and a Yule log was burned, a tree once so tall. But just West of Rome, sat a man robed in white,
Pope Greg, in his Vatican… was his hat too tight?
For he pondered and prayed with his furrowed brow, “How can we bring these pagans to vow? VOW! VOW! VOW! VOW! “To our faith, to our fold, in the Christ Child believe, and their old pagan ways they must surely leave.”
So he plotted and planned, found a few saints to send, “We must change their tradition, Saturnalia must end! Shouting, “Let us take over this pagan delight, and make it about the Holy Birth Night.
We’ll infuse their rituals with our good Christian grace,
And Christ’s Mass will slowly take the solstice’s place. “So it happened o’er time, to the pagans’ surprise, Their meals and their dances became Christianized.
Their feasting was now for the Christ Child’s birth, and their parties lost some of their ol’ heathen mirth. Where Odin once rode ‘cross the sky on Sleipnir, soon Saint Nicholas would soar, with eight tiny reindeer.
All the mistletoe, holly, ham, trees, and wassails,
Would all stick around, though the Pope’s plan prevails. For the people adapted, they bent and they swayed,
But the essence of joy in their hearts, it still stayed.
They embraced the new faith, yet remembered the old,
In the stories they recounted, both spirited and bold. Pope Greg had succeeded, but maybe not as he planned,
For the spirit of solstice in their hearts still fanned.
The magic of yule, it forever remained,
Hiding inside the message that Christmas contained. And so, my dear reader, has our tale closed?
Is babe Jesus the victor, to reign unopposed?
Or could his day be stolen out from under his manger?
As Jeff Bezos circles… is “Christmas” still in danger? Perhaps the real lesson is that the season’s so large,
That there is no need to leave just one group in charge.
For the joy and the love, in each heart does reside,
No matter the reason, or the faith that’s applied. We hold one goal in common, or at least we should,
And that dream is just: to do that which is good.
So we’ll wrap up our poem, though last but not least:

Who sitting here will carve the roast beast?

P.S. – If you’d like to share the poem on Facebook, we also posted it there:

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Midwinter Night’s Eve: Yule c. 2013

Midwinter Night’s Eve: Yule

By Mike Nichols

 

Our Christian friends are often quite surprised at how enthusiastically we
Pagans celebrate the ‘Christmas’ season.  Even though we prefer to use the word
‘Yule’, and our celebrations may peak a few days BEFORE the 25th, we nonetheless follow many of the traditional customs of the season: decorated trees, carolling, presents, Yule logs, and mistletoe.  We might even go so far as
putting up a ‘Nativity set’, though for us the three central characters are
likely to be interpreted as Mother Nature, Father Time, and the Baby Sun-God.
None of this will come as a surprise to anyone who knows the true history of the
holiday, of course.

In fact, if truth be known, the holiday of Christmas has always been more
Pagan than Christian, with it’s associations of Nordic divination, Celtic
fertility rites, and Roman Mithraism.  That is why both Martin Luther and John
Calvin abhorred it, why the Puritans refused to acknowledge it, much less
celebrate it (to them, no day of the year could be more holy than the Sabbath),
and why it was even made ILLEGAL in Boston!  The holiday was already too closely associated with the birth of older Pagan gods and heroes.  And many of them (like Oedipus, Theseus, Hercules, Perseus, Jason, Dionysus, Apollo, Mithra, Horus and even Arthur) possessed a narrative of birth, death, and resurrection that was uncomfortably close to that of Jesus. And to make matters worse, many of them pre-dated the Christian Savior.

Ultimately, of course, the holiday is rooted deeply in the cycle of the
year.  It is the Winter Solstice that is being celebrated, seed-time of the
year, the longest night and shortest day.  It is the birthday of the new Sun
King, the Son of God — by whatever name you choose to call him.  On this
darkest of nights, the Goddess becomes the Great Mother and once again gives
birth.  And it makes perfect poetic sense that on the longest night of the
winter, ‘the dark night of our souls’, there springs the new spark of hope, the
Sacred Fire, the Light of the World, the Coel Coeth.

That is why Pagans have as much right to claim this holiday as Christians.
Perhaps even more so, as the Christians were rather late in laying claim to it,
and tried more than once to reject it.  There had been a tradition in the West
that Mary bore the child Jesus on the twenty-fifth day, but no one could seem to
decide on the month. Finally, in 320 C.E., the Catholic Fathers in Rome decided
to make it December, in an effort to co-opt the Mithraic celebration of the
Romans and the Yule celebrations of the Celts and Saxons.

There was never much pretense that the date they finally chose was
historically accurate.  Shepherds just don’t ‘tend their flocks by night’ in the
high pastures in the dead of winter!  But if one wishes to use the New Testament
as historical evidence, this reference may point to sometime in the spring as
the time of Jesus’s birth.  This is because the lambing season occurs in the
spring and that is the only time when shepherds are likely to ‘watch their
flocks by night’ – to make sure the lambing goes well.  Knowing this, the
Eastern half of the Church continued to reject December 25, preferring a
‘movable date’ fixed by their astrologers according to the moon.

Thus, despite its shaky start (for over three centuries, no one knew when
Jesus was supposed to have been born!), December 25 finally began to catch on.
By 529, it was a civic holiday, and all work or public business (except that of
cooks, bakers, or any that contributed to the delight of the holiday) was
prohibited by the Emperor Justinian.  In 563, the Council of Braga forbade
fasting on Christmas Day, and four years later the Council of Tours proclaimed
the twelve days from December 25 to Epiphany as a sacred, festive season.  This
last point is perhaps the hardest to impress upon the modern reader, who is
lucky to get a single day off work.  Christmas, in the Middle Ages, was not a
SINGLE day, but rather a period of TWELVE days, from December 25 to January 6.  The Twelve Days of Christmas, in fact.  It is certainly lamentable that the modern world has abandoned this approach, along with the popular Twelfth Night celebrations.

Of course, the Christian version of the holiday spread to many countries no
faster than Christianity itself, which means that ‘Christmas’ wasn’t celebrated
in Ireland until the late fifth century; in England, Switzerland, and Austria
until the seventh; in Germany until the eighth; and in the Slavic lands until
the ninth and tenth. Not that these countries lacked their own mid-winter
celebrations of Yuletide.  Long before the world had heard of Jesus, Pagans had
been observing the season by bringing in the Yule log, wishing on it, and
lighting it from the remains of last year’s log.  Riddles were posed and
answered, magic and rituals were practiced, wild boars were sacrificed and
consumed along with large quantities of liquor, corn dollies were carried from
house to house while carolling, fertility rites were practiced (girls standing
under a sprig of mistletoe were subject to a bit more than a kiss), and
divinations were cast for the coming Spring.  Many of these Pagan customs, in an
appropriately watered-down form, have entered the mainstream of Christian
celebration, though most celebrants do not realize (or do not mention it, if
they do) their origins.

For modern Witches, Yule (from the Anglo-Saxon ‘Yula’, meaning ‘wheel’ of
the year) is usually celebrated on the actual Winter Solstice, which may vary by
a few days, though it usually occurs on or around December 21st.  It is a Lesser
Sabbat or Lower Holiday in the modern Pagan calendar, one of the four quarter-
days of the year, but a very important one.  This year (1988) it occurs on
December 21st at 9:28 am CST.  Pagan customs are still enthusiastically
followed. Once, the Yule log had been the center of the celebration.  It was
lighted on the eve of the solstice (it should light on the first try) and must
be kept burning for twelve hours, for good luck.  It should be made of ash.
Later, the Yule log was replaced by the Yule tree but, instead of burning it,
burning candles were placed on it.  In Christianity, Protestants might claim
that Martin Luther invented the custom, and Catholics might grant St. Boniface
the honor, but the custom can demonstrably be traced back through the Roman
Saturnalia all the way to ancient Egypt.  Needless to say, such a tree should be
cut down rather than purchased, and should be disposed of by burning, the proper way to dispatch any sacred object.

Along with the evergreen, the holly and the ivy and the mistletoe were
important plants of the season, all symbolizing fertility and everlasting life.
Mistletoe was especially venerated by the Celtic Druids, who cut it with a
golden sickle on the sixth night of the moon, and believed it to be an
aphrodisiac.  (Magically – not medicinally!  It’s highly toxic!)  But aphrodisiacs must have been the smallest part of the Yuletide menu in ancient times, as contemporary reports indicate that the tables fairly creaked under the strain of every type of good food.  And drink!  The most popular of which was the ‘wassail cup’ deriving its name from the Anglo-Saxon term ‘waes hael’ (be whole or hale).

Medieval Christmas folklore seems endless: that animals will all kneel down
as the Holy Night arrives, that bees hum the ‘100th psalm’ on Christmas Eve,
that a windy Christmas will bring good luck, that a person born on Christmas Day can see the Little People, that a cricket on the hearth brings good luck, that
if one opens all the doors of the house at midnight all the evil spirits will depart, that you will have one lucky month for each Christmas pudding you sample, that the tree must be taken down by Twelfth Night or bad luck is sure to follow, that ‘if Christmas on a Sunday be, a windy winter we shall see’, that ‘hours of sun on Christmas Day, so many frosts in the month of May’, that one
can use the Twelve Days of Christmas to predict the weather for each of the
twelve months of the coming year, and so on.

Remembering that most Christmas customs are ultimately based upon older
Pagan customs, it only remains for modern Pagans to reclaim their lost traditions.  In doing so, we can share many common customs with our Christian
friends, albeit with a slightly different interpretation.  And thus we all share
in the beauty of this most magical of seasons, when the Mother Goddess once
again gives birth to the baby Sun-God and sets the wheel in motion again.  To
conclude with a long-overdue paraphrase, ‘Goddess bless us, every one!’

A Happy and Joyous Solstice Dear WOTC Family and Friends!!

I was thinking in the middle of the night when all three of our fur kids, Cleo, Star, and Merlin, woke me up for cuddles that you might enjoy knowing how I celebrate the Winter Solstice and Yule. If you would like to use an idea from here, please do.

I’ll start with the Solstice because it’s a little more in depth than our Yule celebration. About 2 minutes before sunset, I light a black 4-inch candle to bid the Holly King a restful slumber and thank him for what he has helped me during this wheel of the year. I place a small black or dark blue piece of material over his statue to symbolize his passing. I mourn with the Triple Goddess for the lost of this consort I meditate and let my mind wander to all I want to let go of and speak it to the candle to burn it away. I sit until the candle has burned down to a small stub usually about 1/2-inch is left I snuff it out so as not to release the negative energy it holds into our home or the universe. I take the small stub of the candle and in the moonlight, I bury it on the west side of our yard as far away from our home as possible with all the negative things I ask Mother Earth it to take all negativity I may still unknowingly be harboring from me for her to renew and reuse however she sees fit to do with the energy.

Then I completely clear my altar and use the small broom I have to sweep away to the west all the negative energy that might have been left after doing spell and ritual since Samhain. I sweep off all the items that had been on my altar also so everything is clean and shiny to welcome the Oak King.

I then set up my altar to welcome the rebirth of the Oak King and to rejoice his rebirth with his mother /consort the Triple Goddess. Now I only have one statue to represent the Holly and the Oak King. When I place this statue back on my altar, I place a white piece of material around it like a swaddled baby to represent the Oak Kings rebirth. About 1 minute before the exact time the Winter Solstice “officially” begins I light a 4-inch white candle to help the birthing of the Oak King and for RA to honor him for bring the Sun back for longer days. After welcoming the Oak King and thanking RA I meditate on the candle speaking to it the goals I have set for myself for the coming calendar year. Once it has burnt down to about a 1/2-inch I blow it out to release my goals to the universe with a chant to please help me achieve them. I bury this on the east side of our yard close to our home in the morning as the first rays of sunlight are showing in the sky. I ask Mother earth to hold my goals so I can revisit the spot I have bury the candle stub in when I feel I may not achieve them.

This year my main goal is to write a short story on Esbats, New Moon one or two but one for every Full Moon, and each Sabbat as the wheel of the year turns. My second goal is to quit smoking cigarettes, eat less red meat and other things high in the bad fats as my cholesterol level is so high, I am on 2 different medications for it and am in very real danger of having a stroke. Will I completely achieve these goals? I’m not sure but if I just break them down into pieces to do each month there is an excellent chance that I will completely achieve my goals for 2024. I actually start the short stories with Yule as I follow the Celtic Tree calendar and tradition that the new year starts on Samhain.

Now for our Yule celebration I fix a nice meal, or we may even go to a favorite restaurant for supper. We come home light our Yule/Christmas tree exchange gifts, riminess about the preceding year which had many real high ups, our legal marriage, the birth of my 10th grandchild and a few very low downs, putting our beloved Dreamer into eternal sleep. Then I get into my favorite pair of pjs, curl about with which ever fur kids want to join me to watch Its a Wonderful Life. Then the fur kids and I will watch The Nightmare Before Christmas which always makes me laugh. Big Dawg goes in the other room and does whatever on his laptop while I binge on movies until it is time to celebrate the rebirth of the Oak King. This may sound pretty simplistic, but it works for us. Big Dawg and most of my children with their families celebrate Christmas. Along with a daughter-in-law who celebrates Hanukkah with my son, who is Christian, and their two boys, this is another home in my family that celebrates 2 different holidays in December and a couple of other times during the year. What this means for me is a lot of family stuff in one month, but I enjoy the diversity of spiritual paths in my family.

Now that this post has gone from a simple few lines to as a friend referred to an email he sent as his “War and Peace” that’s fits this post…ROFL! Thank you Owen Firewolf for this fantastic way to describe long posts!!

Spell for Today – Winter Solstice Blessing Jar – Printable

December 20 and 21, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 20, 2023

On this day the Moon will be in a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 20 has an illumination of 58%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 20 the Moon is 8.14 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 58%
Moon Age: 8.14 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 365,704.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,171,862.59 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

21 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 21 has an illumination of 69%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 21 the Moon is 9.2 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 69%
Moon Age: 9.20 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 368,475.44 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,161,649.49 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Celebrating 365 Days of Legends, Folklore & Spirituality for December 19, 20, 21 – Yule/Winter Solstice

 

December 19, 20, 21

Yule/Winter Solstice

The Solstice, taken from the Latin for “the Sun stands still,” is considered to be the true New Year-astronomically as well as spiritually. At this time, we see the simultaneous death and rebirth of the Sun-God, represented in the shortest day and longest night of the year. From this time forward, the sun grows in strength and power as the hours of daylight increase.

Midwinter, or Winter Solstice, marked the end of the first half of the Celtic year. As was Samhain, which has the Roman festival of Pomona and the Christian All Souls grafted on to it, the Celtic Winter Solstice was subsequently confused with the Roman Saturnalia, and later the Christian Christmas. Mythologically, logically, most of the Midwinter celebrations focused on the symbology of a new or younger God, overthrowing the older or father God, which would then bring forth a new and more potent life to the people and the land.

Although the Solstice takes place on December 21, Midwinter winter (renamed Yule by the Anglo Saxons) covers several weeks on either side of the Solstice. In medieval times, Yule began around St. Nicholas’s Day and ran until Candlemas. Eventually, Yule was redefined to mean either the Nativity (December 25) or the 12 days of celebration beginning on this date. The word Christmas then replaced Yule in most English-speaking speaking countries. However, the Danish preserved Yule as a way of maintaining their old style of festivities that incorporated rated several weeks of celebration.

In Wicca, and modern Paganism, the Winter Solstice is the time of new beginnings, a time to reflect on the past and project for the future. Magickally, the Winter Solstice affords us a perfect time to formulate a plan of action, a goal we can work towards during the coming year.

Spell For Summer Solstice – Summer Solstice Invocation

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

December 19 and 20, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 19, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the moon is one quarter of the way through its orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one-day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s First Quarter Phase

The First Quarter on December 19 has an illumination of 47%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 19 the Moon is 7.07 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 47%
Moon Age: 7.07 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,941.65 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,182,816.92 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

20 December 2023

On this day the Moon will be in a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. This September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on December 20 has an illumination of 58%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 20 the Moon is 8.14 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 58%
Moon Age: 8.14 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 365,704.15 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,171,862.59 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

December 18 and 19, 2023 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 17, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. Best seen in the west after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. This is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase

The Waxing Crescent on December 18 has an illumination of 35%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 18 the Moon is 5.99 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 35%
Moon Age: 5.99 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,299.01 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,194,508.90 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

19 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the moon is one quarter of the way through its orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one-day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s First Quarter Phase

The First Quarter on December 19 has an illumination of 47%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 19 the Moon is 7.07 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 47%
Moon Age: 7.07 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,941.65 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,182,816.92 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Monday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Monday

Day: Monday ( Moon-day)

Planet: Moon

Colors: Silver and White and Grey

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl, Aquamarine, Silver, Selenite

Aroma: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood, Moon Oil, African violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, and Wormwood

Herb: Moonwort

The sacred day of the Moon, personified by such goddesses as Selene, Luna, Diana, and Artemis. The Moon is ruler of flow affecting the changeable aspects of people. If a full moon falls on a Monday, its powers are at their most potent.

Magical aspects: peace, sleep, healing, compassion, friendships, psychic awareness, purification, and fertility

Monday is ruled by the moon – an ancient symbol of mystery and peace. Monday is a special day for mothers as the cycle of the moon has long been associated with the female menstrual cycle. Those wishing to conceive a baby would be wise to try on a Monday as the magic of motherhood is strong and pregnancy is in the air.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving agriculture, animals, female fertility, messages, reconciliation’s, theft, voyages, dreams, emotions, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, cooking, personality, merchandising, psychic work, Faerie magic, and Goddess rituals.

December 17 and 18 Current Moon Phase for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

Source: MoonGiant.com

Northern Hemisphere

December 17, 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. Best seen in the west after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. This is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase

The Waxing Crescent on December 17 has an illumination of 25%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 17 the Moon is 4.91 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 25%
Moon Age: 4.91 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,822.18 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,206,934.73 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Southern Hemisphere

18 December 2023

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Crescent Phase. Best seen in the west after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. This is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.

Visit the December 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Crescent Phase

The Waxing Crescent on December 18 has an illumination of 35%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On December 18 the Moon is 5.99 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 35%
Moon Age: 5.99 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,299.01 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,194,508.90 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, December 17 to Saturday, December 23, 2023

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

All Signs

This is a busy, productive week with the exception of perhaps Tuesday, which is a bit of a dreamy day. Nevertheless, this week, we will get things done! On Thursday, we have the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year. On that evening, (in North America) the Sun will enter Capricorn to stay for the next four weeks. In addition to this being a productive week, it will also be a interactive week personally and professionally. It’s a great time for family and friends to get together to relax and socialize. Take time to enjoy moments with loved ones. Meanwhile, I’m sure we can all agree that the three phrases that sum up the holiday season will be: “Peace on Earth,” “Goodwill to All,” and “Batteries Not Included.” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Aries (March 21-April 19)

For the next four weeks, the Sun will be at the top of your chart. This can happen only once a year and when it does, it symbolizes that the Sun is casting you in a special spotlight. Furthermore, this spotlight is flattering! This is why others (especially bosses, parents and VIPs) will admire you, even if you don’t do anything special. (It’s all smoke and mirrors.) Obviously, you have an advantage during this window of time, which means you should use it! Go after what you want. In particular, resurrect ideas that you tried to fly before but they were rejected. With Mercury retrograde at the top of your chart – this time someone might listen. Fingers crossed!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

During the Winter Solstice this week, the Sun will enter the part of your chart that focuses on travel, legal matters, medicine, publishing, the media and higher education. Meanwhile, Mercury retrograde is sitting there as well. Therefore, do what you can to expand your world and get a change of scenery in the next four weeks. However, be smart and return to places you have visited before. This is the perfect month to finish important papers, manuscripts or a book. It’s also a great time to wrap up medical and legal matters. Disputes about shared property and inheritances might be happening. Fortunately, Venus opposite your sign will benefit you and sweeten these negotiations.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Tread carefully this week because with Mars opposite your sign, you might be a tad impatient with others (especially if they’re annoying). Fortunately, relations with coworkers will be excellent. In addition, the next several weeks are the perfect time to wrap up loose details about shared property, inheritances, taxes, debt and anything that you own jointly with someone else. Take the high road if relationships are challenging at this time. Be encouraged to know that for the first time in 12 years, lucky Jupiter will enter your sign in late May to stay for a whole year! How great is that? (We’re talking serious horseshoes!) Knowing that you will be so favoured next year — this week, you can cut others some slack.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a busy and social week for you! You’ll have no trouble juggling everything because you’re revved up with energy. (You will even delegate to others.) Venus is travelling through the part of your chart that encourages vacations, socializing, fun outings, playful activities with kids, sports and party times with everyone! (Lucky you.) Meanwhile, on Thursday, during the Winter Solstice (the longest night of year), the Sun will move opposite your sign to stay for the next four weeks. This means you will need more rest in the next four weeks. (Respect your need for this.) Ex-partners and old friends will be back in your world! (Gulp.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a busy, productive week for you. In particular, it’s a perfect time to finish old business and wrap up whatever is already on your plate. Admittedly, Mercury retrograde might send you a few zingers, which create misunderstandings, misplaced items and delays. (It was ever thus.) However, Venus and Mars are cooperating beautifully for this holiday season for you. Venus will encourage entertaining at home as well as redecorating your home. Mars will highlight competitive sports, romantic outings and fun-loving activities. One tiny caveat: You will have to be patient with kids. (That goes with the territory.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This week you’re dealing with some kind of increased activity and chaos at home. This might be due to residential moves, redecorating projects, renovations or visiting guests. Admittedly, this is also a crazy time of year when everyone is juggling too much! Take a deep breath. Resolve to do whatever you can to keep the peace at home because that is what is most important. The future is going to unfold in a playful, lovely way for you so you can relax. In fact, the next four weeks will be fun-loving, lighthearted and full of opportunities to socialize, enjoy sports events, fun kids’ activities and perhaps get away on a vacation. Romance will sizzle! (It’s all good.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Fortunately, you have lots of drive and energy to deal with the demands of the holiday season. This is because fiery Mars is in the part of your chart that highlights communications and daily activities. Not only are you energized (as you deal with life at an accelerated daily pace) – gasp — you’re forthright and direct in all your communications. (Oh yeah, you’re in charge!) Fortunately, despite the fact that you’re buying pretty things for yourself and others, money is coming to you. (“A relief!”) Meanwhile, this week triggers a four-week window where home, family and your private life will be your primary focus. Some of you will be more involved with a parent. Expect to see family you haven’t talked to for a long time.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is an excellent week, despite the challenge of Mercury retrograde in your House of Communications and daily activities. Oh yes, Mercury retrograde causes car problems, missed buses, mixed-up communications, missed appointments and goofy mistakes. (But nothing you can’t handle.) Remember – you’re a powerful Scorpio! Meanwhile, with Venus in your sign, you’re charming and diplomatic with everyone. You look fabulous, which is why this is an excellent time to buy wardrobe treasures for yourself. (You will do this because with Mars in your Money House, you’re working hard to make money as well as spend it.) Treat yourself because the next four weeks will be busy, fast-paced and full of faces from the past.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Some of you are humming, “It’s beginning to cost a lot like Christmas.” This is because starting this week, specifically, on Thursday night, the longest night of the year, you will enter a four-week window where your focus on earnings, cash flow and your possessions will become stronger. You’ll be full of moneymaking ideas and will no doubt have financial discussions with others. Please note that at the moment due to Mercury retrograde taking place in your Money House, your best bet will be to resurrect something that didn’t fly before. Try it again! With fiery Mars in your sign, you’re energized. I recommend physical, outdoor exercise to blow off any extra pent-up steam within you. Go, go, go!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This week on the Winter Solstice, the Sun will enter your sign to stay for the next four weeks, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. Furthermore, this solar energy will attract people to you as well as favourable situations. Oh yes, you will shine! Admittedly, Mercury retrograde is taking place in your sign, which means you’re challenged by goofy errors, delays, car problems, items late in the mail and mixed-up communications with others. And of course, ex-partners are back on the scene. (Or in your dreams.) Fortunately, fair Venus is in your House of Friendships paving the way for warm interactions with friends and groups. Enjoy!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Because your birthday is just a month away, this means your personal year is coming to an end. This also means that in the next four weeks, you have the perfect opportunity to ponder, meditate, cogitate and ruminate profound thoughts. (As the inventor of the zodiac, you’re full of original ideas.) At this time in your life, you’re trying to figure out how to organize all your stuff – your belongings and your assets. You also have wonderful opportunities to improve where you live or move to a better place. Right now, Venus is at the top of your chart sweetening all your relations with bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. Take some time to think about what you want for your new year ahead. Ideas?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is a lovely week for you because it’s a holiday time, and people are out to-ing and fro-ing, and this perfectly dovetails with what’s happening in your chart. In other words, this week, the Sun moves into your House of Friendships, activating that part of your life, thereby attracting friends into your world. You will also find yourself more involved with clubs, groups and organizations. In particular, you will meet friends and colleagues from the past that you haven’t seen for a while. Meanwhile, your ambition is aroused now, so you will go after what you want. And one of the things you want to do is travel! Bon voyage!

Divination Journal

Tarot

From the Celtic Dragon tarot card deck and book by D. J. Conway

Pages 110 and 111

Queen of Swords – Court Card

Learning lessons; manipulation

The Queen of Swords is a mature woman who walks through a pit of fire with confidence. Although the flames flare around her on all sides, her face is calm, her eyes straight ahead. She has learned that life offers both positive and negative learning experiences and that one becomes stronger by refusing to give in to fear an despair. In one hand she carries a raised sword, while the other rests on the head of a Fire dragon who is mostly hidden behind her and from whose mouth issues more flames. The sword represents the Queen’s faith in her ability to fight her way through any adversity, while the huge dragon-companion symbolizes astral and spiritual teachers who are always beside us, not to impede our progress by making life to smooth, but to guide our steps through any “trial” to safety. The Queen wears a crown with a triangular-shaped, red stone in front, symbolic of her connectedness with both the Goddess and her own feminine power. Three little Fire dragons frolic in the flames, encouraging her to continue her path.

Divinatory Meaning: This card indicates a powerful feminine influence. You will be faced with with a period in your life that makes you learns an important lesson you have avoided. Be careful getting your way in something through manipulation, for later this action will come back to haunt you.

Animal Spirit Guide or Helper

Source: UniGuide.com

Lion

Lion symbolism and meaning include majesty, courage, strength, protection, family, wisdom, and other admirable traits. Lions once roamed throughout the African continent as well as parts of Asia and Europe. So, the lion is a subject in the mythologies and folklore of many cultures around the world. In addition, the lion spirit animal is a power animal for those who feel a special kinship with these giant cats. Others are simply starstruck by their magnificence. In this post, you’ll learn about lion symbols and meanings, lion mythology, the lion spirit animal, and more.

Rune

Source: TheRuneSite.com

Laguz

Sound: “l”
Stands for: Water (or Lake)
Color: Black & White (Green)
Casting meaning: Laguz represents the power of water and its easy flowing nature. We must learn to “go with the flow” when this rune shows up in a reading so that we can take full advantage of our powers.


Witches’ Rune

Source: summergoddess.wordpress.com

Flight

The Flight Rune stands for a time when you will finally break free and overcome obstacles that have impeded your progress.

You can look forward to a time when all communications; physical, meta-physical and spiritual are of great importance.

Expect to be given news that will alter your direction. Look to gain sudden insights and crucial revelations.

This rune signifies the kind of communication that changes your course of action, so there may be shake-ups or surprises in events you had already planned.

 

Ogham

Source: learningreligions.com

UILLEAN

Ui (sometimes interpreted as Pe) is Uillean, the Honeysuckle. Associated with the manifestation of will, the Honeysuckle starts as a small seed and creeps along, growing and spreading over time. Honeysuckle twists and spirals up and over its surroundings, its soft yellow flowers releasing a sweet scent. It is the flower of unspoken desire, hidden needs, secret wants, but it also represents our goals of finding our true Self.

From a medicinal standpoint, the honeysuckle can be useful as well. Dioscorides says,

“the ripe seed gathered and dried in the shadow and drunk for four days together, doth waste and consume away the hardness of the spleen and removeth wearisomeness, helpeth the shortness and difficulty of breathing, cureth the hicket (hiccough), etc. A syrup made of the flowers is good to be drunk against diseases of the lungs and spleen.”

Uillean Correspondences

Mundane Aspects: When this symbol appears, it means you need to allow yourself the freedom to pursue your desire. If you’ve got hopes or dreams that are unattained, now is your time to start considering whether they’re remain just dreams, or become reality. Denying yourself the chance to enjoy life is unfair.

Magical Aspects: Take the time to experience joy, but make sure you stay true to your values and beliefs as well. In many Wiccan traditions, the Charge of the Goddess is quoted as a reminder of this: All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. Another aspect of this symbol is that sometimes, mysteries which seem to be hidden may not be as hard to delve into as you think–sometimes, you’ve just been sidetracked by distractions.

I Ching

Source: psychic-revelation.com

Hexagram Eight/8

Name: Pi.

Keyphrase: Union.

Formed By The Trigrams: Water over Earth.

General: A community bound by goodwill is the most potent force for powerful positive change there is.

Love: Use goodwill and trust to achieve unity within your relationship.

Business: Strengthen networks within your business and ties with networks your business is a part of.

Personal: Form or strengthen ties with family and friends.

Overview: Pi relates to the need for unity to accomplish positive change. Relationships built on trust and goodwill should be formed and maintained for the benefit of all – not just for personal gain. This applies to not only family and friends but the community around you in general and your business community too.

Numerology

Source: worldnumerology.com

Eight

The 8 creates a balance between the material and spiritual worlds.

At its best, it is as spiritual as it is materialistic. The sacred side of the 8 is practical, rational, and intelligent. It knows the difference between make-believe and genuine realization.

On the material plane, it is focused on results – often in the form of money – yet it doesn’t care about acquiring wealth merely for the sake of being wealthy. It is not greedy; it sees money as a tool not an end-result. It is generous and willing to take risks.

As with all single-digit numbers, the 8 has a positive and a negative side.

One mystery of Numerology is that there is a small number of people who, from an early age on and for no discernible reason, seem to turn the opposite direction of what their charts indicate. “Seem” is the keyword here. This phenomenon is found with all numbers, but it appears to affect 8s more than others. There are quite a few people whose charts are dominated by 8s that become priests, missionaries, humanitarians, and so forth. However, even those selfless, loving individuals tend to be skilled in fundraising, money management, and authority.

Angel Number

Source: numerologynation.com

Eighty – Eight

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