WOTC’s Spell of the Day for March 4th: Familiar Consecration Spell

Familiar Consecration Spell 

To cement and/or formalize the psychic bonds between you and your familiar:

1.  Cast a circle large enough to hold you and your familiar, and any psychic tool you wish to use.

2.  Burn frankincense on the periphery of the circle.

3.  Sit within the circle, with your familiar, until you feel that it is time to come out.

4.  Repeat as needed.

My Magickal Gift to You for March 4th – House Blessing Spell

I am sure my regular readers know that every Full Moon, I bless my home. I also try to remind all of you to do the same. To help you get the ball rolling, my git to you this day……

House Blessing Spell

It is a good idea, when moving into a new home or even every few months – to bless your home with positive energy. This is an effective way to bring positive energy and prosperity into your home.

Items you will need:

Sea Salt

Water

House Blessing Incense

Glass of Red Wine

Dried White Sage

Bell

In the room you spend most of your time in, or a “main room” of your house (like your living room) – cast a circle of power. You do not have to perform an elaborate ritual for this, however you can simply visualize a protective circle around you that slowly expands to encompass your entire living space and house. Invite positive energy, your guides and all spirits who will be positive to come to your aid – and release all those spirits and energies that are negative. An easy way to do this, is to say this, while casting your circle:

By Fire, Air, Earth and Water – I conjure three that there remain within thy frame, no adverse spell or enmity, or spirit not in accord with me, this is my Will, So Mote It Be!”

Take you Water and Salt, in a small bowl you will take with you on your journey through the house, place the dried sage on top of the water and salt. Have House Blessing Incense burning in the room you cast your circle. Then walking through the house, go to each door, window and entrance and anoint the doors and windows with a sprinkle of the mixture, while saying something to the effect of:

“By the Elements, I purify this home and all doorways. May love and light, prosperity and joy enter. May these passages allow friends and love ones to enter, and prevent those who wish ill or harm.”

Do this to all the windows and doors. Then follow your steps one more time, ringing the bell (this raises positive energies and spirits). Then take the wine, and anoint the front doorway with touches of wine. If you own your home, you can pour the wine across the doorway outside. Place the remaining water, salt and sage outside as an offering to the Gods. Close your circle and the Blessing is complete.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, March 4th

This is a good point in the Cosmic Calendar to remind you that solar and planetary alignments don’t just disappear in one day. Therefore, yesterday’s quartet of potent sky configurations – Sun opposite Mars, Vesta united with Uranus, Venus moving 135-degrees to Mars, and the Sun moving 135-degrees to Saturn – are still forces to reckon with, even if they are a little below the cosmic radar field. However, Venus in Aries is opposing Saturn in Libra (3:19AM PST) and this discordant aspect is clearly a polarity that can set in motion a big chill affecting love or money matters. Stop worrying about things you can’t control. Slow your tempo in romance and delicate business affairs. Emulate the tortoise rather than the hare in key activities this morning. It doesn’t help that the Moon squares Venus (2:18PM PST) – beginning a short void lunar cycle in Cancer that lasts until 3:19PM PST. The good news is that 3:19PM PST offers the Moon a new lease on life by entering fiery Leo and making two, mind-expanding trines – to Mercury (8:58PM PST) and Uranus (9:26PM PST). Because the Moon is closing in on harmonious trine patterns to Mercury and Uranus quickly, this implies that Mercury and Uranus are about to converge. That Mercury-Uranus inspirational union occurs tomorrow and – due to Mercury’s upcoming reversal on March 12 – Mercury will also unite with Uranus on March 18 and April 22. Get set for a highly stimulating start to the workweek tomorrow as Venus enters its main home sign of Taurus (2:26AM PST on Monday).

Calendar of the Moon for Sunday, March 4th

Calendar of the Moon

Ash Tree Month

Color: Pale Blue
Elements: Water and air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue set a great bowl of salt water in which are set many shells and stones, a shell full of salt, incense, and the figures of sea-birds and fishes.
Offerings: Wash something clean, or air it out.
Daily Meal: Either fish or seafood, or poultry.

Nion/Anthesterion Invocation

Call: Now is the time of wind and water.
Response: Now is the time of sea and sky.
Call: Now is the time of the Gods of weather.
Response: Now is the time of the great waves.
Call: Now is the time of terrible flooding.
Response: Now is the time of needed rain.
Call: Now is the time of battering gales.
Response: Now is the time of winds of change.
Call: Now is the time of fear of change.
Response: Now, and always, change will win.
Call: The wild winds disturb our dreams.
Response: The wild winds awake our minds.
Call: The heavy rains flood our hearts.
Response: The heavy rains water our future.
Call: The sea will sweep us away.
Response: The sea will bear us up.
Call: The sea is cold and unending.
Response: The sea is the source of life.
Call: We are ships on the lost expanse of the ocean.
Response: We are winds that call to one another.
Call: We will brave the wind and water.
Response: We will bring together mind and heart.
Call: We will come home safely after wandering.
Response: We will anchor safely after our journeys.
Call: We will come through wind and water!
Response: We will come through wind and water!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
We will come through wind and water
We will come through sea and sky

Revive Your Magickal Powers

Revive Your Magickal Powers 

On the night of the full moon, anoint a purple candle with vanilla oil. While anointing raise energy and focus it into the candle. See it glow with magick. Light the candle and go outside (if possible) or near a window where you can see the moon. Place the candle on the ground or windowsill. Reach your arms out to the moon and say:

“I ask for your power on this night,

By the powers of the stars above me.

So Shall It Be!” 

Visualize your arms and hands soaking up the powers of the moon and into your body. Put out the candle and leave it on your altar overnight. The next morning, repeat the spell with this chant. 

“Oh dear Lord of sky and sea,

Lead your magick into me,

By soil, wind, flame and sea,

This is my will.

So Mote It Be!” 

Soak up the powers of the Sun. Go to your altar and light the purple candle from the night before and meditate on it until it burns out.

Calendar of the Moon for Saturday, March 3rd

Calendar of the Moon
3 Nion/Anthesterion

Day of Llyr

Color: Sea-blue
Element: Water
Altar: On a sea-blue cloth place a chalice of salt water, a skull, a dolphin, and a ship.
Offerings: Paper ships. Deal with fearful emotions that threaten to drown you.
Daily Meal: Fish or seafood.

Invocation to Llyr

We cross the sea at our own risk,
Be it the sea of water
Or the depths of our own
Internal tides of feeling.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
Knowing that the smooth expanse
Could at any moment become turbulent,
Degenerate into a vast whirlpool
And draw us screaming into the darkness.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
Navigating our way with signs
And symbols that have nothing
To do with the vast expanse we see,
But are just numbers, spun out of
The mind’s vast abilities,
The world of air and sky,
And sometimes they fail us.
We cross the sea at our own risk,
But if we do not cross it
We will be separated forever
By those terrible watery chasms.
Ocean god, we pray to you for mercy;
Bear us up and do not let us drown
In any ocean, within or without.

Chant:
Born of water, cleansing, powerful, flowing, healing, we are…..

(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual come forward with the bowl of salt water, and each shall dip their hands into it and mark themselves on their heart chakras and their heads. Then the salt water shall be poured out as a libation.)

Today’s Cosmic Calendar for Saturday, March 3rd

Take advantage of all golden opportunities coming your way during this weekend as cosmic intensity is back near full strength. Although the Moon is in Cancer and promoting projects around your residence, kitchen, garage or garden, the Sun in Pisces forms a polarity or opposition to Mars in Virgo (12:11PM PST). This aspect alone would be enough to cause alarm bells to ring and put everyone on Planet Earth on notice that volatile conditions are on the rise. However, you also have to deal with Vesta uniting with Uranus in Aries (3:46PM PST), Venus making a frictional, 135-degree tie to Mars (6:54PM PST), and the Sun forming a similar connection with taskmaster Saturn (7:12PM PST). Plus – waiting in the wings is a Venus-Saturn opposition that will clock in at 3:19AM PST tomorrow morning. Under this aegis of celestial tyranny, it may be hard to get any traction going this morning or afternoon. Vesta with Uranus suggests being extra careful relative to your assets and investments. Venus and Mars in a struggle is often an indicator of increased tensions or quarrels between lovers. The Sun-Saturn skirmish may slow down business negotiations and enterprises before they get off the ground. If you are looking for a silver lining in the overall psychic cloud cover, find it and savor it when the Sun and Moon form a flowing trine in water signs (8:59AM PST). Despite all the challenging aspects, antique hunters and collectible aficionados receive encouragement from the history-loving nature of Cancer Moon as an emotional backdrop to this 24-hour time-period.

New Moon Report for Friday, March 2 – Mercury In Aries

 

 

Mercury in Aries

Friday, March 2, 3:41 am PST, 6:41 am EST

Brainy Mercury blasts into headstrong Aries to heat up conversations and fire off brilliant new ideas. Intellectual excitement is understandable, but it’s wise to maintain some self-restraint as the messenger planet is slowing down and will turn retrograde on March 12. Hurry up and wait might be the mantra of this misleading transit that incites concepts which are a little ahead of their time and require reconsideration before they’re ready to share.

Today’s Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, Feb. 29th

February 2012 ends with a flourish as revolutionary vibrations associated with the first of the three outer planets – Uranus – strike humanity with intensity. Mercury makes a contra-parallel (1:04AM PST) with this planet of radical change, intuitive awareness and a vast arsenal of innovative ideas. Tomorrow – as Mercury shifts from south declination to north declination above the Celestial Equator – Mercury and Uranus will form a parallel. Therefore, mental excitement is at a feverish pitch as February ends and March begins, and many souls may be feeling far more nervous than usual. In the meantime, you have other fish to fry since the challenging vibes of the First Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 11 degrees of Pisces and Gemini) arrive on the scene at 5:23PM PST. The power and significance of quarter moons are often ignored by students of astrology because the emphasis is always placed on New and Full Moons. Every time we reach a First Quarter Sun-Moon Phase, the two lights are separated by 90-degrees of arc and the Moon is waxing in illumination. However, the key is to cut through obstacles along your physical and emotional pathways, and to manage your business affairs with greater finesse. Accomplish these objectives today and you are well on your way to taking a symbolic victory lap of psychological success tonight. Immerse yourself in a biography, bestseller or literary classic under the glowing literary spotlight of Gemini Moon.

Calendar of the Moon for February 28th

Calendar of the Moon

Ash Tree Month

Color: Pale Blue
Elements: Water and air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue set a great bowl of salt water in which are set many shells and stones, a shell full of salt, incense, and the figures of sea-birds and fishes.
Offerings: Wash something clean, or air it out.
Daily Meal: Either fish or seafood, or poultry.

Nion/Anthesterion Invocation

Call: Now is the time of wind and water.
Response: Now is the time of sea and sky.
Call: Now is the time of the Gods of weather.
Response: Now is the time of the great waves.
Call: Now is the time of terrible flooding.
Response: Now is the time of needed rain.
Call: Now is the time of battering gales.
Response: Now is the time of winds of change.
Call: Now is the time of fear of change.
Response: Now, and always, change will win.
Call: The wild winds disturb our dreams.
Response: The wild winds awake our minds.
Call: The heavy rains flood our hearts.
Response: The heavy rains water our future.
Call: The sea will sweep us away.
Response: The sea will bear us up.
Call: The sea is cold and unending.
Response: The sea is the source of life.
Call: We are ships on the lost expanse of the ocean.
Response: We are winds that call to one another.
Call: We will brave the wind and water.
Response: We will bring together mind and heart.
Call: We will come home safely after wandering.
Response: We will anchor safely after our journeys.
Call: We will come through wind and water!
Response: We will come through wind and water!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
We will come through wind and water
We will come through sea and sky

Calendar of the Sun for February 27th

Calendar of the Sun
27 Solmonath

Day of the Elders

Colors: Grey, silver, and purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On cloth of purple, grey, and silver place three lit grey candles scented with cypress, a branch of yew, a silver chalice of fruit juice, and a silver tray of frosted white cakes.
Offerings: Food or other aid given to organizations that give aid to elders. Offer to spend time helping or keeping companionship with an elder.
Daily Meal: Allow the three eldest members of the community to choose the meal.

Invocation to the Elder Spirit

Hail, Old One,
Crone and Wise Man,
Silver of hair
And adamant of spirit,
Aged like fine wine
Through years of experience;
You who watch the young ones grow
And remember their path
And tell them the pitfalls ahead,
You who have made a friend
Of changing Time,
You whom Saturn has blessed
With a double circle,
You who keep the mysteries
And the secret knowledge,
You who mentor and teach,
Show us how to walk gracefully
Into the sunset of life.

(The chant for this day should be a wordless harmony. First the cakes are passed around, served in order of age, eldest first; then the juice is likewise shared. Then each member of the community, starting with the youngest, goes before each member who is past their second Saturn return, or if there are none the eldest among them, kneels, and asks for their blessing. After the next eldest has asked for the blessing of the eldest, the ritual is ended.)

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Monday, February 27th

Don’t take loved ones, friends or associates for granted as a new workweek begins under earnest and persistent Taurus Moon. Watch out for the shadow sides of lunar Taurus – obstinacy, laziness, too much pleasure-seeking, and resistance to change in any form. Helping you adapt to changing circumstances is an inspiring and vitality-enhancing Venus-Mars parallel (8:54AM PST). This sky pattern can also give romantic partners a burst of heart-to-heart energy. Put a tiger in your physical and emotional tanks as the Moon trines Mars in earth signs (2:09PM PST). Get back into the swing of exercise routines or a favorite sport. Improve your golf stroke, curve ball or tennis backhand. Willpower and mental concentration can be your teammates in working wonders on construction projects or professional enterprises – thanks to the supportive, 60-degree alliance between the radiant Sun and underworld-ruling Pluto (11:15PM PST). Reach out to nurture a loved one with your healing touch when Chiron squares off with Juno (11:28PM PST). This 90-degree aspect may have some tension built into it, but Chiron and Pallas are approaching an uplifting union in Pisces at 4:25AM PST tomorrow and you can pick up on these highly favorable vibes ahead of time.

Today’s Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, February 26th

Romantic partners need to be on alert as the Sun makes a contra-parallel with Venus (1:03AM PST). Of course, this kind of linkage can be either a tug-of-war or an illuminating awareness as it is somewhat similar to a zodiacal opposition. If you are flying solo and unattached to a dear one, delve into one of your favorite arts or crafts. Slow down as the Moon makes its monthly opposition to Saturn (4:53AM PST) – a potential roadblock that also starts a void-of-course lunar cycle lasting until 6:31AM PST when the Moon enters earthy Taurus. Hit your stride in big business affairs and career pursuits as the Sun parallels Saturn (1:07PM PST). Learn valuable lessons from esteemed mentors and teachers who know the score. A burst of euphoria can arrive later on when the Moon makes its monthly union with Jupiter (7:44PM PST). Attend a play, the ballet, symphony performance, poetry or piano recital. Let your optimistic mind-set rule the roost – particularly as the Sun and Moon lend their support via an invigorating, 60-degree link (10:54PM PST). The love boat sets sail for exotic ports of call after midnight since alluring and magnetic Venus approaches a razzle-dazzle, exciting parallel to often passion-enhanced Mars (forming exactly at 8:54AM PST tomorrow).

Calendar of the Moon for Saturday, February 25th

Calendar of the Moon

Ash Tree Month

Color: Pale Blue
Elements: Water and air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue set a great bowl of salt water in which are set many shells and stones, a shell full of salt, incense, and the figures of sea-birds and fishes.
Offerings: Wash something clean, or air it out.
Daily Meal: Either fish or seafood, or poultry.

Nion/Anthesterion Invocation

Call: Now is the time of wind and water.
Response: Now is the time of sea and sky.
Call: Now is the time of the Gods of weather.
Response: Now is the time of the great waves.
Call: Now is the time of terrible flooding.
Response: Now is the time of needed rain.
Call: Now is the time of battering gales.
Response: Now is the time of winds of change.
Call: Now is the time of fear of change.
Response: Now, and always, change will win.
Call: The wild winds disturb our dreams.
Response: The wild winds awake our minds.
Call: The heavy rains flood our hearts.
Response: The heavy rains water our future.
Call: The sea will sweep us away.
Response: The sea will bear us up.
Call: The sea is cold and unending.
Response: The sea is the source of life.
Call: We are ships on the lost expanse of the ocean.
Response: We are winds that call to one another.
Call: We will brave the wind and water.
Response: We will bring together mind and heart.
Call: We will come home safely after wandering.
Response: We will anchor safely after our journeys.
Call: We will come through wind and water!
Response: We will come through wind and water!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
We will come through wind and water
We will come through sea and sky

Daily Horoscopes for Friday, February 24th

We have run out of patience and are no longer willing to engage in endless debate trying to find a common solution to a problem. Instead, today’s enterprising Aries Moon encourages us to solve a current dilemma by addressing our own needs first. This enlightened self-interest can loosen a logjam and get the energy flowing again. However, unforeseen consequences may create an emotional drama when the Moon squares ruthless Pluto later in the day.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You should be accustomed to the repetitive waves of energy that periodically surge through your life these days. But the Moon’s current visit to your sign is another reminder of the big changes ahead. You are quite excitable today and are easily overwhelmed by your emotions. Opening your heart to a friend will probably make you feel uncomfortable at first, but it could ultimately deepen your relationship.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Social commitments have piled up enough to make you realize that you don’t have much time to spare. You may need to clarify your boundaries by saying no if you’ve spread yourself too thin. But it isn’t that you want to be unsociable; it’s simply that you have too much on your plate. Avoiding unproductive distractions makes sense now, even if you are feeling restless; concentrate on your job and you’ll be through this crunch sooner than you expect.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You want others to believe that you’re eagerly embracing the future. You may pretend that all is well today, but you’re afraid of being judged if you hold on to the past. Although you’re usually pretty good at steering clear of unnecessary emotional drama, your impulsive actions could inadvertently stir up an uncomfortable level of intensity now. Being honest about your fears is the first step to healing your insecurities.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You were recently swimming in the waters of your own emotions, but now it seems as if you’re being pulled onto dry land. Instead of just experiencing your feelings, it’s time to act on them. Unfortunately, your actions could be constrained by memories of a past rejection that arises when you swing into motion. Take time to honor your past before pushing through the resistance. No matter what happens, you will feel positive about taking a chance and revealing what you want.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You feel a surge of confidence as the Moon visits your extroverted 9th House of Big Ideas. The fiery Aries Moon provides you with enough momentum to make new plans for the future, even if you haven’t yet processed what’s happening in the present moment. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure out everything all at once; release your current concerns gradually while time works its own magic.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may be frustrated with your lack of productivity today because you’re itching for new experiences, even if you’re constrained by promises you made in a relationship. Nevertheless, something happens that reawakens your desires and concentrates your attention on the excitement of living. However, you cannot just let go of your commitments. Be wise and observe your dilemma without taking action; it’s best to make changes on another day rather than turning your life upside down now.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The Moon’s current visit to your 7th House of Relationships is a reminder of how difficult it is to be completely yourself when someone else is part of your life. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to define the line between love and codependency, especially because making other people happy comes so naturally to you. Although fulfilling your own needs might create stress, it also makes you a better partner in the long run.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are walking close to an emotional edge today, but it’s best to keep your feelings to yourself. Your patience has run out and you are almost ready to do something that you’ll probably regret. It’s your choice; you don’t have to do it. There may be too much at stake to take an unnecessary risk now, so try working off your anxiety through exercise or hard work. You’ll feel much better if you channel your nervous tension into something positive.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re feeling lucky today which could tempt you to take an unnecessary risk. Maintaining a positive attitude is usually a wise decision, but it might be too much of a good thing now. A gamble won’t automatically lead to loss, but choosing a proven path improves your chances for success even more. Don’t be greedy and reach too far; set a realistic goal and then apply yourself diligently to reach it.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you can see into the distance now and have an ambitious plan to reach your goals, your foundation may be weak if you don’t trust your perceptions. You might be so self-critical that you think you won’t be able to sustain your productivity as you move into unfamiliar territory. You could exhaust yourself before you reach your destination if you are pushing too hard. Paradoxically, slowing down today can actually help you achieve success quicker than you think.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may be running around in circles today, distracted by every little thing that comes along. However, instant karma gets you each time you wander and immediately puts you back on track. You don’t have a lot of time to waste if you want to complete the tasks that are on your plate. Thankfully, you could surprise yourself by how much you accomplish if you have clear intentions and stay focused on your goals.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

This is a critical phase, for you recently embarked on an exciting new path. But you could run into problems today as someone blocks your way. You might even wonder if you’re heading in the right direction. However, there’s no reason to get discouraged; the current obstacles are meant to help you get serious about your work rather than stopping your progress. Don’t quit now; your follow-through is required to bring your project into the future.

Daily Cosmic Calender for Friday, February 24th

Life in the fast lane of Aries Moon after a recent New Moon can be a race against time to accomplish everything on your to-do list. Early on, surprises and unsettled conditions are the norm rather than the exception while the Moon unites with shock-master Uranus (12:27AM PST). Shortly thereafter, there is a mammoth rise in healing energies circulating around – courtesy of the annual Sun-Chiron union in Pisces (1:07AM PST). Learn more about advances on the cutting edge of alternative medicine. Look into the mysteries concerning ancient ruins, pyramid power, ley lines, crop circles, missing time, UFOs and ETs. This search into the unknown is magnified as Mercury parallels Chiron (5:33AM PST). Some flak may appear on the psychic radar screen regarding problem-solving as Venus forms a frictional, 45-degree connection with Pallas (11:17AM PST). Love is in the air as the Moon parallels Venus (3:49PM PST). Don’t be surprised if erotic impulses pop up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, be more productive with arts, crafts and your favorite hobbies as the Moon unites with Ceres (7:36PM PST). This conjunction doubles as an activator concerning diet and nutrition, as well as nurturing children and pets in your family circle. Enjoy competitive games like pool, darts and bowling as the Moon parallels Mars (9:24PM PST). Get set for a wild cosmic ride on Saturday as a mixture of challenging and opportunistic alignments weave their compelling influences throughout the day.

Calendar of the Moon for February 24th

Calendar of the Moon

Ash Tree Month

Color: Pale Blue
Elements: Water and air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue set a great bowl of salt water in which are set many shells and stones, a shell full of salt, incense, and the figures of sea-birds and fishes.
Offerings: Wash something clean, or air it out.
Daily Meal: Either fish or seafood, or poultry.

Nion/Anthesterion Invocation

Call: Now is the time of wind and water.
Response: Now is the time of sea and sky.
Call: Now is the time of the Gods of weather.
Response: Now is the time of the great waves.
Call: Now is the time of terrible flooding.
Response: Now is the time of needed rain.
Call: Now is the time of battering gales.
Response: Now is the time of winds of change.
Call: Now is the time of fear of change.
Response: Now, and always, change will win.
Call: The wild winds disturb our dreams.
Response: The wild winds awake our minds.
Call: The heavy rains flood our hearts.
Response: The heavy rains water our future.
Call: The sea will sweep us away.
Response: The sea will bear us up.
Call: The sea is cold and unending.
Response: The sea is the source of life.
Call: We are ships on the lost expanse of the ocean.
Response: We are winds that call to one another.
Call: We will brave the wind and water.
Response: We will bring together mind and heart.
Call: We will come home safely after wandering.
Response: We will anchor safely after our journeys.
Call: We will come through wind and water!
Response: We will come through wind and water!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
We will come through wind and water
We will come through sea and sky

Calendar of the Sun for February 24th

Calendar of the Sun
24 Solmonath

Regifugium – Day of the Abdication of the Sacred King

Colors: Gold and black
Element: Fire
Altar: On a black cloth set a crown of gold in a bowl of ashes, three lit black candles, and two lengths of cloth – one golden silk sewn with trim and jewels, and one plain rough handwoven cloth in the colors of the Earth.
Offerings: Prostrating oneself on the ground before the altar. Giving up something in which one has great pride that is no longer useful to anyone.
Daily Meal: Food that is plain, unseasoned, simple, and coarse.

Regifugium Invocation

Hail to the King in his glory!
Yet turn away your eyes
For he has grown weary of his throne
And he finds that power
No longer brings him joy.
On this day in cold Solmonath
Before the coming of the Spring
He finds that pride has fallen
Into ashes
And that he longs for a morning
That breaks on a simpler life.
Hail to the King as he descends
From the high places
Where he has grown accustomed
To ruling and serving.
He will now serve a greater purpose
Within a smaller boundary.
May the Gods smile on those
Whose soul tells them
When they must step down.
Hail to him who is no longer King
And blessed be the rest of his days.

Chant:
The King hath died to the world of the Crown
Let the trumpets sound – away he rides
Yet life goes on – Regifugium.

(All prostrate themselves, are sprinkled with the ashes, and contemplate what they must give up.)

Astronomy Picture of the Day for Feb. 23 – A Zodiacal Skyscape

Astronomy Picture of the Day

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

2012 February 23
See Explanation.  Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

A Zodiacal Skyscape
Image Credit & Copyright: Jack Fusco 

Explanation: Venus and Jupiter are this month’s two brightest planets. Shortly after sunset on February 20, they dominate the sky above the western horizon and this snowy landscape. In clear and transparent skies over Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA, they are also seen immersed in Zodiacal light. The extended, diffuse, triangular glow is sunlight scattered by dust along the plane of the ecliptic. Brighter near the horizon, the Zodiacal glow angles upward, first to Venus and then to Jupiter hugging the ecliptic as they orbit the Sun. Fading even further, the glow stretches toward the lovely Pleides star cluster near the top of the frame. Following their appearance in this Zodiacal skyscape, the coming days will see Venus and Jupiter sharing the early evening sky with a young crescent Moon. The two bright planets are even headed for a close pairing or conjunction, separated by about 3 degrees on March 13.