Earth Science Pic of the Day for October 16th

Light Pollution and Moonlight Glint off of Langer See in Berlin, Germany

October 16, 2011

Moonglint_off_Spree (2)

Photographers: Christopher Kyba and Thomas Ruhtz; Christopher’s Web site
Summary Author: Christopher Kyba

 

The above photo was taken while making light pollution measurements over Berlin, Germany as part of the Verlust der Nacht project. It nicely illustrates the differences between natural (moonlight) and artificial night lighting. It’s obvious that artificial street lights have different color spectra from that of moonlight; some street lamps emit discrete spectral lines rather than a continuous spectrum as produced by the Sun or Moon. Note the glint of moonlight off of Langer See, a part of Berlin’s Spree River system. The high reflectivity of water at large incident angles makes it very easy to distinguish the lake from the shoreline. Photo taken on July 14, 2011 — the Moon was one day shy of being fully illuminated.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, October 16th

Today’s breezy Gemini Moon stimulates our thoughts as she emphasizes the mental element of Air. Nevertheless, we can still feel the weight of the Sun’s proximity to somber Saturn, especially as the Moon moves to trine Saturn later tonight. But we won’t miss a trick now because clever Mercury forms a cooperative sextile to incisive Pluto, making our perceptions very acute while a persuasive Sun-Pluto quintile strengthens our convictions.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are given another chance to learn your lesson today, but you would be wise to get it right this time because you may not be able to avoid the consequences of your current deeds. However, it isn’t just about your behavior; you’re being judged now on the value of your ideas, too. If you are serious about communicating your position, you could earn an opportunity to put your words into action.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You are taking your responsibilities quite seriously today, yet you still might be challenged to complete a project that you have already started. You’re easily distracted now by shiny objects or intriguing ideas, yet you’re better off if you stick to your work, even if it feels ordinary and boring. Thankfully, your concentrated effort should bring the positive acknowledgment you seek if your actions are aligned with your intentions.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You could easily waste time spinning your wheels today without getting very much accomplished. However, you can increase your efficiency by simply reconsidering your schedule and prioritizing your tasks. Taking yourself seriously might be sufficient cause to sit down and actually make a list of what you need to do. Normally, you might lack the patience for this kind of approach, but making plans ahead of time now will be worth the effort.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

No matter how much time you put into organizing your day, it won’t likely unfold according to your plan. Mental Mercury’s sextile with powerful Pluto in your 7th House of Others can bring a domineering person into your life now that isn’t shy about running the show. Although you might choose to set your needs aside for a while, don’t be so quick to say yes to someone else. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt and make your own dreams come true first.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might be wise today to consider any lingering issues of self-esteem. You Lions are usually seen as proud creatures who on occasion overstep your regular bounds to roar about your confidence, but the tables may be turned now. However, there’s no need to worry about the outcome of a current situation that is still up in the air. Do whatever you can to make things work before letting go of your attachment to what happens.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your key planet Mercury aligns with passionate Pluto in your 5th House of Self-Expression today, infusing you with strong feelings that fuel your creative process. Even if you’re feeling optimistic, you could be fighting an uphill battle against serious circumstances. Nevertheless, you can surprise others now, and even yourself, with a more spontaneous approach to life. Don’t try to change everything overnight; give yourself a few days to loosen your grip on the reins of control.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may be able to live up to other people’s expectations today, but you’ll need to ignore your own desires in the process. However, your closest friends and family can’t help but wonder if you’re hiding something. Thankfully, you’re still able to lighten up the mood and display a more playful side of your nature. Just don’t get sidetracked by your need to prove yourself to anyone else or you won’t be able to fully enjoy your day.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You can literally feel the power of your beliefs today as the Sun and Mercury align with unrelenting Pluto in your 3rd House of Communication, adding intensity to your words. Ironically, exercising self-restraint brings even more strength to your message. Nevertheless, don’t expect too much too fast; everything will continue to improve if you let it do so at its own pace.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re eager to be distracted from your chores by someone else’s agenda today, yet you can’t just walk away from your previous promises. Even though you are usually the one who seeks out adventure, your friends might be the ones with all the good ideas now. Naturally, you want to play with them, but it may be wiser to set boundaries and keep yourself on course to your destination. Believe it or not, achieving your goals sometimes is more important than having fun.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Witty Mercury aligns with transformative Pluto in your sign today, empowering you to say things that can have a positive impact on others. Mercury allows you to engage in a stimulating discussion now, without having to win the debate or even trying to convince anyone that your perspective is valid. Instead of attempting to prove anyone wrong, look for ways to make everyone right. Your open-minded outlook is a great example for others to follow.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re able to cleverly turn a sobering conversation into one of hope and inspiration today. What starts out feeling like a setback with a friend or partner can become powerful grist for your mill. You were looking for something significant to chew on and now it’s here. Don’t give up too easily; it’s going to take plenty of time for your special magic to work.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

An easygoing friendship could become more frustrating today if there is disagreement about the fundamental nature of reality. Oddly enough, you can both experience the same events while forming very different perspectives. Instead of trying to establish who is right, just put your assumptions and conclusions out on the table. Establishing common ground is all that’s needed to lighten up the energy for everyone involved.

Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, October 16th

For the most part, today continues yesterday’s cosmic trend of not overwhelming you too much with heavy-duty planetary onslaughts. Gemini Moon remains the psychic backdrop – offering you a mental boost across the board. The key challenge arrives early when Venus in Scorpio squares Vesta in Aquarius (6:07AM PDT). On a work day, this type of link would be highly unfavorable for dealing with business matters and investments. The fact that it is happening on a Sunday still carries a punch and warns against becoming too flippant about financial concerns. There may also be issues related to home and hearth, safety and security, insurance rates and coverage, as well as sister-oriented communications. Distant Pluto plays the good guy role today by making a supportive, 60-degree alliance with Mercury (9:59AM PDT) and an inspirational, 72-degree liaison with the Sun (1:21PM PDT). It is a rather rare occurrence for Pluto to make two favorable alignments in one 24-hour time-period while also making no challenging alignments. Therefore, tap into your spiritual willpower and laser-like concentration to take a great leap forward somewhere in your life. Get set for a new round of cosmic surprises arriving on Spaceship Earth tomorrow.

Talking Trees Divination (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Talking Trees Divination

(Blood/Harvest Moon)

At the sacred grove of Dodona dedicated to the great god Zeus, ancient Greeks would practice a form of wind scrying. This technique involves listening to the voice of wind as it moves through the branches of the trees. The wind talks in a language that is all its own, and in order to understand it, you have to listen carefully and become One with the spirit of Wind. When you do this, you will begin to understand what the wind is saying to you.

To perform this divination, you’ll need a quiet place where you can hear the wind moving through the trees. First write down in our journal the question or problem you want to talk about tonight with the wind.

At dusk, go outside and find a quiet place among the trees. If you can’t hear the wind, hang wind chimes or other things from the branches so you can hear it. (Or you may need to go out just after 2:00 a.m. when the wind picks up just before dawn.) 

Call to the wind three times:

Divine spirits and elemental beings
Come let your voices sing.

Repeat your question or problem aloud three times so the wind can hear it. Now, sit down and begin merging with the sound of the wind. Become One with the Air element and as you do, understand the language of the wind. Listen as it speaks to your spirit, telling you the answer to your problems. Write down the messages you receive from the wind.

Saucer Meditation (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Saucer Meditation

(Blood/Harvest Moon)

Before you go to sleep, turn on some soft meditative music. Lie back and begin breathing rhythmically by inhaling and counting to three and exhaling and counting to three. Each time you take a deep breath, imagine your lungs filling with the energizing white light of the stars and moon. As you exhale, sense all of the stress and tension in your body being cast out with your breath. A wave of tranquil bliss envelopes you being, sending it into a state of relaxed awareness. At the same time that you are becoming more relaxed, you are becoming more aware of your senses. Your mind is aware of all things at all times.

In your mind’s eye, imagine traveling on a saucer-shaped ship. Before you there is a giant portal and through it you view the many approaching stars. Sirius, Orion’s Belt, and the stars of Big Dipper fly across the portal as you watch with relaxed awareness. A large bluish-green planet comes into view. Its image grows lager on the screen as your flying saucer gets closer, and closer, and closer to it.

You watch as an alien world fills the screen with images that seem foreign but familiar. Alien beings with aqua-colored skin and right golden hair float lightly on emerald-green waves. They smile at you with smiles that send a warm glow through your entire being. You sense a Oneness with them that moves beyond physical barriers and mental limitations. They are your alien friends who you can visit anytime you want in meditation and dream. As you drift to sleep, imagine exploring the universe and all the magickal beings within it.

Puzzle Play Sex Magick (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Puzzle Play Sex Magick

(Blood Moon) 

You will need a puzzle with a maximum of twenty pieces, your favorite scented oil, two pens, and two sheets of paper.

Anoint the edges of the puzzle box with a bit of the oil, too. Hold the puzzle box in your hands, and say:

These pieces join us together as one

Ayea! So be it! Blessed Be!

Next, number the sheets of paper with as many numbers as you have puzzle pieces. Write down the love treat you would like from your partner when you match the puzzle pieces after each number. Have your partner do the same on his or her sheet of paper. For example, list a five-minute foot massage, a three-minute kiss, and a strip tease dance. You can take it from here! Next , spread out all the puzzle pieces, mix them up and begin. Whoever finds the first puzzle match wins his or her love treat. Whoever finds the second puzzle match wins his or her second love treat, and so on and so on. The biggest challenge is to actually finish putting the puzzle together before you join together in passionate love. Direct your sexual energies toward a shared dream or magickal goal.

Opening The Ancestral Doorway (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Opening The Ancestral Doorway

(Blood Moon) 

The dark and new phase of the Blood Moon offers you a perfect opportunity to get in touch with the power and wisdom of your ancestors. This is another of those times when the doorway between worlds becomes momentarily opened. The Old English world “blod” stems from the root meaning “bloom” defined as “flourishing” or “vigorous.” With regards to genetic memory, your blood, specifically the DNA in your blood, is like a mega filing system for ancestral wisdom and power. In this spell you are contacting the spirit of one of your ancestors. It works best if your pick a particular ancestor, but if you don’t know one, you can call on your ancestors as a whole.

 

You will need a blue candle, three drops of amber-scented oil, and frankincense incense.

At midnight, draw a magick circle and call in the elements. Rubs the candle with the three drops of amber-scented oil and place it in its holder on your altar. Anoint yourself with the oil. Wipe any remaining oil from your hands. Light the blue candle while inviting in the energies of your ancestors.

 

By the power of the divine Mother and Father

Grace this circle with the power and wisdom of my ancestors.

 

Light the incense and let the smoke fill each of the elemental gates as you move around the circle from north, to east, to south, and to west. Call to each of the elements:

Let the elemental doorway be opened

So that I may connect with the spirits of my ancestors.

 

Stand in the middle of the circle with your athame in your right hand and magick wand in your left. Raise both your arms and sense the power and wisdom of your ancestors entering into your body through your magickal tools, into your hands, down your arms, and into your conscious awareness. Merge with this energy and become One with it.

Thank your ancestral spirits, bid farewell to the elements and pull up the circle. Remember that the spirits of your ancestors are there whenever you need them. All you have to do is call to them.

White Light Meditation (Blood/Harvest Moon)

White Light Meditation

(Blood/Harvest Moon)

Before you go to sleep, turn on soft instrumental music. Lie back and get comfortable. Slowly inhale, filling your insides with air. Hold your breath momentarily before exhaling until all the air has left your lungs. Do several more deep breaths, each time becoming more relaxed and aware of your inner sensations.

 

Let your mind move like a spotlight searching out any negative energy that you may be harboring from the day. Gather up all these troubled feelings and move them downward into your legs and feet. With your mind, open up the drain at the tips of your big toes, and begin letting all those negative feelings drain out of you.

 

Now plug up the hold in your feet and open a larger hole located on the top of your head. Steams of white light pour into the crown of your head and begin pouring down into your throat and heart areas. Soon your entire body is filled with this white light that can transform into anything you need from courage to love. As you drift to sleep, imagine being filled with this white light.

Elemental Shape-Shifting (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Elemental Shape-Shifting

(Blood Moon) 

In this spell, you will use the different elements to help you shift shapes into different animals and magickal beings.

You will need a clear quartz crystal, cedar incense, a green candle and a chalice of water. Begin by staring deep within the crystal. Merge (become one) with it and say:

Elemental powers of earth

Transform and shift within me

So Mote It Be!

 

Light the incense, and merge with the smoke as it glides lightly through the air, while you say:


Elemental powers of air

Transform and shift within me

So Mote It Be!

 

Light the candle and merge into the flame as you say:

Elemental powers of fire

Transform and shift within me

So Mote It Be!

 

Stare deep within the chalice of water. Merge with it and say:

Elemental powers of water

Transform and shift within me

So Mote It Be!

 

Lie back and meditate as the power of the elements shifts you into different animals. You become a bear emerging from its cave, a bird spreading its wings on the wind, a dragon breathing fire out of its nostrils, and a water sprite frolicking in the mist of a waterfall.

Blood/Harvest Moon Ritual Mist

Blood/Harvest Moon Ritual Mist

 
 
Use this mist to fill you with the vitality of the Goddess.
 
You will need one cup of distilled water, three drops of lavender essential oil, one drop of rose essential oil, one drop of chamomile essential oil, and a white candle. Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. As you shake the bottle, chant:
 
Great Goddess of eternal life
Invigorate this liquid with your divine light.
 
Light the candle and place the bottle of mist in front of the candle so that the light shines through it. Stare deep into the liquid and merge with it. Energize the mist with the vitality and divine life force of the bright Goddess. Close your eyes and spray the mist over your face. As your spray it on yourself, sense the light of the Goddess glowing within you and all around you.

Blood/Harvest Moon Dream Bath

Blood/Harvest Moon Dream Bath

  
Take this bath to magickally cleanse and purify your body.
 
You will need three tablespoons of sea salt, three tablespoons of baking soda, three drops of lavender oil, and three drops of rosemary oil.
 
Fill the bathtub with warm water. As you add the sea salt to the bath, say:
 
“With this salt from the sea
I banish all negativity.”
 
Add the baking soda and say:
 
“This soda cleanses all energy
That has in any way attached to my body.”
 
Add the three drops of lavender oil and three drops of rosemary oil while saying:
 
“Sweet oils of the giving Goddess
Fill this bath with your divine goodness.”
 
Take your hand and mix the salt, soda, and oil into the bath water. Lie back in the tub and sense the healing effects of the salt and soda as it neutralizes any acid on your skin while cleansing your body of any built up energy. Let the effect of the oil recharge your being and refresh you with a feeling that is divine.

Renewal Prayer (Blood/Harvest Moon)

Renewal Prayer

(Blood/Harvest Moon)
 
 
For better health and renewed energy, say this prayer before you go to sleep tonight:
 
Bright Goddess of the mysterious night
With your cape of moon and starlight
Please grant me good health and renewed life
Thank you Lady for your divine energy
I pray my life is always loving and healthy
Here and now, and eternally
In the name of the Goddess, blessed be!

Blood (Harvest) Moon Ritual

Blood Moon Ritual

 

 

The Blood Moon is the last of the harvest moons, and the one closest to Samhain, the time when the veil between this world and the Otherworld is the thinnest. Also known as “moon of the changing season” and “failing leaf moon” the Blood Moon represents the death of one cycle and the birth of a new cycle. Blood is the life force that flows through your physical body. The Blood Moon ritual gives you the opportunity to give thanks and celebrate this life force.

 

For this ritual, you will need a white candle, a red candle, a red apple, a chalice full of cranberry juice, and three daffodil bulbs.

Draw a magick circle and call in the elements. Light the white candle and say:

I light this candle for eternal light.

 

Light the red candle and say:

I light this candle for eternal life.

 

Give thanks to the Goddess before eating the apple:

Divine Lady, I thank you for your gift of life.

 

Place any seeds from the apple on the altar. Take the chalice of juice and go to each of the four directions while calling out:

Oh great and mighty one, ruler of eternal life

Our blood runs together as One on this sacred night.

 

Thank the Goddess and bid farewell to the elements. Pull up the circle and in the morning, take the three daffodil bulbs and plant them into the ground. They represent the eternal life of the divine Goddess being renewed for the next year. Return the apple seeds to the earth.

Hecate: Goddess of the Witches, Our Dark Mother

Hecate: Goddess of the Witches, Our Dark Mother
By: Granny Moon, HPS, Order of the White Moon
 
Kindly old Grandmother, The Crone, a woman of wisdom, Our Dark Mother, she of many names and guises. Goddess of the Crossroads, Queen of the Witches, the Dark Goddess, The TripleGoddess. The protectress of the flocks and the sailors, she is invoked as the bestower of wealth and favor. These are but a few of the names by which she is known. She has been with us from the beginning.
 
Hecate is the oldest Greek tri-form Goddess. She is at the same time the three-phased Moon, and, in particular, it’s dark phase. She is the Dark Mother, or Crone aspect and a major deity of the Dianic tradition. In the Greek pantheon, Hecate Tri-form is known as Artemis, Persephone and Hecate. Hecate is sometimes seen as the third aspect of the Trinity Persephone/Demeter/ Hecate for it is Hecate who leads Demeter to her daughter. She is a “dark” Goddess, associated with magic and the night. She is often portrayed with 3 heads or with a 3 headed dog. She was worshipped mostly at crossroads where offerings were left for her – these offerings were known sometimes as “Hecate’s Suppers” – and were left there late at night on the eve of the Full Moon. The person leaving the food walked away without looking back, for fear of confronting the Goddess face to face. This was a way of honoring the threefold Goddess where one could look three ways at once. Other offerings included honey, dogs, black ewes and sometimes even humans. Some say she is not originally Greek, she has been classified as Thracian or as a Titan. She may also be linked to the Egyptian Goddess Heket.
 
She is a Goddess of the Moon, of the Underworld, and of Magick. She is also considered the protectress of flocks, sailors and of course, witches. Hecate is the protectress of far-away places, roads, and byways. She is considered the Goddess of The Crossroads. Statues of her stood at crossroads where travelers were faced with three choices. In latter-day paganism, Hecterions (a form of pillar) depict the Goddess with six arms, three torches and three sacred symbols: A Key, A Rope and A Dagger. With the Key to the underworld, Hecate unlocks the secrets of the occult mysteries and knowledge of afterlife. The Rope symbolizes the umbilical cord of rebirth and renewal and the Dagger or Athame is a symbol of ritual power.
 
Hecate belongs to the class of torch bearing deities, and carries a burning torch in accordance with the belief that she is the nocturnal Goddess of The Moon. A huntress, she knows her way into the realm of spirits. She is depicted wearing a gleaming headdress of stars. All the secret powers of nature are at her command. She has control over birth, life, and death. Her work includes the world of the dead (just a resting place of the dead), of the night and of the darkness. She is the Mistress of all the Witchcraft and Black Arts.
On her walks at night, Hecate has many accomplices. Her two black, ghostly dogs who have been sacrificed to her, (her priestesses Circe and Medea) are sometimes referred to as being her daughters. At night during the Dark Moon, the Goddess can be seen walking the roads ofGreece with her howling dogs and torches. The black howling dogs at night mean that Hecate is approaching. She and her dogs journey over the graves of the dead to search for souls of the departed and then carry them to refuge in the Underworld. She also haunts scenes of crimes as a Goddess of Expiation and Purification. She can be called on during the Dark of the Moon to banish or render justice.
 
The women who worshipped her often stained their palms and soles of their feet with henna. An adaptation of this ritual is held on Halloween or Hallowmas held on October 31, to honor Hecate at a time when the veil between the Worlds is the thinnest. In private worship her followers prepare and partake of Hecate’s suppers and the leftovers are to be placed outdoors as offerings to her and her hounds.
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Wishing you health, wealth and the magick of the Season!
 
About The Author: GrannyMoon is a High Priestess and Charter Council Member of The Order of the White Moon. Former staff member and student of the Esoteric Theological Seminary, attended LDS Seminary and is an ordained Metaphysical Interfaith minister with doctoral degrees in Theology and Divinity. Doula, Reiki Master and Lifetime Member of Herbal Healer Academy, Inc. Founder of Sisters of the Burning Branch, dedicated to the Feminine Divine and is currently taking students.

Personal Ritual for the Waxing Moon this Samhain

Personal Ritual for the Waxing Moon this Samhain
(special note: if there are allergies or you wish to change your correspondences- please follow your instincts and do so)
 
Gather: Mini- Cauldron, spoon, small bottle with tight lid,
Incense [ that invokes a feeling of wisdom within you..your choice!
Red wine, pepper, honey, mint,
one white candle [Goddess energy]
one yellow candle [knowledge, wisdom]
 
ALTAR SETUP
 
Set up the altar & set other items aside, but within the space.
 
Begin by purifying yourself with the rose incense.
Create a sacred space or circle utilizing the incense; also focus creating the circle out of love and trust to invoke wisdom and transformation.
 
“Ceridwen’s cauldron holds many mysteries. What is the mystery of me? What are some of my correspondences?” ßLight white candle
“Cerridwen, I call to Theeßlight yellow candle
“Let this cauldron hold the elixir of me.”
“Red wine to represent my Earthiness and Intellect”ß pour a bit of wine into the cauldron
“Pepper to represent my Zest and boldness”ß put in a pinch of pepper
“Honey to represent my Natural sweetness and clarity of thought”ß put in a few drops of honey
“Mint to represent my Freshness and spontaneity”ßsprinkle in a bit of mint
“I stir this cauldron three times round” ß stir clockwise 3x’s
“Wisdom, Beauty, and Strength to me are bound.”
 
“Cerridwen, I know that I am the cauldron.
For that which I sought inside myself, I have found.” ßTake a 3 drops of the elixir and place on your tongue.
 
“I hold the essence, the knowledge of myself,” ßPour rest of elixir into the bottle
“I take it with me wherever I may go”ß put lid on bottle
“Thank you Goddess for your blessings- Hail and farewell!”
 
Ground, Center, and open circle.
 
**bottle of elixir may be opened and poured as a libation.
Saying “To the Goddess that I am; for I am an aspect of the Goddess Cerridwen.”
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About the Author: Nessa CrescentMoon is an initiate of the WMS, a mother of three and a wife; she also works full time, volunteers year round, and honors the Goddess in her daily life.

Witch Works: Spells and Rituals for Every Season

Witch Works: Spells and Rituals for Every Season
By: Banshee, White Moon School
 
It’s Samhain once again! The Wheel of the Year has come full circle. Be sure to take a few moments this Samhain and give thanks for all your many blessings. That being said, it almost goes without saying that Samhain is the best sabbat for divination. The veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, making communication with the other side easier. I feel that Samhain is also an excellent time to make the divination tools you will use for years, particularly, the scrying mirror.
 
Making a Scrying Mirror
The first step in this process is to select a frame that speaks to you. Preferably, the frame would be oval, but it does not have to be. The only requirement on the frame is that it must have real glass, not plastic.
 
You will also need black paint. Oil-based enamel will work the best for this project. I personally prefer the glossy paint, but matte is fine too. Disassemble the frame and physically clean the glass with soap and water. Do not use cleaning solution such as Windex, as this can cause the paint to break down over time. If you want to spiritually cleanse the pieces that would be fine as well. Paint the glass black on one side. Several coats will be needed. You will know you have used enough paint when no light passes through the glass.
 
If you purchase or make a plain frame and would like to decorate it with symbols, now would be the time to do that. Place the glass into the frame so that the painted side is to the back of the frame. This will make the darkness appear deeper. Assemble the rest of the frame. If the frame does not have a leg on it so that it can free stand, you will need to purchase a stand for the mirror.
The mirror is now finished! Perform a ritual to cleanse and consecrate the mirror. I do not suggest trying to make the mirror inside of a magick circle. The processes of painting the glass can be quite messy and long. Once the glass is painted though, all the other parts of creation, decoration, and assembly could be performed in a ritual.
 
It has been my experience that “tools” created on Samhain are more powerful than most. Recharge your mirror every Samhain and see what the other side of the veil reveals to you!
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Have a blessed and safe Samhain!
 
About the Author: Banshee is a solitary practitioner from theMidwest. She is currently a student at The White Moon School, studying to become a High Priestess. Banshee has been a practicing witch for 4 years and performs tarot readings and long distance energy work via the Internet.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, October 15th

We are still riding high on feelings of abundance and hopefulness from yesterday’s sweet Venus-Jupiter opposition. Nevertheless, we may be ready to risk our current situation, even if it’s very pleasant, in order to experience something out of the ordinary as attractive Venus aligns in a magical biquintile to unorthodox Uranus. Additionally, the Moon jumps into restless Gemini at 10:14 am EDT, dangling intriguing alternatives in front of us.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although your day starts off quietly enough, the pace picks up unexpectedly and you can’t help but enjoy the buzz. You might have lacked motivation before, but now ideas race through your mind, making it difficult to decide which ones are actually worth pursuing. It’s great when you feel this enthusiastic, but it may be smarter to slow down and finish one project before you rush off to the next one.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You can be so stubborn sometimes that you drive your friends and associates crazy. However, today you may be sharing good ideas faster than others can assimilate them. The Moon’s shift into clever Gemini isn’t the whole story because your key planet Venus is being zapped by brilliant Uranus. Freely express whatever comes into your mind, but also do your best to follow through with your commitments.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

The Moon’s return to your lighthearted sign can lift your spirits today, but she also can bring a feeling of restlessness. Your moods change rapidly now, soaring and sinking, and soaring again. Others may not be able to get a clear read on you, for each time they think they know what you’re thinking, your attitude shifts. Don’t worry about anyone else’s expectations; just observe your emotions and let them continue to run their natural course.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

It’s difficult for you to keep secrets today, even if you’re usually good at maintaining boundaries. It isn’t that you’re eager to stir up uncomfortable feelings in others or betray anyone’s trust; it’s just that you find it hard to hold back now if you feel close to someone. However, an improper disclosure won’t improve a relationship and could, in the long run, jeopardize what you already established with a trusted friend. Stay conscious of every word you say so that you don’t accidentally break your promise of silence.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may be feeling emotionally open today, but you still might think you need to be careful and protect yourself if your defenses begin to fall. Others will likely see the shift in your behavior if you are genuine and they, in turn, will be more attentive to you. Don’t retreat; give yourself permission to bask in the admiration, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. It’s healing for you to let your love light shine.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may be the one that others come to in order to get results because you are normally very focused. However, today you could be more scattered, making it harder to live up to everyone’s demands. Don’t worry if you can’t do everything. Just concentrate on attacking the most important chores, leaving the other tasks to complete when you have the time.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Although you want everything to be in perfect balance, you may need to assert yourself more aggressively than you prefer today. Your discomfort increases when you think about what you must do, but fortunately you should be able to rise to the task. The clever Gemini Moon in your 9th House of Future Vision enables you to talk your way through your own resistance. You might even surprise yourself with how easily you handle a difficult situation.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You feel as if things are going well today as long as you stay in motion. Maintaining a high level of activity is a key to your current success; however, conflicting thoughts distract you from being in the moment as soon as you start to slow down. Unfortunately, your busyness actually prevents you from hearing your own thoughts. Although it might hinder your productivity for a while, stopping long enough to reconnect with your subconscious will be healthier in the long run.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might believe that your friends are moving much faster than you are today, yet you’re not interested in trying to catch up with them now. Unfortunately, you can’t just take yourself out of the game and let everyone play without you. The best solution to your current dilemma stems from just sharing your truth. Tell everyone why you want to go a little slower today and then listen to what they say. An honest give-and-take dialogue should carry you to common ground where you all can get along with respect.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your workmates seem to be missing the point today and you see no easy way to make them understand the truth. Unfortunately, you cannot go out of your way to set others straight because they’ll just think that you’re being pushy. But if you don’t say anything at all, they might not even realize that there’s more to your story. Instead of attempting to change anyone’s mind, just gently share your perspective and then let everyone else form his or her own opinion.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may feel more playful now, yet your commitments won’t allow you to drop everything to follow your whimsical desires. But don’t complain about your current obligations, for that’s just a waste of your time and energy. Instead, resign yourself to meeting your current responsibilities as best you can. You will still have the chance to do something that makes you smile later on.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A family dilemma may require your immediate attention now that the Moon is visiting your 4th House of Domestic Matters. You can see both sides of a complex issue, bringing uncertainty about which solution is the best one. Your smartest strategy would be to hold off making significant decisions until your clarity begins to return later in the day. Don’t let anyone coerce you into choosing a course of action until you know that you’re ready.

Cosmic Calendar for Saturday, October 15th

After two days of unusual challenges, you will now be dealing primarily with Gemini Moon for most of this weekend. Following a skirmish of 135-degrees between Mercury and Ceres (12:25AM PDT) – an alignment that tends to decrease productivity for several hours – the Moon in Taurus starts a short, void uncertainty cycle at 3:52AM PDT that lasts until 7:16AM PDT. Finish old business on a high note during the void-of-course Moon cycle. Once the Moon shifts into airy Gemini (7:16AM PDT), you can soar like an eagle in arts, crafts, literary pursuits and beloved hobbies. Try your hand at limericks, rhyming poetry or haiku. Play a few tunes on a favorite musical instrument. Fly a kite or toss the Frisbee around. Light-hearted games and good fun are always a welcome accompaniment for the lunar orb in the third sign of the zodiac. On the shadow side, watch out for a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde approach to life where having a split-personality seems par for the course. If you want to dive into computer work or technological research, the Moon joins forces with Uranus via a supportive, 60-degree connection (10:54AM PDT). Take advantage of the fact that the cosmos is going cold turkey on the hard stuff for 24 hours, and keeping major aspects waiting in the wings until tomorrow and Monday.

Affirmation of the Day for October 14th

I am this organism, this life. I am the trees, the flowers, the water and the creatures that need it. I am the air we breathe, the food we eat, the love we make, the moon that sings to us, the sun that warms us. I am all of these, and they are me. I am life, I am Earth, for She is me, and I am beautiful.
~ from MaryDawnChild

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, October 14th

The simplistic Taurus Moon lures us into believing that everything important can be perceived with our five main senses. But an irritating quincunx from cerebral Mercury to erratic Uranus interferes with this bucolic ideal as it zaps us with radical ideas we don’t fully understand. Although we are distracted by inexplicable thoughts, a tense opposition from sensual Venus to indulgent Jupiter pulls us back into the physical world of pleasure.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You aren’t quite ready to party because of too many lingering responsibilities, but you cannot help fantasizing about all the pleasures you would rather be experiencing today. Unfortunately, your daydreams could get in the way of what you need to accomplish. Keep in mind that you won’t really be able to enjoy yourself if your mind is on work, so you might as well stay focused and have fun later.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may be driven by your desires today or, on the other extreme, you could just feel plain lazy. Either way, with luxurious Venus opposing indulgent Jupiter, you might grow stubborn if you believe you know an easier way to get a job done. Even if you see the benefits of someone else’s plan, you prefer to do things your way now. However, you would be wise to acquiesce on trivial matters and save your resistance for something that’s more important.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You could make a big show of supporting a co-worker’s plan while hiding your real concerns from everyone else because you don’t want to be perceived as being the negative one. The truth is that you keep changing your mind now, making you unsure of what you really think. Be careful, for others will see through your performance if you’re overly dramatic. Ultimately, your best strategy is to stay under the radar today, without bringing unnecessary attention to your position.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You might be overly effusive today when expressing your feelings to someone you really like. Naturally, you’ll need to feel safe enough to go out on a limb, but optimistic Jupiter in your social 11th house will give you the necessary boost of confidence. Unfortunately, your words could betray your message if they are misinterpreted. Being direct and to the point should minimize the possibility of any misunderstanding.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may receive professional recognition today or, at least, acknowledgment for a job well done. Ironically, rather than feeling good about your accomplishment, you could waste energy worrying about whether or not you really deserve the positive feedback. Self-doubt will only sap your productivity; graciously accept the support you receive from others now and save your questioning for another day.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are willing to turn on the charm and play the game today if you think that it will get you what you want. But your self-confidence can lead to trouble, prompting you to say more than is necessary as loquacious Mercury aspects irrepressible Uranus. Unfortunately, your message can become muddled and your desires left unsatisfied unless you maintain a clear and logical approach in your interactions with others.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Keep your money in your pocket today because your extravagant taste can land you in financial trouble if you see something that you think you must have. With opulent Jupiter opposing stylish Venus in your 2nd House of Possessions, your eye for beauty is keen now. Unfortunately, you may not take the time to consider the true value of what you’re buying. Think about what you really need rather than what you want in the spur of the moment.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

It’s tempting to look at the sunny side of a partnership today, even if long shadows are cast by emotional baggage. Joyful Jupiter in your 7th House of Relationships encourages you to shine your light so brightly that the shadows disappear along with your negativity. However, the underlying issues — even if they aren’t visible — can continue to feed the tension. Find the courage to face the dark; it’s not as scary as you think.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might feel like partying today and believe that you’re willing to pay the price for skipping out on your responsibilities. After all, you might reason that you can always finish up your work later. Unfortunately, you’ve probably left too much until the last minute already, making it tough to justify an early exit from work. The potential for fun won’t disappear as fast as you think; slow down and do the right thing because you’ll be able to enjoy yourself even more later on without any guilt.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Sweet Venus’ presence in your social 11th house indicates that your friends can bring you great pleasure now if you’re willing to let go of your own agenda. You may secretly imagine that you are running the show, but these unexpressed wishes shouldn’t impede your fun today. Letting your peers take the lead will work in your favor as long as you don’t give all of your power away. Take full responsibility for knowing when to say no.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Receiving praise on the job or from someone in your community can instill you with confidence, but positive feedback won’t be enough unless you also are fulfilled by what you do. Take time to think about your long-term goals and set yourself back on track if you have lost your way. Rewards that aren’t meaningful to you won’t necessarily add to the quality of your life or make you any happier. Following your bliss is your best route to success.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Nagging responsibilities are enough to put you in a bad mood; however, adding a fun activity to your calendar should make you feel better for a while. You are coming to the end of a very busy week and it only seems right that you should take time to relax and enjoy the pleasures of life. Just don’t go overboard; a bit of moderation will enable you to sustain the good times throughout the weekend.