Tag: Moon

The Witches Almanac for Friday, October 26th

The Witches Almanac for *Friday, October 26th

*Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Quit Rent Ceremony (English)

 

Moon Sign: *Pisces

*Pisces: The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition and psychic impressions. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities.

*Waxing Moon

*Waxing Moon (From the New Moon to the Full): is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.)

Moon enters *Aries 3:31 p.m.

*Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Moon phase:  Second Quarter

Incense:  Orchid

Color: Pink

 

More Candles Comments

Lady of the Crossroads

Lady of the Crossroads
by
Heathwitch

One on three
which way to go
a second stood
still
faces outcast
Darkness about clasped
with snake and lion and
hound
thin veins under leather
untouched by time
outstretched a
touch
with eyes of heaven.
One on three
take a step
make a
choice
I will be with you
silent when needed
A fury when you
fear
Face the Moon
I will be here.
.
At Samhain, our thoughts turn
toward the memory of our ancestors, the mysteries of death and rebirth, the
practice of divination. We decorate our altars with blacks and oranges,
photographs of those who have passed on, and we commune with the Lords and
Ladies of the Underworld  such as the Greek Goddess Hecate.

Hecate is
the Thracian Goddess of the moon, absorbed as a Titan by the Greeks and
worshipped at crossroads, for She has the ability to see past, present and
future pathways. Though most commonly perceived as a Crone Goddess, Hecate can
also appear as a Maiden, terrible and beautiful to behold.

She is the
dark Goddess, the Lady of the Wild Hunt and keeper of occult knowledge and
wisdom. Known as the “Goddess of Witches” and the “Patroness of Priestesses”,
Hecate stands at the gateway between life and death, such is Her role as Queen
of the Underworld and the Lady of Spirits. She is also the changer, the one who
destroys in order to cause rebirth and regeneration.

Hecate’s roles are
not solely tied to the “darker” aspects of life however. She is also the midwife
who blesses new life in the world, the teacher who guides seekers and the
witness who aides with decision-making and determining truth, the giver of
courage and strength. She is intuition and psychic ability, the Lady of dreams
and nightmares who helps us see the deeper, shadow-side of our psyches. She is
the Wise Woman who sees all and knows all, and who will willingly share Her
knowledge and wisdom with you, if you but ask.

Hecate’s colours are deep
reds, purples and black, and She rules over all wild animals  in particular
dragons, dogs, frogs, horses, reptiles, toads and snakes. Her trees are willow
and yew, most commonly seen in graveyards, and She can be found in the tarot
cards the Hermit, the Moon and the High Priestess.

You can invite Hecate
into your life by mixing an oil for Her (add 10 drops cypress oil, 6 drops
patchouli oil and 4 drops sandalwood oil to 20ml of base oil) and including it
in a ritual or meditation dedicated to Hecate. Alternatively you could make an
incense blend to honour this Goddess  try the following recipe:

½ part
crushed garlic
½ part mandrake root
½ part mugwort
2 parts willow
bark
1 part lavender
4 parts myrrh
A few drops of cypress oil
A few
drops of myrrh oil

You can also work with Hecate in ritual; She can be
invoked to aid in inner exploration, dream-work, divination, healing, spells of
all kinds, banishings and the release of negativity, communicating with the
dead, and meditations and journeys to your inner self.

At Samhain,
Hecate can be called upon to focus your intuition when practicing divination on
this night when the veils between the world are thin. She can be invoked for
help in spell workings and the making of charms, or to help in soul-searching
meditations.

Most often, though, Hecate is invoked at Samhain to aid in
honouring and contacting our Beloved Dead, those who have passed from this
physical life before us:

Decorate the altar with blacks and oranges. Use
flowers of the same colours, and fruits of the season (pumpkins, root
vegetables). Light orange and black candles if possible and use a mixture of
cedarwood and sweetgrass incense — cedarwood for purification, sweetgrass for
your ancestors.

Assemble on your altar pictures of your ancestors and
mementos you may have received from them.

Cast circle in your usual way.
Invoke Hecate:

“Hecate, Goddess of the Realm of Spirits,
She who
stands at the crossroads,
Seer of past, present and future,
Guardian of
all Witches and Lady of the Dark,
I ask you to come forth into my
circle
And stand with me this night
Hail and welcome!”

Feel Hecate
come into your circle. Sit with your altar and slowly focus on each of your
ancestors. Speak aloud of their life and their impact on you. Ask Hecate to
acknowledge your reverence of those who have gone before, and ask that your
ancestors know of your love and thoughts.

Take your time and do not be
afraid of the emotions which may come to you; embrace them and welcome them into
your circle. As you speak of your ancestors you may feel them draw near from the
Summerlands; do not be afraid — instead, feel touched by their presence and
thank them for all they mean to you.

Thank Hecate and your ancestors for
their presence and say goodbye. Blow out the candles and take up
circle.

Have a Blessed Samhain!

Sources:
———-
Ann,
Martha, and Dorothy Myers Imel. Goddesses in World Mythology: A Biographical
Dictionary. Oxford University Press: New York (1995).
Ardinger, Barbara.
Goddess Meditations. Llewellyn: Minnesota (1998).
Conway, D. J. The Ancient
and Shining Ones. Llewellyn: Minnesota (1993).
Franklin, Anna. Magical
Incenses and Oils. Capall Bann: Berkshire (2000).
Marashinsky, Amy Sophia.
The Goddess Oracle: A Way to Wholeness through the Goddess and Ritual. Element:
Boston (1997).
Sjöö, Monica & Mor, Barbara. The Great Cosmic Mother:
Rediscovering The Religion of the Earth. HarperCollins: San Francisco (1991).

Zell, Morning Glory. “Manifesting Hecate”, SageWoman # 60 (Winter 2003).
Blessed Bee: California (2003).
.
About The Author: Heathwitch is a
Witch, teacher and author. She runs courses and workshops on energy work,
healing, Witchcraft and magic. High Priestess of the Circle of the Moon coven, Heathwitch lives in Cheshire, England.

Excerpt taken from:

Seasons of the Moon E-zine

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, October 25th

We’re emotionally challenged today as the watery Pisces Moon lures us into the boundless seas. We’re tempted to use reason to figure out what’s happening as messenger Mercury in passionate Scorpio harmonizes with attractive Venus in analytical Virgo. Logic isn’t sufficient to give us the answers that we seek, but a sobering Sun-Saturn conjunction prevents us from trusting our feelings. Ultimately, the truth comes from both the head and the heart.

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may be overly concerned about the restrictions put on you by a close friend or lover today. Although your worries could be based on reality, your own fears complicate the situation. The problem deepens if you try to avoid talking about your feelings. Thankfully, overcoming your resistance and initiating a dialogue is the first step toward resolving the discomfort. It might be difficult to start the conversation, but it will quickly get easier once the ball is rolling.

 

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone may be overly critical of your stubbornness today, but your inclination is to entirely resist the label. Instead, you believe that your integrity depends on your ability to hold on to your values, even in the face of differing positions. Nevertheless, all forms of self-defense require rigid behavior to some degree. State your case clearly, but don’t try to convert others to your point of view.

 

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You’re probably working too hard now that the ambitious Sun-Saturn conjunction falls in your 6th House of Employment. Fortunately, you get what you deserve today, so don’t try to avoid the process. A methodical approach enables you to take an emotional gamble without jeopardizing the gains you’ve already made. Weigh the potential rewards against the possible risks before you invest your heart.

 

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You could have pressing responsibilities today, but your ingratiating style enables you to talk your way out of working too hard. You might even be able to persuade someone to postpone your deadline if you can muster up enough courage to ask. Your obligations won’t just disappear on their own; however, giving voice to your intentions now could be enough to shift the energy in your favor.

 

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re willing to apply yourself toward a specific goal, but your co-workers may not notice your ambitious behavior today. Perhaps your desire to get ahead is not measurable in the real world because your current destination is a spiritual place and not based on any sort of observable accomplishments. Don’t worry about what anyone else might think; just stick to your agenda the best you can and let others draw their own conclusions.

 

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you may be tempted to make a plan and execute it without any deviation, your flexibility is warranted if circumstances shift. In fact, your willingness to respond to unexpected schedule changes can alleviate a problem before it reaches crisis level. Pay attention to your mood swings, but don’t act on your feelings until they stabilize. In the meantime, being sensitive to the needs of others allows you to play superhero for the day.

 

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A political squabble at work today might have you throwing your hands up in disgust because you don’t know which side to support. Unfortunately, your dreams blend into reality and there’s no simple way to discern the facts from your fantasies. You might believe that you know what’s real, but it changes if you just wait a few hours. See where the situation goes before playing your hand.

 

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Romantic fantasies assume a significant role in your day, yet you might choose to channel your desires into productivity rather than focusing on relationships. Instead of giving your dreams free reign, concentrate on the work you need to do. You may be surprised with all the practical ideas you have today once you make up your mind to apply your creative process to your job as much as possible.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It may feel as if you have reached a turning point, and the circumstances that were holding you back just last week now seem to be fading into the past. Your enthusiasm is growing but it’s unrealistic to think that everything will change overnight. Big events are coming your way; however, your patience is required as you move through the current transformation.

 

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You are a force to be reckoned with today as the Sun joins your key planet Saturn. However, you must apply yourself to the task at hand or you might get distracted by a group of your friends. Rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach to the work/play dilemma, try to aim for the middle of the road. Steering clear of extremes makes a lot more sense than you realize.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might feel as if you’re being dragged into a conversation today that you would rather avoid entirely. But it’s not wise to shirk your responsibilities; others are depending upon you to tell them what you think. If you cannot put your feelings into words, lead by example instead. In either case, give it your best shot by making certain that everyone knows exactly where you stand on the matter in question.

 

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may be sending contradictory messages today as the imaginative Pisces Moon encourages you to share your dreams with those closest to you. Meanwhile, the restrictive Sun-Saturn conjunction prevents you from wandering too far off the traditional track. But this narrow approach doesn’t blend well with your more whimsical style. Showing up and being present with your feelings is all that’s needed now.

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, October 18

It feels as if nothing can hold us back now that the Moon is in adventurous Sagittarius. We derive additional power from the Sun’s magical quintile to unrelenting Pluto. Additionally, the Moon joins fiery Mars, enticing us to express our emotions in the spur of the moment. The Moon’s opposition to boundless Jupiter is a confirmation of our current optimism. However, obstacles won’t go away on their own, so ignoring them is not a viable strategy.

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Waves of certainty wash over you today, confirming what you already know. But then, reality bites back and you must contend with a situation that you didn’t expect. Take a chance to bring something that was hidden into the open because it’s better when secrets are out of the closet. Be kind in your approach, loving in your actions, and eager to embrace the changes that come from being emotionally aware.

 

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

An element of unconsciousness on your part may allow you to tuck an unpleasant feeling deep out of sight, even if you believe that you are fully aware of what’s going on today. But this isn’t a great day to keep a secret, for others will probably know that you are withholding something even before you realize it. You’re coming into an exciting creative phase now, so don’t waste energy trying to avoid the truth. Lighten your baggage so you can create space for your future.

 

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

A mild jolt of awareness runs through your system today as emotions give way to a more detached outlook on your current circumstances. Even if you are engaging in discussions with others, you won’t likely feel restricted by them in any way. To the contrary, relationships can now be the source of newly found freedom if you’re willing to jump into an intense conversation to clear the air of lingering negativity.

 

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

An overly assertive person at work may offend your sensitive nature today, giving you good reason to retreat behind your protective walls. But it won’t be that simple, for every little motion you make to withdraw is matched by an event that pulls you further outside of your shell. This process might not be very comfortable, but it’s an effective way to keep you involved in what’s happening around you. Don’t hide your light; you have something special to offer if you let others in.

 

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You have been dealing with your fair share of emotional stress lately, possibly stemming from your desire to do one thing while being required to do something else. However, this tension begins to settle down today as you become more at peace with your emotional needs. It pays to be less demanding, even if you want something that you believe is yours. It may be difficult to share with others now, but being part of a supportive group can be just what you need.

 

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might be concerned that you’re attracting the wrong kind of people into your life if someone is acting inappropriately today. Fortunately, you may end up having a fine time anyhow if you can find a way to go along with the flow — even if doing so takes you places that make you feel uncomfortable. However, if you’re resistant to new experiences, then today could be quite a challenge. The choice is in your hands.

 

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You are apt to be busier now as your life fills up with mental distractions and many things to do. However, all this activity isn’t necessarily a problem because it can lift you up out of the doldrums and bring much needed inspiration. Even if you don’t have too much on your plate, your restlessness still probably prevents you from getting the relaxation that you need. Don’t court frustration by trying to escape; instead, jump in with both feet and attempt to accomplish as much as possible.

 

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your personal values are brought into the light today as sparks fly and light up the shadows within your subconscious mind. Although the shock of awakening may only last a moment, you cannot go back to sleep once you know what’s going on. Consciously use your enlightened perspective to fuel a new cycle of growth. Whatever you do, don’t let your awareness scare you back into the apparent safety of your denial.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

 

The Moon is back in your sign for its monthly visit, bringing a feeling of instability as your moods intensify. But your emotions are being distorted by the high frequency of your nervous system today, so rather than just liking something, you love it or hate it. Move from the extremes toward the center and don’t make any final decisions for a few days. There’s no room for middle ground if you force issues into black or white

 

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You are ready to break free of the responsibilities that weigh upon you, but you can’t just walk away from your commitments today. You probably wouldn’t bail even if you could since it’s not your style to escape your duties. You may, however, get a bit of time off for good behavior. Put your imagination to work because in your mind you are free. You can travel anywhere you wish and still fulfill your mundane obligations at the same time.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your dreams seem so close today that you feel as if you can actually reach out and touch them. Your friends may encourage you now and tell you to go for it. However, you could snap out of your reverie and crash back to Earth, realizing that your head was in the clouds. Either let your idle wanderings remain fantasies or start making them real. Ultimately, your answer must come from within.

 

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Events at work could be making demands on you now that require you to become more accountable to others. But you can’t hide beneath the veneer of your outer appearance today because you must respond to a pressing situation. This isn’t the right time to be working on your own internal conflicts. Just be honest and deal with the circumstances as they unfold. You can return to your more personal issues once your work is done.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 18

Easy does it! The universe appears to be in a no-holds-barred type of mood — relentlessly throwing the kitchen sink of aspects in the direction of humanity probably as some sort of cosmic test.  Here’s what you will have to face — the Sun trines Vesta (5:44AM PDT), Mercury makes a frictional, 135-degree link with the largest asteroid Ceres (5:47AM PDT), the Moon in Sagittarius makes its monthly union with Mars (6:42AM PDT), the Sun parallels Saturn (7:43AM PDT) while the Moon unites with Juno (7:55AM PDT). Two of these aspects — the Sun trine Vesta and the Moon uniting with Juno — are certainly favorable, opening up the potential for making financial gains and improving partnership bonds. However, the other three alignments can send you on to unnecessary detours across the board. Steer clear of temperamental individuals and anyone carrying a grudge as the Moon conjunct Mars has a shadow side of inflammatory, volatile actions not based on logic or reason.  The Moon cruising through Sagittarius is an inherently buoyant vibration, but the evening hours provide more grist for the mill as Mercury parallels Pluto (7:41PM PDT) followed by an off-kilter, 150-degree contact from the Sun to Pallas (9:06PM PDT). Be the picture of human kindness on the social circuit. Avoid mental burnout and physical exhaustion. Board, word or card games can give you a lift.