Tag: Moon

Living the Magickal Life of the Witch: Repetition

Repetition: Say It Again, and Again for Meaning and Rhythm

Your goal or intent will help you focus and decide how to structure the repetition of your chant. If something is important, repeat it – this is also the basis for a refrain. A chant leader can say a few lines and a group can repeat the same lines or different ones. Repetition is also a good way to reinforce the purpose of your chant. Here’s an example used by an African tribe:

New Moon, come out, give water for us.
New Moon, thunder down water for us.
New Moon, shake down water for us.

The goal here is apparent:  water from the sky, and the time of action is the New Moon. This chant asks the New Moon to bring rain. In our language, it doesn’t rhyme, but you get the idea. A similar chant may go like this:

Rain will wash us
Rain will cleanse us
Rain renew us
Rain will fall

In the next example, the approach is a tone of asking:

Rain come wash us
Rain come cleanse us
Rain renew us
Rain please fall

Both examples repeat the goal (hoping for rain), and the number of syllables in each line is the same. In addition, repetition of words like “come” or “will” help to recall the words of the chant. And, since “rain” and “renew” both begin with “r” that helps as well. Group members could easily memorize this chant for quick repetition, especially if the chant leader is familiar with it and can serve as a guide.

Always remember to practice your chant before teaching it to others. If you become tongue-tied while trying to speak the words, chances are that others will also have difficulty. Sometimes too much alliteration results in tongue-twisters. Practice chanting it several times to be sure it has even rhythm and the words are easy. Word play is fun, so enjoy it! Think of it as a game or puzzle, especially when trying your hand with complex rhyme schemes and meter. As with any magickal art, crafting your words carefully can add extra personal energy to your work.

When in doubt, try it out. Practice your chant. Repeat it over and over while tapping out the rhythm. You’ll be able to feel it. Chants that have good rhyme and rhythm are easy to repeat and remember, resulting in rituals that leave your hands free with no worries about a script to follow. This way, more attention can be given to focusing energy and reaching a magickal state of mind – and that is the ultimate purpose of a chant.

Reference:

Excerpt from:
The Three R’s of Chant Writing: Rhyme, Rhythm and Repetition
By Ember Grant
Llewellyn’s 2012 Magical Almanac

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, August 23

We are pushed into the shadow world where transformation awaits us as energetic Mars enters the deep realms of Scorpio. The time for diplomacy and open negotiations is over as the Moon and Mars in passionate Scorpio add complexity with subversive actions and secret alliances. We are ready to fight for our convictions, even if it means taking on intense opposition. Thankfully, dreamy Neptune is also in the picture, revealing a more spiritual path.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may be charging through these days with newfound excitement, but a familiar friend is knocking at a hidden door of your own subconscious. Old issues are brought to light that you might have thought were resolved a long time ago. However, the unconscious mind isn’t limited by our sense of linear time. Allow the thoughts from your past to resurface now, for they are messengers that can help you remember what is important to your journey.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

A problem may not come to a head today, but it still feels as if a power struggle is brewing with someone close to you. There are parts of this conflict that might not be out in the open yet. Although neither of you have all the facts, it won’t necessarily prevent the current standoff. If you feel that you are being pushed around, try your best to be flexible in your response since this can help ameliorate the tension in the air.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

An interaction with a powerful person today may leave you wondering what happened and why you even jumped into the fray. This isn’t a negative situation, but it might be difficult to remain detached from the drama unfolding in your immediate surroundings. Even if you try to push it out of sight, it’s not going to go away. Don’t waste energy fighting it. Summon your inner courage now and let your feelings, not your logic, guide your way.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may be resentful about something you are required to do now. Your inner voice is telling you to grit your teeth and just finish your chores, while a second voice is encouraging you to express your feelings in protest. You are caught between these extremes, wondering what to do. If you are angry, it’s best to share your concerns as kindly as you can or the suppressed energy will come back and bite you when you least expect it.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You could inadvertently instigate an argument by overreacting to a situation on the home front today. It sounds like a good idea to sidestep confrontation, but there is a price to pay for keeping silent. You may feel as if you’re walking through an emotional minefield now, but being truthful is still your best option. Set your fears aside; no one needs to get hurt if you are considerate of other people’s boundaries. Expressing your feelings is the first step toward clearing the air. Listen to the response you receive with an open heart.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The pace of your daily routine speeds up today, but you would rather block out the world for a while so you can recharge your batteries. Unfortunately, checking out from your responsibilities isn’t as simple as you wish. Even if you manage to escape, it probably won’t last for long. Don’t fight against the flow. Cooperating with others relieves the pressure and sets a good example for everyone to follow.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You want to be practical now while fulfilling your obligations. Even just taking care of your finances by paying bills and balancing your checkbook can give you a feeling of accomplishment now. But don’t be afraid to think about your personal values and how to better integrate them into your life. Thankfully, setting goals doesn’t mean you need to reach them today; just aim yourself in the right direction. There’s more time to get there than you think.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are feeling frisky now that powerful Mars and the emotional Moon are in passionate Scorpio to turn up the heat. You are itching with excess desires and attractions, but may not know what to do with all your energy. Physical exercise is a good idea; even a relaxing walk will help to keep things flowing. Your tendency is to bite off more than you can chew, so monitor your actions before you find yourself in over your head.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are riding a surge of intense subconscious energy today, like a surfer on a powerful wave. You like the excitement; the adrenaline rush makes you feel fully alive. Just don’t get so distracted that you lose touch with your unexpressed feelings. You may have an opportunity for increased intimacy now, but you have to be willing to take a different kind of risk. Instead of avoiding the discomfort of vulnerability, discuss your desires with someone you trust.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You can kick back today and contemplate your current position in life. Naturally, there is always something else to do and more goals to accomplish, but just spending time with friends or family now brings you great joy. However, beneath your apparent happiness you could be struggling with a more serious issue that you aren’t ready to share. Don’t judge yourself too harshly if you decide to enjoy yourself while you can. The existential questions of life will still be there when you return to them later on.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your astute perspective inspires you to be hopeful, no matter how bleak the global economic or political landscapes are now. Even if it seems like the rest of the world has gone mad, you don’t have to accept defeat in your personal world. Be relentless in your pursuit of a more meaningful life for you and those you love. Your optimism and persistence enable you to rise above the chaos and do the right thing.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

There’s an underlying tension that is creating a struggle between who you want to be and what your partner or friends expect from you. There may not be an easy resolution to this dilemma, but you still might believe that things will resolve if you just hang on. This is a dangerous strategy because you can talk yourself out of taking the necessary action that would bring you closer to happiness. Instead of clinging to an illusion now, seek concrete ways to make positive changes in the present moment.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 23

Hold Everything! The first main aspect today is excellent as the Moon in Scorpio makes a flowing trine of 120-degrees to Venus in Cancer (2:35AM PDT). In the couple of hours just before this alignment becomes precise, you can move ahead on the romantic front. But when the aspect becomes exact, it also starts a void lunar uncertainty zone that continues until 3:51AM PDT tomorrow. Finishing odd and ends is one way to accomplish several tasks today, but don’t be in haste to launch bold, new objectives.  Mars entering Scorpio (8:25AM PDT) is certainly going to act like a prod to push you into being a better detective, researcher and investigator. However, the old saying of look before you leap is remarkably apt right now. Strive to empower your key partnerships this evening when the Moon makes its monthly union with Juno (7:21PM PDT). Be more fashion-conscious and consider new decorating schemes for a favorite room at your residence. Let your productivity quotient rise in earnest — thanks to a Venus-Ceres parallel (8:43PM PDT).  Take it easy in affairs of the heart in the shift from Thursday night to Friday morning since the Moon is contra-parallel to Venus (11:59PM PDT) while the annual Sun-Neptune opposition is on the verge of manifesting tomorrow morning at 5:33AM PDT. This is the wrong evening to throw your weight around with a loved one when you should be more accommodating, tender and sincere.