Let’s Talk Witch – The Gods

wiccan in the woods

The Gods

 

Witchy practices often focus on the goddess, especially during lunar rituals such as full moon and new moon. But let us not forget her consort, the god, the masculine half of the deity. Like the goddess, the god comes in many different forms, with many different names, and he changes shape throughout the course of the year.

We draw on the same mythological pantheons for the names we call the gods as we do for our goddesses. Greek and Roman gods are often well known (Neptune, Saturn, Pluto, Mars, and Mercury… now where have I heard those before?), as are some Celtic, Norse, and Egyptian gods (among others). Even the names of the days of the week come from the names of Norse gods, such as Thor (Thor’s day became Thursday) and Woden (Wednesday).

Zeus was the father of the Greek gods and ruled from high atop Mount Olympus. (And when they say he was the father of the gods, they aren’t kidding-the guy seriously got around.) The modern-day Olympics are based on a Greek festival that was held in his honor.

Jupiter was Zeus’s Roman counterpart, and like Zeus, he was known for throwing thunderbolts bolts at those who pissed him off. This was true of Thor as well, who was a god of justice. I guess you can figure out what happened to those who didn’t play nice … (ouch, sizzle).

Many Witches like to call on gods from the Celtic pantheon, especially Cernunnos and Herne, both of whom were usually depicted as the figure of a man with stag’s antlers. It is likely that these gods were the origin, at least in part, of the Green Man and Horned God that play such an important part in Pagan worship. We also call on the sun god Lugh, especially on Lugh- nasadh, the holiday we celebrate in his honor.

Apollo was the Greek sun god who was also a god of healing. Traditionally, the sun tended to be the domain of the gods, while the moon fell under the influence of the goddess. This may explain why the god dies during the darkest time of the year and then is reborn at Yule, when the light is beginning to return.

As with the goddess, some Witches call the god by one particular name, or many, or simply use “the god.” It is worth taking the time to explore the many myths and stories surrounding the Pagan gods. Not only are the stories interesting in their own right, but you never know when some god will pop out and call your name, informing you that from that time on, you may call him-and he will answer.

 

–Deborah Blake, Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft

 

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, November 24th

halloween rite

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, November 24th

Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.

Feast of the Burning Lamps (Egyptian)

 

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Taurus

Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience.

Incense: Basil

Color: Gray

 

Aspects of the Moon in Taurus

Chained witch...a woman's work is never done

Aspects of the Moon in Taurus

 

General: Practical matters, permanence, sex, financial security, prosperity, confidence to speak out, growth of any kind, stability, peace, affection, devotion and harmony, staying power, bringing love into your life.

Watch out for greed, stubbornness, possessiveness and wanting to have your own way!

New Moon: Prosperity, harmony, investing, long term goals, love, healing and peace.

Full Moon: Success, money, serenity and investments.

Element: Earth.

Colours: Pale to medium blue, green, pink, rose, mauve, burnt orange.

Incense: Benzoin, mint, thyme, violet, marsh mallow, mugwort, vervain, catnip.

Taurus Incense Blend: Equal parts of mugwort, vervain and thyme with a few drops of benzoin essential oil.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

The Witches Moon Phase for November 19th is First Quarter

Unicorns and FairiesNovember 19
First Quarter
Illumination: 53%

 

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

Phase Details for – Thursday, November 19, 2015

Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 53%
Moon Age: 7.63 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 367,618.90 km

Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,832,152.79 km
Source:

The Aspects of the Moon in Pisces

-black unicorns-

The Aspects of the Moon in Pisces

 

General: Spiritual and psychic matters (but guard against confusion and deception), creativity, the arts, care, compassion, peace, devotion, inspiration and empathy, enhance or develop psychic abilities, letting life flow.

Watch out for discontent, emotional imbalance, secrets, depression and lack of concentration.

New Moon: Imagination, visualisation, dream work, divination, compassion, peace, seeing the big picture.

Full Moon: Dream work, meditation and helping others.

Element: Water.

Colours: Sea green, sea blue, misty grey, pearly mauves and blues.

Incense: Sage, basil, lemon balm, lemon, orris root, elder, borage.

Pisces Incense Blend: Equal parts lemon balm, dried lemon peel and orris root with a few drops of lemon essential oil.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 18th

Wiccan Woman and Dragons (GP)

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 18th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

St. Plato’s Day

 

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Aquarius

Aquarius: Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.

Incense: Lilac

Color: Yellow

 

Aspects of the Moon in Aquarius

autumn

Aspects of the Moon in Aquarius

 

General: Inventions, social life, future goals, technology, science, forming and maintaining friendships, establishing groups, gaining more freedom or autonomy (be careful of bringing in rebellious energies though), developing intuition, independence, heightened perception and resourcefulness, becoming more detached or overcoming being too emotional.

Watch out for unorganized thoughts, selfishness, not finishing projects and being opinionated.

New Moon: Independence, change, love, new ideas, individuality and the sciences.

Full Moon: Courage, loyalty, leadership, self-worth and independence.

Element: Air.

Colours: Electric blue. Incense: Eucalyptus, comfrey, rosemary, fennel, pine, clover, fenugreek, broom, violet, valerian.

Aquarius Incense Blend: Equal parts pine, rosemary and fennel with a few drops of clover essential oil.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

Aspects of the Moon in Scorpio


Egyptian Comments & Graphics

Aspects of the Moon in Scorpio

 

General: Philosophy, adventure, journeys, study, honesty, imagination, long-distance travel, learning, writing and publishing, religion and philosophy, generosity, faith, understanding, hope and optimism.

Watch out for no loyalty or commitment, emotional withdrawal, shifting blame and irresponsibility.

New Moon: Projects, talents, understanding, hope, faith, awareness and travel.

Full Moon: Knowledge and communication.

Element: Fire.

Colours: Purple, royal blue.

Incense: Cedar wood, sage, basil, borage, saffron, nutmeg, sandalwood, chervil. Sagittarius

Incense Blend: Equal parts of sage, nutmeg and cedar wood with a few drops of sandalwood essential oil.

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

New Moon in Scorpio Horoscopes

 

 

 

New Moon in Scorpio Horoscopes

The greatest treasures are buried deepest

Rick Levine

Speaking the truth isn’t always easy, especially if our feelings are in conflict with someone else’s. We’re torn between supporting those we love and maintaining our integrity. Nevertheless, the relentless Scorpio New Moon on November 11, 2015, plants a seed that urges us to express what’s in our hearts at any cost. Fortunately, we can reach deeper into the watery mysteries because curious Mercury is present at the planetary gathering in Scorpio. Delving into our emotions now is like diving into a bottomless well. However, the further down we’re willing to go, the greater the treasures we find.

Although there are challenging issues to tackle, buoyant Jupiter’s supportive sextile to this New Moon puts a positive spin on nearly any conversation started at this time. Don’t withdraw if the going gets tough; when in doubt, discuss what’s on your mind. This intense New Moon brings the potential to transmute fear into love with the same evolutionary power that transforms a caterpillar into a butterfly. Remember, shadows are banished by the light of awareness. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

Find out how this New Moon will influence YOU with your sign’s horoscope below.

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

You can’t help but raise issues that everyone else would rather avoid now. You’re not looking to stir up trouble, but talking about a sensitive subject might prompt others to discredit you by criticizing your opinions. Although you don’t want to waste energy defending your philosophy, it may be necessary in order to defuse the negativity before it takes hold. Thankfully, this perceptive Scorpio New Moon falls in your 8th House of Metamorphosis, inspiring you to see the conversation through to a successful conclusion.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

Ignoring a friend or lover’s incisive feedback is not a wise tactic while the Scorpio New Moon rattles your 7th House of Significant Others. You might not want to listen to what’s being said, but taking a message to heart can be a significant catalyst for personal growth. There’s no need to nod your head in agreement; however, seriously considering someone’s less-than-pleasant assessment is grist for your mill. No matter how useful the new information is to your transformation, you’ll be a stronger person for going through the process.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

Making simple modifications to your daily routine may be the smartest thing you can do, as long as you choose ones that don’t turn your life upside down. Fortunately, a subtle adjustment can set a series of profound consequences into motion when the Scorpio New Moon shakes up your 6th House of Self-Improvement. The potential for change is likely, so pick your direction wisely. Just remember that being too insistent could overwhelm others, causing your plans to backfire. Acting with gentle persistence is much more effective than making one dramatic gesture.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

You might believe your world has come to a standstill, but in truth it has not. To the contrary, you’re right on the verge of something big. Perhaps you recently thought about starting a creative project or making a move on the romantic front. In either case, this evocative Scorpio New Moon fires up your 5th House of Self-Expression, intensifying the emotional process. But nothing will happen overnight, so be patient. It’s always darkest just before the dawn.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Your feelings could be at odds with your actions. You might choose to withhold your desires and just smile your way through a conflict, but you won’t likely get away with it. Acknowledge your subjectivity while the passionate Scorpio New Moon spotlights your 4th House of Security. Thankfully, you can change the rules of the game; instead of choosing emotions or logic, seek a position that honors both realms. Maintain a close connection with your heart while listening to the advice offered by your rational mind.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

There may not be a better time to take initiative on an important project. Put your plans into action while the Scorpio New Moon energizes your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. Use this creative lunar power to get your ideas out into the open, whether verbally or written. Nevertheless, it might be nearly impossible to follow through on everything you start. Ride the planetary waves of change by relying on your sense of humor to keep everyone laughing, since the current intensity won’t last very long.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

You’re holding onto a very well-kept secret, and this unexpressed juicy tidbit may have negative consequences. It’s tempting to express all the pleasant parts of your story while hiding the less palatable facts. Thankfully, the potent Scorpio New Moon lands in your 2nd House of Self-Esteem, giving you the power to overcome your fears and then bring them out into the open. Working through your resistance isn’t possible if you keep denying valid concerns; adopt a fierce attitude and face your challenges head-on.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

You can do nearly anything if you put your mind to it and commit to relentlessly executing your plan. It’s as if you are carrying a secret vial of superpowers, but it’s actually the New Moon’s presence in your Fixed sign. You must use this magic potion carefully or you might create more problems than you solve. Your efforts to save the world are admirable, but acknowledging your limits can prevent disappointment tomorrow. Global transformation must start from within.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You might miss a rare opportunity to connect with someone close to you if you get lost in your desire for professional success, instead. You appear to be emotionally present and act as if you’re living in the moment. But no one really knows what’s going on behind your eyes since the enigmatic Scorpio New Moon occurs in your 12th House of Secrets. Deep soul-searching could reveal that you’re not yet ready to share your vulnerability with anyone else. Trust your intuition to know when the time is right.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You can engage people with calculated precision, as if you are playing a competitive game of chess. However, your ideas may be more fixed than others realize and you might not want to change your plans while the unrelenting Scorpio New Moon activates your 11th House of Goals. Trust your instincts and you’ll know exactly what move to make next to keep the win within your grasp. Analyze every possible scenario with careful consideration; your single-mindedness could bring you victory sooner than you think.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Long-term career goals take priority while the Scorpio New Moon emphasizes your 10th House of Status. Your uncanny ability to control your emotions creates a magnetism that could have your biggest critics eating from your hand. But this gift is not to be used for the sole purpose of manipulation; instead, utilize your powers of persuasion thoughtfully so others will line up to be on your team. Integrate your altruistic intentions with strategic action for the best results.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Successful planning for the future requires you to have an accurate map that reveals the exact lay of the land. But sometimes getting your bearings is challenging, especially when the mysterious Scorpio New Moon is stimulating your 9th House of Big Ideas. Thankfully, you should land safely at your destination just in time, as long as you continue to visualize your arrival. Take the extra step and create an itinerary for the coming months so that you can stay on track as you move toward fulfilling your dreams.

 

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Astrology of Today – November 11, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – November 11, 2015

Summary:

  • The Moon is in Scorpio all day (until Thursday, November 12th, at 10:13 AM).
  • The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase until 12:47 PM / the Moon is waxing and in its New Moon phase from 12:47 PM forward.
  • A Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 3rd, and a New Moon occurs today in the sign of Scorpio at 12:47 PM.
  • The True Node of the Moon enters Virgo today (the Mean Node entered Virgo in October).

New Moon Spell

Veteran's Day Comments
New Moon Spell

 

I like to write a cheque to myself on the New Moon. I make it out to myself and write ‘paid in full’ in the amount box, then sign it from ‘the law of abundance’. I fold the cheque into three and add three drops of peppermint essential oil on top after laying it in the bottom of a dish I keep on my altar, and then I sprinkle over it dried mint and lay three sticks of cinnamon on top. This works really well to keep enough money coming in.

At the very first sign of the Moon, just the slightest glimpse of her, stand outside and look up. Turn around deosil (sunwise or clockwise) three times and make a wish on the New Moon.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

November 11th’s New Moon

Veteran's Day Comments

November 11th’s New Moon

 

We consider it to be the New Moon up to 3 ½ days after the official New Moon. She rises around dawn, sets around sunset. Because she is between the Sun and the Earth nothing or very little is reflected and for a few days the Moon is lost in the brilliance of the Sun. When we cannot see any Moon in the sky, after the Waning Moon and before we see the first glimpse of the Crescent it is often referred to as the Dark Moon.

As the Sun and Moon are on the same side of the Earth, the pull on us is the strongest. Because the Sun, Moon and Earth are all in a straight line this creates a time when the high tide is higher and the low tide is lower than usual.

This is a wonderful time to make new beginnings of all types. It is especially good for getting rid of bad habits. Habitual ways of thinking that are harmful and negative can also be abandoned at this time. It is also a good time to start something creative. New projects at work can also be launched.

The first day of the New Moon is really best devoted to the planning stages of ventures. It is good to feel just a little excited and filled with anticipation, although your energy may not be at its highest. A day or two into the cycle is the time to take the initiative, apply for that job, and start house hunting or any similar endeavours. It is also good for attracting positive energies, bringing about change, good luck and growth.

 

New Moon Colours

Green, white, orange and red

 

New Moon Herbs, Oil and Incense Ingredients

Sandalwood, frankincense, copal, myrrh, rose, saffron, sweet grass, heather, patchouli, cinnamon, lavender, verbena, witch hazel, jasmine, cardamom, cypress, ginger, nutmeg, orange, chamomile and lemon

 

New Moon Crystals

Garnet, petalite, sapphire, quartz, labradorite, carnelian, charoite, peridot and phenakite.

 
Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 11th

Veteran's Day Comments
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, November 11th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

Veterans Day

 

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

New Moon 12: 47 pm

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Incense: Marjoram

Color: Topaz

 

Astrology of Today – November 10, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – November 10, 2015

Summary:

 

  • The Moon is in Scorpio all day (until Thursday, November 12th, at 10:13 AM).
  • The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
  • A Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 3rd, and a New Moon will occur tomorrow.

Astrology of Today – November 9, 2015

Astrology of Today – November 9, 2015

Summary:

When the Sun is harmonizing with Chiron, it’s easier to make progress as we are open to learning and growing rather than worrying about who’s right or wrong. However, the Sun also forms a quincunx with Uranus later today, and we could be dealing with minor changes of plans or a restless urge for change that interferes with the flow.

  • The Moon is in Libra until 11:02 PM.
  • The Moon is void until 11:02 PM (since 9:42 PM yesterday).
  • The Moon is in Scorpio from 11:02 PM forward (until Thursday, November 12th, at 10:13 AM).
  • The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
  • A Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 3rd, and a New Moon will occur on November 11th.
  • Venus spends its first full day in Libra (Venus transits Libra November 8-December 4).

Aspects of the Moon In Scorpio

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Aspects of the Moon In Scorpio

 

General: Loyalty, ownership (but watch out for suspicion and anger), matters requiring insight, increasing your libido or to attract passionate love (be careful though as relationships with a Scorpio influence are likely to be transformational and not always predictable!), healing of the mind and emotions, scrying, concentration, single mindedness, rebirth, transformation, wisdom, karma and instinct.

Watch out for secrets, lies, jealousy, and suspicion, lack of forgiveness, grudges and hate.

New Moon: Power, transformation, karma, instincts, clarity, wisdom, stop gossip, emotions, endings, death, rebirth and past life work.

Full Moon: Energy, resources and transformation.

Element: Water.

Colours: Deep red.

Incense: Basil, sage, catnip, coriander, sandalwood, thyme, nettle.

Scorpio Incense Blend: Equal parts of sandalwood, thyme and sage with a few drops of coriander essential oil.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson

 

 

Astrology of Today – November 6, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – November 6, 2015

Summary:

Even with a busy, particular Virgo Moon all day, we can find some opportunity to relax, reflect, and detox with a Mercury-Neptune trine encouraging us to use our imagination. With this influence, we might choose to either take a break from heavy thinking or flesh out our work with imaginative extras.

  • The Moon is in Virgo all day (until Saturday, November 7th, at 10:14 AM).
  • The Moon is waning and in its Last Quarter phase.
  • A Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 3rd, and a New Moon will occur on November 11th.

Astrology of Today – November 4, 2015

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – November 4, 2015

Summary:

 

  • The Moon is in Leo until 9:22 PM.
  • The Moon is void until 9:22 PM (since 8:46 PM yesterday).
  • The Moon is in Virgo from 9:22 PM forward (until Saturday, November 7th, at 10:14 AM).
  • The Moon is waning and in its Last Quarter phase.
  • A Last Quarter Moon occurred yesterday, and a New Moon will occur on November 11th.

The Witches Moon Phase for November 4th is Waning Crescent

Witch
November 4
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 41%

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 41%
Moon Age: 23.03 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 398,826.39 km

Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,348,185.62 km

Aspects of the Moon in Virgo

my laptopAspects of the Moon in Virgo

 

General: Organization, detail, health, reaping your just rewards, fitness, refining your diet, purification, acquiring or improving skills, ensuring a good ‘harvest’ from a project, analysis, logical choices, precision and solutions.

Watch out for criticism, arguments, control and lack of trust.

New Moon: Problem solving, information, choices, accuracy, inner work and finding mistakes.

Full Moon: Problem solving, intuition and divination.

Element: Earth.

Colours: Grey, green, black.

Incense: Lemongrass, caraway, fennel, bergamot, dill, mint, horehound, marjoram.

Virgo Incense Blend: Equal parts of fennel, mint and marjoram with a few drops of bergamot essential oil.

 

 

Pagan Portals – Moon Magic

Rachel Patterson