September 9th N.H. and Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions

Current Moon Phase

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Current Planetary Positions

September 09, 2019
10:39 am GMT (5:39 AM CDT)
Tropical Zodiac

Sun:16 Virgo 28
Moon:24 Capricorn 36
Mercury:21 Virgo 21
Venus:23 Virgo 38
Mars:14 Virgo 09
Jupiter:15 Sagittarius 46
Saturn:13 Capricorn 58 Rx
Uranus:06 Taurus 18 Rx
Neptune:17 Pisces 20 Rx
Pluto:20 Capricorn 46 Rx
Fire:1
Earth:8
Air:0
Water:1
Cardinal:3
Fixed:1
Mutable:6

Weekly Horoscope

All Signs

At the end of the week, we have our annual Harvest Moon, so named because it’s the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept.23). It’s also called the Harvest Moon because its abundant bright light allowed farmers to work long hours to harvest their crops. Some harvested wheat, others cleared corn because they heard a voice whispering, “If you build it, he will come.” (Was this the beginning of the Hall of Farmers?) New flash! Major League Baseball announced the Chicago White Sox will host the New York Yankees for a game at the “Field of Dreams” site in Iowa on August 13, 2020. Wow! They are coming!

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This week your focus is to work hard and be efficient, effective and productive. There are four planets sitting in the part of your chart that relates to your job or any task that you set for yourself, plus anything to do with pets and your health. So it is most appropriate to do everything you can to boost your quality of health in terms of diet and exercise, and also to work hard and manage your life well. Yes, this sounds a bit boring but that is the strong focus for you right now. Meanwhile of course, Jupiter is still urging you to travel and explore opportunities in higher education, medicine, the law, publishing and the media. Yes!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

There are four planets in the part of your chart that encourages you to play, socialize and have fun! You will enjoy being part of or attending sports events and being involved with playful activities with kids. Romance is high on your chart right now, which means many of you are enjoying romantic relationships or beginning new ones? This is a fabulous time to take a vacation. However, it’s also an excellent time to explore opportunities in the hospitality industry, the entertainment world and working with children. By all means, grab every chance that comes your way to express your creative vibes!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You have been super involved (and will continue to be) with home, family and your private life. For many, this includes your involvement with a parent or an older family member. You might also be focused on home repairs and definitely home redecorating projects – the whole enchilada! Because of this strong focus on where you live and your desire to improve where you live (as well as improve family relationships) many of you might also explore real-estate possibilities or perhaps renting somewhere else? (Now there’s an impossible task!) Please note this is also a wonderful week to entertain at home because you will love it!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Get ready because this is another fast-paced week. You have a busy schedule because you are taking short trips, shopping, talking to relatives, siblings and neighbours plus you have an ambitious To Do list to accomplish. In addition to this, many of you are reading, writing and studying more than usual. It’s exhausting but you can swing this because fiery Mars excites you mentally and energizes you physically. Admittedly, it makes you identify with your ideas and opinions, which is why you might get into a few arguments. Fortunately, Venus is right there to soften things and build bridges. It’s a strong week for people in sales, marketing, writing, teaching and acting because you will say what you mean and mean what you say.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

“Show me the money!” Your focus on cash flow, earnings and personal wealth continues to be strong with four planets in your Money House. This means you’re working hard to earn money and you’re working hard to spend it as well. It also means you have moneymaking ideas, which you should respect. Don’t dismiss your ideas because they might be great! At this stage in your life, you’re working very hard but next year, you will get increased recognition. Yay! Possibly some of this recognition might be based on moneymaking ideas that occur to you right now? Enjoy shopping for special things for yourself and loved ones. (You’re a generous sign.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Well, it’s all systems go for you because the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are still in your sign boosting your energy and attracting people and favourable circumstances to you. You’re also keen to talk to others and enlighten them about your ideas and great fund of trivia. (Let’s face it, you’re an information junkie.) Nevertheless, the Harvest Moon that occurs at the end of the week will oppose your sign, which means you will have to be more diplomatic, more patient and more tolerant when dealing with others, especially close friends and partners. Continue to look for ways to improve your digs or to find a better home.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are perhaps the most social sign in the zodiac, so it’s a bit curious for you to be low-key and hide behind the scenes. Nevertheless, this is exactly what the planets are urging you to do this week, so enjoy opportunity to rest and work alone. Pamper yourself because Monday, Sept. 23, when the Sun enters your sign, Mercury will be in your sign, plus Venus will be in your sign and you will dazzle everyone! But until then, use this “downtime” (although it’s not really downtime, it’s more like “private time”) to get a lot done in your personal and private life. It’s an excellent time to tidy up loose ends and finish off stuff you’ve been avoiding and do some research. (Many of you have Virgo in your chart, which is why you’re great at research.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Another popular week for you! That’s because this is a popular month. However, it’s important for you to know that not only is this a great time to schmooze with friends and also to interact with groups, clubs and associations – it benefits you to engage with others because all of these relationships can help you. Younger, artistic, creative people want to be in your company. This is a great time to set goals. It’s also the perfect time to tell someone how much you care for them. Don’t hesitate to do this because after all, everyone wants to be loved. Meanwhile, look for ways to boost your income because this is your year to get richer!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You have another week with four planets of the top of your chart calling attention to you and making you look fabulous in the eyes of others, especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. In fact, you look so fabulous, some of you will strike up a flirtation or a romance with a boss or someone in power. Mars will continue to arouse your ambition, while the Sun continues to cast you in a flattering light, which makes you impress everyone even if you don’t do anything special. To have four planets sitting at the top of your chart is not typical, which means now is the time to make your pitch and advance your agenda! Go after what you want!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Do whatever you can to expand your experience of life because there are four planets gathered together in a tight, little clutch urging you to do this. Obviously, one of your first choices would be to travel, which means you should grab every chance you can to blow town this week or next. In addition to travel, you can expand your world through study and taking courses and talking to people from different backgrounds. You also will have good fortune exploring opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine and the law because of this same influence. Do what you can to get performance ready for next year, which is going to be a stellar time for you. Begin now!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

For various reasons, according to the personal details of your life, your world right now is intense. You might be having strong discussions with a partner about shared property or how to deal with the division of labour or shared expenses. This is important to resolve; and it’s good to have boundaries. You also need to know what to expect of others and what they can expect from you. You will be sexually passionate as well because of the placement of Venus and Mars. Nevertheless, in the bigger picture, you are well received by others because Jupiter now promotes your popularity and success in dealing with clubs, groups and organizations. This nicely offsets your focus on downsizing and letting go of things.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Relationships are important to you right now because the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all 180 degrees opposite from your sign. This is a bit unusual. In addition to this, the Harvest Moon this week will be in your sign (and it will be the only Full Moon in your sign all year), and we both know how a Full Moon can intensify, confuse and increase the emotional relationship you have with a close friend or partner. So there’s a lot on your plate. However, this is the ideal time for you to observe yourself and scrutinize your style of relating to others because the opposition of these four planets gives you more objectivity and detachment in your relationships. It’s like holding up a mirror for you to see yourself. Boo!

For Weekly Horoscopes

The Psychology of Magic

This comes from the book Witchcraft an Alternative Path by Ann Moura copyright 2003, pages 114-116.

The Psychology of Magic

“Because time is fluid in Witchcraft, seen as a spiral that may be accessed at any point, it is not difficult to work magic with the future results in mind. The subconscious mind is accessed for magical work, and it is also the place where all of the activities of daily life first take place. Because of how the neural transmitters function, and the distance run by nerve impulses, all things known by the conscious mind actually take place earlier and are only remembered consciously. In other words, there is a time lag between an event and a person’s cognitive awareness of that event. This is why a person may not realize the bath water is too hot until after being in it a few moments — it just takes a while to register on the conscious mind. Meanwhile, the subconscious mind is already aware of the temperature. Witches practice opening the communication channel with the subconscious mind, so that in the tub example, a Witch would be aware before stepping into the tub that it is too hot. Most people simply go through life without noticing discrepancy of time, except when something called deja vu (“already seen”) occurs, and then they wonder why a place or event seems so familiar or has happened before. This is a clue that time does indeed spiral and you dip into it at will.

Since in deja vu experience you seem to know in advance what will happen, if only a short time, you can alter the event. What may be somewhat amusing is the reaction of other people involved in the event. Since they are not connectively using the subconscious mind and not aware as quickly as yourself, you may find they want to react to something that has not happened, giving them a puzzled pause. As an example, I once averted a disastrous dinner argument by keeping silent during the experience when I knew that I was “supposed” to make an innocent remark, which led to a fight the first time around. When the time came for my remark, I did not make it and the conversation at the table stopped cold, everyone turning to look at me! But I had changed history and the table chat resumed without the argument.

When you start altering the future, you may have multiple deja vus of the same event or experience. The meaning of this is that you ran the course of the event, did not like things turned out, changed it, ran the course again, and still did not like the results, so you are giving it another try or realigning the events prior to the deja vu to make the results more satisfactory. Another aspect, which you will begin to recognize with experience, is that there is a variation in the deja vu from what you knew it once was. That means your prior change has worked, and you are given a second chance with the new arrangement. This facet of time manipulation is characteristic of the Witch’s development of subconscious awareness. Witches are people who have refined their ability to process precognitive stimuli and hold on to it so they are able to then alter events before these even register on the conscious minds of other people.

The fluidity of time makes it possible for you to manipulate it so that you can stretch it out, making certain you are never late to any destination. the raising of energy you are working magic, the conscious mind is silenced or relaxed so the subconscious mind may come forward as the active principle. Doing drumming, breath work, chanting, and dancing during the raising of energy when in the Circle is a way to move yourself into an altered state. Drugs and alcohol are not good for this since these inhibit your awareness. When working magic, the subconscious mind creates the reality, which will then be perceived by the conscious mind.

To be a Witch, you have to be ready to live in multiple layers of reality with multiple worlds (Physical, astral, psychic, spiritual, etc.) since these are what you access when practicing your Craft. These worlds exist and are approached with mediation, astral projection, out of body experience, visits to Otherworld or Underworld, pathworking and spell casting. IN the ritual of casting the Circle, you create a space not only to hold the energy you raise, but one that is apart from the rest of the physical world. When you draw the cosmic lemiscate (Smaller INFINITY 2) over the altar, and say that you are standing between worlds, you say you are “in a place that is not a place, and in a time that is not a time” as a reminder for the subconscious mind to be open. You stand at the nexus of other worlds, where the magic you conduct may travel to affect your physical world.

 

Open Chat – All Are Welcome to Join Us

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time

IN THE COVEN LIFE CHAT RUOM

Many different topics are discussed about The Craft or whenever anyone wants to talk about with a few exceptions.

PLEASE READ THE CURTSEY GUIDELINES FOR ALL GATHERINGS 

ON OUR HOMEPAGE IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED ANY GATHERINGS WITH US BEFORE. THANK YOU

Goddess Knowledge – Pele

Pele is the fiery Hawaiian volcano goddess. The daughter of the earth goddess Haimea, Pele came to Hawaii on a boat. Killed in a fight with her sister, the ocean, sho took refuge in the glowing cauldron of Mount Kilauea (this is the volcano that had the major eruption in July 2018 – a link will be below) where she receives the souls of the dead and regenerates them with fire. In a tempestuous relationship with Kamapua`a the ferocious pig god,  she is portrayed as a jealous goddess, her rages manifesting as volcanic eruptions. Revered by Hawaiians even today, she carries the force of the volcano, with its molten lava flow, which even in destrud=ction creates new land. Pele stands for the molten, fierce aspect of life that is unable to do anything halfway. She reminds us that even in the midst of fiery eruption there s creation and new life.

More Information About Pele

Images Of Pele

More Information on Pele’s Home – Mount Kilauea, Hawaii

Senate, Congress, White House Contact Information and Commentary

Ok, it is time for Witches and Pagans to come together to speak as one voice no matter what traditions you follow. Write, email, and call your Senator and Congressperson as often as you can. Let them know that although we are a minority in this country when it comes to religions we will step up as one to help our sacred Mother Earth and all living things upon her including the waterways that flow through her and the oceans that surround her land as well as the air above us. As the USA spend billions helping other countries almost yearly we ask… How much is being spent yearly in the United States of America to help our homeless, children going to bed hungry every night, to help those that have willing serve in our military to get proper medical, dental, and vision care, the same goes for the millions of Americans that for whatever reason cannot afford to pay for medical, dental, and optical insurance and make just a little too much to qualify to get insurance from the state they live in.

Are you ready and willing to make your voice heard with ours? Then start today by finding who your congressperson and senators are. Then write, email, call and let your voice be heard every day you can please. 

We the ordinary people are the ones who are going to make America stand out as a leading country around the world again by forcing those in Washington D. C. to vote for bills, budgets, etc as the people who voted them into the office they now hold want them to? Here is the Preamble to the US Consitution. I ask you …Do you think those people sitting in their warm homes with plenty to eat and warm clothes to wear this winter are living up to our given rights under the constitution this wonderful country of ours was founded upon?

Preamble

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

If you want to know more about the USA Constitution and what those who think they are so high and might in Washinton D.C. are walking all over until the paper it was written is no more to them then a piece of toilet paper click on the following link and read one or more of the information that comes up. I did and it was very eye-opening.

United States of America Constitution and Bill of Rights

Just click on the state you live in to get your states senators contact information

All US Senators

To find the US federal district you live in and your specific congressperson contact information. Do not bother writing to a congressperson outside of your own district because your letter or email will wind up in the trash.

Find Your US Federal District

To write to the White House directly

White House Contact Information

 

 

 

8 Habits of a White Witch

Lady of the Abyss is has a way to teach us new things from the Spirit Plane by me reposting a post of hers done on November 17, 2018.

 

8 Habits of a White Witch

 

Following our guide to white magic, we’ve written another outlining the habits which every white witch should cultivate. ‘White witchcraft’ is a term traditionally used to describe magic which is performed for good and unselfish purposes – people of any colour can be white witches, and even though we use the term “she” in this article, men can be white witches too!

 

1 – A White Witch Respects Nature Nature is an important source of inspiration and wisdom for witches, and most Wiccans recognise that the Divine is present all around them in nature. This is why everything that exists in nature – from plants to animals, to rocks and elements – is regarded as sacred and treated with respect.

But what does this mean for a modern White Witch who’s trying to find her way through the jungle of big city life? It means developing habits that protect the environment, such as recycling, buying fairtrade and eco-friendly produce, choosing to eat organic food that’s free from pesticides, and other activities that help to renew and restore nature.

 

2 – A White Witch Casts White Magic Spells The Wiccan Rede states “An it harm none, do what ye will.” The White Witch is aware of this when preparing her potions or casting magick spells. She makes it her best practice to observe this law. She sees her magic as a way to serve good and selfless purposes. For this, she knows that she needs to do some inner searching to find out what her true motivations are, so she can ensure that her magic truly is designed for selfless purposes.

 

She recognises that Black Magic aims to take energy away, that it’s designed to manipulate and hurt others. So before casting love spells, money spells or healing spells, she takes the time to ensure that no one will be manipulated or cheated by her spells.

 

Even if someone has wronged her, she tries to forgive them, seeing the act as a limitation of that individual’s perspective or an unresolved and deeply seated hurt that they are not aware of. She does not engage in revenge spells because she knows that all people are born of the Divine and therefore all are One. She knows that by hurting someone else, she’s actually hurting herself. Before casting a White Magic Spell, she asks the spell to serve the highest good for everyone involved.

 

3 – A White Witch Knows the Value of Silence We live in a culture that prides extraverted attributes – people who can perform public speaking, loudly state their ideas during work meetings and entertain others with casual chit-chat are regarded as successful. But silence has its own merit, and a White Witch knows the value of silence.

 

She does not feel guilty for giving up on social activities whenever she feels the need to retreat into the silence of her own room to meditate and do some inner searching. A White Witch might have a daily meditation practice (10 minutes will do) that allows her to tap into her inner wisdom and intuition, and use it for guidance in her daily life.

 

4 – A White Witch Clears Her Energy A White Witch knows that energies accumulate. Everything around her vibrates with a certain emotional or energetic signature and she picks up on these vibes like a radar, especially if she’s a particularly empathetic or sensitive individual.

In order to clear herself of the residue of everyday life, she uses white sage, daily rituals or meditation to cleanse herself of the imprints that have been left on her energy field. She knows that having boundaries is healthy (unless they start to feel isolating) and she’s careful not to sacrifice the ‘me-time’ for anyone else, a time that she needs for herself.

 

5 – A White Witch Recognises the Divine All Around Her Just as nature is to be honoured and respected, so is everything else. The Divine is present all around us, and it’s both male and female. Therefore the goddess is just as important in Wicca as the god is. A White Witch recognises that the Divine is present in all of us, too. And so, any spiritual practice dedicated to a god or goddess is not complete, unless it is extended to the daily dealings with the people around us.

 

What’s more, a White Witch knows that the magical powers that she develops are not unique to her – everyone is entitled to them, just as she is. Everyone can tap into magick and their inner wisdom, if they make an active choice to do so.

6 – A White Witch Acknowledges Personal Responsibility “Ever mind the rule of three: What ye send out comes back to thee.” That’s how the Rule of Three or The Law of Threefold Return goes. There are many interpretations of this law. Some believe that it is similar to karmic laws – if you do harm unto others, if you send negativity out into the Universe, then negativity will come back to haunt you threefold. And the same goes for good things – if you do good deeds, then good deeds will come back to you threefold.

Of course, in life it does not always feel like that, so it’s very important to recognise not only your actions, but also your intentions behind your actions, and things start to make more sense. For example, helping someone is generally a good thing, but if you help someone without them asking for your help first, the energy that you send out into the Universe is not helpful – it’s actually binding and controlling, and that’s the energy that you’ll receive back.

 

Although the Law of Threefold Return is interpreted in many ways, what’s important for a White Witch is to recognise that her actions will have repercussions, and they are likely to be physical, emotional and spiritual. So before you engage in an important action, examine your intentions first, and be aware of the potential consequences that your actions may have. When you do, be ready to own up to those consequences.

 

7 – A White Witch Respects the Beliefs of Others Although a White Witch has found her own Path, she is fully aware that this Path is unique to her alone. Therefore, she does not object when others share their personal spiritual beliefs. She doesn’t mind that other people may not share her beliefs – she knows that they come from different backgrounds, family settings, even cultures. She is simply grateful to have found her Path and shares her insights with those who ask her about them. She does not preach or try to convert anyone to her version of the truth – rather, she delights in learning about the different perspectives that others around her hold.

 

8 – A White Witch Knows That She’s Just Human While a White Witch is aware of the Threefold Law and that Divinity exists all around her, she knows that she is merely human. Humans are flawed by nature (if you believe that perfection even exists) and so she knows that she can’t possibly predict all of the consequences of her actions, that she has all kinds of feelings (sometimes negative) and that sometimes she needs to vent these to someone, or ask for help. She sees no shame in this because a White Witch does not strive to be perfect – she tries to be kind to herself and not to judge herself too harshly for her mistakes. When she practices self-love, she feels that she becomes kinder and more forgiving to those around her as well.

 

About the Author

Ieva Remmerte enjoys writing about philosophy, spirituality, ancient practices and general fiction, and holds holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. You can find her on her website: wholistically.me.

Published on Wiccan Spells

Understanding Spells……….Printable

Imbloc Gathering

imbolc

Anyone is welcomed to join us!

WHEN:

Monday, February 1, 2016

TIME:

6:00 to 7:00 PM CT

The Sacred Circle starts at 6:15 PM CT SHARP. Please be considerate and be on time or wait until 7:00 PM CT to join us for visiting after the circle has been opened!

WHERE:

Coven Life Chat Room

For information on how to find and get into the chat room or to figure out your local time please check out the banner on the left side of Coven Life Home Page.

PLAN FOR THE CIRCLE

Plan for the gathering will be posted at least one week before the gathering.

Just because it says coven does not mean you have to be in the coven to attend. All Pagans are welcome to join us! If you have any questions about the gathering please email stregga@ I look forward to many of us coming together to celebrate this wonderful Sabbat.

Yule/Winter Solstice Ritual

You will need:

Your tools

Some ice

Lavender incense

A compass

Setup:

Set-up your altar, place the ice in the cauldron and the incense anywhere.

Perform a meditation.

Cast your circle.

Hold your hands up in the air saying:

“GREAT WINTER I WELCOME YOU,GODDESS OF NGHT.”

Place your hands in the cauldron and move them around in the ice while saying:

“I WELCOME YOUR MIGHT,YOUR COLD.”

Light the incense. Take aa sip from the chalice. Take the athame and point it toward the west while saying:

“GREAT WINTER I CALL YOU,COME FORTH,I WELCOME YOU.”

Close your eyes and visualize the winter in all her fury. At this point you may end this ritual,or continue with a spell.

“SO MOTE IT BE”

Close your circle.

 

Lammas/Lughnasadh Ritual for Online Coven Gathering

Anyone attending our online coven gathering on Saturday, August 1, 2015 this will be the ritual we are following. Nothing is needed to participate in this ritual.  For more information on where and when the gathering will take place please scroll down and click on the banner for Coven Life’s “Home” page. Any questions please email me at ladybeltane@aol.com

LAMMAS GATHERING

I will be closing the circle around us:

With my Sword pointed at the ground: I call upon Fire to guard this circle from all things negative outside of it.

With my Sword pointed at shoulder level: I call upon Water to keep this circle safe from all things negative.

With my Sword above head: I call upon Air to keep this circle safe from all things negative.

We enter this circle in perfect love and perfect trust. We stand in a place that is not a place. In a time that is not a time.

Calling the Watchtowers:

Lay sword on altar.

Facing East: Power of ancient dreams, ancestors of the mighty east

Come forth, O guardians of Air.

Let your wings of intelligence my protection be

Hear this call, let my words draw you near.

Lock the gate that none may pass unless

They come in love and trust. Blessed Be!

Facing South: Power of ancient dreams, ancestors of the mighty south

Come forth, O guardians of Fire.

May your firey breath cleanse my work.

Hear this call, let my words draw you near.

Lock the gate that none may pass unless

They come in love and trust. Blessed Be!

Facing West: Power of ancient dreams, ancestors of the mighty west

Come forth, O guardians of Water.

May your sweeping waters bring protection all around.

Hear this call, let my words draw you near.

Lock the gate that none may pass unless

They come in love and trust. Blessed Be!

Facing North: Power of ancient dreams, ancestors of the mighty north

Come forth, O guardians of Earth.

Let the North Star crown your brow.

Hear this call, let my words draw you near.

Lock the gate that none may pass unless

They come in love and trust. Blessed Be!

This circle is now closed around us and I say: We stand in a place that is not a place, in a time that is outside of time. I welcome you in perfect love and perfect trust. Merry Meet and Merry greet.

I invoke Mother Earth, her of bounty and beauty to come into our circle. I invoke the Lugh, he of craftsmanship in beauty and toil to come into our circle.

Waiting for the power to rise and the deities to enter.

Sitting before me is a loaf of bread made in the shape of a sickle. With it cradled in my hands:

“We thank Mother Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Earth for the grain and other things that made it possible to make this loaf.” (I tear a bite off to save for an offering, that I will place outside for all attending after we are through. Then put the loaf down)

I pick up my chalice: “Lugh we thank you for all the know how you have given us to make instruments for many purposes in our lives.” (I set the chalice back down so the first sip maybe poured on the ground as an offering to Lugh for all attending after we are done.)

Before dismissing the Watchtowers and opening the circle I say: May no harm come to those within or without as we honor this goddess, god, and the elements of Air, Water, Fire and Earth.

I dismiss the Watchtowers starting in the North and walking counter clockwise/witthershins.

Earth I now send you back for where you came with thanks for your protection and power you have given this circle.

Water I now send you back for where you came with thanks for your protection and power you have given this circle.

Fire I now send you back for where you came with thanks for your protection and power you have given this circle.

Air I now send you back for where you came with thanks for your protection and power you have given this circle.

Walking counter clockwise/witthershins

Holding my sword above my head Air I send you back from where you came with heartfelt thanks for your protection.

Holding my sword at should height Water I send you back from where you came with heartfelt thanks for your protection

Holding my sword towards the ground Fire I send you back from where you came with heartfelt thanks for your protection

The circle is now closed. May you go from it with peace and love. Merry part until we Merry meet again.

All About Lammas (Lughnasadh)

  • It’s the dog days of summer, the gardens are full of goodies, the fields are full of grain, and the harvest is approaching. Take a moment to relax in the heat, and reflect on the upcoming abundance of the fall months. At Lammas, sometimes called Lughnasadh, it’s time to begin reaping what we have sown throughout the past few months, and recognize that the bright summer days will soon come to an end.
    • Lammas History: Welcoming the Harvest

    The Beginning of the Harvest:

    At Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, the hot days of August are upon us, much of the earth is dry and parched, but we still know that the bright reds and yellows of the harvest season are just around the corner. Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields.

    Now is the time to begin reaping what we have sown, and gathering up the first harvests of grain, wheat, oats, and more.

    This holiday can be celebrated either as a way to honor the god Lugh, or as a celebration of the harvest.

    Celebrating Grain in Ancient Cultures:

    Grain has held a place of importance in civilization back nearly to the beginning of time. Grain became associated with the cycle of death and rebirth. The Sumerian god Tammuz was slain and his lover Ishtar grieved so heartily that nature stopped producing. Ishtar mourned Tammuz, and followed him to the Underworld to bring him back, similar to the story of Demeter and Persephone.

    In Greek legend, the grain god was Adonis. Twogoddesses, Aphrodite and Persephone, battled for his love. To end the fighting, Zeus ordered Adonis to spend six months with Persephone in the Underworld, and the rest with Aphrodite.

    A Feast of Bread:

    In early Ireland, it was a bad idea to harvest your grain any time before Lammas — it meant that the previous year’s harvest had run out early, and that was a serious failing in agricultural communities.

    However, on August 1, the first sheaves of grain were cut by the farmer, and by nightfall his wife had made the first loaves of bread of the season.

    The word Lammas derives from the Old English phrase hlaf-maesse, which translates to loaf mass. In early Christian times, the first loaves of the season were blessed by the Church.

    Honoring Lugh, the Skillful God:

    In some Wiccan and modern Pagan traditions, Lammas is also a day of honoring Lugh, the Celtic craftsman god. He is a god of many skills, and was honored in various aspects by societies both in the British Isles and in Europe. Lughnasadh (pronounced Loo-NAS-ah) is still celebrated in many parts of the world today. Lugh’s influence appears in the names of several European towns.

    Honoring the Past:

    In our modern world, it’s often easy to forget the trials and tribulations our ancestors had to endure. For us, if we need a loaf of bread, we simply drive over to the local grocery store and buy a few bags of prepackaged bread. If we run out, it’s no big deal, we just go and get more. When our ancestors lived, hundreds and thousands of years ago, the harvesting and processing of grain was crucial. If crops were left in the fields too long, or the bread not baked in time, families could starve. Taking care of one’s crops meant the difference between life and death.

    By celebrating Lammas as a harvest holiday, we honor our ancestors and the hard work they must have had to do in order to survive. This is a good time to give thanks for the abundance we have in our lives, and to be grateful for the food on our tables. Lammas is a time of transformation, of rebirth and new beginnings.

    Symbols of the Season

    The Wheel of the Year has turned once more, and you may feel like decorating your house accordingly. While you probably can’t find too many items marked as “Lammas decor” in your local discount store, there are a number of items you can use as decoration for this harvest holiday.

    Crafts, Song and Celebration

    Because of its association with Lugh, the skilled god, Lammas (Lughnasadh) is also a time to celebrate talents and craftsmanship. It’s a traditional time of year for craft festivals, and for skilled artisans to peddle their wares. In medieval Europe, guilds would arrange for their members to set up booths around a village green, festooned with bright ribbons and fall colors. Perhaps this is why so many modern Renaissance Festivals begin around this time of year!

    • Sickles and scythes, as well as other symbols of harvesting
    • Grapes and vines
    • Dried grains — sheafs of wheat, bowls of oats, etc.
    • Corn dolls — you can make these easily using dried husks
    • Early fall vegetables, such as squashes and pumpkins
    • Late summer fruits, like apples, plums and peaches

    Lugh is also known in some traditions as the patron of bards and magicians. Now is a great time of year to work on honing your own talents. Learn a new craft, or get better at an old one. Put on a play, write a story or poem, take up a musical instrument, or sing a song. Whatever you choose to do, this is the right season for rebirth and renewal, so set August 1 as the day to share your new skill with your friends and family.

    By: 

A Smudging Prayer

While smudging of self and home is use by a lot of Neo-Pagans now, it originally was a Native American cleansing ritual they used before entering their sacred circle, sweat lodges and other religious ceremonies.

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A’Ho = Blessed be or So mote it or Amen or I agree with you

A’ ho is used by some of the tribes and nations but not all of them.

Candle Mediation

Candles are an intricate part of any witches tools as we use them for many things. They come in many shapes and sizes. What type you use is an individual decision.

They can be useful when you are just learning how to meditate.

How to do a candle meditation:

Light a candle, do not stare directly into the flame but kind of over the top of it. Put on some quiet instrumental music or chanting. Empty everything from your mind except the sight of the candle. Take a deep a deep cleansing breath. Then three deep breaths letting them out slowly. After that breath slowly and rhythmically. To begin try to do a 15-minute mediation working up to however long you want it.

After you have been meditating on a regular basis, at least twice a week, it is a good time to get answers from your guides. Ask a question and “listen” for the answer. This might come as a stray thought right away or it may take days. Answers to do come when a ready for them and our guides want to give them to us and it is not always as fast as we would like.

Have a glass of water sitting near you. After you have blown out the candle take three deep breaths letting them out slowly and allow yourself to slowly come back to the room around you. When you feel you have reconnected with your world drink the water and relax for a minute or two before getting up and carrying on with life.

Do not be surprised if the first few times you try to meditate that you fall asleep just make sure you have the candle in a holder that cannot be knocked over and protects the surface it is on from hot wax melting on to it. I suggest using jar candle until you know you won’t fall asleep during meditation. Meditation is not the same as relaxation therapy. The goal is to stay awake when meditating.

Copyright 2015 Lady Beltane

How to Make Candle Wicks and Candles

WARNING: This is not something a child should help with because it is easy to accidently spill the hot wax and it can cause major burns. When making candles make sure the walkway is clear of all obstacles, children, and pets when carrying hot wax from heat source to molds. If you have a throw rug down pick it up instead of walking over it. Make sure your mold are on an even, sturdy surface before starting to pour them. Candle wax, when melted for making candles, can reach 200 degrees F.

You may have seen a candle-making demonstration where participants are invited to dip strings into hot wax and then cool them in cold water. The finished product often looks more like a bent pepper than a candle. Should you decide to make usable candles, you’ll first want to know how to fashion wicks.

A WICK’S PURPOSE
Wicks aren’t just pieces of string in the center of a candle. The flame of a candle is not made by the wick. Rather, the heated wax creates a vapor which ignites as the flame is carried to the candle’s body by the wick. The flame you see is the vapor being consumed.

To produce a brightly burning, reliable candle, you will require a well-made wick. Use 100% cotton yarn or thread without any dye or bleach. Any thin cotton string, found in some craft or garden supply stores, will suffice.

Wire-core wicks are available commercially and are rigid, but these can contain lead and other metallic toxins that release vapors into the air when a candle is burned. I strongly advise against using these. It is better to have a wick stiffened by proper priming.

SOAK YOUR COTTON
Section at least three pieces of cotton yarn or string. If you are dipping candles, you will want the length of your twine to equal twice the height of your finished candle plus another twelve inches. The reason for this is that a single wick will have a candle formed at each end. If you prefer to make a single candle, cut the wick to equal the height of your candle plus another six inches.

Let the cotton soak in one these solutions all night:

1st Solution
One Tbs salt, two Tbs boric acid (makes the flame deep red), and 1 c. warm water

2nd Solution
2 Tbs salt, 4 Tbs Borax (makes the flame yellowish green) & 1 ½ cups warm water

3rd Solution
Two and a half tablespoons of salt with five and a half tablespoons of Borax in two cups warm water.

OPTIONAL CHEMICALS
Choose one of the following for a different color flame:

  • A tsp of calcium burns reddish orange.
  • A tsp of table salt brings a yellow flame.
  • A tsp of Borax has a yellowish-green appearance.
  • Add a teaspoon of potassium sulfate or saltpeter (potassium nitrate) for a purple flame.
  • A tsp of Epsom salts burns white.
  • A tsp of alum burns green.

The next morning, take the string from the solution and hang until dried completely – for as long as five days.

Braid the dried strands together as tightly as possible.

BRAIDS USED FOR WICKS
Use a flat braid for candles that are tapered. This flattened braid will have a slight curl when it burns. If the wick is matched properly to the size of the candle, the natural curl of the flat braid will reduce the carbon buildup and make the wick self trimming. The ply of a wick refers to the number of strands used to create it. A wick’s ply will tell you if the candle should be a larger or smaller size.

Block candles (without a tapered end) require a square braided wick. Block candles are formed by pouring wax into molds that can be round or square. The square braid is braided in the round and is not flat.

Whichever braid you select, it should be bound tightly. A candle will burn longer and brighter with a quality wick. A loose, poorly constructed wick will shorten the life of your candle.

HOW TO PRIME A WICK
Priming a wick helps to insure that your candles will light more easily. Your primed wick will burn more consistently. Additionally, the wax makes your wick water-resistant. Cotton wicks would easily absorb water otherwise.

Dipping your wick into hot wax until it is thoroughly saturated will prime your wick. When you see bubbles, you will know the wax is saturating your wick. To protect your fingers, you should use a small clip to hold the braid as you dip it. Take the wick out of the wax, tug it taught, lower it into water and then lay it onto waxed paper. Use a paper towel to dab off any excess water. Allow as least 30 seconds for each wick to dry. To encourage stiffness, repeat this process several times. When you are finished, primed wicks can be stored in rolled newspapers.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY
If wax boils, it is flammable. Baking soda or a fire extinguisher should be used to stop a fire involving wax. Water will just cause the wax (and the fire) to spread; don’t use it.

Use a double boiler to heat wax; it shouldn’t be placed directly on the heat source. Make your own by placing water at a 3-inch or so depth in a large pot. Put something (i.e. old tuna can or metal cookie cutter) onto the bottom of this pot to act as a barrier between it and the wax container. Bring the water to a boil. Place the wax into a can and lower this onto the barrier in the pot of boiling water.

It is best to work with hot wax while children and pets are away.

Hot wax should never be discarded down a drain. When the wax hardens, it will clog your pipes.

FEATURED VIDEO

http://learnandlivewell.blogspot.com/2009/08/you-may-have-seen-candle-making.html

Posted by Kay

Here is a link to a site that has different type of candle instructions.: http://www.candlescience.com/learn-candle-making

Or you can find one yourself from this general search: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=easy%20candle%20making%20recipe

Many witches and pagans like to make their own candle for rituals, spell casting or just to burn around the house. The reason for this is they know exactly what type of energy when into the candle when it is formed. There are many way of making candles, pillars, tapers, volitive, tea, ice, sand, the list is almost endless.

Books to Read Suggestions

Many of us have books in our library on The Craft that we enjoy reading and learning from. A few of my favorites are:

Witchcraft An Alternative Path by Ann Moura

The Wiccan Handbook by Eileen Holland

Celtic Magic by D. J. Conway

I will add others I like as time goes on. Please let me know what your favorites are so I can add them to this list. Either leave the name and who wrote it in a comment or email me the same and I will add it to the list. If you email me the name of the book(s) and the author tell whether to include you name as it being recommended by or not. Thank you

A Thought for Today

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Whether you are sitting around a fire or just sitting around at home it’s always a good time to tell the younger ones stories of how it was back when you were their age. I did this with my children and now with my grandchildren and they all get a good laugh at how old I sound. Especially when I tell them about only having 2 computers in my high school and one was a glorified typewriter and calculator in the library…lol

Have fun write the stories down so they are not lost to the ages when you can no longer tell them yourself.

Blessed be.

A Spell for Protection on the 4th of July

I call  upon the Horned God and Mother  Earth,

To keep myself and my family safe as we have fun either away from or at our hearth.

To keep those who are traveling under your watchful eyes

That we might all be safe and see the fireworks or stars in the sky.

So mote it be.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July brothers and sisters.

Words Copyright 2015 Lady Beltane

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Found on Pinterest