The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, December 4th

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, December 4th

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

St. Barbara’s Day

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon enter Capricorn 1:48 am

Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Color: Lavender

Color: Yellow

Current Moon Phase for December 3rd – Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/1% of Full)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 2nd is The Moon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Moon

Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.

As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.

Mercury in Sagittarius (December 4th)

Mercury in Sagittarius

Expand your mind with mental Mercury in sunny Sagittarius

Tarotcom Staff    Tarotcom Staff on the topics of sagittarius, mercury, astrology

Open your mind, but hold your tongue — that’s the best advice we have when communication planet Mercury moves back into bold and sometimes reckless Sagittarius on December 4, 2013.

Mercury is a bit of wild-card in Sagittarius. That’s because Mercury is all about thoughts and words, and Sagittarius is all about action. This translates into a time when we may find ourselves speaking too soon, accidentally saying rude things, or spouting off things that aren’t true.

If you’re prone to telling tall tales or getting your facts wrong, or if you know anyone like that, it’s going to be exacerbated now. We’re all advised to try harder to think before we speak and to consider others’ feelings more. But there’s an upside to Mercury in Sagittarius, too.

Because Sagittarius is so open-minded and adventurous, our thoughts will become more expansive, too. We might start thinking about travel or going back to school or starting a new job. Sagittarius is a visionary, so our minds will wander far and wide during this time.

Make big plans for December! With Mercury in Sagittarius until December 24, it’s a great month for feeling confident, thinking positive and doing something exciting.

Calendar of the Moon for December 2nd

Calendar of the Moon

Elder Tree Month

Color: Russet
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a russet cloth set three black candles, a cauldron filled with water, a vase filled with elder branches, a cup of dried elderberries, and a knife.
Offerings: Give aid to the elders in the House, and outside.
Daily Meal: Soups and stews, and soft foods.

Ruis Invocation

Call: Hail the month of passing.
Response: For all things pass away.
Call: Hail the month of waning.
Response: For all things must fade and die.
Call: Hail the month of creaking wood.
Response: Hail the month of creaking bones.
Call: Hail the month of the dwindling Sun.
Response: Hail the time of all endings.
Call: For even as we began the year in silence,
Response: So we shall end the year in silence.
Call: For even as we began the year with chill winds of newness,
Response: So we shall end the year with chill winds of darkness.
Call: May the raven croak his warning from the bare branches.
Response: May the deer leave her footprints in the wake of the first snows.
Call: We will surrender ourselves to the darkness.
Response: Yet even with that surrender, we shall not pass away.
Call: For the seed that was grown in the spring still lives.
Response: Its life force is given back to the Earth.
Call: Its life force is given back to the Maker of new life.
Response: And new life shall spring forth in time.
Call: This is the moment of waiting for the end.
Response: This is the moment of bowed heads.
Call: Elder Goddess, teach us to praise loss, death, and the passing of all things.
Response: For from this flux we know your blessings flow.

Chant: In the eye of the Moon
We walk willingly
Into the darkness.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for December 2nd – New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/0% of Full)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for Nov. 29th to Dec. 1

Weekend Love Horoscopes

November 29 to December 1: Love Potion

Maria DeSimone  Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

With the Moon in sultry Scorpio you’ll crave emotional depths in love. With Scorpio there’s nothing superficial and certainly nothing halfway.  Either you’re “all-in” when it comes to an affair, or you’re just not interested. Fortunately, the Moon will make fantastic aspects all weekend, supporting the best of what Scorpio has to offer rather than activating his shadowy and sometimes controlling side.

First, on Saturday there will be a trine to Neptune and a sextile to Pluto. This will encourage you and your mate to explore your passionate fantasies in a way that makes both of you feel secure, rather than vulnerable. In addition, the Sun will be at a trine to Uranus on Saturday, offering a burst of sudden vitality and innovative energy to shine a light on whatever it is about your relationship that is most unique. Don’t worry about your love thinking you’re eccentric … this is actually how you’ll win him or her over.

Then, on Sunday, the Moon will make supportive links to Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury and Mars. WHEW — that’s half of the zodiac all rallying to boost Scorpio’s potential for intimacy and soul-binding erotic moments. This weekend, when it comes to love, the universe has your back.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Nov. 29th

Despite a fairly favorable 72-hour time-span — offering humanity a lot of opportunities for forward progress during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday just past — the last 48 hours of this month seem more stormy than calm. The Moon in Libra square to Venus in Capricorn (3:15AM) equates with a rise in emotional turmoil, and this 90-degree face-off is given extra intensity as it starts a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 8:04PM.  During this 16+ hour lunar limbo time-span, moody behavior may be more rampant than usual as Juno in Aquarius squares Saturn in Scorpio (5:25AM) while Mars forms a contra-parallel with Chiron (7:34AM). The Juno-Saturn clash is hard to sugar coat as it suggests a rise in temporary rude behavior — possibly affecting lovers as well as business associates and partners. The Mars-Chiron interaction is another forceful challenge that can heighten dis-empowerment — especially emotionally and mentally — in key relationships across the board.  One saving grace — happening several hours later — is an inspirational, 72-degree tie from the Sun to Mars (1:26PM). However, this lone, favorable aspect doesn’t have the gravitas to counteract the three discordant aspects already spreading discontent like a virus.  A type of panacea arrives tonight when the Moon ceases to be void as it enters intense Scorpio (8:04PM) for the next 2+ days. Watch your dreams overnight for clues about the future as the Moon trines Neptune in water signs at 12:40AM tomorrow. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for November 29th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a single black candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.

Dark Moon Invocation

At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your aging face
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and complete
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.

(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Today’s Current Moon Phase for Nov. 29th – Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /24% illumination)

This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.

Waning Moon Prayer

Moon & Witch Comments & Graphics
Waning Moon Prayer

I call upon you Hecate
My words I ask you harken
For your waning moon is in the sky
Her silver shine be darken…
As you ride her silver crest
Deep into the night,
Take with you the powers of my words
When upon I see her newborn light
I’ll know my spell has been heard.

So Mote It Be

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 28th is The Moon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Moon

Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.

As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.

Current Moon Phase for Nov. 28th – Last Quarter

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/30% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

Your Daily Horoscopes for November 27th

Our desire to make intelligent decisions today might actually cause us to get bogged down in indecision instead. The analytical Virgo Moon’s stressful aspects with fiery Mars, powerful Pluto, chatty Mercury, stern Saturn and dreamy Neptune keep our moods in flux. Fortunately, our attention is diverted from the chaos when the Moon enters fair-minded Libra at 4:59 pm EST, allowing us to see both sides of any issue as we seek to restore balance.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You don’t like being asked to choose between your professional and personal life. However, your role is changing and your job duties may infringe on your private world more than you prefer. Unfortunately, your resistance to the new arrangement can lead to frustration. Even if you’re stressed out today, try to be optimistic about the future without slipping into denial. Facing the current dilemma and dealing with work issues now enables you to maintain a positive attitude about your future.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You aren’t one to ignore the facts, but today you may be tempted to avoid the truth to get through a complicated predicament. Thankfully, you can see the positive side of a difficult issue even if it seems irresolvable in the moment. Although the ultimate answer might be just beyond your reach now, going through the motions of seeking a sensible solution helps to boost your confidence along the way to achieving your goals.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may be struggling to get to the bottom of a complicated situation involving your family, but it’s not clear which stories are the true ones. Usually, you’re pretty good at discerning fact from fiction, but today you are holding everyone to a higher standard. Don’t waste time demanding an unattainable level of accuracy; instead, just do your best with the information you’re given. When in doubt, trust your intuition.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Someone may claim you’re so gullible that you believe nearly anything — so think twice before you blindly accept what you are being told today. However, it’s not about you being naive; instead, you’re capable of seeing the potential where others might just pass it by. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with having a positive attitude as long as you check your facts before making assumptions that could get you into trouble. Don’t let others rain on your parade.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You can’t decide if it’s a smart idea to accept additional responsibilities today. A new project could lead to the recognition you want and even to a promotion. But you could underestimate the amount of effort that’s required to meet your deadline. Even if the whole deal sounds promising, it’s still not wise to make your life more complicated now by taking on more than you can deliver. Take your time to analyze all the facts before making a final decision.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Relying on your common sense can be tricky now because you keep changing your mind as new information comes to your attention. It may be challenging to remain optimistic, yet it’s important to consider if you are actually fooling yourself. You can see the world through two different lenses today. One makes everything appear better and the other one makes things look worse. Keep in mind that the truth is found somewhere in the middle.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Laying your feelings on the line is never easy, but if you don’t share what’s on your mind today, your frustration could push you right to the edge. Fortunately, everything will become easier for a while once you choose to share whatever you were hiding. You still have a lot of work to do, but you can accomplish anything if you truly believe in yourself. Trusting the process isn’t as great a risk as it seems

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Although the overall prognosis may be quite excellent today, you still have to face your own shadow before you can fully realize the potential that’s all around you. This isn’t about any one specific interaction or a single decision you’re required to make. Your attitude is directly impacted by your thoughts; if you believe that you are successful, then you are. Put your amazing intensity to work and make something magical happen now.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your extra efforts will likely pay off with a bonus check, the possibility of a promotion or at least words of praise. But it isn’t very smart to think that the world owes you something, for you aren’t entitled to rewards you haven’t earned. Ultimately, you won’t do as well if you believe personal satisfaction is guaranteed. Stop worrying about what you want in the present moment and set your sights on a more significant long-term goal. Once you have a plan, get to work.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may not understand why no one has acknowledged you today for your positive contribution. You feel as if you’re doing well responding to all the stressful circumstances, and you know that you deserve more credit now than you’re currently receiving. Nevertheless, your lesson is that accomplishing your goals requires more time than you initially expected. Thankfully, once you accept that success take time to achieve, you might not be so frustrated in the moment. Find comfort in a job well done.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You want to be known as a considerate friend who puts the wishes of others first. But taking care of everyone’s needs except your own isn’t a path to happiness. Unfortunately, you could be so involved with doing what’s right that you inadvertently overlook the much-needed support of an ally. Show your vulnerability by acknowledging that you have needs, too, and you don’t always know the best way to get what you want.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You might appear quite enthusiastic about something you are doing today, but you could just be hiding your fears for the sake of simplicity. You may feel as if there are no correct answers anyway, but don’t let this concern stop you. Instead, respond to the current stresses by showing up with an open heart, even if you don’t have a long-term plan in place. It turns out that living in the present moment is the best possible strategy you could have now.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, Nov. 27th

Before cosmic fireworks detonate at the monthly Moon-Mars union in Virgo (3:45AM), you may be savvy enough to solve some key problems as Mercury makes an inspirational, 72-degree link to Pallas (3:00AM).  Meanwhile, the Moon uniting with the red planet every month is no walk in the park and, in this situation, the alignment at 3:45AM also begins a 10+ hour void lunar twilight zone that lasts until 2:01PM when the Moon enters Libra. Avoid unnecessary entanglements with temperamental individuals during the void-of-course Moon cycle. It is much better to stay out of the spotlight and perform good deeds without calling attention to yourself.  Once the Moon enters Libra (2:01PM), the next 2+ days provide an opportunity to improve the quality of key relationships while you plunge into favorite arts, crafts and hobbies. Helping you be a creative mover and shaker in society is a supportive, 60-degree link between Mercury and Venus (6:46PM) followed by a mind-expanding trine of 120-degrees connecting Mercury and Jupiter (11:24PM).  You may feel like soaring into the stratosphere of worldly success, but watch out for hubris and a sudden drop in productivity as Ceres squares Pluto (11:51PM). Fortunately, this Ceres-Pluto clash may have little sustaining power as only 10 minutes later, the Moon makes its monthly union with Vesta in Libra (12:01AM on Thursday). This Moon-Vesta affiliation is a boost for sisterhood ties as well as providing the potential for making gains via wise investment planning. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Current Moon Phase for Nov. 27th – Last Quarter Moon

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/38% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 26th is Venus

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today

Venus

Venus represents those qualities we commonly associate with the female/yin persona. Venus traits include fertility and the drive to create, unblemished beauty, love, passion, and togetherness. The occurrence of Venus denotes the dominating presence or need of the qualities listed above. While often very subtle, Venetian influences may have a negative impact unless they are balanced with an influence that can temper the drive of Venus.

As a daily card, Venus suggest you should allow your more feminine traits to guide your actions through this period. Subtlety, efforts to bring people together and allowing your creativity to run free are likely to serve you well at this time.  However, like Mars, the powers of Venus are very strong and  can do more damage than good if not balanced by other influences.

The Current Moon Phase for Nov. 26th – Last Quarter Moon

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/41% of Full)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, November 26th

Celtic Comments & Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, November 26th

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

Festival of Lights (Tibetan)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Virgo

Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene and daily schedules.

Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter

Incense: Ginger

Color: White

The Witches Almanac for Friday, November 22nd

yearofthewitch

The Witches Almanac for Friday, November 22nd

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

St. Cecilia’s Day

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon enters Leo 6:56

Leo: Draw emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Incense: Yarrow

Color: Pink