Tag: Samhain

Archangel – Gabriel

GABRIEL, ARCHANGEL OF STRENGTH from angelarium.net

Gabriel is like the complex feeling of delivering bad news. It’s affecting you as much as you are affecting the people around you. There is a weight in there. It’s a dark weight, but it’s valuable. There’s a message that needs to be said, and you need to be the one to say it.

This Golden Herald embodies those transmissions which are most important. Words, sounds and pictures that carry huge impact. Sometimes the results are glorious and sometimes they are terrible. Either way, there is no way to hold them back. When the herald lifts its lantern, everyone will see it. There’s no escaping it.

Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – Dragon

Not to be confused with Dragon lizard, Komodo dragon, Draconian, Dracones, or Dragoon.
This article is about the legendary creature. For other uses, see Dragon (disambiguation).

A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as winged, horned, and capable of breathing fire. Dragons in eastern cultures are usually depicted as wingless, four-legged, serpentine creatures with above-average intelligence. Commonalities between dragons’ traits are often a hybridization of feline, reptilian, and avian features. Scholars believe vast extinct or migrating crocodiles bear the closest resemblance, especially when encountered in forested or swampy areas, and are most likely the template of modern Oriental dragon imagery.[1][2]

Etymology

The word dragon entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which, in turn, comes from the Latin: draconem (nominative draco) meaning “huge serpent, dragon”, from Ancient Greek δράκων, drákōn (genitive δράκοντος, drákontos) “serpent”.[4][5] The Greek and Latin term referred to any great serpent, not necessarily mythological.[6] The Greek word δράκων is most likely derived from the Greek verb δέρκομαι (dérkomai) meaning “I see”, the aorist form of which is ἔδρακον (édrakon).[5] This is thought to have referred to something with a “deadly glance,”[7] or unusually bright[8] or “sharp”[9][10] eyes, or because a snake’s eyes appear to be always open; each eye actually sees through a big transparent scale in its eyelids, which are permanently shut. The Greek word probably derives from an Indo-European base *derḱ- meaning “to see”; the Sanskrit root दृश् (dr̥ś-) also means “to see”.[11]

Myth origins

Draconic creatures appear in virtually all cultures around the globe[12] and the earliest attested reports of draconic creatures resemble giant snakes. Draconic creatures are first described in the mythologies of the ancient Near East and appear in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature. Stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Near Eastern and Indo-European mythologies. Famous prototypical draconic creatures include the mušḫuššu of ancient Mesopotamia; Apep in Egyptian mythology; Vṛtra in the Rigveda; the Leviathan in the Hebrew Bible; Grand’Goule in the Poitou region in France; Python, Ladon, Wyvern, and Kulshedra in Albanian Mythology and the Lernaean Hydra in Greek mythology; Jörmungandr, Níðhöggr, and Fafnir in Norse mythology; and the dragon from Beowulf.

Nonetheless, scholars dispute where the idea of a dragon originates from[13] and a wide variety of hypotheses have been proposed.[13]

In his book An Instinct for Dragons (2000), David E. Jones (anthropologist) suggests a hypothesis that humans, like monkeys, have inherited instinctive reactions to snakes, large cats, and birds of prey.[14] He cites a study which found that approximately 39 people in a hundred are afraid of snakes[15] and notes that fear of snakes is especially prominent in children, even in areas where snakes are rare.[15] The earliest attested dragons all resemble snakes or have snakelike attributes.[16] Jones therefore concludes that dragons appear in nearly all cultures because humans have an innate fear of snakes and other animals that were major predators of humans’ primate ancestors.[17] Dragons are usually said to reside in “dank caves, deep pools, wild mountain reaches, sea bottoms, haunted forests”, all places which would have been fraught with danger for early human ancestors.[18]

In her book The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times (2000), Adrienne Mayor argues that some stories of dragons may have been inspired by ancient discoveries of fossils belonging to dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.[19] She argues that the dragon lore of northern India may have been inspired by “observations of oversized, extraordinary bones in the fossilbeds of the Siwalik Hills below the Himalayas“[20] and that ancient Greek artistic depictions of the Monster of Troy may have been influenced by fossils of Samotherium, an extinct species of giraffe whose fossils are common in the Mediterranean region.[20] In China, a region where fossils of large prehistoric animals are common, these remains are frequently identified as “dragon bones”[21] and are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.[21] Mayor, however, is careful to point out that not all stories of dragons and giants are inspired by fossils[21] and notes that Scandinavia has many stories of dragons and sea monsters, but has long “been considered barren of large fossils.”[21] In one of her later books, she states that, “Many dragon images around the world were based on folk knowledge or exaggerations of living reptiles, such as Komodo dragons, Gila monsters, iguanas, alligators, or, in California, alligator lizards, though this still fails to account for the Scandinavian legends, as no such animals (historical or otherwise) have ever been found in this region.”[22]

Robert Blust in The Origin Of Dragons (2000) argues that, like many other creations of traditional cultures, dragons are largely explicable as products of a Click here to learn more about a Dragon from en.wikipedia.org

Flower Meaning, Symbol and Spiritual Meaning – Snapdragon

Snapdragon Flower Meaning And Symbolism from florgeous.com

With more than 40 kinds of snapdragon plants all over the world, the snapdragon is a gorgeous flower that not only has a beautiful appearance and a fun-to-say name, but also a lot of hidden meaning.

Named many centuries ago, this flower is often used as a gift between friends and loved ones. Before you choose this flower in your next bouquet, consider its deep meaning and symbolism. Its flower symbol will help you give a gift that is not only lovely to look at, but meaningful, too.

What Does Snapdragon Mean?

The common English name “snapdragon” is taken directly from the appearance of the flower. This gorgeous flower looks just like a dragon’s head when it is squeezed.

Although people don’t find amusement out of this kind of silly hobby nowadays, back when the flower was first named, the snapdragon was a source of great hilarity!

The scientific name for snapdragon is Antirrhinums. There are more than 40 species of snapdragons in this genus. The name is derived from the Greek word “antirrhinum,” which means “nose-like.”

Interestingly, the Greeks had two names for the plant – the other one was ”kynokephelon,” which means “dog-headed.”

What Do Snapdragons Symbolize?

Snapdragons have multiple meanings. They can represent strength, as they’re able to grow in rocky, typically uninhabitable areas, but they can also symbolize themes like deviousness and grace.

Snapdragons are sometimes used as a charm against falsehood. They can also represent the idea of grace under pressure or in the internal strength that is necessary to overcome challenging situations.

What Does a Purple Snapdragon Mean?

Purple snapdragons are usually associated with spirituality. This is a sharp contrast when you compare purple snapdragons to other types of purple flowers – usually, purple flowers are seen as a symbol of royalty.

What Does a Red Snapdragon Symbolize?

Red snapdragons are usually used to symbolize love, passion, and positive energy.

What Does a White Snapdragon Represent?

White snapdragons are usually used to symbolize purity, innocence, and grace, as is common with white flowers of other species, too.

What Does a Yellow Snapdragon Mean?

Yellow snapdragons symbolize happiness, positivity, and good luck.

What is the Cultural Significance of a Snapdragon?

There has been symbolism surrounding the snapdragon since ancient times – even before the Roman Empire. These flowers were used as a charm to protect against falsehood.

In Victorian times, people used to send messages to each other using flowers. Snapdragons were used to symbolize truth-telling.

Originally grown in southern Spain, America, and North Africa, the Romans spread snapdragon throughout much of Europe.

They can vary greatly in size and are some of the most common ornamental plants. According to European folklore, stepping on a snapdragon has the power to break black magic spells, too.

What is the Symbolism of a Snapdragon Tattoo?

When you choose to get a snapdragon tattoo, you are making the decision to add a ton of symbolism to the artwork on your body.

This tattoo can have several meanings. First, a snapdragon can symbolize grace. However, it can also symbolize strength or even deviousness, since it has the ability to grow in rocky areas.

When Should You Give Someone a Snapdragon?

Thinking about giving someone a snapdragon? There are plenty of occasions in which it is appropriate to do so.

You could give a snapdragon as a gift to someone who has overcome a challenge in life – or perhaps to someone who needs to get through a bout of bad luck. It would be a great option on both occasions!

 How to Grow and Care for Snapdragon

28 March 2023 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

28 March 2023
06:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:07 Aries 48
Moon:03 Cancer 51
Mercury:19 Aries 08
Venus:14 Taurus 09
Mars:01 Cancer 35
Jupiter:18 Aries 20
Saturn:02 Pisces 23
Uranus:16 Taurus 38
Neptune:25 Pisces 36
Pluto:00 Aquarius 05

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 21
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 37 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 52

Chiron:15 Aries 23
Ceres:28 Virgo 44 Rx
Pallas:17 Cancer 23
Juno:09 Taurus 47
Vesta:21 Aries 50

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:1
Water:5
Cardinal:9
Fixed:7
Mutable:3

Southern Hemisphere

This local time is in Cape Town, South Africa

28 March 2023
03:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:07 Aries 40
Moon:02 Cancer 21
Mercury:18 Aries 54
Venus:14 Taurus 00
Mars:01 Cancer 32
Jupiter:18 Aries 19
Saturn:02 Pisces 22
Uranus:16 Taurus 38
Neptune:25 Pisces 36
Pluto:00 Aquarius 05

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 21
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 37 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 52

Chiron:15 Aries 23
Ceres:28 Virgo 45 Rx
Pallas:17 Cancer 21
Juno:09 Taurus 43
Vesta:21 Aries 47

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:1
Water:5
Cardinal:9
Fixed:7
Mutable:3

Southwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

28 March 2023
04:00 am GMT 3:00 PM AEDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:07 Aries 13
Moon:26 Gemini 46
Mercury:18 Aries 00
Venus:13 Taurus 27
Mars:01 Cancer 18
Jupiter:18 Aries 12
Saturn:02 Pisces 19
Uranus:16 Taurus 37
Neptune:25 Pisces 35
Pluto:00 Aquarius 05

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 20
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 38 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 48

Chiron:15 Aries 21
Ceres:28 Virgo 52 Rx
Pallas:17 Cancer 12
Juno:09 Taurus 27
Vesta:21 Aries 34

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Spell – Casting a Dragon’s Eye Circle

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

From spellsofmagic.com

Casting a Dragon’s Eye Circle

You will need the following items for this spell:

appropriate tools to measure and draw a circle and sigil

a pre-planned and focused intent of the desired use of the circle

iron or silver filings (optional)

an athame or other personal tool to represent an act of will (optional)

Casting Instructions

The spell has several uses much like any traditional circle you would draw, and can include; protection, healing, cleansing of a sacred space, and of course as preparation for working a spell or rite/ritual. As such the circle will follow the intent you hold while making it so feel free to incorporate the process into other magics you wish to perform. Typically I draw this circle as a stand-alone when I want to create a small place of power by tapping into elemental energy and the earth’s ley-lines/dragon-lines. The shape of the dragon’s eye sigil is a natural draw of energy to a single point and the circle acts to hold that energy and lets it collect within the circle. To make a temporary or one-time use circle, simply draw it wherever is most convenient for what you intend to do. As long as it is a place where you are not likely to be disturbed for the duration of what you intend to do with it. Ideally in a natural setting where you can make the circle a part of the ground such as in earth among trees, in sand at a beach, or in chalk on the stone of a cave or cliff/rock. For a more permanent circle, you can draw it into a circle of cloth or heavy fabric to carry with you and place where needed, or of course you can incorporate the circle into your altar room. —————- Drawing the circle; 1) Draw your circle using your personal height as the measurement of radius. This is the representation of your connection to and ownership of the circle. Any medium works, so pick based on where the circle is. A branch or knife for earthen places, chalk, wax, etc for a harder surface or one you don’t want damaged/carved. *tip* place a tent stake or weight into/onto the ground and tie a string to it that is measured to your height. Then just go around the circle with it stretched out to draw a smooth one every time. 2) imagine a clock face on the circle, with 12:00 being at north. estimate as close as you can three points on the circle, and mark them just inside the boundary. One at about the 2:00 hour, one at 6:00 hour, and one at 10:00. now connect the 10:00 to the 2:00, 2:00 to the 6:00 and of course the 6:00 to the 10:00 with straight lines, forming a triangle. 3) find a point as close to the middle of the triangle as you can. if there is a mark from the tent peg you used earlier, use that. Draw straight lines connecting each corner of the triangle to that central point. It should now look like a triangle made up of triangles, or like a pyramid if you were looking straight down at it from above. If you want to deepen the protective nature of the circle, you can also lay twelve stones in sun-wise (clockwise) order to represent the light of the twelve star houses, placing each stone with a spoken personal affirmation of protection. My Go-to statement is “I place this stone as I build this wall. The light of the twelve star-houses protects me.” 4) When the drawing of the circle is completed (and the stones are laid), return to the east side of the circle. reach down and smooth out/un-mark an area of the circle that is only wide enough for you to step through. If you placed stones, lift the one from the 3:00 position and place it in your pocket. This will be the key to your ‘door’. 5) Extras; if you have some fine iron or silver filings, you can sprinkle them about within the circle to act as a symbolic conductor of the energies you wish to draw up from below. You can also light incense, or use a singing bowl or chimes to represent the energy you wish to draw from above. Also, if this circle is being drawn as a part of a larger spell or ritual, this is when you would bring within any tools and offerings you plan to use to call your corners and otherwise do your working. ——————- Closing/empowering the circle; 1) When it is time to use the circle and you have done all other preparations for your chosen intent, step to the ‘door’ to your circle and center yourself. A simple breathing exercise suffices. If you have a statement or affirmation you typically use to mark the beginning your magic rituals, you can do that now. If you laid stones, make sure you have the one you took with you when the circle was drawn. If you have a personal symbol of will that is not being included with the rest of your ritual like an athame, spear, sword, staff, or even just a sturdy stick, have that with you as well. 2) Step into the circle with confidence and full intent to use it for the task that it was built. Turn and draw closed the line of the circle so that it is once again complete. If you used stones, place the stone. With the theme of laying them before, I state “The stone is Laid, the wall is built, the lock is sealed.” as I set it down. 3) Stand at the center of the circle, over the focal point of the dragon’s eye sigil. Raise your arms to shoulder height, palms upwards or outwards, your symbol of will (if you are using one) in your dominant hand. Breathe in, visualize yourself in a place of strength, authority, and focused will. Breathe that energy out into your circle. 4)As you breathe in again draw your hands together in front of you at chest height, elbows comfortably bent, repeating your visualization. When your hands come together, breathe out again and release the second wave of energy to empower the first. 5)Finally keep your hands together and raise them up slightly, to the height of your brow while breathing in. While breathing in, repeat the visualization of building energy within for a third time. 4) Once the breath in is completed, without hesitation blow it out firmly in a huff and thrust your hands downward. If you have a symbol of will, press it into the ground at the top of the circle between the border and the sigil. Imagine the built energy following the gesture to fill the ground/floor of your circle and empower the drawn lines within, connecting them into a single continuous, unbroken line of light that glows upward and downward. Imagine that energy connecting to the flowing energy of the earthen dragon-lines and the nebulous strands of the aurora in the sky. You may now use the circle. This is where I usually sit at the center and meditate to raise my vibration to the highest state I can reach, letting the energies all collect and feed each-other to resonate within the circle. After a short time I imagine myself a bridge, allowing the healing and supportive energy of the earth to flow up my body from the soles of my feet through to upwards from the top of my head, and simultaneously imagine the highest vibration I can reach of spirit energy running through me from the top of my head through downwards to flowing out of my feet into the ground. Basically I allow myself to become a pipe to let earth and spirit energy connect into and feed/balance and heal each-other. For me it is a very powerful experience and can make a sacred space absolutely humm. Done even semi-regularly it can change the atmosphere of the whole place for an enduring time. ——————– Opening/releasing the circle; When you are finished with your task, and any summoned spirits/guides/guardians/etc are dismissed and the magic working is fully concluded, simply touch your palm to the place you earlier thrust your hand (or take a hold of your symbol of will) and lift it gently from the spot. While lifting, mentally let go of the pent up energy and imagine it flowing away and fading like a morning mist. If you are keeping the circle in place for future use or to continue the working the next day/night, simply smooth out the eastern side of your circle and/or lift the stone at the 3:00 position and step out. Otherwise if you are finished with the space, clean up the site as you would any other circle by rubbing or washing out the circle and sigil and continue on your way.

A Laugh for Today

Spell for Today – The Secret of Life Unicorn Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

From shirleytwofeathers.com

The Secret of Life Unicorn Spell

Did you ever meet someone, an elder perhaps, someone wise and calm, joyful and seemingly ageless, who seems to possess a deep inner peace? Someone who seems to have lived forever, seen everything and has the answers and advice to help us with all our problems?

If we don’t know someone like this, we wish we did, or we long for these qualities in ourselves—the patience and understanding to overcome any obstacle and the ability to learn from our challenges, while keeping a youthful glow and enjoying each day, and finding beauty in everything and everyone around us. Sounds impossible, right? We often attribute these characteristics to fantasy figures. But there truly are people who live this way, yet if we don’t personally know any of them, it seems like fantasy.

So, let’s use fantasy as a bridge to reality, through the magic of the unicorn. Legends of the unicorn speak of them as wise and immortal creatures. This spell is for the unicorn to help us age gracefully with a youthful carefree spirit. This is for people of any age, to ensure the lively and energetic qualities of vitality and joy and, in addition, to help us learn patience and gain wisdom.

You will need:

  • A unicorn statue of any size or color
  • A piece of white ribbon
  • Essential oil or other fragrance blend of your choice

Use your intuition when selecting the oil or blend of oils. Choose a scent that uplifts you and makes you feel cheerful or one you associate with happy memories. Sprinkle a few drops of the oil on the ribbon.

Visualize the unicorn, a wise and experienced sage. She has lived forever and endured many challenges with grace, and now she is bestowing her magic upon you. Make this visualization as detailed as you desire.

If this proves difficult, suspend your disbelief; pretend you are a child again. You meet a unicorn in the wild. Because you carry the white ribbon, the unicorn knows you are a kindred spirit. This ribbon is your link to the unicorn. You drape it around the unicorn’s neck and the two of you walk as companions through the forest. The unicorn confers wisdom upon you. This special wisdom contains the secrets for a happy life, whatever that may be for you.

Tie the ribbon around the statue. This is symbolic of your meeting with the unicorn and your initiation into her mysteries. The secrets will unfold throughout your life as you need them. One of the ways your higher spirit can help you discover what you need is through the use of symbols; the symbol of the unicorn can be a gentle and inspiring teacher and guide.

Speak this chant as you tie the ribbon:

Unicorn of legend, Unicorn of myth,
May your youthfulness and spirit stay with me.
Unicorn of mystery, Unicorn of magic,
May your endurance always offer possibility.
Unicorn of purity, Unicorn of power,
May your strength be at my side in every way.
Unicorn of inspiration, Unicorn of peace,
May your gentleness and grace bless all my days.

Source: Llewellyn

A Laugh for Today

Spell for Today – Spell To Create A Unicorn

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

From shirleytwofeathers.com

Spell To Create A Unicorn

You will need the following items for this spell:

  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen
  • Coloring items

Casting Instructions:

Draw what your unicorn will look like. Color in your unicorn, according to the element of your choice (fire, earth, air, or water). Draw yourself next to your unicorn. Draw your height next to the drawing of yourself and color yourself in (optional).

Fold the paper hamburger style. Write it’s info in either side ( name, element, breed, coat color, accessories, behavior, wingspan if have any, tail, what it eats, speed, etc). Fold paper hamburger style again.

Write and say this aloud: ” _____ (element) unicorn of mine, come to me, by egg of _____ (element). I summon the newborn mythical creature. So mote it be.” Then fold paper again. Draw a pentagram know either side. Now fold it once more.

Now every night, for three nights, chant, “God/ Goddess, grant my dream unicorn in the real world from egg to end.* then chant, ” _____ (element) unicorn of mine, come to me, by egg of _____ (element). I summon the newborn mythical creature. So mote it be.”

Gods – Cernunnos

Cernunnos – Wild God of the Forest from learnreligions.com

Cernunnos is a horned god found in Celtic mythology. He is connected with male animals, particularly the stag in rut, and this has led him to be associated with fertility and vegetation. Depictions of Cernunnos are found in many parts of the British Isles and western Europe. He is often portrayed with a beard and wild, shaggy hair–he is, after all, the lord of the forest.

With his mighty antlers, Cernunnos is a protector of the forest and master of the hunt. He is a god of vegetation and trees in his aspect as the Green Man, and a god of lust and fertility when connected with Pan, the Greek satyr. In some traditions, he is seen as a god of death and dying, and takes the time to comfort the dead by singing to them on their way to the spirit world.

History and Worship of Cernunnos

In Margaret Murray’s 1931 book, God of the Witches, she posits that Herne the Hunter is a manifestation of Cernunnos. Because he is found only in Berkshire, and not in the rest of the Windsor Forest area, Herne is considered a “localized” god and could indeed be the Berkshire interpretation of Cernunnos. During the Elizabethan age, Cernunnos appears as Herne in Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor. He also embodies fealty to the realm, and guardianship of royalty.

In some traditions of Wicca, the cycle of seasons follows the relationship between the Horned God–Cernunnos–and the Goddess. During the fall, the Horned God dies, as the vegetation and land go dormant, and in the spring, at Imbolc, he is resurrected to impregnate the fertile goddess of the land. However, this relationship is a relatively new Neopagan concept, and there is no scholarly evidence to indicate that ancient peoples might have celebrated this “marriage” of the Horned God and a mother goddess.

Because of his horns (and the occasional depiction of a large, erect phallus), Cernunnos has often been misinterpreted by fundamentalists as a symbol of Satan. Certainly, at times, the Christian church has pointed to the Pagan following of Cernunnos as “devil worship.” This is in part due to nineteenth-century paintings of Satan which included large, ram-like horns much like those of Cernunnos.

Today, many Pagan traditions honor Cernunnos as an aspect of the God, the embodiment of masculine energy and fertility and power.

A Prayer to Cernunnos

God of the green,
Lord of the forest,
I offer you my sacrifice.
I ask you for your blessing.

You are the man in the trees,
the green man of the woods,
who brings life to the dawning spring.
You are the deer in rut,
mighty Horned One,
who roams the autumn woods,
the hunter circling round the oak,
the antlers of the wild stag,
and the lifeblood that spills upon
the ground each season.

God of the green,
Lord of the forest,
I offer you my sacrifice.
I ask you for your blessing.

Honoring Cernunnos in Ritual

If your tradition calls for you to honor Cernunnos in ritual–especially around the season of the Beltane sabbat–be sure to read John Beckett’s article at Patheos, The Cernunnos Ritual. Beckett says,

“His presence, which had been mild but undeniable since we started setting up (what, you think a Forest God is going to sit quietly outside the door till he gets a proper invitation?) became overwhelming. Someone shouted. Someone got up and began to dance. Then another got up, and another, and another. Before long we had a whole line of people dancing, spinning, and chanting around the altar.
Cernunnos! Cernunnos! Cernunnos!”

Juniper, at Walking the Hedge, has an absolutely lovely and moving ritual worth reading about called A Devotional Ritual to Cernunnos. She says,

“I call to Him with feeling, with love with desire. I call until I feel His presence, I do not assume a few words of poetry will be enough and carry on. I call until the hair on the back of my neck stands up and goosebumps run down my arms. I call until I can smell His scent on the air… When Cernunnos has arrived I thank Him with gifts, by showing Him what offerings I have brought for Him and placing it at the foot of the god-stang.”

Other ways you can honor Cernunnos in a ritual setting include making offerings to him, particularly if you have a forest or wooded area nearby. Take some wine, milk, or consecrated water in a chalice and pour it upon the ground while calling to him. You can also decorate your altar with his symbols, such as leaves, shed antlers, moss, and fresh clean soil. If you’ve trying to conceive, and you’ve got a significant other who’s open to the practice of ritual sex magic, consider a bit of outdoor passion some evening, and call upon Cernunnos to bless your union.

Goddess – Epona

The motif of the “Lady of the Animals” lives on this religious depiction. Flanked by two horses, Epona is shown sitting on a throne holding a fruit basket on her lap. The Celtic goddess was revered as the patroness for wagoners. She was also popular among the military. The images was mainly occurred in the provinces of Gaul and Germania. Image credit: Rosemania – Flickr  

Epona – One Of The Oldest And Widely Known Celtic Deities from ancientpages.com

Epona is the Gaulish goddess of horses, donkeys, and mules. She was one of the oldest and most notable Celtic deities and was worshiped in ancient Rome.

Her name, ‘Epona,’ means ‘mare,’ and she was believed to be the protector of horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies.

As involved in ancient beliefs of many cultures, some scholars do not exclude that this goddess was often associated with death, similar to other mother goddesses. In that case, her symbol was a crow, a raven, or a dog symbolizing the afterlife.

As the guide (or companion) of souls, leading the deceased to the land of the dead, Epona had a mysterious key to opening the underworld (otherworld).

No doubt, Epona was a very popular deity in the Roman Empire, but as we said, she was not of Roman origin, for there were no such equestrian goddesses in the pantheon of these people. The Roman army adopted her worship and spread her cult throughout the empire. She was the only Celtic goddess granted a feast day (December 18).

The greatest concentration of inscriptions to Epona, along with altars and depictions of her, have been found in Roman Gaul, especially in Burgundy, and in the Metz-Trier and Meuse valley regions of Germany, Britain, Bulgaria, and North Africa as well.

In Celtic Gaul, Epona was initially associated with the beliefs of the tribe of Aedui, who inhabited the regions between Liger (Loire, the longest river in France) and Arar (the modern Saone river of eastern France).

In historical records, these people were remembered as allies of Rome, who in time supported Vercingetorix, a brave warrior who gathered an army of Gallic people against the Roman Empire and in 52 BC was defeated by Julius Caesar. At the same time, the Aeduians were incorporated into Roman Gaul.

Despite Epona’s wide popularity in ancient times, very little is known about her.  Many believe this goddess had many local incarnations and appeared under other names.

However, there is one interesting mythological story about when our planet Earth was almost empty. There were no gods or humans, only the sea and the land. When the sea met the ground, a white mare, Eiocha, made of sea foam, was born.

In the vicinity of this critical event, a strong oak tree grew, giving support to “a plant with white berries of “foam tears” from the sea. The white mare, Eiocha, ate the berries and grew heavy with the child. She gave birth to the first god, Cernunnos. The birth was painful, and in her struggle, Eiocha ripped pieces of bark from the oak tree and threw them into the sea, thus creating the Giants of the Deep. Cernunnos was lonely and coupled with Eiocha to produce other gods: Maponus, Tauranus, Teutates, and the goddess Epona.” 1

Horses for the Celts were vital because they were used for transport. In war and agriculture, it is only natural that the cult of the goddess – patroness of horses- constituted an essential part of their religious views. She was usually depicted on a horse, feeding a horse from her hand, leading two horses, or standing with horses around her.

Other attributes were a horn of plenty and a loaf of bread, which means she was also worshiped as a fertility goddess.

Archangel – Ariel

Meet Archangel Ariel, the Angel of Nature from learnreligions.com

Ariel means “altar” or “lion of God” in Hebrew. Other spellings include Ari’el, Arael, and Ariael. Ariel is known as the angel of nature.

As with all archangels, Ariel is sometimes depicted in male form; she is, however, more often seen as female. She oversees the protection and healing of animals and plants, as well as the care of the Earth’s elements (such as water, wind, and fire). She punishes those who harm God’s creation. In some interpretations, Ariel is also a liaison between the human and the elemental world of sprites, faeries, mystical crystals, and other manifestations of magic.

In art, Ariel is often depicted with a globe representing the Earth, or with elements of nature (such as water, fire, or rocks), to symbolize Ariel’s role caring for God’s creation on Earth. Ariel appears sometimes in male form and other times in the female form. She is often shown in pale pink or rainbow colors.

Origins of Ariel

In the Bible, Ariel’s name is used to refer to the holy city of Jerusalem in Isaiah 29, but the passage itself doesn’t refer to Archangel Ariel. The Jewish apocryphal text the Wisdom of Solomon describes Ariel as an angel who punishes demons. The Christian Gnostic text Pistis Sophia also says that Ariel works punishing the wicked. Later texts describe Ariel’s role caring for nature, including the “Hierarchy of the Blessed Angels” (published in the 1600s), which calls Ariel “Earth’s great lord.”

One of the Angelic Virtues

The angels were divided, according to St. Thomas Aquinas and other medieval authorities, into groups sometimes referred to as “choirs.” The choirs of angels include the seraphim and cherubim, as well as many other groups. Ariel is part of (or perhaps the leader of) the class of angels called the virtues, who inspire people on Earth to create great art and make great scientific discoveries, encourage them, and deliver miracles from God into people’s lives. Here is how one of the medieval theologians called Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite described the virtues in his work De Coelesti Hierarchia:

“The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the superessential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue.”

How to Request Help From Ariel

Ariel serves as the patron angel of wild animals. Some Christians consider Ariel to be the patron saint of new beginnings.

People sometimes ask for Ariel’s help to take good care of the environment and God’s creatures (including both wild animals and pets) and to provide healing that they need, according to God’s will (Ariel works with the archangel Raphael when healing). Ariel can also help you to forge a stronger connection with the natural or elemental world.

To call upon Ariel, you need only request her guidance for goals that are within her realm. For example, you might ask her “please help me to heal this animal,” or “please help me to better understand the beauty of the natural world.” You can also burn an archangel candle dedicated to Ariel; such candles are typically pale pink or rainbow colored.

SOURCE: Hopler, Whitney. “Meet Archangel Ariel, the Angel of Nature.” Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/archangel-ariel-the-angel-of-nature-124074.

Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – Seax Wica

Seax Wica

From thoughtcatalog.com

Seax Wica is one tradition of Wicca. The symbol of this tradition, also called the the Seax Wica, refers to the moon, the sun, and the eight Wiccan holidays (like Samhain, winter solstice, autumn equinox).

Represents: the moon, the sun, the seasons, the Seax Wica tradition.

Used in rituals for: the Seax Wica tradition.

Herb Magickal and Medicinal Uses – White Willow Bark DO NOT USE IF PREGANT or Try to Become Pregant

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal use until you have check with your health care professional to ask if it safe for you to use it for any reason. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

The content provided on this is website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

White Willow Bark magickal properties from hermitscupboard.com

This website sells this herb at what I consider a reasonable price – 1 ounce for $2.49 USD

Description

White Willow Bark magical properties, associations & metaphysical properties are like defining its personality.

Associations:

Feminine – Water – Moon – Saturn- Neptune

Magickal Properties:

Healing – Immortality – Liminal travel – Love – Protection

Associated Deities:


Deities: Artemis – Belenus – Brigit – Ceres – Diana – Hecate – Hera – Orpheus – Mercury – Persephone

Common Names:

European Willow

Willow is one of the 9 sacred woods of the cauldron. Willow is also sacred to Celtic Druid’s. It’s the forth few of the Ogham alphabet which is Saille. It’s meanings include: Feminine Principle Intuition, and Psychic Encounters. It also means moving with the flow and letting go of fixed forms. Willows typically grow on banks of streams or ponds. This is liminal space between Water and Earth. Willow can be used as a portal to liminal space.

White Willow Bark magical properties in use:

  • Combine with herbs, oils and crystals that have similar properties to potentially increase magick’s power.
  • Use combinations to dress candles for specific intent.
  • Make an offering of HERB to a Goddess or God.
  • Powder with herbs and resins to create incense. Check out our Charcoal Incense Burners.
  • Infusion – Place herb in a cup, then pour hot water over them, steep for 15-20 minutes.
  • Infusions can be used in the sacred cup for specific magickal workings, moons, or times of year. – Place herb in a cup, then pour hot water over them, steep for 15-20 minutes, strain. We have an assortment of Mesh Infusers to choose from.
  • Add herbs to sachets, or talisman’s.
  • When making a spell box include herbs related to your intent.
  • Sprinkle herbs around sacred space that match your magickal intent.

Packaged in our 100% compostable packaging. Read more about our herb packaging.

Medical Disclaimer
**Herbs should not be ingested, applied or inhaled by: those who are pregnant or attempting to
become pregnant; individuals who are breast feeding; or those age 17 or younger.
** Use at your own risk.
** Metaphysical properties and/or outcomes are not guaranteed.

 

White Willow Bark: The Natural Pain Reliever that Works Like Aspirin

Because frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain medications is now linked with a growing number of health concerns, many people are interested in using natural painkillers as alternatives. One option, called white willow bark — which has been utilized in folklore and natural medicines for centuries — shows promise for treating pain naturally with little risk for side effects.

According to a 2015 article published in the journal Pythotherspy Research, “Willow bark extract has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic.”

In other words, white willow bark benefits include lowering inflammatory responses that contribute to chronic diseases, fighting pain and reducing fevers.

Whether in extract or tea form, willow bark can provide relief to those suffering from back pain, recurring headaches, muscle pains, menstrual cramps, arthritis symptoms and more.

Flower – Rainbow Roses

This rose caught my attention because of its beautiful magickal appearance. Granted it is a man-made variety and at this time I good not find a definitive spiritual meaning for it. To me this rose represents hope and good days ahead.

 

How to Make a Fresh Rainbow Rose Bouquet from thespruce.com

The technique florists use to turn roses into a rainbow. This article has a video with it.

By

MARIE IANNOTTI

PROJECT OVERVIEW

  • WORKING TIME: 15 mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 2 hrs – 1 wk
  • YIELD: Rainbow roses
  • SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
  • ESTIMATED COST: $0-10

Rainbow roses are white roses that are put through a process that gives them uniquely multicolored petals. Although the result may look like the roses were bred to have rainbow colors, they are not hybrid crosses between different colored flowers, the way most new shades of flowers are created. The method involves immersing the stems of white roses in dye and the result is usually a rainbow effect.

Tip

Should you buy or make rainbow roses yourself? Rainbow roses from a florist are expensive so if you attempt this process at home, you will save on costs, especially if you grow your own white roses on which to experiment. But the process is delicate and the colors likely won’t be as dramatic as commercial versions.

The Origins of Rainbow Roses

These brightly colored blossoms are the result of some very clever work by a Dutch grower named Peter Van de Werken. Looking to expand the market demand for cut flowers, Van de Werken and his colleagues began experimenting with developing new colors of roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and a few other flowers. They began with white flowers and initially tried simply spraying the dye on the petals, the way they do with blue poinsettias, but the results were less than satisfactory. Then Van de Werken came up with the idea of having the flowers take up dye through their vascular systems.1

Perhaps you’ve seen rainbow rose seeds for sale that promise to grow into brightly multicolored roses. Unfortunately, rainbow roses need to be created, not grown. As mentioned, rainbow roses are not the result of crossing two different colored roses, and even if they were, hybrid plants do not grow true to seed until they have been stabilized.

Try coloring other flowers in addition to roses to create a lovely rainbow bouquet. White mums and carnations are even better at taking the dye than roses.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sharp blade or knife
  • Narrow glass containers, bud vases, or test tubes
  • Plastic bags (optional)
  • Rubber bands (optional)

Materials

  • White roses
  • Food coloring dyes
  • Water

Instructions

Choose Your Roses

Start with as many white roses as you’d like to use. Choose roses as the buds are just starting to open. If the buds are too tight, they may never open, and if the flowers have already unfurled, they will not have sufficient time to absorb the dye before they start to fade.

Shorten the Stems

Make a fresh cut in each stem. If you have long-stem roses, shorten the stems to about 8 to 12 inches, so the dye does not have to travel so far.

Divide Each Stem Vertically

Using a disinfected and sharp blade or knife, divide each stem into vertical sections, one section for each color. Cut about 3 inches up each stem. Don’t make more than three to four sections in each stem or the flowers will be too fragile to survive.

Prepare Food Coloring

Mix your dyes of food coloring and water. Use a good amount of dye (10 to 12 drops) so that the pigment will be saturated enough to really color the petals.

To get the full rainbow, use red, blue, and yellow dyes. They will probably mix a bit on their way up each stem, creating the full rainbow effect and making each rose a little bit different.

Place Roses Into the Dye

Each color dye will go into its own narrow container, such as bud vases or test tubes. Place sections of each stem into the different containers. Be gentle when bending the stem sections apart as you place them into separate containers. Try not to leave them exposed to air and drying out for more than a few minutes.

You could also use plastic bags filled with dye and attach one to each stem section with rubber bands. That way you can stand roses up in a single larger container. That will minimize the bending of the cut stem sections.

Tip

For more vivid colors, use professional floral dyes instead of food coloring. These can be purchased online or from a floral supply company.

 

Store Roses Away From Sun

Leave each stem section in the dye mixture for several days.

Place the roses out of direct sunlight while they are absorbing the dye. The cut flowers are already under stress, and extreme heat or light will weaken them further.

Keep Roses Hydrated

Now be patient. You may notice the petals changing color within a couple of hours, but leaving them in the dye for up to a week will result in the most dramatic colors. Make sure the roses are not left sitting in dry containers once the water/dye solution is all absorbed.

Finish Trimming the Stems

Once the desired effect is obtained, you can cut off the split section of the stems and place your roses in a vase of fresh, room-temperature water and enjoy.

 

How to Make a Rainbow Rose from thoughtco.com

A Real Rose With Petals the Colors of the Rainbow

Have you seen a rainbow rose? It’s a real rose, grown to produce petals in rainbow colors. The colors are so vivid, you may think pictures of the roses are digitally enhanced, but the flowers really are that bright! So, you may be wondering how the colors are made and whether the rose bushes that produce these flowers always bloom in vibrant colors. Here’s how it works and how you can make a rainbow rose yourself.

How Real Rainbow Roses Work

The “rainbow rose” was developed by Peter van de Werken, the owner of a Dutch flower company. While special roses are used, the plants are not bred to produce rich colors. Actually, the rose bush would ordinarily produce white roses, but the stems of the flowers are injected over time with dyes so that petals form in bright single colors. If the flower isn’t treated as it is growing, the blooms are white, not ​rainbow. While the rainbow is a special version of the technique, other color patterns are also possible.

It’s not a science trick you can achieve quite so well with your home rose bush, at least not without a lot of experimentation and expense, because most pigment molecules are either too large to migrate into the petals or else too toxic for the rose to flower. Special proprietary organic dyes said to be made from plant extracts are used to color the roses.

Making Rainbow Roses at Home

While you can’t duplicate the exact effect, you can get a lighter version of a rainbow using a white rose and food coloring. The rainbow effect is much easier to achieve with white or light-colored flowers that aren’t as woody as a rose. Good examples to try at home include carnations and daisies. If it has to be a rose, you can do the same project, but expect it to take longer.

  1. Start with a white rose. It’s best if it is a rosebud because the effect relies on capillary action, transpiration, and diffusion in the flower, which takes some time.
  2. Trim the stem of the rose so that it is not extremely long. It takes more time for the color to travel up a longer stem.
  3. Carefully split the base of the stem into three sections. Make the cuts lengthwise up the stem 1-3 inches. Why three sections? The cut stem is fragile and likely to break if you cut it into more parts. You can use color science to achieve the full rainbow using three colors—red, blue, yellow or yellow, cyan, magenta—depending on what dyes you have available.
  4. Carefully bend the cut sections slightly away from each other. Now, one way to apply the dyes would be to bend the stems into three contains (e.g., shot glasses), each containing a single color of dye and a bit of water, but this is hard to accomplish without breaking the stems. An easier method is to use 3 small plastic baggies, 3 rubber bands, and one tall glass to hold the flower upright.
  5. Into each bag, add a small amount of water and several (10-20) drops of one color of dye. Ease a section of the stem into the bag so that it is immersed in the dyed water, and secure the bag around the stem with a rubber band. Repeat the process with the other two bags and colors. Stand the flower in a glass. Check to make sure each stem section is immersed in the liquid since the flower needs water to live.
  6. You may start to see color in the petals as quickly as half an hour, but expect to let the rose soak up dye overnight or possibly for a couple of days. The petals will be the three colors, plus the mixed colors, for petals receiving water from two parts of the stem at once. This way, you’ll get the whole rainbow.
  7. Once the flower is colored, you can trim off the cut section of stem and keep it in fresh water or a homemade flower food solution.

Helpful Tips

  • Flowers take up warm water more quickly than cold water.
  • Keep the rose away from light and heat, since these can cause it to wilt and die too quickly.
  • If you want to try injecting flowers with natural colors, learn about natural pigments you can use.

SOURCE: Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. “How to Make a Rainbow Rose.” ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/how-to-make-a-rainbow-rose-606168.

27 March 2023 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

27 March 2023
06:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:06 Aries 48
Moon:21 Gemini 40
Mercury:17 Aries 11
Venus:12 Taurus 58
Mars:01 Cancer 06
Jupiter:18 Aries 06
Saturn:02 Pisces 17
Uranus:16 Taurus 36
Neptune:25 Pisces 34
Pluto:00 Aquarius 04

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 20
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 40 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 46

Chiron:15 Aries 20
Ceres:28 Virgo 57 Rx
Pallas:17 Cancer 05
Juno:09 Taurus 13
Vesta:21 Aries 23

Eris:24 Aries 23

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Southern Hemisphere

This local time is in Cape Town, South Africa

27 March 2023
01:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:06 Aries 36
Moon:19 Gemini 05
Mercury:16 Aries 46
Venus:12 Taurus 43
Mars:01 Cancer 00
Jupiter:18 Aries 03
Saturn:02 Pisces 15
Uranus:16 Taurus 35
Neptune:25 Pisces 33
Pluto:00 Aquarius 04

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 20
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 40 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 44

Chiron:15 Aries 19
Ceres:29 Virgo 00 Rx
Pallas:17 Cancer 01
Juno:09 Taurus 05
Vesta:21 Aries 17

Eris:24 Aries 22

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Southwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

27 March 2023
04:00 am GMT 3:00 PM AEDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:06 Aries 14
Moon:14 Gemini 26
Mercury:16 Aries 01
Venus:12 Taurus 16
Mars:00 Cancer 49
Jupiter:17 Aries 58
Saturn:02 Pisces 13
Uranus:16 Taurus 34
Neptune:25 Pisces 32
Pluto:00 Aquarius 04

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 19
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 42 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):08 Leo 42

Chiron:15 Aries 18
Ceres:29 Virgo 05 Rx
Pallas:16 Cancer 55
Juno:08 Taurus 52
Vesta:21 Aries 07

Eris:24 Aries 22

Fire:7
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:4
Cardinal:8
Fixed:7
Mutable:4

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, March 26, to Saturday, April 1, 2023

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily Horoscopes

All Signs

This is such a marvellous and upbeat week, when I saw this coming, I booked a little getaway. After all, timing is everything; and when the good times roll – you’ve got to rock! (My first and last impression of a daytime DJ). Everyone will want to seek out adventure this week. They’ll be eager to try new things. This is because we’re full of positive energy! Confidence is strong. Please note that Thursday is a particularly lovely day for romance. What is my little getaway going to be? Well, as someone who thinks outdoors is where the car is – I assure you I’m not a “back to the land” person. I’m all about “back to the hotel.” (If my kinda first date ever suggested a walk – there will be carpet.)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This super positive week begins with Mercury lined up with Jupiter in your sign. Not too shabby! Mercury is all about communicating, thinking and learning, plus daily activities and road trips. When it lines up with Jupiter, it enhances your appreciation of things. It makes you see the most comprehensive view possible. You will be more tolerant of the viewpoints of others. This is an excellent week for business and commercial activity, in part because you’re confident. However, you will do something impulsively, like shopping. (Check Moon Alert on my daily.) Money, gifts and goodies might unexpectedly come to you. (Well, guess whose birthday it is?) Big changes might take place on the home front. Enjoy!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a feel-good week! It begins with a vibe of quiet enthusiasm and confidence for you. You’ll be eager to communicate your ideas to others, which means if you’re in sales, marketing, teaching and acting, you’ll be persuasive! Meanwhile, Venus is in your sign lined up with unpredictable Uranus, which will create unexpected events, new experiences and excitement in your world! You might encounter a new relationship with someone different from you. This could also mean a sudden financial gain. (We can only hope.) Expect to amuse yourself in stimulating and different ways because you’re open to trying new and unusual things. (I’ll never tell.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You hate to be bored and you love excitement. This week will not disappoint because you’re popular! Expect increased interactions with groups and friends, especially younger people. Discussions with others might encourage you to rethink future goals. Admittedly, you might be tempted to go overboard financially this week; do be aware of this. This means be cautious and think things through a second time if you’re doing financial negotiations. Likewise, if you’re spending money, think twice before you part with your cash. A secret flirtation or love affair might take your breath away. The main thing to know is that this week schmoozing with others will please you and also benefit you. You can’t lose!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

It’s important to know when to act and when not to. Likewise, it’s important to know when you have a winning hand. This week, you’re a winner because you have the energy of fiery Mars in your sign making you confident, proactive and up for anything. Meanwhile, the Sun, Mercury and lucky Jupiter are at the top of your chart making you look wonderful in the eyes of others, especially bosses and VIPs. People admire your big ideas! You impress people from other cultures or different countries. The important thing to know is that you look confident. (Confidence is sexy.) You have the ability to see the big picture, to see trends and patterns and amaze others with your insights. Don’t waste this – use it!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You need a change of scenery this week. This is why you’ll enjoy seeing new places and meeting new faces. You will be fired up by new ideas and love to learn new philosophies and belief systems. Fair Venus is at the top of your chart, which creates favourable circumstances for business and attracting people to help you. Someone will ask your advice about how to make something look better perhaps design, layout work, office redecorating or PR ideas. Because you look so attractive to others right now, a romance with a boss or someone in a position of authority might begin. Thursday is a romantic day and the weekend promises fun times. The Moon enters your sign Thursday afternoon to stay until Sunday morning. Yeehaw!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Every aspect of travel and exploration will appeal to you this week. For some, romance with a person from another culture or a different country might blossom. This person feels “different”. Meanwhile, business and finance favour you this week. It’s an excellent time to ask for a loan or mortgage. Discussions about shared property and inheritances will be in your favour. Don’t be afraid to show largess and be generous because you can afford to do so. (You might want to help a friend or a group or a charitable organization.) Meanwhile, this week is full of passionate feelings and secret romance. Definitely some potential juicy diary entries – but who has time to write?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a great week to schmooze and enjoy the company of others, even though you will need more sleep. Relations with partners and close friends will be upbeat and friendly; and intimate relations will be passionate and affectionate. Meanwhile, fiery Mars is at the top of your chart arousing your ambition. Very likely, others will notice you and realize that you are doing something “big”. People will be aware of your ambitions and that you intend to reach out and make a difference. This is timely because you’re willing to work hard right now. This is a time of culmination for you, which helps you to expand beyond your usual sphere of influence. Work with others for your best success.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a happy week but it’s also a busy, industrious time, which is why you will accomplish so much. Please note: Your ambition and optimism are key. It’s an important truth that motivation is everything. Once you have the motivation, the rest unfolds. W.H. Murray said, “… The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too…. raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamt would come their way.” You can improve your work situation; and you can improve your health. Not through magic fairy dust; but through effort and commitment on your part.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You are a lucky person because lucky Jupiter is your ruler. (On the other hand, Gen. Custer was a double Sagittarius.) This is a marvellous week to party, socialize, enjoy vacations, attend sports events, delight in playful times with children plus, travel for pleasure and appreciate the arts in galleries and museums. Whatever you do this week will be a fun way to expand your world. Some might have disputes about inheritances and shared property. However, likely, these will be settled in your favour. Meanwhile something unusual or sudden might impact your work or your health. Many of you will be pleasantly surprised and delighted by something related to a pet. “Oh, how adorable! And you say it doesn’t shed?”

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Home, family and your private life continue to be your primary focus. Because this is a lovely, friendly week for everyone, this means you will enjoy entertaining at home. Invite the gang over for good food and drink because warm camaraderie and friendly feelings are the flavour of the day. Family gatherings will be happy. In addition, social outings, playful activities with children and romance are beautifully favoured. Admittedly, your relationship with a partner or close friend might be tested. (A little jealousy?) Instead focus on enjoying good times with family and friends where you live. Likewise, real-estate exploration could be profitable. Ka-ching!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This week is busy, fast-paced, upbeat and joyful! Short trips and a demanding schedule are likely; nevertheless, because you’re in a happy mood, everything will flow beautifully. (I’m telling the truth.) Unexpected and spontaneous situations may take place at home. For example, you might suddenly entertain. Or you might impulsively buy something modern or high tech for your home. Or a family member might have surprising news? You might even make a sudden decision regarding real estate or a residential move. Could be anything. Your ability to think big and convince others of the wisdom of your ideas is what makes this a winning week for you. Plus, you’re busting your buns working hard!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is the year for you to increase your earnings. It’s also another week, which is one step in that path to doing so. Many of you will get a raise or see a way to earn more money. Some will get a better paying job. Some will have excellent moneymaking ideas. Whatever the case, you can boost your wealth. (This will happen next year for later born Pisces.) Work-related travel will please many of you. Stay light on your feet so that you can impulsively take a short trip if you want. Opportunities to appreciate your daily surroundings and meet exciting people will abound. Much of this good fortune comes your way because of your power of positive thinking and motivation.

For Your Listening Pleasure

Born of Water

A Little Humor for Your Day – Fortune Teller Jokes

Fortune Teller Jokes

Griselda goes to see a fortune teller, who tells her “Two men are madly in love with me!”

Grizelda asks “Who will be the lucky one?”

The fortune teller answers “Morris will marry you, and Irving will be the lucky one.”

Fortune teller One: “Lovely weather we’re having.”

Fortune teller Two: “Yes, it reminds me of the summer of 2023.”

Paul was ambling through a crowded street fair when he decided to stop and sit at a Palm Reader’s table.

Said the mysterious old woman, “For fifteen dollars, I can read your love line and tell your romantic future.”

Paul readily agreed and the reader took one look at his open palm and said, “I can see that you have no girlfriend.”

“That’s true,” said Paul.

“Oh my goodness, you are extremely lonely, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Paul shamefully admitted. “That’s amazing. Can you tell all of this from my love line?”

“Love line? No, from the calluses.”

Why did the witch give up fortune telling?

There was no future in it.

“Five dollars for one question!” said the woman to the fortune teller.

“That’s very expensive, isn’t it?”

“Next!”

Spell for Tody – A Colorful Sunny Day Spell c. 2018

Finally, it’s Sunday, the official day of rest. Not only do Christians acknowledge this day, but I’m sure many Pagans appreciate this day, as well. Everyone needs rest and lot of people need a good day to worship their creator (whomever or whatever that may be), however they deem fit to do so. With the Sun being the central theme of many ancient rituals, Sunday just seems to fit, in name and theory. Not only is it a good day to worship, it seems good to do more relaxed spells, such as, sleep, dream and rebirth.

A Colorful Sunny Day Spell

Try working this spell on a gloomy, rainy Sunday, or any day. It will lift your spirits, no matter what the weather.

Slip on your sunny outfit or wear your sun-themed jewelry, and then take a moment to imagine yourself either on a sun-drenched beach or in the middle of a bright meadow with the sun streaming down on you. Now picture that a little of the sun’s warmth is soaking into the bright colors or jewelry that you are wearing. Do you feel a bit warmer? While you are visualizing this for a moment or two, repeat the following spell three times:

Even though the skies may be cloudy and gray
I will wear the colors of the sun today
For the colors of yellow, gold, and orange, you see
Work their own sunny magick; so mote it be!

Close the spell by saying:

For the good of all, with harm to none
By color and light, this spell is done!
Then take a deep breath, blow it out, and go dazzle ’em today!
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan