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Your Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 13th is The Owl

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Owl

The powerful Owl easily makes its way through the darkest night on muted wings. Often it is only their haunting call echoing across the land that lets us know The Owl is near. Because of its amazing night vision, many cultures have attributed wisdom and the ability to uncover even the deepest secrets to the enigmatic, noble Owl. The Owl’s nocturnal prowess has lead many to see them as a messenger between the material and spirit worlds. Cultures as distinct as the African Zulus and ancient Celtics have ascribed magical powers to The Owl made them a revered companion to shaman and wizards.

As a daily card, The Owl marks a moment when wise decisions and actions must be made based upon information known to only a few, or possibly only you. It marks a time when your vision is likely to be clearer, more acute than of those around you. Spiritual revelations may be made. Secrets may be revealed that demand decisive action.

Calendar of the Moon for November 13th

Calendar of the Moon

Reed Month

Color: Blue-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue-green place a vase of reeds, a single blue-green candle, a great bowl of water floating with wetlands plant leaves, and a knife.
Offering: Recycle something useless into something useful.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian soup and sandwiches. Only water or herbal tea to drink.

Ngetal Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the bleak cold.
Response: Now the reeds whisper in the swamp.
Call: Now is the time when we see the growing dark.
Response: Now is the time when we begin to shiver.
Call: Now is the time of bare trees.
Response: Now is the time of rain and wind.
Call: Now the rain fills the wetlands to overflowing.
Response: Now the swamp overflows into our lives.
Call: We feel our feet dragged down into the cold waters.
Response: Yet the wetland is the source of greatest life!
Call: We feel ourselves pulled into the unfamiliar.
Response: Unfamiliar to us, but no less of value.
Call: The damp cold begins to reach our bones.
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: We must keep it far away with fire’s warmth!
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: Why should we not ban it from our lives?
Response: For this, too, is a Mystery of water.
Call: Not the deep mystery of the Ocean…
Response: Not the running flow of the river…
Call: Not the crystal of snow and ice…
Response: But the secrets of the still waters.
Call: From the still waters springs the greatest number of lives!
Response: And it is this that we must honor.
Call: Welcome into ourselves the song of the whispering reeds!
Response: Welcome into ourselves the oncoming winter.

Chant: Cold as stone
Marshes heart
We will own
What is apart

[Pagan Book of Hours]

November 12 – Daily Feast

November 12 – Daily Feast

Misery seems to justify making someone pay – but there is sweet revenge in finding our own inner spirit can expand quickly to push out unfairness and bitterness. Who doesn’t have the right to be bitter? A hard thing to forget, a mountain to overcome – but such peace follows. Peace spreads like warm honey across a hot biscuit and permeates all the little places that capture and hold it. The heart lifts its hands in praise for relief from the darkness of bitter memories. All of us can do it – all of us must if we are to be well and have something to share. Just let it go. Life will balance the books, it always does.

~ While living I want to live well. ~

GERONIMO – CHIRACAHUA APACHE

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for November 10th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

It has been written that an optimist is someone who can fall ten stories and call out to each floor in passing that everything is okay so far. It has also been said that an optimist is someone who refuses to see things as they really are.

It is far better, the pessimist believes, to look for the worst so as to be pleasantly surprised when things are better than expected. Then, if they are as bad as imagined, the disappointment won’t be quite so great.

But this is somewhat like backing into a room so to avoid seeing the beauty of it, only to find it is an elevator shaft.

There can be no advancement where we expect the worst and believe that going outside the limits of ordinary thinking is only day dreaming. Thinkers, capable of forecasting and predicting answers before the questions arise, are in great demand.

Only the optimist can fill the bill. Only the optimist can dare to believe there are things waiting for discovery and further development.

An optimist questions life the same as a pessimist – the difference is that the optimist knows there is an answer and that the answer can be found. Optimists are aware that the cherries of life have pits, but they are prepared to remove them. Their minds do not dwell on pits, but on the sweetness of the cherries.

There will be situations that will make us afraid. Fear is a common sense emotion that keeps us from walking in front of a moving car or from jumping off the deep end of anything. And there are periods of natural anxiety when we want too much to perform well, and the butterflies begin to flutter.

Then, there is another kind of fear that is unnatural. It has the ability to possess us and rule over our very lives. It is that “what if” fear that builds nests in our minds and hatches dire images that scare the daylights out of us. It can keep the lights off, the doors bolted, and the windows of our souls firmly locked against the most beautiful things in life.

It is no disgrace in this day to ask for professional help in understanding our fears. Only the very foolish would consider this help a crutch. It is a brave person who admits the need for help and has the courage to go and find it.

They are the pioneers in recognizing our existence as threefold: Spirit, mind and body.

____________________

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Your Charm for Sunday, November 10 is The Cross

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:      

This is probably the most popular of charms. You will be protected in this aspect. No one will be able to harm you or your state of being.

General Description:

The Cross has always been a favourite device. It was used by the sun-worhippers as a symbol of the sun, and their warriors carried the Cross upon their shields. In olden days kings and nobles, when they could not write, used the sign of the Cross. That sign was used in breaking spells and for protection from evil spirits. In the East the Cross hbas been used as a talisman from time immemortal. The Eastern Cross as illustrated was worn as a charm against stickness, accidents and witchcraft, also to attract good fortune. Sentences from the Koran were often inscribed upon the small pendents to make the chamr still more potent.

Calendar of the Moon for November 10th

Calendar of the Moon

Reed Month

Color: Blue-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue-green place a vase of reeds, a single blue-green candle, a great bowl of water floating with wetlands plant leaves, and a knife.
Offering: Recycle something useless into something useful.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian soup and sandwiches. Only water or herbal tea to drink.

Ngetal Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the bleak cold.
Response: Now the reeds whisper in the swamp.
Call: Now is the time when we see the growing dark.
Response: Now is the time when we begin to shiver.
Call: Now is the time of bare trees.
Response: Now is the time of rain and wind.
Call: Now the rain fills the wetlands to overflowing.
Response: Now the swamp overflows into our lives.
Call: We feel our feet dragged down into the cold waters.
Response: Yet the wetland is the source of greatest life!
Call: We feel ourselves pulled into the unfamiliar.
Response: Unfamiliar to us, but no less of value.
Call: The damp cold begins to reach our bones.
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: We must keep it far away with fire’s warmth!
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: Why should we not ban it from our lives?
Response: For this, too, is a Mystery of water.
Call: Not the deep mystery of the Ocean…
Response: Not the running flow of the river…
Call: Not the crystal of snow and ice…
Response: But the secrets of the still waters.
Call: From the still waters springs the greatest number of lives!
Response: And it is this that we must honor.
Call: Welcome into ourselves the song of the whispering reeds!
Response: Welcome into ourselves the oncoming winter.

Chant: Cold as stone
Marshes heart
We will own
What is apart

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Brownies

Brownies

Customarily brownies are said to inhabit houses and aid in tasks around the house. However, they do not like to be seen and will only work at night, traditionally in exchange for small gifts or food. They take quite a delight in porridge and honey. They usually abandon the house if their gifts are called payments, or if the owners of the house misuse them. Brownies make their homes in an unused part of the house.

The ùruisg had the qualities of man and spirit curiously commingled. He had a peculiar fondness for solitude at certain seasons of the year. About the end of Harvest he became more sociable, and hovered about farmyards, stables, and cattle-houses. He had a particular fondness for the products of the dairy, and was a fearful intruder on milkmaids, who made regular libations of milk or cream to charm him off, or to procure his favour. He could be seen supposedly only by those who had the second sight, though instances where he made himself visible to people not so Gifted have been rumoured. He is said to have been a jolly personable being with a broad blue bonnet, flowing yellow hair, and a long walking staff.

Every manor house had its ùruisg, and in the kitchen, close by the fire was a seat, which was left unoccupied for him. The house of a proprietor on the banks of the River Tay was even at the beginning of the twentieth century believed to have been haunted by this sprite, and a particular apartment therein has been for centuries called “Seòmar Bhrùnaidh” (Brownie’s room). When irritated through neglect or disrespectful treatment he would not hesitate to become wantonly mischievous. He was notwithstanding, rather gainly and good-natured rather than formidable. Though, on the whole, a lazy, lounging hobgoblin, he would often bestir himself on behalf of those who understood his humours, and suited themselves thereto. When in this mood, he was known to perform many arduous exploits in kitchen, barn and stable, with marvellous precision and rapidity. These kind turns were done without bribe, fee or reward, for the offer of any one of these would banish him forever. Kind treatment was all he ever wished for, and it never failed to procure his favour.

In 1703, John Brand wrote in his description of Zetland that:

“Not above forty or fifty years ago, every family had a brownie, or evil spirit, so called, which served them, to which they gave a sacrifice for his service; as when they churned their milk, they took a part thereof, and sprinkled every corner of the house with it, for Brownie’s use; likewise, when they brewed, they had a stone which they called ‘Brownie’s stane’, wherein there was a little hole into which they poured some wort for a sacrifice to Brownie. They also had some stacks of corn, which they called Brownie’s Stacks, which, though they were not bound with straw ropes, or in any way fenced as other stacks used to be, yet the greatest storm of wind was not able to blow away straw off them.”

The brownies seldom discoursed with man, but they held frequent and affectionate converse with one another. They had their general assemblies too, and on those occasions they commonly selected for their rendezvous the rocky recesses of some remote torrent, whence their loud voices, mingling with the water’s roar, carried to the ears of some wondering superstition detached parts of their unearthly colloquies. In a certain district of the Scottish Highlands, “Peallaidh an Spùit” (Peallaidh of the Spout), “Stochdail a’ Chùirt”, and “Brùnaidh an Easain” (Brownie of the little waterfall) were names of note at those congresses, and they still live in legends which continue to amuse old age and infancy. Every stream in Breadalbane had an ùruisg once according to Watson the Scottish place name expert, and their king was Peallaidh. (Peallaidh’s name is preserved in “Obair Pheallaidh”, known in English as “Aberfeldy”.) It may be the case, that ùruisg was conflated with some water sprite, or that ùruisg were originally water sprites conflated with brownies.

The Witches’ Spell for Nov. 9th – Cursed or Blessed

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CURSED OR BLESSED

You need:

Piece of burlap

piece of wool

piece of silk

Some polished stones (polished) from a river or stream

A live leaf

A bowl of fruit and/or bread

A dead branch

Lay the silk, wool and burlap at the foot of your bed in that order. About 5 feet from the foot of your bed, toward the left, lay the branch. About 5 feet from the foot of your bead, toward the right, place the bowl.  The branch is the barren curse and the bowl is the bountiful life that withers the curse.  Lay one stone on each cloth then lay a path from the wool, straight down the center, between the bowl and the branch.  The stones must touch. At the end lay the leaf.  By laying the stones, you show respect for the fates and the balance of life.  Light three candles and incense and meditate over the rite.  Sleep without touching the items.  When you wake, watch how much the stones have moved.  If they bias the branch, you are cursed.  If they bias the bowl, you are blessed.  If it doesn’t move, no outside force is affecting you.  If you are cursed, how far it has moved will determine the strength of the curse. Reset the path, and that night, light the three candles and the incense and meditate again over the rite.  Sleep again without touching anything. The path should have moved less than the first time.  Repeat this every night until the path stays in the middle.  Next, move the path toward the bowl following the same meditation and sleep process as before.  Continue this every night until the path stays at the bowl.  When it has done so, you may complete the rite.  Touch nothing, but for the three following nights, meditate over the rite, to seal your new fate.  The stones must be returned to the river or stream where you got them from .  The branch must be returned to the forest floor where you found it, and the leaf cast to the wind.  The bowl of fruit must be eaten,  and the cloth must be saved in a dark place, undisturbed.

 

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING…
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION…
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let
these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER…
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to
laugh with you.”

4. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE…
It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief,
handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT…
A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job” or “That
was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.

6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR…
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE…
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive
to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION…
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it’s
not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to
succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to
open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – November 8

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – November 8

“See how the boy is with his sister and the other ones of his home lodge and you can know how the man will be with your daughter.”

–LAKOTA Proverb

Very early in our lives we form beliefs, attitudes, expectations and habits. We will live by these habits when we are older. The Elders say to watch the boy with his sister. If he is respectful and treats her good, then odds are that’s the way he will treat all women when he is older. Also, watch the young girl and how she treats her brother, for that will indicate what kind of woman she will be to her man. We need to teach our children to respect one another while they are young. The best way to teach them is to show respect ourselves.

Great Spirit, let me be a role model for the children.

Aromas to Heal a Broken Heart

Aromas to Heal a Broken Heart

By Francoise Rapp

Too often people write off break-ups as just another page to turn in the book of life. There is some truth in that, but break-ups should be taken a bit more seriously. After all, this is the end of a relationship. And this loss can be as painful as losing a loved one in death. To heal it takes time, self-care, and conscious processing of your emotions. It is vital that you allow this healing process to occur, and take advantage of the situation to treat yourself with gentleness and nurturing.

Here are some other things to keep in mind during this transformative time:

· Avoid any big decisions.

· Go into the pain and the feelings. There is no way out but to get through it…and you will!

· Take long aromatherapy baths with appropriate holistic blends. See recipes below.

· Cry when you need to. Don’t let others tell you to just get over it.

· Be VERY selfish.

· Surround yourself with positive and happy people.

· Dare to ask for a lot of hugs.

· Get a dog or cat, or cuddle with the ones you have.

· Write really awful, bitchy, letters to your ex. Write everything you would love to say. Burn them in the sink. Run the water to make it go away.

· Love yourself. Look in the mirror as often as you can and say wonderful things about yourself aloud.

· Write your way through the feelings.

· Connect with other people who understand and can relate: friends, counselors, message boards on websites, etc.

· Have a healthy lifestyle: eat well, exercise (at least get some fresh air on the beach, at the park, etc.).

· Nourish your soul with beauty: watch movies, read poetry, go to museums.

· Meditate.

· Stay alone and appreciate the tranquility of your aloneness.

There’s no rule for how long the pain of a heartbreak will last. It may take weeks, months or even years. But using the following special aromatherapy blend and ritual will soothe your heart, nurture your wounded soul, and envelop you in comfort. I recommend following this bath ritual every night until you feel the pain has faded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Daily Bath Ritual to Ease Your Broken Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prepare your aromatherapy blend by adding the following essential oils to a 10-oz bottle and filling with organic vegetable oil:

· 4 drops Rose Essential Oil
· 15 drops Sandalwood Oil
· 9 drops Lavender Oil

Run some warm water for your bath and add 10 drops of your aromatic blend. Light some candles and turn off the lights. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart. Visualize yourself filled and surrounded by a pink color. Take a few deep breaths. Feel the color soothing your being. Say aloud, “I am love myself.” Take a few deep breaths again. Soak for at least 15 minutes.

After you get out of the bath, pour a few drops of the aromatherapy blend into the palms of your hands and anoint your heart chakra (the seat of love: healing, grieving, acceptance), and the third eye (integrating, detachment, connection with your Higher Self).

Calming Aromatherapy Spray – Formula

Calming Aromatherapy Spray – Formula

Adapted from Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, by Gabriel Mojay (Inner Traditions, 1997).

This easy-to-make formula is based on centuries-old aromatherapy wisdom that reduces anxiety and apprehension.

After all, we can all use a little more calm and reassurance from time to time–and this spray smells simply divine!

According to aromatherapy wisdom, Lavender is one of the most comforting oils, often used for anxiety in those who feel oppressed or emotionally confused, or feel they don’t know where to turn.

Palmarosa nourishes heart energy and has a cooling, calming, supportive effect. It alleviates fear and insecurity.

Jasmine combines a calming effect with a distinctly upliting one and is especially useful for anxiety when it alternates with feelings of depression.

Geranium calms nervous anxiety and alleviates insecurity.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place one cup of water in a spray bottle, and add the following pure essential oils:

3 drops lavender
2 drops Palmrosa
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop geranium

2. Shake well and spray upward toward the center of the room, or onto any non-staining surface

Magick Is Not To Be used To Gain Power Over Others

MAGIC IS NOT TO BE USED TO GAIN POWER OVER OTHERS.  

 
Magic is a technique used in developing your own    ‘power from within.’ Spells  that are directed at gaining power over others weaken the ‘power from  within.’ Aside from the damage done to oneself, it is important for  another reason. Many people who do not understand the laws of magic  are afraid of being attacked magically and are given to paranoia.
The  witch’s main stock-in-trade used to be removing a competitor’s hexes  
and preparing charms to protect their clients. While true psychic  
attacks are EXTREMELY RARE, a person’s guilt makes up for any lack,  
and after using ‘forbidden’ help, their paranoia leads them to seek  
protection from the same person they just turned to in desperation.  
Do yourself a favor, and resist the temptation to ‘help’ these types.  
Most magical formularies consist of formulae gathered and tested by  
witches as well as many charms to protect the common man from those  
same witches who sold them their charms. 

 

 

 

 

Think Before You Cast

Think before you cast

HOW TO CAST A SPELL
To cast a sepll you have to follow the basic ritual structure.
Preparing the Altar.(nothing too elaborate, just a few of your favorite tools). Lighting the    candles.
Cleansing the area.
Casting the circle.
Invoking the elements.
Invoking the Deities.
Stating the Purpose of the ritual.
Magickal workings or devotions.
Raising the Energy. Releasing the Energy.
Grounding.
Thanking the Deities.
Thanking the elements.
Closing(or sometimes called opening) the circle.
Cakes and ale.
At the magick working section, you have to use your spell. In this spell you have to use the    correspondences to make a good ritual. You have to use the correct herbs, essential oils, foods, trees, flowers, crystals, colours, days, time, planetary    hour, zodiac hour. Look along them to see which fits in to what you want, let’s say protection:
Herbs – These can be used in a spell around a candle and then put in a silk bag (of appropriate colour)    and carried around as a charm bag. They add energy to the spell.
Essential Oils – These can be annointed on the candle or charm bag, made later
Foods – These can be eaten after the ritual, and for a week after, or until you don’t need the    spell anymore, to help you feel more protected.
Trees – These can be used in a wand, or in a talisman, as a writing tablet, where you inscribe symbols,    numbers and words. They can also be placed into the charm bag.
Flowers – These can be planted around your house and picked for the spell. The flowers will also act as    a protective barrier and as a home for fae, who will help too.
Crystals – These can be used in the spell and afterwards placed in the charm bag. You can make    protective patterns from many crystals and that will help protect too.
Days, Times, Planetary Hours, Zodiac Hours – These are used for the right moon phase, sun phase, zodiac    house etc. to help achieve the goal. When used in conjunction, all in the right way, there is a particular influece in that time which will help the spell    to travel, and for you to concentrate.

Calendar of the Sun for November 8th

Calendar of the Sun

8 Blutmonath

Feast of the Kitchen God/dess

Colors: Red and blue
Element: Fire
Altar: On this day the altar is built in the kitchen, on the center of the main table. All activity of the day centers around the kitchen. Crowning the pile should be the paper portrait of the Kitchen Goddess. Decorate the altar with dishes of food, glasses of drink, and copper pots. Use the best china. The portrait of the next kitchen goddess should be hidden under someone’s clothing, rolled up and waiting.
Offerings: The entire kitchen should be cleaned thoroughly. Afterwards, the kitchen should be cleaned again. A pot of honey should be placed nearby.
Daily Meal: Enough food should be made and laid out to feed the entire community for the lunch and dinner period, and outsiders should be invited in to share it if possible. The food should be lavish and elaborate and aesthetically prepared.

Invocation to the Kitchen Goddess

Lady who watches over
The heart of our home,
Lady who fills our bellies
And who observes all our faults,
Today we send you to heaven
On a curl of smoke from your hearth.
We ask you, be generous,
And speak well of our efforts.
When you speak of our faults,
Have compassion on our humanity
Lady who guides our hands,
Send us pots that do not burn,
And enough love and peace
To infuse every morsel
Of nourishment that we here consume.

(Each person present should step forward, dip their finger in the honey, and touch it to her picture, asking her aloud or silently to forgive them for whatever pettiness occurred in the kitchen that year, be it actions or thoughts. Then she is taken to the hearth and burned in the flame, while everyone present claps and chants rhythmically. After that, lunch is eaten, and then a new Kitchen Goddess is installed in her place.)

Chant: Fire of the hearth, Fire of the wine,
Fire of the heart, Fire of the mind,
Fire of the Art, Fire out of time.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Witches Spell for Nov. 8th: Spell to Protect Children from Bullies

goth114

Spell to Protect Children from Bullies

If your child is being bullied at school, you should make plans to get your child out of that school immediately. Don’t wait for teachers or administrators to take responsibility. Chances are they won’t. Meanwhile, your child is suffering and maybe in terrible danger.

Until you sort out your practical plan of action, protect your child with this spell:

Make or purchase a poppet. These are featureless rag dolls usually made of muslin. They can sometimes be found at hobby or craft stores.

Fill it with any combination of the following protective herbs:

Lavender

Chamomile

Rose Petals

Clover

Angelica

Comfrey

Elecampane

Mugwort

Add a few of your child’s hairs or nail clippings.

Place the poppet on your altar and arrange 9 pink candles in a circle around it. In between each candle place a clear quartz crystal.

Light each candle and say, “Goddess (God, protective angels or other powerful spirit), protect my child with light and love.”

Imagine a pink cloud enveloping the poppet and radiating a protective glow.

When the candles have burned down. Wrap the poppet in a pink cloth and place it in a drawer where it will be safe.

Let’s Talk Witch – Urgh, The Winter Blues, How to Beat Them!

healing

Urgh, The Winter Blues, How to Beat Them!

Let’s stop the Winter Blues this year before they ever get a chance to appear. I always have the Winter blues but apparently they are not as bad as some. So to get a jump on the blues before the blues can jump us, I found some hints and tips to give us a headstart on them this year. I believe if you give some of these tips a try, you might be amazed at how well they work. Won’t hurt to try, will it?

1.  Adjust your schedule. Simply said, do less. Don’t overcommit and respect the season’s slower pace. Focus activities on the home front. Now is the time to settle into books, projects and other activities that require a long span of time. Have family game nights or invite friends over to share the fun.

2.  Adjust your environment. Invest in good lead-free candles for atmosphere, and if you have a fireplace, stock up on dry, seasoned wood. Light the area you’re living or working in, but leave lights off through the rest of the house. Turn the thermostat down to 65 degrees–leave blankets throws on chairs and couches and wear slippers to keep your feet warm and layers of fleece or wool sweaters for toastiness. Make your bed with flannel sheets and thick blankets and spreads.

3.  Purify your surroundings. Many houseplants are valuable for purifying the air, particularly peace lilies, rubber plants and spider plants. You might also invest in an air purifier for the bedroom and main living spaces. On warmer days, open the doors and windows to let fresh air in.

4.  Embrace winter herbs and spices.  Burn incense or diffuse oils in scents of cinnamon, clove, cardamon, pine or cedar. Sip herbal teas or fresh-made Chai. Simmer a kettle of hot cider or mulled wine with fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, cardamom pods and thin slices of citrus.

5.  Eat for the season. Focus on grains, legumes, and warming root vegetables. Carrots are excellent for digestion, parsnips support the lungs, beets furnish elemental irons, and sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber (and are delicious mashed with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar!). Try a hot cereal of oatmeal or buckwheat topped with sauteed apples or dried fruit. Enjoy roasted meats, homemade soup stock, and mugs of rich hot chocolate, each with a warming pinch of cayenne. Stewed fruit, crisps, and cobblers make delicious winter treats.

6.  Pamper your body. Enjoy warm baths, adding 1 cup of Epson salts, 1 teaspoon olive oil and a few drops of essential oil to each tubful. Try lavender for relaxation or thyme or rosemary for invigoration. If you skin is dry, replace the Epsom salts with colloidal oatmeal (or blend oatmeal to a powder in your food processor). Consider a weekly “spa night” in which you pamper yourself from head to toe.

7.  Feed your mind. This is a perfect time to dive into magickal study, work on garb or tool craft, or read the stack of books that’s accumulated on the nightstand. keep a daily journal to track your activities and monitor winter’s progress.

8.  Stay active. Engage in slower-paced excercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi or swimming (indoors). Take bundle walks through your neighborhood, watching for the seasonal changes.

9.  Serve the tribe. Take care of your own family, but reach out as well. Winter is powerful time to do volunteer work in your own community.

10.  Honor Yule, Christmas, Imbolc or whatever holidays you celebrate. The winter holidays are the perfect time for lights, gifts, and greenery: Be merry and rejoice!

Honor the winter’s rhythms and you’ll feel the magickal and health benefits that come from slowing down and embracing the season as a restorative time of quiet, rest, and reflection.

Excerpts taken from:

Hibernation: Embracing Winter
Susan Pesznecker
Llewellyn’s 2012 Witches Companion
An Almanac for Everyday Living

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

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Friday Is Ruled by Venus

Archangel: Anael

Candle colour: Green or pink

Incenses: Rose or geranium

Crystals: Jade or rose quartz

Use Fridays for spells for love, fidelity, healing, for anything to do with beauty, the arts and crafts and for all spells concerning the environment.

Where possible, work in any enclosed beautiful place outdoors, for example a botanical garden, a field, park or your own garden – even in a circle of plants indoors.

Draconic House Protection

Draconic House Protection

J’Karrah EbonDragon, 1994

The simple act of living can make our home spiritually and magically “dirty” as well as physically dirty. And just as you routinely clear out the physical dirt in your home, you should also routinely clear out the magical and spiritual dirt. Now you may be wondering just where this spiritual and magical dirt comes from. It comes from the aggravation adults bring home from work after a hard day and children bring home from school. It comes from the inevitable arguments and conflicts that occur when you have different people living in the same house. It comes from our fears and worries, our concerns and hardships. It is “tracked” in behind us just as mud is tracked in from the yard to sully the carpet. And if you live in an apartment building, it can seep into your space from your neighbors.

The purpose of this ritual is to cleanse your personal space of the unwanted energies, spirits, emotions, etc. that make our home spiritually and magically dirty and then to help keep it that way. It is generally a good idea to do this ritual at least once a year, but it can be done anytime you feel there is a need for it. It should definitely be done before moving into a new home or apartment (if possible… definitely afterwards), or after remodeling your present home, as any structural modifications will break any protective seals already established. It is a pretty standard magical format used in a variety of different traditions. The exception is you are also calling on the assistance of your Dragon friends to help clear and seal your personal space.

Needed Items:

1) a nice bell or chime

2) purification incense or sage smudge stick (if you use a smudge stick, also use a heavy, *clean,* preferably new ashtray lined with sand to place it on)

3) small hand fan

4) protection incense

5) small, sturdy tray table if you are doing more than one room

6) small hand bell or chime

7) a consecrated string of bells to hang on your inner door knob of each exterior leading door if doing an entire house or apartment.

8) a dish of salt water

9) Normal altar equipment

If you are just doing a single room, Cast a formal Circle and “push” the Circle’s perimeter so that it matches the exact dimensions of your room. If you will be moving about your entire dwelling, you won’t be casting a formal Circle. You should, however, still call the Dragons of the Quarters, invite your Dragon companion(s). You should also be sure that the final room has an outside exit. If you are in an apartment and your main door leads to a hallway, make sure there is an open window to the outside available in the last room you intend to cleanse.

The Ritual:

Step 1: Stand for a moment and commune with those whom you have called to assist you to let them know what you are planning on doing. When you feel ready say:

Dragons of Power, Dragons of Light!

Dragons of Wisdom, Dragons of Might!

Lend me your magic, lend me your aid!

Lend me your guidance as this spell is made!

Step 2: Hold your hands over the salt water and say:

As salt dissolves in water, so too shall the hold of any unwelcome and unwanted influences and forces that may be attached to my place, my property or my person! By the power of my own will and that of my Dragon friends, so will it be!

If you are going to be doing multiple rooms, place the water bowl, wand, purification and protection incenses and burner (or smudge stick and ashtray) and fan on the tray and set it all by the door of the room you are currently working in.

Step 3:Pick up the purification incense or smudge stick and walk around the room , fanning the smoke to be sure it reaches all the corners, in any closets, and behind/under the furniture, etc. Visualize the smoke driving all the unwanted stuff into the burning perimeter of the Circle to be consumed by Dragon Fire. Trace a pentacle before each door, window and mirror (also: vents, drains, fireplace openings, etc.) with the incense to seal it. As you move about the room say:

By Dragon magic and the power of Fire and Air, I banish for all time any unwelcome or unwanted energies, forces and influences from this space!

Let this place be Purified and sealed!

If you are doing multiple rooms, start at the door and drive drive the stuff before you as you circle the room and then out the door into the next room. Seal the door with a pentagram to keep the stuff from getting back in.

Step 4: Return to your work station and pick up the bell. Following the same path as before, ring the bell continuously as you walk the room, paying special attention to the door, windows and mirrors. Visualize the sound of the bell driving any goop that may have escaped the smoke either into the Dragon Fire of the Circle’s boundary or out the door (don’t worry about the seal already at the door… it’s one-way: bad stuff goes out but can’t come back in) you started from.

By Dragon magic and the tones of the sacred bell, I banish for all time any unwelcome or unwanted energies, forces and influences from this space!

Let this place be Purified and sealed!

Step 5: pick up the protection incense and make a final pass around the room, taking the came care as you did with the purification incense fanning the smoke to be sure it reaches all the corners, in any closets, and behind/under the furniture, etc. Visualize the smoke permeating the walls, floor and ceiling to form a permanent protective barrier. Trace a pentacle before each door, window and mirror with the incense to seal it. As you move about the room say:

By Dragon magic and Dragon’s Breath, I seal this place for all time any unwelcome or unwanted energies, forces and influences from this space!

Step 6 Sprinkle the room generously with the salt water (being mindful of things that shouldn’t be splashed with water) while walking the same path as before saying:

By Dragon Tears, the combined powers of Earth and Water, I consecrate and bless this space according to my will and for the good of my family and my Clan. I here by banish for all time any unwelcome and unwanted energies, forces and influences.

For as long as I Will it only that which is beneficial and invited may enter here. This place is not forever barred under pain of Dragon Fire to any spirits, beings, energies or influences that may try to enter for the purpose of doing harm.

I invite in only those spirits, beings, energies and forces that are in accord with my Will, my desires and my purpose. By my will and under the vigilant protection of my Dragon allies, so will it be!

When you are finished, pour any remaining salt water down the drain. Place the sting of bells on your front door (mine hang from the door knob) where the sound of the bells will keep any unwanted “visitors” from following anyone inside. The cold incense ash can be placed in a decorative bottle or in a sachet and hung next to the door as a protection talisman.

Thank those Dragons who came to your assistance, and then “push” the protective energy of the circle (if you cast one) into your new house protections to help strengthen them by adding another layer. The ritual is over.

Entering the Mouth of the Dragon

Entering the Mouth of the Dragon

This ritual, Entering the Mouth of the Dragon, will likely be one of the most interesting, enlightening experience of your magical career if you approach it with the right attitude. It is a ritual that can be repeated whenever you want, as many times as you wish. Since a magician on the ultimate spiritual path is constantly seeking and being initiated, a single initiation ceremony is not considered either adequate or a sign that nothing further is needed in the way of knowledge. Initiation must be a periodic, ongoing experience, a striving for greater contact with higher powers that has no end.

Many of the ancient pictures and carvings of humans being devoured by dragons may in fact be a symbol of initiation. It is difficult to know whether someone is entering or leaving the dragon’s mouth. To a dedicated magician, this path into other planes is well-worn; she/he never feels they have learned all there is to know. The magician follows the Otherworld path confident that she/he is not the first to do so, nor will she/he be the last. The magician is driven by an inner yearning for growth on all levels of her/his being.

The experiences gained during this meditation-type ritual can help you make changes in your life, pick up your spirits when you are down, provide you with new insight and goals. It will be rare that a magician comes out of the experience with nothing. Of course, if you put nothing of your energy into the experience, you are likely to get little in return. Remember dragons work as co-magicians only when there is an exchange of energy.

During this initiation ritual, you will be going in meditation into a huge cave shaped like the mouth of a dragon. This is best done on a Full Moon or bright noon. For 24 hours before the ceremony, try to remain aware and conscious of dragon power. You will find it flowing through all kinds of people, objects and happenings. Just before entering the ritual area for initiation, take a cleansing bath with at least some salt and perhaps a little dragon’s blood powder in the water. Be certain that you have your magical name chosen. Dress in your ritual apparel. Carry any selected magical jewelry to the altar; do not wear it until it has been consecrated.

Supplies: pentacle disk, dragon pentacle, water chalice with a little fresh water in it, dish of salt, wine chalice, black (left) and white (right) altar candles, sword, wand, incense burner, initiation or blessing incense, dragon’s blood and thyme, dragon mirror, gong or bell.

Set altar in the center facing east. Make certain that you will not be disturbed once you have cast the circle. This may mean silencing the telephone and hanging a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Instrumental music also helps to set the mood and mask background noises.

Begin the ritual by going to the east. With your sword in your power hand (the one with which you write), “draw” your magical circle on floor around your ritual area. Do this by pointing the sword at the floor and seeing great flames shooting from it. Move clockwise around the circle with this flame; end by overlapping it in the east. While drawing the circle, saying:

BY DRAGON POWER, THIS CIRCLE IS SEALED.

Return to the altar. Point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:

DRAGONS OF SPIRIT, HIGHEST OF DRAGONS AND MOST POWERFUL, BLESS THIS ALTAR WITH YOUR FIRE. LET US BE ONE IN MAGICK, O DRAGONS GREAT AND WISE.

Set the water chalice on the pentacle. (The water used in the chalice is not to be confused with the water you collect from various watery power spots.) With the wand in your power hand, circle the chalice three times clockwise with the wand and say:

AIR, FIRE, EARTH, BRING POWER FORTH,

WATER OF LAND AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.

Hold the chalice high, say:

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Sprinkle the water lightly around the circled area, beginning and ending in the east.

Set the dish of salt on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:

WATER, AIR, FIRE, HEAR MY DESIRE.

SALT OF EARTH AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.

Sprinkle a few grains of salt to each corner of the altar. Circle the incense burner three times clockwise with the wand. Say:

FIRE OF DRAGONS, FIRE OF EARTH,

YOU ARE PURIFIED. BRING POWER FORTH.

Circle the incense and herbs three times clockwise with the wand. Say:

INCENSE MAGICKAL, INCENSE BOLD,

AWAKE THE DRAGONS, AS OF OLD.

I CALL YOU PURIFIED.

Put a small amount of incense onto the burning coals. Lift the burner by the chains and touch it lightly to the pentacle. Lift it high over the altar, say:

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Then carry it clockwise around the circle, beginning and ending in the east. Return it to the altar.

Kneel before the altar with the sword in both hands. Mentally, dedicate yourself to the study of dragon magic. Project your interest and love of dragons as strongly as you can. Continue this for several minutes. Then rise and point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:

BEHOLD, ALL DRAGONS AND RULERS OF DRAGONS,

I AM (magical name), A MAGICIAN WHO SEEKS DRAGON MAGICK.

WITH (name of sword) IN MY HAND, I ENTER THE REALMS OF THE DRAGONS.

NOT FOR PHYSICAL BATTLE, BUT FOR KNOWLEDGE AND POWER.

I GREET YOU, O DRAGONS, ANCIENT AND WISE, AND AWAIT YOUR BLESSING AND GUIDANCE.

Continue holding the sword outstretched until you feel the blessings of the dragons.

When the flowing power of the blessing has lessened, lower the sword. Still holding the sword in your power hand, take the dragon pentacle in your other hand and go to the east. Point the sword at the eastern position and hold up the dragon pentacle facing outward. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say:

FROM SAIRY’S (sair’-iss), RULER OF THE EASTERN DRAGONS FAIR,

COMES NOW THE WONDROUS POWER OF AIR.

Feel the power of Air entering your body. When the flow stops, go to the south. Hold up the pentacle again. Draw and invoking pentagram with the sword; say:

FROM FAFNIR (far’-near), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH,

COMES CLEANSING FIRE FROM DRAGON MOUTH.

Feel the power of Fire entering the body. When the flow stops go to the west. Again hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; say:

FROM NAELYAN (nail’-yon), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE WEST,

COME THE POWER OF WATER, THREE TIMES BLEST.

Draw into yourself the power of Water. Go to the north. Hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; saying:

FROM GRAEL (grail), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE NORTH,

THE POWER OF EARTH DOES NOW COME FORTH.

Draw into yourself the power of Earth. Return to the altar. Lay aside the sword and dragon pentacle. Add more dragon’s blood powder and thyme (or other appropriate incense) to the incense burner.

Lay any magical jewelry on the pentacle disk and touch it with the point of your sword. Say:

BY DRAGON POWER, I CALL YOU PURIFIED.

BY DRAGON FIRE, I CALL YOU BLESSED.

BY DRAGON MAGICK, I CALL YOU POWERFUL.

THROUGH DRAGON WISDOM, I WELCOME YOU.

Slowly pass the jewelry through the incense smoke. Then put it on.

Take up the mirror, the Eye of the Dragon. Hold it before you and gaze deeply into it. Picture yourself as a confident magician of dragon magic. Say:

I AM A SEEKER OF DRAGON KNOWLEDGE.

I COME WILLINGLY FOR INITIATION.

INTO THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON I GO OF MY OWN FREE WILL.

WELCOME ME, DRAGONS OLD AND WISE.

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Lay aside the mirror and sit before the altar. Either lay the sword across your knees or at your feet during this meditation.

Close your eyes and mentally see before you the mouth of a huge cave. It is shaped like the mouth of a dragon. Inside, from some deep terrestrial fire, comes a red glow. Long drops of stone hang around the opening like teeth. Enter the cave and follow the dim passageway deep into the Earth. After many twists and turns, you will enter a circular subterranean chamber with crystals embedded in the walls. A gem-encrusted altar stands in the center of the floor. On the altar is a jeweled chalice.

At the four cardinal points of the circular chamber you see deep pits or cracks in the floor. From these pits comes the red glow of fire from deep under the Earth. The chamber is lit by their light alone. Sometimes you see the shadowy forms of dragons around the dim edges of the chamber.

Stand before the altar and announce to the dragons that you have come for initiation. Be sure to call yourself by your magical name. You will feel power sent to from all sides by the half-seen dragons. Listen for any messages that they may give you.

Finally, you will hear the deep voice of a dragon saying, “Drink of the cup.” Visualize yourself lifting the heavy jeweled cup and drinking the contents. You will feel dragon magic coursing through your body, seeping into your bones. Thank the dragons, and follow the dim corridor upward until you reach the cave opening. Open your eyes and return to the here and now.

Rise and set the wine chalice on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:

CUP OF POWER, CUP OF MIGHT,

DRAGON MAGICK, BE HERE THIS NIGHT.

Drink the wine, saving back some to be poured outside on the ground later as an offering to the dragons. (If it is not possible to pour the offering outside, leave it on the altar for about an hour.)

Now is an excellent time to chant and use free-form dancing. Invite the dragons to share in the raised energy and your joy of being a magician. Talk to them about your hopes and dreams. And listen to see if they have suggestions or words of encouragement for you. This is an opportunity for close friendship to be forged.

To close the ritual, take the sword and go to the east. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE EAST.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Go to the south. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Go to the west. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE WEST.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Finish by going to the north. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE NORTH.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Return to the altar. Raise both arms say:

FAREWELL TO YOU, O DRAGONS FAIR,

FIRE, WATER, EARTH AND AIR.

TOGETHER WE MAKE MAGICK WELL

BY POWER DEEP AND DRAGON SPELL.

IN PEACE GO NOW. RETURN ONCE MORE

TO TEACH ME MAGICK AND ANCIENT LORE.

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Cut the circle with a backward sweep of the sword across the boundary line. Extinguish the altar candles. Clear the altar of all tools. You have now entered the mouth of the dragon and become an initiate into dragon magic. Being an initiate does not mean mastery of magic. An initiate is a beginner on the path.