Tag: Solar System

Current Moon Phase for May 1 – First Quarter

Moon Phases: First Quarter Moon

(waxing 90-135 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “6th sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

Current Moon Phase for April 30th – Waxing Half Moon

Moon Phases: Waxing Half Moon

First Quarter Moon (waxing/90-135 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “6th sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

Calendar of the Moon for Sunday, April 29th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

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

Dark Moon Invocation

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

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

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for April 29th – First Quarter Moon

Moon Phases: Waxing Half Moon

First Quarter Moon (waxing/90-135 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “6th sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

The Current Moon Phase for April 28: Waxing/ 45-90 degrees

Moon Phases: Crescent Moon

(waxing/45-90 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

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

Current Moon Phase for April 27: Waxing/ 45 – 90 degrees

Moon Phases: Crescent Moon

(waxing/45-90 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

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

The Current Moon Phase For April 25 – Waxing

Moon Phases: New Moon

(waxing/0-45 degrees)

by Jan Spiller

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

Correspondence for Tuesday, April 17th

Tuesday Images, Pics, Comments, Graphics
Correspondence for Tuesday, April 17th

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants:Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.

Wand and Staff Dedication

Wand and Staff Dedication

Raise your wand or staff to the sky to collect the energy from the Sun or the Moon depending on the time of day you are conducting your magickal work. The Moon’s energy can be collected any time at night while the Moon is visible. Midnight is a particularly potent time to collect the Moon’s energy. The power of the Moon can also be captured during certain phases of the Moon depending on the type of magick you wish to perform. New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Last Quarters are all powerful times during which to collect the Moon’s energy. Moon magick also corresponds to goddess energy, creativity, psychic powers, fertility and the element of water.

New Moon Report for April 10th – Pluto Retrograde

Pluto Retrograde

Tuesday, April 10, 9:21 am PDT, 12:21 pm EDT

Pluto’s reversal is a very subtle shift because this planet already lives in the underworld. Yet for the next four months we may be diving more deeply into the shadows of fear and desire. Exploring the depths of the psyche can lead to treasure troves of energy that are hidden in the secrets that we keep from ourselves. Being kind and gentle with ourselves is essential when we are brave enough to face the truth.

THE EARTH TEACHES ME

Witchy Comments & GraphicsTHE EARTH TEACHES ME

 
Earth teach me quiet,
as the grasses are still with new light.
Earth teach me suffering,
as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility,
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring,
as mothers nurture their young.
Earth teach me courage,
as the tree that stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation,
as the ant that crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom,
as the eagle that soars in the sky.
Earth teach me acceptance,
as the leaves that die each fall.
Earth teach me renewal,
as the seed that rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself,
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness,
as dry fields weep with rain.
 
A Prayer from the Ute

 
~Magickal Graphics~

Calendar of the Moon for Friday, April 6th

Calendar of the Moon
6 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Elaphebolia: Day of Artemis

Colors: Silver, white, and pale green
Element: Earth
Altar: On a white cloth place woodland vines and branches, a silver crescent moon, a bow and arrow, incense of cypress, a chalice of white wine, and the figures of many deer.
Offerings: Stag-shaped cakes of dough, honey, and sesame called “elaphoi”, placed on the altar. Make a promise and keep your word. Give something to women in need.
Daily Meal: Venison is best, or else rabbit or quail.

Invocation to Artemis

Hail, Lady of the deer hunt!
You who are both hunter and hunted,
You who wield the bow
And bring the prey to their knees,
You who are the doe
Who flees and eludes the pursuers,
Come to us and bless our hunt!
We too seek in the darkness,
We too flee through the darkness,
We too are both predator and prey.
Virgin of the crescent moon,
Implacable one with silver gaze
Who is called She Who Slays,
Fearless huntress, skilled tracker,
Shy deer who runs from our
Groping hands and clumsy feet,
Ray of moonlight that shows
Secrets beneath the forest leaves
That are glimpsed once and then
Never seen again in our lifetimes,
Archer with the fierce pack
Who hounds us through our weaknesses
And will not let us compromise,
Remind us that to shun compromise is to remain true
To something that we must keep alive or lose.

Chant:
New moon shining, Artemis, Artemis
(Pass around the chalice and pour out the rest as libation. Pass around the elaphoi and put the rest out for the woodland creatures as an offering.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Today’s Afffirmation, Thought and Meditation for Friday, April 6th

Good Morning Images, Pics, Comments, Graphics
Today’s Affirmation for April 6th

I do not seek perfection – only to do the best that I can. If others do better, I will admire them without envy while trying to do better myself.

 

Today’s Thought for April 6th

On the edge of the forest live joyfully, without desire.

The Buddha (c. 563 – c. 460 BCE)

 

Today’s Meditation for April 6th

Saturn Versus Jupiter

In astrological terms Saturn is the planet of restraint, responsibility, limitation and self-discipline, while Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth, spontaneity and creativity. A balance of both influences is necessary in our lives; too much Saturn and we fail to achieve our full creative potential; too much Jupiter and we over-extend ourselves, becoming irresponsible in our ambitions. Meditate on the planet whose influence you feel you lack, visualizing either the cold, grey sphere or seven-ringed Saturn, or the red giant of Jupiter.

Calendar of the Moon for March 29th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

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

Dark Moon Invocation

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

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

Pagan Book of Hours

Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 28th

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2012 March 28
See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

Earthshine and Venus Over Sierra de Guadarrama
Image Credit: Daniel Fernández (DANIKXT)  

 

Explanation: What just above that ridge? The Moon. Specifically, the Earth’s Moon was caught just above the horizon in a young crescent phase. The familiar Moon might look a bit odd as the exposure shows significant Earthshine — the illumination of the part of the Moon hidden from direct sunlight by the sun-reflecting Earth. Also captured in the image is the bright planet Venus on the right. Venus and Jupiter passed only three degrees from each other last week during a photogenic planetary conjunction. The above image was taken two days ago near Madrid, Spain. The foreground horizon silhouette includes some of the Seven Peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Just a few minutes after this picture was taken, the Moon set.

The Wicca Book of Days for March 27th – Seeing Red

The Wicca Book of Days for March 27th

Seeing Red

That red is the color of Mars, Aries’s ruling planet, is due to a number of reasons. For a start, Mars is known as the “Red Planet,” for the iron oxide on its surface causes it to appear red when viewed from Earth. Red is also the color of blood, which is shed in war, the aspect of human life that the Romans believed Mars to encourage and oversee. Red is also the color of fire, the Arien element, as well as a hue associated with hearts and roses, both symbols of romantic love. In color symbolism, red can consequently denote vitality, danger, and death, as well as ardent passion and blind rage.

A Strengthening Stone

Blood red is the color of Mars, and bloodstone is generally said to be the birthstone of those born in Mars’s month, March. Hold a piece of bloodstone in your hand if you require extra courage today, doing this is also reputed to improve the circulation of the blood.

Charming Glamory {Chaste Moon}

Charming Glamory

 {Chaste Moon}

Glamory is all about the image you present to the world. In the faery realm, glamory is the source of magick that faeries use to shape shift. Changing their appearance at will, for example from a gorgeous faery queen to a frightening, black cat, faeries can move through worlds undetected, and when discovered, they can charm their way out of a situation.

Create your own glamory and make yourself more faery-like  and charming. At midnight, think about how you project your image into your world. Exactly what persona and appearance are you presenting to those around you? Notice how you act in different situations. As you notice the many qualities about yourself, write them down in your journal.

Now that you are becoming more aware of your glamory, it’s time to become charming. These are five things you can practice to do just that.

  1. Smile when you are with people.
  2. Make eye contact when you meet and talk with people.
  3. Stay present and in the moment.
  4. Relax and enjoy yourself.
  5. Think, act, and be as confident as possible.

Practice these things all the time, and become aware when you do the. Also, notice how people respond to you whenever you do things. The more you practice tailoring your glamory into the cloak you desire, the more you will attract the people and experiences in your life that you really want. Accordingly, you life will improve as you become more and more adept at applying your charming glamor every night and every day.