Dragons of the Zodiac: Cancer

Dragons of the Zodiac: Cancer

 
Note: Perform during bright noon or the hour of the Moon, and during the waxing Moon, with the Full Moon being strongest.

Color: Silver, pastels
 
Ruling Planet: Moon

Stone: Pearl

 
Flower: Larkspur
 
Description: Caring nurturing, moody, clinging, dependent, lazy, retentive memory, receptive, changeable, sensitive, pack rat, emotional, overprotective, messy, money-oriented.
 
Chant:
 
Make me caring with nuturing ways.
Receptive with good memory.
Teach me control of emotions and life.
Thank you. So mote it be.
 
Dancing with Dragon
D. J. Conway

Daily Cosmic Calendar for February 18th

Capture Technicolor dreams and amazing visions in a special notebook by your bed – particularly with the Sun making a parallel to Neptune (12:33AM PST). Keep in mind that parallel and contra-parallel formations – found by watching celestial bodies moving north and south of the Celestial Equator – can be just as prominent as zodiacal unions and polarities. The Sun embracing Neptune in this manner can accentuate the exploration of your religious beliefs and philosophy of life. Several hours after this alignment is exact, the Sun in the last degree of Aquarius makes a flowing trine with Saturn in the last degree of Libra (8:03AM PST). Hard work and perseverance are now the dynamic duo that can lead you to the promised land of worldly success. Another boost on this front can arrive when Mercury forms a supportive, 60-degree liaison with Pluto (1:24PM PST). With some extra elbow grease and focused attention, your business enterprises can be flourishing. Be aware that the Sun changes from airy Aquarius to watery Pisces (10:19PM PST) for the next 30-day solar zodiacal experience – opening the doors of perception to a higher order of existence.

New Moon Report for February 18th – Sun in Pisces

New Moon Report

by Jeff Jawer

 

Sun in Pisces

Saturday, February 18, 10:18 pm PST, Sunday, February 19, 1:18 am EST

The Sun’s entry into the last sign of the zodiac is a step into synthesis. Its presence in Pisces reminds us that the walls that keep us apart from one another are merely illusions. We are all one in the sea of consciousness where the Fishes swim. This oceanic state can be confusing, of course, since we rely on boundaries to maintain our individual identities. Rather than reinforcing barriers to sustain them or tearing them down completely, adding flexibility to the ego lets us seamlessly flow together and drift apart as desired. Reconnecting with spirituality, nature and one another are its sweetest rewards.

Calendar of the Moon for February 18th

Calendar of the Moon

Rowan Tree Moon

Color: Orange-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a cloth of orange-red set a row of red candles, Brigid’s cross, and a bell.
Offerings: Votive candles. Quicken a newborn idea into birth.
Daily Meal: Hot drinks with every meal. Keep food warm.

Luis/Gamelion Invocation

Call: Now is the quickening of the year.
Response: Now is the time of the first movement.
Call: Now the child stirs in the womb.
Response: Now the seed stirs in the earth.
Call: Now the plains flood and our fire is threatened.
Response: Now the cold water drowns our spark.
Call: Now is the time of the hard struggle.
Response: Now is the month of desperation.
Call: Now is the time of desperation to live.
Response: Now is the time of desperation to be born.
Call: We turn in our sleep as the earth turns.
Response: We dream with the sleeping earth.
Call: Each of our dreams is a lit candle in the dark.
Response: Each of our dreams is a single point of hope.
Call: They shine faint and alone in the night of struggle.
Response: They are alone as we are alone.
Call: Yet we are not alone in our dreams.
Response: We are not alone!
Call: We will keep our fires burning.
Response: We will burn against the night!
Call: We will warm our dreams with the force of life.
Response: We will not die alone in the cold!
Call: We will ward off all evil.
Response: Only good shall pass our gates.
Call: We will care for each other.
Response: We will never cease to care!
Call: We will survive the winter.
Response: We will survive!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
Protect the flame that warms your dreams
And dreams shall never die.

Calendar of the Sun for February 18th

Calendar of the Sun
18 Solmonath

Ishtar’s Day

Color: Pottery red, terra cotta
Element: Earth
Altar: Set with a cloth of earthy red, and on it place a pitcher of milk and another of wine, bowls of wood and clay filled with grains, olives, figs, and dates, a star, and the figure of a lioness.
Offerings: Grains. Stars. Give food to those who need it.
Daily Meal: Wholegrain bread. Cooked grains. Milk and dairy products.

Ishtar Invocation

I beseech thee, Lady of Ladies,
Goddess of Goddesses,
Ishtar, queen of all cities,
Leader of all men.
Thou art the light of the world,
Thou art the light of heaven.
At thy name the earth and the heavens shake,
And the gods they tremble;
The spirits of heaven tremble at thy name
And the men hold it in awe.
Where thou glancest the dead come to life,
And the sick rise and walk;
And the mind that is distressed is healed
When it looks upon thy face.

Call and response:
For lo, I am the Keeper of the Storehouse
And I am generous to all men!
From my breasts nourishment spills
From my hands nourishment flows
From my heart nourishment streams
I am the Morning Star
I am the Evening Star
I am the Star of Heaven
And I give unto all humanity.

(After this, all should being the work of inventorying all the resources of the house, in Ishtar’s name, so that they may be used more efficiently and that it can be known what can be given to others out of generosity.)

Today’s Cosmic Calendar for February 17th

No matter where you are on the career totem pole, today and tomorrow offer you great opportunities for taking a great leap forward and making gains as a savvy entrepreneur. The Moon in Capricorn forms an uplifting trine with Jupiter in Taurus (5:45AM PST), and this expansive and yet also earthy combination has you begging for more celestial gift-giving. Utilize your spiritual willpower and mental concentration when the Moon makes its monthly union with Lord of the Underworld Pluto (12:42PM PST). Any lunar conjunction with Pluto has a shadowy component; therefore, making enemies of friends and barking commands at colleagues, associates or employees is bush league and foolish. Tonight’s Venus-Chiron contra-parallel (11:52PM PST) may manifest as a more tender and sensitive flow of energy that both you and a key partner can receive as a bounty of cosmic goodness. On the other hand, healing old wounds and pains from childhood days may also have its own rhyme and reason for showing up right now. Tune into universal currents and global causes that stir your heart and soul since this is the last full day of Solar Aquarius.

Calendar of the Moon for Friday, February 17th

Calendar of the Moon

Rowan Tree Moon

Color: Orange-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a cloth of orange-red set a row of red candles, Brigid’s cross, and a bell.
Offerings: Votive candles. Quicken a newborn idea into birth.
Daily Meal: Hot drinks with every meal. Keep food warm.

Luis/Gamelion Invocation

Call: Now is the quickening of the year.
Response: Now is the time of the first movement.
Call: Now the child stirs in the womb.
Response: Now the seed stirs in the earth.
Call: Now the plains flood and our fire is threatened.
Response: Now the cold water drowns our spark.
Call: Now is the time of the hard struggle.
Response: Now is the month of desperation.
Call: Now is the time of desperation to live.
Response: Now is the time of desperation to be born.
Call: We turn in our sleep as the earth turns.
Response: We dream with the sleeping earth.
Call: Each of our dreams is a lit candle in the dark.
Response: Each of our dreams is a single point of hope.
Call: They shine faint and alone in the night of struggle.
Response: They are alone as we are alone.
Call: Yet we are not alone in our dreams.
Response: We are not alone!
Call: We will keep our fires burning.
Response: We will burn against the night!
Call: We will warm our dreams with the force of life.
Response: We will not die alone in the cold!
Call: We will ward off all evil.
Response: Only good shall pass our gates.
Call: We will care for each other.
Response: We will never cease to care!
Call: We will survive the winter.
Response: We will survive!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
Protect the flame that warms your dreams
And dreams shall never die.

Dragons of the Zodiac: Aries

Dragons of the Zodiac: Aries 

Note: Perform during bright noon or the hour of Mars, and during the waxing Moon, with the Full Moon being strongest.

 

Color: Red

 

Ruling Planets: Mars

 

Stone Diamond

 

Flower: Geranium

Description: Energetic, impatient, lacking in foresight, short-tempered, sarcastic, witty, demanding, sharp-minded, cutting, egocentric, adventuresome, feisty.

Chant:

Sharpened mind, energy,

Aries Dragon, Bring to me.

Boundless luck, adventure bold,

These are things I want to hold.

Dragon Red of luck and will,

Help me my desires to fill.

 

Dancing with Dragons

D. J. Conway

Dragons of Jupiter

Dragons of Jupiter

 

Notes: Perform on a Thursday and/or during the waxing Moon, with the Full Moon being strongest. A purple or blue candle.

 

Day: Thursday

Color: Blue, purple.

Metal: Tin.

Stones: Lapis lazuli, amethyst, turquoise, sapphire.

Plants: Anise, betony, cinquefoil, jasmine, lavender, oak, sage, yerba santa.

Rules: Sagittarius, Pisces.

Oils: Anise, bergamot, cedar, fir, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, nutmeg, orris strawberry.

Rituals Involving: Honor, riches, health, friendship, the heart’s desire, luck accomplishment, religion, trade ad employment, treasure, legal matters.

Physical Chant:

Grant me honor and success

Change my luck and make me bold

Give me riches and happiness

All yo give my life can hold.

Mental-Emotional Chant:

Goals in life and needed

To bring peace to the mind

Goals for hand and intellect

Send, O Dragon Kind

Spiritual Chant:

Any task I can accomplish

With your aid, Jupiter Dragon,

Spiritual paths open before me

Set my feet on the right path.

Dragons of the Sun

Dragons of the Sun

  

Day: Sunday

Color: Yellow or gold

Metal: Gold

Stones: Zircon, jacinth, goldstone, topaz, yellow diamond, chrysalis.

Plants: Acacia, bay laurel, benzoic, cassia, chamomile, sweet cicely, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger, juniper, mastic, myrrh, oak, patchouli, rosemary storax.

Rules: Leo

Oils: Bay laurel, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger, patchouli, rosemary styrax.

Rituals Involving: Health, healing, confidence, hope, prosperity, vitality, personal fulfillment, immediate family, life-energy, money, favor, honor, promotion, success, support of those in power, friendship.

 

Physical Chant:

Strength of Body, Vitality,

I ask now that you give to me,

Sun Dragon, Look on me with favor,

that Power, riches I may savor.

Mental-Emotional Chant:

I need a boost of confidence,

A circle firm of friendships true,

New hope that’s based on truthfulness,

Sun Dragon, for these I do thank you.

Spiritual Chant:

I seek your gift of personal fulfillment.

Harken, Sun Dragon!

Grant me success on my spiritual path,

Bless me, Sun Dragon!

Dragons of the Planets

Dragons of the Planets

 

 

The dragons representing the planets are used basically for performing ceremonies or rituals on certain days and in certain hours, to acquire certain physical or personality traits. If this is to be part of your ritual methods, I suggest you carefully read a chart for both day and night planetary hours. Remember to adjust for daylight savings time.

 

Some magicians feels that planetary dragons are only elemental energies and not specific beings of any kind. That has not been my experience. That is like saying there are only gnomes and no faeries. I suppose it is all in one’s perception of other levels of being.

 

The idea behind using planetary days and hours is that you are connecting with a stronger energy for use in your rituals. As the elements are the substance of the universe, the planets are more concerned with action and process. Only seven astrological bodies were used by the ancients: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These correspond to the days of the week and the hours of each day. To use this system find the planet that correspond to the type of ritual you plan to do . Then select the proper day and hour in which to do it.

 

The waxing or increasing Moon is the time for spells of increase, building and growth, while the waning or decreasing Moon is the time for decrease, destruction, removal, and binding. For the Sun the bright daylight hours are used for increasing magick, with noon being strongest. For decreasing magick, perform during the evening hours, with midnight being strongest. Each planet has a dragon ritual chant for the physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual aspects of growth. These chants are to be used in conjunction with candles of the appropriate color. Consider carefully the reason behind your choice of planet characteristics before you do these rituals. And never go to extremes by constantly performing the same rituals for the same characteristics. You can get overloaded and create worse problems for yourself if you do. An example would be using the planet Mars too much; this would eventually produce negative aspects, such as an explosive temper and impatience.

 

Carve your desire into the candle with your ritual dagger. Anoint the candle with a planetary oil, from the wick to the bottom to bring something to you, from the bottom to the wick to move something away from you.

 

Also part of each ritual should be the choosing of planetary herbs as an offering to the dragon of that planet. You can enhances the power more by surrounding the candle with stones chosen for their specific energies. All planetary candles should be left on the altar to burn completely out.

 

Use the Basic Dragon Ritual as a foundation ritual and insert the chant for your chosen planet in the proper places. Invite the dragons of that planet to join you in dance and ritual; if you do not extend an invitation, why should they bother to join you? Chose music that reflects what you feel about the chosen planet. Let your feelings be sensitive to the atmosphere around you so that you will be aware of the dragons’ arrival and participation.

 

When you reach the part of the ritual where you insert specific spell workings, carve your desire into the candle; anoint it with the oil. Light the candle and surround it with stones. Say the planetary chant. Finish by chanting the Charm of Making:

 

“By the glow of Sun the power’s begun, by Moonbeam’s light the spell is right, to create desire by Earth and Fire, Water, Air, make magick fair. Powerful Charm of Making, Creative magick undertaking. Be Formed!”

When finished with the spell working, complete the Basic Dragon Ritual.

Dragons of Light

Dragons of Light

 

The dragons of light or light of the Spirit, rule positive power currents in magick. Their color is symbolized by white; a male energy, they are considered warm and dry. Positive associations of light are: all forms of day, the Sun, the pentacle disk, the dragon pentacle, the white altar candle, the staff, the salt dish, reaching toward the spiritual, balancing karma, seeking the truth, bettering life on all levels, positive attitude toward all things, psychic guidance, helpful light magick. Negative associations are: self-righteousness, I-have-the-only-way attitude.

Dragons of light exist within a space where light is completely separated from darkness, a place where Primordial Matter is constantly being formed into physical manifestation. Within their jaws they hold a precious gem that metaphorically grants wishes and desires. It is not unusual to find these dragons holding their tails in their mouths while sleeping or resting. This tail-in-mouth symbol is represented among humans’ earliest depictions of dragons, a symbol of continuity and stability. When light dragons release their hold on the tail, they stand read to use their vast powers for creation.

 

Dancing With Dragons

D. J. Conway

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Thursday, Feb. 16th

Put some of those recent challenges behind you as the cosmos gives you something to cheer about when Mercury unites with healing-master Chiron (6:15AM PST) shortly before Mercury teams up in a supportive, 60-degree link with King of the Gods Jupiter (8:08AM PST). Considering that the Moon is still having a joy-fest in adventuresome Sagittarius, this morning’s Mercury-Chiron and Mercury-Jupiter contacts are a pleasure-inducing duo. Give worries and tensions the old-heave. Enjoy your favorite games and sports for an exhilarating change of pace. Think more about pursuing mind-enhancing literary and educational projects especially as the Sun and Moon collaborate well during a supportive, 60-degree liaison (5:09PM PST) and as the largest two celestial bodies in our solar system – the Sun and Jupiter – forge an illuminating contra-parallel (9:02PM PST). However, this latter aspect actually happens right at the close of a void lunar uncertainty cycle in Sagittarius – running from 8:04PM PST until 9:04PM PST. Don’t overdo a good thing during the lunar twilight zone. Once the void time-span is over, Capricorn Moon is your lunar presence for the next 2+ days. Place a serious focus on climbing the ladder of success within your professional realm. You will have some celestial back-up to assist you on both Friday and Saturday.

Moon Phase for February 14 – Last Quarter (Waning/90-45 degrees)

Moon Phases By Jan Spiller:

Last Quarter (waning/90-45 degrees)

February 14, 2012 — The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for February 14th

Strange forces are at the helm during this unusual Valentine’s Day. While Mercury uniting with Pallas in Pisces (3:32AM PST) is terrific for problem-solving and heading off any kind of interpersonal crisis, a void Moon in Scorpio – lasting from 9:05AM PST to 4:57PM PST and starting during the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase – adds a giant element of uncertainty across the board. It doesn’t help that normally productivity-enhancing Ceres is making a touchy square to distant Pluto (9:37AM PST) during the void cycle. Finishing old business and projects on a high note is still the recommended course of action while the Moon is completing its monthly transit in Scorpio under dubious circumstances. Pushing your personal agenda at any cost is a no-no. Once the lunar orb enters upbeat, fiery Sagittarius (4:57PM PST), look for the heartfelt silver lining in any remaining romantic cloud cover. Healing vibrations are increasing – thanks to a supportive, 60-degree alliance from Jupiter to Chiron (5:38PM PST). Keep utilizing the happy-go-lucky presence of Sagittarius Moon to give you a fun-filled evening. Assisting you in getting along with dear ones is the monthly Moon-Juno conjunction (10:51PM PST) – amplified by a Venus-Ceres contra-parallel (11:01PM PST). With a little extra sensitivity, love birds can find their way to respectful, caring embraces under the aegis of an optimistic Sagittarian lunar dispensation.

Calendar of the Moon for February 14th

Calendar of the Moon
14 Luis/Gamelion

Lenaia Day III

Colors: Purple and green
Element: Water
Altar: A large post is set up behind the altar, draped in robes of purple and green, with a mask of Dionysus upon it, and arms raised upwards made of grapevine and fruit tree branches. The altar is draped in purple and green, and upon it set two purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, two jugs of wine (one white and one red), and a chalice.
Offerings: Dancing. Drumming. Music. Transforming dreams into reality.
Daily Meal: Wine. Goat or lamb. Lentils. Grape leaves. Greek food if possible.

Lenaia Invocation I

Hail, son of Semele! Iakkhos, Giver of Wealth!
Not only wealth of body and thought,
But wealth of spirit as well,
Numinous in sacrifice,
One whose mysteries
Cannot fully be spoken,
One who we can only truly know
Through the way of unknowing,
We ask for fertility of soul
Not merely for us, but for
The whole world of humanity.
We dance for the soul’s creation
And re-creation, again and again,
You who understand the cycle
And know that all endings
Are simply beginnings.
From our souls down through our bodies,
From our bodies into your Soul,
From your Soul into the Earth,
We give you our open eyes
That you may fill them with vision.

(Instead of a particular chant, a drum circle is formed and all dance for at least an hour. Any appropriate chant may be used. After the drum circle is closed, the red wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the blood of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation. Then the white wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the dreams of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation.)

New Moon Report for February 13 – Mercury in Pisces

New Moon Report for February 13

By Jeff Jawer

Mercury in Pisces

Monday, February 13, 5:38 pm PST, 8:38 pm EST

Minds meander with Mercury moving through Pisces, going off course to places that words cannot adequately describe. This transit serves poets, artists, healers, spiritual seekers and all those who don’t rely on objective evidence to shape reality. Facts may grow fuzzy, but conversations grow tender as intuition becomes the most valuable source of information.

Cosmic Calendar for Monday, Feb. 13th

For the start of a workweek, you cannot use the business-as-usual tag line in any realistic shape or form. As indicated in yesterday’s calendar entry, Mercury is on the move – forming a strong parallel with the Sun (8:11AM PST), a flowing trine to Saturn in air signs (10:45AM PST), entering Pisces (5:39PM PST) as well as uniting with far-out Neptune (10:48PM PST). By early tomorrow, Mercury will unite with Pallas – bringing three celestial bodies into the Zero Point of psychic, mysterious, and go-with-the-flow Pisces. Add on this morning’s Sun-Vesta subtle 30-degree rapport (9:50AM PST) and the presence of intense Scorpio Moon, and knowing which way economic markets are going to shift is a coin toss. Whereas Mercury aligning with both the Sun and Saturn early today suggests a need for pragmatism and logic, the annual Mercury-Neptune conjunction in Pisces as Valentine’s Day approaches is quite a different story. Whenever Mercury merges its essence with Neptune, several of the graphic and fine arts loom prominently on the horizon. Plunge into photography, film and video production, painting, music and dance for inspiration. Say no to addictive behavior in any form. Meditation and soul-searching are definitely back in vogue. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to problem-solve and strategize overnight as Mercury contacts Pallas at 3:32AM PST on Tuesday.

Calendar of the Sun for February 13

Calendar of the Sun
13 Solmonath

Parentalia

Color: Blood-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Set with a red cloth, and unlit red candles, and symbols of Mother and Father.
Offerings: Written words of thanks for one’s childhood. Be a parental mentor to someone young.
Daily Meal: Soups or stews, and bread.

Parentalia Invocation

Perhaps you gave us life,
Sowed our seed, gifted us with
Your chromosomes and genes.
Perhaps you birthed us
Or were there to greet us
As we entered the world.
Perhaps you fed us, cleaned us,
Held us when we cried,
Sang us to sleep, taught us
Many skills, or perhaps
You merely led by example.
Perhaps you were tied to us by blood
Or by marriage, or simply came
Into our lives when it was needed.
Perhaps you were a parent to our bodies,
Or to our minds, or to our hearts,
Or to our souls.
However it was, you were there,
And we are grateful,
For the flame you kindled
Has warmed us ever since,
And we will pass it on.

(Each steps forward, lights a candle, and speaks the name of a parent, or one who has parented them, and everyone else calls it back to them, as in “I honor Maria, my stepmother who taught me to read!” “We honor Maria!” The next person lights their candle from the last one, until the ritual is over. At the end, all chant in two-part harmony the names they have spoken.)

Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, Feb. 11th

Early birds are likely to fly high and soar above the static of the lower realms since the Moon in Libra makes harmonious trines of 120-degrees to the Sun in Aquarius (2:29AM PST) and Mercury in Aquarius (10:00AM PST). When you have the Sun, Moon and Mercury on a silver platter, rejoice in what the celestial hosts are offering to you. If some important communication channels have been recently blocked, now they have a chance to reopen. This is magnified as the Moon parallels Mercury (10:50AM PST). It also makes good sense to re-vitalize any literary, educational and publishing projects. However, make sure that Saturn is on your side – and not undermining your position due to excess fear moving through your emotions and thoughts – since the Moon unites with beautiful, ringed Saturn in Libra (1:10PM PST). Learn valuable lessons from mentors and teachers in your main fields of expertise. The Moon’s monthly union with Saturn also begins a short void cycle that lasts until 2:02PM PST when the lunar orb activates intense, passionate and driven Scorpio. By 5:23PM PST, psychic storm warnings are posted due to an abrasive, 45-degree link from the Sun to Pluto. Being too pushy, willful and headstrong won’t win you admirers. Opportunity can knock several hours later when a revelatory Pallas-Neptune union happens at the first degree of Pisces (10:39PM PST). Welcome insights pouring in from the higher planes of consciousness. Over the next 48 hours, Mercury will join forces with both Pallas and Neptune to create a triple conjunction right at the beginning of psychic, imagination and empathic Pisces. Your ability to solve key problems and be a savvy strategist helping friends, colleagues and loved ones will depend on tuning into soul-spiritual attributes as well as unlocking logical and common-sense clues from the three-dimensional world.