What Does Your Sun-Sign Seek?

Annie B. Bond

Our sun-sign horoscope can give us a simple but powerful affirmation of what it is we seek in this life. As we begin the new year we could all benefit from this reminder, to help us stay on the path that is right for us.

Find out what your sun sign tells you about your deepest soul nature, and what it is you seek, here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: I seek my Self. I accept my energy and ability to launch new actions for the betterment and benefit of myself or for others.

Taurus, April 20-May 21: I seek my Self through what I have. I use stability and persistence for the benefit of myself and others.

Gemini, May 22-June 20: I seek my Self through what I think. My keen perceptive intuition is all that is needed for the evolution of myself and others.

Cancer, June 21-July 22: I seek my Self through what I feel. I am the star in a sea of stars, I am Water and the Moon, I provide the haven, the safe haven, in the universe.

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: I seek my Self through what I create. I am the Monarch of the universe, I am the Heart of hearts. I am the heart of Creative energy.

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: I seek my Self through what I learn. I am the Magician of the universe. I accept the healing and magical powers I have or will use. The key for tapping into my deeper resource is the ever-increasing acceptance of who I am now.

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: I seek my Self through what I unite. I hold the celestial balance in my hands; I am the Cosmic Judge. I am the artist and the lover, Peacemaker of the Heavens.

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: I seek my Self through what I desire. I am the Transformer, I am the Keeper of Mysteries, I am the Mystic.

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: I seek, therefore I am. I am the Seer of the Zodiac. I am the future now. I remember the future.

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: I seek my Self through what I use. I am enterprising, the Builder, the Organizer who looks toward higher orders, greater justice, constantly building relationships, families, communities, and countries.

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: I seek my Self through Humanity. I am the Truth Sayer, the Scientist, the Revolutionary. I am the genius Sign of the Zodiac.

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: I seek my Self when I don’t seek my Self. I amt he Beloved, I am the Loving, I am the Poet. I am the Divine Dark Warrior, I am the Divine White Healer.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, Dec. 18th

The arrival of Libra Moon (12:07AM PST) each month usually signals a golden opportunity to smooth over relationship troubles and to explore your gifts as a creative artist. The challenge right now is that Venus in Capricorn forms a square to Saturn in Libra (6:19AM PST). This is known in the astrological terminology as a mutual reception because Venus is located in a Saturn-ruled sign (Capricorn) while Saturn is located in a Venus-ruled sign (Libra). This can be helpful and supportive if the mathematical connection between the two celestial bodies is harmonious. However, the square of 90-degrees is usually more frictional and abrasive in its nature. The bottom line is that you can still make a couple of great leaps forward in strengthening the bonds of a primary partnership and tapping into your artistic treasure-trove of skills is do-able. Whether or not, you will feel totally happy and confident during the process is questionable. And some rough edges – on the emotional plane in particular – are likely to arise. Cautionary and conservative vibes coming from the beautiful ringed planet are also strong around 5:00PM PST as the Moon parallels Saturn. By tomorrow, a Sun-Saturn 60-degree tie will combine with the monthly Moon-Saturn zodiacal union to really ramp up the serious and profound energy-field associated with this planet that has much to do with focus, hard work, structure, form, responsibility and climbing up the ladder of worldly success.

Correspondences For Sunday, December 18th

Sunday

Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate
Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary
The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.   Spellcrafting for Sunday

MIND HEART SPIRIT HEALING RITUAL

To quiet a troubled mind, mend a broken heart, or heal a wounded spirit, you will
need the following items:
1 DOVE FEATHER (preferably one that crosses your path by chance, but definitely
one which has NOT been plucked, but has fallen naturally.)
2 BLUE CANDLES (for healing, tranquillity, peace and forgiveness)
LAVENDER BATH SALTS OR OIL (for love, peace, happiness, purification and protection)
1 CINNAMON STICK (OR CHIPS) (for spirituality, success, healing, power, love and protection)
ALTAR BELL
On the night of a NEW moon, gather the items and place them on your altar
(or, if you have the privacy, outside on a tree stump or other earth area).
Take one blue candle and the lavender bath salts or oil and bathe in the lavender
by the light of the blue candle, concentrating on that which requires healing.(If you
cease bathing before the candle is completely burned out, do NOT extinguish the
flame by blowing it out, but do extinguish it.) Once at your altar (or earth place), light
the blue candle and recite the following:
It is time to awaken to the cry of the dove,
Hearken to the chimes of the bells of love,
Spirit rise and soul take flight,
Into the halls of endless night
Where shadows ceases to fall upon
The brilliant light of endless dawn.
The fire, cold, burns radiant
Consuming all in sweet content.
The joy a pain, the peace a wound,
The pain a peace, the joy a boon.
Next, light the cinnamon stick or chips (the stick works best) with the candle flame.
Pass the dove feather through the flame (quickly, so as not to set it afire) then the
cinnamon smoke, in that order, three times. While still holding the feather, ring your
altar bell three times. Leave the cinnamon burning in your censure ’til it goes out on
its own, and leave the candle burning ’til it does the same. Take the feather outside
and place it under a tree (elder, preferably, but any will do) — place it under a different
tree if you are performing this spell near a tree outside. This will set it free, freeing you
as well. DO NOT touch the feather again, let it leave on its own!

SACHET FOR HEALING

2 parts Cinnamon 2 parts Sandalwood 1 part Rose petals
1 part Cayenne 1 part Ginger 1 part Rue
Mix and tie in a blue or purple cloth. Anoint with Eucalyptus oil and wear or place near bed at night.
Some herbs that are medicinally good for pain relief and magically good for healing that
you might add into the sachet would be Chamomile, White Willow bark, and Wood Betony.

PAIN RELEIVER SALVE

Mix together 1 oz of chickweed (reduces inflammation and aids in healing), 1 oz of
wormwood (a great pain reliever), and 1 ounce of yarrow (an anti-bacterial agent that
also helps relieve pain). The yarrow plant contains achillein and achilleic acid.
These substances reduce the clotting time of blood, so they help stop any bleeding.
Yarrow also has pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to aspirin.
Add the mixture of herbs to 2 pints of olive oil and simmer 3 hours.
Strain and add 3 ounces of beeswax and 1 teaspoon of tincture of benzoin.
Test for consistency before pouring into wide mouth containers.

~Magickal Graphics~

All Hail Ye, Simple Pagans

Author Unknown

“(Oh Come, All Ye Faithful)”

All hail ye, simple pagans
Gather round the Yule fire
Oh come ye Oh come ye
To call the Sun!
Fires within us
Call the fire above us:

Oh come let us adore him!
Oh come let us adore him!
Oh come let us adore him!
Our Lord, the Sun!

Yea Lord, we greet thee
Born again at Yuletide!
Yule fires and candle flames
Are lighted for you!
Come to thy children
Calling for thy blessing!

Oh come let us adore him!
Oh come let us adore him!
Oh come let us adore him!
Our Lord, the Sun

About Yule

a guide to the Sabbat’s symbolism

by Arwynn MacFeylynnd

Date: December 21-23 (usually, the date of the calendar winter solstice).

Alternative names: Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan, Meán Geimhridh, Midwinter, Christmas.

Primary meanings: Renewal and rebirth. The dark force, which the sun battles all winter, gives way. People celebrate the shortest night and anticipate the return of the light and warmth. Yule or Winter Solstice celebrates the rebirth of the Sun Child.

Symbols: Mistletoe, holly, ivy, Yule logs, strings of lights, wreaths, candles and gingerbread men.

Colors: Red, green, white, gold and silver.

Gemstones: Cat’s-eye and ruby.

Herbs: Bay, cedar, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, rosemary and pine.

Gods and goddesses: All newborn gods and sun gods, and all mother goddesses and triple goddesses. Gods include the Greek Apollo; Egyptian Ra, Osiris and Horus; Irish-Celtic Lugh; Norse Odin; Native American Father Sun; and Christian-Gnostic Jesus. Goddesses include the Irish-Celtic Morrigan and Brigit; Egyptian Isis; Greek Demeter, Gaea, Pandora, Selene and Artemis; Roman Juno and Diana; Middle-Eastern Astarte; Native American Spinning Woman; and Christian-Gnostic Virgin Mary.

Customs and myths: Light a Yule log or candles; bring light into the dark! The Yule log is ceremonially burned in the main hearth, kindled with a piece from last year’s fire and allowed to smolder for 12 days before being ceremonially put out. The log must come from your own land or be given to you as a gift. Decorate it with greenery, and douse it with cider or ale. Sing and be merry! The seasonal Santa Claus, or Kris Kringle, comes from the Norse traditions. During the Yule season’s stormy nights, Odin rode his eight-footed horse throughout the world bestowing gifts on worthy people and dispensing justice to wrongdoers. Kris Kringle (“Christ of the Wheel”) is the title of the Norse god born at Winter Solstice. Our ancestors believed that by decorating with evergreen plants such as holly, mistletoe and ivy, they were helping to bring the Sun through a dangerous time of diminished light.

Your Horoscope Health Advisory

Annie B. Bond

Every sun-sign of the zodiac has health issues that are associated with it. Best to have a heads-up!

By taking special care of yourself and your possible trouble-areas now, you clear the way for better overall health. (A note from Cait: I just recovered from a nasty kidney infection after ignoring the symptoms for awhile. If only I’d read this great little book earlier: kidney problems are often associated with my sign. Now I know to pay better attention!)

Use that ounce of prevention: get your sun-sign health advisory right here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: Fevers, inflammatory complaints, wounds, accidents.

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Weakness in the throat or neck, congestion in the chest, afflictions arising from diet.

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Afflictions of the shoulders, lungs and chest; biliousness, nervous debility, nervous diseases.

Cancer, June 21-July 22: Chest injuries, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, diseases of the stomach, particularly those associated with worry.

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Injuries to the heart, eyes, back, and spine; weakness of the heart, angina, spinal afflictions, lumbago, eye diseases.

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Ailments of the abdomen and intestines, digestive debility.

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Kidney stones, sciatica, eczema, skin eruptions, kidney disease, nephritis, lumbago, worry, overstrained nerves.

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: All ailments of the genitals, bladder and rectum, inflammations, nervous ills, worry, mental stress.

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Rheumatism or arthritis in the hips, thighs, and lower limbs; sciatica, sprains, hip dislocation, fracture of the thighs; nervous disorders, lung and throat afflictions, bronchitis, high blood pressure.

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Childhood ills, illness and injury that affects the knees, skin diseases, chills, arthritis, toothache, earache, migraine and headache, depression, anxiety neurosis, mood swings.

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Weakness and injury affecting the ankles, depression, anxiety, nervous disorders, spasms, paralysis, convulsive disorders, broken bones, poor circulation, varicose veins, rheumatism, electric shocks, danger from lightning.

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Injury and ailments concerning the feet, chills, dropsy, malfunctioning liver, infectious diseases.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 17th

Organizational themes are a number one concern with the Moon continuing its monthly transit through Virgo. Eliminate non-essentials from cupboards, drawers and closets. Be the efficiency master in the residential and business realms. Out with clutter; in with order. Antique hunters and collectible aficionados are in their glory when the Moon illuminates this sixth sign of the zodiac – associated very strongly with valuable items from the past that have particular or unusual markings, engravings, signatures and historical meaning. Clean-up campaigns are also reinforced to make sure everything shines again with its original essence. When the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase arrives (energizing 26 degrees of Sagittarius and Virgo at 4:49PM PST), cut through obstacles on your mental and even spiritual path. Tap into your creative artistry or come from the heart with a primary partner shortly thereafter as a Moon-Venus flowing trine in earth signs provides a loving boost (6:30PM PST). Nevertheless, this Moon-Venus connection also begins a 5+ hour void cycle that lasts until 12:07AM PST on Sunday when the Moon enters affable, airy Libra. It is wise to simmer down emotionally during this void lunar twilight zone. Finish odd jobs and projects with finesse while waiting until the lunar orb enters Libra before launching new, bold initiatives.

Your Horoscope Vacation

Cait Johnson

The ideal vacation for a fiery, active Aries will probably look very different than the getaway for a tradition-loving Taurus or a super-organized Virgo, for instance. The wisdom from our sun sign can show us how to get the maximum in soul-nurturance from our summer break.

Find out what your horoscope can tell you about your ideal vacation here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: You will probably prefer a break that includes a lot of physical activity: surfing, kayaking, hiking, or vigorous sightseeing. If the rest of your family prefers loafing on the beach, find ways to stay on an even keel by doing yoga or tai chi in the sand.

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Taurus people generally prefer going to places that are familiar and traditional. This year, you might want to hoist yourself out of your rut and go someplace new. Wherever you go, you will find the deepest nurturance in the fertile green energy of nature.

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Geminis sometimes find it hard to feel grounded and to quiet their quickly-moving minds. You might consider taking a meditation retreat to help yourself be deeply present and still. If your family wants to do a theme park instead, just make sure you take time to go someplace quiet and simply sit.

Cancer, June 21-July 22: It can be difficult to get sensitive home-loving Cancers to go anywhere, but the seaside is a natural choice if you do decide to leave the safety and comfort of home. Allow the sound of the surf to bring you ease.

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Most Leos love vacations that offer plenty of opportunity for your vitality to shine, so anything from karaoke singing to drama workshops to simply being the tour guide for your family may all appeal. You are a natural activities-director and entertainer, so enjoy!

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: It is all too easy for Virgos to get caught up in the details of planning the vacation and forget to relax and be in the moment. But time spent gardening (or visiting famous gardens) or simply indulging in wonderful organic meals will help to soothe you.

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Harmony-loving Libras may find they are more focused on pleasing everyone else when it comes to taking a vacation than in pleasing themselves. Be sure to feed your sensitive spirit with plenty of beauty, both natural and human: art museums and natural vistas both will offer soul-food.

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Because Scorpios are so drawn to the depths, your ideal vacation may involve a spiritual workshop of some kind, or learning an esoteric practice, or doing deep couples work with your partner. If not, then snorkeling or scuba-diving might offer a literal way for you to explore those depths of which you are so fond.

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Sparkly Sagittarians usually need plenty of activity and social interaction to feed their souls. Your ideal vacation might involve a group tour of some interesting spot or a glimpse of another culture.

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Work-oriented Capricorns usually need to be pried away from their desks and routines with a crowbar, but if you do decide you deserve a break, time spent in the mountains or some other expansive view will help you to unwind.

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Your fertile imagination will take pleasure in coming up with meaningful activities to share with your closest loved ones. Anything that offers spiritual inspiration will be likely to engage and nurture you.

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Because of your dedication to service, your ideal vacation may involve some kind of environmental or social outreach: helping to clean up a park or building a house for the needy may appeal to your altruistic nature. If your family just wants to have fun, you can channel your need to help in smaller but no less important ways.

Weekend Lunar Love Horoscopes for December 16th – 18th

Weekend Love: Lunar Love

by Jeff Jawer

Work in Progress

December 16 – 18

Love and pleasure are available for those willing to work extra hard this weekend. The practical Virgo Moon favors productivity and pragmatism, leaving romantic fantasies behind and seeking more grounded ways to connect. Collaborating on a project is one way to have fun while taking care of business. Helping a friend or contributing time and energy to a cause in which you believe can be excellent alternative methods for meeting someone special.

Happily, there is a sweet trend on Saturday night when the earthy Virgo Moon aligns favorably with lovely Venus. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or do anything elaborate to tap into the simple pleasures available all around you.

The Moon’s move into the partnership sign Libra on Sunday morning turns the wheel in another direction. Normally, this shift should invite delight and harmonious partnerships but, alas, this may not be the case now. The Moon’s challenging square with manipulative Pluto could undermine trust and bring up old fears from the past. However, this relatively quick moving transit is trumped by a more challenging one: Venus’ square with severe Saturn. You might feel temporarily isolated and unloved, yet the point is not to suffer in silence but to face facts and stoically work harder to earn the affection you want.

Cosmic Calendar for December 15th

Last night’s Mars-Saturn contra-parallel has some staying power and can give you the creeps, so-to-speak. Any time the two traditional malefic planets combine their influence, the urge to be rash and to control may form a diabolical configuration. However, coming to a partial rescue is a Moon-Jupiter parallel (1:07AM PST). Similar to a zodiacal union between the lunar orb and the largest planet, this Moon-Jupiter rapport gives you feelings of self-confidence and enthusiasm. Adding to the morning upbeat vibrations is a Sun-Moon trine in fire signs as the two lights form their 120-degree connection from Sagittarius to Leo at 8:07AM PST. Unleash your creative skills in an unusual artistic medium or play a favorite musical instrument with flair. Watch out for rising volatility around the time of a Moon-Mars parallel (12:46PM PST). Later on, confusion may be engulfing a key partnership as the Moon in Leo makes its monthly opposition to Neptune in Aquarius (5:21PM PST). Haziness on your part won’t help the situation. Fortunately, this Moon-Neptune polarity – which starts a void lunar cycle lasting until 8:00PM PST – won’t remain influential for more than a couple of hours. By the time the Moon enters industrious and meticulous Virgo at 8:00PM PST, you can now focus attention on the small details in life that either sustain your prodigious efforts or send you off on wild-goose chases for answers to subtle problems. Stock up on cereals, grains, tea, herbs, vitamins, supplements, nuts, seeds and seasonings as the Moon in Virgo trines Jupiter in Taurus (8:56PM PST). Literary and educational pursuits are reinforced. Be prepared for some new cosmic shenanigans on Friday as Mars locks horns with Jupiter while Vesta finds comfort in Neptune’s embrace.

What Does Your Sun-Sign Seek?

Annie B. Bond