Tag: The Craft

8 Famous Witches From Mythology and Folklore

Ancient mythology and folklore is filled with witches, including the Bible’s Witch of Endor and Russian folklore’s Baba Yaga. These enchantresses are known for their magic and trickery, which is sometimes used for good and sometimes for mischief.

The Witch of Endor

The Christian Bible has an injunction against practicing witchcraft and divination, and that can probably be blamed on the Witch of Endor. In the first Book of Samuel, King Saul of Israel got in some trouble when he sought assistance from the witch and asked her to predict the future. Saul and his sons were about to march into battle against their enemies, the Philistines, and Saul decided it was time to get a bit of supernatural insight as to what was going to happen the next day. Saul started off by asking God for help, but God stayed mum…and so Saul took it upon himself to seek answers elsewhere.

According to the Bible, Saul summoned the witch of Endor, who was a well-known medium in the area. Disguising himself so she wouldn’t know she was in the presence of the king, Saul asked the witch to revive the dead prophet Samuel so that he might tell Saul what was going to happen.

Who was the witch of Endor? Well, like many other biblical figures, no one really knows. Though her identity is lost to myth and legend, she has managed to appear in more contemporary literature. Geoffrey Chaucer makes reference to her in The Canterbury Tales, in the tale spun by the friar to entertain his fellow pilgrims. The Friar tells his listeners:

“Yet tell me,” said the summoner, “if true:
Do you make your new bodies always so
Out of the elements?” The fiend said, “No,
Sometimes it’s only some form of disguise;
Dead bodies we may enter that arise
To speak with all the reason and as well
As to the Endor witch spoke Samuel.”

One of the best-known mythological mistresses of mayhem is Circe, who appears in The Odyssey. According to the story, Odysseus and his Achaeans found themselves fleeing the land of the Laestrygonians. After a group of Odysseus’ scouts were captured and eaten by the Laestrygonian king, and nearly all of his ships sunk by large boulders, the Achaeans ended up on the shore of Aeaea, home to the witch-goddess Circe.

Circe was well known for her magical mojo, and had quite the reputation for her knowledge of plants and potions. According to some accounts, she may have been the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and one of the Oceanids, but she is sometimes referred to as a daughter of Hecate, the goddess of magic.

Circe turned Odysseus’ men into pigs, and so he set off to rescue them. Before he got there, he was visited by the messenger god, Hermes, who told him how to defeat the seductive Circe. Odysseus followed Hermes’ helpful hints, and overpowered Circe, who turned the men back into men… and she then became Odysseus’ lover. After a year or so of luxuriating in Circe’s bed, Odysseus finally figured out he should head back home to Ithaca, and his wife, Penelope. The lovely Circe, who may or may not have borne Odysseus a couple of sons, gave him directions that sent him all over the place, including on a side quest to the Underworld.

After Odysseus’ death, Circe used her magic potions to bring her late lover back to life.

The Bell Witch …

Morgan Le Fay …

Medea …

Baba Yaga …

La Befana …

Grimhildr …

 

Click here to read the rest of this article by Patti Wigington from learnreligions.com

Printable Celtic Tree Calendar

The Celtic Tree Calendar – following the lunar cycle

Click here to read more about the 13 months of the Celtic Tree Calendar from Ireland-Calling.com

The Celtic Tree Calendar is based on the ogham alphabet and its association with trees.

It consists of 13 months, each 28 days long, following the lunar cycle, as Roman accounts have suggested the Druids did, with one extra day representing the 23rd December, the ‘Day of Creation’.

Each of the 13 months is represented by a tree together with its ogham letter.

The calendar was conceived by the British poet and scholar Robert Graves. It was an idea put forward in his book The White Goddess, a historical grammar of poetic myth, first published in 1948.

The book focused on the mythology of Ireland, Britain, Europe and the Middle East, interpreting it in Grave’s individual and poetic style.

As historical accounts of ancient Druids are scarce, many of Graves’ ideas regarding the Celtic Tree Calendar were based on the works of Irish historian Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh, (Roderick O’Flaherty). Ó Flaithbheartaigh had published Ogygia in 1685, an elaborate history of Ireland that journeys back to the time of myths and legends and contains within it a chapter on understanding the ancient ogham alphabet.

Graves’ works may also have been influenced by the 14th century Book of Ballymote which contains a chapter on the ogham in which many varieties of the alphabet appear in the form of several diagrams thought to be used as secret codes.

Although the calendar is quite new in a historical sense, its influences lie within ancient Celtic mythology and folklore. It is a beautiful example of how modern spiritual beliefs and the customs of ancient times can be combined to form something enchanting.

Let’s Have Some More Some Fun

Let’s Have Some Fun

 

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, February 20 to Saturday, February 26, 2022

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes 

All Signs

Last week, triggered rebellions and direct action. This week, Neptune will promote creativity, imagination, escapism, peaceful solutions and powerful dreams. It’s the perfect time for artistic projects and using our imagination. But Neptune is tricky. It blurs the lines between reality and illusion. We might think we’re on a noble quest, but it’s really just an excuse for adventure. Escape through drugs will rise. The best approach? Maintain a relaxed attitude. Carry on with business as usual, while creative ideas percolate on the back burner, especially if you’re an artist. Speaking of artists. Do you know the difference between an amateur and a professional? The professional always throws away her best work.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You excel at arts and crafts. You love doing something for the first time to puncture the mystique of how it’s done. Ah yes! That resounding satisfaction of the “ah ha” moment. Two different influences are at play this week: You want to be low profile. That’s fine. Nevertheless, bosses and people in authority admire you. They see your talents and they’re prepared to reward your efforts. You can run but you can’t hide. Keep working at what you’re doing, because you’re heading for a time of recognition this summer. Perhaps as early as May. (Auguste Rodin, the sculptor of The Thinker, said, “I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don’t need.”)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a lovely week to enjoy the company of others. You’ll be happy with friends plus, groups and organizations. In fact, because your idealism is aroused, you might work on behalf of a charitable organization or join the efforts with others to help those who are less fortunate. Creative groups related to the performing arts or music will be rewarding to experience. Meanwhile, some of you will fall in love with, or develop a crush on, someone who is “different” — perhaps from another culture. You might also join forces to advance the cause of good in another country or a far-away place. Many healing possibilities exist.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You make a fabulous impression on others this week, especially bosses, parents, teachers, the police and people in power. They see you as wise, compassionate and helpful. In fact, because you attract admiration and praise — gifts and favours from others might come your way. If you deal with important financial decisions about shared property, inheritances or debt, you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank. However, some of you might use your influence or clout with people in power to do fundraising and allocate resources or money to those who need help. It’s beneficial to help others in need, for your own good as well as theirs, because what goes around, comes around.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Travel plans and a desire to escape somewhere wonderful and exotic will appeal this week. That’s because you have a strong urge to “get away from all this;” and possibly, this is shared by a close friend or partner. If you can’t swing a major vacation, maybe you can do a mini escape? Some will use the platform of social media, publishing, higher education or the law to promote ideas of peace and welfare for others. Some of you will welcome a chance to help a partner or close friend because in small ways (or big), you see how to make a positive difference in their life. This is a wonderful week for you to practice kindness.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This week, you have rewarding opportunities to help someone, most likely through your job or through any effort or task that you set for yourself. For starters, you might help a coworker either directly with physical assistance or advice; or you might help someone because you inspire them. (You are definitely someone who knows how to inspire others and encourage them to be the best they can be.) In another vein (different arm), you might be happy about your health. You might easily heal a problem. Some will have good news or experience greater enjoyment connected with a pet. On the whole, you will be happier in your work and derive a greater satisfaction from what you do, especially if what you do benefits others.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This a creative week! Many of you will explore creative ideas and express your artistic talents. Write down innovative ideas or share them with others. You might be involved with children, especially teaching children or helping children in need. Sports events, especially competitive, might be a strong focus. There are huge romantic possibilities this week – major! Some of you will fall in love. Amusing diversions, social outings, chances to express creative self-expression as well as fun times with children will make this a lovely time for you. It’s a great week for games and fun! Enjoy concerts, museums and places wherever good art can be found.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Many wonderful things will take place this week that affect your home and your family. For starters, you will be thrilled with redecorating ideas or chances to tweak your digs because you’ll be inspired to try new ideas. You might entertain at home. Family relations will be tenderhearted and gentle. Despite your desire to entertain or redecorate, this is also a lovely week to enjoy quiet hours at home, especially to experience the closeness and warmth of family living. Despite the increased activity and chaos at home, you are achieving a wonderful balance and coping superbly. (And remember: If you put out fresh flowers, you don’t have to dust.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Even you might be surprised at how skilful a communicator you are this week. Your words will be like gold! You will know how to please others, soothe a troubled friend, inspire or encourage someone, and make people feel good. In doing so, you will feel a reverberating energy coming back to you, that makes you realize how much love there is in your daily world. These feel-good vibes will be so strong, you will also appreciate the beauty of your daily surroundings more than usual. It’s true! When you change the way you look at things, the things that you look at change. The power of perception. Meanwhile, many of you will see ways to make money from your words through writing, teaching, selling or acting. Bravo!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Even though your primary focus is on home, family and a parent (for many); nevertheless, money and possessions are also a strong focus for you this week. For starters, you might be shopping and buying beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. If so, be careful about being too extravagant because you will be tempted to do this. Care in spending is advisable. Meanwhile, financial negotiations will be favoured. It will be easy to borrow money. Investments will look worthwhile, especially those related to the arts, gas, oil and beauty products. However, keep your eyes open and be careful about anything that looks too good to be true. Perhaps it is.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is a powerful week for you because Venus and Mars are in your sign and each of them is affected by Neptune. Neptune will cast an illusory magical vibe on the energy of these two planets in your sign, which in turn, will make you feel gentle and warm hearted to everyone. You will have a strong desire to relate to others and to make peace where there is discord. You are ready to compromise because you understand both sides of the question. This is a good week to enjoy the company of others. You will also like to take a vacation because you will rank pleasure above work. However, you will assert yourself on behalf of others, especially if you want to defend someone from injustice. Note: This is a wonderful time to dance.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is almost a mystical time for you. In one way, admittedly, you are concerned about money, cash flow, earnings and your possessions. You’re taking stock of your wealth. However, another completely different vibe will affect you at an unconscious level. You will enjoy solitude because you feel content and happy to be in your skin. A strong dreamlike quality might pervade your days and certainly your nights! In fact, your dreams might be vivid and memorable. Personally, you will be selfless in your genuine concern for others. You want what’s best for someone else. You will feel self-denial in love relationships because your highest concern is for your loved one. (Pretty heady stuff!)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is such a powerful time for you! The Sun, Jupiter and Neptune continue to be in your sign; however, this week, they are dancing with Venus and Mars, which will benefit friendships and all your relations with friends and group activities. You will be more loving and affectionate with others. Because your ego energies will be low, you will easily get along with everyone. Romance will be delightful and friendly. For some, a friend will become a lover. Lofty goals will appeal because you believe in yourself more than usual. In fact, you will see that the only thing holding you back was your own lack of confidence. You understand that Richard Bach was right, “Argue for your limitations, and they’re yours.”

PSYCHIC PROTECTION SPELL

 

It is best to find a work area that you can leave untouched for 3 days.
If you must put away your tools, try to leave the spell candle out in the open.
Prepare your work area by setting up any tools you may be using in addition to your spells candle.
(Black) Love or protection incense is recommended.
While setting up your area, concentrate on the purpose of the work.
Bathe or cleanse your self. Do not let negative thought enter your mind.
Go your work area. Cast the Circle, light incense.
Envision a large, white ball of light surrounding you, your work area, and your home.
Hold the candle between the palms of your hand and direct all positive energy into it.
Place the candle and prior to lighting say,
“This candle represents protection over me in all things.”
Light the candle and say,
“As the light of this flame grows, I feel the light and positive energy around me.
As this candle burns, everything around me is blessed with light and love.
I am blessed with light and love. Negative energy is banished.”
Sit back and watch the candle burn.
Keep visualizing the white ball of light and protection around you..
Evision your higher self blessing you and protecting you from harm.
When the candle has burned 1/3 of the way down say,
“As the flame of the candle is extinguished…
Evil, negativity, and harm towards me is banished!
Any entity, ghost or spirit her by mistake go into the light and pass on to the world of spirit,
be not afraid as many wait for you there who you have loved and who love you.
Extinguish the candle. But don’t blow it out!
Repeat this for 2 more nights. Bury or throw away the left over wax.

Printable House Blessing to Hang Up

Spring House Blessing


Spring House Blessing

To encourage the return of Spring, tie a bunch of snowdrops with green ribbon and hang over the main entrance of your home as you repeat:

Candlemas Bells, snowdrops so white,
Cast away shadows, bring forth the light.

Printable To Undo a Spell

Casting A Circle

Casting A Circle

 

Purify yourself first. You can do this by meditating, or taking a ritual bath. One way is to, try to keep the water flowing, possibly by leaving the bath plug half in, or by having a shower. This reinforces the idea of washing away any impurities so you are not sitting in your own psychic rubbish. (Scent your bath water with your selection of a sacred or special herb or oil.) Ideally, your towel – if you choose to use one – should be clean and used only for the purpose of your ritual bath.

 

• • Wear something special if you can, something that you only wear during a ritual or working. You can always add a pretty scarf or a throw in the correct color for your working. This sets apart spell working from everyday confusion.

 

• • Decide on the extent of your circle, which should be formed in front of your altar. Purify this space by sprinkling the area with water followed by salt – both of these should have been blessed.

 

• • Sit quietly for as long as you can inside the area that will become your circle.

 

• • Imagine a circle of light surrounding you. This light could be white, blue or purple. If you are in a hurry and cannot purify and cleanse fully, reinforce the circle of light by visualizing it suffused with the appropriate color for your working.

 

• • Circle the light around, above and below you in a clockwise direction, like the representation of an atom. Feel it as a sphere or as a cone of power. Sense the power Remember to leave a ‘doorway’ through which your magic energy may exit. You should always feel warm and peaceful within your circle.

 

• • Use your own personal chant or form of words according to your own belief system to consecrate your circle and banish all evil and negative energy, forbidding anything harmful to enter your space. Remember, you are always safe within your circle if you command it to be so.

 

• • If appropriate, invite the Gods and Goddesses to attend your circle and magical working.

 

• • Relax and be happy.

 

If you wish, you can use objects on the ground to show the boundaries of the circle, such as candles, crystals, cord, stones, flowers or incense. The circle is formed from personal power. This may be felt and visualized as streaming from the body to form a bubble made of mist, or a circle of light. You can use the athame (ritual dagger) or your hands to direct this power.

 

The cardinal points of the compass may be denoted with lit candles, often white or purple. Alternatively, place a green candle at the North point of the circle, yellow candle at the East, red candle at the South and blue candle at the West. The altar stands in the centre of the circle, facing North in the direction of power.

Printable Spell to Stop Gossip and Slander

Printable Good Luck Spell

For Your Listening Pleasure

Mountain Witches of Appalachia

February 2022 Full Moon Details

one Moon because by this point, the tribe’s winter food supplies had usually dwindled to the point where people had to gnaw on bones and cook bone marrow soup in order to survive. For the same reason, the Kalapuya tribe called this moon the Out of Food Moon. Appropriately, it’s also known as the Hunger Moon and the Little Famine Moon. Perhaps due to this month’s association with death, the Cherokee tribe would commune with their dead ancestors during the Bone Moon. A didanawiskawi, or a medicine person, would host a medicine dance for the community. Fasting and rituals for the dead were also common practices.

However, not all cultures associate February’s full moon with extreme cold and death. The Hopi tribe calls it the Moon of Purification and Renewal, which is very fitting because the Full Snow Moon is usually the very first full moon of the year according to the lunar calendar. Cultures that follow the lunar calendar, especially East Asian cultures, tend to associate the Full Snow Moon with new beginnings for this very reason. The ancient Chinese, for example, called it the Budding Moon.

As a matter of fact, celebrations of February’s full moon are the climax of Lunar New Year festivities in various East Asian countries. In China, the Full Snow Moon is celebrated during the Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, which is the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. During this festival, the Chinese release kongming lanterns into the sky as they admire the full moon and eat tangyuan, glutinous rice balls that are usually filled with sweet paste. The round shape of the balls symbolize family togetherness and bring good luck to the whole family.

Many East Asian cultures in general also light lanterns and bonfires to celebrate February’s full moon. According to an ancient Chinese legend, not long after Buddhism was brought into China, 17 deities were witnessed flying through the sky during the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. Shocked and excited, the populace lit fires and lanterns to see the godly beings better. They continued to do so year after year, but for more practical reasons – to chase away pests and to pray for a good crop in the upcoming spring.

In Korea, where February’s full moon is known as Daeboreum, these fiery structures are called “Houses of the Burning Moon”. During Daeboreum, Koreans hike mountains despite the freezing temperatures in order to catch a glimpse of the first rise of the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. According to legend, the very first person to accomplish this feat will have their dearest wish come true.

 

Local Date and Time for February 2022 Full Moon in major cities around the world:

Los Angeles,
San Francisco,
Vancouver
February 16, 2022
8:57am PST

Denver,
Salt Lake City,
Calgary
February 16, 2022
9:57am MST

Chicago,
Houston,
San Antonio
February 16, 2022
10:57am CST

New York,
Toronto,
Atlanta
February 16, 2022
11:57am EST

London,
Manchester,
Dublin
February 16, 2022
4:57pm GMT

Paris,
Rome,
Berlin
February 16, 2022
5:57pm CET

Athens,
Istanbul,
Helsinki
February 16, 2022
6:57pm EET

Dubai,
Abu Dhabi,
Muscat
February 16, 2022
8:57pm +04

Bangalore,
Mumbai,
New Delhi
February 16, 2022
10:27pm IST

Singapore,
Kuala Lumpur
February 17, 2022
12:57am +08

Perth,
Hong Kong,
Beijing
February 17, 2022
12:57am AWST

Sydney,
Brisbane,
Melbourne
February 17, 2022
3:57am AEDT

Click here to read the rest of this article about the ebruary 2022 Moon Details

Printable Healing Spell

The Mirror and Moon Spell

February 15 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.

2022 February 15

Terminator Moon

Image Credit: NASA, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, SVS; Processing & Copyright: Jai & Neil Shet

Explanation: What’s different about this Moon? It’s the terminators. In the featured image, you can’t directly see any terminator — the line that divides the light of day from the dark of night. That’s because the image is a digital composite of 29 near-terminator lunar strips. Terminator regions show the longest and most prominent shadows — shadows which, by their contrast and length, allow a flat photograph to appear three-dimensional. The original images and data were taken near the Moon by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Many of the Moon’s craters stand out because of the shadows they all cast to the right. The image shows in graphic detail that the darker regions known as maria are not just darker than the rest of the Moon — they are flatter.

 

Dial-A-Moon: Find the phase of the Moon on your birthday.

The Witch Said What?!

Until we merry meet again blessed be dear Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests

Casting a Circle

 

Casting a Circle

 

I cast a circle
flowing out from deep within
circling me in pale blue flame
power
I see it stretching before me
growing out to spread for miles and miles hours
and days
I see the joined hands of my grandmothers my
mother my daughter
my systers
I see it encompassing all which I love all that is
will be
I see faces new and dear
long forgotten
smiling
Making it grow making it stretch
forming a perfect ring of light
and hope and love
protection
Illuminating the room the night
the house the sky
my soul
I see the circle going on and on
girdling the earth
embracing her
I feel it stretching out from my heart and soul
Flowering from my blood my womb my breath
Spinning stretching dancing out on and on unbreakable
and unbroken eternal.

 

Seasonally Defective: Poetry for Goddesses and Mortal Women
Aly Sebastian

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, February 13 to Saturday, February 19, 2022

Click here for Georgia Nicols’ Daily Horoscopes

All Signs

Monday is Valentine’s Day. Sometimes astrological influences are lovely for this day; sometimes not so much. Unfortunately, this week, relationships are tense. Leo is the sign that typifies the theatricality of Valentine’s Day – flowers, sentimental cards, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and special gifts. But there is a Full Moon in Leo on Wednesday. Aggh! Take heart. Although problems always intensify as the Full Moon approaches, after it peaks, these same problems diminish or disappear. Meanwhile, this week the Sun changes signs, ushering in a very different vibe. By the end of the week, starry eyed, swooning energy, romance and sweetness will thrive! Therefore, adjust your expectations for the beginning of the week because by the end of the week, all is well. (“Did you want that gift wrapped?”)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your personal year is coming to an end, but your new year won’t begin until your birthday. This means that in the next four weeks, you’re sort of in limbo. You will still schmooze with others, especially younger people. Venus and your ruler Mars at the top of your chart will make you look good to others, especially bosses, parents and teachers. And Mars will continue to rev your ambitions. Therefore, you will happily handle this low-key journey. However, be smart and use this window of time to write down some goals for your new year ahead. Goals work! They keep you on track and make it harder to kid yourself.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

In the next four weeks, you’ll be more popular. To the extent that you are able, schmooze with friends and get involved with groups and organizations. (You might do this in person or on-line.) Some of you will strike up a romance with someone “different.” While you’re busy talking to others, remember to share your hopes for the future because someone’s feedback will help you. Meanwhile, you want to travel or make travel plans. Mars and Venus are in a part of your chart that makes you want to expand your world, learn new things and seek adventure. If you can’t travel, then make an effort to learn more through courses, school, reading or watching documentaries. You need a change of scenery!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Ta da! Once a year, the Sun sits at the top of your chart for four weeks, which is a wonderful benefit for you because this thrusts you into a flattering spotlight. This means bosses, parents and people in authority admire you, even if you don’t do anything special. (It’s smoke and mirrors.) Please be aware that in the next four weeks, you have this wonderful advantage! Obviously, this is the time to make your pitch or advance your agenda. Meanwhile, both Mars and Venus are in one of your Money Houses, encouraging resources and money to come your way. You will more easily get a loan or a mortgage. This is a fortuitous window of time for you. Use it!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Grab every chance to broaden your horizons in the next four weeks. Seek out new and unfamiliar experiences. Travel if you can. Explore hobbies. Discuss philosophy, religion and politics because intellectual stimulation will interest you. Obviously, travel will be exciting. With Venus opposite your sign, relations with others are smooth. However, Mars opposite your sign might indicate conflict with others, especially someone who is closest to you. Remember to focus more on what you share with this person instead of your differences. You must share a lot – or how else did they get so close to you?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You will feel more passionately about everything (including intimacy) in the next four weeks, which is why certain compulsions might surface. You might feel obsessed about something, especially getting your own way. You might also feel obsessed about being right. Well, these are just ego trips, aren’t they? What’s really going on is that you want to experience life at a more feeling, passionate level. Conversations are not enough. Words, words, words. You want to experience something more deeply. Some of you might meet someone who provokes psychological self-inquiry in you. “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The Sun is opposite your sign for the next four weeks. This happens only once a year and when it does, it means that symbolically, the Sun is as far away from you as it can get all year, and since the Sun is your source of energy – you will need more sleep. Furthermore, this polarized position of the Sun to your sign will make you focus on your closest one-to-one relationships. The good news is you will have more objectivity about these relationships, which will give you a better chance of seeing how well these relationships fill your needs or the needs of someone else. This is also an excellent time to consult experts. (“What’s the number for Ghostbusters?”)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

For the next four weeks, you will work hard to manage your life. You will focus on tasks that need to be done, and you will do them as efficiently as possible – making every action count. You might have to work on behalf of someone else. Fear not. This is not necessarily a time of self-denial. Ironically, you will derive satisfaction by doing a good job for yourself and others. You will take pride in your work. Because there is increased chaos on the home front, this attitude will serve you well. I remember that my mother-in-law had a white and blue serving plate with the script, “It’s a joy to labour for those you love.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Once a year, the Sun travels through the most fun part of your chart and this event begins this week. Lucky you! Your attitude toward your relationships will be lighter and more playful. Your focus will be on amusing recreations, games, sports, social outings, holidays and fun times with kids. Personally, you will feel free to express yourself without fear or apology because you want to be exactly who you are. How liberating and empowering! Some of you might encounter a new romance. If so, it will be a lighthearted relationship. (Let us not forget that you are a playful sign.) Enjoy your good fortune!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This week your focus will start to shift to your most intimate, personal life and the people who affect it the most. This is why you will cocoon at home more than usual and relax among familiar surroundings. Your interaction with a parent might be more significant in person or in your dreams. Meanwhile, welcome any chance to contemplate your navel and profound philosophical concepts, like why kleptomaniacs take things literally. Naturally, as you ponder family and your personal life, memories from the past will bubble up in your mind. This is why psychological self-evaluation will promote personal growth in the next few weeks. Sounds kind of heady, but we are always growing.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Beginning this week, the pace of your days will accelerate because suddenly, you’ve got places to go, things to do and people to see! Fortunately, with fiery Mars in your sign, you have the energy to accomplish all this. Meanwhile, this restless, eager influence will last for four weeks and is an excellent time for you to learn more about how you handle your casual relationships. Examine your style of communicating to others. It will be easy for you to clearly state your wants and needs to others; however, remember to listen as well. Good communications are a two-way street. If you can get out and travel for even a short trip – this will please you, because you’re eager for new knowledge and a change of scenery.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reflecting upon your values and defining the things that are important to you in the next four weeks. Likewise, you might take a deeper look at what you own, and your relationship to your belongings. Maybe you have to ask yourself, “Why do I keep this stuff?” Obviously, in some way, you feel what you own defines you. Possibly, you want to show off what you own to others? However, at a deeper level, what you seek is a way to gain greater control over your life through the things that you own. But remember – you are the owner. Don’t want them own you. Don’t be a slave to your possessions. Meanwhile, a secret love affair might be bubbling on the back burner.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This week, the Sun moves into your sign to stay for four weeks, which is fabulous news for you! This is your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year! After all, the Sun is the source of energy in your chart, and now it’s in your sign! This means you will project yourself more successfully onto your world. You will be more confident, more courageous and more proactive. Naturally, you will feel a great need to express yourself. (This is the one time of year when it is appropriate to put your own needs first.) The Sun will also attract favourable situations and important people to you. Oh yes, this is a winning time for you! Be passionate about your work. Be passionate about your play!