and open to Her Wisdom."
22nd Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle ~ Gort/Ivy
Celtic Tree Month ~ Ngetal/Reed
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 12:57PM EST
Moon rises: 10:59PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Fire
Sign of Leo at 5:22AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The joy of
simplicity
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 6:57AM EST
Sunset: 5:09PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are you homesick for?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 8th, 2009
The Art of Witchcraft:
What is the art of Witchcraft, and what do Witches really do? There is so much myth and legend surrounding this topic that it can be difficult to separate fact from fantasy. Raven Grimassi says that
one of his earliest teachers said this: "A Witch does not believe, a Witch knows. A Witch does not embrace faith, a Witch embraces experience." So in other words, Witches form their religions and magical beliefs from personal experience and not from faith. The basic teachings of the Craft are guidelines and steppingstones but the walk itself is personal.
The magic of Witchcraft is like the full moon. It has a quiet strength as it mo9ves through the night.
The moon is less assuming than the sun, and its subtle light hides the truth of its powerful impact upon
ocean tides, emotions, plant and animal life, menstruation, and fertility cycles themselves. The magic
of Witchcraft is of the same nature; it works behind the scenes and it is like a mist that moves in unnoticed until one finds oneself suddenly within the fog.
Remember always that your magick will only be as strong as the foundation upon which you build it,
and will only endure in accordance with the time and energy you've invested in study and practice. The established ways of nthe Old Religion are the well-worn paths to enlightenment. When we come to the end of the roads already walked by those who came before us, we must clear our own trail, which in turns extends the well-worn path for those who follow behind us.
There are those who lack the discipline required for true magick because they have simply borrowed the knowledge of others instead of doing the work that is required to integrate it all into one's own consciousness. What is important to understand is that the efforts themselves lead to the unfolding of personal power, just as the journey itself leads to the destination. On a mundane level, for example, one
cannot become physically fit by reading books written by bodybuilders; one has to perform the exercises. So too is it with magick.
Rosemary:
An essential herb in a Witch's garden and kitchen. Rosemary has many uses, both physical and magical.
There is the saying "Rosemary for remembrance" that refers to the use of Rosemary in funeral foilage
or that it should be planted in memory of someone who has died. However, Rosemary actually has a the capacity for stimulating the memory. Sprigs of Rosemary were worn by Greek students to help them in their examinations, and drinking Rosemary tea definitely helps to focus the mind. Rosemary oil can be added to lotions and rubs and used wherever the circulation is poor. Grown close to more susceptible plants, Rosemary helps to deter pests.
In magick Rosemary is used in spells for love, protection, healing, and to improve mental powers. Give a sachet containing Rosemary to encourage a loved one to think of you. Although a stimulating herb, placed under the pillow it will ensure restful sleep and prevent nightmares. Rosemary water is used in for cleansing, especially prior to undertaking any healing work. Rosemary in the bath water is rejuvenating and said to ensure a youthful appearance. Added to incense Rosemary will stimulate psychic powers.
It used to be said that where Rosemary grows well the woman is the 'master' of the house. Rosemary invariably grows well wherever there are Witches in the house. Give your lover Rosemary in a knot, it is far better than forget-me-not.
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