Waning Half Moon - Moon Day

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

24th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
5th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
25th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waning Half Moon
Moon rises: 12:25AM EST
Moon sets: 12:56PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Journey's end.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:21AM EST
Sunset: 4:55PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
fear is keeping you in prison?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 29th, 2010

This is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling. There are Major magickal energies for Clearing Obstacles to Borrowing Money. 

Last Quarter Moon enters Virgo

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


23rd Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
4th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
24th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Last Quarter - 3:36PM EST
Moon rises: 12:27PM EST
Moon sets: 11:56PM EST
Moon in Leo v/c 3:29AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo at 4:34AM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The dormant
life of the seed.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:20AM EST
Sunset: 4:55PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What threshold
of attainment waits for you to cross over?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
November 28th, 2010

Last Quarter Moon - The Last Quarter Moon (or waning half moon) rises around midnight and sets around noon. Astrologically, the Moon is square to the Sun. She is visible from the time she rises until she sets.  The Last  Quarter Moon is the HARVEST phase, the plant gives her life so that others may continue theirs. Those born during a Last Quarter phase have a powerful internal life of reflection, and transformation. They can assume different roles while balancing their internal and external worlds. Keywords for the Last Quarter phase are: realignment, revision, integration and cleansing. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take closing action, to follow-up and complete the activities begun at the New phase. During this phase you become aware of what is and is not working with respect to the achievement of your goal for the cycle. The movement is toward integration. Open to your successes. MANIFEST YOUR GOAL(S). Be responsible. 

Moon in Virgo - The Moon in Virgo sends us back to work and gives us a to-do list. We become impatiently aware of what needs to be improved, fixed or healed. Our compassion is strong, but we can get irritated at less industrious folk. This is a time weed out, edit, critique, care, exercise, investigate, study and heal but be gentle with others. If you were born under a Virgo Moon sign you are curious, responsible, caring but need to cultivate gentle acceptance of self and others. During Virgo Moon transits women are mentally active, but there is a tendency to excessive criticism both of oneself and others. Emotionally it is an inward time, when we can reflect on personal relationships. Moon in Virgo is the best time to work magick involving employment, intellectual matters, health and dietary concerns. Healing rituals for ailments of the intestines or nervous system are also done during this transit.

Ah, it is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal... Creation Day..... There are Major magickal energies today for rites and spells that Clear Root Causes of our Health Issues. 

Body, you must manifest

only what my mind has blest,.

This cannot be too much stressed

for perfect health is my true quest."

[From Seasons of the Witch Datebook, 2010]

    I have another blog I post in almost everyday as I do this one.  It is essays from Caitlin Matthews' book "The Celtic Spirit" which I have found that the words in these daily essays give me as much insight and spiritual wisdom as does what I learn from following daily lunar events.  Today's essay is about Spiraling Prayer or turas and with these closing words in the essay I think you find that this is a act that can benefit your Craft practice.

   "We need to circle, spiraling around the sacred site with our body in tune with our intentions and with the presence of the site. The process of spiraling around builds power, strengthens intention, and brings us into attunement with our soul's thread. It also attunes us in another way: as our planet spins around the circling year, we too simultaneously experience the turning of our soul toward the source of greatest spiritual light. Each season is a mystical gateway of opportunity and understanding, a sacred time of wisdom. If we live with awareness of the year's cycles, we will achieve a direct alignment with those sacred opportunities. "   (Remember how I am always stressing that 'awareness' is one the most practice of the Craft.)

Here is the link to the blog and I strongly urge you to read it and give it thought.

http://inthemistsofavalon.blogspot.com/

Also I think today's Lunar Meditation and Solar Question are good meditations to be done today. You don't know how to meditate or don't make a practice of it?  Well this inward season of Winter is an excellent time to start.  I suggest using Christopher Penczak's book "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft"
to help you get started and become regular at meditating...  This practice is one of the most important aspect of Witchcraft - don't blow it off!

Disseminating Moon in Leo

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


22nd Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
3rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
 23rd Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets:1157AM EST
Moon rises: 11:14PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Fire Sign
of Leo
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The joy of
simplicity
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:19AM EST
Sunset: 4:55PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What new
idea is seeding itself within you this Winter?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 27th, 2010

Moon in Leo - The Moon in Leo illuminates our extroverted sides; we brim with generosity but can stuck in our own perspective. Time to: shine, express, dramatize, celebrate, create, appreciate, stage, reach out and be generous with our attention; watch assumptions and do not push the stubborn. One born under a Leo Moon can fill a room with personality and make the most of any situation, but may need to learn to honor the quiet, the mundane or another's reality.  Dramatic happenings, especially concerning emotions, being the center of attention, exuberance, vitality and working with patriarchal issues are all hallmarks of the Leo Moon. You will want to spend money during Moon in Leo. It's hard to recognize limits in the Leo Moon. (this could affect the spending you'll do on this Black Friday weekend) and power issues tend to erupt. As the moon moves towards Virgo on Sunday (tomorrow morning in the AM), the ambitious energy of Leo becomes unassuming. Moon in Leo is the best time to work magick involving authority, power over others, courage, fertility or childbirth. Healing rituals for ailments of the upper back, spine or heart are also done during this transit.

Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility

Disseminating Moon phase begins

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


20th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
1st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
21st Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Dissemination - 4:02AM EST
Moon sets: 10:46AM EST
Moon rises: 8:52PM EST
Moon in Cancer v/c 10:44PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The constellation
that your soul-friends make.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:16AM EST
Sunset: 4:56PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "To whom
do you need to show more sensitivity?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 25th, 2010

Disseminating Moon - As we go into the darkening phase of the disseminating moon, we get the FRUIT
of the plant's life cycle - the fruits of wisdom and experience. The disseminating moon is the waning full moon getting visibly smaller. She rises midevening and sets midmorning. She is visible from the time she rises almost until she sets. Those who are born under a disseminating moon find that life must have meaning, purpose.  They enjoy sharing their ideas with others. Keywords for the Disseminating phase are: demonstration, distribution, sharing and introspection. It is now the time in a lunar cycle to further process your advancement towards your goals by looking at the results of your adjusting action taken at the Full Moon phase. During this phase you gain clarity by sharing what you've learned through awareness. Demonstrate your power of abundance by giving back to your community. Visit friends. Distribute your knowledg. SHARE. Reach out and touch someone.

As well as this being Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. it is also Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.  There is Major magickal energies for doing spells/rites regarding Money Owed You.  Maybe during all the chaos of the Thanksgiving preparation and meal you will be able to sneak off and do a rite regarding this.

Celtic Tree Month of Ruis/Elder begins -

     The close of the year is nigh; we end with the Celtic month of Elder.  Elder corresponds to the Ogham letter ruis (roo-ish), which allows us to examine all the things we may regret, properly view the consequences, and heal our heart from the hurt. Elder ushers in a new phase of life and reminds us of the need to let go of what no longer serves you. To release past errors and go forward with joy in your heart, light a red candle, and surround it with elderberries or a picture of an elder tree. You may wish to sip some elderberry wine or tea. Write down the things that didn't go as planned this year and what you learned from each one. Draw the elder/ruis Ogham symbol on top of the paper. Bury the paper in the earth - as the paper becomes one with the earth, your regrets will dissipate your heart will heal.

"Elder tree, berries of red,

Remove these worries from my head.

Wiser now I do remain,

I banish regret and send it away."

By Mickie Mueller

From Llewellyn 's Witches' Datebook 2010 

Wasted Food -

     Try to take the time this morning to read Jonathan Bloom's blog about being thankful and not wasteful.. http://www.wastedfood.com/2010/11/24/be-thankful-not-wasteful/



Woden's Day - waning Full Moon in Cancer

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


19th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
28th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
20th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waning Full
Moon sets: 10:03AM EST
Moon rises: 7:42PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Water Sign
of Cancer
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The truth of
the imagination
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 715AM EST
Sunset: 4:57PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your family do you most appreciate?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 24th, 2010

This is Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection.  There are Major magickal energies for Magick today.  Perhaps your magick work should be in the area of communications.  Here is a simple candle spell to improve communications from Ms. Dugan's "Book of Witchery"..  The energies of Mercury are enigmatic and wild. Mercury is itself a mutable sign, which means that it is constantly changing. There are many magickal qualities to this day of the week. 

   This spell will help you to invoke, or call on, all of the clever and skillful attributes of Woden's Day.
Expect to notice a difference within a day or so, but remember, if you are brave enough to work this spell designed to improve your communication skills, then you need to be daring enough to step up and use these gifts in a positive and productive way. See of you can find two lavendar-scented purple candles. Don't forget that lavender is a herb of transformation and magick.  Other supplies you will need are two orange candles, four candle holders, matches or a lighter, and a safe flat surface to set up on.   Repeat the following spell three times. Allow the candles to burn until they go out on their own.

"I light purple candles for power on a Wednesday eve

Now burn the orange candles for skill and dexterity

From these two colors spring magick on this fascinating day

Send wisdom, communication skills and clarity my way."

You can close the spell with this line:

"For the good of all, with harm to none

By color and light, this spell is done!" 

With gathering of family and friends tomorrow you might have need of clear communications.



Waning Full Moon enters the Sign of Cancer

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

18th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
27th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
19th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waning Full
Moon sets: 9:12AM EST
Moon rises: 6:37PM EST
Moon in Gemini v/c 6:40PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Water
Sign of Cancer at 8:14PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The satisfaction
of conclusion
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:14AM EST
Sunset: 4:47PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you need to learn in order to
be more confident?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
 November 23rd, 2010

Moon in Cancer - brings heightened sensitivity, the desire to nurture and the need to create a home. With the Moon in Cancer our feelings take the lead. Cancer encourages the wisdom rising out of our oceanic unconscious through moods and feelings.  As the Cancer moon transit deepens our feelings our moods are stormy and vast, our hunger and desire to feed others sharpen. We protect our own, nest in our cave, need to know we're safe. Hunger grows, but for more than food.  Those who are born with a Cancer Moon sign can wonderfully nurturing to our culture, body, and soul when we feel safe. Early mother/home issues can be composted into empathic understanding.  Cancer is the home of the moon, sensitive planet of emotions, so feelings are easily hurt, especially by personal criticism. Handle with care.  Moon in Cancer is the best time to work magick for home and domestic life. Healing rituals for ailments of the chest or stomach are also done during this transit.

Waning Full Moon - Sun enters Sagittarius

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

17th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
26th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
18th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waning Full
Moon sets:8:15AM EST
Moon rises: 5:38PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The message
of the wind.
Sun in Sagittarius - 5:15AM EST
Sunrise: 7:13AM EST
Sunset: 4:58PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you need to learn in order to be
more confident?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 22nd,  2010

Moon in Gemini - The Moon in Gemini wakes us up; we lose our concentration, but quicken our communication. The conversation sparkles, our thinking broadens but doesn't deepen. This is a transit of communication and other means of expression, freedom, adaptability, short journeys, reading or writing, desire for variety and having more than one thing going at once. You feel talkative and might want to work with your hands.  The Moon in Gemini quickens our nervous system so build a web of understanding - network, absorb new information, investigate, translate, brainstorm, mediate and broadcast. Those who born with a Gemini moon sign can talk to anyone, think fast, multi-task, shift moods with grace, but need to choose depth and focus.  They may need to honor stillness and concentration.  Moon in Gemini is the best time to work magick for good communication, change of residence, writing, public relations and travel. Healing rituals for ailments of the shoulders, arms, hands, or lungs are also done during this period of time.

Here it is Moon Day - a Day of Remembering and Feeling.  There are Major magickal energies for Intuition. 

Sun enters Sagittarius today -

   Sagittarius is a Fire sign bringing energy and inspiration. It represents enthusiasm, spontaneity, intuition and idealism. It is a Mutable sign bringing flexibility, resolution and problem-solving. This Mutable Fire sign calls our attention up and out, to the mountain tops, to the wild, and to the global community. It asks us to see potential and celebrate our journey so far.
   Sagittarians are generally self-expressive, energetic, spontaneous, assertive and extrovert. The typical Sagittarian seeks freedom and space, physically and mentally. They are ambitious and optimistic and will frequently take on large and complex tasks with enthusiasm and energy. They can see the big picture and its far horizons but can trip over the details close to home, and hate to feel fenced in. They remind us to remember our relations, all people and species around the globe. They can speak honestly with a sting, but may need to learn the gift of silence.
   Sagittarians make good mediators, having a good insight into the feelings of others. Intellectually strong, they enjoy challenges and learning. While not innovators, they are good at examining and interpreting the thoughts of others. They can be idealistic and are inclined to hold strong beliefs. They are also disposed towards outdoor activities and sports. They are ardent lovers but do not like feeling tied down. On the negative side they can be know-it-all, outspoken, tactless, boastful and inconsiderate. They can also alienate others by moralizing when they hold the same traits themselves. It can be easy for Sagittarians to be unfocused or to flit from one thing to another.
   During this transit through the Sagittarius Sun sign Sagittarians should focus on undertaking problem-solving, intellectual and physical pursuits. But they should be wary of allowing their love of freedom to cut off those close to them. Non-Sagittarians will find this a good time for honest examination of personality traits, and addressing outstanding problems in that area.

Full Moon in Taurus, barely

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

16th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
25th Day of the Celtic Tree Month
of Ngetal/Reed
17th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Full - 12:27PM EST
Moon sets: 7:13AM EST
Moon rises: 4:47PM EST
Moon in Taurus v/c 12:27PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini at 1:46PM EST
Rhianon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The treasures
of Winter
Sun Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:12AM EST
Sunset: 4:59PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you appreciate most about
being human?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 21st, 2010

Full Moon - The Full Moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise (take a look at the times above).  Astrologically the Sun and Moon are in opposition (i.e., opposite each other in the sky and in opposite signs of the zodiac). She is visible all night long, from moonrise to moonset.  She opens and blossoms during the Full Moon into the FLOWER, with the desire to share her beauty with others. Those who are born in a Full Moon phase enjoy companionship and partnership and have the desire to merge deeply. Fulfillment and illumination are their goals.  Keywords for the Full Moon are: fulfillment, illumination, realization, and experience. It is the time in a cycle that you are given a clear view so that you can make
adjustments to put you back on track to manifesting the goals you set at the New phase.  Go to a public place. Do something with a friend. LISTEN. Receive awareness. Understand others.

"This is the second of five Full Moons occurring at 29 degrees of their sign. In other words, they come right at the end of the sign." From: http://www.owlsdaughter.com/2010/11/blessings-of-the-full-taurus-moon/

    Full Moon in Taurus (Scorpio Sun) - a sensuous, grounded full moon ritual should be done outside, if possible and close to the earth, as it is a time of great sensitivity.  Bring flowers to your circle.

Seed Moon

"Witch Gods' Moon,

my manifest come with good speed

and save me from myself I plead

in these pursuits I will succeed."

[From "Seasons of the Witch Datebook 2010]

   It seems that this is a blue moon but not in the concept of being the second Full Moon in the same month.  Read the following article and see how the christian calendar can complicate things which

in the Goddess's plans works out quite smoothly.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20101119/sc_space/thereallystrangestorybehindsundaysbluemoon

Waxing Gibbous Moon moves into Taurus

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

14th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
23rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
15th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 5:06AM EST
Moon rises: 3:30PM EST
Moon in Aries v/c at 12:32AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth Sign
of Taurus at 5:04AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The unconquerable
nature of the soul
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:10AM EST
Sunset: 5:00PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
prejudices are you holding on to?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 19th, 2010

Moon in Taurus - this Moon asks us to discover what nurtures us and how to grow deeper roots.  The Moon in Taurus grounds us; it slows us down and wakes our sensual nature and stubbornness, helps us to dig down to the deeper roots. We can almost feel the mud oozing between our roes, awakening our senses and sensuality and growing our stubbornness. This is a time to cultivate our material resources, our homes and our body.
   The forceful movement of Aries becomes solid, calm and patient during Taurus. We have a strong need for financial security. This transit is a good time to continue or finish projects or to stay at home with family. Taurus gives attention to order and detail. While emotionally there is stubbornness, there is also great sensitivity to others. This sensual transit is a good time appreciate the wonders of the beautiful earth.  Those who are born with a Taurus moon sign search for stability and sensuality and roots deeply and changes slowly; they collect, touch, support and sees the sacred in the world of matter. Steady, they can loan their strength to others, but may need to learn the beauty in change. They may need to learn mobility but they offer us comfort, beauty and solid presence. Moon in Taurus is the best time to work magick for love, real estate, material acquisitions, and money. Healing rituals for ailments of the throat, neck, and ears are also done during this period of time.

Here it is - Freya's Day - Venus Day -  the Day of Sharing and Relationship - Relation Day. 

The Witch and Food

     With the Thanksgiving holiday which is centered around food consumption, perhaps we need to sit back and consider how we consume food in our lifestyles.  Our relationship with food is not simple. It ought to be a case of picking out what is nourishing and delicious, eating it and feeling great as a result (assuming, that is, that we live in a country in which food is readily available) - but no. For a start, there are the pitfalls of chemically enhanced and sprayed foods, things that ought to be vegetarian but have bits of animal lurking in them (pork gelatin in some desserts, for example), plus the temptations of a thousand attractively packaged junk foods.
    Labels should be read, yes, in order to avoid the pitfalls of gelatin or monosodium glutamate if these upset you, but in my own view is that it is best to be reasonably relaxed with one's food intake. I suspect that it would cause as much harm through the stress of seeking out pure foods as it might consuming them. By this, I don't mean trying to survive on potato chips and chocolate alone, but a bit of what you like goes a long way.
    Vegetarianism is big in witchcraft and Wicca - indeed, in spiritual disciplines in general. The Theosophists adopted the habit of not eating karmically polluting flesh from the Hindus. Many witches now are either vegetarian or vegan.

     The subject of vegetarianism is a big bugbear amongst the spiritually inclined. As far as Craft history goes, Traditional (Hereditary) witches would no doubt have eaten animals hunted by themselves and respectfully treated (possibly thanking the animal for giving up its body as food), whereas many of the Theosophists who influenced modern witchcraft/Wicca were vegetarian. This came from the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs that so infiltrated Theosophy. The concept of karma came with them, and the thought that perhaps it is unwise to perpetuate the suffering of other species by raising them for slaughter, especially when it is not necessary to eat meat in order to live.
    Witches and magickians have always held differing opinions on this one. Crowley, who was renowed for his hunting activities and 'Do What Thou Wilt' attitude, came up with the brilliantly imaginative excuse that, by eating meat, we are doing the animals concerned a favor, as we are assimilating their flesh into the organism of a higher order, thereby elevating their matter. Most of the magickally inclined, however, agree that it comes down to the individual to decide.
    Food is the world passing through us. Therefore it is sensible to concentrate on pure, clean foods like fresh vegetables and pulses, and to eat when the body requires it rather than for its own sake (except occasionally, of course!).  But even this commonsense statement causes a big problem for many people.
[From: "The Witch's Guide to Life" by Kala Trobe]

OK, and now some visual information and advice on our food choices and how they affect us and the rest of the world....   I know, I know, back on the soap box again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqQVll-MP3I&feature=related

Food Inc movie trailer.... do yourself a favor and buy the book by the same name for yourself
and those you care about for Yule.

This video link was embedded in Hecate's blog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH-Qv3f73x4&feature=player_embedded

Why Eat Local?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhaG_Zi6izU&feature=channel

No Free Lunch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U097wiZGk4&feature=channel

This one could make an influence on your food choices.

Michael Pollen tells us in this one that in 1960 we spent 18% of our income on food and 5% on health care and now today we spend 10% on junk food and 16% on health care.

Thor's Day

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

13th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
22nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
14th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 4:05AM EST
Moon rises: 3:00PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Your kinship
with the stars.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:08AM EST
Sunset: 5:01PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
obstacles need to be cleared away
from your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 18th, 2010

It is Thor's Day - Jupiter Day, the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.  We are looking at a relatively quiet day magickally speaking - there are lunar changes to speak of, the moon is still in Aries Fire sign, the moon is in the Gibbous phase but it is waxing towards the Full Moon, and there are no Major or minor magickal energies to take note of today.  One of those quiet, gray November days.  A good catch-up day.  Have you considered what your Full Moon rite will be like - it will be the moon sign of Taurus - a Fixed Earth sign. 

    Here are a few astrological events to note that I read in Elsa P.'s Newsletter (http://www.elsaelsa.com/)  ...  It is worth subscribing to her weekly newsletter to get a glimpse of what is coming up for the week astrologically.

"Venus and Jupiter turn direct today. If you feel your love and luck and money have been backed up or stuck in a holding patten, this should help.


I could see this kicking off some holiday shopping which is not a bad idea. Mercury goes retrograde, December 10th, so shopping early for Christmas is advised, especially for Mercury-ruled things like phones and iPads and the like.

On other fronts, Mars is tightly conjunct Mercury in Sagittarius all week so people will be blurting things left and right. The situation is exasperated by the hard aspect to Jupiter and Uranus making it very easy to say too much to too many. "

Wasted Food

     Since we experiencing a 'catch-up' day I though post some video links about this new soap box
subject of mine.  Johnthan Bloom apparently did a segement on the CBS Early Morning Show the other day but the video that was made about has not yet been posted on the Internet.... but here is a link that will take you to a You Tube series of three videos that are well worth watching, particularly before we start our kitchens with food for the upcoming Thanksgiving feasts and the holiday celebrations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVsPCQNRHZo

And while you may not want to consider this other alternative to retrieving wasted food, watch it and see what the others are doing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VlFJsuBjA0&feature=related

And here is a new lifestyle that you might want to check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB56aGTgfVE

Three of my children have participated in these alternative ways of obtaining foods and I fully support these ways in which wasted food is prevented from being thrown in our landfills.

Gibbous Moon phase in Aries

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

12th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
21st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
13th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Gibbous 2:36PM EST
Moon sets: 3:05AM EST
Moon rises: 2:33PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: "The ancestral
memories of your body.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:07AM EST
Sunset: 5:01PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""Are
you fulfilling your spiritual vocation?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 17th, 2010

Gibbous Moon - rises midafternoon and sets before dawn. She is the bulging Moon getting ready to be full, visible soon after she rises until she sets. The Gibbous Moon is the BUD of the moon plant, the pulse of life tightly wrapped, wanting to expand.  For those who born during a Gibbous moon phase, their talents lie in the ability to refine, organize and purify. They are seekers, utilizing spiritual tools as guides on their path.

Today is Woden's Day - Mercury Day, the day of Communication and Connection..   With these intense energies of an Aries moon transit flowing during these equally intense energies of the Gibbous we need to be careful not to make impulsive communications.

Waxing half moon enters Aries

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


11th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
20th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
12th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 2:07AM EST
Moon rises: 2:09PM EST
Moon in Pisces v/c 1:56PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries at 5:59PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The unfolding
vision of your life.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:06AM EST
Sunset: 5:02PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is seeking to reveal itself in your
dreams?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 16th, 2010

Moon in Aries - The moon will leave its emotional dreamy transit of Pisces early this afternoon and then later in the afternoon enter the fiery Aries zodiac sign.  Moon in Aries is a time of new beginnings, intense activity, pioneering in any field, reaching out with emotional surges, and impulsiveness.  This moon transit can e a great tester of limits. When the Moon enters the Aries transit you may want to depend on yourself, as there is also a certain amount of ego involvement. You will probably feel impatient and want to initiate new things.  Aries asks us to wake up from our dreamy, psychic drift through the Pisces transit and remember who we truly are, even if bothers those we love or work for.
Tempers, tears and passion run hot during a Aries transit. Aries moon is based on impulsiveness and acting on feelings of the moment, rather than the result of reason. Sometimes snap decisions are made - later to be regretted. The force of Aries is felt in emotional surges, whereby we are highly assertive and enthusiastic.  Selfishness could be an issue, so be extra sensitive to others.  This is good time to lay new groundwork on the goals of lunar cycle - tomorrow is the Gibbous moon phase, so energies will be picking up a lot. Those who are born with an Aries Moon sign in their birth charts came here searching for fire, fierce independence and their own voice. They may need to learn patience and cooperation. They can appreciate our own fire. Moon in Aries is the best time to work magick involving leadership, authority, rebirth, spiritual conversion, or willpower. Healing rituals for ailments of the face, head or brain are also done during this period of time.

So here it is Tiu's Day - Mars Day, the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire - Action Day.  There will be Major magickal energies for rites/spells dealing with Competition and Personal Advocacy after the moon goes void of course and approaches and enters Aries. So this evening may be a good time to do a spell or a rite for these matters.

"Goddess, help me to meet the test

as I bring forth my very best.

Reward if you will

with lesson or prize,

win or lose, but, please no ties."

 From "Season of the Witch Datebook, 2010

Life Balance

   The term 'work for life balance' is currently fashionable, reflecting the daunting realization that there may be more to life than the acquisition of wealth and possessions.  The concept of balance is one of the keys to the Craft. Furthermore the Craft is about living as a part of life rather than apart from it. These two concepts should be applied to the balance we seek in our daily lives, as an emphasis on any one part of life can be detrimental to the other parts.

   It is useful, occasionally, to step back and assess our lives; to examine whether we are doing the things which benefit us, or expending our energies on the things which are no longer relevant or important. There are many ways of doing this but the one of the ways to try is writing down lists of the ways you spend your time and then reviewing them against an other list of the things you think are important in your life. Of course we cannot only do that which we enjoy, as there are some things which have to be done. But, unless you are very organized  you will find that there are some things on which you spend time and effort which are neither necessary nor desirable. There are the things on which we expend useful time and energy, but from which we need to consider extricating ourselves. This does not mean you should completely stop being helpful to others, but that perhaps you should bring this into balance with the rest of your life.

"Learn to say 'no' to those requests and

demands which do not enhance you."

[From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]



Moon Day - Pisces waxing Half Moon

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

10th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
19th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
11th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 1:09AM EST
Moon rises: 1:46PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The blessings
of age.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:05AM EST
Sunset: 5:03PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
are you most vulnerable?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
November 15th, 2010

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling.  Today is a good day to do Intuition spells - you are on Moon Day and the moon is in a Pisces transit. Use a Moon tarot card or a High Priestess tarot card in your altar set up for doing a spell on intuition.

Increasing Psychic Powers Tarot Spell
[From Ellen Dugan's "Book of Witchery"]

   Here is a Monday night tarot spell that will help you increase your psychic talents and focus on your own powers. This spell will incorporate many of the bewitching accessories that are the correspondences for Moon Day:  bluebell flowers, jasmine, gardenias, white roses, white poppies, or moon flowers; have silver metal on the altar; use the colors of white, silver, and/or pale blue; use crystals or stones of moonstone, pearl, quartz crystal or sapphire; your essential oils should include gardenia, jasmine, lemon, lemon balm, lily, myrrh, or sandalwood; the tarot card(s) mentioned above and the foods, herbs or spices should include melons, chamomile, or wintergreen.
Try dressing a white candle with sandalwood or jasmine - these are both connected with the moon and they are spiritual scents as well that help encourage intuition and empathy.  Carve a moon on the side of the white candle.
    So let's see - you will need a plain white candle, or taper or votive (that has been prepared as discusses above); a candle holder; lighter or matches; a few tumbled moonstones or a quartz crystal point (to increase psychic abilities; essential oils associated with the moon; the correct tarot cards and a pinch of silver glitter or star-shaped confetti.

   Place the Moon and the High Priestess cards on either side of the candle. Arrange the crystals on the work surface around the tarot cards. Also have that silver star confetti or glitter close at hand. Make the work area pretty and magickal. Prop up the cards so that you can focus on them during the spell. Arrange the other accessories in a way that pleases you and take a moment to center yourself. Repeat this spell chant three times. On the last line, sprinkle a bit of glitter or confetti on the floor in a circle going clockwise around you.

"I call upon the Lady to open my heart

In olden times, prophecy was the Witch's art

Clear sight, empathy, and intuition now bring

In all seasons, fall to winter, summer to spring

By the powers of water, fire, earth, and wind

With stardust and moonlight, may my visions begin."

  Now, sit inside the circle that you have cast on the floor with the confetti and allow your mind to drift and your intuition take over. Lay out a quick tarot spread and see what the cards have to tell you about the current situation. A very simple card spread to use is to deal out three cards: one for the past, one for the present, and the final card to represent the future. Meditate on the cards for a moment or two. Close the spell by saying:

"As I close this spell, I bring harm to none

By moonlight and magick, my spell is done

In no way will this spell reverse or place upon me any curse."

   You may either let the candle burn until it goes out on its own or pinch it out and save it to use when you do a tarot card reading at a later time. If you start to experience vivid dreams, then start a dream journal and keep track of them. Pay attention to your 'gut hunches' and start listening to your inner voice. Everyone has psychic abilities of some sort. Don't deny any psychic experiences that you have, no matter how small they may seem. Instead, write down your experiences and validate them.You receive more psychic impressions and become more comfortable  with your own intuition when you begin to acknowledge the experience instead of brushing them off.  

Waxing Half Moon enters Pisces

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom. "

9th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
!8th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
10th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Half Moon
Moon sets: 12:11AN EST
Moon rises: 1:23PM EST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 1:32AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces at 5:24AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The work of
your hands.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:04AM EST
Sunset: 5:04PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "How are
you respecting or abusing friendship?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 14th, 2010

Moon in Pisces - With Moon in Pisces we feel the world with compassion, heightened senses and strong imagination. During Moon in Pisces emotional life is more introverted, intuition is at its height and psychic energy is powerful. You are more able to get in touch with your deepest self, but it can also be a time of vagueness, unclarity, and uncertainity. Pisces is about endings as a result of internal procesing.  We need quiet time in the temple or back under our covers to deal with sensory overload. This can be a time to vision, listen to inner voices, allow creative juices to flow and touch each other with new awareness. Those born with a Pisces Moon sign in their charts came here to feel everything;
they may need to filter impressions and find their deep strength. They offer us insight, imaginaiton and subtle compassionate medicine which encouraging our visions. Moon in Pisces is the best time to work magick involving dreamwork, clairvoyance, telepathy, music and the creative arts. Healing rithals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands are also done at this time.

This is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal... There are minor magickal energies for spells dealing with motivation and personal finances.  One of the corresponding tarot cards for this day according to Ellen Dugan in her Book of Witchry is The Chariot- a great card for motivation.

Dream Pillow for inducing Clairvoyant States

    During this Pisces moon transit you might find yourself more open to reaching clairvoyant states during your sleeping hours.  Make yourself a herbal dream pillow by taking a pillow case, a small one that is about nine by nine inches or else make one from some soft cloth.  Stuff about one-quarter pound of dried mugwort (more or less to fill it). Now sew up the open end. Place it on top of your regular pillow and sleep on it.
   The mugwort pillow induces clairvoyant dreams. Sleep on it for several nights in a row. This Pisces moon transit ends on Tuesday at 1:56PM EST.
    A good all-purpose dream pillow that was very popular 100 years or so ago can be mixed of equal parts of lemon balm, costmary, rose petals, mint and cloves. Construct and use as you do the mugwort pillow.
[From: "Magical Herbalism" by Scott Cunningham]

First Quarter phase

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

8th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
9th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: First Quarter - 11:38AM EST
Moon rises: 12:58PM EST
Moon sets: 11:45PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation:  The potency
of dreams enacted.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:03AM EST
Sunset: 5:05PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is the source of your inspiration?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 13th, 2010

First Quarter Moon - (or waxing half moon) rises around noon and sets around midnight. Astrologically, the Moon is square to the Sun. She is visible from the time she rises until she sets. The First Quarter Moon is the GROWTH phase. Roots go deeper, stems shoot up and leaves form as she creates a new strong body. Those who born in the First Quarter phase live a full active life - old structures are cleared away providing room for new development.  Keywords for the First Quarter phase are: action, expression, growth, and breaking away. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take the initial action(s) necessary to achieve your goals by expressing your needs and desires. FEEL & MOVE.
Make phone calls. Write letters. Dance. Act now.

    The first quarter is a time of balance, dynamic balance in fact, but it is fleeting. Once the dark half of the moon begins to fill out, the moment will have passed and energies will quicken again, picking up tension and momentum as the full moon approaches. The first quarter is a very good time to infuse extra power into the magickal projects begun at the new moon. If extra effort can be directed toward this purpose, than a satisfactory result is even more likely. The other factor that may reveal itself is that of the workability of some of our goals.  A quiet turning in of focus, maybe while infusing power into a spell in progress, may nudge us into altering something ... there may simple be a gut feeling that the emphasis needs to shift slightly for a project to be really effective. Similarly, a solution might suddenly present itself for an ongoing problem,  or we may all of a sudden realize what is causing friction between ourselves and a partner, friend or relative. There may be conflict beneath the outward signs of harmony right now that could be released and resolved.

Today is Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility. 
Saturn's Day Correspondences:  Of course the planetary influence is Saturn and the Deities are Saturn and Hecate.  The Flowers and Plants are pansy, morning glory, mullein, cypress trees,  and mimosa.
The metal correspondence is Lead and the Colors are black, and deep purple.  The Crystals and Stones are: obsidian/apache tear, hematite, jet, black tourmaline.  The Essential Oils are: cypress, mimosa, myrrh, patchouli.  The Tarot cards for today are: Temperance, Knight of Swords and Two of Swords.
And the Foods, Herbs & Spices are: Pomegranate, beets, thyme.

This Temperance tarot card is from the Faery Wicca tarot deck.

Freya's Day - Crescemt Waxing Moon in Aquarius

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

7th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
16th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
8th Day of the Cycle of Shamas
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent Moon
Moon rises: 12:31PM EST
Moon sets: 11:11PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: "The courage
to fail and try again.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:02AM EST
Sunset: 5:06PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
is the wool being pulled over
your eyes?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 12th, 2010

Freya's Day - Venus Day - Day of Sharing and Relationships.  There is Major magickal energies for
spells/rites dealing with Popularity.

    Some Correspondences for Freya's Day are:  Its planetary influence is Venus; its deities are - Eros, Aphrodite/Venus. Freya/Frigga - its Flowers and Plants are rose, feverfew, violet, wild strawberry, apple tree,  lady's bedstraw.  Its metal is copper.  The colors for Freya's Day are pink and aqua green.
The Crystals and Stones are rose quartz, amber, coral, and emerald.   Freya's Day essential oils are apple, freesia, geranium, hyacinth, lilac, rose geranium, vanilla, violet leaf, ylang-ylang. Tarot cards for Freya's Day are The Lovers, Two of Cups and the Empress.  And the Foods, Herbs & Spices for Freya's Day are: apple, strawberries, and raspberries.
[From "The Book of Witchery" by Ellen Dugan]

    So what is Lady's Bedstraw??  Well, Ms Dugan has this to say about this plant in her "Book of Witchery - This particular variety of perennial is from the sweet woodruff (Galium) family. Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum) bears clusters of sweet-scented, yellow flowers. Folk names include Frigg's grass, bedstraw, and fragrant bedstraw. This particular flowering herb is sacred to the Norse goddess Frigga. This plant is also associated with the planet Venus and the element of water, and it carries feminine energies. Once, the fresh leaves were added to punches and wines for flavor as well as to fruit. The dried 'new-mown hay'-scented leaves were added to potpourri as a fixative, meaning that it helped the other dried plant materials hold their own scents. Also, the dried leaves of the bedstraw were used to discourage insects and to perfume linens. In medieval times, this herb was stuffed into pallets (mattresses) as it smelled fresh and discouraged fleas.  The rhizonnes of the plants in the Gallium family all produce a red dye, while the flowers produce a yellow dye that is actually used to color cheeses.  According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Bedstraw also has the Folk Names of Cleavers and Madder's Cousin.  It's magickal use is it is worn or carried to attract love.

    Here is a good article and it gives us further information and uses of this herb:

Irish name - Ru Mhuire


Madder, bedstraw or coffee family - Rubiaceae

Lady’s Bedstraw is a well-known native wildflower of grasslands. Its fine leaves and attractive yellow, honey-scented flowers make it an ideal for a hint of colour in your garden. It is a perennial plant and is frequently found in dry banks, grasslands and sand dunes around the coast as well as in waste grounds and roadside verges. It can grow in most types of soil, but prefers it to be well drained.

Lady’s Bedstraw will grow well in your summer meadow. It flowers generally in July and August and the seeds ripen from August to September.

Its common name probably derives from a Christian legend that claims it was part of the bedding used in the manger in which Jesus lay. The plant has been used as stuffing in pillows and mattresses, particularly for women about to give birth, as it was believed to ensure a safe and easy childbirth. This belief is probably based in the properties of the plant, as its coumarin scent is said to repel insects and fleas. It has also been used to combat sleeplessness.

Among the other common names used for the plant is Maid’s Hair. The yellow dye that can be obtained from the stems, leaves and flowering tips has been used as a hair dye. Although it has never been widely cultivated for this purpose, a red dye can also be produced from the roots and has been used for dyeing wool and other fabrics in places like the Western Isles.

Lady’s Bedstraw is sometimes referred to as Cheese Rennet or Cheese Renning. This name corresponds to the common use of the plant as a milk curdler. The plant contains an enzyme suitable for this purpose. The latin name Gallium derives from the Greek ‘gala‘ that means milk. What makes this plant especially useful in cheese production is that as well as curdling milk, it also colours the cheese a bright yellow.

This species has also been known to have many medicinal uses. A decoction of the plant has been used as a remedy for urinary diseases and for its diuretic and blood-purifying properties. This decoction is also good as an addition to hot water to soothe the feet of a weary traveller. In Europe, people have placed a piece of the plant in their shoes for protection against blisters. Treatment for skin complaints is another common use of this plant. The plant has also been highly esteemed as a remedy to stop internal bleeding and nosebleeds. In some countries it is also considered to have a positive effect for those suffering from epilepsy and hysteria. As always, we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before trying any of these herbal remedies.
http://www.cvni.org/wildflowernursery/wildflowers/ladys-bedstraw

Waxing Crescent Moon enters Aquarius

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

6th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
7th Day of the Cycle of Shamash
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 12:00PM EST
Moon sets: 10:10PM EST
Moon in Capricorn v/c 2:56PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius at 5:32PM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Music of
your choice.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:00AM EST
Sunset: 5:07PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
old desires do you need to relinquish?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 11th, 2010

Moon in Aquarius - This is a transit of dealing with facts, organizing, political issues, desire to save the world through social action, connecting with others in social situations, scientific pursuits, detachment, and the need to come and go without restrictions.  This transit is a dramatic mood change from Capricorn's transit. Where Capricorn values tradition and caution, Aquarius indicates anything new, innovative, different or unconventional. Extremes of behavior occur during this moon, especially extremes of optimism and pessimism. We may frequently feel the need to be friendly and social but don't want to be too personal or go too deep.  During Aquarius moon transits we can become detached feeling or rational rather than emotional, and will change our minds about something only if it's logical to do so. (that Fixed quality about this sign).  The Moon in Aquarius connects us to our community, reminds us that we are in this together. It asks us to make sure we walk our talk and integrate our philosophy with our politics. We abstract, communicate and work the crowd, but may be less intimate. Those who are born under an Aquarius moon sign are far sighted with a gentle stubbornness; they understand group dynamics and may be more aware in family, tribe, community than in their most intimate relationships.  Moon in Aquarius is the best time to work magick involving science, freedom, creative expression, problem-solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship and the breaking of bad habits or unhealthy addictions. Healing rituals for ailments of the calves, ankles or blood are also done at this time.

It is Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.  There are many Major magickal energies today - they are about Money, Status, Material Needs and Networking. There are some minor magickal energies for spells/rites involving business success.

Woden's Day - waxing Crescent moon in Capricorn

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

5th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
14th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
6th Day of the Cycle of Shamash
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 11:23AM EST
Moon sets: 9:08PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Thresholds of
light in your life.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 6:56A EST
Sunset: 5:08PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "In
which areas do you most need
to grow?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November 10th, 2010

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection.  There are Major magickal energies today for spells/rites regarding Politics and Negotiation. 

Crescent Moon Phase entering Capricorn

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."


4th Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
13th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Negetal/Reed
5th Day of the Cycle of Shamash
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: Crescent Moon - 12:41PM EST
Moon rises: 10:38AM EST
Moon sets: 8:05PM EST
Moon in Sagittarius v/c 7:35AM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn at 8:36AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The wonder
of life
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 6:58SAM EST
Sunset: 5:09PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
skills need to come into play in
your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
November 9th, 2010

Crescent Moon - This moon (or waxing Crescent Moon) rises midmorning and sets after sunset. She is the first visible sliver of Moon seen in the western sky in the late afternoon or early evening. The Crescent Moon is the SPROUT. The seed has broken through the earth and reaches up as she ventures from the dark, moist earth she has known. Those of us who was born in a waxing crescent moon phase must break from the past to create their own destiny. Keywords for the Crescent Moon phase are: expansion, growth, struggle and opportunity. It is the time in a lunar cycle that you gather the wisdom learned in the New phase and communicate your intention9 to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal(s) for this lunar cycle.

Moon in Capricorn - Well after all the spontaneously adventure in Sagittarius, we come back to earth and take care of bussiness.  Capricorn brings planning magick and takes your ideas, giving them form and hope. We can tap into our inner wisewoman - ask how form, ritual, organization or tradition can serve. Cultivate your beginnings on your goals. This transit concerns leadership issues, security, responsibilities, the need to be recognized, desire to create environments, deal with alternative healing for your body and intensification of your powers of concentration.
   After Sagittarius expansiveness, now we feel contraction and a time to pay attention to our needs such as security, duties, obligations, drives and ambitions. This is a good transit for setting and achieving goals, 'going for it' materially. Energy is slowed down during a Capricorn transit. Be careful to avoid insensitivity to others and stay out of negative and pessimistic mind sets that will only drag you down. Take this moon transit to deal with your material place, especially if you have neglected it too long. Do non-traditional healing as Capricorn is the sign of the medicine woman.  Those who were born with a Capricorn moon sign in our natal charts, we came here to accomplish and understand compassionate leadership. You may need to learn to respect other rhythms and to love yourself, not just what you do. You offer us constructive determination and practical support. Moon in Capricorn is the best time to work magick for organization, ambition, recognition, career and political matters. Healing rituals for the knees, bones, teeth and skin are also done at this time.

Today is Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire. Action Day.
There is Major magickal energy today for Career and Job Hunting spells and/or rites.

"The world of commerce I will serve,

Position me as I deserve.

Pay and perks, recognition glorious,

I can't help but be victorious." 

[From Season of the Witch Datebook 2010

Waxing New Moon in Sagittarius

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

3rd Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
12th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
4th Day of the Cycle of Shamash
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 9:44AM EST
Moon sets: 7:04PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Service to
the universe
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 6:57AM EST
Sunset: 5:10PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are you homesick for?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
November  8th, 2010

This is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day. There are minor magickal energies for spells/rites regarding the issues of the feminine, maternal, and domestic issues.

Bridges

    It used to be said that Witches could not cross running water, and bridges were built with a cross in the construction, sometimes literally, as ornamentation, to prevent them using the bridge to pass.  It was thought that should Witches attempt to use such a bridge then they would be forced to turn back when they reached the center. It is probably for this reason that it used to be a superstition that to turn back halfway across a bridge was to court disaster.
   In some places it is thought to be unlucky to say goodbye to a friend on a bridge as it meant you would never see one another again. It is also considered unlucky to be under a railway bridge when a train passes overhead. However many times children like to underneath when a train passes overhead to hear the thunderous noise. In Wales it was considered to court misfortunate to talk while passing under a bridge. This might be related to the belief that it was bad luck to disturb the spirits which lived underground. If you cross a bridge over running water you should throw a coin into the waters to appease the spirits which dwell underneath. It use to be said that you should not cross a bridge if a part of it was obscured by a fog or mist, in such a way that you could not see all the way across. To do so could result in you ending up, not on the other side, but in the otherworld.
[From: Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

The Reed Harvest

When due to wind and frost the dry canes have lost all their leaves, the reed is ready to be harvested. Frost is indeed a big help for the harvest: Once the damp soil or the water are frozen, the reed areas are easily accessible on foot or with the harvester.



In the past the reed was harvested using sickles or scythes, a method that can still be found today. A skilled reed cutter can harvest and tie between 15 and 20 bundles per hour.

Nowadays, however, harvesting machines are the common choice. The mowing machine allows to cut the reed in rows and can be operated by just two people.

In larger marshland or lake areas also Saiga harvesters with balloon tyres are being employed to reap the reed stalks. These amphibious vehicles have the advantage of preserving the soil and the subterranean part of the reed – the rhizome – by reducing the pressure applied on them.

After cutting the reed, the stalks are gathered into bundles of 1.2 m length. Shaking and combing them out cleans them from the residues of leaves and plants as well as from too short stalks. By butting the bundles on the ground the stalks become flush with each other, so that they can be tied together to bundles of 60 cm diameter with help of a band and an iron ring.

Then the reed bundles are left outdoors, piled up in pyramids. This form allows the rain to run off and helps the wind to dry the reed and to carry away the remaining leaves.

When the harvest is over, the individual reed bundles are packed to packages of 50 or 100 and made ready for transport.

New Moon enters Sagittarius

"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."

2nd Day of the 12th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ngetal/Reed
11th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
3rd of the Cycle of Shamash
- Days of the Witch Gods
Moon Phase: New
Today Daylight Savings Ends
Moon rises: 8:41AM EST
Moon sets: 6:07PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius at 3:27AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memory of
childhood winters
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 6:56AM EST
Sunset: 5:11PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your plans needs better motivation?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
November 7th, 2010


Moon in Sagittarius - The restless, enthusiastic Sagittarius Moon brings desires for adventure, change, and motion.  This moon transit brings out our inner-Artemis: we need to roam, to explore in body and soul. Our curiosity intensifies. The moon in this sign is a time for philosophy, metaphysics, travelling, studying and freedom from responsibility.  This is a good time for seeing new places, encountering different people and relating to a changing environment. There is a proclivity towards open, honest exchanges.  Those born with a Sagittarius moon sign came here to explore. They need to learn to hold still and work through a challenge. They offer us radical acceptance. Moon in Sagittarius is the best time to work magick for publications, legal matters, travel, and truth. Healing rituals for ailments of the liver, thighs, or hips are also best done at this time.

This is Sun Day -the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  There are Major magickal energies for Self-Improvement and minor magickal energies for working with animals.  Today is probably a good time to establish your list of goals for this lunar cycle.

"Season of the darkness, Come!

Magick thrives with little Sun,

Happy flickering candlelight

Cloak my spirit in glorious night."

[From: Season of the Witch Datebook of 2010]

Raven

    The Raven is the largest member of the Crow family, being some 25 inches (70n cm) in length. It is all black, including the beak. It has long been considered a bird of magick and omens. Probably the most notable story concerns the Ravens of the Tower of London, about which it is said that should they be lost or fly away then Britain and the Royal family will fall. These days their wings are clipped to prevent from leaving!  The Native Americans call the Raven 'the messenger of death', and they believe that it can scent death and will arrive whenever it is imminent. It used to be thought that to hear a Raven calling over the house indicated one of the inhabitants would soon fall ill. Indeed its call is said to be 'corpse, corpse'. Ravens seen facing towards a clouded Sun indicate that hot weather is on the way, but if seen preening then the weather will be wet. Seen flying towards one another they are said to presage battle.

   The Raven is sacred to the Celtic Battle Goddess the Morrigan. It was said that she would watch over the field of war in the guise of a Raven, waiting to feed on the bodies of the fallen. The Raven was also thought to be a messenger for the Morrighan, and as such was under her protection. Should anyone kill a Raven it was thought that She would visit destruction on their household. The Celtic Goddess Natosuelta was a Raven Goddess of Gaul, and was both Creator and Destroyer of the world.

[From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

     Ingenious and versatile, ravens are members of the crow family, which includes jays and magpies. They are found everywhere in the northern hemisphere and adapt to very different terrain, from deserts to mountains — a feat requiring high intelligence.

     They learn to find food even in the harshest conditions, such as the dead of winter in Yellowstone National Park. As scavengers, ravens know how and when to take advantage of other animals to help them cadge a meal they couldn’t otherwise reach. In Yellowstone, bison that don’t survive the harsh winter attract coyotes, whose sharp teeth and strong jaws rip open the tough, frozen hides — making the meat accessible to watchful ravens. They also have been seen following wild wolf packs to a kill; some stories even have ravens flying ahead of the wolves to lead them to prey.

Some links to Raven information: http://www.theravendiaries.com/

This link has a sound of a raven's call: 

http://enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?allSpecies=y&searchText=raven&curGroupID=1&lgfromWhere=&curPageNum=1


Wasted Food

   "When children grow food and cook it, they it, all of it." says Alice Waters who started a program in Martin Luther King Jr. school in Berkeley, California.  The two most commonly wasted school-lunch foods in a 1996 report were cooked and raw vegetables. The study found that an astounding 42% of cooked veggies were wasted. That could be partly because canned or frozen vegetables dominate over fresh ones in schools. Increasingly children don't even recognize 'real' or 'whole' foods. They can't identify the plant, tree, or bush that produced what's on their plates. How can they, when they're so unaware of their food's origins?  Alice Waters created a lush, one acre garden that nourished both students and its curriculum, and thus Martin Luther King Jr. middle school has the Edible Schoolyard
program.  In the spring of 1995, an abandoned lot adjacent to the school was designated as the garden site. Landscape architects, chefs, gardeners, and teachers were invited to share their vision of a garden where students would participate in hands-on learning. 12 years later, the acre of land is lush with seasonal vegetables, herbs, vines, berries, flowers, and fruit trees.
http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/

http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/09/alice-waters-edible-schoolyard-study-uc-berkeley.html

And a link to a Video - we always seem to get more from videos :
http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/video

Is there room in your local school yard for a garden to be planted.?