Balsamic Moon phase enters Sagittarius - Hecate's Night

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


27th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
8th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
27th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Balsamic - 11:15AM EST
Moon rises:4:10AM EST
Moon sets: 1:50PM EST
Moon in Scorpio v/c 2:56PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius at 8:21PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The wandering
path of the soul.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:42AM EST
Sunset: 5:02PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
does the seasonal cycle of renewal
offer you?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 31st, 2010

Balsamic Moon - The Balsamic Moon (oar waning Crescent Moon) rises before dawn and sets midafternoon. She is the last sliver of Moon seen in the eastern sky in the dawn in the very early morning. The Balsamic Moon is the COMPOST phase, when the nutrients remain in the soil, providing  nourishment for the next new seed.  This is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Keywords for this Balsamic moon phase are: transition, release, transformation, renewal and purity. It is the phase in a cycle when you must let go of everything you have been working on that does not deal with current cycle issues. During this phase you reflect on the passing cycle and prepare for the new. Trust in renewal. It is important to separate from others now so that you can clear the intellect of negativity. LET GO. Become still and meditate. For those who born during a Balsamic Moon phase possess the potential to be wise, insightful, understanding and patient. They are prophetic and unique.

Moon in Sagittarius - The Moon in Sagittarius gets us moving, it brings cheerful impatience and refreshing honesty. We need wide open minds, souls, attitudes but can't sit still. Time to:get honest, forgive, dance, hike, explore, and connect to the natural world. Moon in Sagittarius brings out our inner-Artemis; we need to roam and explore in body and soul. Our curiosity intensifies. Those born under a Sagittarius moon 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 done at this time.

Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationships - there are minor magickal energies for initiating endings.  All sorts of endings coming along - the end of this lunar cycle and the ending of calendar year.

Hecate's Night

   Today is the last day of the month, and so is sacred to the great Triple Goddess Hecate. Every month we honor Her as Queen of the Night. She is the Lady of the crossroads, she shows the way to the land of the dead.  Hecate can serve as the mediator in contact with your shadow, so when you have personal challenges you need to deal with, ask Hecate to guide you on your inner journey. Hecate is also a protector of women and a formidable advocate for the disenfranchised and marginalized.  It is Hecate who teaches us the ancient Mysteries. It is She who protects the vulnerable. May we wisely follow Her
example.
   Hecate's sacred is black night. All festivities and ceremonies are held after dark, the only acceptable illumination is candles or torches. She only accepts offerings and petitions at night. Hecate is identified with the Dark Moon, the time of Her optimum power.  The last day of each month is dedicated to Hecate. 
    Her correspondences are:  Sacred Creatures - Dogs, Toads, Snakes and Dragons; Color - Black; Number - Three; Attributes - Keys, Cauldron, Broom, and Torch; Plants - Garlic, Lavender, and Mandrake; Fruit - Pomegranate; Trees - Black poplar, Yew, Date Palm, and Willow; Planets - Moon and Sirius, the Dog Star.
    Along with her intense lunar identification, Hecate is also associated with the element of water: her first love affairs were with sea gods including Triton. Devotees celebrated the goddess by holding rituals known as Hecate' Suppers at the end of each month at a crossroad. (The end of the month in lunar calendars corresponds to the Dark Moon, the new month begins with the first sighting of the New Moon.) 

Mercury Retrograde Ends - 2:21AM EST

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

26th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
7th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
36th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waning last quarter
Moon rises: 3:00AM EST
Moon sets: 1:07PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Water
Sign of Scorpio
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The magic
of snow
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:42AM EST
Sunset: 5:01PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are the landmarks of your spiritual
home?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 30th, 2010

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.  Thor's correspondences: Planetary Influence - Jupiter and its symbol; Deities - Thor, Juno, Jupiter/Jove and Zeus; Flowers & Plants - Honeysuckle, cinquefoil, Mint, Maple tree and Oak tree; Metal - Tin; Colors - purple, royal blue, and green; Crystals and Stones - Sapphire, Amethyst, and Turquoise; Essential Oils - Clove, Honeysuckle, Nutmeg, and Sage; Tarot Cards - Ten of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles; and Foods, Herbs & Spices - Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Wheat.
    Thursday comes from the Latin Dies Jovis, which means 'Jove's day'. Jove or Jupiter as he was sometimes called, was the supreme god and patron of the ancient Romans. Jove/Jupiter is associated with wealth, leadership, thunder, and lightning. A lord of heave, Jove/Jupiter was also a god of light, and his sacred color is white. In the Greek mythology, this deity was known as Zeus. This day's name eventually turned into the Old English Thursdaeg or Thunresdaeg, which translates to 'thunder's day' or more simply, "Thor's Day."  This day of the week became named after Thor, the popular Norse god of thunder. Thor was the son of Odin.  He carried a war hammer called Mjollnir, and it was this that made the thunder and lightning. All of the gods associated with Thursday - Jupiter/Jove, Zeus, and Thor - were wielders of the thunderbolt.
    Thor's Day with its planetary association of Jupiter is associated with prosperity, abundance, leadership, and good health. Prosperity and abundance are the typical concerns of a Thursday. However, the way people define prosperity can vary great between individuals.   I think propserity is having enough money in the checking account to cover the bills and to pay for the groceries; anything left over is gravy.  The aspiration to make your budget stretch and to find ways to cover extra expenses is a real need for just about everyone.
[From Ellen Dugan's "Book of Witchery"]

Mercury Retrograde Ending -

    As Mercury become 'stationary direct' in this cycle - Mercury finally stops its backward motion, turns around and begins to resume its forward journey along the zodiacal path. The planet does not do this quickly, however, but slowly, as if hovering in place - charging the atmosphere with a heightened tension. For three or four days before and after the day that Mercury begins to move forward, there is a collective in-drawing of breath like the pause after an orchestral crescendo; things hang there in the balance and we wait for the outcome.  Astrologer Erin Sullivan describes this kind of period as the tense scene of a 'threshold struggle.'  Apprehensive yet hopeful, we look back over the territory we have just transversed, assessing the new attitudes, ideas, intuitions and plans that have begun to emerge
out of the mists with clarity and shape.  Remember this Mercury Retrograde asked us to revisit our goals for the year to cull any excuses or excesses and then to reinvent your promises for the year ahead.
   Once again, things may go 'wrong' as they did at the outset of Mercury retrograde. Though we may think we know where we are headed, we may be in for even more surprises. Often, in fact, the conclusion of this cycle brings unpredictable results - as if Mercury were a mischievous magician pulling one last trick out of his hat. The best way to be during this suspenseful several day period is to stay flexible and open-minded. Like a Zen master, we can rest in amused detachment as we watch the universe unfold along unforeseen lines. Poised but alert and aware, we can expect the unexpected. As
the very nature of Mercury retrograde is to re-adjust that which has become outmoded and outgrown and to deepen our self-knowledge, it is a time to trust in the process that has been at work all along, re-shaping  our lives along new lines.
[From: "Mercury Retrograde: Its Myth and Meaning" by Pythia Peay]

Waning Half moon moves into Scopio

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


25th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
6th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
25th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waning Half
Moon rises: 1:50AM EST
Moon sets: 12:31PM EST
Moon in Libra v/c 10:04AM
Moon enters the Fixed Water
Sign of Scorpio at 3:49PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The life made
available by decay.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:42AM EST
Sunset: 5:01PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
fear is keeping you in prison?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 29th, 2010

Moon in Scorpio - The Moon in Scorpio gives us attitude, and brings out our primal side; it sharpens our curiosity and our edges, our focus to the point of obsession. Fluff doesn't cut it; get real or let it go; honor privacy, don't crowd. Time to dig deep, weed, investigate, do surgery, keep secret and love each other up.  Those born under a Scorpio Moon are intense, fiercely curious, and need to create solitude with healthy boundaries rather than isolation.  Moon in Scorpio is the best time to work magick involving sexual matters, power, psychic growth, secrets and fundamental transformation. Healing rituals for ailments of the reproductive organs are also done during this period of time.

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection - there are Major magickal energy for doing Solitary Magick and minor magickal energies for honoring ancestors and seeking clarity.  There is a time for everything including the focused power of solitary magicks. Some of us find that our most potent and memorable results were generated by spells cast in the solemnity of solitude. Above all, take steps to be certain you are not disturbed when working.  The color correspondence for your solitary magickal workings today is Deep Purple, and work with the Goddess Aradia.  Also having the tarot card The Magician sitting on your altar or workspace is a boost too.

Waning Half Moon - Tiu's Day

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


24th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
5th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
24th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waning Half
Moon rises: 12:39AM EST
Moon sets: 11:59AM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Air
Sign of Libra
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Jouney's end
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:42AM EST
Sunset: 5:00PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
threshold of attainment waits
for you to cross over?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 28th, 2010

Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire - Action Day.  Some of Tiu's Correspondences are: Planetary Influence - Mars along with its planetary symbol; Deities are Mars, Tyr/Tiw, and Lilith; Flowers and Planets are Holly, snapdragon and thistle; Metal - Iron; Colors are Red, Black, Scarlet, and Orange; Crystals & Stones are Bloodstones, Garnet, Ruby and Jasper; Essential Oils are: Basil, Ginger, Pennyroyal and Pine; Tarot Cards are Five of Wands, Six of Wands, and Strength; and Foods, Herbs & Spices are: Allspice, Peppers, Carrots, Garlic and Ginger... 

Days of the Earth Dragon -

    In my daily heading above you can note that I keep track of what day of 7th House Witches' Year Lunar Calendar it is.  This follows along with my Lunar Tree Cycle day also.  I get the Grael cycle information from my "2010 Seasons of the Witch Daily" datebook.  I find it appropriate that this particular cycle is called the Earth Dragon cycle as the Winter season is a time when we ground ourselves in the Earth and draw within to sort out ourselves.  So I referred this morning to my "Druid Animal Oracle" deck set to find information on the Earth Dragon. This deck was created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm. 
 Earth Dragon: Draig-talamh - keywords: Power, Potential, Riches
     This card shows a coiled dragon guarding a hoard of treasure in its cave. An old inhabitant of the Welsh village of Penllyne, who died at the turn of the century, insisted that his father and uncle had killed such a dragons. In his boyhood he had seen them: coiled when resting, they 'looked as if they were covered with jewels of all sorts. Some of them had crests sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow.' When disturbed they glided swiftly, 'sparkling all over,' to their hiding places.
    The Earth Dragon brings us face to face with our potential. Within us we have a treasure house of riches - of powers and capacities - which we can learn how to use. In the past we may have been denied access by the guardian of this treasure. But now we are coming to understand that this sometimes fierce guardian is in reality an aspect of ourselves. By coming to know and love Draig-talamh we will be able to unlock the secrets of our heart, and at the same time we will find ourselves discovering the beauty and the power that lie within the hearts of those around us and in the very earth itself.
   So as we are in the waning phases of the Moon and will experience the Balsamic and Dark Moon times in a few days - this will be an appropriate time to meet our Earth Dragon and contemplate his lessons.

Last Quarter Moon phase - Libra Moon

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

23rd Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
4th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
23rd Day of the Cycle Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Last Quarter
at 11:18PM EST
Moon sets: 11:29AM EST
Moon rises: 11:58PM EST
Moon in Virgo v/c 10:11AM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Air
Sign of Libra at 12:38PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The dormant
life of the seed
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:41AM EST
Sunset: 4:59PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
new idea is seeding itself within you this Winter?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 27th, 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. Remember that this description of the current lunar phase is about this: "As above, so below.  Look into the sky and observe which phase the Moon is in. Then you will know where you are in the growth cycle of each lunar month. The phase that the moon was in when you were born reflects your purpose, personality and preferences.  For those who born during the last quarter 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 cycle to take closing action, to follow-up and complete 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 success. MANIFEST YOUR GOAL. Be responsible.

Moon in Libra - This transit concerns cooperation, harmony, focus on relationships, and fine artistic pursuits. The Moon in Libra opens our sociability, brings a friendly egalitarian vibe and encourages us to connect. Bread and roses: we need beauty like we need air. Time to seek justice, romance, meet, approach, create, beautify, find our core balance and balance our needs with others. Perhaps you might enjoy attending an art gallery opening, the opera or taking your partner to dinner. All partnership activity will be heightened during this moon transit.  For those who are not in a relationship - they may crave a partnership or feel alone and lonely. Be aware of superficial bonding just to ease the pain of aloneness. Yet Moon in Libra is a nice time to throw a party. Everyone will be extremely social and try to please and flatter others.  For those born under a Libra moon sign - they came here to feel the beauty in cooperation. They may need to learn to hear their own voice under conflict. They offer us bone-deep kindness, meditation and justice. Moon in Libra is the best time to work magick involving artistic work, justice, court cases, partnerships and unions, mental stimulation and karmic, spiritual or emotional balance.  Healing rituals for ailments of the lower back, or kidneys are also done during this period of time.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling Day - Impression Day.  There are Major magickal energies for rites/spells of Balance.

Disseminating Virgo Moon on Sun Day

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

22nd Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
3rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
22nd Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 11:00AM EST
Moon rises: 11:28PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The joy of
simplicity
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:41AM EST
Sunset: 4:59PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
would give your loved ones most
pleasure?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 26th, 2010

Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal - Creation Day.   There are Major magickal energies today for Clearing Root Cause of Health Issues.  These magickal energies are boosted
by the Virgo energies for taking of health issues.  Also with the Disseminating Moon - it becomes
easier for us to stop addictive habits that undermine our health.  

The  Wren

    One of the smallest birds, the Wren has long been associated with Witchcraft and Paganism, both to its detriment and benefit.  On St. Stephen's day, 26 December, a ritual known as 'Hunting the Wren' was enacted. The poor Wren was hunted, killed, decorated andn paraded through the streets to bring good fortune to the people of the town. In some areas it was simple kept caged for the remaining 12 days of Christmas and in others it was decorated with ribbons and allowed to fly free.
   It is thought by some that this treatment of the Wren was to offset the Pagan associations of the bird. On the positive side, folklore has long held the Wren to be a lucky bird: a Wren's feather falling on you indicated a long and prosperous life, to have one in your garden indicated a happy home and just hear its song was considered lucky.
    Perhaps surprisingly some families still re-enact Hunting the Wren as part of the season's festivities, only in this case the Wren in question is a paper one. A small bird shape is cut out of paper and painted. It is then secreted somewhere in the house. At dusk the children are sent to hunt the Wren. The first to find her is given the Wren to place in their room. Kate West says that when she was young, her extended family would gather on Boxing Day. The youngest child was selected as the Wren and then a fairly straightforward game of hide and seek would commence, ending after every child had been the Wren.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"] 

Disseminating Moon enters Virgo

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


21st Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
2nd of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
21st Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 10:31AM EST
Moon rises: 10:16PM EST
Moon in Leo v/c 4:27AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo at 10:14AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The spirit of
the Land in Winter.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:41AM EST
Sunset: 4:58PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "To
whom do you need to show more
sensitivity?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 25th, 2010

Moon in Virgo - The Moon in Virgo sends us back to work and gives us a to-do list. After to Leo party, it's time to clean up our act. We become impatiently aware of what needs to be improved,  fixed or healed. Our compassion is strong, but we can get irritated as less industrious folk. Practical Virgo cleans the house and sets things in order. It is a time of taking responsibility and cleaning up the messes we've been leaving. Virgo brings painstaking attention to detail; housecleaning is a good way to work through a Virgo transit. Emotionally it's an inward time when we can reflect on personal relationships.
During a Virgo women are mentally active but there is a tendency to excessive criticism both of oneself and others. Those born under a Virgo moon are curious, responsible, caring but need to cultivate gentle acceptance of self and others. 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 at this time.

Saturn Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day.
There are Major magickal energies for doing rites/spells for Protection.

Christmas

     Christmas is not a Wiccan festival, however, it is such an intrinsic part of life today that almost all Witches will celebrate it.  It's hard to avoid such a dominant celebration. Certainly anyone with children would to be either very lucky or extremely firm in order to persuade their young not to celebrate it. Most of the time in Pagan/Wiccan households Yule is celebrated and then they go on to celebrate Christmas.
    There are a number of interesting customs and beliefs associated with Christmas. It is said that you should eat a mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas, preferably given to you by someone else, to ensure 12 months of good luck. Moreover it is bad luck to refuse a mince pie if it is offered to you. The pies should never be cut as this would bring conflict into the home. The Christmas pudding, when made at home should be stirred 3 times Deosil, or clockwise, by everyone in the house to ensure their wishes come true. Should a fly be seen in the house between Christmas and New Year it is said to forecast a good year. To see a person's shadow without a head on Christmas day was believed to indicate a death in the coming year. The turkey wishbone should be pulled by two people using only their little fingers. The one who wins the nub will then have their wish come true. At midnight on this day you should open all the doors in the house to let evil spirits depart.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Disseminating Moon phase -

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


20th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter ]
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
First Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
20th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Disseminating - 1:53PM EST
Moon sets: 9:59AM EST
Moon rises: 9:04PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Fire
Sign of Leo
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The constellation
your soul-friends make.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:40AM EST
Sunset: 4:57PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your family do you appreciate
the most?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
December 24th, 2010

Disseminating Moon - 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. 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. For those who are born in a Disseminating Moon phase, 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 the time in a cycle to further process your advancement toward your goal by looking at the results of your adjusting action taken at the Full 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 knowledge. SHARE. Reach out and touch someone.

Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationship. 

Sun in Capricorn

     Capricorn is one of the Earth signs, bringing physicality, resourcefulness, practicality and a down-to-earth attitude. It is also a Cardinal sign indicating a desire to take action, impatience, eagerness and a need to be in control.  Having said that, Capricorns are generally restrained, patient, disciplined cautious, and methodical. They will persevere with a problem or task, taking it one step at a time until they reach their desired result. They do not give up ideas or dreams easily. They can appear cool and calculating, but this is because they tend to hold back their feelings, and can appear unaffected by even the strongest stimuli. On the negative side they can be harsh and exacting on those around them. They can be narrow-minded, critical, selfish and pessimistic, particularly in respect of human nature. Their desire for control can also lead to them being quite manipulative, especially of emotions.
    This period is one where Capricorns should restrain their expression about others; it is very much a time when they should think carefully about the effects of what they say and do, before they say or do it. Those of other signs can use the energies of this time to great effect in honest examination of their relationship with those around them. They will also find that this a good time for tackling outstanding tasks and chores, especially those which previously seemed over-complex. 
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

          

Waning Gibbous Moon moves into Leo

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

19th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
Celtic Tree Day - Endless/Nameless Day
19th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waning Gibbous
Moon sets: 9:59AM EST
Moon rises: 7:51PM EST
Moon in Cancer v/c 2:25AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Fire
Sign of Leo at 7:51AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The truth
of the imagination
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:40AM EST
Sunset: 4:57PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is the source of your deepest
refreshment?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 23rd, 2010


Moon in Leo - The Moon in Leo illuminates our extroverted sides; we brim with generosity but can get 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. Those born under a Leo moon sign can fill a room with personality and make the most of any situation, but may need to learn to honor the quiet, mundane or another's reality. 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 o9r heart are also done during this period of time. 

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day, the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.... There is Major magickal energy for doing spells/rites for Money Owed You. 

Winter Soltice - Full Moon

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


17th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
27th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
17th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Full - 3:13AM EST
Moon sets: 7:55AM EST
Moon rises: 5:28PM EST
Moon in Gemini v/c 3:13AM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Water
Sign of Cancer at 4:22AM EST
Winter Solstice 6:38PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The message
of the wind.
Sun enters Capricorn at 6:38PM EST
Sunrise: 7:39AM EST
Sunset: 4:56PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you most appreciate about
being human?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 21st, 2010


Full Moon - The Full Moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Astrologically, the Sun and Moon are in opposition (i. e. opposite each other in the sky and in opposite signs of zodiac).  She is visible all night long, from moonrise til moonset. She opens and blossoms during the Full Moon into the FLOWER, with the desire to share her beauty with others.  Those who born in a Full Moon phase enjoy companionship and partnership and desire to merge deeply. Fulfillment and illumination are their goals. Keywords for the Full Moon phase are: fulfillment, illumination, realization, experience. It is the time in a cycle that you are given a clear view so that you can make adjustment 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.

Moon in Cancer - The Moon in Cancer deepens our feelings; our moods are stormy and vast, our hunger and desire to feed others sharpens.  We protect our own, nest in our cave, need to know we're safe. Hunger grows, but for more than food. A Cancer transit encourages the wisdom rising out of our oceanic unconscious through moods and feelings. Those born under a Cancer moon searches for what nurture their souls and the world's. They may need to learn their own security with them. They respect our deepest feelings and ease our past fears.  Moon in Cancer is the best time to work magick for home and domestic life. Healing rituals for ailments of the chest and stomach are also done during this period of time.

Yule - Winter Solstice - For a lot of people in the Northern hemisphere this considered the start of winter..  but in the Celtic culture the season of winter actually started in the first few days of November right after Samhain.  The Solstice is considered the apex of the winter season.  This is the time of the year when we celebrate the rebirth of the Sun. Since the Summer Solstice the days have been getting shorter and the nights longer, but now the tide is about to turn and we celebrate the return of the Sun King. As Yule is a Solstice it can fall on any date from the 20th to the 23rd of December, although many will celebrate it on the 21st anyway.
    After dark gather your group together and place your Yule Log on a safe table in the center of your gathering. Check that all the candles are secure and that the log is stable and cannot be upset by children or pets. Each person in turn should state something positive they are thankful for in the previous season. Then in turn, they should state something they wish for the coming season and light their candle. It is worth remembering to light the candle furthest away first so that no-one has to stretch over an already lit candle. While the candles are burning, you could also slice and eat a chocolate Yule log, or simply discuss the things you hope to see in the coming season. The candles should be extinguished before they reach the wood as they may set it alight.
   If you have an open fire there is an older way of performing this Rite in which you burn last year's Log on the fire and from its flames you light the candles on the new Yule Log.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Sun Day - Moon in Gemini

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


15th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
25th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
15th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 6:00AM EST
Moon rises: 3:27PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini
Rhiannon 's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation:  The treasures
of Winter
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:38AM EST
Sunset: 4:56PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
prejudices are you holding on to?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 19th, 2010

This is Sun Day -  the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal - Creation Day. 

Gibbous Moon enters Gemini

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

14th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
24th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
14th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Gibbous
Moon sets: 4:57AZM EST
Moon rises: 2:40PM EST
Moon in Taurus v/c 4:36PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini at 10:37PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The unconquerable
nature of the soul.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:37AM EST
Sunset: 4:55PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
obstructions need to be cleared
from your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 18th, 2010


Moon in Gemini - The Moon in Gemini quickens our nervous system, it wakes us up; we lose our concentration but quicken our communication. Conversations sparkle and our thinking broadens but doesn't deepen. This transit is a time network, investigate, translate brainstorm, mediate, prune, edit,
explain and broadcast.  Those born with a Gemini moon sign in their natal charts can talk to anyone, think fast, multi-task and 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 ritual for ailments of the shoulders, arms, hands, or lungs are also done during this period of time. Maybe this might be a good transit to do a spell to repair damage done by Mercury Retrograde snarled communications.
                                 
Saturn Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day.
Most of today will be spent in a Taurus moon transit - so these descriptive words will still be appropriate for your actions today.  Gemini will kick in late tonight.

Gibbous Moonn Phase begins

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

13th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Rius/Elder
23rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
13th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Gibbous - 10:11AM EST
Moon sets: 3:54AM EST
Moon rises: 2:01PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Earth
Sign of Taurus
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Your kinship
with the stars.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:36AM EST
Sunset: 4:54PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are
you fulfilling your spiritual
vocation.
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 17th, 2010

Gibbous Moon - The 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 135 to 180 degrees ahead of the Sun. This fourth phase of cyclic process corresponds to the seasonal cross-quarter day of Beltaine (Mayday) when the light force is rapidly growing. The Gibbous Moon is the BUD of the plant, the pulse of life tightly wrapped, wanting to expand - the Moon is swelling towards Her fullness. Keywords for the Gibbous phase are: analyze, prepare, trust.  It is the time in a cycle to process the results of the actions taken during the First Quarter. During this phase you are gathering information. The flow of energy is geared toward analyzing one's actions and finding ways to reach the goals set at the beginning of this cycle. Your knowledge is still incomplete  so making judgments can lead to worry.
Laugh. Analyze and filter.  LOOK WITHIN.

And it is another Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationships.  There are minor magickal energies for friendship. 

Moon moves into Taurus

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

12th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
22nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
12th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing Half Moon
Moon sets: 2:52AM EST
Moon rises: 1:28PM EST
Moon in Aries v/c 6:40AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth
Sign of Taurus at 1:49PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The ancestral
memories of your body.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:36AM EST
Sunset: 4:54PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is seeking to reveal itself in your dreams?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 16th, 2010


Moon in Taurus - The Moon in Taurus grounds us; it slows us down after Aries headlong rush forward and wakes our sensual nature and stubbornness, helps us dig deeper roots. This lunar transit concerns money, work, property, the body, home and family,building cautiously and slowly, being conscientious, growth, sensitivity, planting and emotional patterns based on security. The energy flow is even as Aries forceful movement becomes solid, calm and patient.  There is a desire to protect material goods and a strong need for financial security. This is a good time to continue or finish projects. Taurus gives attention to order and detail. Emotionally there is stubbornness, but great sensitivity to others. Someone born under a Taurus moon roots deeply and changes slowly; they collect, touches, supports, sees the sacred in the world of matter. Being steady, they can loan their strength to others but may need to learn the beauty in change. 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. 

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.. There are Major magickal energies today for Money Matters and Business Success and minor magickal energies for good fortune.   So pay attention and take advantage of this magical material day.

Woden's Day - waxing moon in Aries

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

11th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
21st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
11th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing half moon
Moon sets: 1:52AM EST
Moon rises: 1:00PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The unfolding
vision of your life.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:35AN EST
Sunset: 4:54PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
are you most vulnerable?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 15th, 2010

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communicaiton and Connection. There are minor magickal energies today for divination and/or elemental magick.  Since we are in a Mercury Retrograde cycle I would think you might want to be careful and sure of any communication spells you work.  And I wonder what the effect of this cycle has on Woden's Day..   I am feeling very uncommunicative this morning.

Waxing Half Moon in Aries

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

10th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
20th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
10th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase waxing Half Moon
Moon sets: 12:53AM
Moon rises: 12:35PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries at 2:15AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The blessings
of age.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:34AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "How
are you respecting or abusing
friendship?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 14th, 2010

Moon in Aries - The Moon in Aries lights a fire under our tails; it wakes us up from our journey through our dreamy Pisces moon transit; strips away our complications and our patience. We can make a fresh start but tend to shoot from the hip, move fast, argue quickly. This is a time to initiate, speak up, weed, honor independence.  Aries fiery energy asks to remember who truly are even if it bothers those we love or work for.  Tempers, tears, and passions run hot - and this  is Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire - Action Day... so there will be plenty of fiery energy to add to Aries's energy.  You may reach out in emotional surges and impulsiveness. This moon transit is a great tester of limits.  Your acting on feelings of the moment rather than the on result of reasoning can bring about headstrong behavior and a tendency towards temperamental blowups. And don't forget we are in a Mercury Retrograde cycle...  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.

Today on Tiu's Day - there Major energies for doing spells/rites for Competition and Personal Advocacy...  tread carefully with all these impulsive energies flowing.

Snow Magick

    Snow is a remarkable substance. It's a liquid in a solid but malleable form. You may have cursed snow in the past as, at best, an inconvenience but lets look at it for a new use - rituals using snow. It isn't as if a lot of us are putting up with an abundance of it now.
To Be Rid of a Negative Condition - from Scott Cunningham's "Earth, Air, Fire & Water"
      During the day go outside with a small bowl and fill it with clean snow. Pack it, level it with your gloved hand and rush back inside.
       After removing your winter wraps, place the bowl of snow on a table. Hold your palms downward over the bowl and say:

 "Crystal snow,

Crystal white;

Help me now

Win this fight."

    Visualize the habit or condition as being in the snow. See the negative condition there. Push the power it has had over you into the snow. Know that the habit, its causes and the power you have given it are in the snow. Transfer the negative energy through your palms into the snow.

    Pour one-half a handful of rock (de-icing) salt into your projective hand. Look at the salt and sense its purifying, cleansing qualities.

    Still visualizing your negative habit as being in the snow, sprinkle the salt over it until you've completely covered its surface. Say:

"White on white,

Salt on Snow;

Fight your fight;

Evil go."

     Next, take any small stone that is no more than one and half inches in diameter. Hold this in your projective hand. Visualize freedom from your negative habit. Visualize freedom from your negative habit or condition. See yourself free from its grip. Sense the power that you possess to break the chain.

     After a few moments, gently place the stone on the surface of the salted snow. Say:

"Rock on salt,

Salt on snow;

Evil halt,

Evil go!"

    Sit before the bowl, staring down into it. Watch. Sense. Visualize the purifying potency of salt destroying your negative condition, the causes and the power that you've been giving it.

     As the snow melts, release all connections that you have with the habit or negative condition. Visualize and feel your conscious desires melting: dissolving into a sea of apathy, an ocean of disinterest, a surging river of purification.

     When the salt has melted the snow, remove the stone, pour the water outside of your house (away from plants that may be asleep beneath their white blankets) and return inside.

     Wash the bowl and the stone that you have used. Put them in a safe place until the next day.

      Repeat the entire ritual for nine days. Visualize.



First Quarter phase - leaves the Pisces Sign

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

9th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
19th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
9th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: First Quarter - 8:58AM EST
Moon sets: 12:15AM EST
Moon rises: 12:11PM EST
Moon in Pisces v/c 10:02PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The work
of your hands.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:34AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is the source for your inspiration?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 13th, 2010

First Quarter Moon - The 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.  Keyword for the First Quarter are: action, expression, growth, breaking away. It is the time in a cycle to take the initial action necessary to achieve your goal by expressing your needs and desires. FEEL & MOVE. Make phone calls. Write letters. Dance. Act now.  Those who are born during the First Quarter Moon phase live a full active life - old structures are cleared away providing room for new development.

This is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day.  There are Major magickal energies today for spells/rites regarding Intuition...  Your intuitive energies will be strong as the moon is still in the sign of Pisces - that sensitive moon sign of heightened senses.

The First Quarter Moon will leave the Mutable Water Sign of Pisces in late evening of today and enter the Cardinal Fire Sign of Aries in the wee hours of tomorrow morning - at 2:15AM EST.

Sun Day - waxing moon in Pisces

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

8th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
18th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
8th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent Moon
Moon rises: 11:48AM EST
Moon sets: 11:55PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The potency
of dreams enacted.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:38AM EST
Sunset: 4:55PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
is the wool being pulled over your
eyes?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the year?"
December 12th, 2010


So this is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal... there are minor magickal energies for doing work with animals.  You can interpret this as doing actual working with animals - helping them or you can interpret this as using your animal allies to help you to 'create' something, to renew yourself
or to help you in setting an intention.

Magical Partners

    Magical Partners are people who work within the Craft together, whether in the same place or on the Astral plane.  Where they belong to a Coven they will also work with the group, and sometimes with others of the Coven. A true magical partnership is made up of two people who are in tune with one another, and who have absolute trust in each other. Ideally, there should be one male and one female to balance the energies. However, it is possible for a man to learn draw on his feminine energies and vice versa, although this generally only comes with experience. Because of the level of trust and honesty necessary, magical partnerships generally work best for people who have known each other for quite some time, and have shared life, as well as Craft experience. When selecting a magical partner you have to ask yourself if you would trust this person with your deepest secrets, as well as with access to your energies; emotional and mental as well as physical.  In turn you should be prepared to drop anything to help them, with the knowledge that they would not call upon you without cause.
    To find out if a potential magical partner will be right for you, the first thing to do is to seek the guidance of the Goddess. At the Full Moon take one silver and one gold candle. Place a pin into each, at the same height, and light the candles at the same time. If the pins drop at the same time it means you should compatible, otherwise you should rethink carefully.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches Year" ]

Waxing Crescent Moon enters Pisces

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

7th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
7th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 11:24AM EST
Moon sets: 10:57PM EST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 6:01AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces at 1:41PM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The courage
to fail and try again.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:32AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
old desires do you need to relinquish?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
December 11th, 2010

Moon in Pisces - The Moon in Pisces reveals our permeability. We dream, and need to ground our dreams. We care, but can become overwhelmed by our awareness unless we feel spirit working though us. Time to: imagine, share, sense, meditate, nurture, soak, and find constructive ways to be sensitive. One born under the Moon in Pisces has extra perceptions and needs to build strength (not defense) to match. These people are sensitive, intuitive, responsive and compassionate; their dreams are a gift.
Moon in Pisces is the best time to work magick involving dreamwork, clairvoyance, telepathy, music
and the creative arts. Healing rituals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands are also done at this time.

Today is Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day... In the Seasons of the Witch Datebook of 2010 there is a notation of this being a day with Major magickal energies for Stretch Time.  This special time is 'principally for purposes of task completion. You are aware that sometimes time flies and sometimes it drags. Although you can't actually stretch time, you can enjoy the same result by increasing your productivity.  Difficult for the beginner, but worth the effort to learn. This is one those magickal skills which will go 'auto' once perfected, meaning that eventually you can create a shift with little more than a passing thought.'

Mercury Retrograde begins - Freya's Day

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


6th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
16th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
6th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises 10:59AM EST
Moon sets: 9:58PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Music
of your choice
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:31AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "In which
areas do you need to grow?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 10th, 2010

Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationship - There are Major magickal energies for Popularity.  Use these energies as you wish.

Mercury Retrograde - Mercury does not actually stop in the heavens and go backward - it just appears that way to those on Earth who are observing its motions. This celestial optical illusion occurs whenever Mercury, the nearest planet to the Sun, begins to round the bend in its orbit and swing closer to Earth. Thus, from Earth's position, Mercury appears to be moving backward against the sky. The retrograde phenomenon is not unique to Mercury, but affects all the other known planets in our solar system including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto.  A planet always retrogrades when it is closer to the Earth. This close proximity of a planet's orbit to Earth makes it 'louder' than when it is far away.  Thus a retrograde planet is actually more powerful than when it is moving in its normal direct motion.
   So why should a person in the twenty-first century believe that an optical illusion in the skies above influences our activities on earth below?  No one really knows how astrology 'works'. But the simplest explanation of astrology is that it is the symbolic interpretation of the planetary movements in our solar system.  Because Mercury retrograde cycles are shorter and occur more frequently, however, astrologers say their effects are more pronounced than those of other planets. And because astrological tradition gives the planet Mercury 'rulership' over the sphere of life that includes commerce, trade, transportation and communication - activities that affect virtually everyone - its influence is even more enhanced. Like the stick in the spoke of the wheel that throws a cart off course, Mercury's reversal of motion and energy can often mean setbacks, obstructions, misunderstandings and sudden, unexplained 'out of the blue' events.
    Yet for all the confusion that surrounds Mercury retrograde, it contains within it a vein of gold - if only we would mine it for its true worth. By working with the slower pace of Mercury retrograde, rather than going against it, we can allow ourselves to step outside the narrow framework of ordinary reality and see our lives from a wider perspective. Most astrologers, for instance, agree that it is a cosmically times period to undertake any activity with the prefix 're':  for instance redo, reevaluate, revise, rethink, review, reconsider, reassess, etc. Mercury Retrograde is all about loosening the grip of everyday demands and responsibilities in order to experience life more deeply. It is about finding pleasure in the old, familiar and timeless, rather than the new and untried. This can be a time to let things go and savor things just as they are. Thus,  rather than push forward, it is a time to retreat, if possible, and step back from the usual hurried, harried way of doing things (and this season is certainly one of the more hurried, harried times).  It is a time to reflect in solitude on what has gone on in the months preceding Mercury retrograde, and to reconnect with one's soul. Following these steps makes it possible to emerge from the period of Mercury retrograde refreshed and renewed in spirit. 

[A lot of this information comes from Pythia Peay's book "Mercury Retrograde: Its Myth and Meaning".
Thank you Pythia for writing this book.]

   

Crescent Moon Phase in Aquarius

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

5th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
5th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: Crescent phase - 6:56AM EST
Moon rises: 10:30AM EST
Moon sets: 8:47PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius at 2:30AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Thresholds of
light in your life.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:30AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
skills need to come into play in
your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 9th, 2010

Crescent Moon phase - The Crescent 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.  From those who born in the Crescent Moon Phase must break from the past to create their own destiny. 

Moon in Aquarius - 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. 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 restriction.
   This transit is a dramatic mood change. Where Capricorn values tradition and caution, the Aquarius transit indicates anything new, innovative, different or unconventional. Extremes of behavior occur during this moon, especially extremes of optimism and pessimism.  Women feel the need to be friendly and social but don't want to be too personal or go too deep. Aquarius moon can be detached or rational rather than emotional, and will change only if it's logical to do so. 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 ailment of the calves, ankles or blood are also done at this time.  Those who are born with the Moon in Aquarius in their natal chart are far sighted with a gentle stubbornness; they understand group dynamic and may be more aware in the family tribe, community then they are in their most imitate relations. (The moon's placement at our birth describes our relation to our home, soul, family and emotional lineage; it symbolizes our inner spiritual river and our lifetime mode of operation. - from "We'Moon datebook)

So today is Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion... There are Major magickal energies today for Networking and particular in the PM there are minor magickal energies for working spells/rites for business success. 

Today are in 'Shadow' of Mercury Retrograde which begins tomorrow at 7:04AM EST.  Mercury will be retrograding in Capricorn from December 10th through the 29th; advice from We'Moon 2010 is to re-visit your goals for the to cull any excuses or excesses, and then re-invent your promise(s) for the year ahead. Please note the 're-' words in this advice.    Tomorrow the moon remains in Aquarius.

   Oh and another bit of advice from an online astrology column - if you haven't finished your electronic gift buying before tomorrow - you are screwed on having the gifts work out.  Remember Mercury rules communication.  The precise words from the column are: Mercury goes retrograde on Friday so hopefully you'll have most your holiday shopping in the bag by then. This is especially recommended for the buying of Mercury-ruled things like phones, gadgets and anything that has to be mailed or delivered.

Capricorn waxing moon void of course

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


4th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
14th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
4th Day of the Cycle of Graef -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 9:56AM EST
Moon sets: 7:54PM EST
Moon in Capricorn v/c 8:07PM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The wonder
of life
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:29AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
are you homesick for?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year.
December 8th, 2010

This is Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection -  There are Major magickal energies today for spells/rites about Politics and Negotiations.

Waxing New Moon in Capricorn

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

3rd Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
13th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
3rd Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragon
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 9:15AM EST
Moon sets: 6:50PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Service to
the universe
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:29AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your plans needs better motivaton?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 7th, 2010

Moon in Capricorn - Yesterday evening the moon entered the Cardinal Earth Sign of Capricorn. This transit concerns leadership issues, security, responsibilities, the need to be recognized, desire to create environments, time to take care of business, 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 for security and obligations, drives and ambitions.  The Moon in Capricorn inspires our ambitions for good or ill, we just have to be gentle on our souls if we're not there yet. Lead and manage, but do not manipulate or control. Time to: build, dig, organize,
exercise discipline, work on foundations and make practical progress on a dream. Capricorn brings planning magick and takes your ideas, giving them form and hope. We can tap into the inner wisewoman - ask how form, ritual, organization and tradition can serve. The keyphase for a Capricorn moon transit is 'I permit'.  Energy is slowed down. Be careful to avoid insensitivity to others and stay out of negative and pessimistic mind sets that will only drag you down. Do non-traditional healing as Capricorn is the sign of the medicine woman. 
    Those of us born under a Capricorn moon sign have a strong work ethic, competence and leadership capacity but need to love themselves and not just what they do. They 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.

This is Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire, Action Day - and with the Moon being in a Capricorn transit - it is no wonder there are Major magickal energies for working on your Career and Job Hunting.  Good Luck!

Elder:  The Elder Mother; The Queen of Herbs

    Ruis: the thirteenth consonant of the Ogham alphabet - thirteenth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar

  The Elder is a small tree, rarely reaching more than 30 feet although in legend it is said to have grown much taller. More of a compact shrub when young, it becomes a straggling and unruly tree in old age. The Elder prefers lime-rich soil, but it is not fussy, growing almost anywhere and able to produce a mass of flowers and fruit even in dense shade. By June the elder is covered by creamy, flat-topped flowers containing hundreds of tiny five-petalled flowers. They have a delicious smell and a flavor like Muscat grapes.  Small green berries form and ripen, plumb with juice, to a purple-black color, the fruit hanging down in dense bunches known as drupes.

Elder's Mystical Associations:

    Numerically the elder is the ultimate tree of the White Goddess, whose prime sacred number is five (the other being three). Each creamy elderflower has five petals, five yellow stamens and five sepals, which form a tiny green star on the back of each flower. Elderflower clusters hang from five stalks at the end of each branch, which each divide again into five stalklets.
   The Elder is under the protection of the Old Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess, who guards the door to the Underworld, to death and to the dark inner mysteries. Elder is especially associated with the goddess of the waning moon and the waning year, in particular Hela, Queen of the Dead.
     Throughout northern Europe the Elder is associated with death and regeneration and with magick and it is the tree most often used to undo spells of intent. As the tree of the thirteenth month of the Celtic year, the Elder is linked with all superstitions that surround the supposed unluckiness of this particular number.

The Elder Mother was believed to dwell in the Elder tree. She worked a strong earth magick and punished those who used her tree selfishly.


Below - The Jew's Ear fungus grows on moribund elder - said to be the ears of Judas forever hearing the wind whisper the guilt of his betrayal of Jesus.

New Moon in Sagittarius - 13th Lunar Cycle of Ruis/Elder

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

1st Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
11th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ruis/Elder
1st Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth dragon
Moon Phase: New - 12:35PM EST
Moon rises: 7:27AM EST
Moon sets: 4:48PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The gifts of
mortality.
Sun in Sagittarius
Sunrise: 7:27AM EST
Sunset: 4:53PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is
the source of your creativity?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
December 5th, 2010

New Moon - The beginning of a new cycle.  The New Moon is like a SEED planted in the earth. We cannot see her but she is ready to grow, full of potential and energy for her new journey. Keywords for the New phase are: beginning, birth, emergence, projection, and clarity. It is the time in a cycle that you are stimulated to take a new action. During this phase the new cycle is being seeded by your vision, inner and outer. Engage in physical activity. Spend time alone. VISUALIZE your goals for the 29.6-day cycle ahead. The new moon (or dark moon) rises at sunrise and sets at sunset. Astrologically, the Sun and Moon are in conjunction. Because the Sun's light overpowers the nearby Moon in the day, and the Moon is on the others side of the Earth with the Sun at night, she is not visible in the sky at all. Those who are born during the new moon are impulsive, passionate and intuitive. They are risk takers and pioneers.

Today is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  There are Major magickal energies today for spells and/or rituals regarding Self-Improvement...  The New Moon energies will help to give your workings for self-improvement an extra boost. 

Ruis/Elder Tree Cycle

     The close of the year is nigh; we end with the Celtic month and the Lunar Tree cycle 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 longers 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
and 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 of 2010"