and open to Her Wisdom."
1st Day of the Third Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Nion/Ash
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Nion/Ash
1st Day of the Cycle of Raven -
Days of Air
Moon Phase: New Moon - 3:45PM EST
Moon rises: 6:22AM EST
Moon sets: 6:24PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A plant or flower
of your choice.
Sun in Pisces
Sunrise: 6:50AM EST
Sunset: 6:13PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
news do you wait to hear? What
changes will it bring?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
March 4th, 2011
New Moon - The New Moon (or Dark Moon) rises at sunrise and sets at sunset. Astrologically, the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction. Because the Sun's light overpowers the nearby Moon in the day, and the Moon is on the other side of the Earth with the Sun at night, she is not visible in the sky at all. 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 journey. The phase that the moon was in when you were born reflects your purpose, personality and preferences. 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. And so we beginning a new lunar cycle today. Keywords for the New phase are: beginning, birth, emergence, projection, and clarity. It is the time in a lunar cycle that you are stimulated to take a new action(s). 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. If you were born during this phase of the moon you will be an impulsive, passionate and intuitive person. You are a risk taker and a pioneer.
The New Moon phase is a wonderful time to make new beginnings of all types. It is especially favorable for getting rid of bad habits such as smoking or poor eating habits. Habitual ways of thinking that are harmful and negative can also be abandoned at this time. It is also a good tie to start something creative such as a painting, sewing, or decorating the house. New projects at work can also be launched. Physically it is a beneficial time to start a detox diet or fast because withdrawn symptoms or feelings of deprivation are at their lowest. Enthusiasm for new beginnings that will create a 'new you will be highest now. However, if your new regime is going to make you feel deprived, you may find it harder as the Moon waxes. For a more thorough detoxing effect, the waning phases may be best, as the body eliminates toxins more successfully with a Waning Moon.
The first day of the New Moon is really best devoted to the planning stage of ventures for now the Moon is conjunct with the Sun and the 'energies' may be a little unpredictable. It is good to feel just a little excited and filled with anticipation, although your energy may not be at its highest. Many women start their period around now and may feel 'under the weather.' A day or two into the cycle is the time to take the initiative, apply for that job, start house hunting or any similar endeavors.
A Rite for the New Moon:
You may do this rite today, the first day of the new lunar cycle, or you may prefer to do it when you can see the first sliver of crescent moon in the western sky. You will need a white or pale green cloth for your altar; a silver vase; some flowers or greenery; lavender oil and some lavender water. Have some lemon juice ready in a white or silver chalice. Wear white clothing and silver jewelry (in the shape of a crescent if possible). You will also need three white candles in silver candleholders, a silver pen and some thing card stock.
After casting your circle, light one of the candles. Raise your flowers or greenery to the Moon if she is visible in the sky or towards the lit candle. Say:
"Lady most pure,
Princess of the dusk,
Lying fair over the Waters of the west,
Presiding over the waters of birth,
Let what is new come into being and grow.
Let my creativity wax with your bright light
And let me be born again this month in new
heart and vigour. Blessed Be"
Place the flowers/greenery carefully into their silver receptacle. Think about your plans and schemes, and imagine them growing and coming into being as the Moon waxes. Light the other two candles, saying, "Let the light become brighter.' Write three wishes or plans on the card with your silver pen. Ideally this should be one wish for you, one for a friend, and one for the world. Anoint the card with just a little oil of lavender - but be careful not to smudge the writing. Now, facing your candle, or the lunar crescent if visible, anoint yourself on your forehead and say, "Make the mind be free." Splash your face with the lavender water and rub it into your hands. If you doing this ritual with friends share this with them - you can splash each other and have a good laugh.
Sit and reflect once more, feeling hopeful and thinking positively. Drink some of the lemon juice in a toast and keep some to cast onto the ground after the ritual. Close your circle when you are ready and keep your card(s) somewhere safe, or place it upon your lunar altar.
Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationships..... There are Major magickal energies today for Social Events and minor magickal energies for love, romance, and creativity.
Fridays classically are days for love, fertility, romance, and beauty magick, as well as working for happiness, harmony in the home, and friendship. See how many ways you could add a little loving enchantment into your life and the lives of your loved ones. Advancing your magickal skills takes drive, ambition, and passion. Maybe this can be one of the goals you will work on in the new lunar cycle.
Ash/Nion Moon Cycle - The watery Ash moon is a time rains and floods. The wood of the Ash tree is said to give protection from drowning. Ygdrasill, the Scandinavian mythic Tree of Life was a great Ash tree, beneath which the goddess as the fates or Norns gave prophecy and justice. She is used to conjure rain and 'court the flash of lightning.' The Ash is a tree of imposing grace, tall and handsome, with its black spiral buds that remain tightly coiled and resemble tiny sea serpents. Known as the common ash, or weeping ash, this tree belongs to the olive tribe, Oleacea, and has an ancient mythology associated with many legends of Celtic and northern European origin.
During the third month of the year the Irish and Welsh Celts used the wood of the ash to make their oars and replace any damaged coracle slates. The wood is impervious to water, and therefore very durable for all kinds of shipbuilding and furniture making. The ash matures more rapidly than the oak
and, as a timber tree, was valuable for its quick growth. It makes the toughest and most elastic timber, and can be used for more purposes than the wood of other trees. Ancient people including the Celts, used it for making their spears and bows, so that the cruelty of the ash mentioned in the "Battle of Trees" becomes clear. But there is another deadly aspect associated with the ash, for its roots are said to strangle other trees.
The Celts used the ash mainly for its valuable wood, but there are two curative uses associated with Druidic remedies that are still used today in the country regions of Wales and Cornwall by folklore herbalists. The juice of the leaf is prescribed for snake bites, which concurs with a statement from the Roman naturalist Pliny, who remarked on the virtue of ash leaves as being so great that 'serpents dare not touch the morning and evening shadows of the tree." The ash also has a reputation for curing warts; each wart must be pricked with a new pin that has been thrust into the tree, and the pins are then replaced in the tree with a charming spell: "Ashen tree, ashen tree, pray buy these warts of me."
Nion - The Irish Gaelic word for heaven is nionon, and relates to the Gaulishy goddess On-Niona, who was worshipped in ash groves. It may be further compared to Niobe, a daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology, whose children were slain by Apollo and his twin sister Diana after she had unwisely boasted of them to the gods. Although turned to stone, she continued to weep for them. Her sad story is an allegory: Niobe, the mother, represents winter, hard, cold and proud; Apollo's deadly arrows, the sun beams, slay her children, the winter months; and her tears are emblems of the natural thaw that comes in spring, when winter's pride has melted.
The month of the ash is the last month of winter in the Celtic calendar.
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