Sunday, April 3, 2011

New Moon - Lunar Cycle of Fearn/Alder

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

1st Day of the 4th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Fearn/Alder
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month if Fearn/Alder
1st Day of the Cycle of Annwyn -
Days of Avalon
Moon Phase: New - 10:32AM EDST
Moon rises: 6:38AM EDST
Moon sets: 8:12PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A plant or flower
of your choice
Sun in Aries
Sunrise: 7:02AM EDST
Sunset: 7:45PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
knowledge are you seeking?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
April 3rd, 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. The New Moon is like a SEED planted in the earth. We cannot see her but she is ready grow, full of potential and energy, for her new journey. This is the beginning of a new cycle. 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. 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.

Phase 1 - NEW
      The New phase is Active and Spontaneous. It is about self-discovery, beginnings and intent. This phase involves the emotional body. Passion, desire and excitement qualify the outcome of the cycle. At this stage, there is a minimum of awareness and knowledge. Innocence gives it a pioneering quality.
     The energy of this phase relates to sight, inner and outer. Since the whole picture cannot be seen, it is a time of vulnerability and doubt. A visionary action is necessary. The function of this phase is to become aware of the intention; later there will be opportunities to revise and reorient.
      During the New phase, form your intent; see it and act on it. The question is: What do I desire? It is important to picture your goal; make it emotionally satisfying. Create a visual representation of it that you can look at throughout the cycle. Be clear about your goal without concern about how you will accomplish it. Trust your self and your potential to manifest. Trust your ability to learn and adapt.
[From: http://www.zodiacarts.com/articles/Article_MM8Phases.shtml ]

Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal - Creation Day..... there Major magickal energies for doing a 7-day spell for Beginnings, Changes and minor magickal energies for (art) self-improvement and beauty.
"Winds of Change I conjure thee
Bring me opportunity
My fingers stretch, my grasp takes hold,
My life , my future, mind to mold."
From "Seasons of the Witch" datebook

Alder Moon - Fearn  - F or V

    The Alder is deemed a most sacred tree, connected with the powers of fire and the ability to withstand the corrosive effects of water. Her wood is used in the making of charcoal. When cut she bleeds a red sap much like human blood. Legend has it that a cruel man once cut down a giant Alder tree that was inhabited by a tree spirit. She screamed and bled as she fell, and a terrible curse fell upon the man. He was haunted by hag Famine, and was forced to devour greater and greater amounts of food with no satisfaction. Finally he turned and devoured himself. This is a clear symbol of the patriarch's abuse of his goddess-source and eventual self-destruction. The Alder Moon heralds the coming of Spring when the maiden-goddess is reborn. The waters of winter recede as the energies of fire swell.
{From: Ariadne's Thread by Shekhinah Mountainwater]

Alder Commentary from Ogham: The Celtic Oracle

     When Alder is cut, its wood changes color from white to orange to red giving the appearance of bleeding and it is thus associated with "Fear Dearg", the "Red Man" who according to Celtic legend helps humans lost in the Otherworld to escape back to this reality. Alder is a fairy tree often found growing on the banks of streams and in damp places. Where land and water meet, there is always access to the Otherworld. With the seagull being a bird that lives between land and sea, it is often seen as a guardian of travellers to the Otherworld. Witches were said to imitate the cal of the gull to summon up the wind and good water spirits. Whistles made from green alder wood are said to do the same. Alder produces three dyes: brown from its twigs, red from its bark and green from its flowers symbolizing Earth, Fire and Water respectively. The green dye is also traditionally seen as a color for fairy clothes, further linking this tree to the magical fairy realm.
    When alder wood comes into contact with water it turns black and hardens, making it exceedingly durable and it does not split when nailed. This has led to it being favored for building bridges and foundations in wet or damp areas. It has also been used to make milk churns, clog soles, and boats.
Alder makes excellent charcoal favored by smiths burning with a strong, fierce heat. This also gives it its power to free earth from water.

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