First Quarter Moon phase in Taurus

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



8th Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
10th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: First Quarter 11:09
Moon sets: 12:20AM EST
Moon rises: 10:52AM EST
Moon v/c Aries at 1:08AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth Sign
of Taurus at 1:28AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The welcome of like-souled friends.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:32AM EST
Sunset: 5:34PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are you
allowing spontaneity into your life?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
January 30th, 2012

First Quarter Moon - Today the Moon enters the First Quarter phase when it is 8 days old from the New Moon phase and is 90-135 degrees ahead of the sun, rises at noon and sets at midnight. Sunset is the prime time for the waxing Moon. From the time a New Moon is sighted, until it reaches the height of it's power as a full moon, the cycle is known as a waxing moon. The lunar power constantly increases during this time, and as such, it's an ideal time to cast a spell requiring the fulfilment of a request. The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health. Astrologically the Moon is square to the Sun. She can be 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. Keywords for the First Quarter phase are: action, expression, growth, breaking away. It is the time in a lunar 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. 

Moon in Taurus - The Moon in Taurus grounds us; it slows us down and wakes our sensual nature and stubbornness and helps us dig deeper roots. This transit is a time to cultivate relationships and ideas, make love, nurture, take a stand and embody. This is a time to cultivate our material resources, our homes, and our body.  This lunar transit concerns money, work, property, the body, home and family, sensuality, building cautiously and slowly, being conscientious, growth, sensitivity, planting and emotional patterns based on security. The energy flow is even during Taurus and after the forceful forward movement of Aries becomes solid, calm and patient. There is a desire to protect material goods and a strong need for financial security. It is a poor time for change or getting a loan, as people are very cautious and reserved about money, especially during the first part of the transit.
    The middle of Taurus is a good time to continue or finish projects or to stay at home with family. Taurus gives attention to order and detail. Emotionally there is stubbornness but great sensitivity to others. This sensual sign is a good time to appreciate the wonders of the beautiful earth. 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. Those born under a Taurus moon sign root deeply and change slowly; they collect, touch, support, see the sacred in the world of matter. They can loan their strength to others but may need to learn the beauty of change.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day ...... Magickally this day of the Moon encourages the lunar energies of inspiration, illusion, prophetic dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women's mysteries and fertility.  Burn white, silver, or pale blue candles on this day.

Imbolc - First Light in the Dark of Winter ....
     The first stirrings of new life are felt as the great wheel turns from winter to spring. Water begins to move beneath the ice. We notice the lengthening of days. Dreams conceived on the Winter Solstice begin to take root. Although the weather is still wintry, there is no turning back on the journey to the sun's return. Winter's darkness begins to loosen its grip, and new beginnings are seen all around as spring approaches. This is a time for rebirth and healing, sacred to Brighid, goddess of poetry and arcane learning.

    Brighid is unique among the Celtic pantheon. While the majority of Celtic deities were associated with features of the and and were usually confined to a specific geographical area, the worship of Brighid was, in contrast, widespread Her names comes from the Celtic root Brig, meaning 'exalted.' Considered to be a bringer of civilization, she is called the High One of Strength, daughter of the Dagda. The Dagda was the Celtic god of fertility and supreme deity of the land.
   The worship of Brighid originated in the southeast region of Ireland known as Leinster and was attended by an all-female priesthood. She is often characterized as having two sisters, or alternately a triple aspect whose attributes also include healing and smithcraft.
  Many sources purport that Brighid the goddess was assimilated into St. Brigit of Christian lore. Certainly there are striking similarities between the goddess and the saint. The shrine of St. Brigit in Kildare is attended by nineteen nuns, echoing the exclusively female priesthood of the goddess Brighid. Additionally, many stories surrounding St. Brigit prove somewhat impossible for a single mortal woman to accomplish. Her legend claims she was born at sunrise and was so chaste a woman that she gouged out her own eyes in protest of her impending marriage and became a nun instead. [Now does she sound like patriarchal influence or what]
   Other accounts claim she was a friend to the Virgin Mary, and in fact was Mary's midwife when the baby Jesus was born. She has also be described as Jesus' foster mother, and it is said she assisted Mary in her search for her son when he was lost in the temple and was later found instructing the rabbis. It does not take a huge leap of the intellect to discern the improbability that a blind nun from Ireland was able to escape the confine of time, let alone the limits of transportation, to be present in Bethlehem for the Natiity. The lines between the goddess and the saint are blurred, and Imbolc is celebrated as Candlemas or the Candle Mass in honor of St. Brigit to this day.

   

Saturn's Day - Imbolc Crafts

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


6th Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
8th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 9:54PM EST
Moon sets: 11:21PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Meditate upon Truth
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:34AM EST
Sunset: 5:32PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where is Spring
in your life?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
Jamuary 28th, 2012

Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day.... Saturdays are traditionally days to work on protection, remove obstacles, bind troublesome or dangerous individuals and to banish negativity. Saturdays are like a magickal 'let's clean house' day. Any magickal messes left lying around that need to be addressed, or any problems that need to be cleared up, are best dealt with on the day devoted to Saturn. Burn a black or deep purple candle as you do your 'cleaning up'.



I surfed around the Net looking at various Imbolc sites..... there is this one that caught my attention:

http://luckyredrabbit.com/2012/01/26/imbolc-2012/  Something pointed out in this blog entry was the fact that Imbolc date is set exactely six weeks between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox ... interesting. She says that this time of the Year is a time of awakening, of new life (sheep), some of the first blossoms - snowdrops - and of new potential.

Here are some links to varius Imbolc Crafts:



http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolccrafts/ss/Brighids_Cross.htm

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolccrafts/ss/Brighid_Dolly.htm

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolccrafts/ht/Priapic_Wand.htm
 I found this one quite interesting and new to me.





http://www.examiner.com/paganism-in-atlanta/imbolc-crafts-video
 and this one is a great video about making a Cross out of straws.

Waxing Crescent Moon enters Aries

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

5th Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
8th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 9:27AM EST
Moon sets: 10:23PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries at 1:28PM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Your kinship
with humanity.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:35AM EST
Sunset: 5:30PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
new influences are trying to come
into your life?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
Jamuary 27th, 2012

Moon in Aries - gives us access to our fire; temper, impatience and passions run high. We're urgent to get back on track, re-center in ourselves but can lose our empathy. It's time to do what truly makes us feel alive, initiate project, set boundaries and buffer our temper. Moon in Aries asks us to wake up and remember who we truly are, even if it bothers those we love or work for. Tempers, tears and passions run hot. Moon in Aries can be a time of new beginnings, intense activity, pioneering in any field, reaching out with emotional surges and impulsiveness. This moon transit is a great tester of limits. When the Moon is in Aries you may want to depend on yourself as there is also a certain amount of ego involvement. You may feel impatient now or want to initiate new things.
    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. Aries is known for headstrong behavior, and a tendency towards temperamental blowup. 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. Those born under an Aries Moon listen to their muse. Direct, intense, generous, fiercely independent, they love a challenge and bucking authority. They're often warriors for a cause and can irritate or inspire others with their innate fire; they're challenged to learn dynamic cooperation.

Freya's Day - Venus Day, the Day of Sharing and Relationship ..... A pink candle lit today as you meditate on working for happiness and harmony in your home and/or friendships is perfect. Love magick is a perennial popular topic. However, there is more to this topic than  meets the eye. There are many enchanting layers here for us to explore. What about creating a loving home or producing a loving and nurturing family? What about keeping your intimate relationships vital and on track? How about promoting happy, healthy and enduring friendships? So see, there is more to be considered than just the 'You shall be mine....' type of fictional love spell. The truest, strongest magick always comes from the heart.

Imbolc/Candlemas - At Imbolc awakening begins and the return of light seems assured. Energies within the earth, as well as the physical body, begin to gently pulsate as the days lengthen, and our hopes turn to spring. Traditionally a time of transformation and initiation, Imbolc brings 'big dreams' and a raised vibration. Sap rises, trees bud, and agricultural people everywhere look to nature for the omens that might tell them whether to plant their crops early or late this year. In these tumultuous times, however, human-caused global climate change has caused more intense storms and weather conditions that make it difficult to read these simple oracles. As old structures crumble inside and all around us, a mantra can help to stabilize our energies and subdue our fears. Try saying the protective Sanskrit syllables OM  AH HUM over and over whenever you feel afraid and imagine yourself sitting safely inside of Kali's dance of liberation.

Waxing Crescent Moon phase

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

4th Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
6th Day of the Celtic Tree |
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent phase at 8:57PM EST
Moon rises: 9:01AM EST
Moon sets: 9:23PM EST
Moon in Pisces v/c 11:52PM EST
Bloudewedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The gifts of Spring
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:35AM EST
Sunset: 5:29PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "How
does your present way of life need
to change?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
January 26th, 2012

Waxing Crescent Moon - The New Moon is now 4 days old and is 45 - 90 degrees ahead of the sun. The crescent faces East, the gates of rebirth. The moon rises at mid-morning and sets after sunset. The crescent's greatest strength is at the midpoint. Work for animals, business, change, emotions and matriarchal strength.  This is the first sliver of Moon seen in the western sky in the late afternoon and early evening. The waxing Crescent Moon is the SPROUT of the moon plant. The seed has broken through the earth and reaches up as she ventures from the dark moist earth she has known.  Those born during a waxing Crescent Moon phase feel they must break from the past to create their own destiny.

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion.... this is the day of the week that is associated with prosperity, abundance, leadership, and good health. Think about how you
view these qualities - prosperity, abundance and good health.  These views can vary greatly between individuals. Each day of the week has magickal correspondences and surrounding yourself with some of these correspondences  for the day can greatly improve your chances of getting in touch with the energies of boosting your spellwork...   The color correspondences for Thursday are royal blue, purple and green.  So why not burn an appropriate color candle and meditate upon prosperity, abundance or good health today while you stare into the candle's flame.  Perhaps you will see some insights in the flame for achieving one of these qualities in your life. 



Imbolc -  Next Wednesday is February 1st and many witches observe Imbolc on that date - some observe it on February 2nd.   Imbolc, is known also as Imbolg, Candlemas, the Festival of Brighid, and the Feast of Lights. The word Imbolc means “in the belly,” or in the womb of Mother Earth, as well as “in milk,” which refers to ewes coming into milk for the first lambs of the season. This Sabbat marks the return of spring, even as winter seems to  continues its reign. Imbolc on February 2nd is of course, in modern times, also known as Groundhog’s Day. Imbolc is a time of cleansing and purification. It’s all about Spring Cleaning! It is time to throw out the old and bring in the new. This not only means the “stuff and clutter” in your home, but also your old thoughts, anger, hurt feelings etc. To Sweep out negative and stagnant Air and bring in fresh, clean positive Air. To re-new your home and yourself. Cleanse and Bless your home and those who dwell here, and cleanse my body and my soul as well. Imbolc is when you can re-dedicate yourself to your path every year. Though it’s not necessary to do, it re-energizes and re-connects you to your path and your way of life.
     The customs of Imbolc include ritual “spring cleaning” of the house, to banish the last of winter and hasten the coming of warm, sunny days. Some things you can do while cleaning…..use lavender and rosemary in a pot of boiling water to wash floors and walls, vinegar and mugwort for windows and mirrors. Burn sage to cleanse the psychic energies, and replace old protection and prosperity charms.  Wash all your curtains and linens and give them a good spritz with lavender water before re-hanging them. Clean out drawers, closets, cupboards. Sweep high and low. Replace burnt out light bulbs, anything that’s broken, throw out and that is which no longer of use or pleasure. The house will smell and feel amazing when you’re done!

      You also should spend some time on yourself. Taking a ritual bath scented with your favorite herbs/oils or sea salt is always cleansing and renewing. As you soak, meditate to clear your mind and heart of any thoughts or emotions that no longer serve you. This is all to “start a-new” in mind, body, spirit and home. Anoint your chakra points with Blessing oil after and spend some time meditating and focusing inward on yourself. Let go what needs to go and open yourself to new possibilities, Joy, Peace and Love only. Let the negative go and the positive take over. You will feel so great afterwards.

These Imbolc suggestions came from http://autumnearthsong.com/....  
 

Waxing New Moon enters Pisces

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

3rd Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
5th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 8:34AM EST
Moon sets: 8:22PM EST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 3:33AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Water Sign
of Pisces at 4:11AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memory of
childhood games
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:36AM EST
Sunset: 5:28PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are your dreams telling you?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
January 25th, 2012

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. This transit is the time to imagine, share, sense, meditate, nurture, soak, and find constructive ways to be sensitive. With the Moon in Pisces we feel the world with compassion, heightened senses and strong imagination. We need quiet time in the temple or back under our covers to deal with sensory overload. This is a time to vision, listen to inner voices, allow creative juices to flow and touch each other with new awareness. During Moon in Pisces emotional life is more introverted, intuition is at its height and psychic energy is powerful. You are now able to get in touch with your deepest self, but it can also be a time of vagueness, unclarity and uncertainty. During a Pisces transit you may notice a moodiness in others around you, yet it's also an opportunity to fully appreciate art and beauty.  
   Many of us, particularly women, have a good cry with Moon in Pisces, washing away troubles. Or maybe you might find yourself the compassionate friend to listen and share troubles with. We cry during Moon in Pisces because it's the most watery of all signs. Pisces Moon brings retreat into the self to do the internal processing and contemplation necessary at least once during a lunar cycle. The outer world busyness' becomes fuzzy and vague. Issues are clouded and cold hard facts slide through your fingers like slippery fish. Things are not what they seem, so don't be confused by this transit. 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.  Those born under a Pisces Moon sign have extra perceptions and need to build the strength (not defense) to match. They are sensitive, intuitive, responsive and compassionate; their dreams are a gift.

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection ..... Wednesdays brings excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances and improving your skills, whether they be in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing. 

Second Day of the Luis/Rowan Lunar Cycle

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

2nd Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
4th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 8:05AM EST
Moon sets: 7:19PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The things
that inspire you
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:37AM EST
Sunset: 5:27PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
mutual burdens can you life from
others' backs?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
January 24th, 2012

   And so we are in the New Moon phase - Hecate has withdrawn, making way for the Maiden moon who will seize upon our thoughts and push us outward into activity once again.  Give thought to this, not only is the New Moon pushing and tugging on us, but also the growing energies of the returning Sun to the Northern Hemisphere.  There is a spicy, piquant edge to our energy now. The tiredness and the drained feeling of the old moon has been replaced by an alertness that has yet to find structure and direction. Our creative fires strive toward a goal that has not yet found expression. We are faced with possibilities from which we have yet to choose. In the same way, original and magical ideas that we may wish to bring forth and work upon in this fresh lunar cycle may not yet be illuminated; they are still in the realm of possibility, and may give only glimpses of what they could later become. We are in a still time but this stillness is filled with tension; it is not tranquil or detached. There are feelings of anticipation, of barely suppressed excitement, restlessness and edginess, and an urge to be active and motivated, yet lacking a direction yet. We are impatient to get on with life. The moon's persona at this time is not necessarily gentle, as people who work with those who are violent or emotionally unstable will tell you; a surge of irrational behavior often marks the new moon, though it may not peak as violently as at the full moon phase.

New Moon - Luis/Rowan Lunar Cycle -

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

1st Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
3rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: New - 2:39AM EST
Moon rises: 7:32AM EST
Moon sets: 6:13PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A plant or flower
of your choice.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:37AM EST
Sunset: 5:26PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What memories
do you most appreciate?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
January 23rd, 2012

New Moon - Age 0 - 1 day old; the moon is 0-45 degrees directly ahead of the sun, rises at dawn, and sets at sunset. Magick should be performed between dawn and sunset. A new moon's power may be embryonic, you can be assured that the power of any spell cast at this time goes on. Working with sun Goddesses such as Sekhmet, Vesta, and Heartha or the God Ra will increase power. Work for self-improvement, gardening, careers, romance.
  
Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day .... Magickally, Moon Day encourages the lunar energies of inspiration, illusion, prophetic dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women's mysteries and fertility.

The Celtic Tree Calendar is a calendar with thirteen lunar divisions. Most  contemporary Pagans use fixed dates for each
'month', rather than following the waxing and waning lunar cycles. Myself I follow the lunar cycles as you can figure out from my 'daily headings.'  I am a very lunar oriented witch.  But I have several followers who use the Celtic Tree system and it also fits in with my Celtic/Avalon traditions. 
   The Celtic Tree month, the Luis/Rowan tree month began on January 21st - a fixed date in this calendar.  Hence whereas this is the first day of the Lunar Tree Calendar - it is the 3rd day of the Celtic Tree month.  This modern Celtic Tree calendar is based on a concept that each letter in the ancient Celtic alphabet corresponded to a tree.
   This month of Luis/Rowan is associated with Brighid, the Celtic goddess of hearth and home. Honoured on February 1st, Imbolc, Brighid is a fire goddess who offers protection to mothers and families, as well as watching over the hearthfires. This is a good time of the year to perform initiations (or if you are not part of a group, to do a self-dedication).  Known by the Celts as Luis (pronounced 'loush' ), the Rowan is associated with astral travel, personal power and success. A charm carved into a bit of a Rowan twig will protect the wearer from harm. The Norsemen were known to have used Rowan branches as rune staves of protection. In some countries, Rowan is planted in graveyards to prevent the dead from lingering around too long.

Imbloc Quarter - The Spring Quarter of Imbolc brings the gift of insight and inspiration and is a time of beginnings and of essential truthfulness. Begun in the dark and often icy days of early Spring, it is traditionally the time to appreciate innocence, truth and justice, to make resolutions and plans and to prepare for unfolding year. In the human growth cycle, Imbolc corresponds to the period of childhood, when all things are questioned or enjoyed for their own sake. Imbolc is a good time to celebrate the lives of all 'soul-midwives' who have taught and prepared us, all who have been upholders of justice and truth, all holy ones who have gone to the heart of the matter with great clarity and insight.

Dark Moon enters Aquarius - Sun in Aquarius

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

30th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
2nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase - Dark
Moon rises: 6:54AM EST
Moon sets: 5:06PM EST
Moon in Capricorn v/c 8:38PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius at 9:53PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memory of dear
ones dead or absent.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:38AM EST
Sunset: 5:24PM 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
January 22nd, 2012

Moon in Aquarius - The Dark Moon enters Aquarius this evening in preparation for the New Moon early tomorrow morning at 2:39AM EST. 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. The Moon in Aquarius expands our circles and offers the magick of collaboration; spirit and politics weave together. We can get too farsighted now and need to stay aware of others' feelings. Let go of assumptions and find new, unusual allies. This is a transit of dealing with facts, organizing, political issues , desires to save the world through social actions, connecting with others in social situations, scientific pursuits, detachment and the need to come and go without restriction.
    Aquarius monthly transit is a dramatic mood change. Where Capricorn values tradition and caution, Aquarius indicates anything new, innovative, different or unconventional. Extremes of behavior occur during this transit, especially extremes of optimism and pessimism. You may 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. Freedom is very important now and you need to live with as few restrictions as possible. 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. Those born under an Aquarius Moon sign are far sighted with a gentle stubbornness; they understand group dynamics and may be more aware in the family tribe, community than they are in their most intimate relations.

Sun Day - is the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal ......  The charms and spells that would complement this magickal day of the sun are ones for personal achievements of any kind - such as if you are seeking fame and wealth, working for that much-deserved promotion at work, pr being acknowledged for a job well done. Health issues, increasing personal power or simply sticking to your diet and being proud of what you have accomplished all fall under the sun's golden influence.

The Sun in Aquarius - Aquarius is a Fixed Air sign indicating thought, intellect and communication. It brings strong reactions to stimulus but also stability, reliability, and a certain amount of stubbornness.
    Those born under this Sun sign are generally intense, self-expressive, progressive, spontaneous, communicative and energetic.  The typical Aquarius has strong feelings and embraces humanitarian causes. They will put a lot of energy into a cause but may allow their opinions to blind them to the truth. They are generally intelligent, intuitive and full of ideas. They work well with technology and things science based. While they are usually faithful their detached manner and independent nature can lead to misunderstandings. On the negative side they can also be eccentric, contrary, tactless and erratic.
    For Aquarius this period is one where both their strengths and weaknesses will be heightened, so they need to be careful to focus on putting their positive aspects to the fore. For this this is not the best of times to be working too closely with new people. They also need to be aware of the need to nurture their relationships and not to appear too distant or self-sufficient. Non-Aquarians will find this a good period for matters of the mind; thought, study and leaning new things, and also for communication. It is a good time for projects which involve helping others.

Waning Last Quarter Moon enters Sagittarius

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

26th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
26th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: waning Last Quarter
Moon rises: 3:08AM EST
Moon sets: 12:59PM EST
Moon in Scorpio v/c 1:30PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius at 2:29PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The magic of snow
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:40AM EST
Sunset: 5:20PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
obstructions need to be cleared
from your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 18m 2012

Moon in Sagittarius - The Moon in Sagittarius gets us moving; it brings cheerful impatience and refreshing honesty. We need wide open minds, souls, and 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, to explore in body and soul. Our curiosity intensifies. Check out untraveled territory and connect with the organic world. The restless, enthusiastic Sagittarius loves adventure, change and motion. It says 'I seek'. The moon in this sign is a time for philosophy, metaphysics, travelling, studying and freedom from responsibility. Sagittarius needs to feel free of restrictions, and to be spontaneous. The restless and independent nature wishes to explore and warm and friendly vibes make it a good time for seeing new places, encountering different people and relating to a changing environment. Those born under a Sagittarius moon are funny, restless, freedom-loving and direct; they are natural global citizens but need also to look for answers at home. They accept the wild in all sentient beings.

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection .... Wednesdays carry all the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits include good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.

Last Quarter Moon enters Scorpio

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

24th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
24th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: Last Quarter - 4:07AM EST
Moon rises: 12:48AM EST
Moon sets: 11:32AM EST
Moon in Libra v/c 10:28AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Water Sign
of Scorpio at 11:13AM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Journey's End
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:41AM EST
Sunset: 5:18PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is seeking
to reveal itself in your dreams?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 16th, 2012

Last Quarter Moon - The Moon is 24 days away from the New Moon phase - and is about 270 to 315
degrees ahead of the Sun. The crescent shape turns westward, to the realm of death. The power of the moon is now waning, being drawn inside for later use. Cast spells now requiring resolution or for something to be concluded. The waning moon is used for banishing magick, illness or negativity. The Last Quarter 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 moon plant gives her life so that others may continue theirs. Those of us who are born in the Last Quarter phase have a powerful internal life of reflection and transformation. They can assume different roles while balancing their internal and external worlds.

Moon in Scorpio - The Moon in Scorpio gives us attitude, and brings out our primal side; it sharpens our curiosity and our edges, and our focus to the point of obsession. Fluff doesn't cut it; get real or let it go; honor privacy, don't crowd. This is a time to dig deep, investigate, do surgery, keep secrets and love each other up. Moon in Scorpio brings the energies to weave the visible and invisible worlds together. You can see through and into the roots. Direct the energies of this moon away from obsession and towards creation. The Moon in Scorpio, a Fixed Water Sign, says "I desire".  The moon's transit through Scorpio is a time of death and rebirth (not necessarily physical death), intensity, extremes and heightened sensitivity. It is a good time for focusing, being sexual, and doing psychic work because of the deep emotions and desires Scorpio brings.
   Patriarchal astrology paints a grim picture indeed of the Scorpio transit. Since sensitivity is heightened you may find that you can feel the presence of the Goddess most intensely, especially the Dark or Crone Goddesses. During a Scorpio Moon opinions and feelings are intense and penetrating. Strong desires, especially sexual yearnings, run deep with emotions at their peak.
     Emotional resentments from the past can surface and block your heightened creative energy, so fight urges to be suspicious, secretive and moody. This is the time of regeneration and cleaning out of emotional debris from the previous month. There is great energy to complete things and focus on certain areas that you have found yourself too scattered to deal with in the previous lunar cycle. Moon in Scorpio is the best time to work magick involving sexual matters, power, psychic growth, secrets, and fundamental transformations. Healing rituals for ailments of the reproductive organs are also done during this time period. Those born under a Scorpio Moon are intense, fiercely curious and need to create solitude with healthy boundaries rather than isolation. 

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day....

Disseminating Moon in Virgo

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

20th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
20th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 9:55AM EST
Moon rises: 10:28PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The constellation that
your soul friends make.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:42AM EST
Sunset: 5:14PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is the
source of your inspiration?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 13th, 2012
Disseminating Moon - This disseminating which happen yesterday at 5:04PM entered this phase at 20 days from the New Moon phase.  The moon rises at mid-evening and sets at mid-morning. The time of souls (3 AM) would be the midpoint here. Banishing work starts now. Workings should focus upon addiction, decisions, divorce, emotions, stress and protection. As we go into the darkening phase of the disseminating moon, we get the FRUIT of the moon plant's life cycle - the fruits of wisdom and experience. The disseminating moon is the waning full moon getting visibly smaller. She is visible from the time she rises almost until she sets. For those who are born in a disseminating moon phase find they must have meaning and purpose. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others.

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 transit is a time to edit, critique, care, exercise, investigate, study, heal but be gentle with others. The Moon in Virgo asks us to consider what needs healing, what needs composting. It's a time to study, learn, train, organize, and turn our compassion into pragmatic action. Don't get stuck in your head. During this transit important issues are practicality, organization, cleaning up0 your diet or your house, healing your body or offering healing to others and attending to loose ends. Practical Virgo cleans the house, sets things in order, and washes the dog. She purifies and organizes our diet, setting us on the healthy for the month. It is a time of taking responsibility and cleaning up the messes we've been leaving behind. Virgo brings painstaking attention to details; housecleaning is a good way to work through a Virgo transit. During a Virgo Moon transit, women are mentally active, but there is a tendency to excessive criticism both of oneself and others. Emotionally, it's 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 period to time.
Those born with a Virgo Moon sign are curious, responsible, caring but need to cultivate gentle acceptance of self and others. This Virgo Moon goes void of course tonight at 8:58PM EST - the moon entered Virgo yesterday at 4:44AM EST.  The void of course moon enters the Cardinal Air Sign tomorrow morning at 8:28AM EST.

Freya's Day - Venus Day, the Day of Sharing and Relationship ....This day of the week is classically for love, fertility, romance and beauty magick, as well as working for happiness, harmony in the home,
and friendship. 

Full Moon - at 2:30AM EST - Moon moves to Leo this evening

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

17th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: Full - 2:30AM EST
Moon sets: 7:43AM EST
Moon rises: 5:56PM EST
Moon in Cancer v/c 9:24PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Fire Sign
of Leo at 11:35PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The message of the wind
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:10PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What skills
need to come into play in your life?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 9th,  2012


Full Moon  - The age of the Full Moon is now 17 days from the New Moon and the moon is 180 - 225 degrees ahead of the sun. The moon rises at sunset and sets at dawn, thereafter a midnight working (or when the moon is directly overhead) is best. Now the moon is at the height of its strength - spells cast at this time are ideal for completion. The Mother is represented by the full moon. Prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, and divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.
    Astrologically the Sun and Moon are in opposition  (ie., 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. Keys for the Full Moon phase are: fulfillment, realization, illumination, and experience. It is the time in a lunar 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. Those born during the Full Moon phase enjoy companionship and partnership and desire to merge deeply. Fulfillment and illumination are their goals.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day ... Magickally, Monday encourages the lunar energies of inspiration, illusion, prophetic dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women's mysteries and fertility.

Sun Day - Waxing Gibbous Moon in Cancer

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

16th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
16th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 7:01AM EST
Moon rises: 4:52PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Water Sign
of Cancer
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The cordial of praise
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:00PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are you homesick for?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 8th, 2012

Sun Day - is the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal - The charms and spells that would complement this magickal day of the sun are ones for personal achievement of any kind - such as if you are seeking fame and wealth, working for that much-deserved promotion at work, or being acknowledged for a job well done. Health issues, increasing personal power, or simply sticking to your diet and being proud of what you have accomplished all fall under the sun's golden influence.

Full Moon tomorrow morning - The moon will reach its peak of fullness for this lunar cycle tomorrow
morning at 2:30AM EST. This is a wonderful time for an elaborate full moon ritual due to Cancer's sensitivity and psychic attunement. Here is a Full Moon in Cancer meditation from Teresa Moorey's Power of the Moon book. 
   Setting the Scene -
If you take a little trouble to prepare yourself and your surroundings, you are  more likely to slip into the necessary altered state of consciousness easily. If you are busy and can only spend half an hour, that's fine because it's better to make your meditation manageable than not do it all. It may help if you can record the meditation on to a tape in advance. That way you can simply listen and lose yourself.
    If you have plenty of time, start by taking a bath containing a little jasmine oil. Heat some of the oil in a burner and light candles.
  Pepare your altar for a Full Moon ritual and settle yourself comfortably before it.  If you have a CD
or other source of music of waves hitting on a shoreline it will help the meditation along in your trance
here. "You see yourself standing on a rocky beach at midnight with the Full Moon radiant overhead. The rocks glisten white in the moonlight and shimmer as though inlaid with jewels. You hear the steady swish-swish of the waves. Their crisp white edges fold gently, one over another, onto the shore. The tidepools are patches of onyx scattered around the beach [Pause]
    You find yourself close to an especially beautiful rock pool. The Moon lies within its surface as if it has been captured. You kneel down and cup the reflection of the Moon, feeling the cool water run through your fingers. The pearly reflection runs away from it, but is still there, rippled now, in the pool.
You become aware that you do not always have to hold onto something to remain in contact. [Pause]
      You continue your walk along the beach. Ahead of you, lying on the beach but rising and falling with the waves that lap it is a small boat. You approach it and decide to get in. As you push off from the shore you become aware that you can direct the boat to go wherever you wish. [Pause]
      Drifting over the smooth waves, the boat comes to rest on an island. You get out of the boat and walk up the shore. The sand is soft between your toes. You become aware that ahead of you above the highwater mark there is a cozy dwelling. You enter and find it comfortably furnished and beautifully decorated, just as you would wish, with delicious food in the cupboards. You become aware that you can make a lovely home wherever you may be. [Pause]
    When you are ready to go, you walk back down to the little boat, get in and direct your passage over the moonlit tide and back to the original beach where you began. The boat beaches itself gently and you get out. You find yourself standing next to a large white shell. Within that shell there lies a gift for you. Take this and treasure it.
     Come back to everyday awareness, bringing your gift with you. Be sure to note feelings and experiences you have begun keeping in a notebook."

Waxing Gibbous Moon enters Cancer

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

15th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 6:14AM EST
Moon rises: 3:52PM EST
Moon in Gemini v/c 2:51PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal Water
Sign of Cancer at 4:05PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The treasures of Winter ]
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:08PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which of
your plans needs better motivation?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 7th, 2012

Moon in Cancer - The Moon in Cancer 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 far more than food. This moon transit is a time to feed, nest, comfort, secure, and dive deep into our feelings. With Moon in Cancer our feelings take the lead. Cancer encourages the wisdom rising out of our oceanic unconscious through moods and feelings. Ground in the magick of our home as a temple. Ask what needs protecting and feeding. This transit concerns desires about a home, emotional security, entertaining friends, cooking, security issues, nostalgia and the desire to nurture. Women are emotionally psychically sensitive at this time, and due to these strong emotions it is a 'crybaby' moon.
   Moon in Cancer brings heightened sensitivity. Cancer is the home of the moon, that sensitive planet of emotions, so feelings are easily hurt, especially by personal criticism. Handle with care. Nostalgia reigns supreme.  As the moon travels toward Leo it is a time of great personal warmth and friendship. Be careful to avoid conflict as a grudge formed  now will take a long time to heal. 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 period of time. Those born under a Cancer Moon sign can be wonderfully nurturing to our culture, body and soul. Early mother/home issues can be composted into empathic understanding.

Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day... Saturn's Day is traditionally a day to work on protection, remove obstacles, bind troublesome or dangerous individuals and banish negativity.  This can be like a magickal 'let's clean house' day. Any magickal messes left lying around that need to be addressed, or any problems that need to be cleared up are best dealt with on the day devoted to Saturn.

Freya's Day - Waxing Gibbous Moon in Gemini

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

14th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
14th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 5:22AM EST
Moon rises: 2:58PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The unconquerable
nature of the soul.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:07PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are you
neglecting sources of soul nurture?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 6th, 2012

Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationship .... Freya's Day classically is the day for love, fertility, romance and beauty magick as well as working for happiness and harmony in the home and for friendship.

Twelfth Night - This is Twelfth Night and on this date on Christian calendars is the time taking down the decorations. 

Our daylight hours are actually increasing - if you check the sunrise/sunset hours in my header above you can see that while the times the sun rises stays the same the times it sets is gaining a minute a day.
Yea!!

Feeding the Birds - At this time of the year natural foods for the birds are in short supply, so it is more important than ever to ensure that we supplement their diet. While there is a huge variety of commercial feeders and feed available it can be more interesting and usually far cheaper to create your own. 
   Fat balls can be hung in the kinds of net bags that fruit and some vegetable often come in. The basis for these can be lard or peanut butter (or both mixed) - you can save the fatty residue left over from your cooking too. Add breadcrumbs and oatmeal and search your kitchen cabinets for raisins, seeds and shelled nuts. Mix everything together, roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator. Hang in the string and plastic bags in a safe place away from the reach of cats.
   Apples which have past their best can be impaled on twigs and branches. If you had mistletoe in the house for the Yule season, this can also be put out for the birds, as the berries need to pass through the digestive system of a bird to aid germination. You never know, you might get your own Mistletoe plants in years to come.
 The best foods to offer birds in colder weather have a high fat or oil content that will provide abundant energy for winter survival. Nutritious winter foods for birds include:

•Black oil sunflower seed
•Hulled peanuts
•Niger seed
•Suet mixes with seeds or fruit
•Peanut butter
•White millet seed

Gibbous Moon enters Gemini

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

13th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
13th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: Gibbous - 4:37AM EST
Moon sets: 4:28AM EST
Moon rises: 2:10PM EST
Moon in Taurus v/c 3:46AM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini at 5:44AM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Your kinship with the stars.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:08PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is the
source of your creativity?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 5th, 2012

Gibbous Moon - The moon is around 8-14 Days old and is 135-180 degrees ahead of the sun. This is the time for patience and for drawing up energy for the coming Full 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 the BUD of the moon plant, the pulse of life tightly wrapped, wanting to expand. The Gibbous phase keywords are: analyze, prepare and trust. It is the time in a lunar cycle to process the results of the actions taken during First Quarter phase. During this phase you are gathering information. Give up making judgments, it will only lead to worry. Your knowledge is incomplete. Laugh. Analyze and filter. LOOK WITHIN Those born during a Gibbous moon phase  find their talents lie in the ability to refine, organize and purify. They are seekers, utilizing spiritual tools as guides on their path.

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 transit is a time to network, investigate, translate, brainstorm, meditate, prune, edit, explain and broadcast. The Moon in Gemini quickens our nervous system. Build a web of understanding - absorb new information. This is a time of communication and other means of expression, freedom, adaptability, short journeys, reading or writing, desire to have more than one thing going at once. You feel talkative and might want to work with your hands during this moon's transit in Gemini.
    All communication (talking, writing or reading) means of intellectual matters are easier during Gemini Moon. Women are more adaptable and changeable, so take all statements and promises with a grain of salt, especially if the person has proven fickle in the past. It's a hard time to make any decisions, but a good time to use your wit and cleverness in conversation. There is a strong desire for variety and freedom, in emotional matters and in your environment, issues of the practical world are set aside. Towards the end of this transit, (Saturday afternoon, January 7th) when the approaches the sign of Cancer, interaction and communications become more emotional. 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. Those born under a Gemini Moon sign can talk to anyone, think fast, multi-task, shift moods with grace, but need to choose depth and focus.

Waxing Half Moon enters Taurus

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

10th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
10th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: waxing First Quarter
Moon sets: 1:35AM EST
Moon rises: 12:21PM EST
Moon in Aries v/c 3:06PM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth Sign
of Taurus at 5:16PM EST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The blessings of age
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:04PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Do you
appreciate the other side of the argument?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 2nd, 2012

Moon in Taurus - The Moon grounds us; it slows us down and wakes our sensual nature  and stubbornness, helps us dig deeper roots.  This is a transit when we can cultivate seeds, relationships and ideas, make love, nurture and take a stand. The Moon in Taurus asks us to discover what nurtures us and how to grow deeper roots. We can almost feel the mud oozing between our toes, awakening our senses and sensuality and growing our stubbornness. This is the transit to cultivate our material resources, our homes, and our body. 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 and a time for us to experience the sensual.  The forceful forward movement of Aries becomes solid, calm and patient during Taurus. There is a desire to protect material goods and a strong need for financial security. It is a poor time for change or getting a loan, as people are very cautious and reserved about money, especially during the first part of the transit.
    The middle of Taurus is more calm. It is a good time to continue or finish project, or to stay at home with family. Taurus gives attention to order and detail. Emotionally there is stubbornness, but great sensitivity to others. This sensual sign is a good time to appreciate the wonders of the beautiful earth. 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.
Those born under a Taurus Moon sign will root deeply and change slowly; they collect, touch, support and see the sacred in the world of matter. They can loan their steady strength to others, but may need to learn the beauty in change.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day....

New Year's Resolutions -  Rather than setting yourself one or two difficult targets. make a list of 6 to 12 things you would like to achieve during the coming year. Some could be linked to self-improvement like eating in a more healthy way or learning a new skill while others are perhaps more in the way of personal treats; for example, saving money for a new book or CD or DVD about the Craft coming out later in the year . You could set a goal to try to observe the cycle of the Moon or by writing in your Book of Shadows. It can also be helpful to apply a 'rule of three' approach: for instance, for each item of improvement, have one for the benefit of others, the Land or Craft and one which is for pleasure. Ensure that your list includes things which are relatively simple to achieve as well as more difficult goals.
  Write a list of all your goals and while burning a gold candle, recite them to yourself, repeating after each: "As is my will so mote it be." Pin the list in a place where you will see it every day. If you don't want to announce your intentions to the world, you could place it on the inside of your closet door. Now select one goal from your list and start work towards achieving it as soon as you can.. Perhaps you can make plans to be sure to observe the Full Moon coming up nest Monday, January 9th.

 Here is a idea for a New Year's Resolution: http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/10-reasons-eat-breakfast-222000466.html


Find out why eating breakfast can lead to a happier and healthier you

First Quarter Moon Phase in Aries

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


9th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
9th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
Moon Phase: First Quarter - 1:14AM EST
Moon sets: 12:36AM EST
Moon rises: 11:53AM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The work of your hands.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:03PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are you attempting to manifest now?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 1st, 2012

First Quarter Moon - The Moon is 6 to 7 days old. The Moon is 90 - 135 degrees ahead of the sun, rises at noon and sets at midnight. Sunset is the prime time for the waxing Moon. From the time a new moon is sighted, until it reaches the height of it's power as a full moon, the cycle is known as a waxing moon. The lunar power constantly increases during this time, and as such, it's an ideal time to cast a spell requiring the fulfillment of a request. The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health. The First Quarter Moon or waxing Half Moon is when the moon is square to the Sun.She is visible from the time she rises until she sets.  This phase of the Moon is the GROWTH phase. Roots go deeper, stems shoot up and leaves form as she creates a new strong body. Keywords for the First Quarter are: action, expression, growth, and breaking away. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take initial action necessary to achieve your goal(s) by expressing your needs and desires. FEEL & MOVE. Make phone calls. Write letters. Dance. Act now. For those who are born during a First Quarter phase they live a full active life - old structures are cleared away providing room for new development.

A New Year Day's Walk


"Wind from the West, fish and bread;
Wind from the North, cold and flaying;
Wind from the East, snow on the hills;
Wind from the South, fruit on trees."
___ Scots new year weather omen

  New Year's Day is a time of reading omens for a fresh beginning. It is widely held that the first twelve days of the year will reveal the disposition of the weather for the year ahead. This is a good day to go for a long walk, to divine the possibilities of the year ahead in a very simple way.

Before you set off on your walk, stop and tune your intentions to the unfolding year ahead; sense the pathway of the year that stands ready before you. Now begin your walk, attentive to everything that is about you, including the mythscape, story, folklore, and feeling of the Land. Keeping the year ahead in your conscious, allow your attention to widen to include everything about you. If you come across something that draws your attention with urgent filaments of greeting - it might be the sudden movement of a bird, the beauty of a patch of moss, the intensity of the light through the trees - stop and be attentive to what caught your attention.

Listen and attend to the greeting and intuitively reach out for and feel its meaning - a meaning that might not be experienced in words or even in sound but may come to you as a subtle understanding. Appreciate it, note it, and then pass on. Keep repeating this throughout your walk until you have had twelve such experiences. Each time stop, attend, and intuit (without fishing for a rational explanation) why your attention has been engaged. Then return home and review the omens in the order you experienced them, relating them successively to the months of the year. Next New Year's Eve you can check your findings.

"Take a walk as suggested above."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]