Celtic Tree Month Luis/Rowan begins

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

7th Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle ~ Luis/Rowan
Celtic Tree Cycle ~ Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 10:16AM EST
Moon sets: 11:51PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire Sign
of Aries
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The courage to
fail and try again.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:38AM EST
Sunset: 5:23PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What do you most
appreciate about being human?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 21st, 2010

    The Sun in Aquarius - The Sun has by now entered the zodiacal sign of Auarius (Tuesday, the 19th at 11:28PM EST). Aquarius is one of the Air signs indicating thought, intellect and communication. It is also one of the Fixed signs bringing strong reactions to stimulus but also stability, reliability and a certain amount of stubborness.
    Those born under this Sun sign are generally intense, self-expressive, progressive, spontaneous, communicative and energetic. The typical Aquarian 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 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  Aquarians this peiod 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 them 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 period for matters of the mind; thought, study, and learning new things, and also for communication. It is a good time for projects which involve helping others.
[From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

Celtic Tree Rowan Month

   In the Celtic tree calendar this is the first day of the Rowan month.  The Rowan, Mountain Ash or Witchwood is a tree of protection and vision and is sacred to the Crone aspect of the Goddess. Take with  you a small offering, such as a litttle wine or a small biscuit, and seek out a Rowan. You may need to take a guidebook with you nto help you identify it. When you find the tree, first make your offering to its spirit, saying, "Graceful Rowan, if it pleases you, let me find some of your wood, that I might protect my home and all who live within it. I give this offering freely as I give my love to the Land. Blessed Be."  Search carefully around the tree for fallen wood and take one piece for each of the doors which lead into your home. If you find a piece straight and long enough for a want, you may also take this. A wand's length is the distance from your elbow to the center of the palm of your strong hand. Thank the tree and take your wood home with you.
   If you have been lucky to find a wand, it usually needs at least 6 weeks of gentle drying before it is ready to be worked. Take your other pieces of fallen wood and tie a small length of red thread around each. Hang them over the doors which enter your home to protect against people bringing negative thoughts and feelings into the house.

" Grow like a tree, your roots in the earth,

yet reaching for the sky."

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

Pushing and Pulling Energy - "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft" by Christopher Penzcak

   Exercise 5

Like your ball of energy was an exercise in control, with this next experience, you will learn how your energy can affect and influence other people in very subtle ways. Again you will need a partner.

1. Stand facing each other, with only a few feet between you. The receptive partner should have his or her eyes closed. Make sure this person is standing up straight, but is not braced against any structure.

2. You then try to use your willpower, breath, and intent to 'push' your personal energy out and influence your partner. Use a gathering motion in the space around you to gather your personal energy as you inhale. Using pushing motions as you gently exhale, sending the energy toward your partner.

3. Take notice of your partner. If there is a third person in the room, this persom might notice the action more than either of the exercise partners. Usually the receptive partner looks like he/she is slightly swaying back, even if he or she did not consciously feel it.

4. Reverse the process by gathering energy between you both, and pull the energy forward with your intention. Inhale and sweep your arms toward your body as you bring the energy closer.  You may notice your partner pulling forward a bit. Repeat these steps several times until you feel comfortable with them. Then ask your partner, still with eyes closed, what he or she is feeling.