Waning Half Moon in Gemini

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


25th Day of the 9th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Coll/Hazel
1st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waning Half
Moon rises: 12:33AM EDST
Moon sets: 3:37PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A poem
of your choice
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:47AM EDST
Sunset: 7:51PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
riches lie in your treasury?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 2nd, 2010

Today is Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight, and Expansion.  There are Major magickal energies for Travel today.  Hmm, sounds like it could be in time for the long weekend coming up. 

Also today is First Day of the Celtic Tree Month of Muin/Vine - The Vine corresponds to the Ogham letter muin (muhn) and heralds the time of harvest and completion.  Although associated with warm climates, the Vine will grow quite successfully in cooler places but you may have to shelter it in a greenhouse if you actually want grapes you can eat.  Living here in western PA., there are several wine vineyards and they seem to be quite successful in getting grapes.  And I believe in upper New York state there are many producing vineyards.  Properly cared for, Vines live a very long time, some in France being said to be 400 years old.
   To the ancient Celts the Vine was a tree of strength, growth and unity. It was called the 'highest of beauty' and the 'strongest of effort' for its ability to grow higher than any plant which supported it, and to grow from one tree to another. While the fruit is used to make wine and jellies, the vine has many uses. The roots were plaited and twisted to make fine string and strong rope. The leaves can be eaten in salads, and are strong in vitamins and minerals, ensuring a clear skin. They are also good for the blood and calm the nerves. Boiled, they can be used as a lotion for sore mouths or as a poultice on wounds and swellings. Grapes were recommended in speeding the healing process. The tradition of giving grapes to someone recovering from illness goes back a very long time indeed.
   They fermented fruit of the Vine was considered to bring divine inspiration, although only in moderate quantities. In addition it was thought to be a tree of teaching and knowledge. Meditation under or by a Vine gives access to the inner mind and is especially useful when seeking answers about the self. Place grapes on the Altar in Rituals to Bacchus, Dionysus,. and Hathor.  You can pour a glass of wine or grape juice  and place within it a small grapevine wreath found at a craft store. Light any candle that is color of autumn leaves. List list all of  the good things you've harvested in your life this year. When you are done with this small rite/celebration, pour the remaining wine/juice on the earth, as an offering of thanks. Raise your glass and before you repeat the following charm:

"I raise my glass and make a toast

The vine month brings a harvest to boast,

My gratefulness for the year's abundance,

I give my thanks with greatest reverence."

by Mickie Mueller

[From: Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2010 and Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year]