Samhain - Hecate's Night

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


25th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
4th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
25th Day of Cycle of Phasma
Priscus - Days of Ancient Spirits
Moon Phase: waning Half
Moon rises: 1:11AM EDST
Moon sets: 2.55PM EDST
Moon in Leo v/c 5:01PM EDST
Moon enters the Mutable Earth
Sign of Virgo at 11:51PM EDST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Sources of comfort
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:48AM EDST
Sunset: 6:19PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What needs
liberating in your life?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 31st, 2010
Samhain......

Today is the last day of the Lughnasadh quarter of the Wheel of the Year.  The Winter quarter of Samhain brings the gift of restoration and renewal, as the cold weather closes in, as the soul is led to more reflective depths. It is traditionally associated with the remembrance of the ancestors, with the coming of death and the conception of new life. In the human growth cycle, Samhain corresponds to the period of old age when wisdom, freedom of spirit and clarity are experienced. Samhain is a good time to celebrate the lives of wise elders, all those whose actions and ideas have brought resolution and peace, all holy ones whose sacrifice have brought new life and opened spiritual thresholds to all. The Samhain Quarter is from November 1st til the 31st of January.

This is Sun Day - the day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  With these energies today you bring these aspects to your Samhain rite.  You can state your intentions for the coming New Year ahead, you can create new projects to purse and you renew yourself to follow your witchy path.

Samhain

     The Wiccan approach to death is celebrated on Samhain, the sabbat or holy night dedicated to the dead. According to tradition, the veil between the worlds is thinnest on the night of October 31st, making this the perfect time to communicate with the spirits of departed family and friends, and to work divination of all kinds. Unfortunately what was originally an occasion for reverence and reunion now has been transformed into Halloween in popular culture, which focuses on monsters and ghosts, the scariness of death and the quest for candy. Now, there is nothing wrong with a good party, but whereas Samhain encourages people to look squarely at death and change and loss, and to celebrate the life that was and the bonds of love that remain, Halloween simply flirts with death and darkness, titillating our fears and then quickly diverts attention to the goodie bags.
     So keep your focus on what Samhain is really about tonight. This is the time when the person you have been must make way for the person you will be. We all learn this lesson at the end of life. If you learn it sooner, and not only embrace change in yourself but command it, then you are indeed a witch.
[Excerpts from: Amber K's "True Magick"]

"Holy night of Great Sabbat

honor those

by whom we are taught

to look within and know without,

no harm be done,

of that no doubt."

From "Seasons of the Witch" Datebook of 2010

As well as being Samhain, this is also Hecate's Night - honor Her as well.  "Feel Me now as dark crone woman. I am death and transformation. I am ending and regeneration. Queen of the Underworld, I stir my cauldron of inspiration. All must travel my dark yonic passage into My womb of rebirth. For in death I give life. Be still in the darkness and feel My presence. I hold the mystery of rebirth.



Wasted Food

   "About 400 gallons of oil are expended to feed one person for a year, roughly equivalent to thirty-three car refuelings. Food transport represents more than 20% of all U.S. good shipped. The average food item travels 1,500 miles before its eaten (or thrown away). "
[From: "American Wasteland" by Johnthan Bloom]
   As you move into the Witch's New Year, don't take this habit of wasting food with you.  Make a resolution to change this expensive habit.

Last Quarter Phase - Yew Tree

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

24th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
3rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
24th Day of the Witch's Lunar
Cycle - the Cycle of Phasma
Priscus - the Days of Ancient
Spirits
Moon Phase: Last Quarter - 8:45AM
Moon rises: 12:29AM EDST
Moon sets: 2:22PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Fire Sign
of Leo
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The relief of
the problem's dissolution.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:46AM EDST
Sunset: 6:20PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""Which
ideas and structures have you
outgrown?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Day
October 30th, 2010

Last Quarter - The Last Quarter moon is the HARVEST phase - the plant gives her live so that others may continue theirs. The Last Quarter Moon (or waning Half) rises just after midnight and sets after the noon hour. Astrologically, the Moon is square the Sun. She is visible from the time she rise till she sets.
Those who born under a last quarter moon have a powerful internal life of reflection and transformation. They can assume different roles while balancing their internal and external worlds. The keywords for the Last Quarter Phase are: realighment, revision, integration and cleansing. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take closing action, to follow up and complete the activities begun at the New phase. During this phase you become aware of what is and is not working with respect to the achievement of your goal for the cycle. The movement is toward integration. Open to your success. MANIFEST GOAL. Be responsible.

It is Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment, and Responsibility.  Take time to reflect on the qualities of this day's energies and of the Last Quarter Moon's energies.

The Yew Tree

   The slow-growing Yew is one of our oldest trees. It is an evergreen with a flaking reddish bark. The female tree, for there are male and female, bears a bright red fruit. It reaches a maximum height of around 50 feet after which it tends to increase in girth, often having more than one trunk growing from one set of roots.
   The Yew was sacred to the Druids and ancient peoples, and was thought to be a guardian of the dead. It is often found growing in churchyards and there are many reasons for this. Churches were often the only place with solid walls around them preventing the ingress of livestock. The Yew, being a favored tree for making bows and arrows since the Stone Age, therefore had to be protected from cattle and the like. Conversely, as it is highly poisonous, valuable livestock had to be protected from eating the Yew. However, as some churchyard Yews are thought to be around 4,000 years old, it is more probable that the Churches were built near Yew as a sacred place.
   All parts of the Yew are poisonous, especially the fruit and seeds, and protective gloves should be worn if it is necessary to be handle it. There are no recorded historic medicinal use for the tree, although it is being experimented on with reference to treatments for cancer today. Magically the Yew is linked to the salmon, the word Eo being an ancient word for both, hence is a tree of knowledge. Because of its links with death it is particularly useful as a focus for meditation on the afterlife.
[From "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

Yew: Tree of Resurrection; Tree of Eternity

    The yew is exceptionally long-lived, but difficult to age accurately. After 400 to 500 years, yews become hollow, making dating techniques have now revealed that the yew probably has the longest lifespan of all trees. They are ever-green with dark-green glossy needles that grow opposite each other along the branches, like the barbs of a feather. Very little grows in the shade of an ancient Yew grove. Yews come into flower early, usually around February, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The male flowers are cone-like and yellow, shedding clouds of pollen in dry weather. Female flowers resemble tiny green buds. The ripe fruit holds a single seed enclosed in a bright scarlet, fleshy cup known as an aril. Birds love them, spreading the seeds in their flight after they've eaten them. Yew seeds are slow to germinate, usually needing two or three years before they will begin to grow. The lower branches of ancient yews eventually reach the ground and take root, forming a strengthening outer trunk that supports the tree and protects its older heartwood. This habit of renewal through transformation, combined with the tree's longevity, earned the Yew the name of Tree of Eternity.
   In hollow trees the inner wood has the color and appearance of the flesh of a flayed animal, especially when wet, and the tree appears to bleed when cut - qualities that greatly enhanced the sacred reputation of the Yew. Yew wood has immense endurance.
[Excerpts from Jane Gifford's "The Wisdom of Trees"]

Wasted Food

   "Shoppers often buy fresh food with the best of intentions, but they seem to be in denial about their daily schedules. For a family with two working parents or a single adult logging in long hours, preparing meals at home is less of a given than it used to be. Habits have changed, largely because of our busier lifestyles. In 2007, Americans spent 44% of their food dollars at restaurants or food stands of one kind or another instead of grocery stores  and food markets. Whether we have food delivered, order takeout, or eat out, it often means not using the perishables in our fridge.  
   Those familiar decisions - bypassing the chicken thighs we may have brought a few days ago because they were on sale, and ordering a pizza instead - have an impact. It means that we'll squander the time, effort, money, and fossil fuels that were expended to grow, process and transport that chicken. When we don't eat our head of lettuce, the environmental cost of growing it will be naught, as the food won't nourish anyone. Instead it will probably be fed to a land where its rotting will emit methane, a greenhouse gas twenty-five times more harmful than carbon dioxide. With global warming we are reaping what we sow."

Disseminating Moon enters Leo

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


23rd Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
2nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
23rd Day of the Witch's Lunar
Cycle - the Cycle of Phasma
Priscus - the Days of Ancient
Spirits.
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon rises: 12:00PM EDST
Moon sets: 1:46PM EDST
Moon in Cancer v/c 4:23PM EDST
Moon enters the Fixed Fire Sign of Leo
at 8:39PM EDST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Sources of comfort
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:46M EDST
Sunset: 6:21PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
unacknowledged needs are eating
holes in you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 29th, 2010

Moon in Leo - With Moon in Leo we have the guts to be visible and bring culture to life. In your life (garden), arrange, glorify and weed the extraneous so you can shine. Dramatic happenings, especially concerning emotions, being the center of attention, exuberance, vitality and working with patriarchal issues are all hallmarks of the Leo Moon transit. It's high drama with the Moon in Leo as she steps out onto the stage to entertain us once again.You may want to act out the 'drama queen' part of yourself, or just romantic. This is a time vital energy, affection and romance.  It's hard to recognize limits in a Leo Moon; it's also time for power issues to erupt. Ambition and independent leadership are important issues. Leo has great pride, which is evident now. Those who are born with a Leo Moon sign came here to dramatize and ritualize their world. They may need to learn to find the sacred in the mundane. They offer us celebrations and fascination and honor our self-expression.   As the moon moves to Virgo on Sunday, the ambitious energy of Leo becomes unassuming.  Moon in Leo is the best time to work magick involving authority, power over others, courage, fertility, or childbirth. Healing rituals for ailments of the upper back, spine or heart are also done during this transit.

It's Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationship..  There are Major magickal energies for Clearing Writer's/Artist's Block..   Remember this little poem that was also posted on October 1st, from Season's of the Witch Datebook:

"Come now Muse, and take from me

this pall that hovers ruthlessly.

And let creative nectar flow

because I'm stuck on this plateau."

Moon Void of Course

  The moon completes a revolution around the Earth every 29 days, passing through the 12 signs of the zodiac and spending about 2 1/2 days in each sign. The delay that occurs between leaving one house of the zodiac and entering another is called Moon Void Of Course. It is a time during which the moon is not ruled or influenced by any sign. (Technically put, the moon is void of course  during the time between making its last major aspect to a planet in one sign and its entry into the next sign.) It can last from a few seconds (rare) to more than two days (also rare).

   Spellwork must only be performed when the moon is present in one of the houses in the zodiac. When  the moon is in transition spell results will be nullified at best and reverse or go awry at worst. This is why I make notations every day I post here of the current time and sign of the moon. Also posting about the prime energies of each day if they are strong. If the moon is in a house transit when  the day changes, the spellwork opportunities can be very different depending upon your time zone, which is why I specify what time zone I am working in (EDST) and that you must remember to subtract an hour or three going west. The best rule of thumb would be do not cast when the moon is void of course.  

Daily Wasted Food Fact: In this country (America) we grow and raise more than 590 billion pounds of food each year and depending on whom you ask, we squander between a quarter and a half of all the food produced.  Consider all the resources used to produce this food and then it is discarded in landfills and it produces methane gas for future generations as well as for ourselves. 

     Here is a picture of the food left on plates at a college tray return station.  "It is hard not to notice the mountains of fully dressed salads, barely nibbled sandwiches, and beautiful unpeeled bananas that meet their demise on the tray return conveyor belt. "  This quote was published at CollegeGreenmag.com  on 3/12/10. 

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/295371
Value of American food waste greater than offshore reserves

Thor's Day - Celtic Reed Begins

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

22nd Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
1st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Ngetal/Reed
22nd Day of the Witch's 1st
Lunar Cycle - the Cycle of
Phasma Priscus - the Days
of Ancient Spirits
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 1:05PM EDST
Moon rises: 10:50PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Water Sign
of Cancer
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memory of
places distant or no more.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:44AM EDST
Sunset: 6:23PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are
you in touch with your emotions?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 28th, 2010

Thor's Day - Jupiter's Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight, and Expansion.  There are Major magickal energies today for dealing with Security issues.  Remember this transit through a Cancer Moon brings emotional security up to the surface of our lives.

Celtic Tree Month of Reed

    The cold snap in the air marks the Celtic month of Reed. Reed corresponds to the Ogham letter ngetal (nyeh-dl) and is also associated with the broom. Reed was used to thatch the roofs of homes and to sometimes sweep floors in ancient times; reed can symbolize action taken as well as hearth and home. We tend to get overwhelmed during the busy holiday season, so this is a good time to work with this month's energies. First, sweep all around your home, brushing away all negativity out the back door. Then tie a few stems of dried reed to a decorative broom (all obtained at your local craft store) and hang it in your kitchen to fend off family stress and anxiety over the holidays, visualize it filling the house with harmoniou8s energy. To charge it, repeat:

"Reed and broom direst us away from trouble,

Fill this home with harmony on the double.

Protect and bless us day and night,

Facing the oncoming winter brightly."

By Mickie Mueller in Llewellyn's

Witches' Datebook of 2010

   The Reed of the Celts has counterparts in other cultures: for the Romans it was flax, and for the Egyptians it is Papyrus.  In all cases it is very much a plant with many uses making anything from thatch to weaving, from paper to musical instruments. It was also used in making arrows and to heal wounds caused by them. It is a plant strongly linked to water, being sometimes called the Water Elder. It is also associated with the pathway between the worlds. Indeed it is thought that growing the plant in, or very close to the house was to open the door to death. The Greeks considered the Reed sacred to Pan; Pan Pipes being made from a series of Reed tubes tied together which could be played to invoke him. However, this is not something which should be done lightly as Pan is a deity who can bring mischief and the uncertain. They also considered it to be strongly linked to Hecate, and placed Reeds at her shrines.

   The Reed is associated with willpower, creativity, imagination, insight and love. Weave a circle from Reeds and keep it by you when you need help with new projects or new ideas. Wearing a ring or bracelet of Reed will help strengthen your willpower.  Whenever you gather Reeds you should ensure that you make an offering lest you offend the spirits which dwell within the Reed beds. It is also a good idea to ensure that you do not gather Reeds at times when waterfowl and other species are using the beds to raise their young.

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

How American Throws Away Nearly Half of its Food - an Environmental Issue

   OK, you lucky witchlings, you get to see me dragging out a new soap box of mine. I am adding a new blog to my Blog roll today - http://www.wastedfood.com/     I wanted to point this one out because it is not a witchy one but it is something that has become very important to me.   Being a dumpster diving advocate from way back I am glad to see this issue being brought to the forefront in a lot of areas of the media now.  Some of it has to do with the publication of new book - "American Wasteland" by Jonathan Bloom... Here is a video of him introducing the book: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RZJvX0CLZI&feature=player_embedded
 
  I used to be as guilty as many of us of wasting and throwing away food.  One of my thoughts that throwing out food is not necessarily bad for the environment because it goes back into the ground. That is not necessarily true - the food that ends up in landfills produces methane gas.  Although methane is nowhere near as common as carbon dioxide, it's much more harmful. Landfills today are made up of 19% food thrown away.  And this figure does not include food we shove down the garbage disposal, which can be up to three times what we put in the trash and has it own consequences.  The average American sends more than half a pound of food to the landfill every day. Good riddance and bon voyage, right?    Yes, except that we're stashing pockets of greenhouse gases in the ground as little surprises for the next generation. Not all surprises are welcome. Food buried in a landfill today could still be emitting gas twenty years from now. 
 
   Here are couple more links about this subject which might bring an awareness of growing problem that we keep stuffing into our garbage - and not just us but everyone who is even remotely connected with food production. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vXbae3AKNQ&feature=player_embedded#!''
 
   and tips for how we can begin to help change our views on wasting food:

http://www.salon.com/food/francis_lam/2010/10/11/how_to_cut_down_food_waste
 
  I will be posting little tips on how to not to waste food or alert you to how our society is set up
to waste food each day.

Disseminating Moon enters the Cardinal Water Sign of Cancer

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

21st Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
28th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
21st Day of the Witch's 1st
Lunar Cycle of Phasma Priscus
- Days of Ancient Spirits
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 12:17PM EDST
Moon rises: 9:44PM EDST
Moon in Gemini v/c 10:19AM EDST
Moon enters the Cardinal Water
Sign of Cancer at 3:14PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The restortation
of sleep.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:43AM EDST
Sunset: 6:24PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""Which
old habits do you need to change?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year.
October 27th, 2010

Moon in Cancer - 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 magic of our home as a temple. Ask what protecting and feeding.  Those who are born with a Cancer moon sign search for what nurtures their souls and the world's. They may need to learn to carry their security with them. They respects our deepest feelings, eases our past fears.  This transit concerns desires about a home, emotional security, entertaining friends, cooking, security issues, nostalgia, and the desire to nurture. We are emotionally and psychically sensitive at this time, and because of these strong emotions it is often called a 'crybaby' moon.   This is not a transit when it's easy to be alone as needs for security in love and friendship are high. Nostalgia reigns supreme. 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 and stomach are also done during this period of time. As the moon moves toward a Leo transit on Friday there can be a time of great personal warmth and friendship.

This is Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection...  There are Major magickal energies today for Magick!!  A magick power day is a delicious gift of all-purpose energy. All you must do is decide how best to use it.  You can relate the energies of this day to the Seven of Cups tarot.  There are many choices laid before you right now that it may feel bewildering. But look carefully: are some of these really just daydreams or fantasies? Before you point to a menu item, discern which of these tantalizing possibilities are practical propositions, and which are just tempting illusions.

The Seven of Cups

    The Seven of Cups has been called the card of 'potential' which is also, perhaps, the essence of magick; requesting cooperation from the 'powers that be' to manipulate physics or future events according to your desire. This is the card of dreams and imagination. In divination this card could mean a need for grounding. For spellwork, it means "What will you have?"  The color to be using is Deep Purple.
[From "Seasons of the Witch Primer" by Victoria D. Danann]

Disseminating Moon phase

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


20th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
27th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
20th Day of the Witch's 1st
Lunar Cycle - Phasma Priscus -
Days of Ancient Spirits
Moon Phase: Disseminating - 5:39PM
Moon sets: 11:23AM EDST
Moon rises: 8:44PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Air Sign
of Gemini
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The blessing of
twilight.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:42AM EDST
Sunset: 6:25PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you appreciate most about your
skills?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 26th, 2010

Disseminating Moon - The Disseminating Moon is the waning full moon getting visibly smaller. She rises midevening and sets late morning. She is visible from the time she rises almost until she sets. As we go into the darkening phase of the Disseminating Moon, we get the FRUIT of the plant's life cycle - the fruits of wisdom and experience. For those who born in a Disseminating Moon phase, life must have meaning and purpose. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others. Keywords for the Disseminating phase are: demonstration, distribution, sharing and introspection. This is the time in a lunar cycle to further process your advancement toward your goal(s) by looking at the results of your adjusting action taken at the Full phase. During this phase you gain clarity by sharing what you've learned through awareness. Demonstrate your power of abundance by giving back to your community. Visit friends. Distribute your knowledge. SHARE. Reach out and touch someone.

It is Tiu's Day - Mars Day, the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire.  There are Major magickal energes today for spells/rites dealing Education.....  Get out those witchy books and lists and renew your knowledge of correspondences.

Astrology

   Mankind has always sought answers in the stars, and the first recorded study of their influence dates back to around 5000BC.  Modern astrology derives from the observations and workings of ancient Sumeria and Babylon. From there Astrology spread through all civilizations and religions, only falling out of favor under Christianity. In early times the study of the movements of the stars was limited to those planets visible to the naked eye: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, plus stars of the celestial constellations, and was far more complex than most Astrology practiced today. Having said that , using just known planets of our solar system, today's Astrology can be startlingly accurate.
   In order to calculate a birth (or Natal) chart the Astrologer needs the subject's date, time and place of birth. From this they work out the exact position of every planet in the Astrological houses at the time of birth. From this they determine much about the subject. Progressive Astrology can then take this information and, working with current and future planetary positions, make certain deductions as to the likely courses of aspects of a person's life. However, these, like any divination of the future, are only guidelines, for we each still have the ability to take charge and control of our future. If planning to consult an Astrologer, you should always counsel one who have been recommended by someone you know and trust. [From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

I am doing a course of study about Astrology with a couple of friends and the book we are using for the basis of our study is "Astrology For Yourself: A Workbook for Personal Transformation" by Douglas Bloch and Demetra George.  This is a book on 'How to Understand and Interpret Your Own Birth Chart.'   While I have tried studying Astrology before, this time I am finding myself really learning and being inspired to more along in the study - even though at times I become overwhelmed and confused.
I am always referring to an astrology book such "The Inner Sky" by Steven Forrest to help me understand certain aspects of this study.  This can a great study for the upcoming winter months and learn more about yourself and find yourself be more of an 'aware witch.'

Here is a link to get a free birth chart:  http://astrology.about.com/library/bl_freeAstrochart.htm
This will get you started.  Every witch should know at least their Sun and Moon signs and knowing
the Ascending sign will help you understand yourself better.

Waning Gibbous Moon enters Gemini

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

19th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
26th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
19th Day of the Witch's Lunar
Month - Phasma Priscus - Days
of Ancient Spirit
Moon Phase: waning Gibbous
Moon sets: 10:24AM EDST
Moon rises: 7:52PM EDST
Moon in Taurus v/c 3:48AM EDST
Moon enters the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini at 7:47AM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The tranquillity
of gardens.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:41AM EDST
Sunset: 6:27PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
excites your soul?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 25th, 2010

Moon in Gemini - This moon transit is a time of communication and other means of expression, freedom, adaptability, short journeys, reading or writing, having desires for variety and having more then one thing at a time going on. You will probably feel talkative and might want to work with your hands during the moon's transit in Gemini.  The Moon in Gemini quickens our nervous system. Build a web of understanding - network, absorb new information. Those who are born with a Gemini Moon sign want to understand, they live and breathes communication.They may need to learn to honor stillness and concentration. They translate for us and question us.  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.

Today is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling... There are Major magickal energies for Travel and of course these energies gather after the moon leaves Taurus and enters Gemini. 

If you want to 'travel' and do some 'remembering and feeling' here is something to consider at this time of the year when the Veil is thinnest.

Past-Life Recall

   This is a good day to consider where you came from, what you were in another reincarnation... A belief in reincarnation implies that we have had previous lives and many people seek to know more about who they may have been, and what they may have done before.  Some even believe that the wrongs they committed follow them and are responsible for the problems they experience in this life. While some belief systems think that Karma is ongoing, this is not a belief of most Witches. It may be convenient to think our troubles are caused by previous, separate selves, but the Craft belief of personal responsibility means that we should accept that our problems are our own. However, past-life recall could be interesting and sometimes useful as it may reveal traits, or reasons for them, that we are unaware of.
   There are many ways of attempting such recall: meditation, pathworking and hypnosis. One of the most effective is known as the Christos method. This requires at least 2 people in addition to the subject. The subject lies on the floor with their head on the lap of the narrator and their feet in the lap of another. The narrator leads the subject through a series of visualizations while continuously drawing a circle on the subject's forehead over the third eye. At the same time the person supporting the feet massages them gently. When the subject is fully relaxed the narrator guides them in exploring the time before their current life. The narrator can break off if any distress is sensed.
[From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

Further information at these links:http://www.envisageyourself.com/subscriptions/christos_technique.asp

http://paranormal.lovetoknow.com/Recall_Your_Past_Life



http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Christos_experiment

 http://ezinearticles.com/?Past-Life-Recall----For-Greater-Understanding-Of-Ourselves&id=153175

http://www.inplainsite.org/html/past_life_recall.html

Waning Gibbous Moon -Samhain Tarot Spread

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

18th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
25th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
18th Day of the Witches' Lunar
Year - Phasma Priscus - Days
of Ancient Spirit
Moon Phase: waning Gibbous
Moon sets: 9:21AM EDST
Moon rises: 7:07PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Earth
Sign of Taurus
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The grail of
your search.
Sun in Scorpio
Sunrise: 7:40AM EDST
Sunset: 6:28PM EDST
Solar Question for the Year: "Do you
abuse or respect obligations?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 24th, 2010

Today is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.. There are Major magickal energies suitable for spells regarding Investments.

7th House Witches' Year Lunar Calendar

    Please take note that I have begun using a daily notation for this kind of calendar.  The first day of the Witches' Lunar Year occurs on the new moon before Samhain and so we are currently in the lunar month of Phasma Priscus which is the First Lunar Cycle of this Lunar Year according to this Witches' Year.  All thirteen months only appear during the years with thirteen moons. That would be once every two to three years. In 2010 Alban Heruin does not occur. I have access to this information from my Seasons of the Witch datebook.  I have been interested in these cycles for a while because they correspond to the Lunar Cycles I follow for my Lunar Tree Cycles which is based on Shekhinah Mountainwater's Luna information in her book "Ariadne's Thread: A Workbook of Goddess Magic". 

Tarot Spread for Samhain

   This spread and information comes from "Tarot for All Seasons:Creating the Days and Nights of Power" by Christine Jette.  It is suggested that you can use tarot cards on your altar to bring added
energies to it.  Place the Death card, card 13, on your altar to symbolize your intention to let go of worn-out ideas or habits. The Hermit, card 9, represents going within to find your own wise counsel.
     The name of the tarot spread for Samhain is Fruit of Wisdom Tarot Layout.  It is based on the image of an apple cut in half. The apple is sacred to witches. If you cut an apple horizontally in half, it reveals a five-pointed star called a pentagram. The pentagram is a beautiful star and stars provide light as we navigate the darkness. The five points of the pentagram symbolize Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
Its enveloping circle means the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Pentagrams are associated with the feminine and are powerful for protection.
    Cut an apple in half horizontally to reveal the pentagram. Contemplate this beautiful star as you shuffle and cut the tarot deck. When you are ready, place the six cards in positions one through six as shown in figure below.
Position 1:  A Time of Reflection, Fears and Blocks - What is holding you back from creating the life
you want? What blocks you from your desire?
Position 2: Acceptance - Who or what do you need to accept? What cannot be changed?
Position 3: Release and Let Go - What is no longer useful to you? What habits, relationships or thought patterns are worn out?
Position 4: Keep, Nurture and Protect - What talents, skills and abilities do you need to keep and nurture? What do you need to protect?
Position 5: Crone's Wisdom - What is your intuition telling you? What can you learn from your situation?
Position 6: Cauldron of Rebirth, Awaiting the New- What future are you building as a result of reflecting, accepting, releasing, nurturing and protecting?

   To complete the Samhain reading, you can meditate with the cards, write a journal entry, keep the cards on the altar until Yule, or simply close. Carry a card or two with you during the day to strengthen the connection between you and inner wisdom. Affirm your personal power to protect all that you love: "I awaken to the Samhain season and release all this holding me back from fulfilling my spirit's desire. This, or something better, is manifesting for me now, for the good of all, harming no one, according to free will. So mote it be."

Waning Full Moon in Taurus

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

17th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
24th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waning Full Moon
Moon sets: 8:18AM EDST
Moon rises: 6:30PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Earth Sign
of Taurus
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A somg
of your choice.
Sun enters Scorpio
at 8:35AM EDST
Sunrise 7:39AM EDST
Sunset: 6:29PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "How
is truth served in your life?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 23rd, 2010

Moon in Taurus - 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. This lunar transit concerns money, work, property, and 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 and a time to experience the sensual. The Moon in Taurus asks us to discover what nurtures us and how to grow deeper roots. You can almost feel the mud oozing between our toes, awaken ing our senses and sensuality and growing our stubborness. It is a time to cultivate our material resources, our homes and our body. Those who are born with a Taurus moon sign search for stability and sensuality. They may need to learn mobility. They offer us comfort, beauty and solid presence. 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.

Sun in Scorpio

   The Sun enters the eighth zodiac sign of Scorpio today at 8:35AM EDST.  This sign has very complex symbology. It is the only sign with three representative symbols: the scorpion, the snake and the eagle. Along with the fiery passion that this sun sign evokes, Scorpio is associated with death more than any other sign. The goddess most closely associated with Scorpion is the maiden huntress Artemis. Her cult in Greece was connected to the female transformation of birth, puberty and death. In her lunar association, she is the protector of all the nocuturnal animals of the forest and is attended by women only. She is merciless in her defense of her viginal status and is a lethal foe to any man who afforts her. Legends tell of Artemis calling forth a gigantic scorpion that she unleashes on the hunter Orion, killing him. As a reward for killing Orion, Artemis placed the scorpion in the sky where it is visible today as the brilliant constellation Scorpius.  At the time of Samhain, the sun is in Scorpius, and so the stars of this constellation are not readily visible to the stellar observer. Rather, look for the constellation Scorpius to make its dramatic appearance in the summer sky. Scorpius is one of the few constellations that closely resembles the animal that it represents The red-giant star Antares is the eye of the scorpion, while the double star of Shaula is the stinger.

   The snake, another symbol of Scorpio, has an equally complext symbology. While often regarded in the West as a symbol of evil, elsewhere throughout the world the snake represents wisdom and regenerative power. Because the snake sheds its skin during molting, it is looked upon as a symbol of life, death and rebirth. The ouroborous, which depicts a snake consuming its own tail, has long been regarded as a potent magical symbol of inspiration, renewal and the eternal cycle of nature. it is aas embodiment of eternity.

    The eagle  of Scorpio represents the evolved soul and has correlations with the Phoenix, a constellation visible at this time of the year. The eagle is sometimes viewed as a form of Artemis herself.

   A fixed Water sign, Scorpio is also a negative sign in the sense that signs carry a positive or negative energy. In traditional astology, the negative signs are believed to projet predominantly feminine energy, while the positive signs are associated with masculine energy. It is ruled by Pluto and correlates with the age of introspection due to the placement on the zodiac. If one images that a soul must incarnate as a different astrological sign at each rebirth in order to fully evolve, then Scorpio represents that place in a soul's evolution where the cumulative effects of all previous lifetimes are taken into accound and examined. This is especially significant in its relationship to Samhain, as this time of the year is an excllent time for taking an inventory of life, discarding the superfluous and making positive changes.

   Scorpio being a Water sign, reflects the emotions, the world of the intangible, sensitivity, psychism, perception and mysticism. It is also one of the Fixed signs, bringing stability, stubborness, resilience and persistence.  Those born under Scorpio are generally self-repressive, emotional, intuitive, steadfast, and intense. The typical Scorpio can be quite secretive, keeping personal affairs and feelings hidden from those around them. Outwardly they may apper fearless with a strong desire to succeed. They can be purposeful and dynamic. They are perceptive about others and their personal magnetism makes them good at persistent probing to get to the basis of things. Their perceptiveness allows them to understand and comfort others in times of difficulty, and they are unlikely to violate a confidence. On the negative side their intense feelings can make them highly caustic and scornful when angered or crossed in any way. They can be highly jealous, destructive, stubborn, suspicious and even vindictive.

   Those born under this Sun sign should utilize their ability to reason while being aware of their negative qualities. They should be aware that relationships only flourish if both parties can share their thoughts and feelings. Those of other signs will also find this a good time to work on psychic abilities as the energies of the period, including the influence of the Hunter's Moon and Samhain will enchance these.

   This link is a great photo gallery and infromation about the sign of Scopio by Molly Hall. Be sure to check it out.

http://astrology.about.com/od/allaboutscorpio/ss/ScorpioTips.htm

http://www.owlsdaughter.com/2010/10/a-belated-happy-birthday-scorpios-everywhere/







Full Moon in Aries

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

16th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
23rd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: Full - 9:36PM EDST
Moon sets: 7:10AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:59PM EDST
Moon in Aries v/c 9:36PM EDST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth
Sign of Taurus at 10:30PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The alchemy of
Autumn
Sun Libra
Sunrise: 7:37AM EDST
Sunset: 6:31PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are
you appropriating someone else's
resources or time?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 22nd, 2010

Full Moon - The Full Moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Astrologically the Sun and Moon are in opposition (opposite each other in sky and in opposite signs of the zodiac). She s visible from the time she rises until she sets. She opens and blossoms during the Full Moon into the FLOWER, with the desire to share her beauty with others. Those who are born during a Full Moon enjoy companship and partnership and desire to merge deeply. Fulfillment and illumination are their goals. Keywords for the Full Moon phase are: fulfillment, illumination, realization and experience. This 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.

This is Freya's Day - Venus Day, Day of Sharing and Relationships.  There are Major magickal energies for Arts and Crafts before the Moon goes void of course.  Create something to present at your Full Moon ritual.

This Full Moon is called an astrological 'blue moon' as it is the second one in a row in the Cardinal Fire Sign of Aries.  So, ok, the moon only in Aries for about an hour as it reaches full or in one degree of Aries if you want to be technical but the Aries energies will still be vibrating in the air as the moon reaches it's Full Phase and hangs there for a little while.  Then it will move into mellower, earthier Taurus.  What does Luna's placement in this changing of signs mean for us? Aries represents our warrior spirit, the place within ourselves where we must learn to develop will power and courage. Often, we will face obstacles where Aries or Mars energy is involved, whether they come from inner or outer resistance. Look at its placement in your chart for even deeper understanding for how this Moon (or planet Mars and the Aries cusp) affect you on a more personal level.

In the Seasons of the Witch datebook this is called Moon of the Muse.  The Greek Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of Memory. The number of Muses varies over time. Initially there was but one, and later there is mention of three: Melete, Mneme, and Aoede (the Elder Muses). But now there is usually mention of nine muses: Calliope, Clio, Erato, Eulerpe, Melpomene, Polyhymina, Terpsichore, Thaila, and Urania, the Younger Muses.  These are the Greek goddess of art and inspiration and are probably the most familiar ancient divinities today. They were raised by the hunter Chrotus, who was transported after death into the sky as Sagittarius.  They are believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers and musicians.  The Muses were venerated throughout Greece, but more so in those areas with many wells and springs. From their name words such as music, museum, and mosaic are derived.

"Nine Muses. Blessed Be!

Gentle goddesses, hear my plea.

What the world needs now the most

is inspiration

and good French toast."

From "Season of the Witch 2010 Datebook"



     

Thor's Day - waxing Gibbous Moon

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

15th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
22nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 6:16AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:31PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The harvest
of your soul.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:36AM EDST
Sunset: 6:32PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""Do
you overconsume the world's
resources?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 21st, 2010

It is Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion. 

Our Moon is full on Friday, October 22nd, 2010, 9:36PM EDST, at 29*33 fiery Aries exactly opposite our Sun at 29*33 airy Libra. This is the 2nd Aries/Libra Full Moon in a row due to the fact that there are 30 degrees in every sign; the first Aries F.M. was at the end of September in the very first degree of self-oriented Aries, whereas this one is in the last degree of Aries/Libra.

http://cosmicsense.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/aries-full-moon-friday-10-22-2010/

This full moon is a Hunter moon. Since Aries is a fire sign it is a fast moving full moon. Full moons are about completion and ending. So this is a good time to finish and complete things. The sun is still in Libra and the moon is still in Aries, so we still have the fire and air elements in play. Libra is about balance and harmony, while Aries is about having courage to stand up speak your truth and act on your convictions. It is about being who you truly are.   Since Libra is about relationships, balance and harmony and Aries is about individualism.. this full moon is a time to seek and find balance between the two. So finding balance between our individuality and our relationships, finding a way that they work together with each other and balance each other instead of being in conflict and disharmony. Since this full moon is about completion of something use Aries fire energy to see it through to completion and take the last steps that you need to take to finish it.


October is   time of  harvest,  creating, gathering and reaping what you sown.   The Hunter moon is  a good  time  to connect  with nature  and  animals.   It is  also   good  time  do  meditations  on  finding your  animal  guide/ totem. This Full Moon is about integrating the changes necessary to achieve inner balance. It is about co-operation and harmony. It is a time to see what has not worked for you and what has. What part of your harvest will you keep for you? What part would you like to share with others from your heart? It is about being your true self and letting your true self shine and respecting and honouring those also are doing the same. It is about being the changes you want to happen that are inspired action of love, co-operation and harmony. 

[Excerpts from: http://whitestareagle.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/full-moon-in-aries-again/]

Waxomg Gibbous Moon enters Aries

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


14th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
21st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 5:17AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:06PM EDST
Moon in Pisces v/c 6:25AM EDST
Moon enters the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries at 11:23AM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The silent accord
of true love.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:36AM EDST
Sunset: 6:34PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
motivates your lifestyle?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 20th, 2010

Moon in Aries - Moon in Aries is a time of new beginnings, intense activity, pioneering in any field, reaching out with emotional surges, and impulsiveness. The Moon in Aries asks us to wake up and remember who we truly are, even if bothers those we love or work for. Tempers, tears and passions run hot.  This moon transit is great tester of limits. We may act 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. Those who are born under an Aries moon sign, search for fire, fierce independence and their own voice. They may need to learn patience and cooperation. They appreciate our fire. Moon in Aries is the best time to work magick involving leadership, authority, rebirth and spiritual conversion, or will power. Healing rituals for ailments of the face, head or brain are also done during this period of time.

Today is Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection....  remember that as we move into a Aries Moon transit to not make impulsive communications or connection as you may regret it later.

Samhain

  Samhain represents the gateway between the old year - now fully harvested - and the new, when all must begin again. Samhain is the most powerful sabbat of the year, in conjunction with Beltane, its 'opposite'.  This is the sabbat most traditionally associated with witchcraft.
   Magick at Samhain often revolves around 'letting go' - of obsolete emotional ties, such as those to people who have passed through the Veil, or of those from whom we have necessarily separated from on this  plane. It follows, then, that the Samhain tides are ideal for ridding oneself of old habits - rather in the traditions of the "New Year's resolutions."  It is also a superb time for divination. Mediumship is easy; telepathic conversations flow when the time is right, and the witch is perceptive. Tarot readings are intense and, if properly performed, extremely accurate.
   There is always a mischievous feel to Samhain, which is represented nowadays by trick-or-treaters knocking at the door. Elementals will be playing up, and if one is not prepared for the new year to come, old efforts may be forfeited.  So it is always best to take stock of one's life prior to Samhain, harvest one's resources, and face the longer, darker nights ahead with confidence. Otherwise, even the witch may be indeed be spooked.
[Excerpts from "The Witch's Guide to Life" by Kala Trobe]

Tiu's Day - waxing Gibbous moon in Pisces

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


13th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
20th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 4:18AM EDST
Moon rises: 4:43PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The song
of the earth.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:34AM EDST
Sunset: 6:35PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""What
areas of your life need hard or steady
work right now?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 19th, 2010

Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire - Action Day

It has been a very foggy, misty early morning here in my neighborhood.  I love it!  Mists have always been something I've been fascinated with.  A logical explanation for it is this: Mist and fog usually form at night when the air is too cold to hold all its moisture. Clear skies mean that the ground gets cold and it then cools the air close to it. This cool air causes condensation and water droplets form in the air. Fogs are thickest when the air can hold a lot of moisture. Formation... Although mist is not as thick as fog, they are both formed in this same way. Mist, however, usually stays closer to the ground and you can see over the top of it. Mist is often seen on autumn mornings when nights get longer and cooler again. This is particularly true in valleys, because cold air sinks down and collects in the valley during the night.
   But Frank MacEowen in his book "The Mist-Filled Path" gives a description that touches my soul the most..  "The mist called to me when I was a child. In the early mornings, and sometimes at dusk, I would look out the window into the thick woods behind our Georgia home, and a deep longing would fill my soul. The Cymru, the Celts of Wales, would say I had been consumed by the spirit of birath, the longing for something my soul had known once upon a time.

    Just beyond the mossy stone wall, just past the clusters of fern, I would often see the eerie gray-green mist swirling in the trees. It would hang there like a gull in the wind, as if searching for something. It seemed to capture something of my own quest, a deep childhood search for an experience of the mystery of the sacred world. "

I am going out to walk now in the mists - wrapped in my old baggy tattered sweater and feel the tendrils of crone's hair wash by my face. 

 

Gibbous Moon in Pisces

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

12th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
19th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: Gibbous
Moon sets: 3:20AM EDST
Moon rises: 4:20PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The tides of
moon and sea.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:33AM EDST
Sunset: 6:27PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
joy do you miss most; where is joy
within you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 18th, 2010

Gibbous Moon - The Gibbous Moon rises midafternoon and sets before dawn. She is bulging Moon getting ready to be full, visible soon after she rises until she sets. The Gibbous Moon is the BUD of the plant, the pulse of life tightly wrapped, wanting to expand. Those of us who are born during the Gibbous Moon phase find their talents lie in the ability to refine, organize and purify. These are the seekers,  utilizing spiritual tools as guides on their path. The keywords for the Gibbous phase are: analyze, prepare and trust. It is the time in a lunar cycle to process the results of the actions taken during the First Quarter. 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.

Moon in Pisces - During Moon in Pisces emotional life is more introverted. Intuition is at its height and psychic energy is powerful. You are able to get in touch with your deepest self, but it can also be a time of vagueness, unclarity and uncertainty. Pisces is about endings as a result of internal processing.  This will be great transit to think about those questions I listed in yesterday's post about deciding what you will take with you into the New Year after Samhain and what you  leave behind. With Moon in Pisces we feel the world with compassion, heightened senses and strong imagination. We need quiet time in our 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. Those who are born with a Pisces moon sign came here to feel everything; they may need to filter impressions and find their deep strength. They offer us insight, imagination and subtle, compassionate medicine while encouraging our visions.  Moon in Pisces is the best time to work magick involving dream work, clairvoyance, telepathy, music and the creative arts. Healing rituals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands are also done at this time.

This is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day. There are Major magickal energies today for working with your Intuition.

Ancestral Altar

  This is time now to create your ancestral altar for Samhain where you can honor your beloved dead. This being Moon Day - a day of remembering and feeling and the Moon is in Pisces - a transit when we are more 'feeling' and psychic - we can intuit back to remembering what our ancestors gifted us with.  You may already have a space where this happening.  A collection of old family photos, perhaps sitting beside some collectibles of grandparents. If you don't see this in your living space, then begin assembling one for Samhain.  Choose a flat surface; a sideboard is nice and so is an end table as well as the top of a bookcase or dresser. If it can hold your altar items and is in a space you feel comfortable visiting then its a good spot.                                       Image © Patti Wigingon 2009


   To assemble your ancestral altar, collect old photos, small items that belong to ancestors (grandparents and/or parents) or items that remind you of what they liked and collected. Flowers, candles (one or two) and perhaps a book they liked.  If you have any linens or embroidered pieces that belonged to (or were made by) them would make a good altar cloth for this special altar. Remember if you are using a precious old cloth as the altar cloth, make sure your candles cannot drip on it. Jar candles would work nicely. A small spirit bell is a nice thing to add, when you attend the altar on Samhain, call their names and speak from your heart to them. Do not demand they come to you but, rather invite them to be present if they wish to.  At the end of your Samhain ritual, remember to formally bid them farewell if you have invited them into the ritual space. 
    Once you have assembled your ancestral altar, make a habit of visiting it often in the coming days that lead to Samhain. Perhaps you will the need to ask their advice or counsel. Sit quietly and think about your problem. The solution make come to you right away, but knowing that those who came before you and that they know about your problem can be a comfort too. Who knows the ancestors may be working on a solution for you.

Here is a link to a photo gallery of Ancestral Altars:  http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/ig/Samhain-Altar-Gallery/Shelley-s-Ancestor-Altar.htm

Idea for a ritual: http://www.brujonegrobrujeria.com/page/page/3602817.htm

A Voodoo Ancestral Altar:  http://planetvoodoo.com/voodoo-temple/ancestral-altar.htm

Waxing half moon goes v/c tonight

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


11th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
18th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 2:22AM EDST
Moon rises: 3:57PM EDST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 4:17PM EDST
Moon enters the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces at 10:52PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The glory
of sunset.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:32AM EDST
Sunset: 6:38PM EDST
Solar Question of the Day: "Which
of your skills needs to be honed
at this time?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 17th, 2010


This Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.. There are Major magickal energies for spells/rites for New Projects and Opportunity and even Adventure before the moon goes v/c late this afternoon.  Take advantage of this beautiful Fall day. I will post on Pisces transit tomorrow since it doesn't occur until almost 11:00 tonight.

Samhain/Hallowmas

   This time of the year is when I really find myself reflecting back over the past year and then even further back to my own childhood.  Actually the month of October has the correspondence of Personal Modification.  I consider this a lot at this time...  and so I am posting some of what Ruth Barrett wrote in her book ""Women's Rites, Women's Mysteries".  "In the Dianic tradition, Hallowmas is probably the most ritually packed night of the year. I'd heard Dianic foremother, Z. Budapest say, 'whatever you are doing on Hallows will be what you carry through the veil with you into the New Year.'  It is an opportunity to leave behind all that has caused you harm and carry forward all that is in accordance with the highest good."   Well, that certainly puts pressure on us for what we do on Samhain doesn't it.!
But always remember that something simple and well-intentioned is best.  Don't try to do too much unless you feel very comfortable with it and well-prepared.  You don't want to carry a feeling of failure into the New Year.  To prepare for Hallomas, ask yourself these seasonal questions.

"What do I leave behind in the year that has passed and what do I take with me?"
"Who do I need to forgive? From whom do I need to ask forgiveness?"
What action can I take in order to open and listen to the Wise One within?"
"What is my resistance to listening to Her voice?"
"What do I already see or feel that shows what I am moving toward in the year ahead?"  

Posting these question a little before Samhain gives us time to reflect on them, perhaps jot down some thoughts on them and affirmations for moving in the New Year ahead.

Saturn's Day - waxing half moon

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

10th Day of the 11th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Gort/Ivy
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Gort/Ivy
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 1:22AM EDST
Moon rises: 3:31PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The message of
the blood
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:31AM EDST
Sunset: 6:40PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Do
you pactice hospitality of spirit?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
October 16th, 2010

Saturn's Day - Saturn Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day. 

Yarrow

    Yarrow is a highly prolific plant considered a weed by most gardeners. However, if you have the space it is worth cultivating a small patch. You can prevent it taking by removing the flowers before they seed although you will have to diligent! Some of its fold names give an idea of how highly it used to be prized: Solider's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Herbe Militaris, Bloodwort, Staunchweed, Saguinary. Others give an indication of its association with the Craft: Devil's Nettle and Devil's Plaything. Yarrow was used to stop bleeding and to dress wounds to speed healing: the leaves were rolled up and inserted to stop nose bleeds. Conversely, it made into a poultice and placed over the nose and sinuses to induce a nosebleed to relieve headaches.  Such poultices can also be used to ease bleeding piles. Yarrow tea is excellent for heavy colds and cleanses the urinary system. Yarrow was used to make beer which was though to be more intoxicating than that made from hops.
   Magically Yarrow is associated with Venus and is used in workings for love, courage and protection, and to develop psychic powers. Carry Yarrow for protection and to attract friendship and love, and to regain contact with lost relatives. Place it under an external doormat to deter unwanted callers. A tea made from Yarrow flowers is said to improve psychic powers. Burn dried Yarrow leaves to cleanse the house or make the stems into a smudge stick to exorcise negativity from a person. If a couple eat Yarrow at their wedding it is said to ensure 7 years of happiness.
[From: "The Real Witches' Year" by Kate West]

Man with Kermit puppets rocks the Web

http://comedy.video.yahoo.com/

Who is this man?  http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/94072&fp=1

Another thing that witches can do: 

http://www.squidoo.com/help-the-homeless-for-free
 
 Dedicated to the people on our streets who aren't always as easy to see.