Waxing New Moon enters Pisces tonight

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


4th Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
4th Day of the Cycle of Imbolgen -
Days of Reclaiming
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 9:28AM EST
Moon sets: 8:45PM EST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 3:50PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces at 9:57PM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The wonder
of life.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:10PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
of your plans needs motivaton?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 7th, 2011

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 through us. Time to: image, share, sense, meditate, nurture, soak and find constructive ways to be sensitive. With 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. A time to vision, listen to inner voices, allow creative juices to flow and touch each other with new awareness. For those who were born under a Pisces Moon sign - you came here to feel everything; you may need to filter impressions and find your deep strength. You offer us insight, imagination and subtle, compassionate medicine while encouraging our vision. 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.

Frigga

It's Freya's Day - Venus Day - the Day of Sharing and Relationship - Relation Day...   Friday is named after the Norse goddesses of love, Freya and Frigga. There seems to be some debate as to whom the day is actually named after, so here is some information to help you decide for yourself.
    In Latin, this day is known as Dies Veneris, "Venus's day."  In Greek, it's Hermeru Aphrodites, which translates to the 'day of Aphrodite'. In Old English, this day is called Frigedaeg, or 'Freya's day.'  This day has the Germanic title of Frije-dagaz, which, once again, could be Freya's or Frigg's day.

   Both Freya and Frigga were Norse goddess of love and were the Teutonic equivalent of the Greco-Roman Venus/Aphrodite. However, Freya was one of the Vanir - the gods of fertility who supervised the land and sea - and she was the leader of the Valkyreis. Frigga, Odin's wife, was the goddess of heavens and of married love. She was one of the Aesir - the gods associated with battle, magick, and the sky. Freya and Frigga could be looked upon as different aspects of the same goddess. They both were called on to assist in childbirth and then in the naming of the new baby. Frigga represented the faithful wife and loving mother, while Freya who really captured the hearts and imagination of the Norse people, was the passionate mistress and lover.

    Fridays classically are days of love, fertility, romance and beauty magick, as well as working for happiness, harmony in the home, and friendship.
[From: Ellen Dugan's "Book of Witchery"]

Freya 

Twelfth Night - Thor's Day

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


3rd Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
14th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
3rd Day of the Cycle of Imbolgen -
Days of Reclaiming
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 8:59AM EST
Moon sets: 7:45PM EST
Moon in the Fixed Air Sign
of Aquarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Service to
the universe
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:08PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are
you neglecting sources of
soul-nurture?"
Samhaim (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 6th, 2011

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day, the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion Day.  There are minor magickal energies flowing today for networking. 

Twelfth Night

     Twelfth Night is the date on the Christian calendar for taking down the decorations. Before you do this, go through all the greeting cards you received and update your address book. Then, if you do not use the cards yourself, separate written half from the illustrated half and take the pictures to a charity store so others can use them to create gift tags for next year or to a children's nursery group so the pictures may be cut up for collage or other artwork.
   Kate West says that just recently she and a couple of friends have rebelled a bit against the technological and computer age. Instead of using email and the phone we write (yes, with a pen and paper!) letters to one another. Around about this time of the year it can be really friendly to put a little extra effort into communicating properly with some of those old friends who you send cards to, but otherwise rarely communicate with properly. Forget all those 'thank you' letters you were forced to write as a child, think more along the lines of a chatty note to give your 'lost touch with' friends the highlights of your life over the last year or so. We tend to illustrate our letter with a few very rough sketches: matchstick men and almost cartoon like animals, etc. While most of us feel we are no artists,
these things do make for a more individual and personal communication.
[From: "The Real Witches' Year' by Kate West]

    When I first started studying and putting the Craft in my life, I kept a handwritten daily journal. I used those very large blank journal that had lined pages and wrote in a somewhat similar heading that I still today. I would paste in pictures and images that I felt touched me and inspired me.  Once in a while I would draw rough sketches of something about the day.  I would hand write out little entries about things I was learning about.  I have found that writing out information that I've read would help to 'set' it better in my mind and I would think about these written entries throughout my day.  Regretfully I am not doing a handwritten journal anymore.  I have succumbed to the technology of the computer and the printer.  While I still a 'written' daily journal in a datebook regarding the day's astrological and lunar events, I cut and paste it in a format that I can print out and put in these book.  I add printed images I find here and there to represent what I've written about that day in my blogs.  I need to return to doing more handwritten things because otherwise my handwriting will become very rusty.

Waxing New Moon moves into Aquarius

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

2nd Day of the 1st Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
13th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
2nd Day of the Cycle of Imbolgen -
Days of Reclaiming
Moon Phase: waxing New Moon
Moon rises: 8:28AM EST
Moon sets: 6:43PM EST
Moon in Capricorn v/c 7:15AM EST
Moon enters the Fixed Air
Sign of Aquarius at 11:08AM EST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memory of
childhood winters
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:07PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
is the source of your creativity."
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 5th, 2011


  Moon in Aquarius -    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, desire to save the world through social action, connecting with others in social situations, scientific pursuits, detachment and the need to come and go without restriction.  Aquarius Moon's 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 moon, especially extremes of optimism and pessimism. Those who were born under an Aquarius moon sign are far sighted with a gentle stubbornness; they understand group dynamics and may be more aware in family, tribe, community than she is in her most intimate relations. Moon in Aquarius 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.

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection... There are Major magickal energies today for working on Attraction Skills and for dealing with One on One Negotiations.                                       

New Moon in Capricorn - Beith/Birch Lunar Cycle

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


1st Day of the First Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Beith/Birch
12th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
1st Day of the Cycle of
Imbolgen - Days of Reclamation
Moon Phase: New - 4:02AM EST
Moon rises: 7:51AM EST
Moon sets: 5:39PM EST
Moon in the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The gift of
mortality
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:06PM EST
Solar Eclipse - 4:02AM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
do you need to exercise self-control?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 4th, 2011

New Moon - The New Moon (or Dark Moon) rises at sunrise and sets at sunset. Astrologically, the Sun and Moon are in conjunction. Because the Sun's light overpowers the nearby Moon in the day, and the Moon is on the other side of the Earth with the Sun at night, she is not visible in the sky at all. The New Moon is like a SEED planted in the earth. We cannot see her but she is ready to grow, full of potential and energy for her new journey. Those who are born during a New Moon phase  are impulsive, passionate and intuitive. They are risk takers and pioneers.

Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire.  There are minor magickal energies today for job hunting. 

Birch lunar cycle:  First cycle of Lunar Tree Year - The Birch is the tree of inception or beginnings. She is self-propagating, and so is an excellent symbol for the Goddess as Her own source. Her branches
are considered to be protective and can be used for dispelling evil influences. When a lover offers a branch it means, "You may begin."  With the Beith or Birch moon the wheel of the lunar year rebirths, and we can plant our seeds or plans for the coming cycle. [From: "Ariadne's Thread" by Shekhinah Mountainwater]   The keyword for the Beith/Birch cycle is New Beginnings and it's original meaning is Mother Goddess, purification and renewal; it's color is White; it's bird is Pheasant/Becan; and its letter is B.  
   Beith symbolizes opportunity and new beginnings. The power of the dark is waning and the first signs of spring are emerging, symbolizing new energies and ideas. There is no struggle here, just a rising of newness that can only be blocked by those who adhere to old patterns. Let the past go and renew your faith in your path, understanding that if you follow the natural order change proves easy to embrace. Opportunities exist for you to bring movement into areas of your life that have been barren or stagnant, which in turn will create new understandings and insights. Be patient, walk in the light and the fruits of your labor will realized.
   The first leaves on the birch herald the rebirth of creation and the dawn of spring. Where man has raped the land and then left it abandoned and barren, birch will come carried by the four winds to bring back harmony and balance It has a deep and long relationship with humans giving its sap for sweetness, wine and vinegar, its bark for writing and containers and its oil for tanning hides. Birch wood has provided cradles, boats, and roofs protecting and transporting humans for millennia.
   It cares not where it grows and indeed favors places where other trees find it hard to establish. Then it sheds its twigs and leaves season after season until the ground is fertile and ready for its brothers and sisters to join it. Just as it cleanses and rejuvenates the land, Birch does the same for humans offering medicines for kidney and urinary problems, rheumatism, gout, fevers and skin disorders. The old year was cleansed from houses using a birch broom and 'evil spirits' were cleansed from law-breakers using a birch rod and in the ritual of 'birching'. Likewise it is used to cleanse any place where spiritual work is to take place.
[Information and the Birch above are from "Ogham: The Celtic Oracle" deck by Peter Pracownik and Andy Baggott]

Last Day of Elder Lunar Cycle - moon enters Capricorn

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


30th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
11th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
30th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragons
Moon Phase: waning Balsamic/
or Dark Moon
Moon rises: 7:08AM EST
Moon sets: 4:36PM EST
Moon enters the Cardinal
Earth Sign of Capricorn at 2:39AM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The ancestral
memories of your body.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AM EST
Sunset: 5:05PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you most home for?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Day
January 3rd, 2011


Moon in Capricorn - with the Moon now in Capricorn we set the stage for the New Moon and a new lunar cycle tomorrow morning at 4:02AM EST.  The Moon in Capricorn inspires our ambitions for good or ill, we just have to be gentle on our souls, if we're not there yet. Lead and manage, but do not manipulate or control. This is a time to: build, dig, organize, exercise discipline, work on foundations and make practical progress on a dream.  Moon in Capricorn brings planning magick and takes your ideas, giving them form and hope. We can tap into the inner wisewoman - ask how form, ritual, organization or tradition can serve. Those born under a Capricorn moon sign came here to accomplish and understand compassionate leadership. They may need to learn to respect other rhythms and to love herself, not just what they do. They offer us constructive determination and practical support. Moon in
Capricorn is the best time to work magick for organization, ambition, recognition, career and political matters. Healing rituals for the knees, bones, teeth and skin are also done at this time.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - there are minor magickal energies for working spells to resolve domestic issues. This is the last day of this lunar cycle - so take advantage of these waning energies of the moon and banish those domestic worries out with the Dark Moon. Working with the different phases of the moon is an important skill that takes a bit of time for Witches to learn. So why not cut to the chase and experiement with the day of the week that is dedicated to the moon in all of its magickal energies and aspects?  Magickally, Monday(Moon Day) encourages the lunar energies of inspiration, illusion, prophetic dreams, emotions, psychic abilities, travel, women's mysteries and fertility.   So maybe you can conjure up some inspirational energy to resolve your domestic issue(s).

To Find Your Totem Animal

    Everyone has an animal, bird, or fish which holds a special meaning for them. This is not necessarily a pet or even a domestic animal; it could be wild, foreign or even mythical.  Ravens and/or Crows are mine. Another is the Cat.  I've always been drawn to cats.  I seek them out when they appear in real life, art, movies, or in dreams.  I feel they are there to indicate that something important is about to happen.
    One way to find a Totem Animal of yours, take a walk in the woods just before dusk. Take time to look at the trees and plants, to inhale the scent of the woods and to listen to the sounds around you.  Find an old tree and sit down beneath it. Close your eyes and lay your hands flat on the soil to each side of you and take several slow deep breaths. Ask the Goddess to send your Totem Animal to you. Open your eyes and pick the first thing you see lying on the ground near you. Take this home and place it under your pillow for three nights and your Totem Animal will come to you in your dreams. When you know what your Totem Animal is, remember to look out for it in the world around you, and to acknowledge this gift of the Goddess each time you see it.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Balsamic Moon phase - Sagittarius v/c tonight

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

29th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
10th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
29th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragons
Moon Phase: Balsamic
Moon rises: 6:16AM EST
Moon sets: 4:36PM EST
Moon in Sagittarius v/c 9:08PM EST
Ceridewn's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: "The legacy of
wisdom you would bequeath to
your descendants.
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, 2011

Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal..... 

A Prosperity Charm

     To ensure that money will enter the house all year around, take one silver or golden coin for each external door to the house.  The coins will almost certainly be gold or silver colored rather than actually made of the metals concerned. Then take the same number of circular pieces of paper. Wash the coin(s) carefully under running water for 10 minutes and then dry them in a new cloth or tissue. On the paper(s) draw a picture of your family and around it draw pictures to represent all the things you need (not want) money for. Remember to includes rent, taxes, light, heat, food, transport, pets. etc. Wrap each coin in one of the papers and if you are able, bury one just outside the threshold of each door. While you are burying the coin(s) say, "I call upon the Old Gods to help us make the most of opportunities to bring money into this house. May those who live here ever have enough for their needs and commitments. Give each of us the true rewards of our work and may our family be happy and secure in this home. Blessed Be."  While you are doing this, visualize members of the family with coins in their pockets entering the home. If it is not possible to actually bury them, then slip them down a crack at the base of the door, or just under the carpet on the inside. It is important that everyone who enters the house, and all post, must over the coins.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

New Year's Day - Balsamic Moon

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

28th Day of the 13th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hecate
Lunar Tree Cycle of Ruis/Elder
9th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Beith/Birch
28th Day of the Cycle of Grael -
Days of the Earth Dragons
Moon Phase: Balsamic
Moon rises: 5:16AM EST
Moon sets: 2:30PM EST
Moon in the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: Memories of
dear ones dead or absent.
Sun in Capricorn
Sunrise: 7:43AN EST
Sunset: 5:03PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
are you attempting to manifest
right now?"
Samhain (Calan Gaeaf) Quarter
of the Year
January 1st, 2011

Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility - Foundation Day.  Well this is an appropriate for all of actions to occur.  Here we are at the first day of a new calendar year and I'm sure many of you are assessing your past year and intending to manifest in your new year. 

New Year's Resolutions

    New Year's resolutions are a modern tradition but despite being neither a Wiccan tradition nor linked to the Witches' year, which begins and ends at Samhain, many Witches still practice this.
Rather than setting yourself one or two difficult-to-attain targets, make a list of 6 to 12 (or 13 items, one for each New Moon cycle) 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 for balloon flight or a weekend at a health spa. Try to include one or more things associated with your Craft, like remembering to observe the cycles of the Moon or writing up your Book of Shadows. It can also be helpful to apply a 'rule of three' approach to this: for each item for self-improvement, have one for the benefit of others, the Land or the 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 targets 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 wardrobe door.Now select one goal from your list and  start working towards achieving it as soon as you can.

"The best way to succeed is to start."

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