Month: April 2011

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 4/5

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

56: The Wanderer

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Hexagram 56
General Meaning: A seasoned traveler knows that a special kind of decorum is called for when one ventures far from home. He or she must develop a yielding nature outwardly, so that the ‘local contact’ or host can open doors and prevent unseemly errors. But inwardly, the wanderer knows that it is sometimes impossible to discern the true intentions of strangers — are they hostile, friendly or merely opportunistic?

The twin houses of mystery and discovery rule any journey. Each new day is launched on a fresh landscape, one that reaches out to grab our full attention. Though new adventures are a great teacher — and often a great equalizer — there is an art to living lightly in a strange land. Mindfulness and discernment become the keys not only to success, but also to survival.

If you are entering a new environment of any sort attempt to be sincere, flexible and undemanding, rather than obstinate. Let go of old attitudes and habits that could encumber you, or make you overly conspicuous. The onset of a great journey is not a favorable time to enter into binding agreements, or to start new enterprises.

Your Daily Number for April 5th: 4

Your Daily Number: 4

Strong, clear energy and the possibility for major opportunity exist today. Focus on work and planning, and avoid the emotional cobwebs of others. Your intuition is strong, so rely on what you know and don’t take someone else’s word for it.

Fast Facts

About the Number 4

Theme: Form, Work, Order, Practicality, Discipline
Astro Association: Aries
Tarot Association: Emperor

Today’s Tarot Card for 4/5

Today’s Tarot Card for Everyone:

The Devil

This Tarot Deck: Folklore

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could “lose their soul” to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700’s gives us a more sophisticated rendition — that of the “scapegoated Goddess,” whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione’s highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul’s passage from mortal to immortal.

Daily Horoscopes for 4/5

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

The practical Taurus Moon steadies our desires by encouraging us to want things within reach. The Moon forms a cooperative sextile with sensual Venus, emphasizing the pleasure that can be ours. Although we should be satisfied with what we have, we still may crave more as the Sun moves toward its annual conjunction with indulgent Jupiter tomorrow. Even the stability of the Taurus Moon may not be enough to counteract five planets in speedy Aries.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you may feel a bit lazy now, you’re still the one who quickly swings into action before considering the consequences. Often you can get away with overstepping your bounds, but your words have more impact on your friends and associates than you expect today. Exaggerating the facts or overselling your position won’t help you convince others that your idea is a solid one. Since you cannot avoid the truth for long, you might as well keep it real from the very beginning.

 

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your need for simplicity is a prime motivator now that the Moon has returned to your sign. You may be able to positively impact a complex situation by changing only a very few basic variables. Don’t try to pass yourself off as a master of details and nuance. Even if you wish that life wasn’t so complicated, focus on the big picture and let the rest fall into place on its own.

 

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You are often able to safely get away with talking about nearly anything that pops into your mind. Now, however, even the simplest comment can turn into a major disagreement. Almost everything you say today seems to be misunderstood or blown out of proportion. Avoid the temptation to prove everyone wrong; concentrate on cooperating with others rather than competing with them.

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You are not looking for trouble today, yet it could find you when you least expect it. Although a dynamic situation at work may demand your immediate attention, you might still be highly resistant to any form of change. Fortunately, your friends appreciate your ability to quickly grasp the subtleties of a complex situation. Step up to the plate and take the lead, but remember there’s no reason to make a big deal out of what you’re doing.

 

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You could be caught between your confident head and your tender heart today, although you will most likely end up sweeping your emotions under the rug if you get the chance. You might think that rational thoughts are superior to feelings now, but logic doesn’t have to override your love. Turn the battle for control into a spiritual practice by opening communication channels while seeking balance in your life.

 

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your ruling planet Mercury is mischievous while in his retrograde phase, and today he tricks you into thinking you are outrageously clever. Nevertheless, you cannot get away with talking your way around an obstacle. You must make a decision whether to move forward on your current path or if you want to consider a variety of alternatives that can change the course of your life. The time is now; make up your mind and follow your heart.

 

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It’s challenging to find a healthy balance in your relationships now, for you may simultaneously be told yes and no every time you ask a simple question. You are willing to go over the edge in order to establish your limits, but it will still be tough to follow the rules. Being an artist is one way of testing the reaction of the world around you. The situation is not as desperate as you may think, so slow down, take your time and find your way.

 

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

It may be easier for you to just show up and take control of the situation, if needed. Plot your course of action spontaneously today, rather than retreating to analyze a logical next step. Usually, you are the one who measures each and every thought, but now you’re eager to jump before knowing if the pool is even filled with water. In your haste to act, don’t try to detach yourself from your feelings, for they can still teach you quite a bit.

 

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are often so opinionated that you may inadvertently anger someone close to you. You’re ready to share your feelings with everyone today because you believe that it is just simpler to tell the truth. Ironically, you can become a bit too evasive when it comes time for a heartfelt emotional interaction. There’s nothing wrong with your desire to keep your feelings hidden as long as you continue to maintain your integrity.

 

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You might not be able to escape the responsibilities still being placed on you with your key planet Saturn in the picture. You may become frustrated in your struggle to keep up with all that’s happening. However, you can shift the energy by simply agreeing to play according to the current rules of the game. You can regain your power when you acknowledge your limitations and stop taking on more than you can handle.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may have to manage certain domestic affairs now without anyone outside of your home knowing about your challenges. Although you have valid reasons to keep things to yourself, you’re tempted to share personal information with an intimate friend or business partner. Broach a sensitive topic carefully, but don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to a trustworthy companion today before the pressure makes a casual conversation impossible.

 

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A kinder and gentler you is eagerly looking ahead, and yet your tone of voice might be forceful enough to scare someone away — even if you’re trying to bring him or her closer. It isn’t any fun to upset someone you really like, yet you can avoid unpleasant consequences by being thoughtful and considerate in all your interactions. Moderation works in your favor now, so carefully understate whatever you choose to share today.

Element of Earth

Element of Earth

Earth is the universal archetype of the divine feminine. Our planet is fondly called Mother Earth, the Great Mother and Gaia among many others. She represents the inexhaustible spirit of creation and is associated with abundance. When we work with earth, not only are we calling the great expanse of our planet – its mountains, caves minerals, and deserts – but we are also invoking her support and massive strength. From her energies hidden treasure, and she is the proof that material things can be manifested from the divine.

The earth gives all living things the space and minerals they need to grow, so when we call earth into our circle as we stand at the north quarter, we are inviting the living essence of our planet to join us in our celebrations and our magic. We are asking that this energy lend its aid to the work we are doing. When we ask for blessings from the north, we are envisioning abundance, stability, protection and room to grow in a positive way.

Throughout the history of magic the element of earth has been associated with a variety of deities, spirits and angels. You can use what you like, as long as you remember the underlying basic: Earth is earth is earth. We can use a lot of breath with long invocation, and draw exquisite, complicated sigils and dress it up all we want but it is still dirt.

From the magical (as well as the esoteric alchemical) viewpoint, earth has the lowest vibration of the four elements because it is solidly manifest in our world. In astrology those signs symbolized by the earth element are Capricorn (motivated earth); Taurus (rooted earth); and Virgo (changing earth). As the moon moves through each sign for approximately two and a half days each moth, you will have an opportunity to work with the moon’s receptive energy in that sign. If you wanted to work on the structure of something, then you would choose a day when the moon is in Capricorn. If you wish to keep things the same or stockpile something, they moon in Taurus is perfect time for such a spell or ritual. If you need to make changes to a structure, investigate something, or find the “bugs” in a system, then the Virgo moon is the perfect time.

The Elements

The Elements
Philippus Aureolus Paracelus, a Swiss physician, chemist, and philosopher (1490 – 1541) is credited with the Doctrine of the Four Elements, from which early nineteenth-century occult practitioners drew the belief that an element (earth, air, fire and water) is not only physical but also contain a spiritual essence. Granted, ancient cultures around the world long before Paracelsus’ time believed in this same principle: however, the condemnation of the Christian church did its best to eradicate this belief for over a thousand years. Pliny (Rome, first century A.D.) Pythogoras (Greek, 582 – 500 B.C.), Aristotle (382 – 322 B.C.) and Manilius (there is debate whether he lived to the first or ninth century A.D.) were all saying basically the same thing. To have Paracelsus renew the idea and pass it around didn’t make him especially popular, therefore in the occult world he gets give gold stars.
Paracelsus defied physicians of his time by insisting that diseases were caused by agents that were external to the body and that they could be cured by using chemistry. Many of his remedies were based on the belief that “like cures like.” He could be called the father of homeopathy, which has become popular in alternative medical circles (which include practitioners of Witchcraft). Homeopathy stems from the idea that one should treat the underlying problem, rather than just try to cure the symptom by using natural ingredients, such as herbs. He was pooh-poohed by his peers because he included magick in his scholarly writings. Witches also believe that we need to treat the problem rather than concerning solely on the symptoms, but what does this have to do with the primary elements?

 

Almost everything in the Craft, from the tools we use to the herbs we employ to the sigils we design, zodiac associations and planetary alignments we follow; fire into the ancient and medieval elemental category of the primary elements. Manilius put it this way:
 
“And first the heaven, earth and liquid plain, the moon’s bright globe and stars titanian (bright white). A spirit fed within, spread through the whole and with the huge heap mixed infused a soul; hence man and beast and bird derive their strain and monsters floating in the marbled main; these seeds have fiery, vigor, and a birth, of heavenly race, but clogg’d with heavy earth.”
 
So, about 2,000 years ago, the Roman Manilius was trying to tell people that everything–animals, humans, stars, seas and earth–consisted of living energy. I realize that philosophy might not interest you, but then I’m sure there are those among you who will be delighted to discover that even though these old geezers are long gone, their ideas of magick, science and philosophy continue on, right into the lap of modern Witchcraft.
 
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word element has a mysterious origin and is first found in Greek texts meaning “complex whole” or “a single unit made up of many parts.” From the ancient up to medieval times there were only four elements (earth, air, fire and water) and if you were occult-oriented the fifth was Spirit. Cornelius Agrippa called spirit the “quintessence.”
 
Today, although scientists list more than 100 chemical elements (with some being manmade), magickal people continue to rely on the five basic building blocks of medieval occultism—earth, air, fire, water and Spirit—using some of the additional elements of the modern age to support the original five, depending on the spell or ritual. For example, silver (an element/metal) is used in various spells, and is a symbol of the divine Goddess, feminine mysteries, and is associated with moon magick, dreaming and psychism. Gold, another element, stands for the God, male mysteries, success prosperity, general well-being and all magicks associated with the sun.

What do the elements mean?

What do the elements mean?

The Guardians are the 4 corners Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
(Christian belief may be called the 4 horsemen)

The Elements are named: Uriel, Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel

Air: Compass point: East. Number: 1.

Represents intellect, communication, knowledge, concentration; the ability
to “know” and to understand; to unlock secrets of the dead; to contact the
angels; telepathy, memory and wisdom; the hawk, the raven and the eagle;
prophecy; movement, Karma and speed

Fire: Compass point: South. Number 3 .

Stands for energy, purification, courage, the will to dare,creativity;
higher self; success and refinement; the arts and transformation; the lion,
the phoenix and the dragon; loyalty and force.

Water: Compass point: West. Number: 2 .

Associated with intuition, emotions, the inner self, flowing movement, the
power to dare and cleanse all things; sympathy and love; reflection;
currents and tides of life; the dolphin, the swan and the crab; dreams and
dreamtime.

Earth: Compass point: North. Number: 4.

Mystery and growth, fertility, material abundance, the combined forces of
nature and its bounty; birth and healing; business, industry and
possessions; the bear, the stag and the wolf; conservation and nature.

If you call all four at once you always call East, South, West, North.
After you call them and do what you need with them, you must dismiss them
just the opposite as you call them.

AIR

AIR
Direction: East.
Rules: The mind, all mental, intuitive and psychic work, knowledge, abstract
learning, theory, windswept hills, plains, windy beaches, high mountain peaks,
high towers, wind and breath.
Time: Dawn.
Season: Spring.
Colors: White, bright yellow, crimson, blue-white.
Signs of the Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.
Tools: Athame, sword, censer.
Spirits: Sylphs, ruled by King Paralda.
Angel: Michael.
Name of the East Wind: Eurus.
Sense: Smell.
Jewel: Topaz.
Incense: Galbanum.
Plants: Frankincense, myrrh, pansy, primrose, vervain, violet, yarrow.
Tree: Aspen.
Animals: Birds.
Goddesses: Aradia, Arianrhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania.
Gods: Enlil, Khephera, Mercury, Shu, Thoth.