Pagan Studies – Moon Miscellany

Pagan StudiesMoon Miscellany

 
New Moon – White Goddess of birth and growth.
Full Moon – Red Goddess of love and battle.
Old Moon – Black Goddess of death and divination.
 
All hail to thee, Queen of heaven!
Thou showest two horns to mark six days,
And on the seventh will divide thy crown in two.
On the fourteenth day, turn thy full face unto us.
 
Seven is the Moon’s mystic number, because each one of its four phases is completed in seven days.
 
Nineteen is a sacred number in Old Irish and Celtic lore, for the sequence of Moon phases within a single zodiac sign is repeated every 19 years.
 
The Mansions of the Moon, abodes of the soul, refer to the position of the Moon at noon on each of the 28 days in a lunar month.
 
Bow to the new Moon, especially the first new Moon of the year, as a sign of respect. It is courting disaster to point at the Moon at any time. Turn a silver coin in your purse or pocket at the first sight of the new Moon to gain luck.
It is bad luck to see the new Moon for the first time on your left, or behind you, or through the branches of a tree. A new Moon on Saturday means foul weather. A full Moon on Sunday brings bad luck and toilers of the sea should not set sail.
 
The Roman astrologers of classical times considered the Moon sign of a horoscope to be of far greater significance than the Sun sign.
 
Marsilioi Ficino, the Florentine philosopher of the Renaissance, defined the planetary image of the spirit of the Moon as an archer riding a doe, a huntress with bows and arrows, a little boy, a goose, or a single arrow.
 
Diana, Goddess of the Moon and patroness of witches, was regarded as a demon by the early Christians.
 
Waxing: as the size of the Moon increases, its form takes the shape of the capital letter D: D for Daring. This marks a time for creativity, expansion, and development. You may glance up at the sky in the late afternoon to see the pale waxing half Moon beckoning. Later on as darkness falls, it shines like a beacon of hope in the west, raising your spirits and assuring the success of your ventures.
 
Waning: rising later night after night, the Moon diminishes in size, now assuming the form of the letter C: C for Caring. The time has come to relax, restore energy, and quietly dispel negative influences in your life. Banish fear, unworthy desires, and selfish motivations as the Moon wanes.
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Excerpted From Elizabeth Pepper, The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd.

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Calendar of the Sun for Jan. 16th

Calendar of the Sun
16 Wolfmonath

Muspellheim Day: Surt’s Blot

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of red set a great burning brazier of fire, many red candles, and a bottle of high-proof hard liquor.
Offerings: Bring fire to sacred places. The windows should be opened for the hour before Sponde, allowing cold to penetrate into the House. Then at Sponde, the sacred fire should be lit.
Daily Meal: Hot spicy food, of any kind.

Muspellheim Invocation

In the beginning there was Ginnungagap,
The darkness ever-stretching in every direction.
Then came forth two worlds out of that darkness,
And one was the world of Fire, home to Surt the Black.
And the World of Fire touched the World of Ice,
And from that touch came the life of all the Worlds.
Hail, Master of Muspellheim,
Guardian of the Wand of Light,
Eldest of the elders, first upon the World Tree,
Primal Flame that shines in the dark,
Your soul is of the power that births universes,
Your heart is the power of the fire beneath the earth,
Your flesh is the molten stone pouring forth,
Your hands are the flame that leaps forth,
The smoke of your hair is as dark
As your sight is bright and blinding.
Hail, Master of Muspellheim,
Keeper of the Eternal Flame,
Bringer of the first red light
Into the darkness of Ginnungagap,
Bringer of the first red warmth
Into the frozen cold of Niflheim,
Melter of ice, destroyer of worlds,
Spark of hope that begins life again.
Bless us, Surt the Black, Obsidian Lord,
From birthing coals to funeral pyre.

(The liquor is poured into the fire as a libation. All come forth and take candles, and light them from the flame. Then the fire is carried into each room of the house, and the windows are closed, and the heat resumed, and all hearths relit. Fires should be fed well and burn high on this day.)

Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, Jan. 15th

Learning from esteemed mentors and teachers is one way to get moving this morning as the Moon is parallel Saturn (1:24AM PST) followed some 7+ hours later by an inspirational, 72-degree link from Mercury to Saturn (9:15AM PST). Focusing attention on key business or professional matters also makes sense. Money-making ventures could appear on the scene later on as Venus parallels Neptune (1:50PM PST), Mercury makes a supportive, 60-degree link with Vesta (2:26PM PST), and the Moon parallels Venus (6:00PM PST). The emphasis on Venus, Vesta and Neptune suggests that your highest ideals and dreams can come true with enough self-assurance. Working with the right artistic media is necessary since the Moon continues its march through creative and affable Libra. Some confusion on the partnership front may develop as the Moon parallels Neptune (6:24PM PST) followed by Mercury making a frictional, 45-degree tie to Juno (6:52PM PST). Be prepared for an intense day on Spaceship Earth tomorrow as several planetary pranksters try to mutiny and disrupt the proceedings.

Calendar of the Moon For January 15th

Calendar of the Moon
15 Beth Poseideion

Dionysia Agrous I: Phallikon

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth set a five purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, a jar of wine, a basket of raisins, the figure of a goat, and the figure of an erect phallus, wound with ivy.
Offerings: Wine libations. Ritual sex is appropriate on this day.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, with wine and cheese.

Phallikon Invocation

Hail the Phallus of Earth,
Living even beneath the cold ground!
May its joy and excitement spring forth
In all of us, male and female,
May we remember that even
When we are closed to the fire of the loins
It is still the fire that brings forth life,
Sustains life,
Embodies life,
And so we also need that life.
Help us to revere that force,
O Dionysius who sacrificed yours
That the vines might grow,
That fruit might spring from the trees.
Even when the fruit is withered,
It still sustains us.
Even when your manhood was taken,
It still sustains us.
Even when the fire of life is diverted,
It still sustains us.
May we never forget the leaping flame,
The leaping phallus of Earth,
The leaping joy of Life.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(The basket of raisins is passed, and eaten. The jug of wine is passed, and toasts made to Dionysos. The rest is poured out one by one in libations.)

Calendar of the Sun For January 15th

Calendar of the Sun
15 Wolfmonath

Hestia’s Day

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: Today’s ritual should be done in the kitchen and not the altar room. The hearth and the stove are the altar today, and a flame should be burning, and bread and milk and salt set out on the table. No other altar is required. After the ritual, all shall feast.
Offerings: Do kitchen work, or preserving of food, or cleaning.
Daily Meal: Any wholesome, extremely correct food.

Hestia Invocation

Flame of the Hearth
Keeper of the Inner Circle
Faceless One
Eldest of the Olympians
Lady of the Pantry
Whose open hands dispense hospitality
Chimney and cooking fire
Lady of routine and dailiness
To miss your quiet strength
In the rush of our sudden lives
Would be as great a disservice
As forgetting the air we breathe.
You who are the comforting hearth where we began
And the inner warmth that we will come home to,
Make this place a home for all of us.
Make this hearth a home of the every day,
The ordinary morning and noon,
The expected evening and the consoling night.
Teach us to take our time, Lady.
Teach us of the holiness of step after step
Chore after chore, moving in small circles
Around the hearth of our own beings.

Chant:
Circle round the hearthfire
Join our hands as one
Remember the Virgin Flame burns
Ageless as the Wheel turns
The place for which the heart yearns
Since this tribe has begun.

Having A Great Weekend, My Dear Friends?

Days of the Week Comments Well, at least I hope you are! Mine is so, so. Or I could say “SOS!” I hope you know what that means, lol! You know something I have never asked your opinion on the Mayan prediction for this year. Do you honestly believe the world is going to come to an end this Winter Solstice? I discussed this with my husband and being the bull-headed person, he actually believed my theory. Or at least he said he did to get me to be quiet (we were watching a special on it). You know they have made such a huge deal out of it. Can you imagine the mass hysteria that is going to occur as that date grows closer? People will actually be crazy. I believe it will be an uneventful day. I believe that the Mayans predicted their own doom. That the calendar was theirs and not meant for us. I believe that their Priest made the calendar and it was when their civilization was supposed to end. I believe the person that discovered the calendar thought he was a brain. And perhaps in his time he was and perhaps the scientists that studied the calendar were also well-known in their time. This being the case, they proclaimed that they had discovered what the calendar meant, “Our Impending Doom!”  

 

So what’s your opinion on this matter? Do you believe the world will come to an end or it is just a lot of bologna? Come on I want to hear from you on this one!  

 

Have a great weekend and don’t forget to ponder this question. You know if you were having a great weekend, boy I am a kill-joy! Sorry about that but that was something I had been wanting to get a few opinions on the subject.  

 

Now on with the Magick…….  

 

Correspondences for Sunday

 Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money 
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White 
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak 
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary
The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.  

 

Spellcrafting for Sunday

  

BUSINESS DRAWING WASH

If your business has walk-in customers, wash down the front entrance floor and the door handle.

For mail order businesses, wash down the mailbox, and so on. Once a week, use this wash to scrub down the walls and floors of your business, making a fresh batch each time.

Mix 1 oz of powdered squill root, 1 oz of powdered yellow dock,
1/4 oz of five-finger grass, 1 tsp. of cinnamon and 1 tbsp. of blessed salt.

Mix well and add two teaspoons of this mixture to 1 pint of fresh water.
This wash is also good for attracting tenants to an empty apartment or house.

 

SPELL TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Get a string of 3 silver bells and say:
“Bells song, bring good luck
and prosperity the whole day long”
Hang the bells on the door and let each customer ring in the good fortune.

 
~Magickal Graphics~

New Moon Report for Friday, Jan. 13th – Venus in Pisces

Venus in Pisces

Friday, January 13, 9:48 pm PST, Saturday, January 14, 12:48 am EST

Venus is exalted in Pisces where the love planet is at its most spiritual and compassionate expression. Idealism, imagination and exquisite sensitivity can enrich our relationships and help us find inspiration through music, art, nature, beauty and spirituality. Yet romantic fantasies and sacrificing ourselves to get affection could lead to disillusion and a sense of martyrdom. Venus in Pisces’ gift of unconditional love works best when mixed with a dose of discernment.

Calendar of the Sun for Friday, Jan. 13th

Calendar of the Sun
13 Wolfmonath

Compitalia Mania, Day of the Mother of Ghosts

Colors: White and Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of black lay many sheer cloths of white, which each person takes as they enter and places over their heads. Lay out also four white candles, incense of myrrh, many loaves of bread made in the shape of men and women, and many skeins of handspun wool.
Offerings: Woolen effigies, to be made in the ritual. Make offerings in a graveyard.
Daily Meal: Fasting today until the evening meal.

Compitalia Mania Invocation

We call upon thee, Mania, Mother of Ghosts,
On this your day when you arise to admonish us.
Let not the spirits of the Dead torment us,
For we love and remember them.
Let not the spirits of the Dead pursue us,
For we wish them peace and rest.
Let not the spirits of the Dead wail in our ears,
For we cannot give them life, or comfort,
And so we beseech thee, Mother of Ghosts,
To take them into your dark arms
And sing them to sleep until it is time
For them to come once more
Into the world of life and breath and body.
(The bread loaves are passed around. Each is named with the name of someone dead who refuses to be forgotten. They are eaten.)
Hail, Mania, Mother of Ghosts!
We take these your children into our bodies,
We make them part of our lives,
And then return them again to the Earth.
May they live again in our flesh and blood
For these few days, and share our thoughts
And hopes, and dreams, and make themselves ready
To come once again into flesh of their own.

(The wool skeins are passed around, and fashioned into the shape of men and women, the Children of Mania, the Manes. These are hung about the house, over windows and doorways, in order to honor the Manes and keep them from tormenting the living.)

Your Daily Horoscopes for January 12th

 

Another wave of pragmatism ripples through our lives today as the Moon enters efficient Virgo at 4:44 am EST, making a total of six planets in sensible Earth signs. The Moon’s practical Grand Earth Trine with optimistic Jupiter, interactive Mercury and resolute Pluto indicates a very productive day. An energetic Sun-Mars trine empowers us to accomplish even more if we divide significant projects into manageable tasks and do them one at a time.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Be careful about what you decide on doing today because once you make up your mind, you might do nearly anything that’s necessary in order to accomplish your goal. Your ruling planet Mars is graced by an energetic trine from the Sun, blessing you with all the right moves, along with enough stamina to follow through on whatever you start now. Set your intentions wisely and then proceed confidently toward your new destination.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’s not necessary to overstate your point of view or oversell your plan because your actions tell your story with great clarity today. Everything you do now seems to convey your thoughts, even if you’re not trying to send any particular message. Instead of wasting words by talking about your ideas, take advantage of the power of the current moment and put all your effort into creatively progressing toward your vision of a better life.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You might feel unsure of yourself at first today, but once you overcome your own hesitation you will be glad that you took the initiative. Don’t try to convince yourself that inaction is a better strategy than taking a calculated risk, because you may miss out on a very meaningful experience. Being practical is always a smart idea, but you could have regrets later if you restrain from expressing yourself now.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Sometimes you’re so patient that it looks like you’re just procrastinating. However, that’s not a problem today because you can see the potential opportunity through a very practical lens. There’s no need to wait for a better time to begin a new project. You may be even more successful than you can imagine if you don’t immediately bite off more than you can chew. Reaching for the stars is fine as long as you take lots of very small steps instead of trying to accomplish the impossible in one giant leap.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It’s difficult for reality to measure up to your high expectations now as you take an exciting idea and build it into a concrete plan. Although you’re on the right track, you might become so obsessed about what you want that you may end up dissatisfied no matter what happens. Rather than fixating on the outcome today, let go of your agenda by refocusing your mind on the present moment and not the future. Thankfully, your current flexibility increases your creativity along with your contentment.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s quite natural to act on your desires today as long as you don’t waste too much time thinking about them first. Although you are often an excellent planner, the current trine from the Sun to impulsive Mars in your hardworking sign indicates that you’re better off making it up as you go along. Usually, you’re wise to analyze all of your options before taking action, but logic only separates you from your feelings now. React directly from your gut without stopping to doubt yourself along the way.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your attempts to establish balance today are rewarded if you look at all the alternatives and weigh your options. But don’t wait too long because the window of opportunity won’t remain open forever. Magically, it seems as if time is suspended, giving you the capability to accomplish a lot quickly. But passivity lessens your chances to succeed. Fortunately, nearly anything started now is blessed with a better-than-average chance to get off to a propitious beginning.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Even if it might seem like a good idea to keep your thoughts to yourself today, it won’t likely happen. You want to involve others in your future plans now that the Sun trines superhero Mars in your 11th House of Social Networking. Fortunately, you don’t have to hold back now. You are poised to make noticeable progress toward your goals without exerting too much effort.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Others see you as a go-to person to get things done today because you currently won’t take no for an answer. You can untangle knotty problems and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles because you know how important it is to succeed now. Although your optimism might result in performances beyond your own expectations, you could take your enthusiasm too far. It’s a gift to feel so confident, but your self-assuredness might backfire if you act too boldly. Thankfully, toning down your exuberance prevents alienating your allies while still allowing you to make your point.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you’re naturally a hard worker, you might not want to work hard today. However, your disinterest isn’t because you’re lazy. In fact, a trine from energetic Mars to the Sun in your sign increases your drive now. But your motivation isn’t limited to your professional objectives; you are more attracted to finding personal meaning now than career success. Luckily, reducing the emphasis on your job won’t have negative long-term effects. Seeking happiness through emotional and spiritual growth is always worth the effort.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may not want to waste time interacting with co-workers today. You have a lot to do and wish that everyone would leave you alone so you can get down to business. Unfortunately, you might not be able to avoid anyone who is already involved with you on a project. Instead of withdrawing, find a healthy balance between being alone and participating in a group. Don’t hang on to your expectations needlessly; you’ll be more successful if you can integrate working with others into your schedule.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may believe that you cannot do anything wrong today and whatever you start now will turn out well. Unfortunately, there aren’t any guarantees, but your self-confidence goes a long way toward your current success. Of course, hard work is necessary, but you have a high level of energy and sufficient reserves on which to draw from when needed. Don’t hold back now; you’ll feel at peace later, happy that you did as much as you could when you had the chance.

 

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Jan. 12th

To get to today’s fortunate vibrations, hang in there and keep the faith. First of all, a void lunar cycle in Leo begins when the Moon opposes sometimes chaotic and unreliable Neptune (12:25AM PST). By 1:45AM PST, the void lunar uncertainty zone ends when the Moon enters meticulous and industrious Virgo. Over the next 2+ days, it is wise to shape-shift into being the efficiency master and supreme organizer across the board. Helping you cover all bases is a grand triangle in earth signs as the Moon in Virgo trines Jupiter in Taurus (3:19AM PST) while the Moon moves on to make additional harmonious trines to Mercury (1:34PM PST) and Pluto (3:12PM PST) – both of which are in Capricorn. Stay on track to reach a new career summit or develop new entrepreneurial talents. Putting you over the top is this evening’s vitalizing Sun-Mars flowing trine in earth signs (8:47PM PST). Athletics, exercise routines and construction projects receive reinforcement. Enhance your leadership credentials. It’s not every day when a grand triangle arranged by the Moon happens along with a trine including the solar orb and red planet. Get set for potential psychic and emotional fireworks tomorrow morning as Mercury joins forces with Pluto while Venus becomes cozy with Neptune.