Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Woden's Day - Disseminating Moon

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

22nd Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hestia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
30th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 1:20PM EDST
Moon rises: 10:48PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: "Memory of
places distant or no more."
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:13AM EDST
Sunset: 7:07PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
unacknowledged needs are
eating holes in you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 29th, 2010

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the day of Communication and Connection.  There are Major magickal energies for Favorable Negations today and there are minor magickal energies for clarity...

Blackberries

  While the Blackberry or bramble is not the most popular plant in the garden it does have many uses.
The ancient Greeks and Romans considered the berries a sure cure for gout. It was long thought that to eat young shoots of the plant would secure loose teeth. The leaves are used to speed the cure of burns and scalds, and will relieve sore eyes. Dried leaves and fruit also provides a remedy for diarrhea. An arch of Bramble was considered to have great healing powers for people, especially children, and cattle who passed through it. This was said to be effective in cases of hernia, boils, rheumatism and whooping cough. Many of these tales say you should pass through the arch three times, going as near as possible in an East to West direction.
   The Blackberry has long been considered a magical plant and used in Ritual as well as spells. Place a Bramble on the Altar when working protective or defensive magick. Bury a silver coin under a Bramble arch when the berries are ripening and at the New Moon to attract wealth. Having it grow near the house is protective, which may be of some comfort if you can't rid the garden of it!
   Kittens born on September 29th are called  Blackberry kittens and, if tortoiseshell, were thought to be very lucky. However, all animals born on this day were thought to badly behaved and it is considered unlucky to pick the fruit after this date.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dessimnating Moon enters Gemini

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

21st Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle '
Ruled by Hesita
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
29th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Disseminating
Moon sets: 12:31PM
Moon rises: 9:54PM EDST 
Moon enters the Mutable Air
Sign of Gemini at 2:10AM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The restoration
of sleep
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:12AM EDST
Sunset: 7:08PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are
you in touch with your emotions?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 28th, 2010

Moon in Gemini - quickens our nervous system. Build a web of understanding - network, absorb new information. This is a time of communication and other means of expression, freedom, adaptability, short journeys, reading or writing, desire for variety and having more than one thing going at once. You feel talkative and might want to work with your hands during the moon's transit in Gemini.
   All communication (talking, writing or reading ) and intellectual matters are easier during Gemini Moon times. Women are more adaptable and changeable, so take all statements and promises with a grain of salt, especially if the person has proven fickle in the past. It's a hard time to make any decisions, but a good time to use your wit and cleverness in conversation. There is a strong desire for variety and freedom in emotional matters and in your environment; issues of the practical world are set aside. 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, and lungs are best done during this period of time. Those born in Gemini's moon sign want to understand and they live and breathe communication. They may need to learn to honor stillness and concentration. They translate for us, and question us. Towards the end of this moon transit, when the moon approaches the sign of Cancer, interactions and communications become more emotional.

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


Mushrooms
Fungi (mushrooms) are seemingly small, innocent creatures, and yet they are actually the largest living organism on earth, made up of mycelia, strong single-celled strands of fiber, snaking below ground in web-like formations. They are powerful enough to create visions, healing of soul, re-vision of the earth's soil. Some mycelium networks are so vast, they are only visible from great heights - evidenced by the blooming of their mushroom flowers in huge fairy rings.

It is said that mushrooms can help heal the world - that they, in fact, have been doing so for longer than we know. They've been keen and efficient composters for eons. Now, given the opportunity, mycelia eat and transform the leavings of 'civilizaton' - oil, pesticides, industrial waste - breaking these chemicals back down to their elemental building blocks, once again harmless and available to create life. Mushrooms are being brought into areas that are in need of soil remediation, places like New Orleans, into land fills and unstable hillsides where trees have been stripped, leaving the earth depleted of nutrients and susceptible to slipping away in heavy rainfall. Mushrooms thrive in these places, soothing, healing these scarred and poisoned landscapes.
"Bless you silent menders of a planet
torn by strip-mining, clear-cutting, toxic waste dumping,
soil stripped of nutrients,
your web of strongest single-celled strand mycelium, 
unseen but for the fruiting of fruiting mushroom flowers, 
you hold us, mend us, heal us."

By Barbara Dickinson 2007


Source: We'Moon '09 datebook
 
 

Monday, September 27, 2010

Disseminating Moon phase

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

20th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
26th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Disseminating - 5:30AM
Moon sets: 11:29AM EDST
Moon rises: 9:07PM EDST
Moon in Taurus v/c 11:02PM
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The freedom
of letting go.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:11AM EDST
Sunset: 7:10PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Which
old habits do you need to change?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 27th, 2010

Disseminating - 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 are born during a disseminating moon, life must have meaning, purpose. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others.
The disseminating moon is the waning full moon getting visibly smaller. She rises midevening and set midmorning. She is visible from the time she rises almost until she sets.  Keywords for the Disseminating moon phase are: demonstration, distribution, sharing and introspection. It is the time in a 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.

Moon Day - this is Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day.  There are Major magickal energies for 'releasing unwanted emotion in the PM'....

"I charge you to open your mind to possibility,
To magick, and to mystery.
I call you to learn and to know as you study the Craft,
Seek knowledge and learn wisdom.
See magick unfold before you,
And hear the music of the Sacred and Divine.
Perfumes and scents fill you
With the beauty of the Wild and Sublime.
Feel the rhythm of the Universe in your blood and your bones.
Open your arms to embrace the known and the unknown
And dance in the ecstasy of delight and understanding.

Learn the patterns of creation, learn the patterns of destruction
Weave your knowledge into tapestries of wonder.
And be humble before the magick all around you
Marvel at your place in the Dance of love and life.
Learn every step, dance every dance, and sing every song.
You are the harmony of the Universe
Inspired with every breath,
You are touched with the hand of knowledge,
And in turn you touch the Sacred with all your being."
excerpt by Gail Wood in2005
published in We'Moon '07 

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sun Day - a waning Gibbous Moon in Taurus

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

19th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
25th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waning Gibbous
Moon sets: 10:27AM EDST
Moon rises:8:29PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Earth
Sign of Taurus
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The tranquillity
of gardens.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:10AM EDST
Sunset: 7:12PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
do you appreciate most about
your skills?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 26th, 2010

Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  There are Major magickal energies today for spells/rites of Investments.  These can be about our intentions and creative projects as well as about financial projects.

The Owl


Owls have long been associated with Witches and the Craft, probably because of their great eyes, nocturnal habits and eerie calls, especially that of the Screech Owl, said by some to be the cry of a damned soul. It is hardly surprising that the Barn or Ghost owl should be considered supernatural to anyone who has seen its silvery glide across the land. In the Mojave tradition it was said that the souls of those who were not cremated became night owls. 
   Owls are linked to the Goddess in many traditions, especially to the aspect of Crone or Wise one: Blodeuwedd, Celtic Goddess and wife created from flowers for the king Llew Llaw Gyffes, was turned into an Owl after arranging his death at the hands of her lover. Hecate is often depicted as being accompanied by an Owl. Holzweibel, one of the Buschfrauen of central Europe who live in the woods, who guard the trees and those who obey their three rules: never to put caraway in bread, never to pull bark from trees and never to tell dreams. Huitaca, Moon Goddess of the joy of life to the Chibcha, residents of what has become Columbia, was also known as Owl Woman. She followed her puritanical rival Bochia, undoing all he preached. Marinette, night Goddess and Screech Owl sorceress of the Haitian voudoun, searched the woodlands seeking offerings left by her followers. Pamphile, Greek sorceress who could summon the Moon and becomes an Owl to fly the night skies.
   Should you be lucky enough to find an Owl's feather, place it on your Altar when working for knowledge and wisdom.
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]



Saturday, September 25, 2010

Waning Gibbous Moon enters Taurus

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

18th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Demeter
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
24th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waning Gibbous
Moon sets: 9:24AM EDST
Moon rise: 7:56PM EDST
Moon in Aries v/c 9:11AM EDST
Moon enters the Fixed Earth Sign
of Taurus at 4:17PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The grail of
your search.
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:09AM EDST
Sunset: 7:13PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
excites your soul?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 25th, 2010


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, awakening our senses and sensuality and growing stubbornness. It is the time to cultivate our material resources, our homes and our body. This lunar transit concerns money, work, property, the body, home and family, sensuality, building cautiously and slowly, being conscientious, growth, sensitivity, and emotional patterns based on security. The energy flow is even and this is a time to experience the sensual.
   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 is a good time to continue or finish projects or stay at home with family. Taurus gives attention to order and detail. Emotionally there is stubbornness, but great sensitivity to others.  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.

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

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Full Moon - Harvest Moon

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

16th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
22nd Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Full - 5:17AM EDST
Moon sets: 7:24AM EDST
Moon rises: 7:02PM EDST
Moon in Pisces v/c 1:52AM EDST
Moon enters the Cardinal Fire
Sign of Aries at 4:47AM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The alchemy
of Autumn
Sun in Libra
Sunrise: 7:08AM EDST
Sunset: 7:17PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day. ""How
is truth served in your life?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 23rd., 2010

Full Moon - Keywords for the Full phase are: fulfillment, illumination, realization, and experience. It is the time in a lunar cycle that you are given a clear view so that you can make adjustments to put your 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. 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 the full enjoy companionship and partnership and desire to merge deeply. Fulfillment and illumination are their goals. The full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. Astrologically, the Sun and Moon are in opposition (i.e. opposite each other in the sky and in opposite signs of the zodiac). She is visible from moonrise to moonset.

Moon in Aries - the moon in this transit asks us to wake up and remember who we truly are, even if it bothers those we love and work for. Tempers, tears and passions run hot. Remember that using the garden as metaphor for any projects you want to nourish - this is a great time for digging beds (laying out the groundwork), moving boulders (moving things that are in way of your work on your goals), weeding or pest removal (getting rid of those things that are holding you back on your projects), but put a hold on planting (don't be impulsive). Those who are born in the sign of Aries search for fire, fierce independence and their own voice. They may need to learn patience and cooperation. They can appreciate our fire.  The Moon in Aries is a time of new beginnings, intense activity, pioneering in any field, reaching out with emotional surges, impulsiveness. This moon is the great tester of limits. When the moon is in Aries, you may want to depend on yourself, as there is also a certain amount of ego involvement. You might feel impatient now or want to initiate new things.
   Aries Moon is based on impulsiveness and acting on feelings of the moment, rather than the result of reason. Sometimes snap decisions are made - later to be regretted.

Sun in Libra

   Libra is an Air sign, relating to the world of thought, ideas, communication and humanity. It is also a Cardinal sign bringing eagerness, initiative, action and impatience.
   Librans are generally self-expressive, communicative, mentally alert and extrovert. They tend to be charming, easy-going, diplomatic and compromising. They are happiest in harmonious company, preferring to conform and to avoid conflict and dissension. Librans are typified by the scales; they like to weigh things in the balance. They are intelligent and capable of seeing all sides of an issue, however, this can lead to indecisiveness, and sometimes to misunderstandings through doing what they think others expect. Librans enjoy bringing people together and often have a strong artistic or creative streak. They are acutely perceptive about those they love and are often forgiving of faults, whether, real or perceived. They tend to bottle up their feelings for fear of 'upsetting the balance.'  On the negative side they can lack self-confidence, be fault-finding, indecisive, frivolous and shallow.
   While the Sun is n their sign, Librans should be particularly wary of their tendency to compare both themselves and others to some kind of ideal, as this is bound to lead to disappointment. It is a good time for them to express themselves artistically. Those of other signs  will also find this is a good time for artistic endeavors, social activities and for considering decisions which involve many positive and negative components.
[From: Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Mabon-Fall Equinox -

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

15th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
21st Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 6:26AM EDST
Moon rises: 6:30PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The harvest
of your soul.
Sun enters Libra at 11:09PM EDST
Sunrise: 7:07AM EDST
Sunset: 7:18PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Are you appropriating
someone else's resources or time?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 22nd., 2010

  Today is Mabon or the Fall/Autumn Equinox.  Another name it is known by is Harvest Home. Depending on the calendar this can fall on September 20th, 21st or the 22nd or the 23rd.  The Sun enters Libra tonight at 11:09PM and that is when it is considered to be the time of the Equinox.  The primary focus is on the Second Harvest, offerings of vegetables and fruit harvest are appropriate. The Age of this holiday is at least 3,000 B.C. or older. The Astrological sign for the Autumn Equinox is 1 degree Libra; air; cardinal.  It's planetary ruler is Venus.  Also known as Mabon, it is the second harvest concentrating on the fruits and vegetables (as opposed to the grains of the first harvest at Lughnasadh).
So here we are again at the time of when day and night are equal and therefore it is another time of balance as it was at the Spring Equinox.  This time the emphasis is on thanks and repayment, rather than on clearing and starting anew. In keeping with the balance of the season, the energies can be used for magick working on inner balance. It's a time for preparing for the dark months of the winter's season by ensuring that debts are paid, both literally and spiritually.
   It is not always possible to celebrate a seasonal festival on its day(s) because of work or travel commitments. Wherever you are though, do try to take a few minutes to acknowledge the change points in your own life, however hectic it may be. You can celebrate at the weekend or on the next free day afterward and by this time the energies will be settled. For the powers of the new season start to build up in the days before it and remain strong for at least a week afterward. This celebration is a quarter day and lasts for three days from sunset around September 22nd.
    Some of the focus is on abundance, the fruition of long-term goals, for mending quarrels and forgiving yourself for your mistakes, for reaping the benefits of earlier efforts, for assessing gain and loss, for family relationships and friendships and for material security in the months ahead.

This is Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the day of Communication and Connection.  There are Major magickal energies for Psychic Development - probably because the moon is still in Pisces.

Autumn Equinox by Kate West
in her book "The Real Witches' Year"....

   Autumn is well-named Fall, as it is the time when greens give way to glorious array of yellows, golds, oranges and reds before the wind takes the leaves to the ground. Autumn is the season of winds, the harbingers of the storms of Winter. It is the time of harvest and plenty, when the crops ripen, before the hardship of Winter.
   Even if we do not tend the land to produce our own food it is a time of harvest. This is the time when we should look to what we have achieved: the tasks and projects we have completed, the successes we have had. Even where not all has turned out as hoped for, there is often much which has been achieved. As the farmer is setting aside seed for next year, so we too can sort out the seeds of ideas for new things to begin. Much like we did in the Spring, this is the time for sorting through our lives, discarding that which is finished and preparing to start afresh.
   Take time to consider and sort through your life. Celebrate your own harvest, whether it is a sprig of herb grown on the windowsill or a friend you have helped through a bad time, and mark every achievement great and small. For each collect a seed or a nut and create a string of them. Sunflower seeds are good for this. Paint each in a color which reminds you of the good things of your year and place it in a prominent place where it can remind yourself of the positive aspect of life.

The Harvest painting is by Jeanne Mackenzie.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Pisces

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

14th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
20th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Gibbous
Moon sets: 5:28AM EDST
Moon rises: 6:16PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The silent
accord of true love.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:06AM EDST
Sunset: 7:20PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Do you
overconsume the world's resources?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 21st, 2010
It's Tiu's Day - Mars Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire. There are minor magickal energies for rites/spells for courage.  Is there something going on in your life that you need courage to face?

Healthy Witch Tip of the Day -

Scramble your breakfast - People who ate eggs in the morning instead of a bagel consumed 264 fewer calories the rest of the day according to a Saint Louis University study. That's because protein is more filling than carbs.   This will be my last Virgo healthy tip - the sun tomorrow evening will enter the Cardinal Air sign of Libra as we experience the Autumn Equinox.  But continue to be aware of what you eat to make you a healthy witch.

Water Meditation

The  Equinox marks the midpoint of Autumn which is the season associated with the Element of Water, the one of our feelings and emotions; and is one of the hardest to come to terms with.  Your feelings, whatever they are, are yours, and are not easy to control. There can be no 'wrong' emotions or feelings. However,  what we can control is how we express our feelings and whether we let them get in the way of our lives. To help us it is often a good idea to take a little time to explore our feelings, to 'wallow' in them as our mothers used to say..  On this eve before Autumn Equinox with a Pisces moon transit, this is a good time to do a Water Meditation.
   Reserve the bathroom for a quiet time when you will not be disturbed. Decorate it attractively, with blue candles, incense, or burning oils, and perhaps even flowers. Run a warm bath and add a few sprigs of Lavender, Thyme, Chamomile, and Jasmine; tie them into a clean flannel if you don't want bits floating around you. Also add about 1/2 teaspoonful of blue food coloring to the water. Take with you 2 palm-sized stones, one dark and one light in color. Completely immerse yourself 3 times. Then take the stones, one in each hand. Close your eyes and think through the things you feel strongly about in your life. As you hold the stones, place the negative parts in the dark stone and the positives in the lighter colored stone. After you have filed your emotions in this way immerse yourself 3 more times. Later, place the light stone in a prominent place, and bury the dark one deep in the ground to take away the negativity.  
[From Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Monday, September 20, 2010

Gibbous Moon enters Pisces

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

13th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Gaia
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
19th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Gibbous
Moon sets: 4:29AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:53PM EDST
Moon in Aquarius v/c 11:23AM
Moon enters the Mutable Water
Sign of Pisces at 4:15PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The song
of the earth.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:05AM
Sunset: 7:26PM
Solar Question for the Day: "What
motivates your lifestyle?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 20th, 2010

Moon in Pisces - During Moon in Pisces emotional life is more introverted, intuition is at its height and psychic energy is powerful. You are more 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. With this moon you may notice a moodiness in others around you. With a Moon in Pisces transit 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 the 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 born with the Moon sign of Pisces 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 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.

Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling - Impression Day.  What a perfect day for a Pisces moon transit. There Major magickal energies for Intuition today and minor magickal energies for rites/spells about household harmony and patience.  So click in on these energies after the Moon enters Pisces this afternoon.

Healthy Witch Tip for the Day:

Drink two glasses  of milk daily. People who drink the most milk have about a 16% lower risk of heart disease than people who drink least.  It is best to make that skim or low-fat milk.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Gobbous Moon phase in Aquarius

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

12th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
18th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Gibbous - 2:10AM
Moon sets: 3:30AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:29PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Air
Sign of Aquarius
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The tides of
moon and sea.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:04AM EDST
Sunset: 7:23PM 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
September 19th, 2010

Gibbous Moon - 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 phase. 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. The gibbous moon rises in late afternoon and sets before dawn. She is the 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. For those of us who were born during a Gibbous phase you probably have talents lie in the ability to refine, organize and purify. You are seekers, utilizing spiritual tools as guides on your path.

Here it is Sun Day - which is the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  There are Major magickal energies for rites/spells about Adventure, New Projects and Opportunity.  Interesting energies for this Gibbous moon phase.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Waxing Half Moon moves into Aquarius

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

11th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
17th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 2:30AM EDST
Moon rises: 5:02PM EDST
Moon in Capricorn v/c 2:14AM
Moon enters the Fixed Air
Sign of Aquarius at 3:35AM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The glory
of the sunset.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:03AM EDST
Sunset: 7:25PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What
joy do you miss most; where is joy
within you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 18th, 2010

Moon in Aquarius - This is a transit of dealing with facts, organizing, politics 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 dynamic 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.  We may feel the need to e friendly and social but don't want to get too personal or go too deep. Aquarius moon can be detached or rational rather than emotional, and will change only if it's logical to do so. Aquarius is definitely her sister's keeper. She believes 'What happens to one woman, happens to us all."  Freedom is very important now, and you need to live with as few restrictions as possible. Groups play a big part in this moon as Aquarius favors any kind of group interaction, such as a ritual. The Moon in Aquarius expands our circles and offers the magick of collaboration; spirit and politics weave together. We can too farsighted now and need to stay aware of others' feelings. Let go of assumptions and find new, unusual allies. Using a garden metaphor, this is a time to gather plants, mulch, prune and talk to your garden - apply this metaphor to goals and projects you working on this lunar cycle. For those born with an Aquarius moon sign, they came here to understand group dynamics. They may need to learn to be comfortable with emotional intimacy. They can offer us a global perspective and collaboration. Moon in Aquarius is the best time to work magick involving science, freedom, creative expression, problem-solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship and the breaking of bad habits or unhealthy addictions. Healing rituals for ailments of calves, ankles, or blood are also done at this time.

It is Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment of Responsibility - Foundation Day. There is a Major magickal energy today for Popularity... 

Fall Equinox - Mabon

   This is a momentary state of precise equilibrium that mirrors the Spring Equinox, but instead of the exuberance of spring, we experience a melancholy represented by the crescent-shaped harvest sickle, that ancient female symbol marking women's role in agriculture and the cutting of the cord after birth. Harvest time warns us to gather in the fruits and nuts, pick vegetables from the gardens and fields, cut grains, and enter into planning for some surplus to get us through the winter. Mother Earth's abundance could be a metaphor for the 'gift economy,' an alternative economic model developed by feminist philosopher, Genevieve Vaughn, reflecting ancient matriarchal values that contrast with the 'exchange economy' dominating the world today.
   Go into nature (or your backyard) and gather things to make a 'fetish' or 'talisman' from fibers, shells, feathers, and found objects. Tie the parts together making prayers with each knot, binding energies in and shaping it into the form of an animal spirit or doll. Let this artifact remind you to turn within yourself and give thanks for what you have harvested this year. How about making a contribution or food or cash to your local food bank?
[From: "We'Moon Datebook '09" Fall Equinox essay by Vicki Noble]




Healthy Witch Tip of the Day:

Discover miso soup: Brown wakame seaweed (used in miso soup) can help lower your blood pressure, especially if your levels are already high, say researchers at the University of North Carolina.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Freya's Day

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

10th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
16th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Half
Moon sets: 1:29AM EDST
Moon rises: 4:31PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The message
of the blood.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:02AM EDST
Sunset: 7:27PM EDST
Solar Question of the Day: "Which
of your skills needs to be honed at
this time?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 17th, 2010

Here it is - Freya's Day - Venus Day - Day of Sharing and Relationships..... and in our current society known as TGIF.  But is it really that any more?  What with people work every day of the week, the promise of time off does not exist as it once did.  Today there are minor magickal energies for friendship.

Healthy Witch Tip of the Day

Eat a handful of fruit and vegetables a day - In one study people who ate four or five servings scored higher on cognitive tests than those who consumed less than one serving.

Fall Foliage
[From Ellen Dugan's "Autumn Equinox"]

    Why do the leaves change colors anyway? Deciduous trees change their leaf color because food production inside the leaf slows and then finally stops. This decline of food production is thought to be instinctively programmed into the trees to begin as the daylight hours decrease and the nights grow cooler, which means there is less energy for food making. In the simplest terms, inside the leaves of the tree is a sort of food factory that produces chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that helps the cells in the leaves capture the energy of the sun and use it with water and carbon dioxide gas from the air to produce sugars, the tree's food supply. During this food production process, called photosynthesis, some of the chlorophyll is constantly being broken down. However, during the growing seasons of spring and summer, more chlorophyll is constantly created to replace what is lost.
   There is another group of coloring pigment within the leaves called carotenes. These are yellow, brown, and tones of orange. As long as there is chlorophyll present, those carotene colors are hidden by bright green. (Incidentally, these carotenoid color pigments also give yellow and orange colors to plants like carrots, corn, and daffodils.)  As chlorophyll production in the leaves begins to taper off in the fall and the chlorophyll supply starts to slow down, the green mask begins to fade, revealing the vibrant shades produced by the carotene pigments.
   Red is probably the most sought-after autumn leaf color and this is caused by the pigment called anthocyanins. This color develops when the sugar created in the leaves becomes tapped there. In these leaves a layer of cells grows across the point where the leaf joins the branch and it then seals the leaf off. As the trapped sugar breaks down, the red anthocyanin pigments are produced. There is more trapped sugar to produce those brilliant reds (and all other shades of oranges and gold) when we have a combination of lots of sunny autumn days and cool nighttime temperatures.
   This is why the old-timers believed that a rainy autumn 'washed the colors out of the leaves' - when, in truth, to get really spectacular foliage colors, you need lots of sunlight and cool evening temperature to produce the best display. So lots of rain means lots of clouds and not a lot of sunlight, hence the less brilliant colors.
   The enchanting autumn beauty of our American deciduous forests results from the decline of photosynthesis. As the chlorophyll vanishes within the leaves it reveals xanthophyll, carotene, and other bright pigments the leaves have kept hidden all during the growing season. Here is another lesson from the masked Green Man; even the leaves of the trees wear masks that hide the spectacular colors of autumn. When the 'mask' pf green chlorophyll quietly slips away in the autumn, the magick is revealed beneath.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Thor's Day

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

9th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Hera
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
15th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing quarter
Moon sets: 12:29AM EDST
Moon rises: 3:54PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The vista
through the window.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:01AM EDST
Sunset: 7:28PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: ""Do
you practice hospitality of spirit?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 16th, 2010

Thor's Day - Jupiter Day - the Day of Vision, Spiritual Insight and Expansion... Today there are Major magickal energies for spells/rites regarding Money, Status, and Material Needs. There are minor magickal energies for good fortune. 

A Spiritual Insight for Thor's Day:
   Learning the Craft isn't about getting things or controlling other people, or manipulating situation. It is about connecting with the energy that flowed through everything and using that energy to create positive changes.  The purpose of leaning about the Craft - the only real purpose of leaning the Craft - is to help each witch more about herself, the world and the differences she/he can make in both.

Healthy Witch Tip for the Day:

   Put your fork down when you chew. Or take a sip of water between each bite - eating slowly can boost levels of two hormones that make you feel fuller - Greek researchers found.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

First Quarter Phase enters Capricorn

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

8th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
14th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: First Quarter - 1:49AM
Moon sets: 12:03AM EDST
Moon rises: 3:10PM EDST
Moon in Sagittarius v/c 2:51PM
Moon enters the Cardinal Earth
Sign of Capricorn at 4:30PM EDST
Rhiannon's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The courage to change
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 7:00AM EDST
Sunset: 7:30PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "When did
you last celebrate or party?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 15th, 2010

The First Quarter Moon rises in the early afternoon and sets around midnight. Astrologically the Moon appears square to the Sun. She is visible from the time she rises until she sets. The First Quarter Moon is  the GROWTH phase. Roots go deeper, stems appear and leaves form as she creates a new strong body. Those who are born during the first quarter phase live a full active life - old structures are cleared away providing room for new development. Keywords for the First Quarter phase are: action, expression, growth, and breaking away. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take the initial action necessary to achieve your goal(s) by expressing your needs and desires. FEEL & MOVE. Make phone calls. Write letters. Dance. Act now. 

"I seek my prize,
board room and deli,
I'll not be tempted by Machiavelli.
For Witches' rules have got my back
and Power keep me right on track."
[From "Seasons of the Witch" datebook] 


Moon in Capricorn - brings planning magick and takes your ideas and gives them form and hope. We can tap into the inner wisewoman - ask how form, ritual, organization or tradition can serve. Trim, prune, plant slow-growing seedlings and make sure you and your garden  have enough water. Remember this 'garden advice' is a metaphor for any project you want to nourish.  This moon transit concerns leadership issues, security, responsibilities, the need to be recognized desire to create environment, time to take of business, deal with alternative healing for your body and intensification of your powers of concentration.
   After Sagittarius' expansiveness, now we feel contraction and a time to pay attention to our needs for security, duties, obligations, drives and ambitions. It's a good time for setting and achieving goals, 'going for it' materially as now we feel persistent and ambitious.
   Capricorn brings a desire to create environments and energy is slowed down. Be careful to avoid insensitivity to others, and stay out of negative and pessimistic mind sets that will only drag you down. Takes this moon transit to deal with your material plane, especially if you have neglected it too long. Do non-traditional healing as Capricorn is the sing of the medicine woman. 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.

Woden's Day - Mercury Day - the Day of Communication and Connection... Today there are Major magickal energies for 'Flying' be the void of course and after the moon moves into Capricorn the are Major magickal energies for Politics and Negotiations and minor magickal energies for divination, and elemental magic.

Healthy Witch Tip for the Day -  Turn off the TV.. Scientists at the University of Massachusetts found that people who watch TV during a meal consume or average 288 more calories than those who don't eat with the tube on. 


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Waxing Crescent Moon in Sagittariuas

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

7th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Kore
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
13th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 2:18PM EDST
Moon sets: 11:32PM EDST
Moon in the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The urgency
of vocation
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:59AM EDST
Sunset: 7:32PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is
transforming within you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 14th, 2010

This is Tiu's Day - the Day of Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire.  Today there are Major magickal energies for achieving Independence.

Autumn in the Garden
[From Ellen Dugan's "Autumn Equinox"]

  Gardening, like magick, is an art. There is always something new to discover  and more to learn. An enchanting even happens in the garden in the autumn season. After the hot, dry days of summer's end, many magickal plants get a chance to really shine in the cooler rains and gently sunny days of the fall months. As the garden starts to wind down from the mad rush of summer, a different type of energy begins to emanate from the magickal garden. This energy is more relaxed and celebratory as nature puts on its last big show before winter arrives. Dugan believes that one of most appealing qualities of the garden in autumn is its disarray.  Plants are overgrown, blowzy, and wild - and honestly that's part of the charm of autumn gardens.
   Folks often incorrectly assume that spring and summer are the prime gardening seasons and that the beginning of fall brings an end to the garden's glory. It is often thought that the flower garden s fading away at this time of the year, but you couldn't be mistaken. Yes, there are the common chrysanthemums in bright mounds and splashes of color, but there is much more to the fall garden than just mums.
    This is the opportunity to explore a little of autumn's natural magick. Head outdoors and take a look around with those Witch's eyes.
    Read this little excerpt from the first book of the Sweep series - "On a Friday afternoon I was in my backyard, raking leaves or, rather raking occasionally but mostly seeing stunning maple leaf after stunning leaf. I would pick them up, examining them, admiring the passionate blotch and smear of colors across their finely veined skin. Some were still half green, and I imaged that they felt surprised to find themselves on the ground so soon. Some were almost completely dry and brown, yet with a defiant border of red or bloody tips as if they had raked the bark on the way down. Others were ablaze with autumn's fire of yellow, orange and crimson, and some were very small still, too young to die, yet born too late to live.  
    I pressed my palm against a crisp leaf as big as my hand. Its colors felt warm against my skin, and with my eyes closed, I could feel impressions of warm summer days, the joy of being blown in the wind, the tenacious hanging on, and then the frightening, exhilarating release of autumn. Floating, finished to the ground. The smell of earth, the joining to the earth." 
   As you develop your witchy awareness of things around you, visit with the leaves this fall in this way.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Waxing Crescent Moon moves into Sagittarius

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

6th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
12th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises 1:17PM EDST
Moon sets: 10:39PM EDST
Moon in Scorpio v/c 7:52PM EDST
Moon enters the Mutable Fire
Sign of Sagittarius at 8:52AM EDST
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The creative
power of hope.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:58AM EDST
Sunset: 7:45PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What is
your spiritual goal?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 13th, 2010

Moon in Sagittarius brings out our inner-Artemis; we need to roam, to explore in body and in soul. Our curiosity intensifies. We may feel like checking out untraveled territory and maybe connecting with the organic world. Those born in Sagittarius moon sign came here to explore. They need to learn to hold still and work through a challenge.  They can offer us radical acceptance.  The restless, enthusiastic Sagittarius loves adventure, change and motion. The moon in this sign is a time for philosophy, metaphysics, traveling, studying and freedom from responsibility. A Sagittarius transit bring the need to feel free of restrictions and to be spontaneous. Her restless and independent nature wishes to explore, and warm and friendly vibes make it a good time for seeing new places, encountering different people and relating to a changing environment. There are tendencies towards open, honest exchanges. Sagittarius also brings an interest in philosophy, education, ethics, women's culture and seeing things from an idealistic viewpoint. With this moon transit comes the itch to travel, and this is the best sign for travel because conditions are most fortuitous.... Moon in Sagittarius is the best time to work magick for publications, legal matters, travel and truth. Healing rituals for ailments of the liver, thighs, or hips are also done at this time.  The moon speaks directly to our spirit. It describes the daily pulse and the emotional matrix we walk through. As the moon changes every 2 and 1/2 days, the filters on our inner world change. Let the garden be a metaphor for any project you want to nourish. So for instance - if you are working on your goals for this lunar cycle listen to this bit of 'gardening advice':  Work the soil but hold off on the planting.  -- Our own moon sign indicates our personal, spiritual lineage and our emotional prime-directive.  

So, today is Moon Day - the Day of Remembering and Feeling.  There are minor magickal energies for doing spells/rites for domestic power.  Are there issues of the domestic nature that you need to attend to? Maybe taking a Sagittarius trip away from the home front might be the answer.

A Virgo Candle-Spell: Practical Magick
From Ellen Dugan's "Autumn Equinox" book

   The traditional colors assigned to Virgo are green and dark brown. These time-honored colors are linked to the earth element and to nature. This sensible spell encourages you to get more organized and to make a list of all the things you want to accomplish in this lunar cycle and then get started doing them. Basically this type of spell teaches you to be more practical. 
Supplies:
* A cinnamon-scented brown votive candle
* A bayberry or pine-scented green votive candle
* 2 coordinating votive candle cups
* An ink pen and piece of paper
* A safe, flat surface to set up on
* Lighter or matches

   Begin the spell by making a list (something your Virgos excel at) of the goals you'd like to work toward or a list of things you want to accomplish.   Then take that 'to do' list and set candles in their holders on top of the paper. Draw the glyph the sun sign for Virgo on top of your paper.  Now visualize yourself working your way down the list in a practical manner. If you working toward learning something about a particular topic, then add something to the spell setup that corresponds with topic. If you want to learn more about magickal plants, add a sprig of herbs or a leaf to the paper. If you want to learn more about astrology, then draw a few astrology symbols on the list; use your imagination. Now take a moment, center yourself, and then repeat this charm:
 
"The colors of Virgo are both dark brown and green,
I will accomplish my goals and fulfill my dreams.
By the magick of candles and colors, this sell I cast
Bring me practicality and wisdom that will surely last."

Close the spell by saying:

"During the time Virgo this magick is spun,
As I will, so mote it be, an' let it harm none."

  Allow the candles to burn out on their own. Then take your 'to do' list and start working on it. When you have accomplished your goals, reward yourself.  The Sun will leave the sign of Virgo at the Autumn Equinox which is September 22nd this year.  The Full Moon will happen the very next day, the 23rd of September.  So it will work out nicely if you can achieve some of your lunar cycle goals by
the Full Moon...

Healthy Witch Tip for Today: (My Virgo project for this lunar cycle)

Choose whole-grain bread - Eating whole-grain (versus refined-grain or white bread) has been linked to lower risk of cancer and heart disease.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Mercury Retrograde Ends

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

5th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
11th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing Crescent
Moon rises: 12:09PM EDST
Moon sets: 9:52PM EDST
Moon in the Fixed Water
Sign of Scorpio
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The lessons
of illness.
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:57AM EDST
Sunset: 7:35PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Where
do you need to invest your trust
at this time?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 12th, 2010

Today is Sun Day - the Day of Intent, Creation and Renewal.  There are Major magickal energies for spells for Vigor and minor magickal energies for self-improvement and to work with animals.

Today's Healthy Witch Tip - Eat protein at every meal. Dieters who eat the most protein tend to lose more weight while feeling less deprived than those who eat less protein. It appears that protein is the best nutrient for jumpstarting your metabolism, squashing your appetite and helping you to eat less at subsequent meals.


Sweep Series - Book 1

I am currently 're-reading' the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan - don't know how many of you have read this series but I am finding it is a great read for this time of the year and I figure that 're-reading' something is a Mercury Retrograde fun thing to do.  You can locate used copies of it at: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Shadows-Sweep-No-1/dp/0142409863/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_6

Currently the series is out of print.  I have found in these books that are bits about different Craft practices that can help a beginner in learning some basic knowledge of Craft practices. The book's characters are teens about sixteen to eighteen and
all but one of them are absolute beginners in learning about Wicca and the Craft. So you kind of learn along with them as you read through through the series. Of course this series moves rather quickly
and maybe in different directions than you would wish to be learning about. But still it does give you information that can only add to your awareness of different Craft practices.  For instance the very first thing the teens learn about is Mabon and doing a very simple circle ritual for it.  They are taught how to form a simple and they move in widdershins direction to do a banishing ritual.  First they thank the Mother Goddess in chant and then begin circling within the circle moving in a counterclockwise movement. Then they go around the circle stating what they would like to banish.  Some of things that were asked to be banished were 'small minds,' 'anger', 'hatred' , 'jealousy', 'fear', and limitations.'
This simple rite could be done in solitary manner too. Adapting to your Mabon rite could help bring more balance into your life as we begin drawing inward for the winter.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Crescent Moon moves into Scorpio

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

4th Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Artemis
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
10th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: Crescent - 11:40AM EDST
Moon rises: 10:56AM EDST
Moon sets: 9:10PM EDST
Moon v/c from Libra at 1:15AM EDST
Moon enters the Fixed Water
Sign of Scorpio at 5:21AM EDST
Bloudewedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: A tree of
your choice
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:56AM EDST
Sunset: 7:37PM EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "What sorrow
is unexpressed within you?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 11th, 2010

The Crescent Moon (or waxing crescent moon) rises midmorning and sets after sunset. She is the first visible sliver of the Moon seen in the western sky in later afternoon and early evening. The crescent moon is the SPROUT. The seed has broken through the earth and reaches up as she ventures from the dark, moist earth she has known. Women born during the crescent moon phase must break from the past to create their own destiny. Keywords for the Crescent phase are: expansion, growth, struggle, and opportunity. It is the time in a lunar cycle that you must gather the wisdom learned in the New phase and communicate your intentions to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal(s).

Moon in Scorpio - This transit is a time to dig deep - Scorpio weaves the visible and invisible worlds together. We see through and into the roots. Direct this energy away from obsession and towards creation. Sexuality can be potent, musky. Those who are born with a Scorpio Moon sign came here to find themselves in solitude first and then through transformative action with others. They may need to learn flexibility. They can offer us a fearless guide to the inner worlds as they midwife all transitions.
As the Moon moves through it's transit in Scorpio it can be seen as a time of death and rebirth but not necessarily as a physical death. There is intensity, extremes and heightened sensitivity experienced. This is a good time to focusing, being sexual, and doing psychic work because of the deep emotions and desires Scorpio brings. Emotional resentments from the past can surface and block your heightened creative energy, so fight urges to be suspicious, secretive and moody. This is a time regeneration and clearing out of emotional debris from the previous lunar cycle. There is great energy to complete things and focus on certain areas that you have found yourself too scattered to deal with in the previous cycle. Take the time now sexual exploration and relaxation. Moon in Scorpio is the best time to work magick involving sexual matters, power, psychic growth, secrets, and fundamental transformations. Healing rituals for ailments of the reproductive organs are also done during this period of time.

It is Saturn's Day - the Day of Manifestation and Structure, Assessment and Responsibility. There are Major magickal energies for Shapeshifting.  And today is the last day of Mercury Retrograde (Yea!!). Tomorrow Mercury will go direct at 7:09PM EDST.  Here is a little 'poem' from my "Seasons of the Witch 2010 Datebook for this day:
"I came upon a forest glade
in days of Mercury Retrograde
and though awhile
I'd trade my flaws
for four legs, fur, a tail, and claws."



Friday, September 10, 2010

Waxing New Moon in Libra

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


3rd Day of the 10th Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Persephone
Lunar Tree Cycle of Muin/Vine
9th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Muin/Vine
Moon Phase: waxing New
Moon rises: 9:41AM EDST
Moon sets: 6:34PM EDST
Moon in the Cardinal Air Sign
of Libra
Blodeuwedd's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The blessing
of water
Sun in Virgo
Sunrise: 6:55AM EDST
Sunset: 7:38P EDST
Solar Question for the Day: "Who needs to
be gratefully acknowledged in your life?"
Lughnasadh (Gwyl Awst) Quarter
of the Year
September 10, 2010

This is Freya's Day - Venus Day, Day of Sharing and Relationships. There are Major magickal energies for Beauty, Partnerships, Assistance and minor magickal energies for love, romance, and creativity. 

Healthy Witch Tip - Practice Total Recall -- British scientists found that people who thought about their last meal before snacking ate 30 percent fewer calories than those who didn't stop to think. The theory: Remembering what you had for lunch might remind you of how satiating the food was, which then makes you less likely to binge on your afternoon snack.

The Fox

The fox is the only wild member of the dog family left in Britain. It is much maligned, partly because it will cause havoc if it gets into a hen coop, but probably equally because it provides an excuse for those who enjoy blood sports. However, despite its persecution in parts of the countryside, and because people do not seal their rubbish carefully, the fox is becoming increasingly common in urban areas. Contrary to urban myths, an adult cat is more likely to see off a fox than fall prey to it. Foxes are actually wonderful animals and excellent parents. We once had foxes in the garden and the sight of the cubs sitting in a circle around their mother in the Moonlight is one I will never forget. Later I had the task of hand rearing one and from the pet-owner point of view I can say that having a young one with the messiness of a puppy and the mischief of a kitten means that life has no dull moments!
   In some parts of the world it is said that if a fox passes close to your home it means bad luck is on the way. However, in Scotland to see a lone fox means good luck is on the way, while to see several indicates troubles are coming. To see a black fox was said to predict a death in the direction it was going.
   Magically, the fox is an animal of skill, cunning, and knowledge. It has the power to travel from one world to another. Invoke its energy when you are seeking knowledge, especially of the otherworld.
[From: Kate West's "The Real Witches' Year"]

Where do foxes live?



Everywhere! They can survive in all land habitats, including cities. Foxes are found throughout the whole of Ireland.


Do foxes live in groups?


Foxes live in family groups, each group with its own territory. The male is called a dog, the female a vixen, and the young are cubs. They sleep in a den called an earth. The earth may be a burrow, perhaps a disused badger sett, or may be a simple hide-away under a shed or in a drain or some such. The family group usually consists of one dog and several related vixens. Only the dominant vixen produces cubs, and the other vixens help to mind them.


When do foxes breed?


Foxes mate between late December and early February. They can be quite noisy during the mating season as the pair communicate. The dog may utter a triple bark, and the vixen a long wailing scream.


Between late February and the end of April, the cubs are born. Usually there is 4 or 5 cubs in the litter. They are blind and deaf, and the female stays in the den with them for the first three weeks. The dog fox will deliver food to her during this period. If disturbed, the vixen will carry her litter one by one to a new den.


When the cubs are four weeks old, they start to venture out. The cubs will remain with the family group for seven months. By November the young dogs will leave to find their own territories. Some of the young vixens will stay with the family; others will wander to new areas.


What do foxes eat?


Foxes are carnivores, eating mainly rabbits, hares, rats and mice, but they are also very adaptable and will eat many things including bugs and worms, and even fruit. At the coast they will eat crabs and fish, and in cities they will raid bins. They have a bad name with farmers because they will kill poultry and very young lambs. They will also scavenge the carcasses of dead deer and sheep, etc. Foxes will also cache food for later use.


What kills foxes?


Foxes are regarded as vermin and 30,000 are believed to be killed by hunters and farmers each year. Fox hunting with horse and hounds is also legal in Ireland. In urban areas, sarcoptic mange can be a problem and some foxes die from severe mange infestations.


How long do foxes live?

Many cubs die before their first birthday, and few wild foxes live above four years. Occasionally foxes can live for ten years.


Are foxes protected?


No. Foxes are commoner than is sometimes realised, and are regarded by some people as vermin. They may be hunted or shot, but certain traps are illegal.


Do foxes hibernate?


No, they are very adaptable and can find food all year round.

Are foxes nocturnal?


Foxes are active mainly at night, but if they are in a safe area with little disturbance they will also be active during the day. Vixens with a litter may also need to hunt by day as well as by night.


Can I feed the foxes in my garden?


Yes. Many people, especially in suburbia, feed their local foxes. Table scraps or canned dog food are appreciated. Such ‘pet’ foxes may become very tame, so that it is possible to sit and watch them feed.


From Wicklow Mountains National Part website
 
Foxes are Beneficial on Fruit Farms

  by Linda McCandless

Geneva, NY - Dave Gill, a Research Support Specialist in Cornell University's Department of Horticultural Sciences, called to report a sighting of a family of seven red fox pups on the Loomis Farm at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY.
  Gill is an enthusiastic proponent of foxes in a farm setting - especially fruit farms.
"People don't stop to think about the good that foxes do in an farm setting," said Gill. "One adult eats hundreds of mice and rats yearly." Gill prefers gray foxes because they are less likely to go into a hen house. If chickens are not a consideration, he would encourage either red or gray foxes as a natural predator for rodents.
   At the Experiment Station, where there are nearly 700 acres of fruit and vegetables used for research and extension, foxes are important for the fruit farms in general, and the Rootstock Breeding Program in particular. Rootstocks - sometimes called "stool bed liners" - are propagated in "stool beds," then the rooted sticks, called "liners" for short, are harvested in the spring, then grafted onto the desired variety.
   "When foxes work the stool beds and orchards, we have very negligible damage to the apple liners and trees. This spring I found no damage. A couple of years ago, we had no foxes, a foot of snow cover, and extensive damage to stools and some damage to orchard trees even with mouse bait," Gill said.
   "Foxes do a number one finish job in conjunction with a mouse bait control program," he said. "Last winter, you could see almost straight lines of footprints in the snow where a fox wove its way back and forth along every sawdust-mounded row of our stool beds by Preemption Road. They walk along and pick the voles out of the mound cafeteria-style and stash their catches of voles, rabbits, and young spring woodchucks in nearby sawdust piles."
   Foxes are nocturnal and sometimes make hunting lodges in the Station sawdust piles because the piles are easy to dig and warm even when the roof is frozen.
   The Station family of foxes is doing so well because Gill thinks they are dining on turkey. "A gray fox will not tackle a turkey unless the fox finds it dead; a red fox will."
For this reason, Gill believes grape growers would benefit from using foxes to guard the grapes.
  "Some grape growers in New York complain there are too many turkeys and that they eat ripe grapes before they are weighed and counted in the yield trials. Even if a fox takes a few grapes for its services, it is a lot less than a band of turkeys will take," he said.

If this urban fox gets any bolder, he'll be asking for someone to pass him the suntan lotion.


Stretched out on a garden sun lounger to enjoy the early morning rays, he apparently hasn't a care in the world.

And, after grabbing a quick snooze amid the growing cacophony of the waking city, he trotted off to his den in nearby undergrowth.