The Moon In The Signs

As the Moon goes along her way, she magically appears and disappears, waxing
to full from the barest sliver of a crescent just after she’s new, then
waning back to her invisible new phase again. The four quarters–the New
Moon, the second quarter, the Full Moon, and the fourth quarter–correspond
to the growth cycle of every living thing.

The Quarters

The First Quarter

This phase begins when the Moon and the Sun are together in the sky, or
conjunct to one another. At the beginning of the phase, the Moon is
invisible, hidden by the brightness of the Sun as they travel the sky
together. (In fact, the Moon is often said to be in her “dark phase” when
she is just New.) Toward the end of this phase, as the Moon pulls farther
away from the Sun and she begins to wax–or grow–toward the second quarter
stage, a delicate silver crescent appears. This time corresponds with all
new beginnings; this is the time to begin a project.

The Second Quarter

The second quarter begins when the Moon has moved a full 90 degrees–a
square–away from the Sun. At this point in her cycle, the waxing Moon rises
at about noon and sets at about midnight. It’s at this time that she can be
seen in the western sky during the early evening hours, growing in size from
a crescent to her full beauty. This period corresponds with the development
and growth of life, and with projects that are coming close to fruition.

The Third Quarter

This phase begins with the Full Moon, which is when the Sun and Moon are
opposite to one another in the sky–literally in opposition– and the Moon is
reflecting all of the Sun’s light. She is perfectly round at this point, and
well able to light the night–so well, in fact, that she casts Moon-shadows.

It’s now that she can be seen rising in the east at sunset, a bit later each
night as this phase progresses. This is a time that corresponds with the
culmination of plans, with maturity and completion. As she begins now to
wane–or decrease–our plans come to bear, and we see the concrete results
of the actions we initiated with the New Moon.

The Fourth Quarter

This phase occurs when the Moon has moved 90 degrees past the full phase–a
second square. At this time, she is decreasing in light and rises at
midnight. She can be seen now in the eastern sky during the late evening
hours, and doesn’t reach the highest point in the sky until very early in
the morning. This period in her journey corresponds with “disintegration” –a
symbolic “drawing back” to reflect on what’s been accomplished. It’s now
time to reorganize, clear the boards, and plan for the next New Moon stage.

The Moon In Each Sign

Planets show urges or needs–basically the things we do as a result of
living inside human bodies. The signs say how we’ll do those things; they’re
like a costume or outfit that shows the style of behavior a planet will
display as it goes about its business. Since the Moon changes signs every
two and a half days or so, she changes her symbolic costume a lot more than
even Mercury, the fastest of planets, who whips through a sign in as little
as two weeks.

Since the Moon rules the emotional tone of the day, it’s good to know what
type of mood she’s in at any given moment. Well, here’s your answer key, a
thumbnail sketch to help you navigate through every day by cooperating with
the Moon, no matter what sign or costume she’s wearing.

Aries

Here’s the Moon at her fiery best, strutting around in red, feeling bold,
impulsive, and extremely energetic. This is Mars’s favorite sign, so you’ll
know when the Moon is here without even checking your calendar. It’s a
two-day period when everyone’s feeling feisty and argumentative, when
nobody’s about to let you step on their blue suede shoes–and get away with
it–and when even the meekest of us aren’t afraid to take a stand in our own
defense, especially
to protect our feelings. Since Aries is the first sign, and a natural
starting point for all kinds of projects, it’s also a wonderful time to
channel all that “me-first” energy to initiate change and new beginnings.
Just watch out for a tendency to be too impulsive and stress-oriented.

Taurus

The Moon in Taurus garb is in her earthy finery, all done up in rich greens
and browns. This Moon sign is The Lady at her most solid and sensual,
feeling secure and well rooted in her sister Venus’ sign. There’s no need to
stress or hurry–and definitely no need to change anything. That’s how
you’ll feel when the Moon is in this sign; that all is quite well in your
world, thank you, and there’s no need to rock the boat.

We tend to resist change when the Moon is in this sign, especially change
that’s not of our own thinking. We’d rather sit still, have a wonderful
dinner, and listen to good music. We’re into appreciating the beauty of this
Earth-planet- -a truly Venusian activity–when the Moon is here, into
watching a sunset, viewing some good art, and taking care of money and other
resources.

Gemini

Gemini Moons are built for activity. This is a mutable air sign, so it likes
to move around–quickly. When the Moon is here, we like to move around, too.
The Moon’s costume now is a coat of many colors, so variety truly becomes
the spice of life.

Since Gemini is ruled by Mercury, now is when we’re suddenly in the mood for
conversation, puzzles, riddles, and word games. We want two–at least
two–of everything, and we’re a bit more restless than usual. Now is a great
time for letter-writing, phone calls, or short trips. Now is when you’ll
find the best shortcuts, and when you’ll need to take them, too. Watch for a
tendency to become a bit scattered under this fun, fickle Moon.

Cancer

Here’s the Moon in the sign she rules, at her most emotional and most
nurturing. The Moon rules Cancer, so when she’s here, she’s home, lounging
casually in her sea-greens and blues. Here the Moon’s concerns turn to home,
family, children, and our mothers. We react by becoming more likely to
express our emotions, to be sympathetic and understanding to others. Now,
too, is when we often find ourselves in the mood to take care of someone, to
cook for or
cuddle our dear ones.

During this highly emotional sign, feelings run high, so it’s important to
watch out for becoming oversensitive, dependent, or needy. In all, now is a
great time to putter around the house, have family over, and tend to
domestic concerns.

Leo

When the moon is in Leo, it’s time for Drama, with a capital “D.” This
theatrical sign has long been known for its big entrances, love of display
and need for attention. Leo is ruled by the Sun, the center of the universe,
the creative force, so when the Moon is in this sign, we’re all feeling a
need to be recognized, applauded, and appreciated. After all, this is the
Moon in her royal robes, feeling as if someone ought to stop, bow, and ask
her which country she rules.

Now, all that excitement, pride, and emotion can turn into histrionics and
melodrama in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to be careful of overreacting
or being excessively vain over this period. It’s a great time to take in a
show (or star in one), be romantic, or express your feelings for someone in
royal, regal style.

Virgo

Here’s the Moon at her most discriminating. Wearing an efficient, tailored
outfit that’s especially designed for work, she’s ready to take care of
whatever needs it–no matter what it needs. This is the most detail-oriented
sign out there, the sign most concerned with fixing, fussing, and tending
to. This Moon sign puts us in the mood to clean, scour, sort, troubleshoot,
and help. Virgo is the most helpful of all the signs, ready to take up
broom, mop, or gardening tools and offer her assistance.

Now is when we’re more health-conscious, work-oriented, and duty-bound, too,
so this is a great period to pay attention to our diet, our hygiene, and our
daily schedules.

Libra

Libra is the second Venus-ruled sign, so here’s where the Moon is at her
most other-oriented. She’s dressed in Venusian pastels, and in the mood for
attraction– so relationships, partnerships, and being with someone are
important. Since Libra’s job is to restore balance, however, you may find
yourself in situations of emotional unbalance, which require a delicate tap
of the scales to set them right. Now is when we’re all quite capable of
that, fortunately.

In general, this is a social, polite, friendly Moon-time, when others will
extend, be cooperative, and agree more easily to compromise; after all,
Libra loves people. Libra Moons also prompt us to make our surroundings
beautiful, or to put ourselves in situations where beauty is all around us,
so now is also a great time to decorate, shop for the home, or visit places
of elegant beauty.

Scorpio

This fixed, feminine water sign is co-ruled by Mars and Pluto, so this Moon
doesn’t mess around. She’s all dressed up in her formal black, looking so
good she knows you can’t take your eyes off of her. Scorpio is the most
intense sign out there, and when the Moon is here, she feels everything to
the nth degree. Everything. Needless to say, we do, too. Passion, joy,
jealousy, betrayal, love, and desire–they take center stage in our lives
now, as all our emotions deepen to the point of possible obsession.

Be careful of a tendency to become secretive, suspicious, or to brood or
stew over an offense that was not intended. Now is a great time to play
detective, to investigate a mystery, do research, “dig,” both figuratively
and literally–and allow ourselves to become intimate with someone else.

Sagittarius

Here’s the Moon at her most optimistic, nonjudgmental, and positive.
Sagittarius is ruled by benevolent Jupiter, so now is a time when we’ll be
more likely to shrug things off, let them go, and laugh about it. Of course,
Jupiter’s also the planet of long-distance travel and educating the higher
mind, so this is a great time to take off for a two-day adventure or take a
seminar on a topic you’ve always been interested in–say, philosophy or
religion. Expect your intuitive abilities to run on high now, too–this is
the sign with the gift of prophecy.

Sag loves to collect knowledge, experiences, and wisdom, so when the Moon’s
in this sign, she’s dressed for any adventure, complete with a backpack and
world atlas. Spend time outdoors, be spontaneous, and laugh much too loudly
when the Moon is here. Now is the time to truly enjoy life; just watch out
for a tendency toward excess, waste, and overdoing.

Capricorn

Here’s the Moon at her most organized, practical, and businesslike.
Capricorn Moons bring out the dutiful, cautious, and pessimistic side in all
of us, and we suddenly prefer to work rather than play. Our goals for the
future, in a career sense, become all-important now, and the right thing to
do becomes the only thing to do. No sign is more concerned with conforming
to set rules, touching all the bases, and following orders.

In fact, this Moon wears a uniform and she demands that you salute her, too.
This is the time to tend to the family business, to act responsibly, to take
charge of something, to reorganize any part of our lives that’s become
scattered or disrupted. Now, too, is the time to set down rules and
guidelines, to sit patiently, listen, and learn. Watch for the possibility
of acting in too businesslike a way now–at the expense of others’ emotions.

Aquarius

The Moon in Aquarius rings out the rebel in all of us–for better or worse.
Dressed in electric blue, in something outrageous, eccentric, and far too
futuristic, this Moon is ready to break free from the past, to Just Say No
to all the rules we just set in place in Capricorn. Now is the time when
we’re ready to break out of our ruts, try something different, and make sure
everyone sees us for the unique individuals we are, regardless of what we
have to do.

Now is a time of extreme and abrupt actions, when we surprise even ourselves
at what we say, when we’re prone to complete reversals and changing our
minds at the last minute. This sign is ruled by Uranus, so personal freedom
and individuality are more important than anything now. Our schedules become
topsy-turvy, and our causes become urgent. Watch for a tendency to become
fanatical, act deliberately rebellious without a reason, or break tradition
just for the sake of breaking it.

Pisces

This sign belongs to the planet Neptune, the ruler of altered states of
reality. When the Moon slips into this sign, sleep, meditation, prayer,
drugs, or alcohol are what we crave–whatever induces a trancelike state
that will allow us to escape from the harshness of reality. She dresses in
her most ethereal flowing pink gown, picks up her pink smoke machine and
sparkling bucket of pink dust, and sets out to woo us, to cast a spell upon
us, to convince us that
everything’s all right.

Now is when we’re most susceptible to emotional assaults of any kind, when
we’re feeling “fuzzy,” vague, dreamy, nostalgic, wistful, or impressionable.
Now, too, is when we’re at our most spiritual, when our boundaries are at
their lowest, when we’re more compassionate, intuitive, and sensitive to
those less fortunate, so now is the time to attend a spiritual group or
religious gathering.

Kali-Ma New Moon Ritual

PURPOSE:

* To destroy our inner demons and clear the way for a new
beginning. (More information on Kali-Ma)

PREPARATION/ SETUP

* Mark the directions with tiki torches.
* Tie colored ribbons/cords to each torch to represent the
direction (optional).
* North - Earth - green
* South - Fire - red
* East - Air - yellow
* West - Water - blue

* Create a door with candle lights for entry into the circle with a
welcome mat between the candle lights. Light torches, candles
and incense.

SUPPLIES/ALTAR TOOLS:

* Two-edged Sword (or a representative item)
* Bell
* small bowl with moon water
* small bowl sea salt
* black candle for Goddess Kali-Ma
* sandalwood incense
* anointing oil
* smudge stick
* chalice with wine/pomogranite juice
* Oreo cookies for cake (black offering)
* cauldron
* Tiki torches with colored ribbons
* candles for the entry to the circle
* “welcome” mat

BEGIN RITUAL

[Ring BELL to signify the beginning of the ritual. Bring people into
circle with challenge.]

[Priestess]
How do you enter?

[Answer]
In perfect love and perfect trust.

[Priestess]
How do you come?

[Answer]
Of my own free will.

[Anoint forehead with oil after the challenge.]

CAST CIRCLE

[Caste circle with staff, sword or athame.]
[Light smudge stick and cleanse circle with fire and air.]
[Sprinkle sea salt into blessed moon water and use to sprinkle
around the circle, purifying circle with water and earth.]

CALLING THE QUARTERS

[Facing East]
In the East I call Ushas, Goddess of the Dawn, to begin this new
cycle and help us see through our illusions and seek the truth.

[Facing South]
In the South I call Parvati, to bring us the fires of purification so
we may be cleansed.

[Facing West]
In the West I invoke Durga, to teach us to look into the dark
places in our beings so that we may not be afraid.

[Facing North]
In the North I call Sarasvati to bring us the wisdom of India, her
music and dance, so we may be wise in the traditions of the
Goddess.

As above, so below. What is between the worlds concerns not
the worlds, yet will change the worlds! So Mote it Be! We are now
in sacred space.

INVOCATION TO KALI-MA

Kali-Ma, Dark Mother, Great Goddess, Slayer of Demons and
most compassionate Mother. Come join us, your children,
tonight.

WORKINGS [walk around the circle talking to each person
involving them in the "conversation" and the action]

This New Moon is we remember the black Hindu goddess,
Kali-Ma. While the Full Moon is a time of manifestation of
desires, the New Moon is a time of removing that which is
negative and blinding in our lives.

Kali-Ma, the Dark Mother, holds the two edged sword, she has
the power to slay the demons but also the ability to be
compassionate.

Sometimes demons are our illusions and fantasies about life.
Sometimes we do not see things for what they really are.. Or
we disguise our own destructive anger from ourselves.

At a certain point it becomes necessary to take Kali-Ma’s sword
and cut through the illusions that protect us from seeing and
acting on the truth. Doing this is the shedding the snake’s skin;
letting go of old beliefs and coming closer to our reality.

Contemplate the negativity in your life…

See Kali-Ma slicing this negativity away from your life with her
mighty swords…

Hold this image in your minds eye… Becoming clearer and
stronger…

Meditate on the negative and welcome shedding it. Embrace the
moment when Kali-Ma approaches to slice it away.

As you do this, I will anoint your Third Eye with musk oil - the
sacred oil of Kali-Ma. Pay attention to the smell of the incense-
Sandalwood - the sacred incense of this Hindu Goddess. In
Kali-Ma’s name I will come to each of you with her sword and
`symbolically’ slice away the negativity in your life that you have
meditated on and remove it from you.

[As the participants meditate the acting Priestess walks the
circle anointing each participant and slicing through away the
negative.]

[Reclaiming]
The New Moon also represents a dark time, a time of spiritual
rest, a time of planting new seeds to incubate and grow as the
moon grows towards fullness. Spend a few moments in this
stillness contemplating what desires or goals you sow this
evening.

[After a few minutes have passed ring the BELL to signify the
workings are done].

BLESSING OF THE ALE

[Fill chalice, dip athame]
As the Athame is to the Sky, So the Cup is to the Earth,
And from their union worlds are born.

[Pour a small libation into the salt-water bowl]

[Pass chalice around]
May you never thirst.

[Recipient]
Blessed Be!

BLESSING THE CAKES [using the wand]

[wand over the cakes]
Body of the God.

[Under the cakes]
Gift of the Goddess.

[In passing the cakes]
May you never hunger.

[Recipient]
Blessed Be!

THANK THE GREAT GODDESS AND MOTHER KALI

We thank you Great Mother, Kali-Ma, for slaying our demons and
helping us plant new seeds of truth; and for the hope of a new
beginning tonight. Go if you must, stay if you will.

REALEASE QUARTERS / ELEMENTS

[Facing North]
Sarasvati, Goddess of the North, we bless thee and release
thee.
Go if you must, stay if you will.

[Facing West]
Durga, Goddess of the West, we bless thee and release thee.
Go if you must, stay if you will.

[Facing South]
Parvati, Goddess of the South, we bless thee and release thee.
Go if you must, stay if you will.

[Facing East]
Ushas, Goddess of the East, we bless thee and release thee.
Go if you must, stay if you will.

CLOSE CIRCLE [Use staff or athame walking widdershins]

The circle is open but unbroken, may the love of the Great
Goddess go in our hearts. Merry meet, merry part and merry
meet again!

Working with the Moon’s Energies

Whether doing a full moon esbat, a dark moon meditation, or a spell casting,
one should
know and understand the moon’s influences in each of its particular phases.
Working
with the moon’s energies instead of against them only helps to ensure the
best results
for your efforts.

However, emergencies often arise that can’t be postponed until the proper
moon cycle.
The question then becomes how to work with the current moon’s energy to
bring about
that which we need to have happen. The essence of the answer to this
question lies in
the basics of magick.

Essentially, all magick can be broken down into two types, drawing and
banishing.
During the waxing moon cycle, our work should be concentrated on drawing
what we want
towards us. During the waning moon, our work should be pivoted primarily
towards
banishing that which we want out of our lives.

Therefore, if a sudden illness strikes during the time of the waxing moon,
work to draw
health rather than banish illness. If an emergency situation calls for a
heavy
prosperity spell during the time of the waning moon, work towards banishing
poverty and
need. As you can see in these situations, the immediate need is accomplished
by working
with its opposite. In this way, you utilize the energies from the current
moon cycle
(either drawing or banishing) to ultimately realize your goal.

There are, of course, other lunar energies beyond simple waning and waxing
moons. These
include each of the phases of the moon within the cycle, as well as special
moons, such
as the Blue Moon or the Harvest Moon. It’s also a good idea to craft your
working
towards the correct astrological placement of the moon.

None of this is absolutely necessary. By sheer will and personal energy
alone,
especially if you live in constant awareness of the sacred in everything,
you can set
events in motion. I liken it to going through a locked door, though. You can
ram the
door enough times with your body that eventually it will open. However,
opening the
door is much simpler (and less harmful to the body) if you have a key. The
lunar
energies we work with are simply keys that we can use to craft our workings
for the
best assurance of success.

Listed below are the influences of the lunar cycles, as well as each of the
moon
phases, the “special moons,” and the lunar/astrological correspondences. Use
these to
craft and time your workings for the best possible outcome.

Moon Cycles

Waxing Cycle
This cycle of the Moon refers to the period of time from the New Moon to the
Full Moon.
The energy from this cycle should be used in “drawing” that which you want
towards you.
It’s a good time to begin new projects and expand any current efforts. It’s
also a time
to craft workings that concern love, harmony, balance, and peace, as well as
protection
and healing.
New Moon
Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Waxing Crescent
Light crescent on right side of Moon.

First Quarter
The right half of the Moon is lit (ninety degrees from sun, end of first
quarter,
beginning of second quarter).

Waxing Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now lit.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit.

Waning Cycle
The waning cycle of the Moon is the period from the Full Moon to the New
Moon. This is
the cycle to use for banishing and rejecting baneful aspects, such as
disease and
negativity, as well as dissolving destructive energies of all types.
Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit. I usually wait until
three days
following the Full Moon before working with the waning cycle.

Waning Crescent
Dark crescent on right side of Moon.

Third Quarter
The right half of the Moon is now dark (ninety degrees from sun, end of
third quarter,
beginning of fourth quarter).

Waning Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now dark.

New Moon
Sun and Moon in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Special Moons
The Full Moon
The Full Moon actually covers three days, including the night of the Full
Moon, itself.
This is a time for action, for harvesting the fruits of our labors, for
realizing that
which we began at the last cycle, and of giving thanks.

The Dark Moon
The Dark Moon is the three day period from the last sliver of moonlight to
the first
sliver of moon light. This is the time of introspection; of looking within
and
meditating on the shadow self.

Moon Void of Course
As the moon orbits the Earth, it passes in and out of the 12 signs of the
zodiac. A
void-of-course moon is the time period when the moon makes no major aspect
with other
planets before entering another sign. The duration of this period can be as
little as a
few seconds or it can be longer than a day. The Moon rules the emotions, so
one can
expect to experience feelings of “disconnectedness, ” as well as emotional
upsets,
turnarounds, and variability. Therefore, it’s a good rule of thumb not to
sign
contracts, start rituals, cast spells, or begin anything that would require
any degree
of emotional commitment until the Moon is aspected once again.

Blue Moon
A Blue Moon is that wonderful occurence when the Full Moon shows us her face
twice in
one month. Also known as a Goal Moon, it’s an excellent time to set new
goals for
yourself.

Eclipses
As Lunar Eclipses represent the perfect union of the Sun and Moon, any type
of magick
worked or energy sent out during this time will be amplified.

Moon Signs
The moon circles the Zodiac every 28 days, merging the influences of each of
the
astrological signs with its own lunar nature. It manifests those influences
in subtle
ways through an individual’s emotional nature, and through the general
vibratory level
present in daily life. In order to assure the best chance of success, one
should work
with these vibratory influences when planning a ritual or a magickal
working.

Lunar Crone

Lunar Crone
Dark Moon In ancient times, the moon was revered as a goddess, and each of her lunar phases - new moon, full moon, and dark moon - was said to correspond to the three phases of a woman’s life: maiden, mother, and crone. The moon has long been associated with our power within, and you do not have to be a woman to connect with the moon’s power. The dark moon, which is associated with the crone phase, appears in the sky during the last three days of every lunar cycle. It cannot be seen with the human eye, but it is the dark moon that presides over the sky until a new 28-day cycle begins and a new moon is ready to appear. Often referred to as the “dead moon,” the dark moon doesn’t necessarily represent death. It is, however, a time for life-enriching endings and a prelude to new beginnings.

When the dark moon appears, it becomes easier for us to shed unnecessary emotional baggage and free ourselves of people and ideas that no longer serve us or add value to our life. It is a time to cleanse ourselves and create space so that what is new can enter. For many people, the dark moon is a time to rest, be introspective, and replenish their energy. Powerful, healing dreams have been known to take place during the dark moon, and you may discover that it is during the dark moon that you are most driven to meditate, explore your intuitive abilities, retrieve past life memories, or delve more deeply into your psyche.

One way to harness the energy of the dark moon is to perform a ritual where you light a black candle. Call forth and visualize the different parts of your life that you are ready to let go of. Through visualization, bind these parts together with light and imagine this bundle moving toward the candle. Watch these old parts being devoured by the flames, and let the candle burn out. Trust that what you’ve released has left you. You are now ready to welcome the new into your life.

New Moon Smudging

The New Moon is a perfect time to clear out old stale or negative
energies. Although most well known in Native American cultures,
Smudging and the burning of sacred herbs belongs to many spiritual
cultures. Burning of these hallowed herbs for the purpose of
cleansing and sending out prayers is universal.

On the New moon, open all doors & windows of space to be cleared,
the old stuff HAS to have a place to go.

You will need:
Smudging herbs like White Sage, Cedar or Sweetgrass
A small ceramic, stone bowl or heavy sea shell
Charcoal tab
Feather
White Candle (optional)

1. Light the end of your charcoal tab and let it burn for a few
minutes. Sprinkle the herbs on charcoal, you may need to fan the
flames with a feather or your hand.
2. Call on the spirits of the smudge to cleanse and protect you,
saying: “Sacred herbs, remove all negativity from my heart; cleanse
me, bless me.”
3. First waft the smoke towards your heart. Hold the vessel away
from you and use the feather to waft the smoke towards you. Then
take the smudge smoke over your head, down your arms and down the
front of your body. Imagine the smoke lifting away all the negative
thoughts, emotions and energies that have attached themselves to
you.
4. Now bring the smoke down the back of your body towards the
ground. Visualize the last remains of negativity being taken back
into the earth, away into the air.
5. Go through each room and in clockwise fashion circle and waft the
smoke about, seeing it exit the window or door, along with any “bad”
energy. Chanting “Sacred herbs, remove all negativity from my home,
cleanse my home, bless my home.”

End at your front door and sprinkle a bit of your unburned herbs to
welcome positive spirits to your home. A white candle can be used
during this “cleansing” by keeping it lit in the center of the home
or space.

A Solitary Full Moon Ritual

Tonight is the Full Moon.  Here is a Solitary Ritual for the Full Moon.-Loki

You will need:
Two white candles
A bell
Wine or lunar liquid
Your chalice (or cup)
Spell material if you are doing something afterwards.

Cast your circle. Stand before the altar facing East and say:

“This is the time of the full moon,
A time of great power for positive manifestation,
A time of increasing and gaining.
The tide of Moon-power is strong.
I am of the Goddess.
I stand before You at Your altar,
In love and adoration.
Be with me Goddess.
Let me feel your presence here tonight.”

Go to the East. Ring the bell once and say:
“Hail Aphrodite. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my body.”
Go to the South. Ring the bell once and say:
“Hail Cerridwen. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my spirit.”
Go to the West. Ring the bell once and say:
“Hail Athene. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my emotions.”
Go to the North with the bell. Ring it once and say:
“Hail Selene. Help me feel the Lady’s power and presence within my mind.”

You will probably have an amazing wave of feelings come over you. Let them
sink into your body and soul. When you are ready, return the bell to the
altar, face East, and raise your arms high above your head. Say:

“Hail Goddess! Moon Mother, Lady of Light,
Mistress of Magick and Animals.
You are the white light of the Moon
Upon the Earth, the brilliant rays of Sun upon life.
You are the beginning and ending,
The One who creates and takes away.
Within You, I see myself and all women.
In this time, You come to me and fill me with your presence.”

Communicate with Her now. Tell Her your problems, wishes and anything you
wish to tell her. When you are finished say:

“All honor and love to the wonderful Goddess,
For She is the power behind all powers,
The Goddess behind all Gods,
The Eternal Life behind Death.
I see Her loving face within the Moon and rejoice.
All Hail Queen of the heavens and the earth, the eternal on of Wisdom!”

Raise the chalice to toast her and say:

“To Diana and all the Goddesses!”

Now is the time for divination, meditation, and spellwork of any kind.

Close the circle when done.

Honey Cakes

Ingredients:

1 c Honey
1/4 c warm water
2 c rye flour
2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. mace
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c chopped nuts

Blend honey and water, then beat in dry ingredients. Add nuts last.
Place in A greased glass pan. Bake 325 with a pan of water underneath.

Bake about 40 min.

Let cake sit in an airtight container for 1-2 days before
serving if possible. This helps the cake age and gives a better taste.

 

This is great for Esbats, Sabbats, Rituals and pagans-are-nature-oriented/">pagan celebrations.

Dark Moon Ritual

The dark moon is a good time to do protective magick and to banish things from your life.

Supplies you will need: two black candles, cauldron, paper and pen.

Place the cauldron in the center of the altar and put the paper and pen beside it. Cast the circle in a counter clockwise way. When it is cast, return to the altar and face the North. Light the black candles. Say:
The moon is dark. She hides her face from humans. Only women can know the true secrets of the Dark Mother. Wise one, let me feel Your presence and power. I need Your wisdom of releasing and removing. If Consequences be needed by those who work against me, I leave it within your hands.

Move counterclockwise to the East and say:
Remove all negatives from my thoughts and mind, Dark Mother. Let them bear no fruit within my life.

Go to the North and say:
Remove all negatives from my body, Dark Mother. Let them bear no fruit in my life.

Go to the West and say:
Remove all negatives from my emotions, Dark Mother. Let them bear no fruit in my life.

Go to the South and say:
Remove all negatives from my spiritual life, Dark Mother. Let them bear no fruit in my life.

Return to the altar and stand facing North. Say :
I accept no negative thoughts, words, or deeds from others. They are destroyed by the powers of the Dark Mother. If these negatives come from within myself, turn them into lessons of good. Help me to become balanced, a true Goddess-daughter/son of light and wisdom.

Face the altar now. Write down on the a paper negative things you wished removed from your life (ie.. negative thoughts about yourself, bad habits, negative influences of people.) Read each one out loud to the Dark Mother to release them to Her. Light the paper from one of the black candles and drop it into the cauldron and watch it burn. Say:
I release these unto Your keeping. Show me how to move beyond these negatives into a position of light and power.

burn the paper until it is reduced to ashes. Raise your arms in reverence to the Goddess when the paper is finished and say:
Dark Mother, Crone Goddess, Wise and Elder One, teach me Your deep mysteries, the Ancient Goddess magick known to my foremothers and fathers. Guide and protect me, Dark Mother.

Now would be a good time to meditate and see what insight you may receive from the Mother. Or do a spell of some sort. When finished, release the circle as usual. Bury the ashes of the paper somewhere off of your property.

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