Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Magic Circles
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Blue Moon
Once in a Blue Moon
by Borgna Brunner and Anne Marie Imbornoni
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What is a Blue Moon?
There are in fact two definitions for a blue moon. According to the more recent definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. For a blue moon to occur, the first of the full moons must appear at or near the beginning of the month so that the second will fall within the same month (the average span between two moons is 29.5 days). The full Moon on Aug. 31, 2012, will be this type of blue moon; it will be the second full moon in one month.The Other Kind of Blue Moon
The older definition, which is recorded in early issues of the Maine Farmer's Almanac, states that the blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. Why would one want to identify the third full moon in a season of four full moons? The answer is complex, and has to do with the Christian ecclesiastical calendar.Some years have an extra full moon—13 instead of 12. Since the identity of the moons was important in the ecclesiastical calendar (the Paschal Moon, for example, used to be crucial for determining the date of Easter), a year with a 13th moon skewed the calendar, since there were names for only 12 moons. By identifying the extra, 13th moon as a blue moon, the ecclesiastical calendar was able to stay on track.
For more background information on the controversy over the two definitions of blue moon, see the Sky and Telescope article, "What's a Blue Moon?" In it they explain how the two different definitions of a blue moon came about—including their own role in introducing the second, modern definition.
A Star Rating for the Modern Blue Moon
Although Sky & Telescope calls the modern blue moon definition "trendy" and a "mistake," the fact that there is an older, preexisting (and more complicated) definition does not necessarily make it the more interesting or meaningful definition. Charting the "third full moon in four full moons" in a season isn't everyone's idea of an fascinating enterprise. The modern, "trendy" definition, however, points to an intriguing astronomical phenomenon—every so often two moons can manage to position themselves in the same month. Given that full moons occur once every 29.5 days, this is quite an accomplishment!How Often Does a Blue Moon Occur?
Over the next 20 years there will be about 15 blue moons, with an almost equal number of both types of blue moons occurring. No blue moon of any kind will occur in the years 2011, 2014, and 2017.The more recent phenomenon, where the blue moon is considered to be the second full moon in a calendar month, last occurred on December 31, 2009. Two full moons in one month may occur in any month out of the year except for February, which is shorter than the lunar cycle.
The other, older blue moon event, which happens when there are four full moons in a season, last occurred in May 2008 and will again on Nov. 21, 2010. Since this type of blue moon is reckoned according to the seasons, it can only occur in February, May, August, or November, about a month before the equinox or the solstice.
Twice in a Blue Moon
The rare phenomenon of two blue moons (using the more recent definition) occurring in the same year happens approximately once every 19 years. 1999 was the last time a blue moon appeared twice, in January and March.The months of the double blue moons are almost always January and March. That is because the short month that falls in between them, February, is a key ingredient in this once-every-19-year phenomenon. For January and March to each have two full moons, it's necessary for February to have none at all. Since February is usually 28 days long, and the average span between full moons is 29.5 days, if a full moon occurs at the end of January, it's possible for the next full moon to skip February entirely and fall in the beginning of March.
Once in a Blue Moon
"Blue moon" appears to have been a colloquial expression long before it developed its calendrical senses. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first reference to a blue moon comes from a proverb recorded in 1528:If they say the moon is blue,Saying the moon was blue was equivalent to saying the moon was made of green (or cream) cheese; it indicated an obvious absurdity. In the 19th century, the phrase until a blue moon developed, meaning "never." The phrase, once in a blue moon today has come to mean "every now and then" or "rarely"—whether it gained that meaning through association with the lunar event remains uncertain.
We must believe that it is true.
Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Dragons
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dragonic.lore.witchcraft/
https://www.webweaverseclecticcoven.com/
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Witch Information-Moon
Each of the monthyl full moons has its own
associations with magic and folklore. Use this list of the different
full moon phases to get mation on how to celebrate them appropriately.
There's even a special section just for our Southern Hemisphere reader,
to help figure out how to celebrate below the Equator!
Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere
Image © Getty Images
If
you're one of our Southern Hemisphere readers, your seasons are
directly the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. This means
that the traditional moon phases will fall slightly differently for you.
Here's an important bit of information on how you can calculate which
moon is being celebrated in your part of the world, based on
agricultural markers and local traditions. Moon Phases in the Southern Hemisphere
January: The Cold Moon
Image © Getty Images
January's
Cold Moon is one that falls when the nights are still dark and long.
It's a time of year when many people feel a bit off-kilter, as we adjust
our bodies to the chillier temperatures. In some magical traditions,
it's a good month to work on developing the inner self, connecting with
the deities of our paths, and focusing on self-discovery and awareness. January's Cold Moon
February: The Quickening Moon
Image (c) Patti Wigington 2008
February
is a season of bone-chilling cold in many areas, yet because of its
proximity to the coming spring, it's also a season of quickening. New
life and conception are taking place, in anticipation of the warming of
the earth, and magical rituals this month often focus on new beginnings
and plans for the future. February's Quickening Moon
March: The Storm Moon
Image (c) Patti Wigington 2008
March
comes in like a lion, and in many areas, we never know what it's going
to do. We could have bright sunshine one afternoon, and be snowed in by
the next morning. Use this month to celebrate balance, rebirth, and
renewal. March's Storm Moon
April: The Wind Moon
Image © Getty Images
Sometimes
called the Seed Moon, April is a month of pending rebirth. As the earth
and soil prepare for new life to sprout, watch as the natural world
around you begins to change. Look for buds and blossoms to start
appearing. This is the season to stop talking about what you want to do
some day, and just go ahead and make it happen. April's Wind Moon
May: The Flower Moon
Image © Getty Images
May
is a time of fertility, passion and lust. It's the month to sow that
which you hope to reap later on. In May, focus on magic related to
careers and jobs - if you've thought about changing jobs, or even
entering a new career field, this is a good time to do it. Expand your
horizons this month. May's Flower Moon
June: The Strong Sun Moon
Image © Ghislain and Marie David De Lossy/Getty Images
June
is full of long, light-filled days, and the nights are short and warm.
This month's magical workings are perfect for maintaining and enhancing
things you already have. Let your garden and your heart blossom and
bloom this month, and focus on things that will improve your spirit and
nurture your relationships. June's Strong Sun Moon
July: The Blessing Moon
Image © Patti Wigington 2009
July's moon, also known as the Meadow Moon, is a time to work on divination, dreamwork and meditation. Count your blessings this month, and think about what you can do to bring more of them into your life. July's Blessing Moon
August: The Corn Moon
Image © Patti Wigington 2010
Thanks
to kicking off the month with Lammas, August is a month associated with
the grain harvest. It's no surprise, then that the Corn Moon is a time
to focus on harvesting that which you have already planted - but don't
forget, it's important to set some of your harvest aside for the coming
winter months. August's Corn Moon
September: The Harvest Moon
Image © Getty Images
In
September, the fields are full of bounty and abundance - and it's a
season to celebrate hearth and home. Brew up some comfort food, begin
storing your harvest for the winter, and settle in for a month of
thanksgiving. September's Harvest Moon
October: The Blood Moon
Image © Getty Images 2007
Coming
right before Samhain, the Blood Moon of October reminds us that the
winter is coming, and the nights are cold. It's the dark half of the
year, and the veil between our world and the spirit world is thin. Focus
on divination, communication with departed ancestors, and psychic
messages this month. October's Blood Moon
November: The Mourning Moon
Image (c) Getty Images
In
some of the early Celtic societies, November was considered the
beginning of the new year, since it followed Samhain. Why not use this
month to shed your bad habits and toxic relationships, and get a fresh
start? Work on developing and strengthening your connection with the
Divine as well. November's Mourning Moon
December: The Long Nights Moon
Image © Getty Images
As
the days get shorter in December, we force ourselves to get through the
darkness. Now is a good season for spiritual alchemy -- time to
evaluate your life, and know that you'll survive the dark times. If
you've already put the darkness behind you, take your good fortune and
share it with others. December's Long Nights Moon
What is a Blue Moon?
Image © Getty Images
We've
all heard the phrase "once in a blue moon," but believe it or not, it's
more than just an expression - a blue moon is the name given to an
actual phenomenon. Here's what it is, how it works, and what you can do
with it magically. What is a Blue Moon?
Pagan Prayers-Not mine,found on net.
Goddess Bedtime Prayers
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
Hold me in your arms, until the morning light.
2. Blessed be the mother goddess, by all her many names.
May she bless my family and friends.
May she bless the animals of the world,
and all people everywhere.
3. Diana, goddess of the moon,
Shining in the sky above,
Bathe me in your magical light,
And protect me with your love.
Bedtime Prayers to the God
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
And hunts among the stars,
May he watch over and keep us safe,
No matter where we are.
2. Lord of night, welcome me as I sleep.
Guide me in the darkness,
and protect me as I dream.
Goodnight Earth
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
The earth is big and fat and round,
I love the sky, the sea and the ground,
I love the birds and dogs and sheep,
and all the animals that fall asleep,
I love the flowers and rocks and trees,
I love the earth, and it loves me.
Fantasy Bedtime Prayer for Kids
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
And pull the covers up to my head.
I'll dream of dragons and fairies bright,
And pixies and wizards and elves tonight.
I'll dream of some sort of magical place, and
wake in the morning with a smile on my face.
A Psalm for Gaia
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
A Psalm for Gaia
Written by Dolores Stewart Riccio, used with permission
The Earth is my mother, I shall not want.
She nurtures me in green pastures;
she freshens me with flowing waters.
She restores my body and awakens my soul.
Although I walk in the shadow
of changing seasons and passing time,
I will not fear death,
for the essence of life is within me,
the peace and beauty of Earth comfort me.
She teaches me to harvest her abundant gifts,
she fills my heart with compassion,
I drink from the cup of simple pleasures.
As I look to the skies with wonder
at the immensity of the universe,
I know I am blessed beyond measure
to live all the days of my life
in the bountiful house of Gaia.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Excited
Today is my day for my new coven pre-dedication with webweavers of dragontime/witchys nexus.I am waiting now in the open chat room waiting my turn.Once I cast my circle I am sealed in it till the end.I don't have all I needed but found some fill ins to help but hope to have the rest soon.I need colored candles,more then I have.I need an alter cloth,more herbs,pentagram,god and goddess candles and matches lol.I also need my boline knife but have my athame.I am ready to go with my whole set up and even took a pic to save this moment in my witch life from here on.It takes 1/2 hour to do and it should start soon.
So I went to potty break and when I came back she was ready.So we went into a private chat room and did the whole dedication.I had tears through parts of is and I felt it went really well if not great.I feel like a new witch and can't wait to start my first lesson.
Now I must go and make dinner for the family and save my man from our son,he had watch him all alone for me while I did this.
Blessed Be All!
So I went to potty break and when I came back she was ready.So we went into a private chat room and did the whole dedication.I had tears through parts of is and I felt it went really well if not great.I feel like a new witch and can't wait to start my first lesson.
Now I must go and make dinner for the family and save my man from our son,he had watch him all alone for me while I did this.
Blessed Be All!
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