July | 2013 | Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for July, 2013

Day Twenty-Four: Talk it Up

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags Air, astrology, candle magick, duality, esoteric writings, gemini, Lunar, Magick, mutable, numerology, polarity on July 31, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 31

Waning Moon in Gemini

Sun in Leo

The Moon transits into Gemini this morning at 11:42am. We are now in the last quarter phase of our Moon cycle and the time when release and drawing inward is at hand. The astrological sign of Gemini is of the Mutable (flexibility) modality and Air (mind) element. Gemini is typified by its flexibility and agility of shifting course- at times mid-sentence- accessing either side of polarized energy in a heart beat. The symbol for Gemini is the Twins and having had twin girls I totally see the paradox inherent in both being the same and different simultaneously.

Communication is the buzz word of Gemini and the ruling planet is Mercury, which accounts for the attribution of communication as we know of the misunderstandings, delays and general snafus that occur when Mercury goes retrograde (stationary). Hermes, messenger of the Gods is also aligned with the energies of Gemini/Mercury and there is leeway for the trickster to present when accessing these energies. So, in application to the lunar tides and emotions great consideration must be given to what is cursory illusion and what can be claimed as true motive and true feeling.

Gemini is an Air sign so, mind and thought are driving forces in how the energy flows. Put this into the watery lunar depths and there is a strong opportunity for Mind and heart to get on board with one another. The cool things is the opportunity to contrast and compare through the duality that is present. The challenging thing is the opportunity to contrast and compare through the duality that is present (NO NOT A TYPO). This is where some discernment and opening the lines of communication with your Higher self comes into play.

I’m feeling like I have lots to say today, and so far it all has been emotionally driven. Not just surface chatter but a depth that is willing to resurface some things that haven’t seen the light of day for a while. I felt inspired and words were flowing faster than I could type (I really hate not having fingers of warp speed). The energy and atmosphere of the day was one of everyone being super friendly and clamoring to have their voice heard. Tomorrow is August 1st and only a few days more of this exploration which ends August 5th. The Moon will be in Cancer on Sunday August 4th and that will be the evening of the final ritual- The Dark Moon.

So, talk it up today. Really listen to what you have to say. Then see what emotions rise to the surface. How well aligned they are or how misleading they are, despite your good intentions. Then, in true waning style fashion, move within and let go of what is disingenuous and doesn’t quite fit the master puzzle you are crafting piece by piece.

** The numerology for the day is the number 8.

7/31/2013 = 7 + 31 + 6 = 44

4+4 = 8

This is a great synchronicity for this day of Gemini and the polarized action of the energy. The energy of the number eight involves return and release. The shape of the number itself offers mirror reflection of the eternal circle poised one on the other. If turned sideways this is the rounded version of the geometric lemniscate, symbol of eternity. I think of it as the polar opposites of the Gemini expression. Each o the circles are portal or doorways that may either be entered or emerged from. The choice is in the intent and the perspective. The illusion is in which action is actually being taken as one leads directly into the other in a continual pattern of both coming and going. This is much like the duality that can trip up Gemini’s energies. The number eight is also the opportunity to carry froward the higher teachings and experienced gathered in the energy of the number seven and send it on its selected path to be shared and through that sharing be returned in new form to the sharer.

I’ll post more on Numerology on Friday, August 2nd since the moon will be void of course all day. Another little something to just allow to pass carried on the deep waters that flow through.

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Day Twenty-Three: Go Quietly into the Night

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags astrology, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, gemini, Lunar, Magick, planetary days, planetary hours, Tuarus, void of course on July 30, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 30

Waning Moon/Void of Course Day

Sun in Leo

Posted during the Planetary Hour of the Sun

The moon went void today at 11:58am leaving the sign of Taurus behind and preparing to enter the astrological sign of Gemini tomorrow morning at 11:42am. Going with the flow today and not expecting anything, nor pushing anything to happen. The tides will flow as they may and sink in where they need to make new inroads.

As promised today, I am going to use the Sun’s light of Leo and offer some information about the Planetary Days and Hours.

For the most part these references are used most frequently for enhancing magickal workings. The thought being that each of the days has a planet whose energies are in abundance, more easily accessible and align with one of the seven days. Additionally, the day is further broken down into approx. hourly segments with each of the seven planets holding sway on a particular hour during that day. Using both may seem like a lot of trouble to coordinate but if you have a goal that needs an amped up boost of specific energy knowing the order and energies associated throughout and on a given day can further along the energetic flow.

This formulary is based upon the ancient Chaldean system of ordering what are considered the Seven Elder planets. These Elder were those planets that were acknowledged before the discovery of the three newer planets- Uranus- Neptune and Pluto and include:

Sunday = Sun

Monday = Moon

Tuesday = Mars

Wednesday = Mercury

Thursday = Jupiter

Friday = Venus

Saturday = Saturn

The Planetary Hours:

The planetary hours follow the same order of the planets with the first (aprox.) hour of each day ruled by the same planet that rules that day. The remainder of the hours follow the order of those planets that follow sequentially and repeat until arriving at sunrise of the next morning. You’ll note that I have approximate for the hours as they begin at the time of sunrise for each day. Therefore, the times vary from day to day rather than being a concrete 5:00am – 6:00am, 7:00am – 8:00am and so on.

The order would look something like this, with variations in time:

Sunday: Sun – Moon – Mars – Mercury – Jupiter – Venus – Saturn…. repeat all

Monday: Moon – Mars – Mercury – Jupiter – Venus – Saturn – Sun… repeat all

Tuesday: Mars – Mercury – Jupiter – Venus – Saturn – Sun – Moon… repeat all

Wednesday: Mercury – Jupiter – Venus – Saturn – Sun – Moon – Mars… repeat all

Thursday: Jupiter – Venus – Saturn – Sun – Moon – Mars – Mercury… repeat all

Friday: Venus – Saturn – Sun – Moon – Mars – Mercury – Jupiter… repeat all

Saturday: Saturn – Sun – Moon – Mars – Mercury – Jupiter – Venus… repeat all

This can make it a bit tricky to calculate and keep track of, although not impossible to do. I use an online calculator.

The Planetary Energies:

So, how would you use these planetary energies? This will be the topic of future focus Temples of the specific planets, but to get you started here are a few key words that are associated with each planet’s energy and influence.

SUN: WILL- Strengthening, illuminating, masculine in dynamics (not necessarily in form hence Solar Female Deities), enlivening and catalytic spark.

MOON: EMOTIONS- Nurturing, intuitive, feminine in dynamics (not necessarily in form hence Lunar Male Deities), flowing, forming and deepening.

MARS: ACTION- Assertiveness, aggression, change, release, renewal, active healing.

MERCURY: MOVEMENT- Communication, duality, exchange, reasoning and capacity for understanding.

JUPITER: FLEXIBILITY- Expansion, growth, abundance, prosperity and visionary.

VENUS: REFINEMENT- Balance, relationships, agreement, beauty and aesthetics.

SATURN: ORDER- Structure, control, time, rigidity and change through force of pressure.

Putting it all together: This probably seems a bit complex if you are not familiar with some of the basics, but there is great benefit in taking the time to attune to these energies and then applying as needed. This is a little story I wove for myself when learning about the planetary days and their energies.

Sunday is my day for preparing for what needs to be accomplished for the week. I will rest and relax to strengthen myself for the demands of the week and allow those things that will need my attention to be brought to light. Monday is the start of my work week and therefore needs me to be at my best emotionally and to be attentive to how I want my week to flow. I will be flexible in what tasks present and remain open to the opportunities for me to refine my emotional engagements. Tuesday I feel primed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. I already have one day of work behind me and successfully navigated, so I will assert myself where necessary to ensure that extra responsibilities are not unfairly put upon me. Wednesday is mid-week and now I am ready to socialize. Wanted the shelter of easing into my work week on Monday. Tested out the waters of speaking up on Tuesday. So, now I am ready to communicate and make sure that everyone is on the same page in what remains to be one for a successful week. If managed well, I won’t be overbearing or ineffective! Thursday starts the point of total flexibility and ease of shifting into what may have gone overlooked in the first part of the week. I am going to breathe into each task at hand and see how much flexibility it and I have. If possible, I will also try to look ahead at what may creep up unexpectedly and plan a course of action. Friday is here! Last day of the work week and still need to maintain the balance of remaining focused on my work duties and eagerness for the weekend. So, I am going to fine tune how I proceed through this day- don’t want to have to work overtime and don’t ant to rush through and be counting down those last hours or minutes. Slow and steady with grace and ease, that’s my plan to have a beautiful end of the week. Saturday! Woo hoo I made it through the work week. But, only two days to kick back. Ah actually only 1 and three-quarters since I will be planning my next week on Sunday evening. I need to make some fun plans for today. And, then have a back-up if they don’t work out and I feel like I’ve wasted my day off. There is never enough time to relax before I’m thinking about work again. OK, loosen up the reigns a bit and let the day flow of its own accord. Maybe time will stretch if I do this. LOL!

A Simple Beginning:

Prosperity and Abundance:

To draw abundance and prosperity to you, find the planetary hour of Jupiter on a Thursday (Planetary day of Jupiter). During that time, light a candle, visualize yourself as having the prosperity needed for positive outcome. Hold that image concretely in your mind and allow that energy to expand and include all of your endeavors. Note that although Jupiter is often associated with financial prosperity, the expansive quality of Jupiter works upon all manner of things you wish to grow; relationships, creative endeavors, and more.

Bolstering and Renewing Your Physical Strength:

Find the planetary hour of the Sun on a Sunday, the Planetary day of the Sun. Light a candle or sit in the light of sun and draw that energy into your central core. Envision yourself as lit by the Sun from within and see that light of health and vitality expanding outward like rays of the Sun.

Be creative and let intuition be your guide. The brief descriptions I gave about each of the planets barely scratches the surface and with all things magickal there are hidden modifiers and subtleties that don’t always make for hard and fast rules about assignment.

Image: National Parks

Resources: Planetary Hours Calculator

PC/MAC- Lunarium

Based in the UK, so be sure to change the location every day. Good because you can plan ahead and print out the days hours in advance.

They also have an app called Hours that is available for Android and Iphone

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Day Twenty-Two: Holding Ground

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags anchoring, astrology, celestial, cosmic, earth, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Lunar, Magick, Tuarus on July 29, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 29

Waning Moon in Taurus

Sun in Leo

The Moon transited into the astrological sign of Taurus early this morning at 12:43am. It remains in the sign throughout the night and until 11:58a.m. tomorrow morning. Taurus is of the Fixed (structure and stabilizing) modality and the Earth (foundational, manifest) element. Taurus energy is typified by physical pursuits, finances, responsibility and holding firmly onto what you see as the survival support systems you have created- whether they are currently productive or not. This is the energy of immovable fixed manifest form- think perhaps of a mountain that can neither be scaled because it is so insurmountable, nor gone around because the girth is miles in expanse. This is also the energy that if applied to our emotions, can be the great support of return that nurtures and spurs us on towards achieving great things if the necessary shifts and balances are applied.

Today’s energy felt cumbersome and weighty. And, the moving fluidly through the void of course came to an abrupt stop as those waters reached the edge of banked up ground. I think cause I didn’t remain quite as flexible as I had hoped. I realized after thinking through some feelings I had yesterday that were a return to the usual pattens of insecurity and self-doubt, that I can be relentless and stubborn in my holding onto what makes me feel crappy. It’s like the scene you keep replaying in your mind that scares the crap out of you, but somehow you enjoy being out into that state of disarray.

Today is Monday, or Moon day (in assignment of the planetary rulers of each of the seven days). So double dose of the lunar energies; which might account for my perception of heaviness. The grounding quality of earth is factored in with Taurus so I’m thinking of the energy of Earth of Water. The manifest physical container holding gallons of water exerting pressure on that container by sheer mass and volume from the inside. And, of course the polarized pressure holding steady the barrier. This is where caution must be exercised because if you want more water to be added and productively held, the physical container has to be flexible and adaptable enough to expand in proportion. If not, and everything remains rigid in the structure of this physical container you have choice of not adding anymore water, voluntarily releasing some of thee water or allowing the waters to overflow spilling all that you had hoped to preserve in a non-productive way.

So I used the afternoon to really feel the strength that this heaviness has. And, making choie not to add unnecessarily to the produce but to really look at what is already accumulated and trying to get my attention. Not oppressive, but solid, strong and supportive, if I allow the tiny shoots of what I have been working through in my lunar self to reach up through. I want to take this image into my dreamscape tonight and tend and prune using the waning strength what is crowding out the roots that are reaching deep into the soil to anchor firmly.

I will stand my ground in
defense of the truths I perceive.

And, if provoked will
charge with intent and
precise aim as I relentlessly
pursue the source of irritation.

Some would see me as impetuous
and easily stoked to irrational rage
And others would say I was immovable,
stagnant and set in my ways.

Both would be true
for my impetuosity comes
from being firmly grounded and
my grounding takes shape from
the flashes of inspiration I explore.

Excerpted from: It’s Written in the Stars: Taurus. R.Fennelly.2012

Tomorrow the moon goes void at 11:58am. I’m planning to post the promised information about the planetary days and hours so you;ll have them to float on the surface and take seed where they will.

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Day Twenty-One: Entering the Void

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags Aries, astrology, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fire, fixed modality, Tuarus, void of course on July 28, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 28

Waning Moon

Void of Course

Sun in Leo

The Moon remains void all day today and until 12:43am Monday Morning. We’re leaving the energy of Fire (Aries) and transiting into the Earthy foundations of Taurus. I variety of images and analogies came to mind as the day progressed. My initial thoughts were that of the earth, transparent on the surface to the intensity and nature of heated transformation that is taking place below.

This period of transition is one of moving from the Cardinal or initial outpour of energies that was Aries into what will wrangle it into structured form in the Fixed modality of Taurus. Additionally, the movement is from the element of Fire to Earth. The slow and steady burning of a fire that is fueled by wood reducing it down and giving way to the remaining manifest form of ash that is the byproduct.

Emotionally, kinda feels like staring into blackened waters. You know that there is light in there and you sense some sort of structure forming, but it is not yet clear and you are unsure about what the resulting product will be. Not much to do today other than to hold steady as a new foundation is crafted.

I spent some time just looking deeply into the flame of the white candle I had lit at the full moon as I connected to the energies of the day. The words of the poem below rose up as I was writing and I surrendered to the stillness of pause before the moon took its place in the energy of Taurus.

I looked into
The Great deep
And black inky
Waters flowed.

I looked into
The Great deep
And eyes wide with
Wonder peered back.

I looked into
The Great deep
And tiny sparks
Of red flame flickered.

I looked into
The Great deep
And saw the
Newly formed
Foundation of my making
Rising up from flowing
Flame filled waters
to greet me.

Day Twenty: It’s Getting Hot in Here

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags Aries, astrology, cardinal, celestial, esoteric writings, fire, Lunar, Magick, void of course on July 27, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 27

Waning Moon in Aries

Sun in Leo

The Moon remains in Aries all day until it goes void at 10:29pm tonight. Our coven held its Lughnassadh ritual today and the enlivening and energy of the small group who attended was palpable. Overall the energy has an underlying current of electricity running through. People seemed more alert today and overall spirits of those I engaged with were positive and responsive in nature.

Astrology 101:

Sun and Moon are both of the Fire Element. Remember yesterday that I described the life cycle of the Zodiac? Let’s add another overlay. The twelve signs are also divided into the four elemental energies; Air- Fire-Water and Earth. Today we have both the Sun and Moon in different astrological signs, but both in Fire. Fire equates with will and action. The Moon is in Aries – the first sign of the Zodiac and the Sun is in Leo- the 5th sign of the zodiac. So, the Fire of Aries (childhood and youth) is a little gentler and a little less pervasive and intense than the Fire of Leo ( young adult ). Because each of the Elements is assigned to three signs you could also think of the energy of that element being expressed as Dawn- the peak of Noon and Dusk. Each has their own magnitude of intensity although each are components of the same day.

It seemed very easy to navigate today’s energies, allowing myself to simply go with the flow and be fully present in my actions. I have some new ideas that came to the surface today and I am feeling enthused and encouraged that putting forth the effort will produce something worthwhile, whether positive or negative, there will be lessons to be gained.

I’m going to use the strength of the Leo Sun to bolster with the controlled Fire of Will to light the way for emotional energy that is just forming its way of responding and acting. I am going to draw up the memories of my youth and the passion and excitement I had for my dancing. This was fueled, not only by my actions but, my emotions and all the mental planning for the fullness of a career doing what I loved. I am going to harness those emotions to be applied to what my passions, yearnings and goals are now and then sit back and enjoy the view.

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Day Nineteen: A Quick Step

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags Aries, astrology, candle magick, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fire, Lunar, Magick, Pisces, void of course on July 26, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 26

Waning Moon Enters Aries

Sun in Leo

The Moon was void most of the day and entered the Fiery sign of Aries at 5:29pm this afternoon. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and is often characterized as the impetuous of youthful exuberance. The energy is less experienced in how it could be distributed and sees potential at every turn. Everything is new and fresh, with focus on self experiences just as a young child centers on his own insular world. It is not from a selfish view point; but rather just simply because they are just beginning the process of expanding out, exploring other avenues and realizing that there is a much larger world awaiting them. This freshness gives birth to enthusiasm and a certain speed in energetic outpour, that again youth can lay claim to.

A little Astrology 101:

The Zodiacal wheel is divided into twelve astrological signs beginning with the sign of Aries and ending the cycle with the sign of Pisces. One way to look at this energy is to compare it to the life cycles we experience in the course of our lifetime. If we divide the twelve signs into groups of three- the first three signs (Aries-Taurus-Gemini) represent our growth from birth through childhood and into very late teens (birth-18). The next three signs (Cancer-Leo -Virgo) would be roughly our young adult to adult years (19-30). The next (Libra-Scorpio-Sagittarius) could equate with our experiences as we mature, have families, stable jobs and move from the peak of our life’s towards elder years (31-60). And the last three (Capricorn-Aquarius-Pisces) bring us to that stage in our lives where our accumulated experiences are available to guide the next generation of youth and our eventual passing (61+). This is why I gave the designation yesterday to Pisces as being often considered the most mature of the signs, having come to a place of compassion from a lifetime’s experience.

We crossed that threshold today and as the Moon enters Aries, that life cycle is beginning anew. But, more about Aries tomorrow. The interesting thing of note is the polarity that is present now. We are, with the moon moving into the sign of Aries initializing the beginning of the energy of expansion and movement towards growth during a time when the lunar cycle itself is in the waning or contracting phase. If we think of these two dynamics working one on the other, we have a potential here for applying that naivete and youthful energy (Aries) to the deepening (contracting or waning moon) stages of our emotional flow.

After the sluggishness of the morning, it felt like a jump start into Aries. The energy seemed crisper and emotionally I felt more attentive to what was being presented to me. I think this will be a great opportunity to take a new look at some of the tired and less productive emotions and responses I have to certain things. A little charge of new energy and a large dose of enthusiastic intent will go a long way towards shaking up some of the staleness. And, as the moon wanes I am going to move further into that landscape and my emotional bodies. It reminds me of walking on sand in bare feet that is unexpectedly hot and the expanse you have to traverse seems that much longer before being able to dip them into cool, flowing waters.

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Day Eighteen: Meet Me at the Water’s Edge

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags astrology, candle magick, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, mutable, Pisces, void of course, Water on July 25, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 25

Waning Moon in Pisces

Sun in Leo

Today the Moon remains in the sign of Pisces until 2:43pm this afternoon when it goes void until 5:29pm tomorrow afternoon. I am not one who regularly dreams, but last night my dreamscape was full with emotionally charged images and scenarios. I woke up feeling a bit drained. The earlier part of the day felt waterlogged and sluggish and despite my usual morning high amp coffee I felt like I was moving through thick liquid.

This is that flexible, expansive mutable quality of Pisces. You push and it pulls you back a bit. You push harder still and the rebound is even greater. You surrender and push ever so slightly and you find yourself making headway in a productive way. I feel like I’m pushing too hard and the push back is a bit overwhelming. The moon is nearing the end of the three day energy on either side of fullness and the waning and subtlety of its impact is beginning to reveal itself.

I am feeling pressured today to make some choices, all of which I can’t rely exclusively on my mental agility to carry me through. I will need to bring my heart into the equation and try to make decisions that are based on what are the best options for all concerned. My thoughts are that I should be cautious about how much of my emotional self I lend, because I feel as though that is the level that I will be holding as we move into the void this afternoon and through several hours tomorrow. I’m feeling the same anticipation that is felt when you are standing at the edge of the beach. The tide brings water in and you stand just far enough forward on the drying sand to feel the coolness of the water splash over your feet but not so far that the water covers you more than you wish. And, if you go just a few feet more, the sand holds you captive as the tide rushes back to the sea. Not knowing how to swim, this is not in my comfort zone and always feels as though the bottom is falling out underneath me.

Similar to the feeling I’ve had all day. Like there is no anchored bottom of support underneath. Just muddiness and a sinking feeling. This makes me think more deeply abut what I have noticed of my Piscean relatives and colleagues about getting stuck in the stickiness of your own emotions. You mean well, but the outpour is simply more than could be handled and the result is no where to go but down. So, deep breath in to create the needed buoyancy, lay back into the current and let it support you without struggle or you directing the course.

Take a look at the picture below and read through the poem as you sit in the glow of your full and new moon candles tonight. They are a reminder of the ebb and flow of the cycle and the need for the withdrawal of the waters back to their source, often leaving dryness and emptiness where they had so deeply touched. But always, with the promise of return, for there is nothing else they can do but surrender to their natural state of being.

Photo Credit: Lloyd Lauland

Seeker Through the Veil

A Poem of the Energy of Pisces

Compassion spills and overflows
the oceans of my Soul
Each drop moving through
rivulets of prismatic depths.

A cadence of virtuosity as
fingers move in pizzicato
rhythm across ephemeral strings~
the sounds of empathetic release.

Seeker of that which is
just beyond the grasp
slips like sand through
the funnel of glass measured time.

And Devotion pools at the base
of sun-parched throats
that willingly endure the pain
to spare another the distress.

Martyr and miracle
Saint and sacrifice
each flow in opposition
until the water clears
and the darkened path
of return is revealed
in the depths of mysterious
waters as compassion
fills my thirst-quenched
Soul.

Day Seventeen: Looking For Compassion

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags astrology, candle magick, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, Lunar, Magick, mutable, Pisces, void of course, Water on July 24, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 24

Waning Moon Enters Pisces

Sun in Leo

The morning holds the moon void before it transits into the astrological sign of Pisces at 2:22pm this afternoon. Pisces is the last sign on the zodiacal wheel and in the cyclical nature and flow of the zodiac, if compared to the human stages of development would be the Elder of the zodiac. Pisces is of the Mutable (flexibility, endings and the threshold of beginnings) modality and of the Water element. And, since one sign informs and flows into its new form as the next, the visionary mind of Aquarius now pours into the murky depths of intuitive and emotional waters in the most compassionate and empathetic of the signs- Pisces. The symbol for Pisces is that of the Fish which gives some insight into the nature of this sign and the veil through which Pisces must try to reach a point of clarity. For those born with Pisces as a driving force of their natal charts there is great capacity for compassion, empathy and depths of human interaction that causes transformation, but if they are controlled solely by their emotions and see only the murky perspectives that looking through water can produce, they can become the victim that gives all but never really is productive being unnecessarily drained. More about the energy of Pisces tomorrow.

My focus for today is on flowing with my emotions, but also doing the work needed to reserve judgment and assessment of where to spend my emotional energy until I can see more clearly. These thoughts are percolating as I wait out the void of the morning and I am allowing all sorts of images and memories to just move through my consciousness as they will.

My biggest challenge for this moon’s placement is a personal one. My natal sun is Aquarius and I have been surrounded by Pisceans continually throughout my life. My husband, my mother, 3 of our 5 children, 3 bosses and an assortment of others are all natal sun Pisces. Being very logical by nature has presented some discord, learning the art of compromise and major work to balance head and heart to ensure that these relationships are productive for all concerned. With the waning of the moon’s energies and the opportunity for letting go of so tightly holding onto the reins, I want to “feel” my way through these two days. The urgency that was felt as the moon waxed is lessening and there is a kind of calmness that is moving in.

Some of the people that I routinely encounter seem a bit softer around the edges than normally; or perhaps its my intent of projecting from a more compassionate and understanding place that is evoking these responses. Regardless, it also reminds me of the great power we hold in our affect on others. It also reminds me that having a softer side does not necessarily imply weakness or loss of control, but is actually the stronger and more courageous approach. I have seen this repeatedly in my Mother, as well as the extreme of overwhelming misplaced compassion that makes one the victim. I am looking for the balance of light and dark, fullness and void to reshape and remake the foundations I have so rigidly clung to. I am looking for just enough compassion to forgive myself for charging ahead when I should have placed myself in the other’s shoes and speaking my opinions before feeling my way through the consequences of the harshness of those words.

This was the only entry in my journal for today as I stared deeply into the flames of Silver and White candles and envisioned their beams as the twin fish of Pisces.

Open my Soul
To the understanding
Of my heart’s hunger.

Open my Mind
To the intelligence
Of a gentle embrace.

Open my Spirit
To the wisdom
Of a compassionate
Life well lived.

Artwork: Michael McGloin

Day Sixteen: Looking Further

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags aquarius, astrology, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Leo, Lunar, Magick, void of course on July 23, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 23

Waning Moon in Aquarius

Moon Void at 10:01 am.

Sun in Leo

Today has been a rather odd day. I arrived at work very early greeted by seven or so crows on the roof of the building. The air had the quality of Fall and the whole day has felt like the pressure that existed for the days prior had suddenly been released. As I was driving to work I was thinking about the next transit of the moon into Pisces tomorrow at 2:22p.m. and what emotional stirrings that would evoke. Apparently there was a huge thunder storm (and lightening) last night which I slept soundly through. Usually the air feels clean and vibrant the next day, but not the case. Although there was less a feeling of pressure, the air seemed denser as though consisting of finer particles.

The moon went void today at 10:01am and so I am just trying to relax my usual pushing to make breakthroughs that accompanies an Aquarius Full Moon (Aquarius is my natal Sun) and see how much further and more clearly I can see without the unnecessary pressure. Not much to write- it’s just one of those days!

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Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags aquarius, astrology, candle magick, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, fixed modality, Full moon, Lunar, Magick, ritual on July 22, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 22

Full Moon in Aquarius at 2:16 p.m.

Sun Enters Leo at 11:56 am.

Today we arrive at the Full Moon and the progression of the Sun into the astrological sign of Leo. We have moved from the strength and light (the Sun) of the flowing and depth of renewed and healing waters (in Cardinal sign of Cancer) and are now transitioned into the full impact of the Fixed Fire of Leo. It will be the heat and scrutiny of this Solar energy that will work in tandem with that of the lunar cycle we have begun. If you remember I made reference in the beginning that we were starting this journey at the New Moon in Cancer which falls midway after the Sun had moved into the same sign. I like to think of this pattern as the strengthening and bringing into the light of the next phase of energy that the Moon in its Newness will take up the work of refining and softening what has been previously established. Similar to the cooling down and then refining of the heated metal as the sword with direct and sharpness of point is crafted.

Now we have the fixed (or stabilized) energy of the Leo Sun to energize fully the Moon’s flow as the release and waning of the moon begins from the point of fullness here forward. In balance to the Sun’s astrological energy, the Moon is Full in its polar opposite sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is of the Air element and also of the Fixed Modality. The expression of the Full Moon in Aquarius is ripe for expression and bringing to the forefront visionary and creative ideas. The impulse of Aquarius is one of service to humanity- not the individual- but the collective whole of humanity. The tension that is created between the Sun in Leo (Fire and Will) and the Moon in Aquarius (Air and Mind) is often one of ego driven will of the singular “I” (Leo) versus true humanitarian action through inspired thought (Aquarius) for the benefit of “All”. The mid point of balance between these extremes is in balancing the intelligence (Aquarius) of the Heart (Lunar) with Mindful and overt(Solar) action (Leo).

I know this might seem like a lot to process, but there is nothing simple about today’s energies. The potential and the density of that potential in being able to step fully into a more service-oriented capacity is abundant. In fact, one of the attributes of Leo is calling attention to oneself and being in the spotlight as a leader. Add the Aquarian mind of today’s Full Moon and you have the visionary and the role model that can problem solve what the future has yet to birth. So, in simple terms what all of this means is that as we move through the transiting of the Moon in completion of this journey, we can bring these transformed depths of emotion and intuitive sight into the spotlight. We can more fully live and bring into the light of day the example of all parts of our self working in accord with what our vision of that true SELF is. This essence of the ferocity of enlivened Will is going to be useful as we move into the waning cycle of the Moon’s phases and approach the shadow of moon and darkening of Her light.

As I sat in meditation today, these were the energies that I wanted to align with. I envisioned the strength and fire of Leo moving across every corner and space of our planet. I thought of how this Light could heal and cleanse what could no longer hide in the shadows under its watchful eye. I called to mind the ability to process and understand the greater potential that is held within humanity. I thought of the courage needed to step across the threshold of a new age and the energies of Aquarius being informed by compassion and insight. I lit the New Moon and Full Moon candles and gave thanks for the work of anchoring I had done two days prior. I felt the surge of energy and saw as though from great heights out beyond the horizon and the scope of what I could possibly dare to dream. The moon shone full and bright and lit up the sky infused with a deep golden glow that signified the union of Will and Heart. I offered up thanks for all that I have learned about myself so far on this journey and asked for the clarity to be able to share these gifts and insights with others.

Sun roars
And shakes its
Heavy mane
Standing watch
Across brilliance
Of Sky light.

Echoes of low rumbling
Are made by
Man’s beating of
Heavy wing and
Mind soars
Ablaze with
Lion’s golden breath.

Sun filled Lion sits
Regally surveying
All of his lands
As the gentle
Hand of One
Who knows all
Lovingly strokes
His flaming mane.

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Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for July, 2013

Day Twenty-Four: Talk it Up

Day Twenty-Three: Go Quietly into the Night

Day Twenty-Two: Holding Ground

Day Twenty-One: Entering the Void

Day Twenty: It’s Getting Hot in Here

Day Nineteen: A Quick Step

Day Eighteen: Meet Me at the Water’s Edge

Day Seventeen: Looking For Compassion

Day Sixteen: Looking Further

Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

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