Archive for the Retrogrades Category

You’ve Been Served! Pluto Retrograde

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, Saturn, The Temple of Pluto on April 16, 2015 by themagickalpen

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April 16.2015

Pluto Retrograde
11:51 p.m. (EDT)

Under the cover of a night sky and just prior to crossing the threshhold into a new day, Pluto will station retrograde this evening. It remains retrograde through the waxing of solar light and heat and begins its path forward once again in late September, just as the First Harvest begins.

Pluto’s planetary energy holds the potency of reaching deep into past experience, just beyond what is the normal level of introspection and rooted in what has first hand knowledge of death. Mythologically, Pluto is Lord of the Underworld and allows nothing to escape his intense scrutiny. Pluto was known more commonly as Hades and, as the son of Saturn, God of time and structure, learned the measure of time and order as the ultimate place of judgement at the end of life. Pluto stood in good company, his brothers being Jupiter and Neptune; one of expansive force and the other having control over the seas. Pluto took his place as final judge of the dead when the ebb and flow of breath and the waters of life were no longer part of a living being. In much the same way, Pluto stands as the final determiner as we evolve from what we believe of this world and pass into those territories lesser known.

Pluto begins its Retrograde at the mid-point degree (15’33) of the astrological sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is an Earth sign of the Cardinal (first stirrings) modality and as irony would have it, Capricorn’s ruling planet is Saturn. Here we have Pluto wearing the garb of his Father, Saturn, so that structure and order that is typical of Capricorn will be the underpinnings of Pluto’s energy. That statement has even greater depth of meaning given that Saturn is currently Retrograde (March 15th) and in its earliest degrees of astrological Sagittarius. Here we have Saturnian energy fired up and ready to send out its streams of light, always with goal of forging connections. Retrograde Saturn as the dutiful parent is adding his catalytic energies to that of Pluto’s making ready those who will pass through his Gates.

The retrograde stationing of a planet allows for that planet’s energy to be focused fully and directed in such a way that is similar to be under the spotlight of that energy for the duration of the retrograde. The work begins as an in-drawing of breath and energy, distributes itself wherever provocation will provide reaction and then allows the final products to be exhaled forward and out to what becomes the outward expression of what has been changed. Change will always occur, and as they say, you can go kicking and screaming in resistance or surrender to the process and learn from the ride, no matter how bumpy in spots.

Pluto is calling forth the darkness of our underworld and what we thought we had escaped laying them to rest as old and dead issues. Reaching int the darkness of Pluto’s energy also means we are moving into the coldest and furtherest reach we can, with very little concrete information to go on; it largely being an excursion into those “forgotten” realms. I say “forgotten” because we have access to the full breadth of our timeline and its experiences, but have forgotten how to extricate ourselves from the concept of linear time.

Pluto is the ruling planet of Scorpio, and although it is not in the sign of Scorpio the afterglow of its companionship still remains. These are the subtleties of expression, much like those that we acquire the more time we spend with friends and loved ones. Mannerisms, traits and at times more, shimmer through our own individual nature. Scorpio is intense and prone to addictive behavior if not balanced and stabilized. It is also the penultimate sign of change and literal transmutation when accessed in its higher expression. Much like the experience of Death itself that is only the leaving behind of what is known and the passing into a new transmuted form of expression. Sounds like Pluto, huh! This Plutonian gift can be either an echo or a guiding force that navigates the Retrograde from depths (Capricorn’s Sea Goat again) unfathomable to heights unimaginable.

You’ve Been Served!

This Pluto Retrograde is a space where all the joys and garbage of our lifetimes is going to come back full cycle for re-addressing and the calling of ourselves to stand in the place of judge and jury as to what may finally find peace and gain admittance into our own underworld. These will come suddenly and seemingly out of the blue and knowing precisely where you have left yourself most vulnerable.

When you begin opening to these planetary energies, it’s really interesting to note how you can sense the changes coming on a few days (or at times weeks) prior. The air has been thicker as of late and several people I have interacted with have been increasingly dredging up old issues spanning the gamut of emotions and thoughts. This is one of the Capricornian effects. The Sea Goat who is equally at home in the waters (emotions) and the heights of the this air of the mountain tops(mind).

This retrograde will be one of earth experience and hit home at the level of the physical and all that is part of your own secure little world. Issues of health with the recurrence or flair up of what has lain quiet are potentially things that will need to be dealt with and the replacing of old habits that are not in support of longevity and health could use the analysis and rigors of Pluto’s intense focus. Do not be surprised if you feel more weary than usual. It’s a long way out to reaching Pluto and what is occurring at the subtle levels of your being is that long stretching of everything you have as the foundations and reserve of your lifetime (s) not ricocheting back at you. This takes great effort and fortitude with much of this exertion transparent in the space of your conscious awareness.

Pluto’s first stirrings are at the unconscious level and with enough prodding they are brought into the subconscious, often as dreams. Be aware of your dreams during this period. These will give glue to what is being jostled free from those furtherest recesses. The choice then lay within you as to how much further into your waking self you allow them to rise.

There is much to be learned in the dark and the opportunity to cultivate new ways of seeing and navigating. Take this experience of Pluto’s “unknown factor” and use it as an opportunity to reinvent ourself. Use the Capricornian energy to manifest in your present life a resiliency and sure-footedness that keeps you strong and stable on the path of your life’s choosing. Nurture yourself as the son/daughter of a demanding Father (Saturn as the Lord of Time) and call forth the experience of the Primordial Mother that births the universe (Saturn and its Qabalistic relationship to the sphere of Binah, the Great Mother). As Pluto is king of the land of Death, he is also the psychopomp and mid-wife to the new life that will lay in wait to be eventually birthed from that Death in the never ending cycle of time.

Read more about Capricorn here: The Temple of the Sun-Capricorn
Read more about Scorpio here: The Temple of the Sun-Scorpio
Read more about Saturn Retrograde here: Time to Clean House-Saturn Retrograde

The Motherboard – Sun in Aquarius

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, The Temple of the Sun, Uranus on January 20, 2015 by themagickalpen

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Sun in Aquarius
4:44 am (EST)

New Moon in Aquarius
7:59 am (EST)

Waters flow within the
Circuitry of electric form
The aperture opens to
Let in more light and
Macrocosm stretches
Beyond the horizon of gaze.

Borne on wings of creative endeavor
And fervor for the unimagined
The space of physical being
Soars above the fields
Of that which is only
Seen by the keenest of eyes.

Fixed and unshakable
The swirlings of mind
Coil out from the lower
Reaches of the Divine
Returning upon themselves
Upwards towards the apex
Of more refined Light.

And, Man in all his
Glory embraces the
Light body of another
Yet to be realized, but is
Seen through the lens
Of the visionary as
The word ‘namaste’
Is uttered in the
Sacred Silence.

The Sun transited into the astrological sign of Aquarius in the wee hours of this morning at 4:44 am (EST) and 3 1/4-hours later the Moon waxes New into the same sign. A double dose of mind and new beginnings of an astrological sign that brings the Flame of inspired Mind (Sun) of will and the Visionary heart (Moon) of detailed foresight into alignment.

In accord with the subtle irony that permeates an astrological sign that is most at home in the communication of its mental explorations, today is the set-up for Mercury (communication) to station Retrograde tomorrow at 10:54am.(EST) and remain so until February 11th.

I told my tales and spoke my truths
Words taking form quicker than
Tongue could send them forth.

I shared my visions
Of a world and people
Guided by Thought’s greatest gifts.

And on the day when all
Would be seen and the
Visions would come to life
Breath hovered mid-air
Waiting for breeze of forward flow

And all remained silent held

In Mercury’s ecstatic embrace.

Aquarius – The Water Bearer

The astrological sign of Aquarius is one of the Element of Air and the Fixed Modality. Its planetary ruler is Uranus; the dynamo of electrical charge that catalyzes and prods change from the status quo. The natural energy of the Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum, now has the assistance of stable mind that is expressed in lightening thought and creative invention. The Sun in Aquarius goes about its work of inspiring everyone to think outside of the box and explore the nether reaches of the vision of what could be. This is the opportunity to embrace technology, science and the Cosmos as you find your place of inspiration within it.

The caution with Aquarius is moving so far from the human experience as the mind reaches further and further away from the perceived limitation of human form that a cold and detached demeanor can develop. Aquarius is considered the great the humanitarian; but the truth of that humanism lay in the ability to willingly sacrifice the one for the greater good of the all. Uranus’ emphasis on an electric like style of communication further complicates this tendency as each new experience lights up the individual continually piquing an already ever seeking curiosity. In this way, the impression becomes one of a knowledge “junkie” ever seeking the next fix in new experience, new book and new world’s to greedily assimilate.

Uranus is the ruling planet of Aquarius. Its quality is that of pure energy and catalytic stream that pulses life into everything it encounters. In Aquarius this manifests as having the ability to act as a catalyst to spur humanity on towards its highest expression. Thoughts move through the Aquarian mind like downloads of information, often making it difficult to articulate in an emotional and meaning-filled way. With the energy of Uranus, Aquarius becomes the “Motherboard “ of the master computer without whose components the computer would not work nor be able to bring to light the varied forms of communication and information needed for advancement.

Saturn is the co-ruler of Aquarius which brings the dimension of self-discipline and great structure to the energy that Aquarius offers. Saturn’s aspect of time gives the overshadowing that in the Aquarian expresses as being conversant of all time- past-present and future- concurrently and in a way that can extract the best and most viable material that is gathered into the next great invention. The regimented approach of Saturn’s energy expressed through Aquarius gives the appearance of being unwavering in their stance and opinion and having total disregard for others input. The Aquarian sees this structure as a necessary means towards a goal that is yet unrealized by most.

The Element of Air

Aquarius is an Air sign. The quality of air expressed in Aquarius is a mind that has the ability to absorb great amounts of information and then analyze, organize, sort and glean exactly what is needed for the solution. We saw mind expressed as Gemini and the ability to circumnavigate and change course instantaneously as its communicative style. And, we experienced the balanced and harmonious mind of Libra seeking to refine all that enters into the equation. Now, we have arrived at the place of synthesis of both of these styles and their conversion in a product with greater potential for expression that reaches far and wide in its impact.

A Fixed Modality

As we have already experienced with the Fixed signs their primary directive is that of taking all that lay on either side of its stability- the initial catalyst and the flexible ending- and provide the structure and boundaries that will allow them to interact and interweave their singular strengths. The first Fixed sign we encountered was one of Earth- Taurus- and provided the ultimate container of strength and stability in manifest form.

The second of the Fixed signs was expressed through a Fire sign, Leo and served to bring into the spotlight what needed restructuring and what would act as the magnetic source attracting to itself more of this brilliant light. This energy stood strong in its convictions and had the strength of will and the courage to defend its actions required to develop the necessary discipline to hold true to the course.

The third of the Fixed signs was expressed as Watery Scorpio. This is an energy, whose goal is one of dipping deeper into the hidden motivations that are the seedings of an inspired heart. These are the waters that seek appropriate boundary on the shores of one’s own experience and carve the inlets that will quench the thirst of a desire to become and to know more of one’s true nature.

Arriving in the space of Aquarius and the inventive mind, the Fixed quality is expressed in being able to direct the flow of thought both an involutionary and evolutionary flow. This circuit is the basis of retrieving information that is both relevant in the present and cutting deeply into the emerging future. The experience of the past serves as background reference, having been retrieved from Scorpio’s probing in the unconscious self, and is quickly left behind as warp speed carries the Aquarian towards future plans.

Strength and stability
Are the footprints left
On earth’s foundational
Form and I stamp my foot
In acknowledging my
Own presence.

The Sun beats down hot
And un-relentless in what
It will extract from my essence
And calls me to be courageous
As I move forward on my path.

I step into the cool waters
To soothe a burning heat
That has held me strong
And secure in my determination
The waters rise in recognition as I 
Sink into their inly black depths.

I rose from the turbulent surface
Up towards the heavens and into
The blackness of time and space
My thoughts the constant companions
That guide me across star filled sky.

I dream and see the visions of a
Newly dawning day and now
Ablaze with information’s light
Descend to answer humanity’s call.

The New Moon in Aquarius

The Moon waxing New in Aquarius provides an extra bolster of energy to explore the recesses of your thoughts and inventive inspirations. Brainstorming and problem-solving with creative outlook as the primary directive are well suited to Aquarian energy. Calling upon Uranus can expedite the mental pursuits, although overload can also result much like the flow of electrical current that is too strong for what the amps can withstand. Let your imagination take center stage knowing that this is often the greatest source of “thinking outside the box”. Although the emphasis is on the “I” with Aquarian energy, that “I” can be experienced as the Higher Self and the information sought and received that of illumined mind.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in Pisces tells its own unique story of the astrological wheel. Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the Zodiac. Capricorn acted as the testing ground for what could become reality and served as the affirmer of the resilience and sure-footedness that can be achieved in the steepest of heights and the deepest of depths.

Aquarius’ image is that of the water-bearer; pouring its life giving waters out for humanity to drink. The mystery lies not in the water being poured, but in the empty space left in the vessel now awaiting the filling of water that will next sustain. Nature abhors a vacuum so the implication is that we must freely give of our resources so that we may receive what will be needed anew.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening Fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Now enlivened by the desire to “know”, the healing and nurturing (Cancer- Water) of what no longer serves this goal is brought front and center into the Light of Day (Leo-Fire) to be strengthened as it is readied for the detailed analysis of Virgo (Earth) that seeks to create a new form for its manifestation. Libra (Air) applied the finishing touches to what Virgo had reduced to the most essential components. Using the adaptability and deftness of a mind that could easily calculate and mentally weigh both benefits and detriments, Libra moved with skill and grace to accomplish what was made ready.

The energy of Scorpio provided the necessary prodding to explore the deeper aspects of the emotions and access the hidden keys of memory that has been hidden and within the fires of Sagittarius, the forging of what was tempered in the waters of transmutation into a more flexible and expansive form is at hand. Sagittarius looked out at the night sky and did not see only darkness, but imagined the beauty of what lay beyond sparkling from the heat of stellar light that are the wishes, hopes and dreams released to be share by the Cosmos. This vision shone brightly within the realm of the human experience as Capricorn moved through terrain that is unforgivable, yet still finds its place of acclaim atop the highest mountain. Now, having gathered all that is needed to proceed fully informed and ready to reach new levels of understanding, Aquarius releases its inventive spirit and visionary insight for all to make use of.

The Motherboard

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This solar month is one of focus on the steps taken towards achieving each goal. This energy relates directly to what and how the Mind processes information and then provides all that is needed to create anything from it. Aquarius rules the 11th House of the Zodiac. This is the house of alliances, partnerships and organized community. Aquarius serves as the glue that continually shifts the direction of those alliances and organizations prodding them always forward towards future goals. This is the Solar month of identifying where your inventive skills lie and being open to the possibilities as technology advances and new products and ways of communicating develop at a rapid pace. Aquarius loves the future and all that is available to enhance the process of retrieving information.

In the chronology of the Zodiac, this phase of this Solar journey carries us into Aquarius and the opportunity to envision a brighter future and then support its creation with fact, formula and sound information. This is the energy of the maturing man or woman who leads by example and provides the blue print for what soon will be. The knowledge achieved in Aquarius is what carries forward next into the final sign of the Zodiac- Pisces. Having placed the final touches on what can be achieved by seeing more, the heart opens to an understanding of all loving compassion and the wisdom of humanity serving humanity as a collective and Divine whole.

And, so with the innovative vision of Aquarius, we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle. Once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to a point in time when you were amazed by a scientific finding or received your first computer, tablet or smart phone. The excitement and the power you felt in having this information readily available and the joy in being able to share what you had learned. This is the gift of Aquarius.

As you read through the invocation, think about what each line of reference evokes within you and stimulates your own desire to hold as mystery that only you can reveal as you seek its deeper meaning. What goals are stirred as you read of RA’s power as expressed within the heart felt words put to paper. This is the power of planning and standing strong in your humanity as you pursue these goals. Use this gift wisely this solar month as we invoke the Solar month in Aquarius and awaken those fires of RA to quicken your surrender to the death of false perception and the rebirth of who you truly are.

Hymn to RA

All Hail to Thee, Mighty RA
Blaze of noon day sun.
Your fiery orb high in the
Sky above as we kneel
Beneath the heat of
Your radiance.

All the Gods bow to your radiance
All the Goddesses sing hymns of praise
To Your glory and man
Lays prostrate in humility
And devotion at the altar of
Your making.

Sweet music of adoration and offerings
Brought forth from the Black Land
Rise up in praise and thanks for
Your Sustaining Light.

All darkness flees at the touch of Your hand
All ceases its movement as Your expansive
Rays stretch across the morning sky.

The lotus opens to receive Your Touch
And the sands glisten as rare jewels
As You gaze upon each grain washed
Clean in the boundless ocean that
Reflects the brilliance of your face.

All Hail to Thee
Amun-RA
All Hail to Thee
Who sits high
Above the world.

Khepra in the East
Atum in the West
Whose eye holds the
Point of Life and the
Trifold Arc of Power.

Your eyes see all and
You are the place of return
Within the glowing blackness
Of the Midnight Sun.

All Hail to Thee
All Hail to Thee
Amun, Amun, Amen!

What Sort Are You? New Moon in Virgo

Posted in Auspicious Days, Esbat, New Moon, Retrogrades, The Temple of the Sun with tags , , , , , , on August 25, 2014 by themagickalpen

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August 25.2014

New Moon in Virgo
10:13 am (EDT)

Sun in Virgo

The Moon enters its Maiden (New) phase this morning in the astrological sign of Virgo. The New Moon is an excellent time to begin workings that require the energy of the initial flow needed for beginnings. One of the correlates would be the energy of the sunrise or dawn. A new day is a beginning that is packed full with the potential to become whatever you desire most by the time it reaches the fullness of mid-day. So too, the lunar cycle of the New Moon offers the opportunity to harness the energy of expansion towards the fullest expression of what you wish to bring into manifestation at the Full Moon.

The collaborative efforts of the Sun and Moon offer the exchange of transformative (Sun) fires held in the foundations of Mother Moon’s flow. Virgo’s energy provides the vessel of container that offers the ability to sift and sort through what fills its. The New Moon is the first phase of that process and as the Moon and Sun Wax in energy each new step reveals another layer to be processed. When we reach the Fullness of the Moon’s energy all that has gathered from that process has been readied for the heart-centered flow of the Pisces Full Moon.

The energy of Virgo is one of defining through the process of analysis and a Virgo New Moon offers the opportunity to sift through our emotional waters and filter in a purposeful way that reveals the nuggets of Gold hidden within. Add the dynamic of the Sun’s energy and we have the support of the masculine and feminine principles, collaboratively working together in support of manifesting a stable foundation that is both prosperous and abundant. This is the earthy quality of Virgo and the ability to draw from its resources concrete and useable products.

The energy of the New Moon expressed through this process of testing and analyzing offers the opportunity to align heart and what we “feel” about whatever the Virgo energy is focused upon as an additional measure of its viability before it is broken down into the parts that become the sum total of a new whole.

Let’s Talk About It

Mercury, the planet of communication is also in the astrological sign of Virgo. The Virgoan energy creates a communication style that is riddled with detail. And, I do mean “riddled”. This gives the dynamic of lots of information to be shared about a singular query. So much so, that the answer may seem to be so buried and the means by which it is communicated so muddled by facts and statistics that it’s difficult to receive the simpler message.

More Layers of Detail

The three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto remain retrograde. These are the planets that were discovered in more modern times and are considered to be the higher amplifications (esoteric expression) of three of the Seven Elder Planets:

Electrically Charged Uranus in Fiery Aries adds dynamic awareness to talkative and naturally head-strong Mercury

The veiled Watery depths of Neptune (and His Trident of Fire) in Pisces lifts the loving refinement of Venus to a place of compassion

Pluto in Earthy Capricorn finds the cyclical wisdom of peace and regeneration in the brutality of Mars’ aggression and wielding of death’s mark

Uranus has been slowly and incrementally turning up the volume on our neurological receptors. With the advent of this New Moon, the ability to concretely hone in on what needs the closer scrutiny of Virgo’s New Moon may seem like a moving target. Take some deep breaths and consciously slow down the approach. The Moon as She begins her phase of Waxing will offer the healing waters that can be used to quiet this frenetic energy. The key here is finding the balance between productive stimulation that calls us to action aiding Virgo’s need to analyze and giving body and mind the adequate rest and relaxation that will prevent the process from overwhelming.

Neptune provides the gift of being compassionate and gentle with ourselves as we peel back the layers of all aspects of ourselves with Virgo’s assistance. Tap into these deeper waters of the emotional self with the attitude of gifting yourself with the grace and intuitive sight to see clearly and respond appropriately to what is reveled in this journey of excavation.

The Pluto retrograde in the astrological sign of Capricorn continues its efforts to bring into realization the mistakes and successes of past efforts. The goal is one of strengthening what moves forward from this point in a way that will insure that the resultant action taken will stand the test of successfully navigating future challenges. Pluto, in its form as the planet associated with Death and ancestral knowledge offers great potential for acceptance of the frailty of what we build if we only see its permanence defined in the present moment. The gift of Death is in the ability to reach back into the reserves of what created the being that we currently are and realize the impermanence of that vision as ever changing and reforming into what is continually in the process of being birthed anew.

The opportunity during this Virgo New Moon and as the Sun also waxes in strength under Virgo’s scrutiny lay in being able to access the Plutonian wisdom of all time and all space and use this as an additional layer of support as Virgo goes about its work of refining. Capricorn is an Earth sign very much aligned with the mind-space of physical and spiritual vessel of self and can serve to inform more deeply the space of “between” what we have as past learning and what we will become. This is the space of the present where we are able to make the adjustments needed.

The slowing of their orbits and seeming pause invokes a vision of being under the watchful gaze of developed mind (Uranus), heart (Neptune) and Will (Mars) to act. I would encourage you to re-read the posts about Uranus and Neptune’s Retrogrades.

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting the Light

Lifting the Veil: Neptune Retrograde

What Sort Are You?

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Take some time on the eve of this New Moon to sort through how you define yourself in the physical world. What are your strengths? What would you like to bolster and strengthen? Writing it down gives your impressions a concrete and tactile energy as the words manifest on the paper.

Now, look at what you have written and as you go through each trait, pause and allow your feelings (Moon) to settle in around what that trait is. This is the narrowing down process. When you’ve gone through each thing, select one that you would like most to really dig a deeply into and cultivate. This will be the focus of your intent of working as you move through the Solar Month.

Sit in quiet reflection and begin to allow yourself to open responsively, ready to take a closer look at the trait you have selected. As you move through this month, the energy waxing toward the Full Moon, spend some time each day peeling back the layers that comprise this trait and being open to the opportunities that may present that enable you to express this trait in a deeper way.

The process would look something like this:

One of the characteristics I would like to explore more deeply and refine is my impatience. I move and think very quickly and at times become (unjustly) annoyed when everyone else does not keep pace. As I sit under Virgo’s New Moon and make this the focus of my efforts, I am going to analyze why I choose to respond in this way. I would also be considering how it may make other’s feel when I respond impatiently. As I move through the Solar Month, I will continue to explore this response and pause and make note whenever I perceive myself to be impatient.

As I sit in my daily meditation, I will revisit this state of impatience and identify what prompted it, analyze I this was an appropriate response or simply me reverting to natural tendency. I will incrementally and purposefully gather this information and with each addition to what I come to know about the reasons for my response in this way, I will be able to fine tune how and when to use it in a productive way.

An Additional Note for Consideration:

Mars (assertion and action) is conjunct (working in collaborative support) Saturn (order and) structure today (3:30 p.m.). This would be an optimal time to use this energy of action in an orderly and structured way as an adjunct to the already very methodical Virgo. Whatever you choose to sift and sort through will be supported by taking the action needed to reestablish order as it is re-assembled by Virgo’s grace.

 

Read More About Virgo Here:

Analysis and Building- New Moon in Virgo

Analyze This! Full Moon in Virgo

 

Temple of the Moon Postings:
Day Six: Still Waters All Around Me! – Waxing Moon in Virgo

Day Five: Let Me Break It Down – Waxing Moon in Virgo

Day Four: Cubism – Waxing Moon in Virgo

 

Next Post:
Sun in Virgo – Details of the Tree
Sunday, August 31.2014

Uranus Retrograde: Deflecting Light

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, Uranus with tags , , , , , , on July 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

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10:53 p.m.
Stations Direct: December 21.2014*

By definition deflection is… the act of changing or causing something to change direction (Merriam Webster Dictionary). I’ve chosen this analogy for the Uranus Retrograde as a way of defining the potential held in being able to actually feel the impact of an energy that normally moves rapidly and transparently through our being. We flip the light switch in our home and the room is illuminated. We don’t think about the process that has gone into the efficiency of that action and at times we even perform that action as transparent habit. But, everything that goes into the speed of connect between transformer, wiring, switch and hand transforms the space we are in and thus our perception and abilities to perform optimally in that space. This is the energy of Uranus.

Uranus Stations Retrograde in the astrological Fire sign of Aries of the Cardinal modality at 10:53 pm (EDT) tonight. Being expressed through the energy of an astrological Fire sign adds to the intensity of this planet’s energy and the pulsing of electrical current that runs much like high amp voltage throughout. Uranus is the planet of upheaval largely because the energy and inspiration from it comes quickly and seemingly unexpectedly. The key word here is “seemingly” because in reality the groundwork has been laid, although often in a transparent way, and once the path is open for use energy pours through effectively and efficiently. The rebellious attribution associated with Uranus refers more to the natural byproduct of disruption that will occur pushing us out of our comfort zone and/or apathetic state and less to it being the youthful upstart that simply wants to reek havoc because he/she can. There is purposeful action in Uranus’ breaking through and the end goal is one of making sure that all lines of communication are open, ready to receive and disburse and respond quickly when needed.

Uranus is the great electrifying current that rebelliously stirs up whatever its force is put upon. This planet is considered the higher octave of the planet Mercury, the great communicator. The communication set into motion with Uranian energy is that of blazing its way through the circuit boards and enlivening and quickening instantaneously. During this retrograde everything will feel slightly off-course, primarily because of the build-up of energy that has now slowed its speed and exerts pressure wherever an obstruction is found. If it can’t get through, it will most definitely go around, which will feel like additional pressure in areas that may have ordinarily been the outliers. If the electricity can’t go through the wire directly it will back up and short-circuit or disperse fiery charges all along the path.

Additionally, Uranus acting as a motherboard of communication moves at the speed of light, which means this energy quickens and transforms by agitation and exciting the “cells” of whatever it is placed upon. Physiologically, this out pictures as an over stimulation of neurological function. No doubt you may have felt particularly “ansy” for no reason. Because Uranus will for the next several months be hovering in its focused intent it will have the feeling similar to that of pent-up energy that is held in a container that must remain still. Think back to how you felt as a child wanting to ask a question of a parent who was busy at the moment, and you were told to sit quietly and wait until Mom or Dad were off the phone!

Saturn stationed Direct yesterday, July 20th so the rigid container and need for ultimate structure that Saturn has imposed begins its process of loosening as it returns to its forward movement. That doesn’t mean that there still won’t be the tug of war between organized Saturn and scattered Uranus, but the responsibility will now lie within the prevue of Uranus to hold firmly on to what it ignites and allow focused will to form the suitable container for it to be released in time.

Neptune in astrological Pisces and Pluto in astrological Capricorn still remain in their retrograde pattern so we can, if desired, apply the Uranian charge to the deep waters of Neptune as use them to cauterize and heal wherever e feel an overload of electrical discharge. Additionally, Pluto in earthy Capricorn can bolster those over heated wires with re-calling into our physical mundane activities the memories of strategies and coping skills that kept us moving with confidence and assuredness even when we were the most energetically challenged.

Bottom line is that there is lots of shuffling and shifting of emphasis as the planetary energies move into their next dance of interaction. Where you choose you focus these energies depends greatly on what you are hoping to gain by way of change. If you wish to clearing those blockages (of mind or will) that keep you from feeling the energy and pulse of quickened life use the cobalt blue streams Uranian electrical fires. If you want to focus on stirring up what fuels your compassionate and healing nature work with the intention of green flow of Neptune (stations Direct in November).

And, if you wish to manifest the forgotten pieces of your existence move through the yellow stream of Pluto’s(stations Direct in September) synthesis of form. And, the life’s blood that carries the DNA and collective memory of you as a being of Light flows through the red stream. These are the multiple streams of light that are refracted through the prism of your energetic and physical fields. How that light is deflected into the singular beam of pure brilliant Light depends on how we choose to use these retrogrades of transformation. Be kind and gentle with yourself during these next few months, offering the least resistance so that the opening to a new way of shining that inner light can take hold.

Tomorrow the Sun enters the Fixed Fire sign of Leo and things
are going to heat up even more during this Solar Month.

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* Triple Header: Uranian energy begins to awaken from its pause of intensity on the date of:

The Winter Solstice

This will be the longest night of the year as we stand ready and waiting the glimmer of dawn’s Light and the beginning of the waxing of the Sun. This is the point where we are able to gather to ourselves what we wish to bring forward from the dark landscape within for closer scrutiny and what we choose to remain behind. This would include those catalytic impulses that have been building up steam and readying to be propelled forward in typical Uranian style.

New Moon in Capricorn and Sun Transits into Earthy Capricorn

Bear in mind that Capricorn is an Earth sign of the cardinal Modality. Its prime directive is that of manifesting in the earthly realms. This is a sign of physical and very concrete realities, so with the boost of New Moon (beginnings) energy and a Cardinal (catalytic components for beginnings) Earth (physical) astrological sign of Capricorn holding the space for Uranus’ energy to push through any blockages we have created for ourselves using whatever we have energized during the retrograde to be brought into our physical and manifest existence.

Take Me Home- The Sun in Cancer

Posted in Auspicious Days, Retrogrades, The Temple of the Sun with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Sun in Cancer

6.21/2014
6:51 am (EDT)

Planetary Ruler: Moon

Summer Solstice

Mysterious Course

Follow the stream
As it weaves on its own
Mysterious course.

Moon rises and waters
Of life ebb and flow back
To the shore of foundation.

Emotion wells up and
Spills out strongly changing
Everything in its path.

Relax into the current
And trust in the
Depth of its reach
The waters will heal
If you sink into their
Loving embrace.

The Sun transits into the astrological sign of Cancer, early this morning. The world will be awakening from the dreamscape and early morning rituals of preparing for work, breakfast, getting children off for activities and everything that speaks of home life and family is just beginning the day. This is appropriate timing for the Sun’s transit into the astrological sign that is the quintessential symbol of hearth and home.

The astrological sign of Cancer is one of the element of Water and the Cardinal Modality. Its planetary ruler is the Moon, whose qualities of emotion, intuition and healing nurtured by the Great Mother are overt in our mundane and spiritual efforts. The natural energy of Father Sun, that of shedding great light on whatever is in its spectrum is now cooled and comforted by the soothing waters of Mother Cancer’s natural gifts.

This solar month offers an opportunity to settle back into the arms of what nurtures you. There is maximum potential for the healing of old wounds, crafting new and deeply fulfilling relationships and feeling the warmth of Summer’s Sun enveloping you in the same warmth of a loving embrace. The astrological sign of Cancer brings this energy to the place of new beginnings and fresh starts as we explore what motivates us at an emotional level and who and what we consider home.

Additionally, this Solar month is an opportunity for alignment of the polarities of Sun and Moon (ruling sign of Cancer). This alignment occurs at the level of the mundane as well as the spiritual. When we feel safe, secure and nurtured (Moon/Cancer) we go on to display these same qualities to all we meet, shining brightly and magnetically attracting more of the same (Solar).

The caution is one of overindulging the emotional aspects to the point of overflow and over sensitivity. Feelings can quickly overtake us when it comes to family (and friends) and what was meant to keep connection flowing can quickly turn to smothering and stagnant waters. Digging deeply into our emotional reserves brings much satisfaction in the long run, but diving head first into waters that have not been tested for appropriate depth can produce a broken spirit that requires long and masterful healing.

All of the Water signs fully embrace the ebb and flow of the emotional tides. Cancer not only embraces, but to a large degree embodies water at its most human and vulnerable level of expression. We all wish for a loving home life and fulfilling relationships. This is not the selflessness of Pisces (also Water) that prefers to provide that home or the expectation of Scorpio (also Water) that believes it to be their right. In the case of Cancer this is the seeking of affirmation that they are indeed lovable unconditionally. If this awareness is achieved by loving oneself in this way and is tended well and nurtured this is the greatest gift that astrological Cancer can bestow.

The Element of Water

The Water signs express themselves through the filter and guidance of emotions. These are the most intuitive of the signs and can also be the most emotionally overwrought if care is not taken to set boundaries in place. In the sign of astrological Cancer, water is most at home moving with the ebb and flow of the moon’s pace. Those born under the sign of Cancer are generally homebodies and loyal to a fault that seek connection at the deepest of the emotional levels. These are the outpourings from the womb of creation.

A Cardinal Modality

As we have seen the energy of the Cardinal signs is one of catalyzing and initiating new beginnings. The first Cardinal sign we encountered was appropriately one of Fire and served to begin the cycle of the Zodiacal wheel and Solar Year. The initiating quality of this sign was one similar to that of striking a match, setting fire to the will to create and providing the fuel to carry that intent forward.

The Cardinal energy expressed through a Water sign initiates the emotions in a way of pushing the boundaries of these waters out beyond what would hold them hidden in the subconscious. This is the catalyzing of longing and yearning which ultimately will produce the vessel of receipt that brings to term the desired goal.

Be gentle as you rush out
Spilling greedily from
What has been opened.

My heart reaches out fervently
Seeking the embrace of home.

Oceans fill my cup of
Yearning to know the
First stirrings of love.

I am cast about on
Waters that bubble up
Tumultuous at times
Hungering for a companion.

Let these waters of need
Erode away the shores of
What holds me back from
Reaching those I hold dear.

Let the waters flow
Fully and deeply that
Carry me home to you.

The Next Step

Knowing how each sign moves to the next and the interaction between each as they evolve towards completion (and threshold of renewal) of the wheel in the astrological sign of Pisces tells its own unique story of the Wheel of Time. When we reach the last sign of the zodiacal wheel, Pisces, we will have experienced four (4) rounds of the three forms of energy expressed as the modalities (Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable). Maintaining the idea of the evolving dynamics of each of the Zodiacal signs as we move through the solar year, so too, the Triad of Modalities gains a more momentum, maturity and focus of application as we move through each of these rounds.

Cancer is the fourth* sign of the Zodiac, and begins a new Triad of the Modalities Cardinal to Fixed to Mutable, each flowing into the other. Being of the Cardinal Modality, the quality of Cancer is that of beginnings and catalytic flow. These are the first bubblings up of what will become a life giving stream of water. These are the first and tentatively offered words of love offered to one you hope will become a lover. This energy is the first bond made between mother and new baby as precious mouth cries out for the nourishing flow of Mother’s milk and comforting breast.

If we look at the dynamics of energy thus far, beginning with the Cardinal sign of Aries, we could think of the three signs that begin the astrological wheel as the quickening fires (Aries- Fire) within the body of manifestation (Taurus- Earth) that gives rise to aspiring towards the heavens (Gemini- Air). Arrival at the next iteration of a new cycle of the Triad of Modalities and beginning this new flow in the sign of Cancer aligns mind with heart and the ultimate catalyzing of what stands fully in the Light of day.

* The number 4 represents stability and foundation. This is the geometric shape of the square; equilateral sides that support and provide a stable base to expand in any direction. This is the quality of Cancer. The love we know (or lack of) plays a great role in how stable and anchored we feel in all of our subsequent relationships. The work of Cancer is restructuring and shoring up our emotional foundations so that we thrive and are able to love and be loved.

The Moon is the Ruling Planet of Cancer. Just as the tides move in a pattern of ebb and flow, so too does the energy of Cancer in affecting the mood and emotional tone of any situation. The natural tendency of Cancerian energy is that of creating foundations that flow and move in accord with what is felt. Safety and security, particularly at an emotional level are a requirement for movement out of that comfort zone to occur. The ease with which this occurs is based in what is considered home with those thought of as family being high on the list of priorities in any consideration. Trust and feeling comfortable in any situation are also attributes that require cultivation when Cancer is in full force. This is prime energy for cultivating deep and lasting connections to what you truly love and feeling secure enough in that love that you are willing to put yourself (emotionally) out there.

Read more about the dynamics of the Moon and Her changeable face in:

The Temple of the Moon

Preparing the Way

At this time of the year in the Northern hemisphere, we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the vibrancy of life and all that has come to fruition. This is the space of the year where we gather to celebrate educational achievements, weddings, vacations and any special occasions that offer us opportunity to be with those we cherish. We geared up for this outreach in the previous month of Gemini as we moved outdoors and became more expressive in the ways we connected and communicated. Now we link the heart of follow through in the plans and promises we made and the ways we have chosen to express our appreciation and pride in those near and dear. The vibrancy of the Sun and the heart focused energy of Cancer lights the way to safe harbor. Home becomes the place of picnics and barbecues and we gather our stores of all the sunshine and moments of interaction; knowing that the Light is waning and the home and emotional ease we have created will be our sanctuary in the winter storms ahead.

In the Southern Hemisphere the emphasis is on the beginning of the Waxing year and the return of increasingly longer sunlit and warmer days. The generating of ideas and the flow of communication expressed in the previous month was one of introspection sheltered from the cold as the armchair inventor and awaiting the burgeoning light of the upcoming Solstice. Now, as the Solar Year transits into the comfort of Cancer, what has offered the comfort of home and family is ready to be infused us as we enter a state of enlivened and newly birthed light within. These foundations of emotional stability and resource will serve well as we venture outdoors with the coming of Imbolc and Spring.

Both are states of movement and require the flexibility of expansion and contraction. This is the ebb and flow of Mother Moon and the opening to her gifts of healing and emotional attachment. The lessons of relationship gained by lighting up those emotional bonds with the outer world (Summer Solstice) or of the inner self (Winter Solstice) have opportunity to reach deeply into the core of who we are as we heal and transform how we “feel” our way through our lives. The goal is one of stimulating the flow of these precious waters to soothe and heal what will receive the full expression of strengthening and Light in the months ahead. This state paves the way for the next phase of growth and expansion when the Sun transits next into the Fixed sign of Leo (whose ruling planet is the Sun! We’re Going to Heat it Up!).

Read more about the Solstices their dynamics of Light:
WitchVox: Sabbat Articles and Poems

It’s All About the Feeling

As we transit into the Solar month of Cancer, the planets – Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and Neptune remain retrograde. The emphasis here is on the Neptune Retrograde and its watery connection to Cancer. Neptune is the ruler of the third of the Watery astrological signs, Pisces. If we wish to think chronologically, Cancer is the child who seeks the approval of family and thrives in a home that is loving, supportive and caring. Scorpio (the second water sign) is the young adult who seeks attachment in a more mature and often sexual way; seeking those partnerships that may evolve into the creation of what they desire their familial and home life to be. Pisces (the third water sign and last of the Zodiacal wheel) is the elder, who has memories of lovers and loves past, knows the expanse of their emotions and freely gives those healing waters to all in need.

This added emphasis raises the waters of our intuitive and feeling nature as we move through the Solar Month. These are the waters that allow all that you wish and hope for to be energized and supported by what you have learned about yourself through past experience and relationship. These are the waters that allow you to be fully present as you create your own space of nurturing. These are the waters that run strong and free carrying you to parts of yourself, yet unknown.

Read more about Neptune’s Retrograde:
 Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde

Take Me Home:

This solar month is one of connecting more deeply to family, friends and home as you relax into the healing waters that nurture and sustain you. In the chronology of the Zodiac, this is the space of time to reassess, strengthen and re-forge the bonds to those we offer our devotion and loyalty to, both mundanely and spiritually. This is also the time to allow the drifting away from you that which keeps you submerged and anchored in a way that is not productive. This is the emotional phase of the teenager who sees the world through eyes that are still trusting and at times leave them open to heartache and hurt. This is the space of first loves and having the security of family which allows you to stray a little further away from that base as you explore the world around you. Instinct and intuition are just beginning to mature and hormones flood bodies that live in a world of emotional drama and angst as they seek to define who they are.

And, so in the spirit of Cancer’s intuitive and unpredictable waters and we call forth the energy of the Sun as it continues its zodiacal cycle, once again we repeat the invocation that opened the Gate to this Temple. As you read through it think back to passions and dreams of your teen years. Think back to the perception you had of everything flowing easily through your grasp as these running waters soothed emotions that were heated and unpredictable. Think back to the joys and sorrows and the reliable and comforting support of those you considered family. Think back to what you called home; it may have been your best friend’s house, a favorite hang-out, or the venue of an after school activity (for me it was the theater and ballet studio).

What keys to the greater knowledge of RA’s power of sustained light is hidden within the heart that has felt the gift of family? This is the gift of finding your place in the world and the power of sharing this gift with others as you walk this journey of life. Use this gift wisely this month as we invoke the Solar month in Cancer and allow those fires of RA to move through you as the healing waters of enlivened energy that calls you home.

Hymn to RA

All Hail to Thee, Mighty RA
Blaze of noon day sun.
Your fiery orb high in the
Sky above as we kneel
Beneath the heat of
Your radiance.

All the Gods bow to your radiance
All the Goddesses sing hymns of praise
To Your glory and man
Lays prostrate in humility
And devotion at the altar of
Your making.

Sweet music of adoration and offerings
Brought forth from the Black Land
Rise up in praise and thanks for
Your Sustaining Light.

All darkness flees at the touch of Your hand
All ceases its movement as Your expansive
Rays stretch across the morning sky.

The lotus opens to receive Your Touch
And the sands glisten as rare jewels
As You gaze upon each grain washed
Clean in the boundless ocean that
Reflects the brilliance of your face.

All Hail to Thee
Amun-RA
All Hail to Thee
Who sits high
Above the world.

Khepra in the East
Atum in the West
Whose eye holds the
Point of Life and the
Trifold Arc of Power.

Your eyes see all and
You are the place of return
Within the glowing blackness
Of the Midnight Sun.

All Hail to Thee
All Hail to Thee
Amun, Amun, Amen!

Next Posting: Friday, June 26th.

With Arms Wide Open – New Moon in Cancer

and

Bonus Pathworking: The Hall of Cancer

Lifting the Veil- Neptune Retrograde

Posted in Auspicious Days, Neptune, Pluto, Retrogrades, Saturn with tags , , , , , on June 11, 2014 by themagickalpen
neptunian_view_by_allstar3061-d69om25
Graphic Image by: Allstar3061

Neptune Retrograde
June 9- November 15
3:51 p.m.

We are currently in the holding pattern of 4 planets that have stationed Retrograde in the past few months:

Saturn (structure and discipline) March 2 – July 20
Pluto (regeneration and transformation) April 14 – September 22
Mercury (communication) June 7 – July 1

And, the latest planet, Neptune that began its retrograde on June 9th. Each of these planets has their own particular intensity in the normal progressions, so when they retrograde in their cycles and hold strong for the duration of that transit, everything is magnified and enabled for deep and potentially very productive inner dialogue.

We are several weeks into the Saturn and Pluto retrogrades and no doubt you have sensed an underlying need for change (Pluto) that would bring order (Saturn) to certain areas of your life. At times this push was most likely unavoidable and the emotions generated were bubbling under the guise of detachment and apathy (Pluto) as you struggled to hold tight to the (chaotic) status quo. If you have been actively working with the Saturnian and Plutonian energies, although there is still much work to be done in shoring up those aspects within your life that need greater control and regimen (Saturn), you have made efforts towards revitalizing and transforming (Pluto) what could be saved as you sought out to find the weak points and bolster (Saturn) them with more disciplined action and intent.

Mercury’s recent retrograde added to the mix offers the opportunity for deeper scrutiny and a pause on charging ahead. Think of it as a filter to be sure that everything is truly in the correct state of affairs and ready to be expressed (Mercury) in the best possible light when the dust clears and Mercury moves direct. Add to this mix a retrograde of Neptune and you have the potion of change at all levels of self.

Neptune is the ruling planet of Pisces (the most compassionate of the Zodiacal signs) and is considered the deepest waters of emotional expression. At this level of submersion the outcome of successful navigation is finding those treasures buried deeply within the subconscious and finding all of those beautiful aspects of self that light the deep abyss with bioluminescence. This light is the heightened awareness that intuitively guides you through the darkness, trusting its course. As Neptune stationed retrograde, the Moon was waxing in the astrological sign of Scorpio. This added a deeper complexity to the start of this retrograde, both being of water, hidden resources and the mysteries of the subconscious.

In Esoteric astrology, Neptune is considered the higher octave of the Moon and is most closely linked to the work of the Soul as it manifests its purpose through our physical form. These are the emotions that have been drawn into the Soul level and have been infused with a deep and mystical understanding of all compassionate Love. This burgeoning of compassion produces a sensitivity to others that during the retrograde may become more pronounced. Try to take nothing “personally”, but instead allow these feelings to move easily along simply acknowledging them and then letting them pass. Part of the work in being human is learning that we can be attuned to others, but do not need to wear the mantle of their sorrows as our own.

The Moon provides the flow of understanding and intuition that create the space for healing and compassion. The waxing and waning of this energy, carefully carving the pathway of opening, much like the shoreline’s redefinition with the ebb and flow of the tides, that changes the way in which we interact and present ourselves to the world. This is the aspect of “humanity” within that connects us to the collective condition of the human race. This is where understanding and compassion lives within and it is from the vista of this inner temple that we can safely dive into the surrounding waters that hold the keys for expression. If we amplify this energy moving deeper into the mysteries of our emotional seascape, Neptune (Archetypically, The King of the Sea) awaits us ready to guide that journey.

Neptune comes as an initiator into the deeper mysteries of the Soul’s work. Much of this work is brought to the surface through our dreams and the intended focus of allowing ourselves to be receptive to the insights offered. Traditionally, Neptune is attributed with holding a veil of illusion that clouds the true sight. It is true that the deep waters of the ocean’s depths can be murky and lack the clarity that is needed in seeing what lay ahead. But, this so called “veiling” is also what encourages us to rely on our inner sense of sight and visioning that is the truer course. The lifting of this veil is also the threshold we pass through as we enter into the dream state and deep visioning.

When Neptune retrogrades our dreams often become richer and more active as the intuitive senses open to the deeper reserves that are Neptune’s domain. Entering into the dream state with questions posed or a problem to be solved during this time will often provide the necessary keys for answer and resolution. If we approach this work wielding the Trident of King Neptune we can make use of the specific type of energy it represents. This triad emanates will, love and intellect working cohesively through its pointed directive. This interaction pierces the waters of our deepest nature and the result is one of active creation and transformation of what rises to the surface. We require the will of desire to accomplish our intended goal. The emotional engagement (love) fuels that desire and the inventive mind allows us to see the task from all perspectives and reach viable conclusion. The cycle begins anew with the seed of thought (intellect) acting as catalyst to inspired the newly informed will to love.

So, dive deeply into the dreamscape. Hold the intent of seeing with a deeper sense of what will support your spiritual journey and light the way towards moving intuitively and organically through all of your actions. Envision a space of deepening that is your inner Temple of insight that allows you to lift the veil of what you feel yourself to be. Look out on the vastness that is the ocean of your dreams, hopes, creations and all things that add the “humanity” to your physical expression.

A Little Numerology:

Neptune retrogrades on the Ninth (9) day of the Sixth (6) month. Nine is the number of initiations, thresholds, death and rebirth. Six is the illumined trinity of harmonious action. The 3 parts of selves elevated in dialogue with the 3 higher parts of Being. And, the entire year we re held under the number 7 (2014= 2+1+4=7). Seven is the number of new paths taken carved from the experiences and lessons learned previously. It is the space of higher education and new trails to be blazed.

 

For more about the Mercury Retrograde:

Mercury Retrogrades Tomorrow AM

Meet Me at the Station

Inspirations of Life

Petals of Creative Change

78 Keys of Tarot

Opening the Gates of Inner Sight

Musings From the Mystic Path

A Monthly Newsletter published by Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW

From Psychic / Medium Danielle Egnew

The Call to Light Press - Spiritual Messages for Changing Times.

The Pagan Experience

Writings From the Pagan Community

Teachings on the Path

A Path of Continued Learning

Otrazhenie

Reflection

Magickally Human

A Blog of Experience

breathofgreenair

mindfulness, relaxation, thought provoking images and poems

300 stories

A continuing mission to produce flash fiction stories in 300 words (or less)

jmlibby

Trials and Tribulations of a Novice Writer