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Full Moon in Pisces

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on September 19, 2013 by themagickalpen

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Full Moon in Pisces

Sun in Virgo

The Mutable Water of Pisces expressed within the Mutable Earth of Virgo

Today the moon is Full in the astrological sign of Pisces. Pisces offers the energy of compassion and intuitive sight and is considered the path of understanding. It is the last sign of the Zodiac and could be considered the Elder in the cycle. This sign stands at the place of endings and heralds in the bridge that will move towards the re-birthing of Aries- the youngest of the zodiac signs. Drawing on what has preceded from the other signs, each in turn and finally brought to conclusion, Pisces is driven by emotional response. Although, there is not always the appropriate discernment applied to determine what is real and what is illusion. Just as the older person looks to past experience to draw their conclusions in the present, Pisces gathers everything to itself, but is not always well equipped to sort through with the same emotional dexterity that youth would bring.

The ruling planet of Pisces is Neptune (with a co-ruler of Jupiter). This presents as emotional release that is expansive and can become all pervasive, drowning the holder of this energy in their own emotional outpour. If allowed to flow in this way, these energies are non-productive and compassion becomes martyrdom. This overflow is the by-product of its co-ruler Jupiter, whose primary function is expansion without consideration of the container within which it exerts its potency. The modality and element of Pisces is Mutable Water. This is the place of flexibility of emotions and insight with the caution given to be mindful that the flexible nature does not over stress the container. Therefore, the need to create stronger and less permeable boundaries is of high priority. In this way the waters may be guided towards the appropriate space of opening to which they will become the new source feeding into the greater river of humanity as healer and source of compassionate sanctuary.

The support of this Full Moon’s energies is found in the Solar Month of Virgo. The astrological sign of Virgo is Mutable Earth. This provides a flexible, yet fertile foundation upon which to sort through the details of what will newly be started. This is the opportunity for analytical and precise organization and inventory of those emotions and insights of the Pisces Moon that serve and those that drain and water-log progress. Taking time to see our flaws and weaknesses in the strength of the sun allows us to heal and grow through transformation. Healing is the work of Pisces and aligning with your intuitive self opens those flood gates so that what is contained behind their restrictive bars may flow freely; hidden and locked away no longer.

Making use of the attributes of the Moon and the Sun and their respective astrological signs the opportunity is one of Water (Pisces Moon) of Earth (Virgo Sun). These are the waters that are needed and thirstily drawn in for fertile and productive growth on the land. These are the waters that smooth and polish the ragged rocks of our daily experience that provide resistance to the natural river’s flow. These are the waters that provide safe haven and hold the mysteries of the depths that make up the vast amount of the earth’s surface; teeming with an even greater diversity of life. These are the waters that ebb and flow at the moon’s call, responsive and reactive to the universal energy and ever flowing in the cycle that comes to its peak of potential at each of the full moons.

Suggestions for Meditative Focus or Esbat Working:

These themes may be used in mediation tonight or woven into a working for your Esbat ritual.

A Clear Flowing Stream

Spend some time thinking about where you have recently felt drained emotionally. Breathe deeply into this area of feeling. As you exhale, allow these feelings to move as though flowing gently in a stream of water. Look upon the waters as they flow and see them as clear running waters flowing out and away from you.

A Pathworking of Healing

The Healing Temple

Sitting in a space where you will not be disturbed, take a moment to make conscious note of your surroundings and the physicality of your being in this space. Gently close your eyes and turn your awareness to the pattern of your breath. Allow your breathing to lengthen and relax into a calm and steady rhythm.

Shift your attention to the space between your brows and the inner screen of your meditative conscious mind. Sit as observer of this screen, taking note of the form of this inner landscape. Now see yourself standing and walking towards this inner screen. A pin- point of violet light forms just ahead of you and begins expanding in diameter as you walk towards it. When you arrive at the place of being immediately in front of this violet veil, it has expanded, stretched and opened to become an arched gateway. The faint glimmer of starlight flickers within its opening and you feel called to step into this place.

You step through this archway and find yourself in the center of a circular room. The walls are a shade of light sky blue and the floor is emerald green marble. You look upwards and see that the room appears to open and the vast panoramic view of stars twinkling offers view overhead. The room smells of Frankincense and is quiet and serene in ambiance. As you look around at the walls enclosing this space you take note of the sensation that the blues are variant in color and the impression is almost one of being encased within a glass structure and submerged in the depths of a clear beautiful ocean.

The floor sparkles like the facets of a freshly polished emerald and light and shadow co-mingle; entwined like lovers moving in the ecstasy of union. Take a moment to breathe deeply and take in the calming energy of this space. As you exhale you see that a chair is placed centrally in the room. It is ornately carved and made of fragrant wood. You approach and sit down, feeling the resiliency and gentle support of this chair. You sit for a moment and allow your body to rest in its supple support.

As you breathe slowly and deliberately you begin to form the intent for this healing work. Draw up in your mind’s eye the vision of yourself, whole and functioning in a thriving and healthy manner. Now, speak softy the intent of this healing. Speak the words that form this intention of what needs healing and what needs release so that process may begin. As you begin to speak you see that the space of floor around you glows in vibrancy. Each word enlivens and informs this space of living energy. You continue to speak the words of release of what needs healing and they drop away from you, falling into this living mass of vibrant healing green energy. You pause now to allow the intent to fill the space surrounding you. The energy of green veil rising upward and encircling you as it draws from the space the words of release you have spoken. Sit in the energy of this healing release; quietly and simply observing each and every word as it is absorbed by this healing green energy.

The green veiling subsides and withdraws back to the floor beneath. You feel energized and have clearer intent about what you now wish to call into your being and this space as whole, enlivened and healthy energy. As you think on what these words shall be, you notice that the energy of the blue walls moves gently inwards towards you. You begin to speak the words of power and healing that affirm your renewed and whole state of being. Each word is held for a moment in a soft veil of blue soothing energy and then is enlivened and transformed into a sparkling bead of blue light. You continue with the affirmations and take note that the blue beads are increasing in amount and the vibrancy of their glow is palpable in feeling and intent. Speak all that you need, amassing as much of this transformed energy as you feel is needed. The air surrounding you is electrified with the energy of these intentions you have formed and you feel energized and enlivened. When you have spoken all that is needed, take a moment to sit and observe the beauty and power of this veil of pulsing blue light encircling you. Make note of how alive and responsive each of these intentions is. Affirm the potency of their nature and the power held within the core of their being.

As you sit observing you see that the vibrancy of the blue is pulsing more quickly now and with light that is increasing in brilliance and intensity. Each breath you take seems to offer more vibrancy to the growing light held within each. This is the brilliance of healing white light holding the intent of mind, heart and will. You close your eyes in response, as the intensity and brilliance of light continues to expand filling the Temple. You breathe in and with intent and focus draw this energy into you. Each inhalation draws more of this vibrant light of brilliant healing into the core of your being and each exhalation moves it into the areas of your body that need healing and renewal. Each breath fills you with this vibrancy and each breath encourages healing and strength. Continue in this way until you feel complete, strong and revitalized.

You open your eyes and see that the room has cleared of the brilliance of this light and looking upward you take note that the stars appear to be twinkling more brightly. You feel completely at one with all that surrounds you and offer up gratitude for the healing and renewal that has occurred. Remain quietly held in this space of gratitude and renewal for as long as is needed.

When you are ready, you stand and feel a surge of strength coursing through you and a deeper sense of your own power to affect change within your self. You look around once again and the walls are now a more vibrant blue and the floor shimmers like millions of small green emeralds, each separate yet more powerful and vibrant in their combined efforts. Take a deep breath in and feel the energy of this place. Declare it as your own space of healing and renewal and affirm that you will visit this space whenever you have need for healing and enlivening.

You see the archway through which you entered just ahead of you and begin to walk towards the entryway. Each step is now stronger in its placement and more purposeful in its intended destination. You arrive at the entry way and see that the violet veil of energy is sparkling more brightly and you feel its density and plasticity of form as you step through it. You emerge and find yourself once again sitting as observer of this inner screen. You breathe into the energy of your experience and with each inhalation and gently exhale you become more fully aware of your breath; the rise and fall of your chest and the physicality of your body sitting in the space in which you began. Gently flutter your eyes open and take a few more, very deep breaths offering the intention of gratitude, health and a renewed state of being.

So Mote It Be!

Resources:

The Magickal Pen Blog

The Healing Temple Pathworking

Books by R. Fennelly:
Info at http://www.robinfennelly.com

The Inner Chamber: Volume One
It’s Written in the Stars

The Elemental Year
Aligning the Elements of Self

Day Twelve: Networking

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized on July 19, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 19

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

Sun in Cancer

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Full day in Sagittarius. It will be a busy day today with Dr. appointment for my Mom and return home for our eldest daughter. The heat was intense today, both physically and energetically.  I felt particularly irritated and annoyed for no good reasons.  Trying to reach out in a different way when I get like this which requires being mindful throughout the day.

Ironically there was so much going on in the periphery today that I felt very tangled and a bit un-directed in the energies.  Sagittarius is brilliant at raising enthusiasm and networking in a very precises and inclusive way, but can also get side tracked with over expanding and losing focus.  Which, is precisely how I felt.

I think I will leave the image below to best describe how the energies felt today.

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Photo: Jonathon Chiu

We are entering the 3 days prior to the Full Moon on Monday.  Saturday the Moon transits into Capricorn before going void on Sunday morning.  So, I am going to do the working of the Full Moon phase of Ritual of Dedication on Saturday evening (before the void)  and bolster with the Aquarian energies on the actual day of the Full Moon.  I will post the plans for this later this evening so you all will have for tomorrow.  No need for additional supplies beyond what we started with for the New Moon dedication. 

Day Eleven: Reaching Out

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized on July 18, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 18

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

Sun in Cancer

July 18

The Moon moves out of the astrological sign of Scorpio and enters void of course at 7:13am. It transits into the Mutable sign of Sagittarius at 1:54p.m.

The void energies this morning encouraged just settling in and doing nothing after the exertion of digging deeply yesterday.  Moving into the sign of Sagittarius offers the big sigh of release and the potential for sending out some of those smaller flares of emotionally charged product to see where they will take root.

Going back to the energy of the Modalities, Sagittarius is Mutable or flexible and expansive in quality.  Add to this the ruling planet of Sagittarius being Jupiter there is a great deal of growth that can be initiated at this point. Sagittarius is also of the Fire element, so application of the fires of will to the this mix could offer up action filled with passion, desire and emotional engagement to accomplish what is wished.

Today, I am going to explore reaching out beyond what my usual comfort zone may be.  The energies feel supportive and I am thinking that perhaps if I make this my conscious intent and then act upon it, hopefully the opportunities will present themselves. Another helper today is that Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. (Remember, each of the seven days is ruled by the energies of one of the seven elder planets. More on this later.)

So it feels like an optimal day for expanding beyond and calling up the intent of resiliency and flexibility in my emotional outpouring.

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Tomorrow heralds in the three day period prior to Full Moon Phase. Getting ready for next phase of Dedication Ritual set into motion at the New Moon and start of this project.

Day Three: Fire in the (W)Hole

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized on July 10, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 10

Waxing Moon in Leo

Sun in Cancer

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My day began early this morning with a moon darkened 5:00a.m. drop off at the airport of my daughter and a spectacular sunrise of a firey ball of red-orange sun orb.  The first thing that came to mind during this transition from dark to light was the glow of heat and shadow of sculpted clay seen in the small window of a kiln (my eldest daughter is an artist).  The rest of the morning was colored by these same thoughts and image that returned mid-day.

As I was out walking at lunch I was thinking about the elemental correspondences of the Moon (Water) being in a Fire sign (Leo) today.  And, the flip of that energy with the Sun (Fire) being in a Water sign (Cancer) for half of this month.  Additionally, the moon is in the sign of Leo for the entirety of the day. So, this feels like just the beginnings of firing up the Will of the Emotional self and seeing what creative product will emerge from that kiln.

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I have also been thinking about the connection of the the Sacral Chakra to the Moon and the Solar Plexus Chakra to the Sun.  When I did the New Moon Ritual of Dedication I naturally felt the stirrings of the energetic opening at the place of the Sacral Chakra- this being the space of creativity, birthing waters and womb.  It was palpable and I encouraged the flow and placed my awareness in this space of container to be informed by the work to be undertaken.

With this in mind, today I opened to moving this energy up into and co-mingling with that of the Solar Plexus- the seat of Will and Fires of quickening. I envisioned this action as that of the Firey Moon enlivening and deepening the energy of those Sacral Waters and acting as a furnace of tempering for emotions that were supportive of the Whole of my being.

Astrologically, my natal Jupiter and Pluto are in the sign of Leo. So, I called upon these energies to expand (Jupiter) and deepen those mysteries that lay unseen (Pluto) so they could be drawn up to the surface, fired in the container of applied Will and become productive pieces in this journey. Was this potent lunar fire causing similar effects in others?

So, here’s the interesting thing. A lot of people seemed more antsy today with a “me first” attitude. Will and emotions are tricky things, however, especially when you are trying to observe and formulate conclusions.  Just how much of this perception I had was my own willing it to be because I was consciously looking for the connection to the fiery application of Leo on the waters of emotion? And, I am reminded that everything I see, learn, teach and observe is filtered through my own layers of experience and expectations regardless of the quantity of the real validity of what is being observed.

I will record these impressions, holding in reserve the notion that they are both accurate and biased and move on from there.  This, is of and in itself a step in the right direction towards opening more deeply to the emotional waters and tides.  The accuracy I am acknowledging comes from the analysis of the mind; BUT the admittance of bias comes directly from the opening of the heart to that possibility.

Ready, Set, Go!

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized on July 7, 2013 by themagickalpen

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Tonight I will do my ritual of dedication to the work of the lunar month ahead.  As I move through each day and the cycle of waxing to waning I’ll be using the information below to inform my observations and enliven the lunar connection.

The Phase of the Moon and Tides of Lunar Magick

The Waxing Moon is the time between the New Moon and the Full Moon

The Waning Moon is the time between the Full Moon and the last day of the last quarter- just prior to the New Moon

Although Magickal working can be done at any time, there are specific times during the lunar cycle when your workings can be enhanced.  One of the first considerations is what type of energy you want to use for your intent.

The waxing of the moon, from New to Full, provides a crescendo or building effect and the waning of the moon from peak of Full to the subsequent New Moon allows for release and diminishing of energetic effect.  The New Moon is a time of beginnings and first seeds towards growth. New projects, goals and behaviors are all supported when given focus during this time. The Full Moon is the peak and product of all efforts begun at the New Moon.  Additionally, any working that needs extra push, magnification or energetic boost, will benefit from Full Moon energy.   The span of time from completion of the Full moon, up to and including approximately the next New Moon is the optimal time for release, cutting away and inner preparation.  These 3 days prior to the next New Moon are also known as the Dark Moon phase.

In practice, how could I make the most of these phases?  Suppose I want to seek new employment.  On the New Moon, I may do a meditation, plan, brainstorm and journal about the type of work I may wish to acquire. I may even, physically plant a few seeds in a pot as concrete visual symbols of my intent.  Each day thereafter I will tend the seeds- mentally and/or physically- enriching them with more concrete ideas and goals for obtaining my ideal work.   On the Full Moon, I will give thanks for the new growth in my life towards my goal. Perhaps do a meditation, visualizing in as much detail as possible my future work surroundings, myself enjoying and looking forward to each day, etc.  And, finally as the moon wanes and the days prior to the next New moon approach, I spend some time identifying and releasing any negative thoughts, words or actions that are preventing me from bringing into manifest reality my goal.  This release may take any form as long as the symbolic or actual release is something you can strongly connect with, and is of harm to none.  This or a similar cycle may need to be repeated several lunations, depending on your goal, the strength of your focus and intent and ability to truly release that which may be holding you back.

A reminder, however, is that every magickal working requires physical action to bring it into manifestation.  No matter how much intention I place into a working to obtain a new job, if I don’t physically look through want ads, send out resumes and actively job search, the completion of the circuit of magick will never be successful in outcome.

So, keeping this information in mind, as we move through the lunar month and the change from one phase to the next, remember that your actions and interactions in the mundane and completely physical world are just as important as your yearning for the ephemeral and spiritual realms.

Excerpted from: The Esoteric Tymes, No. 3

Temple of the Moon: Ritual of Dedication

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags , , , , on July 5, 2013 by themagickalpen

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Why a day early for the New Moon Ritual?

The prime effects of lunar magick are felt in the surge of power as one cycle of phase flows one into the other.  Work specific to the energy of a New, Full or Dark Moon is therefore most effective in approx. the 24-36hrs leading to the peak point of phase.  Working in this way allows the intent and energy that has been put forth to be carried through to its peak point of anchor for the energetic construct you want to use.

We will be doing three workings in accord with the New- Full and Dark Moon. For these you will want to establish sacred space and have an altar set up. We will be using candles to anchor the intent and flow of lunar energies and then reconnecting with each daily as we journal our experiences of the day.  The altar may left in place for the duration of this journey or set up with each of the rituals. The daily re-lighting of the candle requires only the candle itself placed on table or desk as you journal.

The ritual crafted below is the first of our three and is very simple in its set-up, but very powerful as a tool of connection and anchor for the study ahead.

New Moon Ritual of Dedication

You will need:

1/Silver (or Black) Candle  (New Moon)

1/White Candle (Full Moon)

1/Black Candle (Dark Moon)

Black and white altar cloths

Journal and Pen to be dedicated to record your experiences.  Be sure to choose a journal you will love to use and/or decorate it in any way that is representative of your intention on this journey.

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Set up your altar space with the black cloth on top of white.  This represents the New Moon phase with promise of full and waxing of its light coming to peak.  The candles should be arranged in triangular shape with the White candle at center point, Silver candle as left base and Black candle on right side forming the base.  The Silver candle on the left represents the New Moon phase (1st Quarter Waxing), the White – the Full Moon and the Black candle on the left- the Dark Moon (Last Quarter Waning).

The journal and pen can be placed in front of the triangular candle formation.

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Establish sacred space in whatever way is in keeping with your path.

Invoke the assistance of whatever Deity, guides or patrons you work with to inform and enliven this journey.

Standing in front of your altar begin by lighting the silver candle.  As you light this candle offer up words stating your intention of embarking on this new moon journey to deepen your connection to the lunar energies.  Leave the white and black candle unlit for now.   They will be lit at the Full and Dark moon workings later in the month.

Envision the orb of the blessed Moon shadowed now but shining brightly still despite the illusion of its shading.  Open and allow yourself to connect deeply to the image of the waters of moon’s flow gently holding you as you are carried with the ebb and flow of the tides. Soften your gaze and see the strand of light that flows from the flame o the Black candle as it reaches out to connect with the center of your being.  Envision this as the continual stream of informed connection that will be the place of deeper gnosis of the Moon and her mysteries.  Take a deep breath in and allow this energy to move through you.  Flowing like water, reaching every point of your being.  Exhale long and slowly sending that energy back into the circuit that is forming between you and the energy you have called forth to permeate this candle.  Breathe in this manner of receipt and release, ebb and flow for as long as you feel is needed; ending with a long exhale.

Sharpen your gaze and return back to clarity of focus looking at all three candles.  As you move your gaze from one to the other offer up words of intent:

Tomorrow, at the time of the New Moon the energies I have set into motion this evening will flow forth and my opening to the energies of the moon in all of her phases will move in accord with HER cycles. So Mote It Be!!

Breathe deeply into these words (or those of your own) and see them as being held in witness by the guides, deity or others you called into to assist this rite.

Offer up thanks to those you invoked to join in this ritual, and bid them hail and farewell.  Ground and release your sacred space, again, in whatever way is in keeping with your path. And, lastly, snuff out the flame of the New Moon candle.  I have purposefully had you do this after the release of sacred space as symbolic act of carrying these energies back into the mundane world of expression to be used and accessed on all levels of being.

You will light this candle each night connecting to its energies and adding to these from your own energetic experiences.  Continue to do this up to the eve of the Full Moon (another ritual and dedication and lighting of the White candle) as you write your impressions of the day.

Blessings on your journey as we walk this road together!

Note:  In the pictures you will see that there is a dark blue sphere I have placed in front of the White candle. It is a Goldstone sphere that I routinely use as anchor to connect with the celestial energies. If you would like to know more about the properties of Goldstone (actually man-made glass with copper suspended within), check out the article from the blog listed below.  If you wish to add a crystal that you have resonance with as lunar in nature, please feel free to add to your altar

House of Daedalus- About Goldstone

Next Post is Sunday July 7th –  The Phases of the Moon and  You

Preparing to Enter the Temple of the Moon

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags , , , on July 2, 2013 by themagickalpen

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The countdown begins with only 5 more days till we enter the Temple of the Moon. The intent of this month’s long journey is an exploration in the varied energies that flow through any given lunar (not calendar) month as the moon cycles through its astrological and lunar phases; beginning with the New Moon. The daily postings will reflect my impressions of the energy of the day and of time spent each day in consciously opening to the subtleties and nuances in change and flow. I chose to begin this study with the New Moon in the astrological sign of Cancer, whose ruling planet is the Moon. The astrological sign of Cancer is typified by its Cardinal (the beginning or initial surge) modality and the flow of emotion and the intuitive nature. Additionally, the Sun is also in the astrological sign of Cancer, lending its strength and lighting the way with its solar fires. More about the energies of astrological Cancer in the New Moon daily post on July 8th.

Remember, that with any journey such as this, the impressions presented are solely those of the writer or teacher and filtered through complex layers of personal experience, knowledge base, biases and level of expertise. So with that being said, I offer up my thoughts that they may serve to prod you to look at bit deeper at what we call the lunar energy and influence. A New Moon Ritual of Dedication to this journey will be posted on Friday, July 5th to give you time to prepare for its working on the eve of July 7th. It is good practice to begin any exploration that encompasses more than just a cursory observation with a formal action of intent. This can take whatever form you wish and be as simple as lighting a single candle of declaration or performing a small personal ritual. Do what feels right for you and is in accord with your particular spiritual path. I would suggest that you journal your own experiences. The time spent in this action will reinforce the connection you are building and will be an invaluable resource to return to as you progress in your lunar workings.

Check back on Friday July 5th for a New Moon Dedication Ritual to be done on July 7th.

Welcome to Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags , , , on June 8, 2013 by themagickalpen

Welcome to Temple of the Cosmic Spheres. This blog will be a venue for writings about the planetary energies, the astrological overlays and their impacts on our daily lives.These explorations will be approached using poetry, pathworkings, suggested magickal workings, fact, fiction and lore. Correspondences to numerology and Qabalah will be referenced for those wanting to dig a little deeper into these cosmic mysteries.

We begin our journey through these spheres in the Temple of the Moon.  Beginning on July 8th with the New moon in the astrological sign of Cancer (ruling planet is the Moon), I will be posting daily observations of the energy felt as the moon travels its course through the astrological signs moving through the month, ending with the New Moon in Leo. 

Other explorations will include Retrograde Mercury, the Temple of the Sun (beginning with Sun in Aries in 2014). I welcome comments and suggestions on topics.

 

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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

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