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Day Eighteen: Meet Me at the Water’s Edge

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

July 25

Waning Moon in Pisces

Sun in Leo

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Lloyd Lauland

Seeker Through the Veil

A Poem of the Energy of Pisces

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

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

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

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

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

Day Seventeen: Looking For Compassion

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

July 24

Waning Moon Enters Pisces

Sun in Leo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open my Mind
To the intelligence
Of a gentle embrace.

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

Artwork: Michael McGloin

Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

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

July 22

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

Sun Enters Leo at 11:56 am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Day 13: Rise to the Occasion

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags anchoring, astrology, candle magick, capricorn, cardinal, celestial, cosmic, esoteric writings, Lunar, Magick, void of course on July 20, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 20

Waxing Moon in Capricorn

Sun in Cancer

The morning saw the moon in its void state, so integration and holding steady are the goals. I relaxed into the flow and the morning was quiet and peaceful in contrast to the edginess I felt the past two days.

The Moon transitioned into the astrological sign of Capricorn at 2:39pm. Capricorn is a Cardinal sign (first outpouring) and of the element of Earth. There is the scope of expanse that is typical of Capricorn; often considered the Seagoat- who can traverse the earthy spaces and depths of the oceans and has the sure footed ability to navigate to the heights of the tallest mountain. Earth relates to the physical and mundane realms and Capricorn’s ruling planet of Saturn is the great keeper of time and master regulator. Pulling all of these energies together lends itself to having stability as the starter for your efforts, but beware of inertia and over calculating every action.

Tonight I did the Full Moon. My intentions were that of anchoring the work that has been accomplished with this project in the fullness of its expression. Using the energy of Capricorn held the intent of anchoring it in the physical with option of expansion and being held in a space that is time no time- eternal and structured. Using this Cardinal energy will carry forward the seeds that have been planted towards deeper connection to my emotions and intuitive nature as the Moon waxes full in Aquarius on Monday. In natural order of the astrological wheel, the flow of movement and maturation moves from burgeoning earth (physical) towards mind that is informed by all the lessons that have been brought forward through the other signs of the zodiac.

Lens of Sight

Matter of continuum
Depth and breath
Of thin air and
One step taken
Carefully- slowly in pace.

Diving deep to feel the
Sting of new beginnings
Structure and form
Taking shape as
Pause recoils.

The Master waits at the
Gate and the Adept
Reaches out gingerly
The hand withdraws.

And the steepness of drop
Reverberates at the base
Of darkened well
Gold coins falling as leaves
Carried within the
Space of airy breath.

Once again, the ascent begins anew
The space of time claiming
The continuum of earthy

One step taken
Carefully
Slowly
In
Pace.

Full Moon Ritual of Anchoring

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon with tags anchoring, astrology, candle magick, capricorn, celestial, cosmic, Esbat, esoteric writings, Full moon, goldstone, ritual on July 19, 2013 by themagickalpen

July 20

Waxing Moon in Capricorn at 2:39pm

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.

This marks phase two of the Ritual of Dedication begun at the start of this journey. Try to perform this ritual between the hours of 2:39p.m. today and before the moon goes void on Sunday at 11:53am.

Full Moon Ritual of Anchoring

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.

Set up your altar space with the white cloth on top of black. This represents the Full Moon phase and the 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).

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

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 gratitude for all that has brought you to this place on the journey as you deepen your connection to the lunar energies and the mysteries of your lunar nature.

Move to stand in front of the White candle. As you light this candle offer up words stating your intention of anchoring and standing fully in the Light of the Moon’s reflection and the blessings of the work done.

Envision the orb of the blessed Moon full and shining brightly 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. Envision the Moon in her full orb, glowing brilliantly and welcoming you to join in her bounty. Breathe deeply drawing in this fullness and filling yourself with the knowledge that you have come a great way in refining and experiencing the flow of emotions within your own being. Soften your gaze and draw the stream of light that issues from Her flame into the center core of your being. Breathe into it, expanding its intensity and lengthening the depths of its connection. 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 the clarity of focus looking at the Silver candle of the New Moon. Once again soften your gaze and see the lines of connection between the Silver and White candles as they move towards your center and forming a triangle of enlivened space. Breathe into this connection of cycle of newness, now having matured and moved to a place of full peak. Breathe deeply and fully feeling the expansion and new information received from this journey.

Shift your focus to all three of the candles and as you move your gaze from one to the other offer up words of intent:

Monday, at the time of the Full Moon, the energies I have called forth in their fullness and anchored and strengthened in the bounty of Lady Moon’s grace will continue to 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 and Full Moon candles. 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 these two candles each night connecting to their combined energies and adding to these from your own energetic experiences. Continue to do this up to the eve of the Dark Moon (another ritual and dedication and lighting of the Black candle) as you write your impressions of the day.

Blessings on your journey as we continue to walk this road together!

Temple of the Moon: Ritual of Dedication

Posted in Esbat, Lunar, Magick, Moon Tide, The Temple of the Moon, Uncategorized with tags candle magick, Esbat, goldstone, new moon, ritual on July 5, 2013 by themagickalpen

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.

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.

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 7^th – The Phases of the Moon and You

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Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Archive for candle magick

Day Eighteen: Meet Me at the Water’s Edge

Day Seventeen: Looking For Compassion

Day Fifteen: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Day 13: Rise to the Occasion

Full Moon Ritual of Anchoring

Temple of the Moon: Ritual of Dedication

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