The Besom – Good Witches Homestead

The besom, or broom, is one of the main ritual tools of the witch and is sacred to both the Goddess and God.  The God – through its symbolic phallic shape, the Goddess – through its three-piece makeup, the shaft, the bristles and the binding cord, three being the triform aspect of the Goddess.  While besom and broom are two names used interchangeably, there is a small difference in their definition.  The brush of a besom is usually made of twigs and is, therefore, more rounded in shape, whereas the brush of a broom is primarily made of straw, which is flatter in shape. 

Traditionally a besom was made from three different kinds of wood, Ash for the shaft, Birch twigs for the bristles and Willow strands for the binding cord.  Ash is protective and has command over the four elements, Birch is purifying and draws spirits to one’s service, while Willow is sacred to the Goddess and binds them all together.  In modern witchcraft today, while the traditional besom still takes pride of place, other woods are used for special purposes:  Oak for added power and protection, Pine for luck and health, Redwood for longevity, Maple for love and money, Walnut for health and wisdom, and Cinnamon for spirituality.

Magically, a besom is used for a variety of purposes, but more generally they are used to purify and protect.  In ritual, they are used to cleanse sacred space before magick is performed by visually sweeping away negative energies and astral build up.  Before casting the circle, the Priest or Priestess will walk clockwise (deosil) around the circle space, and hold the besom a few inches off the ground sweep outward from the center while chanting the Besom Chant: 

Besom Chant 

“Besom, besom, sacred broom

Sweep out darkness, sweep out gloom

Rid this sacred hallowed ground

Of demons, imps and hell bent hounds;

Then set ye down on Her green earth

By running stream or Mistress’ hearth,

Till called once more on Sabbath night

To cleanse once more this sacred site.”

 

(Author unknown) 

Sweeping the area with a besom can be done in addition to or in place of incense, to purify ritual space, and is often used for such when rituals are conducted in smoke-free areas.  When not being used in ritual, place your magical besom by the door to protect the home from evil spirits and negative energies.  When standing a besom, always place the bristles up, with the shaft on the floor.  This not only makes the bristles last longer, it will also bring you good luck.  Another old custom was to place a besom outside the door, this as an indication to other witches that the occupants are out, or working, and didn’t wish to be disturbed.

To make your own traditional besom you will need the following: 

A length of Ash approximately 4ft long and about 1in

thick for the shaft.

Birch twigs (about 1-2 ft. in length) to act as the bristles.

Several strands of Willow for binding the bristles to the

end of the shaft.

A pair of Scissors.

Water and salt. 

Soak the Birch twigs and Willow strands overnight in warm lightly salted water (to make them pliable) and allow them to dry slightly before using.  They need to be damp and pliable before binding them to the Ash shaft.  Arrange the twigs alongside the shaft about 3-6 inches from the bottom, larger twigs form the center of the brush with shorter ones around the outside, then bind them with the Willow strands.  Be sure to tie them very securely.  Use as many layers of twigs as you like depending on how full you want the brush to be.  Leave overnight to dry. 

Whether you make your own besom in the traditional way “as above,” or purchase a ready made one, you may then wish to decorate is it with a magickal name or other meaningful symbols or sigils.  Once decorated, the besom should then be consecrated ready for use in your magickal workings.  To do this anoint the besom with oil while reciting the following chant: 

Consecration Chant 

“Besom of birch and willow tied,

Be my companion and my guide.

On ashen shaft by moonlight pale

My spirit rides the windy gale

To magickal realms beyond both space and time.

To magickal lands, my soul will sail.

In the company of the crone, I’ll ride

This besom of birch with willow tied

So do I consecrate this magickal tree.

As I will it, so mote it be.”

 

(Author unknown) 

Once consecrated for use in the magick circle, it should not be used for any other purpose.  When making a besom for normal household usage, it can still be magically charged for that use.  On one side of the shaft (from the bristles traveling upwards) carve the following words while visualizing your intent:  “I sweep out evil and poverty.”  On the opposite side of the shaft (from the top traveling down to the bristles, carve “I sweep in money and luck.”  When sweeping, visualize the same intent, but sweep towards the fireplace if you have one.  If not sweep in any direction except towards the front door, so as not sweep out and lose your good luck.

Myths and Folklore

Most people identify the besom with the old wedding ceremonies performed by Gypsies and early American slaves when couples “Jumped the Broom” to cross the threshold of their new homes ensuring fertility, domestic harmony, and longevity.  This custom continues today in modern handfasting rituals when as part of the ceremony, the bridal couple will jump across a decorated besom as confirmation of their commitment to each other.  Should the marriage not work, or end in divorce, jumping the broom backward will break that commitment. 

The age-old image of witches flying around on broomsticks casting baneful spells is believed to have come from old fertility rites associated with nature and agricultural.  As part of the seasonal Spring rites to aid the growth of newly planted crops, women from local villages would gather around fields with their besoms.  Placed between their legs as they circled the field, much like riding on a hobby horse, the idea was the higher they leaped, the higher the crop would grow. 

In renaissance times, according to the demonologists, the Devil himself presented brooms and flying ointment to newly initiated witches so they could fly to the Sabbats.  Often they carried with them familiars in the shape of demons or animals.  They were also said to fly across fields blasting their neighbor’s crops or ride out to sea in order to rise up storms.  However, such concocted myths were generally forced from the poor tortured victims of the persecutions, and should not be taken seriously. 

Other Magickal Uses

Placing a broom across a doorway allows your departed friends and family to speak to you if they so choose.  As long as the broom remains, they can communicate freely.  To bring rain, stand outside and swing a broom in the air over your head.  If lightning blows your way put a broom on your porch to act as a lightening rod.  Electricity and lightning are thought to be attracted to brooms.  Another way to safeguard a house against lightning strikes is to cross a spade and a broom outside the main entrance. 

A besom placed under the bed or beneath the pillows at night, will protect the sleeper from nightmares and ensure a peacefully sleep.  Similarly, it is not wise to leave a bed empty for too long.  If you are going away for any length of time, place a besom in your bed, laying the bristles on the pillow.  This will guard the bed against evil spirits until you return. 

Two crossed besoms hung on a wall or the back of a door will protect the house from unwanted influences.  With the exception of those used exclusively for magickal purposes, moving an old besom into a new house will result in bad luck. 

Source: The Besom – Good Witches Homestead

Crystal of the Week: Onyx – Holistic Experiment

In ancient times, Onyx was thought as a demon that was imprisoned in the stone that would awaken at night, creating issues, especially between lovers.

Nowadays, it’s a stone that is used for protection and from dark nights and lonely places, providing strength to its user. As a stone of separation, it banishes old habits and it’s extremely useful when a relationship needs stabilizing or when it has past its time and needs releasing.

Onyx assists in keeping your own counsel and holds memories of what happened to the user and can often be used for psychometry.

Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Purposes

On a physical level, it’s often used to promote stamina, vigor, and steadfastness. It helps quell sexual desires and works on issues that involves the bones, bone marrow, blood disorders, and feet. When placed in the stomach of a pregnant woman, it can reduce labor pains and bring an earlier delivery.

It is also believed to aid in ailments such as epilepsy or glaucoma and is known to have powers to rectify damage done to cells. Onyx is often recommended to athletes because it can increase strength, endurance, perseverance, and explosivity, especially if it’s placed on the Solar Plexus.

Emotionally, Onyx is used for promoting wise decisions and self-confidence. It’s centering and helps those who are suffering grief and any overwhelming fear. It alleviates worry, tension, and nervousness and eliminates confusion and nightmares

On a Spiritual level, it balances the ying and yang energy and is effecting in past-life work for healing old injuries and physical trauma that is affecting the present light. It’s connected to to the Base chakra and the Crown chakra and balances total energy along the chakras.

Disclaimer: Crystal of the Week are a spiritual support to healing and are not prescription or healthcare information.

Source:  Crystal of the Week: Onyx

God(s) ~ secretoftheserpent

By: gserpent

God(s)

What is a god? Gods are all over the myths world-wide. If you ask me we are all gods and goddesses, but this world is all about you not knowing you are divine. Even for those of you that are “awake” this may come as a surprise. If you have read my previous work you know who I am about to reveal, but at least know you will know where I get my conclusions. This post will mainly be about the monotheistic god, but I will touch on the religions with multiple gods too. Everything in our modern world comes out of Egypt(which goes back to Atlantis) and god(s) is no exception.

Let’s look at the monotheistic religions and their gods. The religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Masonry. Yes I said monotheism and their gods. They have Jehovah, Allah, Adonai, Elohim, El Shaddai, Eli, Eloi, El Elyon, Ehyeh, and let’s not forget Yahweh. Jesus is also considered a god himself. Seems like there is an awful amount of gods in monotheism. Theologians will tell you these are just different names for the same god. Well then your god is not only vengeful and moody, but he has an identity crisis. All of these names go back to versions of the sun and dualism, but the one I found interesting is the one that is unspeakable or unknowing, Yahweh.

Ralph Ellis is the one that uncovered the true identity of this god. If you want to become truly enlightened, read his books. This man is a genius that only comes around once in a few centuries. He is bringing back the true knowledge that has been lost in this world. I am going to mix in some things in that I know to help you better understand why the ancients, mainly Egyptians, thought certain things.

Yahweh comes from the tetragram YHWH, the sacred and unspeakable name of god. In tetragrams and hieroglyphs there were no vowels only consonants, so the translators inserted whatever they thought the vowel should be. That is exactly how scientific translating ancient languages is. Jehovah came from translating YHWH into english and inserting vowels. Then it was decided to go back to YHWH. This is the level of expertise that is controlling the world. That is exactly what religion is for, control. You are about to find out who ” god” is for these patriarchs.  The real funny part is that they don’t realize who they are worshipping.

The first clue to who this god is has to do with bread. Bread symbolizes knowledge, but christian insist they are cannibals and it represents flesh. The last supper was more of sharing secrets than anything else. Breaking of the bread symbolized occult knowledge. Part of that knowledge was that the “all” or “force”, whatever you want to call it, breaks up into individual souls and falls into the body. The bread is the body.  Jesus is giving them the knowledge about how the divine breaks up and falls into the individual bodies, making you. This is why bread represents flesh, but christians have no idea. This ritual was performed in Egypt and it was called Ta-en-aah. I will give you the meaning to this shortly. Catholics perform this ritual with the wafer. This wafer is showing exactly who the true god the patriarchs venerate. The wine is just showing the bloodline of this god and Jesus was of the bloodline through his mother(See His Royal Jesus).

The wafer is representing the moon. This god is also why christians have a Trinity. The Egyptian moon-god was Thoth. I can hear the reader asking “How the hell do we get from Yahweh to Thoth”?. In Egyptian Yah literally means the moon. A very ancient name for Thoth is wait for it………..Yahew! Pronounced Yahoo. Ta-en-aah was the sacrificial bread of the moon-god. In the Koran Mohammed is told the name of your lord is “he who instructed man by pen, he who taught him what he did not know”. All of the patriarch religions go back to Lower Egypt. Thoth was the god with the crane head and pen in hand. Thoth was Hermes in Greece and Mercury in Rome. It is why they say Hermes was thrice great or thrice named. Thoth, Hermes and Mercury is the patriarch Trinity. They have tried to cover this up with father, son and holy ghost. The hebrew word for Jew is Yahewdaiy and it means children of Thoth.

The Egyptians had many gods and goddesses, but the Akhenaton tried to make them venerate one god, the sun. To see Akhenaton’s true identity along with all the other Old Testament characters see Patriarch Pharaohs. All the gods and goddesses of Egypt were aspects of yourself and the cosmos. I always say “Nothing is outside of you”, so they were aspects of yourself. The Egyptians not only venerated the sun, but the power behind it. The power of the cosmos. Science is just now figuring out the power sun controls everything. When you are tuned into this divine power of the sun you reflect it like the moon. This power waxes and wanes in you just like the moon. But if you are giving your power away to a false god outside of you, then you will never realize your true power.

All the Greek gods, Norse gods, Hindu gods and Roman gods are just Egyptian gods repackaged. They took these gods and put them outside of the individual for the laity. While the people with eyes to see and ears to hear knew exactly what was going on. Buddha was the name of the priest that watched over the sacred Benben stone. Alexander the Great created Buddhism on his conquests after learning the secrets in Egypt and being crowned Pharaoh. Most statues of Buddha are Alexander the Great. Jesus’ real name was Manu. To see the truth of the biblical family see His Royal Jesus. Muhammad’s real name was Lothar Schmalfuss. He was a cardinal that had failed to be elected pope. The vatican used him to create Islam. All religion and it’s texts have been amended and adapted to suit the era of the people they want to control. When I hear or see someone saying that all religions are pointing to the truth, I think to myself “Yes they are pointing to control over the masses”.

As I have said before, “We are who we have been waiting for”! Quit the game and the game goes away. Quit being a pawn in this world and start being your own creator. If you don’t rule your world someone else will. Start realizing how much power you actually have and start using it. I know it is a long and lonely road, I have taken it. It has been ingrained in our DNA to want to worship something. To see how this happened read Lemurian Magic. The history that we have been fed is his story, make your own history. Break the walls down.  You are a Goddess or God, start acting like one.

How to Work with Your Shadow Self

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“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular.”― C.G. Jung

FEEDING THE SHADOW SELF

Disconnected from our empowerment the shadow (those unloved, unacknowledged parts of us) grows stronger and thrives on more of the same. Rather than interacting with life, we react. Reactionary living is acidic, corrosive and destructive. That is not to say we can live without reaction… It is a human response. It serves to keep us alert and alive. But, you can learn to interact with the world, befriending experience and still remaining safe.

First you must listen to the shadow.

Check Out: 4 Ways to Befriend Your Shadow-self to Find Your Truest Voice 

You may say, “Well how do I befriend my shadow?”  It’s simple, what are you afraid of? Go there. If you fear talking to strangers, take that feeling deeper and explore why. Maybe that’s why you’ve been unable to meet a partner. Maybe at your core you fear rejection. So take the power back, muster the strength and go talk to someone.

Be bold, be brave and step out there and walk the middle ground. Let your darkness show you something you never knew before, or never wanted to know. If you let it consume you, you become numb, you lose passion, and without passion nothing can live.

So you don’t know how to get past that anxiety. Leap before you think. In that in-between space is where passion lives. That is the instinctual part of you, devoid of ego and preconceived notions. You act from your center, where light and shadow come together like two great streams flowing into a river.

Begin asking, why?

Once you befriend your shadow parts, your pain, you find yourself dancing in the dark. You move into the sacred communion with your light and your shadow. Born of rhythm and fluidity. Because the shadow is not bad, rather it is the unwelcoming of the shadow that causes pain.

Take some time to express to your shadow all that you feel. Be open, honest and candied with your shadow. Express your deepest feelings of pain, disappointment and even resentment.

“What makes night within us may leave stars.” ― Victor HugoNinety-Three

What do you feel about your shadow? What has she done to you? Where have you felt held back in your life? What have you missed out on? Why, and how do you feel small in your life?

Openly express this to your Shadow self.

Check Out: The Alchemical Path of Expressing the Shadow 

LAYING YOUR GHOSTS TO REST

You have slipped into the Dark, and surrendered to her groove. Let her pulse through your heart, body and soul. You are losing old parts, and uncovering hidden ones. You are brave enough now for inner alchemy…Soul work!

In this dark, fertile place where transformation begins we must surrender ourselves to the experience. Which means we must move through our cycles of limiting thoughts, and crushing feelings… To get to the more inspired ones. You are detoxing from the high of resistant, fear based living.

“Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than suffering that is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our souls, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives.” ― Paulo CoelhoThe Alchemist

Now is the time for honesty. Come to terms with where you are inside and out. You do not have to be frightened anymore. Don’t deny yourself your sadness, or your rage. Just move into the feeling so that it can be cycled out and returned to the Earth, and the Universe as fertilizer for new intentions.

Check Out: Falling Curious, Finding Your Rhythm, and Making Peace with Your Ghosts 

MOVE INTO THE STORM OF YOUR SHADOW

After breathing into the chaos, the darkness… And asking these questions I find myself growing calmer, clearer and more able to move with the storm. The skies begin to brighten, and the world becomes more serene. My uncertainty and anxiety magnified the storm…. Because the Universe is a big mirror.

I like to move into the storm. Wrap myself in the water. And compassionately ask:

  • What do I have left to learn here?
  • How can I honor my highest good?

Check Out: Riding the Waves of Chaos and Confusion

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE?

Your shadow, your darkness, your forgotten hungry ghosts are your friends. They hold bright blessings and paths to healing. You have begun to cultivate awareness. Breathing life and sustenance into these arid, darkened places. Begin to cultivate daily time with yourself. Before the shadow can grow hungry and despondent… you can dialogue with the inner self to find what hurts, what feels wrong and what needs fixing.

The shadow is born when you allow something that opposes your goodness to become your truth!

Journal on the shadow. And your personal light.

Source: How to Work with Your Shadow Self | Shaheen Miro

Crystal of the Week: Turquoise – Holistic Experiment

To be given a stone such as turquoise promotes good luck and peace. It has been used as amulets since time began, defending against injury, outside influences, or atmospheric pollutants.

It was often used by Turkish soldiers, protecting riders from injuries due to falls. It’s said that the Turquoise grows pale when its owner is sick or sad and loses all of its color when the person dies. It gradually recovers when it’s transferred to a new healthy owner, its color deepening each day.

A powerful energy conduit, this stone releases old vows, inhibitions, and prohibitions, dissolving a martyred attitude or self-sabotage, allowing the soul to express itself once more. It is also good for people who suffer jet lag and deal with fears of flying.

In the workplace, Turquoise promotes leadership, helps in relocation or regular travel associated with careers, and helps avoid unwise investments. It helps overcome writer’s block and is a stone of clear communication when giving information.

This stone is a good amulet for those who work in law or for local or central government. It’s also a wonderful stone for accountants and computer operators to promotes mental relaxation. Turquoise is a great stone for those who work in radio or television to release anxiety and for laborers to protect from body harm

Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Purposes

There are many physical purposes of Turquoise, but it is often used for people who suffer from exhaustion and those who suffer from problems in the brain, eyes, ears, neck, and throat. It’s anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, reducing excess acidity and benefits gout, rheumatism, and the stomach.

It is often used to heal cataracts, migraines, headaches, and problems with balance. It’s helpful to the respiratory system and aids in healing lung disorders and allergies. It helps prevent trachetis and other bronchial attacks. By healing the breath, this stone may cure speech disorders such as stammering.

Turquoise enhances the physical and psychic immune system, supports the assimilation of nutrients, and helps alleviates pollution and viral infection. It is used for tissue regeneration, neutralizes overacidity, and is used for people who have issues with tissue regeneration, eye issues, gout, rheumatism, stomach issues, cramps, pain, and sore throat.

On an emotional level, this stone if often used to ease panic attacks, stress, guilt, shame, and even depression. It promotes friendship, loyalty, self-realization and can help with mood swings and provides solace for the spirit and well-being for the body.

This stone gives serenity and peace for those who needs it and promotes empathy and balance in one’s life. It helps one to realize the causes of happiness and unhappiness and promotes self-realization.

Turquoise empowers shy people because it calms the nerves when speaking it public. It helps dissolves a martyred attitude of self-sabotage and empowers those who are feeling bullied or suffer prejudice. It aids the user in creative problem-solving.

Spiritually speaking, this stone promotes purification of the body and mind and dispels negative energy and clears electromagnetic smog for the environment. It works with the meridians of the body and deals with the metaphysical immune system.

Turquoise promotes spiritual attunement and enhances communications with the physical and spiritual worlds. It’s an efficient healer because it provides solace for the spirit and well-being for the body. This stone shows how the creation of our fate depends on what we do each moment. It’s a stone that focuses on the Throat Chakra and the Third Eye and is a sacred stone to Native Americans.

Source: Crystal of the Week: Turquoise – Holistic Experiment

Hunger Games – secretsoftheserpent

 

The Hunger Games is a novel by Suzanne Collins and was made into a blockbuster film series. I will use the movies because let’s face it, no one reads anymore. This story is written like an ancient myth, but the fictional time and place is this planet right now. I remember when the movies first started coming out, the conspiracy buffs were all over the internet saying this is going to be the new world if the Illuminati has their way. I got news for you. This has been going on for a long time, but not it the way you think.

Suzanne Collins in an interview said she got her inspiration for the books from Greek myths. This is when I got interested in reading the books and seeing the movies. I love them. She does a great job of portraying things gong on today in the same way the Greeks portrayed what was going on in their day. Some people give me a hard way to go for translating the violent symbology in myths into consciousness and everyday life. The scribes used the violence to symbolize things, but also to show the type of violence that was going on in the world in certain eras. An example would be Medusa, cutting off her head symbolized getting the knowledge from her, but it was also quite common back then to have someone beheaded(See Medusa).

To start off with Katniss Everdeen is the main aspect of yourself, but she is the sacred feminine or your subconscious exploring this world. Being the main character you need to notice how comfortable she is in nature. I found it funny that at the very beginning of the first movie Gale tells Katniss “If everyone would just quit watching they wouldn’t have a game. It is as simple as that.” Gale just gave the answer at the very beginning to actually making a difference in this world. More on that later. Peeta Mellark is your ego. All other characters are aspects of yourself and your world.

We start with Katniss volunteering for her younger sister Primrose and Peeta being chosen. No one wanted to get picked and Katniss was protecting her sister, so that is why she volunteered. This is symbolizing the system that we have in place and the world you grew up in. You did not volunteer to be put into this system. You were thrown into it by your parents. Did you enjoy getting up for school everyday? Do you like going to work everyday? If there was no such thing as money, would you be doing what you are doing today? I will bet the answer for most people on all 3 is “No”. The etymology on graduate comes from “to gradually indoctrinate”.

While on the train they meet Effie and Haymitch. Effie represents someone who loves this fake world. Haymitch is representing the person that struggles in this fake world. This is where Katniss and Peeta find out you have to get people to like you. Peeta loves this because your ego loves to be liked. Your ego on its own is your inauthentic self. Katniss does not because when you have the sacred feminine you are more authentic, but she is still trying to figure this world out. When they get to the capital they see just how fake the world is. Everyone in the capital is fake and loving it. Perfect representation of what this world is today. The masses are all about fake hair, fake faces, fake media, fake politics, fake skin, fake medicine, fake boobs, fake nails, fake muscles(steroids), and let’s not forget fake personalities. But get the fake people to like you and you will survive in this world.

All the training and interviewing before the games is you getting to know people from all over the world and how they view this system. Some were trained from birth, some really enjoy it, some are just trying to survive and some are like you they are just learning. The fake fire on the chariot and her dress is symbolizing fake intellect. Which is exactly what you need to survive in this fake world. The Hunger games begin and this is symbolizing that people will do anything to get what they want in this world. Do we all compete for a job? Do we compete to get on the sports team or cheerleading squad? Do we compete to get into a college we want to goto? Let’s not forget how we treat each other for that sale on black Friday. People will do anything to get what they want. I could go on and on. We do all this and the blood lines ruling this world profit immensely. If you are familiar with my work, you understand what I mean when I talk about blood lines. If you are not familiar, check out Lemurian Magic.

Katniss and Peeta work together to be the first ever games with two victors. This is not supposed to happen. A regular person is not suppose to use both sides of their mind. Not without the establishment knowing. So they change the rules and make all previous victors compete in another Hunger Games. This is symbolizing no matter how high you climb in their game, they can always change the rules and do what they want. Some people don’t like it and riot, but they don’t care. Violence just makes them look better and the people held down by the system look like thugs.

They  go through the same thing with getting ready for the games again. Katniss and Peeta still have the fake fire when they come out. Meaning you are still not ‘awake’. The interesting part of the second movie is when Peeta dies and is brought back to life. Death and resurrection are all over the ancient myths and it mostly symbolizes death of pseudo self and resurrection of authentic self. You can’t kill the ego. You can make it fall off its pedestal, but without the ego you can’t be human. The biggest ego trip out there is “My ego is less than yours”(See Cyclops).
The trick is to have both working in harmony(See Magic). Katniss firing her arrow at top of dome when lightning strikes, is symbolizing the same thing as the tower card in the Tarot. Using authentic intelligence to make the fake masculine world come crashing down.

Katniss wakes up and finds out that Peeta is still alive knows the importance of getting him back. From this point on it is symbolizing what happens when you truly wake up. Those that have went through this process can understand the chaos that happens in the mind and the loneliness you experience. This movie portrays it perfect with Katniss’ struggles to come back to reality. Peeta saying things for the capital and then trying to kill her when they get him back, is the ego saying and doing anything to be the one in charge again(See Gollum). Her not trusting him from this point is a perfect analogy of you not trusting your mind after the waking up process. Gale is actually a perfect symbol of what the sacred masculine is, but it’s just as he tells her “You only notice me when I’m in pain”. Her working with him is the beginning of getting the sacred masculine back in your life. Just like when you were a kid.

The rebels have cameras follow Katniss. They give it away in the movie as to why they are doing this. So they can put out propaganda. In other words, you are being a good little girl doing what we want you to do, so we want to show the world you are on our side. This will get more people to think like we think. As I showed in Lemurian Magic, all these blood lines are fighting over control of you. All the media, mainstream and alternative, is to get you to think how they want you to think. All the politics, all the religion, everything has an agenda, to control you. It is a game to them! The masses don’t have one original thought in their head. They parrot everything that has been spoon fed to them since they were born. Katniss starts to figure this out when Boggs is killed.

Peeta starts asking what is real or not real because he needs help after uncovering all the lies. From here all the battling and getting to the capital through the sewers is the battle you go through to become your true self. All the mutts attacking is the masses trying to bring you back down to their level. Katniss finally uncovers the truth and realizes Coin only wants the power for herself. She says she wants to kill Snow, but kills Coin instead realizing this is all a game. This is symbolizing her taking herself out of the game of the establishment. Her going home and Peeta showing up is symbolizing the subconscious and ego working together, equally. When you have both sides of the mind working together, you create your own authentic world. At the very end she is playing with her child and it ends with “there are worst games to play”.

Just like Gale said in the beginning of the series, quit playing, quit watching and quit giving your power away. Put the odds in your favor and become the authentic person you were meant to be. Don’t be polarized. Polarized people are easily moved and keep the world in conflict. Conflict means profits and control for the establishment. I find it funny that this movie is filled with actors and actresses that supposedly are on the common persons side, yet Hollywood is a main engine in running the fakery of this world. They will put things out like this symbolically because they know most people don’t understand the symbolism. They go and accept their awards and paycheck and laugh all the way to the bank. Truth only goes as far as someones paycheck.

Let your light shine!!!!!!!

Source: Hunger Games – secretsoftheserpent

Astrorisa Moon Blast – Excerpts of the Leo Full Moon February 10, 2017

February 10, 2017
Leo Full Moon 22° at 7:33 PM EST
in House 12
Aquarius Sun 22°, in House 6

Planetary & Cosmic Energies
 Moon (Osupa / Yemoja), Sun (Orun / Orunmila), Mercury (Esu-Elegbara), Uranus (Sango), Neptune (Olokun),  Pluto (Oya), and Venus (Oshun).
Forecast runs from Feb.10th – Mar.11th 2017
Leo Full Moon 22° the archetype of Orunmila and Sango
A Leo moon always brings an experience that can be seen as transformative, and in this case this moon time is both transformative and life changing. This Leo moon arrives as a lunar eclipse, opening and closing cosmic portals, bringing the ending of cycles which will soon usher in new beginnings. Thus, for so many, what once was will not be again after this moon time.
This Leo moon centers around family and government issues which may experience unexpected situations… Leo enjoys justice, is concerned about its family, and enjoys all things which are pleasurable…And for our collective consciousness, this moon time offers experiences which tests or guides our free will towards decisions which will impact our destinies…However, because of these cosmic nudges regarding our destiny, some people will ponder now, where they should be going in life? Or they’ll decide to change their life style, or again will be overly concerned with their financial situation, where will their lack of finances take them? All these scenarios fall under these cosmic and lunar vibrations, influencing the changing of cycles.
Have a safe, law abiding, and fun filled full moon time.
Written by Iya Olusoga ~ Bisi Ade
For Astrorisa Moon Forecaster
February 7, 2017

Source: Astrorisa Moon Blast – Excerpts of the Leo Full Moon 2-10-17 – paulaniht@gmail.com – Gmail

Solar Eclipse 26 February 2017 The Wish – Astrology King

The solar eclipse on 26 February 2017 is at 8 degrees Pisces. The solar eclipse February 2017 astrology is dominated by the spiritual planet Neptune to bring hope of a brighter future. Good fortune and lasting happiness come from the stars in this region of the sky.

The February 2017 solar eclipse is just as happy and magical as the February 10 lunar eclipse. Acting in unison over coming months, this eclipse phase gives you an opportunity to turn your dreams into reality by drawing on your god given talents.

You can look forward to enduring results especially in relationships, so long as you remain humble and grateful to a higher power. Extravagance, greed or selfishness will see an end to your good fortune by the beginning of the next eclipse phase in August 2017.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Meaning

Like any new moon, a solar eclipse represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. The strongest and most important aspect in all of astrology is the Sun conjunct Moon. It means that all possibilities are on the table and you can rightly put yourself in the forefront of new plans for the future.

Old habits, behaviors and beliefs can be questioned as you search for new and inventive ways to make progress. This is the ideal time to make a fresh start by writing a to-do list on a blank sheet of paper.

This solar eclipse will compliment themes found in the February 10 lunar eclipse. Together they act as an eclipse phase which lasts until the eclipses of August 2017.

Solar Eclipse February 2017 Astrology

Solar eclipse February 2017 is located in Aquarius Constellation in the Sky. Due to precession of the equinoxes, however, it falls within the Pisces Sign in your Horoscope. At 08°12′ Pisces it will most strongly affect Pisces decan 1 but also those born in early Pisces decan 2.

One star and one planet close by provide more information about how this solar eclipse will shape your life over coming months. The closest is the star in the Water Bearer and just a few degrees further away is the mysterious blue planet Neptune.

Fixed star Skat at 09 ♓ 06 aligns with solar eclipse February 2017 giving good fortune and lasting happiness. It is also provides safety in a deluge. This is a star for good leaders in any adventurous field of activity, physical, economic or social. The name Skat means The Wish. This is a solar eclipse for making wishes come true. However, the promised good fortune will only endure if you have earned it.

With the Sun and the Moon, this star is especially good for relationships. You can make new and influential friends, get help and valuable gifts from friends, and gain the love of respectable women. The enhanced emotional sensitivity from Skat can make you psychic, but together with the associated criticism and persecution.

New Moon Solar Eclipse February 2017 Astrology

 

Solar Eclipse Neptune

Neptune shows how we rise above physical limitations. Spiritual development involves feeling more at one with people around you and with life in general. There is something scary about stepping into the unknown but the positive side of Neptune will be more noticeable following this solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse in general is a positive event giving an energy boost for a fresh start. The fixed star between the eclipse and Neptune is a very positive one, with wishes and dreams both being ruled by Neptune. The positive side of Neptune is also more prominent now that the fearful influence of Saturn square Neptune has passed.

Sun conjunct Neptune increases your sensitivity, intuition and empathy.  Setting some boundaries will allow you to enjoy a sense of togetherness with loved ones. You may benefit from joining or learning more about environmental, charity, social or community work and groups. Spiritual or occult subjects like astrology may be better understood through higher awareness. This is a good time to go to the movies or escape from reality through a fantasy novel.

Moon conjunct Neptune increases your emotionally sensitivity. With conscious self-awareness provided by the Sun, you can filter out any background noise and use your sensitivity for good. While some psychic impressions may be off the mark, your compassion and empathy are genuine. You can be of great assistance to the victimized and outcast. The emotional comfort you offer has a healing quality.

The influence of the Sun and Moon with Neptune gives great potential for psychic awareness. The influence of the fixed star makes it even more likely that you will experience some kind of psychic activity following the February 28 solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Minor Aspects

The conjunction of Sun, Moon, Neptune and fixed star is definitely a harmonious and beneficial one. However, your fortune and psychic talents are at risk of turning against you because of the big opposition in the sky, shown by the solid red line in the solar eclipse February 2017 astrology chart above.

Jupiter opposite Uranus greatly increases your need for personal freedom and excitement. You will feel a strong urge to react, or rebel against anything that is stopping you from having fun and doing what you want. There is likely to be particular sudden event that releases your built up tension and leads to a major change in circumstances.

Not only is this opposition happening at the same time as the solar eclipse, it is directly linked in space by the 8th harmonic aspects of the 45° semisquare and the 135° sesquisquare. These minor aspects are like an itch that needs scratching, or a weaker version of the square aspect.

Sun Sesquisquare Jupiter (Sun square Jupiter) is like a double-edged sword. It can make you feel extremely confident, proud, lucky and optimistic. The manner in which you express your exuberance is critical in determining the final result, which can range from good fortune and success, to loss and embarrassment. The best way to handle it is with respect, moderation and discipline.

Sun semisquare Uranus (Sun square Uranus) requires open-mindedness and flexibility as you enter a stage of uncertainty. You may start to feel uneasy and anxious as you sense impending change. A buildup of nervous tension can result in unpredictable behavior on your part which can lead to abruptness, rapid changes in direction and even accidents.

Adding Mars conjunct Uranus to the equation makes these minor aspects even more like squares. This increases the danger of over reaction, rebellion and greed spoiling the original benefits from Neptune eclipse on the happy fixed star.

Sun semisquare Mars (Sun square Mars) can lead to tests of character from your competitors or enemies. The boss or men in general may be looking to assert their power, leading to ego conflicts. You may already be irritable and impatience, likely to react to any provocation or threats with aggression. Do not go on the offensive because your strength and courage are at a low point.

Solar Eclipse February 2017 Summary

You can expect to feel extremely sensitive to the extent of having visions or premonitions following the February 2017 solar eclipse. You should notice more compassion and generosity around you compared to previous months and last year in particular. Increasing wealth and happiness can be found by following a more spiritual path and being inclusive of others.

This solar eclipse acts as a companion to the February 2017 lunar eclipse. The spiritual nature of the solar eclipse blends perfectly with the mystical lunar eclipse. The many talents provided by the previous lunar eclipse can now be put to use following your hopes and dreams. The good fortune and happiness found in following your dreams has the potential to be substantial and enduring, especially for relationships.

Remaining true to your morals and belief is vitally important once your hopes and dreams are realized. Any good fortune is intrinsically tied to your spiritual development. Excessive lust, greed or selfishness will see any benefits erased. Worse than that, the interconnectedness highlighted by the solar eclipse February 2017 astrology means that your loved ones would also be adversely affected by the error of your ways.

Solar Eclipse New Moon February 2017 Visibility

On the morning of Sunday 26 February 2017 the solar eclipse will be visible from south America. It then ends in south-western Africa at sunset. Being an annular solar eclipse, not all of the Sun will be darkened. In this type of partial eclipse, the apparent diameter of the Moon is smaller than the Sun’s, leaving a ring of light around the eclipsed Sun.

If this solar eclipse directly impacts your horoscope decan you can read about its effect in your monthly horoscope. For more detail about how it affects your natal chart see Sun Transits.

Previous Moon Phase: Lunar Eclipse 10 February 2017
Next Moon Phase: Full Moon 12 March 2017

 

Solar Eclipse September 2016 Times and Dates

Los Angeles February 26 – 6:58 am
New York February 26 – 9:58am
London February 26 – 2:58 pm
Delhi February 26 – 8:28 pm
Sydney February 27 – 0:58 am

Source: Solar Eclipse 26 February 2017 The Wish – Astrology King

Cupid – secretsoftheserpent

cupid-and-psyche-1793

Cupid is the Rome equivalent to Eros and their names basically mean ‘desire’. Desire is the reason we humans have time. It is also said the Cupid is the god of erotic love, attraction and affection, hence we say he is the god of love. It is because of misinterpreting the myths and legends that we think the ancients were obsessed with sex. The myths are way more beautiful when they are translated correctly.

Most people know cupid as a chubby little baby with a bow and arrow. In the ancient myths he is a slender, young, handsome man. The chubby baby is a Renaissance period invention. Cupid is usually a minor character in stories except for the tale of Cupid and Psyche. This is the myth I will be explaining to you. The myth of Cupid and Psyche is the origin of Beauty and the Beast. Before we start I have to tell you the true symbolism for Cupid is lunar worship and the bow and arrow symbolize masculine and feminine. When he shoots his arrows it symbolizes creation. He is also a winged god and winged gods symbolize non-physical abstract dynamics such as intellect, spiritual, imagination and psychic.

The story of Cupid and Psyche is a beautiful story of consciousness with astrological and nature symbolism ingrained. Psyche has unearthly beauty and Venus becomes jealous of her. This has astrological symbolism because on a clear moonless night Venus is the brightest star that everyone notices, but on a moon lit night the moon out shines Venus. The planet Venus is jealous because the beauty of the Moon takes the mortals attention away from her.

The name Psyche is where we get psychology. Unless you took psychology or you like myths, you probably never heard of her. In ancient Greek psyche means ‘soul’. Now why would we get a term for the mind that means ‘soul’. To understand what is going on here, you have to be a student of Hermetic. In the Principal of Mentalism it says “The All is Mind; The Universe is Mental”. To go deeper on you still, you are not a soul in your body, you are a body in your soul. Psyche being a female is showing you that this universal energy is feminine. It is why nature is always portrayed as a female.

Venus sends her son, Cupid, to use one of his arrows on Psyche. This would make Psyche fall in love with a human monster. In this story Cupid is the masculine energy with Psyche being the feminine energy. Cupid is so astonished by Psyche’s beauty that he accidentally shoots himself. From that moment, Cupid was irrevocably in love with Psyche. Psyche and her parents now realize that her beauty has angered the gods. The go to the Temple of Apollo and find out that no mortal man can have her hand in marriage, but her future husband, that is a monster, awaits her on top of a mountain. Mountains symbolize the mountain you have to climb to reach enlightenment.

Psyche goes to the highest cliff and is swept away by he west wind, Zephyr. Wind always represents your thoughts or mastering your thoughts. She is brought to a beautiful valley that has a palace so magnificent that only the gods could have built it. Going from a high cliff to a valley is showing that this universal energy peaks and wanes. The palace is representing individuality. The palace is surrounded by luscious trees and a  crystalline fountain. Here we have the water that represents her emotions. The trees represent the Tree of Life(see Tree of Life post) and the higher you go the more grounded you have to be. Psyche accepts that this is her new home, but does not know that Cupid is the stranger that lives here.

Cupid makes Psyche promise that she will not look at his face and he visits her every night to make love to her in the darkness. Despite all the love and tenderness Psyche is still bothered by the oracles claims that her husband is a monster. This is showing that the feminine and masculine is still not balanced. They are still separate so there is no enlightenment. Psyches’s sisters visit her and are jealous of her beautiful home. They insist that her husband is a monster and talk her into finding out.

Psyche decides to break her husband’s only request of allowing his face to remain secret and look upon him at night. She lights a candle to gaze at his face and all his majestic beauty. A single drop of oil falls from the candle and wakes Cupid. Cupid flees their home in distress because he had been betrayed. The flame of the candle represents intellect. So here we have 3 of the 4 elements on our way to enlightenment.

Psyche is distraught and she goes in search of her husband. She travels many days until she meets the goddess Ceres. Ceres is now the second goddess in the story and 2 goddess symbolize seen and unseen wisdom. Ceres tells Psyche to surrender herself to Venus and whatever ill will the goddess throws at her. Obeying Ceres’ advice, Psyche is giving what seems like 3 impossible tasks. First is to separate the grains of Venus’ temple into piles. Second she has to steal a  wool fleece from a herd of sheep. Third she has to travel into the underworld and request some beauty from Queen Proserpina, so she can give it to Venus. In doing the last task Psyche has to keep the box in which the beauty is placed tightly closed, for fear of terrible repercussions.

Psyche starts the trials and without her knowing Cupid assists her. The first trial is alchemical symbolism. In alchemy the grains of Venus’ temple were the seven heavenly spheres in the sky. They are as follows:

Sun – Wheat
Moon – Rice
Mars – Oats
Mercury – Millet
Jupiter – Rye
Venus – Barley
Saturn – Corn

Her having to steal a fleece from sheep tells me this myth was written in the time of Aries. Finally she is given divine advice on how to surpass the dangers of Hades. Those who have read my previous work know that Hades symbolizes your body. You being in Hades or the underworld is you being here on earth in the fleshy body(See Magic). So now we have the 4 element for enlightenment.

Psyche is so upset about all the trials that she opens the forbidden box and is immediately put into a Stygian sleep. This is a sleep so strong she is considered the living dead. This is the sleep of the river Styx or Hades, in other words the sleeping masses. She had become one of the masses. By that time Cupid has had enough and he wants to be with his wife. This is the Masculine yearning for the Sacred Feminine. Cupid flies down to rescue her and lifts her in her sleeping form into the heavens. He pleads with Jupiter to talk some sense into his mother, Venus. Venus lifts the curse from Psyche and she is transformed into an immortal. Once she becomes immortal her and Cupid are wed.

This is the story of your enlightenment. The marriage of the Sacred Feminine with the Masculine.

 

Source: Cupid – secretsoftheserpent

Ground & Center | Witchery Wednesday

Ground & Center

groundandcenter_edit

Whether you’re practicing magic or yoga, in many spiritually aware circles you will hear the term “ground and center” thrown about a lot.  Or maybe you’ve heard the phrases “live in the moment” or “be present in the now”?  This practice is essential to a successful casting, and can also help us deal with stressful moments in the more mundane parts of our lives. But rarely do we talk about what that actually means, and how to get there.  While the concept is simple, sometimes we struggle with how to accomplish it.  Especially if the traditional methods don’t work for you.  By understanding the goal of “ground and center” it’s easier to go off the beaten path when searching for a way to get there.  Remember, there is no “wrong” way to do this, there is only what works for you personally and what doesn’t.  Centering is all about connecting within yourself; finding that space of calmness within the chaos (as we wrote about here in our article The Importance of Keeping Balance).  Grounding is about connecting with the life flow outside of yourself.  By reaching for those connections, both internal and external, and strengthening them, we can reach a state of mind that makes casting easier.

Here are some of our favorite methods for grounding and centering.

Meditation:  This is probably the most widely practiced method.  It’s what everyone is familiar with, and as we’ve talked about before, Everything Is Meditation.  Even the rest of the methods we talk about for grounding and centering are essentially forms of meditation.

Visualization:  For many of us, especially those of us who are creative, visualization is a key part of any casting, and we can use it to ground and center as well.  Everyone generally finds their own image that resonates with them, but I am partial to the Tree.  If you’ve never tried visualization before, this is a good way to start as it’s an easy image to hold.  Relax your body and your breath, and imagine you are a tree.  With your first breath in, imagine you are drawing strength up from the Earth through your roots.  With your next breath out, “push” your roots down, deeper into the Earth.  Next breath in, reach towards the sky, drawing in sunlight through your leaves.  Breath out, and release any tension you’re holding out through your leaves.  Repeat this as needed until you feel calm and centered.

Chants:  Sometimes a spoken element can help us focus our minds on the task at hand.  Simple chants are often used in tandem with meditation for that reason.  It can be a soft sound that has no real meaning, like the traditional “ohm” you may have heard, or something more akin to a positive affirmation, like repeating “I am grounded.  I am centered.”  Or if you want to be a bit more poetic try “Earth below, sky above, I am still, and I am one.”

Physical connection with Nature:  Do you enjoy hiking, nature walks, kayaking or just being outdoors?  This method might be for you.  While most people find it easiest to ground and center while being still and calm, this isn’t always the right approach for everyone.  Sometimes activity can also be a kind of calmness.  However, we can’t always take the time to go on a 10 mile hike before a casting, so some quicker ways to achieve this would be standing barefoot in the grass, dipping your hands or feet in running water, or hugging a tree. (Yup, we went there!  But it works!)

Rituals:  Let me guess; you just pictured someone in a hooded robe, surrounded by candles and chalk pentagrams?  (Thanks, Hollywood!)  Often we already have small rituals in our every day lives and don’t realize it.  For example, do you find vacuuming soothing?  Maybe organizing your junk drawer brings you a sense of peace and order?  Or maybe you drink your first cup of coffee on your porch every morning, listening to the sound of the neighborhood waking up and enjoying the silence before you have to wake your monsters  … er… wonderful children for school?  All of these things could be considered rituals.

Worry Stones:  Worry stones, or similar devices such as stress balls or sensory toys, can serve to help you ground and center.  We’re partial to using actual stones ourselves, but again, choose what works best for you.

Repetitive Tasks:  We personally believe that this is one reason that knitting, and many other crafts, have such positive effects on mental health.  Remember, everything is magic! (Or at least, it has the potential to be magic.)  Knitting, crocheting, coloring, embroidery, macrame… all of these can be used to ground and center.

Do you have a favorite method not mentioned here?  Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Source: Ground & Center | Witchery Wednesday