Monday 18 December 2017

Just because...


The fairy journal pg 2

The fairy journal pg 2




In a forest...

In a forest...




The lotus

The lotus




Stay Warm

Stay Warm




Meeting the Soul

Meeting the Soul


The Crow & The Deer

The Crow & The Deer

Polyvore Play

**




Infinity

Infinity

Fairy Tale

Fairy Tale



Purple candle, £6.72

Felt by the heart....

Felt by the heart....




Fae 2

Fae 2

Lady of the Lake

Lady of the Lake





The New Moon

New Moon - The Moon's unilluminated side is facing the Earth.
December 18th in Sagittarius
Selene visits Endymion on Mount Latmus, John Atkinson Grimshaw 1879
In early societies, the reappearance of the moon was often a cause for celebration -- after all, it meant that the dark had passed, and the full moon was on its way back.

The new moon is the first phase of the moon. Traditionally, it occurs when the first waxing crescent of the moon invisible in the sky. Astronomically, it occurs when the moon is the closest to the sun as seen from the Earth. This takes place right in the middle of the dark moon period so the moon is not visible at this time unless there is a solar eclipse when its shadow is visible against the sun.
 Edwin Blashfield

Gardening by the Moon
If you are gardening according to the lunar cycles, shortly after the new moon is a good time to plant leafy greens and cabbages. The waxing moon draws water upward and stimulates growth, so this is a good time to plant just about any and all annual seeds. Perennial seeds should be planted near the full moon as it encourages strong root growth.

Magick by The New Moon
Magic appropriate to the new moon period includes anything related to new beginnings, drawing magic of all sorts and anything related to growth and increase.

The first appearance of the new moon begins the first day of the lunar month (noumenia). This night is often considered sacred to Selene, Artemis and/or Diana. The prior night, the night of the dark moon is sacred to Hecate and is designated as Hecate's Supper.
Goddess-centered traditions honor the Goddess in her Maiden aspect at this time.
A Dream of Latmos depicting Selene (the Moon) and Endymion, by Sir Joseph Noel Paton.
Selene

Selene (suh LEE nee) is the ancient Greek Titan Goddess and personification of the Moon. Selene drives her chariot silver drawn by two white-winged horses or bulls across the sky each night. Sometimes she is riding a bull or a horse.
The name Selene is probably derived from the Greek selas, meaning "light". She was also called Mene, which means "month" referring to the lunar month which was calculated from the new moon to the dark moon and Phoebe, meaning "bright". (Also the name of the Titan Goddess Phoebe and an epithet of Artemis.) In her Full Moon state, she is Panselene or Pandia Selene. Pandia may have once been an epithet of Selene, before she was her daughter. Another name for Selene is Pasiphae, though it is also the name of another Goddess.

Selene is generally described as having bright and beautiful hair, the Homeric Hymn to Selene describes her as "long-winged" (though this may mean something more like "far flying") and wearing a golden crown. Orphic Hymn to Selene calls her "bull horned" riding with her torch extended before her. In Pausanias Description of Greece, he describes a statue of Selene, saying she has horns.
The moon seen from below is either her crown, or her shining cloak, billowing out behind her or her horns, or the horns of her bull.

According to Hesiod's Theogany (371-374), Selene is the daughter of Hyperion and Theia, along with her brother Helios and sister Eos. Pseudo-Apollodorus agrees with this account in his Bibliotheca 1.2.2. Homer's Hymn to Helios names their mother Euryphaessa ("wide shining"), (probably an epithet for Theia) but his Hymn to Hermes (94) mentions Selene as the daughter of Pallas, son of Megamedes specifically. (There is a GodPallas as well.) Euripides (Phoenician Women(170)) and Nonnus (Dionysiaca 44) however, calls Selene the daughter of Helios. Nonnus also refers to her as "motherless".
Selene and Endymion by Victor Florence Pollett.

Selene's greatest love was the shepherd Endymion who slept in eternal youth and beauty.
There are various stories as to how this came about, whether it was his choice or her request. The story that had passed to me orally was that Selene, having learned from Eos's mistake in wishing her love eternal life, but not eternal youth, asked Zeus to grant that her lover always be as he was. As he was sleeping when she said that, so he remained. Psuedo-Apollodorus (Bibliotheca 1.7.5) says that it was Endymion who made the request of Zeus. Either way, Selene's love for Endymion features in many works of art and serves as motivation for many of her actions. Because of her great, and aching love, she is known to take pity on lovers and give them aid, assuming they have been respectful of her in the past. To Endymion, Selene is said to have born 50 daughters; The Menae, the 50 months of the Olympiad, the four-year Olympic cycle.

Selene had other children including Pandeia and Ersa (whom some scholars believe to be different names for the same being), ostensibly by Zeus.

The bard Musaeus claimed Selene as his mother.

By Helios, Selene is the mother of the The Horae, the seasons.

Selene is also the mother of the Nemean Lion. The father is unknown, though Aelian (On Animals) says she brought it forth at the bidding of Hera.

A SIMPLE RITUAL

First, if your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so at this time. If you don't normally cast a circle, take the time to ritually purify the area by smudging or asperging. This will establish the space as sacred.

Perform this ceremony outside if at all possible -- it's the best way to get a good look at the sliver of new moon. You'll need a moon candle, wrapped in a black cloth, to place on your altar. This is traditionally a white unscented pillar-style candle. You'll also need a hand-held mirror. Tie some silver and white ribbons on it if you wish. Finally, have a small bowl of Blessing Oil handy.

Hold this ceremony at sunset if you can. Turn to the west, and watch as the sun goes down (without looking directly at it). Once the sun has dropped below the horizon, you'll be able to see where the new moon is rising - and the location is going to vary from month to month, depending on the time of year and where you live.

If the sun sets before you began, you'll need to look a bit higher in the sky, but you should still be able to find it as long as the night is a clear one.

If you're doing this rite with children, have them each try to be the first one to spot the new moon.

Once you see the moon in the sky, unwrap the candle.

Hold it up high and say:

Welcome back, Moon!
We're glad to see you again.
Another cycle has passed
another month gone by
and our lives have moved forward.

Place the candle on the altar and light it, still facing the moon. Say:

Today is a new day,
and a new month begins.
As the tides flow, and the moon rises above,
we are thankful that She has returned.
She watches over us, ever constant,
yet always changing,
and we are thankful for her light.

If you have children present, have them wave to the moon and thank her for returning -- you'd be amazed how silly and fun this simple task can become!

Next, turn to face east, where the sun will rise in the morning. Pick up the mirror and hold it so you can see the new moon behind you. Say:

Bring us your wisdom, your guidance,
your protection, in the coming month.
You are behind me at every step,
watching and guiding me,
and I am thankful.

Place the mirror back on the altar, beside the moon candle. Take a moment to reflect on your goals. After all, this is a time of new beginnings and a good time for new commitments and vows.

Warm the Blessing Oil over the candle for just a moment, and then anoint each others' foreheads. As you do so, say:

May the blessings of the moon be with you.

If you are working alone, anoint your own forehead, and grant yourself the blessings of the moon.

When you are ready, close the circle and end the ritual.

Source: HERE
Albert Aublet

Love and light,
Trace
xoxo

The new moon ~ Monday December 18, 2017

A new moon represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of another new 28-day cycle.

London ~ December 18 – 06:30 am

The strongest astrological influence on new moon December 2017 comes from Saturn one side of the new moon and Venus the other. This would normally be a sad and lonely arrangement but Uranus trine the new moon makes it all better.

The December 2017 new moon is good for committing to a serious relationship and for meeting someone to share the rest of your life with. This is a new moon for making positive changes without upsetting the structures and routines in your life. You can have the best of both worlds as you leave your past behind and create your new reality.

A Serious New Moon
New Moon conjunct Saturn means it is time to stand up and be counted. Hard work, discipline and patience are needed to attend to your duties and obligations. This aspect often signifies hardship, sadness, and fear. However, the loving influence of Venus and the awakening influence of Uranus will bring out the best of Saturn.

This is a new moon for achievement, recognition, and satisfaction. Taking on more responsibility and acting more responsibly will earn you respect and promotion. Build a strong foundation for the future and make life more stable and secure for you and your family.
This is a good new moon to simplify and bring efficiency to your life. This will make your goals less complicated and easier to meet. In relationships, you could be someone’s rock in their time of crisis or act as guide and mentor. This is a good new moon for family bonding and strengthening relationships.

New Moon Love
New Moon conjunct Venus shines a light on your love relationships and your creativity. You should feel more loving, affectionate and sociable but Saturn gives a more serious and practical tone to your relationships. This is a new moon for mutual respect, loyalty and commitment in relationships. You should feel it in your heart is someone is serious about you or if you are sure about them.

New love is possible and would likely have a karmic feel as if you had known them before. Practicalities such as distance, career or finances may cause concern or delays. A romance that starts during this new moon phase will have a good chance of being a long-term relationship.
The new moon sitting between Venus and Saturn is good for saving and investing your money. You should consider the long-term financial viability of your new moon goals. This is a good new moon to spend money on home furnishing and building materials. Be conservative with your money and spend only on practical items that you need.

Change and Excitement
New Moon trine Uranus makes this an exciting new moon of unexpected events, self-discovery, and revelation. You will feel like trying something new, outside of your normal routine. You should enjoy more freedom to leave your comfort zone and widen your social circle with some extraordinary people.
Your new moon goals could be more about money than love. If this is the case the positive influence of Uranus lets you take some calculated risks.

New Moon December 2017 Summary
The balanced aspect between the Saturn new moon and Uranus means you can have the best of both worlds. You can have your cake and eat it too by blending old and new, tradition and new age, safety and risk. Venus and Saturn either side of new moon December 2017 means this perfect mix of stability and excitement applies to you love life and finances.

You can take on more responsibility while maintaining your independence and freedom. You can make positive changes while maintaining existing frameworks and structures in your life. The changes that happen during this new moon phase are part of a longer term transition phase which is coming to a close. Leave your past behind and create your new reality.

Source HERE


Love and light,
Trace
xoxo

Design Your Own Tarot Cards

The Creative Oracle
Knight of Swords
Wouldn't this make a beautiful card?
Designing my own tarot/oracle cards has resonated with me for some time. Something very personal that can incorporate my 'feely' traits and need for softness draws me in to create a magical, soul-lifting deck. Polyvore is great for experimenting with digital collage, which includes links to the original image source. Wonderful arty play to get the juices flowing.

Inspirational Images:
                                       Vulnerable (Open)                        Divine Hand (Guidance)
Lovers
(Letting the light in)
This site (HERE) offers a service of printed cards with your own design. So cool. I'm going to have a deeper search soon and compare. The passion I feel to do this means it will materialize - always does when so strong a pull.
Sample of previous images book related
Below is information about a lovely tarot handmade - Creation of a tarot deck: The Fountain Tarot
Link HERE
A stunning new deck, hand-painted in oil by Jason’s partner, Jonathan Saiz, and put together by designer Andi Todaro. It’s still in progress, but the team has already got their Kickstarter campaign up and running to raise the funds for production.

We wanted the painting, writing, and design to feel relatable to people so they could see themselves in it.
There was an initial phase at the beginning that required a LOT of research. It was important to capture that thread that has been consistent throughout the tradition of tarot (from the early cards/decks of the 1400s, to the iconic Marseilles and RWS, to the quirky and cool modern decks) while contributing something new to the canon. After that, it was literally communicating back and forth, cross-referencing, honing, and refining over and over.

ANDI: The process was an organized and organic one, meaning that some of the cards were imagery first, meaning second, and vice versa. Jason did most of the research, identifying what icons and symbols could or could not be in each card. Jonathan has this gorgeous sketchbook with one card on every page, an indicator for how ‘dark’ the essence of each one is, and other ways of quantifying the unquantifiable character and nuance of each card.
The Fountain Tarot: 79 contemporary cards of original oil paintings with an in-depth guide to reading Tarot in a custom-designed box.

How to Read Tarot Cards for Beginners - HERE


Another link concerning creating your own deck - HERE

Printer Studio - Make your own cards

Love and light,
Trace
xoxo

Gemini Sun

Gemini Sun