Weyland’s Whey July 8th-August 14th Holly Tree Month Column

Holly. The tree, Pilgrim, not the Stephen King book. It’s an evergreen symbolizing protection, eternal life and the victory of light over darkness. Since it was rumored to repel lightning, it was frequently planted near homes. (Thor, the God of Thunder, is Himself associated with Holly.) The wood is quite strong and was used for spears and other weapons. Holly isn’t usually employed for wands, although the wood has been known to “select” a witch who is on a quest which requires protection. Think Harry Potter.

(www.celebratepaganholidays.com/summer/celtic-tree-month-holly-july 8-august 4)

The Third Quarter Moon, AKA the last quarter moon or a waning gibbous moon, symbolizes a time of introspection, translations and endings. Now you can release habits and beliefs that no longer work for you. You can harness this lunar energy through meditation or creating your own rituals.

(HiddenSignificance)

Wey’s Prediction…such as it is. It’s a time of protection, mon ami. (Especially with the Thunder God in the neighborhood!) Concentrate on self-improvements while this moon wanes. Feel free to look inward as well as outwardly for whatever your heart is searching for. Excelsior!

A Planetary Alignment (or Planetary Parade) happens when several planets line up on one side of the sun at once. Just before sunrise tomorrow–Sunday, July 12th–the moon, along with planets Mars, Saturn and Uranus will appear to be aligned in the eastern sky. You’ll be able to eyeball the waning crescent moon, Mars and Saturn. To spot Uranus you’ll need a telescope or a pair of strong binoculars. This display is said to be visible worldwide, something I have trouble visualizing–no doubt a failing that has helped to keep me out of the big money lo these many years…

(The Columbus Dispatch)

When multiple worlds align, our lives will often feel like they’re accelerating. Hang on for the ride, Pilgrims!

(The Inner Wheel)

The Last Pennsylvania Witch Trial: In 2023, Hanover PA police visited Pagan shop owner Beck Ravenswood, warning them that offering paid Tarot card readings was against Pennsylvania law. Violations include penalties of up to a year in jail with fines of up to $2,500. Ravenswood said this encounter had an instant chilling effect on both their business and spiritual practice. In 2024, Ravenswood filed a lawsuit against both Hanover Borough and the Police Chief, claiming that Pennsylvania’s divination statute violates both the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Their complaint asks that the statute be declared unconstitutional and its enforcement permanently prohibited. A July 22nd conference was ordered by US District Court Judge Jennifer Wilson and will set new deadlines. A request from the state’s Attorney General’s Office for dismissal has been denied. This case could affect us all, Pilgrims. I’ll keep you posted.

(Instagram, The Wild Hunt, keystonenewsroom.com, Back on the Broomstick podcast, Episode 171: Tarot is Not a Crime–Beck Ravenswood Fights for Our Rights, Demystify Magic podcast, Why This Tarot Reader Is Suing Pennsylvania Over An 1861 Law with Beck Ravenswood)

One More Thing: Weyland Smith writes for PaganPagesOrg and Purrfectly Pagan e-Mag. He can be reached at [email protected]