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Book Review – The Nature of Astrology: History, Philosophy, and the Science of Self-Organizing Systems by Bruce Scofield
Book Review The Nature of Astrology: History, Philosophy, and the Science of Self-Organizing Systems by Bruce Scofield Publisher: Inner Traditions 544 Pages Release Date: January 3, 2023 This is not a casual read. This is not the kind of astrology book that tells you what your sun sign is, what your moon sign is, your rising sign, and so on – you’re not going to find out how to learn how to find the love of your live or the best career for your personality by casting a perfect horoscope and following the planets each month, day, year – this is not that book. This is…
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Notes from the Apothecary
Notes from the Apothecary: Columbine The columbine, or Aquilegia, is a striking flower, with hooked spurs that resemble either eagle’s talons or the heads of doves gathered together. It’s in the same family as buttercups (Ranunculaceae), which while isn’t obvious in the shape of the flowers, becomes more apparent when you look at the hairy stems and the lobed leaf shapes. There are up to 70 species of columbines that we know about, with colours ranging from bright blue to deep red. Also known as Granny’s Bonnet, these fantastic flowers carry a wealth of folklore and magical associations. The Kitchen Garden Columbine are one of those plants that…
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Book Review – Trees Are Our Letters: A Creative Appointment with Nature’s Communicators by Carol Day
Book Review Trees Are Our Letters: A Creative Appointment with Nature’s Communicators by Carol Day Publisher: Moon Books / John Hunt Publishing Ltd. 136 Pages Release Date: March 1, 2023 Trees are our Letters. The book title tells us that there is a story to be told by trees. There are many testimonials at the beginning of the book that speak to the magical connection we have with trees. These testimonials speak to how this book can help to enhance our inner sight, spirituality, and healing. By connecting with nature and trees we can create within ourselves a sense of steady grounding and become more centered.…
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Stellar Applications
Current Astrology Using Hermetic Applications Welcome to Stellar Applications…. ….a new column for PaganPagesOrg e-zine that will explore the current astrology and how you can access the fullest measure of its potency through application of other Hermetic disciplines. Last issue I offered you some basics of astrology as foundations for what is coming ahead. This issue I am going to share the astrological assignments to the Major Arcana of the Tarot and some astrological highlights of Beltane. There is a lot that can be gleaned from the astrology/tarot connections and when you apply these to your natal birth chart an additional layer of understanding is revealed. Let’s…
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Witch & Popcorn
Review of The Woman King Bright Blessings Film Lovers! I had the opportunity to watch the film that is ranked number one on Netflix right now, and I’m glad I did. It’s the story of some brave women who united to overthrow their oppressors and convince their king to stop participating in human trafficking. It earned over $94 million and won multiple awards including an African-American Film Critics Association Award and is nominated for many more. It starred veteran actors and some rising stars and won the love and respect of viewers internationally. It is called the Woman King and you can watch a trailer here: Before…
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WitchCrafting: Crafts for Witches
Crafts for Witches: Fire Starters Merry meet. Beltane is one of the fire festivals. The word Beltane translates roughly to “bright fire” and in Celtic tradition, the most important ritual was the sacred community bonfire lit at sunset the evening before. (Celtic days went from sundown to sundown.) Festivities focused on casting off winter’s darkness and celebrating the start of summer. It’s also a time of celebrating fertility You can start your fire with items you likely already have on hand. Perhaps the easiest and least expensive fire starters are made by filling cardboard toilet paper tubes with loosely packed dryer lint. Use two or three to start a fire.…
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Mindful Living: A Connection of Mind, Body and Spirit
As we journey through the wheel of the year, we are going to connect that journey to our mindfulness practice. Our goal will be to explore ways that mindfulness and meditation can be woven into both our daily and magickal practices. This turn of the wheel brings us to Beltaine and the astrological sign of Taurus. Beltaine represent the warmth as Summer Returns and fertility rites; as well as a fae connection. As Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus it represents love, beauty and money. Together this is an excellent time to explore love, beauty, passion, prosperity and the fires of creativity and rebirth. Our mindfulness practice makes us…
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May Day Fire: An Ode to An Mórrígan
Burning in me I feel Beltaine fires Changing the season The reason For moving and trying so hard My tears won’t quench this fire My fear won’t scare it away My howls bring laughter Strong and clear Yet never mocking Stand in the circle Grasp the sword’s blade Heft the rock The whetstone Sharpen it, sharpen it, sharpen it Now make the cuts Forge your path Feel the fire burn Six months from Samhain Either way But now we stand We yearn We burn Then rise anew While Her laughter rings out Kind, clear, and true. *Image: Bonfire on the beach photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash **…
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Witch Hunt
There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere… The Witch on Wheels has been documenting her findings. Meet Kelsey Jean It’s always special to meet mothers and daughters who are both witches. Kelsey Jean is the daughter of Barbara King, who was featured here two years ago. Although I am based out of New Hampshire, and had been in her hometown several times, it was in Florida at the Skoolie Fest that I met her. As a self-identified “new witch,” she is a firm believer in dabbling in everything. Her grimoire contains information on sigil work and color associations to astrology and chakras. Calling magic…
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Book Review – Shamanic Dreaming: Connecting with Your Inner Visionary by Carol Day
Book Review Shamanic Dreaming: Connecting with Your Inner Visionary by Carol Day Publisher: Findhorn Press 192 Pages Release Date: March 16, 2023 In “Shamanic Dreaming: Connecting with Your Inner Visionary,” Carol Day teaches a formula she created to help others “enter a space where connection, embodies practice and open-mindedness can all be achieved.” Called the “Presence and the Three Pillars,” Day illustrates this visionary practice with the concepts of trust, knowing, and nature forming a triangle within a circle. “Presence is the central pole of the entire visionary practice. It is what runs through everything. It is the act of being present and of not running…
