Thursday, November 20, 2014

Silent Night with the Descant, Reflections on Humanity, the Path of our Spirits



The song Silent Night with the Descant, brings so many memories back to me. I love the song so much that I actually listen to it at times year round. Winter is my favorite time of the year, I couldn't imagine a year without a white Winter Solstice. Unfortunately when I was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq, we were in the desert, so that was my first "Tan" Winter Solstice.

Anyways, Silent Night, not only brings up memories, but the visualizations are astounding. As I was listening to this song, I was reflecting on how witches/pagans and Christians visualize when they hear the song. I rather imagine that the imagery would be the opposite of what you think it would be. I think it would be more like this...
You see yourself walking down a sidewalk the street lamps are the old fashioned Victorian lamps that you see in old movies. The town you are in is sleepy and above you there is a light snow fall. You look up and you see the geometrical shapes falling from the darkness and they are big. They actually tickle your nose when they land on your face. There is no breeze and the air is comfortable to be in. You take a deep breath and close your eyes sucking in the crisp winter air. You have a sip of hot cocoa and it warms your belly. What a wonderful feeling. As you walk down the street a horse drawn carriage passes you by and you see two lovers enjoying a happy evening together. Two children a boy and girl all bundled up come running down the road and they are laughing. One of them throws a hand around the street lamp and twirls around it and they both run off in the direction of the church. The church is an ancient looking church with an old oak door and a steeple. You can see the big brass bell in it. The stained glass windows are lit up majestically. You take in the whole scene around you and on the corner across from church are some carolers singing What Child Is This, but the pagans enjoy it more so as Greensleeves. In the town square there is a tall Christmas tree with a blazing gold star on it, and the lights twinkle in the snow and through out the branches. The houses all look like cottages. You realize your are in a little village tucked away in the woods. How wonderful is this little scene. 
Silent Night's traditional melody and that of the descant are two very different melodies, yet they compliment each other nicely. Such is the way we as humans ought to be, not just around the holiday season, but all year. Lofty I know, so let's just try the following during the Holiday season. Let us as witches not argue and debate about where the origins of the holiday came from. And who stole what from whom. Now, that doesn't go to say if someone is being a real douche you don't have the right to defend what you hold dear. The holidays all have different meanings to everyone. Why not offer to experience their traditions, EVEN if they don't keep an open mind to yours. This gives you up the hand. You have shown them you have the TOLERANCE that they LACK. That's powerful!   I encourage you to get out there and try to experience these different traditions. Believe it or not, this a very rich time to experience humanity in all its diversity. Many people choose not to see it, because they can't make up their mind for themselves. They live under the pressures of society to make up their mind for them. 
Perhaps you could host an open circle and show others the beauty of what it is to worship the Goddess. You may consider going to Midnight Mass and see how beautiful honoring the archetype of the God can be. I go to mass twice a year, Christmas and Easter, and usually by myself. Extending the peace in the middle of the mass, is a spell and no one realizes it. You are passing that energy from one "generator" to the other. No different than the spells we cast. The experience that each of us has is different, and because of that we have control over how we are going to experience it or not. Will you experience it with an open mind for the first time? Will attend again with animosity in your heart. These are you fellow man/woman, all of them precious to the Goddess and God. I know many witches have come from a chaotic dogmatic monotheistic background and it may have left some damage on you. However if you expect people to reconcile their unpleasant experiences with us, then you must be willing to reconcile with them. The road to peace is a two street, to achieve peace, both sides need appeasing.

Wars have been waged in the name of one God or the other. They have been started over who traditionally did this or that. Why continue this? If we as witches want to be making a difference in our world, step up! Show these people who are just like you and I, what we do. You can talk all day long about there not being a Satan and all the other memes. Words are wind, most people value actions. This is the path of the spirit, that ethereal being that is you. Come together like the two melodies in the songs. Instead of wishing peace let it begin with you!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Release, Visualize, and Fly Forward at New Moon in Sagittarius November 22, 2014!



What a great energy we have coming for us on November 22, 2014. The new moon will be in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the best friend of the zodiac, social, and fun to be around. People born under this mutable fire sign are generally full of enthusiasm, inspiration, and exploration. This is one of the party signs of the zodiac, and it's always a good time. A lot of times you will find these people to be religious, philosophical, independent, and free spirited. They are ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance, expansion, and growth. One will find Sagittarians often having lucky streaks because of the Jupiter connection. 

All of this energy is so great and wonderful, but wait...we have to finish something first! We have to finish this cycle Scorpio and the waning moon. With the New Moon so close, I encourage you to shift your intents to releasing any old burdens and energy from this prior moon phase. This is the time clear the table! Do all the releasing that you can, because the energies at the New Moon, DEMAND that you make a fresh start. 

At the new moon the energies are just swirling like mad! (In a good way). At the moment of the new moon, we have the Sun coupling it at 0 degrees. The New Moon happens right at the beginning of Sagittarius at 0 degrees. Analyze these energies, this is Astrology 101! The New Moon is always about new beginnings. The Sun is the nurturing energy from which all things grow, photosynthesis, and heat. Sagittarius is the optimistic go-getter! He draws the arrow back and shoots, though he may not know where it lands, he knows it will land somewhere. Sagittarius is also the hunter in mythology. Universe is telling you, hunt out your new beginnings and strike while the iron is hot! (HAHA Sun=fire... Sag= fire)! Don't wait anymore! This is why we have to release the old baggage or there will be no room for new and nicer things. 

During the Scorpio moon, we were challenged to dig down deep and reveal our truths. We were forced to see our short comings and maybe feel the 'sting' of circumstance. You were walked into the desert at an unknown point and had to find your way back home. The mysteries were put on your table and your challenge was to demystify them. Did you? Well if you haven't hopefully the great philosopher Sagittarius can help you during his moon cycle. 

At the new moon you will find yourself inspired, enthusiastic, and excitable. Don't let these energies run away with you! Use them to make  positive changes in your lives and the lives of others. You will have bursts of energy that will be like loosing an arrow. You as a human are energy, and so you will be loosed by the universe, guided into what needs the fresh start. It is very possible that projects you saw as stuck or totally incomplete get the light shined on them. Then by some miracle, the doors open. This is the work of Sagittarius.  

You can't have the light without the dark! So naturally there maybe some shadows that surface. Over confidence will be the bane of a lot of people at this time. This overconfidence will not be about the collective, but one of self. Keep yourself in check. The energies may kindle in you independence, but don't let it mix with ego and narcissism. Independence is one thing, but thinking you can do it all on your own is a weakness. Don't allow others to view your generosity, optimism, and kindness as weakness. You are allowed to use the Scorpionic tools to maintain boundaries at all costs, though you will forget and get swept away. Once again be ready for the truth to come out! Sagittarians love to be outspoken and up front about stuff. Don't be surprised if you see some of the air signs and earth signs  are influenced by this energy. Though they may already be in there truth, it may be amplified. 

 Your yearning to understand will be on the rise, and maybe even your desire to be the center of attention. Celebrate success and enjoy life, as that is the Sagittarian goal, not only to enjoy life, but also to understand the meaning and truth of life. In the end, it's about looking to the future and being excited about it. This energy is not so much about mundane things, but about heightened spirituality, creativity, dreams, and inspiration. It's a wonderful energy if you choose to tap into it! 

I hope you all have a wonderful moon phase, and I will back with more astrology updates as they arise! Please feel free to comment, subscribe, and share my blog to your friends! Check out my website and run over and like my page on Facebook!

Lord Auriael
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Friday, November 7, 2014

Astrology snapshots for November!


Well November is an interesting month in the stars. As we know there are always trines and squares, that happen. It would be impossible to go through all of them for every single day. That being said I wanted to take a few snap shots of what we have ahead of us for this month.

Prepare to change your life. Many of you out there can sense the change already on the horizon. Get ready because its going to come fast and for some it will be challenging. Mercury is entering Libra and that is wonderful energy. There maybe a lot of communication going on here, but don't become a blabber mouth. This is great energy for those of you out there who have businesses to do big time marketing. There is also the potential to bring awareness to projects that focus on the little guy. You will find yourself telling people that you are in need of balance and you will be taking measures to achieve at the very least a semblance of balance.

Neptune goes direct on the 16th. Neptune is wonderful energy for creative projects. Neptune also has the energy of fantasy and escape from reality. During the Neptune retrograde we were forced to see reality for what it is. We were forced to work on projects that needed tending too, but it was uncomfortable. When Neptune goes direct, we get a break from all that. We are able to find solace in day dreaming and fantasy worlds. Neptune is one of the gas giants, so it will have a strong pull at first. I challenge you to create a healthy balance of fantasy and reality. There is a danger to Neptune direct and that is getting sucked into the fantasy world and staying there. When this happens our responsibilities and lives can get messed up and then we have more to clean up. Finally when Neptune goes direct, you will find your intuition, imagination, and creativity get a huge boost. This is very powerful energy and can be directed into many different projects.

Venus moves into Sagittarius and squares Neptune on the 20th. Avoid this day making financial decisions or starting new relationships. Now you know the energy of this day is going to be wonky, now steer into it. Be objective! There will be a lot of different energies pulling on one another. Why not take this day off to relax? The energy on this day will be a lot of wishy washy water energy it feels like to me. Life doesn't go on hold, so if important decisions need to be made, read the fine print, stay grounded, and in your right mind.

The New Moon in Sagittarius is on November 22nd. What a party that will be! Sagittarius is the party sign of the zodiac. The house itself is about enjoyment, philosophy, aiming high, and being in a forward mindset. Around this time, we will have Venus and the Sun in Sagittarius telling you to move your focus in the direction of your hearts desire. Achieve your luxury, abundance, and prosperity by putting your heart into what you do. We also Mars and Uranus in Capricorn at this time. The energies here more earthy and logical. Keep your focus and momentum by having your higher mind in order. Use your logical sense with your heart to create an action. There are a lot of squares and conjuctions at this time, but they are telling you to build up now. Strike while the iron is hot. Put your heart and your mind into the foundations that you are building. At the new moon set your intention for aligning the heart and mind to create structure and stability in your life and projects. Sagittarius also reminds us to celebrate the success we do have and the ones that we will have.

I hope you enjoyed this little snap shot. As we move forward this month, I will be adding more in depth blogs to these energies! Stay tuned!

Lord Auriael


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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Full Moon in Taurus


What a wonderful moon with some pretty intense energies around it! This moon is all about bringing your goals to fruition. If those goals have not been achieved you are able to give it extra energy. The question remains though, what kind of energy? Align the energies with your hearts TRUTH and TRUE desire. When this happens things manifest a lot faster and last a lot longer as well. 

The energies around this moon are huge. In the house of Scorpio we have Venus, the Sun, and Saturn. Scorpio is a mysterious house, full secrets and truth. The energies in this house are telling you that it's time to look deeper at what your TRUTH is and nurture it. Expose yourself to the energies so that they may teach you. Beware, when you expose yourself to these energies, you are opening up to their benefits and challenges. The stinger of Scorpio is one that comes in and cuts right to the chase and please know that it may be painful at times. 

What truth are we to be looking at? The REAL truth, a truth that is full of clarity and understanding. A truth that has been exposed to severity and fire. A truth that has calculated risk involved. There is no more time for the wishy-washy, drama, and self-entitlement. If you want something you have to go for it and let yourself have it. Make a plan and go for it, and when you don't know what to do, ask for help. There is strength in that one simple request, not weakness. 

Mars and Pluto are in harmony with this moon. They lesson of this moon is telling you to take action now, before the ship sails. Bring your energies and action to the forefront, and put passion into it. This is where you want to be stubborn as bull, and never accept less than what you are worth. If someone tries to get you to do that, tell them , "No." You will find yourself delivering truth to many people. That's wonderful, but remember you will be delivered a truth too.

During this full moon I challenge you to align your intent with your hearts TRUE desire and watch how things manifest. Ask for the power to be able to sniff out the hoodwinkers before they are on your door step. When they sneak up on you, cut them off at the pass and don't be bullied. Be bold and courageous with this energy. Fall in love with these powerful energies! The bull is a strong animal and it rushes into things, be cautious of that, keep things calculated. 


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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Dream and Innocence, Releasing Control

Dreams and Innocence, Releasing Control

What is there to learn from this time of death we call the autumn? What does goddess want us to learn? What do we attribute to this time when everything dies? We have to live and we have to embrace life. What do we need to embrace? Is it running off to work, paying the bills, playing with friends, walking the dog? No. That is too mundane for life,it seems. On Halloween I had the most profound experience ever. People who were once here and are gone now came to visit. Memories rekindled for all to relish in. Even in something as simple as a pocket watch, a nick name, braiding hair, that is what they are. That can’t be what is to be embraced completely about life. No. It is the innocence. The innocence of the self. Do you remember your innocence? Do you remember when you were innocent? Have you always been innocent? No. You are, more than likely, not innocent anymore. No one is really innocent anymore. You have been conditioned to grow up. We have been conditioned to see reality. Wake up, go to work, talk to your friends, have a drink, go home, go to sleep, start the cycle over again. That is not innocence. For those of you that truly believe that, it is an illusion.

 Do you remember when you were a child and you could see the sparkling lights in the sky? A lot of you made up stories about them I am sure. In Under the Tuscan Sun, the female character recalls chasing fireflies as a child. She would eventually get tired and fall asleep in the grass. When she would wake, she would be covered in fireflies. I remember sitting outside as a child catching them and putting them in a bottle. I was young and simple at the time, and I would forget to put holes in the lid and they would die. What is the innocence of that experience? Simply put, I thought I could keep that light alive without air.  Even then, as a child, I never really understood why the fireflies light up. I didn’t understand why the light died when you didn’t give them air. I just wanted to keep that thing alive.

 I will tell you what life is. It is your innocence and your dreams. There was a quote that I always remembered growing up. “Shoot for the moon, and, even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” I am not sure who wrote it, and it may be anonymous. It captures the innocence and the dreams that we all have deep down. For some of us, that’s all we have. How do we keep our dreams alive? Well a logical earth sign would say that you have to do something every day towards that goal. An air sign might say that you need to make a plan to keep it alive. A fire sign would tell you to take action. A water sign would tell you to love it and play with it. All of these are the attributes to the dreams and out own innate innocence. Being imaginative and creative, and manifesting it into our life. I would surmise to say the above would be the components for building a good fairy tale; therefore creating the perfect happy ending.

Everything that I have described has all been earthly actions. They have all been things that we do. I want to go to medical school and do all of these great and wonderful things. There are so many things in the way. Filling out applications, taking exams, more classes, and they can be overwhelming. This is so great that I have started to wonder if it is worth it anymore. And then it happened. I had a reminder during a reflection of a memory of my childhood. I told my mother that I was going to go to Paris one day, and I did eventually. I lived there for 6 months and speak the language fluently. I had that goal as a very young boy. I remember that I would play in the fields and imagine the different places that I would visit. I remember that getting there was very fun for me. When I was a bit older I decided that I wanted to be a doctor and help people. These two memories are my aspects of my innocence, big thinking and believing that it would happen. I didn’t call them goals at that age, I called them dreams. What was your innocent dream that you have forgotten? Why did you think that you could not accomplish that? Why do you still think that you can’t?You have just forgotten. I will tell you why you have forgotten. You were put under the belief that it was simply a dream. You were told that it can’t be done, and that you have to do something that will create money to have a life. As I said earlier, that is not life. That is a structure and a condition. Our life is our innocence and our dreams. It is what we do and what keeps us motivated and aspiring for better.

I caught myself this evening messaging a sergeant of mine and he asked me what I was doing. I told him that I was trying to sort things out. And I finally said “here is what I need to do. I want to go into medical school to be a physician. They are lofty goals and higher than anything I have ever done, but I don’t know how to do it. I don’t know how to keep this dream alive when everything challenging falls into my lap.” I said to him, “I just need to let the gods do the work now, because it’s not like I have been able to do much on my own.” There was quite a bit of sarcasm in that phrase. But then I reminded myself of all of the wondrous things that I have accomplished. My fire is not out, but I don’t know which direction to go. I need to ask for help. Which isn’t weakness by the way, it is a deep strength.

On that note I pulled out my pendulum and I asked the gods. I took out a piece of paper and on one side wrote nursing school and the other medical school. I asked if I would be accepted to nursing school and was given a no. I asked again if my destiny is to be a doctor. Let me tell you this from that experience; if you want a definitive answer, ask a pendulum about your destiny. It became so heavy and started to spin so fast I had to put it down. It was an amazing experience.
 After that, I did some research on how to get into the program, and found it to be rather overwhelming. I don’t know how to navigate these waters. And that is when it came to me. I need to give it away. The desires that I want, though there are many ways to get there, I need to give it to the universe, to the gods. I need to let them drive the ship for once. It’s not that I doubt my own abilities to control my life. That is not the question. What I am saying is I don’t know how to drive the boat anymore. I have to let fate take over for a spell. I need to simply ask for help to make the changes I want in my life. This brought me back to innocence and dreams. I didn’t know at 5 years old how to get to Paris. All I knew is that I would need to take a plane. I didn’t have a plan for that. I just voiced the want to go there. 12 years later I was in Paris. So there it is.

When you don’t have the energy anymore, and you don’t know how to navigate the uncharted waters, you simply say “here, I want to do this”. You declare it, and you let someone else drive for a little while. How terrifying an idea that is. Letting someone else determine your direction. For the water signs, it is natural for them to let things flow, and to just go along with it. How scary that must be for the rest of us. Declare what you want, and you give the control of that to the universe. Let the universe, and the gods, drive the boat. They will tell when you are going to take over again. You become more like water, and go with the flow. Water is a very good thing, even though it has wreaked havoc over the last year. It is healing, and flowing. We can’t always be fire, earth, or air. Sometimes we just need to be something else.

There are many of you out there thinking that I am full of it. That is fine. That is what you have been conditioned to think life is. You think that you need to wake up and go to work and just wash, rinse, repeat. You feel that you have to forget about your innocence and your dreams. To the rest of you remember your innocence and that there is truth in that. Everyone’s truth is different. And oh what a happy day that will be when we stop trying to catch your fireflies and just let them find us.
Lord Auriael

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