Sun Blessing

Here is a simple Sun Blessing, which can be used in many ways. Before using the spell, think about how you want to convey the spell. You can do this by sitting in a ritual with your chosen candles, or simply by walking outside amongst nature and the Divine.

Bless you Sun, for all you bring

To me, life and everything

I hope you bless us with your light

Forever more and with delight.

As the moon is currently waning, now is a good time to learn spells. 

Lunar Eclipse - 15th June 2011

Now is very special, as it is the longest Lunar Eclipse we have seen in over a century. Parts of Europe and most of Asia will be able to see the full eclipse, while the North parts of Europe, South America and Britain will be able to see it partially.

It will appear in a dark orange/red colour, and for the UK and surrounding areas it will appear at 'moonrise' or 9:20pm. Blessings and special rituals are very important right now because of this special event, the energies are at their most potent, and the Sun King's power is also very influential right now with the closeness of the Summer Solstice. I would suggest casting any spells to do with, wealth, health, prosperity, passion and creativity.

Remember, this month's full moon is not only called Strong Sun Moon, it is also called Lover's moon. So spend time with your special someone tonight.

Here are some links to live feeds of the lunar eclipse ->

http://www.astronomylive.com/channel/lesds-channel
http://live.saros.org/


Blessings to everyone and have an eventful day!

Strong sun moon - 15th June

In June, the sun is at it's highest point and the plants are basking under the glorious rays. So it makes sense for this month's full moon to be called the Strong Sun Moon. This moon is also known as Lover's Moon.

Your magical workings should focus on maintaining and enhancing what you already have, so it is a brilliant time for bonding with family, nurturing your garden, career and soul.

Litha - 20th - 23rd June

Litha is approaching, this sabbat is known most commonly as the Summer Solstice. This is the time when the Sun is at it's most powerful and it is also the longest day of the year. Litha is generally celebrated on the 21st but it varies between the 20th and 23rd. This is dependant on the Earth's rotation around the Sun.

Litha has been celebrated since the Ancient times and honouring the Sun's power is still a very important rite, as it gives life and prosperity. Showing your dedication to the Sun King can be shown by performing a rite as most Covens would do, for those that are solitary it does not have to be in the form of a ritual. Below I have listed the many possible ways you can honour the Sun King on Litha.

• Spend time in nature, this is the time when the Sun will shine the most. Go out and enjoy it, take a long stroll or have a picnic in the park.

• Watch the Sun rise and set.

• Help your local community and pick up rubbish in the park, donate old clothes and items to a charity or even help out a neighbour.

• Have a bonfire! Get together with friends and family to celebrate the Sun God. Some believe the fiery aspect of the bonfire symbolises the Sun. If you are among Wicca friends, you may wish to perform the Midsummer Night Fire ritual. This rite can be performed by lighting a bonfire, expressing your gratitude to the Elements and maybe performing a spiral dance... if you wish.

• On a much quieter note, you may want to spend the day to yourself, work on your spirituality or learn a new skill such as herb properties.

• Clean your house, wipe the slate clean as they say.

• Be with your family and bond with them, go to the park, zoo, museum or cinema. Or just stay at home and do some baking. 

• BBQ! Very popular in my family, invite friends and family to an afternoon of lovely summer food and fun. Organise some games for the kids and enjoy the sunshine. You can also take the opportunity to decorate your home in the colours of the Sun.

• Our ancestors had been celebrating the Summer Solstice and marking it with rituals long before us. Honour the season like them, with ritual and prayers. You must recognize the sun and it's power. You can set up a litha altar, by putting midsummer fruits on it, candles, solar symbols and many more.

• ABOVE ALL and the most important part of Litha, is repecting and honouring the Season.

Dark Moon - 01/06/2011

Dark Moon is here, watch for the Goddess tonight. You may not see her in the sky, but she is there and still ominous in her presence. If you can avoid it, do not perform magic tonight. As the energies from the moon are not there and your spell may not work. Blessed Be.

Brilliant Oracle Cards

For a long time I have been using Jessica Galbreth Oracle Cards in my Tarot sessions. Not only are the cards lovely pieces of artwork, but they are marvellous tools to use in Tarot. If you follow the link here it takes you to Amazon where you can get the cards for around £15.

Creating your Sacred Space

Many Witches have an altar, where they practice their Spell-craft and rituals. The first thing to consider before any rite or ritual is preparation, so selecting a special place to practice is important. You need to consider whether you will be disturbed and for some Witches, they prefer to practice within nature, perhaps in the garden or a field. But I would advise on safety, before you consider venturing out by yourself into a quiet countryside area.

For Covens, they use specific tools to represent the Element and the Divine. These are listed below:

• Altar and Altar cloth
• Pentacle
• Symbols of Earth, Air, Fire and Water
• Symbols of the God and Goddess
• The Chalice
• The Athame

But for Solitary Witches, some of these tools can be unattainable or you may simply have a reaction to an incense. So I have listed a few substitutions:

• Altar and Altar cloth - You do not need to have both, some Witches just have a cloth. This does make it easier to practice the Craft whenever and wherever you want.
• Pentacle - This symbol is usually placed at the centre of your Altar, you do not need to have it as some fancy ornament. But you can draw it on a stone or trace it with salt.
• Earth - Generally represented by salt or dirt, but I recommend a small stone because it is less mess.
• Air- It is common to use a incense, but as I said some people may have a reaction to it. So I would suggest a feather or flower.
• Water- As simple as a cup of water, but if you want to be creative use a Sea shell.
• Fire - Generally a candle is used but you can use a gemstone which may have a similar colour.
• Symbols of God - Both of the Divine can be represented by a simple tea light, but if you want specific symbols. The God can be a piece of wood, your Athame, sprig of holly, simple leaf, a painting or a special statue.
• Symbols for the Goddess - A statue, painting, stone with a hole in it, a fruit, flower or your Chalice.
• The Chalice - This is a special cup set aside only for spell-making, giving rites and rituals. This can be as grand or simple a cup as you wish. It might even be a good idea to get a simple plan coloured cup, then draw your own symbols on it. As you know, your own personal touch has the most influence on your magic. Also don't forget, you do not need to have wine when drinking from your chalice, you can also have fruit juice.
• The Athame- Generally in the form of a black or white handled knife, however, some Witches will not bring metal into the circle, and being in possession of a knife can raise issues with your family if they were to happen upon it. So, a very logical substitution can be your wand which can be made from wood, bone or stone. Your wand can simply be a straight stick which you have selected from nature, but don't just start taking from nature and changing the natural order. Just pick something that has already fallen. It can be decorated by yourself or you could simply buy a special made wand from the shop. But I would suggest making it yourself.

Those are just a few substitutions, but your own personal and creative touch is by far more effective. So explore your options when deciding the tools to use on your Altar.