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by Thea
As an astrologer and pagan, I have always taken it for granted that the study of the heavens and the study of the Craft went hand-in-hand. I was raised with the language and lore of astrology (I literally teethed on my grandmother's ephemeris, or book of planetary placements), and when I became pagan I naturally applied what I had learned about the movements of the planets to my work in the Craft. With all of the enthusiasm of youth, I burst into the pagan community of my hometown ready to spread the "gospel" of astrology and how it could help in my group's magickal workings and rituals.
However, I soon discovered that not everyone in the group shared my passion for the planets. (It probably didn't help that I came across somewhat like a traveling Bible salesman trying to jam my foot in the front door.) Some members of my group told me that they weren't into astrology because they were frustrated with the math and symbols. Others said that they had always felt that astrology was too left-brained and analytical and that they instead preferred the more intuitive path of Tarot. Still others were feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of home, family, job and coven and had decided that the time commitment required to really learn astrology outweighed the possible benefits of using it.
I can understand all of this. I, too, am mathphobic. Hard-core astrology can be very analytical. Most of all, like everyone else I am very busy. I am somewhat embarrassed that I have never taken the time to learn Tarot, which, like astrology, is a useful pagan tool. However, if you do have a few spare minutes while you're planning your ritual or working, throwing in a little astrology can help align you with your magickal purpose. It's like floating with the current instead of trying to swim against it: Either way you can succeed, but being in harmony with the flow of the universe makes your task a lot easier.
Basic astrology for magickal work doesn't have to be intimidating or time-consuming. You don't have to find the progressed sidereal Venus-Mars midpoint of the composite chart of your high priestess and her cat to harness the power of the planets in your rituals and workings. Here are some simple, math-free ideas on how to take advantage of the astrological influences that will be present during upcoming sabbats and Moons. I have included some Christian and secular days too, since the holiday season is upon us.
It's hard not to think of astrology on the solstices and the equinoxes, as they are determined by the movement of the Sun. The winter solstice occurs at the moment the Sun enters the sign of Capricorn, which this year is at 11:21 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, December 21. Capricorn is a proud and traditional sign associated with rules, time, boundaries, hard work and structure. Capricorn is also associated with the planet Saturn, which is named after Saturn/Chronos, the Roman/Greek god of time and limits. Saturn/Chronos is sometimes portrayed as the Grim Reaper or Father Time. Saturn the planet was named after this god in part was because it was the farthest planet from the Sun that could be seen by the naked eye before the invention of the telescope, and thus it was the boundary of the known solar system. It is also bound by rings, symbolic of the limits and structures associated with the sign Capricorn. Lest you think that Capricorn is a pretty glum sign for hosting a winter solstice party, remember that the Roman festival of Saturnalia was held at this time of year. During Saturnalia, all of the rules of society were turned upside down. Servants became masters and riotous parties were held in the streets. Also remember that the holidays and celebrations held this time of year are all about tradition, one of Capricorn's favorite things.
When planning events and looking at the magickal influences of a given day, the Sun is usually not the first consideration for the astrologer or magician. The Moon, which I will get to in a bit, is more frequently examined for the "mood" of a given day. I focus here on the Sun first, however, because at the time of the solstice it is closely conjunct the body Chiron. I say "the body" instead of the planet, asteroid, comet or moon because the jury is still out on what exactly Chiron is. Chiron was "discovered" between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus on November 1, 1977, and was originally believed to be a new planet. Later scientists thought it was an asteroid, and by 1988 it had been classified as a comet. Because of the difficulty in pinning down exactly what Chiron is, many astrologers do not use it when they are running client charts, believing that it can't be significant if it's not a planet or other clearly definable celestial body. However, those astrologers who do use Chiron find it deeply meaningful.
Chiron was named for a wise centaur who was a healer and teacher of Hercules. In myth, Chiron's mother was Philyra, a beautiful nymph who changed herself into a horse to get away from the amorous attentions of Saturn. Saturn changed himself into a stallion and caught and raped Philyra, who conceived Chiron. When Chiron was born, Philyra was horrified to find that he was half-horse and half-man, and she abandoned him. Despite his sadness, Chiron studied healing, astrology, battle and music, and became a great and much beloved teacher. One day, he was wounded by a poisoned arrow. His attempts to cure himself failed. He was in great pain but was half-god and unable to die. Finally, he made an agreement with Zeus that allowed him to end his life.
Astrologers often call Chiron "the wounded healer." In a birth chart, Chiron represents an injury we received that transformed us. It shows us where we feel different from others, "broken" or outcast. It can be a physical, psychological or emotional injury. People often react to their Chiron by hurting others, becoming victims or becoming healers and helping others.
Chiron is particularly pertinent to paganism because it is the shaman of the zodiac, and many pagans are on shamanistic paths. Joseph Campbell, Mircea Eliade and others write about the shamanic crisis -- a life-altering event that brings a person out of ordinary reality and is the catalyst to that person's transformation into a shaman. This event can be anything from a grave physical injury to an initiation ceremony to a mental illness that causes the patient to look at the world in a different way. In tribal societies, the shaman is often the person who does not function well in the "ordinary" world, for whatever reason. Instead of seeing this as a liability, these societies believe that the shaman is able to travel up and down the world tree (the path that connects the worlds) to the spirit world or worlds and bring teaching back to the people. It is often said that one comes out of a shamanic crisis either dead, crazy, a shaman or some combination of the three. Chiron's shamanic crises were his abandonment and his wound from the arrow. Instead of hurting others or becoming a victim because of his pain, he overcame his obstacles and became a teacher.
So what does all of this have to do with the winter solstice? At the time of the solstice this year, the Sun, representing energy and life, is illuminating the wounded healer/shaman Chiron in the traditional sign of Capricorn. In America, the holiday season is a big deal whether one celebrates Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or nothing at all. This time tends to be laden with more baggage than Santa's sleigh, and much of it is emotional. With Chiron highlighted, wounds associated with or emphasized by the holiday season may bubble to the surface, along with childhood fears. Chiron can also symbolize the pain of closing off the old and beginning something new. Like Chiron the healer, we can choose to be victims of our pain, victimize others or transform our pain into healing. This is an astro-opportunity to transcend our old hurts and move on.
The Moon, which represents our moods and emotions, will be in the mystical, whimsical sign of Pisces on the winter solstice. The Moon in this sign can be excellent for a magickal holiday, as it blurs the barriers between the mundane and spiritual worlds and encourages dreams and visions. Pisces is also very sensitive, however, and if indeed the holidays are stirring up painful memories the Moon in Pisces will feel it.
Emotions may be running high, especially since the Moon will be 90 degrees from dark, mysterious Pluto at 5:46 a.m. PST. The 90-degree angle, or "square" in astrologese, is a relationship full of friction. Pluto is the Roman lord of the underworld, and in astrology he represents the subconscious, power and all of those dark things we don't bring out in polite company. With Pluto in a tense relationship to the Moon, it will be even more difficult to keep feelings under wraps, and the stuff that comes to light will be from the depths of the soul. This effect need not be negative, however. With the shaman highlighted and the Moon in Pisces confronting the Lord of the Underworld, this winter solstice is a great time to do some meditative travel on the world tree to bring back information vital to yourself or your group. You will have easier access to the deep reaches of your own mind, or to other planes. This is also a good time to look back at how far you've come, show appreciation to your loved ones (especially elders, as Saturn, Capricorn and Chiron favor them) and begin new, happier traditions that will last the test of time.
On December 24, Christmas Eve, the Sun and Chiron are still fairly close together, but at 10:12 p.m. PST the Moon will move into Taurus, placing the Christmas focus on the things that we love. Taurus is associated with quality vs. quantity and the best of everything. When the Moon is here we like to eat very good food, receive expensive presents and spend time with good friends. Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend this holiday. If you're inclined to do magick on Christmas or Christmas Eve, a good theme for your work would be abundance for all. Prosperity under this configuration doesn't come without hard work on the mundane plane, but if you do the work Taurus and its associated planet Venus, and Capricorn and Saturn, are likely to reward you well.
The December Full Moon occurs at 2:40 a.m. PST in the sign of Cancer, nearly conjunct Jupiter, also in Cancer. The Moon in sensitive, nurturing Cancer brings up feelings that are larger than life and doubly so at the Full Moon. Combine that energy with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, and it's reasonable to expect emotional storms to be brewing today. Magickally, the Full Moon is a good time to bring projects to fruition, and with the Moon conjunct Jupiter the results could be quite grand.
The Full Moon occurs when the Moon and the Sun are exactly opposite each other, with the Earth snuggled in between them. At this Full Moon, the Sun and Venus are nearly conjunct each other in the sign of Capricorn, facing off the Moon and Jupiter. Venus represents love and values, so those feelings flying to the surface may very well be centered around a difference of opinion on these issues. With the signs of Cancer and Capricorn activated, nurturing, rules and the raising of children may also be issues today.
Adding some tension to the mix are Mars in Pisces square Pluto in Sagittarius at 10:50 a.m. PST. Mars is the planet of war and action, although he's dampered a bit in dreamy Pisces. Pluto, as we said earlier, is associated with power and the subconscious. Needless to say, when these two butt heads there will be sparks flying, and these sparks could ignite the energies already set in place by the Full Moon.
On top of all of this, there is a lunar eclipse at 2:30 a.m. PST today, also in the sign of Cancer. (Eclipses only occur near Full and New Moons.) Eclipses shine the spotlight on a specific place in the zodiac with a powerful burst of energy, and many astrologers believe that if an eclipse happens on or near a planet in your chart that you will "feel" the effects of the eclipse for up to six months after the event itself. Eclipse energy can be very powerful in ritual, but it is not easy to control.
It may be tempting to fly off the handle and do magick for justice for some perceived wrong or patriotic purpose during these astrological influences. The protective nature of Cancer coupled with the Mars-Pluto square would make this easy to do. Think twice, however, before working magick today. The energies are strong, and you need to be very specific about what you want or need from your working. This is not a good day to start a new project or spell.
The Moon enters the theatrical, pleasure-oriented sign of Leo at 2:09 p.m. on December 31, New Year's Eve, and stays there until January 2. This is a great sign for a New Year's party. Leo is a generous sign that loves the spotlight, so this is also a good time to observe the Scottish pagan New Year's prosperity traditions of Hogmanay and first footing.
Hogmanay was usually celebrated on New Year's Eve. A group of boys would travel from house to house, singing songs and asking to be let in at each door. Depending on the region, there was a traditional poem that was recited either before or after the Hogmanay boys entered a house. Once inside, one boy would don a hide and horns and dance sunwise around the house at least three times to ensure the prosperity of the home for the coming year. The family would then give the boys food and drink and they would move on to the next home.
The tradition of first footing was usually observed on the first day of the year. It was believed that the first person to cross the threshold of a home on that day would bring the year's luck with him or her. It was considered especially lucky if the person was a tall, dark-haired man, but a new bride, a new mother or someone with a January 1 birthday was also considered good luck. The person would bring food, money and firewood or coal with them to make certain that the house always had these necessities. In turn, the family would provide food and drink to the visitor.
Consider taking advantage of the festive mood of the Leo Moon to create your own New Year's tradition. Just be careful not to overindulge, as the Sun is exactly opposite expansive Jupiter on New Year's Day.
The January 13 New Moon occurs in the sign of Capricorn at 5:29 a.m. PST. Where at the Full Moon the Moon and Sun are opposite each other, at the New Moon the Moon and Sun are together in the sky. At this particular New Moon, Venus also joins them.
In many areas, January is a dark time between the festivity of Yule and the cleansing and rebirth that occurs at Imbolc. We often use this time to get our finances in order for tax season, start a diet and commit to New Year's resolutions. With its emphasis on Capricorn, this New Moon would be a good time to work on and build up long-term projects, magickal or otherwise, that you want to grow slowly and steadily over time. The energy is right for putting structures in place. It's also a good time for money matters, although not if you're trying to get rich quickly or win the lottery! This configuration is more about the rewards of hard work than immediate gratification.
If you're planning on getting something started, though, bear in mind that Mercury, the planet of communication, is retrograde from January 18 to February 8. When a planet is retrograde, or appearing to move backward as seen from the Earth, its energy is turned inward, and it doesn't function "normally." When Mercury is retrograde, the things associated with Mercury tend to go haywire, including communication, computers, short trips and of course, e-mail. (Watch what you post during this time -- now is when you're most likely to hit "reply to all" when you meant to send that embarrassing note only to your best friend.)
Some people have built Mercury retrograde up in their minds to the point where they speak of it more like a curse than a change in the planets' focus. Yes, Mercury retrograde can mess up a well-planned working, and it's generally advised not to start something new and important during this time, like signing papers on a new house, for example. However, you can still use all of this great Capricorn energy to strengthen something you've already begun. Also, since Mercury's energy is directed inward, you can use this period to go over projects you've already finished and look for errors. This is a great time for proofreading, checking for leaks and remembering little details that you forgot before.
At this Full Moon, the Moon, our mood, is once again in showy, theatrical Leo. The Sun, the life force, is in individualistic Aquarius, conjunct dreamy Neptune and romantic Venus. If you're into ritual theater, this is your occasion. Neptune is the planet of illusion and fantasy. Positively expressed, it brings glamour and visions. Negatively expressed it can encourage escapism. Combined with the Sun, Venus, and the Leo Moon, however, it can add glitter or drama to your rituals -- whichever you're in the mood for.
Traditionally, Full Moons are seen as the climax of a process, and on this particular Full Moon, hard working, rule-bound Saturn is also in a very favorable relationship with the energetic Sun. Together, these factors suggest the culmination of a long-term project or wish. On top of that, Mars, the planet of action, is squaring off with Jupiter -- the planet of "bigger is better." Under these influences, heartfelt desires reach their peak. It might be a good idea to celebrate Valentine's Day a little early this year!
On February 2, Imbolc, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Neptune will all be in the sign of Aquarius. The Sun is always in Aquarius on this day, and Mercury is never far from the Sun, but it is still significant to have such a cluster of planets in one sign. Although Aquarius is an air sign, its symbol is the water bearer. In his article "Tarot and the Sign of Aquarius" found on StarIQ.com, astrologer Tony Louis explains that the water-bearer symbolism came from the fact that the rainy season occurred in the Fertile Crescent (where Western astrology originated) when the constellation of Aquarius rose. The water bearer poured rain from the heavens, preparing the Earth for the upcoming growing season. We see this symbolism carried out in the celebrations of many modern-day pagans, who view Imbolc as the holiday when the first sparks of life begin to show in the dark days of winter.
As Louis points out, the water from Aquarius' jug is also symbolic of spiritual rebirth, another idea popular among pagans at this time of year. Many pagans see Imbolc as a period of purification and preparation for the longer days ahead. As the coming of the rains marks the end of the barrenness of the land, so too does it mark the end of spiritual barrenness and the beginning of the new life of the spirit. Because of the prevalence of Aquarius energy, this Imbolc would be a great time to embrace these concepts and reset yourself on your spiritual path. Remember that Mercury is still retrograde, so it's a good time to examine what you have been doing and see if any changes would benefit your magickal and/or spiritual practice. I will go deeper into the astrology of this Imbolc in the next edition of Widdershins.
I hope that this information will inspire you to add a bit of astrology to your Craft practice. If you are interested in learning more, I suggest you check out the many fine astrological calendars available this time of year. They usually tell you where the Moon is on a given day and list the major planetary influences. In the meantime, have a joyous Yule and a prosperous New Year.