The Super New Moon in Pisces : Third & Last New Moon of the Winter Solstice, A Christo-Pagan perspective & Astrological Links

The New Moon in Pisces by Cocorrina & Co

Many of you know that among the many traditions I practice, is an esoteric or occult form of Christianity and Judaism. From a Judeo-Christian perspective, this is the time for magic with Rabbi Yeshua Ben Yosef (Jesus Son of Joseph). Because of the miracle of the Fish, it was later taken as an early Christian symbol for his people.

The Gospel of Yohanan (John) 21:1-14, Yeshua replicates the fish and loaves of bread to feed everyone

In modern Astrology, the new moon is seen as a time of beginnings. In ancient astrology however, it’s a time of the dead. And often considered a time of bad luck. For the Romans, the Nones or New Moon was so unlucky, it didn’t even have a God presiding over it. Which meant it was devoid of power.

One would see two different perspectives here. One is the idea of miracles repeating. In modern astrology, Wiccans and other groups perform wishing rituals in which they burn papers with wishes and desires on them using magical candles. The request is sent to the universe. And in theory, the universe obliges you.

It’s a little more complicated than that, but that’s for another time.

The Christianized version of the Celtic Imbolc festival

So the miracle of the replicating fish makes a lot of sense here. In a sense you are replicating your desires and reeling them in with a net. But more important than that is enlightenment. The idea that Yeshua and his followers would become “fishers of men” and that rather than kill them, like fish, the men caught in his net would live forever. This isn’t me trying to convert you.

Depictions of Yeshua holding a magic wand

I’m speaking strictly of Christo-Pagan mysticism. Yeshua’s movement started out as a mystery religion. Where members were eventually sworn to secrecy. And they taught great magics. Including the ability to command the spirits.

To exorcise entities. To heal among other things. Sometimes just by speaking it into existence. But modern Christians follow the bloody dogma of the council of Nicea. The false doctrines of the Emperor Constantine I of Rome.

And with these false doctrines, the religion was demystified. Most of the love, hope, and the wonder this faith once taught, is gone. Like a chalice of fine wine that has been drained.

Meditate with the stars. And allow your miracles to grow.

Not just financial miracles. Everyone prays for more money. But not everyone stops to ask why do we pray for more money. And the answer to that question, is that we’re addicted to it. We live in a world where in most of the planet, you don’t have access to clean drinking water without money.

And thus this is also a time for us to see if we can make our dreams come true without money. Or if we do need it, how to replicate it. But not to become engulfed in selfishness. And not to be slaves of it. And that is probably the most important part of this lesson to learn.

How not to become enslaved by a material force.

Yeshua depicted as a Roman Wizard with a magic wand raising Lazarus from the dead. Notice he’s also clean shaven. From the article :
Jesus Holding a Magic Wand?
Supernatural depictions of Jesus in Early Christian art

Instead how to use the spirit to work with the material. Because material doesn’t have to be “evil” like many religions teach. I can hear my Gnostic Christian brethren screaming “blasphemy!” but it’s true. Just because something is dense or physical, does not innately make it bad. What’s bad is how it’s used.

But this is also a time of the dead. And it coincides not only with the Roman Parentalia, but also the Greek Anthesteria. Both being times to honor the dead. So the New Moon is a perfect and auspicious time for necromancers and those who work with the ancestors. In fact it magnifies those influences.

Also, Yeshua is a very chthonic God. After all he died and rose from the dead. And was a great necromancer of his time.

Baraka, Asherah, and the Gods of Ancient Palestine

Asherah (GOD the Mother) the GODDESS, the sister and wife of Adonai. Notice her depictions even in ancient statues are very close if not identical to imagery of the Virgin Mary. She is the Supreme Queen of Heaven. She and her daughter Sophia were renamed “the Holy Spirit” in the Bible. Notice almost all descriptions of the Holy Spirit or wisdom show it as a feminine force.

Now more to the point, there is type of energy in Hebrew magic called berakhah. Sometimes written as barak, baraka, bracha, brokho, brokhe. It can be translated as blessing or benediction. One person, a Judeo Christian mystic told me it’s also used sometimes for the word “lightning“. As the energy appears almost electrical sometimes.

It is a blessing or gift we all have which comes from the Elohim (the powerful ones). The ancient Hebrew Gods. Before Monotheism took hold over Judaism. There were many types of Elohim. In fact it’s believed by many that the Greek God Adonis was originally the Hebrew God Adon.

Each of the Elohim were children of Adonai (the Lord) and his wife and sister Asherah. God the Mother, the Mother Goddess. Asherah once had her idol right next to the ark of the covenant. It was a wooden pole dressed like a palm tree, which was sacred to her. Eventually the fanatical sect that worshiped only Adonai, cut down her pole.

And they destroyed imagery associated with the other Elohim. The Bible rewrote this horrific genocide and persecution as “righteousness” and “the will of Adonai”. In my work about Ghosts in Judeo-Christian religion I talk about how King Saul banned witches across Palestine. Despite the fact that witchcraft was a fixture in the Jewish faith. Even under his rule.

And the Witch of Endor was frightened of him being in her house. She believed he would kill her where he stood. Even though he came to her for answers when Adonai would no longer speak to him. It’s interesting here because the Bible acknowledges that her powers are real. And she actually did summon the Prophet Samuel’s Ghost.

It’s even more interesting because it’s mentioned that

“He inquired of Adonai, but Adonai did not answer him by dreams, or Urim, or prophets”.

– 1 Samuel 28:6

Urim is the casting of lots by the way. It was popular in the Middle East back then. These were considered acceptable ways to work with God. But when a Pagan does it to talk to their God/Goddess it’s “evil”. It isn’t the only time this happens by the way.

There are many cases of Jewish witches and wizards across the Bible. Including the prophets and priests of Israel who performed all sorts of ceremonial high magic.

The ark of the covenant attended to by one of the Kohanim, the ancient priests of Palestine descended from Aaron, the brother of Moshe (Moses)

Baraka is a divine power granted to worshippers of these Gods. Like the awen granted by the Irish Tuatha de Dannan. The ashe given by the Orishas of Nigeria. The ekat by the Netjer and Netjeru of Egypt, these are all powers. Some have the Baraka that grants prophesy.

Others material wealth. Still others healing. It all depends on the person and what they desire both in this and the other world. Now there are many Gods in this pantheon to work with. But for the sake of this article, I am specifically going to mention two :

Baal (Lord) Hammon, the God of fertility and renewer of all energy. And Dagon, originally a Sumerian God of fertility and fish. But as a Jewish mystic once told me,

“Many of the Gods in Hebrew Polytheism, originally came from the Sumerians,”

He also explained that holy symbols came from them too. The Star of David for instance. And even the Seal of the Prophets in Islam, were based on Sumerian symbols. Even the Hindus have much from the Sumerians. So as with many ancient religions of the Middle East, they are often our forefathers and foremothers.

Fertility Gods, particularly those who renew life and energy are perfect for prosperity Magic. And Lord Dagon also bring

How to work with Baraka

The Light of God
Image comes from Rabbi Fryer Modzin’s meditation videos on YouTube

Judeo-Christian witches and polytheists have a radically different perspective of the following text.

“Thou shalt not worship other Gods before me,” – Shemot (Exodus) chapter 20, verse 3.

If you read the Bible, you’ll know that Adonai asks for a lot of different offerings during the whole day. But he requires offerings at the very beginning of the day. And then a final offering at the end of the day as well. Now what does that sound like? A Gatekeeper! In the Greek religion it’s Hestia. In Santeria it’s Elegua.

In Vodou it’s Papa Legba. And some Occult Catholics view St. Peter as the Gatekeeper of the Christian religion. Chosen by Jesus because of the text where Jesus grants him the key to Heaven. And of course Protestant style magic users view Yeshua himself as the Gatekeeper for God. In my case I choose either Adonai or Yeshua.

Or sometimes Simeon son of Yonah (Simon son of Jonah). The original Hebrew name for Peter, before Yeshua gave him a new name after his initiation into his Mysteries. Or I choose Chokmah (Wisdom) the daughter of Adonai and Asherah. Also known as Sophia in Gnostic Christianity. Regardless, many who use traditional Hebrew magic give a first offering to Adonai.

In his name of El-Elyon (El Most High). Which is the origin of “God the most high” in English. The first offering can be anything. Something that comes from your heart. I use a special blend of incenses based on the Ketoret (Incense of the Temple) in the Bible.

This is a combination of frankincense, galbanum (a plant found in Iran), and most importantly, opobalsamum (a rare type of amber from a myrrh tree). In fact this is a high grade extract of light myrrh. And it’s believed by many sources to be the origin of the ingredient “Stacte” from the Ketoret. Now others have other beliefs about what constitutes the temple incense. But regardless this is a simplified version of it.

I buy it from Etsy.

Pray over it when you get the incense. And let the spirit of Adonai and Asherah flow into it. You can use an oil burner for this. Then walk around the house and purify it in the name of El-Elyon. This acts as both a purification and also an extension of the offering.

For Lord Hammon

For Baal Hammon I give him grain, a golden scented candle to symbolize his Kingship, honey, and fruits associated with male fertility. Such as mango. And anything that represents renewal of life. Save the candle for last, for this acts as the ‘ignition’ for the ritual to activate. Then pray,

“Oh Baal (Lord) of the land, sustainer of the crops, renewer of life, King of the lands, Hammon King of the Gods with power bestowed on you by the Great GOD and GODDESS, please bestow prosperity to me. In the form of…”

(Specify exactly what you want. If you have Bible paper, legal tender paper, or even bay leaves or brown paper bag, write your petition and burn it in the Golden Candle. Make sure you have a fire proof dish to burn the petition in).

When you finish say,

“Thank you O Baal for listening to my petition, I ask that if for whatever reason you not grant me what I ask, that you grant me the equivalent or something better, in the name of El Almighty, Amen,”

For Lord Dagon

A smoked fish, grain, sea iconography. Anything to do with the sea including shells. Or even symbols of fish or underwater creatures. Ironically (or perhaps not ironically at all) the Judeo-Christian fish symbol is perfect for him. It can even double as a representation of Rabbi Yeshua.

A scented blue candle that reminds you of the ocean. Prayer,

“Dagon, God who brings prosperity from the waves of the sea, hidden treasures on the ocean floor are yours to give and to take at your command, O divine master, bringer of fish, on this Pisces new moon, I ask you to magnify the power of prosperity and to bring unto me….”

(Make your petition, and as before, wait until the end to burn the candle).

“Father of the Sea, bringer of Prosperity, I end this work begging your guidance and any advice you have on how to acquire what I ask. If for whatever reason you not grant me what I ask for, then I ask for the equivalent or something better, Amen“

Then, give a final offering to El-Elyon. What I use for the final offering is a blessed candle. Shabbat candles, which are environmentally friendly and can be used for any ceremony. This seals the ritual. I leave the offerings on the table for three days.

Then I take Baal Hammon’s offerings to bury them on the land closest to my door to bring in blessings. But Dagon’s offerings go to any body of water. And of course I take a bottle of honey and pour a first libation for El-Elyon to send the offerings to these two Elohim. And then pour a second libation to him when I finish.

The empty candle jars I can recycle for future rituals to those Gods. Or maybe use them for talismans. I could even decorate them. Or simply dispose of them. I dispose of the wax at the areas where I bury the offerings.

This is a prosperity ritual I like to do with both these Gods. However, for some, a ritual to the Elohim might be better if it is with female Elohim. It depends on the ritual caster. And what type of prosperity you seek. I chose Fertility Gods because they can make money and other requests “fertile”.

Allowing them to replicate. Which is perfect for this time. For you, it may have to be someone else. I would look up the list of Bet-ilim and see which one is the one you are looking to work with. Though ultimately I would still pray and work with Dagon if only because this new moon is ruled by Pisces.

So now that I have written all about my particular point of view and Christo Pagan practices, I am going to add some astrological links as well.

New Moon in Pisces

Cuspy early PISCES New Moon w. Saturn finish of AQ (Feb 19 / 20) – Past Management: Unity & Coherence

Welcome Pisces New Moon!

The New Moon in Pisces in February

Feralia, February’s Roman Equivalent of Irish Samhain

Folklore Fairy Queen: Goddesses and the Fairy Queen Archetype

Moon brewing… a Kombucha tale

Learning to Love Astrology: A Poem

Belief in Gods?

The Daffodil Beast

Happy New Moon Everyone…..

– M

Yule & How to Celebrate it: A Pagan History of Christmas

The God Odin, appears as a Tomte in his incarnation of Oski, the wish fulfiller and giver of gifts. One of many ancient origins for the modern day Santa Klaus.

Santa Klaus is a mystical figure in every way, shape, and form. Like the Grim Reaper, he’s an amalgamation of various spirits and Gods. While the reaper represents death, Santa Klaus represents unbound life even in darkness. But who or what is Santa Klaus? This is a subject that will take many blog posts across many years. But I can start that process now.

Today we are going to explore at least three major influences of Christmas. Namely Odin in his two incarnations as Oski the giver of gifts and leader of the Wild Hunt. The Spirits, and Yule.

Yule is Nordic, not Celtic

Mjölnir, the Hammer of Thor, surrounded by the Jul or Yule Goat on both sides. By Fereshdhe Sehhati

Now I am going to say something that has confused a lot of people. Yule is not and I repeat, not a Celtic holiday. It is purely Norse. The Druids observed four Sabbats. And Yule wasn’t one of them.

Yule is a completely Norse holiday. So why do so many people think it has to do with Celtic culture? Well there’s three reasons for that. One is that there is a celebration of Winter Solstice done by the Druids every year at Stonehenge. And many conflate winter solstice with Yule. Then we have Wicca which is a very new tradition.

Created by Gerald Gardener, Wicca was originally a mix of Brythonic traditions. Then other European traditions were added including those of the Norse. So the four festivals of the Druids, plus Yule was used to create the wheel of the year. That’s where the confusion comes in. I have zero problems with Wicca.

So don’t get it twisted.

The last reason, is that the Norse migrated to other parts of Europe. Many of their mixed descendants practice a hybrid version of their culture. One with the original cultures their indigenous ancestors had, and the Nordic culture of their Nordic ancestors. So there’s a sub group of Nordic Celts. Even in America, a man in a Wiccan coven I was once in, spoke to me of this.

He said that Nords and Celts are like family.

The Shetlands in Scotland, celebrating a Nordic-Celtic holiday called Up Hella Aa or Up Helly Aa in 2001.

The meaning of Yule

Yule shrine showing an image of Yggdrasil the Universal Tree of Life

Now the word Yule has different definitions according to different sources. What keeps getting repeated is that it means “wheel”. And it’s related to the wheel of the year. Others claim that Yule is based on one of Odin’s names. Jólnir, meaning “the Yule one” or “Yuler”.

But that’s a title for him that seems to come from the word Yule. It doesn’t explain what the word actually means. I had to consult a few language dictionaries before I could answer that. The best source I found says it’s a proto Germanic word meaning “joke” or “play”. And that the word jolly comes from this.

So Yule is a time for merriment and play. Which explains why the word Jolly is used so much in Christmas. So if this is true that would more or less mean that his name Jólnir more or less means “the merry one” or “the playful one”. This is just me theorizing. I don’t speak the old Norse language.

Ancient Yule Decorations and what they mean

So I have no idea if what I believe is true. It just seems like logic to me. If you believe that his name comes from wheel, then it would mean the wheeled one. Which doesn’t make much sense. Of course it’s also a strange name for the leader of the Wild Hunt but oh well.

He’s a warrior God. Maybe hunting evil spirits is fun for him.

Yule Spirits

For people in Norway and Sweden, Yule is a time of the Faeries. Mischievous Faeries like the Yule Lads who go around stealing things. Destroying property. And in some cases eating the flesh of humans. The Yule Lads are said to be the children of the Demon Witch, Gryla.

The Yule Lads from the article by The First Gates

They go around eating your food. Or stealing your money. And generally causing discord because they have nothing better to do. However, it also had more familial connections. Yule was the time when Norse worshippers believed their dead returned to Earth.

“Viking Ghost” by the Artist Andrew Howat

Which is why many people believe winter is the time when the dead return. In fact there is a fascinating tradition in England since the Victorian era where people tell Ghost Stories in Christmas time. A tradition I continue because I love a little Halloween in my Christmas. I believe the dead return in Winter time also. Here’s a great article by Cryptoville on that called The Ghosts of Christmas Past.

What’s interesting here, is that in modern times the Celtic Samhain is seen as a feast of the dead. And many people who practice Brythonic traditions have incorporated that belief into theirs. Maybe that’s also from Nordic influence. Among the most famous Yule spirits are…….

Santa’s Elves

Oski, the God who grants wishes and gives gifts, an incarnation of Odin, in the form of an Elf or Tomte

The most well known of the Yule Spirits are the Swedish Tomte or “homestead man”. Also called the Nisse in Norway. These are Elves associated with the winter time. Nisse is believed to come from the name of St. Nicholas. But others say it comes from the word niðsi (“dear little relative”).

And these creatures are the reason Santa Klaus looks the way he does. The way he is portrayed in blue, red, or green clothing as well as the cap he wears, is due to Oski’s appearance as an Elf. The Homestead Man or Dear Little Relative is akin to a house elf. Only these faeries only live on farms. Like all household fae, they protect and bless the home owners.

They range from half the size of a man to the size of a child. They have super strength surpassed only by other supernatural creatures. If a farmer treated the Tomte living in their home well, they would be blessed for life. And anyone fool enough to harass or injure a farmer who had a guardian Tomte or Nisse, was in for a surprise. The homestead fae would stop a thief with their superior strength.

Or perhaps hex a nasty neighbor. Or go over to that neigboor’s house and start a haunting.

The Tomte could become a powerful spirit guide. Even talisman to the person who knew how to work with them. You had to give them proper offerings of porridge with butter, milk, cream, or honey. Or any sweet and sugary substance you could find. And then make your request of them.

They would often sleep with the farm animals to protect them.

But also out of love for them. They would assist the farmer in the chores. And make the crops abundant. Some of the Tomte may be the dead reincarnated as nature entities. This seems to be a trend in a lot of cultures.

Jólnir in the form of a Tomte. This Tomte doll even has one eye just like the All Father himself. From Grimfrost

Eventually, the Tomte were paired with the Yule Goat. This may even have been an animal that was sacrificed in ancient times. But eventually, the Yule Goat was a goat made of straw that was ritually burned at Yule. The origin is that Thor had a chariot pulled by Goats. And Thor is also one of the origins of Santa Klaus.

But we’re focusing on just one origin at a time every year. Later the Tomte became Santa’s helpers. In fact, some traditions have them going from house to house with the Yule Goat. Giving gifts to children instead of Santa himself.

There are also stories of Odin riding his eight legged horse Sleipnir to watch over his people.

The many faces of Odin. Of course we also have Krampus up there

Yule Month

So I’m going to say something that will throw people into confusion. But it’s the truth. The month for Yule is actually two months long give or take. It starts in mid November. But doesn’t end until the first weeks of January.

If you notice, this is why the Orthodox and a few other people celebrate Christmas in January. That’s why I have “Christmas in January” as the tags in some New Years articles. Some people have a mini Christmas. My own people, Cubans, have the Three Kings Parade in January. It’s a mini Christmas or after Christmas that takes place in the new year.

Los Tres Reyes Mages (The Three Magi Kings) Parade in Miami, Fl. On Calle Ocho (8th Street).

And children believe the Three Pagan Kings will come to their houses baring them gifts.

Three Kings Parade Ends the Holiday Season in Miami

Later it was changed to December and early January. But if you want to be traditional, the mid week of November is the first week of Yule. At least according to the ancient Germans. And then more or less a week or two weeks into January is Yule Month’s end. That’s what the Venerable Bede, a Saint, English Monk, and Historian said.

He witnessed the rituals himself allegedly. And he wrote about the Matronae on Modrenecht as well. Which lends credence to him being a good source.

Yule Blót

Enter the Hall and Hail the Gods! Yule as it was celebrated in the ancient times

This is a Midwinter festival. Which means people are starving. And they need to keep warm. Many animals including boars and livestock were killed. Their blood was poured into vessels called Hlautbolli or Blótbolli.

With twigs, they would sprinkle the blood all over the temple. On the idols of the Gods. And on the pedestals. Even themselves. This is a form of purification known as aspersion.

Then a fire was started in the middle of the temple. And the flames would be used to cook the sacrificed animals and begin the feast. But there were also sacred kettles with the ale being placed over the fires. Then came the toasting. This blót was performed by offering up drinks in the honor of spirits or Gods.

Or even living people. The first toast is for the God Odin so that the King would have victory and great power. The second toast is to the Sea God Njörðr and his son Freyr the God of the weather, fertility, peace, kingship, and pleasure. This is for good harvests and for peace. The next toast is for the King himself, and finally the minni or memorial toast for departed family and friends.

The minimum that Yule lasted was for three nights. However, the holiday would not end until all the food and drink was finished. Which means it could span several nights.

Heitstrenging

Swearing an Oath on a holy pig, from a German article on Yule

Other rituals were followed on Yule. Such as Heitstrenging (oath swearing). This was a social-political and religious practice. Basically, you take a sacrificed animal, or a drink. And you swear on that drink or animal that you will do something.

And it becomes a binding social contract on your honor. If you don’t fulfill it then you had no honor.

Good luck trying to form any alliances in the future. On Yule it was usually done on a Sonargöltr, or “holy pig”. Freyr is known to have had a divine animal known as the sun boar.

So this was done in his honor. Later the animal was sacrificed and eaten.

Up Hella Aa or Up Helly Aa : The end of Yule in the Scottish Shetlands

From “A Complete Guide To Attending Up Hella Aa in Shetland”

As mentioned before, the Shetlands in Scotland have a Nordic-Celtic heritage. They don’t end Yule until the Up Helly Aa festival. It means “Up Holy Day All”. There’s actually many of these festivals happening in different parts of the Shetland’s. But they mostly follow this formula.

Many people carry lit torches. The people known as Guizers are dressed as Vikings. There’s an honorary “Jarl” or Earl who is leader of the event. The group sings the Up Hella Aa song till they get to the place where the replica Norse longship is.

This ends with the ceremonial burning of the Viking Galley. Thus marking the end of Yule for the Shetlands in Scotland. This new year it’s Tuesday, the 31st of January. The lyrics to the Up Hella Aa song are as follows.

Up-Helly-A’ Song

Words by J. J. Haldane Burgess,
M.A. Music by Thomas Manson

“From grand old Viking centuries Up-Helly-A’ has come,
Then light the torch and form the march, and sound the rolling drum:
And wake the mighty memories of heroes that are dumb;
The waves are rolling on.

Chorus –

Grand old Vikings ruled upon the ocean vast,
Their brave battle-songs still thunder on the blast;
Their wild war-cry comes a-ringing from the past;
We answer it “A-oi”!
Roll their glory down the ages,
Sons of warriors and sages,
When the fight for Freedom rages,
Be bold and strong as they!

Of yore, our firey fathers sped upon the Viking Path;
Of yore, their dreaded dragons braved the ocean in its wrath;
And we, their sons, are reaping now their glory’s aftermath;
The waves are rolling on.

In distant lands, their raven-flag flew like a blazing star;
And foreign foemen, trembling, heard their battle-cry afar;
And they thundered o’er the quaking earth, those mighty men of war;
The waves are rolling on.

On distant seas, their dragon-prows went gleaming outward bound,
The storm-clouds were their banners, and their music ocean’s sound;
And we, their sons, go sailing still the wide earth round and round;
The waves are rolliing on.

No more Thor’s lurid Hammer flames against the northern sky;
No more from Odin’s shining halls the dark valkyrior fly;
Before the Light the heathen Night went slowly rolling by;
The waves are rolling on.

We are the sons of mightly sires, whose souls were staunch and strong;
We sweep upon our serried foes, the hosts of Hate and Wrong;
The glory of a grander Age has fired our battle-song;
The waves are rolling on.

Our galley is the People’s Right, the dragon of the free;
The Right that rising in its might, brings tyrants to their knee;
The flag that flies above us is the Love of Liberty;
The waves are rolling on,”

I personally celebrate Up Hella Aa as the end of Yule. So by now you must be wondering : How the hell am I supposed to incorporate all of this into my practice? I know what you mean. Seriously, should I sacrifice the animals myself or go to the butcher? Can I swear oaths over a holy vegan hamburger instead of a holy pig? And can I burn my ex’s car as a bonfire instead of going to a holy temple?

Well! These questions and more are about to be answered!

How I celebrate Yule

What I do is come as close to the original rituals as possible. But simplified. And in a way that is adapted to urban life. As well as not making a hole in your pocket. Part of magic is symbolism.

Symbols hold great power. We begin with the temple. That’s any sacred space you have. It can be your home. A sacred place in nature.

Or any place you can use. The most important thing here is to have idols of the Gods. If you can’t afford them, then print a massive picture out with the Gods in it. Seriously, you don’t need a wooden or stone idol. All you need is a representation.

Before I could afford actual idols, I used pebbles and other stones that I blessed for the Gods or spirits I worked with. They were easy to carry around. And unless someone knew what they were looking at, no one would have any idea that these were idols. So no insane anti Pagan relatives. No nosy neighbors.

And no enemy practitioners who would curse them or stain them with bad energy against you. That’s why I am against taking pictures of my real idols and places of magic I go to. Instead of a sacrificed animal, I offer up food as a sacrifice. Meat is what the Norse Gods typically like. And they do like blood.

So that I leave to you. You can ask for meat from a butcher and ask for the blood as well. Kept in a bottle which will act as your Hlautbolli or Blótbolli. Then pour libations of blood all over the idols. Or if you are outside, everywhere with a stick and the idols.

I wouldn’t recommend it on yourself though. Blood borne diseases and all. Or, you can do what I do. Use holy water. They drink too, not just eat.

So bless water in their name and asperse with that instead. The type of food you eat is optional. You can try to eat a Norse diet of meat. But if you’re vegan I think it’s more important to dedicate the feast to the Gods. The point here is faith and intention.

The Gods will see if you have good intentions or not. Don’t just offer to them like it’s nothing. Sometimes a simple tea light burned with faith, is more important to the Gods than a thousand fancy Viking feasts done by a wealthy person.

And if you are some asshole trying to gain their favor for money and power and not their love, good luck achieving anything. They will find you unworthy.

And the only things attracted to those feasts will be negative spirits. False beings pretending to be the Gods. Just like when Christian extremists do worship to their Deity. But end up attracting the same demonic entities that they seek to drive away. You can do bonfires, hearth fires, or chimneys, or light many candles.

Beeswax candles. As pure as possible. You can even order special candles dedicated to Norse Gods. You can buy more than one or just light a really big candle. Even a plain candle will do.

A candle from Etsy dedicated to Odin, I can’t find the link now

It doesn’t have to be a fancy one like I mentioned. You can also burn incense to them. Now you can drink Ale or really any kind of alcohol. They love alcoholic drinks in general. But if you don’t like alcohol then use a drink you do like.

I use water and sometimes mead if I can find it.

The important thing here is to dedicate it to them. And to do the special toastings. Now as a left leaning person, I am against the idea of human monarchies. So I don’t toast asking for “victory and power” to any King. Unless it’s one of the divine or semi divine kings of old.

Like Arthur, Solomon, etc..I do toast instead to political leaders I support. I toast to leaders of Black Lives Matter chapters. I toast to Antifa as a whole. I also toast to activists. I do on occasion toast to the power and victory of certain heads of state in countries I support.

Right now I toasted to Odin to give “power and victory” to the President of Peru against the coup regime. I do the second toast exactly as described. Asking for peace and good harvests. When I mention harvests, what I’m really saying is prosperity as a whole. For all.

Well, except my enemies.

The next toast goes to the political leaders I like and support. And the final toasts are the minni or memorial toasts to loved ones lost. Then I also make nightly offerings in the evening to the Nisse or Tomte. I call for their help in daily matters. I use Yule as my “wishing season”.

In which I conjure the Tomte in the name of Oski to appear to grant my wishes. I have a whole ritual personal to me. Which I can’t disclose for the same reason I don’t disclose images of my idols or magic places. Then I continue until Up Hella Aa where I burn an effigy of some sort. If you can you can order an effigy to burn online, do it.

Even something made to look like a Viking ship. Or even a regular boat to burn. Be creative. You can adapt these to be either solitary, or to add friends to come over and have feasts with you. And to work the rituals with you as well.

After all, these were originally celebrations with many people. And of course burning protective candles to keep yourself safe during the Wild Hunt. Which for me in my personal opinion, lasts longer than just the Winter Solstice. I personally believe that in November, Odin and the other Yule Beings are doing the job of keeping us all safe. In fact, keep burning the candles until Up Hella Aa at least.

And use the protective candles to ask Jólnir for his protection. On Up Hella Aa I do one more fire night with candles and a final feast for the Tomte in Odin’s name. And ask Odin as Oski for a great New Year. I try to go all out and give the Norse Gods the largest meaty dinner I can give. I have a stone shrine outside that no one knows is a Pagan shrine.

And I leave all their food there. When people see me they think I am feeding the cats. Which I am doing that also but that’s besides the point. Again, you can make this into a friend or family gathering. You don’t have to do it alone.

But you can if you want to.

Worship of Oski, Oski’s Day

Before Yule, is Oski’s Day. Most people celebrate December 6th as St. Nicholas Day. But worshippers of the Norse Gods have begun to reclaim it for Odin. In this form, Oski listens to the petitions of people. And grants their wishes either directly or indirectly.

As part of the celebration, people exchange gifts. They also light candles and bake traditional baked goods associated with Yule. In fact there’s a whole array of foods just for Yule called the Julbord. Which is a bunch of Christmas foods and sweets for this time of year. Ale poured in libations to Oski.

And of course prayers, and songs.

The Dark Side of Yule

But not everything during Yule is merry. As mentioned before, winter is a time of the dead and of the Fae. According to A Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek, this was the time when all manner of spirits were said to be loosed upon the world. This unfortunately also means evil spirits are out and about. Jólnir and his forces would hunt them down in what is popularly known as the Wild Hunt.

And drive them back into the other world. But at least these were just spirits being driven away. The worst supernatural creatures, were the ones who had physical bodies. It was said that during this time, several physical revenants returned as well. And the worst of them was the Draugr.

Meaning “again walker.” These entities are members of the dark dead. They can be aggressive if they aren’t resting well. It was said if a person died on certain days like Yule, they would not rest well in the grave. But other reasons a person became a Draugr was if they were murdered or committed suicide.

Or were not given a proper burial. Such as not being buried on holy ground. The worst of them were evil witches and wizards in life. Evil magic users normally come back as something worse in death. And they would arise as these corporeal revenants.

Basically, these are Norse zombies. That’s an over simplification but it’s the easiest way to explain it. They are one of the most powerful revenants though. They are all said to be sorcerers who can control the weather. These are just some of their powers.

They can do a great many things. And they have the power to curse. But despite this, not all Draugr are the same. Not all Draugr are the people who died. Sometimes they’re evil spirits possessing the corpses of the dead.

Other times they really are the person who passed away. But are angry for some reason, leading to their aggression.

Now, the first legends I heard claimed that the Draugr could not be killed by weapons formed by men. That only a hero who was strong enough could wrestle them to the ground and kill them. However, the video above mentions plenty of times when weapons did kill them. When heroes killed them by decapitating them with swords. Then burned the body to ashes.

And separated the ashes into different bodies of water. So either they can be killed by weapons. Or the hero’s can make weapons kill the Draugr. These were the creatures said to be out tonight. And Jólnir was hunting them.

So tonight while you’re out feasting, raise a toast to the All Father and the Norse Gods. And remember to leave offerings for Oski and his Tomte. And ask for many blessings in this new year.

Merry Yule,

– M

The Winter Solstice 2022 (Tonight at Midnight)

The Matres (Mothers) and the Matronae (Matrons) of Yule

Note* Some people celebrate this night on December 24th. But others do it since the 21st of December (Winter Solstice). I actually celebrate it three times : The 21st, 24, and 25th (midnight) of December. Since it’s still dark even though technically it becomes the 25th at midnight, I continue the celebration. So technically it’s only twice.

Tonight we await Winter Solstice. The time of darkness. The time of silence. Of the cold wind blowing against the windows at night. Or in Florida’s case, the cold waters that fall from the sky.

Tonight we settle into the darkness. And allow ourselves to truly be consumed by it. To travel beneath the trees. And to hide in their shade. To see our breath as we exhale it.

And prepare for our rites.

I’m sure a lot of people think this is pretentious. No one is actually going around doing this stuff right? Yeah tell that to my neighbors. They all see me do it and then freak out and run away. It used to bother me.

And I used to go out of my way to hide what I was doing. Finally I said, if someone were dumb enough to watch a magical rite let them. And let them pick up something they weren’t meant to pick up. So as tired as I already am this morning from all the work and preparations, I have to stay up at midnight to perform my sacred rituals. Specifically Spirit communication since tonight is Mother’s Night.

That also means a night of divination and preparation. A night of feasting and drinking. A night of being with your family. Huddled up towards a Hearthe fire. While the Yule Log is burning.

There are so many traditions here that it’s hard to name them all. So I think every year I will write about a different one. That way I don’t drive myself crazy trying to write an Encyclopedia Britannica everytime. Also I apologize ahead of time for typos.

I am working hard to sift between clients. Plus all the rituals I do and follow. But for now let’s talk about a tradition I love very much. And it’s weird because so far I am not a Nordic practitioner. At least not officially.

Yet this became a cornerstone of my practices in Yule.

Modranicht/Mōdraniht/Modranect (Night of the Mothers)

The Dísir, collective of female spirits of the Norse Pantheon

Essentially, this feast is the beginning of Yule for many Nordic practitioners. It’s dedicated to the Dísir. It’s basically a word for all female spirits. Female faeries and ghosts. But also your female ancestors and Goddesses.

They’re honored on this night.

Much even today remains unknown about the Dísir. And points of view of them vary by regions. German scholars think they are linked to a West German Cult dedicated to female spirits. While others think they are older. At mother’s night several sacrifices in the feast dedicated to them were performed, called dísablót.

An important thing to note here is that Blót or “sacrifice” does not always mean blood sacrifices. A blot could be pouring a libation of mead to a spirit or God. Or giving cooked food to a spirit or God. There are many types of Blót out there. Although it is believed animal sacrifices were offered during this time.

But there is no right or wrong way to do this.

“The Gods and Goddesses, landwights, and honored dead have always received physical offerings of various sorts. These ranged from simple pots of food left in bogs or graves, to golden vessels and great hoards of amber, to the spectacular sacrifices of an entire defeated army along with all its animals and gear, a practice confirmed by archeological discoveries at sites such as Hjortspring, Nydam, and Illerup (see Our Troth vol. 1, chapter 4). In the sagas, a devout worshipper of the gods is called blótmaðr mikill, ‘a great sacrifice-person.‘

Even after the coming of Christianity, people continued to leave offerings at holy springs and trees and fields, and in some areas continued to do so into the modern age. People also continued leaving out offerings to the spirits who guarded their homes and farms,” – Offerings for Norse Paganism | The Troth

In this respect, I see a lot in common with Norse and Celtic views on offerings. My Druid Master even told me that you could offer up swords in ponds or lakes to the Gods. Some were offerings and others were for magic. How badass would it be to offer an entire defeated army to your Gods and spirits? That’s some powerful magic right there. But back to the Dísir,

“Generally, a Dís (singular of Disir) was seen as a powerful supernatural being that took a keen interest in families and estates. Their strength could vary greatly. Sometimes, they were described as mere guardian ancestor spirits, but their power could also inflate to that of minor local gods. The Disir would usually use their power for good—they acted as guardians to families and family farms, and sometimes even lent their protection to individual people. Yet, they did not love unconditionally and were known to take revenge against families or people who had not given proper sacrifice, or had otherwise angered their respective Dís,” – The Mysterious Disir Of Norse Religion

In many ways this sounds a lot like the Agathos Daimon and the cult of the heroes in Greece. Note I am not saying that any of this is the same thing. I’m just pointing out interesting similarities. It seems at least some of the Dísir were probably Demi Goddesses, local spirits, or ancient heroines who offered protection and blessings. The national encyclopedia from Sweden makes that even more obvious.

“In Norse mythology, a dís (Old Norse: [ˈdiːs], ‘lady’, plural dísir [ˈdiːsez̠]) is a female Deity, ghost, or spirit associated with Fate who can be either benevolent or antagonistic toward mortals. Dísir may act as protective spirits of Norse clans. It is possible that their original function was that of fertility Goddesses who were the object of both private and official worship called dísablót,”

– Nationalencyklopedin (National Encyclopedia from Sweden)

But they all agree on the same thing. They were a collective of Goddesses, heroines, and regular female entities. And they were so powerful that apparently like the Nourns, they could manipulate fate. Which makes sense if you realize that this is a massive faction of spirits including Goddesses. Just with the Goddesses alone there is more than enough power to manipulate fate itself.

Now imagine every woman who has ever existed in every race. Both human and non human alike. No wonder even the male Gods and spirits feared them. There is no defending against such power. So Modranicht is a very special night.

And Modranicht especially holds a special place in my heart. I have always felt a pull towards it though I don’t know why. It feels like home to me. Later I will explain how this holiday is special to me in other ways. But now I have more or less defined who the Dísir are.

Now it’s time to define the other Mothers.

Matres/Matronae

What’s interesting here is that they are found not just in Nordic religion but all over Celtic religion as well. Their images and motifs seem to surround shrines of various countries. Going back to even before the Roman Empire. So who are they? The truth is we don’t know. We think they might be Triads of Goddesses who are aligned to each other.

But they could also be the same Goddess in Trinitarian form.

Whoever they are, they seem to be the main, all powerful spirit beings amongst the Dísir. Who they were and why they were so revered remains a mystery. What we do know from all the offerings granted to them, is that they granted a lot of prayers. The only thing we do seem to know about them is their origin is Germanic. This is based on their clothing in all of their depictions.

They’re appearance shows that they come from the Ubii tribe from east of the Rhine River. We know that their power is great. And this is shown by how they take leadership over the assembly of the Dísir. Even amongst Goddesses, they are the highest of the high. Could they somehow be the living embodiment of the primordial feminine?

Dísablót for the Dísir

In the case of the Matronae, we know what kinds of offerings they had because of the inscriptions on their votive stones. We know they received incense, pigs, bowls of fruit, and also decorations of fruits, trees, and plants. We also know that their worshippers would leave idols of them at holy temples or other buildings. So any of those things are good offerings to leave them. Well except for the poor piggies.

Sorry but I am of the opinion that sweet innocent creatures need to be left out of sacrifice. I have no problem sacrificing a wife beater or a child molester. Or someone who abuses the elderly. Just so long as I don’t get caught and arrested. Just kidding (or I am?).

But there’s something I learned in my temple when doing certain sacrifices. You can make an effigy of an animal or person to sacrifice. And you can bring it to life via rituals. Heck you can even just write what you want to sacrifice : a bad habit, an obstacle, or even a problem in your life and light the paper on fire. Simple.

The Dísarsalr

This was a huge building dedicated to the Dísir. And the altar where their sacrifices were given was the hörgr. From what little I have been able to gather (I am sure there are more learned sources than myself) there was a high priest and priestess. The priestess sacrificed an animal and “reddened” the altar with blood (Hervarar Saga). Now it doesn’t actually say it was a priest or priestess.

The one who reddened the altar was Alfhildr, the daughter of King Alfr. But she was performing this ritual herself. In many occasions, Royals assumed a priestly role in ancient religions. But later we see the Kings of Sweden perform the ritual themselves as high priests of the temple at Uppsala (Ynglinga Saga).

We know this because a King named Adils died while doing the ritual at the altar site. The ritual had something to do with him riding around the stone altar with his horse. Which is another magical tradition you can find in different cultures. Thus we know that men could and were also involved in a priestly capacity. So we know that the rituals could be gender neutral and done by anyone.

In the eyes of the Dísir, we’re all just mortals. And therefore not one of us is better than the other. Though I think it’s obvious women have a higher status. Given the fact that this celebration is focused on the sacred feminine.

My personal practice

This is my own version of the Modranicht feast. Part of it is eclectic and part of it is a reconstruction. I mostly follow my reconstruction based on personal research. Which I hope to find more answers and evolve this a little more. So I start with a family feast.

I have been blessed with a good mother and sister. They’re both pains in the ass but I love them. I buy a large dinner for the three of us and eat on the eve of the solstice. I give an offering to Goddess of the Home and Hearthe. All of them, before and after the food is eaten.

I do a special prayer to them. And I also honor all of my spirit guides in the name of my female spirit guides. I also honor both of my dead grandmothers and my dead cousin. I told you earlier I was going to tell you why this tradition is special for me. Ever since my grandmothers and my cousin died, it’s given me a way to touch base with them.

To honor them. To communicate and know the ways of the wise spirits. I honor my female Fae, and other spirits including heroines of the past. I give an offering of incense and flame, as well as fruits or vegetables to the Matronae. I also sacrifice something to them.

Usually bread. They seem to like the Cuban cheese bread that I offer to Hekate. So I give them that. Or Cuban bread. If you live near Cubans, you know you could live off that stuff.

Sometimes when I really have money I try to find German markets to get them food. But they also exist in Ireland and other places in Europe so sometimes I alternate. To the other Dísir, I give them a rare or medium rare steak. And I leave it on my chothonic altars outside. Let them eat through the animals.

If not that, then I give them whatever I could find that they would like. These offerings I give before midnight. As preparation. Then I take a cleansing bath to be pure. And I await till midnight.

I give my final offering at the stroke of midnight. A candle I burn for them. My personal Dísir. Those Goddesses and spirits to whom I give offerings. And many more whom I don’t know.

The Dísir who visit me aren’t just European. All the female Orishas join in. Female indigenous spirits like the Hopi Spiderwoman and the Hawk Maidan. I also converse with Sunna and Amaterasu. And I await the arrival of my grandmothers and cousin.

Who signal the arrival of my foremothers. I see them all coming down from on high.

Like they are descending from a beam of golden light, itself encompassed by a white light. And we begin to talk for about an hour or so. Because I have to get up early I can’t really talk the whole night like I used to. So I make arrangements for them to speak to me in my dreams.

And with that, here ends my writings.

🌚🎄🎅Some other links on Yule and Winter Solstice and the coming New 🌒🌑🌘

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Sacred Foods and Feasting

Winter Solstice: 5 Rituals and Customs for an Auspicious Year

The Holly King and the Oak King

Personal Gods of December

Reflections on Yule

Contemplating Darkness on the Winter Solstice

WINTER SOLSTICE DECEMBER 21, 2022

Yule/Winter Solstice : The True New Year

The Story of Yule – How Vikings Did Christmas

Witch of the Week : Rhiannon and the Winter Solstice

“Tales and Wassails” episode for the midwinter nights

A New Moon in Capricorn ♑️

Mōdraniht

Where did the idea of Santa Claus come from?

– M

The Chilling Tale of the Guest Room

An actual hotel guest room from a real hotel, the Royal Mandaya Hotel (royal?). Which makes this both hilarious and disturbing at the same time.

Welcome to the dark time of the year everyone. I hope you’re all comfy by your fire or space heater. I also hope that you have sufficient food to eat. And a nice warm blanket to be tucked inside of. The dark time of the year is here again.

Providing both comfort and fear for many.

During Christmas, it was an English tradition to tell ghost stories in the winter. Winter being the dark time of the year, when the Fae and all other spirits had full run of the land. It seems natural for people to have associated it with the dead. After all, things go bump in the night when the sun is gone. And only the holy power of fire can keep them at bay.

But there’s one problem with that. We don’t use fire hardly ever anymore. We don’t even have proper Hearths. And people don’t believe. Does that protect them? I’m not so sure it does.

If anything it debilitates them. Like an immune system that’s been weakened. How are you supposed to protect yourself from things you don’t even know are there in the first place?

This story was so good I just had to share it with all of you. It’s a YouTube video for your listening pleasure. Enjoy. Sit back and relax.

– M

New Years Report for the Year 2022 : Cuba’s Letter of the Year, Orixa Regente 2022, Chinese Tai Sui, & Astrological information

Well, we did it. We survived another shitty year. But we’re not out of the woods yet. For one thing, this year begins in a Saturday. Which is a weekend.

Symbolizing that like the year before this one, we still have things we need to finish this year. Probably because no one is listening to COVID guidelines. And we are still spreading this disease like it’s nobody’s business. Also, Saturdays are very chthonic. Which probably means we have far more work to do in the area of destroying things that do not work for us.

One thing I will say is that this year is for healing. The New Moon in Capricorn is here to tell us that we should not be holding on to our pain. This whole “tough love” stuff should take a back seat this year. Take the time to heal and be healed in turn.

The New Moon arrives Sunday January 2nd. Which as you know, new moons are times of the dead and of darker spirits. So avoid going out at night for Sunday and the remainder of the New Moon. Until you see the first sliver of the moon at least. Focus on destroying bad energy and bringing in good luck instead.

Write your wishes in paper and burn it to the Gods and spirits of this year for blessings. Here is some more advice on the New Moon tomorrow.

Sunday’s New Moon

General He E, the Grand Duke of Jupiter for the year 2022

We are now in the Year of the Water Tiger which is considered a time for your dreams to take hold. Which makes sense considering who we have as our Tai Sui this year : General He E. This General was a bit of a hero. He solved complex crimes and even donated a treasure to the Emperor so that he wouldn’t raise taxes on the people. He was considered an honest politician. And truly Catered to the needs of his people.

The general consensus is that this is going to be a good year. But, there were other years where everything was supposed to be good. And it didn’t exactly turn out that way. Because very few people look at both sides of the Gods and spirits who rule. The shadow side.

So the good side is : honest politicians who care about their people. Who are trying to do something to make society better. Or at the very least as non shitty politicians as possible. The shadow side is what happens if exists. If we have bad politicians trying to force their way on us this year, this will clash with the ruling Tai Sui.

And the clash will be felt. So everything depends on how politicians decide to behave this year. Information on the water tiger can be found here.

Water Tiger 2022

On the left Oshanla the Orisha Mother of Light and Weaver of Destiny. On the Right Obatala the White Robed King, ruler of all the Orishas.

This year is ruled by the Orishas of Yoruba Gods Obatala, and his female avatar Oshanla. Obatala is the father of light. The King of the Heavens of the Orishas. He’s also the creator of humanity. The best of all Gods.

While Oshanla, his female incarnation is the Goddess of light. A guardian and sentinel protecting humanity. The weaver of our fates and destinies. So it would seem that like the Chinese Astrologers, the Yoruba believe this year will be a good year.

At least for justice. And as long as those in power don’t misuse their authority.

Phrases for the year

“King dead, king put”

“It is a mistake not to learn from the mistakes made”

Now however, we get to meat of the matter. Each year is ruled by a “Letter of the year” each letter in IFA is an Odu (sacred text). And each text has its own story and a moral at the end. The ruling sign is Baba Ejiogbe. This is the first of all signs. Father of signs hence the word “baba”.

The cliff notes version of the story is this. It talks about loss, stress. General bad things. So I was right to be skeptical of the sunny disposition of the Year in the beginning. It says that one moment you have the best luck, and the next your luck turns to shit.

I started feeling that happening the last two weeks or so. So for me it already hit hard. Perhaps many of you, my readers have already felt that. We are told in this sign that not to expect prosperity. That any good we have will not come from in high, but from the sweat of our own brow.

We are also told that this is a sign of frustration. Which is why we need Obatala’s guidance. We need an elderly mother and father to help guide us and place us in the right path. So overall it seems we will have many hardships this year. But they can be overcome with hard work and determination.

The sign tells us that we really need to control our behavior. We cannot get into conflicts. We should be tolerant of other people’s beliefs and ideologies (well, within reason obviously, Fuck Nazis and Anti-Vaxxers). But we need to avoid warlike energy at all costs. This year it will be only too easy to fall into that.

So we need to work our hardest to ensure it doesn’t happen. It also speaks of diseases. Specifically spinal and sternum problems. As well as anxiety, blood vessels and lymph, colds, breathing, the mitral valve, the stomach, health in general really. Asthma, syphilis and rheumatism, bladder, pneumonia, urinary tract, earaches, and bronchitis.

We’re also told to avoid being outside for at least seven days. They warn of not allowing children to crawl on the floor. A lot of this sign reminds me of sheltering in place and being protected from COVID. They also warn against abortions and premature deaths of children since the Abiku will have a lot of influence in this sign. And all forced good and evil are well balanced.

There’s too much on that sign to write about. So you can learn more by clicking on the link I provided for it above. The sign also warns of government coups. And given all the coups we have already had in the past two years that isn’t very surprising. But it is alarming.

The last thing we need are more. So keep your eyes peeled.

From the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba

Ruling prayer

“Ire Ayiku Oyale Elese Odudawa,”

(A firm blessing of health at the foot of Odudawa)

Onishe : Oshun Yalorde (so she’s also a part of this)

Aladimu Oshinshin is : Scrambled eggs, with barley, and Purslane

Ebbo for IFA Practitioners is as follows :

Two roosters, a jug (in Cuba they had clay jugs for keeping water cool), an eggplant, a white flag, a black flag, Water of Olokun, red mangrove and reef, smoked possum, smoked fish (any kind), toasted corn, a coconut, two candles, Brandy, and honey.

Ebbo for Santeros :

A rooster, reef, a sponge, ocean water, two dolls (one female, one male), trap, arrow, a small house, a coconut, brandy, honey, smoked possum and fish, and toasted corn.

Now this part, is pretty much a more condensed version of the article I posted above. The one on the meaning of Baba Ejiogbe which is here. Instead of translating I posted the entire English language article on it. Which is even more specific than what is listed here. Just click on the link and read it.

It also includes the taboos one should follow and what to watch out for this year.

Orixas Regente 2022 (Ruling Orixas of 2022)

Now, in Umbanda and Quimbanda as well as Condomble they are also based on the Yoruba of Nigeria. But they do their own divinations. And with different Orishas or Orixas as it’s spelled in Portuguese. I have translated the report on them here for anyone interested. Original article here.

Orixás regents of 2022

– Exú (from Yoruba Esù)

– The Ibejis (Divine Twins)

– Oxumarê (from Yoruba Òsùmáré)

– Yemanjá

“The year 2022, in all, will have the regency of 5 Orixás. Being that, 3 of them will govern every day and 2 will act at different times that will be the beginning and end of the year. In chronological order, see each of them so that we can understand when we will be according to a particular regency. Orixás, which are: Exú (beginning of the year), Oxumarê and Ibejis (all year round) and Yemanjá to end 2022. In view of this, we will see below in more detail the representativeness of each of them:

Exú (from Yoruba Esù)

We will start with the influence of Orixá Exú – different from the entity Exú also in Umbanda – which represents communication.

He’s the great messenger between deities and humans. Represents the path. Nothing better than starting the year with Exú, your energy will begin to organize all uncertainties we will bring back this year 2021. Whether in the political aspect, economic but mainly in the aspect of world health. As we enter the year 2022 still with many doubts, with fears and without knowing, in fact, which course to take or where to start again. Therefore, it will be a very propitious year for us to put our “homes up to date”, our lives, our families, jobs, health (mental, physical and spiritual) “up to date”

Because Exú will be at our side indicating to us what the best decision to be made before all the questions presented to us during this year. The day of the week dedicated to Exú is Monday, his colors are black and red (predominantly) and his elements are fire and earth.

Oxumare

(From Yoruba Òsùmáré) – orixá regent 2022 In line with Exú, Oxumarê is one of the main energies that will govern the entire 2022 from the first to the last minute. If Exú is the great messenger, Oxumaré is the Orixá who walks between heaven and earth. So much so that one of its representations in nature is the rainbow. It is also represented as a great serpent that envelops the earth and the sky, bringing and ensuring renewal. Oxumarê is recognized as “the great force that directs the movements”, that is, under the influence of Oxumarê we will have a year absolutely conducive to transformations and renewals.

It will be time to put into practice our projects that have been “shelved” due to the various crises that we still go through, because Oxumarê takes the rainwaters back to the clouds and then “the sun will shine” in 2022. It will be a very positive year for transformations in the professional sphere, as well as in the spheres of friendships and romances. To the extent that, Oxumarê represents the wealth and fortune and consequently prosperity. When we talk about prosperity we should not only focus on material prosperity that concerns money, although it is a favorable year in this regard, but especially with regard to spiritual prosperity.

This is because to the extent that we are well structured emotionally and Oxumarê will bring the conditions for this structuring. We will be very close to achieving prosperity also in the spiritual sphere because we must not forget that it is our individual energy that drives us to prosperity or failure. So let’s stick to this great opportunity to definitively take from our paths low vibration energies that are eventually afflicting us and preventing us from reaching our goals. With regard to affective relationships, Oxumarê is the “balancer of love”, so I suggest you wait a little longer for decision-making in that aspect of their lives and especially, do not lose sight of that opportunity that are awaiting possible reconciliation.

Those adjustments that are missing to put love life back on track. The day of the week dedicated to Oxumarê is Tuesday, its colors are black and yellow with regard to candomblé, jeje nation, or green and yellow with regard to to candomblé, Ketu nation, but let us not forget that Oxumarê is the representation rainbow and then all the colors of the rainbow belong to it. Its element is the sky and the earth.

(Oxumare or Oshanmare as we call him/her in Santeria is also worshipped on Sundays).

Once again we have the influence of the energy of deities who bring with them the characteristics of beginning and continuity, multiplication and riches. But they also bring with them the contradictory indicating that opposites can walk together and that all things have two sides. Ibejis will bring to us the importance of movement, of not waiting for things to happen and that it is time to “chase after what we really want” and together with Oxumarê and Exú will give us ways to achieve what we want as long as it is fair to us, that is, we cannot wait for “things to fall from heaven.”

(This is a similar sentiment to the Santero divination.)

The Ibejis (Divine Twins)

The Ibejis are two very little known and/or worshiped deities in Brazil (also in Cuba with Santeria and traditional Yoruba religion in Nigeria) although it is widely associated with two Saints of Catholic Christianity – They are Cosme and St. Damian. Therefore, Ibejis is not the same thing as St. Cosme and St. Damian. Despite the large existing similarities, including on the date of commemoration of these deities who also take place on 27 September. Ibejis will be together with Oxumaré ruling all year 2022 and with them will bring the continuity, since they represent children, especially twin children. In the Yoruba cult and with regard to this cult, children are the greatest riches in existence.

Ibejis represent the balance of the universe and thus will bring to 2022 the opportunity of mental, financial and spiritual balance inviting us to see the good because everything has two sides, as stated above and it is up to us to look to the good side, the pure and beautiful side. The day of the week we dedicate to the Ibejis is Sunday, their colors are green, light blue and pink. Their element is air.

Yemanjá

Far from being the least important, in fact is Orixá best known to Brazilians generally (and other Yoruba practitioners). Yemanjá is the GREAT MOTHER, the mother of all and almost all Orixás. That is Yemanjá is present in the life of each of us and it makes total sense for her to conduct, the end of 2022. She will follow the whole process of reunion, transformation and balance/rebalancing of her children as the great mother she is, she will be “half away” eagerly waiting for every step of ours and giving us the absolute certainty that we will be at all times rested by her love and dedication.

Yemanjá, queen of all waters (salty and sweet). Her name, in Portuguese means” mother whose children are fish” she will bring with her the energy of possibility to reinvent. And she will always be with her arms outstretched to cherish us from the whole process we encounter during the year 2022. And we will meet with that mother’s hug we need so badly. Despite being the divinity of all waters, her greatest energy is concentrated in the fresh waters of rivers that flow into the sea and so we will be, renewed and purified by their clear waters ready to cast ourselves into the seas. The day dedicated to Yemanjá is Saturday, her colors are silver, blue and green. Her element is water,”

And finally, an interesting post about Isis as the Goddess of New Year.

Cheers everyone, 🍻

– M

Moving For the New Year

From left to right Hestia, El, and Elegua. Just three of many Household Gods I worship

It’s been a while since I informed you of everything that was happening. Well, for those who don’t really know much about my personal life here it goes. I had to move back in with my mother because she needed the help to pay the bills. And well let’s just say I needed a lot more room than my modest bachelor accommodations. So we moved again.

God I hate moving. I really do. I hate the packing. The workload put into it. The unpacking.

The signing of new contracts etc.. Well actually the unpacking has some good to it. Hearing the voices of the Gods and your spirits. As they teach you where they would like their shrines placed. Poseidon is now blessing my bathroom. Zeus has his serpentine idol guarding my front door with charms wrapped in a red string for Haphaistos.

Elegua has his coconut. But I am waiting to set up a proper shrine for him behind the front door. And soon Hestia will have her fire altars in the kitchen as before. El (Yahweh) will have his own Judeo-Christian Altar soon with his Bible. As the Gods settle into their new temple, many blessings will follow.

A depiction of Zeus Meilichius, one of the Giant Serpent forms of Zeus. Also a household version of the God.

The Gods have already begone the harmonization process. I can feel the new home starting to take shape.

First Stage : Cleansing

Elegua, the Yoruba God of the Crossroads, protector of home and threshold, and messenger of the Gods. Also a master of magic. He often appears as a small boy. He is the Prince of the Yoruba religion.

First I had to spend a week doing a healing and a cleansing of the space. The people who lived here before were a bunch of dicks. All their negative energy was still around. I had hoped to be able to clean the house with one big smudging with Quita Maldicion (Take Away Curses). And some Church incense to bring in good energy afterwards.

But by the time these people finally left I had run out. They made their own move as inconvenient as possible for us. So, I improvised. My Godmother in Santeria had spoken to me a long ago of the importance of Sarayeye. This is a cleansing with a magical or spiritually charged object.

Such as a bundle of plants, an egg, a stone, or something else. It’s used to absorb something negative from a person. While also replacing the bad energy with positive, holy energy to restore balance to mind, body, and soul. Other spiritual groups have used a similar technique on objects. Like using Crystals or salt to clean other objects.

In this case I was cleaning a place.

I used a coconut which I charged with holy water and cascarilla. Then I walked around the house, from the very back room to the front door. I rolled it on the walls and then on the floor. Then I placed it behind the front door and asked Elegua to absorb everything bad that had ever happened in that place. The cleansing took place for seven days.

I could sometimes feel waves of energy, being drawn to that coconut. A nasty sickly energy. And I even had vague impressions of arguments. I learned later that the couple who lived here had gotten a divorce. And the guy who was supposed to have moved out since last month kept breaking his promise to leave.

He tried to stay here by finding a roommate. Even though he was supposed to have left. He didn’t care that he was screwing over a family. Which is why it took three months to finally move. I tried not to let it bother me.

I prayed to Nemesis and asked her for one favor : If this cocksucker reneges on his promise for the third time, may he also lose the apartment and have no where to go. He did it for the third time. And while I wasn’t sure if we were to have this home or not, he was forced out. He couldn’t find a roommate. He left the place dirty on purpose.

And his soon to be ex wife was even ruder. When my mother tried to use the gate access code, apparently the machine was still tied to this woman’s phone. My Mom apologized and asked if she could be let in that she had just moved to their old apartment. This lady hanged up on her. Like she was not worth speaking to.

Yeah, that was one of the best and strongest intuitions I had about people ever. I knew they were nasty without even having to see them. That never happens to me. Usually I have to meet people to get a sense of them. But these two really were so negative and disrespectful that even before I set foot in this apartment I could feel them in the ether.

But I digress.

I performed the sarayeye on myself and dog as well as my mother before I used it on the house. And I asked for all bad vibrations and energies from the previous months of the year to go. Two birds with one stone. After the seven days, I burnt incense to Elegua. And I threw the coconut into the crossroads.

Sacrificing the bad energy to the spirits there. Now I was really ready to get to work.

Second Stage : Dedication

Hestia (Ἑστία) the Goddess of Home, Hearthe, and Fire. The intercessor of the Greek Gods and humans in worship and offering.

Next, was my weeklong dedication ceremony. Now there is a big difference between blessing a house and dedicating it to the Gods. When you bless a house, how long it stays blessed depends on you. You have to constantly keep it blessed. With holy waters and oils or even smudging at least once a month for good measure.

Because if you don’t, the blessing will eventually erode away. Leaving the house as it was before it was blessed. Also, a blessing is nothing more than a protection and a positive charge for the home. Something to bring in good luck. And sometimes it can be a dedication for lay people and regular worshipers.

But what is a dedication?

Dedication of a Temple or Church

A temple room with Idols of the Orishas with their offerings before them. From the Facebook page Santero en la ciudad y edo de mex

I know all of you at some point have heard of “holy ground”. Or even the older way of saying it which is “hallowed ground,”. Essentially this is ground that is blessed. Now you’re probably thinking,

“But M, blessing the ground of your house isn’t the same as a dedication. You said so yourself, so what gives?”

And you’d be right. Blessed grounds can be done by anyone. But, truly hallowed ground is something only a Priest or Priestess can do. Now I am not going to dazzle you with bullshit nor claim that I have fifty initiations and a priest title. I was part of a group, a Guild of Gnostic believers.

We were folk magicians and students of the occult. And the main tenant of our group was this : all believers are empowered to be priests of the Gods. And more importantly, that being a “high” priest or priestess wasn’t something limited to a small elect. All people have this as a natural right given to us by our Gods. The only limitation is whether we are moral and responsible enough to rise to the task.

We were all of the same rank. And we worked as a council to make decisions. Of course we mostly used divination. Whatever the Gods and spirits told us to do, we did. Sort of takes a lot of the decision making process out.

When you hear your Gods, there’s no reason to have so many debates. The few times we had to make decisions was due to things that directly had to do with the human side of religion. Like what types of rites we should use to draw power from the Gods. Of specific timings and place of gatherings. But anyways, we studied and covered the differences in consecration by level as well.

A dedication is a type of consecration for a temple or church. It means that it’s being specifically dedicated to a God, Goddess, Saint, or powerful spirits that a religious order serves. And the ritual is an invitation for that being or group of beings you serve to live there. That it is in effect the home of those spiritual entities. And that you are a partner, not only working with them, but keeping their home nice and tidy.

This is in no way servitude. Spiritual beings either can’t or simply won’t come down in physical form to clean a house. That doesn’t happen in real life. But the human ally lives here and has direct access. Conversely, there are things our entities can do for us on the other side that we can’t do.

But it’s as much their home as it is ours. And therefore, they do that work for us. It’s a symbiotic relationship. And contrary to the monotheistic notion of religion, it’s a partnership rather than a master-servant relationship. My mentors have taught me long ago that the Gods and their children do not seek for us to be their slaves.

In fact depending on the religion or culture, they may even want us to be equal with them. A good parent wants their child to grow up to become independent and free. If a parent tries to keep you co-dependent to them forever, they’re not good people. They have some serious character flaws. You share in the gifts of your spirit family.

The possessions and wealth of that house. In ways what you actually become is a caretaker of the property. And in exchange the spiritual beings who care for you will protect you and offer you anything they can.

You get to reap the benefits of the temple because you are caring for it on behalf of a spiritual being. And so you are paid in blessings and splendor to do the work of that God, Saint, or spirit. So, the dedication brings holy beings to a place to live in. Gods are the sources of all holiness and energy. And Saints and spirits radiate that energy in greater quantities than most people do or can.

So when their household avatars enter a house it’s like a small holy bomb going off in all directions. Everything is soaked in divine energy. And it never goes away for as long as you live there. Obviously, you still need to do your upkeep of the place and daily worship or veneration. But overall they stay there.

And their presence keeps the place well charged with their divinity. Without you needing to renew the dedication the way you would have to renew blessings of a home. I will say that at least in the case of the Catholic Church, when they dedicate a church, they usually celebrate the anniversary of when it was dedicated. As a way to give thanks. And I suspect that also adds greater divinity to the place.

That is the best spiritual security system you could ever have. Because it means that the divinities bring down their own guards. Their own attendants. Their own magical traps to protect the place you dedicate. Independent of what you do to ward it afterwards.

Now, in the old days I did an overly ceremonial dedication with magical charms. It was complicated as hell and lasted a week. Now it still lasts a week, but I have trimmed down all the ceremony. I rely on household offerings to call the Gods, Saints, and spirits I work with to enter. I entice them here.

Sort of like leaving food to lure a dove. I make sure that I verbalize, visualize, and set my intention that the ritual offerings are to bring the divine beings forth. To invite them to come down and eat. To stay, to drink, even to sleep in the home. Little by little I invite them even to decorate the area.

Usually by telling me how I am to set up a shrine. And on the last day I do a more simple offering which seals the deal. A sort of agreement for them to stay. One where I promise to attend to them. Something like the contracts I had to do with my landlord where I signed.

And once done the power floods the house briefly, I just know it’s hallowed ground now. Not merely blessed grounds. Whatever you use to ward the place yourself, is empowered by them. So your guides now have extra help. Which is what I did.

Now I was ready for the next step.

Third Stage : Calling your Guardians Home

I was guided by my guardians to do this. Guardians can go anywhere. And they automatically live in the home with you when you move in. However, this is a way of firmly entrenching them in the home. Making them the guardians of the place.

There are several reasons for doing this. One, it gives them total domination over the household and its affairs. They are able to help you keep unwanted spirits out. Because they can control the small, spiritual universe of your home. They wouldn’t even have to fight.

They keep out an enemy spirit by sheer force of will alone. From that point on, they become a part of the Genius Loci or spirit of a place. So appealing to your spirits also means you can ask them for favors regarding your home. Like a type of household saint almost. If you move, they will simply detach themselves.

Or even say “As I pack my things, you are to leave this place behind with me,”. And the place will release the bond as well. Once that happens, your guardians will rule over the place.

Fourth Stage : Unpacking, worship, veneration, and intuitively placing sacred items

One thing I learned the first time I moved by myself was that the Gods and spirits guide you psychically. Through intuition they tell you where they want their images to be placed. Where each shrine should go. Where altars should be erected. And finally, where the talismans and amulets and other magically charged items are to go.

Sometimes they do this through feelings. Other times through thoughts or outright visions. And sometimes you will even hear voices in your mind guiding you. Or it could be all of the above. Including dreams.

I remember one time I had left some items on a crossroads as a decoration. To honor Elegua and his spirits. But they sent me a dream that let me know : they wanted my junk off of their property 😂. So the next day I went there and cleaned it all off. And that’s where I am at right now.

Setting up my shrines. So far the most complete shrines are the bathroom shrine of Poseidon.

Some of the household guardians

Household Spirits of the Home and Hearth

On the left, I use that wooden carving of vegetables to be vessels for my plant spirits. Some of my guardians are actually plants. On the right, I use that pig to represent the Sow Goddess Hen Wen (old white). I couldn’t find a white pig image, so I made due with this one.

From left to right : The Laughing Buddha, hanging from him is a red string of prosperity that has a tea pot representing Home and Hearth Gods, a Tibetan Buddhist Bell with the face of the Buddha engraved in its hilt, a fancy clock to represent the Goddess Anna Perenna, two palm trees to represent the Goddess Asherah and the Goddess Sophia, my sister left images of the Virgin Mary along with a candle burning, and finally, a candle snuffer with the image of the divine lotus engraved in it.

The Staff I use isn’t just a typical Witch Staff, it’s an idol to the Serpentine and Household avatars of Zeus Meilichius and Zeus Ktesios. The red string with charms represents his son, Haphaistos the Black Smith of the Gods. They guard our front door and bring in only good.

We’re still unpacking and getting everything done. But so far, life is good. I’m even doing my rituals again. It’s time to unwind, relax, but then get back to work. So, see you everyone.

Dreams and Personal Prophesy

Portrait of a farm by Paul Detlefsen and two baby tree swallows

Last night, I dreamt a strange dream

That’s par the course for me though. But this dream seemed to at least have some kind of message. I dreamed I was with my family. Only I was someone else. I looked very different.

I guess I was disassociating myself in the dream. I found two baby birds at the very bottom of a palm tree. And my Dad used a strange whistle I had never heard him use before. It was a bird cry of some sort. And the mother bird at the top of the tree had replied back.

He told me to put the birds back. And I said, “Can you get the mother bird to come down for her children with one of your whistles?” And he replied, “She sees them already,” but when I looked the baby birds continued to cry at the bottom of the tree. And the mother acted as if she couldn’t see them. I asked him why that was. And he said, “You can’t help someone who won’t help themselves,”

That’s when I realized the reason I looked different is because my appearance was a sign of my depression. And the bird mother and the baby birds reminded me of those lost in their own sadness. Whether alive or dead. It was a strange dream. And my father spoke with such wisdom.

Let me clarify, my dad in real life is about as wise as a jackass jumping off a cliff. He and I do not see eye to eye. And he still acts like an 18 year old. It makes me wonder if this was someone else in my dream taking his form to speak to me. I have been battling depression for a while now.

I think one of my spirits gave me a bit of a reality check. Plus the way he spoke and his bird call makes me think he was someone else in my father’s shape.

***“Dreamtime Dingo at the Crossroads,” By: Mirree***

One last thought. It was cold. Winter had finally come. And while I said nothing, I knew it was the Wild Hunt. The breath of the Wild Hunt I thought.

I knew that while we were in September, they were already coming. In the dream it was normal. But I think it’s very strange. I live in Florida and have never seen ice or snow on the roads before. But I knew the Wild Hunt was on its way here.

So it looks like Winter is coming early. But the sweet little birds are still singing their tunes to guide us.

Jupiter & Saturn : The Great Conjunction of the Winter Solstice

The God Saturn, the original King of the Roman Gods. Some view him as Kronos, King of the now defeated Titanoi

Remember the Great Conjunction is happening tonight. The first time since the Middle Ages. Christians view this as a Star of Redemption. For me this is a Star of reconciliation. Zeus and Kronos, Father and Son, United as one.

The former God king of the universe with the current God king. A new era about to be unleashed. The problem with new eras is that there are usually a lot of old conservative assholes who want things to stay as they are. That and old problems that resurface to be destroyed. So be excited but also be down to earth.

Hope for the best. But understand that this isn’t Harry Potter. A magical wand won’t solve all your problems. Only you can do that. So go outside under the conjunction and give offerings to the two Lords of Heaven.

Tonight is good for all white magic. And actually all dark magic as well. It’s a night of duality. Of sun and moon. And or reconciliation between hurt parties.

If these two can make up even for one astrological conjunction, then anyone can. Tonight is sacred to the Gods of light and dark. It is the Divalia, the Feast of Aset, the Rites of Soyal, the Korochun, and the Winter Solstice. And sacred to the Hopi Spider Woman and the Hawk Maiden. And who knows what other sacred feasts there are.

It’s also the first quarter moon. And some Wiccans choose this moon to honor Nemesis, the Hellenic Goddess of divine justice. This means, one can pray to the great Goddess to ask for a setting of the record. A righting of wrongs and balancing of the karmic scales. Now, for Wiccans, karma has a different connotation than Hindu karma.

But basically, a reset of your destiny and fortunes. Just remember, with lady Nemesis, you could be in for a bumpy ride. She was Zeus’ right hand in his ruling Olympian regime. She took care that all things were done in moderation. Even those being punished, weren’t punished all the time.

Hail **νέμειν N*émein***, Nemesis. The Goddess of Divine Justice and Wrath against wrongdoers.

That this occurs during a lunar phase where at least some people worship Nemesis and do magic with her is no coincidence. We should also appeal to Némein and ask her to help heal old wounds. And along with lords Zeus and Kronos, end all conflict. Hopefully before the next year wrecks our shit. Now remember you need to becareful.

Because in addition to all this, natural phenomenon like a conjunction brings down good and evil in equal measure. A pregnant woman should not be out there. Or anyone who has a delicate health condition. That’s the way my Godmother in Santeria taught me. And even a healthy person or someone who isn’t pregnant shouldn’t be out under a conjunction or a special type of phenomenon for too long.

Because these events naturally thin the veil more than usual. And good and evil spirits can reach us across time and space. The only other time a person is that accessible to the spirit world is on their birthday. And women on their periods are naturally more open to spiritual energy (as taught to me by a Shaman from Peru). So these are things to consider.

You don’t actually have to go outside. If you have altars you can use one for sky Gods and another for Gods of the dead and do dual offerings. Ask the Gods of the dead to reap away the negative energy of the old year. And ask the Sky Gods to fill the void from the reaping with good luck and good energy. Ask to be blessed on the new year.

Remember, the Winter Solstice happens at midnight. And the power of the Sun Gods’ return can bless you.

Lord Apollon (Apollo) and his Sun Chariot

If you must go outside, wear a warding charm. Do your prayers and protections etc.. and leave your offerings. Pray for what you want. Then return immediately. Don’t stay outside longer than you have to.

This conjunction will be up there at least for a while. Remember you can do this inside on your altars as well. So with that said, let me finish this post with some Live YouTube streams of the conjunction!

And here

Weird Christmas : The Devil and the Doctor

“Long years ago, so runs the tale, A doctor dwelt in Longdendale;” “Well versed in mystic lore was he— A conjuror of high degree; He read the stars that deck the sky, And told their rede of mystery.” (1)
Faustian Pacts: The Devil and the Doctor

As part of celebrating Christmas the way the Gods intended, time for some stories of the Paranormal. This is a most excellent blogger. I follow him. He writes about Folklore and Ancient History. Give him a follow.

– M

Astrological Forecast for December 2020, the last Forecast of the year

Asteria, Titan Goddess of the Falling Stars. Courtesy of religioustalks.com

Right now we have a New Moon 🌚 in the sign of Sagittarius ♐ happening. Combined with a solar eclipse.

https://cherokeebilliespiritualadvisor.com/blogs/all/new-moon-december-14-2020-in-sagittarius

The Dead naturally rule New Moons. Several cultures view new moons as inauspicious. Though many Astrologers and members of the new age see them as times of renewal. A way of banishing old baggage and setting intentions. Which actually does work with the traditional spirit of the new moon.

Because we often do cleansings. And given that we end up with a clean slate around this time during cleansings, I can see how setting intentions can be fit into a new moon ritual. A Solar Eclipse is the symbolic and spiritual death of all Sun Deities. So this is double Cthonic power. Eclipses cause people to go into a reaping.

Our shadow self, the dark side of our souls come out to play. That means weird dreams, panic attacks, or nightmares. So be aware of such things. Try to work with it and perform a dark cleansing of the soul. If you think you can manage it, do it.

It is a great experience. But it’s not for everyone. Though I’m sure a lot of well seasoned magic users know all this already. But for the newbie or the dabbler, I wouldn’t try it. So we got that part out of the way.

According to this site, it’s joined by the Planet Mercury. Which means that we’re going to be effected in the area of communication.

https://www.paradisefoundsb.com/whats-new/new-moon-in-sagittarius-monday-12-14-at-8-17-a-m-pt-23-degrees-8-minutes

Now, I don’t know if this means that we may experience a Mercury Retrograde-like disturbance during this time. Leading up to at least, the first quarter of the moon. Or even all the way to the Full Moon. What I do know is this adds even more to the reaping. If I were you, I would take special care with all the days moving up to the Full Moon.

Because we are already in Winter time, ruled by the dead and the Dubh Sidhe (Dark Fae). So all this is adding extra death energy to our world and the other side.

“Centaur” by https://www.deviantart.com/prinzesser/

Sagittarius is ruled by the Centaurs, the divine warriors of Greek religion. Half human and half horse. As the article explains, this is a mutable sign. And mutable signs are bridges for a transition. So let’s say you’re in the middle of a move.

The transition where you’re packing everything up and coordinating with people to move. That is what the mutable sign would be in charge of. We’re entering the time between years. This is the planning phase. Time to prepare for the new year.

Centaurs are practical warriors. The fact that they are part horse, also means they are rooted and connected to the Earth. So this isn’t a time to simply be getting drunk, or engaging in hedonism. Although normally that’s what many of these feasts are for. This is a time to be working on projects.

Which is going to be hard if Lord Mercury is in his reaper aspect.

Preparing for the future. Based on divinations I have done with the spirits, it feels like this next year is no joke. I hope this isn’t true, but given that we’re still in a pandemic. And given that even if Biden changes some things, he’ll probably still keep a lot of Trump’s policies (he’s not exactly what I’d call a progressive. Look who he made secretary of labor) we’re in for a shit show.

Granted, no one reading this needs to be told by a psychic or a witch. But the fact that even the spirits are warning us to hunker down and prepare. That speaks for itself. Even well off people like Bill Gates are saying we’re about to enter the worst levels of the pandemic. And as bad as the economy was before Trump.

The mess he made of this country will still be felt long after he’s left office. So no matter, we’re in for the long run. At least for the first administration. And given that Biden is just another corporate lackey. More than likely just bring things back to how they were before.

Which is how we got in this mess in the first place. So (not that you needed spirits to warn you of the obvious) don’t waste all your time on partying. And if you can save money, do it. Forget the Christmas gifts. Spend your money on helping people to pay off debts or buy groceries and practical gifts. And stay at Home for God sakes.

We should never have stopped the Shelter at home practices. We need to do that to beat this thing.

Remember that Mercury is mixed with the New Moon and the Solar Eclipse, in Winter. That’s a bomb waiting to go off. Although if you consider that new moons can be used for wish fulfilment or seeding. Mercury or Hermes can help too. Not everyone agrees they are the same Deity.

But they both rule the planet regardless. Same influences. So call on Mercury as messenger of the Gods to speak to them on this new moon. For the things you want to happen. Also, the time is perfect for low magic.

For those who don’t know, low magic is earth based magic. It’s “low to the ground”. Magics based on the energies of nature and their spirits. Many people hear the term “low” and they automatically assume “demons” or “lower vibrational spirits”. These are all monotheistic bastardizations of spirituality.

Earth based magic is a lot easier to do than high magic (universal magic). Unlike the complicated rituals and symbols and even mathematical equations done in high magic, low magic is easier to access. For one, we live atop of the planet whose energy we use everyday, and because of that casting spells can be done with simple charms. With the energy of the Centaur in play, nows as good a time as ever to ground and meditate with the spirits of the land. And grounding with the land is good for planning.

Imagine that you’re dropping seeds. Farming the land. Preparing to reap your benefits. That sounds weird in winter time. But the stars are for it.

Now, in addition to all of this we have what Astrologers call “The Great Conjunction” which happens on the Winter Solstice or December 21st. The second article also mentions it. But for Astronomers interested in the science behind it I offer this.

This is Freaking Cool! On December 21st 2020 just after sunset #Saturn & #Jupiter will look like a Double Planet! This hasn't happened since the Middle Ages. Hasn't happened since the middle ages. https://t.co/8l6IqLI398
— Adventures of a Mage in Miami (@MiamiMagus) November 23, 2020

Not sense the Middle Ages has this happened. And according to Paradise Lost Astrologers, the elemental sign being changed means a new era has come. Which only backs up what the spirits told me regarding the need to plan for the future. This new era if it is to come will only happen if we work hard to make it happen. To change everything from the ground up.

It will also create a rare event known as the Christmas Star

https://cherokeebilliespiritualadvisor.com/blogs/all/rare-christmas-star-december-21-2020-first-time-in-800-years

Spiritually, a lot of Christian practitioners of magic see this as a symbol of cleansing of the soul. Redemption and many other things. Granted the original Christmas Star was a conjunction between Jupiter and Regulus. It should appear 45 mins after Sunset in the Southwest portion of the sky. The two will be so close that they will shine as one.

Enjoy it while you can. Because this won’t happen again until 2080. Finally, for anyone who enjoys Reiki, we have this ritual for the Full Moon on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 30th.

Full Moon Ho’oponopono: A Message from the Angels

I get not everyone likes Reiki. They think it’s new age fluffy bunny stuff. Guess what? Even tough mother fuckers love bunnies so shut the fuck up. 🐇 so enjoy and plan ahead everyone. Despite all this, try to relax as well. Oh I almost forgot.

The next year in the Chinese Calendar is the Year of the Metal Ox. Check out your horoscope :

Your Luck & Lucky Symbols for the Year of the Metal Ox 2021

Also, on the next Tai Sui or Grand Duke of Jupiter. This new year it is General Yang Xin. Jupiter is a planet associated with God Kings. So the Jade Emperor gives rulership of the planet to one of his divine generals for a certain amount of time. And that Grand Duke of Jupiter or Tai Sui changes things in each administration.

Now here are some things to know about this next year.

“In 2021, the Sheep is in direct clash with the Tai Sui, while Dragon and Dog are in side clash. The Ox, the animal sign of the year, is being backed by the Tai Sui, but because of its vicinity to the Tai Sui, those born under the Ox sign are also advised to pay homage to him to ensure his support continues through the year,”

But it gets worse.

“General Yang Xin’s presiding over the energies of 2021 suggests that while there will be efforts of reconciliation during the year, it will be difficult for world leaders to see eye-to-eye on many issues or to reach satisfactory compromises. The Flying Stars of the year confirm these indications, with the Violent Star making its way to the sector that represents the leader. People continue to stand by their principles, but unfortunately, different groups and different factions will have differing convictions, and some of these will be irreconcilable.

There continues to be risk of war, fighting and struggle internationally between nations, and on a micro level within firms, organizations and even within families. This is a year when the Tai Sui badly needs to be appeased and one in which harmony amulets will come in especially handy,”

In other words, if you were counting on peace and people singing Kumbaya my Lord, you were dead wrong. More factionalism and general discord will reign this year. Of course it was foolish to think the Far Right and other people would accept a loss of their power without a fight. So it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

However, my spirits also offered up another explanation. General Yang Xin refused to be humiliated and talked down to by the foreign ruler he was sent to negotiate peace with. Many may think him arrogant or stubborn. But he stood his ground and refused to be disrespected. Even by someone who was a head of state.

We live in a society, where there are constant calls for “civility” by centrists on every side. Centrist republicans, centrist democrats. Even centrist religious figures. All these different people trying to get us to all be “friends” and turn a blind eye to injustice and things that are just plain wrong. I was actually told to be “friendly” with Trumpers by centrist liberals.

Being friendly with people who are racist, ignorant, elitist, and who shove kids into cages. And separate them at the border from their parents. One liberal politician actually told us to make friends with fucking Nazis. All in an attempt to “convert them to our way of thinking.” So there’s two problems with that.

In the past when you were friendly to Fascists, you were called a collaborator. And I don’t intend to be one. And using the concept of friendship as a “conversion tool” is something a cult would do. And it cheapens the very concept of what it is to be a friend. You’re basically being an underhanded prick, using your friendship like a commodity or a tool to get what you want.

That’s not true friendship. If I become someone’s friend, it’s because I see good in them. It’s because I believe that we could be kin to each other. And allies who have each other’s back. I’m not going to suck up to someone who doesn’t even view me as a human being

Especially not to convert them. The way I see it, is I shouldn’t have to try and make another person be moral. If they want to be pond scum, that’s between them and the Gods. And the spirits on the other side who will rip them a new one once they pass. Why the fuck should I have to make them be civil? They’re supposed to be rational adults.

That’s dishonorable. And a true friendship that starts out in dishonor, isn’t likely to be real or survive. We’ve been told by liberals since the 90’s that we need to suck up to our enemies. And accept that they are “necessary”. That we need people who don’t even believe global warming is real, to have a hand in how our society is run.

And look where that has gotten us. Historical gains that union workers and civil rights activists and feminists fought for went backwards. Almost every concession fought and earned by the older generations has been overturned in this new wave of conservatism. Don’t be surprised if any day now they want to segregate everyone again. And liberals have let it happen. And ask us to not be “controversial” and fight back.

But to be patient, and just take it and wait for our complaints to go to the right people. Except that there are no right people. Because no one wants to listen to us. Even those same liberals silence us. Biden even said he doesn’t feel sympathy towards mellinials for facing the mess that people like him put us in the first place.

So my spirits tell me, General Yang Xin is here to wake us all the fuck up. For us to stop accepting evil as a normal thing. Being tolerant is only good when it’s tolerance towards good and beneficial goals for all people. Tolerating evil and treating it like it’s normal is not a good thing. Would you tell someone not to take medicine when they’re sick because they should tolerate cancer? No right? Well, these hate mongers of the right wing are a cancer in our society.

One that’s been allowed to fester and regenerate because of centrists in both parties. Even by social groups like churches who have been coddling them. But they sure don’t coddle us. In fact one might think they would willingly sacrifice us all. Young people, poor people, people of color, and just about anyone else to get what they want.

So maybe this year, the good General is telling is not to be tolerant of corruption. That it’s time to wake up.

The Tai Sui of 2021 – General Yang Xin

Happy Yultide, M