Kate Braun : Dark Moon Magick

Dark Moon. Image from The Sage Grove.
Moon Musings:
Dark Moon
(January 20 – 22, 2012)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / January 16, 2012

10 a.m. is the best time to perform Dark Moon magick for the garden. This moon-phase is excellent for removing what’s not needed, as gardening lore states that whatever is pruned, trimmed, weeded out, etc. during the moon’s fourth quarter and dark phases will not grow back.

As you tidy your outside spaces, keep in mind that not only can you use this moon phase to create physical changes to your garden beds, you can also set forces in motion to effect change in your life on many levels.

Whatever the area is that requires change (addiction, divorce, enemies, justice, obstacles, quarrels, removal, separation, stopping stalkers and theft are but some examples), a Dark Moon phase is when negative energies can be uprooted, removed, put into the spiritual compost pile and allowed to naturally decompose.

While outdoor magicking is best done earlier in the day, the dark night is an excellent time to access Spirit via a scrying mirror or bowl because there will be no moon to reflect in the mirror or water. Be sure to have a notepad and pen nearby to record whatever you see in your scrying.

To use a scrying mirror (which should be made of black glass, not glass painted black), prop the mirror up in a position where you will not see either your source of illumination or your reflection it in, using enough light to be able to see your hand in front of your face.

Keep your focus soft as you contemplate the mirror’s inky surface. Relax. Do seven easy yoga-breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth, breathing slowly and gently so that each inhalation fills all the empty spaces in the body and each exhalation empties those spaces; no gasping, no huffing and puffing) to settle into an Alpha-rhythm.

Notice the mirror’s surface. You are likely to notice a change from black to smoky, rather like fog over a pond. You may see images form in the fog, you may see the fog clear to let you see images in the mirror. Make a note of what you see as the meaning may not be clear at the time you see the image.

Scrying may also be done using a bowl of water instead of a mirror. It is best to use a dark-colored bowl, not a pale one. Position the bowl of water as you would the mirror: set it so that you can see the surface but not your face reflected in the surface or the light-source reflected on the surface. Then proceed as if you were using a mirror and see what visions come.

If Friday, 1/20/12 is the best day for you to work with Dark Moon energies, the planetary influence will come from Venus, and rituals for love and attraction will work best. Use the color Green, touch the elements Earth and Water, and repeat your incantations seven times. Remember that you are working to manifest positive changes in your life; this is likely to mean that you should be prepared to release unwanted/unneeded things so as to make room for the newness you are seeking.

If Saturday, 1/21/12, is a better day for this work, Saturn is the planet to invoke. Saturn’s color is black, appropriate for dark-moon magick; Saturn energy is helpful in rituals designed to control and focus your attention in ways that generate changes for the better. Ideally, let your bare feet make contact with Mother Earth, and recite your incantations three times.

If Sunday, 1/21/12, is your choice for honoring this month’s Dark Moon, use the color yellow (for Lord Sun), use rituals that promote opportunities for money, health, and positive friendship-related matters. Use candles for the Fire element Lord Sun requires as well as to illuminate your scrying efforts. Repeat your incantations six times.

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate the various moon phases. Remember that intent is the most important part of any ritual. From this choice of days to honor the Dark Moon, the best day is Saturday, 1/21/12; that does not mean that to perform Dark Moon ceremonies on either of the other two days would generate results different from what you intend, only that your focus will need to be sharper and stronger on Friday and Sunday than on Saturday. The choice is always yours.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun's writing on The Rag Blog.]

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Kate Braun : Tie Up Loose Ends During Waning Crescent Moon

Waning crescent moon. Photo by Ed Euthman / Flickr.
Moon Musings:
Waning Crescent Moon
(November 19 - 22, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / November 16, 2011

The waning crescent moon is a good moon phase to use to tie up loose ends and to consolidate experiences and resources in preparation for the new cycle that begins with the next Full Moon.

It’s all about healing and rest, and is a time to recognize and release old patterns of belief and behavior that are holding us back from easily meeting whatever challenges are now facing us. This is a time of psychic clearing, of sifting out uncertainty and confusion.

When we remember that 2011 is all about change and remember also that the result of the changes won’t be clear until 2012, the need to evaluate where we’ve been and what we’ve tried becomes a more important feature of this moon-phase observance.

Just as this is a good time to physically weed a garden, lop branches that overhang roofs, and trim away dead tree limbs (especially if they are in danger of falling onto houses, cars, or people), it is also a good time for pondering the possibilities and probabilities as we study where we’ve been and what we’ve done and what’s worked and what hasn’t worked. Desires are more likely to be fulfilled if the way is clear.

Lore says that a wish made at this moon phase is more likely to come true because needs are felt more deeply during this moon phase. The more deeply a need is felt, the more invocative energy goes into the moon cycle and the more likely this need will be met.

However, it might be better to phrase your wishes by saying “I desire,” rather than “I wish for,” or “I want." Frequently the phrase “I wish” or “I want” reinforces a sense of not having; the result can be the opposite of what you intend. The phrase “I desire," on the other hand, generates a different sort of energy and can draw whatever it is to you rather than emphasize that it is not present. I thank Sara Pencil Blumenthal for this bit of insight.

Lore also says if a young woman dreams of the moon growing dimmer, she should mind her sharp tongue, lest happiness elude her, but to dream of a clear moon indicates success. You may find it helpful to keep a notepad and pen near where you sleep so that you can record your dreams.

Much can be learned from studying dreams: patterns can be recognized, trends can be spotted, sources of negativity can be identified. You, not a purchased dream interpretation book, are the best source for defining the symbolism in your dreams.

Keep in mind that at this moon phase problems are revealed but not solved. Seeing the problem or difficulty is likely to be easy, but give yourself time to consider possible solutions before acting; a too-quick fix will be superficial and is likely to work against a true understanding of all the possibilities.

And there is a Jupiter retrograde (until December 28) to consider as well. Jupiter retrograde makes it very easy to see negatives, to tally up all the reasons that a project won’t work, that it should never have been undertaken in the first place. I recommend taking some extra time to strengthen your connection to Spirit while Jupiter retrogrades. It won’t hurt and it could help a lot. The Big Thing is to lay the groundwork for what you plan to accomplish in the next moon cycle.

If you honor the waning crescent moon on Saturday, November 19, wear black (for lead, the metal associated with Saturn), make sure you are in contact with Mother Earth, and state your desires seven times. Saturn’s energy is useful in rituals that promote self-discipline.

If you choose Sunday, November 20, use the color yellow (for the Sun), make sure to incorporate fire in your ceremonies, and state your desires six times. Use Sun energy for money, health, and friendship-related matters

On Monday, November 21, emphasize Lady Moon with Silver, either as a color or by wearing much silver jewelry. Have containers of water (the moon’s element) indicate the boundaries of your ceremonial area and state your desires nine times. Use moon energy to make rituals for inspiration, change, increased psychic ability

On Tuesday, November 22, Mars’ day, wear red to represent the element Fire and make sure Fire is present. Candles or an oil lamp will do nicely. State your desires five times as you use Mars energy to make rituals for overcoming enmity, developing courage, protecting property.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun's writing on The Rag Blog.]

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Kate Braun : Waxing Moon Offers Time for Growth

Waxing gibbous moon. Photo by Dan Bush.
Moon Musings:
Waxing Gibbous Moon
(October 6 – 9, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / October 3, 2011

All phases of the waxing moon are times of growth and increase, times to set in motion short-term plans that will reach fruition by the next month’s full moon, times to make long-range plans. A waxing gibbous moon is a good time for receiving support and nurturance from Spirit. Honor all maiden goddesses; they are about fertility and growth.

Regardless of which day you choose to honor the waxing gibbous moon, the most auspicious time for ritualing at this phase is 10-11 p.m. Calming, nurturing incense such as rose, floral scents, and frankincense and myrrh will accentuate the positive energies, as will anointing yourself with rose water or a rose-scented perfume.

If you choose to celebrate on Thursday, October 6, you will need to invoke Jupiter-energy, which is not recommended as Jupiter is retrograde and the result of your efforts may be the reverse of what you intended.

If Thursday is the only day you can work your moon magick, however, I would recommend you be outside, be barefoot, be under moonlight; I also recommend using the color blue as much as possible, having many containers of water surrounding the area of your workings, repeating each incantation and movement four times, smiling and laughing a lot during your magickal work,

Friday, Venus’ day, is the optimum opportunity to honor the waxing gibbous moon. Venus energy focuses on attraction of all kinds: love, money, prosperity in general, friendships, networks, connections. Venus is in charge of the household checkbook as well as all aspects of money management, and could be invoked to help attract more positivity in those areas, not a bad thing to do with the state the economy's in.

Honor Venus by wearing green and using that color lavishly in your decorations. Repeat each chant, incantation, or mantra seven times, being conscious of the energy flowing through all seven chakras up to Lady Moon and down into Mother Earth. Release your petition to the Spirit and let yourself be filled with the support that flows down from Lady Moon. Dance barefoot in the moonlight. Let the “music of the spheres” (the vibration of the planets) set your meter and guide your steps.

The continuing drought prompts us to view our water-usage differently, so dancing in fountains is not recommended; however, sprinkling the area of your outdoor celebration with water and sprinkling yourself and any guests with water would bring the water element into your ritualing without seriously depleting the water table. A plant mister would do the job nicely!

Saturday, Saturn’s day, is for self-discipline, hence improved money management and a better sense of self-control. If this is the day of you choose to honor this moon-phase, wear black, be barefoot to better feel the earth beneath your feet, and repeat each chant or mantra three times. Remember that the number three has significance for feminine energies as it can indicate the three stages of womanness: maiden, matron, and crone. Send your petition to Lady Moon on the wings of song and see what is revealed to you in dreams this night.

Sunday is the Sun’s day and is good for rituals concerning health, money, and friendship, but tapping into moon energy by using Sun-power can be tricky. You will need to use the color yellow, repeat each chant or mantra or petition six times, and surround your sacred space with lighted candles.

Protect your surroundings from sparks from the candles by making sure each candle is in a fire-proof container, is securely stabilized so it cannot tip over, and by extinguishing each candle promptly at the end of your ritualing.

Whichever day you choose, notice your dreams on that night. If you dream of a clear Moon, it is an indicator of success.

Conclude your ritual by saying aloud:

May I be at peace
May my heart be open
May I awaken to the light of my own true nature
May I be a source of healing for all beings

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun's writing on The Rag Blog.]

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Kate Braun : Problems Are Revealed During Balsamic Moon

Balsamic Moon. Photo by oceandesetoiles / Flickr.
Moon Musings:
Waning Balsamic Moon
(August 23-25, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / August 22, 2011

The Balsamic Moon phase is when problems are revealed, but not a time when they are solved. To go for a “quick fix” is likely not to be profitable, as it will be a superficial solution that really is no solution, especially with Pluto retrograde until Sept. 16 and Chiron retrograde until November 9.

These retrogrades prompt us to notice what we have been neglecting, with the intention of rectifying the neglect, and recognizing our imperfections so that we can grow in positive ways. I recommend being content for the moment with identifying the matters requiring resolution. The waxing moon phases will be the time to make plans for the future, look ahead, and open yourself to change.

As with any waning moon phase, this is a good time to stir uncertainty and confusion out of the mix because it is a time for psychic clearing. You may find yourself being more aware of disturbing emotional tides at this moon phase, which could be because you are paying more attention to the things you are deciding to change in your life.

Be aware that you may find habits, relationships, and/or jobs that have soured and need to be not just “fixed” but released. As you perform your rituals for banishing negative energy, you should find yourself becoming more relaxed and calm.

It is said that a wish made at the Balsamic Moon is more likely to come true because needs are felt more deeply at this time. The more deeply a need is felt, the more invocative energy goes into the Moon rituals and the more likely the need will be met, especially if that need involves letting go of negativity.

Sea water can be an important element to incorporate into your moon ritualing. Sea salts (not table salt) dissolved in tap water are an acceptable substitute for sea water, and the dissolving should be complete before you charge the water.

There are several methods that can be used to charge water with the energy relevant to your purpose. You may stir the water with a crystal (clockwise if you seek to attract something to you, counterclockwise if you are releasing something), you may hold your hands over the water and visualize energy flowing through you into the water as you contemplate the intent of your actions, you may hold the container of water in your hands and breathe upon in gently as you visualize your intent blending with the water.

These are only a few suggestions and, as with most magickal workings, the ritual you create by and for yourself is likely to be more powerful than a ritual you merely copy. Charging water is rather like using Reiki: the energy flows through you but does not drain you, it enters the water and causes the water to become energized with your intent. Unused charged water may be bottled and saved in the refrigerator for future use, but be sure to label the bottle with the date and the intention of the charging!

Herbs and wood chips may be soaked in the charged water, then allowed to dry before being used as incense in your celebration. Please respect any burn bans in your area and be sure to do any incense-burning in a flame-proof container such as a cast-iron cauldron. Never leave a fire unattended.

In the garden (if your garden has not shriveled in the Texas heat), this is the time to weed out what you don’t want to grow, trim or lop branches that overhang roofs or gardens too much. It is not a time for planting, however!

Given the current daytime high temperatures, I recommend commencing your rituals after the sun has set. Be sure to eat something, but take care to not let yourself become heavy with food. Cheese and bread or crackers, fruits, finger sandwiches, water, herb tea, fruit punch, bite-size quiches, cookies, frozen yogurt: these are all foods that will sustain your energy without compromising your concentration.

I urge you to be sure to drink plenty of water, even after the sun sets. Dehydration happens in dark as well as daylight. I also urge you to wear lightweight loose clothing preferably made of natural fibers such as cotton. A swingy spaghetti-strapped cotton sundress is likely to feel more comfortable than tight shorts and a body-hugging spandex-polyester top.

A Balsamic Moon is said to relate to healing and rest, since it is the last phase before the New Moon. It is also said to relate to one’s commitment to destiny. You might want to consult an astrologer to learn more about how this moon phase relates to your destiny.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun's writing on The Rag Blog.]

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Kate Braun : Lady Moon in Gemini for Fourth Phase

Fourth Quarter Moon. Image from illuminated Journey.
Moon Musings:
The Fourth Quarter Moon finds
Lady Moon in Gemini
(May 25 – 27, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / May 24, 2011

Lady Moon is in Gemini for this moon phase. Gemini: the active, masculine, Air sign. This is not only a good moon phase in which to continue releasing the old in preparation for the new that arrives with the New Moon phase, it is also a good moon phase for communicating and dealing with the public.

You would do well to remember that Pluto is retrograde until September 16, 2011; a Pluto retrograde prompts each of us to take care of unfinished business, to finalize whatever we said we could let wait until later. With a Pluto retrograde, “later” is “now."

Use caraway seed, lavender, and spearmint in your menu; they are connected to Gemini and will facilitate your communications. Remember to eat enough to maintain energy for your rituals but not so much that you feel heavy.

If you choose to celebrate on Wednesday, May 25, incorporate the color purple into your dress and/or decorations. Lavender, whether as a color or an herb or a scent, would be a way to easily bring purple into your plan. Mixed colors are also appropriate, but purple is the most important. Call on Jupiter (the planet of expansion) energy as well as Mercury (the messenger of the gods).

If you choose to celebrate on Thursday, May 26, the appropriate color to emphasize is blue and you should also call on Jupiter energy. Blue represents Water, the passive feminine element. The color blue also represents healing, nurturing, loving, blessing energies and can lend a calming element to Jupiter’s sometimes overwhelming enthusiasm.

If you choose to celebrate on Friday, May 27, the appropriate color to emphasize is green. Call upon the planet Venus and wear copper jewelry. Green represents Earth, the active feminine element. This color also represents growth, prosperity, success, abundance, and romance (in medieval times, green was considered the color of romantic love). Drinking some spearmint tea during your celebration will easily involve the color green into your activities.

Copper is reputed to have the ability to conduct spiritual energy back and forth between individuals, crystals, auras, the mind and the spirit worlds. It is also said to ease the pain of sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism. (Anne Boleyn gave Henry VIII a copper ring to mitigate his arthritic pain.)

The folk song lyrics “Lavender’s blue, dilly-dilly, Lavender’s green” prompt the idea that sprigs of lavender would be an appropriate addition to your decor, whatever the day you choose for your celebration.

As with any ritual in the waning phases of the moon, your energies would be best used in activities relevant to: endings, resolution, final outcomes, conscious movement, clearing, releasing, harvesting, end, rebirth, preparation, rest.

Releasing the old opens the door to the new, so let’s be about it!

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun's writing on The Rag Blog.]

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Kate Braun : Waning Gibbous Moon is Time to Release the Old

Through the clouds: Waning gibbous moon. Image from Moonmooring.
Moon Musings:
Waning gibbous moon
(April 20 – 26, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / April 19, 2011

This is a moon-phase useful for releasing the old, removing unwanted negative energies, seeking wisdom. In this moon phase, you may work with Spirit in rituals concerning getting rid of bad habits, bad relationships, bad jobs; magickal workings regarding decisions, divorce, stress, emotions, protection; activities that concern fruition and manifesting (in other words, making some dreams come true). It implies boldness and a willingness to venture into the unknown, to boldly go where you have not dared to go before.

Seasonal gardening, for those of you who are able to do so, focuses on the third-quarter moon of April 20-23. This is a good time for planting below ground crops such as carrots, beets, onion sets, potatoes. It is also when to plant biennials, perennials, bulbs, trees, shrubs, berries, and to transplant seedlings.

Honor Crone Goddesses such as Baba Yaga, Cerridwen, Elli, Hekate, Hella, Grandmother Spiderwoman, Lillith. They are sources of wisdom; a waning gibbous moon is their season. The day you choose to invite their assistance will determine the color, number, and element central to your activities:

Wednesday, April 20, use the color yellow, the number eight, the element Air; perform rituals for career, all aspects of career. Suggested chant: “Good job, promotion, a raise I see; as I will so shall it be."

Thursday, April 21, use the color blue, the number four, the element Water; perform rituals for money and/or legal matters. Invoke some Jupiter-energy as well; Jupiter, the planet of expansion, brings good things and positive outcomes. Suggested chant: “Positivity in all things, Jupiter surrounds me; I claim success and surety, as I will so shall it be."

Friday. April 22, use the color green, the number seven, the elements Earth and Water; perform rituals for love and attraction. Venus is the planetary energy to invoke. Suggested chant: “True love, lasting love, come unto me; as I will so shall it be."

Saturday. April 23, use the color black, the number three, the element Earth; perform rituals involving self-discipline. Saturn’s somber heaviness will keep you steady on the course you choose. Suggested chant: “Captain of my ship am I, monarch of life’s sea; in firm, balanced control am I, as I will so shall it be."

Sunday, April 24, use the color yellow, the number six, the element Fire, and rituals for money, health, and friendship-related matters. Lord Sun’s warmth will inspire you and on this day it will be better to perform your workings in his light, so plan your activities for daylight hours. Suggested chant: “Sunlight, clear light, show my path to me; I follow where you lead, as I will so shall it be."

Monday. April 25, use the color silver, the number nine, the element Water, and rituals for inspiration and change. Lady Moon is most helpful in these endeavors, so plan your activities for nighttime when she is visible in the night sky. Suggested chant: “Lady Moon I call on you for insights and dreams to guide me; beneficial change is my goal, as I will so shall it be."

Tuesday, April 26, use the color red, the number five, the element Fire, and rituals for overcoming enmity and for protecting property and developing courage. Mars is the planet to invoke; his fiery force will help build energy within you as well as assist you when you need it most. Suggested chant: “I and mine are safe today, and as far ahead as I can see; I shall not fail in courage or grace; as I will so shall it be."

Some other guidelines are:

• to use the color associated with a particular day, wear it and/or make it the primary color in whatever decorations you use and burn candles of that color (yellow on April 20, blue on April 21, etc.);
• to use the number associated with a particular day, repeat whatever chants or songs or invocations you use the number of times indicated by the particular day (eight on April 20, four on April 21, etc.);
• to bring in elemental energy, there should be air moving for the Air element (a fan if there is no breeze), water present (in a glass or bowl or pond), for the Water element, a lit candle for the Fire element (or a fire in a grill or chimney), contact with the earth for the Earth element (be barefoot and outside);
• if a particular planet is associated with the day you choose, let that planet’s energy lift you (Jupiter-energy is optimistic, laughter-filled, happy, and exultant;
• Venus-energy is cozy and loving, nurturing, and comfortable;
• Saturn-energy is efficient, practical, organized, and not very exciting;
• the Sun is active, pushy, assertive, lively;
• the Moon is dreamy, intuitive, gently wavy);
• if the suggested chant does not reflect your goals as clearly as it should, feel free to create your own (remembering that a chant will work best if it rhymes).

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com.]

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Kate Braun : Full Moon on Frigga's Day

Full moon over Austin. Image from Haggard & Halloo / Matt Schiavenza.
Moon Musings:
Full Moon on Frigga's Day
(Friday, February 18, 2011)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / February 15, 2011

Friday is Frigga’s day: Frigga who is wife to Odin, Frigga who is a child of Earth, Frigga who personifies the Matron-goddess energy called upon in this moon-phase ritualing. Venus, a watery planet also called “Frigga’s Star," rules this day and should be prominently featured in your activities along with the color green, the number seven, and the elements Earth and Water.

It is traditional, although not mandatory, to perform Full Moon rituals at midnight. It is not good to run low on energy, and neither is it good to have energy sapped with the effort of digesting a hearty meal -- so snack lightly on cheese and crackers or bread, fruits, water, fruit punch, and vegan fare before commencing whatever activities you select to observe this night.

If possible, celebrate outdoors and with bare feet so as to better feel your connection with Earth. If the weather precludes outdoor activities, use a room where there is at least one window through which you can see the Moon. If there is no direct view of the Moon, you may either position a mirror to reflect the Moon into your chosen space or place an image of the Moon on your altar to help you invoke Moon-energy. Notice the color of this Full Moon. Lore tells us that a pale Full Moon indicates rain, while a red Full Moon promises wind.

Center yourself with seven soft and easy yoga-breaths: in through the nose and out through the mouth, filling all the empty spaces in your body with the inhalations and emptying those spaces completely with the exhalations. No huffing or puffing, no hurrying in this activity. Take your time. Be aware of the spaces in the sinus cavities and between the joints of the fingers and toes as well as the filling and emptying of the lungs.

These seven inhalations and exhalations not only center you and connect you to Earth, they also ease you into an Alpha-rhythm that facilitates the meditative state. If you prefer to sit or lie down as you visualize the realization of whatever goals you are setting, please do so. There is no requirement to assume any specific posture.

If you choose to burn incense or play music, these things should be in harmony with your intent. If you choose to chant or sing or speak a mantra, it should be repeated seven times in a measured tone at a measured pace. If you choose to light candles, use white and green candles only.

Invoke the matron goddess of your choice to help you in contacting your Guides, also to show you the path you will be walking until the next New Moon. Place bowls of water at the cardinal compass-points (north, east, south, west) of your ritual area and dip your fingers into them as Spirit moves you, sprinkling the water about and on you and the space around you.

Focus your energies and intent on positive workings within the fields of artistic endeavors, health and fitness, health and healing, self-improvement, change and the decisions change brings, and motivation to achieve the goals you set this night. You may also perform rituals for protection and success in legal undertakings.

When you have finished your activities, hold a moonstone in your mouth as you contemplate the goals you have set and the direction you plan to follow. Then place the moonstone in the pillowcase with the pillow you lay your head upon. Pay attention to your dreams this night. The Lore is that to dream of a clear Moon is an indicator of success, also that your dreams this night will reveal your future.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com.]

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Kate Braun : (First Quarter) Moon Musings

Photo from I am marlon / Flickr.
Moon musings:
First Quarter Moon
(November 7-November 12, 2010)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / November 6, 2010

This phase of the moon is a time to act, to start new activities and projects, to work on things that require growth. Sunset is the best time to activate whatever energies you choose to work with, but preparation may begin earlier in the day as a first quarter moon always rises at noon.

One interesting activity would be to make a God’s Eye that would be used as a facilitator in your meditations during this moon-phase. Ideally you would use yew branches or twigs, but any wood is acceptable. Use white, red, blue, orange, and yellow (in that order) yarn or ribbon to weave the design.

Hold the God’s Eye while you perform this centering ritual: Sitting comfortably, take seven easy yoga-breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth, gently and smoothly with no huffing, puffing, or gasping) as you concentrate on filling all the empty spaces in your body with each inhalation and emptying those spaces with each exhalation.

When you complete these seven breaths, you will be in an Alpha-rhythm, the best place to be for meditation. You may use the center of your God’s Eye as your focus-point.

If you celebrate on Sunday you should include rituals for money, health, and friendship-related matters in your projects. On Monday, the focus should be more on your Self, seeking inspiration and change. On Tuesday, some concentration on protecting property would be appropriate. On Wednesday, make career aspirations a focus of your intent. On Thursday, concentrate on money-making endeavors. On Friday, some of your energies should center on your personal feelings, especially where love and attraction are concerned.

Eat spicy food such as tamales, nachos, and tacos. Include the cheese of your choice as you assemble these foods. Drink tea, either black or green, and water. Don’t let yourself become too heavy with food. You need energy to properly connect with Lady Moon, not to be so well-fed that you feel the need for a siesta.

Whether you are alone or among friends, conclude the evening by saying aloud:

May I be at peace
May my heart remain open
May I awaken to the light of my own true nature

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. If you know any moon lore that you would like to share with Kate, please send it to her at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com.]

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Kate Braun : (Crescent) Moon Musings

Waxing crescent moon over Austin, Feb. 15, 2010. Photo from KXAN.com.
Moon Musings:
Waxing Crescent Moon,
(August 12-August 15, 2010)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / August 8, 2010

This phase of the moon is for promoting things that require growth. Health, money, and relationships fall into this category as does planting above-ground crops in your garden. You may find it helpful to use this moon-phase for clarifying foci and continuing to set goals to accomplish between now and the next new moon.

Sunset is the prime time to begin your celebration; daytime high temperatures begin to drop as sunset drifts into darkness, making the outdoors more comfortable. It is usually better to honor Lady Moon under the open sky.

You have several days in which this moon phase is active. If you choose to activate moon-energy on Thursday, focus your energies on promoting growth where money and legal matters are concerned as Jupiter is the ruling planet. Use the color blue, the number four, and plenty of water in your activities.

Ouspensky considered four the perfect number. It refers to the seasons, the major points on a compass, the suits of Tarot, and the fixed signs of the Zodiac; and adding 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 gives 10, which is composed of the numerals one and zero, which in binary terms are the only numerals needed to create any number. Ergo, four represents “all and everything.” Repeat your invocations four times, turning sunwise and facing each of the cardinal points on the compass in turn (north, east, south, and west).

If you prefer to celebrate on Friday, Venus rules and the focus is more concentrated on promoting love and attraction. Use the color green, go barefoot so that your feet make direct contact with the earth, include water and the number seven in your activities. Seven is a number of Great Magick and may be invoked by drawing a seven-pointed star in the earth. Repeat your invocations seven times, drawing moon energy from above, below, and within yourself as well as the cardinal compass-points.

If Saturday is a better day for you to work with waxing crescent moon energy, the ruling planet is Saturn, it would be good to dress in black, to stay in close contact with the earth and incorporate the number three into your activities. Three is also a number of Great Magick, representing the balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit in the world. Use a triangle to represent this number if celebrating on Saturday and repeat your invocations three times.

There are no hard-and-fast rules as to what you say when you open yourself to moon-energy. You may take some time in advance to write out what you feel to be a good statement or you may speak extemporaneously.

The more important thing is to be centered. One way to do this is to take seven slow and easy yoga-breaths (inhale through the nose, gently and smoothly, feeling the intake of air filling all the empty spaces in your body; exhale gently and smoothly with no huffing and puffing, letting all the empty spaces in your body become completely empty) before you begin, concentrating on making a connection between you and Lady Moon. If you like, visualize this connection as a shining cord of braided silver growing brighter and stronger with each inhalation and exhalation.

Don’t let yourself become too heavy with food before completing your activities. You need energy to focus yourself spiritually, not to run a marathon, but an empty stomach is not good, either. An array of cheeses, crackers, fruits, water, and herb tea, or fruit punch will give you sufficient strength with overloading your digestive system.

Stay focused on laying the foundation for what you choose to accomplish, both short-term and long-term. Remember: you are still at a beginning stage of creating the successful outcome that is your goal. Immediate response to your invocations is possible, but it would be unwise to expect immediate results.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. If you know any Moon Lore that you would like to share with her, send it to kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Kate will be participating in a Metaphysical Fair on Saturday and Sunday, August 14-15, 2010, at the Holiday Inn (formerly the Radisson) at 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. in Austin (between Highland Mall and Lincoln Village).]

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Kate Braun : (New) Moon Musings

New moon and solar eclipse. Photo by maharani_r / photobucket.
Moon Musings:
New Moon and Solar Eclipse
(Sunday, July 11, 2010)

By Kate Braun / The Rag Blog / July 5, 2010

[I have been researching, gathering data, putting the data in some sense of order, and pondering the moon’s affect on Planet Earth and its inhabitants for some time. The result is a collection of lore, facts, suggestions, and recommendations that come to you under the title “Moon Musings." I trust you will find these messages interesting and informative. If you have any moon lore you would like to share with me, please send it to kate_braun2000@yahoo.com.]

A new moon is a time of beginnings, making plans, and setting forces in motion with the goal of achieving your purpose by the next new moon. Eclipses, whether solar or lunar, represent a perfect union of sun and moon (also masculine and feminine energies).

We can also see balance in the combination of day (Sunday, the Sun’s day, much masculine fire and action) and astrological sign (Cancer, a water sign, with feminine characteristics of nurturing and caring). It is good to think of each new moon as a time to start making things happen!

Focus your attention on security, affection, family, and children, positive growth in all aspects of the word “growth." Part of this focus is recognizing the things in our lives that are no longer needed or useful. This can be as simple as cleaning out a closet or as complicated as deciding to change patterns of behavior.

Since this moon phase acts as a doorway between our past and future, it can be helpful to ritualize the clearing out and the bringing in. Invite close friends to help you celebrate; you do not need to emulate the Cherokee women who dance from the first sighting of the New Moon until it sets to have a magickal time.

New Moons always rise at sunrise, so anytime during the day is good for action. Just be sure to finish your activities by sunset. Start with what you choose to eliminate; finish with what you want to bring in.

Some examples of what you might choose to release: unhealthy eating and drinking patterns, putting off until tomorrow what you could have done today, buying new before using up the old. Some examples of what you might choose to start: an exercise program, enrolling in a class or seminar, reorganizing kitchen drawers and cabinets.

If you are a recent parent, consider holding your newborn child up to the light of the new moon as you give thanks for the new life you are now blessed with. Lore says this is a ritual that brings luck and long life to the child. Other Lore says it is considered lucky to move into a new home during a New Moon as prosperity will increase as the moon waxes. This does not mean complete the move in one day; New Moon energy may be utilized for 3½ days after the first appearance of the New Moon.

Edgar Cayce said “Mind is the builder." This is another way to say that things begin with ideas. Each New Moon brings you the opportunity to turn an idea into an action. Your ideas can make a powerful impact on your life, if you choose to let them.

[Kate Braun's website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com.]

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