Witchopedia: An A to Z Book of Shadows

By Naddya Foxfire

Naddya Foxfire, Wiccan High Priestess and founder of the Way of the Lady coven, brings you a uniquely-designed alphabetical Book of Shadows, including most everything the modern-day pagan might need to know in a handy reference. With a basic history of paganism and witchcraft, to complex spells and rituals, organized in an easy-to-use reference.

From Actinolite to Zincite (both crystals), this book might be the largest collection of magickal correspondences available, but it also includes some deities, crystals, herbs, colors, spells, rituals, and other useful tidbits that you can quickly and easily find, including actual rituals done by the Way of the Lady coven. This collection has taken years to compile, and now it’s available to you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Metamorph Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310283598

Naddya Foxfire

Even though Naddya Foxfire was born into a Catholic family, she began studying Wicca and paganism as a young adult. She founded an online group in west Texas in an attempt to find and meet other like-minded people in her area. Eventually, this group led to an organized coven called Way of the Lady, of which she was elected High Priestess. The Way of the Lady became a large group, following an eclectic (varied) path. Naddya was even interviewed by the local paper, and appeared in an article published June 28, 2009 about Wicca and paganism. During this time, she and her husband were also raising their children in the Wiccan way. Both children are still studying the path of Wicca, although they were certainly free to choose their own path. The eldest has been formally initiated into the coven, and the youngest has dedicated herself to the coven. Naddya loves animals and her totem spirit is the fox. Her element is Fire, and her patron deities are Thor and Athena. Even though she has now moved away from the west Texas area, she maintains contact with her coven mates, even renewing the online group with a Facebook page, and she continues to study and practice Wicca.

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Witchopedia:

An A to Z Book of Shadows

By Naddya Foxfire

Copyright 2015 by Naddya Foxfire and Metamorph Publishing.

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other--except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles--without the express written permission of the author or publisher.

Cover art and design by Ceejay Designs and copyright 2015 by Ceejay Designs and Claudia Plaisted Website: http://ceejay-designs.weebly.com/

Print ISBN# 978-1507717189

Smashwords ISBN# 978-1310283598

Kindle ASIN# B00T24CV3E

Published by Metamorph Publishing

Dedicated to R, also known as Melian, who was the oldest and Wisest of us. We miss you dearly, but we know that we’ll meet again someday, in the Summerland or in a new life. Blessed be, sister and crone!

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Also to my patrons, Athena and Thor, my totem the Fox, and, of course, the ultimate Divine (or to the Great Scooby Doo, as I sometimes explain it--as in, no matter what you call the Divine, it’s all the same energy), I must say thanks for the creative ability that allows me to indulge my imagination!

Introduction

All Wiccans are considered pagans: one who worships multiple deities. As Christianity spread among ancient peoples, the word pagan changed from its Latin root of pagani (or paganus, meaning hearth or home dweller) to mean any person who worships the ancient gods and goddesses. Some say that anyone who invokes a deity and addresses that deity through magick in order to bring about any change in their lives is practicing witchcraft, and is therefore a witch. Every Wiccan is a priest or priestess of the Goddess as well as a Witch, serving her in whatever ways they can, according to their talents, abilities, and personal preferences.

Wicca is a nature and Earth-based religion; our temples are gardens and forests, libraries and beaches, mountains and bookstores, the outdoors and all the wild places. Wiccans respect other belief systems and value the freedom of worship for all. Most Witches believe in reincarnation, as the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth of the Moon and plants show us. Many Witches have an innate belief in both a male and a female deity, as everything in Nature must have both a male and female aspect in order to survive.

Magick is natural; it is the manipulation of energy to achieve a desired result (much like prayers in the Christian world). Energy is not created during magickal working, as energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It is simply changed, or gathered up to be borrowed for a specific purpose.

The information in this book is intended as an alphabetical reference of many things relating to paganism and Wicca. This is not, however, a complete reference; something of that sort would take up an entire set of encyclopedias! The data contained here is organized in a way that’s easy to find. Many of the spells and rituals you will find here were actually used by the author’s coven, the Way of the Lady, and are being passed down to the next generation. You will also find a large collection of magickal correspondences, put together from numerous different sources. Included in the end section are lessons the author used to help teach those newcomers to the path of Wicca and to her coven. Blessed be!

Naddya Foxfire

A

Actinolite to Azurite

Actinolite

This is a gemstone that is found in the USA, Brazil, Russia, China, and many other locations around the world. It has a hardness of 5.5-6. It’s usually green in color. Correspondences include astrological house Scorpio, balance, harmony, patience, and self-worth.

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Adamite

This is a stone found in Mexico, Greece, and parts of the USA. It’s classified with orange and yellow crystals and stones, and has a hardness of 3.5. It corresponds to the astrological house Cancer, courage, emotional issues, inner strength, problem-solving, and prosperity.

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Adept

An adept is an individual who, through serious study and accomplishments, is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system.

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Adonis

He is the Greek God of Vegetation. He is also a handsome God of desire and manly good looks. Aphrodite turned his mother Myrrha into a tree and he was born when the tree’s trunk split. Aphrodite and Persephone both laid claim to Adonis as their spouse, and since fighting ensued, Zeus declared that Adonis spend six months of the year with each of them, relevant to our cycle of the seasons, summer and winter.

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Adularia

This is a type of feldspar mineral that’s usually a colorless and glassy crystal. It corresponds to clairvoyance, divination, guidance, health, intuition, longevity, soul searching, astral travel, and wealth.

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Affirmations

Writing, speaking, or thinking affirmations is a way to increase your mental and magickal proficiency. For example, to overcome procrastination, write I always complete each task in a timely manner. Each night, before sleep, write the affirmation at least twice, dating each entry, until the goal has been reached. They can also be written neatly and hung where you will see them frequently, such as on your bathroom mirror or the refrigerator. Affirmations can increase your self-esteem too.

Circle Affirmation

"We are between the worlds and within time,

The circle surrounds us above as it does below.

Let nothing but love enter here

And nothing but love leave here.

In perfect love and perfect trust,

So mote it be!"

Circle Affirmation

"Within this ring the light remains, it burns through the night at my will.

This magick is clean, and none but clean shall bide here.

Fire kindle, Fire rise, rise and burn with your power bright."

[The author started using this after reading something similar in a Nora Roberts book.]

Grounding Affirmation

"The circle is open but never broken.

Nothing but love has come here

And nothing but love has left here.

In perfect love and perfect trust,

So mote it be!

Circle open but unbroken,

Power down to the ground."

Daily Affirmation

I am a Witch! I am at one with the Earth, the Universe, and the Divine! Let this day be free from strife and fear; let only joy and love come near! With blessings given and received, I walk in peace in word and deed.

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Agate

Agate is a varied stone in a wide range of colors, found in the USA, India, Morocco, the Czech Republic, and Africa, and it has a hardness of 6.

This gemstone corresponds to the planets Mercury and Earth, the element of Earth, astrological houses Gemini and Virgo. It represents or can be used for balance, grounding, garden magick, and as charms against thunder, sorcery, venom, and poison. Also use for clarity, courage, creativity, fertility, good health, manners, happiness, intelligence, longevity, making friends, prosperity, protection, strength, support, truth, and wealth.

Blue Lace Agate used for feminine qualities, gentleness, self-confidence, concentration, perception, serenity, and peace, and treats fever and inflammation. Botswana Agate is used for gifts, mood lifting, soothing nerves, and pleasures.

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Agnitite

This is a pale gemstone with hints of orange and brown. It corresponds to the element of Fire, life force, purification, and spiritual light. Increases vitality and detoxifies.

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Agrellite

This is a colorless stone found in Canada, with a hardness of 5.5. It corresponds to the third eye chakra, and astrological house Aquarius. Use it for boosting the immune system, healing bruises, and support through chemotherapy. Also for confidence, distance healing, independence, and self-respect.

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Air

Air corresponds to the East quarter and can be represented by feathers, incense, a bird or bird statue, or even a box fan, and is usually associated with the color blue. Air is all around us and can be felt each time we breathe in or out, and when the wind blows.

Calling Air

Spirit of East, Ancient one of Air, I (we) ask you to join me (us). Be with me (us) and guard me (us) in my (our) circle.

Releasing Air

Spirit of East, Ancient one of Air, thank you for joining me (us). Go in perfect love and perfect trust.

Money spells are related to Air. Air may also contain different elements depending on the wind direction. Air corresponds to the mind, intellect, imagination, and to communication. A moonstone can also be used to represent Air. Each mood of Air has slightly different magickal uses and abilities. For example, if it’s humid, you have the power of Air and Water combined.

Magick for new projects should be done with the wind behind you. And if there’s no wind? Simply face the direction you need and whistle! The athame (a blunt dagger, see ATHAME) also represents Air. Air personalities tend to be flighty and forgetful, hence the term airhead!

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Alabaster

This is a form of gypsum and calcite, with a hardness of 1.5 to 3. It’s found in limestone caves all over the world. Black alabaster has only been found in three veins, one in Oklahoma USA, one in Italy, and one in China. Use it for clarity, composure, forgiveness, meditation, and mental balance.

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Alcohol Tincture

1. Measure amount(s) of herb(s) desired. Fresh herbs are always better.

2. Clean plants thoroughly and dry completely.

3. Chop plants into small pieces.

4. Fill glass jar with herbs to within an inch of the top.

5. Pour alcohol (70% or 140 proof--NEVER rubbing alcohol) to top of jar, covering herbs.

6. Cover and shake well.

7. Place in a dark location and shake daily.

8. You may begin to use the tincture after two weeks, but leave the mixture together for at least six weeks.

9. Strain tincture from herbs.

10. Label and date bottle.

Alcohol tinctures can retain potency up to ten years. All herbals should be stored in a cool, dry place in amber glass jars to reduce exposure to sunlight (see HERBALISM for more).

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Alexandrite

This is a green stone found all over the world, and it has a hardness of 7.5-8. It’s named for Czar Alexander II of Russia, on whose 21st birthday it was discovered. It corresponds to the planet Pluto and astrological house Scorpio. Other correspondences include forgiveness, longevity, protection, happiness, sexual power, and success.

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Amazonite

Amazonite is a light to deep green stone found all over the world. It has a hardness of 6-6.5. This stone corresponds to the heart chakra and the astrological house Virgo. Use it for balance, self-confidence, sending love, harmony, hope, physical stamina, thinking, calming nerves, and dispelling fear or worry.

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Amber

Amber is fossilized tree sap, and can sometimes be found with preserved insects or other fossils inside. It’s found all over the world and has a hardness of 2-2.5. When rubbed against wool or silk it becomes electrically charged. Amber corresponds to the planets Mercury and Venus, and astrological houses Leo and Aquarius.

Use amber for spirituality, memory, history, courage, healing, luck, strength, beauty, love spells, positive energy, and balancing yin and yang. It’s also said to treat asthma, toothache, water retention, sore throats, swollen glands, the head and the womb, and to relieve stress and tension. Amber is also used for beauty spells.

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American Council of Witches

13 Principles of Belief

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quarters and cross-quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity--as masculine and feminine--and that this same Creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of Life, and as one of the sources of energy used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner or psychological worlds--sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, the Inner Planes, etc.--and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it--a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself Witch does not make a Witch, but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.

9. We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness that gives meaning to the universe we know, and to our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be the one true right and only way and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and beliefs.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present, and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the Devil as defined by Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.

13. We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

Council of American Witches, 1974

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Amethyst

This is a pale lavender to deep purple crystal with a hardness of 7 that can be found worldwide. Amethyst is the birthstone for February. Amethyst is ruled by the planets Jupiter and Pluto, the element of Fire, and the astrological houses of Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Use amethyst for calming, peace, balance, happiness, protection, meditation, spirituality, transformation, inspiration, healing, fertility, temperance, chastity, sobriety, sleep, vigilance, hunting, courage, purity, psychic dreams, divine love, vision quests, psychological healing, stilling the mind, victory over your enemies, and understanding emotions.

Treats addictions, compulsive behaviors, blood clots, some cancers, and low self-esteem. Can clear the mind, sharpen the wit, make you an expert in business, subdue passion, protect soldiers, and turn away evil thoughts.

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Ametrine

This is a pale purple crystal with a hardness of 4 that can be found worldwide. It corresponds to the planets Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, and the Sun, and astrological house Libra. For healing, intellect, openness, understanding. Beneficial for vitality, chronic illness, metabolism, fatigue, creativity, nightmares, dreams, balancing hormones, mental clarity, and uniting masculine and feminine energies.

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Amulets

*Hold your power hand over the object you wish to make into an amulet.*

By the power I hold within myself, I call upon the lord and lady. Offer your protection to the bearer of this [name the object or use the word amulet]. Let no harm come to one with my charm. I now invoke the law of three: as I will, so mote it be!

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Animals

See CORRESPONDENCES>ANIMALS.

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Anubis

Anubis is the Egyptian god of the dead and lord of mummy wrappings. He is the son of Nephthys and Ra (the Sun God). He holds the scales of justice steady while your soul is weighed. He is usually depicted as a man with a jackal’s head, and so the jackal may be sacred to him.

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Apache Tear

An Apache Tear is a type of volcanic obsidian that is black in color and has a hardness of 6. It can be found in Mexico and many other volcanic regions. It corresponds to the planet Saturn and astrological house Aries. Use for centering, good luck, grief, grounding, promoting peace, protection, repelling negativity, and scrying. Also corresponds to spontaneity, forgiveness, detoxification, and can treat snakebite and muscle spasms.

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Aphrodite

In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the beautiful goddess of love. She is the daughter of Uranus and was born of sea foam. Aphrodite was known as Venus to the Romans. She had affairs with such gods as Ares and Adonis, and is considered an Earth Mother/fertility goddess who gives birth each year to the crops and is renewed in the springtime, washed clean by spring rains.

As Aphrodite Benetrix she rules married love, as Aphrodite Porne erotic love, and as Aphrodite Urania spiritual love encompassing the whole of creation. Animals sacred to her include leopards, the lynx, dolphins, fish, sharks, sturgeon, cuttlefish, scallops, sea urchin, all sea birds, and swans. Artemis, Athena and Hestia are immune to her charms. Some correspondences include garden magick, love and beauty spells.

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Apollo

In the Greek pantheon, Apollo is an all-around God. He is the son of Zeus and the human woman Leto, and is known as the Archer god. He is also known for healing, the golden lyre he used to play music on Mount Olympus, and the silver bow. His sacred tree is the laurel. Dolphins and crows are sacred to him, and Artemis is his twin sister.

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Aqua Aura

Aqua Aura is a deep indigo blue stone that is extremely brittle. It’s a manufactured type of quartz. Use for cleansing and opening the chakras. Also use it for balance, healing, channeling, self-expression, negativity, and enhances other stones.

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Aquamarine

It’s a blue stone found in the USA, Mexico, Russia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and many other places. It has a hardness of 7.5-8. This gemstone is associated with the planet Neptune, astrological houses Gemini, Virgo, and Scorpio, and the element of Water.

Aquamarine corresponds to accidents, banishes fears, confidence, courage, happiness, inspiration, nervous tension, to open the throat chakra, phobias, purifying, to soothe the heart, travel, peace, tranquility, compassion, intuition, protection, scrying, health, sea spells, psychic work, and soothing the heart. It also balances the emotional, physical, and mental bodies. Treats grief, pain, difficult situations, sore throats, swollen glands, autoimmune diseases, and boosts the immune system.

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Aquarius

The Waterbearer

The sun is in Aquarius January 20/21 through February 18/19. It is ruled by the planets Uranus and Saturn, the element of fixed Air, and its basic momentum is experimentation. People born as an Aquarius may be bored by details, cold, eccentric, fixed (unchanging), humane, impersonal, independent, individualistic, intellectual, inventive, logical, progressive, radical, rebellious, scientific, temperamental, tolerant, unique, or unpredictable.

The gemstones amber, amethyst, and garnet correspond to this house. Other correspondences include friendship. To make Aquarius incense, use fenugreek, pine, broom, clover, and pine oil. Need to be wild, crazy, or avant-garde? Do you require commitment? Are you seeking freedom? Turn to Aquarius energy! Aquarius energy can help bring flair, freedom, or commitment. (See ASTROLOGY for more.)

Notice that some of these personality traits and characteristics seem to be in opposition to one another. These are just generalized traits, of which most people born under that sign can exhibit. More than likely, they will show a combination of different traits, including some from either the sign just before or just after their own, whichever is the closest sign. Even though we are all born under just one sign, each of us can make use of sign energy to bring about specific results.

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Ares (Deity)

Greek god of war, Ares was one of Aphrodite’s favorite lovers, and the son of Zeus and Hera. His sister is Eris, and his sons are Deimos and Phobos. When the Romans re-cast him, he was identified with Mars.

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Arianrhod

She is the Celtic goddess of reincarnation, fertility, and initiation. Her name Arianrhod means silver wheel, and so she is a Moon goddess as well, and is often associated with regeneration. She spins the thread of life, death, and rebirth, similar to the Fates. Correspondences include wheels, silver, wheat, full Moon, geodes, and moonstones.

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Aries (Birth Sign)

The Ram

Aries is the astrological sign for people born from March 21/22 and April 19/20, the time period when the Sun is moving through the stars that make up the constellation Aries. Those born under this sign are ruled by the planet Mars and the element of Fire. The basic energy of this sign is beginnings.

Aries-born people may exhibit some of the following traits: arrogance, brusque, competitive, courageous, domineering, dynamic, eager, executive, impulsive, independent, tolerant, lack the ability to complete things, lives in the present, a me-first attitude, pioneering, quick-tempered, or violent. Some correspondences include the gemstones carnelian and diamond. (See ASTROLOGY for more.)

Aries energy gives us the power to overcome obstacles, to forge ahead and rumble over roadblocks. It brings us courage in the face of defeat. Aries magick gifts us with the power to overcome obstacles and forge on ahead. Aries incense should include angelica, cedar, ginseng, basil, pine, and cedar oil.

Notice that some of these personality traits and characteristics seem to be in opposition to one another. These are just generalized traits, of which most people born under that sign can exhibit. More than likely, they will show a combination of different traits, including some from either the sign just before or just after their own, whichever is the closest sign. Even though we are all born under just one sign, each of us can make use of sign energy to bring about specific results.

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Artemis

Artemis is the feisty, wild goddess of hunting, animal liberation, and feminism in ancient Greek cultures. She was the daughter of god Zeus, born to a human woman named Leto while Zeus was married to the goddess Hera. She is the twin sister of the god Apollo and was said to have assisted Leto in giving birth to him.

Artemis is a virgin goddess who takes her vow of chastity very seriously. In spite of being a hunter, she deeply cares for all living creatures. She is a goddess of the new moon and shoots arrows of silver moonlight to the Earth; along with Selene/Demeter (full moon goddess) and Hecate (dark moon goddess), she makes up the Triad of the Moon. She is one of three beings who are immune to Aphrodite’s charms, and is the eternal virgin.

She is the protector of all woman and is swift in defense of women tormented by men. She is also the goddess of childbirth, which is odd considering that she is a virgin, but perhaps she owes this to having helped Leto in birthing her twin. She is animal instinct, impulse, intuition, and confidence.

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Astarte

Astarte is the Middle-Eastern goddess of fertility and sexual pleasure (from Canaan/Syria area, what borders Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, and the Mediterranean sea today). She is depicted as a sexy woman with cow horns (cattle being sacred to those living in that region). Her spouse was her brother, the fertility god Baal. She is also known as Ishtar in Babylon (what is now Iraq); as Ishtar she is a creator of life and a goddess of death. The lion, the horse, the sphinx, and the dove are sacred to her.

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Astral Projection

Astral projection is a way for you to send your spirit away from your body while still maintaining a silvery thread of connection with your body. It is a way for you to visit far-away places or seek answers to important questions.

Astral projection can also be a product of meditation and a way of visiting the dreams of a loved one. Anyone can learn to astral project, just as anyone can learn to meditate. Astral travel actually comes easy to your unconscious mind; however, learning to project when and where you want to gives better control over your experience.

Science has categorized astral travel or projection as an Out of Body Experience or OBE. An OBE usually occurs during sleep but may happen during meditation or daydreaming as well. Lie comfortably and relax. Open the seven major chakras (see CHAKRAS for more details), as well as the ones in your hands and feet. Imagine a golden light pulsing within you. Let this light rise up from your physical body. Move your consciousness into this body-shaped glowing light.

The first couple of times you project, you should stay within the confines of the room, to allow your conscious mind to adapt to astral travel. With practice, you’ll be able to travel anywhere, and even change the shape of your astral body at will.

There are a few side effects that you may or may not feel when astral projecting. You may have a floaty feeling and actually be able to see your physical body and the silver web that keeps you tethered there. You may also experience a rush back into your body, where sights and sounds fly by you in a blur. This can happen due to your conscious mind’s fear of astral travel, or if something threatens or disturbs your physical body while you’re away.

It may be disconcerting at first, but this is normal. You may also feel a temporary paralysis when you are barely conscious, similar to the sleep paralysis most of us experience, but this passes quickly. You may also be able to recall very vivid dreams full of reach color and sound that is actually a memory from your astral travels.

A word of caution: astral travel does cause a change in your physical body’s vital signs, especially heartbeat and breathing. Any person with medical conditions relating to the heart and lungs should not attempt a conscious OBE. Instead, try dream traveling.

Each night before sleep, affirm to yourself that I remember my astral travels. It may take several weeks to improve your recall. It might be helpful to keep a pen and paper next to your bed, so that you can quickly take note of anything you remember in those moments right before you become fully awake. Soon you will have better control over your dream travel and can even plan where you would like to go next time.

Correspondences

Color: purple and yellow.

Jewel: opal.

First plane (physical): planet: Earth.

Etheric plane (links): planet: Moon.

Second plane (lower astral): planet: Mars.

Third plane (upper astral): planet: Venus.

Fourth plane (lower mental): planet: Saturn.

Fifth plane (upper mental): planet: Mercury.

Sixth plane (lower spiritual): planet: Jupiter.

Seventh plane (spiritual): planet: Sun.

Astrology

Astrology deals with the objects in our sky and how their energies and movements affect us living on Earth. There are certain symbols that are associated with each planet as well as signs for each astrological house. You will see these symbols on an almanac when dealing with the positioning of the planets. You may also see the symbols which symbolize a planetary retrograde and planetary direct (which will be discussed later).

Retrograde:

Direct:

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Astrological (Birth) Symbols

You’ll likely see these symbols on birth charts and in almanacs, as well as on charts or graphs relating to the movements of the planets (retrograde planets, for example). You may see a notation such as: " in 6:57AM", which means that the Moon will be moving into Leo’s stars at 6:57am EST (Eastern Standard Time) on that date.

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Astrological (Birth) Signs

Aries: The Ram

Aries is the astrological sign for people born from March 21/22 and April 19/20, the time period when the Sun is moving through the stars that make up the constellation Aries. Those born under this sign are ruled by the planet Mars and the element of Fire.

The basic energy of this sign is beginnings, and Aries-born people may exhibit some of the following traits: arrogance, may be brusque, competitive, courageous, domineering, dynamic, eager, executive, impulsive, independent, tolerant, lack the ability to complete things, lives in the present, a me-first attitude, pioneering, quick-tempered, or violent. To make an Aries incense, mix together angelica, cedar, ginseng, basil, pine, and cedar oil.

Aries energy gives us the power to overcome obstacles, to forge ahead and rumble over roadblocks. It brings us courage in the face of defeat. Aries magick gifts us with the power to overcome obstacles and forge on ahead.

Taurus: The Bull

The sun is in this sign April 20/21 through May 20/21. These people are ruled by the planet Venus and the element of fixed Earth. The basic energy of Taurus is manifestation, and people born under this sign may be: artistic, comfort-oriented, conservative, dependable, dogmatic, greedy, loyal, materialistic, patient, possessive, practical, self-indulgent, sensual, slow-moving, stable, stubborn, or thorough. Staying power is the glittering aspect of Taurus energy, with the ultimate target of peace and serenity. For a Taurus incense, mix horehound, mugwort, oleander, vervain, and vervain oil.

Gemini: The Twins

The sun is in this sign May 21/22 to June 21/22. People born to this sign are ruled by the planet Mercury and the element of mutable (changing) Air. The basic energy of Gemini is mental energy. Gemini energy surges forward to find simple solutions to complicated problems and can add speed to any spell. For a Gemini incense, use eyebright, hops, lemongrass, sage, and rosemary oil.

Gemini people may be: adaptable, changeable, clever, congenial, curious, dexterous, dual, expressive, inventive, lacking in concentration, able to multitask, quick-witted, restless, scatterbrained, scheming, talkative, or ungrateful.

Cancer: The Crab

The Sun visits Cancer June 22/23 through July 23/24. People who are born Cancers are ruled by the Moon and the element of Water. Cancer’s basic energy is that of emotional energy.

These people may exhibit some of the following traits: brooding, cautious, domestic, easily-hurt, emotional, helpful, intuitive, lazy, manipulative, crave material things, negative, self-pity, selfish, sensitive, sympathetic, tenacious, touchy, or traditional. Cancer activity revolves around meeting one’s needs and can be used to bring privacy. To make a Cancer incense, mix chamomile, feverfew, heather, myrrh, and myrrh oil.

Leo: The Lion

The Sun pays a visit to Leo July 23/24 to August 23/24; Leo is ruled by the Sun and the element of fixed Fire. Leo’s basic energy is that of development. Leos may be: ambitious, into arts, autocratic, boastful, childish, creative, cruel, dignified, dramatic, generous, idealistic, exhibit leadership skills, musical, optimistic, organized, over-bearing, pretentious, proud, romantic, self-assured, status conscious, or vain. Leo energy focuses on unconditional love, drama, creativity, and children. To make your own Leo incense, mix orange peel, galangal, rue, goldenseal, and cinnamon oil.

Virgo: The Virgin

The Sun passes through Virgo’s stars from August 23/24 through September 22/23. Virgos are ruled by the planet Mercury and the element of mutable (changing) Earth. Virgo’?s basic energy is perfection and people born under the sign of Virgo may be: clean, critical, discriminating, fact-finding, fearful, humane, industrious, melancholy, methodical, pedantic, perfectionists, petty, picky, scientific, skeptical, sloppy, studious, or worriers. Virgo is the ultimate fixer with the ability to discern and analyze any situation. For a Virgo incense, use bergamot, fennel, summer savory, mint, and rose oil.

Libra: The Scales

The Sun travels through this sign September 23/24 to October 23/24. Libra’s basic energy is balance, and it’s ruled by the planet Venus and the element of Air. Libra energy restores balance, brings harmony to home or workplace, and has the ability to synthesize nearly any situation. To make your own Libra incense, mix together clover, benzoin, lavender, spearmint, and lavender oil.

Libra people may seem to be: apathetic, artistic, companionable, cooperative, diplomatic, indecisive, judgmental and judicial, love intrigue, peace-loving, persuasive, pouting, refined, sociable, or suave.

Scorpio: The Scorpion

The Sun will visit Scorpio’s stars October 24/25 through November 21/22. Scorpio is ruled by the planets Pluto and Mars, and the element of fixed Water. For a special Scorpio incense, use the herbs sandalwood, boneset, coltsfoot, thyme, and sandalwood oil. Its basic energy is that of regeneration.

These people may show signs of: determination, executive, intolerant, investigative, jealousy, motivation, over-bearing, passionate, penetrating, private, probing, resourceful, sarcastic, scientific, secretive, suspicious, temperamental, vengeful, or violent. Scorpio energy brings power, influence, and long-term alliance, and it is the crisis breaker!

Sagittarius: The Archer

The Sun is in this sign November 22/23 through December 21/22. Its ruling planet is Jupiter, its element is mutable (changing) Fire, and its basic energy is idealization. To make a specific Sagittarius incense, mix equal parts cinquefoil, sage, nutmeg, betony wood, and musk oil. Sagittarius brings the big picture into focus and helps with expansion, promotion, or test-taking.

These people may show characteristics of the following traits: argumentative, athletic, blunt, broad-minded, enthusiastic, exaggerate, freedom-loving, gambling, generous, hot-headed, idealistic, impatient, just, missionary zeal, optimistic, philosophical, procrastinating, pushy, religious, scholarly, self-indulgent, straight-forward, or talkative.

Capricorn: The Goat

The Sun will visit this sign from December 22/23 to January 19/20. It is ruled by the planet Saturn, the element of Earth, and its basic energy is that of constructing reality. For Capricorn incense, mix mullein, patchouli, comfrey, Soloman’s seal, and patchouli oil.

People born to Capricorn may seem: brooding, businesslike, cautious, cold, conventional, domineering, economical, fatalistic, hard-working, inhibited, judgmental, over-ambitious, perfectionist, practical, reliable, responsible, scrupulous, serious, status-seeking, stubborn, traditional, or unforgiving. The primary energy of Capricorn is that of building anything, or of setting boundaries.

Aquarius: The Waterbearer

The sun is in Aquarius January 20/21 through February 18/19. It is ruled by the planets Uranus and Saturn, the element of fixed Air, and its basic energy is experimentation. To make an Aquarius incense, use fenugreek, pine, broom, clover, and pine oil.

People born as an Aquarius may be bored by details, cold, eccentric, fixed (unchanging), humane, impersonal, independent, individualistic, intellectual, inventive, logical, progressive, radical, rebellious, scientific, temperamental, tolerant, unique, or unpredictable. Aquarius energy can help bring flair, freedom, or commitment. Need to be wild or crazy? Do you require commitment? Are you seeking freedom? Turn to Aquarius energy!

Pisces: The Fish

The Sun visits Pisces February 19/20 to March 20/21. Its ruling planets are Neptune and Jupiter, its element is mutable (changing) Water, and its basic energy is that of spirituality. Pisces energy helps to bring visions, dreams, and psychic pursuits. To make Pisces incense, mix lemon balm, elder, lemon peel, orris root, and lemon oil.

Pisces people may be: charitable, compassionate, creative, dreamy, emotional, escapist, impractical, indolent, inhibited, introspective, intuitive, melancholy, musical, pessimistic, procrastinating, sacrificing, spacey, spiritual, sympathetic, talkative, timid, or visionary.

Notice that some of these personality traits and characteristics seem to be in opposition to one another. These are just generalized traits, of which most people born under that sign can exhibit. More than likely, they will show a combination of different traits, including some from either the sign just before or just after their own, whichever is the closest sign. Even though we are all born under just one sign, each of us can make use of sign energy to bring about specific results.

In recent years, astrology has begun to undergo a drastic change. The ancient Babylonians based the Zodiac signs on the star constellation that the sun was in on the day you were born. However, throughout time, the gravitational pull has created a wobble of the Earth on its axis, which has created a one-month discrepancy in the stars’ alignments.

This is a list of the current birth signs, as