37777199_10157749527189498_7220090107636744192_n Ariella Upton is a solitary eclectic witch who was raised by a Christian kitchen witch. She has a wealth of knowledge about herbs, crystals, natural remedies, gardening, history, religion and is currently studying astrology. She works as a PA & manager on Maui, and spends her free time with her magickal family in the forests and beaches they call home. Her shop is on Instagram as @the.celestial.rose where she sells jewelry, artesian smudge sticks, antiques, books and more.

Ahh, Venus, how we adore you! She rules over our relationships, our concept of beauty, our love style and everything we associate with being “nice” in our opinions. So what do we do now that Venus is in Scorpio? Do we bang anything that moves? Do we cut out everything unpleasent in our lives? Do we change how and who we love completely?

I recently had a discussion about this shift with another astrology-curious friend, and I mentioned to her that since Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, which is associated with sex, death and transformation, that many things ruled by Venus would be experiencing these shifts.

Like what? Well, all relationships are a matter of Venus because she shows us how we display affection and appreciation. You may find old friendships, lovers or maybe even a long-term relationship is no longer aligned with your life. Scorpio is working in your life to transform you from tolerating your existing paradigm to THRIVING. The old relationships that were waiting to crumble will likely be expedited by this Scorpion energy, and you may find it intolerable to associate with these people who need to GTFO of your life. Let them go in peace, as they are probably experiencing a similar perspective shift about you.

It can be a painful time, and though these people are not physically dead, it may still incite a period of greiving of what has been lost, and that is totally ok. Greive for the loss, go through the stages, but MOST IMPORTANTLY you must heal and become better than you were before. Don’t bother dumping toxic relationships if you are just going to find new ones. Have the courage to listen to your intuition and act accordingly from now on.

Venus is also associated with our self-worth, ability to earn and even jewelry or fine clothes. Positioned in Scorpio, she helps us to reconcile our sexualities and material worth by aligning to what truly feels right and good for our highter selves. Scorpio is a pretty intense energy, and you are not going to win over her insistence to transform. Allow yourself the space and compassion to eliminate the old baggage weighing you down, which in turn will leave more room for the things we love and are truly passionate about (hey-o, Venus!) This may include a physical purging of things taking up space in your home… might be a good time to have a garage sale or donate your unwanted goods to a charity/thrift store. It can also bring about questioning your self-worth… maybe you don’t charge enough for your goods and services. Maybe you don’t accept praise without doubt. Whatever is holding you back is getting chucked; just do it!

Screen Shot 2018-09-11 at 1.31.06 PM KyKye is an eclectic pagan witch, writer, yogini, and self-taught holistic health guru. Spirituality, Philosophy, and Art are mediums through which she chooses to express the dual nature of her free, yet centered spirit. She attended The Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains, New Jersey as a theatre major and is currently working towards a BFA in Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. If you find her words resonate with you, feel free to follow her personal IG account @_eclectickye and her daughter, a feisty two year old mini-potbelly pig @badass_piggy_noelle.

As a multiracial spiritual woman, of Isan Thai and Irish descent, I feel it is essential to research the beliefs, practices, and ancient folklore of my ancestors on both my maternal and paternal sides. By learning more about my cultural past, I gain a better understanding of which innate magickal abilities lay dormant in me and unlock my potential to fully awaken them. Today I will give you a glimpse into the sacred wisdom of my Thai ancestors and thereby encourage you to seek the wisdom of your own.

Thai people are known to be extremely superstitious, regardless of their religion or social class. While the dominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, all ancient Thai magick is deeply rooted in Animism, Brahmanism, and Black Magick. From their superstitions and folklore to their rituals and spells, magick is still widely practiced today, especially in the more rural areas of Thailand. In fact, the belief in the supernatural is considered to be an essential part of a Thai person’s identity (as demons, spirits, ghosts, and other deities are held to the highest regard). Many Thai people associate auspicious/inauspicious meanings with specific dates, numbers, shapes, animals, and colors.

SAN PHRA PHUM (GHOST HOUSES)

A Mau Pii (spirit doctor) is consulted to help determine the best location for a spirit house to be built as well as the best date to hold an invitation ceremony to welcome the spirits into their shelter. Thais believe that by providing the spirits with a place to call their own-adorned with incense, garlands of flowers, food and drinks- they are calling upon their deceased ancestors and other prominent figures or deities to protect them. Soda, fruit, water, cigarettes, alcohol, amulets, and statues are common offerings brought to the spirit houses everyday to keep the spirits happy and prevent future hauntings.

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(Anthony Pioppi, 2010)

BARANG (THAI VOODOO)

Black Magick amulets are sacred gifts both created and blessed by Monks, many of which are traditionally bestowed upon donors who have made significant or frequent contributions to the Temple. Each individual amulet is infused with specific powers that are believed to bring the wearer good luck and protection. These amulets can be made from a variety of different materials, including bone, ash, dirt, teeth, herbs, oils, metal, hair, skin, and blood. An image of a Buddha, Monk, demon, animal, or deity is often depicted.

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(no copyright infringement intended)

Kuman Thong (koo-mun-tong): an unborn male fetus/demonic child spirit that is said to protect a household so long as the amulet is properly cared for. The spirit is said to have an exceptionally strong sense of sight and hearing, which it uses to protect the owner when specific guidelines are followed, some of which include offering it sweet drinks and scheduling certain times to talk to it throughout the day. When and if the spirit becomes too difficult to care for, it must be properly disposed of at a Temple.

YANTRA (MAGICK SPELL)

The Thai Yan is extremely complex, containing a mystical amalgamation of ancient scripts, sacred geometry, holy texts, and Divine power invoked by Monks. It acts as a supercharged magick spell that is designed for the individual, according to their desired purpose or intent. Most times, one seeks to receive the Thai Yan for protection and strength, but it is known also bring forth love, luck, and wealth.

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(no copyright infringement intended)

Whether ink to cloth or ink to skin, the tradition of the Thai Yan has been carried on for centuries. Sak Yant tattoos are gaining popularity in the West due to recent exposure by tourists and celebrities drawn to their unique beauty. Please note that the Sak Yant tattoo is not meant to be worn as a fashion statement, as there are karmic repercussions that will follow. Those who seek to receive its power must never disrespect or disregard the great spiritual significance it holds, especially for the Thai people.

Listed below are some (but not all) elements that a Monk, Ajarn, or Master would have the knowledge of how to combine and use to create the Yan, though the specifics of the Yan’s design-making process and its exact interpretations remain esoteric to non-initiates. I would highly suggest further research be conducted to fully understand all that the Thai Yan entails.

Ancient Scripts

-Lanna
-Khmer
-Sanskrit
-Pali

Sacred Geometry & Astrology

-Magic Squares: number puzzles that contain mathematical magic sequences
-Elemental Triangles: triangular symbols that signify the four physical elements
-Trikaya: the Buddhist trinity
-Circles: can represent the Dharmachakra (auspicious buddhist symbol), planets with astrological significance, the Sun, and the Moon
-Bodhi Leaf: from the tree under which the Buddha sat and attained Enlightenment
-Numbers: 9 is auspicious, 7 is inauspicious, 8 can be both
-Dates: colors, planets, and gods correspond with specific days of the week

Archaic Texts

Pali Literature & Post-canonical Pali Literature
-Traiphum Phra Ruang (Three Worlds According to King Ruang): descriptions of death and fate according to cosmic destruction and creation, an analysis of the ethical and spiritual progress of beings in the universe
-Tipitaka (Pali Canon)
*Vinaya Pitaka (basket of discipline): contains rules and customs
*Sutta Pitaka (basket of discourses): contains sermons of the Buddha and his close disciples
*Abhidhamma (basket of high doctrine): contains a psychophilisophical analysis of The Law of Nature and cosmic order according to Buddha
-Buddhaghosa’s Expositions & Commentaries
*Visuddhimagga (Way of Purification): easy to follow guide to practicing Theravada Buddhism, elaborates on Buddha’s Path to Liberation through strict discipline & meditation

Materials & Utensils

-Cloth: created on specific days of the week in auspicious colors with corresponding gods and celestial bodies of those days and colors
-Ink: a secret blend of ashes (human and/or animal), natural dyes (such as chinese charcoal), snake venom, oils, powders, and other ingredients

Whether we choose to or not, believing in the magick of our ancestors and following in their footsteps is entirely up to us. In cultivating awareness of ourselves and others, we are challenged to turn inwards and explore the realms of our being that our physical body and mind do not have access to. There is knowledge, wisdom, and ancient power that runs deep in our blood, that connect us to the Divine, through the Earth, through our Spirit.

It is time for us to return to our roots. It is time to expand our consciousness and invite ancient wisdom and magic back into our blood. As spiritual beings, we are being called upon to add yet another level of depth and meaning to our magic, to our purpose. While it is not our fault that we have fell out of touch with our roots and our magical lineage due to cultural repression and societal conditioning, it is now our choice and our destiny to find the answers our souls are desperately seeking, and to fill in the missing pieces of our puzzle.

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Jenna Fox is employed as a writer and educator described by her community college students as “sympathetic, but with a blunt sense of humor.” As a queer adult adoptee, reuniting with her biological family has helped her reclaim the ancestral witchcraft practices of tarot and folk herbalism native to Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Czech/Slovakia. You can listen to her podcast Leo Rising: Living Tarot & Creative Intuition, on any major podcasting app. To schedule a tarot reading with Jenna, reach out on Instagram @leorisingtarot or her website: www.leorisingtarot.com.

Is the white sage used for smudging practices actually endangered? Is using white sage, or palo santo, as a practice, actually engaging in cultural appropriation of spiritual traditions that are not my own? If you run in New Age spiritual or witchy circles, you’ve probably at least encountered the practice of smudging with white sage, if not encountered these two questions.

What if I told you there was a way to embrace smoke cleansing that was rooted in traditional European folk medicine/witchcraft ancestry, that was both sustainable and not appropriative? Wouldn’t that be lovely?! And what if it was as easy as going to your local grocery store? Would you be into that? Who wouldn’t want to jump on this easy, sustainable and conflict free form of spirituality?

So, a few years ago, a trusted witch friend from high school posted on Facebook about her practice of smoke cleanings (smudging, without that label) using traditional European herbs, and I was intrigued. I love the practice of burning sage, but hadn’t thought deeper about the fact that many tribes were criminalized until the 1970’s for these very same spiritual practices.It seemes wrong that my 20-something spiritual white girl body was able to do these practices without a second thought about the bigger picture. The more I sat with my friend’s words, the more I was impacted by the colonial mindset that had permeated my spiritual practice of smudging.

And thus, entered my experiment with “returning to my roots.” There are many herbs that were used in ancient and medieval Europe for the same spiritual and practical purpose that white sage and palo santo are used by new age spiritual communities today. And so I began my own practice of tying and burning herbal bundles that my witchy ancestors would have used. Some grocery store versions are:

Garden or cooking sage
Rosemary
Thyme

Yes, just like the song! Cheesy, but maybe the hippies were on to something…

Below I’ve outlined a step by step guide for tying your own herbal bundles from ingredients easily found in grocery stores. And for those that are more foraging inclined, herbs like mullein, lavender, or mugwort were also traditionally burned to clear spaces of negative energy.

Step 1: assemble materials. I use cotton twine for “sausage making” found on Amazon, scissors, garden sage, and rosemary.

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Step 2: Identify size of herb bundle that you want to make. Remember, it shrinks when it dries!
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Step 3: Tie a knot at the bottom of the bundle, begin winding the twine around the bundle, tightly packing the herbs together.

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Step 4: Once you’ve wound all the way to the top of the bundle, wind back down and tie off at the end. Leave some room on the string to hang it to dry.

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Step 5: Hang to dry in a sunny window. I choose my kitchen window because blinds are so handy for hanging. It take a week or two to get fully dry!

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Once they’re dry, they can be burned just like a white sage bundle. Make sure to have a bowl/dish below the bundle to catch any ash, and don’t leave unattended!

There are so many different traditional herbs that can be used for this spiritual smoke cleansing practice, so feel free to experiment (but do your homework and be safe!). I’ve found this practice of connecting with my ancestry, rather than just easily adopting a spiritual practice that comes from a different lineage, to be really rewarding for me. Not only do I feel more connected to my lineage, I also feel more connected to the plants. There’s something amazing about the smell of sage and rosemary lingering on my fingers for hours after I’ve tied my last bundle, and the reward I feel when I take one of my dry bundles and light it to clean my house. Short of growing these herbs myself, I’ve had an intentional hand in the tying, drying, and frying of them, which leaves my house smelling great and feeling light and free.

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Money ‘Scopes

Virgo

While you may feel a slight financial pinch in the beginning of the month, the backend of September pays off tremendously. By accessing your innate patience and methodical practicalities, you have the power to transform your monetary blues into bliss on the 21st. The Fall Equinox adds prosperity into your bank account, ending your financial lull during the Harvest Moon on the 24th,

Libra

Money has been free flowing, like champagne, all Summer. September is your wake up call from living the good life, as your money making abilities slow down. Venus, Goddess of Money and your planetary ruler, enters Scorpio on the 9th, right after entering the pre retrograde shadow on the 2nd (Venus retrograde officially begins October 5th) in the financial sector of your chart. Projects can be slow to start, forcing your bank account to slowly dwindle. The 21st and 22nd give you an opportunity to start new creative ventures with others, that can add some momentum to your assets.

Scorpio

As Venus aligns on your Sun, on the 9th, you may feel some short lived velocity in your finances and career. Be advised, this is a temporary fix due to Venus’s inevitable journey backwards next month. Focus your energies in September on your savings account and try to plan properly for the next months ahead. Autumn will bring financial challenges, but you can avenge such issues by building better spending habits in advance. Saving your pennies now, will pay off later. And, yes, the road to financial growth is around the corner. After all, Scorpio is the sign that rules sex, death, and taxes.

Sagittarius

A gambler by nature, you often take monetary and career risks. Your enthusiastic approach may often lead to gain, however, sometimes the house wins. September brings you back to reality, forcing you to make realistic financial decisions on the 6th and the 30th. Your career is highlighted during the New Moon on the 9th, allotting you different responsibilities at work, which may cause quarrels on the 25th. Try to take on the nuances of September one step at a time, access your inner warrior to strategically balance out the different energies.

Capricorn

Your earthy intelligence has graced you with the gift of financial structure and career prominence, making September an easy breezy month for you on on all fronts. Responsible by nature, September rewards your efforts with a long due raise on the 10th and fame on the 21st. You glide into autumn ahead of the game, making the Equinox on the 22nd the most auspicious day for your career this month.

Aquarius

September allows you to take back control of your finances. Summertime overindulgences have forced your bank account to take a hit, causing your emotional cup to over runneth with personal anxieties. The New Moon, occurring on September 9th, helps clear your financial strain, ONLY if you address debt concerns with your creditors on the 5th and the 6th. September 10th is prime time for you to start repaying debts, on your new plan, which will alleviate stresses for you by the 25th.

Pisces

September forces you to feel like a fish out of water, pushing you to network within your work community. Your increasing Instagram following allows you to enjoy fruits of your labor, as the public is taking notice of you professionally. All these efforts pay off during the Harvest Moon on September 24th, when your bank account ripens due to the influx of cash from your entrepreneurial mingling.

Aries

Known for your strong work ethic, September is when your efforts shine. The month kicks off with a long awaited raise coming your way on the 3rd and the 6th gives you dominance in your career. The world sees you as the top ram in your industry, even catching more respect and admiration. from your coworkers during the New Moon on the 9th, when you receive a highly anticipated raise. September ends with you at the top of your field and the envy of others—due to your new career status.

Taurus

Venus, your planetary ruler, enters Scorpio on September 9th, the same day as the Virgo New Moon, giving you hope to have the chance to pursue your artistic inclinations at work. While this may sound amazing, the caveat arises from Venus enters the pre retrograde shadow September 2nd, causing your cash flow slow down, as investments from investors and patrons may fall through. The 10th is a powerful day for you to sweet talk your way into a profitable partnership, just be sure not to over-promise, as the 25th can leave you feeling out to pasture by your financial backers.

Gemini

Unfortunately, September is a bit of a challenge for you, Gemini. However, you can transform your dwindling bank account into gold on the 30th of September if you do a bit of detective work on the 6th, to understand potential growth at your job and partnerships. Use your keen Mercurial gifts to see if you can develop your career or receive a raise by the end of the month. With your chameleon like abilities, you should be in full swing by the 30th.

Cancer

Saving your pennies for a rainy day has surely has paid off, allowing you all month to pursue creative endeavors. The 10th of September starts a new fiscal beginning, as your credit card balance reaches 0 (or close to it), offering you time to focus your energies into work. The Full Moon on September 24th brings a possible promotion your way, which helps you see tangible rewards for your hard efforts.

Leo

September acts as your financial wake up call, dear lion. It’s time to get your bank account in other. Planning your autumnal budget September 5th, will allow you to embrace new enterprising opportunities during the Virgo New Moon on September 9th. Wounded healer Chiron, slips back into the house of other people’s money on September 25th, allowing you the chance to make good on credit card payments and debt if you plan accordingly in the beginning of the month.

Career Tarot Forecast

Happy back to school season, especially for those of us in the School of Life. This is the first week of the whole summer where all personal planets are all moving direct, and while that usually motivates us to get back into the swing of things, we may still feel sluggish due to the sheer weight of all that we’ve experienced during this past couple months. Try to focus on steadily integrating lessons rather than pushing forward at top speed.

The Hermit guides us through the first couple weeks of September, which is very appropriate for Virgo season. He is facing the past, shining the light of his wisdom on all that we have gone through in the past two months, giving us time to discern what it is that we truly want to carry through to the manifestation phase in the coming harvest season. With the Hermit as our guide, we are being asked to release outdated expectations in favor of what truly matters to us. 9, the Hermit’s number, is all about the process of purging what is finished and integrating what is our’s as we step into the next phase of our journey. And so we begin at an ending: what is holding us back? How can we let the dead things fall away? The Hermit makes these decisions in quiet and solitude, so make time for reflection, especially at the new moon in Virgo on September 9th.

While the Hermit requires solitude, the 4 of Pentacles reminds us not to isolate ourselves to the point of disconnection. Sharing time and energy will open us up to new opportunities. We may be afraid of being taken advantage of or of not being valued in the workplace, but creating a barrier between ourselves and others, seeing our job as “just a job” will make us feel small and may even have a negative impact on our career in the long-run. It is better to take conscious steps towards something we desire than to move through where we are as only a shell of ourselves.

That said, if you are feeling stuck and can’t take big leaps towards your dream job this month, make a concerted effort to open up to friends, partners, and family, valuing community to help you maintain a more satisfying work / life balance. The 4 of Pentacles asks us to focus less on what we have and more on what we have to share. With the Lovers card representing the last part of the month, it seems that our work in solitude with the Hermit and the way we use our experience of the “little emperor” (4 of Pentacles) leads us to a fork in the road. The Lovers card speaks to the moral obligation we have to make commitments that nourish our soul’s purpose. Are we committed to our path or are we floating? Either way, it’s ok! Wandering is vital to making any commitment. The Lovers are there to remind us that we have a duty to ourselves to be honest about where we are and what we feel called to do with our lives for the good of humankind. You may be looking at a great collaboration or the opportunity to join a team that inspires you. Where the Hermit cautioned us, the Lovers asks us to reach out and share ideas, openly seeking our place in the world.

Screen Shot 2018-08-29 at 12.29.37 PM Rebecca M. Farrar, M.A. (aka Wild Witch of the West) is an archetypal astrologer, revolutionary, lover, and general wackadoo living in San Francisco, California. She offers astrological guidance with a down-to-earth approach utilizing her studies on the evolution of consciousness and psychology. While she considers herself a witch and an intersectional feminist, she also realizes her whiteness, cisgender, and able-bodied privilege is a constant process of uncovering. In 2013, she received her Master’s in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness. Her thesis, titled “Stargazing: Re-enchantment Through Language,” combines philology, consciousness studies, and enchantment with the stars. When not staring at her transits, she can be found wandering Ocean Beach, curled up with a good book, or “force” cuddling her kitty, Freyja.

Virgo and the Astrology of Virginity

Recently the Sun has made its annual move into tropical Virgo, the symbol of the woman and refers to the word virgin. While our modern minds think of virginity as referring to sexual experience and specifically valuing chastity in women, this common definition has strayed far from the word’s original meaning.

Virgo comes from Latin meaning “unwedded girl, maiden.” It wasn’t until around 1300 that it was used to denote a lack of sexual experience or imply chastity. In Greek translations the word virgin meant “one unto herself.” Similar to many words in English, the original meaning became lost as our Western culture became more and more patriarchal in nature.

With this evolution of language in mind, virginity then actually indicates freedom, self-sufficiency, and wholeness. One of my favorite authors, Nancy Qualls-Corbett goes on to say a virgin is “untouched by man, or…the laws of man.” In this way, virginity is not something that a person could “take” or “give away.” Virginity instead belongs to each of us as an expression of wholeness and divinity and the stories of the virgin goddesses remind us of the power of our own sovereignty.

In Greek and Roman traditions there were often three main virgin goddesses: Vesta/Hestia, Minerva/Athena, and Diana/Artemis. Regardless of gender or GNC, I believe each of these goddesses speak to an aspect of our own wholeness and virginity. Understanding these archetypes in an astrological context gives us important clues about how their archetypal energies show up in our lives and our soul patterning.

I enjoy working with the asteroids and dwarf planets as they are often named after goddesses and invite a complexity not found with just the more popular planetary bodies in our solar system. While the names are gendered, I don’t think of them as unique aspects to any gender and instead different energies that move through us at different times.

How can we work with these archetypal, virginal energies throughout the next month? For me the answers lie in our natal Vesta, Pallas Athene, and Diana asteroids. Both Greek and Roman, though largest in the solar system, all in these asteroids orbit in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Here’s a rundown of each of their meanings in the collective and personal astrology charts:

Asteroid Vesta // Named after Greek Goddess of Hearth and Home

The second largest asteroid discovered in 1807 and was more recently in the news because the satellite Dawn completed its orbit around the asteroid. Currently at 23 degrees Sagittarius trining Pallas Athene perhaps igniting the sacredness of expanding our horizons both mentally and physically.

Claim to fame: Vesta the goddess refused to marry Apollo or Poseidon, though may have taken them as lovers. The Vestal virgins of ancient Rome who kept the sacred fires burning and were honored for their chastity.
Aspect of virginity: Represents how we channel sexual energy and the blending of both the sacred and profane
Astrological energy: What we hold sacred, how we connect through spirit with ceremony, routines or personal rituals, sexual potential or sacred sexuality practices such as Tantra

Asteroid Pallas Athene (Athena) // Greek Goddess of Wisdom, Craft, Poetry, and War

The second asteroid discovered, in 1802, and third largest asteroid, goes by Pallas or Pallas Athene named after Athena. Currently it sits at 22 degrees Leo next to the Sun shining a light on our desire to learn or highlighting our unique version of genius.

Claim to fame: A warrior goddess born from Zeus’ head in full armor she event had an entire city named after her (Athens). She fought with Jason and the Argonauts and wore Medusa’s head on her breastplate.
Aspect of virginity: The light of the intellect and ability to think for ourselves as well as the internal balance of masculine and feminine energies and head and heart
Astrological energy: Our ability to perceive and understand patterns, which require the integration of both intuition and intelligence…as wisdom. Can reveal gifts of creativity or identification with the “know-it-all.”

Asteroid Diana // Named after Roman Goddess of Hunt and Nature

Discovered in 1863 by a German astronomer, it is small compared to the other virgin goddess asteroids and isn’t even within the top 20 when it comes to size. Diana currently sits at 21 degrees Aries, creating a grand trine with the other two virgin goddesses. Together, these two asteroids in such a strong fire sign uplift and empower feminine energies.

Claim to fame: She begged her father Jupiter to liberate her from marriage and motherhood, though in Greek mythology she had 50 daughters with the handsome shepherd Endymion. She also had the power to talk to and control animals in the forest and there is even a branch of Wiccan dedicated to her.
Aspect of virginity: Freedom and the relationship to our wild nature as well as the connections between women as a part of our unity under patriarchy
Astrological energy: Where and how we yearn for our own freedom, perpetual “hunt” for something, our ability to nurture “sisterly” relationships, connection to the wildness in ourselves

Virgo and the asteroid virgin goddesses remind us of the power inherent in our own life force energies and self-possession with or without our sexual relationship to others. A facet of self that beckons us into being whole, complete, and unfettered by the man-made laws and expectations of the gods or patriarchy. During this virgin season may we our inward experience and attitude that isn’t dependent on others for definition or happiness…whole unto ourselves. The way Vesta, Athena, and Diana would have wished.

Screen Shot 2018-08-21 at 7.29.09 PM Renee Watt is a Clairvoyent who specializes in energy readings, spirit guides, and chakra assessments. She began reading tarot at age 10 and picked up her first book on witchcraft at 12. Her knowledge ranges from essential oils, crystals, and intuitive magick to energy healing and beginner astrology. When she’s not giving readings and selling jewelry from The Crooked Path in LA, you can find her doing standup comedy. Her podcast “Witch Doctorate” takes the structure of a university with an esoteric twist exploring a new witchy topic each “semester” (season). “Astrology 101” debuted in February of 2018 giving novice listeners a digestible introduction to understanding the cosmos. Find her on Instagram @rainbowglitterstar and @witchdoctorate, or online www.reneewattentertainment.com and www.witchdoctorate.com.

Sage Advice

Smudging is an ancient custom that has been practiced for centuries to help clear away negative and harmful energies, acting as an energetic bath for yourself and your home. When one makes the decision to smudge, they’re mentally and energetically stating their intention to release anything that may be weighing them down. Smudging in large concentrations has also been shown to reduce airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, and dander.

To perform a smudging of your own you’ll need the following:

1- A Sage bundle (which can be found at your local witch shop or health food store)

2- A clay pot or bowl to catch any rouge ashes or embers

3- A feather to help direct smoke in the direction of your choosing (optional)

Open a few windows before you begin and unwind with a moment of quiet—a few breathes amongst the fresh air will help center your intention. Once you feel at ease, light the end of your herb bundle, working the smoke in a counter clockwise motion to send any unwanted vibes back from whence they came!

Still unsure of where to start? Here’s a list of places one might not think to sage, but probably should.

The Car

Considering all the anxiety, road rage, and rushing around that happens in your four wheeled comrade it’s a good idea to get rid of any lingering energies to make your commute feel more relaxing. It’s especially good to do this after a road trip, travel is taxing on the psyche because there are so many energetic shifts, give your car the tune up it deserves.

Your Vanity

Mornings can get a little hectic when we find ourselves running late for work or important commitments. A good smudging will help bring peace back to your morning rituals.

Cosmetics

Us witches love our cosmetics, but when you think about all the activity that goes into making them it’s not a bad idea to clear away the energetic unknowns of production. Follow up with a nice charging under a full moon and you’ll be looking like a true daughter of mother Luna.

The Couch

There’s no shame in taking some time off to zone out on the couch while binge watching our latest idiot box obsessions. The problem is, the relief of watching tv can be slightly addictive and if we don’t watch it we may dull our senses by spending too much time in front of it! You can get caught up in a cycle of abandoning projects in favor of your favorite show and before you know it you’ve gotten caught in a tv rut! Sage away the inviting yet unproductive lure of your couches (make sure you get under them as well), then go do some exploring outside or finally finish the latest entry in your grimoire!

Your Closet

There’s a reason children are often afraid of what’s lurking in their closets at night, low vibration energies love the dark inactive sanctuary of a closet. Take care to sage away any bad vibe stuff that’s no longer serving you, and while you’re at it take a look at your wardrobe and get rid of anything you haven’t worn in 6 months… Then treat yourself to something new!

The Bed

The bed is such a sacred and intimate place for witches everywhere… it’s where we connect with mates and our vehicle to dreamland. Our subconscious works out so much stuff for us while we’re astral projecting away, we may as well give it a hand in the dream world. Also, if you’ve had an intimate interaction that you just can’t shake no matter how many times you boil your sheets saging will help banish any lingering regrets you may have.

A few final Witch Tips

Sage is energy bleach, however, you may not always want to completely wipe an area clean. If you don’t feel like getting super hardcore with your cleanse, go with a juniper or mugwort smudge. It won’t get rid of the nice energy you want to keep around, but it’ll have any bad vibe stuff running for the scary woods. After a smudging session your space is totally clean, and you don’t want to leave a blank canvas. Make sure you follow up all sessions with some sort of blessing. Many people are fond of Palo Santo for this, but I’m partial to burning some nice Venus incense and lighting pink candles to bring in all the loving and gentle vibes the planet of harmony provides. Work in a counter clockwise motion while smudging to send bad juju away, then bless your space in a clockwise motion to invite in the lovely energies you seek.

Protection Spells

I would like to share a few simple ways to cover yourself, home and family in spiritual protection. A large variety of herbs and stones include protection as a quality, so I have listed them first, as they can be mixed and matched (based on availability or preference in your own craft) for the protection spells below.

Protection Herbs

Angelica, anise, dill, basil, bay, carraway, carnation, sage, rosemary, garlic

Protection Stones

Tiger’s eye, hematite, amethyst, smoky quartz, black tourmaline, lava stone, obsidian, onyx, shungite, selenite

Protection Jar

Small jar with lid
Salt
Wine
Nails, one for each family member
Protection herbs
Candle
Sage/Palo Santo/Incense

Light your candle, bless your working space with your chosen method. Add salt, wine, nails and herbs to jar. Ask blessings of protection over your home and family, then tightly close the lid. Use some of the candle wax to seal the jar.

Take the jar outside if you can, and bury it near your front door. If not, place under steps, behind door (where it won’t be smashed!) or anywhere out of sight. Take it with you if you move.

Protection Sachets

Small sachets for each entry point of home
Protection herbs
A protection stone
Candle
Sage/Palo Santo/Incense

Light your candle and bless your workspace by your chosen method. Mix all protection herbs in a large bowl, then distribute evenly between bags. Add a stone to each, or or at least one in the sachet for the main entrance. Hang the bags above each entry point.

Refresh herbs and recharge stones quarterly, if not monthly.

Binding Someone’s Actions

*NOTE: Doing any magick over a person without their permission is a huge universal consideration. Make sure the person you are binding truly needs to be redirected in their ways. Also, do not perform spells when upset/angry.*

Ice cube tray
Slips of paper
Pen
Water
Candle
Sage/Palo Santo/Incense

Light your candle and bless your workspace with your chosen method. Cut enough small slips of paper to put one in each well of the ice cube tray. Write the name of the person who causes you fear or has harmed you. Visualize the person choosing to follow a path that allows you freedom from their actions. Forgive them, then fill the ice cube trays with water.

Place in the freezer and leave for 3 months. Bury the cubes off property once this has elapsed.

These are but a small fraction of ways to protect yourself spiritually. All of these methods can be adjusted to suit your craft, availability (ie: use vinegar or oil if you don’t have wine) and preference. What are your favorite herbs and crystals for protection? What protection spells work best for you? Comment below!

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Jasmine is a numerologist, tarot reader, artist, and self proclaimed esoteric intellectual. Through her art and spiritual practices she strives to facilitate defiant self love within herself and others.

Are you a novice tarot reader struggling to memorize or rote learn all the card meanings? Maybe you’ve been reading for a few years, but your conversations with the cards have gotten stale and need to be revamped? Heck, maybe you’re a 200 year old witch who has every tarot deck in existence and can channel the Akashic Records, even you can find value in the tarot practice I’m going to explain!

As Dumbledore once said, “Ah music, a magic beyond all we do here!” Music is perhaps one of the oldest forms of magick. It can make us cry, laugh, dance, and even fall in love, but can it help us deepen our understanding of the tarot? Yes, of course!

Allow me to explain. One day I was walking to work, listening to my alternative music playlist, and the song Things I’ll Never Say by Avril Lavigne came on shuffle. Besides being instantly taken back to the year 2002 as an angsty middle schooler with a tattoo chocker on, I couldn’t help but feel like the song reminded me of something else. I opened up a note on my phone and wrote, “Things I’ll Never Say-reversed 2 of Cups.”

Lo and behold, I had just created my new favorite past time! I started with just the Cups suit but quickly felt inspired to do so with each of the 78 cards in the deck. I mean, what song really tells the story of the Ace of Pentacles better than Marry the Night by Lady Gaga? And what better way to spend my morning walk to work every day than listening to music while deepening my understanding of the tarot?

I was elated to find that this practice allowed me to grow and build on my knowledge of each of the cards, something I am always striving to do. And that’s what is so beautiful about the tarot, they aren’t rigid archetypes, but instead are more like fluid, living stories. When we expand and seek new ways to speak with the cards we grow as readers and story tellers.

Here are some ways you can incorporate this practice into your life:

Daily Draw

If a daily draw is already in your practice, great! If not, let this be a sign to start doing so. Now put on your favorite playlist and press shuffle. Listen to each song closely seeing if you can find similar themes to the ones in the card you pulled this morning. Once you’ve found the perfect song, you’ll know! It’ll be your jam for the day. Write it down in your grimoire or book of shadows, if that is in your practice. It’s totally fine if your grimoire is a note in your phone and not a notebook made from the skin of demons, it’s 2018 Witches!

The Organizer

If you’re like me you love lists (shoutout to my fellow Earth signs). First pick a suit, then make a new note in your phone, or jot one down by hand if that feels right, listing ace through 10. Spend as long as you need, a week or more, listening to your music trying to piece together which songs work best for each card. Do all the suits, then the court cards, ending with the Major Arcana. Note any trends like “Cups are all Oldies” or “All the Knights are punk rockers,” and see what new insights these trends can give you about the cards.

Backwards

This is a fun way for a more advanced reader to play this musical game. Make a playlist with 78(ish) of the songs near and dear to your heart, songs that you understand more than yourself, songs that have lived in your soul for years. Then, as you listen to this awesome playlist, start to imagine that the songs are about the cards. You’ll find that, as you assign a card to each of the songs, new ideas will sprout and give birth to new insights that you can use in your readings.

At the end of the day, all of this should be fun! So whether you’re looking for a more exciting way to learn the card meanings, or if you just love tarot and music, I hope you all enjoy this little exercise.

Happy reading and happy story telling!

Analisa is an intuitive Tarot Reader, Beginner Astrologer, and practicing Witch who studied under Vicki Noble, co-creator of the Mother Peace Tarot deck, and author of Shakti Woman.

Analisa combines her knowledge of Tarot, Numerology, and Astrology into her sessions and provides an enlightening experience on seeing how you can best use the energy in your life, and the energies of the celestial forces to expand and grow on your own spiritual path. You can follow her on IG @cosmicladysix and stay up to date with the celestial forecast by reading her weekly blog on her website cosmicladysix.com

Blessings WitchyWisdoms Readers! My name is Analisa and I am here to give a quick intro on how to discover your past life Karma using the birth chart.

A lot of us have different reasons for being interested in astrology. It can be fun to see trends in how we relate to one another, as well as how we perceive people through their astrological archetype. But the birth chart holds a key so much larger than just our personality traits; your personal life purpose in relation to your Karmic mission on planet Earth.

The birth chart in astrology I like to refer to as your “cosmic birthmark.” It is a celestial stamp imprinted into you at your time of birth, mapping out themes and potential challenges one will face in their personal development.

The birth chart is also believed to hold the answers to past lives, and shows us what past Karma we have come here to work out.

Many western people have a general understanding of Karma. “What goes around comes around.” This is true, but there are many layers to this understanding that go beyond.

The Story of Rahu and Ketu

In astrology the way we determine our past life Karma, is by looking at the placements of two energetic points located within the chart. These points are called Rahu and Ketu, and are also known as your North and South Node. These points are not planets, but are energetic points determined by the magnetic pull between the Moon and the Earth.

In Vedic mythology Rahu and Ketu was originally one god, a dragon god who disguised itself and in turn betrayed Lord Vishnu,the god who was responsible for protecting the universe. The dragon drank a special nectar meant for other deities that in turn made the dragon god immortal.

Upset, Lord Vishnu severed the head of the dragon, Rahu became the head, and Ketu became the severed body, or tail of the dragon.

This dismemberment is symbolic in representing the disconnection between the head- knowledge- and the body/heart- spirit, that we enter into our lives as humans.

How to Find Your Past Life Karma

In astrology whatever house and sign your South Node falls in, is the past life Karma you are required to heal in this life. Whatever house and sign your North Node falls in is what direction in life you are supposed to be moving towards.

In order to do this you will need to have your birth chart generated for you either by an Astrologer or using a website like astro.com to generate a free chart.

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Using David Bowie’s chart, we can locate his South and North Node placements finding the above symbols, although in the astro.com generated charts, they do not include the glyph of the South Node but it would be exact opposite of the North Node in the chart.
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In David Bowie’s chart we can see that his North Node is located in his 4th house of home and family in the sign of Gemini. This means his South Node is in the 10th house of occupation in the sign of Sagittarius.

If we were to look at David Bowie’s life in its entirety we could see that by the end of his life he began to work more in the direction of his North Node.

In the first half of his life David Bowie was much more focused on the path of his South Node, which was career and public recognition. Being in the 10th house and in the sign of Sagittarius means that he potentially in a past life was a teacher or did some kind of worldly travel for work revolved around enlightening others or educating people around broader philosophical ideas. He also very well could have been a musician in a past life as well having the South Node in the sign of Sagittarius- a common dominant sign in the charts of musicians. He also could have been some kind of religious leader. He was obviously attracted to that life in his younger years- bringing that karma with him into this life.

But in David Bowie’s later part of his life he developed severe health issues that prevented him from touring the world.On his last world tour, he had to cancel in the middle of it and return home due to unforeseen illness. He then spent the remainder of his life living very privately with his family (4th house.) And no longer was as focused on fame or recognition in the same way as when he was younger. This was his karma to fulfill in this life, and in one way or another, his fate pushed him along into that direction.

With this simplified and generic break down of the North and South Node you can see how it is beneficial to understand your North and South Nodes in your birth chart and the influence of the energy within the personal path of your own life.

I always feel when I am doing a chart, the most important piece to guide the client to is unlocking the key to your Karma through the Lunar Nodes as it is showing you the path you are meant to be leading in this life, and the karma you are meant to be healing.

I hope this article helps you to want to discover your personal karmic life path and help you to see the many layers in which the birth chart can help guide us in our lives.

Suggested reading for beginners on the Lunar Nodes and Karma in the birth chart:

Lunar Nodes: Discover your Soul’s Karmic Mission by Celeste Teal

Astrology, Karma, and Transformation by Steve Arroyo

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Money ‘Scopes

Aries
As your planetary ruler Mars swoops backwards, through August 27th, you may feel like you’re not getting a big enough paycheck, especially on the 6th through the 9th. This motivates you to get creative on how to expand your net worth during the solar eclipse on August 11th. The 19th presents an opportunity to raise your prices, which may leave you waiting on pins and needles for the next several days. August ends with a chance for your clients to see how amazing you are and how much more credit you deserve, by way of money.

Taurus
A fortuitous opportunity presents itself on the 6th, giving you the chance to collaborate on a profitable new project. Be careful to outline the partnership through a contract, which will save you time and money in the end, as the slowdown of Mercury, Mars, and Uranus retrograde can leave you with a reversal of fortune if you do not use the 6th to your full advantage. The 7th will make you feel as though you are giving up too much authority in this alliance, heightened by financial stresses on the 9th, as well as the solar eclipse August 11th, but dig your heels in, as the 19th allows you to reap serious financial benefits.

Gemini
Uncertainty regarding finances may leave you with persistent worries for the first half of the month, as your planetary ruler, Mercury, is causing you to feel more mentally restless than usual. Try to focus your abundant energy on innovative ways to save and maybe even make an extra buck. The Solar eclipse on August 11th brings info to light surrounding raises or money owed to you, whereas the 12th may have you hiding under a rock dodging people you’ve borrowed money from. Relief is on the way on the 19th, lasting the last 12 days of August, allowing you to enter September on solid financial ground.

Cancer
August pushes you to take stock of your personal net worth, giving you the opportunity to reassess your finances during the Solar eclipse on August 11th. Mercury’s moonwalk through the financial sector of your chart, which lasts until August 19th, urges you to decide if luxury items you crave for comfort are truly necessary or if you can wait to make the purchase. Stresses are alleviated on the 12th, as Mars, who is retrograde as well, offers you an opportunity to consolidate debt or save money.

Leo
With Mercury moonwalking and the solar eclipse heating up your already hot sun, August is a month full of change for you, as long as you access your ferocious Lion energy and fight for what’s yours! August 8th causes some ambiguity about your debts. You may have recently taken on too many creative projects, leaving you with fresh debt, which will really bug you on the solar eclipse. You may get upset about your inability to treat yourself to nice treats on your solar return. The 18th allows you to shine amongst your friends and the 19th gives you the vigor to treat yourself again, as you’ve paid some or all of your debts.

Virgo
You’re finally getting that long lost paycheck on August 6th, which you’ve been waiting for since since July 26th when Mercury started to slow down. The retrograde caused delays in receiving mail, and, therefore, money. With some extra cash in your pocket, you may decide to relax this month and take a rest-cation from work, opting to use all those personal days you earned through the year to center yourself, especially during the eclipse on August 11th. Be sure to deposit the check right away and to keep your bank statements up to date, as things may get tricky to manage around the 21st.

Libra
August 6th serves as your time to pamper yourself with luxurious gifts, as your planetary ruler, Venus, links up with your sun. With champagne wishes and caviar dreams, August is a lovely time to shower yourself with gifts, mostly because your personal wealth is being expanded all month. With that in mind, you may decide to give back for all your good fortune this month by donating money to a charity during the solar eclipse on August 11th. Just be sure everything is legit about the organization you choose so you don’t feel scammed!

Scorpio
August proves to be a fruitful time for you financially! Even while your planetary ruler, Mars, moves backwards, you are still on fire, as you know how to manage your money. The solar eclipse on August 11th can offer you a chance to get a raise, which is something you have been eyeing at work for a while now. Show your audience you are the top Scorpion for the job by subtly reminding them of all your hard efforts from the past. This will propel you to monetary bliss by the beginning of September, when you can afford to treat yourself.

Sagittarius
This August, you may be the recipient of some sweet charity from your friends. While you may be too proud to ask for a loan, your friends may offer it or take up a collection to help you on August 6th. You are generous and deserve a helping hand! The eclipse on the 11th gives you a moment to feel grateful for the kindness of others. Just be sure to make an agreement with them about a repayment plan by the 19th, as your friends may grow impatient if you don’t make an agreement by then. Assuring them you will return their generosity will avoid strife on the 27th.

Capricorn
Your personal finances may be a mess until the 12th, as action planet Mars shifts backwards from the financial sector of your chart making you take action and accountability for your spending habits. The solar eclipse and Mercury’s retrograde journey allow you to understand you can ask for help, whether it be financial aid, assistance, a loan, or even guidance on how to invest your money. Don’t be too proud to ask for help and take the advice. It will leave you more clear about how to manage your assets.

Aquarius
You are best served by heading into this month ready to do some hardcore adulting! You may feel like a bit of a shut-in and you will probably get bored in a week, but saving money will prevent issues for you in September. This includes making a monthly budget, coming to truly understand the costs of your expenses, and not going out to party whenever you feel like it unless you can truly afford to. While you may feel financially stressed on the 9th, the solar eclipse on 11th and then the helpful vibe of the 18th bring you time to spend some hard-earned cash on a fun evening out with your friends.

Pisces
It’s high time to get your monetary ducks in a row this month! The 6th brings a little quiet time for you to patiently tally up all your expenditures just in time for the eclipse on the 11th, which will help you understand what you should be spending your hard-earned money on… and where you can save a little for a rainy day. It’s time to take action and forego the fancy lattes this month. If you save now, an investment or return on your savings will make a once in a lifetime dream vacation possible in the coming months. Start saving now and you will be thankful later on.

Monthly Tarot Forecast

The Atmosphere: August brings with it a host of intense cosmic energies that we can all use to fuel the fires of our passions and ambitions. While we are in the midst of multiple retrogrades, Leo season is bound to keep us motivated to achieve our career goals. With the planets turning on their heels, hitting points we recently experienced all over again, we are given a chance to dig in deeper so that to we can aim higher when Mercury and Mars go direct again a few weeks.

The Draw: The cards that represent the energy this month are the Ace of Wands, the 2 of Wands, and the 4 of Swords, with the Fool holding us steady to the promise of bliss at the bottom of the deck. We have low number (below 5) fire cards (wands), which indicate that we will start the month off with lots of energy. The Ace of Wands gives us a surge of inspiration surrounding our career goals, no matter the retrograde vibes! We will probably return with renewed energy to a project we dropped earlier in the summer and work at it with all our might through the first half of the month.

The 2 of Wands signifies the commitment to the idea, with the figure in the card taking the first step towards manifesting his vision. We will prepare to plant the seed of our inspiration in the fertile ground of the outside world. Use this energy well, for the 4 of Swords at the end of the month shows an abrupt slowdown. We may feel that we’ve overexerted ourselves as Mercury moves direct in the 3rd week of August. At this time, we may be prone to burn-out if we don’t slow down when we first start to feel tired, sluggish, or simply uninspired. You will have done enough work where a restorative break won’t put you back! Plan on rewarding yourself with a weekend of quiet self-care towards the end of the month. The Fool at the bottom of the deck (the “end of the book”) reminds us that the work we do with integrity will lead us to our bliss in time.

The Bottomline: Trust that whatever calls to you from the past in the beginning of the month is worth the work to either accomplish or resolve, and know when to take time for yourself to prevent burn-out.