 The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in
season.
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The Full Moon in Capricorn with Sun in Cancer is all about the structures, work and goals you make in regards your life, security and home. At this juncture you have the cosmic energies with you to start moving into the bigger picture of your purpose on Earth and what you are here to achieve from the level of yourself as a Co-creator. The lunar eclipse plays its part by illuminating us from within and bringing clarity to see and be in our higher spiritual designation and work with the Bigger Picture. Embracing the energy of this powerful full moon helps shift a lot of the old patterns and dramas that are no longer appropriate and assists in bringing about a peaceful loving space for everyone. The circle was cast, and the Watchers were evoked to guard and protect each of the quarters. At this circle we connected to the Mother Goddess and the Lord who were to oversee the bringing in of the new light and warmth for another year. At this turning of the year's tide, we commenced our ritual by all joining hands and chanting together whilst walking anti clockwise: "Turn, turn, turn the wheel, round and round it goes. Each person then in turn took a taper from the altar and lit it from the altar candle and went to the cauldron and threw it into the kindling. The Priestess then welcomed in the light with the words: "May all our Power strengthen the new-born Lord". "All hail the Sun God". During meditation we focussed on the redundant aspects of our life, we were taken to a warehouse where our redundant aspects were represented by stacks of boxes. In the centre of the warehouse was a furnace and we were given an opportunity to burn those aspects that were holding us back. In the silence of the between time, at the time of the power of the sun, we connected to our higher guidance for illumination on our journey for the coming months with the hope that each person would gain a new impression and awareness of their divine presence. We all shared our experiences and then plates of biscuits and cups of wine were passed around the circle. We then thanked our Hosts and the Watchers for their presence and guidance, the circle was closed, the residual energy was then grounded back into the earth and forwarded to individuals for healing. More information regarding this circle and past circles can be found in our Book Of Shadows. Our next Full Moon Circle will be held near Engadine on Friday, July 23rd. Please contact us for further details if you would like to attend. Persephone and The Forestby Craig PhoenixWolf
The drive to Yule was spent with my answering their many questions about what would happen and what they would get to do while there. The mood light and expectant, we quickly covered the miles from Goulburn to Mount Keira. (Why is it miles sounds better than kilometres?) We found our way to the camp easily and were very happy to see the scout camp. Already there, some of our friends in the pagan community were busy settling in and unpacking for what promised to be a good weekend with mild weather, good friends and interesting workshops. Once people had gathered the event was opened with a few words from the organisers about the rules and the camp. We were encouraged to enjoy the beauty of the bush around the camp but should we wish to go bush walking we should not go alone and should tell people where we were going. Then we moved into the circle for the opening ritual. Mount Keira has been a place where, long before the Europeans, the native aboriginal tribe of the region, the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi, would come to Mount Keira or Djera as they called the mountain, as part of their own seasonal journey. The opening ritual honored the spirits of the land and the people who had walked the lands before us and asked them to watch over the gathering. We were then led into a spiral dance which saw people trying not to fall over as they tried to keep up with the rest of the group, such was the speed and energy that the event opened with.
Friday night saw people telling stories and catching up with each other. Some had travelled just a short way, others much further to be a part of the Yule celebration. Morning light showed Mount Keira in all it's glory and I believe it is a truly magical place. So do many couples as it is a popular place for weddings and receptions. The climb from the bunk house to the main building was made for mountain goats and the extra fit, the rest of us puffed and panted as we climbed the stairs. The morning activities consisted of workshops including poppet making and crafts, and yours truly gave a talk on the Native American Flute. While I did so events were happening that none of us were aware of but that lead to a change in both the focus and feel of the weekend. While I was presenting and explaining how to play the Native American Flute, my youngest daughter by my side, Jessica was assisting some of the group get fire wood for the fire pit. As a typical teenager, Jessica thinks she knows a lot. She is a girl growing into a woman and had been helping out with chores and getting involved in activities. When the group left the fire pit, Jessica began a different adventure. In the moments before lunch was served Jessica stepped off the path and away from the fire pit and like a television drama, vanished. The bell rang for lunch, a large golden bell on a wooden frame that could be heard tolling across the campsite. As the rest of us began to prepare to eat, I noticed Jessica had not entered the dining hall. I asked Rebecca had she seen her sister. She hadn't. I put my lunch aside and went out and began calling for Jessica. It was unlike her not to come running for a meal. Searching the grounds revealed no sign of her. Soon I was not alone searching for her though at first the feeling was she had just gone off to do something by her self and would show up. Thirty minutes. Sixty. No sign of her and the search parties getting bigger and covering more and more area. Now I know as a parent we do not like to admit our offspring's faults but something told me this was not a game for her. Jessica wanted to be at Yule and was looking forward to the workshops and for her not to respond to people calling for her... Well as a parent it soon became hard not to picture her hurt and unable to respond. Sixty minutes became three hours of searching the grounds not once but several times. Workshops abandoned. The other children led off to do some things to keep them busy and together. I want to thank those who cared for Rebecca while I was becoming more and more stressed. I know Rebecca was getting just as worried about her sister and I think she welcomed the distractions as much as I did.
After some hours of everyone searching, the Warden/caretakers helping to look called in the police. Of course by now I was getting to the point of despair. How could I have lost one of my children? How would I tell their mother? Where was she? Was she okay? Was she hurt? So many fears filling my mind. There was a tension in the camp as everyone held their breath waiting for news. The arrival of the police seemed to bring a new sense of hope. Soon they sent out searchers to check the grounds. Those who had already searched for hours quickly offered their services to the officers of Wollongong's Search and Rescue. Jessica, for her part, we found out later, had wandered through the bush trying to find a way through the thick scrub and found a trail. It seemed every time she went to leave it a lyrebird would appear, flapping it's wings and squawking to turn her back onto the path. The police called in the air patrol and the helicopter flew over head for some time searching the thick tree line for some sign. Sadly the tree cover was too thick to see Jessica picking her way beneath and the noise of the helicopter too loud to hear calls for help. Like the Goddess being woken by the animals, my daughter felt she was being guided and urged on by the animals of Mount Keira. Occasionally she felt despair and would go to give up only to hear a growling sound that would spur her into action again. One of the wardens told me later that there are wild dogs on the mountain but I wonder if it were not the lyrebirds mimicking the growl to keep her moving.
More than once there was reference to Persephone and her journey to the underworld and back. I know for me, the fear and grief I was feeling would have been akin to that of Demeter when Persephone was taken. As a parent I have experienced nothing more scary as the thoughts of what might have been. It was hard to do nothing and know there was nothing you could do. I begged the Gods to return her to me just as Demeter must have begged Zeus to rescue her daughter. Slowly the light faded and the darkness of evening began to close in around the mountain. Still people looked and prayed and those who stood by me rarely left me alone. I know some feared as much for my health as for Jessica's. In the fall of night the State Emergency Service and members of the Wollongong Police prepared to go into the twilight and search when a radio call came in. A girl calling for help in the woods some two kilometres away. A patrol was dispatched to check it out as local residents began searching the woods behind their property for the source of the calls for help. I remember looking expectantly between the trees towards the lights of Wollongong in the distance and praying to the Gods that it was Jessica. My daughter was found between six and six and a half hours after she went missing. She had walked from Mount Keira to the ourskirts of Wollongong. Alone. Scared. Cold. Alive! It was after six in the evening when it was confirmed that my daughter had indeed been found. She was taken to Wollongong Hospital and given a check up. Fortunately, other than exhaustion, a little dehydration and cold, the only injuries were scratches that covered her legs and hands. It was a such a relief to find her sitting in the hospital bed. Hands cut up. I could see in her eyes the journey through the woods had affected her.  Aerial view of Mt Keira Scout Camp and surrounding bushland Those waiting for news from me sighed with relief when they got word Jessica was okay and that we would be coming back to the camp. The camp had been subdued and waiting expectantly for any news. When it came people finally began to relax. At nine thirty we left the hospital and made the dark climb back up the mountain. Jessica and Rebecca sitting in the back in silence. A far cry from the chatter of the journey to Mount Keira from Goulburn. The black road just served to remind me how lucky it was Jessica had been found before nightfall had enveloped the mountain in a curtain of pitch black. The air so cold that my windows were fogging over from our breath. A good result, the Police and SES called it. I call it a miracle. My daughter had been through her own walkabout, her own journey into the underworld and returned safely to tell the tale. I for one was happy to see her smiling the next day and while I could tell she was affected by her experience, she was trying to get back to normal including performing in an act that some of the children had scripted and choreographed themselves. Yule had new meaning for me. The Gods had given me back my eldest daughter. That was all the gift I could ask for. Sunday saw emotions swing wildly as the effects of the stress of the day before really hit home. Some were exhausted. Some still tense. Some worked up and others just relieved. The weekend had changed and it was thanks to my family and friends in the pagan community, the wardens of Mount Keira Scout Camp, the Police and members of the State Emergency Service that my family and I were able to look back on the weekend with gratitude and a new respect for life. The closing ritual of the weekend I think could not have been more perfect. After thanks from the organisers and words from both Jessica and myself we were led in a hug circle. Everyone, well most, hugged each other and as I went around I thanked every one in turn for their love, help and support. Soon it was time to clean up and we all chipped in leaving the camp site clean and tidy. Then it was time for final goodbyes and hugs. One by one people said good bye as they finished packing up. I know I will never forget this Yule. I will never forget those people who helped me. I will never forget those people who put aside their plans to search for my eldest daughter or cared for my youngest. I will never forget and neither will Jessica who, like those of the land before us, experienced her own spiritual journey. One where she had to survive alone and through the journey return a little stronger and wiser for the experience. Thank you all. Events like those that took place at Mount Keira test us and reveal us to others. How we treat each other at a time of crisis, how we come together. They affect us each differently. There are gifts the Gods give us. The gifts of life and love. Joy and community. We come together as pagans in celebration of that. Workshops and rituals are fun but when push comes to shove I would rather spend my weekend with those good friends in celebration of life. Now reading this I know it might seem like some glorious quest. But living it I can tell you it has been the hardest, most painful thing I have ever experienced and the effects of it I am still feeling a week later. So while this article was to have been one about the celebration of Yule it is for me about the celebration of my daughter's return from the underworld. It is also meant as a warning. As a parent, I have a duty to my children. As an adult, I have a duty to the other children and adults around me. When you go to events pay attention to the rules, they are there to protect people. Pay attention to those around you. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves and by being aware of those around you you can play your part in making sure everyone has a good time. I think we sometimes forget what is important in life. What things mean. Yule is meant to be a celebration of life beginning anew. It is a time when the longest night is at hand and the promise of brighter days to come. It is a time for family and friends to gather together in the dark and look longingly to the future. While Yule at Mount Keira saw workshops cancelled and plans changed, it did see a refocusing on the true meaning of Yule, at least for me. The coming together of family and friends to celebrate life and the hope of better days. Images from:
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 Persephone by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882). Oil on canvas, 1874 |
Persephone, daughter of Demeter (the earth goddess), was abducted (at the suggestion of Zeus) and raped by Hades and forced to be his consort. According to the myth, Persephone was picking flowers in a field when Hades, her uncle and god of the underworld abducted her to be his Queen in the dark world below. The goddess, Hecate, strongly associated with the dark side of the moon and with witchcraft, was the only one to witness Persephone's abduction. She hears Persephone's cries but does nothing herself to help and furthermore does not seek help from others.
Persephone is extremely unhappy in the darkness of the underworld. She also misses her mother, Demeter, as they had such a close mother-daughter relationship. Zeus sends Hermes down to Hades to negotiate Persephone's release. Hades grudgingly agrees, however he tricks her into eating pomegranate seeds, which forces her to return to the underworld for a season each year.
Persephone's desire is to return to her mother, she returns from innocense to the mature goddess who now knows separation, sexuality and death. Persephone represents the 'maiden', Demeter the 'mother' and Hecate the 'wise crone'. Persephone who has returned from her underworld journey has seen all; she has faced her shadow and in the process has united birth and death within herself. Persephone belongs to the category of 'vulnerable goddess' through suffering pain and despair in a relationship and through the humiliation of abduction and rape. On a psychological level Persephone challenges our attitudes to those acts that are deemed "unacceptable" or those behaviour patterns which we find difficult to acknowledge and often perceive as dangerous.
Now that I have carried out my duties as requested (commandeered) I think you should ponder on this goddess for a moment and consider how much we have in common, there is always a light side with equal portions for dark. If one is stronger than the other don't we fall over and get into a lot of trouble. Please consider!
In Shamanic terms a Power Animal is a spiritual companion that appears in animal form with its own unique nature and skills to assist you with a particular life experience. According to shamanic understanding, we each have a number of power animals that will come to us at certain times throughout our life. Each Power Animal has certain medicine powers to teach and certain knowledge to share, for each Power Animal has its own methods of overcoming the many challenges we must meet in order to evolve as spiritual beings.
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Great God, Horned One of the forests and wild places, Lord of the Sun, Bringer of warmth and light; You who run with the swift stag, soar with the birds in the sky, and protect all the Mother's children; You who are born of the Goddess, Her lover and Her son, as are all men...
So the next question is what is the message here? Symbolically the stag stands for solitary nobility, honour and a strong commitment to the protection of their herd. They are extremely devoted to the care, and creation, of children. Stags focus on the balance of law and are rigid in their thinking on the issues of justice.
I do know that much like the stag, I take pride in my independence and perhaps the message here is that I need to tap more into that male energy and utilize it to help me deal with some of the challenges and commitment issues I am currently facing especially with the major changes that will be presenting in my life over the next few months.
As the antlers of the stag reach up to the sky, they also remind me not to be afraid to reach for higher levels of spirituality and to trust in my sense of intuition, my perceptions, and my inner thoughts and judgement. These are all characteristics of the deer, lessons that he teaches us, lessons to be gentle, to protect and touch the hearts and minds of the wounded beings that are in our lives. Characteristics that represent ways of reaching goals other than by force. Showing leadership attributes by not pushing people to change, rather gently nudging them in right direction; remembering to balance that need for power and control with recognition of the importance of love, compassion, service and community.
Imbolc is a cross-quarter day midway between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara) and is the celebration of the banishing of winter, the imminent arrival of Spring and the stirring of new life in the earth. Imbolc recognizes the maiden aspect of the triple goddess - the fresh, the young, the naïve, the new - and is strongly connected with the Goddess Brigid. It is associated with and also known as the festivals of Oimelc, Imbolg, Imbolic (Irish), Candlemas (British), Feast of Torches, Lupercalia (Italian/Latin), Brigid's Day, and Brigantia (Scottish).
Here in the southern hemisphere, in 21st century Australia, we are far removed from the climate and rural lifestyles of the people of ancient Europe where this festival, and others that make up the Wheel Of The Year, originated. (See my article in an earlier edition of Axis Mundi for more about the history and origins of Imbolc.)
Due to the 6 month offset of the seasons between the northern and southern hemispheres many Australian Pagans prefer to celebrate Imbolc when it is seasonally appropriate here, on August 1st or 2nd, instead of on the traditional northern hemisphere date of February 2nd. Although the majority of modern day Aussie Pagans live in cities or the suburbs we can still look to our backyard gardens, public suburban parks or the National Parks and bushland reserves scattered all around us to see evidence of the cycle of the seasons relevant to this time of year.
Colours commonly associated with Imbolc are white, lavender, green, blue and gold. At lmbolc, the Australian forests are bright with the colour yellow, with many species of Acacia trees coming into full flower. Until fairly recently, the 1st of August was "Wattle Day" in Australia (it has since been moved to the 1st of September). In some climates, like southern Australia and New Zealand, snow and frosts prevail throughout winter, and white snowdrops and crocuses are among the first delicate harbingers of spring. Other flowers associated with this festival are the violet and lavender. In Australia the native violet and other mauve or purple flowers, such as the Black-eyed Susan, which are in bloom around this time of year, can be thought of as the flowers of Imbolc.
My personal "Imbolc flower", although not native, is Lavender, simply because I planted an abundance of Lavender plants in my garden some years ago and they all thrived and continued to flower profusely. Each Imbolc I have decorated my altar with bunches of Lavender from my garden.
In general, Imbolc is a time for planting seeds and to recognize one's duty to nurture inner seeds of growth as well as the physical seeds of the earth; to consider personal goals and dreams, and to embrace inspiration. It is common to bless and burn candles of inspiration at Imbolc rituals. You can approach situations and people with open eyes and open heart, and coupled with planning, this fresh approach to life can inspire your every moment to be happier and more energetic.
by Janine Donnellan
Tetratheca is a genus of around 50 to 60 species of shrubs endemic to Australia. The Black-eyed Susan is so named because of the deep purple coloured centre of the flower of this otherwise difficult to observe small shrub. Flowering from July to November, this species is frequently observed within suitable habitat areas comprising of woodlands, heaths and forests. Flowers face downwards and usually have 4 petals which range from white to pink to dark purple in colour.
Black-eyed Susan is a releasing remedy; it helps to bring painful memories to light allowing inner healing to begin. This essence is also for people who are always rushing around, constantly living in the "fast lane" of life. They usually have many projects that they are constantly juggling which can create a lot of stress in their bodies, and lead to all kinds of stress-related symptoms such as headaches, indigestion and muscle tension, or in the extreme case, a nervous breakdown.
Black-eyed Susan flower essence is a powerful catalyst for confronting parts of the personality or traumatic episodes form the past that have been hidden in the dark recesses of the psyche. What is needed in these circumstances is an increase of awareness; the ability to shine the light of consciousness into the shadows of the psyche.
Black-eyed Susan has a calming and balancing effect, being the perfect essence to slow you down to become more centered within yourself. In this more calm and relaxed state this essence enables you to be more connected with your intuitive self as well as being able to listen to and connect with others. You will be capable of delegating tasks to others as you feel less pressured and able to allow things to go at their own pace of completion.
I take each step slowly and consciously
I achieve all tasks calmly and patiently
I am patient and tolerant of others
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Botanical: Angelica archangelica Planetary associations: Sun Zodiac associations: Leo Element: Fire Gender: Masculine Tarot: Strength Magickal classifications: Countermagick Herbe, Herbe of Consecration, Herbe of Immortality, Herbe of Protection, Herbe of Purification and Visionary Herbe Invocatory: Atlantis, Archangel Michael, Sophia Part Used: Stalks, leaves, roots & seeds Synonyms: Archangel, Masterwort |
Grieve describes the remnants of an earlier pagan custom of Eastern Europe, in which, people from Couriand, Livonia and the low lakelands of Pomerania and East Prussia, carry the flowering stalks of angelica into the village while "chanting some ancient ditty in Lettish, so antiquated as to be unintelligible even to the singers themselves."
As seen by its name, angelica has been associated with the Archangel Michael. It comes into bloom in the northern hemisphere near his feast day and has been connected to the Christian observance of the Annunciation.
Angelica is known for its protection against evil spells. Mrs Grieve says it has been called "The Root of the Holy Ghost."
This majestic herbe is thought by some to have been grown in the gardens of the mythical Atlantis.
In The Master Book of Herbalism, it is considered that angelica is "one of the most valuable Herbes of Protection." The magickal property of angelica works in two ways. One is through establishing protection, creating a barrier against energy, which would be destructive or harmful. The other property is through filling the person with an abundance of good, radiant energy. Angelica has a pleasing flavour and may be used internally. It is also an excellent bathing herbe. The attributes of this relative of celery enhance the aura, aid in maintaining a joyful outlook on life, and assist in allowing the internal psychic self to be open and functional. Angelica may be used in ritual baths, self-blessings and in rituals of purification.
For the devotees of Atlantean myth, angelica may be integrated into mediations to help you have a sense of Atlantis, its lore and knowledge. Plato was the first to write of this legend and whether or not Atlantis ever existed in reality remains debated even today. The legends, however, have been believed by countless peoples over many centuries and there is great power within the myth. Angelica may be used to intuit other realities and the ancient civilizations of other times.
The belief in the protective and benevolent guardianship of angelic beings is a strong force in many religions. For these people, angelica is an essential herbe. For anyone desirous of better reaching their inner light, of finding inspiration and tapping into their Highest Ideals, angelica will help you embrace and embody you own spiritual essence.
Sprinkle crushed leaves around the 4 corners of a house to ward off negativity and purify the home, burn for meditation, protection, divination, exorcism, healing/health and visions. Some American Indian tribes carried a talisman of this root for luck in gambling. The leaves can be smoked in herbal "tobacco" formulas. (Oil) Use for anointing.
As a bringer of light, angelica may be used at Candlemas/Imbolc, the Feast of the Waxing Light, as the days grow brighter and our hope is rekindled.
Angelica root is widely thought to be a powerful Guardian and Healer, and to provide Strength to Women. It is used by many people for the purpose of warding off evil and bringing good luck in health and family matters.
Colour: Emerald to grass-green with black or sometimes pale-green stripes The colour agent is copper.
The name is probably derived from the green colour (Greek-malache = mallow), perhaps from its low hardness (Greek-malakos = soft).
Appearance: Crystal System: Monoclinic. Formed from parallelograms, monoclinic crystals are useful for purification and perception.Translucent, opaque.
Properties: Malachite helps the wearer to remember and renew the connection to the All. It refreshes the outlook and allows us to touch our core self without the fear that generally holds us back. It allows us to touch our child within and to be reborn into the light. It is soothing to the soul, and releases stress to help create new beginnings.
Malachite is a stone of balance and transformation. Its balancing nature enables us to understand and see clearly parts of ourselves that require transformation. It aids us in removing blockages and inspiring us to manifest our ideas into goals, by finding harmony between the desires of ego and of our higher Will. It assists in breaking through unwanted ties and outworn patterns of behaviour.
Malachite has been called the "mirror of the soul". It is variable in its condition. It reaches the inner feelings of the person and reflects what is there, negative or positive.
Malachite is great for increasing one's concentration skills making it an ideal stone to use in meditation bring forth an understanding of oneself and others. Good stone for those studying.
Malachite is believed to be a strong protector of children. Hang in child's room to absorb negative energies and carry to protect them against others who may wish them harm.
Malachite has been used to aid success in business and protect against undesirable business associations. Place malachite where cash is kept or display respectfully at or near desk.
Malachite is also good for enhancing emotional stability and balance in general. In relationships it can facilitate a calming of emotions, particularly when an uncomfortable emotion is being expressed in a painful or inappropriate way. Using this stone, one can counteract self-destructive romantic tendencies and help encourage true, pure love.
Malachite is worn to detect impending danger. It protects the wearer against negativity and physical danger. Hang a piece in your car to protect from injury and accidents. Legend tells us that this stone breaks into pieces to warn it's wearer of the forthcoming danger.
Malachite is very good for aura cleansing it absorbs negative energy for the auric field cleansing it thus balancing the wearer and protecting them from the effects negative energies.
Aventurine with Malachite clears mental blocks. This combination opens the intuition and attunes to divine inspiration.
Malachite combined with Azurite aids visualization and psychic vision. Malachite helps get rid of nightmares. Keep a piece of malachite in your bedroom or place under pillow.
Malachite is a stone that will loose lustre if used frequently for healing. Place on cluster or quartz or amethyst to cleanse and recharge. In jewellery, malachite should be encased due to its sensitiveness. To restore lustre it will need to be cut and polished again. Do not use water or salt to cleanse. Malachite is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia and hot waters.
Malachite has a long history with the Egyptian cultures. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead it is said that the goddess of the sky "drops stars on the earth in the shape of green stones." Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used malachite for jewellery and ground it to use as eye shadow. It is used in amulets to protect against the evil eye. In the Middle Ages it was used to protect children from witches and other dangers. In Egypt pharaohs headdress were often lined with malachite, thus enabling the wearer to reach higher vibrations and be open to wiser council. Egyptians left behind prescriptions that include Malachite, Chrysocolla, Jasper, Hematite, and Chalcedony. Malachite and Chrysocolla were ground up and sprinkled on wounds. Modern science has proved that they are an effective bacteriocide, killing staphylococcus infections.
Malachite is often referred to as the Peacock Stone, as it was considered sacred to the goddess Juno, whose sacred bird was the peacock; as well, the eye like pattern within the stone resembles the eye like pattern on peacock feathers.
There is an ancient Russian legend that says anyone who drinks from a goblet made of malachite will have the power to understand the language of the animals bestowed upon him.
WARNING: Malachite is toxic if inhaled or handled in unpolished form. Only use a polished piece of malachite. If preparing an elixir use the indirect method; place friable or toxic stones in a small jar and then in the glass bowl and let stand for the time required. Do not allow the crystal to touch the water.
On a Physical Level:
Deities:
Hathor - Egyptian Goddess of Fertility and Joy, Cunning and Beauty.
Protector of women. The Mirror of Hathor is an important magic tool.
Passion: Beauty and Security
Isis - Egyptian Goddess of Magic and Giver of Life.
The collective form of the Egyptian Triple Goddesses.
Mother Goddess and bringer of life
Passion: Life and Procreation
Persephone - Greek Goddess of Spring and Healing Goddess of the Underworld
Her return to the earth signifies the beginning of spring.
In her underworld role she advocates for the souls of the dead.
Passion: Rebirth
Juno - the Roman Great Goddess, the Queen of the Gods, Sky-Goddess
Juno was sister and consort of Jupiter, mother of Mars, and one of the most important of the Roman goddesses. She had many duties, each with an associated title, but for most she was a protector of the Roman people and especially women, being the goddess of marriage, fertility and all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.
Nut - Egyptian Goddess of the Sky and the Heavens.
Nut was also a goddess of the dead, and the Pharaoh was said to enter her body after death, from which he would later be resurrected.
Green stones are associated with the planet Venus.
Venus was a Roman goddess principally associated with love, beauty and fertility, who played a key role in many Roman religious festivals and myths.
Magical Use: Use green in spells for love, fidelity and commitment, to bring beauty into your life, for the acquisition of beautiful possessions; for harmony, for horticulture and the environment, also for healing people through natural methods such as herbs and crystals and for healing the planet, especially the land and forests.
This stone has long been used is magical rights, used to lend extra energy and power. Wear it, hold it or place it on your alter to increase your ability to send power towards your magical goal.
Though the stone is a tranquil green-blue it is often used in protective magic, particularly if that which involves children. Love spell - Set it on a piece of copper etched with the symbol of the planet Venus, a circle with an equal-armed cross below it. Behind the stone, place a green candle and let this burn for 15 minutes a day while you visualize yourself in a loving relationship.
It is very useful for use in any finance or prosperity rituals and for increased business success. Great amulet stone for this purpose also perfect to put in Mojo bags.
It is a very powerful crystal for protective magic of any sort but especially if travelling by air or freeway.
Display a gemstone near the doors of your house or bury a gemstone just outside the doors to keep spiders and snakes out of the house.
Use with copper to increase the power of malachite.
Friday is the day of green.
Chakra: Malachite is one of the few stones that can be used to clear and activate all Chakras. Third Eye chakra, it activates visualisation and psychic vision. Heart chakra, it brings balance and harmony, opening the heart to unconditional love.
Element: Earth
Planet: Jupiter, Venus, Uranus
Zodiac: Pisces, Scorpio, Sagittarius (Ancient), Aries and Aquarius
Birthstones: September
Numerical Vibration: 9
Depending on source associations do differ.
... plus much, much more!
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Empower Manifest Believe Renew Adorn Cherish Enrich |
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Running the gauntlet is an ancient form of physical punishment wherein a man is compelled to run between two rows - a gauntlet of soldiers who strike him as he passes. Well the recent lunar and solar eclipses has had me feeling like I have been running such a gauntlet. The solar eclipse in Cancer in particular may have seemed rather uneventful to some, but the neglected aspects of my life have been literally shaken loose and major issues have now been rising to the surface to be dealt with.
Welcome to this month's column. Eclipses are always an interesting time from an Astrological perspective, and this last set is no exception. What made it even more interesting this go around is when the lunar eclipse aligned.
When this last partial lunar eclipse occurred, on 26th June AEST at around 9:30PM, the Sun was 4 degrees Cancer with the Moon in its exact opposite position in Capricorn. At the same time, a T square formed with Uranus in 0 degrees Aries, opposing Saturn in 28 degrees Virgo. Pluto completes the T in 4 degrees of Capricorn. This is called an Ingress T square because two of the three planets have moved into a Cardinal sign. Add the Sun and Moon conjunct Pluto and we have a very powerful and explosive Grand Cross.
Everyone will be affected in some way by this alignment of planets, although it will be even more so for people who are born in the Ingress signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn as there are hard aspects in the way of squares and oppositions that manifests in their horoscopes.
Yule is a time when the season turns and the winter is at it's peak. It is when we look to the return of the Sun and the warmth while still in the grip of the chill of winter. Yule is when the virgin Goddess is awoken and the God is reborn. Yule is a time of transformation when the long nights of winter start to give way to longer days. The reawakening of the earth brings hope and promise of ongoing life and the coming warmth as the God grows ever stronger. Yule is also a time when, legend tells us, Persephone is in the Underworld as the Queen of the Underworld and her absence from the earth brings us winter. The earth, like Demeter, grieves until Persephone returns to the earth once more.
This year 
Mount Keira is also known for the lyrebirds which have made their home there. The lyrebird is well known for its mimicry and has been known to imitate a wide variety of sounds and other animals. One account of the lyrebirds of Mount Keira reported them imitating dogs and other animals. On Mount Keira there is a national reserve for the lyrebird and they could be seen and heard about the camp. It is interesting to note the lyrebird is the mythological story teller.
We were trying everything. Those who could physically search did. Those who were more adept with sensing searched that way as well. One young man, who had a close connection to the land and the region and I tried to find her and while he sensed she was okay and that there were lyrebirds around her, he could pin point where she was. I just felt she was down hill of where we were.
Around the mountain there are also wild deer and on two occasions, Jessica told us later, a group would run by. The trail she had found most likely was a game trail and not a bush walker's path as Jessica had thought. Instead of leading her back to the camp the game trail led her deeper into the Australian Bush.
I was going to write a completely different story for this edition of Axis Mundi but was told by a higher spirit to do Persephone. After some confusion with the name and looking in the wrong direction I finally came up with the correct information, sometimes with spirit as in most other things, you have to disregard the forest to find the trees or the leaves.
