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Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a festival that marks the start of the harvest season as well as the halfway point between Litha, the Summer Solstice and Mabon, the Fall Equinox. This festival of light and gratitude, celebrated on the 1st of August, is the first of 3 autumn harvest festivals followed by Mabon (Sept. 21) and Samhain (Oct 31). Three gatherings of harvesting, of introspection, transition and transformation....all deeply tied into thanksgiving and gratitude...encouraging us to to take stock of our personal development, acknowledge what has been accomplished and identify areas where either growth is needed or releasing what no longer serves us. 

At Lammas the Goddess is in Her aspect as Grain Mother, Harvest Mother, Harvest Queen, Earth Mother, Ceres and Demeter. Earlier civilizations used  the day to thank the waning Sun for the wealth of the wheat harvest and bestow gratitude to the earth mother for the provided sustenance. And best of all, the translation of this holiday’s name literally means “Loafmass or "loaf feast.” Like a holiday about bread!!  As we move through harvest, the turning of the wheel will bring both inner and outer gifts and insights to you. May the rest of your summer shimmer with bountiful delights.

With love & magick, Debbi

Rituals, Symbols & Things to Do

• · Gods & Goddesses: Lugh, Ceres, Demeter, Dionysus, Cerridwen.
• · Flowers & Herbs: fennel, sunflower, basil, honeysuckle, rosemary,
• Food: grains, bread, berries, grapes, wine.
• Crystals: carnelian, citrine, tiger’s eye, amber
• ·Create a Lammas Altar-objects, crystals, seasonal plants
• Bake a fresh loaf of bread
• Have a seasonal feast with family and friends

Create an Herb Pouch for Abundance

Gather the following:

• A green candle
• tbsp each of dried basil and dried peppermint
• Cinnamon stick
• Peridot stone
• 1 green pouch with string to tie it up

Light your candle while centering yourself. Now add each dried herb , the stone and cinnamon stick. Peppermint brings abundance and prosperity, while Basil brings abundance and success. Cinnamon...strength and lastly Peridot...earth energy & wealth. Now tie up your pouch, hold it to your heart center, close your eyes and say: ‘Abundance and prosperity I wish to see...energy of the earth brings these gifts onto me. Close the ritual by acknowledging the Harvest Goddess  as you allow your candle to burn down. 

Craft your Lammas Altar

Crafting an altar is a wonderful way to honor the essence of  Lammas/  Lughnasadh. Decorate it with symbols of  harvest such as grains, flowers or corn. Include items that represent abundance and gratitude, such as a white candle nestled in a bowl of rose hips to thank the ancestors. On mine? I plan to add a statue of the Mother Goddess made from straw...a gift from a beloved student.  Add a few shimmering tealight candles to evoke the vibrant energy of the season. 

Hello Beautiful Moonbeams!!!

Last month's full moon in Capricorn (closely following the summer solstice) marked a powerful astrological event that offered the opportunity for spiritual growth, transformation, and manifestation. And now, on July 21st, we welcome a rare Blue Moon in Capricorn. This phenomenon occurs when two consecutive lunar climaxes happen during Cancer season. 

 Full Moons are like bookends: Whatever began or was seeded during the first, will be revised or developed upon the 2nd one. With both in this determined & grounded earth sign, a light is shining on our long-term goals, professional life, and the necessary steps to achieve our ambitions. Having two consecutive full moons in the same sign is a truly exceptional occurrence that should be embraced and utilized to its fullest potential.   

Capricorn is represented by a figure that is part goat and part fish. The sea goat can climb the highest mountain as well as swim in the deepest seas. This duality serves them…the goat symbolizing the determination to steadily climb the path to achieve their goals while the fish has no problem diving into the emotional waters of inner wisdom seeking the guidance needed to light that path, ushering us to evolve in many ways. it is important to use this time to shine a light on your life and ask yourself what’s important and what’s not working anymore. The Sun in Cancer highlights our roots, home, and family, while the Moon in Capricorn stresses career, status, and community. In order to find the balance between both worlds, perhaps we have to be restrictive, bring something to an end, or face cold hard reality. It’s kind of like cleaning out your closet, saying goodbye to what doesn’t fit or feel good anymore. The Cancer Season Full Moons in Capricorn are all about recognizing that those hard choices can actually contribute to the life we want.

Tonight as you bathe in the energies of LaLuna, take time to connect with your Muladhara/Root Chakra and feel the ground beneath your feet. Spend time in a garden, or any enchanted and magickal place where you feel connected to Mother Earth. As you are held in the arms of the Mother energies of Cancer & Capricorn, you will be  reminded to be loving with yourself, to approach your responsibilities with devotion and to bring love to your work and all you must do…

Make this a Full Moon to dream about!

Hello Beautiful Souls….

The New Moon arrives on July 5th in its home, Cancer, making this lunation all the more pivotal and empowering. The time is ripe for inward reflection…tapping into the divine feminine waters of a Cancer Moon. You will find yourself drawn into the depths of your emotions…celestially guided by this water sign's intuitive and nurturing energy. The emotional “waves” remind us to reflect on our roots, strengthen bonds with loved ones and how we want to feel with our families and in our homes. It's not just about our personal abode but also about our interconnected home, the Earth.

In a world undergoing constant transformation, the influence of the Cancer moon invites us to establish our own sanctuary amidst the chaos. By delving into the depths of feminine waters, we are urged to cultivate spiritual practices, embrace compassion, and dismantle outdated systems. We are presented with a choice - to approach this journey with love and purpose or succumb to the turmoil of chaos. Cancer teaches us that love is not a weakness, but a formidable force that empowers us. When we feel secure and loved, we gain the resilience to confront life's trials with bravery. By focusing our thoughts, actions, and energies on manifesting the harmonious "home" we envision, we have the potential to co-create a serene and beautiful world for all.

Cancer is deeply connected to emotional security, nostalgia, and the concept of home. However, the shadow side of this attachment may manifest as a reluctance to step out of your comfort zone to pursue your dreams and ambitions. Just like a crab carries its home on its back, you may find yourself stuck in familiar territory. The conflicting emotions within you - love and rage, compassion and jealousy, safety and longing - can intensify your experiences.

It's essential to acknowledge this tendency and be open to change. Challenge yourself to break free from stagnant patterns in your life. Embrace the feminine energy within you to navigate your emotions and forge new connections. Observe your emotions carefully; they have something to communicate to you. Slow down and listen to your inner voice. Your emotional energy will guide you into the next phase of your life.

“Every time I slip into the ocean, it's like going home."

~Sylvia Earle

If possible, plan to spend some time by the sea. Listen to your heart. What is it telling you? Just listen. What dream seeds are you nourishing at this time? Just listen.

What reminds you of home? What makes you feel safe? The ocean will carry your wishes deep into the waters of the sea goddess.

Happy New Moon, Lovelies

Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. One of the most iconic locations associated with the Summer Solstice is Stonehenge, the ancient stone druid circle in England. At sunrise on this day, the light passes through a stone corridor to illuminate an altar stone, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Our neighbors to the south are experiencing Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. While Yule honors the birth/return of the Sun, After Litha, we enter the waning season where the days begin to grow shorter, and we start to say goodbye to the light half of the year. It is one of 8 Wiccan sabbats that mark the Wheel of the Year, ever turning.

 Litha is most celebrated as a sun/fire festival. Fire is a powerful element: even the action of lighting a single candle is a powerful act. There is a lot of power and energy in the Summer Solstice. Use it intentionally to burn away what no longer serves you (gosh, haven’t we done that already?!?), or to light and nurture what change you want in your life. Remember, always balance a release with an intention for positive change.

The sun is at its peak now, symbolizing the perfect balance between light and dark, both in the external world and within us. The term Solstice itself means Sun Stands Still, capturing the essence of this moment when the sun appears to pause in the sky. The magick of Summer Solstice is taking the time to tune into your dreams and sow those soul seeds. A time to celebrate nature's bounty and abundance, as we surround ourselves with the colors and fragrance of blossoming roses, wildflowers, lavender, honeysuckle, and jasmine. So, as you bask in the warmth of the sun and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of the season, take a moment to ponder the weeds you wish to remove from your life and the blossoms you are eager to see flourish.

Ways You Can Honor Litha

• We are always talking about Moon Magick…but in honor of Summer why not try some Summer Magick? Simply using the sun’s energies & heat to activate energy & clean crystals also. Sun Magick is great for work that includes growth, enlightenment, and power.
• Pull tarot or oracle cards – some believe this is the most powerful day of the year for magickal work
• Herbs are at their peak now, both magically & therapeutically. So, gather them up, cut that St. John’s Wort, mint, lavender, and sage and let the light, love & plant world fill you on this magical day
• Call on Goddesses of love such as Aphrodite, Yemaya or Oshun and perform a love ritual
• Time to light the fire! If you cannot safely have a fire outside that night, have some candles ready with tall jars so they do not blow out. A few floating candles would be best, tea lights work great for that.
• Leave an offering for the faeries- Litha is said to be one of the two times of year when the “Veil Between Worlds” is the thinnest (the other being Samhain.) Honey is a favorite treat!
• Decorate your altar or sacred space with summer flowers
• Keep a jar outside overnight to collect midsummer dew or rain and keep it in your witch’s cabinet.

So, whether you are welcoming Summer in the North or Winter in the South, remember, we are One Planet, One Human Family, One Living & Breathing Being.

So, until next time wishing you a beautiful and inspired Solstice! Shine Brightly!

With infinite love, ~Debbi

Hello Magical Beings!!!

By the light of the moon, magick is made 

The Strawberry Full Moon in Capricorn reaches its peak on June 21 at exactly 9:08 p.m. ET, just one day after Summer Solstice. In lore, a Strawberry Full Moon is also said to bring prosperity. In many traditions this moon is also known as the Faerie Moon, ripe with magic as the ability for communication with the faerie world is strong. A needed lightness as we will be embracing a sobering desire to push us to make some important decisions in our lives. 

There’s an undeniable magick that radiates throughout the night sky when the moon is at its brightest. The vibes of this moon offer us the opportunity to truly evoke change. Ruled by Saturn and attuned to the earth element, this moon emphasizes the importance of security and inner strength. It is a time to reflect on what inspires us and move towards it with a clear mind, not letting anything else cloud our judgment. The essence of structure, discipline and accountability, which are all attributes of Capricorn, emphasize our root chakra and the Law of Attraction principle that "the roots create the fruits". 

As we approach the Capricorn Full Moon, it's crucial to recognize its significance as one of two occurring in the same astrological season this year. The next one is slated for July 21, marking a period where the developments initiated during the first full moon will either conclude or reach their peak. Amidst the emotional tides of Cancer season, it's essential to maintain a sense of intelligence, focus, and determination.

Symbolized by the sea-goat, Capricorns possess a unique ability to traverse both the material and emotional realms effortlessly. They have a knack for delving into their emotions, crafting practical plans, and swiftly executing them. This Full Moon urges us to tap into this Capricorn magick, allowing us to navigate our own emotional depths and emerge with concrete strategies to achieve our goals. It's a time to embrace the transformative power of the sea-goat and let that old Capricorn magick unfold!

 MOON MAGIC: 

June's Rose moon, strawberry moon, and mead moon is a time for protection, making decisions, personal strength, love, and fertility. Charge a bowl of strawberries under the light of the full moon and consume them the following day to possess the power of the moon inside you.

“Light a few pink & white candles…make a circle of flowers and strawberries…sit or stand in the circle visualizing them protecting you…know that you are safe and relaxed… breathing deeply, close your eyes and feel the power of the moon pouring into your circle into you.”

We have a NEW MOON in GEMINI rising on June 6^th (8:38am EST/5:38am PST), right before the SOLSTICE on the 21st, heralding a new cycle of expression and communication serving as a bridge for our Soul to move more freely into this world. The solstice is all about taking those visions and messages we receive from the divine and taking concrete action to manifest them into reality. Gemini’s ruling planet is Mercury, the Master of Communication. You will feel the urge to flutter those butterfly wings and communicate and socialize…follow your whims—wherever they may lead. This can be a promising time for sharing knowledge, writing, speaking, and manifesting some brilliant ideas. Just remember, it doesn’t matter how brilliant your ideas are if they never see the light of day. The new moon is the chance to start fresh.

Dive into the enchanting energies of the New Moon intertwined with Venus, the planet of love and relationships, a magickal blend that can boost our feelings of romance and creativity. Love is the focal point!!! This celestial alignment presents a perfect opportunity to gain clarity and insights into your relationships, whether seeking guidance, contemplating decisions, or manifesting new love. 

Regardless of what comes your way today, take advantage of this New Moon to honor and cherish the love that surrounds you. For those seeking love, now is an opportune moment to establish clear intentions regarding the type of partner you desire to manifest. Ensure that your desires and actions are in harmony to attract what you seek. 

Embrace the transformative energy of the New Moon in Gemini by aligning your intentions with your actions to manifest love effortlessly. Allow the airy vibes of this lunar phase to guide you in opening your mind to your heart's desires, surrendering to the power of emotions, and paving the way for a journey of love, knowledge, and fulfillment. 

At times, our desires may not align with our actions. So, in this very airy Gemini moon, open your mind to your heart and feelings. Surrender your mind into your heart, bringing out your truths and setting those intentions.

The energy of this crescent light embodies new beginnings, rebirth, and renewal. I tend to consider that the 24 hours before and the 24 hours following the lumination are most potent for any ritual, so roughly, the moon phase lasts about 3 days. With that in mind lets prepare for a newMOONness ritual, my goddesses.

 Gemini New Moon Ritual 

• Write your list: short- & long-term goals; what matters to you; what makes you happy; what changes are needed to feed your soul? How have you abandoned your inner goddess?

Set up your space; gather herbs, spices, crystals, and elixirs that speak to you, and arrange them on your altar. You will need a cauldron or non-flammable bowl and a candle, preferably gold. (June crystal, herb & oil suggestions-yellow stones yellow topaz, citrine, calcite), rainbow moonstone, quartz; wild thyme, lavender, lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, lemongrass & jasmine) 

When you are ready, light your candle & read the list you have written. Read it aloud (be courageous) & then burn that heavy load you have probably been carrying!!!! 

Let your candle burn out as you move your body, breathe, massage yourself, drink water and just pamper yourself. “Let go…release…cry…breathe”!

Blessed New Moon Love!!!!

Hello Beautiful Souls,
I hope you are doing well. My favorite Full Moon of the year peaks on May 23rd at 9:53 am. Every full moon has its own name based on the month or the season in which it appears. May's Flower Moon is a special one, coinciding with the vibrant burst of colors as flowers bloom everywhere. This Full Moon symbolizes blossoming into your best self and reaching your highest potential. It is a powerful time for setting hopeful intentions, embracing magick, finding happiness, fostering fertility, and seeking healing.

"All healing is reinterpreting what you believe has happened to you."
Now is the time to embrace change and bring those goals and dreams to life as the moon is in the sign of the Archer, Sagittarius. Being one of the three astrological fire signs, along with Aries and Leo, Sagittarius brings a spontaneous, adventurous, and passionate influence, coupled with independence and honesty. It's the perfect time to reflect on your life with the honest eyes of Sagittarius and ask yourself the hard questions about your goals and the changes needed to manifest your intentions. 

Are you surrounded by people you love? Are you in a place where you feel at home? Are you inspired by your career? If you answered no to any of these questions, then maybe it’s time to revamp your life one step at a time.
This is an extremely important Lunation. With Sagittarius reigning over the ninth house, a thirst for knowledge and spiritual growth lies ahead.  You may find yourself drawn to sign up for a class, learn a new language or embark on a solo trip and discover more about yourself and this amazing world.

Big love and moon day blessings ~Debbi

Meanings & Intentions of the Moon Phases:
New Moon - new beginnings, setting intentions
Waxing Crescent – nurturing new projects, reflection
1st Quarter Moon - begin taking action, overcoming challenges
Waxing Gibbous - respond to life's reaction and finetuning strategies
Full Moon – peak energies, releasing
Waning Gibbous - embrace gratitude, let go of negative patterns & emotions
3rd Quarter Moon - cleanse and release…review your progress
Waning Crescent – surrender, self-reflection & rest
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

With Beltane Energies still influencing our hearts, it’s the perfect time for a Taurus New Moon arriving on Tuesday, May 7 (11:22 pm ET/8:22 pm PT). Marking the phases of the moon and the wheel of life deepens the meaning and sacredness we experience in our days. There is magick in a new moon… an opportune time to plant the seeds of our desires and watch them take root and flourish. Under the influence of this Taurus moon our intentions are imbued with determination, opening the door for increased creativity, prosperity, grounding, and a deepening sense of self-worth.

May is such a lusty month, holding a lot of sexy promise…flowers blooming, the warmth of the sun, fertility…and just to cement all that…Taurus is ruled by the sensual lover Venus which is now right at home in its home sign. In Vedic astrology, the new moon is in the area of the sky known as Bharani nakshatra. Symbolized by the womb of creation and female sexual energy, this further emphasizes the importance of embracing your femininity.  Mmm-hmm. There will be no holding back. Now is the time for all those self-care rituals you have been putting off. You know the ones…massages with scented oils, aromatic baths and any beauty treatments that include rose. Historically a symbol of female sexuality, this mind-blowing flower has been used in magickal rituals to honor Venus and is said to soften even the hardest of hearts. 

After the chaotic Aries moon, the new moon in Taurus presents an opportunity for soul growth and self-love. Take this time to reflect on what brings you happiness and fulfillment and deepens your connection to your own sexuality. Life is magickal and learning to love and approve of yourself unconditionally is a lifelong, spiraling journey of utmost importance. As witches know, the new moon is an excellent time to shine! So go ahead my loves, you have no idea how brightly you glow!

Greetings,
Things are about to get intense, because the Full Moon is here to shine a light on our deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Also known as the annual Pink Moon, this one takes place on April 23rd (7:49pm EST/4:49PM PST), in the intensely emotional, watery sign of Scorpio. 

There is something about the transformative power of a full moon, but this is a Scorpio Moon and there is nothing stronger than Scorpio energy. Deep inner transformation, spiritual energy, sexuality and our own solar plexus power are all brought to the forefront by the power of the feminine energies of the moon. With Beltane right around the corner, we Goddess worshipers and spiritual badasses will find ourselves at the sexiest part of the Pagan calendar.
The cosmos is alive with extra magick during this Scorpio Full Moon. Scorpio, the sign of “death” and rebirth, challenges us to face our shadow sides and repressed emotions. While the process may be difficult, painful, and chaotic, the rebirth is always beautiful. Just as the lotus flower emerges from muddy waters, we too can rise above our shadows during this celestial event. This Full Moon invites us to dive in and illuminate the shadows within ourselves, offering gifts of deeper wisdom, heightened intuition, and renewal. To enhance the energy of this Full Moon, consider incorporating red wine, black candles, orange flowers, and dark crystals into your altar. And remember to do your ritual work at night when the Moon is at its brightest. Trust in the magick of life and allow yourself to be reborn anew.

Crystals: Amethyst, Smokey quartz, Sodalite, Obsidian 
Herbs: Belladonna, Basil, Sage, Catnip
Colors: Maroon, Red, Black 
Goddesses: Lilith, Hecate or Kali

Crafting a Lunar Infusion
Just as the sun's warmth can infuse tea with its energy, the moon possesses its own unique power to create a lunar infusion. By crafting some delicious moon tea, we can harness the sacred feminine energy that permeates the cosmos during this celestial phase. Imagine the alchemical process of making sun tea, but with the moon as your guide.  As you sip from the cup, you will be reminded of the inherent power of the moon, the nurturing energy of the Divine Feminine, and the potential that resides within. Flowers and aerial parts of plants are particularly suited for lunar infusions, while night-blooming blossoms like jasmine and herbs from the Artemisia genus tend to yield exceptional results. Personally, I will be brewing a delightful blend of rose petals, hawthorn leaf, hibiscus, linden, dried pomegranate seeds and dried raspberries but the possibilities are endless. Explore new combinations with each full moon, perhaps experimenting with all-red herbs, golden herbs, or sticking to a refreshing blend of mint. Embrace the whimsy and creativity that the full moon inspires—after all, it is a time of magick and wonder.

Get ready for a powerful cosmic event as a Total Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Aries is set to grace the skies on April 8th at 2:21 PM EST/ 11:21 AM PST, impacting a large part of Northern America- the first of its kind since August 2017! Solar eclipses are renowned for their potency, serving as powerful catalysts for change. What sets this eclipse apart is its occurrence in Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac, following closely on the heels of the Spring Equinox. This alignment hints at profound karmic shifts in the year ahead, symbolizing the perfect union of the sun and moon and offering the potential for breakthroughs and transformative journeys.

In the sign of Aries, this eclipse puts matters related to personal plans, courage, independence, and self-assertion in strong focus. We have the opportunity to make significant strides, amplified by the energy of the eclipse. This transformative period opens doors to new possibilities and allows us to dream bigger than ever before. While eclipses imbue each of us with spiritual strength, they also carry an essence of chaos within them. Prayer (puja) to the Goddess Kali Ma is an excellent way to transform this eclipse into the blessing of protection, strength, and positive transformation. Additionally, engaging in mantra practice during the eclipse hours can amplify the potency of our intentions.

However, there’s a wild card ...The Solar Eclipse in Aries aligns with Mercury (in retrograde until 4/25), the Centaur Chiron, and the North Node of Destiny, all in the same zodiac sign. Decisions made during this period hold the potential for enduring repercussions, urging us to confront our vulnerabilities and deepest wounds. Embrace this eclipse as it nudges you out of your comfort zone, compelling you to reconnect with your authentic self. It’s time to take a good, hard look in the mirror, reflect and reevaluate who you want to be. It's your life, so trust the journey, even if and/or when fear arises. This Total Solar Eclipse/New Moon will allow you to see what is desired and who you want to be.

Herbs & Oils-Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Black pepper, Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Rose, Patchouli

Crystals-Fire Opal, Sunstone, Moonstone, Black Tourmaline, Red Jasper, and Tiger’s Eye and all red stones in general!

Happy New Moon!!!