Solar Eclipse

Solar energy enhances the energies of father, protection and external expression. A Solar Eclipse not only affects the energy of the Sun, but also the Moon. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the New Moon is between Earth and the Sun. The Moon's energy is very strong because it is extremely close to the Earth during this eclipse. The Sun energy is also very powerful as it embraces the Moon, showing only a glowing ring of bright light during the peak of the event.

"During a Total Solar Eclipse, the Sun's light, associated with warmth, life force, and creation is temporarily blocked out. During these moments, feelings of lack, fatigue, anxiety and a disconnection with life/life force may occur. Again, this is only for a brief time as the New Moon totally blocks out the light of the Sun." - Kristi H of Healing Crystals

During  the total Solar Eclipse, if you are feeling a bit more sensitive to the energy of the Sun than usual, you can use some of these recommended crystals to keep your energy intune with that of the Sun during the eclipse.

Solar Gems
 

Topaz: represents life giving energy. It promotes well being, strengthens optimism, reduces fear of lack, and enhances the feelings of abundance and prosperity.

Sunstone: warms the heart and lifts/rejuvenates the spirit. Sunstone is often used for protection, grounding and enhancing life force energies.
Citrine :is particularly helpful in assisting with abundance and prosperity. It enhances the enjoyment of life and increased spiritual growth. Citrine energizes and invigorates, increasing motivation and physical energy. Citrine dissipates negative energies and promotes inner calm.

For those who may have feelings of increased anxiousness, or are in need of some extra grounding energy try Howlite or Black Tourmaline.
Howlite: Reduces anxiety, tensions and stress.  Howlite can be used to facilitate awareness, encourage emotional expression and also assist in the elimination of pain, stress and/or rage. Howlite will calm and soothe your emotions.

Rainbow Moonstone: moonstone is a stone of intuition and insight, Moonstone helps us to connect to all the different cycles we experience in life. Moonstone will help to balance the emotional body, especially any aggressive tendencies in males or females. These stones are very soothing, especially when placed under the pillow.

Black Tourmaline: Black Tourmaline is the premier stone of protection and grounding, as it possesses a psychic shield which deflects and dispels negative energies, entities or destructive forces. It is the Stone that has such power to absorb and repel negative energies from our Auric Field, meridians, and Chakra System.

New Moon

New Moon in Pisces: With the New Moon In Pisces energy we may be feeling more introverted, our intuition is at it's height and psychic energy is powerful. we are now able to get in touch with our deepest self, but it can also be a time of vagueness. You may notice a moodiness in others and within ourselves, but this is also an opportunity to fully appreciate art and beauty and to be that compassionate friend for a sister who needs to share her troubles.  For rituals of manifestation, or to release the habits that no longer serve us, check here: The Hoodwitch's guide to NEW MOON rituals

Spring Equinox- Vernal Equinox: March 20, 2015

Theme: Rebirth, Change

Goddesses: Demeter, Oshun, Persephone, Nerthus, Freya, Flora, The Maiden Goddess, Ishtar, All Goddesses Of Fertility.

Vernal Equinox is the halfway point between winter and the bright advancing tide of summer. This is the season where the plants awaken, and first buds burst into bloom. The buzzing of insects fill the air, and the Earth opens fully to new life. The Equinox is a midpoint between the inwardness of winter and the outer energy of summer. Playfulness, vibrancy, and wild pleasures are just a few of the attributes associated with spring. Eggs are the universal symbol of life, the cosmic egg being a symbol that appears in creation myths all over the world. Spring is celebrated by honoring Ostre, Goddess of the egg and the hare. At Spring we paint eggs in half light colors and half day to symbolize the balance of dark moon time and solar light.

The Ash is a tree of the Spring Equinox, a tree of magic and the goddesses tree of justice. With the beauty of the season comes a fierce love of the Earth and new vows to help protect what sacred beauties are still left for us. We know that we can always begin again in Spring, and each time we are older and wiser.

• To Do: Spring clean closets, altars, and psyches. Use this energy to dust the cobwebs from our homes and our minds.

Spring Altar

Set with intensely colored cloths and green candles symbolizing the return of green to the Earth, fertility and abundance. Spring flowers: wild flowers, crocus, pussy willows, daffodils, trilliums. Add eggs, honey, pomegranates, seeds, breads, apples.