WITCH TIPS AND HOROSCOPES 9/25-10-01/2019

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

WITCH TIPS:

This week kicks off with major turbulent cosmic energy, when tender Venus, who’s in Libra, squares off with austere Saturn, who’s in Capricorn, on the 25th. Later in the day, on the 25th, Venus shares another tense aspect with the Nodes of Destiny. We are ending relationships or evolving the current dynamic on the 25th, which will bring tears and frustrations our way. The following day, the Libra Sun opposes healing asteroid Chiron, who’s retrograde in Aries, right after Mercury, who’s in Libra, aspects Pluto, who’s retrograde in Capricorn. The 26th is an emotionally tough day, as we may share mean sentiments to others with the incentive of hurting them. The Libra New Moon in September 28th will allow our hearts to soar, as long as we acknowledge the karmic lessons brought to us by Saturn, who will align with the South Node. Venus and Jupiter, who’s in fiery Sagittarius, inspire us to love again and lift our spirits high. We end the week with a tense aspect between Venus and Pluto retrograde on October 1st, which will dredge up power struggles and frustrations from the 26th. 

Please be kind this week—not just just to others, but to yourself as well. Combat the argumentative energy with love. Use your words wisely. Most importantly, speak from the heart. 

Aries

March 21 - April 19

This week will bring out your defensive nature. Be prepared to fight for who and what you love. Even if the outcome seems bleak and impossible, with your passions in play you will be able to conquer and succeed at any task. Your dynamic energy will enable you to level up to achieve your worldly and personal pursuits. Light a red candle under the New Moon to give your desires a push forward. Write a clear letter of intention to manifest your hearts desires and you will be cosmically granted the opportunity. Don’t give up hope! Your dreams are obtainable. 

Taurus 

April 20 - May 20

Pursuing a higher minded activity this week will help open your heart to new possibilities. Through mindful meditation or chanting, you will be able to speak your truth and come to understand your innate desires. Love will come to you on a deeper level than before, if you disconnect from past relationships and allow yourself to connect freely with others. While it may be hard to let go (change is hard for everyone), it’s time you gambled on yourself and give yourself the chance to be happy. You are on the road towards healing and recovery—don’t give up on yourself.

Gemini 

May 21 - June 20

A creative venture is proving to be much more time consuming than you had imagined. Instead of running away from the project, try a different technique to achieve artistic success. Perhaps you’re looking at the project from the wrong angle. Try to use the less logical and more intuitive part of your mind to elevate your artistic style. You have the power and potential to harvest your visions into reality. As long as you trust your instincts and look within, success is yours. Meditate on the task at hand to gain insight into the proper direction. The answer is within. 

Cancer 

June 21 - July 22

Your views are shifting now, causing you to change your perspectives on matters. Your newly found charisma will allow you to build your self-esteem and embrace your awesomeness—one step at a time. The New Moon will also force you to call upon your ancestors for guidance, as they can give you clarity on present matters. Look within yourself and to the past for the answers you are searching for. Your spirit and positivity will grow. Most importantly, you will transform the faith you have for yourself and the future. Your ancestors are lighting the way for you to evolve.

Leo

July 23 - August 22

Your competitive spirit may be high this week, causing you to say unkind words about a colleague. Instead of working against others, consider working with them to create the ultimate vision. Put your hang-ups aside and be a team player. No more egocentric pursuits, until you learn to collaborate with your coworker. You both have the same intentions and it’s time to put your differences aside. Consider how much more claim and fame you’ll achieve by having their insights on the project. You’ll even finish the task faster than anticipated, opening your schedule up for more work and money. 

Virgo

August 23 - September 22

Romance is always on your mind these days. Especially since you’ve been riding the ongoing roller coaster of love for months. This week, you are implementing boundaries with your romantic pursuits, as you are realizing you’re giving too much of your time to people who do not value you. Now, this doesn’t mean that your relationship will bring doom and gloom; however, it’s a warning that your head is in the clouds and you’re forgetting to take care of real life situations that require your immediate attention. Focus on your immediate needs and then your relationship to avoid personal issues. 

Libra 

September 23 - October 22

It’s been a rocky road for your tender heart recently. All the ups and downs have taken a toll on your emotions, leaning you energetically depleted. You’re in desperate need of some R & R. Instead of letting your anxieties consume your mind, try to zen out for at least one minute during the day. Resting your brain for a short period of time can curve stresses from forming and can also give you a temporary energy boost. Also, try changing your breathwork. Alternate nostril and diaphragm breathing can help reduce anxiety and will perk you up in no time. 

Scorpio 

October 23 - November 21

You’ve been quiet for a while, avoiding conflict and drama with others. But, this week you are taking back your power and crown as the ultimate force to be reckoned with. You’ve been silently observing others and deciphering who is worth your time, while taking note of their actions. Some people have let you down and others have surprised you with their loyalty. Have an open talk with those who have fallen short of your expectations. Openly discuss  your feelings. Give them an opportunity to show you they can make amends with you before you let go of the relationship.

Sagittarius 

November 22 - December 21

Connect with your coven this week to celebrate the New Moon. Discuss your relationship goals and set intentions to embrace the current lunar energy. Be one with the universe. You are all stronger together and have the power to manifest your dreams into reality. Embrace the lunar vibrations and speak from the heart in a moon circle gathering. You’ll be able to evolve your perspective and change your narrative by letting go of the baggage that consumes your heart. You’ll also feel supported by your coven and full of love—which will help you to spiritually blossom under the New Moon. 

Capricorn 

December 22 - January 19

You are known for your stellar work ethic and determination. While your desire for professional fame is high, you’re not sure if it’s worth the personal sacrifices you’ve made along the way. Stardom is great, but it’s not “real.” You’re longing for deep and intimate connections which isn’t brought to you via paycheck or promotion. This existential sentiment you’re feeling is challenging. It’s making you question your past choices. The best celestial advice for you is to embrace your decisions. You may have regrets; however, it’s never too late to let others know you feel and live in the moment. 

Aquarius 

January 20 - February 18

You’re aligning with your favorite feline familiar this week, as you are realizing that you too have many lives in this lifetime. When the going gets tough, you have enough spunk to brush yourself off and start over. Your ability to resurrect yourself out of bad situations will enable the world to see your inner strength and spirit. Change is here and will help you become the person of your dreams (even if it takes time to achieve your goals). Make a list of your passions and desires under the New Moon to ensure success. You can transform your life.

Pisces 

February 19 - March 20

Your intuition is on point this week; however, you’re second guessing your power. Others are gaslighting you and making you think that situations are not as they seem—when they are. Learning to trust your own judgement is challenging (when others make you disbelieve your heart and mind). But, through mediation and journal writing, you will be able to lean into your intuition, as you will be sharpening your brain. Also, try to remember your dreams. Your subconscious mind holds the key to understanding present situations. Ground your energy and live in the present to unlock the divine intuition within yourself.

Violet Cunning: Flower Magick for Cancer Season

Written by Aerinn Hodges- Kolfage

It’s hot in New York, Cancer season is here, and violets are in bloom. Their purple, blue, and yellow heads bob merrily in the shade beneath much larger trees and shrubs. Planted as ornamentals around the city and beyond, violets are overlooked just as easily in magic as they are walking down the street but these pretty blooms hide some potent enchantments in a dainty package. Although sumptuous roses and weedy mugwort may be more striking or seem more magical, unobtrusive and un-exotic flowers like the violet are no less healing or sorcerous.   

The violet may be any of 525 to 600 species in the genus viola. It’s a low-growing perennial and early bloomer native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but naturalized throughout the temperate regions of North America. The violet prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade, fitting for a plant of Venus in Cancer, as it’s described by 17th century botanist and astrologer Nicholas Culpepper. This humble, little blossom is a cooling, watery ally during the Summer months and can relieve fiery tempers, nourish overheated tissue, or help us press the refresh button on our lives. 

If you find yourself unable to sleep after a long day in the Sun, 16th century astrological physician Anthony Ascham suggests soaking your feet in water infused with violets and binding the herb to your temples before going to bed. A contemporary magical manuscript from the Folger Shakespeare Library, published in 2015 as the Book of Oberon, also lists violets among the ingredients of a Venusian incense. On the other hand, an old Scottish poem collected in the 18th century, has it that washing your face with violets steeped in goat’s milk was a popular method to increase a woman’s beauty and charm potential lovers: 

“Anoint thy face with goat’s milk in which violets have been infused, and there is not a young prince upon earth who would not be charmed with thy beauty.” 

In the classical Mediterranean world, one of the Homeric Hymns dedicated to Aphrodite calls her violet-crowned and Roman naturalist Pliny suggests wearing a garland of violets while banqueting will prevent drunkenness and diminish the effects of hangover. Maud Grieve, 19th century herbalist and educator, in the second volume of her Modern Herbal, says ancient Athenians used violet to ‘moderate anger’ and ‘comfort and strengthen the heart’, pointing to a long history of Venusian associations. 

American folk magic, and African-American conjure in particular, considers violet a flower of love. A favorite working of mine, which highlights the modest but potent simplicity of popular magic, is to wear violet leaves in your right shoe to draw a new lover to you. However, heartsease, a type of violet popularly identified as a pansy, can be worked with to soothe the pains of a broken heart by bathing in an infusion of it for nine days according to Catherine Yronwode’s Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic. 

In my experience, violets embody the Venusian spirit at her most romantic and sentimental, while the cardinal energy of Cancer empowers the flower to offer a fresh start like a rebirth from the waters of creation. They are especially helpful when tears need to be shed, hard hearts softened, or hot heads cooled. 

WITCH TIPS & HOROSCOPES 6/19-6/25

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA EMILIE

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

WITCHTIPS

What this week lacks in astrological transits, it certainly makes up for in intensity. We start off this week with both Mercury and Mars, who are both in sensitive Cancer, opposing Pluto, who is moving backwards in pragmatic Capricorn, on the 19th. Mercury in Cancer is a mute sign. Meaning, it’s more meditative and not openly communicative. Mars is in its fall in Cancer. It’s not in a place of strength. Pluto, even retrograde, is extreme in Capricorn. When these planets come together, we can expect an emotional volcano to collide with a tornado. Arguments, dominance, love triangles, paranoia, secrets and lies, and abuses of power now come to light, as we are tired of being constrained and manipulated by others. The lesson to be learned from this transit, is Pluto retrograde wants us to evolve. That means purging and releasing that which is not serving our highest good. Be prepared to let go of people and situations which are not healthy, as we walk down the truest path to self-discovery and actualization. Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on June 20th, setting the stage for its backwards spin on July 7th. Take stock of the events that unfold on the 20th, as it will become our personal  Mercury retrograde story. Neptune starts it’s retrograde journey on the 21st, creating confusion and uncertainty until November 7th. June 21st also kicks off Cancer Season and the Summer Solstice. Cancer Season 2019 will bring major emotional shifts. We must prepare ourselves for a profound Summer. Venus, who is in chatty Gemini, butts heads with Jupiter, who is retrograde in philosophical Sagittarius, giving us much to talk about surrounding matters of the heart and finances. June 24th adds mystery to Venus, when Neptune retrograde in dreamy Pisces sets off illusions to our hearts and wallets. Watch out for get rich quick scams on the 24th, as Neptune retrograde will play tricks on our minds and make us more susceptible to deceit. The flip side is that we may temporarily enjoy being caught up in the rapture—until reality sets in.

Aries

March 21-April 19

A warrior by nature, you’re used to asserting your will. However, this week you are emotionally drained and depleted of energy to argue further with others. The reason is that all the conflict and drama has gotten you nowhere. You may even feel as though you are running in circles and not mending any situations—rather, just having the same discussions on playback. While you may still feel raw and defensive from recent drama, have faith that these emotions shall pass the moment you let go of upsets. Don’t dwell and obsess over details, just move away from this bad situation.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Learning to speak your truth has been a process. Not that you are a liar (you’re far from it), but you tend to use flowery words during confrontations to avoid conflict. You’re bursting at the seems to express your sentiments after being pushed to the emotional brink for weeks. While you may choose words that shoot from the hip, try not to rush through communications. Think carefully before you speak your mind only to articulate your thoughts and to be heard. You are taking charge and fighting back. You’re the one in control of your life. Don’t you forget it.

Gemini

May 21-June 20

Playing by the rules has certainly affected your confidence. While you’ve been doing the right thing and honoring ethics, you’ve noticed those who take the easy path and side step are becoming more successful than you, at a rampant pace. Before you experience a Mercurial meltdown and let this situation weigh on your confidence, note that you are walking down the righteous avenue towards self-fulfillment. You don’t need accolades and status to prove your triumphs. You’ve got something no one else has—staying power. Although it may seem you are being kicked to the curb, you’re not. Believe in yourself more.

Cancer

June 21-July 22

Now is the time to use your voice to speak up. While you may have taken the silent approach to mending issues in your personal life in the past, you are learning that the only way to be heard and bring change in your life is to express (not repress) your emotions. The flip side to this week’s transits, is that you may feel as though you are receiving the backlash from others and are the victim of their emotional protections. Although it may be hard, try to rub off their influences and embrace your personal power to rise above.

Leo

July 23-August 22

Fear is standing in your way this week. Be careful, because it’s also the only thing holding you back from manifesting your desires. Recent emotional upsets have taken a toll on your heart, forcing you to question your goals and intentions. Instead of reveling in newly found insecurities, try to rise above such sentiments. First, acknowledge what you are scared of. Feel it. Realize that even the worst scenario is very likely from happening in reality. Prepare yourself to power through and attain your goals. This will help you to squash your fears and move towards your dreams, without hesitation.

Virgo

August 23-Sept. 22

You’re being put to an emotional test this week, Virgo. Love has been an ever confusing sentiment for quite some time. Now, friendships are coming into question. While you’ve tried to find a balance and create space for all parties to coexist in your life, the time has come to make serious decisions about relationships. Having to choose between love and friendships will prove challenging. But, think of it this way, if someone really cares about you they won’t force you to give up a relationship. They will only want you to be happy, not aim to control your decisions.

Libra

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

The epic clash you are experiencing between the id, ego, and superego is having a toll on your psyche. Your mind and heart are being pulled in different directions, forcing you to vacillate between sentiments. All of this inner conflict may make you feel as if you are losing control of many aspects of your life. Take a momentary pause. Make a list of your desires and goals. Then, write out a plan stating how you morally want to methodically put your objectives into action. Having a plan will allow you to act strategically, not impulsively, which will guarantee success.

Scorpio

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Your inner views are shifting, which is serving your transformational and transcendent needs. While you may take on an idealistic persona this week, others may prove to be unscrupulous and untrustworthy. You have no space in your heart for connivers. Rather than arguing with others who have proven unworthy, you're taking the high road this week. No more theatrical  confrontations. If people wish to be deceitful, let them. You just don’t have time or space in your life for that energy anymore. Choosing to disengage from the dramatics will only elevate your vibe. Focus on yourself this week, not others.

Sagittarius

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

In the past, you’ve been a live and let live type of person. But, recently you’ve had the urge to control others. The reason for your inner shift is that you feel out of control in your personal life, which is causing you to project your anxieties and fears on others. You are riding high on emotional extremes this week and trying to figure out your next step. Take some time for yourself to figure out how you will implement your desires into reality. Also, avoid conflicts and power struggles with others (which are looming and brewing in the air).

Capricorn

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Your sensitivities are awakened this week, making you feel more partner oriented than ever. You’re now moved to give 100% to relationships, collaborations, and partnerships. The reason for your emotional heart is that you are yearning for deeper  friendships and connections. Just watch out for power struggles within these relationships, as you may over-assert your opinions and dominate others. Find a balance in how you declare your views—use cheeky, not austere sentiments in your presentation to appease the crowd. This will prove your mastery and ability to woo the masses and even those close to you with your commanding words.

Aquarius

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Your intuition may be playing tricks on you this week. Paranoias and fears are consuming your mind, making you feel as though others are trying to play tricks on you. Although you may convince yourself of their intentions and believe it to be true, take a step back and observe the situation more closely. Ask yourself if the facts line up with your instincts. Are your suspicions correct? If you are feeling confused and anxious about your visions, take an auric cleanse to get your sixth sense back. Then, revisit your prophecies to see if they are correct.

Pisces

Feb. 19-March 20

While you desperately want to take action and movement in your life, this week will make you feel stifled and stuck in the same issues you’ve had for months. Situations aren’t advancing, which in return is making you stir crazy from the inaction. You may feel lost amongst the breakers. However, don’t disconnect from others. Reach out to friends and family for help and guidance. You don’t have to go through your emotional ups and downs alone. People want to comfort you. Let them help. Word of advice: Don’t be too proud to accept their guidance and support.

The Realms of Truth and the Strawberry Full Moon in Sagittarius

By: Lisa Stardust

The Strawberry Full Moon, occurring June 17th, offers us a time to connect to our inner truths on a deep level. The past and upcoming week’s cosmic energy is intense. During this luminary, we will have a momentary reprieve from the confusion and power struggles that have been permeating our auric fields and allow ourselves to evolve our thoughts.

The Sagittarius Moon will align with the asteroid Ixion (who rules over futurity) and softly connects with passionate asteroid Eris. Fair minded Juno and lovelorn Sedna (two other asteroids) will both form a frustrating aspect with the Moon. All together,  this means that we will be cosmically tasked to assert our will and fight for our dreams—no matter what obstacles stand in our way. The only caveat, is that Neptune, who is extremely active in the sky, may create confusion around what our truest visions are. This also can mean self-deceit, which may create inner conflict, as we are not being honest with ourselves. However, there’s hope for us to reach our most idealized potential.

The degree of the Full Moon sits on the Galactic Center, which will help us understand and manifest our innermost desires. The Galactic Center falls in the middle of the entrance to the Milky Way. Sagittarius, who is the protector of our galaxy, stands on all fours at this celestial point with a bow and arrow ready to shoot at any given moment. As the defender of the galaxy, Sagittarius is touted as the high minded philosopher known to understand all worldly truths. This is because it’s important for the armed sign to know when and how to sling its arrows. The Galactic Center is a degree and place of insight. It’s the transmitter of “Divine Consciousness.” It’s a place of freedom. It’s where our hearts soar and where we can be the purest form of ourselves, with no restrictions and judgements.

Under the Strawberry Full Moon, in the sign of honorable Sagittarius, we will use smoke scrying to connect with the “other” world and find our inner truths. We will be able to decipher and clarify what we want as individuals. Only then, can we fight for our dreams.

*The Full Moon occurs June 17th at 1:30AM PST and 4:30AM EST.

Directions for Smoke Scrying

• Meditate on your goal or intention.

• Take a smudge stick and light it.

•  Place in a bowl or cauldron.

•  Let the smudge stick burn.

•  Follow the smoke with your eyes as it fills the air.

•  Watch the smoke dance in the air and its shadows on the wall.

•  Make note in a  journal about the messages are receiving messages from spirits.

•  Interpret the images once you receive them from the universe.

•  Use the images to help understand your truest intention and objectives to manifest under the Full Moon.