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Ritual Diary: Introduction

A stick of incense and a candle burn during a ritual to Aphrodite. Photo by David Kute.

In a series of articles called Ritual Diary, the greater aspects of spirituality will be explored. Posts in the series will be published intermittently on an ongoing, regular basis. They will entail the sharing of all aspects related to performing rituals for gods. That will include suggestions for props and altar items, scripts, and references to relevant ancient sources. It will also be a means to share views and experiences related to the practice of rituals to various gods, goddesses, and planets. Some experiences might lead to insights or discoveries, and those might be expounded upon. Articles in the series will not be written by an expert with extensive background or experiences. Rather, they are written by someone new to the practice so they will reflect the views of a newcomer.

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Advice for the Road Ahead

Saturn, Pluto, and the South Node present further challenges until December 2020

From top to bottom, clockwise: Saturn on the equinox. Photo by NASA, Public Domain; Kingdom of Pluto; a view of the underworld with Pluto and Proserpina enthroned at center, surrounded by demons; set design from ‘Il Pomo D’Oro.’ Drawing by Ludovico Ottaviano Burnacini, Public Domain; Beowulf and the dragon. Photo by J.R. Skelton, Public Domain.

The skies above us point to hardship, crisis, and obstacles. The constellation Capricorn holds heavy, intense, soul- crushing planets. In the tropical zodiac, Pluto entered Capricorn for good in November 2008. It currently resides at 20 degrees Capricorn. Saturn moved into Capricorn December 19, 2017 and now sits at 14 degrees. The South Node ingressed Capricorn in November 2018.  Since last November, all three malefics have been a part of daily life. The meeting of all three planetary phenomena is fierce, all-consuming, adverse, and shrouded in uncertainty. While the stellium in Capricorn is a potential train wreck, there are ways to move forward.  Continue reading “Advice for the Road Ahead”

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Awesome Free Online Astrology Resources for Beginners

Clockwise, top to bottom: Ben Dykes on a book cover, a Google search of the keywords Linda Goodman, and a Twitter thread . Photo by David Kute.

There are more and more people that are exposed to astrology nowadays, and some not only accept and find it interesting, but also want to learn more. Newcomers have to navigate a plethora of astrology related websites and articles, with little to guide them. It can be overwhelming, and as a consequence progress is slow. This article was written to provide guidance for newfound astrology enthusiasts. The best resources online can be found on Twitter, websites, and keyword searches of prominent astrologers on platforms like Youtube, Facebook, and Google.

Continue reading “Awesome Free Online Astrology Resources for Beginners”

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Heaps of Virgo

Mercury with his caduceus, in his chariot, drawn by cockerels. Engraving by C. Lasinio after Raphael, 1516. CC BY 4.0

Currently, the Sun, Venus, Mars, and Mercury are all in Virgo. They are forming a trine with the nasty configuration of the year, the Pluto, Saturn, and South Node conjunction in Capricorn. They also form a trine with disruptive Uranus in Taurus. With so many traditional planets in Virgo, there is a huge emphasis on all things Virgoan. There are many benefits to reap.

Continue reading “Heaps of Virgo”

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Armor of Helios

 

Two parts cuirass from Southern Italy, Marie- Lan Nguyen, Public Domain.

The Chaldean Oracles, an ancient text, offered advice to visualize armor of light that preceded magic work. The armor was named the Armor of Hecate. After reading about the imaginary armor, I experimented with visualizing it. It was an electrifying experience. It led to the conclusion that the Armor of Hecate was a potent exercise, and a useful addition to include in future spiritual work. In fact, the exercise planted a seed for a later development. One weekend afternoon, I sat upon a quiet mountaintop. I meditated and performed a ritual to Helios on the planetary hour of the Sun. The thought then occurred to me that there was an Armor of Helios that drew upon the solar deity’s vast resources, characteristics, and protection. It was suitable for certain types of meditation, ritual, and spiritual work. I then thought it out, tried it, and found it was worth sharing. The Armor of Helios was inspired by worship of the sun god. It reflects a special relationship with the deity, one that seemed to just happen through coincidences, dreams, and personal gnosis. The Armor of Helios befits the sun deity, the master of truth, healing, wisdom, success, and protection. Below, I’ve shared instructions for creating the armor. Continue reading “Armor of Helios”

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Stone Meditation Exercises

 

A piece of crystal quartz glimmers in the light. Photo by David Kute.

One February evening, I sat down on my bed admiring stones. I was looking at crystal quartz and carnelian. The thought occurred to meditate with them. Note that it’s not a new idea, as books and online resources for crystals suggest meditating with stones. Once I had the thought, a bunch of ideas popped up. They were for meditation exercises that utilized the stones crystal quartz, carnelian, and others with certain goals in mind. I tried them out and they were fun to do. The four exercises that were created utilize visualization, stones, and meditation.

The instructions for each stone meditation exercise are shared below.

Continue reading “Stone Meditation Exercises”

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Trump, the Singapore Summit, and Capella

The public event had plain symbolism for astrologers and non-astrologers alike

Kim Jong Eun and Donald Trump talking at the Capella Hotel during the Singapore summit by Dan Scavino, June 12, 2018, Public Domain.

The United States and North Korea have long been at odds, and the last few years saw tensions escalate. To some extent, President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Eun even got in a name calling tat, until both sides agreed to meet face- to- face at a summit that was held in Singapore in June. The Singapore summit led to warmer relations between the US and North Korea and the two sides reportedly signed a joint statement agreeing to security guarantees, new peaceful relations, the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, recovery of the soldiers remains, and follow- up negotiations between officials. “There is no longer a threat from North Korea,” Trump tweeted June 11. Reactions to the summit were mixed, with critics saying that North Korea had a history of breaking agreements and the statement was non-binding. Though the media covered most angles of the 2018 Singapore Summit, one aspect of the meeting was largely missed by the mainstream media. The fixed star Capella figured prominently in events as much as Trump or Kim Jong Eun. The sixth brightest star in the night sky, Capella had synchronistic appearances at the summit. It is important in Trump’s natal chart, was directly conjoined with the sun at the time of the summit, and even had a connection to the summit’s location. The symbolism of Capella, the result of countless people’s careful study and observation, is an important interpretive tool for understanding the dialogue between the US and the North Koreans. The summit’s issues link to the star’s meanings, as well as the Trump presidency. Continue reading “Trump, the Singapore Summit, and Capella”

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Libation to Aphrodite on Saturday February 9th, 2019

 

Cupid Disarmed by Francois Boucher, 1751, oil on canvas

There are a number of reasons to worship Aphrodite this week. According to the Hellenion website, which is run by Hellenic polytheists, there will be a worldwide ceremony held in honor of Aphrodite on Saturday, February 9th, 2019. Since many members of the polytheistic community will be holding their rituals on this day, it’s a good time for anyone that does astrological magic or worships Aphrodite on their own to join. February 9th might be the closest Aphrodite gets to a religious festival this year. The fact that many people will also be holding rituals at the same time should increase the connection to the goddess. So, it might be a good idea to perform a ritual on Saturday, and if there is time, to check in and watch the libation online. Also, worshippers or magicians might add offerings, hymns, or other components to there usual rituals, to make them more elaborate and have a greater celebration of the goddess of love, creation, harmony, and beauty.

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Candles and Incense Pose Health Risks

-OPINION-

The altar table in Gustaf Vasa church, Stockholm, Sweden by Håkan Svensson (Xauxa) is licensed under CC BY- SA 3.0

Every ritual has candles and incense at its crux. It seems a time- honored and universal practice. The act of using flames and burning herbs, resins, plants, and woods for the unique smells emitted to accompany religious rituals likely go back before written records and before material culture had advanced enough to do it with competence. However, both ritual accessories can be major health risks due to the toxic fumes they release. In fact, I recently looked up the dangers of incense and candles, and it had a devastating effect on my burgeoning spiritual practice. I want to share my thoughts upon giving up my candle and incense burning, and make suggestions for how to move forward after understanding the risks involved. Continue reading “Candles and Incense Pose Health Risks”