Today's Candlemagic
Friday May 9th
2.18 pm cdt
Sun/Moon sextile
[Taurus, Cancer at 19 deg 31’]
emotional focus and responsiveness;
mental/emotional/spiritual harmony

orange candles for the Sun [cinnamon]: success, self-empowerment

white candles for the Moon [frangipani]: receptivity, divination, scrying, empathy

- in what house does this degree fall
in your personal chart?

The candle magic meditation rituals are a GREAT way to harness and direct each day's planetary energies of opportunity!

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NEW MOON IN TAURUS
mon may 5th, 2008 | 7.18 am cdt

[Sun / Moon conjunction 15 deg 22' Taurus]
The New Moon is the time to begin new projects; whatever house it transits in the birth chart will be the prominent theme for
the month. Usually, the twelve houses are "visited" by the New Moon around the same time each year, and when the New Moon transits the First House, it signifies the querent's Lunar New Year, and the beginning of a new cycle.

This marks the lunar "New Year" for the sign of Taurus.

The New Moon in Taurus represents a time for the "seeds" planted last month to begin to take root... Taurus is a sign known for stability, sensuality and what on values; Venus, the ruler of the sign Taurus, represents love, the arts, comfort and security, and is a powerful planetary energy to invoke at this time.

Taurus is ruled by the element of earth, so matters ruled by that element can be a focus now as well.

Matters ruled by the earth element: the body, birth, growth, nutrition, nature, antiques, sustenance, material gain, money, investments, construction, creativity, rocks, mountains, crystals, jewels, metal, bones.

Following the path of the New Moon through the natal houses can give an indication of where the focus will lie, not only as far as external events, but what to expect on a psychological level as well. By observing the lunar cycles, you can attune to the spiritual aspects as well as the practical, following the Moon as it passes through each of the twelve houses.

Each one of the astrological houses represents a particular domain in the querent's life, and by focusing on the energies of that house, it can be an auspicious time to start new projects or deal with the everyday issues of that house.

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- what's new, what's NOW...
NEW MOON IN TAURUS
mon may 5th, 2008 - 7.18 am cdt
- scroll down for article!

PLANETARY RITUAL FOR BELTANE
traditional date: May 1st, 2008
[exact May 4th, 2008 at 10.03 pm cdt]
- scroll down for article!

- what's ahead...
- jupiter retrograde - fri may 9th
- mars enters leo - fri may 9th
- waxing quarter moon - may 11th

What will these planetary opportunities offer YOUR sign?

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PLANETARY RITUAL FOR BELTAINE
traditional date: May 1st, 2008
[exact May 4th, 2008 at 10.03 pm cdt]

(excerpted from "Magical Astrology Guide 2008" ©1997-2008 Sarolta G. DeFaltay)

A note on the Sabbats:
Sabbat rituals are seasonal, so exact timing is not neccessary; it is possible to perform the ritual usually a week or so after the traditional date of the Sabbat. The cross-quarter holidays are
astrologically exact when the Sun is at the middle degree [15 degrees] of the fixed signs [Imbolc: Aquarius, Beltaine: Taurus, Lammas: Leo and Samhain:
Scorpio] and are often exact many days after the traditional date [exact dates / times listed with each ritual after the traditional date].

The Maiden goddess now comes of age at Beltaine (also spelled Bealtaine or Beltane), and the fertility of the earth is at its height. This is the time of the sacred marriage, the union of the male and female principle, and can be a time to unify and balance our inner polarities as well, integrating the solar / lunar energies within.

BELTAINE HERBAL LORE
ALMOND: symbolic of true love transcending death.
ANGELICA: ritual bath; “Bringer of Light”; protection, self-blessing.
CINQUEFOIL: contains needed energy to manifest one’s ideas.
CLOVER: animals, good luck, strength.
FRANKINCENSE: consecration, magic, purification, success, psychic ability.
HAWTHORN: classic flower used to decorate maypole, fertility.
IVY: wear wreaths of ivy at Beltane, decorate altar; fidelity and valor
JUNIPER: used as incense to purify the home in preparation
MARIGOLD: ritual bath; prophetic dreams, favorable court verdict, attracts respect.
ORCHID: burn powdered root (Orris root) for love and passion
ROSES: love and joy; multi-colored roses on Beltane altar
ROWAN: protection and healing; use berries in incense for psychic powers.
WOODRUFF: attracts wealth; victory for athletes; protection.

RITUAL BATH: Angelica, Clover, Marigold, Rose petals, pink altar candles (for Venus). Place any or all herbs in
cheesecloth and tie well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea from the herbs, strain and pour into the bath.

Bathe yourself in the herbs and the Venusian energy, clearing away anything that no longer needs to go with you. After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle, and place them on or around your altar.

THE ALTAR: Use a large flat stone as your altar, and place it in your garden, or by an eastern facing window. A bowl of
nuts and spring flowers in many colors enhance the setting.

You will need three candles: GREEN, ORANGE and PINK.

RITUAL: Cast the circle, and call in the quarters. (see: "casting a circle")

Prepare incense, using: Benzoin, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Rose Petals, Sandalwood oil. Consecrate to Venus. Light incense.

CANDLES:
The GREEN candle represents the sign of TAURUS - manifesting strong affection, artistry, and tangible inner strength. How would you like to see thse energies manifest in your life? Focus on your intentions as you write them down on a small piece of paper; place the note under your candle and light it with
dedication and conviction.

The ORANGE candle represents the SUN, now in the sign of Taurus,
symbolizing powerful energy for manifestation and creativity. What goals are you ready to commit yourself to regarding personal manifestation and self-expression? Write down what you
want to dedicate yourself to now, and focus clearly as you place your note under the candle and light its flame.

The PINK candle represents VENUS, also in the sign of Taurus;this is a planet of affection, and pure DELIGHT... and in this sign, Venus has a great appetite for pleasure! What apect of yourlife could use a boost of pure JOY? How can you resolve to be more artistic, blissful and thankful? Focus clearly with intent
as you light the candle.

When you feel the ritual is complete, burn each paper as you focus once again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and elemental helpers. Thank the nature spirits, deities or elementals, and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days, symbolizing the waxing energies.

- Blessed Be!

© 1997-2008 Sarolta G. DeFaltay.
All rights reserved.

This article may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission of the author.

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what's new...
sarolta has updated her bio to include
her current projects.

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Visualize world actualization / transmutation.
Then go out and make it happen.

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Today's Sky