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September 25 through October 1, 2023

The astrological star of the show this week will be Friday's Aries full Moon, also known as a harvest Moon. Because full Moons symbolize a time of release, this is the perfect opportunity to clear out whatever no longer serves you once and for all! The week starts out a big frenetic under Monday and Tuesday's Aquarius Moon, as we'll be bombarded with new ideas, innovative thoughts, and possibilities we'll want to explore. Make note of what you discover, but refrain from taking any direct action until you've had time to network with others to get more information. And thanks to the Moon's travels through Pisces on Wednesday and Thursday, we'll also get spiritual confirmation or intuitive insights to move us forward. We'll need to practice extra caution under Friday's Aries full Moon as well as Saturday's Aries Moon, as both have a way of urging us to look before we leap. Caution on the road will be called for as well, as everyone seems to be in a hurry to get where they think they are going, and they won't slow down if you get in their way! Let's all take a breather under Sunday's Taurus Moon, taking a cue from "Ferdinand the Bull" and focusing on a lazy, easy-going day. Don't worry about those chores, they'll still be waiting for you next week…

The Moment of Magic: The Importance of Magical Timing, by Frater Barrabbas

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

Many people work magic when the urge or the need prompts them to do so. Sometimes people will acknowledge the cycle of the moon to plan their workings accordingly. Yet overall, the timing of a magical working is hardly considered as an important part of the magic. If the magic to be performed is working with energy, spirits, or engages with the Gods, then the timing of the rite is not particularly important. However, if the magical working is dealing with a form of planetary or celestial magic, then paying careful attention to the astrological auspices and planetary day and hour becomes much more important. I would also point out that any magical working that is focused on a strategic outcome in the life of the practitioner should also include a greater awareness of the auspices of the moment or event of the magic.

What I am proposing here is another magical model, known as the temporal model of magic. This model is not readily known to many Witches or Pagans, but those who wish to work planetary magic or seek to make a dramatic change in their lives should learn to master this important model. You might ask, why is the timing of a magical working so important? How does the temporal model work? If we consider that there is no implicit destiny operating in individuals and the collective of human life, then we would have to assume that life's meaning and direction are determined not by some external pre-ordained process but by our own initiative. We create our own destiny, and that destiny can be shaped and changed over the span of our lifetimes. There is no predestination in life—only possibilities and potentials.

The temporal model of magic is a method for determining the potentials for a given outcome based on an elective event for working magic. Using this model goes against the modern quest for immediate gratification, but I have found that such impulses are a tragic distraction to careful planning. While magic cannot produce miracles or what are called "black swan" events with any kind of assurance, knowing the potential of the moment can assist one in determining when magic can be used to influence or bend probabilities so that a desired outcome can be achieved.

How we can make that determination depends on our level of expertise in the use and analysis of astrological charts. We can examine the astrological transits, moon phase for an event and then schedule it during the best selection for planetary day and hour. We can cast an elective chart for that event and scrutinize it, and we can compare that chart with our natal chart to get a complete picture of the astrological potential at work at that moment. While these kinds of analysis may seem rather complex, the more knowledge that we have about the event for a planned working then the better will be the possible outcome. Knowledge of the moment is powerful determinant for the practitioner.

Astrology is the only system of divination that can accurately determine when something might occur. All other forms of divination can reveal a sequence of events, but for the timing of a potential possibility, only astrology can reveal that mystery to us. There are two similar points of view at work in astrology. The first point of view is that astrological occurrences are ever-changing, based as they are on the rotation and orbiting of the planets around the sun from the perspective of an earth-bound observer. Like the hands of a clock, the positions of the planets and the orbit of the earth around the sun is continually changing. The other point of view is a snapshot of the moment within that continually changing process. While the constant changing and interacting planetary aspects might be overwhelming, that single moment can be examined in detail to determine its meaning and significance.

It is that moment, or snapshot of time, that is significant in natal astrology, elective astrology, and horary astrology. Yet there is another point of view that is operating in this art, and that is the moment when an astrologer casts a chart and delineates it. When an astrologer casts a chart, the patterns and auspices of that moment are revealed. Since predetermination is known to be a false assumption, then the moment when an astrological chart is cast and interpreted by an astrologer becomes the most significant moment. It is part of the divinatory magic that also occurs when rune stones, I-Ching coins, geomancy sticks, knucklebones, or dice are tossed, tarot cards shuffled and laid out, or a pendulum is deployed against a map or cloth of symbols. All these systems of divination contain a wealth of symbolic correspondences and meanings, but they are only activated when the reader deploys them. The same is true with astrology and magic. The moment when the reader or magical practitioner deploys their art, that is the crucial moment when meaning is generated and potential possibilities realized.

Whether we pay strict attention to that moment when magic is performed or ignore it altogether, there is still a significant importance and meaningfulness associated with that event. To focus on that moment and to gain whatever degree of knowledge we can based on our knowledge of astrology is to fully realize what is occurring and what might be the outcome of that moment. That knowledge can also be used to select the best time to perform that magical working, and it can also assist one in properly selecting the best kind of magic to deploy. What lies behind this knowledge, of course, is the reason for performing this working. What is the objective of the magic and what are we seeking when we work it? All these considerations work together to help us assemble a magical working at the most optimal time and utilizing the best magical methods.

Celestial magic, or magic employing the planets, signs or even the fixed stars, relies heavily on the use of the temporal model of magic. Without analyzing and determining the date and time to work this magic then the powerful meaningfulness of the magic as determined by the moment will be lost. This is particularly true when working with talismans. Since they represent a perpetual emanation of magic, determining the optimal date and time to perform the working to generate them is critically important. We want a talisman that will empower our objectives in the most auspicious and significant manner possible. Generating a talisman that has either less potency or one that might produce an inverse or negative outcome would be something that we would want to avoid. Because is talisman is active 24 hours a day, seven days week for perpetuity, then ensuring a good outcome in the moment of their generation is a critical consideration.

When we add to these considerations to timing for either a lunar mansion or an astrological decan then determining the optimal time can be limited by finding an occurrence where the moon is waxing, and the astrological auspices are optimal. Determining that special event may force a practitioner to schedule it months in advance when celestial attributes are adequately or even perfectly aligned. If the magic is going to produce a strategic change in one's life, then carefully selecting a time when it can be performed should not be a problem. It should be part of the discipline of working this kind of magic. All other kind of approaches that ignore this critical consideration can not only produce mediocre results, but it could also produce malefic ones as well. This might be useful to generate a talismanic field that operates as a curse to be projected on a malefactor or opponent; it would not be helpful if one is seeking a constructive outcome for oneself.

As you can see, the temporal model of magic is important when a magical working is being performed to make a strategic change in one's life, or in the fashioning of a talismanic artifact. It was part of the rigor for working talismanic magic as it was done before the 20th century, since all celestial magic relied on the precise moment when an event occurred to passively expose a talismanic artifact. Since the Golden Dawn introduced the hexagram and pentagram devices to generate planetary and elemental fields whenever required, the need for determining the auspices have become less important to some. However, using the temporal model when working celestial magic when deploying the hexagram and pentagram devices will ensure that the moment of the magic will be captured and fully determined. It will make a potential probability more likely to occur.

In my new book, Talismanic Magic for Witches, I fully cover not only the theory of the temporal model of magic, but also the myths behind it and its practical application. I show the Witch or Pagan who aspires to work talismanic magic how they might go about selecting the optimal time and date for a working. I show the reader examples and how a given actual date might be examined for its potentially enhanced outcome or whether the auspices might force one to elect a different date. All these factors are thoroughly covered so that the reader can effectively and confidently choose the optimal time to perform a working without having to be an astrological expert. Knowing astrology is important, particularly knowing your own natal chart and how to determine your strengths and weaknesses, but this knowledge is readily available to everyone without having to study for years before attempting a competent talismanic working.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2023. All rights reserved.

Given the law of attraction, I know that it's foolish to talk about what we don't want in our lives. What I'm not clear on is when talking about what we're going through in life turns into complaining. I have friends with whom I share the daily ups and downs of life, and some of them sound and feel like complainers while others don't. I'm trying to live a complaint-free life, but I'm not sure where to draw the line in terms of what I share with others because there are some things that it does seem to help to talk about, such as not being able to get an insurance company to listen to you, and how to handle that. Your insights are appreciated!

Jo

Astrea:

In Yiddish, there is a wonderful word for a certain type of complaining: kvetch. Kvetching has been honed over thousands of years into a fine art form. It's not just complaining about personal problems and the lack of understanding others give us - the kvetcher even complains about complaining, and about how OTHERS complain too!

If the Rolling Stones' I Can't Get No Satisfaction had been written in Yiddish, it would have been called I Love to Keep Telling You That I Can't Get No Satisfaction, Because Telling You That I'm Not Satisfied is the Only Thing That Can Satisfy Me.

Trying to get help with an insurance company might require the aid of a professional, and in that situation, you're certainly NOT complaining. There is a time and a place to discuss your material problems and the events of your business life with people who can assist you in doing something about whatever is wrong.

Legal situations require lawyers. Health situations require doctors. A psychotherapist can help with emotional pain. Telling someone who can actually assist you in solving a practical problem doesn't qualify as complaining. As long as the person receiving the information may be of assistance, that's a fair conversation; you are using the Law of Attraction by calling on someone who can help.

Destructive whining and complaining occur when a person tells another person something the other person can do absolutely nothing about. One of the best examples of this is the person who constantly whines, I'm tired. What can anyone do about that?

The other person can't rest for the complainer, and can't give them the time they need to get rejuvenated. There is absolutely nothing that someone else can do to control another's fatigue. When we complain about things just to complain, nothing constructive comes of it.

It sounds to me like you and your friends fall somewhere in between valid communicating and kvetching. If friends who qualify as complainers are draining your energy, simply limit the amount of time you spend listening.

You know when YOU are going on and on about something no one can do anything about but you. When you catch yourself doing this, start problem-solving instead of feeding negative situations by repeating your complaints again and again.

We all whine and complain at times, but we can all use the Law of Attraction wisely to draw what we desire into our lives too. If you spend your time in gratitude, before long you won't have anything to complain about at all.

*****

Susyn:

It can be confusing to determine the difference between simply venting and falling into a pattern of negative thinking or complaining. We all need someone we can discuss our struggles with, whether it's to identify them and see if we can come up with a solution or discover a way to accept what's happening.

It's also a vital part of our spiritual path to learn to look at these instances from a higher perspective, and to identify if there is some part of ourselves that may need to change its habits of word, thought or action.

Some people love to report all their troubles or difficulties to anyone within earshot. The problem here is that whatever we dwell on becomes bigger, so if we are focused on negativity or upsets, we begin to see more things to complain about everywhere.

It's important to choose the right person to share our problems with. We all have friends who tend to agree with us, back up our positions, or confirm that we are indeed in the midst of a hard time. While they may validate what we are experiencing, they could cause more harm than good if they encourage us to feel sorry for ourselves, or worse yet, powerless.

We all must choose how we'll confront difficult situations in our lives, but sharing them with a friend or spiritual advisor we can trust to be honest with us is the best way to transform our problems into gifts. Wise helpers will offer ideas, shift our perceptions, or suggest options for change we may not have considered.

Take, for example, the insurance company you mentioned. Your struggles with them aren't personal, and it's likely most people who call them have similar experiences. If you take an incident like this to heart, the situation will throw you off your spiritual center, and could grow worse if you keep focusing on the person or situation causing the problem.

Often when these things happen, it's simply our inner knowing urging us to change in some way. For example, if you can't get someone to listen to you, it's time to stop talking and take action. Whether that means addressing your problems with a different agent, changing insurance companies, or standing back to let things resolve on their own, the bottom line is that you'll have to find another way to solve the trouble. This will empower you and instantly turn things around.

Raising our awareness, avoiding negative thinking and looking beyond the immediate situation to realize the deeper purpose behind our troubles are all positive ways of dealing with the frustrations life tends to toss our way.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.