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July 26 through August 1, 2021

We can take things easy the first few days of the week, as the Pisces Moon calls us to reflect, remember and relax. Mercury will enter Leo on Tuesday, urging our hearts and minds to forge ahead into new enterprises over the next few weeks as it energizes and inspires us! Things heat up Wednesday through Thursday as the Moon marches through Aries and Jupiter (which has been retrograde since June 20) backtracks into Aquarius. This can generate a sense of rebellion or frustration, and we'll need to be careful when anger or aggressiveness rises up. Whether they come from within us or are directed at us by others, maintaining composure is of utmost importance until this energy passes. Luckily, Mars will move into Virgo late Thursday and restore a sense of grounding and decorum to our words, thoughts and actions. Once Mars, the planet of action, gets settled in Virgo, we'll have two months of focused, organized, and detailed focus, which will give us the power to manifest on an amazing level! With the Moon moving through Taurus over the weekend, we'll fill our weekend with productive movement as well as fun-filled activities! Just keep in mind, that to maintain a good balance, getting our chores done before running out to play is always a good idea!

Eight Tides of Elemental Witchcraft for a Magickal Life, by Heron Michelle

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

The "Wheel of the Year" is what Modern Witches call our cycle of yearly celebrations, both religious and magickal. Our solar sabbat rituals are timed by the turning of the seasons, marked by the sun's movement through the zodiac of outer stars as we perceive them from earth. The Wheel resets anew with the sabbat of Yule celebrated on the winter solstice as the Sun enters the earthy sign of Capricorn. Lunar esbats flow with the tides of the moon as she sails her 12-13 revolutions around the earth during that same solar year. Unique to "The Pentacle Path of Modern Witchcraft" that I practice is an additional mapping of the eight elemental mysteries to the Wheel of the Year framework. These elemental mysteries include four projective lessons, and four receptive lessons taught by the powers of earth, air, fire, and water.¹ This framework becomes the energetic map of ebbing and flowing energies on multiple levels of reality. From these tides of power, a Witch's Great Work of Magick is actualized throughout each turning of the Wheel.

As with all occult mysteries, the truth begins in the darkness, during the transmuting pause just before the dawning of a new cycle. So, while the solar year may reset at Yule, The Great Work actually concludes at the Samhain beforehand, in the dark dusk felt at the peak of Autumn and 15 degrees of watery Scorpio. Following is a brief exploration of how the eight tides of elemental witchcraft flow through the seasons, and practical ideas about how we can engage with those mysteries to live a magickal life upon The Pentacle Path of Modern Witchcraft.

Samhain Until Yule: Earth's Silence
Along the Witch's Wheel of the Year, from Samhain to Yule is a time of rest and reflection. During this time, check in with the earth's projective mysteries of silence, when we hold open space for the incoming bounty we've been cultivating all year. This period of waning into the darkness is when the lessons of the previous harvest are integrated and concluded. Read your old journals and reflect on what you've learned. Nurture your body with plenty of rest, sit quietly by a fireside and dream into the deeps, dine on delicious foods, and pamper yourself. Practice active silence by listening carefully to what people around you have to say without interruption or judgment. Pray in open dialogue with your guides, then pay attention to signs and synchronicities in your daily life, following the intuitive breadcrumbs as they land.

Yule Until Imbolc: Earth's Resonance
From Yule until Imbolc, switch into elemental earth's receptive lessons of resonance. Look to the birth of the new cycle and ask the cosmos, "What's next?" Seek guidance with tarot or another form of divination, seeking which Great Work intention you should dedicate to achieving during the new Wheel of the Year. Then strike that cosmic gong of possibility and tune yourself to the new frequency of your choosing. Prepare the magickal goodies you'll need for the coming dedications to that goal at Imbolc: write intention statements, dress the candles, blend the incense, etc. Physically clean and then spiritually purify your house with a thorough hallowing. (You can read more about this process here. Clean all the altar tools, wash the altar cloth, and polish the furniture. Set a fresh tableau for the new magick to come.

Imbolc to Ostara: Air's Knowing
From Imbolc to Ostara, shift into the airy mental investigation of your dedication for this Great Work. Explore the intellectual world and air's projective mysteries of knowing. This is a good time to dive deeply into existing texts on the subject of your dedication. As the winter season wanes, curl up with a hot cup of your favorite brew and enjoy reading. Research to discover what is already known, or assumed to be true, about the subject. This would be a good time to take a class from a reputable source. Ask a lot of questions and seek out established answers from experts in that subject.

Ostara to Beltane: Air's Wonderment
From Ostara until Beltane, throw open the mental windows and let in the receptive breeze of airy wonderment. All those facts and opinions you just researched? Don't accept everything at face value! The very definition of "occult" is that there are hidden meanings beneath the surface of the obvious. Question the way things have always been—your beliefs, practices, and life in general. Seek a fresh perspective based on all that you've learned so far. This is the time for experimentation.

As the season of spring waxes, plant both your intellectual and physical gardens and generously fertilize them with the compost from last year's refuse—including the outmoded ideas or preconceived expectations that no longer aid your growth. As you weed the physical garden a practical bit of magick is to grasp the unwanted plant near the roots in your projective hand, center your mind, breathe in the power of nature around you, and visualize any unwelcomed thought or condition that hinders your spiritual progress. Name the weed that thing out loud, then yank it from the ground with vigor! Shake it off, and compost it with a hearty, "Be gone! So mote it be!"

Beltane to Litha: Fire's Will
As spring wanes, kindle your elemental fires of will by taking action upon your Great Work dedication. Apply what you've learned so far in some tangible spell work. As the season of spring wanes, and the days lengthen and heat up, this is the time to roll up your sleeves and dig into the "doing things" portion of life. Apply your fires to the practical projects around your home: tend your garden and finish that ever-lingering home repair project. Get into nature and enjoy some necessary physical exercise. Go and do magickal things that further your witching sovereignty (earth) and strive toward your highest ideals (air). See an issue that needs improvement at work, home, or out in the community? Take the lead, rally others to help, and work together to change it (fire).

Litha to Lammas: Fire's Surrender
As waxing summer tides heat up, shift into the fiery receptive mysteries of surrender by feeding the forge fires of your will. Let go of any old forms that are hindering your progress, like the snake shedding a skin that is too small. For some practical magick, each day clear out one area of congestion in your life. Take out the literal or metaphorical trash. Cull possessions for donation and unsubscribe from unwanted email lists. Prune back the excesses in your household budget. Prove to yourself that you're in charge of your life, not your addictions or obsessions. Give up an undesirable habit or overindulgence until Lammas just to exert your will to live the healthier lifestyle you choose. Unplug and go camping, take a social media vacation, or try a dietary cleanse of some kind (under the guidance of your physician) to balance your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Lammas to Mabon: Water's Daring
From Lammas to Mabon, apply the watery mysteries of daring and ask which emotional barriers need to be smashed in order to make way for the fulfillment of your Great Work. As the summer wanes, consider which impediments need to be overcome in order to regain emotional balance? Which societal impediments, taboos, or outmoded restrictions about love and relationships need to be redefined in order to advance your sacred mission in the world?

In regards to romantic love and sexual intimacy, know that however and whomever you love, so long as it is shared consensually, responsibly, and authentically among adults, that love is sacred worship to our God/dess. Be daring in your love and express your feelings to someone special without expectation of where that may lead. Make plans for a fun adventure and invite friends or potential lovers to come make some memories with you.

Mabon to Samhain: Water's Acceptance
As the autumn waxes, shift into water's receptive mysteries of acceptance. Take stock of all you've harvested so far this year and notice which new mold is coming into form around you. This mold will shape your improved self and the witching life you've been building. As you approach the third harvest of Samhain, cease striving and settle in. Consider the wounds of the heart and whatever you are grieving, then do spell work for emotional acceptance and healing. Drink plenty of pure water to stay hydrated, and enjoy a hot soaking bath with plenty of Epsom salts and yummy herbs of healing and purification as you envision all your heartbreaks dissolving into the bath and flowing away.

Conclusion
As the dusks of Samhain fall once more, the cycle of the Great Work of Magick conclude again with the lessons of earth's silence. The Wheel ends with Samhain, but does not truly begin again until Yule, after that necessary the pause of transmutation in-between. So, Earth's mysteries bookend the process. With each turning of the Wheel of the Year, Witches spiral into deeper understanding of themselves and their sacred place within the God/dess. With each turning we become healthier, more independent and authentic, more internally controlled and cooperative, and more emotionally balanced and trustworthy in our relationships. The ultimate goal of all this Witchery is a happy abundant life full of fun, fulfillment and adventure…and whatever other dreams you choose of your own free-will.

For an in-depth exploration of the history, thealogy and elemental mysteries of The Pentacle Path described above, check out my book, Elemental Witchcraft: A Guide to Living a Magickal Life Through the Elements. In those pages you'll find many illustrations and exercises, with complete instructions for the formulary craftings, Hermetic witchcraft rituals with guided journeys, and planetary magick spells for balancing each element and the Goddess and God within and without.

¹The four projective lessons are traditionally called The Four Powers of the Sphinx and originated with Levi, Eliphas. Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual. Translated by A. E. Waite. York, ME: RedWheel/Weiser, 1972. Page 30. The four receptive lessons were originally presented as "Widdershins Spirals" by Roderick, Timothy. Dark Moon Mysteries: Wisdom, Power, and Magic of the Shadow World. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1996. Page 79.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2021. All rights reserved.

For starters, I'm deaf. As a result of being deaf, I'm very sensitive to energy. (That's my excuse!) I have a coworker I get intense psychic vibes from. I just know when he will appear even when he's not on the schedule. I get this really warm feeling in my chest, which is the same feeling I get when I'm around him. I already know how his energy feels: it's like a tingly heat wave. I know when he's about to enter my space or area. I can feel him when he's looking at me or even thinking of me, and it's bothering me, to say the least. His energy is different from other people's. He gives me the creeps. I get really bad vibes from him that I would classify as a stalker/serial killer vibe, though I doubt he's either. However, I have seen him outside of work on a few occasions. I have brushed those events aside because he doesn't live far from me. It just seems like all of a sudden, I'm afraid of him and I don't know why. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder, and if I feel his energy, I just have the urge to run - to get away. If he's at work with me, I just can't wait to get away from him. It wasn't like this before. He's been at my place of work for several years. Why the change in me? I don't know what I'm picking up, but whatever it is, if I see him or feel him near me, I just start to shake. I have stomach pains around him, get dizzy, and sweat. I've tried to shield myself but I just can't shake this feeling from him. I don't know what's going on; I just know that for some reason, this person disturbs me. I don't know if he's actually stalking me or obsessing over me and I'm picking it up psychically or if I'm just more nervous than usual because there is a very strong psychic tie to this person I've been trying to break. I had a dream of him. He pointed to me and said, Maybe it's fate, then the Target store logo flashed. What the heck is happening to me?

Abby

Susyn:

I agree that you are very sensitive to energy. Given your deafness, your psychic senses would naturally be extraordinarily strong because when people lose one of their senses, the remaining ones develop further in order to compensate.

Obviously, you are not imagining things, for you are frequently around many other people whose energy does not upset you like this. Even if this man means you no harm, he clearly affects you energetically and emotionally. If you were destined to have some sort of relationship with him, you would get feelings of attraction around him, not the upsetting vibes he tends to evoke.

You may have known this man in another lifetime, and he may have had a menacing role in that incarnation as well. Just because we may have been destined to meet someone does not mean that we are destined to allow them to negatively affect us in this lifetime. This may be a lesson for you about finding the courage to stand up and learn how to protect yourself.

If this were fate or destiny, things would have already moved forward into a relationship of some type. The dream in which he claims this is destiny and then you see the Target logo means that he is focused on you and trying to control you. It is as if he has made a decision that you belong to him and are the target of his obsession. I recommend you stay as far away from him as you can.

It sounds like you are in the habit of doubting your intuition. For example, when you saw him outside of work, you dismissed it because he doesn't live far from you. It is crucial that you trust your feelings in this matter. You are highly intuitive when it comes to people; you need to know that and trust yourself. Even if this man has no history of violence and never gives any indication that he is a threat to you, the important thing for you is to learn to trust your own instincts and honor them by taking appropriate action.

It is difficult to work with someone like this, for you are forced to be around them on a regular basis. I recommend you perform my freezing ritual, which can be found under free downloads in my Kajama profile. This will limit the contact you have with him and eliminate the emotional stress he causes you. Also, if he does approach you and try to engage you in conversation, respond in one or two word sentences and try to mirror what he does.

Mirroring is a great way to maintain your balance with someone. It simply involves doing what they are doing. If he has his hands on his hips while he talks to you, put your hands on your hips. If he is smiling, you smile. Let him do all the talking. These actions will help you maintain your personal space and boundaries around him.

*****

Oceania:

You are experiencing the classic symptoms of a panic attack. When the survival part of our brain perceives danger, blood drains from our head, hands and feet and flows to our arms and legs in case we need to run or fight. As a result of these biological changes, we may experience tingling and dizziness.

Blood also leaves the digestive track, causing stomach upset. Breathing becomes shallow and the heart pumps faster to maximize oxygen intake. We tremble and sweat and feel chilled or flushed. The body can instantly prepare to fight, flight or freeze even though today's world does not usually require such drastic measures!

Because the symptoms of panic feel funny, we may worry that something is physically wrong, which escalates our anxiety. Many people end up in the ER, thinking they're having a heart attack. Prescribed medication can help calm your symptoms, but the best long-term treatment is learning to recognize and calm your anxiety through slowing your breathing, relaxing your muscles, and choosing to affirm I am safe.

There are several possible reasons you are having these reactions. The most obvious one is that your intuition is picking up something threatening about this man. It's always wise to listen to and honor your intuition as a tool of self-preservation!

It is also possible that he is not dangerous himself, but is instead a trigger, meaning there's something about him that reminds you of a past trauma. Once we associate someone with a panic response, they tend to trigger panic each time we see them. You may find temporary relief by avoiding him, but that will keep you on guard and uneasy. If he has indeed stirred up something from the past for you, counseling is indicated.

Another explanation is that you have an issue with someone ELSE in your life, and have displaced those feelings onto your coworker. Obsessing over him may keep you distracted from your more immediate concern. Counseling could help you identify what's bothering you and support you in dealing with it directly.

While this may sound crazy, it is possible that you're actually drawn to this man, and the warmth you feel in your chest (your heart chakra) is the flush of attraction. If you generally feel unsafe in romantic relationships, you may have conjured a cloud of danger around your coworker to prevent you from opening up and getting to know him. In your dream about the Target bullseye, it was suggested that fate is involved; perhaps Cupid's arrows are aimed at the targets of your hearts.

Whatever the reason for your strong reaction to this man, I invite you to see this as an opportunity to heal, grow, and reclaim your personal power.

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.