Saturday, September 25, 2010

Farewell and Thank You for Coming


Sometimes in life we are so blessed to have found that special friend/sister who is as much us as we are ourselves.  They cry our tears, they giggle our joys.
They are with us always even when they are absent.
They are willing to share whatever is needed.
They are willing to give whatever we ask.
May you find such a friend/sister.
May you experience the true sisterhood that only two women can share.

Thank you for joining us for our Practical Magic Blog Party. 
You are always welcomed to come again.
blessings
For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Bring the Book, Bring the Bird

The very best Book of Shadows of all times!
 

One of the first pages from the dark half of the Book of Shadows. To get to that part, the book is flipped and opened from the opposite end. This is where they get the spell to keep Jimmy from "rising!"


The spell that got Jimmy-or so they thought
See how feathers and other odds and ends are tucked into the book?

Their version of the Love Potions


My version! If you will leave me your email either on this page or send it to marionwilhelm at gmail dot com, I will send you your very own copy as a pdf.

My Blood, Your Blood, Our Blood


How far would you go for someone?
How bare would you make yourself
 to those you may be trying to hide from;
In order to help someone who means the most to you?
The power and understanding of women for one another
(whether alike or different)
 if far greater than we may allow.
Sometimes we need only to be the first one to take the first step.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Amas Veritas-Gillian Style


Gillian: Hello, Sister-Witches, with my sister Sally here in tow for good luck, I'm going to tell you about the latest spell I cast for love and passion...I know that my sister is happily married (BORING!) but hey, she's happy and so are my nieces and that's what counts. But for me,  I'm still single and I have to first make sure he pleases me where it matters most, so...

Sally: Wait a minute Gilly, you cast around last time for passion and look who that landed you with..A certain Cowboy Vampire that thank the Goddess is banished from our lives so be careful what you wish for this time...


Gilly: I know, I know! Everyone knows about my past, let's not go there sister-dearest. Can I please tell everyone about how to start? (Sally nods with her head to go on.) Well, I love to work with tarot cards which I learned from our aunts who in my opinion are the Queens of Magick. I first bathe myself in pure rose oil from Bulgaria on a Friday night with full and beautiful moon. You see, Friday was originally dedicated to the goddess, Freyja and so naturally I want to beckon and bedazzle men with her beauty.






Sally: Uh, back to Bulgaria? Wasn't "he" from Bulgaria? Why don't you just be practical and use roses from the garden? 

Gilly: Because YOU'RE the practical one and sometimes you need more than just "practical" when it comes to love! (Sally shakes her head in exasperation and sighs.) O.k. I choose four tarot cards and lay them on my altar. I have special candles that usually Sally or the Aunts have made ( I have no patience for stuff like that) thatI've anointed them with jasmine oil to give that extra sparkle...The first card I choose (and I do mean choose and not leave to fate, I want to know what I'm getting into) is the past and the lessons I've learned and what I want to let go of.





Sally: Amen to that!

Gillian: Thank you Sally, will you please not interrupt me anymore? Otherwise everyone will think that you're being incredibly bossy (which you are) and make me look like I don't know what I'm doing, but I do! And this is MY spell after all...So, as you all know, I haven't had the best of luck with men. I want to leave all that ugly heart-wrenching stuff behind me. So, that's my first card. Remember of course, you have to pick what best represents your past and the lessons you've learned, which hopefully aren't the same as mine. Then I lay the second card left of my past card, which shows who and where I am now in my life. I choose the "High Priestess" card as you can see, because I finally feel that I've come into my full power with my magick and wisdom.




Sally rolls her eyes.

Gillian: Don't think I didn't see that Sally! Then I choose my immediate future that I want to see manifested..(don't you just love that word? I choose a card that represents the type of man I want. Someone, who can buy me pretty things, is king of his own realm and someone I can go to when the storms outside erupt and will gently hold me in his arms. Yeah, Sally, I knew that last part would make you smile...So, I choose the King of Pentacles. I used to go for the Knight or King of Wands, since I liked his fire so much, but as I've said, I've matured...Besides those men were always broke and forget that!


 And then finally I choose the last card which represents our future together...I don't want to rush and get the ball and chain yet, like SOME people...So, I choose the Lovers card...You lay each card to the left of the following one.  So, this is my last card...


Sally: GILLIAN! NOT the best "Lovers" card for you!

Gillian: I'm only teasing, Sally, actually that's the card I chose before I met..."him." So, this is the card I choose now. It doesn't have the Disney type ending, but to me and for you sister-witches, you need to choose a card that represents the kind of love that you want...And so this is my final card.




I then leave the cards on my altar and light the candles for a full moon cycle or two if the Goddess is being fickle and then I let my dreams drift off into the air and know that when the time is right, (although I'd rather it be now than later) I'll meet my King. Oh and I take my cards off my altar when I'm done and with the candle wax remains, I go to the ocean and throw them into the sea because I've been taught that water represents emotion and love. As your wishes move with the tides, so your love comes closer to you...

Sally: Are you going to tell them, not to perform this during a Mercury Retrograde or the whole spell can go completely backwards? Remember you performed this last during a retrograde and look who you ended up with!

Gillian: I KNOW Sally, I know, but thank you for mentioning that to everyone so they don't have a disastrous love affair (even though he was SO dreamy at the beginning). 
 And there you have it sister-witches a love spell Gillian style! Please do let us know what happens with you. We both are here if you have any questions or if you have any spells that have worked for you, I know I'd love to hear them!




For more magical posts; please visit here and see all the wonder and beauty when there's "Practical Magic" to be found!

Bad Boys - What You Gonna Do


Why is it that we always seem to be intrigued by the dark bad boys?
Doesn't it always seem that eventually we grow to regret it?
But still for those brief moments,
when we are in ignorant bliss.......

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

To Love or Not to Love - Is That The Question


Who among us never dreamt of love when we were young?  How many times did you sit and dream about the one you would someday fall helplessly in love with?  How many times was your heart broke into a million tiny slivers when that love was lost or found to be not what you expected.  I think we can all relate in some way or the other. 

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

Those We call Sister... Those We Call Friend


The connection between those we call sister and/or friend is a fierce bond.  We can feel each others sorrow and dance to each others joys. 
Today take a moment to drop a note to someone who holds that place in your heart and let them know the blessings they have brought your way.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 24, 2010

Let the Party Begin


There is no better way to get a party started then with a good margarita..Join us throughout the weekend as we celebrate that movie we all love "Practical Magic".

For others who are also celebrating go to http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Mabon Blessings

As autumn returns once again with all its blessings,
and day and night are briefly,
but perfectly,
balanced at the equinox,
May we take a few moments to be reminded
of the precious fraility of
human life
as well as the precious gifts bestowed upon us
by the life that encircles us each day.
The wonders and beauties of Mother Nature
and all other creatures,
trees and plants,
waters and winds.

May we strive to make wise choices
 in how and what we reap as well as what we sow. 
As the earth's days shorten,
may we be blessed with beautiful Indian Summer days.
As the coolness comes,
may the gathering of those preparing for winter ahead
be prosperous and plentiful.
And as we also prepare for the coming inward journey
 of the coming months,
may we find an increasing compassion and tolerance
in our hearts and minds for those in need.
-Mother Moon-

Friday, September 17, 2010

A New Giveaway and a New Blog...

I am really excited about this giveaway and I hope you will be too! As you all know my incredible eWitch sisters had amazing giveaways and now it is my turn. I am starting a brand new blog, well, actually two; but this giveaway pertains to the one that has started. The name of the blog is "The Year of the Cats" and that should give you some clue about what the main theme of the blog will be about...I'm not going to go into huge detail about the giveaway, but to give you a taste, here are the items that I'm offering...
I go into much more detail about each of the items on my blog post here, so if you're interested in this giveaway, please do go check out why I'm holding this giveaway and learn more about it.   But, as you can see, there are four (five if you want the stand the Goddess stature is sitting on) for the winner. The Gaia/Earth Mother Statue, a book I've blogged about here on eWitch ; a beautiful candle (and another candle will be substituted for those women who have stopped menstruation or haven't yet begun); and a White Sage smudge stick.


To enter you can do the following and the more you do, the higher the chances that you'll win obviously:


1) If you're not a follower here at eWitch, become one.
2) Become a follower over at my new blog .
3) Write a post about it on your blog if you have one.
The winner will be chosen and announced on September 24; a week from now.


If you're entering; please leave a comment telling me how you're going to be entering and if you do write a blog post, please leave a link to it so we can all enjoy it.


I think whomever wins will be really surprised and happy with the Giveaway.


May the Goddess Fortuna Bless each of you!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

My Childhood Visitors

I was a quiet child growing up. Without going into great details I would have to say I was one of those “forgotten children”. It seemed that everyone else was busy with something or someone else. I was the youngest of four children, and the sister who was born a mere 14 months before me was diagnosed with major health issues from day one. Not only did she have heart issues which eventually caused open heart surgery she was also predicted to not live past her 3rd year of life. I am happy to report that she is alive and kicking still on the verge of celebrating her 50th birthday this month.(Fall Equinox to be exact)  She will more than likely live way  past the rest of us. Ah, the marvels of modern medicine.



Yet that is not the pathway that I wish to take with this posting. Since I was born quite soon after her birth and she still required frequent trips to the doctor and hospital for multiple surgeries that she would have during the first few years of her life, I did not partake in the usual baby mother time. As I grew older this continued as I was quite healthy and a quiet timid child. I was perfectly happy with my multitude of cats that occupied my time on the farm. I did not need the companionship of my much older brother or sister, nor did they wish to give it to me.



In retrospect although this time of my life (through my 4th year) had moments that would terrify me and the lack of what some would consider the basic nurturing that most children received; it was also a time of some of the most memorable moments of my childhood. I slept in a baby bed in the old farm house in a room just off from the kitchen. A window was near my bed and I remember being able to see the moon from it. A dresser was positioned next to my bed and each evening a baby bottle would be sat atop it for me to have access to through the night.



Although I know I was only four years old the memories of this time are quite vivid in my mind. In fact some of them are more vivid then memories from later on in my childhood, yet that is what repression does to you. One evening that I remember with clarity was an occasion after I went to bed and awoke later in the night. As I went to the dresser to retrieve my bottle I could not reach it. I remember trying yet to no avail.



Suddenly a woman came through the door of my bedroom and was walking towards me. She wore all white and her hair hung around her shoulders. She came towards me as if floating and a glow like shimmer surrounded her. She never spoke a work yet it was as if I could understand what she spoke to me. As she came closer she handed the out of reach bottle to me. She stood by my bed until I must have fallen asleep as the next thing I recall was morning.



Another instance was not realized until much later in my life. I had lived with the memories of late night talks around the kitchen sink while sitting on the kitchen cabinet, my feet sitting in the sink. As I sat and gazed out the window at the night sky and all its wonder I remember being told stories of the moon and all her glory. In retrospect it seemed that at most times this occurred when the moon was full. A woman stood at the sink, She would share her stories and knowledge with me as well as another girl who stood beside her.



For years I assumed that this woman and other girl were my mother and older sister. I did not think much about it until once when I asked my sister about it. She had no idea what I was talking about so I dismissed her recollection as the fact that it was probably not her who shared in the late night stories. Later I brought the subject up with my mother who responded in a similar manner as my sister. She did not know anything of what I was speaking of.



She continued to tell me that although she did not ever remember sitting with me in the kitchen conveying stories she did remember finding me on several occasions asleep on the kitchen cabinet in the mornings. She also added that I should know better than to think I would be allowed to sit on the cabinet with my feet in the kitchen sink.



After this revelation I wondered for sometime who the woman was. Who told me the many stories of the moon and warned me of specific places on the farm not to go? Was it the woman who also assisted me that evening with my bottle on the dresser? I am not sure if I will ever know yet I do feel that I was being watched over.



One occasion when I relayed this story to my granddaughter then at a tender age of 6 she looked square at me and said in a child’s matter of fact manner, it was your angel GG. I think she was right.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

How to make a winner or at least the winner of this Give Away!

Gently fold the names into small bits...



When all folded, admire all the names & the work that the contestants did to get all their entries: Twitter,link, follow...


Put them into a clean cauldron to mix..



Stir well with a wand...



Ta dah! faerwillow is the winner! 




The prize is Scott Cunningham's Book of Shadows. Thank you ALL for entering. I know all we at eWitch really appreciate the support. Goddess bless us every one!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

In Honor of 9/11




Great joys make us love the world. Great sadnesses make us understand the world.
~Kent Nerburn~



I saw this wonderful 9/11 tribute video over on a great blog I just discovered; "Never Growing Old and wanted to share it with all of you on this day that no one will ever forget...

 

Thursday, September 9, 2010

And The Winner Is....

I will be honest and say that I am not too fond of number generators as a method of choosing a winner for my giveaways.  I know that it is fast and easy and of course fair yet I like to write each name down and place them all in a bucket then rumage my hand down inside it until I am led to the one who is destined to win.  Of course this is what I done this morning to choose the winner for the Guilded Tarot giveaway. 

And the winner is...............
Tracy Deluca @ Witch Path to Take

Congrats Tracy!!  Send me your shipping info and I will send your package of goodies out asap.  I already have them all wrapped up and ready to go.  Until next time folks.
Blessings to you and yours and thank all of you for commenting.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tarot - The Cards of Triumphs

The actual origin of the tarot is unclear to say the least. It has been lost in the fog and legends of distant past. As in all issues where solid facts are scarce there are many views and much debate.

Originally it was a card game for the elite and eccentric. Lavishly hand painted cards were designed to be used in the courts of kings and nobles. Carte Da Trionfi or the Cards of Triumphs as they were known was the deck of choice. The introduction of the game seems to date back to the second half of the thirteenth century. It is still debated as to what the actual origin of the game was yet most believe it to be Arab.

The first complete deck (at least believed by some) is the Italian Vis-Contideck dating back to the 1400s. It is thought that the deck was created after the wedding of Philip and Mary Maria of Savoy, daughter of Amadeus VIII. The intricacy of each card is exquisite and hard to believe that they retained themselves after so many years. This deck has been reproduced somewhat and can still be obtained in replication.

After some time, thought to be in the early 1500, the cards began to be known as tarochhi or tarock and later tarot. The standard deck numbers seventy eight. There are four standard suits with 14 representations in each suit. Much like the standard card deck of club, spades, hearts, and diamonds, the tarot deck is made up of wands/staves, cups, swords, and pentacles/coins. This is known as the minor arcana. Twenty two trump cards make up the major arcana. Examples of these cards are the fool, the world, strength, the sun, the lovers, and so on. The card game of triumphs is still played in Europe to this day yet it seems that we Americans tend to lean more to the use of the tarot for divination.

There have been a multitude of decks designed over the years. I think I can be safe when saying that a deck to fit absolutely anyone could be found if one was to look hard enough. The most commonly known is the Rider Waite deck at least in the English speaking countries. It was originally produced in December of 1909. Academic mystic A.E.Waite was instrumental in the instructional book and bares at least half of the name of the deck. The other half is the Rider Publishing Company. Illustrator and artist Pamela Colman Smith was commissioned by Waite to lend her talents to the creation of the visual aspect of each interpretation. Simplistic is a word often used by many to describe this deck yet it has withstood the test of time and become one if not the most popular deck.

Among the many modern artist today that have had a hand in creating the elaborate and colorful modern decks we see is Ciro Marchetti. His use of broad imagination and brilliance of color has made his decks one of the most admired today. His first deck, The Guilded Tarot released in 2004, is a perfect example of this. Transporting one to a realm of knights and fair maidens the imagery is breathtaking. Among his other decks are the Legacy tarot and his Tarot of Dreams. As tried and true as some are to the Rider Waite, there are others who prefer the opportunity to derive their intuition from a deck that lends itself to a larger variety of imagery and messages.

The deck which I prefer most is neither of the ones mentioned above. I will be honest and say that I have a few decks in my possession. I have always been one who enjoys the different interpretation that each new deck seems to offer. There are those decks that honestly do nothing for me yet there are those who swear by their use and gift which they give. Likewise I am sure that some of the decks I enjoy are equally viewed the same.

My favorite deck is the Druidcraft deck which was created and designed by Stephanie and Philip Carr-Gomm of the Order of the Bards, Ovates and Druids in England. Released in 2005 it combines my likes and interests perfectly. A combination of nature based spiritualism of the druid life coupled with pagan beliefs makes this deck a perfect fit.  As is in many modern decks there are some cards (especially in the Major arcana) with different names or references.  An example of this is the card pictured above (The Lady).  The four suits, although the same, have a deeper representation bringing about a more nature based message.

In closing, just a brief reminder that tomorrow I will be drawing the winner of the Guilded Tarot Deck by Marchetti.  You can enter for a chance to win by clicking the link.  Blessings

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

"H" is for "Hobbit" In Particular: Mr. Bilbo Baggins

Every week at "ABC Wednesdays" people post about the letter of the week...This week, we were to post about the letter "H".  I chose "Hobbit" because I loved the book so much. Wasn't so crazy about the animated movie version, but I loved the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy (of course the books too!) by Peter Jackson. I also know that a movie of "The Hobbit" is going to be coming out in the near future hopefully. Anway, I thought you might enjoy my "Hobbit" post.
H
is for "Hobbit."
I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine that lives in another land very far away from most us called, "Middle Earth." Here is a map of it .


It's an odd place full of creatures most of you have probably   never heard of. There are Dwarves, Eagles, (not your ordinary  one's mind you), beautiful Elves, Ents; ancient trees that walk and talk, mortal men and women and my favorite people: Hobbits also known as "Halflings" to the locals.


I was introduced to one of these Hobbits when I was eleven years old and given a book, called "The Hobbit" by a man named J.R.R. Tolkien who had spent quite a while in Middle Earth and befriended my Hobbit friend; Mr. Bilbo Baggins.
Here is an image of him, although in person,  he is much more colorful, wonderfully quirky and magickal than this image can portray. I hope you do get to meet him in person of if you can't and are interested in his story, please read the above mentioned book, "The Hobbit."


When I told Mr. Baggins I was participating in a blog with the letters of the alphabet featured on a blog. Of course he had no idea what a blog or computer so I had to explain as best as I could what they both were. He was quite intrigued as he had never seen one but was excited that maybe someday he would "meet" one of them, (his own words) so he could tell them about his memoir he was writing. I told him I couldn't imagine a better representative for the letter "H" and so he was gracious enough to sit down for an interview for you, the dear readers.
Mr. Baggins grew up and lived in a very small town called "The Shire". Here is an image of The Shire
.The Shire It is a beautiful town, full of darling little houses where other Hobbits live, including Mr. Baggins nephew, Frodo who many of you have probably seen along with Bilbo in the movie trilogy based on Tolkiens books movies called "Lord of the Rings." The Hobbits haven't seen these movies as they don't venture from The Shire as they're not particularly fond of adventures and are quite afraid of another race of beings that I haven't mentioned, called "The Orcs". The Orcs are enemies of the Hobbits and are evil. They were once men who fell under the rule of the most dreaded one of all, Sauron. I won't go into much about him because he also frightens me and Bilbo wouldn't approve of my talking about him.

So, on with the interview.

Me: Mr. Baggins, may I call you Bilbo? Would you mind telling me a little about yourself and your background?

Bilbo: Why of course dear child, you can certainly call me Bilbo if I may refer to you as "Wendy". (There we had settled the formal matters.) I was born in this shire raised with my parents; Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Took. We are quite a hardy race and and remain quite close to our families all our lives. You see none of the other races, perhaps besides the Elves (mentioning the Elves, he had this dreamy, far-away smile on his face) understand what matters to us. Family, good grog, celebrations and books of course which is how I met my esteemed friend and confidante Mr. Tolkien, a wonderful chap by the way.

The name "Hobbits" comes from "the word "Holbytla" which translates "hole-dweller" in Old English," (Hobbit. (2010) Retrieved September 06, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobbit).

At this point he rose out of his chair to fetch the tea he was making for the both of us. I asked him what the tea was made of and he chuckled, "an old family recipe my dear. Hops, good for the a constitution, Linden flowers for taste, and Lavender for it's medicinal qualities. And of course wild bee honey who live in juniper bushes and make the most delicious honey!" And indeed, the tea was the most lovely tea I had ever drank.

Mr. Baggins sat down with a fire gently blazing in the fireplace and we both listened a minute to the rain pattering on his windows. "It's so beautiful here!" I sighed. I knew he and the other Hobbits took a lot of pride in their land. "Oh, but we have had many threats and forces try to kill us all and ravage the land for their evil purposes" He shuddered here and I knew of  course he was referring to he Orcs.
Orcs from "The Hobbit"
If you're brave enough you can look at this picture of the Orc's but I warn you they're quite scary to look at, much less think of.

I noticed he kept fingering a ring that was from his vest picket that had some type of inscriptions on them that I had never seen before. I asked him if he minded telling me about this ring, because it had such an unusual glow and quality about it. At this he lowered his voice quite dramatically and told me that once long ago there were two of his kind, fishing, "Smeagol" and his best friend "Deagol". Deagol was pulled into the water by a huge carp and when he emerged from the murky water had something glistening in his hand. This was "the ring", one of many;
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
Gollum from "The Hobbit"Apparently, these rings had a certain power that could be used for good or evil.


Bilbo went on to tell me that Smeagol seeing this ring, wanted it so bad, he begged his friend, Deagol for it and when Deagol wouldn't hand it to him, Smeagol turned into this dark creature, Gollum and killed his friend. You'll have to read the book to find out how Bilbo outwitted Gollum and took the ring and what happens on his journey.


I could tell Bilbo was getting a bit weary and knowing Hobbits like I do, knew that a daily nap was important for their welfare. So, I thanked Mr. Baggins for the tea, the company and his graciousness for the interview. And then I left Middle Earth where I rushed immediately back to my own realm and here you see the what transpired.


The book, "The Hobbit" I read at least once a year along with the sequels where the adventure is focused on Bilbo's nephew Frodo. Bilbo of course is still a major character along with a wizard I eventually will be introduced to by the name of Gandalf the Good. I do hope you'll read Mr. Tolkiens and lose yourself in them as I have. I guarantee you wont' be disappointed and will come to love Mr. Baggins and his family as much as I have. There are also quite a few other books written by J.R.R. Tolkien that I recommend equally.

Here's a preview of the movie "The Hobbit" soon to be released.

Monday, September 6, 2010

"Autumn Bliss" Print and Pendant Winner


And the winner is...


Wicked!!


Please send me an email with your address and we will get the print and pendant shipped your way :)

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Kaleidoscopes - The Coming of Fall

Fiery colors begin their yearly conquest on the hills,
propelled by autumn winds.
Fall is the Artist.

Animal Crossing: Wild World 2005

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Dancing with Myself during Mercury Retrograde

I'm blaming Mercury for EVERYTHING going wrong in my life  right now! How dare he go retrograde! I just started a new friendship over the internet and the conversations have been full of stormy misunderstandings and confusing awkward conversations.  I sit down to try and post for my blogs and chaotic nonsense pours out. So please forgive me and blame Mercury/Hermes if this post is flying all over the place. 


My computer who normally cooperates with me and is only a year old has frozen up on me so many times, I might as well be blogging in the North Pole...Knock on wood, the bank with it's "sophisticated" computer systems haven't YET pulled any stunts with my bank account. 
 And I'm not the only one out there who is suffering at the sluggishness of Mercury, I'm hearing all types of stories! Sigh...What's a mortal to do?


Oh, you say you don't know what I'm talking about? Mercury? Isn't that a chemical substance? What does "retrograde" mean and why is this effecting people? Well, let me first go for the mythical aspect of Mercury since I love mythology so much. Mercury was originally known as "Hermes" he only became Mercury when the Romans overtook the Greek pantheon and changed all the deities names, (must have been happening during a Mercury Retrograde period.) Hermes/Mercury, is the god of tricksters, thieves, communication, travel and electricity which of course effects computers. So, now to the science aspect of it all, dear T.D.R. (who prefers science over Myth and magic ; )
A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. It's a bit like traveling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play.
Rob Tillett. (2010) Mercury Retrograde: Astrology on the Web. Retrieved September 04, 2010, from http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html


Personally, when it comes to Mercury Retrograde, I don't pay much attention to how the planets are lining up, I'm just trying not to go crazy on this earthly realm. 
All the Greek/Roman deities "ruled or governed" different people according to the date and time they were born, which is mainly how astrology originally came to be based on astronomical movements. Mercury rules Gemini's and Virgo's. 


Now, Mercury Retrograde effects everyone in some form or another, but those of us who have either Gemini or Mercury planets in our astrological charts really have "fun" during this retrograde period. A person's "Sun" sign is what generic astrology is based upon, the typical horoscope you read in the newspaper or magazines. But we have many more planets than just the Sun, that make their presence known when we're born. I won't go into all the planets and their significance now as that would be a book, rather than just a blog post, but maybe I'll do a series on that. 


See? I can't even seem to stay on track posting now which is difficult enough without Mercury being in retrograde. My sun "sign" is Libra, which means usually, I aim for balance, equanimity, fairness, etc...However, my Moon sign which by the way is (about the hidden life inside of us, how we express our feminine aspects and our relationships with our Mother and how that plays out) is in VIRGO. The planet that was "ascending" also known as the "rising" planet on the date and time of my birth is VIRGO, double whammy! Your rising or "ascendant" planet is where your growth occurs in your outer life, it's the "movie preview" of what lays ahead. 


Not to mention that when Mercury Retrograde does his backwards dance he always chooses an astrological sign for a partner. Well, guess what, Mercury Retrograde happens to be dancing with Virgo right now. So, for all of you who have their sun sign in Gemini and Virgo, (or happen to have those planets in big time places of your horoscope chart), well, buckle your seat-belts because this has been a really bumpy road since August 20th and will continue to be until Sept. 12. 


We all feel the retro. shadow a few weeks before the actual retrograde itself and the wonderful effects linger a week or so after he finally decides to fly forward in his winged sandals. We usually have Mercury turn Retrograde three times a year, but in 2010 he turns retro four times a year, lucky us. 


I know for a lot of you this is just too far  to believe and you think I'm too superstitious or kooky and that's o.k. I have friends and family members who are as logical as you can get, dismiss any type of myth and magic and yet when Mercury Retro happens, I always love to hear their stories of mishaps and chaos. Remember, Mercury/Hermes is the God of tricksters, so I take delight in harmless pranks and chaos.


So, what are we mortals to do when Mercury flips us all out or off for that matter? Anything that starts with the letters "RE", which of course relates to REtrograde. This is a time for relaxing, rewinding, rehearsing, reorganizing, releasing and on and on, you get it...You can't fight the gods, so you might as well, not join them, but be in sync with them as much as possible. 


My biggest aim is to relax because I'm already tense and anxious as it is. Oh yeah, and I blogged about Hermes/Mercury being the only god who can visit the underworld and safely come back to the living, well, I call him my Bipolar Messenger as I've also blogged about having Bipolar Disorder II. So you can really imagine my poor friends and family when one minute I'm spinning around them literally or metaphorically like Tigger and then the next minute I'm pulling my Eeyore act. Fortunately, my new friend that I mentioned above is extremely patient and kind with me even though he thinks this whole way of looking at life is a bit loony.


Even I have to laugh at my being bipolar and I guess I can thank Hermes/Mercury for that because believe it or not, there are gifts I receive during the slower times that Eeyore brings as well as the blessings of being able to move forward and dance like Tigger.
 

So, don't curse yourselves out, or others, if life is throwing you some fast ones. It always helps to light a yellow candle (as the color yellow is associated with Mercury/Hermes) and ask him how to be patient and move with as much grace as possible.


I'm still not letting him off the hook though and he owes me big time!!! 
 Hang in there, we only have a little over a week to go and then life will return to some sort of order until Yule/Christmas time (December 10-December 30). Fa la la la and all that nonsense!


Does or has Mercury Retro. effected you in anyway? And what do you do during the "RE" time?






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