question time

okay so this is bugging the hell out of me and possibly a few others i know but for the last few nights the moon has looked very different, personally ive never seen it like this before but a few i know have said they have once or twice. IT's basically a huge huge bright orange moon and i mean like pumpkin orange with half the moon "covered" up. Usually the moon has a vertical looking axis and side to side phases but the past few days its been a horizontal "axis and top bottom phases. I don't have a camera good enough to post a pic nor can i find one that even comes close to what we're seeing. Anyone anywhere have any idea? and is there anything particularly magical about it other than it's eerie gorgeous:P?

Understanding Nature Magic

     Nature Is everywhere and even though it sometimes seems to be sidelined by modern life, its presence is vital to our existence. Nature is always around us and has always been with us. Our ancestors lived much closer to nature, working for thousands of years in the same ways and patterns: Hunting and gathering food, making their own cloths and medicines and toiling the earth to reap a good harvest. They observed nature to enhance their understanding of the world.
     
   The return to nature
Even today in the world's busiest cities, when we look up at the stars and see the same night sky as our ancestors did, we experience the same sense of awe. A walk in the woods still calms the spirit. Modern society prides itself on its "sophistication," a word derived from the Latin "sophisticas," meaning "tampered with." Many people, however, are rediscovering their natural roots and starting to work in harmony with nature rather than conflicting with it.

    Rites and Festivals celebrating nature
Early human societies were dependent on working with nature for their survival, thus rituals and ceremonies arose to help preserve the special link. Hunters would celebrate rites in which they assumed the characteristics of the animal they sought to hunt; this helped them become one with the animal also to feel that they were part of the natural world.
 As humans settled into agricultural communities and developed more complex social structures, they still continued to observe closely the seasonal cycles. Religion, such as Christianity, eventually came to overlay their own festivals on the old rites of nature and gradually changed their meaning and significance to reflect their own belief system. Nowadays, many people are returning to the wisdom and magic of the nature religions, in order to find their own spiritual paths through modern life and its obstacles.

   
  You Key To Nature Magic


 The Moon - The moon's magic works through its cycles of dark, new, waxing, full and waning. By recognizing the link between the moon and their menstrual cycle, women can choose the best time to work magic. Gardeners often sow certain plants on the waxing or waning moon. The moon has always played a key role in humanity's need to commune with nature.

 Trees - Trees span generations while their branches, trunk and roots span heaven and earth. They have particular qualities according to their own habits and these magical associations are harnessed in the runes. Tree magic can be absorbed by hugging or sitting under a tree. Trees live very long lives and as such, play a special role in the world. Make friends with  a tree to get in touch with nature.

 The Elements - Groups of four throughout  nature, there are four seasons, four winds, four main points of the compass. Correlating  with the latter are the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. In some traditions, these are seen as the foundation of the universe.

 Herbs - Herbs and flowers have been used throughout the world for thousands of years for medicinal and magical purposes, as well as in the kitchen. Nature provides remedies for all ills. Growing your own herbs helps to imbue them with your personal energies and it's a lot of fun too!

 Animals - Animals provide an essential link to the natural world by acting as spirit guides. The quality of a particular animal can reveal to us hidden qualities we possess - and by calling on the power of an animal, we can drawn into ourselves the strength of the creatures essence. This varies from animal to animal. all kinds of animals from wild to domestic, can help us connect with nature




 Metals & minerals - Metals, minerals, crystals and gemstones come out of the ground and have, in many cases, been there as long as the planet itself. They each have own distinctive vibrations which can be matched to those emitted by our own bodies, an idea embraced by crystal healers. Minerals can be single elements or compounds of elements. We can work with crystals or metals to acquire particular vibrations, this helps bring us into balance when our bodies are in some way out of natural sync. This belief has endured for thousands of years. The vibrations emitted by crystals can match sympathetic vibrations in human bodies.

Secrets of Moon Magic part 2

Understanding Moon phases

Every Month the moon appears to grow from a tiny sliver of light to a bright silver globe. As it waxes and wanes, so does it's magical power.

The magic properties of moonlight are extremely powerful, but they change throughout the month. The moon is most powerful when it is full: this is a perfect time to charge crystals and charms, pick magical herbs and start new ventures.

Waxing and Waning
There are four main phases of the moon: the new moon, when only a tiny sliver can be seen; the waxing moon, when the crescent increases; the full moon, when the whole circle is visible; the waning moon, when it diminishes again. There is also a fifth phase called the dark or new moon when the moon cannot be seen at all. Each aspect governs a different kind of magic and influences the spells that should be performed during this period. Try synchronizing your spells and rituals if you can to harness and strengthen you magic energies.

• Gods and Goddesses of the Moon
• Diana - Roman goddess of the crescent moon. Wash your hair in the light of the waxing moon and Diana will grant you lustrous locks.
• Freyja - Norse moon goddess of prophecy. Pray to Freyja before you sleep and you will dream of the future.
• Hecate - Queen of the dark moon in ancient Greece. If you give to charity during the waning moon, Hecate will make you wise.
• Isis - Egyptian goddess queen. Moon phases are depicted on her headdress.
• Khensu - Egyptian god of the moon. he rules the tides of the river Nile.
• Luna - Roman goddess of the moon
• Selene - Greek diva goddess of the full moon who enchants men. Hang a white, red or silver dress outside in the moonlight and wear to be irresistible.
• Yemanja - Brazilian goddess. When Venus appears inside her crescent , it's time for romance.

The moon is usually worshiped as a goddess taking on the female aspect of the male sun god.

Guide to the Moon Phases

New Moon - When the crescent moon is visible (horns facing left) it is time to begin new ventures and start new projects. Trim your hair and it will grow longer. Light a white candle and make a wish for the month. Move to a new house start a new job or begin a new relationship. Begin exercise regime or healthy eating plan now.

Waxing Moon - Focus on creative magic during this phase. Perform spells for health, wealth or love. Think positively during this phase and your confidence will grow with the moon. affirmations will encourage a positive attitude. Stand in front of a mirror every morning and say "I am a creative confident person." You may feel silly but it will work.

Full Moon - When full, the moon is at it's height of its energy and power. This is the phase most associated with magic. Concentrate on magic, spells and wishes emphasizing fulfillment, such as taking exams or completing a task. This is and excellent time to perform love spells. Spells for success are also best cast under a full moon.

Waning Moon - As the moon decreases, it is the ideal time to focus on what you would like to disappear from your life. Perform magic to diminish debts, lessen your anxiety, to make illness shrink away or put off unwanted admirer. Visualize all your problems gradually decreasing. It is good fortune to give others during this phase.

Dark/ New Moon - As the moon shrinks to nothing and turns its face away from the world, you will be wise to follow its example. Replenish your inner resources by withdrawing and looking inward. Practice yoga or meditation rather than acts of magic at this time unless absolutely need be or just work very minimal everyday magic. Evaluate what you want. but take no action until the next new moon or corresponding phase.

Once in a Blue Moon...
The complete sequence of moon phases from new to full takes lil over 29 days, so there are 12 full moon in most years and 13 in others. approximately once every 2 1/2 years 2 full moons fall within a single calendar month. The second of the full moons in known as a Blue Moon and magic performed under it is twice as strong.

Your Moon charm
You can imbue a charm crystal or even herbs with the power of the full moon.

1. Place your chosen object in the moonlight and let it absorb the mystical rays.
2. To charge the object for the first time, bury it on the night  of the full moon and wait for a month.
3. During its waning phase will cleanse the buried charm. 
4. During the waxing phase the moon will bless the charm with lunar energy.
5. Collect the charm on the next full moon and bow three times in thanks.
6. Wash the charm in moon water by leaving a glass of water in the moonlight.

Silver objects such as coins or crystals do the best with moon charms.

Secrets of Moon Magic

Understanding moon magic and phases pt1 of 2

The moon has been worshiped for centuries. Its power effect on the nature world is seen as proof of its magical power.

The moon is more than just a light in the night sky. It affects weather patterns, creates tides and influences earthquakes. Ancient astronomers were quick to pick up on the phases of the moon as an indication of cyclic properties of nature, and many attributed magical powers to it.

Menstruation and the Moon
Wiccans (modern witches) and pagans worship the moon as a goddess with three faces, -  Maiden, Mother, Crone, symbolizing the waxing, full and waning phases of the lunar cycle. Each phase governs the different types of spells that should be performed during it.

Women are especially attuned to the moon and its phases also affect fertility. A lunar month is about 28 days long, the same length as the average menstrual cycle.

Moon Madness (facts and tidbits about the full moon)

• Traditions across the world link Moon with madness and transformation. As the human body is 80% water we are also under her spell. 
• More people suffer mental illness during a full moon. "Lunatic"- from "luna", the Latin word for moon - describes someone who is moonstruck.
• The legend of the werewolf was reported in itally as recently as 50 years ago. A condition called lycanthropy, were sufferers develop inhuman strength during the full moon is thought to be responsible.
• The crime rate rises, more accidents happen, and a higher number of people are hospitalized when the Moon is full

Moon Magic throughout the year

Certain spells work better during specific times of the year. the following list, based around the 13 "tree Months" of the Celtic calendar, show when your spells have the most power.

• Birch Moon (dec 24 - jan 20) - At the beginning of the year, concentrate on new beginnings. Ask for general luck in whatever the coming year brings and focus on what you want to achieve.
• Rowan Moon (jan 21-feb 17) - Focus on how to go about getting your goals. Spells involving communication and psychic connection work well at this time.
• Ash Moon (Feb 18-mar 17) - Love spells and loved ones should be foremost in our minds in early spring. It's no coincidence that valentine's day falls close to this month.
• Alder Moon (mar 18- apr 14) - Spells to aid success in your business and academic ventures work well at this time of year. Sow seeds of your success now.
• Willow Moon (apr 15 - may 12) - Focus on bringing someone round to your way of thinking. Attract love or a new job or aim to make good first impressions.
• Hawthorn Moon (may13 - jun 9) - Focus on keeping a barrier between yourself and things you don't want. Aim to push away old problems or lingering irritation. 
• Oak Moon (jun 10 - jul 7) - Growth and fertility spells work best at this time of the year. Focus on building and consolidating your wisdom, endurance and security.
• Holly Moon (jul 8 - aug 4) - As the days shorten after the summer solstice and the moon grows in power, focus on putting bad situations behind you.
• Hazel Moon (aug 5 - sept 1) - This is the best time of the year to focus on gaining wisdom and absorbing knowledge. Cast spells to heighten your senses and concentration.
• Vine Moon (spet 2 - Sep 29) - Never give up hope that you will succeed in your endeavors. This is a good time to reap the rewards of your hard work.
• Ivy Moon (sep 30 - oct 27) - As winter months draw in, you'll need to improve your resilience and tenacity. Spells for good health are advised at this time of the year.
• Red Moon (oct 28 - nov 24) - In the depths of winter you need to recharge. As you tend to stay indoors a lot during the cold season, this is a good time to both focus on and bless your home.
• Elder Moon (nov 25 - Dec 23) - The last full moon of the year represents completeness. Cast spells dealing with closure and take stock of what you have achieved.