Intention VS Goal

We are approaching the first quarter moon, Saturday, July 17, and the lunar cycle will be in Libra.

How are your intentions coming? Libra wants to know if you are in balance with them? Did you set aside time for self care? For family/relationship care?

Are you seeing your intentions come to light? If not it could because you have over committed or you set a goal not an intention.

What’s the difference?

For one, a goal is something you’re set on accomplishing in the future. (I want to loose 16 lbs vs I plan on eating more fruit) Goal setting, however, can also make you feel somewhat stuck. When you’re hyper-focused on a goal, you may find yourself living less in the present and focusing more on this aspect of your future. (All the things I’ll be able to do when the 16 lbs are gone and how will I find the budget to buy all the cute clothes).

This can also bring about the feeling of having less in your now because you are so focused on this future goal. (Oh, I’ll wait to do that when I’m 16 lbs lighter)

An intention, however, is about living in the now. What does this mean? It means that rather than focusing on a substantial, maybe even stressful long-term goal, you’re living your day to day with the mindset that you will achieve. You will spend your days being who you want to be. You will accomplish. No if, ands, or buts about it! Because you’re living your day-to-day how you want to, that’s the first step in achieving! Living with intention is living outside of the realm of victory or loss, because the goal is to feel how you want to feel, regardless of outside forces. A goal risks setting you back, but an intention will propel you forward.  (I’ll go to the beach everyday, even though I haven’t lost 16lbs. I’ll paint my fingernails the bright colors because I want to).

While I’ve used the weight loss goal/intention, let’s look at another example. My goal is to write and publish a three more books this year. If I simply set this goal, I will most likely find myself super excited and motivated. BUT then comes the first hiccup and good-bye motivation. Now, if my goal is to publish by books and my intention is to be present and proud of the work I’ve accomplished, (which if you look back over the last couple of lunar cycle where I state my intentions this is it). When hiccups come along, I don’t jump off the rails into the ditch where my intentions are and that keeps my goal on track. Because I’m proud of the books I have published. I’m proud of the book I’m editing. I post about them and talk about them. So this keeps me striving towards my goal.

I hope that helps 🙂

Three Card Spread –

Now on to the spread. The cards spoke LOUDLY! And I know someone is going to ask if this is staged – nope. And if it feels that way to you please feel free to move on. Thanks. I’ve been using the Beyond Lemuria oracle deck by Izzy Ivy for this lunar cycle. I love it! It’s also the one I used in this this lunar cycle journal (it’s a free download – go check it out!

The Infinite – This is a card of rebirth. You may have gotten off to a rough start or carried some hiccups into the new moon. And while you may feel like giving up, this card is a reminder that you got this. Take care of yourself and believe, amazing things are coming your way. 

Healing – Goes with the message from the first card. You need to rebalance and what better time to do it than during a Libra moon phase! Acknowledge that an area in your life needs healing but don’t focus 100% there – remember this is about balance, heal and move on at the same time

Radical Expansion – You are sooooo going to rock the reminder of this moon cycle! You go!!!

Have a great weekend!

Witchy uses of Marjoram

Happy Herb Wednesday!

Since Saturday is the quarter moon and it’s in Libra, I thought marjoram would be the perfect herb to highlight. It’s a ‘balanced’ herb (yeah, I know corny but what can I say).

The First Quarter Moon – Saturday, July 17

Get specific and take action!!!

Marjoram has many qualities that make it ideal for spells, protection, cooking, and health.

It’s pleasantly aromatic herb with a floral yet woodsy fragrance that is nice in potpourri. Coffee and marjoram is one of my favorite winter potpourri base blends.

Marjoram is similar to oregano and has over 500% of our daily recommendation of vitamin K. I love chicken stuffed with crushed fresh marjoram and chopped garlic. Sooooooo yummy! The leaves and flowers can be used to make tea (it’s on the bitter side for me but I know many people love it).

Magic uses…

Marjoram is good for love spells. In the language of flowers, it symbolizes blushing. Try drinking it in wine or tea, or anointing your body with marjoram infused oil, or just put a sprig under your pillow before sleep as part of a dream divination spell for this purpose. Now I personally don’t think a love spell is always about finding your soul mate – it can be about loving yourself. Falling in love yourself.

For general protection of the home and family, place a marjoram leaf in the four outer corners of your home or use it in a floor wash. This protects against strife between members of your family and the others who dwell in the home. It is also believed to ward off general bad luck. You can also add it to family meals to protect the diners from discord among one another and to enhance their love for one another. (You must eat the meal together.)

Enjoy the day!

Calling All Pyromancers

I’m knee deep in edits on The Dragon Witch ….

So I thought I’d chat a little about pyromancy (fire divination). Pyromancy is part of the magic system in my book and while I don’t personally practice it, I found it so interesting! Pyromancy is the use of fire to gain insight into a situation or an answer to a question. (Note: if you read my book, I’ve enhanced this a bit) 

Interesting facts:

It’s been around for millennia and was probably one of the earliest forms of divination. 

In Renaissance magic, pyromancy was classified as one of the seven “forbidden arts,” along with necromancy, geomancy, aeromancy, hydromancy, palmistry, and scapulimancy.

In Japan, specifically, turtle shells would also be used as a ritualistic divination technique. In Tibet such divination was used to understand natural phenomena otherwise inexplicable to villagers. Lamps using animal fat were often burned by ancient Tibetan peoples, and the smoke and flames were interpreted as the guidance of natural forces.

Fire rituals in East Asia most often revolved around animal bones. The bones from animals would be thrown into fires. The cracks and flame formations would be interpreted to divine the future.  

Will Myra be willing to pay the cost of controlling her fire magic?

The East Asia is the form I based my pyromancy on.  In The Dragon Witchy, it’s a form of scrying, the same as crystal ball, mirror, and water gazing. Myra uses her dragon’s fire to perform the scrying; it is also the source of her magic. 

I would love to hear from anyone who does practice pyromancy/fire divination. I’d love to include information from a practicing witch in the notes of my book and do an interview for the publisher’s website.

It’s a Capricorn Full Moon

Capricorn is the sign that gets stuff done at all costs. With this full moon following so close to the Summer Solstice, it will be a great time to surrender, release and let go of what is no longer aligned with you energetically.

When the full moon arrives this month, it is a perfect time to reflect on how hard are you willing to work for your dreams. Capricorn is a reminder that hard work is a requirement. During this full moon is a perfect time to ask yourself if you are willing to pull out all the stops out.

Write down a list of all the things you’ve bought into your life in the last two weeks. Think about what feels good and what doesn’t. Capricorn energy is not about dragging unwanted things with you add that to a full moon – a time of release – this is when you should be unloading all the negative things.

Journal Prompts

A few journal prompts that may help you (more are in the New Moon journal – link below): 

• What does abundance LOOK like for you? 
• How can you ruthlessly create that into being? 
• What needs to go for you to make space for what you want? 
• What does the kind of person look like and act like who is living the future you want for yourself? 

Balance a Capricorn Full Moon energy with Solstice

Scents:

Woodsy, grounded scents are what Capricorn moons pull us towards. So you may find yourself digging through the fall and winter candles/incents in search of cedarwood, cypress and myrrh again. Make sure to something like sweet orange or lavender to keep the mood light.

I love to ‘bake’ oranges during the Solstice Full Moon

Colors:

Like with the scents Capricorn colors are usually darker and heavier. Instead of wearing black or dark blue, which can draw us into Capricorn’s moodiness, try brightening it up with neutral or soft colors or a tropical scarf, something that isn’t serious.

Capricorn Full Moon Card Reading

I used the Witches Tarot Deck again.

This reading like the one for Summer Solstice I also changed the questions or intent of the cards. Because the full moon is in Capricorn, so there is still a desire to work hard but you’re at the end of your project or journey, not the beginning.

This moon helps us finish what we started and enjoy the fruits of our labor. It also gives us time to focus on looking inward, not outward for validation. If your emotions are a little on edge and you’ve been moody, really take time to figure out why and then move on. Take responsibility for your emotions but don’t try to control things. Overall, use this Capricorn energy to be responsible, finish up what you need to get done, and then let go and enjoy time with friends and/or family. After all, this moon falls within the week of the summer solstice, so there’s plenty to celebrate. This spread helps us to let go of control if that’s something you’re dealing with during the full moon.

1. Where (in what aspect of my life) do I need to let go of control? (Page of Cups)
2. What is the first step in releasing my desire to control things? (Four of Swords)
3. Where else can I devote my desire for order and persistence? (Death — not scary!! Make sure to read below)
4. What will this release of control (potentially) bring me? (Ten of Cups)

If this reading has spoken you then things are all set for you to rock!!!!

1. The Page of Cups is telling you that you need to let go your own limitation. You can reach the sky, you just need to let yourself. Trust your ‘gut’ and believe in yourself! You got this!!!
2. What is the 1st step you need to take? Four of Swords is here to tell you to step back and take a deep breath. You have what it takes to make your dreams come true now you just to need to focus. Inhale the positive energy.
3. And this is where the Death card comes in. You need to cut out (put to death) the things you use to distract yourself from your dream. Then you see the the steps that you need to take.
4. Is there really a better card for this question than the Ten of Cups??? I mean if I was to stage this reading, I would have selected this card. What will the Death of distractions and belief in yourself bring you??? OHHHHH JUST RAINBOWS AND HAPPINESS AND WEALTH!

The Capricorn Full Moon journal is available for free download 🤩There are prompts, oracle cards for intuitive journaling, how Capricorn will impact this full moon, and blank pages. http://www.susanschmock.com/.

Summer Solstice Tarot Reading

Hello and happy Summer Solstice eve! Below are the cards I pulled for a general masses reading. I used Witches’ Wisdom Oracle cards by Barbara Meifklejohn-Free and Flavia Kate Peters.

A beautiful deck! Available on Amazon

I did my usual 4 card drawing but because the purpose of the drawing was different, the questions they answered were different from my usual drawing. I still had the top card be the significator only instead of having an intention I’m applying it to, I’m developing my path from the meaning of the card.

Questions answered

Card 1 answers the questions what are the immediate influences regarding the direction the significator points me.

Card 2 represents the perception  I have in regards to the significator.

Card 3 (is the same as in my usual drawing) – Hope and fears concerning the direction the significator points me.

The Reading

Significator – I didn’t actually draw this. I selected it because it’s a drawing in Litha’s honor so who better to have as your significator? As we enter this season of light, Litha shines upon you, helping you to step up to the next level. What have you been resisting taking the next step in? She’s telling you it’s time to explore the unknown. Take a risk.

Card #1 – Chalice – fulfilment (reversed) How are your immediate influences stopping you from taking the step? Blocking the adventure? It’s reversed so it’s saying you are letting those around drain you of your creativity. You are allowing others to make demands on you without filling you back up. It’s time to turn the chalice right side up! 

Card #2 – Mabon – balance. What is your perception in regards to Litha and her call to level up?  To begin the adventure waiting for you? Your reflections of things from the past are shadowing you. Holding you back. You feel that it’s too risky because of things from your past. It’s time to embrace your shadow side. Hold on to the lessons but don’t let them anchor you.

Card #3 – Candles – magic. What are your hopes/fears in relation to leveling up and beginning your new adventure? This card reveals your hopes in taking the next step. The flames are flickering and bending BUT they aren’t going out. Don’t let your fears snuff out your magic. Trust Litha to bring you up the next step. To guide the adventure

I have a summer solstice journal for free download that would be great to write your responses in.

Summer Solstice Journal

Happy summer solstice!

Summer Solstice Journal

Welcome! I’m sharing my favorites for summer solstice. Honey cupcakes (I use a flower mold but of course I couldn’t find a pic of them and didn’t have time to make them before this had to go up – such is life) and fresh herbal candle rings. And the link to my free summer solstice journal 🙂

Honey Cupcakes

Golden, sweet and almost glowing, this beautiful, pull-apart honey cake sweetens any Litha or Solstice ritual. 

So tie on an apron and follow the recipe below to make your midsummer magical.

 What you need:

3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cups sugar

 1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup honey

2 sticks butter (softened)

4 eggs

1 cup  milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

oil or cooking spray or paper liners for cupcake tin

What you do:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lower if your oven runs hot.  Line your muffin pan with paper liners.

Step 2

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in one bowl.  Set aside.

Step 3

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Add honey.  Beat in vanilla.

Step 4

Slowly add flour mixture, alternating with the milk.  Beat until just smooth.

Step 5

Spoon batter into muffin tin and put in preheated oven.

Step 6

Watch it!  Honey caramelizes a lot faster than sugar.  Bake until you can plunge a fork into the cake and it comes out clean.

I use these – Amazon

And like the cupcakes, I could not find a single pic of the million herb candle rings I’ve made… But here is what they look like more or less (this is from Walmart) –

Herb Candle rings

I prefer to make candle rings over wreaths, for summer solstice. I use them for my morning welcoming ceremony.

Choosing An Herb

I like to use to sage and rosemary but if you are unsure here’s one of blog post on herbs and their uses – Herb Time

What ever you pick, you’ll need a super healthy amount of it.

What You need:

You will only need a few things for this easy summer solstice craft project (this is a great project to do with the kiddos). 

-an embroidery hoop (or small wreath base)

your chosen herb(s)

scissors

floss/thread

What you do:

Step 1:

Gather your herbs into small bundles (depending on the size of your ring plan on 8 to 9. Bind it in sections around the wreath by winding the floss/thread around the hoop and the herbs.  I use bright color floss to wrap mine but green or black is wonderful also.

Step 2:

Bling it out. You can add ribbon, flowers, bees, or whatever you want to embellish it. 

Summer Solstice Journal

The journal is available for free download. It contains journal prompts, chants, blank pages and activities.

Journal

Tarot and Tea

Are you struggling with a problem??? Standing at a crossroads??? And yet your cards seem to add to the confusion. Try a cup of tea for clarity during your tarot read…

While the cards can offer insight, we need to be in a place to receive it

Gingko

Gingko most readily comes to mind when one thinks of herbal teas for memory and mental clarity. Its most widely known for its ability to promote brain circulation for increased brain function. It’s wonderful when seeped with a lemon balm.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is considered by some to be one of the best herbs to enhance memory. And studies have shown rhodiola also can help with depression. If tea isn’t calling you rhodiola makes a wonderful latte 🙂

What you need:

• 2 teaspoon dried rhodiola

• 6 ounces water

• 8 ounces milk of your choice

• 2 rooibos tea bags

• Sweetener of your choice

What you do:

1. Roots need a little longer to brew to make a good tea, so begin by placing the rhodiola into a small saucepan with the 6 ounces of water. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer with the lid on.
2. Once the rhodiola has brewed for 20 minutes, add the other ingredients. Stir in the milk of your choice, and add the rooibos tea bags.
3. Allow the rooibos tea bags to steep for an additional 5 minutes, and then strain the latte through a mesh strainer into your favorite mug.
4. Add your sweetener to taste, and enjoy!

Bacopa

Bacopa has been shown in studies to improve memory and mental function. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, and is widely used today to enhance concentration and memory.

Magic Circle Day

Circles are a big part of magic.

The power of the circle

First, a magical circle provides protection. 

When you cast a circle, you cast it with the intention that only positive and beneficent energies may enter or dwell within. This way, when you open yourself up to the energetic realm, you need not worry about picking up any energies or currents that are not for your highest good or the highest good of your ritual or spell.

Second, a magical circle serves as a container for your personal energy as well as the energy you conjure. Your power as a Witch or magical practitioner is clarified and magnified by the circle, sort of like a megaphone. 

This is a good time to say when creating YOUR magic circles you need to do what feels right to you. Also the way you cast a circle may change depending on the reason you are creating one. Or what is going on in your life.  With that in mind, here is a list of things I have on hand. (I’d love to hear what items you use – drop me a comment)

Possible items for a circle

1. Herbs to cleanse your area (sage and bay leaves are my personal favorite).
2. Candles (the color will vary depending on the purpose of the circle. I have a post on the magic meaning of colors – https://wordpress.com/post/tasarlaromaney.wordpress.com/633)
3. A small bowl of moon water or rain water or infused water
4. A small bowl of salt (I prefer black salt)
5. An item of a spirit animal that you calling on as a guide or one that is appearing to you
6. Broom
7. Place a simple representation of each of the four elements at each corresponding point –  Earth/north, Air/east, Fire/south, Water/west (Here are some ideas for items you might choose to represent the elements Earth: rock, crystal, potted plant, ceramic dish. Air: feather, incense with holder, sage bundle. Fire: candle, essential oil burner with tea light. Water: sea shell, chalice with water in it
8. Small stones (for a boundary if there isn’t a natural one – I’ve used the wall of the room I’m in so it really depends on what you feel is right and preference). 
9. Something to sit/lay on.

Step 1

Cleanse the area with the herbs you selected. This can be done with smudges, incense, a small bowl with smoldering herbs, etc. 

Step 2

Using your broom (air sweep if the room is carpeted or a vacuum), sweep around area clockwise. It is common practice to chant during this step inviting light in and casting darkness out. Also stating the purpose of the circle (protection, healing, ect.)

Step 3

Place the stones on edge of the circle. As you place the stones, start your casting. If you aren’t placing a boundary but using walls or something else that is already in place, walk the circle touching the boundary as you chant. As far as the chant, again the wording is a personal choice, but here is what I say (roughly – again it changes with my mood and intent)

May this circle be blessed

May this circle be protected

As above, so below

As within, so without

Step 4

Consecrate the circle with black salt and moon water.  Walk around the circle clockwise and sprinkle the water and salt (I often use a sage wand for this). 

Step 5

Place the items you have to represent the four corners in the center. Pick up the item for air and walk to the eastern point of your circle. Place the item you are using to represent air on the ground. 

Return to the center. 

Picking up the item you are using for fire, walk to the southern point and place the item on the ground. 

Return to the center. 

Picking up the item representing water, walk to the western point and place the item on the ground. 

Return to the center. 

With the items representing your spirit animal and earth, walk to the northern part of your circle. Invite your animal spirit guide in and place the item you are using to represent earth on the ground.

Step 6

Make yourself comfortable. Review your intentions and begin casting your spell/manifestation.

I’d love to hear how you make your magical circles. 

The Crow as a Spirit Animal

Happy crow day! And new moon 🙂 While a  crow may not strike you as the most majestic animal on the planet and it may not be your top pick when it comes to spirit animals. Yet the crow symbolism is one of power and dignity. 

Before I talk about some of the symbolism of crows and what it may mean if you find that you have one as your spirit animal let’s talk about (very briefly) what is a spirit animal.

What is a Spirit Animal?

Before we look specifically at the crow spirit animal, we have to understand what this term means. A spirit animal is a form a spirit takes in order to guide you or send you a message.

Sometimes this choice is based on our own personalities, other times it reflects the task at hand. There are even times where the form that your spirit animal takes is, in fact, the message itself. So if you have a spirit animal crow then that is an idea that can be explored further. So what does a crow symbolize?

Exploring the Crow Spirit Animal Meaning

When you see a crow in a dream, a vision or even in the physical world (usually, the circumstances would make it clear that this crow was a symbol and not just a run-of-the-mill crow) it means that your time has come to move on.

This doesn’t relate to death (like many feel) but rather to leaving the past behind us. The crow totem has become a symbol of intelligence and flexibility.

It means that there will be times when our emotions force us down an illogical path and when a crow appears to us, we are reminded that every now and again we need to stop listening to our hearts and instead listen to our brains.

Crows have always been viewed as messengers of the gods so it is important that you consider any message they may be relaying.

The Wisdom of the Crow

Crows have watched the world pass them by for as long as humans have existed, if not longer. If a crow visits you in a dream then your best approach is to follow it.

It’s possible that there is something it wants you to see at the end of the path or some form of wisdom it wishes to share with you.

These won’t always be pleasant truths but your experience in the dream will play an important role in your journey. It’s rare, even in dreams, for crows to speak our languages but if one does then it is important that you listen.

Symbolism of Crows

When crows aren’t relaying messages or guiding us along spiritual paths, they often carry varying degrees of luck. The Ancient Greeks viewed crows as a good omen, prophesizing victory in battle and good fortunes to come.

For many people today, this belief still rings true but the general eeriness that crows carry will lead many to hold the opposite opinion: still viewing the birds as signs of misfortune and death.

All we can say for sure is that the crow spirit animal still holds a lot of spiritual significance.

Gemini New Moon Tarot Reading

This new moon and solar eclipse (June 10), will encourage you to reflect on your thinking patterns, social lives, and communication.  So keep that in mind as you set your intentions 🙂

I used two different decks for this month’s new moon (lots of energy out there!). For my significator card, I drew from the Witches’ Wisdom oracle deck. The 3 cards tarot cards are from The witches tarot deck (links are at the bottom.) 

Sooooo what is this lunar cycle going to be like?

It’s time to take chances.
To believe in yourself.
To be brave!

The signification card –

Candles/Magic – An amazing card! The flames of the candles will light your path. Make sure to hold the high and in the dark corners so you see all the possibilities this lunar cycle. This card is a reminder to never doubt your focus or abilities. The intentions you set will have strong manifestation magic tied to them 🙂 

Present

Your present position is the 4 of cups. A card encouraging change. Be bold and adventurous in your intentions this lunar cycle. Also you will be getting assistance from unexpected places/people. Be brave!

Future

The future card is the 9 of swords. This plays nicely with the 4 of cups. Stop doubting yourself. Stop waiting for the right moment because it’s now. Take that leap. Again, be brave!

Two of Pentacles

The 2 of pentacles is the card for your hopes and fears. The card has a man juggling 2 coins so my intuitive reading given the other 3 cards is that you are fearing being able to juggling everything. To keep balance. To this fear, I want to remind that your present card promises help from an unexpected place or people will be coming your way. The meaning of the card is multitasking. Again, a fear, will you be able to keep all the balls in the air?

But there is a hope to this card – its also the card telling you it’s time to develop a new skill and you will succeed. 

I hope you found this useful. And have a great lunar cycle!