Today's Goddess: - Bai Mundan

Ch'un Hyang ( Korea )

 

Themes:  Love; Devotion; Romance; Femininity; Promises

Symbols:  Any items associated with Love and Romance; Peony

 

About Bai Mundan:  This Goddess is beautiful and sensual but also filled with only the most honorable intentions.  It is her sacred task to tempt the ascetics in keeping of their vows (turning the tables somewhat on the theme of this holiday).  Her name means "white peony", a flower that in Chinese tradition affords this Goddess's protection.

 

To Do Today:  This holiday celebrates the heroine in an ancient story, Ch'un Hyang, who secretly married a nobleman's son.  Even when beaten by a lusty governor, however, she remained devoted and refused all advances, as if guided by Bai Mundan's fidelity and esteem.  For modern-minded people, this basically means "loving the one you're with" and really appreciating their companionship today.  If it's been a while since you've given your partner a gift for no reason, or spent quality time alone with them, by all means, do so!  Bai Mundan's energy is wherever two hearts emit true, faithful emotions.

 

If you don't have a partner, try this Bai Mundan love spell.  You'll need a white peony (or any other white-petaled flower, like a daisy).  Slowly tear off all the petals, saying,

 

Bai Mundan, for love I ask;

help me in this sacred task.

 

Let the earth and air accept all the petals but one, which you should carry with you as a love charm.  Release it in thankfulness when your wish is answered. 

 

)0( 

Today's Goddess: - Iambe 

Gemini (Various Locations)

 

Themes:  Communication; Creativity; Art; Humor; Playfulness

Symbols:  Paired Items

 

About Iambe:  Iambe means "speech", indicating this goddess's intimate connection with the art of communication.  In Greek stories, Iambe always had a witty (and sometimes satirical) comeback.  This may be why she was credited with creating the writer's bane of iambic pentameter verse (a metered verse with two distinct accents).  In mythology, Iambe used this form of poetry to cheer up Demeter, with tremendous success.

 

To Do Today:  Astrologically, the twins personify individuals who have dual natures:  they are filled with charm and creativity but also seem elusive, like Iambe and her poetic method.  You can remember Iambe and learn more about her style today by reading Shakespeare, one of the few humans to master it (or perhaps rent one of the recent Shakespearean movies)! 

 

If that's not your proverbial cup of tea, use this invocation to Iambe as a prayer, part of a ritual, or whatever is appropriate for you:

 

Iambe, I sing your mystic poems.

From dots and tittles, the magic's sown.

With celestial pens, you scribe each spell,

and lessons in joy, may I learn them well.

Iambe, your metered muse confounds,

yet where'er it's spoken, magic abounds,

full and fierce, potent and free,

and when I hear it I know, that the magic is me!

)0( 

 

Today's Goddess: - Macha

Bonfire Night ( Scotland )

 

Themes:  Victory; Success; Protection; Fertility; Fire

Symbols:  Red Items; Acorn; Crow

 

About Macha:  Macha means "mighty one".  Macha used her potency to clear the land for wheat, giving her associations with fertility.  She also used her might to protect the Celts' lands against invaders, thereby becoming a war goddess and guardian.  Art shows her dressed in red (a color abhorrent to evil) and with blazing red hair, forever chasing off any malevolence that threatens her children's success.

 

To Do Today:  Taking place around this date, this festival originally had strong pagan overtones, the fires being lit specifically for ritual offerings that pleased the gods and goddesses and invoked their blessing.  Additionally, the bright, red fire looked much like Macha's streaming hair, and thus it banished any evil spirits from the earth.  So don any red-colored clothing today, or maybe temporarily dye your hair red to commemorate this Goddess and draw her protective energies to your side.  Eating red foods (like red peppers) is another alternative for internalizing Macha's victorious power and overcoming any obstacle standing in your way.

 

Or, find some acorns and keep them in a Macha fetish bag (any natural-fiber drawstring bag).  Anytime you want her power to manifest, simply plant the acorn and express your wish to it.  Macha's potential is in that acorn, ready to sprout!

)0( 

Today's Goddess: -  Bellona

Tubilustrium ( Rome )

 

Themes:  Protection; Victory; Communication; Strength

Symbols:  Swords or (Athame); Spear

 

About Bellona:  She who kindles the fire of the sun and the fire in the bellies of warriors, Bellona is both a mother and a battle  Goddess, being the female equivalent of Mars with a distinct diplomatic twist.  Those who call upon Bellona receive strategy, tactfulness, and a keen sense of how to handle explosive situations effectively.

 

To Do Today:  Romans spent today ritually cleansing their trumpets for battle and honoring the people who make the trumpets.  In this part of the world, a horn not only signaled a charge but invoked the goddess's attention.  So, for what personal battle(s) do you need to sound Bellona's horn today?  Find a horn with which to do just that (perhaps a kazoo or a piece of construction paper rolled to look like a megaphone).  Shout your battle plans to Bellona so she can respond with all her resources to help you.

 

If you use a sword, athame (sacred knife), or wand in magic, today is an excellent time to take out that tool and invoke Bellona's blessing upon it.  Oil and sharpen the blade, polish the wand, then hold it in your hand as if it were a weapon, saying,

 

Bellona, see this implement of magic, which, as any,

has two edges--for boon and bane.  May only goodness

flow through this tool, and may I ever remain

aware of the responsibility for its use.  So be it. 

 

)0( 

Today's Goddess: Ashtart

Byblos Day ( Lebanon )

 

Themes: Love; Prophecy (especially by stars); Hope; Protection; Victory; Romance

Symbols:  Star; Fire; Red and White items; Lion

 

About Ashtart:  A Lebanese goddess for the lovelorn, Ashtart fell from the heavens as a star and landed in Byblos .  She became the city's patroness, renowned for her prophetic insight, assistance in relationships, and protectiveness, especially when one faces a difficult battle.  This tremendous power explains the artistic depictions of Ashtart riding a lion (a solar/fire symbol) or having the head of a lion.

 

To Do Today:   International music festivals have been held in Byblos since the late 1960's to celebrate it as one of the oldest towns in the world with ongoing inhabitants (and an ever-present goddess!).  It was here that a forerunner of the alphabet developed, inspired by the papyrus export trade.  With this in mind, take a piece of onion-skin paper and describe your emotional needs on it with red ink or crayon.  Burning this releases the wish to Ashtart and begins manifesting the magic.

 

Honor Ashtart and gain her insight by star-gazing tonight.  If you see a falling star and can repeat your wish for love three times before it disappears, folklore says it will be granted.  If you see a meteor shower, count the sparks you see while thinking of a suitable binary question for this goddess.  An even-numbered answer means "yes"; an odd-numbered answer means "no."

 

)0( 

 

Today's Goddess: Juno

Festival of Juno ( Rome )

 

Themes:  Femininity; Love; Relationships; Romance; Kinship; Time; Protection (Women and Children); Leadership

Symbols:  Cypress ; Peacocks; Cuckoo; Luxurious Clothing; Figs; Moon (or Silver Items)

 

About Juno:  The supreme Goddess of the Roman pantheon, Juno offers a helping hand in every aspect of our relationships, especially the safety and happiness of women and children in those settings.  Juno is also a very modern minded goddess, taking an active role in public life and finances.  Beyond this, she rules women's cycles giving her connections with the moon.  Art depicts Juno always wearing majestic clothing befitting the "Queen of Heaven."

 

To Do Today:  According to Roman folklore, marrying today ensures a long, happy relationship.  So if you're planning a wedding or an engagement, or even moving in together, Juno can bless that commitment if you time the big step for today!  As part of your devotion ritual, don't forget to wear special clothing (perhaps something your partner especially likes) to invoke Juno's attention and loving energy.

 

If you'd like to connect with Juno's feminine force, her leadership skills, or her sense of timing within yourself, eat some fig-filled cookies today (or just some figs), saying,

 

“Juno, bring _______to my spirit, my wish fulfill.

By your power, through my will.�?/SPAN>

 

Fill in the blank with whatever aspect of Juno you most need to develop.

)0( 

 

Today's Goddess: Carna

Carna's Festival ( Rome )

 

Themes:  Health; Kinship; Change; Opportunity

Symbols: Beans; Pork

 

About Carna: Carna presides over all matters of physical and spiritual health, well-being, and wholeness.  Carna is also the patroness of the hinge, meaning she can help us open or close any doors in our life.

 

To Do Today:  Romans traditionally gathered with their family on this day, offering Carna beans and pork to thank her for continued good health.  This translates into a meal of pork, beans, and bacon to internalize her well-being!  If you're a vegetarian, just stick with the beans.

 

To get Carna's assistance in getting an opportunity to open up, try this bit of sympathetic magic:  Take any bean and go to your door.  Stand before the door and say,

 

Carna, help this magic begin; my future turns on your hinge.

Open the way, starting today!

 

Open the door as you say "open the way," and put the bean outside in a safe place to draw Carna's opportunities to you.

 

To permanently close a chapter in your life, just alter the spell a bit.  This time begin with the door open, saying,

 

Carna, help me leave the past behind;

by this spell this situation bind.

Away it goes, the door is closed!

 

Put the bean outside the door and close it as you say "the door is closed," leaving the problem outside your life.

)0( 

June 3rd

 

Today's Goddess: Charila

Pharmakos ( Greece )

 

Themes:  Cleansing; Fertility; Luck; Protection; Providence ; Kindness

Symbols:  Leeks; Onions; Grain; Honey Cake

 

About Charila: Charila comes to our aid when there is a famine, a drought, or some kind of abuse, be it in the earth or in our spirits.  Greek mythology tells us that Charila was a young girl who approached a king seeking food.  The king was angered and slapped her.  Charila hung herself in disgrace, but not without some notice by the Delphic oracle.  The prophetess told the king to change his unsympathetic ways and make offerings to Charila to appease her spirit.  Some traditional offerings for her include honey cakes and grains.

 

To Do Today:  During this observance in Greece , a criminal representing the community was ritually driven out of the city with leeks and onions rather than being executed.  This act of mercy propitiated Charila, cleansed the city of its "sins," and ensured continuing good fortune for the region.  This also brought fertility, onions being an aphrodisiac.  So, whether you need Charila's luck, productivity, forgiveness, or protection, definitely add onions and leeks to the menu (followed by a hefty dose of breath mints)!

 

To draw Charila's kindness or good fortune to your home, take a handful of any type of grain and sprinkle it on the walkway near your living space, saying,

 

Follow me, wherever I roam, and let tenderness and luck fill my home!

)0( 

June 4

 

Today's Goddess : Aphrodite

Rosalia ( Greece )

 

Themes: Love; Romance; Passion; Sexuality; Luck; Fertility; Beauty; Pleasure

Symbols:  Roses; Copper; Turquoise; Sandalwood

 

About Aphrodite:  Since 1300 B.C.E., Aphrodite has been worshipped as the ultimate goddess to inspire passion, spark romance, increase physical pleasure, augment inner beauty, and improve sexual self-assurance.  Consequently, many artistic depictions show her naked, with erotic overtones.  Aphrodite's name means "water born" or "foam born," intimating a connection with the ocean's fertility.

 

To Do Today:  Follow Greek custom and shower whatever Goddess image you have at home with rose petals, or dab it with rose-scented oil.  If you don't have a statue, poster, or painting, any visually beautiful object can serve as a proxy.  This gesture honors and entreats Aphrodite, who responds by granting good luck, especially in matters of the heart.

 

Another tradition is bathing yourself in rose water to emphasize Aphrodite's comeliness (both within and without).  Rose water is available at many Asian and international supermarkets.  Or you can make it easily by steeping fresh rose petals in warm (NOT hot) water and straining.  If you don't have time for a full bath, just dab a little of the rose water over the region of your heart to emphasize this goddess's love and attractiveness where it can do the most good--in your emotional center.

)0( 

Goddess For Today:  Epona

Feast of Epona ( Gaul )

 

Themes:  Protection of Animals; Especially those who serve humankind.

Symbol:  A horse

 

About Epona:  Epona protects the creatures who faithfully keep humans company.  This pre-Roman Gaulish goddess is nearly always shown riding or lovingly feeding a horse and accompanied by a dog--these are her two sacred animals.

 

Also sometimes depicted with corn in her lap and carrying a goblet, Epona inspires love, fertility, and providence in your life.  In some myths, Epona appeared to acknowledge a king's sovereignty, giving her leadership qualities that can help you when you need more authority in a situation.

 

To Do Today:  To generate a little more providence in your life, eat corn today.  Say a silent prayer to Epona, asking her to saturate your food with her power, then consume it to internalize the energy. 

 

If you have a pet, consider blessing it today.  To do this, find a small silver charm of a horse or a dog (like those from charm bracelets).  This image invokes Epona's protection.  Alternatively, use a little bell and draw the image of a horse or dog on it.

 

Hold the token cupped in your hands.  Visualize it filled with glittery white light and say,

 

Epona, watch over _______ (fill in the name of the animal).

Keep them safe and healthy no matter where they may be.

 

Put the charm on the animal's collar, cage, or in its bedding.

 

 EPONA

Ancient Celtic Goddess of Abundance who cared for all horses. She was the daughter of a mare and a man and was able to assume human or equine form. Her legend spread from Gaul throughout all the lands

and was even adopted by the Romans. She is riding in front of a wall with an ancient stone carving of herself found in Beihingen , Germany . 

 

By Patricia Telesco~ From "365 Goddess"  and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast

Today's Goddess:  Dainichi-Nyorai

The Cleansing Lily ( Japan )

 

Themes:  Beauty; Cleansing; Protection; Spirituality; Weather

Symbols:  Lilies; Gold-colored items; Light

 

About Dainichi-Nyorai:  This light-bearing Goddess comes in answer to the Japanese people's prayers for sunlight.  Having all the sun's power, Dainichi-nyorai embodies pure goodness, her name meaning "great illuminator."  With this in mind, call upon this goddess at midyear to assist your quest for enlightenment and keep the road ahead filled with radiance.

 

To Do Today:  In Shinto tradition, today marks a time when people gather lilies as an offering to entreat the goddess to stop flooding rains.  This is really a form of weather magic.  If you need rain in your area, burn a lily; to banish rain, wave the lily in the air to move the clouds away!

 

It is customary to anoint one's hearth (the stove) today with lily (or any floral-scented) oil.  This welcomes Dainichi-nyorai in all her radiant goodness into the heart of your home and the hearts of all those who live there.  Wear something gold while doing this, or decorate your kitchen with a yellow or gold-toned candle.  When you light the candle, whisper Dainichi-nyorai' s name so she can live through that flame, warming every corner of your life.

 

By the way, if you feel adventurous, lily buds are edible; they have a nutty taste.  Try cooking them in butter and eating them to internalize all the positive energies of this festival and the Goddess.

 

By Patricia Telesco~ From "365 Goddess"  and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast

Today's Goddess: Hermaphroditos

Father's Day ( United States - Variable Dates)

 

Themes: Balance:Masculinity :Femininity: Honor:Reason: Leadership

Symbols: Two-sided Items:Yin/Yang Symbol

 

About Hermaphroditos: This androgynous deity was once the son of Hermes, but he loved the nymph Salmakisso much that the lovers became one body and soul, neither the male nor the female being discernible . In this form, Hermaphroditos reminds us that the Goddess is also God, blending the best of both sexes together into powerful, productive energy.

 

To Do Today: A the midpoint of the year, we take a moment's pause from the Goddess to honor her consort and the half, the God, represented by Fathers everywhere. Take time to thank the men in your life and pamper them today. Ask Hermaphroditos to show you the Goddess within them, and how God and Goddess work together, making each person unique.

 

In magic traditions, the God aspect is the conscious, logical force of the Universe who offers us the attributes of leadership, reason and focus. This persona and energy is part of the Goddess - one cannot be separated from the other. This is a good day to look within yourself, find both aspects of the Divine and concentrate on bringing them into balance. If you are normally headstrong, back off a bit. If you're normally a wallflower, get daring! If you like to plan, become spontaneous and so forth. Hermaphroditos will show you the way!

)0(

By Patricia Telesco~ From "365 Goddess"  and Granny Moon 's Morning Feast

Today's Goddess: Maat

Themes: Freedom; New Beginnings; Justice; Morality; Organization; Promises; Universal Law

Symbols:  Ostrich Feather (or any feather)

 

About Maat:  In Egypt , Maat is the ultimate representation of fairness, justice, and truth.  As the spirit of orderliness and legislation, she assists us by overseeing any legal matters, hearings, promises, and oaths to ensure harmony and honesty.  In some Egyptian stories, a person's soul was weighed against Maat's feather to gain entrance to paradise.

 

To Do Today:  On June 19 in 1865, the slaves in Texas were finally told about the Emancipation Proclamation signed three years previously.  While freedom was slow in coming, it finally arrived, likely in part thanks to Maat's encouragement.

 

For all of Maat's spells it's best to have a feather to use as a component and focal point.  Change the color of your feather to suit the goal.  Pick blue for true seeing (or to encourage honesty with yourself), white for pure promises, black and white for legal equity, and pale yellow to inspire a new beginning filled with Maat's keen insight.  Bless the feather, using the following incantation (fill in the blank with your goal), then release it to the wind so the magic begins to move!

 

Maat, on this feather light,

bring to me renewed insight.

To my life _____ impart;

make a home within my heart.

 

)0(

By Patricia Telesco~ From "365 Goddess"  and Granny Moon 's Morning Feast

June 27th

 

Today's Goddess: Shakuru

Sun Dance (Northcentral United States )

 

Themes:  Theft; Divination; Sun; Truth; Magic

Symbols:  Sun; Gold/Yellow Items

 

About Shakuru:  Pawnee Daughter of the Moon and Goddess of the sun, Shakuru joins summer celebrations by shining her light on today's ceremony.  In Pawnee stories, Shakuru's son became the first man on earth, making her the mother of humankind.

 

To Do Today:  About this time of year the Plains Indians gather to welcome the sun and all its power.  All manner of magical practices take place during this rite, including divinations to uncover a thief or murderer using totemic practices.  For our purposes this might translate into divining for a totem animal whom we can call on for guidance and energy in times of need. 

 

To do this you'll need a lot of animal pictures (cut from magazines or anywhere else you can find them).  Make the images the same shape and size to ensure randomness.  Sit quietly with these face-down before you and ask Shakuru to guide your hand.  Don't move quickly, and wait until the paper below your hand feels warm, a sign of Shakuru's presence.  Turn it over and see what animal it is, then read up on that creature in folklore collections to see what message it's bringing you.

 

As much as possible, try to move clockwise today (imitating the natural movement of the sun through the sky).  Walk through your house going to the right, stir your coffee clockwise, clean windows using clockwise strokes, and so forth.  This honors Shakuru and draws the sun's blessings into your life.

)0(

By Patricia Telesco~ From "365 Goddess"  and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast

By Patricia Telesco  ~ From "365 Goddess" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast