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| While November is the eleventh month on modern calendars, it was once the ninth, as evidenced by the Latin number novem. In the United States, November contains one of the oldest national holidays- Thanksgiving. Actually, festivals of gratitude, combine with late harvest festivals in many parts of the world; at this time people pray for divine providence and give thanks for the earth's bounty. Other predominant festivals during early winter months include commemorative rites for the dead and rituals that protect individuals or whole communities from evil influences. For people living in four-season climates, the snow begins to accumulate and winter winds decorate the windows with frosty reminders of the outside chill. Because of this magick for continued health is fitting during November, as are spells and charms for protections. Wintery months also seem to be a time for introspection - to use divination tools for foresight and preparation, to seek guidance within, and to ask the Goddess for a special spiritual vision to carry us through the last months of the year. | |
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November 17 Western Lights (China) Dou Mou Themes: Deth; Ghosts; Divination; Health Symbols: Sun; Moon; Star About Dou Mou: Dou Mou is the Chinese goddess of the north star. To this day, people invoke Dou Mou to protect spirits of departed loved ones and to safeguard the living from sickness. From her heavenly domain between the sun and the moon, Dou Mou records each birth and death, and she is the patroness of fortune-tellers. To Do Today: In mid-November, the Chinese celebrate the last of three festivals for the dead. Today they burn clothing for departed loved ones to keep them from death's chill, along with money and other gifts that the smoke delivers. If there's someone you'd like to send message to on the other side, burn it. Dou Mou will transport it to their attention. Because of today's focus on death and divination, you might wish to go to a medium today or try a fortune-telling method that uses spirits guides (like the Ouija). The only caution here is to invoke Dou Mou before you proceed, so only spirits that have your best interests at heart will respond. Just as you wouldn't leave your front door open to strangers, let the goddess stand firmly between you and the spirit realm. To generate Dou Mou's protection for your health, wear silver and gold or white and yellow items today (representing the sun and the moon). Or dab yourself with lemon and lime juice for a similar effect. |
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November 18 Makahiki (Hawaii) Matariki Themes: Stars; Harvest; Peace Symbols: Stars; the Number 7 About Matariki: In Polynesian tradition, this goddess and her six children became the Pleiades, and they continue to help humans by showing us when the begin harvesting the labors of hand or heart. To Do Today: From mid- to late November the people of Hawaii take part in special rituals to celebrate the appearance of the Pleiades in the skies, which is the beginning of harvest season. In reverence for this occasion, all war is forbidden . It makes one wish the Matariki and her children appeared around the world all the time! To encourage similar peacefulness in your own life, and harmony with those around you, carry seven stars in your pocket, wallet, or purse today. You can draw these on paper, use seven typed asterisks, get the marshmellow kind out of the cereal box, or collect seven noodles from a chicken 'n' stars can. If you use elible items, eat them at the end of the day to bring serenity to your spirit. If there's something you've been working on that seems to be taking forever, look to Matariki to show you how to begin effectively manifesting your efforts. Pray, meditate, and watch for unique openings throughout the day, especially after the stars appear in the sky, representing the power. |
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November 19 Equal Opportunity Day (United States) Tenga Themes: Balance; Justice; Morality; Freedom Symbol: Soil About Tenga: Among the Mossi of Senegal, Tenga is a potent earth goddess who presides over all matters of justice and morality. Today she joins our celebration by offering to right wrongs an restore the balance in any area of our life that's gotten out of kilter. To Do Today: This holiday commemorates Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Adress and the liberating energy it created for all people. Tenga had to be pleased by Mr Lincoln's efforts, and we should honor both him and this goddess today by reconsidering any prejudices that cloud the way we look at othe people or situation. One way of doig this is through visualization. Hold a handful of soil as yo mentally review the last week of yourlife and the way you handled certain individuals or circumstances. Consider: Did you go into a meeting with negativity, anticipating the worst? Did you over-look an opportunity, or close the door on a relationship because of a bad experience in the past? These are the negative patterns that Tenga helps us to attack and transform with honest candidness (including being honest with yourself about shortcomings). You may not like what she shows you, but the results will be worth it. Tenga improves your awareness of the Goddess in all things and all people. |
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November 20 Rights of the Child Day (United Nations) Strenia Themes: Children; Protection Symbols: Bay; Palm; Figs; Honey; Youthful Images About Strenia: While the goddess's traditional festival date in Italy was January 1st, she joins in our holiday observances today to extend her protective care to children. Among the Sabines and Romans, Strenia safeguarded the houth by providing health and strength. Traditional offerings for this goddess include burning bay leaves and leaving out sweet breads mixed with dates and figs. To do Today: On this day in 1959, Strenia was likely standing by and applauding as the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child to encourage proper treatment of our youth and inspire their future. So, take time with the children in your life today. Teach them in the "way they should grow" and revel in their innocent trust and love. Invoke Strenia's blessings and health for that young one by sharing fig cookies (heck, eat a few yourself for strengh!). Or, make the child a small power pouch that includes a bay leaf and a driend crumb of sweet bread. This way they can carry the goddess with them even when you're not around. For those, without children, try volunteering at a youth shelter or orphanage today. Take one of those kids out for lunch or to the zoo. Through your efforts, Strenia can gather that child in arms of warmth and comfort. |
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November 21 Tori no Ichi (Japan) Okame Themes: Luck; Kindness Symbols: Mask; Good-luck Charms About Okame: In Japanese art, Okame is portrayed as simple and somewhat homely, yet her domain is the beautiful energy of good fortune and kind acts. In this form, Okame gently reminds us that true beauty really does come from within. Local lore claims that any a rea that bears a mask of Okame's likeness is blessed with her lucky nature. To Do Today: Late in November, just preceding the new year in Japan, this is a day for rituals to improve ones's wealth, and luck. Following the Japanese tradition, begine by finding any lawn rake (or broom), and attach as many personal good-luck charms to it as you can find. Take this token clockwise around your home, raking or brooming inward, to gather up Okame's fortunate energies. As you go through your house, add verbal incantations like the following; (In the Kitchen) Okame, in my kitchen shine, so that good luck will be mine! (Dining Room) Okame, at this table where we eat, let good fortune take a seat! (Living Room) In this room where people lounge, letyour fortuity come around! (Bathroom) Clean negativity and problems away; let my good luck start today! To encourage Okame's serendipity even further, you can burn orange, rose, heather, violet, or allspice incense or potpourri as you go. |
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November 22 Sagittarius Begins (various locations) Leucothea Themes: Creativity; Energy; Communication; Balance; Harmony; Change Symbols: Bow and Arrow; White Items; Milk; Seawater About Leucothea: In Greek tradition, this woman gave birth to the centaurs and was a wet nurse to Dionysus. Her name translate as "milk-white goddess," alluding to a strong maternal nature. In later times she became a sea goddess, bearing the visage of a mermaid. Through this transformation we see the mingling of the spiritual nature (water) with that of the earth (half-human apperance) to create Sagittarius's customary energies. To Do Today: In astrology, Sagittarius is the centurion archer who represents a harmonious mingling of physical and spiritual living. Those born under this sign ten toward idealism, upbeat outlooks, and confidence. Like Leucothea, Saggitarians seem to have a strong drive for justice, especially for those people under their care. To consume a bit of Leucothea's maternal nature or invoke her spiritual balance in your life, make sure to include milk or milk products in your diet today. Or, wear something white to figuratively don her power. For help with personal transformations, especially those that encourage personal comfort and tranquillity, soak in a nice, long saltwater or milk bath today. As you do, ask Leucothea to show you the right steps to take next. |
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November 23 Tellabration (Connecticut) Calliope Themes: Arts: Communication; History Symbols: Stories; Books; Pens and Pencils; Quill About Calliope: A member of the Thracian nuses, Calliope is the goddess of epic poetry and eloquence, whose symbol is that of a stylus and tablets. Greek stories claim that this goddess is the mothe or all poets ad musicians. To Do Today: This national storytelling festival began in 1988 as a way of preserving and perpetuating oral traditons and the bardic art of telling "tall tales" and the good stories, which Calliope inspires. Today she joins our celebration to motivate creativity in all area of our lives, especially written and spoken words. In today's hurry-up world we often forget how powerful a word or phrase can be. To honor this goddess, slow down a little all day long, and really consider how you're communicating your ideas. As the old saying goes, besure your brain is in gear before shifting your tongue to high. During those moments of contemplation, Callioe will flow through you and give you the words you need. During a break, take out a beloved book and start reading it again. Calliope will help you find something new and wonderful in those pages to inspire you even further in any task you undertake today. And perhaps go out and buy yourself a special pen and pencil and bless them to use for important missives. |
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November 24 Thanksgiving (United States) Spes Themes: Thankfulness; Hope; Abundance; Harvest Symbols: A Bouquet of Flowers About Spes: In Roman tradition, this goddess's name means "hope.' She joins us today to celebrate the successful harvest and keep our hearts hopeful as the earth's plenty wanes. In art, Spes often appears as a simple bundle of flowers show beauty inspires the most distraught of spirits. To Do Today: Follow pilgrim tradition and set aside time today to thank the goddess for her blessings in any way that seems suited to your path and vision. For example, give Spes an offering of the first slice of holiday bread, share food with those in need, or perhaps treat the birds and squirrels in your neighborhood to some bread and nuts. Locally we invite friends who have no family nearby to join with us in a delightful symbolic meal. I serve round rye bread and dill dip for unity and kinship, sweet pototoes for life's sweetness and Spes's harvest energies, cranberries mixed with oranges to keep our energy and health intact, vegetables for firm foundations, and pumpkin pie with magickal sigils carned in the crst for the goddess's protective spark. If you look at your own traditional menu. I'll betyou will find many other foods and beverages that have similar symbolism to bring meaning and Spes's magick to your table for this holiday. As you eat, remember to pass all the food and beverages clockwise to invoke Spes's ongoing providence. |
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November 25 Saint Catherine of Alexandria's Day (Europe) Arianrohod Themes: Arts; Magick; Manifestation; Rebirth Symbols: A Silver Wheel (spinning tools shuttle, yarn) About Arianrhod: In Welsh tradition, this is the goddess of the "silver wheel" upon which magick is braided and bound together into a tapestry of manifestation. Stories tell us that Arianrhod abides in a star where soulds wait for rebirth (the wheel here becomes the wheel of life, death, and rebirth). To Do Today: Known as Catherine of the Wheel, this saint oversees spinsters (literally and figuratively). Like Arianrhod, she is a partroness of lace makers and seamstresses. In keeping with this theme, today is an excellent time to try your hand at making a special pouch for housing some of your magickal tools or trinkets. Begin with two rectangles of natural-fiber cloth one inch larger than the item you wish to house within. Put the right sides togther and stitch tree edges, leaving a three-quarters of an inch opening at the top for a drawstring or finished edge. Turn the pouch right side out. Repeat the goddess's name to bind Arianrhod's power in each stitch. Fold over the top hem twice so it won't unravel, an stitch that with silver thread for the goddess's protection. If tiem doesn't allow for this, a favored beverage to inspire this godess's belssings is ale or cider with an apple slice or caraway bread and tea. Pour a little of this out as a libation, then drink it fully to awaken and energizes Arianrhod's magickal potential within you. |
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Novembe 26 Gujeswari Jatra (Nepal) Gujeswari Themes: Earth; Water; Abundance; Offering; Prayer Symbol: A Bowl of Water About Gujeswari: Gujeswari is a potent Nepalese goddess of earth and all its bounty, and today is her festival day. In many temples, the goddess's presence is represented by a simple bowl or water, the life-giving substance and purifier of body, mind and spirit. To Do Today: Buddhists and Hindus in this region honor the mother goddess Gujeswari today by giving her offerings, usually preceded by fasting and prayer. Follow this example, and put a bowl of fresh water on your altar or a special place where it won't be disturbed for the day. If physically feasible, abstain from eating one meal today to honor the earth and Gujeswari's goodness by returning (or preserving) some of that bounty. Otherwise, simply abstain from a favorite food for the day as a kind of sacred sacrifice. At the end of the day, just before you go to bed, sprinkle the water from the bowl around your living space. First, go counterclockwise to banish negative energy that hinders free-flowing blessings. Then go clockwise, allowing Gujeswar's water to cleanse and renew the ambiance in every room. If you have some left over, sprinkle your pets (for health), your car (for safety in travel), and children's beds (to protect them from nightmares), and dab some on mechanical objects to keep them working smootly. |
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November 27 Shaloko (Southeaster United States) Mina Koya Themes: Weather; Health; Ghosts; Blessing Symbol: Salt About Mina Koya: The salt goddess of the Pueblo Indians, Mina Koya is often venerated during autumn festivals for her pwer to cleanse, protect, and preserve things, including our homes and traditions. Her healing power becomes all the more important as winter's chilly hold gets stronger. To Do Today: A New Mexican festival, Shalako is an all-night ritual of dancing and chanting to bless homes, commemorate the dead, bring good weather, and improve health for all participants. One tradition that honors Mina Koya and draws her well-being into the sacred space of home is tha tof noise making. Take a flat-bottomed pan and sprinkle salt on it. Bang thsi once in every room of the house (so some of the salf shakes off). This banishes negativity and evil, replacing it with Mina Koya's blessings. To improve the effect, chant and dance afterward, sweeping up the salt and keeping it for the weather charm that follows. Or, flush the salt down the toilet to flush out any maladies. If it's been wet or snowy and you need a reprieve, bind a little salt in a white cloth ad bury it. The weather should change temporarily soon thereafter. This bundle will also protect your home and its residence from damage by harsh weather for as long as it stays in the ground nearby. |
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November 28 Festival of Lights (New York) Chiu-Rang-Guru Themes: Water; Beauty; Overcoming; Victory Symbols: Rough water; Light About Chiu-Rang-Guru: This grouping of goddesses includes those who dwell in rapids, rough water, or waterfalls, and they can guide us through any rough waters that our lives face. Their name literally means "senders down of the current." Thanks to water spirits like these, Niagara Falls has become a favorite tourist attraction, especially during this festival. To Do Today: This breathtaking festival takes place nearly in my backyard. At this time of the year, Niagara Falls is bedecked with hundreds of lights, including colored floodlights that adorn the falls in potent beauty, accented by these goddesses' vibrant power. If you find yourself facing difficult times right now, know that the Chiu-rang-guru can ease the flow of problems. One way to magickally mimic this is by using a freestanding Jacuzzi in the tub turned on high. Immerse yourself in this torrent, then speak the goddesses' name and turn it down slowly. When you've reached the last setting, turn it down slowly. When you've reached the last setting, turn off the machine and pull the plug in the tub, letting those problems literally flow down the drain. The effect of this activity can be accentuated by using a black light in the bathroom, glitter in the water, and candles. This turns your tub into a light show in which you can wrap yourself in Chiu-rang-guru's spirit and be renewed. |
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November 29 Stir-up Sunday (England) Hestia Themes: Religious Devotion; Home; Wishes; Manifestation; Kinship; Unity; Beginnings Symbols: Fire (ovens); Sparks About Hestia: The Greek goddess of household affairs, Hestia watches over our cookery today to help manifest family unity and ensure tasty outcomes. As a hearth goddess, she provides the spiritual energy necessary to keep our faith sure and the inner fires burning bright. Greek artdid not try to portray this goddess, because she was considered the beginning-the source from which all else was ignited and set in motion. To Do Today: Getting its name from the annual Yule-pudding making that takes place in many homes around this time of year. Stirup Sunday is also a time in the Christian Church to motivate determined faith. So why not blend the best of both worlds? Invoke Hestia's blessing in your kitchen an dmake some pudding for the whole family (or a gatheing of friends). Have each person present stir the pudding clockwise for a few minutes as the focus on a wish. By next year at ths time, the wish should manifest. Light a candle this morning to welcome Hestia unity and energy nto your home. Or, carry matches in your pocket so the spark of this goddess can ignite in any situation where it's needed. Throughout the day, when you need more commitment to your beliefs, just light one match to invoke Hestia's aid. |
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November 30 Zibelemarit (Switzerland) Aine Themes: Protection; Healing; Divination; Luck; Earth; Moon Symbols: Moon; (lunar items); Silver and White items; Meadowseet About Aine: This Celtic goddess of the moon shines on today's celebration, her name menaing "bright." AIne has strong connectinos with the land. Her blessing ensures fertile fields. She also give luck to mortals and keeps us healthy. To Do Today: Dating back to the 1400s, this onion festival takes place in Bern. It includes several parades with intricate mechanical figurines and a huge harvest festival with - you guessed it - tones of onions! Magickally speaking, onions are closely related to Aine because their lunar appearance. According to metaphysical traditions, carrying or growing onions grants safety and banishes negativity. A freshly cut onion rubbed on sores, bug bites, or scratches restores Aine's healthy energy by gathering the problem and taking it away. Bury or burn this slice to dispel the problem altogether. One great (and tasty) way to invoke Aine, improve well-being, and improve your lunar attributes is by making and eating onion soup (or any other onion dish) today. Use red, Spanish, white and cooking onions along with chives. By heating and blending them, yo mix the magick to perfection. Stir clockwise, whispering Aine's nme into the soup so she abides in each vitality-laden sip. |
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