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September gets its name from the Latin word septum, meaning "seven," because it was originally the seventh month on the old calendar system. While the early portion of this month has many summery-feeling festivals, slowly we see a change in focus toward the fall and harvest celebrations. Children return to school, outdoor activities start to wane, and the Wheel of Time begins to paint the trees with color. September's energy augments magick for prosperity and abundance, balanced with sensibility and a little frugality. It is especially a time for rituals that thank the Goddess for all her gifts throughout the year. Beyond this, start making amulets for health so that when the cooler winds come, you'll be magickally fortified. |
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September 17 The Month of Hathor (Egypt) Mathor Themes: Joy; Love; Arts; Femininity; Beauty; Sexuality; Sky Symbols: Mirrors; Cow; Sandalwood and Rose Incense; Rattles About Hathor: One of the most beloved sky goddesses in Egypt, Hathor brings happiness, romance, and an appreciation for musical arts into our lives. Sacred or erotic dances are a welcome offering for Hathor, as is any efforts to beautify the body. As the patroness of the toilettes, she also protects women and embodies the pinnacle of feminine qualities. Her favorite musical instrument, the sistrum (a kind of rattle), was said to banish evil where ever it was played. To Do Today: From September 17 until October 16, Hathor reigned in Egypt. To honor this goddess make a effort to make yourself as physically appealing as possible, then spend some time with a significant other or in a social setting. In the first case, Hathor's favor will increase love and passion; in the second, she'll improve your chances of finding a bed partner. To fill your living space with Hathor's energy, take rice or beans and put them in a plastic container (this creates a makeshift rattle). Play some lusty music and dance clockwise around every room of the home shaking the rattle. Perhaps add a verbal charm like this one, Love, passion and bliss, By Hathor's power kissed! This drive away negativity, generates joyful vibrations, promotes artisitic awareness, and increases love each time you kiss someone in your home. |
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| September 18 White Horse Festival (Britian) Rhiannon Themes: Movement; Communication; Rest; Ghosts; Fertilization; Leadership Symbols: White, Horses; Moon About Rhiannon: This Celtic horse goddess rides into our festival calendar today on a white mare bearing fertility, leadership, and a means to get things moving where they may have stagnated. Some historians believe the swiftness of her steed (which is white, a lunar color) alludes to a lunar goddess. In stories, Rhiannon commands singing birds that can wake spirits or grant sleep to mortals. To Do Today: In Britian, people come to Berkshire hillside today to scour the white horse that adorns the grasses here. This ancient galloping steed is created from play clay, and this ritual keeps it, and Rhiannon's memory, vibrant. So, if you have any images of horses (magazines, statuary, paintings) around, dust them off and put them in a place honor today. Since this was a festival for horses, you might consider tending to your own "horse," be it a car or a bicycle! Give it a tune-up or oil change, then take a ride! As you go, visualize yourself o the back of Rhiannon's horse moving swiftly toward attaining productivity or improved authority wherever you need it. Alternatively, wear some thing silver or white so that Rhiannon's lunar's energies can begin filtering into your day through the color's vibration. 
Rhiannon (her name is either "Maid of Annwn" or a variant of Rigatona, "Great Queen"), a version of the horse-goddess Epona and of sovereignity. She was mistress of the Singing Birds. She appeared to Pwyll, lord of Dyfed, as a beautiful woman in dazzling gold on a white horse. Pwyll sent his fastest horsmen after her, but could not catch her. On the third day, he spoke and she told him she wanted to marry instead of her espoused husband Gwawl. Pywll was to meet her in a year and a day. He won her at the court of her father, Hefeydd the Old, by her aid. She bore Pwyll a son, who vanished. Her women killed a puppy and smeared its blood on her, to avoid blame at the child's loss. As punishment, Rhiannon spent seven years telling her story to all comers and bearing them, like a horse, to the court. The child, meanwhile, turned up at the court of Teyrnon, whose mares foaled on May eve and lost the foals mysteriously. When Teirnon kept watch, he saved a foal from a mysterious beast and also discovered, outside the stable, a child, whom he and his wife adopted. Then child grew to young manhood in seven years, and was given the foal rescued on the night he was found. Teirnon recognised the child as the son of Pwyll and returned him to his family, where he was named Pryderi ("worry") by his mother. Later, after Pwyll's death, Rhiannon married Manawydan, brother of Bran and Branwen and son of Llyr, a great magician. One day, all of Dyfed turned into a wasteland, and only Rhiannon, Manawydan, Pryderi, and his wife Cigfa, were spared. Manawydan and Pryderi out hunting followed an enormous white boar into a caer, where Pryderi saw a golden bowl; when he touched it, he was enspelled. Rhiannon went after him and fell under the same spell the caer then vanished, taking them with it. She was rescued when Manawydan captured the wife of their enemy, Llwyd, who was taking revenge for the illtreatment of Gwawl. |
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| September 19 Harvest Moon day (various location) Papa Themes: Providence; Thankfulness; Abundance; Earth; Fertility; Weather; Grounding; Harvest; Moon Symbols: Moon; Harvested Foods; Rainwater; Rocks About Papa: Polynesians summon Papa to help in all earthly matters. She is, in fact, the earth mother who gave birth to all things by making love to the sky. To this day, the earth and sky remains lovers, the sky giving it beloved rain for fertiliztion. Papa is sometimes known by the alternative title Papa Raharaha, "supporting rock," through which she provides foundations and sustenance for our body, mind, and spirit. To Do Today: Harvest moon festivals take place during the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. The full moon here represents the earth (Papa) in all its abundance and the crop's maturity. If it's raining today, skip an umbrella for a moment and enjoy a little of the sky's love for Papa. Gather a little of the water and drink it to encourage more self-love. Carry any crystal or stone with you today to manifest Papa's firm foundations in all your endeavors. And definitely integrate harvested foods into your menu. Some that have lunar affiliations include caulflower, cabbage, cucumber, grapes, lettuce, potatoes, and turnips. Thank Papa for her providence before yo eat, then ingest what ever lunar qualities you need for that day or for the rest of the year. |
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September 20 Spring Equinox (Incan) Mama Kilya Themes: Fire; Sun; Cycles; Spring; Time; Divination; Health; Prosperity Symbols: Fire; Golden/ yellow items About Mama Kilya: In Incan tradition, Mama Kilya regulates the festival calendar and all matters of time. She is also a prophetic goddess, often warning of impending danger through eclipes. When these occur, one should make as much noise as possible to frighten away evil influences. To Do Today: Because they live south of the equator, Incans consider today, which for them is the spring equinox, the sun's birthday. Follow with tradition and rise early today to catch the first rays of the sun as they come over the horizon. These rays hold the goddess's blessing for health, prosperity, and timeliness. Another customary practice today was that of sun and fire divinations. If the sun is shining, sit beneath a tree and watch the patterns it creates in the shadows and light. Keep a question in mind as you watch, and see what images Mama Kilya creates in response. Make note of these and look them up in dream symbol books or any guide to imagery from potential interpretive values. Should the weather prove poor, place any yellow-colored herbs on a fire source and watch what happens. Popping and flying indicates lots of energy and a positive response. Smoldering indicates anger and an iffy response. Finally, flames dying out completely is a negative definitely don't move forward on this one. |
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September 21 Wings and Water Festival (New Jersey) Ningal Themes: Ecology; Nature; Abundance; Earth; Water Symbols: Water; Maritime Arts; Seafood; Reeds; Marsh Plants About Ningal: This ancient Mesopotamian goddess abides in regions filled with reeds or marshes, which she also vehemently protects. She is also considered an earth and vegetaion goddess who visits us with abundance during the autumn. To Do Today: This festival takes place over two days during the third weekend in September. It's dedicated to fund-raising for Ningal's endangered wetlands in southern New Jersey and educating the public on the tremendous value of these regions to the local ecology. To honor this effort and the spirit of Ningal, consider making a donation to a group that strives to protect wetlands ( please investigate them first), and perhaps enjoy a nice seafood chowder as New Englanders do today. This meal reconnects you with the water element and Ningal's fertility. For tokens that bear Ningal's power into your home, look to cattails, lily pads, mosses, indoor water fountains, or art that depicts these things. First thing in the morning, don dark greens, mossy browns, or clothing that depicts reeds or marshy scenes. Also drink plenty of water or take a cool bath to create a stronger connection to this element's power and to commemorate Ningal's dwelling place. |
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September 22 Autumn Equinox (various locations) Autumnus Themes: Harvest; Abundance; Thankfulness; Balance; Wisdom; Foresight; Autumn Symbols: Fall Leaves; Harvested Items About Autumnus: This is the Roman personification of the autumn season. While the actual gender of this being is often left to the imagination, the strong connection with the harvest, wines, and fruits intimates a powerful earth goddess, blossoming with her seasonal array. To Do Today: In magick traditions, today is a time to appreciate the earth's abundance somewhat cautiously. After this festival, the day light hours will begin to wane, meaning wise prudence is called for. So while we reap Autumnus's bounty from the sowing season, we also begin prudently planning. Decorate your dining table or scared space with colorful autumn leaves today. Enjoy as many harvested fruits and vegetables (perhaps from a farmer's market) as possible today to internalize Autumnus's prosperous, wise energy. Leave out a libation of wine or grape juice for the goddess to please her and to encourage continuing providence when her stores begin to wane. For children, today is a perfect time to have a leaf-raking party in which they figuratively gather what they need from the goddess, then play happily in her energy afterward by jumping in the piles. |
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September 23 Libra Begins (various locations) Tula Themes: Balance; Justice; Peace Symbols: Scales; Balanced Items About Tula: This Hindu goddess is represented by the constellation Libra, her name even meaning "balance." In all things, Tula teaches us how to harmonize the diverse nature of our hectic lives and reintegrate goddess-centered ideology within that framework. To Do Today: People born under the sign of Libra seem to integrate Tula's characteristics of harmony and balance, especially in aesthetic sense. They cultivate relationships carefully and enjoy fighting for just causes. When those of us not born under this sign would like to do similarly, we can call on Tula for aid. Stand on the bathroom scale first thing in the morning and invoke her, saying, Tula, instill in me a growing sense of harmony. Between sound and silence let serenity dance; between the shadow and the light, let peace prance. Where'er injustice dwells, let equity swell; in my heart, in my life, bring an end to all strife Afterward, try to dress in balanced tones of clothing (like a white shirt and black pants) and spend the rest of the day monitoring your personal balance--your sense of equilibrium--maintaining your temper, pacing your steps, being aware of your center of gravity. In all these things, Tula's equitable energy abides. |
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September 24 Festival of Poets (Japan) Izanami-no-kami Themes: Art; Creativity; Excellence Symbols: Poetry About Izanami-no-kami: In Japan, this creative goddess is considered to have made all things, and she inspires similar inventiveness within us. Traditionally, she is honored through artistic displays, including dance, song, music, and poetry reading. To Do Today: Every September, poets from across Japan come to the imperial palace to compose verses. Upon receiving a cup of sake floated down the river, each poet must created an impromptu verse. The winner becomes the nation's poet laureate. In keeping with this idea, concentrate on trying your own hand at a little scared poetry today, perhaps even a haiku. Traditional haiku contains seven syllables in the first lines, five syllables in the second line, and seven or five in the last; each line evokes an image or feeling in the reader's mind. Here's one example: Izanami-no-kami paints the universe radiant-eternity If poetry isn't your forte, engage in another art form through which Izanami-no-kami's imaginative spirit can shine. Ask for her assistance and inspiration before you begin, and see what wonders her nudge can arouse in you. Or, visit an art gallery, making notes of the things that really strike a harmonious chord in your spirit. |
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September 25 Doll Memorial (Japan/China) Sung Tzu Niang Niang Themes: Prayer; Kindness; Children; Fertility; Offering Symbols: Dolls About Sung Tzu Niang Niang: Called "she who brings children" in the Far East, this goddess has abundant energy that not only generates fertility but also instills a kinder, gentler heart within us. Sung Tzu Niang Niang is said to always listen to and answer prayers addressed to her with compassion. To Do Today: Traditionally, childless couples bring an offering of a special doll to this goddess today and pray for physical fertility. For couples wishing for natural or adopted children, this ritual is till perfectly suitable. Find any small doll and dress it in swatches of your old clothing, or bind a piece of both partner's hair to it. Place this before your goddess figure and pray, in heartfelt words, to Sung Tzu Niang Niang for her assistance. On a spiritual level, you can make any artistic representation of areas where you need prductivity or abundance and give it to the goddess. In magick terms, these little images are called poppets. For example, stitch scraps of any natural silver or gold cloth together (maybe making it circular like a coin) and fill it with alfalfa sprouts. Leave this before the goddess until more money manifests. Then, give the poppet to the earth (bury it) so that Sung Tzu Niang Niang's blessings will continue to grow. |
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September 26 Miwok Acorn Festival (California) Chup Themes: Harvest; Reason; Weather; Providence Symbols: Acorns; Oak; Rainwater; Fire About Chup: As a Native American goddess of food, Chup is the founder of our feast today. She oversees nature's energies, specifically those of wind, rain, and fire, and teaches people to use a combination of reason and their emotions to solve difficult problems. To Do Today: This is an event of the Miwok Indians, who gather today as they have for thousands of years to celebrate the harvest through ritual and feasting. Acorns get made into breads and soups, having been a regional staple for for early peoples. Therefore, I advocate finding some creative uses for acorns, perhaps making them into runes or using them to mark the sacred circle in the east, west, or south (the elemental regions that correspond to Chup). To increase your regions skills, especially for a pressing situation, try this Chup spell: The next time it rains, gather the rainwater and warm it, gently blowing over the top of the pan three times and saying, By Chup's sensible winds, let this magick begin, Withing this water I bind keenness of mind. By the fire actuate, all confusion abates. To this water add some spearmint leaves and a pinch of rosemary to augment conscious thought, then drink the tea to start the transformation process. |
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September 27 Aloha Festival (Hawaii) Hawumea Themes: History; Tradition; Energy; Restoration Symbols: Leis; Fresh Flowers; Polynesian Foodstuffs About Hawumea: Hawaiian stories tell us that hawumea is the mother of Hawaii, having created it, the Hawaiian people, and all edible vegetation on the islands. Today she offers us renewed energy with which to restore or protect out traditions and rejoice in their beauty. To Do Today: In Hawaii this marks the beginning of a weeklong celebration of local custom and history complete with dances, parades, and sports competitions. For us this translates to reveling in out own local cultures, including foods, crafts, and the like. Hawumea lives in those customs and revels in your enjoyment of them. If any historical site or tradition is slowly fading out due to "progress," today also provides an excellent opportunity to try to draw some attention to that situation. Ask Hawumea for her help, then write letters to local officials, contact preservation or historical groups in the region, and see what you can do to keep that treasure alive. For personal restoration or improved energy, I suggest eating some traditional Hawaiian foods today, as they are part of Hawumea's bounty and blessings. Have pineapple at breakfast, some macadamia nuts for a snack, and Kona coffee at work, and maybe even create a luau-style dinner in the evening for family and friends to bless them, too. |
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September 28 Festival of Themis (Greece) Themis Themes: Justice; Equity; Reason; Morality; Organization; Foresight; Karma; Truth Symbols: Balanced Items; Scales About Themis: In Greek tradition, Themis personifies the law in both spirit and deed. She regulates karmic order in the cosmos and presides over matters of moral judgement. Today, Themis strengthens the voice of consciousness and the gift of foresight within us, becoming a sound counselor in difficult decisions and offering balanced perspectives. To Do Today: Bearing in mind Themis's legal theme, tend to any pressing legal matters today. If a court matter is pending, check on it. If you need to catch up on past-due parking tickets, do so. Themis will help resolve any matter of law in the most equitable manner possible. Should you actually have to go to court today, carry an image of a scale or any balanced geometric figure in your pocket to invite her assistance. Themis lives in just actions and orderliness, so jsut by treating people fairly and organizing your day, you invoke her presence. Throughout the day, take an extra moment to consider the repercussions of your actions, both mundanely and spiritually. Consider this a time to balance our karmic checkbook and make right some wrongs in your life. Also, be honest in your words and thoughts today. This honors and pleases this goddess greatly. |
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September 29 Quarter Days (England/Scotland) Niskai Themes: Cycles; Times; Luck; Home; Success Symbols: A Quarter; Calendars; Water About Niskai: This Western European water goddess has a threefold nature, exemplifying the full movement of time's wheel from birth and maturity to death and rebirth. She instills in us a respect for each season and the ability to use time wisely so that all our goddess-centered efforts will be more successful. To Do Today: Throughout England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, Quarter Day's mark the four quarters of the year. It is traditionally a time to pay one's bills in Niskai's timely fashion so that prosperity stays with you. Also, this is a very propitious time to move into a new residence; it brings luck! To keep Niskai's promptness with you and augment your awareness of the cycles in your life, try this spell. Being with a quarter (which is round, representing the Wheel of Time). Place a token in moonlight for three hours and sunlight for three hours to charge it. Then bless it, saying, To everything, there is a season; to every moment, a reason. For Niskai's timeliness I pray, every hour of every day. Carry this in your wallet or purse. If, for some reason, you start running late, touch the quarter and recite the incantation again. Then use the quarter to call folks so they don't worry! |
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| September 30 Lakshimi Puja (India) Lakshimi Themes: Devotion; Luck; Wealth; Relationships; Prosperity; Love; Harvest; Autumn Symbols: Lotus; Rice; Coins; Basil About Lakshimi: A favorite goddess in the hindu pantheon, Lakshimi brings devoted love into our lives, along with a little luck and extra pocket change to help things along. When called upon, Lakshimi opens the floodgates of heaven to meet our heart's or budget's needs. To Do Today: This annual festival celebrates Lakshimi and honors her ongoing goodness, which manifests in an abundant autumn harvest. If you are a merchant or store owner, it's customary to appeal to Lakshimi today for the ongoing success of your business. You can do this by placing a few grains of rice, some basil, or a coin in your daily tally sheets. This neatly tucks Lakshimi's fortunate nature into your finances. For those wishing for Lakshimi's luck in love, gather a handful of rice cooked in basil water (the cooking process adds energy and emotional warmth). Sprinkle this on the walkway leading up to your home and your preferred vehicle, saying, Lakshimi, let true love find its way to my home; let me carry luck with me wherever I roam. Keep a pinch of this in an airtight container, and carry it with your into social situations. It will act as a charm to improve your chances of meeting potential mates. | |
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