 |
Reply
| |
October Following the pattern started in September, October gets its name from octo, meaning eight, as it is the eighth month on the old caldendar system. Throughout the month, festivals for the dead increases with the waning light, and late harvest festivals continue. The latter often include propitiation to ensure that the Goddess's abundance will keep people whole through harsh or barren times. Magickal efforts accentuated by October's characteristics include clearing away old, unnecessary things or habits so that our mind, body, and spirit are prepared for winter. Any spells for memory, especially commenmorating loved ones, are apt. Beyond this, metaphysical efforts for health, luck, an debt paying seem common, ensuring that winter, the season of rest and death, will come and go with the least negative effect. |
|
|
Reply
| |
October 18 Festival of Lights (Brazil) Perimbo Themes: Forgiveness; Religious Devotion; Banishing; Justice; Karma Symbols: Light; Lunar Emblems About Perimbo: This Brazilian goddess is the creatrix of all things. From her home in the moon, Perimbo gently guides human life in benevolent ways. Balancing this kindness, she is also a goddess of justice, meting out karmic punishment to teach important lessons when necessary. To Do Today: During mid-October, the city of Belem in Brazil holds a parade in which people go barefoot, carrying weights and lights to banish evil, sin, and negativity from their lives. To adapt this in a simple way and draw Perimbo's benevolence into your living space, take a flashlight candle, or long-stemmed match clockwise around your house, saying, Perimbo, shine the light of fairness and devotion throughout my home. Try to make sure the light reaches as many nooks nd crannies as possible, symbolically banishing the shadows that hide there. For a portalbe Perimbo charm to inspire equity in all your dealings, find a flow-in-the-dark image of the moon. Charge it up for several hours using sunlight or the flashlight from the previous spell, saying instead. Perimbo, shine the light of fairness and devotion throughout my life. Carry this in your pocket to radiate the goddess's power no matter where you may be. |
|
Reply
| |
October 19 Bettar-tchi (Japan) Yama-No-Shinbo Themes: Luck; Wealth; Prosperity; Protection; Joy Symbols: Good-Luck Charms About Yama-No-Shinbo: This Japanese goddess of prosperity and good fortune joins in today's festivities by blessing all efforts to improve our luck. Her name means "mother of the mountain," which, in feng shui ( the art of placement in accordance with a region's energy patterns for the most beneficial result), represents a protective, ancient power that brings happiness and wealth to those within its shadow. To Do Today: This annual festival takes place near the shrine of Ebisu to encourage good luck. Sticky items are among the favored tokens carried today, to encourage good fortune to literally stick to the participants. For purposes this might translate into using double-sided tape inside a piece of clothing so that the outside can gather Yama-no-Shinbo's fortunate energy. Alternatively, put a symbol of an area of your life that needs better luck (such as a dollar bill for money) on the refrigerator with magnet, while whispering a brief prayer to the goddess. This action symbolizes prosperity sticking with you (and attracting right energy). Take out any tokens or objects around your home that you value for their lucky energy. Clean them off, and ask Yama-no-Shinbo to energize them a new for protection. Put your hands over the tops of these, visualize a personally lucky-colored filling them, and say. Goddess of fortune, fill this charm; keep me ever safe from harm. |
|
Reply
| |
October 20 Boomerang Festival (Virginia) Srinmo Themes: Karma; Universal Law; Excellence; Sports; Cycles Symbols: Wheel; Boomerang About Srinmo: In Tibet, this goddess holds the Great Round, a cosmic wheel upon which the movement of human life is recorded with each thought, word, and deed. Srinmo's demonic visage represents the human fear of death and reminds that one should strive for good in this life for the beauty it brings now and inour next incarnation. To Do Today: In Virginia, this is a competitive festival of skill centering on the ancient boomerangs believed to have been used originally by the Egyptians. Metaphysically speaking, the boomerang's movement represents the threefold law and Srinmo's karmic balance (i.e. everything you send out returns to you thrice). To give yourself a greater understanding of this principle, or to recognize the cycles in your life that may need changing carry any round objects today, such as a coin. Put it in your pocket, saying, What goes around comes around. Pay particular attention to your routine and the way you interact with people all day, and see what Srinmo reveals to you. For aiding the quest for enlightenment, and generally improving karma through light-filled living, try this little incantation in the car each time you make a right-hand turn today; As I turn to the right, I move closer tot he Light! |
|
Reply
| |
October 21 Misisi Beer Festival (Uganda) Meme Themes: Ghosts; Joy; Health; Offerings; Longevity; Harvest Symbols: Beer; Corn About Meme: The Ugandan creatrix oflife, Meme was also the first woman of the region. In her human form she taught shamans the art of healing, and she continues to be called upon to aid n all matters of health and well-being. To Do Today: This festival takes place right after the millet harvest, with a plethora of beer, maize, plantain, bullock, and chicken. Any of these foods can be added to your diet today in thankfulness for Mem's providence. Follow Ugandan custom and join with your family or friends. The eldest member of the gathering should pour a libation to the ground in Meme's name and then offer the rest to those gathered. This mini-ritual ensures long life and unity for everyone. It also ensures a good harvest the next year (of a literal or figurative nature). To inspire Mem's health or request her aid in overcoming a specific fall malady, carry a corn kernel with you today, and consume corn during your dinner meal. Bless the corn before hand to ingest the goddess's vitality. Alternatively, take a small bowl of beer and placa finger into it. Channel your negativity and illness into the beer (visualize this as dark, muddy water leaving our body), then pour it out to disperse the negative energy and give it into the goddess's care. |
|
Reply
| |
 October 22 Hi Matsuri (Japan) Izu No Me Mo Kami Themes: Mediation; Health; Cleansing Symbols: Fire or Water About Izu No Me Mo Kami: A goddess of purification Izu no me Kami helps us prepare for the sacred festivals of late fall and early winter with her cleansing power. While she was born in water, this goddess's energy exists in any rites for purification, including those centered on fire. To Do Today: This is a fire festival in Japan designed to welcome and help people commune with the native deities who come to earth this day. People carry light sources like candles and torches, which offer Izu no me mo Kami's purifying energies to the meeting. In this part of the world it is considered unseemly to go before the gods spiritually or physically dirty. In keeping with this theme, take a ritual bath todya before your daily prayers or meditations. Add cleansing herbs like pine needles, bay leaves, fennel, lemon rind, or mint. Alternatively, drop in a few herbal tea bags (like peppermint or chamomile) to keep the dried items from clogging the drain. Before getting in, stir the water counterclockwise, saying, Goddess of cleansing power, purify me this sacred hour. Remove all guilt, all blame or shame. I ask this by invoking your name: Izu no me mo Kami. Keep whispering the goddess's name at regular intervals until you get out of the tub. Then enter your prayers and meditations with a purified mind, heart, and spirit. |
|
Reply
| |
October 23 Scorpio Begins (Various Locations) Isara Themes: Creativity; Sexuality; Passion Instinct; Fire; Energy Symbols: Scorpion (or any stinging, hot items) About Isara: An ancient Mesopotamian goddess, Isara is known for her fiery nature. The Syrians specifically worshiped her in the form of a scorpion when they wished to improve sexual prowess or passion. In other traditions, Isara judges human affairs but firmly, and all oaths made in her name are sacred. To Do Today: In astrology, people born under the sign of Scorpio are said to be creative, tenacious, sturdy, and sensuous, often internalizing Isara's fire in their sign for personal energy. To do likewise, enjoy any hot beverage (such as coffee with a touch of cinnamon for vitality) first thing in the morning. This will give you some of Isara's fire to hlep you face your day, both mentally and physically. For those wishing to improve interest or performance in the bedroom, today is a good time to focus on foods for passion and fecundity. Look to bananas or avocados in the morning, olives, dill pickles, radishes, or licorice sticks as a snack, beans as dinner side dish, and shellfish as a main platter. Remember to invoke Isara's blessing before you eat. And, if you can find one, put the image of a scorpion under your bed so that Isara's lusty nature will abide in the region and you can tap it during lovemaking. |
|
Reply
| |
October 24 United Nations Day (Various Location) Eurynome Themes: Unity; Peace; Balance Symbol: Scared Dancing About Eurynome: This ancient Greek goddess reached out to the chaos at the beginning of time, embraced it, and made order in the world. Through her sacred dance, the winds were born, from her womb came the land and stars, and then she created rulers for the poles (one male, one female) so that balance would forever be maintained. To Do Today: On October 24, 1945, the peace-keeping United Nations was formally established in the orderly spirit of Eurynome to stress the need for understanding between people and the power of working for a unified cause. To honor this occasion and unlift Eurynome's positive energies, gather today with any group that you work with regularly. Do something to gether that focuses on your power as a group to really make a difference in one another, your community, or the world. To bring Eurynome's organization and balance into your home take a small bowl filled with water and tree drops each of one male-oriented herbal oil (like cedar, clove, lavendar, mint, or pine) and one female-oriented oil (like apple, coconut, jasmine, lemon, or vanilla). Put on some inspiring music, dance joyfully around you living space, and sprinkle this water as you go to draw Eurynome's blessing to you. |
|
Reply
| |
October 25 Sweetest Day (United States) Felicitas Themes: Kindness; Charity; Love; Romance; Joy; Success; Luck Symbols: Greetings (greeting cards) About Felicitas: This Roman goddess brings happiness, success, and good fortune whenever someone salutes another with good words or amiable deeds. She comes to us today to energize late fall and early winter with the transformational power of kindness. To Do Today: While Sweetest day seems to be focused on lovers these days, in earlier years it represented an opportunity to shower anyone and everyone with cheerful trinkets, kinds acts, and gentle words to lift people's spirits. By looking to Felicitas for help, we can return this holiday to its original form and bring joy to people who might otherwise be feeling a case of autumn blues. Look for, or make, some humorous greeting cards, to sned to folks you know would appreciate the thought. Lay your hands on them and invoke Felicitas's blessing in anyway that feels right. To improve the effect further, anoint the cards with rejuvenating aromatic oils that match the recipients needs (such as pine for money, rose for love or peace, cinnamon for luck, sandalwood for health, and lavendar to combat depression). This way, when they open that card, the magick and the aroma will be released together to bless, energize, and bear Felicitas's greetings along with your heart-felt wishes! |
|
Reply
| |
October 26 Birthday of the Earth (various locations) Tellus Mater Themes: Earth; Ecology; Promises; Abundance; Prosperity; Fertility Symbols: Globe; Soil; Grain About Tellus Mater: The Roman earth mother celebrates today's festivities by sharing of her abundance, being a goddess of vegetation, reproduction, and increase. In regional stories Tellus Mater gave birth to humans, which is why bodies are returned to the soil at death ~ so they can be reborn from her womb anew. To Do Today: According to James Ussher, a seventeenth-century Anglican archbishop, God created teh earth on October 26, 4004 B.C.E. While this date is uncertain at best, it gives us a good excuse to honor Tellus Mater and hold a birthday party on her behalf. Make a speical cake for the earth mother out of natural fertilizers. Take this to a natural setting (don't forget the candle). Light the candle and make a wish for the earth's renewal, then blow it out, remove the candle, and bury your gift for Tellus Mater in the soil, where it can begin manifesting your good wishes! While you're outside, pck up a pinch of soil, a stone, or any natural object that strikes yoru eye and keep it close. This is a part of Tellus Mater, and it will maintain her power for abundance where ever you go today. It will also help you stay close to the earth mother and honor the living spirit of earth in word and deed. |
|
Reply
| |
October 27 Allan Apple day (England) Iduna Themes: Love; Divination; Dreams; Longevity Symbols: Apples About Iduna: This Teutonic goddess of longevity and lvoe was born of flowers and lives in Asgard, protecting the magickal apples of immortality. The wife of Braggi, a poetic god, she joins in today's festival with her apples and Braggi's kind words to ensure lasting love. To Do Today: Follow Cornwall customs. Polish an apple today, sleep with it under your pillow, and ask Iduna to bring you sweet dreams of love. At dawn, rise without speaking to anyone and go outside. The first person you see is said to be a future spouse (or friend, for those who are already married). All types of apple magick are suited to this day. Peel an apple while thinking of a question and toss it over your shoulder. Whatever symbol or letter the peel forms represents yoru answer. Eat the apple, then try composing some love poems for that special someone in your life! Drink apple juice first thing in the morning, blessing it in Iduna's name, to improve your communications with all your loved ones. Enjoy a slice a apple pie at lunch to bring sweetness to your relationships and improve self-love. Come dinner, how about a side a applesauce to keep relationships smooth and empowered by Iduna's staying power? |
|
Reply
| |
October 28 Saffron Rose Festival (Spain) Eos Themes: Wealth; Love; Joy; Health; Fertility; Leadership; Passion; Beauty Symbol: Saffron About Eos: In Indo-European traditions, Eos is a sky goddess who offers us dawn's hopeful, renewing energy. Greek stories tell of Eos's intense beauty, which inspires passion. As faithful consort and fertile divinity, she also ensures us of productivity and devoted love To Do Today: Saffron is the world's most expensive herb, and on the last Sunday in October, people in Cnseuegra, Spain, honor the crop with folk dances an pageantry. Magickally speaking, saffron embodies Eos's loving, joyful, healthy, and fertile powers, which is why it was scared to her. So, consider getting up at dawn and addnig a few strands of saffron to your morning tea to bring renewing hope. Later in the day, consume saffron rice to internalize any of Eos's attributes. Or, carry a container of saffron as a charm to manifest passions, inspire inner beauty, and motivate positive financial improvements. The ancients also used saffron to dye the robes of kings, giving it associations with leadership. So, if you need to improve your sense of control or authority in any situation, integrate something with a saffron hue into your wardrobe today. The color's vibrations strengthen self-confidence and generate the administrative skills you need. |
|
Reply
| |
October 29 Kartika Snan (India) Aramati Themes: Cleansing; Religious Devotion; Offering; Beauty; Banishing; Meditation; Prayer Symbols: Water; Fire; All Acts of Veneration About Aramati: Translated, Aramati's name means "piety." So it is that this Indian goddess embodies the atributes of religious devotion and selflessness through which a person reaches higher states of awareness and returns to oneness with the Sacred Parent. According to tradition, Aramati protects people during worship. To Do Today: Kartika is the Hindu name for the period between October and November , and it is considered a sacred month in which acts of piety willbe rewarded. Bathing in streams, wells, or any running water source early this morning brings Aramati purification and inner beauty. Afterward, it's customary to pray and meditate for the goddess's blessings and assistance in being faithful to one's religious studies and goals. If you hold any rituals todya, or cast spells, consider asking Aramati to safeguard your working area from unwanted influences and to guide the magick for the greatest good. Finally, keeping lamps burning today drives away evil influences that may hinder or trip up your path. Perhaps leave one lit near your altar, religious tools, or any goddess image. This honors Aramati and invokes her ongoing protection in your sacred space of home. |
|
Reply
| |
October 30 Angelitos day (Mexico) Tonacacihuatl Themes: Ghosts; Death; Hope Symbols: Flowers; All Symbols of Death About Tonacacihuatl: In all Mexico this goddess's name means "Our Lady of Flesh." Tonacacihuatl is a creatrix who give life to all things and to whome the spirits of children return at death. To Do Today: Part of a weeklong festival for the dead, Angelitos Day is specifically focused on departed children. If there is a child who has passed over and who was special to you somehow, make cakes or foods that feature symbols of death and leave them in a special spot. This invites Tonacacihuatl to release that child's spirit for the day and welcomes the souls of the departed tot he festival. Put out the child's picture in a place of honor with candle nearby to help light their way. Cook and eat the young one's favorite foods, leave a lamp lit near your threshold, and strew flowers (especially marigolds or dandelions) on the walkway to guide the childs spirit back home. According to tradition, eating hen or chicken todya ensures a visitation by ghosts, because then the bird can't crow loudly and frighten away the spirits! In all due caution, however, you might want to keep a little salt, violet petals, sage, or ginseng hand to banish any unwanted ghostly guests. |
|
Reply
| |
October 31 Halloween (various Locations) Nicneven Themes: Protection; Ghosts; Divination; Peace; Winter Symbols: Pumpkins; Gourds; Traditional Halloween Fare About Nicneven: In Scotland, Nicneven is the crone goddess of Samhain, which is the predecessor of modern Halloween festivals. Nicneven goversn the realms of magick and witchcraft and also represents the imminent onset of winter. To do Today: In magick and Celtic traditions, this is the new year - a time when the veil between worlds growns thin and spirits can communicate with the living. Follow the usual customs of carving a pumpkin or turnip for protection and to illuminate the way for family spirits to join you in today's celebrations. In druidical traditon, Samhain was a time to rectify any matters causing dissent. Nicneven provides the magickal glue for this purpose. Take a white piece of paper on which you've written the reason for anger in a relationship, then burn it in any hallowed fire source (the pumpkin candle, or ritual fires). As you do, ask Nicneven to empower the spell and destroy the negativity completely. To inspire Nicneven's wisdom or magickal aptitude within, enjoy traditional Halloween fare - apple pie, for example, brings sagacity. Sparkling apple cider tickles magickal energy. And root crops provide solid foundations and protection while magickal creatures are affoot! |
|
|
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First
Return to Goddesses