Christmas Moon Lore

In certain areas of England there was an expression that if a dark moon came on Christmas, a fine harvest year would follow. Other areas declared that a waxing or new moon on Christmas portended a good year, but a waning moon a hard year.

 From: Moon Magick

... for more Moon lore and Christmas fun, visit my new website, The Pagan Calendar.

The Dōngzhì Festival

The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the Dongzhi solar term (winter solstice) on or around December 22 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Dongzhi Festival

Capricorn Begins

Themes: Success; Humor; Reason; Devotion; Providence
Symbols: Goat; Cornucopia; Stars
Presiding Goddess: Amaltheia

To Do Today:

This astrological sign begins on the first day of winter with the power of logic and reason to guide action, balanced by a keen sense of humor when the going gets tough....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Sun Enters Capricorn

The Death of Tammuz

The Death of Tammuz also known as Noosardel (sprinkling water on the path of God) was another Yultide holiday celebrated with an early morning worship service, a tree, and a burning log.

 “Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house 

which was toward the north; and, behold, 

there sat women weeping for Tammuz.” 

~Ezekial 8:14

In the legend, Tammuz dies young and his birth is honored on his birthday which coincided with the Winter Solstice. ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: The Death of Tammuz

Capricorn Oil

Add the following essential oils to 1/8 cup of a base oil. Visualize as you mix and smell.  For best results, don't use synthetics.

• 3 drops Vetivert ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in it's entirety here: Capricorn Oil

Why Stroking Crocodiles Is Ok

I found this really fun article about witches, crocodiles, and fertility rituals on a travel site, and had to share it here. Billed as the world's most dangerous tourist attraction, the concept is that stroking a crocodile makes a person extremely fertile. Here's the article:

According to one version of the local legend, the story of the Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool involves a cunning — but good natured — witch.

One day the witch was apparently crying by a well when a stranger came along. Claiming that her children had fallen down, she asked the man to help. The man climbed down to find them, searched hard but saw no trace. ..

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Crocodile Magick and Meaning

Crocodile Superstitions and Lore

It was once thought that crocodiles could be created by new combinations of matter, instead of by natural birth. The ancient roman historian, Pliny said that the crocodile was the only land animal which lacked the use of its tongue. It was believed to conceive by the ear and bring forth by the mouth.

An old story from Madagascar is that crocodiles and lizards come from the same nest or den by the side of a river. When the eggs are laid and numerous little ones are crawling about, the crocodile comes out of the water and beats the ground with its tail so as to frighten the young ones. Some take to water, and others to land. The ones that go to land never grow any bigger and remain as lizards, but those in the water grow to be crocodiles....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Crocodile Magick and Meaning

Protection From Crocodiles

The Egyptian Book of the Dead suggests carrying the plant sweet inula to ward off crocodiles both living ones and those that haunt the spirit realm.

• Wear it in a charm bag to protect against actual visitations.
• Sleep with the herb in a dream pillow or beneath your pillow if unfriendly crocodiles are infesting your dreams.

From Burma we have this...

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: For Protection From Crocodiles

Papyrus Hieroglyph Protection

Crocodiles, like snakes, are simultaneously fearsome, dangerous creatures and potent symbols of spiritual and psychic protection. Pregnant Isis, after all, hid in the crocodile infested swamps of the Nile Delta. It was the safest spot she knew.

In ancient days, the papyrus plant, which once lined the Nile, was a hieroglyphic emblem for Lower Egypt, especially that Nile Delta swampland. It also served as a protective emblem from crocodiles, lending new meaning to Moses' cradle on the Nile, formed from papyrus.  This symbol (shown here) can be used in a variety of ways to create a protective talisman....

... I'm so sorry but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: For Protection from Crocodiles

Nurse of the Crocodiles

Names: The Oldest One, Nurse of Crocodiles, Nit
Attributes: Two arrows and a shield, shuttle
Creatures: Crocodile, snake, bee
Color: Green
Plants: Flax, papyrus
Favored people: Soldiers, hunters, weavers, artisans

The inscription on Neith's temple in Sais in the Nile Delta (now modern Sa el-Hagar) read....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found in it's entirety here: Neith - The First One

Narcissus Magicks

Ruler: Dionysus
Type: Plant
Magickal Form: Flower, Essential Oil

The Narcissus is often  assigned to the month of December, and is also associated with the Chinese New Year which occurs in February.

Wear this scent to entice others and promote self-love and self-confidence. Overuse can attract stalkers and create egomaniacs - so don't over do it. Rub on pink candles to meet new people....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: Narcissus Magick and Lore