Free Candle Labels and Spell for the Super Blue Rowan Moon Lunar Eclipse

If you love this art, you can view the print here an read about the inspiration behind it: Lunar Eclipse

Are you ready for the Super Blue Blood Moon tomorrow? It's kind of a big deal and a confluence of energies that magic users can take advantage of.  In order to decide what kind of magic to do during this special day, we need to examine each of these energies in play and what they mean. 

I have a free spell and printable candle labels click here!

Date: 1/31/2018 in the early morning hours. What time is it happening? I don't know where you live, but here's a link to find out where it's happening near you:  TimeandDate.com 

Here are the energies we're talking about: 
full moon
super moon
blue moon
lunar eclipse

rowan moon

Full Moon 
We all know that the moon goes through phases over the course of 28 days. The full moon is traditionally the time of power for magic users. The moon has great energies, love, intuition, spirituality, healing and is related to the Goddess or feminine aspects of Deity. The Moon pulls the tides and also our emotions with it's cycles. The full moon is a time when it's energy and magnetic pull is at it's pinnacle. The full moon is the best time in a month to manifest and bring about big changes.

Super Moon
This Full Moon is due to be about 16 percent brighter than average and will appear larger in the sky, because it's the closest it will be to the earth enhancing the moons energy.  The super moon will exert about 42 percent more tidal force than the moon when it's at it's furthest from us. But fear not, in reality the super moon should cause no natural disasters or anything, but some bonus moon magical energy and a great show, for sure!  If you look at the moon when it's close to the horizon or through a trees branches it's easiest to see the effect because it gives your eye a point of reference. Magically work magic during a super moon to enhance all the qualities of a regular full moon.
Blue Moon
Ok, it's called a blue moon...that does not mean it's color is blue though. A blue moon doesn't refer to the color of the moon, but instead can refer to the fact that we usually have only one full moon in a calendar month, but occasionally we get a second full moon in a month and that moon is sometimes  known as a Gregorain "blue moon."  The third full moon in a season with four full moons is referred to as an Astrological or Astronomical blue moon, for a further explanation of that, click here.  They don't happen often, which is where the term "once in a blue moon" comes from. A blue moon is a moon for wishes! It's a good time to work magic that's monumental taking advantage of the unlikely appearance of a blue moon.

Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse happens when the shadow of the earth passes across the full moon. You can observe something very similar to the phases of the moon, unfolding over merely a period of hours, instead of the month as usual. I say similar, because it looks different somehow, the dark section isn't black, but an otherworldly color, sometimes gray sometimes a brownish-red, which is why it's sometimes called a blood moon. The shadow as it crosses the moon is different than usual, not a sharp edge, but a bit fuzzy. From a magical standpoint, a lunar eclipse can bring about change, it is a good time for letting go of the past and unveiling something new in your life before you. 
 
Rowan Moon
According to the Celtic Tree Calendar the Jan. 31 full moon is the Rowan moon which is the full moon falling between Jan 21-Feb.17. It was believed if a traveler carried a rowan wood staff, it would offer magical protection on their journey.   Rowan wood or berries are considered a powerful protective amulet.  Rowan is associated with the goddess Bridget, music, poetry, fire, good luck and protection, and the Rowan month falls within Bridget’s sacred day of February 2, known as Candlemas or Imbolc. So this is a great full moon to work on projects such as: protection, healing and strength. 

Wow! That's a lot going on, many magical elements to work with, so it seems like a good opportunity to work some big magic. 

If you don't have something already planned for this full moon,  I have a spell for you, it's my gift to you in hopes that we can all persevere and gain strength in ourselves to the benefit of humanity.

Spell for Strength and Healing in Hard Times

What are you facing? This is a time when the world is in turmoil and sometimes we feel that the winds of change and the forces of fear and hate around us are just too much to handle. We need healing for our spirits so that we can continue the good fight. We need to keep our shields strong against forces that we feel are out of our control. We need to boost up our compassion and send out compassionate energy to the rest of the world in order to bring about the changes needed when the dust settles. Ok, that aligns with all of the energies of the powers of the 1/31/18 Full, Super, Blue, Rowan Moon! What if many of us do this spell? if we're all connected perhaps this energy will ripple out bringing more balance, protection, and healing to the world. I hope so.

I created a sigil specifically for this celestial event and magical purpose and I've included some beautiful candle labels as well. You can print the sigil included in the free download (or draw it yourself by hand) and use any of the candle labels included on your altar. To use these labels for candles simply cut them out and apply them to a jar candles or jars or candle holders for smaller votive or tea light candles using a glue stick.  Never leave burning candles unattended. The candles are a nice way to hold space for the lunar energy happening right now, you can perform this spell either at your altar with the candles or outside under the moon.

Click here for the free spell print out and candle labels/sigil sheet.

If you can either perform this spell during the lunar eclipse itself or any time during the full moon if timing it to the eclipse is a problem due to work, school, or other activities. Here's when to catch it in your area:  TimeandDate.com 

Hold the sigil included with this spell. Gaze at the moon or your lunar candles while you visualize the moon removing all fear from energy field, banishing negativity as it pours off of you and into the ground where it will be neutralized.  Feel the power of the moon filling you with it's magic, beaming it's energy down to you as you soak it up. Feel it filling you with the power of protection freeing you from fear, awakening compassion, and empowering your spirit. Now look at the sigil in your hand for a moment and then hold it to your heart as you repeat the following:

"Fear and hate are not to be,

I eclipse destructive forces.

Magic flows from the rowan tree

Protecting me through challenging courses.

Once in a blue moon this wish for me

Heal my spirit with magical sources

Awake compassionate energy

This super full moon power reinforces!

Without looking at it, crumble the sigil, state, "So mote it be!" burn the sigil in a fireproof dish, cauldron, or fireplace so that it becomes part of Spirit.

I hope you enjoy this simple spell and that it empowers you to keep on going with dignity, grace, and wisdom!  If you used this spell, drop me a comment and let me know how you liked it.

Blessed Be!

Mickie

Total Lunar Eclipse times in US time zones

EST (Eastern Standard Time)

5.51am EST - Penumbral Eclipse begins

6.48am EST - Umbral Eclipse begins

7.51am EST - Totality begins

If you live in the East head outside at 6.45am to watch the start of the eclipse. 

CST (Central Standard Time)

4.51am CST - Penumbral Eclipse begins

5.48am CST - Umbral Eclipse begins

6.51am CST - Totality begins

The best viewing of the eclipse will be from 6.15am to 6.30am.

MST (Mountain Standard Time)

3.51am MST - Penumbral Eclipse begins

4.48am MST - Umbral Eclipse begins

5.51am MST - Totality begins

The peak of the blood moon will start at about 6.30am. 

Free Spell for Magic Under the Solstice/Oak Supermoon!

Download these candle labels and petition sheet free right here, I designed
them just for you!

We've got some very powerful energies converging magically right now making tonight's full moon a very powerful time for magic.  Yesterday was the Summer Solstice which is of course the time of the year when the sun is at it's zenith.  The longest day of the year means the sun is at it's highest point at noon, and the period of time between sunrise and sunset is the longest of the year.  Magically during midsummer nature is at it's height of energy, Another of the energies converging right now is that tonight's full moon will be a supermoon.  The moons orbit around the earth is not a perfect circle, and once a year it ends up a bit closer to us than usual.  Tonight it will appear about 12% larger in the sky than usual.  Here is a link to a great article on the science of tonight's supermoon. On top of all of that, we are also in the Celtic month of the Oak and tonight is also the Oak moon according to Robert Grave's Celtic Tree Calendar, and the energies of Oak correspond with opening the door to opportunity, strength, wisdom and power.  Oak magic also includes luck, protection and abundance.

Free candle label and petition sheet click here to download your printable copy.

 Supermoon Spell to Achieve Success

I designed this spell specifically for the energies of tonight's Summer Solstice/ Oak/ Supermoon energies, but it can be altered for use during another full moon, summer solstice or during to Celtic Oak month June 10-July 7.

You will need:

• a candle, golden in color, yellow, or white.  You can use a tea light or votive candle in a small glass votive candle jar or a large jar candle.
• Printed candle label and petition sheet (click here to download) print the sheet and affix either the large or small candle label to your jar using a glue stick and have the petition sheet ready to write your petition on.
• pen
• incense of your choice, try frankincense or sandalwood
• Your choice of several of the following herbs; oak leaf or acorn, basil, bay, vetiver, patchouli, chamomile, cinquefoil, marigold, sunflower, st. johns wort, any herb corresponding with your specific success goal
• lighter or matches and a fireproof dish
• your favorite success oil or olive oil
• gold, yellow, or white square of fabric about 4x4 inches
• green or gold ribbon

Find a quiet place where you can be alone to work your magic, if you can do it outdoors under the moon all the better, but if you can't indoors is fine.  Light the incense and take some time to ground and center, cast your circle and summon the elements and the God and Goddess as you usually do.

Anoint your forehead with success oil (or olive oil) by using a drop of oil on your finger, marking your forehead from the center of eyebrows straight up, then directly above both eyebrows. put a drop of oil in your palm and rub palms together vigorously.  Light your candle in it's jar holder and hold the jar before you and charge it using this charm,

"I call upon the Sun and Moon with power strong and bright,

With my magic I ask a boon that you may grant this night.

For I am as the mighty oak that stands within great power,

I know that create success as I begin this very hour."

Now charge the candle with your power as you focus upon your goal complete, do not visualize the path your success will take, but the completed goal.  For instance if you're goal is success finding a home, do not visualize looking for a home, but see yourself already moved into your dream home, your furniture already there, family around the table in a new dining room, etc.  

Once you have thoroughly charged your candle with your goal, set it down and surround it with the magical herbs you've chose from the list.  Take the pen and write clearly your goal for success upon the petition sheet provided on the printout sheet.  Now hold it up towards the moon and state the following,

Success shall be mine, I know it is true,

With all that I say and all that I do,

I carry my goal and I do my best,

I send it to you, may it manifest!

My power is strong, as sound as can be,

with harm to none, so mote it be!"

Now light the petition in the candles flame and allow it to burn, placing it carefully in the fireproof dish.  Now your intention has gone into the spirit realm where it may grow and manifest in the material realm.  Once the ashes have cooled, bundle them and the herbs into the fabric and tie it with the ribbon.  Leave it near your candle to continue charging it as it burns down, then you may leave the bundle where you will see it daily, or carry it with you as you go forth to make your success in the world!

“The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.”-anon

I hope you've enjoyed this spell and that it will serve you well during this time of the Summer Solstice, Supermoon and Celtic Oak Month!

And again, the Wheel of the Year turns as we see the Sabbat of Midsummer
come around, rejoice in the cycles of the seasons and grow what you need the most to be
harvested as the wheel turns again!

If you love this candle sconce, click here for more details!

Brightest Blessings,

A Pagan Artists Thoughts on the Solar Eclipse

The first time I remember experiencing a solar eclipse I was a very small child, probably 4 or five.  I remember being in the garden with my mother.  Through the years the neighborhood kids took to calling her "Mother Nature" because even in the desert earth in Albuquerque New Mexico where I grew up she had a knack for making things grow.  Anyway, this was in the early years before we grew big vegetable gardens, it was mostly flowers back then, and we were messing around in the garden.  Mom pointed out all the things that were happening, explaining the mechanics of it to her little girl in the simplest terms she could.  She pointed out that every thing had gotten darker even though there were no clouds.  She brought to my attention how quiet everything had gotten because the birds stopped singing, it was as if the whole world stopped to witness the event.  It wasn't a total eclipse that day in Albuquerque, only partial, but I still remember it.  The light coming through the old elm tree left tiny crescents all over the patio.  It was pure magic!

To see a total solar eclipse, you have to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.  Those that are under the shadow that the moon casts upon the earth as it crosses the sun get quite a show, and others see a partial eclipse.  I've never gotten to experience the crazy-cool "ring of fire" only because I've never been in an area where the total eclipse was visible, but I've seen several partial eclipses now in my life, and it's still a very amazing thing to witness.  I'm holding out for August of 2017 which looks like it will be pretty close for me.  The eclipse today will block 53% of the sun in my area.  In St. Louis the sun will set only 40 minutes after the eclipse begins, so we will be seeing it low in the sky.  But I'll still be there with my husband and son, hole in paper plates and checking it out.

Of course, you're never supposed to look directly at an eclipse, you can damage your eyes, and I use mine lots, so I'm very careful.  Here's a link with directions for different methods you can use to safely view the eclipse.  http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/how.html

What Kind of Magic Can I Do?

Magically this solar eclipse falls right after the super full moon, when the moon is closest through the year.  This solar eclipse is all about big life changes.  You can use the energy of this eclipse to bring about big changes, ending an old cycle so that a new cycle can begin.  Decide what your intention is, what do you want to eclipse in your life?  Solar eclipses can bring about big shifts, so do some soul searching, decide now how you want to change and adjust the rudder of your boat to aim you in the direction that you want.  What do you want to draw into your life?  What do you want to let go?  Focus on your intentions and ride the wave of the solar eclipse!

Solar Eclipse by Mickie Mueller, print available in our Etsy shop, click here

Solar Eclipse by Mickie Mueller
In ancient times a solar eclipse was considered a very powerful omen. It is a very unearthly feeling as anyone can attest who has witnessed it. The sky turns a unreal dark shade, the birds and insects stop making any sound. As the dark lady moon passes in front of her consort, the sun, the shadows that the leaves cast upon the ground all become little crescents, mirroring the event unfolding above. It is a moving event, even if it is only a partial eclipse, all of life seems to hold its breath in awe nervously until the sun is full and bright again. During a full eclipse, stars can even be seen.

Of course, in these modern times eclipses solar or lunar are scientifically explained. We know the earth casts a shadow across the moon during a lunar eclipse, and the moon passes between the earth and the sun during a solar eclipse. But these explanations don't really take away any of the magic or awe, just observe one of these celestial events and you'll probably agree. If we see the moon as being a representative of the Lady and the Sun a representative of the Sun God, then their meeting in the sky, however brief, must be a symbolic meeting of the two. A celebration of the joyous reunion of the two who circle each other in the sky.

Blessings!

Celtic Willow Moon and Supermoon Magic

This coming full moon is the Celtic Willow Moon, and it's also a Supermoon, that equals some powerful full moon energy on the 5th!

Willow, Tree of Water, Moon and Magic!

The Willow month falls between April 15-May 12 and the full moon between those dates is the Willow Full Moon.  Willow brings us in touch with Goddess energy and teaches us to follow our intuition. Willow energy also teaches us to work harmoniously within the cycles of life instead of trying to fight against them.  Willow is a strong tree because it is flexible and bends instead of breaking, a lesson we can all learn from in these times.  Willow is a water loving tree and is associated with lunar influences, it represents unseen influences in our lives.  This is also a tree of magic, enchantment and sorcery that helps us forge a deeper communion with our higher power.

Willow is sacred to poets and is also associated with healing and divination.  This is also a tree associated with fairies and the otherworld, weeping willow images were often seen on Victorian era grave markers and in "Mourning Portraits" paintings or embroidered depictions of the loved ones of the deceased gathered in mourning around an urn and willow tree.

Many people feel comforted by the willows loving energy, sitting within the veil of a weeping willow can be a very healing experience, and is a perfect place for meditation.  It's also traditional to tie a knot in a willow branch and make a wish.  Return to the tree once the wish is granted and untie the branch and give thanks!

One of the easiest ways to propagate a willow tree is from rooted cuttings, you can actually cut a single stem from a willow tree and put it in a vase of water.  A single branch of this watery tree will sprout roots!  We used a branch of willow to bless our wishes at the Celtic Tree Calendar class I'm teaching at Pathways this month and that branch has little roots growing out of it.  I plan to plant it in a sunny spot in my yard where all the water runs off.  Some people report just sticking a fresh cut rod of willow in the damp ground and successfully growing a tree! 

Would you love to learn more?  I offer the Celtic Tree Calender class online, and because it's a cyclical calendar you can start any month you wish.  This is a beautiful class with some full color pages for your book of shadows, lots of spells, and extras like candle labels and do-it-yourself amulets, charms, etc. here's the link:

Here's what you get with the Willow Class, Click here for more info!

So if the Willow Moon which is full of strong lunar energy already is also a Super Moon, what does that mean?

Willow Moon/Supermoon, What's it All About?

This month, the Celtic Willow Moon will officially become full Saturday (May 5) at 11:35 p.m. EDT. And because this month's full moon coincides with the moon's perigee which means it will be its closest approach to Earth, it will also be the year's biggest moon in the sky.  How close the moon is to the earth varies throughout the year, right now it's really close. 

Yep, it's kinda like this!

This Willow Full Moon is due to be about 16 percent brighter than average and will appear larger in the sky.  Willow is associated with lunar energy, water and the tides, and although we don't expect extreme tides, the Supermoon will exert about 42 percent more tidal force than the moon when it's at it's furthest from us. But fear not, in reality the supermoon should cause no natural disasters or anything, but some bonus moon magical energy and a great show, for sure!  If you look at the moon when it's close to the horizon or through a trees branches it's easiest to see the effect because it gives your eye a point of reference.

Magically, this means extra moon energy and specifically extra Willow Moon energy!  So this is a great full moon to work on projects such as: enchantment, boosting magical power, wishing, fertility , love, healing, protection, magic for women, death, femininity, love, intuition, divination, friendship, joy, and deep peace.

You want a spell, don't you?  Mmmmm...well, ok, you twisted my arm.

Willow Divination Tool Blessing

The willow tree's roots run deep with emotion and the powers of divination, this is a tree that can bridge the worlds.  The willow full moon is a perfect time to bless and charge your divination tools.  Do you work with a crystal ball, pendulum, runes or tarot deck?  If you have a Voice of the Trees deck or Ogham set, this willow spell is perfect to fill it with extra divination energies.  Bless your items under the full willow moon to fill them with willow moon energy, this will re-energise your tools. 

Place your divination tools in a willow basket, you can find one easily at your local craft store.  Take the basket outside under the full willow moon. (The 5th full moon of the year, usually falling between or near April 15-May 12) You may wish to light a white or green candle and have some incense of your choice to set the mood, try violet incense.  If you have a willow tree you can work under or near, all the better, if not sit anywhere you like and visualise a spiritual sparkling willow tree rising up from the ground and surrounding you with a curtain of leaves.  Now visualise energy from the moon pouring over your divination tools in the basket filling them with the powerful full willow moon energy.  As you feel the energy flowing into your tools program them with the following charm:

"Full willow moon lend your vibrations,

Bless these tools of divination,

Always guide my heart that I may see,

All they have to show to me."

When you feel the tools are full of moon energy, you may wish to use one of your newly empowered tools to do a little divination work under the willow moon.  When you're finished be sure to leave a gift for the willow tree as thanks, a crystal, fertilizer spike, a coin, or water are all appropriate gifts.

Willow Candle Sconce available in the official Voice of the Trees Etsy shop, click here

Get the deck at Barnes & Noble

Have a lovely Supermoon/ Willow Moon!

Blessings!

The Celtic Full Ivy Moon

The moon is full tonight, and according to the Celtic Tree Calendar devised by Robert Graves, it's the Ivy Moon. The Celtic Tree Calendar is a lunar calendar based upon the first 13 Celtic Ogham letters and their tree correspondences. Poet Robert Graves studied the Ogham and in his book The White Goddess published in 1948, he put forth the idea of a calendar that corresponded with the Celtic Trees. There are several versions of this, I like to work with the Graves version. According to Graves, "I noticed almost at once that the consonants of this alphabet (Ogham) form a calendar of seasonal magic, and that all the trees figure prominently in European folklore."

The Celtic month of Ivy/Gort falls between Sept. 30-October 27. During this month, the harvest is coming to an end, everywhere I look here in the Midwest, I see fields that are bare now, just stumps of corn, wheat or other crops, and the crows are out picking up whatever is left. The Ogham letter Ivy/Gort brings the promise of the inner self and the spiral of life.

This is the Ivy card from my upcoming Voice of the Trees deck, Sept. 2011.

The Ivy plant produces spiral shapes reflecting the spiraling patterns of DNA, the gifts given to us by our ancestors. This is the time to remember the spiraling life within you, where it came from and meditate on where it can take you in life. As you look up at the full Ivy Moon, remember that you ancestors looked at that same moon and be reminded of your ties to them. Think of the positive attributes that you have, family traits that serve you well. Can you imagine how far the genes you carry within you have traveled through the ages to form the person that you are?

English Ivy is evergreen reminding that even as the world beds down to take it's rest, life still remains. Ivy also represents tenacity of spirit, Ivy is a plant that can grow through stone, even when faced with the rocky barrier of a wall, it perseveres, hangs on, and thrives. It looks delicate and lovely, but this description would be a

underestimation of this tough tenacious plant that is a true survivor.

Photograph: The Ivy Wall Copyright Mickie Mueller 2004

Draw upon the power of the Ivy Moon to connect to your ancestors, as well as looking deep within and communing with the self. Cooperation with others, protection and banishing negativity are also facilitated under the Celtic Ivy Moon.

This beautiful Ivy Pendant from lovebellajewels on Etsy!

For anyone interested, I also wrote 13 Celtic Tree Calendar magic additions to Llewellyns 2010 Witches' Datebook, and although 2010 is on the waning end of things now, (it's on sale!) all the magic and much of the other info in the datebook can be used in years to come as well.

Blessings,

Mickie