SECTION V - RESOURCES
Divination Ritual - Sarlota G. DeFaltay
Astrology, All Hallows Eve/Samhain 1999 - Sarlota G. DeFaltay
Planetary Divination Ritual
All Hallows Eve/Samhain 1999
By Sarolta G. DeFaltay
©1999
Autumn is upon us; as the winds change again, I look forward to the messages of
Samhain. This
night, so sacred to Grandmother Moon, promises gifts of prophecy to those who seek her wisdom
through divination.
This is the Sabbat when we honor our ancestors, and knowing that the veil between the worlds is
at its thinnest, we can commune with other worlds through scrying or invocation, and show our
gratitude for the teachings that the ancient ones willingly share.
They can speak to us through Astrology, Tarot cards, scrying mirrors, or a bowl of consecrated
water; they can whisper to us in our dreams, or speak to us through symbols we encounter every
day.
They can take the form of an animal, making their presence felt at times of need or upheaval,
reminding us of our connection to all beings. In whatever form they choose to communicate to us,
if we are open to the signals, this season of vision can grant us the messages we most need to
hear.
*As an astrologer, I look to the sky*
By meditating on planetary themes, I found it added greater depth and focus to my spiritual
practices. The planets come alive during ritual; I listen for the archetypes to tell me a story,
to find personal meaning in global themes, applying the lessons of the ancients to my personal
myth. I believe that every planetary alignment is an opportunity for growth and expanded
awareness, since they are based on universal themes that anyone could relate to. The best part
of it is that the drama is going on continually, and all we have to do is tune in to to their
energies, and focus on how we’d like to interact with them.
I’d like to share my observations on the astrological energies that will be present this
Samhain,
(pronounced "Sow-in") followed by a ritual designed to focus, strengthen, and direct the energies
within you. Though written for the solitary practitioner, the ritual can be modified to facilitate
group workings.
Focus on the themes that hold the most meaning for you, and allow your personal myth to unfold.
*Planetary Themes*
This year’s holiday holds a great energy for intense transformation within the deeper mind, with
the Moon in Leo in harmony with Pluto, the planet of deep renewal and growth. With Pluto, we can
no longer hold on to outmoded ideals that keep us from growth. Chiron, the "wounded healer", is
also added to the mix, and can give insights into healing ourselves, so we are more in tune with
the needs of our highest self.
In a year of transformation and upheaval, we can now allow ourselves to heal the pain of
separation from those things that were released through the eclipses this past summer.
There is also a Grand Trine in the Earth signs, with Saturn, Ceres and Mars as the players in
this alignment. This symbolizes the need for those in power to make sure the people of the world
have what they need, with world hunger being high on the list of priorities. There is energy to
move forward with humanitarian goals, and is an excellent time to promote the well being of all
the world's inhabitants, human and non-human alike.
*Divination Ritual*
In this ritual you may use the divination tool of your choice: Tarot, Runes, pendulum, crystal
ball, or a bowl of water can be used. Some are gifted at channeling stream of consciousness while
within the magic circle, and can utilize a tape recorder to record and later replay the messages.
Automatic writing can also be used, and can be very effective. You can also meditate deeply and
ask for the answers to come to you in dreams. The forms of divination and their use are too
extensive to go into here, so use whatever form you intuitively connect to now.
*Samhain Herbal Lore*
Acorns: symbolic of the promise of life contained within.
Apples: The fivefold star of rebirth, use the bark for incense.
Benzoin: Clearing, Wisdom (Annoint altar candles with Benzoin oil.)
Cedar: Purification and Protection (add a few drops Cedarwood oil to incense)
Cypress: Immortality, Eternity (Annoint candles with oil to honor ancestors.)
Dittany of Crete: Manifestation of Spirits (Throw on bonfire)
Mugwort: Scrying, Divination, Astral Projection, Psychic Development.
Mullein: Protection, Courage, Exorcism (mix with salt for banishing powder.)
Myrrh: Protection, Healing (grind resin to a powder; use myrrh oil on altar candles.)
Sage: Purification, used in Ritual Cup.
Wormwood: Summoning Spirits.
The herbs can be utilized in ritual by making an incense, or annointing candles with essential
oil. They can be sewn into a charm bag and consecrated (dedicating it to a single purpose), and
worn when it’s energies are needed.
I have found many uses for Mugwort, my personal favorite scrying herb. Mixing it with Myrrh makes
a wonderful incense to burn during your ritual ( 3 parts Myrrh, 1 part Mugwort) and any time you
want to open yourself psychically to receive insights through divination. I usually add any or
all of the above herbs into my incense as well, and consecrate it during the ritual.
Make a strong infusion of mugwort (1 Tablespoon herb in one cup hot, not boiling water) and steep
until cool. Strain. This can be used to wash your divination and ritual tools, to infuse them
with receptivity. Rub fresh mugwort leaves on the blade of your ritual sword or
athame, and then
let it soak up the light of the Moon. You can also make mugwort tea (1 teaspoon herb in one cup
water) and drink it with honey prior to your ritual, to increase psychic abilities. Dried mugwort
can be placed in your tarot pouch, sprinkled around you when you are doing psychic work, sewn
into a dream pillow to induce prophetic dreams and astral projection, or worn around the neck in
a medicine bag, adding moonstone for receptivity, frankincense for purification and protection,
and hematite for grounding the energy into the earth plane.
*Ritual Bath*
Burn incense and light white candles for purification and balance.
Use mugwort prior to your ritual in a purification bath, also adding hyssop for cleansing of the
subtle bodies, and lavender to focus the mind.
Make a strong infusion and strain before adding to the bath, or wrap the herbs in cheesecloth
and let them sit under the tap as the bath fills. Add epsom salt or sea salt for extra
purification. Use no soap; if you need to bathe, do it before your spiritual bath.
Be very clear of your intent as you bathe, and imagine anything you’re ready to release washing
down the drain. Air dry, allowing the energy of the herbs to penetrate your skin.
*The Altar*
Decorate the altar with pumkins, apples, oak leaves and acorns. Black, white and red candles
decorate the altar and the home, annointed with oils and charged with intent. Set out a plate
with cakes and drink for the ancestors, and take some time to acknowledge them.
Cast the circle, call in the quarters, and call upon Hecate, Goddess of Crone wisdom, the dark
moon, the Underworld and magic. Thank her for the wisdom she shared with you over the past
year.
Meditate on the Moon in Leo trine Pluto/Chiron. How is your need for self expression changing?
Pull a Tarot card or Rune for where you can direct your creative energy for self healing.
Now turn your focus to the Grand Trine. Saturn in Taurus: In what area of my life do I need to
focus and exercise discipline? (Pull cards, etc.)
Ceres: Where do I need to nurture myself? ( Pull card.)
How can I best nurture others?( Pull card.)
Mars/Saturn: what creative ideas do I need to bring into form? (Pull card.)
Create affirmations that support your goals for the coming year, and write them down, repeating
each one out loud, three times with feeling.
At this point, you can ask any other questions you may have, and then give thanks to Hecate for
her gifts of wisdom. Close the circle, and make sure to ground the energies by imagining roots
growing down your legs and going deep into the earth, and ask that the appropriate energies are
absorbed by the healing power of Mother Earth. Finish by sealing your aura, since the spaced out
energies will be strong tonight. Place mugwort under your pillow, and ask The Goddess for
prophetic dreams this night, to guide you in wisdom throughout the coming year.
-BIBLIOGRAPHY-
Beyerl, Paul. A Compendium of Herbal Magick. Custer, WA: Phoenix Publishing, Inc., 1998.
Budapest, Zsuzsanna. The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries. Oakland, CA: Wingbow Press, 1989.
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn
Publications, 1985.
Farrar, Janet & Stewart. The Witches’ Goddess. Custer, WA: Phoenix Publishing, Inc., 1987.
George, Demetra. Asteroid Goddesses. San Diego, CA: ACS Publications, 1986.
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid’s Herbal. Rochester, VT: Destiny Books, 1995.
Simms, Maria Kay. The Witch's Circle. St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 1998.
Smith, Steven R. Wylundt’s Book of Incense. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996.
Starck, Marcia. Healing With Astrology. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1997.
Starhawk.The Spiral Dance. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1988.
Walker, Barbara G. The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects. New York, NY:
HarperCollins, 1988.
Zalewski, C.L. Herbs In Magic and Alchemy. Dorset, UK: Prism Press, 1990.
===============================
Sarolta G. DeFaltay is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and works with clients to create
personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles. Look for her book: "Magical
Astrology Guide for the Year 2000", available in November, 1999. She also writes Daily Horoscopes
and New Moon Magic for every sign... 773.292.0102.
================================
Planetary Divination Ritual
All Hallows Eve/Samhain 1999
By Sarolta G. DeFaltay ©1999
Autumn is upon us; as the winds change again, I look forward to the messages of
Samhain. This
night, so sacred to Grandmother Moon, promises gifts of prophecy to those who seek her wisdom
through divination.
This is the Sabbat when we honor our ancestors, and knowing that the veil between the worlds is
at its thinnest, we can commune with other worlds through scrying or invocation, and show our
gratitude for the teachings that the ancient ones willingly share.
They can speak to us through Astrology, Tarot cards, scrying mirrors, or a bowl of consecrated
water; they can whisper to us in our dreams, or speak to us through symbols we encounter every
day.
They can take the form of an animal, making their presence felt at times of need or upheaval,
reminding us of our connection to all beings. In whatever form they choose to communicate to us,
if we are open to the signals, this season of vision can grant us the messages we most need to
hear.
As an astrologer, I look to the sky.
By meditating on planetary themes, I found it added greater depth and focus to my spiritual
practices. The planets come alive during ritual; I listen for the archetypes to tell me a story,
to find personal meaning in global themes, applying the lessons of the ancients to my personal
myth. I believe that every planetary alignment is an opportunity for growth and expanded
awareness, since they are based on universal themes that anyone could relate to. The best part
of it is that the drama is going on continually, and all we have to do is tune in to to their
energies, and focus on how we’d like to interact with them.
I’d like to share my observations on the astrological energies that will be present this
Samhain,
(pronounced "Sow-in") followed by a ritual designed to focus, strengthen, and direct the energies
within you. Though written for the solitary practitioner, the ritual can be modified to
facilitate group workings.
Focus on the themes that hold the most meaning for you, and allow your personal myth to unfold.
*Planetary Themes*
This year’s holiday holds a great energy for intense transformation within the deeper mind, with
the Moon in Leo in harmony with Pluto, the planet of deep renewal and growth. With Pluto, we
can no longer hold on to outmoded ideals that keep us from growth. Chiron, the "wounded healer",
is also added to the mix, and can give insights into healing ourselves, so we are more in tune
with the needs of our highest self.
In a year of transformation and upheaval, we can now allow ourselves to heal the pain of
separation from those things that were released through the eclipses this past summer.
There is also a Grand Trine in the Earth signs, with Saturn, Ceres and Mars as the players in
this alignment. This symbolizes the need for those in power to make sure the people of the world
have what they need, with world hunger being high on the list of priorities. There is energy to
move forward with humanitarian goals, and is an excellent time to promote the well being of all
the world's inhabitants, human and non-human alike.
*Divination Ritual*
In this ritual you may use the divination tool of your choice: Tarot, Runes, pendulum, crystal
ball, or a bowl of water can be used. Some are gifted at channeling stream of consciousness
while within the magic circle, and can utilize a tape recorder to record and later replay the
messages. Automatic writing can also be used, and can be very effective. You can also meditate
deeply and ask for the answers to come to you in dreams. The forms of divination and their use
are too extensive to go into here, so use whatever form you intuitively connect to now.
*Samhain Herbal Lore*
Acorns: symbolic of the promise of life contained within.
Apples: The fivefold star of rebirth, use the bark for incense.
Benzoin: Clearing, Wisdom (Annoint altar candles with Benzoin oil.)
Cedar: Purification and Protection (add a few drops Cedarwood oil to incense)
Cypress: Immortality, Eternity (Annoint candles with oil to honor ancestors.)
Dittany of Crete: Manifestation of Spirits (Throw on bonfire)
Mugwort: Scrying, Divination, Astral Projection, Psychic Development.
Mullein: Protection, Courage, Exorcism (mix with salt for banishing powder.)
Myrrh: Protection, Healing (grind resin to a powder; use myrrh oil on altar candles.)
Sage: Purification, used in Ritual Cup.
Wormwood: Summoning Spirits.
The herbs can be utilized in ritual by making an incense, or annointing candles with essential
oil. They can be sewn into a charm bag and consecrated (dedicating it to a single purpose), and
worn when it’s energies are needed.
I have found many uses for Mugwort, my personal favorite scrying herb. Mixing it with Myrrh makes
a wonderful incense to burn during your ritual ( 3 parts Myrrh, 1 part Mugwort) and any time you
want to open yourself psychically to receive insights through divination. I usually add any or
all of the above herbs into my incense as well, and consecrate it during the ritual.
Make a strong infusion of mugwort (1 Tablespoon herb in one cup hot, not boiling water) and steep
until cool. Strain. This can be used to wash your divination and ritual tools, to infuse them
with receptivity. Rub fresh mugwort leaves on the blade of your ritual sword or
athame, and then
let it soak up the light of the Moon. You can also make mugwort tea (1 teaspoon herb in one cup
water) and drink it with honey prior to your ritual, to increase psychic abilities. Dried mugwort
can be placed in your tarot pouch, sprinkled around you when you are doing psychic work, sewn into
a dream pillow to induce prophetic dreams and astral projection, or worn around the neck in a
medicine bag, adding moonstone for receptivity, frankincense for purification and protection, and
hematite for grounding the energy into the earth plane.
*Ritual Bath*
Burn incense and light white candles for purification and balance.
Use mugwort prior to your ritual in a purification bath, also adding hyssop for cleansing of the
subtle bodies, and lavender to focus the mind.
Make a strong infusion and strain before adding to the bath, or wrap the herbs in cheesecloth and
let them sit under the tap as the bath fills. Add epsom salt or sea salt for extra purification.
Use no soap; if you need to bathe, do it before your spiritual bath.
Be very clear of your intent as you bathe, and imagine anything you’re ready to release washing
down the drain. Air dry, allowing the energy of the herbs to penetrate your skin.
*The Altar*
Decorate the altar with pumkins, apples, oak leaves and acorns. Black, white and red candles
decorate the altar and the home, annointed with oils and charged with intent. Set out a plate with
cakes and drink for the ancestors, and take some time to acknowledge them.
Cast the circle, call in the quarters, and call upon Hecate, Goddess of Crone wisdom, the dark
moon, the Underworld and magic. Thank her for the wisdom she shared with you over the past year.
Meditate on the Moon in Leo trine Pluto/Chiron. How is your need for self expression changing?
Pull a Tarot card or Rune for where you can direct your creative energy for self healing.
Now turn your focus to the Grand Trine. Saturn in Taurus: In what area of my life do I need to
focus and exercise discipline? (Pull cards, etc.)
Ceres: Where do I need to nurture myself? ( Pull card.)
How can I best nurture others?( Pull card.)
Mars/Saturn: what creative ideas do I need to bring into form? (Pull card.)
Create affirmations that support your goals for the coming year, and write them down, repeating
each one out loud, three times with feeling.
At this point, you can ask any other questions you may have, and then give thanks to Hecate for
her gifts of wisdom. Close the circle, and make sure to ground the energies by imagining roots
growing down your legs and going deep into the earth, and ask that the appropriate energies are
absorbed by the healing power of Mother Earth. Finish by sealing your aura, since the spaced out
energies will be strong tonight. Place mugwort under your pillow, and ask The Goddess for
prophetic dreams this night, to guide you in wisdom throughout the coming year.
-BIBLIOGRAPHY-
<Editor's note: Bibliography avalable upon request. Just drop me a line, and I'll forward it
to you>
===============================
Sarolta G. DeFaltay is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and works with clients to create
personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles. Look for her book: "Magical
Astrology Guide for the Year 2000", available in November, 1999. She also writes Daily Horoscopes
and New Moon Magic for every sign... 773.292.0102.
================================
