SECTION V - ONLINE RESOURCES

Seasonal Rituals for 2000 - Sarolta
Eclipses: Opportunities for Transformation - Sarolta

Seasonal Rituals for 2000
By Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell

"Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and
expanded awareness, and contains symbolism that can be universally
shared and understood. By meditating on current planetary themes, we
can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, gaining a deeper
understanding of our own personal myth, integrating the planetary
energies experientially through personalized ritual."

Candlemas/ Imbolc Ritual: February 2nd, 2000

Imbolc (the gaelic word for this Sabbat) means "in the belly", when the seeds we planted at the Winter Solstice (the beginning of the waxing cycle of the year) are now beginning to awaken and stir into life, getting ready to spring forth at the Spring Equinox (Ostara), when Persephone returns from the Underworld and is reunited with her mother, Demeter, bringing fertility and warmth to the land once again.

Candlemas represents the "Waxing Light of the Soul", when the growing cycle gains momentum, and for that reason it is chosen as the traditional time to welcome initiates in the ways of The Goddess. Candlemas is also known as "The Feast of Brigid", dedicated to the Goddess of Fire and Inspiration, the Irish Triple Goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and healing. It is a time of individuation and inspiration, where creativity is shared, and is central to the fire rituals performed in Brigid’s honor.

Astrology and the magical path have long shared a history, and can add clarity and focus when used together. Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness, and contains symbolism that is universally shared. By meditating on current planetary themes, we can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, and apply it experientially to our lives, through ritual, meditation, and the gradual unfolding of our own personal myth.

(Chart data: Feb. 2, 2000, 08:00 AM EST, Washington, DC)

A strong alignment is exact today between Venus, planet of love and luxury, and Saturn, planet of discipline and structure, in the earth signs of Capricorn and Taurus. They are in an alignment called a "trine" aspect, meaning the elements they fall in help the planets work with, rather than against each other. The Moon in Capricorn is also blending into the energy; there is a deep commitment to work in concrete ways to bring stability and structure into our lives.We can share a deep commitment now within our relationships, as well as bring creative ideals into tangible form. We can create stability and comfort now, using the magical arts in order to help us achieve our goals in only the most positive ways.

Ceres, the Asteroid Goddess that symbolizes nurturance and harvest, is in Libra, the sign of justice, balance and partnership. She is in harmonious alignment with Sun/Neptune in Aquarius; we can now work to strengthen the community through cooperation and true communication. Let your ideals shine forth through your words and actions.

Candlemas Herbal Lore

Almond: Invocation of Deities; use pure oil as base for annointing oils.

Angelica: "Bringer of Light"; Protection, abundance, self-blessing.

Basil: Initiation, good fortune; use to clean floors for house blessing.

Benzoin: Focus, Concentration, Meditation, Serenity, Astral work.

Heather: Love, Initiation, Spiritual unfolding, Immortality.

Myrrh: Heightens perception of the energy flows between the worlds

Pine: Cleansing, Transformation, Conviction, Reversible.

Willow: Immortality, Eloquence, Candlemas decoration; wands.

Ritual Bath: Almond oil, Angelica, Basil, Heather.

Place any or all herbs in cheesecloth and tie well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea (infusion) from the herbs, and strain into the bath. Light white candles annointed with your chosen oil or herbal infusion, and imagine a golden glow in your bath and around your aura. As you bathe yourself in the herbs, breathe deeply; imagine what the year will bring, and breathe out any random thoughts that now distract you from your focus.

After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle, and place on the altar or at the quarters.

The Altar: Decorate with white candles. Fill a cauldron or bowl with earth, and place a white candle in the center. If you have any pine needles saved from Yule, prepare a fire to burn the Yule boughs in, or burn some in your cauldron or as incense.

Ritual: cast the circle, call in the quarters, and call upon Brigid, and the element of Fire. Fire transforms, inspires, generates creativity and heightens energy.

Incense: Angelica, Basil, Benzoin, Myrrh, or Pine.

Bring any or all of the above ingredients into your ritual circle and add each herb one at a time, while grinding by hand with a mortar and pestle and focusing on the properties of each herb as it is added. Consecrate your incense by dedicating it to Brigid, Goddess of Initiation and Creativity, and charge it with pure intent. When the incense is prepared, burn some on a charcoal as you focus in on your goal.

You will need three candles: green, silver and pale blue.

Candles: The green candle represents Venus in Capricorn trine Saturn in Taurus.

Write down on a small piece of paper how you will work on creating stability within your relationships and for yourself and your loved ones, and place under the candle. Focus clearly on your intent as you light the candle.

The silver candle represents The Moon in Capricorn.

Think about what you need to tell yourself to stay emotionally focused on your goal... make a commitment to yourself now. Create an affirmation to support you in your quest for full emotional commitment. Write down your goals, and repeat the process as before.

The pale blue candle represents Ceres in Libra trine Sun/Neptune in Aquarius.Write down ways you can build unity in your community or group... how can you let your ideals shine forth in your everyday life? How to achieve a truly Utopian society? How to create nurturing balance between the countries of the world? These are things we can meditate on as we speak with Brigid, and ask for her blessing. We may get many answers to our questions if we ask with true intent.

Make a commitment to work on harmonizing your own small corner of the world in whatever way you can. Put your slip of paper beneath your candle... focus clearly on your intent as you light the candle.

Allow the candles to burn as you continue to meditate, focusing on your goal manifesting quickly and harmoniously, in balanced ways for all involved. The ritual is complete when you feel the subconscious mind has fully received the intention of your ritual.

When you feel the ritual is complete, burn each paper as you focus once again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and elemental helpers. Thank the nature spirits, deities or elementals, and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days, repeating your prayers and affirmations with dedication and faith.
©1999 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell

~where would you like to
be this time next year?~
"Magical Astrology Guide
for the Year 2000"
http://www.i.am/deepskies
~it won't happen overnight.~

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Sarolta G. DeFaltay is a professional astrologer and Tarot consultant living in Chicago, and has helped many clients empower themselves through creating rituals based on their personal needs and astrological cycles. She can be heard weekly on Telepathic Radio in Chicago, Monday nights 9:30 PM on WCEV 1450 AM. Visit her website for DAILY/WEEKLY/ MONTHLY horoscopes!
http://www.enteract.com/~deepsky/
She can be reached at 773.292.0102 (24 hour voicemail) or ladysarolta@yahoo.com (e-mail).

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< Editors note: This article is an excerpt from the book: "The Magical Astrology Guide for the Year 2000" ©Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell.>

Eclipses: Opportunities for Transformation
By Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
©1999

Eclipse Dates 2000
Eclipses are opportunities for major transformation; this is a time when the energies of the lunations are more amplified and focused.

Solar eclipses always occur on the New Moon, and Lunar eclipses occur on the Full Moon. The eclipses reflect the lunation they correspond to, but they're much more intense and their effects are more long-lasting.

Full Moon/ Total Lunar Eclipse
Thu. Jan. 20, 2000 10.41 PM CST ~ zero degrees 26’ Leo

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse
Sat. Feb.05, 2000 07.03 AM CST ~ 16 degrees 02’ Aquarius

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse
Sat. July 1st, 2000 02.20 PM CDT ~ 10 degrees 14’ Cancer

Full Moon/ Total Lunar Eclipse
Sun. Jul. 16th, 2000 08.55 AM CDT ~ 24 degrees 19’ Capricorn

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse
Sun. Jul. 30th, 2000 09.26 PM CDT ~ 8 degrees 12’ Leo

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse
Mon. Dec. 25th, 2000 11.23 PM CST ~ 4 degrees 14' Capricorn


Eclipse Meditation Ritual

You will need:
a white candle
salt
purified or spring water in a small dish
incense
small pieces of paper and pen

Take a ritual bath (add hyssop and lavender if you have it, salt if you do not) and visualize yourself releasing any blocks and fears, and affirm that you are ready to take yourself to the next level, and face the truth with an open heart and mind.

After your bath, sit in front of your altar, and do some basic grounding and rhythmic breathing. (You can ground by imagining your spine growing roots that grow down into the earth, and with each inhale, breathe in the energy from the core of the Earth... with each exhale, release anything you need to release, i.e. fears, doubt, sadness, apathy, etc. The earth can turn almost anything into fertilizer, so transform your "negatives" into something you can use!)

Drumming is a great way to get you in the correct meditational state as well... one of the fastest ways to reach alpha state is to follow the tempo of the heartbeat with your drum.

Pour the salt into the dish of water, and clear yourself with it by lightly sprinkling yourself and annointing yourself with it.

Light your candle. Meditate on the symbolism of the flame, that fire transforms and illuminates, and stare into the flame for a while, and ask for clarity and truth during this eclipse cycle. Give yourself permission to release any and all thought forms that no longer serve your highest good.

1.a. What area of my life needs some new ideas and a fresh perspective?

b. Write it down on a small piece of paper, and create an affirmation supporting your new goal.

2.a. How can I break through restrictive "safe" constructs, to be fully alive and, like the Phoenix, be reborn through transformation?

Repeat step "b".
Save those pieces of paper for later.
3. Write down on the remaining pieces of paper (one at a time) what keeps you from achieving the goals you are after... focus on it, then say something like:

"All energy is neutral. I now release and transform this energy into an energy source that can be utilized for the highest good for all concerned (or "in the name of the Goddess/Universe/God/Creator" etc.)
Burn the paper, focusing on the transformation of the energy.

When you feel like you're clear, thank the Deities, energies, spirits, guides, angels, etc. you've worked with, and bury the pieces of paper in the earth, and imagine your goals for transformation fulfilled. Blessed Be.

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This article is an excerpt from the book: "The Magical Astrology Guide for the Year 2000" by Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell. Sarolta is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and works with clients to create personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles. She also writes Daily Horoscopes and New Moon Magic for every sign at http://www.i.am/deepskies ... call 773.227.1066 for more information.

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