NMR ISSUE 49

Astrological Forecast 49
Blessing the Self
Calafia
Chaos: A New Approach to Magick
Common Elements of Ceremonial Initiation
Cults! Confessions of an Outsider
Editorial 49
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Etymological
Fundamental Wiccan Rites
Getting More Magick Out of Your Meditations
Hail to the Hunter
Heathens Idolize School Prayer
Home Protection Amulets
Imbolc Ritual
Legend
On the Path of Destiny
Other Editorial 49
Prairie Dog, Octopus & Praying Mantis
Sarava! Afro-Brazilian Magic Carol l. Dow
Sistrum Sisters
Tarot Looking Glass
The Magick of Franz Bardon
The Sacred Home
The Truth about Sex Magick,
Working with the Sun and its Properties
Working with Your Inner Child
Yule

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Astrological Forecast

WINTER: Manifesting the Light

By Terry Lamb, M.A.

For some time I have been receiving and giving insight into the process of blending spirit and matter, meshing soul and personality, the process of integration. We have been working on that process in a more grounded way since March of this year. Now it is time to see spirit work in the practical world. What does this mean?

This can mean taking up or renewing a yoga practice, picking up the study of astrology or another study of the hidden world. It can mean invigorating your daily life with a new focus on your purpose or a resolve to share love with everyone you meet. These are all very mundane, quiet and internal methods. They are not immediately obvious to those around us; however, over time they have the most profound influence in our lives. It is this meaningful attention to details which is the highest way that we can greet the world and embrace the energies that the planets are asking us to use as a filter for the manifestation of our consciousness at this time. There may be grander ways of bringing spirit into the material world, and you may be called upon to fulfill some of them. However, we must remember that we work best when we come from that space of meaningful attention to details to experience and express the best in our efforts. This is also what is called mindfulness in Buddhist philosophy and related to controlled folly in Carlos Castaneda's writings. Every great spiritual path has some notion of spiritual focus and how it works.

Most of us can understand the basic truths of the great paths. They are very simple in concept. However, it may not be so simple to translate them into our lives. We often experience a gap between what we would like to express and what we actually do express. We may wish to adhere to the guidelines provided by our chosen path, but they may seem remote, removed from our daily experience of life, irrelevant to today's world and its problems. How can we love one another when we're being held at gunpoint or victimized by burglary? How can that possibly be a meaningful act in a hostile world?

There are two factors (at least) involved here: One is the need to develop a sense of conviction and inner truth. This is not as easy as it sounds. It seems as if the world teaches us to doubt and distrust. It teaches us to ignore our inner sense of things from the earliest of ages. It tells us it has our best interests at heart. We eventually learn that denying our inner truth takes its toll. It screams at us through depression, discontent, illness and anger. In the process of healing such wounds, we find that the world has been lying to us because of its own collective fears and alienation. It helps us recreate our core wound of separation and abandonment.

Somewhere along the line we begin to find that a sense of truth lies within us. If we follow it, it will teach us that it is reliable, it will help us find fulfillment and the best path for everyone. That sense of truth lies in our connection to spirit, to our Source. We can integrate it and those irrelevant spiritual tenets through our principles. Principles are the ways that we translate the great truths into guidelines for how to live. They may range from pray/meditate every morning to celebrate the full moon to follow the golden rule. Everyone is familiar with principles. What we may not realize is how important it is that we remain mindful of them and base our actions on them at all times.

Most people are not aware of how powerful our adherence to inner truth is in influencing our lives. In the Tarot, we learn that what we focus on is what we create. This is true, but we can say more precisely that the principles we adhere to are at the core of everything that we experience. Because such adherence influences our attitudes, our perspective is changed. Because our perspective is changed, our behavior is altered. Because our behavior is altered, people's responses to us are different.

Many people respond to life on whim. If they say one thing, they might just as easily have said something different if there had been different input. If we come from our principles, from a clear sense of inner truth, we will recognize and honor when others speak the truth. If others have a sense that we will be honest with them in acknowledging when they are right, they will relax and be more open. If they are relaxed and more open, they are more likely to feel and honor the truth you feel within. And so conflicts may be more peacefully resolved, or never arise.

Implicit in this is the fact that our inner reality communicates itself more faithfully than all the words in the world can do. Our language is replete with sayings that speak to that inner knowledge: methinks the lady doth protest too much, he's all smoke and mirrors. The fact is, we can't hide anything from anyone who is really listening. If we have a fear, they know it and will take advantage of it. If we feel firm and clear about our principles, others respond to that also. Most of the time this is unconscious, but whether it is or not, we respond powerfully to these gut-level messages.

I mentioned that there are two skills that must be developed in order to mesh our spiritual awareness with our daily life. The other factor is that at some point we must try out the things we think we have learned in the world, even if it seems to run counter to what the world has taught us is the right way to get along/survive. We have to have the courage of our convictions. Although we can think something is true, we can fervently believe it to be true (and the more fervent, the more we are feeling threatened by doubt), but until we practice it and find it to be true, we can never rest assured that life is really like that, that the universe really works that way.

It's the proverbial leap off the cliff, standing on a principle or conviction. Let's say that you have always felt that the universe is a source of infinite supply and demand. It's easy to say as long as you are relying on someone else to take care of your sustenance. Testing this conviction means stepping out of your comfort zone. But it must be done meaningfully, with principle and knowledge. If we just decide to quit our job and let the universe support us, we have not done so with principle and knowledge. We are testing a different universal law, related to the gods help those who help themselves. If we learn how to run a business, save our money to fund it and then start it, we have followed the laws of the universe so that it can support us. Then we can test the principle related to the universe as a source of infinite supply. By the way, this is the process that is carried in the Temperance card of the Tarot. We must test our new reality in order to progress on our path.

This may seem a digression from the topic of an astrological forecast, yet this is the most common stumbling block modern followers of the path have. It relates to the theme of the current planetary patterns, and understanding the principles and universal laws involved provides a context for working with the events I will talk about now and in the coming months, through the end of 1998.

As the light is darkening at the end of our solar year, one light stands out. If you can see the evening sky after the sun sets, a bright light shines out before the stars have begun to peek out at us. This light is Venus, fair Aphrodite, as an evening star, the Queen of Heaven. She is signaling Her intent to take us on yet another journey into darkness, the night sky without Her. She will soon begin to retreat from us, falling into the sun. But before She does so, She will rise to meet Ares/Mars, warrior god, the courageous fighter for His own notion of what's right, the ardent lover full of passion for the fair maid.

The saga of Venus will fill our inner world over the next three months, for by the end of February, She will have fallen into the sun, disappeared into its light and emerged from the depths as the morning star, to rise high in the eastern sky in the hours before the sun rises each day. She will remain there clad in red for nine months after Her appearance there in February, catching up with the sun over that time.

When Venus is in this part of Her dance, She is very close to us. She will speak to us louder than usual, but we still have to listen. The period of Her speaking is December 27th to February 5th. Listen well during that time, and listen during the time before then, too, because She may whisper of Her intent. She will speak to us through love. Her theme this time is love for the highest good of all. It is love that, in taking self-responsibility, finds freedom, that learns to give without grasping, and that teaches that we can have only that which we do not seek to possess.

DECEMBER: Perseverance Furthers

On November 27th, a new yearly cycle of transformation began, followed by a new moon on the 29th. For the next three weeks following that (on the 6th, the 12th-13th, and the 19th) we will experience recurrences of the experience we had on the 27th-29th. This will bring reverberations of what we experienced on the solar eclipse on September 1st (Princess Diana, Mother Teresa) and will presage what we will encounter on the eclipse of February 26th. The first week of the month may be deceptively quiet. It's not that we should maintain a hypervigilance when things seem calm. At times like these, it is good to be relaxed, but open and aware of the cues the universe is sending. In fact, it is good to practice at doing this in quiet times, because we should always be doing that. In some way during this time, we will be discovering how the spirit-matter theme wants to come out in our lives. We have already had major clues since March, but more may be revealed at this time.

From the 7th through to the end of the month, we will be doing the bidding of the messenger of the gods. Remember, when Mercury speaks, it is not Mercury whose intent is being spoken. Rather it is the other deities for whom He is a spokesman. We never know quite what He will bring us. However, by this time of His latest episode with us, we know full well what we are dealing with. Although we could have leftovers to deal with over the next 3-4 months, the crux of the matter will be resolved by the 26th. During this time, you may notice that it is necessary to change your routine, or you may decide to. It is a good time to reverse your priorities, get something done at the bottom of your list. Mercury retrograde is not a time to fear the process of life. If you need to sign a contract, go ahead and do it! Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. Remember that Mercury retrograde brings us what we focus on, what we have ignored and what we need to hear; if you have not been listening when Mercury was direct, you will get a chance now. It will certainly depress Christmas sales and spirits for many people. Mercury, retrograde in the serious sign of Capricorn, can present a sobering reality to those who need it. If your self-discipline and self-responsibility have been good, you should do well during this transit.

On the 7th and 8th, it is tempting to get lost in a delusion that all is perfect in the world, however briefly we may hold it. Enjoy it while you may, because it may allow your body to fully relax, give you time to really nurture yourself and put you in a better place to deal with what comes up next. What comes up next is coming on the 13th, with the full moon, and it continues through the 17th or so. This has to do with finding the right balance between freedom and responsibility. This may appear to be a warm-up for what's coming at the end of the month, but it is actually a time when real progress can be made, old problems given up. Maybe that relationship isn't so wounded after all, maybe it's just the way you've been looking at it. And maybe you've seen some improvements over the past few months, so you want to rest from your vigilance of the months before. Well, take a break, but don't relax your principles. Stick with them if you want the changes to stick. This time is linked to March 30th, August 1st, and October 9th.

If the changes aren't what you want, it may be time for Plan B. It is not a time to rush things, just to clarify your resolve and act when the wind is at your back. The keywords in the heading, perseverance furthers suggest that there's always another chapter, always another page to turn. Do not give up; reassess your adherence to your principles. Have you really been sticking to them, or have you undermined your own efforts, throwing yourself away? Renewing your sense of inner truth and listening to your inner guidance for any actions or change in direction that might be necessary at this time will result in positive long-term effects.

For most of us, however, this is the time when the perseverance that we have engaged in since the spring of 1997 will have furthered us. If we persevered, remained consistent in the midst of pressures to change, we will be reaping our rewards after the 16th. We may see them close at hand before that time. If we have done well, the results will feed positively into what is coming up in January and February through Venus, through our love, values and finances.

The week leading up to Yule may feel as though a burden is lifting from us. Don't get too starry-eyed or distracted around the 15th, however, because you may leave yourself open to robbers. Robbers can be anyone who steals anything from you, your belongings, your power, your love, your good faith, your trust, and your safety. Remain alert to maintain your boundaries, because con artists may abound at this time.

Yule comes on the 21st this year. It is the time when the Sun reaches its deepest descent into darkness for those in the Northern Hemisphere, upon which the lore of Wicca is based. Interesting to note that really the Lord of Light has only gone to visit our southern neighbors during this time! The Wiccan cycle of the year does, however, depict the northern-hemisphere experience of the seasons, and as such, we experience Yule as bringing to us a time of sleep and renewal. Yet, even as we rest as the Sun reaches its darkest hour we know that the light is already returning, even if we do not detect it yet. The cycle begins anew, the circle ever turns. This will be a Yule of fireworks, especially in relationships, but not necessarily the negative kind if you've been working on communications over the past two weeks that speaks to a deeper, long-held issue, there may be a surprise turn around. It may also be a Christmas of last minute overspending. If you can keep a grip on the compulsion to just get that object of your desire (or your kids' or mate's) no matter what, you'll be happier the day after Christmas.

On the 22nd, we'll see Venus and Mars conjoin in the western sky. If you have a clear night any time in December, give them a gander. Hidden in the far distances of the solar system (but visible to those with very high visual acuity in a clear, unlit sky) is Uranus, adding a punch of the unexpected or unorthodox in the events of this time.

On the 26th, we begin to hear the Goddess speak to us more clearly. This begins Her descent into the light of the sun. Who knows what mysteries She will reveal to each of us as we go through this period? It is a special time if you will listen. Her truth can be shocking, even shattering, but it is all based on love. On a more mundane level, this is a time to reassess relationships. Where are my relationships going? Do we have the right balance between us? Are some new goals and issues emerging? Almost certainly they are. We will also be examining what we value, and with it our financial situation and purchases. If we have had some prospective purchases on our list but we just haven't gotten around to making them, we may decide to do so now or during the next seven weeks.

The new moon on the 29th caps off the month, making the New Year feel like a real new beginning, which it will be in many ways. There will be elements of the unexpected, as well as visible hardships to bear as we enter the new year. Still, I always say that it is better to know what you are dealing with than to be in the dark.

JANUARY: Let the Goddess Speak!

January is full of significant planetary events. As Venus begins running away from Mars toward the Sun, with Mars giving chase, two planetary cycles end and begin again. A moment of reality on the 4th gives good reason for contemplation. How have we done with our proposed changes in plans, strategies and structures since we first conceived them in April-July of '97? This date is linked to March 30th, August 1st, October 9th and December 16th, key dates in the Saturn cycle.

All month, we will be thinking about our relationships. This is the setting in which all the other planetary events are conceived. Remember freedom, possibly rebellion, from possessiveness, dependency and unhealthy bonding are the themes of this time. Focusing on these will bring new levels of equality into your relationships, or free you to form new ones from a more enlightened perspective.

An emotional, perhaps health-related, issue could come up around the 5th-7th. It is a situation that calls for surrender. Listen to your quiet voice within to receive guidance on how to deal with it. An angel of mercy may help around the 10th.

On the 12th, you may encounter a glitch with potentially big consequences. Pay attention: it will tie in to what was going on around the end of November, and you will have to deal with it again in a bigger way at the end of February. You may feel a subtle shift in energy around the 16th, as Venus passes the center of the Sun. She will not be visible for a few more days. When She returns, it will be to the morning sky for the first time in more than nine months. This begins Her ascent from the Dark Regions, which is complete when She stops climbing in the morning sky in early February. She is much dimmer now, even appearing red. The ancients created myths about Her being stripped to the bone and bloodied in the Dark Regions, Her energy low and Her spirit chastened. The redness also suggested to them a war-like spirit, as She appears to take on the cast of Mars, God of War. This date officially starts the new cycle of Venus for us, so you may feel your focus turning to renewal in the things Venus rules values, love and the things that spring from them, our resources and the arts.

On the 19th, a new cycle having to do with our sense of inner reality from imagination to spirituality will begin. Other key dates related to this cycle include April 22nd, May 3rd, July 23rd, October 11th and October 22nd. Just observe what occurs around this date. Even though there are other planetary events blurring the picture, you may get a glimpse of what is to come.