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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Working With the Sun and Its Properties

By Dorothy Morrison

I first began actively working with the Sun when a student of mine began to seriously question whether its force was relevant in magical endeavors, even though he reasoned that it was the counterpart of the Moon, thus giving it validity as the culmination of all male energies. This caused pause for thought, as I'd never really considered why there seemed to be so little significance placed on its properties within our tradition, one which expressly taught the duality of Godhead and perfect balance. After a bit more discussion, I agreed to research the subject and get back to him.

I was amazed at how very little magically pertinent information regarding the Sun and its powers was available. Oh, there was plenty written about bridling the energies of the Moon and the Elements, but the Sun seemingly got little credit in magical workings. Armed with nothing but determination, I resolved to explore the energies of the fiery globe myself. I was certain that a force as powerful as the Sun deserved validation within the magical realm!

Not knowing exactly where to begin, I started with Sunrise and Sunset; working with those two phases much as I worked with the waxing and waning phases of the Moon. I discovered that the magical energies of the two orbs had many similarities, but also some very important differences. Of course, it didn't take a genius to figure out that the Sun is warm, where the Moon is cool! More important, though, I realized that the Sun moves through different phases all day, availing the Witch of any particular energy necessary for unlimited spellwork. Whereas the Moon takes longer to complete Her path, meaning that one must sometimes wait a week or so to perform a ritual within the correct phase. The energy of the Sun also seems simpler and more direct in nature, as opposed to the complexities sometimes encountered when tapping Moon energies. Most magick that can be worked with Moon power may also be fulfilled using the wide range of properties held by the Sun. Here's what I found

Sunrise

Magically speaking, sunrise is a very important time of day, lending its energies to beginnings, change and cleansing. Any magical workings that involve newness or freshness such as new employment, new love, or a new direction in life, are much more effective when performed at this time. Any type of rejuvenation effort; renewing hope and trust, good health or even mending a broken heart, will gain a real boost from this energy as well. As the morning Sun first appears on the horizon in the east, I prefer facing that direction when employing its influence in the rising phase. I've also discovered that harnessing sunrise power is a bit easier if one is able to work outdoors. However, being able to see the rising Sun is the most important factor for focus, so if outdoor ritual is not a viable option for you, I suggest working from an east window.

Morning

During the morning the energy of the Sun expands, making it very strong and active, much like the waxing phase of the Moon. Any project that requires building, growth or expansion works exceedingly well during this phase. For instance, if you are involved in a love affair where the two of you seem to be growing apart, use this energy to build unconditional love and understanding within yourself, so that you may best handle the situation to the greatest benefit of all concerned. It is an excellent time to build upon the positive aspects in your life, to resolve situations where courage is necessary, and to add warmth and harmony to your home. Of course, this is also the period to use when working to increase your finances, and plant magick performed in the morning hours produces magnificent results!

Midday

The influence of the Sun reaches its peak as it rises in the sky at high noon. Just as you perform rituals during the Full Moon for an added magical boost, this is the time to turbo-charge most any magical effort with full power! I have found this energy to be most valuable in charging crystals and some of the more masculine-energied ritual tools, such as the athame and the censor. It is also an excellent time for performing health magick and adding that extra burst of vigor and strength, found lacking in so many of us due to the fast-paced lives which we're forced to lead. The full power of the Sun is also good for study, as it may be harnessed to increase and boost the mental abilities, as well.

Afternoon

As the Sun journeys downward from its peak, its energies become a bit more receptive and much less domineering. This is a good phase in which to work with those projects needing clarity with a softer touch. Professionalism, business matters, communications and all interactions with other people fall into this category. Rituals concerning the exploration of new ideas, adventures, and travel are most successfully performed during this phase. It's even a good time to balance the checkbook.

In this particular case, the phases of the waning Sun and waning Moon are quite dissimilar. Therefore, I do not suggest breaking bad habits during this period, or for that matter, during any phase of the Sun! The vibration of the Sun is much too warm for such an attempt to have much success. The cooling energy of the Moon is much more effective in such workings.

Sunset

The setting of the Sun is much akin to the waning stage of the Moon, in that its predominant energies vibrate toward conditions that need to be diminished or alleviated entirely. Contrary to popular opinion, it's a great time to start a diet, or to rid oneself of stress and confusion. The energy also lends itself to uncovering deceptions of any type, thus making it an excellent time for divination and ritual. Facing west when working in this phase will ensure greater success in any ritual effort you may have in mind.

For those who have never worked with the wonderful influences of the Sun, I suggest you try this simple ritual to attune yourself to its energies. Rise well before daybreak and pour a glass of orange juice. Taking the juice with you, go outside and sit comfortably facing east. Just as the Sun begins to rise over the horizon, hold the glass in salute and say:

Oh fiery globe that rises high,
I toast your birth in dark of sky!
I greet your bright and shining rays!
I thank you for my life, this day!

Sit and meditate on the properties of the Sun and all that it brings to your daily life. Watch the Sun until it rises completely over the horizon, then kiss your hand to it and leave. I've never known anyone whose life didn't begin to run more smoothly after performing this ritual!

Working with the power of the Sun is not a substitute for tapping the energies of the Moon. It has its own properties which, used properly, can enrich your personal life immensely and add perfect balance to your rituals. Embrace the warm, happy and harmonious energies of the Sun and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference it makes in your attitude and your life!

Dorothy Morrison is a Third Degree Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition, founded the Coven of the Crystal Garden in 1986, and teaches the Craft to students in seven states and in Australia.

Other interests include competition archery and bowhunting, worldwide computer networking with other Pagans, magical herbalism, stonework, and needlecraft.

She has been published under the name Kalioppe in Pagan journals and newsletters during the past three years. These publications include Circle Network News, SageWoman, Silver Chalice, Aladrissa's Cauldron, Witches and Witchlings, From the Heart/h, Craft/Crafts, The Spider, The Kore, Tudor Rose, New Moon Rising, and The Crone Chronicles. Her poetry and magical recipes appeared in Patricia Telesco's The Kitchen Witches' Cookbook (Llewellyn), and her mythical short stories are included in S.R. Smith's anthology of Folklore, Fable and Fantasy (Galde Press). Perfect Harmony, a children's story written in verse, is currently under consideration for publication as a coloring book by Altar Publishing, and Goddess Bless and May Your Needles Never Snap!, a how-to book of magical needlecraft ideas and patterns, is currently under consideration for possible publication by Llewellyn.

Under her given name, she writes bowhunting and other archery-related articles and currently holds a position as staff writer for one of the nation's largest bowhunting magazines.