The Magickal Pen

Embracing the Challenges of the Ancestors

Embracing the Challenges of the Ancestors

Let’s continue our discussion of the unique layers of expression that astrological Scorpio offers. Our focus today is on the “Scorpion” and one of its many potential alignments with the communications with our ancestors. We remain in the aura of last night’s Scorpio New Moon and today the moon remains for the entirety of the day in Scorpio’s grasp.

The Triune Nature of Scorpio

Scorpio is unique in that it is the only of the twelve (12) astrological signs that expresses itself in three very distinct ways; the Scorpion, the Eagle and the mythical Phoenix. Many mistakenly think of Scorpio as being a Fire sign, rather than water, largely because of its active and catalytic nature. And, this assignation is not that far off, since all of the elements contain within themselves each of the other three (3)…

All days and celebrations of the year are special, but for many Samhain offers the opportunity for deepening connections to the beloved ancestors, to the very overt changes in the seasons of nature and space of awareness for a marking of transition from one year’s cycle of growth. If we offer our intention to our Greater Work within this potent cycle as it flows into the next-death begets life and Spirit calls to Spirit in reciprocity. For some Samhain is considered the start of the Witch’s New Year and a cycle of flow that is ushered in as the culmination of planting, growth and harvest knowing that death heralds the promise of new light at Yule.

Samhain reaches into the darkest parts of our psyche and offers the potential to bring into the light those fiercer aspects that will serve our future growth if we have the courage to claim…

What do you want to manifest? Might seem like an odd question coming from a discussion of the upcoming Neptune-Jupiter conjunction in Pisces, but…..living a corporeal existence is always about what the individual wishes to manifest-create-bring to themselves. The tools used towards that goal change, but the underlying goal is always the same, whether it appears that way or uses those semantics.

Another question circling this astrological event is what you are willing to take a deep hard look at and decide how it best serves you and how you choose to present yourself in the world. We have all at one time or another been enamored with the glamor of magickal pursuits and the desire to evolve into powerful beings, but what does that really mean and more importantly, is that reality? Our preceptions of who we are determine what choices we make and sometimes the best…

Happy New Year! Every year I sit quietly and create a Tarot spread to bring more clarity to my year. 2022 heralds a number “6” year (2+0+2+2=6/) and the potential for bringing more harmony into our lives. We certainly can use harmony as we remain in the grips of COVID and its variants. The harmony that we seek is that which comes from a space of calm and serenity that we are able to cultivate within ourselves.

This tarot spread makes use of the principles of the Hermetic Tree of Life. However, you do not need to be versed in Qabalistic study to use this spread. Honoring the 12 month cycles of a year, the spread uses 12 cards in draw.

How To:
Set the mood and find a quiet space in which to lay out your spread. I like to light a white pillar candle, lay my cards out…

Life-long Learners

Samhain calls us to seek the wisdom of the Ancestors and to forge new ways of being from that information. This is also a space of affirmation that we who walk the path are life-long learners. Matters of spirit and magick are constantly evolving because we are the driving force and we are constantly changing, growing and transforming.

We have passed through astrological Samhain’s gate, and now is a perfect opportunity to spend some time thinking about what areas of the craft you would like to be more versed in. What calls to you to explore? What feeds your soul that could be expanded and deepened? Then dive in and keep learning.

These two courses may be of interest to you at this Samhain season: Awakening the Inner Sun (Fire of the Elemental Series) and The Magickal Persona. Click below to access the descriptions, pdfs and audio…

The Hounds nip at my heelsas I move through the darkveil of Samhain Night.

I breathe deeply feeling thepain of sharp teeth and hotbreath as grateful reprievecomes as winged feet take flightSoaring and carrying me upward.

Time pulls at my back drawing medown into a descent of shadow and lightI breathe deeply and feel the strain offorward momentum gaining speedand clarity shatters the fetters of illusion.

Thoughts gather and commune in
my mind each measured by scale of
will and intent as the breath of death
and decay swirls around me .

The Hounds nip at my heels
still running at fevered pace
my breath coming in shortened
gasps and heart that beats
like syncopated drumming.

The Hounds nip at my heels
coming closer still until
I offer up my dues and surrender
to the renewal of rebirth
returning to…

Opening to Divination

Circle round thriceAs the witch’s pouchIs held tight.

The cauldron is filledWith water and moonlight.

Gaze up towards Lady MoonAnd call forth your desire.

The herbs in the bag of artThrow now into the heatOf the blazing fire.

Gaze into thatWhich holds the keyReflecting back theTreasure of answer to me.

Herb and waterIron and flameThe truth revealedThe heart’s desire thusly named.

No Samhain celebration would be complete without some curiosity and action taken to peer into what “may be”. To that end, divination is the space of opening to being receptive enough to ask the query and receive the answer. Today’s post sets the stage for that work…

When we hear the word “Divination” it usually conjures up a picture of the gypsy fortune-teller who will predict your future love interest, dream job or soon…

The Ancestor’s Cauldron
A Pathworking of Communion

I would like to invite you to join me on a journey of seeking wisdom from the ancestors. The pathworking may be used anytime to deepen your connection, but it is particularly useful as a tool at Samhain and during the time between that flows into the Winter Solstice.

You will want to find a comfortable space where you will not be disturbed for approx. 20-30 minutes. I would suggest that you have a small object that belonged to or represents your beloved ancestor to hold while experiencing the pathworking. This will set up the intention of reaching out. You may also light a candle if you wish.

When you are ready, you may either read through the transcript below or click on the link to access an audio recording. Blessings on your journey…

audio –The Ancestor’s Cauldron
(you will be redirected…

Preparing for the Journey of the Shadow

Today’s post is a reminder that the work of Samhain is not only about connecting with the Ancestors, but also one of entering into the darker spaces we hold within. This is the work of the Shadow and the way in which this work is achieved varies from tradition to tradition, psychoanalytical practice, beliefs and philosophies and everything that makes us human and spiritual in nature. When we become aware of this aspect of ourself, we are claiming the mantle of walking in both light and dark and recognizing the polarized state of Being that we are. I’ve posted below Part One of a three-part article exploring the shadow I wrote several years ago. We’ll revisit this work later in the month…. Enjoy!

Down the Rabbit Hole– Part One

The Dark Side of the Light

At some point in the journey on our…

New Moon in Cancer
July 9.2021
9:16 (EDT)

Sun in CancerRetrogrades Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces Saturn in Aquarius Pluto in Capricorn

Mother Moon waxes New in astrological Cancer on Friday, July 8.2021 at 9:16 (EDT). Cancer is an elemental sign of water, ruled by the Moon and as such emotions, who we call family and the spaces of sanctuary we have created may feel as though they are surrounding us in deep waters of healing-or of overload. A New Moon is an opportunity for a fresh start, bolstering what has been put into place through previous cycles or just simply a time to allow to arise what needs to be actuated. This particular New Moon gains the support of astrological Cancer and the tides of its waters of foundational home and support from those you have chosen as family. The…