Analyzing The Zodiac:Taurus, the Bull ! Symbols decrypted !!

We already experienced the deeper symbolism of the initiator of the Zodiac, Aries the Ram. As Nature's power is fierce and fiery at birth, this power needs to be stabilized! This is what Taurus is all about!

Taurus is the Manifestation of the power Aries created! While Aries is the Power of Nature and spring in a expolisive form, Taurus power is intense and constant. The power now is grounded and it impregnates the soil!

Taurus, the Bull as a symbol, incorporates the dual powers of Creation and Fertility and it implies that sometimes both qualities need a sacrifice.

There are two major versions of how we ended up with the Symbol of Taurus for this sign. First of all we should say that the symbol itself resembles to the first letter of the Phoenician alphabet, Aleph (Alpha in Greek alphabet, A the first letter) which interestingly depicts in fact a bull! 

But why Taurus? Why a Bull?

The Zodiac is associated with twelve major Stories of the Greek Pantheon. Two of those twelve stories  are legendary Love stories, a straight (heterosexual) one and a gay (homosexual) one. The Straight love story is associated with Taurus, the bull and the Gay love story is associated with Aquarius, the Waterbearer.

So let's see the magnificent story of Taurus! 

Europa (Europe) was a magnificently beautiful woman living in the land of Phoenicians (geographically located now in Israel and Palestine, Asia), whose lineage reach the Primordial Gods Oceanus (the Ocean) and Tethys (the mother of chief Rivers of the World). Zeus, the King and Father of Gods on Olympus was fascinated and seduced by Europa's charms. And Zeus always finds His way to conquer what He wants. He came up with a brilliant plan. He decided to transform Himself into a White Bull and mixed in her father's herds. While the beautiful Europa was playing with her friends, she saw that White Bull and she was amazed cause she never saw a white one. She reached for him and caressed him and eventually tried to climb on his back! Zeus, took advantage of it and ran far away, He ran over the sea as well and reached the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. He revealed His true identity and Europa became the first Queen of Crete and named after her the continent known as Europe!

Rembrandt's Abduction of Europa 

There is another story also associated with Taurus. This comes from Mithra, the Major Deity in Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and also Greco-Roman Pantheon. There is also a mysterious sect on the first century A.D. known as the Mithraic Mysteries which is probably the first Secret Society of the World, much long before Masonry and Rosicrucians !

Ahura Mazda (whose name means Divine Light, or Light of Wisdom) the Highest Deity in Zoroastrianism, the Uncreated God, the source of all, once created a wild bull. Mithra was sent to find this Bull and sacrifice him for the sake of Humanity. Mithra obeyed and found indeed the bull and dragged him into his have. Unfortunately the Bull escaped and Ahura Mazda sent a message to Mithra with the help of a Crow to try again. He found once more the bull and slayed him with his dagger. The magical Blood of the Bull was so powerful that impregnated the Earth and gave birth to all kind of useful Herbs and Plants. White the Forces of Evil tried to stop and corrupt this powerful creating force they did not succeed and the Creation completed. Mithra sacrifised some of the Bull's flesh to the Sun God.

These are the alchemical and magical associations of Taurus:

Ruler:	Venus
Exalted:	Moon
Detriment:	Pluto
Fall:	Uranus
Colour:	Pink and Blue
Part of the human Body:	Neck

Change yourself, Change the World! 

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What's that Symbol? * Maze, Daedalus or Labyrinth?

Labyrinth and Maze (Daedalus),  Two aspects on enlightenment

Although in everyday speech we consider these two words to have the same meaning, in spiritualism and alchemy those two symbols, labyrinth and maze (sometimes called Daedalus from the architect of the Minoan maze) have a different meaning and help us in different ways. So what's the difference between the Labyrinth and the Maze?

The Labyrinth has one starting point, a middle area and an ending point being it the same as the starting one or opposite to it. While the routes of a Labyrinth seem to be chaotic turning other times left, and other times right, circling the centre coming sometimes closer and other times farer from the centre, in fact the route is secure. Nobody would ever get lost in a Labyrinth cause it has only one route that securely and surely will take us to the centre of the labyrinth and then out of it. We just need to follow this one route, and of course there is no other to follow anyway.

On the other hand the Maze has one or more starting points (the ones used for meditation have one), one ending point, and sometimes a middle area (especially the Minoan Maze, according to the myth, has one starting point and a middle area, but the only way out is from the beginning of it). If a middle area occurs, the way out of the Maze from there on is usually as simple as a straight line. But, inside the maze there are many routes and many choices, most of them leading sooner or later to a dead end, and always only one choice is the correct, that is the one that will lead us to the end of the Maze.

The Labyrinth teaches the mind to manoeuvre and to observe the situation from different points of view. As the centre is us, the divine, or anything we believe it to be, by going to the centre of the Labyrinth we are coming to a better understanding of our present situation or ourselves. By coming out of the Labyrinth we are getting released from our problems we may have and head towards a better present. Also, as the route of the Labyrinth is certain, we don’t need to try to find the solution, just trust the divine power, the flow of life, or anything we believe in to lead us, we just need to give in and surrender, and everything is going to be fine.

The Maze teaches us a slightly different lesson. The turns of the Maze also teach our mind to manoeuvre, but the variety of choices we always have teach us to see the many choices we have in every situation we may be. In every turn and every crossroad we have to choose our way, and maybe it is correct or not. Maybe we’ll have to go back, where we made a choice in order to choose now a different way of acting. If there is a middle area, finding it is the objective as the way out of the Maze then it will be easy, if there is no middle area, finding our way out of the Maze is the objective. Either way, no matter how complicated the root is, no matter how many correct and wrong choices we have made, when we will have found our way out of the Maze, we will also have found our way out of the problem we may have.

There are some Mazes that have a simple rule that if we follow it we will surely go to the end of it (or of course if we now perfectly our way to the particular Maze). In that case the Maze will have become a kind of Labyrinth, in which, although we have many choices, we know the correct one in every case.

Walking through a Labyrinth or a Maze, or even following their routes mentally on a picture of them, doing it in a slow and relaxed attitude and letting your spirit fly, is very enlightening. The objective is not to solve the Maze or get out of the Labyrinth as soon as possible. The objective is to understand yourself and your situation better and find your way to evolve!

Have fun!

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Really Practical Magic: How to see Prophetic Dreams , the basic technique!

We already learned so much about Magic and Divination, yet we got so much more to tell, to explain, to mention... magic is an ocean and we just started to swim her wonderful waters.

The Dreamworld is a magical Ocean, come Dive in with Us!
Artwork by Helga, click here for more information 

There are plenty Divination methods, some are active (like asking the Tarot for an answer) while some are passive (like Prophetic Dreams).

The Dreamworld is something simple yet advanced at the same time to cope with. Magically speaking the Dreamworld is associated mostly with the Element of Water and secondarily with the Element of Air. Every time we fall asleep we see uncountable dreams, dreams which are just scattered images of what we saw, felt, heard the previous day, dreams which reveal the truth of some of our desires and fears and some dreams which are so weird that even when we wake up we keep on thinking of their symbolism and meaning.

All of us have saw at some point Prophetic dreams, in a way that may reveal an actual event or in a more complicated way. But when the time is right, we understand that what we saw in our dreams was actually predicting the reality we face now. 

This technique we are going to give you is a basic one, practice on this and you will do miracles! Always write down what you see on a piece of paper or preferably a Dream Book (we will talk soon about the Dream Book but let's just say it's a journal for all our dreams).

The Technique: 

* Burn some Bay Laurel leaves 1-2 hours before going to sleep. Air your bedroom. Bay Laurel is associated with Prophecy and Apollo, the God of Prophets! Read more here!

* Right before you go to sleep, lie down on your bed and do the Relaxing Hatha Yoga Breathing Technique.

* Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing.

* Repeat to your self 3 times the following affirmation: 

"Now I'm going to sleep,

I'm going to sleep in a very relaxing and rejuvenating way,

I'm going to see a Dream, a very clear and prophetic Dream,

and when I way up I will remember that Dream,

and I will know what ....(your question!)"

Your question should be a simple one. I advice you to practice every night with this technique and for the first times don't ask anything in particular, in fact don't even say the last verse (and i will know what...). Just ask to see a prophetic dream, any dream. Practice in remembering your dream. When you feel ready ask what you wish to know. Always write down what you saw in the next morning. 

This is the basic Technique. It utilizes the power of self-hypnosis and the power of Apollo's sacred herb, the Bay Leaves. We will soon post more details about Self-hypnotism. You can ask us in private for more information.

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Mars in Vedic Astrology and Lord Kuja (Mangala)

Vedic Astrology : Mars and Lord Kuja (Mangala)

In Vedic Astrology planet Mars has a male nature. It also considers Sun, Moon & Jupiter as Friends, Venus and Saturn as Equals & Mercury and Rahu as Enemies. Remember that Moon considers Mars as Equal. So, the relation of Moon towards Mars is neutral while the relation of Mars towards Moon is positive.

Lord Kuja

Mars’s colour is red and its stone is the red coral (and secondary all the red stones including the Sun’s ruby), its metal is copper (and also rules gold, iron and steel; in western astrology Mars’s metal is iron, and steel while copper is metal of Venus), its season is Summer and its element is Fire.

Mars owns both Aries and Scorpio, having more power over the first 12 degrees of Aries, or as a Vedic Astrologer would say the first 12 degrees of Aries is Mars’s Mooltrikona. Mars is exalted in Capricorn having its greatest exaltation on the 28^th degree of Capricorn and it is depilitated in Cancer having its lowest depilitation on the 28^th degree of Cancer.

Mars governs the sex organs, bladder, muscular system, head, face, the left ear and the sense of taste. It also rules the animal instincts, self confidence, power and endurance, determination, sex drive (especially for men), and inventiveness. Sometimes it also rules occultism. Mars is also symbolises the siblings, especially younger brothers.

Mars is considered malefic & gives arguments, pressure, cuts and accidents, debts, and several other problems, but also gives the will power, determination and energy needed to overcome all of the problems he causes.

In the second house, Mars will be helpful in money matters but otherwise, will give problems in education, bad health (especially concerning eyes, face form and problems related with food), and bring contact with mean and unethical persons.

In the sixth house Mars will give fame and success, children, and money, unless it is related with a malefic. And finally in the tenth house Mars will be calm, giving good life and an interest in meditation.

The Gods who are associated with Mars are Lord Kuja (also under the names Mangal, Mangala, Angaraka, Bhauma), Lord Skanda (also under the name Kartikeya), Lord Narasimha (the Man-Lion Avatar of Great Lord Vishnu), and the Earth Goddess Bhumi (or sometimes the Earth Goddess Prithvi, who is possible to be a form of Bhumi or vice versa). The Graha is Lord Kuja.

There are several opinions of how Lord Kuja was born. Some consider him as son of Lord Brihaspati and some consider him as created by or incarnation of Lord Hanuman. The most well accepted theory though is that Lord Mangala is fathered by Great Lord Siva, having as Mother the Earth Goddess Bhumi (and therefore the name Bhauma, meaning son of Bhumi), without sexual intercourse.

Great Lord Siva was meditating and from his forehead three drops of sweat fall on the ground, and a fiery red and very handsome God was born, Lord Kuja.

Lord Mangala has one head, and four arms, holding a Trishula (trident), a mace, a spear and a lotus flower, but also he can hold an axe or a sword, and maybe instead of having a lotus flower he may give blessings with his forth hand. In sort, he holds three weapons and with his forth hand holds a blessing symbol or is open to bless.

Sometimes Lord Kuja is considered to be the same as Lord Skanda, but this is not correct, although there are many similarities between these two sons of Great Lord Siva, and Lord Skanda is almost as strongly connected with Mars as if he was the Graha God. I am going to post an article about Lord Skanda as soon as possible.

Some consider Lord Mangala to avoid sex and women, but this is more because of his identification with Lord Skanda, while there are many stories describing the sexual intercourses of Lord Mangala with mortal (or not) women, and also many statues in his sacred places shows him with (or in union with) his wife.

Like Lord Agni, Mangala’s vehicle is a ram (considered to be a young ram, most often of dark colour), and the upright triangle is sacred to both of them.

Yantras (Magic Sigils) of Lord Kuja on the left (Mangala) and Lord Agni on the right

One should call upon Lord Kuja to:

* Avoid the malefic influences of Mars and magnify the beneficial ones.

* To gain courage and self confidence.

* To help in curing problems of the eyes and eyesight.

* To become stronger (muscular strength).

* To overcome enemies.

* To gain sexual virility as well as to undo the abuse of his own sexual energy.

* To overcome any problem.

* To pay debts and overcome financial problems.

The number of Mars is 3 so the Magic Square (yantra) of Mars starts with 3.

The simplest mantras of Mars are:

Om Mangalaya namah(a)

Om am Amgarakaya namah(a)

Om kram kreem kraum sah Baumaya namah(a)

Repeat the mantra for one mala (108 times) or five or seven malas each time for 21 or 92 days starting on Tuesday holding, or over, the yantra and/or a red coral (or other red stone you prefer). Alternatively, perform the ritual for 21 Tuesdays. It is said that if this is done, all malefic influences of Mars will vanish.

If you prefer use the yantra with the triangle instead of the simple magic square.

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Planet Vibes: Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius on June 4 2012

Lunar Eclipse on a Medieval Alchemical Text

I know, I know... there's been a lot still going on from the Solar eclipse but yes, unfortunately there is one more coming... a Lunar one!

On June 4 2012, 14 days approximately after the New Moon we are going to have the Full Moon, the energies of the Eclipse will be maximized and the emotional effects will be maximized too!

On the 14th Degree of Sagittarius the Moon will oppose the Sun marking the start of the Full Moon and the Lunar Eclipse. No major Fixed star conjuncts with the Lights (Sun and Moon) but Venus conjuncts with Rigel and Mercury with Alnilam both from the Constellation of Orion the most Famous hunter of Greek Theology. 

The Constellation of Orion is one of the most famous and beloved amongst occultists because of it magical energies. We even got proof of major ancient monuments like the Pyramids which are oriented in a way to point to Orion. 

Both Fixed stars, Rigel and Alnilam are considered fortunate, coloring with more optimism the energies of the Lunar Eclipse and favoring mostly the Cardinal Cross. Sun conjuncts with Venus giving a sense of hope and neutralizing some explosive effects. 

Now the bad news come from the fact that the Sun and Moon square Mars in Virgo. The Mutable Cross has been severely hit by the energies of the previous Solar Eclipse and although the upcoming has some added gentle energies, this tough square with Mars doesn't help us dream on. This Eclipse is tough and have to know more. 

The energies of both Eclipses last from May 21 to June 19 2012. The New Moon of June 19 2012 will refresh the Planetary Energies!

Let's see more about each sign!

Aries: Mind games are played behind your back. Be extra careful when you sign contracts or any kind of deals. Look between the lines and don't fall easily for kind but empty words. You could be deceived with travels and anything that has to do with foreigners and different countries. If you have anything to do with the educational or religious organizations and systems EXTRA CARE!

Orion, one of the Greatest Hunters of all time

Taurus: Unexpected events in the finances and emotional pressure is the key words for this eclipse. The energies of the Full Moon will bring out issues you thought you were hiding. But you can't hide from the truth, you have to face reality. Do that, confront your Destiny and Fortune will favor you eventually.

Gemini: Yes, I understand. You have every right to be upset, every right to be angry, but this is just what you want to hear. My dear smart Gemini please make room for your brilliant minds, try to see things objectively, I promise you, it's just a phase! Soon Mars (and Rage) will be gone and you will be relieved! 

Cancer: Let's face it, you are mostly moody and yes what's the harm of being moody especially when everyone is too! But that's not a good excuse to fall back and attract back addictions you fought in the past. These could be alcohol, smoke, over-eating or a bad influence in flesh and bones (a Man/Woman you just cant get over).

Leo: Oh my God! These are the three words you keep saying because you cannot comprehend the way your loved ones behave! Moreover, in your dizziness you might see that your charms are so highlighted that surprise even you! Well, yes! In all that Chaos you might find Love, after all Love can be Chaotic some times!

Virgo: All those teeny-tiny stupid details that mess your life, all those misunderstandings in your social life, your personal life and especially this Energy and Anxiety Mars gives you have completely disorientated your brilliant intelligence. I'm sorry but you have to be patient for a couple of months more although the worst part is these eclipses. This are going to get better.

Libra: You feel the heavy burden of Saturn on your shoulders but this is a time that a GREAT opportunity may appear. You are tired and unwilling to see further, but please, please try! Many important things may come to the surface so be careful and perceive them. It's not the time to take actions but it's a good time to observe and be ready for the Opportunity you might be looking for!

Scorpio: There are news in your finances! This is a good time for you to push for a better income. You also feel your sex-drive increase day by day. Be careful for this is your Martian energy, your vital energy! Mars is your traditional governor and his energy is complicated this time. Make love, not war! Try to give it all on your bed and don't get too kinky... at least not before the Eclipse! 

Sagittarius: Yes, this is your heart beat which sounds more like a rhythm from a Rock Band. You miss him/her, I know. You feel vulnerable, but never forget, you got Jupiter always by your side. This is maybe the time you think he abandoned you, but he didn't... wait a bit... yes... here he comes back to save his children. Till then, be careful!

Capricorn: Time to throw away the old, useless stuff from your home. Time to throw away all these stupid depressing feelings from your heart. Look carefully and choose only what will make you stronger! Look carefully and see which relationship cannot stand the fierce wind of change. Choose wisely, after all, you are wise and patient enough to succeed in this procedure!

Aquarius: This Eclipse is not that bad for you, probably you will get some benefit from older people and people who have authority over your field of expertise. A helping hand appears out of no where but you have to be careful. Does he / she ask too much of you? Are you willing to pay the price?

Pisces: Your energy is still focused on your possessions and your home. Mistakes and misunderstanding appear there and you have to be careful not to jeopardize what God(s) blessed you with! You are one the severely affected by this eclipse but this won't last forever! Keep Calm and Meditate!

Astrology for Spell-Casters! Because of the nature of hunter Orion who interferes with this Full Moon, during the Lunar Eclipse spells and magic which are favored are:

* Prosperity spells and

* Spells to Find a New Job.

* Also because Mercury (Hermes), the planet (and God) of Communication and Summoning conjuncts with Alnilam of Orion it is a great time to do an Eclipse Spell to Communicate with the Fairies! 

Click here to learn more about Magic During the Eclipse and how to summon the Fairies! 

Change Yourself, Change the World!

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Dark Arts Defence, Hoodoo Recipe: How to make Wall of Protection oil and Wall of Protection incense

Dark Arts Defence : how to make Wall of Protection oil & incense and how to use them!

As promised in the “Dark Arts Defence: Simple Spiritual and Smart Ways of Protection” post, I am now going to give you a way to prepare a protective oil to use in your house, office, store etc and on yourself and anyone.

photo by Leisha Camden

There is a very simple, yet powerful mix of great protective power, while having some cleansing power as well. It is called Wall of Protection. The main reason I like this protective mix is that one can use it in combination with many – almost any – other protective means, herbs and resins to empower its protective powers against particular kinds of magical, psychic, spiritual and demonic attacks.

First of all we are going to make the solid mix, which can be used as protective incense and then we will make it to an oil.

The Recipe of Wall of Protection:

Prepare this either on Sunday (Day of the Helios / Sun) or on Tuesday (Day of Ares / Mars) during daytime, preferably while the Moon is waxing.

You will need:

* Myrrh gum

* Frankincense gum

* Cooking salt

* Essential oil of cinnamon (or cinnamon leaf)

* Sweet Almond oil

* A jar to prepare the oil

* A bottle to store the oil

Take about 30gr of each gum and 30gr of salt and put them in a mortar. Then powder them all together till you make them to a fine powder.

Now, while having the powder still in the mortar start putting the essential oil drop by drop and blending the mix until you have put 15 drops. If you are using cinnamon leaf add 30 drops instead of 15.

Now, the incense is ready. If you don’t want to make an oil out of it, roll down to see how you are going to give it its full power.

Now, to make the Wall of Protection oil, add to 50 ml of Sweet Almond oil 30 grams of the mix. Close the jar, and shake it well. Leave the jar in a warm, even hot place. If you can, during daytime, leave it under Sun light, but take it inside and away of the windows during night. Wait for seven days, shaking the jar at least three times a day.

On the eighth day, during daytime filter the oil to the bottle and dispose the solid mix. You’ll be having about 30 ml of Wall of Protection oil.

Now, you need to awake the powers of the oil and the incense. Draw in a big enough piece of paper the Magic Square of the Sun and put the bottle and the incense on it. Have the bottle opened. If you can face the Sun, and even have the square, the oil and the incense under direct Sun light.

Summon the Solar Deity (i.e. Surya, Ravi, Rama, Ra, Apollo, Sekhmet) or Divine Solar Spirit (i.e. Phoenix, Archangel Michael) of your choice to help you.

Then mentally or literally salute the Sun and say:

“Oh Great Sun I greet you. Wherever you see me greet me back and Now I ask you to do this for me, Awake, Empower and Bless these (or this if you are blessing only the incense or the oil) products of your Art, so that they build your unconquerable Wall of Protection to whom uses them and to where they are used.”

Let the Sun work with your materials as long as you feel He is working. Then thank the Sun and the Gods/Spirits you have called and release them. Your products are ready.

How to use Wall of Protection incense:

* Burn it in your premises to protect them from evil forces.

* Burn it while you are performing a protective ritual for your self/house/office/store.

* Burn it in your bedroom before going to sleep to be protected while you are sleeping.

* Burn it and pass your protective crystals or talismans through its smoke to empower their protective powers.

How to use Wall of Protection oil:

* Put some on the knobs and locks of your doors and windows.

* Anoint the outside of the front and back door of your house.

* Anoint a candle to burn for protection or the candles you are using in protective rituals.

* Put some of the oil in an oil lamp (not those that are using paraffin oil) or a voodoo lamp of power for protection.

* Anoint protective talismans to empower them even more.

* Put some on your body. On the energy centres of your palms and soles, or on all your energy centres. Be careful though as cinnamon is caustic. You may need to dilute the mix in some more oil, preferably either sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.

If you add some peppermint (the dried botanical to the incense or the essential oil to the oil) it will give you greater protection against vampiric entities. Add some rue to give you more protection against black magic (but remember then not to use this oil on your body if you are pregnant or want to be soon). Add some lavender to be more protected against ghosts.

Have fun, and remember to salute the Sun!

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