New falls on Tuesday, June 03, 2008 at 3:23 PM

June’s Horoscopes

Wicca Term Of the Month

Litha

(Around June 21st)

Midsummer or Litha is celebrated on or around June 21st, it is the Summer Solstice and the longest day and the shortest night of the year. It is a day to honor the sun as it is in its height of power. From now on, the light will begin to wane and the darkness will predominate. This is also the time of the Oak & Holly Kings. On Midsummer, the Holly King defeats his twin brother the Oak King and begins His annual reign. On Yule, the Oak King will defeat the Holly King and reign until Midsummer.

Lore -
Litha is practically the classic time two perform magick of all kinds. Healings, love magick and protections are especially suitable. Herbs can be dried over the ritual fire if you are celebrating outdoors. Lep the fire for purification and renewed energy.

This time is the honoring of the Sun/God at his power. Also saying farwell to the waxing year and preparation for harvest. Honoring the pregnant Goddess and the beginning of the waning year.

Colors -
Blue, Green, Gold and Tan

Symbols -
Fire, the Sun, Blades, Mistletoe, Oak Trees, Balefire, Sun Wheels, Faeries

Deities -
Father Gods, Mother Goddesses, Pregnant Deities and Sun Gods.

Stones -
Emerald, Jade, Tiger's Eye, Lapis Lazuli and Diamond

Ritual Oils -
Heliotrope, Cinnamin, Sandlewood, Lavendar, Orange, All Mint Oils, Lemon and Saffron.

Food -
Fresh fruits are standard for this Sabbat. Summer squash, lemons and oranges, just to name a few.

Crafts of the Month

Perfect Little Crafts for Litha/Midsummer

Make butterflies. Have your children fold a piece of paper in half. Have them paint on one side of it. Have them fold it back again, and press down. Unfold. Let dry. Cut into a butterfly shape and glue on a butterfly body.

Let the children make their own wands just for fun. Have them either find a suitable branch or twig, or buy a dowel. Let them sand their wand. Then have them paint it any way they want.

Have the children make their own "Green Man" mask. Cut eye-holes in a paper plate. Let them glue on real or construction paper leaves.

Recipts for June and Midsummer/Litha

May 2008 Newsletter h

Lunabar Moon Phases

Holidays For May 2008

May Horoscopes

Taurus
(Apr. 21- may 21)
Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stub born. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Someone you care about may not be too well. You will get upset over trivial matters.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
Try and avoid getting involved in idle chatter or gossip that might get you in trouble. Don't overreact to someone's advances. Your home may be in an uproar and you are best to stay out of the line of fire if at all possible. It is best not to upset the apple cart if you learn information that may damage a colleague's reputation.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
Financial limitations are likely if you take risks. Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect. Don't gossip. You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Leo
(July 23-Aug 22)
The stamina you possess will be apparent in your approach to your hobbies and creative projects. Don't be too critical. You may want to make changes in your home environment. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday

Virgo
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Concentrate on spending quality time with children. Keep your eyes and ears alert for any evasive or deceptive statements. You can get ahead if you work diligently behind the scenes. You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Libra
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. Remember; talk to them, not at them.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Scorpio
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Reevaluate your motives. You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. You might find group functions tiring. Don't overreact if your partner has a poor attitude.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Sagittarius
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Put your efforts into your work or money making ventures rather than your emotional life. Travel for business or pleasure will be enlightening. New love connections can be made through group associations. If they're really interested, they'll wait.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Capricorn
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don't back down. Acceptance is the key.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Aquarius
(Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)Sudden romantic encounters are quite likely, but discretion will be a must. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers this month. You could do extremely well in competitive sports events.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Pisces
(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
You're best to channel your energy into work. You can handle situations that require contact with institutions or large corporations. You are likely to reveal information unintentionally. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Wicca Term of the Month

-- Wiccan festivals that are a time of rejoicing and celebration (no work should be done except in emergencies). There are 8 holy celebrations of Wicca all called Sabbats. They celebrate the astronomical occurrences of the Sun (God) and related daylight hours. [opposite of Esbat - Moon (Goddess) celebrations].

THE FOUR GREATER SABBATS

THE FOUR LESSER SABBATS

Craft of the Month

1. First,  evaluate  the  potential  of  the  play  environment.  Is  there  a  garden  which  you  can  use?  Do  you  have  the  resources  to  plant  a  garden,  or  should  you  aim  to  plant  a  few  well-chosen  plants?  Butterflies  need  lots  of  sunlight  - so  make  sure  you  can  plant  in  a  sunny  area.  Adding  a  rock  or  bricks  will  encourage  butterflies  to  sun  themselves!  

2. Butterflies  also  need  water,  so  plan  to  provide  a  water  source,  if  one  is  unavailable.  A  small  water  dish  will  suffice,  or  you  can  choose  to  create  a  depression  in  sand  or  gravel  to  retain  water.  

3. Butterflies  are  so  delicate  that  they  can  be  torn  apart  by  wind,  so  look  for  an  area  that  provides  a  break  from  wind.  A  fence,  wall,  or  hedge  will  serve  as  adequate  wind  protection.  

4. Choose  the  right  plants!  Research  has  shown  that  butterflies  seem  to  prefer  yellow,  purple,  white,  and  light  pink  flowers.  Also,  try  to  choose  plants  with  broad,  flat  blooms  that  make  it  easier  for  butterflies  to  land  and  feed.  

5. Ask  your  Home  Depot  Garden  department  associates  if  they  have  any  plants  that  they  recommend  for  butterflies  in  your  area.  In  general,  good  choices  include  aster,  beard  tongue,  heliotrope,  daylily,  iris,  lavender,  milkweed,  petunia,  phlox,  red  clover,  thyme  and  zinnia.  

6. Caterpillars  should  be  included  in  your  plans,  to  encourage  butterflies  throughout  their  life  cycle.  Leafy  plants  that  provide  shelter  and  can  nourish  a  caterpillar  are  ideal.  Some  options  are:  aster,  beard  tongue,  and  heliotrope.  Warning:  caterpillars  will  feed  off  of  these  plants,  so  expect  to  see  chewed  up  leaves!

Recipe For May

Play Dough Recipe

I used to make a batch of this play-dough once a month in the classroom. Changing the colors for the season. Although 20 little hands stayed busy shaping and molding, the play dough never dried out!
You'll need:
Flour 3cups
Salt 1 1/2 cups
Water 3 cups
Vegetable Oil 2TB.Cream of tartar 1TB.
Food coloring few drops or unsweetened "Kool-Aid" 1pkg.

Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large saucepan.
Cook over medium low heat, until the dough comes away
from the edges of the pan and it becomes difficult to move the spoon. Remove from heat. Cool until it can be handled.
Place on counter or wax paper knead 3-4 times.
Store in an air tight container.

Blessed Be,Thank You for Reading! Can you believe it’s been 6 months since the first Newsletter was posted! Hope for many more! May the God and Goddess be with you. Spend some time outside! Enjoy Mother Earth and all her Glory! It’s time to plant some flowers!

Merry Meet, Phoenix Ravenmoon

Lunabar Moon Phases

Holidays For March 2008

Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
Don't be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this month. Changes regarding your career direction will payoff handsomely. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. Resist the temptation to gamble. Risks will not be profitable.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
Look into ways to better yourself through improving your dietary habits and daily routines. A little volleyball or other outdoor sports should be on your agenda. You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment. You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Leo
(July 23-Aug 22)
Your ideas will be well received. Do your own thing. Try to stay calm and understand both sides of the situation. You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Virgo
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groups or organizations. Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. It is time to clear your decks. You can't lose this month unless you get involved in gossip or overwork to the point of exhaustion.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Libra
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)Try not to be too emotional with those around you. Don't bother retaliating, just walk away. You're in the mood for love. Don't evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Scorpio
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Pleasure trips will turn out to be better than anticipated. A second chance will result in good work. You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do. Be prepared to have relatives or close friends introduce you to new and exciting individuals.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

Sagittarius
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. You can find out important information if you listen to friends and relatives. Work quietly on your own. You need to interact with others if you want to expand your knowledge.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Capricorn
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Your childlike quality may get you into big trouble this month if you neglect your responsibilities. Don't give them the use of your credit card. If you're uncertain of your feelings, keep your opinions to yourself. Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Aquarius
(Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
You'll have problems with authority figures if you don't play by the rules. Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Set a limit on the amount you're willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Pisces
(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Don't let the erratic behavior of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. Your trendy style and unique way of doing things will entice new acquaintances. Your ability to relate will close the generation gap.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

(April 30^th-May 1^st)

Beltaine means "bel-Fire", derived from the Celtic God Bel, which means Lord. Beltaine and Samhain are the two greatest festivals, the beginning of Summer and the beginning of Winter. Beltaine is the time when the Goddess and the God marry - a time when the Goddess changes from the maiden aspect to the mother aspect. Since fertility was a major part of this time of year, buring Beltaine, the maypole was constructed. The maypole is a large pole with a crown of flower and colored ribbons on the top. The pole is the male phallic symbol and the crown is female. Another feature of Beltaine festival is jumping over the fire. Beltaine is the Oak King sacrificial mating and resurection. He mates with the Goddess at this time & then at Midsummer is "overrulled" by his twin brother the Holly King.

Lore -
Weaving and plaiting are traditional arts at this time of the year. This represents the joining together of two substances to form a third, this is the spirit of Beltane. This is the union of the God and Goddess, the Sacred Marriage, all new life, fertility for all living things and the end of winter.

Colors - Red, Green, White, Dark Yellow

Symbols -
Eggs, Flowers, Chalice, May Pole, Butterchurn, Flower Chaplet, & May Baskets.

Deities -
Marriage or sexual union of Deities, All Mother Goddesses.

Stones -
Sapphire & Bloodstone

Ritual Oils -
Passion Flower, Rose, Tuber Rose & Vanilla

Food -
Foods traditionally come from the dairy and dishes such as marigold custard and vanilla ice cream are fine.

Beltane Baskets

1. Start with a white paper cup. Have the children stick flower stickers all over the outside. Make a pipecleaner handle. Fill with tiny Spring flowers.

2. Start with a large circle of paper. Let the children paint or color it. Roll into a cone shape. Staple into place. Staple on a paper handle. Fill with flowers.

3. Start with a margerine or whipped topping tub. Cover with construction paper. Paint or color construction paper, or cover with stickers. Tape on a stiff paper handle. Fill with flowers.

1 package of frozen strawberries (with the juice)

2 cups of either pineapple juice or orange juice

2/3 cup nonfat dry milk,

8 ice cubes,

2 teaspoons sugar

Put all the ingredients into a blender, and blend until '"smoothie" texture. Serve immediately

Thank You for Another Great Month! This issue of the newsletter blog is short and sweet.Enjoy the April shower. Catch ya Next Month.

Blessed Be! Phoenix Ravenmoon

Also don't forget Earth Day is April 22nd this Year! If you haven't gone green yet that is your day to start!!! It's important!!