Saturday, March 29, 2014, 30 Thargelion, dedicated to Hekate, Zeus Soter and Athena Soteira (the Saviors), 2nd night of the Dark of the Moon, starting in Pisces, then going Void of Course from 9:44 A.M. to 9:53 P.M., then entering Aries, starting in the 28th Mansion of the Moon Al Risha Batn/Arrexhe, good for increase, travel, love, then entering the 1st Mansion of the Moon, Al Sharatain/Alnath, which is good for dealing with complex systems, regulations, technical matters, around 9:54 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 6:45 A.M., and last 62.6 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Mercury at 7:16 P.M., lasting 57.4 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Today underlines and supports stubbornness, whether it’s called for or not. Since no one will budge, one can either get into unsuccessful arguments, or just refuse to engage. The Dark Moon is trine a retrograde Saturn; while Venus is trine a retrograde Mars, it is also square Saturn, which leads to emotional freeze-outs. Going along with the tone of the day, the most effective magickal work today would be concerned with creating hindrances and blockages.

Friday, March 28, 2014, 28/29 Thargelion, dedicated to Hekate, Paris is sacked by the Vikings 845 AD, birthday of Theresa of Avila 1515, death of Wiccan author Scott Cunningham 1993, 1st night Dark of the Moon, in Pisces, starting in the 26th Mansion Al Mukdim/ Almiquedam, good for love and health, liberation, then entering the 27th Mansion of the Moon Al Mu’hir/Algorf, good for material gain, health, overcoming enemies, and aid to the desperate, around 1:00 A.M., finally entering the 28th Mansion of the Moon Al Risha Batn/Arrexhe, good for increase, travel, love, bad for cherished things, around 11:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 6:46 A.M., and last 62.4 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Mercury at 7:15 P.M., lasting 57.6 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Despite it all, today should bring certain contentment, or at least dreams of such. The Moon being conjunct Mercury and Neptune and sextile Pluto, while Mercury is sextile Pluto allows for all those hopes and fears percolating under the surface to find recognition, while the Moon trine Jupiter allows one’s speculations and ruminations a fair hearing (should they not come out as a meaningless ramble). It’s a day to dream big, and to make new plans (get them on paper). It’s a good day to start, or announce a new project or endeavor. One might best devote one’s magical endeavors towards supporting the opening of new channels or vistas.

Thursday, March 27, 2014, 27 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Ponce de Leon stumbles upon Florida 1513, Charles I ascends the throne 1625, 1st Morman Temple dedicated 1836, death of James I 1625, 11th night of the Waning Moon, starting in Aquarius, then going Void of Course from 9:13 A.M. to 8:09 P.M., then entering Pisces, starting in the 25th Mansion of the Moon, Al Alibiya/Caadulhachbia, good for hindering the activities of others, revenge, then entering the 26th Mansion Al Mukdim/Almiquedam, good for love and health, liberation, around 5:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Jupiter at 6:48 A.M., and last 62.1 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Moon at 7:14 P.M., lasting 57.9 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. It’s another day in which we’re just marking time in the cosmic waiting room, waiting for the staff to come back to work and start doing something. While patience is not forced upon us, it is the tack to take to make it though the day. Before the Moon goes Void of Course for most of the day, it is conjunct Venus, square retrograde Saturn and trine Mars. It is the Moon’s relationship to Venus which allows us the grace to put up with today’s inaction. Magically, a day to extend a helping hand, if possible.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 26 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Book of Mormon published in Palmyra NY 1830, founding of the Paris Commune 1871, birthday of Joseph Campbell 1904, 10th night of the Waning Moon, in Aquarius, starting in the 24th Mansion of the Moon, Al Sulud/Caaddcohot, good for overcoming those against you, general success, around 1:00 A.M., finally entering the 25th Mansion of the Moon, Al Alibiya/Caadulhachbia, good for hindering the activities of others, revenge, around 7:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mercury at 6:50 A.M., and last 61.9 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Sun at 7:13 P.M., lasting 58.1 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. In general, today is a day when one’s talents are appreciated and one’s reputation can be burnished (it was good taking a time out yesterday, wasn’t it). The positive movement for the day comes from the Sun/Moon trine, and Mercury being trine Jupiter in the morning allows for good communication and optimism. Magically, a day to right wrongs.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 26 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Book of Mormon published in Palmyra NY 1830, founding of the Paris Commune 1871, birthday of Joseph Campbell 1904, 10th night of the Waning Moon, in Aquarius, starting in the 24th Mansion of the Moon, Al Sulud/Caaddcohot, good for overcoming those against you, general success, around 1:00 A.M., finally entering the 25th Mansion of the Moon, Al Alibiya/Caadulhachbia, good for hindering the activities of others, revenge, around 7:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mercury at 6:50 A.M., and last 61.9 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Sun at 7:13 P.M., lasting 58.1 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. In general, today is a day when one’s talents are appreciated and one’s reputation can be burnished (it was good taking a time out yesterday, wasn’t it). The positive movement for the day comes from the Sun/Moon trine, and Mercury being trine Jupiter in the morning allows for good communication and optimism. Magically, a day to right wrongs.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 25 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Venice established 421 A.D., Pope Innocent II establishes the Inquisition 1199, Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scotland 1306, Titan, largest Moon of Saturn, discovered 1655, Triangle Shirtwaist fire 1911, 9th night of the Waning Moon, starting in Capricorn, then going Void of Course from 8:35 A.M. to 6:38 P.M., then entering Aquarius, starting in the 23rd Mansion of the Moon, Sa’d Bula/Caaddebolach, good for health, freedom, then entering the 24th Mansion of the Moon, Al Sulud/Caaddcohot, good for overcoming those against you, general success, around 11:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 6:51 A.M., and last 61.75 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 7:12 P.M., lasting 58.25 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Here we are another week on with Tuesday’s ruling planets being retrograde (which will be the case through all of April and much of May). This morning Saturn retrograde is sextile the Moon, while Mars is square it, which makes this a perfect day to just kick back and watch the passing parade, without interacting with it. If ever there was a day to emoby the polarity of Yin, or the basics of Taoist philosophy, today is it (if you wish to have a pleasant day, that is). Try to find pleasure in being, rather than doing. Any magical activites would benefit from the same attitude, effecting small boons rather than going for any large or complex effects.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 25 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Venice established 421 A.D., Pope Innocent II establishes the Inquisition 1199, Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scotland 1306, Titan, largest Moon of Saturn, discovered 1655, Triangle Shirtwaist fire 1911, 9th night of the Waning Moon, starting in Capricorn, then going Void of Course from 8:35 A.M. to 6:38 P.M., then entering Aquarius, starting in the 23rd Mansion of the Moon, Sa’d Bula/Caaddebolach, good for health, freedom, then entering the 24th Mansion of the Moon, Al Sulud/Caaddcohot, good for overcoming those against you, general success, around 11:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 6:51 A.M., and last 61.75 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 7:12 P.M., lasting 58.25 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Here we are another week on with Tuesday’s ruling planets being retrograde (which will be the case through all of April and much of May). This morning Saturn retrograde is sextile the Moon, while Mars is square it, which makes this a perfect day to just kick back and watch the passing parade, without interacting with it. If ever there was a day to emoby the polarity of Yin, or the basics of Taoist philosophy, today is it (if you wish to have a pleasant day, that is). Try to find pleasure in being, rather than doing. Any magical activites would benefit from the same attitude, effecting small boons rather than going for any large or complex effects.

Monday, March 24, 2014, 24 Thargelion, no particular dedication, James IV of Scotland becomes James I of England 1603, ground broken for the NYC subway system 1900, planet Pluto named 1930, death of Thomas Malory (author of “Le Mort d’Arthur”) 1471, Of Queen Elizabeth I 1603, 8th night of the Waning Moon, in Capricorn, starting in the 22nd Mansion Sa’d a-da’bih/Caadaldepa, good for health, liberation, around 2:00 A.M., then entering the 23rd Mansion of the Moon, Sa’d Bula/Caaddebolach, also good for health, freedom, around 1:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with the Moon at 6:53 A.M., and last 61.25 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Venus at 7:11 P.M., lasting 58.75 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. The tendency set up in the early morning hours is to be bright and engaging, what with the Moon being sextile both Neptune and Mercury. This can lead you into promising more than you can deliver, as this early morning optimism is augmented by the Moon being in opposition to Jupiter. This leads to the most productive part of the day being engaged in trying to lure others into relationships based on mutual obligations, and we all know how often that sort of pressure suceeds in getting things to go your way. So try to find some enjoyment in desire thwarted, or at least put on hold. At least the Moon occupying the 22nd and 23rd Lunar mansions allowone to put good things out their magically.

Sunday, March 23, 2014, 23 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian Calendar, in Roman rites dedicated to Mars, the ritual washing of the martial trumpets, the Tubilustrum, birthday of William Kydd 1645, of astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace 1749, 7th night of the Waning Moon, starting in Sagittarius, then going Void of Course from 6:40 A.M. to 4:02 P.M., then entering Capricorn, starting in the 21st Mansion of the Moon, Al Bal’dah/ Elbelda, good for acquiring material possessions, good for breakups, then moving into the 22nd Mansion Sa’d a-da’bih/Caadaldepa, good for health, liberation, a bit after 7:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with the Sun at 6:55 A.M., and last 61.25 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Jupiter at 7:10 P.M., lasting 58.75 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. And so, we are on the usual emotional roller coater brought on by it being the Last Quarter of the Lunar cycle, and so the Moon being square the Aries Sun brings great emotional highs and lows today. This being augmented by the retrograde Mars being sextile the Moon allows for a more measured exposition of one’s feelings (rather than lurching wildly at one’s desires). It’s good to exhibit some self-control. Magically, it’s a good day to work one’s little magicks to add to the esteem others hold for you.

Saturday, March 22, 2014, 22 Thargelion, no particular dedication, release of the Gutenberg Bible 1457, massacre of settlers at Jamestown 1622, 6th night of the Waning Moon, in Sagittarius, starting in the 20th Mansion, Al Nalaim/Nahaym, good for compulsion, underhanded dealings, good for travel, then entering the 21st Mansion of the Moon, Al Bal’dah/ Elbelda, good for acquiring material possessions, around 7:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 6:56 A.M., and last 61 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mercury at 7:09 P.M., lasting 59 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Today is well-suited to sharing (yes, I know, Saturn and Mars are still retrograde, and the sky is falling; not quite so). With the Moon trine Uranus and sextile Venus, it’s a day when sharing what’s on your mind might actually be to one’s benefit. This is intensified during the afternoon, when Mercury is conjunct Neptune. Yes, it’s time for a stroll down memory lane, or a least a return to one of those all-night bullshit sessions that made you new friends in your earlier days. Clear your Sunday schedules, as a hangover may be coming your way. Magically, a day for adding to one’s allure.

Friday, March 21, 2014, 21 Thargelion, no particular dedication, start date of the Baha’i calendar 1844, death of Pocahontas 1617, 5th night of the Waning Moon, starting Void of Course in Scorpio, then entering Sagittarius 11:39 A.M., starting in the 19th Mansion, Al Shaulah/ Exaula, good for all defensive and aggressive work, then entering the 20th Mansion, Al Nalaim/ Nahaym, good for compulsion, underhanded dealings, good for travel, around 7:30 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Venus at 6:58 A.M., and last 60.8 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mars at 7:08 P.M., lasting 59.2 minutes, Sun in Aries, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. One’s anxieties can easily come to the fore today, and be given pretty free expression. The positive aspects of the Moon being trine the Sun are focused through the lens of the Moon also being square both Mercury and Neptune. This tends to focus one’s mind on what has gone wrong (or awry), and those are the concerns which bubble to the surface and are given expression. These tendencies can be used to one’s advantage, magically, if you focus on the vulnerabilities of others.

Thursday, March 20, 2014, 20 Thargelion, no particular dedication, the Astronomical Vernal Equinox/Ostara, Napoleon begins his 100 day rule after escaping Elba 1815, birthday of the Roman poet Ovid 43 BCE, 4th night of the Waning Moon, starting in Scorpio, then going Void of Course from 11:11 P.M. through the rest of the day, starting in the 18th Mansion of the Moon, Al Kalb/Alkab, good for plots and revenge, then entering the 19th Mansion, Al Shaulah/ Exaula, good for all defensive and aggressive work, around 9:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Jupiter at 7:00 A.M., and last 60.6 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Moon at 7:07 P.M., lasting 59.4 minutes, Sun starts in Pisces, then enters Aries 12:57 P.M., Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. While everything may not be coming up roses, we enter Spring with a good dose of Jupiter this morning, the Scorpio Moon being trine Jupiter, which should allow for some credit and prestige to accrue in one’s account. Unfortunately, this comes with a bit of noblesse oblige, thanks to the Moon also being square Venus, so fur might be ruffled by all the self-congratulation. Finally, we move into late evening with a respite from our retrograde Saturn, the Moon going Void of Course and occluding it, so the late evening ought to bring a lighter heart. Magically, it’s a good day for anchoring gains and stabilizing situations.

Wednesday, March 19 2014, 19 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar, in Roman rites a feast day for Minerva, the festival being the Quinquartus, Scottish Witchcraft Act enacted 1563, making all charged under it subject to the death penalty, Anne Stuart ascends the throne of the UK 1702, 3rd night of the Waning Moon, starting Void of Course in Lira, then entering Scorpio 5:13 A.M., starting in the 17th Mansion of the Moon, Al Iklil/Alichil, good for positive work on plans and situations already in motion, and for establishing new, powerful connections, then moving into the 18th Mansion of the Moon, Al Kalb/Alkab, good for plots and revenge, around 9:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mercury at 7:01 A.M., and last 60.33 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Sun at 7:05 P.M., lasting 59.66 minutes, Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. A day which brings one’s intuitions and psychic talents to the fore, bounded by the Scorpio Moon being trine Mercury in the morning, and trine Neptune in the afternoon. There’s more than enough to go around, if you show some initiative, and some restraint. Schemes abound. As you might imagine, this is an ideal day for any form of divination.

Tuesday (yes it really is today), March 18, 2014, 18 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Caligula declared Emperor 37 AD, Jacques De Molay burned at the stake 1314, traditional date for the founding of Tenochtitlan 1325, 2nd night of the Waning Moon, starting in Libra, then going Void of Course from 9:07 P.M. through the rest of the evening, starting in the 16th Mansion, Al Zubana/Azubene, good for dealing with hindrances and reversals, entering the 17th Mansion of the Moon, Al Iklil/Alichil, good for positive work on plans and situations already in motion, and for establishing new, powerful connections, around 9:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 7:03 A.M., and last 60 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 7:04 P.M., lasting 60 minutes (yes today is the Horological Equinox for the Greater New York area). Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. This can be a most supportive day for the independent spirit (and so, it’s not such a great day for those involved in collective decision making). Venus being sextile Uranus midafternoon allows for others granting a great deal of latitude to go out and explore options, while the energies of Mars tend towards less impulsive behavior, and its conjunction with the Moon just before the Moon goes Void of Course makes the evening a prime time for long term planning. You might be surprised at how comfortable you might be doing things without the input of everyone else around you. Magically, concentrating on work for the self (rather than selfish work) should be the best course. Sometimes you can do best for others by focusing on your own situation.

Tuesday, March 17, 2014, 17 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar; in Roman rites both the day of the Liberalia, honoring both Liber Pater, a Roman fertility deity and his consort Libera,; it was also the day when young Roman men took on the toga of adulthood, Julius Caesar defeats the forces of Pompey at the Battle of Munda 45 BCE, Commodus becomes sole Emperor 180 AD, St Patrick is brought as a slave to Ireland 432, death of Marcus Aurelius 180 AD, of St. Patrick 461, 1st night of the Waning Moon, in Libra, starting in the 15th Mansion (Al Ghafar/Algafra); a good day for treasure hunting and sleuthing, causing friction between people, dealing a blow, entering the 16th Mansion, Al Zubana/Azubene, good for dealing with hindrances and reversals, around 9:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 7:05 A.M., and last 59.8 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 7:03 P.M., lasting 60.2 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury starts in Aquarius, then moves into Pisces 6:40 P.M., Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. A day where self-restraint is somewhat lacking (which just happens to be St. Patrick’s Day). With Jupiter being square the Moon, while in opposition to Uranus and square Pluto, a certain allergy to self-restraint is evident. With the Moon also being trine Venus, most of the acting out should be greeted more with smiles than disapproval. Magically, a day for concealing your activities.

Sunday, March 16, 2014, 16 Thargelion, in the Athenian calendar dedicated to Hekate and to Zeus Epakrios, the Raingiver, in Roman rites the first celebration of the Argei, in which sacred and secular State officials went in procession to certain points in the city, from which they gathered small figures woven from plant materials, which were then disposed of in the Tiber, also Purim, Babylonians capture Jerusalem 597 BCE, night of the Full Moon, starting in Virgo, then going Void of Course from 1:08 P.M. to 8:45 P.M., then entering Libra, starting in the 14th Mansion (Al Simak); good for promoting love, health, bad for land travel, good for other modes, then passing into the 15th Mansion (Al Ghafar/Algafra); a good time for treasure hunting and sleuthing, causing friction between people, dealing a blow, around 11:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with the Sun at 7:06 A.M., and last 59.66 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Jupiter at 7:02 P.M., lasting 60.33 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. Whatever your general mood has been this month, it will intensify today, thanks to the usual boost given by a Full Moon and the dynamic created by the Moon and Sun being in opposition to each other. This is combined with the Moon being Sextile the retrograde Saturn, which can make one either careless or carefree, depending again on one’s inclination. Personally, I’d try opting for a raucous celebration of life, as a course of action. Magically, it’s a day to draw things to you, and to add to one’s glamour.

Saturday, March 15, 2014, 15 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar, in Roman rites sacred to Jove and to Anna Perenna, who oversees the cycle of the year, anniversary of the assisination of Julius Caesar 44 BCE, the return of Christoper Columbus to Spain after his 1st voyage 1493, birthday of the Emperor Hadrian 76 AD, 15th night of the Waxing Moon, in Virgo, starting in the 13th Mansion of the Moon, Al Awwa/Alahue, good for aid, comfort, assistance, 14th Mansion, Al Simak/ Azimech, good for promoting love, health; bad for land travel, good for other modes, around 7 :00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 7:08 A.M., and last 59.4 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mercury at 7:01 P.M., lasting 60.6 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. What a nice change, today is one that quietly encourages supportive and cooperative behavior, thanks to the Virgo Moon being sextile Jupiter and trine Pluto. It seems that we can all get along, at least for a day. Magically, one may go ahead with most any positive work.

Friday, March 14, 2014, 14 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar, in Roman rites the day is dedicated to Mars, who is commemorated by a horserace, the Equirra, Jacques DeMolay Grand Master of the Knights Templar, retracts his confession of Heresy 1314, end of the 30 Years War 1647, 14th night of the Waxing Moon, starting in Leo, then going Void of Course from 3:34 A.M. to 10:16 A.M., then entering Virgo, starting in the 11th Mansion of the Moon, Al Zubrah/Azobra, which is good for reversing negative opinions and judgments, then entering the 12th Mansion of the Moon, Al Sarfah/Acarfal, good for friendship and charitable acts, around 1:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Venus at 7:10 A.M., and last 59.1 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mars at 7:00 P.M., lasting 60.9 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. This is an interesting day to parse, as there’s quite a bit of pent up energy searching for an outlet, which is exacerbated by Mars being retrograde right now. In the early morning, the Moon was in opposition to Mercury, and was sextile a retrograde Mars, which can give most anyone the jitters; hopefully you all slept through it, but I expect you lept out of bed ahead of the alarm. Now that you’re awake, all this restless mental churning and turning becomes more focused after Noon, when Mercury is trine Mars. This allows for great verbal dexterity. While we’re all being bright and witty, one must have a care to occasionally pay attention to what’s coming out of one’s mouth; otherwise, there’s a perfect opportunity to say the exactly correct thing (of wittiest thing) without taking into account its impact. And then, we’re just sophmoric (or a mean drunk). Magically, it’s a good day to focus your intentions to slant the odds in one’s own favor (excepting Mega Millions, as the great mass of psychic energy focused on that one target only serves to negeate one’s intention). Better to aim for smaller, but less obstructed targets.

Know your Incense ingredients : Storax Storax, or Asiatic Storax (Liquidambar orientalis) was known in Latin as Styrax, was native to Asia Minor, has a strong grey to yellow color, presents as a thick liquid which can eventually form a hard resin, and leaves no residue when burned. These two names were used interchangeably in Latin and other Romance language magical texts. The waste bark from processing was also used as incense. Growth is restricted to a narrow range in Turkey, harvesting has been curtailed, and there is no commercial availability. (I bought up all they had at the Magikal Childe, before they closed in the early 1980’s, which quantity should last several lifetimes). This particular resin has been detected on period Egyptian mummies , so this is likely the real thing, dissenting opinions to the contrary. Cited as an incense ingredient in both the Demotic and Greek texts; this would be one of your offerings when faced with judicial matters, questions of truthfulness, or spell work involving Hermes or Thoth. Because of its scent and appearance, it is Solar as well, and was the most recommended offering to use with the Orphic Hymns. With the advent of Linnaean nomenclature to classify plants, utilizing extant Latin names to classify allied groups, trees resembling our Asiatic Storax share one Latin name, while the original Latin name for the tree was assigned to a different group; thus the difficulty in sorting out who is talking about which material when. What is generally offered as “real” Storax by sellers today is in fact “Honduran” Storax (Liquidambar styraciflua and other species), generally is seen as brownish syrup. Resins from various species in this group are locally used as incense in Brazil, Mesoamerica and Mexico (known as Estoraque). In the U.S. this is the Sweet Gum. The tree itself is used in Hoodoo and rootwork , as an incense it is associated with Mercury. Are you with me so far? Benzoin, or Gum Benjamin (Styrax benzoin & other varieties) neither looks of smells like the above, though it is often offered as being “the same thing”, the confusion being caused by its Genus name. This generally is seen as a pinkish fine grained power, having a vanilla like aroma. This may be used in celebrating the Female Mysteries, or as part of an offering to Aphrodite, and as part of incenses for romantic love While it has a fine scent on its own, it can be compounded into an herbal sachet or dream pillow, both for that and its ability to fix other scents. Burning a small quantity brings clarity to one’s meditation as well, lifting one’s focus to a higher plane. Also, this works alone or compounded to cleanse a home before you move in, as well as dissipating any malignant sendings directed your way. Consider it a bug zapper for low grade attacks of any sort. To add to this confusion another contender in the running as being True Storax is the Snowbell bush (Styrax officinalis), native to the Mediterranean, and Mock Orange (Styrax americana), both with a fragrance, neither of which produce a resin, this failure being attributed to the extinction of the productive species. I only mention these so that you may refuse them when offered. Even though you have followed instructions, and only acquired never used implements for your magical workings, you still want to give them a rinse. The classic fumigation is composed of equal parts of Storax and Benzoin. This may also be used to prep a magical circle in the opening ritual. The use of White Sage is a fairly recent adaptation.

Thursday, March 13, 2014, 13 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Sir William Herschel first sees Uranus 1781, Clyde Tombaugh announces the discovery of Pluto 1930, 13th night of the Waxing Moon, in Leo, the whole of the day in the 11th Mansion of the Moon, Al Zubrah/Azobra, which is good for reversing negative opinions and judgments. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Jupiter at 7:11 A.M., and last 59 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Moon at 6:59 P.M., lasting 61 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. It’s all about Saturn today, with the Sun being trine, and the Moon being square our retrograde Saturn in Scorpio. For some (such as Cancers), the tension between these two poles will bring a great despondency; for others (Capricorn, for instance), this state will bring peace and contentment. It’s all a matter of how comfortable you are within the sphere of your own life, and who content you are with what is already contained within it. Magically, you can use this crucible to uncover the true nature of things.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 12 Thargelion, no particular dedication, 12th night of the Waxing Moon, seige of Rome ends 538 AD, death of John Bull, composer of “God Save the King” 1563, in Leo, starting in the 10th Mansion of the Moon, Al Jabhah/Algebhah, good for love and friendship, thwarting criminal activities and evil intentions, moving into the 11th Mansion of the Moon, Al Zubrah/Azobra, which is good for reversing negative opinions and judgments, around 3:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mercury at 7:13 A.M., and last 58.75 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Sun at 6:58 P.M., lasting 61.25 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. A fine day for flights of fancy and running with one’s thoughts and intuitions, thanks to the Moon being trine Uranus. It could have been a better day for sharing one’s views, but with the Moon also being in opposition to Venus, there’s not much room to share one’s insights. One’s magickal workings are best applied to one’s own situation, rather than doing more expansive work.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 11 Thargelion, death of Pharaoh Thutmose III 1425 BCE, Goths lay siege to Rome 537 AD, the Great Blizzard hits the Northeastern U.S. 1888, death of Elagabalus 222 AD, 11th night of the Waxing Moon, starting in Cancer, then going Void of Course from 3:50 P.M. to 10:09 P.M., then entering Leo, starting in the 9th Mansion of the Moon Al Tarf/ Atarf, good for baneful and destructive forms of magic, then entering the 10th Mansion of the Moon, Al Jabhah/Algebhah good for love and friendship, thwarting criminal activities and evil intentions, around 11:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 7:14 A.M., and last 58.6 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 6:57 P.M., lasting 61.4 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. The petty frustrations just pile up today; it’s sad to be going through yet another day wherein indifference is one’s best response to most things, but there we have it. It’s not all negative, thanks to the Moon being trine the Sun early in the day, but there’s no avoiding the combination effect of Mercury being square Saturn and the Moon being square Mars, both sapping initiative. Additionally, the Moon being trine a retrograde Saturn just locks in patterns of behavior already in place, leading us to just play out our parts with no room for improvisation. At least the Lunar move into the 10th Mansion allows one the use of small magicks to keep the tensions from getting out of hand.

Monday, March 10, 2014, 10 Thargelion, no particular dedication, end of the first Punic War with the sinking of the Carthaginian fleet 241 BCE, first meeting of John Dee and Edward Kelly 1582, death of EmperorTiberius 37 AD, of Botanist Rembert Dodoens 1585, 10th night of the Waxing Moon, in Cancer, starting in the 8th Mansion of the Moon, Al Nathra/Ahaathra, governing positive aspects of love and happiness, but not advantageous in legal matters, then entering the 9th Mansion of the Moon Al Tarf/ Atarf, a time for baneful and destructive forms of magic, around 9:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Moon at 7:16 A.M., and last 58.33 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Venus at 6:56 P.M., lasting 61.66 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde Scorpio. This is a tricky day to navigate. While the Moon is conjunct Jupiter, which is generally propitious in most endeavors, the move into the 6th Mansion, combined with the Moon also being square Uranus and in opposition to Pluto allows for the more amoral among us to talk a good game, and lead one’s followers over the cliff, as it were. Yes, I know, hard to believe that we can be blinded by our own brilliance, but there it is. Coercive magical acts are well supported today; if not your cup of tea, work on propping up your defenses.

Sunday, March 09, 2014, 9 Thargelion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar, in Roman ritual a day in which the 12 Salii carried 12 shields, stored in the Temple of Mars (1 of which was said to have fallen from the heavens) through the streets to renew the defense of the city, first recorded observation by Nicholaus Copernicus 1497, Daylight Savings Time begins (move your devices an hour ahead) 9th night of the Waxing Moon, starting in Gemini, then going Void of Course from 3:53 A.M. to 9:32 A.M., then entering Cancer, starting in the 7th Mansion of the Moon, Al Dhira/Aldirah, good for success when contending against authority figures, good for acts promoting gain, love, comfort, then entering the 8th Mansion of the Moon, Al Nathra/Ahaathra, governing positive aspects of love and happiness, just after 9:30 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Sun at 7:18 A.M., and last 58 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Jupiter at 6:55 P.M., lasting 62 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. An interesting day for reveries and waking dreams, with the Moon trine both retrograde Mars and Neptune. The retrograde motion of Mars allows for greater contemplation and assessment of one’s plans, so if you need to lay out a new path through life for yourself, today’s a good day for working on the master plan. Go with the flow created by the Moon entering the 8th mansion when engaged in magical workings today, and you will not materially err.

Saturday, March 08, 2014, 8 Thargelion, dedicated to Poseidon, International Women’s Day (first celebrated 1945), IRS begins to collect taxes 1913, start of the Russian Revolution 1917, start of the Spanish Flu epidemic 1918, 9th night of the Waxing Moon, in Gemini, starting in the 6th Mansion of the Moon Al Han’ah/Athaya, good for stirring things up, promoting cruel and destructive acts, agricultural disasters, then entering the 7th Mansion of the Moon, Al Dhira/Aldirah, good for success when contending against authority figures, and for acts promoting gain, love, comfort, around 7:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 6:19 A.M., and last 57.8 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mercury at 5:53 P.M., lasting 62.2 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. An easy day to air greviences and to get a fair hearing (yes, I know, a day when emphathy and compromise might be possible), quite unlike yesterday. The tensions brought to the fore by it being the first quarter (and so the Moon being square the Sun) is given a safe outlet by the Moon being trine Mercury in the afternoon. Magically, a day for making connections, settling situations.

Friday, March 07, 2014, 7 Thargelion, in the Athenian calendar dedicated to Apollo, his birthday, a meal of cooked vegetables offered to him at the Thargelia festival, in Roman ritual a day dedicated to Vejovis, a healing deity similar to the Greek Asclepius (a sacrifice of a female goat), death of Antonius Pius and the ascension of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors of the Roman Empire 181 AD, Emperor Constantine declares Sunday (dies Solis Invicti) as a day of rest in the Roman Empire 321 AD, death of Aristotle 322 BCE, of Thomas Aquinas 1274, 7th night of the Waxing Moon, in Gemini, starting in the 5th Mansion of the Moon Al Haq’a/Almices, good for healing, building, children, the return of lost things, then entering the 6th Mansion of the Moon, Al Han’ah/Athaya, a day for stirring things up, promoting cruel and destructive acts, agricultural disasters, around 7:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Venus at 6:21 A.M., and last 57.66 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mars at 5:52 P.M., lasting 62.33 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. We will all feel a bit like an Ayn Rand lead character in our own minds today, thanks to the Moon being square Neptune and sextile Uranus. We are all noble, wise, and our subtle thoughts are unintelligible to all except ourselves. As a result, there’s no doubt going to be a lot of self-congratulation going around. As with most feelings of superiority to lesser creatures, it won’t accomplish much of anything, but do please enjoy life in your private kingdom. This attitude carries over into magical workings, so have a care to not start something you don’t have the will to see all the way through.

Thursday, March 06, 2014, 6 Thargelion, dedicated to Artemis, birthday of Artemis, a ritual purification of the city occured, by driving a fig necklaced couple out of the city, also a day of sacrifice to Demeter Chloe (green shoots), Edgar Allen Poe removed from West Point 1831, Battle of the Alamo 1836, first Periodic Table presented by Mendeleev 1869, 5th night of the Waxing Moon, starting in Taurus, then going Void of Course from 8:55 A.M. to 9:36 P.M., then entering Gemini, starting in the 4th Mansion of the Moon, Al Deberan/ Aldeberan, good for playing the margins, shaking things up, then moving into the 5th Mansion of the Moon Al Haq’a/Almices, good for healing, building, children, the return of lost things, around 5:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Jupiter at 6:22 A.M., and last 57.4 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Moon at 5:51 P.M., lasting 62.6 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Aquarius, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter starts retrograde in Cancer, then goes direct 5:42 A.M., Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. Another day best met by going with the flow, as resistance is futile! With the Moon Square Mercury and in Opposition to Saturn, there’s not much point in putting up a struggle. Venus, being trine the Moon towards the end of the day at least takes the edge off. Any magical work with a calming intent should go right.

Wednesday, March 05, 2014, 5 Thargelion, no particular dedication, Ash Wednesday, Emperor Julian begins his attack on the Persian Empire 363 AD, the main astronomical text of Nicolas Copernicus is censored 1616, birthday of Geradus Mercator 1512, 5th night of the Waxing Moon, In Taurus, starting in the 3rd Mansion of the Moon, Al Thurayya/Alzoraya, good for career support, general good luck, and to help or hinder judicial matters, moving the 4th Mansion of the Moon, Al Deberan / Aldeberan, good for playing the margins, shaking things up, around 5:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mercury at 6:24 A.M., and last 57.1 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Sun at 5:50 P.M., lasting 62.9 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus starts in Capricorn, then moves into Aquarius 4:03 P.M., Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. Today can be a day of, to misquote Alan Greenspan, on of “irrational exuberance” (which would have been better for Mardi Gras, but no matter). This joy to no purpose is provided by the Sun and Jupiter being sextile the Moon. Considering what 2014 has been like so far, I would just go with the enjoyment of simple pleasures for their own sake, and not worry about the consequences. Magically, a day for strengthening the relationships between people and things.

Tuesday, March 4th 2014, 4 Thargelion, 4th night of the Waxing Moon, dedicated to Hermes, Aphrodite and Eros, Mardi Gras, King Charles II grants charter to William Penn for Pennsylvania 1681, Church of All Worlds incorporates 1968, birthday of Prince Henry the Navigator 1394, of Casimir Pulaski 1747, starting in Aries, then going Void of Course from 12:31 P.M. to 2:11 P.M., then entering Taurus, starting in the 2nd Mansion of the Moon, Al Botein/Alboitan, good for finding treasure, capturing things, exciting situations, achieving things, then entering the 3rd Mansion of the Moon, Al Thurayya/Alzoraya, good for career support, general good luck, to help or hinder judicial matters, around 7:00 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Mars at 6:26 A.M., and last 56.9 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Saturn at 5:49 P.M., lasting 63.1 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Capricorn, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. Just one of those days when you’ll feel good about yourself, so much so that you’ll end up sticking your foot in your mouth, so try to be self-effacing. This especially applies when attempting a hook-up. With the Moon in opposition to Mars retrograde and square Venus, there’s a great opportunity to be unfairly judged (and to be too judgmental, of course). Magically, a day to shoulder other aside.

Monday, March 03, 2014, 3 Thargelion, dedicated to Athena, first tavern in Boston opens 1634, Tsar Alexander frees the Serfs 1861, the discovery of Insulin announced 1921, death of Saladin 1191, 3rd night of the Waxing Moon, in Aries, starting in the 1st Mansion of the Moon, Al Sharatain/Alnath, which is good for dealing with complex systems, regulations, technical matters, moving into the 2nd Mansion of the Moon, Al Botein/Alboitan, good finding treasure, capturing things, to excite situations, achievement, around 11:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with the Moon at 6:27 A.M., and last 56.75 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Venus at 5:48 P.M., lasting 63.25 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Capricorn, Mars retrograde in Libra, Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn retrograde in Scorpio. This could be a great day for retailers, as the general astrological tendency is to just spend, spend spend. This loosening of the pursestrings is brought on by the action of the Moon being conjunct Uranus and square Jupiter, which usually induces a diminuation of impulse control, while the Moon being sextile Mercury later in the day allows one to come up with some fairly glib explanations for one’s behavior. The Moon moving from the 1st to the 2nd Mansion only inforces this tendency, and the better magical course today is to draw things to you.

Sunday, March 02, 2014, 2 Thargelion, dedicated to one’s personal Deities, Congress bans the slave trade 1807, Puerto Rico becomes a U.S. territory 1917, birthday of Thomas Bodley English diplomat, his collection being the nucleus of the Bodleian Library in Oxford, 2nd night of the Waxing Moon, starting in Pisces, then going Void of Course from 6:04 A.M. to 10:39 A.M., then entering Aries, starting in the 28th Mansion of the Moon Al Risha Batn/Arrexhe, good for increase, travel, love, then entering the 1st Mansion of the Moon, Al Sharatain/Alnath, which is good for dealing with complex systems, regulations, technical matters, around 10:40 A.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with the Sun at 6:29 A.M., and last 56.4 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Jupiter at 5:47 P.M., lasting 63.6 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Capricorn, Mars retrograde in Libra, goes retrograde, Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio, goes retrograde 11:19 A.M. What to do when the Moon is sextile Venus, but Venus is square a retrogrede Mars? Well expect some fraying around the edges of a relationship; the dominant party will be the one who doesn’t attempt to dominate. In fact, with Saturn being retrograde along with Jupiter being so, it’s best to develop a Taoist attitude towards most things, observing and comprehending without being active (which is dammned near impossible for most of us). Sometimes it’s just best to let the obstacle remain in place, and to develop strategies to live with it. Magically, one’s best work might be to work on developing insight and empathy.

Saturday, March 01, 2014, 1 Thargelion, in the Athenian calendar dedicated to one’s personal Deities, in Roman rites the old start of the New Year, dedicated to Mars, and to Juno, the sacred fire being re-kindled today, Sara Good, Sara Osborne and Tituba arrested for Witchcraft in Salem 1692, Texas annexed by President Tyler 1845, Henri Becquerel discovers radioactivity 1896, birthday of the poet Martial 40 AD, death of St. David, patron saint of Wales 589, New Moon in Pisces, starting in the 27th Mansion of the Moon Al Mu’hir/Algorf, good for material gain, health, overcoming enemies, and aid to the desperate, the entering the 28th Mansion of the Moon Al Risha Batn/Arrexhe, good for increase, travel, love, around 3:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Saturn at 6:30 A.M., and last 56.33 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with Mercury at 5:46 P.M., lasting 63.66 minutes. Sun in Pisces, Mercury in Aquarius, Venus in Capricorn, Mars in Libra, goes retrograde 11:24 A.M., Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio. With Mars going retrograde, some of the air is let out of the tires; some of the battery is drained. Otherwise, the rest of the aspects are fairly positive today, the New Moon being tine the Sun, of course, as well as being trine Jupiter and Saturn, go there should be plenty of joy to go around today, with an emphasis on today. Saturn goes retrograde tomorrow, and the combination with a retrograde Mars indicates that we’re just going to be coasting along as everything slows down. Welcome to entropy or to Steven King’s “Langoliers”. Magically, a day to attract pleasure.