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Acquired Stardust
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oozey mess

tannertan36
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her

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JBB: An Artblog!

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@luxmagicblog
Planetary Meanings:
â Sun: Your sun sign symbolizes your foundation, principle, endurance, vitality, character, triumph, exhibition, and vigor.
⟠Moon: Your moon sign exemplifies temperament, emotions, unconscious, tendencies, reflexes, perception, and compassion.
âż Mercury: Your Mercury sign signifies intellect, expression, interaction, rationality, expertise, sensory, and education.
â Venus: Your Venus sign embodies love, beauty, aspiration, desire, allure, warmth, benevolence, synchronization, and artistic expression.
â Mars: Your Mars sign exemplifies sex, yearning, compulsion, thirst, carnality, motivation, fury, indignation, intensity, daring, and valor.
â Jupiter: Your Jupiter sign represents development, investments, prosperity, abundance, affluence, opportunity, optimism, righteousness, blessings, and wellbeing.
â Saturn: Your Saturn sign signifies Aspiration, profession route, accomplishments, independence, structure, labor ethic, principles, practicality, enterprise, capital, ideals, expansion and advancement.
â Uranus: Your Uranus sign signifies sudden alteration, divination, physic visions, conflict, tensions, hostility, swift change, revolution, advancement, uprising, friction.
â Neptune: Your Neptune sign epitomizes Idealism, Originality, Imagination, Illusion, Fantasies, occultism, eccentricity, individualism.
â Pluto: Your Pluto sign represents transformation, development, progress, carnality, compulsion, extremes, advancement, improvement, rebirth, and renovation.
Kumaraten (Kartikeya -Kumara) from Japan
A complete introduction to Filianism: the religion of God the Mother - and Daughter.
My âFive Treasuresâ of Monkey King Spirit-Mediums
I was running errands on Saturday in Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan, when I noticed a religious shop was selling the âFive Treasuresâ (wubao, äș毶). Iâve previously mentioned that this set of five weapons is used in the self-mortification rituals of Monkey King spirit-mediums (Ch: jitong, äč©ç«„; Hokkien: tangki, ç«„äč©), and the resulting holy blood is believed to ward evil. Well, Iâm now the proud owner of my own set of Five Treasures. But these are just to admire; Iâm not going to flog myself with them anytime soon.Â
In November of 2020, I traveled with a small monkey god temple on a bus trip south. The resident spirit-mediums walked from one ritual fire to the next performing self-mortification with the Five Treasures. I was told that each fire represented one of five protector spirits called the âFive Camps Spirit Generalsâ (wuying shenjiang, äșçç„ć°), who protect the five cardinal Chinese directions. I just learned that each weapon represents a direction.Â
1. East (green dragon) - spiked mace 2. West (white tiger) - sawfish nose sword (I have a metal variant) 3. South (red pheasant) - seven-star crescent moon ax 4. north (black tortoise) - seven-star jian sword 5. Centre (yellow dragon) - spiked ball
Saraswati on a White Lotus Artist: C.N. Venkatarao (1885-1940) Bharathi Magazine à°à°Ÿà°°à°€à°ż Volume 9 Issue 7 (via Internet Archive)
Curses For Empathy
- Write the name of the intended victim down. Add it to a pouch with black pepper, chilli powder, and your choice of either a shard or two of glass, or rusty nails. Add a taglock if you like. Keep this pouch in one of your old shoes. âWalk a mile in my shoesâ kinda deal here. But if you donât have an old shoe of yours to spare, you can keep the pouch in the pocket or bundled up with an item of clothing you own but donât wear.Â
- Use an old blindfold, a scrap of cloth shaped like one, or a makeshift paper blindfold. Write the victimâs name on the inside. Then you can either burn the blindfold, pierce the eyes with nails, or rip it into pieces. It sounds violent, but it is meant to be symbolic for them finally seeing the pain other people face.
- Use a small token to symbolise the victim. You can add a taglock on it if you like. Put this figure into a box, along with paper with âTruthâ written on it. Make sure the box is dark inside, when lidded. It may be a good idea to do this at night. The spell symbolises this personâs ignorance and how theyâll eventually learn to see the truth, which in turn may make them kinder or more empathetic. You may shake the box from time to time, to make their ignorance more unpleasant. But when done you can take of the lid in the light, or leave the box out, unlidded, in an area where it will see dawnâs sunlight. This symbolises that it may take time, but this person will eventually âsee the lightâ.
(This will be added to as more ideas or suggestions come to mind.)Â
Tara from Mongolia
Brahmaă(via usefulcharts.com)
Hello everyone! Those whoâve seen my #rootsofcraft 30-day challenge might remember that I promised to make another one. The first challenge was designed for those who consider themselves beginner witches, and was called âRoots of Your Craft.âÂ
This second challenge, presented here, is designed for those who personally feel more experienced and want to get introspective about their journey in the Craft. Itâs called âFruits of your Craft!â
You can do this challenge regardless of how long youâve been practicing, though! The only person who can judge your level of experience is you. If you feel that youâre just starting out, check out my earlier challenge, but if you feel more seasoned, this one is for you. I wanted to create this because I enjoy opportunities for self-reflection. I do plan to complete this challenge myself, and wanted to share it with others.
One important note: You do not have to do this challenge publicly! Some of the questions are the sort you might want to answer privately in your grimoire, journal, or Book of Shadows, so feel free!Â
You can always skip any question you donât want to answer. And donât feel like youâve got to begin this exactly on the first of a month - any thirty days is fine. You can also, of course, answer more than one at once, and take as long as you want! This is very much an informal thing!
It would be super-awesome if you tag any public posts in this challenge with #fruitssofcraft so I and other witches can read and learn more about how others practice, getting ideas and spurring further reflection. This challenge has mostly been created from questions Iâve asked myself before, and I hope you find them helpful for learning more about yourself and your magick!
I do want to apologize for not posting this sooner! When I posted the original challenge, I had planned to have this one ready to go a few days later. Here it is, and a month has passed! I just got a bit distracted and was struggling with how to word the questions. My friends, @mysterygunsgrimoireâ and @barrowmansshortsâ were immensely helpful in bringing this to fruition, so to speak! Thanks!
Fruits of Your Craft 30-Day Challenge
What has been your most influential resource in your study of the Craft?
Whatâs the biggest error or mistake that you feel youâve made when working magick?
What are your views on cursing, hexing, and binding spells? Has your view changed throughout your journey? Why or why not?
What do you wish you had known as a beginner?
How long have you been practicing witchcraft and why do you think you kept at it?
What was the most intense or effective magical experience of your life?
Have you explored other magical traditions alongside witchcraft? Do these influence your practices?
Do you have a connection to a deity, pantheon, or certain aspect of the universe? How did this connection happen?
Have your views on how magick works changed in any significant way over the years?
Do you feel that practicing witchcraft has influenced your personal approach to ethics?
What are your views about the âbig questionsâ in life, like why weâre here, where weâre going, and where we come from? Have they changed since beginning your magical practice?
Has practicing witchcraft changed your view on how the Universe works? Why or why not?
What is your primary magical focus right now? What are your favorite subjects that youâve studied in the past?
Is there any aspect of the Craft that you considered but ultimately didnât pursue? Why or why not?
What has been your experience with the magical community thus far? What was good about it, and what was bad?
What are your views on paranormal phenomena besides  witchcraft? How do you feel about things like ghosts, hauntings, and ESP?
What has been your experience with divination? Do you think it is accurate?
Do you keep a Book of Shadows or grimoire? What form does it take, and why?
Have there been any major turning points in your time within the Craft? What were they like?
If you could change one thing (large or small) about the way magick works, what would it be and why?
Do you have a spiritual or physical familiar? Why or why not?
Have you ever felt âstuckâ or âlostâ in your practice? If so, how did you overcome that?
Do you feel that your way of interacting with others has changed during your journey? If so, how?
Have you ever been unsure about continuing your practice? If so, what was it like?
Have you had any frightening or upsetting experiences while practicing witchcraft? If so, what were they like?
What kind of witch do you identify as (if anything specific)?
What kind of witch do you hope to be in the future?
Whatâs your favorite magical practice and why?
Do you feel as if witchcraft has significantly changed you as a person?
What advice do you have for beginner witches?
Enjoy, and I hope this, even in some small way, enriches your Craft!
Nepali Naga Raja Poster for Nag Panchami Traditional Daphne Paper Print (via Instagram: Juno.junu)
Could you give me some tips to get started?
This is gonna be a long ass post. My apologies. Anyone is more than welcome to add to this list.
Blogs I recommend: X
 Beginner Witchcraft
Old Motherredcapâs Reading List
Advice for beginner witches
Things to consider
Defining âwitchcraftâ
Magic and witchcraft
Research for Newbie Witches
Websites for Herbal Properties and Useage
Different Types of Witchcraft
Secular Witchcraft
Cultural Appropriation
The G word
Spells and charms for Beginners
Dispelling Spells
Lavenderâs Wishing Spell
Burning Bridges Spell
Chocolate Money Spell
Spell to Ease Jealousy
Emotional Cleansing Spell
Rainbow Protection Bottle
Wreaths for Protection and Happiness
Energy Bath
Motivation Chant
Pick me up Cleansing Jar
Protection Jar
Rosemary and Lavender Smokeless Cleansing
List of Cleansing Spells
Meditation
50 Meditation Tips
An Earth Meditation
Benefits of Meditation
Breathe & Relax
Grounding, Centering, & Shielding
Grounding - Grounding Techniques - Ungrounded Symptoms
Grounding & Centering
Centering
Shielding: (1) (2)
Budgeted Witchcraft:
Tips & Tricks for Frugal Witches
Moonstone Beginningâs Frugal Pagan Resource
A Witch in a Pinch (Blog)
Budget Witch (Blog)
Witchcraft on a Budget
Being a Witch on a Budget
Budget Witchcraft (Site)
Accumulating Witch Stuff on a Budget
Ways to Practice Witchcraft with Little or No Money
Chaos Magic:
Chaos Magic in a Nutshell
What is Chaos Magick?Â
Chaos Magic- The Misunderstood Path
Chaos Magick (a multitude of articles pertaining to chaos magic)
Introduction to Chaos Magic
Chaos Magic Theory
Chaoism & Chaos Magic: A Personal View
Oven-Ready Chaos; Phil Hine
Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic- Peter J. Carroll
Sigil Crafting:
A Beginnerâs Guide to Sigil Craft
Ways to Use SigilsÂ
Sigils Reboot: How To Get Big Magic From Little Squiggles
An Essay On Sigil CraftingÂ
Practical Sigil Magic- Frater U. D.
Sigilmaking with LeeÂ
Sigil Magic: Making a Magical Sigil
SigilsâŠÂ
Sigil Daily: Creation & Activation
Magic/Sigil CirclesÂ
Chaos Magic: Basic Sigil Magic
SigilsÂ
A Brief Overview of Sigil Magick
Sigils and Seals 101Â
Sigils
Sigil Crafting MethodÂ
Creating a Sigil
Sigil Masterpost (gif warning!)
Sigils in Theory and Practice
How Do You Make Sigils?Â
On the Preparation and Usage of Sigils
Sigil Magic
Sigil 101Â
Practical Sigil Magick
The Sigil BowlÂ
Sigil Basics
What Are Sigils?Â
Making Outdoor Sigils
Online Sigil Generator
Sigilisation
Sigil Magic
Sigil Making Process, by RookÂ
Sigil Making Process, by RichtorÂ
Sigil Charging:
My Super-Physically-Mentally Intense Method of Charging SigilsâŠ
How to Charge SigilsÂ
Firing Off Sigils
A Personal Method of Charging SigilsÂ
How to Charge a Sigil Playing Video Games
Charging Your Sigils- A Brief ExplanationÂ
Charging and Firing SigilsÂ
How to Use SigilsÂ
The Fae Resources
Books
The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries â W.Y. Evans-Wentz
The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies â Robert Kirk
Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry â Yeats
Treasury of Irish Myth, Legend, and Folklore â Yeats
The Fairies in Tradition and Literature â Katherine Briggs
An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, & Other Supernatural Creatures â Katherine Briggs
The Vanishing People: Fairy Lore and Legends â Katherine Briggs
The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld â John Matthews
Through the Faerie Glass-Kenny Klein
Websites
The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries (Sacred Texts)
The Secret Commonwealth: Of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies (Sacred Texts)
Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland â Lady Wilde
Puck â That shrewd and knavish sprite called Robin Goodfellow
The Fairy Family: A Series of Ballads & Metrical Tales Illustrating the Fairy Mythology of Europe
The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries
âThe Fairy Doctorâ â Lady Wilde
Sacred Text: Fairy Mythology Index
Divination
Tarot
All About Tarot
All About Tarot Readings
Many Different Uses For The Tarot
Tarot Deck Outline
Choosing The Tarot Deck That Is Right For You
What To Look For In A Tarot Deck
Choosing A Tarot Deck Just For Reading Others
Connecting With Your Tarot Deck
Top 3 Beginner Tarot Books
When To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck
How To Cleanse Your Tarot Deck
Recharging Your Tarot Cards
Cleansing Your Tarot Reading Space
Purifying Your Tarot Cards
Three Ways To Shuffle Your Tarot Deck
Six Ways To Choose A Tarot Card
How To Clear Your Tarot Deck
How To Store And Care For Your Tarot Cards
Minor Arcana Keyword Chart
Tarot: Quick and Dirty Keyword Sheets
Tarot Cheat Sheets
Tarot Reversal Keyword Sheet
Major Arcana Meanings
Court Card Interpretations
The Major Arcana
Court Cards In Tarot
The Tarot Suits
Tarot Suit Info Cards
Topics You Can Use In Your Own Custom Tarot Spreads
Great Topics To Ask The Tarot With Only 1-3 Cards
Four Decks To Help You Create Your Own Tarot Spreads
How To Design A Tarot Spread For A Client
Classic Tarot Spread Positions
Interview Your New Tarot Deck
Effective Tarot Questions
How To Create Your Own Spreads
Tips When Reading Tarot For Others
New And Old Tarot Traditions
Four Myths About Fortune Telling
Fortune Teller Isnât A Bad Word
Quirky Tarot Habits
Six Types Of Tarot Readers
4 Easy Steps to Learn Tarot
How To Read Tarot Cards
Why âFreeâ Tarot Readings Are Not Ever Really Free
How To Interpret Reversed Tarot Cards
What To Do With Jumper Cards
Tarot Exhaustion
Tarot Relaxation And Grounding Exercise
Four Tips On Reading âNegativeâ Tarot Cards
How To Deal With âGoing Blankâ During A Tarot Reading
Tips When Reading Tarot At A Special Event
Ideologies That Hold You Back As A Tarot Reader
Six Mistakes To Avoid When Reading Tarot For Yourself
How To Obtain The Clients Energy During a Tarot Reading Without Them Touching Your Cards
Reading Tarot With Confidence
Scrying
How to
Lithomancy
How to
Runes
Interpretations
Glamours
Glamoured Shower Disks
Goddess Glamour Bath
Witch of the Wasteâs Glamour Enchanted Jewelry Spell
Blood Magic
Ethics and Safety
PSA to Blood Witches
Blood Magic 101
Starting Blood Magic
When youâre no longer a beginner
Blood Christening
How Not to Use Blood Magic
Sexual Sangomancy and Blood Bonding; Pros, Cons, and Safety
Blood and Bone Magick
Use of Blood in Folklore and Magic
Potions
Quick Guide to Potions and Lotions
Herbal Brews Introduction
Herbal How To: Infusion
Herbal How To: Tinctures and Extracts
Minerals that are NOT Suitable for Adding to Water
Magical Properties of Herbs, Roots, Flowers, Barks, and Resins
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Poisonous Herbs: Hazards
List of Poisonous Herbs (Magical Uses and Safety Warnings)
Familiars
What are they?
Is this my familiar?
The Familiar Self
Familiars and Gender
The Three Kinds of Familiars
Plants as Familiars
Working with Plants as Familiars
How to Predict Timing with Tarot
When performing the Celtic Cross, there are three positions that can reveal when the event will happen: The Advice, The Ultimate Outcome, and The Underworld. Acknowledge all these possibilities. But your intuition will tell you which is most likely.
THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Fool â Whenever you are ready
The Magician â It has already begun
The High Priestess â You know exactly when
The Empress â During harvest season
The Emperor â It is almost done
The Hierophant â It is finished
The Lovers â As soon as you make the choice
The Chariot â In just a few moments
Strength â The minute you accept it
The Hermit â Only after you meditate on it
The Wheel of Fortune â During your first or next Saturn Return
Justice â When you least expect it
The Hanged Man â When the circumstances change
Death â Whenever it is ready
Temperance â After the storm
The Devil â It is happening right now
The Tower â Soon, unexpectedly and suddenly
The Star â The more you believe, the sooner it will happen
The Moon â It cannot be determined at the moment
The Sun â In the summer or by sunrise
Judgement â Soon and inevitably
The World â In divine timing
THE MINOR ARCANA
THE SUIT OF WANDS
Ace of Wands â One day
Two of Wands â Two days
Three of Wands â Three days
Four of Wands â Four days
Five of Wands â Five days
Six of Wands â Six days
Seven of Wands â Seven days
Eight of Wands â Eight days
Nine of Wands â Nine days
Ten of Wands â Ten days
Page of Wands â As we speak
Knight of Wands â End of November to most of December
Queen of Wands â End of March to most of April
King of Wands â End of July to most of August
THE SUIT OF CUPS
Ace of Cups â One month
Two of Cups â Two months
Three of Cups â Three months
Four of Cups â Four months
Five of Cups â Five months
Six of Cups â Six months
Seven of Cups â Seven months
Eight of Cups â Eight months
Nine of Cups â Nine months
Ten of Cups â Ten months
Page of Cups â Very soon
Knight of Cups â End of February to most of March
Queen of Cups â End of June to most of July
King of Cups â End of October to most of November
THE SUIT OF SWORDS
Ace of Swords â One week
Two of Swords â Two weeks
Three of Swords â Three weeks
Four of Swords â Four weeks
Five of Swords â Five weeks
Six of Swords â Six weeks
Seven of Swords â Seven weeks
Eight of Swords â Eight weeks
Nine of Swords â Nine weeks
Ten of Swords â Ten weeks
Page of Swords â Now, behind the scenes
Knight of Swords â End of May to most of June
Queen of Swords â End of September to most of October
King of Swords â End of January to most of February
THE SUIT OF PENTACLES
Ace of Pentacles â One year or one season (3 months)
Two of Pentacles â Two years or two seasons (6 months)
Three of Pentacles â Three years or three seasons (9 months)
Four of Pentacles â Four years or four seasons (one year)
Five of Pentacles â Five years or five seasons (15 months)
Six of Pentacles â Six years or six seasons (18 months)
Seven of Pentacles â Seven years or seven seasons (21 months)
Eight of Pentacles â Eight years or eight seasons (2 years)
Nine of Pentacles â Nine years or nine seasons (2 years and 3 months)
Ten of Pentacles â Ten years or ten seasons (2 years and 6 months)
Page of Pentacles â It will take quite a while
Knight of Pentacles â End of August to most of September
Queen of Pentacles â End of December to most of January
King of Pentacles â End of April to most of May
To Help You Remember:
Wands are days, because they are fire, and fire moves fast.
Swords are weeks, because while a sword is quick to cut, it first requires some thinking on the warriorâs part.
Cups are months, because they are water, and water flows with the moon, which completes a cycle in roughly a month.
Pentacles are seasons to years, because they are seeds, and some seeds only require a season to grow while others need a year.
The timings for the Major Arcana and the Pages are related to the cardsâ meanings. Once you know the meanings, you know the timings.
The Kings, Queens and Knights are the Zodiac signsâ birthdays:
King of Wands â Leo (Fixed Fire)
Queen of Wands â Aries (Cardinal Fire)
Knight of Wands â Sagittarius (Mutable Fire)
King of Cups â Scorpio (Fixed Water)
Queen of Cups â Cancer (Cardinal Water)
Knight of Cups â Pisces (Mutable Water)
King of Swords â Aquarius (Fixed Air)
Queen of Swords â Libra (Cardinal Air)
Knight of Swords â Gemini (Mutable Air)
King of Pentacles â Taurus (Fixed Earth)
Queen of Pentacles â Capricorn (Cardinal Earth)
Knight of Pentacles â Virgo (Mutable Earth)
iâve been seeing a lot of shitty divination advice going around on witchblr, especially concerning alternative tarot and cartomancy reading techniques. fuck that. anyways, here is the cartomancy system that i use lmao. itâs based heavily (but not exactly) on the minor arcana of the thoth tarot deck. there are a ton of playing card divination systems that often conflict or rely on really niche esoteric folk symbolism, so i just use this system. it works for me, it can work for you. great for if you dont have any tarot cards on hand, even better for parties. give a reading with the cards they were just playing with! never fails to impress haha. the absence of the major arcana also keeps the mood light without losing any of the details.
this system uses words that are collectively idealized. itâs a system to work with the ego. remember, with truth comes burden and with pleasure comes pain.Â
magic = power, force, unseen nature, divine will
compassion = love in all itâs forms (storge, philia, eros, and agape)
understanding = knowledge and application of human machination(s)
opportunity = a moment in space/time for new manifestations
the court cards represent people, objects, events and otherwise tangible focal points of any readings they appear in
iâll also mark the jokers, one as The Fool and another as The World. if there is a 3rd joker, i toss it. but marking it as The Devil or even as The Lover would be good options imho.Â
hope this is helpful to someone out there <3
đ The Planetary Aspectsđ
âĄâ€â§âĄâ€â§âĄâ€â§âĄâ€â§âĄâ€â§âĄ
The Personal/Inner Planets ~
Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Marsđ
The personal planets are also the inner planets as their orbit cycle is closest to earth causing the most effect in our behavior & personality.
The Social/Barrier Planets ~
Jupiter and Saturnđ«
The social/barrier planets are the middle in between the inner & generations planets. They're outer planets too as they're outside the asteroid belt, however they represent the transition from personal feelings and experience into transcendence and outside knowledge. This is why I also view these two planets as our teachers. Because, they give us challenges and benefits helping us grow from our first phases onto the next.
The Collective/Generational Planets ~
Uranus, Neptune and Plutoâš
The Generational Planets effect an entire generation and take around 7 - 30 years depending on which generational planet and their motion. Uranus is around 7 years, Neptune is around 14 years & Pluto can be from 14 - 30 years. Because their influence is on an entire generation most people will have Pluto in scorpio and sagittarius right now. However their influence is still very important as they can make aspects to our personal/inner planets that impact us heavily.
The Outer Planets ~
Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Plutođ
The Outer Planets are the Gas Giants and Pluto because they lie outside the asteroid belt. The social/barrier planets (Jupiter/Saturn) can be considered outer planets however are NOT generational planets.
Types of Aspects ~
Aspects are from 0 - 9° because that's when they can "activate" each other and make an actual aspect. Any degree further and the planets won't be touching or activating each otherđȘ
When an aspect is referred to as tight it's 0-4° & when an aspect is exact it's 0-1°đ
Harmonious Aspects : Conjunctions, Trines & Sextilesđ„
Harmonious Aspects are two planets who work well together blending their abilities & energies together for beneficial results. They tend to have similar energies and often enhance each others qualities.
Conjunction : This is the most concentrated harmonious aspect as the two planets are joined together and merging their energies. However, this aspect isn't always pleasant if harsher planets make conjunctions to themselves or other planets, "(Mars,Saturn,Uranus,Pluto)". And, as a result could cause more tension in the house it's placed in. However, you will be aware of the energies these planets form in your chart as it's the strongest harmonious aspect you can have. However, depending on the degree between the planets a trine could have a stronger effect in your chartâ€
Trines : These are considered the luckiest aspects as they bring the positive qualities from the two planets involved and we are aware of how to use them. However, because the talents and gifts of this aspect comes so easily it can cause laziness and ignorance to further develop the talents gifted from this aspect. It is characterized by the two planets being in the same element forming a 120° triangular aspect. Think of it as Taurus-Virgo-Capricorn trine each other. Although, it's two planets aspecting withing the degrees 0 - 9° and could be in different elements/signs depending on the planets degreesđ
Sextiles : This is the most gentle aspect. Often we are unaware/unconscious of the planets effects through this aspect into our behavior and talents. The sextile is a very nice aspect as it is characterized by a 60° aspect between similar elements (Fire & Air/Water & Earth). Again this may not always be the case as degrees play an important part and if a planet is at 29° in an earth sign it could sextile a planet at 2° in an Air sign. Because of this aspects influence on us that goes unaware, I have noticed we tend to have certain things we're just good at or talented in that feels like daily life to us without giving it a second thought. Where as a Trine we are gifted with a positive quality yet we're aware of it and use it. A sextiles qualities will naturally flow through and translate into small things within our daily lifeđź
Hard Aspects : Oppositions & Squaresâ
Hard Aspects are what drive us to improve ourselves through the challenges imposed on us by the two planets involved. These aspects tend to cause the most amount of tension in our chart and motivate us to develop ourselves and the planetary traits. However a common misconception is that Hard aspects are scary and seen as awful in chart, this is extremely wrong!!! Hard aspects are what push us to achieve our dreams and become better people! We are forced to face these challenges through these aspectsđ€
Oppositions : Although this is the most concentrated hard aspect I personally don't believe hard aspects can be prioritized the same as Harmonious aspects due to the intense tension within hard aspects and the degrees. But this aspect is known as the strongest hard aspect because it's characterized by two planets at a 180° opposition from each other where two planets and their energies are heavily clashing against each other. This creates unbalance as the planets energies are working against each other and creating a push & pull effect where you may internally feel at odds not knowing which direction to choose when it comes to expressing the planets energy. This is why balancing and developing these qualities is very important for an oppositionđ
Square : The reason why I think personally squares and oppositions can't be compared in terms of being stronger and worse, is because the squares effect is much more immediate & tense creating a very decisive and immediate decision to go one way or another expressing the planets energies. The square is characterized by a 90° angle between two planets which results in problems feeling never ending and blockages when it comes to expressing the energyđ”
Prioritizing The Aspects ~
First of all I don't believe we should necessarily prioritize the aspects in our chart as each can play a significant role. However, there are some aspects that show up stronger than others and you will notice to have a bigger impact in your lifeđȘ
The tightness of the degrees matter so so much!! A square could easily be felt stronger than a conjunction if the square is at a 0° orb and the conjunction is at a 7° orb. Therefore, before I show the list, the degrees definitely have a huge impact! However, I wouldn't say the same applies to minor aspects & asteroids such as Lilith and Quintilesđ
The tight degrees often enhance the effects of the planets and create more concentrated energy into our lives. Therefore, the strongest degree would be 0° as the alignment between the two planets are exact! The next strongest degrees would be 1 - 4° this is where the planets energy is still tightly aligned aspecting one another, however they aren't isn't exact like 0°. I have noticed 4° to be of significant importance however. This is an observation and not a fact but I personally have found super noticeable/strong aspects usually being 0 or 4° and I believe it's because 4° orb is a tight orb yet in the middle causing tension almost like a 90° angle if that makes sense. I'm still trying to dig into this LOL so I will update yall on that but for know I've listed the universal facts aboveđ§
Finally the type of aspects!! The strongest aspects are 1. Conjunctions & Oppositions, 2. Squares & Trines, 3. Sextiles. This is ordered due to how directly the planets energies are affecting one another and how concentrated the energies aređ§ââïž
Movements of the Planets ~
đSun : Moves through each zodiac sign around 30 days each.
đMoon : Moves through each zodiac sign around two and a half days each.
đ§ââïžMercury : Moves through each zodiac sign around 14 - 30 days each depending on if its direct or retrograde.
đVenus : Moves through each zodiac sign around 28 days - 2 months each.
đ„Mars : Moves through each zodiac sign around 1 and a half months each.
đJupiter : Moves through each zodiac sign around 1 year each.
đȘSaturn : Moves through each zodiac sign around 2 and a half years each.
đ©Uranus : Moves through each zodiac sign around 7 years each.
đźNeptune : Moves through each zodiac sign around 14 years each.
đPluto : Moves through each zodiac sign around 14 - 30 years each.
Soft & Harsh Planets ~
Soft planets : Moon, Venus & Jupiter
These planets tend to bring out the soft, nurturing & caring side in usđ
Harsh planets : Mars, Saturn & Pluto
These planets tend to bring out the harsh, challenging & stressful side in usâ
Neutral planets : Sun, Mercury, Uranus & Neptune
These planets can swing between being soft or harsh as they can embody both qualities. Although, I will note Uranus leans more on the Harsh side. And Neptune leans more on the Soft sideâ
Aspects that don't exist ~
Sun opposite/square/trine/sextile Mercury : This is because Mercury can't be more than 28° away from the sun sign. Therefore, the only big aspect it can make is conjuncting the sun.
Sun opposite/square/trine/sextile Venus : The Venus sign is within 48° of the Sun sign therefore the only big aspect it can make is a conjunction.
Mercury opposite/square/trine Venus : Because Venus has to be within 48° of the sun sign & Mercury has to be within 28° the only possible aspects to form with one another are the conjuction and sextile.
đMain Masterlist
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Essential Taoism: Laozi, the Founder of Taoism
Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, is a Chinese legendary and historical figure who is considered to be the founder of Taoism. The Tao Te Ching, Taoismâs most sacred text, is believed to have been written by Laozi.
Many historians consider Laozi to be a mythical figure rather than a historical one. His existence is widely contested, as even the literal translation of his name (Laozi, meaning Old Master) indicates a deity rather than a man.
Regardless of historical perspectives on his existence, Laozi and the Tao Te Ching helped to shape modern China and had a lasting impact on the country and its cultural practices.
Who Was Laozi?
Laozi, or the âOld Master,â is said to have been born and died sometime during the 6th Century B.C., though some historical accounts place him in China closer to the 4th Century B.C. The most commonly accepted records indicate that Laozi was a contemporary of Confucius, which would place him in China at the end of the pre-Imperial era during the Zhou Dynasty. The most common biographical account of his life is recorded in Sima Qianâs Shiji, or Records of the Grand Historian, which is believed to have been written around 100 B.C.
Above image:Â An artistâs rendering of the Taoist sage Laozi (Lao Tzu).
The mystery surrounding the life of Laozi starts with his conception. Traditional accounts indicate that Laoziâs mother gazed upon a falling star, and as a result, Laozi was conceived. He spent as many as 80 years in his motherâs womb before emerging as a fully grown man with a grey beard, a symbol of wisdom in ancient China. He was born in the village of Chu Jen in the state of Chu.
Laozi became a shi or an archivist and historian for the emperor during the Zhou Dynasty. As a shi, Laozi would have been an authority on astronomy, astrology, and divination as well as a keeper of sacred texts.
Some biographical accounts state the Laozi never married, while others say he married and had a son from whom he was separated when the boy was young. The son, called Zong, became a celebrated soldier who triumphed over enemies and left their bodies unburied to be consumed by animals and the elements. Laozi apparently came across Zong during his travels throughout China and was dismayed by his sonâs treatment of bodies and lack of respect for the dead. He revealed himself as Zongâs father and showed him the way of respect and mourning, even in victory.
Toward the end of his life, Laozi saw that the Zhou Dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven, and the dynasty was devolving into chaos. Laozi became dismayed and traveled west toward undiscovered territories. When he reached the gates at Xiangu Pass, the guard of the gates, Yinxi, recognized Laozi. Yinxi would not let Laozi pass without giving him wisdom, so Laozi wrote down what he knew. This writing became the Tao Te Ching, or the central doctrine of Taoism.
Above image: Wikimedia Commons
Tao Te Ching and Taoism
Taoism is the belief that the universe and everything it encompasses follows a harmony, regardless of human influence, and the harmony is made up of goodness, integrity, and simplicity. This flow of harmony is called Tao, or âthe way.â In the 81 poetic verses that make up the Tao Te Ching, Laozi outlined the Tao for individual lives as well as leaders and ways of governance.
The Tao Te Ching repeats the importance of benevolence and respect. Passages frequently use symbolism to explain the natural harmony of existence.Â
Laozi and Confucius
Though the dates of his birth and death are unknown, Laozi is believed to have been a contemporary of Confucius. By some accounts, the two historic figures were actually the same person.
According to Sima Qian, the two figures either met or were discussed in conjunction with one another several times. Once, Confucius went to Laozi to ask about rites and rituals. He returned home and remained silent for three days before proclaiming to his students that Laozi was a dragon, flying amongst the clouds.
On another occasion, Laozi declared that Confucius was confined and limited by his pride and ambition. According to Laozi, Confucius did not understand that life and death were equal.
Both Confucianism and Taoism became pillars of Chinese culture and religion, although in different ways. Confucianism, with its rites, rituals, ceremonies, and prescribed hierarchies, became the outline or physical construction of Chinese society. By contrast, Taoism emphasized the spirituality, harmony, and duality present in nature and existence, especially as it grew to encompass more religious aspects during the Imperial Era.
Both Confucianism and Taoism maintain influence over Chinese culture as well as many societies across the Asian continent.
Above image:Â Confucius Presenting the Young Gautama Buddha to Laozi. Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikipedia.
[Source]
Reninger, Elizabeth. âLaozi, the Founder of Taoism.â Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/laozi-the-founder-of-taoism-3182933.
Essential Taoism: Later Heaven Deities
Immortal Lu Tung-pin
He is probably the most popular immortal in Chinese culture. Regarded as the patriarch of many Taoist sects, he symbolizes the wisdom that cuts through the illusion of the material world. Lu Tung-pin was a historical figure. He lived in the Tâang dynasty. Legends tell us that when he was on his way to the capital to take the qualifying examinations for service in the government, he met the immortal Chung-li Châuan, who gave him a pillow to sleep on. That night, Lu had dreams that showed him the futility of politics, fame, and power. He dreamed that after a brief success in court politics, he was drawn into intrigues that brought him exile and death far from his home. The next day, Lu realized the illusions of fame, fortune, and temporal power, and followed Chung-li Châuan into the mountains to learn the arts of immortality.
In icons, Immortal Lu is often shown with a whisk or a sword. The sword cuts through the illusion of impermanence and the whisk sweeps away the dust that covers the reality of the Tao. There are many legends of Immortal Lu returning to the moral realm to heal the sick, deliver people from suffering, and help others attain immortality.
Immortal Lu is especially honored by internal-alchemical sects. Many founders of internal-alchemical sects, such as Wang Ch-ung-yang, Liu Hai-châan, and Chen Hsi-yi, were taught by Lu Tung-pin.
Emperor Kuan (Kuan-ti)
He is another historical figure who was elevated to the status of deity. A general of Shu of the Three Kingdoms, Kuan Yu was skilled in the military arts and was uncompromising in his integrity and sense of honor. Killed in the war against Tsâao-tsâao the unscrupulous master, Kuan Yu stood for everything that was virtuous, honest, and honorable in the eyes of the Chinese people. Initially a folk hero, he was elevated to the status of deity when he was made the patron of the military arts, and given the name Kuan-ti, or Emperor Kuan. In his role as General of the Celestial Armies, Emperor Kuan accumulated many heroic deeds fighting demons and monsters. His accomplishments were acknowledged by the Great Deities, and in a series of promotions he was given the titles Kuan the Sacred Emperor (Kuan Hsing-ti) and Emperor of the Golden Tower (Chin-chuâueh Ti-chun). Some sects believe that he eventually became the Jade Emperor. Today, the Emperor Kuan is revered as the patron of the military arts, the keeper of virtue, and the embodiment of all that is upright and honorable.
Source: Taoism: An Essential Guide by Eva Wong. 1997. Print. Pgs.156-7.