#cosmicmagic

Council of Spellcasters

(& it's meaning, magickally & scientifically)

The New Moon

The new moon is a sign of NEW BEGINNINGS.

Spiritually: The New Moon is a time of new beginnings and retreat. It is a time of rest and preparation for the coming month & whatever challenges it may bring. This is an excellent time to relax and stay off social media. Take time for yourself ♡

The Science: the Sun and Moon are both on the same side of Earth. Since the Sun isn't facing the Moon, it appears dark.

The Waxing Crescent

The Waxing Crescent is a time for SETTING INTENTIONS.

Spiritually: Focus on what you want in life - your hopes, dreams and aspirations. After recharging during the New Moon, the Waxing Gibbous provides an opportunity to plant your intentions for the following month.

The Science: When the sun moves closer to the new moon, it illuminates it again. The crescent appears, but it’s less than half illuminated, but it’s waxing or growing bigger into the first quarter moon.

First Quarter

The first quarter moon is about ACTION.

Spiritually: This is normally where you will start running into obstacles on your path. If you've set intentions, you'll likely start seeing the hurdles you need to overcome to reach your intention. This Moon is all about action, decisions and overcoming challenges. Ultimately, you've just got to do what needs to be done to overcome these challenges. Try to stay flexible, and focus on your intention, not on the hurdles.

The Science: The first quarter moon comes about a week after the new moon. It’s called this because the moon is one-quarter of its way through the monthly cycle.

Waxing Gibbous

The waxing gibbous moon is about REFINEMENT.

Spiritually: Continue on your path, stay flexible, and adjust as the situation calls for.

The Science: The waxing moon is just a phase away from being full. It’s easily seen during the day and at night.

Full Moon

The full moon focuses on HARVESTING what you’ve “planted.”

The Science: The full moon happens when the moon and sun are on opposite parts of the Earth. Since the sun is right across from it, the light illuminates it so that the moon looks full.

Spiritually: Since the moon and sun are at opposite sides, so are the zodiac signs. This can be a high tension time as a results, emotions are sure to run high, so try not to get attached to anything and try to stay emotionless and logical as possible.

Waning Gibbous

The waning gibbous moon reminds you to be GRATEFUL.

The Science: After the full moon, it starts getting less illuminated and wanes toward the last quarter moon and onto the new moon.

Spiritually: Now is the time to focus on what your thankful for, share that love around. Focus on what you've achieved thus far, and reflect on all the progress you've made, no matter how small. You'll likely be radiating love; try to resist splurging on big ticket items and instead spend time with those you love.

Third Quarter

The third-quarter moon helps you RELEASE from your struggles.

Spiritually: Let go of drama and focus on forgiveness and release. The Moon will continue to shrink over the course of the coming days and weeks until the New Moon - this energy means you must be ready to let go. If you've been hurt or angered in the past month, now is the time to release those grudges and anger so you are ready for receiving new intentions. This is a good time to clean - your home, your closet - whatever feels right. Focus on your friendships and remember, if it doesn't serve you, let it go.

The Science: The third-quarter or last-quarter moon is the reverse of the first quarter. That means it’s getting smaller.

Waning Crescent

The waning crescent moon focuses on SURRENDER.

The Science: This fraction of the moon is decreasing and on its way to being a new moon.

Spiritually: This is a time of rest and recuperation, reflect on the past month and begin preparing for the next. If you haven't achieved your intention for the month, this time can feel empty and disappointing, but don't let it get you down; you will do better next month.

What the First House in Astrology Means

The First House defines an individual, their physical body and being, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their primary character. It is also named "The House of Self" and speaks of our main task in life, our outlook into the world, our ego, and everything we are here for from the start.

Mercury in the First House

You are Mercurial in your appearance and / or manner - particularly if Mercury is in the first 10 degrees of the First House. You're likely restless, adaptable, changeable, easily distracted, versatile and nimble. You enjoy talking (a little too much) and you often monopolize the conversation or fail to listen.

You are mischievous and precocious, lively and interesting and highly adaptable in new situations. In fact, you treat most endeavours with great curiousity and interest.

Venus in the First House

You are a likable, magnetic, attractive, and charming person whose heart is often on your sleeve. Unless Venus is very challenged, you are easy to befriend, diplomatic, and warm in self-expression. You tend to attract others to you quite readily, and rarely come on too strong or aggressively.

Negative expressions of this position include a superficial charm, a tendency to “play dumb” when challenged or in doubt, and two-faced, passive-aggressive behavior. The need to be liked by others, and/or to keep the peace, might lead to feelings of resentment or general unrest if you feel that you give up your own power to others. You might find it difficult to make solid decisions. Your personal sense of style and manner are things that others find fascinating, and you generally pay great attention to how these things benefit you in life.

With your natural charm and magnetic personality, you have a way of winning people over to your arguments. You are probably physically attractive and will maintain this quality well into your later years. You have a deep appreciation for art and enjoy surrounding yourself with beautiful objects. Your love life is very important to you, and you feel a lack if you have no partner in your life. Your appetite for life and for love is hefty, and you enjoy taking the initiative once you are comfortable with a partner. You are ever so charming and attractive, and absolutely hard to miss, no matter what you look like. Your head and face are your most attractive features! This is because your Venus is in the first house of Aries, a sign that rules this part of the body.

Moon in the First House

Your feelings are right out there for everyone to see, and you can come across as emotional and impatient, or nurturing and caring (or both). Your first reaction is emotional, especially if the Moon is in close proximity (within ten degrees) of the Ascendant degree. You need emotional stimulation, movement, and freedom to express yourself in order to feel happy and fulfilled.

Your moods are very changeable, and this can be quite obvious to others. Because of your emotional sensitivity, you might often take things too personally, and react too quickly. Developing an awareness that others’ emotions are just as important, even if they are not as overt and immediate as yours, will be important.

You have a soft exterior and tend to relate very personally and sympathetically to other people. However, you sometimes let your emotions overpower your reasoning and logic, and consequently, you are sometimes biased in your opinions. You are impressionable and rather gentle, or at least that is the way you appear. Your feelings are on the surface and you can not hide your emotions.

Mars in the First House

Mars in the first house of your chart is a commanding position and is even more so if Mars is also conjunct the Ascendant. Your reactions to new situations are immediate and pressing. You are an active, energetic, dynamic, enterprising, and possibly even forceful or aggressive person at times (unless Mars is in strong aspect to Saturn or Neptune).

You often begin new endeavors with enthusiasm, although follow-through may not be present, depending on the rest of your chart. Some of you might be rash, inconsiderate, or overly assertive. People are often impressed with your energy and stamina! You need to be involved, take the lead, and act independently. You don’t enjoy following others or playing waiting games.

Fiercely independent, you are usually direct and straightforward–and this is wonderfully refreshing! Spontaneity is extremely important to you. Some of you might stir up trouble–whether consciously or not–when you’re bored. Your approach to life is physical and active, and your love of competition is notable.

Jupiter in the First House

You present a jovial, kind, altruistic manner to the world around you, generally beginning any new undertaking with optimism and faith. Your belief in the power of positive thinking takes you places. Generally speaking, you are a very principled person with strong morals.

Saturn in the First House

The first house stands for the way in which an individual projects personal energies onto others. This house is fundamental in defining an individual’s personality and Saturn’s presence here is particularly significant. Saturn in the first house people might have a stern exterior. People may comment, “You look so different when you smile!” When you smile the stern exterior drops.

Saturn’s presence in the first house can make you more aware than others of right or wrong in a societal way. Responsibility will be a major concern in your actions. Demands from people around you will dominate your consciousness. You will probably find it extraordinarily difficult to place yourself ahead of others.

Guilt and anxiety might haunt you over issues that others, without this influence, might not consider significant. This misplaced guilt and anxiety may create false sentimentality and attachment to surroundings to the point of neurosis. You are hard on yourself. Self-assertion at work and home might be stressful. Develop awareness about your guilt and anxiety attacks.

Fight the guilt by thinking things through by yourself or with someone you feel comfortable with. To avoid the guilt and anxiety your best bet is to lay low and first let people around you articulate and take what they want and need. Then take what you want. It’s rather important for Saturn first house people to have spouses and partners who understand their self-assertion issue. An understanding spouse or partner will go a long way towards making life pleasant.

Uranus in the First House

Uranus in the first house alters the way an individual projects personal energies onto others. You are likely to seek, nay demand, freedom in the way you present yourself to the world. Dressing simply but quirkily, you will have no problems in asserting yourself. You are not shy to let everyone know where you stand on issues. In fact you take pride in presenting your unique perspective. “I am a simple soul with few wants and needs,” is what you tell yourself.

Neptune in the First House

You might express yourself artistically, and come across as gentle, sensitive, and dreamy, especially if Neptune is close to the Ascendant (within 10 degrees). You are extremely sensitive to your environment. Others tend to see whatever they want to see in you, and you thus can come across very differently to different people. You might tend to encourage this, even without knowing. Your appearance and mannerisms tend to be chameleon-like. You are a peace-loving person.

While you don’t come on strong, you can be subtly alluring and intriguing. Others can be drawn to you and feel that you understand them. You can be moody and your first reaction to problems might be to escape or to feel sorry for yourself, or helpless. You may not feel a strong sense of identity and struggle with your own impressionability. Like a sponge, you absorb the moods of others. Your imagination is powerful. You have an easygoing manner – a “what will be, will be” approach to the world

Pluto in the First House

You radiate intensity, and others’ first impressions of you tend to be strong, one way or the other! In fact, you might often intimidate others with your manner, whether it’s your intention or not. You can be very protective of your privacy, yet you generate much intrigue and interest with your strong presence.

You might struggle with fears of being overpowered, rejected, or minimized, yet few are able to guess that you could be anything less than confident. Your first instinct in new situations is gutsy and determined, defensive and intense. You rarely accept the obvious or the surface of matters — instead you look through situations in order to read any information on hidden levels. Your challenge is to strive to avoid getting your back up more than is necessary and viewing life as a battleground

How will it feel when my intentions manifest?

What actions can I take to achieve my goals?

& what planetary placements within it mean!)

What is the Third House?

Communication, transportation, and local community are all governed by the third house. Natal planets in the Third House are motivated by expression and often help guide you to build close relationships with their peers, [including siblings, coworkers, and classmates.]

Mercury in the Third House

This is an especially curious and inquisitive position for Mercury. You are generally very interested in reading, teaching, speaking, exchanging ideas, keeping current with the daily news, and perhaps gossiping. Your interests are many and varied, sometimes to the point that you barely skim the surface of any one topic.

You are also very easily distracted and your attention span can be quite short. Quick to learn, you are swift to share what you know with others. You can be very talkative when you have the chance. You’re a list maker, and you’re likely quite involved in/with your community. Some of you can be quite nervous or fidgety.

Venus in the Third House

You are verbally expressive, diplomatic, and aim to be tactful. You easily win others over with your words, whether it’s because of a likable facility with language, a beautiful voice, or a diplomatic use of words. You readily give out compliments. Some of you might use flattery to your own benefit at the risk of being ingenuine. You are generally a very good mediator, aiming to settle arguments quickly and restoring at least temporary peace.

You have a mischievous side, however, and your desire to be tactful and polite with others doesn’t always succeed. Some of you might engage in a lot of mind games, and others might eventually find out that you don’t always mean what you say or say what you mean! You value mental stimulation and frequent changes of scenery in your love relationships.

Moon in the Third House

You are very responsive, communicative, and curious. You can have a talent for imitating others and/or for picking up languages. You might either intellectualize your emotions rather than truly feel them and deal with them, or you communicate with excessive emotion. Some of you may do both at different times, and as you mature and develop, you learn to find a balance.

Your opinions and ideas change often, and you might find that sometimes you adopt others’ points of view and express their ideas as if they were your own. This is not necessarily because you are a copy-cat, but because you sometimes fail to own your own thoughts, and you are so very sensitive to others’ opinions. You might be quite nervous and restless, requiring frequent changes of scenery, even if the movement or travel takes place locally.

*You often make decisions solely for emotional or personal reasons, because something “feels right” or because you’ve always done it a certain way and you are uncomfortable changing it. Even when you think you’re being rational, your prejudices, intuitions, and feelings influence your thoughts a great deal. You are comfortable talking about feelings and personal subjects, and sharing confidences, which enables others to express their own inner feelings with you as well. You have good psychological insight into others.

Mars in the Third House

You speak your mind quite readily, sometimes shooting from the hip when it comes to expressing your ideas and opinions. You tend to know a lot about a variety of subjects, and like to share that knowledge with others (sometimes too forcefully!). When communicating, you are generally very direct and clear. You can easily get worked up about what others might think are trivial matters.

You love a good debate. Whether you know it or not, or no matter your intentions, you can be provocative in your communication style. You are likely gifted with manual dexterity, although you might easily become impatient with tasks. At your best, you are enthusiastic, animated, and lively in the way you express yourself, and this can inspire others. You will fervently defend your opinions and beliefs, as well as your family and childhood.

Sample from the  Spirit Success report: You will have a lot to say on almost any subject, and can be really informative, or merely disruptive. You may take a difference of opinion as a personal affront because of your strong beliefs, but remember that someone else may have something important to contribute, so is worth listening to. No one is better than you at presenting your ideas. As long as you remain confident, rather than “cocky,” you’ll always find an audience to share your store of knowledge.

Jupiter in the Third House

You are forward-looking–a real planner. You are endlessly curious and enjoy making happy connections with others. Sharing ideas with others is important to you–you take great pleasure in doing so. You are able to see the big picture and thus often are turned to for advice. With your sincere interest in others, you easily put people at ease in social situations.

Saturn in the Third House

The core meaning of the third house lies in the unconscious operating of the mind in familiar surroundings. The third house indicates the natural way you act and communicate with people. People might include your siblings while growing up, co-workers, neighbors, the grocery store clerk, and so on. You can review the way your mind works in these circumstances. In that sense, it’s not unconscious.

The comedy serial, Seinfeld, explored the quirkiness in individual actions and communication in familiar surroundings — the little things that people do and say unconsciously that make them what they are! Yes, the serial about “nothing” was funny.

Saturn in the third house may make you feel ill at ease while you go about day-to-day life. You may come across as cold and reserved. You may be a “man or woman of few words”. This can turn some people off. You can use this to your advantage by listening to people. That way you don’t have to do too much talking, yet people will love you for listening!

Uranus in the Third House

You act and communicate with people around you in an offbeat, eccentric, and zany way. Naturally friendly, you very often make people smile with your wit and easy good-humor. People look upon you to ease a boring day, knowing you will perhaps have something new to say about the mundane. Your eccentricity may puzzle and sometimes annoy some. You win them over with your humility, open mind, and honesty. Creativity in communication and in all that you do sets you apart from most.

Neptune in the Third House

Dry, cold facts are hard for you to absorb, so traditional academics might not appeal. However, you are talented at visualization and whole-style learning. You are perceptive and dreamy, although you often have your head in the clouds and might miss important details. Sticking to schedules can be difficult, and so can tending to errands, communications, and other necessary daily activities. You might “tune out” when you hear specific directions, and consequently miss helpful details. You might as a result frequently be late for appointments or miss them altogether.

In your communications, you can quickly put others at ease, as you seem to intuitively understand them. You express yourself creatively, imaginatively, and with great charm. However, you might also encourage, without even knowing it, misunderstandings, as you rarely are definite in what you say. Learning, especially when young, can be challenged only because you might lack discipline or the style of learning is not creative enough to hold your interest.

Pluto in the Third House

You rarely accept what you hear or what you read as truths. Your mind is very analytical and you instinctively search for hidden meanings. You can be exceptionally persuasive in your self-expression, whether through the spoken or written word, simply because you communicate with authority, conviction, strength, and decisiveness.

You tend to learn through observation rather than by asking questions. In fact, you may be somewhat resistant to learning directly from others, preferring to self-teach. You might fear the loss of self through self-expression, and thus you might choose your words carefully as to avoid letting others know too much about you.

What does Saturn Retrograde even mean?

Saturn is considered the planet of karma, and when it moves backward (retrograde), it is the phase of karmic rebalancing. In general, Saturn retrograde is associated with delays, obstructions, misery, debts and chronic health issues.

What to do during Saturn Retrograde?

Embrace alone time & introspection

Rework, redefine and reprioritize commitments and goals

Drop the dead weight and recommit to what you really want to honor

Restructure and realign your life and business to create better structures and systems that will support (not restrict) you

Find freedom in your boundaries

Identify challenges and move forward

What to avoid during Saturn Retrograde?

Avoid construction projects

Don't let others pressure you into anything that makes you uncomfortable

Don't take unnecessary risks

Don't overschedule yourself

Avoid spending money on unnecessary things

Dont disrespect others - Saturn is the Lord of Karma after all.

Don't take relationships for granted

Retrograde Survival

Be prepared for anything

Declutter your space

Avoid big decisions

Mind your words

Heal your old wounds

Use positive affirmations

Keep a positive mindset

Take a break

Detox from your digital life

Breathe and be mindful

Diffuse essential oils

Review what you eat

Practice yoga

Sweat it out

Get creative

Journal

Carry crystals

What does Mars retrograde even mean?

Mars retrograde is when the planet Mars appears to be moving backwards in the sky. This happens every 26 months for about two and a half months. During Mars retrograde, we tend to feel more sluggish, unmotivated, and might struggle to take tangible action on things. It's not an ideal time to charge forward on major professional endeavors, physical work, or sexual pursuits.

What to do during Mars Retrograde?

Complete unfinished projects

Rest & retreat - Self care is your best friend during this retrograde period

Look your issues in the eye and tackle them once and for all

What to avoid during Mars Retrograde?

Getting a new job

Starting a new exercise programme

Undergoing non-emergency surgery

Using a new hairdresser

Starting a new sexual relationship

As your energy is already limited by Martian energy, you may be more prone to irritation & frustration. Try to avoid unnecessary arguments and conflict.

Retrograde Survival

Be prepared for anything

Declutter your space

Avoid big decisions

Mind your words

Heal your old wounds

Use positive affirmations

Keep a positive mindset

Take a break

Detox from your digital life

Breathe and be mindful

Diffuse essential oils

Review what you eat

Practice yoga

Sweat it out

Get creative

Journal

Carry crystals

What does Mercury Retrograde even mean?

Mercury influences communication & transportation. It moves through the sky in the same direction as the sun, however, when it is closest to the Earth, it appears to move in reverse. This is know as retrograde motion. When Mercury is in retrograde, familiarity becomes scattered and confused. Delays and miscommunication are rife, and travel can be more difficult.

What to do during Mercury Retrograde?

Allow plenty of time for any travel that needs to be completed - even things as small as travelling to appointments can be affected by this retrograde. Reconfirm all details of your travel plans prior to setting off, and allow extra time for delays and issues along the way as the normal Mercurial energy is weakened / reversed during a time of retrograde.

Renew your commitments instead of making new ones. Finish the things you have already started, do not start new tasks until after the retrograde period.

Compare prices for something you plan to buy at a later date, and get repairs done on what you already own. If you do buy something, keep your receipt in case of issues.

Reduce your clutter and give away old items you no longer need.

Re-apply for the job your really want, re-write your resume.

What to avoid during Mercury Retrograde?

Leaving late for appointments and expecting to still make it on time is a massive no-no. You're more than likely to end up doubly late than to arrive on time. Prepare, and be aware of this retrograde energy

Don't start anything new before finishing what is already on your to-do list.

Don't make any major purchases - particularly cars and other vehicles if you can avoid it. With that said, if you do buy something now, you'll likely be replacing it during another Mercury retrograde period.

Don't expect to start a new job without being prepared to face false starts and restarts. It may take time for things to smooth out.

Retrograde Survival

Be prepared for anything

Declutter your space

Avoid big decisions

Mind your words

Heal your old wounds

Use positive affirmations

Keep a positive mindset

Take a break

Detox from your digital life

Breathe and be mindful

Diffuse essential oils

Review what you eat

Practice yoga

Sweat it out

Get creative

Journal

Carry crystals