FALL EQUINOX
Time to Balance
Sage Woman — Autumn 1999
Fall Equinox: The sun enters Libra, an astrology sign symbolized by balanced scales. At 4:32 AM there is equal day and equal night all over our planet. The seasonal wheel turns as we begin the journey to darkness. In preparation for the winter cycle, balance your body, mind, and spirit. Avoid catching colds or flu by taking better care of yourself. Be sure to rest and sleep. When in doubt, take a nap! Click for more...

EIGHT FACES OF THE GODDESS:
Eight Phases Of The Moon
Sage Woman — Spring 1999
As above so below. Look into the night sky and observe which phase the moon is in. Then you will know where you are in the growth cycle of each lunar month. The WAXING moon phases occur as the moon builds in size to become the full moon. The WANING moon phases occur as the moon decreases in size to become the new moon. The new moon is a time of new beginnings. As the moon increases during her waxing cycle, it is the time to actively pursue goals and opportunities. For examples, during the waxing cycle apply for a new job, or attract a new relationship. The full moon is a time of fullness and culmination of you efforts so far during this lunar cycle. Click for more...

AZTEC DAY OF DESTINY
Sage Woman — Summer 1999
Friday August 13^th, 1999 marks the end of the fifth sun of the ancient Mexican Aztec solar calendar. The five ages of the Sun are the Sun of Jaguars Nahui Ocelotl, the Sun of Wind Nahui Ehecatl, the Sun of Rain Nahui Quiahuitl, the Sun of Water Nahui Atl, and the Sun of Movement Nahui Ollin. Aztec arts and sciences, including astrology, were very highly developed. The Aztecs predicted the arrival of Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez on March 12, 1519. Cortez arrived in the Mexican city now called Vera Cruz (Spanish for true cross). August 13 is close to the lunar eclipse of August 11 which is a day of 8 of the 10 planets in fixed signs creating a grand fixed cross that activates all four elements: Aquarius (air), Scorpio (water), Leo (fire) and Taurus (earth). There is much tension, but also much possibility for change. At this time, the planet Venus is retrograde and will no longer be visible as the Evening Star. She will reappear several weeks later as the Morning Star. Venus is an important planet in Aztec cosmology. She is associated with the plumed serpent God Quetzalcoatl. The near-extinct quetzal bird has a beautiful long plumed tail. Coatl is the Nahuatl word for serpent, which is sacred to the Aztecs just as the serpent is sacred to us witches. According to NASA, there will also be intense solar storms on August 13. On this special day, return to nature. Be aware of your body. Definitely look for signs. Now is the opportunity to create a new destiny. The old world is finished. A door opens to new possibilities.

EQUINOX GODDESSES AND THE LAWS OF MA-AT
Sage Woman — Autumn 1998
Autumn equinox: Day and night are of equal length everywhere on our planet as the sun leaves the sign of Virgo and enters the sign of Libra, the scales. Therefore it is an opportune time to balance body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Harvest begins as nature's energy shifts inward, preparing for sleep and rest. May we too complete summer's activities and begin to prepare for the quiet of winter. Click for more...

SPRING EQUINOX:
The Daughter Betrayed or the Goddess Triumphant?
Sage Woman — Spring 1998
Spring equinox: This special day marks the middle point between winter solstice and summer solstice. The seasons change, as there is equal day and equal night everywhere on our planet. We leave the dark of winter and embrace the light of summer. All of nature is revived after winter hibernation. As the old pagan chant goes: "Equal day and equal night, first the dark and then the light." Click for more...

SUMMER SOLTICE:
Many Faces of the Goddess
Sage Woman — Summer 1998
Summer solstice: This day marks the longest day and the beginning of summer. The powers of nature are at their peak. Tonight, bathe with midsummer herbs of lavender, chamomile, and vervain. Feast on fresh fruits and give thanks for the abundance of Mother Earth in her fullness. Let the fiery sun burn away all that is unwanted, all that is no longer useful.

The sun is a woman. Popular conception is that the sun is masculine (i.e. Ra and Apollo). But female sun goddesses are Bast, Sekmet, and Hathor (Egypt), Brigid and Etain (Ireland), Bila (Australia), Shamshu and Shapash (Arabia), Aditi (India), and Sul (English, worshipped at Silbury Hill). Sun Goddesses whose emergences from caves are part of their mystery are Omikami Amaterasu (Japan) and Paivatar (Finland). Sun goddesses who triumphed over adversity are Bila (Australia), Hae-Sun (Korea), Olwen (Wales), and Tach-I (Louisianan Tunica). Sun Goddesses who travel across the sky are Xatel-Ekwa (Hungary), Wuriupranili and Walo (Australia), Sunna (Scandinavia and Germany) and Saule (Lithuania and Latvia). Shine on sun women!

ANIMALS AND THE GODDESS
In The Western Inner Tradition
Gnosis — Fall 1989
In ancient cultures, humanity was connected to the natural world where the interdependence of all life forms was necessary for survival. Animals were vital to humans for they offered food, entertainment, and a source of wisdom. Wherever the reciprocity of human and animal relationship was understood, animals were considered sacred in the ancient world. This is shown in the depiction of deities from ancient Egypt, the source of Gnostic wisdom, where goddesses and gods had a composite animal and human form. Click for more...