Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Being part Irish, I thought it fitting to share a bit with you all about the the historical person whose memory we celebrate every March 17th, the traditional Feast Day of Saint Patrick. For non-Catholics, the “Feast Day” of any saint is the anniversary of the month and day of his or her death or martyrdom.

The Two Patricks: Interestingly, there are scholars who have suggested the “Theory of the Two Patricks”, suggesting that the person we know as Saint Patrick, was actually the amalgamation of two separate historical figures, however, I will simply share the story of Saint Patrick in regards to the aspects of his life which have become most accepted in modern history.

Birth Name of Patrick: The birth name of Patrick was originally Maewyn Succat, which translates as “May-born Warrior”. (Mae, “Born in the 5th Month”; Wyn, “Joy”; Succat, “Warlike”.)

Birth and Youth: Saint Patrick was allegedly born in Wales (some say Scotland, but his name belies a connection to the Welsh traditions) approximately between the years of 385-390 AD. Maewyn was born, and lived as a Pagan, for the first part of his life.

Legend has it that at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by a group of Irish marauders who raided his village, and was subsequently sold into slavery. It was during the time of his captivity as a slave that he first sought refuge in the idea of the God of the Christians.

Religious Orders: At the age of 22, Maewyn escaped from slavery and journeyed to Gaul, where he entered a monastery run by the Bishop of Auxerre, Saint Germain (not to be confused with the person known as Count Saint Germain.) Maewyn stayed at the monastery, studying for 12 years, during which time he came to the realization that his “calling” was to convert the Pagans to Christianity.

The Calling: Maewyn decided he wanted to start his lifelong mission by returning to Ireland, however his religious superiors at the monastery chose to charge Saint Palladius with the task instead. Within two years’ time, Palladius was transferred to Scotland, leaving Maewyn to become the second bishop appointed to Ireland. During his time at the monastery, Maewyn had adopted the Christian name of Patrick (meaning, “Noble”.)

Life as a Bishop: Upon his appointment as Bishop of Ireland, Patrick began living his mission of converting a great number of Pagans to Christianity, infuriating a particular group known as the Druids of Wicklow Head, who occupied Ireland at the time. In an effort to stifle his success, Patrick suffered through a series of arrests at the hands of the Druids, but managed to escape every time.

Once freed, Patrick the next 30 years roaming Ireland, establishing schools and monasteries throughout the entire country, thus enabling his relatively speedy conversion of the Irish to Christianity.

End of Life: After retiring from his active work of conversion, Patrick retired to the town of Saul, County Down, where he died on March 17th, sometime between the years of 461-464 AD (according to various legends). Since that time, people around much of the world have continued to celebrate the life and work of Patrick, who has become known as the Patron Saint of Ireland.

The Canonization of Saint Patrick: Strangely enough, Saint Patrick has never been formally canonized by any Pope of the Catholic Church! This is because for most of Christianity’s first thousand years, canonisations were done on the diocesan or regional level.

Ordinarily, soon after the death of people considered to be very holy, the local Church affirms their ability to be liturgically celebrated as saints. Since there has never been a formal affirmation by the Catholic Church, as a result of this bizarre oversight, Saint Patrick has never received a formal decree of his Sainthood!

All that aside, the lack of an “official” declaration of his sainthood, has done little to affect his popularity with millions of us who remember him, and continue to celebrate his feast day! Saint Patrick — “This Bud’s for you!”

The Lore of Saint Patrick: A great deal of Irish folklore and superstition continues to surround St. Patrick’s Day, although a great deal of this lore has never been actually substantiated.

Resuscitation of the Dead: During his life, Patrick reputedly raised people from the dead, although there are no official reports to substantiate this claim;

The Banishing of the Serpents: Most famously, Patrick was said to have “driven all the snakes out of Ireland” by the power of one of his sermons. However, science has proven that snakes have never been native to Ireland. In particular, one serpent supposedly banished from Ireland by Saint Patrick was, Caoránach. Legend has it that Caoránach was a dragon monster, said to be the mother of demons and devils. There are others who believe that this is a metaphor for Patrick’s conversion of the Pagans.

Saint Patrick’s Feast Day, a Global Celebration: Saint Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated as a Catholic Holy Day, however, the saint’s Feast Day has since become more of a secular holiday, celebrated by people from all faiths.

The Shamrock, Symbol of Saint Patrick: The traditional icon of Saint Patrick is the Shamrock, (called “Copóg Phádraig”, Gaelic) a clover leaf, which usually is made of 3 separate leaves. Ancient uses of the clover leaf was to protect one from the mischief of Fairies.

Inasmuch as Saint Patrick is concerned, the significance of the Shamrock clover was used as a way to explain the divinity of the Trinity of the Christian faith. He used the Shamrock symbol to explain the esoteric idea of the “Father, Son and the Holy Spirit”, as one being with separate functions. To this day, Catholics and other followers of the saint wear a Shamrock in his honor, upon his Feast Day.

Saint Patrick’s Day in America: The custom of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, arrived in America in 1737. That was the year which the Feast Day of Saint Patrick was first celebrated in America, in Boston, Massachussetts.

People continue to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by holding parades, the “wearing of the green”, and drinking beer (sometimes green!)

Pagan Origins of Saint Patrick’s Day: It has been noted by many that Saint Patrick’s Day has become the Church’s way of allowing people to celebrate the Vernal Equinox (the birth of Spring) with the symbolizing of the color green, as well as the acceptance of the wild reveling of people at this time of the year as the “party time” of Spring Break arrives. Interesting timing, hmm?

Saint Patrick Links: To find out more about this fascinating and much-loved historical figure, feel free to check out the links on the Voxx Magickal Forum, in the Saint Section.

Performing magickal rituals during an eclipse can be pretty tricky business. It is best for beginning Magicians to perform their spells during Waxing to “regular” Full Moons.

For seasoned practitioners, Black Magicians and Necromancers, of course the upcoming Blood Moon is perfect for such purposes as Seances, Spirit Evocation (not Goetia spirits though), Dark Angelic works, Enochian, Scrying in the Spirit Vision, Consecration of destructive talismans, and the like.

I’m sure the Vampyre Community has something interesting conjured up for the evening’s festivities, lol.

Remember to pay attention to the fact that doing any rituals tonight may have a negative impact on your life, depending on your astrological chart. The Full Moon is in Virgo, so rituals at this time can affect your 6th and 3rd Houses negatively — just remember to be careful.

For Necromancers, I’d suggest being extra cautious about contamination — spiritual and otherwise, during this most inauspicious Lunar phase.

If you’d like to learn more about Astrology and it’s importance in the practice of Moon Magick, contact me directly.

Eclipse Magick: Many magicians choose to do their most powerful spells during a special astronomical event known as an eclipse. Just as the sign of the Moon affects the power of rituals and worldly events, there is an additional twist when the Lunar eclipse happens in a particular sign.

Causes of a Lunar Eclipse: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon. Lunar eclipses occur, on average, about every 6 months.

Types of Lunar Eclipses: A Total Eclipse happens when the entire moon enters the Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow.)

Partial Eclipse: A Partial Eclipse happens when only part of the moon enters the Earth’s umbra.

Duration of Lunar Eclipses: During an average total lunar eclipse, the moon is within the Earth’s umbra for about an hour. This is called totality.

Frequency of Lunar Eclipses: Since the plane of the moon’s orbit is inclined about 5 Degrees from the plane of the Earth’s orbit, lunar eclipses are relatively infrequent. There are about two lunar eclipses each year,visible somewhere on Earth.

As an Astrologer, I’ve been talking a lot lately about the phenomenon called Mercury Retrograde. I thought I’d post this info for all my readers and listeners of my podcast.

Mercury Retrograde Explained: Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, as a rule, but the effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens.

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system.

[Important Note: Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this optical illusion.]

Origin of the Retrograde Symbol: The astrological symbol for notating retrograde is “Rx”, the same symbol that is found on all medical prescriptions. In fact, physicians until the 15th century had to also be astrologers before they could practice medicine! The Rx symbol is also an ancient symbol of the God Jupiter, who was considered the Lord of Healing.

The Frequency of Retrogrades: Retrograde motion, although often problematic for us earthlings, is not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Mercury retrogrades approximately three times a year.

The Planet Mercury: Astrologically, the planet Mercury relates to thoughts, concepts, ideas, and communication (including speaking and writing). Mercury energies involve the mind, mental processes, and travel.

What Happens When Mercury Goes Retrograde: We find that many parts of our life are being revised during this Astrological aspect. During this time, Mercury Retrograde gives us the opportunity to review decisions, directions and ideas.

Often these revisions can be a surprise or throw us back a step. However, these revisions which occur during a Mercury retrograde, are a “course correction” and provide a stop-gap measure until we can review situations. During this time of revision change is compounded and confusion is created by our reactions to the ever-changing situations. Thus anything started during this time will ultimately be taken back or even revised further, making a high-frustration time.

What to Expect During Retrograde Periods: Here is just a short list of things that tend to happen during this Astrological aspect.

Communication Breakdowns: Communications go awry, phone calls, letters, emails, faxes, conversations are delayed, misinterpreted, or blocked. Recheck everything like appointment times, spelling, wording, and even the very words you say. Expect the phone lines, cable lines, power lines to have problems. Expect problems with messages, books, letters, magazines, documents, contracts, wiring or flooding problems, and even squabbles with neighbors and family due to the inability to see each other’s point of view.

Traveling Dangers and Annoyances: Anticipate detours, memory lapses, confusion, failing to listen, failing to confirm, negotiation failures, and last-minute changes in plans. Expect travel delays, car trouble, delayed plane schedules, reservations that suddenly becoming “missing”, transportation difficulties of all kinds, including lost luggage.

How to Deal With Mercury Retrograde: The best line of defense is to anticipate what will happen and take precautionary measures to avoid the problems that most definitely will arise during this aspect.

Preparing for Mercury Retrograde: Plan ahead for these times. First thing’s first — make sure to backup your computer files! This is the time the screen goes blank and there is nothing there! Make sure you have a survival kit in the car, all your bills have been paid, etc.

Do the same things you’d normally do before you take a vacation, and make sure to double-check all details thoroughly. Mercury retrograde times call for you to recheck everything, anticipate and plan ahead, and to relearn lessons unlearned since the last Mercury retrograde cycle. It is also a good time for review and completing ongoing projects.

What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde: Just remember, it is not a time to start something new. Avoid signing documents, contracts if possible. You can wait 3 weeks, hopefully.

Handling Emotions During Mercury Retrograde: The best mode to be in during a Mercury retrograde is one of “non-reaction”. Treat the time period as a time of gathering information, yet because the information will be in constant change it would be like trying to comb your hair in a wind storm. Best to wait til the changes stop before attempting to make things orderly.

Therefore, just let the winds of situations blow around you without reacting. Once Mercury turns direct, take a look at the information that is still around at that time and go about putting everything in order, while maintaining the fine art of flexibility.

Word of Warning: Ignore this list at your own peril. Whatever is begun during the time of Mercury Retrograde will simply either not work (at worst), or will have to be completely redone at a later time (at best). Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Of course, if you’re having problems during this difficult aspect, please feel free to contact me for a Psychic Reading. If you’re interested in learning more about Astrology, contact me about taking a class.

Happy New Year to all of you! For those who wish to know the specific Chinese name, it’s the year of the Ting Hai Fire Boar (more commonly known as a pig).

Today, February 18, 2007 is considered the true beginning of the New Year, according to the Chinese calendar. As such, it is the single most important celebration of the year.

The Chinese celebrate their New Year on the date of the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice (which occurs approximately on December 21st, each year).

Calculating their months by using a Lunar calendar, the Chinese start each new month on the New Moon (the “darkest” day of the Moon). Ordinarily, the celebration of the New Year begins on the first day of the month, continuing on to the fifteenth day of the month, when the Full Moon occurs (the “brightest” day of the Moon).

The people of China are able to take weeks vacation from their jobs in order to prepare and celebrate this most auspicious time of year.

Year of the Golden Fire Pig: The year 2007 is the Year of the Pig, specifically, the Red Fire Pig. In particular, this is a very special Pig year considered to be “Golden”, and it’s extremely lucky for parent to bring children into the world during the next 12 months, as the child will bring good fortune (as well as be lucky themselves.)

The Sign of the Pig: According to ancient lore, people born during the Year of the Pig, are socially adept, popular, have many loyal friends (and are wonderful friends themselves). They are diligent workers, who enjoy prosperity in order to surround themselves with the luxurious rewards for all their dedication. The are considered to be quite affectionate, and loving and make wonderful partners to whomever is lucky enough to win their love.

Famous Piggies: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and David Letterman.

Historical Piggies: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Hemingway, and Alfred Hitchcock.

If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese Astrology, or want to know more about your Chinese Astrology Sign, contact me for more info!

February 2nd is the time of Midwinter, celebrated as the Pagan holiday known as Imbolc, more commonly known as Candlemass, (also spelled “Candlemas”). Astrologically, this holiday is celebrated when the Sun is at 15 Degrees of Aquarius.

Imbolc, literally means,”in the belly” (of the Mother), for the seeds that are planted at the Winter Solstice are beginning to grow.

Symbolism of Imbolc: This is a time for ritual purification, and is a major Fire Festival (one of 4 celebrated by the ancient Celts). Sacred fires marked this holiday, in honor of the Maiden, Brigid (also known as Brigit) who symbolized the fire of healing and birth. In essence, this holiday celebrates the beginning return of the sun.

Although this is a season of coldness and rain, the sun is actually closest to earth at this time, even though we do not feel its warmth. It is at this time that we bring light into our lives.

Symbolism of Candlemass: Known as the “Festival of Lights”, at this time, we prepare light so that the goddess Brigid may find her way out of the darkness and return to us. In pagan lore, this is the time where Brigid (the Celtic Fire Goddess) acts as midwife to Spring, and this is the beginning of that season. Brigid is the triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and medicine.

Myths of the Goddess Brigid: The daughter of Spring is born of the White Goddess after her sexual union with the Horned God last Beltane. Under another name, Branwen, the virgin fertility goddess is invoked at this time.

It is also customary to weave “Brigid’s Cross” from straw and hang it upon the hearth. This is made in the shape of a wheel and during a sabbat, it is rolled down a hill while burning. At this time, a Witch attempts to understand the direction his or her life is taking. The Oak King rules.

Brigit as Bride: In Ireland, the Candlemass holiday is celebrated as the Feast Day of Brigid of the Candles (also known as “Bridget of Kildare”, the Celtic goddess of fire, the hearth, smithy, fields, poetry, and childbirth.)

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