Pentagram Gravemarker Approved: The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) has finally approved the symbol of the Pagan Pentacle to be used on the grave markers of soldiers who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

A settlement was reached between the representatives of the community of the Pagan faith and the USDVA, wherein the ancient symbol of the Pentagram was added to the official list of “emblems of belief”.

Wiccan Lawsuit Filed: Noted Wiccan High Priestess, Selena Fox of the Circle Sanctuary in Barneveld, Wisconsin was listed as a Plaintiff on the lawsuit. Fox and others fought the important legal battle on behalf of eleven US families who have patiently been awaiting for the approval of the markers.

Reverend Barry W. Lynn, Director of Americans for Separation of Church and State, was quoted as saying, “This settlement has forced the Bush Administration into acknowledging that there are no second class religions in America, including among our nation’s veterans.” I couldn’t agree more.

As a result of the success of the lawsuit in favor of the Wiccans, other cases of a similar nature will be soon be resolved as well.

First Amendment Rights: In my opinion, the Pagans have had their First Amendment rights violated by the very government for which they unselfishly gave their lives! At least now, the fallen Pagans who died for freedom have finally merited justice — despite the fact that it had to be fought for in such an unnecessary fashion.

The Symbol of the Pentagram: The symbol of the Pentacle (also commonly called, a Pentagram) is a five-pointed star, which has been used for centuries as a symbol representing the five elements of Spirit, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. The Pentagram, when used as a symbol of the Satanic faith is typically shown with the top-most point, facing downward. Still, it shouldn’t matter what faith a soldier is, as long as he does his job.

The Pentagon vs. The Pentagram: Remember that many of the founding fathers of the United States were Freemasons, and Metaphysicians. They chose the symbol of the 5-pointed star for the fact that it stood for spiritual balance.

How interesting that our government ultimately decided to pervert the sacred aspect of this ancient holy symbol of the Goddess and use it to personify the energies of War, and everything the Goddess stands against. I suppose it’s okay for the government to use the power of this symbol, but it’s not permissible to be used as a symbol by the very people who live according to the principles of the God and Goddess.

Adding insult to injury, I find it interesting that the engine of War, i.e., The Pentagon is a building constructed in the shape of the interior of a 5-pointed star. In fact, the very word “Pentagon”, means “5-sided”. Talk about hypocrisy!

Stars on the American Flag: No matter what faith you are, as an American citizen you pledge allegiance to the US flag that has always been adorned with 5-pointed stars. I guess we should be glad that nobody has decided to take the stars off the US flag! I hope this gives you all something to think about.

Congratulations and Thanks: I offer congratulations to Ms. Fox, and the families who have won such an important victory — not just for Pagans everywhere, but for people of all faiths. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Wiccan soldiers for sacrificing their lives to protect our great nation. Blessed Be!

In honor of the great Goddess, Gaia — I offer a poem in her honor.

Gaia

From the depths of Chaos, born
Unexplained, your origin
Bringer of first Earthly morn
Offspring of what has never been

With a consort, Love — his name
A child to fill Eternity
Brought forth Uranus to tame
A cosmos emanating forth from Thee

Creatrix of the Universe
By celestial intercourse
Thus were Earth and Heaven made
From strange start, Foundation laid

Birthing Pontus, her own mate
Cleaving mountains, forests wild
in Lovers’ bliss, Uranian fate
gave life to scores of godly child

Uranus, stung by what he’d wrought
Decided to destroy the life
Of what Gaia’s love begot
He sought to wield Atropos’ knife

Gaia begged the Titans give
Their help that all her children live
Thus, she gave the sickle to
Young Cronos, his own father slew

When Cronos gained his father’s age
Just like his father, he too grew
To despise the young gods, rage
The curse of Uranus came true

Like his father, soon exiled
His sibling gods to Tartarus
In jealous rage, he slew his child
As prophesied by Uranus

Time and again, the father tries
To destroy Gaia’s gift
Casts down the child, who fearfully cries
The one divine love tries to lift

Oh, jealous gods and men beware
Of Gaia, have a care
To respect our earthly home
the only one we’ve ever known

And on this special day give praise
To Her upon whose face you gaze
For ’tis truth, these words I say
One day within her arms we’ll lay

(Voxx Voltair © 2007)

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful Mother in the Universe. Literally!

Please take care of our Mother, Gaia! Let’s do what it takes to honor our home, our planet. There is no place like Earth anywhere else in the Universe.

Yes, there may be planets with water, with life, with an atmosphere — but it will never be like Earth. This is the place we were all born … where we’ve experienced, joy, laughter, childhood. Where we’ve gained experience as to what it means to be human.

So, even though there may be a myriad of other planetary places to exist, we will never experience being human, anywhere but here. Take a minute to say a prayer of thanks for all that you’ve been privileged to experience on our fair, majestic planet. Let’s do what we can to ensure that our beautiful planet will heal from all the injustices we’ve perpetrated against Her.

Whatever religion you are … even if you don’t believe in any particular faith, you certainly must admit that this is the best place to be. I’m sure even Richard Dawkins would agree with me on at least this point. Do what you can to make this world a more beautiful place. Io Gaia!

As your favorite Thelemic Astrologer and Psychic, I feel it’s important to explain the meaning (and intensity) of the upcoming planetary motion known as Pluto Retrograde, and how you may be deeply affected by it.

Pluto Goes Retrograde: Pluto will go Retrograde Saturday, March 31st, 2007 at 3:45 pm (PST), at 28:57 Degrees Sagittarius. It go Direct again on September 7, 2007 at 7:54 pm (PST) at 26:18 Degrees Sagittarius.

Personal Effects: How Pluto Retrograde will effect you will be based upon your personal Astrological profile, such as where Pluto and Sagittarius are placed in your Chart. If you’d like more detailed, personal info, you should order your Astro Chart to find out. Then, you can feel free to call my weekly Radio Show so we can discuss how you’ll be affected by this powerful transit. (If you already have your Astro Chart, then feel free to call me on my show, or post your questions in my Magickal Forum.)

About Pluto: Pluto is the ruling planet the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. As such, it presides over the 8th House and governs issues regarding Sex, Legacies, Death (physical, and/or spiritual), and the attendant Transformations that occur as a result.

Meaning of the Term “Retrograde”: When a planet is termed, “retrograde”, it means that it appears to be going backward in the constellations of the heavens, due to an optical illusion. This illusion is based upon the fact that planets further away from the Sun appear to be moving more slowly in their orbits, than those planets which are closer in proximity to the Sun. Therefore, such planets appear to be moving “backwards”.

Pluto Retrograde: Since Pluto rules the ideas of Death, Sex, Legacies, Taxes and Transformation, get ready for your life to change in a big way. Whether or not the change or transformation is pleasant or positive, is largely up to you and how ready you are to evolve as a spiritual being.

Yes, there is a physical aspect to the idea of “death”, wherever Pluto is involved, but just remember we are all just visiting the Earth plane, aren’t we?

Preparing For Pluto Retrograde: Imagine this astrological event as a large wave approaching you from the sea. Take a deep breath, and stay calm. Don’t allow yourself to fear what is inevitable. If you lose control, or try to resist the necessary changes, you will only make it harder on yourself. Remember — growing pains may hurt, but they also make you stronger. Time to read a little Nietzsche.

No matter how prepared you may feel, the changes you will now undergo may still seem rather sudden — but that’s just not true. The changes you experience during this aspect have been a long time coming if you’re really honest with yourself.

Anxiety and Separation Issues: Whomever, or whatever exits your life while Pluto is retrograde, has most likely been on the way out for up to two years (or more), whether or not you have recognized the fact. Think about it.

Out of Control: Okay, so you’re evolved, spiritual and well-balanced, possibly. You are a magickal being, living your True Will, and recognize your patterns and behavior. But, you may still have a hard time reigning yourself in and keeping it together when Pluto is retrograde. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but again, just sit back and try to go with the current.

Magickal Manifestation: Remember, that Pluto Retrograde is the ultimate test of what you have magickally invoked into your life (whether or not it was conscious or subconscious!)

Spiritual Evolution and The Book of the Law: The cosmic lessons of Pluto Retrograde are best exemplified (in my mind at least), by certain verses found in The Book of the Law (Liber Al vel Legis, Sub Figura CCXX, Chapter III), as channeled by Aleister Crowley by the Angel named Aiwass:

Liber Liber Al vel Legis, Chapter III, Verses 42-45:

“42. The ordeals thou shalt oversee thyself, save only the blind ones. Refuse none, but thou shalt know & destroy the traitors. I am Ra-Hoor-Khuit; and I am powerful to protect my servant. Success is thy proof: argue not; convert not; talk not over much! Them that seek to entrap thee, to overthrow thee, them attack without pity or quarter; & destroy them utterly. Swift as a trodden serpent turn and strike! Be thou yet deadlier than he! Drag down their souls to awful torment: laugh at their fear: spit upon them!

43. Let the Scarlet Woman beware! If pity and compassion and tenderness visit her heart; if she leave my work to toy with old sweetnesses; then shall my vengeance be known. I will slay me her child: I will alienate her heart: I will cast her out from men: as a shrinking and despised harlot shall she crawl through dusk wet streets, and die cold and an-hungered.

44. But let her raise herself in pride! Let her follow me in my way! Let her work the work of wickedness! Let her kill her heart! Let her be loud and adulterous! Let her be covered with jewels, and rich garments, and let her be shameless before all men!

45. Then will I lift her to pinnacles of power: then will I breed from her a child mightier than all the kings of the earth. I will fill her with joy: with my force shall she see & strike at the worship of Nu: she shall achieve Hadit.”

Don’t be afraid to let go — Nature will fill the void, so don’t attempt to hang onto people, places, habits, objects or situations that are “dead”. You may still be attached to certain things, but Pluto Retrograde says, “It’s time to grow up now.”

The Reward of Evolution: If you get through this aspect with a good attitude, you’re liable to find out that the worst thing was that you might wished you had simply changed sooner! You’ll most likely enjoy what the future has in store for you!

Spiritual Discipline: Dedicate yourself to remaining open at this time. If you’re a Christian, develop Faith — if you’re a Thelemite or Pagan, develop Faith in the God of Your Self. It’s time to claim your power!

Success Is Thy Proof: Don’t be afraid — you can make it through that “Ordeal X”, as Aiwass referred to such tribulations. When all is said and done, remember — “Success is thy proof.” Now get out there and kick some spiritual ass … your own!

About Bael: Bael, is the first Principal Spirit mentioned in the The Lemegeton, (aka The Lemegeton, and The Lesser Key of Solomon). He is a mighty and powerful King who rules in the East. Bael’s original name was Bel, (and according to some, Bal.) Bel was first known as the most ancient God of the Babylonians. Interesting how gods are denounced by “newer” religions, and always vilified later as “demons”.

Qabalistic Attributions: Bael is associated with the tarot card, The Two of Wands, and the Astrological Planetary attribution of Mars in Aries.

Bael’s Appearance: When properly evoked, Bael will appear in any of several diverse shapes, such as: A Cat, a Toad, or a Man — sometimes he even appears in the shape of all three at the same time! When and if he deems to communicate with the Magician (usually via the Psychic faculty of Clairaudience), his voice will sound hoarse and scratchy.

If you should ever be desirous of evoking Bael, you should wear his Lamen (spirit sigil), before calling upon him, (as with all the Goetia Spirits, in general).

Powers of Bael: Bael is primarily known for bestowing the dubious gift of “invisibility”. This can be advantageous in certain circumstances, however the Magician needs to be especially careful. I have personally known Magicians who have suffered accidents due to the fact that they were “invisible” to an on-coming car! Proceed with caution.

Advice to the Magician: Before dealing with Bael (or any spirit possessing the noble title of King), I would suggest you ensure that you’ve already performed quite a few other evocations properly. It’s bad enough to make a mistake when dealing with a less powerful spirit, and the “Big Boys” of the Goetia have reportedly made mincemeat out of many an untrained Magician.

Goetia Magick Classes: If you’d like formal instruction on how to work safely and sanely with the Goetia Spirits, feel free to contact me for further info.

Goetia Magick Spellkits & Store: To safely conjure a Goetia Spirit, you should purchase an authentic Goetia Magick Spellkit. There are 72 kits to choose from (one for each of the 72 Spirits), and each one comes with everything you need to perform a successful evocation, plus detailed instructions. There are three versions to choose from, so contact me for more info.