Day One December First 2013 – Sunday – Prepare the Way

Digital Collage Art by Silver RavenWolf — Day One of the Great Release Program!

Day One of the Magickal Release Challenge!
by Silver RavenWolf
copyright 2013

Sun in Sagittarius (Fire)
Fourth Quarter Moon – Banishing/Rest
Moon in Scorpio — Intense Power ruled by Pluto the planet of powerful change — Water
Sunday — Ruled by the Sun
Sunday’s Angel:  Michael*

* Where some of you will choose to work with Gods and Goddesses or perhaps just “Spirit”, others may like communing with the angels during the program.  Angels pre-date Christianity, and many of the more well-known angelic histories are actually related to real people (see my book Angels, Companions in Magick for more info).   There are several different hierarchies to choose from when dealing with the angelic realms.  The basic list I’ll be using here can be found in Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Henry Cornelius Agrippa edited and Annotated by Donald Tyson and published by Llewellyn World Wide.  “The list is taken from the Conciliator of Pietro d’Abano, written in 1303, but first published in Venice in 1471.” — Page 535.  However, I will mention other angels as the program progresses.

For the first half of the program, the Sun is in Sagittarius — this is a spiritual, go-getter fire sign with amazing adaptability.  Ruled by Jupiter, the Great Benefic, Sagittarius covers adventure, good luck, knowledge, freedom, motivation and expanding horizions.  Super energy for the start of the program!  On Winter Solstice, the Sun moves into Capricorn — a far more serious energy focused on structure, rules, goal setting, patience, discipline, concentration and accomplishment.  Ruled by Saturn, there isn’t as much razzle-dazzle as with Sagittarius; however, Capricorn can help you get the job done!  Remember, the planet Saturn isn’t just about limits — it is about rewards, too!  Think of the placement of the sun as the underlying melody of the program.  You will notice the switch in energy on the 21st of December.

Moon in Fourth Quarter

We begin our program with the moon in the fourth quarter — normally seen as a time of rest, although some magickal practitioners use it for heavy banishing.  If you don’t want to do any magick today — that’s fine.  Throughout the program I urge you to go with your instinct.  Do what feels right for you.  The morning cleansing (Braucherei ritual on the last post) can be done during any moon quarter, and will not negatively impact you.  However, if you choose to start it tomorrow (on the New Moon) that’s fine, too.  Tomorrow we will be setting up our Release Program Altar — a special place to do our workings throughout the next 30 days.  This program is for anyone of any religion — do feel free to massage it to suit your belief system and design something that speaks to your heart.

Today the moon is in Scorpio, an intense energy blended with the ruler of the day — the Sun, giving us a powerful mental boost to focus in the direction we choose.  If you need to bust down some big, bad stuff in your life?  Scorpio and its ruler, Pluto, can do the job.  During the program, you can use all of the astrological information given, some of it — or…none of it!  This is entirely up to you.  The notes here are merely an indication of what is available for you to work with.  View the information as a tool, not as a fated circumstance.  Ask yourself first...do I feel this energy?  And, How can I use this energy for my benefit today?  The Angel of the Day is Michael.  His energy is one of success, strength, and accomplishment.  His name means “Perfect of God” or “Perfection of Spirit” or “Who is God”.  Originally, Michael was worshiped as a God by the Chaldeans.  He also rules marriage, mercy and music.

If you choose to work with the angels during the program expect to receive messages!  If you receive a gift of oranges,  stumble across something golden, see a butterfly, or find yourself looking at the painting of a lion — Michael is telling you that your petition has been answered.  When you work with angels?  Nothing is exactly as it seems!

Today’s Challenge!

For today’s challenge you will need a pen or pencil, and paper.  Take a tour of your living area.  Write down a list of what you would like to accomplish during the program.  Is there a particular closet you’ve been meaning to get to?  The attic?  Basement?  Garage?  Shed?  Vehicle?  If you finish a challenge early, you can refer to this list if you feel an extra boost of determination!  There are four “break days” this year — where you will be free to do whatever you like.  You can take a break, or do something on this list.  Keep the list by your morning Braucherei work.  When you are finished with your list, go back and throw one thing away — something that is broken, worn out, or so dilapidated no one would want it.  Donating?  That’s for another day.  Today, find one thing…and pitch it.  Take a deep breath afterward, and say:  “I release all negativity from my life.  So be it!  Peace with the Gods, Peace with Nature, Peace Within.”

Today’s Exercise

Last year we worked on speed cleaning exercises.  They were so much fun I decided to keep them in the program.  In the time allotted, you clean up, put away, straighten up, or throw out anything you desire.  The challenge is to see how much you can get done in the time indicated.  Are you ready?  Okay!  Today you have exactly three minutes.  On your mark!  Get Set!  Go!

Summary

Today we covered a few basics as well as:
(1)  Made a To Do List that you can refer to throughout the program.
(2) Practiced our first Speed Cleaning Exercise
(3) Threw out one thing — something that was broken, worn out, or in such bad shape no one would want it.

Tomorrow:  We will set up an altar (or sacred area) for our Release Program Work and have our overall Program Goal ready to write down.  As tomorrow is a New Moon, it is Wish Day!  You get to make nine of them!  The moon will be in Sagittarius, double empowering the energy of that sign.  Consider wishes for Good Luck, Freedom, Knowledge, Motivation, Answers, Agility, Achievement, Truth, Mental Peace, Intuition, or Finding Solutions.

Until tomorrow…Only the Good Remains
Silver

2013 Great Release Program! Get Ready to Create an Awesome New You!

Silver RavenWolf’s 2013 Great Release Program — A Free 30-day enchanting experience!

Get ready for this year’s Magickal Release Program — 30 days of helpful tips, guidelines, and creative ways to get rid of the junk, clutter, negativity and unhappiness in your life!  Each day we will work on a new challenge, dancing our way to a delightful new you!  Don’t miss this once-a-year holiday treat that begins on 1 December and ends on the 31st.   Best of all?  Its FREE!  You can do it!

What You Will Need to Work Through the Program:

Courage
Willpower
An Open Mind
Cleaning Supplies
A Goal — something you wish to work on this year — it can be anything you desire
White Tea Candles (if you like working with candles).  We’ll use them on various occasions.
A place to donate things you no longer need
A ritual cup (something you can put water in)

The Basic Ritual

The Great Release Program is based on a short, daily Braucherei ritual designed to bring blessings and enchantment into your life each and every day.  By practicing this Five Minute Braucherei ritual each morning upon rising (whether you are first, second or third shift — when you wake up is fine) you will have a better grip on the day.  The practice takes about seven (7) days to set in (you might see small changes in your life right away); and about 30 days to bring about greater change.  If you are ready to take charge of your life, let go of the crap, and accept the abundance of the world around you, then this is the ritual for you!

Tools: You don’t need any except your mind.  However, if you would like to light a white candle, or incense — that’s fine, too. Whatever spiritual practice that facilitates calm and relaxation within yourself can be used here.  This year I have added a cup of water that you will change and empower each day.  Spring water is great, tap water is fine.

Preparation:  Find a place where you will not be disturbed.  As the ritual only takes about five minutes, you won’t need to lock yourself in the attic.  I know, though, what it is like to be a busy person with family members assuming its okay to interrupt you just-any-old-time.  So!  If the only place you can find peace is the bathroom while taking your morning shower — that’s fine.  Just lock the door.  The beauty about Braucherei is that you whisper instead of speaking in a normal voice.  With the water running?  No one will hear you.

Let’s go through the ritual so you understand exactly what you are doing.  The first chant is a general blessing charm that is quite old, and recited while facing east.  You can use hand motions (or not) while intoning the charm.  Speak slowly, with feeling and with a sense of grace.  You are doing a spiritual thing — it is okay to open up and accept those energies.   

Step One:  Fill your clean ritual goblet with water.  Set aside.  Face East.  Take three, deep, cleansing breaths.  Draw energy up from the ground to the top of your head, and expel that energy with your breath into your hands.  Take a second breath, drawing energy from the sky, and expel that energy with your breath into your hands.  Take a third breath, drawing energy into your heart chakra, and then expel that energy into your hands.

Step Two:  If you are one of my Braucherei students, please do the Field of Potential Exercise (you can read about my Braucherei course at http://www.crowcrossroads.etsy.com).

Step Three:  Intone the following chant nine times —

Eastwards I stand
For favors I pray
From Goddess Divine
And Lord of the Day
Earth lends Her power
And breath sends the spell
Days end will reveal
That all will be well.

Let’s quickly cover what this chant means and exactly what you are calling.  Eastwards I stand (the place of beginnings and the power of the sun) for favors I pray (you are asking for all the good stuff of this world and all others).  From Goddess Divine (feminine deity, crone/mother energy, moon energy) and the Lord of the Day (male divine, sage/father energy, the sun AND the planet that rules the day).  Together the two deities make One — the Balance.  Earth lends Her power (the spirits of nature, the elements, that which is physical) and breath sends the spell (holy breath, Spirit, and your effort).  Days end will reveal that all will be well.  (You are agreeing that my the end of the day, no matter what, you will accept the favors given and be thankful for them.)  This chant is to be said nine (9) times, slowly, with feeling, and experiencing what you are saying deep within yourself.

Step Four:  While you are still facing East — intone the following chant 9 times.

The second chant the Seven Planetary Powers, is extremely simple.  First, you intone the name of the day you are experiencing, for example Tuesday, and then follow through with the rest of the chant.  Here is the chant:

Tuesday, Lord of the Day
Bring me Good Fortune in Every Way!

Here are those daily planets (the Lords of the Day) in case you are new or have forgotten:

Monday — Moon
Tuesday — Mars
Wednesday — Mercury
Thursday — Jupiter
Friday — Venus
Saturday — Saturn
Sunday — Sun

Although very easy, this is a powerful chant.  You are asking the planetary energies of the day to tune into your life and you are agreeing that you will accept the flow of what you have asked for — in this example — Good Fortune.  You can change this chant in to match what you need.  Let’s say you are working on a chronic illness, then you might say:

Tuesday, Lord of the Day
Bring me Good Health in Every Way!

Or, let’s say you are just so stressed out lately:

Wednesday, Lord of the Day
Bring me sweet peace in Every Way!

Like the first chant — take your time.  Say it slowly and with confidence.  Know in your heart that what you have asked for, you will receive.  Remember, that this second chant changes with the day.  If today is Monday, then you intone — Monday, Lord of the Day!  As you speak, reach out and connect with the ‘Lord’ of the day.   Repeat this chant nine (9) times.  If you enjoy candle burning rituals, you can burn a small candle (chime or tea candle) that is the color of the Lord of the Day.  Colors vary in ritual traditions.  Here is a list, if you need an idea of color associations:

Monday — Light Blue, Silver
Tuesday — Red, Yellow, or Gold
Wednesday — Dark Blue, Silver
Thursday — Purple, Blue or Red
Friday — Green or Pink
Saturday — Brown, Gray or Black
Sunday — Gold, Yellow or Orange

White is a basic go-to color, and can be used for any practice in this program, including lighting the way for the Lord of the Day.

Step Five:  End your ritual with a sentence that focuses on your special goal that is repeated three times.   The most important words in this statement?  “I know”.   You can say a general statement, or one that is very specific.  For example:

“I know that I will meet all my goals in this thirty-day period.” or…

“I know I will find a solution to…” (and fill in the blank).

Then, blow softly across the top of the water in the ritual cup.  You are infusing the water with your wish.  Each and every day you will change this water before you do your ritual.

Complete your ritual with this statement (or one like it that you prefer)

Only the Good Remains
Peace with the Gods
Peace with Nature
Peace Within.
So Be It!

That’s all there is to it.  After you finish simply draw an equal-armed cross over the water to seal the working.  At the end of the day, give thanks to Spirit and the Lord of the Day for the favors you have received.  Sometimes, we are so busy during the day, we don’t realize that we’ve been given a gift if we don’t stop and think about what happened to us, or what we really spent our time on.  By concluding the working by giving thanks, you allow yourself time to review your experiences.  Be careful not to dwell on negative situations, even though they occurred to teach us something.  Although that kind of review is good and necessary, it isn’t a part of this particular working, which is designed to teach you and continue to aid you in drawing positive energies toward you.  Release the negative — welcome the future!  Leave bitter behind, so that you can be better!

The 2013 Program

The theme of the Release Program each year is to get rid of the negativity in our lives — to release what no longer supports our goals.  This release includes physical, mental, and spiritual things, feelings, or choices that are no longer working for you.  The program works incredibly well if your partner, husband, wife, and/or family members work right along with you.  My family does the program, too!  Every year I change the challenges slightly so that you can enjoy new material.  Part of the fun of the program is that you don’t know what I’ll have you working on next!  Each day is a surprise.  If you can’t get everything done in a particular challenge?  No worries.  Do one thing — just one thing per day.  If you can do it all?  AWESOME!  If not, don’t give yourself a bad time — do what you can.  As long as you do something?  You’re golden!

You Want to Start Early?  Can’t wait for December first?  Great!  For the next few days, consider carefully what you primary goal is going to be for this year!  I’m looking forward to seeing old friends (those who have done the program before) and new friends!  Please feel free to post your comments throughout the program.  We are a magickal village and every post is important and unique.

Are you ready?  I know I am!  I’m super excited about this year’s program!  Please join me this year!  My greatest desire is that your dreams come true!  Please feel free to blog or tweet about the program — the more the merrier!

In service
Silver