Now that you have a thorough understanding of how the Druidcraft calendar can assist you in tracking the cycles, you might want to start timing your rituals and celebrations according to the calendar.
Firstly, you might want to consider the phase of the moon. The New moon is the time of the dark moon, the period of death and rebirth. A time of incubation between cycles. An ideal time to rid yourself of things that no longer serve you, a time of transformation. The waxing moon is considered a good time start new endeavours, or to “plant the seed” of an idea or activity. The Full moon is a time of fruition, of achievement, of illumination. The full moon is the ideal time for celebration of achievements. The waning moon is a time to reap what was sown, the harvest. But also of preparation for the coming winter, for death, for the next cycle. This cycle of dark half followed by light half can be applied across the calendar, in ever wider cycles, and used in the same way for ritual timing
You can also consider which zodiac sign the moon is currently in. There are many astrological resources regarding the meaning of the moon in each sign. As an example, if you are wanting to know the truth of a matter, you might want to time your ritual to a full moon (illuminating) in Libra (balanced judgement).
The final aspect of the moon you might want to consider is it’s rising at setting points, and how close to a lunar standstill you are. During the course of a year, the suns declination shifts from +23.50 of the ecliptic at the summer solstice, to -23.50 of the ecliptic at the winter solstice. It is this 23.5 degree north and south of the equator that denotes the latitude of the tropics here on earth. Most of the time the moon and other planets of the solar system appear within this +/- 23.50 range of the ecliptic. Sometimes however, they can pass this angle, and when they do, they are considered “out of bounds”. At a minor lunar standstill for example, the moon never goes more than +/- 18.50 of the ecliptic, staying “within bounds”. Yet as the moon approaches a major standstill it will start going out of bounds every month, until it reaches it’s maximum declination of +/- 28.50 of the ecliptic. While the calendar cannot tell you how far out of bounds the moon goes, it can indicate how close you are to a major standstill, and when the moon is at it’s maximum declination for the month (ie. When the moon ring peg is at the top or bottom of the calendar). Armed with this information, you might choose to incorporate it into your rituals. When the moon is out of bounds, it can be considered a time of “wild emotion”. Alternatively, you might like to make associations with the moon rising and setting in the north, south, or at its mid-point when it rises due east and sets due west. Perhaps making associations with creativity when the moon rises in the south (fire) or practicality when is rises in the north (earth).
The Moon can be very important in the timing of your rituals, but it is important not to neglect the Sun. Aside from the obvious seasonal rituals, it may be worth considering where in the zodiac the Sun is during your ritual, or what season it is, and whether it is the dark or light half of the year. The same goes for whether you should perform your ritual during day light or at night, and finally whether you are in the dark half or light half of the Metonic cycle.
Solar eclipses have often been associated with dark mysticism, ominous prophecies, cities burning, kings dying and so on. It is a genuinely magical time when the normal operation of the world ceases and something truly magnificent happens as we experience darkness when there should be light. The temporary darkening and preceding illumination offer an opportunity for deep introspection and spiritual healing. It is also an opportunity to reflect more deeply on our place in the cosmos, and the grand dance in the sky. Solar eclipses are times of upheaval. Of dynamic change.
Lunar Eclipses can be seen as a time of heightened intuition and creativity. It is a perfect time for divination, letting go of negative emotions and feelings, or starting new creative projects.
Lunar Standstills represent the most stable, and most dynamic times of the moon. The Minor lunar standstill is the time when the moon swings the least and never goes out of bounds. It is a time for emotional stability, predictability and practicality. During a Major lunar standstill, the moon is at its wildest. Swinging widely from north to south and back again. It is a time of emotional turmoil, unpredictability and volatility.
In-depth astrological guidance is outside the scope of this website. As is detailed astronomical descriptions and details. What is presented here is intended as initial guidance. As an inspiration to learn more. An appetite wetter. Yet it is enough to begin using the Druidcraft calendar as tool to help guide and time your rituals. To help you attune to the seasons and rhythms of the sun and moon. And to help you comprehend their movements in our sky.
The Druidcraft calendar, like all calendars is not perfect, and is prone to error. But unlike any other calendar before it, it has been specifically created with the practice of Druidry and Wicca in mind. This is achieved by looking back to the most prominent ancient sources that already stretch their tentacles of influence into modern practices, and bringing them together as a coherent system, simple enough for anyone to use.
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