It could be fun to just light a red candle and dance with the Aries Moon, with the intent to recharge energy, but rather than offer a specific ritual suggestion for Aries, this month I'm going to skip ahead in the cycle to the theme of Crescent Moon. It's potential challenges appear to me to be what needs the greater focus and work. It is during Crescent Phase of any cycle of experience when bright new beginnings can falter through inner or outer conflicts. It this "rings any bells" for you in regard to a goal set around last December that has not yet manifested as you'd intended, then try this ritual meditation to get moving forward again. Saturn represents manifestation, and in forward motion, calls on us to accept responsibilty then do the work that needs to be done. It's time to melt the snow of lethargy and nurture our goals to full flower.

Crescent Moon, 15 Gemini 14, April 20, 12:49 pm EDT
Ritual for Overcoming Challenges to Goals

Gemini is about writing and communication, so if working alone, get a pad of paper and prepare to write and communicate with yourself. You'll roleplay both the "Aspirant" and "the Adept," as you use this motif to sincerely think through why you have not yet achieved your goal, and what changes you can make to recharge your abiltiy to reach it. This ritual idea could also be used within a small group rite, where there is sufficient trust that each participant can take his or her turn as the "Aspirant" while the others speak as "Adepts."

Set 2 chairs and writing materials within your ritual area. Designate one chair for the "Aspirant," and the other for the "Adept." After creating sacred space, and invoking the presence and assistance of your deities, write or draw words or symbols to represent your goal as you expect it to be fully manifest. Now the roleplay begins. In the seat of the Adept, ask the Aspirant why the goal has not yet been reached. Move to the seat of the Aspirant and list your excuses—all of them, whether or not you feel you had any control over the situations involved. Then read your first excuse. Move back to the role of the Adept and critque the excuse. Is it valid, or not? If it is not, say so, and why. Can it be overcome? How? Move back and forth from one role to another until you have thoroughly thought through what you want to accomplish and how to get moving in the right direction to reach your goal. In conclusion, it could be helpful to make a realistic list and timetable. Thank your deities for new resolve and energy.

Full Moon, 11 Scorpio 38, May 2, 6:09 am
Ritual for Full Moon in Scorpio
Beltane—May Day

Beltane, or May Day, is by ancient tradition, prior to calendar changes, often celebrated April 30, (May Eve) or May 1, but within the 8-fold cycle of the solar year, the cross-quarter point of maximum energy release for momentum is when Sun comes to 15° Taurus. That, in Eastern Daylight time occurs May 5, 2007, at 5:20 pm. Within my Circle of the Cosmic Muse, we always try to celebrate the four cross-quarter Sabbats on the closest weekend day to Sun at 15° of the fixed sign— (Taurus (Beltane), Leo (Lammas), Scorpio (Samhain), Aquarius (Imbolc). We will be celebrating Beltane on Saturday, May 5, complete with Maypole Dance. For my articles on the lore of Beltane with a suggestion for a Personal Beltane ritual: link:http://www.starcraftsob.com/craft/beltane.shtml

Gather symbols of the four elements (such as burning incense for Air, a red candle for Fire, a chalice of water for Water, and a cake or cookie for Earth), and if possible, work outside where you can see the Full Moon overhead.

Hold the incense up toward the Moon and say, Lady, I hold the Air, power of conscious though and communication in my hands and in my mind. How might I direct and share this power? Gaze at the Moon, feel her energy flow toward you and receive the answer in your mind with thanks, as you waft the charged incense all around you.

Next, hold the burning red candle toward the Moon, sayiing: Lady, I hold the Fire, power of action, courage and inititative in my hands and in my heart. How might I rouse and share this power? Again, feel the energy flow of the Moon and receive her answer in yoru heart with thanks, then make a full clockwise turn as you visualize how you will share your energy.

Hold your chalice toward the Moon, as you say: Lady, I hold the Water, power of feeling, empathy and deep, inner knowing in my hands and in my mind. How might I compassionately share this power? Feel the energy of Moon flow down, receive her answer in your soul with thanks, and then drink the water that has now been infused with lunar power.

Finally, hold your cake toward the Moon and say: Lady, I hold the Earth, power of form, manifestation and growth in my hands and in my being. In gratitude for the earthly abundance I have received, how might I most effectively share this power? Feel the energy of the flow toward you and your cake, then slowly eat it, savoring every bit, as you assimilate with thanks the messages Lady Moon has given you.

Ritual for Waning Moon

Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius, May 10, 12:27 am EDT
Balsamic Moon in Aries, May 13, 2007, 10:32 am EDT

This ritual idea is appropriate for any time from Last Quarter phase through Balsamic, and is fitting for with the Aquarius Air symbolism or the Aries Fire. These two phases are the best within any lunar cycle to bring matters to closure, release what is past, or banish what is unwanted, in preparation for the onset of a new cycle.

With focused intent draw and/or write on paper a symbolic representation of what it is that you want to release from your life. Hold this paper talisman as you meditate on your intent, and ask your favored deity for assistance and blessings. When you feel ready, then place the talisman t into a safe container (such as a metal bowl or cauldron) and burn it to ash. Then carry it out beneath the waning Moon and stars, gather the ash in your hand, hold it high and turn slowly as you release the ash into the Air—waft it away. It is finished. Blessed Be.