Back on January 3, I posted that I have two preliminary goals for the new year. The first goal was to finish the manuscript for my next book and submit it to Llewellyn for consideration at PantheaCon. I am glad to say that indeed, I accomplished that goal. For a variety of reasons it takes a long time for a book to be published. I'll let you know how this develops. The first news I'll anxiously be awaiting is to learn if Llewellyn will accept it. The manuscript is about 40% smaller than Modern Magick and has lots of photos and illustrations, but it's still going to be a large book. I'll keep you informed as to how this all progresses. This will also allow those of you who have written a

[caption id="attachment_12363" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Dr Alexander Thorkel (played by Albert Dekker) from from the movie "Dr. Cyclops" (1940)[/caption] Although many scientists are loathe to admit it, the basics of what is known as "the scientific method"—essentially the ability to reproduce experimental results under identical conditions—were based on the practices of magicians and medieval alchemists. Sir Isaac Newton, who codified modern physics, wrote more on alchemy and religion than he did on physics. Most of the founders of modern astronomy saw the observation of the skies as a minor part of what really consumed them, astrology. Looking at the records of the

The Full Moon in Virgo occurred yesterday, Monday, February 25 at 3:26 pm Eastern (8:26 pm GMT) at 7 degrees. Full Moons represent the culmination of those things that were begun with the New Moon (in this case the February 10 New Moon in Aquarius), which found us evaluating our friendships, intellect, and global contributions. The Virgo Full Moon opposes the Sun in Pisces; we are reminded to check ourselves in the progress we made towards our goals set during the Aquarius New Moon. Are we being too worrisome or analytical (Virgo) in our approach? Or, conversely, are we not being steadfast enough, simply accommodating the wishes of others (Pisces)? Keep in mind that Saturn is retrograde

Run for cover! (Really, just kidding.) Mercury will turn retrograde tomorrow, February 23 in Pisces; it will station direct on March 17. Since Mercury is so slow-moving, the effects of this retrograde period could potentially be felt for a few weeks afterward (until the end of March). I’ve stated many times before that Mercury retrograde is truly not to be feared. While periods of Mercury retrograde are not ideal times to begin new ventures (and you should be extra careful with details of communication, travel, and finances), they are still powerful times of “re:” renewal, reflection, re-doing, recovery, etc. This is a time to use the powerful planetary energy to the fullest.