We are at the end of April and Beltane festivities are just around the corner. The sun has just entered into the earth sign of Taurus, which usually comes with a sense of stability and comfort, but right now rebellion is in the air and things are not calming down easily, so what’s going on?
Battles of Life
Well, a lot of things are going on right now, especially in the sign of Aries the warrior. Chiron, Venus, Vesta, and Mercury are all together in in the sign of Aries. They are inspiring us with bravery, boldness, courage, and faith in the future. Aries can run straight into battle with no fear, and that can be good, but sometimes we need to think before we act as well. Luckily we have the asteroid Pallas (wisdom, strategy) in the opposite sign of Libra (balance, justice) helping us to balance things.
If you have the chance to take a few moments to breathe, think, and make a plan before you rush into one of your battles in life right now, that is good, and it might increase your chances of success. Still, you can only hold back a warrior for so long, and sometimes connecting to the primal force of fire and “doing what needs to be done” is an old recipe for both survival and success. This balance between acting and thinking is something that we all are being challenged by now.
The underworld and connecting to lost times
The connection to the Underworld has been strong for quite a while, and it will continue to be so. Saturn (time, karma) is in conjunction with the south node (the past, karma) very close to Pluto (the underworld, soul, transformation) in Capricorn (old time, teacher). This is challenging for everyone as we meet up with many things that we just have to deal with. No one is getting out of this world alive, and no one gets away from this constellation literally “chewing” on all of us right now.
On the bright side, this is wonderful for all kinds of work with the ancestors: connecting to the underworld, sacred sites, and the wisdom of old ages. As a witch this could be a time of reconnecting to ancestors, power, wisdom, and talents lost in time. We may think this link or portal will be forever, but this, like many other things, will pass eventually. So take the opportunity to make friends with the Spirits that are visiting right now and grow a strong bond with those with whom you feel a loving connection. In this way you can stay connected even after the portal closes down more.
The south node and Saturn are traveling together until the middle of November 19th, when one part of this gate is closing in. Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn are dancing together until the middle of March 2020, and that is also when Saturn moves into the sign of Aquarius and we let go of some parts of our connection to the underworld and move on to new adventures.
The Ancestors backing you up
The brave warrior energy of Vesta and Mercury in Aries is right now connected to Saturn, the south node, and Pluto in Capricorn in a T-square with the north node in Cancer. This means the warriors of old times are very close to us. The Ancestors and Mighty Dead of your Tradition, or other traditions, may very well get closer to you, helping you in a personal way. (Anyone looking to work with them more closely should take a look at Christopher Penczak’s book The Mighty Dead.) Pay attention to the signs you receive, books and ceremonies coming your way. Dreams guiding you towards the next step. Act on the signs you get from Spirit during this time as it may be a map towards an exiting adventure with the Master Teachers right next to you leading the way. But remember you are the one who must take the steps.
Letting go of old wounds
If you have memories of being a wounded warrior in this or other lifetimes, this may surface now. The good thing is that it has a chance to heal and be transformed. Ask for help if you or someone close to you need assistance. If you live near an old battlefield, there may be a lot of spirit activity at this time. Sometimes it can help to give an offering of peace and healing to the site. You can ask a medium, minister, or healer to help you if you need assistance, as you may want to make sure that nothing is attaching itself to you. Be mindful of your personal practices to maintain your boundaries and well-being.
Sensitive children
For sensitive people, especially children, this is a time when they see and feel extra much from the world of Spirit. Take this as an opportunity to remake the wards around the house and recharge amulets and protective jewelry. This influence with the warrior energy and the underworld wanes as Mercury (the messenger of the gods) moves into the sign of Taurus, letting go of the connection to Pluto (the underworld) around the 7th of May.
Shall we dance?
On television they are “dancing with the stars.” Well, in paganism and Witchcraft we are dancing with the Gods and Goddesses, aren’t we?
Beltane is a fertility and spring celebration at the lighter part of the year and connected to spirits of fertility, birth, and growth. On the opposite side of the Wheel of the Year we have Samhain, the last of the harvest festivals, connected to endings and rest. Even if the Spirits are connected by their opposite connection on the wheel, they are not likely to hang out with each other. Except for now, when the connection to the underworld is so strong even if it is Springtime moving towards Summer. It makes this an exiting time, specially if you are a Spirit! So look out for unusual combinations of Spirits talking and hopefully having a good time. (Perhaps you will also be guided to make unusual combinations of herbs and potions?)
This unique blend of energies can give the ceremonies a different but most potent “flair”. So don’t be afraid to adapt the rituals, making them a perfect match for everyone attending, human or not!
Blessings!
Karin Ugander is a spiritual channeler living in the south of Sweden. In Scandinavia she is known for the AstroNumerology and Psychic readings she’s been doing for over 20 years. Together with her husband Niklas, she runs KaniSkolan, a school of astrology, numerology, tarot, StarCode Healing, and natural medicine. They are also the founders of Alven Inner Ring tradition, a Scandinavian mystery school with roots in shamanism and magick. Karin loves to create magickal oils, flower essences and sigils she combines in her “Karin Victoria” sigil candles and flower sprays. In her spare time she likes to travel, walk in the forest with her dog, and spend time by the ocean. Karin is a high priestess and graduate of the Temple of Witchcraft’s seminary program.
You can find Karin Ugander at Instagram @flowerpowerwitch and @karinuganderofficial