The Night of the Black Moon

Today sees the arrival of the 'Black Moon', the second new moon this month, a rare event which only happens approximately every two and a half years.

Mrs Darley used to say that the Black Moon was the temptress, one who bewitched and beguiled and in recognition of this we made pentagrams (5 pointed stars) from twigs and twine in order that we might admire the cresecent moon's beauty but not become overwhelmed by her.

Tonight also sees the peak of the Capricornids meteor shower with some slow moving yet brilliant fire balls.

Enjoy all the gifts of the skies tonight.

For more information on moon phases and Her effect on the psyche read, 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Heavenly Delights

The first meteor display of the summer season is almost upon us and, if the skies remain clear it should be quite spectacular.

The 28 and 29 sees the peak of the Delta Aquarids shower where up to 20 yellow meteors per hour should be visible in the eastern sky after midnight. The 29 and 30 brings the Capricornids shower which again are yellow in colour but travel much slower than the Delta meteors. They are less in number per hour but can produce some magnificent fireballs.

Meteors are beautiful to watch and despite our scientific knowledge of knowing what they are, still have the ability to fill us with wonder at this beautiful universe of which we are a part. Enjoy!

Healing Through Smell

When asked which sense could be dispensed with if needs be, most people would initially opt for their sense of smell, but our sense of smell is invaluable to our safety, our appetite and our emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Without smell we would not be able to detect food that is off, smoke from a house fire, or gas from a leaking pipe. Without smell our appetite would be less regulated and we would only be able to distinguish between salt, bitter, sweet, sour and savoury, we would not have the added benefit of flavour.

Perhaps most importantly however is the fact that inhaling specific aromas, especially those which come from good quality essential oils can have a profound effect on the way we feel. Let's take lavender oil for example.

When we inhale lavender oil (two drops on a tissue or six on an incense burner with water is all you need) the Raphe Nucleus gland in the brain becomes stimulated which then releases the neuro chemical Serotonin into the blood stream which brings about feelings of relaxation, alleviates anger and aids restful sleep.

For more information on the healing powers of smell read 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom'

Healing through Hearing

The sense of hearing is the 4th sense to develop in the womb at around 16 weeks and is responsible for the sounds we hear at that time becoming deeply embedded in our subconscious. These include the sound of water, a heart beat and the human voice and, thereafter throughout our lives we respond either positively or negatively to these sounds according to our experience in the womb.

Sound therapists have discovered that although when these primordial sounds are either slowed down or speeded up, the conscious mind fails to recognise them, they are still recognised by the subconscious mind. When recordings of people speaking are doubled in speed and raised by 3 octaves they sound like birds and when raisedby 8 octaves they sound like crickets. Conversely when the voice is slowed down to twice normal speed and reduced by 3 octaves it sounds like dolphins, whilst at a reduction of 8 octaves it sounds like the ocean. Perhaps this answers the question of why we are soothed or ruffled by the sounds of nature according to our pre birth experiences.

'Every night I come to hear painted words fall from your lips upon the canvas of my imagination......' (The Troubadour)

All extracts from the brand new 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom'

Heavenly July

What an exciting month again in the heavens.

We begin today with the new Cancer moon and a partial solar eclipse which although only visible from Antarctica, nevertheless makes its effects felt across the world, as once again changes are called for in many spheres of life especially money and home life.

What makes this month extra special however is the rare event of a second new moon in the month on the 30th, something often known as a 'black moon'. The black moon, according to Mrs Darley in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries' was the moon of bewitchment and temptation although as this moon falls in conjunction with Venus it has the potential to bring something very exciting into our lives.

Also in the latter part ofthe month two meteor showers will be visible. The 28-29th brings us the Delta Aquarids, whilst 29-30th brings the Capricornids.

What a wonderful time to be alive!