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July 2024 Grey Matters

Grey Matters

July 2024



Table of Contents

1.) Donation Drive

2.) vGSW Renaissance

3.) Two Wizards Talk Episode

4.) Candle-Side Chat

5.) New vGSW Realm

6.) Academic Journal Article Published

7.) The Qabalistic Cross Explored

8.) vGSW Travel Blog 9.) Torii Gates 10.) July Astrological Forecast

11.) GSW Crossword

 

Headmaster's Almanac Donation Drive

By Headmaster Kingsley


Hiho Wizards one and all,


I hope that the day finds everyone in high spirits and good health!


I am delighted to announce that the latest edition of my Headmaster's Almanac is now live! This edition covers a variety of exciting topics, including our donation drive and some other fascinating updates.



To make a donation directly, or learn more about how your generosity supports GSW through expansions and improvement to the Physical Campus, enhancements to the curriculum, scholarship opportunities, and more, visit https://www.greyschool.net/donations?utm_campaign=c00303f8-5c1b-4406-ac6c-d256f690aa02&utm_source=so&utm_medium=lp


 

The vGSW Renaissance

By Grey Matters Staff


Our virtual campus in SecondLife has recently received a sweeping series of upgrades and enhancements, adding better textures, new locations and areas, and new secrets to seek out and uncover!


For an overview of the changes, please read the patch notes at https://www.greyschool.net/forum/_vgsw/the-vgsw-renaissance-vgsw-patch-notes-6-22-24




 

Two Wizards Talk: Season 3 Episode 6

By Grey Matters Staff


Join your Dean of Curriculum and Headmaster for the next installment of GSW's official podcast. Tune in now at https://www.greyschool.net/videos?wix-vod-video-id=41f40c3a9b0b4b7496d9454d7eb83acf&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-k3gbbox8








 

Candle-Side Chat with Headmaster Kingsley

By Grey Matters Staff


Be sure to tune into the next Candle-Side Chat with Headmaster Kingsley so you'll be in the know for the latest happenings at GSW.


 

New vGSW Realm Available: Claydon House

By Headmaster Kingsley


Well met Wizards one and all,


I hope that the day finds everyone in good health and high spirits!


Today, I'm delighted to announce the first of our VGSW Realms: Claydon House! The Realms Project is all about discovering the most accurate and engaging "sims" crafted by talented creators, offering our apprentices unique opportunities to learn and explore. So, grab your virtual quills and scrolls as we dive into this fascinating historical gem!


Nestled in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside, Claydon House is a grand example of English country house architecture. Built in the 18th century, this grand estate has been the beloved home of the Verney family for over 400 years. Renowned for its intricate interiors and exquisite craftsmanship, Claydon House is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered.


In the wondrous world of Second Life, Claydon House has been recreated with meticulous detail, allowing you to experience its splendor from the comfort of your own home. You won't want to miss exploring The Great Hall, the opulent State Rooms, the serene Chapel, and the beautifully landscaped Gardens! This estate is a repository of English history and heritage, having witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes, the impact of wars, and the evolution of architectural styles. Its virtual representation in Second Life provides a wonderful opportunity for our Wizards to appreciate and learn about this historical gem.


Keen to visit? For those ready to start their adventure, you can board the airship on the Virtual GSW campus in Second Life, which will transport you directly to this remarkable estate. Step into the past, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Claydon House!

Enjoy your journey!


 

New Academic Journal Article Published

By Dean Meighen


The Grey School of Wizardry is pleased to announce the publication of a groundbreaking article by Professor Iago Ferraz in the field of bioacoustics. The article, which represents the original research of Professor Ferraz, covers the acoustic communication of anuran amphibians.


This significant work is the culmination of six months of dedicated personal field research, during which Professor Ferraz meticulously observed and documented the vocalizations of various frog species. His findings offer new insights into the behavioral ecology and communication strategies of these species.


We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ferraz for his outstanding contribution to the scientific and Wizardly communities.


The article is now available in the GSW Academic Journal at https://www.magickalley.com/post/the-swamp-orchestra-acoustic-repertoire-of-frogs


We encourage all interested parties to read this exceptional work and to join us in celebrating this notable achievement.


Sincerely,


Dean Meighen

Dean of Curriculum

Grey School of Wizardry

 

The Qabbalistic Cross Explored

By Dean Meighen


Greetings and well met, readers! Today, I would like to spend some time elaborating on a ritual that is short, straightforward, and yet surprisingly potent and meaningful. The ritual in question is known as “The Qabalistic Cross” and it comes to us from the Golden Dawn system of magick. In the Golden Dawn, the Qabalistic Cross is most often used as a preparatory “mini-ritual” performed before a larger one, or a sort of closing action to demarcate the end of a larger ritual. As a result, its performance often becomes somewhat perfunctory and overlooked; I myself have been guilty of this at points. However, it is a ritual in and of itself that deserves a closer study and some deeper appreciation. Before progressing into an examination of the ritual, we first present it as described in Isreael Regardie’s “The Golden Dawn.”



The Ritual


Take a steel dagger in the right hand. Face East.

Touch thy forehead

and say ATEH (thou art)

Touch thy breast

and say MALKUTH (the Kingdom)

Touch thy right shoulder

and say VE-GEBURAH (and the Power)

Touch thy left shoulder

and say VE-GEDULAH (and the Glory)

Clasp thy hands before thee and say LE-OLAM (for ever)

Dagger between fingers, point up and say AMEN.


It should be added that it has become commonplace to incorporate additional visualizations and other techniques into the ritual. For brevity, these will not be considered in this article.



History


The ritual of the Qabalistic Cross is found as a portion of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pengram of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, founded in London in 1888. The ritual, like much of the Order’s structure and rituals, is attributed to the mysterious “Cipher Manuscripts” found and decoded by its founders. While the origin and authenticity of these Cipher Manuscripts is in much debate, the outline of the Lesser Banishing Ritual was included within it and subsequently developed and expanded upon.


One of the first things that is noticed about the ritual is its similarity to the Christian Catholic and Orthodox tradition of making the sign of the cross over the body. This Christian aspect is enhanced by the near-repetition of the Doxology, the part of the Lord’s Prayer that states “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.” Likewise, the cruciform shape utilized in the ritual has significant Christian overtones, though the cross is by no means an exclusively Christian symbol. The practice of making the sign of the cross is attested to circa 200 AD by Tertullian. The Doxology is derived from the Gospel of Matthew, which scholarly consensus establishes as having been written near the end of the 1st century AD.


The primary nouns referenced, Geburah, Malkuth, and Gedulah, are the names or references to sephiroth in the Qabbalistic tradition. Jewish scholars believed that the names of these sephiroth were revealed in the texts of the First Book of Chronicles, in a passage which subsequently inspired or informed the Doxology.


The founders of the Golden Dawn were certainly familiar with this, and were further influenced by the writings of Eliphas Levi, specifically his “Transcendental Magic,” where he described the interwoven symbolism underling the sign of the cross, the Doxology, and the sephiroth named within it.


Lastly, the Golden Dawn made associations between the Cross and Egyptian god Osiris, whose death and resurrection feature highly within their degrees.


Thus, in less than 100 words, the Qabalistic Cross represents a fusion of thousands of years of Christian, Jewish, Qabbalistic, and Pagan symbolism and practice.



Symbolism


The use of symbolism within this short ritual is quite extensive, and a full elaboration of it would be far outside the scope of this one article. Thus, we will merely touch on the most essential points here and leave further research to the curious reader.


  • The Sephiroth: The sephiroth named are Gedulah (an alternate name for Chesed) and Geburah. They are named and associated with the opposite shoulders of the body, form the horizontal bar of the cross drawn over the body. These represent the planets of Jupiter and Mars, peace and destruction, and water and fire among other things. The sephiroth Malkuth represents the physical universe and all it contains, which is contrasted with the not-explicitly-named Divinity referred to by “THOU ART.” The vertical arm of the cross is established by them. The sephiroth establish two polarities, of Chesed (Water) - Geburah (Fire) and Malkuth (Matter) - Kether/The Divine (Spirit). The sephiroth are understood to balance each other out and form a harmonious, holistic union.

  • The Cross: The cross represents many things. In this case, the horizontal and vertical bars represent the two spectrums of Spirit-Matter and Fire-Water, symbolizing the full breadth of creation, from the most exalted spirit to the densest matter, and all contained within it. The cross, by its link to Osiris and Christ, betokens resurrection, regeneration, divinity, and healing.

  • The Number Four: Four, as a number, represents stability and balance. Four sides make a square, which is the most solid shape, while Four Elements define everything.



Ritual Analysis


In order to assess the actual purpose and meaning of the ritual and its constituent symbolism, we will need to consider it in order as it is practiced.


First, the magician faces East. East is the direction of the dawning light, the return of the sun from the land of shadow, the source of life and light. By facing that direction, the magician seeks to align himself with that symbolism of regeneration and return, echoing the symbolism of the cross.


Then, he or she touches their forehead and intones “ATEH,” meaning “Thou Art” in Hebrew. Traditionally, this is understood to refer to God, or the Divine by whatever name or conception the magician accepts.


The hand is then moved to the breast and MALKUTH is intoned, meaning “The Kingdom,” establishing the polarity between pure spirit and pure matter on an axis running along the magician’s spine.


Next, the horizontal bar of the cross is established between the left and right shoulders while intoning “GEBURAH,” “The Power”, and GEDULAH, “The Glory.” A cross has now been formed along the magician’s body, representing the balance and harmony between the extremes of the polarity of forces of the universe. This tetrapolar balance, tapping into the symbolism of both the cross and the number 4, represents simultaneously a state of balance and a state of identification of the self with the Divine.


Lastly, the magician performs the closing gestures and intones “Amen” as a verbal closing to the ritual. In total, it has probably taken less than 60 seconds.


Searching for the Light by Emmie Gaines

Having completed the ritual, the magician has now established a firm relationship between themselves and their concept of the Divine, which grants a form of spiritual authority. They have also tapped into the Psychological Model of Magick to place themselves in a position of mental and emotional balance represented by the alignment of the sephiroth with their body following the pattern of the cross. From this state, the magician is prepared and fortified to proceed to other, more challenging operations or to simply abide in the moment.


Of course, like many things in magick, the Mysteries go deeper. On a surface level, the ritual appeals to an external Divinity when it says “THOU ART.” However, who is to say that the “THOU” in question is not the magician themselves? A common hermetic doctrine is that mankind is imbued with Divine authority and power, having been fashioned in the image of the Creator-God. Even for those not inclined to those beliefs, or to any religious or spiritual beliefs, we can recognize the inherent power and dignity of humanity’s capacity for free will, agency, creativity, and labor that has transformed the world around us and our own selves time and time again. There is great power available to us all, and the Qabalistic Cross could easily be interpreted as an exaltation of the Self and a symbolic demarcation of its potential rather than an appeal to a distant deity. It could even, perhaps, be both.



Conclusion


In less than a hundred words, this ritual encapsulates a whole cosmos’ worth of meaning and thousands of years of human history. While it takes barely any amount of time to perform, it nonetheless possess a deep and potent reserve of power for those who are inclined to recognize and understand it for what it is. It is my sincere hope that, if you have never practiced the Qabalistic Cross, you will have a fuller understanding of it should you choose to do so or, if you already practice it, you may find a revitalized respect for it.



References


Marucchi, Orazio. "Archæology of the Cross and Crucifix." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 20 Jan. 2015


Regardie, Israel. “The Golden Dawn.” Minnesota: Llewellyn, 2002. 27 June. 2024.


Wheeler, Graham John. “A Microcosm of the Esoteric Revival: The Histories of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.” Correspondences Journal. Vol. 8. No. 2. Retrieved from


 

vGSW Travel Blog

By Apprentice Kelly Day


I would not call myself a worldly or well-traveled person, however the concept was proposed to me that I could spend my vacation on the Grey School virtual campus and I

after a short discussion I decided it might be fun to try making a 'travel blog' of sorts. It might be a few years before I'm able to make a trip to Whitehall, but through the power of the internet I could spend my summertime exploring all the new and exciting things the virtual campus has to offer.


For a little bit of background, I've been using the Grey School Virtual Campus for pretty much as long as there has been one. The campus has undergone many reworks, and I've even taken part in decorating parts of it personally as I have had several terms in apprentice leadership in the time before the school adopted the use of the Discord app. Our moots were hosted in vGSW as well, so there are periods where I would spend hours in this world every single week, so it's very interesting to return here as a 'tourist.'

 

I spawned in at the Stones Lodge, which is my home away from home. While I don't need lodging for this virtual vacation, strictly speaking, the lodge is cozy, warm and alive as it

ever was. This is a nice home base I can return to should I ever have the need. One of the first things I noticed was of course, the beauty of our stone tower, and the whimsy of

and function of our hot air balloon. But of course the eye is drawn to this virtual cork-board full to bursting with activities to come and things to get involved with. These

include notes about Magick Alley the new Berserker League the Upcoming (at the time of this writing) Captain's Carnival and even more!  

 


Photo 1 Caption: Checking out some vGSW activities at my nearest noticeboard!  (I hope you forgive the unreadability of some of the text in my first photo, I sacrificed some legibility in order to get more of the lodge in the shot, but rest assured it is functional and easy to use in vGSW itself so long as your avatar is standing about as close to it as you would if

you were using a physical cork-board.)

 

I entered the village via a foot path rather than flying (I'm still a stone at heart, after all.) I discovered the village and it is lovely, there were a few apprentices in orange robes,

but they weren't very talkative. Fortunately, I ran into a familiar face, Apprentice Berkey was on a vacation of his own! He had a fun chat and he showed me a few things the

virtual campus has to offer, he also showed me how to get a new apprentice uniform which I accepted wholeheartedly!

 


Photo 2 Caption: Apprentice Burkey has a chat with Apprentice Kelly about the village and the new uniform!

 


Photo 3 Caption: Apprentice Kelly Day makes this uniform look good, but Cuneen the Rabbit wonders where's his!?

 

Although rabbit-sized uniforms are probably not in the cards, it never does hurt to look, I just happened to be close the the famous Magick Alley.


While it of course exists as a website, it also exists as a store in the vGSW village too! I enter the building and touch a blank screen, it sprung to life, before long I find the

school robes, they're on pre-order and I'm more than overdue to get my own, I am very tempted to order mine now!

 


 Photo 4 Caption: All this could be mine, only a just a few clicks away!

 

I once had the honor of acting as the Editor-in-Cheif of an older iteration of our school newspaper Grey Matters, (hello Grey Matters readers!)


Imagine my surprise when I discovered that their operations lied directly next door. Grey Matters has expanded, rather being an apprentice ran and operated school newspaper it once was it has maintained its great work of the past, but also gets new and interesting reports from staff, apprentice leadership and now serves as an academic journal. Getting something published under the "academic journal" tag of the site is certainly on my 'bucket list'!

 


Photo 5 Caption: Hot off the Presses! Oh no, did I take too long to turn in this travel log?

 

As I walked up from the village I discovered the portal to realms. I've heard of realms, of course but I haven't seen it until now. Of course since I intended to vacation on the virtual campus, I was apprehensive, after all if I was going to another ' realm' would I be leaving the sim, going to some far-off destination? The man working the airship assured me it was a safe hub of the school so I went to the only destination offered to me, one called the "tourney grounds" The grounds were led up to what I can only describe as a spectacular colosseum. Even without sport to watch I was humbled by the gravitas of the architecture, I looked below at a Berserker Board, beckoning for use. I declined, but only this time. Little did I know I would have my chance shortly after as I walked up to the school building I met back up with Apprentice Burkey and played a few thrilling rounds of Berserker on one of the smaller boards made available for the apprentices to use.

 


Photo 6 Caption: Could I have a stadium filled and calling my name some day?

 

I made my leave from Apprentice Burkey's side to explore more of the school building and I found the new classroom, not only is is a peaceful and well decorated but it stood ready for study sessions. As I looked to the front of the room and read the chalkboard

 

"Welcome to Wizardry 100

Becoming an Apprentice

 

Professor: Headmaster Kingsley

Date 9/21/24"

 

This is exciting, as I earned many of my credits in vGSW classes. It always does my heart good to see interest in them returning. I think I'll be keeping a close eye on classes looking out for classes I can take amongst my peers at Grey School.


I think I will be examining my transcripts as well as my course load in order to accommodate upcoming classes.


After such an exciting day I decided to make my way back the stone's lodge for some rest. I thought it would be a fine time to ground myself before logging off for the evening, I returned to our wolf rock-garden and reflected on the many things I saw.


There are so many cool things to do and see, and yet, I also see there's intrigue and teasers for things to come. I ultimately discovered a few things I wasn't able to share here for one reason or another and so as the energy of the school and the lodge blanketed me in belonging and support, I pledged to myself that I would return to this place soon, and often.



Photo 7 Caption: Meditating with the Wolf


 

Torii Gates – Japanese Spiritual Portals

By Prefect Dega


Introduction

Anyone who has seen the anime movie, Spirited Away (Miyazaki, 2001), will readily understand the Japanese version of paranormal as it applies to the Shinto religion. One of the most recognizable portals of sacred areas in Japan, rest the Torii gates (Sal, 2024). One source gives details on the significance of Torii Gates, “These gates were considered the entrance to the realm of the gods, symbolizing a transition from the profane to the sacred” (Sal, 2024).



In this article, this Apprentice details his choice of portal, the Torii gate in front of the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America that was located in Granite Falls, Washington (Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, 2024). This portal to the shrine was the entryway to the sacred shrine to which this Apprentice felt was a magickal portal.


Torii Gates – The Backstory

The Torii Gates have a unique history in the legends of the Japanese Kami (gods and goddesses). As the story goes, the sun goddess Amaterasu was angry at her brothers for some reason and locked herself into her cave, shutting off all light and warmth to the earth (S.R/I.D.O., 2019). The Kami tried all kinds of ways to lure Amaterasu back out of her cave, and finally it was decided to use birds, especially the rooster, to beckon Amaterasu out of her cave and into the world. Once source details further:

“To do this, they installed roosters on a perch just in front of the entrance to the cave… For some, this legend would explain the origin of the name of the portal but also the fact that a portal is placed at the entrance of Shinto holy places because following this event, people would have started to build perches for birds. in front of the entrance to the sanctuaries” (S.R/I.D.O., 2019).


Due to the singing of the birds, she eventually came back out to supply the world with light and warmth again (S.R/I.D.O., 2019).


Thus, the Torii gates, in the most crude description, are perches for birds to call out for Amaterasu; tori is the Japanese word for ‘bird,’ and helps denote to modern Japanese when written in Kanji, the legendary history of the word Torii (S.R/I.D.O., 2019). Through this history and meaning, there is much to be said of paranormal activity surrounding the Torii gates wherever they are found.


Torii Gates – The Meaning

For the Japanese, Torii gates are very special places, sometimes denoting sacred grounds. One source clarifies:

“In the Shinto religion, the torii is a door that allows humans to access the spiritual world, protected by a divine force, then to come out to return to our secular world. Thus, the belief is that when you enter through a torii, you have to exit through the same portal in order to be able to return to the real world. Some Japanese do not hesitate to bypass a torii gate if they are not sure if they are coming back the same way or if they feel too unclean to enter a sacred space” (S.R/I.D.O., 2019).


Understanding the meaning of Torii Gates helps one to understand a bit more about the Japanese people. Another source details:

“The historical significance of Torii Gates is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and tradition. These iconic structures have stood for centuries as symbols of sacredness and spirituality, serving as portals between the earthly and divine realms. Understanding their historical context allows us to appreciate the profound impact they have had on Japanese society and the enduring legacy they represent” (Sal, 2024).

For this Apprentice, who really isn’t a Shintoist, I was very fond of Torii Gates from the very first sight of them over twenty years ago, and they seem to resonate with my spirit. When my children were very young, we went a few times to the Shinto shrine that was located in Granite Falls, Washington. As I understand, it was at the time, the only Shinto shrine in America (Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, 2024). Below is a picture of the Torii Gate in front of the shrine at Granite Falls. The priest told me that every piece of wood to build the shrine was imported from Japan!


The children loved it as the shrine was next to a small river and the energy was just booming with positivity. At this time, I had not been introduced to psionics or Reiki, but I felt a keen connection with this Shinto energy nonetheless, as well as my children. I would guess it is our genetics linking us to Japan itself!


Styles of Torii Gates (Sal, 2024)



Types of Torii Gates (Sal, 2024)



The Last Visit to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine

After my return from Iraq, there was so much negativity around the home, that I desperately sought out a place of peace at the Shinto shrine and hoped to get some Omamori (Weber), or Shinto charms, to draw positive energy. I bought specially blessed Omamori that I would carry, giving me a more positive outlook on life. However, for the few hours I spent at the shrine, my mind was calm as the Shinto spirits tried to help as best they could. As I was in-between jobs, I was thinking that the shrine would be a pleasant place energy-wise to work at; I applied for a custodial job and was granted an interview. I was to later learn that the Shinto spirits do not command much authority here in America, and other obligations with the children arose to keep me from meeting the interview (Dega, 2023).


Portal?

This Apprentice feels that the Torii Gates that he has personally crossed through at the Tsubaki Grand Shrine are real portals. Before I was attuned to Reiki, I could tell this area was a special place just by my personal feelings. After I was attuned to Reiki, I could feel the throbbing of the energy at the shrine and could almost say this place was a refuge of sorts for forest spirits, very similar to a reclamation area designated for endangered species. I could not tell if there were spirits such as those in anime, but it wouldn’t at all surprise me!


Conclusion

As I am now part of the Grey School of Wizardry, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to venture once again to a Shinto shrine to focus on spirits and identification; I don’t know if they will talk or interact with me, but it would be good now that I have some background with spirits.


What is very strange is that even by looking at pictures of Torii Gates, I can tell something is going on with them. I will need some more formal training in portals to better understand and identify them in various places.


Works Cited

Dega. (2023, November 14). Apprentice Dega Spiritual Model of Magick - Personal. (Apprentice Dega, Performer) Seattle.

Miyazaki, H. (Director). (2001). Spirited Away [Motion Picture].

S.R/I.D.O. (2019, February 10). Torii, the sacred portal of Japan. Retrieved from Japan Experience: https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/torii

Sal. (2024, February 29). From Sacred Entrances to Artistic Marvels: The Enchanting World of Torii Gates in Japan. Retrieved from The Art of Zen: https://theartofzen.org/the-enchanting-world-of-torii-gates-in-japan/

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. (2024). Misogi Shuho. Retrieved from Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America: https://tsubakishrine.org/misogishuho/index.html

Weber, C. (n.d.). Omamori: Japan's Lucky Charm. Retrieved December 28, 2023, from Japan House: https://japanhouse.illinois.edu/education/insights/omamori




 

July Astrological Forecast

By Grey Matters Staff


Greetings, readers! As we step into the second half of 2024, July promises to be a cosmic rollercoaster with two new retrogrades, a second full moon in Capricorn, and dynamic shifts for all personal planets. Brace yourselves for an invigorating blend of energy as we dive deeper into summer. Here's your guide to the major astrological events in July.


Cancer season reigns supreme through most of July, turning up the emotional dial and opening our hearts. Forget about fireworks on Independence Day; instead, tune into your inner world as a nurturing new moon in Cancer peaks on July 5. Adding to the fiery mix, both Mercury and Venus transition into bold Leo in early July, infusing our interactions and relationships with newfound confidence and charisma.


The last leg of Cancer season brings an astral flurry. On July 16, Mars aligns with unpredictable Uranus, sparking surprise twists, before moving into curious Gemini on July 20. Following closely is a magnificent full moon in Capricorn on July 21, reinforcing that perseverance and hard work truly pay off.


As we usher in Leo season on July 22, think of it as the grand entrance of hot girl summer. It's time to bask in your brilliance and let your light shine unabashedly. With Mercury moving into Virgo on July 25, everyone gets a taste of Virgo’s meticulous and improvement-focused energy, perfect for polishing those summer plans.


Kicking off the month, Neptune begins its retrograde on July 2, urging us to look beyond illusions and connect more deeply with our intuition. This subtle yet profound shift invites a period of spiritual reflection and clarity.


Just hours later, Mercury sprints into Leo, setting the stage for vibrant and assertive communication. As Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on July 16, be mindful of themes that may resurface during the upcoming retrograde.


The new moon in Cancer on July 5 is a celestial call for self-care and emotional bonding. This lunation is perfect for nurturing your soul and forming deeper connections.


Mid-month, Venus struts into Leo on July 11, encouraging us to express our affections with grandeur. Meanwhile, Mars teams up with Uranus on July 15, bringing unexpected changes before it moves into Gemini on July 20, sharpening our focus and communication skills.


July's full moon in Capricorn on July 21, traditionally the Buck Moon, offers a powerful moment to drive your ambitions and solidify your goals.


As Leo season starts on July 22, wave goodbye to any lingering summer blues. This vibrant period is all about stepping into your power and celebrating your achievements. Let your inner superstar shine!


Finally, as Mercury enters Virgo on July 25, it's time to get practical and detail-oriented. This period is ideal for fine-tuning plans and organizing your life before Mercury stations retrograde in early August.


The month concludes with Chiron retrograde starting on July 26. Known as the wounded healer, Chiron's retrograde is a chance to address and heal past wounds, empowering you to move forward with greater strength and independence.


Embrace the cosmic currents of July 2024 and let the stars guide you through a transformative and exhilarating summer.



 

GSW Crossword

By Grey Matters Staff


This month's crossword focuses on the Wizardly skills of Lifeways.





Or download a PDF:



 




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