From the Academy of Magick

Salutations one and all

Welcome to our little corner class.

Let's start off with the Sky events this month.

August 3-5 A very nice lineup of Mercury, Mars and Jupiter joined by the thin crescent moon these mornings. Look to the east about an hour before sunrise.

August 11, 12 Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 11 and the morning of August 12. The first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

August 14-16 Comet ISON emerges into the dawn sky in the constellation Cancer shining around 11th magnitude, bright enough to spot in amateur telescopes.

August 21 Full Moon. The Moon will be directly opposite the Earth from the Sun and will be fully illuminated as seen from Earth. This phase occurs at 01:45 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Sturgeon Moon because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more easily caught at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.

August 27 Neptune at Opposition. The blue giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Neptune. Due to its extreme distance from Earth, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.

This month's lesson (Learning your totem sign)

Each of us has two sides to our selves, both striving to control our personality. We must seek and find balance.

By coming to understand your totem animals you will learn to understand your true nature and bring not only balance to your self but to all you touch. Life is a long sequence of endless adaptations, each taking a step closer to our spirit.

January 20 to February 18: Otter, Frog

Otters are playful, prophetic animals. The are dreamers of great dreams. Otter people are creative, and logical. They have high ideals and tend to seek more from others than is reasonable. They seek the truth above all else. And are very slow to see the true value of others ideas, but once they trust someone it can be to a fault.

Frogs are the singers of songs, are strong willed and do not easily accept change. They do not adapt well to sudden changes in their world. They seem to always have one eye on the past and one on the future. Many times they fail to see what is right in front of them. Once bonded to an idea or behavior it takes great effort to change their minds.

February 19 to March 20: Wolf, Whale

The wolf is the teacher, graceful, has initiative, and loves freedom. Wolf people are generally very trusting and generous with deep feelings towards their loved ones. Their ultimate goal is to find and keep love in their life. Will do anything to protect their pack.

Whales brings a sense of long term recall, the very root of history, and they act with purpose in all things. Acting with intention is efficiently wasting little effort without purpose. Whale people are able to tap in to the universal mind tend to be very spiritual people.

March 21 to April 19: Hawk, Elk

The hawk is a messenger of insight, adaptability and openness. Hawk people aim to initiate and lead, and may be impulsive from time to time. They want to establish individuality while still being accepted by the group.

The elk is a strong, handsome and proud animal that can be aggressive if challenged. They have great stamina; they have a kind of warrior energy. But they should be careful to not take on undue stress or they just might break. Slow and steady and even in pace wins the race.

April 20 to May 20: Beaver, Lynx

The beaver is an industrious builder with unlimited patience. Beaver people are very industrious and find security through possession. They are eager to discover and possess something which has lasting value.

Lynx knows all the secrets but will never tell. Loyalty and honor and attention to every detail describes them so well. Clairvoyance is a gift and a curse when seeking the truth. Careful they are to speak, but now and again, it would be good of them to tell what they know, but never to do so just for show.

May 21 to June 20: Deer, Owl

Deer is gentleness. Light of foot and aware always of their surroundings, they can act with great speed of action with emotional triggers. Deer teach us the power of kindness and gentleness of spirit to touch the hearts and minds. If you are a deer person, this is your tool for solving the dilemmas you face. Your action comes for your core of serenity.

Owl people are associated with magick both light and dark; owl was often called the eagle of the night. They tend to be without fear of the things that send others running. They are keen observers and soon see thru deception, ever vigilant to spot the disguises others hide behind. Not everyone likes that they may see others better than they see themselves. So being so honest may cost them. Owl people are intelligent, well spoken and discreet. Their eye for detail often makes them perfectionists. They often cultivate tolerance and optimism.

June 21 to July 21: Salmon, Squirrel

Salmon strive to return home after a long journey. Salmon people are home-loving, giving and sensitive. They are also very imaginative and sometimes moody. Their goal in life is to live in harmony with the environment.

Squirrels like to plan ahead to be prepared, yet they can be very erratic in their behavior. This can be nerve-wracking for those around them, trying to get the focus enough to finish something can drive others nuts. Yet if you are a squirrel person and can get thru the outer layer, you will find great reserves ok knowledge,judgement and opinions of great depth.

July 22 to August 22: Cougar, Weasel

The cougar is swift, graceful, spontaneous, and determined. Cougar people make great leaders and are courageous, ambitious and determined to succeed. They want to find purpose in life and to dominate what they do best.

Weasels bring a sense of adaptability and a self preservation at all costs. They have incredible amounts of energy and ingenuity. Weasel ears hear what is realy said, and see the situation from many sides to judge the ramification of events.

August 23 to September 21: Badger, Armadillo

Badger is aggressiveness, badger is vicious and attacks with power. They are quick to pounce. They will fight to the death for what they want. They tend to have a reputation that precedes them, both good and bad. They can often be the kind of boss everyone fears.

Armadillos - they are all about boundaries, wearing their armor, to protect them from the world. Harmful words and intentions of others tend to roll off them. They like all the t's crossed and I's dotted. They seek order in a world of chaos.

September 22 to October 22: Raven, Magpie

The raven is intelligent, clever and mystical - a bringer of magick. Raven people are peace loving, idealistic and charming. They long for harmony in the community and must stay away from uncertainty and inconsistency. They long for the order of of understanding, yet are in a constant state of question and revelation.

The magpie is easy to distract but only for a short time, as they soon sort out the true path. They love to possess material objects, and do not share well with others, with one exception. They will do anything for the ones they love. But never get between them and the objects of their affection.

October 23 to November 22: Snake, Bat

The snake is mysterious, intuitive and is the epitome of transformation. Snake people aim for satisfaction and thrive on praise. They require great self-discipline and will power to control their harsh natures.

Bat brings rebirth, a trait of adaptability to survive change. If you are a Bat, you are not prone to hold on to old habits. You are always growing and seeking your true form . The future is your goal, but be sure you stop to enjoy today as you are not adept at the recalling of the past.

November 23 to December 21: Horse, Antelope

The horse is a wise and strong animal which possesses great stamina. Horse people are determined, sincere and understanding. They are also inquisitive, generous and trustworthy.

Antelope are gentle and have great capacity to adapt to situations. They teach us to never waste, or take more than we need, to honor the gifts given, and to avoid indiscriminate destruction of life. Antelope signifies the knowledgeable action.

December 22 to January 19 Bear, Sea lions

Bears are quiet, swift and very protective of their family. Bear people are cautious, independent and hardworking. They adapt well to new situations and value tradition over technology. And they have a hard time with change of any kind as they like consistency.

Sea lions are very social and love showing off to big groups. They are also very protective of what they feel is theirs. But if you are in the inner circle of that protective nature they will do anything for you. But never cross to the other side as they tend not to forgive.

We hope this has stimulated your mind and perhaps given you some new insight.

In the next issue we will continue on this topic.

Until then keep up your studies

Sincerely
Professor Thaddeus Daysong and Bentley Blackstorm