W

2018 / 21st EDITION

elcome to both the 1st and the 21st
Copyright © 2018 Practical Witch
Edition of the Practical Witch's
Almanac. Originally a twenty year
All Rights Reserved. No part of this almanac, printed or digital,
project of PaganPath.com, the Almanac
may be altered, reproduced or distributed in any manner without the developed from website pages to printed
express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief
excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed
versions, with add-ons for calendar apps.
to PW Almanac, 35 Wind n Wood Trail, Story, AR 71970-7907.
Now the Almanac is 21 and all grown up. It
has its own name that better reflects its
Almanacs may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales
promotion, corporate gifts, fundraising, or educational purposes. Special personality, its own website, and new
editions can also be created to specifications. For details, read the independent authors.
section of the Almanac entitled, “Downloading the Digital Version” and
contact the team at Almanac@PracticalWitch.com

Table of Contents
Why Use an Almanac?.....................................................4
How is this Almanac Different?...................................4
It's About Time.................................................................5
About Almanac Notations.............................................5
Key to Symbols..................................................................5
Naming the Moons...........................................................6
Lunar Trivia.................................................................................6
Your Moon Names...........................................................7
January 2018.......................................................................8
How Close is the Sun?...............................................................8
February............................................................................10
Solar Sabbat Cookies...............................................................10
March..................................................................................12
Lunar Winds...............................................................................12
April...................................................................................14
May.....................................................................................16
June.....................................................................................18
July......................................................................................20
What is a Solstice or Equinox?.............................................20
August................................................................................22
September.........................................................................24
3
October.............................................................................26
November.........................................................................28
Theban Script............................................................................28
December..........................................................................30
2018 Moon Phases...........................................................30
How to Use the Sunrise & Sunset Table..................32
Sunrise & Sunset Time Table......................................33
January 2019......................................................................34
2018-2019 Moon Signs....................................................34
Incense Recipes...............................................................36
Purification Incense.................................................................36
Yule Incense................................................................................36
Midsummer Incense.................................................................36
Dragon's Blood Incense...........................................................36
Zener Cards......................................................................37
The Teeny-Tiny Tarot Cheat Sheets........................39
Playing Cards for Divination......................................46
Diamonds....................................................................................46
Hearts...........................................................................................46
Spades...........................................................................................46
Clubs.............................................................................................47
Credits & References....................................................48
Downloading the Digital Version..............................48
 Why Use an Almanac?
E very day is a gift filled with magic and wonder. The Earth
provides us with a beautiful dance of seasons and cycles,
waltzing in the planetary ballroom of our galaxy. Your
Almanac is a very personal companion inviting you to join in on
that dance every day.
A calendar is simply twelve tables, with days charted out in little
boxes. A sprinkling of holidays and maybe some lunar phases may be
included. Almanacs are more comprehensive, including planetary
charts or tide tables. This particular almanac is unique, including
intuitive notations along with observation times of natural events such
as meteor showers and eclipses and much more.
Hundreds of hours of meticulous astronomical calculations and
deeply intuitive psychic sessions bring you an almanac that will help you
understand the patterns and cycles of nature and its subtle magical
energies. It speaks to the Practical Witch in all of us, no matter what your
individual spiritual path may be. We all travel through the universe on the
same massive space ship Earth, participants in the same dance of life.
Of course there are days when we are stressed from the
mundane and feel disconnected from our magic. The unique
design of The Practical Witch's Almanac brings you back to your
magic, re-connecting you with the wonder of nature when the
world seems cold and flat. It invites you to join the harmonious
dance of and experience the awe it evokes.
4
How is this Almanac Different?
M ost 'farmer's' almanacs are filled with references to
mainstream religious holidays that dominate our society.
Most 'magical' almanacs contain complex astrological and
alchemical symbols, along with outdated correspondence
information. The later of these almanacs are often riddled with
inaccuracies, usually due to the inconsistent use of time zones.
The Practical Witch's Almanac contains consistent and extremely
accurate calculations, and they are all set to Central Standard Time.
When Daylight Savings Time is in effect from March 11 th through
November 4th, we have already added an hour to the times, thereby
saving you any effort to calculate.
When you are forced to make these calculations with other
almanacs, you must enter a linear mind state. This is not conducive to
intuitively understanding nature's flow and dance of energies. This
almanac is designed to help you harmonize with this dance, and work
with natural energies, not make you interpret an outdated alchemical
symbol on a day with a full moon in Universal Standard Time and an
equinox in Eastern Daylight Time.
This almanac puts the emphasis on you, your magic and your
connection with the world around you. You will find practical
and easy to use notations of events, auspicious magical days and
seasonal occurrences.
 It's About Time Key to Symbols
A ll data in the main calendar pages of the almanac is set for
Central Standard Time (CST), and Central Daylight Time
(CDT). Because the vast majority of locations in the United
States use Daylight Savings Time (DST), the calendar pages are
already adjusted to “jump forward” an hour after March 11 th at
2:00am through November 4th at 2:00am to CDT. You do not need
to do any linear calculations for DST, and can simply focus on the
more intuitive cycles of the year.
Calculations for the almanac are fitted to the longitude/latitude
of W093º 03', N34° 30', in the oldest National Forest in the middle of the
United States. This makes it easy to adjust for time zones other than
CST/CDT by adding or subtracting the hours indicated below:
Hawaii –4 hours | Alaska -3 hours | Pacific -2 hours
Mountain -1 hour | Eastern +1 hour | Atlantic +2 hours
In the unusual event that your area does not observe Daylight Savings Time,
subtract 1 hour for times provided between March 11th and November 4th.

About Almanac Notations

Events proceeded by the word “Federal:” are United States federal
holidays. Banks, government buildings and post offices will be closed.
Notes in italics indicate a psychic, intuitive and astrological energy, or a
historical event or birthday. A symbol such as a heart may accompany
these notations to indicate an area affected by the energy.

5
 us, and potatoes are a major survival crop, so we call the February moon
Naming the Moons the Daffodil Moon.

T
Your moon names may be entirely different or they may be
he names of the full moons are intentionally omitted from the same as those used historically. The most common name of a
the main calendar pages and the mini-almanac pages so moon is listed first, followed by less common alternatives.
that you may develop your own, more accurate style. There
are many names for the same moon depending on individual The list begins with the Wolf Moon in January, but some
traditions and regions. The variety of traditions use a seasonal approach
names is entirely appropriate, as each rather than a calendar approach
moon's energy will manifest Lunar Trivia and the Wolf Moon is the first full
moon after Yule (the winter
differently based on the genus loci.
The Moon at perigee is close to the Earth and will solstice). Therefore when there is a
Therefore, it is best to develop your
appear 12% - 14% larger than the Moon at apogee (its farthest full moon late in December, you
own names for the moons based on distance from Earth in its elliptical orbit). When a Full Moon
your area's rhythms. might see it referred to as a Wolf
coincides with perigee, it is often called a “Supermoon”. A
moon at perigee will influence oceanic tides (tides may be up
Moon even though this is often
On the next page, historical moon
to 30% higher) and may affect magical energy, wortcunning listed for January, and the rest of
names used in a variety of traditions are
provided along with a space to fill in and gardening. Due to atmospheric distortion, the moon the moon names cycle around from
what is most appropriate for your area. always appears larger when it is closer to the horizon. Viewing there.
For example, someone in northern the moon about an hour after it rises or before it sets is a You will notice duplicates of
Montana may experience August as a wonderful time to "connect". moon names for different months
Harvest Moon, and someone in southern due to seasonal differences and the
Florida is not going to feel an affinity A full "Lunar Month" of 24 to 28 days is called
forcing of moon names into
with November's Snow Moon. If you do an anomalistic month.
calendar months. Moons do not
not raise animals, moons such as
weaning, culling or milking may have little personal resonance. The
follow our linear calendar, and
moon in February is traditionally called the “Seed Moon” or “Chaste there are thirteen moons in a year. You can see why many
Moon” however, in our area it is a time to look for the daffodils to traditions use a seasonal template rather than a calendar template.
emerge in the fields and road ditches, signaling that the soil is warm A “Blue Moon” can refer to either the second full moon in a
enough to plant potatoes. Knowing this soil temperature is critical for month, or the thirteenth moon of a year.

6
 Your Moon Names
Month Traditional Moon Name Your Moon Name
*
Jan Wolf Moon, Nursing Moon, Milk Moon, Cold Moon

Feb Storm Moon, Horning Moon, Fasting Moon, Weaning Moon, Hunger Moon

March Seed Moon, Chaste Moon, Planter's Moon

April Hare Moon, Mating Moon, Frog Moon, Flower Moon

May Dyad Moon, Journey Moon, Strawberry Moon, Mead Moon, Rose Moon

June Mead Moon, Honey Moon, Hay Moon, Wort Moon, Mother's Moon

July Wort Moon, Grain Moon, Father's Moon, Barley Moon

Aug Barley Moon, Nesting Moon, Harvest Moon, Wine Moon, Sturgeon Moon

Sept Harvest Moon, Wine Moon,

Oct Blood Moon, Harvest Moon, Hunting Moon, Culling Moon

Nov Snow Moon, Beaver Moon, Death Moon

Dec Oak Moon, Dark Moon, Birth Moon, Elder Moon, Blue Moon

7
 Continuing your banishing work through the moon's apogee on
January 2018 the 14 (farthest from the Earth) will cement your efforts.
th

Beans or black eyed peas are often prepared on January 1 st to

T his year begins with exciting celestial activity, and we

should be in for an interesting and eventful year. Every
month holds several deeply powerful energy days to
provide you with ample opportunities for completing tasks or
insure bounty and plenty throughout the year.
The later part of the second week in January is a good time to be
very aware of your surroundings, staying alert to opportunities in work,
love and communication. Carry an aventurine or tiger's eye to help in
working spells, wortcunning, healing and magical work. this regard.
At first glance it may seem Marie Curie and Martin Luther King
counter-intuitive that we are the closest were both born under the Pisces moon.
to the sun in our earthly orbit in January How Close is the Sun? Those with Pisces moon dream of improving
(and farthest away in July). But, The Earth's orbit is noted in the Almanac as the world and will often make sacrifices to
considering the tilt of the earth on her “Perihelion” meaning we are closest to the sun in our do so.
axis, it is easier to understand the cool elliptical orbit for 2018, whereas “Aphelion” in July When asked how he as a pacifist could
season in the Northern Hemisphere; it is 2018 means we are farthest away from the sun in our admire Air Force General Daniel "Chappie”
all about the angle. earthly orbit. James (the nation’s highest-ranking black
officer at the time) Dr. King replied, "I judge
January 1st and 2nd are incredibly high
people by their own principles - not by my own.”
energy days, and with the full moon on the 1 st and Perihelion on the 2nd,
the rest of the week is perfect for utilizing the power of the sun along Birthdays of many of our most respected “elders” are noted in the
with the waning moon to reduce baneful habits, confront personal calendar pages.
shadows and clear last year's energy to make way for the new. This is At the end of the month, consider looking into purchasing one of
also harmonious with the energy of the rest of our society, as many Zsuzanna Budapest's enlightening books to enrich your studies and
people try to take off extra pounds gained during the winter holidays, or celebrate her birthday. Titles include:
use the new year to quit smoking.
The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries • The Feminist Book of
Working in harmony with our surroundings Light and Shadows • Grandmother of Time • Grandmother Moon •
will amplify all of our endeavors. Goddess in the Office • Goddess in the Bedroom • Summoning the Fates

8

February
F ebruary marks a time to celebrate the slow return of the sun and
longer days. The 2nd is a “Greater” Sabbat known as Imbolc.
Some celebrate Brigit's Day on this date, and some may call the
Sabbat Oimelc or another name based on their tradition.
No matter the name, a Festival of Lights is celebrated by many
witches. As a way to celebrate the returning light of the sun and Brigit's
fire, you may wish to turn off all lights in your home and light a single
candle while reflecting on the seeds you will sow in the coming year.
A candle lit in every window on the eve of the Sabbat (February
1 ) is another popular tradition.
st
Here at the Practical Witch offices, we set aside this day to make
candles for the coming year. Although specific spell candles are made at
appropriate planetary and lunar times, this Sabbat is the perfect time to
make everyday votive or devotional candles and larger meditation or
altar candles.
When candles aren't your style, try a string of solar LED lights!
You can charge these outdoors or in a very bright window and then turn
them on to release the sun's stored energy. Small versions of these string
lights make a better “Crown of Lights” worn by priestesses of some
traditions than the classic candles that are notoriously dangerous.
Rather than making candles on this Sabbat, you might prefer to
weave Brigit's Crosses out of straw. These can be hung around the home
for protection after a thorough house cleaning.
10
On that note, February is the best time to go through your
personal belongings and get rid of the clutter. A Witch's Spring
Cleaning involves physically and psychically cleansing your home.
Clearing out the dark shadows of winter and the dust bunnies and junk
is a great activity for the month while outdoor activities are less
enticing.
Many animals such as goats and sheep will begin lactating around
this time, and Sabbat feasts often centered around milk because of this.
After a long winter, milk was a welcome source of nutrients and
protein., and for many homesteaders, it still is. A simple custard,
homemade ice cream or pudding is a welcome addition to many
celebrations, or you might try this cookie recipe designed to celebrate
the sun's energy.
Solar Sabbat Cookies
1 Egg • ½ Cup Sugar • 2 Tablespoons Honey • ½ Cup Butter
1 Tablespoon Vanilla • ½ teaspoon ground Ginger • 1 ½ Cups Flour
½ teaspoon Baking Powder • 1 teaspoon ground Chamomile Flowers
You can use the contents of chamomile tea bags for the flowers. Add
more flour if dough is sticky, more honey if it is stiff. Shape, roll or press
into desired shapes like suns, or simply roll teaspoonfuls of dough into
balls, roll in sugar and flaten slightly. Press a shape into the top of
cookies if desired with a pentacle pendant, cookie mold, fork, glass or
other press. Runes can also be carved into cookies with a knife or pressed
into the dough with toothpicks.. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for about 10
minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and tumble in sugar
again if more sweetness is desired, or decorate with frosting.
 artificial lighting to continue egg production through winter, but the
March natural cycles of light still dominate egg production on small farms.

I
This is a great time to incorporate eggs into your celebrations,
n March we feel a quickening of energy, whether we live in and decorating Ostara eggs is a harmonious tradition to parallel our
the northern hemisphere of the planet or the southern. The society's dominant conventional holiday later in April. Due to the
equinox on the 20th is when the hours of day and night are naturally increased egg production of the season, eggs are usually on sale
in balance. To commemorate the balance of light and dark, at this time!
decorate white Sabbat cakes with dark chocolate on half, or use Eggs are magical and sacred symbols in every culture.
yin-yang symbols. Representing new life, potential, growth, the
We feel the changes in energy acutely at soul and life, they are an important part of any
this quarter Sabbat. In the northern Lunar Winds Witch's repertoire. An ancient love charm
directs a person to give a red dyed egg to the
hemisphere we are celebrating the Vernal or
Spring Equinox (Ostara) and feel the warming Lunar winds on the earth's surface come object of affection on Ostara to secure his or
of the soil and the beginning of longer days. In like the tides, twice a day. Moving at 1/20th of a her love. From Vodou to Santeria,
the southern hemisphere we are celebrating mile per hour, they flow to the east in the Christianity to Hindu, the egg is always
the Autumnal Equinox (Mabon) and the morning and to the west in the evening. mentioned and held in high regard.
quickening energy of preparing for darker Enjoy the green spaces around you, visit
days. parks, woodlands or take a walk in the countryside. After spring rains,
The Sabbat is also known as Lady Day, and a lunar celebration of you will enjoy the scent of petrichor. The name comes from Greek
Eostara is celebrated by a few traditions at the full moon closest to the petros (a stone) and ichor (the blood-like fluid in the veins of the Gods).
Vernal Equinox, landing on March 31st. The fragrance comes to us as a result of plant oils adsorbed in
With the first full moon of the month landing on the 1 , the full
st rocks and clay soils, and released with geosmin. Petrichor contains over
moon on the 31st is sometimes referred to as the “Blue Moon”. This name fifty different chemical compounds and has not been accurately
is also given to the thirteenth moon of a calendar year, and it is up to synthesized. You will encounter this fragrance especially when rains
your personal preference which, if any, you adopt. follow extended dry spells, a common occurrence in many areas in the
spring. Pi Day on the 14th is a fun holiday to celebrate circles,
Natural homesteaders know that around the Vernal Equinox, the
science, and is a great excuse to eat pie!
retina of a chicken begins to receive more than twelve hours of light a
day, and eggs will soon be laid. Commercial poultry farms provide Please visit http://PracticalWitch.com for bonus features!

12

April
T his month offers a continued celebration of spring.
Gardeners are busy prepping and planting, and nature
explodes in new growth all around us in the northern
hemisphere.
April 8th is Roma Nation Day (Romano Dives). Established by
the World Romany Congress in 1971, it is a day celebrated by Gypsy
communities as a national day. In recent years it has experienced an
upswing in participants, and the Indian custom of throwing flowers into
a river has been adopted into the celebrations.
The 10th brings us National Library Workers day, and it is a great
time to bring your local library a plate of cookies or brownies, or a
potted plant. Libraries are under-appreciated and under-funded in
most areas, but they remain the last vigil against ignorance in many
small communities. Rural areas without reliable internet access still
exist, and these libraries are critical resources for such communities.
In Welsh Celtic mythology, Gwydion the Wizard was a heroic
bard. Tales of his adventures are found in The Mabinogion. He is
thought to be the “Father of April Fool's Day” because on the 1 st he
conjured great armies to fool his sister Arianrod into giving arms to
Llew (her son).
On Beltane Eve, the Celtic goddess Cailleach turns to stone, later
to be reborn on Samhain. Standing stones were erected in her honor.
The Eve is also known as Walpurgisnacht or Walpurgis Night.
14
April 23rd the Order of the Garter was established on St. George's
Day. Founded by King Edward III in 1350, this was the highest order of
knights in Great Britain. Margaret Murray linked the order to the
witch cults and although there is little evidence of this, there are curious
facts linking the order to witchcraft throughout its history. While the
king was dancing with the Countess of Salisbury, her garter fell from
her leg. The king quickly placed it on his own leg and said, “Honi soit
qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”). This became the
order's motto.
Many Witchcraft and Wiccan traditions still use garters to
indicate rank, skills or to commemorate special events. Most are worn
below the left knee, and some are adorned with buckles for different
degrees.
Beltane is a major festival of fertility and is a Greater Sabbat.
Celebrations begin on the Beltane Eve (April 30 th) and continue through
the cross quarter. Fertility and growth, sensuality and sexuality, are all
celebrated and there is much dancing and feasting. More about this
Sabbat can be found in the May section of the almanac.
It was in April of 1974 that the Council of American Witches
released The Principles of Wiccan Belief. The council was a temporary
alliance of 73 Wiccans from a variety of traditions.
It was spearheaded by Carl Weschcke (president of Llewellyn
Publications) and they attempted to come up with a common set of
principles to dispel misconceptions about Witchcraft. Many still hold
to these principles, and they have been included in several editions of
the handbook for chaplains in the U.S. Army.
 An abundance of
May growth and energy can be felt
throughout May. This is a

T he first week of May opens with the crackling of magical

energy in the air as we celebrate Beltane. In Germany and
Scandinavia, Walpurgisnacht celebrations continued
through May 1st with feasting and revelry.
th
The Beltane
great time to achieve goals
and to see the manifestation
of your earlier workings.
The traditional date of
celebrations begun on April 30 continue through this day, and
the Sabbat on the 1st is a great
often extend through the cross quarter, ending on the 6 th. Beltane time to finalize goals, and
marks the day of the sacred marriage of the Goddess to the working with the energy of the
Horned God for many Witches. waning moon, these goals can be
Beltane means “great fire” and as a Greater Sabbat it is a major reinforced on the exact cross
fire festival. The warmth of the sun is evident in the lush growth all quarter date on the 5th. Fences
around us, and fertility is a major theme. Some Witches leave out and property boundaries were
offerings of honey, home-baked bread and fresh milk for the fay. often renewed in May.
The traditional May Pole symbolizes the phallus of the God, and
the ribbons wrapped around it in crossing patterns through the ritual You may enjoy using planting this month as a way to work a spell,
dance mark the union with the Goddess. This beautiful representation and this is an interesting form of wortcunning. Select a plant partner
of the Great Rite has continued in many Pagan traditions as well as that is beholden to your needs. For example if you wish to focus on your
secular celebrations. Secular celebrations often include a Christianized studies, try rosemary. Hold seeds or seedlings in your projective hand
naming of a “Winter King” and “May Queen”, hearkening back to Pagan (your dominant hand or the one you write with) while blessing them
rites. and dedicating them to your goal. Then plant according to the needs of
Bonfires are often lit when possible and safe, and the Sabbat is the herb, flower or tree you have selected.
one of great revelry, sometimes drunkenness, and dance. Broomstick Caring for your plant helps to reinforce your goals and allows you
jumping is done to leave the old year behind and insure fertility for the time to re-focus your energy. You might use the plant or herb later in a
new. It is also said to insure protection and good luck. bath blend, tea, tincture or incense for final manifestation, or simply
Hederlezi (Hidrellez) on the 6th is a Turkish feast celebrated by Gypsies. thank the plant when your goals are achieved.

16

June
S ome of the most beautiful weather and abundantly lush
nature in the United States can be seen in the month of
June. Getting outside will help you stay in balance during
the busy month, and quick meals filled with seasonal fruits and
vegetables are not just healthy, they keep you in tune with the
energy of the Earth and reinforce your magical energy reserves.
When you find yourself on-the-go, try to eat locally grown,
seasonal produce. Strawberries are at their peak and adorn many
altars.
June 21st is the Summer Solstice, known as Midsummer. It is
celebrated widely, across a vast array of traditions. It is a time of deeply
powerful energy, and is traditionally a time of love magic. Those who
work with the mysteries of wortcunning will be busy collecting and
harvesting at Midsummer, as this is the most potent time for certain
herbs.
It is believed that the fay can be seen more easily at Midsummer,
and that it is possible to cross into the fairy realm around the time of
the Sabbat. Some refer to this Sabbat as Litha, although this name is
not exactly accurate and the use of it has declined in recent years.
Celebrations are similar to Beltane, with dancing and revelry,
bonfires and jumping the fire or broom. Hypericum perforatum (St.
John's Wort) was an ancient totem of sun worship, and the Romans
burned it on their bonfires. Modern witches will use a variety of herbs
and incense in their censers and on their fires.
18
Celebrants may dress as “Jack in the Green” or adorn themselves
with flowers and foliage much as at Beltane.
Although most calendars mark this day as the first day of
summer, for Witches, summer began on Beltane and ends on Lammas,
rather than starting at Midsummer and ending at the Autumnal
Equinox. Midsummer is just that, the half way point between the
Witches' Beltane and Lammas.
As Midsummer is the shortest night of the year, many celebrants
stay up for the party past sunrise. Because this year the Sabbat occurs
on a Thursday, many covens and solitary practitioners will postpone the
celebrations until Friday, to leave Saturday for recovery when more
people have the day off if they are lucky.
Verbena (or Vervain) is a treasured herb for this season, and the
flowering tops are often worn or used to decorate altars and doors.
When the weather is nice, many Witches pull the
cauldrons outside to the bonfires to work potions
with the Midsummer herb harvest, or to use for
the symbolic Great Rite with the sword or
spear. Because of the warm, beckoning
nights, many rituals may be optionally
skyclad.
For this month, natural rose absolute is the
perfect fragrance for personal use, anointing candles
and altar tools, or as an offering on the altar. A true
rose oil is neither feminine nor masculine and can be worn by any
gender or by non-binary persons. Rose embodies the number five, is
both protective and drawing; combining attraction with strength.
 July
A h the long days of summer, how they stretch out before us
for the entire month of July. The end of the month is
Lammas Eve, the beginning of the August 1 st Sabbat, also
known as Lugnasadh (Irish Gaelic). More about this Sabbat is
found in the August pages.
July 12th through the 28th are auspicious times for
magical working, spells, healing, and more. Take
advantage of any trips you take into the woods to
harvest new wand materials (respect local laws and the
local habitat), stones for spell pouches, or flowers for the
altar.
Warm nights continue to draw us to the
outdoors, and the total lunar eclipse on the 27th offers a
great opportunity to camp out and view the show.
While you are looking up, you may catch a shooting star
from the Delta-Aquarids meteor shower.
The Delta Aquarids can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its
peak. It is produced by debris left behind by comets Marsden and
Kracht. The shower runs from July 12 to August 23, and peak days are
noted on the calendar pages of July 28th and 29th.
The bright full moon may keep you from seeing a lot of meteors,
but the brightest ones will shine through. Meteors will radiate from the
constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky. With clear
skies, Saturday the 28th after midnight is a great time to “make a wish”.
20
What is a Solstice or Equinox?
Throughout this almanac you have seen many references to these
terms. They are times of the year that Witches set aside as Sabbats, but
they are also references to specific astronomical events.
Beginning with March, the Sun will shine directly on the equator
and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the
world. This is the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the
Autumnal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere,
the sun's path continues North until the Summer
Solstice. At this time, the North Pole of the earth will
be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its
northernmost position in the sky and will be directly
over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44 degrees north
latitude. At the same time as our Summer Solstice,
the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing the Winter
Solstice.
The sun's perceived travels continue to our
Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are again equal as the sun
crosses the equator and continues its travels south until our Winter
Solstice.
At our Winter Solstice, the South Pole of the earth will be tilted
toward the Sun, which will have reached its southernmost position in
the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44
degrees south latitude. While this occurs, the Southern Hemisphere is
experiencing their Summer Solstice.

August
T
his month begins with the Greater Sabbat of Lammas or
Lammastide. Days are noticeably growing shorter, and
evenings are beginning to cool down for Autumn.
Celebrations began on July 31st with Lammas Eve and continue
through the true astrological point of 15 degrees Leo on the 7 th.
The classic date of August 1 st will be on a Wednesday, so expect
most covens, circles and rituals to be scheduled on Friday or
Saturday when more people have time off and school is out.
Grains and sheaves of wheat are used on altars to represent the
solar power of the Sun manifest in the Earth, and home baked hearth
loaves of real bread are a welcome offering and Sabbat cake for rituals.
Corn dollies are sometimes fashioned at this time.
Lugnasadh (Irish Gaelic) celebrations of Tailltean marriages were
common on this Sabbat. These marriages lasted for “a year and a day”
and are the bases of modern Wiccan Year & A Day Handfasting.
Early apples are ripening, and make interesting poppets, altar
decorations and festival treats. To combine the solar grain
representations along with the first apple harvest, a Dutch apple pie
makes a welcome addition to the table. The wheel is often used to
represent this Sabbat, a tip of the hat to days when wheels were coated
in tar and set ablaze rolling down a hill. This is a likely representation
of the sun's waning, but it is obviously a serious fire hazard.
Some traditions consider this the first of three harvest Sabbats.
Lammas means “loaf mass” and is actually a Christianized name for the
22
Sabbat. Even so, we enjoy baking bread on this Sabbat, and continue to
do so for the next two harvest Sabbats.
Bread is often overly complicated in recipe books. Simply
dissolve one packet of yeast into one cup of lukewarm water. Add ½ cup
of flour (whole-wheat “white” is great) and let it sit for about 20 minutes
or until it begins to bubble. Add ¼ cup of sugar or honey, ¼ cup oil, an
egg, a slightly rounded teaspoon of sea salt and any optional luxury
items you wish to include (½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds, millet or
quinoa). Mix well and then add more flour until it begins to form a
dough. Turn onto a floured surface and begin kneading in more flour
until your dough feels like well chewed gum, folding it over and pushing
it together.
When done, it should be only slightly sticky to the touch and be
fairly smooth. Oil the ball and let it sit until it grows to twice its size.
Shape into loaves or rolls and allow to raise again until the dough
doesn't bounce back when you give it a light poke. Bake at 350°
Farenheit for about 40 minutes for loaves, 375° Farenheit for 25 minutes
for rolls. You should hear a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of a
loaf or roll. If it sounds “rubbery” add 10 more minutes for loaves and 5
minutes for rolls.
The Perseids join us this month in a favorite meteor shower
display, producing many bright meteors, up to 60 per hour at its peak. It
is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The
shower runs from July 17 to August 24 and its peaks are noted on the
calendar page for August. With the new moon on the 11 th, viewing
meteors will be unhindered by the moon's light, and later the thin
crescent of the waxing moon will set early in the evening, leaving a dark
sky for better viewing. Meteors will radiate from the constellation
Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
 September
The Equinox Sabbat of September falls near the full moon and promises
lovely evening celebrations over the weekend. This Sabbat is known as
Harvest Home, the Second Harvest or as of the 1970s it has been called Mabon
to give it a Celtic feel. Mabon was named by one of the finest scholars and
elders in neo-Paganism, Aidan Kelly in 1973 while he was creating what was
probably the first Pagan-Craft calendar. In a Patheos.com article he submitted
on September 21, 2012 he states:
“I was. . . listing the holidays, astrological aspects, and other stuff of interest
to Pagans. It offended my aesthetic sensibilities that there seemed to be no Pagan
names for the summer solstice or the fall equinox equivalent to Ostara or Beltane—so
I decided to supply them. . . I sent a copy of the resulting calendar to Oberon*. . .
who. . . began using them in Green Egg, whence they passed into the national Pagan
vocabulary.” *Kelly refers here to Oberon, meaning Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

It is a name that has stuck, and although not all embrace it, many have
found it to be a comfortable name. It has been adopted into most modern
traditions.
Day and night are again equal at this Equinox Sabbat as the sun shines
directly over the equator and enters the astrological sign of Libra. John
Barleycorn historically sacrifices himself at this time, and barley makes a
wonderful thickener to soups for feasts. September 19th Talk like a Pirate- Arr
maties! Put up the colors or kiss the gunner's daughter because the cat's out of
the bag.
After the Autumnal Equinox, it becomes easier to work with divination and
psychic skills. To develop your psychic talents, try a classic tool, Zener cards as
shown on this page. They are more like workout tools for your mind than
divination tools, but they will help you develop your psychic skills. Full
instructions for their use can be found by referring to the Table of Contents.

24

October
A pples are center stage at this time of year, and many
celebrations include spiced ciders. Indeed, another name
for very strong cider is “Witch's Brew”. The lore of apples is
vast, and they have been associated with magic for many thousands
of years. Delve into some online articles about apples, and stop by
to pick some up from your local farmer's market for the Sabbat.
Samhain is perhaps the most beloved and most celebrated of all
the modern Sabbats. Neo-Pagans and non-religious witches, light
workers and muggles all feel the energy of this exciting time. The third
and final harvest, practitioners believe that this is the time of year when
the veil between the worlds is thin, and divination, astral projection and
spirit work come easily even to those with little patience or practice.
This Greater Sabbat sits opposite on the Wheel of the Year to
Beltane. The name Samhain means “summer's end” and is pronounced
Sow-in, Sow-ain or Sow-een by most, but Sam-hain persists with many
solitary practitioners who have not studied Gaelic.
Some traditions hold this Sabbat as the New Year, and utilize the
Samhain fire to burn notes containing spells or representations of things
they wish to banish. This is similar to our society's conventional New
Year's resolutions, but with a bit more oomph.
A Silent Supper is held by some to honor ancestors who have
passed over during the year. A place is set for the absent person and the
meal is held in total silence. This is a fire festival and there are usually
large bonfires when allowed. Soul cakes are often baked and left outside
for the spirits of the dead.
26
Communing with spirits and the dead has always been associated
with this Sabbat, and divination is nearly always practiced throughout
the holiday season. Cauldrons are again brought out for the occasion,
and when filled with water make excellent scrying surfaces or vessels for
bobbing apples.
You might enjoy joining in on
modern Halloween celebrations on
this night, and reserve the days up to
exact cross quarter (November 7th)
for divination, spirit work and inner
reflection. Many covens and circles
will hold Samhain rites over the
weekend between the traditional
date of October 31st and November 7th,
landing them on November 3rd and 4th. The entire month of October
will host “Witches' Balls” and other large festival celebrations, and many
will continue through November.
Intense commercialization of holidays has encouraged us to end
all celebrations right after the calendar date. This means that as of
November 1st, our media and store displays attempt to lead us to forget
that uncomfortable holiday known as Halloween with all of its Pagan
overtones, and focus on buying food for Thanksgiving and gifts for
Christmas. Witches try to live in harmony, so when the rest of your
community has “moved on” it can be difficult to stir up the same sense
of the season. Therefore, some groups will celebrate early, over the
weekend of October 27th and 28th and reserve the cross quarter for more
individual and private rituals, divination and spirit communion.
Please visit http://PracticalWitch.com for bonus features!
 The Theban Alphabet first appeared in the book entitled, The
November Magus. The English occult and Kabalah scholar, Francis Barrett,
published "The Magus" in 1801. In the book, the alphabet is attributed

S amhain celebrations continue through the exact cross quarter

in November, and this month hosts the 21 st anniversary of
PaganPath.com, the oldest online Academy for Witches and
Pagans, and the original home of this Almanac for its first 20 years.
to Honorius II (Pope from 1216 to 1227).
Some who use this magical alphabet often include a stylized
character at the end of a writing like the one on the right. This
character is translated as the Greek Alpha and Omega.
A very easy and wonderfully warming recipe for a Vegan soup on Punctuation is not normally used with Theban Script, however a
the 1st involves 10-15 ounce cans of beans and tomatoes. Fill a colander tilda (~) can be attractive at the end of sentences when using the script ~
with a can of chick peas (garbanzo beans), a can of black beans and a can
of pinto beans. Rinse in cool water and put in a pot along with two cans
of Rotelle® or diced tomatoes with chilies. Simmer 5 minutes and
season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic and onion. I like to add a
spoonful of chipolte in adabo sauce for spice and umami, and a little
vegetable broth to thin it out.

Theban Script
Theban Script is an alphabet used by many Pagans, Witches and
Wiccans to prevent prying eyes from reading private entries in Books of
Shadows or spell books. It also lends an air of mystery to writing and is
known as the "Witches Runes" or the "Witches' Alphabet."
Theban Script is a substitution cipher, but the letters do not
exactly translate to the English alphabet because the letters W, J and U
are not used in Middle Latin. You can create your own characters to
replace these letters, or you may substitute the character for I in place of
J, and the character for V in place of W and U. These substitutions are
widely accepted and practiced by modern magical folk.

28
 “I have a head, I do not think. I have a mouth, I do not eat. I have a bed, I do not
December sleep. What am I?”
“What is the difference between a cat and a complex sentence?”

Y ule is a beautiful time of the year, as we celebrate the

shortest day and longest night. Also known as Midwinter's
Night, homes and altars are decorated with evergreen
boughs, trees and wreaths,
Yule comes to us from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Yula', meaning
'wheel' in reference to the Wheel of the Year. The word 'wassail', in
reference to the wassail cup, is also from Anglo-Saxon, derived from the
term 'waes hael', meaning
and Yule logs, holly and
mistletoe adorn many 2018 Moon Phases be whole or hale.
On December 1st
rituals. 2007, the first headstone
Many Witches inscribed with a pentacle
participate in caroling and was dedicated on the grave
wassailing, corn dollies are of PFC Stephen P.
again made or adorn trees Snowberger III. This was
and altars, and numerous the result of a ten year
traditions celebrate the birth effort by families,
of the Sun God. Certain Witchcraft and Pagan
reconstructionists celebrate organizations to require the
the Roman Saturnalia and U.S. Department of
some traditions hold this Veterans Affairs (VA) to
time as one of riddles, (as is allow pentacles to appear
also done at Midsummer); on grave markers of
posing them to each other military veterans. The VA
through the long night by a recognized 38 religious
fire, burning Yule log or candles: symbols, but repeatedly denied the pentacle and was sued in U.S.
“I am a vessel without hinge, lock or lid; within my chamber a golden treasure is hid.
District Court by the Washington, D.C., based American United for
What am I?” Separation of Church and State, representing Circle Sanctuary, the
Aquarian Tabernacle Church, the Covenant of the Goddess, other
organizations and families of veterans.

30
 For example, you note that your sunrise for January 1st is 7:17 am
How to Use the Sunrise & Sunset Table (are you still up from New Year's Eve celebrations?). The chart indicates
the sunrise at 7:19. You note again after a late Imbolc celebration that
Sunrise times are AM, Sunset times are PM. The Sunrise & Sunset on February 3rd the sun rose at 7:06 am at your location, again the chart
Time Table data is set for the middle south of the U.S., specifically the has two minutes of difference for you, showing sunrise at 7:08 for that
Ouachita National Forest area: Location: W093º 03', N34° 30'. The time date. You can now easily extrapolate and know for future
is set for Central Standard Time. Times listed in italics occur during consultations,you will subtract two minutes from your sunrise times.
Daylight Savings Time (DST). When observed in your area, add an hour
for times listed in italics. DST is from Sunday, March 11, 2018 @ 2:00am
to Sunday, November 4, 2018 @ 2:00am.
Notes
Sunrise and sunset times are listed in the main Almanac's _____________________________________
calendar pages on the Sun's day (Sunday). Unlike the raw data in this
table, the times in the calendar pages are already calculated for DST, so _____________________________________
you do not need to add an hour when your area observes DST (which is _____________________________________
most areas of the U.S.).
This is done to help you attune with the cycles of nature, noting
_____________________________________
as the wheel turns how the hours of day and night vary. To enable better _____________________________________
intuitive perception of these linear details, the calendar pages do not
require calculations for DST. _____________________________________
When you wish to be extremely exacting, this chart will prove _____________________________________
very helpful. Times for sunrise and sunset vary when you live in
mountainous regions, near a large body of water, or when there are large _____________________________________
obstacles to the East or West of you. They also vary according to your
latitude, longitude and even your altitude. If you find discrepancies in
_____________________________________
the monthly calendar pages of the Almanac, this chart will help you _____________________________________
determine more exact sunrise and sunset times for your area through
repeated use. Simply note the time of the event and determine the _____________________________________
minute variance.

32
Sunrise & Sunset Time Table
 January 2019
2018-2019 Moon Signs

A s we arrive at the last

month in your
almanac, you will note
that the quick reference
pages for the tarot, playing
cards, magical alphabets,
recipes and more are
provided in 8 ½” x 11” (A4)
size. This size was selected
for easy reading of the full
calendar pages, and also
because you can fit the quick
reference pages into your
Books of Shadows or “Spell
Binder”.
Any screw-post
scrapbook or three ring binder
will accommodate these pages
for easy reference in future
years. Some subscribers use the
almanac as their primary Book
of Shadows, recording notes
directly in them as the years
pass, and binding them into
their books when they are
finished.
Please take a moment to email
Almanac@PracticalWitch.com
to give us your feedback about
the almanac.
 Incense Recipes Midsummer Incense
1 Tablespoon dried Rose petals

Purification Incense 1 teaspoon dried Verbena (Vervain) flowers or leaves

5 drops Rose oil (Rose absolute is best)
This recipe is perfect for cleansing and clearing an area,
crystals or magical tools. It is perfect for Imbolc and Ostara. 2 Tablespoons white Sandalwood powder
1 Tablespoon Copal resin, broken into rice size bits. 3 to 5 grams Amber perfume resin
2 Tablespoons dried Rosemary leaves Crush the Amber resin into the sandalwood powder until
completely incorporated. Add the rose oil and combine well
½ teaspoon ground Sage leaves
again. Mix in the remaining ingredients. For use over incense
Mix all ingredients well and burn over incense charcoals in a charcoals.
censer.
Dragon's Blood Incense
Yule Incense This is used to add energy and power to workings, and for
2 teaspoons Benzoin resin protection and purification.
½ teaspoon Myrrh resin 2 Tablespoons white Sandalwood powder
½ teaspoon Frankincense resin 1 teaspoon powdered Dragon's Blood resin

¼ teaspoon ground Cloves 5 drops Clove oil

5 drops Cinnamon oil 10 drops Cinnamon or Cassia oil

Combine the cinnamon oil with the clove powder, then add the 1 teaspoon Copal resin
remaining ingredients. For use over incense charcoals. Combine cinnamon and clove oils with the sandalwood until
evenly distributed. Mix in the remaining ingredients and use over
incense charcoal.

36

Zener Cards
Zener cards were developed through a collaboration of Dr.
Karl Zener (at Duke University) and J.B. Rhine (Harvard biologist)
in the late 1920s, and have been used in parapsychology
experiments. There are five different symbols in a Zener Card
Deck, and five cards of each symbol for a total of 25 cards per deck
exactly as pictured in the September pages. You can cut these out
when you are finished with your almanac, or photocopy that single
page so you can cut them out now.
Traditionally, two people use a deck of Zener cards. One person
shuffles the deck (the sender) and focuses on each card for a few
moments. The second person (the receiver) says which symbol they sense
the sender is focusing on. Usually the receiver is visually separated from
the sender, perhaps in another room or building. I have found that it
works well to sit on the floor on opposite sides of a closed door.
When two people use a Zener deck, it is an exercise in telepathy.
Telepathy, otherwise known as "mind reading" literally translates to
"distance feeling" or picking up on the thoughts of others. You may find
that you are a good "sender" and your friend is a good "receiver" or vice
versa. Knowing where your strengths are will help you customize any
magical or energy workings you might wish to do.
If you are using a Zener deck alone, you are most likely exercising
your precognitive skills. If there is no "sender" then you are technically
"predicting" which card will appear next. This might also be considered
remote viewing because the order of the cards is set when you shuffle,
37
and isn't necessarily in the future. Regardless of what term you use,
Zener cards can be a useful tool for testing and exercising psychic skills.
Sit in a quiet room out of direct view of your partner and shuffle
the cards well. The sender places the deck face down in front of
him/her and selects a card off the top of the deck, focusing on it for
about 15 seconds. The receiver calls out the name of the symbol they
believe it is (your first impulse is usually the most accurate, don't "over
think")
The sender records the actual card on a chart, along with the
'guess' of the receiver. The next card is then selected, focused on by the
sender, guessed by the receiver and recorded and so on. It can be
helpful to have a third person taking notes instead of the sender doing
the recording if you have three people. The sender should not speak,
only the receiver, you don't want to inadvertently give clues in your
vocal fluctuations, etc.
When all 25 cards have been viewed and guessed, the score is
calculated. A 20% score is average (5 correct) and would be the score
attributable to chance (1 in 5 random chance.). Anything above a 20%
(more than 5 correct) may show potential psychic skills. Anything
below 20% (less than 5 correct) may also show potential psychic skills.
Some people may guess the incorrect answer more often than is
attributable to chance. This "Reverse Psychicism" is an unusual
phenomena that should be identified and controlled whenever it is
detected to improve your psychic and magical workings. It indicates
great potential, but possible second guessing.
Remember, there is a complete set of Zener cards in the calendar
pages for September. You may copy the Zener card page and cut out
your own set of cards.
K eep practicing and try the experiment with other people. You might find that you work better with different people and you may
find that you work better at different times of the day. Finding your peak times is also helpful for timing your other magical and
ritual workings. If you are alone, make sure that all your cards look identical on the backs and act as your own recorder.
To make these experiments the most accurate, we recommend that you calculate an overall score after doing many tests, for example, running
through the 25 card deck four time, for a total of 100 guesses. This overall score is more objective, but does not necessarily make a high score on an
individual run less valid. Make notes of the time, date, weather conditions, experimenters' names, or anything else so that when you do have a high score,
you can find out what helped it to become so. Below is a chart to help you keep track of your progress with Zener Cards.

Notes
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
 The Teeny-Tiny Tarot Cheat Sheets

D
eveloped over a thirty year period by one of our contributors, this chart represents the intuitive insights from over 50,000
professional tarot readings by over a hundred readers. As you work with the tarot add your own notations in the extra spaces. You
will find this reference chart far more clear, detailed and useful than the small booklet inserted with most decks.

When a card appears in a reading, both

the upright and reversed meanings are
indicated, but the physical position of the
card shows which is emphasized the most.
Reverse meanings are shown in each card's
lower box.
Some tarot decks do not have numbers
on the major arcana, and some decks reverse
the numbering of the Strength and Justice
cards. Numbers aside, the meanings under
the names still apply.
Older decks may include The Juggler
(The Magician or Magus), the Pope
(Hierophant) or the Popess (High Priestess).

The Tiny Tarot Cheat Sheets are used with permission from the PaganPath Academy. One of the oldest online Pagan schools, it remains
the most respected. Please visit http://PaganPath.com to learn more about the Academy where you can learn about tarot,
herbalism/herbology (wortcunning), Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism and finding your own path.
Tarot Trivia:
The Devil card originally appeared in the early 1660s in French Marseilles Tarot decks. Prior to this, the card was a depiction of a traditional
werewolf or lamia (from European Pagan antiquity). Once the Marseilles decks released the new Devil card, and a century later the Etteila's Tarot
(influenced by the Court de Gebelin) followed suit, the new model of the Devil/Baphomet/Typhon became the standard.

“We have to recognize, in a word, that there is no canon of authority in the interpretation of Tarot symbolism. The field is open therefore: it is indeed so open
that any one of my readers is free to produce an entirely new explanation, making no appeal to past speculations: but the adventure will be at his or her own risk
and peril as to whether they can make it work and thus produce a harmony of interpretation throughout.”
Arthur Edward Waite Published in The Occult Review; January 1926
 Notes
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 Notes
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 Notes
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 Notes
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The Minor Arcana Face Cards

Playing Cards for Divination
U sing a deck of cards to gain insight is called “Cartomancy”.
Although any cards fall under this definition, you will
usually only encounter the term in reference to playing
cards. In 1912 A. E. Waite published his Manual of Cartomancy
and Occult Divination entitled A French
Method of Fortune Telling. Below is an excerpt
of the card interpretations.
Diamonds
The Ace. -Letters, or news at hand otherwise.
King. -Friendship; if followed by the Queen, marriage; if reversed,
impediments, difficulties and the vexations thereto belonging.
Queen. -A woman from the country, who is fair but evil-speaking;
reversed, more directly inimical to the Querent in word and also
in deed.
Knave. -A postman, valet, postillion, soldier, or messenger bearing
news. The news are good if the card is right side up and bad if it
appears reversed.
Ten. -Great joy, change of place, a party from the country.
Nine. -Delay and postponement, but not resulting in failure.
Eight. -A man of business or young merchant, who is commercially
related to the Querent.
Seven. -Good news, above all if accompanied by the Ace.
46
Hearts
The Ace. -Joy, contentment, and -- if it is accompanied by several
picture-cards – marriages, feasts, etc;, in pleasant company.
King. -A rich man, banker, or financier, well disposed, and may
promote the interests of the Querent. If reversed, the person is
miserly and to deal with him will prove difficult.
Queen. -An honest, frank and obliging woman; if reversed, there
will be some obstacle to a projected marriage.
Knave. -A soldier or young man, who is anxious to promote the
Querent's welfare, will play some part in his life and will be allied
with him after one or another manner.
Ten. -A surprise, but often one of a kind which will be
advantageous as well as agreeable to the consulting party.
Nine. -Concord.
Eight. -Domestic and private happiness, attended by success in
undertakings; exceedingly felicitous for the destinies of the
middle path, the amenities of the quiet life.
Seven. -Marriage, if the Querent is a lady, and the issue will be
daughters only; if a man, it is destined that he will make a rich
and happy marriage.
Spades
The Ace. -In company with the ten and nine, this card signifies
death, grief, more especially from bereavement, but also sorrow
from many sources; it includes further the idea of treason and
possibly of loss by theft or robbery.
Spades Continued . . .
King. -A magistrate or lawyer, whose intervention may prove
disagreeable; the card reversed signifies loss in a lawsuit or general
derangement of affairs.
Queen. -A disappointed woman -- possibly a widow in dejection; if
reversed, one who is anxious to remarry, unknown to or in spite of her
family.
Knave. -Some kind of disgrace which will be inimical to the peace of
mind and perhaps even the liberty of the Querent; reversed, serious
complications for the person concerned; also betrayal in love, if the
Querent is a woman.
Ten. -Imprisonment for a man, if followed by the Ace and King of the
same suit; for a woman, disease, illness.
Nine. -Protraction and difficulties in business; followed by the Nine of
Diamonds and the Ace of Clubs, delay in the receipt of expected money
Eight.-Arrival of a person who will carry bad news if followed by the
Seven of Diamonds and near to a picture card- whether King, Queen or
Knave- tears, discord, destitution or loss of employment.
Seven. -Quarrels, inquietude; if ameliorated by the vicinity of some
Hearts, it promises safety, independence and moral consolation.
Clubs
The Ace. -Advantages, commercial and industrial benefits of every kind,
easy collection of dues, unmixed prosperity- but these more especially
when followed by the Seven of Diamonds and the Seven of Clubs.
King. -An influential, powerful person, who is equitable and benevolent
towards the Querent, to whom he will render signal services; but
47
reversed, this personage will experience some difficulty in his
proceedings and may be even in danger of failure.
Queen. -A dark woman, rivalry, competitive spirit; in the neighborhood
of a card which stands for a man, she will have preference for the man
in question; on the contrary, in proximity to a feminine card, she will
be in sympathy with the Querent; reversed, she is very covetous, jealous
and disposed to infidelity.
Knave. -One who is in love, a proper young man, who pays court to a
young lady; placed next to a feminine card, his chances of success are
very good; side by side with a man, there is reason to hope that the
latter will come actively to his assistance and will contribute to his
success, unless the said man should be signified by the Knave of Hearts,
which presages a dangerous rivalry; reversed, there is reason to fear
opposition to marriage on the part of the person's parents.
Ten. -Prosperity and good fortune of every kind; at the same time, if
followed by the Nine of Diamonds a delay is foreshadowed in the
return of money; contrary to all, if this card is side by side with the
Nine of Spades -- which everywhere signifies disappointment complete
failure is promised; so also if the question at stake is a lawsuit, loss is
probable.
Nine. -Success in love; for a bachelor or spinster, approaching marriage;
for a widow, her second nuptials.
Eight. -A favorable conclusion which may be anticipated by the Querent
in financial and business matters.
Seven. -Anxieties occasioned by love -- intrigues; followed by the Seven of
Diamonds and the Nine of Spades, abundance of good things and rich
family inheritances.

Credits & References
Special thanks to you for choosing the Practical Witch's Almanac.
To give back to Mother Earth, every almanac you purchase provides a
tree that is planted at the location for which the almanac is fitted
(W093º 03', N34° 30').
Several individuals have helped to create this Almanac, and our
gratitude goes to Bruce A. Grayson for his editorial support, Friday
Gladheart for articles and illustrations, and RabblerouZen Jensen for
data checking and for being the all around go-to guy. We would also
like to thank Aidan Kelly (author), Jason Mankey (Pantheos blogger)
and Professor Ronald Hutton (historian) for guiding us in separating
romanticized revisionist Sabbat history from fact.
All astronomical events are derived by referencing and cross
checking numerous sources for the greatest accuracy:
• U.S. Naval Observatory Database
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory Development Ephemeris: JPL DE430 from
Pasadena, California
• The Swiss Ephemeris: a highly precise ephemeris developed by
Astrodienst, largely based on NASA's JPL DE431, released 9/2013.
• Moon phases, sun and moon times cross checked to longitude &
latitude with Daff Moon Version 2.8 Copyright 2017 Evgeny
Fedorischenk
• Meteor showers verification from: American Meteor Society Ephemeris
• Sunrise and set time verification from: the ChronosXP 4.1 program,
version 4.1, developed by Robert Misiak
48
• Chinese New Year information from: Chinese Fortune Calendar,
Travel China Guide and Time and Date AS 1995–2017.
• Moon Signs: The American Ephemeris for the 20th/21st Century by
Neil F. Michelsen
• Exact cross quarter Sabbat dates are based on the more precise spacial
method rather than splitting time intervals between Solstices and
Equinoxes. They are interpolated as the midway points between the
Solstices and Equinoxes measured in degrees along the ecliptic by
former NASA scientist Rollin Gillespie as provided on the Archaeo
Astronomy website
• Exact cross quarters verified through various ephemeris and the work
of Arnold Barmettler.
• All graphics, energy notes, article content and editing provided by the
team at Practical Witch. Visit the site to read about these
contributors.
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Alphabetical Index
2018-2019 Moon Signs.......34
A year and a day.................22
A. E. Waite...........................46
Aidan Kelly..........................24
Alpha and Omega..............28
Apogee....................................8
Apples.............................22, 26
Arianrod...............................14
Autumnal Equinox............20
Beltane.............................14, 16
Beltane Eve...........................14
Blue Moon.............................12
Bonfires...........................16, 18
Book of Shadows................34
Bread......................................22
Brigit's Crosses....................10
Brigit's Day...........................10
Broom....................................18
Broomstick jumping..........16
Candles..................................10
Cartomancy.........................46
Cauldrons.............................26
Cider......................................26
Corn dollies...................22, 30
Cross quarter................26, 48
Crown of Lights.................10
Delta-Aquarids...................20
Divination.....................24, 46
Eggs.........................................12
Eostara...................................12
Equator..................................20
Equinox..........................20, 24
Evergreen..............................30
Fairy realm...........................18
Fay....................................16, 18
Festival of Lights................10
Fire festival..........................26
Fortune Telling..................46
Francis Barrett....................28
Garters...................................14
Geosmin................................12
Great Rite......................16, 18
Greater Sabbat.......14, 16, 22
Gwydion the Wizard........14
Handfasting.........................22
Harvest Home.....................24
Hederlezi...............................16
Holly......................................30
50
Imbolc....................................10
Jack in the Green...............18
John Barleycorn..................24
Key............................................5
Lady Day...............................12
Lammas.................................22
Lammas Eve...................20, 22
Lammastide..........................22
Library Workers.................14
Litha.......................................18
Love magic...........................18
Lugnasadh......................20, 22
Lunar eclipse.......................20
Lunar winds.........................12
Mabon...................................24
May Pole...............................16
Midsummer..........................18
Midwinter's Night.............30
Mistletoe...............................30
Moon Names.....................6, 7
Order of the Garter...........14
Ostara.....................................12
Pentacles...............................30
Perihelion...............................8
Perseids..................................22
Petrichor...............................12
Pi Day.....................................12
Playing Cards......................46
Principles of Wiccan Belief
..................................................14
Riddles..................................30
Roma Nation Day..............14
Rose........................................18
Samhain..........................26, 28
Saturnalia.............................30
Second Harvest...................24
Silent Supper.......................26
Skyclad..................................18
Solstice..................................20
Soul cakes.............................26
Summer Solstice..........18, 20
Sun's day................................32
Tailltean marriages............22
Talk like a Pirate................24
Tarot...............................39, 40
Theban Script.....................28
Third and final harvest....26
Three harvest.......................22
Time zones.............................5
Vegan soup..........................28
Veil.........................................26
Verbena.................................18
Vernal Equinox...................12
Vervain..................................18
Walpurgis Night.................14
Walpurgisnacht............14, 16
 Wassail..................................30
Wassail cup..........................30
Wassailing............................30
Wheel.....................................22
Wheel of the Year.......26, 30
Winter Solstice...................20
Witch's Brew.......................26
Notes
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Witches Runes....................28
Witches' Alphabet.............28
Wortcunning.......................18
Yule........................................30
Yule log.................................30
Zener Cards............24, 37, 38
51
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 The Practical Witch's Almanac
~ Thirteen Months of Magic ~
E very day is a gift filled with magic and wonder. The Earth provides us with a beautiful
dance of seasons and cycles, waltzing in the planetary ballroom of our galaxy. Your
Almanac is a very personal companion inviting you to join in on that dance every day.
Hundreds of hours of meticulous astronomical calculations and deeply intuitive psychic
sessions bring you an almanac that will help you understand the patterns and cycles of nature and
its subtle magical energies.
Includes lunar phases, sunrise and sunset times, equinoxes and solstices, “Supermoons” and
eclipses, gardening tips, recipes, trivia, federal holidays, meteor showers and much more.
This almanac speaks to the Practical Witch in all of us,
no matter what your individual spiritual path may be.
This is the digital version of the full Almanac.
See http://PracticalWitch.com for extra articles and features,
or to download the Mini Almanac to carry with you.