Day: February 8, 2011

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – February 7

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – February 7

“I can tell you that understanding begins with love and respect. It begins with respect for the Great Spirit. All things- and I mean ALL things-have their own will and their own way and their own purpose; this is what is to be respected.”

–Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE

Everything on earth has a purpose and is designed special. No two things are created identical. Sometimes in our minds we have a picture of how things should be, and often what we see is different from what they really are. When this happens we often want to control how things are, making them act or behave according to our picture. We need to leave things alone. God is running all things. How do we do this? In out minds we tell ourselves to love all things and respect all things just as they are. Accept what we cannot change.

Great Spirit, teach me the value of respect and help me to accept people, places and things just as they are.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

February 7 – Daily Feast

February 7 – Daily Feast

Always remember that certain circumstances are not ours to alter. We make the most of them and go on. We can only be examples, never controllers of other people’s lives, other peoples children, other people’s circumstances. Some would have us believe we contribute to harsh events by doing nothing. But some of the best work, some of the deepest caring and doing is not physically evident in the beginning. Help of any kind must be wanted and recognized before it can do any good. Too much help where it is not appreciated can make even a good person helpless. We have to be wise in our giving, and particularly wise in what we withhold, because it may be what we withhold helps the most.

~ We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit made them. ~

CHIEF JOSEPH, 1873

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

Daily OM for 2/8 – Co-Creating with Nature

 

Co-Creating with Nature
Conscious Gardening

Think about gardening in a new way; work with your garden on a co-creative way, asking permission and listening to her.

Gardens offer us a perfect opportunity to reconnect to our true selves and remember our place in the natural world. Rather than approach our gardens as mere investments of energy, we can look at the entire process of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting food, as a way of deepening our conscious relationship with the creative force of the universe. If we are willing to shift our intention from dominating, or at least directing nature, to co-creating with nature instead, we may discover a deep peace and renewed sense of wonder.

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect. As you create your garden in partnership with nature, you can respect the earth, water, insects and animals by using organic seeds, soil and fertilizers. You can also communicate with the plants, insects and elements involved in your garden, and create a regular practice of stillness to listen for any messages they may have for you. When it comes time for harvesting fresh vegetables or picking beautiful blooms, you might even ask permission first. If you ask with an open heart, you will always receive an answer.

Imagine what it would be like to surrender certain aspects of your human world to the precision and surety of the natural environment. You might decide, for example, to forego your calendar and plant in rhythm with the cycles of the moon. Or, you might choose to ignore clock time and water your garden when the sun hits a certain position in the sky. By opening your garden experience to more of nature’s input, you can become available to witness a whole universe of miracles, while engendering a greater sense of honor between the two worlds.

When we recognize ourselves as allies, co-creators, with the earth and the natural world, our relationship to our environment begins to change. We no longer feel the need to control the circumstances around us and can relish in the perfection of all that is.

“The Goddess Companion”

“The Goddess Companion”  
  
My lover’s skin glows like the finest marble,
and I burn to touch it. I burn with the teasing
dance of her glances, I am on fire, I am aflame,
I cannot think of anything but love.
  
Venus has abandoned her island shrine at Cypress
to live with my heart. The goddess will hear nothing
but songs of love now, she will endure no music to stir
the blood toward war, adventure, or anything but love.
 
Friends, build a green altar right here, and lay me down
upon it. Place sacred branches all around my body,
and bowls of wine, and wand of incense. I am already
a victim of love, a sacrifice to Venus. Now let her hear
my plea!   ~Horace
 
In our times, love is no longer the great ruler of the cosmos but merely a servant of commerce. Sex is used to sell everything from automobiles to zoom lenses. Women’s bodies are no longer temples of the goddess, but products used to sell other products. Venus is no longer ruler in her own temple, much less in our hearts; Moneta, goddess of money, rules instead.
 
Love poems like that of the great poet Horace can seem, in this context, overblown and overstated. To make oneself a sacrifice for love? isn’t that a bit much? Isn’t that making love more important than it should be?
 
But our foremothers knew what is often hidden from us: that love is the glue thatholds the universe together. Not simply sexual love, although thatpowerful force binds people at a deep level. The love of parents for children, teachers for students, friends for each other – these relationships are not just human connections. They participate in and reflect the great network of connectedness that is our magnificent universe. By placing the goddess of love once again on the throne of our hearts, we can connect with the great force that sweeps through us and binds us to each other and the cosmos. To sacrifice ourselves for love means, in this context, to finally become whole.

 )0(    

By Patricia Monaghan

The Inscription of Talismans

The Inscription of Talismans

(From:The Crone’s book of Charms and Spells by Valerie Worth.)
 
For Loss of Weight.
Upon one face, the full moon
flanked by crescent moons.
Upon the reverse,these words:
 
Wax thou moon
That I may wane
what I lose
Then shoult thou gain.
 
For rebirth of the spirit.
Upon one face,a seed of the sun-flower,
contained within curved stem,leaves
and blossom of this plant.
Upon the reverse,these words:
 
Old seed,new flower
I bear thy power.
 
For relief from pain
Upon one face, an eye rayed
with flames as the sun.Upon the reverse these words:
 
Who meets my eye
His pain must fly.
 
For good health
Upon one face, a hand from
whose fingertops spring flames,
as from candles.Upon the reverse
these words:
 
Who holds my hand
May health command.
 
To overcome the season of winter
Upon one face,the sun rayed with alternate
flames and leaves
upon the reverse these words:
 
Poor sun forlorn in winter’s grave
Arise and burn that all may live.
Courtesy of Miss Daney – Folklore,Magic and Superstitions 
 
Crone’s Corner – GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives

The Herban Corner – Jasmine

The Herban Corner  – Jasmine
 
Awaken your senses by surrounding yourself with a bouquet of floral
accents. Freshen the air with jasmine perfume, sip a blend of
floral-flavored tea and enjoy the scent of a jasmine topiary.

Are you having ‘spring guests’? Delight them, or yourself, with a basket
of fluffy towels scented with a linen spray. Be aware of Nature’s beauty
and indulge yourself with fragrant flowers…Her most precious perfumes.
 
To make visitors, and yourself, feel very special, leave a basket
brimming with plush towels in the bathroom. Enclose a bottle of jasmine
linen spray to freshen and scent the towels. To make the spray, simply
add 6 drops jasmine essential oil to four ounces distilled water. Pour
the mixture into a spray bottle and tuck into the basket of towels. Add
a sprig of fresh jasmine, if available. The spray also makes a
wonderful, effective room freshener.

Jasmine in a Jar:
To one cup boiling water, add four packages unflavored gelatin and two
tablespoons salt. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Add 15 drops
jasmine oil and one drop food coloring. Pour into a jar and cover with
plastic wrap; let set overnight. Remove plastic, place a doily over jar
and set on table to use as an air freshener. The scent will last for
about two weeks.

Jasmine Eau De Toilette:
For a beautifully scented toilette water, pour the following ingredients
into a glass bottle and shake well; Three fourths cup citrus-flavored
vodka, one fourth cup orange blossom water and six drops jasmine
essential oil. Allow to steep for one week before use. This eau de
toilette is deliciously fragrant and pleasant to use. 
 

White Stars Topiary:
Entwined in an imaginative shape, a jasmine vine creates a perfect
topiary. Place the jasmine plant in a terra-cotta pot and insert the
round wire topiary form….gently wrap vine around the wire until it’s
covered completely. Water well and trim occasionally, shaping as you go.

Jasmine Tea:
Enjoy a delicious tea blend made with one cup black tea leaves and two
cups fresh jasmine flowers. Scoop a one inch layer of tea leaves into a
jar; place a one inch layer of jasmine flowers on top. Alternate layers
until all ingredients are used. Secure lid on jar; let jasmine permeate
tea leaves for a few days, then remove flowers from loose tea by hand.
To use, add one teaspoon tea to one cup hot water; let steep a few
minutes.

Jasmine essential oil has an exotic fragrance, making it a popular
choice for perfumes and colognes. Because of its softening effect, the
oil is often found in skin-care products. Jasmine oil is used to relieve
depression, tension, fear and listlessness.

About the author:
Karen is a master gardener specializing in herbs and a crafter. She and
her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus ‘Fairy Gardens’ where
the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen read a story
about the Garden Fairies and Flowers.

http://www.OldFashionedLiving.com

Daily Aromatherapy Tip – Aromatherapy Massage

Daily Aromatherapy Tip  – Aromatherapy Massage

An aromatherapy massage is probably the most effective method
of relieving stress, anxiety, tension and insomnia. Some oils to
choose from are Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Neroli and
Chamomile. Use up to a total of 15 drops of selected essential oils
to 1 oz. carrier oil. Try Sweet Almond or Fractionated Coconut oil
which won’t stain sheets or clothing. You can do this at home easily.
For self treatment massage hands, feet ( especially important)
arms and legs ( use long strokes and work towards the heart ).
)0(    

Brought to you by AromaThyme.com – http://www.aromathyme.com

Aphrodite Self-Love Ritual

Aphrodite Self-Love Ritual
Incense of the day: Daffodil
 
Today is the sacred day of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. Celebrate your own beauty with self-love and with the freedom and energy of a sacred dance. For tens of thousands of years and across many cultures, dance has been a way to energize, to heal, and to commune with the spirits. Try a dance such as a sensual belly dance that honors your feminine essence. Play music that makes you feel sexy and primal. Dance barefoot. Express your sensuality in any way you wish, through your own unique movement. Don’t worry about technique; just let your body express its mood. Feel your worries subside Let yourself feel energized as goddess energy pumps through your veins.
 
By: Emily Flak, Llewellyn and GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast

THE GROVE IN THE FOREST

 

THE GROVE IN THE FOREST
  
I lie nude on a blanket deep in the forest,
Waiting for my lover to join me.
It is getting darker and darker,
And still he does not come.
 
We were to celebrate rites here
In the forest, dancing to the goddess
Of the moon.
There is a dark cloud near the moon
 
And the winds pick up and moan,
Swaying the treetops.
I wrap filmy draperies around me
And grab my cymbals
 
And the wreath of flowers I’d woven
Earlier, while waiting for my love.
It is time to dance!
My lover may join me as he will.
 
Lord, Lady, I honor you!
Guide my feet in the movements
Of the dance; as I sway to the music
Of the wind, and connect
To the beauty Of Gaia, the earth.
 
My feet dance the movements of praise,
My hands weave magic patterns.
I yearn for a oneness with my Divine
Parents, and they lead me to an
Ecstatic frenzy to music
 
As Pan plays a flute far away.
I feel my lover join me, as we jump
And twirl together, moving our steps
To the cymbals and the flute…
 
Then winding our bodies in praise
To the Moon Goddess and the Lord
Of the Hunt.  They send us the blessing
Of a light rain, and we wrap ourselves
 
In the blanket, laughing and mingling
Our bodies and souls
In the ancient dance of love,
Celebrating here in the sacred grove.
 

© Copyright 1/29/06
Beth Johnson   (Mystic Amazon)

Light A Candle Today!

Light A Candle Today!

In many different traditions lighting a candle is a sacred action. It expresses more than words can express.
It has to do with gratefulness. From time immemorial, people have lit candles in sacred places.
You may want to begin or end your day by the sacred ritual of lighting a candle on this gratefulness.
One single guideline is all you need: Slow down and do it with full attention. 

Seasons of the Witch

Seasons of the Witch 
)0(     
   
1971 — Swiss women get the vote
Ballet Day
Charles Dickens Birthday
Daniel Boone Escape Day
Festival Of Hidden Palindromes
Girls and Women in Sports Day
Greet Your Neighbors Day
Grenada Independence Day
Human Day
Ice Worm Squirm (@)
Li Chum
National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
National Hangover Awareness Day
National Run-For-Your-Life Day
No Talk Day
St. Moses’ Day (patron of Saracens)
Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbors Day
   

From GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast Archives
Remember the ancient ways and keep them sacred!

Today Is: Tiu’s Day

 

Today Is:  Tiu’s Day – the day of Mars…also Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw (from whom it is named), Tuisco, and Tyr. Tuesday is ruled by Mars, whose Magickal  influences are: Passion, courage, aggression, and protection. Tuesday comes under the influence of Mars, the planet associated with vitality, passion, ambition, and raw, unabashed power. Mars energy makes the mind acute, and the body restless; therefore, on Tuesday we are likely to exert ourselves physically and take action to achieve goals. This day is dynamic and high-spirited, and the prevailing energies may include carelessness and destructiveness as well, so it is good to be cautious—especially while traveling. Tuesday  is the proper day of the week to perform rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, surgery, and the breaking of negative spells.

  • Today’s Magickal Influences ~ Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical Strength
  • Today’s Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Soorejnaree, Pingalla, Anna, Aine, Danu, Yngona, Bellona, Aida Wedo, Sun Woman
  • Perfumes: Hellebore, Carnation, Patchouli
  • Incense:   Lignum Aloes, Plantain
  • Color of The Day:  Red
  • Colors for Tomorrow: Yellow
  • Lucky Sign: Tuesday Is The Lucky Day For Aries and Scorpio
  •  

Candle: Red

Lunar Lore

Lunar Lore    

 )0( 

If the moon shows like a silver shield,
 Be not afraid to reap your field ;
But if she rise a haloed round,
 Soon we’ll tread on deluged ground.
– T.F. Thiselton Dyer, “English Folk-Lore”

 )0( 

The world turns softly
Not to spill its lakes & rivers,
The water is held in its arms
& the sky is held in the water.
What is water,
That pours silver
& can hold the sky.

~Hilda Conkling, “Water”

 )0( 

Greatly shining,
The Autumn moon floats in the thin sky;
And the fish-ponds shake their backs
And show their dragon scales
As she passes over them.

~ Amy Lowell, “Wind and Silver

Herb of the Day: Adder’s Tongue (Erythronium americanum)

Herb of the Day: Adder’s Tongue (Erythronium americanum)
Folk Names: American Adder’s Tongue, Serpent’s Tongue, Adder’s Mouth
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon (Cancer)
Element: Water
Powers: Healing

Erythronium (also known as Fawn Lily, Trout Lily, or Dog’s-tooth Violet), a genus of lilies. The erythronium americanum is the herb most often referred to by herbalists as fawn lily or fawn lily, trout lily, dog’s-tooth violet and adder’s-tongue.

Cooking: The bulb is edible as a root vegetable, cooked or dried, and can be ground into flour. The leaves can also be cooked as a leaf vegetable and the green seed pods have the flavor of string beans and are tasty raw or cooked. In Japan, Erythronium japonicum is called katakuri, and the bulb is processed to produce starch, which is used in the preparation of tempura, mochi and other dishes. True katakuriko is now quite costly and is rarely available in stores.

Medicinal Uses: Adder’s tongue was a popular treatment of scrofula, a form of tuberculosis that affects the lymph nodes in the neck, and is still used for skin ailments. Use one teaspoon of fresh leaves or two teaspoons of root to one cup of boiling water. A poultice can be made using crushed leaves, or pieces of root simmered in milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Magickal Uses: This is a feminine plant governed by the moon and the element of water. It has healing powers and is used to treat wounds and bruising. Soak some adder’s tongue in cold water, wrap it in a cloth, and apply it to the wound or bruise it until the herb grows warm. Bury the wet herb in a muddy place. The wound will be cured.
Posted By Lady Becky

‘May we live in peace without weeping. May our joy outline the lives we touch without ceasing. And may our love fill the world, angel wings tenderly beating.’
 
The Universal Heart Center
 

Runecast for Tuesday February 8

Today Algiz of Heimdall’s Aett popped out Algiz pronounced “all-yeese” (Z or -R: Elk, protection) Protection, a shield. The protective urge to shelter oneself or others. Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian. Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life. It can be used to channel energies appropriately. Follow your instincts. Keep hold of success or maintain a position won or earned.

The elk stands alone, his horns silhouetted against the stormy sky. Protection. Stand alone. Keep open space around you. You are strongly caught up with something in your life and need to free yourself from excessive emotional bonds. By being too emotionally involved, you are wasting your energy and opening yourself to unfriendly people. By doing so, you are preventing yourself from progressing and creating disappointment, so try to be detached and objective, and in career matters, be independent. Instead of worrying about trivial, everyday issues, decide on the most important thing and forget everything else. Also, before involving other people, make sure that you really need their input.

Algiz Reversed: or Merkstave: Hidden danger, consumption by divine forces, loss of divine link. Taboo, warning, turning away, that which repels. (Note: the reversed or merkstave definitions are included only for reference as they apply to a multi-rune cast and not to a single rune that’s drawn blind from the pouch)

As with all, take only what feels right to you and disregard the rest.

**a portion of today’s rune meaning/description was kindly provided by Ingrid Halvorsen at sunnyway.com and used here with her gracious permission**

In the Light…

Tom

SoulDiscoveryThruReiki
“Music is a release from the tyranny of conscious thought”
— Kevin Burke
Insanity is inherited, you get it from your kids…

Quartz: The Master Healer

Quartz: The Master Healer

Properties: Quartz is the Master Healer and the “stone of power”! Probably the most versatile multipurpose healing stone. Easy to cleanse, store information/energy in, program or amplify energy and is used as a healing instrument. The natural tendency for quartz is for harmony. Quartz can both draw and send energy therefore it is effective for sending/receiving guidance. Quartz is used for transformation in healing and in all levels of change (mentally/emotionally, physically and spiritually). Quartz stimulates the natural crystal in body tissues and fluids to resonate at the highest healing frequency. Quartz works with All Chakra and master gland for balancing, cleansing and healing. It is the perfect stone for complete Aura balancing.

Folk Remedies: Quartz can be used to facilitate both speaking and receiving information from the spiritual world, masters, teachers and healers. Stimulates positive thought and healing. Quartz is considered Yin or Androgynous. Quartz is often used in healing remedies such as crystal elixirs or solarized water, in clusters during meditation, in reiki grids or laying of stones in a web around you. They are used to clean the aura and balance chakra energies.

Feng Shui: Quartz can be used anywhere that balance or cleansing is needed. Use quartz in the Center area for grounding, balance, good health, spirituality and protection. Use in the West area for projects and creativity.

History: Quartz (SiO2) is considered solidified light and oxygen. Quartz encompasses a large family of stones and crystals, all of which are made up primarily of silicon dioxide, one of the most common and most important substances in the world. Crystals of pure quartz, generally six-sided, can be found in all shades and colors. Quartz crystals grow singularly or in groups and take on different shapes according to the temperature at the time of their formation. Quartz crystals can also contain other minerals “frozen” within, as in Rutilated Quartz. Quartz can form a huge variety of aggregates, clusters, gravel, sand and single stones. Quartz can be smoky, milky white to clear as water. Quartz was used as tools and weapons early in history and are now used worldwide in watches, appliances and technology!

Quartz can be formed of microscopic crystals and take on entirely different appearances and qualities. Other members of the Quartz family include Chalcedony, Agate, Amethyst, Aventurine, Carnelian, Citrine, Herkimer Diamonds, Jasper, Onyx, Sardonyx and Tiger’s Eye. These are treated separately because their healing qualities are very different from crystal or “rock” quartz.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/stones1.htm
Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit

Today’s Goddess for 2/8 – Aphrodite

Aphrodite

Aphrodite, goddess of romance and passion, of fashion beauty and art,

has captivated poets and painters for centuries. Known for her

numerous affairs of the heart, as well as her willingness to help

others find the love they sought, the myths of the Greek goddess

Aphrodite reveal the awesome extent of her power.

The Greek goddess Aphrodite, the original “Golden Girl”, perfectly

attired for the occasion in a simple string of pearls and a couple of

strategically placed scallop shells, stepped out of the ocean on the

island of Cypress and set the ancient world on its ear.

Aphrodite, goddess of romantic love had finally arrived! Never had

there been such sensual beauty and impeccable taste. The other Greek

goddesses now had their work set out for them . . . a new standard had

been set, and the world would never be the same! Henceforth there

would be candlelit dinners, heart-rending arias in operas, high-heeled

shoes and bright red lipstick (not to mention soap operas). Romance

was here and planning to stay.

It is not clear how the Greek goddess Aphrodite (also known as the

Roman goddess Venus) came to be “sea-born”. One legend was that

Aphrodite was the daughter of the Titan Uranus, formed from his

genitals that had been severed and tossed into the sea by his son

Cronus who was in the process of usurping his father’s throne.

What is certain is that the her arrival caused quite a stir! Every

Greek god and goddess was dying to meet her. The Horae (Hours)

welcomed her to step ashore and adorned her with the finest gold

ornaments and cloth, then brought Aphrodite to Mount Olympus to

present her to Zeus and the other gods and goddesses.

To his credit Zeus instantly realized that this captivating creature

could become the source of all sorts of trouble, her radiance stirring

every man’s passion and leading to constant fighting for her

attention. To head off this possibility, Zeus decided she must be

married at once (“taken off the market”, so to speak) and awarded the

goddess to his son, Hephaestus, god of the forge. It goes without

saying that Hephaestus must have thought himself the luckiest man

alive, especially since he was lame and “no great looker” himself. But

he was reliable and hard working.

Overjoyed with his good fortune in acquiring this stunning bride,

Hephaestus did his best to please Aphrodite, designing and creating

for her the most beautiful jewelry and furniture that had ever been

seen. He even went so far as to make Aphrodite a magical golden girdle

that made her irresistible to men when she wore it. Whatever could he

have been thinking?

Of all the imaginable pairings of Greek god and goddess, this one had

to be the worst mismatch possible. Needless to say, their marriage had

its ups and downs. Aphrodite, goddess that she was, felt she had

married below her “class” since Hephaestus was decidedly “blue collar”

even though he was a god . . . he was not at all what she, with her

impeccable taste, had in mind. Aphrodite insisted upon an “open

marriage” (at least for her) and indulged in numerous love affairs

with both mortals and other gods.

Except for a few occasions when he was overwhelmed with jealousy or

resentment, Hephaestus seemed to accept this arrangement, happy to

just have and hold her when he could. Indeed, their marriage seemed

companionable, with little passion perhaps, but little conflict as

well.

It was as if everyone recognized that Aphrodite had one gift and one

gift only . . . to make love. And that one gift was so special that no

one seemed to resent it. While all the other gods and goddesses had

lengthy lists of divine duties to perform, the goddess Aphrodite was

assigned only one . . . to bring love into the world.

Athena once caught Aphrodite weaving and reprimanded her for

encroaching upon Athena’s area of responsibility. Aphrodite was quick

to apologize and vowed never to do any work ever again!

Although they were surely envious of her beauty and her exciting but

easy life, other women weren’t usually jealous or resentful of her

charms. Although none were what could be called really close friends,

they found her to be quite friendly and extraordinarily generous. She

even went to the extent of loaning Hera her magic girdle to help her

keep Zeus’ wandering eyes where they belonged. The goddess Aphrodite

was always ready to help both the deities and mortals to win the loves

they sought.

The Greek Goddess Aphrodite, however, is best known for her own love

affairs, which were numerous and varied and resulted in many offspring

by her various lovers. Her most notable lovers were the gods Ares,

Dionysius, Hermes, Poseidon, and the mortal, Adonis.

You’d think the other Greek goddesses would have been green with envy,

but the willingness of the community to suspend their norms for the

goddess Aphrodite is clear. Her flagrant affair with Ares, the god of

war, was obvious to all and the cause of much embarrassment for her

husband. Hephaestus fashioned an invisible net made of bronze and

captured them in it while they were in bed together.

Hauling the pair in front of a jury of the Olympians, he demanded

their punishment. Reluctant to get involved, the court instead chided

Hephaestus for being silly and giving Aphrodite an outfit that

rendered her irresistible in the first place!

Although the goddess Aphrodite seldom seemed very serious in her

affairs, one love caused her great suffering. She had begged Adonis,

her beloved mortal, to give up the dangerous sports he enjoyed because

she could not bear to lose him. But Adonis ignored her advice and was

killed by a wild boar while hunting. When he died, Aphrodite heard his

cries and hastened to his side in her swan-drawn chariot. She cursed

the Fates that had ordained his death and, with Adonis still in her

arms, turned the blood drops that fell from his wounds onto the soil

into windflowers, also known as the short-lived anemone, as a memorial

to their love.

Aphrodite’s most famous son was Eros, the god of love, who helped her

with her work. A talented archer, his job was to shoot arrows dipped

in Aphrodite’s love potion, hitting her unwitting victims, causing

them to fall madly in love with the next person they saw. Many of the

great love stories began this way, but many respectable homes were

broken up as well.

Although she was most often loving and generous, Aphrodite could be

quite malicious and vindictive as well. She insisted upon being given

the honor she felt was due her and was quick and harsh in punishing

those who weren’t sufficiently appreciative of her efforts. Ares,

Medea, Psyche, and Atalanta, to name but a few, could attest that the

Greek goddess Aphrodite’s power was immense.

Often the punishments rendered by the goddess Aphrodite, though

severe, held important lessons embedded within them. These were

lessons that sparked growth and ultimately improved the life or

extended the vision of the person she was punishing, as in the case of

Psyche.

The influence of the Greek goddess Aphrodite can be seen as

generative, far beyond that of romance, love, or desire alone. She is

associated with the life-giving sea. Just as the waves lapping on the

shore refresh and renew the beach, Aphrodite brings us hope and the

awareness of the transforming power of love and beauty.

Symbols of Aphrodite;

Scallop shell, seashells, mirrors, golden apples, the Evening Star

(planet Venus), the ocean, and the triangle

Animals:

Dolphin, swan, dove, sparrow, bees, and goats

Plants:

Rose (especially any fragrant rose), quince, myrtle, mint and grape

(fruit, leaves, and vines), apples, artichokes, laurel, ash and poplar

trees

Perfumes/Scents:

Stephanotis, musk, verbena, vanilla, incense, vervain, and roses

Gems and Metals:

Pearls, gold, aquamarine, rose quartz, jade, sapphire, silver, and

copper

Colors:

Red, pink, violet, silver, aqua, pale green (seafoam), and any shade

of light blue

‘May we live in peace without weeping. May our joy outline the lives we touch without ceasing. And may our love fill the world, angel wings tenderly beating.’

 
The Universal Heart Center
 

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 2/8

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

64: Nearing Completion

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Hexagram 64

General Meaning: The situation is incomplete, but the chaos of the past is slowly giving way to order, and the goal is in sight. Nevertheless, you are still treading on thin ice — the way ahead is unobstructed, the goal is clear, but a cautious and careful attitude is essential, lest you slip and fall.

Nearing Completion is the last hexagram of the I Ching. It suggests that the ever-spinning wheel of life never reaches an absolute conclusion. Just as a hidden sadness resides in the heart of true euphoria, just as the seeds of great achievement often sprout first in a cauldron of adversity, so too no end is ever really complete without a new beginning stirring inside it. Though we divide life into categories in order to understand and master it, experience itself is seamless. With this reading, the 64-spoked, timeless wheel of change is ready to spin onward, ever evolving, ever staying the same.

A situation that is represented by this reading can be compared to that of taking a lengthy trek over a high mountain. At some point before reaching the peak, you can see in detail exactly how much farther you must travel. You will have a good idea what it will take to reach the top, because of the climbing experience you’ve accumulated thus far. However, when you do reach the peak, which has been in sight for quite a long period of sustained effort, you will have done only that. You will have reached the top — achieving your initial goal — but you must still descend the other side. This last critical segment is what remains before completion.

You may have little information and no experience of what it’s like descending the other side of the mountain. All your attention may have been focused on the route up. The coming cycle may seem very strange to you, unlike anything that you have experienced before. The backside of the mountain is where all of the true mysteries reside. Proceed carefully, cautiously and alertly — then you will reach your goal.