.
From the book “Aromatherapy For Healing The Spirit”
by Gabriel Mojay
Terminalia – On this day, Romans honored boundary god Terminus. Neighbors met at the boundary stones between their properties, with the women bringing torches ignited on their hearths, the sons with baskets of produce from the property and the daughters with special honey cakes. The women kindled twin altar fires made of neatly interlaced sticks. The sons held their baskets over the fire and the girls shook them three times to scatter its contents into the flames, then fed the cakes to the fire. Employees stood by dressed in white, wine in hand. The two landowners slaughtered a lamb and a suckling pig and let the blood spatter on the stone. Then the two families sat down for a feast.
A good day to honor boundaries of all sorts, from property boundaries to personal boundaries. How can you mark and define your space? What tokens will you set up to show others where your boundaries are? And how will you honor these? Rufus, Anneli, The World Holiday Book, Harper San Francisco 1994
St Mildburga – This sixth century Shropshire saint was associated with plowing and sewing from an early date. She protected a newly-sown field from the depredations of worms and geese. While fleeing from her enemies she caused water to spring up out of the ground and a field of barley to grow to maturity in one day. Her feast day falls in the middle of the spring wheat sowing season in Shropshire. Berger, Pamela, The Goddess Obscured, Beacon Press 1985
St Polycarp – The LaPlante sisters recommend St Polycarp as the saint to invoke when looking for a parking spot, although the connection between his life (he was a student of the Apostle John, a Bishop of Smyrna and martyred at the age of 86) and parking places is obscure. They suggest the following prayer: “Polycarp, find me a spot.”
LaPlante, Alice & Clare, Heaven Help Us: the Worrier’s Guide to the Patron Saints, Dell 1999
NOTE: Because of the large number of ancient calendars, many in simultaneous use, as well as different ways of computing holy days (marked by the annual inundation, the solar year, the lunar month, the rising of key stars, and other celestial and terrestrial events), you may find these holy days celebrated a few days earlier or later at your local temple
Daily Crystal: Aragonite
Translucent purple-pink-brown hexagonal, or white needle crystals. Deep, peaceful meditation; uplifts emotions. Centering, overview, patience under stress, helps us navigate business/managerial/personal challenges with a clear head and steady hand. Giving and receiving easily. Balances yin-yang. Eyes, brain, Central Nervous System, heart, opens spiritual/brow chakra for day-to-day living with an open heart and mind.
Most of the incredibly beautiful variations of stones and crystals, come from a few selected sites we have come across and have been listed with using their current inventory.
Golden Aragonite are powerful allies for the healing and balancing of the emotional body. They can assist in maintaining a centre of serenity in trying circumstances and in discharging subconsciously held tensions relating to past emotional wounds. Meditation with these beautiful crystals can open the inner eye to visionary experiences of past lives and forgotten events in this lifetime. Such memories can initially occur as the vivid re-experiencing of old wounding. These stones can help one be consciously aware of imbalances within one’s energy field or within the field of someone else who holds them. They are powerful diagnostic tools for crystal workers who do body. They are wonderful tools for releasing pain and fear, and bring more love into the world.
Aragonite, like calcite, is made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It differs from calcite, however, in its internal crystalline structure. Dense masses of tiny aragonite crystals can be difficult to distinguish from calcite, but when the crystals are large, they reveal a distinctive external form, or crystal habit. Aragonite crystals are long and needle-like (acicular), whereas those of calcite tend to be stubby or dog-tooth-like (often rhombohedral, but calcite is a master of disguises–easily the most capricious of minerals when it comes to outward appearances). Bushes of acicular aragonite crystals are also known as frostwork, as in the top photo.
If you simply can’t resist the urge to ire some student of mineralogy, remind them that aragonite and calcite are happy bedfellows in many caves. They’ll stammer, stab at phase diagrams like they were holy scripture, and insist that aragonite just plain isn’t stable at such low pressures and temperatures. But even as they speak, cave aragonite grows on, seemingly in open defiance of the laws of chemistry. Its secret: a loophole clause known as “magnesium-poisoning”.
“Magnesium-poisoning” is the name given by carbonate geologist Robert Folk to the phenomenon by which certain solutions supersaturated with respect to calcite are inhibited from actually precipitating calcite due to high concentrations of magnesium. It seems that the magnesium ion somehow interferes with the lateral growth of calcite crystals. As calcite deposition is suppressed throughout evaporation or degassing of carbon dioxide, the higher supersaturation concentration of aragonite is eventually reached. The lengthwise growth of aragonite crystals is not inhibited by magnesium; they grow freely in an environment that would otherwise be foreign to them.
Due to its dependence on the magnesium ion, aragonite is typically the product of evaporation. Evaporation drives the concentrations of all ionic species up. As calcium is lost to calcite precipitation, the magnesium-to-calcium ratio increases to the point at which calcite growth is inhibited (about 2.9:1), and aragonite is thenceforth deposited. A common progression from calcite to aragonite due to evaporative enrichment is seen the bottom photo, where a nodular mass of calcite popcorn is tipped by sprays of aragonite needles.
Aragonite crystals can be used for centering oneself before healing or meditation, allowing for stimulation of communication on the higher planes. Relieves stress and anger, bringing patience when it is needed most! Aragonite promotes reliability in people and discipline. Provides insight into problems. An aragonite elixir can be used as a “spring tonic†and for the amelioration of general aches and pains.†Aragonite increases self-worth and self-confidence. In business, Aragonite helps clear the mind and provide energy required to meet professional challenges. Thought to teach the art of deep thinking, Aragonite gives the ability to live everyday life with an open heart and mind. An earthly grounding stone, Aragonite shows one how to effectively give-and-take, by making one think before acting, and is believed to teach moderation in all things. Aragonite has also been used to help access past lives. Aragonite increases energy levels and the energy of prayers. Because of its positive influence on the brain, nervous system and heart it brings energy to chronic fatigue sufferers. Aragonite helps with hair loss and skin disorders, working on areas that need calcium, such as strengthening and mending broken bones and providing relief from spinal pain. It is said that placing Aragonite on the body when chilled from the flu or a cold will bring instant warmth to the body and rid the body of the chill.
Chakras: Sacral
Astrological sign: None
Aragonite
Aragonite was named after the Aragon region in Spain where it was discovered. It is an excellent stone to have around in times of stress as it is said to reduce anger and to enhance patience and acceptance under stressful conditions. It is also believed to raise energy levels and to help clear and focus the mind so that you can concentrate on the task in hand.
Aragonite is good to use when you are preparing for a meditation session, as it is said to raise vibrations to a high spiritual level.
In healing Aragonite is believed to aid calcium absorption, heal bones and relieve pain. It is also said to be beneficial for Reynaud’s disease. Aragonite can be used to relieve a painful knee by placing it on the affected area and holding it in place with a bandage.
Love is that magick that grows stronger in
every moment shared… Blessed be.Our rune today is Uruz of Freyja’s Aett 
pronounced “ooo-rooze” (U: Auroch; a wild ox) Physical strength and speed, untamed potential. A time of great energy and health. Freedom, energy, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, wisdom. Sudden or unexpected changes (usually for the better). Sexual desire, masculine potency. The shaping of power and pattern, formulation of the self.
Young men prove their manhood in the hunt. Test yourself, develop your will-power, and you will gain your rights of passage. Your situation may seem hostile and difficult but this could be a good opportunity to test yourself. If you are strong and determined, you will achieve great success. A sudden change may have placed you in a position of added responsibility but it has also opened up fresh possibilities. Rely on your energy and don’t be afraid to show your will-power. In personal relationships, be braver and more incisive. Your happiness is at hand – just take a step forward and make it happen. In health matters, this rune is a good sign. It advises you to become aware of your body’s natural rhythm, and indicates that you are building up strength.
Uruz Reversed or Merkstave: Weakness, obsession, misdirected force, domination by others. Sickness, inconsistency, ignorance. Lust, brutality, rashness, callousness, violence. (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
Musings of a Grizzled Warrior
Author: Ursa
I am the center of my universe. This is not to say I am the center of the universe, for in that world, I am but a speck of the corner of a mote in the eye of the Gods! Nevertheless, in my universe, I reign supreme. I have many roles to play in my world… many hats to wear. Some are magnificent and splendorous, others much simpler and less ostentatious. Some are in perfect condition, some in need of various repairs, and yet others still are threadbare, worn and in need of either retirement as nostalgic keepsakes, or outright discarding as needless rubbish.
As center and ruler of my universe, one of those hats is an exceptionally sumptuous High Lord’s crown. It sparkles, it shines in veritable luminescence, and it is made of magical precious white gold most definitely passes the “10-foot rule”. However, perceptions are not necessarily reality, and even my perceptions can be suspect. The jewels encrusted in this crown are those ethical and moral values that are precious to me and thus held sacrosanct. The issues arise in the realization that I am no jeweler.
To my eye, the sparkling deep cobalt blue sapphires of honour, the blood red rubies of love, the majestic royal purple amethysts of thought and communication, the rich lucent pearls of wisdom, and the hotly sparkling clear diamonds of truth are all very genuine precious stones. The crown itself is also constructed of the purest alloys and functions as the framework upon which these baubles rest and the means of which we attach it to our physical bodies. I would call this the crown of our spirit, our consciousness, our soul, if you will. It rests there atop the physical clay of our persons for all to see. In addition, no matter how hard one may try to enshroud that crown by means of a cloaked subterfuge or attempt to sequester it away behind vaulted triple locked doors of secrecy, glimpses and peeks will reveal that hat for any to see who are actively aware of surroundings beyond the reach of their own nose.
It is only through unbiased, unemotional introspection and discussion with genuinely honest individuals for whom we care and highly regard that those gems can come under exacting scrutiny using a jeweler’s loupe. Moreover, it is only through this process by which the difference between authentic gems and mere coloured glass or manufactured synthetic frauds can be determined. When correctly used, this process can discern imperfections and flaws as well. This holds true not only for the precious stones in the crown, but also for the metal of the crown itself. It is how we can determine the alloy content, the homogenous blending of those alloys, the purity of the individual metals, or even if it is strictly cosmetic plating over a base metal.
It takes true courage to honestly assess the value of our crowns of our crowns, for we must overcome the fear of both destroying it, and discovering its value may be far less than what we think or even hope it to be. However, courage is the only currency accepted in this particular market. If you are too frugal with it, all you will be able to hire for the task are sycophants who care more about separating you from your coin while laughing behind their sleeve at a fool as they tell you what you want to hear in hopes of more payment. Nonetheless, what we do with that assessment is entirely up to ourselves. We can use it for our betterment or our detriment.
Many people are sufficiently satisfied knowing they wear a shiny hat with sparkly gems caring not one whit if the materials used are real or frauds; they are just ignorant of such details and content with that superficial knowledge. Some would stop after just such a thorough inventory and evaluation, and marvel at its stated value; having no difficulty in announcing to all who will listen the price tag of their crown and thereby determine their own self-worth in the comparison and contrast of the monetary value with the crowns of those surrounding them. Sadly, this leads to several devastating results. On one end of the spectrum, there is a constant dissatisfaction with what they own and an unfulfilled ravenous desire to out shine those whose crowns have greater value, thus thinking this will make them the superior person. At best, this is the basis for unrequited and unnecessary internal strife. At the other end of the spectrum, this person’s personal outlook either sets the stage for covetous behavior, or the attempt, successful or not, to steal or destroy another person’s crown.
Then we find yet another category of person. They too take lock, stock, and inventory of their crown, but rather than focus solely on the monetary value of the crown and gems as the end state, they use this value as a measuring device of self-improvement. Their goal is neither to impress themselves, nor those they encounter. Instead of seeking outward approval, they are true connoisseurs and avid collectors with an appreciation to finding beauty and value where and when they may encounter it. What is more paradoxically amusing is, the perfection for which they strive is not incumbent upon a perfectly symmetrical final product that so many may feel is the most aesthetically pleasing to the untrained eye.
The best way to explain this seeming contradiction of terms is to recall the tale of The Perfect Heart. In this analogy, a young man stands before the people of his village boasting how he held before all to see the strongest and most perfect heart. It bore no scars or blemishes and beat with the strength of a Percheron within. All within view gawked in amazement, for their hearts seemed lacking in compare. All, that is, except for an old grizzled man in the back who scoffed at the claim made by the youth. Instead, he countered that his was the more perfect heart by far. Being thus challenged, the youth demanded the old man come forward and put his claim to the test. When the old man came forward, in his hand was a mangled hodge-podge of mismatched pieces, scars, and even gaping holes where pieces were missing.
The youth and all the villagers scornfully laughed at the old man’s claim and demanded he retract his obviously false claim, but the old man remained steadfast. With a warm smile and gentle voice he explained the hodge-podge of parts were in reality the portions of other’s hearts freely and lovingly given in exchange for pieces of his own heart. The places were parts were missing were places where he had freely given of his own heart, but others failed to reciprocate. And the scars were from times, whether intentionally imposed or not, he suffered and overcame grief and various heartaches he endured through life.
The youth paused for a while as the import of what the old man said began to sink in. As understanding of the lesson he was being taught fully took hold, the young man was moved to tears. He paused, hugged the old man, and then freely tore a piece of his own once-thought perfect heart and offered it in exchange for a part of the old man’s. The grizzled elder smiled broadly, accepted the exchange, and they both walked away arm in arm; the youth realizing he was only beginning his quest to create a more perfect heart.
The tools and the understanding are there to be had for any and all who would but reach out and use them. It is how we use them and what we do with that understanding which sets us each on our own respective paths to the betterment or detriment of us all.
Ursa
By Phylameana lila Desy, About.com Guide
There is a trick to the Law of Attraction1. This trick is not really as magical as one might imagine. We attract the things that we focus on. When we focus on not having enough that thought form supports the “lack of” we routinely experience.
We are forever reminded to use affirmations2 and to keep our thoughts positive but Feeling Sorry for Myself continues to be the mantra of many people.
Sick of the n’ts in Your Vocabulary?
We are bombarded with repetitive negative phrases in our thinking such as I just can’t get ahead, I couldn’t dodge the bullet, I won’t be the winner, I don’t have enough, etc. etc. Are you guilty of continuously repeating negatives either in thoughts or words? Is your negative mind set pretty much representative of your current life situation? If your answer is YES, then Congratulations! You are living proof that the law of attraction works. You are a champion at attracting negatives.
Breaking the Habit of Attracting Negatives
Why do we focus on our illnesses, our low-paying jobs, and our less than fulfilling relationships? We do so out of habit. Breaking the “attracting negatives” habit, just like any other bad habit will take some effort on your part. Especially so, if you have been dwelling on the negatives for years. Your parents might have taught you this behavior by being the role model of “criticism” or “negative language.” If this is so, then they are likely mirroring behavior they learned from their parents, and so on back through the generations. Isn’t it time to break this negative cycle?…. urr rather, in postitive terms — IT IS time to break the cycle.
I too struggle with “negatives” in my life. I sometimes think Worry Wart has taken up permanent lodging in my guest room. I should say “unwelcome” guest room. Unwelcome guests in your life may be Unlucky Lucy, Loser Larry or Barb Bites. I’m certain you can name others. But let’s not! Let’s turn our negatives into positives and begin attracting welcome guests such as Lucky Lonnie, Smart Sam, and Happy Harriet. A simple way that you can put materializing positives into motion is to busy your hands with creating positive images for your eyes/mind to focus on.
Attracting Positives
Several years ago I created my first manifesting scrapbook. I filled the pages with affirmations and clippings of pictures that depicited the things that I wished to have materialize into my life. I spent about a week creating the various pages in the book. Then I put the book away on my bookshelf and basically forgot about it. About six months later my daughter gave me a butterfly wind chime on my birthday. Another friend of mine stopped by with an angel candle holder. Neither my friend, nor my daughter knew about my manifestation book. I had never told my daughter that I wanted a new wind chime for our back portch, let alone that I had pasted a similar butterfly wind chime in my wish book. But, sure enough, both items (wind chime and angel) were pasted in the scrapbook. The items were not exactly the same but pretty darn close. Amazing. That’s when I started pasting more and more stuff that I wanted into my manifesting scrapbook.
Creating Your Own Manifesting Scrapbook3
The instructions for creating your very own manifesting book are very basic. Choose affirmative words and colorful pictures clipped from magazines. Your words and images will tell stories about what you cherish most about your life. You will also want to include the things which you wish to attract into your life. Create as many pages as you like in your manifestation scrapbook. Be sure to include photos of friends, pets, and family. Supplies needed are simple: scissors, paper, glue, magazine clippings, and favorite photos. This art project is a fun way to focus on the things that bring you joy, wellness, prosperity, and more. View sample pages for your manifesting picture book4.
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Supplies:
Time:
A bright, sunny morning
Procedure:
Start by mixing water and salt in a bowl. Add garlic salt and powdered rosemary if you need to clear out ghosts or spirits. Consecrate the mixture.
Begin at the main entrance of the house or apartment. Sprinkle some of the consecrated water by dipping your fingers in it and making the sign of the pentagram. In a firm and commanding voice with all of your power behind it, say:
Evil shall leave but not enter.
Proceed counterclockwise through the house, repeating the procedure in every corner of each room, at all the windows, doors and mirrors. Don’t forget telephones, fax machines, televisions, modems, radios, computers that are connected to the Internet — any outside connection to your house. (It doesn’t hurt to do the mailbox after you finish with everything inside the house.)
Repeat the spell annually, or whenever you feel in need of it.
Supplies:
Procedure:
Before dawn, take a branch from any tree. Thank the tree for its gift and leave a coin or semi-precious stone at its base in payment. Next, obtain several brightly colored flowers on long stalks. Tie these flowers to the branch to fashion a sort of broom, then sweep the floor in every room of the house, visualizing the flowers of the broom absorbing negativity and “evil” as you work. Then, still before sunrise, leave the broom at the crossroads. Traditionally this ritual is repeated at the first of each month.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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