Day: March 29, 2011

The Dream of Pagan Unity and Why It’s So Hard to Achieve

The Dream of Pagan Unity and Why It’s So Hard to Achieve

Author: Morgan

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about ecumenism among Pagan groups; maybe its the recent flurry of Pagan Pride Day planning, maybe its the common refrain that so many people love to sing about wanting the community to all get along. Either way it’s been on my mind a lot, because it seems like, if everyone who wants unity among the various groups meant what they said, then we would already have it; yet as a community we are divided in many different ways.

Some people are limited by their own views of those outside of their particular group or tradition, some are stuck in old feuds or in personality conflicts, and some are simply stuck in the idea that their way is the only “real” way. So how do we overcome this? It seems easy enough, if we could only get everyone to acknowledge their own hang-ups and issues with unity we could all pull together – but realistically can it be done? Should it be done? Are there compromises that simply should not be made, not even for so often dreamed of a goal as this one?

When I started writing this I began by thinking of my own biggest block, a particular local leader that I have a small laundry list of issues with. And I asked myself, can I let these go? Some of them, I can answer yes for even though it would take effort. I am capable of letting the past go if I really put some energy into it, especially when he never did me, personally, any direct harm. It wouldn’t be easy but it could be done; however if I am honest with myself there are other issues as well that I don’t know if I could move past, ongoing things relating to integrity, truth in teaching – or I should say deception in teaching – and intentional perpetuation of ignorance that touch on areas where I have a much harder time looking the other way. And the bottom line of all this soul searching is that even when I try to put my personal feelings for this person aside, I am still left in a place where I do not want to be associated with him in any way.

How do we build community unity from that? And there is no other way; unity is not the same as tolerance. To be united as a community we must all stand together, and that is more than problematic when – in my own case – I have to always fight the urge to speak out against this person. How do we let go of the desire to let personal conflict and dislike interfere? How do we embrace community members that we simply do not like on a personal level?

How do we define our community? Who is in and who is out? Even within Paganism, in the subgroups of traditions and religions, this is a massive issue. How do we define “us”? We cannot hope to unite as a larger group of Pagans until we figure out who we are as smaller individual groups and that seems an impossible task when every sub-group is fractured by inner disputes. Group self-definition is like the Holy Grail, everyone is searching for it but no one can really find it. Do we include or exclude people convicted of crimes? All crimes, or only some?

Do we push out the snake oil salesman and false prophets that are selling lies while proclaiming it the only “real” Witchcraft/Heathenry/Druidism/etc., or would that very attempt put us on the same level of the more-pagan-than-thou types who cause so much dissention already? We must set boundaries for the safety of the community if nothing else, but how do we decide what those boundaries are and how do we enforce them?

One thing that needs to happen to start is that as a group Pagans need to stop nitpicking each other; if another tradition has a different way of doing things that you disagree with on purely theological or personal grounds let it go. If it’s not your group, why do you really care how they are doing things? If a group is engaging in dangerous, illegal, or manipulative practices that’s a whole different issue, but differences in approach shouldn’t matter. We waste way too much energy fighting over how other people do things, instead of looking for the common ground.

So at the beginning of this I asked if Pagan unity can be achieved, and I think the answer is yes, and no. We can form a stronger, larger community if we find a way to put aside the differences that can be put aside, like letting go of the ideas that any one particular way is “the” way, or “the” tradition. As soon as people start saying that they are the “true” Witches (Heathens/Druids/etc., ) they have set up a rigid dichotomy of us against them, and if you aren’t with them then you aren’t “real” and therefore aren’t legitimate; that attitude has to go right from the start.

I may not agree with someone, I may even hate everything about what he or she does and how he or she does it, but that doesn’t make them less “real”. Of course acknowledging that they are really Pagan, or whatever they are identifying as, does not mean that anything they are saying is true or accurate. (There is also a deeper argument about people claiming to be part of initiatory traditions when they aren’t – that isn’t what I’m talking about here, I simply mean the broad labels that are largely matters of self-identification) .

The flip side of that coin, and this is where the “no” part of the answer comes in, is that some things can never be compromised and we as a community need to stop acting as if anyone calling themselves pagan is automatically a good person. People are people no matter what their faith and some pagans are good people and others are pretty crappy people, just like everyone else. It’s okay for us to say, “no I won’t be associated with that person” if the reason is legitimate and we have really looked at whether we can compromise on this.

That means that true, complete unity will never be possible because there will always be people identifying as Pagans who contribute nothing but dissention to the community. There are online “trolls” and there are real life ones, there mentally unstable people, there are pedophiles and violent people, and there always will be, and these are issues that the community will always have to contend with. Being pagan does not mean that all the bad in the world and in people just disappears, but we can acknowledge this fact and deal with it. So unity is a utopian idea, but building a strong ecumenical community isn’t. That dream could be possible.

Building a larger community depends on putting aside the little things like personality conflicts, pride, and mistrust of other traditions, and embracing the things we have in common. It means working together to build a larger sense of community, not to homogenize all the traditions into one, but to respect the differences and the similarities; it’s our diversity that makes us such an interesting group. Pagan community can be built and made strong, but not without real effort and soul searching from all of us – and that’s why it remains a dream and not a reality.

Intolerance: A Curable Disease

Intolerance: A Curable Disease

Author: Kestryl Angell

For some years now, I have been in solitary practice and have purposely placed myself in a position that allows me to observe the growth of the modern Pagan movement in the United States. One very significant thing has come to bother me through those observations. One that leaves me, to say the least, perturbed with my fellow human beings of every belief system, but assuredly of some that call themselves Pagan, as well.

Now, I realize that everyone on this planet is here for his or her own reasons, as well as for cosmic ones. I also realize that everyone grows, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually at his/her own individual pace. But some things, to my mind, are basic points of human respect and are sadly and sorely missing from a society that is supposed to be “the most advanced society history has ever known, ” as some would phrase it.

Though there are many points of human weakness that are causing overall weakening ripples throughout the newer generations when it comes to ethics, I feel that there are a few that are particularly problematic and need to be addressed at every opportunity. I hope to write about several of these in the coming weeks, as I feel that discourse is where all solutions may be found. With that in mind, I’d like to begin with a personal favorite.

Let’s begin with intolerance.

What, really, is the point of going through a life-changing, spiritual awakening, a “rebirth” as many coming to their Paganism as adults from other more mainstream backgrounds often state they go through, if all they come to be is not Pagan at all, but really could be better characterized as “anti-Christian?”

Coming to a new spiritual path does not automatically make the one you came from innately “wrong.” It simply makes it wrong for you.

Perhaps you did have experiences with the darker side of human nature packaged as harmful behavior, selfishness, egotistical preaching, the use of fear as a control and all the bad things that are written about in the news every day. That does not automatically make every single person that practices that belief system wrong, evil, awful, stupid or deluded.

Therefore, it is just as wrong to condemn others in a blanket fashion as it was for them to condemn the various Pagan paths throughout the course of history. In other words, coming to Paganism just so you can feel justified in Christian- (or other belief systems including alternate paths of Paganism from your own) -bashing is as hypocritical as the day is long! Get real and lose the excuses!

Allowing something to exist and realizing it is different from yourself doesn’t give you the right to pass judgment on it’s correctness for another soul’s growth or it’s validity in the Universal scheme of things! You are not their Creator/Creatrix. You are not here to live their path. In fact, you have no idea what is going on in their karmic path, in their personal development that might be assisting them to be learning lessons you don’t even have the strength to recognize, much less deal with yourself.

If you consider those who follow “younger” faiths than your own to be “deluded, ” it is you that does not understand the growth of the soul. It is you that is still struggling with the idea that the Universe has bigger plans than your little human eyes and mind can fully comprehend and it is you that is making a fool of yourself by stomping your proverbial feet and saying you KNOW better!

For yourself, yes – you may know that what you left behind isn’t what you need. For others? That is theirs to choose and theirs to choose free from your judgment and condemnation of that choice – just as your choice to become Pagan was your own and was equally as worthy of not being judged negatively by their fears or ignorance.

Just because you yourself happen to be in “spiritual middle school” doesn’t mean you have the right to pick on the “spiritual kindergartners.”

Furthermore, spiritual middle-schoolers don’t have anything on the spiritual college students and PhD s, but nearly every single time you will see them shining loudly in their personal struggle with their own ego by the way they attempt to play children’s one-upsmanship-games with their Elders, while showing glaring examples of their own ignorance by their complete lack of basic respect for the efforts, knowledge base and wisdom of the Elders they’ve been honored to come to know and learn from.

They would rather argue entomology of a specific word of a specific dialect than seek out the fullness of all meanings of the given word to more fully explore its meanings before making a decision as it applies to their own cause.

They would rather see other’s ignorance as “proof” of their own self-proclaimed greatness while never realizing that those things greatest in this world don’t need human declarations to make them great.

It was said by the writer, John G. Neihardt, “Humility is bowing before Truth. Humiliation is bowing before people.” Humility, Tolerance and Compassion are the internal partnership that should come to a truly spiritually awakened being – not their old set of personal and world grievances packaged in a new dogmatic format.

There are those under the Pagan umbrella who will say, “Well, I don’t believe in karma like that.” or “Respect is earned, not just given willy-nilly.” or “Well, in my belief system the world runs on the eye for an eye principle so if someone screws me over or makes me feel stupid, I can do whatever it takes to level that playing field.”

You don’t have to believe in karma to understand that what goes around comes around.

Universal principles exist and show themselves, with or without your belief in them or your petty arguments on terminology for said events. The seasons, the life/death cycle, “acts of God” weather and other Universal events will soon show you differently if you truly feel you’re the one in control of the entire world’s development!

The only thing that glaringly, embarrassingly shows, like a run in your brand new stockings, is your own overblown ego if you refuse to understand there are forces larger than yourself at work in the Universe as a whole.

Respect should indeed be earned within specific arenas such as professions and education, to name but a few. However, there should also be a basic, human respect of one living being to another, without the need to prove anything other than that they too are a person living on this planet with the same basic needs and desires as every other human being on the planet – good, nutritional food, clean water, community, family and the like. Even if their needs and desires don’t immediately meet or match your own doesn’t make yours or theirs any more or less vital or valid than the other.

As for the “eye for an eye” folks, all that happens when you take out the eye of another based on that principle is that you end up going blind, in one way or another, yourself.

I am not saying forgiveness is always the answer or that “turn the other cheek” is the answer in all situations either. But more often than not, when a human being thinks his or her own bruised ego, knee-jerk, forceful, violent ways are the answer; it is the opposite answer that is usually the one that would actually solve the problem for good.

Differences in personal dogma have been call and cause for the culling of our world populations for centuries, since the beginning of known, current history. Do we really need to continue to prove to ourselves that human beings can find constantly new and more awful ways to be horrendous to one another?

Furthermore, why are we still actually entertained by such violence or allow something as petty as big business concerns to be the reason our fellow human beings proudly go off to die by the hundreds of thousands in service to their country – with a very few that make it home alive only to find that they have no home to come back to?

This is not to say that I am all the “Light, Love and Happiness, Rainbows and Pretty Unicorns All Day Every Day!” kind of dreamer. I simply feel that the Universe itself already has chaos and death and violence in its own makeup without human beings adding to the mix out of basic ignorance, ego, selfishness and intolerance.

Mother Nature has that whole destruction thing down pat, people! She doesn’t need our scum covered little human toddler hands muddling up the works by trying to “help!”

Like kids in the playground sandbox, we’re still caught up, after all these centuries in basic Intolerance-based border skirmishes! Pagan communities are just as guilty of this issue as many Christian organizations and many of the “problems” that I hear bantered about in mainstream organizations are just as rampant in Pagan ones because we still aren’t addressing Intolerance actively as individuals, much less as a community! You cannot claim to be better than the thing you abhor and left behind if you’re guilty of the same crimes against humanity after you change sides.

Border skirmishes based on differences of dogma were a good portion of the basis of the Middle Eastern conflict since long before the US ever became interested enough in the business aspects that finally rooted our entry into the wars in the Middle East.

Border skirmishes based on intolerance, racial differences, religious differences are at the root basis of much of the gang violence rampant in Los Angeles and many other parts of the US and have even gone so far as to spawn their own subculture out of the necessities of their living circumstances rather than strengthening as a community to truly fight the issues that took them to that point of de-evolution that effects gang neighborhoods.

Border skirmishes based on Intolerance, lies and violence were what displaced every Native American in this country when the English, French, Spanish and others all came to a land the Natives had already figured out how to live harmoniously upon.

Did those people who were new here listen to those that had lived there for generations?

Oh no, they were seen as “ignorant savages” who knew nothing of community elderly and child care, community health care, balanced inter-tribal politics and trade or even the simplest necessities for making it through the winter alive.

Yet, here we are still stuck in wars where body counts, gun counts, missile counts and cash numbers, advertising and fear tactics, biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction threaten the supposedly “enlightened” peoples of this day and age? Seriously?

Can’t we just get out of the sand box, stop fighting over who brought the coolest toys or who can do the most damage and have some dang milk and cookies like good little spiritual brothers and sisters here?

Intolerance should have no place in the modern human mind.

Look to the simpler, tribal times of our ancient ancestors and to those who are still living in those harmonious ways in many places in the world today that we spoiled Americans call “third world, undeveloped” countries. Perhaps they don’t have our amenities in their homes, our advertising and fast and un-nutritious foods on every corner of their city streets or even have motorized vehicles.

But when women group together to gather the water for entire streets and neighborhoods while singing, serving more than just their own family’s needs every single day, it is we who could learn something from their joyful song and service.

When villages in South America that have disagreed for generations can work together to build pipelines for water for both villages’ benefit, we have something to learn from those “savages.”

When doctors and shamans in Tibet still ride donkeys or walk, sometimes for days, to treat the ill in body, mind and spirit and the community comes together to see to the needs of that doctor if the patient cannot pay for services themselves, it is our “modern physicians” and spiritual healers that could learn something about true caring compassionate healing for a patient and our community’s selfishly spoiled upper crust could learn what it means to make sure that all are cared for instead of arguing over whether or not our individual choices can remain as cushy as we’re selfishly accustomed to as we begin to explore a National Health care system in the US.

Get a clue, people! In the United States, our biggest sign of malnutrition is the over 65% of our citizens suffering from obesity! There are currently over 154, 000 US veterans – those that fought for our right to be this freely spoiled rotten – living on the streets, homeless!

Our ignorance, gluttony and selfishness is written all over us in our own fat flesh and high blood pressure ratings while these other “uncivilized” peoples starve from lack of food and clean water, but have us completely beaten on how to treat each other as human beings!

How can that be acceptable to educated, aware, community members? ANY community, much less ones who supposedly WORSHIP Nature’s balance and bounty?

Let’s also be keeping in mind that most of the other major countries of the world have already gotten some of these questions, such as National Health care, answered successfully decades ago and it is the US that is catching up and griping all the way about rises in taxes to help the overall common good of all Americans, top to bottom of the food chain.

Canadians are thrilled to only be paying 10% taxes right now, down from the 18-20% its been in the past to help pay for their health care system and other social amenities currently underdeveloped and desperately needed in the US.

Those in the UK have paid the English equivalent of anywhere from $10-20 per gallon for gasoline for years and yet Americans were having fits over gas hitting $4 per gallon within the last year? Who is it really that needs to get real, learn some Tolerance for people and for change and learn to attune as citizens of the world’s needs instead of for their own selfish, individualized gains and stunted, silent caste systems of bigoted intolerance so obviously still active in many places in our country?

How can it not be seen that intolerance is at the root of all of these issues…and that it is a curable state of being that, if taken on by the whole of a community, doesn’t really weigh all that hard on the individual?

As a student of the Universe, I do not look for a time when all people will “believe as one.” I do not believe that Harmony requires everything be alike, as that in itself would also be an imbalance. Diversity is a necessity of life. If sameness were the truth of how things should be, music wouldn’t have different notes that make up the chords that sing the songs of the Universe through orchestrations. Harmony is created when notes co-exist on different lines for their own sake and in their own timing to a rhythm that is greater than each individual note.

Therefore, what I look forward to is the day when individuals can learn from and about other’s beliefs without their own being threatened in any way, without fear or disgust. I look forward to the day when those that do not believe the same way can simply agree to disagree and still work for the common good of all living beings on the planet. I look forward to the time when tolerance and compassion is as common a pair of qualities in human beings as ego, laziness, selfishness and desire.

I look forward to the awakening of human beings to the idea that tolerance is not acceptance nor is it automatically an admission of support of the differing idea or practice presented. I look forward to the day humans sing in beautiful, diversified harmony, the song of the planet’s common good.

Tolerance is simply the ability to allow all things to exist, as the Universe would have them, not as you would have them. Tolerance means allowing even those things that you do not agree with personally to exist for those who do believe in them.

Tolerance is difficult, however, as it requires a type of fearful and fearless faith in the patterns of the Universe to be “correct, ” whether we human beings see that correctness, the fullness of the pattern or not. This is not a concept that many human beings find easy to comprehend, much less practice inside themselves or in their daily lives. However, if goals such as this were easy, there would be no need for the inner battles that make each of us better people.

I believe Tolerance is a worthy and attainable goal for every individual that can have the bettering ripple effect of creating a harmony as yet unseen by modern history.

Care to join the experiment?

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 3/29

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

45: Coming Together

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Hexagram 45
General Meaning: The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual’s strength is magnified by the power of their community. History has shown that mass movements can bring about stable, ordered and durable conditions for the better. This hexagram may be pointing to an auspicious time for large undertakings. But the guiding force of your shared vision is essential to hold the forces of unity together, and keep them advancing toward a common goals and values.

Another image for this situation is that of a lake filling with water. Just as the fullness of the lake can bring good fortune to all in its sphere, it can also overflow, leading to calamity. Thus in a time of gathering together it is essential that precautions against excesses be considered along with efforts to advance along a clearly-charted course. Much of human misfortune comes from unexpected events for which we are ill prepared; when gathered together with others, we are both more powerful and, in some ways, also more vulnerable.

Any time of unified coming together is a time of great potential. But the potential can be both positive and negative. Everything is magnified when people unite around a central shared purpose. When many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions to protect your own reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the crowd.

Your Daily Number for 3/29 is 5

Your Daily Number: 5

You may find your interests expanding today, and you’re probably going to be feeling more liberated than you have in a long time. New people, social gatherings, and possibly romance may broaden your horizon. Be careful not to over-indulge or become careless in the midst of so much activity.

Fast Facts

About the Number 5

Theme: Resourceful, Adventure, Speculation, Travel
Astro Association: Taurus
Tarot Association: Hierophant

Today’s Tarot Card for 3/29

Today’s  for Everyone:

The Chariot

This Tarot Deck: Art Nouveau

General Meaning: Traditionally, the card usually entitled the Chariot points to a triumphal feeling of freedom, as if the charioteer is being paraded through the streets as a hero (or heroine). The card reflects congratulations for high achievement, and serves as a sign of empowerment.

Huge wheels and frisky steeds speed the rate at which the driver’s willpower can be realized. This kind of charge makes more of the world accessible to anyone ambitious enough to seize the Chariot’s reins. But there is danger in this feeling of freedom, because of the increased rate of change and its power to magnify mistakes in judgment. As a seasoned warrior, the Charioteer is called upon to be extra attentive to the way ahead.

Daily Horoscopes for 3/29

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

The eccentric Aquarius Moon forms a supportive sextile with outgoing Jupiter in Aries, while three additional planets in fiery Aries encourage spontaneity and amplify the potential for excitement further. Meanwhile, the Moon’s harmonious trine to responsible Saturn helps us balance our enthusiasm, reducing the pressure from yesterday’s opposition between indulgent Jupiter and austere Saturn. It should be easier now to determine the right approach.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It would be wise today to reexamine the most important relationships in your life. Although you may think that all is well, chances are you’re looking at life through a Pollyanna filter. Instead of relying on your overconfident nature now, stop and check in with those most significant to you. Ask your friends and partners how they’re doing and then listen carefully to what they tell you. You might be surprised by what you hear, but you can make important improvements if you take what you learn to heart.

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may feel restricted today by too many tasks to complete for work. You could be ready to take a foolish chance just because you want to shake things up a bit. Fortunately, you’re very capable of moderating your emotional expression if you have a specific goal in mind. If you give yourself permission to fantasize about your freedom, you should be able to continue on the same path until your current restlessness settles down.

 

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may be contemplating taking a different direction in your life these days. Whether or not your current thinking endures, right now you’re ready to jump in and learn everything you can about something new. Fortunately, you’re capable of absorbing the basics of a difficult discipline or technical skill quite quickly and are happy to show others how clever you are. But appearing smart isn’t enough, so consider how to take your brilliant ideas and transform them into something that’s actually real.

 

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may be feeling let down or regretful today and it can be challenging to settle your thoughts. There’s too much going on in your mind, making it hard to filter out the extraneous noise. Don’t be overly self-judgmental; it’s natural to be fearful when so much is unknown about your future. The best thing you can do now is to pay attention to your heart’s desire while you continue processing everything that’s happening.

 

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

People around you may be acting strangely today as the quirky Aquarius Moon visits your 7th House of Others. But some of the eccentric behavior that you observe might be more reflective of your desire to do something exciting, even if you must stay focused on your current job. Claim your power by telling others what you want, instead of projecting your need for independence and unconventionality onto them.

 

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It may be socially awkward for you to share your strong feelings for someone today. But you could end up regretting your actions if you let fear prevent you from expressing what’s in your heart. You are being pulled in two directions now and no matter what you do, you might wish you took the other course. Thankfully, just knowing that there is no single correct path should help you be less self-judgmental. Trust your instincts to tell you when the time is right.

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You would like to believe that all is well and that everyone is doing okay. Unfortunately, this may not be the entire story today as negativity from a recent interaction leaks over into current events. As peace-loving as you may be, it now falls on you to stir up a bit of trouble. Don’t worry about what others think. It’s your job now to play the role of the heavyweight and talk about those subjects that everyone else is avoiding.

 

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may feel pretty optimistic about your role in the world right now. Although your place may not seem to be overly important in the big scheme of things, you can see the positive impact that you have on a day-to-day basis. Remember, success comes in many shapes and sizes. Fame and fortune are on one end of the spectrum while personal meaning and spiritual growth are on the other. Don’t judge yourself by what others think you should do; instead, pick your own path and follow your heart.

 

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your key planet Jupiter is journeying through your 5th House of Spontaneity, encouraging you to have more fun playing with your friends. However, its current opposition to stern Saturn could be putting the brakes on your party mobile. Luckily, you can get ahead of the curve by doing more long-term planning. You’ll be able to return to pursuing pleasure later, but now it’s time to get serious about your future.

 

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Family matters may be taking up more of your time than planned, but the opportunities for growth and happiness make it difficult for you to remain uninvolved. Nevertheless, professional responsibilities are calling, and you cannot say no. Being busy in your personal life doesn’t make following your career path any easier. Avoid making a final decision until the current distractions subside.

 

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Weird ideas are exploding in your brain and it’s challenging to figure out what to do today. You want to take each idea and run with it, but you cannot possibly finish what you initiate. Be careful, for you could start enough projects to keep you busy for a very long time. However, don’t stress if you still have lots of loose ends by the end of the day. It will be easy enough to clean up everything over the next few weeks during Mercury’s retrograde.

 

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may be feeling some fiscal pressure and there doesn’t seem to be a quick way out of your current predicament. But it’s not just about increasing your income or cutting down on your expenses. Somehow, the entire global financial condition has you spooked and it could take a complete overhaul of your lifestyle before you become fully comfortable again. Any positive changes, however small, you make now will help; just remember everything doesn’t have to happen overnight.

Mercury Retrograde in Aries Horoscopes, How Will This Affect You?

Mercury Retrograde in Aries Horoscopes

How the trickster planet’s backward spin will hit your zodiac sign from March 30 – April 23

Mercury joins expansive Jupiter on April 11 and impatient Mars on April 19, days in which it will be crucial to slow down, think before you speak and act, and consider what you’re taking on vs. what you can actually take on. On the plus side, you might also see old concepts in a different light, which can breathe new life into old habits or projects.

How may this Mercury Retrograde in Aries affect you?

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
The communication planet’s backward turn in your sign makes it harder for you to get your message across. Others tend to misread your intentions, especially when you are in a hurry and don’t express yourself clearly. Be especially careful on April 19 when Mercury joins your impulsive ruling planet Mars. You could say something that you’ll regret later due to your spontaneous outbursts of thoughts and feelings.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Mercury’s retrograde turn in your 12th House of Privacy can stir up secrets from the past. Confidentiality must be respected because a simple slip of the tongue can be embarrassing. On the plus side, this is an excellent time for meditation and reflection if you take a step back for a more objective perspective. Taking a break or time-out for yoga or relaxation between April 11 and April 19 could be just the re-charge you’ll need to endure the last few days of the retrograde period.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Miscommunication and confusion with friends and colleagues is expected with Mercury retrograde in your 11th House of Groups. Teamwork may become more challenging, but this period is a favorable one for reconnecting with an old pal or someone with whom you’ve worked in the past. If you can maintain a sense of organization and togetherness, your relationships could become greater — if not, the opposite may be the case.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Mixed messages in your professional life are more likely while communicative Mercury is retrograde in your 10th House of Career. Avoid taking on new responsibilities without proper planning. It’s better to delay projects until you’ve laid down a solid foundation than to take on more than you can handle. The pressure could be enough to catapult you in a better direction at work, or in a personal relationship, especially between April 11 and April 19.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Travel and communication to and with faraway places are likely to be complicated with Mercury’s retrograde passage in your 9th House of Travel. Education issues are also more complex during this transit, requiring greater attention to detail if you want avoid scheduling and study issues. Use this time to focus your strengths on improvement, rather than succumbing to the building pressures of schoolwork, or your job – so that you can more easily escape, mentally and physically, after the retrograde period.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Retrograde Mercury in your 8th House of Deep Sharing can kick up relationship issues that you thought were already settled, which can lead to sudden confusion and ultimate frustration. Renegotiations in personal and business matters may be required to overcome different points of view — but don’t let yourself be rushed by impatient and irresponsible people. Be the bigger person when discrepancies are left unsolved.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Mercury’s retrograde turn in your 7th House of Partners revives relationship questions that you thought were already settled. Past romances, flings and acquaintances you left behind may spring up once again, causing you to interact with unlikely figures. Getting off to rocky starts with new people is also possible. Standing up for yourself may require more effort, but it’s better than letting things slide until they’re too late to fix; this could make you a stronger and more confident in the end.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Mercury retrograde in your 6th House of Work could stir up confusion on the job, especially if new systems are being put into place. Watch for technological snafus and disorganization in your professional and personal life. Be extra careful around April 11 when a tense Mars-Pluto square spurs conflict unless you are willing to alter some old habits or ways of doing business.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Mercury’s retrograde turn in your 5th House of Romance should stir memories of love that make you nostalgic for the past. Just make sure you are prepared to deal with the emotions that could easily begin to resurface, and the actions that may result in your sudden desires. On the other hand, you can also use this time to revive old creative interests and hobbies that have been put to the side. Reconnecting with forms of recreation you’ve left behind inspires a sense of playfulness and joy.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Family matters you thought were long finished may return to demand your attention. Although it’s frustrating to address something that was once settled, you may be able to produce an even better outcome this time around, clearing the way for stronger working relationships with family and friends. Home repairs and maintenance are other useful activities during this cycle.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Retrograde Mercury in your 3rd House of Communication tends to complicate conversations and muddle messages. Slow down when you speak if you want to be understood and take the time to listen to others more carefully, as arguments are readily sparked with a few wrong worlds. Before you know it, a small disagreement could turn into something much bigger during this time, so make sure to absorb emotions before releasing them.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Mercury retrograde in your 2nd House of Resources could play havoc with your accounting. Spending impulsively is especially risky now, so avoid any serious expenses now — you won’t want to deal with the debt accrued during this retrograde period when stress runs higher than usual. Re-evaluating your abilities, though, could reveal underused talents that may be ripe for revival, leading to even more ways in which to make some unexpected income.

the daily humorscopes for 3/29

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You will begin an evil project, in secret. You will be successful. Although why you want to produce a cross between a St. Bernard and a chihuahua is anybody’s guess.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Someone nearby will make disgusting slurping sounds in your favorite restaurant. You’ll retaliate by glaring pointedly, and by eating your linguini with your fingers.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Today will be Mexican Food day, for you. In fact, chances are better than 1 in 3 that someone will refer to you as “Frijole-breath” before the day is through.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You will find yourself in a huge handbasket, before the end of the day, and it will be getting much warmer than you like.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Several extremely hungry creatures will look at you strangely, today. Throw them a raisin cookie.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Good day to bring an asparagus sandwich and a nice thermos of Cream-of-Meatloaf Soup for lunch.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Despite protests from a variety of organizations, you will organize a charity event called a “squid fling.” Due in part to excellent media coverage, you will be quite successful. Mostly, though, you will succeed because nearly everyone has a secret desire to fling a squid.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
In a strange form of protest against the new trends in personal adornment, you will make mooing sounds whenever you see someone with a nose ring. Coincidentally, some of them will say “Hay!”
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will accidentally step on someone’s foot, and they will say “Ow!”. That’s when I usually say “No pain, no gain.” Sometimes people don’t like me. I’ve never figured out why.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
You will find happiness. It will look a lot like tranquility, only a bit fluffier.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Confucious said “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Confucious was a Harvard man, you know, with a huge trust fund. He certainly never “worked” a day, himself. I wouldn’t take what he said too literally, in your case.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You will discover proof that Sports Utility Vehicles are tangible evidence of Evil. Sadly, others will fail to heed your warnings.

 

What a glorious Tuesday!

Good morning, well good afternoon! I am sorry I am running so late. I emailed a friend this morning and as usual, I wrote too much. What can I say I am just full of it today, lol! I feel good. I am in a good mood and all is right in the world. If that was only true. Wouldn’t it just be wonderful to wake up one morning and on the news hear nothing but good news. I remember several years ago, a witch had asked that all Pagans come together on one certain day to cast a spell for world peace. Just for one day. I was new to the internet and I am ashamed to say, I didn’t participate. But I do remember I was anxious to watch the evening news. I remember that there really wasn’t that much violence that day. I know the witch that started that must have been very happy. She had accomplished something our world leaders couldn’t even if it was for just one day. I have started one campaign of my own. You might have heard about it or seen it on the net, “I AM A WITCH.” It had a purple ribbon that went with it and it spread like wildfire across the net. I believe witches came out of the woodwork to show their solidarity. I wonder how a campaign for world peace would work now? I wonder if enough people would participate to actually make a difference? Now I got my little brain to working, I am going to have to think about another world peace day. Really there is nothing to lose, if we do set a date. Who knows, we might do some good! Could you live a day without killings, suicide bombers, murders, abuse and Goddess knows what else? Think about it.