Month: March 2011

Greetings on the 7th day of March with the theme of Balance.

Greetings on the 7th day of March with the theme of Balance. 

This is a Releasing/Cleansing Affirmation in the first week of the month. 

Make this a wonder-full day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I let Spirit (My Higher Self, God/dess, My Spirit Guides, The One, The Force,
Infinite Source) purify any remaining thoughts and feelings of struggle and
injustice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT TODAY’S AFFIRMATION
This affirmation is the last of the releasing ones with this theme, so we
give the remains of non-balance to Spirit for purification.  We select any
(or all!) designations of higher power.  We cannot have too much higher
power.  We give up (UP, UP, UP) struggle and belief in struggle.  We give
up (UP, UP, UP) injustice and belief in injustice.  We give up (UP, UP, UP)
disharmony and belief in disharmony.  We let Spirit purify us.

ABOUT YOUR PROCESS
While you are reading or saying today’s affirmation, you may want to let
your breathing follow the rhythm of the words: the in-breath brings in an
awareness of Spirit and the out-breath releases those remaining thoughts
and feelings of struggle and injustice, or anything else you associate with
the opposite of balance as you have defined it.  Let this affirmation empty
you out so that you can fill yourself with those things that you
desire.  Of course, if you WANT to hang on to struggle and injustice……
Know that it is your choice.

.

Copyright Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant

Lunar Lore

Lunar Lore    

    )0(  
  
 When Luna first her scattered fear recalls,
If with blunt horns she holds the dusky air,
Seamen and swains predict abundant showers.
            – Virgil, “Georgics.”
…
 …
 The moon had set. There was not any light,
  Save of the lonely legion’d watch-stars pale
In outer air, and what by fits made bright
  Hot oleanders in a rosy vale…
 – Bulwer Lytton, “A Night in Italy.”
…
Soon as the evening shades prevail,
 The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly to the listening earth,
 Repeats the story of her birth.
  – Addison, “Spectator”. No. 465. “Ode.” St. 2
The folk of that country begin all their things in the new moon,
and they worship much the moon and the sun and often-time kneel
against them.
 – “The Travels of Sir John Mandeville” (ca. 1500).
 )0(

Today Is: Moon Day

Today Is: Moon Day 

 
Energy: Female Ruler: The Moon – Rules emotions, protection, healing, and women’s mysteries – Use for magick involving the subconscious, healing, emotions, love, spirituality, healing wounds, children, small animals, women’s mysteries, the female side of men, mothers, sisters, female partners, wives, instincts
Today’s Magickal Influences: Agriculture, Domestic, Long Life, Medicine, Travels, Visions, Theft
Today’s Goddesses: Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gaelach, Ida, Artemis [Whom The Greeks Associated With Bast], The Witches, Yemaya, Erzulie, Bast
Incense: Myrtle
Perfumes: White Poppy, White Rose, Wallflower
Color of The Day:   Silver, Grey, White
Colors for Tomorrow: Red
Lucky Sign:  Monday Is The Lucky Day For The Sign of Cancer
Candle: White
Cooking on Monday will improve magics for creativity, insight, maternal nature, and goddess-related efforts. ~Quote from Magickal Martha

Daily Crystal: Black Phantom Quartz

Quartz, Phantom
Phantom crystals are wonderful awareness tools. They can give a sense of magic that most of us have lost along the course of our lives. Phantom crystals can help us increase awareness of evolution, in ourselves and in the world around us, showing how growth, rest, and rebirth cycle through all existence. Psychically, phantoms are considered excellent for past life work and meditation, and is valuable for the mystic or spiritual seeker. Physically, crystal healing and folk lore say that phantom crystals are excellent for initiating healing, bringing great energy to the healing process, and are especially helpful for hearing disorders and emotional healing.

Black Phantom

“Black Phantom Quartz Crystals are very unusual. They provide the energy of the quartz, coupled with the property of grounding; this grounding is via the perfect alignment of the physical energy centres, which occurs with the use of this mineral. Hence, with a black phantom crystal, one does not require an additional stone for grounding.” 

Black Phantom Quartz

Phantoms teach us about the process of life and growth and how to overcome obstacles to see life as a wondrous journey. Phantoms are to be used for the redemption and cleansing of the earth. The phantom works to bring together the participants of humanity to save the planet. They are excellent sources in initiating healing. They can also be used to access the records of ones progression through past lives. Black Phantoms provide the energy of the quartz, coupled with the property of grounding. This grounding is via the perfect alignment of the physical energy centres, which occurs with the use of this mineral. Hence, with a black phantom crystal, one does not require an additional stone for grounding.

Runecast for Monday March 7

Our rune today is Kenaz of Freyja’s Aett Kenaz pronounced “kane-awze” (K: Beacon or torch) Vision, revelation, knowledge, creativity, inspiration, technical ability. Vital fire of life, harnessed power, fire of transformation and regeneration. Power to create your own reality, the power of light. Open to new strength, energy, and power now. Passion, sexual love.

Spring comes and the snow melts. Winter’s debris becomes visible. Purification is needed. A warm season of your life arrives when your circumstances will be more beneficial and you will have no need to spend your energy as before, defending yourself from the cold. New interesting possibilities are appearing, but some of your activities which were permissible or even necessary during the “winter” are becoming unacceptable now. The light is switched on in some important area of your life. It gives you the possibility to do much more than before, but you may now appear less perfect to yourself than you previously thought, while you were in the darkness. It becomes important now not only to know what you are doing but also how you are doing it.

Kenaz Reversed or Merkstave: Disease, breakup, instability, lack of creativity. Nakedness, exposure, loss of illusion and false hope. (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…

Today’s Chakra Energy Levels

The Chakras represent the seven primary energy hubs in the body. Life force energy is constantly flowing in and out of these centers. Just as the cosmos is constantly changing, so too are the levels of energy absorbed and radiated by our Chakra centers. The graph below is a representation of the quantities of Chakra energies available today.

Sahasrara:
   
66%
 
   
79%
Vishuddha:
   
52%
Anahata:
   
41%
Manipura:
   
31%
Svadhisthana:
   
93%
Muladhara:
   
68%

Legend:
Sahasrara – The Crown Chakra represents energies associated with cosmic consciousness, spirituality, knowledge, wisdom and inner peace.
Ajna – The Third Eye Chakra represents energies focused on both physical and spiritual vision. Psychic powers resonate from the Ajna Chakra, as well as your image of the Cosmos as a whole (the big picture) and the many nuances that make your journey unique.
Vishuddha – Throat Chakra is the energy center associated with communication and creativity. Your energy to express yourself verbally and creatively are derived from the Vishuddha Chakra.
Anahata – The Heart Chakra’s energy is concentrated on issues concerning your emotions. This energy fuels your power to love, feel compassion and maintain balance between disparate aspects of your being.
Manipura – The Power Chakra provides the energy that fuels our strength of will, individuality and sense of self-worth.
Svadhisthana – The Spleen or Sacral Chakra supplies the energy we use emotionally and sexually. This is the energy used to connect to others.
Muladhara – The Root or Base Chakra furnishes the energy used to create and maintain our foundation. This is the energy that keeps us on firm ground and provides us with the basic skills to uphold a place in the world.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 3/7

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

19: Approach of Spring

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Hexagram 19
General Meaning: It is as if spring is approaching. Good times ahead feel inevitable; there is vitality in the air. This is a most auspicious time. Like a snake emerging from hibernation, negative forces are barely stirring and can be effectively controlled. This is a time of hopeful progress, and must be used to best advantage. When approaching good fortune, paying attention to what is happening now earns great dividends. All in all, a clear road lies ahead.

Take some action now, for at some point this ripe opportunity for advancement will be reversed. No spring lasts forever. It’s wise to stay alert and note the changing seasons and the energy they call for.

Spring is the season of new relationships. In the bounty of good times, new bonds form effortlessly. Relationships born in spring can serve well to warm the following autumn and winter.

Daily Horoscopes for 3/7

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

The pioneering Aries Moon usually provokes us to take decisive action, but starting something new isn’t all that simple today as the Moon forms a tense opposition with restrictive Saturn. Although this is a short-lived transit, we may feel as if we are being blocked by uncontrollable circumstances. Fortunately, action-hero Mars forms a magical quintile to Saturn, suggesting that a creative approach is necessary to break through the resistance.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may not be able to justify playing with your friends today, even after your workday is over. You could have such a large backlog of obligations now that you don’t feel finished even after you complete several items on your checklist. However, feeling guilty doesn’t serve any real purpose, nor does endlessly explaining your actions to anyone else. Just do as much as humanly possible and then reward yourself by letting go of any lingering concerns that prevent you from enjoying the present moment.

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Setting aside some time to relax is essential for your mental health today, because otherwise you could miss your chance for fun. Even if you figure out a sensible schedule in advance, something could happen that forces you to alter your plans. Don’t argue with the inevitable; save your energy for more important endeavors.

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You would like to present a responsible image today by taking the extra step and turning a creative project into something useful. You might think you know where you’re going, but your priorities can change quickly when you are ready for fun. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how good you are at tap dancing; you still won’t be able to sidestep your chores. Chasing the elusive rainbow of pleasure will not bring true satisfaction, so give up your schemes and do what’s expected of you for now.

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Someone at work might call in a debt today by asking you for a favor. Although it’s not acceptable to say no, you may feel annoyed if this obligation interferes with your other plans. It’s even more complicated if you cannot easily rearrange your schedule. Normally, setting firm boundaries would be a sensible strategy, but this tactic won’t work with the current circumstances. You won’t be to able fix everything, but it will probably be sufficient to show your concern and follow through the best you can.

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It may be a challenging day for you, especially if you are struggling because you’re spread too thin. It gets even worse if others are demanding that you take care of everything right away. You could get so angry that you dig in your heels and do nothing at all. Unfortunately, your inflexibility isn’t a smart tactic. Don’t get discouraged, even if you cannot see a sensible solution now. If you set priorities and take care of the basics first, you’ll have time and energy left over to make a bit of magic, too.

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You don’t want to take responsibility for work that others should be doing. You may even resent someone if you’re the only one pulling your fair share. Don’t be too quick to jump in and fix other people’s mistakes today because you’ll only prove that you’re obsessed with unrealistic perfection. Instead, just be flexible and honor each person’s contribution, no matter how small. Thankfully, you won’t likely be so judgmental later in the week.

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It’s no fun being around a controlling person, yet you might be the one who is assuming too much authority today. You don’t appreciate it when others act aggressively, so it’s a good idea to restrain yourself from doing so, as well. Fortunately, you can lean on your diplomatic skills now; staying aware of your impact on your workmates can ameliorate the tension before it reaches a critical level.

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may be in touch with a low level anger today that lingers from a recent disagreement with a co-worker. You might want to try a new approach to a routine task, but feel as if others aren’t supporting you in your efforts. Nothing will be gained by escalating this difference of opinion into an open conflict. Resolution isn’t likely now, so don’t force the issue. You will be more successful if you bring it up again in a few days.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may need to get out of the house or escape from the office today in order to feel free. Unfortunately, this can trigger resistance from those who will have to carry the weight in your absence. Don’t be so shortsighted that your urgent need for adventure upsets a delicate balance of power. It’s better to lean into your restlessness now than to run away from it.

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your ruling planet Saturn slows you down today, yet it also prevents you from losing focus. Instead of scattering your energy too thin, think twice before acting foolishly. However, assertive Mars is also present, pushing you to take a risk. Finding a balance between caution and recklessness can be tricky business now. Allow your sense of urgency to pass before doing anything drastic; you have more time than you realize.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may be feeling a bit subdued now, even if you’re still eager to succeed. You might not be able to find an easy solution to a current dilemma, but you can see how taking a gamble isn’t necessarily the wisest course of action. Rest assured that the obstacles you are facing are temporary. Hard work won’t resolve the problem today; however dogged persistence will eventually help you reach your goals.

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You cannot see a direct path to success today, but that’s okay because you don’t mind zigzagging around as you close in on your destination. You may not even care about the details of where you are going now as long as you have a general idea. Ironically, being too practical will only create additional problems. Keep returning to your initial vision; the specifics will come to you over time.

Chicken Soup for the Soul – Grieving and Recovery

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovery

BY: Heather Schichtel

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I sit on the park bench eating cheesy popcorn and watching young children on the playground. I am enjoying the day, the sun on my face, and the smell of fresh grass.

Randomly I think, I wish Samantha could run and play with them.

And there it is, the cold hand in my cheesy popcorn, the presence taking up too much space on the park bench, blocking my sunshine. My Grief.

“Really?” I say. “I didn’t invite you. Get your hand out of my cheesy corn.” Instead, I end up having to scoot over, making more room for My Grief. Grief comes and goes when I least expect it. I’ll be in my car, driving along listening to music and I’ll catch it in the corner of my eye, kicking the back of my seat.

“Hey Heather.”

“Aww crap, what are you doing here?”

“It’s been a while. I thought I would stop in for a visit.”

“Well, make sure you fasten your seatbelt and be quiet. My daughter’s sleeping and I don’t want you to wake her up.”

“Can I change the station?”

“No.”

“Can I play with the window?”

“No, you can just come along for the ride. 

So we go on the ride together, fingernails thumping on the dashboard as a reminder of who decided to show up today. Yes, I am quite aware of your presence, you don’t need to remind me.

Grief’s appearance used to rattle me, send me into the bathroom crying hysterically. Render me useless for a day. Sometimes it still does, but as Grief has been established as a consistent visitor in our household, we have drawn up a contract. We have an agreement.

As the mom of two children, one who died at birth and one who has a progressive disease, I will grieve. I will grieve for many dreams that will not come to fruition. I will grieve for a life I thought would be different.

I will grieve at times. And I will not grieve at times. I will laugh at times. I will not laugh at times.

Grief can come into our house but is not allowed to stay. If allowed to stay, it would devour the corners of our house. It would suck up the oxygen in the room. It would consume me.

And that is not acceptable.

Grief tends to run within the Special Needs community I am a part of; I bump into him quite often, even visiting other families….

“How are you?”

“My daughter has pneumonia. She is in the hospital on a ventilator.”

I look around and see Grief, sitting on the couch, smugly picking at dirty fingernails.

And I meet those who sadly keep very, very close company with this unwanted guest. Grief hangs over them like a shroud. It is hard to laugh. It is hard to love, because in copious amounts Grief tends to ooze; like a nasty septic wound… draining life from us.

But we still have to laugh, we still have to play, we still have to live… life carries on.

I cannot, at the end of my life say… well, it was long, hard and I was sad.

Surprisingly, our relationship is not based entirely on conflict. My interactions with Grief have allowed me to see myself raw, unprotected, and exposed. At times I feel that I have lost my skin… yes, here I am. Be careful, that’s my beating heart you see there. Do not touch.

I am no longer afraid to approach others regarding their own tragedies. I bring up the tough conversations. How is your mother? I am sorry for your loss. I am so sorry your daughter is in the hospital. I hug, I cry, I listen. Not because I am an über-sensitive person but because I know Grief sometimes travels alone except when he travels with his favorites… Isolation and Loneliness.

Sometimes Grief shows up at a party… drinks my wine, eats my last bite of fudgy dessert. It’s an annoyance really, but since Grief is not a constant life guest, I have learned to tolerate the time we spend together. Sometimes we even enjoy an introspective moment or two.

We have set the rules and sometimes they are followed. We cannot have a permanent impy, uninvited guest… we don’t have the room… not in our lives, not in my heart… life is too short and despite the bad things that can happen… life is too sweet.

Essential Oils

These may be rubbed on a candle for the appropriate goal for spell work by rubbing it on from center to either end to “dress” it or from top to bottom to draw, and bottom to top to banish , add to contents of a pouch of herbs to enhance the energies, dab on pulse points (cinnamon will burn), oils are flammable, so use with care.

Bay:  attain desires; success; clarity of visions or dreams.

Basil: intuition; optimism, psychic awareness.,

Cedar:  cleansing; strength, meditation.

Cinnamon:  energy; courage, gain goals, gain money.

Citrus Lemon/Lime:  invigorate: joy, energy.

Cypress:  calmative: soothes emotions: stability, Underworld.

Frankincense:  cleanse aura; enhance psychic power, energies.

Jasmine:  love; intuition, spirituality, confidence, sexuality.

Lavender:  balance; calming, cleansing, exorcism, Otherworld.

Orange:  visions; psychic dreams, restfulness.

Patchouli: Earth energy; sexuality, strength, power, Underworld.

Peppermint:  alertness; action, mental clarity.

Pine:  energy; cleansing strength, clarity, action, protection.

Rose: energy; love; gentleness, peace, happiness.

Rosemary:  mental clarity; memory, protection, invigorate, blessing

Sage: purify; cleanse; spiritual visions, inspiration.

Sacred Space

If you regularly use the same part of your home for your Magickal work then hang this sachet in that area to retain the Magickal integrity and positive energies created whilst working. Just before starting any Magickal act take the sachet down and carry it around your working space three times to release those Magickal energies. Use a violet cloth tied with a silver and gold cord.

2 parts jasmine

2 parts rose petals

2 parts rosemary

1 part bay

1 part cinnamon (either use 1 stick or 1 part powdered)

1 part fennel

2 part corarse salt (rock salt)

Tranquil Home

This is a sachet to bring about peace to the home. It is an excellent one to give to anyone who has just moved house.

3 parts jasmine flowers

3 parts rose petals

3 parts rosemary

1 part lavender

1 part bay

Place in a pink cloth tied with green ribbon or cord and hang it over the main entrance to the home.

Herb Sachets and Gifts

Herb sachets are used to fragrance the house, as wards of protection and defence and can even be carried on the  person, in addition to herbs, flowers, spices, leaves, and so on, they may also contain stones, charms or crystals, all imbued with Magickal energies. Some people even create totem bags which also contain pictures of their loved ones, a lock of hair or many other things which link them to those they care about. Herb sachets make excellent gifts or ways of working Magick for others. Much of the work of the Witch is for other people. I sincerely the posts in this section will inspire you to do a little “Magick” today!

Sachets can be made from almost any natural fabric; it does not have to be specially bought for the purpose. Whilst silk squares look very attractive, you can recycle old clothes or cloths, or anything else you have to hand.

Make sure the fabric is thoroughly washed and if you have any doubts about is psychic cleanliness then hang it overnight in the light of the Full Moon before use. The easiest shape to use is a circle, but a square also looks quite attractive. Place your ingredients in the centre and tie up all the ends to create a bundle. To tie your sachet you can use thread cord, ribbon or even twine or string.

If giving sachets away, it is a good idea to make them reasonably discreet – not everyone wants their home to look as though a Witch lives there. Alternatively, you can make the highly decorative in their own right perhaps by placing several sachets onto a strip of attractive ribbon which can then be hung on the wall. Remember whilst making up your sachet to keep your Magickal goals clearly in mind and to imbue it with Magickal power.

If you want the sachet to look decorative then you do not have to stick to single colour fabric, but try to choose something where the right colour for your intention is fairly dominant Alternatively, you can cover the sachet twice, once for the Magickal intent and once with an overlay which is in keeping with the decor of the area it is intended for.