Day: April 3, 2011

Lady A’s Spell of the Day for 4/3: Candle of Serenity

Candle of Serenity
Use for easing of problems Preferably performed just before the New Moon: the waning moon will help the problems dissipate.

Use when everything seems to be going wrong, your self-esteem is low, and everything and everyone around feel imbued with negativity.

Have a plate or ashtray nearby, and 7 pieces of paper (not to big).

Light a green candle and meditate on the problems afflicting you.

If needed, write these down on pieces of paper.

Light each piece of paper, one by one, and set them on the plate to burn, repeating the following over and over:

“Let my spirit be free as the wind
that can be harnessed but never tamed
Let the fears and dark thoughts that burden me
dissipate as light smoke in the breeze
Let all evil directed at me
turn to ash before my inner flame”

Continue repeating these words and focus on the burning paper, visualizing the negativity turn to smoke and ashes.

You should feel yourself growing lighter.

Let the fire go out by itself, and meditate a moment to purge any negative feelings that have remained in you.

Dispose of the ashes in running water and/or setting them to the wind. Make sure no ash is left on the plate.

Keep the candle and light it and meditate every time you feel negativity taking over you again.

Magickal Goody for 4/2 – INSECT REPELLENT

INSECT REPELLENT

2 oz. vegetable oil or vodka
1/4 tsp each citronella and eucalyptus essential oils
1/8 tsp each pennyroyal, cedar and rose geranium essential oil,

Combine ingredients and apply mixture directly to all exposed skin. Keep oil
away from eyes and mouth – take care not to rub your eyes right after applying
the repellent with you fingers

Gemstone of the Day for 4/2 is Hematite

Gemstone of the Day

 

Hematite

 

Calming to the emotions. Worn as an amulet to confer strength and
procure favorable legal judgments. In Egypt, used to reduce inflammation and treat hysteria.  Considered to be a grounding stone. Helps maintain balance between body, mind, and spirit.

7 Ways to Make Your Living Space Smell Nice

7 Ways to Make Your Living Space Smell Nice

posted by Megan, selected from Intent.com
 

Rather than spraying chemical-laden air fresheners, choose one of these seven natural ways to make your living space smell a little nicer.

1. Invest in houseplants. Have your favorite plants and herbs growing in your kitchen, living room and bathroom in small pots. The presence of green plants will help reduce indoor air pollution and keep clean air circulating in your space.

2. Save your citrus fruit skins. Save the peels of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus- fruits. You can place them in boiling water to have a fresh scent in the kitchen, or run them in your garbage disposal with boiling water. Lastly, put some citrus skins in your vacuum bag the next time you vacuum your carpet.

3. Dilute essential oil with water in a spray bottle. You can spray your furniture and carpet to make the whole room smell a specific scent. To diversify, you can have different scents for different areas of your home. For example: lavender for the living room, sandalwood for your bedroom and peppermint for the bathroom.

4. Place bowls of white vinegar in corners of the room. The vinegar will neutralize and absorb any offending odors.

5. Place fabric softener in your shoes and closet. It will take away any stale clothing smells. For another closet air freshener, place a cedar block at the bottom of your closet. Use sandpaper for a new layer once a year.

6. Light soy candles instead of regular candles. Soy candles are longer-lasting, better for the environment and have a more robust smell. (They are also safer than carcinogen-emitting candles.)

7. Bake bread or cook your own meals. Few things are as welcoming as the smell of freshly baked bread or the herbs of a home-cooked dinner.

Deity of the Day for 4/3 is Bacchus

Deity of the Day

Bacchus

BACCHUS: The Roman God of Wine and Orgies. Oh, you know about him already do you?

This drunken rake used to be called LIBER, but changed his name to avoid arrest for indecent behaviour.

Known as DIONYSUS among the Greek free-drinkers, he was constantly surrounded by nubile orgasmic ladies who called themselves Bacchae — although the Greeks called them MAENADS and the newspapers called them something else entirely.

Can You Recognize a Pagan or a Wiccan When You See One?

Can You Recognize a Pagan or a Wiccan When You See One?

Author: jajlo b

I have only been studying and practicing Wicca (and I say practicing since I’m not perfect) for the last 10 years. I’m very much eclectic, and have had to do much of it on my own. I just haven’t found a teacher that I feel is right. And in all honesty, I’m not looking for one just now. I enjoy my freedom to digest what I read in many forms and what comes to me through my dreams, and mediations.

But I often wonder… can you really tell who is Pagan or Wiccan and who is not, by some outward sign?

I mean I know a lot of people who wear t-shirts with faeries and fey on them. I have seen people with bumper stickers saying, “Give me that old time religion” and a Pentacle right next to the phrase. I have even seen t-shirts in Kansas near where the Wizard of Oz museum is with “Good Witch” on the front. (I actually have that one because I have a strange sense of humor.)

But in all honesty, how do you tell a Pagan or a Wiccan from everyone else you meet in your daily life and travels.

The reason that I ask is because of two separate occurrences that happened to my husband and me.

Okay picture if you will, walking into a truck stop about 11 p.m. one night and the cashier is busy with a line full of costumers. And she is wearing one of those fancy sterling silver pentacles. Not a pewter one, but one that you know is sterling silver and she has a small Pentacle ring on that I notice as her fingers are flying across the cash register keys.

Anyway my husband and me finally make our choices and approach the cashier. “Hi, that is a pretty necklace.”

“Thank you, I’m a High Priestess, and my daughter had me order this from such and such” is the response she gave.

Ok, not exactly the response that I was looking for or expected. I only commented on her necklace. I had to do double-check my appearance; yep my pewter Pentacle was safe inside my uniform shirt. And I don’t have any tats or rings or earrings that have Pentacles on them. So why did she just come across with that answer.

Just then I realize she is still talking about the necklace. She goes on to tell me that she was thinking about doing a consecration ritual when it comes in the mail. But she decided not open it till the night of the full moon. So she could do the whole ritual properly (I still haven’t said anything else at this point) .

She goes on to explain she got her ritual bath and set up her altar and went to her room to get the necklace (This was an outdoor ritual she adds almost in a whisper as there is another customer at the register) . But as she goes to take it out of the tissue paper that is wrapped up she gets a shot of what she can only describe as static electricity.

Just then she says she realized that the maker of the necklace had consecrated it when they created the piece. Her daughter quickly tells her to just put it on, and wear as the artist that created it had to be stronger and more skilled than her and her ritual would only ruin the piece.

I tell her that is amazing and thank you for sharing with me and I walk away with my husband, who looks at me and says, “She’s a High Priestess. You didn’t even tell her you were Wiccan. So how did she know?”

I just look at him and shrug, “Beats me”

About a month later sitting in Montana at another truck stop we are eating. I see the younger couple come in (They look to be in their mid to late 20’s; my husband and I are in our 40’s) with their two children. I’m facing the door so I can see the t-shirt the young woman is wearing” 51 percent Angel/ 49 percent Pagan {don’t push it}.

I laughed. “ I like your shirt” I say while giggling about the thought of it.

“Thanks. I’m a High Priestess, ” she says back to me. And walks past.

I look at my husband; he looks at me, and says, “ What is it about declaring High Priestess status suddenly?”

I shake my head and double-check my appearance. My pentacle is in my shirt, not visible to anyone. So what is the deal with people saying this when I just comment on something they are wearing?

Suddenly the young lady comes back over to my table and she ask me point blank.” Do you know what Paganism is?”

“Yes, I do.” I tell her then I tell her I’m a solitary Wiccan.

“Oh really!” she says with a smile and some excitement in her voice (someone that she could talk for a few minutes) “ I was a solitary but then all my friends started coming to me and asking me to help them figure out what books they should read, so I ask them if they wanted to just start a coven with me.

They all said yes, and I told them we could do this but I would have to be the High Priestess since they came to me for advice in the first place.”

“Did they all agree to that?” I ask.

“Yes they did, ” she informs me. “My husband drives truck and he is heading to take me home so that I can do a new moon ritual and an initiation this weekend. I have to run to restroom. I’ll be right back”

She walked off, and my husband looks at me and asks, “Is that the way it is done in a coven” (I’m Wiccan; my husband is Catholic)

“No, ” I tell him, “ it is not done that way”

The young lady comes back and asks me to hold out my left hand palm down. I did and she places her right hand under palm side up. She looks at me and proceeds to tell me” Your energy isn’t very strong. I think you need to study more”

“ I have a head and chest cold that is eating up a lot of my energy right now trying to heal.”

“Well I can tell when people aren’t that strong of a Witch. I was doing a tarot reading on a chat line and for a woman in Ireland and she left in the middle of her reading to talk to her High Priestess”, she says

“Why did she go talk to her High Priestess? “ I asked

“Well when she came back she told me that her High Priestess told her that if I was able to pick up on the things that I was that I was one of the strongest High Priestess she had ever heard of.”

“And the woman told me that her High Priestess was now afraid of me”

I just smile and say, ” That is wild that another High Priestess in another country would be so afraid of you.”

She smiles and says” But I know that I’m that powerful and can do that, so that makes me one of the strong elders in this life”

She says she has to go; her husband is motioning for her to come on and help with the kids.

My husband and I get up and walk up to pay for our food, and my husband ask me, ” How do people just know that you are Pagan or a Wiccan?”

“I don’t know, ” I tell him.

To this day, I often wonder. Can you really tell a Pagan or Wiccan from some other outward sign?

Or were these two women just trying to startle me because I made a comment about their religious items?

If The Kindred Wrote Us a Letter

If The Kindred Wrote Us a Letter

Author: Lesley Gary

If the Kindred wrote us a letter, what do you think that it might say? Do you think it would be all good? Or do you think it maybe all bad and that we need improvement? I found myself blogging what one might consider as such a letter. I had spent much time in meditation and had witnessed many things that were bringing my spirit down. I was looking to the Kindred for comfort and guidance. And here is what came over through the meditations.

Dear Children of the Earth,

The Kindred have come together and decided it was time for a letter from the three of us. We have witnessed many things over the years and want to draw your attention to the things we feel need work. It is nothing bad, but we want you to be future kindred with us and therefore we need to ask you to correct some things. Each of us will take a part in this letter to you. And please take each part into consideration.

Nature Spirits here and though we know you were not the ones who started the ball running for the trash on Earth, we need your help to clean it up. There is more pollution these days then ever could have been imagined and our natural garbage disposals are getting clogged up. Just the other day a goat could not digest some of the new products out there. And because some cleaning aides had to move to the marshes, the food chain is all out of whack. Oh, and our polar bear brother wants to know where you will help him move to when the ice caps are gone. If the Children of the Earth cannot get things turned around, we will have to do more drastic measures. Also, you use to listen to us, spend time with us. We miss you as our friend. Take a walk in the forest or on the plains, swim in our lakes, rivers, or oceans. Come see your old friend and get out of the concrete walls you call work and home.

Ancestors here! What are y’all teaching them kids? No ones words are matching actions. No one respects the elders. No one respects any one. In our days, there would be punishment. But now, you seem to fear telling some one no. You fear coming down on those younger. Kids are your future. What kind of role model are you being? Where are your morals and virtues?

Did you forget the ways of old? Did you forget what we have taught you? Also, speaking of that, why have you closed your ears to the lessons we so earnestly try to give you? Spend time with us. Go to our resting place and clean it up! There are some that are falling apart and no one seems to care. How can you expect us to rest in peace if our area is destroyed or being destroyed? Speak to us. Tell us your concerns. Remember also the oaths you took. Make good to your word and be a person of honor!

Shining ones, the Deities. There are so many different things that we wish to say. Why have we become a burden to go to? Why do you mourn worship in any faith? All we ask is that you remember us. You gift to us, we will gift to you. You be our friend, our worshipper, and diligent and we will be behind you all the way. Teach the others that actions are more important than words. Teach them the ways of us. Be true to heart. Come and spend time with us, dance with us, sing with us, play with us! And for goodness sake, remember that we are bigger then any religion out there. Stop this my God is better then your God battle.

All we Kindred have concerns. Do you remember your oaths? Your promises? Not just to us but others? Why do you not keep them? Why must you speak one thing and do another? When will your heart and soul speak as one with the mind and body? Things are not looking good and you are the only one that can change it. All of you have potential to be Kindred when your time is up. Act like it!

Be true of word and action. Don’t be ill will of any one. Speak truth and let your actions back it. Don’t try to hurt others or bring them down. Reach out to those that are trying but still need that helping hand. Remember that what company you keep will also reflect on you. Remember what you do will also affect that company. And lastly, remember to live your faith and path, not just teach or preach it to others. Words are nothing; actions are everything. Do not use your positions in life to get ahead or have power, we will take it back.

Remember we love you! Many of you are doing well in one form or another. We applaud your works. We see the clean ups that have already begun, but a few cannot fix what the majority broke. We applaud how you find ways to give back to the community. You are good people with good hearts. You just need reminders at times.

So we leave you with a challenge: Prove that you want to be a better person. Prove you can help where needed. Prove you can hold true to the virtues. Prove you can help heal a broken world of people and spirits. And this place will become beautiful again; you will know the gratitude of giving back and the blessings of our gratitude for you.

Always,
The Kindred

Now I leave it in your hands. Chew on it. Think about it and form your own opinions. This is what my Kindred brought to me when I sat down and wrote it. Now, sit down and write what you feel yours would bring to you in a letter. Are you up to my Kindred’s challenges or up to finding out what challenges your Kindred have for you?

Each religion has it’s own views on things, but when it comes down to taking care of the Earth, it is a human problem. We all must take up responsibility of our own actions and be willing to improve them. Let us stop the blame game and stand up to take on our own credit of our own wrong doings. Let us then correct them.

Thank you kindly for your time and may the Kindred bless you.

Your Daily Influences for April 3

Your Daily Influences
April 3, 2011 
 

Tarot Influence

Rune Influence
Charm Influence
Knight of Swords Reversed
Given to bragging. A bully, prone to fighting. Possibly self destructive.
Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.
The Utchat
You must take steps to make this aspect safe. There are issues you may not be aware of that may cause harm or injury.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Charm for April 3

Your Charm for Today
<!–   Interpretation Basics–>
 
 

Solomons Seal
 
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect needs to be lightened up a bit, things are getting to serious. Some humor or even a bit of flirting could lighten the tone greatly.General Description:
The use of this, one of the most ancient charms, dates back to the commencment of our present civilization, and was in use previous to the Jewish dispensation. The symbol has been used in almost every religion, and was considered all powerful, efficient, and the perfect sign of the absolute. The triangle with the apex upwwards symolized all that was good and the inverted triangle all that was evil, and the two combined in the device portrays the triumph of good over evil. The seven discs represent the seven then known planets. This charm was worn to protect the wearer from every description of mischief and danger, and was a preserver from all evil.

Your Animal Spirit for April 3

Your Animal Spirit for Today
April 3, 2011 
 
your daily animal spirit for today

Moose

Moose represents incredible strength and longevity, as well as the ability to see the future. Moose antlers are among the largest of the antlered animals, and are like psychic antennae—giving Moose amazingly developed hearing, smell, and depth perception. Moose is bellowing at you to open your third eye and stop pretending that you don’t know what’s about to happen.

Today’s Chakra Energy Levels for 4/3

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:
   
80%
 
   
34%
Vishuddha:
   
21%
Anahata:
   
22%
Manipura:
   
67%
Svadhisthana:
   
11%
Muladhara:
   
29%

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.

The Planets Now for April 3

Position of the planets based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
 
Sun:
13° 41′
in Aries
 Moon:
15° 46′
in Aries
 Mercury:
23° 28′
in Aries
 Venus:
09° 03′
in Pisces
 Mars:
01° 16′
in Aries
Jupiter:
15° 43′
in Aries
 Saturn:
13° 50′
in Libra
 Uranus:
01° 22′
in Aries
 Neptune:
00° 11′
in Pisces
 Pluto:
07° 13′
in Capricorn
Aspects:
Conjunction: Mars Uranus 0º
Conjunction: Mercury Jupiter 7º
Conjunction: Moon Jupiter 0º
Conjunction: Moon Mercury 7º
Conjunction: Sun Jupiter 2º
Conjunction: Sun Moon 2º
Conjunction: Venus Neptune 8º		 Opposition: Jupiter Saturn 1º
Opposition: Moon Saturn 1º
Opposition: Sun Saturn 0º
Semi-Sextile: Mars Neptune 1º
Semi-Sextile: Uranus Neptune 1º
Sextile: Venus Pluto 1º
Square: Mars Pluto 5º
Square: Uranus Pluto 5º
The Sun in Aries
Leadership qualities tend to come to the forefront. Optimism is high and challenges seem a bit easier to meet. Taking care of number one can be a main theme in this period. Aggression levels and the need for adventure are likely to rise as well. Impulsive, decisive, and courageous actions by even the meekest of souls are very possible at this time.

Sun Conjunct Moon
Being true to one’s self will provide needed answers. Solitude and introspection may prove to be beneficial.

Sun Conjunct Jupiter
Optimism and confidence are likely to be high in many. Life’s positive energies are very strong. Gain through luck is very possible.

Sun Opposition or Square Saturn
One’s picture of one’s self may be a bit muddled at this time. Self-doubt will dampen the spirit of many.
Moon In Aries
Emotions are likely to have a strong influence on behavior. Decisive action and courage are favored at this time. Those who assume the role of leader will do well as long as they don’t allow themselves to become too domineering.

Moon Conjunct Mercury
Searching for the psychological triggers of one’s behavior and desires may be in order. A need to better understand our species place in the scheme of things is also likely.

Moon Conjunct Jupiter
This is a good time to make amends and forgive past offences.

Moon Opposition or Square Saturn
Self-doubt could stymie progress for some during this aspect. Many will find it difficult to handle even the most constructive criticism. Some will be so disaffected by the influence of this aspect that they retreat into their inner-world.
Mercury In Aries
Mercury in Aries is an influence that does not favor diplomacy. Many will be far more outspoken than usual. Dissension will be prevalent. Traditional approaches to handling challenges are likely to be replaced by new, more affective strategies. The need to be on the cutting edge of things will be strong.

Mercury Conjunct Jupiter
Seeking the “essence” of things may become a preoccupation. The need and ability to share ideas is strong.
Venus In Pisces
Feelings are likely to run very deep. One may find themselves swelled with compassion that the need to help others becomes a major motivator. Creativity should be very strong and could lead to the development of exceptional innovations in the future.

Venus Conjunct Neptune
Passion’s fire will be high in idealists. Be wary of seeing things as being more than they actually are.

Venus Sextile or Trine Pluto
This aspect can drive deep passions to the surface. Unfortunately, the result of such eruptions is often negative, because those on the receiving end do not know how to handle unexpected emotional outbursts.
Mars In Aries
Action is the keyword at this time. Those who act quickly and decisively should be favored. Self-sufficiency and the ability to act alone are valuable assets. Many will do well by focusing on short term goals.

Mars Conjunct Uranus
The need for personal freedom may be very strong. Many will show a pronounced lack of patience. Look internally for inspiration and motivation.

Mars Opposition or Square Pluto
This aspect favors those who put the full force of their will into reaching their goals. During this time it would be wise not to share one’s plans and ideas with a broad audience.
Jupiter In Aries
Self-reliance and optimism are favored at this time. Those who enjoy challenges and competition are favored. Adopting a never surrender attitude is a key component to attaining success.

Jupiter Opposition or Square Saturn
This aspect tends to muddle the distinction between what is real and what one wishes to be real. Setbacks can be experienced due to this nebulous vision of reality.
Saturn In Libra
Intimacy may be more of a chore than a pleasure. Some will find their progress towards strengthening intimate bonds and attaining goals muted by feelings of inadequacy.

 
Uranus In Aries
The astrological influence of Uranus is measured in increments of 7 years. What this means is that the effects of Uranus influence an entire generation. Day to day the Uranian influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Uranus is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Iconoclasm, independence and self-sufficiency are likely to be major themes during this period. Traditional values will be challenged. Those with a pioneering spirit will flourish.

Uranus Square Pluto
A mental restlessness and the need for complete personal freedom are possible influences of this aspect. In some the need for total autonomy may be so strong that they will challenge any attempt to subdue their independence.
Neptune In Pisces
Because Neptune takes approximately 14 years to move across Pisces its day to day influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Neptune in Pisces is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Gentleness, creativity, and the pursuit of spiritual truth are strong influences at this time. Many may find mysticism and unorthodox religions very attractive.

 
Pluto In Capricorn
Because Pluto takes approximately 15 years to move across Capricorn its day to day influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Pluto in Capricorn is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Strong economic gains can be made during this period. Pluto in Capricorn favors those who are able to make logical decisions and devise pragmatic solutions to the challenges before them.

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for 4/3

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today
 
 

Alturism

Altruism denotes the noble act of giving to those in need without the expectation of a return. The act of giving has been seen as one of humankind’s greatest attributes throughout history. It is honored in nearly every culture. To give is a gift to both those who receive and those who give. Giving is usually associated with addressing the material needs of others, but the gift given can take many forms such as wisdom or protection or simply a shoulder to cry on.

As a daily card, Altruism suggests there are those around you in need of things you can give them. It is a time for you to address the needs of another, or others without regard of profit or acknowledgement of your contribution.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for 4/3

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today
 
 

The Universe

Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 4/3

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

53: A Steady Pace

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

Hexagram 53

General Meaning: Like an ancient old-growth forest — where the subtle play of light, texture and shadows is the product of a process measured in centuries and inches — most things of lasting value develop gradually, at their own pace. The ability to learn from experience — one of humanity’s greatest capacities — implies constant yet gradual progress. The combination of stillness within and determination without are the essence of this dynamic. Good things sometimes sprout quickly; the truly delightful take much longer.

The principle of gradual development applies also to human relationships. For love and marriage or any important partnership to endure, progress must be slow but steady: slow enough to allow for the bonds to knit properly; steady enough to keep moving in the right direction.

You can’t expect to have everything all at once. Development must be allowed to take its proper course and allotted time; events must neither be rushed nor manipulated, but allowed to unfold naturally. In this way, you will come to enjoy long-lasting relationships and achieve success.