| Your Daily Influences April 18, 2011 |
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 Tarot Influence |
Rune Influence |
 Charm Influence |
| Judgement Reversed The card represents the failure to find happiness, disenchantment, and the loss of possessions. |
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| Dagaz Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time. |
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| The Buckle of Isis Someone will, or has told a lie about you regarding this aspect and damaged your reputation in ways that may not become apparent to you for many weeks. |
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| 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. | ||
Day: April 18, 2011
Your Charm for April 18th
| Your Charm for Today | |||
 Capricornus the Goat |
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| Today’s Meaning: This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous and reserved. They could be someone you know in the medical field–a nurse or doctor perhaps.General Description: Tenth sign of the Zodiac, Dec 22nd to Jan 19th. Ruling planet, Saturn; correct metal, lead. Those born under Capricornus influence were believed to be prudent, deep thinkers, prosperous in financial affairs, generous, with strong and foreible tempers. The capricorn stone is the Ruby. The Ruby was a favourite talisman in the Orient. In India it was worn to guard against attacks of enemies, foretell danger, supposed to change colour in presence of poison, and attract friends and good fortune; China and Japan health, Happiness and long life. The Romans believed that the Ruby preserved health and strength, averted danger, plauge and fevers. |
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Your Animal Spirit for April 18th
Your Animal Spirit for Today
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The CraneCranes have been revered for centuries in many Oriental cultures, symbolizing good fortune and long life. If Crane has flown into your reading today, he brings a message of good tidings. Be prepared for something special today—emotional balance, good health, a spiritual “ah-ha!”, or simply pure joy. |
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Today’s Chakra Energy Levels for April 18th
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: |
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10% | ||
| Ajna: |
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73% | ||
| Vishuddha: |
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69% | ||
| Anahata: |
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45% | ||
| Manipura: |
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54% | ||
| Svadhisthana: |
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41% | ||
| Muladhara: |
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87% |
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 18th
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Conjunction: Mars Jupiter 6º
Opposition: Jupiter Saturn 6º
Semi-Sextile: Sun Venus 1º
Sextile: Moon Pluto 0º
Square: Mars Pluto 5ºYour Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for April 18th
| Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today |
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The Magus The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. Thoroughly Yang by nature and firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain. As a daily card, The Magus suggest you currently possess a tremendous power and freedom to move your life in any direction you choose. In short, you can make things happen. Your true challenge at the moment is to move forward without trampling the dreams of others. Fortunately your moral fiber is strong as well, and will guide you down the right path. |
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Alternate Worlds
Alternate Worlds
Author: Crick
There are times when I pause and wonder. Why is it that we have to put forth such an effort to connect with the many realms of awareness that exist all around us?
Throughout our entire existence as a species, there have been countless tales of encounters with elves and dryads, and faeries and such. And yet many times these tales revolve around happenstance. I sometimes wonder why it is more by chance then design that we mingle with our otherworld cousins.
Granted there are some who come and go at will to these alternate realms. But such folks are in the minority. Could it be that we have done something to make our presence in general, undesirable to other- world species?
Many times those who follow the path of the shaman can be found traversing back and forth if one knows where to look for them. And yet by their very nature they are often standoffish when it comes to sharing knowledge of such journeys with members of their own species. Could they know something that the rest of humankind does not? Have they seen or been exposed to a hidden truth that defines their desire to stand separate from others of their kind?
Sometimes there will be those who discover the freedom of astral travel. But way too often their experiences are one-dimensional. They follow the same path over and over onto the spiritual highway and back while being completely unaware of the many side roads that they could be exploring. Thus they often experience but a drop of the vast ocean of astral territory that awaits them.
What is it about us as humans that inhibit our ability to throw the astral door wide open?
Life is not limited to just our earthly realm. Rather life, whether we are aware of it or not offers so many possibilities when it comes to alternate realms. Are we capable as a species of dealing with such a vast awareness?
Perhaps we are akin to the child who fears the dark or a burst of lightening and so we pretend it just isn’t so. And yet though we hide within the ignorance of our minds, reality still carries on all about us. Compared to otherworldly species we may be viewed as just children who have not come of age as of yet. And therefore are not of much interest to those who live in such otherworldly realms.
Have you ever thought about where it is that your spirit guide resides? Or where is it that faeries go when they are not playing their pranks on unsuspecting victims or stealing human babies? And for that matter why would they want to leave a changeling in exchange for a human child?
Some say it is to thin their white blood with that of human red blood in order to sneak into heaven.
What about the realm where the Gods live and thrive? And isn’t there a realm where our spirits which were once earthbound by the physical shell, return to when they are set free? Must we shed the experience of being human, or at least the human shell to experience that place where we originally came from?
Do you even believe that there are alternate realms?
Some folks do in fact journey through their mundane lives with such blinders on. Preferring to keep their eyes mentally and emotionally closed for fear that they may see or encounter something that they don’t comprehend.
Let’s face it; at one time folks insisted that the world was flat in order to maintain their comfort zone. And yet there were fascinating folks and experiences waiting just over the horizon. Ignorance of such folks did not make them non-existent, it only curtailed the experiences of those who denied or ignored their presence.
Otherworldly realms are pretty much the same way. Each world is just teeming with unique experiences and species of various existences just waiting for that hardy spiritual soul to come visiting.
Of course if you are one of those sage folks who have been able to experience such travel then you are probably sitting back and nodding your head with understanding and the knowledge of personal experiences. After all how does one explain such travels to the uninitiated? And yet isn’t this considered to be one of the primary tenets of paganism?
Is it not our responsibility and indeed our expressed desire to attain such knowledge, and thus to accept that there are in fact alternate realities and to have the insatiable curiosity to seek out those frontiers of our existence here on Mother Earth? And yet much of the conversation in the pagan community centers around questions of alternate realms, not from a position of experiences shared but rather from a bystander’s ignorance of what may be and what is assumed to be.
What will it take to turn the tables of inexperience and lack of knowledge and for more folks to actually learn and thus develop the ability to engage alternate realms?
Paganism is about spiritual growth and opening up the doors to the Great mysteries. With so much knowledge waiting just beyond our fingertips, one would think that a sincere and concentrated effort would be directed towards such endeavors. To be pagan in name only is to ignore such exciting opportunities that would allow us to grow that much more. And perhaps the knowledge gained from experiences such as engaging alternate realms could very well serve our community in a positive way.
As it is, we live in a very negative environment, where positive acts are more by concerted effort then any behavioral normality. Perhaps by traveling outside the maddening influences of our world and limited awareness, we can gain an insight as to how things could be in the human progression.
Could you imagine a world without hate or avarice or anger or wars and so forth? Perhaps by traveling to an alternate world one can actually experience such an existence. And as we all know, experience in some cases leads to wisdom, which leads to a positive example of how things can, and perhaps should be.
And so as a pagan, are you ready to take the leap into the unknown and to expand your horizon? Is not traveling to alternate realms a pagan birthright? Are you exercising your rights?
If not, why not?
A Witch In An RV
A Witch In An RV
Author: Olbec
I am a Witch and I live in an RV with my husband and our Pomeranian (my familiar) , Blayde. To clarify, I do not live in one of those big luxurious bus sized RVs but a rather a van converted by Roadtrek (think Chevy Express van + bathroom + bed + 2-burner stove + tiny refrigerator = my house) . As minimalists, my husband and I chose such a small RV in order to leave the smallest carbon footprint on our struggling earth as possible. One really learns how to conserve water when your freshwater tank holds only 30 gallons!
I didn’t start out my Pagan life as a Witch living in an RV. I acknowledged my being a Witch eight years ago while living on our ranch in Texas. I had followed the Pagan path for approximately three years prior to that time, but I held a solitary dedication ceremony on April 10, 2001, and have been spiritually growing and learning ever since.
After we sold our ranch, and gave away most of our earthly belongings, we chose to live in an RV in January of 2008. If you are on a Pagan path, and considering the RV lifestyle as a full-time living option, you should know that there are both unique challenges and advantages to being a Witch living in an RV full-time. Allow me share just a few of these…
One of my biggest challenges is trying to keep an altar in a space barely big enough for the essentials of living. Aside from the fact that there are no open surfaces, which are not currently used for meal preparation, the bouncing and jiggling as we drive down the road would be most detrimental to items placed loosely upon an altar. Because of not having space in our van for a permanent altar I find myself setting up temporary altars at our various stops during our travels.
A temporary altar can present unique challenges, too. If we are staying in an RV park the neighbors are often very curious about, and can even be intolerant of, “the hippie woman” with incense, candles and sacred items chanting and casting a circle around the picnic table at the RV site next to them. I’ve experienced onlookers stopping, staring, and “tutt-tutting” while I was trying to concentrate on ritual… this can be very disruptive to the concentration required in many spells.
If we are staying in the wilderness, as opposed to an RV park, such steps as the preparatory bath prior to ritual can become a challenge all its own, too. (Remember that 30-gallon water tank is also used for washing dishes, flushing the toilet, cooking, etc.) Allow me share the fact that, in all honesty, bathing in a mountain stream (as spiritual as it may sound) is a very cold and tense experience. Depending on what kind of magick you have in mind to do a freezing stream bath may not be the best preparation.
Another challenge in being a Witch living the RV lifestyle in a small RV such as ours is that along with our personal items (clothing, dishes, etc.) I must carry all my incense, herbs, books and divination tools with me. I have no other house or storage area to keep all my goodies. This requires learning spells that require minimal provisions and not having many “extra” supplies on hand.
My familiar, Blayde, has also had to face challenges in adapting to ritual in varying locales. Where once we lived in the confines of a house and fenced yard in which he could enter the circle, lie down near the altar, and watch with his expressive eyes all that happened, he now finds himself needing to be leashed during many of our rituals. Whether because of RV park rules or the risk of harm in the wilderness his harness and leash now invade his life much more often.
Of course, as with all things, there is balance between “the good and the bad” when considering this lifestyle. I believe the advantages of living in an RV balance out the disadvantages very well.
I have the freedom to travel anywhere we want to drive to. This means that I have worshipped the Lady and Lord on the rocky shores of Maine, on the beaches of Florida, amidst the highest peaks of Colorado, and in the serenity of the Arizona desert. I have mediated while leaning with my back against an oak tree in Texas and watched the moon rise over a bayou in Louisiana.
During my travels I have seen both the fragility and the strength of Gaia. All this has combined to help deepen my confidence and understanding of my Pagan path and my magickal practices.
I enjoy the option of attending Pagan festivals anywhere in North America I want to go without worrying about time off from a job or needing a house sitter to care for my material possessions.
I keep a list of Pagan shops from all across the country and can visit them whenever I drive through their area, thus enjoying a wider range of viewpoints and outlooks than if I was anchored to one locale.
Although I wouldn’t recommend my footloose lifestyle to all Witches I do appreciate being able to live my life like this. To those who are considering living in an RV full-time (and this number is ever increasing) I recommend you do it with your eyes and mind wide open.
I gave up my closed in “wall space”, where I once hung various tributes to the Lord and Lady, for open “nature space” where I now see Their handiwork spread out before me. I gave up my lovely wooden altar for makeshift altars such as picnic tables, boulders, tree stumps, or a cloth spread on the grass.
I gave up my pantry full of herbs, candles and magickal supplies for a box of basic supplies that fits under our bed.
I gave up my comfortable routine of an herb-infused candlelit bath prior to ritual for a “sponge bath” under a tree, behind a cactus, or in the cramped quarters of our van.
But best of all, I gave up the concern of house payments, property taxes, and yard maintenance and am now free to concentrate on my family, my spirituality, my health.
Feng Shui Tip of the Day for April 18th
Feng Shui Tip of the Day
Monday, April 18, 2011
Quarrels with neighbors, parents or authority figures? Check the center portion of the left side of your home for clutter.
Psychic Tip of the Day for April 18th
Psychic Tip
of the Day
Monday, April 18, 2011
BOUNDARY TALK
Seek impassioned discussion about what you absolutely will not accept from a lover. Can you confront with kindness?
Seek impassioned discussion about what you absolutely will not accept from a lover. Can you confront with kindness?
Today’s I Ching Hexagram for April 18th
Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:
48: The Well
Monday, April 18th, 2011
General Meaning: Throughout various cultures and political systems of the world, the well has served as a universal symbol for that which sustains life and provides a constant, inexhaustible source of life-giving nourishment for mankind.
Like the well, human nature is the same around the world. The passage of time does not change its essential dimensions, nor take anything away. Still, just as a well can be deepened to produce clearer, cleaner water, so can we enrich our lives by delving deeply within — into our natural selves, or souls.
Beware of shallow thinking. Like a little learning, it can be dangerous. The image of the well suggests that along with depth comes clarity. Be patient, and penetrate both your problems and your own nature to the core. If you do not lower your bucket to the depths, you’re very likely to come up empty. When greater depth is desired, a lessening of speed is often required.
Your Daily Number for April 18th: 3
Your Daily Number: 3
Your creativity continues to manifest in every area of your life today. A sense of excitement permeates your daily routine, and at times you may lack focus. Clear communication is important today.
Fast Facts
About the Number 3
Theme: Expansive, Sociable, Dramatic, Diversified, Creative
Astro Association: Venus
Tarot Association: EmpressToday’s Tarot Card for April 18th
Today’s Tarot Card 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 April 18th
General Daily Horoscope
We are pushed to emotional extremes with the Moon’s entry into passionate Scorpio at 2:18 am EDT. However, an ongoing tug-of-war between our personal needs and anyone who stands in our way may reach a turning point today. The tension grows to a crescendo as impulsive Mars opposes restrictive Saturn, demanding that we find balance prior to continuing our journey. Instead of struggling to power forward, we must reconsider less aggressive options.
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You may attempt to take a shortcut today, hoping that no one will notice. Luckily, you are clever enough to fool others with your scheme, but only for a little while. Unfortunately, outmaneuvering reality by trying to control the situation won’t work for you now. A smarter approach would be to temper your over-the-top story with a healthy dose of pragmatism before you end up looking foolish.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
You may not be feeling overly optimistic today, but it’s a smart strategy to fake an air of confidence anyway. You could receive recognition now for your ability to see the potential in a situation and to rally others to your cause. But don’t exaggerate your ideas, or you’ll lose support when it becomes obvious that you cannot fulfill all your big promises. It’s more advantageous now to offer less and deliver more than anyone expects.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
If you have been carried away recently by your own grand ideas, your optimism could be a problem. You’re able to sell blue sky and rainbows to others, even if they actually remain out of reach. Unfortunately, your hard work won’t be enough now to make all your dreams come true. Instead of creating impossible expectations, just quietly apply yourself the best you can toward manifesting the future as you see it.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
You may be hesitant to say what’s on your mind today, because you don’t want to rain on everyone’s parade. Although you might not be the one to deliver the bad news, you aren’t fooled by all the people who are admiring the Emperor’s new suit of clothes. Rather than playing the role of the naysayer now, it may be smarter to just keep quiet. Don’t waste your energy arguing with those who cannot see what’s truly happening.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
The Moon is brightening your sensitive 4th House of Home and Family today, reminding you that your current negativity can actually influence your point of view. Others might appear very positive about what’s going on, even if you are questioning their authority. However, you don’t have to fall prey to grandiose thinking. Do the intelligent thing and trust your own analysis over someone else’s hopeful dreams.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You can turn one thought into a whole philosophical treatise today. However, you’re capable of rationalizing nearly anything, which makes you a very effective negotiator. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the negative side of a situation now until it’s too late. Don’t hold on to an idea any longer if you know that it doesn’t make sense. You can waste valuable time and significant energy if you are too rigid in your approach.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You might not be all that upbeat today, even if you can visualize the great opportunities ahead. But you are highly realistic now, enabling you to also see all the potential problems. Relax and don’t struggle too much to overcome your current self-doubt. Thankfully, your negativity will dissipate before your fears can even manifest.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Although you can be masterful enough today to find a solution to the knottiest of problems, the Moon in your secretive sign urges you to keep your intentions quiet. Instead of calling attention to yourself, jump in and just do your share of the work. If your plan is successful, you can confidently tell others about your idea with a real sense of authority, rather than waving a flag while you’re still unsure about what you’re doing.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
It’s challenging to be practical today because of your high level of enthusiasm. You are quite sure that you can pull off nearly anything you put your mind to now. But you may have a rude awakening if you take on more than you can handle. Unfortunately, you might have to put in a superhuman effort to meet your current obligations, instead of falling short of your promises. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid making too many commitments in the first place.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Someone else’s tactics could clash with yours today, yet it still isn’t a good idea to turn a minor disagreement into a major argument. Even if your strategy is better, open conflict will not create the opportunity you seek; it will only add obstacles to your progress. Aggressive behavior won’t work in your favor, either. Demonstrate your competence by retreating quietly, upgrading your plan and then trying again when everyone is ready to listen.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You might try to convince someone that you’re right by sharing your positive outlook and making bold assertions today. But your enthusiasm is not a substitute for the work required to reach your ambitious goals. If you haven’t aimed too high, you should be able to overcome any resistance you encounter, but don’t expect immediate results. Success could take more time and effort than you thought.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You are motivated to accomplish a lot today, yet it might not be easy to sustain your efforts. Even if you begin to feel worn out, you can reach into your deep spiritual well for the inspiration you need to keep going. Sometimes, you lose hope when you run into apparently insurmountable obstacles. But now you are eager to work hard and show the world what you’re made of. Have faith and let your light shine for everyone to see.
Witches Of The Craft® 