Day: July 7, 2011

Crystal of the Day for July 7th is Shungite Pyramid

Crystal of the Day

 

Shungite Pyramid

Pyramids amplify and then tightly focus energy through the apex. A pyramid is also used to enhance and focus the inherent properties of the stone:

Shungite is a stone of rejuvenation.

Shungite is sometimes called the “Stone of Life” due to it’s healing and antibacterial properties. Many people use shungite to create a healing spa in the home by placing it in some water to purify and charge the water with cleansing energy.

This mineral is hailed as containing a healing power incomparable to any other. Shungite purifies, protects, normalizes, induces recovery and promotes growth in living organisms.

Herb of the Day for July 7th is Agar-Agar

 

Herb of the Day

 

Agar-Agar

Botanical: Gelidium amansii (KUTZ)
Family: N.O. Algae

—Synonyms— Japanese Isinglass.
—Part Used—The mucilage dried, after boiling the seaweed.
—Habitat—Japan, best variety; Ceylon and Macassar.

—Description—-A seaweed gathered on the East Indian coast and sent to China, it is derived from the various species of Sphaerococcus Euchema and Gelidium. It is brownish-white in colour with thorny projections on its branches; the best variety, known as Japanese Isinglass, contains large quantities of mucilage. The seaweed after collection is spread out on the shore until bleached, and then dried; it is afterwards boiled in water and the mucilaginous solution strained, the filtrate being allowed to harden, and then it is dried in the sun. The time for collection of the Algae is summer and autumn when the bleachingand drying can take place, but the final preparation of Agar-Agar is carried out in winter from November to February. The Japanese variety is derived from several kinds of Algae and comes into European commerce in two forms: (1) In transparent pieces 2 feet long, the thickness of a straw, prepared in Singapore by treating it in hot water. (2) In yellowish white masses about 1 inch wide and 1 foot long. The latter is the form considered the more suitable for the culture of bacteria.

—Constituents—Agar-Agar contains glose, which is a powerful gelatinizing agent. It is precipitated from solution by alcohol. Glose is a carbohydrate. Acetic, hydrochloric and oxalic acids prevent gelatinization of Agar-Agar.

—Medicinal Action and Uses—Agar-Agar is widely used as a treatment for constipation, but is usually employed with Cascara when atony of the intestinal muscles is present. It does not increase peristaltic action. Its therapeutic value depends on the ability of the dry Agar to absorb and retain moisture. Its action is mechanical and analogous to that of the cellulose of vegetable foods, aiding the regularity of the bowel movements. It is sometimes used as an adulterant of jams and jellies.

—Dosage and Preparations—It is usually administered in small shreds mixed with fruit, milk or any convenient vehicle. It is not wise to give it in powder, as this gives rise to irritation in some cases. 1/2 to 1 ounce may be taken at a time. 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water makes a suitable jelly for invalids and may be flavoured with lemon.

—Other Species—Ceylon Agar-Agar, or Agal Agal, which is the native name of Gracillaria lichenoides, is largely used in the East for making soups and jellies. Gigartina speciosa, a variety found on the Swan River, was erroneously supposed to have formed the edible swallow’s nest, but it has been ascertained that this delicacy comes from a peculiar secretion in the birds themselves. Macassar Agar-Agar comes from the straits between Borneo and Celebes and consists of impure Euchema Spinolum incrusted with salt.

Sugar can be flavored by layering twelve to fifteen rose geranium or lemon rose geranium leaves on top of one pound of sugar. Any flavor of geranium leaves will do. Keep covered until ready to use. Flavored sugar add a delicate flavor to biscuits, cookies, and muffins.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for July 7th is 64

63: After Completion

 

Hexagram 63
 
General Meaning: It is a fine irony that after completion of some project or great enterprise, there is still much left to do. Completion is merely a pause in the cycle of creation and decay, a momentary still point for the swinging pendulum of life. Though completion does imply a period of restful pause — one that usually has been well earned — it is not an actual end, but rather a uniquely harmonious flat spot in the constancy of change and movement.

The image of After Completion is that of a kettle of water boiling over a fire. When the forces are balanced, the water boils properly; but if the pot is too full, it may boil over and put out the fire; or, if the fire is too hot, it may evaporate all the water. In the equilibrium that follows the completion of something significant, the current dynamics must be watched carefully to assure that a proper balance is maintained.

After Completion is the time for fine-tuning, for refinements and embellishments of what has already been accomplished.

Even if we are enjoying a rewarding situation right now, the laws of the natural world dictate that influence and success will eventually decline. So, don’t let current good fortunes prompt careless or relaxed attitudes. A successful endeavor or partnership needs to be carefully tended and maintained. What is incomplete should be finished, and brought to fruition without delay.

Take satisfaction upon completion, but do not dwell on it. To do so could bring a halt to your influence and capability.

Your Daily Number for July 7th: 5

An interesting new acquaintance may cross your path today. No matter how many times others change their mind, it’s best to go with the flow. The little voice in your head is often correct; don’t ignore it.

Fast Facts

About the Number 5

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

Today’s Tarot Card for July 7th is Chariot

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.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, July 7th

Although the Moon is in peaceful Libra today, her challenging aspects run us through an emotional obstacle course. We may hesitate at first, but we will probably express our desires if we feel secure. However, others may be shocked by what we want now because romantic Venus squares unconventional Uranus. Meanwhile, a long-lasting Jupiter-Pluto trine increases the overall intensity and encourages us to reach higher and set more ambitious goals.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You need an emotionally neutral setting so you can tell those closest to you how you feel today. Although you claim that you want calm and tranquil interactions, you’re also longing for a bit of excitement. You might not be worried by what others think of your choices because you believe that nothing can get in your way now. Unfortunately, you may inadvertently overstep someone’s limits. Displaying a little humility now can help you achieve personal satisfaction.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your ruling planet Venus may bring sweetness into your life today in a way that is fresh and different. However, the opportunity you have for pleasure comes at a high price now. Keep in mind that your desire for simplicity means that you may have to set aside previous priorities. But don’t bother trying to get approval from a friend, unless you’re seeking to deepen that particular relationship. Remember, communicating your feelings isn’t all fun and games; it takes hard work and an open heart.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may believe that you should be discreet today because you assume that your quirky tastes will appear odd to those around you. It’s true that others might judge you harshly because your current preferences seem weird in comparison to theirs. However, they might also envy you and wonder how you created the life that you’re living. Don’t slip too far away from social conventions. You have to follow the rules just like everyone else.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You could turn out to be your own biggest enemy today, especially if you’re trying to calm your concerns about your emotional security. You long for the safety of a nurturing relationship, yet you may grow restless with a new situation. Even if you want to break out of your restrictive emotional bonds, balance your desire for excitement in the moment with the stability that you ultimately need.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may think that you know what’s best today and you’re willing to discard your old agenda if the right temptation comes your way. Unfortunately, your friends are not helping the situation by encouraging you to join them on their next adventure. Nevertheless, you need some playtime and may say yes if the invitation arrives when you are ready to escape. Just remember that your work will still be waiting for you when you return.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your friends or co-workers might surprise you today with their resistance to going along with a previously agreed upon plan. You may feel as if there is a mutiny in progress, but the plot is more likely a cry for freedom than a play for power. It’s futile to restrain the free flow of ideas. Even if a conversation makes you uneasy, you’ll probably feel better once everyone’s concerns are out in the open.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your plans are pulling you in different directions now, yet you realize you cannot take both paths. You’re not yet ready to close one of the doors in favor of another. Although you wish you were able to postpone your decision permanently, today’s events can solidify your thinking. Unfortunately, there are others directly impacted by your decision, and you cannot control everyone else’s reactions. Even if you are ambivalent, it’s wiser to just make a choice and then move on.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your feelings are growing stronger, yet this can make sharing them more complicated than ever. You can easily talk yourself into keeping your desires to yourself now because you’re fearful of other peoples’ reactions to your intense passion. Or, you might believe that your inner process isn’t anyone else’s business. Although you have sensible concerns, you would be smarter to take a risk and show your vulnerability.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your key planet Jupiter is naturally optimistic and today’s trine to intense Pluto can lead you to take your confidence too far. But looking good is easier today than feeling good. Although you aren’t purposefully faking your good mood, you’re still only revealing part of your story. Be aware of your tendency to hide your emotions because expressing them could be the catalyst you need to change an old behavior pattern.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

It’s rather unsettling if you’re attracted to the exact same instability today that you typically try to avoid. But you may be totally fascinated by someone’s unorthodox style or radical ideas, even if you cannot see any practical value in it. Your unusual behavior might worry you, but don’t hold yourself back. Rest assured that your more traditional approach to life will return in a couple of days.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your key planet Uranus can often be emotionally detached, but today it brings a sudden awakening of attraction and desire as it squares aesthetically pleasing Venus. But you’re not drawn to the same old things; instead, do something that pulls you into new territory. For now, the crazier your idea, the more satisfaction you can derive from acting on it.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You reserve the right to be different today as spacey Uranus activates beautiful Venus in your 5th House of Romance. You aren’t interested in being just like everyone else, so show off the twinkle in your eyes and enjoy the bounce in your step. Don’t be afraid to move to the rhythm of music that no one but you can hear.

New Moon Report for July 7th – Jupiter trine Pluto

Jupiter trine Pluto

Thursday, July 7

This favorable alignment of expansive Jupiter in Taurus and potent Pluto in Capricorn is the first in a series that will return on October 28 this year and March 12 next year. The steady optimism of the former and ruthless efficiency of the latter have the power to apply resources in more effective ways. This can save failing enterprises and careers or launch ambitious new professional plans. Philosophical pragmatism is another potential benefit of this alignment, although reductionist thinking can measure everything in material terms, eliminating faith and imagination from our calculations. Grounding future plans in a more realistic foundation is fine if inspiration isn’t lost along the way.

 

 

the daily humorscopes for thursday, july 7th

the daily humorscope 

Thursday, July 07, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Privacy will be an issue today. This may possibly be because a group of foreign tourists will follow you everywhere, smiling and nodding the entire time.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You will discover that by simply wearing a large amulet made of bones and feathers, and by carrying a blowgun, you can usually get a seat on public transportation, no matter how crowded it gets.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Good day to count your blessings. Both of them.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Uh oh. The cows have come home, and the fat lady is about to sing. Better come up with some new excuses, quick! You can do that while you’re coping with the unpleasant result of the cows coming home.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Not a good time to go forth and conquer. Try going fifth, and hover in the background.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Your ship will come in today! Unfortunately, you won’t have anywhere to put it.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Excellent day to tell everyone you know that a “horsepower” is a unit of power equal to 746 watts in the U.S., but which is not quite equivalent to the English horsepower, which is 550 foot-pounds of work per second. Once their eyes glaze over, you can borrow money from them without them even fully realising it.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Good day to start learning the violin. Interestingly, your neighbours will volunteer to pay for lessons. It’s selfless gestures like that which really help friendships blossom.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You’ve been trying to sell your car, and it just isn’t going anywhere. Sometimes it helps if you have a name for your vehicle, to give it more character. I call mine the “Millennium Falcon”. My passengers often become irritated at being called “Chewie”, though.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
You will vow to always tell the truth, but it will backfire on you. Most people find that kind of behaviour highly suspicious, and more than a little deviant.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
You will have a secret rendezvous with a representative of a large foreign corporation. The password will be “fling me a spicy burrito, Stanley”. Unfortunately, you may have to say this to quite a few people before you find the right one.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Remember to put a disclaimer at the bottom of your report, to say that it doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of your management, or, for that matter, of any other carbon-based life form.

Quotes On Spirituality That Will Change Your Life

By Deon Du Plessis

On a deep emotional level we are all aware of our spiritual nature and underneath the surface level of life there is a dimension that we all long to make contact with. There are many views and definitions of what spirituality really is, but what I would like to do here is to present 3 quotes on spirituality from 3 very influential people; people who have made vastly different contributions to life and our understanding of what it means to be a human being in this world.

 

The first quote on spirituality is from Joseph Campbell, a man who spent a lifetime writing and thinking about the mysteries of life. Here’s what he had to say:

 

“All you can learn is what your own inward life is and try to stay loyal to that.”

 

In our ego driven world we all tend to look around for approval and for how to act and behave. We tend to compare ourselves to others to determine where we are in life and also where we ought to be going.

 

Spirituality calls on you to look deep within to find your own unique place and path in life. You are unique in every way and on a spiritual level you have a journey tailored to suit only you. When you look within you will discover that authentic spiritual part called your Self through which your entire life is lived. Joseph Campbell tells us to find this part of ourselves and then to stay true to that instead of always looking outside of ourselves for answers.

 

True fulfillment in life will never come from living up to someone else’s expectations or living your life the way you believe you ought to. It will never come from the attainment of goals or achieving what’s considered to be success. The ultimate purpose of life is to find out what you are about on that deeper spiritual level and then to live it.

 

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.” – Mother Teresa

 

The first quote on spirituality from Joseph Campbell was about finding your own authentic path in life. In this quote from Mother Theresa, she tells us how to do it. When mother Theresa offers spiritual advice I for one am willing to listen.

 

She gives us a very profound spiritual lesson and that is to embrace silence. God is the friend of silence and when you quiet your mind, you get to reconnect with God on a personal level. In our crazy-busy world, time for silence is probably the last thing on most people’s list of priorities, yet this is where true authentic power in life comes from. When you empty your mind from all the mundane demands and you return to the centre deep within you are once again connected with that divine power that orchestrates the entire universe.

 

In a world dominated by new trends and technologies it seems like there is an even greater demand on our attention from every direction. We marvel at the latest inventions and the wonders of new technology, but still it’s all very temporary and only lasts until the next best thing comes along.

 

Even when you look beyond all the man-made wonders and venture into nature to observe a sunset, a shooting star or a thunderstorm, there is one thing that is universally mysterious about it. Even with our technology and scientific knowledge, there is still a huge chunk of it that we simply do not understand. This is what Albert Einstein had to say about it:

 

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”

 

Behind all the surface wonders of the world lies a deeper mystery – as if there is a divine hand behind it all that silently orchestrates and organizes it. This is the true wonder of life. At the heart of spirituality is this wonderful and mysterious force that is the essence of life.

 

Spirituality is about really waking up to life and to develop a higher awareness – an awareness of that mysterious force behind all of life. If you are not absolutely fascinated with life then you simply don’t know enough. It’s ironic that our modern day scientists are becoming more and more spiritual because the more we find out about the true nature of life, the more they are realizing that there is an indescribably force behind it all.

 

These 3 quotes on spirituality are from 3 very different people, but their message is the same: beyond the mundane activities of life there is something bigger; a higher force that some call God. It is in your nature to know this Force. By discovering your own unique place in the world, by embracing silence and making contact with God you can awaken an awareness deep within yourself that will open your eyes to a whole new way of life.

Wicca Spirit Newsletter

Did you know……..

Did you know…

From Wikipedia’s newest content:

A queen sitting on a throne

  • … that, in 1898, the United States government annexed the Kingdom of Hawaii despite protestation from Queen Liliuokalani (pictured)?
  • … that in 1954 The New York Times warned that the Communist Party of French India was likely to seize power in the colony?
  • … that the CFTR inhibitory factor can induce cystic fibrosis (CF) -like conditions in the lungs of a non-CF patient?
  • … that following a landmark decision of the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court, the same judge passed sentence on each of the six politicians in separate trials charged in relation to the 2009 Parliamentary expenses scandal?
  • … that American journalist Charles Franklin Hildebrand earned the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his World War I service in the battles of the Marne River and Argonne Forest?
  • … that the anarchist Revolutionary Avengers group from 1910 to 1914 has been described as the most radical terrorist organization in the history of Poland?
  • … that witnesses have reported ghostly lights and phantom fires emanating from the Dr. John R. Drish House in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

On this day…….

On this day…

July 7: Independence Day in the Solomon Islands (1978); Tanabata in Japan

Victims of the 7 July bombings trapped underground

  • 1834 – In New York City, evangelical Protestants began four nights of rioting against abolitionists.
  • 1911 – The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Russia signed the North Pacific Fur Seal Convention banning open-water seal hunting, the first international treaty to address wildlife conservation issues.
  • 1963 – The police of Ngo Dinh Nhu, brother and chief political adviser of President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem, attacked a group of American journalists who were covering a protest during the Buddhist crisis.
  • 1983 – After writing a letter to Soviet premier Yuri Andropov, American schoolgirl Samantha Smith visited the Soviet Union as Andropov’s personal guest, becoming known as “America’s Youngest Ambassador”.
  • 1994 – Troops from the former North Yemen captured Aden, ending the Yemeni civil war.
  • 2005 – Suicide bombers killed 52 people in a series of four explosions on London’s public transport system (victims trapped in train pictured).

In The News……

In the news

Otto von Habsburg

  • The International Olympic Committee announces that Pyeongchang, South Korea, will host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  • Otto von Habsburg (pictured), former Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, dies at the age of 98.
  • In the Thai general election, the Pheu Thai Party, led by Yingluck Shinawatra, wins a landslide majority.
  • In tennis, Petra Kvitova wins the women’s singles and Novak Djokovic wins the men’s singles at the Wimbledon Championships.
  • Treasure worth at least 25 billion rupees (€385 million) is found at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, India.

Hello World! How Are You?

Does the penguin do it or not? Stay tuned as the story develops…..Have you ever flipped the TV channels during the day? There is murder everywhere you look, then you have this wife in bed with her best friend’s husband……..I mean really! Now the top story is the Casey Anthony story. I have to admit I did follow the case some. Like most of America, when the verdict came down I was shocked to say the least. Everytime I walked by the TV and her picture was on there I would say, “Fry the &itch!” Which in my opinion the jury clearly didn’t do their job and let a guilty woman walks. But who am I to say, I am just a lowly witch 😦 But I have talked about it with others and we all wonder is America just becoming more violent or do we have more access to the violence? In Desert Storm, we got to ride into Bagdad with the troops. I wonder if we had got to go with the troops of WWII, would our troops have been there that long? All the killing of Americans, laying in gutters, out in the middle of the streets. I can answer that “Hell, no!” We would insisted our troops be pulled out immediately. My point with this, we won’t put up with our troops dying in combat but we will tolerate some poor infant dying at the hands of her mother. We will watch on TV as a slain man lays in the street died, covered up by a white sheet, or a woman out in a field died. Why? What point does it serve killing another person? Why do we put up with such violence on TV? What kind of world is our children growing up in with violence everywhere? Where are our morals? Do we not value human life anymore? What has happened to us as a country? You know it only take one person. One person to say enough, enough with the killing, enough with the violence! If nothing else, we can write our TV channels and tell them we are sick of the violence. We are sick of the violence all day long. We want wholesome programs for our kids. If a child is to watch a show appropriate for them, then they have to get up at 5:30 a.m., every morning to see it.  Then the programs last for 2 hours and that’s it. The rest of the day is violence, sex, more violence and more sex. Something has to give. This country is out of control and we need to take some of it back. The TV channels are as good of a place as any to start. If each one of us wrote a letter and tell these channels to stop the violence all day. To change their programming just a little bit and believe me they could if they wanted to. Then I think a couple of thousand letters would make a difference. If you would like to start to take back control of this country by starting with the TV stations, then I will get you the address to write too. I know you might think it wouldn’t do any good but if we all band together and take a stand, a start, it will. As the old saying goes, “There is a lot more of us than you think,” let’s show’em how many of us there really is? Write those letters. Not for us but for our children.