Day: August 16, 2011

Lady A’s Spell of the Day for Aug. 16th: Overcome an Obstacle

Overcome an Obstacle

Is something standing in the way of your financial or career success? Perhaps you’ll have to remove the obstacle before you can make progress. Whether the obstacle is an attitude or something physical, this spell can help you to over overcome it.

Best times to perform this spell:

  • During the waning moon

  • When the sun or moon is in Scorpio

  • On Saturdays

Ingredients or items needed:

  • An athame or kitchen knife

  1. Hold the athame (a ritual dagger) or knife in your right hand.

  2. Close your eyes and imagine you are in a jungle choked with vines and brush.

  3. Hold the dagger out in front of you and make slashing motions as you symbolically cut away the thick growth that’s blocking your path. Chop your way into a small clearing, where you see a suitcase full of money. Pick up the suitcase and take it with you.

Warning: If the obstacle is a person, don’t envision yourself slicing up him or her with your dagger–in your mind’s eye picture vines, which represent the situation rather than the individual.

And  please be extra careful with the dagger!

Saint of the Day for August 16th is St. Bridget

St. Bridget

St. Bridget arrived in Ireland a few years after St. Patrick. Her father was an Irish lord named Duptace.

As Bridget grew up, she became holier and more pious each day. She loved the poor and would often bring food and clothing to them. One day she gave away a whole pail of milk, and then began to worry about what her mother would say. She prayed to the Lord to make up for what she had given away. When she got home, her pail was full! Bridget was a very pretty young girl, and her father thought that it was time for her to marry. She, however, had given herself entirely to God when she was very small, and she would not think of marrying anyone. When she learned that her beauty was the reason for the attentions of so many young men, she prayed fervently to God to take it from her. She wanted to belong to Him alone. God granted her prayer. Seeing that his daughter was no longer pretty, her father gladly agreed when Bridget asked to become a Nun. She became the first Religious in Ireland and founded a convent so that other young girls might become Nuns. When she consecrated herself to God, a miracle happened. She became very beautiful again! Bridget made people think of the Blessed Mother because she was so pure and sweet, so lovely and gentle. They called her the “Mary of the Irish.”

Deity of the Day for August 16th is Seth

 

SETH

This is the brother of Osiris who destroyed him and dismembered his body in order to take his throne. He is the Dark Serpent aspect of the God. God of drought and storm, Lord of the Red Land (the desert). In Sanscrit the word “sat” means to destroy by hewing into pieces. In the myth of Osiris…it was Seth who killed Osiris and cut his body into fourteen pieces. But it may be significant that the word “set” is also defined as “queen” or “princess” in Egyptian. Au Set, known as Isis by the Greeks, is defined as “exceeding queen”. In the myth of the combat Seth tries to mate sexually with Horus; this is usually interpreted as being an insult. But the most primitive identity of the figure Seth, who is also closely related to the serpent of darkness known as Zet, and often refered to by classical Greek writers as Typhon, the serpent of the goddess Gaia, may once have been female, or in some way symbolic of the Goddess religion, perhaps related to the Goddess Ua Zit, “Great Serpent”, the cobra Goddess of Neolithic times. Lastly, there is a theory that is pure speculation on Seth’s battle with Horus. First, we look at Horus as a Solar Deity. Then, we look at Isis as being the Full Moon (as she is the Goddess of Magick). Next, if we consider that Seth was originally female, then it is easy (or just convenient) to assign him/her to the new moon. Put these together, and the story of Seth attempting to mate with Horus, and then taking his eye, may very well be a story of a solar eclipse.

Crystal of the Day for August 16th is Azurite

A popular crystal for its beautiful deep blue colour; this stone has a startling blue edge, which is the key to its healing powers. Azurite forms when copper ores oxidize. It is associated with the green mineral malachite, with which it shares a similar chemical structure. In the Middle Ages, powdered azurite was used as a blue pigment in paints and dyes. As it absorbed atmospheric moisture, it used to oxidize to malachite, which explains why the sky is green in some early Renaissance paintings. The two minerals can be found in a form called azurite-malachite, which is excellent for “clearing out” deep-rooted emotions. The finest large azurite crystals come from Namibia.

Identification and care

  • Small crystals appear a powdery blue and are often small, round nodules.

  • Large crystals are often very dark and shiny, with an electric-blue edge.

  • Crystals are soft, so need careful handling.

  • Do not clean nodules in water

Magick

  • Helps you to achieve swift results

  • Reveals mysteries

  • Transmits messages from the unknown

Healing Functions

  • Accesses deep levels of body-consciousness

  • Draws out memories or old stress, allowing them to be released in healing.

  • Improves communication and creative flow

Practical ideas

  • To encourage expansion of consciousness, place four pieces of azurite on and around the body; one above the crown, one either side of the head and one at the solar plexus

Herb of the Day for August 16th is Patchouli

Patchouli

Botanical: Pogostemon patchouli (PILL.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae

—Description—This fragrant herb, with soft, opposite, egg-shaped leaves and square stems, grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, giving out the peculiar, characteristic odour of patchouli when rubbed. Its whitish flowers, tinged with purple, grow in both axillary and terminal spikes. The crop is cut two or three times a year, the leaves being dried and packed in bales and exported for distillation of the oil. The best oil is freshly distilled near the plantations. That obtained from leaves imported into Europe, often damaged and adulterated even up to 80 per cent, is inferior. It is used in coarser perfumes and in ‘White Rose’ and ‘Oriental’ toilet soaps. Although the odour is objectionable to some, it is widely-used both in Asia and India. Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were distinguished by the odour, which has the unusual quality of improving with age. Hence the older oil is preferred by perfumers and used to confer more lasting properties upon other scents.

—Constituents—Oil of Patchouli is thick, the colour being brownish-yellow tinted green. It contains coerulein, the vivid blue compound found in matricaria, wormwood and other oils. It deposits a solid, or stearoptene, patchouli alcohol, leaving cadinene.

It is laevorotatory, with the specific gravity of 0.970 to 0.990 at 15 degrees C. (59 degrees F.).

—Medicinal Action and Uses—Its use is said to cause sometimes loss of appetite and sleep and nervous attacks. The Chinese, Japanese and Arabs believe it to possess prophylactic properties.

—Other Species and Adulterations—
Java patchouli, often grown in Indian gardens for home use, is a product of Pogostemon Heyneanus.

The inferior oil of Assam is from Microtoena cymosa.

Cubeb and cedar oils are said to be usual adulterants.

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Cooperation is said to be the essence of success. Without it confusion and chaos are the ruling factors and in harmony the main thought. Cooperation is a result of excellent leadership, the ability to build a team of loyal players who can follow instructions or think for themselves, whichever is for the best of all concerned.

A team is a group with specific parts to play. In all wisdom they know a little about every part, but they play their own positions with precision and efficiency.

Every player cannot be captain, and every person cannot play quarterback. The part may be small, but if it is played with fairness and dignity and to the utmost of ability, then it will be as important to the successful outcomes or results as the biggest job in the team.

The practical view of cooperation is vivid in John Dickinson’s words, “By uniting we stand; by dividing we fall.” We are only as strong as the weakest, only as cooperative as the spirit in which we work.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 16

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 16

“The best teachers have shown me that things have to be done bit by bit. Nothing that means anything happens quickly – we only think it does.”

–Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI

There are no short cuts. Every tree must grow according to the growth plan of the Creator. Every flower must grow according to the plan of God. The moon must make its trip around the earth according to God’s plan. Every human being must grow according to the plan of the Creator. Sometimes we look at ourselves and we think we are not growing but we are always growing. Because we cannot see it with our mind does not mean it is not happening. We must be patient with ourselves and let the Creator direct our growth.

My Creator, let me be patient. Let me realize that You are in charge of all things. Let me realize that I must grow my roots a little at a time to become strong.

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August 16 – Daily Feast

August 16 – Daily Feast

 

Some people claim to have no need of solitude. Others insist on privacy, a time away from everything to get a better perspective. Most of us want our moment of quiet – but we want to decide when they are to be. We want the u tse li dv, solitary hour as long as it has a spirit and aliveness. It is in the quiet times that we build our strengths and know we have something to rely on. Solitude is not withdrawal into a place where no one and no sound can penetrate. It is a sweet moment of peace with or without other people that lets us recenter and rest the rhythm of the mind, body and spirit. It is wisdom to stay close to the solitude of nature to keep us young and pliable.

~ Old Lakota was wise…..he kept his youth close to its softening influence. ~

STANDING BEAR

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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Your Daily Influences for Tuesday, August 16th

Your Daily Influences
August 16, 2011

Tarot Influence

Rune Influence
Charm Influence
Six of Pentacles Reversed
Gloating of wealth and jealousy. Possesions may be in jeopardy.
Naudhiz
Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.
The Ankh
You may need help from a higher law to balance this aspect. This law could be a supervisor, a mediator or even a judgement through a legal venue.
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.

Today’s Runes for August 16th is Hagalaz

Today’s Runes

Gold Runes are most commonly used for questions about business, career, and property. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one’s life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 16th is 29: Dangerous Depths

29: Dangerous Depths

Hexagram 29

General Meaning: Exposure to passing dangers brings good fortune to those who move beyond them. Like boaters passing through white-water rapids, when you are faced with serious challenges, you must remain alert, take all available precautions, and above all, keep going forward so as to remove yourself from harm’s way. Once the danger has passed, good fortune.

The positive aspect of challenges is that they offer an excellent chance to cleanse the senses and strengthen the spirit. Surviving crises brings tremendous reinvigoration, and sharpens the eye and mind for future challenges.

It is reckless to court danger, but critical to inner development not to shrink from it either. Those who respond to challenges most effectively are those who are able to establish an inner bubble of calm in the midst of the action. A calm center keeps one rooted in the moment, alert and focused. Courage at such times springs from focused attention, from a willingness to penetrate the moment of danger to its very core, so as to shape it and transform the situation.

Your Daily Number for August 16th: 7

You may feel a strong need for answers and knowledge. This could very well be a time of soul searching for you, and you might feel a bit lonely. Your head may be in the proverbial clouds, so exercise caution when dealing with mechanical items.

Fast Facts

About the Number 7

Theme: Quiet, Insightful, Analytical, Mystical, Intuitive
Astro Association: Cancer
Tarot Association: Chariot

Today’s Tarot Card for August 16th is The 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 Tuesday, August 16th

The extroverted Leo energy is intense today as a triple conjunction of talkative Mercury, charming Venus and the Sun focuses our attention on having a good time. But it’s not all fun and games because retrograde Mercury forms an anxious semisquare with active Mars, tempting us to suppress our anger and deny any negative feelings. The sensitive Pisces Moon drives our unexpressed emotions deeper until she bolts into courageous Aries at 8:01 pm EDT.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you may have the chance to be around people you really like today, you still can feel the pressure to finish your chores before you go looking for fun. Unfortunately, friends can distract you from your work because you want to join them in their activities. However, it’s not wise to upset your regular routine, even if you wish to shake things up. Keep your current dissatisfaction to yourself and mind your responsibilities for now.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may have a clear idea of what you want to do today to take care of your personal needs. You could even believe that any deviation from your plan means that you won’t be happy, but this faulty thinking is far from the truth. You might be a bit emotionally disoriented now, so don’t worry if the day unfolds differently than you imagined. Instead of being stuck in your comfort zone, be flexible enough to try new things.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Even if everything appears fine, you might feel unsettled today because your schedule doesn’t leave much room for any relaxation. You are not required to let other people’s troubles hijack your day. Keep in mind that it’s entirely possible to enjoy yourself while still being emotionally responsive to those you love. Your versatility and quick wit enable you to gracefully step away from the situation.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You are ready for an easy day at the office or at home, but you probably won’t be able to avoid the spotlight anyhow with the current planetary pile-up in dramatic Leo. Ironically, trying to recede into the shadows only brings more attention to you today. Thankfully, you will appreciate the love and support you receive once you stop resisting. There’s nothing wrong with needing time alone to recharge your emotional batteries, but coming out from behind your shell now will do your heart good.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may have to reconsider your relationship with a close friend or business partner, especially when it comes to money. Your urgent need to iron out the details of a financial arrangement can be complicated by a lack of information or a misunderstanding of each other’s assumptions. Even if you want closure today, it may be smarter to leave things open-ended for now.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The overwhelming uncertainty of your life could overtake your confidence today. But you are quite capable of covering the anxiety you are feeling now because your key planet Mercury conjuncts gracious Venus in your 12th House of Secrets. Fortunately, what you lose to unclear thinking, you gain in charm, creativity and charisma.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Ask for what you want today and you just might receive it as clever Mercury conjuncts your key planet Venus, enabling you to be quite convincing. But you may have to risk a little emotional security to be heard, since your attitude is softened by sweet Venus. Be as specific as possible in your request; the more details you supply, the better your chances are of success.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might misread someone’s intentions today and turn an insignificant comment into an important event. You could even set your eyes on new objectives at work. Part of your problem is that your perspective is so distorted now that it’s challenging to stay unconfused. It may be smarter to wait a day or two before you respond in order to see what happens.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your anxiety stems from too many people requesting more information from you than you currently have. But you won’t be able to get away with just making something up on the spot today, for your colleagues will know immediately that you are hiding something. It helps to be honest; share the plain and simple facts to the best of your knowledge and freely admit the limits of your knowledge.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your plans may fall apart today as the details begin to unravel. Hopefully you can see this problem as a positive experience because you are receiving an advanced warning that your ideas need more work. Don’t try to force the issue and glue everything back together. Instead, rethink your strategy a day or two before taking corrective action.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s nearly impossible to know how to respond to someone’s overdramatic presentation today. You want to help, but you’re afraid that if you dig too deeply, you might uncover something that you wish you didn’t know. However, if you don’t investigate at all, then you won’t have all the facts you need to make a big decision. Ultimately, when the answer finally comes, be ready for a surprise, for it may not be what you expect.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may be very sure of a recent decision, it becomes apparent today that you would be wise to reconsider your not-as-final-as-you-thought answer. Be careful about placing your trust in your instincts now because a flash of apparent inspiration could steer you in the entirely wrong direction. But even if you see your path clearly, check your logic with a close friend or partner.

the daily humorscopes for tuesday, august 16th

the daily humorscope 

 

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

 
 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
An odd smell, probably like that of chocolate milk drying on a linoleum floor, will bring back a flood of childhood memories. You will remember your locker combination from seventh grade, for example. Ironically, this will happen during a boring yet important meeting, and you will disgrace yourself by calling someone “booger-face.”
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
A huge red balloon will float by you, today, being pursued by a small person of the French persuasion, and a film crew. If you wish to cause cross-cultural mirth, cross your eyes, talk in a high pitched voice, and whack yourself in the head with a baguette. Otherwise, don’t.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You will invent a new sort of optical illusion today, involving 6 straight lines, an assortment of blobs, and a picture of an iguana. Everyone will gasp in amazement.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You will wrestle with your conscience today, but will be disqualified for using an illegal hold.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Today will be mostly OK, except that you’ll learn to pay more attention in the future to the phrase “Careful, filling is hot!.”
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Time heals all wounds, yes. But that’s not really intended to mean that you should tie Time magazine around your sprained ankle. It’s a figure of speech, you see, not meant to be taken literally. I have heard, however, that Newsweek is good for gout.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
This might be a good time to decide what you want to be when you actually do grow up. I’m guessing that you’d be best off as either a yodeling oceanographer, or possibly a bovine pathologist.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Lately you feel blessed with great abundance, as though your cup runneth over. Basically, you just need a bigger cup. You will have left-over lasagna for lunch. This is odd, because you don’t remember the lasagna being made in the first place. Just one of those little mysteries that haunts you in life.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Today is a good day to crash through the underbrush, making loud snorting sounds. Beware of poachers, however.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
You will be followed by an evil-looking man in an old green Ford pickup truck. Surprisingly, it will turn out that following people is just his hobby, and you have nothing to worry about.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
You will rest peacefully, and sink into a strange dream. In the dream, you will be playing an odd version of soccer with huge clear balloons, and people will be cheering you on from the sidelines, who are dressed in white formal attire. Don’t go into the light. The extra point isn’t worth it.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Something is about to become overly intimate with you. Intimacy can be good. Just not with fungus.

CANDLE MAGICK FOR SCRYING

CANDLE MAGICK FOR SCRYING

　

　

Scrying is a popular form of divination which involves seeing truth, knowing

what is happening around you in other places. It normally involves mirrors,

crystals, water or fire. This magick spell is devised to assist in scrying, not

to be performed alone.

Arrange altar in the following manner:

Goddess Candle and God candle in respective places.

Incense in the Center

White candle directly south of incense.

To the left and south of the white candle place Orange candle. Underneath white

candle place petitioner candle. Directly right of petitioner candle place

orange candle. Directly south of the Petitioner candle place purple candle.

Light Goddess and God candles.

Light PETITIONER candle and say,

“Here burns my spirit and power, wise in the Occult and steadfast in purity.”

Light the WHITE candle and say,

“Here burns Purity, Truth, and Sincerity. They are with me throughout this rite

and beyond it.”

Light Orange candles and say,

“That which I scry is attracted to me as the moth is drawn to the candle flame.”

Sit a moment and organize your thoughts. Decide EXACTLY what it is you wish to

see and say,

“Around me is built a wall of light;

Though it may pass only that which will harm me not.

That I may see all there is no question,

yet aught I see may not reach out to me.

The Gods are my guides as they are to my strength.

All this revealed is brought through Them;

For this do I give thanks.”

Turn your back to the altar and perform you act of scrying

When you have finished this, turn back to the altar and say,

“That which was desired has been accomplished.

May the Gods ever be with me and protect me in aught I do.”

Extinguish the candles in reverse order of lighting them.

 

Meditation for August 16th – Find Your Reservoir of Calm

At our core lies the peace of our essential nature. To access this  inner peace, visualize yourself diving into the water of a warm, calm lake.  You slip through the water, surrounded by a profound silence. As you reach the sea-bed, you are awed to see that it is carpeted with beautiful white pearls. Imagine returning to the surface of the lake. You realize that the silence, purity and beauty you have just discovered lies within yourself.

Rowing Into Meditation

Prepare for meditation by counting backward. Imagine rowing a boat toward a peaceful island. With each pull of the oars, feel your movements become more languid, your breathing slower, and your strokes longer and more relaxed. At the count of zero, you arrive on your island to begin your meditation.