Day: August 25, 2011

Herb of the Day for August 25 is LAVENDER

LAVENDER

To Grow:
Classic lavender grows to 3-4 ft high and wide. Leaves are 2 inches long, gray,
smooth on margins, and narrow. Flowers are lavender, 1/2 inch long on 1/12 to 2
ft spikes in July-August. Plant in good soil. Water regularly.

Uses:
An effective herb for headaches. Can be used in the clearing of depression,
especially when used with other remedies. It can be used to soothe and promote
natural sleep. It can help ease the pains of rheumatism when used externally as
an oil.

Part used:
Flowers. Collect just before they open in early summer and early fall. Dry
gently in a room not above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried flowers and leave to infuse
for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.

Oil:
Do not take the oil internally. It can be inhaled, rubbed on the skin, or used
in baths.

Saint of the Day for Aug. 25 is St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France. On January 6, 1412, Joan of Arc was born to pious parents of the French peasant class, at the obscure village of Domremy, near the province of Lorraine. At a very early age, she heard voices: those of St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret.

At first the messages were personal and general. Then at last came the crowning order. In May, 1428, her voices “of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret” told Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom. For at that time the English king was after the throne of France, and the Duke of Burgundy, the chief rival of the French king, was siding with him and gobbling up evermore French territory.

After overcoming opposition from churchmen and courtiers, the seventeen year old girl was given a small army with which she raised the seige of Orleans on May 8, 1429. She then enjoyed a series of spectacular military successes, during which the King was able to enter Rheims and be crowned with her at his side.

In May 1430, as she was attempting to relieve Compiegne, she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English when Charles and the French did nothing to save her. After months of imprisonment, she was tried at Rouen by a tribunal presided over by the infamous Peter Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, who hoped that the English would help him to become archbishop.

Through her unfamiliarity with the technicalities of theology, Joan was trapped into making a few damaging statements. When she refused to retract the assertion that it was the saints of God who had commanded her to do what she had done, she was condemned to death as a heretic, sorceress, and adulteress, and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. She was nineteen years old. Some thirty years later, she was exonerated of all guilt and she was ultimately canonized in 1920, making official what the people had known for centuries. Her feast day is May 30.

Joan was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

Deity of the Day for August 25 is Marduk

MARDUK

 Also known as Bel (The Lord).  The son of Ea who defeated Tiamat
(because the other gods were afraid to face her), thus destroying Chaos and
reigning in Order.  He was appointed High God because of this, and he took the Tablets of Destiny from Qingu.  He is the Hero of the Gods, and also a storm deity.  The story of Marduk is very similar to Baal.  Marduk had no real place among the gods until he agreed to defeat Tiamat.  Baal, likewise, had no place among the gods until he defeated Yam, and then he had a palace built for himself.  S=Nunurta (not a direct relation, but this is probably where Marduk came from).  Marduk and his son, Nabu, are, in part, solar deities much like Osiris and Seth.  For an explanation, see Nabu.  Marduk is related to Jupiter, therefore making him a Wandering God.

“THINK on THESE THINGS”

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Whenever we stop to consider where we are on the road of life, we might also think about why we are there. Whether it is success or failure, or wavering in the middle of the road, we are where we are because of someone or something.

Nearly every person can pinpoint the time in their life when there was a turning point, a change for worse or for the better. And usually there is someone to whom they give the credit for such a change.

Throughout our lives we contact many people, and they each leave an impression. As living continues the combination of all those thoughts and feelings and actions forms our opinions, our likes and dislikes, our fears and our loves. But there is one basic factor in all of this that turns us one way or other – the individual, the personal self. It is how we take life, what we expect, how we do our daily tasks, where we place our values that makes the difference.

We are born with the right to choose – and whatever we choose there will always be someone there to help us be good or bad. But first, we must give credit where credit is due.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

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

 

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 25

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 25

“God is making use of you – you should be grateful He’s found a use for you.”

–Mathew King, LAKOTA

The Creator can only create through human beings. Each human being has a purpose given to us by the Creator. We are on this earth to fulfill this purpose. Our only work is to make ourselves ready, to become a channel, to perform for the Creator. We prepare ourselves by prayer. We prepare ourselves by becoming unselfish. We prepare ourselves by seeking and choosing to walk on a spiritual path. Each morning we look to the East and we say an honor prayer to the Creator. We offer our gifts: tobacco and corn. We ask him to help us do His will for today. In this simple way, we still fulfill our purpose. It should be an honor to serve the Creator.

Great Spirit, today I am ready to serve You.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

August 25 – Daily Feast

August 25 – Daily Feast

 

We have a flair for convincing ourselves that there is nothing we can do about certain things – when it is more likely we don’t want to do anything about them. As long as we still care enough, we go on looking for solutions and hoping for miracles. But every day that goes by distances us from so much that no longer stirs us. Gradually, those things we thought so important fade and slip out of our daily thoughts. It is called gv ge wi s di in Cherokee, and means neglect in anybody’s language. It is one thing to let something go when it means nothing, and another to think we still have control and find the urgent need to retrieve it. What is important? It is vital to know what we want and need – if we are ever to have it.

~ I was very sorry when I found out that your intentions were good and entirely different from what I supposed they were. ~

SITTING BULL

“A Cherokee Feast of Days” by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

 

Daily Motivator for August 25 – What you do

What you do

You cannot always control what you get. What you absolutely can control, though, is what you do.

The actions you take will indeed bring results. However, there can often be other factors that influence those results.

Focus your energy on pointing your actions consistently and persistently in the direction of your dreams. Those actions will, one way or another, move you in that direction.

What you can control is what you do, so make the very most of that opportunity. Although other factors may at times work against you, there is great benefit to having your own considerable strength working for you.

Fashion and evaluate your goals in terms of real, specific actions you can take. There is plenty that you can do, so don’t let any adverse outside influences stop you from doing it.

Life can sometimes be arbitrary and unfair, and yet your authentic purpose and intention give you the upper hand. Do your very best no matter what, and your positive, living purpose will surely prevail.

— Ralph Marston

Daily OM for Aug. 25 – Focus on the Good

Focus on the Good
Raise Your Vibration

There are many ways to raise your vibration including thinking positive and uplifting thoughts. 

 

Everything in the universe is made of energy. What differentiates one form of energy from another is the speed at which it vibrates. For example, light vibrates at a very high frequency, and something like a rock vibrates at a lower frequency but a frequency nonetheless. Human beings also vibrate at different frequencies. Our thoughts and feelings can determine the frequency at which we vibrate, and our vibration goes out into the world and attracts to us energy moving at a similar frequency. This is one of the ways that we create our own reality, which is why we can cause a positive shift in our lives by raising our vibration.

We all know someone we think of as vibrant. Vibrant literally means “vibrating very rapidly.” The people who strike us as vibrant are vibrating at a high frequency, and they can inspire us as we work to raise our vibration. On the other hand, we all know people that are very negative or cynical. These people are vibrating at a lower frequency. They can also be an inspiration because they can show us where we don’t want to be vibrating and why. To discover where you are in terms of vibrancy, consider where you fall on a scale between the most pessimistic person you know and the most vibrant. This is not in order to pass judgment, but rather it is important to know where you are as you begin working to raise your frequency so that you can notice and appreciate your progress.

There are many ways to raise your vibration, from working with affirmations to visualizing enlightened entities during meditation. One of the most practical ways to raise your vibration is to consciously choose where you focus your attention. To understand how powerful this is, take five minutes to describe something you love unreservedly—a person, a movie, an experience. When your five minutes are up, you will noticeably feel more positive and even lighter. If you want to keep raising your vibration, you might want to commit to spending five minutes every day focusing on the good in your life. As you do this, you will train yourself to be more awake and alive. Over time, you will experience a permanent shift in your vibrancy.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 25 is 57: Gentle Penetration

57: Gentle Penetration

Hexagram 57
 
General Meaning: The general situation here points to subtle penetration. Reeds bend softly in the wind, symbolizing flexibility and endurance, symbolizing quiet, relaxed effectiveness in action. A gentle influence is at work, but just as the wind is ceaseless in its efforts, so too small forces can persist to produce lasting results.

Gentle penetration bodes well for new relationships of all kinds. Just as a summer breeze slowly penetrates the woods to cool the forest, the brilliant ideas of gifted leaders or the sincere feelings of warm-hearted lovers slowly penetrate the minds and hearts of others. In personal relationships, a gentle beginning is often linked to a long-lasting union.

When employing a force that is weak but persistent, careful aim is necessary, for only when a small force continually moves in the same direction can it have much effect. In human affairs, this kind of influence comes more through strength of character than by direct confrontation or seduction. It’s important to have, and stick to, clearly defined goals. Maintaining a strong vision and following a steady course of least resistance often brings good fortune.

Your Daily Number for August 25: 7

You may have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be today. Nagging self-doubt may also be a problem. Before it gets out of hand, take a break and spend some quiet time by yourself.

Fast Facts

About the Number 7

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

Today’s Runes for Thursday, August 25 is Wunjo

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Wunjo is the rune of Joy. Since joy is least frequently a solitary emotion, this rune often represents mutual or communal bliss. Wunjo is also seen as a rune of the gods and a rune of perfection, carrying with it the elation that blazes from the creation of a perfect work – perhaps this is the true joy of the gods, that they can create perfection. That aside, this rune does not focus on the struggle for perfection or on our inevitable imperfections, but rather on a job well done and the satisfaction that comes from it.

Today’s Tarot Card for August 25 is The Sun

The Sun

This Tarot Deck: Gummy Bear Tarot

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Sun card is about the self — who you are and how you cultivate your personality and character. The earth revolves around the sun to make up one year of a person’s life, a fact we celebrate on our birthday.

The Sun card could also be titled “Back to Eden.” The Sun’s radiance is where one’s original nature or unconditioned Being can be encountered in health and safety. The limitations of time and space are stripped away; the soul is refreshed and temporarily protected from the chaos outside the garden walls.

Under the light of the Sun, Life reclaims its primordial goodness, truth and beauty. If one person is shown on this card, it is usually signifying a human incarnation of the Divine. When two humans are shown, the image is portraying a resolution of the tension between opposites at all levels. It’s as if this card is saying “You can do no wrong — it’s all to the good!”

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, August 25

Frustrations abound when assertive Mars runs into a dynamic square with restrictive Saturn. Although we are excited about pushing ahead, reaching our goals may be a lot tougher than we expect as we run into one obstacle after another. Thankfully, persistence pays off when a powerful Venus-Pluto trine facilitates deeper emotional connections. No longer are we confined by someone else’s judgments; we are emotionally engaged and playing for keeps.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You intuitively believe that it’s a good idea to follow your feelings today, even if you don’t know where they are taking you. You may be uncomfortable with the idea of giving up some of your freedom, yet this seems to be a small price to pay for establishing a magical connection with a powerful person. Remember that narrowing your options to get something in return can actually feel good in the long run.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Being emotionally fulfilled isn’t only about feeling good today; it’s also about being aligned with a higher purpose. Luckily, it’s easier to accomplish your goals now that your head and your heart are in tune with each other. You know what to do to attract wealth and to express love, so don’t let self-doubt limit your options. Dream as big as you can and be ready to grab the brass ring when you get the chance.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s difficult for you to slow down enough to sink into your emotions, especially if you’re afraid of what you might discover. Once you let the distractions fade away, you could be pulled into the dark recesses of your imagination where a clever turn of phrase isn’t sufficient to bring you back into the light. If, however, you have the courage to be patient, negativity will dissipate and you will return with treasures from your journey within.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You are relieved that you get to handle the intensity of someone else’s fears today because you have already wrestled with your own inner demons. It’s not that you have all the answers; it’s just that you are now willing to witness the process for others without feeling threatened yourself. Don’t underestimate the commitment that is required; this is intense emotional work and your compassion will be greatly appreciated.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It’s not easy to find an uplifting story in the midst of the gloom today, but your persistent search can uncover important realizations that change your day for the better. You are learning about maintaining your own emotional health now, yet your lesson may be an unexpected one. You haven’t chosen an easy journey, but investigating beneath the surface can change your perspective and give you a whole new point of view.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your emotions are a source of power now and even the most challenging obstacle in your path won’t slow you down very much today. Of course, you want to concentrate your efforts on whatever issues arise, but at least you’ll do so with a positive and practical attitude. Luckily, this isn’t about being in denial; in fact, it’s your critical thinking that enables you to see through the camouflage and effectively cut to the chase.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

As hard as you try to avoid it, you are still pulled into a complex emotional drama today that raises an old familiar issue. Fortunately, there’s nothing threatening in the present circumstances, yet they still remind you of a previous power struggle when you weren’t as much in control of your feelings. Don’t look back, or your fears can prompt you to limit your current options. Instead, consider the possibilities; anything you put your mind to now has the potential of becoming real.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your power comes from your magical ability to undergo a surprising metamorphosis today. You are like the legendary phoenix that arises from the ashes as Pluto harmonizes with magnetic Venus. Others might be afraid of such dynamic change, but you instinctively know that it’s futile to resist these evolutionary waves. Being flexible enough to go with the emotional flow now is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you can disagree about the truth of a story, it’s pointless today to do battle over a simple difference of opinion. However, explaining your beliefs enables you to separate them from the hard facts. Making this distinction is quite helpful now, and lessens your chance of getting into an argument over a topic where there can never be a clear winner.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You won’t likely be sweet-talked into capitulation today, yet you could perform some gentle persuasion yourself. You might try sheer stubbornness as a strategy now, but it’s only because you feel like you have too much to lose. Don’t waste energy trying to protect yourself; instead go out and do something creative in order to mix up the energy. Others will appreciate you making the first move.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Anything you choose to keep to yourself now will carry even more weight than what you reveal. But this is not a permission slip to tell everything to everybody; there are many things that are best left unsaid. Just think through your motives for sharing and then select the best time to talk. If you have a purpose for expressing what’s in your heart, then your current communication will ideally bring an important feeling out into the open.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The sharpness of your practical analysis prompts you to make an important decision about your feelings today. But ironically, you might feel like you’re temporarily lost in the desert in search of an oasis. Although you exhibit strength of purpose in your current choices, a lack of commitment could be problematic. Deciding with your head is not as long-lasting as following your heart.

the daily humorscopes for thursday, august 25

the daily humorscope

Thursday, August 25, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Don’t do that. Your face could get stuck that way. Oh, I’m sorry. I hadn’t realised it already did…
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
After years of study in higher mathematics, and a fiendishly complicated topological proof, you will finally be able to prove that half a loaf is exactly 7.412 times better than no bread.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
After spending days learning to simultaneously pat your head and rub your tummy, you will move on today to patting your head and rubbing someone else’s tummy.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Today you will discover a way to have your cake and eat it too! Unfortunately, everyone else will think that’s really disgusting.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Good time to invest in flowers and a card. Sometimes no occasion is the best occasion. Just like sometimes no disfiguring disease is the best disfiguring disease, I guess.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Someone will turn a cold shoulder to you, and your feelings will be hurt. You’ll get even by turning a tepid elbow to them, later. Just don’t let it escalate to the blazing ankles stage, is all.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
It was a simple mistake, which anyone could have made. What’s more, now you know better. I think, though, that the expression is too widespread for you to actually get it changed to “never look a gift horse in either end”.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
It is a joyous time to vacuum. Yes, you’ll have more fun than you can stand, pushing that new vac around. So what, if other people don’t understand? Unfortunately, an evil Asian gentleman named “Fu” will kidnap your beloved vacuum cleaner, a few years from now, and you will be faced with an ethical dilemma. Enjoy life while you still can, is my advice.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will spend the day attempting to rest, but whenever you fall asleep you’ll return to the same nightmare of being transformed into a chihuahua, and will wake, screaming (in a very high-pitched, whiny, and annoying sort of way).
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Excellent day to do something new with bean curd.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Soon you will start work on a mystery novel, “The Curse Of The Mummy’s Nose”, told from the point of view of your cat, Erik.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Ian McHarg once said, “Man is a blind, witless, anthropocentric clod who inflicts lesions upon the earth.” You will come up with a brilliant rebuttal to this, soon. You will say: “So?”

Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 25

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2011 August 25

Portrait of NGC 281
Image Credit & Copyright: J-P Metsävainio (Astro Anarchy)

Explanation: Look through the cosmic cloud cataloged as NGC 281 and it’s almost easy to miss stars of open cluster IC 1590. But, formed within the nebula, that cluster’s young, massive stars ultimately power the pervasive nebular glow. The eye-catching shapes looming in this portrait of NGC 281 are sculpted columns and dense dust globules seen in silhouette, eroded by intense, energetic winds and radiation from the hot cluster stars. If they survive long enough, the dusty structures could also be sites of future star formation. Playfully called the Pacman Nebula because of its overall shape, NGC 281 is about 10,000 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. This composite image was made through narrow-band filters, but combines emission from the nebula’s hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms in a visible spectrum palette. It spans over 80 light-years at the estimated distance of NGC 281.