“THINK on THESE THINGS”

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Do you want to know the truth about worry? It hits everyone. It is not an ailment just for weaklings or cowards. Worry is the cat you throw out only to have it back in before you can close the door.

Worry has another side. It proves we care very much, and that we appreciate our God-given gifts and loved ones. In a way, it is a sign of strength, for if we can turn it to faith, then faith can be just as strong. And to overcome worry, or to at least control it, there must be faith.

Faith, and the knowledge that if you could be in all the places, watching closely all the things about which you are concerned, you couldn’t do a tenth as much good as one simple prayer.

We are taught, “Be not anxious,” “Fear not,” and “Be not afraid,” and too quickly we become anxious, fearful, and very frightened. But even then, we have only to put worry to flight by remembering those quieting words that are so absolutely true, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Recently we had a summer storm. It was rumbling and heavy with darkness. The lightning flashed across the sky and currents. When the first huge drops of rain spattered across the walks and lawns, our thoughts turned to the safety of anyone or anything that might be caught out in the wind and rain.

We’ve been through many summer storms. Some of them left permanent marks upon our memories. The threatening, the darkness, the pressure of the atmosphere are not so different from the emotional storms of the human life. We see lives under pressure bend to and fro in the uncertainty of life. We know concern for the safety of those who experience emotional storms. Then we know the only answer is in God’s hands. There is no other way.

The good earth rights itself quickly after a storm. Nature comes forth more richly for having gone through the storm, and the scars are lost in new growth. And blessed are we when we lift ourselves up to a new, deeper radiance and peace.

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

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – September 28

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – September 28

“Love is something that you can leave behind you when you die. It’s that powerful.”

–John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA

The Old Ones say, love is all anyone needs. Love doesn’t go away nor can love be divided. Once you commit an act of love, you’ll find it continues. Love is like setting up dominos one behind the other. Once you hit the first domino, it will touch the second one which will touch the third one and so on. Every love act or love thought has an affect on each person as well as touching the whole world. If you live a life filled with love, the results will affect your friends, relatives and other people, even after you go to the other side. So… Love.

My Creator, let me love. Let me put into action the love dominos.

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September 28 – Daily Feast

September 28 – Daily Feast

 

On rare occasions you may have felt a word drop into your heart that you knew meant something because it never faded and always stood as a reminder that something profound happened. You may not have understood then, but your mind has gone back to it numerous times, wondering what it meant. Years can pass between an event and the understanding of it. It may be we have to grow up to it, or our minds and spirits have to mature enough to see how it is to play out in our lives. It is little different from building a house, you can see the structure going up, but you know it can’t be used until it is finished. Sometimes ideas and visions need time to firm up before we can use them.

~ The designs of Providence, in the course of events, are mysterious…. ~

JOHN ROSS – CHEROKEE CHIEF

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Saint of the Day for September 28th is St. Wenceslaus

St. Wenceslaus
(907?-929)

He was born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him and sought to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. Ludmilla was eventually murdered, but rival Christian forces enabled Wenceslaus to assume leadership of the government.

His rule was marked by efforts toward unification within Bohemia, support of the Church and peace-making negotiations with Germany, a policy which caused him trouble with the anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav joined in the plotting, and in September of 929 invited Wenceslaus to Alt Bunglou for the celebration of the feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian (September 26). On the way to Mass, Boleslav attacked his brother, and in the struggle, Wenceslaus was killed by supporters of Boleslav.

Although his death resulted primarily from political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as a martyr for the faith, and his tomb became a pilgrimage shrine. He is hailed as the patron of the Bohemian people and of former Czechoslovakia.

Comment:

“Good King Wenceslaus” was able to incarnate his Christianity in a world filled with political unrest. While we are often victims of violence of a different sort, we can easily identify with his struggle to bring harmony to society. The call to become involved in social change and in political activity is addressed to Christians; the values of the gospel are sorely needed today.

Quote:

“While recognizing the autonomy of the reality of politics, Christians who are invited to take up political activity should try to make their choices consistent with the gospel and, in the framework of a legitimate plurality, to give both personal and collective witness to the seriousness of their faith by effective and disinterested service of men” (Pope Paul VI, A Call to Action, 46).

Patron Saint of:

Bohemia

 

Deity of the Day for September 28th is RA

RA

God of the sun; sometimes identified or considered synonomous with Atum. Ra created man from his tears. At one time Ra became so digusted with men that he orderd Hathor to kill them all. This Hathor did with such zeal that Ra took pity on men and ordered Hathor to stop. Crazed with blood, Hathor ignored the order, and Ra resorted to chicanery to save humankind. Ra mixed beer with pomegranate juice and left pots of the concoction about the battlefield. Thinking the mixture was blood, Hathor drank it greedily and got too swacked to carry out her mission.

Dog Gone Doggie of the Day for Sept. 28th

Mike, the Dog of the Day
Name: Mike
Age: Two years old
Gender: Male Breed: Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel mix
Home: Nine Mile Falls, Washington, USA
I adopted Mike from the shelter in Spokane, WA, after my husband went to a nursing home and my sixteen-year-old Springer Spaniel died. He is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix – mixed with what, we do not know. My other dog, Rita, who is eleven years old, had never been an “only dog”. She had never spent an entire day by herself! Both of us were lonely. Then we found Mike! Now we are a home full of toys and activity and love.

I was worried at first that another dog would be a lot of work. I was right! But I love every minute of it. I’m never bored and I’m never lonely, and neither is Rita. He has brought new energy to our lives and has made our little family feel whole again. He is a very special dog!

Mike, the Dog of the Day

Kute, Kuddly Kitty of the Day for Sept. 28th

Coupe, the Cat of the Day
Name: Coupe
Age: Seven years old
Gender: Male
Kind: Maine Coon mix
Home: Sacramento, California, USA
This is our huge cat, Coupe. Coupe’s mother was a pregnant stray that found us back in 2004. She gave birth to six kittens in our bathroom three weeks after we took her in. I wanted to keep one of the kittens (and their mom!) and chose Coupe because he was the only kitten of the six who didn’t scream his head off every time I picked him up. We found very good homes for the other kittens. Our neighbor took two of the kittens and we still see them regularly.

Our vet believes Coupe is part Maine Coon because of his size. He is extremely large and very heavy. He is not a very friendly cat, though. He is scared of just about everything and if he is outside he will viciously attack any dog that gets too close – including our own. He has even attacked me a few times when I’ve made a sudden noise by dropping something or closing a door too hard. My husband thinks Coupe has something mentally wrong with him – and maybe he does – but he’s a very nice cat when he’s calm. He loves to be pet (only his head and neck, though!) and have his shoulders massaged. Coupe has a very odd personality but we love him just the way he is.

Coupe, the Cat of the Day
Coupe, the Cat of the Day

Earth Science Pic for Sept. 28th – Cloud Carpet Across the Alps

Cloud Carpet Across the Alps

September 28, 2011

Cloud_carpet

Photographer: Hans van Hoogstraten; Hans’s Web page
Summary Author: Hans van Hoogstraten; Jim Foster

 

This stratocumulus cloud deck is blanketing the Jungfrau, the third highest mountain of the Bernese Alps, after Finsteraarhorn and Aletschhorn. The photo was snapped at approximately 11,500 ft (3,505 m) above sea level. At such altitudes, mountain slopes are still snow covered even in mid to late summer, as can be seen in the foreground. On this day, it seemed as though you could walk across the billowy carpet of clouds to the adjacent ranges. Photo taken on July 25, 2011.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for Sept. 28th – Violent Sunspot

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 September 28

Violent Sunspot Group AR 1302 Unleashes a Flare
Image Credit: jp-Brahic

 

 Explanation: One of the most active sunspot groups in years is currently crossing the Sun. AR 1302 first came around the Sun’s edge last week and is so large it can be seen without a telescope. Coronal Mass Ejections from AR 1302 have already caused strong geomagnetic storms including notable aurora activity around both of Earth’s poles. Pictured above, plasma was left magnetically hanging above the Sun’s surface after AR 1302 emitted an X-class solar flare last Thursday. Earth is illustrated in the inset for a size comparison. Although another X-class flare was emitted on Saturday, no flares from AR 1302 have been aimed directly at the Earth, as yet. The AR 1302 sunspot group will continue to evolve but likely remain visible on the Sun for the next week.

Your Daily Number for September 28th: 6

Changes affecting family and friends are possible today. A move or other change of home or work environment are also on the horizon. You’ll experience an increased workload and responsibility. Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today…

Fast Facts

About the Number 6

Theme: Family and Social Responsibility, Service, Healing
Astro Association: Gemini
Tarot Association: Lovers

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Sept. 28th is 14: Abundant Blessings

14: Abundant Blessings

Hexagram 14

General Meaning: Supreme success! Like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a person whose fortunes have turned for the better shines as bright. At the core of this success lies unselfishness and modesty, for it is the tendency of a flexible or yielding nature to bind powerful forces to it, particularly when prosperity begins to manifest. When power is wielded with grace and dignity, there is supreme success and great abundance!

Ah, but be careful. Along with any accumulation of wealth or influence can come pride and arrogance. Fight such tendencies if you intend to continue enjoying your bliss. Stay attentive enough to manage your affairs well. And remember that while material prosperity certainly beats the alternative, it is only one of many elements of a satisfying life.

Today’s Runes for September 28th is Ansuz

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Ansuz refers to a god or the spoken word of God. It is the voice of reason, law, prophecy and truth. It is the truth heard in the wind. This rune represents wisdom obtained or knowledge delivered. It is the rune of absolute good advice and true council – the message we all must strive to hear.

Today’s Tarot Card for Sept. 28th is Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

This Tarot Deck: Connolly

General Meaning: The central theme of what is traditionally called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying — no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.

Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at some time or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson — and we can learn to take comfort in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don’t like the look of things right now, just wait — things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, Sept. 28th

The even-keeled Libra Moon joins sweet Venus and strict Saturn, tempting us with delectable pleasures while insisting that we postpone satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Sun’s conflicting square with shadowy Pluto reveals unexpressed motives that may trigger a power struggle in a relationship. Fear of losing control creates additional worry when cerebral Mercury squares Pluto then joins the Sun to focus our intentions and align them with what we say.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Sometimes you forget how forceful you can sound when trying to make your point. You might actually think that you’re the only person who sees the whole truth. Unfortunately, your overconfidence can frustrate your friends and associates today. You’ll get along better with everyone if you just remember that others have the same right as you to their perspectives — even if they conflict with yours.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may not be comfortable if you’re put in a position where you have to defend your position today. You might even try to sidestep an important issue by avoiding a direct confrontation. However, conflict becomes more likely if you don’t face the differences head-on. Fortunately, everyone will feel more relieved after everything is out in the open.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your mind has been racing so fast that it’s challenging to grab on to any one thought. Today, however, you are determined to follow through and discuss a creative project with someone you trust. Unfortunately, your conversation may take on a life of its own, leading you away from your original idea. Be smart and write down your thoughts so you can stay on track with your message.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may get angry if you cannot express yourself today, especially if others make you so uncomfortable that you are afraid to say what’s on your mind. You might feel energetically blocked, which negatively impacts your productivity. But don’t shift blame onto someone else if you’re having trouble finishing what you started. Instead, focus your energy on work and concentrate on one task at a time.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re excited about having so many choices today, but a co-worker probably has a very different idea about what you should be doing. Unfortunately, attempting to get others to understand your point of view now might only provoke more resistance. Keep in mind that everything probably seems more critical than it actually is, so consider relinquishing a bit of control for the sake of playing nicely with others.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your key planet Mercury is up against a formidable adversary today as it squares powerful Pluto. You may have shared an idea or started a project in the past few days, yet now you might feel as if your task is more challenging than you thought. Nevertheless, you feel unstoppable and aren’t in the mood to negotiate. But your uncharacteristic aggression can create more problems than you realize. Take several deep breaths and think your next steps through before you swing into action.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You want to be fair about a decision you must make today, but your actions also concern others and they probably won’t agree with your choice. Heightened tensions can precipitate an emotional meltdown, especially if someone is trying to coerce you to play favorites. You may prefer to work out your disagreements peacefully, but standing up to a bully can be exactly what’s needed now to settle things once and for all.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The peaceable Libra Sun squares your ruling planet Pluto today, driving your passions to the surface. You would like to express your true feelings, without concern about the consequences, yet the Sun in your 12th House of Secrets reminds you that someone close to you can have a totally different perspective. Relationships are already complex enough these days, so think twice before saying something that only complicates things further.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your friends may not be a source of solace today because they could disagree with you on a fundamental issue, making it difficult for you to feel at ease. You won’t be so quick to let your guard down once you become aware of the gulf between you and others. Instead of falling into the trap of thinking someone must be wrong now, create a larger philosophical framework that can hold many divergent opinions.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may be ambivalent about taking charge of a project today because you’re not sure about the best way to reach the objectives. Unfortunately, it might ultimately require more effort to say no than to step up to the plate and just do what’s being asked of you. You stand to better your professional status by demonstrating your competence, so think through your options carefully before selecting your route to success.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your unorthodox approach to life usually allows you to rationalize your most eccentric ideas, but you might feel overly secretive about your current thinking today. Someone may even accuse you of being negative, but that’s just because you haven’t disclosed what’s motivating your decisions. Your intuition is steering you in the right direction; others won’t understand you now even if you try to explain yourself. Letting your unexpressed thoughts ride for a day or two is your best strategy at this time.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You want to get to the bottom of something you’ve been unable to understand, but it may not be so easy now to put all the facts into one coherent story. Even if you try to share what you know, your co-workers might not be very receptive since Pluto in your 11th House of Friends squares communicator Mercury in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. If you find yourself participating in an unnecessary conflict, quietly back away from the situation. You can always reengage the discussion once everyone’s emotions settle down.

the daily humorscopes for wednesday, september 28th

the daily humorscope 

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
An elderly gentleman next to you on the bus will spontaneously combust, today, and you’ll become an instant celebrity when you put him out with a Slurpee ™. Eventually, they’ll make a prime-time TV drama about the incident.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Be nice to your coworkers today. Cow orkers have a darned tough job, so it’s good to make them feel special once in a while.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
In the grocery store, you will see quite a few people with infants in their shopping carts. Try though you might, however, you will not be able to find the bin with the children. Perhaps they’re sold out? Important Safety Tip: do not stop one of the women with an infant and ask her to show you where her baby came from.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Uh oh. “Bursting into song day”, again. Your friends will avoid you.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Beware the Ides of March. Also, if you have a friend named “Brutus”, it might behoove you to be a trifle more selective…
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
You will discover a sure-fire method of fooling all the people, all the time. It will have something to do with Cottage Cheese.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
This might be a good time to learn how to really “flick” your fingers. You never know when a good flick will be needed. I’m betting it’s soon, though, in your case.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
You will be buffeted by hordes of people, who will all simultaneously show up in your office “just to chat”. Eventually, you will make your escape by locking yourself in the bathroom.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Inspiration will strike you, and leave you for dead. The police will do nothing.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Everyone who drives by today will stick their head out their car window, give you a big dopey look, and flop their tongue around in the wind. If you had known this was “act like a dog” day, you might have been better prepared.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
If you don’t start flossing more often, the tooth fairy will be a constant companion. Start taking better care of yourself.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Today you will suddenly and quite unexpectedly become fascinated by fishing. You’ll spend all your spare time looking through lures, and will videotape all the fishing shows. Don’t lose hope, though — while there is no known cure for your condition, there’s a team working on it at MIT.

Happy Hump Day, dear friends!

I am celebrating myself being back to normal. So I am going to start today with a Re-Affirmation of Oath To Witchcraft.

RE-AFFIRMATION OF OATH TO WITCHCRAFT

Items You Will Need: A pitcher of wine or other (fruity) beverage on the Altar to refill (charge) the cup after the ritual.

1.  Raise open arms:

Lady and Lord, I call out to Thee! I hold Thee in honor and know that I am one with all the things of the Earth and Sky. My kin are the trees and the herbs of the fields; the animals and stones through the seas and the hills. The fresh waters and deserts are built out of Thee, and I am of Thee and Ye are of me.

2.  Lower arms:

I call upon Thee to grant my desire. Let me rejoice in my oneness with all things and let me love the life that emanates from my Lady and my Lord into all things. I know and accept the creed; and understand that if I do not have that spark of love within me, I will never find it outside myself, for Love is the Law and Love is the Bond! And this do I honor when I give honor to the Lady and the Lord.

3.  Kiss open right palm and then hold high:

My Lady and my Lord, know to me as (Names), I stand before Thee Both and initiate myself to Thy honor. I will defend and protect Thy spark within me and see Thy protection and defense of me. Ye are my life and I am of Thee. I accept and will ever abide by my family Rules of Conduct, and by the Witch’s Rede, that an’ it harms none, I may do as I will. So Mote It Be.

4.  Take up the goblet of wine and slowly pour the remainder of wine into the cauldron:

As this wine drains from the cup, so shall the blood drain from my body should I ever turn away from the Lady and the Lord or harm those in kinship with Their love, for to do so would to break trust, to cast aside the love of the Goddess and the God, and to break my own heart. Yet through Their continued love I know They would heal my heart and spirit that I might again journey through the cauldron of rebirth to embrace the love They freely give. So Mote It Be!

5.  Dip forefinger into the anointing oil and draw the sigil of the Solar Cross over the Third Eye, then draw the sigil of the Pentagram over the heart; and then draw the Sacred Triangle representing the Triple aspects of both Deities touching solar plexus (navel), right breast, left breast, navel.

6.  Refill the cup from the pitcher of beverage.

Proceed to Sabbat Conclusion and Cakes & Wine of the Circle Casting

“Grimoire for the Green Witch”
A Complete Book of Shadows
Ann Moura