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Jade Runes are most commonly used for questions about love, friendship, and relationships. 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. |
General Meaning: A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river. Grace and beauty adorn the natural world. Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content. Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.
In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form — with mastery of aesthetic and cultural patterns honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful customs in human relationships we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.
Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity even to small happenings, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.
This Tarot Deck: Moon Garden
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!
You often push boundaries without even realizing it when you get excited about something new. However, today’s enthusiasm might be more about what you say than what you do with talkative Mercury in the spotlight. The problem is that you may not be on target with your idea, even though you think it’s a good one. Don’t be so cocky that you make incorrect assumptions. Be patient, review your plans one more time and proceed slowly.
Your career goals may seem more tangible than they actually are with the most unrealistic ones right at the tips of your outreached fingers. On the plus side, you can believe an impossible dream is so real that your legendary persistence makes it so. But on the other hand, it’s easy to become complacent by convincing yourself that you’re close to your destination when you’re not. Use your common sense before wasting any more energy pursuing a pipe dream.
The Moon’s visit to your 9th House of Higher Education prompts you to reconsider an old plan you had to return to school. Remember, it’s wiser to study a subject that expands your mind and widens your perspective beyond your old way of seeing things. But make sure that you don’t jump to conclusions or even something as simple as a weekend getaway can turn into a comedy of errors. There’s no rush to make a final decision, so give your ideas enough time to develop before doing anything rash.
It’s a lot safer to keep your unexpressed emotional desires to yourself now, for your surprising intensity can be unsettling to someone else. Unfortunately, you still must take a chance if you want to experience new levels of intimacy with someone that you trust. Revealing your vulnerability is not without its danger; thankfully, the benefits now outweigh the risks.
You might be afraid that something magical could slip through your fingers today, but no amount of logic can help you figure out a sensible strategy to stabilize your position. Attempts to understand a relationship that eludes comprehension can be quite frustrating. An approach based upon analysis will only bring you back around to the same old dissatisfaction that you’re trying to escape. Let go of your desire to discover any truth other than what’s already in your heart.
You have an opportunity to impact your physical well-being now by simply changing your attitude. The Moon’s current visit to innovative Aquarius and your 6th House of Health helps you focus your energy toward self-improvement. The powerful effect that positive thinking can have on your life today should not be underestimated. In fact, it just may be the key to a happier and healthier you.
You could easily fall in love today, with the Moon’s presence in your 5th House of Romance, yet ironically, your feelings may not have much to do with the people in your life. You are more open to the possibility of romance, whether or not you’re willing to express your desires. Since a current infatuation could be the result of your daydreams, you really don’t require anyone to act out your fantasy. If no one’s there, just go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your imagination.
You think you know how a domestic situation is going to play out over the next few months, especially if you have recently been re-evaluating your long-term goals. However, it’s challenging to know what to do because your future still seems like a fantasy and the details of how it will unfold are elusive. Don’t try to make up your mind now; instead, give yourself permission to dream without attempting to make anything real yet.
Communicating your plans can be frustrating today if you want others to become involved in your project. You may have a lot of information at your disposal, but most of your current data probably lacks substance. Normally you’re quite comfortable floating in the realm of abstract ideas because you’re a natural philosopher. However, your need to reach a concrete goal now is in conflict with your dreamier thoughts. Nevertheless, making a commitment to something specific will have positive consequences.
Your ego can get blown out of proportion today as others motivate you to reach for your dreams. Obviously, self-confidence is useful, but too much optimism can annoy those who might otherwise be your allies. Moderating your grandiose thinking with modesty can be a wise strategy. A healthy perspective on life can make all the difference between your success and failure.
You may have to review your recent commitments and reconsider what you can actually deliver today, for you might have promised others too much. You didn’t intend to mislead anyone; everything is just taking longer now than you expected. You may be tempted to quit, but overreacting isn’t a good idea. Take a few deep breaths, re-evaluate what is possible and let others know what they can expect from you at this time.
It may be an uphill battle to control your dreams today because they are overflowing out of your sleep and right into your waking life. Obviously, this can be quite confusing if you attempt to rationalize your feelings when your emotions are being fed by unconscious urges. If you’re unsure about what to do, step back a bit until your path becomes clear. A temporary retreat is a better strategy than making believe that you can tell what’s real.
Thursday, September 8, 10:59 pm PDT, Friday, September 9, 1:59 am EDT
Mercury’s return to its earthy home sign is conducive for restarting activities that may have been stopped or delayed when the messenger planet turned retrograde in Virgo on August 2. Mastery of details and precise communication are assets that are useful for resolving knotty problems. Careful study and concentration will increase technical proficiency, which is especially valuable in this super-efficient sign.
To understand the concept of Goddess requires more than the
One of the oldest recognized Goddess forms is the first Greek
Goddess – Gaia, the Earth Mother; the Universal Womb; Mother of All.
The most ancient Goddesses were most often Earth and Mother Goddesses.
The were worshipped and revered as bearers of life … fat, healthy,
pregnant and fruitful. As the Goddess concept developed, then came the
Harvest Goddesses, who were also Earth Goddesses. Understand that
this was a time when people did not even understand the basic
mechanics of procreation. Life was very sacred and mystical indeed!
Gradually, myth and mystery developed and revealed themselves,
creating the legend which we honor in the modern Wiccan Craft.
We recognize the Goddess as the mother of all, including her
Mighty Consort, the God. To Her he is Lover and Son, and together
they form the Ultimate, the Omniverse, the Dragon, the Mystery.
Now that is a pretty tough concept all things considered.
Especially in our society as it sounds rather incestuous. From a
mundane perspective, it gets worse as the Wheel of the Year Turns, and
the Oak and Holly Kings battle … eternal rivals and
sacrificial mates.
In the pages that follow, we will explore the Goddess foundation
concepts and try to reach an understanding of the basis of the
Mystery.
I don’t want to get off into all the names of all the Goddesses
in all the mythology in all of history. While that is certainly a
noble endeavor, it is not the objective here. What I do want to do is
look at the Goddess, in whole and in part, and see just who and what
she is.
First and foremost, the Goddess is the symbol of the Cycle of
Everlasting. She is constant, ever present, ever changing, and yet
always the same. She could be compared in that respect to the oceans.
As a part of that, she is that from which we have come, and to
which we will return. She is the Universal Mother, the Cosmic Womb.
While those are largely symbolic images, as opposed to literal ones,
they are important to bear in mind about any aspect of the Goddess.
She never harms, she is Mother.
One of the most difficult throwback mentalities to dispell in a
student is the difference between “dark and light” and “bad and good”.
Societally, and often religiously, we are trained to see bad and dark
and evil as being the same. Hence, we are also taught to hate and
fear our own mortality. All too often I see practicing Wiccans, who
ought to *know* better, fall back on these concepts when trying to
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explain or understand a concept.
The Goddess is dark, she is light, she is birth, she is death,
and she rejoices in all things. With death comes joy, for with death
comes renewal. With life comes joy, for with life comes promise.
With growth comes joy for with growth comes wisdom. Sorrow and fear
are not a part of her, not the way we feel those emotions. She is
incapable of sorrow without joy, she fears nothing, because fear is
not real. It is a creation of the mind.
Whether you see the Goddess as a Warrior Queen, or like the Good
Witch of the North in the Wizard of Oz, she is the Goddess. And she
has many parts and facets which defy comprehension as “One”. She
simply IS, and in that, can be whatever you need her to be in order to
establish a relationship with her. But none of that changes what she
IS.
“I greet thee in the many names of the Threefold Goddess and her
Mighty Consort. Athe, malkuth, ve-guburah, ve-gedulah, le-olam, Amen.
Blessed Be.”
So here, at the Circle Door, greeted by the High Priest or
Priestess we first see mentioned the Threefold Goddess. Full-sized
covens have three priestesses who take the specific roles of Maiden,
Mother and Crone, the High Priestess being Mother.
The Threefold Goddess however is NOT three entities, she is one.
Her aspects represent Enchantment, Ripeness and Wisdom.
Taking first things first is usually best, so we shall start
with a look at one side of the Maiden.
Quoting “The Myth of the Goddess” as found in Gardenarian Wicca
(Gerald B. Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, Aquarian Press, London,
1959.):
Now Aradia had never loved, but she would solve all the
Mysteries, even the Mystery of Death; and so she journeyed to the
Nether Lands.
The Guardians of the Portals challenged her, “Strip off thy
garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught may ye bring with ye into
this our land.”
So she laid down her garments and her jewels and was bound, as
were all who enter the Realms of Death the Mighty One. Such was her
beauty that Death himself knelt and kissed her feet, saying, “Blessed by
thy feet that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me, let me
place my cold hand on thy heart.” She replied “I love thee not.
Why dost thou cause all things that I love and take delight in to fade
and die?”
“Lady,” replied Death, “it is Age and Fate, against which I am
helpless. Age causes all things to wither, but when men die at the
end of time I give them rest and peace, and strength so that they may
return. But thou, thou art lovely. Return not; abide with me.”
But she answered, “I love thee not.”
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Then said Death, “An’ thou receive not my hand on thy heart
thou must receive Death’s scourge.”
“It is Fate; better so”, she said, and she knelt, and Death
scourged her and she cried “I feel the pangs of love.”
And Death said, “Blessed be” and gave her the Fivefold Kiss,
saying “Thus only may ye attain joy and knowledge.”
And he taught her all the Mysteries. And they loved and were
one, and he taught her all the Magicks.
For there are three great events in the life of Man: Love,
Death and Resurrection in a new body, and Magick controls them all.
For to fulfill love you must return again at the same time and place
as the loved one, and you must remember and love them again. But to
be reborn you must die, and be ready for a new body; and to die you
must be born; and without love you may not be born. And these be all
the Magicks.
So there in the Gardnerian Myth of the Goddess we have her
Maiden aspect, seeking, searching and opening herself to the
mysteries. But it is well to remember that the Goddess herself is a
mystery, and the primary gift of the Goddess is intuitive Wisdom.
Beltaine (Bealtain) is the only Sabbat where the Goddess is
entirely devoted to the Maiden. Here, she revels in the enchantment,
in the joy of coming into fullness and mating with the God. Here, she
is maiden bride and we can most easily understand that facet of the
Maiden aspect. I should probably note here that some see this
festival as maiden turning into mother, with the maiden being in full at
Candlemas, but I do not agree with that.
Youth, newness, innocence and beauty are fundamental facets of
the Maiden aspect. But beneath those are seeking, and love, and love of
seeking. There is more to understand of the Maiden though.
Enchantment does not end with maidenhood, it is simply the beginning
of the Mystery of Life, for that, above all, is what the Goddess
stands for.
In Circle, in the Balanced Universe, the Maiden takes her place
in the East. In examining this most comfortable quarter, you learn
more about the Maiden Aspect. East (Air) rules the free mind and
intellect. It is the place to seek the ability to learn and to open
spiritually, to open your mind and find answers. It is a masculine
quarter, ruled by intellect, and analytical logic, but she brings to
it an intuition which is required to use these to best advantage.
“The river is flowing, flowing and growing, the river is flowing
back to the sea. Mother carry me, a child I will always be. Mother
carry me, back to the sea.”
This Circle chant, sung in joy, sung in sorrow, is a cry to the
Mother Aspect for comfort and warmth, a power chant calling upon the
steady power and fullness of the Mother and a plea for guidance.
While the Earth Mother, and the fully aspected Goddess are placed
North in the Earth quarter, the Mother aspect alone belongs in the
west.
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Comfort and love rule here. Emotions, sorrow, joy, tears, these
belong to the ripeness of the Mother. Caring and loving for all her
children, watching in pain and pride as they struggle to gain their
own, knowing full well she could reach out and do it for them, but
being both bound and desirous to let them do it for themselves.
There is a considerable difference, as you might have interpreted
from the above, between the Earth Mother and the Mother Aspect of the
Goddess. That is why we’ve started with her quarter, because it
reveals the limitations of the Aspect.
The Mother aspect is ripeness, the ancient bearing of fruit,
child and grain. She represents emotion and sexuality. The Goddess
in that aspect is most of the altar (as discussed in the Great Rite
lesson.) It is interesting to note the practice in numerous ancient
cultures of lovemaking or outright sex magick in cornfields to help
make the corn grow.
The Dark Mother should also be placed here, although culturally, I
have a tendancy to think of the Dark Mother as more in keeping the
Crone Aspect. It is a bit of work to see the Dark Mother in the West,
to separate Dark Mother from Crone, but it is worthwile. If you have
any background with the tarot I would suggest you take it in that
context, it is beyond the scope of this text.
Our exploration of the Goddess and her Aspects brings us now to
the Crone. For me, the Crone is the most fascinating of the Aspects
of the Goddess. Partly I suppose because she is the most mysterious
and paradoxical.
“Blessed Goddess, old and wise, open mine, thy child’s, eyes.
Speak to me in whispered tones that I may know the rune of Crones.”
With life and growth comes age and wisdom, and the Crone is this
in part. She holds fire and power, which wisely used can be of great
benefit, but hold great danger for the unaware. Hers are the secrets of
death and of life, and the mystery beyond the mystery.
Part of the pleasure in knowing the Crone aspect is that while,
unlike the fully aspected Goddess, she is not also Maiden and Mother,
she does retain the experiences of both those Aspects in order to be
Crone. The Crone, wizened though she is, must still be able to reach
into herself and recall the innocent joys and high passions of the
Maiden and the love and warmth of the Mother. To be Crone and to not
have forgotten, to still be able to experience Maiden and Mother is,
to me, very appealing. More importantly, to be comfortable in that
Aspect, where you have truth and knowledge but have left youth and
physical beauty behind, and to still _feel_ youth and beauty without
being desirous of them is an admirable quality.
Crone is the least paralleled Aspect of the Goddess to our human
society. We discard our old and wise, not understanding their value
as teachers and models, and fearing their appearance as a reminder of
our own mortality.
Knowing Crone is a door we much each open for ourselves for to know
and love her is to cast aside a great many of our cultural and societal
malteachings.
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While the individual Aspects of Threefold Goddess are certainly
valid concepts and paths to knowing Goddess, I should caution that most
mythological Goddess figures are composite Goddesses. Earth Mother
Goddess figures are fully aspected Goddess by definition because they
represent the full cycle of the Wheel. Most other Goddess figures can
be classified as having a dominant (or operative) aspect and recessive
(promised, or in some cases past) aspect. Future and past should not be
taken literally, mythological Goddess figures are always whatever they
are eternally, they do not tend to change (ie age).
Maiden Goddesses possessing their operative in the Huntress or
Warrior aspects most often have a promise of Crone. Maiden Goddesses
expressing their dominance in beauty and/or love usually have their
recessive aspect as Mother. For example, Athena is a Maiden Goddess
with Crone attributes (the combination produces many Mother-type
qualities, and this results in the Crone aspected Maiden being the
most complete of the Mythological Goddesses, with the exception of
Earth Mother Goddesses.) Aphrodite is of course a Maiden Goddess with
Mother attributes.
Similarly, Dark Mother Goddess figures mostly find their promise in
Crone and Light Mother figures their recessive in Maiden. Crone
recessives work the same way, although sometimes it takes a bit of
close examination to find the “hidden” aspect.
One should note that this is not a formula, rather a tool to
assist in examining and understanding Goddess figures and creating
one’s own personal spiritual link with Goddess. It is also a useful
consideration when invoking a specific Goddess with purpose in ritual.
The purpose of this course has been to open avenues of approach
in discovering and developing a relationship with Goddess. For me
personally, I do not “believe” in the reality of mythological Goddess
figures as they were presented, but I do believe they are a valid way to
establish communication with Goddess. I also believe Goddess will
appear in whatever form we are most ready to accept. The real
Goddess, by my belief (and this is personal, not trad) is an entity
beyond my comprehension, perhaps composed of light (could 5000 sci-fi
films be wrong?), most assuredly unlike anything I could ever imagine in
true form. However, I do find mythological Goddess figures highly
useful for ritual, and of some help in my personal relationship with
Goddess. I hope you will too.
THE LEGEND OF THE MAIDEN
The Mysts of Annwfn
Book of Shadows
In Ages long past, the lovely Lady Brighid came to Hibernia
to dwell in that land among her people. She brought to them many
special treasures from the Outer Realms to enrich their lives.
She gave them the art of Smithcraft, Poetry, and Inspiration.
Brighid also shared a sacred Cauldron that overflowed with
inspiration and love. She was adept at the healing arts, and in
the Magick of Medicine. Her people loved her deeply, and kindled
a fire in her honor which was constantly attended by nineteen
maidens, and was never allowed to go out.
The Lady Brighid eventually became a mother, and her people
rejoiced, knowing their lands would be fruitful just as their
Goddess was fertile. However, Brighid also knew the misery of
loss. When one of her beloved sons was killed, the whole land
wept. She lamented so deeply that she invented “keening,” the
mournful song of the bereaved women of Erin. Her Flame burned so
brightly, however, that happiness soon returned to the land. She
bestowed upon her people, yet, another gift: The Art of
Whistling.
However, in the fullness of time, the beloved Lady could no
longer dwell openly with her people, and she made her home in the
Sidhe. There, she would dwell close to her people and her land,
and they could call upon her name at the appointed times, and
keep her Flame burning within their hearts.
The Eternal Flame continues to burn!
CIRCLES
-Gwen Zak
(Tune: “Windmills”)
In days gone by, when the world was much younger
Men wondered at spring, born of winter’s gold knife
Wondered at the games of the moon and the sunlight,
They saw there the Lady and Lord of all life.
CHORUS: And around and around and around turns the good earth
All things must change as the seasons go by,
We are the children of the Lord and the Lady,
Whose mysteries we know but we’ll never know why.
In all lands the people were tied with the good earth
Plowing and sowing as the seasons declared
Waiting to reap of the rich golden harvest
Knowing Her laugh in the joys that they shared.
Through Flanders and Wales and the green land of Ireland
In Kingdoms of England and Scotland and Spain
Circles grew up all along the wild coastline
And worked for the land with the sun and the rain.
Circles for healing and working the weather
Circles for knowing the moon and the sun
Circles for thanking the Lord and the Lady
Circles for dancing the dance never done
And we who reach for the stars in the heavens
Turning our eyes from the meadows and groves
Still live in the love of the Lord and the Lady
The greater the Circle the more the love grows
THE WITCH’S BALLAD
-Doreen Valente?
Oh, I have been beyond the town,
Where nightshade black and mandrake grow,
And I have heard and I have seen
What righteous folk would fear to know!
For I have heard, at still midnight,
Upon the hilltop far, forlorn,
With note that echoed through the dark,
The winding of the heathen horn.
And I have seen the fire aglow,
And glinting from the magic sword,
And with the inner eye beheld
The Horned One, the Sabbat’s lord.
We drank the wine, and broke the bread,
And ate it in the Lady’s name.
We linked our hands to make the ring,
And laughed and leaped the Sabbat game.
Oh, little do the townsfolk reck,
When dull they lie within their bed!
Beyond the streets, beneath the stars,
A merry round the witches tread!
And round and round the circle spun,
Until the gates swung wide ajar,
That bar the boundaries of earth
From faery realms that shine afar.
Oh, I have been and I have seen
In magic worlds of Otherwhere.
For all this world may praise or blame,
For ban or blessing nought I care.
For I have been beyond the town,
Where meadowsweet and roses grow,
And there such music did I hear
As worldly-rightous never know.
A Spell to Strengthen the Witch Within
This is a time of the rebirth of the root cultures of many peoples.
Ancient wisdom’s that were lost or obscured by the power shifts of
history are now coming into light through many channels. Native people
are discovering their rituals, their myths, their shamans. The
advances of technology are adding to this wave of discovery in many
ways, such as through media and communication (take the Internet for
instance).
The image of the witch is at the root of our cultural past. To embrace
and affirm this aspect of ourselves is to tap the power of tradition,
longevity, and cellular memory. Once we understand ourselves, harmony
sets in.
In preparing for your spell, first do some serious thinking about just
what the image of the witch means to you. Make a list of all her
qualities, her powers, her names, how she looks, What she wears,
thinks, feels, etc. See her in your mind’s eye with as much clarity
and detail as possible.
This spell should be cast three times, at the new, full, and dark of
the month.
Ingredients:
Large piece of parchment paper
Pen
Two purple candles
Moon Oil (Recipe)
Power incense
A small moonstone
Arrange your altar. Carve moons into your candles and anoint them with
oil. Anoint yourself as well, on brow, heart, and hands. Seat yourself
comfortably and light the candles, saying:
“With this flame, I awaken the Witch within me.”
Light the incense. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for a while,
relax, and let go. Bathe yourself and your aura in white light. Keep
breathing deeply and slowly as you begin to sway and weave, letting
your body move into a circular motion. Empty yourself of all
distractions and anxieties. When you feel flowing and peaceful, let
your imagination fill up with images of your inner Witch. Take Up the
parchment and pen and make a sketch of her (don’t worry about style
Or quality; the simpler the better).
Write your impressions and ideas beneath the drawing. Set this up
between the candles so that it is facing you. Take the moonstone and
clasp it to your heart. Keep breathing and weaving as you fill
yourself with the image on the parchment.
Draw the Witch image into yourself, see her multiplied a
Thousand-fold, vibrating in every cell of your body. Repeat the
following incantation three times:
“I am willing to be different and strong
I am willing to be different and beautiful
I am willing to be different and free
I am willing to be different from patriarchy
For this difference is the same
Sameness with the Non-Linear
World of Magick, The Goddess
Her forces, My dreams
The moon, My feelings, My creativity
My passion, My deep love, Of all creation…
And the only conforming I need to do
Is Forming Creation, For I am form
And I am forming, To universal law
And therefore mu! St survive…
And even though I may at times
Feel alone and misunderstood
I will remember that I have sisters out there
Who are learning to be free, Like me
And that I am not alone, But all One
And that free women were respected
And loved, And will be again
And will be again, And will be
I will it to be, I will it to be
And so doth it be, Forever, and ever
So be it, Blessed be”
As you repeat this chant, let your words flow rhythmically as you
Weave and sway, let your voice create melody. Improvise, make new
words if you feel inspired.
When you feel complete, slip your parchment beneath the altar cloth.
Give thanks to the Goddess and God and snuff out the candles.
The moonstone is to carry at all times. Keep it in your pocket, under
your pillow, or wear it in a pouch. Whenever you feel the need, hold
the stone and rub it with your thumb in a circular motion. Think or say:
“I am safe, I am me
All is well, Blessed be”
Tell no one of this spell until it has come to fullness. Even as you
feel your powers strengthen, it may be best to maintain silence. Be
discreet about sharing your magick.
“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Hardly any of us are without some jealousy. We like to think of ourselves above that painful emotion, because such a monstrous feeling is a destructive thing. But if we have not yet felt a normal amount of it, it is because we have yet to doubt something we love very much.
Margaret, Queen of Navarre, and sister of Francis 1, King of France in the fifteenth century, wrote the following words:
“Love may exist without jealously, although this is rare; but jealousy may exist without love, and that is common; for jealousy can feed on that which is bitter, not less than on that which is sweet, and is sustained by pride as often as by affection.”
Jealousy can rear its head when logic is giving you the facts, and throw the whole thing into chaos. But confidence is the enemy of jealousy. Confidence, trust, and faith are all strong parts of a nature where jealousy does not rule.
And jealousy, even in moderation, can introduce us to a serious problem with ourselves, if we let it grow out of proportion. It breeds rejection while maturity and understanding keep us safely within the bounds of permissiveness rather than possessiveness.
Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – September 7
“Education is the new weapon of Indian people.”
–Eddie Box, SOUTHERN UTE
People have the ability to adapt. In these modern times we must get educated so the people don’t lose. We need lawyers, doctors, nurses, foresters, scientists, educators, carpenters, welders. These skills are needed to help the people. While we are learning, we need to remember to keep the culture, learn the dances, sing the songs, learn the language and maintain the Red Road for future generations.
Great Spirit, let my education never lack the meaning and value of spirituality.
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September 7 – Daily Feast
Many weak excuses come to mind to give us a right to self-pity – we don’t feel well, we haven’t slept in a week, or we simply don’t know what others expect of us. All these things can be true and all have a devastating effect, but we could have said we are in the midst of a pity celebration. Mind games tell us we need an excuse to keep from being overwhelmed with obligations. We don’t need any excuse to say we are simply not up to the challenges at this time. If people want to be offended it is their privilege, but right now self honesty and rest are more important.
~ I have no father or mother; I am alone in the world. No one cares for Cochise. ~
COCHISE – APACHE
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
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| Your Daily Influences September 7, 2011 |
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 Tarot Influence |
Rune Influence |
 Charm Influence |
| Four of Cups A period of rest in your life and dissatisfaction with material gains. Re-evaluation of your goals. |
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| Wunjo Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony. |
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| The Swastika Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted. |
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| Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more. | ||
General Meaning: When light becomes dim, it may be wise to become invisible. The image is of fresh darkness, the period after the sun has gone down or the fire has gone out. There is still much activity left over from the light of day, while movements in the outer world become more dangerous. Even the smallest sound, the faintest glow of light, can attract unwanted attention.
When the darkness of stupidity reigns, it is best that your own brilliance stay ‘hidden under a bushel basket.’ That is, your thoughts and efforts should be quiet and self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from disruptive influences.
Whatever you do, don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period will pass. Just endure it for now and inwardly preserve your self-confidence, while outwardly remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals. That only feeds regret and longing, which can eat away at your inner resources.
Be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly awaken dormant forces of opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.
You’re operating at a slower speed today, and may feel a very real loss of momentum and drive. Guard against moodiness by surrounding yourself with people you love and respect. Your ultimate comfort today comes from people who know you best.
About the Number 9
Theme: Encompassing a love for all, Compassion, Patience, Selfless
Astro Association: Virgo
Tarot Association: Hermit
This Tarot Deck: Marseilles
While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.
Being overly concerned about how others see you isn’t your normal style, but the cautious Capricorn Moon in your 10th House of Status requires you to be on your best behavior now. You must proceed carefully, for your natural inclination is to talk before you think. Thankfully, your intuition should show you the most practical course of action, which is exactly what you need.
Everything appears to fall into place today, but, unfortunately, you still may not feel completely at ease. Although it’s reassuring that your life has settled down sufficiently for you to have some time to relax, you might think that you’re missing something important now. Don’t worry about anything that’s not concrete. Focusing on reality rather than your anxiety is your best preparation for whatever might occur next.
Accept the support of your closest friends and family today, for they will supply the solid foundation that you might lack on your own. The help you need now isn’t about money; it’s about knowing that others have faith in you and in what you’re doing. Don’t wait for someone to offer assistance; ask and you shall receive.
You may be more content with listening to what others want without feeling the necessity to fix anything today. You can be sweet and caring, but it’s more important now to fulfill your obligations and make time to meet your own needs, instead. Remember, you will have more to give later on if you feel satisfied yourself.
No matter what you feel today, it’s best to stick to your regular routine as closely as possible. However, you still must remain flexible enough to handle changing circumstances because unexpected situations may arise that pull you off your normal schedule. Don’t be overly rigid when responding to a surprise; instead, just return to the safety of the tried and true as soon as you can.
The Moon brightens your 5th House of Self-Expression, reflecting your current need to tell someone how you feel, especially if there is a romantic attraction. You would prefer to let your love light shine all the time, but sometimes you turn it down low so you can be of service to those who need your help. Now, however, don’t deny your desires; let your heart guide your way.
You might prefer to hide away at home today, out of sight from the real world. Unfortunately, your little mini-retreat may not work out so well because you still have to go to work or run errands. Being productive is admirable, but don’t be afraid to honor your own needs, too. Finish what you start quickly, so you still have some time left over for relaxation later in the day.
You really want to do something special with your friends or family today, but are hesitant to schedule too much into your day. If you’re busy, you may be resistant to the idea of doing more, yet you’re likely to enjoy yourself once you get into the flow of events. Don’t procrastinate; the sooner you put your calendar in order now, the smoother everything will go.
If you aren’t in conflict with someone else today, you are probably arguing with yourself. Your thoughts could be leading you around in circles; even if you attempt to stop the inner dialogue, it seems to have a mind of its own. Regain your emotional balance by allowing your mental meanderings to continue without trying to push them away. Paradoxically, once you try to exert control, the cycle restarts for another round.
Your strong resolve to follow your agenda is being severely tested today and you’re ready to bury your feelings if you think that they might get in the way of your progress. Unfortunately, denying your emotions only postpones the inevitable; your repressed energy will come out sooner or later. If tension does escalate, however, the expression can be much more difficult. It’s healthier to deal with the consequences as they occur and then let them pass.
You might not be telling the whole truth about what’s happening today because your desire for self-sufficiency encourages you to keep your feelings secret. You don’t have a reason to show your vulnerability, which could restrain the intensity of an emotional interaction. There’s no right or wrong way to approach a situation now as long as you keep your heart open and act with kindness.
You can count on your friends to come through for you today as the Moon visits your 11th House of Social Networking. Your desires are pretty basic, and thankfully you should be able to get what you want. Ironically, others may not be very demonstrative now, but you still won’t have any doubt about their love and support. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need because you’ll likely receive it.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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