Day: October 8, 2011

Herbs for Smudging

You can make a smudge stick by combining any tall, firm, full-leafed herbs. Some burn better than others. The following list of herbs are traditionally made into Native North American smudge sticks and others used for both commercial and personally prepared smudge sticks. Smudge sticks are made with fresh herbs and the whole bundle is dried together after formation.

Smudge herbs do tend to be single or dual herbs rather than a mix as in incense and are, on the whole, characterized less by sweetness than earthiness.

If you need to use charcoal, drop just one or two drops of lavender or rose essential oil onto the hot charcoal to add fragrance before you begin to burn the herbs. This is effective, especially if you are smudging indoors.

For homemade smudge, try to choose herbs that grow in your region. Look on the internet for dried varieties to burn in a bowl or ready-prepared less common smudge sticks. Also try to choose organically produced herbs.

  • Bay/Laurel
  • Bergamot
  • Cedar
  • Copal
  • Fennel
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Mugwort
  • Orris root
  • Pine, Fir and Spruce
  • Rosemary
  • Sagebrush/Sage
  • Sweetgrass
  • Wormwort (Tansy)
  • Thyme
  • Yarrow
  • Yerba Santa

Using Smudge

  • Personal spiritual cleansing and empowerment are often art of a smudging ritual. Anticlockwise spirals up and down the body with the smoking smudge stick are used to remove negativity, followed by clockwise smoke spirals to restore energy and bring power. Two people can do this, each with their own smudge stick, by standing and facing each other and moving in rhythm as though dancing. The crown is sealed with a clockwise circle and the feet likewise, followed by a final clockwise crown circle.
  • Mark boundaries around your home against bad neighbors or potential intruders by creating a psychic defense wall with alternate anticlockwise and clockwise spirals of smoke. Chant as you smudge:

May goodness and those with good intent enter her and only peace remain.

  • Purify a home or individual rooms of negativity, whether from a hostile visitor, quarrels or an unfriendly ghost, by using anticlockwise spirals.
  • Purify and empower artifacts, such as items you have bought, been given or inherited, especially jewellery, to make it your own. Pass objects or crystals through the smoke nine times anticlockwise to purify them; followed by nine circle clockwise. The words you speak and the fragrance you use will direct the purpose and attract the appropriate energies.
  • Cleanse and empower magickal tools and your indoor and outdoor altar.
  • Open the four main directions in a ritual. With practice you can make an invoking earth pentagram with the smoke from a small smudge stick.
  • Unite the six directions: East, North, South and West (the order o honoring the universe in smudge rituals), then Earth (downwards) and Sky (upwards).
  • Use for planetary healing or peace rituals.
  • Heal people, animals and places where there has been a human or naturally created disaster. Direct the smoke towards an absent person or animal, or a place or swirl it in huge spirals in all the directions. Chant the purpose continuously until you reach a powerful speed and intensity of words and movement with the smoke. then lower your voice and smudge more slowly until you end with a gentle final thrust and a whispered:

May ___________ be healed.

  • Smudge round the outline of a drawn plan of your workplace, anticlockwise and then clockwise, to bring positivity to the office. (Smudging the office itself might set off smoke alarms.)
  • In wish magick, use  chant to call what it is you desire while writing the wish in the air with a smudge stick. End with three deliberate spirals of smoke directed directly upwards (with hand or fan).
  • Induce a state of meditation or, before divination, use  fragrances like juniper, mugwort, pine, sage, yarrow or sweetgrass to amplify psychic powers.
  • Cleanse and heal the human aura, the rainbow-colored energy field that extends an outstretched arm span all round us in an ellipse. Move anticlockwise to remove impurities and clear blockages in the energy flow and clockwise to fill the aura with light and energy.
  • Create a sacred circle or strengthen one already made with salt and water and/or a candle flame. Casting a smoke circle around you gives protection during magickal work or divination and concentrates power.
  • Use smudge in personal dedication ceremonies when you declare intentions and transform the energies around you to galvanize the transformation.
  • Connect with benign guardian spirits, wise ancestors and angels.
  • Smudge can act as the East/Air element instead of incense in outdoor rituals and on your outdoor altar.

What is Smudge?

Smudge sticks are tied dried bundle of herbs that are lit at one end. The ensuing smoke is then directed towards whatever is to be empowered, cleansed or released into the cosmos. Large dried leaves can also be burned without charcoal in its abalone shell with holes in the base or in a flat clay dish.

Smudge stick do not burn for as long as herbs on charcoal, but this can be ideal for a shorter spell. Strictly, incense contains resin and is usually burned on charcoal. In practice the overlap between incense and smudge is considerable and incense can be cast on fires and some pure smudging herbs do need charcoal to burn.

The following herbs are good for smudging, whether you buy the sticks or leaves ready prepared or make your own sticks or leaf mix. Evergreen trees and bushy herbs are popularly used; rosebuds and lavender can be added to the center of it smudge stick, but generally smudge is not floral.

Your Daily Number for October 8th: 4

Show others they can depend on you today; be focused and work hard. You may feel like procrastinating in the face of all the demands that are placed on you. It’s important today to follow through on your words with action and avoid making promises you can’t fulfill.

Fast Facts

About the Number 4

Theme: Form, Work, Order, Practicality, Discipline
Astro Association: Aries
Tarot Association: Emperor

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for October 8th is 12: Standstill

12: Standstill

Hexagram 12

General Meaning: A state of standstill is a state of decline. Confusion and disorder prevail. Inferior elements are on the rise, while the powers of clarity and creativity are waning. In such times, the wise take shelter in their own integrity and quietly remain faithful to their highest selves. Retreat from public activities and common exchanges until the time once again favors assertive action.

During periods of stagnation, inferior elements can rise to power. When the inmates are overrunning the asylum, summon up your fortitude, hide your worth and withdraw. Concentrate on your personal affairs with a quiet dignity, even if that means giving up short-term rewards.

Desiring to change a situation too quickly often creates extra conflict. By accepting hardship, while striving to maintain integrity, you are preparing for future growth. A seed of prosperity is often hidden inside the husk of misfortune

Today’s Runes for Saturday, October 8th is Wunjo

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. 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.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, October 8th

The compassionate Pisces Moon enables us to perceive the circumstances of our lives from a wider point of view that encompasses the feelings of others less fortunate. The Moon’s sextile to expansive Jupiter amplifies our sensitivity, making it difficult to know whether an emotion is originating from our own internal process or as a result of someone else’s. Thankfully, we can gain clarity from cerebral Mercury’s smart quintile to incisive Pluto.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You might wish that you could hide today with the Moon in your 12th House of Privacy, but you have already made promises that prevent you from slipping into a black hole and disappearing from view. Nevertheless, you can become quieter than usual, which may cause others to wonder if you’re okay. There’s nothing wrong with wanting some personal space. You’re not obliged to explain your emotional retreat unless you truly want to, but at least let someone know when you plan on returning.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You’re a bit unclear about your specific duties at work today, yet asking your coworkers for clarification may not help you at all. Instead, take a few minutes and make a detailed list of what you think your job entails. This exercise might prove surprising because it enables you to make sense of what you have to do. However, don’t hesitate to ask your boss for more direction if you’re still uncertain.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may feel as if you want to take care of everyone at work today, but this isn’t a good idea if it distracts you from fulfilling your responsibilities. Fortunately, you should be able to find a healthy balance between helping others and remaining true to yourself. Keep in mind that you will need to establish clear boundaries now so you don’t lose yourself in other people’s problems. The good you might do for someone else will ultimately be wasted if you let your own life fall apart.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Your dreams of going on a long journey can take on a life of their own today as the Moon visits your 9th House of Faraway Places. However, logical Mercury in your 4th House of Security has you thinking about all the reasons to stay at home. Thankfully, there is a healthy middle ground between these two extremes. Don’t be afraid to stretch your limits, but only do what feels safe.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Trusting your intuition can help you negotiate an agreement with a business partner today or find common ground with an adversary. Although logic won’t necessarily reveal your best strategy, clear communication is necessary in order to get others to understand your position. Don’t expect anyone to know what you want by reading your mind. It’s up to you to take the time to explain yourself as succinctly as possible.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The Moon’s visit to your 7th House of Partnerships increases your need to interact with others today. But communicating with someone else may put you on tricky ground if either of you assumes that you know what the other person is saying before the words are actually spoken. Don’t jump to conclusions or you’ll find yourself spending time untangling the knots created by an unnecessary misunderstanding.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Sometimes you seem wishy-washy to others because your ability to objectively see both sides of an issue makes it tough for you to choose one over the other. However, today you are quite capable of drawing a specific conclusion based upon the information that you have, even if you know that you’re missing some of the facts. Fortunately, what you lack in detail now you can make up in your imagination, and, luckily, you will most likely be correct in your thinking.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Issues of trust come to the surface today as communicator Mercury in your 12th House of Secrets forms a magical quintile with your ruling planet Pluto. Intuitively, you know what’s going on even if no one else wants to talk about it. However, caution is advised because your fears can feed negativity until it’s strong enough to be the main character in a story that’s not grounded in fact. It’s best to talk about your concerns before they grow into a problem that’s harder to handle.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may have unrealistic expectations about finding time to relax at home today as the Moon in dreamy Pisces visits your 4th House of Domestic Conditions. You could set your goals so high that you end up being disappointed even if the overall situation isn’t bad at all. Nevertheless, it makes sense to involve family members or your housemates in a discussion about any decisions that impact more than just you. Sharing your concerns will lessen the burden.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your fair-minded approach to getting ahead professionally should not be mistaken for a laissez-faire attitude. In fact, your easygoing style today can smoothly disarm a possible opponent who doesn’t realize that you should be taken very seriously now. However, there’s really no need to be overly ambitious because it’s better to have supporters than enemies. Ultimately, cooperation is a smarter strategy than competition.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might not be able to see your financial picture clearly enough today to make an important decision. Still, you are weighing and balancing the alternatives as you attempt to be as objective as possible in the choices you make. Don’t try to convince others that your current options are the best ones because the more you say now the less sensible you sound. Ultimately, your actions really do speak louder than your words.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may appear to be less certain today than you actually are because the moody Pisces Moon has stopped in for a quick visit to your 1st House of Self. Your feelings seem to be closer to the surface and others know what you’re thinking even before you say anything. Instead of withdrawing, fearful that your sensitivity can make you more vulnerable, use this time to share what’s in your heart with someone you can trust.

New Moon Report for October 8th – Venus in Scorpio

Venus in Scorpio
Saturday, October 8, 10:50 pm PDT, Sunday, October 9, 1:50 am EDT

The love planet is not comfortable in steamy Scorpio according to astrological tradition. This provocative sign is less interested in the sweet and pretty side of relationships and more intrigued with their emotional complexity. Venus is not here to please, but to plunge to the depths of desire and explore the unseen plumbing that shapes our partnerships. Jealousy and mistrust are downsides of this transit, yet a more honest examination of what we need and what we’re willing to give in exchange adds maturity to personal interactions. Reviving failing personal and professional unions or recognizing when it’s time to end them reflects the range of this powerful process.

the daily humorscopes for saturday, october 8th

the daily humorscope

 

Saturday, October 08, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You will tell a total stranger that you’re “sick and tired of salad”, today. The stranger will recoil in shock and horror.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
While idly doodling on a notepad, today, you will accidentally draw a symbol sacred to an ancient voodoo deity, and will open a gap into part of the astral plane that is even less appealing than Akron, Ohio.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
As a joke today, you will get an alarmed expression on your face, crouch on someone’s carpet, and start making disgusting “huck, huck!” sounds. The joke’s on you, though, since they will insist that you eat some hairball remedy.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Good day for political intrigue and underhanded sneakiness. Try to wear something appropriate to the occasion.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
You will be visited by missionaries today, and will finally have an excellent opportunity to slip into your demon costume before opening the door.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
You will discover that you can wiggle your ears today, and will actually become quite good at it. People will invite you to parties.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Excellent day to pretend to have various infirmities. Pretending to have a hunchback is my personal favorite, and is often favorably combined with a drooling problem.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Your manager will be a twit, today. That’s ok, though — it’s what he’s paid for.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Today you will finally reach the breaking point, since that incessant pounding from your new neighbor’s place is driving you nuts! You will storm over there, but what you find will be very bad news indeed. Your new neighbor is the Energizer Bunny.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Remember: loose lips sink ships. The really strange thing is, nobody’s ever been able to explain to me why ships have lips in the first place, especially if they’re that risky.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Today will be the best day of your life, if you can just remember … er … now what was that? Hmmm. If you can just remember something really important. Otherwise, no. Hmmm.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
A tomato features in today’s cuisine. Sadly, that’s going to be your pinnacle of excitement for today.

HAPPY Saturday, dear, dear friends!

Inspirational Comments
 Good afternoon/morning to all! I hope you are having a wonderful day so far. I actually feel like a human today, strange!!! I found the pic as I was browsing through the graphics at Magickal Graphics. And being a cat lover, well I just had to post it. I thought at first it looked like Razzy (the little kitten). But we have all decided she is half Lynx. She has the hair coming out of the top of her ears and is also spotted. My husband had said that Razzy had some type of wildcat in her but he kept saying bobcat. I told him I had never seen a spotted bobcat in my life. Then this morning, I was watching a wildlife show and there was a lynx on there. It was identical to Razzy. I do know her daddy was huge and gorgeous. There was times, I was tempted to have him fixed and bring him into the house. But Stinker and him hated each other. But how a lynx got mixed in with a cat, I don’t know. Truthfully, I don’t even want to imagine it. Razzy also has an unusual way of nuzzling me. I have finally got the hang of it and I do it with her. If I don’t she gently nibbles on my nose. Good thing I did, if she get teeth like a lynx, crap she would bite my nose off. But I consider myself lucky, she has already took me as her mother and witch. There are rituals and spells to draw your animals to you and make them your familiars. I don’t know or if you have even heard of this way or not. But in the hills, there is a custom (which some might shy away from) and it is very simple for making an animal your familiar. The animal has to scratch you or accidentally draw your blood. Then the animal has to lick your blood. You can’t force the animal to do this, they have to do this of their own freewill. For example, Razzy and I where playing. She got to playing to rough and scratched me on my arm. It was the first time she had ever seen blood and she was curious. Being the witch I am, I just sat still and put my arm down were she could see it. Well the little toot, put her paw in it and found out that blood is wet. While she was laying on me, she licked the blood off her paw. Then she looked at me, “like what just happened?” I think the connection must have happened at that point because she stood up on my chest and started nuzzling my face. But that is the simple way of taking a familiar or them taking you. At least that is the way we do it around here. Kiki (my little Pomeranian) did the same thing. Now I believe she is a vampire. I get a cut or scrape and she is chasing me down to lick it. I have to run like hell to get away from her, lol! I know some of you might think that mixing of the blood with an animal is gross. Then that is not for you, really it wasn’t for me either. It was just something that happened. But I don’t believe there is any ceremony or spell, that can create the bond you have with them after the mixing of the blood. I don’t want people reading this and then running around cutting themself trying to get Rover to get a lick. It has to be the animal that causes the blood to be spilled and then, of their own freewill, take a taste. I should add, that while the animal is taking a taste, you will have a very unusual sensation that comes over you. I know I did. That is your bond being established with them.

 

 Now that you think I am totally crazy, lol! I stopped to think about all the bonds we make in our life times. Honestly there is no telling how many we do. We reincarnate and reincarnate, think of all the bonds we have made in those past lives. The husbands, the wives, the kids and perhaps a pet or familiar, WOW! that enough to blow your mind right there. I haven’t even mentioned friends and even perhaps a lover or two! We certainly do have a long heritage, don’t we? I had a witch friend once that had such a strong bond with the past that she didn’t want to live in this life. She would do a past life regression and go back to that time and want to stay. She didn’t realize, she was only supposed to observe her past, to find out who she was and leave. She wanted to stay. She had a bond that was so strong it kept pulling her to that time. I don’t know if I am unfortunate or not, I don’t have any bond from my past that strong. I am happy in my current life. I guess that just goes to prove the fact, that life is what you make it. And the bonds we make here and now in this lifetime are precious and are never meant to be taken for granted (whether they be with human or animal). 

 

Today’s graphic by
~Magickal Graphics~