Day: October 20, 2011

The Bardic Soul, Poetry and Song for the Spirit

The Bardic Soul:
Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Death

by HP Kerritwyn

Cold, stark, stiff, shivering,
I lie down on the ice-frosted grass
Under Her Dark Moon,
Spreading myself out upon Her deep night,
Pulsing now with beginning Desire

My body starts to hum
As my energy flows out,
Deep and warm and dark as blood,
And my Spirit flows
Into finger and toes
And outward, below and above

Shining and Shimmering
and Enticing
I invite Her to fill me, to be
In Me and With Me
And to work Through Me,
As I approach Death

Death surges within,
And I feel Her burst of Clarity, Honest and Power
Surge through my Spirit
As I weave the strands of Forgiveness,
Healing and New Beginnings
Into Rebirth

Dazzled with Her terrible Beauty,
I merge with Her visions
And suspend all sense of Time
As I fuse with Her gifts and blessings
And then, after an unknown time,
Rise up from Death,
Reborn.

HP Kerritwyn was raised Irish Catholic and searched for years for a faith path in which she could feel at home, free of the misogynistic sexism and patriarchy of her original faith trad. She found Celtic Wicca in September of 1997, joined a local coven for a while, and, in June of 1999, joined the White Moon School, which had just then been started by our founder, Luna Blanca.

Kerritwyn was elevated to an HP in the Order in December of 2000, legally ordained in 2003 after the OWM was formally incorporated as a 501 c 3 nonprofit religious corporation, and offers OWM teachings to women in The Sacred Three Goddess School, and to male-to-female transgendered seekers in the Order of the Rainbow Moon.

In mundane life, Kerritwyn is a practicing attorney, and she is married to a biologically male transgendered partner. They live happily on 22 acres in southcentral PA. She was elected by her sister HPs on July 23, 2009 to be the President of the Board of Directors and the Spiritual Head of the Order of the White Moon.

Goddess of the Season

Goddess of the Season

 

The Time of the Croneby HP Kerritwyn

Samhain is a time of deep magick within, a time of hard honesty, clear vision unclouded by sentiment, and truth.

It is the Time of the Crone.

In the pure, beloved honesty of Deep Dark, She is there, to lead us away from false or frivolous pretensions, into an exploration of the Center of who we are, to the place of stark honesty within that glimmers and pulses with Her righteous peace .

In the velvet warmth of Deep Dark, She is there to wrap us in the comfort of our profound vulnerability, so that we may awaken to the profound essence of our Spirit, as we release all that is false.

We shiver in Awe at Her clear, unsmiling love, and are enraptured by Her embrace, which echoes out into the Universe around us.

She reminds us of all that we have been, all that we are, and all that we CAN BE……if we open to Her with passionate surrender.

Out of the Death of our insecurities and false fears, we are Reborn into our True Selves.

It is the Time of the Crone.

HP Kerritwyn was raised Irish Catholic and searched for years for a faith path in which she could feel at home, free of the misogynistic sexism and patriarchy of her original faith trad. She found Celtic Wicca in September of 1997, joined a local coven for a while, and, in June of 1999, joined the White Moon School, which had just then been started by our founder, Luna Blanca.

 

Kerritwyn was elevated to an HP in the Order in December of 2000, legally ordained in 2003 after the OWM was formally incorporated as a 501 c 3 nonprofit religious corporation, and offers OWM teachings to women in The Sacred Three Goddess School, and to male-to-female transgendered seekers in the Order of the Rainbow Moon.  

In mundane life, Kerritwyn is a practicing attorney, and she is married to a biologically male transgendered partner. They live happily on 22 acres in southcentral PA. She was elected by her sister HPs on July 23, 2009 to be the President of the Board of Directors and the Spiritual Head of the Order of the White Moon.

Earth Science Pic for Thursday, October 20th

Fog and Redwoods

October 20, 2011

CanyonRidgePortrait (2)
Photographer: Hugh S. Stickney
Summary Author: Hugh S. Stickney; Jim Foster
 
 
The photo above showing sunny hillsides and valleys choked with fog was snapped in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, California. This view looks down into the redwoods and bay laurels (Laurus nobilis) in the direction of the town of Canyon. Redwood Park is in the distance. Typically, the biggest and oldest redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) are found in deep valleys and ravines. Here, in addition to the cyclonic storms of fall and winter, fog drip and condensation is a regular occurrence. Trees above the fog layer, approximately 2,300 ft (700 m), are deprived of this source of moisture and are somewhat stunted in comparison. Photo taken on January 17, 2011

Astronomy Pic of the Day for Oct. 20th

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.

 

The Big Dipper
Image Credit & Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo 

 

Explanation: The best known asterism in northern skies, The Big Dipper is easy to recognize, though some might see The Plough. Either way, the star names and the familiar outlines will appear in this thoughtfully composed 24 frame mosaic when you slide your cursor over the image. Dubhe, alpha star of the dipper’s parent constellation Ursa Major is at the upper right. Together with beta star Merak below, the two form a line pointing the way to Polaris and the North Celestial Pole off the top edge of the field. Notable too in skygazing lore Mizar, second star from the left in the dipper’s handle, forms a vision-testing visual double star with apparently close Alcor. Also identified in the famous star field are Messier catalog objects. Download the higher resolution image to hunt for exquisite views of some of Messier’s distant spiral galaxies and a more local owl.

Today’s Feng Shui Tip For Thursday, October 20

Today celebrates ‘Miss American Rose Day,’ a day dedicated to a pageant that honors high achievements and community service for girls and women of all ages. On this day we are asked to treat all of the women in our lives like beautiful American roses and to perform some sort of community service project. So what if you want to use American roses to start your own Miss American Rose Day celebration? Take two pink, long-stemmed roses and remove the thorns from the stems. Put them in a single white ceramic or clear glass or crystal vase, and then place that vase on your bedside table or nightstand. Each night before heading off to sleep, visualize what life with your perfect partner will look like. After three days, replace the original two roses with two new fresh pink ones. Leave this second set in the vase for three consecutive days while visualizing at night. After the second three days, again replace the two roses and leave this last duo in the vase for three more consecutive days. When you’ve completed this cure you should have had a pair of pink roses by your bedside for nine successive days straight. Before long sweet smelling florals won’t be the only thing right next to you in bed!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Number: 1

Today is the day to be aggressive and take charge. You’ve got drive and determination on your side, why not use it? Others will look to you for direction, and you may take on new projects. It’s very likely that you’ll meet someone new.

Fast Facts

About the Number 1

Theme: Masculine, Creative, Independent, Aggressive
Astro Association: Mercury
Tarot Association: Magician

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for October 20th is 59: Dispersing

59: Dispersing

Hexagram 59

General Meaning: Nothing survives forever, not even rocks, not even the most rigid of structures. The erosion of that which has been solid is not necessarily bad: it can mean that something new is being created. The image is of ice floes, hardened in winter, dispersing in the warmth of spring; when the ice melts, a mighty river emerges.

Rigidity in the hearts of men and women tends to breed a separateness that can only be thawed by a greater force: typically, some strong spiritual stirring. The thawing of cold hearts always improves conditions.

The first thing to dissolve is any internal rigidity that separates you from others. Try to work more closely with your mates, concentrating on common activities which evidence your integrity and native goodwill. Sudden, strong action in support of a greater good can lift the spirit, and lead toward new possibilities in many areas. Spiritual impulses — including a strong sense of justice — should be honored, and acted upon. They can provide the initial impulse to important and constructive change.

And if you should have any lingering business or partnerships which are inactive or not working, you might consider dissolving these as well.

Today’s Runes for Thursday, October 20th is Inguz

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

Today’s Tarot Card for October 20th is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

This Tarot Deck: Old English

General Meaning: Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, October 20th

We’re encouraged to express ourselves with flair as the Moon dances into dramatic Leo at 6:05 am EDT. Her trine to rebellious Uranus makes us less concerned with what others think about our wild behavior. The Moon’s square to overblown Jupiter pumps us up with self-confidence even further. However, an otherworldly Venus-Pluto septile can throw us an emotional curve ball, while an unsettling Sun-Uranus septile adds even more surprises to the mix.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may have an excess of physical energy today, but you could squander your reserves if you aren’t careful. Wasting your time on something unimportant can be draining, but fortunately it won’t likely have a lasting negative impact. Nevertheless, you would be wise to work smarter rather than harder in order to maximize the opportunities that come your way.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may not fully understand all the dynamics that are impacting your family relationships today as the Moon enters your 4th House of Domestic Conditions. However, you can feel the tension increasing so you know something is brewing. Don’t get discouraged by your lack of direction. Maintaining your established course could be difficult now, yet being patient is still your best strategy until clarity returns.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You might be so distracted by the array of tasks you need to complete today that you can’t figure out where to begin. It seems that as soon as you make a specific plan, something happens that requires you to reconsider your previous choice. Frustration can set in when certainty is replaced by self-doubt again and again. You could believe that an absolute answer will solve everything now, but if possible, it’s smarter to hold off making a final decision until next week.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

The Moon enters your 2nd House of Personal Resources today, encouraging you to pay attention to managing what you currently have, rather than trying to accumulate more. Although it’s time to build on what you have already started, muddled motives could detract from your efficiency now. Don’t bother attempting to justify your actions because your explanations will just grow increasingly convoluted. Keep things as simple as you can and try to finish whatever you begin.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Everyone seems to believe that your feelings are transparent today as the Moon returns to your sign. However, chances are that no one truly knows what you need, even if others try to convince you that they do. Unfortunately, your emotions can get in the way of your words, so you might not be very effective when you try to explain what you want. Tone down your expectations and practice flexibility; asking for less could actually bring you more than you think.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The Moon squares extroverted Jupiter today from your 12th House of Secrets, creating a stress between your desire to connect with others and your need to be alone. It’s challenging to share exactly what you want now because even the act of communicating conflicts with your reclusive yearnings. Instead of trying to change the current situation, just observe your emotional reactions to what’s happening. Living with the paradox for a few days builds character and won’t be as difficult as it sounds.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You have wonderful friends who are eager to play with you today. However, you may grow annoyed with others if they are too distracting because you have responsibilities to fulfill. Don’t take yourself so seriously now; no one will fault you for taking some time to enjoy yourself as long as you return to your obligations later in the day.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your planet Pluto falls under the beautiful spell of alluring Venus today, attracting you to the idea of experiencing sensual pleasure. Nevertheless, your thoughts — however exquisite they may be — are not grounded in experience now, so it’s not wise to act on these current desires. Don’t expect someone out of the blue to deliver your fantasies. Just enjoy your dreams for what they are, without needing to make them real.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You have been contemplating the big picture lately — something you do quite well — yet now it’s time to put your grand plan into motion. Fortunately, courageous Mars and the Moon are both visiting your adventurous 9th house today, motivating you to accomplish your goals. You are in a dynamic period of growth, so don’t wait for a better time to initiate action.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Powerful Pluto in your 1st House of Personality receives a nod of approval from valuable Venus today, encouraging you to pursue pleasure or material wealth. You may not understand the intensity of your current ambition, but this is not the time for analysis. Push steadily toward your goals because you have the necessary inner resolve to overcome most obstacles now. Set your mind on your destination and then don’t let anything or anyone distract you.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

A close friend or ally may appear to turn against you today as the fiery Leo Moon marches into your 7th House of Others. Even a casual conversation could become argumentative now because combative Mars is stirring up trouble in this relationship house. Fortunately, you should be able to avoid a conflict if you remember that diplomacy is smarter than outright conflict. Negotiating a peaceful solution is better than trying to sidestep the subject, even if it’s uncomfortable at first.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you could face a confrontation at work today, you might not be able to get to the source of the squabble. Your interactions with coworkers aren’t as simple as they seem on the surface, for unspoken feelings can make communication awkward. Thankfully, you can reduce the emotional charge on an unpleasant situation by taking the higher road and considering the larger picture, instead of only focusing on what’s in it for you.

Cosmic Calendar for Thursday, October 20th

This day starts under a void lunar cycle in emotion-laden Cancer. Before the Moon enters fiery Leo (3:07AM PDT), there will be a Moon-Mars parallel (2:45AM PDT). Any parallel by the Moon is short-lived because the Moon is the fastest moving body relative to the Earth. However, even though a Moon-Mars connection quickly dissipates, when it is happening there can be a lot of intensity – particularly if you happen to make a reckless move or act too egocentrically. Once the Moon is transiting in Leo, it is always helpful to come from the heart in all vital discussions. Being altruistic and generous is the key to being happy as the lunar orb moves through this fifth sign of the zodiac. Trying to manipulate others or lord it over them by claiming a divine right of kings and queens is a total no-no. Inspirations are flying fast as the Moon trines Uranus (6:05AM PDT). Hitting the high-tech, computer and electronics trail is once again back in style. This Moon-Uranus rapport is a key motivating aspect of the day and as long as you don’t overdo a good thing or become super-obstinate during the Moon’s square to Jupiter in plodding Taurus (2:38PM PDT), you should be in good shape for a fun-loving evening.

the daily humorscopes for thursday, october 20th

the daily humorscope

 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Beware of slime creatures today. There’s one lurking in the fridge, pretending to be lettuce.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Bad day to feed the Bengal tiger. Let someone else do it, today. Probably just an “off” batch of the Purina Tiger Chow, but why risk it?
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Today you will deliberately annoy people by standing too close to them when waiting in line. Tomorrow: standing just slightly too far away.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Your slogan for the week should be “Carpe Dium”, or “Sieze the Day!.” Once you sieze it, give it a good shake, just to prove you mean business.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
In a strange form of protest against the new trends in personal adornment, you will make mooing sounds whenever you see someone with a nose ring. Coincidentally, some of them will say “Hay!”
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Today you will discover a little book called “1001 Names For Your Pet”. You should probably name your next pet either “Pope John Paul” or “No Clothes On”. That way you can say things like “Pope John Paul peed on the rug, again” or “I’m going for a walk with No Clothes On.”
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Good time to consider capitalising on the wave of 70’s nostalgia that is sweeping the land. Why not try making shag carpeting? At least you should sit around in your beanbag chairs and discuss it.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Birds figure heavily in your day, today. My advice? Wear a hat.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Today you’ll try the old “goat in a box” trick, on your new boss. It’ll backfire, though, and you’ll be the one with the clown shoes.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
There will be a great disturbance in the force, today. Fortunately, it will be caused by a really funny lawyer joke sweeping through the Universe, so there’s no reason for you to worry.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
By careful detective work and a hidden pressure-sensitive scale, you will discover that the young woman next door weighs the same as a duck. Be careful! And if I were you, I’d put your duck on a diet.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You will find that it is true – everything is better with the addition of either chocolate or garlic (but not both). Well, except for running shoes, that is.

Daily Motivator for October 20th – Choose to do

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Choose to do

In this moment, choose to do. On this day, choose to make real and meaningful progress.

It will take some time, effort and persistence. And in return, you’ll earn yourself some lasting value.

It will challenge you, and frustrate you at times, and make you a little uncomfortable. Yet it will also bring you the satisfaction of a job well done.

You may not always get it perfect, but always you can give it your best. Choosing to work your way forward is not the easiest choice, yet it will ultimately prove to be the most valuable one.

If you’re tempted to let the excuses of the moment hold you back, project your thoughts into the future. Imagine how silly those excuses will seem five years from now, and how thankful you’ll be that you ignored them.

The opportunity of today is worthless unless you act on it. Act on it, choose to do, and you’ll soon be enjoying the many rewards of your efforts.

— Ralph Marston
The Daily Motivator by Ralph Marston 
~Magickal Graphics~

Today’s Meditation for October 20th – Welcoming The Dawn Meditation

New Age Comments & Graphics

Welcoming The Dawn Meditation

 
In many spiritual traditions dawn–when the world is at its most peaceful–is regarded as an ideal time for meditation. Just before dawn go outside and find a place to sit and watch the sunrise. As the sun emerges above the horizon, fill your awareness with brightening hues of the sky and rejoice in the beauty of the new day. Feel the golden rays of the sun warm your face and allow hope to fill your heart and refresh your spirit. You have started the day well.
 
If the weather is poor or you are unable to get a clear view of the sunrise, visualize the dawn instead.
 
~Magickal Graphics~

Thoughts for Thursday, Oct. 20 – Things I’ve Learned

  • I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.


  • I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.


  • I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.


  • I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”


  • I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.


  • I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.


  • I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.


  • I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

 

  • People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.


  • I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.


  • I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

OH MY AGING FUNNY BONE…

Good Thursday Morning/Afternoon, my lovely friends!

Friendship Comments & Graphics

I hope everyone is having a great day, today! I know it is fantastic here. For the last couple of days, it has been nothing but rainy and gloomy. I don’t know about you, but the gloomy weather messes with my emotions. I get draggy and I don’t want to do a darn thing. Except this time was different, I got my days and nights screwed up. That is why the posting has been so poor. I found myself falling asleep at the computer. Then I would get so sleepy, I couldn’t do anymore. So I would have to get up and go to bed. But I would wake up at night and clean the heck out of the house. My husband would ask me what I was doing up at 2:30 in the morning cleaning the shower out. If the world would cooperate and go on my schedule, I would love it, lol! You know everybody sleeping during the day and prowling at night. But I have always been a night person and it doesn’t take much for me to get turned around. I wanted to let you know why the posting had been off and also to apologize for it. I won’t say it won’t happen again because I know it will. Just the next time you will know what is going on.

 I love you all to pieces. Have a great day!

Lady A

 ~Magickal Graphics~