Month: November 2011

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 28th

I know you might think that I would offer some sort of prosperity cure on ‘Cyber Monday,’ a day that encourages online holiday shopping. But when I think ‘cyber’ I think computer, and that’s where I’m investing my efforts today. Feng Shui says that hanging a clear quartz round and faceted crystal ball (with a red ribbon, in a multiple of nine inches or longer) will not only create an overall benefit for your profession and career, but will also protect you from any sort of attack, cyber-related or not. This adjustment also aids in stimulating an expansion of your inspirations and ideas, including clearer, uncluttered thinking, better decision-making and a brighter outlook for your future. As if all of those attributes aren’t enough, the crystal also keeps the computer safe from breaking down or any other harm. With all that said, how you should spend your ‘Cyber Monday’ is crystal clear to me.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Number for November 28th: 1

Today is hectic, and it may be necessary for you to make quick decisions and put your leadership skills into action. Your senses are alert. Sounds, colors, and texture are strongly experienced.

Fast Facts

About the Number 1

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

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for November 28th is 5: Patience

5: Patience

Hexagram 5

General Meaning: A fisherman can cast the line, but he can only wait for the fish to bite. Your catch will come in its own time; you cannot make it hurry to you — neither by working, nor by planning, nor by wishing. You may need to provide nourishment or support for others; but only through patience can you become the bridge between the fickle fish and the eventual feast. Strength in a time of trial waits quietly, resolutely. Weakness grows agitated, and abandons the effort before the fish bites. Periods of waiting are most fruitful when used for quiet contemplation.

Proceed cautiously, but resolutely, with whatever you are doing. The time and situation are calling for consistency and patience. Waiting is an essential skill; patience is a powerful force. Good timing is an ally of those with inner strength — the kind of strength that allows you to be uncompromisingly honest with yourself, while sticking to the path you have charted. If you persevere with a positive attitude, time weakens even the hardest obstacles. To rush anything, or impatiently force results, stimulates resistance and causes setbacks. At best, you achieve surface changes — the kind that can just as quickly be reversed. Steadfast waiting — while holding to your integrity leads to slow but permanent improvements. In the end, you accomplish something great. Practice patience.

Today’s Runes for November 28th is MAN

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole – working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.

Today’s Tarot Card for November 28th is Justice

Justice

This Tarot Deck: Morgan-Greer

General Meaning: Traditionally, what has been known as the Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.

Often including the image of a fulcrum which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It’s a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of Karma is represented here — what goes around comes around.

Our Horoscope Trouble Spots

Our Horoscope Trouble Spots

  • posted by Annie B. Bond

Inspired by Astroshamanism, Book 2, by Franco Santoro (Findhorn Press, 2003).

Every sun sign of the zodiac has its weaknesses, and knowing what they are can be a valuable help to us as we craft our lives. After all, we will be less likely to engage in negative behaviors if we have a heads-up about the ones that might be troublesome or difficult for us!

Find out the trouble spots for your sun-sign, so you can downplay them, (or avoid them altogether!) here:

Aries, March 21-April 19:Aggressiveness, competition, contempt, hostility, impatience, irritability, stress, wilfulness.

Taurus, April 20-May 21:Fear and denial of the non-material, greed, materialism, over-indulgence, possessiveness, stubbornness, resistance.

Gemini, May 22-June 20:Ambiguity, cheating, criticalness, cunning, carelessness, deception, flattery, forgetfulness, gossip, indecisiveness, nervousness, unreliability.

Cancer, June 21-July 22:Attachment to past, co-dependency, emotional instability, food addiction, insecurity, moodiness, neediness, obsessive romanticism, possessiveness.

Leo, July 23- Aug 22:Arrogance, conceit, destructives, narcissims, ostentation, pompousness, shallowness.

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22:Frustration, fussiness, guilt, hypochondria, hyper-criticism, insecurity, nit-picking, over-perfectionism, pedantry, pessimism, restlessness, servility, work-addition, worry.

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22:Ambivalence, compromise, dependence, exploitation of relationships for ego gain, extravagance, frivolity indecisiveness, indolence, narcissism, procrastination, wastefulness.

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21:Control, defensiveness, guilt, inflexibility, isolation, jealousy, manipulation, morbidity, obsession, obstinacy, possessiveness, resentment, secretiveness, self-hate, vindictiveness.


Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21:Conceit, dissipation, exaggeration, exhibitionism, extravagance, fanaticism, ill-judgment, inflation, irresponsibility, laziness, pretentiousness, recklessness, self-righteousness, self-indulgence, superficiality.

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19:Apprehensiveness, coldness, dogmatism, fear of change, maliciousness, manipulation, mistrustfulness, narrow-mindedness, over-materialism, pessimism, rigidity, self-repression, stubbornness, suspiciousness.

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Addiction to change, aggressiveness, autocracy, brusqueness, eccentricity, explosiveness, intolerance, irresponsibility, perversity, unreliability, urge to shock.

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Addiction, escapism, dishonesty, dramatization, gullibility, hysteria, hypersensitivity, impracticality, irrationality, self-deception, self-indulgence, shyness, vagueness, victimization.

 

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of November 28th

Relationships are not going to be taken lightly this week as we approach a transformational union of loving Venus and controlling Pluto on Thursday morning. This cosmic intensity adds a note of seriousness to partnerships that requires a willingness to carefully examine our expectations and commitments. It’s tempting to go into escapist mode rather than to face hard truths, but it’s cheaper to pay now than to deal with costlier consequences later.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The Moon shoots into your spontaneous sign on Saturday night to pick up the pace in your personal life. However, it’s wise to avoid overly impulsive behavior unless you’re in the mood for taking major chances. Going too far or too fast could lead you toward a messy Sunday, starting with a lunar connection with potent Pluto that can push you to unexpected emotional extremes. Proceed cautiously if you want to avoid an unnecessary drama.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your ruling planet Venus is usually adept at keeping peace in relationships. But the love planet’s union with complex Pluto darkens alliances late this week. Mistrust, secrecy and jealousy are obviously not attractive companions, yet you may have to encounter them now on your relationship journey. Desire deepens, which on the positive side can restore romance, yet might also spur feelings of discontent. Still, honesty and kindness could take passion to the next level if you’re willing to open your heart.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Relationship issues could reach a breaking point late this week when adoring Venus hooks up with transformational Pluto. This powerful event occurs in your 8th House of Intimacy, pushing you to make significant changes in your current union or in pursuit of a new one. It’s tempting to duck serious issues, but think of this as an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities, make the most of your assets and receive more of what you want.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

The love planet Venus joins intense Pluto in your 7th House of Partners late this week. This passionate alignment triggers powerful feelings as you recognize the need to make changes in your connections with others. Don’t let yourself be bullied or manipulated; it’s time to make your needs a priority. While generosity is a desirable trait, it can be problematic if you sacrifice yourself in order to satisfy a demanding person.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Set aside your pride to get down to the gritty details of relationships this week. Current agitation in your 6th House of Adjustments makes it hard to feel completely comfortable with others. But if you’re willing to examine your own behavior and expectations, you have the chance to make some valuable changes. Although you deserve love just for being who you are, putting in some work to acknowledge your faults and then starting on a path to correct them will make you more desirable.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The love planet Venus joins dark Pluto in your 5th House of Romance on Thursday, setting you up for an intense weekend. Don’t hold on to ideas that aren’t working and problems for which you can’t find simple solutions. Persistence is only an asset when it’s used to pursue something worthwhile, so be willing to let go and move on unless you and the one you love are willing and able to put in the hard work needed to make major changes.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may feel some rumblings of uncertainty later this week when your sweet planet Venus joins mysterious Pluto on Thursday. This cosmic hook-up in your 4th House of Roots stirs up memories from the past. Intense longings for an ex-partner or relationship regrets can darken your mood. The point, though, is to take a long, hard look at your needs so that you can find the motivation required to make significant personal changes.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

There’s some bitter and some sweet to experience in the love department late this week. The Moon’s shift into psychic Pisces on Thursday brightens your 5th House of Romance until Saturday night, inspiring imaginative ways to play. Yet loving Venus’ union with your potent ruling planet Pluto on Thursday is anything but mellow. Sharing intimate secrets as kindly as possible isn’t easy, but could be a powerful first step toward healing relationship wounds.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The Moon fires into spontaneous Aries and your playful 5th House of Romance on Saturday night, which should kindle your natural willingness to take risks. This outgoing attitude is a stark contrast to the previous two days when the atmosphere was soggy with emotion. If you’re patient and willing to examine uncomfortable truths, your heart will sing more freely when the clouds part and your sunny disposition returns.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re not the kind of person who takes things lightly, especially when it comes to love. But this week could find you exploring even deeper into the heart of the matter. Amorous Venus joins transformational Pluto in your sign on Thursday, opening up a deep well of feelings about partners. Mistrust and self-criticism are possible, so it’s essential to be compassionate with yourself and others to begin healing relationship wounds.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your love for freedom may be challenged late this week when amorous Venus conjuncts possessive Pluto in Capricorn on Thursday morning. This soul-stirring event occurs in the shadows of your secretive 12th House where it can evoke feelings of mistrust or insecurity. It’s a clear reminder, though, that a reality check is sometimes necessary to keep a relationship on track or to take the steps needed to regain your self-respect.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your tender heart is easily touched this week with the Moon’s presence in your supersensitive sign from Thursday morning to Saturday night. Normally, this might allow you a little escape from reality by drifting off on a cloud of romantic feelings. However, the guardian of the heart, Venus, demands perfect clarity about your intentions and goals now. When you are certain about what you want, you’re more likely to find it.

Daily Horoscopes for Monday, November 28th

Our innocent desires for pleasure are overtaken today by a more mature approach to life. The responsible Capricorn Moon reminds us to think about the consequences of our actions prior to doing something we might later regret. If a positive outcome is blocked by others, we may choose to wait until the odds are in our favor. However, if we ignore the signs, the Moon’s stressful square to authoritative Saturn indicates that we’ll learn the hard way.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are motivated to get ahead on the job now, but your ambitions may be so strong that that you don’t bother checking in with your close friends to find out how they feel about what you’re doing. Although you don’t need the approval of others when making your plans, it’s still wise to seek feedback from those you trust the most. There’s no rush to act immediately so give yourself plenty of time, or you might find yourself far out on a limb without an easy way back.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You are continuing to gain clarity about your goals with the Capricorn Moon’s presence in your 9th House of Future Vision. However, you might realize that your current path isn’t leading you to the exact place you want to go. It may not be the best time to shift directions, but it surely can’t hurt to start planning for the upcoming changes.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may grow uncomfortable today if a close friend or lover asks you too many questions about your relationship. You might sidestep a direct interrogation about your motives by not answering with a definitive yes or no; however, it’s not easy to maintain ambiguity now. You cannot evade making a decision any longer, so share your thoughts and then put your words into action.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You want to strengthen your emotional connection with a special someone in your life today, but you might not be as available if your partner is too demanding. You may be feeling so practical that it’s hard to show any vulnerability. Your smartest move might be to retreat now so you can reconnect with your own needs before engaging in an intense conversation. Once you re-establish your center, you’ll be able to communicate your feelings in a more constructive manner.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might wish that you weren’t so direct today because your actions can be a bit intimidating to someone who is less dynamic than you. It’s challenging to see a problem before it arises, and beating around the bush isn’t your preferred style. Nevertheless, a bit of self-restraint is in order now. Ultimately, controlling your anger by acting in a diplomatic manner will help you to get what you want.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You’re able to tap into a deep well of creativity today, but you must find a sensible method to integrate it into your day or you won’t have much to show for your efforts. Instead of trying to capture a sudden burst of genius, try to find a groove that’s comfortable enough to sustain. Remember, being productive is more important now than being clever.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You’re not interested in frivolous activities today and won’t likely be inclined to join your friends unless you believe that what they’re doing is worthwhile. Even if you’re thinking that you would prefer to have fun, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself unless you feel grounded. Your serious attitude turns you into a harsh judge if someone pushes you too hard. However, if you state your needs clearly, you’ll get along with others and even have a good time in the process.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

It’s in your best interest to decide what you’re willing to give in return for what you want before you start any sort of negotiation today. But keep in mind that you won’t get very far if you’re expecting something for nothing. You’ll end up sabotaging your efforts if you’re too greedy, so it’s better to work toward a mutually beneficial outcome where everyone is a winner.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Don’t let anyone push you around now; take a stand and be firm about it. Unfortunately, it may not be a simple task to set your boundaries, especially since you could be facing a formidable opponent. Don’t be afraid to disagree, even if your words stir up conflict. The chances for resolution are slim today, so don’t try to force a victory. Instead, just make sure that your message is heard and then move on.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Everyone may get more than they bargained for today. If anyone tries to control you, your intense emotions could quickly rise to the surface now that the Moon is in your practical sign. The slightest provocation might elicit a flood of passion that stems from your defense against someone who makes you feel insecure. Thankfully, your current position isn’t as precarious as it seems, so don’t overstate your case. Take a few deep breaths and let your anxieties dissipate before you respond.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’re not ready to reveal your secrets today, and the more someone tries to get you to talk, the more you withdraw. Fortunately, you’re quite capable of holding your ground, even if a very persuasive person is trying to coerce you to spill the beans. You can’t be forced to share anything that you’ve decided to keep to yourself, so politely decline to answer and change the topic of conversation.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Social situations are more complicated than you think now, because each person has a distinct set of desires. You might be overly confident about your ability to navigate through the emotional landscape, but you cannot please everyone. Nevertheless, you won’t be deterred from trying as the Moon visits your 11th House of Friends and Associates. Don’t hide your motives; it’s better to be honest, even if it triggers a disagreement in the process.

Today’s Cosmic Calendar for November 28th

This first day of this workweek suggests that big business ventures, professional aims and entrepreneurial matters are core issues. The main reason is that the Moon continues its monthly transit in the third and final earth sign – Capricorn. In addition, the Sun forms a subtle and yet still advantageous, 30-degree rapport with Pluto (10:37AM PST). The 30-degree aspect is considered minor by many astrologers, but when the center of our solar system (the Sun) forms any contact with the outermost, main planet (Pluto) – some 3 billion miles away – it is wise to heed what is going on. And in this case, you have an opportunity to understand hidden motives in yourself and ferret out normally secretive behavior patterns of your competitors in order to give yourself an edge on the money-making superhighway of the modern world. However, the Moon squares Saturn at 3:02PM PST – beginning an 8-hour void limbo time-period until 11:03PM PST when the Moon enters service-oriented Aquarius. Keep a low profile during the void lunar dispensation. It is okay to finish old projects on a high note, but keep new plans under wraps until the Moon shifts into Aquarius. Strive to maintain your productivity in arts, crafts and hobbies since Mercury squares Ceres (11:37PM PST).

the daily humorscopes for monday, november 28th

the daily humorscope 

Monday, November 28, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Good day to excavate. You will find the ruins of an ancient civilization, and become famous.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Today is the day you will discover your larger cosmic destiny! A television infomercial and an 800 number are somehow involved.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
A moth the size of a Boeing 747 will erupt from a nearby hillside today, and go off to help a huge semi-aquatic rubbery dinosaur fight off an alien attack. So what are you doing to help?
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
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.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Beware of being cautious, today.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Good time to invest in stock. (The canned kind, not the financial kind.)
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
A rare form of management disease will strike you today, where you can only speak in metaphors. Still, you’ll open the kimono and hit the ground running.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
While attending a séance “just for fun”, you will be possessed by the spirit of Rasputin. Surprisingly, it will be a good career move.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will discover the secret to becoming a great artist! You can stick anything you want on the wall, the trick is to make people think deep thought went into it. For example, spray-paint a bathroom plunger gold, and stick little angel wings on it. Call it “Life In The Details.”
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Stay out of the Cheez Doodles today.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Excellent time to take up weasel ranching. Or at least to claim that’s what you do, at parties.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Good day to use the expression “just dandy” as much as possible. Tomorrow: “okey dokey” day.

Meditation Technique to Clean and Heal the Eyes

Goddess Comments & Graphics

 

Meditation Technique to Clean and Heal the Eyes

By Natalya Podgorny, Yoga+

If you’ve ever been transfixed by a candle flame and felt your mind clear, you may have been tapping into a yogic focusing practice called trataka. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines trataka as “looking intently with an unwavering gaze at a small point until tears are shed.” This simple technique has a purifying, invigorating effect on the mind and improves concentration, paving the way for a deeper meditation practice. Because it is one of the shat kriyas, or six cleansing actions, trataka also cleans and heals the eyes.

Though many objects can be used to focus your gaze during trataka, the most common is the flame of a candle. Assume a comfortable meditative posture with your head, neck, and trunk aligned. Set a candle two feet in front of you, with the flame positioned at eye level. Make sure the room is dark and draft-free.

STEADY YOUR GAZE

Begin with your eyes closed, surveying the body and watching the breath until it becomes calm, regular, and even. Then open your eyes and rest your gaze on the middle part of the flame, right above the tip of the wick. Keep your eyelids slightly more open than usual, and maintain your gaze without blinking or blurring your vision for as long as possible. Observe any thoughts that arise, watching them come and go without becoming engaged.

Close your eyes only when they begin to strain and water, and you can no longer sustain the gaze. (You can cup your palms and place them gently over the eyes to ease the strain, but do not rub the eyes; because the tears you have shed are carrying away impurities, wipe them gently with a tissue.) Then find the afterimage of the flame in your mind’s eye, resting your awareness at the ajna chakra, or eyebrow center. If the image moves up and down or side to side, stabilize it by bringing it back to the center, and continue to fix your gaze until the impression disappears. To delve deeper into the mind, you can follow this practice with meditation.

HEALTHY GLOW

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue, and sloth, and closes the doorway creating these problems. In addition to improving concentration and memory, trataka cleanses both the eyes and the cerebral cortex, balances the nervous system, and relieves depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Another yogic text, the Gheranda Samhita, states that the practice cultivates clairvoyance and inner vision.

Because sight, mental discrimination, and the fire at the manipura chakra are intricately interwoven, trataka also nourishes the subtle flame at the navel center, promoting vitality and inner health. In its more advanced form, as the Himalayan master Swami Rama said, “The practice of trataka eventually merges into surya sadhana, meditation on the solar energy.”

STARING AT THE SUN

Under the guidance of a teacher, you can learn how to use a variety of auspicious objects or symbols as the focus of your gaze during trataka, such as a yantra (a symbolic geometric representation of aspects of Divinity), the symbol Om, the form of a deity, lightning, the moon, your own shadow, or the glowing orange orb of the rising or setting sun. So steady your gaze, and follow the light all the way to your inner self.

Natalya Podgorny is the editor of Yoga + Joyful Living

Sorry The Holiday Is Over & It’s Back To Work Day! Happy Monday to you, dear friends!

Days Of The Week Comments  Today Is: Moon Day– Energy: Female Ruler: The Moon – Rules emotions, protection, healing, and women’s mysteries – Use for magick involving the subconscious, healing, emotions, love, spirituality, healing wounds, children, small animals, women’s mysteries, the female side of men, mothers, sisters, female partners, wives, instincts

  • Today’s Magickal Influences: Agriculture, Domestic, Long Life, Medicine, Travels, Visions, Theft
  • Today’s Goddesses: Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gaelach, Ida, Artemis [Whom The Greeks Associated With Bast], The Witches, Yemaya, Erzulie, Bast
  • Incense: Myrtle
  • Perfumes: White Poppy, White Rose, Wallflower
  • Color of The Day: Silver, Grey, White
  • Colors for Tomorrow: Red
  • Lucky Sign: Monday Is The Lucky Day For The Sign of Cancer
  • Candle: White

Magickal Graphics

Meditation on Thinking and Believing

Meditation on Thinking and Believing

In a world as fast paced and technological as this, it is sometimes hard to come face to face with something that we do not understand. Even this book is a modern miracle. It was created on a PC, typeset on a different PC, send off to the publisher where it was loaded onto still other machinery, and copied at an incredible rate of speed. Someone created the cover picture and loaded it into a form that computerized machinery could use, and it was printed off nearly as fast.

Finally, the cover and the book were bound on still more machinery and the books were packed and placed onto a truck for delivery to your local bookstore. We exist outside of natural time. Instead of rising with the dawn and working until it is dark, we set our alarms to wake us, dash off to work, come home, and continue to work long into the night under the glaring false light of technology.

We can see tiny cells that are far to small to see with the naked eye, and fall victim to high tech crime and other problems. Every day brings new discoveries of still smaller and smaller particles and creations. We analyze everything until we understand it in the smallest detail possible. Why? So that we can think we understand it. We fool ourselves into believing that everything can be rationally explained.

But what about the things that we can’t explain? What about the things we can explain but that words just do not describe well? The birth of a child is a miracle in action. Through our research, we can describe what is physically happening throughout the entire development from fertilized egg to human. Yet, those same words cannot hope to ever express the miracle of two single cells coming together to create the marvelously complex beings that we call people. It cannot describe what a soul is or how it comes to be there. It cannot describe the bond that exists between mother and child, or the wonder in the eyes of that child as it learns about its new world.

Thinking and believing have a place in the world. We could not get along without it. However, it is far from sufficient to strive to explain everything there is through this process. Some things should be left as what they are. Miracles. Faith. Mysteries.

(Meditate on these ideas for several days in succession)

Copyright © 2000, Jet Blackthorn

Meditation on the Pentacle and Earth

Meditation on the Pentacle and Earth

Into a dark world comes the dawn, the start of a new day coming from the East. The powers of Earth spring from the same source. Buds burst forth into new growth. Animals come out to look at the world as it blooms again and fill their bellies once more, the starvation and hunger of winter at an end. The Earth is our foundation and our stability as we learn to frolic and play.

The powers of Earth are vast and abundant. When she is angry, the ground shakes and trembles, warning us to change our actions and helping to shake us free from standing around and watching life pass us by. The gifts she gives are boundless.

If this element were to be placed on the face of a clock, following the path of the sun, it would be in the east, at dawn, when time is new and the earth is just beginning to burst forth with new life. It is a light, creative time that holds the promise of the day to come.

Similarly, the moon rises in the west, and if a witch wished to follow the lunar cycle, the element would be placed there. The new, waxing moon is a time of promise of things to come. It is a time of bringing things into being and manifesting growth into the world. This is the time of the Maiden, of the Huntress, those who hold the reins of creativity and inspiration.

The earth, for a witch, is symbolized by the pentacle. It may be as elaborate or as simple as is meaningful. Simple rocks have been used along with things as complex as sun catchers, crystal plates, and hand thrown pottery. It is the foundation to all a witch’s works and all her spells and magick. It helps to keep them stable and able to work their magick and let go of themselves into ecstatic states, knowing they will find their way back.

If a stone is to be used, the best kinds are ones that are found out on one of the walks or trips that the witch takes. Tumbled or polished ones will work, but they are somewhat distracting from the natural ties that the pentacle has to the earth at times. If you want a shiny one, purchase a small rock tumbler (Most are less than $20.00) and tumble the rocks that you find outside on your own. Granite also works well, if there is a source nearby, since it has both a rough surface and a glossy one.

Marble is another choice, if available, that is a good option if a fancier pentacle is desired. Since the pentacle represents the north and is the stability that a witch ties her spells to as she casts them, it is the anchor point for a circle. Make certain that your pentacle is sturdy enough to take the strain of these things before you acquire and consecrate it.

Copyright © 2000, Jet Blackthorn

Meditate on the Waxing Moon

Meditate on the Waxing Moon

 
According to Celtic tradition, the waxing of the moon (when it passes from new to full) is a time of inner transformation that gives us a heightened awareness of the voice of the soul. At some point during this period, spend five minutes meditating on the moon. At the start of the meditation, imagine Olwen, the lady of the moon, assisting you in allowing your soul to speak.

5-Minute Meditation: Light-Song

5-Minute Meditation: Light-Song – By Avalon De Witt

Sit quietly in a comfortable place with your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Listening to the rhythm of your breath, feel your body relaxing from the top of your head, all the way down to the tips of your toes…

Begin to form a vivid picture in your mind. See before you a large golden chalice, spilling over with a pale green light. The soft glow of this light is calming to look at and seems to emanate a sound like a thousand angels singing…

Let this light-born music become clearer and more vibrant. Notice how the light-song harmonizes with your heart beat. You can sense a healing power in the lilting melody that is already making you feel lighter…

Visualize yourself reaching out with your hands cupped together and dipping into the green light as though it were a pool of cool water…

Now ease your hands toward your your heart center and let the green light gently penetrate you there. Allow this gentle green light to expand in your heart and throughout your body filling you with immense joy, bringing a smile to your face…

Feel the song of this light dancing within you, moving through your bloodstream, washing away all your stresses and worries. Observe the way your body responds to the comforting, harmonious music freeing your mind, balancing you…

Spend as long as you like reveling in the relaxation of this tender light-song. Hear it flowing through you, cleansing you completely. Enjoy the feelings of peace and contentment, and remember that you can take in this beautiful light song any time you wish…

Gradually deepen your breath and return to the moment. Bring your attention back to the room. Gently move your fingers and toes and slowly open your eyes. This is a wonderful way to release anxiety and lift your spirits any time of day.

Spread Your Wings and Fly (Snow Moon)

Spread Your Wings and Fly

(Snow Moon)
 
 
Spread your wings and fly toward your full potential with this spell.
 
Sit or lie back and get comfortable. Take several deep breaths, inhaling slowly, holding your breath for a count of three, and exhaling. Sense all the stress and tension moving out of your body every time you breathe out.
 
Stretch your arms out and as you do so, imagine them growing feathers and becoming wings. Slightly move your arms, and it lightly moves you up into the clouds. Around you are butterflies and zebras that ride through fairytales on moonbeams.
 
By lightly flapping your wings, you ride the wind to wherever you want to go. Through the intention of your mind, you can become whoever you want to be. Now is the time to spread your wings and fly. Now is the time to reach for the stars and realize your full potential. Allow yourself to drift to sleep, as you wing your way through the stars.

Peri Protection Spell {Snow Moon}

Peri Protection Spell

{Snow Moon}
 
 
The Peries are Persian Faeries born from fire. They only eat perfume and are known to protect people against harmful faeries. In this spell, you are invoking the energy of the Peries as a means of protection from dark energies and negative events.
 
You will need a green candle and three drops of jasmine-scented oil.
 
Begin by anointing the candle with the three drops of oil while saying:
 
“Blessed oil of jasmine sweet
Draw the magick of the Peries to me.”
 
Put the candle in its holder, and light it while dedicating it to the Peris:
 
“Born from the divine fire
Peries protect me from evil and darkness.
As I will, so shall it be!”
 
Let the candle burn safely down all the way. Put some perfume on a piece of cloth and leave it out for the Peries. Anytime you feel darkness and negativity trying to come into your space, light a candle and call in the Peries for protection.