Days of the Week Comments

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Beat Holiday Blues with Feng Shui

Beat Holiday Blues with Feng Shui

  • Erica Sofrina

One of my favorite fall rituals is to fill my trunk with an abundance of the multicolored, unusually shaped pumpkins and gourds that richly grace the Half Moon Bay, N. California coast side where I reside. I especially love the lime- green and tangerine ones with exotic curly handles. I throw in handfuls of dry, crackly autumn-colored corn and drive happily home where I arrange them artfully around a haystack on my front porch.

Inside I arrange a bountiful ‘horn of plenty’ with the smaller multicolored gourds and mini-pumpkins along with the acorns, dry corn and colorful autumn leaves I have collected.

This is my celebration into fall. I don’t really feel it has arrived until I greedily scoop up nature and feature it prominently in my home.

The Chinese art of Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of bringing nature into our living space, which is called the Five Elements Theory. This is the part of Feng Shui that I have found the most powerful when working with my clients, and the part that I most enjoy teaching to my students. I think it must be because this teaching is so intuitive and simple, yet transformational.

As human beings we are connected to 100,000 generations of ancestors who lived in the natural world. It is embedded into our DNA to feel a deep sense of balance and well being in nature. Studies have shown that people become depressed, lethargic and unproductive when deprived of it. We don’t need science to prove the joyousness we feel sinking our feet into white sands while watching a magnificent sunset. We experience it healing our soul and nurturing our spirit.

 

One powerful way to remedy winter blues is to work with balancing the elements that begin to diminish during the fall and winter seasons. In working with the Feng Shui five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood, we work with the controlling and the nurturing cycles. When we have too much of an element we control it by bringing in the element that is stronger. An example would be the element of earth which we would enhance in order to control the element of water. When we have too little of an element we can nurture it with the element that feeds it, such as the element of wood which will strengthen and feed the element of fire.

By bringing into our homes more of the elements of fire (red), wood (green) and earth (gold) during the colder months, we overcome the abundance of the water element and bring them back into balance. Because we are deeply affected by our physical surroundings, our physical bodies come back into balance as well. As a result depression and lethargy often naturally lifts.

It was no surprise to me to discover that our ancestors had been decorating in this same fashion for centuries. As creatures of comfort we will always try to bring our environment into alignment. In so doing they were naturally balancing these seasonal imbalances.

My favorite winter ritual is to fill my trunk with large branches from the unclaimed fir trees and berry bushes around my home. I give them their seasonal ‘haircut’ and into my trunk they go. That evening, I put on my favorite holiday music and immerse myself in the creative process of adorning my home with these bountiful earthy treasures.

Always preferring to save a Christmas tree, I create my own ‘greener’ recycled version and adorn a tall vase with pine boughs with twinkly white lights, shiny gold balls, strings of red cranberries and my collection of small unique ornaments. I cover the mantle with pungent greens, red poinsettias, strands of magical white lights and shimmering silver and gold ribbons. A cherished Angel holds the place of honor at the center Every tabletop gets a unique variation on this theme creating a sense of interest and visual surprise everywhere the eye rests.

I encourage you to play, create, feel and experience the objects, textures, smells and magic of nature. Bring it into your homes in abundance during this time and especially emphasize the more earthy, woody and fiery aspects. It will replenish your soul and create a deep sense of joy and well being within you, making the fall and winter a magical cozy and happy time to be in your home.

Your comments are always welcome. Tell me how you bring nature into your home during the holidays.

Enjoy!

Feng Shui Daily Tip for December 16th

Yum — today is ‘National Chocolate Covered Anything Day,’ an energy that’s really easy to swallow. Chocolate actually comes from a plant appropriately named theobroma, which translates to ‘food of the gods.’ These trees are thought to be native to South America and were brought to Mexico by the Mayan civilization. Consequently, both the Aztecs and the Toltecs extensively cultivated cocoa trees. In fact, those ancient Aztecs enjoyed a drink that is believed to be the forerunner of today’s chocolate milk treat. This beverage was also drunk only by men of the upper classes. Women were forbidden to drink this special concoction because of its purported aphrodisiac effects. So the next time you decide to engage an embrace, be sure to serve some sort of chocolate drink with your strawberries and watch the sparks fly as this food bears some sizzling fruit!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Yourr Daily Number for December 16th: 6

Today is a lucky day for you, in which you’re likely to experience progress in your career and/or finances. You feel a sense of closeness with relatives and friends, and an overall healing of the heart. Few things could be better.

Fast Facts

About the Number 6

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

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for December 16th is 62: Attention to Detail

62: Attention to Detail

Hexagram 62

General Meaning: Ambitious undertakings are not in order now, but attention to small matters brings progress. Such is the case of a person whose resources are meager, but who, through modesty and perseverance, rises to accomplish great things.

The key to success when small potential influences the larger scene is to avoid pretentious ambitions and grandiose goals. The power of the small is served by slow and steady advancement, and succeeds through an honest awareness of its own limitations, without reservation.

Modesty stemming from recognizing your limitations is a fine quality, but it can be seen as weakness if it is not accompanied by conscientiousness. It is important to understand the demands of your situation, and not to expect success in big things right now. The wise person recognizes the nature of the time. So, know your own role, carefully attend to details and act with humility, and you can achieve your goal even with few resources.

Today’s Runes for December 16th is Othila

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved…

Today’s Tarot Card for December 16th is The Anchoret

The Anchoret

This Tarot Deck: Cagliostro

General Meaning: The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

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

Your Horoscope Vacation

Your Horoscope Vacation

  • Cait Johnson

The ideal vacation for a fiery, active Aries will probably look very different than the getaway for a tradition-loving Taurus or a super-organized Virgo, for instance. The wisdom from our sun sign can show us how to get the maximum in soul-nurturance from our summer break.

Find out what your horoscope can tell you about your ideal vacation here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: You will probably prefer a break that includes a lot of physical activity: surfing, kayaking, hiking, or vigorous sightseeing. If the rest of your family prefers loafing on the beach, find ways to stay on an even keel by doing yoga or tai chi in the sand.

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Taurus people generally prefer going to places that are familiar and traditional. This year, you might want to hoist yourself out of your rut and go someplace new. Wherever you go, you will find the deepest nurturance in the fertile green energy of nature.

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Geminis sometimes find it hard to feel grounded and to quiet their quickly-moving minds. You might consider taking a meditation retreat to help yourself be deeply present and still. If your family wants to do a theme park instead, just make sure you take time to go someplace quiet and simply sit.

Cancer, June 21-July 22: It can be difficult to get sensitive home-loving Cancers to go anywhere, but the seaside is a natural choice if you do decide to leave the safety and comfort of home. Allow the sound of the surf to bring you ease.

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Most Leos love vacations that offer plenty of opportunity for your vitality to shine, so anything from karaoke singing to drama workshops to simply being the tour guide for your family may all appeal. You are a natural activities-director and entertainer, so enjoy!

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: It is all too easy for Virgos to get caught up in the details of planning the vacation and forget to relax and be in the moment. But time spent gardening (or visiting famous gardens) or simply indulging in wonderful organic meals will help to soothe you.

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Harmony-loving Libras may find they are more focused on pleasing everyone else when it comes to taking a vacation than in pleasing themselves. Be sure to feed your sensitive spirit with plenty of beauty, both natural and human: art museums and natural vistas both will offer soul-food.

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Because Scorpios are so drawn to the depths, your ideal vacation may involve a spiritual workshop of some kind, or learning an esoteric practice, or doing deep couples work with your partner. If not, then snorkeling or scuba-diving might offer a literal way for you to explore those depths of which you are so fond.

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Sparkly Sagittarians usually need plenty of activity and social interaction to feed their souls. Your ideal vacation might involve a group tour of some interesting spot or a glimpse of another culture.

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Work-oriented Capricorns usually need to be pried away from their desks and routines with a crowbar, but if you do decide you deserve a break, time spent in the mountains or some other expansive view will help you to unwind.

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Your fertile imagination will take pleasure in coming up with meaningful activities to share with your closest loved ones. Anything that offers spiritual inspiration will be likely to engage and nurture you.

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Because of your dedication to service, your ideal vacation may involve some kind of environmental or social outreach: helping to clean up a park or building a house for the needy may appeal to your altruistic nature. If your family just wants to have fun, you can channel your need to help in smaller but no less important ways.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, December 16th

It’s difficult to exercise caution today because optimistic Jupiter tempts us to take unnecessary risks when it forms an uneasy sesquisquare with energetic Mars. Nevertheless, we’re a bit skittish as Mars in critical Virgo motivates us to refine our plans rather than pursuing our goals. Meanwhile, the Moon’s visit to Virgo encourages us to limit our options. We may think that we’re playing it smart, but inaction only increases our frustration.

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

If you have been thinking about purchasing something special for yourself, you might impulsively decide to buy it today. However, your standards are rigid now, so it’s necessary to convince yourself that your current acquisition is not frivolous. It’s better to spend your money on tools for work than on something you don’t really need. Ultimately, it’s wiser to conserve your resources, so don’t be afraid to buck the tide and say no.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Although you want to put your life back in order, you probably can’t regain control over everything today. Your pragmatic common sense tells you to be cautious, but friends are encouraging you to make commitments without worrying about fulfilling them until later on. You might be able to improve your production pace by squeezing out a little more effort every day; however the possible negative impact on your life isn’t worth the tradeoff. Once you choose your priorities, establish clear boundaries so that everyone knows exactly what to expect.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may believe that staying in motion keeps you relatively safe, as if instant karma can’t hit you while you’re moving. Even if you are enthused about living in such a dynamic time, you can grow tired of having to always be on the run. You might notice today that you’re longing for more relaxing times. Fortunately, you have the power to make the choice to wean yourself from high-adrenaline situations so you are able to live a longer and happier life. Be proactive and start now.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You might be tempted to jump into a project at work today if you have already created a detailed plan to ensure your success. You can manage your resources well, even if your friends pull you in several directions. It’s extremely difficult to pass by an opportunity that looks too good to ignore. However, following your instincts could lead to trouble if you wander too far off track. Avoid the disappointment that comes from overindulging your fantasies by buckling down and following your agenda, instead.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may be able to visualize the finished results on a big project today, yet any attempts to take a shortcut could be met with swift retribution. It’s a smart strategy to move past the flush of excitement about a new career direction so you can get down to serious business now. Don’t dilly-dally; it’s time to build a solid foundation in order to reach your impressive goals.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You’re rejuvenated by the Moon’s return to practical Virgo and can now create a strategy for living defensively. Although green lights seem to appear at every intersection today, you are wise to tap the brakes and look each way before continuing on. Don’t be distracted by good news; even if your future is looking fantastic, stop to check your map before blindly driving forward.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your extravagant behavior today may be an overreaction to hide your fears about what’s ahead. Fortunately, you could realize the extraordinary effect that your thoughts have on the future, leading you to choose fun and games over doom and gloom. Nevertheless, your attention is also required on matters of deeper concern, so don’t go off and bury your head in the sand. Balance optimism with realism for optimum results.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may think that you would be better off training for the marathon of your life that you believe is just ahead. But you might also conclude that it’s a good idea to enjoy yourself while you can, for you don’t really know what’s around the next corner. While considering these opposite perspectives, remember that your point of view continues to change, too, so every decision needs to stand on its own merits.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your optimistic outlook is encouraged by eager Mars’ aspect to your key planet Jupiter. Although you want more facts today, you might not have time to properly integrate them into your plan. However, you also want to establish new priorities to reduce the stress of having too much data. Instead of reaching out even further, limit your field of possibilities and take steps to utilize what you already know.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may believe that you’re regaining your stability now, just as a wave of big ideas washes in to sweep you off your feet. Ironically, you’re optimistic about your future, even if the current circumstances feel unsettling. Be careful about what you believe, for you could be influenced by those who seek blind support for the party line. Instead of following the herd, think for yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Although your future is looking better all the time, it’s wise to tread carefully since you could be building your strategy on incomplete data. Receiving praise from a powerful person is wonderful, but others may have their own reasons for giving you positive feedback now. Maintain a healthy attitude about your work, but don’t allow your strong desire for success to cast a rosy glow over reality. A practical approach will serve you much better than running from the truth.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your friend or co-worker may be overly critical of your actions today, but you might disregard other people’s negative comments because you think they’re being unrealistic or judgmental. Instead of learning from constructive feedback, you’re tempted to discredit anyone who doesn’t support your efforts. Keep in mind that your apparent adversaries could be much more helpful than you realize, so listen to the advice you receive and use it to make your position even stronger.

Weekend Lunar Love Horoscopes for December 16th – 18th

Weekend Love: Lunar Love

by Jeff Jawer

Work in Progress

December 16 – 18

Love and pleasure are available for those willing to work extra hard this weekend. The practical Virgo Moon favors productivity and pragmatism, leaving romantic fantasies behind and seeking more grounded ways to connect. Collaborating on a project is one way to have fun while taking care of business. Helping a friend or contributing time and energy to a cause in which you believe can be excellent alternative methods for meeting someone special.

Happily, there is a sweet trend on Saturday night when the earthy Virgo Moon aligns favorably with lovely Venus. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or do anything elaborate to tap into the simple pleasures available all around you.

The Moon’s move into the partnership sign Libra on Sunday morning turns the wheel in another direction. Normally, this shift should invite delight and harmonious partnerships but, alas, this may not be the case now. The Moon’s challenging square with manipulative Pluto could undermine trust and bring up old fears from the past. However, this relatively quick moving transit is trumped by a more challenging one: Venus’ square with severe Saturn. You might feel temporarily isolated and unloved, yet the point is not to suffer in silence but to face facts and stoically work harder to earn the affection you want.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 16th

From last night’s Moon-Jupiter trine from Virgo to Taurus to this morning’s Moon-Pluto trine from Virgo to Capricorn (7:56AM PST), there is a grand triangle hovering in the sky and offering you success and achievements in the business and professional realms. However, Mercury is only now beginning to gain much in the way of daily speed and three potential drawbacks occurs as Mars makes a frictional, 135-degree connection to Jupiter (8:02AM PST) while Vesta makes a rare union with Neptune in Aquarius (8:18AM PST) and the Moon unites with Mars in Virgo toward the end of the day (11:35PM PST). Trying to push your own agenda too far too fast can backfire. The Vesta-Neptune rapport suggests that by using your creative imagination and psychic sensitivity golden opportunities for forward progress can be made on the investment front. However, dashing ahead without a coherent game-plan or letting impatience take control won’t bring you deserved rewards. It is also wise to stop worrying about a wide variety of problems. Under Virgo Moon, this worry factor can doom almost any otherwise sensible enterprise. While you are wiping out worry, make sure you also eliminate criticism of self or others. This shadow side of the Virgo realm is another area of life that acts as a destroyer for our daily hopes. Reflection and contemplation during this lunar dispensation can remind you of the simple joys that make life worth living.

the daily humorscopes for friday, december 16th

the daily humorscope

 

Friday, December 16, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Today you will go into the prosthetic forehead business, having heard that everyone wants a prosthetic forehead to wear on their real forehead. It would be a good idea to do your own market research, in this case, before sinking all your savings in this venture.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You’ll get one of those pieces of toast today with a really big hole in it, and the jam will squish out the bottom. That’s it though, for today’s excitement.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You will spend today in a state of mild anxiety. Probably Ohio.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
What goes around will come around, today. Metaphorically speaking, that is.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Today you will uncover a conspiracy, involving leaf-blowers and other noisy and completely pointless garden equipment.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Fortune will smile upon you today. Actually, it’s more of a smirk.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
In a daring intellectual coup, you will translate a collection of Zen koans from Chinese directly into Jive, in an attempt to combine the best elements of philosophical thought and emotion. You will title the collection “Yo Mama By The River.”
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
This week you will discover the first of the Three Big Secrets Of Success: It’s really hard to fail, if you have no purpose.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Time to commit some random acts of kindness. I have developed an algorithm for this. The next time someone asks you for a quarter (or any small coin), take one out of your pocket, and toss it in the air. Heads, give it to them. Tails, put it back in your pocket, and tell them you haven’t got any. Or whatever – remember, the important thing is to be RANDOM.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
You’ve been complaining too much, lately. You might find more to enjoy in your life by watching a documentary about a lot of people starving to death in miserable third-world slums. I know that always cheers me right up!
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Good day to bring donuts to a meeting. Later, ask people how their diets are going.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Confucious said “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Confucious was a Harvard man, you know, with a huge trust fund. He certainly never “worked” a day, himself. I wouldn’t take what he said too literally, in your case.

Waiting For Yule

Yule Comments & Graphics  

Waiting For Yule

 

Snow gently falls through the night,
Rich, pure and deep,
it covers the bear branches,
crisping every last solitary Mabon leaf.

As Her icy blanket drapes lovingly across the land.
We wait…

The dream of Spring glows within us,
stirring in our hearts.
The gentle chimes of Hope ring in Our words and blessings.
Our candles flicker in the heavy darkness,

We wait…

Wrapped in our faith,
surrounded by the bonds of love,
family, friends, near and far.

Our altars and hearths, brimming with evergreen,
We wait…

The Yule Moon,
Magnificent in the black beyond,
whispers of the coming Light.

In Our silent moments of contemplation,
We wait…

The World around us, bustling with preparations, stress, chaos, war and loneliness…

We, The Watchers…look on…
waiting for the turning of the Wheel.

In anticipation, we long to reach out to the coming Spring, smile and say…

“You are most welcome in our hearts and homes, Good Friend!”

Till then…

We wait and watch the snow gently falling beyond the window pane….

© Hellen Davis

   

~Magickal Graphics~

Hello Wonderful World! It’s Friday! It’s Friday! Ya-Hoo!

Yule Comments & Graphics
Hello dear friends! It’s Friday! I bet you would have never guessed. Got busy plans for the weekend? Getting those last-minute gifts? Or just starting your Yule and Christmas shopping? I haven’t bought anything yet. For the last couple of years, I have waited to the very last-minute to buy anything. I know what it stems from my daughter (the one that use to tell me I was going to hell all the time) would make comments that I didn’t appreciate about Yule. She got to the point were she would ask me, “Not buying any presents or putting up a Christmas tree this year?” My reply would be, “Yes, when Yule gets closer, I will buy presents and put up the Yule Tree.” I think she associated presents with both Yule and Christmas. So she wanted to know what this “Yule” was all about. I told her and now she doesn’t ask when all the goodies are going to appear. 

 

 But speaking of Yule, this weekend the WOTC will have its’ Annual Yule Edition. This year it is going to be an all weekend event. We will features Yule spells, rituals, home-made gifts, ideas for children, Pagan Yule carols and much more. You will have plenty to read and plenty of ideas to make this a great Yule for you and your family. 

Now On The Magick…….

  

Friday

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart

 
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla

 
Planet: Venus

Sign: Libra and Taurus

Angel: Ariel

 
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua

 
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly

 

Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade

Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

  

Spellcrafting For Today

  THE “PERFECT LOVE FOR ME” SPELL

On a Friday, in the waxing phase of the Moon, (from new to just before and including full Moon)
take two long red candles, a piece of parchment, pen and ink, a pie plate (for safety’s sake) and
find a quiet place free from interruptions. Write on one side of the parchment “The Perfect Love For Me”,
and on the other side, draw a semi-circle.
On one of the candles scratch in “The perfect love for me” and on the other, scratch in your name.
Place the parchment in the pie plate with the semi-circle side up.
Place the one candle (in a holder if need be) that has your name on it on the inside of the semi-circle,
the other one (once again, holder okay) on the outside of the circle. Light the candles, concentrating
on your desire for a perfect love. Let it burn for about an hour, snuff them both using a snuffer or your
fingers (do not blow them out) and on each night thereafter, walk the outer candle closer to the center
of the semi-circle, burning the candles for about an hour each night. Once the outer candle is close
to the inner one, take the same pen you used originally and close the circle around the two in a
clockwise direction. Allow the candles to burn out. When done, burn the parchment and save
the ashes and any left over wax in a small bag (preferably red) under your pillow until your love arrives.
As with all magic, you must really desire this, and put that desire into your spell.
Your love should arrive soon. If you only wish someone to date, you can also put that instead of
perfect love on the candle and parchment.  

Magickal Graphics