By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
~Confucius
Day: December 19, 2011
Prayer Bowls
Prayer Bowls
What is a prayer bowl? A Prayer bowl is used to listen to your prayers, wishes, and thoughts, and carry
them into the other dimensions (the astral). They can be used to make any room more spiritual, without
causing to much attention. They are good for the workplace, because to co-workers, it is just a decoration,
and for you, it is a magical tool. The feather would be one that means something to you, perhaps a feather
of your power animal, and a feather of a power animal that you relate to. The crystals can be anything, from
clear quartz for focusing energy, to hematite for healing. These things can be looked up in various books.
A Prayer bowl is a fairly simple object to make. Take a small bowl that you like, a feather that means
something to you, some crystals, and some dirt. Put the dirt into the bowl, put the crystals on the dirt,
and place a feather in it.
After it is put together, empower it to listen to your prayers. In a dim light room, preferably candle lit, gaze
into the feather. Concentrate on what this prayer bowl is going to do for you. Think about the bird that it came
from, the views of the world that it must have seen. Thank that bird for giving of itself so that you may have this
prayer bowl. Next, think about the crystals, and what they mean for you. Visualize them in there natural
environment, deep in the Earth, and thank them for coming to you for this prayer bowl. In the Americas, they
are known as “stone people”.
After it is empowered, place it in an appropriate spot. I like to have mine near a window, so as they get a little
sun now and again. Also, the feather can hear the calls of the birds.
Pagan Hearth Recipes
The Pagan Roots Of Christmas
The Pagan Roots Of Christmas
The early Christians quite consciously chose the pagan sun holiday for the celebration of their Son-god’s birth.
Christmas falls during the Roman Saturnalia and at the birth of the Mithraic sun god. According to
“A Witches Bible Compleat”, by Janet and Stewart Farrar, the Archbishop of Constantinople wrote that
church fathers fixed the Nativity during the pagan holidays because “while the heathen were busied with
their profane rites, the Christian might perform their holy ones without disturbance.”
Other Christians accused those who kept Christmas at the solstice of performing sun worship. Armenians,
who celebrate Christmas on January 6, elsewhere Epiphany, called Roman Christians idolaters, according to Funk
and Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. Similarly, under the Puritans in 1644,
and Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. Similarly, under the Puritans in 1644,
the English Parliament expressly forbade observing Christmas. Augustine admitted that putting Christmas at
the winter solstice was a conscious identification of the Son with the sun but defended the symbolism.
the winter solstice was a conscious identification of the Son with the sun but defended the symbolism.
The Christmas most Americans know as children mixes a celebration of the birth of Christ with traditions
from the Roman Saturnalia, the Northern European Yule, and the Celtic Solstice.
GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast
Daily Aromatherapy Tip ~ Peppermint vs. Spearmint
Daily Aromatherapy Tip ~ Peppermint vs. Spearmint
Peppermint can sometimes overpower a blend. Use Spearmint in your blend when you want a fragrance
that’s less harsh. The therapeutic properties are just about the same and I think Spearmint is a fresher scent.
Brought to you by AromaThyme.com
Goddess Of The Day: Hexe
Goddess Of The Day: Hexe
Saint Hildegard Dies
Themes: Health, Banishing:Magic
Symbols: Healing Herbs and Charms
About Hexe: This ancient Germanic witch’s goddess rules over health, banishing curses and teaching
people the effective use of spells, charms and other mystical procedure for improving well being, Thus
we come by the old phrase “hex doctor”.
To Do Today: Living in the 1100’s St Hildegard was a renowned Benedictine nun living in Bingen and
ministering to people with herbal preparations received in visions. Many of these had magical overtone,
perhaps guided by Hexe’s influence. In any case, today’s theme is learning the art of weaving, “Hexes”
for physical, mental and spiritual health.
On the physical level take a natural object like a cut potato and rub it against an inflicted area. Bury the
potato to “bury” the malady and decompose it. Or carry a jet stone to absorb the problem, then cleanse
the rock in saltwater to wash the bas energy away. For mental well being, enjoy a soothing cup of mint
tea stirred countercockwise so tensions and negativity will wane. Or, carry a flourite stone with you
throughout the day to strengthen your mental powers. For spiritual health, sprinkle nutmeg-laden water
clockwise throughout your aura to empower your physic self. Or, carry a lapis or amethyst stone to draw
goddess centered thinking and action into your day.
By Patricia Telesco
Today’s Affirmation for December 19th
Today’s I Ching Hexagram for December 19th is 33: Retreat
33: Retreat
General Meaning: All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-timed retreat is a good way to stay on the path to ultimate success. Tibetans know this.
Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat demands quick and nimble movement — taking up a new position before you are damaged by the current situation. You are not admitting defeat by temporarily retreating, but simply increasing your options, and preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back in order to develop countermoves for the future. Timing is critical, as is how well you position yourself after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.
Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool-headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture. Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-pity.
Waves of progress are, by their nature, short-lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-down cycles of life. When the wave is behind you, ride it in; when it’s not, lie low. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can ‘fix’ any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check and you will be better prepared to find creative openings
Today’s Runes for December 19th is Ken
Today’s Runes
 |
Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Ken is the rune of light and knowledge, driving away darkness and ignorance and revealing hidden truth. This rune also brings forth images of friendship and comfort. Ken is the light of inspiration, the light of imagination, and a beacon in the darkest hours. |
Today’s Tarot Card for December 19th is The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man
This Tarot Deck: Lord of the Rings
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.
Daily Horoscopes for Monday, December 19th
We have work to do on the relationship front today, and the socially astute Libra Moon reminds us that objectivity is preferable to an overly emotional approach. Although we still may be feeling isolated from a loved one, the Sun’s cooperative sextile with austere Saturn reminds us that healthy boundaries are necessary for survival. We are likely to take life quite seriously, but we’re quite comfortable now that self-discipline comes more easily.
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You may believe that someone’s blocking your path to happiness today, but this point of view could be your way to avoid taking responsibility. Don’t place blame on others; instead, look within to gain understanding about your causal role in the present situation. Ironically, altering your own attitude might be the most sensible way to improve your current circumstances.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
You might think that you don’t have many options today. Fortunately, your willingness to work within the restraints of the current situation makes your life easier until you can figure out how to make some changes. You may be patient, but you won’t be able to continue holding out for too long. There’s no need to give up your power now and just accept the status quo; instead, take a risk if you are sure that you know what you want.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
You may be tempted to play today, but you won’t likely be able to take time off for fun. You are driven to keep your guard up now as you’re pulled from one unstable demanding situation to the next, without much time in between. Thankfully, you still can have a stabilizing impact on others if you set your personal desires aside so you can focus on the common good.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
Your personal concerns take center stage today and dealing with them could distract you from your job. You might try to overcompensate by showing others how willing you are to cooperate with them, but they could misinterpret your flexibility as a sign of disinterest. It’s not wise to keep to yourself while taking the course of least resistance. Explain your position as succinctly as possible before you relinquish control.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You might feel as if you’re not in a position to get exactly what you want, but you still could feel satisfied. It’s not likely that you’ll be able to leverage your position to come out on top, but, fortunately, you probably won’t go down in defeat either. Whatever happens now, remember that there will be time in the next few days to reclaim any ground you’ve lost.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Your ruling planet Mercury is up to his trickster games today as he aspects confident Jupiter. You might think that things are looking good, only to discover that you inadvertently glossed over an important detail. Even if you know what’s happening, more is going on than meets the eye. If possible, delay important decisions now, because a renewed sense of clarity will return by the weekend.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You may be known for your indecisiveness, but today you are sure of what you need. Don’t hold back now; let others know your preferences, even if they might want something else. Conflict clashes with your diplomatic style, but at least you have the tools to stand up for yourself. Think about what you are going to say before starting to talk. You could be happily surprised when your wish comes true.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Today can be an important day for your finances, but you must be willing to stand up and state your needs clearly. If you don’t let others know about your goals, they are free to make incorrect assumptions. But don’t let the rules of social etiquette get in your way; speak your truth as directly as you can. Others will appreciate your honesty if you take a risk and share your point of view without editing it for political correctness. You may upset someone by stirring things up, but that is exactly what is needed now.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
If you’re uncomfortable with the high level of concentration that your current work assignment requires, consider the source of your uneasiness. You might not appreciate how you’re being managed, or, perhaps, you’re just bored with your job. Your restlessness is heightened by your inventive ideas now, especially if you have no easy way to share them. Instead of climbing too far out on a limb and telling the whole story, write it down and save it for another day when your message can have positive impact.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You take your work very seriously and prefer to know that you are correct before you share your opinions. You want others to believe that you’re reliable, but now your thoughts are a bit erratic and you may not trust your instincts. Actually, you’re able to think outside the box today, making your current ideas very original. Unfortunately, they may also be a bit spacey. Keep your visions to yourself for a few more days to see how they stand up to the test of time.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Someone is not playing fairly today and there isn’t a lot that you can do about it yet. A co-worker may have hidden motives for whatever scheme he or she is plotting. Don’t try to force the issue even if you believe that something important is being kept from you. Stop struggling; instead, let the events play out on their own. Everything you need to know will become obvious in time.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You may be the rebel in your group today, but you might not be aware of your role yet. If you’re working with a team, everyone else may seem more conservative than you are. You don’t intend to create trouble, but something you say could inadvertently let the truth slip out. Remember, once you speak your mind, you cannot take it back. But don’t worry; you will feel better after everything is out in the open.
Weekly Love Horoscopes for Monday, December 19th
Amorous Venus’ move into cool but friendly Aquarius on Tuesday takes some of the heat out of romance this week. Enjoying new people and experiences without commitment or expectations makes sense while most of us are busy with the holidays — that usually entail putting family first. The Capricorn New Moon on Saturday morning reminds us to consider our ambitions for the future.
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Amicable Venus in Aquarius bumps into a stressful aspect with your ruling planet Mars on Thursday that can put your social life on edge. Too much analysis will make any plan sound questionable and undermine the potential for cooperation. Earning respect by taking care of responsibilities may not sound sexy, but is probably the best way for you to operate during the busy holiday season.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
Traditions may be broken this year, which might not be the way you want to celebrate the holidays. However, your loving ruling planet Venus’ entry into innovative Aquarius on Tuesday tempts you with unconventional relationships and unusual experiences. Rebellious Uranus rattles Saturday’s traditional Capricorn New Moon, so trying to play by the old rules is not likely to earn you favor. Yet being flexible in your thinking is an open invitation to pleasure.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
Traveling somewhere different or connecting with people from faraway places could be your ticket to romance this week. Artistic Venus leaps into liberating Aquarius and your 9th House of Long Journeys on Tuesday to bring an exotic touch to your personal life. Yet being adaptable to unexpected changes is essential this weekend when the ambitious Capricorn New Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy tangles with volatile Uranus and formidable Pluto. Keep on your toes so you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
Saturday’s earthy Capricorn New Moon sprouts seeds of social possibility in your 7th House of Relationships. But fresh experiences with your current partner or meeting someone for the first time can be filled with complications. Provocative Pluto and chaotic Uranus make stressful contacts to this Sun-Moon conjunction, prompting power struggles and irrational behavior. It’s best to avoid taking anyone too seriously now, including yourself.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Although you are more captivating when flirty Venus slips into your 7th House of Partners on Tuesday, this weekend is more about being helpful to others than fulfilling your romantic dreams. Saturday’s serious Capricorn New Moon lands in your 6th House of Service, putting greater emphasis on taking care of business than having fun. Nevertheless, working alongside an attractive individual could combine the best of both worlds.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Saturday’s earthy Capricorn New Moon falls in your 5th House of Romance, which is usually a major plus for personal pleasure. Yet complicated connections from manipulative Pluto and restless Uranus can make it difficult to find the comfortable company you desire. Quickly adapting to unexpected changes of plans and moods is a good way to overcome these challenges and find delight in the midst of unusual circumstances.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Your magnetic planet Venus dances into unconventional Aquarius and your 5th House of Romance on Tuesday to put more spice in your social life. You may be rewarded with unexpected pleasure when you experiment with different kinds of people or out-of-the-ordinary activities. Pushing the limits of playfulness is fine since you have the necessary charm to smooth any ruffled feathers. The key to happiness now is to enjoy each moment without looking too far down the road.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Life is easier when you let go of some control this week. Sweet Venus enters freedom-loving Aquarius and your 4th House of Home and Family on Tuesday, signaling a need to lighten up and let go of rigid rules and expectations. An intense Capricorn New Moon on Saturday triggers control issues that can dampen the holiday mood. Yet if you’re willing to take the high road and adjust your plans, you should receive a few pleasant surprises.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Your sense of self-esteem may take off on a wild ride this weekend due to the industrious Capricorn New Moon spotlighting your 2nd House of Resources. Normally, you would just have to work harder and show more commitment to upgrade your image, but tense connections with the Sun and Moon create surprising complications. Pluto provokes change and unpredictable Uranus spurs uncertainty, alerting you to make some quick adjustments when necessary. Don’t forget to bring out your sassy sense of humor when you need it most.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Get ready for a highly unusual holiday weekend that can pull you between your strong sense of duty and a desire to get away from it all. The New Moon in your ambitious sign on Saturday is agitated by potent Pluto and revolutionary Uranus, triggering rebellious feelings and sudden surprises. Keep your options open and your obligations limited so you have some freedom to alter your plans as your mood or circumstances dictate.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Alluring Venus enters your sign on Tuesday, casting you in a more desirable light and opening the door to new forms of fun. This transit continues through Jan. 13, giving you plenty of time to cash in some romantic chips. However, this weekend is complicated by a serious Capricorn New Moon roiled by stressful aspects with Uranus and Pluto. Power struggles and control issues may lead you to seek a quiet, private place away from all the noise.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Trying to maintain order among friends and relatives may be especially challenging this weekend. It’s hard to focus on personal pleasure if you’re surrounded by an unruly group. It may be wiser to step away now than to wade into a chaotic situation. Taking care of yourself is your first priority. When you’re able to stay calm and centered, you’ll be better equipped to handle people’s inappropriate behavior and whatever other surprises life throws your way.
Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 19th
If you require a morning to be extra focused on accomplishing important business tasks and discussing financial affairs with a trusted associate, this looks like a promising time-period as the Sun in Sagittarius forms a supportive, 60-degree rapport with Saturn in Libra (8:26AM PST). The Sun and Saturn only make two of these alignments in a calendar year and with the Moon energizing relationship-oriented Libra right now, the cosmic vibes can be solidly in your corner. Keep striving to be an expert problem-solver even though the Sun makes a somewhat dicey, 45-degree link to genius-endowed Pallas (4:26PM PST). Enjoy an interlude of quiet contemplation or play strategic games like chess or backgammon with an eager partner. Learn from your revered mentors this evening during the monthly Moon-Saturn union (10:20PM PST). Keep sailing on the artistic horizon – thanks to a supportive, 60-degree connection from the Moon to the Sun (11:18PM PST). After spending many months of 2011 in Aquarius, the asteroid Vesta enters Pisces (11:46PM PST) until February 25, 2012. Over the next two months, check out the safety and security of plumbing around your residence. Is the water coming out of your tap pure and uncontaminated? Make sure your insurance company is giving you the best coverage and rates.
the daily humorscopes for monday, december 19th
the daily humorscope
Monday, December 19, 2011
Aries (March 21 – April 22)
Today you will use the phrase “hep-cat daddy-o” one too many times, and your friends will tie you to a chair, and gag you.
Beware of men on stilts, today. (I’m sorry, but professional ethics prevent me from revealing more. You’ll understand, though, when the “situation” occurs.)
Beware of midget bookies, today. It’s ok to get one of those tiny little poetry books, though, if you feel you really must.
Try to avoid calling anyone a “vacuous, coffee-nosed, malodorous pervert”, today. (That can be taken the wrong way, I’ve discovered.)
Today you will order the dinner “special” at a restaurant. You will regret this, however. Why? Okra.
You will lurk, today. There’s nothing that wrong with lurking, after all, and it’s occasionally somewhat refreshing. In fact, you’ll soon begin work on How To Lurk, a best-selling self-help book on the topic.
You will discover what Shakespeare actually meant, when he wrote “Hey nonny, nonny”, in Much Ado About Nothing. It turns out that it was simply in-field chatter that somehow made it into the play, and that Shakespeare not only enjoyed softball, but was a reasonably good shortstop.
In an unfortunate turn of events, someone sitting across from you will have a peculiar variant of a bad hair day…a bad nose hair day.
You will realize soon that you’ve missed your true calling in life — that of a New Vaudevillian, a theatrical marvel of the Age of Cable. Starting as “Professor Snibble and the Yodelling Pigs!”, you’ll rapidly achieve notoriety, and (much later, with a different act) respectability.
Today will be Mexican Food day, for you. In fact, chances are better than 1 in 3 that someone will refer to you as “Frijole-breath” before the day is through.
You are sad about an upcoming event, but can do nothing about it. Try knitting — people say it’s wonderfully relaxing.
You will discover an odd amulet in an old curio shop, which is made entirely of holmium and yttrium, and which strongly interferes with the normal functioning of electronics. Best not to play with things like that.
Correspondences for Monday, December 19th
Correspondences for Monday
Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, reconciliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood
Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.
Spellcrafting for Monday
A SPELL FOR PROPHETIC DREAMS
Before You Begin: Be Careful This is a rather simple spell, but you are “playing with fire”
before bedtime. Make sure you have extinguished all burning things before you cross
into slumber. Sprinkle some Jasmine on your pillow, and make sure you have a dream-journal
or the like at your bedside to record your dreams in, and brew a cup of mugwort tea.
(NOTE: mugwort is unhealthy in large doses, so go easy, and consult an Herbal Reference
book if you’re worried. Light blue candles on your altar.
If you want to gain insight into your passions or your loves, burn Damiana as well.
Watch the smoke as it coils, and allow it to carry you off into the trance-like state that you
spend most of the day avoiding. Say whatever comes to mind, appealing to the goddess
or god of your choice to guide your dreams. I usually say something like:
Blessed be the Lord and Lady, For they created the world, The earth to hold,
The sun to warm, The moon to guide, The spirit to dream.
Take sips of the mugwort tea as you repeat the words, gaze into the smoke,
and when you feel yourself just about to “cross the line” blow out the candle(s) and say:
“So mote it be.” Go to sleep. Dream away. Just remember, you don’t always get to hear what you’d like.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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