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| Name: | Big Ben |
Age: | Four years old |
| Gender: | Male |
Kind: | Orange Tabby |
| Home: | Stettler, Alberta, Canada |
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We adopted Big Ben in August 2011 from a wonderful feline rescue organization called Whisker Rescue (Red Deer, Alberta), after losing our beloved Simon — who was also an orange tabby – to Feline Leukemia Virus earlier in the year. We had initially planned to adopt a kitten as we felt a younger cat would get along better with our two dark tabby girls. But we just fell in love with Ben! He really should be called ‘Gentle Ben’ because he is so sweet-natured.
Ben is a very handsome cat, with his big amber-colored eyes and a distinctive orange “soul patch” on his chin. His white underside extends partially down the inside of his back legs so in the rare moments when he shows us his belly, it looks like he is wearing white boxer shorts! Whisker Rescue did not have much information on Ben but we suspect there might have been some unpleasantness in his past as he is quite shy and uncertain, especially around strangers. We felt he was perfect for us because we have a very peaceful home with no small children. His first couple of weeks with us were a bit rough,though. He was treated for ear mites before leaving the kitty orphanage, then developed a yeast infection in both ears and had to return to the vet clinic to have his ears flushed and then treated with drops for a week. He managed to find some very creative places to hide, but his loud purr always gave away his location. All that is in the past now. He has become a playful cuddle-bug. Some of his favorite things are playing with his kong, enjoying couch-cuddles with his humans, watching the world from the big living room window, napping in his “man cave” (the comfy little room inside the scratching post), and being groomed by his little sister, Livy. As soon as the lights go out at night, he sneaks into bed with us and goes to sleep. Ben has definitely found his forever home. |
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Day: January 2, 2012
Dog-gone Doggie for January 2nd
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| Name: | Bella |
Age: | Two and a half years old |
| Gender: | Female | Breed: | Black Lab, Border Collie |
| Home: | New Jersey, USA | ||
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This is Bella! She is almost three years old, and is a black lab/border collie mix (we think, as she is a mutt). She currently lives with her family in New Jersey, and she loves it here! She prefers her water with ice cubes in the summer time, as you can see, and has a good time with them.
Bella is a very special pet because she is incredibly sweet, and has a knack for making people feel better when they are sad. We got her to cheer up our older dog (who is now ten), and she does a fantastic job! She keeps him young with her youth and vigor, but also proves to be a wonderful napping companion. Bella is such a kind dog, and we have literally never heard her growl. She loves to curl up next to any of her humans and cuddle, and she loves going for car-rides and walks. Bella knows lots of tricks, such as the typical sit, shake, lie down, jump, speak, and roll over. She is also very good at catching treats in her mouth, and we like to challenge her by not throwing them directly to her. She is very affectionate around strangers, but she has a good sense of who is “good” and who is “bad.” Whenever we have guests over, she immediately warms to them, because she can tell that they are “good” people and friends of her humans. She has lots and lots of toys, because she likes to take them into our backyard and collect them all in one place and then bury them. Luckily for us, we know all her hiding spots (mostly), and she tends to forget where she puts them. Bella is also very brave. Unlike our older dog, who is terrified of rain, thunder, lightning, wind, etc., Bella seems almost fearless. However, she does not like the pool, which is very uncommon for a lab. We have taught her how to swim and where the steps are in case she is ever to fall in, but she continues to hate it, even after two very hot and humid summers. Despite her being black, she loves to spend summer days basking on our deck in the sun. At times, she seems almost cat-like, because of her hatred for water and the way that she stretches (she arches her back up in a cat-like fashion). She is also known to knead her bed before she lies down and walk in circles for a few minutes before finally deciding where to lie. Bella also has lots of very intricate dreams, and she snores quite loudly and often moves her legs, as if she is chasing something. We love Bella, and we hope you do too! |
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9 Natural Lessons For Your New Year
- Christy Diane Farr
What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The earth is a most magnificent teacher, not just of how to best interact with her but also of how to make our own lives bloom. In the spirit of the new year, of this magnificent opportunity to cultivate the life you desire, I offer you these 9 Natural Lessons for the New Year.
Lesson 1: YOU are not a weed. (You may just be a wildflower planted in a rose garden.)
Call it whatever you wish but our source makes no accidents. Too many truly extraordinary human beings are walking around on this planet feeling like they don’t fit, like they are broken, or that they don’t belong. I don’t care if it was your parents, teachers, peers, spouse, church, or the images portrayed in the media that led you to believe that you are a weed but it is a lie… and you have to stop believing it.
You are perfectly imperfect, just like the rest of us. You may very well be unlike the others but that doesn’t mean you suck, it means you’re a Wild One. That means you’re one of us… and your life is a gift.
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. – Rachel Carson
Lesson 2: You find what you seek. Seek intentionally.
I know it seems simple but seriously, it matters. If you want a beautiful life, look for beautiful things and wallow in them. If you want love, look for opportunities to be loving (in a healthy way). If you want abundance, surround yourself with things (images, quotes, books, people, etc.) that teach and remind you how to feel abundant. If you talk to yourself all day about how there isn’t enough time, energy, money, help, or whatever else you need, then you will absolutely find proof of that everywhere you are. There are too many ways for us to cultivate a different way of showing up in the world for anyone to keep living with the same old crappy life.
Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. – Henry David Thoreau
Lesson 3: Your dreams are your plans. Live them.
We all want our lives to make sense. We want to feel like we’re making a difference. Still, I see people searching and searching for what they are supposed to be doing. What are you good at? Do that. What makes your heart sing? Do that. What was the thing you did that cultivated the most dramatic results for you and the people you were serving? Do that again. The answers are not “out there” somewhere. Your answers are within you. Look within. Ask questions and when your soul whispers… for the love of all things glittery, do what it says!
(And if you don’t know what that means, call me.)
Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lesson 4: This is a lifetime, your lifetime. Calm down and be the real you.
All of these resolutions, goals, dreams, and such are just different words for, “I want to be me.” If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re saying you want to return to your true body size. If you want a new job, you’re saying that you want work that’s true for you. If you want to stop doing something destructive to your body, you’re saying that you want to live in alignment with your integrity, no more coping mechanisms. You’re saying you want to be you, the real you, after a spell of months or years of living like someone else.
This is about returning to your true self. It’s a journey, just like the road you took away from you that got you here. Be patient. Let go of the hysteria. Drop the desperation. Just breathe, decide what needs to be done, and take action–small, consistent, steps back to the truth of who you are–as frequently as you can bear it.
The more steps you take, the faster you’ll get home.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzuis
Lesson 5: Take only the actions that are true for you.
Saying yes is a sacred act. Your resources–time, energy, money, attention, etc.–are all you have at your disposal. Think about how you’re using them. If there isn’t enough of you to go around, it’s time to reconsider. Think about why you say yes.
I ask not for a larger garden, but for finer seeds. – Russell Herman Conwell
Lesson 6: Live within your means.
You have this much space, this much energy, this much passion, and this much money… Are you wasting your life stretching and searching, when you could be cultivating true joy right here in your real world? We all want to live well, there’s nothing wrong with that. But, so many are missing out on true love at home while they are out trying to conquer the next level at work. So many are sacrificing their health to accomplish tasks that won’t actually bring them a better life. To thrive in the year ahead, consider if the actions you’ve been taking are going to cultivate the results you truly desire
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change. – Buddha
Lesson 7: When life feels dark, remember the lotus flower.
During a particularly difficult time earlier this year, a friend said to me, “Lotus flower. Google it.” I did and you would be well served to do the same. When life is hard, meditate on this earthy lesson.
Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it. – Author Unknown
Lesson 8: Keep the promises you make to yourself… no matter what.
Once you decide what you want to be different, commit to reasonable daily action that will result in that transformation and then do it. No. Matter. What.
The new year is a tender time. Be still for a moment and enjoy the possibility.
Lesson 9: Make space for YOU in 2012.
If you’re like me, this door between one year and the next is a time full of reflection and anticipation. We make resolutions. We set goals. We dream. We intend to cultivate change in the gardens of our lives.
Then, we propel ourselves into the new year, into our big plans, and it works… at first. Then 12 months flies by (or crawls, depending on the year) and we’re back here again, reflecting on what was lost and gained, what came into our lives and what we released. We can’t help but notice how much changed in the past year, and how much didn’t change.
That’s right … we can’t help but notice what didn’t change–the book we didn’t write, music we didn’t make, weight we didn’t lose, trips we didn’t take, moves we didn’t make, debt we didn’t eliminate, relationships we didn’t nurture, habits we didn’t break (or adopt), leaps we didn’t take, and on and on and on.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Your home is your garden, and if you want to grow something new in your life, you’ve got to do more than walk around with the seed in your pocket. It’s time to clear space in the garden of your life, to make room for that seed to grow and bloom.
It’s time to make space for your life to bloom.
This year, let’s do it differently. You and me. Let’s create the space necessary for your resolutions or goals or dreams or change to become your reality.
Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Are Guaranteed to Fail
- Robert Pagliarini
Nearly all of us make the same mistake when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, one that practically guarantees we’ll fail miserably. Sadly, it’s not just New Year’s resolutions that we blow. Anytime we try to change our behavior, we make the same disastrous mistake. No mas! In the next two minutes, you’ll learn a strategy that you can use to reach any goal or to change any habit. Even the biggest goals, like stopping smoking and getting out of debt, are achievable with this approach.
So, what’s this huge mistake we make when we set goals or try to change a bad habit? We expect to succeed. We have no contingency plan when we fail. When we inevitably come up short — the stats are bleak when it comes to sticking with New Year’s resolutions — we have nothing to do but revert to our old behavior. “Oh well, I lasted three days longer than last year!” you’ll start to hear this week.
Your biggest goals require the biggest changes, the greatest commitments, the most effort and willpower. Those pounds aren’t going to lose themselves; your debt isn’t going away on its own; and the business you want to run isn’t going to start itself. These are massive undertakings that require a great deal of personal fortitude. The effort required to succeed can seem overwhelming, so much so that you might relent. You ditch your diet and eat the brownie. You forgo your budget and buy the shoes. You talk yourself out of business ownership and turn on the TV.
The good news is that one misstep doesn’t have to derail you if you use the One Day, One Week, One Month Strategy. I’ve used this same approach to create radical change in my life and I’ve shown others how to use it effectively. Here’s what you do:
One Day
It doesn’t matter that the book you want to write will take you two years and lots of late nights to complete. It doesn’t matter that the 50 pounds you need to lose will take 12 months of sweat and sacrifice to drop. The hard work? The long hours? None of it matters. The only thing you should focus on is one day. That’s it. Surely you can stick to a diet for one day, right? Of course you can follow your budget for one day. It’s just one day. Get over your excuses. Get over the anxiety. You can do anything for a day.
One Week
If you survive the first day — and you will — all you need to do is focus on surviving six more days. That’s it. You can do anything for a week, and you’ve already made it through the first day.
One Month
Congratulations! You made it a week. The desire to revert back to old behaviors is strong, but you’ve already gone a whole week. What’s another couple of weeks to make it a month? If at the end of the month you decide it’s not worth it, tell yourself you’ll stop, but give yourself a month.
What happens if you falter? As the old saying goes, if you fall down one step, don’t throw yourself down the whole staircase. If on day four you completely blow it, you simply start over. The next morning, you only focus on getting through one day. Then you take another shot at getting through a week, and you will because it will be much easier the second time. If on week three you crack. No problem. The next morning you simply focus on getting through one day. Then one week. Then take another run at one month. You can do this over and over and over again until you succeed.
And when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, you just may need to try a few times before you succeed.
Daily Feng Shui Tip for January 2nd
The energies of today’s ‘Run It Up the Flagpole And See if Anyone Salutes Day’ invite you to create your own Feng Shui flags that will both increase the flow of abundance in your life, and dispel chronic or temporary life problems. That’s something to raise the flag about, don’t you think? These ‘Six True Color’ flags are a powerful yet secret cure that purportedly draws its power from the potent Om Mani Padme Hum Buddhist mantra. Each of the words of that mantra relates to a specific color, the same white, red, yellow, green, blue and black that you will use when you construct your flags. Your flags can be any size but should all strive to be the same size. You can use fabric or colored paper, and your flagpoles can also be made from anything, from bamboo to popsicle sticks. Attach one color per pole and arrange the flags in the specific color sequence mentioned above. Repeat or recite the mantra aloud and over the flags to bless and activate them before arranging them on your desk (in a cupholder perhaps?) or in the Wealth area of your home or office. If you decide to use this rarely disclosed Feng Shui cure, then in keeping with the energies of the day, I salute you!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
The Meaning of the Number 2
The symbolic meaning of number Two is kindness, balance, tact, equalization, and duality. The number Two reflects a quiet power of judgment, and the need for planning. Two beckons us to choose. The spiritual meaning of number Two also deals with exchanges made with others, partnerships (both in harmony and rivalry), and communication. Two urges us out of our indecision, calls us to unite with like-minds, and like-ideals. Two asks us to exert our natural flow of judgment to do what is best for our souls.
Your Daily Number for January 2nd: 2
You’re more sensitive and intuitive than usual. You may find yourself having vivid dreams or even premonitions. Today you may wear the hat of mediator in a dispute, and you’ll do so with great success. Love and romance are also likely to have an effect on you today.
Fast Facts
About the Number 2
Theme: Adaptable, Tactful, Gentle, Cautious
Astro Association: Moon
Tarot Association: High PriestessToday’s I Ching Hexagram for January 2nd is 50: The Cauldron
50: The Cauldron
General Meaning: The cooking pot symbolizes nourishment and rejuvenation. Sooner or later, good comes to those who do good; joy comes to those who bring humor to others; opportunity comes to those who persist in their dreaming. Rejuvenation is a returning to innate desires — and a re-charging of batteries through the fulfillment of these wishes. This reading suggests nourishment and transformation for people of goodwill. Great good fortune and success are indicated for nourishing relationships.
Healthy, regular sustenance is important, as symbolized by the cooking pot, which provides nourishment to all. When a cycle of humanity reaches its peak, each person’s sustenance comes in the form of his or her deepest needs and highest aspirations.
Rejuvenation means that men and women of talent and insight are being properly nourished and valued. When a society or group is functioning properly, these people are supported, and encouraged to contribute to their best abilities. A fresh approach to old habits is indicated in a period of rejuvenation. Look for ways of putting new life in old forms. Only when great vitality is present can breakthroughs be achieved.
Today’s Runes for January 2nd is Gebo
Today’s Runes
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Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Gebo means gift, and like any gifts, the rune may be understood on many levels. Gifts are generally positive things, for both the giver and the recipient. In many cultures however, gifts and favors carry with them an obligation to respond in kind. It is for this reason that gifts, and hence the rune Gebo, are frequently symbolic of friendships, marriages, alliances, mergers, and other bonds between people or organizations. Gebo is a strong rune and the unions represented are strong as well. Moreover, Gebo is not reversible, as true friendships are not easily undone. |
Today’s Tarot Card for January 2nd is The Magician
The Magician
This Tarot Deck: Cat People
General Meaning: Traditionally, the Magus is one who can demonstrate hands-on magic — as in healing, transformative rituals, alchemical transmutations, charging of talismans and the like. A modern Magus is any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth, one who seeks to bring forth the divine ‘gold’ within her or himself.
At the birth of Tarot, even a gifted healer who was not an ordained clergyman was considered to be in league with the Devil! For obvious reasons, the line between fooling the eye with sleight of hand, and charging the world with magical will was not clearly differentiated in the early Tarot cards.
Waite’s image of the Magus as the solitary ritualist communing with the spirits of the elements — with its formal arrangement of symbols and postures — is a token of the freedom we have in modern times to declare our spiritual politics without fear of reprisal. The older cards were never so explicit about what the Magus was doing. It’s best to keep your imagination open with this card. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by evolutionary forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul.
Your Horoscope Spirit Profile
- Annie B. Bond
Most of us have read the personality descriptions on the online horoscope sites, or in the newspaper. But here is a somewhat deeper look at your Sun Sign’s primary qualities, seen from the perspective of the spirit.
Find out more about your deeper nature, right here:
Aries, March 21-April 19: Forceful, self-willed, enthusiastic, exaggerative, passionate, extrovert, pioneer, courageous, self-sufficient, idealistic.
Taurus, April 20-May 21: Strong-willed, toiling, practical, sensuous, musical, literary, artistic, temperate, moist, fruitful, magnetic, beneficent, intractable.
Gemini, May 22-June 20: Communicative, inventive, alert, inquisitive, swift, sharp, versatile, dry, mental, ardent, youthful, mobile, idealistic.
Cancer, June 21-July 22: Reflection, sensitivity, memory, receptiveness, fluctuation, responsiveness, sympathy, magnetism.
Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Initiation, power, glory, vigor, ardor, beneficence, creative force, self-expression, full of ideas, talent.
Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Practicality, discernment, intelligence, healing (health, hygiene, diet), duty, fundamentals, craftsmanship, purity.
Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Harmony, gentleness, stability, discrimination, beauty, affection, partnership, marriage, social awareness, justice.
Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Power, energy, intensity, will, magnetism, subtlety, resurrection, elimination, renewal, resolution.
Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Honesty, clarity, dignity, benevolence, magnanimity, jollity, encompassing quality, optimism, loyalty, independence, generosity, love of education, literature, justice.
Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Responsibility, duty, toil, enquiry, restraint, secrecy, discipline, patience, persistence, doggedness, indefatigable aspiration, limitation, taciturnity, practicality, idealism.
Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Independence, turbulence, fellowship, friendship, relationship, originality, genius, brotherhood, abstraction, optimism, intellect, remoteness, literature, science, inventiveness, peace, artistry, inspiration, perversity, tenacity, intuition.
Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Intuitive, impressionable, fanciful, naïve, free spirit, unworldly, creative, imaginative, clairvoyant, retiring, vulnerable, studious, romantic, emotional, trusting, vacillating, melancholy, indecisive, insecure, artistic.
Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, Jan. 2nd
The day begins with a bang, but we run into obstacles quickly because the Moon’s midday opposition to constraining Saturn is like a wet blanket. The enterprising Aries Moon encourages us to accelerate while a thrill-seeking Venus-Uranus alignment tempts us to take a risk in the name of pleasure. We may grow complacent as the Moon shifts into steady Taurus at 5:15 pm EST, but her hook-up with expansive Jupiter prevents us from narrowing our minds.
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You may be experiencing a high level of mental and physical activity today because the initiating Aries Moon encourages you to engage the day with zest. However, events are unfolding according to their own natural rhythm, demanding that you slow down. You won’t be able to bolt ahead at your own pace now, so take your time and respond to delays as gracefully as possible. In the meantime, enjoy the present moment for the opportunities it holds.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
You’re attracted to new and different kinds of pleasure today as wild Uranus shocks your key planet Venus. Although you are hot to trot, you realize that waiting for the right moment can make the difference between failure and success. You may feel frustrated because you’re close to reaching satisfaction, yet it’s still just out of reach. Rest assured that the outcome will be worth the wait.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
You may feel bored with the idea of going back to work today, even before you get there. Although you might have had a fun-filled holiday, you’re already looking for more excitement. Unfortunately, finishing your tasks early won’t help because you still need to wait for the clock. Don’t frustrate yourself by focusing on what you want to do; instead, bring your awareness back to the present moment and seek happiness there.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
Your friends and associates may be depending on you today, possibly leading you to resent them for having unreasonable expectations. Naturally, you enjoy nurturing those close to you, but you don’t particularly like it when your personal needs are overlooked in the process. Stop trying to place the blame on anyone else; take charge of your life and do what you must to fulfill your own desires.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You may have something sweet to smile about today because it seems as if your life is moving in the right direction. Although you might not have everything you want, it’s wonderful to believe that your patience will finally pay off. But blindly pinning your hopes onto a pipedream isn’t such a smart strategy. You don’t have to get crazy and turn your world upside down; just start making concrete plans while luck is on your side.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Having lots to do can put you in a good mood today, especially if you’re satisfied with the quality of your work. You might not even care if others don’t acknowledge how much you contribute because peer recognition isn’t as important as meeting your own personal standards of quality. Ironically, your understated approach will work in your favor, leading others to express their appreciation for your extra effort.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You can be so fair-minded in your dealings with others that your greatest challenge is acknowledging what you need for yourself. However, there’s currently no doubt in your mind; you know what you want and would be wise to ask for it today while your intentions are clear. Just remember that you still may have to wait for satisfaction. Fortunately, your chances for success are likely now as long as you express your needs honestly.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You’re looking for new and different ways to resolve nagging old problems. You aren’t interested in doing your job the same way as before because a radical approach enables you to gain a fresh perspective on your routine. However, there’s no value in shaking up everything at once. Working quietly behind the scenes allows you to make steady progress toward re-establishing your job security.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You might wish you could delay going back to work today, but luckily you have the opportunity to derive profound satisfaction from working with people you like. You can experience a wonderful camaraderie that comes from being on a winning team. However, you could struggle as you try to downplay your need for independence. Instead of withdrawing to do your own thing now, bring your innovative spirit and unique point of view to the group process.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The Moon harmonizes with your key planet Saturn today, empowering you to stand up to a bully or to defend your integrity. Fortunately, if you can stay focused on your objectives, everything should improve as the day unfolds. You may end up making some extra money or seizing a chance to kindle a romantic interest. However, you must be patient; success won’t happen overnight.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
This could be a very hectic day, especially if you must handle work that piled up prior to the holidays. Keep in mind that you may not be able to finish everything that’s on your plate. Don’t take it personally; you really don’t need to waste time now reflecting on your past failures. Acknowledging that some things are beyond your control leads to being content with simply doing the best job you can.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You may grow tired with the thought of returning to the daily grind and want to retreat into your own private space instead. Even if you need to be around others now, you’re still likely to feel a bit withdrawn. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem because you can still do your job while letting your imagination wander. Just continue to do your work while keeping your personal thoughts to yourself.
Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of January 2nd
The weekend starts out on a sassy note with the playful Gemini Moon’s creative connections to the cosmic lovers Venus and Mars. This flirtatious mood passes quickly, though, as the mood-setting Moon slips into sensitive Cancer on Saturday afternoon. Feelings shift for no reason and plans change without warning, reminding us to be flexible to maintain emotional balance.
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Finding your comfort zone could be challenging this weekend with an awkward alignment of alluring Venus and aggressive Mars on Friday. Statements may be misinterpreted and stronger emotions might follow during the next two days that arouse defensive feelings. A little bit of discretion, an open mind and a strong dose of self-control can go a long way to help you avoid frustration and frayed nerves.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
Your peace-loving ruling planet Venus is shaken by tense planetary patterns this week. Volatile Uranus springs surprises on Monday and provocative Pluto arouses mistrust on Saturday. Adjusting your social expectations helps you avoid feeling bullied or being perceived as stubborn. Still, addressing your deep feelings this weekend could strengthen a relationship if you’re able to discuss them without engaging in a blame game or falling victim to shame.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
The Moon in your chatty sign is rich with social opportunities on Friday. The flirtatious side of your personality casts you in a positive light as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously. The mood changes drastically on Saturday, possibly provoking you to question your self-worth and what you want from others. You may not resolve issues right away, so allow time for feelings to settle instead of pushing for immediate answers.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
You may have the sense that something is coming to a head since this week finishes with an evocative Full Moon in your sign late on Sunday night. It’s important to weigh your options and open up the lines of communication to maintain some semblance of order in your relationship life. A constructive conversation could go a long way to making sense out an emotionally charged issue. There are many different ways to look at your situation, so keep your mind and heart open to what others have to say.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Your ruling planet, the Sun, slips on an unsteady aspect with spacey Neptune on Wednesday that can stir up clouds of confusion. Feelings can change quickly this weekend, as a playful Friday of fun and frolicking turns more serious on Saturday and Sunday. Avoid making any major decisions until your clarity returns. It’s probably best now to spend some quiet time alone or with one person who you trust completely.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
The reason that often guides your life can go up in a puff of smoke this weekend. The jittery Gemini Moon turns Friday into a kaleidoscope of contrasting feelings and confusing plans. Logic may return on Sunday when your brainy planet Mercury enters calculating Capricorn to help you communicate more clearly. Just don’t let a sense of certainty allow you to come across so strongly that you sound like you aren’t interested in listening to others.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Your hopeful nature may be challenged on Saturday when sweet Venus is stressed by manipulative Pluto. While this cosmic tension could bring some important relationship issues to the surface, it could also sow seeds of mistrust with someone you love. But if you’re single, this transit can awaken feelings of intense desire or inspire you to exaggerate your flaws. The situation, though, is less extreme than you think, so try not to overreact unnecessarily.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You may be seeking the comfort of familiar places and faces this weekend. Yet you might be surprised by unexpected reactions that can throw you off balance now. Instead of looking to the past for the security you crave, it’s wiser to search for different experiences and ideas to freshen up your personal life. Strange individuals or unfamiliar situations can be exciting when you maintain a healthy spirit of adventure.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
The Moon is traveling through your relationship houses this weekend, which is bound to energize your social life. Friday could be a blast with a lunar presence in lighthearted Gemini. However, the tone turns more serious on Saturday when feelings grow tender and complex issues in partnerships are exposed. Being gentle in the face of someone’s strong emotions helps you gain trust and can deepen your connection in the long run.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
The Moon enters your 7th House of Partners on Saturday, putting relationship issues on the front burner for the rest of the weekend. But this lunar transit is in subjective Cancer, which challenges you to push past reason to connect on an emotional level. Feelings can run the gamut from excitement to mistrust, which undercuts stability, yet you may be headed toward an emotional breakthrough triggered by the reflective Cancer Full Moon late Sunday night.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Thursday and Friday are great times for fun and games. The clever Gemini Moon’s presence in your 5th House of Romance puts more sparkle in your personality. It may be hard, however, for others to know whether you’re being serious or not. If you’re just teasing, it’s helpful to give some broad hints so that your behavior isn’t misinterpreted and you end up spending the rest of the weekend making amends.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You may be a little antsy this weekend since you can already anticipate the reflective Cancer Full Moon lighting up your 5th House of Romance very late on Sunday night. Friday may be festive and fun, but feelings grow stronger and more intense with the Moon slipping into caring Cancer on Saturday. Some emotional drama is possible, so give yourself and others a little slack for going over the top. Sometimes you have to go to extremes to discover your limits.
Cosmic Calendar for January 2nd
The New Year holiday spirit may stay in effect for this first Monday of 2012. However, instead of the trio of harmonious alignments that arrived yesterday morning, you have a tougher path ahead as Venus forms a dicey, 45-degree link to radical-change agent Uranus (8:11AM PST) while the Moon in Aries makes its monthly opposition with Saturn in Libra (11:02AM PST). Shortly thereafter, the Moon begins a void uncertainty zone at 12:08PM PST that lasts until 2:17PM PST. Pushing your personal agenda at all cost won’t win you any friends or supporters. It is wise to be conservative in the true sense of the word. During any void twilight zone, the standard rule of thumb is that it is all right to finish old business on a high note, but leave the initiation of new projects until the lunar orb enters the next sign – in this case Taurus (2:17PM PST). Once the Moon is firmly entrenched on Taurean terrain for the next 2+ days, practical matters and business affairs are on center stage. In addition, it is fine to clean the garden shed and organize tools and equipment for the growing season. Meanwhile, euphoria and levity can strike without warning as the Moon makes its first union of 2012 with Jupiter (3:15PM PST). This Moon-Jupiter merger is more exuberant than others because this is the initial lunar conjunction with our largest planet in the solar system since Jupiter shifted from reverse to direct on December 25, 2011. The bottom line is that there is extra success and achievement vibes waiting in the wings. Hopefully, you can tap into these vibrations and energize a key entrepreneurial undertaking that will lead to huge rewards down the road.
the daily humorscope
Monday, January 02, 2012
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Oddly, despite the impression you gained from a television commercial, your new soap will not inspire unusual levels of grinning in the shower.
You’ll go out to dinner with a new person, soon. Remember the advice of my old Uncle Stonebender, though: “It’s fine if someone eats like a bird, as long as they don’t have kids.”
You may lose sight of what is truly important to you, if you’re not careful. In other words, it not whether you win or lose, it’s whether you end up with your leg in a cast for 3 months.
Today is not a good day to be yourself. In fact, that might even be dangerous. Be someone else, until further notice.
You will be offered a chance to go on a journey soon. It sounds like fun, but you might benefit by looking up La Isla Zancudo in a Spanish-English dictionary before you pack your bags…
Don’t do that. Your face could get stuck that way. Oh, I’m sorry. I hadn’t realized it already did…
Hide.
Beware of giant squids today. Other than that, a good day for a nice walk along the beach.
Time to stop beating around the bush. Beat the bush itself. Give it a good thrashing, and say “bad bush!” in a loud stern tone.
Good day to call an old friend, and reminisce. (It turns out to be much much harder to reminisce with a new friend, although it’s often entertaining to try.)
Someone who you really dislike, who is arrogance personified…will be nice to you. This is a good time to be afraid.
That new employee seems honest, and is a really hard worker – so who cares if she wants to wear a studded dog collar? You’ll have to draw the line at butt sniffing, though.
Monday, January 2nd is a fantastic day for……
Today’s Affirmation for January 2nd
Happy & Prosperous New Year To You & Yours!
Happy New Year, Again! I hope everyone is having a fantastic year so far. Everyone had their black-eye peas, cabbage and cornbread, so you will be healthy an wealthy. This a Southern tradition, so you might not do it. But I hope you did whatever you do in your area to make you healthy and wealthy, lol! So many people, so many different traditions, what a diverse world we live in. Ain’t it great!
I am going to try to do something really crazy today. I am going to actually do all my posts today! For the last couple of times I have tried to blog, someone comes in. And of course, not wanting to be a rude witch, I have to stop and entertain them. I think today if it happens, I am going to grab the laptop and run like hell, lol! Blogging on the go, the only way to blog!
Have a great one, my luvs!
Now on with the Magick…….
Correspondences for Monday
Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconcilliations, 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
SPELL TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY
To improve your own work productivity, during the waxing Moon place one hematite in a small basket or tray and enchant it by saying:
“Ground and heal, magnetic one; bring me clarity on this day.”
Add a quartz crystal to the contained and say:
“Bring boundless energy to me; may it last through this day.”
Add a calcite and say:
“Stone of joy and yellow light, help me sort through my work today.”
Place the container of stones on your desk and say:
“Help me work through this day; bring me inspiration.
And when the day is done, may the labor be finished.”
Witches Of The Craft® 