Month: January 2012

Moon Moon, Mother Moon (Moon Lore)

Moon Moon, Mother Moon

Lunar Lore
…
Thou in the Moon’s bright chariot, proud and gay,
Dost thy bright wood of stars survey;
And all the year dost with thee bring
Of thousand flowery lights thine own nocturnal spring.
– Abraham Cowley, “Hymn to Light.”
…
Fairy elves,
Whose midnight revels by a forest side
Or fountain some belated peasant sees,
Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon
Sits arbitress.
~ John Milton, “Paradise Lost.”

Calendar of the Moon for January 7th

Calendar of the Moon
Beth/Poseideion II

Birch Tree Moon

Color: White
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white set the budded birch branches, a single white candle, the rune Berkana carved onto a piece of birch wood, and a bowl of clear water.
Offerings: White cakes with the Berkana rune carved upon them.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian with dairy and eggs.

Beth Invocation

Call: Now is the beginning of the year.
Response: Now is the time of stillness and cold.
Call: Now all is still and waiting upon the earth.
Response: Now the earth sleeps beneath her many blankets.
Call: Now is the time of patience.
Response: Now is the time of our longest wait.
Call: We are at peace with the Earth and with each other.
Response: We are at peace with the Earth and ready to begin.
Call: This is the month of indrawn breath.
Response: This is the time of all beginnings.
Call: May the year grow strong before us!
Response: May we grow strong before the year!
Call: For as the birch tree steps forth into the burned fields,
Response: So do we step forth into the aftermath of our own burning.
Call: For as the soft branches of the birch beat away the old year,
Response: So do we lower our heads for the strokes of the future.
Call: For as the pheasant hunts the snow for food,
Response: So do we seek through the ruins of the past.
Call: For as Frigga spins the clouds into thread,
Response: So do we circle like the spinning whorl,
Call: So do we take up the fiber of what has been,
Response: So do we bring forth the new year from our very hands.
Call: From our open hands,
Response: From our open hearts,
Call: From our open bodies,
Response: From our open souls.

Chant: Silver tree, in your branches
White of snow, stars are dancing
Tree of clouds, like thread of silver
Time runs through our hands.

Calendar of the Sun for January 7th

Calendar of the Sun
7 Wolfmonath

Justicia I: Themis’s Day

Color: Blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a blue cloth place three candles, a goblet of white wine, and any book related to the study of social rules.
Offerings: Go out into the community and do service.
Daily Meal: All food must be ethically and sustainably grown.

Invocation to Themis

(To be said Call And Response)

Lady of the All-Seeing Eyes,
Advisor to Kings and God-Kings,
Themis Eubolos, Good Counselor,
You who are always on the winning side,
Guardian of Propriety and Civic Duty,
Lady of the Public Assembly,
Keeper of Order,
Builder of Correct Ceremony,
Teacher of the Discipline of Graciousness,
You who know the value of Procedure,
Mother of Rules,
Mother of Justice,
Mother of Peace,
From you sprang the Hours,
From you sprang the Graces,
From you sprang the foundation of our Order.
You who took pity on humanity
And showed them how to save themselves
With the bones of their Mother,
Creating life from stone,
Show us, too, the proper way of things,
That we might always honor your name.
Hail Themis!

(Pour out the libation and all exit. Immediately upon leaving the service, go out into the community and do some visible service in Themis’s name.)

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Jan. 7th

Keep in mind that this is day two in preparation for tomorrow night’s potent, enlightening Full Moon. It is also a day filled with several aspects, and the more aspects in any one 24-hour time-period, the more emotional shifts and mood changes normally are in the works. Early morning insights can be pervasive – thanks to Mercury forming supportive, 60-degree alliances with Saturn (12:14AM PST) and Neptune (7:17AM PST). The pragmatic and the exalted can merge with dazzling results. If emotional turbulence begins to nip at your heels, join the club as the Moon makes five alignments from 10:36AM PST to 2:59PM PST. Along the way, Gemini Moon becomes void at 11:53AM PST – with this limbo time-span lasting until 1:06PM PST when the Moon enters its natural abode of watery Cancer. Once the Moon enters Cancer, everything connected to home and family concerns are back in the limelight. Cooking, baking and cleaning campaigns are emphasized. Learning more about your ancestral tree and the value of your antiques and heirlooms can provide revelations. Some jarring energies could arrive in the evening hours as Venus forms an abrasive, 45-degree tie to Pluto (7:38PM PST) while the Sun forms a similar connection with Chiron (7:51PM PST). It is a good time to heal old wounds and pains. A major event happens later on when Mercury enters Capricorn (10:35PM PST) – a cycle that lasts until January 27. Think more about your higher destiny on Planet Earth than on trivial pursuits.

It’s The Weekend! Have A Great One!

Days of the Week Comments Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend, so far! Mine, it would take a book to tell you and you would be bored to death reading it, lol! Someday, someday, I will have to write all this stuff down. The only problem with that is no one would ever believe any of it! 

 

 Since today is Saturday, let’s mix things up a little bit! What’ cha say?  

 

Correspondences for Saturday

 

 Magickal Intentions: Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundries, Time and Death

Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh

Planet: Saturn

Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius

Angel: Cassiel

Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo

Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir

Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice

Oil: (Saturn) Cypress, Mimosa, Myrrh, Patchouly

Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects. It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.   

 

Spellcrafting for Saturday  

FULL MOON OIL

13 drops of sandalwood essential oil

9 drops of vanilla essential oil or extract

3 drops of jasmine essential oil

1 drop of rose essential oil

Mix prior to a full moon. Charge in a clear container or vial in the light of the full moon.
Use to anoint candles or yourself for full moon rituals or just when you feel like you need the moons energy.

 

MOON WATER TONIC

Tonic waters containing the energies of the moon embody very powerful healing benefits that bring about integral balance and wholeness throughout the body, mind and soul. Clear quartz crystal catalyses the absorption of lunar energies as well as amplifies the healing benefits.
Wait for a clear night, preferably on or right before the full moon.
Put your crystal in a clear glass and cover with one cup of purified water.
Check an almanac for the exact time of sundown on the day you have chosen.
At sundown, place the glass out of doors in a moonlit place (cover the glass with clear plastic wrap). Remove the glass at dawn. The water is now filled with lunar potency.
Drink the moon water every morning to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the stress of the day.

 
~Magickal Graphics~

The Goddess Bastet

The Goddess Bastet

 

Bastet is the name commonly used by scholars today to refer to a feline goddess of Ancient Egyptian religion who was worshipped at least since the Second Dynasty. Her name is also spelled Bast, Baast, Ubasti and Baset.

Name in hieroglyphs
W1 t B1
Major cult center Bubastis
Symbol the cat, the lioness, the sistrum
Parents Ra, Atum

Bastet, the form of the name which is most commonly adopted by Egyptologists today, is only a modern convention, which offers one possible reconstruction. In early Egyptian, her name appears to have been bȝstt, where ȝ represents an aleph. In Egyptian writing, the second t marks a feminine ending, but was not usually pronounced, and the aleph ȝ may have moved to a position before the accented syllable, as witnessed by the Aramaic spelling ȝbst.By the first millennium, then, bȝstt would have been something like ‘obest’ or ‘ubesti’ in Egyptian speech.

The town of Bastet’s cult (see below) was known in Greek as Boubastis (Βούβαστις). The Hebrew rendering of the name for this town is Pî-beset (“House of Bastet”), spelled without Vortonsilbe.

What the name of the goddess means remains uncertain. One recent suggestion by Stephen Quirke (Ancient Egyptian Religion) explains it as meaning “She of the ointment jar”. This ties in with the observation that her name was written with the hieroglyph “ointment jar” (bȝs) and that she was associated with protective ointments, among other things.

From the third millennium BC, when Bastet begins to appear in our record, she is depicted as either a fierce lioness or a

Originally she was viewed as the protector goddess of Lower Egypt. As protector, she was seen as defender of the pharaoh, and consequently of the later chief male deity, Ra, who was also a solar deity, gaining her the titles Lady of Flame and Eye of Ra.

Her role in the pantheon became diminished as Sekhmet, a similar lioness war deity, became more dominant in the unified culture of Lower and Upper Egypt

In the first millennium BC, when domesticated cats were popularly kept as pets, Bastet began to be represented as a woman with the head of a cat and ultimately emerged as the Egyptian cat-goddess par excellence. In the Middle Kingdom, the domestic cat appeared as Bastet’s sacred animal and after the New Kingdom she was depicted as a woman with the head of a cat or a lioness, carrying a sacred rattle and a box or basket.

History and Connection To Other Gods

Cats in ancient Egypt were revered highly, partly due to their ability to combat vermin such as mice, rats – which threatened key food supplies – and snakes, especially cobras. Cats of royalty were, in some instances, known to be dressed in golden jewelry and were allowed to eat from their owners’ plates. Turner and Bateson estimate that during the Twenty-second dynasty c.945-715 BC, Bastet worship changed to being a major cat deity (as opposed to a lioness deity). With the unification of the two Egypts, many similar deities were merged into one or the other, the significance of Bast and Sekhmet, to the regional cultures that merged, resulted in a retention of both, necessitating a change to one or the other. During later dynasties, Bast was assigned a lesser role in the pantheon, but retained.

In the temple at Per-Bast some cats were found to have been mummified and buried, many next to their owners. More than 300,000 mummified cats were discovered when Bast’s temple at Per-Bast was excavated. The main source of information about the Bast cult comes from Herodotus who visited Bubastis around 450 BC during the heyday of the cult. He equated Bastet with the Greek Goddess Artemis. He wrote extensively about the cult. Turner and Bateson suggest that the status of the cat was roughly equivalent to that of the cow in modern India. The death of a cat might leave a family in great mourning and those who could would have them embalmed or buried in cat cemeteries – pointing to the great prevalence of the cult of Bastet. Extensive burials of cat remains were found not only at Bubastis, but also at Beni Hasan and Saqqara. In 1888, a farmer uncovered a plot of many hundreds of thousands of cats in Beni Hasan.

The lioness represented the war goddess and protector of both lands. As the fierce lion god Maahes of Nubia later became part of Egyptian mythology, during the time of the New Kingdom, Bastet was held to be the daughter of Amun Ra, a newly ascending deity in the Egyptian pantheon during that late dynasty. Bastet became identified as his mother in the Lower Egypt, near the delta. Similarly the fierce lioness war goddess Sekhmet, became identified as the mother of Maashes in the Upper Egypt.

As divine mother, and more especially as protector, for Lower Egypt, Bastet became strongly associated with Wadjet, the patron goddess of Lower Egypt. She eventually became Wadjet-Bast, paralleling the similar pair of patron (Nekhbet) and lioness protector (Sekhmet) for Upper Egypt.

Later perception

Later scribes sometimes renamed her Bastet, a variation on Bast consisting of an additional feminine suffix to the one already present, thought to have been added to emphasize pronunciation; perhaps it is a diminutive name applied as she receded in the ascendancy of Sekhmet in the Egyptian pantheon. Since Bastet literally meant, (female) of the ointment jar, Her name was related with the lavish jars in which Egyptians stored their perfume. Bast thus gradually became regarded as the goddess of perfumes, earning the title, perfumed protector. In connection with this, when Anubis became the god of embalming, Bast, as goddess of ointment, came to be regarded as his wife. The association of Bastet as mother of Anubis, was broken years later when Anubis became identified as the son of Nephthys.

Lower Egypt’s loss in the wars between Upper and Lower Egypt led to a decrease in the ferocity of Bast. Thus, by the Middle Kingdom she came to be regarded as a domestic cat rather than a lioness. Occasionally, however, she was depicted holding a lioness mask, hinting at her potential ferocity.

Because domestic cats tend to be tender and protective of their offspring, Bast also was regarded as a good mother, and she was sometimes depicted with numerous kittens. Consequently, a woman who wanted children sometimes wore an amulet showing the goddess with kittens, the number of which indicated her own desired number of children.

Eventually, her position as patron and protector of Lower Egypt led to her being identified with the more substantial goddess Mut, whose cult had risen to power with that of Amun, and eventually being syncretized with her as Mut-Wadjet-Bast. Shortly after, in the constantly evolving pantheon, Mut also absorbed the identities of the Sekhmet-Nekhbet pairing as well.

This merging of identities of similar goddesses has led to considerable confusion, leading to some attributing to Bastet the title Mistress of the Sistrum (more properly belonging to Hathor, who had become thought of as an aspect of the later emerging Isis, as had Mut), and the Greek idea of her as a lunar goddess (more properly an attribute of Mut) rather than the solar deity she was. The native Egyptian rulers were replaced by Greeks during an occupation of Egypt that lasted almost five hundred years. These new rulers adopted many Egyptian beliefs and customs, but always “interpreted” them in relation to their Greek culture. These associations sought to link the antiquity of Egyptian culture to the newer Greek culture, thereby lending parallel roots and a sense of continuity. Indeed, much confusion occurred with subsequent generations; the identity of Bast slowly merged among the Greeks during their occupation of Egypt, who sometimes named her Ailuros (Greek for cat), thinking of Bast as a version of Artemis, their own moon goddess. Thus, to fit their own cosmology, to the Greeks Bast is thought of as the sister of Horus, whom they identified as Apollo (Artemis’ brother), and consequently, the daughter of the later emerging deities, Isis and Ra. Roman occupation of Egypt followed in 30 BC, and their pantheon of deities also was identified with the Greek interpretations of the Ancient Egyptians. The introduction of Christianity and Muslim beliefs followed as well, and by the sixth century AD only a few vestiges of Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs remained, although the cult of Isis had spread to the ends of the Roman Empire.

Dear Lady Bast
Shining, bright one
Goddess of Egypt
Deity of the moon
And Patroness of cats and women.
Guide me,
Bless me,
Light up my life with your divine intervention.
So mote it be.

The ritual of Bast

Begin the ritual with a breathing exercise to relax the participants and enliven their energy. Now light the anointed candles which stand before the goddess. Next, construct a cone of power. The cone is a travelling one, and the participants must visualize it leaving this world, travelling through space back in time to ancient Egypt, and alighting in the desert.

The visualizer now takes over, and says:

Step out of the cone and into the desert. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the burning heat of the sand beneath your feet. In the distance you can see a vast temple rearing up to meet the sky. Begin to walk towards the temple, noting anything that you see on the way. As you draw closer you pass by an oasis pool surrounded by tall palm trees. Lionesses doze in the shade of the trees and as you pass by they lift their heads as if to grant you passage into the temple.

Walk on, past the lionesses, towards the temple. As you get closer you begin to realize what a massive structure it is. It is constructed of vast columns, which are intricately carved with symbols and hieroglyphs. Ahead of you there is a wide sandstone path leading up to the main entrance, which is flanked by two huge obelisks. These are constructed of rough golden sandstone and are so tall that they seem to reach up to the sky. Walk up the path and amongst the columns. Once you are in their shade the air feels cool and refreshing. It seems like a haven from the relentless heat of the desert. You can smell a strong fragrance of cut blooms on the air and the subtler scent of exotic musky incense.

You find that you are standing in the outer courtyard of the temple. There are trees cultivated here and in the centre you can see a large circular pool. This pool reflects the burning gold of the sun in the daytime and the silver light of the moon by night for these are both aspects of the Goddess. There are temple staff around you, all going about their duties. Many of them smile at you in greeting but none approach you. It is as if you are expected here.

At the back of the courtyard you can see a huge doorway which leads to the outer shrine. Walk towards it. Either side of this great doorway you can see that the walls are carved with pictures of cat headed people and seated cats. You can reach out and run your hand over the warm stone. Feel the contours of the carvings beneath your fingers.

Step inside the shrine now. The room is dimly lit, let your eyes adjust after the bright sunlight outside. After a moment you can see that before you stand a statue of a great cat carved from smooth, black stone. It wears thick gold earrings and an ornately crafted collar of faience. At its feet lie offerings left by visitors to the temple. You can see many flowers and perfume jars, as well as statues and figurines. Priests and priestesses are in the shrine, tending a multi­tude of cats. The air around you is full of the music of the cats; their purrs and cries. Pause to pay your respect to the sacred cat of Bast, and then walk on down a corridor to your right.

You are making your way towards the inner sanctum of Bast down a short corridor lit with flickering lamps and candles. At the far end the corridor opens out into a vast room lined by pillars. At the other end of the room, so huge that it fills your vision, is a flight of golden steps that leads up to an immense golden statue of the goddess. She is depicted as a beautiful cat-headed woman. She wears heavy jewellery at her ears and throat and is swathed in a robe carved from gold. In her hand she carries a golden sistrum, her sacred rattle, and at her feet are tiny golden kittens. The steps below her are covered in cats, sleeping, grooming, playing. The room is full of soft but lively music, played by priestesses on flutes and drums and rattles. Other priests and priestesses dance sinuously to the music, like cats themselves. The floor is covered in petals and as you walk upon them, they release their heady fragrance. Approach the foot of the stairs and raise your arms.

The visualizer shakes a sistrum three times. The charge-reader says:

Oh, Bast, lady of Asheru,

ruler of Sekhet-Neter,

Ruler of the divine field, lady of Ankhtawy, Life of the two lands,

We, your priestesses call to you.

Hear our prayers.

We come before you in love.

We come before you in peace.

We come before you in joy.

And ask that we might speak with you.

May your essence enter into the statue before us.

And become your living body in this world.

Dwell here in gentleness, Bast,

And let your blessings be upon us.

The whole group shake their sistra, conjuring the Heka ofBast to enter the statue, both in the visualization and in the statue at home.

Concentrate on this happening. When you feel a change in the energy of the room let the shaking die away. (A group may need a few attempts before they sense energy in unison but it will happen with practice.)

The visualizer resumes:

Now visualize that the statue before you begins to comealive. The eyes become the living eyes of a cat, and gradually the gold turns to furry skin. The kittens at her feet begin to play and the folds of her dress flow softly. The goddess begins to descend the stairs towards you, her eyes full of benevolence and peace.

While this is happening, you must cast your inner eye back to the room where your statue of the goddess stands before the anointed candles. Imagine that the light of these candles shines into the statue, which is like an extension of the senses of Bast in the temple. Through the light of these candles, Bast can see your soul, and recognizes you.

The visualizer shakes the rattles. The charge-reader says:

Oh, Bast, queen of all cats, Daughter of Ra,

We bring offerings to you

As symbols of our love and respect.

We offer food to the great goddess in the temple of Bast.

We offer drink to the cat of the heavens.

We offer incense to the gentle cat.

We offer love to the daughter of Ra.

Now burn some incense and eat the feast, but leave a small portion of each item you eat for Bast. These morsels should be pIaced in a separate dish. The feast can be shared with any cats that are present. Pass round a goblet of wine (which can be refilled as often as you like), each person present splashing a little of it over the other offerings in the dish. Try to imagine that you are still in the temple rather than at home; the visualization has not ended. After this has been done, place the dish of offerings on the altar before the statue. Now close your eyes and make yourself comfort able to return to the visualization.

The visualizer shakes the sistrum three times, and says:

See the temple clearly once more around you.

Bast is standing before us, enjoying the offerings we have given her.

The visualizer shakes the sistrum three times again. The charge-reader says:

Oh Bast. daughter of Ra. Divine cat, lady of all magic,

Accept our offerings for they are given in love.

Grant to us our desires and come to our aid.

Reach out to us with gentle hands,

And let your blessing be upon your priestesses.

So it is spoken, so it is done.

Each member of the group now visualizes clearly in pictures exactly what he or she wants from Bast. Imagine yourself as happy, carefree, loved and loving, but show it in pictures rather than words. After an appropriate time, the visualizer shakes the sistrum and the charge-reader says:

Oh Bast, queen of cats, Lady of laue and pleasure,

We offer you our humble thanks for all that you have granted to us.

Continue to share with us your strength and your fire.

Lend us your understanding, show us your wisdom.

Give us the courage to be all that we may be

And the ability to know ourselves as you know us.

May we take with us from this temple a feeling of peace that will be with us in the days and weeks to come.

May we feel enlivened and liberated from all care.

May you strengthen this sisterhood,

With love, unity and grace.

We ask this in your name, Bast, Lady of Ankhtawy, lady of Asheru,

Ruler of the divine field,

Ruler of Sekhet-Neter.

Continue the visualization for a few moments. It is time for all present to commune privately with the goddess. She may have. knowledge to bestow or gifts to impart. She may take you to other parts of the temple, or elsewhere in her realm. You may meet other people or gods. After an appropriate time, the visualizer shakes the rattles, and the charge-reader says:

Oh, Bast, we thank you for this audience.

We go from your temple with your presence in ourhearts.

We are your priestesses and will do all in our power

To protect your children on this earth.

When we make love, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we partake of delicious food and drink, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we dance, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we sing, we will do so as an offering to you.

We give you our love and our gratitude,

Be forever in our hearts, Bast, even when we here present are apart.

The visualizer resumes:

Now bow to the goddess, and see her begin to retreat up the stairs. When she reaches the top she assumes her normal position and turns back into a sleeping statue of gold. When you are ready, bid farewell to the priests and priestesses, and to all the cats. Walk back down the corridor again. In the outer shrine it is time to have a few thoughts for your own cats. Perhaps you may like to ask for Bast’s protection for them. You can also ask for her blessing for any other loved ones. When you have finished bow your head to the statue to show your thanks and continue on out of the temple. Make your way back through the outer courtyard and out of the huge entrance again. You can see the cone of power shining in the distance. Walk towards it, past the oasis pool and the lionesses. Once you reach it step inside and sit back down.

The person designated to construct the cone now brings it back to present space and time, and dismantles it. When this is done, he or she says, ‘When you are ready, open your eyes.’

After the ritual

Once everyone has opened their eyes, it is a good idea for them to talk about their experiences. Some people might feel that their visu alizations are too personal to discuss at that time, and this must be respected. In our group, we always tape the results of a working, and type it up afterwards as a permanent record. You may like to make a note of your experiences in your magical diary.

After the discussion, we always enter party mode. The first thing we do is dance for Bast. We play our favourite songs and usually sing to them – badly, it has to be said, but we are sure Bast does not mind that! On many ritual nights we have sat up drinking wine and talking until dawn. These are special nights, and everyone should enjoy them as they see fit.

The remains of the feast should be cast out over a garden or some other appropriate spot. During the following days, many of us also like to make some kind of donation to a charity associated with cats, whether in cash or simply a can of cat food in one of the many charity dump bins in pet stores.

This rite can be adapted for use as a simple ‘thanks’ ritual. Instead of asking Bast for her help, the time in the ritual apportioned for requesting boons can be spent simply thanking the goddess for past help and for her presence in our lives. We think it is as important to do this as any potent ritual to improve a situationor create opportunities. The aid of the gods should never be taken for granted.

 

 

Now visualize that the statue before you begins to comealive. The eyes become the living eyes of a cat, and gradually the gold turns to furry skin. The kittens at her feet begin to play and the folds of her dress flow softly. The goddess begins to descend the stairs towards you, her eyes full of benevolence and peace.

While this is happening, you must cast your inner eye back to the room where your statue of the goddess stands before the anointed candles. Imagine that the light of these candles shines into the statue, which is like an extension of the senses of Bast in the temple. Through the light of these candles, Bast can see your soul, and recognizes you.

The visualizer shakes the rattles. The charge-reader says:

Oh, Bast, queen of all cats, Daughter of Ra,

We bring offerings to you

As symbols of our love and respect.

We offer food to the great goddess in the temple of Bast.

We offer drink to the cat of the heavens.

We offer incense to the gentle cat.

We offer love to the daughter of Ra.

Now burn some incense and eat the feast, but leave a small portion of each item you eat for Bast. These morsels should be pIaced in a separate dish. The feast can be shared with any cats that are present. Pass round a goblet of wine (which can be refilled as often as you like), each person present splashing a little of it over the other offerings in the dish. Try to imagine that you are still in the temple rather than at home; the visualization has not ended. After this has been done, place the dish of offerings on the altar before the statue. Now close your eyes and make yourself comfort able to return to the visualization.

The visualizer shakes the sistrum three times, and says:

See the temple clearly once more around you.

Bast is standing before us, enjoying the offerings we have given her.

The visualizer shakes the sistrum three times again. The charge-reader says:

Oh Bast. daughter of Ra. Divine cat, lady of all magic,

Accept our offerings for they are given in love.

Grant to us our desires and come to our aid.

Reach out to us with gentle hands,

And let your blessing be upon your priestesses.

So it is spoken, so it is done.

Each member of the group now visualizes clearly in pictures exactly what he or she wants from Bast. Imagine yourself as happy, carefree, loved and loving, but show it in pictures rather than words. After an appropriate time, the visualizer shakes the sistrum and the charge-reader says:

Oh Bast, queen of cats, Lady of laue and pleasure,

We offer you our humble thanks for all that you have granted to us.

Continue to share with us your strength and your fire.

Lend us your understanding, show us your wisdom.

Give us the courage to be all that we may be

And the ability to know ourselves as you know us.

May we take with us from this temple a feeling of peace that will be with us in the days and weeks to come.

May we feel enlivened and liberated from all care.

May you strengthen this sisterhood,

With love, unity and grace.

We ask this in your name, Bast, Lady of Ankhtawy, lady of Asheru,

Ruler of the divine field,

Ruler of Sekhet-Neter.

Continue the visualization for a few moments. It is time for all present to commune privately with the goddess. She may have. knowledge to bestow or gifts to impart. She may take you to other parts of the temple, or elsewhere in her realm. You may meet other people or gods. After an appropriate time, the visualizer shakes the rattles, and the charge-reader says:

Oh, Bast, we thank you for this audience.

We go from your temple with your presence in ourhearts.

We are your priestesses and will do all in our power

To protect your children on this earth.

When we make love, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we partake of delicious food and drink, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we dance, we will do so as an offering to you.

When we sing, we will do so as an offering to you.

We give you our love and our gratitude,

Be forever in our hearts, Bast, even when we here present are apart.

The visualizer resumes:

Now bow to the goddess, and see her begin to retreat up the stairs. When she reaches the top she assumes her normal position and turns back into a sleeping statue of gold. When you are ready, bid farewell to the priests and priestesses, and to all the cats. Walk back down the corridor again. In the outer shrine it is time to have a few thoughts for your own cats. Perhaps you may like to ask for Bast’s protection for them. You can also ask for her blessing for any other loved ones. When you have finished bow your head to the statue to show your thanks and continue on out of the temple. Make your way back through the outer courtyard and out of the huge entrance again. You can see the cone of power shining in the distance. Walk towards it, past the oasis pool and the lionesses. Once you reach it step inside and sit back down.

The person designated to construct the cone now brings it back to present space and time, and dismantles it. When this is done, he or she says, ‘When you are ready, open your eyes.’

After the ritual

Once everyone has opened their eyes, it is a good idea for them to talk about their experiences. Some people might feel that their visu alizations are too personal to discuss at that time, and this must be respected. In our group, we always tape the results of a working, and type it up afterwards as a permanent record. You may like to make a note of your experiences in your magical diary.

After the discussion, we always enter party mode. The first thing we do is dance for Bast. We play our favourite songs and usually sing to them – badly, it has to be said, but we are sure Bast does not mind that! On many ritual nights we have sat up drinking wine and talking until dawn. These are special nights, and everyone should enjoy them as they see fit.

The remains of the feast should be cast out over a garden or some other appropriate spot. During the following days, many of us also like to make some kind of donation to a charity associated with cats, whether in cash or simply a can of cat food in one of the many charity dump bins in pet stores.

This rite can be adapted for use as a simple ‘thanks’ ritual. Instead of asking Bast for her help, the time in the ritual apportioned for requesting boons can be spent simply thanking the goddess for past help and for her presence in our lives. We think it is as important to do this as any potent ritual to improve a situation or create opportunities. The aid of the gods should never be taken for granted.

 

Homage to Bast

 

Oh Bast, Lady of Aheru, ruler of Sekhet-neter

 

Lady of Ankhtawy, ruler of the Divine Field

 

Life of the Two lands

 

We call to you.

 

Hear us and awaken to our presence.

 

Bast, you are beauty, health and gentleness.

 

You comfort those who are made mad by the moon,

 

When you walk at their side in the shadow lands.

 

You, oh lady, are of the gods who protect this world.

 

Thunder and lightning strike the skies,

 

But you return in glory with your father, the sun.

 

You can blast and you can forgive

 

You can punish and you can reward

 

You can grant sunshine unto children

 

You can grant moonshine unto lovers

 

You have died and yet you live.

 

It is whispered that if one man or woman should believe in your power

 

You can hearken to the prayers of all the world. Hear us, oh Bast,

 

You can twist the skein and weave the thread of destiny.

 

You are sacred and beautiful, a lady of music.

 

You are lustrous and all-powerful,

 

And the world rides upon the arch of your back.

 

You are venerated and called the Lady of the East.

 

Bast the divine, ruler of the night, goddess of love, Infinite, all-wise and all-knowing.

 

Grant blessings unto us who follows in your ways.

 

Great cat, who is the cat of the heavens,

 

Grant to us our desires.

 

Be favourable unto us.

 

From Sekhem Heka written by Storm Constantine

 

Gentle thoughts for January 6th

Gentle thoughts for today:

1. Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
2. There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.
3. The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
4. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
5. Don’t assume malice for what stupidity can explain.
6. A penny saved is a government oversight.
7. The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
8. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
9. The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
10. He who hesitates is probably right.
11. If you think there is good in everybody, you haven’t met everybody.
12. Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words “The” and “IRS” together it spells “THEIRS”?

VJ FEMIA

Oh, My Aging Funny Bone

Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 6th

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2012 January 6
See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

A Wide Field Image of the Galactic Center
Image Credit & Copyright: Ivan Eder 

 

Explanation: From Sagittarius to Scorpius, the central Milky Way is a truly beautiful part of planet Earth’s night sky. The gorgeous region is captured in this wide field image spanning about 30 degrees. The impressive cosmic vista, taken in 2010, shows off intricate dust lanes, bright nebulae, and star clusters scattered through our galaxy’s rich central starfields. Starting on the left, look for the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae, the Cat’s Paw, while on the right lies the Pipe dark nebula, and the colorful clouds of Rho Ophiuchi and Antares (right). The actual center of our Galaxy lies about 26,000 light years.

14 Surprising Uses for Vodka

14 Surprising Uses for Vodka

  • Melissa Breyer

Something akin to what we now know as vodka first appeared in Poland in the 11th century. Called gorzalka, the vodka prototypes were used as medicines. By 1534, a treatise on herbs professed that vodka could serve “to increase fertility and awaken lust.” Hot diggity!

Although many still indulge in the “medicinal” benefits of a martini, vodka has a surprising array of alternative uses that can save money and be kinder to the planet than the harsh chemicals it can stand in for. And with so many uses, it makes sense to have one bottle of vodka rather than array of otherwise specific products.

So just what can the versatile vodka do around the house?

1. Febreze without the guilt
If you douse your clothes and home with Febreze to remove odor, you can do the same with vodka…but without the cyclodextrin, and without supporting a company that tests on animals. (I’m talking to you, Proctor & Gamble.) The alcohol in vodka kills bacteria which cause odor, and vodka is basically odorless, as far as booze goes. Spritz your clothes and hang them in a well-ventilated room. (As with any natural remedy, sp0t-test first.)

2. Keep cut flowers fresh
If you’re going to have fresh-cut flowers working hard to brighten up your decor, show some hospitality and give them a little drink. Several drops of vodka and a large pinch of sugar added to the water in your flower vase, changed daily, stunts ethylene production and will extend the vitality of bouquet.

3. Shoo flies, and other pests
I couldn’t harm a fly, or any other living thing. Except…if something is biting and sucking the blood from my children, mamma bear swoops in and goes medieval. DEET is persona non grata in my neck of the woods, and I wouldn’t own a can of Raid if you paid me. But a spray bottle of vodka? Sure. Use it to spray directly at the offenders, it can also be used on your skin as a repellant.

4. Calm the sting of sea creatures
The pain of jellyfish and ray stings is magically dissipated with meat tenderizers (the enzymes that work to break down meat’s proteins also break down the stinging agents in the venom). But if you find yourself at the beach with vodka instead of meat tenderizer (and who doesn’t?)–it can help alleviate the punch those stings can pack. Douse the area with vodka. (And…have a shot while you’re at it?)

5. Give your hair some life
Vodka can make people lush and bouncy, and can do the same for your hair. Add an ounce to your bottle of shampoo and use as you usually do. It helps to break down the oil build-up that can make your hair droll.

6. Remove laundry stains
Treat stubborn stains with a splash of vodka and some elbow grease, then launder as usual.

 

7. Make lavender ironing water
Forget about scented fabric softener for fragrance, be like a cool French granny and use lavender ironing water instead. Mix 3 ounces of 90-proof vodka and 12 drops of pure lavender essential oil and let sit for 24 hours. Then add 12 ounces of purified water and swirl together. Store in the refrigerator until it loses its scent, around 6 weeks.

8. Get rid of unloved plants
Also known as weeds (poor, misunderstood things)–if you’ve got them and don’t want them, vodka can kill them. Vodka attacks broad-leaf weeds, like dandelions, chickweed, by breaking down their protective coverings which leads to lethal dehydration. Fill a spray bottle with an ounce of vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and two cups of water. Spray on weeds, in the sunlight, and wilt away they will.

9. Quash mold and mildew
Like vinegar, vodka can help combat stubborn mold and mildew stains in the bathroom. Spray it on stained caulk, let it sit for 30 minutes, and scrub with a brush.

10. Wash your mouth out
With homemade mouthwash: Boil 6 ounces of water and 2 ounces of vodka together. Add in 4 teaspoons of liquid glycerin and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Remove from heat and let cool. When cooled, add 10-15 drops of Spearmint oil and shake the entire mixture together well.

11. Make a tincture
You can make a tincture of botanicals and vodka to use topically for a number of ailments or conditions. Fill a jar with a handful of flowers/roots/leaves and top with vodka.

12. Ease a poison ivy rash
Urushiol oil, the pesky component of poison ivy and poison oak, leads most to an agonizing rash. Before the rash sets in, vodka can be poured directly on the skin where contact occurred to minimize the severity of what’s to come. Rubbing alcohol will work too.

13. Shine your shiny things
Who needs separate chrome-cleaner, glass-cleaner, and porcelain-cleaner when a trip to the liquor cabinet can tackle all three materials at once? Dampen a cloth with vodka, rub, back in the shine.

14. Unstick sticky stickers
I bet 9 out of 10 of you save glass jars and reuse them. How many of you cringe at the gummy label adhesive that clings to glass like a manic starfish? (Or is that just me?) Vodka to the rescue. Dab a scouring sponge with some vodka, scrub, rinse with some liquid dish soap, no more sticky ugh.

4 Homeopathic Remedies for Arthritis

4 Homeopathic Remedies for Arthritis

  • Michelle Schoffro Cook

While there are many great natural remedies for arthritis, homeopathy can be quite effective and is typically overlooked. This healing tradition is based on the ancient medical premise that “like cures like.” In other words, a natural substance that potentially causes a particular illness in the body can be used in a significantly diluted form to prompt the body to combat the illness and related symptoms. It sounds crazy but it is the philosophy now adopted by vaccine manufacturers when they develop flu shots and other chemical-based vaccines. Of course, homeopathy relies on only natural substances and avoids the toxic chemicals and additives found in most vaccines, thereby eliminating side-effects.

 

The most commonly used homeopathic remedies for arthritis include: rhus tox, bryonia, apis, and belladonna.

 

Rhus tox is best suited for people who experience symptom improvement from moving but tend to get stiff from rest.

 

Bryonia is best for people whose symptoms worsen from movement.

 

Apis is suitable for people with hot, burning, stinging pain and swelling.

 

Belladonna is best suited for people who experience a rapid and violent onset of throbbing arthritic pain and red, hot, and swollen joints.

 

Homeopathic remedies come in different potencies. The typical dosage is to start with a 6X or 30X remedy, taking three or four pellets and allowing them to dissolve under the tongue every 15 minutes for the first hour or two. After that, a typical dose is three pellets, three times daily. If you don’t see any improvement, a different remedy choice may work better for you.

 

I believe homeopathy works best when it is taken with direction from an experienced homeopath. A skilled practitioner will take a holistic approach, asking many questions about your symptoms and the conditions that improve or worsen them. This helps the practitioner select homeopathic remedies that address physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual factors that may be affecting you.

Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

  • Shelley Stonebrook

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is an incredibly common condition, and millions worldwide take pharmaceutical drugs to treat it. While you should always consult with your health care practitioner before changing any treatment plans, two natural remedies to consider are garlic (or other alliums) and hibiscus.

Various studies reported in the Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics concluded that both onions and garlic in the diet lowered blood cholesterol levels. Studies in Germany and in the United States have produced similar results. Cholesterol builds up in fatty plaques on the artery walls, and so it is believed to be a major factor in the onset of heart disease. Anything that reduces high cholesterol levels helps to keep the heart healthy.

Recent studies show that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard hypertension drugs can. Hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage (it’s the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea). Hibiscus is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects.

An added bonus about these two remedies? Garlic and hibiscus plants can be grown in much of the United States, so you can actually grow your own blood pressure medicine.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for January 6th

The Christmas season is about to come to a conclusion. Church calendars in both the East and West proclaim today the ‘Feast of the Epiphany’ or ‘Three Kings Day’ when Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar followed a star to Bethlehem, offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. So many traditions consider today to be the last day of Christmas, one that has rituals and symbols of its own. Carolers can go from house to house singing out the holidays, and in some cases help to take down Christmas trees that will be part of a big bonfire. Prayers are said on this evening, and dried herbs are blessed and burnt so that both the aroma and the attached blessings could fill the home. Doorways would be sprinkled with holy water and the letters C + M + B (representing the Three Kings) and the year would be written in chalk above the door. Today you can burn some frankincense incense and say this special prayer to Sandalphon, an angel believed to weave the prayers of the faithful into a garland to offer at the feet of the Lord. We can engage in the blessed energies of this day by saying: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, I will show love. Where there is injury, I will heal. Where there is lack, I will fulfill. Where there is confusion, I see clearly. Where there is no heart, I will be one heart.’

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

The Meaning of the Number One

One primarily deasl with strong will, positivity, pure energy. The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of number One is further clarified when we understand One represents both kinds of action: physical and mental. This combined with Ones urgency for new beginnings, we begin to see Ones recurring in our lives indicates a time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. One encourages us our action will be rewarded in kind.

 

The Spiritual Meaning of Numbers

Your Daily Number for January 6th: 1

It’s a take charge day in which you should rely on yourself. Thanks to your focus and independence, a project may finally reach completion, or you may start on a new challenge. You may have an important introduction to someone new. Material losses are likely, however, so make sure to remember your keys, wallet, etc.

Fast Facts

About the Number 1

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

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for January 6th is 27: Nourishment

27: Nourishment

Hexagram 27

General Meaning: Nourishment refers to more than a healthy diet. It is the care-giving function. Eating properly implies care for oneself; providing healthy meals in the home is a sign of caring for the family. The writer of a great book or composer of an inspiring piece of music also provides nourishment, by caring deeply about the quality of his or her work and offering it to the world.

We can know others by observing what they choose to nourish in their lives. Do they properly feed and develop their bodies? Do they cultivate their spirits, their intellects, their moral values? Do they nourish and care for those around them? If so, to whom do they devote their energies? The most successful people are temperate in eating and drinking, thinking and dreaming. They strengthen the world by nurturing everyone’s higher nature.

Pay heed to your thoughts and impulses, ignoring those that undermine a healthy and persevering attitude. A wise person is temperate in the consumption of food and drink, because to be otherwise only leads to discomfort; the fact that temporary pleasure may precede the discomfort does not influence the person of mature character. In the same way, be discriminating in your words and actions, lest a desire for temporary advantage lead you to cause pain for yourself or others. Enrich your character and you will naturally nourish everyone around you.

Today’s Runes for January 6th is Dagez

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful – although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised – the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

Today’s Tarot Card for Jan. 6th is The Hierophant

The Hierophant

This Tarot Deck: Esoterico

General Meaning: Traditionally known as the Hierophant, this card refers to a Master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of Natural Law. This energy of this card points to some agent or resource that can reveal the secrets of life, the cycles of the moon and tides, the links between human beings and the heavens.

Because monasteries were the only places a person could learn to read and write in the middle ages, a Hierophant was one to whom a student would petition for entry. He was the one to set the curriculum for the neophyte’s course of study.

Often pictured with the right hand raised in blessing, the Hierophant is linked with the ancient lineage of Melchezidek, initiator of the Hebrew priestly tradition, the one who passes on the teachings. All shamans of any tradition draw upon this archetype.

Your Horoscope Guardian Trees

Your Horoscope Guardian Trees

  • Annie B. Bond

The grounded grace and benign presence of trees have both awed and comforted humans since our earliest beginnings. In both Native American and Celtic tradition, every season has its tree-spirits. In astrology, too, each sun-sign has special trees standing guard over it, sharing their healing energy.

Find out which trees hold a magical healing key for your sun-sign here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: Holly, thorn, chestnut

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Almond, apple, walnut, ash, sycamore, cherry, myrtle

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Elder, filbert

Cancer, June 21-July 22: Willow, sycamore

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Palm, laurel, pine, oak

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Hazel, elder

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Almond, walnut, plum, myrtle, apple

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Holly, blackthorn

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Mulberry, chestnut

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Pine, cypress, yew, spruce, holly

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Pine

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Willow, elm, linden

Daily Horoscopes for Friday, Jan. 6th

It’s challenging to feel satisfied today because an anxious quincunx between attractive Venus and assertive Mars indicates we could pursue the wrong things. We may be discouraged when we finally realize that we don’t actually want what we have earned. The breezy Gemini Moon prompts us to change our minds often during the day, while late night aspects to the cosmic lovers, Venus and Mars, can stir up an argument, even if we thought all was well.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It’s difficult to maintain a steady work pace today if your natural rhythm feels off balance. Your key planet Mars is stressed in your 6th House of Daily Routine, possibly making advanced planning of your day counterproductive. It’s better to be free from too many commitments now because you could be required to respond to changing circumstances. If you feel as if you’re stuck in a rut, making small changes is healthier than turning everything upside down.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You typically stick with a decision once you make up your mind, but you might go back and forth several times today before you finally are satisfied with your choice. Your ambivalence could leave you feeling nervous, especially if you’re getting pressured by others to make a commitment. However, it’s not wise to give your final answer before you are comfortable with it. Step back from all the noise so you can listen to your inner voice; your intuition won’t steer you wrong now.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It seems as if time is speeding up and your life is moving faster than you prefer. Normally, you like the thrill that comes from a lot of activity, but today you will be ready for some rest by the end of the day. Give yourself time to relax in the evening, since you will need to have your wits about you if relationship issues surface. An emotionally charged conflict that arises now is best handled in the present moment with honesty and kindness.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You would love to find a harmonious balance today between your desire to resolve an ongoing disagreement and your tendency to avoid difficult communication by withdrawing into your shell. Although you’re considering every option, you’re fairly comfortable with your own feelings. If you sense emotional tension in the atmosphere, make everyone feel better by confronting the issue directly.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may receive a “Get Out of Jail Free” card from the universe, however, you must use it right away. Although you haven’t solved any long-term issues, you can sidestep the problems for a while as you relax by taking a scenic ride today. Imagine yourself moving through the day as if it is a dream while always keeping one foot on the ground, so you won’t forget what’s real. Remain open to pleasurable experiences now without stressing about how you will integrate them into your life.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The proverb “the devil is in the details” could be your unraveling today. Everything may appear to be unfolding according to your master plan, but it’s entirely possible you could overlook something very important. Rather than trying to minimize your error, face up to it right away. Avoiding a problem will only make it grow in size. Make the necessary changes so you can put things back on track as quickly as you can.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Today goes well for you if you can keep your feelings to yourself, since your desires will likely conflict with what others want. Unfortunately, you have something to say and you don’t want to put it off. Once you begin expressing yourself, it’s hard to know when to stop. You could work yourself into a state of anxiety that makes you less effective in communicating your message. Avoid becoming a victim of your own passion now by using as few words as you can to explain your point of view.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may be juggling your responsibilities today because you’re trying to accomplish too much at once. Still, you could complete everything that is required if you stop and prioritize what you need to do. Mapping out your day helps to prevent you from scattering your energy and frittering away your resources. Be realistic in your approach; if necessary, pare back activities instead of waiting until you’re already behind schedule.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may believe that a new strategy is required now to take a relationship to the next level or to revitalize it with fresh energy. Nevertheless, you still might resist the necessary changes unconsciously if you aren’t certain which way you want to go. Don’t let confusion stand in the way of truth. Rather than tapdancing around the edges of confrontation, be direct and say exactly what’s on your mind. Even if your opinion creates dissension, resolution will be possible once everything is out in the open.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You have lots of thoughts running through your head today, but it’s challenging to put them into words because they are moving so quickly. It’s difficult to gauge the impact of your presentation because one minute it seems as if everyone’s agreeing with you, and then the next minute someone’s belittling your perspective. Paradoxically, you’ll be more successful if you don’t try so hard. Be patient and save your most convincing arguments until tomorrow when the planets are on your side.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might think that you can sweet talk your way through a tricky situation today, but someone may not be willing to take what you say at face value. There can be powerful feelings just beneath the surface, making it difficult for you to get your way. Normally, your fixed sense of purpose enables you to successfully navigate your way through the obstacles. Although it’s difficult to focus now, you can still win an argument if you remember to keep bringing the discussion back to the point at hand.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may be an incurable dreamer, it’s not helpful to drift off into the clouds now. You won’t be able to complete what you have started if your mind keeps wandering into the future. It’s more important to concentrate on the present moment than to think about what you will need to do next. If necessary, lean on a trusted friend or partner for help. But even if someone’s advice feels more like criticism, listen to what you’re being told and consider incorporating it into your strategy.