Month: March 2012

The Wicca Book of Days for March 10th – Nebulous Neptune

The Wicca Book of Days for March 10th

Nebulous Neptune

We are now more than midway through the zodiacal month of Pisces, which means that the rule of the Fishes’ governing planet, Neptune, has been well established for some time. Following its discovery in 1846, the tradition of calling the planets after Roman Gods as perpetuated through the naming of Neptune. Both the Roman Sea Deity and His Greek counterpart, Poseidon, were said to wield a fisherman’s trident, and it is this that forms the basis of Neptune’s sigil, or astrological symbol. Neptune’s influence is far from aggressive, however, for it is said to make us dreamy, intuitive, and imaginative, as well as altruistic, idealistic, and spiritual.

 

Godly Gray

Water, if not transparent, typically appears gray, which is why this is usually regarded as Neptune’s shade. Affirm your connection with Neptune today by using a gray candle or cord in your rituals or by wearing gray garments.

Today’s Affirmation, Thought & Meditation for March 10th

Weekend Images, Pics, Comments, Photos, Graphics
Today’s Affirmation

My aim in life is to learn what I can from my experiences, to act on that learning and by my example to share what I have learned with others.

 

Today’s Thought

Our real blessings often appear to us in the shapes of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience, and we soon shall see them in their proper figures.

Joseph Addison (1672 – 1719)

 

Today’s Meditation

The Silver Lining

Hidden in the gloomiest outlook there is usually a tiny spark of hope to be found. Visualize this hope as a pinprick of light piercing the darkness. In your mind’s eye move toward this light and, as you do so, watch it grow ever more powerful. Use this light to reinforce your faith that in time thing will become more bearable.

Witches’ Flying Ointments

 

Witches’ Flying Ointments

 

Modern astral travel is basically a mental and magickal exercise; herbs and crystals are used to enhance the process, but they do not produce the experience. Herbs may also be used to produce similar, although not identical, experiences. Keeping control over the experience is among the key goals of unassisted astral travel: however, once herb substances become the source of the journey, that control is, to varying extents, ceded.

 

Herbs assisted soul journeys, just like astral projection are surviving vestiges of shamanism. Ointments to produce visions–including group visions–exist in many traditions. Many are accompanied by the sensation of flying. These ointment are the medium of shamanic journeys. The most famous maybe medieval witches’ flying ointments.

 

Author is unknown at this time.

Article transferred over from the old WOTC Group.

If you know the author, please contact me and I

Will gladly give credit were credit is due.

Basic Witches’ Flying Ointments

Basic Witches’ Flying Ointments

Among the ingredients cited in witches’ flying ointments are:

Aconite(wolfsbane)

Baby fat

Belladonna(deadly nightshade)

Betel

Cantharides(Spanish Fly)

Cinquefoil(five-finger grass)

Foxglove

Hashish

Hellebore root

Hemlock

Hemp

Mandrake

Opium

Parsley

Poplar

Poppies

Soot

Thorn apple(datura)

Tobacco

Water parsnip juice

Water parsnip is believed to refer to water hemlock which is extremely poisonous, as are most of the other ingredients.

Author is unknown at this time.
Article transferred over from the old WOTC Group.
If you know the author, please contact me and I
Will gladly give credit were credit is due.

Three Types of Ingredients Found In Witches’ Flying Ointment

Three Types of Ingredients Found In Witches’ Flying Ointment

Medieval witches’ flying ointments have three types of ingredients not always exclusive:

*Those with actual vision producing propensity

*Those that are poisonous

*Those that are disgusting

Many herbs components of these salves were highly toxic: a very precise, trained hand was needed to determine exactly how much would provide a shamanic experience, as opposed to how much would kill you. In other words, either those formulas were a lie or whoever successfully used them was a person of skill and knowledge.

Dangerous items(and they are dangerous, do not consider reproducing these formula) used safely could indicate shamanic skill and herb knowledge, if one is inclined to think that way and if one is inclined to respect that skill and knowledge. However, looked at from another perspective, their use could also point to a person’s supernatural ability to withstand poison or perhaps if one is inclined yet another way to indicate the devil’s protection.

Disgusting ingredients are almost inevitably dead babies, typically unbaptized. Information was extracted under torture. It’s very hard to judge how much was genuine information from witnesses and how much was derived from the torturer? Under the circumstances, if the torturer asked whether you used baby fat, would you disagree?

Technically speaking baby fat was only needed for a base. The constant suggestion that it was used also points to early abortion wars and the identification of midwives with witches. Every ointment or salve needs some base for other materials. Fat is merely a carrier for the potent ingredients. Any animal or vegetable fat will serve.

Despite all the pictures of witches literally flying around on broomsticks, a report from 1435 indicates that there was appreciation that the journey was shamanic, not actual: “A woman allegedly rubbed herself with ointment while seated in a large kneading trough. She immediately went to sleep and dreamed of flight However she shook so vigorously that she fell out and injured her head.

What were Witches’ Flying Ointments?

What were Witches’ Flying Ointments?

Allegedly, special ointments and salves, when applied to the body, allowed one to mount a broomstick and fly to witches’ sabbats.

Two theories exist, not mutually exclusive. One is that the witches, if some were really witches, were on shamanic journeys. The other theory is that the ointments provided erotic adventures instead, with the broomstick serving for those lacking more conventional dildos, not a standard household item in medieval Europe. Ointments were applied where the skin is thin and permeable: the wrists or vagina.

Flying ointment formulas revealed under torture have since been tested, and the results from scientific testing indicate that many formulas, when applied topically, will produce the sensation of flight.

Magickal Ideas for Your Ostara Sabbat Ritual

Magickal Ideas for Your Ostara Sabbat Ritual

 

*Color and empower Oestre eggs for health, wealth and prosperity.

 

*Celebrate the return of the Goddess by conjuring potted plants and giving them to friends and loved ones.

 

*Incorporate chocolate into your Ostara ritual.

 

* Review the items in your magickal cabinet or box and replace what is needed. Empower the supplies during the Ostara ritual.

 

*Bless seeds for the garden.

 

*Hold your ritual at dawn.

 

*Ostara (spring equinox) is solar driven. The sun moves from mutable, watery Pisces to cardinal, fiery Aries. Aries is a great “starter” sign, but it manages to poop out along the way. Any magick done while the sun or moon is in Aries should be supplemented with other workings later on.

Significance of Colors for Ostara Eggs

Significance of Colors for Ostara Eggs

Black – Absorb and dispel negative influences, Mystery, Rememberance, Eternity, Constancy

Blue – Healing, Peace, Astral projection, Fidelity, Sleep, Unity

Brown – Animals, Helps connect to the rythms and energies of the Earth

Gold – Activity, Money, The God, The Sun

Green – Abundance, Calm, Fertility, Prosperity, Neutralize difficult situations, Renewal, Freshness, Hope

Indigo – Clairvoyance, Healing, Past lives

Orange – Attraction, Energy, Friendship, Willpower, Endurance, Strength

Pink – Romantic love, Peace

Purple – Communication with higher level beings, Connection with the Divine, Ending quarrels, Healing, Tranquility, Patience, Trust, Deep Sleep, Healing serious illnesses

Red – Courage, Lust, New life, Desire, Passion, Sexuality, Strength, Enthusiasm

Red Violet – Hidden knowledge

Silver – Psychic abilities, Spirituality, The Goddess, The Moon

Turquoise – Spiritual Knowledge

White – Good fortune, Healing, Purification, Virgin Goddess

Yellow – Creativity, Communication, Intellect, Knowledge, Youth, Mind Power, Light, Purity, Happiness, Wisdom

Natural Dyes for Ostara Eggs

Natural Dyes for Ostara Eggs

Yellow – Carrots, Fenugreek, Turmeric, White grape juice

Yellow Orange – Vanilla extract

Orange – Dandelions, Yellow onion skins, Paprika, Orris root

Pink – Heather, Iris blossoms

Red – Cayenne, Madder root, Red onion skins

Reddish Purple – Purple grape juice, Red raspberries

Blueish Purple – Beet juice, Blackberries, Mulberries

Blue – Black raspberries, Blueberries, Red cabbage

Green – Bracken, Carrot tops

Yellow Green – Daffodils

How the Ostara Egg Came to Be

How the Ostara Egg Came to Be

The modern belief that eggs are delivered by a rabbit, comes from the legend of the Goddess Eostre. Eostre was walking one fine Spring day and came upon a beautiful little bird. The poor bird’s wing was badly injured and Eostre, feeling great compassion for the little creature, wanted to heal it. But the little bird’ wing was so badly damaged that Eostre knew it would never be able to fly again even after She healed it. So, Eostre decided to help the bird by healing it in a way that would give it mobility and a little something more. She turned it into a rabbit!

 

 

During the transformation, the rabbit retained the ability to lay eggs. The rabbit was so grateful to Eostre for saving its life that it laid a sacred egg in Her honor, joyously decorated it and then humbly presented it to the Goddess. She was so pleased and so touched by the rabbit’s thoughtful gift that She wished all humankind to share in her joy. In honoring her wishes, the rabbit went all over the world distributing these beautifully decorated little gifts of life and continues to do so even today.

Ostara Symbols

Ostara Symbols

image Lilies – These beautiful flowers were a symbol of life in Greece and Rome. During the Ostara season, young men would give a lily to the young woman they were courting. If the young woman accepted the lily, the couple were considered engaged (much like accepting a diamond ring from a young man in today’s society).

 

image Lambs – This fluffly little mammal is an eternal symbol of Ostara, and was sacred to virtually all the virgin goddesses of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The symbol was so ingrained in the mindset of the people of that region that it was carried over into the spring religious rituals of the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.

 

image Robins – One of the very first birds to be seen in the Spring, robins are a sure sign of the fact that warm weather has indeed returned.

 

image Bees – These busy little laborers re dormant during the winter. Because of this, the sighting of bees is another sure sign of Spring. They were also considered by the Ancient peoples to be messengers of the Gods and were sacred to many Spring and Sun Goddesses around the world.

 

image Honey – The color of the sun, this amber liquid is, of course, made through the laborious efforts of the honeybee. With their established role as messengers to the Gods, the honey they produced was considered ambrosia to the Gods.

 

image Faeries – Because of their ability to bring blessings to your gardens, protect your home, and look after your animals, it is beneficial to draw faeries to your life. Springtime is the quinessential season to begin drawing the fae again. You want to be sure to leave succulent libations or pretty little gifts for them. Some ideas for libations or gifts are… honey, fresh milk, bread, lilacs, primrose blossoms, cowslip, fresh berries, dandelion wine, honeysuckle, pussywillows, ale, or shiny coins.

 

image Equal-armed Crosses – These crossesrepresent the turning points of the year, the solstices and equinoxes and are often referred to as ‘Sun Wheels’. They come in many forms such as God’s eyes, Celtic crosses, Shamrocks, Brigid’s crosses, 4-leaved clovers, crossroads, etc.

Ostara Traditions

Ostara Traditions

 

image Spring egg hunts have origins in many lands. Some think that the egg hunt was symbolic of our ancestors, who would search for birds nests in early Spring. The eggs in them provided much needed fresh protein to add to the diet after a long, lean winter. Of course, egg hunts also have origins in India and China, where they were tied to the Karmic belief that we must each find our own path in each new life. Egg hunts became popular in the United States thanks to Abraham Lincoln, who, in 1862, invited children form the Washington D.C. area to hunt for eggs on the White House lawn. This tradition continues even today.

 

 

image Eggs were buried by the Teutons to infuse the Earth with the life-giving properties of the egg. They were planted in fields, flower beds, window boxes and even animal barns for fertility. People would eat eggs in order to gain from the life-giving benefits of the egg.

 

 

image The Teutons believed it was very bad luck to wear your spring clothes before Ostara. They would secretly work all winter on beautiful new clothing for the Ostara celebration. This is where the tradition of having new, fancy clothes for Easter morning came from. It is also the origin of the ‘Easter parade’ to show off the new, beautiful clothing you now have.

Ostara (Poem)

Ostara
Raven Spirit

Pink and green, yellow and light blue
These are the colors of the Springtime hues

The light returns to a frozen Earth
The Lord and Lady court in lusty mirth

He brushes her face
She brushes his horns
Tis not a thing to shun or scorn

Look there is a songbird
And over there is a hare

Excitement in our souls so sacred and fare

The signs that are given of a promise fulfilled
The rebirth of all nature
Flowers in the fields

But this is a beginning
Your goals don’t forsake
We must continue to water, continue to rake

To nurture and care for the still fragile seeds
Till they grow strong in to our magickal deeds

To pull the weeds and nurture with care
And watch your goals manifest
As we Will, stay Silent, and Dare

So salute the Lord and the Lady
As they explore and make marry
For your life will be prosperous
With strength, hope, and caring

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

James Russell Lowell once wrote, “No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him.” Each of us has been given a talent. It may not be some great shining thing that will attract attention and bring fame. But living has become so intricate, so great in detail, so fine in its workings, that it requires that skill of all men.

Every time we touch something, hear, see, and feel, we are using the results of other people’s talents. Too many take their own abilities for granted and see a task as just another job. But that isn’t true, because no matter how small your part may seem, it takes its place in the world of living as important and necessary as the greatest talent.

The secret of a successful talent is in its use. The most minute gift was put there for a purpose and we should never belittle it but gratefully devote our attention to developing its perfection.

There are a number of self-improvement books on the market today. Among them are excellent etiquette books teaching us the correct way of doing things and how to live more graciously with our fellow man. But one can be quite learned and lose the benefit of keeping the social graces with oneself.

You owe it to yourself to quit belittling your abilities in thought or word. Self-respect is a necessity in order to keep on good terms with oneself.

You owe yourself spiritual growth – the ability to enter a church reverently and to sit quietly in your own preparatory service before the formal service begins.

It is your duty to fill your mind with the better thoughts, the sweetening of the nature and a measure of tolerance – for you will make mistakes, but there should also be the power to forgive oneself, to go on from there.

To be on good terms with oneself is to worry less about violating the rules of good behavior with all others.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 9

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 9

“In the life of the Indian there was only one inevitable duty, the duty of prayer, the daily recognition of the Unseen and Eternal. His daily devotions were more necessary to him than daily food.”

–Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), SANTEE SIOUX

The most important habit one can develop is the daily act of prayer. Prayer is our eyes, our ears, our feelings, our success, our guidance, our life, our duty, our goal. There really is only prayer and meditation. We can only help others through prayer. We can only help ourselves through prayer. You can never become an Elder unless you pray. You can never stay an Elder unless you pray. You never get wisdom unless you pray. You never understand unless you pray.

Great Spirit, today, teach me to pray.

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March 9 – Daily Feast

March 9 – Daily Feast

We are not always granted the privilege of going back and doing things differently. If we were, could we? We might if we had new knowledge. Otherwise, we would do the same thing we did before. It was all we knew. Every race has had its Trail of Tears, in fact, every individual has suffered and agonized over what he might have done. Gentle people hope that by cooperation things will work for all concerned. It isn’t in the hearts of the gentle to think that others do not have their same heartfelt ways. But challenges in the present times are sufficient without adding the past. If we know so much now, we need to use it. We can, sometimes, project ahead by looking back objectively to tap some reserve of knowledge. If we lack such inner knowledge, if we lack wisdom, we need to ask. And then we listen for the still small voice of direction.

~ Chief Ross led in prayer and when the bugle sounded and the wagons started rolling many of the children waved their little hands good-bye to their mountain homes. ~

PRIVATE JOHN BURNETT

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

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Daily Motivator for March 9th – Amazingly able

Amazingly able

Progress is made by those who do what they are afraid to do. Progress is made by those who do what they did not previously know they could do.

You cannot push the world forward by staying safe and comfortable. You cannot make great advances by holding tightly to the tired excuses and outdated assumptions.

It is energizing and liberating to turn down a road you have not traveled before. To reach toward what you cannot yet touch brings new passion and strength to your life.

You are amazingly able to do not only what you have already done, but also what you cannot yet do. Your capacity for learning and improvement has no limit.

Beyond where you are comfortable is where you will grow and improve and achieve. Nudge yourself away from what you already know, and discover how very much more you can be.

Give yourself the priceless gifts of new experiences, new skills, new knowledge and the confidence of knowing how quickly you can grow. Expand your horizons, again and again, and discover that every limit is there to be transcended.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for March 9th – Compassionate Intensity

Compassionate Intensity
Balancing Your Warrior Spirit

 

When we recognize our warrior self we can exhibit strength without sacrificing tenderness.

The human soul is dynamic, adapting readily to the changing conditions we encounter as time marches unerringly forward. Though we may use a single set of characteristics to define ourselves, we slip easily into contradictory roles when circumstances necessitate doing so. When we feel called to explore the way of the warrior, we may feel a strong sense of dismay because we have no wish to disavow ourselves of our softer side. Yet embracing the warrior spirit is not a matter of denying gentleness or compassion—all human beings embody all traits to some degree, and seemingly contradictory aspects can coexist peacefully within us. We can exhibit strength without sacrificing tenderness precisely because both are elements of the self and both have a role to play in the complexity of existence.

Balance is the key that unlocks the door of peaceable coexistence where opposing characteristics of the self are concerned. The warrior spirit, when allowed free reign, is overpowering and all-consuming. If it is to be an affirmative force in our lives, it must be tempered with wisdom and moderation. Our inner warriors are ready to react instantly to conflict, chaos, and confusion, while nonetheless remaining committed to a path of goodwill and fairness. They lie at the root of our dedication to integrity but do not drive us to use our strength to coerce others into adopting our values. The warrior may be nourished by raw emotions with the potential to cause us to lash out, but it channels that energy into positive and constructive action.

Your inner warrior is one source of strength you can draw upon in times of great need. When you employ your warrior spirit thoughtfully, it manifests itself as clarity, focus, determination, courage, constancy, and an unflappable zest for life. The warrior views roadblocks as evolutionary opportunities and is not afraid to pursue a purpose to its climax. There is more than enough room in the existence of the warrior for softness and benevolence, and the warrior’s willingness to stand up for their beliefs can aid you greatly as you strive to incorporate these ideals into your existence. Exploring this unique side of yourself is a means of broadening your reality so you can internalize mindfulness while meeting life’s challenges with an intensity of spirit that never wavers.

And Last But Not Least, Our Special Kitty Of The Day for March 9th!

Sylvia, the Cat of the Day
Name: Sylvia
 Age: Twelve years old
Gender: Female
 Kind: Domestic Short Hair
Home: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Presenting to Cat of the Day fans – Sylvia! She came to my life nearly twelve years ago – a stray kitten from a stray-friendly neighborhood. I was in the market for a new companion, having recently said goodbye to her predecessor, alas the Rainbow Bridge welcomed another angel. Soon after, I welcomed this sweet angel to my life.

Sylvia is wonderful; a true Diva Cat with many admirable qualities. She is open minded; calmly receptive to new experiences and new people, and curious about unfamiliar foods. As You can see, she loves to be outside when the weather is nice! In the city, enjoying her outdoor domain means being tethered on the balcony, but Sylvia, true to her name’s meaning, “from the forest”, is also an adventurous hiker. When the opportunity presents to walk in secluded woods, she walks right along with me – if we should lose line of sight between us, the ‘meowing’ begins! It is such fun to walk in woods with Sylvia as she meows occasionally to make sure we don’t get too separated. Very smart on her part as well, as her coat blends perfectly with Pennsylvania forest floors. If she would ever choose to strike out alone, I would be hard pressed to find her. Luckily for me, she believes that adventures are fun, but home is best!

Oh, What A Mug! Doggie of the Day for March 9th

Léo, the Dog of the Day
Name: Léo
 Age: Two years old
Gender: Male Breed: English Bulldog mix
Home: Québec, Canada
We got Léo a year ago; his previous family did not want him anymore as they didn’t have time for him. Poor Léo was tied all day long in the house and was described as too excited …

But since then, he has made our family life even better than it was. What makes Léo so special? First, the special bond between him and the children. Right away he started sleeping with my five-year-old son and every morning they cuddle each other before waking up. He was there when the now 18-year-old was feeling sad and needed a nonjudgmental presence: they became really attached to each other. We could say he tamed our eight-year-old daughter into loving dogs … and many of our children’s friends since then. There is just something special about him and children; first, his unique features makes them laugh so much! Even after one year, we laugh at the faces he makes, the sounds he does, and his little routine (every morning his finds his ray of sun, sit on his bottom, close a bit his eyes and enjoy the sun for at least half an hour!).

Léo is not good at doing tricks, he does not come all the time when we call him, but he is special because he made our family complete. He has given us memories the children (and we) will cherish all their lives. He gave us much more than what we expected; 100% pure love, a true confidant, a constant presence and filled our house with even more laughter!