Month: May 2012

Make Your Own Eco-friendly Dog Food

Make Your Own Eco-friendly Dog Food

by

Dog Food Recipe

Ingredients: 1lb ground chicken (or lamb, beef, liver or tuna) 2 cups brown rice fresh spinach fresh carrots

Method:

Brown and cook the meat. Boil the rice Finely chop the vegetables in a food processor and combine.

*Editor’s Note: Always check with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s diet is healthy and nutritionally complete.

Tips/Additions:

Most Important: Always consult your veterinarian when you are changing your pet’s diet to make sure you pet gets proper nutrition.

Dogs don’t chew like humans, so vegetables must be finely chopped for them to get valuable nutrients.

You could add bone meal or powdered milk to ensure your pet gets calcium.

Small amounts of garlic can help prevent tape worms.

Add cod liver oil in small amounts for Omega 3’s and a shiny coat.

This recipe was featured on the Big House Big Waste Episode of Wa$ted!

Homemade Dog Bones

by Annie B. Bond

By making your own dog bones you are providing your pet with wholesome food and are assured that you are not feeding them animal byproducts of unknown origin. Keep your eyes out for dog bone cookie cutters; they are frequently
sold in kitchen supply stores.

(Adapted from Rodale’s Book of Practical Formulas)

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup corn meal
  • 1/2 cup soy flour
  • 1/2 cup ground seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon linseed oil (available in health food stores)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix to blend. Add the liquid ingredients.

Stir, adding more milk if necessary to make a ball that can be kneaded and rolled out on a cutting board. Roll out dough, and cut out dog bone shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place on a well-greased baking pan, and bake at 350 F for 25-35 minutes, or until browned.

FDA: Nearly 1,000 Pets Sickened by China-Made Dog Treats (Again)

FDA: Nearly 1,000 Pets Sickened by China-Made Dog Treats

The Food and Drug Administration has received hundreds of complaints from owners and vets over certain brands of China-made chicken jerky products.

 

Suddenly, “sick as a dog” isn’t so colloquial.

According to updated records kept by the Food and Drug Administration, chicken jerky pet treats from China have sickened nearly 1,000 dogs in the U.S. in recent months.

The FDA has logged 900 reports of illnesses and deaths from vets and concerned pet owners since November, when it issued warnings about health problems associated with the products known variously as chicken jerky strips, treats and nuggets.

Recorded problems stemming from the treats range from vomiting and diarrhea to kidney failure and death. The complaints have contributed to mounting pressure on the FDA to address the issue.

Despite repeated tests, however, FDA scientists have been unable to detect any toxin responsible for the animal illnesses, officials said. And no results of a review conducted at Chinese treat manufacturing plants earlier this year are yet available, according to FDA spokeswoman Tamara Ward.

China’s spotty record on food safety only complicates the issue: in recent years the country has dealt with numerous food scandals, involving toxic baby formula, tainted pork products, rice contaminated with heavy metals and the reuse of discarded cooking grease nauseatingly known as “gutter oil” . In 2007, more than 100 pets in North America reportedly died after eating pet food whose China-sourced ingredients were tainted with the plastic melamine, prompting a massive recall. No wonder folks are quick to worry.

The three top brands of chicken jerky treats among those most recently cited in complaints included Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brands, produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp. According to the msnbc.com report, Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch are both produced and supplied by JOC Great Wall Corp. Ltd. of Nanjing, China.

Both Nestle Purina and Del Monte brands have insisted their chicken jerky treats are sound and that any illnesses are unrelated to the products. Officials from Milo’s Kitchen admitted paying at least one owner who complained about a sick dog $100 in exchange for a release of all liability, but it also said a veterinary evaluation revealed the dog’s symptoms “were not related to consuming Milo’s Kitchen chicken jerky treats,” according to spokesperson Joanna DiNizio.

FDA officials have said companies are free to recall the treats at any time, but regulations do not allow for products to be removed based on consumer complaints alone.

TimeNews

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Thursday, May 24th

I have two brothers. My older brother, Bob, is one of the best friends a girl (or guy) could ever have. He has my back on every conceivable front and I love him for that. I am also fortunate enough to say that my younger brother, Dave, is also one of my best friends. Both of these men play very important roles in my life. I am exceedingly grateful that my brothers and I have so much in common, get along so wonderfully well and love each other as much as we do. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have normal family squabbles and even some knock down fights. On those rare occasions when we’re not seeing eye to eye, I step back and trigger the energies of my home’s Family/Friends/Ancestors area in order to set the agenda right. One way I do this is to place a photo of the three of us together in a wooden frame. Wood is the element associated with the Family area in Feng Shui. It speaks to and symbolizes roots and the family tree. I will then, in efforts to bring back the brotherly love, place three small and healthy green plants in the vicinity surrounding that family photo while waiting for all animosity to disappear! This fabulous Feng Shui cure never fails to bring friendship back to the family agenda!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Number for May 24th: 9

Love and Romance rule the day, and you’re at your creative best. You may suffer a minor disappointment due to the disloyalty of a friend or family member, but worry not. This too shall pass. Good news may arrive for you in the evening hours.

Fast Facts

About the Number 9

Theme: Encompassing a love for all, Compassion, Patience, Selfless
Astro Association: Virgo
Tarot Association: Hermit

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for May 24th is 55: Great Abundance

55: Great Abundance

Hexagram 55

General Meaning: A time of abundance comes into full flower when the powers of leadership and teamwork are at their peak. The situation is like that of the sun at midday — a high noon of clarity, insight and progress. Such peak periods can be brief. Whether this refers to a national cycle, a business boom or a period of abundance, it is important to bale your hay while the sun is shining.

During a period of abundance, it benefits one to show benevolence, to share the fruit of one’s good fortune. Think of good deeds now as a hedge against times of scarcity in the future. This reading bodes well for expansion in love, the raising of children and the nurturing of a healthy family or any close-knit group.

Today’s Runes for Thursday, May 24th is Algiz

 

Jade Runes are most commonly used for questions about love, friendship, and relationships. Algiz can be easily recognized as the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk can represent victory, but is much more appropriately associated with the thrill of the hunt itself. This rune therefore can portend vigor and success in active endeavors. Also, this rune seems symbolic of a hand with outstretched fingers – a protective hand. This hand may suggest that you will be shielded from things negative – the problems still exist, you are spared the brunt of their force.

Today’s Tarot Card for May 24th is The Emperor

The Emperor

This Tarot Deck: Tarot of the Witches

General Meaning: In the most practical terms, what has traditionally been called the Emperor card represents the highest leadership, a head of state or the most exemplary and powerful person in the realm. This archetypal ruler is responsible for the positive working out of affairs of a society or community, which are directly proportional to his well being and happiness.

The more enlightenment and cosmic perspective this energy brings, the better life is for all. The Emperor archetype masters the world of matter and physical manifestation. When you apply this card to your situation, acknowledge your potentials for mastery. Reinforce a sense of sovereignty within yourself, despite any self-limiting beliefs, habits or appearances to the contrary.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, May 24th

We are able to think faster and engage in clever repartee now that communicator Mercury slides into interactive Gemini. The lingering effects of several planets in practical Earth signs is fading quickly with four planets moving through intellectual Air signs. Unfortunately, it may be nearly impossible to keep our thoughts focused for the next few weeks as the planetary emphasis on flighty Gemini increases our curiosity about everything.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may have a conflict between your desire to hang out with friends and the simplistic need to stay true to yourself. Although you really want the camaraderie that comes from being with your peers, you might not be willing to risk your emotional security by spending too much time away from your home and family. You could try to rationalize your behavior, but ultimately you believe it’s easier to hold yourself back. Fortunately, if you stop struggling you can get the most out of the present moment.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Oddly enough, you have very little resistance to change now, yet too much flexibility can get in the way of your happiness. You must take the credit or the blame for your present condition, but don’t waste your energy regretting previous actions or trying to complete unfinished business. Don’t wait for a better time to take action; this is it. Let go of your past so you can embrace your future.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your ruling planet Mercury returns home and this may stimulate a higher level of mental activity. Unfortunately, the hectic pace of your life is picking up even further, even if you’re already busy. It’s best now to take the sweet moments as they come, for it might be difficult to make a decision and then stick to it. Take time to think about what you could learn. Pursue your interests without committing to any one particular path just yet.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You can feel the tension build as the necessity of change confronts your current plans. Take whatever time today you need to consider what you really want to do, or you could end up making the situation even worse. You might not be able to separate fantasy from reality now, so avoid making any significant decisions for a couple of days. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until you clearly know how you feel before making your next move.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your social life is re-energized by talkative Mercury’s move into your 11th House of Groups. Instead of being overly concerned with your personal calendar, use the next couple of days to increase your involvement with the larger problems of your community or even humanity itself. But remember there’s no right or wrong when it comes to your life path. Instead of worrying about trivial things now, just focus on alleviating the pain and suffering of someone close to you.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may be temporarily distracted by one thing after another now that your ruling planet Mercury is in restless Gemini. But rather than trying to force an issue by placing yourself right in the middle of a complex situation, seek solitude instead. Relax your concentration and follow your thoughts wherever they may take you. Unfortunately, trying to constrain your mental process only leads to frustration. Combine tolerance and patience and you will find the right solution.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Loquacious Mercury joins the willful Sun and romantic Venus in your 9th House of Adventure. You might want to escape and take an extended vacation now. Unfortunately, you could use up all your time and energy talking about your ideas instead of actually going anywhere. Don’t just get lost in your dreams; make practical travel plans that can bend a bit with the changing circumstances of your life.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Messenger Mercury joins the cosmic party that’s already spicing up your 8th House of Intimacy and Transformation. You might be confused by someone’s inconsistent feelings, especially since they are slippery and may morph into something else if you attempt to address them. You could even make an error in judgment while assessing the current situation and then take an ineffective course of action. Don’t waste time worrying about what went wrong; just rethink the problem and try again.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may feel real conflict between your work duties and the personal circumstances of your life. Your rational mind is quite purposeful now, but don’t overlook the needs of your friends and partners, too. However, don’t be fooled by someone’s emotional appeal unless it’s also based upon facts. Be gentle with your own self-criticism, even if you must re-evaluate your position again and again.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you want to find time today for personal enjoyment, there’s too much on your plate now even for a quick escape. Practical responsibilities might require that you reschedule your playtime. Cover as much ground as you can on all your projects, but don’t worry if you have unfinished business when the workday is over. Just make sure to take care of your need for pleasure before the day is done.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

There may be little you can do to prevent someone from going through his or her own discomfort now when adapting to a new situation. You are usually comfortable with the notion of making big changes in your life when necessary. However, just the thought of having to deal with a major shift might upset you today because of all the uncertainty in the air. Stay attuned to your own process and don’t project your fears on to anyone else.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

What worked well for you in the past isn’t necessarily useful now. Don’t try to hold on to memories that only bring you sadness. Let the thoughts bubble into consciousness one last time and then leave them in the past where they belong. Conjure up some of that famous Piscean compassion so you can judge yourself less harshly. Being kind to others starts with accepting who you are first.

New Moon Report for May 24th – Mercury in Gemini

 

Mercury in Gemini

Thursday, May 24, 4:12 am PDT, 7:12 am EDT

Chatty Mercury is more talkative than ever in its airy home sign. Minds open and words flow with ease, perhaps too much at times as thoughts may be spoken carelessly and data accepted uncritically. Getting the most out of the intellectual richness and verbal skills of this transit requires some discernment. All ideas are not equal and all information is not useful. Keeping one’s purpose and priorities in the foreground helps to avoid these tempting distractions.

Daily Love & Romance Horoscopes for May 24th

Aries

You’re just over a month away from the most romantic months of the year, with plenty of both new beginnings and second chances ahead. While the focus is still on your relationships and especially when it comes to ensuring that the communication lines are open, there is a chance today to focus on making your life as love friendly as possible.

Taurus

At the same time that Mercury, planet of communication leaves your sign, the Moon makes his last visit to your communication sector before the first planetary activity for the year. This is keeping the spirit of communication alive, something that will become increasingly important over the coming months.

Gemini

The key to making the most of the new doors opening on the personal front and the second chances on the romantic front, is confidence and daring to believe in yourself. Some of the most important romantic months in decades stretch out in front of you, with this last trip down love’s memory lane all about making sure nothing has been missed.

Cancer

While at the moment your romantic and relationship focus is on the past, that won’t always be the case, with a chance now to make sense of where you’ve been before moving on. If you find that there is some relationship pressure today, chances are it’s coming from the past and old triggers, with a chance to get behind what’s pushing old buttons and why.

Leo

Hold onto the relationship dreams and aspirations forged over recent years, knowing that there is no need to revise this to fit in with your current reality. In short, don’t be tempted to settle for less or assume that you’re aiming too high. Trust what your instincts are telling you, especially when it comes to what you know is possible.

Virgo

Don’t be surprised if you have your buttons pushed or there is some pressure or challenges on the romantic front today, for it’s simply the Moon doing his job. Once a month the Moon moves into opposition with Pluto, now in retrograde motion in your romantic sector, making sure that you’re not asleep at the wheel and that you’re keeping things real.

Libra

Your personal life is enjoying a respite from some busy and demanding times on the work front, but already your radar is picking up the next wave of professional influences, just over the horizon. This gives you time to safeguard the new sense of liberation being felt on the romantic and relationship fronts and to create the right boundaries to protect it.

Scorpio

Mercury’s departure from your relationship sector today wraps up his own short 15 day visit aimed at helping you to open the communication lines, but also puts your relationships themselves into a new mode. After some active months on the relationship front it’s time now to start wrapping things up, with communication essential.

Sagittarius

The Sun’s month long visit to your relationship sector is being bookended by a pair of New Moons and it’s during the 4 weeks that separate these New Moons that everything will change. You are now just days into a game changing month on the relationship front, with Mercury’s return today giving you a chance to open the communication lines.

Capricorn

Having the Moon in your relationship sector as Mercury leaves your romantic sector, gives you a chance to keep the focus on your personal life in what is a powerful professional week, but also gives you a sense of where you’re going. This is the Moon’s last visit to your relationship sector before things start to move on the relationship front and before romantic forces run their course.

Aquarius

Mercury’s return to your romantic sector today puts the Sun, Mercury and Venus on the same page for the first time since November 2011, with heart, mind and soul now able to commit to what is a game changing time on the romantic front. In just under 3 weeks time even Jupiter, planet of luck will get on board, with love gods pulling out the big guns.

Pisces

So far this year you’ve had Mars not only continuously in your relationship sector, but bringing a real mixed bag of opportunities and challenges, with no planetary activity in your romantic sector. That will change in just 15 days time and with the Moon making his last visit to your romantic sector before things start to move, take the time to listen to the intuitive read this gives you of your heart.

Daily Chinese Zodiac Horoscopes for May 24th

Rabbit

To keep your progress heading in the right direction in the work-career sector, it may be a good idea to carefully consider your words and ideas before sharing them right now. You may come across as impatient and pushy at the wrong time. Approach new partners and associates carefully.

Dragon

You’re going to be asking yourself that age-old question “What do I really want to do with my life?” The quest for meaning and purpose in your life will suddenly take on great importance and you’ll be stunned when you get the message “You must PLAY!”

Snake

You may have a disagreement with friends or loved ones about spirituality, religion or culture today. Your values are changing, and you may feel that your social circle is pressuring you to return to the fold, or at least appear to support the status quo.

Horse

You and your partner come back down to earth with a bit of a bump today. It’s the practical things, the little things, like paying the bills and getting the toys you wanted for the rec room that take your attention away from the fun and romance of life.

Sheep

You and your significant other will be discussing your health, well-being and lifestyle today. You may get some feedback you don’t like. Dietary restrictions or stricter exercise regimens are needed to get you on a healthier track, and your own mind and body will also be giving you that message.

Monkey

Avoid taking any unnecessary medications today. You may find yourself out together with friends when some undesirable effect kicks in – sleepiness most likely. You have to be careful when playing a new sport or being involved in any activity involving water.

Rooster

If you want to smooth over a rough patch with your parents, or your partner’s parents, the best way to do that is to find some gift or information related to the real problem – that long-standing medical or emotional problem of theirs. A treat of a day at a spa could work wonders on a cranky in-law.

Dog

You may have to decide whether or not to share what you know or keep your mouth shut. It may be prudent to keep quiet until you are sure that you have all the facts straight. You have an opportunity to make a positive difference, but must be tactful.

Pig

If you are feeling a strong impulse to spend today, don’t be anywhere near book stores, music stores or movie houses. Focus on investing in your future, in your long-term financial and career goals. Find ways to secure a foundation for the future.

Rat

If you want to take control in your family at present, you are going to have to act like a dictatorial warden in a madhouse. Everyone has dramatically opposed ideas about just about everything. Don’t take it too personally if no-one listens to you today.

Ox

Powerful spiritual insights and revelations are coming your way today. Just be aware that the insights you get mean that you are at the beginning of a new path, not at its apex. You are about to discover a whole new way of looking at the world.

Tiger

A friend or companion has put you into a frustrating position, but if you are patient, the whole muddle could turn around in your favor. While you are sorting out the issues, someone will pop by with some wonderful romantic gossip or flirtatious energy that picks you up again.

the daily humorscopes for thursday, may 24th

the daily humorscope 

Thursday, May 24, 2012 

 

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
An old flame will call today, and invite you to lunch. It’s actually a trick to try to get you involved with AmWay. Also, check page 5 of the newspaper for something you’ve been waiting for.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Today you will read a bit of Shakespeare, and just before you fall asleep, you will think: “A duck, by any other name, would smell as foul.” Never mix Shakespeare and chocolate icecream. The results can be a trifle unpredictable.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Today you will finally get around to exercising! Your cat will look at you like you’ve gone completely whacky. Don’t be intimidated, though — at least you never get distracted and forget that you’re holding your leg up behind your head.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Today is a good day to crash through the underbrush, making loud snorting sounds. Beware of poachers, however.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Good day to bring home a bag or two of live bugs.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Bad news: people think you’re becoming paranoid. Isn’t that just typical, though? I mean, they don’t even HAVE invisible malevolent air-squids spying on THEM, do they?
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Ever had one of those times when you ask someone “What are the crunchy things in the oatmeal?” and they say “Crunchy things?” Soon, you will.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
More fun with twine, today. Isn’t it great!?
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
In the grocery store, you will see quite a few people with infants in their shopping carts. Try though you might, however, you will not be able to find the bin with the children. Perhaps they’re sold out? Important Safety Tip: do not stop one of the women with an infant and ask her to show you where her baby came from.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
While looking through comparative salary figures, who will discover that the job of “Village Idiot”, in many metropolitan areas, pays better than that of the mayor. Don’t even consider a career change, though — it’s a lot harder that it sounds.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Good day to call an old friend, and reminisce. (It turns out to be much much harder to reminisce with a new friend.)
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Someone will ask “How are you?” for the millionth time. You should celebrate the occasion by having a speech prepared – something embarassingly intimate is usually best. “Glad you asked, Bob. I’m having a darned tough time getting rid of these pesky genital warts, for one thing…”

Calendar of the Moon for Thursday, May 24th

Willow Tree Month

Colors: Yellow, silver, and pale willow-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of yellow, silver, and pale willow-green place three white candles, wreaths of willow-branches, a large clay bowl of water, flowers if they are available, and a silver moon.
Offerings: Contemplate an emotion, and how you use it, and how it uses you.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, preferably cold food. Fruits. Only spring water to drink.

Saille Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the Willow Goddess.
Response: Now is the time of the Green Man’s courting.
Call: Now is the time when leaves are full.
Response: Now is the time when gold gives way to silver.
Call: Now is the time when Sun gives way to Moon.
Response: Now is the time when Lord gives way to Lady.
Call: Now is the time of the search and the quest.
Response: Now is the time of magic dew on the fields.
Call: Now is the time of the phallus rising.
Response: He seeks the doorway that is wet with spring rains.
Call: He seeks the moon in the river.
Response: He seeks the fishes in the winnowing basket.
Call: He seeks the fruit of Persephone.
Response: He seeks the mountain of the Muses.
Call: We crown his head with flowers….
Response: That he may reach the sky.
Call: We crown his head with ribbons….
Response: That he may touch the earth.
Call: We bring forth the pole from earth to sky.
Response: We lay the line from earth to sky.
Call: We blow like the wind from earth to sky.
Response: We fall like the rain from sky to earth.
Call: We descend like the sunlight from sky to earth.
Response: We climb like the trees from sky to earth.
Call: We are the children of earth and sky.
Response: We are beloved of sky and earth.

Chant:
We all come from the Goddess, and to Her we shall return,
Like a drop of rain, flowing to the ocean.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for Thursday, May 24th

24 Thrimilchimonath

Day of the Horae

Colors: Black, dark blue, and white
Element: Air
Altar: Divide the altar into three parts. The first part is covered with cloth of black, upon which is set a white candle and a scroll or book of the Principles. The second part is covered with a dark blue cloth, upon which is set a silver candle, a scale, and a blade. The third part is covered with a white cloth, upon which is set a green candle and a leafy wreath.
Offerings: Read the Principles and meditate on them.
Daily Meal: Vegan and simple.

Invocation to the Horae

Call: Hail Eunomia, Keeper of Rules!
Response: Hail Eunomia, She Who Draws Boundaries!
Call: For without boundaries, we trespass on each other.
Response: For without rules, we cannot find a path in the wilderness.
Call: Hail, Maiden who keeps the Laws of the Universe!
Response: Hail, Hora of the Upraised Hand!
Call: May your chains bring discipline to our lives!
Response: May your chains set our spirits free!
Call: Hail Dike, Giver of Justice!
Response: Hail Dike, She Who Returns All That Is Given!
Call: For without justice, all things fall into tyranny.
Response: For without return and recourse, the cycle is broken.
Call: Hail, Maiden of who balances all things in her scale!
Response: Hail, Hora of the Even Hand!
Call: May your keen blade cut fine and true through all wrongs!
Response: May your keen blade slice away our prejudices!
Call: Hail Irene, Keeper of the Peace!
Response: Hail Irene, She Who Brings Harmony!
Call: For without harmony, there is no progress.
Response: For without peace, we burn to nothingness.
Call: Hail, Maiden who walks unafraid toward the enemy!
Response: Hail, Hora of the Open Hand!
Call: May your flowering branch blossom into the fruits of serenity!
Response: May your holy name bring unity to the world!

Chant:
Narrow the Rule and just our hand,
We keep the peace and together we stand.

(Read the Principles aloud, and leave in silence.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Thursday, May 24th – New Moon

Moon Phases: New Moon

(waxing 0-45 degrees)

 

by Jan Spiller

The New Moon is a time best suited to making new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if written down, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere and a feeling of Springtime. This is a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Thursday, May 24th

For the most part, the next 72-hours in this calendar will be equivalent to a walk in the park as the universe simmers down and provocative shenanigans are nearly non-existent. However, none of this changes the fact that Venus remains retrograde as well as Saturn which – in case you have forgotten – went into reverse in Libra back on February 7 and won’t return to the forward-moving, positive line-up until June 25. Right now, it is fine to pursue intellectual and educational interests as the Moon parallels Mercury (12:17AM PDT). This is amplified in spades since Mercury enters airy, adaptable and multi-faceted Gemini (4:13AM PDT) until June 7. Remember that Mercury is also speeding along at a very fast pace of over 2 degrees a day. This can make you think faster and help you tune into higher realms of consciousness. Let your green thumb remain anchored in rich soil as gardening vibes intensify during nourishing Cancer Moon. Cooking, baking and water sports – weather permitting – are back in vogue. Let the power of positive thinking take you far on the business and professional fronts as the Moon parallels giant, ebullient Jupiter (5:47PM PDT). Immerse yourself in a trendy biography or literary classic as Mercury approaches a supportive, 60-degree link with Pallas (forming exactly at 12:17AM PDT tomorrow). Board, card and word games also top the charts.

Your Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, May 24th

Thursday, Thirsty Thursday Images, Quotes, Comments, Graphics
Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, May 24th

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success

Incense: Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg and Sage

Planet: Jupiter

Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces

Angel: Sachiel

Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo

Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak

Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire

Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise

Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.

What A Wonderful & Blessed Day, Happy Thursday, dear friends!

Good Morning Images, Quotes, Comments, Graphics
Good morning to you! How is everyone doing this morning? I got up at 5:00 a.m., said the heck with this and went back to bed, lol! Of course, to actually get in the bed, I had to move critters. I am going to take a picture of all them asleep in the bed and post it. You will laugh your rump off. Kiki (little Pom) sleeps at the head between the pillows. Then I have Stinky (cat) and Razzy (bobcat) stretched out all over the bed. Stinker might just be a cat but he is huge too. Between the two of them, the floor looks pretty good at nights, lol!

Anyway how do you like this morning’s graphic? I had someone the other day leave me a comment. The comment stated I was the most negative person they had ever seen in their life. Threw me for a loop anyway! I didn’t think I was negative at all. I try to bring a very positive vibe everyday to the blog. They were referring to my post about “Spellcrafting, spellcasting and the Spellcaster.” I went back and re-read it and I couldn’t find anything negative about it. I still am baffled about that one.

Well I haven’t had much time to talk to you recently. So I figured what the heck I would stop and smell the roses for a minute or two. Around here all you smell is stinkweeds (ah, I see the negativity coming through now, lol!). I just have a very dry sense of humor, or so I have been told. Or perhaps they mean, I have a very strange way of looking at the world. But don’t we all? That’s what makes us individuals. I would hate to think we all thinked alike, looked alike and acted alike. What a boring world that would be!

Well speaking of boring, the only excitement I have had around here was Mother’s Day.  I figured Mother’s Day would be very quiet and peaceful. The day before, my daughter and husband caught me at the Dollar Store. They bestowed my Mother’s Day gifts there in the parking lot. She told me that she wouldn’t be out because she was staying home. They had been to Nashville the day before and her house was a mess. So she was going to clean house. So I figured since I had seen her the day before, Mother’s Day would be quiet. I didn’t think my son would make an appearance. Heck, I am just his mother why should he??? We have quiet a few new readers and I should explain this real quick. You see my son married into a very religious family and the religion isn’t mine. And he opened his big mouth and politely told them I was a witch. Well you can imagine how that went over, like a lead balloon! They don’t want him to have anything to do with me, his own mother. Up until recently he hasn’t but things have now changed in his marriage. He is starting to become close with me again. So back to the story, he up and calls on Mother’s Day. He wants to know if it would be alright for him and his dog to come out. I asked him how his dog got along with cats. He responded, “Oh, just fine!” Lying little, I let that one go! He comes out and brings the dog in the house. The first thing, Kiki tries to jump it. I caught her in mid-air. I had to hold her the whole time he was here. Everytime the dog got close to me, she would try to tear it up. I could tell this was going to be a long five hours, oh brother! We went in the living room and sit down. I looked around for the cats and didn’t see them. I thought they smelled a strange dog, they would stay hidden. Yeah, right! After about two hours of bonding with my son, here comes Razzy sneaking down the hall. Before I could even get up, she had rounded the corner and was heading for the washroom. Well my son’s dog broke loose from him and went right straight for Razzy. He pinned her up against the screen door. All you could see was fur flying and a very loud and angry bobcat shrieking. You would have to hear one to know what I am talking about. But they were both going at it in the corner of the door. Finally the dog backed off and Razzy flew to the washroom. My son’s dog had his face mauled. It was horrible. I got the paper towels and started to look at the dog. He needed stitches unfortunately. I offered to sew the dog up (since I doctor all the wild animals that come from the vets’ to me), I thought I would offer. “Heck, no!” He was taking his dog to his vet. So he left and I tracked down Razzy. She had jumped behind the dryer and couldn’t get out, not to mention she was wild. She was snarling and growling, so I knew she had to be hurt. I pulled the dryer out and as I put my leg down she smacked at my leg. I asked her who the heck did she think she was smacking at. Then she sort of calmed down. I slowly picked her up and she would occasionally growl. I would stop and talk to her and she would quit. Well I got her out and looked at her. Her shoulder was dislocated and she had been bit through her paw. I put her shoulder back in place and started making poultices to put on her paw. By this time she had jumped off the table and had run to one of the bedrooms. I was in hot pursue. I tracked her down and pulled the bed out. She did the same thing again, growling and snarling. I talked to her again and she calmed down. I picked her up and we started back to the kitchen were I could doctor her paw. Going through the living room, it was all I could do to hold her. Her back paws got loose and she cut the living crap out of my face. But I was still nice and loving. I got her to the table and I had already had a sedative out for her. I got her all doctored up and she went to sleep. While she was sleeping, I got to thinking how quickly she converted back to being wild. That scared the crap out of me. She has always had a wild side to her that I haven’t been able to reach. So I started to cry thinking she could never stay in the house. Then I remember the wonderful Goddess Bast. I prayed and prayed to Her. I asked Her to bring my Razzy back to me. After all night of praying and crying, Razzy woke up. She was not the same cat at all. She was the tamest I had ever seen her. Even now, she is still a totally new cat. Oh, how I thanked and thanked the Goddess for bringing her back to me. I gave the Goddess Bast an offering of gratitude. I even found a small figure of a cat and dedicated it to Bast and put it on my altar. I was never so happy in my life. What a miracle worker the Goddess was. She had brought Razzy back to me but even better than ever. I had told Bast about the wild streak Razzy had and how I couldn’t reach through it. But the Goddess did and Razzy has such a beautiful personality now. Oh, I still can’t get over it. I am so grateful.

I am still amazed at how something so bad could turnout to be something so good. Since that experience, I feel very humble. We all know the Goddesses exist but to actually see their work right before your very eyes. It is something else. I believe the experience left me feeling very loved because you know the Goddesses are listening and ready to help at a moment’s notice. It reassures your beliefs and also let’s you know that you matter to Them. You are truly one of Their children. It is just a wonderful feeling, I know that much. It also reassured me that my life might seem like a mess right now. But everything is going to work out. With the Goddesses on your side, how couldn’t it?