Today’s Runes for August 3 is Man

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Man represents Mankind. This rune evokes the image that although we must make much of our way in the world on our own, there is nevertheless an entire populous that shares similar experiences. Thus, this rune represents the relationship of the self with the whole – working together we can produce great results. Additionally, Man speaks to intellect and culture that separate us from the animals.

Today’s Tarot Card for Aug. 3 is The Star

The Star

This Tarot Deck: Sacred Rose

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Star card is about reconnecting one’s Soul with the Divine — the transcending of personality, family, community and reputation. It has to do ultimately with the freedom to be one’s Self. The Soul is responding to celestial influences — forces that can provide the personality with a stronger sense of purpose. The Star card helps us to remember our exalted origins and our attraction to a Higher Union.

This card could also be called the “Celestial Mandate” — that which refers us back to our reason for being, our mission in this lifetime. The Star reminds us that, in a sense, we are agents of Divine Will in our day-to-day lives. If we let go of the idea that we are supposed to be in control, we can more easily notice and appreciate the synchronicities that are nudging us along. In this way, we become more conscious of the invisible Helping Hand, and we better understand our place within — and value to — the larger Cosmos.

Your Daily Horoscopes for August 3

We see the world through the subjective filters of our own imagination today. We begin to lose objectivity when the Moon swims into watery Pisces at 9:57 am EDT. The fluidity of compassion and spirit are common to us all as the Moon moves through the sign of the Fish, and her midday conjunction with otherworldly Neptune again reminds us that the seas dissolve boundaries. We are more empathic now since there is only one ocean of consciousness.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Confusion may arise today as fast as you can gain clarity. Every question you answer just peels off another layer of the growing onion. Seeking positive solutions may feel like a hopeless battle. However, it’s good to remember that with strength and determination, Hercules was able to defeat the Hydra who grew two new heads each time one was cut off. You can be the hero of your own world if you summon your courage from the wellsprings within.

Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’s difficult to get a handle on the day today as circumstances keep changing. However, the greatest challenges may come from your friends or associates now because of the Moon’s presence in your 11th House of Social Networking. You’re ready to withdraw and separate yourself from the group if others aren’t sensible and reliable. But you don’t have to move so fast; there are goodies to be discovered if you allow enough time to untangle the complexities before giving up.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It can be disarming if your data aims you one way while an intuitive hunch suggests that you should be doing something else. It’s hard to know what to do, since you tend to ultimately rely on the facts. Instead of jumping to any conclusions, consider all your possibilities until your feelings are more aligned with the circumstances. You’ll feel better about what your choice if you wait before swinging into action.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You have gathered all the necessary information and have successfully withheld your feelings as you developed your plan. Although you can be very patient when needed, you grow so restless today that you don’t want to wait any longer. However, you may be more focused on your ideal fantasy now than you are on reality. You’ve made it this far, so don’t blow it by acting too soon. The turning point is next week.

Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

What someone else says today can wound you, but it’s crucial to look past the current circumstance and carefully consider the true source of the pain. Think about any past situations that are brought to mind by the current situation. Explore your resistance to letting go of the past. But the real work in not about remembering; it’s about bringing your memories out into the open so healing can occur. Acknowledging the truth brings resolution.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Irrational fears about a relationship may come to the surface today, but you might not be able to talk about your deeply rooted emotions easily. Try not to let your limitations stop you, for negative feelings can be destructive if you keep them to yourself. Make time to have the conversation that you keep postponing. Think about what you’re going to say, and then go for it. It will become easier once you start.

Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may not be all that clear about what you can do to make yourself happier now, but it’s likely that change is needed in your daily routine. It seems like this should be an easy task, but the closer you get to taking action, the more difficult it becomes. Don’t give up just because you are feeling confused today. Trust in yourself and your clarity will return.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You can’t stop thinking about something that’s been bothering you recently. You intuitively understand that the only way anything will get better is to talk about it until the energy settles. However, it’s difficult to bring your intense feelings out into the open because the resultant vulnerability makes you uncomfortable. Be courageous and move directly toward the source of your discomfort, not away from it.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This is one of those days when your head and your heart aren’t reading from the same adventure novel. You may be feeling softer and more compassionate than you are acting as your cavalier behavior masks your vulnerability. Thankfully, you can regain your focus by looking within and exploring your motives for not sharing what’s in your heart. There’s no need to hide behind a false sense of bravado; just be yourself.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You can be a fount of strength if you let go of your own self-criticism for a while. You’re ready to discover how much you have to offer others. Your carefully chosen words have the power to heal, and you have co-workers who can really use your help today. Push beyond any personal resistance to the idea of being a healer and start listening to those around you with an open heart.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Self-doubt can be debilitating today, especially if it prevents you from being part of a crucial discussion. Fortunately, your thoughts are quite powerful and more connected to your core essence these days. Your perspective is desperately needed now, no matter what it is. Share your opinions, but be careful about overstating your cause in order to cover your own uncertainty.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your imagination is far more active now that the Moon is paddling through your watery sign. Go ahead and sink into your dreams today, but be wary about using them to escape from the difficult emotions attached to real world circumstances. Fortunately, the symbolism that bubbles up from your unconscious might be the key that clarifies your current uncertainty. Once you are in touch with the meaning, you can change your attitude about what’s happening.

Your Love Horoscope for the Weekend of Aug. 3 – 5

Weekend Love: Lunar Love by Jeff Jawer

Love Without Limits

August 3 – 5

Sweet romantic dreams and escapes from reality help love flow more freely this weekend. The Moon is in sensitive Pisces from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, inviting escapes and getaways where problems are left behind. Let go of practical matters as much as possible to enjoy the fantasyland of delight offered by this compassionate and boundless Water sign. Feelings flow easily when we don’t bog them down with criticism or overthinking.

A lunar conjunction with Pisces’ mystical ruling planet Neptune imbues Friday with an extra dose of compassion and creativity that can melt barriers between hearts and turn an ordinary day into a memorable one. Imagination may be the greatest aphrodisiac, and it’s plentiful with the Moon in Pisces. Music, movies, and all the arts touch our souls, and nature’s generosity allows us all to feel loved without judgment. Vulnerability is high, though, so we should be especially kind to others. Finding common ground is easy when we stop worrying about minor matters that can keep us apart. A spiritual perspective allows us to feel safe enough to let go of our doubts. Surrender to the pleasures of having no ambition other than the desire to share your life without limits.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 3

Strange forces are definitely on the prowl. A Moon-Venus trine — from Aquarius to Gemini — would seem to give you the green light to pursue romantic overtures (12:25AM PDT). However, this alignment also starts a void lunar cycle that lasts until 6:59AM PDT. It is wise to finish old business during any void-of-course, lunar uncertainty zone rather than plunging ahead with new, bold plans. Meanwhile, some of your problem-solving abilities are reinforced during the void time-span since the Sun trines multi-faceted, mentally-brilliant Pallas (2:36AM PDT). Nevertheless, a possible omen of future frustrations arrives on the scene when the Moon is parallel to Saturn (5:21AM PDT) and Mars (5:38AM PDT). Don’t push your personal agenda or conduct arm-twisting maneuvers relative to friends and dear ones. Once the Moon enters Pisces (6:59AM PDT), let empathy and understanding replace any proclivity toward self-centeredness. Spiritual studies receive the cosmic thumbs-up sign as the Moon joins forces with visionary Neptune (11:05AM PDT). Projecting anger on significant others or allowing fear to rule your life are taboo when Mars parallels Saturn (11:29AM PDT). This kind of aspect is equivalent to a union in the zodiac. Be the picture of human kindness in all of your relationships. A few hours later, hard work and determination are your dynamic duo leading to practical results as the Sun makes an inspirational, 72-degree link with Saturn (5:04PM PDT). You can still be on the hot seat of uncertainty and confusion tonight due to an off-kilter, 150-degree liaison from Mercury to Neptune (9:07PM PDT). Fortunately, healing forces are back on the march as the Moon unites with Chiron in Pisces (10:17PM PDT).

Calendar of the Moon for August 3

Calendar of the Moon

3 Tinne

Parvati’s Day

Color: Red
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a red cloth lay a great bowl of water, incense of lemongrass and vetiver, wreaths of dried flowers, and bowls of colored rice.
Offerings: Food. Coconut milk. Meditate on the nature of asceticism and love.
Daily Meal: Indian food.

Invocation to Parvati

Hail Parvati, dancer in the dawn,
Mother of Ganesha, wife of Shiva,
Living body of Shakti.
Parvati the sensuous one
Who knows the paths of self-denial,
Parvati the embodied one
Who knows how to leave the body behind.
When Parvati fell in love with Shiva
And yet he would not love her in return,
Being bound to his rites of meditation,
She danced before him in a dance
Beautiful enough to shake the world,
And yet he did not relent.
So she went to the top of another mountain,
Cast off all her fine raiment,
And meditated until her mind
Became one with the cosmos
And shone so brightly in the paths
Of the universe that great Shiva
Could not help but be awed by it,
And Shiva fell in love.
Lady who is the bridge between
The sensuality of the flesh
And the asceticism of the mind,
Help us to achieve that balance,
And never to fall fully to one side or the other.
Give us your blessing, Parvati,
Mother of Ganesha, dancer in the dawn.
Chant: Mother of Fortune, Parvati, Parvati,
Holy dancer, Shakti, Shakti
(Let there be drumming and dancing in a circle during the chant.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for August 3

Calendar of the Sun

3 Weodmonath

Day of the Dryads

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a green cloth patterned with leaves lay many live green branches in the shape of a woman, with a green cloth over her for a dress, and a woman’s mask.
Offering: Plant a tree.
Daily Meal: Vegan

Invocation to the Dryads

Hail, Keeper of the Trees!
Hail, Spirits of the Old Ones!
You who are the living breath of the forest,
You who are the living soul of the wood,
You who raise your arms to the wind,
You who are stripped by the autumn
And grow full again in spring,
We honor you today, not merely with words,
But with deeds; we will work the earth
And plant more of you than we cut down.
You give us warmth in winter, and heat for cooking food,
And fruit, and nuts, and most important,
The very air we breathe.
Hail, dryads of the forest!
We give you honor on this day.

Song: The Dryad’s Song

(All should go out and spend the work-hours planting trees.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for August 3 – Full Moon (Waning)

Full Moon

(waning/88% illumination)

The Moon is in the zodiac sign Aquarius

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

The Wicca Book of Days for Aug. 3 – Enlightening Eyebright

The Wicca Book of Days for Aug. 3

Enlightening Eyebright

The Sun, this Leonian day’s “planetary” ruler, has always been associated with vision, for without artificial light, we can only see when it is shining, while many cultures have regarded the solar disk as the eye of a solar divinity, or of an all-seeing deity (Christianity’s God may be symbolized by the sun, for instance). Another aid to eyesight is the plant known as eyebright, or euphrasy, whose astringency is such that it is still used to treat weeping or infected eyes. Eyebright is furthermore said to sharpen one’s insight, leading to intellectual or spiritual illumination.

Weeding Out

Writing in the eighth century, the English monk and historian the Venerable Bede tells us that the Anglo-Saxon name for the eighth month of the year was Weodmonath, or “weed month.” Perhaps you should get rid of any unwanted plants today!

It’s Friday, My Friends! The Weekend Is Almost Here, Yahoo!

The Weekend

Another week of work is done,
And I am, oh, so tired,
I really need to rest my weary bones.
I leave the job at half past five,
I can’t wait for the weekend,
But there’s more work to do when I get home.

There’s lawns to cut and trash to dump,
There’s painting and there’s fixing,
There’s bills to pay and shopping at some store.
And when I think that all is done,
And I can finally rest,
I’m sure that I will find there’s plenty more.

Now I can’t wait ’til Monday morn,
When I go back to work,
To start the day with coffee with my friends,
Then work until it seems as if
The week goes on forever,

And once again I’m waiting for it to end.

by David Ronald Bruce Pekrul

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for August 2

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Prisoners never love their jails. And the same holds true for all kinds of prisoners, whether they be dogs on leashes or human beings tied to responsibilities. If they are there of their own free will and because they have a sense of belonging, the connecting link is made of love.

Responsible people with an assignment, and the feeling that it is theirs alone, will do it to the best of their ability and see it through. But is they must be watched and directed in every step, then it is a jail and the first thought is how to get out.

Freedom to be an individual with the right to make even small decisions is a precious possession. Freedom to come and go can build faith and trust within people, to make them stick closer than brothers. The rigid rules and constant prodding of a free spirit will force them to find that freedom.

We simply cannot keep another in bondage without being in bondage ourselves. To hold humanity by invisible force is to keep constant watch. And even beneath that watchful eye there will be a continual search for escape.

Anyone completely dependent upon others must always bear their will-O-the-wisp attitudes and the rising and lowering of the emotional tides. However, it is presumptuous of anyone to believe they can possibly be completely independent of others. Without other people, we cannot exist.

But to believe we are doing our best for anyone except ourselves is to build on sand. Of course others inspire us. They give us reasons to be better. They give us the benefit of their experience, but we seldom learn from that. We demand experience of our own. So consequently, we err and make it right. We mar and erase. And sometimes we try and fail, but always it is up to us to decide whether we do better or worse.

We can despair easily of allowed to become completely and utterly dependent upon others. They are human and they make mistakes. But we must know some measure of forgiveness the same as we must know some independence, if only in the spirit. And if the spirit is free, then all else shall be too.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

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
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 2

“When you get older and you are ready, your ancestors will show up to guide you.”

–Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

Many of us, when we are young, spend a portion of our lives in learning. Unfortunately, some of us spend this time learning the hard way. When we are young we sometimes think we know everything. Sometimes we do foolish things. As we get a little older, we realize we don’t know anything. This is when we become teachable. There is a saying that goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. We usually aren’t teachable unless we are ready. The ancestors are waiting and willing to help. When we are ready, many beautiful teachers start to come into our lives. Then we really start to grow and mature. We are ready for the spiritual lesson.

Creator, help me to become ready and teachable.

August 2 – Daily Feast

It is not easy to forget the hours we spent as children along some sparkling stream – and there were more sparkling streams then. It is not hard to remember every sound that carried up the creek, how the fishing was, and how it tasted fresh from the water and cooked in an old tin skillet over an open fire. There were a nv s tsigi, violet flowers, blooming in clusters along the banks – and poison ivy we had to avoid – and didn’t always. A cardinal sang a fishing song and the sound of oars dipped in warm water with a soft splish-splash. Bugs, like people on water-skis, slipped over the surface of water. And as we passed, tsisdvna, crawfish backed into holes in the mud. Every moment was a thing of joy and knocks softly on our minds today when the need for solitude is there.

~ What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night….the breath of a buffalo in the winter time….a little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. ~

CROWFOOT, 1821

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

Daily Motivator for Aug. 2nd – Keep expecting the best

Keep expecting the best

Expect the best. Accept what comes. Make the most of it. Repeat.

It’s always best to expect the very best of yourself, of others, and of life. Yet those expectations can take time to manifest.

Surely and eventually your persistent positive expectations will bear fruit. So give them the opportunity to do their best work by diligently doing your best work.

Embrace each moment as it comes. You cannot change what has already been handed to you but you can absolutely find a positive course of action.

Keep expecting the very best, and working toward it, especially when circumstances tell you otherwise. Keep expecting the very best, no matter what, and you’ll make it happen.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for August 2nd – Trees and People

Trees and People

Children of Mother Nature

by Madisyn Taylor

We can be more like trees opening our crown to the Universe and rooting down deep with our feet into mother earth.
A tree that is beginning to grow sends roots down into Mother Earth even as it reaches and opens to the sky above, seeking nourishment from the sun and the moisture in the air and in the rain that falls. In the same way, we can envision ourselves as treelike beings, imagining that we have roots reaching down into the earth, energetic strands that keep us connected. At the same time, the crowns of our heads lift and open to receive nourishment from above. Just like a tree, we seek the sunshine and water we need to survive and thrive. Both trees and people serve as conduits for the intermingling of the opposite and complementary elements of air, water, sun, and earth.

We also share creative ways of growing, regardless of the challenges we come up against in our environments. Trees will even grow through rock, shattering it, in their effort to reach the air and light they need to survive. We are similarly resilient, with a built-in propensity for growth and the conditions that promote it. We find creative ways around the obstacles we confront as we move along our paths, moving toward the light that feeds us, just as trees grow around other trees and rocks as they make their way upward.

Contemplating the ways in which trees and people mirror one another brings us into alignment with the reality that we are part of Mother Nature. Our children, and the trees and their children, will live together on the earth as long as we all survive, sharing the elements and serving together to forward nature’s plan. Walking in a forest can be a meditation, the interweaving lives of all living creatures and the planet on which we all take root and reach for the sky

HOW TO CAST A SPELL

To cast a sepll you have to follow the basic ritual structure.

Preparing the Altar.(nothing too elaborate, just a few of your favorite tools). Lighting the candles.

Cleansing the area.

Casting the circle.

Invoking the elements.

Invoking the Deities.

Stating the Purpose of the ritual.

Magickal workings or devotions.

Raising the Energy. Releasing the Energy.

Grounding.

Thanking the Deities.

Thanking the elements.

Closing(or sometimes called opening) the circle.

Cakes and ale.

At the magick working section, you have to use your spell. In this spell you have to use the correspondences to make a good ritual. You have to use the correct herbs, essential oils, foods, trees, flowers, crystals, colours, days, time, planetary hour, zodiac hour. Look along them to see which fits in to what you want, let’s say protection:

Herbs – These can be used in a spell around a candle and then put in a silk bag (of appropriate colour) and carried around as a charm bag. They add energy to the spell.

Essential Oils – These can be annointed on the candle or charm bag, made later

Foods – These can be eaten after the ritual, and for a week after, or until you don’t need the spell anymore, to help you feel more protected.

Trees – These can be used in a wand, or in a talisman, as a writing tablet, where you inscribe symbols, numbers and words. They can also be placed into the charm bag.

Flowers – These can be planted around your house and picked for the spell. The flowers will also act as a protective barrier and as a home for fae, who will help too.

Crystals – These can be used in the spell and afterwards placed in the charm bag. You can make protective patterns from many crystals and that will help protect too.

Days, Times, Planetary Hours, Zodiac Hours – These are used for the right moon phase, sun phase, zodiac house etc. to help achieve the goal. When used in conjunction, all in the right way, there is a particular influece in that time which will help the spell to travel, and for you to concentrate.

Theory Of SpellCasting

Spells are an important aspect of magical training. They require the

use of the combined faculties of relaxation, visualization,

concentration and projection. The casting of spells provides practice

in coordinating these skills and developing them further. Spells are

extremely sophisticated psychological tools that have subtle, but

important, effects on a person’s inner growth. Spells may highlight

otherwise hidden complexes of the person casting the spell.

A person who has conflicts about success will find great difficulty

in concentrating on a money spell, for example. Many times the

practical results of a spell are far less important than the

psychological insights that arise during the magical work, for

discovering our inner blocks and fears is the first step in

overcoming them. Spells also go one step further than most forms of

psychotherapy, in that they allow us not only to listen to and

interpret the unconscious, but also to speak to it in the language it

understands.

Symbols, images, and objects used in spells communicate directly with

Younger Self, who is the guardian of our emotions and who is barely

affected by the intellect. We often understand our feelings and

behavior but find ourselves unable to change them, but through

spells, we can attain the most important power – the power to change

our lives.

Spellcasting also forces us to come to terms with the material world.

Many people attracted to the spiritual path of the Craft find

themselves uneasy with using magic for practical or material goals.

Somehow it seems wrong to work magic for oneself, to want things and

to get things. This is an attitude which is a holdover of the Judeo-

Christian world view that sees spirit and matter as separate and that

identifies matter with evil and corruption.

In the Craft, flesh, the material world, none of what is commonly

thought of as matter is separate from spirit. The universe is made up

of the Goddess who is manifest in all things. Union with the Goddess

comes through embracing the material world and all the gifts that She

has placed in it for us. Our major task on this plane of existence is

to become masters of this realm of manifestation. We do not fight

self-interest; we follow it, but with an awareness that transmutes it

into something sacred

Spellcrafting 101

Contrary to popular belief, witches do not spend most of their time casting spells. Most of us have full-time jobs, busy social lives, families, and other demands on our times. A spell, properly cast, can be a tremendous drain on a witch’s physic resources. It’s not a task to be undertaken lightly.

Spellcraft does have its place the life of a witch, but not nearly as major a one as many people suppose. In fact, a wise witch is very sparing in her use of spellcraft. Pagans practice first and foremost a religion — a religion quite unlike many others, in that beliefs and practices vary, but a religion nonetheless. We have many different conceptions of what the Divine might be, but we do all believe that One exists. By definition, God/dess is more powerful and wiser than us. So before we jump in and try changing things according to our own limited understanding, we consider the situation carefully.

Remember the Wiccan Rede

, a basic ethical guideline that Wiccans – and many other pagans – follow: An it harm none, do what you will. As has been discussed elsewhere, the Rede is deceptively simple. Obviously, physical harm, emotional harm, slander, theft, and other crimes are verboten according to the Rede. But what about other, more subtle forms of harm?

Most witches agree that curses, hexes, and other harmful spellcraft is more trouble than it’s worth. Hand in hand with the Wiccan Rede goes something called the Law of Returns. In general terms, this Law states that all energy you send out into the Universe comes back to you. It may not come back right away, and it may not come back in the form you’re expecting, but it does come back. Different traditions put their own twist on the Law of Returns, saying that the energy comes back threefold or fivefold. I’m not so picky about the math, but I have seen the Law in action, and respect it highly.

Interpreting the Rede

Witches continue to disagree over other grey areas. For instance, does casting a spell on another person without consulting them first constitute harm, even if the intentions are good? What about actions taken in self-defense?

Personally, I avoid all actions – whether mundane or magickal – that can cause harm to another being. In my experience, acts of hatred and vengeance are best countered with actions of love and kindness.

Working my will on another person without their consent constitutes harm. To that end, I never cast a spell on another person without obtaining permission first. Manipulative spells designed to make someone else fall in love – whether with me or with a third party – to move away, or to leave a job ultimately backfire on the person who casts them. This policy also extends to more beneficial spells, such as spells for healing, prosperity, or other kinds of blessings. Only the Goddess has the power to know what is best for another person. No matter how noble my own intentions, it is presumptuous and ultimately harmful for me to meddle in someone else’s affairs.

That’s not to say that I haven’t done a little juju for my friends. Far from it; I’ve prepared charmed sachets for newlywed couples, given suggestions on how to attract jobs, held a healing circle for my lover, and even suggested a ritual to help a friend open herself up to the possibility of a love affair. But the main ingredient in all that magick was consent. Before I drag out my herbs and my athame, I get the permission of the person whom the spell is meant to benefit.

Often times people ask me if I have spells. Yes, I have spells. Some have worked, some haven’t. What a witch must keep in mind is that what works for me, may not work for another witch. Magick is within everything. How it is perceived is different from witch to witch. Some think patchouli oil is the best oil for a prosperity spell. I prefer clove oil and have had success in using it. One of the wonders of magick is that there is normally a wide variety of correspondences to choose from for any one desired result. There must be about a hundred different herbs listed for love and at least thirty for wealth and money (a few of which I have listed).I prefer to perform candle magick. Candle spells are simple, they are not time consuming (very important to a witch with little time) and they work. When I do a candle spell, I carefully choose an appropriate color for the candle, a stone, an oil, and three herbs, one for the physical realm, one for the mental realm and one for the spiritual realm, plus one more as a type of catalyst (normally these catalysts are either Dragon’s blood, Mandrake or Mistletoe).

How do I pick my correspondences? First, I must know what I’m doing the spell for. Is it a prosperity spell, a healing spell, a spell to find a new job or maybe to improve communication with a loved one? Once I determine what I’m trying to accomplish, I hit the books. Within my library, I have several books that index what various colors, herbs, oils and stones correspond with various desired results. I try to be as specific as I can and try to blend my choice of correspondences to better “describe” my desired result. If I’m going to perform a prosperity spell, what attributes are going to be needed to reach the final goal? Creativity, physical strength, courage? I try to chose some herb or the oil to correspond with those added aspects and keep in mind that most herbs and oils have several attributes. Its is very possible to have an herb with the attributes of both wealth and, say, strength. With one herb you can accomplish two ends. I leave the color of the candle to the core of the spell. For a prosperity spell, green, a banishing spell, black. The same applies to the stone I use. I leave it to the core of the spell.

Having said all that, now I must also add, use what you have! One of the first spells I did I literally raided my spice cabinet for the herbs I needed. Okay, so maybe fennel would not have been my first choice, but it worked! I am fortunate to have an orange tree in my back yard. Yes, I use the leaves, blossoms, fruit, and bark in place of other possibly more popular herbs. Use what you have!

Once I’ve gathered my correspondences, I then charge them with the purpose of the spell. How is this done? There are a few techniques that must be utilized for this part of spellworking.

Ability to Meditate

This is the art of clearing the mind of all mundane thoughts and feelings. It is a state of relaxation and peace, the goal to reach a state of non-thought. This is not easy and I still haven’t mastered the technique yet, but do the best you can. There are several very good books on the subject and even in many of the books on Wicca and witchcraft there are simple techniques to help in mastering meditation. This is essential to spellwork. Your mind must be at peace so that you can focus on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Ability to Visualize

This is the ability to see with your mind, not with your senses. Although it is called visualization, remember, use all your senses! Close your eyes. Within your mind’s eye, see a tree, whatever kind of tree you want or are familiar with. Let your mind see its limbs, its leaves or needles (depending on the type of tree), the trunk, etc. Let your mind feel the bark. Is it smooth, rough, spongy? Does the tree have a fragrance? Let your mind smell that fragrance. Let your mind hear the wind as it rustles the leaves. Visualization is not easy for some, but with practice you can visualize anything. (Taste also falls into this category, but for our little discussion, tasting a tree may not be prudent.) During spellwork you will visualize your goal (and be specific and detailed!) before directing it into the item you’re charging.

Ability to Direct Energy

This is the ability to take the energies of the correspondences and your own energy and directing it towards your goal. When you charge an object, that energy is initially coming from you. From within yourself imagine (visualize) a bright light, maybe white or the color that corresponds with your goal, forming within yourself centered between your chest and stomach. Let that light grow and expand. Then direct that light up through your body, down your projective arm, out your fingertips (or through your athame or wand) and into whatever your trying to charge. While you direct that light, that energy, you will be visualizing your intent with as many specifics as you can.

It is important to realize that magick is energy flow. It is not power. All spells create a tangible connection between the objects used and yourself. When you work magick, be specific, but be careful! If you do a spell for a new job, remember to be specific in that your new job doesn’t come at the expense of another! “An Ye Harm None” Remember these words when you work magick. As you finish your spell, (for me after I light the candle), I add something to the affect of “May the energy of this magick harm none and take a path that is for the good of all involved.”

For candle spells remember that the flame must be allowed to continue to burn until it goes out on its own. I use three and seven day candles that are in glass jars. You can sprinkle your herbs on the top of them and they are safer. Remember not to leave a burning candle near drapes or where something flammable may fall into the flame. Keep in mind that the glass jars get hot, so handle with care and as the candle reaches the bottom of the jar, make sure the candle is not sitting on something that might burn from the heat. I suggest getting a ceramic dish and put some sand in the bottom to act as insulation. When I leave my home, I place the candle in my bath tub, just in case. If for some reason it gets knocked over, there is nothing in my tub that could catch on fire.

For positive spells, once the candle is out, use the stone as a talisman. Carry it with you or put it someplace where its presence will have an affect. For banishing spells, very carefully remove all remnants, of the candle, especially the stone, without touching it. Wrap the remnants in white paper and bury it outside, preferably some distance away.

Remember to write down your spells! You can either keep these spells in your Book of Shadows or elsewhere. My Book of Shadows is riddled with pieces of paper, napkins, whatever I happen to jot notes and spells down on. Some choose to use their computers as their BoS. Regardless, with the spells written down, can keep track of what works and what doesn’t and you can also keep track of what you are doing while you’re doing it.

A few words about magick and ethics. Most magick, at least initially, is done for yourself. There will be times when spellwork will be used to benefit other people. Any ethical witch WILL NOT do a spell that will affect someone else specifically without that person’s permission. A witch must respect another person’s soul path. What if you can’t ask them (i.e. you can’t reach them, the person is unable to communicate, etc)? Then you must honestly consider if that person would object. If your favorite aunt were deathly ill and could not communicate, and you wanted to do a healing spell for her, you would need to consider if she would agree to the spell if she could. If she were a devout Fundamentalist Christian, chances are pretty good she’d say no. You must respect her choices and her soul path.

No witch in their right mind will perform magick that is intended to manipulate, control or harm another. Remember, what you send out will come back to you threefold.

A witch should never sell a spell. If someone asks you to do a spell for them, it is not unreasonable to ask them to cover the expenses of the materials used, but other then that, no money should be received for the magick you do. That is counter productive and can cloud the intent of the magick.

When someone asks you to do a spell for them, if possible, instead of you doing the spell, teach them how to do it. The spell will have a better chance at success and they will have a better understanding of how the magick works

TO BE A WITCH

To be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to be magick, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not just on it.
To be a witch is to be truly free!

33 sick in 7 states from salmonella in beef

By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News

At least 33 people are sick, including 11 hospitalized, from salmonella-tainted ground beef linked to nearly 30,000 pounds of recalled hamburger on Sunday.

People in seven states have been infected with salmonella Enteritidis linked to beef produced by Cargill Meat Solutions of Wyalusing, Pa., officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

The 85-percent lean ground beef was produced on May 25.

Ill people include 14 in New York, 10 in Vermont, three in Massachusetts, two in Virginia and New Hampshire and one in Maine, the CDC said.

Illnesses began in early June. Those that occurred after June 29 might not yet be reported because of the lag in time between when illness occurs and when it’s documented.

Cargill officials recalled 29,339 pounds of meat, packaged in 14-pound chubs, after the outbreak was detected. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service linked the beef to five infected patients.

Consumers should check their freezers for recalled products and discard them. The recalled meat bears the establishment number “EST.9400” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

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