Day: October 6, 2012

The Circle of the Witch

The Circle of the Witch

Within this sacred circle, two main activities occur: celebration, and the practice of magic. Celebration is most important at the major seasonal holy days,  the Sabbats. At these times, the myths of that particular holiday are enacted in ritual drama, and dancing, singing, feasting, and revelry are all part of  the festivities. On these occasions we celebrate our oneness with life on Earth, as well as assimilating on the deepest level myths and archetypes which map  and assist our own life-passages.

Magic is more often performed at smaller gatherings, called Esbats, which coincide with the phases of the moon. Types of magic  practiced include psychic healing sessions, the focus and direction of energy to achieve positive results, and work toward the individual spiritual  development of the coven members. Magic is an art which requires adherence to certain principles, and a conscious direction of will toward the desired end.  We believe it to be an attribute of magic that results toward which the will is directed return to the sender threefold. Therefore, Witches are very  conscientious in their use of magic.

When the celebration, teaching, or magical work is finished, the blessing of the Goddess (and God) is called into food and drink which  are shared by all. The circle is opened, and the space is no longer consecrated.

Deity

Deity

One of the biggest differences between Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft are the beliefs. The difference in the view and belief of  Deity if one of the most notable. In Wicca, Deity is somehow viewed as being superior than we are. In Traditional Witchcraft, this is not the case.  Traditional Witches look at Deities and spirits of the land as having ego and human characters and being no higher than themselves. Also, Traditional Witches  do not worship a God and Goddess in the same way that Wiccans do. Traditional Witches rather honor the Gods in the sense that they are aspects of Nature and  not higher spiritual beings of Deities in the same way that Wiccans see them. To Wiccans, the God and Goddess are seen as being higher spiritual powers that  need to be worshiped through ritual, devotion, and libation. Traditional Witches see the Gods as part of the Universe, hence being part of Nature itself, and  call on them in ritual to act more as a focal point rather than an entity to be worshiped. When a Traditional Witches calls on spirits in ritual for the  point of aid in work, they will generally call on the help of local or land spirits, since they’re more connected to the land than the spirit world. In  essence, Traditional Witchcraft is polytheistic and view all spirits, Gods, and animal spirits as being part of one larger whole that is both different and  separate from them, but not inferior or superior and therefore not in need of worshipping.

In Traditional Witchcraft, there is a belief in the Spirit World, or Other World. This is where the entities, spirits, and deities called upon in ritual  reside. This world is not seen as being separate from our world, but rather a different level of it. Those called in ritual are not being beckoned or  summoned from another place really, they rather need to be invoked in order to work with and communicate with them. They are already there, they just need to  be awoken.

The Triple Goddess

The Triple Goddess

 

Another of the differences in beliefs is the idea of a Triple Goddess. This is something that is not found in Traditional Witchcraft. The Goddess is not seen  in the forms of Maiden Mother and Crone, but rather as having three functions. Each of these three functions will have something to do with a specific path  that one would follow, so the Witch will only follow and honor one of the Goddess’s three functions. At other times in their lives, they may find a need  to draw from one of the other two functions of their chosen Goddess, but there is always one of the three that is more pronounced and important to them.

The idea of the Triple Goddess, or any Deities seen in three forms or phases, has been traced back to Anatolia (now called Turkey), where in around 7,000 BC  a Goddess being worshiped in the triple form of virgin, mother, and hag was found. However, sine this is the only place that this practice was seen, and this  was in the Near East and not in Europe, it’s not something that is part of Traditional Witchcraft.

WITCHING HOUR

WITCHING HOUR

 

The witching hour is the hour of midnight on a full moon. It is at this time that the witches spell casting powers are at their fullest. It is a time of change and transformation.

The history of this may be traced to the ancient times of the worship of Goddesses associated with the moon and fertility. As the moon waxes in its phases so do the powers of those, until they culminate at the full moon.

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice with it’s roots in European practice and dating back to the beginning of man. Most  people do not trace back their involvement with Witchcraft past the Middle Ages because of the lack of information that is available in solid form from  beyond that time as well as the fact that much of the retrieved information was written by Priests from the Christian church as falsified documents or  accounts of what they believed their practices to be. In fact, it was the Christians that gave the word “Witch” and “Witchcraft” to these  people and their practices and was not a term that they themselves used. Witchcraft involves the use of magick, although it is not required, and the honoring  of Gods, local or land spirits and Ancestors rather than worship.  

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for October 6

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Why is it that the things we love so much can cause us so much pain, and perhaps without realizing it? Why is it that we find so much to worry about in all the “what ifs” that cross our minds with such persistence? What makes fatigue follow us through the hours and drain away precious strength that we need to help us in our daily routine?

All the things that plague us daily have one common cause-fear. To some, fear is a constant companion. We may call it by many other names such as necessity, time, busyness, demands, but all of these can be forms of fear.

Fear produces the most mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue that has ever overtaken humans. It rushes us so that we have accidents. It drains us of strength to resist illness. It tells us we cannot produce enough to meet the demands upon us. And it builds within our minds such dire images so that we cannot face the simplest.

Fear has one antidote. It is not to stop worrying and take it easy, but it is faith. Adverse conditions cannot break us in the face of faith. Faith allows us to look fear in the eyes with such confidence that it loses its power over us.

English divine, Fredrick William Robertson, wrote, “To believe is strong. Doubt cramps energy. Belief is power.”

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

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

October 6 – Daily Feast

October 6 – Daily Feast

Living is a little like a wedding – to make a deal takes only a minute, but to live with it may take a lifetime. Many have not learned that life is not a quick trip down the isle and if you don’t find it to your liking you can start all over again. A good marriage is one of adjustments and then readjustment. It is sharing the hardships and the growing and sweetening that are in the middle of hardships. Little can compare with faith and looking out for others. It is giving and receiving, and we know it is not something outside ourselves that makes life worthwhile but what we have in our hearts.

~ I will keep my word until the stones melt. ~

DELSHAY – APACHE

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

Daily Motivator for October 6 – You are successful

You are successful

You are successful at being you. Even if no one else acknowledges that  success, it is real and it is yours.

You can expand upon your success. You can improve upon that success.

You have endured every challenge that has come your way. Now you are in a  position to move forward in whatever direction you choose.

You are a survivor, and yet life is about so much more than mere survival.  You are a dreamer, and now is the time to live your dreams.

Give yourself credit for the success you’ve already created and for the value  you continue to create. Then give yourself a meaningful goal that is worthy of  the successful person you are.

See your success, feel your success, and make the commitment to build on it  right now. You are successful, and this is the moment to live and enrich your  success.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for October 6 – Habitual Anger

Habitual Anger

Unblocking the Ally

by Madisyn Taylor

Anger can easily become our go-to emotion; to remedy, start noticing when and why you get angry.

Sometimes when we feel anger, it is coming from a deep place that demands acknowledgment and expression. At these times, it is important that we find healthy ways to honor our anger, remembering how dangerous it is to repress it. However, anger can also become a habit, our go-to emotion whenever things go wrong. Often this is because, for whatever reason, we feel more comfortable expressing anger than we do other emotions, like sadness. It can also be that getting angry gives us the impression that we’ve done something about our problem. In these cases, our habitual anger is inhibiting both our ability to express our other emotions and to take action in our lives.

If it’s true that anger is functioning this way in your life, the first thing you might want to try is to notice when you get angry. You might begin to see a pattern of some kind. For example, you could notice that it is always your first response or that it comes up a lot in one particular situation. If the pattern doesn’t become clear right away, you could try keeping a journal about when you get angry and see if you can find any underlying meaning. The good thing about keeping a journal is that you can explore your anger more deeply in it—from examining who in your family of origin expressed a lot of anger to how you feel when you encounter anger in others. This kind of awareness can be a formidable agent of transformation.

Anger can be a powerful ally, since it is filled with energy that we can harness and use to create change in the world. It is one of the most cathartic emotions, and it can also be a very effective cleanser of the emotional system. However, when it becomes a habit, it actually loses its power to transform and becomes an obstacle to growth. Identifying the role anger plays in your life and restoring it to its proper function can bring new energy and expansiveness to your emotional life.

Daily OM

 

A Little Funny for Your Day – Be An Expert On The New Age in Five Minutes

Be An Expert On The New Age in Five Minutes

 

Your new girlfriend has just invited you to the spiritual development group  that she attends every week. You agree, but you feel a growing sense of panic  when you realize that you are totally ignorant of spiritual concepts. What  will these people be like? How will you keep up your SNAG act in front of  real Sensitive New Age Guys?

Fear not! All you need to know about the New Age is in the following  paragraphs. By remembering a few key phrases, you will be accepted into any  spiritual group as a fellow traveler along Truth’s highway.

Rule number one for the novice New Ager is to make sure that a crystal of  some sort is visible on you at all times. You will notice that all of the  women will be wearing a necklace of either amethyst or rose quartz, but for a  man, a large chunk of natural, clear quartz that is strapped to a cord around  your neck is far more suitable. If you feel uncomfortable wearing your crystal  in this way, then carrying it in your hand is also quite acceptable, as long  as you remember to look at it appreciatively every now and then, making sure  that others see it too of course.

When people notice your crystal they will invariably ask, “What is your  crystal programmed for?” In reply, avoid any macho response that suggests  that you are using it to attract more sex, money, or power, as this will blow  your cover immediately, instead, use the vague, but common phrase, “I have  programmed it to help me to enhance my spiritual growth.” This reply will  satisfy the enquirer without encouraging questions of a more specific nature.

To acquire a new name that reflects your spiritual goals is also quite common  among New Agers, therefore don’t be surprised if you are introduced to people  with strange names such as Shekinah, Silver Wolf, or Starlight. To find your  own spiritual name, you can use either of two methods. You could choose a  word at random from any New Age magazine, or you could ask your spirit guide  for a suggestion.

To have a spirit guide is as necessary for the New Ager as having a permanent  smile on your face. If you are asked who your spirit guide is, then it is  safest to opt for a Red Indian guide – everyone else does! Make sure that you  give your spirit guide an impressive name though. You won’t gain much respect  from your peers within the spiritual development circles if your guide  is called Joe, so give him a name such as Snow Buffalo, Tall Eagle, or  Smiling Rainbow Hearted Mountain Bear.

If you want to be a bit different, or if someone else has already chosen the  name that you made up for your guide, then go a step further and say that  instead of a spirit guide you have a guardian angel. For extra points, use  the name of one of the Archangels and the eyes of the people in the group  will light up with awe and admiration. Don’t go too far though, as an inferred  conversation with God or the late J.C. will mean that you will soon find  yourself standing alone, looking with feigned interest at the dozen or so  statues of unicorns and Red Indians that the host has proudly displayed on  the mantelpiece.

As you settle in for the evening’s lesson and psychic exercises (aerobics for  the soul), you will invariably be asked to participate in an experiment on  past life recall. Here is another ideal opportunity to impress your  girlfriend and the rest of the group. Once again though, use moderation in  your claims and don’t invent details of a life as Tutankhamen or Henry the  Eighth, as the group leader has probably already claimed both of these. And  if he hasn’t, then he’ll probably be upset that he has forgotten to include  them in his lineage of previous incarnations. It is much safer to opt for  “memories” of an existence as an advisor, astrologer, or valet to a monarch  or famous person, as historical records will not necessarily disprove the names  and events of this lifetime that you suddenly recall.

If you have survived the evening so far, your last test will be the supper.  Under no circumstances should you eat anything other than vegetarian food  (i.e. fruits, nuts, vegetables, or any cooked combination of these that  invariably tastes like warm, wet cardboard), or your plans for acceptance  will be sunk quicker than Atlantis was.

As you depart, make sure that you hug everyone at least once, and be sure to  offer deep and meaningful words of inspiration – such as “keep smiling” – to  every person at least twice. If you have come up with the right sort of  platitudes for everyone and if everything else has gone well, you will  probably hear your girlfriend telling her friends that you are indeed her  soulmate, and you will already be looking forward to the next gathering of  these salubrious spirituality seekers.

Good luck – or as the New Agers say – May the Great Spirit be with you!

 

Author Unknown
The Cauldron

Planetary Table for Saturday, October 6

Planetary Table for Saturday, October 6

• Ruler of Day: Saturn – Ruler of Hour: Mercury
• Location: Brisbane, Australia, Queensland
• Latitude, Longitude: 27s27, 153e02
• Local Time: 00:48
• Time Zone: -10:00 (EAST)
• Summer Time: 00:00
• Sunrise: 05:28 (-0.8° alt.)
• Sunset: 17:43 (-0.8° alt.)
• Sunrise (tomorrow): 05:27
• Hours of Daylight: 12:14 hrs. (734 min.)
• Hours of Nighttime: 11:44 hrs. (704 min.)
• Lenght of Planetary Hours (day): 01:01 hrs. • Lenght of Planetary Hours (night): 00:58 hrs.

 

Feng Shui Tip for October 6 – ‘World Card Making Day’

On this ‘World Card Making Day’ I’d like to share a few ideas that can help you can make someone else’s day brighter. First, think of someone you love and what you would give them if you could conjure something out of thin air. Send them that image with words of understanding and support to show that you care. If you know someone who is struggling, simply download an image of a symbol that can help shift their energy. For example, if someone is struggling with infertility you can send a Feng Shui symbol for fertility. Attach that image to an email with your wishes for their dreams to come true. If you know someone with financial hardships you can send a Taoist image of prosperity along with your own support. Get the picture? This is a great way to send a personalized ‘card’ of comfort and powerful invisible energies that can proactively address their desires. So today make a card that creates some good karma along with your good greeting.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your daily number for October 6: 9

Your daily number: 9

Today brings with it a grand opportunity for healing your mind and body. Get rest, and treat yourself to a massage or some other rejuvenating ‘time out.’ You may have a conversation later in the day that helps you strengthen your bond with another

Your Daily Tarot Card for October 6 is Death

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card for October 6

 

Death

First and foremost Death does not specifically pertain to our physical death. The Death card marks ends and beginnings. Although most illustrations of the Death card tend to be morbid, the forces behind the Death card are actually quite exciting. Yes Death does mark the end of something. But ends are often brought about by completion and not loss.  Most endings are actually good, and make room for us to begin new adventures.

Today’ I Ching Hexagram for October 6 – 61: Centering in Truth

61: Centering in Truth

I Ching hexagram nr. 11

Truth involves establishing an aware relationship between your inner core and the circumstances in your life. Centering in truth involves the ability to perceive a fundamental wisdom, reflected within yourself and the people you know.

Truth is transformed into power when you dissolve prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. Truth’s power can be a remarkable force indeed — yet is rarer than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to things as they are — a willingness to see, rather than merely look.

Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak genuine mysteries in dogma, opportunities for new insight will be lost. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds.

In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side’s argument is essential to achieving success. It is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth — for unvarnished truth is something to which all things naturally respond. Get in touch with the part of yourself that is aware of this universal force. Cultivate this inner resource, and you will become adept at using it to bond with others to support a common purpose.

Daily Horoscopes for October 6

Daily Horoscopes for October 6

 

Aries

March 21 – April 20

Holding on to the past and all that entails, including various other articles that you’ve grown out of, is managing to clutter up your social life as well as your cupboards! Throw away the emotional baggage for one; and then give your favorite charity a call and have the junk picked up. Nothing is so refreshing as a clean up – inside and out!

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 26, 46, 44, 38, 15, 25

Taurus

April 21 – May 20

You know just what you want right now and woe to anyone or anything that gets in your way! Accidents, mistakes made in haste, or ego conflicts may occur due to your impatience and willfulness. Positively, physical energy is high and you could accomplish a great deal.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 37, 11, 38, 41, 3, 48

Gemini

May 21 – June 21

Friendship and cooperative endeavors flourish now. You achieve a harmonious balance of giving and receiving, of talking and listening, and any social or joint activity will benefit. Though you feel wonderful now, you’re likely to regret your actions later if you don’t curtail your impulses to overindulge, overspend, and enjoy too much of a good thing.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 42, 16, 37, 48, 39, 19

Cancer

June 21 – July 21

This is a good time for relaxing recreation, a time to refresh and rejuvenate yourself and do the things you most enjoy doing. Good humor and optimism prevail now, and you are able to get a larger perspective on your life. This is also a good time to approach someone who is in a position to benefit you emotionally, intellectually, or materially.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 31, 17, 15, 37, 21, 32

Leo

July 23 – August 23

There is still some unsettlement in your home environment, but nothing you won’t be able to sort out today. In fact, there could be some unexpected assistance from a friend that brings some interesting advice into the equation. A social invitation calls for a new outfit and a revised attitude.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 1, 43, 21, 45, 31, 12

Virgo

August 24 – September 22

Rather than focusing on the strictly personally rewarding aspects of your efforts (for example, your income, amount of vacation time, and other amenities), you are more sensitive to the value of your service as a contribution to society. Your motivations and personal ambitions become more elevated and idealistic now. You are able to see your work in better perspective.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 36, 33, 43, 19, 24, 2

Libra

September 22 – October 22

It would be nice if life always gave us exactly what we want when we want it, but alas, things just don’t work that way. Your plans may be waylaid for awhile, but in the end you will get attain your goals. To ensure you take the shortest path possible keep your proverbial nose to the grindstone and don’t allow the negative attitude of others to curve your efforts.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 23, 29, 11, 37, 40, 45

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You might find that other people want to interfere in your life just now and those in authority may also be difficult for you. If you’re feeling isolated or alone, generating inner feelings of bitterness or frustration will not help your cause. Try to be agreeable rather than angry with people.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 11, 40, 49, 26, 12, 39

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

This is a time for you to speak out about your thoughts or concerns regarding your work or professional matters. Communication with your superiors or with people in authority who are in a position to consider and act on your ideas comes to the fore now.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 14, 25, 43, 29, 1, 31

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You are very clear and perceptive now. It’s a good time to make a decision or come to an agreement, negotiate, exchange your views with others, present your case. If you are in a profession dealing with words, ideas, or communication, this is a very productive time for you.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 29, 27, 11, 40, 3, 15

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Responsibilities at home may take up more time than usual this week, so set some time aside. Also, parse your schedule so that you don’t take on too much because of the extra duty and that you don’t wind up handling more errands and odd jobs than you meant to.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 26, 9, 7, 3, 8, 24

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

There is a revolutionary atmosphere around you, but expansion and contraction are part of the cocktail that could muddle your head and make it difficult for you to know what it is you’re fighting for. Don’t rush forward without applying a little foresight. Don’t burn any bridges right now.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 45, 29, 15, 2, 34, 11

Cherry Sage

Daily Cosmic Calendar for October 6

There is no sense of bolting out of the starting gate too fast since the Moon in Gemini remains in void mode until 5:46PM PDT. Pushing your own agenda with aggressive moves can backfire as Mercury makes an abrasive, 135-degree link with Jupiter (1:54AM PDT) and the Moon parallels feisty Mars (6:27AM PDT).  Two aspects appear to launch a rescue mission as the Moon makes its monthly union with Vesta (7:18AM PDT) while Mercury trines Ceres in water signs (8:37AM PDT). The Moon match-up with Vesta energizes soul-sister companionship as well as the potential to increase the value of your assets and investments. Mercury resonating well with Ceres is a boost for explorations in nature. Weather permitting, go on a picnic, visit a favorite park or national landmark, and really commune with the birds, trees and sky.  Once the Moon enters Cancer (5:46PM PDT), home and family themes become prominent for the next 2+ days. Don’t be surprised if a wave of nostalgia washes over you as the Moon’s monthly visit to Cancer can stimulate childhood memories.  The red planet makes news by entering fiery Sagittarius (8:22PM PDT) — a cycle that activates goal-orientation, educational aims, and athletic prowess until November 16.  Keep raising the bar when it comes to productivity in your main fields of expertise as the Moon unites with Ceres — the largest asteroid (9:32PM PDT). The communication and correspondence fronts may be buzzing — courtesy of a Moon-Mercury trine in water signs (11:10PM PDT).

Calendar of the Sun for October 6

Calendar of the Sun

 

Aequinoctium Autumnale

Colors:

Brown and Orange
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of brown and orange, patterned with autumn leaves, place a basket of fallen leaves, barrels of straw, shovels, spades, a bowl of rainwater, and seeds for cover crops.
Offerings: Turn under and mulch the used land.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Aequinoctium Autumnale Invocation

Earth, we have eaten of your bounty!
You have fed us, and we are content.
We have worked you hard, and you have responded
With generosity and fruitfulness.
Now, as the year draws on, and the Sun
Shortens its days and counts the moons
Until its chilly death and incandescent rebirth,
We gift you as you have gifted us,
We care for you as you have cared for us,
We give back that we may continue to take,
Year after year, cycle after cycle.
Do not think, O Mother, that we are merely selfish,
And would only rape you of your bounty.
Our hands shall toil that you may have,
If only in this one small place,
Richness to take back for yourself.
For we know the hard secrets of the cycle,
And we will someday give ourselves
Back to your quiet embrace.

Chant:

Leaves falling
To our hands
Autumn calling
Cover all the land

(All take up the buckets of leaves and straw, and the spades, and go out to the garden. Some will turn over the soil, and others shall follow with cover crop seeds and rainwater, or with mulch to cover the ground. This shall be done throughout the Aequinoctium Autumnale days until all the ground from this year’s crops are covered.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]