Day: November 14, 2012

A WITCH’S PERSONAL MANIFESTO

The following personal manifesto was presented by Paul V. Beyerl to the 1987 Harvest Moon Celebration in Woodland Hills, California. It was in no way written to represent a set of laws to govern the behavior of others, but only as an open discussion of personal ethics to provoke thought and communication.

 

A WITCH’S PERSONAL MANIFESTO

 

I demand these things as a Witch:

– I must pursue my Highest Ideals

– I must strive to elevate my ethics

– I must be as good as my word

– I must demand integrity of myself

– I must be willing to suffer for my religion

– I must willingly embrace discipline

– I must develop financial responsibility and independence

– I must be able to pay my bills

– I must pay attention to my diet & intake of food

– I must LIVE the Hermetic Principle

– I must respect the astral

– I must approach ritual with great care

– I must see ritual work as a disciplined art form

– I must consider seriously the ramifications of reincarnation

– I must conserve fuels

– I must recycle whenever possible

– I must not litter, not even a cigarette butt

– I must avoid negative energy, even within my own thoughts

– I must avoid placing blame for any of the events in my life

– I must take responsibility for my ill health

– I must take myself seriously

– I must have humor

– I must live with my eyes open and my feet grounded

 

I demand these things of myself as a member of the Wiccan Community:

– I must support the work of making Wicca a respected religion

– I must expect financial accountability from those groups to which I donate monies

– I must stop the mockery of other religions (including anti-Christian sentiment sometimes found in modern Paganism)

– I must not support religious plagiarism (such as the teaching of shamanism by those who have never experienced the wilderness nor studied from a real shaman).

– I must be respectful of all other’s ritual forms

– I must separate myths and reality in our history and in our future

– I must work to contribute towards a reputable public image of Wicca

– I must protest against pagans who use shock tactics in dealing with the public

– I must upgrade standards of Wiccan education

– I must support serious research of our religious heritage

– I must demand quality in pagan literature, newsletters and books

– I must support the assembling of libraries

– I must not be a religious isolationist and I must work to remove pagan ghetto mentalities from our communities

– I must demand provocative, challenging workshops over entertainment

– I must share my knowledge and skills

– I must make Initiations increasingly difficult, challenging and rewarding

– I must consider the amount of education other religions expect of their clergy when planning Wiccan training

– I must be willing to network

– I must remain in contact with pagans in other places

 

I demand these things of myself as a Priest/ess:

– I must prepare for the deaths and burials of our peoples

– I must provide for the future of my consecrated tools beyond my physical death

– I must work towards the establishment of legal ministries

– I must provide for children and their education

– I must provide for the survival of my Tradition

I demand these things of myself as a Wiccan citizen:

– I must promote community service, being of help to all peoples regardless of their beliefs

– I must be willing to be political

– I must be a knowledgeable, active voter

– I must respect and utilize the system

– I must find value in the political system in which I live or work actively to promote change

– I must be aware of the world perspective

– I must extend myself to world poverty and hunger

The Witches Alphabet

This is something I have been aiming to share with you and just keep forgetting.

Below is an example of the Witches Alphabet or also known as the Theban Alphabet. Witches use this secret alphabet to write in their Book of Shadows, to hide spells or ritual or just anything magickal you do not want seen. It is a very ancient alphabet, but still in use today.

If you take time to study it and then practice writing it. You will find it is not that difficult to learn at all. After learning the alphabet, you can use it in your Book of Shadows or any other writings you do not want seen.

Theban Alphabet or The Witches Alphabet

 

A Little Humor – Ineffective Daily Affirmations

Ineffective Daily Affirmations

As I let go of my feelings of guilt, I can get in touch with my Inner Sociopath.

I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.

As I learn to trust the universe, I no longer need to carry a gun.

I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.

I no longer need to punish, deceive or compromise myself. Unless, of course, I want to stay employed.

In some cultures, what I do would be considered normal.

Having control over myself is nearly as good as having control over others.

My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of good judgment.

I can change any thought that hurts into a reality that hurts even more.

I honor my personality flaws, for without them I would have no personality at all.

Joan of Arc heard voices, too.

I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as all those censorious, self-righteous people around me.

I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain.

As I learn the innermost secrets of the people around me, they reward me in many ways to keep me quiet.

When someone hurts me, forgiveness is cheaper than a lawsuit. But not nearly as gratifying.

The first step is to say nice things about myself. The second, to do nice things for myself. The third, to find someone to buy me nice things.

All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid, and disgusting parts.

I am at one with my duality.

Blessed are the flexible, for they can tie themselves into knots.

Rather than curse the darkness, I could light a candle… with a little luck, I could torch the place.

I will strive to live each day as if it were my 30th birthday.

Only a lack of imagination saves me from immobilizing myself with imaginary fears.

Does my quiet self-pity get to me? Yes? Or should I move up to incessant nagging?

I honor and express all facets of my being, regardless of state and local laws.

Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so.”

False hope is nicer than no hope at all.

A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem.

Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day watching TV. Instead I will move my TV into the bedroom.

Who can I blame for my own problems? Give me just a minute…I’ll find someone.

Why should I waste my time reliving the past when I can spend it worrying about the future?

The complete lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.

I am learning that criticism is not nearly as effective as sabotage.

Becoming aware of my character defects leads me to the next step– blaming my parents.

To understand all is to fear all.

I will be accepting and kind, and learn to love televangelists.

 

Turok’s Cabana

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Nov. 14th – ‘Insulin & Diabetes’

Today’s energies are dedicated to a disease that claimed the life of my father and shaved years off the lives of his mother and brother. And since I’ve recently been diagnosed with insulin resistance as the result of a glucose metabolic disorder, I find myself prompted to further investigate the correlations between Feng Shui and my own insulin imbalance. According to this philosophy, disease is caused by an disparity in one of the five elements inside our bodies and our homes. In this case, diabetes relates to a disorder of the earth element since it is caused by an insulin imbalance. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, an organ Eastern medicine symbolizes as an earth element. Earth is also represented at the center of the home. If you or anyone you know suffers from this sugar issue, find your home’s center and observe that entire environment. Declutter and clean! The next step towards health and well-being is to add any earth element to this area. A fresh and healthy green plant, an earthenware vase or container with a beautiful bouquet or anything with the color of yellow or brown (throw rugs, wooden coffee tables) will do the trick. Bringing balance to the earth-related arena inside your home will go a long way towards doing that same thing inside your body. And that’s something really quite healing and truly quite sweet!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for November 14th is 18: Repairing What is Spoiled

18: Repairing What is Spoiled

Something is starting to rot and it is time to repair the damage. In the world of human affairs, indulgence and corruption grow like weeds in an untended garden; they must be faced squarely, and rooted out through bold action. Eliminating corruption — and the sloppiness that leads to it — is one of the most ennobling of all human enterprises. Correction of flaws in the system clears the way for fresh, new beginnings.

The time has come to become lean and efficient. The weeds must be rooted out now, before the garden is overwhelmed. Fighting decay, sloppiness and corrupt agendas is not a simple matter; all steps must be evaluated carefully. Planning must precede action. Resist the temptation to strike out prematurely. Gather strength behind you, and summon your inner resources, because arresting decay is no simple task. When you do act, make your strike as precise and clean as the path of the surgeon’s knife.

Today’s Tarot Card for November 14th is Judgment

Judgment

What has traditionally been known as the Judgement card, sometimes entitled Resurrection, represents the great reunion that the ancients believed would happen once in every age. This was the time when souls are harvested and taken Home to their place of origin, outside the solar system. Then the World is seeded with a batch of new souls and the process starts over.

From a modern point of view, this great reunion — which includes every personality that you have ever been and every soul that you have done deep work with — reunites to consciously complete the process. In a way, we symbolically celebrate this returning to center every year on our birthday.

In personal terms, the Judgment cards points to freedom from inner conflicts, and so clear a channel, that the buried talents and gifts of past incarnations can come through an individual in this lifetime. This card counsels you to trust the process of opening yourself, because what emerges is of consistently high quality. You can effortlessly manifest as a multi-dimensional being, and assist in evoking that response from others.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, November 14th

We might feel like it’s growing more difficult to justify our confidence today as retrograde Mercury falls back into the murky waters of mysterious Scorpio. The shadows hold their secrets as the Scorpio Sun forms an uneasy semisquare with dark Pluto. But all is not lost since the Moon shifts into inspirational Sagittarius at 5:51 am EST. We won’t be able to ignore our serious concerns now, but, thankfully, optimism triumphs over pessimism.

 

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You often want more independence, but you also need relationships to provide you with an opposing point of view. Now, however, you may be unsure of the validity of what someone tells you. Keep in mind that you could be missing an important piece of information today; don’t be so quick to defend your position instead of just listening to what others are saying first.

 

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You may feel dazed and confused today when you realize that your feet are not as firmly planted on the ground as you like. You can’t quite put all the pieces together into a sensible picture. Something is different and you might not be comfortable with the new emotional landscape. Don’t push yourself to change everything all at once; give yourself time to adjust to the shifting circumstances.

 

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

The power of your positive thoughts can save you from a difficult situation today, yet it still might be hard to hold on to your dream. You may be concerned about taking a good idea too far now because your limits aren’t clear and it’s hard to know where to draw the line. Although you might be able to get away with a bit more than usual, nothing will be gained by projecting your reality on to anyone else

 

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

It’s tempting to become too attached to your opinions today, which could actually get in the way of having an in-depth discussion. Nevertheless, don’t be so concerned with defending your ideas; just put them out there and then be open to the ensuing dialogue. Remember, your vulnerability is the key to a deeper and more satisfying connection

 

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Doing the right thing today can quickly bail you out of a tricky situation at home, but you may also need to acknowledge your role in helping to create the mess. Even if others are involved, solving this dilemma is basically up to you. Make an extra effort to listen carefully and to say exactly what you mean when you speak.

 

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you probably don’t like being called picky, you have a propensity to be very analytical when you focus your mind on a sticky problem. However, the details won’t likely interest you now as you’re more enchanted with the spells of nebulous Neptune than you are with the minutiae. Instead of being logical today, immerse yourself into the touchy-feely part of life. You’ll be more content once you relax and let your imagination wander.

 

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You would like to transform your feelings into creative expressions now that Venus is visiting beautiful Libra. However, you may lack common sense today while expressing your artistic side. Balance, of course, is your specialty, so it’s up to you to find a way to get your feet back on the ground so you can make something of lasting value.

 

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your unexpressed fears can be aroused by what you hear on the news today, yet it’s not really these concerns that bother you the most. You sense that your feelings are sinking into the shadows and you might be afraid that circumstances are working against you. But they are not, so put your suspicions to rest. Trust the glimmer of hope that arrives now, for it reveals the shining potential just ahead.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s difficult to acknowledge your insecurities today, especially if you are unclear where your fantasies end and reality begins. You may try to steer clear of all situations that make you feel unsure of yourself, but avoidance only increases your confusion. Thankfully, circumstances should improve once your feelings are out in the open. However, real change takes time to manifest, so try not to expect too much too fast.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

There are no obvious resolutions to a career-oriented problem that continues to linger, even if you think you can see a way out today. The more you push for a quick fix to a current dilemma, the more complicated everything becomes. Don’t worry; trusting the universe is more critical now than having all the answers.

 

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Avoid the temptation to fill in too many details on your calendar since planning ahead may not be as effective as you wish today. Taking time for spiritual rejuvenation is a smart idea and goes a long way to reducing your stress level. Have faith that your intuition will guide you to your proper destination at exactly the right moment.

Calendar of the Sun for November 24

Calendar of the Sun

14 Blutmonath

Day of Feronia

 

Colors: Purple and white
Element: Air
Altar: Set out a cloth of white overlaid by a cloth of purple, a white cloth cap with the word “Freedom” on it, several rough ropes, and a blade.
Offerings: Coins, to be donated to the appropriate cause, such as Amnesty International.
Daily Meal: Wine mixed with fruit juice, fresh fruits, sweetened breads and cakes.

Invocation to Feronia:

Hail, Lady of Freedom!
We are all bound by ropes and chains,
Some of them serving a purpose,
And some of them forced on us
By the selfishness of others,
Or by our own fears.
Give us the freedom
To choose our chains,
To bear only those bonds
That will uphold our spirits
And be free of those which harm them.
Let us not serve unworthiness
Out of illusion or fear,
But give us the strength to break free
Of the chains that hold us back
From following the path
The Gods have intended for us.

Chant:

Bene meriti servi sedeant, surgant liberi.
(Let the deserving sit down as slaves and arise as free people.)

(Let one who is chosen to do the work of the ritual come forth with the ropes, and bind the hands of all present. As s/he does so, s/he should ask, “What binds thee?” They may speak, or remain silent. If they speak, all present repeat it forth in unison. Then a second ritual worker comes forth with the blade, and to each s/he asks, “What frees thee?” If they speak forth, all present will repeat it forth in unison, and s/he will cut the ropes. If they cannot speak forth, they must remain bound until the end of Sponde, and must meditate before the altar of Feronia, and ask of her to show them the way out. At the beginning of Akte they may untie, but not cut, the rope, and they are to sleep with it knotted and hanging above their bed until such time as the answer comes to them, at which time it may be burned in an offering to Feronia.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Daily Cosmic Calendar for November 14th

Mind over matter is an early theme as the Moon in Scorpio merges with Mercury (which has just retreated back into the same sign) at 2:40AM PST. At this moment, a very short void lunar cycle occurs until 2:54AM PST when the lunar orb enters upbeat, enthusiastic Sagittarius.  You can breathe a sigh of relief once the Moon is in this ninth sign of the zodiac that has much to do with outdoor adventures, athletics, higher education and reaching long-range goals. Your problem-solving skills are enhanced — courtesy of a flowing trine in water signs from the Sun to Pallas (5:28AM PST).  Repressing vital emotions is a no-no with the Sun making a frictional, 45-degree tie with distant Pluto (10:03AM PST), but you should be able to recover nicely by activating your exalted intuition in concert with a Moon trine to Uranus (10:43AM PST).  The number one star attraction of the day strides on to center stage when Chiron becomes stationary and shifts from reverse to direct at 5 degrees of Pisces (12:39PM PST). The whole day is actually influenced by this intensification from the comet-like celestial body associated with healing old wounds, bridge-building between heaven and earth, mavericks, catalysts, shamans, higher dimensions of consciousness, twilight zones, deja vu experiences, UFOs and ETs, soul-searching, meditation, affirmations, oracles, the aura and sacred dance. It is wise to learn more about holistic healing and advances in alternative medicine.  Fooling around with investments this evening is taboo as the Sun forms an off-kilter, 150-degree tie with Vesta (10:20PM PST).