Day: November 20, 2012

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for November 20

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

How much voice do we really have in our own affairs? How free are we to speak out on the things we know and believe and want to say? How much voice do we have in public affairs?

How much goes unsaid because it may be bad for business, or it might make us look foolish? How often we should speak up but think it is none of our business? How quiet we are when someone’s unethical hand does wrong.

What is it that inhibits us? Our own fears. Fear of our own ignorance, fear of losing, fear of the bugaboos we know lurk somewhere, but just aren’t sure where.

Who are the people who are free of fears? They are the individuals who govern themselves in such a manner as to have thought out their own ideas enough to be able to speak freely for themselves.

Ethics would seem to be something to ignore if you wish to be successful in business. Many people strive harder today than at any other time to divide their lives so that being seen in church is good taste, and being unethical in business proves they are shrewd. Being successful isn’t nearly as important as proving that they’ve gotten that way by the clever undoing of their opposition.

There was a time when building a better mouse trap by the most efficient methods gave us satisfaction, but too often these days we are impressed because someone is smart. Not smart with intelligence, but smart with the cunning that goes along with the jungle code of getting before someone gets you.

The person who tries to get ahead by ethical methods, and by wanting only to provide something better than is already in existence, must also be equipped to withstand ridicule.

Frankly, the race of the tortoise and the hare is still on, and while the hare is tearing around showing off its ability to be a fast runner, the tortoise is making progress, and never losing its way.

Socrates, being asked the way to honest fame, said, “Study to be what you wish to seem.” Success takes time and moral discipline, but our successes will be as human beings first, and then the crown of success in business will sit easily and firmly.

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

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet:

 

http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
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 – November 20

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – November 20

“Money cannot buy affection.”

–Mangas Coloradas, APACHE

In these modern times we put too much emphasis on material things and on money. We believe that money is power. If we have money, people will respect us. If we have money, people will admire us. If we have money, we can have anything we want. Maybe we can purchase anything in the material world, but we cannot purchase anything in the Unseen World. The Unseen World is not for sale. It can only be given away. Love, affection, admiration, trust, respect, commitment — these must be earned or given away. If we use these things from the Unseen World, we are using real power.

My Creator, let me demonstrate Your power today. Let me be loving to all I meet.

November 20 – Daily Feast

November 20 – Daily Feast

Always take into account what your mind has in it. What of the world have you taken in and stored in all the little crevices and avenues of your mind and thinking? Guard your mind, for out of it comes what you think is possible for you. If you have stored defeat and rejection, those are the only things you have to draw on. Our voices record everything we say within our minds and hearts. Blessing or swear words, sarcasm or snappy cynicism, all are there, and all have a part in ruling life. This is the hardest part to sweep out and control, but it can be done – and it is better than storing trash.

~ Neither anger nor fury shall be found lodging in their minds. ~

IROQUOIS – CIRCA 1570

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

Daily Motivator for November 20 – Open-ended miracle

Open-ended miracle

You are alive, and that is amazing. You can make a difference, you can change  things, right here and now, and that is a boundless opportunity.

There are challenges, and they are difficult, even painful. Yet they are  nothing when compared to the possibilities.

What’s happened in the past makes you wary about the future. Fortunately, you  can act in the present to influence the future in a positive and meaningful  way.

Life is an open-ended miracle and it is yours today. Get clear about what you  would most like to do with it, and get busy working to make that happen.

You are immersed in a sea of energy and abundance. You have the outstandingly  good fortune of being in a position to make something truly meaningful out of it  all.

Make your beautiful, amazing presence known in a positive, creative and  loving way. The miracle is yours to live right now.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for November 20 – Progressing with Patience

Progressing with Patience

Doing the Best You Can

by Madisyn Taylor

Try not to expect perfection when starting out on a spiritual path or attaining inner peace.

 

 

It isn’t always easy to meet the expectations we hold ourselves to. We may find ourselves in a situation such as just finishing a relaxing yoga class or meditation retreat, a serene session of deep breathing, or listening to some calming, soul-stirring music, yet we have difficulty retaining our sense of peace. A long line at the store, slow-moving traffic, or another stressful situation can unnerve you and leave you wondering why the tranquility and spiritual equilibrium you cultivate is so quick to dissipate in the face of certain stressors. You may feel guilty and angry at yourself or even feel like a hypocrite for not being able to maintain control after practicing being centered. However, being patient with yourself will help you more in your soul’s journey than frustration at your perceived lack of progress. Doing the best you can in your quest for spiritual growth is vastly more important than striving for perfection.

Just because you are devoted to following a spiritual path, attaining inner peace, or living a specific ideology doesn’t mean you should expect to achieve perfection. When you approach your personal evolution mindfully, you can experience intense emotions such as anger without feeling that you have somehow failed. Simply by being aware of what you are experiencing and recognizing that your feelings are temporary, you have begun taking the necessary steps to regaining your internal balance. Accepting that difficult situations will arise from time to time and treating your reaction to them as if they are passing events rather than a part of who you are can help you move past them. Practicing this form of acceptance and paying attention to your reactions in order to learn from them will make it easier for you to return to your center more quickly in the future.

Since your experiences won’t be similar to others’ and your behavior will be shaped by those experiences, you may never stop reacting strongly to the challenging situations you encounter. Even if you are able to do nothing more than acknowledge what you are feeling and that there is little you can do to affect your current circumstances, in time you’ll alter your reaction to such circumstances. You can learn gradually to let negative thoughts come into your mind, recognize them, and then let them go. You may never reach a place of perfect peace, but you’ll find serenity in having done your best.

THE WICCAN WAY

THE WICCAN WAY

 

Recognizing that there is more than one path to spiritual enlightenment and that

Wicca is but one of many, and that Wicca holds within itself the belief that there is more than one type of step set to the spiral dance, find here listed common denominators of the Craft.

That there is above all the Goddess in her three-fold aspect and many are her names.  With all her names we call her Maiden, Mother and Crone.

That there is the God, consort and son, giver of strength and most willing of sacrifice.

That and it harm none, do what ye will shall be the law.

That each of her children are bound by the three-fold law and that whatever we create, be it joy or sorrow, laughter or pain, is brought back to us three-fold.

That as she is the mother of all living things and we are all her children, we seek to live in harmony not only with each other, but with the planet earth that is our womb and home.

That life upon the earth is not a burden to be born, but a joy to be learned and shared with others.

That death is not an ending of existence, but a step in the on-going process of life.

That there is no sacrifice of blood, for She is the mother of all living things, and from her all things proceed and unto her all things must return.

That each and every one of the children who follows this path has no need of another between themselves and the Goddess but may find Her within themselves.

That there shall not by intent be a desecration of another’s symbols of beliefs, for we are all seeking harmony within the One.

That each person’s faith is private unto themselves and that another’s belief is not to be set out and made public.

That the Wiccan way is not to seek converts, but that the way be made open to those who for reasons of their own seek and find the Craft.

And as it is willed, so mote it be

THE ABC’S OF A WICCAN LIFE

THE ABC’S OF A WICCAN LIFE
by Victoria Martyn

Accept others as they are. We are all individuals.

Belief in yourself is a necessity.

Concentration is important in any endeavor, both magickal and in life.

Do what you will, so long as it harms none.

Empathy is an important life skill… learn it, practice it.

Find strength in yourself, your friends, your world and your actions.

God is multifaceted… the Lord and Lady, all deities take many names and faces.

Help others every chance you get.

Intelligence is something that cannot be judged on surface.

Judge not… what you send out comes back to you!

Karma loves to slap you in the face. Watch out for it.

Learning is something that should never stop happening!

Magick is a wonderful gift- but it is not everything.

Nature is precious. Appreciate and protect it.

Over the course of time your soul learns many lessons. Make this life count!

Pray.

Quietness both physically and mentally restores the soul; meditate often.

Remember to take time for yourself as well as others.

Spells can help you, but you must also help yourself!

Tools can only do so much… they are not the foundation of all.

Unless you enjoy worrying, keep a positive mindset!

Visualize the success of your goals before you set out to achieve them.

Wisdom can often be found in the least expected places!

Xenophobia (a hatred of those different from you) is a path to misery.

You are a beautiful person who is capable of anything!

Zapping away all of your troubles is not going to happen

What is your Witch Potential?

What is your Witch Potential?

 

Reincarnation is a basic tenet of Witchcraft. Those of us fortunate enough to belong to the Craft believe that successive lives are enjoyed under the same zodiac sign. But unlike other ideologies Witchcraft imposes no demands for increasing excellence  – only that each life be lived to its fullest capabilities.

Most of us, despite centuries of indoctrination by the mechanized society, still have ties to the earth…some innate Witchcraft potential that can be developed.

Read the following questions and see how you react to them:

 

1. Have you always been intrigued by the occult?

 

2. Do you prefer night to day?

 

3. Does a storm stir in you an inexplicable sense of excitement?

 

4. Are you a sensualist?

 

5. Have you always felt different from most of those around you, set apart?

 

6. Do you instinctively respond to animals?

 

7. Are you comfortable alone?

 

8. Are you relatively indifferent to material possessions?

 

9. Have you had fleeting glimpses of former lives?

 

Should you find you can answer most of these questions in the affirmativeyour with potential is probably high and should be encouraged.

There is no church to join, no tribute to pay and no hierarchy to employ.

You, and you alone, must concentrate on the development of your own other-consciousness. Go to nature and observe. Attune your inner-mechanism to the quiet pace of the seasons and the procession of the constellations across the sky. Go alone, or with that person closest to you. Watch the moon rise, walk in the forests. Feel the earth, drink the water, breathe the air…then light the sacred candles and begin the life you were meant to live.

 

(* The Witches’ Almanac Spring 1995 – Spring 1996 pg. 94)

Eleven Things Every Witch Should Know


Witchy Comments & Graphics
Eleven Things Every Witch Should Know

1. Magic is what happens when you open yourself to the Divine. All real magic is
a manifestation of the Divine – it is how you co-create reality with deity.

2. The Divine is within you and is everywhere present in the natural world. And
everything is interconnected by this sacred energy.

3. Wicca is not about information — it’s about transformation, so practice,
practice, practice — and do it as much as possible in Nature! Witchcraft
enables you to commune with divinity and to manifest your destiny, your desires
and your highest and sacred self.

4. The real ethics of how Witches live and practice magic are simple: Witches
live in a sacred manner because we live in a sacred world. We therefore treat
all of life with reverence and respect.

5. Because all magic flows from our connection to the Sacred, our lives and our
magic, must be guided by the sacred nature of the energy with which we work.

6. The energy Witches work with is not neutral — it is divine love.

7. Magic often works in unexpected way because it is not a mechanical process,
and the Universe is not a machine. You are living and making magic within a
divine, organic, living reality.

8. Witches don’t command and control — they commune and co-create.

9. The real secret of successful spellcasting, as with all of magic, is your
connection to the Divine power that dwells within you, and surrounds you. And
spells do work so be careful what you ask for!

10. Nature makes the Divine tangible. By working, living, and practicing your
magic in harmony with Nature, you are in harmony with the Divine.

11. The ultimate teacher is the God/Goddess inside you and in the world of
Nature all around you.

Author unknown

Witchcraft/Wicca 101 Examination

I ran across this on one of the sites I usually visit. I had to steal it, lol! Seriously, this is the first time I have seen such an in-depth quiz for individuals finishing up their year and a day. I know we have some new ones among us, it would be an excellent idea for you to print this out. Then when your year and a day is up, take the quiz.

Witchcraft/Wicca 101 Examination

1. What is Wicca?

2. What is Magick?

3. Define the Wiccan Rede and the Law of Threefold Return?

4. What are the two aspects of Deity in Wicca?

5. Name five tools used in ritual and their purpose.

6. Name the elements and their corresponding directions.

7. Name two symbolic items you might put at an altar station for
each direction.

8. Describe how you would set up an altar in your home.

9. What is the difference between an Esbat and a Sabbat?

10. Name the eight seasonal festivals and give brief descriptions.
(Include dates)

11. Why is Samhain so important?

12. Describe two Rites of Passage. (your choice)

13. What is never allowed in Circle?

14. What is a magickal name and why would you want one?

15. What is smudging?

16. What is “skyclad?”

17. Define Widdershins and Deosil.

18. How do you consecrate a tool?

19. What are the basic tools you need to conduct a ritual?

20. What is the difference between a pentacle and a pentagram?

21. Draw the appropriate symbol for each of these items:
a. Pentagram
b. The Goddess
c. The God
d. Altar

23. What are the three aspects of the Goddess?

24. What are the three aspects of the God?

25. Name one Goddess or God from any pantheon and what She/He
represents.

26. You are doing a candle working to help you with the stress at
your job. When you dress the candle, which direction do you apply the
oil and why?

27. What is a Book of Shadows?

28. What is the difference between an Athame and a Bolline?

29. If you want something to decrease or go away, during which phase
of the moon would you work?

30. Name two good color combinations for the Goddess and God candles.

31. What color candle would you use for the following workings:
a. Develop psychic abilities
b. Emotional healing
c. Purify and protect your home
d. Bless your pet
e. Help you study
f. Bring success and good luck

32. True or False:
a. Gardnerian Wicca is worshipping in a garden.
b. “Skyclad” means you wear blue
c. You must be Wiccan to be a witch.
d. You would invoke the Quarters to protect sacred space.
e. The Croning Rite is performed when a woman reaches menopause.
f. Wiccaning commits a child to being a Wiccan.
g. A rune is an ancient temple.
h. Meat should never be used as an offering.
i. Lughnasadh is the second harvest.

33. What is the primary task of a Dedicant?

34. What is the primary task of an Initiate?

35. What is the Summerland?

36. Name a Law of Magick and explain it briefly.

37. Give a Law of Wicca.

38. Give a rule of Circle conduct.

39. Name a Wiccan tradition and describe it briefly.

40. What does Wicca mean to you in your life?

 

One Spirit’s Domain

Fairy Tale for Assertive Women

 Fairy Tale for Assertive Women

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the Princess’ lap and said: “Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome Prince, until an evil Witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young Prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in yon castle with my Mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.”

That night, on a repast of lightly sauted frogs legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled to herself and thought: “I don’t think so.”

 

Turok’s Cabana

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Nov. 20 – ‘Beautiful Day’

Today is a ‘Beautiful Day.’ And here are some suggestions from ancient Taoist dictates that promise inner and outer beauty! It’s recommended that these exercises be performed just once a day in order to build all the beauty your heart can hold. Meditate for five minutes a day. Read at least one chapter from a book each day. Do a good deed. Compliment someone. Walk for thirty minutes. Clean up your home. Then, at the end of the day before sleeping, reflect on all the good you’ve done and all the good things you’ve been blessed with. Beautiful suggestions on a beautiful day for a far more beautiful, happy and fulfilled you.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for November 20 is 24: Returning

24: Returning

Tuesday, Nov 20th, 2012

There is a turning point that recharges you and eventually brings success. This hexagram is associated with a turning back of long nights towards more light, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the seasonal change when our hours of daily light begin to increase again. This is the beginning of a turnaround; a time of letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of new beginnings. Ironically, it all starts with rest.

Don’t move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turn-around demands that your energy be recharged by adequate rest, so that your life force will not be spent prematurely. This principle of hibernation, of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest applies to many situations — recuperation after an illness, the slow return of trust after period of estrangement, the careful development of new relationships after a splitting apart of old ones.

Today’s Tarot Card for November 20th is The Emperor

The Emperor

Tuesday, Nov 20th, 2012

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 Tuesday, November 20

We may think that we know what we want, but could grow confused midday by our own dreams and fears. The day starts with a clever Aquarius Moon but her shift into compassionate Pisces at 11:54 am EST replaces intellect with intuition. Our emotions deepen, putting us in closer touch with our subconscious desires. The Moon’s afternoon conjunction with spiritual Neptune is countered by her harmonious trine to practical Saturn later this evening.

 

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your feelings are a bit fuzzy today and every time you dip in to test the emotional waters, you come back up with a different reading of what’s happening. You’re not happy about something now, but it’s difficult to put your finger on the source of your worries. Be courageous and share your concerns with someone you trust, even if you don’t know where the conversation may go.

 

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Just as the truth begins to dawn on you today, it slips away as if it isn’t ready to reveal itself yet. There are serious discussions that must take place first. Nevertheless, steer clear of the emotional landmines that might trigger conflicts about control and power. Listen to your instincts before expressing your heart.

 

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s crucial to stay on top of the details today, especially at work. Little things can be buried in ways that make them seem less obvious, but they are more important than you realize. Don’t try anything underhanded, for your motives will be all too transparent. Too much information may be coming your way, but if you pay diligent attention now you should be able to put it all into place.

 

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Today the focus is not on your external world. You are in touch with a very wide range of emotions that have pulled you into the rapidly changing currents. You might feel as if you’re in over your head, but only if you dwell on the past too long. Supportive people are on your side now and will come to your rescue if you need it. Go ahead and explore the deep waters of your feelings; it’s much safer than you think.

 

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may feel stress as you attempt to balance your outward appearance with your inner feelings today. You have a natural tendency to act your way through a difficult situation, but now your inner voice is telling you not to sweep your emotions under the rug. Although it might not be time to shake everything up, you can feel the pressure building. Don’t rush the process; the time for change is near.

 

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Relationship issues intensify today as the Moon enters your 7th House of Others. You may be driven to deal with an uncomfortable feeling that has been brewing for quite some time. There are thoughts that you’ve been hiding just beneath your awareness, probably because they are inconvenient to bring out into the open. Whether it seems opportune or not, today just might be your day to come clean.

 

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may be feeling dangerously close to an emotional meltdown and there doesn’t appear to be a quick fix to this uncomfortable situation. You want to tell it like it is today, but you might get discouraged when you consider the possible negative reactions you could receive. Don’t get stuck by your desire to make everyone feel at ease. Being honest is more important now than being nice.

 

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are coming into another phase of powerful changes this week. You are no stranger to transformation, although at times it occurs very slowly. However, things are likely to move much quicker now. Nevertheless, don’t be lulled into inaction by today’s dreams of living on Easy Street. Take control of the current situation by setting goals and building momentum as time goes by.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may feel uncertain about your direction in life today, even if you think that all is well at first. You might be hurt by a situation that raises painful memories, so it’s crucial to realize what’s happening now is not the same as what happened in the past. Recognize your weak spots and take your time to uncover the origins of your emotions so that true healing can finally begin.

 

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Make an extra effort to share what’s on your mind today with friends or coworkers. You could be feeling more emotional than you’re letting on, which is often your style, but right now you have a perfect chance to reveal your softer side. Remember, vulnerability does not have to be a weakness. It takes a special kind of strength to be honest about your limitations.

 

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your recent run-in with your own irrationality begins to fade as your emotions finally settle down a bit. But just because the clouds are lifting now, don’t fool yourself into thinking that the issues are resolved. You would do well to reconsider your feelings of anger or resentment today. Perhaps you don’t need to do anything about them yet, but awareness is a good place to start.

 

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A fog settles over the land this afternoon, making your logic unreliable as a navigational tool. You aren’t as certain about anything today. Although you can feel a rumbling beneath the surface, it’s not strong enough to be an earthquake. Finding your way can be tricky, but you don’t have a choice now. Trust your imagination while drawing the map that you need to reach your future destination.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for November 20

You may be able to tap into some very soothing and nurturing love vibrations — courtesy of  beautiful Venus moving 135-degrees to providential Jupiter (2:17AM PST) followed by a flowing Moon-Venus trine from Aquarius to Libra (5:36AM PST).  However, before you know it, the bloom is off the rose when the First Quarter Sun-Moon Phase arrives at 6:33AM PST (activating 29 degrees of Scorpio and Aquarius). There is a need to cut through apparent roadblocks on your path to worldly success while also managing your business affairs with pizazz. This solar-lunar square formation also begins a void lunar cycle that continues until 8:56AM PST. Stay out of harm’s way during the void lunar uncertainty zone.  Once the Moon enters Pisces (8:56AM PST), let your compassionate disposition take hold. Photography, music, dance, poetry and spiritual studies are highlighted as the Moon unites with Neptune (9:38AM PST). Your productivity quotient can rise due to the Moon making a trine with Ceres (1:12PM PST).  The main cosmic event is Pallas leaving retrograde motion, becoming stationary at 23 degrees of Pisces (5:25PM PST) and gradually starting its forward movement. All Pallas themes — father-daughter relationships, wisdom and knowledge, genius and innovation, problem-solving, strategic thinking, seeing patterns that are normally invisible to most people, weaving and needlepoint, computer programming and video gaming, engineering, city planning, the Immune System, genetics and DNA — are emphasized.  Catch up on the latest news about holistic healing techniques as the Moon unites with Chiron in Pisces (6:04PM PST). Dance the night away as the Moon in Pisces can give you happy feet.