Day: August 15, 2013

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 15

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 15

“There are many people who could claim and learn from their Indian ancestry, but because of the fear their parents and grandparents knew, because of past and present prejudice against Indian people, that part of their heritage is clouded or denied.”

–Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI

There were many injustices done to Native people. Sometimes I wonder, why am I connected to the past injustices done to Indian people? Why am I so angry about the past? The Elders say our ancestors are alive within each of us. Therefore, I may experience anger and resentment inside of me because of the injustice done to them. The way I get rid of these past feelings is to forgive. It may be necessary to even learn to forgive the unforgivable.

Great Spirit, teach me the path of forgiveness; teach me the courage to forgive; teach me to let go. Give to me a forgiving heart.

August 15 – Daily Feast

August 15 – Daily Feast

Most people do not intend to get caught in a bad cause. We simply get swept along with the tide. It can happen because we want to get ahead fast – but it more likely happiness out of ignorance. It has been said that we have the capacity to make heaven a hell, or a heaven of hell. We’ve been known to do both – though it is a matter of choice. According to the Cherokee, it is plain to see that the place called heaven, ga lv la di-tso sv, is the ultimate choice. We have had to deal with situations that we didn’t choose. They were simply piled on us and we tried to help. But here we must be wise. We can’t allow ourselves to be drawn into a cause that is not our responsibility, and that we may not be well informed enough to handle.

~ I have been trying to seize the promises which they made me….but I cannot find them. ~

BIG BEAR

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

Daily Motivator for August 15th – Positive choices

Positive choices

You can choose to be happy just as easily as you choose to be sad. The  choice, no matter what the situation, is always up to you.

You can choose to get up and get going just as easily as you choose to sit  and do nothing. The choice to actively move your life forward is always yours to  make.

Instead of worrying about who is to blame, focus on choosing your most  positive response. Instead of letting the past get you down, make the choices  that will lift you up.

This is your own life, so live it with your own best intentions. Each moment  gives you a new choice, so make all those choices count.

Sure, there are many things that are out of your control. Yet there are still  plenty of choices that enable you to live your life the way you wish to live  it.

Choose, again and again, to live in alignment with your purpose and your  highest values. Positive choices are what create a positive, fulfilling  life.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for August 15th – Enjoying the Ride

Enjoying the Ride

The Flow of the Universe

by Madisyn Taylor

 

Many people live their lives struggling against the current while others use the flow like a mighty wind.

The flow of the universe moves through everything. It’s in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away, the sprouting of a summer flower born from a seed planted in the spring, the growth cycle that every human being goes through, and the current that takes us down our life’s paths. When we move with the flow, rather than resisting it, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.

Many people live their lives struggling against this current. They try to use force or resistance to will their lives into happening the way they think it should. Others move with this flow like a sailor using the wind, trusting that the universe is taking them exactly where they need to be at all times. This flow is accessible to everyone because it moves through and around us. We are always riding this flow. It’s just a matter of whether we are willing to go with it or resist it. Tapping into the flow is often a matter of letting go of the notion that we need to be in control at all times. The flow is always taking you where you need to go. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you plan on taking the ride or dragging your feet.

Learning to step into the flow can help you feel a connection to a force that is greater than you and is always there to support you. The decision to go with the flow can take courage because you are surrendering the notion that you need to do everything by yourself. Riding the flow of the universe can be effortless, exhilarating, and not like anything that you ever expected. When you are open to being in this flow, you open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the grasp of your control. As a child, you were naturally swept by the flow. Tears of sadness falling down your face could just as quickly turn to tears of laughter. Just the tiniest wave carrying you forward off the shores of the ocean could carry you into peals of delight. Our souls feel good when we go with the flow of the universe. All we have to do is make the choice to ride its currents.

Knot Magick Spell To Heal

Knot magick spell to heal

You need an 8 inches long string. Mark the string 6 times, so that you have seven equal parts. Repeat the following 6 times and tie a knot each time:

‘Disease, no one asks your stay,
It’s time for you to fade.
With these knots, I ask your leave,
With these words I weave.’

Put the string in a container with salt (represents burying it in the ground). Make a seal for the container with the spell above written on a piece of paper. Get rid of the container in an appropriate manner.

Bind From Harm (Knot Magick)

Bind From Harm

Use this spell to prevent someone from harming themselves and others. Tie nine knots in a cord while saying each time, “I bind you, (name),
from harming yourself and from harming others.” When you are finished say, “Three times three, I bind you, (name), from harming yourself and
from harming others.” Then burn the cord so that the knots may never
come undone.

Rid Yourself of Troubles (Knot Magick)

Rid Yourself of Troubles

Concentrate on something that is troubling you. When you are full of
emotion, firmly tie a knot in the cord and then leave the room and the
cord behind for awhile. Later on, after you’re relaxed and focused, go
back into the room and untie the knot, releasing what has been
troubling you. Visualize it disappearing.

How To Make a Witch's Ladder

How To Make a Witch’s Ladder

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

A witch’s ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary – it’s basically a tool for meditation and ritual, in which different colors are used as symbols for one’s intent. It’s also used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as you do so. Traditionally, the witch’s ladder is made with red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored feathers woven in.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use yarn colors that have a significance to you and your working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can be tricky if you’re looking for them out in the wild — you can’t just go plucking feathers from local endangered species — and that means a trip to the craft store and some oddly tinted feathers. I’d recommend using either found feathers of any color, or something else entirely — beads, buttons, bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your home.

To make your basic witch’s ladder, you’ll need:

Yarn or cord in three different colors

Nine items that are similar in property but in different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons, etc)

Cut the yarn so that you have three different pieces in a workable length – usually a yard or so is good. Although you can use the traditional red, white and black, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you must. Tie the ends of the three pieces of yarn together in a knot.

Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say something like this variation on the traditional chant:

By knot of one, the spell’s begun.
By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.
By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.

By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of the witch’s ladder. When you’ve completed the string and added all nine feathers or beads, you can either knot the end and hang the ladder up, or you can tie the two ends together forming a circle.

If you’d like your ladder to be more like a rosary string, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.

Let's Talk Witch – "Knots"

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

Knots

In Spellcraft, knots offer a simple way to contain or loosen energy. The obvious symbolism of tying a knot indicates an intention to bind something or someone. If, for example, you wanted to prevent an enemy from harming you, you could create a poppet (see preceding section) to represent your enemy and bind his hands and feet with string. If a witch perceives unwanted energies in a space—especially while performing a spell—she can tie a knot in a piece of clothing or the altar cloth to trap that energy until after the magickal working.

You can tie energy of any kind into a knot. Witches sometimes tie a line of knots of a long cord, placing thought, emotions, incantations, etc. into the knots. These lines are sometimes called a witch’s Ladder. Untying a knot at a later date frees the energy bound therein.

You can use knot symbolism in the following types of spells:

Bindings and banishings (especially illness and negative energy)

Channeling energy into a specific location (the energy can be captured in the knot, and then released when it’s most needed)

Securing relationships (hence the term “tying the knot” to refer to marriage)

“Tying up the loose ends” of a situation

You can tie intentions into knots, too. Let’s say you want to stabilize your finances. The best number for this purpose is four. You could make a money charm and secure the pouch with a gold ribbon. Tie four knots in the ribbon and concentrate on your goal each time you tie a knot. Or tie a ribbon around your bills, using four knots to limit the outflow of money.

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book (Everything®)
Alexander, Skye

 

The Witches Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, August 15th

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

The Witches Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, August 15th

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oak moss, Star Anise

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

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, August 15th

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, August 15th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

 

Assumption Day

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

Sagittarius:  Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical, and athletic Moon sign. Favors expansion and growth.

Incense:  Clove

Color: Green

What Is Your Soul Type? Quiz

What Is Your Soul Type? Quiz

Are you a Hunter or a Visionary? A Peacemaker or a Bright Star? Find out with  this fascinating quiz that helps you understand more about who you truly, deeply  are.

You may want to share this quiz with friends and loved ones. Learn more about  your own soul-nature here:

If you are a FIRE SIGN, do you

* Sometimes feel negative and often  find something to complain about?

* Find that you are either extremely  encouraging or extremely discouraging of others and their actions?

* Dream  of the perfect mate even though you are disappointed again and again when others  let you down? If this sounds most like you, then you are a RETROSPECTIVE  SOUL. (Retrospectives get their name from their tendency to look backward,  sometimes holding on to old hurts.)

Or do you

* Feel compelled to express your artistic temperament?

*  Think you are sometimes unrealistic in your expectations of people and  situations?

* Find that you often look through rose-colored glasses to try  to see only the best in someone? If this sounds most like you, then you are  a DREAMING SOUL.

Or do you

* Think of yourself as positive and outgoing, especially in  difficult circumstances?

* Love to be center stage, even if it is at the  expense of others?

* Need accolades and a partner who gives you their full  attention? If this sounds most like you, then you are a BRIGHT STAR SOUL.

——————————

IF you are an EARTH SIGN, do you

* Love a challenge  and strive to conquer it at all costs?

* Motivate others with your  enthusiasm but move on if they hold you up or disrupt your plans?

* Need  freedom and flexibility in any personal relationship? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a HUNTER SOUL.

Or do you

* Take a while to decide on the right career path?

* Think  of yourself as a social organizer who will call others even if they don’t call  you?

* Need reassurance and security, as you’re not always sure of your own  value? If this sounds most like you, then you are a VISIONARY SOUL.

Or do you

* Naturally take charge of most situations?

* Find that you  are usually the first one to volunteer?

* Need to be involved with your  partner and have real communication? If this sounds most like you, then you  are a WARRIOR SOUL.

—————————— IF you are an AIR SIGN, do you

*  Very often wonder if the grass might be greener someplace other than where you  are?

* Not really need the security of a house, home, or family?

* Consider yourself romantic and love the idea of romance but find it difficult  to commit to a single relationship? If this sounds most like you, then you  are a TRAVELER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel content to be wherever you are at any given moment?

* Avoid conflict of any kind in order to keep stability both at home and at  work?

* Need a stable partner who is totally committed to you, even if the  relationship is not perfect? If this sounds most like you, then you are a  PROPHET SOUL.

Or do you

* Need the opportunity to try out new and innovative ideas?

* Value stability and almost always feel like things are stable?

*  Openly and easily share your emotions, and need a grounded home life? If  this sounds most like you, then you are a NEWBORN SOUL.

——————————

If  you are a WATER SIGN, do you

* Always find yourself interested in  others?

* Like to involve yourself with worthwhile projects, and love to  philosophize and intellectualize things?

* Want a relationship, but like to  hold back, and find it hard to share inner feelings? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a SEEKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel like your main focus is on marriage and family, even on  social occasions?

* Work with children, or in a teaching, caring, or  nurturing profession?

* Enjoy nurturing your family? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a PEACEMAKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Like company, but feel you can be just as happy doing your  own thing by yourself?

* Get involved with several projects at once, finding  it hard to say no?

* Like to make the rules in your relationship? If  this sounds most like you, then you are an OLD SOUL.

Daily Feng Shui News for August 15th – 'Relaxation Day'

Now here’s a day after my own heart, mind and soul! It’s ‘Relaxation Day,’ which must also mean it’s time for a nice long soak to wash worry, tension and anxiety down the drain. Run a bath and add one tablespoon of sesame oil to the water. Place two tablespoons of uncooked rice and one chopped, unpeeled raw potato in a net and suspend this net in the water. Lie down in the bath and close your eyes while focusing your attention and concentration on the end of your coccyx. Massage the soles of your feet while doing this. According to ancient tradition, blending chi acupressure and bathing will enhance beauty, prevent aging and be good for your overall health. Now, relax, and go take this beautiful bath.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm For August 15th is the Book of Charms

 

 Your Charm For August 15th

Today’s Meaning:  

A would be intruder into your private affairs will be averted by steps you take to protect this aspect. The book of charms indicates you should take extra steps to protect information and beware of anyone asking for personal data.

General Description:

The Batak, or Bark Book of Charms, is a magical ritual implicitly believed in by the natives of Sumatra. It is consulted as a reliable guide and counsellor in their private and important affairs. In the East Indian Archipelago superstition talismans, and amulets, play a most important part in the lives of the natives. Sickness is attributed to the patient being possessed of an evil spirit, and their witch doctors profess to expel the intruder by the means of charms. Often the names of the sufferes are changed in order to deceive the evil spirits.

Your Animal Spirit for August 15th is the Lizard

Your Animal Spirit for Today
    August 15, 2013 

center

Lizard

Are you dreaming a dream that’s big enough? If Lizard has appeared before you today, the gauntlet has been thrown down, the challenge made. Stop hiding your light beneath a rock—be willing to be bigger than life, to dream bigger than your imagination, to throw caution to the wind, and aim for the target you’ve spent a lifetime avoiding.

Your Tarot Card for August 15th is The Lovers

The Lovers

Thursday, Aug 15th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it has taken on a strictly romantic revision of meaning in some modern decks, traditionally the Lovers card of Tarot reflected the challenges of choosing a partner. At a crossroads, one cannot take both paths. The images on this card in different decks have varied more than most, because we have had so many ways of looking at sex and relationships across cultures and centuries.

Classically, the energy of this card reminded us of the real challenges posed by romantic relationships, with the protagonist often shown in the act of making an either-or choice. To partake of a higher ideal often requires sacrificing the lesser option. The path of pleasure eventually leads to distraction from spiritual growth. The gratification of the personality eventually gives way to a call from spirit as the soul matures.

Modern decks tend to portray the feeling of romantic love with this card, showing Adam and Eve at the gates of Eden when everything was still perfect. This interpretation portrays humanity before the Fall, and can be thought to imply a different sort of choice — the choice of evolution over perfection, or the choice of personal growth through relationship — instead of a fantasy where everything falls into place perfectly and is taken care of without effort.

What's Your Cosmic Name?

What’s Your Cosmic Name?

Look below to see your unique astrological name…

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of astrology

Who are you? Are you Snappy the strange Moonwalker? Or are you Gaia the brilliant Goddess? You could even be Tipsy the angry Gypsy. Now you can find out for sure with our brand new Cosmic Name finder. Look below to see just how unique your name is … it’s almost like a birth chart!

Have fun and remember to share this with your friends to see their name!

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, August 15

The irrepressible fire of our spirit and the power of our intentions propel the arrows of our thoughts into the distant future. Today’s inspirational Sagittarius Moon transforms everyone into an honorary Archer with his or her bow drawn tight and arrow aimed at the far horizon. Meanwhile, the Moon trines unconventional Uranus and interactive Mercury, arousing our curiosity and encouraging communication that opens doors to unexplored territory.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you may entertain big dreams of amazing adventures, the routine drudgery of work calls today and you must answer. However, planning your getaway is not a very smart strategy. Forget about all your lofty ideas and focus on exactly what is expected of you now, leaving the great escape for some other day. You will have something tangible to celebrate once your work is done.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

An ambitious plan won’t necessarily lead to success because you may not have the patience required to pull it off today. Of course, you want to be seen as reliable, yet you’re still willing to attempt something new, even if it means putting your reputation at risk. Taking a calculated chance is probably a good idea now as long as you don’t gamble with more than you’re willing to lose.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

People may tell you tall tales and you might actually believe them, so make sure to verify everything you hear today. Take the time to discover how reality differs from what others are saying now. Listen in between the spoken words so you don’t miss what’s being left out. It’s best to know the shortcomings of a plan before you endorse it. Remember, even when something sounds really good, there is still more to the story than meets the ear.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Doing your job the same way you do it every other day is not a viable option today. You’re eager to try something radically different, but it’s hard to know the best method unless you test a few of them out. Ask your co-workers for their input since someone else can evaluate your work from a different perspective. Even a small procedural change could be enough to increase your efficiency and bring you more satisfaction.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Emotional obstacles may appear in your immediate surroundings today, even when you’re doing everything just right. However, don’t admit defeat too soon, for your current problems can be easily overcome if you face them with confidence. There’s no need to bury unresolved issues from your past; embrace your shortcomings by accepting who you and where you came from. You cannot change the current situation by reinventing your history. Instead, create your future by cultivating your dreams.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your life seems to be moving too fast these days, yet you really do have the power to slow it down. However, modifying your calendar is tougher than you think. Canceling activities that are already on your schedule enables you to decrease the noise in your life by reducing the internal stress. A firm commitment to meditate or practice yoga for a few minutes every day might be all that’s needed to see for yourself what is possible.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may mislead yourself today by acting on your hopes instead of paying attention to the current situation. You can further mix up fantasy with reality by trying to convince others to believe in everything that seems real to you. A relationship that is based on blind optimism or unproven assumptions might lead you astray. However, initiating conversations with your friends helps you ascertain the truth. Set your dreams aside now and stick strictly to the facts.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You know what’s expected of you today, but you may have other things that you would rather do. Meeting your obligations can be draining because you don’t want to waste your time on anything that’s not important to you. Conserve your energy to connect with a special someone or just to enjoy some downtime by yourself. Paradoxically, maintaining sensible boundaries now widens your horizons in the long run.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sharing your feelings today may be rather exhausting, but it also can create moments of intimacy as you expand your social sphere of influence. You might prefer being less emotional, talking philosophically about ideas and events instead of discussing your changing moods. Remember, it’s healthier to express what’s in your heart now, even if you aren’t exactly sure yet why you’re doing it. A spontaneous connection could end up being the highlight of your day.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Keeping your emotions to yourself can seem like a sensible thing to do, especially if they are standing in your way of being effective. However, you are happier and even more productive at work today if you don’t suppress your feelings. Although it isn’t wise to overwhelm your associates with your inner process, don’t be afraid to share the truth. There won’t be any regrets later if your disclosures are on a need-to-know basis. Others will appreciate the opportunity to open up about their feelings, too.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Inviting a few friends over for a social gathering sounds like a great idea today. However, it might not be prudent to call everyone you know, for they all could show up all at once, transforming your idea for a casual little get-together into a major event. If you choose to go forward with your party, remember to give yourself enough time before for planning and after for recovery.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re eager to take care of nearly everyone at work now that the Moon is visiting your 10th House of Public Responsibility. You have a high level of dedication and are willing to be an integral part of a team. Unfortunately, there’s also so much going on in your private life today that relationships may be quite demanding. Luckily, you don’t need to choose between the personal and business dimensions of your life. You can sustain both worlds if you simply devote your mind and heart to it.