Day: August 17, 2013

Teachings of Mother Earth

Nature Comments & Graphics

The Teachings of Mother Earth

Mother Earth teaches us to be human. She brings life to life and shares her gifts with us. In return for the gifts of our Mother, it is our responsibility as humans to care for all living beings living upon her.

The rock carries the wisdom of the ages and is known as the oldest teacher and is called “Grandfather”. From the rock we learn inner strength and faith. The rock is slow to move yet when the rock moves, the whole world pays attention.

The tree teaches us about Honesty for the tree is able to move the nutrients from the roots to the uppermost branches. The sap moves through the tree just as we must learn to allow truth to move through us. For each human there is a tree that is just like you. If you are acting as though you carry the whole world upon your shoulders, you will see a tree that is bowed down. Some trees appear to be tall, straight and handsome, yet that same tree may be rotten on the inside. Some people are like that. Crooked people will see crooked trees, just like them. We must strive to be tall, straight and honest and grounded with a “good root system” and to know that just as each tree is an individual and a member of a family, so are we.

Although it gets walked on, grass keeps coming back. As humans we do that to one another, yet even when we get “walked upon” we must show kindness to ourselves and others and keep coming back. We also nurture, fertilize and care for the grass just as we must care for one another. A blade of grass has two sides to it just as we, as humans have a smooth side and a rough side. We must recognize this and be kind to ourselves in order to smooth out the rough edges.

The animals give us the greatest gift of all and that is the lesson of sharing. They give up their lives so that we can live. In the old days, our ancestors would offer a prayer to Creation and ask for an animal to feed the people. When a hunter connected with an animal, that was an indication the animal was ready to die. After the hunter killed the animal, its heart was divided among the hunters and a piece of the heart was offered back to the Mother Earth with a prayer of thanks.

As humans we need to learn to share with one another and give thanks for the gifts of life shared with us.

The FOUR teachings of Faith, Honesty, Caring and Sharing which come with the rock the tree, the grasses, and the animals keep us connected with our Mother Earth.

Laugh Of The Day: Elevator Magick

Elevator Magic

A redneckfamily took a vacation to New York City. One day, the father took his son into a large building. They were amazed by everything they saw, especially the elevator at one end of the lobby. The boy asked, “What’s this, Paw?”
The father responded, “Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life. I don’t know what it is!”
While the boy and his father were watching in wide-eyed astonishment, an old lady in a wheelchair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched small circles of lights above the walls light up. They continued to watch the circles light up in the reverse direction. The walls opened again, and a voluptuous twenty-four-year old woman stepped out.
The father turned to his son and said, “Go get your maw!”

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Aug. 17: "Leo & The Sun"

If you’re an astrology aficionado like me, you know that we are now traveling through Leo, the zodiac sign most associated with the sun. In ancient times the Sun was worshipped as a god and was considered the giver of all life. The sun is said to be able to bring leadership, pride, ambition, confidence and high energy. Feng Shui says that we can enjoy all those blessings simply by representing some symbol of the sun in the ‘Fame’ area of home or office. Particularly powerful for aspiring authors or media professionals, this philosophy says that positioning a sun-shaped (or even a sunflower-shaped) mirror into the ‘Fame’ space can bring publishing contracts as well as recognition and rewards. Shiny!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today's I Ching Hexagram for August 17 is 7: Discipline

7: Discipline

Saturday, Aug 17th, 2013

hexagram09The most successful general is not the one that triumphs in battle, but the one who is able, through strength of a resolute discipline and the personal power that results from that, to achieve victory without spilling blood. This is why for the effective leadership of any organization the key virtues are clarity, decisiveness and conscientiousness. The most effective team or partnership marches with a single purpose — a dedication to a common goal that is held dear by all. Otherwise, even with an excess of external discipline, unpopular wars are seldom winnable.

Let power be held in check by the acceptance of a common discipline, and submission to a higher authority. Look to the common good. When life is in balance, evil impulses are checked by human decency; parents die before their children; leaders lead and followers follow. If you hold or aspire to a position of leadership, remember that the true leader speaks to and captures the hearts of the people and articulates a clear, simple vision that unites them as a team.

In the realm of government, the relationship between the army and state is critical. Only when the state is economically prosperous can the army be strong. Only when the army is disciplined can the state be protected from disruptive outside forces. For this balance to be preserved, government must be steady, and mild toward its own people. When balancing strong complementary forces, modesty and generosity at the center can be a magnetic force that keeps relationships intact. Coordination of all elements is essential for success at this time.

Your Animal Spirit for August 17 is Beaver

Your Animal Spirit for Today
August 17, 2013

 

Beaver

Beaver may be one of the hardest working animals on the planet. Beaver is attuned to both earth and water medicine, and is strongly attached to home and family. Beaver appears in your reading to remind you that sometimes there’s no substitute for hard work. Make a plan, create a solid foundation, then take  the next indicated step.

Today's Tarot Card for August 17 is Strength

Strength

Saturday, Aug 17th, 2013

What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, August 17

The organizing capacity of our minds enables us to do the hard work necessary to create strong foundations. The conservative Capricorn Moon reflects our more serious nature, especially as energetic Mars forms a fateful connection with taskmaster Saturn. The fluidity of the ever-changing Moon can be stifled by cautious Capricorn’s need to maintain the status quo. However, unsettling lunar transits continue to throw curve balls throughout the day.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

If you feel blocked in your creative expression now, it’s time to check in with your feelings. Fortunately, there is much potential for movement as long as you’re willing to step into the unknown. Instead of attempting to protect your heart from the vagaries of change, embrace the uncertainties of the future. Even if you don’t yet have a plan, give voice to your intentions. And don’t write off the potential for positive results before you even give it a fair chance.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your strength of purpose empowers you to overcome minor setbacks today, but establishing goals is only a start. You must light a fire under yourself to create momentum; if you don’t take action now, you’ll regret it down the road. Be careful not to get involved in an emotional power struggle as you try to advance your own position. Be resolute but kind in your drive for success.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your feelings play a more important role in your life now, but they may be difficult to express. You tend to emphasize mind over heart, yet today your emotions are stirred up from the subconscious, like the stuff that gets scraped up from the bottom of a pot of soup. Don’t resist the movement. You can learn valuable lessons from your suppressed fears and desires, even if they make you uncomfortable at first.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Your feelings are weighing heavy on your mind today. However, you may have created emotional distance between you and your loved ones in order to prevent disappointment or even possible heartbreak. Luckily, there is a solid opportunity for you to do something brilliant now if you’re willing to move through your own self-created restrictions. Serious reevaluation is fine but be ready to take that chance to make a splash and show someone that you care.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Reality throws a few obstacles in your path today in the form of additional chores or someone trying to hijack your weekend routine. Look within to learn how these external blockages may actually be symbolic of your own feelings. Awareness is the key; if you take the time to understand your role in what’s happening, you can break on through to the other side.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It appears as if the spotlight is on someone else and that you can get away with a bit of anonymity today. Paradoxically, your current invisibility doesn’t prevent people from making more demands of your time. Even if responsibilities are heaped upon you, you somehow rise to the challenge and beyond. But if you have control issues and try to do it all by yourself, the best-made plans may collapse. Involve others equally and you will appear to be brilliant.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Others appreciate you as the consummate host, but it’s tricky because they might not be able to see you for who you really are. Instead, you are perceived as a public figure without much regards to your personal needs. Emotions are difficult to control, but you may think that it’s important not to show all your feelings, especially the negative ones. Don’t try to bury them or your life will just get crazier. Living cautiously is one thing, but everything is easier if you don’t hide your head in the sand.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your emotions are complicated by friends and family today, and there may not be an easy way to navigate through the complexities. One inner voice tells you to hold your breath and remain motionless until the current stress passes. The other voice tells you to run away as fast as possible. However, neither of these strategies makes real sense. You are better off listening to the music and dancing to it the best you can, instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for destiny to strike.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Learning new ways to increase your financial stability is usually a smart move, but it can now be a source of difficulty as the intensity of your desire to know more increases. You’re less likely to take someone else’s feelings into consideration if you stumble onto a brilliant idea. You must expand your knowledge base in order to fulfill your commitments. Pick a course of action and follow it instead of jumping around from one plan to another. For now, bite off less than you can chew.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The challenges in front of you should be taken very seriously now. It may be best to give yourself the luxury of more time, so lighten your load by finishing up old business and putting away completed projects. You might feel as if you’re taking your whole life through an eye of a needle today. There is too much to fit through such a small space so you need to let something go before you can create the future of your dreams.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Place all systems on high alert today so you can minimize any tension that has cropped up in your life. Part of the problem is that you may have already taken on too much responsibility. You have plenty of work to do now, yet you might not feel like working very hard. Even if you finish everything you promised, others might judge you harshly anyhow. The best bet is to satisfy yourself first before anyone else at this time.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re able to manage an extremely unusual mixture of energies today. On one hand, a high-strung emotional buzz sets you right at the edge. On the other hand, you feel grounded in reality and you know exactly what is going on. If you can control your emotions, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with no matter what cause you choose to defend. Knowing when to share your passion makes the difference between frustration and success.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 17

[All times are calculated for the Pacific Daylight Zone. If you are living in a different time zone, add or subtract the necessary hours so that any timed alignment will be exact where you live.]  On the one day each month when the Moon unites with Pluto in Capricorn (11:36AM), it is wise to tune into your spiritual willpower and mental concentration in order to avoid fiery debates or arguments with dear ones and associates. If angry sentiments start to simmer in your relationship realm, do all you can to create a harmonious environment for verbal give-and-take. On the other hand, it is also okay to become more of a hermit for several hours — around the exact time of the lunar merger with underworld-ruling Pluto — allowing you to study psychology or esoteric subjects without interference. Looking within for guidance is definitely something that makes sense with the Moon and Pluto in a dynamic rendezvous.  In the meantime, the Sun makes a fairly rare conjunction with the largest asteroid — Ceres — at 26 degrees of Leo (5:49PM). Consider bold ways to increase productivity in your main fields of expertise. Go over your dietary and nutritional needs with a fine-tooth comb. Treat maternal figures with respect — if they deserve it and have been truly nurturing in your life. All mother-daughter relationships are in the spotlight.

The Current Moon Phase for Aug. 17: Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/76% illumination)

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.

Love, Wisdom, Will and Might

“Each morning upon rising

I accept myself completely.

I trust myself unreservedly.

I support myself wholeheartedly.

I love myself passionately.

I protect and defend myself fiercely.

I celebrate myself ecstatically.

I am aligned within myself harmoniously.

I am feather, fang, hoof and horn,

Signer of the Twilight Song,

Lotus of the Starry Night,

Love, Wisdom, Will and Might.”

—Author Unknown

A Know It All Computer

I was just notified by this computer that it will restart in 14 minutes. It has some important security updates to add to the system. This will put me off the net for a couple of minutes. I hope you understand. If it wasn’t security updates, I would ignore it. We have found out security is always needed and something not to be ignored. n

I am going to stay online till the computer shuts me down. Then I will be back shortly.

Let’s Talk Witch – Sympathetic Magick

Let’s Talk Witch – Sympathetic Magick

Sympathetic Magick and the Law of Similar

To understand how spells work, it is necessary to understand the concept of “sympathy” and what’s known as the Law of Similars. Sympathy, in a magickal sense, means that a designated item, when properly used has the power to affect something or someone because of the symbolic relationship between the item and the target of the spell.

Candle magick often makes use of sympathy. A love spell, for instance, might utilize two candles to represent a couple. To heal a rift between the two individuals, a witch might move the candles a little closer together each day over a period of time until the candles are touching. Poppets embody the concept of sympathy and the Law of Similars. The early Egyptians utilized poppets in spellcraft, carefully forming and dressing the dolls and adding incantations that described the poppet’s desired effec on the person it represented.

The Law of Similars states that there is a divine fingerprint in nature that gives clues to an item’s spiritual function. For example, red plants can be used in magickal cures for blood problems. A heart-shaped leaf might be a component of a love spell. A phallus-shaped stone can be utilized in a spell for male virility.

Like their predecessors, contemporary witches still consider an item’s shape, color, and other physical attributes as indicators of its magickal significance. In this manner, witches believe they are giving greater dimension to the energy of a spell, therefore an outcome will manifest more satisfactorily.

Celebrating Our Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Odin's Ordeal Begins

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August 17 – 24

Odin’s Ordeal Begins

According to legend, Odin hung on the World Tree Yggdrasil for nine days, during which time he discovered the runes. In modern Asatru, this discovery is celebrated with a nine-day festival starting on August 17. To those who follow the Norse traditions, Odin is the chief deity and appears in many aspects, among them leader of the wild hunt, God of magick, chooser of the slain in battle, and the dispenser of gifts. As king of Aesir, he was the God of fertility and the last sheaf of wheat was left in offering to his horse. His magickal number was 9 (the days he endured initiation on the World Tree), his color is blue (as is his cloak), and the raven of the Valkyries who attend him are sacred.

Magickal Activity

Rune Magick

Items needed: One small square of blue paper; a silver marking pen; one blue candle; nine inches of silver cord.

On the blue square of paper inscribe the pictured rune with the silver pen.

Light the blue candle and place it on top of the rune. Hold your hands over the candle and visualize your psychic abilities increasing as you chant:

“Let it be, that from this hour,

I know the secrets of psychic power.”

Leave the candle to burn for three hours. Extinguish the candle. Fold the paper in half and bind with silver cord. Place the packet with your runes or cards. Keep the packet near when reading for yourself or others.