Day: November 8, 2013

Daily Feng Shui News for November 8th – ‘Cook Something Bold and Pungent’

Today’s energies ask us to ‘Cook Something Bold and Pungent.’ Here’s a recipe for one of my favorite vegetable meals, Asparagus with Mustard Sauce. You will need two tablespoons of ghee or butter, a half cup of whipping cream, two heads of garlic, peeled and diced, two tablespoons spicy brown mustard, one tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. You will also need two pounds of fresh asparagus spears, trimmed. In a small pan, melt the butter over a low heat and add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is browned, approximately five minutes. In another bowl blend together the cream, mustard, lemon juice and condiments. Bring two quarts of water to a boil over medium heat and cook the asparagus until tender, about three minutes. Drain the asparagus, place on a serving plate, pour the sauce over it, and then top with the browned garlic. Bon appetite!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm For November 8th is Virgo the Virgin

Your Charm For Today

Virgo the Virgin

Today’s Meaning:  

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is modest, shy, meticulous, reliable, practical, diligent, intelligent and analytical. This person may be a leader of some kind where you are employed.       

General Description:

Sixth sign of the Zodiac, Aug. 24th to Sept. 22nd. Ruled by the planet Mercury; correct metal, Silver. Those born under the influence of Virgo were supposed to be painstaking, efficient, ingenious, methodical, sensitive, studious, restless, rather irritable, but slow to anger. The Virgo gems are the Cornelian and Sardonyx. The Cornelian has always been a favourite talisman in the East. The Chinese had great faith in its supposed medicinal virtues. In Egypt used as a protection from every kind of evil; in Turkey and Arabia engraved with a verse from the Koran, and worn as an amulet for eveil eye, the plague, and every from of sickness; in Spain for courage and eloquence.

Your Animal Spirit for November 8th is Lizard

Your Animal Spirit for Today
November 8, 2013

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 Ancient Symbol Card for November 8th is The Peacock

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Peacock

The iridescent emerald plumage and spectacular broad tail of The Peacock make it the ideal symbol of both justified pride and vanity. It denotes the right for one to be proud of themselves for being who they are and for letting others know. In short, its okay to strut a bit. At the same time The Peacock reminds us that while pride and high self esteem are essential components of a healthy psyche, becoming too full of one’s self makes us vain, and vanity is never attractive in anyone.

As a daily card, The Peacock is reminder that you are inherently valuable, and have a right to be proud of who you are as well as let others know you are proud of yourself. It is also a warning to not allow you pride and sense of self worth grow to such grand proportions that you become vain and conceited.

Your Rune For Friday, November 8th is Uruz

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bw-uruzYour Rune For Today        

Uruz                

Uruz is the Rune of harmony, order and inner strength. Often it marks endings and beginnings of periods in our lives. Uruz  also symbolizes your ability to tackle new challenges by confronting them with the powers that lie within you. Opportunities probably abound for you right now.

Today’s Tarot Card for November 8th is Justice

Justice

Friday, Nov 8th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, what has been known as the Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.

Often including the image of a fulcrum which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It’s a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of Karma is represented here — what goes around comes around.

Your Daily Horoscopes for November 8th

Something is odd today as otherworldly feelings linger from yesterday’s fantasyland excursion, stirring up the winds of fate. However, the steady Capricorn Moon ensures that we can keep our feet planted firmly on the ground until 6:29 pm EST when she shifts into quirky Aquarius. Unusual rumblings grab our attention and, perhaps, snatch the reins of control out of our hands. However, we don’t give up easily and may overcompensate on the rebound.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are poised to catch the wind to points unknown today, but at least you can tell which way the breezes are blowing. Nevertheless, once you’re soaring, you might discover that the currents aren’t quite as stable as you first assumed. But coming down isn’t as straightforward as getting airborne. Relax and enjoy the ride, even if you no longer have a clue as to where you are going.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Although your well-known determination may not be enough to guarantee your success, you still have high hopes for reaching your goals today. Rather than relentlessly pushing toward a singular destination, pay attention to what’s being revealed by the changing circumstances. Remember, it’s more important to remain light on your feet and willing to switch direction on a moment’s notice than to doggedly drive toward an objective that no longer makes sense.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Another person’s idealistic approach could open your mind to a whole new way of looking at things today. Fortunately, you are very receptive to what is being said and something you discover now can have a lasting impact on your life. It’s like you are being supplied with a missing piece of data that enables everything to fit into place. Although you are learning about the truth, spending a few more days gaining perspective might just prevent you from jumping into a situation you don’t yet fully understand.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

The hold that someone has over you is reinforced today by the authoritative Capricorn Moon’s visit to your 7th House of Partners. But events can take interesting twists and turns, shifting the center of power from others to you. Nevertheless, tread carefully; being in control isn’t as great as it appears to be. If possible, find a supportive copilot so you don’t have to do all the work on your own. Sharing responsibilities lightens the load and increases the joy for everyone involved.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may have many wonderful ideas today, but they aren’t necessarily very practical ones. Your irrepressible idealism is the driving force behind your current creativity now, but it could also lead you astray. This isn’t the time for idle daydreaming. You must take action, even if you’re not yet sure of your goals. Trust your instincts and have faith that you’re heading in the right direction.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Establishing objectives in your personal life now is as important as creating them within your career. If you don’t have any specific goals, you’ll just flounder around aimlessly without direction. Don’t be a casualty of your potential professional success; your life will be more meaningful if you can find a healthy balance between your job and your family. One cannot live on bread alone.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The overall spiritual buzz today is kind of cool, but it can be tiring to keep your mind on the more ethereal side of life. The Moon’s evening entry into conceptual Aquarius feels like a breath of fresh air, but you can’t help but think that something strange is going on. Don’t succumb to self-doubt when wondering if your perceptions of the dream world are actually valid. Just live your life knowing that your visions are as real as you allow them to be. Believe in something with all your heart and it might just come true.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You could have big plans involving your friends today. Maybe you are considering a trip or making final arrangements for a social gathering. But there are subtle influences now that can make your choices more complicated, especially if you don’t fully understand how all the pieces fit together. Take your time and get everyone’s opinion first; the need to hurry is more arbitrary than you realize.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You could have big plans involving your friends today. Maybe you are considering a trip or making final arrangements for a social gathering. But there are subtle influences now that can make your choices more complicated, especially if you don’t fully understand how all the pieces fit together. Take your time and get everyone’s opinion first; the need to hurry is more arbitrary than you realize.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You appear to be straightforward in your actions and true to your words yet there’s still more going on today than reaches the surface. Your friends may jump to erroneous conclusions, but their false assumptions are easy to fix once they are out in the open. However, problems might arise if something is left unsaid. A bit of honest feedback on your part can help, but don’t belabor your point. Share your advice and move on.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If you are keeping a secret you may make a big fuss about something unimportant now just to distract everyone’s attention from lingering on the real deal. But you can only play the shell game for so long because it drains too much of your psychic energy. Consider what emotions might be stirred by sharing your vulnerability. Don’t just blurt out your truth without having a sensible strategy that leads to healthy closure. Finding the right person to trust is your key to success.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are probably quite social today, yet your interactions with others could take you in a totally unexpected direction. However, you don’t want to let go of your personal goals. Ironically, the more it appears that you are in control, the greater the gap between your expectations and reality. Trusting in the process is always a smart idea, but it will require focus and follow-through to make your dreams come true.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your actions at work have been pretty transparent recently because your objectives are clear and you’re determined to get what you want. But the Moon’s shift into your 12th House of Invisibility today increases the level of complexity to what you’re doing. Be careful; sending mixed signals can become a hazard if there’s something that you’re trying to hide. It’s safer to be honest and let others know what’s on your mind

Weekend Love Horoscopes for November 8th thru 10th

Weekend Love Horoscopes

November 8-10: Innovative Clarity

Maria DeSimone   Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

 

Thanks to a quirky Aquarius Moon that’ll last all weekend long, you can expect to feel more in the mood for experimentation and non-traditional  forms of entertainment that stimulate you physically and intellectually.

By early Saturday morning, the Moon will be at a fine angle to Uranus, which adds to your ability to go your own way and express yourself without worrying about how your partner will react. You’ll actually feel more supported when it comes to exploring your unique desires. In fact, communication will be at an all-time high this weekend.

Mercury will not only be at a friendly angle to love planet Venus on Friday, but it will also link up to mystical Neptune, as well. This allows for cosmic support as you and your love talk about your dreams together. Mercury will be at station this weekend, preparing to turn direct on Sunday, and that’s when you’ll really have your “Eureka!” moment of clarity about a vital romantic situation. If there’s a decision to make regarding your love life, you’ll have all the logic you need to make sure you lead with your mind.

Calendar of the Moon for November 8th

Calendar of the Moon

Reed Month

Color: Blue-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue-green place a vase of reeds, a single blue-green candle, a great bowl of water floating with wetlands plant leaves, and a knife.
Offering: Recycle something useless into something useful.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian soup and sandwiches. Only water or herbal tea to drink.

Ngetal Invocation

Call: Now is the time of the bleak cold.
Response: Now the reeds whisper in the swamp.
Call: Now is the time when we see the growing dark.
Response: Now is the time when we begin to shiver.
Call: Now is the time of bare trees.
Response: Now is the time of rain and wind.
Call: Now the rain fills the wetlands to overflowing.
Response: Now the swamp overflows into our lives.
Call: We feel our feet dragged down into the cold waters.
Response: Yet the wetland is the source of greatest life!
Call: We feel ourselves pulled into the unfamiliar.
Response: Unfamiliar to us, but no less of value.
Call: The damp cold begins to reach our bones.
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: We must keep it far away with fire’s warmth!
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: Why should we not ban it from our lives?
Response: For this, too, is a Mystery of water.
Call: Not the deep mystery of the Ocean…
Response: Not the running flow of the river…
Call: Not the crystal of snow and ice…
Response: But the secrets of the still waters.
Call: From the still waters springs the greatest number of lives!
Response: And it is this that we must honor.
Call: Welcome into ourselves the song of the whispering reeds!
Response: Welcome into ourselves the oncoming winter.

Chant: Cold as stone
Marshes heart
We will own
What is apart

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for November 8th

Calendar of the Sun

8 Blutmonath

Feast of the Kitchen God/dess

Colors: Red and blue
Element: Fire
Altar: On this day the altar is built in the kitchen, on the center of the main table. All activity of the day centers around the kitchen. Crowning the pile should be the paper portrait of the Kitchen Goddess. Decorate the altar with dishes of food, glasses of drink, and copper pots. Use the best china. The portrait of the next kitchen goddess should be hidden under someone’s clothing, rolled up and waiting.
Offerings: The entire kitchen should be cleaned thoroughly. Afterwards, the kitchen should be cleaned again. A pot of honey should be placed nearby.
Daily Meal: Enough food should be made and laid out to feed the entire community for the lunch and dinner period, and outsiders should be invited in to share it if possible. The food should be lavish and elaborate and aesthetically prepared.

Invocation to the Kitchen Goddess

Lady who watches over
The heart of our home,
Lady who fills our bellies
And who observes all our faults,
Today we send you to heaven
On a curl of smoke from your hearth.
We ask you, be generous,
And speak well of our efforts.
When you speak of our faults,
Have compassion on our humanity
Lady who guides our hands,
Send us pots that do not burn,
And enough love and peace
To infuse every morsel
Of nourishment that we here consume.

(Each person present should step forward, dip their finger in the honey, and touch it to her picture, asking her aloud or silently to forgive them for whatever pettiness occurred in the kitchen that year, be it actions or thoughts. Then she is taken to the hearth and burned in the flame, while everyone present claps and chants rhythmically. After that, lunch is eaten, and then a new Kitchen Goddess is installed in her place.)

Chant: Fire of the hearth, Fire of the wine,
Fire of the heart, Fire of the mind,
Fire of the Art, Fire out of time.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Nov. 8th – Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/33% of Full)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

The Witches Spell for Nov. 8th: Spell to Protect Children from Bullies

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Spell to Protect Children from Bullies

If your child is being bullied at school, you should make plans to get your child out of that school immediately. Don’t wait for teachers or administrators to take responsibility. Chances are they won’t. Meanwhile, your child is suffering and maybe in terrible danger.

Until you sort out your practical plan of action, protect your child with this spell:

Make or purchase a poppet. These are featureless rag dolls usually made of muslin. They can sometimes be found at hobby or craft stores.

Fill it with any combination of the following protective herbs:

Lavender

Chamomile

Rose Petals

Clover

Angelica

Comfrey

Elecampane

Mugwort

Add a few of your child’s hairs or nail clippings.

Place the poppet on your altar and arrange 9 pink candles in a circle around it. In between each candle place a clear quartz crystal.

Light each candle and say, “Goddess (God, protective angels or other powerful spirit), protect my child with light and love.”

Imagine a pink cloud enveloping the poppet and radiating a protective glow.

When the candles have burned down. Wrap the poppet in a pink cloth and place it in a drawer where it will be safe.

Let’s Talk Witch – Urgh, The Winter Blues, How to Beat Them!

healing

Urgh, The Winter Blues, How to Beat Them!

Let’s stop the Winter Blues this year before they ever get a chance to appear. I always have the Winter blues but apparently they are not as bad as some. So to get a jump on the blues before the blues can jump us, I found some hints and tips to give us a headstart on them this year. I believe if you give some of these tips a try, you might be amazed at how well they work. Won’t hurt to try, will it?

1.  Adjust your schedule. Simply said, do less. Don’t overcommit and respect the season’s slower pace. Focus activities on the home front. Now is the time to settle into books, projects and other activities that require a long span of time. Have family game nights or invite friends over to share the fun.

2.  Adjust your environment. Invest in good lead-free candles for atmosphere, and if you have a fireplace, stock up on dry, seasoned wood. Light the area you’re living or working in, but leave lights off through the rest of the house. Turn the thermostat down to 65 degrees–leave blankets throws on chairs and couches and wear slippers to keep your feet warm and layers of fleece or wool sweaters for toastiness. Make your bed with flannel sheets and thick blankets and spreads.

3.  Purify your surroundings. Many houseplants are valuable for purifying the air, particularly peace lilies, rubber plants and spider plants. You might also invest in an air purifier for the bedroom and main living spaces. On warmer days, open the doors and windows to let fresh air in.

4.  Embrace winter herbs and spices.  Burn incense or diffuse oils in scents of cinnamon, clove, cardamon, pine or cedar. Sip herbal teas or fresh-made Chai. Simmer a kettle of hot cider or mulled wine with fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, cardamom pods and thin slices of citrus.

5.  Eat for the season. Focus on grains, legumes, and warming root vegetables. Carrots are excellent for digestion, parsnips support the lungs, beets furnish elemental irons, and sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber (and are delicious mashed with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar!). Try a hot cereal of oatmeal or buckwheat topped with sauteed apples or dried fruit. Enjoy roasted meats, homemade soup stock, and mugs of rich hot chocolate, each with a warming pinch of cayenne. Stewed fruit, crisps, and cobblers make delicious winter treats.

6.  Pamper your body. Enjoy warm baths, adding 1 cup of Epson salts, 1 teaspoon olive oil and a few drops of essential oil to each tubful. Try lavender for relaxation or thyme or rosemary for invigoration. If you skin is dry, replace the Epsom salts with colloidal oatmeal (or blend oatmeal to a powder in your food processor). Consider a weekly “spa night” in which you pamper yourself from head to toe.

7.  Feed your mind. This is a perfect time to dive into magickal study, work on garb or tool craft, or read the stack of books that’s accumulated on the nightstand. keep a daily journal to track your activities and monitor winter’s progress.

8.  Stay active. Engage in slower-paced excercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi or swimming (indoors). Take bundle walks through your neighborhood, watching for the seasonal changes.

9.  Serve the tribe. Take care of your own family, but reach out as well. Winter is powerful time to do volunteer work in your own community.

10.  Honor Yule, Christmas, Imbolc or whatever holidays you celebrate. The winter holidays are the perfect time for lights, gifts, and greenery: Be merry and rejoice!

Honor the winter’s rhythms and you’ll feel the magickal and health benefits that come from slowing down and embracing the season as a restorative time of quiet, rest, and reflection.

Excerpts taken from:

Hibernation: Embracing Winter
Susan Pesznecker
Llewellyn’s 2012 Witches Companion
An Almanac for Everyday Living

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Festival of the Kitchen Goddess

magick89

November 7th and 8th

Sadie Hawkins Day, Festival of the Kitchen Goddess

From the 1930s comic strip, the character Sadie Hawkins overstepped the boundaries of propriety when she asked a man for a date. And, though we have come a long way since those days of male domination, many still feel that it is the man’s place to do the asking. So, on this day many schools and social organizations reverse the role and make it ladies’ choice.

In Japan, November 8th is set aside to honor the Goddess Uke-Mochi-No-Kami—she who possesses food—and the kitchen Gods Oki-Tsu-Hiko and Oki-Tsu-Hime. The God of the kitchen range Kamado-no-Kami is also greatly honored and venerated in most households. On this day, all the pots and pans are washed, and offerings of rice and rice wine are left in honor of the hearth side deities.

 

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

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Friday Is Ruled by Venus

Archangel: Anael

Candle colour: Green or pink

Incenses: Rose or geranium

Crystals: Jade or rose quartz

Use Fridays for spells for love, fidelity, healing, for anything to do with beauty, the arts and crafts and for all spells concerning the environment.

Where possible, work in any enclosed beautiful place outdoors, for example a botanical garden, a field, park or your own garden – even in a circle of plants indoors.

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, November 8th

Celtic Comments & Graphics
The Witches Correspondence for Friday, November 8th

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, November 8th

Days Of The Week Comments

The Witches Almanac for Friday, November 8th

Friday (Venus):  Love, friendship, reconciliation, and beauty.

The Lord Mayor’s Show (English)

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Sign: Capricorn

Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon enter Aquarius 6:30 pm

Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.

Incense: Thyme

Color: Coral

Goddess Bless You, my dear family, On This Fabulous Friday!

Goddess Comments & Graphics
Great Goddess
Lend me your strength
That I might excel
And be my best self
 
At this time and place
When I need it most
Let my brightest self
Shine out like a star
 
Help me to succeed
At the task at hand
And make the most
Of the moment’s possibilities
 
Great Goddess
Lend me your light
That I might excel
And be my best self
 

So Mote It Be