Day: December 19, 2013

No, I haven’t left yet, I’m sorry, lol!

I have a collection of old documents some have been seen on the net, others’ haven’t. Most of the documents have been moved over to disc. I had a moment to catch my breath and drug some of the discs out last night. I ran across one that I am getting ready to put on here. It is about Gerald Gardner and a collection of writings that were written down by one of his followers. There was never an official Book of Shadows for the Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft. So you can imagine any piece of writing that was contributed to Gardner was considered very sacred.

Some of the writing Gardner contributed to an ancient clandestine witch cult, which he claimed to have been initiated into. However, modern researchers have concluded that it was composed by Gardner. The text shows influences from English and Celtic Folk-lore, the Enochian system of John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, the KJV Bible and even Kipling.

I know some revere Gardner as being the father of Wicca, the traditional Witch. I am thinking it so I might as well say it. How do you become the father of Wicca and then proclaim yourself to be a Witch at the same time? Curious. No matter how you feel about the man, love him or hate him. It is very seldom that you have the opportunity to look into someone’s thoughts and beliefs.. I think these few pages will give you an idea of how Gardner thought.

There is a lot of material on this site. But there is no cold, hard information from those who played an important part in our history. That is going to change. When I run across such information from now on, I am going to place it on the site. I know the Elders have probably already read the material. But we have several generations of new witches coming up. They need to know. If we don’t show the info to them and tell them, then who will.

A Little Humor for Your Day – ’31 Signs Technology has Overtaken Your Life’

THIRTY ONE SIGNS TECHNOLOGY HAS OVERTAKEN YOUR LIFE

1. Your stationery is more cluttered than Warren Beatty’s address book. The
letterhead lists a fax number, e-mail address for two on-line services, and your
Internet address, which spreads across the breadth of the letterhead and
continues to the back. In essence, you have conceded that the first page of any
letter you write “is” letterhead.

2. You have never sat through an entire movie without having at least one
device on your body beep or buzz.

3. You need to fill out a form that must be typewritten, but you can’t because
there isn’t one typewriter in your house — only computers with laser printers.

4. You think of the gadgets in our office as “friends,” but you forget to send
your father a birthday card.

5. You disdain people who use low baud rates.

6. When you go into a computer store, you eavesdrop on a salesperson talking
with customers — and you butt in to correct him and spend the next twenty
minutes answering the customer’s questions, while the salesperson stands by
silently, nodding his head.

7. You use the phrase “digital compression” in a conversation without thinking
how strange your mouth feels when you say it.

8. You constantly find yourself in groups of people to whom you say the phrase
“digital compression.” Everyone understands what you mean, and you are not
surprised or disappointed that you don’t have to explain it.

9. You know Bill Gates’ e-mail address, but you have to look up your own
social security number.

10. You stop saying “phone number” and replace it with “voice number,” since we
all know the majority of phone lines in any house are plugged into contraptions
that talk to other contraptions.

11. You sign Christmas cards by putting 🙂 next to your signature.

12. Off the top of your head, you can think of nineteen keystroke symbols that
are far more clever than :-).

13. You back up your data every day.

14. Your wife asks you to pick up some minipads for her at the store and you
return with a rest for your mouse.

15. You think jokes about being unable to program a VCR are stupid.

16. On vacation, you are reading a computer manual and turning the pages faster
than everyone else who is reading John Grisham novels.

17. The thought that a CD could refer to finance or music rarely enters your
mind.

18. You are able to argue persuasively the Ross Perot’s phrase “electronic town
hall” makes more sense than the term “information superhighway,” but you don’t
because, after all, the man still uses hand-drawn pie charts.

19. You go to computer trade shows and map out your path of the exhibit hall in
advance. But you cannot give someone directions to your house without looking up
the street names.

20. You would rather get more dots per inch than miles per gallon.

21. You become upset when a person calls you on the phone to sell you
something, but you think it’s okay for a computer to call and demand that you
start pushing buttons on your telephone to receive more information about the
product it is selling.

22. You know without a doubt that disks come in five-and-a-quarter and three-
and-half inch sizes.

23. Al Gore strikes you as an “intriguing” fellow.

24. You own a set of itty-bitty screw-drivers and you actually know where they
are.

25. While contemporaries swap stories about their recent hernia surgeries, you
compare mouse-induced index-finger strain with a nine-year-old.

26. You are so knowledgeable about technology that you feel secure enough to
say “I don’t know” when someone asks you a technology question instead of
feeling compelled to make something up.

27. You rotate your screen savers more frequently than your automobile tires.

28. You have a functioning home copier machine, but every toaster you own turns
bread into charcoal.

29. You have ended friendships because of irreconcilably different opinions
about which is better — the track ball or the track “pad.”

30. You understand all the jokes in this message. If so, my friend, technology
has taken over your life. We suggest, for your own good, that you go lie under a
tree and write a haiku. And don’t use a laptop.

31. You e-mail this message to your friends over the net. You’d never get
around to showing it to them in person or reading it to them on the
phone. In fact, you have probably never met most of these people face-
to-face.

Daily Feng Shui News for Dec. 19th – ‘Look for An Evergreen’

You’ll get a big boost of all different sorts of seasonal blessings if you follow today’s ‘Look for An Evergreen’ advice. Long considered a ‘healing’ color (hence the propensity of use in hospitals and other health-related environments), the color green is also strongly considered the most ‘cooling color’ in the spectrum. At this time of year, green is believed to be able to help to offset the intense and burning heat caused by all the fiery red that’s around. Green also promotes peace and plenty, while the evergreen is said to magically absorb negative vibes in the home. Hanging an evergreen branch or bough above and on the outside of the front entryway door at any time of year has long been believed to keep evil at bay while inviting peace and prosperity. One could say that this is a totally different slant on ‘going green’ for the holidays.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for December 19th is The Serpent

Your Charm for December 19th

THE SERPENT

Today’s Meaning:

This aspect will be affected by someone’s illness being shed. Their healing will cause positive changes within this aspect for you.

General Description:  

In primeval days the Serpent deeply appealed to man’s imagination, and owing to its length of life was used as the emblem for wisdom and eternity. It was a household god in ancient Rome, and sacred to their god of medicine. The Romans believed that the Serpent renewed its youth by casting its skin, and it became their symbol for long life and vitality. In India the Serpent symbolizes the infinite duration of time and wisdom. Serpent rings were worn to ensure health, strength, and long life. The rings were also believed to possess great protective and enduring virtues. The Serpent was a mark of royalty in Egypt, and worn as a head dress or UR.AEUS.

Your Animal Spirit for December 19th is The Otter

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 19, 2013

Otter

Otter represents one of the most playful feminine energies on earth—and she has swum over into your reading to bring a message of joyful play. If life has been difficult or challenges overwhelming, relax a little—Otter is here to remind you that play is just as important as work—and NOT competitive play, but rather the kind you loved as a child. Hopscotch anyone?

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 19th is The Sword

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Sword

The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.

As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.

Today’s Tarot Card for Dec. 19th is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Thursday, Dec 19th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 19th

Emotional retreat is quite tempting today because the self-protective Cancer Moon can raise concerns that encourage us to withdraw from others. The apparent significance of our thoughts is inflated by magnifying Jupiter as it aligns with intelligent Mercury. Luckily, we have the ability to think up unusual solutions to our problems now. However, it’s still tricky to know whether or not any of the brilliant ideas are actually worth pursuing.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You actually think that you’re being sensitive to the needs of everyone else now, but you’re probably not looking much further than your own ambitions. Instead of just assuming that others have goals that are identical to yours, ask them what they want. Remember, you must listen to how they respond without trying to convince them to change their minds. Be wise and keep an open mind in all your interactions today. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you have in common.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

It may be flattering if others attempt to persuade you to participate in their far-out schemes today. However, you need to be firm about your limits so you don’t end up wasting your valuable time and resources on someone else’s idea that distracts you from your own work. Be exceptionally cautious now if an opportunity seems too good to be true — because it probably is. Be smart and wait a few more days before actually saying yes.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Hold on to your wallet today since you could quickly get into trouble by purchasing something that’s beyond your means. If an investment opportunity comes your way, it may not be as lucrative as it appears. You might think that you are in control, but that’s because you cannot tell if any of the facts are being distorted. Double check everything you are told now before taking an unnecessary risk; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Play it cool today because you may be feeling vulnerable and managing your emotions can be challenging, especially with the Moon moving through moody Cancer. To complicate matters even more, someone could be exaggerating the story they are telling you, which makes it harder to know if something is awry. Nevertheless, constant suspicion on your part creates its own set of problems and you might miss a real opportunity. Your best strategy is to verify your facts before making any long-term commitments.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Things are looking up today, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket because your current view may be a little too optimistic. Be careful, for your positive thinking can stoke your confidence so much that you get in over your head. Cut back your expectations just a bit so you won’t have to face unnecessary disappointment in the near future. Adopting a realistic approach enables you to achieve the creative expression you seek

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your hopes for a relationship might be so high now that you can’t possibly make your unrealistic dreams come true. You may become frustrated, leading you to try overly hard to please your friends. It’s tempting to expect so much from others that they cannot possibly satisfy all your needs. Instead of fixating on the outcome today, keep bringing your attention back to the present so you can fully engage in the process as it unfolds.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Although you might be hesitant to share your true feelings today, your tone might convey more than you actually intend, anyhow. It’s hard for others to tell whether you are exaggerating or if they are just reading more into your words because of their own expectations. Ultimately, it makes no difference where the problem begins. Avoid misunderstandings by softening your message. Less intensity works wonders now when it comes to matters of the heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

There are a limited number of productive hours in each day because some of them need to be reserved for sleeping and eating. Although you can pack a lot of activity into a short amount of time, your tendency is to take on more than you should today. You might even tell yourself that you’re being practical, but you could convince yourself of nearly anything now. Make your life easier by reducing your commitments before things get out of hand.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your interest in discovering new ideas might open up an unexpected avenue of exploration today as you seek to understand the mysteries of the universe. You could be drawn toward a spiritual tradition or unusual philosophy if you attempt to delve beneath the surface. But don’t just accept the truth in everything that comes your way. A bit of healthy skepticism now can save you a big headache down the road. Nevertheless, traveling with an open mind is still your ticket to the next adventure.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You are the one that everyone comes to for advice because you see opportunities through a very wise and practical lens. Additionally, you are able to communicate your ideas with great clarity now. While others may miss the potential problems with your plan, you can quickly spot the flaws, too. But this isn’t about being negative; it’s more about keeping it real. Relying on your pragmatic nature improves your chances for success.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may think you have to share every little detail in order to clearly explain your position, but spending too much time on the minutiae actually gets in the way of your message. After a certain point, the more you talk today, the less anyone will listen. Give your audience the basics in as few words as possible. They can always ask questions if they need to know anything else. Less is more.

 Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Sharing your feelings may be just what you need today, but you can alienate others if you say too much too fast. It’s misleading if your friends encourage you to keep talking, since they might be supportive only because they think it’s their duty to listen. Luckily, there’s no need to shut out those who truly care about you, but rambling on about the details of your life won’t make anyone feel any better now. Thinking about your message in advance allows for the best possible reception.

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Cozy up with a hot drink tailored just for you…

Tarotcom Staff  Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, winter, holidays, astrology
Cuddling up to a hot winter drink on a cold winter night makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you make others feel good, too! So forget the same ol’ same ol’ boring drink, and banish the winter doldrums with these hot drinks and cool cocktails (while drinking responsibly, of course).

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ask the bartender what’s new and you’ll be sure to give it a go. Male or female, Aries tends to like manly drinks like Jack Daniels and Coke or scotch on the rocks, which are fine alone or warmed up into a classic hot toddy when combined with hot water and honey.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Just a beer, please! Good European beer marketed in America, like Beck’s or Heineken, will satisfy your taste buds — even on cold winter nights. For more refined Taurean moods, indulge in sweet, cozy drinks with a touch of decadent dairy, like a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The social talk is as important as the drinks. Whether in an upscale joint or a dive bar, the Twins need social and mental stimulation. Experiment with trendy new cocktails, or drinks that have unusual names or ingredients. Maybe Absinthe or a lychee martini? Winter wine tastings and drink sampler nights appeal to your curiosity and love for variety, too.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers enjoy classic, cozy drinks they can cuddle up with. Try hot buttered rum, a spicy, buttery blend that’s as decadent as it gets and perfect for comfort-loving Crabs; or splash some Kahula in your coffee for another hot take on tradition.

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)

Splashy, sophisticated Leos want their drinks made with premium brand liquor. The Carlyle Hotel’s Hot Blueberry Tea made with Grand Marnier, amaretto and honey in a stylish glass will make these Lions purr.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos have highly discriminating taste, so specialty wines and micro-brewed beers should appeal most to your Virgin love of craft. Even better, consider taking your Virgin on a tour of a winery or microbrewery complete with taste testing and twinkly winter lights.

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Drinks served in fine glassware will go a long way to please a Libra, as the visual and aesthetic experience of the cocktail is very important. Librans also enjoy the elegance of champagne, consumed in romantic settings and combined with the sweetness of fruit, as in the classic mimosa. But no slamming fists on the bar, please — Libras like it serene.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The darker the better for reclusive Scorpio. This applies to a bar’s ambiance as well as to the liquor itself — dimly lit, out of the way bars, and drinks using bourbon, scotch, dark wines and dark rum enhance your tendency to go within.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are usually game for something with a kick — like an Irish coffee with a strong whiskey punch. The Archer also loves the flair of international drinks, like a Spanish coffee with Kahlua, rum and whipped cream. Along with Pisces, Sagittarius is the sign prone to overdoing it, so keep that designated driver or taxi phone number handy.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns like cocktails classic and on the dry side — just like them! Gin and tonic and standard martinis, to be exact (without the frilly garnishes). Like Leo, you Capricorns prefer high-end liquors that speak to your good taste. Try a classic after-dinner ritual like dry port with cheese to please your tendencies.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Admit it, Aquarius: in college or your younger years, you would have been voted “Most Likely to Consume Jello Shots.” Your taste still tends toward the quirky, including kamikaze shooters or trendy drinks such as the pomtini, though you do enjoy the effervescence of a good champagne. Coffee drinks such as Keoki Coffee offer the alertness you crave, especially among a group of friends.

Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20)

Perceptive Pisces picks up subtle flavors, and will especially enjoy wine tasting or sampling cocktails or a glass of top-notch dessert wine. The complexity of cognac is especially appealing, so why not try an Alhambra Royale, which will have happy Fish swimming in cognac, hot chocolate and whipped cream?

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 19th

If a touch of giddiness and euphoria has entered your state of mind, chalk it up to last night’s monthly lunar conjunction with jovial Jupiter. However, confusion and uncertainty can arrive early today as Ceres follows Jupiter’s lead from two days ago by making a caustic, 135-degree tie with far-out Neptune (4:23AM). This is not a good time to start changing your diet around or experiment with nutritional supplements that have a questionable background or origin.  Clean-up campaigns around your residence or office environment fit in well with the current transit of Cancer Moon. Cooking, baking, antique hunting, and sprucing up your home are back in style. Remember that since the recent Full Moon only occurred two days ago, this is still a time-period when you should be an ambassador of goodwill to relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues.  Pull away from outside activities during a 2+ hour void lunar cycle that starts at 8:38PM and lasts until 10:49PM when the Moon enters fiery, warmhearted Leo. Start gearing up for a six-week reversal by Venus in Capricorn that begins on Saturday. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 19th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/86% illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

A Look At Today’s Totem/Power Animal, The Cat

A Look At Today’s Totem/Power Animal, The Cat

Perhaps no animal inspires such devotion and dedication-or such animosity and abhorrence-as the cat.

To the ancient Egyptians, the cat was accorded a place of reverence in both the home and the temple. A cemetery containing the mummies of thousands of black cats was unearthed in Egypt.

The popular folk belief that the cat possesses nine lives goes back to Egyptian worship of Bast, the Cat-Mother goddess, who had nine incarnations, including that of the benevolent aspect of Hathor, the Lioness. The Egyptian word for cat was Mau, which is at once an imitation of the cat’s call and the nearly universal human cry for Mama, mother. Cats came to be worshipped with such intensity in those ancient cities along the Nile that the wanton killing of a cat was punishable by death.

Bubastis, a city in Lower Egypt, dedicated itself to the worship of the cat. Each May some 700,000 pilgrims journeyed to the city to participate in a cat festival.

Because the old Egyptians has a great fear of the dark, they observed with awe that the cat, a nocturnal creature, walked the shadowed streets with the greatest of confidence. The ancient Egyptian sages made so much of the cat’s midnight forays they declared that the cat alone was responsible for preventing the world from falling into eternal darkness.

On the other hand, in the old European tradition, the cat was accused of plotting to bring the world into the dark clutches of Satan. The cat, especially a black one, was regarded as the favorite familiar of the practitioners of dark and evil witchcraft. The Grand Inquisitors condemned nearly as many cats to the stake as witches. It is because of this baseless, old ecclesiastical judgement that the sighting of a black cat is said to be and omen of fast-approaching misfortune.

Whether people in the Middle Ages truly believed that the unawavering stare of a cat could cause demonic torments and even their deaths, an unreasoning fearful response to cats is known today as ailurphobia. The very sight of a cat would set Adolf Hitler trembling. Napoleon Bonaparte conquered nearly all of Europe, but if he should sight a cat in his palace, he shouted for help. Henry III of England would faint at the very appearance of a cat.

In ancient India, the cat was held sacred. A number of Sanskrit texts make many favorable references to the influence of the cat on humankind.

In Scandinavian countries, brides used to try their best to be married on Friday, the day of the goddess Freya. If a young woman married on a sunny Friday, it was certain that Freya, the cat-goddess of the Nodic people, would bless the union.

The domestic cat was, of course, unknown to the Native Americans until the advent of the European settler. Because of the creature’s fondness for roaming at night, the Pueblos associated the cat with witchcraft, though this may also have been a result of the Spanish influence on their community.

It the cat is your totem animal, you have a spirit helper who is resourceful, strong, and fearless. You will experience a sense of confidence and a new feeling of courage will suffuse your being. You will find that you are no longer intimidated by any opposition that may be arrayed against you.

With the cat as your totem animal, you will be encouraged to express an agility in body and mind. You will be challanged to explore new vistas. Quite likely you were already a night person before you acquired the cat as your spirit helper, but if not, you will gain a new appreciation for the creative energy that can arrive after midnight.

Your spirit journeys will enable you to maintain a careful balance so that your emphasis on an independent lifestyle and quest for mystical truths do not cause you to develop a taste for the bizarre and occult, which can tempt you to detour from the true spiritual goal of you lifepath.

Dreams

Someone could be seeking your downfall or humiliation in the workplace. Ask the Great Mystery for increased awareness.

Totems

The Transformative Power Of Your Personal Animal Totem

Brad Steiger

ISBN 0-06-251425-3

 

Herb of the Day – Cinnamon

Herb of the Day

Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark

Add cinnamon to remedies for acute symptoms, as this herb is a

stimulant to other herbs and the body, enabling herbal remedies to

work faster. It is also a blood purifier, an infection preventive, and a

digestive aid. Cinnamon is used as a mouthwash, and is good for upset

stomach.

For a cold medication simmer sticks with cloves for 3 min, add 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp honey, 2 tbsp whiskey. Cinnamon is also good for yeast infection and athlete’s foot. A 2% solution will kill both of these conditions. Boil 8-10 sticks in 4 cups water, simmer 5 min, steep 45 min, then douche or apply to athlete’s foot. Cinnamon reduces cancer causing tendencies of many food additives.

Do not ingest cinnamon oil.

Magickal uses: The ancient Hebrews used cinnamon oil as part of a holy anointing oil. The Egyptians also used the oil during the mummification process. The Romans wove the leaves into wreaths, which were used to decorate the temples. Burned in incense, cinnamon will promote high spirituality. It is also used to stimulate the passions of the male. It should also be burned in incenses used for healing. The essential oil is used for protection.

Properties: Warming stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-viral, alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, aromatic, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, germicide, hemostatic, stimulant, stomachic

Growth: Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, growing in tropical forest and being extensively cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world.

Deity of the Day – Hekate

Deity of the Day

Hekate


Perhaps the most notorious of all witch goddesses, Hecate was a dark manifestation of Diana. Hecate is the patron goddess of witches and sorceresses because of her skill in the arts of black magic. She is the queen of darkness, perverse sexuality, and death. Classically, she is the goddess of “roads in general and crossroads in particular, the latter being considered the center of ghostly activities, particularly in the dead of night… Offerings of food (known as Hecate’s suppers) were left to placate her, for she was terrible both in her powers and in her person–a veritable Fury, armed with a scourge and blazing torch and accompanied by terrifying hounds.”

The followers of Hecate were rumoured to have strange powers, such as that of being able to draw down the moon in order to employ the averse aspects of lunar forces. Followers could metamorphose into animals and birds, had insatiable sexual appetites, and had an intrinsic understanding of aphrodisiac and poisonous herbs.

The Witches Magick for December 19th – PURIFICATION OF SELF SPELL

PURIFICATION OF SELF SPELL

The purification of self is a way to remove the accumulation of all negative things that happened during the day and to prepare for the work to come. Before ritual work, you have
to change your frame of mind from the everyday mundane world. Here are a couple of ways to do this.


Incense:
You may use incense in the common stick form or in what is called a smudge stick. This is a small bundle of incense. The incense is lit and is passed around the body, but not too close to the hair (fire hazard). As you pass the incense around your body, concentrate on the smoke passing through you. Invision all the negativity and the excess baggage of the day leaving you as the smoke rises around you. When you feel cleansed, put out the incense. You will need a container to put out the smudge stick. A terra cotta saucer filled with sand is ideal.


Ritual Baths:
A ritual bath is a great way to shed the day and concentrate on the ritual to come.
Supplies:
–White candles, for Spirituality and Higher Self, Salt, Herb or Herbs for Purification, Candle Snuffer.
Run a bath of very warm water. As the water is running light the white candles. Use as many as you wish. Three is an appropriate number as it represents the three aspects of the Goddess. As you light a candle think or recite aloud: “I light this candle in truth and peace”.
Repeat with each candle.
While the water is running, add a small amount of salt into the water, then add the herb or herbs of your choice. Step into the water and slowly sink down into the tub. Relax and feel the water covering your body. Let the day and all negativity be drawn into the water. Concentrate on letting go and moving to the positive. Wash slowly. Turn the bath into its own ritual. Think or say aloud :
” All negativity is flowing out of me into the water. I am pure for the work to come.”
Dry yourself slowly, deliberately. As you snuff out the candles, think or say aloud: “I leave this bath in truth and peace.” You are now ready for the ritual to come.

Let’s Take A Look At the Many Winter Customs Around The World

Winter Customs Around the World

By Patti Wigington, About.com

Winter Around the World:

Whether you observe Yule, Christmas, Sol Invictus, or Hogmanay, the winter season is typically a time of celebration around the world. Traditions vary widely from one country to the next, but one thing they all have in common is the observance of customs around the time of the winter solstice. Here are some ways that residents of different countries observe the season.

Australia:

Althought Australia is huge geographically, the population sits at under 20 million people. Many of them come from a blend of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, and celebration in December is often a mix of many different elements. Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, December is part of the warm season. Residents still hhave Christmas trees, Father Christmas, Christmas Carols and gifts which are a familiar Christmas and gifts, as well as being visited by Father Christmas. Because it coincides with school holidays, it’s not uncommon for Australians to celebrate the season on vacation away from home.

China:

In China, only about two percent of the population observes Christmas as a religious holiday, although it is gaining in popularity as a commercial event. However, the main winter festival in China is New Year celebration that occurs at the end of January. Recently, it’s become known as the Spring Festival, and is a time of gift-giving and feasting. A key aspect of the Chinese New Year is , and painings and portraits are brought out and honored in the family’s home.

Denmark:

In Denmark, Christmas Eve dinner is a big cause for celebration. The most anticipated part of the meal is the traditional rice pudding, baked with a single almond inside. Whichever guest gets the almond in his pudding is guaranteed good luck for the coming year. Children leave out glasses of milk for the Juulnisse, which are elves that live in peoples’ homes, and for Julemanden, the Danish version of Santa Claus.

Finland:

The Finns have a tradition of resting and relaxing on Christmas Day. The night before, on Christmas Eve, is really the time of the big feast — and leftovers are consumed the next day. On December 26, the day of St. Stephen the Martyr, everyone goes out and visits friends and relatives, weather permitting. One fun custom is that of Glogg parties, which involve the drinking of Glogg, a mulled wine made from Madeira, and the eating of lots of baked treats.

Greece:

Christmas was typically not a huge holiday in Greece, as it is in North America. However, the recognition of St. Nicholas has always been important, because he was the patron saint of sailors, among other things. Hearth fires burn for several days between December 25 and January 6, and a sprig of basil is wrapped around a wooden cross to protect the home from the Killantzaroi, which are negative spirits that only appear during the twelve days after Christmas. Gifts are exchanged on January 1, which is St. Basil’s day.

India:

India’s Hindu population typically observes this time of year by placing clay oil lamps on the roof in honor of the return of the sun. The country’s Christians celebrate by decorating mango and banana trees, and adorning homes with red flowers, such as the poinsettia. Gifts are exchanged with family and friends, and baksheesh, or , is given to the poor and needy.

Italy:

In Italy, there is the legend of La Befana, a kind old witch who travels the earth giving gifts to children. It is said that the three Magi stopped on their way to Bethlehem and asked her for shelter for a night. She rejected them, but later realized she’d been quite rude. However, when she went to call them back, they had gone. Now she travels the world, searching, and delivering gifts to all the children.

Romania:

In Romania, people still observe an old fertility ritual which probably pre-dates Christianity. A woman bakes a confection called a turta, made of pastry dough and filled with melted sugar and honey. Before baking the cake, as the wife is kneading the dough, she follows her husband outdoors. The man goes from one barren tree to another, threatening to cut each down. Each time, the wife begs him to spare the tree, saying, “Oh no, I am sure this tree will be as heavy with fruit next spring as my fingers are with dough today.” The man relents, the wife bakes the turta, and the trees are spared for another year.

Scotland:

In Scotland, the big holiday is that of . On Hogmanay, which is observed on December 31, festivities typically spill over into the first couple of days of January. There’s a tradition known as “first-footing”, in which the first person to cross a home’s threshold brings the residents good luck for the coming year — as long as the guest is dark-haired and male. The tradition stems from back when a red- or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman.