Month: January 2014

Signs of a True Elder, Master or Priest

Signs of a True Elder, Master or Priest

Author:   Patricia Telesco 

I have been very disturbed by the increase in the use of titles like Priest, Priestess, Elder, Teacher, Shaman, Lady, and Lord in our community, specifically by those who really do not have the training to claim such honorable terms. You would not see anyone in the Christian church calling themselves by such a title without ordination and schooling, yet among neo-pagans it seems that nearly anyone who wishes to can take up a title and wield it for boon or bane.
Now, I realize that at the heart of things we are our own Priest and Priestess, but that’s far different than being the spiritual guide for many people (not to mention the difference in Karmic implications). To use a title without having earned it in the eyes of others, through training, or by calling is to dishonor all those who have earned their place as our teachers, elders, priests and priestesses. It also doesn’t present the most positive, responsible image of neo-paganism to outsiders who view such antics as manipulative power trips (often rightly so).
Reading one book does not make anyone an expert. Attending a year’s worth or rituals does not qualify a person for eldership or priesthood! In a world of seemingly shake-and-bake shamanism and instant priesthood, the route to true magical mastery isn’t traversed quickly or without sacrifice, and it can’t be found in the yellow pages. And it certainly has very little to do with a fancy or powerful sounding title. At its pinnacle, adepthood isn’t about impressing people; it’s a way of living and being. In other words, the focus is not on “talking the talk,” but on “walking the walk.” What are some of the signs of a true elder, master or priest?
How about someone who:

  1. Reclaims ancient knowledge, tradition, and powers, keeping them alive for future generations
  2. Safeguards magical history so that we can learn from the past in building the future
  3. Personally accepts the responsibility implied by gaining and using mystical knowledge and skill
  4. Honors the earth as a sacred space and use its resources wisely
  5. Acknowledges that life is an act of worship, and strives to keep his or her words and actions in accord
  6. Respects individual diversity, knowing there are many paths to enlightenment and that each person is a sacred space unto themselves.
  7. Embraces creativity and change as a fundamental necessity in keeping magic vital
  8. Encourages balance in all things, especially in his or her own life
  9. Teaches others the ways of magic in simple, understandable steps (no “instant enlightenment” no fluffy bunny magick).
  10. Offers metaphysical aid, consultation, and insights freely to those in need, without personal expectations of gain
  11. Gives back something to their art, or those who practice it
  12. Realizes that tools are only helpmates to magic. Real power comes from the mind, heart, and will working in harmony with earth and Spirit.

In some ways a priest or elder doesn’t ever “arrive” — we are always getting there, realizing that the more we know, the more we realize how LITTLE we know (smile). When we finally reach this understanding, we’re often ready to teach and lead with both heart and head; in balance is spiritual wisdom. In fact, I would hazard to guess that most people who are truly our priests, priestesses, elders and teachers are those who don’t have to say so – we just know it by the example of their lives!

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Pagan Doers – How To Get Things Done

Pagan Doers – How To Get Things Done

Author:   Sia@FullCircle   
There has been a lot of talk in our community lately about what our Pagan Leaders do for us (and in some cases, to us). But I’m not going to speak on that subject, because the folks here at Full Circle are not Leaders, we’re Doers.
Doers make things happen and their actions light the way for those that wish to follow their example. Full Circle lights the way by organizing events for the Earth Wise Community as a whole. Those who want to join us, show up and get to work. Our volunteers have a say in what we do and how we do it. Those who simply want to attend our events, do that. The latter vote with their feet and with their pocketbooks and we think that’s fair.
What we do here at Full Circle is done at a grass roots level. We work in and for the community. You have a chance to meet and talk to any of us whenever you attend or work on one of our events. You also have the power to help our organization grow and to make a difference in your community.
Full Circle was started by two women with a vision of a Pagan Event Group that was non-denominational and community based. We were committed to networking and to charity work and we wanted this organization to reflect that. We also wanted to create a group that was family friendly but offered adult only events, as well. Finally, we wanted to do Inter-faith work because we wanted to meet people of like mind who cared for Mama Gaia and respected Earth Wise Spirituality. And so we began the work of creating Full Circle. We were later joined by some marvelous men who helped us make this vision into a reality.
I occasionally hear stories that paint Full Circle as some huge organization with deep pockets and a vast network of volunteers. The stories are born, in part, because we do complex events, like M.U.S.E Camp and The Witches Ball, rather well. Would that these stories were true. The money that funds Full Circle comes from several of our Council members. We are not rich and we have families to support, so this was cause for some nail biting on our part. Happily, we have managed to end every year in the black. As for our volunteers, they are few in number, but highly organized, extremely competent, and very dedicated.
The Council members and our Web Builder put in a lot of volunteer time for Full Circle. This is added to the time we spend at our jobs and with our families. Over time, we’ve found others who share the vision and, equally important, they are people who share our work ethic. While we would never ask our volunteers to work the insane kinds of hours we put in (we’re twisted, we freely admit it) we do ask them to follow through on the things they commit to do. We have been wonderfully surprised at the results. We always knew in our hearts that responsible Pagans were out there and they’ve proved that to us. We also knew that the other kind were out there, and sure enough, they’ve taken on projects only to “flake” and let us down. Thankfully, that has happened only a few times and we’ve always been able to regroup, so it has never hurt the quality of our events.
Yet, even responsible and dedicated people can get hit by what our Chief of Operations calls “The Cosmic Twinkie Truck”. For this reason, we try to train two people for any one position, just in case. It is not unlike the apprentice programs you’ll find in the various guilds or in the martial arts. By training up those who will replace us, we insure that our people won’t burn out and that our work will go on after we’re gone. Otherwise, we ‘ll have nurtured nothing more than a Cult of Personality and that’s not what we’re about.
But how do you find people with whom you can share both authority and responsibility? We do that by working with our volunteers over a period of time. We get to know their skills and their areas of interest. When they have shown us that they are committed and capable, then we ask if they’d like to do more. If they say “yes”, they are given more responsibility. We try to give them work to do that excites them because people with a passion can move mountains. At the same time, we make sure that the folks who do the dull jobs get first pick when something fun comes around. In this way, we find the Doers: the people who have the time, commitment, skills, and resources to make things happen. For example, acting Chairs from two of last year’s events were asked to join the Council this year. Some of last years’ volunteers were asked to act as Chairs of Committees. Some members have now become very active volunteers on certain committees. Members of other Pagan groups have since signed up to work on special projects with us for next year. We believe that by doing this work in an organized fashion we are building something of value for all Pagans.
We’re blessed here and we know it. Very often, the people we’ve needed have miraculously appeared and they’ve done a stellar job. As for the few people who’ve let us down … well, what can you do? Flaky people are everywhere, not just in the Pagan community. Alas, they are often the most charming and enthusiastic people we encounter. The so-called “Flake Factor” is the reason why most non-profit groups don’t hand important responsibilities over to untried volunteers. You see, we’ve all been disappointed too many times to take anyone on at face value. Don’t let that worry you though, you will find a welcome here. We don’t pre-judge anyone but we do pay close attention. What you say is not as important as what you do and how well you play with others. If you let us down, we’ll release you with blessings, wave goodbye and wish you well. Then we’ll get on with the work we have on hand.
Some people come to us and want to give us their power. To this we say “Thanks, but no thanks”. None of us want to be Gurus. We believe that being Pagan means accepting responsibility for yourself, your actions and for the quality of your life. We believe that it means claiming your own power and not giving it over to someone else. Ideally, it also means that you use your power to better the world you live in. That’s what Pagan Doers do.
Occasionally, we’ll have someone approach us who wants to pad their “Pagan Resume” and they think that our group might be a good way to do that. These people often want to start at the top and they are disappointed to find that we don’t care very much for titles around here. You may be Lord Duck-a-Muck or a 5th Generation Atlantian or even an Elf-friend. That’s fine; this is California after all, but when you’re here among us, you’re just one of the gang.
For this and other reasons, I ask our people to read books on subjects such as:

  • Active Listening,
  • Positive Confrontation
  • Codependency & Dysfunctional Family Systems
  • Group Dynamics
  • Stress & Anger Management &
  • Effective Management Techniques

We then sit with our volunteers and work out ways of dealing with certain situations. “Praise people very publicly, ” we say, “and correct mistakes privately”. “Don’t spread gossip”. “Listen more then you talk”. “Remember” , we say, “to place principals before personalities.” And most importantly, “Fight fair when you disagree and treat each other with respect.”
Not everyone has these tools placed in their toolbox during childhood. Some of us have to add them in as adults. I know many Pagans who can claim to have 50 books on ritual techniques in their library but they don’t own a single book on conflict resolution. I believe that this is one reason why so many Pagan groups don’t last.
We’re an eclectic bunch, we Pagans, so that means we need to listen to as many different voices as possible if we want to serve our community. We have people in positions of responsibility that are Gay, Lesbian, Straight, or Bi-sexual. Some of our folks are in monogamous relationships, some live the single life, and some are in polyamorous households. Some have children and some do not. Overall, we encompass a wide range of Paths and Traditions. Our backgrounds, ages and life experience vary widely. We also do inter-faith work, as I’ve said, and I’m proud to say that we have Jewish folks, Buddhists, New Age Thinkers, Christians, and Secular Humanists working right alongside of us. Some of these people attend our events, some are involved in groups we sponsor, some serve in Operations, and some work on various committees. All are valued for their greatness of heart and for their many skills.
When we do use a title such as “Leader” we have a wyrd way of defining it. A “Leader” at Full Circle is the one you see doing the donkey work. This comes as a shock to some people. We’ve had folks approach us who want to have all the “fun” of leading, that is, they want to pick and choose all the interesting tasks for themselves and they want to have other people do the dull and boring jobs. Other types think that leading means telling other people what to do and doing nothing at all themselves. Here at Full Circle we think differently. We think that being in charge of something means that you do the most work of anyone in your group. It means you’re the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. You do whatever needs doing. If that means you clean the toilets before an event, then so be it. Don’t laugh, I’ ve done that. The closest I’ve ever gotten to holding a Staff of Office is that toilet brush. So it goes.
Often people come to us and say “You should do THIS!” (“And with what army?” I think to myself). What I reply to them, though, is this: “That’s a great idea! Now, how are you going to make that happen?” I even have a form for them to fill out. (1) . It asks for details, schedules, budgets, fund raising ideas, and a list of likely volunteers for said project. Ninety-nine people out of a hundred shake their heads and walk away. But sometimes that one special person approaches us and says “I’d like to see this happen and here’s what I can do to help”. That person usually ends up on a Committee. And then, Goddess help them, because they are now a Pagan Doer. As such, their goal will be, as our motto states, to “Honor the past, celebrate the present and create the future”.
Wishing you strength, laughter and good company,
Sia
(1) Oh, yes I do! How do you think I’ve survived this long?
Bio: Sia recently completed a two year term on the Board of Directors of the Wildlife Rescue Effort. Overall, she has worked with a total of 5 different non-profit groups on a variety of social & educational issues. She has over 15 years of experience working behind the scenes at a variety of conventions and gatherings; mostly in the Neo-Pagan, Science Fiction and Feminist communities. Her academic background is in English Literature, with an emphasis on Women’s Studies and Art History.
She practices in a Green Tradition and is active in several Ritual Circles in Silicon Valley and in Santa Cruz. For the last 6 years she has presented lectures and led workshops on such topics as wildlife preservation, conflict resolution and Neo-Paganism.
Sia is the Owner of Snapdragon Gifts (www.snapdragongifts.com). She lives with her husband and 4 cats in Santa Clara, California. In her spare time, she gardens and works as a volunteer Rehabilitator for various wildlife and cat rescue groups. She is currently writing a book on the use of humor in Ritual.
Photo credit: The amazing image above comes from the Fairy Oracle by Brian Froud mnd is used by permission. Other images by Brian can be viewed at www.worldoffroud.com


   Author’s Note: If you have enjoyed reading this piece, I would ask the you help support the Witches Voice in their efforts to celebrate and support the Pagan community by becoming a Witchvox Sponsor. They rely on our support to keep this non-profit website up and running, so please, do your part to help our community and send them a donation. With thanks, Sia

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A Little Humor for Your Day – How To Maintain Insanity At Work, lol!

How to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity in the Workplace

1) Page yourself over the intercom. Don’t disguise your voice.
2) Find out where your boss shops and buy exactly the same outfits. Wear them one day after you boss does. This is especially effective if your boss is a different gender.
3) Make up nicknames for all your coworkers and refer to them only by these names. “That’s a good point, Sparky.” “No, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to disagree with you there, Cha-cha.”
4) Send e-mail to the rest of the company telling them exactly what you’re doing. For example: “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the bathroom.”
5) Hi-Lite your shoes. Tell people you haven’t lost them as much since you did this.
6) While sitting at your desk, soak your fingers in Palmolive liquid. Call everyone Madge.
7) Hang mosquito netting around your cubicle. When you emerge to get coffee or a printout or whatever, slap yourself randomly the whole way.
8) Put a chair facing a printer. Sit there all day and tell people you’re waiting for your document.
9) Every time someone asks you to do something, anything, ask them if they want fries with that.
10) Send e-mail back and forth to yourself engaging yourself in an intellectual debate. Forward the mail to a co-worker and ask her to settle the disagreement.
11) Encourage your colleagues to join you in a little synchronized chair-dancing.
12) Put your trash can on your desk. Label it “IN.”
13) Feign an unnatural and hysterical fear of staplers.
14) Send e-mail messages saying there’s free pizza or donuts or cake in the lunch room. When people drift back to work complaining that they found none, lean back, pat your stomach and say, “Oh you’ve got to be faster than that.”
15) Put decaf in the coffee maker for three weeks. Once everyone has withdrawn from caffeine addiction, switch to espresso.

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Today’s Quiz – Which Elemental Ruler Are You?

Which Elemental Ruler Are You?

Are you a fiery Queen of Wands or an emotional King of Cups? A clear-thinking  King of Swords or a practical Queen of Pentacles?

The great psychologist Carl Jung knew that the Court cards of Tarot show  types of energy systems inside each person. The pictures on the cards are  symbols that express the characteristics of a particularly active energy in us.  Take this fascinating quiz to see which archetypal energies are dominant in you.

Answer the questions, then total your “yes” answers to determine which suit  is strongest for you.

Are You a King or Queen of Swords? – AIR

1. Are you  independent?

2. Are you aggressive?

3. Are you goal-oriented?

4. Are  you curious?

5. Do you have a quick wit?

6. Is your mind full of  thoughts and ideas?

7. Are you a perfectionist?

8. Do you become bored  without mental stimuli?

9. Do you have a tendency to become very involved in  a theory?

10. Do you like to be in a position of authority?

11. Are you  interested in spiritual and philosophical problems?

12. Is the discovery of  new things of vital importance to you?

13. Does your sense of “reality”  depend on a rational order in your mind?

14. Do you have little interest if  other people support, praise, or condone you projects if these projects seem  rational to you?

15. Do you have a need to have reality completely figured  out?

Are you a King or Queen of Wands? – FIRE

1. Do you have a high  energy level?

2. Do you act before you think?

3. Do you thrive on change  and become bored easily?

4. Are you enthusiastic?

5. Do you love to  express yourself in communication?

6. Are you a warm and loyal friend?

7. Do you trust yourself and others?

8. Do you have deep inner  convictions?

9. Are you charming and well liked?

10. Do you support and  encourage others?

11. Do you have a courageous spirit?

12. Do you  concern yourself with what others think and feel?

13. Does your sense of  “reality” depend on what you feel?

14. Do you often need praise to keep  working on a project or job?

15. Are you sympathetic?

Are you a king or Queen of Cups? – WATER

1. Are you refined and  sensitive?

2. Do you often see things differently from others?

3. Is  reality a struggle?

4. Are you vague and somewhat aloof?

5. Do you have  difficulty understanding money?

6. Do you possess wisdom?

7. Do people  come to you for advice?

8. Are facts and details unimportant to you?

9.  Are you emotionally honest?

10. Is it of prime importance for you to  understand yourself?

11. Can you keep working on a project you believe in  without support from your environment?

12. Are you very aware of the  positive and negative in you?

13. Do you consider small talk irrelevant?

14. Do you prize connection to others?

15. Do you wish others were more  sensitive?

Are you a King or Queen of Pentacles? – EARTH

1. Are you  conventional?

2. Do you have a quiet, industrious nature?

3. Are you  practical?

4. Do you value the work ethic?

5. Do you like routine?

6. Do you feel most comfortable discussing daily and worldly matters?

7. Do  you tend to remove yourself emotionally from conflict?

8. Are you complacent  or laid-back?

9. Do you accept nature and its ways?

10. Is  respectability very important to you?

11. Do you have a realistic  understanding of money?

12. Do you like to create a comfortable material  environment?

13. Are you very accepting of others?

14. Are you concerned  about the details of daily living?

15. Do you live in the “now,” in the  present moment?

 

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Daily Feng Shui News for Jan. 9th – ‘Balloon Ascension Day’

‘Balloon Ascension Day’ lifts my mood as it allows me to share a fabulous Feng Shui tip that uses balloons to make your wishes come true. Simply take a new black marker bought especially for this occasion, and a helium-filled red balloon. With the marker, write a wish on the balloon and be as clear as you can be. Tie nine or eighteen inches of red ribbon onto the balloon, and on a clear and sunny day let the balloon go in an open space, like a park or your backyard. Watch the balloon until you can hardly see it. At that point imagine that the balloon has turned into a golden orb. Imagine the ‘Celestial Dragon In the Sky’ swallowing the golden orb while feeling satisfied and full. This grandest of all Feng Shui animals will now repay your kindness by making sure that your wish comes true. And — no emails please — the only balloons that hurt the environment are mylar balloons. This is not that.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

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Your Charm for January 9th is The Dorje

 Your Charm for Today

 The Dorje

Today’s Meaning:        

You are at a physical peak–particularly from a sexual perspective. Enjoy the next few weeks, for they can be remarkable if you let them.

General Description:

In India and Tibet the Dorje or Thunderbolt of Jupiter, is a favourite and greatly valued talisman. It is worn to protect against magic, all spiritual evils and to bring abundance, fruitfulness, and riches. The Dorje is shaped much like a dumb bell with pointed ends, and is the symbol of power and indestructibility. It is supposed to overcome the Buddhist gods Ahi and Vrittra, the serpents, which the Buddhists believe swallow up the waters and cause drought, starvation and death; compelling the serpents to disgorge the waters, and to pour down the fertilizing showers.

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Your Animal Spirit for January 9th is the Panther

Your Animal Spirit for Today

Panther

Panther medicine is the medicine of silence. Panther can stalk its prey in absolute silence—one of the reasons native tribes associate him with the spirit world—particularly the night. Panther can show you how to face the Shadow within and bring it out into the Light. Panther is powerful medicine—and the fact that you choose him says much about your willingness to face the unknown.

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Your Ancient Symbol Card for Jan. 9th is Justice

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Justice

Justice represents the expression of fairness without bias. Simply put, Justice embodies the notion that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. Justice denotes the need to remedy situations lacking equality for all. Depending on the circumstances, Justice may be asking us to curb our partiality, or conversely, Justice may indicate a time for you to demand fair treatment.

As a daily card, Justice suggest that we are part of a situation that is out of balance. If you have shown unwarranted bias towards others now is the time to make amends. On the other hand, if you have been the victim of bias, now is the time for you to demand fairer treatment.

Today’s Tarot Card for January 9th is Strength

Strength

Thursday, Jan 9th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Zodiac Sign Qualities – Explore the meaning of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable signs

Zodiac Sign Qualities

Explore the meaning of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable signs

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, insight, astrology

Ok friends, are you ready to dive a little bit deeper into Astrology? You probably know there are 12 zodiac signs and four elements (Fire, Earth, Air and Water), but have you heard about zodiac sign “qualities?”

Every sign is influenced by one of three qualities: Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable. Each of the qualities is defined by a point within each season: Cardinal signs begin a new season, Fixed signs carry the weight of the season, and Mutable signs conclude the season.

Take fall, for example. Fall Equinox falls on September 22, the same day the Sun enters Libra. Because Libra kicks off the fall season, that makes Libra a Cardinal sign. Scorpio takes over in the midst of fall, making it a Fixed sign. And the season concludes with the Sun in Sagittarius, making that a Mutable sign.

Get it? Astrology is all about nuance, so to truly understand a zodiac sign you must explore the quality each is associated with. So now that you understand how the qualities are structured, let’s take a look at each of the three Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable qualities, what they mean and how they shape your personality.

Cardinal signs

There are four Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Because these signs each start a new season, the quality of their energy is full of initiative. Cardinal signs are impulsive and dynamic, and they push strongly to start new things. In general, people with Cardinal signs in their birth charts generate more new ideas and projects, while those lacking Cardinal energy are more passive.

Fixed signs

There are four Fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. These signs carry the weight of each season, which gives them a sturdy quality. Fixed signs are capable of great endurance, and generally people with much Fixed energy in their birth charts are stable and focused, whereas those lacking Fixed energy may not have much sticktoitiveness or perseverance.

Mutable signs

There are four Mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Because these signs fall at the conclusion of each season, their energy anticipates movement and change. People with Mutable signs in their birth charts tend to be more flexible and adaptable to the changing world around them, while those lacking Mutable energy may be stubborn and inflexible or have a difficult time adjusting to new situations.

How qualities are used

When you’re learning Astrology, you’ll discover that every person has a mix of different zodiac signs, elements and qualities in their birth charts. Once you understand the energy of each quality and combine that information with what you know of each zodiac sign and element, a more complete picture will begin to develop.

For example, the Aries zodiac sign is the element of Fire and the quality is Cardinal. This “Cardinal Fire” combination is very bold, so the more Aries energy a person has in their birth chart, the more brazen they will be. On the other hand, Taurus is an Earth sign with a Fixed quality, so it would be called “Fixed Earth” and its overall energy is very slow and grounded.

Knowing how much of each quality you have in your birth chart is very important. These astrological nuances are what shape us as individuals, so going beyond your Sun sign is key when it comes to understanding Astrology.

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Your Daily Horoscopes for January 9th

We seek the simple life today but we may feel as if we’re anchored to the status quo. Although the steadfast Taurus Moon prevents us from racing into the future, we could grow frustrated with our inability to embrace change. Four planets in earthy Capricorn bless us with a sense of practicality, even as we resist what’s coming our way. Nevertheless, an innovative Mercury-Uranus alignment might suddenly free us from whatever holds us back.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

If you are ready to move a project ahead, don’t miss your chance to take advantage of the determination of today’s Taurus Moon. Although you might not zip along toward your goal, this cosmic energy is great for making methodical progress toward reaching your objectives. But don’t plan on crossing the finish line anytime soon. Simply fix a position on the distant horizon, carefully aim your intentions and inch closer to your destination. Slow and steady wins the race.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

There isn’t anything wrong with having a vivid imagination, but your fantasies may fade just enough today to allow you to see the subtle differences between fact and fancy. The Moon’s visit to your sign enables you to reestablish your center of gravity, especially if you are feeling uncertain about the future. Don’t run away from your dreams, even if a more pragmatic approach might be comforting. There’s no need for your fear of the unknown to stand in the way of following your bliss.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You see opportunities for advancement through a very practical lens today, but you still might not be able to make much headway if you remain stuck in the past. You could be reluctant to share your concerns with anyone else because you believe that self-doubt grows if you give it voice. There’s no reason to push too hard now; slow your pace so you can put your clever ingenuity to work. Stay calm and trust the creative process.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Everything feels a bit lighter today as an ongoing inner dialogue between two sides of your nature begins to subside. However, being released from one set of worries can quickly make room for a new list of concerns if you start to question your ability to carry out your plan. Don’t waste your mind-power judging yourself harshly before you even begin. Your journey may take longer than you think, so stay on track even if you’re not seeing the progress you expect right away.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

This isn’t the best time to visualize too far into the future or you could miss something critical in the present moment. The reflective Moon’s visit to your 10th House of Career prompts you to wonder what business opportunities will come your way this year. Making plans is a constructive activity as long as you also pay close attention to your current reality. If you’re looking too far ahead now, you might not notice a teacher or helper who is standing right next to you. What you seek may not be that far away at all.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Unchecked optimism is a significant part of your personal story these days and you are quite hopeful that things will only improve. Luckily, you can imagine a clear path that leads you to your preferred destination while the Moon moves through sensible Taurus. Take time to realign your priorities; the less energy you waste today, the better your chances of reaching your goal.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may wonder why someone might not trust you now, but your focus shifts as the day progresses. You become less eager to play detective and increasingly interested in demonstrating your creative side. More than anything, you want to be seen in a positive light. Fortunately, you can find the happiness you seek without too much extra effort. Let go of old fears and trust your intuition. Be ready to gratefully accept the admiration heading your way.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might have a unique approach to dealing with someone who has a very different perspective than you. However, initiating a serious conversation today could alter the way you view the current situation. What anyone else thinks about you is less important than how you feel about yourself. But don’t try to avoid an intense interaction since honest dialogue is the best teacher now when it comes to acceptance and forgiveness, for yourself as well as for others.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your life is about to get busier again, and although you might try to resist at first, this should ultimately be a positive change. Your new schedule isn’t only about introducing more activities into your routine; you are also anticipating all that you can learn with so much going on. The overall intensity continues to accelerate, so conserve your energy. A steady work pace enables you to accomplish more with greater ease.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You have a strong sense of purpose now, even though you might feel a bit let down if you haven’t achieved your financial goals. Your stress level could escalate if you believe that you’re running out of time. You are driven to push hard today for you fear that you won’t have sufficient energy later on. Luckily, your fortitude is in better shape than you realize. Forge ahead with confidence; you may be happily surprised when you see how much progress you can make.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are naturally adept at keeping your desires and needs to yourself. Even if others don’t realize your real intentions now, they’re about to find out as chatty Mercury leaves your 12th House of Secrets in a couple of days and pushes into your 1st House of Personality. In the meantime, visualize your new direction to prepare for action. You won’t reach your goals immediately, but you should notice a positive energetic shift within a few days.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You can label your process however you wish, but the fact remains that you’re growing spiritually in ways that will continue enriching your life for years to come. However, your more pragmatic side encourages you to question the value of any impractical endeavors today. Don’t panic; the answers you need will appear just in time for you to start your next magical journey.

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Moon in Taurus (Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, 2014)

Moon in Taurus

Jan 8, 2014 to Jan 11, 2014

It’s a steady and grounded Taurus Moon. Not a day for roller coasters, airborne, screaming with delight. Or is it? Indulge in the sheer pleasure of being here, adored by gravity, earth’s invisible embrace. Enjoy your weight. Roll in a newly mowed lawn. Celebrate your voice: shout, sing or whisper in somebody’s ear. Then drink a soothing tea for the thyroid and throat. You might be feeling a desire for more comfort and security now. Taurus says your prosperity takes organic gardening. Nothing greedy or toxic, just planning, patience, true nourishment, your bills paid in full, a surplus in your checking account and honoring the ways in which you’re already wealthy. If your neck or jaw is stiff, ask yourself, “What am I resisting?” This Moon makes it easy to feel stubborn. But in a changing world, such strength can sometimes defeat itself. Don’t try to move immovable objects.

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The Past and the Future

The Past and the Future

Searching for answers in a time of monumental changes…

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of uranus square pluto, uranus, jupiter, cancer, blogs, astrology

We are, as I write here almost every week, living in changing times. The seven tense squares between electrifying Uranus and transformational Pluto signal a complex period when altering institutions and ideas is necessary. Some shifts surprise us, coming as shocks to collective and personal perspectives and experiences that most of us will try to avoid. Riding the edge of these powerful waves can look and feel risky, but it’s safer and smarter than trying to stick to the status quo.

An eye for the future

I’m a strong believer in our capacity to create a better tomorrow and tend to be a little skeptical about the wisdom of the past. Certainly, we wouldn’t have the many gifts of civilization without the work and thought of our ancestors. Yet, I’m resistant to relying on old models, which is as much a reflection of my own taste for experimentation as it is of current astrological conditions.

Nevertheless, Jupiter is the planet of wisdom; not the only source of it, but the lens through which we get perspective and understanding that shape our values, beliefs and expectations. This meaningful planet is in the tradition loving sign Cancer until mid-July.

Take a closer look at yourself

This transit means that there’s a great deal to be learned by taking a second look at what we’ve learned from our personal history. The values and beliefs of our families may not entirely match current realities but it’s worth reviewing them. Underneath the debris of discarded ideas are key points that are applicable to the present. You might have to peel away some of the judgments that strangle traditional wisdom with models of guilt, shame and punishment. This is certainly not about recreating the reality of our parents and grandparents … or taking on religious prejudices that have we’ve struggled to leave behind. It’s about building bridges between the future and the past. Reinterpreting the truths of our ancestors makes them useful to us now.

Keep an open mind

Jupiter in sensitive Cancer is also a reminder that we can even find answers in our emotions. Normally, we think of strong feelings as distortions and subjective experiences that close minds instead of opening them. However, this transit enriches us with understanding when we are willing to observe our emotions rather than criticizing or rationalizing them. This is not to say that every personal reaction and response is a reflection of some higher truth. But when we face our feelings with open minds we find critical kernels of information about who we are and what we can become.

The utility of these observations, though, depends upon how we interpret them. If these old experiences are seen as persistent forces that will always evoke the same responses, then don’t look back. When patterns are viewed as permanent markings on our psyches they inhibit growth. Yet when we understand that emotional wounds can heal just like physical ones, we are no longer frozen by personal trauma. We become free to live in the present where we can draw upon the wisdom of the past to create a brighter future.

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Daily Cosmic Calendar for January 9th

Keep a notebook by your bed to record dreams, visions and out-of-the-body excursions as the Moon makes a sextile of 60-degrees to Neptune (12:57AM). Feelings of deja vu and telepathic communications abound as the Moon and Chiron connect via 60-degrees (2:07PM).  The trend of high-level thinking and psychic advancement continues as Mercury makes an inspirational, 72-degree to Uranus (3:49PM). Mercury in association with its higher-guardian planet Uranus can open wide the gates of knowledge and wisdom.  The Moon is in earthy Taurus all day and a late-evening 60-degree connection by the lunar orb with Jupiter (10:49PM) are steering you toward golden opportunities — especially in the fine and graphic arts or along literary-educational lines. [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.]

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Calendar of the Moon for January 9th

Calendar of the Moon

Birch Tree Moon

Color: Orange-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a cloth of orange-red set a row of red candles, Brigid’s cross, and a bell.
Offerings: Votive candles. Quicken a newborn idea into birth.
Daily Meal: Hot drinks with every meal. Keep food warm.

Luis/Gamelion Invocation

Call: Now is the quickening of the year.
Response: Now is the time of the first movement.
Call: Now the child stirs in the womb.
Response: Now the seed stirs in the earth.
Call: Now the plains flood and our fire is threatened.
Response: Now the cold water drowns our spark.
Call: Now is the time of the hard struggle.
Response: Now is the month of desperation.
Call: Now is the time of desperation to live.
Response: Now is the time of desperation to be born.
Call: We turn in our sleep as the earth turns.
Response: We dream with the sleeping earth.
Call: Each of our dreams is a lit candle in the dark.
Response: Each of our dreams is a single point of hope.
Call: They shine faint and alone in the night of struggle.
Response: They are alone as we are alone.
Call: Yet we are not alone in our dreams.
Response: We are not alone!
Call: We will keep our fires burning.
Response: We will burn against the night!
Call: We will warm our dreams with the force of life.
Response: We will not die alone in the cold!
Call: We will ward off all evil.
Response: Only good shall pass our gates.
Call: We will care for each other.
Response: We will never cease to care!
Call: We will survive the winter.
Response: We will survive!
(Repeat last two lines twice more.)

Chant:
Protect the flame that warms your dreams
And dreams shall never die.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

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Calendar of the Sun for January 9th

Calendar of the Sun

9 Wolfmonath

Baubo’s Day of the Midwives

Color: Red
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a red cloth place a single red candle, a chalice of fresh milk, and a Sheela-Na-Gig.
Offerings: Give aid to a midwife.
Daily Meal: Center around milk or dairy.

Baubo Invocation

Hail Baubo, Mother of Laughter,
Great open door upon your belly,
You who open all things,
The woman’s womb, the hard-bound heart,
The eyes shut tight in fear,
The belly full of mirth repressed,
All these you tear open like a child
Reveals their holiday gifts with glee.
We are your packages, your presents,
To undo as you will!
Today no weeping will sound through our halls,
And only mirth shall walk our paths,
O Baubo upon the bridge!
You watch those who walk down to the dark places,
You see those who weep their sorrow
Like Mother Demeter trailing in the dust,
And your great heart of understanding
Knows that no word of sense will ever help
When the shadows are darkest.
Only absurdity, only paradox
The extravagant, the foolish, the incredible,
The outlandish and preposterous,
Only these can make their way
Under the tight doors of desolation,
Through the cracks of misery.
A small thing, laughter, yet without it
We drown in the rivers of our own self-importance.
Hail Baubo, Mother of Mirth!

(One or more who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual come forth to do Baubo’s job. They must shed their clothing, and naked wear faces painted on their bellies, and tell jokes until laughter is rampant. Finish with the chant listed on Ilithyia’s Day.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

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