Month: March 2014

Today’s Tarot Card for March 14th – The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Friday, Mar 14th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Your Celtic Astrology Signs

Your Celtic Astrology Sign

Attract the luck of the ancient Irish with your Celtic Astrology

Tarotcom Staff Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, st patricks day, astrology

What’s your Celtic tree sign? What about your Celtic color, animal … gemstone? Learn all about your Celtic Astrology now!

While Western Astrology centers around the planet Earth, the 13 signs of Celtic Astrology are based on the cycle of the Moon. Long ago, the Celts imagined the universe as a tree with deep roots and neverending branches. Around 1000 B.C. people began to designate a tree for each Moon phase in the lunar calendar.

Each Celtic tree sign has different powers and meanings, along  with corresponding spirit animals, a color, gemstone, and a Celtic  “ogham” — a symbolic letter of the Celtic alphabet meant to attract  luck, protect from harm, and heighten each tree sign’s unique powers.

Look up your birth date on the infographic below to learn about your Celtic sign, and the lucky talismans that come with it. Click the image to view it full size, and don’t forget to share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest!

Birch (Dec. 24 – Jan. 20)

You are renowned for having a fresh and unusual outlook on life. Your ogham is Beithe, which symbolizes beginnings, change, and fresh opportunities, and is therefore quite useful in times of transition. The animals associated with the Birch tree are the golden eagle and the white stag. Your color is white, and your gemstone is rock crystal (clear quartz).  

Rowan (Jan. 21 – Feb. 17)

With the Rowan tree comes excellent taste. Your ogham is Luis, which represents strength in the areas of insight and discernment. The Celts linked the crane and the green dragon to the energy of the Rowan tree. Your color is gray and your gemstone is peridot.

Ash (Feb. 18 – March 17)

The Ash tree represents escape and peaceful solitude in Celtic Astrology. Your ogham is Nuin, which symbolizes peace and tranquility. The animals associated with the Ash tree are the seal, the seahorse, and the seagull. Your color is green and your gemstone is coral.

Alder (March 18 – April 14)

Under the sign of the Alder tree, you are famous for your bravado. The Alder tree’s ogham is Fearn, which represents moral and physical courage, and should be invoked when you need to make a bold move in life. The bear, the fox, and the hawk are the animals the Celts associated with the Alder tree. Your color is red and your gemstone is the ruby.

Willow (April 15 – May 12)

Represented by the Willow tree, you are known for your vivid imagination. Your Celtic ogham is Saille, which embodies the principles of intuition, creativity and artistry to support that imagination. The animals associated with the Willow sign are the adder, the hare and the sea serpent. Your color is yellow and your gemstone is moonstone.

Hawthorn (May 13 – June 9)

People born under the sign of the Hawthorn tree are patient, thoughtful and hopeful. Your ogham is Huathe, which embodies the principle of restraint, providing you with optimism and keeping you from jumping the gun. The animals associated with the Hawthorn tree are the bee and the owl. Your color is purple and gemstone is topaz.

Oak (June 10 – July 7)

Represented by the Oak tree, you stand out for your reliability, diligence and emotional strength. Your ogham is Duir, which holds the powers of protection, ideal when you’re about to undertake a difficult project. The wren, the otter, and the white horse are the animals the Celts associated with the Oak tree sign. Your color is black and your gemstone is the diamond.

Holly (July 8 – Aug. 4)

Under the Holly tree sign, you are celebrated for your physical strength and star power. Your ogham is Tinne, which represents additional strength and brilliance. The Celts associated the cat and the unicorn with the Holly tree. Your color is silver and your gemstone is carnelian.

Hazel (Aug. 5 – Sept. 1)

As a Hazel tree sign, you are prized for your intellect, maturity and perspective. Your ogham is Coll, which represents wisdom, and is therefore strongest when you are feeling tested or when you must put faith in your head over your heart. The crane and the salmon are the animals associated with the Hazel tree sign. Your color is brown and your gemstone is the amethyst.

Vine (Sept. 2 – Sept. 29)

The sign of the Vine carries an uninhibited nature and the strength of foresight. Your ogham is Muin, which symbolizes the power of prophecy and faraway thinking. The Celts linked the lizard, the hound and the white swan to the energy of the Vine. Your colors are pastels and your gemstone is the emerald.

Ivy (Sept. 30 – Oct. 27)

Represented by the Celtic tree sign Ivy, you are famous for your sheer determination and willpower. Your ogham is Gort, which symbolizes progress and aids in overcoming obstacles that stand in your path. The boar, the butterfly and the goose are the animals associated with the Ivy sign. Your color is blue and your gemstone is opal.

Reed (Oct. 28 – Nov. 24)

Under the sign of the Reed you are celebrated for your open-minded attitude and worldly sophistication. Your ogham is Ngetal, which symbolizes unity and is especially beneficial when you venture out of your comfort zone. The animals associated with the Reed sign are the hound and the owl. Your color is orange and your gemstone is jasper.

Elder (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23)

The energy of the Elder sign is wise beyond its years. Your ogham is Ruis, which represents maturity, and is beneficial when you must come to terms with a difficult situation or heal from heavy emotional pain. The Celts linked the badger, the black horse and the raven to the energy of the Elder tree. Your color is gold and your gemstone is jet.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for March 14 – 16

Weekend Love Horoscope

March 14-16: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

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

This weekend, you’re only interested in what’s important. When it comes to romance, fairy tale moments aren’t likely, and hypnotic stares of longing into each other’s eyes might make you laugh. What you really need this weekend is to know that no matter what, your relationship works. It functions. If it doesn’t, you may seriously reconsider whether or not it’s worth your time and energy.

The Moon will be in discerning Virgo all weekend, but the Full Moon on Sunday deserves extra attention. You might need to take stock of what you’re putting into your relationship, and whether or not you’re getting what you need and deserve in return. Are you the one doing all of the work, taking care of every detail to make sure that your partnership runs smoothly? Or is your mate carrying his or her weight, allowing you to feel loved and validated? Only you know the answer to this question.

One thing is certain: Whatever is useful and valuable about your relationship will be front and center on your mind. If there’s nothing fitting, then you can expect a major emotional void. Something must change.

Daily Cosmic Calender for Friday, March14th

For nearly 7 hours, the Moon in late Leo is in a void twilight zone — starting at 12:25AM and lasting until 7:19AM when the lunar orb enters earthy, meticulous Virgo. The standard rule of thumb during the void-of-course Moon is to finish old business on a high note while steering clear of launching bold, new plans. During this particular void zone, the Moon forms its monthly conjunction with Pallas (2:58AM) — enhancing problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. This can also be a good time-period to play word, board or card games, master puzzles, and enjoy detective stories.  Once the Moon arrives in the sixth sign of the zodiac (7:19AM), health and nutritional matters top the charts during the next 2+ days. If a temporary wave of anxiety strikes without warning, chalk it up to an abrasive, 45-degree link between Mercury and Uranus (8:03AM). There is smooth sailing shortly thereafter when Mercury switches its focus to making a flowing trine with Mars in air signs (9:18AM). Fine-tune your skills in a favorite art, craft, hobby or sport.  Sidestep confusion that can arise on the partnership front as the Moon makes its monthly polarity to Neptune (6:42PM). Keep in mind that the two days before a Full Moon constitute a time-period to prepare for the monthly crescendo of the illuminating solar-lunar cycle.  [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Calendar of the Moon for March 14th

Calendar of the Moon

 
14 Nion/Anthesterion

Day of the Gorse Plant

Color: Tan or dun.
Element: Earth.
Altar: Upon a cloth of tan or dun set a bundle of dried gorse twigs and leaves, a single tan candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Make an effort to subdue a troublesome habit.
Daily Meal: Vegan.

Invocation to the Green Man of the Gorse Plant

Hail, Green Man of the Spring!
Gorse plant with its prickles,
Furze who waves its indignant head
At our trampling ankles,
Belligerent as the strongest spring gale,
You remind us that nature
Is not always helpless,
And has a right to its territory.
You remind us that there are places
We have no right to walk
Unaware and thoughtless
Treading all that comes into our path
With no thought for smaller lives.
We bless your prickles, guardian
Of small pathways and hedges,
Protector of tiny beasts
And the untrodden ways,
Shrieking cormorant who drives off
All who are disrespectful of her nest.
We hail you, sacred gorse plant,
Green Man of the Spring,
On this your eve of awakening.

Chant:
I guard the paths of sunlight,
I guard the little mysteries,
I guard those joys of daily life
That come not into histories.

(Each comes forward and plants a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

{Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for March 14th

Calendar of the Sun

Media Hiems

Color: White and grey
Element: Earth
Altar: Set out a cloth of white and grey, a vase of bare branches, a single grey candle, a pitcher of melted snow or rainwater, pots of earth, and seeds to be sown and nurtured in the greenhouse.
Offering: Seeds, preferably saved from the year before.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Media Hiems Invocation

Earth that lies asleep
Waiting for the touch of the Sun
To grow in strength and light
And awaken thee to life,
We warm thee with our breath,
We prepare thee with our hands,
We plant thee with our hopes,
We await thy awakening
With faith in the coming of Spring.

Chant:
Breath warms thee
Hands prepare thee
Hope sows thee
Sun awaken thee.

(All take seeds and plant them in the pots of earth, water them, and breathe onto them, visualizing the seeds awakening and growing. The remainder of the water is poured out as a libation to the Earth. The pots are then taken to the greenhouse in procession to be nurtured until planting time.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for March 14 – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/96% of Full)

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

 

The Witches Magick for March 14th – Healing Herbal Balm

The Witches Magick for March 14th –  Healing Herbal Balm

Herbs You Will Need:

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Plantain (Plantago major)

This sweet-smelling balm soothes and protects cuts and scrapes. And it’s so gentle you can even use it on diaper rash. Calendula and plantain are known for their ability to speed skin healing. Both soften skin, relieve pain, and are antibacterial.

How to make it: This is a two-step process.

First, you’ll make an herb-infused oil:

In a large glass jar, combine 2 tablespoon each of crushed Calendula flowers and dried plantain leaves with 1/3 c of extra-virgin olive oil. Leave uncovered, and place in a pan filled with enough water to cover the lower half of the jar. Set the burner on very low heat and simmer gently for about 4 hours. Check the oil periodically to be sure it’s not scorching; don’t let it boil.
(You can also make the infused oil in a Crock-Pot set on very low without a lid.)

After the allotted time, remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain away the herbs through several layers of cheesecloth and discard.

To make the balm, combine the infused oil with 1 or 2 tablespoon of grated beeswax and put it into a small stainless steel bowl; set the bowl into a pot of water and heat just until the beeswax melts, stirring gently to help the melting

To test the consistency, insert a cool metal spoon into the balm and check the balm that sticks to the spoon; it should be spreadable but firm. If it’s too oily, add another few shavings of beeswax.

At this point, you can add a natural preservative to your balm to prevent spoilage. Vitamin E, squeezed from capsules, works very well. Rosemary extracts or oil might improve the aroma and antiseptic properties as well.

You’ll need about 1/4 tsp. (two capsules) to preserve this much balm. After you’ve blended in the vitamin E, transfer your final product to a sterile glass jar. Use a clean spoon or small spatula to transfer the balm to avoid introducing bacteria to the jar.

How to use it: Apply the balm to rashes, scrapes, and other small or superficial abrasions

WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically

WOTC Extra – Top Five Houseplants to Purify Your Living Space, Spirituality and Physically

The top five plants all remove chemical vapors that build up in the home from paints,
cleaners, solvents and other unhealthy things – and they have magickal abilities too as listed below:
5: GERBERA DAISY Great to encourage happiness.
4: PEACE LILY Encourages harmonious energies and good communication.
3: BOSTON FERN Encourages psychic ability and intuition.
2: ENGLISH IVY For protection and luck – especially good for newly weds.
1: ARECA PALM (or Butterfly or Yellow Palm) For peace and creativity.

Let’s Talk Witch – Time to Start Those Gardens

Let’s Talk Witch – Time to Start Those Gardens

 

In some areas, it is getting time to start planning and hoeing those gardens up. For those of us blessed with land attached to our homes, a mystic garden is an excellent addition to the magickal household. A garden brings beauty and ensures a steady supply of fresh and dried herbs. It also spreads an aura of protection around your home, shielding it from the outside world. When people approach, even before they have steppped over the threshold. they will have been enchanted by the garden’s subtle powers.

Not everyone has the space to plant a garden, but even apartment dwellers can grow herbs and flowers on window sills or porches in pots and planter. Indeed a garden can be maintained indoor with house plants.

Still, an outdoor garden is worth creating if you have the time, space and inclination. In fact, it is an ideal setting in which to perform magick. Spells cast in gardens are more powerful than those done indoors, for the forces of nature resident in the plants around you and the solid earth beneath your bare feet align with your own powers to produce the needed results.

Magical Herbalism describes one method of creating a magick garden. There are countless others–in fact, you should let your imagination run wild when fashioning your mystic green corner.

Your garden need not advertise its powers. It can be your secret with the Earth. Since no one seems to think twice about herbs or fruit trees growing in a garden, on the stairs or in window boxes, why not pick plants that will bring wealth, protection and love to your home?

Your garden can also be a source of help in fulfilling your personal magical goals. If you wish to improve your psychic powers, for instance, plant a bay tree, common celery, honeysuckle, marigolds, roses or thyme. While thriving in the garden, the plants will help attune your home to psychic vibrations. Plus, their flowers, leaves and seeds can be used in magick rites to further accentuate their effects.

Those desiring a loving household may wish to include such common plants and flowers as the gardenia, primrose, spearmint, tomato, pansy, jasmine and catnip, and (if space is no problem) a few trees such as cherry, apple orange, mape and willow.

To ensure happiness in a home, you might wish to fill a window box or ranks of flowerpots with hyacinth, lavender, marjoram, catnip and morning glory (care–it creeps everywhere).

If money is a problem, you could choose mint, onion, snapdragon, camellia, chamomile, clover, dill, basil and perhaps even a small section of what. Pine, oak, ash and apple trees planted near the house also help direct prosperity your way, as will a banana plant

To ward off thefts in your home, plant a “fence” of ti (ki) around its perimeter or be sure to include garlic, cumin, vetivert, a clump of thistlees, an aspen, catcus or a juniper tree.

Bamboo and hydrangea near the home offer it general luck, as does a sunflower, which is sometimes considered a prerequisite for a garden in Mexico. Myrtle-filled widow boxes, if planted by a woman are lucky too.

When all is growing greenly, no one will be the wiser concerning your garden’s powers, although every plant is virtually a spell in and of itself.

 

Source:
“The Magical Household” Book

Scott Cunningham & David Harrington

February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash

February 18 – March 17th is the Celtic Tree Month of Ash

　

In the Norse eddas , Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools — these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae .

 

Source:

Celtic Tree Months

Author Patti Wigington, About.com

Friday Is Ruled by Venus

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, March 14th

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, March 14th

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, March 14th

The Witches Almanac for Friday, March 14th

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

Mamuralia (Roman)

Waxing Moon

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

Moon Sign: Leo

Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon enters Virgo 10:17 am

Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene and daily schedules.

Incense: Cypress

Color: Purple

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for March 13th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

What is the texture of life?

Texture is that finely woven fabric of life that demands we have a congenial environment. It asks that we be industrious toward success, and that we should have a way of life, a purpose. We should hear the music of life and taste the bitter and the sweet.

Texture requires us to research every experience and learn the lesson in it. It orders us to communicate with life and make discoveries about ourselves and progress toward a texture where the coarse has been refined.

Frequently we should examine the texture of life to identify the quality. How wide is my world? How high is my sky?

All of us should know our own makeup, our capabilities, our gifts with which we have been divinely endowed. And we should think long on these words from Edna St. Vincent Millays’s Renascene:
“The world stands out on either side no wider than the heart is wide. Above the world is stretched the sky, no higher than the soul is high.”

________________________________________

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 13

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 13

“I went to a holy man and asked him for help. He told me to get on the Red Road. `Pray to Wakan-Tanka (Great Spirit) to help you walk the Red Road.”

–Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA

All Indian traditions, customs and ceremonies help us answer three questions: who am I?, why am I?, and where am I going? Only on the Red Road can we find the answer to these three questions. When we can answer these three questions, we are on the Red Road. When we cannot, we have gone astray. That is why the Holy Men tell us to pray to the Great Spirit and to seek the Red Road. Why am I? My purpose is the serve the Great Spirit. Who am I? I am an Indian who walks the Red Road. Where am I going? My vision is to serve my people.

Great Spirit, when I know You, only then do I know me. Help me today to know You.

March 13 – Daily Feast

March 13 – Daily Feast

There are special places in our lives that live on forever. Just entering there in memory makes them live again. We feel the heat and the cold, catch the fragrance so familiar, the aroma of certain foods, or even hear a bit of a song. There are too many reasons to count, too many feelings, for us ever to lose touch with some part of us that was then – and is now. People are part of our memories, too – living within our thoughts and influencing our thinking like the wind that we feel but cannot see. We are made up of many things, many experiences that we do not want to lose, but we also have the power to keep yesterday in its place and make the most of today. Yesterday was the foundation, but today is the house, and we’re living there and keeping things in their proper order.

~ As a child I understood how to give; I have forgotten this grace since I became civilized. ~

OHIYESA

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

Daily Motivator for March 13th – Living by intention

Living by intention

Live by intention, not by reaction. Consciously choose your actions and they  will be far more rewarding.

Instead of being a slave to the negativity of others, be the master of your  own positive and purposeful life. Decide precisely how you wish to live, and  then focus your energy on following that course.

Keep in mind that excuses make you a victim, so let go of any urge to create  those excuses. Choosing to unconditionally take responsibility for your life is  what will make life rich and full.

Living intentionally and responsibly is difficult, inconvenient and won’t  always make you the most popular person around. Ultimately, though, it is always  the choice that creates the true, meaningful value you seek.

Live fully in each moment, but don’t live just for the moment. Live so that  your very best possibilities continue to unfold as time goes on.

You know that there is great, unique value and goodness within you. Live each  day with purposeful intention, and joyfully give that value and goodness to all  of life.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for March 13th – Uplifting Showers

Uplifting Showers
Rainy-Day Ideas

by Madisyn Taylor

The arrival of one or more rainy days can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and contemplate life.

The simple miracle of water falling from the sky has been interpreted in many ways by many cultures. In various areas of the world, rain was viewed as a nourishing gift, given by well-pleased deities. Rain also served as a symbol of emotional cleansing and represented the unending u

nion between earth and sky. Today, rain is often seen as an annoyance—something to be borne doggedly while attending to one’s usual duties. But the arrival of one or more rainy days can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and contemplate life. When Mother Nature darkens the sky and causes drizzle to fall, freshly opened buds close and many animals settle into their nests for a period of repose. We can honor rainy days by following the example put forth by the flora and fauna around us. Even if we must venture out into a shower, we can still slow down and appreciate our connection to nature.

A rainy day spent indoors can be wonderfully uplifting. As the rain pours down, fill your home with light, sound, and comfort so that you can fully appreciate the loveliness of being snug and dry during a downpour. Storms literally change the energy in the air, and you may feel driven to follow suit by burning incense or sage, ringing bells or chimes, lighting candles, or singing. You may even feel compelled to talk to each room in your home in order to express your gratitude for the protection they give you. If, however, you feel claustrophobic rather than calm because you cannot venture outdoors, you can clear away negative energy by getting rid of clutter, sweeping away dust, and freshening your up spaces. The happier you are in your home, the more beautiful and wondrous a simple rain shower will seem.

A sheltered spot like a covered porch, sunroom, or bay window can provide you with a wonderful vantage point from which to meditatively observe raindrops as they make their descent to earth. And the pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop or car window can even be a therapeutic and soothing sound—one that reminds us that while the unforeseen will always be a part of our lives, we should never forget that nearly every cloud that comes into our lives will have a silver lining.

The All…The Earth Goddess

The All…The Earth Goddess

Author:   Blanche Magee 

If all religions respected each other’s views this world could accomplish so much. Why does humankind use religion to manipulate each other is my question? After much researching, I believe that it is all about fear and power to control, fear of the unknown, and fear of being unable to understand and control our world.

I cannot speak for others, but my own personal experience of fear and God was a long one and I know I am not done with this journey yet…but I also know without a doubt there is something tangible to this unknown force and, without fear, I am driven to understand and learn more about it.

Is God a man? Is God a woman? My answer to this is both no and yes, God is both. God is everything. God is the universe. God is the earth. Both halves must become one in order to see the truth of who this All Powerful entity is. Is God pure? Maybe. Is God tarnished? Maybe. God is chaos in the midst of reality and structure. To put God and Goddess into a finite tiny structure is impossible… so why do religions try to do this? FEAR, plain and simple. Fear causes groups to think they are right and all else is wrong.

The only evil (or fear of evil) in this world is in the heart of the individual and evil grows with fear that turns into judgment and narrow mindedness and then results in the persecution of other groups. Growing up I was told there was one (1) God and you have to worship him this way or you will go to hell. Why? Why would an all-loving good God make these kinds of stipulations? Believe or you burn? There is no real choice here, only a need to flee from a long and painful suffering. This kind of thinking is NOT the work of an all-loving Creator. It is the thinking of a scared mind.

We must release this dogmatic view of eternal power to be able to see what God/Goddess really is. Step away from the box of what everyone tells us is right and wrong and find out for ourselves. Learn about other cultures; learn about other religions and we will see there is a ‘base/root’ of truth in all of them. There is a life force greater than our individuality. If that life force came together and did things for the good of our world, we would see God/Goddess. The All is us, all of the planet earth, all of the universe. We are one. The All is a vine of everything… it must be connected somewhere to produce any fruit and cause change in this world.

Paganism is the simplicity of all these religions…the base…the root, per se. It is the good teachings’ beginning. It is the good teachings’ end. In its purity, it is realistic and workable. It is for all people. It is the earth, it is us…from dust of earth we came and back to the dust we will go to be used again for another purpose.

We are located in a perfect place in our universe. The wonders of the universe are within us. The imagination of the mind is vast. We must start at home on our planet. We are killing Mother Earth. We must stop killing our home… our life force. Where will we go from here if it is gone? How will the dust of life continue to rebirth?

This is the ‘All’ purpose; this is what we are meant to do in this lifetime. We must get out of our ‘rebellious teen thinking’ and mature. We have the power…we have the knowledge. We must stop fighting over who ‘God’ is, work out differences and save our planet, save our Goddess Gaia.

I encourage everyone to make a list of at least 10 items they can do to help to save the planet this year. My plans to help our planet grow and heal this year are as follows:

1. I plan to recycle as many plastic, paper and wood items I come across…not just at home but I also plan to do this at work and to encourage the people I work with to do the same. I am going to create a paper box, a plastic box and woods and metal box in my office for people to bring items to take and recycle.

2. I have always wanted to create compost in my backyard. I have found an instructional guide to do this on this website – http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/organicgardening/compost_pf.php. I am sure that many other websites on the web have ideas as well.

3. Creating a rainwater system has always been a dream of mine. I plan to make it a reality this year. This will help reduce my water bills and storm sewer charges, it will lower demands on municipal systems and I can avoid strict watering schedules. Plus, rainwater is extremely rich in nutrients and will reduce the use of fertilizers as well. No chemicals have been added to rainwater and it will make for better vegetable production.

4. Planttwo trees this year. I have always wanted to plant a magnolia tree in my yard so this year is as good as any. Plus I would like to have some fruit trees, so I guess I better learn some hints on how to grow them.

5. Donate some money to The Nature Conservancy. I have done this in years past and feel it is a good cause. Plus as an added bonus, they send you a yearly booklet on all the land they have bought and a calendar of the cutest animals every year. The Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/thenatureconservancy

6. Plant a vegetable garden. I do this most years but I will continue the tradition because there is nothing that brings me closer to the goddess Gaia than to dig in her soil and plant some seeds.

7. Use my Amazon Kindle to buy all my books this year. I love reading but books are made of paper so I think this year in order to help to preserve more trees, I will do my reading from the computer screen.

8.Turn off all the lights in my house unless I am in that room doing something. I will try to (carefully) use more candles! The Goddess loves fire.

9. Use the front and back of my pages in my personal journals. I write a lot and I figure what better way to help is to use the paper until it is completely full.

10. Do a ritual once a month to send positive healing out to our world.

Unity… All are teachers; all are students.