Chinese Wash & Recipe

Chinese Wash

Chinese Wash is a mainstay in Hoodoo practice and is used for removing negative energy, bad luck and evil, and bringing positive energy back in. The product originated sometime around the 1930s (possibly a bit earlier) and was marketed as Young’s Chinese Wash. It was used for spiritual house cleaning, to purify the home and open up blockages allowing new beginnings, bringing good luck and peace to the home. The original recipe was a blend of oriental grasses with a citrus scent to it, similar to the ingredients used in Van Van Oil (see section on oils). Once purchased, Hoodoo practitioners then added a few pieces of straw from their household broom into the bottle. Chinese Wash can be purchased from retailers still. Some mixtures even have the broom straws already included, but you can also make it yourself.

The wash will need to be added to a bucket of water. Add a couple of teaspoons of the Chinese Wash mixture to make a floor wash.

 

  Chinese Wash Recipe

Citronella

Lemongrass

Gingergrass

Palmarosa

Vertivert

A Few straws from a besom

A simplified version can be made by adding Van Van Oil to a liquid soap base..

Spring Break Horoscope 2014

Spring Break Horoscope

 Provided by Fern Feto Spring
Looking for love, adventure, or parties this spring? The planets are shaping up a different scenario for each sign. What’s in store for you? Read on, and make the most of your well-earned vacation! The stars can show you the way to a vacation filled with fun and relaxation.

Aries

Aries, as a natural born leader, you don’t like to follow the crowd. Instead, try leading the way and creating your own vacation destination. Most well-known spring break locations are very crowded, and this is great if you’re looking for high energy, but if you are looking for something a bit more private and adventurous, go someplace less traveled and experience something different.

Taurus

Taurus, your grounded and home-loving nature may not take you to a faraway location, but you could still go to a local place you haven’t been before, especially if you are traveling with the right person. It’s not where you go, it’s who you’re with. This companion can make the less-than-stellar places great and the best places even better, so look for love to lead the way this spring break.

 Gemini

Flirty and busy Gemini can’t resist the crowds and action on spring break. You’ll want to be where the biggest parties are pumping, but refrain from partying so much that you can’t see a real love connection when it is right in front of you. Go to where your communication skills are most appreciated and you may find someone special to talk to.

Cancer,

Imaginative Cancer, take that special someone on an unforgettable arts and culture-themed spring break so they will remember it for the rest of their lives. Anyone can find the hot spots, but you can create a getaway that refreshes the mind and spirit. You have the gift of adding romance and mystery to the mix, so make the most of it.

Leo

Dramatic and fun Leo, what would be more appropriate than entertaining others on your spring break? See if you can get a job or internship on a cruise ship, hotel, or comedy club. While you are exercising your best skills in public, that special audience member may pick you out of crowd and encourage you to put on a private performance.

Virgo,

Natural  you will probably enjoy a peaceful and relaxing spring break more than partying hard with the rest of your friends. Indulge in a spa retreat or just pamper yourself at home. Remember that love often hides in quiet places, so stay away from the crowds on your vacation and look for romance at yoga retreats, book stores, and museums.

Libra

Nothing refreshes Libra  more than beauty and this can be manifested in a variety of forms. Try to spend your spring break vacation in a soothing environment that provides you with plenty of opportunities to get your beauty fix – get a new look at a high-end salon, go on a shopping spree at your favorite boutiques, or you could soothe your soul with a trip to the beach.

Scorpio

Intense, deep, and sexy Scorpio could easily get into a hot affair that lasts the entire spring break. Look for your partner in crime in a learning environment, and then invite him or her to disappear with you to someplace private. You won’t need anyone or anything else when you find that special person.

 Sagittarius,

Adventurous wanderer Sagittarius, you don’t need set plans to take a journey, so throw caution to the wind and hit the road with no destination in mind. A road trip with no maps is perfect for you – just let your intuition guide you. Along the way, you may find a special person or even come to new realizations about yourself.

Capricorn

Studious Capricorn, you can use the upcoming weeks to catch up on your work and get prepared for the future. You’re best off saving up for a big vacation down the road than a substandard trip now. For you, being ready is more satisfying than having frivolous fun. Though some may mock you for not living life to the fullest, remember that you’ll be the one ahead of the pack in most ventures.

 Aquarius

Quirky Aquarius, you love leading others into new and unusual adventures. This spring break, try organizing a fun event for your group of friends. As the master of ceremonies, you will be at the center of things, sharing your ideas and theories with everyone. The weirder your plan is the better because you like to shake things up.

Psychic Love Advice
Pisces

Fantasy, romance, and music rule your realm, Pisces, and the right combination of these three pastimes will turn your spring break into an affair to remember. Visiting an area known for its theater, amusements, or artistic events is your best bet. Bring someone who inspires you and reach a new height in your relationship through your shared experiences.

Daily Feng Shui News for March 11 – ‘Organize Your Home Office Day’

The sailing should be smooth on today’s ‘Organize Your Home Office Day,’ as we explore how putting pictures or posters of boats in that space can bring a big career boost. According to Feng Shui, water energizes your professional efforts and having an image of a boat in full sail will attract happy and healthy energies to your work, as well as promising a smooth journey through life. The boat should always be loaded with boxes, barrels or any other sort of goods in order to symbolize success in life. And always remember that the boat must be sailing towards you so it can attract rewarding and satisfying employment.

 

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for March 11th is Abracadabra

Your Charm for Today

Abracadabra

Today’s Meaning:    

The most powerful of all talisman indicating you or someone close to you will recover from an infection.

General Description:

One of the most famous of all talismans, and used as a magical formula by the Gnostics in Rome for invoking the aid of beneficent spirits against disease, misfortune and death. Sammonieus, the celebrated Gnostic physician; instructed that the letters of this magical triangle which he used for curing agues and fevers, were to be written on paper, folded into the shape of a cross, worn for nine days suspended from the neck, and, before sunrise, cast behind the patient into a stream running eastward. It was also a most popular charm in the middle ages. During the Great Plague, 1665, great numbers of these amulets were worn as supposed safeguards against infection.

Your Animal Spirit for March 11th is Rabbit

Your Animal Spirit for Today
March 11, 2014

Rabbit

Poor Rabbit!  No other animal is so associated with fear than Rabbit—that nervous little bunny who hops and leaps at every little sound. Rabbit has come to you today to ask you to have the courage to face whatever difficulties you’re having instead of running away to a safe burrow. Face your fears, examine your old “fight or flight” patterns, and determine once and for all to stop hiding away.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for March 11 is The Dove

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Dove

Throughout history the Dove has symbolized peace and innocence in nearly all cultures. Dove’s soft cooing and gentle nature bring a calmness to any situation. The Dove appears where peace has been attained or there is a need to bring events to a peaceful ending. It denotes a time to let lose of grievances and settle conflicts in a way that benefits all parties equally.

As a daily card, Dove suggests the need to put an end to conflict in your present life. The conflict may be yours or may be that of people close to you. Regardless of the parties involved, you have been called upon to bring the discord to an impartial end.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Mar. 11th is 8: Holding Together

8: Holding Together

Tuesday, Mar 11th, 2014

 

 

 

 

Holding together brings success. But high-level teamwork is achieved only when the right players on the right team share a clear goal at the right time. A team forms its relationships in a delicate manner; chemistry is brewed in the vat of shared experiences. Latecomers cannot share the same depth of union as earlier members. Whole-hearted commitment is required for team success.

All successful teams have a shared vision and a leader. If a team’s leadership is up to the challenge, the team will prosper. In personal and business affairs, just as in basketball, it is hard to win without a strong center.

Accept the structure of the team or partnership if you wish to receive its benefits — otherwise go off on your own. In holding together with others, cling to your own principles, but be willing to subordinate your personal desires for the good of the group. Perhaps you are contemplating becoming a leader of some group; remember that to become the center of influence binding people together is not only a considerable challenge but a serious responsibility. Assess yourself carefully first to see if you are up to the task. If not, it would be better not to commit rather than to go forward without proper preparation.

Your Tarot Card for March 11th is The Hermit

The Hermit

Tuesday, Mar 11th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.

Your Daily Horoscopes for March 11th

We can take ourselves too seriously today and don’t want our feelings to get in the way of our chores as the moody Cancer Moon prompts us to keep our emotions quiet. Fortunately, we’re willing to work hard now to get the job done. Meanwhile, cerebral Mercury forms a conflicting square with taskmaster Saturn, testing the validity of our thoughts. Thankfully, our good ideas are strengthened after the Moon prances into lively Leo at 10:08 pm EDT.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re ready to let go of an old resentment today because you realize that holding a grudge serves no purpose. You’re quite capable of making your coworkers feel at ease, but not if you’re pointing your finger in blame at someone else. Your intentions may be altruistic, yet you still might meet a bit of resistance. Give it time; others can’t help but soften under the influence of your friendly approach and sincere effort.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You know you have choices to make today, but your goals might not be clear enough to choose a direction. At first your path seems straightforward, but it grows convoluted as you get sidetracked by someone else’s feelings. A battle of wills is destructive if you each have your own agenda, but clearing the air can reduce the tension. It’s easy to declare your willingness to be flexible now, but you must actually be open to change if you’re to jointly decide where you want to go next.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

There are still plenty of details to hammer out, but the possibility of resolution continues to grow. Even if you don’t have a lot of available options today, you might need to make a decision, nonetheless. Your optimism may be temporarily replaced with annoyance if your responsibilities distract you from having fun. Although life could seem harsh in the moment, don’t over-personalize the current situation. Pay attention to what others are telling you and if the feedback makes sense, then take it to heart.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You may have big ideas about what you want to accomplish today, only to realize that you don’t have as much energy as you need. Trying to fulfill all your current obligations is stressful because you must work so hard just to keep up with everything. Additionally, your emotions could wear you out now as you grapple with the subtle nuances of your subconscious desires. Setting a sustainable pace right from the start can prevent an unnecessary meltdown. Be kind to everyone, starting with yourself.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might have to postpone a social activity today because of an important deadline. Perhaps you need to cut back on your expectations now, especially if you discover that your goals are unrealistic. However, there’s no need to stress about a missed opportunity if you can’t make something happen right away. Instead, accept the limitations of your circumstances, do whatever you can, and move on with a clear conscience.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Rethinking your position on an important matter may be necessary today if you encounter resistance to what you say. However, the discord likely comes from within; you could be your own toughest critic now that your key planet Mercury squares off with taskmaster Saturn. Although your ideas are worthwhile, they still might not seem good enough to you. Unfortunately, if you channel enough energy into your fears, something will undoubtedly go wrong. Instead, improve your attitude and concentrate on creating a positive outcome.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You might feel bounced around by what others are saying now. It appears as if they aren’t thinking about the consequences of their words, yet you could end up feeling their negative effects. This drama may be playing out within the workplace today and it seems as if you’re being drawn into a no-win situation. However, there is still good news, since your natural willingness to find where differences of opinions turn into common ground can ultimately set the stage for negotiating lasting solutions.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Building on your previous achievements makes much more sense now than starting all over to do something completely new. Luckily, your dreams can be a rich source of inspiration upon which you can build a sensible plan. Don’t let anyone talk you out of something that you already know, but they haven’t yet learned. Trust your instincts over anyone else’s advice to steer you in the right direction today.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your emotions are intense today, especially if you choose to keep them to yourself. Although you’re still fairly optimistic about your future, insecurities creep back into your thoughts as quicksilver Mercury stressfully squares naysayer Saturn. Keep in mind, you can be realistic in your assessment without having a defeatist attitude. All you need to do is believe in yourself and trust the process. Patience is a virtue, especially now.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may be hiding your wounded feelings today, especially if someone rejects your plan without even hearing you out. You might feel as if obstacles are being placed in your path for no apparent reason until it dawns on you that you have been moving your agenda ahead too fast. In order to accomplish your goals, wait and let circumstances catch up to your dreams of the future. If your new ideas are worthwhile, they’ll be even better in a few days.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The pressure to take care of unfulfilled responsibilities has grown stronger in recent days. Unfortunately, you also have to attend to your daily chores, no matter how many exciting ideas you want to pursue today. Reevaluate your workload; perhaps it’s time to temporarily cut back on your activities if you are spread too thin. Although you may be judged by your current performance, it’s more crucial to be true to yourself now than to live up to the expectations of others.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although relationships may bring you emotional satisfaction, some of the greatest rewards take longer to manifest. So, whatever you do, don’t get discouraged now when it comes to love and creativity, even if progress seems slower than ever. Don’t waste energy today complaining about what can’t be changed. Instead, work hard to meet your responsibilities so you have sufficient time later on to spend on romantic or artistic pursuits.

The Daily Cosmic Calendar for March 11th

Last night’s challenge — brought into manifestation by a Mercury-Saturn face-off of 90-degrees — is quickly becoming ancient history as the third grand triangle in the heavens influences our earthly life in the past four days. Now it is the Moon, Sun and Saturn that become a happy geometric form that human souls can bank on as the lunar orb in Cancer trines the Sun in Pisces (12:12AM) followed 5+ hours later by the Moon making another trine to Saturn in Scorpio (5:30AM). Any flowing link between the Moon and Sun has positive ramifications across the board, but when you add Saturn to the mix, it is wise to be somewhat logical, practical, and realistic about what you are attempting to accomplish. This trinity is particularly suited to giving your professional career a major boost.  The huge potential inherent in these aspects tends to dissipate later on as the Moon squares Mars (12:52PM) — a 90-degree clash that begins a 6+ hour void limbo time-span that lasts until 7:10PM when the Moon enters fiery, warmhearted Leo. During the void-of-course time-period, Venus makes an inspirational, 72-degree tie with Saturn (3:08PM). Even if this insightful alignment cannot be fully utilized around the exact time, you can tune into some of its conservative, monetary benefits once the Moon lights up the sign of the lion. Rev up your creative engines to high capacity as Tuesday night morphs into Wednesday morning — courtesy of a fairly rare, revelatory, 72-degree link between Ceres in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn (reaching exactitude at 12:19AM tomorrow). [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 11th

Calendar of the Moon

11 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Dionysia Polis III

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth lay a chalice of red wine, grapevines, a fawnskin, masks, and the thyrsus of Dionysus.
Offering: A mystery play on some instructive subject should be rehearsed during these five days, and on the fifth day it should be performed for some outside audience, whether invited in or taken elsewhere.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grapes. Goat meat. Figs. Dates. Lentils. Meat or rice wrapped in grapeleaves.

Invocation to Dionysos

IO Dionysos, Lord of the Vine,
We call upon the Womanly One,
child of Zeus and Semele.
We drink from your cup and join
The maenad train, O Lord of Masks
That teach the truth. In your cup we gain
Escape from care and ecstasy in the vine,
Your blessing under which
The sacred and profane became one
And the gods’ wedding party never ends.
Twice-born, we will give thanks,
We’ll tell our stories again and again
Of running with maenads
Of the secrets of the earth
And the heavens, and all that lies between,
Of fate, and time, and how to slip
Beyond their confines into immortality.
We’ll teach your mysteries,
Which teach other mysteries,
To all who will listen.
We’ll testify
To the gift of the Womanly One
Dionysos.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(Pass around the chalice of wine and then pour the rest out as a libation. All should then go to rehearse the mystery play, performed in his honor.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for March 11

Calendar of the Sun

11 Hrethemonath

Marduk’s Day

Colors: Light blue and grey
Element: Air
Altar: On a cloth of pale blue lay a naked sword, three grey candles, and a loaf of bread shaped like a dragon.
Offerings: Cut something into pieces.
Daily meal: Fish or meat, chopped finely.

Invocation to Marduk

The warrior’s sword is clean and bright
And has two edges. So Marduk found.
Taking up the sword, he slew
The Dragon Mother Tiamat
And from her body carved the earth
And the overarching sky.
Yet he found, as we all do,
That he could not live anywhere
On this the new earth without
Remembering her, and all that she was,
And he lived and died surrounded
By her at the last,
And her body took his
When at last he was betrayed.
Beware, ye who would be king
By force of arms! Your enemies define you,
So choose them well.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual takes up the sword and cleaves the bread dragon into pieces, which are then passed around and eaten. Exit to the beating of a drum.)

 
[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Tuesday, March 11 – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/78% 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 Spell for March 11th – Quit Smoking Spell

Gothic Comments=

TO QUIT SMOKING

(or drinking or using drugs)

On the night of a full moon (preferably) or during the Waning Moon, make a quit-smoking gemstone candle.

Empower three or more small pieces of amethyst and three or more large pieces of amethyst with the power to remove your addiction to cigarettes.

Now make a black candle (this can be done easily by melting those cute little black six-inch household candles over low heat, and then pouring the melted wax into a glass container (which you have prepared with metal tab and wick).

Now add the three or more small pieces of amethyst to the melted wax in the glass container. You may also wish to add appropriate oil, such as Patchouli, to the melted wax, to give it added power. Allow the candle to cool. You may wish to reserve a small amount of wax to “top off” the candle in case it caves in while cooling. Once the candle is ready, you may begin the spell.

Place the candle on your altar and ring it with the three large pieces of amethyst. Light the candle and gaze into its flame. Visualize yourself being free from the addiction to cigarettes. Visualize your cravings dissipating. Visualize the toxins in your body being removed. Hold this visualization for as long as possible. Now allow the candle to burn down completely. You may wish to repeat this spell for added strength. You may make more candles, or simply use a black candle, ringed with amethyst stones. When the Waxing Moon period begins,

 

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Herakles/Hercules

Gothic Comments

March 11th

Herakles/Hercules

This day celebrates the super-human strength of the Greek hero-God Herakles, son of Alcmene by Zeus. His many adventures included fighting a bull-headed snake to win the  love of his earthly wife Deianeira. During the battle, he tore off one of the animal’s horn which became the cornucopia. He then tought and killled the centaur Nessus, who had tried to rape her. Before Nessus died, he gave deianeria some of his Herakles by burning him. Distressed Herakles sacrificed himself upon Mt. Oeta. When Herakles was admitted to Mt. Olympus as a God, Zeus gave his daughter Hebe for his wife. They had two children, Alexiares and Anicerus.

The Witches Correspondence for Tuesday, March 11th

Gothic Comments
The Witches Correspondence for Tuesday, March 11th

 

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants: Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Gothic Comments
Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

 

Archangel: Samael

Candle colour: Red

Incenses: Dragon’s blood or cinnamon

Crystals: Jasper or garnet

Use Tuesdays for spells for courage, change, independence in home or business life, for overcoming seemingly impossible odds and for passion.

Where possible, work near a fire or a bonfire or with a huge red beeswax candle as a focus; alternatively work next to a flowerbed or large vase of red, orange and/or yellow flowers.

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, March 11th

Gothic Comments=

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, March 11th

Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection.

Feast of the Gauri (Hindu)

Waxing Moon

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

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon enters Leo 10:09 pm

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

Incense: Ginger

Color: Maroon

Hail & Merry Meet On This Glorious Tuesday Morn’!

Gothic Comments

Goddess, bless my endeavors and make them more satisfying
Help me to make the most of all my opportunities
Let me shine and excel in all my future workings
Guide me so I might make the best choices for my situation.
Help me to let go of everyday annoyances
That I might enjoy my spiritual environment
Give me the tools I need to rise in my chosen path
And help me to remember every day
To be grateful that I have your work to do.
So Mote It Be