Actually the first day I have been able to take any photos of the cougar and her kittens at all.
As you can see, she ain’t too happy with me and the camera.
“Alright now woman, are you going to feed me or what?” They are adorable but they all have a quick temper!
In their enclosure, it is family time. Poor momma, kids crawling all over her. I am glad it is her not me, lol!
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
A graphologist is a handwriting analysis expert who can take apart the loops and dashes of our penmanship and tell us about our nature. We have a natural curiosity about ourselves. We want to know whether our self-image is the true one. We often think we are capable of seeing another’s true nature, but we seem to lack the ability to really know ourselves. In fact, so much about us reveals our disposition and temperament that it can be distressing.
Our handwriting may tell us about our emotional nature, and we may learn that we are introverts by the slant of our letters, but much of our disposition can be self-analyzed by the way other people respond to us.
It doesn’t take a graphologist to tell us that if we are inconsistent in our friendliness, if the tongue alternates acid and honey, if we continually complain, continually gossip, criticize and pout, we are revealing a nature we too often think is hidden.
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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 April 18
“Our people don’t come in parts. Either you are Indian, or you are not.”
–Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE
We really need to take a look at how Indian People are talking about Indian People. We say there are Rez Indians, Traditional Indians, Urban Indians and Breeds. This type of thinking will keep us separated. An Indian is an Indian, a brother is a brother, a sister is a sister. We are all related. Today, let us respect ourselves and our people. Today, let me realize Indians are Indians.
Great Spirit, let me see the Unity of the People. Indians are Indians.
April 18 – Daily Feast
The voice of doom is loud in our land. It is predicting unheard of fears and possibilities. But we have the antidote in our mouths – our words. Words are powerful, able to turn away the negative thoughts and words of those who have no purpose but to degrade. We don’t have to let other people decide that we are victims of every attack, every disease, every wrongdoing. Our, u in ne tsv (words), say the Cherokees, are mighty to pull down anything or any person that lies in wait to harm us. Life and death are truly in the power of the tongue – and our part is to study the use of words and their effects on us. We know what it is to hear words of courage. It is light entering a dark place and we hear as well as speak.
~ Give ear, I am the mouth of my nation. ~
KIOSATON
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Right now is an exceptional moment. Be here with all you are, and experience its richness.
Feel the energy that is already available to you. See the value that is already in front of you, right now.
Let go of any thoughts of limitation or conflict. Let yourself see the unique beauty that is here and now.
Instead of obsessing over how things should be, tap into the great value of how things are. Instead of longing for the past or wishing for the future, live with joy, satisfaction and gratitude in the present.
Right now, let yourself be genuinely happy, and you will be. Right now, let yourself be more fully alive than ever.
Reach out and touch the exquisite world that is yours to experience right here, at this very moment. Feel the joy, feel the substance, and feel the love as you fully live the richness of now.
— Ralph Marston
Source:
The Daily Motivator
Shedding Light on Ourselves
Parts that Don’t Want to Heal
When we choose that which is not best for us, there can be a deep seated part of us that does not want to heal.
In almost every case, we know what is best for us in our lives, from the relationships we create to the food we eat. Still, somewhat mysteriously, it is often difficult to make the right choices for ourselves. We find ourselves hanging out with someone who leaves us feeling drained or choosing to eat fast food over a salad. We go through phases where we stop doing yoga or taking vitamins, even though we feel so much better when we do. Often we have no idea why we continue to make the less enlightened choice, but it is important that we inquire into ourselves to find out.
When we choose that which is not best for us, the truth can be that there is a deep seated part of us that does not want to heal. We may say it’s because we don’t have the time or the energy or the resources, but the real truth is that when we don’t take care of ourselves we are falling prey to self-sabotage. Self-sabotage happens unconsciously, which is why it’s so difficult to see that we are doing it. The important thing to realize is that this very part of us that resists our healing is the part that most needs our attention and love. Even as it appears to be working against us, if we can simply bring it into the light of our consciousness, it can become our greatest ally. It carries the information we need to move to the next level in our healing process.
When we recognize that we are not making healthy choices, we might even say out loud, “I am not taking care of myself.” Sometimes this is the jolt we need to wake up to what is actually happening. Next we can sit ourselves down in meditation, with a journal, or with a trusted friend to explore the matter more thoroughly. Just shining the light of our awareness on the source of our resistance is sometimes enough to dispel its power. At other times, further effort is required. Either way, we need not fear these parts that do not want to heal. We only need to take them under our wing and bring them with us into the light.
Source:
The Daily OM
Prior to any specialized crystal programming, the following pre-programming is recommended:
* Program the crystal to receive Divine will so that the results will reflect actualization for the good of all.
* Program the crystal for protection in the light.
Programming
Programming is the process of instructing the energies of the crystal in the method in which to use its qualities of transformation, stability, and attunement. Precise directions are required, or the response will be less than that which is intended.
The act of holding the crystal and intending to use it for a specific purpose is the simplest form of programming.Another method, primarily relevant to the programming of thoughts, and universal
energies which are inherent to the mineralogical formation, involves the following:
* Formulate a precise phrase which accurately describes the nature of the programming (i.e., other worldly communication, harmony, balance, love, special healing or protection for someone, etc.)
* Hold the crystal in the left hand (if left-handed hold the crystal in the right hand), relax for several minutes, initiate circular breathing, and center the consciousness. Consciously align the personal conscious awareness with the higher-self and/or other appropriate other-worldly beings.
* Ask for guidance, protection, and assistance in the programming process. Open the center of consciousness and allow receptivity to flow through to the inner being.
* Repeat the formulated phrase 20-30 times in succession while visualizing and feeling the desired effect of the program. (Be open to higher assistance during this process). As the phrase is repeated, and energy field will build and culminate in the energy pattern necessary to represent the desired program.
* While maintaining full awareness of the energy field, bring total awareness and consciousness to the area of the third-eye or the heart chakra. Place the crystal in front of the area of the third-eye or heart chakra and allow the self to feel the connection with it.
* Direct the energy field into the crystal for 30-60 seconds and allow the program to be transferred to within the crystal. Intuitive recognition will signal when the transmittal is complete.
* Detach consciousness from the crystal and allow the universal energies to act.
Crystals can be awakened by:
* Impacting the crystal upon the energized sand of the ocean beaches and/or sand dunes.
* Sounding a meditative gong in proximity to the crystal (this method stimulates the activation of the resonance of the crystal).
* Gently sounding Tibetan prayer bells (or other bells) in proximity to the crystal (this method aligns the energy of the crystal structure so that it can be efficiently directed).
Charging
* Place the crystal on a large crystal cluster.
* Place the crystal in the center of a circle, where the circle is comprised of other crystals whose terminations are pointing toward the center.
* Place the crystal in sunlight and/or in the light of the moon; the days related to the summer and winter solstice. the vernal equinox, the autumnal equinox, the full moon, and the new moon are more heavily charged.
Here are a few methods for crystal cleansing.
* Take the crystal to the sea, cleanse in sea water (allowing the water to “wash” over it), and energize in the sun.
* Smudge the crystal (with sweetgrass, cedar, sage, incense, etc.). This method has been used for centuries by Native Americans and Native African tribal cultures.
* Soak the crystal in sea salt for 7-24 hours, rinse with pure water, and energize in the sun.
* Soak the crystal in saltwater for a duration of from one to seven days; this method uses approximately three tablespoons of salt to a cup of water (water must cover stones) in a glass container with the water and crystals in a location which will receive sunlight.
* Soak the crystals in brown rice for twenty-four hours; the rice balances and centers the energy, removing the negativity, while dissipating and transforming the negative to the positive. (Upon completion of the “soak” the rice is purified and energized and is quite wonderful to eat).
Before buying crystals and gemstones, it’s a good idea to plan how you are going to use them. Over time, you may want to build up a collection with sets of stones for different purposes because the particular energies that are intended for one use may not be relevant in another use. Write up a “shopping list” for your stone collecting before heading out the door. If you are like me, you’ll find that it is easy to get sidetracked like a kid in a candy stone when confronted with an array of beautiful crystals and gemstones.
People have been attracted to gemstones since prehistoric times. While beauty plays a part in their appeal, it is their energy that has a powerful impact on us. If you like to wear crystals or place gemstones around your house, you are aware of their power. The practice of gemstone feng shui combines the wisdom of gemstones and crystals with the ancient art of feng shui to invite positive change into your life. .
At its core, feng shui is a method to balance the dynamic, ever-changes forces of the natural world. Gemstones are perfect for feng shui work because they are formed through the powerful dynamic processes of nature. As a result, gemstones personify the energy of the elemental cycles that are utilized in feng shui. .
The ancient Chinese divided the universe into five elements: water, fire, wood, metal and earth. These elements embody the archetypal energies that shape all things and processes. Because of the manner in which certain gemstones are created, they invoke specific elemental energy. For example, peridot or obsidian invoke fire because both are born from volcanic action. In the case of peridot, it could also come from a fiery meteor. For the element metal, malachite or azurite can be used because they contain more than 50% of the metal copper. .
In traditional feng shui, balancing elemental energy is accomplished by positioning an element or an object that represents it in a particular location. In gemstone feng shui, gemstones and crystals are used in place of other objects. The feng shui tool used to apply gemstone energy to your environment is the Lo Shugrid, also called the Magic Square, which looks like a tic-tac-toe grid. .
The Magic Square divides space into nine sectors/directions that form a matrix of attributes and associations: .
North – Career and personal journey; Element, water; Gemstone, opal or pearl; .
Northeast –Wisdom and self-cultivation; Element; earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline; .
East – Family and community; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or amber; .
Southeast – Prosperity and self/net-worth; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or amber; .
South – Success and reputation; Element, fire; Gemstone, peridot or obsidian; .
Southwest – Relationships and partnership; Element, earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline; .
West – Creativity and children; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite or azurite; .
Northwest – Achievement and benefactors; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite or azurite; .
Center – Harmony and spirit; Element, earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline. .
To use the Magic Square, create a drawing of the floor plan of your home or just one room where you want to perform feng shui. With a magnetic compass determine the direction of north and orient your floor plan in the correct direction. Next, draw a Magic Square (tic-tac-toe grid) over your floor plan with the middle row of squares oriented north and south, and with the center square in the center of your floor plan. This will show you in what area of a room (or your house) to invoke particular elemental energy. Simply place one of your gemstones in the corresponding sector. .
The Magic Square also shows the basic proportions of elemental energy needed for balance. For example the earth element, which is vital for overall well-being (both physical and spiritual) occupies three of the nine sectors/directions. After all, it is the earth’scycles that we follow, and we are most healthy and strong when we are “grounded”. .
There are many sources for crystals and gemstones. New Age bookshops frequently carry them, as well as museum gift shops and earth science stores. Rock and fossil shops are great sources and you can count on them to correctly identify the less popular types of stones. Ask and look for notices of upcoming mineral shows or swaps, which are excellent venues for finding a stunning range of crystals and gemstones, as well as learning more about them. .
Once you have found a place to buy your crystals and gemstones, and have located one that is on your shopping list, take a few moments to hold it in the palm of your hand. Close your fingers over it or hold it between both palms to get a sense of its energy. Think of how you are planning to use it. If you are going to use it to represent the element water, think of water. If the stone still feels good as you think of an element, then it’s the right stone. Don’t expect a thunderbolt or choir of angels to let you know you’ve chosen the right one. Clues tend to be subtle. Or you just might “know” it’s the right stone for you. .
Also listen to yourself if something doesn’t “feel” right. You may not be able to pinpoint what it is about a particular stone, but if this happens it’s just not the right one with which you should do energy work. Don’t take it personally, just listen to your heart-of-hearts. .
Stones that you trade or receive from friends can be very special. Ones that you find yourself are gifts directly to you from Mother Earth. If you are not sure about the identification of a stone you find, take it to a rock shop and ask for advice. Don’t be shy, most rock hounds are happy to share their knowledge. Whatever way a stone comes into your life be sure to clean and prepare it for energy work. Even one that comes from your best friend should be prepared in order for it to react more richly and fully with your own energy. .
Your own energy is the most important ingredient in gemstone feng shui. Open yourself to the wisdom of gemstones and they will help you transform the energy around you. Go with the flow and enjoy their magic. .
Source:
Crystal grids are similar to mandalas; they are simply an arrangement of stones in a pattern for the specific purpose of directing energy toward a goal. The variety of combinations is limited only by your imagination. For this particular grid, however, we will use a pattern designed to honour the elements and send healing energy to the Earth.
Although this ritual can be performed at any time, it is ideal for an Earth Day celebration. It can be done alone or with a group. For a group working, each person can recite a part of the ritual and place a stone into the grid.
You will need one quartz cluster of any kind for the centre of the grid to symbolize the Spirit. Clear quartz is the ideal choice, but you can also use amethyst. Depending on your collection of stones and crystals, you may have a different stone in mind. Use your intuition to select a stone that best represents the Spirit to you.
Select four large stones to represent each of the four elements. You may want to choose these stones by colour or association. These can be mineral specimens or rocks you have collected. For example, geodes or stones worn by a river are good choices to represent Water. Amethyst is also often associated with the Water element. Red, orange, or metallic stones are good for Fire, or volcanic glass such as obsidian. Brown or green coloured stones, especially agates, are good choices for the Earth element, or a stone that you have collected from your backyard, something native to your area that represents the land. Yellow or clear stones are good choices for Air.
You will also need four quartz points of any size and the following eight connecting stones: Tourmalinated Quartz, Rhodocrosite, Gypsm, Chrysocolla, a Geode, a piece of Petrified Wood or a fossil, Lepidolite, and Smoky Quartz.
These are fairly common stones among mineral collectors and can be obtained for minimal cost from rock and gem shops. If you have difficulty finding any of these, feel free to use clear quartz as a replacement.
Cast a circle as you normally do, or create sacred space in your own way. Set the mood for your ritual by playing a recording of nature sounds, or perform the ritual outdoors if possible. Turn on a fountain if you have one – the sound of running water can also enhance the mood.
The four large stones you have selected to represent the four elements will be placed first. As you call each quarter, place the stone in the appropriate direction. Depending on your position, your grid will either be in the shape of a diamond or a square. Be sure you leave room in between for the connecting stones.
To invoke Spirit/Deity, place the quartz cluster in the centre, and say the following:
“The purpose of this ritual is to send healing energy to the Earth. This crystal represents the Spirit, the energy of all things – all things are connected. I empower this crystal with Earth-healing energy. May it flow forth and spread over the world to bring healing, harmony, peace and respect for all life.”
Next, use the following visualization – you can do this internally if you’re alone, or read it aloud to a group:
“Imagine the Earth flourishing and under our care instead of domination. Pure, clean waters and air, pollutants neutralized and safe, waste being recycled, energy being saved, animals and habitats protected, humans caring about their environment and being responsible for their actions. I (we) will build this grid to hold my (our) energy, and then release it.”
Next, each of the eight connecting stones will be added to the grid, stating the purpose of each as it’s put into place. Place each one next to an elemental marker stone. The end result will be four connected lines in the shape of a diamond or square. Between each elemental marker there will be a total of three stones – two connecting stones and one quartz point between each of them, to be placed last.
Tourmalinated Quartz: “To create a solving atmosphere for positive change.”
Rhodocrosite: “For Earth-healing, love and balance.”
Gypsm: “To end stagnation and promote progressive thinking.”
Chrysocolla: “To help all beings become attuned with the Earth.”
Geode: “To represent the Earth Mother and help us see the ‘big picture.'”
Petrified Wood: “For protection from environmental pollutants, to promote energy and enjoyment of life, strength, transformation – to change what we can – and for grounding, connection with the Earth.”
Lepidolite: “To facilitate harmony and a peaceful environment.”
Smoky Quartz: “For protection, especially for all creatures and natural resources.”
Finally, complete the grid with the remaining four quartz points to direct the energy outward. Place them with the points facing away from the grid. Chant the following words as each crystal is put into place:
Elements and Spirit praised,
healing energy be raised,
send it to our Mother Earth,
land that gives us life and birth.
Proceed with grounding in the manner of your choice, and close your circle with the following words, or some variation:
“Elementals and Deities, we thank you for your presence here, depart with our love and gratitude. The circle is open but unbroken; may this energy for Earth-healing grow as it spreads across the land. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be.”
If possible, leave the grid in place for a few days or until you feel it has completed its work. It may be useful to build it on a piece of cardboard so you can simply move the cardboard to another location where the grid will not be disturbed. If you need to disassemble the grid right away, visualize any remaining healing energy within the grid being dispersed to the Earth.
Source:
Two Widows
Dorothy and Edna, two “senior” widows, are talking.
Dorothy: “That nice George Johnson asked me out for a date.? I know you went out with him last week, and I wanted to talk with you about him before I give him my answer.”
Edna: “Well, I’ll tell you. He shows up at my apartment punctually at 7:00 P.M., dressed like such a gentleman in a fine suit, and he brings me such beautiful flowers! Then he takes me downstairs, and what’s there but a luxury car… a limousine, uniformed chauffeur and all. Then he takes me out for dinner… a marvelous dinner… lobster, champagne, dessert, and after-dinner drinks. Then we go see a show. Let me tell you, Dorothy, I enjoyed it so much I could have just died from pleasure! ”
“So then we are coming back to my apartment and he turns into an ANIMAL Completely crazy, he tears off my expensive new dress and has his way with me two times!”
Dorothy: “Goodness gracious!… so you are telling me I shouldn’t go out with him?”
Edna: “No, no, no… I’m just saying, wear an old dress.”
Source:
JokeWarehouse.com
On ‘Pet Owners Independence Day,’ I’d like to share a secret that might give you relief from a dehydrated doggy while traveling. This advice suggests that you should actually begin this exercise a few days before leaving home. Put two to three drops of one hundred percent true peppermint essential oil into your dog’s water bowl — sorry, this one’s just for Fido, no felines allowed. And don’t forget to take the peppermint along. You can bring a touch of home along with you by putting a tiny bit of this oil in your dog’s water in order to soothe their stomachs and keep their sense of home intact.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect will be influenced by a sudden strong stroke of good fortune. This good fortune will be unpredictable and will last only a short time. It will bring with it good health, happiness and success.
General Description:
This talisman was a great favorite in olden times, and was composed of the Seven Vowels of the Greek Alphabet. The desired favours were supposed to be granted upon the correct utterance of the forty-nin different sounds of the Seven Vowels, each vowel having seven distinct methods of expression. Of the many benefits supposed to be conferred were – good health, happiness, wisdom, fortune, foresight, success in all undertakings, complete protection from moral, as well as physical ills, and control over the powers of darkness. The ancients thought that there was an affinity between the seven vowels and the seven planets which they believed kept this earth in existence.
Cougar has long been associated with leadership. Cougars are powerful, agile, and unhesitating. When Cougar attacks, he throws one hundred percent of himself into the pursuit. Although cougar is strong, he is also elusive —hard to spot in the wild—until he decides to pounce. His lesson to you today is one of being a balanced leader—not rushing into the attack, not always lurking in the brush.
The Believer
The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.
Endurance is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility. Long-distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining an inner determination and strength of purpose. Two trees growing near each other adapt to enhance each other’s survival. A strong image of durability is a stable marriage of intimate partners striking a dynamic balance between involvement in the outside world and nourishment in the home.
True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we stay in the race; but only by deepening our sense of purpose can we develop the fortitude to win it.
Continuity is achieved through movement, not by keeping still. That which has ceased to grow is close to death. Stay active, but allow yourself time to stay in touch with your innermost thoughts and feelings.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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