Day: April 21, 2014

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for April 21

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

If you’ve ever been along in a strange place, you’re bound to know how wonderful it is to have someone make you feel welcome.

Many people have the knack for being at home in whatever place they find themselves. And in this gift they find no loneliness to tug at them, but more often than not most of us feel like strangers. And in doing so we set ourselves apart, or make it sometimes questionable as to the wisdom of asking us into a friendly circle.

A friendly face and a friendly voice can make the most timid souls feel welcome. It can make them feel at home. For in the midst of many there is loneliness. Perhaps it is because our feigned look of self-sufficiency made someone question our need for help.

Many a door has opened, and many a sound friendship won when someone said, “We’re glad to have you…” The very atmosphere can be charged with concern when we see others who cannot find their way. The warmth of divine love is for daily use in making someone feel welcome.

We should not forget nor fail to see the wisdom of Hebrews 13:2: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.”

There must be no stronger feeling in the hearts of most people than the desire to belong. To belong to something, to someone, and in a place where the feeling is warm and friendly. The most blessed children in town are the ones born and raised in the same neighborhood, who have the tightly knit sense of belonging to everyone. Suddenly these children are not just the children of their parents, but the children of everyone in the church, in school, and anywhere where there is warmth and love and peace.

War rages within so many, disallowing then any connection or any strand of love that would tie them to anything that gives them a sense of security. And when people become insecure they become demanding. And in demanding they lose the most essential part – the ability to attract love to themselves simply by loving first.

In the words of William Blake: “Love seeketh not itself to please….Not for itself hath any care….But for another gives its ease….And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.”

Some of my most productive moments are not when I consider how evil the world is, but how powerful is my God.

Some of the best times are not all when I’m enjoying life, but when those I love are knowing happiness.

The highest peak of wealth comes when the joy within surpasses anything I can create out here.

The bloom of good health is felt more richly when I let it flow through me rather than swelling on the possibility of sickness.

Friendships are strongest and most true when I don’t worry about giving more than I receive.

In order that others forgive me, I must also learn to forgive.

I must never forget that negative thoughts feed on fear and starve on faith.

One of the greatest mistakes I can make is to believe myself to be without friend or faith or opportunity.

These personal proverbs belong to all thinking persons who want their lives to have more meaning, know more happiness and feel more richly the love that is the medicine for the sickness of the world.

 

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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 21

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 21

“Conciliation is the key to survival. Peace is the goal.”

–Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

When we make decisions or experience conflict we need to look at the greater whole. The end result we want to accomplish is peace of mind. If we keep this goal in mind, we will, overall, live a happy and fulfilling life. Everything in the world is constantly changing so we should not resist this change. A good question to ask ourselves is, “Would I rather be right or happy?” If we would rather be happy, then it is easier to let the little things go. If we would rather be right, we tend to look for the WIN/LOSE.

Great Spirit, today, give me the tools to seek peace of mind.

April 21 – Daily Feast

April 21 – Daily Feast

Peace is like a river….Feel it, think it, see it. Peace that flows not in wild frothy turbulence but in smooth currents that will not toss the smallest boat. Think of peace that so permeates our entire being, a peace that is closer than our hands and feet, closer even than our breathing. To hi ge se s di, came with great difficulty to the Cherokee. Peace on earth seems distant to almost anyone in any age, but it is still sought, and the lack of it still effects each of us personally. Stress raises our blood pressure, makes our hearts race and our ears roar with panic. We can stop right here and now and put it all down. Speak the words of old that stopped a storm, “Peace be still.” It worked centuries ago and its power is still intact. Say it many times a day to stop the negative flow that intends to sweep us away.

~ I am Dekanawidah, and with the Five Nations confederate lords I plant the Tree of the Great Peace. ~

IRIQUOIS LEGEND

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

The Daily Motivator for April 21 – There is so much to value

There is so much to value

Getting uptight won’t get anything done. Relax, enjoy the moment, and you’ll get more positive value out of it.

The work may be difficult, complicated and challenging, but that doesn’t mean you must fight against it. Be genuinely thankful for the opportunity to make a difference, and the difference you make will be a beautiful one.

Being resentful about what you must do will only make it more burdensome. You can choose instead to be enthusiastic, and you’ll immediately feel a great weight lifted off your shoulders.

There is so much to value, appreciate and enjoy about life. It really makes no sense to fight against it.

Take a deep, relaxing breath and remind yourself how good you have it. Choose to use your considerable energy to live your best possibilities.

Embrace your precious, unique and wonderful life. And live it with the peaceful, positive power that is always yours to choose.

— Ralph Marston
Source:
The Daily Motivator

The Daily OM For April 21 – Intention Set in Stone

Intention Set in Stone
Prayer Stone Stacks

by Madisyn Taylor

Add a stone blessed with a prayer to a mound and your intentions merge with those who have left stones before you.

Stone has played a role in spirituality from the very moment humanity externalized its sacred vision. Humans gave form to their devotion by scratching images of their deities into rock faces, carving holy statuary, and building stone shrines. The earliest of these were nothing more than simple piles of rocks that honored sacred places, revelations, people, and events. Following in the footsteps of this ancient tradition provides us with an simple and beautiful way to externalize our own spirituality. In your travels, you may have encountered on the sides of roads, trails, or pathways stacks of stones that look like random sculpture. Add a stone blessed with a prayer to such a mound, and your intentions merge with those who have left stones before you, empowering you all.

Associating a prayer with a particular stone alters the substance of both, and the formation of a prayer mound can balance and intensify the energy of a site. The mere act of choosing a stone can inspire mindfulness, as we lose ourselves in the moment seeking a pebble that speaks to our souls. And placing a prayer stone on a towering cairn is a meditation in patience—slowness and stillness allow us to find our stone’s center of gravity so the delicate ceremonial structure before us remains intact. Be cautious, however, when you feel guided to place a prayer rock upon stone mounds you see intermittently alongside well-worn but unmarked hiking paths. Hikers often use small cairns as guide markers to ensure that those who follow in their footsteps will not lose the trail. When in doubt, begin a new prayer pile slightly further away from the path itself and consider adding a relic of some kind to help others understand its purpose.

When you mindfully place a prayer by beginning a stone heap or adding to an existing mound, your thoughts and intentions are left in the care of fate itself. The cairn of which your prayer was one part may be unintentionally knocked down or destroyed by Mother Nature’s own hand. Try not to let this weigh heavily upon your spirit. The potent energy of your prayer was released by this destruction, ensuring that the purpose underlying that prayer will spread outward in the direction of the furthest reaches of the universe. 

 

Source:
The Daily OM

Incantation of the Stars

Incantation of the Stars

Items you will need

  • Best when cast on the third night of the waxing moon.
  • You will need three sticks of wood of equal length, a hand?s length each being ample enough.
  • You must be out of doors when the spell is cast

On the night you wish to cast this spell, go out to a quiet and secluded place. One need be seated, and if at all possible, it be best if one be seated on the earth. Take some time and meditate on one?s desire, be it general or specific. Next, take the three sticks of wood, and lay them flat on the ground to form a triangle. In the center of the triangle, place your index finger of each hand, tips side-by-side and held firmly against the earth, as if with both fingers you are pointing in unison at that one spot. Repeat the following incantation: Stars of heaven Holders of the ancient knowledge Watchers of our ascents and declines Silent yet strong Grant me this I ask Aid me in mine quest, yea, slake my thirst And fill mine mind With that I wish to know So, this I ask, as it may be So let this thing be so

Peppermint Distance Healing Spell

Peppermint Distance Healing Spell

 

  1. Place peppermint leaves on top of a photography of the patient.
  2. Charged a blue candle with your desire
  3. Carve and dress the candle as desired.
  4. burn it beside the photography.
  5. When the candle has burned down, dispose of the peppermint leaves
  6. Repeat as needed, with fresh leaves each time.

Home-made Air Fresheners

Home-made Air Fresheners

Natural air fresheners help to elevate our mood and can be used in place of incense in ritual. Use spring or distilled water as your liquid base. For all air fresheners, fill a  four-ounce spray bottle, then add essential oils. Tighten cap. Shake well. the longer the mixture ages, the stronger the scent becomes. For ritual use, age your freshener for at least seven days before using, shaking bottle every day. Store in a cool, dark place.

Banishing Spells

Banishing Spells

There’s often confusion over the difference between banishing spells and binding spells, however it’s crucial that you understand this difference.

  • Binding spells attach something or, more frequently, someone to you with great intensity, often permanently
  • Banishing spells remove something or, more frequently, someone from your presence, often permanently.

It’s an important distinction. Although magick spells are typically used to manifest something or someone, quite often the reverse is needed. Something or someone needs to be sent packing quickly.

Banishing spells are traditionally timed to coincide with the waning moon, in the hopes that just as the moon diminishes, so will the unwanted presence.

Also falling under the category of banishing spells are Avoidance Spells–those spells required when you wish to avoid contact, for instance with creditors or debt collectors. Banishing spells are used to prevent any unwelcome returns, too. However, you may wish to consider Protection Spells to reinforce or in some circumstances replace, banishing spells.

Personal Journal/Book Blessing

Personal Journal/Book Blessing

 

These words herein are mine alone

fashioned deep inside my bones

each picture, thought, and quote you see

are all reflections of what is me.

Beware the urge to take this book

or read it in some private nook

because its magick isn’t blind

and I will know you’ve touched what’s mine.

Meal Blessing

Meal Blessing

 

Hold your hands over the food and say each time below three times. This can be worked into a fun blessing for the whole family if chanted in a round.

The table round contains the Earth

and this becomes the Mother

We share her bounty in this hour

and bless and love each other.

So Mot It Be.

Gift Blessing

Gift Blessing

Hold the object in your hands. Take several deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Visualize the object glowing with white light. Connect your mind to Spirit and try to think of nothing else. Imagine the gift capturing the pur perfection of the universe. Then say:

Perfect love and perfect peace

the world will dance as one.

I dream the wish to make it real

the magick now is done.

Sear you work by drawing an equal-armed cross (+) in the air over the object. You can also empower birthday, get well, and sympathy cards in this same manner.

Bedtime Blessing

Bedtime Blessing

Close your eyes and breathe deeply three or four times until you feel relaxed and at peace. Imagine that your entire body is filled with brilliant, white light. If you like, hold your hand over your heart and say:

In the still of the night

while the world around me sleeps

may the angels smile upon me

and the Lady bring me peace.

Blessings upon (list those whom you would

like to remember in your prayers).

I know that You will care for them

and bring them what they need.

Instill in me great harmony

in thought and word and deed.

So Mote It Be.

Blessings

Blessings

 

Although today many of us don’t think about the power of words, sound or touch, those who have gone before us knew that all these things carried an energy of their own, and to give that positive energy to another was a gift more precious than gold. To bless is to remove any negative energy around a person, animal, place, or thing and instill them with positive energy. To bless another is to empower them. By sound, touch, and thought, we can help the sick, lighten the heart of the troubled, or open a pathway for a better life by removing negative blockages. The mere utterance of a blessing can change  the course of a person’s life. In our modern world, people often scoff at this idea, not believing that such power could be contained in anything so simple.  Many of us are independent individuals and to think that someone else (by mere word or physical proximity) could alter our pattern of living many seem unthinkable.

But they can.

In many cultures, past and present, it is customary to leave a blessing at an individual’s home when saying farewell. It was believe that a magickal person could make words turn into flesh, meaning by uttering worlds with one’s magickal voice you could create a physical manifestation. To have your house blessed  in such a way by a magickal/religious person ensured health and prosperity for the occupants for months to come. You too can give such a gift. Don’t be shy about it. If you believe you can do it, so shall it be. Sometimes the mere presence of magickal individuals can change the course of one’s fate. The more spiritual the person, the more pure the environment. I’ve also noticed that if  a magickal person is involved in a particular type of study, that study can affect those around him or her. One Witch who steadfastly worked on building her prosperity realized after a few months that every time she walked into a store, especially a deserted one, her energy attracted paying customers off the street. Another Witch who worked on protection experienced the same phenomenon. He could walk into any establishment and if there were negative people around, they would quickly disperse. What you work on in the magickal world will affect the world around you.

The mechanism of a blessing is very easy:

  • Think of a white light so powerful that it encompasses your mind, body and spirit
  • Move the white light into a mental pictures of the person, place, or think
  • In your mind, allow the white light to burst through the object (no, this won’t hurt anyone).
  • Intone words of blessing or touch the person, animal or thing
  • Seal the blessing with a hand motion of your choice while pronouncing aloud “It is done.”

BIRTHSTONES

BIRTHSTONES

There are twelve signs of the zodiac; Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

I am constantly being asked – during the course of  my workshops and seminars – to recommend an appropriate stone which corresponds to a particular birth sign.

In my experience the only accurate way in which to ascertain the correct birthstone  for any individual is for that person to visit a properly qualified astrologist and for a detailed chart to be constructed based on the person’s place of birth, date of birth and the exact time of birth.

Any other method is too vague and generalized; and most certainly cannot possibly be considered seriously!

A few years ago, to prove my theory, I carefully read as many books as I could lay  my hands on which contained information relating to the astrological use of gemstones.

From all the information available I then compiled my own comprehensive list, birthsign by birthsign, encompassing all the ‘recommended’ birthstones which each book suggested would be appropriate for each sign of the zodiac.

When my task was completed I discovered that every birth-sign had at least nine gemstones which, according to all the books, would be suitable for people being born under that particular sign of  the zodiac…..

However, using my own intuition, logic and a little common-sense, I managed to produce the following chart which I find useful as a guide (and a guide only!) when I am asked to recommend a particular gemstone for someone’s birth-sign:

Aries
– jasper, ruby

Taurus
– rose quartz, lapis lazuli, carnelian, sapphire

Gemini
– citrine, rock crystal, tigers eye, agate, rutile quartz.

Cancer
– olivine, emerald, moonstone

Leo
– quartz crystal, diamond, agate

Virgo
– carnelian, agate, jasper, sapphire

Libra
– emerald, aventurine, jade, sapphire

Scorpio
– garnet, bloodstone, ruby, jasper, beryl

Sagittarius
– topaz, jacinth, obsidian snowflake

Capricorn
– smoky quartz, ruby, onyx, jet

Aquarius
– turquoise, malachite, aquamarine, moonstone

Pisces
– amethyst, opal, moonstone

Whilst it is always acceptable to give a friend – or your loved one –  a birthstone  pendant or necklace, please remember that the stones that will work best for you – or your friends – are the ones whose ‘vibrational energies’ are most closely compatible with the person who is going to wear it!

HERBAL INVOCATION

HERBAL INVOCATION

“Earth, divine Goddess, Mother Nature who generates all things and brings forth anew the sun which you have given to the nations; Guardian of sky and sea and of all gods and powers….through your power all nature falls silent and then sinks in sleep. And again you bring back the light and chase away night and yet again you cover us most securely with your shades. You do contain chaos infinite, yea and winds and showers and storms; you send them out when you will and cause the
seas to roar; you chase away the sun and rouse the storm. Again when you will you send forth the joyous day and give the nourishment of life with your eternal surety; and when the soul departs to you we return. You are indeed duly called Great Mother of the Gods; you conquer by your divine name. You are the source of strength of nations and of gods, without you nothing can be brought to
perfection or be born; you are Great Queen of the Gods. Goddess! I adore thee as divine; I call upon your name; be pleased the grant that which I ask of you, so shall I give thanks to thee, Goddess, with due faith. Hear, I beseech you, and be favorable to my prayer. Whatsoever herb your power does produce, give, I pray, with goodwill to all nations to save them and grant me this my medicine.
Come to me with your powers, and howsoever I may use them, may they have good success to whosoever I may give them. Whatever you grant, may it prosper. To you all things return. Those who rightly receive these herbs from me, please make them whole. Goddess, I beseech you, I pray as a suppliant that by your majesty you grant this to me. Now I make intercession to you all your powers and herbs and to your majesty, you whom Earth parent of all has produced and given as a
medicine of health to all nations and has put majesty upon you, I pray you, the greatest help to the human race. This I pray and beseech from you, be present here with your virtues, for She who created you has Herself promised that I may gather you into the goodwill of him on whom the art of medicine was bestowed, and grant for health’s sake good medicine by grace of your powers. I pray grant me through your virtues that whatsoever is wrought by me through you may in all
it’s powers have good and speedy effect and good success and that I may always be permitted with the favor of your majesty to gather you into my hands and to glean your fruits. So shall I give thanks to you in the name of the majesty which ordained your birth.’

ELEMENTAL INVOCATIONS

ELEMENTAL INVOCATIONS

EAST Invocation

Facing East:
Guardians of the watchtower of the east, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come to us now on the cool breath of Autumn’s sigh which heralds the advent of Winter and the close of harvest time. Breathe into us the spirit of the pure joy of life.  So mote it be!

Responsorial:  So mote it be!

AIR Invocation

(Celebrant with the incense burner symbolizing the element of air):
“I am everywhere. I fill the fleshy pouches of your lungs, I stir all things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree. I cool you with my breezes and destroy you with my storms.  Without me you would die.  Am I not holy and worthy of praise? ”

EAST Banishment

Facing East:
“Guardians of the watchtower of the east, return now to the brisk Autumn breezes which are brimming with the excitement of the year’s climax.  Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!

Responsorial:  Hail and farewell!
SOUTH Invocation

Facing South:
Guardians of the watchtower of the south, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come forth from the cook fires and smokehouses where food is being made ready for the coming cold months.  Kindle within us the flame of spiritual awakening.  So mote it be!

Responsorial:  So Mote it Be!

FIRE Invocation

(Celebrant with the candle symbolizing the element of fire):
“I live in the guarded embers of campfires and the pilot lights of stoves, I spring from the lightning and the hands of men, I warm you and I destroy you. Without me you would die.  Am I not holy and worthy of praise? ”

SOUTH Banishing

Facing South:
“Guardians of the watchtower of the south, return now to the dying fires of Autumn’s heat soon to give way to Winter’s chill. Take with you our blessings and thanks. Hail and farewell!

Responsorial:  Hail and farewell
WEST Invocation

Facing West:
Guardians of the watchtower of the west, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite.  Come forth from the rainbow hued morning dew that covers the fields, and is soon to be frost. Asperge us with your diadems and water our deepest roots that we may find peace of mind.  So mote it be!

Responsorial:  So mote it be!

WATER Invocation

(Celebrant with the water vessel symbolizing the element of water):
“I rise from the moist crevices of the Earth, I beat on the shores of Her body, I fall from the skies in silver sheets. Without me you would die.  Am I not holy and worthy of praise? ”  (Celebrant asperges the circle with water)

WEST Banishing

Facing West:
“Guardians of the watchtower of the west, return now to the Autumn rains which cool the Earth’s fevered brow baked in the heat of Summer afternoons. Take with you our blessings and thanks.  Hail and farewell!

Responsorial:  Hail and farewell!

NORTH Invocation

Facing North:
“Guardians of the watchtower of the north, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite.  Come forth from the fertile bosom of our Blessed Mother Earth, and nourish us so that our hopes may grow to fruition.  So mote it be!

Responsorial:  So mote it be!

EARTH Invocation

(Celebrant with the salt vessel symbolizing the element of earth):
“I am your Mother.  From me come the fruit and grain and animals which feed you. I am your support, and my pull on your bodies keeps you held firmly to me. Without me you would die. Am I not holy and worthy of praise? ”

NORTH Banishing

Facing North:

“Guardians of the watchtowers of the north, return now to the Earth where worms burrow deeper and seeds nestle awaiting the long sleep of Winter.  Take with you our blessings and thanks.  Hail and farewell!

Responsorial:  Hail and farewell!