Month: April 2014

Your Daily Tarot Card for Wednesday, April 30th is The Moon

Your Daily Tarot Card for Today

The Moon

The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true.

Happy Birthday, Taurus!

Happy Birthday, Taurus!

Raising a glass to the zodiac’s pleasure-loving Bull

Maria DeSimoneMaria DeSimone on the topics of taurus, birthdays, astrology

Taurus, when it’s your birthday it’s time to pull out all the stops. We’re not talking fanfare or loud parties here — that’s not really your style. You do, however, relish the kind of celebration that indulges all of your senses in the most intoxicating way. Your sign, more than any other, has an almost sacred connection to the earth and this physical world we live in. As a result, anything that involves an opportunity to maximize your capacity to taste, touch, smell, see or hear will result in instant bliss.

Aged to perfection

With each passing year you get even better — like a fine wine. What makes you happiest is knowing that you continue to build your own personal legacy and empire as you utilize your special talents in a grounded, enduring way. Since you’re also the money sign of the zodiac, you have a gift for creating lasting wealth. You’ll work steadily to reach any goal, and if there’s one person who’s known for loyalty and perseverance, it’s you. Nothing will stop you once you’ve made a decision or started a project.

Ironically, your greatest strength may also be your weakness. Tenacity can help you achieve unlimited goals, but if you become too locked in your stubborn ways, you might miss out on important opportunities to grow. Remember, when life demands change, the more you dig in your heels, the more you sabotage your soul. Don’t get stuck in a rut! Why not shake things up a bit and try a new place? Believe it or not, you CAN get a gourmet steak dinner and rich chocolate birthday cake at more than one place. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised!

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Thursday, May 1st

Although we can quickly adapt to new situations today, we’re not very patient when waiting for someone else. The inquisitive Gemini Moon stimulates our curiosity and encourages us to seek answers to our most pressing questions. However, we’re annoyed as impulsive Mars is fired up by the radiant Sun, prompting us to express our anger without considering the consequences. We can inadvertently instigate trouble with a quick wit and a sharp tongue.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Bouncing from one thought to the next is fun today, but it’s tough to complete anything that you start. Every idea that pops into your mind warrants serious attention until the next one pulls you in a different direction. Although you may not be able to eliminate the distractions now, you can modify your responses. Thankfully, if you stay aware of your tendency to wander, you could turn the day into a productive one as long as you keep bringing yourself back to your center.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone expects you to do something that just doesn’t make sense to you now, and it’s challenging to respond favorably to their requests. You often have deep energy reserves to draw upon when you have your mind set on a specific goal. But you tire easily today, especially if you secretly believe you’re wasting time. Don’t hide your true feelings; bringing your uncertainty out into the open is awkward at first, but makes everyone feel better in the long run.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your dual nature is quickly apparent today as your enthusiasm fluctuates throughout the day. Although you might be comfortable with your ongoing mood swings now, others could have a harder time understanding why you are hot one moment and cold the next. Address their concerns preemptively by simply letting them know that you’re still considering your options. Your honesty may be all that is necessary to clear the air.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Following a strict schedule might be the best way to keep yourself on track now; however, it could also have the exact opposite effect. If one appointment runs late, a cascading effect may cause the rest of your day to tumble out of control. Ironically, exerting too much pressure is an invitation for disaster today. A little less worry and a lot more flexibility helps to spin everything in a more positive direction.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your friends may be a welcome source of enthusiastic encouragement at first and then offer stone cold resistance just a few minutes later, forcing you to decide which extreme reaction to accept. But you might be experiencing your own dilemma, as you vacillate between impulsive and cautious feelings. When you acknowledge these forces as merely two facets of your complex personality, you will be more open to seeing how contrary aspects can peacefully coexist in yourself and others.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

A personal relationship could be stressed today, leading you to accomplish less than you wish while adding another serving of anxiety onto your plate. Although you may be required to respond to the feelings of others, they don’t need to become the center of your day. Let everyone else manage their own reactions for now. Do whatever intuitively feels right for you and then move on. You can care for those you love without taking responsibility for their emotions.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Hanging in the balance is a classic Libra response to stress, and that’s exactly what’s going on for you now as you struggle to make up your mind about your goals. You may wonder if you should sign up for a new course of study or take a long overdue trip. Paradoxically, what you choose today may prove to be less significant than simply initiating some sort of action at this time. Although you must work within your current limitations, your life is on the launch pad and ready to blast off.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Getting an early start on your routine chores is almost always a wise move, yet single-mindedly focusing on your work today is not as smart as it sounds. A very narrow band of concentration could distract you from a chance to share an amazing experience with a loved one. Practicing flexibility creates the space for something wonderful to happen. Keep your heart open: magic is everywhere you look.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You can learn something valuable from a friend or partner today. But you may have a difficult time listening to what people want now, because their needs can thwart your desire to create your own future. Don’t let your frustration stand in the way of your success. Slowing down to accommodate others also has a positive impact on your work. Instead of rushing ahead, it makes more sense to fine-tune your current plan before moving on.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Avoid falling into the trap of allowing today’s whimsical Gemini Moon to drag your feelings all over the place. It’s crucial to be highly selective about your social causes now because getting involved with too many groups — even if they include amazing people — might drain your energy. Demonstrate the sincerity of your commitment by picking one issue and sticking with it until you create the impact you want. Don’t underestimate how much positive change one person can make.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your inner child is eager to play today, encouraging you to set serious responsibilities aside for a while. This lighthearted attitude enables you to enjoy yourself, but it may not be such a wonderful thing if you are up to your neck in work. Nevertheless, you are driven to seek spontaneous avenues of expression no matter how much your current commitments constrain you. Ultimately, a new approach to fulfilling your obligations can replace old counterproductive habits. A change of pace will do you good.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It feels as if you can’t escape today as your head and heart are tugged in opposite directions by the clever Gemini Moon that reminds you to logically think your way through any problem. However, you Fish like to rely on your gut feelings to navigate your route to success because you know that facts can sometimes hide the truth. Keep in mind that your answer won’t be found in the rational or the emotional side of the debate now. Instead, just jump directly into the fray without any extra thought and let intuition be your guide.

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, April 30th

Looking back at the previous month brings anticipation for the weeks ahead. The practical Taurus New Moon at 2:14 am EDT is a Solar Eclipse that reveals how our need for security stands in the way of our next phase of growth. Although Taurus likes stability, we can’t cling to the status quo. Fortunately, communicator Mercury’s smooth trine to evolutionary Pluto enables us to discuss our deepest concerns and eliminate self-destructive patterns.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You must become more practical now by leaving the preparatory phase of a project and entering into the building phase. The Taurus New Moon Eclipse rattles your 2nd House of Self-Worth, forcing you to focus on producing tangible results and letting go of your unrealistic ideas. But you don’t have to perform miracles overnight. Even a little bit of progress today gets you heading in the right direction and gives you a foundation on which to create enduring success.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You are at the edge of a magical initiation that can lead you in an entirely new direction. Today’s Solar Eclipse falls in your sign, shocking you with a fresh array of feelings and requiring you to react with integrity. However, you must proceed cautiously because your mind is running ahead of your actions now. Thankfully, as long as you don’t get caught up in your own whirlwind of thoughts, you should be able to turn your best ideas into reality

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Something isn’t as it seems today, since the Taurus New Moon Eclipse emphasizes your 12th House of Secrets. Significant pieces of the puzzle may still be missing from your big picture, making your perspective incomplete until you unearth the additional data. Take everything that happens without an apparent reason as a clue now. Following the mysteries without knowing where you’re going can lead you on a circuitous route into uncertainty. Have faith; there are treasures lurking in the shadows if you have the courage to look.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Although others can help you stay on task, don’t just blindly follow all the advice that is offered to you today. Luckily, your friends may be the source of valuable guidance now that the pragmatic Taurus Solar Eclipse shadows your 11th House of Social Networks. You are at a fork in the road; once you pass this point you won’t be able to circle back and make a second choice. Give yourself plenty of time to consider the consequences of your current decision before you commit to any one direction.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You might feel as if someone is rapidly flipping the switch of the spotlight that’s shining on your career today. The strobe effect is shocking and the Taurus Solar Eclipse in your 10th House of Public Status casts a whole new perspective on your professional path. Luckily, you can make choices that positively alter your long-term goals if you are thinking ahead of the curve. But don’t spend too much time lost in thought. Planning time is over; get busy and manifest your dreams.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Applying the energy of today’s Taurus New Moon Eclipse empowers you to make pragmatic plans for your future. However, its emphasis on your 9th House of Adventure also suggests you could be planning a weekend getaway. Or, perhaps you are dreaming about turning your life upside-down by moving to a foreign country or embarking on a spiritual journey. Nearly anything is possible now if you remember to proceed slowly through the changes with careful deliberation. If it’s worth doing, it’s also worth taking the time to do it right.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Exploring ways to experience new pleasures takes center stage now that the earthy Taurus New Moon Eclipse highlights your 8th House of Intimacy. Nevertheless, attending to your priorities while also leaving time to indulge in sensual delights such as delicious food, soulful music or relaxing massage is tricky. You don’t have the luxury of simply idling the day away; you must also be proactive to get the most out of this moment. Carefully consider what you want on your path of life, for whatever choices you make today could have a powerful impact on your future.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Relationship stability is a double-edged sword now. You like the emotional security, but too much safety can make you complacent. One way to raise the stakes is to create a ritual with a close friend or partner since the powerful Taurus Solar Eclipse sets the stage for metaphysical magic in your 7th House of Companions. Try something as simple as lighting candles and giving voice to your intentions for the month ahead. Whatever you choose to do today, just be sure that everything is done with conscious purpose.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This is a great time to handle any health concerns now that the physical Taurus New Moon lands in your 6th House of Self-Improvement. Make an appointment if you are due for your yearly exam or are overdue for a dental checkup. Set aside a bit of time now to reevaluate your diet and exercise program. Examine how you can improve you wellbeing by making small changes in your daily regimen that stand up to the tests of time. Living a life of adventure demands that you take excellent care of your body.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If you recently had trouble finding time to relax, play or pursue a romance, a change of schedule marks the beginning of a new phase. It’s not likely that something magical will just happen to you now; you must be the one who initiates the action. Fortunately, the Taurus Solar Eclipse rocks your 5th House of Self-Expression, encouraging your spontaneity these days, whether it’s about indulging your inner-child, exploring your creativity or shining your love light. Relentlessly chase your dreams if you want them to become real.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You must face very basic issues today, such as what price you’re willing to pay for the emotional security you receive from your home and family. This is a time of profound soul-searching; however, it’s not constructive to just wander around in the memories of your childhood, lost in the recesses of your subconscious mind. Oddly enough, revisiting your past can help you decide what you want in your future now that the Taurus New Moon Eclipse activates your 4th House of Roots. Breaking unconscious patterns makes your relationships healthier in the long run.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The pace of your daily rhythm is speeding up again, even if your life is already busy. But even with the additional distractions, you can still make your ideas very clear to others in a way that they quickly understand. The Taurus New Moon Eclipse stimulates your noisy 3rd House of Communication, initiating a highly active and interactive month ahead. There’s no time to nostalgically reminisce about the way things were. Jump into the data stream, share what’s on your mind and don’t miss any opportunities that come your way.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, April 30th

It may be a little too soon to shout from the rooftops that the recent stellar conflicts are at an end, but some of today’s fortuitous alignments are pointing in that general direction. The early hours appear promising across the board — courtesy of a high-minded, 72-degree liaison between Mercury and Jupiter (1:20AM) while the Moon in Pisces in a 60-degree, supportive tie with the Sun in Taurus (7:15AM) provides a good-sized dose of physical and emotional revitalization. Remember that it was Mercury (on April 14) and Jupiter (on April 20) that each made several adversarial aspects — magnifying the potential discord of those time-periods. Now they act as though it never happened by reaching across the zodiac in a thought-provoking 72-degree contact. Enjoy explorations in the fine and graphic arts, music and dance improvisations as the Moon unites with Neptune (11:50AM) and parallels Venus (3:02PM). The latter sky pattern can rev your romantic engines. However, focus attention on safety and security measures while Venus forms an off-kilter, 150-degree link with Vesta (12:04PM) and keep your emotional cool when the Moon parallels Mars (8:40PM). Maintain a steady hand if you need to deal with evening business matters since Venus trines Saturn in water signs (10:16PM). Insights inundate your consciousness as Thursday night morphs into Friday morning as the Moon makes a flowing trine to Jupiter (11:55PM). [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.]

Current Moon Phase for April 30th – New Moon

New Moon

(waxing/10% of Full)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Watch Your Words

Watch Your Words

Witches say that words have power, but what does that mean to our everyday lives? Since words are a way of putting our intentions out into the universe (which is why we speak our spells aloud), it is important to be sure your words are sending the message you want. Spent a day truly listening to yourself. Are you critical of yourself or others? Is your attitude positive or negative? Are your words kind or hurtful? If you’re not happy with what you hear, make an effort to watch what you say in the days that lie ahead. Because words really do have power, but you have power over your words.

–Deborah Blake

The Witches Magick for April 30th – A BELTANE RITUAL

A BELTANE RITUAL

The main themes of this sabbath are the fire festival of Bel and its associated fertility rites. The Goddess takes on her role of Mother, the God descends to rule beside his Queen and so the celebration of this union of fertility takes place through the Great Rite.

By far the most obvious way of celebrating Beltane in a traditional way is to perform the Great Rite. For this you will need a Chalice of wine and an Athame. As in preceding rituals, you will need to find a time and a place where you will be undisturbed.

Ask for the support of the elements and then visualise the Goddess in her robes of Mother, warm and caring, strong and full of grace, and ask her to be present at your rite. Visualise the God as a young man full of strength and energy and ask him also to be with you.

Take your Chalice and hold it in both hands in front of you at eye level. Focus on the image of the Goddess and say, ‘Behold the Chalice, symbol of the Goddess, the Great Mother who brings fruitfulness and knowledge to all’.

Put the Chalice down and take your Athame. Hold this in both hands in front of you, blade pointing upwards, also at eye level, and, focusing on the image of the God, say, ‘Behold the Athame, symbol of the God, the All Father who brings energy and strength to all’.

Then change the position of your Athame so that you are holding it blade downwards in your right, or strong, hand, take the Chalice in the other hand and, lowering the blade into the wine, say, ‘Joined in union together, they bring life to all’.

Kiss the handle of your Athame, say, ‘Blessed Be’, and then put it down.

Next take a sip of your wine whilst meditating on the roles of the Goddess and the God at this time of year.

After you have finished, remember to thank the elements and the Goddess and the God. Any remaining wine can be drunk as part of your feasting or, if you prefer, you may take it outside and pour it on the ground as a libation.

Beltane Ritual Potpourri Recipe

Beltane Ritual Potpourri Recipe

45 drops frankincense oil
1 cup oak moss
1 cup dried bluebells
1 cup dried lilac
1 cup dried marigold
1 cup dried meadowsweet
1 cup dried rosebuds and petals
1 cup dried yellow cowslips

Mix the frankincense oil with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

Let’s Talk Witch – Celebrating Beltane

Let’s Talk Witch – Celebrating Beltane

April 30 (Mayday is celebrated on the first of May) Northern Hemisphere / October 31 (Mayday is celebrated on the first day of November) Southern Hemisphere.

Beltane is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on May 1st, but can be on the night of April 30th, depending on your tradition. Beltane is the time of the sacred marriage which honors the fertility of the Earth; it represents the divine union of the Lord and Lady.

This sabbath is primarily a fertility festival with Nature enchantments and offerings to wildlings and Elementals. The powers of elves and fairies are growing and will reach their height at Summer Solstice. A time of great Magic, it is good for all divinations and for establishing a woodland or garden shrine. The house guardians should be honored at this time.

Beltane is the second most important sabbath in the Witches’ calendar after Samhain. Again, it is an intercalary day when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thin. But whereas Samhain is a time for greeting and celebrating those who have gone before, Beltane is a time when more mischievous spirits may take advantage. For this reason the results of divinations performed at Beltane should always be approached cautiously, for the Gods also enjoy a sense of humour! Similarly, be very careful of working Magic at this time, for the phrase ‘Be careful what you wish for’ is even more appropriate around Beltane. Many a Witch has found a wish being granted very literally and has received what they asked for as opposed to what they wanted.

This is the festival of the fire God Bel. Bel has been worshipped under many names in all parts of the world for thousands of years; Bel, Beli, Balar, Balor, Belenus, Baal, and Belial. Traditionally, Beltane would be the night on which the old hearth fires were extinguished and the new were kindled from the Bel fire. These fires were placed on the top of hills and produced a chain of beacons which ran across the land. Cattle would be driven between the fires and people would leap over them to ensure fertility for the coming season. In Britain, the tradition of hilltop fires has seen something of a revival lately, although not necessarily associated with Beltane. Fire beacons were lit at the passing of Princess Diana and to mark the Millennium celebrations


Magickal Activity 2 for April 30th – Maypole Center Piece

Magickal Activity 2 for April 30th – Maypole Center Piece

Items needed:

A 12 inch tall wooden dowel approximately 1 ½ inches diameter

One 4 inch diameter disk

One 2 inch diameter disk

One small jar of Petal Porcelain fabric stiffener

Seven different colored 13 inch strips of ribbon

Green paint

Wood glue

Silk Flowers

The 4 inch disk will serve as the base of your maypole. Pound a small nail through it to affix the dowel to the base. Use a small amount wood glue to secure. Glue the smaller disk to the top. When the glue has dried, paint the entire thing green. Glue the end of each ribbon to the top of the smaller disk, spacing them evenly. Glue the silk flowers to the top of the maypole. Use the Petal Porcelain to stiffen the ribbons so they will stand out and hold their shape.

Magical Activity 1 for April 30th – Flower Wreath

Magical Activity 1 for April 30th – Flower Wreath

Items needs:

Floral wire and tape

Fresh daisies

Carnations

Seven different colored ribbons

6 to 8 inches in length

Begin by making a circle out of the wire that will sit atop your head. Twist the ends together and cover with a bit of tape. Lay the first flower on the wire and secure with floral tape. Place the second flower next to the first and secure with the tape. Continue this process until the wire frame is almost completely covered. Leave a ½ inch space between the first and last flowers to tie the ribbons from. Tie each ribbon individuality so that it hangs from the back of the crown.

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Beltane/Walpurgis Night

Beltane Comments & Graphics

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Beltane/Walpurgis Night

 

Beltane is celebrated on April 30th (May Eve) and is primarily a fire and fertility festival. Beltane, meaning “Bel-Fire,” is derived from the Celtic God Bel, also known as Beli or Balor, which simply means “Lord.” Some seem to think that Bel was comparable to the Celtic Gaul God, Cernunnos. This is possible, as most male Gods relate to the sun and fire aspects.

Beltane was the time of the May Queen, when a young woman was chosen from her village to represent the Earth Goddess and reflect the transformation of maiden to mother. In addition, this was the time of kindling of the Need Fire, When all fires in the village were extinguished and then ritually relit the following day.

Fertility played an important role in Beltane, as it did with all Spring Celebrations. The principle symbol of this Sabbat was the May Pole, also known as the axis mundi, around which the universe revolved. The pole personified the thrusting masculine force, and the disk at the top depicted the receptive female. There were seven colored ribbons tied to the pole representing the seven colors of the rainbow.

Walpurgis, named after Walburga, an Englishwoman who became the abbess of an eighth-century monastery that housed both men and women. It is believed that before she took up the habit, she was a germanic moon Goddess, possibly Walpurga—hence her association with May Eve and Witches.

 

Home & Hearth Magick for Wednesday, April 30th

Beltane Comments & Graphics
Home & Hearth Magick for Wednesday, April 30th

Cast for communication matters and to improve good luck

Planetary Influence: Mercury

Household Symbols: Phones, television, computers, letters, silver coins

Colors: Orange or purple

Kitchen Spices: Dill and celery seed

Source:

Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Author: Ellen Dugan

The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, April 30th

Beltane Comments & Graphics

The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, April 30th

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, April 30th

Beltane Comments & Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, April 30th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

Walpurgis Night – May Eve

 

Waxing Moon

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

Moon Sign: Taurus

Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon enters Gemini 4:56 pm

Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.

Incense: Lavender

Color: White

May The Goddess Bless You & Yours On This Glorious Beltane Day!

Beltane Comments & Graphics
A May Day Carol

Awake, awake, my pretty prithy maid,
Come out of your drowsy dream,
And step into your dairy hold,
And fetch me a bowl of cream
If not a bowl of cream, my dear,
A cup of meade to cheer,
For the Lord and Lady know we shall meet again,
To go Maying another year.
A branch of May I brought you here,
While at your keep I stand,
‘Tis but a sprout all budded out,
By the power of our Lady’s hand.
My song is done and I must be gone,
No longer may I stay,
Gods bless you all, the great and small,
And send you a joyous May.

 

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for April 29th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Leisure – what is it? It is that beautiful something that escapes us most of the time. Leisure, like most everything else, can be found if we truly want it. We seem to have the ability to do most of what we set our minds to do, and the less important things can be set aside for this particular thing.

We get pretty stale when we never take time to relax. A few hours of getting away from even a beloved madhouse will make a new human being out of a bundle of nerves.

Pursuit of leisure is to lose it. We can’t suddenly say that the next five minutes will be for complete relaxation. It takes that long to begin to unwind. Gaiety and rhythm and frivolity are shunned by most minds. But if there are none of these, even in the smallest amounts, then leisure is more of a restless shuffling – like a night out with no place to go.

We need to exercise our minds a little to achieve any goal, and leisure is definitely a goal!

_____________________________________

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 29

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 29

“The old people came literally to love the soil and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power…The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing and healing…”

–Luther Standing Bear, OGLALA SIOUX

Have you ever noticed the relationship between children and the soil? Watch how happily they are touching the dirt. The children play in it and eat it. If you are stressed, go to a spot on the Earth, sit down, put your fingers in the dirt, dig in it. Wash your hands in the soil. When you touch it, notice what it does to your hands. Our bodies love to touch the Earth. Sometimes we get too busy and forget these simple things. Maybe you’ll even want to plant a garden or flowers. These things are mentally healthy.

Great Spirit, today, let me touch the Earth so the Earth can touch me.