Day: February 14, 2017
Basil & Cinnamon Love Talisman
Basil & Cinnamon Love Talisman
Should be done on a Friday during a waxing moon
Needed:
Large, flat plate
Small picture of yourself
Ground cinnamon
Dried basil
Ceramic or glass bowl
Pink household or taper candle
Small piece of pink cotton cloth
Pink yarn or cord
Hold the candle between your hands & envision yourself as a loving, giving person. Fill yourself with feelings of love & sensuality. Infuse those feelings into the candle and then place it in its holder. Light the candle.
Place the plate before the candle. Put the small picture of yourself in the middle of the plate. Pour a small circle of ground cinnamon on the plate around the picture & say:
“Love surrounds me.”
Pour a larger circle of basil around the ring of cinnamon, saying once again:
“Love surrounds me.”
Now pour a third, larger circle of cinnamon around the basil and say once again:
“Love surrounds me.”
Hold your hands, palms down, over the three herb circles and your picture for a few moments. Sense the energies that are rising from the herbs. Raise energy. Visualize again what you want the talisman to accomplish. Carefully pour the herbs and the picture into the bowl. Place your hands into the bowl and mix the herbs with your fingers, infusing them with your personal energy as you do so and saying these words or something similar:
” Spice and herb, Plant and tree:
send someone to love only thee.
Love we shall share, Equally
As is my will & desire, So mote it be!”
Pour the spices and the picture into the center of the pink cloth. Gather up ends and tie them shut with the pink yarn. Place the love talisman beside the candle. Let sit there for at least 15 minutes or so as you concentrate on what you want it to accomplish for you then pinch out the candles flame. Burn the candle for at least 7 minutes at approximately the same time each day and carry the talisman with you to attract appropriate love. It is best to make another talisman or recharge this one about every 6 months or so.
Attraction Poppet or Figure
Attraction Poppet or Figure
Needed:
A rock
Red candle
Lighter
Bed sheet
Barbie or Ken-like doll or pink poppet
A cup
Rubber band
Target’s picture
A pink cloth
Shoe box
Black magick marker
Find a quiet place where you can turn out all the lights and be undisturbed. Get a bed sheet and make a circle out of it by tying the ends together. Take some salt and trace a triangle with the apex to the circle on a flat surface, like card board over carpet. Place a rock at the base of the triangle and place a candle at the apex. Light it and step into the circle. Sit down in it. Take the figure/poppet and fasten his picture to it with a rubber band or place inside the poppet. Hold the figure/poppet.
Trace a unicursal hexagram clockwise beginning in the upper left corner with the cup. Visualize lines, the color pink. Then say this:
“Jupiter, I summon they to aid me in this rite, to empower me with what I need.”
Take the pink cloth and sign your name. Then sign: “Jupiter”. (If you know Automatic Handwriting, have the spirit sign the cloth.) Then take the cloth and wrap the action figure or poppet in it and place it all in the shoe box. Thank the spirit from Jupiter and license it to depart by tracing the hexagram counterclockwise at the same upper left point and say:
“So be it.”
Put the shoebox in a safe place where it will not be disturbed.
Attract the Perfect Lover Spell
Attract the Perfect Lover Spell
Timing: Perform on a Friday during the waxing moon.
Supplies:
6 rose petals
1 teaspoon of lavender
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
a rose quartz
6-inch square of pink cloth
green ribbon (floss or yarn will do)
an inch of red ribbon
needle and thread
a penny
Place the petals, rose quartz, lavender, cinnamon, red ribbon, and penny in the center of the cloth square. Gather the edges of the fabric together and hold the pouch close to your heart. Then say:
“Venus, Queen of love, divine
Bring the love to me that’s mine.
Perfect, he (she) and perfect, me
Together we are meant to be.
Venus, Queen of love, so warm
Bring my love to me, without harm.
Let nothing keep us now apart,
Bring perfect love to fill my heart.”
Still holding the pouch against your heart, fill it with loving energy. Secure the pouch with the green ribbon to seal the spell. Carry it on your person and sleep with it under your pillow. When the lover comes to you, bury the pouch under a tree.
A Seduction Spell
A Seduction Spell
Needed:
A red candle
Piece of red or pink paper
Red Ink pen or Doves Blood Ink
Light the Red candle. On the paper write your full name. Under your name write the person’s name you are attracted to, their birthday then your own. Draw a heart around the information then write the names and birthdays again directly on top of the heart. Do this 3 times. Don’t worry if it looks like scribble. Fold the paper small and burn it in the flame of the candle. As it burns say…
“Light the flame bright, the fire Red is the color of desire. ”
Repeat 3 times. This must be done each night for 9 consecutive nights.
Valentine’s Day is For the Birds
Valentine’s Day is For the Birds
…And Other Curiosities
You might know Geoffrey Chaucer from Canterbury Tales, but he’s also the first to name-drop St. Valentine, and link the name to love and mating.
Chaucer wrote a dream vision poem, Parliament of Fowls (circa 1381-1382) that’s a perfect match for this love-drunk modern phenomenon of Valentine’s Day.
It’s about the very romantic notion that birds in the wild find their mates this time of year. It’s the day when birds propose, and commit to making a nest together.
As an English major, I took a Medieval Lit class and labored over Chaucer’s Middle English. Here in this modern translation, like jumping to the Cliff Notes, you read the narrative of Nature herself:
You know that on Saint Valentine’s day,
By my statute and through my governance,
You come to choose – and then fly your way –
Your mates, as I your desires enhance.
Season of Longing
With the festival of Imbolc, that begins the month, we are at the mid-point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
We are weary of winter, and eagerly looking for signs of Spring. A color for Imbolc is red, as it is with Valentine’s Day, the color of vitality, the heart’s blood and erotic passion.
Here’s more from a modern translation of Parliament of Fowls, which is set on a hill, near the Temple of Venus.
Saint Valentine, who art full high aloft –
Thus sing the small fowls for your sake –
Now welcome summer, with your sun soft,
That this winter’s weather does off-shake.
Isn’t it natural to look with a hopeful heart for signs of the coming warmth this time of year? And with it, comes the Springtime passion for life, the surge of vitality, that lies ahead?
More Valentine’s Day Curiosities
Who sent the first Valentine? Legend gives that honor to Charles, Duke of Orleans, who sent it while imprisoned in the Tower of London, in 1415. He wrote romantic verses for his wife, that can now be viewed in the British Museum.
Where did the XXX for kisses come from? You know how in olden times, when people who couldn’t write their name, made an X? To show they meant it, people would seal it with a kiss, with witnesses present. (This comes from the Farmer’s Almanac.)
The over-the-top holiday has lead to a backlash of humor. Here’s one, as seen on an e-card. “Today is Single’s Awareness Day, but Chin Up, Tomorrow is Half-Price Candy Day!”
The flower of the goddess of love Aphrodite (Greece) and Venus (Roman) in myth is the red rose. And, in keeping with the known legends of Saint Valentine, it’s also the flower of martyrs.
In Finland and Estonia, February 14th is “Friend’s Day,” a celebration of friendship.
In Wales, men carve love-spoons out of wood, with symbolic features like a key (to the heard), wheels (of his labor) and beads (for the children he’d like to have). In Ireland, a traditional gift is a bag of flour (which I received once from an Irishman).
Saints and Pagans
The origins of Valentine’s Day is super speculative, and might not even be related, though it’s unclear why Chaucer used that name in a poem. It’s quite possible that it’s only revisionist eyes that reached back into ancient Rome and the legends of the actual Saint (or Saints) named Valentine.
And from the pagan angle, there’s the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility and purification rite, and February itself is a month for purification. It seems a seasonal echo across cultures, since the Northern European festival of Imbolc (early February) is also one of purification, fertility and the very first signs of Spring.
By Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Originally published and owned by About.com
Magickal Activity for February 14, Valentine’s Day
Magickal Activity for February 14, Valentine’s Day
A Love Box
Items You Will Need:
A small heart-shaped box painted pink
Love Drawing Oil
One pink votive candle
A Small square of parchment paper
A lock of your own hair
Red ribbon
One rose quartz
Begin by drawing a heart in the center of the parchment paper. Inside the heart inscribe your name and the name of the one you desire or love. Wrap the parchment paper around the lock of your hair and secure it with the red ribbon. Place the parchment, along with the rose quartz, inside the box and close the lid.
Using a pin or sharp object inscribe your name and the name of the one you desire (or love) into the pink candle. Pick up the candle and anoint it with the love-drawing oil as you chant:
“May the God of love hear my plea,
And bring everlasting love to me.”
Set the candle on top of the box and light it. Gaze into the flame of the candle and visualize the one you love loving you in return. Chant the following seven times:
“Hail to thee, great God of Love,
Shine down on me from far above.
Bring the one I desire to me,
That we shall ever love. So Mote It Be.”
Just before the candle burns out drip some of the wax around the lid of the box to seal it shut. On Valentine’s Day, present the box to the one you desire as a token of your love and friendship.
Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days a Year for February 14th – St. Valentine’s Day
February 14th
St. Valentine’s Day
St. Valentine’s Day is a festival of love that amalgamates the Pagan traditions of Rome and northern Europe. Valentine’s Day has it origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia (15 February) honoring Juno and Pan. During this time, unwed women obtained lovers by a form of lottery.
One myth recounts how a bishop named Valentine had conducted weddings for Roman soldiers against an order of Claudius II forbidding them to marry. When he was condemned to death, he cured the judge’s daughter of blindness and then sent her a letter signed, ‘your Valentine.”
Ethics of Love Magic – Is it OK to Perform
Ethics of Love Magic – Is it OK to Perform
Love spells. They’re one of the things that often draws new folks to Wicca and Pagan religions. However, there’s a lot of question within the Pagan community about the ethics of on someone else. After all, if you’re performing magic on someone without their knowledge, aren’t you messing with their free will?
Most Wiccans will tell you that the best way to approach love magic is to avoid focusing on a specific individual as a target. Instead, use your energy and skills to focus on yourself — to draw love your way, or to help you present yourself as a person worthy of love. You could use your magical abilities to feel more confident and attractive, much like a magical makeover. In other words, fix yourself, not someone else.
Bear in mind that many Pagan traditions have no restrictions on the use of magic to change someone else. If you’re part of such a tradition, the use of love magic may well be within the boundaries of . In some traditions of folk magic, love magic is perfectly acceptable. It’s something that’s done as a matter of course, and is no more unethical than wearing a sexy perfume or a cute push-up bra. Magic is viewed as a tool, and can be used in tandem with the mundane to bring you what you want — after all, if you didn’t want to change things, you wouldn’t be doing magic in the first place, right?
Before casting any sort of working that affects another person, though, be sure to think about consequences. How will your actions affect not only you, but other people? Will it ultimately cause harm? Will it cause someone to be hurt, either directly or indirectly? These are all things that should be evaluated before performing any working at all, whether it’s a love spell or some other type of magic. If your tradition or belief system prohibits you from performing magic on someone without their consent or knowledge, then you’d be better of skipping the love magic, and focusing instead on self-improvement and self-empowerment.
Rather than aiming a love spell at someone and expecting them to become your devoted servant and doormat, consider looking at love spells as a method of (a) getting someone to notice you AND (b) getting the person to, once they’ve noticed you, find all the things about you that they like. If you maintain this perspective, you should be able to work love magic and still keep within your ethical boundaries.
By Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Originally published and owned by About.com
A Little Thought from Me to You…..
Astronomy Picture of the Day – The Rosette Nebula
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2017 February 14
The Rosette Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Evangelos Souglakos
Explanation: Would the Rosette Nebula by any other name look as sweet? The bland New General Catalog designation of NGC 2237 doesn’t appear to diminish the appearance of this flowery emission nebula. Inside the nebula lies an open cluster of bright young stars designated NGC 2244. These stars formed about four million years ago from the nebular material and their stellar winds are clearing a hole in the nebula’s center, insulated by a layer of dust and hot gas. Ultraviolet light from the hot cluster stars causes the surrounding nebula to glow. The Rosette Nebula spans about 100 light-years across, lies about 5000 light-years away, and can be seen with a small telescope towards the constellation of the Unicorn (Monoceros).
Earth Sky News for February 14th: See moon and Jupiter
Out late tonight? See moon and Jupiter
Tonight – February 14, 2017 – you can watch the moon, Jupiter and the star Spica in the constellation Virgo the Maiden climbing above the eastern horizon by about 10 to 11 p.m. local time. If you’re out late with your sweetheart on this Valentine’s Day 2017, it might be fun to point out this very bright planet. On the other hand, if you’re not a night owl, you might want to wake up before sunrise (February 15) instead, to view the moon, Jupiter and Spica in the predawn sky.
Either way, that brilliant starlike object near the waning gibbous moon will be the dazzling planet Jupiter, and that star by Jupiter will be the constellation Virgo’s brightest, Spica.
Click here for recommended almanacs; they can help you find the exact rising times for the moon, Jupiter and Spica into your sky.
After the threesome – the moon, Jupiter and Spica – come up above the horizon tonight, they’ll continue to climb upward until soaring highest up for the night at roughly 4 a.m. local time, as seen from around the world. Afterwards, the celestial trio will begin to sink downward, though well placed for viewing in before dawn’s light washes the sky.
Jupiter and Spica rise about four minutes earlier daily and one-half hour earlier weekly.
So in another month or so, you can look forward to seeing Jupiter and Spica in the evening sky well before your bedtime. Jupiter’s opposition – when Earth will pass between this outer planet and the sun, marking the middle of the best time of year to see it – will come on April 7, 2017.
Bottom line: Tonight – February 14, 2017 – you can watch the moon, Jupiter and Spica climbing above the eastern horizon at late evening or in the predawn sky on February 15.
Published on EarthSky
The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha
The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground.
What the heck, Let’s Consult the Psychic Eight Ball
Consult the Psychic Eight Ball Oracle
Query:
Will we have a romantic evening?
WOW! Hot time in the old town tonight, lol!
Tossing the Tiles Again, Your Daily Domino Reading for the Week of February 13
Your Weekly Domino Reading
That Which is Behind You
Four/Four
Trust your own feelings, thoughts and drives over those of the people around you. Only you are capable of deciding the proper path for you.
Your Current Place
One/Six
Now is a time for you to “sew up lose ends”. It will benefit you to finish any projects you have avoided completing, so you can move on to new and more fulfilling ventures.
That Which is before You
Blank/Three
The opportunity to strengthen your spiritual self is before you. These moments are very rare in one’s life, so it would behoove you to take advantage of this one.
Tossing the Tiles, Your MahJong Tile Reading for the Week of February 13
Your Weekly MahJong Tile Reading
That Which is Behind You
Wan 4
Symbol: Lute
The Lute tile indicates a need for relaxation—a break from the stress of your everyday life. For people nearing the end of their career it may suggest that the time for them to retire has come.
Your Current Place
Bamboo 5
Symbol: Lotus Flower
The Lotus Flower tile represents birth or rebirth. On a spiritual level it may indicate you are about to reach new heights in your understanding of your place in the cosmos. Physically it may suggest a child is coming, or a new project is about to emerge. The Lotus Flower tile also speaks of regeneration, and may indicate a time of recovery from hardship—a new beginning.
That Which is Before You
Fall
Symbol: The Farmer
The Farmer represents rewards gained through hard work and faith in oneself. He harvests riches from the planting and nurturing of his crops.
Shuffling the Cards, Your Daily Influences for the Week of February 13th
Your Daily Influences for the Week of February 13th
Tarot Influence
Ten of Coins Reversed
You and your family may suffer through some misfortune. Be wary of high risk ventures.
Astrological Influence
Scorpio Reversed
Scorpio reveresed represents the lack of will and confidence to move ahead.
Element Influence
Air reversed
Air reversed denotes a lack of freedom to move through life as you want.
Casting the Stones, Your Rune Reading for the Week of February 13th
Your Rune Reading for the Week of Feb. 13th
Your Past That You Will Face This Week
Fehu
Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
Your Present Circumstances that You Will Find Yourself In
Naudhiz
Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.
A Glimpse of The Future To Come
Gebo
Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.
Your Daily Tarot Card for Tuesday, February 14th is The Wheel of Fortune
Your Personal Daily Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune represents that aspect of life that is directed by forces and events we may not understand or even be aware of. In short, The Wheel deals with chance—those occurrences that manage to alter even the most structured of lives, usurp man’s “best laid plans.” While the effects of The Wheel are unpredictable, the outcome is always change; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Our path through life is never a ride down a perfectly straight highway. Sometimes we may even experience hairpin turns or complete reversals of direction. The Wheel of Fortune is strong reminder that despite our plans, the Universe has its own agenda from which we cannot escape participation.
Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 15
Get A Jump on Tomorrow….
Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 15
by Rick Levine
General Horoscope
It’s all too easy to overlook a trouble spot or deny that anything is wrong today even when it is apparent. Emotional undercurrents complicate interpersonal dynamics; ignoring the elephant in the room won’t make it go away, even when the diplomatic Libra Moon joins generous Jupiter. Responding to unexpected developments as they arise ensures a smoother flow of events while the Moon receives support from stabilizing Saturn and the illuminating Sun.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
Underlying tension may have you tiptoeing around the feelings of others, unsure how to proceed. Delicate conversations are not necessarily your forte, but trying to avoid obvious strain between you and another person will only aggravate the issue. Instead of sidestepping accountability, own your words and deeds. Everyone will appreciate it if you’re honest from the beginning rather than letting pressure build until an explosion is the only release. Accepting responsibility for your actions is a sign of a strong leader.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
Sometimes you get more done when you start with the easiest tasks and leave the most challenging ones until later. However, this clever technique only works if you’re not using it as an excuse to put off hard work indefinitely. It could feel as if circumstances are impeding your progress today, regardless of your determination. Fortunately, your efforts will eventually produce results if you maintain a positive outlook. Don’t procrastinate now when success is just around the corner.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
The ride is a little bumpy today as you try to adapt to the shifting moods around you. You can take both sides of any discussion, but it’s difficult for even you adaptable Geminis to keep up as the push and pull requires you to continuously alter your message. The sociable Libra Moon highlights your 5th House of Self-Expression, prompting you to put on a happy face even in the midst of stress. While honeyed words may soften the blow, embellishing your speech won’t help anyone. Approaching conflict with integrity is always your best bet.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
Coming home is like hitting the reset button for you most days, allowing you to gather your feelings and return to your comfort zone. However, a complicated domestic life could change the energy overnight. You might even be inclined to go out in order to avoid the uncomfortable atmosphere. However, the sooner you clear the air, the sooner you can relax in an environment that soothes your soul. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.”
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
You’re trying to steer conversations in a positive direction, but new information keeps being added to the equation and you’re not sure how to respond. At one moment, it seems like one person is telling you to stop goofing off, and then the next instant someone else is persuading you to play hooky. You may end up over-promising when the polite Libra Moon in your 3rd House of Communication conspires with exaggerating Jupiter. Seek the advice of a trusted friend who is far removed from the sticky situation. Objectivity brings clarity.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
The moment you think your mind is made up, something else comes along to change it. Deciding what you really want isn’t very straightforward today, but you feel you must make a choice. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but it seems like you end up stepping on someone else’s toes no matter how hard you try to be nice. Putting your logical mind to work reminds you to stay true to your agenda, even if making everyone happy seems to be the quickest route to satisfaction. Do what is right, not what is easy.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
It’s thoughtful to try to consider everyone’s feelings, but keeping up with them is more of a stretch than usual today. You may be overdoing it when the people-pleasing Libra Moon joins forces with excessive Jupiter in your sign, fooling you into believing you can accommodate every emotion that shadows your heart. Happily, objectivity comes to the rescue later when Luna harmonizes with the cerebral Aquarius Sun, allowing you to choose your words wisely. Focus your message on what you can control and let go of the rest.
More for Libra:
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
It seems like information is going in one ear and out the other. In reality, whatever you hear is internalized and you play it over again in your head, even if it doesn’t show on your face. Although shoving conflict to the back of your mind is easier than having to deal with it, you’re more capable of handling stress as it arises than you think. The cool Aquarius Sun and gracious Libra Moon inspire you to keep your reactions rational without blocking your feelings. A big part of emotional intelligence is being able to experience an emotion without having to act on it.
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Last-minute changes to plans keep happening one after the other, and the annoyance factor is on the rise. Typically you’re willing to go with the flow, but it’s challenging to remain patient when no one can make a simple decision. Letting things sort themselves out isn’t in anyone’s best interests today. Fortunately, you can successfully navigate through a complex obstacle course if you’re willing to adjust your attitude. Lead by example and blaze a path others will follow.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
You just want to get your work done, but it seems like you must keep switching between tasks before you’re finished with the first one. Putting blinders on is effective sometimes, but they may block out other people’s feelings today as well as the distractions you were hoping to avoid. If there’s contention among your peers, it’s best to handle it with patience and maturity rather than playing the avoidance game. A direct approach is the best approach.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
Although it may be clear to others that your undertakings are far-fetched, you’re desperate to cling to your optimism for their success. You find that people are quick to doubt your enthusiasm today, and you might even begin to harbor your own secret misgivings. However, the cosmos is offering you a rare opportunity to prove everyone wrong now. Incorporating this planetary boost allows you use your objective eye to find the cracks in your plan that need fixing. Rising up to meet challenges is worth it when it comes to your dreams.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
You wish you could turn a blind eye to what’s really on your mind, but your current obsessions won’t leave you alone. Signs of your own inner discord pop up in the world around you, urging you to manage the relationship issues that are begging for your attention. You have more power than you think, so acknowledge your fears as soon as they make themselves known rather than trying to bury them out of sight. Discomfort is a part of life, but it’s not all bad if it acts as an agent for change.
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
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