ARE YOU READY TO WRAP UP 2018? THESE POWERFUL CRYSTALS WILL HELP

• OLIVIA PEPPER

This December may have a disorienting vibe. We all need to beware of getting bogged down in disempowering ideas about not being able to break free from negative cycles. Consider instead that one never steps twice in the same river, and that even when it feels like it is the same damn thing over and over, it is always subtly different. And, remember: there is always opportunity to utilize free will.

Mercury retrograde ingresses into Scorpio early in the morning of December 1. Communication, already blurry under the governance of Mercury retrograde, becomes even more riddled with potential pitfalls under Scorpio’s glowering influence.

To add insult to injury, Venus ingresses to Scorpio the very next day, joining the messenger in the cauldron of transformation on December 2.

This is shaping up to be a season primed for dissolving toxic patterns and habit-breaking, and the new moon in Sagittarius on December 6 will be a great day to make a plan or formally conduct an intention spell around whatever you’d like to permanently release.

Mercury goes direct December 7, lightening things up a bit, and races toward lofty, fun-loving, and philosophical Sagittarius (ingress on December 12).

Mid-month, it is time to ground and get serious, when the sun enters Capricorn on December 21 and winter solstice is upon us. A full moon in Cancer rises and dredges up nostalgic tears on December 22; family is often in focus this time of year but this full moon and recent retrograde cycles will ensure that we’re focused on healing our family lines and properly processing our ancestral karma.

Read on for the crystals that may be able to support you the most in this work this month!

 

DECEMBER 2018 CRYSTALSCOPES

 

ARIES

HEMATITE-INCLUDED QUARTZ

Aries may feel a little hot under the collar: over-eager, edgy or restless – Uranus is back in your sign and giving off sparks. Patience is not known to be the virtue of the ram, and with the slightly repetitive vibe of December, Aries can struggle with wound-tight tempers and impulse control. This is especially evident when the Capricorn and Cancer influences come in a little later in the month and create squares to Aries, but Venus’ last meanderings through Libra (in opposition to Aries) is no picnic either.

Best to focus on cooling, calming and cultivating patience with oneself and others. Aries loathes being a doormat, and hematite-included quartz is just the ticket to ensure that no one will take advantage – but there’s no need to be a jerk to prevent such a thing from happening. Hematite is of iron, the metal associated with Aries, and enclosed in quartz it amplifies and stabilizes the energy, helping Aries to create constructive boundaries and cultivate kindness. Try carrying a piece in your pocket and squeezing it for comfort instead of snapping at your relatives.

 

TAURUS

GREEN TOURMALINE

The dizzying actions of Mercury and Venus in Scorpio can feel almost aggressive to Taurus, marauding through Taurus’ personal life, and this unearthing may set the bulls back emotionally at the beginning of the month. The amount of busy energy and go-go-go vibe of Sagittarius season can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially on top of so much emotional processing. Taurus will need a touchstone to keep calm and carry on, and green tourmaline is where it’s at.

This lovely and luminous conductor of heart energy can help Taurus be open to change and not go too hard on the holiday indulgences. This is also a fantastic stone for calling in abundance, something Taurus may feel deprived of. Best worn on the body, especially as earrings or close to the throat.

GEMINI

PINK KUNZITE

With Gemini’s ruling planet traversing the Scorpio underworld (backwards, no less!) and then bouncing back into a companionably mutable sign, Gemini probably has LOTS to talk about but may have trouble settling on an ideal outcome or choosing the right words – especially where it comes to love and romance and clarifying one’s needs.

With all the internal back-and-forth, pink kunzite can be a helpful ally in choosing diplomacy, gentleness and love. Placing a piece under your pillow can be a great way to find restful sleep and peaceful dreams, and to help direct all of Gemini’s excess intellectual energy (especially lit this month) toward a singular goal.

 

CANCER

SODALITE

Oh baby, this moon is gonna be a big old deal for you. The moon is exalted when in Cancer, and it is full on the first day of the light’s returning, but Capricorn season is usually a bit of a bind for crab natives. This may feel like a month when things are good, even great, but there is just too much to hold – a kind of awe or overwhelm may dominate Cancer’s emotional experience of the holidays.

Major renovations are taking place in Cancer’s hopes and dreams sector, and maintaining an environment of peace and stability is crucial this month. Sodalite, especially when carried as a talisman or kept out in the main area of a home, promotes a vibe of peace love and understanding – just what Cancer is going to need to come through the eye of this particular needle.

 

LEO

ROSE QUARTZ

With everything that is unfolding in December, it is important for Leo to remember to stop and smell the roses – or stop and caress the rose quartz. The pacing of the month will feel demanding to every member of the zodiac, but Leo can more than most feel overworked, overlooked, dejected and disappointed.

Rose quartz to the rescue! One of our most common crystal allies in self-care, rose quartz reminds us that we are always loved and always worthy, and that we ought to care for ourselves before assisting others. Whether worn or carried, rose quartz can be Leo’s buddy all season long, reminding the lions to keep a light heart and make room for pleasure.

 

VIRGO

SELENITE

While expressing love through acts of service is arguably the norm for Virgo, December calls this sign into even more significant levels of selflessness and a myriad of opportunities to provide advice and assistance. While saying no to doing too much is also important, it seems that some level of overwork may be inevitable.

Enter selenite! Named for the goddess of the moon, this fragile white mineral often used for clearing spaces and auric fields is also a natural fiberoptic – it transmits wavelengths of visible light with ease and luminous grace. Virgo can benefit from some soothing meditations with selenite this month, to balance out the extraordinary amount of selfless service and surrender they’ll be called to offer – just a few minutes a day with a selenite palm stone will work wonders for the zodiac’s resident wonder-workers.

 

LIBRA

JET

Jet is traditionally associated with periods of mourning and grief. This lightweight pseudo-mineral can poetically be described as carbon on its way to becoming a diamond, and that description may match the amount of pressure Libra has been feeling the past couple of months. Venus retrograde may have been particularly jarring and has probably upended the scales a bit, bringing emotions to the surface – and they are up for continued processing, especially now that Uranus the disruptor smolders in retrograde opposition in the sign of Aries.

In order to gracefully and thoroughly comprehend everything that has come to light, rather than slip into distraction or denial, Libra needs something to anchor them to their emotions – to relate to difficult feelings without identifying with them. Wearing a jet bead or carrying a small pocket stone can help create the sense of authentic stability Libra may crave this month.

 

SCORPIO

MUSCOVITE/MICA

Through a glass darkly! As Venus and Mercury emerge from their journeys, Scorpio will likely find themselves utterly transformed. Whether engaged in deliberate practices or not, Scorpio has likely felt some type of shamanic work or soul retrieval work being undertaken, as a profound shift in consciousness is possible for Scorpio at this time. Thin sheets of muscovite or mica were once used as windows before human beings could master glasswork, and this mineral can be Scorpio’s guide toward new horizons.

If you can find a thin sheet of this delicate mineral, all the better, but even some small oft-overlooked flakes of mica on your altar (or in your mineral makeup) will do the trick. This mineral was once associated with legends of phoenixes, the most exalted form of Scorpio symbolism. You’ve been reborn, Scorpio! Celebrate your transformation and power.

 

SAGITTARIUS

GOLDEN CALCITE

Happy birthday to our December centaurs! The awkward beginning of the month may have Sagittarius a little flummoxed or set back by irritating details, but once Mercury returns to your sign and the moon wanes to newness and potential it is time to pull that bowstring taut and seize the day no matter what seems to stand in your way.

Golden calcite is a great party aid all the time, enhancing conviviality and bringing in an abundance of good cheer, and especially since it is Sagittarius’ time to shine this month, golden calcite makes a wonderful addition to an altar or centerpiece. Use the willpower-enhancing qualities of this stone to know what to say yes to; use its peacekeeping power to know what to say no to.

 

CAPRICORN

EMERALD

December has the possibility of amping up Capricorn’s receptivity to romantic energy, and emerald can stoke that fire. Historically, emerald is the stone of the adoring heart – this famous green stone has more of a classical association with love and fidelity than diamonds do. And whether partnered or single, Capricorn is in the limelight when it comes to love energy this month.

Wearing one (especially an antique or heirloom piece, or a gift from a friend or lover) can boost the love signal even further and aid Capricorn in keeping open eyes and an open heart, to receive the gift of love wherever they may find it.

 

AQUARIUS

MOTHER-OF-PEARL

A certain lightness can permeate Aquarius’ energetic field this month, sometimes tipping into an almost disembodied or manic quality. While the ideas, conversation topics and philosophical solutions to the world’s problems may be coming in hot, and the excitement may be scintillating, it is good to stay connected to simplicity too in order to avoid burnout.

Mother-of-pearl or shell invites in a balance by cooling things just a little when the flame burns white-hot, so that Aquarius can facilitate serenity and stillness amidst the hustle and bustle of so much brilliance and intellect. Shell beads or bracelets are especially suitable, but a shell on an altar works suitably as well, and does double duty by calling in the element of water.

 

PISCES

RUBY ZOISITE

Pisces, like fellow mutable sign Virgo, will be called into action by the Sagittarius energy setting up exciting but possibly challenging squares to the sign of the fishes. The type of action Pisces is called into, however, is the emotionally murky, conflict-resolution kind, and may well involve the mysteries of love.

Whether your own drama or somebody else’s, December is likely to see Pisces pulled into at least one sticky social situation that will require more than a fair share of grace to navigate. While appropriately festive in color, red-and-green gemstone combo ruby and zoisite does more than just look pretty – when worn or carried, it is said to help connect the heart with the mind and aid them in acting harmoniously to find ideal solutions.

 

Published on Astrology.com

COSMIC CALENDAR

• DECEMBER 25, 2018

If you made it through yesterday’s cosmic barrage relatively unscathed, give yourself a row of virtual gold stars for staying resilient across the board. While Monday’s four provocative sky enigmas are still operating in the subconscious of humanity, the moon’s presence in child-like Leo can be refreshing throughout this 24-hour time-span. The lunar orb sparks a burst of enthusiasm for artistic, educational and business pursuits by making energizing trines to Jupiter and Mercury in Sagittarius (1:46am and 9:07am, respectively). Pleasurable pastimes and being the life of the party gain the cosmic thumbs-up sign. Enjoy reading a literary classic or bestseller if there is an urge to experience a few hours of enlightened solitude.

[Note to readers: All times are calculated as Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2018 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd. 

Astrology.com

COSMIC CALENDAR

• DECEMBER 26, 2018

The exuberance revealed yesterday can still be maintained in the early hours as the moon in Leo trines futurist Uranus in Aries (7:38am). This activation of unconventional Uranus begins a short void lunar cycle that lasts until the moon enters meticulous Virgo (9:51am). With the lunar orb now vitalizing the sixth sign of the zodiac, it makes sense to tune into your skills as a superb organizer and efficiency master. Out with clutter and non-essentials; in with order and clean-up campaigns. Studies in psychology and esoteric philosophy are promoted as Mercury parallels Pluto (2:03pm). Stock up on cereals, grains, veggies, fruit, tea, nuts, seeds and seasonings as the moon trines the sun in earth signs (6:34pm).

[Note to readers: All times are calculated as Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]

Copyright 2017 Mark Lerner & Great Bear Enterprises, Ltd.

Astrology.com

A Pagan Awakening

A new life is there,
You hear Her now,
She was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So listen to Diana, and accept Her love.
Hoard not Her gifts : feeling, renewal, music.
A new life is there,
You see Him now,
He was always there,
and you’re forever changed.
So look to Apollo, and receive His light.
Hoard not His gifts : healing, growth, joy.
A new life is there,
Your hands reach it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So touch the earth, and partake of it’s sustenance.
Hoard not it’s gifts : body, green, silence.
A new life is there,
You soar with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So breathe in the air and gather the wind.
Hoard not it’s gifts : mind, dreams, empathy.
A new life is there,
You’re warmed by it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So build the flame and brave it’s heat.
Hoard not it’s gifts : spirit, will, energy.
A new life is there,
You flow with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So study the ocean and follow it’s tides.
Hoard not it’s gifts : self, courage, sorrow.
A new life is there,
You’re one with them now,
They were always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So take Their gifts and return them threefold.
Share this magic : friendship, love, trust.

–Jeff A. Bordeaux. Author
Published On Pagan Library

Alright, already, I have been hitting the eggnog to early, again, loL!

For everything under the Sun about Santa Claus, from elves messaging the jolly red elf to who is on his naughty or nice list, check out this site. You will probably love it as much as your kids.

emailSanta.com

Click, Click Click! Up on the Housetop Lyrics

 

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Up on the Housetop, the classic Christmas song written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864, with these free printable lyrics.

Up on the Housetop Printable Song Lyrics

Click to download the pdf printable Black & White version Up on the Housetop Pdf.

What are the lyrics to Up on the Housetop?

Up on the housetop reindeer paws
Out jumps Good Old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys

CHORUS
Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney
with good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that will open and shut her eyes
REPEAT CHORUS

Next comes the stocking of little Will
Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks
Also a ball and a whip that cracks
REPEAT CHORUS

What were the original lyrics to Up on the Housetop?

Santa May Not Be Recognized (Original Title, 1864 by Benjamin Hanby)

Up on the house top, no delay, no pause
Clatter the steeds of Santa Claus;
Down thro’ the chimney with loads of toys
Ho for the little ones, Christmas joys.
O! O! O! Who wouldn’t go.
O! O! O! Who wouldn’t go,
Up on the house top, click! click! click!
Down thro’ the chimney with good St. Nick.
Look in the stocking of Little Will,
Ha! Is it not a “glorious bill?”
Hammer and gimlet and lots of tacks,
Whistle and whirligig, whip that cracks.
Snow-white stocking of little Nell,
Oh pretty Santa cram it well;
Leave her a dolly that laughs and cries,
One that can open and shut its eye

150th Anniversary of Up on the Housetop

Up on the Housetop is America’s favorite Christmas song about Santa. Written by church minister, Benjamin Russell Hanby in 1864 for a church sing-along, Up on the Housetop is one of the first entirely secular Christmas songs.

2014 marks the 150 anniversary of Up on the Housetop. Hanby House in Westerville Ohio is on the National Register of Historic Places and a designated United Methodist Landmark. In 2011, the National Park Service also recognized Hanby House as an important Underground Railroad site.

 

–familii

NORAD Santa Tracker 2018: Follow Santa Claus on his Christmas Eve journey to deliver gifts

 

• Follow live updates of Santa NORAD tracker here 

• Are you an Enthusiastic Elf, or Grumpy Grinch? 

• Learn how to make a great Christmas Eve box in no time at all

The most wonderful time of year is almost here – with just hours remaining until Christmas Day. During the holiday season millions of children count down the days of December and go to sleep on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting the delivery of their gifts from the beloved Santa Claus.

Before the arrival of December 25, children (and adults) can follow Father Christmas’ journey delivering gifts across the globe using the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Google’s Santa trackers.

From the history behind NORAD’s festive role, to finding out what time you can expect an appearance down your chimney, here is everything you need to know about Santa’s route.

Santa’s journey across the globe – in numbers

Once Santa has made his list, checked it twice and finds out who has been naughty and nice, he sets off on his sleigh with his trusty reindeer, travelling an estimated 510,000,000 km on Christmas Eve – approximately 1,800 miles per second.

Christmas Eve is a busy time for Father Christmas as he needs to visit 390,000 homes per minute – or 6,424 per second.

From sherry, mulled wine and beer, to mince pies, gingerbread men and fruit cake, Santa won’t be short of energy during his journey, consuming a total of 71,764,000,000 calories.

With plenty of driving involved throughout the night, let’s hope children choose to leave him non-alcoholic beverages.

Santa’s travel route

Father Christmas’ journey begins in the South Pacific, with his first stop to the Republic of Kiribati, a collection of 32 atolls in the Pacific Ocean.

He will next travel west, delivering presents to those in New Zealand and Australia, followed by Japan.

Santa will then visit Asia, Africa and Western Europe, concluding with Canada, the US, Mexico and South America.

How to track Santa’s journey with NORAD and Google

Throughout the year, the US and Canadian organisation NORAD, monitors aerospace in event of nuclear attack, but on Christmas Eve they turn their attention to monitoring the skies for Santa’s sleigh.

Every year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives nearly nine million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories across the globe. On December 24, 1,500 volunteers respond to emails and receive more than 140,000 calls regarding Santa’s exact whereabouts.

The history behind NORAD’s role at Christmas

On a Christmas Eve shift back in 1955, Colonel Harry Shoup answered a call made to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) in Colorado Springs, USA.

To his surprise, a young child had phoned the top secret line after finding a newspaper advert about ‘Santa’s Toyland’ from department store Sears, with the number of CONAD, NORAD’s predecessor, printed by mistake.

Colonel Shoup, dubbed “Santa Colonel”, later received multiple calls that night from other children, all looking for the whereabouts of Father Christmas.

He and his fellow call operators  informed the children calling throughout the night of Santa’s exact location. The Santa tracking tradition, later continued by NORAD, was born.

NORAD has carried out it’s Christmas role for over 60 years and since 1997 children across the globe have been able to track Santa’s journey of delivering presents online.

More than 50 years after the night of calls from children, Colonel Shoup’s granddaughter Carrie Farrell, who worked for Google, announced their partnership with NORAD to track Santa in 2007 – although the companies have since parted ways, carrying out their roles separately.

Now, every year, thousands of volunteers staff telephones and computers to answer calls and e-mails from children (and adults) around the world. As of 2007, search engine Google has also provided an online tracker, in partnership with Norad.

Keep your fingers crossed that when he arrives at your house, he’ll find your name on the good side of that list…

 

–The Telegraph

The Wisdom of Buddha

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.

Your Animal Spirit Guide for Dec. 24

Your Animal Spirit Guide for Dec. 25