Good morning to all our little snow bunnies. How y’all doing today? I hope you aren’t snowed in some place. Our weather forecasters amaze the crap out of me. I have found out with all the metal in my body, I can tell weather better than they can. Our “supposedly” snow storm pooped out! When we went to bed last night, I turned the porch light on. It was snowing like the devil, great big fluffy flakes. I figured this morning we would get up and we would have snow up to our rumps. WRONG! The only sign we have that it actually snowed and that we weren’t crazy last night is a shed in the back with snow on its roof. This is the second time this season, our weather forecasters have called for a “severe” snow storm to come through. Both times they have missed the mark. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining at all. I figure before the season is over, we will get hit with a 6 foot snow and won’t see daylight for a week. We are way overdue for a good snow storm. It seems around here, our weather runs in cycles. About every seven years, the seasons change. When the seasons change that is when you can expect bad weather. This is suppose to be the year our seasons change for us. This being the first of January, we are not out of the woods yet. So I guess I better keep my big mouth shut or else I will end up with a snowball in it, lol!

I have two things on my mind this morning, both of them have to do with the government. I know and you know, I don’t like to mix politics and witchcraft anymore than the next witch but….the government shut down has been weighing heavy on my mind. I am not going to play the blame game, whether it is the Republicans’ fault or the Democrats’ faults, I really don’t care. What I do care about is all the government workers that are not getting paid right now. I know as many followers and members as The WOTC has, there has got to be several of you who are currently being effected by this shut-down. I won’t play the blame game but I do think it is horrible to put the citizens of this country in the middle of this mess. I wonder how all the politicians in our country would like it, if all of a sudden their paychecks stopped rolling in. I don’t think they would. In fact, I don’t believe any of them could live the way most of us “average joes” do. I know what is like to live from paycheck to paycheck. In today’s economic, that is about all you can do anymore. You can’t save a dollar for a rainy day because something always comes up to take that dollar.

When I was watching the News (got to stop watching the News, it always gets me in trouble), I saw numerous people talking about how they were going to feed their children, how they were going to keep a roof over their heads and many more stories just like these. You know to live in the greatest country on the planet, this is pitiful and that is an understatement. It troubles my soul when I see these people because if the government don’t get its head out of its ass and do something, things are going to get much worse. People aren’t going to stand by and watch their children go hungry or lose everything they worked for all their life. I don’t believe the elected officials of our country would want a person like me for president. The first thing I would do is to stop their paychecks. If the American people aren’t getting paid, then they wouldn’t either. Hell, they would lose their minds if they had to live like we do. Plain and simple, they have lost touch with reality. They are playing politics with our lives.

There is going to be a poll at the end of this to see how many of you are directly effected by this shut-down. I want to know. I have a plan cooking in the back of my little brain and I decided it was time to act on it. I can’t stand by and watch potentials members of our family go hunger, lose their houses, can’t pay their bills or whatever else they need. I just can’t do it. My plan, and you can tell me what you think, is to create a fund for all those out of work right now due to the shut down and facing hardship. The funds will be donated from our members and others who are working and can afford to give a little to help others out during this crisis. And yes, it is a crisis. I know we have children going to bed every night hungry in this country and that is a shame. Now to add more children and families to that growing list, it is unthinkable. The money or donations wouldn’t even go into our PayPal account. I know Lady Beltane has opened a PayPal account for the magazine that is suppose to be coming out in a few months. I was going to see if we could use her account for this fund. Next thing after we get some donations collected would be for those workers in need to verify that they are government employees. How to do this, simple. Just email us a pay stub with everything blocked out, except the name of the government agency and the $0.00 balance you received on your last pay check. It probably won’t be much that we collect but perhaps it will help someone keep their lights on or buy a few groceries for their families. Everyone here has helped us when we have been in a tight spot, now it is our turn to return the favor. What I would like to know, would you be willing to help out our brothers & sisters currently trapped in the middle of political politics? Like I stated the money or donations will not go into our PayPal account, it will go into another one. We will gladly release every detail about where your donations have went and how and what they were spent for. Now will you help if we can get this up and running.

We have a very large family across the net, I know in this time of crisis we can pull together and help those who need it most. Just put yourself in their shoes, no money coming in, kids to feed, chance of losing your home, and there seems no hope in sight. How would you feel? I know how it feels and it is scary as hell. I want to know if this is something you would be willing to help out with? These are our brothers and sisters, proud Americans who are now political pons. They need our help and I am asking you, would you be willing to help if we can get this up and running?

This is just one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. The other I will wait a day or two on, it involves starting our own political movement.  Yes, you heard right, a political movement of our own. I am sick of the way things are going in this country. I am sure most of you are also. It seems no one, Democrat or Republican, can get their act together to change things, so it is time for a new voice to be heard. That voice is ours. I will give you more details on it later.

Now if you don’t mind and have a minute, would you please take the brief poll below. It will give us an idea of how many displaced workers we have in our community and how much we are going to have to raise to even start to help them out.

Goddess bless our country and our brothers and sisters currently caught up in this political mess. Let them know they are not alone and we are trying our best to find a way to help them. Let them stand strong in their faith and in their brothers and sisters of The Craft. 

So Mote It Be.

Lady of the Abyss

*After Thought* I forgot what really, really rubbed me the wrong way till I went back and read what I wrote. The other day I read that the government was giving their employees ideas on how to survive without paychecks. REALLY! I am going to call it what it is, “a crock of shit!” To tell people to have yard sales or garage sales, babysit, walk the neighbor’s dog or do handyman work, really! Are these idiots in Washington that far out of touch with reality? And how dare they tell these people that want to work and have worked for good money to go out and “walk a dog.” Who the hell do they think they are? I wonder how dear Chuck or Nancy would like to be told to “go walk a dog?” Nancy is not one of my favorite people. I would love to see that woman walking a dog, in fact, I would pay to see her walk a dog. She needs to walk her butt out the door with several others of those up there in Washington right now.

*End of Rant*

Oh well, what can I say? We have a Winter Storm Warning out for our area. The weather people are saying it is going to hit this evening. But since our weather people don’t know their rump from a hole in the ground, I told the ladies not to take any chances and stay home today. So it is just little old me here today. Peace and quiet, seems strange especially when you have a bunch of hens cackling and carrying on around here. I know they all get anxious and nervous when bad weather is forecasted. At the sign of the first snow flake, they would have hopped their brooms and off they went. So I called them and told them to stay home, why not? I feel better but being snow bound with all of them, I would go crazy. I would at least like to keep my sanity, what little I have left. Besides I have to run to town to get the biggest part of my medicine today. When I was sick, I couldn’t keep anything on my stomach, which included my medicine. I ran out of several medications and I swear, it has took an act of Congress to get those meds refilled. They are suppose to all finally be there today so I have to run to town and pick them up. For the last three days, my back has hurt so bad I could hardly stand it. I know while I was getting one of the journals ready, one of the ladies opened the door and apparently thought I had pulled a disappearing act. She got to hollering for me and I stuck my hand up from behind the desk. She just had to know what the hell I was doing. I told her my back was killing me, so I grabbed my laptop and was working from the floor. Not the first time I have done so and probably won’t be the last. Getting my prescriptions today is one of my main priorities. I haven’t decided when I get back if I am going to do any posting over on The Gazette or not. I know I am getting lazy, they don’t expect that much from me over there, lol! But he did mention when the horoscopes showed up over there that his ratings when way up, so that is a good thing. I will have to wait and see about that.

Well I just checked with the doctor’s office and all my prescriptions are finally in. So I am off and running before the snow starts falling. I apologize for today’s postings not being up. I hope you can understand the situation. I also hope that everyone else who is going to be effected by this storm stays safe and secure. Get out and get what you need to do before it hits. Then after it hits, we can throw magickal snowballs at each other, lol! Bad idea, I will have the flu again.

Anyway, I am off to make my track to town. Really wouldn’t worry about the snow except the 4-wheel drive is out on the truck. Yeah, they kept it for a week and it never got fixed, great mechanics there, huh! I am stopping for now or else I will keep talking and get snowed it. Y’all have a very beautiful Friday and if I get back early enough I probably will post somethings over on the Gazette, so you might want to check over there later on today. For now….

Love ya,

Lady A

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.

2019 January 10

Vela Supernova Remnant Mosaic 
Image Credit & Copyright: Robert Gendler, Roberto Colombari, Digitized Sky Survey (POSS II)

Explanation: The plane of our Milky Way Galaxy runs through this complex and beautiful skyscape. Seen toward colorful stars near the northwestern edge of the constellation Vela (the Sails), the 16 degree wide, 200 frame mosaic is centered on the glowing filaments of the Vela Supernova Remnant, the expanding debris cloud from the death explosion of a massive star. Light from the supernova explosion that created the Vela remnant reached Earth about 11,000 years ago. In addition to the shocked filaments of glowing gas, the cosmic catastrophe also left behind an incredibly dense, rotating stellar core, the Vela Pulsar. Some 800 light-years distant, the Vela remnant is likely embedded in a larger and older supernova remnant, the Gum Nebula. Objects identified in this broad mosaic include emission and reflection nebulae, star clusters, and the remarkable Pencil Nebula.

Moon sweeps past Mars January 11 to 13

What we think, we become.

Your Daily Runes for January 10

Ehwaz

“The mind will trust the body, the body will trust the mind.”

Ehwaz – “eh-was” – Literally: “Horse” – Esoteric: Trust

Rune of harmonious teamwork and trust. Rune of pairs of entities working together for a common goal.

Psi: trust between individual entities, sexuality

Energy: trust, cooperation, the Fetch

Mundane: animals, teamwork, friendship

Divinations: Harmony, teamwork, trust, marriage, loyalty, a friend; or duplication, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal, nightmares, indecision, an enemy.

Governs:

Activating the energies of your inner Fetch
Ability to detect deceit and uncover subtle queues
Facilitates swiftness in every regard
Establishing trust and bonds with animals (ie. horse whisperers)

Your Daily Runes for January 11

“We are each a savior, each a god.

It is the fear of what this means which binds us to the realm of humankind.”

Mannaz – “Man-az” – Literally: “Mankind” – Esoteric: Humankind, awareness

Rune of the Divine structure of intelligence in the human soul or psyche. Rune of the horizons of human existence and collective potential.

Psi: mind & memory (Hugin & Munin), the difference between human and all other life, development of the intellect, rational mind, perfected intelligence

Energy: psychic order of the gods reflected in humankind, projection of Self into time

Mundane: thinking, planning, analysis, the human condition, people at large (contemporary: the masses)

Divinations: Divine structure, sustainability, intelligence, awareness, social order, divine influence in life; or depression, mortality, blindness, self-delusion, collective suicide, bigotry, elitism, intellectual arrogance.

Governs:

Self-Actualization
Realization of the divine structure in humankind
Increase in intelligence, memory and mental powers (passing tests)
Unlocking the third-eye hvel, the “mind’s eye”
Activating the dynamics of your own inner Christus, or Higher Self
Awareness of our roles as co-creator with the gods and nature
Mental and spiritual potential

LOOK UP: THESE ARE THE MOST MAGICAL TRANSITS OF 2019

• GARY CATON

Astrology has a long history and tradition as a magical aid. In fact, astrology, alchemy, and magic were originally seen as three related, or sister, arts that were practiced in tandem. Two of the basic conditions for magical activity are that a planet be in one of its dignities—the places where it has heightened powers—or the planet be in conjunction with a powerful fixed star.

With this definition in mind, these five transits are slated to be the most magical of 2019.

SATURN IN CAPRICORN AND CONJUNCT VEGA

Capricorn is considered to be one of Saturn’s two domiciles or home signs, and this offers full access to all its natural powers, which include structure, organization, and long-term planning. Vega is a very bright star in the constellation of Lyra and is often found in the charts of performers; its magical power is the ability to charm coupled with powerful charisma. Overall, this translates to an ability to gain cooperation in the institution of powerful plans.

Saturn is widely conjunct Vega all year, and within one degree from about January 28—February 16 (exact February  6), again (in retrograde) July 18–August 20 (exact August 1) and a third time from October 17­–November 15 (exact November 2).

FULL MOON CONJUNCT REGULUS FEBRUARY 19

February’s full moon is the second of three in a row to meet the criteria of supermoon, which means it is closer to the Earth and appears larger. Additionally, this full moon is conjunct Regulus, one of four Royal Stars which form a celestial cross in the heavens. Known as Cor Leonis or the Heart of the Lion, Regulus is magnanimous and grants success. At night, the moon receives triplicity dignity in Virgo, which means that She receives help from family, friends, and the community. Use this transit to give or receive help that forges strong community bonds. Look to the new moon in Virgo six months before (September 9, 2018) for the seeds of that which is ready to flower into current success.

THE YANG CRESCENDO

2019 begins with a sun-Saturn conjunction which transitions Saturn into morning visibility, rising ahead of the sun each morning, along with Jupiter. Together, these three (sun, Jupiter, Saturn) are considered diurnal, masculine, or yang in nature, and the morning apparitions reinforces this. After the sun moves into Aries on March 20, all three diurnal planets are in signs of their dignity as well. The following period, up until Jupiter’s retrograde station on April 10, is therefore extremely fortunate for bold forceful action that is also forward-looking and well-structured. For a little balance from the nocturnal/feminine side of the equation, consider April 7–8, as these days will also see Venus and the moon in their dignities, as well as all planets direct.

NEW MOON AUGUST 30

August’s is no ordinary new moon, as there will be five planets conjunct within the first twelve degrees of Virgo, including Mercury, who finds his most powerful expression there. In fact, all five planets, the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars all have some form of dignity here. Just as the sun and moon were often depicted in a hieros gamos or sacred marriage ceremony in alchemy texts, Venus and Mars also strongly represent the feminine/masculine polarity. Like the scene in The Lovers card of the Tarot, this new moon grants the ability to plant the seeds of a strong magical blending between opposite polarities which has the power to eventually give birth to the “magical third,” or a newly awakened spiritual consciousness.

THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY NOVEMBER 11

The visible passage of Mercury across the solar disc is a rare astronomical event that only happens around thirteen times per century. Usually, Mercury is completely hidden from view during its retrogrades, but today it is revealed. Since this event happens in a special zone of Scorpio afforded to Mercury by the Egyptians—known as terms or bounds—this gives all things Mercurial (communications, local travel, commerce) a temporary boost of power or protection. We have the chance to zoom into the very heart of something and witness it in a way seldom possible. In ancient times, the metaphor was a visit to the throne room of the King or Queen. But this visit is even more special, as the sovereign doesn’t completely outshine the messenger; this may translate as a special opportunity for upward mobility

Gary P. Caton is a transdisciplinary astrologer who maintains an active sacred relationship with the living Sky as his temple. Initiated an astrologer by a magnificent dream in 1993, Gary is the author of Hermetica Triptycha: The Mercury Elemental Year, and host of the popular Hermetic Astrology Podcast. Find Gary online at DreamAstrologer.com

Published on Astrology.com

COSMIC CALENDAR

• JANUARY 10, 2019

A day before the annual solar union with distant Pluto, the cosmos attempt to undermine some of your best efforts by presenting humankind with a solar parallel with Pluto (8:40 a.m.) and a frictional, 45-degree aspect between Mars and Juno (8:34 p.m.). The sun-Pluto link by parallel may actually contain the same emotionally-charged intensity as tomorrow’s conjunction in the zodiac.

Helping to ameliorate any psychic storms traversing the globe are the monthly lunar rendezvous with far-out, Neptune in compassionate Pisces (4:48 p.m.) — magnified by a good-luck-endowed parallel between the sun and Jupiter (9:45 p.m.). Employ the power of positive thinking as a guard against losing faith since the approaching sun-Pluto conjunction reaches exactitude at 3:39 a.m. on Friday.

[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

• JANUARY 11, 2019

Stop, look, and listen as the sun and Pluto make their annual union (3:39 a.m. at 21 degrees of Capricorn). Realize that this celestial event represents the merging of the central life-force and the main outermost planetary orb of our solar system. While research and in-depth studies are encouraged, arm-twisting maneuvers and manipulative behavior get the axe — particularly in business matters and professional work.

The lunar and solar orbs happily reach an understanding via a supportive, 60-degree alliance (6:26 a.m.), but this aspect also starts a 17-hour void miasma that lasts until fiery Aries moon begins in earnest at 12:19 a.m. on Saturday. This long void dispensation is a reminder to finish odds and ends instead of breaking new ground in important projects. Your psychic sensitivity is empowered during the monthly union between the moon and wounded-healer shaman Chiron in Pisces (9:10 p.m.).

[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

10 Simple 14-Day Challenges to Try This New Year

• By: Lauren Bowen

Making a list of New Year’s resolutions come January 1st is a tradition that feels as old as time. Unfortunately, many of us (half to be exact) fall off the wagon within a matter of weeks as motivation wains and old habits reappear.

One of the reasons New Year’s goals are so easy to break is that, even with the best intentions, committing to a year-long endeavor is pretty monumental. We also have a tendency to make our intentions far too vague (for example: “lose weight” or “drink more water”), which only bites us in the you-know-what later on.

Sick of committing to wishy washy New Year’s resolutions? Why not go against the grain and take on something a little more manageable: a 14-day challenge! Each of these ideas below are meaningful but lighthearted, and will help spur the positive habits you’ve been trying to cultivate since…2003. Enjoy!

1. Keep your phone out of the bedroom for 14 days.

Keeping your bedroom a phone-free zone is actually really beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Also, social media is a major time suck…now might be a good time to throw off the chains for a bit.

2. Make a to-do list every morning for 14 days.

This one’s easy. Cut the overwhelm by writing out your goals every morning for two weeks. Getting into the habit will help you keep your head on straight and actually achieve your goals.

3. Eat a serving of vegetables with every meal for 14 days.

Whether you’re slimming down or just trying to stay healthy, veggies are your friends. Plus, they’re delish. Need to get those wheels turning? Check our recipes section for some inspiration!

4. Call your representative or sign a petition every day for 14 days.

Telephoning your legislator’s office is a great way to communicate your opinions on everything from climate change to protection of local lands. Just follow this step-by-step guide from the Union of Concerned Scientists if you’ve never called your representatives before.

5. Pay someone a compliment every day for 14 days.

Some days there’s nothing better than hearing “You’re doing a great job” or “I love your taste in music.” Share a compliment or two and spread the love!

6. Cook breakfast for yourself every morning for 14 days.

Breakfast may not necessarily be the most important meal of the day, but it sure can start your morning off on the right foot! Commit to making breakfast for yourself every day, even if it’s just a bowl of oatmeal or a quick smoothie you can eat on your way out the door.

7. Add more citrus to your grocery cart every time you shop for 14 days.

When you wander by the citrus display in your grocery store, indulge! Grab up those clementines, grapefruits and pomelos and enjoy how they brighten up your fruit bowl and your belly.

8. Spend time with your hobby each day for 14 days.

Are you a painter? Do you crochet? Enjoy recording music? Whether it’s five minutes or an hour, spend a little time with your hobby every single day for 14 days.

9. Don’t buy a single piece of plastic for 14 days.

Plastic is killing our planet, contaminating our water and overwhelming our lives. Skip it for a while. See how it feels. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover that going plastic free isn’t so bad after all.

10. Find something to let go of every day for 14 days.

This can be either a physical item (old books or clothing that doesn’t fit) or something internal (guilt or an addiction to busyness). Whatever it is, let something go day by day for 14 days. You’ll feel lighter by the end of it!

Care2.com