Author: ladyoftheabyss

Today’s Tarot Card for March 19th is The Moon

The Moon

Wednesday, Mar 19th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Moon card refers to a deep state of sensitivity and imaginative impressionability, developed within a womb of deep relaxation. Here we dream and go into trance, have visions and receive insights, wash in and out with the psychic tides, and experience deep mystical and/or terrifying realities beyond our ordinary senses. The full moon and/or eclipse cycle charted by the Magi (as in some of the earliest Moon card images) exemplify this as a mechanism that Nature uses to expand consciousness.

The variants of the courtly lovers (representing skillful use of the sex force) or the man sleeping it off under the tree (use of drugs to alter consciousness) are also traditional avenues for tapping this primal force. Human interest in higher states propels us to the frontiers of consciousness, where we cannot always control what happens. The Moon card represents the ultimate test of a soul’s integrity, where the membrane between self and the Unknown is removed, and the drop of individuality reenters the Ocean of Being. What transpires next is between a soul and its Maker.

Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, March 19th

We may still be dreaming about doing something radically new and different as we feel the lingering effects of yesterday’s alignment between attractive Venus and eccentric Uranus. The reflective Moon enters passionate Scorpio at 5:13 am EDT, urging us to resist unnecessary distractions from our more meaningful goals. However, the Moon forms a harmonious trine to imaginative Neptune this afternoon, once again firing up our escapist fantasies.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You aren’t interested in small talk today because you are more intrigued by people’s hidden agendas rather than what appears on the surface. Although words come to you easily now, you might want to avoid using too many of them because they could dissipate your energy. Don’t let anyone lure you into a philosophical discussion; however, fascinating it may be — unless the topic furthers your search for truth. Expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of what’s happening in your world while you have the chance.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might have to respond to a surprising change of circumstances today but, fortunately, you see this unexpected twist of fate in a positive light. You have sufficient stamina to deal with nearly anything that crosses your path, along with an intuitive sense to know when to be patient. Trust your gut reactions and don’t let analysis override your feelings. Rely on your heart instead of your brain for the best outcome now.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Although you like to have a plan in place, you often reserve the right to change your mind up to the very last moment. Sometimes coworkers don’t understand your reasons for modifying your priorities, but there’s almost always sound logic to your thinking. Nevertheless, make certain that you’re not just taking the easy way out now. If your new and improved strategy is really better, there’s no reason to hesitate or waste time justifying your actions to everyone else. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone but yourself.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You may startle yourself today because of your sudden willingness to take a risk. However, gambling on a sure thing might be a smart move, even if others attempt to convince you that you’re making a mistake. Unfortunately, inaction could carry a different type of consequences. The fear of personal failure isn’t as motivational as the possible regret of not trying at all. Overcome your internal resistance and follow your heart.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may uncover previously untapped resources today if you’re willing to fully commit to a single goal. However, it’s necessary to move beyond your doubts and acknowledge that you are serious about what you want. If you’re unsure of your objectives, it’s wiser to wait a day or two so you can sort things out. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to stubbornly hold your ground, even if you feel a big change is looming just around the corner. Only you will know when the time is right.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Choosing whether or not to go ahead with your plans is tricky because the pros and cons are pretty evenly balanced now. However, if you finally decide against pushing ahead today, you could surprise yourself by impulsively taking the next step anyway. Exercise reasonable caution; if you initiate action prematurely, you might just have to start all over next week. Doing a bit more research is a better use of your time and energy.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Upsetting the status quo isn’t normally your favorite thing to do, but you might actually reconsider a radical idea that inspires you today. You are intrigued by strategies to spice up a relationship that has become entrenched in routine. Unfortunately, you’ll never know if they work if you don’t try them at least once. Think outside of the box; you can always return to your old ways if your new approach doesn’t work out.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

A creative strategy to solving a problem could lead to success on the job or, at least, recognition by your coworkers. This feels like an exciting time, but you must establish a steady and sustainable pace to make the most of it. Although you’re full of bright ideas now, it isn’t helpful to make a one-time big splash. Save your flashy presentations for some other day; instead, impress others by demonstrating your ability to complete whatever you start.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might be able to get away with mischievous behavior today because others are likely to admire your edgy attitude. The Sun’s last day in imaginative Pisces allows your philosophical nature to shine through for everyone to see. Thankfully, your willingness to risk your stability to do things your way shows your intent to succeed without sacrificing your integrity. You can still be a nonconformist while doing what’s right.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re riding a growing wave of emotions that is motivating you to take action today. However, it may be smarter to slow down now or you could squander a rare opportunity to share your success. Being an inspirational leader can be challenging if you’re too eager to reach your destination. Don’t just race ahead of those who should be following you; instead, set a pace that allows everyone to be a part of the process.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Hiding your intentions from others is nearly impossible today with the emotional Moon’s presence in your 10th House of Status. Even if you think it’s a good idea to keep your feelings quiet, a surprising turn of events may require you to think on your feet while including others in your decision-making process. Sharing your dreams requires courage; however, exposing your vulnerability now removes unnecessary boundaries between you and your peers, cultivating an atmosphere of mutual admiration and respect.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Even if your feelings make total sense to you now, there still might be trouble if you tell someone what you really want. A misunderstanding could occur if you become so enthusiastic about your current strategy that you just bounce from one thought to another. A better approach is to work quietly toward your goals today while waiting to share your overall plan until you develop it further. Give yourself some time to breathe and others will be more eager to support your endeavors

Daily Cosmic Calendar for March 19th

The Moon entering the fixed, water sign of Scorpio (2:14AM) each month points you in the direction of becoming an amateur detective. Don your Sherlock Holmes disguise and solve personal mysteries while ferreting out family secrets. Getting to the bottom of things is a key trait of this segment of the zodiac. Mother Nature beckons in one fashion or another as the Moon embraces the largest asteroid Ceres (3:06AM). Take a good look at your dietary and nutritional needs. Strive to be highly productive in your main fields of expertise.  While much of today reveals a favorable vibration, the insurance, safety, security and investment fronts take a drubbing around the time when the Sun forms an off-kilter, 150-degree tie with Vesta (4:10AM). The good news picks up the pace shortly thereafter as a grand triangle in water signs lifts your spirits. The Moon in Scorpio first trines Mercury and Neptune in Pisces (5:42AM and 1:11PM, respectively) and then moves on to trine Jupiter in Cancer (9:58PM). Tune into the deeper levels of your spiritual awareness by utilizing the electro-magnetic qualities of this potent geometrical form in the heavens.  It is also appropriate to reflect on the last month — as well as the last 12 months — of your life, with the gains and losses, opportunities received and challenges met, as tomorrow sees the Sun entering Aries, a sacred turning point of the calendar year and the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. [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 March 19th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/80% of illumination)

A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.

Spring Invocation to Persephone

 

Spring Invocation to Persephone

by Elizabeth Barrette

 

Come, Persephone,
With your paint-pots and brushes:
Stipple the fields with flowers,
Dot the branches with bright blossoms
Streak the Spring sky with pale pastels.
You are the one who paints the eyes on the pansies,
And the lines on the lilies so the bees can find their food,
And the blushes on the rosebuds.
Without you,
The bearded iris would have no smile
And the black-eyed susan would be blind.
Come, Persephone:
The world has rested too long
Under Winter’s snowy cloak.
Come bring your brushes and bright colors
And dress us in the shades of Spring again.
We invoke you, gracious maiden of freedom and beauty:
 
 So Mote It Be

 

An Example of an Ostara Ritual

An Example of an Ostara Ritual

This Ritual shall be performed either in the morning, at Dawn, or during the day sometime, or during the early evening hours, just after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and “sweep away” any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red,

 

West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with a white, light green, lemon yellow or a pale pink altar cloth. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with Springtime flowers of any color (silk are acceptable), along with a Spring basket filled with brightly-colored Pagan Ostara Eggs. Along with your usual ritual tools and items, have upon the altar:

White, Light Green, Lemon Yellow or a Pale Pink Altar Cloth

Spring Basket filled with Brightly-colored Pagan Ostara Eggs

Spring Flowers (for decoration)

A New Plant or a Seed or Seedling to be planted within your cast Circle –
you will also need some soil and a pot (as a Spring gift to yourself)

Pen and Paper (for writing out your desires for the coming year)

Cauldron for Burning the “Seed” Papers in (light each one from the Fire candle)

A Bell

Ostara Incense – Spring Blend, or Jasmine, Rose, Sage, or Strawberry Sticks

When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your Ritual Robe or other Ritual attire. Be sure to wear your Magickal jewelry, if you have any. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while – to ground and center. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the Ritual.

Cast the Circle… begin the Ostara sabbath Ceremony by sitting quietly for a few moments, then say these words aloud in dedication:

 

“Winter’s bareness has subsided,
from the death of Winter springs new life!
Spring is coming to the land.
The days grow longer, warm breezes begin to stir…
All around me I see signs—
The growing things are beginning anew.
It is a resurrection of the dance of life—
The dance of the stems and stalks
As they push forth from the Earth.
It is the season of creation.
Growth has turned outward.
The land has become fertile again.
The Earth is caressed by the loving touch of the Mother.
Where Her hand passes:
Atoms twine together to create growth.
Buds burst open, leaves and vines unfurl.
She creates a vision of green beauty.
Beauty so breath-taking after the dark solitude of Winter.
It is this vision that we celebrate on Her day of Ostara.
The world recreating itself—
Returning from the death of Winter,
Into the new life of Spring
Through the love of the Lord and the Lady.”
Sit quietly again and reflect on the meaning of the Spring Season for a few moments. When you are ready, pick up your wand and hold it in your power hand, face the North and with your arms outstretched and say:
“The time of change is upon us again –
the Equinox comes, the Wheel turns…
The Wheel of the Year turns on and on,
bringing us all to and from each Season,
and from and to another…
What will be is. What was will be.
All time is here and now in this Sacred Space.
I now pause to watch the Wheel turn,
and cast this Circle on this blessed day/eve.
to celebrate this season of balance known as Ostara, the Vernal Equinox –
the time of new birth and new beginnings.
In this moment between time,
I come to praise the bountiful young Goddess.
and Her son-lover, the Great Horned God of renewal.
for Their blessings of fertility, warmth and life renewed.
I wish to give thanks and feel myself as a part of
the relentlessly turning Wheel of Life, Death, and Rebirth.”
Pause and reflect for a few moments, then continue, saying:
“O Great God of Strength, New Beginnings, and Fertility,
who has been known as Cernunnos, Herne, Pan,
the Great Horned God, and the Lord of the Forests –
Grant me strength, power, and understanding,
throughout this season and always.
O Great Goddess of Love, New Beginnings, and Fertility,
who has been known as Blodeuwedd, Eostre, Astarte, Aphrodite,
and the Maiden Lady of the Moon –
Teach me the secrets of the Mysteries
and the ways of magic.”
Still holding the wand in your power hand, pause and reflect again for a few moments, then say these words:
“Behold, the Lord and Lady of life and the giver of life.
Without Her Lord, the Goddess is barren.
Without His Lady, the God has no life.
Each is needful of the other for completion and power,
as Sun to Earth, the spear to the cauldron,
spirit to flesh, human to human.”
Rap the side of the cauldron lightly with the wand, say:
“O Great Goddess, be with me now.
in your aspect of the Maiden,
the fair one who brings joy and new life.”
Ring the bell once and say:
“O Great God of renewal, be with me now.
in your aspect of the Lord of the Forests,
the Horned God who brings warmth and love.”
Rap the cauldron once more with the wand and say:
“May the strength of the old enter into the new.
Great Lord and Lady, make all things strong
and giving of new life. Blessed be.”
Pick up the burning incense and carry it once more around the Circle deosil. Set it back down and say these words:
“Awake! All creatures in the realm of Earth, awake!
Greet the Maiden and Her Lover,
who herald the coming of Spring.”
At this time, symbolically present yourself with your new Springtime gift – the potted plant (or plant the actual seed or seedling in the soil and then present it to yourself). Say these words:
“As this tiny plant/seed/seedling begins its life anew,
so do I now begin to manifest
my new desires for the coming year.”
Pick up your athame and touch its tip to the paper, and say:
“Now I cast behind me
the darkness of Winter and the past.
I look only to that which lies ahead.
This is the time for me to plant seeds in the
physical, mental, as well as spiritual realms.”
Now write down your desires for the coming year on the slips of paper. Write only one desire on each piece of paper. Fold the papers and hold them up over the altar in offering to the Old Gods. Say these words:
“This is a joyous time, a time for planting.
With joy and trust, I place these requests
in the hands of the Goddess and Her Lord.”
Light the papers afire in the flame of the Fire candle and dropthem one by one into the cauldron to manifest as the Gods see fit. As you do so, say:
“These thought-seeds I do willingly place
into the hands of the Lady and Her Lord,
that these desires and dreams may
manifest and become reality.
By the free will of All, and
with harm to none,
as I will, so shall it be done.”
When you are finished, proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony, followed by Releasing the Circle in
your usual manner.
This Completes the Ostara sabbath Ritual

Please note this ritual is based on the Northern Hemisphere correspondences of elements and their colors, and directions and so on.

Let’s Talk Witch – 8 Ideas for Celebrating Ostara

Let’s Talk Witch – 8 Ideas for Celebrating Ostara

Ostara, the Spring Equinox, is always especially beautiful here in Sonoma County, California. This year seems especially nice. Winter’s rains have been lighter than we would like, but they have been gentle and well timed. My farmer friends with whom I’ve spoken are feeling good. Warming temperatures and longer days have brought forth the first abundant flowers, especially the wild mustard that makes it seem as if our craggy valley oaks and vineyards have their feet awash in bright yellow paint. The threats from frost are virtually over.

Our season and Ostara’s symbolism are in perfect harmony.

Wiccan Sabbats celebrate our Wheel of the Year, and the Wheel of the Year, like the phases of the moon, symbolize to us the stages of life, from birth to death to rebirth. Four Sabbats are “Greater Sabbats” originally linked with Celtic agricultural cycles: Brigit, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain. The other four “cross quarter” Sabbats are correlated with the cycles of the solar year, the solstices and equinoxes. On the 21st of this month, Witches and many other Pagans will celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox.

Equinoxes are times of balance between day and night, light and darkness. But the balance is dynamic, lasting a day, before shifting into playing a role in that greater balance that is the Wheel of the Year. For me this sense of balance should be the dominant theme of either Ostara, or Mabon, the Fall Equinox. But they are very different Sabbats otherwise, for after Ostara the light will continue to grow, whereas after Mabon, it is darkness that increases.

There is another aspect of balance that comes to mind as a am mulling this post over, that between the universal and the concrete. Solar Sabbats are universal, the Greater Sabbats are specific to time and place. Together, they balance the universal with the variety that is local. So while I think it is important to make sure Greater Sabbats are strongly connected with where we live, it is not as important for the Cross Quarter ones.

With these thoughts in mind, I have a few ideas for celebrating Ostara I want to share. All are suitable for Solitaries.

1. On my altar I will have 4 candles. I will light two, and with sundown, light another. I have tried to figure out a simple but visually beautiful way of symbolizing Sabbats and their meaning, and here is my scheme into which this simple observance fits.

Yule – 1 candle lit during ritual.
Imbolc – 1 candle lit, a second during the ritual.
Ostara – 2 candles lit, a third lit at end of ritual or at sunset.
Beltane – 3 candles, one lit during ritual, making 4.
Midsummer – 4 candles, one extinguished at end of ritual.
Lammas – 3 candles, one extinguished during ritual.
Mabon – 2 candles, one extinguished at sunset or end of ritual.
Samhain – 1 candle lit, but extinguished during ritual.

2. I will fill my place with local flowers. I just spoke with a friend in Maine. The garden I helped plant still looks like a snow drift. Maybe the willows are changing their color as the sap tentatively rises, making for a good altar decoration. If not, it’s good that this is a solar Sabbat!

3 I will watch the dawn, and do some invocations and prayers while I do it. Ostara is said to have been a Goddess of the Dawn as well as spring, so this is fitting, although very little is known of Her. If I was in Fairbanks, I might let this slide.

4. In Pagan times eggs and hares were associated with the creation of life and fertility, for obvious reasons. While it seems all folklore of ancient provenance has disputed origins, regardless of how these customs arose and survived, they are perfectly fitted for symbolizing this time, when almost everywhere spring has arrived or is coming soon. Dyeing the eggs in Spring-time colors, and having a good old fashioned Ostara Egg hunt is a wonderful thing for kids.

5. A good smudging, followed by a good airing if the weather permits. Burning sage is the easiest way to smudge a place, though any cleansing incense is worthwhile. Be sure to get corners and dark places. Energy collects and stagnates in those places, and most of us have had all winter for that to happen.

6. Plant a seed associated with a magickal ritual for something you want to grow. Simple and personal is best. Focus your intent strongly on the seed, then on the pot of soil after you have planted it. Take care of it. I’d recommend a perennial, that you can plant and let continue to flourish with your care, but maybe an annual will do the trick. Depends on your project.

7. If you have a yard, this is a good time to begin getting in touch with the spirits of your place. But as with any relationship, it will normally take some time to grow. The last time I lived for any length of time in a house with a yard, I would make weekly offerings in a out of the way part of my yard, that I otherwise left alone (all the rests was garden). I would leave a small glass of rum, some tobacco, and a votive candle (be very careful about fire if you do this). After some months the ‘feel’ of my back yard began to change in ways I and others liked a lot. But remember, attitude makes or breaks this kind of thing – as with all relationships.

8. If there is a public Sabbat celebration, and you are not part of a coven, try and go. Some are well done, some can seem like ‘ritual abuse,’ but either way, this is a good way to begin meeting other local Pagans. In my view the real magic of what we do is most powerful when we work and celebrate together

Source

Information from Beliefnet

Author: Gus diZerega

Blog: A Pagan’s Blog

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Quintaria/Quinq uatrus

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year

Quintaria/Quinq uatrus

In Ancient Greece, the day before the Vernal (Spring) Equinox was dedicated to the Goddess Athena. In Rome this was the fifth day after the Ides of March—the start of the five-day festival for the God Mars and the principal festival of the Goddess Minerva. The first day was her birthday and the following four days were devoted to circus games.

Minerva was the Goddess of crafts and trade guilds. She was originally the Etruscan Goddess Menrva and identified with the Greek Goddess Athena. In Rome, Minerva had a temple on the Aventine Hill and another in the Forum of Nerva. Her festivals were held on March 19, June 19 and September 13.

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Archangel: Raphael

Candle colour: Yellow

Incenses: Lavender or fennel

Crystals: Citrine or yellow calcite

Use Wednesdays for spells for money-making ventures, learning new things, passing examinations and tests, house moves and travels, overcoming debt and repelling envy, malice and deceit.

Where possible, work in a windy place or when the clouds are moving fast across the sky.

The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, March 19th

The Witches Correspondence for Wednesday, March 19th

 

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, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, 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, March 19th

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, March 19th

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

St. Joseph’s Day (Sicilian)

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Libra

Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance, and partnership.

Moon enters Scorpio 5:13 am

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Incense: Honeysuckle

Color: Brown

 

Spirits of Light
Protect me from the dark
Let all words and thoughts
Directed at me with malicious intent
Be reflected back
On the one who sends them
Keep me safe
From those who would harm me
Intentionally or unintentionally
Let the energy of light
Repel the energy of darkness
And send it back
From whence it came
 
Protect each day, dear Goddess
for we are your children in love
and light.
 
So Mote It Be

Happy, Happy Wednesday! It’s Lady A’s Birthday, Let’s Party!


This is not the main birthday post to Lady A. I just wanted to throw a few “Happy Birthdays” here and there. I have good news, we collected enough money for the pentagram necklace. Thank you. I just wish you could be here when Lady A opens it. Got to remember to get the camera this afternoon. I am running late today because I had to get my brother off to Nashville. I am sure you ladies know how it is to get a man out the door. I should have gone it would have been much simpler. I just hate driving in that traffic down there.

It is time to get to work. I want you to know I plan on fixing Lady A a nice birthday page after the end of today’s postings. She is suppose to home around 7:00 pm so I should have it done before then. I only wish I was a graphic expert, lol!

I hope everyone has a very blessed and happy Wednesday,

Mystie

Last Time I will bug you…….

We received a phone call from Lady A. She is antsy to come home. She is planning on hopping the plane in the morning. She said she should be here around 1 or 2 o’clock. We still have a few hours left to pull of this birthday surprise. If you would like to contribute, please do so. Remember, I am only asking for a $1.00 and I hate to ask for that. As previously stated that pentagram is rather expensive and it will be from all of us.

This post is the last post I will make about Lady A’s birthday present. If you would like to participate and have your name on her b-day card, please do so. I know she is going to love the necklace. I am going to try to catch a pic of her with it on. I should say if I am still alive after all this, ha, ha! If I turn up missing, please come and look for me (just kidding). The rest of this is just a repost from this morning. WordPress is acting up and it is hard to copy the PayPal button from the other page. I decided to just copy the most of the post and hope it goes through.

We would like to thank…….

Susan Randis

Tabitha Rust

Kari Vela

Shari Lenway

Remember we aren’t asking for fifty or sixty dollars, we are only asking for $1.00. This pentagram necklace is rather expensive. That is why it is on Lady A’s “want” list. But she won’t never buy it for herself. She always puts others before herself. I believe this would be the perfect gift for her birthday and a very nice surprise (especially since she wants it).

If you have an extra dollar and would like to get in on Lady A’s birthday present, please do so. Time is still on our side. My brother will be going to Nashville either this evening or early tomorrow to pick up the necklace. We still need your help. If you love Lady A, do it for her.

Thank you!

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for March 18th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

“There is no royal road to anything – One thing at a time, and all things in succession. That which grows slowly endures.”
– J.G. Holland

The first lesson we have to learn is that instant success in anything is a fantasy. The overnight success stories we hear about are really products of much preparation.

If we could view a life laid out before us, we could see it is much like a hand sewn quilt, built of many tiny pieces, colors of every hue, fabrics of every kind, and patiently joined together by tiny stitches to give many years of service. Maybe we missed a stitch someplace and it caused a weak place, but the strength of many other stitches will carry it through. Finally a complete quilt has been created and it is strong and lasting.

When we truly want to move ahead we build our lives a quilt block at a time, patiently adding to another part of life until we have the strength and courage to endure.

Take one step at a time, but take it positively forward! The patience will be rewarded. To have a dream come true we must first have a dream. Don’t look back. The past is gone, but the future is still in our hands.

___________________________________

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 – March 18

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 18

“The sacred fire used to heat the rocks represents the eternal fire that burns at the center of the universe.”

–Dr. A.C. Ross (Ehanamani), LAKOTA

Our Sweat Lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. This is the place of forgiveness. The altar is the place where the Grandfathers are heated. The Sweat Lodge and the altar represent the whole story of the universe. The Sweat Lodge and the ceremonies are sacred. The Great Spirit gave these things to us to help us. He taught us to do the ceremonies in harmony with Mother Earth. We need to know and understand these things.

Great Spirit, let me understand harmony.

March 18 – Daily Feast

March 18 – Daily Feast

Other people have so much happen in their lives before we get to know them that we don’t always know how to meet their needs. If they have been hurt, they may box themselves in and our reach is not long enough. But we cannot go back and make up for what someone else has done. All of us have come to the present with some memory, some experience, that has affected us negatively. It would be hard to live in a world of hurt and not be touched by it. But the Cherokee knows that change can take place suddenly to heal life. A Seneca chief had been sick a long time, but he was visited in his dreams by three supernatural beings sent by the Great Spirit, and rose up cured to teach the good message given him by the Master of Life. His people thrived and flourished and developed gifts. So can we. When we seek we find. And it may be by helping others.

~ We were a lawless people, but we were on pretty good terms with the Great Spirit. ~

WALKING BUFFALO

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

The Daily Motivator for March 18th: The opportunity is now

The opportunity is now

Right now is your opportunity to fully live this day. It’s an opportunity  that will never come again.

If you waste the opportunity that is now, you are guaranteed to deeply regret  it later. If you make the most of the opportunity of today, then tomorrow you’ll  have access to an even greater opportunity.

To live a rich, fulfilling life, you must do valuable, fulfilling things.  Today is when you can choose to do those things.

You can either punish yourself by avoiding the opportunity of now, or you can  reward yourself by doing all you can to make the most of it. Think of that when  you’re deciding how to spend the next moment, and the rest of this day.

There is unclaimed value right in front of you, right now. By giving of  yourself and by sincerely making your very best efforts, that value can be  yours.

If you wish to fill your life and your world with richness, the opportunity  is now. There is so very much to give and to live, so get busy and do it.

— Ralph Marston

 

 

Straight from

The Daily Motivator

The Daily OM for March 18th: Valuable Information

Valuable Information

The Message of Pain

by Madisyn Taylor

Both emotional and physical pain are messages that we need to stop and pay attention.

When we feel pain, our first impulse is often to eradicate it with medication. This is an understandable response, but sometimes in our hurry to get rid of pain, we forget that it is the body’s way of letting us know that it needs our attention. A headache can inform us that we’re hungry or stressed just as a sore throat might be telling us that we need to rest our voice. If we override these messages instead of respond to them, we risk worsening our condition. In addition, we create a feeling of disconnectedness between our minds and our bodies.

Physical pain is not the only kind of pain that lets us know our attention is needed. Emotional pain provides us with valuable information about the state of our psyche, letting us know that we have been affected by something and that we would do well to focus our awareness inward. Just as we tend to a cut on our arm by cleaning and bandaging it, we treat a broken heart by surrounding ourselves with love and support. In both cases, if we listen to our pain we will know what to do to heal ourselves. It’s natural to want to resist pain, but once we understand that it is here to give us valuable information, we can relax a bit more, and take a moment to listen before we reach for medication. Sometimes this is enough to noticeably reduce the pain, because its message has been heard. Perhaps we seek to medicate pain because we fear that if we don’t, it will never go away. It can be empowering to realize that, at least some of the time, it is just a matter of listening and responding.

The next time you feel pain, either physical or emotional, you might want to try listening to your own intuition about how to relieve your pain. Maybe taking a few deep breaths will put an end to that headache. Perhaps writing in your journal about hurt feelings will ease your heart. Ultimately, the message of pain is all about healing.

 

Straight from

The Daily OM

Respecting and Honoring Yourself – and Your Religious Choices

Respecting and Honoring Yourself – and Your Religious Choices

Author:   nasionnaich   

How many of you have ever used religious rituals that are not your own? I have, and now that I have learned why I should not have, I deeply regret having used them. Oh, I don’t mean rituals that are a part of the culture of a place you are visiting, so you feel “obligated” to participate out of respect towards your host. I mean rituals that you have decided to incorporate into your own “brand” of religious belief and/or spirituality. You know, taking bits and pieces of something and using them in a way that “fits your style” — without proper instruction on the meaning behind the ritual (as well as where, when and how to do it) .

For more than 20 years, I have been learning about the various aspects of various religions, and trying to find my own particular Spiritual Path. I have never deliberately intended to be disrespectful towards any religion or spirituality — I have always had good intentions as my motive for learning. Well, I may have been disrespectful anyway, no matter the reason for doing it, no matter the “good intentions”.

A little history on one part of the subject may be in order — specifically, Native American Indian religious and spiritual rituals — as a way of actually illustrating what I intend to convey. I apologize in advance if any of it seems “disjointed” or “rambling”; I am not at all used to this essay-writing thing (I always had problems writing essays when I was in school, too) , so please, bear with me. (Just so you know, I am a “Native American”, I was born in “America” – but I am not a Native American Indian. Yes, there is a difference.)

Back when the Europeans first came to the Western Hemisphere, they found a number of very distinct Cultures and Peoples with rich traditions of their own, including complex religions and a deeply ingrained spirituality, which permeated the entire social structure of each region. Of course, being the “Good Christians” they were, those Europeans felt bound by their Duty towards their Church to change or eradicate what they didn’t like or understand. And they made no real efforts to truly understand what they didn’t like.

The Christian missionaries were usually the first to “study” the Native American Indian rituals, and they promptly decided that the rituals were “Satanic” in nature — most after having “studied” those rituals for less than one year. Fast-forward more than 500 years, and most Christian churches still have no true understanding of what the rituals really mean. (I place much of the blame on the Christian missionaries and anthropologists, who tend to “interpret” things strictly according to their Christian up-bringing…never mind what they actually see or are told.)

But there are many non-Christian groups (and individual Christians) who have realized that “Satan” has nothing to do with the Native American Indian rituals and spirituality, and have been working towards a full acceptance of the “Native American Church” — a loose conglomeration of religious practices and beliefs which happen to share a common set of central beliefs, but followers of which never called themselves a “church” prior to the 20th Century.

These “hippies”, as they were once known in the 1960s and 1970s, as a means of “promoting” Native American Indian spirituality decided on their own to selectively “adopt” Native American Indian religious and spiritual rituals, rarely fully understanding the meanings and the social importance of those rituals in what are very specific settings.

They learned the rituals from reading what the Christian missionaries and anthropologists wrote. I did, too, to a large extent. Later, I found how wrong many of those descriptions really are.

The Sun Dance, for example, is done only at certain times during the Summer months, and it is to help the men of the community know what it is like to give birth — they endure a great amount of pain and privation which most “White Men” can only imagine; it has little, if anything, to do with any so-called “sun worship”.

And the Sweat Lodge Ceremonies are for the Purification of those who are about to begin – or have recently completed – specific socially and spiritually important tasks — it isn’t just another fraternally-organized steam bath where you can get stoned out of your mind.

The Vision Quest is not what most people seem to think it is, either. These and other rituals have been taken up in a willy-nilly fashion by neo-Pagan and New Age groups and individuals (the “hippies” previously mentioned) because of some perceived need to “preserve” them, or because they “like” the rituals. Or much worse, out of a misguided attempt to “honor” Native American Indians.

They do not bother to truly consider how wrong it can be to do so, not thinking about how their own ancestors’ religious beliefs and rituals were corrupted by the very same piece-meal picking and choosing of whatever happened to be “popular” (or “pleasing”) at the time, nor how those rituals were wrongly “interpreted” by others. I doubt very much that the Druids of Ancient Ireland, for example, would have been pleased with a Roman follower of Jupiter “adopting” Druidic practices with no real thought to the actual meaning of those practices.

But the Native American Indians who still practice their religion are expected to accept the corruption and bastardization of their rituals, all in the name of “preserving” and “honoring” them.

As an example, I saw a photo of a “Burning Man” attendee wearing a “Native American spirit mask”, and at first didn’t think much of it — until I noticed that he was naked from the waist up (the photo was cropped just above his waist, so I have no idea what he was wearing below the waist – but I can guess) .

For one thing — and this is extremely important — the People who happen to use that style of mask do not go naked during their public rituals, not even from the waist up, so that was a huge tip-off that if the man was “honoring” the “Native American Church”, he either never received the instruction needed, or ignored what instruction he may have received and in either case was being extremely disrespectful…no matter what “good intentions” he may have had.

If there is no instruction concerning the rituals, they should not be used; there is no “But, I’m honoring such-and-such religion and/or group”. And, as any Judge will tell you concerning another subject: Ignorance is not an excuse, because there are many ways to obtain the necessary knowledge and instruction.

Native American Indian rituals are a sacred thing to the practitioners and Teachers of the Native American Indian religion, and they should be treated with the exact same respect, as you would demand of anyone towards your own religion. I have heard from many Pagans and Wiccans — as well as read here on WitchVox — that before anyone decides to use or take part in any ritual, those people should be instructed in the proper methods, times and places to do those rituals. And there are many Pagan and Wiccan rituals that are to be conducted only by Ordained Priests and Priestesses, not by just anyone who feels like using them.

Yet, again, there are many neo-Pagans and New Agers who feel it is somehow OK for anyone who wishes to just “adopt” whatever rituals they want, from wherever they want, and without having first gone through the necessary instruction on how, where and when to properly conduct those rituals….

Some religions may be OK with that, but most are not. It took me more than 20 years to fully realize this simple truth as it concerns the “Native American Church”, but if I had actually bothered to think about it when I began my “spiritual journey” (which, I admit, is still not completed) , I would have come to the same realization after first learning how truly Sacred certain rituals are to most religious groups.

So, why was it wrong to use certain rituals in my own “brand” of spirituality? Because I did not know what those rituals truly mean, which was because I had not received any real instruction as to how, when and where to use them. I was not authorized to use those rituals because I did not receive instruction from someone who was authorized to give that instruction.

I had no true respect for myself, because I had no true respect for my religious/spiritual choices.

Now that I have spent more than 20 years learning about and teaching myself the various aspects of “religion”, Native American Indian religion and spirituality included, I can only hope to help others in their own journeys towards a true Spiritual Awareness and respect for (and towards) themselves, as well as religious beliefs and practices they may someday wish to “adopt” (if not actually live by) .

We all want others to show some measure of respect towards our religious choices, and it is my opinion that the first step towards that is to truly respect other religions by making an honest attempt, doing everything within our means, to understand the rituals before we “adopt” any part of them.

Very few out-spoken Wiccans and Pagans, after all, would simply stand by and watch a “Fluffy-bunny” neo-Pagan or New Ager improperly conduct a Purification Ritual to cleanse their laptop computer — using a plastic drinking straw as a “wand”. (Hey, we all know what is meant by “Fluffy-bunny”) I don’t really understand why the improper use of Native American Indian rituals would — or should be allowed.

We gain respect for ourselves by respecting others, and we respect others by showing respect for and towards their religions by understanding the rituals involved in those religions.

So, I ask again, in all seriousness: How many of you have ever used religious rituals that are not your own?

–nasionnaich