It may be a little too soon to shout from the rooftops that the recent stellar conflicts are at an end, but some of today’s fortuitous alignments are pointing in that general direction. The early hours appear promising across the board — courtesy of a high-minded, 72-degree liaison between Mercury and Jupiter (1:20AM) while the Moon in Pisces in a 60-degree, supportive tie with the Sun in Taurus (7:15AM) provides a good-sized dose of physical and emotional revitalization. Remember that it was Mercury (on April 14) and Jupiter (on April 20) that each made several adversarial aspects — magnifying the potential discord of those time-periods. Now they act as though it never happened by reaching across the zodiac in a thought-provoking 72-degree contact. Enjoy explorations in the fine and graphic arts, music and dance improvisations as the Moon unites with Neptune (11:50AM) and parallels Venus (3:02PM). The latter sky pattern can rev your romantic engines. However, focus attention on safety and security measures while Venus forms an off-kilter, 150-degree link with Vesta (12:04PM) and keep your emotional cool when the Moon parallels Mars (8:40PM). Maintain a steady hand if you need to deal with evening business matters since Venus trines Saturn in water signs (10:16PM). Insights inundate your consciousness as Thursday night morphs into Friday morning as the Moon makes a flowing trine to Jupiter (11:55PM). [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]
Category: Daily Posts
Current Moon Phase for April 24th – Waning Crescent
Crescent Moon
(waning/32% of Full)
The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Waning Crescent Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.
WOTC Extra – Resin Sapping
WOTC Extra – Resin Sapping
Ever run into a situation where you need the resin from a certain tree and cant find it? I have. I also go through a lot because I use it as a binder in my incenses and I like to use the appropriate resin so as not to disalign my energies. This is how I do it:
{Don’t forget to ask the tree you sap permission to do so!}
1. Ensure the tree you select will sap well. Look at where branches have fallen; are the wounds covered with dry sap? Is there sap at seemingly random points on the tree? You have a sapping tree. If you are unsure, poke a small hole in the tree and come back in a week, if there is sap there, you have a winner, if not, find a different type of tree. You may end up having to bite the bullet and buying some.
2. Once you have a sapping tree wait until the conditions are right. Perfect conditions are late February to early march. The tempiture should have been around the 40’s for several days prior. Most of us may not live in a place where this will happen, or need it at another time of the year. I recommend waiting for the coldest couple of days, and begin the sapping early in the morning, at first light or earlier.
3. Look for dry sap on the tree that you can collect. If there is none, or not enough, follow steps 4-5, if there is enough “natural sap” do not follow steps 4&5.
4. “Wound” the tree , be sure to thank the tree, ensure the cut goes to the beginning of the heartwood so you know you have penetrated the sapwood. make SURE that the wound is no larger than 1″
5. Return each week until the sap covering the wound has dried, or you can collect it while wet, and let it dry. Your
6. Once you have collected enough dry sap you have 2 choices: 1: grind the sap into a powder on the spot (see step 9 for details) or homogenize (make all of the sap one consistency, color, etc.) if you just grind it go to step 9. If you decide to homogenize, continue. You must homogenize to make bar resin.
7. Place all dry sap in a glass bottle (with all labeling removed). Place the bottle directly on the stove and set it to a low heat. Heat until all sap has mixed and is uniform in color and has no major chunks (small ones are usually ok). The sap should have been boiling for a while now. If making bar sap, pour into a mold/onto wax paper and let dry, you are done. For powdered resin, continue.
8. Pour resin onto a plastic bag or wax paper and allow to dry. To ensure the resin is dry, cover with COLD ice water for a while and dry COMPLETLEY.
9. To grind you will need a mortar and pestle. Ensure resin is COMPLETLEY DRY. Clean you mortar and pestle immediately prior to grinding. Ensure it is bone dry. Smash the sap lobes/bars/plates in to smaller pieces then grind as usual. A little will stick to the sides, just scrape it off with a spoon. (be sure to clean your mortarand pestle afterwards) You are done.
The Witches Magick for April 24th – Ritual for Working With Nature Spirits
Ritual for Working With Nature Spirits
Explain to the spirits the purpose of your coming to them and the nature of the ritual you plan.
If the spirits you contacted are receptive:
· – Explain to them the details of the ritual and invite them to provide ideas.
· – Listen, you may receive suggestions on how to improve the ritual. Such suggestions may come in the form of hunches, visions, answers to yes/no questions using pre-arranged signals or in other ways.
· – Explain what type of space is needed and ask what the best place to perform the ritual is.
· – You may see light or get other psychic signals leading you to other sites, or you may be at one of them.
· – You may also ask what the best places for other aspects of the planned work are (picnicking, individual vision quests, etc.).
· – If preparation of the site is needed (removing briars, preparing a fire circle, etc.) ask permission of the spirits before proceeding with such action.
· – Before you leave the power spot, tell the spirits you have contacted when you plan to return to do the ritual (visualizing the associated lunar and solar aspects can help with this communication).
· – Invite them to join in the ritual when you return and to bring their friends.
· – Ask if it would be best to return silently, with drums, with chanting, or with some other form of approach.
· – You can also ask the spirits to provide guidance for working in balance and to provide a teacher to provide further guidance.
Before you leave the power spot:
· – Thank the spirits,
· – Channel love energy,
· – Trigger your memory of the experience, and
· – If it feels right, leave an offering of tobacco, or beer and honey poured on the ground (or other suitable material)
Leave in peace and love.
Proceed to other sites that were indicated by the spirits, doing similar meditations at each site.
If you need something, like a staff, a Maypole, or a wand, you can also ask where you can find it and follow the guidance you receive (not slavishly, but as you would guidance from another Pagan)
Before leaving the general area in which you found power spots and contacted nature spirits:
· – Channel love energy towards the receptive sites you found,
· – Thank the spirits of the land,
· – Pull back your roots and branches,
· – Ground any excess energy into the Earth (placing your hands on the Earth, breathe in any excess energy, and channel the energy down your arms, while visualizing and feeling the energy going into the Earth), and
· – Leave in peace and love.
Naturally, you should leave the area at least as clean, and preferably cleaner, than you found it.
If you work with techniques of Wicca or Ceremonial Magic, you may find that by casting a circle, calling the Elements, the Goddess, the Gods, and the local nature spirits while you are at receptive sites, you may be able to greatly increase communication. Through the use of drums and other power raising techniques, it is even possible to energize receptive nature spirits. The results can be very interesting. If with a coven, such circles can be done as part of a group attunement to a power spot you have located.
If you do not get good feelings in response to your explanation of the ritual and are unable to come up with a ritual that gives good responses, do not try to force a good response. You would only be fooling yourself.
· – Thank the spirits for their attention.
· – Ask them why they are not receptive (if it feels right and they are communicative).
· – Trigger your memory.
· – Pull back your “roots and branches,” return any excess energy you feel into the Earth.
· – If it feels appropriate, leave an offering of tobacco or other appropriate material, out of respect
for the spirits.
· – Move to a more receptive site.
If it is hard to find a site that is really receptive, you
should:
– Consider any impressions you got of why the nature spirits weren’t receptive in the area you were in, and re-think your plans for a ritual, as necessary and appropriate –
It may also be appropriate to look for another general area in which to find a suitable power site that is receptive to the work planned.
Let’s Talk Witch – Working With Nature Spirits
Let’s Talk Witch – Working With Nature Spirits
Each plant, animal, rock, and other entity has a spirit (consciousness resonance matrix). These spirits can join together, in a hive-mind, as a spirit of an area. Nature spirits include real biological intelligences, are psychically powerful, and are much less abstract and controllable than the Elementals that many magical people who perform all of their rituals indoors are familiar with.They can be extremely powerful allies. It is possible to sense nature spirits, to determine if they are receptive to a ritual planned, and to have them actively participate in magical workings if they are.
SOME EFFECTS OF WORKING WITH NATURE SPIRITS:
Spectacular physical manifestations can happen when working with nature spirits in the wild. I have personally seen actual foxfire mark the boundaries of a magic circle at a location that was identified as a receptive power spot and attuned to a planned ritual the day before. I have seen more than one site attuned for ritual be dry and comfortable, with a round hole in the clouds overhead, on days that were cold and rainy at other nearby locations. Birds have joined in rituals, flying around the circle when energy was being raised; and insects, birds and animals have joined in chants. In addition, the wind often responds to invocations. Generally, these spectacular manifestations happen unexpectedly.
With or without such manifestations, nature spirits often will channel tremendous amounts of power into the magic being performed. It is suggested that you do not consciously try for specific manifestations. Let Nature channel her power into the magic in her own way. If approached with respect, nature may give you many pleasant surprises.
Spectacular physical manifestations are not a necessary sign of success. If you need a spectacular
manifestation and nature spirits know this, you will get it.The best success in magic is on the inner planes and more subtle than such manifestations. This success involves beneficial changes in consciousness that last and helpful chains of synchronicity. In addition, working with Nature Spirits can also bring a deep sense of partnership with Nature, and bring new levels of attunement.
To get the best results, perform nature spirit attunement several hours to several days before the main ritual. The purposes of such attunement are to find suitable power spots and to get the help of friendly nature spirits. This timing gives Nature time to gather her children and to prepare to actively participate in the main ritual.
WHAT TO NOT DO:
If nature spirits are approached with disrespect by attempting to command them rather than listening to them and inviting them to work with you, nature spirits may flee, rebel, or attack. I once attended a ritual by some pseudo-Crowleyites who attempted to perform the “Ritual of the Barbarous Names” at a power spot in a forest and then to extend the circle several hundred yards in all directions. While the forest in general had loud insect and frog noises, the area at which the ritual took place got quiet immediately when the main ritualist declared that all spirits were subject unto him. The vibes from nature could best be characterized as “Oh yea, Mother…!” One participant was quickly possessed by an angry spirit and kept repeating “You killed my children, your children will never live in peace.” When the priestess stepped out of the boundaries of the original circle, she was attacked by bees; and bees covered the Book of the Law. Magicians should know better than to attempt to command spirits whose true names they do not know!
Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – St. George’s Day
April 24th
St. George’s Day
St. George is the patron saint of England–as well as Greece, Portugal, and Aragon–and of soliders and boy scouts. As the most of the saints, George was a mysterious character. He was reputed to have rescued the daughter of the king of Silene–the end of the third century A.D. The princess was a sacrificial victim being offered to a dragon that was devouring the people. Saint George arrived on his white horse and beheaded the dragon with one swift blow of his mighty sword.
During the late medieval period this date was widely celebrated throughout London, Norwich, Chester, Leicester, and York. The festivities began on the evening of the 23rd and proceeded throughout the following day. There were civic presentations, parades, and horse races. It was believed that if you dreamed of a man on that night, he would become your true love
Thursday Is Ruled By Jupiter
Thursday Is Ruled By Jupiter
Archangel: Sachiel
Candle colours: Blue
Incenses: Sandalwood or sage
Crystals: Lapis lazuli or turquoise
Use Thursdays for spells for career, justice, prosperity, leadership, creativity, marriage and all partnerships, whether love or business, and for male potency.
Where possible work on a hillside, moorland or near a natural sacred site.
Home & Hearth Magick for Thursday, April 24th
Home & Hearth Magick for Thursday, April 24th
Thursday is a good day to increase prosperity; work toward expansion and moving up on the world.
Planetary Influence: Jupiter
Household Symbol: A dollar bill, coins, a paycheck stub, a picture of your home.
Color: Green and royal blue
Kitchen Spices: Sage and nutmeg
Source:
Cottage Witchery Natural Magick for Hearth and Home Author: Ellen DuganThe Witches Correspondence for Thursday, April 24th
The Witches Correspondence for Thursday, April 24th
Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigot
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise
Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.
The Witches Almanac for Thursday, April 24th
The Witches Almanac for Thursday, April 24th
Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.
St. Mark’s Eve
Waning Moon
The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work (except magick designed to banish harmful energies).
Moon Sign: Aquarius
Aquarius: Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.
Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter
Moon enters Pisces 2:55 am
Pisces: The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition and psychic impressions. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities.
Incense: Clove
Color: White
A Very Glorious Thursday Morn to All My Dear Brothers & Sisters!
HYMN TO THE UNKNOWN GOD
O RULER! Lord of the universe,
Whether thou art male,
Whether thou art female,
Lord of reproduction
Wherever thou mayest be!
O Lord of divination
Where art thou?
Thou mayest be above,
Thou mayest be below,
Or perhaps around
Thy splendid throne and sceptre.
O hear me!
From the sky above,
In which thou mayest be,
From the sea beneath
In which thou mayest be.
Creator of the world,
Maker of all men;
Lord of all Lords
My eyes fail me for longing to see thee
For the sole desire to know thee.
O look down upon me
For thou knowest me.
The sun–the moon–
The day–the night–
Spring–winter,
Are not ordained in vain
By thee, O Deity!
They all travel
To the assigned place;
They all arrive
At their destined ends
Whithersoever thou pleasest.
Thy royal sceptre
Thou holdest.
O hear me!
O choose me!
Let it not be
That I should tire,
That I should die!
An Old Peruvain Prayer
A Little Thought From Me to You…..
WOTC Cartoon of the Day – ‘Those Wicked Wedgies, lol!’
A Little Humor For Your Day – Divorced Barbie
Divorced Barbie
A Lady goes to Toys R Us to buy a Barbie doll.
She tells the clerk that she needs to buy a Barbie but doesn’t know what’s available or price.
The clerk replies “We have Tennis Barbie and she’s $28”
Lady asks “Well, anything else?”
“We have an equestrian Barbie, and she’s $28”.
Lady asks “Anything else?”
“Well, we have divorced Barbie and she’s $250”
The lady replies “I don’t understand why divorced Barbie is so expensive. The others were only $28. What is so special about divorced Barbie?”
The clerk replied “Simple, she comes with Ken’s car, his house, and all his other stuff.”
Source:
JokesWarehouse.com
Quiz of the Day: What’s Your Dream IQ?
What’s Your Dream IQ? (Quiz)
Science is far from completely understanding dreams — but that doesn’t mean we’re totally in the dark! Test your knowledge of dreaming in this quiz. Share your answers in the comments if you wish!
Question #1: The most frequently experienced emotion in dreams is,
A. anger.
B. joy.
C. desire.
D. anxiety.
Answer: D. Anxiety.
Humans are thought to dream for a number of reasons, including reducing stress, problem solving and regulating moods. When you’re dreaming, you are twice as likely to be experiencing a negative emotion over a positive emotion.
********
Question #2: On average, people forget what percentage of their dreams?
A. 20%
B. 60%
C. 70%
D. 90%
Answer: D. 90%.
Within 10 minutes of waking up in the morning, you’ve forgotten 90% of your dreams. A lot of it has to do with your brain chemistry, and the fact that our brain doesn’t really need to remember your dreams.
********
Question #3: True or False: only humans are capable of dreaming.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B. False.
Mammals and even some reptiles and birds have all been observed dreaming.
********
Question #4: Which of the following external forces can affect your dreams?
A. Smells.
B. Sounds.
C. Bodily Functions.
D. Pain.
E. All of the above.
F. None of the above.
Answer: E. All of the above.
The outside world can affect our dreams. One study in Germany, for instance, showed that foul smells were more associated with bad dreams and nice smells were more associated with good dreams.
********
Question #5: A Harvard psychiatry professor published the first scientific study on dreams in 40 years, using the addictive video game Tetris to prove that,
A. Video games have a negative impact on our dreams.
B. Our brains never really turn off.
C. Dreaming is used to reinforce learning.
D. None of the above.
Answer: C. Dreaming is used to reinforce learning.
In the study, participants played Tetris and then reported on their dreams — 60% of them dreamt of the game. You can read more about this fascinating study here.
********
Question #6: True or False: some people just don’t dream.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B. False.
Nope, everybody dreams, every single one of us. The difference is, though, that some of us just never remember our dreams.
********
Question #7: What’s the best way to remember your dreams?
A. Write down your thoughts and worries just before bed.
B. Keeping a dream journal.
C. Play a repetitive game before going to sleep to get your mind rolling.
D. You can’t train yourself to remember dreams.
Answer: B. Keeping a dream journal.
As we said before, 90% of our dreams are forgotten within the first 10 minutes of waking. If you write down your dreams as soon as you wake up, you’ll be able to preserve your memories. Moreover, by dedicating yourself to keeping a dream journal, you’ll be able to remember your dreams better in the future.
Daily Feng Shui News for April 23rd – ‘Lovers Day’
Oh la la, it’s ‘Lovers Day!’ But what if you don’t have a lover? Never fear, Feng Shui is here. If you are single and still searching for the perfect partner, then try this following Feng Shui cure. You must have two lamps on either side of your bed for this cure to work its magic. Each night at approximately the same time, turn the lamps on one immediately after the other. Then, after leaving them on for at least three consecutive hours, turn them off in unison. Do this every night for 27 nights and soon every day will be Lover’s Day for you.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Psychic Tip of the Day for April 23rd – Full Circle
Psychic Tip of the Day
Wednesday, April, 23 2014
FULL CIRCLE
Love can be an up and down thing, but today it will life your mood. Are you enjoying the quality of your life regardless of your accomplishments?
Crack the Cookie
Your Charm for Wednesday, April 23rd is The Menat
Your Charm for Today
Today’s Meaning:
A few prayers to your deity of choice would serve you well when dealing with this aspect. Your questions or requests stand a better chance of being answered in the next few days if you do so.
General Description:
This elaborately ornamental charm, worn by Egyptian women, was supposed to bestow upon them all the blessings of their powerful Hathor, goddess of the sunrise, whose worship was universal in Egypt. Health, strength, happiness – all these were the gifts of this their goddess of love. She was regarded as a loving, protecting mother, both of the living and of the dead; was the deity who filled both heaven and earth with her beneficence, and the dispenser of all the blessings of life.
Your Animal Spirit Guide for April 23rd is The Butterfly
Your Animal Spirits Guide for Today
Butterfly
Beautiful butterfly has fluttered into your reading to remind you of the powerful transformational energies at work in your life. If something important seems to be stagnating, know that transformation is at work just below the surface—and just like the caterpillar, the “cocooned” situation you’re fretting about is about to be freed.
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