A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘Just Unearthed, THE Chocolate Files’

Chocolate File

… Any religion that rejects chocolate worships a false god.
… Chocoholic:  Blood Type M&M Positive!
… Chocolate, champagne, a large waterbed, and thou…
… Chocolate cures all.
… Chocolate is self-consecrating.
… Chocolate is serious business!
… Chocolate not found: (C)ry (W)himper (D)espair?
… Dark chocolate at the North; milk chocolate at the West!
… I love a woman with chocolate on her breath.
… I have a chocolate chip in MY computer.
… It’s Saturday?  Are you alive or did they drown you in Hershey’s?
… Lead me not into temptation…unless it’s chocolate!!!
… New and Improved…Now in chocolate and leather flavors.
… No no no, chocolate goes in the East.  Massage oil goes in the West!
… Only one thing can top good sex:  Chocolate sauce.
… Philosophy is just a set of rules for people without chocolate!
… Rule 5: Everyone must buy the moderator chocolate.
… Take with sufficient quantity of chocolate.
… This is your brain. THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON CHOCOLATE!
… Unless it affects the price of chocolate, it has no bearing on my life.
… Upload some chocolate and nobody gets hurt!
… What’s my blood type?  …Hershey’s!
… Wrappers are futile.  Chocolate will be assimilated.

Enhanced by Zemanta

A Little Quiz: What Does Your Dog’s Breed Say About You?

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

In my book It’s a Dog’s Life … but It’s Your  Carpet,  I admit, I make some pretty huge generalizations about breeds  and pet  owners. Granted, they’re my own opinions, but if you really wanted to   know what your veterinarian thinks of you when you walk in the door with  your  breed of dog, read on!

Labrador Retriever

Dedicated, outdoorsy, loyal, and generally a good person to be around. Shops  at REI. Drives a Subaru.

Chihuahua

May bite. The dog too.

Greyhound

Kind, mild mannered. Has neurotic tendencies. Gentle. Laid back. Drinks  bottled water. Often looks like the dog.

Miniature Poodle

Usually owned by a sweet, old, white-haired person.

Terrier

Potential to be a loyal, family-oriented person. Can be snarky and have an  east-coast attitude.

Golden Retriever

Family oriented and generally a good person to be around. Has two or three  human babies.

Miniature Schnauzer

Family oriented. Owned by older adults. Shops at LL Bean and Lands’ End.  Drives a Volvo.

Yorkshire Terrier

Likes to carry a YSL or Gucci purse, often with their pet in it. Enjoys the  high life. Drinks wine, not beer.

Rottweiler

Bad ass. Loyal. Protective. Doesn’t want to be screwed with.

Maltese

Either wants to have a child or have grandchildren. Loves to nurture   and  carry loved ones in arms. Very well dressed. Likes pink bows.

Beagle

Family oriented. High tolerance level for baying.

Bernese Mountain

Financially secure. Educated. Shops at REI, Best Buy, and Nordstroms.

****

What? Don’t believe me? What do you think? Does your breed represent you?

And yes, I purposely skipped stereotyping us American pit bull terrier  dog  owners. But as a veterinary student once said to me: “Dr. Lee … you  look just  like your dog.”

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Feng Shui News for Feb. 11th – ‘Satisfied Staying Single Day’

If today’s ‘Satisfied Staying Single Day,’ describes you, then read no further. But if you’d like to find someone special to spend your happily ever after with, you might want to put a red and a yellow candle in the ‘Romance/Relationship’ area of your bedroom. Light these candles for a few seconds each day for 49 straight days. While they are lit, visualize yourself enjoying a burning and passionate love life that will eventually lead you down the aisle. But if you’re satisfied staying single, then definitely skip this tip.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Charm for February 11th is The Menat

Your Charm for Today

The Menat

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.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Animal Spirit for February 11 is the Armadillo

Your Animal Spirit for Today

 

Armadillo

You’ll never get too close to Armadillo as his hard shell will keep you at arm’s length! And, if this roly-poly fellow is in your reading, he’s asking YOU to examine the areas where you need a hard shell—boundaries!  Do you “do” for everyone but never “do” for yourself? Or, are you being TOO sensitive, protecting yourself even when danger isn’t present?

Enhanced by Zemanta

Your Ancient Symbols Card for Feb. 11 is The Western Dragon

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Western Dragon

Unlike the beneficent Easter Dragon, The Western Dragon is a symbol of totally unleashed destructive power that is set upon anyone who crosses the Dragon’s path. The Western Dragon also hordes treasures that should rightfully be ours, and whose absence deprives us from being complete. The challenges set  before us by the Western Dragon are truly prodigious, because they denote a force whose sole intent is not simply to keep us from moving forward in our lives, but to usurp all that we have previously gained as well. What is even more disturbing about the force behind the Western Dragon is that it may well indicate primal forces in ourselves so powerful that they do in fact turn us into our own worst enemy.

As a daily card, The Western Dragon is a powerful negative force intent upon thwarting your progress. In such a short time frame it is most likely you’re being undermined by an external force–someone who wants what you have gained or gains your are near realizing. While formidable, this bellicose entity does have vulnerabilities. First, there is nothing subtle about the forces represented by The Western Dragon, so the source will be easy for you to identify. Secondly, The Western Dragon represents undisciplined, primal energies that aren’t easy to control, so they are susceptible to logical responses steeped in self control. In short, don’t panic, act deliberately and decisively, and you will weather this storm.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Today’s Tarot Card for February 11th – The Magician

The Magician

Tuesday, Feb 11th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the Magus is one who can demonstrate hands-on magic — as in healing, transformative rituals, alchemical transmutations, charging of talismans and the like. A modern Magus is any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth, one who seeks to bring forth the divine ‘gold’ within her or himself.

At the birth of Tarot, even a gifted healer who was not an ordained clergyman was considered to be in league with the Devil! For obvious reasons, the line between fooling the eye with sleight of hand, and charging the world with magical will was not clearly differentiated in the early Tarot cards.

Waite’s image of the Magus as the solitary ritualist communing with the spirits of the elements — with its formal arrangement of symbols and postures — is a token of the freedom we have in modern times to declare our spiritual politics without fear of reprisal. The older cards were never so explicit about what the Magus was doing. It’s best to keep your imagination open with this card. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by evolutionary forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, February 11th

Delays and setbacks may hijack our good intentions today but these obstacles are just taskmaster Saturn’s way of keeping us on track. Instead of giving up, we need to determine if our destination still makes sense, revise our plan and try again. Although the Sun’s square to restrictive Saturn is likely to slow us down, we can still accomplish our goals. Meanwhile, the Moon makes a bumpy run through moody Cancer, further testing our resolve.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you’re ready to plan for a new adventure today, you might have to learn a tough lesson before you continue. Instead of turning this speed bump into a major detour by fighting against the inevitable, take the time to consider why you may be running into obstacles now. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to overpower the facts with your assertive nature. Only when you accept the truth will you be allowed to move forward.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You receive a fleeting glimpse of what’s ahead now, but you might not be able to proceed as quickly as you would like. There’s nothing wrong with letting your desires motivate you as long as they are realistic. Unfortunately, you may be under a lot of pressure today if you underestimate the energy required to complete a job. Don’t make any promises you cannot keep; it’s far better to let someone down gently in the present moment than to be the source of deeper disappointment later on.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You’re talking a serious game today, but you might not have a clue how to follow through with the necessary actions. But before you attempt to dance your way around an awkward situation, it’s a good idea to think about the consequences of any irresponsible behavior. Thankfully, sharing your feelings, including your concerns, in a mature manner can turn an uncomfortable moment into a positive experience.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might not be all that enthusiastic about the potential of a current romance and your avoidance of the truth only serves to complicate matters. Granted, you could always go ahead and focus on the advantages of being in a relationship, but risking your heart on an improbable future won’t resolve the tension in the present. Expressing your reservations with as much kindness as possible could open the door to a much-needed conversation and even a new level of intimacy.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may believe it’s in your best interest to avoid a discussion that reveals your true feelings today. However, it’s better to face the truth head on than let it gradually eat away at your confidence. You can broach nearly any subject as long as you do so with compassion. Unfortunately, your overactive imagination might add to your current confusion, making it crucial to stick as close to the facts as you can. Save the dreaming for another day when there’s not so much at stake.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You have a lot on your plate today, yet unforeseen circumstances pull your attention away from your real work and may impede your progress. Unfortunately, the pressure to finish your tasks can create additional stress if you fall behind schedule. Nevertheless, your fear of how others might respond is more disruptive to your productivity now than anything else. Rest assured that doing your best will be more than good enough to satisfy everyone else.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your creative energy is on the rise, but you might have trouble gaining enough traction to manifest something tangible today. It’s as if your most productive ideas are blocked by circumstances beyond your control. But this isn’t a sensible time to quit since you’re probably closer to the finish line than you realize. Rather than endlessly weighing all your options, let your imagination be your guide. For now, dreaming your way into the future is more powerful than following a script.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You could be your own worst enemy today, succumbing to feelings of self-doubt — even if they are unwarranted. The Sun’s square to hardnosed Saturn in your intense sign can make someone’s criticism sound worse than it actually is. Instead of imagining what might go wrong, counteract the resistance you now face by visualizing what will go right. Don’t take no for an answer; your persistence speaks louder than words.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The best way to accomplish everything today is to write down all your appointments and commitments, and then juggle all of them into a schedule that maximizes your efficiency. But no matter how well you structure your day, you still need to leave room for things taking longer than you expect. Even with the best of intentions, it’s also important to know when to toss in the towel. Luckily, your sense of humor can save the day if you maintain a positive attitude.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You want to be more socially involved now, especially if it feels like you’re on the outside looking in. Fortunately, you have the gift of long-range vision at your disposal, enabling you to see the bigger picture. Don’t let petty ego wounds get in the way of your larger success that might be just around the corner. Acknowledge the reality of the present moment and keep moving forward. If you continue to act in a positive manner, others will likely gravitate toward you before you know it.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It’s so easy to worry about being wrong now that you might spend too much time defending your actions. The willful Sun in your logical sign squares authoritative Saturn today, testing your ability to live up to your commitments. Unfortunately, your good intentions aren’t sufficient to overcome a poor judgment call. Nevertheless, the ends don’t justify the means. Forget about taking any shortcuts; instead, listen to the feedback you receive and do what’s expected of you with determination and grace.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

There’s very little margin for error today, so don’t allow your changing moods to influence your actions. Acknowledging your feelings is one thing, but letting your emotions control your behavior is not a good idea now. Take a few deep breaths and give yourself sufficient time to rationally analyze your next move before you do anything you might regret. Follow a practical plan without letting your heart distract you from the work at hand.

Mercury in Aquarius (February 12th)

Mercury in Aquarius

Think big while mental Mercury is in brainy Aquarius!

Tarotcom StaffTarotcom Staff on the topics of mercury, astrology, aquarius
It’s time to put on your thinking cap! Mercury, the planet of ideas and communication, is retrograding back into Aquarius on February 12, 2014. Emotions will take a back seat to intellect during this time, and mental pursuits will become more appealing than spiritual ones.

Aquarius is a relatively cool and detached Air sign that puts feelings aside to focus on more cerebral matters — brilliant ideas, inventions, quirky schemes and the like. Don’t be surprised if it feels like you can’t turn off your brain now!

In addition to being an intellectual transit, Mercury in Aquarius is also a bit offbeat. Your thoughts will certainly be brilliant, but they may also be eccentric or downright weird. But don’t forget, there’s a fine line between “weird” and genius, right?!

Think of this as a good thing. This is a great time to look at your life from a different angle and gain new perspective. Also, Aquarius is very future-minded, so you can use this time to think about how to make your future bright.

The one thing to watch out for during Mercury’s transit through this not-so-sensitive sign is hurting or neglecting other people’s feelings. We may all lose touch with our sensitive sides while we’re busy juggling so many brilliant ideas, so do your best to pause and give someone you love an extra hug between all those stimulating conversations.

Mercury will move on into more compassionate Pisces on January 31, before turning retrograde on February 6. On February 12, Mercury spins back into Aquarius until it turns direct on February 28. Finally, Mercury will move forward again into Pisces on March 17.

Enjoy the many “ah-ha” moments you’re sure to have courtesy of Mercury in Aquarius!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Cosmic Calendar for February 11th

Prepare yourself for a momentous day across the board. Primary partnerships may see some new wrinkles and nerves can be frayed as Jupiter in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn at 1:17AM. Don’t make any difficult situations more stressful by trying to throw your weight around or taking a partner for granted. Every act of kindness is a step in the right direction.  Mercury enters compassionate, empathic and psychic Pisces at 6:30AM — although this Messenger of the Gods planet is also slowing down in motion as it nears a three-week reversal starting on Thursday Feb. 6. The Moon in Aquarius is in void mode starting at 8:46AM and lasting 11 hours until 7:46PM when the lunar orb enters Pisces.  In the meantime, Venus — which began a retrograde cycle on December 21, 2013 at 29 degrees of Capricorn — will make a station and turn direct at 12:50PM (activating 14 degrees of Capricorn). [Venus will remain in forward motion until July 25, 2015 when it will go retrograde again at 1 degree of Virgo — a reversal lasting 44 days until September 6, 2015 when it returns to direct motion at 15 degrees of Leo.] Today, all Venus themes — love and romance, business deals and opportunities, social activities, the fine and graphic arts, circles of friendship, your antenna of feelings and sensations, essential values to live by — are accentuated not only at the exact time of the shift, but throughout the entire 24-hour time-period.  Be ready for some celestial shenanigans this evening when the Sun makes an off-kilter, 150-degree tie with Jupiter (8:06PM). When the two largest cosmic bodies form one of these alignments, large-scale plans can often go awry or lose their traction. While a Moon-Mercury conjunction in Pisces (8:40PM) gives communications and correspondence a temporary boost, the red planet Mars in parallel with the Moon (11:09PM) reminds you to be extra sensitive to loved ones needing support rather than criticism. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for 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.]

Calendar of the Moon for February 11th

Calendar of the Moon

11 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 1: Pithogia

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a bottle of wine that has not yet been opened (preferably last year’s homemade), a chalice of water, many cups, a wreath of pruned grapevines, and three purple candles. All should enter the sanctuary bearing the model of a Greek ship with purple sails, entwined with grapevines, which should be carried with all ceremony to the altar and set thereon.
Offerings: Libations of wine to Dionysos. Opening yourself to experiencing Him.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Pithogia Invocation:

Behold the ship of Dionysos!
He sails into each safe harbor
Like a wind of change that cannot be denied.
Be warned, you who have become
Too comfortable, for he will cast up
Your safe life and show you
All the thorns you have pretended not to see.
Honor the god of the Lesser Madness
Lest the Greater Madness swallow you whole!
Taste his gift and wonder, that raw juice
Left to age can slowly ferment
And turn into that which gives delight
And terror both.
Tremble, for he is coming for you!
Whether you drink his gift
Or give it back to him,
It matters not; your days of
Blind unquestioning comfort
Are numbered none, and end today.

(Each comes forward and selects a cup, into which is poured equal parts water and wine. Each may taste of the wine, if they wish, and then pour out the rest as a libation, or they may pour it out entirely. As the pour the libation, each says, “Io Dionysos!” The ship remains in the sanctuary for three days, until Anthesteria is over.)

Chant:
Flower of the vine
King of the wine
Dancer in the soul
We gladly pay your toll

Calendar of the Moon
11 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 1: Pithogia

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a bottle of wine that has not yet been opened (preferably last year’s homemade), a chalice of water, many cups, a wreath of pruned grapevines, and three purple candles. All should enter the sanctuary bearing the model of a Greek ship with purple sails, entwined with grapevines, which should be carried with all ceremony to the altar and set thereon.
Offerings: Libations of wine to Dionysos. Opening yourself to experiencing Him.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Pithogia Invocation:

Behold the ship of Dionysos!
He sails into each safe harbor
Like a wind of change that cannot be denied.
Be warned, you who have become
Too comfortable, for he will cast up
Your safe life and show you
All the thorns you have pretended not to see.
Honor the god of the Lesser Madness
Lest the Greater Madness swallow you whole!
Taste his gift and wonder, that raw juice
Left to age can slowly ferment
And turn into that which gives delight
And terror both.
Tremble, for he is coming for you!
Whether you drink his gift
Or give it back to him,
It matters not; your days of
Blind unquestioning comfort
Are numbered none, and end today.

(Each comes forward and selects a cup, into which is poured equal parts water and wine. Each may taste of the wine, if they wish, and then pour out the rest as a libation, or they may pour it out entirely. As the pour the libation, each says, “Io Dionysos!” The ship remains in the sanctuary for three days, until Anthesteria is over.)

Chant:
Flower of the vine
King of the wine
Dancer in the soul
We gladly pay your toll

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Calendar of the Sun for February 11th

Calendar of the Sun

11 Solmonath

Tiresias’s Day

Colors: Black and White
Element: Air
Altar: On cloth of black and white, lay a conch shell cut so that it can be blown through, a cup of water, and symbols of the hermaphroditic union.
Offerings: All should come to the ritual dressed in clothing of the opposite sex. Those who are of the third gender should wear black and white and be chosen to do the work of the ritual.
Daily Meal: Cakes and breads shaped like double genitalia.

Invocation to Tiresias

Tiresias, great seer,
You who traded sight
For foresight,
You who traded male
For female
And female
For the union of both,
Teach us that such boundaries
Are merely illusion,
To be dismantled
And walked right through.
Teach us that there are
New ways of seeing
That look past the blinders
Of culture and roles.
Teach us that our assumptions
Can often be done without
And that our lives will be
The better for it.

(There is no specific chant for this ritual; all should chant wordlessly while the water is poured into the conch shell and it is passed around. Each should either drink from it or blow into it like a trumpet, depending on whether they need to invoke female or male energy respectively into themselves. Then the rest is poured as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Current Moon Phase for Feb. 11th – Waxing Gibbous Moon

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/135-180 degrees)

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tired Of Winter Yet? See If This Helps Beat the Winter Blues!

I always look through all my books during this time of year because I am bored. Every year, I keep coming back to this simple ritual. I do it and it gives me reassurance Spring is just around the corner. It will not only refresh your room, your soul but also you. I hope you try it and find it as useful as I have.

Winter Blue Banishment

Winters can be long and Spring can seem far away in February. Confined indoors by the cold and inhospitable weather, we can become depressed and lethargic. We neglect ourselves and leave a dusty and cluttered household. Despite that it lifts the spirits to clean out all the physical and mental cobwebs, we will find it hard to do this basic task. To start, simply choose one room, preferably. the room where you spend the most time. Burn some lavender incense. Smudge the corners of the room and yourself. Then open the blinds or drapes and call out:

“Go, snow, go. Come, Sun, Come!”

Keep the incense burning and with your broom walk deosil while  sweeping the ceilings. Chant:

“Sun and broom
swept the room.
Fill us with Spring perfume.”
 

Continue cleaning  from top to bottom. When the room is finished, take a deep breath and fill your lungs with the clean lavender scent. Envision your inner room as clean and full of Spring’s perfume.

Author:
Gail Wood
Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Magick for Feb. 11th – Overcoming your Shadows

Overcoming your Shadows

Items You Will Need:

Cedar or sage smudging stick or cleansing incense
Bell Athame or ritual knife
White candle
Cakes and wine or juice

Purpose:

This spell, which signifies letting go the hurts of the past in a way that allows you to move forward with fresh energy into the future, can be performed at the time of the New Moon. By carrying it out every New Moon you are gradually able to cleanse yourself of the detritus of the past, often as far back as childhood

The Spell:

Cast your circle using the smudge stick or -incense to sweep the space as you move -around the circle clockwise.

Think of your space as being dome-shaped -over your head and cleanse that space too.

Ring the bell.

With your arms raised and your palms facing -upwards, acknowledge the Goddess and say:

Great Goddess, Queen of the Underworld, Protector of all believers in you, It is my will on this night of the new moon

To overcome my shadows and bring about change.

I invite you to this my circle to assist and protect

me in my rite.

Hold your athame or knife in your hands in -acknowledgement of the God and say:

Great God, Lord of the Upper realms, Friend of all who work with you, It is my will on this night of the new moon To overcome my shadows to bring about change. I invite you to my circle to assist me and protect me in my rite.

Light the candle and say:

Behind me the darkness, in front of me the light As the wheel turns, I know that every end is a beginning. I see birth, death and regeneration.

Spend a little time in quiet thought. If you can -remember a time either in the last month or-previously when times have not been good-for you, concentrate on that.

While the candle begins to burn properly -remember what that time felt like.

Now concentrate on the candle flame and -allow yourself to feel the positivity of the-light. Pick up the candle and hold it high-above your head.

Feel the energy of the light shower down -around you, the negativity drain away.

Now draw the power of the light into you -and feel the energy flowing through you.

Pass the candle around you and visualize the -energy building up.

If you wish, say: “Let the light cast out darkness.”

Now ground yourself by partaking of the -food and drink. Thank the God and Goddess -for their presence.

Withdraw the circle.

This is a very personal way for you to acknowledge the God and Goddess in your everyday life. While on first acquaintance it appears to be a protection technique, it is actually one to enhance your energies and to allow you to be healthy and happy in all levels of existence.

Enhanced by Zemanta

WOTC Extra – Ten Questions You Should Be Able to Answer After a Year and A Day

WOTC Extra – Ten Questions You Should Be Able to Answer After a Year and A Day

1.) How would you define Witchcraft?

How would you define Wicca?

What would you say if asked? Are you able to discuss the history of the Craft and how Wicca relates to Magick?

2.) Upon what premise does the moral foundation of the Wicca rest?

Do you consider yourself a practitioner of the dark arts or the white- (or light) magickal arts? Why do you think this?

03.) Explain what is meant by divination.

Explain what is meant by the following terms:

aura reading,

palomancy,

crystalomancy,

magick mirror,

runecasting,

Iching?

Have you found a favorite method of divination?

What is this method?

Have you become skilled at this, and how skilled?

Do you consider yourself a Master of the Art?

Are you practicing this form of divination for yourself and others on a regular basis, and if not, why not?

04.) Are you thoroughly familiar with some form of the healing arts?

What do you know about the following:

color or sound therapy,

aromatherapy,

herbal healing?

Which of these have you studied enough to have become quite familiar with the healing art?

Are you a Master of the Art?

Do you intend to become a Master?

Have you begun your hand-written herbal or other log of your healing practice?

05.) Have you accumulated all your magickal tools?

How many of these tools have you made yourself?

What was given to you?

Why did this object become a part of your magickal collection?

Are these tools all consecrated?

Why are they consecrated?

Are you knowledgeable enough about the uses of all these tools to be able to explain their uses to another?

06.) If someone, a friend perhaps, comes to you for help in the following areas, can you help them?

The areas might be love, health, wealth, protection, uncrossing, legal aid, self-help or development.

Could you devise a spell to help him or her? Would you? Why? Why not?

Could you include all the proper correspondences, talismans, stones, crystals, candles?

Would you be able to cast the spell during the correct phase of the Moon, the most auspicious day of the week and hour of the day?

Have you kept accurate records of your magickal work in your Book of Shadows or hand-written Magickal Diary?

If not, why not?

07.) Are you able to explain the Sabbats and Esbats?

Can you perform an impromptu ritual for each?

Have you begun your personal hand-written Book of Shadows?

08.) Are you familiar enough with any of the Pentagram Rituals to explain them to others?

09.) Have you composed at least two complete Sabbat rituals and a full or new Moon ritual, incorporating all the proper correspondences;

astrological timing,

proper god and goddess forms for the particular ritual,

the correct candles,

scents, invocations, etc?

10.) Can you explain why Wicca is important to you -and why you wish to become a Witch and Wiccan?

Enhanced by Zemanta

Let’s Talk Witch – Getting Started On Your Spiritual Education Path

 Let’s Talk Witch – Getting Started On Your Spiritual Education Path

Any spiritual practice requires research and study. Witchcraft is no different than any other path. Here is some basic info, words of caution, and suggestions for reading and starting your research.

How Can I Learn More? If you are one of the many people looking for information on how to become a witch, there are a few things you should ask yourself first.

1. What is your reason for wanting to be a Witch? If your reason is simply so you can cast a spell, it’s the wrong reason and you might find more information if you look for Spellcraft, than Witchcraft. If your reasons are truly from an interest in the faith or you feel drawn to the Craft as a religion, then you maybe on the right path. But you should learn more and make an informed decision.

2. Are you willing to live by the spiritual laws as a way of life? If you are, or if you’re not sure, do a lot of research on your own and find out as much as you can about the path you’ve chosen.

3. How Do I Get Started? Read, learn and read a lot more. Do your own research, and not just from magikal books or reference manuals. Through studying history, other religions and how they all inter-relate and interact. I have a favorite saying for this type of education: “Books can give you knowledge. But only your own personal experiences give you wisdom to decide your own path.”

Words of Warning.

Don’t take one persons word or teachings as the only truth or as the only way on this or any spiritual path. No one person has all the answers for you. Only you know what rings true within your own heart and soul.

When it comes time for you to chose a mentor, be very cautious. There are a lot of novice people claiming to be a High Priest or Priestess. The best advice I could give is find someone who can prove they have practiced the path for several years (my standard is 10 years or more).

Don’t just take their word for it. Find someone who is willing to answer your questions without charging you money.

Taking a class and paying for an instructors time is NOT the same thing as finding a “spiritual teacher”. (Classes are wonderful for making new friends and learning in a group.)

What you should really be looking for is a mentor or guide, not a person who thinks they have the right to tell you what to do or believe.

Lastly, always question!

Question everything you are told and everything you read.

Research other material to validate what you are being told or what you read in a book.

Make sure that a book is supported by other books and by history itself.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Miracle at Lourdes

February 11th

Miracle at Lourdes (France)

It was on this day in 1858 that the famous apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes was seen by a poor peasant girl, Bernadatte. This was the last manifestation at the gorto which had been known for many centuries as the shrine of the Goddess.

Born Marie Bernarde Soubrious, Bernadatte (1844 – 1879) suffered from asthma, poverty, and a lack of education. At the age of 14, on February 11, Bernadatte experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary while collecting firewood on the bank of the River Gave near Lourdes. During the next six months, she saw a series of 18 visions in which  the Lady identified herself as “the Immaculate Conception” and told Bernadatte to drink from a nearby spring. The Lady also instructed Bernadatte to erect a chapel on the site. Since that time, the spring has produced 27,000 gallons of water each week and has been the site of countless miracles of healing.

 

Magickal Activity

Healing Bath

Items needed:

One white candle

Fresh mint

Fresh lavender

Light the candle and place it next to the tub so the water will reflect its light. As you fill the tub with water, add the mint and lavender leaves. Just before you step into the tub, stir the water with your hand as you chant:

“Elements and herbs lend your power,
Bring me healing from this hour.”
 

Soak in the tub for 15 minutes. At the end of this time, stand in the tub and let the water out. As the water drains from the tub, visualize all your ailments (or problems) leaving your body and flowing away with the water.

Enhanced by Zemanta