Category: All Regular Daily Posts

Today’s Tarot Card for Dec. 19th is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Thursday, Dec 19th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 19th

Emotional retreat is quite tempting today because the self-protective Cancer Moon can raise concerns that encourage us to withdraw from others. The apparent significance of our thoughts is inflated by magnifying Jupiter as it aligns with intelligent Mercury. Luckily, we have the ability to think up unusual solutions to our problems now. However, it’s still tricky to know whether or not any of the brilliant ideas are actually worth pursuing.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You actually think that you’re being sensitive to the needs of everyone else now, but you’re probably not looking much further than your own ambitions. Instead of just assuming that others have goals that are identical to yours, ask them what they want. Remember, you must listen to how they respond without trying to convince them to change their minds. Be wise and keep an open mind in all your interactions today. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you have in common.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

It may be flattering if others attempt to persuade you to participate in their far-out schemes today. However, you need to be firm about your limits so you don’t end up wasting your valuable time and resources on someone else’s idea that distracts you from your own work. Be exceptionally cautious now if an opportunity seems too good to be true — because it probably is. Be smart and wait a few more days before actually saying yes.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Hold on to your wallet today since you could quickly get into trouble by purchasing something that’s beyond your means. If an investment opportunity comes your way, it may not be as lucrative as it appears. You might think that you are in control, but that’s because you cannot tell if any of the facts are being distorted. Double check everything you are told now before taking an unnecessary risk; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Play it cool today because you may be feeling vulnerable and managing your emotions can be challenging, especially with the Moon moving through moody Cancer. To complicate matters even more, someone could be exaggerating the story they are telling you, which makes it harder to know if something is awry. Nevertheless, constant suspicion on your part creates its own set of problems and you might miss a real opportunity. Your best strategy is to verify your facts before making any long-term commitments.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Things are looking up today, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket because your current view may be a little too optimistic. Be careful, for your positive thinking can stoke your confidence so much that you get in over your head. Cut back your expectations just a bit so you won’t have to face unnecessary disappointment in the near future. Adopting a realistic approach enables you to achieve the creative expression you seek

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your hopes for a relationship might be so high now that you can’t possibly make your unrealistic dreams come true. You may become frustrated, leading you to try overly hard to please your friends. It’s tempting to expect so much from others that they cannot possibly satisfy all your needs. Instead of fixating on the outcome today, keep bringing your attention back to the present so you can fully engage in the process as it unfolds.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Although you might be hesitant to share your true feelings today, your tone might convey more than you actually intend, anyhow. It’s hard for others to tell whether you are exaggerating or if they are just reading more into your words because of their own expectations. Ultimately, it makes no difference where the problem begins. Avoid misunderstandings by softening your message. Less intensity works wonders now when it comes to matters of the heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

There are a limited number of productive hours in each day because some of them need to be reserved for sleeping and eating. Although you can pack a lot of activity into a short amount of time, your tendency is to take on more than you should today. You might even tell yourself that you’re being practical, but you could convince yourself of nearly anything now. Make your life easier by reducing your commitments before things get out of hand.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your interest in discovering new ideas might open up an unexpected avenue of exploration today as you seek to understand the mysteries of the universe. You could be drawn toward a spiritual tradition or unusual philosophy if you attempt to delve beneath the surface. But don’t just accept the truth in everything that comes your way. A bit of healthy skepticism now can save you a big headache down the road. Nevertheless, traveling with an open mind is still your ticket to the next adventure.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You are the one that everyone comes to for advice because you see opportunities through a very wise and practical lens. Additionally, you are able to communicate your ideas with great clarity now. While others may miss the potential problems with your plan, you can quickly spot the flaws, too. But this isn’t about being negative; it’s more about keeping it real. Relying on your pragmatic nature improves your chances for success.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may think you have to share every little detail in order to clearly explain your position, but spending too much time on the minutiae actually gets in the way of your message. After a certain point, the more you talk today, the less anyone will listen. Give your audience the basics in as few words as possible. They can always ask questions if they need to know anything else. Less is more.

 Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Sharing your feelings may be just what you need today, but you can alienate others if you say too much too fast. It’s misleading if your friends encourage you to keep talking, since they might be supportive only because they think it’s their duty to listen. Luckily, there’s no need to shut out those who truly care about you, but rambling on about the details of your life won’t make anyone feel any better now. Thinking about your message in advance allows for the best possible reception.

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Warm Winter Cocktails for Every Zodiac Sign

Cozy up with a hot drink tailored just for you…

Tarotcom Staff  Tarotcom Staff on the topics of zodiac, winter, holidays, astrology
Cuddling up to a hot winter drink on a cold winter night makes you feel good. And when you feel good, you make others feel good, too! So forget the same ol’ same ol’ boring drink, and banish the winter doldrums with these hot drinks and cool cocktails (while drinking responsibly, of course).

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ask the bartender what’s new and you’ll be sure to give it a go. Male or female, Aries tends to like manly drinks like Jack Daniels and Coke or scotch on the rocks, which are fine alone or warmed up into a classic hot toddy when combined with hot water and honey.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Just a beer, please! Good European beer marketed in America, like Beck’s or Heineken, will satisfy your taste buds — even on cold winter nights. For more refined Taurean moods, indulge in sweet, cozy drinks with a touch of decadent dairy, like a hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The social talk is as important as the drinks. Whether in an upscale joint or a dive bar, the Twins need social and mental stimulation. Experiment with trendy new cocktails, or drinks that have unusual names or ingredients. Maybe Absinthe or a lychee martini? Winter wine tastings and drink sampler nights appeal to your curiosity and love for variety, too.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers enjoy classic, cozy drinks they can cuddle up with. Try hot buttered rum, a spicy, buttery blend that’s as decadent as it gets and perfect for comfort-loving Crabs; or splash some Kahula in your coffee for another hot take on tradition.

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)

Splashy, sophisticated Leos want their drinks made with premium brand liquor. The Carlyle Hotel’s Hot Blueberry Tea made with Grand Marnier, amaretto and honey in a stylish glass will make these Lions purr.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Virgos have highly discriminating taste, so specialty wines and micro-brewed beers should appeal most to your Virgin love of craft. Even better, consider taking your Virgin on a tour of a winery or microbrewery complete with taste testing and twinkly winter lights.

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Drinks served in fine glassware will go a long way to please a Libra, as the visual and aesthetic experience of the cocktail is very important. Librans also enjoy the elegance of champagne, consumed in romantic settings and combined with the sweetness of fruit, as in the classic mimosa. But no slamming fists on the bar, please — Libras like it serene.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The darker the better for reclusive Scorpio. This applies to a bar’s ambiance as well as to the liquor itself — dimly lit, out of the way bars, and drinks using bourbon, scotch, dark wines and dark rum enhance your tendency to go within.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are usually game for something with a kick — like an Irish coffee with a strong whiskey punch. The Archer also loves the flair of international drinks, like a Spanish coffee with Kahlua, rum and whipped cream. Along with Pisces, Sagittarius is the sign prone to overdoing it, so keep that designated driver or taxi phone number handy.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Capricorns like cocktails classic and on the dry side — just like them! Gin and tonic and standard martinis, to be exact (without the frilly garnishes). Like Leo, you Capricorns prefer high-end liquors that speak to your good taste. Try a classic after-dinner ritual like dry port with cheese to please your tendencies.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Admit it, Aquarius: in college or your younger years, you would have been voted “Most Likely to Consume Jello Shots.” Your taste still tends toward the quirky, including kamikaze shooters or trendy drinks such as the pomtini, though you do enjoy the effervescence of a good champagne. Coffee drinks such as Keoki Coffee offer the alertness you crave, especially among a group of friends.

Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20)

Perceptive Pisces picks up subtle flavors, and will especially enjoy wine tasting or sampling cocktails or a glass of top-notch dessert wine. The complexity of cognac is especially appealing, so why not try an Alhambra Royale, which will have happy Fish swimming in cognac, hot chocolate and whipped cream?

Daily Cosmic Calendar for December 19th

If a touch of giddiness and euphoria has entered your state of mind, chalk it up to last night’s monthly lunar conjunction with jovial Jupiter. However, confusion and uncertainty can arrive early today as Ceres follows Jupiter’s lead from two days ago by making a caustic, 135-degree tie with far-out Neptune (4:23AM). This is not a good time to start changing your diet around or experiment with nutritional supplements that have a questionable background or origin.  Clean-up campaigns around your residence or office environment fit in well with the current transit of Cancer Moon. Cooking, baking, antique hunting, and sprucing up your home are back in style. Remember that since the recent Full Moon only occurred two days ago, this is still a time-period when you should be an ambassador of goodwill to relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues.  Pull away from outside activities during a 2+ hour void lunar cycle that starts at 8:38PM and lasts until 10:49PM when the Moon enters fiery, warmhearted Leo. Start gearing up for a six-week reversal by Venus in Capricorn that begins on Saturday. [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.]

Current Moon Phase for Dec. 19th – Full Moon

Full Moon

(waning/86% 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.

A Look At Today’s Totem/Power Animal, The Cat

A Look At Today’s Totem/Power Animal, The Cat

Perhaps no animal inspires such devotion and dedication-or such animosity and abhorrence-as the cat.

To the ancient Egyptians, the cat was accorded a place of reverence in both the home and the temple. A cemetery containing the mummies of thousands of black cats was unearthed in Egypt.

The popular folk belief that the cat possesses nine lives goes back to Egyptian worship of Bast, the Cat-Mother goddess, who had nine incarnations, including that of the benevolent aspect of Hathor, the Lioness. The Egyptian word for cat was Mau, which is at once an imitation of the cat’s call and the nearly universal human cry for Mama, mother. Cats came to be worshipped with such intensity in those ancient cities along the Nile that the wanton killing of a cat was punishable by death.

Bubastis, a city in Lower Egypt, dedicated itself to the worship of the cat. Each May some 700,000 pilgrims journeyed to the city to participate in a cat festival.

Because the old Egyptians has a great fear of the dark, they observed with awe that the cat, a nocturnal creature, walked the shadowed streets with the greatest of confidence. The ancient Egyptian sages made so much of the cat’s midnight forays they declared that the cat alone was responsible for preventing the world from falling into eternal darkness.

On the other hand, in the old European tradition, the cat was accused of plotting to bring the world into the dark clutches of Satan. The cat, especially a black one, was regarded as the favorite familiar of the practitioners of dark and evil witchcraft. The Grand Inquisitors condemned nearly as many cats to the stake as witches. It is because of this baseless, old ecclesiastical judgement that the sighting of a black cat is said to be and omen of fast-approaching misfortune.

Whether people in the Middle Ages truly believed that the unawavering stare of a cat could cause demonic torments and even their deaths, an unreasoning fearful response to cats is known today as ailurphobia. The very sight of a cat would set Adolf Hitler trembling. Napoleon Bonaparte conquered nearly all of Europe, but if he should sight a cat in his palace, he shouted for help. Henry III of England would faint at the very appearance of a cat.

In ancient India, the cat was held sacred. A number of Sanskrit texts make many favorable references to the influence of the cat on humankind.

In Scandinavian countries, brides used to try their best to be married on Friday, the day of the goddess Freya. If a young woman married on a sunny Friday, it was certain that Freya, the cat-goddess of the Nodic people, would bless the union.

The domestic cat was, of course, unknown to the Native Americans until the advent of the European settler. Because of the creature’s fondness for roaming at night, the Pueblos associated the cat with witchcraft, though this may also have been a result of the Spanish influence on their community.

It the cat is your totem animal, you have a spirit helper who is resourceful, strong, and fearless. You will experience a sense of confidence and a new feeling of courage will suffuse your being. You will find that you are no longer intimidated by any opposition that may be arrayed against you.

With the cat as your totem animal, you will be encouraged to express an agility in body and mind. You will be challanged to explore new vistas. Quite likely you were already a night person before you acquired the cat as your spirit helper, but if not, you will gain a new appreciation for the creative energy that can arrive after midnight.

Your spirit journeys will enable you to maintain a careful balance so that your emphasis on an independent lifestyle and quest for mystical truths do not cause you to develop a taste for the bizarre and occult, which can tempt you to detour from the true spiritual goal of you lifepath.

Dreams

Someone could be seeking your downfall or humiliation in the workplace. Ask the Great Mystery for increased awareness.

Totems

The Transformative Power Of Your Personal Animal Totem

Brad Steiger

ISBN 0-06-251425-3

 

Herb of the Day – Cinnamon

Herb of the Day

Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark

Add cinnamon to remedies for acute symptoms, as this herb is a

stimulant to other herbs and the body, enabling herbal remedies to

work faster. It is also a blood purifier, an infection preventive, and a

digestive aid. Cinnamon is used as a mouthwash, and is good for upset

stomach.

For a cold medication simmer sticks with cloves for 3 min, add 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp honey, 2 tbsp whiskey. Cinnamon is also good for yeast infection and athlete’s foot. A 2% solution will kill both of these conditions. Boil 8-10 sticks in 4 cups water, simmer 5 min, steep 45 min, then douche or apply to athlete’s foot. Cinnamon reduces cancer causing tendencies of many food additives.

Do not ingest cinnamon oil.

Magickal uses: The ancient Hebrews used cinnamon oil as part of a holy anointing oil. The Egyptians also used the oil during the mummification process. The Romans wove the leaves into wreaths, which were used to decorate the temples. Burned in incense, cinnamon will promote high spirituality. It is also used to stimulate the passions of the male. It should also be burned in incenses used for healing. The essential oil is used for protection.

Properties: Warming stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-viral, alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, aromatic, astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, germicide, hemostatic, stimulant, stomachic

Growth: Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, growing in tropical forest and being extensively cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world.

Deity of the Day – Hekate

Deity of the Day

Hekate


Perhaps the most notorious of all witch goddesses, Hecate was a dark manifestation of Diana. Hecate is the patron goddess of witches and sorceresses because of her skill in the arts of black magic. She is the queen of darkness, perverse sexuality, and death. Classically, she is the goddess of “roads in general and crossroads in particular, the latter being considered the center of ghostly activities, particularly in the dead of night… Offerings of food (known as Hecate’s suppers) were left to placate her, for she was terrible both in her powers and in her person–a veritable Fury, armed with a scourge and blazing torch and accompanied by terrifying hounds.”

The followers of Hecate were rumoured to have strange powers, such as that of being able to draw down the moon in order to employ the averse aspects of lunar forces. Followers could metamorphose into animals and birds, had insatiable sexual appetites, and had an intrinsic understanding of aphrodisiac and poisonous herbs.

The Witches Magick for December 19th – PURIFICATION OF SELF SPELL

PURIFICATION OF SELF SPELL

The purification of self is a way to remove the accumulation of all negative things that happened during the day and to prepare for the work to come. Before ritual work, you have
to change your frame of mind from the everyday mundane world. Here are a couple of ways to do this.


Incense:
You may use incense in the common stick form or in what is called a smudge stick. This is a small bundle of incense. The incense is lit and is passed around the body, but not too close to the hair (fire hazard). As you pass the incense around your body, concentrate on the smoke passing through you. Invision all the negativity and the excess baggage of the day leaving you as the smoke rises around you. When you feel cleansed, put out the incense. You will need a container to put out the smudge stick. A terra cotta saucer filled with sand is ideal.


Ritual Baths:
A ritual bath is a great way to shed the day and concentrate on the ritual to come.
Supplies:
–White candles, for Spirituality and Higher Self, Salt, Herb or Herbs for Purification, Candle Snuffer.
Run a bath of very warm water. As the water is running light the white candles. Use as many as you wish. Three is an appropriate number as it represents the three aspects of the Goddess. As you light a candle think or recite aloud: “I light this candle in truth and peace”.
Repeat with each candle.
While the water is running, add a small amount of salt into the water, then add the herb or herbs of your choice. Step into the water and slowly sink down into the tub. Relax and feel the water covering your body. Let the day and all negativity be drawn into the water. Concentrate on letting go and moving to the positive. Wash slowly. Turn the bath into its own ritual. Think or say aloud :
” All negativity is flowing out of me into the water. I am pure for the work to come.”
Dry yourself slowly, deliberately. As you snuff out the candles, think or say aloud: “I leave this bath in truth and peace.” You are now ready for the ritual to come.

Let’s Take A Look At the Many Winter Customs Around The World

Winter Customs Around the World

By Patti Wigington, About.com

Winter Around the World:

Whether you observe Yule, Christmas, Sol Invictus, or Hogmanay, the winter season is typically a time of celebration around the world. Traditions vary widely from one country to the next, but one thing they all have in common is the observance of customs around the time of the winter solstice. Here are some ways that residents of different countries observe the season.

Australia:

Althought Australia is huge geographically, the population sits at under 20 million people. Many of them come from a blend of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, and celebration in December is often a mix of many different elements. Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, December is part of the warm season. Residents still hhave Christmas trees, Father Christmas, Christmas Carols and gifts which are a familiar Christmas and gifts, as well as being visited by Father Christmas. Because it coincides with school holidays, it’s not uncommon for Australians to celebrate the season on vacation away from home.

China:

In China, only about two percent of the population observes Christmas as a religious holiday, although it is gaining in popularity as a commercial event. However, the main winter festival in China is New Year celebration that occurs at the end of January. Recently, it’s become known as the Spring Festival, and is a time of gift-giving and feasting. A key aspect of the Chinese New Year is , and painings and portraits are brought out and honored in the family’s home.

Denmark:

In Denmark, Christmas Eve dinner is a big cause for celebration. The most anticipated part of the meal is the traditional rice pudding, baked with a single almond inside. Whichever guest gets the almond in his pudding is guaranteed good luck for the coming year. Children leave out glasses of milk for the Juulnisse, which are elves that live in peoples’ homes, and for Julemanden, the Danish version of Santa Claus.

Finland:

The Finns have a tradition of resting and relaxing on Christmas Day. The night before, on Christmas Eve, is really the time of the big feast — and leftovers are consumed the next day. On December 26, the day of St. Stephen the Martyr, everyone goes out and visits friends and relatives, weather permitting. One fun custom is that of Glogg parties, which involve the drinking of Glogg, a mulled wine made from Madeira, and the eating of lots of baked treats.

Greece:

Christmas was typically not a huge holiday in Greece, as it is in North America. However, the recognition of St. Nicholas has always been important, because he was the patron saint of sailors, among other things. Hearth fires burn for several days between December 25 and January 6, and a sprig of basil is wrapped around a wooden cross to protect the home from the Killantzaroi, which are negative spirits that only appear during the twelve days after Christmas. Gifts are exchanged on January 1, which is St. Basil’s day.

India:

India’s Hindu population typically observes this time of year by placing clay oil lamps on the roof in honor of the return of the sun. The country’s Christians celebrate by decorating mango and banana trees, and adorning homes with red flowers, such as the poinsettia. Gifts are exchanged with family and friends, and baksheesh, or , is given to the poor and needy.

Italy:

In Italy, there is the legend of La Befana, a kind old witch who travels the earth giving gifts to children. It is said that the three Magi stopped on their way to Bethlehem and asked her for shelter for a night. She rejected them, but later realized she’d been quite rude. However, when she went to call them back, they had gone. Now she travels the world, searching, and delivering gifts to all the children.

Romania:

In Romania, people still observe an old fertility ritual which probably pre-dates Christianity. A woman bakes a confection called a turta, made of pastry dough and filled with melted sugar and honey. Before baking the cake, as the wife is kneading the dough, she follows her husband outdoors. The man goes from one barren tree to another, threatening to cut each down. Each time, the wife begs him to spare the tree, saying, “Oh no, I am sure this tree will be as heavy with fruit next spring as my fingers are with dough today.” The man relents, the wife bakes the turta, and the trees are spared for another year.

Scotland:

In Scotland, the big holiday is that of . On Hogmanay, which is observed on December 31, festivities typically spill over into the first couple of days of January. There’s a tradition known as “first-footing”, in which the first person to cross a home’s threshold brings the residents good luck for the coming year — as long as the guest is dark-haired and male. The tradition stems from back when a red- or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman.

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.

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, December 19th

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, December 19th

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 Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oak moss, 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, December 19th

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 19th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

Opalia (Roman)

Waning Moon

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

Moon Sign: Cancer

Cancer:  Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Incense: Clove

Color:  Green

Oh, What A Glorious Morning! I Am Counting the Days to Yule!

The Shortest Day

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!

 

The Poem “The Shortest Day,”
  by Susan Cooper
Website: Aine Minogue

 

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for December 18th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

There seems to be two important things to do in times of difficulty. One is to pray and the other to keep our sense of humor. The first is essential to make the basic correction and the other is necessary to balance the human spirit while things work out.

Without a sense of humor, we tend to become too serious about the personal self. It becomes all too important, too self-righteous, and far too self-centered.

At the first signs of trouble, we may want to find someone wiser in whom to confide and ask questions. And their advice may be most helpful, but it is still our own responsibility to get off our backs and do it with dignity and self-respect that will not lower our standards nor cause us embarrassment. And humor can help us do it.

There is humor in every situation if we can detach ourselves from the seriousness of it long enough to look for it. Abraham Lincoln knew the importance of his sense of humor and said, “With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.”

________________________________________

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 – December 18

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – December 18

“Parents have to demonstrate the value of trust, respect and honor.”

–Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

Children learn more by watching than by listening. If we want our children to understand and value trust, they know it by watching how adults live their lives! If we want the children to be respectful, they will observe what the adults do and say to each other. We need to walk our talk. We need to remember the children are watching.

Grandfather, help me learn these important values: Trust, Respect and Honor.

December 18 – Daily Feast

December 18 – Daily Feast

I watched her in the woods circling a red cedar not much taller than she was. It was her gift back to the woods that had given her so much peace and comfort – even when life outside the woods could be trying. She laid garlands of popcorn and cranberries over the sturdy limbs along with burr acorns and suet in mesh bags. Scattered beneath the tree were sunflower seeds and millet that cardinals and would attract unusual guests – miniature marshmallows were scattered in and around the tree, a sweet touch for woodland friends. A sweet touch, the best part of the gift. She gave, and peace would be given back to her.

~ Sometimes we prayed in silence; sometimes each one prayed aloud; sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us. ~

GERONIMO – APACHE

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

Daily Motivator for December 18th – Offer encouragement

Offer encouragement

You cannot force other people to do the right thing. What you can do, and  what is extremely effective, is to encourage them.

If you offer threats, intimidation and low expectations, you’ll get  resentment and poor performance.  When you assume and expect the worst of  others, you’re very likely to get it.

A better choice is to expect the best, and to offer opportunities for those  expectations to be met. Though it’s true that people won’t always live up to  your positive expectations, it’s also true that most people would prefer to do  what’s best for everyone concerned.

Just about everyone responds positively to positive, genuine encouragement.  Let others know, clearly, precisely and in positive terms, what you expect, and  let them know you have faith that they’ll meet those expectations.

Instead of looking for ways to control, look for opportunities to support and  encourage. Instead of conducting detached transactions, seek to build ongoing  relationships.

Offer the encouragement to do what is right, what is good, what is valuable  and positive. Expect the best, in a supportive way, and it is much more likely  to happen.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for December 18th – Conscious Decisions

Conscious Decisions
Going against What Is Popular

by Madisyn Taylor

Because an idea or way of doing things is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

Just because an idea or way of doing things is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. However, part of the way that something becomes popular is that many of us don’t take the time to determine what’s right for us; we simply do what most of the people we know are doing. In this way, our decisions about life are made by default, which means they aren’t what we call conscious decisions. There may be many other options available, but we don’t always take the time to explore them. This may be the result of feeling overwhelmed or pressured by family, peers, and humanity at large, to do things their way, the way things have always been done. Regardless of the cause, it is important that, as often as we can, we decide for ourselves what to do with our lives rather than just drift along on the current of popular opinion.

It is not always easy to make decisions that go against the grain. Many people feel threatened when those close to them make choices divergent from the ones they are making. Parents and grandparents may be confused and defensive when we choose to raise our children differently from the way they raised us. Friends may feel abandoned if we decide to change our habits or behavior. Meanwhile, on our side of the fence, it’s easy to feel frustrated and defensive when we feel unsupported and misunderstood simply because we are thinking for ourselves. It can be exhausting to have to explain and re-explain our points of view and our reasons.

This is where gentleness, openness, and tolerance come into play. It helps if we are calmly persistent, consistent, and clear as we communicate to those around us why we are making the choices we are making. At the same time, we have the right to say that we are tired of talking about it and simply need our choices to be respected. Our lives belong to us and so do our decisions. Those who truly love us will stand by us and support our choices, never mind what’s popular.

The Daily OM