Category: Articles

Converting to Paganism

Converting to Paganism

Author: RuneWolf

To say that I converted to Paganism would be somewhat inaccurate. I think one must first belong to one religion before one can convert to another. As I claimed no religious affiliations when I came to Paganism, I don’t really think of myself as converting, so much as finding what was missing all along.

I’ve told a bit of my tale before on WitchVox, mainly to set the stage for some other topic. I’m not at all shy about the details of my arrival in Paganism – I came to it as a direct result of getting sober in ’93 and joining AA. I suppose it’s a bit indiscreet to mention the program in these essays, but since I’m using my “Pagan name, ” I think it still qualifies as “anonymous.” And I think one of the reasons the Gods helped me get sober was to help other Pagans in recovery, and that would be difficult if I kept the fact of my sobriety to myself.

But I digress…

The irony of the whole situation, I suppose, is that I found my way to the Goddess and the God through AA, which is founded on Christian principles, although it is – ideally – supposed to be a non-religious fellowship. The sad fact is that there are plenty of folks in AA who don’t mind you having a “God of your understanding” as long as that understanding is the same as theirs. They seem to echo the Religious Right that claims the founding fathers didn’t mean freedom of any religion, just freedom of Christian religion. Similarly, there are some who believe that the founders of AA really meant a Christian God of your understanding, not just any old Deity and certainly not – shudder – a Pagan Deity! You can even be an atheist, as long as you are a “Christian atheist, ” i.e. you choose not to believe in the Christian God.

Now how’s that for dysfunctional?

Thankfully, as vocal and obnoxious as this contingent of the fellowship can be, it does not hold sway, and many suffering alcoholics of non-Christian belief can find the help we need. Despite the attempts of some to co-opt AA for their own agendas, the fellowship remains open to all who seek it out, and anyone can get clean and sober regardless of their religious beliefs or spiritual preferences.

I was raised Methodist, in the suburbs of DC. I wouldn’t say that my parents are particularly liberal, but they are Earthy and pragmatic individuals, and as dear as the Church is to them, they don’t feel particularly constrained by it. They live their beliefs, through their relationship with life and nature, through right action and love, and don’t presume to limit the God of their understanding to a particular building on a particular day of the week. So it wasn’t really out of character when they decided to try their hand at farming in the early ’70s and bought some land on which to raise cattle. Needless to say, this took up most of their spare time and, little by little, going to Church on Sunday became less important than being at the farm. Eventually, around the time I was 13 or so, we stopped going altogether as a family. My parents didn’t insist that we children do something they weren’t, and they let us decide individually whether we would continue with the Church.

While my sister continued on, my decision was already made. For some time I had been restless and discontented with the Church. Not so much because I disagreed with the tenets of Christianity, but because I felt the Church was getting away from what we would now call “Mystical Christianity.” Our church, at least, was very much into socio-political issues such as the anti-war movement, women’s liberation, civil rights, feeding the hungry and homeless and such like. At the time, I didn’t have the life experience to realize that true spirituality can be found in just such things. Rather, I was looking for the “burning bush;” what later decades would come to call “peak experiences.” I felt I could get all of the “social studies” I needed from school or the morning paper. What I wanted from Church was to feel the breath of God blow through my soul, and I just wasn’t getting it.

So I went out to find it on my own.

My quest, as it were, started out pretty well. I began to read extensively on other religions and spiritual paths throughout history and the contemporary world, assimilating what I liked and leaving the rest. In my mid-teens, I was introduced to the martial arts – karate, initially – but within a few years had discovered aikido, and the whole concept of ki, ch’i and the Tao. Taoist thought and philosophy had a profound effect on shaping my personal spiritual philosophy, as it meshed so well with what I intuitively believed about the nature of Deity and Its relationship with us. As silly as it may sound, my self-conceived “Western Taoism” resembled nothing so much as Lucas’ concept of the Force – and this was years before Star Wars came out.

I saw Deity as the whole of existence, including all the myriad alternate universes that must exist. I saw Deity as both transcendent and immanent, existing both apart from and as a part of all Life. I saw no paradox in this, at least none that could not be resolved by a truly infinite Deity. And why then should that Deity be limited to any single gender, nationality or form? To even consider such a thing was ludicrous. An omnipotent God must, by definition, be able to assume any form, any gender, in any place or places, any time or times, simultaneously or uniquely.

Long before I new that modern Paganism or the Craft existed, I had decided that God could be Goddess and visa versa, if She/He/They wanted to.

With this general spiritual bent and direction, I probably would have found the Craft years earlier than I did, had my voyage not run aground on the shoals of alcoholism in my early 20s. But run aground it did, and I stayed a prisoner of the disease for the next 15 years.

One of the significant effects of active alcoholism is that it leads inevitably to what we call “spiritual bankruptcy, ” a loss of all connection with any concept of a Higher Power. Which isn’t surprising, since prayer and meditation don’t work very well if you are getting up every 5 minutes for a cold beer. Nor does a spiritual life mesh well with the desperation, frustration, humiliation and degradation that the alcoholic experiences with increasing frequency and force. Not only the physical addiction to the substance, but the mental obsession with it, crowd out all other considerations, and the first to go is often our faith and belief in a Power Greater Than Ourselves. For many of us, it happens as a result of the shame we feel at what we believe we have become. How could any Deity, no matter how loving, love us?

The beautiful truth is that the Gods do love us and care for us, even when we do not love or care for ourselves. For those of us who become desperate enough, They ultimately lead us to the solution.

In May of ’93, I had finally had enough, and I reached out for help. I went into treatment, where I received the bad news that, if I wanted long-term sobriety, I would have to join AA. Like so many, I thought AA was something of a cult, but I was desperate enough to try anything.

Happily, I discovered that AA was anything but a cult, and that the only thing required of me was a desire to stop drinking. I fell in with a group where not drinking one day at a time was the single most important thing in the world. No one really cared about your race, creed, color, politics, job, sexual preference or anything else. The quest for sobriety eclipsed all other considerations. It was from that group that I learned the true heart and purpose of AA. “Our primary purpose is to stay sober, and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.” That’s it – period. It doesn’t say anything about advancing our political, religious or economic agendas, although I have seen people try over the years. But AA remains resistant to such tampering, and for that I am grateful to the Gods.

AA’s concept of a personal relationship with a “God of our understanding” validated rather that repudiated what I had come to believe about spirituality in the early days of my quest. I found that quest renewed and nurtured in AA, and it was from the foundation of physical sobriety and spiritual awakening that I found in AA that I struck out again to find a personal spirituality that would “fill the hole in my soul.”

After less than a year sober, a friend brought to my attention a workshop on shamanism being given by a Lakota “medicine man.” Back then, I earnestly believed that everyone on Turtle Island was one big happy family, and that there was nothing intrinsically wrong with a white learning the Red Way. I’ve since come to understand that some among the Native Peoples find this distressing and exploitative, and that some Native “teachers” peddle spurious goods against the wishes of their Nations’ Elders. But I knew nothing of such things then, and I was intrigued by the advertisement for the workshop.

Whether Ghost Wolf was the real thing or not, whether he was earnestly trying to teach for the good of all mankind or was a fakir making a buck off of credulous white folk, I do not really know. Nor does it matter, in the final analysis. Because whether Ghost Wolf was a true and sincere teacher or not, he set me off in a new direction that ultimately led, not to the Red Way, but to the Way of the Witch.

I assimilated everything I could get my hands on regarding shamanism, eventually finding Michael Harner’s excellent book on the subject. In addition, I joined the online community discussing shamanism and journeying, and it wasn’t a far leap from there to the online Wiccan community. Again, my interest was sparked, and I took the “road less traveled” at the next fork. For some time, a desire had been growing in me to externalize some of the internal work I had been pursuing with such fervor, and the richness of Wiccan ritual seemed the perfect vehicle for that expression. Shamelessly, I admit that I began my career in the Craft as a “dabbler, ” trying out various rituals and techniques gleaned from books and the online community. But it wasn’t long before I was hooked.

What I found in the Craft was something that no other path had offered me – a spirituality AND a religion that expressed what I had come to deeply believe. AA often makes the distinction between spirituality and religion, and I think it is an important distinction to understand. The beauty of the Craft is that it fulfills both needs in me – the internal need for a mystical spirituality, a relationship between myself and the Divine, and the external need for ritual, liturgy and form. Not to mention community.

I am an initiated Wiccan, who now practices as a Solitaire out of equal parts circumstance and temperament. The Way of the Witch feeds my heart and soul, and I wouldn’t trade what I have found along this Way for all the green cheese in the Moon. My only regret is that I did not find this Path sooner. But then, O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of aikido, did not create that art until he was in his 40s. I have many years yet in which to serve the Lady and the Lord.

I left Christianity, not in anger but out of a need to find something more. I lost many years to the prison of addiction. In the end, through circumstances beyond my imagining or control, I found my way to the arms of the Goddess. Like so many of us, after years of wandering, I came home at last.

In Their Service,

RuneWolf

Can You Recognize a Pagan or a Wiccan When You See One?

Can You Recognize a Pagan or a Wiccan When You See One?

Author: jajlo b 
 

I have only been studying and practicing Wicca (and I say practicing since I’m not perfect) for the last 10 years. I’m very much eclectic, and have had to do much of it on my own. I just haven’t found a teacher that I feel is right. And in all honesty, I’m not looking for one just now. I enjoy my freedom to digest what I read in many forms and what comes to me through my dreams, and mediations.

But I often wonder… can you really tell who is Pagan or Wiccan and who is not, by some outward sign?

I mean I know a lot of people who wear t-shirts with faeries and fey on them. I have seen people with bumper stickers saying, “Give me that old time religion” and a Pentacle right next to the phrase. I have even seen t-shirts in Kansas near where the Wizard of Oz museum is with “Good Witch” on the front. (I actually have that one because I have a strange sense of humor.)

But in all honesty, how do you tell a Pagan or a Wiccan from everyone else you meet in your daily life and travels.

The reason that I ask is because of two separate occurrences that happened to my husband and me.

Okay picture if you will, walking into a truck stop about 11 p.m. one night and the cashier is busy with a line full of costumers. And she is wearing one of those fancy sterling silver pentacles. Not a pewter one, but one that you know is sterling silver and she has a small Pentacle ring on that I notice as her fingers are flying across the cash register keys.

Anyway my husband and me finally make our choices and approach the cashier. “Hi, that is a pretty necklace.”

“Thank you, I’m a High Priestess, and my daughter had me order this from such and such” is the response she gave.

Ok, not exactly the response that I was looking for or expected. I only commented on her necklace. I had to do double-check my appearance; yep my pewter Pentacle was safe inside my uniform shirt. And I don’t have any tats or rings or earrings that have Pentacles on them. So why did she just come across with that answer.

Just then I realize she is still talking about the necklace. She goes on to tell me that she was thinking about doing a consecration ritual when it comes in the mail. But she decided not open it till the night of the full moon. So she could do the whole ritual properly (I still haven’t said anything else at this point) .

She goes on to explain she got her ritual bath and set up her altar and went to her room to get the necklace (This was an outdoor ritual she adds almost in a whisper as there is another customer at the register) . But as she goes to take it out of the tissue paper that is wrapped up she gets a shot of what she can only describe as static electricity.

Just then she says she realized that the maker of the necklace had consecrated it when they created the piece. Her daughter quickly tells her to just put it on, and wear as the artist that created it had to be stronger and more skilled than her and her ritual would only ruin the piece.

I tell her that is amazing and thank you for sharing with me and I walk away with my husband, who looks at me and says, “She’s a High Priestess. You didn’t even tell her you were Wiccan. So how did she know?”

I just look at him and shrug, “Beats me”

About a month later sitting in Montana at another truck stop we are eating. I see the younger couple come in (They look to be in their mid to late 20’s; my husband and I are in our 40’s) with their two children. I’m facing the door so I can see the t-shirt the young woman is wearing” 51 percent Angel/ 49 percent Pagan {don’t push it}.

I laughed. “ I like your shirt” I say while giggling about the thought of it.

“Thanks. I’m a High Priestess, ” she says back to me. And walks past.

I look at my husband; he looks at me, and says, “ What is it about declaring High Priestess status suddenly?”

I shake my head and double-check my appearance. My pentacle is in my shirt, not visible to anyone. So what is the deal with people saying this when I just comment on something they are wearing?

Suddenly the young lady comes back over to my table and she ask me point blank.” Do you know what Paganism is?”

“Yes, I do.” I tell her then I tell her I’m a solitary Wiccan.

“Oh really!” she says with a smile and some excitement in her voice (someone that she could talk for a few minutes) “ I was a solitary but then all my friends started coming to me and asking me to help them figure out what books they should read, so I ask them if they wanted to just start a coven with me.

They all said yes, and I told them we could do this but I would have to be the High Priestess since they came to me for advice in the first place.”

“Did they all agree to that?” I ask.

“Yes they did, ” she informs me. “My husband drives truck and he is heading to take me home so that I can do a new moon ritual and an initiation this weekend. I have to run to restroom. I’ll be right back”

She walked off, and my husband looks at me and asks, “Is that the way it is done in a coven” (I’m Wiccan; my husband is Catholic)

“No, ” I tell him, “ it is not done that way”

The young lady comes back and asks me to hold out my left hand palm down. I did and she places her right hand under palm side up. She looks at me and proceeds to tell me” Your energy isn’t very strong. I think you need to study more”

“ I have a head and chest cold that is eating up a lot of my energy right now trying to heal.”

“Well I can tell when people aren’t that strong of a Witch. I was doing a tarot reading on a chat line and for a woman in Ireland and she left in the middle of her reading to talk to her High Priestess”, she says

“Why did she go talk to her High Priestess? “ I asked

“Well when she came back she told me that her High Priestess told her that if I was able to pick up on the things that I was that I was one of the strongest High Priestess she had ever heard of.”

“And the woman told me that her High Priestess was now afraid of me”

I just smile and say, ” That is wild that another High Priestess in another country would be so afraid of you.”

She smiles and says” But I know that I’m that powerful and can do that, so that makes me one of the strong elders in this life”

She says she has to go; her husband is motioning for her to come on and help with the kids.

My husband and I get up and walk up to pay for our food, and my husband ask me, ” How do people just know that you are Pagan or a Wiccan?”

“I don’t know, ” I tell him.

To this day, I often wonder. Can you really tell a Pagan or Wiccan from some other outward sign?

Or were these two women just trying to startle me because I made a comment about their religious items?

Signs of a True Elder, Master or Priest

Signs of a True Elder, Master or Priest

Author: Patricia Telesco 

I have been very disturbed by the increase in the use of titles like Priest, Priestess, Elder, Teacher, Shaman, Lady, and Lord in our community, specifically by those who really do not have the training to claim such honorable terms. You would not see anyone in the Christian church calling themselves by such a title without ordination and schooling, yet among neo-pagans it seems that nearly anyone who wishes to can take up a title and wield it for boon or bane.

Now, I realize that at the heart of things we are our own Priest and Priestess, but that’s far different than being the spiritual guide for many people (not to mention the difference in Karmic implications). To use a title without having earned it in the eyes of others, through training, or by calling is to dishonor all those who have earned their place as our teachers, elders, priests and priestesses. It also doesn’t present the most positive, responsible image of neo-paganism to outsiders who view such antics as manipulative power trips (often rightly so).

Reading one book does not make anyone an expert. Attending a year’s worth or rituals does not qualify a person for eldership or priesthood! In a world of seemingly shake-and-bake shamanism and instant priesthood, the route to true magical mastery isn’t traversed quickly or without sacrifice, and it can’t be found in the yellow pages. And it certainly has very little to do with a fancy or powerful sounding title. At its pinnacle, adepthood isn’t about impressing people; it’s a way of living and being. In other words, the focus is not on “talking the talk,” but on “walking the walk.” What are some of the signs of a true elder, master or priest?

How about someone who:

  1. Reclaims ancient knowledge, tradition, and powers, keeping them alive for future generations
  2. Safeguards magical history so that we can learn from the past in building the future
  3. Personally accepts the responsibility implied by gaining and using mystical knowledge and skill
  4. Honors the earth as a sacred space and use its resources wisely
  5. Acknowledges that life is an act of worship, and strives to keep his or her words and actions in accord
  6. Respects individual diversity, knowing there are many paths to enlightenment and that each person is a sacred space unto themselves.
  7. Embraces creativity and change as a fundamental necessity in keeping magic vital
  8. Encourages balance in all things, especially in his or her own life
  9. Teaches others the ways of magic in simple, understandable steps (no “instant enlightenment” no fluffy bunny magick).
  10. Offers metaphysical aid, consultation, and insights freely to those in need, without personal expectations of gain
  11. Gives back something to their art, or those who practice it
  12. Realizes that tools are only helpmates to magic. Real power comes from the mind, heart, and will working in harmony with earth and Spirit.

In some ways a priest or elder doesn’t ever “arrive” — we are always getting there, realizing that the more we know, the more we realize how LITTLE we know (smile). When we finally reach this understanding, we’re often ready to teach and lead with both heart and head; in balance is spiritual wisdom. In fact, I would hazard to guess that most people who are truly our priests, priestesses, elders and teachers are those who don’t have to say so – we just know it by the example of their lives!

Patricia Telesco,

What is an elder?

What is an elder?

Author: Patricia Telesco 

This question lays heavy on our community’s heart. It seems simple on the surface, but is not so simple when we examine proverbial brass tacks.

I think most of us have grown very weary of people who misuse honored titles like elder and teacher, thinking that reading one book, attending a few lectures, or going to a few gatherings qualifies them to be at the forefront of the neo-pagan movement. In fact, such individuals are the ones who are setting us back decades. Why? Because they have not researched, they have not lived their faith in word and deed, they have not worked hard for their freedoms, or built those cornerstones necessary to responsible eldership (note the operative term: responsible).

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, we have taken a back seat approach to these situations. It seems we’re more content to complain than to try and change things. And those of us who aren’t complaining fall back on the excuse that neo-paganism as a non-conformist, vision-driven, tolerance based faith, doesn’t have the right to judge others or impose stricture. I personally think that is a huge load of hooey and a cop out. When a purported neo-pagan misrepresents the whole of our community, and specifically our elders who deserve respect, it is long past time for action, and long past the space in which we can coddle and handhold.

But let me back track for a moment… that still leaves us with the question of “if these ego driven prima-donnas aren’t elders then who qualifies? Ok, so that wasn’t overly politically correct, but sadly many people who thrust themselves into the public eye as “important” — aren’t. In fact, I would hazard to say that one of the most determining characteristics of an elder is that they need not say so. Instead, the true elder often prefers to work quietly in the background toward specific goals without flash and fanfare (flash and fanfare just distracts and puts schedules all out of kilter).

Elder implies maturity (be that maturity mental, spiritual or physical). I have seen teens in our community act with more maturity than those in their 40’s! So age cannot be the whole determining factor in Eldership.

Elder also implies wisdom: someone who has “been there, done that, has the t-shirt, and dozens of coffee mugs.” It is unreasonable and irresponsible to call anyone without a healthy portion of life experience under his or her belt an “elder.” A good example of this comes from the Bible wherein those associated with Moses in the government of the people were elders.

This brings us to a third intimation of eldership – namely involvement. To be a recognized elder of any community you have to be in touch with, and involved with that community on an intimate level. I would even hazard to take this definition one step further and say involved as a role model (be it teacher, healer, priest/ess, or whatever).

In the New England Churches at the turn of the century there were different sects of elders. Some taught, some were clergy, and some guided executive matters. I suspect considering our times that our true elders likely fulfill at least one (if not all) of these functions.

When one exhibits wisdom in the way they live their lives, it’s normal for others to be attracted by that unique approach. It’s inspiring, motivational, and thought-provoking. When one responds to the voice of Spirit with service, it’s normal for others to honor that service. When one guides gently, inspirationally, and cleverly, it’s normal for others to seek out that guidance.

In studying the world’s religious traditions, there seems to be some other guidelines to eldership that the neo-pagan movement might do well to adopt. They include:

  • Elders honor knowledge and tradition both in the way they live and in their interaction with others. This does not exclude creativity or innocent wonder, but instead embraces them.
  • Elders protect history, while always remaining aware of the now and the future
  • Elders accept responsibility for action (or inaction) according to their level of spiritual awareness and skill
  • Elders honor the earth as a sacred space and treat it accordingly Similarly, elders honor all living things and respect diversity (knowing there are many paths to enlightenment)
  • Elders see life as the act of worship, and everything else as “extras”
  • Elders strive for truthfulness and realness
  • Elders teach, offer aid, consult, and provide insights, without expectation of personal gain
  • Elders give back something to their art(s)
  • Elders know that they have only just begun to “master” spirituality (the process of learning never ends unless we close the doors)

Certainly this list is abbreviated and generalized, but it provides a good standard to which we could strive if we wished. Being powerful isn’t the focus of eldership, nor is waiving a title beneath someone’s nose, it’s doing the work that needs to be done with all the skill and knowledge available to you. It’s living your life in a truly unique way — one that never says “hey look at me, I’m an elder” but one that simply leaves that awareness on people’s spirit. I truly believe if your life has been touched by such a soul, that you may never remember their name but you will always remember the influence they left behind, which is an even greater legacy.

Eldership is sometimes thankless (not everyone wants to hear the truth; not everyone wants responsible use of power) but it also can be glorious. The difference is in how our community treats our true elders. Do we respect them? Do we uplift them? Do we hold and heal them? They are a TREASURE. If we do not carefully guard the real treasures and weed out those that are nothing more than fool’s gold, we do a terrible disservice to our whole community and it’s public image, not to mention those people who have served us diligently, tirelessly, and lovingly.

Let’s make our honored titles mean something. Let’s dare to stand up to puffed up “leaders” and express our concern, if not our appal. This isn’t about just you, or just me… it’s about our whole way of life and who we choose to guide our future by history’s example. When people look at the chronicles of the neo-pagan movement of this century my question to you is: who do you want to see as the movers and shakers? Who do you embrace as your elders. Make your choice wisely.

Patricia Telesco,

Your Basic Essential Oil Care Kit

Your Basic Essential Oil Care Kit

Essential oils are one of the great untapped resources of the world. The concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants have been used for centuries all over the world, but in modern times we have forgotten the power of these ancient medicines of the earth, preferring instead to use the products of perfume and chemical companies which imitate the natural fragrances and medicinal and cleansing properties of essential oils. Because the essential oils are so sweet-smelling, many people suppose their value is essentially one of charm and fragrance – but this is a mistake. Modern scientific research has proven that essential oils are potent with remarkable medicinal properties. These substances are very complex in their molecular structure and very powerful. The essential oil or oregano, for example, is twenty-six times more powerful as an antiseptic then phenol, which is the active ingredient in many commercial cleansing materials.

Unlike chemical drugs, essential oils do not remain in the body. They leave no toxins behind. And essential oils make much more sense as air fresheners than commercial products, as they cleanse the air by altering the structure of molecules creating the smells, rather then masking the unwanted smells. When we are looking for alternatives to toxic products in our homes and in our lives, essential oils are a convenient, practical and pleasant solution.

YOUR BASIC CARE KIT

Lavender – Tea Tree – Peppermint – Chamomile – Eucalyptus – Geranium – Rosemary – Thyme – Lemon – Clove

If I had to choose the ten most versatile and useful essential oils for the average home medicine cabinet, these would be the ones. Although these oils are chosen first for their medicinal properties and their ability to deal with a wide range of health complaints, you will find that they also feature strongly throughout this article and are useful for a diversity of purposes from skin care to gardening and from home care to celebrations.

The treatments outlined in this section are straightforward yet effective. Other useful additions to your care kit would be Aloe Vera – Witch Hazel – Rosewater. Aloe Vera comes from the leaf of the cactus of this name and is a fine healing agent in itself for cuts, inflammations and burns, as well as being a good carrying agent for the essential oils. It can be bought in gel or liquid form. Witch Hazel is extracted from a shrub and is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosewater is a by-product of the distillation of the essential oil of roses and is used for its mild antiseptic and soothing properties. But let us now have a brief look at the ten essential oils that
comprise the Basic Care Kit.

Lavender

Lavender is capable of many important jobs and is a delight to use. Every home should have a bottle of lavender, if no other oil, because it is very effective in the treatment of burns and scalds. Lavender oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring, and also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a would to regenerate more quickly. Although not known specifically as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems allay the effects of clinical shock and as a mood tonic and antidepressant it helps to deal with the psychological shock of injury. It also has a multitude of other qualities which make it a truly indispensable oil.

Tea Tree

The antiseptic action of tea tree is thought to be one hundred times more powerful than carbolic acid – and yet it is non-poisonous to humans. The Aborigines have been using this indigenous Australian tree in their medication for centuries and today tea tree is the subject of a great deal of international research. It’s impressive antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it useful in a wide range of conditions. It is used in the treatment of candida and all sorts of infections, for ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, toothache, and pyorrhea, among other things.

Peppermint

Peppermint has been used by many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese and American Indians, no doubt because of its extremely useful health-promoting properties. It is an excellent digestive, it helps the respiratory system and circulation, it is an anti-inflammatory, and an antiseptic. These qualities make it a good oil in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, bad
breath, flue, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches and migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and fatigue. It even helps keep mice, fleas, and ants away.

Chamomile

There are several types of chamomile essential oil. Chamomile German is an excellent variety and its beautiful deep dark blue color, due to its high azulene content, comes as a bonus. Another excellent variety, Chamomile Roman, is particularly good for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia. Beware though of Chamomile Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) which is not a true
Chamomile and cannot be used as such. Although Chamomile is an antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant, it is most valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. These apply to internal
conditions like rheumatism, as well as to external inflammations. Chamomile is indispensable if you have children because it can be sued for teething troubles and in the bath to ease nerves and tetchiness. Chamomile is used in the treatment of burns, including sunburn, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, hay fever, diarrhea, sprains, nausea, fever and all nervous and depressive states. It’s
analgesic, diuretic, sedative and calming properties make Chamomile an extremely desirable oil. For kicking the tranquilizer habit it is invaluable, and in anorexia nervosa it is extremely helpful. As if this weren’t enough, chamomile is used in rejuvenation treatments.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has been distilled from at least 1788 when two doctors, John White and Dennis Cossiden, distilled Eucalyptus Piperata for its use in treating chest problems and colic. This was in Australia where the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are so called because of the extraordinary blue haze that exudes from the resin of the eucalyptus gum and envelops the entire landscape. In such a powerfully aromatic environment, the medicinal qualities of this ancient tree would be hard to miss. Eucalyptus is a marvelously versatile and useful oil. It cools the body in summer an protects it in winter. Its is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorizing. Research has proved its antiviral properties as well. It is best known for its effectiveness against coughs and colds but is equally effective in the treatment of cystitis, candida,
diabetes, and sunburn, while also being useful in veterinary care and as an insect repellent. There is a wide range of Eucalyptus varieties, any of which would be a useful addition to a Basic Care Kit.

Geranium

Geranium is one of my favorite oils because it works profoundly on the emotions and is useful in many medical conditions – and smells wonderful while it works so hard. The oil is extracted not from the familiar, brightly colored geranium, but from the species Pelargonium-Geranium Robert or “lemon plant” – which is very often displayed in abundance in Greek restaurants. Geranium will make chilblains disappear overnight and brings a radient glow when used in skin care. More importantly, it is a vital component in the treatment of endometriosis, if very effective for menopausal problems, diabetes, blood disorders, throat infections, and as a nerve tonic, and works well as a sedative. It is reputed to help in cases of uterine and breast cancer and if nothing else, would certainly help the patient to relax and cope with the pain. Geranium has many applications from frostbite to infertility, and its antiseptic and astringent properties contribute to its general usefulness. Its delightful floral fragrance makes it a pleasure to use, either on its own or as a
contributory oil in blends.

Rosemary

Rosemary is both a physical and mental stimulant, which makes it a good oil to have in the morning bath, while also being excellent in the treatment of all muscular conditions, making it the perfect oil for a bath after a long, tiring day. This antiseptic oil is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, coughs, flu, and diabetes among other conditions. It is also very useful in beauty treatments being used in hair care and acne and cellulite remedies. For the sportsman, cook and gardener, rosemary is invaluable.

Thyme

There are many types of thyme, some of which can be used safely in all situations and some which cannot. Thyme has notable antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic properties and should be ‘used with great care’. Overuse of it can stimulate the thyroid gland and lymphatic system. Like many good things, it must be used in moderation. It should never be applied to the skin undiluted and should not be used on children unless it is within the chemotype Thyme Linalol. Thyme is a vital component of the Basic Care Kit because of its powerful antiviral properties. When flu is around it is a wonderful oil to have on the room diffuser. It assists in the elimination of toxic wastes from the body. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including whooping cough,
warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, fatigue and acne. It is also extremely useful in antiseptic powders, hair and skin care regimes, and cooking. Just to make it a perfect all-rounder, thyme will discourage all manner of parasites and insects from invading your home.

Lemon

When our adventurous seafaring ancestors sailed the high seas, fresh lemons saved them from getting scurvy. For modern stay-at-homes, the essential oil of lemon is just as useful as a water purifier. This antiseptic and antibacterial oil will perform many tasks when used in blends, including treating verrucas, insect bites, and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will assist you to slim, help disperse cellulite, and keep wrinkles at bay. Its contribution to synergy makes it particularly useful in blends, while it is indispensable as a fragrancing and flavoring agent.

Clove

Clove oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic and is a good oil for the prevention of disease and infection. Being a spice it can easily be incorporated into your cooking. It is best known as a quick cure for toothache although it is equally useful in digestive problems and muscular disorders. It can be used in the treatment of asthma, nausea, and sinusitis, and as a sedative. Clove is a
powerful oil that has been used for the sterilization of surgical instruments. It should not be used undiluted on the skin.

WARNING…

Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils should NOT be used under any circumstances:

Bitter almond
Boldo leaf
Calamus
Yellow Camphor
Horseradish
Jaborandi leaf
Mugwort
Mustard
Pennyroyal
Rue
Sassafras
Savin
Southernwood
Tansy
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormseed
Wormwood

Goddess Recipes: Oils, Perfumes, Etc.

GODDESS RECIPES: OILS, PERFUMES, ETC.

MOON PRIESTESS PERFUME:

1 Drop Queen of the Night Oil
3 drops rose oil
1 drop lemon verbena oil
4 fl. oz (120cc) white spirit

Blend the three oils in a bottle. Add the white spirit, and shake all vigorously. A cologne can be made by adding another 1 FL. oz (30cc) of white spirit and 3 fl. oz (90cc) of distilled water.

MOON PRIEST COLOGNE:

1 fl. oz (30cc) lemon verbena or Lime oil
2 fl. oz (60cc) coriander oil
1/2 fl. oz. (15cc) camphor or myrrh oil
1/4 fl. oz. (7cc) white spirit
3 3/4 fl. oz. (105cc) distilled water

Blend the oils in a bottle, add the spirit and water and shake all vigorously. Increasing the myrrh oils gives a darker perfume; increasing the camphor, a lighter and more spicy one. All perfumes ‘behave’ differently on different skins, so it is worth experimenting to find your own balance.

EARTH MOTHER PERFUME:

Musk oil
Patchouli oil
Rose Oil

Blend in equal parts, bottle and shake well.

ISIS PERFUME:

Rose oil
Blue Lotus Oil

Blend equal parts, bottle and shake well.

SUN GODDESS PERFUME:

Cinnamon Oil
Lemon Verbena Oil
Ylang-Ylang Oil

Blend equal parts, bottle and shake well.

OIL FOR THE DARK OF THE MOON:

2 fl. oz.(60cc) tincture of myrrh
1 fl. oz.(30cc) oil of cinnamon
1/4 fl. oz.(7cc) Queen of the Night Oil
1 fl. oz.(30cc) oil of rose

Blend, bottle and shake well.

OIL FOR THE RITES OF ISIS:

7 drops oil of rose
2 Drops oil of Camphor
2 drops tincture of myrrh
3 drops oil of blue hyacinth

Blend the oils of rose, camphor, and blue hyacinth during the waxing moon. Bottle and keep till the Moon wanes. Add the Myrrh

KALI INCENSE:

This is an individual and personalized incense, for attunement to your own Dark of the Moon.

1 oz (30gm) sandalwood chips
1 oz (30gm) Dried jasmine flowers or 6 drops jasmine oil
1/2 oz (15gm) dried rose petals
2 drops of your own menstrual blood

Blend and use for private meditation during the onset of your menstruation.

MORRIGAN INCENSE:

1 oz. (30gm) musk amberette
1/2 oz. (15gm) dragon’s blood (resin used in violin staining)
4 drops patchouli oil
4 drops civet oil
4 drops of blood from your own finger

Blend at the dark of the Moon, put in a jar and bury in the earth for 6 weeks (a flower pot of peat in a cool cupboard will do).

ATHENA OIL & INCENSE:

The olive is sacred to Athena, so use pure olive oil as an anointing oil in particular, rub between the palms of your hands and anoint your feet, forehead
and lips. For the Incense:

1 oz. (30gm) Cedar wood chips
1/2 oz. (15gm) camphor
7 drops musk oil
Female sweat (as much as possible)
6 olives unstuffed and preferably black
Blend the first four ingredients well, at the full moon, and add the olives. Put in a jar and leave for one month to mature. Then remove the olives (Which will have imparted their essence to the rest) and throw them away. Stuffed olives, both black and green, are an obvious food for a ritual of Athena, also stuffed vine leaves, a very Athenian dish. If possible, of course, the wine should be
Greek – especially retina, though that is an acquired taste.

PRE-RITUAL BATH SCENTS:

To cleanse and relax the body before a ritual, and to energize the psychic centers. Fill small sachets of muslin cloth with equal amounts of the following herbs:

Basil (for psychic energy)
Borage (to strengthen the inner self)
Lavender (to banish mental and emotional stress)
Centaury (a traditional witch herb)
Rue (a traditional bathing herb)

Put a sachet into your bath five minutes before you get in, to give the aromatics time to work.

DIANA OF THE MOON INCENSE:

It is recommended that it be made in the hour and the day of the Moon – i.e. the first or eighth hour after sunrise, or the third or tenth hour after sunset, on a Monday.    Thoroughly mix equal amounts of the following:

Gum mastic
Jasmine
Mandrake
Orris root

Add a few drops of wintergreen oil and moisten with a little clear mineral oil

AINE of KNOCKAINE INCENSE:

1/2 oz. (15gm) Meadowsweet flowers and leaf (gathered when the plant is in full bloom and dried)
1/2 oz. (15gm) finely chopped pine needles
1/2 fl. oz. (15cc) lemon verbena oil

By the way, Meadowsweet blossom also makes a delicious

Magical Properties of Essential Oils

MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

These are in order of Magical Intent.

COURAGE: – Cedar, Musk, Rose Geranium

FERTILITY: – Musk, Vervain

FRIENDSHIPS: – Stephanotis, Sweetpea

HAPPINESS: – Apple Blossom, Sweetpea, Tuberose

HARMONY: – Basil, Gardenia, Lilac, Narcissus

HEALING: – Carnation, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Lotus, Myrrh, Narcissus, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Violet

HEX-BREAKING:- Bergamont, Myrrh, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rue, Vertivert

LOVE: – Clove, Gardenia, Jasmine, Orris, Plumeria, Rose, Sweetpea

LUCK: – Cinnamon, Cypress, Lotus

LUST: – Cinnamon, Clove, Musk, Vanilla

MAGNETIC–TO ATTRACT MEN: – Ambergris, Gardenia, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Musk, Neroli, Tonka

MAGNETIC–TO ATTRACT WOMEN: – Bay, Civet, Musk, Patchouli, Stephanotis, Vetivert, Violet

MEDITATION: – Acacia, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Magnolia, Myrrh, Nutmeg

MENTAL POWERS: – Honeysuckle, Lilac, Rosemary

MONEY: – Almond, Bayberry, Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Mint, Patchouli, Pine, Vervain

PEACE: – Benzoin, Cumin, Gardenia, Hyacinth, Magnolia, Rose, Tuberose

POWER: – Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla

PROTECTION: – Cypress, Myrrh, Patchouly, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rue, Violet, Wisteria

PSYCHIC POWERS: – Acacia, Anise, Cassia, Heliotrope, Lemongrass, Lilac, Mimosa, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tuberose

PURIFICATION: – Acacia, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Olive, Sandalwood

SLEEP: – Lavender, Narcissus

SPIRITUALITY: – Heliotrope, Lotus, Magnolia, Sandalwood

VITALITY: – Allspice, Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla

——————————————————————————–
SOURCE: Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs – by Scott Cunningham

How To Make Essential Oils

HOW TO MAKE ESSENTIAL OILS

Witches often ask about how to make essential oils. I don’t know exactly how you produce essential oils from herbs. What I do know is that it’s a laborious process, and that most of the time you will want to dilute the essential oils anyway, so that fragrant, blended oils consisting of a carrier oil and a herb are often more versatile. In addition to that they are quite easy to manufacture. This is how I do it.

 

The Kitchen Magic School’s Fragrant Oils

This is what you need
=====================
A carrier oil. The intended use decides which one. Edible oils are sold in super-markets everywhere, and can often be used for other purposes than just eating. In herbal cosmetic shops like the Body Shop you can buy pure or blended oils for special purposes like bathing and massage. You can experiment with different oils for different purposes, but never ingest any oil that wasn’t specifically made for the purpose. It’s important that you use new oil with the best before date well ahead, as fragrant oils don’t keep as well as essential oils. Wheatgerm oil can be used as preservative if you find that your oils don’t keep well.

The herb. For this purpose it doesn’t matter if it’s fresh, dried or even frozen. Herbs are sold in many places. Occult shops often have quite an assortment, but the super-market in your area may sell some of these much cheaper. Super-markets often have herbs in either the spice department (notably fennel and cardamon), the health food department (notably rosehips and buckwheat) or even the hot drinks department (notably chamomile and cocoa). Specialized health food stores and natural cosmetics boutiques often have herbs too.

Growing your own herbs can be a very satisfying experience, and it doesn’t take a lot of skill to do with the most common ones. You can buy plants at a nursery or raise your own from seeds. Seeds are available in super-markets, garden centers and nurseries. There are often quite adequate instructions on the seed envelope. If you are new to growing things, start out with easy growers like
mint, heartsease and dill and grow them in pots.

Which herb to choose is a science in itself. If you want to use the oil for magickal purposes, you will probably want to choose it according to its correspondences. At the end of Starhawk’ _Spiral_Dance_ there is a substantial list of common correspondences, and the classic Culpeper’s Complete Herbal lists herbs and their uses and correspondences. Of course if you follow a specific
tradition you will want to consult it, so you don’t use inappropriate herbs. Many eclectic witches like to make up their own correspondences following their intuition. If you will use the oil on your skin, make sure that it won’t irritate or cause allergic reactions. You may want to consult a book on
aromatherapy if you are using fragrant oils for healing. Some oils are considered aphrodisiacs, and can be quite fun to use for massage.

A practical consideration is the availability of a given herb. Herbs may be unavailable for many different reasons. Maybe it isn’t traditionally used in your part of the world, it may be illegal for a number of reasons, it could be surrounded with superstition or it can simply be out of season.

A bottle. Fragrant oils are sensitive to light so try avoiding crystal clear bottles. You will often want to use just a spoonful of the oil, so a squirt cap is useful. Shampoo bottles can often be used, as they are generally about the right size and have caps which are made so you can easily take a small amount without having oil run down the outside of the bottle. Plastic bottles will often be found to take on some of the aroma of the contents, so you may want to throw them away after one use, or always keep the same oil in the same bottle. Some occult shops sell amber glass bottles, too. Of course it’s neat to have all your oils in identical bottles instead of having an array of brightly colored shampoo bottles, but they’re a lot more expensive than saved up shampoo bottles. Label all your bottles carefully with the name of the herb, carrier oil and date of manufacture!

This is how to do it
====================
The basic principle is easy: put the herb in the oil, and wait.

If you are bothered by herb particles in the finished product, you can use a tea egg or a small bag of muslin or nylon suspended by string in the bottle, and remove them when you find the fragrance strong enough. This requires a bottle with a wide opening. If you don’t have such a bottle, you can strain the oil in a wire-mesh tea sieve instead. If you aren’t bothered by herb particles, you can
often leave the herb in the oil until you’ve used it all up. This works particularly well with antiseptic herbs like peppermint, but can in other cases make the oil go stale.

The time it takes for an oil to become pleasantly fragrant depends on the herb and the oil, what you consider pleasant and the conditions you keep them under. You will have to experiment with concentration, stirring, and time to find out which works best under your circumstances. With some herbs crushing can speed up the process. Seeds like fennel are among those. Many herbs vary quite a lot in strength depending on a range of factors, so sometimes you will have to adapt your recipes. The best thing is probably to develop your intuition with regards to herbs. As a rule of thumb, two weeks to three months should be adequate.

Suggested uses for fragrant oils
================================
Bathing:
Many oils can change your mood when used in a bath. Try out different ones, like thyme and heartsease.

Caveat 1: Some herbs are skin irritants, and you may be allergic to some without knowing this. If your skin gets irritated during or after a bath, immediately take a shower and wash yourself all over with hypoallergenic soap. Then dry yourself and use a hypoallergenic body lotion. This should take care of most skin irritations. If it doesn’t, seek a doctor. Carefully note which herbs cause skin irritations in you, and avoid them. If you know that your skin is sensitive, avoid herbs which are known to cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in many people. Some of the more common ones are mint, vanilla and of course all hot spices like pepper.

Caveat  2: Never use psychoactive herbs in a bath, this includes sleep inducing herbs.
You can drown yourself quite easily that way.

Anointing:
Fragrant oils are much milder than essential oils, and can often be used directly for anointing on your skin. If you are using fragrant oils for magickal purposes, you may want to take into account the correspondences of the carrier oil, too.

Vaporizing:
Vaporizing means that you heat the oil so that it gives off its fragrance. This is useful in its own right, but can also serve as a substitute for incense when you or members of your household object to incense for medical or other reasons. Vaporizers can be bought in occult stores, shops for herbal cosmetics, interior decoration boutiques or even in the department store. The most common ones are a terra-cotta ring that you suspend on a lightbulb, and more elaborate structures with a house for a tea-candle and a shallow pan suspended above it. The fragrant oil has to be quite strong for this purpose.

Massage:
Massage is a fine art and healing in many ways. You may want to experiment with using edible oils for this purpose. Caveat 1: The oil used for massage enters the skin even more forcefully than the one used in a bath. Make sure you aren’t allergic beforehand. Vigorously rub in a tad of oil on a sensitive place like the inside of the arm just above your wrist. If the skin is irritated after an hour, don’t use that oil on your skin again. Caveat 2: Massage is often a part of lovemaking. If you use a condom for birth control, don’t use massage oils. The reason for this is that the oil make microscopic holes in the rubber, and renders it useless.

Cooking:
Fragrant oils of spices like oregano or basil can be used in cooking. You can use it as a marinade, or to brush on meat before you grill it. How about making your own curry oil? Caveat: Use only oils specifically made for ingestion for this purpose.

Libations:
We often use wine or water for libations, but we know that for instance the Minoans on Crete offered their deities oils as well as wine and honey.

Further suggestions
===================
You can use this method with other mediums than oil; shampoo and liquid soap for instance. Find fragrance free products, and make your own herbal cosmetics. I like to use chamomile shampoo, so I blend 100 ml of fragrance free shampoo with 1 gram of chamomile flowers from a teabag. After one week the liquid starts to turn yellow and smell of chamomile, and is ready for use. I use a hair
conditioner (again fragrance free) to make sure I rinse out all chamomile particles from my hair. The same can be done with rosemary if you have dark hair, and other herbs if you have problems with your hair or scalp. Lavender produces a soothing soap, and pine needles an invigorating one. Again, make sure you aren’t allergic to herbs used on the skin or in the hair in this way.

 

Copyright Ceci Henningsson 1994. This article may be freely copied and distributed, provided this copyright notice is included.

Does it Matter

Nature Comments & Graphics

Does it Matter

Does it matter if a butterfly is red or blue or green?
Individual pursuit of happiness
To be able to live freely
Isn’t this the ideal dream?

To search out ideas of life
You are you
I am me
Let’s live without the strife

As the hawk soars in the sky
Emotions rise
Fingers are pointed
Who’s to say what’s in a lie?

One fish chooses the river
One may choose the ocean
Choices are free
Please don’t make me shiver

The Goddess awaits us all
Rocky road
Woodland path
Religions will rise and fall

Fear not the hate
People engaged in war
Determined to choose the path for all
Such fools will meet their fate

Be true to yourself I say
Listen to the voice from within
Follow the beat of your heart
That is the only true way
Author:
Crick

A Little Humor for Your Day – ‘Redneck Honeymooners, lol!’

Newlyweds

A week after their marriage, the Redneck newlyweds paid a visit to their doctor… “I can’t figure it out doc, and I’m really worried,” said the husband. “My testicles are turning blue.”

“That’s pretty unusual,” said the doctor. “Let me examine you.”

The doctor takes a look. Sure enough, the Redneck’s testicles are blue. The doctor turns to the wife. “Are you using the diaphragm that I prescribed?”

“Yes, I am,” she replied.

“And what kind of jelly are you using with it?”

“Grape”

Daily Feng Shui News for April 25th – ‘World Tai Chi and Qigong Day’

Today is one after my own heart, or perhaps I should say that today does a heart good. It’s ‘World Tai Chi and Qigong Day,’ a time to exercise our right to long-lasting and great health. Qigong is a powerful system of healing or ‘energy medicine’ that hails from the Orient. Every Qigong exercise, whether a physical movement or a pattern of breathing, focuses on and regulates specific energy centers in your entire being. A quick and easy Chi Gung method of aiding digestion (as well as an exercise that helps with weight loss) is to do this after eating: Bring your hands to the upper left part of your abdomen, approximately where your stomach is located. Slowly and deliberately, move your hands in a circle over this area. Circle the stomach 50 to 100 times, all the while taking smooth, deep breaths. That’s it. Coming full circle in this way will now bring you an incredible lightness of being — literally.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Charm for April 25th is The Caduceus

Your Daily Charm for Today

The Caduceus

Today’s Meaning:
You will find you have within you the ability to resolve all conflicts and disagreements with regard to this aspect. You will find an eloquence you did not realize before.

General Description:
The staff of Mercury was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the lyre. The rod was endowed with the remarkable power of deciding all quarrels and bestowing wonderful eloquence upon its possessor. Mercury proved this when he saw two serpents fighting. Placing the rod between them and using his eloquence he reconciled the serpents, who then embraced each other, and becoming attatched to the rod formed the caduceus. The pine cone is credited with health giving power, and the wings symbolize speed and the flight of thoughts between friends. This ancient talisman was supposed to be a charm fo prospetity, rendering its possessor healthy, wealthy and wise.

 

 

Your Animal Spirit for Friday, April 25th is The Cardinal

Your Animal Spirit for Today

Cardinal

 
Wake up! Cardinal is chirping at you—bringing a message of personal power. Stop shrinking from your destiny. Stop pretending that you are less than. If you are unsure of your path, ask Cardinal to fly with you—it’s certain he will help you focus, gain clarity, formulate a plan, become self-assured, and step out into the world with the confidence befitting a person of your power.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 25th is The Dove

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Dove

Throughout history the Dove has symbolized peace and innocence in nearly all cultures. Dove’s soft cooing and gentle nature bring a calmness to any situation. The Dove appears where peace has been attained or there is a need to bring events to a peaceful ending. It denotes a time to let lose of grievances and settle conflicts in a way that benefits all parties equally.

As a daily card, Dove suggests the need to put an end to conflict in your present life. The conflict may be yours or may be that of people close to you. Regardless of the parties involved, you have been called upon to bring the discord to an impartial end.

Your Daily Personal Tarot Card for April 25th is Strength

Your Daily Personal Tarot Card

Strength



Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Sat., April 26th

We may be inspired to manifest our dreams today, but we might be better at procrastinating than we are at getting started with our plans. Paradoxically, the Moon blasts into enterprising Aries at 6:00 am EDT, heightening our anticipation of what’s ahead. However, the Sun’s alignment with cerebral Mercury in bucolic Taurus can make us quite lazy now. Meanwhile, a supportive Mercury-Neptune sextile encourages us to set reality aside for a while.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You can feel the excitement in the air now that the evocative Moon is back in your sign. Instead of seeing obstacles today, you only see possibilities everywhere you look. Rather than worrying about the hard work ahead, you’re busy visualizing your destination as if you have already arrived. However, there is one tiny problem: your current tendency to avoid the details in life might quickly land you in a heap of trouble. Prevent problems by slowing down and thinking before you act. A proactive approach enables you to reach your destination.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Although the end of the race may be in sight now, you know better than to break out in an unrestrained sprint. Fortunately, your instincts serve you well because a trick of light might turn the finish line into appearing much closer than it actually is. However, there’s no reason to be discouraged today; just set a pace that you can keep up for a while because your marathon isn’t quite over yet. Slow and steady wins the race.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Someone might place you up on a pedestal today, but it’s not a good idea to buy into this false superiority. Rather than seeing yourself as the alpha dog, let go of the attachments you have to being in control. Your experience is more satisfying if you are a willing participant in a group activity than if you fight to be in charge. Sharing responsibility now is your best strategy for success. You earn more followers when you lead by example.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You aren’t happy about being forced out of your shell, but you have a job to do now that others are looking to you for guidance and expecting you to share your wisdom. Still, you’re reluctant to push your ideas onto someone else and might wish that you didn’t have to take on new responsibilities today. However, once you get going, it feels exhilarating to be in charge. Thankfully, your current service will be rewarded if you don’t get carried away with your own power.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Success is yours today if only you can strike a workable balance between your big plans and the actual limitations of the current circumstances. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to be so enthusiastic about your brilliant ideas that you spread resources too thin and ultimately fall short of everyone’s expectations. Even if you have high hopes, you accomplish more by moderating your ambitions. Make quality, not quantity, your primary goal.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

All kinds of partnerships continue to be a major focus now, but the dynamics of a current relationship are growing more complex as the balance of power begins to shift. You may be so enamored with the potential of working with such an optimistic person that you give up more control than is necessary. Or, perhaps, you are too quick to trust someone who hasn’t yet earned your respect. Opportunities abound, but don’t forget to use your common sense when choosing which ones to pursue.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Someone may come along with an intriguing idea and a convincing sales pitch today. However, you could be so eager for an adventure that you say yes before you even know the details. Keep in mind that you are more susceptible now to a story that’s built on big dreams and blue sky. Check your facts twice before jumping on the bandwagon, or you might waste time running down a dream that isn’t even yours.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may have experienced a recent break in your regular routine. Now, however, you’re eager to get back into the swing of things and reestablish your daily regimen. But instead of repeating your old pattern of chasing deadlines, take a long hard look at the opportunity you have to change the rules of the game so you can actually get ahead of the curve. You have more power than you realize and it just might be time to flex your muscles.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s no fun trying to contain your enthusiasm as the Moon dashes into impulsive Aries and your 5th House of Creativity. You don’t want to wait for the traffic light to change from red to green; you’re ready to hit the gas pedal right now. Unfortunately, moving quickly lessens your chances for success. You have an incredible opportunity to do something significant today while also having fun. Push ahead with cautious determination instead of flying by the seat of your pants.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You might worry that you didn’t spend enough time getting ready for your next endeavor. However, wishing that you had worked harder in the past won’t solve anything in the present. Consider what you can do that can have positive impact on your career right now. Remember, maintaining an upbeat attitude helps you create the solid foundation required for a stellar future.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You probably won’t have a lot of free time today because you’re packing so much into your life these days. Unfortunately, you could run into a stone wall if you don’t pay attention to how much energy you are expending. Don’t wait for an unexpected reality check to stop you in your tracks. Preemptively slowing down not only increases your pleasure in the present moment, it also enables you to accomplish more than you thought possible.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may expect a change of pace once the sensitive Moon leaves intuitive Pisces this morning. However, your imagination still rules the roost because dreamy Neptune remains active all day. Nevertheless, you want to create something that lasts. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can turn any thought into reality by simply working harder than anyone else. Exploring your fantasies now opens the door to a whole new world.