Category: Articles

Daily OM for Jan. 14 – Let Go and Let Flow

Let Go and Let Flow
Taking a Leap of Faith

by Madisyn Taylor

 

When you make a leap of faith you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

Many people, in heeding the guidance of their souls, find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind’s eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition. Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams. Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts. This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

There have no doubt been times in your life when you chose to go where the universal flow took you. Yet you may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying. A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.

If your mind and heart resist, you can dampen this resistance by building a bridge of knowledge. The more you know about the leap you are poised to take, the smaller the gap between “here“ and “there“ will appear to be. Your courageous leap of faith can lead you into uncharted territory, enabling you to build a new, more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.


The Daily OM

Enhanced by Zemanta

Realities of Acceptance

Realities of Acceptance

Author:   Crick   

I have long felt that man-made religions are a device to control the hearts and minds of fellow humans. And to my mind have little if anything to do with true spirituality in regards to the individual. This is not to say that folks who are members of a religion, whatever path it may be, do not have spirituality. Rather I believe that said spirituality is more of an individual accomplishment rather than that of the religion in question. At any rate religions throughout the ages have focused a great deal of attention to political maneuverings and material wealth and little if any on allowing freedom of exploration in regards to one’s personal spiritual endeavors. Religions tend to be organizations based upon rigid parameters that dictate how its members may think and behave.

This approach in and of itself creates barriers to any true growth and esoteric experiences that may lead to an enlightened understanding of the mystical arts in general and of the deeper mysteries of spirituality in particular. In following a personal spiritual path, one needs the freedom to experience one lesson/experience after another and as it is presented, without worrying about whether such experiences opens the door further than a select group of folks deem acceptable.

Religious parameters simply don’t work in a mystical spiritual setting where one often does not know what to expect in regards to the stimuli/energy that set the experience in motion. In regards to the Abraham religions the Catholic Church stands in the forefront of such manipulation in the pursuit of power here on earth. Some will erroneously see this as a slam against Catholics. But then this article is intended to be a pragmatic discussion in regards to but one aspect of actions taken by a particular religion, which in this instance happens to be the Catholic Church. With their long history of societal influence here on earth the Catholic Church is ripe for such observation and discussion.

The Catholic Church may well be the largest and most powerful religion on the planet. I think that many of us are familiar with the Papal Bull, Summis desiderantes affectibus, issued by Pope Innocent VIII on December 5, 1484 CE. This in turn was the premise used to create the Malleus Maleficarum (Witches Hammer) two years later by the Catholic monks, Kramer and Sprenger. Prior to this Papal Bull being issued, witchcraft was not even recognized by the Catholic Church, though such practices have been around since the beginning of humankind. And then due to the fear of witchcraft by the Catholic Church brought on by the theological and commercial competition, many folks subsequently lost their lives by rather horrible means.

This massive upheaval in society reflects the power that a religion may aspire to and thus attain as part of its Inner Tenets, said tenets, which are vigorously kept from the public eye. But did you know that prior to the Papal Bull against witchcraft 1484 CE, that in 1184 CE, the first medieval inquisition, known as the Episcopal inquisition, introduced a papal bull entitled “Ad abolendam” (For the purpose of doing away with) . The inquisition was in response to the growing Catharist heresy that was forming in southern France.

The Catharists held dualistic and Gnostic tenets as part of their beliefs. Another of the examples, which I would like to proffer as a point of interest and discussion, is the Eminenti Apostolatus Specula. This was the first Papal Bull from the Catholic Church to be issued against the Freemasons. Pope Clement XII issued it on April 28, 1738 CE, and it banned Catholics from becoming Freemasons. It should be noted that the oldest Masonic text is the “Regius Manuscript” circa 1390 CE. And so these actions took place quite a few years after the establishment of Freemasonry.

But just as with witchcraft and many other non-Catholic beliefs, the expansion of the Freemasons became a point of serious contention for the leaders of the Catholic Church. In response to this Bull, and in order to minimize the actions of the Catholic Church, certain high ranking Freemasons created a parallel group that would not be identified with the Masons and yet would retain the core values and rituals of the Freemasons. This group was in essence a subterfuge and was called the “Mopses”. The differences between the two groups became quite evident.

For instance, in traditional Masonry lodges, only men could become members. In the Mopses, women could become members as well. They could also ascend to various offices within the lodge with the sole exception of Grand Master. Though some lodges did institute a Grand Mistress position that unlike the lifelong tenure of the Grand Master was open to election every six months. The Mopes were thought by some to engage in Black Magic, but in general it was seen simply as a satirical response to a real or perceived threat as presented by the Freemasons.

Another custom of the Mopses was to recruit solely from the ranks of the Catholics. Instead of requiring a new member to take an oath of secrecy, ones word of honor was accepted. Such recruitment tactics ensured that the reaction from the Church would be minimal considering it was Catholic folk who made up the ranks of the Mopses. Additionally there is also a school of thought that sympathetic member’s of the Catholic Church created this organization in an effort to preserve the tenets of Masonry that they secretly embraced, while publicly supporting the efforts of the Church to deter folks from joining an organization that was considered objectionable by the Catholic Church.

The Mopses celebrated the Sabbat in the Gnostic sense but they veered away from the Kabalistic approach by substituting the Kabalistic Goat with that of a dog as an object of worship. The word Mopses comes from the German word “Mops” which translates as “Mastiff”. As time goes on the Catholic Church has steadily reaffirmed its stance of intolerance towards the Freemasons. In 1917 CE, Pope Leo XIII presented the “Code of Canon Law” explicitly declared that joining Freemasonry entailed automatic excommunication, and this same canon also forbids books which are friendly to Freemasonry.

In 1983 CE the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued “Quaesitum est” (Declaration on Masonic Associations) , which reiterates the Church’s objections to Freemasonry and clarifies that those who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion. Quaesitum est is currently considered the authoritative interpretation of the Vatican’s position on this subject.

The intent of this article is not to point fingers. Rather it is to highlight a fact of life. The Neo Pagan perception is one of acceptance and tolerance. However such a notion may be a bit altruistic.

As a Traditional witch, I adhere to the tenet that the only right religion/spiritual path is that of the individual. But we would be wise to realize that many religions do not encourage nor tolerate the path of the individual. If Paganism is to be the religious/spiritual path of the individual, than we should be aware of the established history (not just the Catholic Church) of those who are not as altruistic when it comes to religious/spiritual acceptance.

Engaging the mystical arts requires unlimited parameters, for ones knowledge changes with each enlightening experience. This may be by way of a Vision quest, astral projection, mind melding with a Dryad, energy work and so forth. All of which are elements ignored and denied by powerful religions. It is only by the Pagan community validating itself through its own standards and actions, that paganism will become validated by those who would do so only very reluctantly.

Creating bridges is fine, but make sure that it is connected to the other side before attempting to cross…

Respecting and Honoring Yourself – and Your Religious Choices

Respecting and Honoring Yourself – and Your Religious Choices

Author:   nasionnaich   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–nasionnaich

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Jan. 14 is The Golden Egg

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Golden Egg

The Golden Egg denotes the opportunity for substantial material gains. However, the Golden Egg is also a reminder that unmanaged greed ensures what gains are made will be lost.

As a daily card, The Golden Egg suggest that the prospects for you to increase your financial wealth are very strong today. Seize whatever opportunities come your way, but don’t ride them too long or you may find yourself no better off than you were before they came along.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Today’s Tarot Card for Jan. 14th is Temperance

Temperance

Tuesday, Jan 14th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is traditionally known as the Temperance card is a reference to the Soul. Classically female, she is mixing up a blend of subtle energies for the evolution of the personality. One key to interpreting this card can be found in its title, a play on the process of tempering metals in a forge.

Metals must undergo extremes of temperature, folding and pounding, but the end product is infinitely superior to impure ore mined from the earth. In this image, the soul volunteers the ego for a cleansing and healing experience which may turn the personality inside-out, but which brings out the gold hidden within the heart. (This card is entitled “Art” in the Crowley deck.)

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, January 14th

We’re tempted to withdraw emotionally today, but that won’t necessarily prevent us from being hurt. Self-protective tactics are more likely to reinforce artificial walls and increase our isolation. Although the sensitive Cancer Moon encourages caution when expressing our feelings, her stressful aspects with wild Uranus and potent Pluto can amplify nearly any drama. Thankfully, the turmoil begins to settle down after tomorrow’s Full Moon.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your irrepressible frustration may create additional problems today. However, you could discover that the obstacles you’re facing aren’t about your external world. Instead, an old fear or a memory that suddenly resurfaces dampens your confidence. But don’t try too hard to resolve the issue immediately; even if you’re able to let go of the past, it will still take a couple of days to figure out what to do in the present

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your thoughts might wander around your imagination as your fantasies grow out of control. Even if you attempt to communicate a simple idea, it becomes apparent that the actual process is not as straightforward as you wish. Don’t worry; just ride the mental waves as if you were an eagle and then tell the stories about your journey when you return

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You are eager to explain your new plan today, but the reflective Cancer Moon offers you enough wisdom to rethink a recent idea before taking it to the next level. Don’t worry if you get lost within your own mental maze now because your perceptions may be a bit fuzzy. Fortunately, your dreams are closer than they appear. Ironically, you can reach your destination faster if you slow down and take your time enjoying the scenery.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You may be considering taking a personal holiday sometime very soon but still might want to do something by yourself today. However, even if you choose to retreat socially, you won’t likely become reclusive. You’re too enamored with others now to fully appreciate your solitude. Even if you’re unclear about how much activity to schedule into your life, be certain to leave room for the ones you love the most.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It’s time to catch up on old business while you have the chance today. Whether you work on a project at home or take care of miscellaneous errands, you can get a lot accomplished if you concentrate on the tasks at hand. However, it’s not necessary to make a big deal about what you’re doing now; sometimes working behind the curtain is more effective than performing under the spotlight. Don’t try to please others with grand gestures; just set your priorities and get busy.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might have to forget about gaining clarity now that mischievous Mercury is playing its trickster role. Emotions place a layer of subjectivity over your logical thinking, making critical analysis out of the question. Let your intuition guide you today, even if you don’t have all the facts yet. Contrary to what you might believe, there’s no need to struggle in your quest for the truth.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your message isn’t as important today as you might think. It’s the ideas you don’t share that determine the course of the day as domestic interactions are complicated by unspoken feelings. Ultimately, it’s much easier if everyone is emotionally transparent because having secrets only adds to the tension now. Keep your chin up even if you believe that there is no immediate solution to your current dilemma; your satisfaction is likely being delayed and not denied.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You could be stewing in your own emotional juices today, without any obvious way to communicate what you’re feeling. Thankfully, you’re not isolated from others; it’s just that language doesn’t seem able to convey the necessary nuances of your inner experience. Try playing a song or reading a poem to express what’s in your heart, rather than attempting to explain yourself in awkward detail. Give your inner poet an opportunity to speak and clear the air of any lingering tension.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might like to escape from the hectic pace of today’s activities. Luckily, there’s a bit of magic in the air that enables you to cast a spell, suspending belief just long enough to slip into a parallel universe for a quick visit. If you keep up external appearances, no one will miss you while your mind is traveling to faraway places. Don’t lose your connection to the real world; luckily, you can be in two places at once.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re not amused today if your tight grip on reality seems to loosen. Nevertheless, it may be nearly impossible to maintain control in the outer world while letting go on the mental plane. Although this process might not be fun for you now, it’s valuable to learn that you can’t always run the show. Fortunately, your fears begin to subside when others assume more responsibilities and you can relax.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may feel disoriented today from your deepening emotions, but there isn’t much you can do to avoid them. Rather than tumbling down the rabbit hole without a plan, harness your passions by engaging them, instead of denying them. Thankfully, you have sufficient brainpower to do almost whatever you choose. Just don’t forget to listen to your heart.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your creativity is on the upswing today, but there are a few roadblocks along the way if you want to make something tangible. Your imagination is activated by Mercury’s presence in your 12th House of Fantasy, but it’s still difficult to mix your artistic nature with the logical approach that’s required to get your ideas across. Relying on rational thinking could be a sensible strategy for another time, but now it’s healthier to forget about productivity and just give yourself permission to dream.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Full Moon in Cancer Horoscopes

Full Moon in Cancer Horoscopes

It’s safety first during 2014’s first Full Moon

Jeff Jawer  Jeff Jawer on the topics of horoscopes, full moon, cancer, astrology

The sensitive Cancer Moon opposing the pragmatic Capricorn Sun on January 15, 2014, is a dance between soft and hard. Inner needs dominate from the lunar side but external demands tell the solar half of the story. Both signs, though, share an interest in security. Finding ways to protect feelings while taking on the tough tasks of the world is the gift and challenge of this Full Moon. Stabilizing Saturn in Scorpio’s favorable connections with the Sun and Moon reward those who dig deeply to reveal untapped resources and unmet needs.

 

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This Full Moon in subjective Cancer and your 4th House of Roots turns your attention inward. It helps you to recognize what you need to stay on the road to success. Emotional support is essential but getting it may require you to open up and expose your inner self. You usually try to avoid feeling vulnerable, but allowing this can lead to the kind of tenderness that supplies the drive required to reach your professional goals.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Tender words and imaginative ideas flow freely with this sensitive Cancer Full Moon in your 3rd House of Communication. There is a risk of taking everything too personally, but if insecurities don’t get out of hand, greater intimacy and trust will follow. A more caring way of connecting helps to overcome differences of philosophies and long-range goals. Adapting to immediate circumstances reduces stress about the future.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

This security-conscious Cancer Full Moon lands in your 2nd House of Resources to shine a light on how you handle your assets. If a financial crisis flares up, slowing down your reaction to it will help you to make a wise decision. Stabilizing Saturn’s favorable aspects to this Sun-Moon opposition helps you to resist pressure from others with patience and maturity that earns you trust and, perhaps, more money as well.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

The Full Moon in your sign lights up your 1st House of Personality. Feelings come to the surface and your reactions to people grow stronger. Putting yourself first, though, is the message of this lunation. Reliable Saturn’s favorable angle to the Sun and Moon encourages self-trust and offers the confidence needed to pursue your desires with the focus, commitment, and persistent needed to get what you want.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Imagination, intuition, and enlightenment are potential gifts of this Cancer Full Moon. It occurs in your 12th House of Spirituality where you benefit from having more private time. Communing with nature and engaging in prayer, meditation, or yoga are excellent ways to gain inner strength and support. Awakening to a higher sense of purpose can give new meaning to your life and clarify a big decision about work.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

This emotionally charged Cancer Full Moon lands in your 11th House of Groups where it can spur a crisis among colleagues or friends. While over-reacting isn’t recommended, it’s still healthier to express strong feelings than to keep them to yourself. You’re likely to find that others are having similar responses and that your honesty can be a motivating force that brings more passion and motivation to the team.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Professional matters are likely to take priority with this Cancer Full Moon in your 10th House of Career. While gaining attention and getting additional duties are possible, it seems that you need to be emotionally invested in your job to appreciate it now. If challenges arise at work, avoid making a big scene about them. Instead, take a long, hard look at the path you’re on and think about changing course if you’re not happy.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Visions of faraway places can make it difficult to feel settled and comfortable where you are. This emotionally charged Cancer Full Moon occurs in your 9th House of Travel. Restlessness is likely, which can be helpful if it motivates you to broaden your horizons. Connecting with people in distant locations and a sudden desire to advance your education are favorable potential outcomes of this soul stirring transit.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Relationships could grow in intensity with this emotional Cancer Full Moon in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Demanding partners — personal and professional — challenge you to meet their needs. Deciding which, if any, are worth responding to is part of this event is about. Another side of it, though, is for you to open up and expose your vulnerability. Doing so can earn trust and greater intimacy with others.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The cuddly and self-protective Cancer Moon opposes the Sun in your pragmatic sign. This occurs in your 7th House of Partners where it tests your ability to respond to emotional people. Being tender with others is essential to maintaining productive alliances. Their strong feelings might upset your plans, but if you’re willing to show some flexibility, current connections are deepened and new ones likely to occur.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Powerful feelings can have an effect on your work with this Cancer Full Moon in your 6th House of Employment. You could be feeling moody or insecure about your job, but the higher purpose of this lunation is to engage you more deeply in your daily tasks. You’re being pushed beyond your intellect to tap into emotions that don’t make immediate sense, but which might show you the way to happiness.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

This could be a delicious Cancer Full Moon because it falls in your 5th House of Play, Creativity and Romance. Opening your heart can, of course, lead to some emotional excess, but it’s smarter and safer than suppressing your feelings. Finding an outlet to express yourself through love, art, and imagination is not only exciting, but can build your confidence and make you a more powerful presenter of your ideas.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Cosmic Calendar for January 14th

Slow and steady wins the race as the Moon retains its nurturing strength while in home-enhancing and family-oriented Cancer. There is no sense dashing around like a dizzy chicken as you get ready for the illuminating energy-field of tomorrow night’s Full Moon. In addition, the 48-hour time-span before any Full Moon can be considered a preparation period for the divine forces seeking entry into human consciousness when the solar and lunar orbs move into their monthly positions on opposite sides of the Earth.  Healing forces are back on the march — thanks to the Moon trine to synchronicity master Chiron (1:47PM). Drop stubborn attitudes — particularly concerning main partners — as the Moon forms its monthly polarity with Pluto (4:08PM). Maintain an enthusiastic, optimistic mind-set throughout the evening as the Moon makes its monthly union with Jupiter (9:07PM). [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 Jan. 14th – Waxing Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waxing/95% of Full)

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

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Magick for Jan. 14 – A Healing Spell

COMPASSIONATE MAGICK – A HEALING SPELL

To help hurry along a person’s recovery from an illness, write their name on a human-shaped candle (based on gender). While anointing it with myrrh or mint oil, visualize healing energy in the form of white light, flowing from your fingers into the candle. Recite:

In the divine name of the Goddess who breathes life into us all
I consecrate and charge this candle as a magical tool for healing.
 

Place the charged candle on top of a photograph of the sick person, and then light the wick.

As the candle burns down, concentrate on the person, willing them to be healthy, and chant this incantation:

Magic mend and candle burn,
Sickness end; good health return
Enhanced by Zemanta

Let’s Talk Witch – Knot Magick

Let’s Talk Witch – Knot Magick

 

In spellcrafting, knots offer a simple way to contain or loosen energy. The obvious symbolism of tying a knot indicates an intention to bind something or someone. If, for example, you wanted to prevent an enemy from harming you, you could create a poppet to represent your enemy and bind his hands and feet with string. If a witch preceives unwanted energies in a space–especially whle performing a spell–she can tie a knot in a piece of clothing or the altar cloth to trap that energy until after the magickal working.

You can tie energy of any kind into a knot.  Witches sometimes tie a line of knots on a long cord, placing thoughts, emotions, incantations, etc. into the knots. These lines are sometimes called a witch’s Ladder. Untying a knot at a later date frees the energy bound therein.

You can use knot symbolism in the following types of spells:

Binding and banishing ( especially illness and negative energy)

Channeling energy into a specific location (the energy can be captured in the knot, and then released when it’s most needed)

Securing relationships  (hence the term “tying the knot” to refer to marriage)

Tying up the loose ends of a situationo

You can tie intentions into knots too. Let’s say you want to stablize your finances. The best number for this purpose is four. You could make a money charm and secure the pouch with a gold ribbon. Tie four knots in the ribbon and concentrate on your goal each time you tie a knot. Or tie a ribbon around your bills, using four knots to limit the outflow of money.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Archangel: Samael

Candle colour: Red

Incenses: Dragon’s blood or cinnamon

Crystals: Jasper or garnet

Use Tuesdays for spells for courage, change, independence in home or business life, for overcoming seemingly impossible odds and for passion.

Where possible, work near a fire or a bonfire or with a huge red beeswax candle as a focus; alternatively work next to a flowerbed or large vase of red, orange and/or yellow flowers

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, January 14th

The Witches Correspondences for Tuesday, January 14th

　

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants:Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Bless my mind and let it be as calm as the breezeless night

Bless my heart and let it know love without encumbrance

Bless my spirit and let it be strong of will

Bless my body and let it release the need for what it cannot have

Let me be without longing or lust

Let me be at peace with myself

Let me embrace the silence of being alone

Let me let go of desire

So I will it

And So Mote It Be.

Enhanced by Zemanta

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 13

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Bad feelings are burdens. When we get to the point of believing the whole world is sour because we don’t understand it, we have a lot of self-searching to do. Maybe we helped it to lose its sweetness. Maybe we’re the bad apple that soured the whole lot.

Our first thought should be to make amends. Sometimes we can’t, and when such is the case we need to get out of the way and let time and nature take its course.

Life is too beautiful to go on being a bitter pill that insists that everyone swallow it. As in the words of Caleb C. Colton, an English clergyman around the turn of the century, “the man who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own dispositions, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he proposes to remove.”

We need to unburden ourselves by forgetting our problems and doing something that will put a smile on someone else’s face.

The quickest way to solve the problem of hurt feelings is to inquire if this situation is important to the whole of existence. Does this particular thing mean more than any of the other things of life? It is amazing how quickly trials fade into nothingness when faced with this question. It places before us the need to decide here and now the meaning of our whole existence.

There are not many things in our lives that we can truthfully say mean everything to us. The small things are important and very dear, but the really significant things we count on one hand – life, our loved ones, our good desires, our faith, and our nation.

One of the most magnified situations in this day is taking life too seriously. In the stress of too much mental confusion, we seem unable to laugh off so many little irritations. We let personality rule us into making each little problem the source of great anxiety and dramatically lay hold of it until it chokes us.

The worthwhile side of this life is too important to let ourselves become involved with things that mean little to us. Too much of the trouble in the world is caused from ego-building important that would never be missed in anyone’s existence.

________________________________________

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

Enhanced by Zemanta

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 13

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 13

“When you remove love and try to replace it with monetary things, you’ve got nothing … Get him to understand that he has to love himself before he can love anything else.”

–John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG

It is said, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” That’s the trouble, most of us do.

Great Spirit, You are love; You are spirit. Spirit and love are interconnected. I am spiritual. Let me realize what I am really made of.

Enhanced by Zemanta

January 13 – Daily Feast

January 13 – Daily Feast

 

If we are not happy, it is because no one has given us permission to be. The hardships and stresses of those who went before us make us wonder if we have a right to do better. Do we have permission to outlive, outdo, outwork all those who went before us? Have we given our children permission to be stronger, better, and more intelligent than we are? The Cherokees have a word for it, adahenhdi, meaning the gift. Or have we told them to adhere to their roots instead of respecting them? Have we made them caretakers, or have we set them free to be strong builders on firm foundations? Permission is hard to come by when we wait and wait for someone to tell us we have done well, that we have earned the right to be mature, respected adults. No, we give ourselves permission to grow, to live long and well, to prosper and be in good health.

~ I can tell my children that the way to get honor is to go to work and be good men and women. ~

CHIEF RUNNING BIRD

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

Enhanced by Zemanta

Daily Motivator for January 13th – Too much to do

Too much to do

Are you overwhelmed by all the things you need to do? Then stop needing to do  all of them and start actually doing one of them.

The best response to being overwhelmed is not to impress yourself or others  with how overwhelmed you feel. The best response is disciplined, focused  action.

Don’t be stopped, or even slowed down, by the fact that you can’t imagine  getting it all done. Let go of your thoughts about what’s still left to do, and  give all your attention to what you are doing, right here and now.

In fact, it’s a good thing you have so much to do. So gratefully accept that  blessing and get going on the first task, and then the next, and the next.

You have a continuing stream of opportunities to make a difference. Keep  yourself busy transforming those opportunities, one by one, into real value.

When there’s much that must be done, pick the most important thing and get  busy. Get on the path to achievement, and keep going.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Enhanced by Zemanta