Category: Articles

A Little Humor for Your Day – Controversial Coyote Control

Controversial Coyote Control

A few years ago a group of animal rights activists were presenting an alternative to the ranchers for controlling the coyote population.

It seemed that after years of the ranchers using the tried and true methods of shooting and/or trapping the predators, the activists had a “more humane” solution. What they proposed was that the animals were to be captured alive, then the males would be castrated and let loose. By implementing this method they explained, the population would be controlled.

Believe it or not, this was actually proposed to the Wyoming Wool and Sheep Grower’s association.

Well, all the ranchers thought about this amazing idea. Then finally, an old boy in the back stood up, tipped his hat back and said; “Son, I don’t think you understand the problem. These coyotes ain’t screwing our sheep, they’re eating them!”

Turok Cabana

Daily Feng Shui News for Dec. 31 – ‘New Year’s Eve Traditions’

Happy New Year’s Eve! If you want to attract more money in the coming year, then clean out your wallet of all old receipts and fill it with twenty-seven one dollar bills and forty-nine coins. Don’t forget to open your front door at midnight and throw both money and orange peels into the entryway. Leave them there until January second. The word ‘orange’ in Mandarin Chinese sounds exactly like the word for ‘gold,’ something it’s believed to attract. Opening all of the doors and the windows at midnight will also allow old or stuck energies to depart while inviting healthy, fresh and abundant ones to come and stay for the whole of your next fortune-filled New Year.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for December 31 is Cancer The Crab

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:        

This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is emotional, loving, intuitive, imaginative, shrewd, cautious, protective and sympathetic. This could be an elder you look up too.         

General Description:        

Fourth sign of the Zodiac, June 22nd to July 23rd. Ruled by the Moon; correct metal, Silver. Those born under Cancer’s influence were supposed to be keen observers, imaginative, strong willed, reliant, tenacious, inressionable, brilliant, reserved, exacting, and sometimes over anxious. The Cancer stones are the emerald, agate, and chalcedony. The emerald was most highly esteemed in ancient times, was believed to possess great healing powers, and to be beneficial to the eyes. Emerald talismans were worn to invode eloquence, courage, protection from sickness, and by seamen to guard them from perils at sea. Emeralds were supposed to turn pale at the approach of danger.

Your Animal Spirit for December 31 is The Mockingbird

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 31, 2013

 

Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are master imitators, and can mimic the calls of many other birds. They’re also fearless protectors of their nest, and will attack any bird (no matter how large) to protect their young. Mockingbird’s lesson for you today is twofold: to listen to how you might be mimicking others—instead of listening to your own true voice; and to examine the value of what you defend. Hmmm?

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 31 is The Ancestors

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Ancestors

Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.

As a daily card, Ancestors suggests that you may be well served to by exploring your family tree to find solutions to current dilemmas. When searching for solutions to conflicts in your life, you might do well by asking yourself what a grandparent or great grandparent would do in your current situation.

Today’s Tarot For December 31 is The Emperor

The Emperor

Tuesday, Dec 31st, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the most practical terms, what has traditionally been called the Emperor card represents the highest leadership, a head of state or the most exemplary and powerful person in the realm. This archetypal ruler is responsible for the positive working out of affairs of a society or community, which are directly proportional to his well being and happiness.

The more enlightenment and cosmic perspective this energy brings, the better life is for all. The Emperor archetype masters the world of matter and physical manifestation. When you apply this card to your situation, acknowledge your potentials for mastery. Reinforce a sense of sovereignty within yourself, despite any self-limiting beliefs, habits or appearances to the contrary.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, December 31

New Year’s resolutions take on more intense layers of meaning this year because communicator Mercury hooks up with passionate Pluto. Commitments are not made lightly today and any deviation from the truth could be met with immediate hostility as Mercury squares warrior Mars. However, even the Moon’s shift into serious Capricorn at 1:01 pm EST isn’t enough to keep us grounded as Mercury also forms otherworldly alignments with Saturn and Neptune.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Listening to the voice of reason isn’t easy today as trickster Mercury squares your key planet Mars. Your words are more combative than you realize, especially if you open your mouth before considering anyone else’s point of view. Fortunately, you can minimize the negative impact of your rash reaction by simply remembering to be respectful of other people’s feelings. Acting for the good of all creates more harmony than just looking out for yourself.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You Bulls tend to dig in your heels (or hoofs), especially on a day like today when you could be provoked to fight back to maintain ownership of what you assume is rightfully yours. However, your opinions can magically turn into facts now. Unfortunately, you begin to believe them so intensely that you can’t hear someone’s contrasting point of view. Remaining open to new information improves your connections with those around you.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Since you’re often the one to change your mind, others might be surprised if you stick with a specific course of action now, even when easier choices become available. You are currently attracted to complex entanglements; you need to experience the deep emotions that often slip through your fingers. Luckily, excitement accompanies you on this profound journey today, stimulating your innate curiosity so you can learn more about yourself and those you love.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might have to stand up to someone today who refuses to give you what you want. You could even feel attacked by a person who accuses you of using your vulnerability to get your way. It’s challenging to let down your guard and share your true feelings; you may think it’s safer to keep your desires hidden. However, you can earn respect and admiration now if you reveal your softer sign without surrendering your integrity.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re so eager to work hard today that your peers will either follow your lead or just step out of your way. Even if others try to talk you into taking an easier path, you already know where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Luckily, you can accomplish more than you realize now if you remain methodical in your approach. Nevertheless, being obsessed with the details is counterproductive. Making a concrete plan is helpful as long as it has built-in flexibility, enabling you to respond to the changing circumstances

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might try anything to keep your social plans from falling apart today, yet the planetary line-up in your 5th House of Enjoyment could have you preoccupied with wanting to have fun. Remember, issuing heavy-handed commands as if you were a drill sergeant isn’t the most effective management style. Instead, lead by example while also indulging in some personal playtime. Relaxing your control makes this a more pleasant and productive day for everyone involved. Leave some room for the element of surprise.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may feel emotionally volatile today as powerful desires build until the pressure becomes unbearable. Although something dramatic could happen, it doesn’t have to become an eruption or a meltdown if you stay aware of your feelings throughout the day. Positive change is possible if you are willing to leave your familiar routines behind and jump into unknown territory with an open heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your two key planets, Mars and Pluto, are both feeling the stress as their forces motivate you into action now. It’s not wise to be passive today, letting circumstances develop until you’ve lost control. Express what you want without issuing any ultimatums or placing expectations on others. Say what you mean and then let the situation unfold on its own without being overly attached to the final outcome. Fortunately, you can claim your power while still being kind in the process.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Everything in your life seems up for grabs today. You may not feel as if you’re in control and can’t yet put your finger on where the current changes are taking you. Simultaneously, it might appear that your options are narrowing. But even if you are still committed to making something happen now, don’t act out of desperation. Thankfully, your current sense of urgency will fade, giving you more time to make your dreams come true

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You could be running a bit short of patience today and you may want to handle your frustration by taking direct action. You’re growing tired of waiting for everyone else to get going as chatty Mercury joins powerful Pluto in your 1st House of Personality. If necessary, be prepared to forge ahead on your own while also remembering the wisdom of judicious self-restraint. There are no black-or-white solutions, so consider all your options now before resuming your drive to success.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Bringing an unfinished project to a conclusion makes room for new and exciting opportunities now that a potent multi-planet conjunction focuses energy into your 12th House of Endings. But beginning your next phase will be more difficult if you are still carrying the weight of old baggage. Don’t waste time worrying about what’s around the next corner. Lightening your load today prepares you for the challenges of the future.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A complex emotional issue that’s been brewing within your family or a group of friends must be brought out into the open today. The expression of hidden emotions is a good first step in a necessary process, even if the revealed information isn’t pretty. But rather than fearfully withdrawing in denial, be open to the rainbow of possibilities that might be out there beyond your current trials and tribulations.

New Moon in Capricorn Horoscopes

New Moon in Capricorn Horoscopes

Short and long-term concerns

Jeff Jawer   Jeff Jawer on the topics of new moon, horoscopes, capricorn, astrology
The ordinarily well-organized Capricorn New Moon on January 1, 2014, New Year’s Day, occurs right in the midst of other intense planetary connections. Provocative Pluto joins the Sun and Moon while aggressive Mars, revolutionary Uranus and expansive Jupiter form stressful aspects to this union. Chaos and uncertainty are undesirable effects, yet flexible-but-committed people can ride these powerful forces to professional and personal breakthroughs as we kick off the new year. Keep reading to see what your sign can expect.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Career issues are likely to break out suddenly within the coming four weeks as this New Moon in Capricorn lands in your 10th House of Profession. Resentment of rules, boring routines, and authority figures could trigger explosive responses. It’s fine to recognize that you need more stimulating work, but it is wiser to be strategic in making plans than to allow an impulsive reaction to force you to make changes before you’re ready.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your vision of the future could be shaken with this volatile New Moon in your 9th House of Higher Truth. Challenging your beliefs is to be expected and will be healthier if you’re the one making this happen. You can free yourself of outmoded expectations as light bulbs of awareness go off in your head now. The realization that additional education may be needed to reach your new and loftier goals could even send you back to school.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Whatever agreements and understandings you have with other people could be shaken up with this wild and crazy New Moon. The normally reliable Capricorn lunation lands in your 8th House of Deep Sharing where financial and romantic alliances are ripe for breakdowns or breakthroughs. If you’re seeking a partner one may suddenly appear, yet it’s best to think long and hard before making any lasting commitments.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Relationships are rocked by this volatile Capricorn New Moon in your 7th House of Partners. Reliable people may suddenly become unavailable, although it’s also possible that your interest in sticking to the status quo will disappear. Experimenting in who you connect with and how you work or play together reduces the stress of trying to stick to an old plan or stay on track when your needs and circumstances suddenly change.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

This explosive Sun-Moon conjunction occurs in your 6th House of Employment, Health and Daily Routines. Expect shakeups in these areas of life, which can be exciting and liberating if you’re willing to change. Curiosity and flexibility are better allies than persistence and loyalty under these circumstances. Developing new skills is an excellent way to tap into the powerful shifts that are likely to happen now.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

A fresh and bold approach to presenting your professional ideas and sharing your romantic desires is appropriate at this time. This is an exciting and volatile New Moon in your 5th House of Performance that could alter the ways that you express yourself. Giving yourself permission to explore and play instead of taking yourself so seriously reduces pressure and should provide you with more creativity, fun and freedom.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Family matters and security issues can explode suddenly with this electrifying New Moon in your 4th House of Roots. Secrets may be exposed and emotions expressed that have been too intense to share before. Giving yourself the liberty to think and feel outside the box can reveal different ways to feel at ease where you are, or to make the bold moves needed to find security in more stimulating forms.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Surprising sources of information can open up with this dynamic New Moon in your 3rd House of Communication. Secrets may be exposed, which can help to clear the air in personal matters. But this is also a chance to open your mind to different subjects and to express yourself more freely. Reactions to what you say or hear, though, can be very strong so temper your words and slow your response time to maintain peace.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Financial issues could take a sudden turn with this electrifying Capricorn New Moon in your 2nd House of Assets. While this might be unsettling when it comes to money, it can also awaken you to new and different ways to boost your income. If you have talents that haven’t been fully exploited, this is a time when you can recover old abilities and apply them to put more excitement and, perhaps, more cash into your life.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

This New Moon in your sign is a time when you could feel like you’re starting over. You generally prefer to stick to plans and carefully build on what you’ve done before. Yet while this lunation marks a radical departure from the past that might feel alienating, it also offers you a chance to alter your attitude, approach, and appearance in ways that make you more appealing to others and more interesting to yourself.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Don’t freak out if you encounter ghosts from the past during the next four weeks. This explosive New Moon lands in your 12th House of Spirituality and Secrets where unfaced issues and unfinished business can grab your attention. It’s wise to pull back and take all the time you need to reflect upon your life. The potential for breakthroughs increases when you allow yourself to imagine a radically different future.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Your connections with friends and colleagues may require some adjustments as this transformative New Moon lands in your 11th House of Groups. Chaos within organizations or unreliability among pals and co-workers can cause sudden shifts that shake your relationships. Holding on tightly to the past is won’t reduce stress and increase opportunities, but giving yourself the freedom to let go and move on will.

 

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Tuesday, December 31

As suggested in the calendar entry for yesterday, 2013 is ending with a proverbial bang rather than a whimper. During this morning’s void Moon in fiery Sagittarius (lasting until 10:02AM), Mercury unites with Pluto in Capricorn (3:27AM), the Sun forms a supportive, 60-degree link with Chiron (3:37AM) while Mercury squares Mars (7:00AM).  While the void lunar uncertainty cycle could weaken each of these alignments, it is still important to note that any Mercury-Pluto conjunction suggests the need for you to tune into spiritual willpower and mental concentration to be more successful in business-professional pursuits. The Sun-Chiron connection is definitely a boost for healing interests across the board. Mercury squaring Mars usually manifests with verbal sparring or a rising tide of irritability that can easily pass from one person to another almost like a virus. Hopefully, the Moon entering rock-solid, salt-of-the-earth Capricorn at 10:02AM can act as a catalyst — vaulting you away from the earlier psychic skirmishes and toward making distinct progress on your higher path to worldly achievements.  Even though January 1, 2014 tomorrow is bringing in a lot of underworld-oriented Plutonic themes and archetypes (via lunar and solar conjunctions with Pluto), the asteroid Juno manages to make headlines late tonight as this smallest of the first four asteroids to be discovered enters compassionate and empathic Pisces (11:15PM) until March 3. Juno’s presence in the last sign of the zodiac could be the nurturing, peace-loving antidote to the Plutonic surge of intensity and potential volatility that can arrive as humanity enters the portal of 2014. [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.]

No Calendar of the Moon for Today

There will be no Calendar of the Moon today. I can’t tell you why but it is just one of those things (more like shock). While I have your attention, I ran across some funny resolutions for the next year. I will posting them throughout the morning. I hope you enjoy them and get a tickle out of them.

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

Calendar of the Sun for December 31

Calendar of the Sun

31 Yulmonath

Hogmanay

Color: Brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a brown cloth set symbols of all the projects around the house that need to be finished, as well as a bottle of wine or beer and cups.
Offerings: Cleaning and finishing projects.
Daily Meal: Leftovers.

Hogmanay Invocation

We stand at the turning of the year,
In the place predicted by the Fates.
We are here because this time, this place
Is where we were destined to be,
Though we never knew before this moment,
We could not have seen this time and place.
Yet here we are, standing together with each other,
Hand to hand, soul to soul, with open eyes.
Yet well we know that nothing lasts forever,
And things well begun should not be left half done.
So it is that we shall take up the tools
And finish those things left undone,
Tying up the strings of our existence
Before the turning of the New Year
And the coming of the Fates yet again.
Hail to the Fates! We await your day,
And the next year, to see what it may bring.

(Each goes forth and takes up the symbol of some thing that is yet undone around the House, and declares that they will do it, and what it will mean for them to complete that task. Then the wine is shared around, a toast is made to the new year, and the rest is poured out as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Current Moon Phase for Dec. 31 – Waning Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waning /1% of Full)

This is a time to rest, reevaluate and reflect, pulling back into yourself to reconnect with inner sources of strength. Now is not a time to initiate anything new. It’s a phase suited to spending time with friends and getting in touch with the “big picture.” A window of opportunity exists for seeing your life objectively and becoming aware of what is important to you. At this point, what are your dreams and aspirations? What larger goals can you aspire to that will bring vitality and excitement into your life? This is a time for resting and gaining inner strength to prepare for a new cycle.

For All Our Friends Up North, Snow Magick!

Snow Magick

When winter rolls around, in some parts of the world there is an abundance of wonderful white stuff – snow! If you live in one of those areas, it makes sense to take advantage of snow’s natural properties and work those energies into your magical endeavors. Think about, for starters, some of snow’s physical characteristics. The most obvious one is that it’s cold. It’s also white. Sometimes it’s light and powdery, other times it may be heavy and wet. How can you incorporate these into your magical workings?

If you’re a fan of candles, make ice candles – they’re are a lot of fun and easy to make during the winter months. .

Build a snowman as a very large magickal poppet. Assign a snowman the magical task of being a guardian at the entrance to your property.

Got a bad habit you need to get rid of? Form that bad habit into snowballs, and throw them as far away from you as you can.

Snow quartz crystals are often associated with fulfillment of hopes and dreams. Use actual snow instead of crystals in workings related to wishes and goals.

If someone is bothering you and won’t leave you alone, try this simple bit of magic. Write their name on a slip of paper, and pack it in snow in a zip-loc bag. Place the bag in your freezer, and leave it there until the person “chills out.”

Go for a walk in the woods on a day that it’s snowing. Enjoy the silence, and the magic of the snowfall – some people report that they have experienced messages from the Divine as they walk on a snowy day. Perhaps it’s because we’re better able to hear the gods when it’s quiet!

By Patti Wigington, About.com

Herb of the Day – Peppermint

Herb of the Day – Peppermint

Peppermint is a prolific plant, often spreading beyond its intended borders. In Pliny’s writings, he mentions that the Greeks and Romans decorated their feasting tables with sprigs of peppermint, and in fact flavored many of their foods with it. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, notes that it had medicinal properties, when its oil was extracted and used to treat spasms and disorders of the digestive system. Peppermint may have been cultivated by the ancient Egyptians as well. It appears in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias around 1240 C.E., and eventually was accepted for use in western Europe around the mid-1700s.

During the Middle Ages, monks — who were known for their herbal wisdom — used peppermint leaves to polish their teeth. Around the same time, cheesemakers figured out that mint leaves sprinkled around cheese piles would keep the rats out of the storeroom.

Peppermint is a natural stimulant, and in Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss says it should be in every garden. He says Peppermint is “an excellent remedy for chills, colic, fevers, dysentery, cholera heart trouble, palpitation of the heart, influenza, la grippe and hysteria.” It also works nicely as a toning astringent, and peppermint applied to the skin provides a nice refreshing feeling (try a peppermint foot bath at the end of a long day at work!).

Peppermint, like other members of the mint family, is found often in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Use it to season lamb, curry, couscous, or your favorite vegetables.

Magically speaking, peppermint is often used in healing and . It can be burned or rubbed against objects to clear them of negative energies, or consumed as an elixir or tea to bring about healing. Pliny also noted that peppermint “excites the emotion of love”; add it  to bring passion your way.

Other Names: Lammint, Brandy mint
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planetary Connection: Mercury
Deity Connection: Pluto

You can make a tasty peppermint tea in the same way people make sun tea: Gather up about two cups of fresh peppermint leaves, and place them in a gallon of water. Allow the tea to steep outside in the sun until fully blended. Add a bit of stevia to sweeten it for drinking, or use the mint tea as a refreshing cleanser in the bath.