
Category: Articles
A Very Glorious & Blessed Thursday Morn’ To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft!
One
By day i am walking throu’ the sands of time.
Breathing in the sun,warming my soul,
Lighting the sand as if of gold.
I look up towards the sky.
The suns rays reflect down to my naked body,
Shows me the way.
I’m walking,walking towards the castle of life.
I’m walking,forever walking,
Finding my way in this desert.
Finding my way to that castle of life.
That castle,the one which holds the secrets,
The mysteries,the answers to life.
By night i am dancing on the water,
The moon she lights up the darkness,
Shimmers in the water,dances with me.
The misty air surrounds my naked body,
As i breathe it in,
It befriends me,keeps me company.
As i find the chalice by the water,
I lift it towards the moon.
Take a sip of life.
The life force which powers me throu the coming day.
Alone i am in these sands of time.
Yet alone i never am,for she is with me.
She is forever with me and i am One with her.
—-Heather Clarke, Author
Originally published on Pagan Library
Till tomorrow, my sweets…..
Magickal Goody of the Day for August 23rd – Make Your Own Ritual Robe
Magickal Goody of the Day

Make Your Own Ritual Robe
Many Wiccans and Pagans prefer to perform ceremonies and rituals in special robes. If you’re part of a coven or group, your robe might have to be a certain color or style. In some traditions, the color of the robe indicates the level of training a practitioner has. For many people, donning the ritual robe is a way of separating themselves from the mundane business of everyday life — it’s a way of stepping into the ritual mindset, of walking from the mundane world into the magical world.
Most people prefer to wear nothing at all under their ritual robe, but do what is comfortable for you.
It’s not uncommon to have robes for the different seasons, symbolizing the turning Wheel of the Year. You can make one in blue for spring, green for summer, brown for fall, and white for winter — or any other colors that symbolize the seasons for you. Do take the time to put some thought into your color selection — it used to be that most Wiccans wore white robes, but many people prefer to use earth tones, because it’s a way of establishing one’s connection with nature. Some people choose to avoid black, because it sometimes has negative connotations, but use the color that feels right for you.
Anyone can make a robe of their own, and it’s not hard to do. If you can sew a straight line, you can make a robe. First of all, for experienced sewers, there are a number of excellent commercially available patterns out there. You can check catalogs at your local fabric store under “Costumes”, which is where most of the good robes are hiding out, especially in the “historical” and “Renaissance” categories.
Here are some that look nice and can be made without too much sewing experience:
- Simplicity 4795: Believe it or not, this is a set of patterns for a passion play. There’s an angel design in here that’s fantastic for a ritual robe. You may want to reduce the drop in the sleeves a bit, though, just to keep from setting yourself on fire while lighting candles.
- Simplicity 3623: This pattern is for a Scottish-themed costume, complete with tam. However, it also includes a pattern for a muslin underdress to be worn beneath the bodice and skirt — this makes a great ritual robe, and can be assembled in just a couple of hours.
- Simplicity 3616: Sure, the wizard costume seems campy, but if you eliminate the trim and the long white beard, it makes a version of the ritual robe that is far more masculine than some of the other patterns.
- McCalls 4490: For more advanced sewers, this lovely Renaissance-style dress can easily be adapted for a ritual robe.
To make a basic robe without buying a pattern, you can follow these simple steps.
You’ll need the following:
- A piece of material in the color of your choice — make sure you select something that will be easy to sew and comfortable to wear. On the average, you’ll need about three yards, but if you’re heavyset or extra-tall, add in some more. A flat bedsheet is actually the perfect size for this.
- Scissors, thread, tailor’s chalk, and a measuring tape.
- A sewing machine.
- A length of cord or light rope, approximately 6 feet long.
You’ll need some help for this first step, because you need to measure yourself from wrist to wrist with your arms outstretched. Unless you have a third arm, get a friend to do this for you. This measurement will be Measurement A. Next, figure the distance from the nape of your neck to a point even with your ankle — this will be Measurement B. Fold the fabric in half (if the material has a print on it, fold it with the pattern side in). Using your A and B measurements, cut out sleeves and the body, making a sort-of T-shape. Don’t cut out along the top fold — that’s the part that will go along the top of the arms and shoulders.
Next, cut a hole for your head at the center of Measurement A. Don’t make it too big, or your robe will slide off your shoulders! On each side, sew along the underside of the sleeve, leaving an opening at the ends of the T for the arms. Then sew from the armpit down to the bottom of the robe. Turn your robe right-side out, try it on, and adjust it for length if needed.
Finally, add a cord around the waist. In some traditions the cord may be knotted to indicate degrees of training or education. In others, it acts simply as a belt to keep the robe from flapping around during ritual. You can also add trim, beadwork, or magical symbols to your robe. Personalize it, and make it yours. You may also wish to consecrate your robe before wearing it for the first time.
Author
Incense of the Day for August 23 – Dream Incense
Incense of the Day

DREAM INCENSE
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Rose petals
1 Part Camphor
few drops Tuberose bouquet
few drops Jasmine oil
Burn a bit in the bedroom prior to sleep to produce psychic dreams. Remove the censer from the room before retiring. Use only genuine camphor.
Gemstone of the Day for August 23rd – Beryl
Gemstone of the Day

Beryl
Herb of the Day for August 23rd – Thyme
Herb of the Day

Thyme
Source
Website: The Whispering Woods
Deity of the Day for August 23rd – Eos The Dawn Goddess
Deity of the Day

Eos
The Dawn Goddess
Areas of Influence: Eos, Goddess of the dawn in ancient Greece was one of the Titans.
Every morning she awoke and used her rosy fingers to open the gates of heaven. This enabled her brother Helios (the sun God) to ride his chariot across the sky. She also brought forth the hope of a new day.
The dew was said to be her tears.
This female deity is most noted for her insatiable appetite for young men. Her desire is said to have been the result of a curse, placed upon her by Aphrodite, when she discovered her affair with Ares. She also kidnapped four lovers: Cephalus, Clitus, Ganymede and Tithonus. The later was a Trojan prince whom she begged Zeus to grant immortality. What she forgot to ask for was eternal youth. Eventually he shrivelled up with old age and she turned him into a grasshopper.
Her love for Orion was unrequited.
Origins and Genealogy: She was daughter of the Titans Theia and Hyperion. She had two close siblings Helios (the sun) and Selene (the moon).
With Aeolus the keeper of the winds, she bore four sons these became the winds of the cardinal directions.
Strengths: Passion.
Weaknesses: Insatiable desire.
Roman Equivalent: Aurora.
Source
A Little Thought From Me to You….

A Little Humor for Your Day – Signs that You May Be a Redneck Pagan
Signs that You May Be a Redneck Pagan
If chewing tobacco is considered a sacred herb
If part of your rite includes throwing shotgun shells into the fire
If the bell on your altar was ever worn by an animal in a pasture
If the cakes and wine are done with a bowie-knife, a can of Foster’s and Little Debbie’s
If they chose their High Priestess at a wet t-shirt night
If when your priestess says “Blessed Be” in circle, you respond with “YEEE-HAW!”
If you bought your chalice at the Piggly Wiggly
If you buy your incense and candles at Wal-Mart (ouch!)
If you call the God & Goddess by hollerin’ “Hey, Y’all! Watch me
If you carry your ritual sword in your pickup’s gun rack
If you found out your familiar is an oppossum and still ate it
If you have cast a love spell on livestock
If you have ever refilled your chalice from a keg.
If you have ever written a spell on the back of a Denny’s menu
If you invoke the sprits so that your beer lasts longer
If you shoot guns into the air when the priestess says, “The circle is open but unbroken”
If you think the Wiccan Rede is good for making twig furniture.
If you’ve ever done a candle spell for your local high-school football team ..
If you’ve ever harvested ritual herbs with a weed wacker ..
If you’ve ever meditated to “Dueling Banjos”
If your Wand of Power is a cattle prod
If your altar cloth is vinyl
If your annointing oil smells like “Old Spice”
If your broom has four-wheel drive and SC plates
If your circle dance includes the words “dosey-do” ..
If your craft name starts with Bubba
If your familiar can point quail
If your ritual music includes Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire
Well, you might just be a Redneck Pagan!
Blast from the Past: Our Favorite Familiar of the Day

| Name: | Kazuya |
Age: | Six years old |
| Gender: | Male |
Kind: | Maine Coon Cross |
| Home: | Devon, Britain, United Kingdom |
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Kazuya has always been a buddy and never a baby, not much of a cuddler but always wanting to be by my side, and was at my side when we left his mummy … we never looked back!
Owning my own gym he followed me to work everyday as our new home was but a few meters away, each day he would follow me more and more, most days waiting in the car park to the rear of the gym for me to finish work and go home, as the busy road out front was too busy for him, until one day he discovered where the back door was, and upon starting my shift, he would have to be let in where he would spend his day again at my side behind the reception desk. When trouble started between me and my ex, he was moved to his Gran’s in Devon, at this time his gran was unwell and medication left her napping to wake up confused and disorientated. As Kazuya was always a side kick, he would be found hanging around his gran, which helped her very much while she got better. He also cleared the barn of rats that helped the farmer where they live. The barn is where this picture was taken. This will always be my favourite picture of Kazuya, when this picture was taken his mane had gone a fiery red, which was strangely only for one winter, and has never grown back this colour again since. Kazuya’s gran is all better, but he has stayed there, helping her and the farmer to keep his barn clear of rats. He does still chirp when he first sees me, and is always by my side when I visit, I think he would want me to move back home with him, his gran and grandad.
Source
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Astronomy Picture of the Day – Gigantic Jet Lightning over China
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2016 August 23

Gigantic Jet Lightning over China
Image Credit & Copyright: Phebe Pan
Explanation: That’s no meteor. While watching and photographing this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower, something unexpected happened: a gigantic jet erupted from a nearby cloud. The whole thing was over in a flash — it lasted less than a second — but was fortunately captured by an already-recording digital camera. Gigantic jets are a rare form of lightning recognized formally only a few years ago. The featured high resolution color image, taken near the peak of Shikengkong mountain in China, may be the best image yet of this unusual phenomenon. The same event appears to have been captured by simultaneously another photographer, further away. The gigantic jet appears to start somewhere in a near by thundercloud and extend upwards towards Earth’s ionosphere. The nature of gigantic jets and their possible association with other types of Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) such as blue jets and red sprites remains an active topic of research.
Earth Sky News for August 23rd: 2016’s great Mars and Saturn conjunction
Color Feng Shui
Color Feng Shui
Alter the energy of your environment through color
Color is one of the most powerful Feng Shui techniques. It’s also one of the easiest to employ. Painting a room a different color can have a profound effect on the way you think and behave.
And if you want to draw on the transformative power of color, check out the following description of colors, then choose the ones that best suit your dreams, hopes and desires.
Red
Associated with the fire element, red is the color of passion, excitement and anger. It is the most visible color, prompting viewers to stop and pay attention. Use red wherever you want an energy boost. If you seek a more passionate love life, don’t paint your entire bedroom red. Otherwise, you’ll never get any sleep. Instead, paint the room an earthier color like chocolate brown and add burgundy accents. Avoid red in places that get lots of sunlight or where arguments are prone to break out.
Orange
A combination of optimistic yellow and passionate red, orange draws people together in the spirit of harmony. This color allows people to express their feelings without fear of reprisal. Incorporate orange wherever you have diverse groups gathering together. This is an ideal color to use in common areas like the kitchen or living room when you’re in a blended family, or when you are seeking to integrate a newly adopted child into the household. Stay away from orange if you need to develop your self-confidence or want to express your creativity.
Yellow
Bright yellow boosts morale and lends cheer. Associated with the sun, yellow is life-giving and energizing. Use this color wherever you want to lift your spirits or find clarity. This is a great color for the kitchen or study. Stay away from yellow if you are concerned with getting old before your time, since yellow is symbolic of aging. Use a muted tone of yellow like honey wheat, or goldenrod in the bedroom if you suffer from depression or health setbacks. Earthy shades of yellow are associated with improved physical strength.
Green
Associated with the wood element, green is the color of growth. Use green wherever you want to experience inspiration, adventure and change. This is an ideal color for an exercise room or library. You should also incorporate green wherever you feel stuck or stagnant. Avoid green if you have trouble focusing. You should also stay away from this color if you’re struggling with cancer. (Green stimulates growth, and cancer patients strive to inhibit the growth of malignant tumors.)
Blue
Linked with the sky and ocean, blue is the color of reflection and relaxation. This color helps ease anxiety, and is ideal for any space where you want to relax and be yourself. Blue is a perfect color for the bathroom, as this area is associated with release and renewal. Stay away from blue if you have a hard time connecting with people or are prone to depression.
Purple
Symbolic of royalty, purple is the color of abundance, wealth and power. Use purple wherever you feel deficient or insecure. Purple is also associated with spirituality, and is a wonderful color to integrate into a meditation room, yoga studio or spa. Stay away from purple if you are prone to fantasy or escapism.
Pink
A combination of intimate white and passionate red, pink is the color of romance. Use pink wherever you want to feel loved, nurtured and cherished. Pink is an ideal color for bedrooms. If this color is too feminine for your taste, you can use it as an accent color. Avoid pink if others take advantage of your generosity.
Brown
Associated with the earth element, brown is the color of stability. It affords a sense of safety, protection and security. Use brown wherever you want to foster healthy relationships. This is an ideal color for the living room, kitchen or bedroom. Stay away from brown if you have difficulty starting projects or feel like you’re stuck in a rut.
Gray
A blend of intense white and absorbing black, gray is the color of transition. It is an ideal color for waiting rooms and hallways. Stay away from gray if you want to settle on a course of action.
Black
Absorbing black invites exploration and promotes mystery. Associated with the water element, black is ideal for promoting self-confidence and independence. It is an ideal accent color for any space where you want to assert your power, like an office. Avoid black if you tend to isolate yourself from others.
White
Associated with the metal element, white is the color of focus, intensity and purity. It promotes creativity, as white acts like a blank canvas. White is a wonderful color for kitchens, particularly if you like inventing recipes or crafting gourmet meals. White is also a good color for an art studio. If you’re suffering from cancer, white is a good color to focus upon, as it inhibits the growth of cells. Stay away from white if you are overly critical or have trouble expressing affection.
Part of the Daily Insight Group
©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.
The Words of Confucius
The Words of Confucius

To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.
Crack the Cookie

Your Daily Influences for August 23rd
Your Daily Influences
August 23rd, 2016
The Hanged Man Reversed
The card of false prophecy and time wasted. The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy.
Othala
Othala reversed represents chaos and homelessness—a general lack of roots. Now is a time for you to take care of that which you have, so as not to lose it.
The Buckle of Isis
Someone who will, or has told a lie about you regarding this aspect will be discovered and the truth will come out. They will suffer for their injustice and you shall prevail.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more
Your Charm for August 23rd is The Hand
Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
The hand indicates you will need to extend effort to protect this aspect from outside influences. The devices attached indicate you will need tools to be successful in your protection.
General Description:
The use of a representation of the Hand as a talisman can be traced back to at least 800 years B.C., when it was used as a charm against enchantment. Many varieties of the Hand exist; in some the elaboration is very marked, each devise represents some particular charm. Life size models of these Hands were supposed to guard the house against all the influences of magic and evil, and smaller replicas protected their wearers from every description of harm. The extended thumb and first two fingers, the third and fourth fingers closed, is the position still assumed during the benediction in some Christian Churches of today.
Your Daily Domino for August 23rd is Blank/Four
Your Daily Domino
August 23, 2016

Blank/Four
Your world is about to become more harmonious. All the pieces will begin to fit. However, for this to occur you must be open to change and embrace new ideas.
Your Daily MahJong Tile for August 23rd is Wan 6, Symbol: Fire
Your Daily Tile
August 23, 2016

Wan 6
Symbol: Fire
The Fire tile is a strong warning that something is wrong or out of balance. The Fire tile is a warning. Your resources are in jeopardy. These endangered resources may be financial or spiritual or physical. In fact, resources of all types may be in danger.





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