Happy, Happy Saturday Day!

Good Morning dear readers,

I hope you are having the best Saturday ever.  The weather here is dreary right now. The good news is that we have just had a tiny amount of rain here. I believe it was so fine they didn’t record it. I have my little path that I use to get to town. The other day, I stopped at a local gas station. They were telling me all the roads that were closed. Come to find out the road I was on was the only road not under water. Also something I had forgotten about was the tornado that touched down, They haven’t even had a chance to clean up and here come the water. We have a local station (The Co-Op’s), they send a person around to take pics of the area and I was watching that this morning. There was I don’t know how many places I recognized on that channel. It is so heartbreaking, to see their houses almost underwater, to watch your neighbors coming and going in boats and big diesel trucks. Then you see pics of the High School students filling sand bags along with convicts, neighbor helping neighbor anyway possible.

It might be heartbreaking, but when you see people taking action and doing what has to be done, it makes you feel good about the human race. You automatically know that there is not all bad in the world, there is still good. It would be wonderful that after all these tragedies, the feeling of brotherhood could still prevail. Perhaps it will.

P.S.

I must apologize for yesterday’s postings. I got interrupted right in the middle of them. Come to find out they are doing a standard blackout during the weekdays. They are trying to fix the telephone line the tornado tore up.  It is lovely living in the country.

Green acres is where I want to be……….

Magickal Goody for April 29 is Healing & Uplifting Body Soak

Healing & Uplifting Body Soak

2 cups dead sea salt (can improvise with sea salt)
2 cups of fine sea salt (crushed not the large granules)
2 cups epsom salt
1/8 cup pulverized orange rinds
1/4 cup crumbled peppermint (the leaves not the candy)
2 tbsp of these: Myrrh, sweet orange, and sandlewood essential oils (easy to get and pretty cheap)

Begin on a Friday during the waning moon. Mix salts in large nonreactive bowl. Recite:
“Precious gift from the Mothers of river and sea,”
Grind orange rinds and say:
“Uplift my spirits with your blessed fruit.”
Add to salts and mix well. Stir in crushed peppermint saying:
“In honor of Mother Earth, please hear my plea.”
In seperate bowl blend essential oils, then pour over salt mixture. Put into a screw top container, mixing well. Shake all ingrediants for three days, mixing them well. Do you have a crystal ball or something like one? Try to find something to concentrate on, a mirror, or maybe a shiny object. Focus intently on conjuring up healing power as you mix the soak.
Use two cups per bath. Use cool water. If possible place a gardinia petal or plant on silver or white silk cloth by window or table. Take bath in the evening of the Friday of a waning moon. Burn soothing incense in a sea shell over a hot charcoal.
Now, open your spirit and release your grief, sorrow, despair, whatever you are feeling into the water and into the smoke. As you watch the tub drain when finished, visualize your anguish, pain, sorrow leaving along with the water.

Smudging as an Air Ritual

Smudging as an Air Ritual
 
Smudging is an easy Air ritual designed to purify, provide balance, cleanse, or sanctify a sacred space. You can smudge a room, a piece of furniture, or even yourself.
 
Let’s say that you inherit a bookcase from your in-laws. You need the extra room, but you want to eliminate their essence. A smudging ritual can purify the bookcase and bring some harmony back to your living space.

There are any number of smudging herbs, but some are more traditional than others. These three are most closely related to the Element of Air:

Sage–There are several different kinds of sage, and all types work for smudging, but perhaps the king of sage is white broadleaf sage. It is the most aromatic and is excellent not only for smudging to cleanse and purify, but also for meditation.


Sweetgrass–As its name suggests, sweetgrass produces a sweet, light fragrance when burned. Believed to attract only positive spirits, it is excellent for cleansing a sacred space.
 
Lavender–Most useful for attracting peace, happiness, and restful sleep, lavender imparts a lovely aromatic, refreshing scent when burned.
 
Smudging can be accomplished by using a smudge stick or by burning loose herbs in a smudge pot or a firebowl. First dry the herbs by hanging them upside down in a still room, a pantry, or some other dry room where they won’t be disturbed. They will need to dry for several weeks.

If you want to use a smudge stick, cut your dried herbs into 5- or 6-inch lengths, bundle them together , and bind them tightly with red thread, which represents the Fire Element. Use a candle to light the bundle because you will want to hold it in the flame long enough to get the stick really smoking. The combination of Fire and Air purifies the space or object and disperses negative energy. Use a feather or your hand to fan the smoke into the corners of the room you’re purifying. Smudging is the equivalent of spritual spring cleansing. You might find that the house feels cleaner and brighter, even though you haven’t dusted or vacuumed.
 
Sweetgrass is often braided into a small rope to be used in smudging. Tie off the ends with red thread. Although you can find sweetgrass growing wild in some prairie places, it’s rare; you might have to grow your own.

Incense of the Day for April 24 is Moroccan Anti-Evil Eye Incense

Moroccan Anti-Evil Eye Incense
Basic Version
 
Benzoin incense, called “jawi” in Morocco destroys the effects of the Evil Eye.
 
1. Mash up benzoin resin or use benzoin powder.
 
2. Sprinkle onto lit charcoals and fumigate an area or a person.
 
Benzoin comes in different colors; for maximum power, blend darker and lighter pieces.

Gemstone of the Day for April 11 is Jasper

Gemstone of the Day
 
 
Jasper

Chalcedony qtz. Multicolored, solid. Yellow, orange, brown, green. Yellow for stomach, intestines, liver, spleen areas. earthy grounding. Green: Respiratory/Heart Chakra. General tissue regeneration; mineral assimilation; general healing. Darker colors: more grounding. Suggested to be used for elixirs because it will not over-stimulate any part of the body. Considered more effective if it is used for long periods of time because it works slowly. It is a methodical and meticulous worker. Each color of Jasper has additional specific qualities when used alone. Jasper works well in conjunction with Opals. Recommended for executives as an aid to quick thinking. Also helps them endure stress.
Brown Jasper: Helps one find stability and balance. Benefits ailments that result from environmental pollution. Boosts the immune system and assist in extracting pollutants and toxins from the body. Keep in mind that this process takes some time since Jaspers work slowly. Helps one become more ecologically aware. Well suited for use by people who wish to relive past events through regression or analysis.
Green Jasper: Especially suited to tempering aspects of your life that have taken on too great an importance. Works as a gentle daily reminder that the whole is only the result of all the parts. Works best on ailments of the upper torso, digestive tract, and the cleansing organs.
Red Jasper: Much like Bloodstone in its link to the circulatory system. Beneficial in battling diseases of the blood and detoxifying blood-rich organs like the liver. It helps bring problems to light before they are a threat.
Yellow Jasper: Beneficial to the endocrine glands and the cleansing organs. Makes one feel stronger and in better physical condition.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for April 11th

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

59: Dispersing

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Hexagram 59
 
General Meaning: Nothing survives forever, not even rocks, not even the most rigid of structures. The erosion of that which has been solid is not necessarily bad: it can mean that something new is being created. The image is of ice floes, hardened in winter, dispersing in the warmth of spring; when the ice melts, a mighty river emerges.

Rigidity in the hearts of men and women tends to breed a separateness that can only be thawed by a greater force: typically, some strong spiritual stirring. The thawing of cold hearts always improves conditions.

The first thing to dissolve is any internal rigidity that separates you from others. Try to work more closely with your mates, concentrating on common activities which evidence your integrity and native goodwill. Sudden, strong action in support of a greater good can lift the spirit, and lead toward new possibilities in many areas. Spiritual impulses — including a strong sense of justice — should be honored, and acted upon. They can provide the initial impulse to important and constructive change.

And if you should have any lingering business or partnerships which are inactive or not working, you might consider dissolving these as well.

Energy Tonic

Drink this in the midafternoon when your energy levels begin to slide.

1    American ginseng root

1    teaspoon fenugreek seeds

1    (1/4-inch) slice ginger root or 1 piece licorice root

Simmer in 2 cups of water for 1 hour covered. Strain and drink a half cup for a morning or a mid-afternoon boost.

*Note: Ginseng and ginger are not recommended for inflammatory disease or for women on estrogen blockers. Licorice root is not recommended for hypertensives.

Attunement

Before choosing a tonic for yourself or a loved one, allow yourself to attune to the needs of the recipient. First, choose a tonic that most suits the symptom.

Is the symptom acute or chronic and recurring? Acute symptoms need quick acting, bitter, sedating, or cooling tonics. Chronic, recurring symptoms require warming and nurturing herbs. Roots and barks often have nurturing qualities. Leaves and flowers are cooling  and can reduce the vitality of one with chronic symptoms if used without building roots and soothing barks. Plan a tonic with long-term results for long-term or recurring problems. Stimulating herbs and spices may be used sparingly to allow the system to accept their warmth. Long term and heavy detoxification is not recommended for chronic disease.

Choose herbs that support the personality and awareness of the recipient. It is normal to have emotional manifestations when the body’s chemistry is not in balance. If the individual is displaying anger, choose herbs that will not overstimulate or heat up their system such as spearmint or chamomile. Do not choose a heating root like ginseng in the combination. If the individual is weepy, choose herbs that promote diuresis. When the kidney flush, they will move out excess fluids and metabolic wastes. Use the tonic long enough to achieve the desired  effect. Longer uration is only acceptable for longevity tonics recommended by an experienced practitioner. If someone tells you “it;s natural, it can’t hurt you,” run homme and make a tension reliever tea. You probably know more about herbs and have been blessed with greater common sense.

Become acquainted with as many herbs as you can grow organically or obtain locally. It is better to be well acquainted with a few herbs than to know little about many. When in doubt, use local compresses, external application, and aromasignatures before ingesting a questionable tonic.

Hearsay and whaat works for your neighbor is not the safest way to choose a tonic. We wouldn’t think of sharing a prescription drug. Make sure you use tonics as a good and not a drug. Each individual has a body that knows hoe to heal itself. Give yourself that chance as you enjoy the rapport you will experience from growing organic herbs and cooking a tonic, as an elixir for radiant health.

Magickal Goody for 4/2 – INSECT REPELLENT

INSECT REPELLENT

2 oz. vegetable oil or vodka
1/4 tsp each citronella and eucalyptus essential oils
1/8 tsp each pennyroyal, cedar and rose geranium essential oil,

Combine ingredients and apply mixture directly to all exposed skin. Keep oil
away from eyes and mouth – take care not to rub your eyes right after applying
the repellent with you fingers

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 4/1

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

52: Keeping Still

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Hexagram 52
 
General Meaning: Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the one able to grab catnaps while cruising 600 miles-per-hour at 35,000 ft. Learning to act when it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of mind which helps you stay focused when clear focus is needed.

Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body that mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation, active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.

Treat your innate spark of energetic vitality like a candle in the wind you are protecting, as your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions that threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions of worries.

Time out. Relax now, take your shoes off and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Breathe and meditate on the breathing.

Gemstone of the Day for 3/31 is Iron Pyrite

Gemstone of the Day

Iron Pyrite Cluster

The resemblance of pyrite to gold has made it a traditional symbol for money and good luck. It’s sunny golden color associates it with the sun, and with fortification and strengthening of the mind. The name comes from the Greek word meaning “a stone which strikes fire”.

Iron Pyrite makes a wonderful energy shield, blocking out negativity from various sources. Some of its properties include:

  • Overcomes inertia and feelings of inadequacy
  • Energizes the area where you place it (such as on a desk where you work)
  • Helps you to see behind a facade

 

Healing with Iron Pyrite

Use this stone to overcome lethargy and fatigue. It increases the oxygen supply to the blood and strengthens the circulatory system. It is beneficial for the lungs, alleviating bronchitis and asthma.

Your Daily Number for 3/28

Your Daily Number: 3

You’ll have a chance to impress others today. You should be feeling optimistic and upbeat about life in general. There will be plenty of communication in your world today, and you might feel slightly scattered as a result. Take advantage of today’s creative surge to make positive changes.

Fast Facts

About the Number 3

Theme: Expansive, Sociable, Dramatic, Diversified, Creative
Astro Association: Venus
Tarot Association: Empress

Attunement

Before choosing a tonic for yourself or a loved one, allow yourself to attune to the needs of the recipient. First, choose a tonic that most suits the  symptom.

Is the symptom acute or chronic and recurring? Acute symptoms need quick-acting, bitter, sedating, or cooling tonics. Chronic, recurring symptoms require warming and nurturing herbs. Roots and barks often have nurturing qualities. Leaves and flowers are cooling and can reduce the vitality of one with chronic, symptoms if used without building roots and soothing barks. Plan a tonic with long-term results for long-term or recurring problems. Stimulating herbs and spices may be used sparingly to allow the system to accept their warmth. Long-term and heavy detoxification is not recommended for chronic disease.

Choose herbs that support the personality and awareness of the recipient. It is normal to have emotional manifestations when the body’s chemistry is not in balance. If the individual is displaying anger, choose herbs that will not overstimulate or heat up their system, such as spearmint or chamomile. Do not choose a heating root like ginseng in the combination. If the individual is weepy, choose herbs that promote diuresis. When the kidneys flush they will move out excess fluids and metabolic wastes. Use the tonic long enough to achieve the desired effect. Longer duration is only acceptable for longevity tonics recommended by an experienced practitioner. If someone tells you “it’s natural, it can’t hurt you,” run home and make a tension-reliever tea. You probably know more about herbs and have been blessed with greater common sense.

Become acquainted with as many herbs as you can grow organically or obtain locally. It is better to be well-acquainted with a few herbs than to know little about many. When in doubt, use local compresses, external applications, and aromasignatures before ingesting a questionable tonic.

Hearsay and what works for your neighbor is not the safest way to choose a tonic. We wouldn’t think of sharing a prescription drug. Make sure you use tonics as a good and not a drug. Each individual has a body that knows how to heal itself. Give yourself that chance as you enjoy the rapport you will experience from growing organic herbs and cooking a tonic as an elixir for radiate health.

Casting Spells Using Dried Herbs

The most prevalent ingredient of magick spells are processed herbs, especially dried plants and oils. Drying plants preserves them for extended use, allowing you to work with  plants out of season and those that cannot be grown in your personal region. Dried herbs from all over the world, representing many magical traditions, may be purchased from herbal suppliers.

Dried herbs are frequently sold already chopped up, cut or powdered. As this frequently needs to be done before spellcasting purchasing herbs in this form can be a real-time and effort saver–with one caveat. Leaves and blossoms, even chopped, other remain easily distinguishable. Peppermint doesn’t smell like vervain or hibiscus, for instance. Roots on the other hand,  other the most magickally potent part of a plant,  once chopped or powdered, are fairly indistinguishable from  each other. It is not uncommon for unethical or ignorant vendors to substitute one  root for another. If you are looking for a distinct root, say High John the Conqueror, for whom this is a common problem, buy the whole root and ground and powder it yourself, even though this can be difficult.  It is the only way to guarantee that you are receiving what you want, the only way to maintain control over what may be a pivotal ingredient. Familiarize yourself with herbs. Know what they should look like and what they should smell like, and you will be less likely to be fooled.

If you grow plants or have access to fresh plants, it’s extremely easy, virtually child’s play, to dry them yourself.

Essential Oils

These may be rubbed on a candle for the appropriate goal for spell work by rubbing it on from center to either end to “dress” it or from top to bottom to draw, and bottom to top to banish , add to contents of a pouch of herbs to enhance the energies, dab on pulse points (cinnamon will burn), oils are flammable, so use with care.

Bay:  attain desires; success; clarity of visions or dreams.

Basil: intuition; optimism, psychic awareness.,

Cedar:  cleansing; strength, meditation.

Cinnamon:  energy; courage, gain goals, gain money.

Citrus Lemon/Lime:  invigorate: joy, energy.

Cypress:  calmative: soothes emotions: stability, Underworld.

Frankincense:  cleanse aura; enhance psychic power, energies.

Jasmine:  love; intuition, spirituality, confidence, sexuality.

Lavender:  balance; calming, cleansing, exorcism, Otherworld.

Orange:  visions; psychic dreams, restfulness.

Patchouli: Earth energy; sexuality, strength, power, Underworld.

Peppermint:  alertness; action, mental clarity.

Pine:  energy; cleansing strength, clarity, action, protection.

Rose: energy; love; gentleness, peace, happiness.

Rosemary:  mental clarity; memory, protection, invigorate, blessing

Sage: purify; cleanse; spiritual visions, inspiration.