Tag: Arts

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 15th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Do you remember the interesting story of the lion and the mouse in Aesop’s Fable’s? The lion could have crushed the mouse but was merciful and let it go free. A year later the lion became entangled and the mouse nibbled its way through the net to set it free.

It is a dangerous thing to wade through other people’s feelings, burning our bridges and believing we will never need them again. The saddest persons on earth must be those who find they have tried to destroy the only one who can help them.

The smallest and seemingly most insignificant has a purpose in this world, and it isn’t for us to judge what that purpose is. We have enough to do in finding our own.

As in the fable, we must remember, “Few are so small or weak, I guess….but may assist us in distress….nor shall we ever….if we’re wise….the meanest of the least despise.”

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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

January 15 – Daily Feast

January 15 – Daily Feast

 

Feeling drained and weak in the knees is not so much a physical problem as an emotional one. Too much pressure drains away strength and we feel we are going to pieces. Inertia and lightheadedness may be the result of having to face something that seems beyond any power to overcome. But these will dissolve when met with strong words of strength and faith. As soon as strength takes hold and begins to flow again, we know we have struck down something so wily and subtle that it was both real and imaginary. But nothing has power against strong words, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” And then we can ride the waves of our emotions like a canoe and not get upset among the waves.

~ Black Hawk is a true Indian, and disdains to cry like a woman. ~

BLACK HAWK

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

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 14th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

If you don’t know what to do about a situation – wait awhile, the answer will come. If weariness overcomes you before you’ve completed a difficult job, wait awhile, you’ll get your second wind.

If you do not agree with someone else’s philosophy, don’t fret, perhaps later you will come to know that the same philosophy can be reached from many different directions.

If you think the activities of another person or group are frivolous and unnecessary, wait a bit, they most likely will feel the same way about you sometime.

If you don’t like what others have to say, wait, they may clarify it – or you may change your mind.

If life hasn’t dished you unhappiness, wait a bit, if you’ve planted any happiness seeds, you will also reap.

We can’t always wait, but sometimes waiting is action, and action of the hardest kind. It is difficult to keep quiet when you have something to say, but it more often saves your face later and sometimes your life.

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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

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 14

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 14

“It is a native tradition to sit in a circle and talk-to share what is in your heart.”

 

–John Peters (Slow Turtle), WAMPANOAG

The talking circle is also a listening circle. The talking circle allows one person to talk at a time for as long as they need to talk. So much can be gained by listening. Is it a coincidence that the Creator gave us one mouth and two ears? The power of the circle allows the heart to be shared with each other. What we share with each other also heals each other. When we talk about our pain in the circle, it is distributed to the circle, and we are free of the pain. The talking circle works because when the people form a circle, the Great Mystery is in the center.

My Creator, give me the courage to share, and the courage to listen.

The Witches Spell for January 13th – Petition Spell To Banish Faults

Witchy Comments


Petition Spell To Banish Faults

Use this spell to eliminate weaknesses from your life.

Timing:  Moon’s third quarter; Moon’s fourth quarter; Saturday, hour of Saturn; Sunset; Midnight: Autumn; Winter; of your personal power time.

Supplies Needed:

2 pieces vegetable parchment (one small, one large)
1 pen
Cauldron or heatproof dish
White candle
Matches

The Spell:

1.  Empower the supplies for success.

2.  On the larger piece of vegetable parchment, write down five faults that you would like to banish from your life. Choose one from this list and write it on the smaller piece of parchment.

3.  Light the candle.

4.  Fold the small paper up and touch the corner of the paper to the candle’s flame until it ignites. Drop the paper in the cauldron or heatproof dish.

5.  Watch the paper redden, whiten then blacken, and visualize your fault losing substance and vanishing from your life. With intent and awareness, cross that fault off the list on the larger piece of parchment.

6.  When the ashes of the paper have cooled, bury them outdoors off your property.

7.  Choose the next appropriate time to banish another fault from your list an proceed as above. Repeat weekly or over the next series of Moon cycles until your list is done. After the final repetition of the spell, burn the larger list as well.

Life As The Witch – Spell-Writing Basics

Witchy Comments=


Spell-Writing Basics

Don’t worry if you are not the world’s greatest writer. Spells don’t have to be long and complicated in order to work, and the Gods don’t care if you can spell correctly! The most common complaint I get is from people who can’t get their spells to rhyme. But that’s okay—-they don’t have to.

Rhyming is nice for some spells. Traditionally, rhyming is used to give the spells a little more power through the rhythms of the words and to make them easier to memorize. But it certainly isn’t necessary. I’ll give you an example of a prosperity spell done both ways, just make it clear.

Prosperity Spell 1 – Rhyming

God and Goddess hear my plea

Rain prosperity down on me

Bring in monies large and small

To pay my bills one and all

Money earned and gifts for free

As I Will, So Mote It Be.

(Originally published in Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice, Llewellyn, 2007.)

Prosperity Spell 2 – Not Rhyming

Money I need and money I want

So let it come to me

In positive ways, at perfect times

As I need it, as I want it

As I Will It, So It Is.

As you can see, both spells ask for the same thing–they just do it in a slightly different way. The second spell is simpler; it doesn’t rhyme, it is shorter, and it doesn’t get as specific–but there’s no reason it couldn’t work. You could write a spell like that even if writing isn’t your thing.

So the first thing to know about writing spells is that it is fine to do so in whatever style or manner you are comfortable with.

Excerpts from:

“Writing and Casting Spells for the Best Results”
By Deborah Blake
Llewellyn’s 2013 Magical Almanac for Everyday Living

Here Comes Razzy Just A Running…….

Razzycomesarunning
How would like to see this ton of bobcat come flying at ya’, lol! I learned the hard way never to call Razzy. She comes a running that’s for sure. I was lucky enough to catch this picture of her in mid-air. Right before she landed on my chest and knocked the camera out of my hands.

I don’t know if you have checked out our Pinterest page yet or not. But if you haven’t this is just one of the many photos you will find there. I have uploaded several photos of animals we have had the honor of having helped at the refuge. Also I have posted some personal photos of my beloved companion, Mocha.

So you get a minute, stop by and visit. I am sure you will find some of interest there.

The account is in my name but it is indeed for the entire site use, here is the link:

Lady Of The Abyss

 

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 9th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

It takes such a little whiff of memory to carry us all the way back. Small things tucked here and there remind us of some place, some thing, some person who has played a special part in our lives.

We want to go forward, try new things, know new people, visit new places, yet how nice to slip on those comfortable old slippers of the familiar bygones and remember loving faces and happy times.

It is said that we should never return to places that have a sacred spot in our memories. Everything changes with time, so little remains recognizable to us. We begin to think that perhaps those hallowed places were not so wonderful as we remember.

But they were, for in their time and that place it was as it should have been, happy and meaningful. They may have changed, but so have we.

A little of every place and every person goes with us in the building of even happier times. We have not lost anyone or anything but it is the combination of all that we have lived and learned that builds our character and teaches us the way of life.

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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

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 9

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 9

“So, with the Native way, it’s not whether people find out about what you’ve done or not… that’s not nearly as strong as having your source of morality within you, having your morality arise out of an inner perception of what is wrong, ridiculous, or shameful. You are your own judge.”

 

–Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT

Inside each of us is a voice. It is a quiet voice. It is a guiding voice. If we listen for it, it will guide us, and help us avoid disaster. It is especially active when we are afraid, when we are in doubt, when we are scared, when we need help, and when we get angry. If we are excited emotionally, it is hard to hear this voice. If we are angry, it’s hard to hear this voice because it is usually quiet. The best thing we can do is to practice getting quiet. If we don’t get quiet, there is another voice called the judge. It tells us to attack or say bad things to other people or to judge ourselves. This voice is loud and usually gets us into trouble.

Creator, Great Mystery, help me listen for the quiet voice. Let me know this voice of Yours. Your ways are gentle. Guide me with this voice. Thank you.

Daily Motivator for January 9th – Limitless value

Limitless value

Your life has limitless value. You are a bundle of the best possibilities you  can ever imagine, and you are fully capable of bringing those possibilities into  reality.

Think for a moment about what that means. Then go beyond thinking, and feel  all of what it means to be you.

Realize that you are life itself, experiencing itself, and improving on  itself. You are able to not merely think about love and joy, but to actually be  love and joy.

Your life has limitless value, and with your actions you can translate that  value into any good thing you imagine. Your life has limitless value, and you  have the opportunity to share that value far and wide, with countless other  people.

Visualize a life that’s full of joy and love, meaningful achievement and  real, honest satisfaction. That life is yours to live the moment you choose to  embrace its value.

Connect with what means the most to you, and go for it with everything you  have. Your life has limitless value, so focus that value in ways that will lift  your whole world.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Witches Spell for January 9th – A Spell To Ward Off Evil

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments


The Witches Spell for January 9th

Spell To Ward Off Evil

 

To ward off evil spirits or energy:

In a small jar, place sage, sandalwood, galangal and brimstone herbs. Mix well and sprinkle sea salt on top. Cut a three inch piece of red string, and tie one knot into it, and place it in the jar. Next, place three pins or nails in the jar and close it shut. Light a black candle and say:

“Pins that prick, herbs and string, to protect me now, my guardians do soar!”

Hid the jar in a dark place to ward off any evil.

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 7th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Until you’ve walked in the rain you cannot truly appreciate the protection of a shelter.

Unless you’ve felt the heat from a sweltering sun you cannot fully enjoy the coolness of shade.

Only after the clatter and bang of crowded places can you find quietness and solitude so soothing to the nerves.

Before you can stop worrying and start living, there must be an elimination of fear which is the cause of all worry.

Sometimes, unfortunately, we must collide with the bad before we can totally appreciate the good.

It is said that we too often must be reminded of our obligations before we take charge of them.

Frequently it seems we must have our freedom threatened before we muster enough patriotism to defend it.

Too many shoulders are bowed by our thoughtlessness before we finally learn the key to real success is kindness.

We never know how truly wonderful it is to be loved until we are loved when we’ve failed to deserve it.

M.R. Smith’s words, “God’s plans, like lilies pure and white untold – We must not tear the close shut leaves apart – Time will reveal the calyxes of gold,” revealed, after all, that patience does its perfect work.

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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

Life As The Witch – Things That Can Weaken or Ruin Our Spellcasting

 Things that Weaken or Ruin Spellcasting

There are some circumstances that can weaken or even destroy the spell you have worked so hard to cast, so you want to be aware of and avoid the following:

*Drug or alcohol use: You should never cast a spell with anything other than a clear head. For one thing, it is insulting to the Gods to come into sacred space under the influence of mind-altering substances. For another, it interferes with focus. (Yes, there are some folks who believe in the use of drugs deepens spiritual practice, they are entitled to their opinions, and I would never argue with them, but it has been my experience that nothing destroys magickal concentration and focus faster than coming into a circle high or drunk.)

*Extreme emotional states: As I said above, you need to have a clear head in order to do your best spell casting. Coming in to your sacred space filled with anger or fear or any other very strong emotion will not only stand in the way of clarity and focus, but you may cast a spell you later wished you hadn’t. This doesn’t mean that you can’t do spell work when things are bad–sometimes this is when we need magick the most. But try to achieve as calm a state as possible before starting the work. Do some meditation, take a long bath or walk, repeat some calming affirmations. At the very least, take slow, deep breaths and concentrate on the light and love of the Gods until your head is in a better place.

*Mixed feelings about the spell work: If you’re not sure whether the spell you are casting is the right thing to do or not, that doubt may undermine the will you need to feed the spell. Never cast a spell unless you are certain of your path in that instance. This is also true of the times when you are uncertain of your goal. That confusion will sap your spell of strength, so it is better to wait until you have a solid goal in mind, and the will to back it up.

*Negative intent:  This is not to say that you can’t cast a spell that would have a negative impace on someone else, for better or for worse, free will allows for this. However, you should be in mind that not only do the powers of the Universe often not allow these types of spells to work, it is not unusual for them to rebound on the one what casts them–either immediately or sometime down the line.

*Lack of focus: This is the main reason for not coming into circle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or heavy emotions, they will simply make it too difficult to maintain the focus needed to create a powerful spell and send it out into the world. But other thing can get in the way of focus, too. If you can’t find a quiet, private place to cast your spell (the kids are running around screaming, the dog is barking, the neighbors ae arguing at the top of their lungs) you are better off waiting for a different time. It is almost impossible to get good results when you cast a spell in the midst of chaos.

Reference:

Excerpt from:

“Writing and Casting Spells
  For the Best Results”
  By Deborah Blake
Llewellyn’s Magical 2013 Magical Almanac

More Fantasy Comments

The Witches Spell for January 6th – Ritual for Growth, Healing, and Renewal

Gypsy Comments & Graphics


Ritual for Growth, Healing, and Renewal

 

Tools

  • Black candle
  • White candle
  • Athame
  • Goblet filled with water

Note: this is best performed skyclad, but the same effect can be obtained while fully clothed.

Diety

Ereshkigal, Assyro-Babylonian goddess of the Underworld, known for the ability to shed dead skin to grow and the deep power of renewal.

Setup

Facing north, place the black candle on the altar at south, the white candle at north, and the goblet in the middle.

Cast the Circle

Invocation

Light the black candle.

“Oh, great goddess Ereshkigal, join me in this sacred place. Help me to grow and leave behind the petty ways of the world. Assist me in healing the scars that I have been inflicted with through other’s cruelty. Teach me to respond with love and kindness.”

Passing your athame three times through the fire of the black candle, say:

“Great goddess of the Underworld, as this black candle burns, help me to also burn away the blackness in myself.”

Feel and envision yourself burning away the blackness that you carry with you. Blow out the candle.

Take a drink of water from the goblet. Say:

“With this drink of purity, help me to flush away the cinders left by the burning, so that I may be completely free from maliciousness.”

Take a drop of water from the goblet and place it on the wick of the black candle.

Light the White candle.

Reflect on the purity of the color and the healing power of the light. Say:

“Ereshkigal, assist me in this time of renewal. Help me to heal from the scars that the world has left on me and to rejuvenate myself. Through this renewal, I will be better able to act with compassion and patience towards those that seek to hurt me.”

Take time to reflect on this renewal proccess. Feel every part of your body become stronger, healthier, and more pure. Say:

“Oh, Great goddess Ereshkigal, help me to carry this growth and renewal with me in daily life.”

Extinguish the white candle.

Open the Circle

Reference:

Ritual written by Amy D. Guthrie

The Pagan Library

The Witches Spell for January 5th – Power Removal Spell (The One Shot Spell)

Witchy Comments

 Power Removal Spell

The One Shot Spell

(NOTE: Do not use rum for this spell! As it is sacred to some of the Afro-Caribbean deities, using it as such may be offensive to Them.)

Materials:

1 shot of vodka, bourbon, gin or scotch

1 glass to hold the shot of alcohol

1 12 oz. glass of water

Pour the shot of alcohol, then swirl it in the glass, saying:

“(Name of target) you’ve become

(Name of target) you shall stay

And I’ve become the nemesis

“Who will take your power away.”

Take a sip from the glass, saying:

“One sip and you feel weak.”

Take another sip, saying:

“Another makes you fall.”

Then chug the rest of the shot and say:

“As I toss back the rest of this

I own your power: All!”

Now chase the shot with the full glass of water, drinking it down as quickly as possible. Then say:

“In an hour’s time, I’ll piss you out.

And you’ll be laid to waste,

Weak and lowly like the piss

And swimming in disgrace.”

Reference:
Utterly Wicked
Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
By Dorothy Morrison

The Witches Spell for January 3: 7 Day Luck Spell

The 7 Day Luck Spell

Items You Will Need:

Black 7 day candle

Water

Saucer

Paper

 

 

The Spell:

Fill your saucer slightly with some water. On a piece of paper write the things you most desire, (like love, money, a job..) Fold that up and put it on the saucer (in the water). Now put your 7 day candle on top of the paper and light it. Each night before you go to sleep visualize your desires being obtained. On the seventh day, snuff out the candle and dispose of it by getting it away from your property. This spell can be customized by using different colored candles, pink or red for love, purple for spirituality and so on. The black candle is used for “breaking through” those obstacles that are preventing you from your desires.

 

More Dream Catcher Comments

The Witches Magickal Spell for Jan. 2 – Poppet Healing Spell

Witchy Comments~Magickal Graphics~

Poppet Healing Spell

You need:

A yellow candle

Marigold/calendula,

Lavender and rosemary.

Clear quartz gemstone

Photo/person who you are using this spell on

Cast the Spell on a Sunday. Stuff the doll with the herbs and add the gem about where the heart would be in the doll. Sew up the doll and do the name ritual of the doll. Light the candle, and see the person healthy, and happy in your mind. Say six times:

“Lavender, marigold and rosemary
The body, soul and mind are free.
Stone of quartz, take this pain away.
Whole and healed and free today.
With harm to none
My will is done.”

Bury the doll in the ground before sunset the same day.

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 1

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

I don’t know of anyone I’d rather see happy than you. Perhaps somewhere along the way you’ll also find what causes it and maybe it will be something you can find within your heart to share with others….for only in sharing are we ever really happy.

Just remember that it may well be where you least expect it. You may recognize it as something you’re about to give away…..But don’t worry, it will come back so many times; like love, it seeketh not its own but flies over us like angels. And when it finds a heart big enough to hold all the love it can supply it settles itself, wings and all, within the soul of that love.

And then the world will be new. There will be sights you’ve never seen, yet they have been there all the time….there will be laughter from the heart…..and gratitude for all of life’s privileges. There will be peace and contentment….and strength abounding to withstand all adversity…..and quiet acknowledgment of God. For without God, there could be none of these.

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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

December 31 – Daily Feast

December 31 – Daily Feast

 

A feast is a huge banquet of wonderful foods and wonderful friends to share it. It is a time when people honor people – and many memories are laid aside for this celebration. But another kind of feast is in the heart – at the core where life is decided. It is the human way to believe himself victim of many things, and he starves at his center. He worries excessively about who will take care of him and who will feed him and if he will survive at all. Never start a day without gratitude – without an inner singing of “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!” Never start a day being sour and hard to get along with. Never talk trouble nor give credence to those who do. Never give another person reason to be unhappy….. And remember, this is your day. This is a day of celebrating new life and purpose.

~ On the other side of the river there is plenty of buffalo. When we are poor we will tell you. ~

BLACKFOOT – MOUNTAIN CROW

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