Tag: Business

Daily OM for January 7th – Releasing the Reigns

Releasing the Reigns

Changing Others

by Madisyn Taylor

If your tendency is to try and change other people, take some time to explore why you feel the need to do so.

 

Our perception of humanity as a whole is, to a large extent, dualistic. We paint people with a broad brush—some are like us, sharing our opinions and our attitudes, while others are different. Our commitment to values we have chosen to embrace is often so strong that we are easily convinced that our way is the right way. We may find ourselves frustrated by those who view the world from an alternate vantage point and make use of unusual strategies when coping with life’s challenges. However ardently we believe that these people would be happier and more satisfied following our lead, we should resist the temptation to try to change them. Every human being has been blessed with a unique nature that cannot be altered by outside forces. We are who we are at any one point in our lives for a reason, and no one person can say for certain what another should be like.

The reasons we try to change one another are numerous. Since we have learned over time to flourish in the richness of lives we have built, we may come to believe that we are qualified to speak on behalf of the greater source. The sum total of our knowledge will never compare to what we do not know, however, and our understanding of others’ lives will forever be limited. The potential we see in the people who are a part of our lives will never be precisely the same as our own, so we do these individuals a disservice when we make assumptions about their intentions, preferences, and goals. Our power lies in our ability to accept others for all their quirks and differences and to let go of the need to control every element of our existence. We can love people for who they are, embracing their uniqueness, or we can love them as human beings from afar.

Your ability to influence people may grow more sophisticated because others sense that you respect their right to be themselves, but you will likely spend more time gazing inward, into the one person you can change: yourself.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 7th – 49: Revolutionary Change

49: Revolutionary Change

Monday, Jan 7th, 2013

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According to Chinese symbolism, the juxtaposed elements of this hexagram are fire under water. Fire evaporates water, and water puts out fire. Change can cause conflict; conflict brings about change. This hexagram refers to that time in the cycle of human affairs when things need stirring up, and when the hint of dramatic change is in the air.

In order to succeed, revolutionary change must be in alignment with certain unchanging laws. The process must begin at the right moment, gather support from a broad base of people, be guided by sincere and capable leadership and — most important of all — must address a real need. The strength of the forces of change will always be in proportion to the urgency of the need being championed. This is true whether the revolution is in government, in business, in education or in one’s personal affairs.

Revolutionary change points to a time when chaos arises from order. It is important to realize that not all order is good, not all chaos bad. Chaos, in fact, is an integral part of the way of things — as any parent (and modern science) will confirm. Have the courage to radically change and renew the way you present yourself. In this way, you can summon chaos to your cause, and you will unleash a new power on your behalf. If engaging in a negotiation, change the rules; if composing a piece of music, add the unexpected; if courting a lover, dare to be unconventional.

In periods of drought, even wild storms are preferable to yet another sunny day.

The Celtic Tree Month of The Birch

Birch-Tree

The Celtic Tree Month of The Birch

December 24 – January 20

 

The Celtic meaning of the birch tree deals with:

  • Growth
  • Renewal
  • Stability
  • Initiation
  • Adaptability

 

Listen closely and you will detect whispers of transformation and growth in the midst of the birch groves within your soul.

The birch is highly adaptive and able to sustain harsh conditions with casual indifference. Proof of this adaptability is seen in its easy and eager ability to repopulate areas damaged by forest fires or clearings. Bright and beautiful, the birch is a pioneer, courageously taking root and starting anew to revive the landscape where no other would before.

This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. The birch asks us to philosophically go where no other will go (voluntarily or otherwise). The birch asks us to take root in new soils and light our lives with the majesty of our very presence. The birch sings to us: “Shine, take hold, express your creative expanse, light the way so that others may follow.”

Paradoxically, while the birch is a brilliant symbol of renewal, it is also symbolic of stability and structure. The druids also held the birch as the keepers of long-honored traditions.

Associated with the sun, the birch is a solar emblem, and facilitates passion, energy, as well as growth. This solar association is paralleled when we learn the druids carried birch bark with them as kindling. Birch serves as a perfect igniter as it will start to burn even when damp. This makes it a prized fire starter over most other wood types.

Here again, this makes for a perfect analogy. The birch asks us to serve our fellow man with a fire in our hearts. In this respect, the birch reminds us that even if our spirits are dampened by the set backs in life, we can always catch fire from the spark of passions that drive us to divinity.

 

Whats-Your-Sign.com

The Witches Spell for January 7th – Mary Caliendo’s Potato Chip Hex

Mary Caliendo’s Potato Chip Hex

This is so easy, you can perform it right at the office. Don’t let its simplicity fool you though. It’s powerful enough to get rid of even the nastiest boss or co-worker.

 

You will need:

2 bags potato chips (get them from the vending machine in your building if possible)

3 packets black pepper

1 sticky note

Black pen

Stapler

 

The Spell:

Open both bags to let the air out. Write your enemy’s name on the sticky note in black ink, place it in one of the bags, and add the pepper. Sit on one bag to crush the chips. (Move around a little to make sure all the chips are in small little crumbs). Retrieve the bag, fold the top three times, and staple several times to secure. Place the bag in your purse, and toss it in a public garbage receptacle after work.

Now, eat the other bag of chips. You certainly wouldn’t want to appear to be doing anything suspicious at work, now would you?

Reference:

Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
By Dorothy Morrison
WillowTree Press

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A Little Magick To Brighten Your Winter – Sweater Magic

Witchy Comments

 Sweater Magic

When the air gets chilly, it’s time to dig out your sweaters, hats, and scarves and bundle up. Don’t let all those extra clothes get you down, though — make the most of it by adding a dash of magick to your cold weather wardrobe. Draw pentacles on clothing tags to attract wealth, anoint zippers with magickally attuned essential oils, decorate sweater buttons with meaningful sigils. Pin small pieces of herbs onto hats: pine for prosperity, holly for protection, fir for extra energy and a youthful flow. You can even charm your favorite scarf to encourage good cheer — choose beads in a happy color like blue or yellow, add your own symbols to the beads using a permanent marker, and tie them onto the scarf with yarn.

Reference:

Sweater Magic
By Melanie Marquis
Llewellyn’s 2013
Magical Almanac

The Law of Return

The Law of Return

by Amanda Silvers

The threefold law of return: We hear much about this, but do we really comprehend the meaning? What you put out comes back times three (or more), means unequivocally that, good or bad, you reap what your actions have sown.

How do we define “putting something out”? A thought, a deed, a word are all actions that contain energy. Think about this: If you disburse money willingly, with the focus that you are contributing to the prosperity of the community, the prosperous energy returns to you. Not always in the exact way that you want; sometimes in the most unexpected ways!

If you choose to live in lack, feel like there is never an adequate amount of anything and attempt to hoard and hold onto everything, the flow stops. It’s akin to putting a dam on the energy flow. If you are broke, give a little away, whether it’s time or energy or money. Doing so will create a vacuum effect, which will then help to get the flow started back toward you instead of away from you.

Money is only paper with numbers on it, it is used to represent energy. You expend your energy for some of it and then give it away for something someone else put energy into. Just like everything else, it goes around in a never-ending cycle; there is an ebb and flow to it. Sometimes you have more, sometimes less, but there is always a coming and going of cash; that’s why it’s called cash flow!

This philosophy also works in other areas of life, love for instance. Do you suppose that you have only a limited amount of love? Is it to be rationed out as you go through life? Will you run out? I think not. The more affection you give, the more you generate, the more you experience, the more you give! Just like that. The cycle turns the wheel.

Try this in another area. Have you ever been frightened of having something happen and then had it happen just as you hoped it would not? Or have you ever said “I will never ______ (fill in the blank)” and found yourself doing just that shortly thereafter? Magickal components are a part of everyday life. You have an intent, put emotion (energy) into it, take action and bring it into being. You begin to create with nothing more than a word or thought. It works remarkably well for those things that you say never about, because you feel intensely about them and put a lot of energy into them. What do you think would have more power: “I wish I could win the lottery!” or “I will never have enough money!”?

Your subconscious mind does not recognize the word  “not”; it’s a non-word. When you say “I do not want to do that,” it is a direct command to your brain; you are basically saying that you really do want to do whatever it is. If someone says to you, “I do not want to hurt you,” be careful!

If you sit around all the time, agonizing about your bills, your job, your health, your love life… what kind of energy are you putting out? How might that energy be contributing in a magickal sense to your circumstances? Would you do a spell to get a job you hate, or to get into a bad relationship? Of course not! So why sit around and put energy into negative crap when you could be furthering your positive wishes? The universe is a bountiful place; the Goddess is generous with her gifts. There is plenty for all. Does this ring true for you? If not, you might ask yourself, “Why not?” What beliefs that you hold to be true are sabotaging you?

“Try” is another one of my pet peeves. When a person says they will try to do something, it is just an excuse for not doing it, as in “I tried! I just couldn’t.” Think about what you say. Instead of saying “I will try,” see how much power there is in actually committing. Say “I will do it!” Also, how much power is there in saying no to those things you really don’t intend to do. Wow, what an enormous amount of energy you free up by just saying no in the first place! Then you don’t have to worry till the last minute whether you should actually do it, then have to make an excuse for not doing it – not to mention maybe having to do something you’d really rather not. You will find people will respect you more and value your energy more when you can be believed and counted upon to do what you say, as well as for your being in control of your boundaries.

Finally, be careful what you wish upon someone else, because just as positive thoughts come back to you, so do the negative ones aimed at others. Don’t wish on someone else something you would not like to have happen to you and yours. Be careful of those things said thoughtlessly or in jest. How might you feel if the nasty thought you thought when you were angry at your friend or mate were to happen?

Make your statements in the positive. Strive to be conscious of your every thought and word and the energy around them. Focus on the here and now and what’s happening. If you can accomplish this, the law of return will work in your favor and only good things will come to you.

Be careful what you ask for; you just might get it!

Living Life As The Witch – Nasty, Little Creatures In The Shadows

Witchy Comments
Living Life As The Witch

Those Little Nasty Creatures In The Shadows

If you have followed The Craft for any length of time, you’ve seen all the wonderful and beautiful things that has happened since you started joining this Path. Along with all the wonders you will see, keep in mind that there is also dark, nasty, little Shadow creatures out there.

These little creatures exist, in the invisible world that parallels our own, living creatures. Unlike creatures from our world, they lack physical form, and feed on energy instead of matter. They are as varied as the animal life on our world. Their power ranges from the equivalent of insects and rodents to the equivalent of magickally trained humans, and beyond to the Great Old Ones.

These creatures feed on energy. Most are content to graze on the random energy fields that leak from humans and other creatures in our world. Others, however, are a little most sinister. These, the ones you have to worry about, they are referred to as the Shadows.

Shadows comes in three basic varieties. First are the little ones that feed off the energy in negative emotions. If you are emitting strong negativity, they will be drawn to you like flies to rotten meat. If you aren’t magickally protect, they will happily latch onto your energy field (aura). They are usually not much more troublesome than leeches or mosquitoes; however, a thousand leeches could weaken a person severely.

Next is the more dangerous variety, more like rats or vultures than mosquitoes. These are attracted both by negative emotions and the energy of magickal workings. They are stronger, and can push past weak or flawed defenses to get to you. And they are much harder to peel loose once they have their teeth into you.

Last are those of the intelligent variety. Their favorite meal is human life energy, the heart-fire that burns in each of us. They are relatively rare even in their own realm, but they exist. The terms “Imp,” “Evil Spirit” and “Demon” are fairly accurate. They are very strong. The more intelligent ones are capable of working their own magick to breach your defenses. The most intelligent variety, being as lazy as humans, prefers to talk you into dropping your defenses and linking your energy field to theirs. They also are capable (if someone is helpful enough to open a doorway for them) of entering our world. Once here, if they can get past all your defenses unless you are very strong at warding. They can enter your body and will feast at will even asserting a degree of control over you. Yes, this is exactly like the old stories of Demon possession.

Don’t laugh you can be a Vampire, your best friend, the average Joe on the street:

They exist in this world of evil creatures. They are highly intelligent, capable of working magick, and extremely devious. They are capable of not only psychic magickal attacks, but physical ones as well. As a species, they tend to be amoral, murderous animals. Humans who are capable of feeding off the energies of another human is a “Psychic Vampire.” They do this to gain more magickal power, to control others, or to replace the energies they are losing by dealing with the Shadows. Some humans can even do this while traveling astrally. So that Evil Spirit that tried to get into your last circle may not have been from the other site, it could have been your next door neighbor. For real, lol!

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 2nd is 60: Limits and Connections

60: Limits and Connections

Thursday, Jan 3rd, 2013

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Limits are necessary to give purpose and direction to life. Swimming in a sea of boundless opportunity would eventually lead to exhaustion and drowning. Winging it alone in a sky of boundless opportunity would lead to being lost. In human affairs, the making of choices, and alliances, implies limitation, for in choosing one path another must be abandoned.

One key to a successful life is to select your limits consciously and carefully — to be discriminating in the setting of personal boundaries and knowing when to join in formation. Thrift, for example, often precedes prosperity; just as the letting go of selfish interests leads to greater personal reward. Only by consciously accepting useful limits can one’s energy be channeled to good purpose, and lead to lasting accomplishments.

Point yourself toward a middle way between discipline and freedom of spirit. Limits will come of their own accord; but to be able to consciously select your own affiliations in life — that’s knowing how to fly! At the same time, don’t go overboard with discipline. Even self-correction must be limited, so that in attempting to bring order and direction into your life you do not choke off vital sources of enthusiasm and spontaneity.

Similarly, in groups and partnerships, agreed upon rules or regulations should strike a balance between being too strict and too soft. If too strict, they build frustration and ultimately become destructive. If too lenient, sloppiness becomes acceptable, and positive energy is dissipated. The best path is one that allows for the fulfillment of individual potential, while supporting self-discipline and focus.

Today’s Tarot Card for January 3rd is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

Thursday, Jan 3rd, 2013

Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Your Tarot Card for Jan. 2nd is Justice

Justice

Wednesday, Jan 2nd, 2013

Traditionally, what has been known as the Justice card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.

Often including the image of a fulcrum which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It’s a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of Karma is represented here — what goes around comes around.

Daily OM for January 1 – Inner Sunrise

Inner Sunrise

Brand-New Day

byMadisyn Taylor

We can start fresh in this very moment, not needing to wait for a new day to start anew.

When today is not going well, it is tempting to focus on tomorrow as a blank slate with all the possibilities that newness provides. It is true that tomorrow will be a brand-new day, but we do not have to wait until tomorrow to start fresh. We can start fresh at any moment, clearing our energy field of any negativity that has accumulated, and call this very moment the beginning of our brand-new day.

There is something about the sunrise and the first few hours of the morning that make us feel cleansed and rejuvenated, ready to move forward enthusiastically. As the day wears on, we lose some of this dynamic energy and the inspiration it provides. This may be why we look forward to tomorrow as providing the possibility of renewal. Many traditions consider the light of the rising sun to be particularly divine in its origins; this is why so many people in the world face east when performing ritual. We too can cultivate that rising sun energy inside ourselves, carrying it with us to light our way through any time of day or night, drawing on its power to awaken and renew our spirits.

One simple way to do this is to carry an image or a photograph of the rising sun with us in our wallet or purse. We can also post this image on our wall at work or at home, or have it as our screensaver on our computer. When we feel the need to start fresh, we can take a moment to gaze at the image, allowing its light to enter into our hearts. As we do this, we might say out loud or quietly to ourselves, I am ready to let go of the past and start anew. We might visualize anything we want to release leaving us as we exhale, and as we inhale, we can take in the fresh energy of the eastern sun, allowing it to light the way to a brand-new day.

 

The Daily OM

A Little Humor for Your Day – Smart Retorts

SMART RETORTS

  • I clean house every other day. Today is the other day! So this isn’t Home Sweet Home… Adjust!
  • Ring bell for Maid Service. If no answer, do it yourself!
  • If you write in the dust, please don’t date it!
  • I would cook dinner but I can’t find the can opener!
  • My house was clean last week. Too bad you missed it!
  • A clean kitchen is the sign of a wasted life.
  • I came. I saw. I decided to order take out.
  • If you don’t like my standards of cooking…lower your standards.
  • Apology. Although you’ll find our house a mess, come in, sit down, converse. It doesn’t always look like this. Some days it’s even worse.
  • A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this kitchen is delirious. Martha Stewart doesn’t live here!!
  • If we are what we eat, then I’m easy, fast, and cheap.
  • A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
  • Help keep the kitchen clean. Eat out.
  • My next house will have no kitchen — just vending machines.
  • Don’t pick up that mess!!! It’s Saturday…relax and have a great day!
  • Don’t tell me that…I shouldn’t have Arachnophobia? I’ve enjoyed my fear so much and I also have that fear of combustibles…which is such a pleasure for me…it takes a lot of my time so I don’t have to do the things I really need to do or think about anything else…
  • And finally my kitchen is complete, I’ve turned my oven into a flower pot!

anonymous

Oh My Aging Funny Bone

 

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 1 is 54: Careful Affection

54: Careful Affection

Tuesday, Jan 1st, 2013

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Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction, and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person’s lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those that are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.

If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.

Your I Ching Hexagram for December 31st is 38: Diverging Interests

38: Diverging Interests

Monday, Dec 31st, 2012

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An image of estrangement is indicated here. One example used in ancient Chinese texts is how when brothers and sisters marry, they grow apart, since their allegiances now lie with new family groups. Though they will remain close enough to successfully deal with problems and share minor interests, they will be unable to undertake anything big together. Simply put, when people grow apart — even for the most natural of reasons — their points of view, values and interests start to diverge.

Diverging interests bring opposition into the world of human affairs. And when differences morph into alienation and enmity, no good results. But when opposition takes the form of healthy competition, or when contrasting energies or positions are seen as part of the natural order of things, good fortune is still possible.

Even when diverging energies make a situation seem stagnant or futile, there are always creative possibilities inherent in polarities. One is reminded of the yin-yang interplay that is fundamental to the creation of life itself. But when opposition arises from issues of principle, you must hold to your integrity and individuality. And avoid becoming involved with vulgar or base people who do not share your values. With both people and companies, one measure of stature is the quality of the competition.

Dream Oil (Air Magick)

Dream Oil

(Air Magick)

Rosemary

Bay leaves

4 drops spearmint extract

Almond base oil

3 Marigold petals

A few moonstone chips

Crush together equal amounts of rosemary and bay leaves. Add four drops of spearmint extract and blend into an almond base oil. Add three marigold petals and a few moonstone chips. Allow the oil to settle for thirty days in a dark place before use. Anoint pulse points or pillow. This oil promotes dreaming and helps you remember your dreams.

Air Witch & Air Magick

Air Witch & Air Magick

Air magick pertains to all things that travel through the air. This includes death, music, thoughts, spirits, dreams and invisibility. Other specialty areas include travel magick and twilight studies. The word twilight is used here to describe the state of mind when we are not quite asleep and not quite awake. It is a shift in consciousness that allows for the more surreal parts of life to come into sharper focus.

Like dirt and water, each type of wind contains its own primary properties. The magickal properties and purposes corresponding to the different types of winds are as follows:

Whirlwind:  Whirlwinds run the gamut from gentle “dust devils” to full-blown tornadoes. This is a powerful aspect of wind to use; however, it is best to only use the violent form on the astral plane. This is the best wind to use to banish or destroy. Be careful with whirlwinds, even if only on the astral plane, because they tend to confuse.

South wind: The south wind is the warm wind of fire. It can work as an all-purpose magickal booster; however, it can easily cloud a situation. The South wind brings blessings of friendship.  Singing into the south wind can facilitate contact with loved ones. It is the wind of celebration.

North wind: The north wind is the proverbial wind of change. It is the icy col wind of death and works well in spells of destruction or banishment. It is connected to the element of earth, and can be used as a healing wind. The north wind moves things forward in time.

East wind:  The east wind relates to air. It symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. This is a good wind to use for matters involving intellect and self-improvement. It ushers in clarity and clears the mind.

West wind:  The west wind is the wind of love and  emotion. It relates to the element of water. Cleansing and divination are favored when the west wind is blowing. The voices of the dead are heard on the west wind.

The Witches Spell for December 30th: A POWERFUL WISH SPELL

Witchy Comments & Graphics

      A POWERFUL WISH SPELL

This is a little complicated to describe but is well worth it.

You need a piece of recycled paper (recycled notebook paper works fine).

On the paper, write a short poem or chant to the Goddess and God that states your wish.

It is alright if you aren’t the best poet on earth! But it is very important that you say exactly         how you feel and what exactly you need. Do your best and say it from the heart.

Close the poem with thanks to the Goddess and God.

Fold it in half with the words inside it.

Draw a triple goddess sign on the outside.

Now fold it in half again with the symbol on the inside.

Now draw a pentacle on the paper.

Finally, flip it over and write your name and birthdate on the other side.

Put this aside in a safe place and your wish will come true in due time.

If you change your mind before it comes true, burn the paper and put the ashes to the earth.

Sometimes we just need to remember WHAT the Rules of Life really are…

Sometimes we just need to remember WHAT the Rules of Life really are…


1.Never give yourself a haircut after
three margaritas.
2.You need only two tools. WD-40 and duct tape.
If it
doesn’t move and it should, use WD-40.
If it moves and shouldn’t, use the
tape.
3.The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship
are:
“I apologize” and “You are right.”
4.Everyone seems normal until you
get to know them.
5.When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.
It’s
easier to eat crow while it’s still warm.
6.The best advice that your mother
ever gave you was.
“Go! You might meet somebody!”
7. If he/she says that
you are too good for him/her–believe them.
8. Learn to pick your battles;
ask yourself, ‘Will this matter one year from now?
How about one month? One
week? One day?’
9. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.
10. If you woke up
breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!
11. Living well really
is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship
just might mean that the other person was right about you.
12. Work is good,
but it’s not that important.
13. Be really nice to your friends. You never
know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.

Working With Colors In Candle Magick – Blue

Blue

Astral travel, relaxing stress (especially in jaw neck and shoulders), ups compassion / verbalization skills, removes headaches and fever, sky, joy, lightness, vibrant, repose, truth, water, good fortune, inspiration, occult power, protection, understanding, good health, happiness, peace, harmony in the home, fidelity, patience, wisdom, healing, journeys or moves, corresponds to the neck, throat, base of skull, ears, jaw and 5th Chakra.

Working With Colors In Candle Magick – Yellow

Yellow

Stimulates male energy and willpower, manifests creative energy on a physical plane, lifts depression, works on lungs / breathe / life-force, warmth, air, memory, logical imagination, accelerates learning, breaks mental blocks, activity, sunlight, creative energy, 3rd Chakra, power of mind, sudden changes, intellect, imagination, power of the mind, confidence, gentle persuasion, action, attraction, concentration, inspiration, Corresponds to navel area, strengthens 3rd Chakra.