Tag: Business

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Dec. 17th is 9: Small Influences

9: Small Influences

Monday, Dec 17th, 2012

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A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of subtle forces grows. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.

In the ebb and flow of events, there are always ‘low tides’ — times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.

When the times are such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment, for they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.

Be wary of others’ intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.

Today’s Tarot Card for December 17th is Justice

Justice

Monday, Dec 17th, 2012

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.

Your I Ching Hexagram for Dec. 16th is 5: Patience

5: Patience

Sunday, Dec 16th, 2012

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A fisherman can cast the line, but he can only wait for the fish to bite. Your catch will come in its own time; you cannot make it hurry to you — neither by working, nor by planning, nor by wishing. You may need to provide nourishment or support for others; but only through patience can you become the bridge between the fickle fish and the eventual feast. Strength in a time of trial waits quietly, resolutely. Weakness grows agitated, and abandons the effort before the fish bites. Periods of waiting are most fruitful when used for quiet contemplation.

Proceed cautiously, but resolutely, with whatever you are doing. The time and situation are calling for consistency and patience. Waiting is an essential skill; patience is a powerful force. Good timing is an ally of those with inner strength — the kind of strength that allows you to be uncompromisingly honest with yourself, while sticking to the path you have charted. If you persevere with a positive attitude, time weakens even the hardest obstacles. To rush anything, or impatiently force results, stimulates resistance and causes setbacks. At best, you achieve surface changes — the kind that can just as quickly be reversed. Steadfast waiting — while holding to your integrity leads to slow but permanent improvements. In the end, you accomplish something great. Practice patience.

Lucky Hand Root (Uses In Gris Gris Bags)

Lucky Hand Root

Power: Employment, games of chance

Another rare type of orchid with a spicy smell, usually shaped like a hand and the size of an average button. Good for all career matters and also for travel, winning competitions, gambling and financial risks. Carry separately if you are entering a contest, acting singing or dancing in public.

Hawthorn berries (Uses in Gris Gris Bags)

Hawthorne Berries

Power: Fertility, banishing harm

Use with a pink piece of cloth in your Gris Gris bags for fertility, marriage and general happiness and maybe surprisingly, use a piece of yellow cloth to bring luck to fishermen.

Good in bags generally for banishing fear or danger and for protection of property against bad weather, especially storms; also for an increased awareness of nature essences and in any fey magick or wishes.

Four Thieves Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar is used as a hexing agent. The name of the person you wish to curse is written on a piece of paper. The paper is soaked in Four Thieves Vinegar. The paper is allowed to dry and then is burned. It is the ashes of this paper you use in your ritual. Four Thieves Vinegar can be sprinkled on an enemy’s door step to break up their home.

To a gallon of strong cider vinegar add a handful of the following: rosemary, wormwood, lavender, rue, sage and mint. Add 1 ounce of powdered camphor gum. Tightly close the container with the cider  vinegar and herbs in it. Place this container in a pan of water and heat until the water begins to boil. Always shake this mixture before heating. Heat daily for four days. Strain the herbs from the liquid, bottle and keep tightly closed.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for December 10th is 54: Careful Affection

54: Careful Affection

Monday, Dec 10th, 2012

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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.

Gris Gris Faible Incense

Gris Gris Faible Incense

 

This incense formula may be used in your rituals to destroy an enemy’s power to harm you. Can also be used as an “uncrossing incense.”

1 ounce powdered sandalwood

1/2 ounce powdered bay leaves

1/2 ounce powdered dill seed

1 tsp. asafetida

1/4 tsp. saltpeter

1 dram Uncrossing Oil

2 drams of tincture of benzoin

Inner Power Pouch (Gris Gris Bag)

Inner Power Pouch

 

A piece of purple cloth

Vervain

Dragon’s blood resin

Rosemary

Frankincense

Ginger root

High John oil

Your own personal power oil

1 Clear quartz crystal

A personal talisman
In regards to the measurements of the herbs, chose the amount you wish to use. Then use equal amounts for the remaining herbs.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for December 9th is Lovers

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

trumpsLovers

The Lovers

The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.

RHYMING INVOCATIONS TO THE ELEMENTS

RHYMING INVOCATIONS TO THE ELEMENTS

East

Soft scented stillness that warns of the storm

Whisper of wisdom full living and warm

Breathe into us wonder at all we may know

Welcome, wise wind, from wherever you blow.

 

South

Bright spark of courage, blaze of desire

The passion for change is a wild, raging fire

Kindled by will, it burns in our veins

Welcome within us, our hearts are your flames

 

West

Power of water, power to feel

Rising within us, ancient and real

Soothed into softness or tossed to extremes

Welcome, wild waves from the depths of our dreams

 

North

Mother in waiting, child in the womb

Newly strung thread waits the night on the loom

Earth that we come from, Earth where we go

Welcome, as you welcomed us long ago.

The Daily Motivator for December 6th – A Clear Current

A Clear Current

Maintaining the Flow

by Madisyn Taylor

 

Life energy flows through us like a swift stream when there is nothing to obstruct it.

 

The essence of all being is energy. Our physical and ethereal selves depend on the unrestricted flow of life energy that is the source of wholeness and wellness. Though the channels through which this energy flows are open systems and influenced by factors outside of our control, we ultimately choose what impact these will have in our lives. It is up to us to identify and clear blockages in the energy field to ensure that flow is maintained. A healthy, grounded individual absorbs some portion of the energy emitted by other people and the environment, but this does not interrupt the continuous stream of balanced energy sustaining them. The same individual copes constructively with stress and upset, and they are not subject to the stagnation that frequently goes hand in hand with negativity. When we keep the energy in and around our bodies flowing harmoniously, we are naturally healthy, vibrant, and peaceful.

Life energy flows through us like a swift stream when there is nothing to obstruct it, but various forces such as trauma, downbeat vibrations, and disappointments act like stones that impede the current. If we allow these to pile up, our life energy is thrown off its course or blocked entirely, causing illness, restlessness, and a lack of vigor. If, however, we take the time to clear these forces away, we rob them of the power to impact our lives. When we cultivate simple yet affirmative habits such as taking regular cleansing baths, practicing meditation and breathing exercises, smudging, and self-shielding, we protect ourselves from outside influences that might otherwise impede our energy flow. Likewise, we lessen the impact of inner influences when we clear our auras of unwanted attachments and divest ourselves of blocked emotions.

A strong and fluid energy field is the key that unlocks the doors of self-healing and peace of mind. Your awareness of the flow of energy sustaining you empowers you to take charge of your own well-being by taking steps to unblock, correct, and enhance that flow. Fear will likely be the culprit when you cannot identify the source of stagnation—you may simply be afraid to let go of what is obstructing the flow. Letting go can be challenging, but the exuberance you will feel when the flow is restored will be a welcome and blessed reward.

 

The Daily OM

The Gems of Yule, Jet

Jet

Jet is the stone of self-control. Wear jet to regain control over your life, thoughts, and feelings. This is good for women who are experiencing monthly hormone changes and mood swings. This stone will also help with negative feelings such as anger or depression.

 

More Christmas Tree Comments

The Gems of Yule, Alexandrite

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a centering stone. Use this stone for stress or in other situations requiring you to be calm. This stone will allow you to become centered and balanced and will bring together the important aspects of  your life. For healing, use this stone for the brain and central nervous       system. It can also help when in a rut for it provides higher self-esteem and gives a feeling of purpose. In conjunction, it will help you achieve your goals.

Calendar of the Sun for December 6th

Calendar of the Sun

 

6 Yulmonath

Day of the North Wind

Colors: White, grey and black
Element: Air
Altar: On cloth of shades between white and black, place four white and grey candles, a vase of flags and banners in the colors of a snowy night, a bell with a clear tone, a knife, a glass of white wine, and incense of cypress and juniper.
Offerings: Blowing curls of paper into the wind. Ringing bells or wind chimes. Study and learning, especially of a field of knowledge that is difficult for you.
Daily Meal: Raw cold food.

Invocation to the North Wind

Breathe in!
Breathe in the wind of the North,
Cold and chill,
Ice-flecked wind that brings
The order for all life to sleep,
Forcing closed our tired eyes,
Wind that sweeps down from the poles,
Wind that sweeps away our resistance,
Wind that invites us to lie down
And embrace the darkness,
Whistling wind that comes in
Through the cracks and chinks
Of our fears and longings,
Breath of winter, wind that strokes the starry skies
Over the dead fields, and calls to us
With sere and weathered voice,
Black wind of night that cuts us
Like the razor-edged knife,
Have mercy on us!
Breathe in
And cleanse your body yet again.

Chant:

Boreas Boreas Breath of the North
Wind of knives

Song:

Wind’s Four Quarters

(Wind chimes and bells are rung. Wine is poured as a libation. All process outside and release messages on small curls of paper into the north wind.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Daily Motivator for December 5th – Enormous advantage

Enormous advantage

Your life is what you choose to make it. It cannot be any other way.

Other people may give you things, experiences, attention and knowledge. Yet  it is up to you to make meaning out of it all.

What happens is significant because of what you do about it. The value of  what you own is based on the value that you choose to give it.

Instead of seeking to gain an advantage, realize that you already have an  enormous advantage. It is your unique life, coupled with your ability to make  choices and to act on them.

There is no use in worrying about what has happened, or living in fear of  what might yet happen. There is everything to be gained by choosing to live each  moment with positive purpose.

You have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to choose how you envision  and live your life. Take the opportunity, now and always, to make it a joyous  and fruitful manifestation of the very best possibilities.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Your I Ching Hexagram for December 5th is 13: Fellowship

13: Fellowship

Wednesday, Dec 5th, 2012

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Fellowship. When communal bonds unite people, great success is possible. But such bonds can develop only when personal interests are subordinated to goals that serve the greater good of all. The broader the basis for action, the greater the benefits that can be achieved. And conversely, the greater the potential good, the more powerful the support behind it. A spirit of cooperation steadies the boat, but it helps to have a beautiful island to row towards.

Learn to respect the strength in diversity, for a community’s true power lies not in its numbers, but in the diverse skills and resources of its members. Just as the stoutest walls are reinforced with many different materials, so the strongest groups allow differences to co-exist inside the whole.

With a unified group solidly behind you, even difficult enterprises can be attempted without great risk.

Daily Motivator for December 4th – Delicious fulfillment

Delicious fulfillment

You can make something of this day, so do it now. You can transform challenge  into achievement, so go ahead and make it happen.

Opportunity is not some free ride that is granted to just a lucky few.  Opportunity is always there, available to anyone who is willing to work for it.

Transforming opportunity into achievement is not easy, and that is in fact  the whole point. It is in the effort that the value of achievement is created.

You can make that effort, this hour, this day, this year, and for as long as  you choose to make it. The more real, meaningful effort you’re willing to give,  the more your life and your world will be filled with achievement and value.

You can make something of this life, of this challenge, of this opportunity,  so do. Be willing, get busy, stay on it, and get yourself an increasing dose of  delicious fulfillment.

Give your very best, and get the very best of life in return. Make something  of it all, and make it all into something truly meaningful and great.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for December 4th – Now Is the Time

Now Is the Time

Bloom Where You Are Planted

 

by Madisyn Taylor

 

The time to blossom is now, not sometime in the future when you believe the stars will be aligned for you.

 

Having a vision for our future that differs from our current circumstances can be inspiring and exciting, but it can also keep us from fully committing to our present placement. We may become aware that this is happening when we notice our thoughts about the future distracting us from our participation in the moment. We may find upon searching our hearts that we are waiting for some future time or situation in order to self-actualize. This would be like a flower planted in North Dakota putting off blooming because it would prefer to do so in Illinois.

There are no guarantees in this life, so when we hold back we do so at the risk of never fully blossoming. This present moment always offers us the ground in which we can take root and open our hearts now. What this means is that we live fully, wherever we are, not hesitating because conditions are not perfect, or we might end up moving, or we haven’t found our life partner. This can be scary, because we might feel that we are giving up our cherished dreams if we do not agree to wait for them. But this notion that we have to hold back our life force now in order to find happiness later doesn’t really make sense. What might really be happening is that we are afraid to embrace this moment, and ourselves, just exactly as we are right now. This constitutes a tendency to hold back from fully loving ourselves, as we are, where we are.

We have a habit of presenting life with a set of conditions—ifs and whens that must be fulfilled before we will say yes to the gift of our lives. Now is the time for each of us to bloom where we are planted, overriding our tendency to hold back. Now is the time to say yes, to be brave and commit fully to ourselves, because until we do no one else will. Now is the time to be vulnerable, unfolding delicately yet fully into the space in which we find ourselves.

 

Daily OM

Yuletide Herb – Patchouli

Patchouli

Botanical: Pogostemon patchouli (PILL.)

Family: N.O. Labiatae

—Synonym—Pucha-pat.

—Part Used—The herb, yielding a volatile oil by distillation.

—Habitat—East and West Indies and Paraguay.

—Description—This fragrant herb, with soft, opposite, egg-shaped leaves and square stems, grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, giving out the peculiar, characteristic odour of patchouli when rubbed. Its whitish flowers, tinged with purple, grow in both axillary and terminal spikes. The crop is cut two or three times a year, the leaves being dried and packed in bales and exported for distillation of the oil. The best oil is freshly distilled near the plantations. That obtained from leaves imported into Europe, often damaged and adulterated even up to 80 per cent, is inferior. It is used in coarser perfumes and in ‘White Rose’ and ‘Oriental’ toilet soaps. Although the odour is objectionable to some, it is widely-used both in Asia and India. Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were distinguished by the odour, which has the unusual quality of improving with age. Hence the older oil is preferred by perfumers and used to confer more lasting properties upon other scents.

—Constituents—Oil of Patchouli is thick, the colour being brownish-yellow tinted green. It contains coerulein, the vivid blue compound found in matricaria, wormwood and other oils. It deposits a solid, or stearoptene, patchouli alcohol, leaving cadinene.

It is laevorotatory, with the specific gravity of 0.970 to 0.990 at 15 degrees C. (59 degrees F.).

—Medicinal Action and Uses—Its use is said to cause sometimes loss of appetite and sleep and nervous attacks. The Chinese, Japanese and Arabs believe it to possess prophylactic properties.

—Other Species and Adulterations— Java patchouli, often grown in Indian gardens for home use, is a product of Pogostemon Heyneanus.

The inferior oil of Assam is from Microtoena cymosa.

Cubeb and cedar oils are said to be usual adulterants.