The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, February 12th

*Tuesday (Mars): Passion, sex, courage, aggression and protection*

Mardi Gras

Waxing Moon

*The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you*

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Pisces

*Pisces: The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition and psychic impression. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities*

Moon enters Aries 8:51 pm

*Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.*

Incense: Bayberry

Color: Red

We are the flow, we are the ebb

We are the weavers (and), we are the web

We are the weavers, we are the web

We are the spiders (and), we are the thread

We are the spiders, we are the thread

We are the flow and, we are the ebb

We are the flow, we are the ebb

She is the weaver, we are the web

She is the weaver, and we are the web.

She is the needle and we are the thread.

Strand By Stand, Hand Over Hand

Thread By Thread, We Weave The Web

She weaves within us from beginning to end,

our great Mother, our Sister, and our Friend.

——Flow and Ebb

February 12th is best for….

Cut Firewood, Cut Hair to Increase Growth, Mow to Increase Growth, Castrate Farm Animals, Dig Holes, Wean, Potty Train, Wax Floors, Get Married, Start Diet to Gain Weight

Gardening Calendar

February 12th – February 13th

Plant Peppers, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and other aboveground crops in Southern Florida, California, and Texas. Extra good for Cucumbers, Peas, Cantaloupes, and other Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.

Fishing Calendar

February 12th Fishing is Predicted Good for the Evening Hours

The Moon Astrological Place and Its’ Association With the Body

February 12th Pisces “Fishes” In The Feet

More Tuesday Comments

Calendar of the Sun for January 21st

Calendar of the Sun

Carista – Day of Peace in the Family

Color: Lavender
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a lavender cloth set a tray of cakes shaped like clasping hands, and many cups full of hot tea.
Offerings: Promise to attempt to be more considerate of those you live with.
Daily Meal: Any food, but it must be served from one great plate for every table, and it should not be in separate portions.

Carista Invocation

May there be Peace in this house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Peace can be a hard mistress.
The daily round of the ordinary,
The simple turn of day and night and day
The presence of the same souls
Can come to be like a shadow on the sun,
And yet Peace still demands
That we find a way to move past
That ordinariness
And all the thousand thorns and briars
And bring Peace into the house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Take the hand of your sister, your brother,
The one who shares your roof, your table,
The ground you walk on,
Whose feet know the boards as well as your own,
And swear to find a way
To bring peace into the space between you.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)

Chant:
My brother, my heart, my sister, my soul;
My family, my life, come in from the cold;
My sister, my heart, my brother, my soul;
My family, my life, that makes this life whole.

(Instead of a ritual, this period of time should be used to mediate and address problems between members of the community, with emphasis on peacemaking and compromise and useful solutions. At the end of the meeting, all share cakes and tea.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Ancient Knowledge, Dreams, Visions And Understanding

Ancient Knowledge, Dreams, Visions And Understanding

Author: Lady Abigail

Dreams, impressions and visions have been a part of my life since my first memories. How excited I became on those special nights, nights my Great Grandmother called “dream nights.” Those special nights only came a few times a year. Sometimes it was cold with ice or snow on the ground, so being outdoors was impossible. But for those that came in the summer, what magickal nights they would truly be.

I was awakened in the early morning by thunder shaking the house. It was wood framed and the windows rattled with each clap. I could hear the wind slapping the branches of the willow tree against my bedroom window. The rain was beating so hard against the glass that it looked like a blue waterfall each time the lightening flashed. I was sitting up and watching out the window to see what might come next, when my Great Grandmother’s gentle voice called out for me.

She was up and already dressed. She was lighting the small candle on the table; I could see her long skirt with the clean, white, crisp apron tied in back. Her hair, braided long, was coming across her shoulder and looked like a thick silver rope. As she pinned her hair back into a bun, she said, “They’re just cleaning the sky, little one, so we can see the dreams in heaven tonight.”

She knew I had no fear of storms; I liked watching them. But I was worried that we would have to wait until another night, because of the rain. I was assured it would clear in plenty of time to read and enjoy the night.

Dream nights began in the evening, on the eve, as the sun would just begin to set. I would later understand this was the eve of the Winter and Summer Solstices. These were days of balance and harmony, days for seeking understanding.

It had been an especially long day for me. The storm kept us inside until afternoon and then I had to take a nap. Naps were something I really didn’t like.

By the time I had awakened, it was late afternoon. I could hear my Great Grandmother working in the kitchen; she was frying chicken for our picnic. I could smell the fresh baked corn muffins. I was allowed the special task of making the honey butter for our holiday night.

The sun was hot and the morning’s rain had made the day muggy. It seemed like a lifetime to me, as a child, waiting, as we got our baskets packed and ready to go. But soon my Great Grandmother picked up the blanket and it was time to go. I was so impatient; it felt like I had a swarm of bumble bees flying around in my stomach.

We walked the narrow path through the back woods to the meadow. I can still hear the birds, singing as we walked along. That meadow was miles from the house and used for growing hay that would be harvested in early fall. It was overflowing with flowers, giving off the sweet aromas from the hot summer day.

The sun was just lowering and caused long shadows on the ground as we arrived. I knew my way from there. It wasn’t long until my Great Grandmother was calling me down out of the great oak tree. She had placed our picnic underneath it, in the shade, where we made a small campfire in the ring of stones placed there since before I could remember.

It still brings joy to my heart, remembering how I had listened to my Great Grandmother as she would tell the legends of her family. As the sun began to set, I liked to lie on the blanket and watch the sky as each tiny star began to show. I would memorize my Great Grandmother’s face as she spoke to me of amazing stories and visions.

This was the time and place I learned to dream. Not the dreams that come from sleep, but the dreams that come as a gift; guided dreams, vision quests, impressions, the time in which we seek knowledge and understanding from the powers of light and dark.

By whatever name you call it, this is the power to walk the veils and travel time by means of energy, sight, or shape-shifting to gain knowledge in divination.

As I lay there, with my head on my Great Grandmother’s lap, I watched the moon slowly rise, making the night as bright as day. Visions and dreams, sounds and songs, came racing across the sky like brilliant flashes of lives recorded from people and places I did not know.

I saw those that lived long before the others came. I saw vast oceans, snow covered peaks, deserts, and lands alive with nature. I walked in lands erased by time and covered by progress. I joined my hands with those that had passed on before me; those that had paid the heaviest price for being different. I learned that I was made up of many parts, past and present, hopes and dreams, not all my own.

My first visions were times of learning. Learning who and what I was, learning that, even as a small child, I carried the knowledge and history of many lifetimes. They were memories of different people, spirits, some passing through, some native, and some that never walked this earth.

This gift of visions comes from learning how to utilize your magick and technique to access the powers of transforming and transformational control. This is found within birth, life, and death, as experienced in the seasons of all existence. To travel in this existence, you must learn to develop and deepen the use and understanding of ancient magickal traditions. Like my Great Grandmother, those who excelled in this ability were called Shamans, the Wise Ones, or Witches.

Again, the name is less important that the feat. It does not matter if you are female or male; it is in learning to respect all things, no matter the direction in life or beyond. If you seek understanding, then you must learn of all the worlds, seen and unseen. You must learn to be a master of your own state of mind. If you desire to enter the trance state, that which is both dreams, sleeping and waking, you must desire understanding of yourself, living and past. You must seek comprehension of who and what you are, before seeking to find answers in the veils of conscious and unconscious thought.

This gift, this power, comes from a consciousness beyond mere idea. Some may enter through meditation, beating a drum, dancing, chanting, or by using mystical brews, or joining with those who have passed before. These are only a few ways some begin this journey.

Once you call for a vision by way of a vision quest, lucidly dreaming, or trance, you must remain focused and conscious, always well aware that journeying into the veils means crossing boundaries of many worlds. This can only be done by seeking to gain insight and knowledge; information that can be brought back into this world and made real. This is done by validating what you learn through words and works, ritual, healing, and magick with complete respect.

I believe that to communicate with the spirit world, you must have a belief in the existence of individual spirits; spirits that not only exist within the consciousness of nature, but inhabit the consciousness of natural objects, as well. This comes as you learn that existence is both spiritual and physical. The two are one. We are both our spiritual and physical bodies. Once this is understood, you can unlock the possibilities to all.

Over the years, I have had to be careful who I allowed into this part of my life. To allow others to know the gifts I have been blessed with could have not only brought disbelief, but danger as well. Reactions from some can be saddening and painful. There are those that have no eyes to see beyond their own minuscule world.

Why? Is the idea of seeking insights by way of personal journeying and visions less acceptable than going to a psychiatrist to get understanding of our inner demons? Both are a seeking and finding within our own spirits; only the philosophies differ by time and traditions.

If this vision questing is your desire for seeking and divination of insight, first learn to visualize and guide yourself to your own personal goals. Then, be wise; learn how to form clear mental images. Learn to focus and direct energy in magick and ritual. As you seek and grow to appreciate your visions, they will come with greater clarity. This clarity will begin to open the door to understanding your own spirit. Then, in time, and with patience, you will begin traveling further than any physical existence.

For me, a vision quest is a quest for the visions within my soul. They help heal us or make us whole, both spiritually and personally. In times past, the elders taught the young how to find their path in life and find their spirits to aid them. I was fortunate; I had a Great Grandmother that taught me the old ways. Today, that is not as common; many have to be self-taught and travel alone.

Today, I can only travel back to the meadow within my visions and dreams. The field that was once filled with life is now gone; the great oak tree cut down, and the stones erased by time and progress. But this will not stop me from lying on the quilt beneath the great oak tree, or talking with my Great Grandmother.

Many have learned too well not to see and not to hear. They live in a world without color, afraid of the truth. Children of the light choose to be open to the visions, the dreams, and the spirits walking with us. We are unafraid of the truth.

Be blessed as you walk in the rainbows of life and witness all the colors before you.

VESUVIANITE

VESUVIANITE (IDOCRASE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Vesuvianite is composed of calcium, magnesium
and aluminum silicate, often with some beryllium and fluorine. The
chemistry is Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2)7)2(OH)4. Specimens range from brown
and green to a rare yellow or blue. The hardness is 6-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Vesuvianite forms by igneous and metamorphic processes. It
commonly is metamorphic and occurs with grossular, wollastonite, and
calcite in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks; with chromite and
magnetite in serpentinite of hydrothermal metamorphic rocks; and with
wollastonite, andradite, and diopside in carbonatites.

OCCURENCE: Gem-quality Vesuvianite has been obtained from a pegmatite in
marble near Sixteen Island Lake, Laurel, Argenteuil Co., Quebec, and
beautiful micromount cyrstals of purplish-pink color occur in massive
Vesuvianite at the Montral chrome pit at Black Lake, Megantic Co.,
Quebec. The blue variety called [cyprine] has been obtained at Franklin,
Sussex Co., New Jersey. Fine crystals up to 1-1/2 inches across occur in
pale-blue calcite at Scratch Gravel, near Helena, Lewis and Clark Co.,
Montana, and spectacular material of similar nature occurs at quarries
near Riverside, California. Beautiful pale-green massive Vesuvianite
([californite]) occurs in California at Pulga, Butte Co.,
and near Happy Camp, Siskiyou Co., and crude yellow prismatic crystals
occur with grossular at Xalostoc, Morelos, and Lake Jaco, Chihuahua,
Mexico.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Translucent gray to green or nearly colorless
Vesuvianite with green streaks is called [californite], and is often
sold as “California Jade.” Californite is fashioned into cabochons.
Principal sources are the USSR, Italy, Canada and California.

NAME: The name “Vesuvianite” is from the original locality at Mt.
Vesuvius, Italy. The alternate name, “idocrase,” comes from the Greek
[eidos,] “form”, and [krasis,] “mixture,” because Vesuvianite may appear
to combine the crystal forms of several other minerals.

LEGEND and LORE: None found.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Dolfyn associates this stone with Passion, enthus-
iasm, warmth and devotion.

HEALING: No specific information found, other than what Dolfyn states.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: None. I do not have a specimen of Vesuvianite.

——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from)”The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Some magical and healing information from “Crystal Wisdom, Spiritual
Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.
10. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and
notebooks.

Quiz of the Day – How Centered Are You?

How Centered Are You?

by Annie B. Bond

This fascinating quiz gives us important information about the ways we usually relate to the world: through thinking, feeling, intuiting, sensing–or from a centered place which many believe is the goal of our inner work and healing, a place of deeper/higher consciousness.

Take this multiple-choice quiz and learn more about your basic nature, here:

1. Your lost pet is returned to you, but the finder refuses your offer of a reward. You

a. Are deeply moved by the refusal, though you would have done the same in that position.

b. Inquire about the expense incurred in returning the pet and insist that the other accept that amount with your thanks.

c. Express your gratitude for having met such a fine person as the finder.

d. Know the finder doesn’t need the money or he or she wouldn’t have refused it, so you extend thanks.

2. At a restaurant a waiter spills some soup on your jacket. While he is apologizing, the manager intervenes and threatens to fire him for being so careless.

a. You assure both the manager and waiter that the jacket has not been damaged and the incident is unimportant.

b. Recalling mistakes you’ve made yourself, you reassure the manager that no great harm has been done.

c. You convince the manager he should excuse the accident if the waiter will pay for dry-cleaning your jacket.

d. You make light of the incident and joke about it with your companions.

3. A new neighbor has asked you for a recommendation to your employer for a position that is available. You don’t know the individual well enough to give a competent recommendation but you

a. Are pleased to have the neighbor know you have influence, so you agree to the request.

b. Agree to ask your employer to interview the neighbor.

c. Have a feeling he or she wouldn’t be right for the position, so you refrain from arranging any meeting.

d. Do as asked so you won’t hurt the feelings of the newcomer.

4. You are in line at a supermarket with about nine items in your basket, when someone with a full shopping cart asks to go ahead of you so as not to be late for an appointment. You have ample time. You a. Perceive that the person is always late, so invent an excuse for refusing. b. Are happy to be of assistance, so exchange places and start a conversation with the person. c. Know what it’s like to be late, so agree to change places. d. Realize the other couldn’t save that much time by going first, so invent an excuse for refusing.

5. On a television show you are offered the choice between taking a stated sum of money or gambling on what is behind a curtain. You decide

a. To follow your impulses, since whatever you receive will be best for you.

b. According to whether you need the money or can risk losing it for something that may be worthless to you.

c. To gamble on the prize behind the curtain because you’re enjoying being on the show and want to prolong the fun.

d. On the basis of your success or failure in guessing correctly in the past.

6. Everyone is taking a turn at telling stories at a gathering. You choose the content of your story on the basis of

a. What you believe is most suited to the backgrounds and interests of those present.

b. Some possible future incident of a science-fiction nature that would intrigue your listeners.

c. Whatever seems most important to you at the moment.

d. The inherent fascination of the topic, so you can tell one of the most memorable stories.

7. Though you are happy in your present position and expect advancement, you are offered an immediate promotion in another part of the country. You decide

a. You will refuse the offer rather than leave your family, friends, and current business associates.

b. That while you have considered the situation, no clear alternative seems preferable, so on the basis of a hunch you decide it is or isn’t right for you.

c. After carefully considering the pros and cons of the matter.

d. That what is in your best interest will happen without any strenuous effort on your part.

Here is the key. Just note in which category you scored highest:

a=feeling

b=thought

c=centered

d=intuition

a=centered

b=feeling

c=thought

d=sensation

a=sensation

b=centered

c=intuition

d=feeling

a=intuition

b=sensation

c=feeling

d=thought

a=centered

b=thought

c=sensation

d=feeling

a=thought

b=intuition

c=centered

d=sensation

a=feeling

b=intuition

c=thought

d=centered

Lighten Up – Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary

Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary – Prefers to remain anonymous

Day 752— My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I’m forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

Day 761—-Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving in and out of their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, note must try at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair……must try doing this on their bed.

Day768—I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was given the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called (shampoo). What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of the thumb still stuck between my teeth.

Day 771—There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they called ” Beer”. More importantly I over heard that my confinement was due to my Power of Allergies. Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 774—I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half wit. The bird on-the-other-hand has got to be an informant he speaks with them on a regular basis. I am certain he is reporting on my every move. Due to his placement in a metal room his safety is assured. But, I can watch and I can wait. It is only a matter of time.

Going Solar: Answers to Common Questions

By Erica Sofrina, Author of Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World

Solar energy has been around for decades, but in the past few years it has finally started to take off in residential markets. Previously it was considered too expensive, but times have changed. The rising electricity costs, improvements in panel technology, mass production of them as well as federal and local governmental incentives have driven costs down.

Given all these current factors, going solar now is a much more affordable investment which can lead you to free energy, increased property value & a chance to do your part in going green.

As a part of my green home series, I interviewed my friend David Javate of SolarUniverse and asked him if he would demystify solar and answer some common questions and misunderstandings:

Erica: Could you explain in simple terms exactly how solar energy works?

David: Solar panels consist of “cells” of chemically treated silicon. These silicon cells, when hit with light, induce a chemical reaction which produces DC current. An inverter converts DC current into AC current which can then be used by your household. Any unused electricity gets fed back to the grid, which in turn spins your energy meter backwards.

E: Is solar reliable?

D: Absolutely. Solar energy has been around for over 50 years, and is a safe and reliable source of energy. Panels are normally warrantied for a 25 year lifespan, but usually last longer. There’s a reason that NASA chose solar panels to power their satellites. You may also notice them on street signs and some public buildings.

E: What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

D: Traditionally, electricity is generated through the use of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Use of these fossil fuels produces carbon emissions which cause pollution and global warming. The main environmental benefit of solar energy is that using solar does not produce any carbon emissions. Throughout the lifespan of a photovoltaic solar system for a 3 bedroom house, one could potentially reduce the carbon emissions equivalent to 140,000 tons of carbon, 227,00 miles not driven, or 2,500 acres of trees saved.

E: Is solar a good investment for the basic homeowner?

D: It depends on the household and your usage. Physical issues first need to be considered: Your roof should be south or southwest facing, should have minimal shading obstructions and should also have enough space to hold the appropriate number of panels to cover your energy goals.

In California where we are based, we usually recommend it as an energy solution if your electric bill tends to be over $130/month if you are considering a leasing option; however, if buying is an option, homeowners with bills of $50-75/month can reap the benefits.

Currently, there are a number of incentives available, such as a 30 percent federal tax credit, rebates through your utility company, and local incentives, such as the GoSolarSF initiative which provides a $2,000 grant towards installation for homes in San Francisco. If you choose to buy your system, typical systems can have a payback period of 5-7 years. After you’ve paid it off you’ll be able to reap the benefits of free & clean energy for the next 20 years!

E: What if someone doesn’t have the money now? Are there financing alternatives?

D: The most attractive financing alternative is leasing. These come in different forms, with or without a down payment, with or without a fixed interest rate, and in a prepaid form, where a bulk amount of the lease payments are made in advance at a discount. Depending on the lease you secure, you should be able to take advantage of a substantially lower electric bill, at a monthly predictable rate, without the upfront cost of buying.

E: If someone is interested in looking into a solar alternative, what should they do next?

D: Do some research:

Look at your electric bill. Has it become a rising and annoying cost for you? Is it causing you to limit your enjoyment in some activities?
Research solar companies in your area. Check them out on review websites like Yelp & Angie’s list.
See what solar incentives are available to you through your utility company, your city and county.
Consider buying versus leasing. Buying can be a great investment which pays for itself in a few years. Leasing can reduce your electric bill, while also giving a predictable fixed rate for energy.

Solar energy can be a great energy solution which can zero out your electric bill, add value to your property, and help reduce carbon emissions which harm the environment. Not all homes are ideally suited to take full advantage of solar, but with the info given in this article you should have a good starting point to figure out if going solar is a wise choice for you.

David Javate is a SUN Advisor for SolarUniverse South San Francisco, and currently services homeowners in the San Fransisco Bay Area. You can reach him at djavate@solaruniverse.com Website: www.solaruniverse.com

Readers please note: This article is solely for educational purposes, I have no financial connection to the company mentioned.

10 Most Polluted Cities in the U.S.

By Brian Merchant, TreeHugger

There’s a pretty good chance you live in a city with air that’s so polluted it’s often unhealthy to breathe. Yes, you. Forty-one percent of Americans do. That’s 127 million people. That’s way too many.

The American Lung Association just released its annual ‘State of the Air’ report, which breaks down the most polluted cities in the nation. As usual, most of them can be found in California’s Central Valley. Here are the three different ‘top ten’ lists, according to the different kinds of pollution:

Cities with the Most Year-Round Particulate Pollution

#1: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#2: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#3: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#4: Visalia-Porterville, CA
#5: Fresno-Madera, CA
#6: Pittsburgh-New Castle, PA
#7: Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ
#8: Cincinnati-Middletown-Wilmington, OH-KY-IN
#9: Louisville-Jefferson County-Elizabethtown-Scottsburg, KY-IN
#10: Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland, PA-NJ-DE-MD
#10 (It’s a tie!): St. Louis-St. Charles-Farmington, MO-IL

Cities with the Most Short-Term Particulate Pollution
#1: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#2: Fresno-Madera, CA
#3: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#4: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#5: Modesto, CA
#6: Pittsburgh-New Castle, PA
#7: Salt Lake City-Ogden-Clearfield, UT
#8: Logan, UT-ID
#9: Fairbanks, AK
#10: Merced, CA

Cities with the Most Ozone Pollution

#1: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, CA
#2: Visalia-Porterville, CA
#3: Bakersfield-Delano, CA
#4: Fresno-Madera, CA
#5: Hanford-Corcoran, CA
#6: Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Yuba City, CA-NV
#7: San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
#8: Houston-Baytown-Huntsville, TX
#9: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
#10: Merced, CA

Hey, strong showing in all three by Bakersfield, L.A., and Hanford-Corcoran—nice work fellas; way to hustle.

If you’re looking for a silver lining in a report as inherently depressing as this one, at least there’s this: 22 of the 25 most polluted cities showed signs of improvement from last year’s report. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why we need tough air quality standards and plans to reduce traffic congestion—they work!—and we need them to keep getting stricter and more progressive, until 41 percent of the country isn’t breathing polluted air.

10 Tips for Creating a Zero Waste Home

By Erica Sofrina, Author of Small Changes Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World

I do my part to recycle and bring my own bags for purchases, but I am far from producing zero waste. While lugging multiple recycling bins to the curbside every week it has occurred me that I have a lot of recycling for only one person. I never totally connected the dots that the goal should be to have a system where all of the wrappers, junk mail, jars and cans don’t enter my home to begin with!

I was recently inspired by a television show where Bea and Scott Johnson of Mill Valley, California talked about their Zero waste lifestyle. They produce the equivalent of a quart jar of waste per month for their entire family of four. Now that is pretty close to zero waste and a goal I am going to aspire to!

In a recent article about them in Sunset magazine, I was inspired by their commitment as a family to leave a lighter footprint. Their children are just as committed to the cause, and wrap their lunches in large cloths which they roll up and carry to school and reuse the next day. They have simplified their lives so completely that they are able to pack up on a dime and spend extended periods of time traveling and doing things they love. They are able to pay for the trips because of the 40 percent less they are spending on living expenses! They also rent their home while they are gone and use it as a teaching tool with detailed instructions for the renters on how they can create a zero waste lifestyle.

I yearned for the freedom from encumbrances that they have achieved, and the good feeling that comes from knowing my lifestyle is completely in alignment with my ethics about sustainability for the planet. I am inspired by their example to do more!

In Bea’s recent article in Yes magazine, she outlines 10 tips to help the average person get on board and move closer towards zero waste. Here are some of her great suggestions:

Refuse what you do not need.
Reduce what you do need.
Reuse by using reusables.
Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce or reuse.
Rot (compost) the rest.

Refuse

1. Fight junk mail. It’s not just a waste of resources, but also of time. Register to receive less at dmachoice.org, optoutprescreen.com and catalogchoice.org.

2. Turn down freebies from conferences, fairs, and parties. Every time you take one, you create a demand to make more. Do you really need another “free” pen?

Reduce

3. Declutter your home, and donate to your local thrift shop. You’ll lighten your load and make precious resources available to those looking to buy secondhand.

4. Reduce your shopping trips and keep a shopping list. The less you bring home, the less waste you’ll have to deal with.

Reuse

5. Swap disposables for reusable (start using handkerchiefs, refillable bottles, shopping totes, cloth napkins, rags, etc.). You might find that you don’t miss your paper towels, but rather enjoy the savings. [Noted!]

6. Avoid grocery shopping waste: Bring reusable totes, cloth bags (for bulk aisles), and jars (for wet items like cheese and deli foods) to the store and farmers market. [I always keep reusable totes in my car.]

Recycle

7. Know your city’s recycling policies and locations—but think of recycling as a last resort. Have you refused, reduced, or reused first? Question the need and life-cycle of your purchases. Shopping is voting.

8. Buy primarily in bulk or secondhand, but if you must buy new, choose glass, metal, or cardboard. Avoid plastic: Much of it gets shipped across the world for recycling and often ends up in the landfill (or worse yet, the ocean).

Rot

9. Find a compost system that works for your home and get to know what it will digest (dryer lint, hair, and nails are all compostable).

10. Turn your home kitchen trash can into one large compost receptacle. The bigger the compost the more people will use it. [I will add that you want to have a bin that has a lid and is an attractive receptacle.]

I hope you will join me in working toward these zero waste goals in your own household. I am going to start today with stopping the junk mail, which has been a goal of mine for ages and I am ashamed that I haven’t gotten around to it….Done!

Herb of the Day for June 11 – Chaparral Leaf

Herb of the Day – Chaparral Leaf

Native to the Southwestern parts of US and Mexico, Chaparral Leaf, or Larrea tridentata has long been used among Native Americans to treat arthritis, respiratory ailments, and even cancer. Interestingly, the plant produces a sap that keeps other plants from growing near itself, and while the branches may wither or fall off, the crown rarely dies and sometimes reproduces itself. Indeed, an example in California is believed by some to be well over 11,000 years old. For these qualities it was often revered within local lore, and the Southwestern Native Americans often used the sap as a sunscreen, and the plant in general as a treatment for assorted ailments, including blood poisoning, and liver disease. They also used to the leave to brew a tea that they would use to rid the body of parasites.

Modern herbalists see it most commonly as an expectorant, of great use in treating respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and the coughing symptoms of the common cold. Chaparral Leaf has also been shown to possess antioxidant qualities, believed to help destroy the particles that destroy cells and possibly cause cancer. Studies have been conducted that show the leaf to aid in restricting cancerous growth. While the leaf possesses a great many positive qualities, it has been shown to occasionally react poorly with the liver, and you should discontinue use if you experience nausea, fever, fatigue, or Jaundice while using the herb.

Pagan’s Point of Interest – Pagans and the Pledge of Allegiance

Pagans and the Pledge of Allegiance

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

Recently, during a conversation about schools and the Pledge of Allegiance, someone casually said to me, “Oh, you don’t say it, though, right? Because you’re not a Christian?” It wasn’t said in a confrontational way at all, but I was kind of surprised by the logic behind the statement. On thinking about it, I suspect it may not be an uncommon attitude among people who don’t know anything about Paganism.

Let’s face it, the Pledge of Allegiance can be a pretty hot-button issue for some folks. After all, there’s that whole separation of church and state bit, and here we are asking our children to recite an oath to the United State which includes a reference to what is clearly the Christian deity. But — much like other controversial issues in today’s society — there’s no big rulebook that says “Pagans can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance!”

The Pledge of Allegiance is actually based upon a poem written by a Baptist minister in 1892. Originally, it read as follows: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. That was it. No mention of God, or even the United States itself. The reference to the “flag of the United States of America” was added in the early 1920s. During the Communist uproar of the 1950s, the words “under God” were added by Congress, turning the simple pledge into what some people see as public prayer.

So — do Pagans say the Pledge of Allegiance? I spoke to a few Pagans from around the country to see how they would respond to this issue, and the answers might surprise you.

Morgaine S., a Wiccan from Summerville, South Carolina, said, “I’m a Navy veteran and so is my husband, and I do love my country. I wouldn’t feel right about not saying the Pledge when asked to. I say the Pledge, but when I do I say “under my gods,” rather than the “under God” that everyone else says.”

A ceremonial magician who asked to be identified only as Lucius has just the opposite perspective. He said, “I don’t say the Pledge at all, because if you have to tell someone to pledge their allegiance, it’s meaningless. An oath of allegiance, whether it involves a god or not, should be voluntary and not something I’m compelled to do.”

Finally, Justyn Raine is a Pagan from California who says it doesn’t matter what god is referred to in the Pledge. “I say “under God,” because in my heart I know I’m referring to my god, not someone else’s. If you believe in any god at all, you can say the Pledge of Allegiance as it’s written.”

So, what does this mean to people who are wondering if they should say the Pledge? Political opinions aside, it’s a matter that’s a personal one — if you feel comfortable with saying the Pledge as it is currently written, go ahead. If you’d like to substitute your own deity’s name — or the phrase “under gods” instead — then do so. Likewise, if you don’t believe you should say the Pledge at all — for whatever reason — then don’t do it. The choice is yours — after all, in the United States we have the freedom to speak (or not speak) as our conscience guides us.

Find and Use Places of Power

by George D. Jackson

Most of us have been in areas where we have experienced a certain alignment of comfort, creativity and sometimes awe. The waves of positive probability seem to be especially high in these locations. Some locations, in contrast, cause one to feel uneasy and unwelcome. In magickal terminology, this sense of presence is often called the “genius loci,” the spirit of the place. This phenomenon can vary in size from a whole region to areas just a few inches in measurement.

How this presence makes itself felt frequently depends on a person’s mental, spiritual, and emotional makeup. It has been said that no matter what your educational background, emotionally you’re an alchemist. You live in a world of liquids, solids and gases and the heat transfer that accompanies changes in state. These are the things you perceive, the things you feel. So when it comes to the day-to-day sensations of living, you treat with the five elements of the ancient philosophers: earth, air, fire, water and spirit.

Experienced magick users generally use these five elemental levels of sensation to acquire a consciousness of their environmental conditions — including the genius loci. Tools to use to acquire this consciousness include observation and invocation. Emotion is the prime fuel for magickal operations of most sorts, and experienced magick users actively seek out positive places of power where evocation can be practiced to focus various emotional energies. For example, if one determines a place makes one feel creative, and one has magickally explored it by observation and meditation, it may well be a good place to focus energies in spell work for creativity.

With all of this in mind, I would like to relate to you how the genius loci in various places have affected me during my life.

In July 1973, I decided to move to the High Sierra. I owned a cabin in an area called Cold Springs, which is on the western slope of the mountains. Highway 108 leads to this place, which is about 30 miles above Sonora, California. The location is thickly forested and marked in places with old lava flows, some of them over a hundred feet high. I hadn’t spent any real time there before, a couple of days now and then, but now I was settling in for a long stay.

In a very short time, I began to feel I was being watched, combined with a sense of isolation. However, to balance this I felt a strong flow of creative energy. After being there for a few months, I invited a friend who was a professional astrologer to come up and stay for a while. During his visit, I found two how-to books on witchcraft at a nearby resort village and started studying and experimenting with the Art. At the same time, my friend began to develop a new style of approach to astrology. After about three months, he returned to Southern California, and in July 1974 so did I.

All during my residence in the High Sierra, the genius loci made me feel a bit alienated and unwelcome. I found out from talking to some of the long-term dwellers in the area that this sense of disapproving presence was not uncommon among them. States of depression often bedeviled them, particularly during the winter when snowfall made travel difficult. The spirit of that area extracted a heavy toll for living in its province, alive with scenic beauty as it is.

I remember driving up the mountain one winter night all alone on the highway. The sky was clear, and the moon was full. The whole landscape blazed with a silver fire reflected off the snow-covered lava flows and the branches of the trees. It filled me with awe, and I will never forget that experience. The genius loci seemed to say, “This is what I am in my glory.” Still, the price for moments like this was very high, and in the end I fled the raw, aggressive presence of that place.

Southern California is a vortex of creativity, dreams and illusions. This is epitomized in Hollywood, which could be considered the world capital of illusion. Surrounding this center of illusionary activity was at one time more than 50 percent of the nation’s aerospace industry, where dreams were converted into reality. The Los Angeles basin is border on one side by mountains and on the other by the Pacific Ocean. The land on which it rests is crisscrossed with fault lines that cause movement often enough that the locals have come to accept earthquakes as relatively normal occurrences. Further, they consider this a small price to pay for being able to dwell in a place where the overall climate, semiarid, is close to ideal. Over this area hangs an inversion layer like the lid on a pot that has a tendency to allow the several million cars traveling on the area’s many roads to turn it into a gigantic gas chamber. This does have the effect of mitigating the otherwise idyllic climatic conditions. Be this what it may, the regional genius loci draws people to it like a magnet does iron filings. However, it is not the only spirit of the place that is in residence there.

It was to Southern California I returned in 1974, and after a year or so of moving about in the area finally settled in a district in Long Beach called Belmont Shores. The apartment I moved into was about four blocks from where the ocean meets the sand.

During this period, magick had become an established part of my psyche, and the years to come would only reinforce this. I took a part-time job in an occult store located in Sea Port Village in San Pedro and began to further develop my magickal outlook and practice. Thanks to my part-time job, I began to meet like-minded people and finally became able to engage in group rituals.

About six blocks or so from my apartment, a stairway led down from the top of the bluffs facing the ocean to the beach below. Many years before, I had often come to this place to contemplate what was going on in my life. The genius loci in that immediate area had always had a welcoming and calming effect on me. Now I went there to practice spell work on the beach and call upon the powers of the ocean to aid in my efforts. The Spirit of the Place seemed to revel in this activity, and some of my most successful rituals were accomplished there. Years later an elemental force, probably the genius loci, manifested in this location as a whirlwind of sand and water, clearly visible to all of the participants in the ritual who had unwittingly helped to raise it. The experience left some of them a bit shaken and me in a high state of elation. That is a true place of power.

I mentioned at the beginning of this article that some places of power can be quite small. Among the most common places of this nature are certain fishing spots. Fishermen frequently refer to their secret fishing holes as places of power, though not often in this exact terminology. My astrologer friend and I had one at Don Pedro Reservoir in central California. It consisted of a boulder that extended a bit over the water. It never failed to yield fish when the water levels were right. I’ve been a fisherman for many years and have read all kinds of explanation for why certain areas draw fish. The last time I visited that place, the lake had been lowered and the rock was 50 feet above the water line. No surface structure in the ground below the boulder was apparent that would make it a gathering place for fish. I suspect that the genius loci of that spot attracted fish.

I have noticed the spirit of a place can change over time. Perhaps, like a battery, constant use saps its energy, or in some cases changes positive to negative. Maybe the attitudes of the people who come to live in such a place help to effect this type of change. In chaos theory, there is a phenomenon referred to as strange attractors, which are outside forces affecting flow. We may fit this description in the case of spirits of place. How often have you returned to a place to find the presence you expected changed or in some cases vanished?

the daily humorscopes for tuesday, may 15th

the daily humorscope

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Strange things continue to happen. Today you will put on a long-sleeved shirt, only to discover that the sleeves now extend past your fingertips. You didn’t say anything inappropriate to an elderly British gentleman with strange green eyes, recently? Let’s hope not.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Musical inspiration will strike you today, and you’ll invent some sort of new instrument that looks like a Hoover vacuum bag with a few bits of odd plumbing sticking out of it. The good thing is, the instrument will rivet people’s attention to such a degree that you can indulge your tendency towards cross-dressing without anyone noticing!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Hug day, today. Various people you know will come up and give you a hug, for no apparent reason. You will find this moderatly embarrassing.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Dogs barking. Can’t fly without umbrella.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You will begin making strange facial expressions, completely unconsciously, in which you push your lips out as far as possible. Also, you will begin spending hours staring at tropical fish.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Good time to wear WAY too much cologne. Well actually, that’s generally not a problem for people who wear cologne. Usually, they have no sense of smell. (Oh come on – you think they’d do that on purpose??)

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

You will finally begin your novel! This is very good, since if you’d decided to write a screen play, you would have had to move to California and drive a taxi.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You will lurk, today. There’s nothing that wrong with lurking, after all, and it’s occasionally somewhat refreshing. In fact, you’ll soon begin work on How To Lurk, a best-selling self-help book on the topic.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

You are about to invent a night light in the shape of a chess piece, which you will name the “Nighty Knight”. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)

Today you will be struck by an odd thought. It will do little actual damage, fortunately.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)

Your plans to take over the world move forward to the next stage, soon, right on schedule. What you need now is a hunch-backed henchperson with pale protruding eyes. Fortunately for you, a suitible candidate will soon show up at your door, dressed as a peanut.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Good day to use the expression “just dandy” as much as possible. Tomorrow: “okey dokey” day.

My (Not So) Normal Eclectic Life Story

My (Not So) Normal Eclectic Life Story

Author: Greywolf

Merry Meet! My name is Jordan, but you can call me Greywolf for short. Well I guess it all starts where and how I was raised. I was born in California, but I grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas with my mother and my stepfather. My parents got divorced when I was a young child and my father stayed in California while my mother moved away to Arkansas. My mother and father were raised in “The Truth, ” as they refer to it, although most people know the religion as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness throughout my entire childhood. Yes, this includes me going “door to door” and knocking in the deep boondocks of Arkansas to talk about God to a lot of very interesting characters, while leaving the “Watchtower” and/or an “Awake” in a folded fashion below the handle of a screen door. (Here’s the shocker) and not celebrating any birthdays, holidays, or festivals of any kind.

I guess because of this religion, I’ve always felt out-of-place, compared to all the other kids in the classroom. Although, it did teach me to have very good social skills and an outgoing personality which I admire (most of the times) .

I’ll always remember the times in class when my classmates would stand up to recite the daily pledge on the announcements. I was always the one still sitting in my chair while my new classmates would urge me to stand up and put my hand over my heart, not knowing of my faith; or maybe it was the time when there was a birthday kid in the class and everyone would eat the pink and blue frosted cupcakes that were guzzled down by everyone. Everyone except me, of course.

But to top it off, I would always end up having to move to a different house or apartment because of financial issues. I suppose your probably wondering now how I got here now, so enough of my childhood. Let’s move on to the adolescent age shall we?

Well after an extremely long period of time and a lot of argumentation between my Jehovah’s Witness mother and my disfellowshipped (excommunicated as you might know it) father, my mother agreed for my only brother and I to go to a school in California for a year.

Middle school was one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with my entire life so far. I was not prepared for such a cultural change and shift; it still baffles me how I survived it. Nevertheless, it was horrible; kids were mean and talking about drugs (in which, by the way, I’ve never heard the names of in Arkansas) and sex.

I was constantly picked on (luckily I didn’t have an accent because of my California born and raised mother and step-father) because of my differences. Though I thought I was perfectly dressed just the way I was. But apparently my classmates weren’t fond of it at all. And they weren’t too shy to make that clear either.

On the bright side I was able to have my first birthday (in which I was 12 by the way) and I got to celebrate some of the fun holidays (I went to Arkansas Christmas break and stayed there till summer) that were once considered immoral.

I made one friend and he was my best friend as well. I hung out with some of his friends as well, so I wasn’t a complete loner. Although barely anybody at my school knew me and if the did, then it was because I was one very annoying and short little kid. Despite all of that I was failing a lot of classes and usually got bad marks by my teachers for acting out and being “disruptive” in class.

Although it sounds like I’ve had a fun original life. It was quite the opposite. I suffered from depression and tried committing suicide twice in my middle school. I down a whole bottle of extra-strength ibuprofen while I was in the bathroom during my history class period.

About ten minutes after I went back to class, I asked my teacher to go to the nurse because I was having a hard time breathing (I knew it was working by then) . But when I got to the nurse she dismissed it as the cold weather affecting my lungs. I went back to class and found out that I wasn’t going to die and the breathing problem was all in my head caused by me hyperventilating about the whole situation. I know now that the only reason I lived was because the goddess saved me. But I didn’t know it.

Well not quite yet, that is.

Since I was a dumb loner nerd I would always go to the library 24/7. The library would be full of books, that I wished were my friends that would entertain me with stories to replace so many of my friends, in which I’ve never acquired in those years. Then one evening when I was “hanging out” (in the library of course) I came across a black and white book.

“Teen Witch: Wicca for a new generation” written by Silver Ravenwolf was one of the coolest books I’ve ever encountered in a public library so far. But as suspected, that most definitely wasn’t my initial thought as I approached the book with curiosity and fear as if the book would jump up and attack me. I checked my back to see of anyone was watching as a raced to grab the book (as if God himself was in the library watching my every move) off the table and made a dash to the small chair by the window in the farthest corner of the library.

As I skimmed through the pages, my heart was beating so fast and strong I thought the bottle of ibuprofen was just kicking in, although it had been three months since I took them. I decided that the book was interesting and it was not of the most evil of the world as I proceeded to the checkout.

Surprisingly my first remark about Witchcraft came from the librarian who helped me check out the book.

“Planning on turning someone into a toad?” he remarked.

I responded with a cold smile wondering if there was a spell to turn him into a toad right then.

I must admit that when I read that book, I thought I was an “Insta-Witch” and I made a book report to my English class about the book. Stupid idiotic mistake. I regretted that report throughout the rest of my 7th and 8th grade year with all the remarks of students to me.

Three years, dozens of books and a couple teachers later, here I am. Enlightened, focused and happy that I made the best decision of my life by taking that book. I’ve learned so much during these years through practice and dedication. Although I haven’t been initiated yet, nor am I in a coven, I am surprised of how far I came with this way of life. Witchcraft has helped me through my depression, problems, and my way of thinking.

Although I haven’t came out of any closets yet about my faith to my friends I have managed to keep my social life, educational life, extracurricular life, family life And spiritual life in balance and comfortably intertwined with another.

I have many friends at school and I even got nominated for homecoming lord my freshman year! From a loser and an outcast, to a popular guy at school, I consider my life to be “on track.” I do not wear black, I don’t particularly like rock at all (I prefer hip-hop, R and B and pop) nor do I wear a pentacle, nonetheless, I am proud to be one outstanding (if I may say so myself) Eclectic Witch.

Go Pagans!

Precious Pup of the Day for May 1

Name:	Kahlua	Age:	Five years old
Gender:	Female	Breed:	Bichon Frisé, Poodle mix
Home:	San Jose, California, USA
This is Kahlua, our loving family member! She is a five-year-old Bichon Poo. Kahlua loves to go on walks in the park, shopping trips, and visits to her Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Kahlua’s Grandma loves to hide in the house just to hear Kahlua’s little feet run through the entire house to find her, and when she finds her, Kahula will take her to where her treats are located and jump high for a treat! Watching this is a fun treat for all of us!Kahlua also enjoys playing with her toys, but her timing is way off! When you’re getting ready for bed – this is her play time! Kahlua will hop into the bed with one toy, then get another one, and then another one, and wants you to play with her! When you wake up in the morning, the bed is filled with all her toys!! Kahlua also loves to visit her Great Grandma and her cousins Bailey and Harley in Monterey, California. This photo was taken at Monterey where she enjoys walking on the beach with her cousins. Kahlua is a bundle of joy that makes us not sweat the small stuff in life!

Dog-gone Doggie of the Day for April 20th


Name:	Mars	Age:	One and a half years old
Gender:	Male	Breed:	Black Labrador Retriever
Home:	San Diego, California, USA
Mars is an energetic Black Lab who loves doing anything outside. He enjoys many trips to dog beach and walks in the surrounding regional parks. We live in San Diego, so the weather is usually good, and there are lots of choices of places to take him! He is constantly the center of attention (both good and bad), and is adored by anyone who meets him. Although at times his energy is a little overwhelming, a quick toss of the ball outside or a nice walk always calms him down. His favorite trick to do is “high five,” of course a treat is always appreciated when doing this. He loves to get his belly rubbed and does the most adorable head tilt when you are talking to him. It really looks like he understand every word you say! Overall, Mars is the friendliest Lab you will ever meet and always wants to play with new friends. Recently Mars went to a doggie cafe social at the local humane society and won first place in the trick competition they had! He basically outlasted all the other dogs by knowing how to do the most tricks which was super fun and exciting! See more images of Mars!

Special Kitty of the Day for April 10th


Name:	Boarpig	Age:	Ten years old
Gender:	Male	Kind:	Maine Coon mix
Home:	California, Maryland, USA
My pet’s name is Boarpig – Boar for short – and he is a part Maine Coon cat. He adopted us when he was a small kitten. We had just moved to a new neighborhood in California, Maryland and he showed up on our doorstep. At first he was an outdoor kitty, but he soon moved indoors. He loves both my husband and myself. Boar only tolerates several other people when they come to visit. He has the run of the house and we can find him sleeping in any room on the bed or in a chair. He loves to lie in his bed in front of the gas fireplace when we have it on. He weights twenty pounds and has to sit on his master’s lap every night after dinner for around an hour. He also insists we comb him every morning – he goes and lays down on a rug beside the drawer in which we keep his comb and brush. But that keeps him looking his best, and that dense coat free from matts, so we never object! We love him.

Look Who Came A Callin’! It’s the Easter Bunny! Chocolate, Chocolate..


Name:	Toby	Age:	Four years old
Gender:	Male	Kind:	Rabbit
Home:	Menifee, California, USA
This is our pet rabbit, Toby. We got him from a rescue shelter about four years ago. He was so tiny that he could be carried around in a jacket pocket. Toby used to live in a cage in my oldest son’s room, but we soon discovered that he was not very happy being locked up. Toby now lives in our backyard cage-free. He eats grass and plants at his leisure. We still provide a bowl of rabbit pellets and a dish of water, but he prefers eating the plants around the yard. Toby is friends with our dog, Daisy. Sometimes they sit together under the palm tree. Occasionally, Toby tries to come into the house for a visit. We let him in once in a while, but he has to be watched since he chews wires. Toby will let us pet him when he is in the mood. He loves to have his head and ears rubbed. Toby is a spunky, little bunny who is lots of fun. We love Toby dearly.

Solitary Witchcraft

by Raelayna Alvarez

I became a solitary witch at first because there wasn’t an outspoken pagan community in my area. Although I live in California south of San Francisco, the community that surrounds my home isn’t as open-minded as its northern counterparts. It was hard to find support, let alone a coven. When I began to practice and learn about being a witch, I was alone and hidden. I am no longer hidden, but I have grown accustomed to practicing alone, doing what I feel are the right things to do. I imagine a coven is a wonderful gathering of witches, but for someone who is used to being solitary and not really comfortable with being in a large group, I find my way most beneficial for me.

Being a solitary witch in my opinion is cozy. I feel closer to my Goddess and God because I can say what I sense and not rely on my group to agree or disagree. What I do comes from my heart and my traditions; it isn’t always a set thing. I don’t have to worry about telling anyone in advance that I changed the words or actions a bit; I just do it. Another reason I feel more at home with solitary witchcraft is the fact that I know when I am ready, when my mind is set to do magick and when I am comfortable to do it. I can take my time and release energy when I feel it is necessary. I do not have to work within the perimeters of another person, or a whole group.

Although I enjoy being a solitary witch, I tend to lack in certain areas that a coven might excel in, such as gathering energy. Sometimes I find it hard to muster up the right kind of energy for my task, or for casting a circle. Certain types of magick, too, tend to be more productive with more then one person (for example, sex magick). I can say that magick can be seen on a different level when others are involved. A spirit person might communicate better with someone of the opposite sex, or an additional person might bring a different interpretation that may change the way you do things. Others may be more open to the effects of energies and can bring insight that wasn’t possible with just you alone.

In my practices as a solitary witch, I come to my Goddess and God with humility, yet with love and familiarity, much like that of a close friend or relative. I recognize every day that my Goddess and God have given me things that no one else, no matter how important, could give me. I look into my heart and mind for the knowledge they bless me with that I might otherwise not see. I can work skyclad or with clothes. I can make my work as long or as short as needed. I can choose the time and place, then change it depending on how things work out.

Many people say that one cannot be a proper witch without being initiated into or being part of a coven. In my case, that simply is not true. I love the way things have worked out for me, and I question whether it would be this good had I joined a coven. I find happiness in the fact that I worship my Goddess and God every day. The way I choose is the best way for me and who I am. A coven might well make me feel uneasy and out of touch. I’m afraid I would feel left out. Solitary witchcraft may not be the best for everyone, but I find it perfect for me.

Vets Share Worst Things Their Pet Patients Ate

Nicolas, selected from petMD

Every year Veterinary Practice News holds a contest called “They Ate What?” in which veterinarians and clinic staff send in X-rays and case descriptions of the craziest things their patients have swallowed. The contest is a fun way to share offbeat incidents from the trenches of veterinary practice, but the stories do serve as a reminder that our pets need to be protected from the consequences of their dietary indiscretions. Here are a few highlights from the 2011 “They Ate What?” contest. Click through for the runners up and grand prize winner.

Honorable Mentions:

Melissa Seavey, Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, Westborough, MA

Ten baby bottle nipples were removed from the stomach of a 4-month-old golden retriever.

Stephen Crosby, CVT, VTS, New Haven Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine, New Haven, CT

An owner was feeding peanut butter off a spoon to her Alaskan malamute, who managed to gulp down the treat while it was still attached to the spoon. X-rays showed that the dog had previously also eaten a piece of a collar and a toy.

Caitlin Fickett, Alaska Veterinary Clinic, Anchorage, AK

A dog came in for vomiting and eating grass. X-rays revealed a foreign body in the stomach. The next morning, an additional X-ray better showed the object — a hard plastic dinosaur.

Patti Klein Manke, DVM, Woodstock Veterinary Clinic, Woodstock, NY

Prince Edward, a 9-year-old bulldog, ate his owner’s false teeth after finding them in a bowl of ice cream. The teeth were returned to the owner. (Hopefully they were cleaned well before being put back into duty!)

Runners Up:

Lisa Anne Attanasi, DVM, Eaglewood Cliffs Veterinary, Eaglewood Cliffs, NJ

Wailen, a 12-year-old beagle, presumably was brought into the clinic with symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. His veterinarian ordered abdominal X-rays, which revealed a hodgepodge of foreign “stuff” in his stomach. During surgery, the doctor removed shoe laces, mulch, a knee high stocking, a plastic plant, plastic ties, and the bristles of a car snow-cleaning brush.

Jenny Yanson, practice manager, Suburbia North Animal Hospital

Tinkerbell, a 6-month-old bulldog, ate a metal slip collar, became ill, and was brought into her veterinarian’s office. X-rays revealed that this was not her first offense. Two slip collars were surgically removed from her stomach.

Grand Prize Winner:

Vanessa Hawksin, DVM, Bayshore Animal Hospital, Warrenton, OR

A dog came into the clinic because of hind leg lameness. The doctor ordered radiographs to look for musculoskeletal abnormalities, and found nine handballs in the dog’s stomach instead. (I assume these were unrelated to the dog’s lameness.)

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