Tag: Environment

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 18 is 1: Creative Power

1: Creative Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

The atmosphere is ripe with imagination, inspiration and energy, symbolized by the flying dragon. The dragon is an ancient symbol of an electrically charged, dynamic, arousing force that bodes well for creative initiatives. If your goals are in alignment with the greater good, your actions will meet with success, but this can only happen if you apply yang energy in a positive way. This hexagram, which consists of all yang lines, indicates a good time to take a leadership role, because Creative Power is with you now. But be forewarned: success turns to failure if you let strength turn to arrogance.

Believe in your vision and persevere; everything around you will flourish. Call upon Creative Power and let it work through you. Stay focused on your goals. Do not let yourself be distracted, or you may lose the power available to you now. And remember that when taking action, successful results require good timing.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 12 – 26: Containment of Potential

26: Containment of Potential

This hexagram points to the containment of great power that increases as it is wisely stewarded. Like a river that has been dammed, or a boiling pot with a lid on, holding and containing power produces enormous energy. During normal times, daily ritual and habit help keep life ordered and serene; but in times of great opportunity, great fortitude is required. Focused attention is what will be required to channel this great potential and achieve supreme success.

In a current situation you have considerable reserves of energy and support to draw upon. This is the right time to channel creativity by collecting and organizing good ideas and plans. In this way, even large or extremely challenging undertakings can be successful.

A hidden source of power for the great is the study of the past. The lives of wise and successful men and women are like buried treasures of wisdom. Great good fortune comes to those who unearth these valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to current events.

WATER SCRYING

WATER SCRYING

You will need a large, deep bowl made from glass, brass or silver. It must have a smooth and even rim.

You must set your base on some sort of tripod for best results. A tripod made of laural boughs is the best.

You will need to do your own testing to find out which bowl works best for you and how much water you should use. Do not use water from a tap. Get clean, fresh water from a stream.

The ancient Greeks believed that nature spirits dwelled in fresh water. The water may be stored in a vessel and used again.

However it is a good idea to replace your water once a month. Never collect the water of a day time. Water should only be collected at night preferably on a full moon.

To make your wand use a branch from a bay tree, hazel tree or the laurel. The end of the wand should be covered in dry tree sap or resin.

Dip the end of the wand into the water until it becomes wet. Wet the rims of the bowl.

The best time to scy is at night when it is quite. By gently drawing the rim of the wand around the bowl it will cause it to resonate.

The action of the resonating basin will cause circular ripples to form in the basin. The water seems to breathe with the sounds.

It is the harmonics that seem to whisper forth predictions of the future. These are interpreted with the help of a guardian angel.

You may also receive visual impressions which Nostradamus likened to that of a “burning mirror”.

Fire and Water Energizing Ritual

Fire and Water Energizing Ritual

Tired, feeling worn out, no energy, need a quick energy boost. Then this spell is what you are looking for. It will revitalize you and make you feel like a new person. And the best thing about it, you can use it anytime you are feeling run down.

*Sit in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed–the best spot is outdoors near a body of water.

*Close your eyes, begin breathing slowly and deeply as you relax and center yourself.

*Imagine your spine is a tree trunk sending its roots deep, down into the earth’s center.

*Envision water (in the form of blue-green light) being drawn by these roots up through the base of your spine, into your body. See and feel the water flowing up your spine, through your chakras, cleansing, calming, and nourishing you. Imagine it spouting out the top of your head like a fountain and washing down over your body. Do this at least three times.

*Visualize the sun’s golden rays shining down on you and entering a portal in the top of your head. Sense these rays clearing away impurities and warming your body all the way down to the tips of your toes. Feel your breath mixing with the sunlight and swirling though your body to energize every cell. Continue this visualization for a few minutes, until you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Daily OM for Sept. 29 – Your Wellspring Of Energy

Your Wellspring Of Energy

A Stress-Free Home

Sometimes our lives are so busy that we treat our homes as if they were impersonal places that we merely pass through. But we can make certain that our homes truly feel like our sanctuaries by taking the time to tend to them like gardens, which need care in order to offer us the beauty of their blooms. When we take the time to treat our homes like beloved treasures, we can shift their energy from being merely places to being wellsprings for the replenishment of our energy.

Consider that homes are the outer reflections of those who live within. If we feel that the current appearance clashes with how we’d like to see ourselves, it can keep us from fully allowing our light to shine. Updating our homes to reflect our inner landscape need not involve massive redecorating or a large outlay of money. Small things can make a big difference, like simply moving items so that we constantly gaze upon the things we love the most, liberating the treasures we’ve hidden in our closets, using our best dishes and making small repairs. Organizing and cleaning is a no-cost way to remove chaos from our homes and introduce more calm. Lovingly rejuvenating our personal space can become a creative project that increases the flow of good throughout all aspects of our lives and increases our feeling of connection. We can give old things new life by donating them to charity, opening space for newness to enter. Removing stress from our homes can be as simple as putting our bills into pretty boxes and choosing a specific time to deal with them, or removing clutter so that we and our energy can move freely throughout our space.

Simplifying our space lets our imagination and energy roam free. We can choose to prioritize our homes, making them the true heart of our family’s activities. Then we are free to focus on what really matters—time to ourselves, to share with loved ones, and to replenish our energy so that we have more to share with each other and with the world.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for September 11 is 48: The Well

48: The Well

Hexagram 48

General Meaning:  Throughout various cultures and political systems of the world, the well has served as a universal symbol for that which sustains life and provides a constant, inexhaustible source of life-giving nourishment for mankind.

Like the well, human nature is the same around the world. The passage of time does not change its essential dimensions, nor take anything away. Still, just as a well can be deepened to produce clearer, cleaner water, so can we enrich our lives by delving deeply within — into our natural selves, or souls.

Beware of shallow thinking. Like a little learning, it can be dangerous. The image of the well suggests that along with depth comes clarity. Be patient, and penetrate both your problems and your own nature to the core. If you do not lower your bucket to the depths, you’re very likely to come up empty. When greater depth is desired, a lessening of speed is often required.

 

Water Protection

Water Protection

Items You Will Need:

  • 1 small pot
  • 3 cups of Water (tap will work but spring water is better)
  • 1 handful of Rose petals
  • 1 small polished stone
  • 1 piece of bark (oak works best)
  • 1 Heat Source
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 bowl

The Spell:

Add the water to the pot and put it on the heat source until it comes to a boil. Add the piece of bark in the water and wait about five minutes. Next add the rose petals turn off the heat source. Let cool and drop in rock. Use the wooden spoon to stir it around for a while.  Put the mixture through the strainer and have liquid land in the bowl.  Take the potion and put it on your finger make a line on your forehead and down your arms.  Sit and say

  Spirits of Water hear my Plea  Evil threatens me  Belief of attacks surround me  Protect me from the monstrosities  Let them fall like the tide

Living As The Witch: The Magic of Speaking Out

Petitions and Incantations: The Magic of Speaking Out

Sounds have powerful effect on the human psyche, stimulating strong mental, emotional, and instinctual responses. Gentle running water can produce an experience of calm, a heart beat sound is commonly used to comfort babies and young animals, and the deep rumbling sound of thunder often evokes fear. Of all the sounds we know, perhaps the most powerful is the sound of the human voice. The human voice can affect all who hear it, produce feelings of love and security, provide direction and purpose, and instill order.

The voice is also a powerful tool. Even when we are alone, feeling powerless and weak, and think we are without defense, we can use our voice to break the bonds of silence, and speak our truth.

The vibration or resonance of voice can uplift the spirit, focus intention, change consciousness, and shape reality. Whether use if for speaking, whispering, shouting, or singing; or employ it in a purposeful and productive manner through incantation, enchantment, petition, charm or mantra, the voice can be used to work magick.

Following the Universal Laws of Nature that describe how energy behaves and the patterns it moves in, we know that sound vibration has an energy signature, and that it affects the objects and subject that it touches, influencing them and changing their vibration. Quite literally, sound has the power to change the energy of a person, interaction, thought or feeling.

A power magical tool, be sure to learn how best to use your voice. Words have always been used to cast spells and state intentions. They have been chanted, recited, and written down, engaging the vibration of the voice and its transformative power in the working of magic.

 

Excerpt from:

Petitions and Incantations: The Magic of Speaking Out
By Dallas Jennifer Cobb
Llewellyn’s 2012 Magical Almanac,
Practical Magic for Everyday Living

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 16th is 2: The Receptive

2: The Receptive

Hexagram 2

General Meaning:  Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. The natural responsiveness of pure Yin energy brings about success through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines, represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such receptivity is most auspicious.

The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk and planning. When spring comes, does the grass plan to grow? This is a time to concentrate on realities rather than potentials — how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. A mature mare lets herself be guided, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective and brings success.

Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become confused or alienated. Take your time. Draw strength from carefulness and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action. Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing developments flow to you. Allow others to take the lead for now. Strive for a natural responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 7 is 10: Treading Carefully

10: Treading Carefully

Hexagram 10

General Meaning: People of ability find their way and make progress even in difficult circumstances. Consider your steps carefully when you are surrounded by changing forces. Weak and strong forces (or people) can co-exist when the weaker element does not impose upon the stronger, when the weaker maintains good humor and avoids taking bold action. When treading among sleeping tigers — or slippery stones — step gingerly and don’t stumble.

In the company of strong, brash people, rushing wildly ahead brings misfortune. Now is not a good time for taking the initiative; rather, try getting by with a little grace and good humor. In the court of a powerful king, the jester often has more power than the prince.

Self Purification Spell

Self Purification Spell

Items needed: salt a bowl of bottled spring water or New Moon Water jasmine or lavender incense

Procedure:

Cast a circle, then invoke the elements and the Gods.

Sit quietly and think about what you want to clear out of your aura.  When you are ready, add three good-sized pinches of salt to the water and stir widdershins (counter clockwise). Breathe deep into the bowl and as you do, let your fears and doubts  pour into the water. Breathe them into the salt water where they will dissolve away.

Do this until you feel that the negative energy has passed out of your body.

Hold the bowl into the air and visualize a gold or white light flowing into the water,  transforming the negative vibrations and cleansing them.  Carry the bowl to the sink and flush the water down the sink with cold, running water.  Smudge yourself with either jasmine or lavender incense (or another scent that promotes  peace) and open the circle.

Infusion Purification Spell

Infusion Purification Spell

 

Collect equal parts (about a handful each) of dried marjoram, bay and rosemary.

Heat a gallon of water until it is almost boiling, remove it from the heat and toss the  herbs into the water. Cover and allow to cool.

Strain the herbs from the water and, using your fingers, sprinkle the infusion throughout the house.

Move in a clockwise direction, visualizing evil and unwarrented influences leaving the area and say something like the following:

I banish evil and negativity; This is my will, So Mote It Be!

 

Touch the water to the doors and windows, appliances and furniture, outside around the  home and on the surrounding property. Be sure to pour some down the drains as well.  Visualize the water cleansing the whole area.

Daily Motivator for June 20 – Out of your rut

You don’t have to continue doing things the way you’ve always done them.  Today is a new day, filled with new possibilities, so remember to treat it as  such.

You don’t have to be held prisoner by your old, familiar habits and  assumptions. There’s a whole world of goodness and abundance beyond what you  already know, so get out there and experience some of it.

Does it seem like you’ve run out of energy and enthusiasm? Maybe you’re just  tired of the same old things.

Does it feel like you’re stuck? If you’re just living on autopilot, then you  are indeed stuck.

Take the helm of your life and steer it in some new, exciting, fulfilling and  energizing directions. Discover again and again how adaptable and interesting  and joyful you can be.

The world is a never-ending source of beauty and wonder. Climb up out of your  self-imposed rut and live the richness.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for June 13th – Silent Change

Letting Nature Work

by Madisyn Taylor

Change can enter our lives silently and this change can be just as important as change we have worked hard for.

 

We all see things about ourselves, our relationships, and our world that we want to change. Often, this desire leads us to take action toward inner work that we need to do or toward some external goal. Sometimes, without any big announcement or momentous shift, we wake up to find that change has happened, seemingly without us. This can feel like a miracle as we suddenly see that our self-esteem really does seem to be intact, or our partner actually is helping out around the house more. We may even wonder whether all of our hard work had anything to do with it, or if it just happened by way of grace.

As humans, sometimes we have relatively short attention spans, and we can easily lose track of time. We may worry about a seedling in a pot with our constant attention and watering for several weeks only to find ourselves enjoying the blooms it offers and wondering when that happened, and how we didn’t notice it. Nature, on the other hand, has infinite patience and stays with a thing all the way through its life. This doesn’t mean that our efforts play no part in the miracle of change—they do. It’s just that they are one small part of the picture that finally results in the flowering of a plant, the shifting of a relationship, the softening of our hearts.

The same laws that govern the growth of plants oversee our own internal and external changes. We observe, consider, work, and wonder, tilling the soil of our lives, planting seeds, and tending them. Sometimes the hard part is knowing when to stop and let go, handing it over to the universe. Usually this happens by way of distraction or disruption, our attention being called away to other more pressing concerns. And it is often at these times, when we are not looking, in the silence of nature’s embrace, that the miracle of change happens.

Daily OM 

 

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for June 13 is 2: The Receptive

2: The Receptive

 

Hexagram 2

General Meaning: Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. The natural responsiveness of pure Yin energy brings about success through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines, represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such receptivity is most auspicious.

The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk and planning. When spring comes, does the grass plan to grow? This is a time to concentrate on realities rather than potentials — how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. A mature mare lets herself be guided, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective and brings success.

Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become confused or alienated. Take your time. Draw strength from carefulness and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action. Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing developments flow to you. Allow others to take the lead for now. Strive for a natural responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show.

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!

 

Daily OM for June 6 – Centered and Safe

Keeping Your Energy Strong

by Madisyn Taylor

Keeping our energy strong and pure throughout the day is vital to somebody that is sensitive.

 

Being a sensitive person in this world can sometimes feel very draining due to the fact that we are very receptive to the energy of the people and environment around us. Still, we want to be part of situations that involve small or large groups of people, and we would like to do it without becoming overwhelmed or exhausted. With a few simple strategies we can entertain at home and socialize in the world without running the risk of losing ourselves in someone else’s energy or giving our energy away. All this takes is a little time and practice, and the result—being part of social events without ending up depleted—is well worth the effort.

The whole purpose of this self-care ritual is to help keep yourself strong energetically when you are in a situation that could potentially be draining. For example, if you are having a party, you might take some time to prepare beforehand. Just as you spend time cleaning your home and preparing food, it is essential to prepare your inner home for the event. This can be as simple as taking a mindful walk or a cleansing bath, or engaging in any other activity that gives you energy. You can even just sit alone for a set period of time, tuning in to your energy and connecting to yourself so that you are less easily carried away by the energy outside of yourself. You may employ a mantra such as “I am centered and safe in the home of myself.” You can also charge a crystal or gemstone or any piece of jewelry with protective energy and wear it or carry it with you. This can be helpful during the event when just seeing it or touching it can remind you that you are centered and safe.

Keep in mind that it is always acceptable to excuse yourself for a bathroom break or to step outside for a moment. This can give you the time and space you need to check in with yourself and correct any energetic imbalances you detect. Whether you are at home or out in the world, taking care of yourself in this way enables you to keep your energy strong, even as you open yourself to others.

 

Good Friday Morning, my dear friends! You Should Be Doing Fantastic Today!

“My Little Stinker”

Good morning, my dears! As promised, here is my little Stinker! As you can see he is a yellow tabby cat. He weighs 14 pounds. I know that sounds like a lot but he is all muscle. He has to be to keep Razzy off his butt. Something that amazes me, he is a fixed tomcat. But he still gets in a romantic mood when it comes to Razzy? That puzzles me. I thought once fixed all that stops but my husband mentioned it might be because he is around her all the time. Heck if I know. But I know she doesn’t want a darn thing to do with him. I hope one day he figures out she is not his type of cat (at least before she kills him). If you haven’t noticed, I got one of my cameras working and loading onto my laptop. I have went crazy photographing this and that. I have to show you one of the little creatures that I get to care for. This little guy came from the vet. His mother and other siblings were shot by a farmer out in a field. The wolves were minding their own business and the fool shot all of them but one. Someone else heard the shots and went to see what was going on. By that time the man who had shot the wolves had left. The good guy found this little guy still alive. When his mother was shot, she fell on top of him and that was all that saved him. There were four other cubs and they were all killed. So the good guy took this one to the vet. The vet checked him out and he was fine (just scared to death). The vet called me to see if I had room for a little visitor. How could I refuse? I went and picked him up and he took right up with me. He is too young to be released back into the wild. So he will be with me for a few weeks. He is adorable and he can do some of the cutest things. My husband thinks I will end up keeping him (might, who knows, lol). I love wolves and this one is…….well see for yourself. 

 He is a little red wolf. The government had the bright idea to release some of the adult red wolves over at the game reserve. The intention was to repopulate the red wolves in this area and a few other areas around here. I didn’t know the red wolf was a native. But I guess you learn something new every day. I know when we first moved here, there was a huge gray wolf. Boy was he gorgeous. He would come around because of Mocha (my wolf hybrid). He had romantic intentions towards her too. The same thing happened every time he would get within 500 feet of him. She would try to eat him. Back to this little guy, he is absolutely adorable. He is so little I can take him out in the yard and not worry about him running off. He loves to play but he does play rough. He has done deflated one ball and working on his second.

But the wolf pup is just an example of some of the animals I care for. I had possums, raccoons, an adult wolf or two, foxes, deer, you name it and it will eventually show up here. I get donations from local individuals because of the food bill is so high. Also the donations help pay for all the vaccinations and checkups the animals might need before they are release. Most of the vets that send the animals to me, do this for free. But I understand their supplies cause money and they are good enough to do this. So I like to give them something for their trouble. Vets in the big city would put the animals to sleep instead of trying to help them.

I will be posting more of the critters I have around here now that the camera is working. You see what I do in my spare time. Spare time, yeah right! If by any chance you would like to donate to help with the food bill for all of my critters, there is a Paypal button on the side of this page. I appreciate every dollar that comes in and I know the animals do too.

Well I am gong to run for now. I have talked about the love of my life enough (animals, animals and more animals). I hope you have a fantastic day!

Happy June to you all!

Lady A