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Hooray for Friday! TGIF, May You Have a Good One, My Friends!

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Today’s Affirmation for March 23

I will not be hurt if my gift is undervalued, when I give, I expect nothing in return.

 

Thought of the Day for March 23

The door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside.

Spanish Proverb

 

Today Meditation for March 23

Dissolving Enmity

Whenever someone hurt or angers you, practice this meditation to bring compassion to the situation, in your mind conjure up the  other person. What was it about their actions that caused you distress?  Try to understand why they behaved the way they did. Can you think of times in your own life when you have done something similar? Recall how you felt at that time and why you believed in that way. From this perspective you may begin to see the other person not as fundamentally flawed, but as a fellow human being caught in a bad moment. As you soften to them, notice if our perception of the situation alters, becoming less black and white. With the other person no longer cast in the role of villain, you maybe able to appreciate more clearly your own part in the drama.

The Happy Side of Magick

The Happy Side of Magick

Author: Poppy

I have never really used many spells or chants, and when I have it is often at a time when I feel I can do nothing else… one of those ‘may as well try it’ approaches. I understand the mechanics of spell casting, how it works and how the desired effect is achieved, the problem I find with it though is that I was brought up with fairy tales and stories about Witches who cast elaborate spells with confounding results, and I find because of this upbringing that spell casting is intrinsically linked, in my mind, to fanatical stories and make believe lands.

I say this only to give you, as a reader, some sense of understanding how much effort had already been applied before I decided to cast a love spell. It was not a compulsion spell, merely creating a cosmic attraction field. I do understand that there are differing views on the appropriate use of love spells, of any kind, ranging from never-to-be-used to ‘use all the time, everyday!’ However I am not writing to discuss the pros and cons of casting a love spell, nor even, to some extent, the morals that must be thought through before one is cast, I am simply writing to explain and inform how mine worked, and how I would recommend it to anyone in the same situation, or any situation.

As previously stated, I was in pretty dire straits when I preformed this spell, (I know some would not consider that an appropriate term for being out of love, which some deem as a trivial matter. I believe it is a very apt description.) and as such, was not expecting any results. At the time, I had become rather disenchanted with Wicca. I cannot pinpoint exactly why as no major life events had occurred to make me believe that the Goddess was absent. It was more just a lack of connection, which is probably part of the reason I believed the spell would fail.

It was one of those long term/ three months spells, which meant that I wasn’t too fussed when nothing appeared after a few weeks. So I promptly forgot about the spell due to an influx in collage coursework and activities, and was asked on a date. To me this had never happened, and so I was, understandably I believe, rather surprised. He asked me over text, which I later found out his friend had actually composed, and we met up six days later.

I have to admit I had no idea who he was. Even after finding him on Facebook, I had difficulty in pinning him as the guy who was in my quiz team, Never the less, we started talking, and despite his apparent obsession with football and The Killers (who are a fine band, just not my style) , I agreed to a second date, and a third, and so on.

Now it was around the fifth date that I remembered about the spell I had cast, mainly by finding it whilst looking through my Wicca box. I didn’t connect the spell with my newfound boyfriend as I was having what I believe to be a bit of a slow day. I had become captivated with Wicca once again mere weeks after casting the aforementioned love spell. I proceeded to look through the ‘requirements’ for the person I wished to meet and found, to my surprise, that my recently obtained boyfriend met every criteria… and not in a vague ‘well I suppose’ sense, more in a height/weight/age/exact personality sense! I was literally speechless. I think I should mention now that the spell cast was for a soul-mate (I know, I just jump right in to it!) not just general love. I can say now, with our year anniversary just gone, that it has definitely worked.

I know some of you may be sitting there scoffing at my perhaps pitiful year long relationship, but to me, it is a success… especially considering that for the last three months he has been away at Canterbury, which is a good five hour train journey from where I live, making the relationship harder.

I didn’t really put off telling my boyfriend about my religion, more it just never actively came up. He informed me from the start that he was ‘devout’ atheist, and indeed some of our more interesting conversations have been on the concepts of souls and deities. However, I believe him knowing my religion made our relationship better. But I would not recommend the way in which he found out.

I am afraid I am going to diverge slightly, and I apologize if any view it as an unwanted interruption. I feel that what occurred was a breach of trust, and really just a show of a lack of morality in some people. My boyfriend found out about my religion through one of his friends, who happened to be a sergeant at the cadets I attended and a devout Christian. “At cadets”, for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the dress code, we were allowed to wear necklaces as long as they were hidden and for religious purposes.

I wore a plain silver pentagram at the time, and the chain occasionally showed, causing questions at least once a week. Usually I could just say it is a religious necklace (as trying to explain it to people who aren’t listening and are just desperate to be told you summon the devil is tedious) . However this time he walked a little way, turned as though an afterthought and asked “Yeah, what religion?” I answered, “I’m Wiccan” and we carried on our separate ways.

I thought nothing of this until I got a call from my boyfriend asking if I was a Witch. I was a bit bemused by how he had come to that conclusion, as, like spell casting, the word brings to mind Grimm’s fairy tale type characters and so I do not use the word. I answered that no, I wasn’t a Witch but I was Wiccan… and how did he come to hear of this information? It transpired that at the first possible chance this Christian friend, who I still believe had gained this information in an environment that did not warrant outside gossiping, had run to him at the first chance and said “Do you know your girlfriend is Wiccan?” We both believe it was to try and drive a wedge between us for reasons only known to him. Anyhow, this rant is almost over, and I shall end it and resume back to my original purpose by saying that I believe it was extremely ill-mannered and uncouth to divulge this information. I have always been raised to not speak of other religions or beliefs unless with express permission or belief that the knowledge would be useful in some way and that the person to whom is being referred does not mind.

I suppose what I am trying to get across with this article, is that magick does work. If you believe in something and you are prepared to go that little extra, it will change your life in wondrous awe-inspiring ways. I think it cannot be expressed better than through love of something else. I suppose it is also partially about dis-enchantment of Wicca (which I overcame by a sudden realization that I was still actively talking to the Goddess when I got really stressed) .

I am not trying to actively express feelings either for or against love spells, as I believe that, as with all magick, it depends entirely on the intentions of the caster. But I know that even in dark and desperate moments, magick and belief and everything joyous in Paganism can just seep in, lift you up and make everything just a little bit better.

Thank you for reading this article. I hoped you got some enjoyment, or really anything, from it, and to feel free to email me if you wish.

How I Wear the Pentacle (or Not)

How I Wear the Pentacle (or Not)

Author: Dessie

If I had to guess I would say that most of the people who identify themselves as Pagan are familiar with this symbol: the pentacle. The pentacle is perhaps one of the most widely recognized Pagan symbols. It is seen in books, on Pagan websites, on television, and on Pagans and Wiccans themselves.

Whether you wear one yourself or you know someone who does, chances are you know that jewelry featuring pentacles is very popular with some Pagans. I myself have a pentacle necklace that I love to wear whenever I can. I’ve had some interesting experiences when wearing it or seeing someone else wearing one.

Probably nine times out of ten, if I’m wearing my pentacle necklace, it’s hidden under my shirt. This is just easier for me. This helps me avoid any unwanted conflict. But this also brings up questions from friends who know I’m Pagan and can’t seem to understand why I’d hide it. I’ve been asked way too many times, “Are you ashamed to let people know you’re Pagan? Why are you so embarrassed, girl?”

Very rarely do I wear my necklace where others can see it. If I’m at home, I don’t really care if it’s hidden. My family is aware of my Pagan beliefs and has come to accept them (at least a little bit) over the last several years (It’s been a long process) .

Sometimes, if I’m going somewhere alone or with Pagan friends, I’ll wear my necklace so it can be seen… really, just to see what it’s like and what might happen (a social experiment, if you will) . Thing is, this social experiment usually has negative results: everything from the nasty glares in the frozen foods section of Wal-Mart to the outright laughter and nasty comments at the movies with friends. But truly, I think that those people are a minority; most people don’t notice at all.

If I’m on campus (I’m a college student) and I’m wearing my pentacle necklace, it’s always hidden. The university I go to has a fairly strong Christian presence, and though I don’t think anyone would be truly nasty, I’ve never felt quite comfortable with the idea of being openly Pagan there.

If asked, for most of these last few years, I’ve always identified as a solitary Pagan. I’ve made Pagan friends in my own town, from my old high school, and online. I’ve even been in this situation in high school: I’d heard a rumor that a girl in one my classes was a Wiccan, so I pretty much just asked her at lunch, and we’re still good friends.

The first time I heard of Wicca or Paganism, I was more than halfway through my freshman year of high school. It was awesome at first. I met a group of friends (There were like six of them, not including me) who said they were Wiccan and started hanging with them. I borrowed books from them; we had conversations at lunch about witchcraft and the Goddess. We thought we were it. We were just totally awesome. Then I told my mom about my new interest and she freaked out. My parents convinced themselves I was worshipping Satan, but it was also just a phase that would pass. (Soon I’d decide I’d done bad and become a good Christian girl.)

Then the other students noticed. That’s when things started getting really bad. Some of my classmates cornered me after my last class (gym) one day and held a mock exorcism with someone’s cross necklace and “holy water” from the water fountain. A teacher who witnessed this did nothing to stop it. I also had a pentacle necklace I wore back then. I took it off one day because a bunch of students were laughing at me. It disappeared from my bag sometime between the end of lunch and the end of the school day. Summer was a welcome break that year. My parents thought I was over the whole “Wicca thing.”

Summer break was over too soon.

My sophomore year was miserable. Apparently, the rumor mill had a longer memory than I’d thought it would. I was picked on constantly from the first day back because of the group of friends I hung out with. I was lectured for reading articles on this website using the library computers during lunch. My teachers found out and started giving me these “that’s so sad” looks. How could such an intelligent honors student get caught up in something so bad?

It was a shock to have people react that way. I pretty much jumped head first into the “broom closet” (and I hadn’t even heard that term at the time) .

I reconnected with some (and made new) non-Wiccan friends (while ignoring the Wiccan ones at school) . I showed up at Christian events like “See you at the pole” before class and helped out when a local church held a food drive. I fought to make even better grades, to impress teachers and my parents. I felt like a poseur, a fake, and a liar. While junior year wasn’t exactly awesome, it wasn’t as bad as the first two years.

My senior year was awesome, and by far the best year of my high school education. That year made up for most of the horrible crap that went on during the first three years. By then the rumor mill had pretty much stopped buzzing, there were far more important things going on: college applications, class cookouts, and all around celebration. We were seniors! I was the “good girl” again by graduation day.

Over those years, my beliefs didn’t fade away, they grew stronger. My parents noticed this and I think that my being the “good girl” has made it easier for them to believe that I’m not worshipping Satan every night after they go to sleep. I read more and more. I tried to reconnect with those Wiccan friends (only to find that all but a few of them were “over it”) . For them, it had only been a fad, a passing phase to get attention from classmates. Others were angry that I’d pretty much abandoned them (and they had every right to be) .

At some point I can’t remember, I stopped calling myself “Wiccan” (with lots of exclamation points and smiley faces) and just became “Pagan.” I’ve had people tell me that I started out as a “fluffy bunny” and finally grew up and became a “serious Pagan.”

So, I’ve been asked many times: “Why don’t you wear your pentacle so people can see it? Are you ashamed to be Pagan? Why are you so embarrassed?”

The answer is no, I’m not ashamed. I’m not embarrassed and I don’t want to be. I’ve just learned that there is a time and a place for everything, including displaying religious symbols and beliefs. I’ve learned that this world isn’t the all-accepting place I’d thought it would be. Even though the First Amendment guarantees “freedom of religion, ” that doesn’t mean that others will accept or understand my beliefs. It doesn’t mean that they have to know about them either. I learned all of this the hard way.

I’ve worked so hard to make it to college, you don’t even know. I’m lucky that I made it at all; it’s not an easy thing to do. It’s expensive, the coursework is difficult, and if I can walk away better educated and with a degree in four years, then I’ll be better off for it.

Yes, overall college is a more accepting place with better people than I grew up with. I won’t trust it that much though. My early high school years were horrible. I don’t want my college years to be the same. I won’t risk it, and if you think I’m less for that…well fine, that’s your prerogative and your way, not mine.

If I’m wearing my pentacle necklace, chances are you won’t see it. It might be a long time before I change my religion on Facebook to “Pagan” (if I ever do; right now I’m thinking that won’t happen) . I don’t tell everyone I meet while walking down the street that I’m Pagan. My beliefs and my spirituality are my business and mine alone if I don’t want anyone else to know. That doesn’t mean I’m less proud of my beliefs than you are.

Limitless treasure

Limitless treasure

Every moment is a new opportunity to more fully experience and express the value of your life. The value you live is the value you give.

What you get out of life is not merely a result of what you put into it. What you get out of life and what you put into it are precisely one and the same.

Every moment is an opportunity to invest yourself in meaningful purpose. The quality of that investment at any given time is what defines the true quality of your life.

Fulfillment is not about acquiring something that exists outside of you. It is about more richly and more completely experiencing the unique, magnificent value that is already and always within you.

Life’s circumstances do not, in and of themselves, enhance or detract from the value of your life. Each event, each circumstance gives you a new way to explore and experience that value.

The best you can live is the best you are willing to give, and there’s no limit to what that can be. Fully invest yourself in each moment, and delight in the limitless treasure that is already yours.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

I wanted to leave you with something to think about

Good Afternoon Pictures, Images, Comments, Graphics

Before I run off into the unknown Abyss, I wanted to leave you with something to think about. I received a phone call this after from a legitimate company wanting to do a commercial on The WOTC. The reason I know they are legitimate, they called the house yesterday. I didn’t have time to get to the phone, so I looked them up on the net to see who they where. Anyway right now, I am blown away to say the least!

The lady that called gave me a few details, just a few because Kiki won’t quit barking. She is supposed to call back tomorrow and show me what this company has to offer. She did say the video commercial would be played on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. That is what they mostly do is commercial for YouTube. I told her that the WOTC wasn’t a business. She in turn said she believed there was a market out there for what we have to offer. She also gave me a price for the video, which right now doesn’t sound that bad, $99.00. I will have to wait to see what we get for our money.

Anyway, to me this is fantastic. We start our Ribbon Campaign to get our message out and this happens. You know this seems like one of those blessings in disguise. I know it is my mission to see that the truth about Witchcraft and the Goddess is finally revealed. I don’t know if there are any that share this same committment or not. But I certainly hope so. To pull this off and get more circulation and our word out there, this is the way to go. It would absolutely be fantastic. I still can’t believe it someone wants to make a commercial about the WOTC <grinning from ear to ear>. But to make this happen, we would need some donations. You have no idea how bad I hate to ask you for a donation. But to fulfill the dreams we have for the upcoming year, I have too.

Right now, nothing is set in stone. I just want you to think about this. And if at all possible and I think this would be in our best interest, possibly make a donation. I know people think of huge amounts when it comes to donations. But that is not true, every penny counts. So I might be pulling out my couch’s cushions, lol! But please, seriously think about this.

I will keep you up-dated on what is going on.

Till then….

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

Friday, February 17th is a fabulous day for…..

Spring Comments
February 17th

 Cut Hair to Retard Growth, Mow to Retard Growth, Castrate Farm Animals, Harvest, Pick Apples and Pears, Wean, Quit Smoking, Potty Train, Perform Demolition, Wash Wooden Floors, Wash Windows, Start Diet to Lose Weight, Advertise to Sell, Buy a Car  

~Magickal Graphics~

10 Steps to Simpler Living

10 Steps to Simpler Living

  • Chaya, selected from Networx

By Kevin Stevens, Networx

When chatting with some friends or clients, it’s not uncommon to hear them say that they are envious of my “simpler life.” My response is generally that what is perceived as “simple” has a lot to do with my attitude; while some days are simple, others are not. Being a small business owner and trying to coordinate multiple clients, projects and schedules can be pretty draining and hectic. I have made some great steps to make my life simpler but there are still days when it can be a bit overwhelming.

I recently completed some custom bookcases for a client. During that project, a typical day might involve making the 30 second walking commute to my basement workshop for the “work” portion of my day. I must admit that building custom furniture is pretty much an ideal gig and I’m often in the best state of mind. But like many folks, this portion of my life is just a slice of what a week or month may bring. On a less than ideal day, I might have to commute 4 hours between 3 or 4 job sites, finish up a punch list, spec out some new project and fit in a few materials runs to the lumber yard or home center.

Given the fact that my life can actually get quite hectic, I have found these practices to be very helpful. They work for me; they could work for you.

1. Work is work and home is home. For most folks this is one of the first steps to simpler living. Being able to punch out at the end of the day and leave the work baggage behind is one way to make your life feel less stressful. Granted some jobs and career choices can influence this ability to disconnect your work life from “living,” the sooner you can remove this overlap, change can start.

2. Less is more. I feel that one of the biggest burdens to happiness comes from too much stuff in your life, whether these are material things or activities. Having more is not always better. Consumerism is contagious and a hard habit to break. People often equate “things” with happiness, but a life-long pursuit of more and more only leads to less happiness. Working 60 hours a week to pay for a too-big house filled with stuff you don’t need or use is a trap.

3. Time never sleeps. People often say their lives are too busy because they “don’t have enough time.” Time is a fixed thing. Each day only has 24 hours. It’s not the day that is too short, but the list of things stuffed into the day that is too big. Here priorities will allow you to thin the list to what will fit or needs to fit. Some things can wait ’til tomorrow, or even go away completely.

4. Bye-bye TV. Some numbers to think about: The New York Times reported, “Americans watched more television than ever in 2010, according to the Nielsen Company. Total viewing of broadcast networks and basic cable channels rose about 1 percent for the year, to an average of 34 hours per person per week.” 34 hours per week is like having a second job. If you’re having trouble with the “time” issue above there is a pretty easy fix. Push the “off” button on the TV remote.

I terminated my satellite TV service back in January, and I have not missed it a bit. The 3 shows I have grown to love are viewed on demand via my internet connection. Saving the $60 to $100 a month is a bonus, too. Some people like to watch the morning news, but I listen to NPR’s Morning Edition, and for weather reports I look out the window.

5. Don’t swap one time waster for another. As I mentioned above, my TV service is gone. The trick was to not fill that space with other equally distracting events. I still watch a DVD now and then, but dropping your TV service and replacing it with endless streaming content or stacks of DVDs is not an improvement.

6. Limit online social time. This can be emails, Facebook, Twitter or simply texting (a new thing for my 12-year-old daughter). Fitting in a set time for this, and limiting that time, will do wonders. Twenty years ago people got by just fine with out any of these “conveniences.” Just because you can, does not mean you must.

 

7. De-clutter. Distractions can make your brain work harder than it needs to. An active working brain can keep the Alzheimer’s away, but the difference between “thought” and “noise” is key. Physical clutter can add visual stress and frustration to your day. Most people will agree that walking into a tidy room (whether it is the kitchen, living room, office or bedroom) puts their minds into a more peaceful state. When the space is clean maintaining it, in its clean state, is much simpler. (I’m pretty good in the kitchen, living room and bedroom on this; it’s just my desk that can get a little troublesome).

A few years ago I realized that letting go of stuff is very enlightening. I have seen more stuff leave the house lately than come in. I have been collecting stuff for 20 years in this house. I’m now working my way down the other side of this mountain by getting rid of things. If I have not used it in a year or more it gains a spot on the “out list.”

8. Have some hobbies and personal time. A good example of someone who uses this practice to keep life sane and simple is my fiance. She has a hectic work schedule and occasionally has to work at home. When she does finally get to punch out, she heads to her crafting/studio space and works on her “fairies and miniatures” or kicks back to listen to an audio book. This is a cleansing and Zen-like practice for her. A good portion of my work is in a field I enjoy so my hobby/work boundary is a little more fuzzy than hers is. If you can spend your time doing things you love, your life will feel simpler and more fulfilling.

9. Foods for thought. Just as a hobby can provide a retreat, many also find solace in the kitchen. The body’s basic need for nutrition and sustenance could be met with basic beans and rice and some tossed greens, or it can be meet with a 7 course meal of escargot, stuffed mushrooms, carbonnades flamandes, cognac shrimp with Beurre Blanc — well you get the picture. Spending a few minutes Sunday night with dinner ideas for the rest of the week may have you streamlining your evenings. One of my tricks is to make a large batch of something on the weekend that can be munched on during the week, like a large pot of stew or gallon of homemade pasta sauce. A little reheat and dinner is served. Clearing out the fridge at the end of each week keeps things from getting buried and allows for less clutter.

10. Downsize everything. I’ve worked with clients who have begun the process of downsizing their lives. Many are doing it for green reasons; others are transitioning as empty nesters. A smaller home = a simpler home. When we take trips to our cabin (it is a small 200 sq foot, off-grid retreat) our basic needs are met in a simple way. We have a small PV system that provides some lights, we cook on a camp stove or over the wood stove, water comes with us in 5 gallon jugs, a cooler keeps the food fresh and a sawdust composting toilet handles the other end of business. A week will pass with reading, music, hiking and playing with the dogs. Sometimes a little more work gets done on the cabin itself, or to the surrounding landscape. The cabin provides even more relaxation and simpler living than car camping. Life at the cabin can exist without TV, cell-phones, a giant mortgage, utility bills and a closet full of shoes.

If you have ever traveled much, you have probably seen countless small cabin “Vacation Resorts” that cater to those looking for a little down time, or to take a break from their overstimulated lives. Think about it: people pay money (and in some cases a lot) to do what most can do with some basic lifestyle changes. Why is it that people feel so relaxed after one of these vacations? I’ll tell you a secret — it’s the simple and uncomplicated lifestyle that recharges our spirits.

Calendar of the Sun for Thursday, Feb. 16th

Calendar of the Sun
16 Solmonath

Victoria- Day of Nike

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: On a red cloth sewn with outstretched wings lay a naked sword and a helmet, and one large red candle.
Offerings: Victories, personal or for the world.
Daily Meal: Red-colored food.

Invocation to Nike

Failure is a part of life.
It is an inevitability
That we shall fail
More often than we shall succeed.
Yet if this truth stops us in our tracks,
We will never triumph
And we will never break through.
It is these failures,
These errors and defeats,
That make the touch of Nike’s wings
Even more valuable to us.
Lady of Victory,
Winged one who flies high
In the throes of ecstasy,
Do not allow us to fall
Into discouragement,
For only through perseverance
Can we come to know you
And your most precious gift.

(The ritual ends in a loud drum circle.)

Does Your Pet Know When You’re Sick?

Does Your Pet Know When You’re Sick?

  • Melissa Breyer

An acquaintance of mine recently posted a picture on Facebook of his son, suffering from strep throat, and Happy the cat curled luxuriously around the boy’s neck. I could practically feel the warmth, weight, and goodness of Happy’s body as we joked about the Happy cat cure.

It was an exceedingly cute picture, for sure, but it got me thinking about my old kitty, Serena, and what seemed an infallible instinct for illness or general blues. The minute anyone plopped on the bed with pain or malaise, Serena would be there, hop upon the chest, and assume ‘the position’…a long straight-out stretch punctuated with her legs and paws wrapped around said sufferer’s neck. I’m not sure if she ever cured my strep throat, but she certainly melted away sorrow like there was no tomorrow. I really can’t say for certain whether or not she had some instinctual sense, or if this was a usual cuddling configuration that I only noticed when I was not 100 percent.

I have heard of dogs being able to detect cancer, but what do you think? Are our pets so in tune with us that they can tell when we are not well? And if so, do they act on it? I think there’s something to it. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Heal Yourself, Heal The World

Heal Yourself, Heal The World

  • Lissa Rankin

The world is deeply in need of healing. Civil wars are breaking out in countries across the globe. Children are starving. Global warming is turning natural disasters into catastrophes, destroying our habitats, and killing our animal species. The global economic crisis is destroying lives and breaking apart countries. Rainforests are disappearing. Soldiers are killing civilians and bragging about it. Women around the world are oppressed, abused, silenced, and killed if they dare to step into their power.

And it’s not just the world out there that’s in need of healing. Things are tough right here in our own country. Our teachers and priests are molesting our youth. Serial killers are attacking our women. Families are disintegrating. Unemployment is skyrocketing. People are dying of cancer. And many of us feel so pressured to be perfect, to be Superhuman, to keep it all together and to live up to society’s expectations for us, that we’ve lost touch with each other, ourselves, and our capacity to be forces of healing in the world.

The world is full of visionary healers longing to save the world. And my vision is to help them. I seem to be attracting visionaries like a magnet, and my goal is to shine a light on what those visionaries are doing in order to amplify their ability to realize their healing visions.

In addition to mentoring visionaries (read more about the mentoring services I offer here), I also feature the work of healing visionaries on OwningPink.com, write about these visionaries in my books, and tweet and Facebook events they’re hosting. I dream of one day running a retreat center and integrative medicine practice where those visionaries can lead workshops and practice their healing arts. And maybe someday I’ll even have my own TV show. Just call me Dr. Oprah…

Over the past three years, I’ve talked to a LOT of healing visionaries and I’ve become fascinated with what makes us tick. So many of us share similar struggles:

We feel:

  • Lonely in our quest to heal the world
  • Frustrated with the resistance we feel from those who aren’t ready to hear our message yet
  • Challenged to pay the bills while spreading the word
  • Pressured by publishers, publicists, and TV producers to get in a box, dumb it down, and compromise our message so it’s easier to “sell”
  • Isolated from other healing visionaries who view us as competitors, rather than collaborators
  • Frustrated with trying to market what we do in ways that don’t make us feel like we’re selling out
  • Impatient that our message isn’t being shouted around the world fast enough
  • Challenged with learning how to set boundaries with those in our communities so we can fill ourselves up first in order to heal the world

Every single visionary I’ve met, even the ones who have published New York Times bestsellers, relate at least one of these struggles, and often every one of them. Yet, they feel like they’re the only visionary who has ever faced such struggles.

As healing visionaries, it’s in our blood to give until we’re depleted – emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically – and yet, if we bleed ourselves dry, we can’t possibly help others to the degree of magnitude we desire.

It’s like the oxygen masks in airplanes. We can’t truly love, heal, and care for others until we nurture ourselves.

Just to be clear, when I’m talking about health and healing, I’m talking about more than you might think. Sure, good nutrition, daily exercise, eight hours of sleep, and taking your vitamins are a wonderful foundation for living a healthy life, but I’d argue they’re the least important part of being a wholly healthy, healed woman.

Although healthy bodies will certainly support us in our globe-changing efforts, you’ll need more than that to live a vital life. I’m talking about healing any toxic relationships, any hostile work life, any thwarted creativity, any spiritual disconnection, any unmet sexual hunger, any unhealthy financial baggage, any harmful environment issues in your home, and any unhealthy thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Not until we realize that we are mirrors of our interpersonal, spiritual, professional, sexual, creative, financial, environmental, mental, and emotional health will we truly heal. Only then can step up to the plate and make big strides towards saving the world.

This kind of self-healing isn’t for the faint of heart! You really can’t do it alone. This is where your sisters come in.

When you’re arm in arm with the feminine superheroes in your life who will blow pixie dust beneath your mighty wings as you blast off to the stratosphere, you can do anything. And when each of us rises to this level of empowerment, joy, wisdom, authenticity, and self-actualization, watch out world, here we come!

Women – women being who they really are, letting their freak flags fly, showing up maskless in all their beautiful vulnerability, celebrating their perfect imperfections, and lifting each other up – will heal the world. But only if we heal ourselves first, join in community with each other, and fill ourselves first so we can be effective agents for local and global change.

This is the awesome power of women in community. When we support each other, love each other, and lift each other up, we not only heal each other, we heal our loneliness, we grow our businesses, we spread our visions, and we make a difference, even if only in our own small way. When we’re juiced up, full of mojo, overflowing with vitality, kicking fear to the curb, following our dreams, nurturing our bodies, tending our spirits, and linking arms with our sisters, we can do ANYTHING.

Can Western women save the world?

You betcha, sister. But we can’t do it alone. We need each other to heal ourselves, so we can create as only women can do, love with open hearts, unite with collective spirit, and seek peace as the world leaders we all can be.

To foster this kind of healing love and support, I’m leading a workshop for female visionaries at Feathered Pipe Ranch in Montana this summer. Part of my personal vision is to gather women together in healing community so we can all realize our professional visions. Are you one of these awesome women?

It’s time, ladies.

Time to stop hiding in the shadows and step into the light.

Time to share ourselves truly with the world and, in the process, transform it.

Time to heal ourselves, that we might have a greater ability to affect healing in the world.

The Heal Yourself, Heal The World workshop happens next summer, from July 28 – August 3, 2012 and costs just $695 (food & accommodation extra).

I know that taking a week away from your work, your family and your life is not easy… so I wanted to let you know about this opportunity as soon as possible.

 Are you on board to save the world? You can count on me to hold your hand, sister. Look left. Look right. We’re all around you, love. And together, we can all heal.

Ready to change the world,

****

Lissa Rankin, MD: Founder of OwningPink.com, Pink Medicine Revolutionary, motivational speaker, and author of What’s Up Down There? Questions You’d Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend and Encaustic Art: The Complete Guide To Creating Fine Art With Wax.

New Year’s Resolution Spell

New Year’s Resolution Spell

For this spell, choose a few goals that you want to accomplish; these may be related to work or your personal life. Keep them in your mind; with this spell, you will raise spiritual assistance in accomplishing your intentions. To start, you will need to gather four rocks that you’ve collected from a nearby “special place,” perhaps a park or your back yard. You will also need some unrefined salt. After the New Moon has begun, take the four rocks you have gathered and place them outside near your home in an undisturbed part of your yard. Lay down the rocks in a cross, one for each direction. Sprinkle the salt lightly over the four rocks, and toss the rest in the center. Visualize the goals you have set for yourself and say out loud what you hope to accomplish. Leave the rocks out until you have realized your aims.

 

By: Jonathan Keyes,

I hope you are having a very enjoyable & relaxing weekend!

Days of the Week Comments Sorry for running late, another late night for me, lol!  And just as I started this here comes my baby wildcat, Razzy for loving. Considering what she is I do take a minute or two to love her. Her few minutes turn into about 30 or 45 minutes. When we are through loving, she stretching out on the bed behind me and goes right off to sleep. Domesticating a wildcat is not for the faint of heart, lol! She is getting use to us or I should say me. She still looks at the hubby like “who the heck are you?” He is starting to stick his hand out and let her smell him, so she is slowly but surely getting use to him.  But Razzy is getting use to living in the house. It has been a long process and she still has a little way to go but she is and will get there with a lot of love. I wouldn’t advise anyone to try to domesticate a wild animal.  There are times I think I must have been totally nuts when I just up and grabbed her and brought her in the house. But at the time I wasn’t thinking with my head, I was thinking with my heart. I loved her and I knew deep down she loved me. If I had to do it all over again, I would. She is my baby and I know it is going to be a long process but she will eventually become a true member of the family. If you could see my arms, hands and legs, you would probably shake your heads at me. When she was younger, I had her fixed and I know some think it is cruel but I had her front claws removed (because of the kind of cat she was). The vet also agreed to fix her a little younger than most cats. The hope was that fixing her it would tame her a little bit and it did. But she has adapted rather quickly and can use her back claws like razors. We play under the covers of the bed and my hand comes out a bloody mess. When I am in the kitchen washing dishes, if I don’t pay attention to her, she will jump up on the calf of my leg, sink her claws into me and bite me on the butt. She hates for me to put on socks and she especially hates long johns. She pulls the socks off of me and climbs my long johns till I take them off. So you see taming a wild animal is not a piece of cake. It takes a deep love for the animal and a lot of patience.  

Now on to other matters…….I have had a few comments from my dear readers wanting to know if it would be ok to share this blog on Facebook with their friends. It would perfectly find to share this blog with anyone you would like. I am very honored that anyone would want to share the blog and the information on it. I consider these requests the best compliments I could ever receive. You are telling me I am doing a good job getting the truth out about Witchcraft and doing the Goddess’ work. So yes, dear readers, share the blog with anyone you would like. The more the blog is shared, the more the truth about our Religion spreads. And the truth and beauty about our Religion needs to spread like wildfire. Witchcraft has been casted in a negative light for way to long and now is the time for the truth to come to light. It is time that Witchcraft takes it rightful place in history and today’s Religions. With your help, we can accomplish this. So please share and spread this blog with anyone you would like. And thank you for your help and your kind words.

I love all my readers and friends. I appreciate your support and love. Because without you and the Goddess none of this would be possible. 

Much love to all,

 Lady A

~Magickal Graphics~

Doggie of the Day for November 11th

Shaolin, the Dog of the Day
Name: Shaolin
 Age: One year old
Gender: Male Breed: Chow Chow
Home: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Shaolin is special because he super nice and bring joy to all other dogs and people. He loves to play in the snow.

Shaolin was born in a shelter to his one-year-old mother. He and some of his siblings were rescued by Chow Chow rescue of Central New York. The rest of them (including his mother) were all adopted, either by the shelter or the rescue group. His mother lives in Virginia and we have contact with her and a few brothers and sisters through FaceBook. Shaolin has his own page and is friends with chows all over the world at Shaolin Chow Panda!

We adopted Shaolin when he was four months old, right after Christmas of 2010. By this time, he was completely housebroken and very happy and secure. We have found Shaolin to be a very well-mannered, polite dog. He is very interested in other dogs and is always well-behaved, no matter how they behave. He is good with nervous or somewhat aggressive dogs. He does not start trouble, but he does not back down either. He approaches all dogs and people first expecting that they are going to be great friends, and he is always right. He loves small animals and is calm enough that we sometimes let him visit with some of our pet rabbits.

Being a chow, he can be a bit stubborn and even a little aloof with strangers at times. But he has never acted mean or aggressive toward anyone, just disinterested. Shaolin isn’t really big on tricks (other than licking his lips with his big purple tongue on command) or games. He is usually serious, but a few times a day he will act a little silly and run around in circles, just hoping anyone will chase him.

We knew right away when we got Shaolin that he was going to be a great dog. When Shaolin came here, it was very cold in Canada. We knew that it was going to be very important to keep him properly socialized with other dogs and people. So along with his daily neighborhood walks, we also made the effort to take him out a few times each week to a park nearby. He loved running around there in the snow and visiting with other people and dogs. I am sure that he cannot wait until it gets cold again.

We also thought that it would be great for him to have a dogmate, so we found a border collie – shepherd mix named Panda who was rescued from an Amish puppy mill. They are great friends and get along very nicely. Even though she is younger and much smaller, Shaolin lets Panda be the boss. She is a bit selfish and pushy, but he is a good older brother and very maturely lets Panda be herself. They love visiting dog parks together and Panda herds Shaolin if he gets to far away from her.

Shaolin, the Dog of the Day

Choosing and Working with a Pendulum

A pendulum gives you a physical representation of your natural inner knowing. It consists of a piece of metal, wood, or crystal hanging on a chain or string. A crystal pendulum requires less effort to work with when you start, as crystals magnify energy, which makes tuning into them simpler and their answers more obvious. When you choose your pendulum, don’t think about it too much–simply stand in front of a selection and pick the first one you notice. As with choosing crystals, you need to trust your instincts.

Daily Motivator for October 18th – Achievement is built

Achievement is built

Achievement is built on challenge. Achievement is built on setbacks and frustrations.

Achievement is built when conditions are difficult. Achievement is built when the direction of the economy is uncertain, and when there’s no guarantee of success.

And achievement is indeed built, for it is not inevitable. Achievement happens because people choose to make it happen.

Achievement is built on meaningful intention, with devotion, persistent action and plain old hard work. Achievement is built on the desire to make a difference, and on the commitment to fulfill that desire no matter what.

Yes, of course there are obstacles, excuses, distractions, frustrations and disappointments that push back against achievement. Achievement is built anyway, and the world is a richer, more promising place because of it.

Achievement is built by giving the best of your focus and your efforts to each moment. And as you build it, achievement builds you.

— Ralph Marston

Happy Tuesday, dear friends!

Days Of The Week Comments

Hee, hee, hee, that pic will either wake you up or scare that crap out of ya’! I am feeling a little devilish this morning. Our heater is not working and the house is on the cool side (I think it is comfortable). The cats are running like wild animals. Of course, at one time they were, lol! The smallest one can jump the love seat and not even touch the back of it. She is six months old and she stands as tall as my older cat. Her paws are bigger than his and her tail is twice the length. I think I adopted a cougar. I just hope I don’t never run out of food or else I will have to run like hell. When the older cat gets fed up with the baby, he runs and hops in my lap. I have him hopping off and on and the baby tapping me on the back. She does that when she wants to be held. During the day when she is ready to take her catnap, she comes over and hops in my arms and wants to be held like a baby. She stretches out, with her feet dangling, and I scratch her belly. Most of the time, this is during my daily postings when this happens. She hates the computer because I am suppose to only pay attention to her. She is a brat out of this world. Poor Kiki just stands on the bed and watches the free for alls. I love them all to pieces and I must say they are definitely entertainment. If you are bored, get you a pet. I can guarantee you, you will never have a dull moment again.