Best Friends

A Warm Refuge

Our best friends are a warm refuge in which we feel free to be fully ourselves.

By the time we reach adulthood, many of us have had the good fortune to have at least one best friend. If we have moved around or changed our life situation repeatedly, we may be lucky enough to have had several. The best friend relationship is often our earliest intimate peer relationship, and it can be a source of great warmth and connection throughout our lives. The details of best friendship change as we grow up and grow older, but the heart of it remains the same. Our best friends are a warm refuge in which we feel free to be fully ourselves, to share our deepest secrets, to rest when we are tired, to celebrate when we are happy—a place in which we feel utterly welcome to give and receive that most precious of all gifts, love.

Most intimate relationships hit bumps from time to time, and one of the hallmarks of an enduring best friendship is its ability to ride out the turbulence and remain intact even as it faces changes. Our best friends are those who manage to love us through all of our transitions, as we do the same for them. We find ways to embrace and appreciate the differences that set us apart and offer love and support no matter what. We allow each other to be exactly as we are at a given moment, even as we allow each other to change over time. In this way, best friends sometimes feel like family. We know we will stick together regardless of where our individual paths lead.

We may be on the phone with our best friends every day, or we may not have spoken for a year, yet we know that our bond will be strong and immediate when we do connect. This bond ties us together even when we are apart and draws us blissfully back into the warm refuge of each other’s company when our paths bring us together again.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 10 is 58: Joy

58: Joy

A joy that is shared is symbolized by a group of friends playing, or a carefree young girl singing to herself while engaged in her work. Happiness is rising within, and spreading out into the world.

Joy arises through gentle means, but springs from a solid inner base. The power of pure joy should not be underestimated. The enjoyment of learning and discovery, for example, has let to great innovation and much material progress. Accordingly, that which brings the most joy into the world — love — is the source of life itself.

If happiness is supported by personal stability, it will eventually wear down the stiffest barrier and win over the hardest heart. True joy is a beacon in the world, and though it is indeed rare, its presence is an indication of great good fortune, both now and in the future. How could it be otherwise?

When footsteps come….

When footsteps come

Within the night

And you’re beset

By doubt and fright

Just hold fast within

That hour

For to the Witch

All fear is POWER

(1998 David O. Norris)

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Ah, It’s Good To Be Home! A Very Blessed Wednesday, to all my dear friends!

Good Wednesday Morning to everyone! I hope you are having a super fantastic day! Me? Ha, I am about half asleep. It will take me a week to catch up on my sleep. But there is no rest for the wicked, lol! I believe we have another cold snap tonight. It is suppose to really get cold. I will be back out in the building with the babies again. I will catch a quick nap between now and then.

I love being out in the supply building. That is what we call it, it houses all our supplies, food, bedding, snacks, and occasionally a baby or two. But at night when you get rid of everyone, it is so quiet. You can listen to the coyotes howling and an occasion wolf. But the best part is feeding and caring for the little baby critters. The kittens are so cute. One of them is the color of Stinker and he reminds me of him. Then the little skunks, you wouldn’t believe them. They think I am momma. The minute I walk in the door, here they all come. They are big enough to climb out of their bed now. I am trying to teach them to eat cat food. All of them except one, is starting to eat. The stubborn one still wants the bottle. The kittens smell the cat food and here they come. It ends up, the kittens and the skunks eat together. They all grow up, they won’t know if they are a kitten or a skunk, lol! I guess when they raise that tail, they will know then, won’t they?

I feel pretty rested today. So I thought I would give the blog a whirl, just to see if you missed me, lol! Anyway, I am going to be busy. I hope you have a super, fantastic day!

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

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Feng Shui Tip for October 9: ‘The Great Chicago Fire’

In 1871 ‘The Great Chicago Fire’ raged through that city for more than 30 hours straight. This tragic event gave birth to this ‘National Fire Prevention Week’ and that falls right in line with today’s ‘Fire Prevention Day’ energies. Both of these occasions provide annual informational and instructional events. Part of this info explains the different categories of burns. Burns are categorized in degrees that elevate in severity. First degree burns damage the first layer of the epidermis, while second degree burns damage the first and second layers. These burns can blister and become severely infected. Third degree burns are the most serious and demand immediate professional care. But while you are waiting for help, try to get the affected area under cold, gently running water. Carefully cover the burn with a clean cloth until you are in qualified hands. For lesser burns try putting mushroom slices on the affected area. Alternative therapies tell that fungus can actually help heal a burn. And now one of my personal favorites — for burned fingertips, simply hold your ear lobe by placing your thumb on the backside of the lobe and the burned tip (or tips) on the front. Keep them there for a full minute and, voila, no more burn! But just to be on the safe side, always seek out qualified care for any kind of skin burns and blisters.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 9 is 58: Joy

58: Joy

A joy that is shared is symbolized by a group of friends playing, or a carefree young girl singing to herself while engaged in her work. Happiness is rising within, and spreading out into the world.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Oct. 8: 38: Diverging Interests

38: Diverging Interests

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

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

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

Daily Horoscopes for October 6

Aries

March 21 – April 20

Holding on to the past and all that entails, including various other articles that you’ve grown out of, is managing to clutter up your social life as well as your cupboards! Throw away the emotional baggage for one; and then give your favorite charity a call and have the junk picked up. Nothing is so refreshing as a clean up – inside and out!

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 26, 46, 44, 38, 15, 25

Taurus

April 21 – May 20

You know just what you want right now and woe to anyone or anything that gets in your way! Accidents, mistakes made in haste, or ego conflicts may occur due to your impatience and willfulness. Positively, physical energy is high and you could accomplish a great deal.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 37, 11, 38, 41, 3, 48

Gemini

May 21 – June 21

Friendship and cooperative endeavors flourish now. You achieve a harmonious balance of giving and receiving, of talking and listening, and any social or joint activity will benefit. Though you feel wonderful now, you’re likely to regret your actions later if you don’t curtail your impulses to overindulge, overspend, and enjoy too much of a good thing.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 42, 16, 37, 48, 39, 19

Cancer

June 21 – July 21

This is a good time for relaxing recreation, a time to refresh and rejuvenate yourself and do the things you most enjoy doing. Good humor and optimism prevail now, and you are able to get a larger perspective on your life. This is also a good time to approach someone who is in a position to benefit you emotionally, intellectually, or materially.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 31, 17, 15, 37, 21, 32

Leo

July 23 – August 23

There is still some unsettlement in your home environment, but nothing you won’t be able to sort out today. In fact, there could be some unexpected assistance from a friend that brings some interesting advice into the equation. A social invitation calls for a new outfit and a revised attitude.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 1, 43, 21, 45, 31, 12

Virgo

August 24 – September 22

Rather than focusing on the strictly personally rewarding aspects of your efforts (for example, your income, amount of vacation time, and other amenities), you are more sensitive to the value of your service as a contribution to society. Your motivations and personal ambitions become more elevated and idealistic now. You are able to see your work in better perspective.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 36, 33, 43, 19, 24, 2

Libra

September 22 – October 22

It would be nice if life always gave us exactly what we want when we want it, but alas, things just don’t work that way. Your plans may be waylaid for awhile, but in the end you will get attain your goals. To ensure you take the shortest path possible keep your proverbial nose to the grindstone and don’t allow the negative attitude of others to curve your efforts.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 23, 29, 11, 37, 40, 45

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You might find that other people want to interfere in your life just now and those in authority may also be difficult for you. If you’re feeling isolated or alone, generating inner feelings of bitterness or frustration will not help your cause. Try to be agreeable rather than angry with people.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 11, 40, 49, 26, 12, 39

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

This is a time for you to speak out about your thoughts or concerns regarding your work or professional matters. Communication with your superiors or with people in authority who are in a position to consider and act on your ideas comes to the fore now.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 14, 25, 43, 29, 1, 31

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

You are very clear and perceptive now. It’s a good time to make a decision or come to an agreement, negotiate, exchange your views with others, present your case. If you are in a profession dealing with words, ideas, or communication, this is a very productive time for you.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 29, 27, 11, 40, 3, 15

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Responsibilities at home may take up more time than usual this week, so set some time aside. Also, parse your schedule so that you don’t take on too much because of the extra duty and that you don’t wind up handling more errands and odd jobs than you meant to.

Emotions: Fair ~ Money: Good ~ Wellness: Fair
Power Numbers: 26, 9, 7, 3, 8, 24

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

There is a revolutionary atmosphere around you, but expansion and contraction are part of the cocktail that could muddle your head and make it difficult for you to know what it is you’re fighting for. Don’t rush forward without applying a little foresight. Don’t burn any bridges right now.

Emotions: Good ~ Money: Fair ~ Wellness: Good
Power Numbers: 45, 29, 15, 2, 34, 11

Cherry Sage

Plant Kingdom Helps and Hints

Plant Kingdom Helps and Hints

The fresher a plant (or a plant preparation) is the better it responds to magical energy, unless you leave that item where it will receive constant charging.

Dry plants and plant parts are fine for convenience, but they don’t have the magical vitality fresh ones do because the vital oils (and life energy) are also “dry.” Mind you, there are cases when the dry quality may help your magic, such as when performing a good-weather spell!

The essential oil from a plant is a perfectly good substitute for fresh parts. Just be careful–these oils can be harsh on the skin, and some are toxic to pets.

Growing your own magical plants and harvesting them at a traditional tie (e.g., Midsummer’s Day) does seem to boost the magical energy within.

If you have to buy plants from a supplier, organic plants have the best magical potential (chemicals can obscure magical intention). Also, find a supplier you can trust. One green leafy thing looks a lot like another, and not all companies are honest in their packaging.

Along the same lines, as you collect plants for magical work make sure to carefully label everything both inside and outside the container. Always trust this rule: If you’re not sure what it is, don’t use it!

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 4

“Search for the truth. Indian values teach the holistic approach to the use of technology for mankind’s good.”

–Al Qoyawayma, HOPI

The Great Spirit had given us certain values to live by. If we learn to think in harmony with these values such as respect, love, patience, tolerance, commitment, trust, etc., we cannot get off track. No matter what we do, we will always be in harmony. For example, if we are respectful, then we will respect the earth, our children, our women, our men and ourselves. Indian values help us walk under the guidance of the Great Spirit.

My Creator, today I search for the truth, Your truth. Please let me see it.

Daily OM for October 4 – An Invitation to Love

An Invitation to Love

Angel Meditation

by Madisyn Taylor

A meditation with your angels can provide a new gentleness into your normal meditation routine.

Though your host of spirit guides encompasses many diverse beings, all of which willingly watch over you, meditating with angels can be a uniquely insightful experience. The angels stationed at your side are both powerful and knowledgeable—they possess a limitless understanding of your needs and desires, your strengths and weaknesses, and your purpose. However, angels take an active part in our lives only when invited to do so. Meditation allows you to make contact with your angels and lovingly request that they participate actively in your day-to-day life.

To begin, retreat to a solitary place where you won’t be distracted by concerns. Incense and candlelight may aid you in achieving a meditative state but are not necessary. However, laying an image of an angel, angel statue, or item symbolizing your angels before you can focus your thoughts. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and let yourself relax. When you feel peaceful, invite your angels from the highest of light to sit with you as you meditate. Mentally repeat your request and reiterate that this time together is important to you. Then, in your mind’s eye, visualize a bright-white light floating above you. As you breathe, draw this light first into the crown of your head and then into the whole of your physical self. Allow this light to spread through your arms and hands, your core, and your lower body. Repeat this integration of illumination with a violet light.

Once again, ask your angels to be with you. Let the stillness surrounding you enter your soul, and open your heart to your angel guides. If they wish to communicate a message, they will do so now. Allow them to wrap their wings around you and infuse you with their bountiful love. Breathe them in as you did the light. As the meditation draws to a close, you may feel a presence, fluttering wings, or billowing fabric, or you may see an angel in your mind’s eye. Thank them for providing you with love and light, and being with you as you meditated. If you don’t sense or feel anything, there is no cause for worry—you can be certain your angels are with you. Don’t be surprised if you start to see signs throughout the day that your angels are near, perhaps a feather at your doorstep. As you practice this meditation, you will become increasingly adept at recognizing when your angels are near and sensing their presence.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 2

“Laughter – that is something very sacred especially for us Indians.”

–John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA

Laughter is mental, laughter is emotional, laughter is physical and laughter is spiritual. Laughter helps us find balance. If we get too angry, laughter will turn that emotion in a balanced direction. If we have a mental picture of someone who is too strong, laughter will help ease the tension. If the body is stressed, laughter will release natural relaxants into our muscles and our nervous system. Laughter often changes our attitude. We need to lighten up and laugh more.

Great Spirit, teach me to laugh.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen – balanced vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, enzymes, & amino acids; blood builder; excellent after illness; allergy help for bronchitis, sinusitis, and colds; balances endocrine system; good for menstrual and prostate problems; also good for colitis, constipation & diarrhea; counteracts the mental and physical effects of aging; start with small doses!

Barley Juice Powder

Barley Juice Powder – blood builder; attacks free radicals; 30 times more vitamin B-1 and 11 times more calcium than milk; 7 times more vitamin C than orange juice; anti-aging; anti-inflammatory for stomach & duodenal ulcers, & hemorrhoids; cleans and boosts immune system; neutralizes lead and mercury; reduces HDL cholesterol.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa – “Father of Herbs,” leaves have 8 essential amino acids & more vitamin C than 4 times that in orange juice; vitamin K (great for morning sickness); beta carotene; vitamin E; LOTS of calcium; is the basis of liquid chlorophyll; as close to hemoglobin as anything possible; blood cleanser; vitamin B-12 (calms nerves); diuretic; natural flouride source; used in treatment of cancer, breath and body odor, liver ailments; source of liquid chlorophyll – (chlorophyll is also good to flush out radiation from X-rays and chemotherapy, as well as bad stuff from antibiotics).

Magickal Herb Use: Lesson 1 – Storage and Tools

Lesson One: Storage and Tools

by Leillan

I am starting very basic here. Some may want to breeze through this. But I have been asked to start at the beginning, so here goes. You don’t have to store your herbs in any special way unless you want to. I just use blue canning jars and interesting bottles. I like a tight lid to keep moisture away from the herb, and to keep the herb in the bottle. Nothing is worse that herbs spilling out into the cabinet and all over the floor when the jar is tipped over!

Always label your herbs. Even the most adept herbalist can get confused once in awhile. The labeling method is another matter of choice. As I use my herbs for many purposes, I generally just label by herb name. However, you could also add a few lines stating elemental properties, basic uses, etc. As you learn more you may want to store herbal blends. Label these with the types of herbs used and the purpose it was intended for when you blended it. Maybe you found a certain natural incense you made that you really like. Blend a bunch of it, label it, and jot down the purpose for which you like to use it, e.g., power, relaxation, etc. You’ll find this simple step very useful in the future; don’t always rely on memory.

You more than likely will want a few tools. A mortar and pestle, and a good knife should be among your first tools. I use my athame to cut herbs. You may choose to use the traditional sickle-shaped “Boleen.” If you intend to use your herbs for both magick and cooking/healing, get two mortar and pestles (especially if you choose something porous like wood). This way, a mortar used to crush mistletoe and holly won’t be used for crushing pepper and garlic. Remember, some of the herbs you use for magickal work are toxic if taken internally. With the exception of the knife, I prefer to use wood, stone, or clay for my tools, and tend to stay away from metals. Certain oils and herbs have a reaction with some alloys.

Other tools you may want are pretty basic to the Craft in general, and you may already have most of them. These include a censor and incense, candles of various colors, and a bowl for mixing. You’ll need something to hold water (if needed), like a shell or a bowl, and you may want to collect various sizes of shells or containers for measuring your herbs. You may want a colored cloth for a bag, string,or rubber bands for sachets, and of course you will eventually want to make amulets and such. But these things can be acquired as the need arises.

Other than what I have mentioned above, the purpose will tell what supplies are needed.

Lessons In Magickal Herbal Use (Intro)

Lessons In Magickal Herbal Use

by Leillan

This article was a text file in the library of a local Pagan BBS years ago.

Introduction

The purpose of these texts are to introduce you to the Magick of herbs. There is so much these plants and flowers can offer. Working with herbs can be as simple or as ritualistic as you want to make it. For example: as simplistic as selecting a few herbs for a bath sachet and putting them into cheese cloth, a tea ball, or even a coffee filter for use, or as ritualistic as working with certain herbs in Circle for a specific spell or talisman, enchanting each herb and then the entire mixture. Remember, however, that when working with things from the Mother Earth, sometimes “less” is best.

There are no set rules here, save 2:

Rule No. 1: Remember the Law of Three
Rule No. 2: First learn rule Number 1.

I said there were no set rules and there aren’t. But there are some simple hints, as well as etiquette, that you should be aware of before you start with the Magickal Herb lessons. Among these are:

Magick is natural.
Harm no one – not even yourself.
Magick takes work. You get what you put into it.
Magick should not be done for pay.
Don’t haggle over the price of your tools. If you can’t afford them now, then wait until you can afford the price. Haggling lessens the worth of the tools in your work.
Keep your ego in check. Remember, you are only a tool, as well.
Magick is learning. Know not only how, but also why.
Magick should be used for defense only. (The Law of 3 very much applies here.)
Magick is Love! Do what you do because you love it in your heart.
When you use Magick in anger or hate, you cross the fine line from white to black, and therein lies danger.

Quiz of the Day for Oct. 2 – ‘Needy Child or Healthy Adult?’

Needy Child or Healthy Adult? Quiz

by Annie B. Bond

What part of you is the most activated in your relationships, the needy child or the healthy adult? Most of us still have unmet childhood needs roiling around inside us that can color and affect our relationships, while the more mature part of us tries to deal with things in a healthier way. Answer these questions to see where you are in the spectrum of relationships. Take the quiz here:

Which of the following statements might you make to your partner in a love relationship?

1. End my loneliness.

2. Be my companion while both of us respect each other’s need to be alone at times.

3. Make me feel good.

4. I take responsibility for my own feelings and don’t expect or need to feel good all the time.

5. Give in to me.

6. Negotiate with me.

7. Never betray me, lie to me, or disappoint me.

8. I accept you as fallible and seek to address, process, and resolve issues with you.

9. Help me not to have fear. I depend on you.

10. Help me to learn to love. We depend on each other.

11. Totally fulfill my needs.

12. Moderately fulfill my needs.

13. Help me repeat old, painful scenarios from childhood and former relationships.

14. I have mourned the past, learned from it, and now want something better.

15. Indulge my ego.

16. Confront and free my ego.

If you answered mostly odd-numbered statements, your inner child is saying, “I am looking for stability outside myself. I demand 100 percent of my need fulfillment from my partner.”

If you answered mostly even-numbered statements, your healthy adult is saying, “I am looking for a setting that honors and enriches the stability I have inside. I hope to get about 25 percent of my need fulfillment from my partner.”

Forget Me Not Spell

Items You Will Need:

A sewing needle

One (or more) of your hairs

A garment your lover wears often

Best Time To Cast:

During the Waxing Moon

When the Sun or Moon is in Taurus or Libra

On Fridays

The Spell:

1. Thread your hair through the needle’s eye.

2. Carefully sew your hair into your beloved’s garment, and with each stitch, repeat the following:

“Forget me not, for I am near

Every day of every year.

My love abides within this hair

Carry it with you everywhere.”

3. Stitch as many hairs into as many garments as you wish. When you’ve finished, return your lover’s clothing to him/her.

Daily Motivator for October 1 – Discontent

Discontent

If you blame your discontent on others, that will just make it grow bigger and more burdensome. Choose instead to embrace and to own that discontent fully, and you can make it go away.

There can be all sorts of reasons why you’re unhappy with life. Yet it is not those reasons that matter, but rather what you’re willing to think, to feel and to do.

When you accept that your discontent is yours and yours alone, you can quickly get beyond it. And though you may not be able to immediately change the outer conditions, you can instantly change your inner perspective.

What can weigh you down is not what has happened, but how you have chosen to respond. Choose to let go of the discontent, and free yourself to grab hold of the most positive possibilities.

Whether the situation is your fault or not, doesn’t really matter now. Your best strategy is to be sincerely thankful for where you are, and to move quickly in the direction of where you wish to be.

Life can be tough on you, but you don’t have to be so tough on yourself. Let go of your discontent, and let yourself soar to new, fulfilling heights.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

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