Tag: New Year

Let’s Take A Look At the Many Winter Customs Around The World

Winter Customs Around the World

By Patti Wigington, About.com

Winter Around the World:

Whether you observe Yule, Christmas, Sol Invictus, or Hogmanay, the winter season is typically a time of celebration around the world. Traditions vary widely from one country to the next, but one thing they all have in common is the observance of customs around the time of the winter solstice. Here are some ways that residents of different countries observe the season.

Australia:

Althought Australia is huge geographically, the population sits at under 20 million people. Many of them come from a blend of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, and celebration in December is often a mix of many different elements. Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, December is part of the warm season. Residents still hhave Christmas trees, Father Christmas, Christmas Carols and gifts which are a familiar Christmas and gifts, as well as being visited by Father Christmas. Because it coincides with school holidays, it’s not uncommon for Australians to celebrate the season on vacation away from home.

China:

In China, only about two percent of the population observes Christmas as a religious holiday, although it is gaining in popularity as a commercial event. However, the main winter festival in China is New Year celebration that occurs at the end of January. Recently, it’s become known as the Spring Festival, and is a time of gift-giving and feasting. A key aspect of the Chinese New Year is , and painings and portraits are brought out and honored in the family’s home.

Denmark:

In Denmark, Christmas Eve dinner is a big cause for celebration. The most anticipated part of the meal is the traditional rice pudding, baked with a single almond inside. Whichever guest gets the almond in his pudding is guaranteed good luck for the coming year. Children leave out glasses of milk for the Juulnisse, which are elves that live in peoples’ homes, and for Julemanden, the Danish version of Santa Claus.

Finland:

The Finns have a tradition of resting and relaxing on Christmas Day. The night before, on Christmas Eve, is really the time of the big feast — and leftovers are consumed the next day. On December 26, the day of St. Stephen the Martyr, everyone goes out and visits friends and relatives, weather permitting. One fun custom is that of Glogg parties, which involve the drinking of Glogg, a mulled wine made from Madeira, and the eating of lots of baked treats.

Greece:

Christmas was typically not a huge holiday in Greece, as it is in North America. However, the recognition of St. Nicholas has always been important, because he was the patron saint of sailors, among other things. Hearth fires burn for several days between December 25 and January 6, and a sprig of basil is wrapped around a wooden cross to protect the home from the Killantzaroi, which are negative spirits that only appear during the twelve days after Christmas. Gifts are exchanged on January 1, which is St. Basil’s day.

India:

India’s Hindu population typically observes this time of year by placing clay oil lamps on the roof in honor of the return of the sun. The country’s Christians celebrate by decorating mango and banana trees, and adorning homes with red flowers, such as the poinsettia. Gifts are exchanged with family and friends, and baksheesh, or , is given to the poor and needy.

Italy:

In Italy, there is the legend of La Befana, a kind old witch who travels the earth giving gifts to children. It is said that the three Magi stopped on their way to Bethlehem and asked her for shelter for a night. She rejected them, but later realized she’d been quite rude. However, when she went to call them back, they had gone. Now she travels the world, searching, and delivering gifts to all the children.

Romania:

In Romania, people still observe an old fertility ritual which probably pre-dates Christianity. A woman bakes a confection called a turta, made of pastry dough and filled with melted sugar and honey. Before baking the cake, as the wife is kneading the dough, she follows her husband outdoors. The man goes from one barren tree to another, threatening to cut each down. Each time, the wife begs him to spare the tree, saying, “Oh no, I am sure this tree will be as heavy with fruit next spring as my fingers are with dough today.” The man relents, the wife bakes the turta, and the trees are spared for another year.

Scotland:

In Scotland, the big holiday is that of . On Hogmanay, which is observed on December 31, festivities typically spill over into the first couple of days of January. There’s a tradition known as “first-footing”, in which the first person to cross a home’s threshold brings the residents good luck for the coming year — as long as the guest is dark-haired and male. The tradition stems from back when a red- or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman.

Oh, What A Glorious Morning! I Am Counting the Days to Yule!

The Shortest Day

So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!

 

The Poem “The Shortest Day,”
  by Susan Cooper
Website: Aine Minogue

 

Yules Lessons from Days of Yore: Perfect Love, Perfect Trust

Yules Lessons from Days of Yore: Perfect Love, Perfect Trust

Author:   Morbek   

This is the season to celebrate! Over one third of the people on our planet celebrate the birth of a God around winter solstice. Point-two percent of the world’s population celebrate a major holiday of light during this time and twenty-two percent of our brothers and sisters in the family of man have a celebration of new beginnings and, a week or so later, another holy day, which commemorates freedom. All of this celebrating occurs around the Yuletide season. For Wiccans and Pagans, we celebrate the birth of the God and the waxing of his power as the days from Yule will get longer which leaves the night less frightening because it is getting shorter and less intimidating.

So, why even think about other religions during our holy season of Yule? I can sum it up in two words… Available Energy! With all the positive vibes roaming around think of the amazing magic that can happen if we harness and direct that energy for the good of our home. Well over half of mother Earths population considers this time of year sacred and, in western countries; those that are not religious still exude positive energy due to the consumer driven need to present gifts to one another in the spirit of Santa. That is a lot of people putting out positive vibrations!

Merry making is, indeed, infectious. Think of the community events, the parties that are held both in our workplace and our homes, the carols that are played twenty four seven by various media outlets, decking the halls and dressing up our pets that goes on in our culture. I will diligently search every year (and then be sure to watch) for Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas because it’s not the same on DVD as it is on commercial TV. The deeply held traditions anyone who celebrates during the Yule tied season adds a type of power boost to the energy already being exuded into the environment.

Do I feel that we should greedily gather up all of this energy and use it for our selfish ends? Absolutely not…no way! That point may be moot anyway. A great deal of the sentiment in our surroundings is that of giving and loving nature. I would be hard pressed to manipulate it so that it would become egocentric. I am a lazy person by nature and that sounds to me like way too much work just to attain something that I could have acquired with other magic or by simply going to a store. The attempt would leave me way too exhausted to trim the Yule tree. What, then, do I think we should do with it and why?

Let’s examine the basis of the season and discuss what drives human beings to celebrate our planets personal star’s return into our lives. The apparent reason for the season is the New Year aspect. Back in the day, thousands of years ago when knowing the seasons was a matter of life and death for the entire group, not just an individual, people had to know when the shortest day of the year was so that they could allocate their remaining resources in order to survive until mother Earth, once again, shared her bounty with all. But there must be more to it than that. After all, in a season where ancient man had to be frugal out of necessity, traditions of benevolent works arose and persist to this day!

From an anthropologic point of view, we could discuss all manner of reasons for this to be occurring but the most likely one is, in my mind, the need to draw closer to each other. We need love and acceptance. What better way to foster those emotions in others than by kindness? I expect that when humans were still nomadic or just beginning to settle into an agricultural lifestyle, kindness was a rare commodity. I find it hard believe that (wo) man didn’t desire to be kind; I just don’t think that there was a lot of time and opportunity to exhibit philanthropically motivated deeds. Life was short and hard what with procuring food and water, internal and external tribal struggles as well as trying to understand the greater world around an individual.

In a time of meager reserves, giving to another from what is essential rather than what is surplus without expecting payment of any kind would be seen as the ultimate act of perfect love and perfect trust. The act would have made a deep impression upon the receiver and any bystanders in the immediate area. It would have caused quite a commotion and, as we all know, humans love to gossip. There is no way that anyone can convince me that thousands of years ago, even before the advent of the city, (wo) man didn’t enjoy telling and retelling of an event that profoundly touched them. Every time the story was told, the original emotions were felt and the deed was imprinted a little deeper into the person’s psyche. The next thing you know, that person is committing similar acts of kindness and the circle begins again.

In order for my theory to be valid, one must recognize that there is an inherent and ancient respect for the concepts of perfect love and perfect trust. The people that walk upon this planet have known for millennia that if you live by those philosophies, you will live a wonderful life filled with more joy than sorrow.

Back to all that mirth filled energy! If you intend to do something for our world this Yule, as I do, take hold of as much of that joyous stuff as you can handle and visualize healing. Our planet needs to be healed from pollution, over grazing from stock animals and way too much concrete and blacktop. The animals that are supposed to continue evolving need healing in order to adapt and progress along the paths that are intended for them. They need proper habitat and to be untouched, as much as possible, by the hands of (wo) man. Last but not least, the amazing creatures that can ponder the problems and devise solutions need healing as well. Humans are struggling to become more than just a flesh sack that reacts to stimuli.

I have noticed throughout the years that spirituality is becoming, more and more, a central focus of many of my brothers and sisters in this very large family. The wounds that need healing are immense gashes in our spirits: fear, jealousy, hypocrisy, greed and loneliness. Those wounds lead to behaviors such as; addiction, selfishness, emotional pain that must be countered with physical pain and a worldwide economy that is in such a horrific state of hopelessness that the innocents among us are the ones who are paying the price. And that price is very high! It includes hunger, illness, illiteracy and homelessness. Saddest fact of all: Our children are the ones who are paying the largest percentage of that bill.

That list has been around for as long as we have been able to acknowledge ourselves as spiritual beings in a material world. We strive, generation after generation, to lessen the effects that those infections of the soul have on our lives. Now, with a little help from the witches, that healing can begin in earnest because the available energy that we will be using is already imprinted with the best desires that we have deep within ourselves.

Feel the amazing power that surrounds us this time of year, remember that it is borne from perfect love and perfect trust, visualize what you believe to be remedies for a planet and its’ inhabitants who are ill and send all of that imprinted energy out into the universe to work the amazing miracles that we know are just waiting in the wings for someone who respects, understands and strives to live within the construct of perfect love and perfect trust to give those miracles the cue to enter the stage and start dazzling all of us with the healing and understanding that we all need.

May you have a blessed Yule Tide season!

Spiritual Aspects of Yule

Spiritual Aspects of Yule

Author:   Crick 

As we approach the season of Yule (Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan) , I personally find myself entering a state of both celebration and reflection. When I reach out and touch the heartbeat of Mannuz, I can sense the intense joy of our Sacred Mother. For her son, our God, is about to be reborn, thus completing yet another segment in the Wheel of Life. When we entered the New Year, which commenced with Samhain and began our life travels anew, I found myself filled with an anticipation and excitement of that which is yet to unfold.

But before I look too far ahead, I muse on that which went before. The highs and the lows of the preceding year, that are now all but fading memories. For each experience is a contribution to our spiritual growth, whether it had a positive or negative impact.

I personally feel that spiritual knowledge is a gift and that the more knowledge that one attains that the greater the gift becomes. And there is no greater gift then that of a life experience that has had some effect on our lives.

As the wheel of the year slowly turned, there were at times life experiences that seemed insurmountable, but we found a way over. There were life experiences that caused so much grief, that we cried a river of tears, but we found a way across. And of course there were life experiences that had us laughing so deeply that we could barely catch a breath, but we found a way to breathe.

And so though the past year has been bittersweet, there is still much to rejoice about within the coming Yuletide season.

It is no secret that some religious belief systems have superimposed the alleged birth date of their God over that of the God of the pagans. This was done, in spite of the fact that the placement of the constellations from that period speaks otherwise. But then Yule is not a time to foment ill will, even if an established cause could be presented.

Instead I feel empathy for those who worship a distant and revengeful God to the exclusion of the Sacred Mother, for they are missing out on some of the most ancient joys of life. For not only do we as pagans have such a deep and enduring love from our Mother, but we also draw strength and wisdom from our sacred father. And between the two, we as pagans have an opportunity to walk the spiritual path with a steady sense of balance. It is through our own perspectives and actions that we maintain this balance or fall out of stride.

As individuals, the choice is ours to make. We have the opportunity to draw upon the spiritual aspects offered by both our Sacred Mother and Sacred Father in order to advance within our spiritual growth.

Yule is a feisty, twelve-day period of celebration, a time during which, feasting is a common activity. But while we feast on food to sustain the physical self, it is also a time to feast on the experiences of the year past in order to sustain knowledge for the journey ahead.
Yule is a time of reflection, then acceptance and then of moving on.

Upon the longest night of the year, our God is re-born from the slumbers of death. He brings with him the sacred light by way of the Sun. And from this moment forth the fertility of the land is once again restored. And so too are the fertility of fresh thoughts and new goals introduced into our hearts and souls. Our spirits cherish this moment of his birth for it is a time to shed the chains of the experiences past and to surge forth with a renewed purpose in our lives. The birth of our Sun God is an affirmation that life goes on and that the door to spiritual growth stands wide open.

Yule is a time to celebrate both the joys and the sorrows we have experienced up to this point. For both aspects, that of light and that of dark have strived to offer us knowledge of life that we can use to build upon as we travel forth. The rebirth of the Sun God, who brings so much joy to the heart of our Goddess is a sign that even within the darkness one can always find a ray of light. For his birth marks the time when the Oak King vanquishes the Holly King. This analogy of victory represents the power of light overcoming the power of darkness. This represents a balance and a sense of hope in the challenges of life that await each of us.

The nights become shorter and the days become longer as life begins to stir within the grasp of the Winter Solstice in anticipation of the coming of Spring.

It is a time to realize that no matter how tough or insurmountable a barrier may seem, we have been given the gift of our life experiences as a tool to achieve our spiritual goals.

As a time of celebration, Yule is also a time to be with family and close friends with which to share the joy of our Blessed Mother as she smiles with anticipation at the thought of reuniting with her son, as the time of the sacred birth draws near. For from such relationships we receive the gifts of love. And like a seed that has laid dormant, awaiting the warm touch of the Sun to sprout forth and prosper, we should take heed and allow these moments of love to define our actions and our mind set as we venture forth into the approaching segments of the wheel of life. To let such an experience to wither away with the passing of Yule is to cast such a special gift asunder.

And so with that I wish each of you a very joyous celebration of our Sun God.

2014 Numerology Predictions – Reaching Our Limits

2014 Numerology Predictions

Reaching our limits

Hans Decoz  Hans Decoz on the topics of numerology, horoscopes, 2014

2014 is the year when we become aware — aware of the destructive nature and the inherent danger that exist in a world of extremes. We will begin to see a trend this year, through all areas of human life, to search for ways to bring us together. There will be people in power who change overnight, and institutions that will reconsider their ideologies, giving us hope … but we will also see the negative forces become more desperate and violent.

The number 7 rules the year 2014 — it is a 7 Universal Year, because 2 + 0 + 1 + 4 = 7. The number 7 is analytical and self-examining. It starts a turnaround as, even the mind, as cold as it is, recognizes that duality doesn’t benefit anyone.

But other numbers play a role too… In the chart below, which breaks down the year 2014, the numbers in the upper half show the positive influences of this 7 Universal Year, which are found by continuously adding the digits in a pyramid-like system. The numbers in the lower half show the negative influences, and are the result of subtracting. They are therefore mirrors of each other. The strongest relationship any one number in this chart has, is with its mirrored partner.

 

 

 

 

The 9 at the top represents compassion and empathy, while the negative influence of its mirrored partner, the 1 at the bottom, reflects egotism and cruelty. The contrast is obvious and appropriate. The 3 and the 6 in the upper half tell us that art and communication (3), and a deepening sense of responsibility (6) will be the primary channels through which the energy of the 9 flows in 2014, while their mirrored partners, the hostile 1 and the sly 2, oppose them. The 5 represents a big change or shocking and unexpected event around October or November of 2014, caused in large part by miscommunication (the 3 below it).

A matter of extremes

Since the year 2008 — the first year of this current nine-year epicycle that runs through 2016 — we’ve been experiencing an extreme increase in polarization. This schism affects the human race across the globe. Whether political, social, economic, environmental, or religious, our positions tend to be more and more black and white. Gray, the color of compromise, is no longer in-vogue.

Polarization is the quintessence of a climaxing force delivered to us precisely on schedule by this nine-year cycle. It’s a natural, if difficult and painful, part of our evolution. As a species, we are young and immature, given to rebel and push the envelope. We have created long-term instability in our environment, economy, and social structure because we can’t see beyond the desire for instant and superficial satisfaction.

Extremes continue to rule during this nine-year cycle, after which we enter a new nine-year cycle that is dominated by information. The 2017 – 2026 epicycle will see the end of many centuries of long-held secrets. No one will be able to hide then, no institution will be able to hold on to its secrets. Light will shine on everything, and symbolize the most dramatic change in history.

Are You Ready, Here They Are – Winter Love Horoscopes for 2013

Winter Love Horoscopes 2013

Keep your love life burning strong while the temperature drops…

Maria DeSimone  Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, winter, astrology

 

We love to get warm with a sweetie in winter and this one’s is almost perfect for patient people. New relationships can take some time to heat up with amorous Venus turning retrograde on December 21. This alluring planet’s reversal period lasts until January 31, making this an excellent period to make repairs in your current relationship. Getting clearer about what you want with Venus in responsible Capricorn might not sound sexy, but could provide the magic to revive passion with your partner or put you on track to connecting with someone new.

Taking that first step toward addressing a problem or breaking the ice may be done cautiously with supposedly aggressive Mars on his best behavior in super polite Libra. Signals could be misread when we’re so concerned about rubbing someone the wrong way, which is why clarity is a must. Strong desires expressed graciously are bound to overcome obstacles and soften the hardest hearts.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

The good news this season is that your passionate planet Mars is in your 7th House of Partners all winter, increasing your chances for making romantic connections. The bad news is that it’s in restrained Libra, which can slow down your pursuit of pleasure. Dealing with indecisive people or having to tiptoe around someone’s sensitivity could put a damper on spontaneity. But in exchange for having less dramatic encounters you should be more strategic in going after who and what you want. Just be charming and considerate of others and you’ll be amazed at how a seemingly cool relationship can turn into a very hot one. December ends on a passionate note with intense Mars aspects from December 25 until the New Year. Yet even if you miss opportunities to play then, Mars forms sexy squares with his alluring partner Venus on January 16 and March 2 that should spice up your personal life when the mood could change from feisty to flirty in an instant, transforming a moment of conflict into one of sweet delight.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Expecting more from your relationship life might be exactly how you need to think to make sure that get what you want this winter. Your lovely ruling planet Venus is in serious Capricorn where she rewards you for having ambitious plans but could leave you out in the cold of disappointment if you settle for less. This serious sign rewards you for aiming high and being persistent in pursuit of your personal goals. Putting in more effort will get you more joy from your current partnership or open to door to someone new. Venus’ transit is in your 9th House of Travel, which helps you to find love when you’re out of town or connecting with people from different cultures. It can take more time than usual to warm up with the love planet in such a serious sign, yet slowing down and enjoying the process of seduction will make it even more satisfying. Being respected, and being with someone you respect doesn’t sound erotic, but could be keys to building and maintaining the passion you seek.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You are very likely to have the magical support of sexy Mars to keep your romantic life active this winter. This passionate planet settled into your 5th House Self-Expression on December 7 and, lucky you, will stay there until next July. Getting attention comes more easily with this extra long transit, increasing your opportunities for making connections. In fact, you could be so desirable that your challenge will be about making choices among potential partners. If you’re in a relationship, it’s a signal that you can recover the fun and feelings that attracted you two to one another in the first place. Normally aggressive Mars is in cool and gracious Libra, allowing you to take the initiative in personal matters without coming on too strong and to skillfully back out of commitments that no longer touch your heart. The last week of December could be a little edgy with power struggles a possibility, but applying your considerable social skills can calm even the tensest situations as you head into the New Year rich with promise for partnerships and pleasure.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Expect more activity in your personal life with the energizing Sun occupying your two primary houses of partnership from December 21 to February 18. Although this is meant to increase your confidence and creativity, you might be tempted to step back and let others take the lead. This is not recommended because your chances for getting the love and affection you want increase when you’re running the show. The Sun in authoritative Capricorn until January 19 says that you need to be the boss unless you want to be bossed around. Taking charge in relationships isn’t about being a bully, but is about you being clear about your expectations and commitments. Sure, you can be sweet and accommodating, but only after you’ve established some rules. This is followed by a solar shift into cool Aquarius and your 8th House of Intimacy, which begins a month of emotional experimentation. Attraction to an unconventional person or seeking more space in your current partnership will surprise you by showing that the freer you feel the safer it will be to get closer to someone.

Leo (July. 23 – Aug. 22)

Work is likely to take precedence over romance until the Sun enters your 7th House of Partners on January 18. This solar shift into quirky Aquarius reduces your sense of social pressure, allowing you to feel at ease with unusual people and in unpredictable situations. Being more playful and relaxed in your current relationship or with someone new means that you don’t have to put on a show to be loved. By keeping connections friendly you’re free to enjoy the moment without worrying too much about the future. But if you’re missing the passion and drama that often comes with romance, you are likely to find it starting on February 18 when the Sun enters super sensitive Pisces and your 8th House of Intimacy. It’s a great time to surrender to your most tender emotions and plunge into feelings that melt any barriers with others. While it’s true that you could get lost in romantic fantasies during the subsequent 30 days, the delight of merging your body, mind and soul with a caring and compassionate individual could almost seem like finding heaven on earth.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Winter begins with the solar move into responsible Capricorn on December 21, which is also when the Sun starts its 30-day stay in your 5th House of Romance. It’s time to take charge of your personal life by initiating contacts and organizing activities. As long as you don’t come across as too bossy you’re planning and determination can restore excitement to an ongoing alliance or open the door to a new one. Your self-confidence is particularly appealing, but the next significant step toward relationship fulfillment requires a much softer and subtle approach. This begins with the Sun’s shift into tender Pisces and your 7th House of Partners on January 18. Setting aside rigid rules and breaking down barriers of control and authority are needed to deepen a personal connection. Being compassionate to others is a plus as long as you don’t wind up with someone who won’t take responsibility for her or himself. Pity is not the same as love, no matter how much it softens your heart. But sharing dreams and showing vulnerability with a sensitive individual can bring you closer together than ever.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

You could be running hot and cold in your approach to relationships this season. Whether it’s your own emotional changes or outside circumstances that are shifting from passion to indifference, this is likely to be a period of extremes. Your amorous planet Venus turns retrograde in serious Capricorn on December 21, which can slow down progress in your personal life and, perhaps, revive interest in someone from your past. The pace should pick up again when she returns to forward motion on January 31, but a major boost in pleasure and popularity starts when Venus enters friendly Aquarius and your 5th House of Romance on March 5. But even while you’re waiting for this sexy transition, energetic Mars is in your sign until July. Its presence in Libra and your 1st House of Personality could spark impatience or a sudden attraction, yet it also provides you with the motivation to take the initiative in relationships. The best part is that your ability to be pushy in polite ways lets you take the lead with the one you’re with or pursuing someone new without appearing overly aggressive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Winter starts with a bang as your traditional ruling planet Mars blasts into explosive aspects with volatile Uranus on December 25 and intense Pluto on December 30 that can rock your world. Breaking free from restrictive situations is a possible benefit, but holding onto resentment and failing to make your position clear will slow down your love life in the New Year. So the key to making this a season of romance comes from taking a step back from your emotions and looking at your situation with a little bit of logic. Yes, you may have to make some compromises, but a good friend will provide the advice and support you need to handle intense issues in a calm and cool manner. Besides, you don’t need to attract a lot of attention to get what you want now. Quiet, behind-the-scenes connections could be especially delicious. On February 18 the conscious, creative and confident Sun starts a 30-day visit to your 5th House of Romance. Just add a big dose of imagination, a pinch of idealism and a dash of compassion to make some loving magic happen.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Work comes before pleasure early this winter. It starts with the Sun in responsible Capricorn and your 2nd House of Worth where you can build your self-confidence and increase your appeal to others. Commitment to developing your talents and taking care of your body will have a major impact on your desirability, so make them your priorities. The Sun’s shift into friendly Aquarius and your chatty 3rd House on January 18 lightens your mood and increases your chances to connect with people. This is an easygoing transit that encourages conversations and attracts interesting individuals. You may need some variety, though, to get your emotions flowing. If you have a partner, look for some new interests to restore passion to your lives. If you’re single, exploring different groups and organizations could lead to meeting someone new. Your tender side starts showing as of February 18, a time when you may be less interested in going out with friends and more satisfied staying home with one caring person. If you trust someone, don’t be shy about showing your soft side since sharing this kind of sensitivity invites intimacy.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The season starts out slowly as the love planet Venus stops dead in its tracks on December 21. This retrograde turn occurs in Capricorn, which can encourage you to step back from a relationship. You don’t have to end a partnership, if you have one, but it’s certainly a time to review and rethink your commitment to it. By January 31, when Venus goes forward again, you should be totally clear about what you want. If you’re single, this reversal period is useful for reconnecting with an old lover and getting sentimental about the past. Making adjustments to your appearance and approach to romance are excellent ways to use this transit. The Capricorn New Moon on January 1 joins transformational Pluto, reminding you to let go of beliefs, behavior and people that aren’t helping you find happiness. Even if you’re feeling edgy around the Full Moon on January 15, be patient and trust yourself to make responsible romantic decisions. Sexy Venus-Mars squares on January 16 and March 2 can arouse your desires and might even turn a disagreement into an erotic connection.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

You might feel like you’re being left out of the fun when winter starts. The life-giving Sun and romantic Venus are both in serious Capricorn and your 12th House of Invisibility then. Getting attention isn’t easy, but you might enjoy more private time for yourself or to share with one undemanding individual. Being less direct about expressing your desires makes sense until the solar shift into Aquarius and your 1st House of Personality on January 18. That should increase your confidence and visibility, but there still may be unfinished relationship business that keeps you from getting exactly what you want. Working to please yourself, though, is a good way to ensure happiness and make you more desirable to others. Then, on March 5, the love planet Venus glides into your friendly sign to give you more sparkle and appeal. People are likely to notice and appreciate you then with new forms of fun and stimulation arriving on the 18th. A favorable alignment between alluring Venus and your innovative planet Uranus makes this a time of unusual pleasures and unexpected joy.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

A key relationship theme for you this season is the ongoing need to keep negotiating with others. Sure, you’re more inclined to find agreement with people, to keep your mouth shut or just to walk away from the situation. However, putting in the effort to discuss and debate difficult issues is worth the effort. Passionate Mars is in Libra and your 8th House of Intimacy where it rewards you for diplomatically stating your case, listening to what others say and coming up with a compromise to keep your connection alive and healthy. This can also be a seductive transit as you’re ability and instinct to charm almost everyone you encounter is strong. Of course, that could send out misleading signals, so be clear about your intentions and behavior to avoid attracting someone who doesn’t really appeal to you. The Sun’s entry into your sign on February 18 will provide you with more confidence and creativity, which will make you more visible to others. This can give you extra energy to put into your current relationship or provide the will to pursue a new one.

Cosmic Tips to Conquer Holiday Family Stress

Cosmic Tips to Conquer Holiday Family Stress

See how Astrology can help you through the holidays!

Tarotcom Staff     Tarotcom Staff on the topics of thanksgiving, holidays, astrology

Let’s get real: Life is not a Norman Rockwell painting. When it comes to spending a lot of time with family during the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into the most stressful time of the year.

Even the people we love the most have a unique way of pushing our buttons when we spend too much time together. Add that to the stress of juggling holiday parties, meal planning and gift shopping from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, and … well, let’s just say it’s easy to go from holly jolly to downright brawly in the blink of Santa’s eye.

Astrology can help you watch for the things that trigger your horoscope sign’s stress levels most. Here are some cosmic tips on how every zodiac sign can cope with stressful family situations all season long.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Even dynamic Rams can run out of energy during the holidays, and it stresses you out when you don’t have enough steam to get everything done. If a family member asks for one more thing on top of this, watch out for your fiery temper! Prevent a meltdown by setting aside at least one hour of alone time per day. Delegate some of your tasks to others and go for a walk or take a nap. You don’t have to do everything yourself — that’s what family is for!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus, you’re the peacemaker, and your family relies on you to solve disputes over the dinner table during the holidays. And you know what? That stresses you out! You don’t like to witness conflict or hurt feelings, and it’s even worse if you can’t help settle everyone down because then you feel like you’ve failed. If you find yourself stressed by family drama this year, use your stubborn nature to cope. Insist everyone calm down and speak respectfully, and don’t walk away until peace prevails.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You don’t suffer fools gladly, Gemini. Your short temper can be triggered when a family member says something you disagree with, or if they move too slowly — like when Granny drives you to the mall in her 1987 Cutlass Ciera. You need to practice patience, dear Gemini. Take part in daily activities to calm your overactive mind, like yoga or an art class to, so you won’t blow a gasket at Thanksgiving dinner.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Sensitive Cancer Crabs are especially prone to holiday family stress. You are very negatively affected by criticism, angry outbursts or being ignored. And it’s easy for certain family members to hurt your feelings unintentionally — like if one of your siblings seems to be getting preferential treatment, or if someone accidentally insults you with a nose trimmer as a holiday gift. To keep Crab from getting crabby, it’s important you speak up and let the offending family member know how you feel. Don’t keep your hurt feelings to yourself, or you’ll wind up nursing a stress-related ulcer. Take a deep breath and let your feelings be known, and more than likely you’ll find peace in an apology.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Leo, you need to let go. Your stress triggers are primarily situations you can’t control, and that is an inevitable part of the holidays. One of your family members might break the gravy dish, you may lose your car in the mall parking garage on Black Friday, or Uncle Jerry might infer that your career choice falls short of family expectations. Whatever it is that takes place to trigger your insecurities and prompt you to throw a childish temper tantrum… Let. It. Go. You’ll be much happier that way.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You think too much, Virgo — which accounts for your greatest holiday stress. Just the thought of getting all your holiday chores done and attending to every family member’s needs is enough to tie you in knots. But the thing is, once you actually start working on the things you need to get done, you’re fine. Make lots of lists to help keep you on track – write down what you can do to help others, too. You’ll feel calmer just putting it all on paper. Pretend you’re making a list for Santa, it’ll be fun!

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Not being treated fairly is hugely stressful for you, Libra. And you also can’t deal with a lot of clutter. But during large family holiday gatherings, it’s easy for these needs to be neglected. If someone takes the last slice of pumpkin pie before you’ve had any, and then has the nerve to leave the dirty dish on the counter, look out! That will set you off, and you could waste hours weighing the pros and cons of confronting them about it. Rather than seething in silence or overreacting defensively, respond calmly in the moment. Keep it short and sweet — no long-winded speeches or accusations. You’ll get better results once people know where you stand.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Your family doesn’t realize how sensitive you are, Scorpio, because you hide it well. You have a quiet strength, so you’re easily stressed out by big noisy family gatherings. You also feel tense and nervous when you don’t get enough privacy, so be sure to let your family members know your needs and boundaries so you can negotiate what works for all. It may be as simple as going into a private room alone for an hour to regroup, or leaving a lit bit sooner than the rest of the clan. If you explain, they will understand.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You’re all about movement, Sagittarius, so the idea of sitting in a relative’s living room for five hours straight is your personal hell. You’re also not big on formal family dinners where you must act properly and “behave.” Any situation that reins you in can trigger stress, like someone pressuring you to buy too many gifts or show up on time for dinner. Find ways to spend some time outdoors to feed your restless spirit. Help decorate the family home with outdoor lights or shovel snow from the sidewalks up and down the street so you won’t feel so constrained.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You demand a lot from yourself, Capricorn. And, you feel pressured when you fail to live up to your high expectations during the holidays. You worry worry worry about serving the right holiday dishes, buying the right gifts or telling the right jokes at the holiday dinner table. You can end up going over the “what ifs” or “if onlys” ’til you’re all lathered up. The remedy is to live in the moment, the only place where joy can be found. And, be sure there’s plenty of time to relax in your hectic holiday schedule.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Though “live and let live” is your motto, Aquarius, you really like to have your way. But when you’re surrounded by family members during the holidays, you need to learn the art of compromise. You don’t need to bend your will entirely to that of every family member, but do make more of an effort to accommodate their needs, too. You’re a little high-strung even when it’s not the holiday season, so trying to do so much traveling, partying, shopping and planning in so little time can stress you out right quick. Just slow down a little. Ironically, by slowing down you’ll actually get more done and feel more relaxed.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You’re a very private person, Pisces, so nosy family members or being put on the spot at a family gathering in which you feel exposed can be stressful. And you’re sensitive nature is also unnerved by loud family revelry, teasing and obnoxious behavior. You might become overly anxious in these family holiday situations because you don’t know how to shield yourself from such invasions. It’s difficult, but if you can give yourself a temporary attitude adjustment you’ll fare much better. Keep thinking “This too shall pass,” and take little escapes for an hour here and there so you get plenty of time alone to process your emotions and clear your slate.

Another year til another Samhain…

Gothic Comments 

It is the time of burning leaves,
The crispness of the air has awakened
Memories both dark and hidden,

Memories of past feasts partaken.

I sit comfortly in this silent room
Computer keyboard beneath my fingers
Yet…my mind is never frozen here

In times past it wants to linger.

I ‘see’ a bonfire raging on a hilltop
With my people all gathered around
Our prayers to the Gods I shout,

Yet, in my dreams I hear not a sound.

The drums beat, the people dance

Wildness fills the autumn night.

The Other Side is so very close–

The Veil just beyond the fire light.

I reach, I feel, I almost touch…
Spirit fingers entwine with mortal
Then dawn’s first light appears

And seals again the fragile portal.

I turn away from the cold ashes

Let the wildness leave my aching soul.

Another year til another Samhain…

On that night again I’ll be whole.

  


(poem by: Elspeth Sapphire)

       

When The Crone Pays A Visit, You’d Better Pay Attention

When The Crone Pays A Visit, You’d Better Pay Attention

Author:   Maire Durkan   

(Samhain 2012) I wake in pre-dawn hours, heart pounding. I’d placed photographs of my beloved dead on my altar, placed a welcome offering of my dad’s favorite candy and whiskey, and lit a candle. I’d asked for a dream—contact with a message—and had expected something like the warm and loving messages I received during Audience With the Ancestors, a Samhain ritual performed by my coven (Grail of the Birch Moon) and member covens of the Assemble of the Sacred Wheel in three locations. I expected a message along the lines of “follow the way of love, ” but the Wise Woman, the Crone, had visited me in the darkness of night, in the waning of the moon, bringing the chill of winter and a stern message.

I have never been a lucid dreamer. So, when I find myself in my very own bedroom confronted by a messenger dressed in black who is–shall we say–brutally frank, I’m pretty freaked out. First, the specter makes sure that I am icy cold (which certainly gets my attention) , then she dissolves the headboard of my bed and tears chunks out of the door to a very real crawl space behind it while my father (who passed in 2008) tells me to “wake up.”

This dream is not a nightmare—but its message is certainly stern. So, I wake to a room not quite as frigid as the astral room. When my heart rate dropped to normal, it was time to figure out my spiritual game plan.

As I’ve said, the crawl space is quite real and exactly where it was in the dream. There are a lot of things in that crawl space—old manuscripts, old books, old clothes, old memories good and not so good—things that I’m not quite ready to part with because they hold a part of me for good or ill.

As the space is behind the very large, very solid oak headboard of a behemoth of a bed, I can’t get at it without putting in a lot of effort. I put them there for a variety of reasons—nostalgia, the hope that they’ll be repurposed, and even (in the case of the manuscript) because I couldn’t bear to look at it but couldn’t bear to throw it away either.

Clearly, it is time for me to do some shadow work. But I don’t want to! That’s why all that stuff is packed away in an almost inaccessible physical space and in an equally inaccessible space inside of me. I have a hunch that the Goddess and my dad expect a New Year’s cleaning that involves more than sorting through the tangible junk that lurks behind that closed door.

As I do a lot when I’m working through “things, ” I take a walk in the woods and farmland around the Brandywine River Valley. Sometimes, the land and the beings that inhabit it, have lessons to teach me and sometimes the process of walking in the quiet countryside helps me find my way to an answer or at least help me pose questions that point me toward more clues.

The woods have turned towards winter. A cold breeze rattles bare limbs and dry leaves spiral down onto damp, cold earth. In the meadow, horses stand in groups, nose to nose. A maple tree felled by Hurricane Sandy lies across the path pressing down the electric wire around the fields of dun colored corn stubble. Its branches are filled with the tight knots of next year’s buds– life and potential that will never be realized in its current form–although it will be transformed and used. Nothing in nature goes to waste.

Near the last unharvested soybean fields migrating robins chirp with alarm, then fall silent as a local red tailed hawk wheels overhead. I’m like the robin, chirping, alarmed. Then, silent…listening…watching.

The woods hold death and danger –felled trees, downed leaves, and the feathers left from a kill; this is a cycle. I must embrace this–for it is my story as much as the tree’s or the bird’s. But it was also full of life. In strong roots that held firm despite Sandy’s fury. In the animals that are foraging or hibernating. In the last red clovers blooming low to the ground. In the Red Tail soaring high above crying its glorious “Keeyerr!” I whisper, “She changes everything She touches and everything She touches changes.”

It’s time for me to touch, to draw out, acknowledge, and change. Nature is filled with harsh truths that I need to apply to my spiritual habitat. I have held on to old grief and hurt too long. I lock them away, unexamined, because they are too painful to acknowledge, but too much a part of me to easily relinquish.

It’s time to ground, center, pray for compassion and take them out of the darkness. It’s time to do the hard work of removing barriers that give false comfort and open the door to that shadowed place within myself.

Shadow work is as painful and healing as the nettle plant. Sometime the sting has to come before healing can begin.

When I get home, I know what I must do. This is my first task of the new year. Mastering my fear, I must open physical and spiritual doors, reach into the darkness, and bring what I’ve stored and hidden into the light to be examined, sorted, kept or discarded.

At fifty-two, (to paraphrase the Bard) , I’m a tree approaching winter. A tree shaped and weathered by many seasonal cycles. My roots are strong, deep, and I can withstand this shadow work. But I am still a vibrant, sexual, life-embracing woman. I acknowledge shadows and darkness and will to examine the things that I have hidden with care…but I will not hide there –I will open the dark door, embrace the Crone and embrace this new and powerful cycle of my life.

A Samhain Dance

A Samhain Dance

Author: Lady Wolfwind 

The wheel turns. I can feel it. The angle of the light in the morning is different, glowing lower in the sky. The air is cooler. The earth is beginning to give up her heat. The cooler air meeting the warm soil has created a low-lying fog in the meadows. Droplets hang from the long grass. It won’t last long this time of year. Slowly, the rising sun will burn it away. For now it is quiet and it is mine to share with the creatures of the earth. I watch as the squirrels scamper, grabbing nuts and noisily run back up the tree. The birds are busy foraging for their share as well. I see a beautiful red cardinal, his beak full of seeds, land on a nearby tree limb. The yard is alive with activity. Even their frenzied activity tells me that a change is upon us.

This is my favorite time of year. I have anxiously waited for the harvest season. The changing light patterns signal changes in my body. I feel as though I need to prepare for something. Maybe it is an ancestral need to put up supplies for the winter. I feel as though I can take a deep breath, as if the time for rest is near.

Later, in the evening, I return to the yard and it is alive once more. As I sit under the moon, very gradually a vision appears before me. I can see the spirits of my ancestors celebrating around the balefire and they are beckoning for me to join them. The harvest festivals have begun. I hear the drumming and the laughter. I hear the whispered conversations. I see their faces glowing in the firelight. They’re strong, determined faces of people who have know joy and sorrow, of people who have worked hard and the struggle shows in the lines of those faces. I feel their eyes gaze upon me from time to time. They feel my presence as well. They know who I am and they are happy I am here.

Tonight, I sit and I watch. I feel as if I’m an intruder, watching something I shouldn’t. At times I don’t feel it is normal, these glimpses of the past that I am granted. I don’t speak of these things to many people for fear they would think me insane, not even my family. I quietly say a blessing and thank the Goddess for the gifts of insight She has bestowed upon me. I wonder how many people think of their ancestors and all they owe to them.

I sit and contemplate as I watch the dancers celebrate, as I listen to the music quietly suspended in time, meant for my ears to hear. I silently communicate and ask them to tell me about their life as they lived it. I hear snatches quietly whispered in my ear. They tell me of living by the wheel of life. They explain how babies are born and die too soon. They tell me that some years the crops are good and others the crops they rely upon don’t fill the pantries and the cellars. They tell me how it is to be hungry.

Others whisper about good fortunes and fertile cows that they’ve sold for some gold pieces that have increased the family’s standing, about buying more land, and building bigger, better homes for their families. They talk mainly about the harvest and the dark half of the year, of the cold and the boredom and the fear of disease. There is always talk of fear of the dark.

I sit for a while longer and watch. I promise them that I will return on Samhain. I will be ready and we (my children and I) will participate. I’ve always favored Samhain, even before I knew it by its real name or true reason of existence. We will be prepared.

In our home Samhain is a truly special time of year. My daughter and I cook a great assortment of foods. I tell them stories of my family and encourage my husband to do the same. Samhain is a day of feasting and of celebration. Not so much a celebration of the last harvest, but a celebration of our ancestors. I want these people to be remembered, even if it is not by name, but by the fact that they are the reason we are all here today. We build a bonfire and we invite people to our home. They usually are here to celebrate Halloween as they know it, but to us it is nice to have the energy of the living mingling in our midst.

My daughter and I have prepared the names of people who have passed this year and we have woven a grapevine wreath on which to put these names. As the clock tolls midnight we cast the wreath upon the fire and wish those no longer with us safe journeys on the continuation of their paths. We light candles and place them around the yard and the house and invite the wandering souls a quiet, safe place to rest for the night. The quiet, lost souls are always welcome here. I feel them and my daughter sees them from time to time. We both acknowledge their presence and say a welcome to them as long as they don’t cause any trouble.

After all the guests have left, we, as a family, gather together and talk about all we wish to see in the coming year. Samhain is truly the end of this one. I think this year I will speak of my vision and of the departed ones desire for us to participate in their festivities. I think we will throw another log on the fire and dance. We will dance a celebration of life and all that it brings. We will dance to the joys and the sorrows we have faced. We will dance in thankfulness for all that we have and stop longing for all that we think will make our lives better. Most of all, we will dance with all those who have crossed over, one more time. We will not mourn their loss but celebrate all that they have taught us. We will dance in celebration of lives well lived and the gratefulness of having had the opportunity to have crossed paths with these truly special people.

At dawn we will lie in the cool grass and say our farewells and feel overjoyed by the delightful time we have shared with those others have forgotten. The sun will begin to rise and the fire will only be small wisps of smoke. The children and I will look at each other and know that we share a secret, a magical one. We will be hesitant to leave and return to our mundane lives. I think my children have a deeper appreciation of all that it means to be Pagan. We’ve spoken of the Sabbats and we have honored the Goddess at the full moon, but they have never truly been blessed with the presence of the Old Ones reaching out to them. I believe that their lives will be forever changed starting with this new year.

I am thankful for the wisdom I now see in their eyes, wisdom I could never have imparted. They have both been securely set upon their path and I am so ever grateful for this. It gives me a sense of peace that I no longer need to worry about this area of their life. As Pagans I know they will live as kind and compassionate human beings.

Now it is time to look to the future and of the coming year. My children and I will grasp each other’s hands and head into our home to rest. It’s funny how our ancestors have helped strengthen the bond between us. How many people can say something like that? We’ve allowed the long line of family to help build the future. Not only have they helped build our future but also they have helped build it in a positive way.

I hope everyone out there is enjoying this harvest season. It is time to reap what you have sown, may it all be pleasant. If it is not, now is the time to set aside the negativity and allow the positive to flow into your life. A new year and a new start are upon us. You have the power to make this coming year into anything you dream of; you can reach goals you never thought attainable. Take the opportunity of the dark half of the wheel to plan and build your energies, to rest and to prepare yourself to put your plans in place.

I wish you all the greatest Samhain.

Love to all my fellow witches,

Lady Wolfwind

Well It’s Finally Friday, Can We All Say, “Thank The Goddess!”

Razzy 8 months old

Good Blessed Friday Morning to all my dear family! How are you doing today? Fine, I hope. I would have been here sooner but…..The little fur ball above wanted to play. And as big as she is now, she wants to play, you play, lol! She also hates the computer. Because it takes my attention away from her. She will hop in my lap and get between the computer and me. Then she just loves the heck out of the keyboard (really I think she is trying to eat it). So now when you see a little delay in the postings, you know who is to blame, lol!

Well, my friends, I have bent your ear enough this morn. Time to get to work. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and a very blessed weekend.

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

Good Blessed Tuesday Morning, my dear family, friends & visitors!

Great Goddess, Great God

I greet you at the start of a new day

And thank you for the potential that this day holds

Please send me the best day possible

Help me to feel my best

So I might do my best for myself and for others

Smile upon me as I walk my Path

And guide me so I might walk with wisdom and grace

And shine your light upon the world

As the Sun rises

Fill me with energy and joy

Bless me with Your Presence

And watch ove me and those that I love

So Mote It Be

Old Customs

OLD CUSTOMS

The first water drawn from any well or stream on New Year’s morning used
to be called the Flower of the Well, or the Cream of the Well. This water would bring good luck in the new year.

In Mid-January (depending on the area) the apple trees were wassailed.
The word “Wassail” comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Wehal” which means “be of
good health”. Farmers and their families went to the orchards after dark, carrying horns and a large pail of cider. Cider was poured around the roots of a chosen tree, and a piece of toast or cake, soaked in cider, was placed in the branches. A wassailing song was sung to the tree.

Girls can discover their future husband on the Eve of St Agnes by scattering a handful of barley under an apple tree saying: “Barley, barley, I sow thee; That my true love I may see; Take thy rake and follow me.” It is said that the figure of her future husband will follow and take up the seed the girl has scattered.

The cuckoo is considered a lucky bird. Money should be turned in the pocket when the first cuckoo is heard, but never look at the ground while this is done.

Morris Dancers may be seen at Whitsuntide. The Dancers stamp, kick and
jump to waken the earth spirit and bring the crops out of the ground.

On Old Midsummer Day there is a procession in the Isle of Man to Tynwald
Hill. The Governor follows the Sword of State at the head of the procession. They process through lines of guards to a platform. Here the Governor sits on a crimson velvet chair. The Chief Justice reads a list of the Acts of Parliament passed at Westminster during the year. This ceremony shows that the Isle of Man accepts English Acts as law.

On 8 July, the Burry Man walks through the streets of South Queensferry,
West Lothian, Scotland. He is covered in thistle, teazle and burrs, with a head dress made of flowers. He covers his face, and carries a staff in each hand. He talks to no-one but is said to bring good luck to houses he visits.

On the Sunday after August 12th there is a “revel” in Markhamchurch, in Cornwall. The village children chose the “Queen of the Revel” who then leads a procession through the village, riding a white horse.

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance takes place on the first Sunday after September 4th. This is probably one of the best known of all the “Dances” in the British Isles.

SUPERSTITIONS & BELIEFS

SUPERSTITIONS & BELIEFS

Superstitious beliefs and customs are very much a part of Filipino culture. We
have a whole panoply of pamahiin ranging from beliefs in supernatural beings
(spirits, engkantos, witches, talismans, amulets); beliefs connected to
marriage, conception, birth, & child rearing; and beliefs linked to death &
afterlife. Many of these beliefs are considered ridiculous and silly but many
people believe it to be symbolic. For instance many of the beliefs that could be
categorized under human actions or activities are important to the lives of
people such as sleeping, eating & gift-giving. These actions feature highly in
the imagination of our people and much symbolism has been attached to them.

ACTIONS

If you bite your tongue accidentally, someone is talking about you or thinking
of you.

It is not good to take a bath right after eating for this will cause the stomach
to enlarge.

After bathing at night, do not sleep while your hair is wet for you will become
blind or insane.

If you dream that one of your teeth is being pulled, it means death to one
member of your family.

Have a new car blessed to avoid accidents & for greater car longevity.

Boiling egg while saying the Lord’s prayer assures a soft-boiled egg. (This is
because saying the Lord’s prayer takes about 15 sec thus assuring a soft-boiled
egg).

A broken mirror given by a beloved presages a broken engagement.

In building stairs, be sure to count the steps with oro (gold), plata (silver),
and mata (death). The last step must fall on oro or plata to insure good luck to
the house dwellers.

When building a house, the door and stairs must face the East where the sun
rises to insure good luck.

Children should not be allowed to play in the afternoon for they might bump into
unseen beings. (Of course this probably came about because parents just want
their children to take naps in the afternoon.)

When you bury dead animals under fruit trees, the fruits of these trees will be
sweet.

Buying anything on New Year’s Day results in extravagance throughout the whole year.

——————————————————————————–

MARRIAGE

Clearing the table while others are still eating will cause the diners not to
ever get married.

A mole on the forehead or nose means luck in business.

A lady singing while cooking will marry a widower.

A girl sitting at the head of the table becomes a spinster.

Stepping over a person while he/she is lying down removes the person’s chances
to marry. Another variation is it will cause the person not to grow. To reverse
the curse, the person who stepped over the person lying down must retrace his
step backwards.

If the younger sister or brother gets married before the older siblings, the
older siblings will never get married.

Getting married the day before a full moon brings prosperity to your marriage.

It is considered bad luck for siblings to marry within the same year.

During the wedding ceremony, the groom must be the first to arrive at the church
and wait for the bride, but not vice versa, otherwise it is a bad omen.

It is bad luck to see the bride in her wedding gown before the wedding.

——————————————————————————–

EVERYDAY SUPERSTITIONS

Putting money directly on the family dining room table is bad luck.

When there’s a spider or any other insects (except roaches…eeew!) don’t kill
it because it could be re-incarnations of past relatives and is present to watch
over you and/or your family.

When you give someone a pair of shoes as a gift, ask the recipient to give the
you money (penny, nickel, dime, quarters, or anything higher) so that they can
say that they bought it off you. If that person doesn’t give you money, he’ll
step all over you. You will be taken advantage.

When you’re driving and a black cat runs across your path, spit out the window
to avoid bad luck.

On New Year’s Eve, jump up when the clock strikes midnight so that you will
grow.

On New Year’s Day, you should wear or have something around you that is either
linear or circular so that you will have a prolonged life.

Don’t sit on tables in a business office. Bad luck will come over the business.

Single on Valentine’s Day? No Worries

Single on Valentine’s Day? No Worries

Celebrate yourself on this day of love

Sally Philips   Sally Philips on the topics of valentines day, love, astrology
Have you been dreading Valentine’s Day? Well, get over it! Cupid wants you to celebrate love in all of its manifestations, not just the romantic variety. As a single person, you have energy for loving friendships (which you might not have time for if you were part of a couple), so you have much to be grateful for.

Here are some tips for how each zodiac sign can use Valentine’s Day to affirm that a partner isn’t necessary when it comes to celebrating love — and a few suggestions for attracting a date as well!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

If you’re single and loving it, more power to you … but if want to find a partner, try making this holiday your Valentine’s New Year. Write resolutions about new ways you can reach out while having fun in the coming year. Get psyched up and create a positive attitude. The world is your romantic oyster!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You could use some pampering on this special day, so take yourself to a spa to enjoy a head-to-toe beauty treatment, massage or soak in a hot tub. Be your own best date by treating yourself to whatever sensual delights tickle your fancy. Invite a close friend along and indulge together.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

If you get the urge to call your friends and whine about your single status, go ahead. Get chatty and vent all you want … but whatever you do, resist the temptation to ring up your ex or that hottie you’ve got your eye on. Wait for another day to make those calls, when your emotions aren’t so volatile.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You’re one of the world’s biggest romantics, so don’t let being single stop you from celebrating love. Arrange a gift or card exchange in your circle of friends and invite them over for a Valentine’s party. Bake cookies and deck out the house in red hearts and candlelight. Declare a toast to the loving friendships that sustain you.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Okay, Leo, you may not have a date this year, but you can still spread some cheer. Offer to babysit your friends’ kids. Parents of young children often have trouble finding time for romance in their busy lives, so help them out. You won’t be alone, and you’ll have fun playing with their kiddos.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

This is going to sound crazy, but this might be the perfect day to clean and reorganize your space. De-cluttering improves Feng Shui, which creates chi (vital energy) that can help attract more magic into your life. If you’re looking for a relationship, enhance the southwest sector of your bedroom with gemstones, crystals and candles.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Being single isn’t easy for you, Libra. If you’re feeling sorry for yourself, here’s a sure-fire way to cheer up: help someone less fortunate than yourself. Seniors are often lonely, and not just on Valentine’s Day, so see if you can volunteer at a senior center in your neighborhood. Or, look for a church or non-profit group that could use your help.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

You love intrigue and the little white lies behind it, so find an online florist and order a bouquet of flowers to be sent to you at your workplace. Or have a local candy store deliver a big box of chocolates. Sign the card “From Your Secret Admirer.” The water cooler gossip will keep you amused all day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Recharge your batteries by taking a short trip. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just getting on a bus and heading to some new part of town can do the trick. Or, try this with a friend: get in your car, start driving, toss a coin at every corner and turn left (for tails) or right (for heads) accordingly. After a few tosses, have dinner wherever you end up.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You’ve already got a handle on creating attractive energy that draws people to you. Your flair for success is irresistible. Now’s a great time to share some of the fruits of that success by treating your friends to a special event. Look for a movie, concert, comedy club or theater production you know they will enjoy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Okay, so you’ve figured out that Valentine’s Day is a plot by flower shops and greeting card companies to bump up their post-Christmas sales. If you’re part of this “bah humbug” group, gather your like-minded friends and have a Valentine’s Scrooge party. Give a prize to the guest who brings the snarkiest card.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Today is the day to amplify the compassionate traits you are known and loved for. Reach out to a friend or family member who needs an open ear. As you listen, offer your support and help them find their way back to a more cosmic perspective. This comes naturally to you, but it isn’t always so easy for others.

Why Does The Chinese New Year Date Change Every Year?

Chinese New Year

By , About.com Guide

If you live in an area that has a Chinatown, chances are that at some point you’ve watched the Chinese New Year celebrations. However, Chinese New Year (also called the Spring Festival) doesn’t begin and end on a single weekend. Instead, the Spring Festival lasts a full fifteen days, with preparations beginning before the old year has come to a close. By the time the New Year arrives, families have already spent several days preparing for the big event; cleaning the house, buying gifts, and cooking festive foods.

People often wonder why the date for Chinese New Year changes each year. The Chinese calendar  is a combination solar/lunar calendar, based on a number of rather complex astronomical calculations, including the longitude of the sun. Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice (all months begin with a new moon). In 2013, Chinese New Year Day falls on February 10th.

How did Chinese New Year come to be celebrated? According to an ancient legend, people were once tormented by a beast called a Nian – a ferocious creature with an extremely large mouth, capable of swallowing several people in a single bite. Relief from the Nian came only when an old man tricked the beast into disappearing. In reality, New Years festivities probably evolved from a desire to celebrate the end of winter and the fertility and rebirth that come with the spring, much like the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Today, New Years is about family reunions and wishing everyone good fortune in the coming year.

The Spring Festival is China’s major traditional holiday, and is also celebrated in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam (where New Year’s Day is called “Tet”), Malaysia, Taiwan, and of course, Hong Kong. However, in my research I couldn’t find any mention of Chinese New Year’s celebrations in Japan. Lisa Heupel, an expert on Japanese Culture, came up with a possible reason – apparently the Japanese followed the lunar calendar until the middle of the nineteenth century. However, after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, they adopted the Gregorian calendar. Since that time New Years is celebrated on January 1st. While there are other popular festivals celebrating the arrival of spring, such as Hanami or the cherry blossom viewing festival, for the most part Chinese New Year goes unnoticed in Japan, except for a few small celebrations by the Chinese who live there.

Daily Feng Shui News for Feb. 10th – ‘Chinese New Year’

It’s both my birthday and the start of the Chinese New Year, so you know there’s going to be a celebration tonight! Part of that party will be a traditional grand New Year’s feast including salmon (for longevity and intelligence), cabbage (for financial fortune and riches) and mandarin oranges (for good health) eaten to bring good luck all the next year! No meat is eaten on New Year’s Day out of respect for animals and knives or sharp instrument are not used lest we cut our good fortunes in half. Wishes (birthday or New Year) are always made on this day as well. Write your wish on a piece of paper with a red pen and place it inside a red envelope. Burn the envelope to seal your resolution and make it permanent. These special day smoke signals bring big and rewarding results! So if you got ’em, light ’em, and Happy New Year!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Waking Up & Clearing Space

Waking Up & Clearing Space
By Lotus Moonwise
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When the cold weather begins and the season shifts from autumn to winter, I go into hibernation. I go into that quiet space within and it feels like time stands still. Projects that I’ve been working on get put on the shelf. I know that things unfinished will have to wait for Spring. I let go of the past year and move into the dark months. During this time, I often find myself wanting to just curl up in a warm bed, like a child in the womb of the Mother. I feel a quiet calmness. If one looks only on the surface, it seems there is not much going on. Though deep within there is much activity. Energies of the past year mingling with energies of what is to come. Swirling together in the void. Within that void, all possibilities exist and from that space, creation springs forth. In this dark space, we wait to be reborn and for new light and inspiration to find us. We wait for the first signs of Spring. I feel the stirrings within me and the excitement of starting over again. Another turn of the wheel and we’ve arrived at one of my favorite times of year: Imbolc. We start to awaken from Winter’s long sleep. We pay attention to our thoughts and notice how inspiration begins flooding in, giving us little clues to follow, opening us up to all the potentials of the New Year. We feel an inner urging to clear our space. We begin to look around and notice all the ways we could simplify, clear out, and unclutter our lives. We make peace with the process of letting go of the past to make room for the new.  “Spring Cleaning” is a tradition for many people at this time of year. It’s part of our natural cycles as humans connected to the Earth. We feel it in our bodies. We don’t need to look at a calendar to tell us it’s time to clear our space. We feel it in every cell. We know it by the way we feel. We know it when we feel the flower inside our hearts begin to open up, ready to blossom towards the sun as it grows in strength. We want to open our arms and embrace this new light by sharing it with those we love. In my family, Imbolc is a celebration that lasts over several weeks. It begins when we pack up the Yule decorations and take down the tree. The clearing process starts with our physical space. Starting at one end of the house, usually the kitchen, we turn on some music, open all the windows, empty each room completely, and clean everything from top to bottom, infusing the space with new energies. Then we take our time filling the space again, putting back only what is essential. We usually have a few boxes to categorize the items we remove from the rooms. A box of things we know we want to keep, a box for things that we know we can let go of, and one for things we are not sure of yet. First we put back what we know we want, then we spend time in the room as it is. Going within, we ask, what else is truly needed here? The inspiration comes. Maybe a new altar for the kitchen? Maybe some new pictures to hang on the wall? A new plant? Every year, it’s a different answer. The room tells us what it needs. Room by room, we continue like this, until the entire house has been re-born.  When we get to the kid’s rooms, we talk about what it means to let things go. We talk about how other children may enjoy the toys the kids no longer play with. The kids get their own box to put used toys in that are later taken to a donation center, along with everything else that we are letting go of as a family. It’s a process they have become used to. Letting go of things from the past is a natural part of their life. Learning to let go now, as children, sets a foundation for their lives and makes transitions easier to move through.
Once the physical space is clear, it’s time for a clearing of another kind. A clearing of the emotional, mental, and spiritual space within. A time to take stock of everything in our lives and what it means to us. Family, friends, career, spiritual practice, hopes, dreams, goals. It’s the time to get quiet and listen to your inner voice tell you what it needs. A time to set your intention to be open to allow all avenues of blessing and abundance into your life. Sometimes the inner voice will tell us if we have gotten off track and how to get back to the basics of what we truly need. Maybe we need to spend more time with family or friends. Maybe it’s time to change our job if it’s not bringing us joy. Maybe it’s time to move to a new place? The possibilities are endless. I use this time to re-dedicate myself to my chosen spiritual path and to re-write my personal statement of intent. I call upon Brigid at this time for inspiration for new projects that I’m starting, and to revive old projects that I put on the shelf when the winter months began. I visualize the waters of her sacred well washing me clean of the past and nurturing me in the wholeness of the now moment. I allow myself to be actively fulfilled by the present moment and open to the truth of the perfection that is within me. It’s time to fertilize the soil of our souls with the seeds of our dreams, knowing that these seeds will grow and blossom as the year progresses through it’s cycles once again.
Have a Blessed Imbolc!
About The
Author: Lotus Moonwise is studying to become a Priestess of the Order
of the White Moon.