Mystical Months – January

…You’d be so lean, that blast of January
Would blow you through and through. Now, my fair’st friend,
I would I had some flowers o’ the spring that might
Become your time of day…’

William Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale, Act IV Scene 4.

This is the second month of winter, the ‘Gate of the New Year’, the first of the Gregorian calendar, and the third month of the Celtic seasonal calendar known as Samhain, which translated means ‘The coming of the dark’.

The name, given to the month of ‘January’, is derived from the ancient Roman name ‘Janus’ who presided over the gate to the new year. He was revered as the ‘God of Gateways’, ‘of Doorways’ and ‘of the Journey’, later known as ‘St. Januarius’. Janus protected the ‘Gate of Heaven’, known as the ‘Lord of Beginnings’, is associated with the ‘Goddess Juno-Janus’, and often symbolised by an image of a face that looks forwards and backwards at the same time. This symbolism can easily be associated with the month known as for many the start of a new year bodes opportunity, casting out the old and in with the new. It is the time when many reflect on events of the previous year and often resolve to redress or improve some aspect of daily life or personal philosophy. January has traditionally been also associated with the qualities of ‘Goddess Venus’, ‘Freya’, ‘Hera’ and ‘Irene’, and the Egyptian ‘Nile God Hapi’ amongst many others.

‘Lauwmaand’ (The frosty month)
Old Dutch

‘Wulf-monath’ (Wolf month, a threat in a time of little food)
Old Saxon

‘Se oeftera geola’ (After yule)
‘Forma monath’ (First month)
Saxon (after influence of Christianity)

As part of the seasonal calendar January is the time of the ‘Wolf Moon’ according to Pagan beliefs, and the period described as the ‘Moon of Frost in the Tepee’ by Black Elk, Mystic and Medicine Man of the Oglala Sioux (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). It is a time when favourable colours to improve personal healing are black (jet stone), white and blue-violet (the colour of crocus flowers). These are the colours often associated with winter whilst the delicate crocus and snowdrops, along with the scented carnation lend beauty and a glimpse of the fine weather to come in spring to a time of austerity. The herbs and produce of the woodland too are closely connected, with nuts and cones, musk, marjoram and mimosa lending sweetness. As the second month of the winter calendar the holy thistle too reminds us of the link with winters rule and faith tested in times of extreme hardships..

The fox and its brother on a distant shore the coyote find the ability to retrieve food in the harshest of environments. As we approach spring birds too are seen to be remembered with January, with the pheasant appearing from the hedgerow and the jay (and the blue-jay) taking to the wing as a sign of the skies and earth giving hope of insect life and nesting materials.. A traditional belief amongst farmers in the British Isles said that a mild January was an omen of wet weather to come (from February through to May) and would give a bad crop in the field.

‘Bid the past farewell,
and receive the year that has just been born.’

As part of the astrological calendar, January has many associations. This is the month of the house of Capricorn (December 20 – January 20) and the house of Aquarius (21 January – February 18). Capricorn is the tenth sign of zodiac and depicted by the symbol of the ‘Goat’. The resolve to achieve is evidenced by Capricorn’s who work hard and long, like the goat, slowly but surely to reach the top of their mountain until they wish to move on to new and better pastures. The sign is said to embody authority and maturity being associated with the stage of latter life of the adult. Here is the chance for a Capricorn to work and rework ideas to get it right, as second best is not bad but things can always be better. In ancient Babylonian mythology Capricorn was depicted as the ‘God Ea’, fish-tailed, also known as the ‘Antelope of the Sea’. Capricorn is also known by the name the ‘Gate of Death’ (opposite sign Cancer, ‘Gate of Birth’). This is the time when the Sun enters its tenth phase of the journey and a time of new wisdom; Ea is seen to rise from the deep waters and instruct Man on the divine wisdom.

‘Saturn’ is the ruling planet of Capricorn bringing with it the qualities of wisdom, security, self-control, discipline, determination, responsibility and limitation. Saturn is also known as ‘Lord of Saturday’, ‘Kronos’ or ‘Time’. Capricorn is a cardinal and negative earth sign associated with the statement ‘I master’ and ‘I will refine’. It rules the skin, knees and bones. It is associated with the Aspen, Elder, Elm, Pine, Poplar, Weeping Willow and Yew, and with Burdock, Hemlock, Holly and the Black & Red Poppy. Colours associated with Capricorn are black, earth tones, indigo and orange. The main stone associated with Capricorn is the Garnet, and the main stone associated with December is the Turquoise. Lucky number is eight, lucky day Saturday. Metal associated is lead.

‘In spring, when woods are getting green,
I’ll try and tell you what I mean:
In summer, when the days are long,
Perhaps you’ll understand the song?’

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac and depicted as ‘Ganymede’, a youthful male water carrier, also known as the ‘God with Two Streams’. Ganymede became cup-bearer to the ‘Olympian Gods’, ruled over by ‘Zeus’, and borne to ‘Mount Olympus’ on the back of an eagle. Out of the carrier springs new wisdom, for the good of humanity. The ‘Age of Aquarius’, generally thought to commence around 2000 AD, is foreseen as one which will embody these qualities. It is also the subject of many predictions, some of which indicate Armageddon, the Second Coming of Christ, one of major natural cataclysmic occurrences, and a shift in the earth’s axis. Yet the New Age is also the subject of excitement not because as it has been suggested the beginning of Aquarius will prelude either the weakening or strengthening of Christianity, but that with the new era comes a religion will be wholly embraced. So far this has been deemed to be one based on the now famous statement ‘Make love not war’. A desire to move away from materialism and violence is predicted to surface. There has, however, been extreme concern shown on the place of drugs in all this with some predicting that the New Age will signal no more than the beginning of a period not of reawakening but of sleep dictated by a drug induced delirium.

‘Uranus’ is the ruling planet of Aquarius bringing with it the qualities of revolution, change, unpredictability and disruption. Aquarius is a fixed and positive air sign associated with the statement ‘I am the embodiment of all that society needs or desires’, ‘I universalise’, and ‘I will change’. It rules the circulation and ankles. It is associated with the Ash, Birch, Cherry, Elder, Fig, Plum, and the Rowan, and with the flowers Apple, Lemon & Peach Blossom and Orchid. Colours associated with Aquarius are aquamarine, electric blue and turquoise tones. The main stone associated with Aquarius is the Aquamarine (this also has associations with Pisces, but the main stone associated with the month of January is the Garnet . Lucky number is four, lucky day Saturday. Metals associated are aluminium and uranium.

‘The dream-child moving through a land –
Of wonders wild and new,
In friendly chat with bird or beast –
And half believe it true.’

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Firsts for the New Year Spell

Firsts for the New Year Spell

The Japanese have a wonderful custom of honoring the New Year’s “firsts,” which they call hatsu. Among the first activities they note on this day are the first day of work, the first visit to temple and the first practice session for artists. You should note your “firsts” this year, and practice kakizome or the act of “first writing.” To do so, choose your favorite poem, prayer, or passage of writing. Copy the passage in your best handwriting on to a sheet of the best and whitest paper you can find. The paper sybolizes the pure New Year, a time when much is possible. This practice serves as a good luck charm for a year begun in beauty. And a year begun well, ends well.

By: Lily Garnder

New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are a modern tradition but despite being neither a Wiccan tradition nor linked to the Witches’ year, which begins and ends at Samhain, many Witches still practise this.

Rather than setting yourself one or two difficult-to-attain targets, make a list of 6 to 12 things you would like to achieve during the coming year. Some could be linked to self-improvement like eating in a more healthy way or learning a new skill, whilst others are perhaps more in the way of personal treats; for example saving for a balloon flight or a weekend at a health spa. Try to include one or more things associated with your Craft, like remembering to observe the cycles of the Moon or writing up your Book of Shadows, for example. It can also be helpful to apply a ‘rule of three’ approach to this: for each item for self-improvement, have one benefit of others, the land or the Craft, and one which is for pleasure. Ensure that your list includes things which are relatively simple to achieve as well as more difficult goals.

Write a list of all your targets and, whilst burning a gold candle, recite them to yourself, repeating after each: “As in my will so mote it be.” Pin the list in a place where you will see it everyday. If you don’t want to announce your intentions to the world, you could place it on the inside of your wardrobe door. Now select one goal from your list and start work towards achieving it as soon as you can.

“The best way to succeed is to start.”

January 1 – The Real Witches Year by Kate West

Unlucky January Dates

1. 2. 4. 5. 10. 15. 17. 29.

According to the English historian Richard Grafton these certain dates of the month were unlucky as published in the ‘Manual’ in 1565. Days throughout the year were identified and of course could have related to any day of the week. The date was the most important point to consider. The work was reputed to have some credence with support given by astronomers of the day. Exactly why these dates are unlucky is unclear today but by looking at the calendar of days an idea of the major occurrences can be seen.

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New Year’s Resolutions for Cats

Cherise Udell

If you think New Year’s resolutions are for people only, think again. My three cats, Rikki Tikki Tabby, Mr. Mittens, and Sushi have been thinking good and hard about how they can be better, happier cats. Here are their individual lists:

Rikki Tikki Tabby

1. Take more naps.

2. Stop chasing birds.

3. Take more naps.

4. Be nice to mice.

5. Spend more quality time with Mr. Mittens — especially in the form of naps.

Mr. Mittens

1. Ease off the catnip.

2. Drink less cream.

3. Refrain from walking across my human’s keyboard while she is blogging.

4. Stop shredding the newspaper before 8 am.

5. Make a viral video of me and Rikki doing something fiendishly feline.

Sushi

1. No scratching my human’s favorite leather chair.

2. No scratching the humans, especially the little noisy ones.

3. Leave the goldfish in his bowl.

4. Amass a huge following on Facebook.

5. No hair balls on expensive Persian rugs.

So you see, the cats indeed take the coming of the new year very seriously — that is in between their cat naps, catnip and bowls of cream!

6 Ways to Make Resolutions that Stick

Dr. Tamar Chansky

January is a complicated month. At first blush, it’s like new love. There’s that wonderful, wind-beneath-your-wings feeling, that promise of a fresh start, a whole new you, an open door to the possibility that everything will be different (perfect) this time. But faster than you can say, “I’m going to renew my gym membership and go every single day!” along comes the other side of January: the bully.

This is the part that shows you the failure, the anticipated crash, the thud, the utter disappointment with yourself as all those good intentions that got your engines started in the first place run out of steam in unglorious and predictable ways. It’s the part that says, make a resolution; I dare you.

Fortunately, January is not the problem. It’s us. Well, our perfectionism, to be specific. Our all-or-none thinking frames our life so that if we’re not succeeding every second, we’re failing. Nobody wants that. But nobody can be that “perfect” person either. Many of us decide that because we break most of our resolutions, we will take the hall pass this year and skip any resolution making at all.

But let’s be clear about what we are missing when we don’t set goals. We aren’t preventing ourselves from failing. We’re keeping ourselves from growing.

Setting goals raises us up from our ground level vantage point and gives us access to a privileged view of ourselves. Rather than being a passive participant reacting to life on autopilot, by setting goals we can imagine different paths, question if where we are headed is where we want to go, and in general take charge of our lives. This may be big questions about the direction we’re taking or, on a smaller scale, fine-tuning the details, or looking for more balance, fulfillment and health in daily life.

So, set some goals, take the opportunity to run your life instead of having your life run you. But to stay in the game and on your feet, don’t let perfectionism be your referee. You call the shots. Aim for sustainable change, not perfection. Lasting change takes time, and you are worth the investment. Your goals and aspirations are worth your persistence. Perfectionism doesn’t understand this, but you can.

Here are six ideas to give your resolutions more staying power.

1. No job is too small.

Lofty are we when making New Years’ resolutions — the bigger, the better. We want the big-splash resolutions, but those life-altering plans are often impossibly impractical, at least in one go. Think smaller. Do you want to have one more meal each week with your family? Do you want to have a gratitude-sharing with your family each week? Do you want to apologize faster, be more kind to strangers — or people you know? We don’t need the goals that would make our lives discontinuous or unrecognizable to our current selves — we want the actions that will make our lives better.

2. Work with your natural laziness: Set up your supplies in advance.

Failure and procrastination happen most often when the supplies we need to get the job done require us to actually stand up and do something (think about how we’ll suffer through a bad movie because the remote is across the room). Improve your chances of success by making things easier on yourself: Get your supplies ready in advance (e.g., grab the remote before you sit down). Prevent that last-minute avoidance/apathy phenomenon from getting in your way. Want to start going to the gym in the next couple of weeks? Get your bag together and put it in your car. Want to start bringing lunch to work? Make it the night before. Want to save money each month? Set up auto-withdrawal.

3. Think short-term.

Why don’t you plan your menus for the next 12 months? Or your outfits? So why are we planning our other goals for such a big chunk of time and then get upset when we can’t sustain it? Try to make a goal for each month, rather than for the year. This way you can make modifications in response to how you’re actually performing on the goal.

4. Give it time.

It takes a good three weeks to establish a new habit or pattern. That’s what researchers tell us. So, especially in the early weeks of a goal, expect that your adherence will experience some ups and downs. Hang in. Habit strength awaits you on the other side of that first launching phase. Build in room for slips, hiccups, and setbacks. If you expect that this is part of the process, you won’t misinterpret your slip ups and invent reasons to give up. You’ll think instead: Right, Momma said there’d be days like this; and try again tomorrow.

5. Think community.

Me, me, me, me. We all get sick of the focus on ourselves — our appearance, our eating habits, our weight. All good things, but expanding the focus beyond ourselves is likely to garner a much more appreciative audience than we can be for ourselves. Community may mean volunteering your time, but it also may be something that requires no planning — being patient and kind in your interactions at work, challenging yourself to see the best in others, doing something each week “just because.” Imagine if we all resolved to do this at the same time.

6. Raise the barn, together.

We are isolated in our desire to change ourselves. And when we fail, resolutions tend to be a source of private humiliation. Hey if we’re all in the same boat, let’s support each other in staying afloat. You can find a gym buddy or a job-hunting buddy if someone is going through similar challenges, but you don’t have to be working toward the same goal. Find a buddy who you’ll write to each week to update on your progress, and they’ll do the same. This will also be the person who will give you the pep talk when you slip up and say no big deal, keep going. (We all need that person).

One last thought. This year, as you approach the question of resolutions, rather than feeling like you’re starting from scratch and that you’re nothing without those changes, see that the better you that you’re looking for is already there. Make the bold move to see resolutions not so much as ways to overhaul your life, but rather as opportunities to free yourself up to locate the best version of who you already are. Cheers to overcoming the obstacles that get in the way of seeing and being that best self. Happy New Year, all!

©Tamar Chansky, Ph.D. 2012 A version of this was previously published on Huffington Post

Feng Shui for a New Year

Attract positive energy to start the New Year right

by Stephanie Dempsey on the topics of new year, feng shui

The New Year marks a fresh start. Make the most of this auspicious time by implementing a few Feng Shui cures.

The beauty of Feng Shui is that it is quick, simple and effective. You may not be able to lose 10 pounds overnight, but you can get the scale moving in the right direction with just a few of these simple adjustments.

Clean up your act

Don’t wait until spring to launch a massive cleaning effort. By cleaning your abode from top to bottom in preparation for the New Year, you’ll wash away any negative energy. Be especially attentive to your kitchen, as this room governs your ability to cultivate good health and impressive wealth.

3 is a magic number

Feng shui experts view 3 as a magic number, as it embodies growth and creativity. Squaring the number 3 is even more auspicious. Therefore, if you want to experience a fabulously fortunate New Year, move 27 objects in your home. The objects could be as big as a sofa or as small as a cologne bottle. The important thing is to move 27 items with the intention of improving your luck.

Fill your wallet

Start the year right with a big, fat wallet. Get 27 crisp, new dollar bills from the bank and put them inside. This will set the trend for a prosperous New Year. Spice things up by sprinkling ground ginger on the outside and inside of your billfold. Ginger is a stimulant, and will attract new sources of income to you.

Sweeten the pot

Fill your sugar bowl and canisters to the brim with sweetener on New Year’s Day. This will make it easier to enjoy all of the good fortune that will come your way in the months ahead.

Set the proper tone

The first words you say in the New Year will set the tone for next twelve months. Therefore, you should prepare a little speech to utter at the stroke of midnight. “Health, wealth and happiness for all” is a good choice, as is “Thank you for all the prosperity ahead.”

Make noise

Loud noises are thought to scare away malevolent influences. Therefore, be sure to make a big racket on New Year’s Day, if only for a couple of seconds. Blast the stereo, bang some pots and pans or toot a toy horn. Your neighbors may grumble, but you’ll be sitting pretty!

Orange you glad it’s the New Year?

Because of their resemblance to the Sun, oranges represent prosperity. Put a bowl of 9 oranges on your kitchen table on January 1 as a means to summon all of that positive, life-giving energy.

Soak up negative energy

If you’re getting over a troubled relationship or need to find a new job, sprinkle sea salt around the interior perimeter of your home. Let the salt stand overnight, and then vacuum it up the next day. Imagine yourself beginning a happier, healthier life as you vacuum. When you are finished, throw the vacuum bag into an outdoor garbage can.

Find a new job (and get a new bod)

People often put off job searches until after the New Year. If you’d like to get a head start on the competition, get rid of 27 objects you no longer use or need. You can donate these things to charity, throw them in the trash, or sell them for a profit — it’s up to you. The key is to make room in your home for new energy. There’s an added bonus to getting rid of stuff: weight loss! When you get rid of dead weight in your home, it starts falling off your body, too.

Find a new love

If you’re in the market for love, you can find it in the coming year by absorbing more western energy. Make it a habit to pause and watch the sunset at least three times a week. By maintaining a positive attitude and a hopeful heart, you could be planning your wedding at this time next year!

Astrology Inspired New Year Resolutions

Keep your New Year Resolutions with help from the stars

by Sally Philips on the topics of new year, astrology

It’s that time of year again, when we all promise to correct our bad habits and become perfect people. Riiiiight! As we all know, New Year resolutions are made to be broken … but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make them.

Whether we stick to them is not always the point. It’s more about adjusting our focus each year to gain greater awareness. Little by little, that awareness can help us clean up our mucky areas and get closer to living the lives we desire.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

If one of your resolutions last year was to finish projects that are still sitting on your shelf, it’s time to box them up and make room for a brand new endeavor. Here’s the resolution you will need to make it a success: I won’t start a new project until I finish the one I’m working on.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your fixed energy makes you great at follow through, but it can also keep you stuck in bad habits. Resolve to tackle a few of your worst ones this year. If you are true to your resolutions for just three months, you will be well on your way to breaking even the most stubborn habit.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Your whirlwind life can be a lot of fun — and it certainly isn’t boring — but it might serve you well to slow down this coming year. Even though patience isn’t your strong suit, try adding a dash of it here and there. It will help you make progress in areas where your bouncy energy has actually been holding you back.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

You love your routines and your security, but it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Resolve to reach out into unknown territory and see what you find this year. If it feels scary, remember that you’re just coming up on an edge where you need to stretch.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Have you used your irresistible charms to capture emotional prisoners this past year? If you’re a player — and you know who you are — resolve to be more devoted this year. Open up that big heart of yours and take your relationships to a deeper level.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Nag, nag, nag … the only time you stop is when you’re nitpicking. Okay, that’s a huge exaggeration … but chances are you’ve gotten on someone’s case a little too often this past year. Resolve to lighten up this year and let others take care of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

As hard as you try, you can’t have it both ways. Promise yourself you will make firmer decisions this coming year. You can still weigh all of your alternatives, but when it comes down to the line, make up your mind and stick to it. Your friends and colleagues will breathe a sigh of relief.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Keeping secrets adds to your mysterious allure, but there’s a limit. If you’re using your power to manipulate others, that’s where it needs to end. Resolve to be more transparent with those close to you this year. Let them in on your deepest secrets and enjoy the fruits of greater intimacy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You’re good at thinking big and you shouldn’t change that this year … but you might want to put more time into developing strategies that will help you reach your lofty goals. Remember — a goal without a plan is just a dream — so make this the year you follow through.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Here’s your mantra-resolution: It’s not all about money. Keep pursuing the almighty dollar if you like, but also take time to smell the roses that line your path to success. Your friends and family need you. Resolve to be more generous with your time and attention.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Even though we all love your quirkiness, it wouldn’t hurt to develop a bit more tolerance for the traditional. As it’s the flip side of where you usually put your energy, it may feel uncomfortable. But you shine when it comes to breaking the mold, so surprise everyone (again!) with a side of you they’ve never seen.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

This is the year to put your compassion to better use. Resolve to find a project where you can help others in need. Your understanding and supportive nature is a gift you need to give on a regular basis. Reach out and extend it beyond your friends and family.

Blessed Be To The New Year, 2013

I do not know what still awaits,
Or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail it with an open heart!

For this I know, that in my Lord & lady
Shall all my needs be met;
And I can trust the hearts of Both
Who has not failed me yet..

Blessed Be To The New Year, 2013!

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New Year’s Resolutions….Well Did Anyone Make Any?

Ok, out with’em! What resolutions did you make this year or did you? If you did would you like to share some of them with us. We want tell anyone I promise, lol! Here’s mine, the only problem it needs to be woman without the beard, lol!

But after reading the paragraph I just wrote it probably should have been this one…..

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Wishing You A Very Blessed & Prosperous 2013, Dear Family & Friends!

Good Morning & Happy New Year, family & friends! it is totally unreal how times flies, isn’t it? Go to bed one night, it is 2012. Wake up the next day, it’s 2013? Makes you wonder how many other lives have you woke up and done the same thing? I was thinking about when all the other Religions were calling for the end of the world. I had lots of humorous thoughts about it. Of course, the mainstream Religious leaders wouldn’t have thought it funny. Go ahead, let the end of the world come. When it is all said and done, “The Pagans shall inherit the Land.” I know you are scratching you head but we reincarnate, see, lol! We would all reincarnate and come back and the world would be ours! Good grief, I sound like a crazy ass witch, sorry about that. My husband got to watching one of preachers on TV (just to make fun of him), he would sit and argue with the man. Then the preacher got on the end of the world. He blew that up so big. And of course, for only $2500 he would send you a survival generator. They were going to need one. Then they would need protection from all us heathens. He recommended all the men learn how to shoot and the women do the same, also take a self defense course. Heathens must be bad folk 🙂 ! But my husband said the man was going to retreat to his underground bunker on the day of the 20th. Hubby tuned in and sure enough the nut case was gone. And they were telling everybody where Brother what’s-his=face went! Can you imagine that? If I was that man I would never show my face in public again, NEV ER!

You might be wondering why I brought that up. Well our local TV station was asking for what we thought was the best story of the year. I thought that would make the cut but it didn’t. Just goes to show our local station has no taste, lol! Anyway, today is going to be a very laid back day. No, I am not hung over, I don’t touch the stuff. I just stayed up late last night changing the graphics here. I also had to do some shopping for new books of 2013. So I slept in the morning.

I noticed the population button today. I guess the biggest part of our bunch had to work today. Ahhhh, but the world must continue to turn. Remember it is a very laid back day so no telling what might happen, lol!

Wishing You & Yours a Very Prosperous & Blessed 2013,

Love,

Lady A

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The Daily OM For December 31st – Letting Yourself Be Seen

Letting Yourself Be Seen

Being Witnessed

by Madisyn Taylor

A powerful healing tool can be allowing yourself to be witnessed by your friends, sharing your pain to a listening audience.

When we allow ourselves to be witnessed by another, we cannot help but be transformed by the experience. Whether we are sharing a personal experience, standing in front of friends to celebrate a special occasion, or expressing our unbridled joy or sorrow in front of a loved one, we are allowing ourselves to be seen and experienced in a very intimate way. Not only are we baring ourselves to someone else, but we are allowing that person to hold a very specific kind of space with us so this powerful act can take place. To be witnessed is to let ourselves be seen as we truly are in that moment.

Our friends and loved ones can easily be witnesses for us, if only we are brave enough to let them. Your next birthday may be the perfect occasion to experience this sacred act: Invite your friends and loved ones to your special day. During the celebration, stand in front of them and thank them for being there for you. Feel their gratitude, attention, warmth, and support, while noticing the sense of safety you feel as they surround you. If you feel inspired, share your innermost thoughts about the day and your life. You may be surprised at the feelings of peace and validation that arise within you, when you feel safe enough to go deep into your soul and share yourself with those you trust.

Anyone who has ever seen love, admiration, acceptance, or appreciation reflected in a friend or loved one’s eyes knows how transformative that experience can be. When you bare yourself to another, you are giving them the gift of you and showing them that they also matter. In letting yourself be witnessed, you are letting others into your intimate space, stepping in the sacred container they have created for you, and creating a cauldron of positive affirmation, support, love, and goodwill that will stay with you forever.

Daily OM

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of December 31st

This New Year’s Eve is perfect for playing dress-up and acting like a star as the showy Leo Moon adds glam to the party. Lovers Venus and Mars sparkle with sexiness that’s more about having fun than making a long-term commitment. We grow more intimate as the weekend’s lunar transits in relationship-oriented Libra and soulful Scorpio inspire us to share more of ourselves.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The New Year’s Eve Leo Moon is shining in your 5th House of Romance to cast you in the bright spotlight. You can put on a fabulous show while sassy and sexy Mars are busy flirting with beautiful Venus. Sharing becomes more important this weekend with the gracious Libra Moon pulling creative people into your orbit. Being willing to compromise over small issues rather than fighting to prove a point, makes you so much more attractive in the eyes of someone special.

Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Saturday could be your best chance to connect in a gentle way as the lovely Libra Moon aligns favorably with your romantic ruling planet Venus. Sunday looks to be intense because you may be attracted by forbidden fruit. Exposing needs that make you feel vulnerable is a brave thing to do. Desiring someone dangerous or pushing buttons with your current partner may be risky, but makes your heart beat faster than sitting on the sidelines playing it safe. Just don’t let your adrenaline rush tempt you to cross lines you might later regret.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your love life should be yummy from Thursday evening until late Saturday night with the inviting Libra Moon hanging out in your 5th House of Romance. Macho Mars is urging you to be extra adventurous on Friday when going too far might sound just about right. And even if you come on too strong, sweet Venus helps you smooth out any rough spots on Saturday when an enthusiastic partner shows up to please you. Discovering common interests together could turn out to be a lot of fun.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Making it through the noise of New Year’s Eve can be a chore unless you leave responsibility behind and let foolishness rule. If you’re not into games and parties, look for a quiet way to celebrate, instead. Late Saturday night is when your emotions deepen with desire. The passionate Scorpio Moon traveling through your 5th House of Romance is like a mysterious song that can’t fail to stir your soul. The power of your feelings helps you attract who and what you want if you are brave enough to express your heart.

Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You can roar in the New Year with the Moon’s presence in your bold and colorful sign on Monday night. Being loud and proud will be fun but toning it down is recommended over the weekend. The attentive Libra Moon in your conversational 3rd House makes listening to others the real key to intimacy. Opinionated people can push your buttons but staying cool is more inviting to romance than battling over beliefs. Seek common ground to make a loving connection last.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Giving up a little control can bring you a lot of enjoyment on Friday. Breaking rules at work or experimenting by shaking up your daily routine is a wonderful way to warm up for some unexpected pleasure. If you can keep your sense of humor and let go of doing things by the book, you’ll have fun with a rambunctious individual. Save the serious tone for Sunday when it’s time to discuss an intense issue that could shape the future of a significant relationship.

Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Warm feelings and weird ideas make your personal life more interesting on Thursday when the Moon moves into your gracious sign, bringing your feelings to the surface. Trying to smooth out problems is admirable but your time is better spent making yourself happy and seeking new ways to have fun. Use your imagination to invent a character for you to play who might take risks and say outrageous things you wouldn’t dare to try any other time.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Maybe New Year’s Eve seems silly to you but it’s better to be foolish and have fun than to judge other people. If you sit it out, you’ll have plenty of chances to rock the world starting late Saturday night with the Moon’s entry into your intense sign. Exposing your intimate secrets might shock some people, but will let them know exactly where you stand. Your blunt honesty cuts to the core of relationships, making the truth a very powerful instrument to be handled with love.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your adventurous planet Jupiter is fired up by energetic Mars in Friday. There may be no limits to what you will do to have fun, which is fine as long as you’re with people who you trust. It’s wiser to show your wild side privately than to go too far in a public place. Your heart wants to say yes to anything this weekend, but use your head to avoid overestimating someone. Demonstrating some healthy self-restraint makes you more desirable in the long run.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You might as well wear a silly party hat on New Year’s Eve because it reminds you to take life less seriously. Just cutting loose without worrying about what others think is a great gift to yourself. The responsible role you often play returns this weekend, probably making you the social director of the group. But getting people to pitch in, instead of carrying the load alone, gives you the space to actually celebrate what you’ve created.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The cool thinking that tends to keep you from acting emotionally could be overheated this week. The fiery Leo Moon kicks up passion in your 7th House of Relationships on New Year’s Eve. On Friday, aggressive Mars in your sign is supercharged by a trine from gigantic Jupiter that can push you to risk more than you are willing to lose. Taking chances does widen the road to love, but if you’ve overstepped any limits, expect some serious discussion on Sunday. Start off with an apology first and then talk it out until you both feel better.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Saturday night’s cosmic energy brings a unique combination of emotional intensity and mental clarity to express your relationship needs more effectively. If you have a partner, he or she needs to pay attention to what you say in order to keep your trust. If you’re single and looking, having the courage to speak from your heart may scare off some people but will make you more attractive to a person who has the depth to fulfill your desires.

Astrology Inspired New Year Resolutions

Keep your New Year Resolutions with help from the stars

Sally Philips on the topics of new year, astrology

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Calendar of the Sun for December 31st

Calendar of the Sun

31 Yulmonath

Hogmanay

Color: Brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a brown cloth set symbols of all the projects around the house that need to be finished, as well as a bottle of wine or beer and cups.
Offerings: Cleaning and finishing projects.
Daily Meal: Leftovers.

Hogmanay Invocation

We stand at the turning of the year,
In the place predicted by the Fates.
We are here because this time, this place
Is where we were destined to be,
Though we never knew before this moment,
We could not have seen this time and place.
Yet here we are, standing together with each other,
Hand to hand, soul to soul, with open eyes.
Yet well we know that nothing lasts forever,
And things well begun should not be left half done.
So it is that we shall take up the tools
And finish those things left undone,
Tying up the strings of our existence
Before the turning of the New Year
And the coming of the Fates yet again.
Hail to the Fates! We await your day,
And the next year, to see what it may bring.

(Each goes forth and takes up the symbol of some thing that is yet undone around the House, and declares that they will do it, and what it will mean for them to complete that task. Then the wine is shared around, a toast is made to the new year, and the rest is poured out as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Perfect Spell for the New Year, I Give You My Friend – Prosperity Spell

Book & Candle Comments

Prosperity Spell

To ensure a good measure of prosperity for the New Year, take some play money or a few Hell notes (purchased in any New Age Shop). Write your financial wish for the New Year on it. Hold it in front of an altar set with a green tablecloth and cauldron and visualize your wish coming true. When you are satisfied with your image, say the following words:

“Let my spell be spread on air.

Nothing may my wish impair.

Bring success and wealth to me.

As this I burn, So Mote It Be!”

Burn the paper in your cauldron. When the ashes are cooled, release them to the wind.

Goodbye to the Old and Hello To The New

I leave the old with a burst of song,

I recall the right and forgive the wrong,

I forget the things that binds me fast

To vain regrets of the year that’s past.

I have the strength to let go of your vain hold

For they are not worth grasping while the days grow old,

I dare go forth with purpose true.

To the unknown task of the year that’s new,

I help my brother and sister along the road,

I do their work and lift their load,

I add my gift to world’s good cheer,

For it is my will as well as the Goddess’

To have and to give a Happy New Year to one and all.

More Advance New Year Comments

Wishing You A Very Blessed Day On This Last Monday Of 2012!

Good Morning my dear friends & family! Well can you believe it this year is almost over. In a few hours, it will be 2013. As I sit here I pondered is it a good idea to even look back on 2012? We have witnessed terrible events, even events that have absolutely horrified us. War, violence, killings will this be the legacy of 2012? There had to be moments of happiness and peace sometime during the year. But those moments don’t stand out in our mind. Perhaps it is because with the violence and killings a part of our hearts are ripped out. Some of the violence rips us to our very souls.

I will be the first to admit the violence the world has experienced this year has cut all the way to my soul. Am I a better person for it? I don’t know. I know I am much more somber than I use to be. I know I don’t take any minute in the day for granted. I grab a hold of those minutes and squeeze them for everything I can get out of them. I believe I lost my innocence this year. Sounds funny coming for an older person, I am not really that old. But it still sounds strange. I believe I have emerged a new individual, a new Witch. I have a new determination. I want to fight back. I no longer want to stand on the sidelines and idly watch, I want to fight. I want to fight for peace, for all the wars to end, for all the violence to stop, I want to fight for a world that is fit for my grandchildren to live in. I believe the most of you do too.

It is time we all get off our brooms and do what we are suppose to do, help & better mankind and this world. This year we are going to make an effort to actually make a change in this world of ours. I have thought about it and thought about it, here is what I have come up with but I need your help for it to work. It is nothing complicated, in fact it is what we do best, chanting and releasing energy. Is that so hard? Here’s the plan, if you are with me:

Every month (starting in January 2013) at the time of the Full Moon, we will gather as one. How’s that you say? Our spirits can unite no matter where we are. They can come together as one. I will set a time, probably around midnight. I know quite a few work so it might be earlier, the more that participate the better this will work. So stay tune for the time. But at the allotted time, we will stop whatever we are doing. Go to our sacred space, light a white candle and begin to chant, as we chant we will build up energy. When our energy is at full capacity, we will release it into the World. The energy we release will be the energy of the Goddess. Her pure love, pure goodness and pure kindness will be released into our world. Can you imagine that?

Sound crazy? But it’s not. We unite our spirits in one chant, calling for all the violence, hatred, killings and murdering in the world to cease. Instead releasing the Goddess’ goodness, kindness and love to every man’s, woman’s and child’s heart on this planet. We can do it. We have the power to make this world a better place. It is our calling to do so. I can’t do it without you. Together we can accomplish great things. This year we will accomplish great things.

I hope you will join me in this huge undertaking. I believe the Goddess is calling us to do this. I believe our Goddess has shed as many tears as we have. Now it is our turn to fill the world with Her Love. If you are willing to help, please remember to look for the time of the ritual each month. Till then….

Love, Happiness and Much Joy for the New Year Ahead,

Lady A

More New Year Quotes Comments

Shout It To The Rooftops, “GOOD GLORIOUS MORNING TO ALL MY DEAR FAMILY & FRIENDS!”

Good Glorious Sunday Morning To Everyone!

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,

May the clarity of light be yours,

May the fluency of the ocean be yours,

May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

Today and evermore…..

More New Year Resolutions Comments

Your Feng Shui Tip for Dec. 29th – ‘Tick Tock Day’

There’s no better day than ‘Tick Tock Day’ to remind us that the countdown to the New Year has begun. In fact, it might be a great day to buy some round foods to eat on New Year’s Day. Round foods are thought to bring luck throughout the following year. Many cultures maintain that anything in a round shape will ring in tons of great fortune since this shape symbolizes the end of one year and a seamless beginning to the next. The Dutch say that eating donuts on New Year’s Day will fill any money holes you have in your life. Many cooks in the Southern United States believe that eating black-eyed peas is another way to magnetize awesome good luck. Cabbage is also eaten to attract luck and boost immunity. But never use a knife, scissors or anything cutting on New Year’s Day lest you cut the cords connected to all that fortune, health and luck.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

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