- Eight (八; accounting 捌; pinyin bā) is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word meaning to generate wealth (發(T) 发(S); Pinyin: fā). Property with the number 8 may be valued greatly by Chinese. For example, a Hong Kong number plate with the number 8 was sold for $640,000. The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Beijing started at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 pm (local time) on 8 August 2008.
- Eight (八, hachi, ya) is also considered a lucky number in Japanese culture, but the reason is different from that in Chinese culture. Eight gives an idea of growing prosperous, because the letter (八) broadens gradually.
- The Japanese thought eight (や, ya) as a holy number in the ancient times. The reason is less well understood, but it is thought that it is related to the fact they used eight to express large numbers vaguely such as manyfold (やえはたえ, Yae Hatae) (literally, eightfold and twentyfold), many clouds (やくも, Yakumo) (literally, eight clouds), millions and millions of Gods (やおよろずのかみ, Yaoyorozu no Kami) (literally, eight millions of Gods), etc. It is also guessed that the ancient Japanese gave importance to pairs, so some researchers guess twice as four (よ, yo), which is also guessed to be a holy number in those times because it indicates the world (north, south, east, and west) might be considered a very holy number.
- In numerology, 8 is the number of building, and in some theories, also the number of destruction.
Tag: Recreation
Dolphin
Dolphin is a beautiful, playful animal who’s freedom wanders. It lives in water but is actually a mammal that needs to breath air. It breathes air through a single nostril also known as a blowhole located on top of its head. Dolphin emerges from the water with a short explosive exhalation. Normally it reaches the surface every two minutes for air, but is capable of holding its breath for several minutes when making rapid deep dives. Dolphin is dependent on two totally different worlds.
Dolphin comes when we need to break emotional barriers and communicate truth. Dolphin will then guide us to find harmony by moving forward with our life.
Deer
Deer is a keen observer, enabled to see well in low lighting and its sensitive hearing allows it to perceive a twig snap in the distance. For the first few days of life a fawn hardly moves, hidden by the color of its coat from predators. Once it can stand, it follows its mother around to learn how to survive. The graceful movement and gentle nature of these creatures show us the innocence of nature. Deer is a messenger of serenity, can see between shadows and hear what isn’t being said. Deer teaches us to maintain our innocence and gentleness so we can share our
open heartedness with others.
Cougar
This cat goes by several names including Mountain Lion, Panther, and Puma. They are solitary cats who, unlike other cat species, are active during the day. They are also the most widely distributed cats in the Americas. These elusive hunters will pounce on their prey with a strong short burst of energy after studying its movements, never hesitating, showing none of its movement is wasted.
Cougar spirit will teach us to assert ourselves, and take control of our life so we can become leaders. Cougar’s graceful swiftness shows us how to understand the natural flow of our environment and move into a position of leadership.
Butterfly
Butterfly spends the first part of its life crawling the earth, before metamorphosis leads it to spin a home for stasis (known as a cocoon). After transforming, Butterfly is reborn as various beautiful colored winged creatures of the air.
This insect is extremely sensitive to the Harmony of Earth, and is the first creature to leave a damaged ecology. Butterfly’s graceful dancing-like appearance on flowers reminds us to find the joy in nature and make it a part of our life.
Butterfly enters our life as a messenger for change. If it comes to us hurt or ill, Butterfly asks us to stop keeping our joy at bay. It may take some time being alone with ourselves to listen to Butterfly’s gentle requests that we allow the natural transformation of things in our lives.
Bears
Although bears are thought to be ferocious carnivores, they are actually quite playful and eat less meat than some smaller animals — supplementing their diets with plants and fruit. Bears are astonishingly swift for their size, running 35-40 mph in short distances.
The most common bear is the black bear. This name can be misleading since some black bears are various shades of brown. The Grizzly is most famous for its ferocious strength but is not aggressive by nature. The largest bear is the Alaskan Brown
Bear who is a relatively solitary animal. The “cute” Polar Bear is the most aggressive of all bears — the best hunter and the most dangerous.
Bear teaches us to respect our natural hibernation cycles. Just as Bear rests during winter and reawakens during spring, we need spaces of rest and rejuvenation. Bear calls us to awaken the potential within ourselves and the power of our unconscious mind. Bear reminds us there is a time for playfulness and a time to be assertive.
Doggie of the Day for December 24th
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| Name: | William |
Age: | Four years old |
| Gender: | Male | Breed: | Toy Poodle |
| Home: | Perth, Australia | ||
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William is very special to us because he’s the first dog we’ve ever owned. He’s been so patient and understanding with us first-timers that it sometimes feels like he’s training us rather than the other way around.
He is very cheeky and energetic and loves nothing more than a good game with his squeaky ball. That ball is so precious to him and he’ll play with it for as long as we let him. Every day we have to find a new hiding place for it because William has a keen nose and an even keener memory, and he thinks it’s a terrific game to search every spot we’ve ever hidden it before. He remembers where it’s hidden better than we do! When we brought him home William was so small you could hold him in your cupped hands, but in hindsight every little quirk that made him special was already there. His personality is very endearing and he has a way of looking patiently at you when you talk, with his head cocked to the side, that makes you feel that he wants to understand. A few times he has even taught himself commands that we never set out to teach him. Saying “get it” and pointing means to get a toy and put it at our feet for throwing, but we never taught him that the way we did “sit” and “down”. He just picks up phrases if we use them often enough. We know he understands “get it” because if we point somewhere there’s no toy and tell him to get it, he’ll still run over and search in that area. I don’t know if all dogs do that, but as first time dog owners it was pretty amazing to us! It might sound like he’s got us wrapped around his little paw, but in truth William is a pretty well behaved little guy. He’s so smart and learns fast, especially if there are food rewards, but even if there’s just a kind word and a pat on offer. He loves to cuddle and it’s so funny to see him nodding off to sleep when you rub his little tummy. He can always make us laugh. We just plain love our little guy. William has become so special to us that we know we’ll never be without a dog again.  |
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Incense for Cats
Incense for Cats
Cats and magic have enjoyed a natural partnership throughout history. The Egyptians relied on feline cunning to destroy the rodents that plagued the Nile Valley granaries. Cats saved the population from starvation. Thereafter, cats were given a place of honor in Egypt.
The black jaguar of the Mayan people represented their most powerful deity and was the driving force behind their magic.
This is still true today. Giant ground pictures called intaglios, which are etched in to the Colorado basin of California, two mountain lions, each over a hindered feet long. According to the Mojave tribe, these are the tribal creator’s helpers.
Of course, no cat story would be complete without mentioning all the wonderful tales of Witches and their feline familiars.
One gem that has been handed down through English history is an incense recipe for cats:
3 teaspoons pine needles, dried and crushed
1 teaspoon frankincense
3 teaspoons catnip, dried and crushed
1/2-3/4 teaspoon gum arabic
Rain water to bind gun Arabic to the other ingredients.
Mix all ingredients together in a glass bowl. Burn on self-igniting charcoal. For your cat’s safety, burn this recipe before he or she comes in to play, or place the burner out of reach.
Pagan Hearth Recipes
Your Daily Number for December 17th: 8
Your personal power is on the rise, and you may find yourself feeling more uninhibited and generous. Today is a day of blessings and rewards; old friends will provide comfort and inspiration.
Fast Facts
About the Number 8
Theme: Power, Responsibility, Good Judgment, Financial Rewards
Astro Association: Leo
Tarot Association: StrengthSafe, Fun & Healthy Holidays for Cats
Safe, Fun & Healthy Holidays for Cats
- Nicolas, selected from petMD
By Dr. Laurie Huston, PetMD
The holidays bring with them decorations, gifts, good foods, and lots of activity as people visit friends and family to spread the good cheer. But to our cats these things translate into new “toys” to play with that may not be entirely safe, foods that probably shouldn’t be shared, and strange people coming into our territory.
What can you do to help make the holidays safer and more enjoyable for your cat?
- Remember that ribbons and tinsel are tempting toys for a curious feline. But if your cat swallows these objects, they can cause serious problems if they get “stuck” in the intestinal tract or wrapped around your cat’s tongue. Keep these types of decorations out of the reach of your cat.
- If you put up a Christmas tree for the holidays, your cat may be tempted to taste the water at its base. Unfortunately, that same water may be stagnant or filled with fertilizers, preservatives, or other chemicals which are unsafe for your cat.
- Many of the holiday plants that are popular this time of year are dangerous for our cats. Though poinsettias are generally over-rated in terms of their potential for toxicity, they can still cause mild intestinal upset for your cat. More importantly, holly can be very toxic, as can some types of mistletoe. In addition, lilies can be deadly for your cat and are often found in holiday flower arrangements. Do not leave these plants where your cat can chew on them.
- Be careful about sharing your favorite holiday treats with your cat. Chocolate and many other types of foods can be dangerous.
- Scented candles and potpourri are popular holiday decorations as well. Though they make our homes smell wonderful, they may be dangerous for curious cats. Even worse, an open flame can easily become a fire hazard if knocked over by your cat.
- Many of the decorations we enjoy during the holidays are electric, and the cords can become a target for a playful cat. Biting into an electrical cord can pose an electrocution threat for your cat. Be cautious of dangling cords and place them where your cat cannot access them.
- Be sure to spend a little extra time with your feline friend during the holidays. A little extra attention from you may help ease some of the tension of the holidays for your cat.
- Make certain your cat has a place to retreat when company arrives if he feels the need. Your cat’s safe place should have a litter box, a food and water station, and a soft comfortable place to rest. It should be a private area where guests are not allowed.
- Paying attention to small details can make a big difference in keeping your cat safe and healthy during the holidays, and will help both you and your cat weather the holiday season and start the new year on a happy note.
A Charm For Recalling The Faithless
A Charm For Recalling The Faithless
At midnight light a new black candle in a locked chamber. Take the white wing feather of a dove or pigeon and dip it in some pungent scented oil, rue, wintergreen, or the like. Then let its tip burn in the candle flame, and say these words:
THY FLIGHT BE STAYED
THY WING BE BOUND
THIS CLOUD CASTS THEE
TO THE GROUND
Dip the feather again into the oil, then break it into small pieces and fold these up in a bit of silver paper. Bind this charm with black thread, and bury it in the ground near your doorstep. So shall it call the faithless one back, and when returned, drops of the same oil must be touched to the brow and the palms of that person, who then shall not leave again. Yet reveal not the reason for this anointment, lest its power be diminished.
The Crone’s Book Of Wisdom
Valerie Worth
ISBN 0-87542-892-4
Pomander Cleanser
Pomander Cleanser
1. Make a pomander from a lime fruit.
2. Pierce it with holes and stick cloves in each hole.
3. Roll the pierced fruit in powdered orrisroot and cinnamon.
4. Tie it with red and black ribbons and hang it strategically to absorb negativity and purify the aura.
5. Replace with a new one when the scent fades.
Doggie of the Day for December 9th
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| Name: | Maggie |
Age: | Nine years old |
| Gender: | Female | Breed: | West Highland White Terrier |
| Home: | Berlin, Connecticut, USA | ||
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Maggie is our West Highland White Terrier. Maggie is special because she is very lovable and enjoys playing with her family, along with other dogs in the neighborhood. She was born on the 4th of July, but hates the sounds of fireworks. Maggie is very energetic and loves to go for walks around the block. Her favorite food is carrots, but she will eat pretty much any food you give her besides bananas. Maggie spends most of her day napping while the family is gone. Once they get home, Maggie gets very hyper and loves to play fetch with her squeaky toys.
Maggie loves being outdoors and going on car rides. In the summer she travels with her family to their house on the shore where Maggie enjoys sitting in the grass and greeting all the people who walk by. She sometimes comes on boat rides with her family and occasionally swims in the ocean on hot days. Maggie is the best dog anyone could ask for! |
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Friday, December 9th is a fabulous day for…….
Your Daily Number for December 8th: 8
You’ve got truckloads of energy, drive and determination at your disposal today. It’s an excellent time for doing business, signing contracts, and anything related to legal affairs. An additional bonus: a recent conflict may finally be healed.
Fast Facts
About the Number 8
Theme: Power, Responsibility, Good Judgment, Financial RewardsAstro Association: LeoTarot Association: StrengthYour Daily Number for December 7th: 6
Family matters require your time and attention today. A younger person may look to you for support and guidance, or you may feel duty bound by someone close to you. It’s also a great day for finances, but hold off on any negotiations until tomorrow.
Fast Facts
About the Number 6
Theme: Family and Social Responsibility, Service, Healing
Astro Association: GeminiTarot Association: LoversSpecial Kitty of the Day for November 29th
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| Name: | Little Kitty |
Age: | Unknown |
| Gender: | Male |
Kind: | Tabby Siamese mix |
| Home: | Bailey, North Carolina, USA |
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| Little Kitty (only name he ever answered to, so it stuck) found us about two years ago. He was just sitting outside the house and my son picked him up. He has been with us ever since. We began feeding him and allowed him to remain outside since that was his preference. When it turned cold, I couldn’t leave him outside so that began his wandering in and out. He has always gotten along with my other cats after slowly being introduced to the crew. When we first got him, as you can see, he was young enough so that his mature coloring had not yet fully grown in, so we just know he is somewhere over 2 1/2 years old, but are not sure.Last year, he got out of the house while I was away and had been hit by a car. It took him three days to make it back home. The trip to the vet produced both good and bad news. There was no major damage but he would no longer be able to protect himself properly. He had a broken hip, broken pelvis, multiple broken bones in his foot and damaged claws. He can walk, but he is limited in some activities and can no longer go outside. He was terrified of noises after the accident and would hide at the slightest sound. After much consistency and caution, he is now sitting in the window and only hiding when the offensive vacuum cleaner starts.
He is the most social cat I have ever seen with other cats. He plays with the new kitten and has taken her under his wing. He teaches her everything from the best places to sleep to ‘creatively acquiring’ treats. Helps her hunt, shares his toys and even allows her to play with his tail. He sleeps with the other cats and doesn’t mind at all being used for a pillow by any of them. His favorite places to sleep are my office chair, my spot on the bed, the window and the table I now keep beside my desk. That was the only way I could keep him off my computer! Although he doesn’t like to be held, he loves to have his belly rubbed, his chin scratched and to be close to me or another cat. I occasionally become a chew toy or pin cushion when he wants something. He’s talkative in a quiet way. Rarely meows, but when he does it is definitely something important! Like opening his window so he can get in it, his empty food dish or that it is time for treats. His most fascinating personality trait is that he is so protective! He sleeps between me and the door every night. He is usually within sight or within arm’s reach. He gets upset when he thinks that my orange tabby is a little rough with the kitten. Because he is so protective, I was concerned Little Kitty would be upset about the kitten, but he has turned out to be more of a “daddy” than anything else. He has even started fights with my orange tabby over the kitten! He is loved and he knows it! |
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Your Daily Number for November 28th: 1
Today is hectic, and it may be necessary for you to make quick decisions and put your leadership skills into action. Your senses are alert. Sounds, colors, and texture are strongly experienced.
Fast Facts
About the Number 1
Theme: Masculine, Creative, Independent, Aggressive
Astro Association: MercuryTarot Association: MagicianSpread Your Wings and Fly (Snow Moon)
Spread Your Wings and Fly
(Snow Moon)
Spread your wings and fly toward your full potential with this spell.
Sit or lie back and get comfortable. Take several deep breaths, inhaling slowly, holding your breath for a count of three, and exhaling. Sense all the stress and tension moving out of your body every time you breathe out.
Stretch your arms out and as you do so, imagine them growing feathers and becoming wings. Slightly move your arms, and it lightly moves you up into the clouds. Around you are butterflies and zebras that ride through fairytales on moonbeams.
By lightly flapping your wings, you ride the wind to wherever you want to go. Through the intention of your mind, you can become whoever you want to be. Now is the time to spread your wings and fly. Now is the time to reach for the stars and realize your full potential. Allow yourself to drift to sleep, as you wing your way through the stars.
Today’s I Ching Hexagram for November 25th is 10: Treading Carefully
10: Treading Carefully
General Meaning: People of ability find their way and make progress even in difficult circumstances. Consider your steps carefully when you are surrounded by changing forces. Weak and strong forces (or people) can co-exist when the weaker element does not impose upon the stronger, when the weaker maintains good humor and avoids taking bold action. When treading among sleeping tigers — or slippery stones — step gingerly and don’t stumble.
In the company of strong, brash people, rushing wildly ahead brings misfortune. Now is not a good time for taking the initiative; rather, try getting by with a little grace and good humor. In the court of a powerful king, the jester often has more power than the prince.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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