Tag: Self-Help

WOTC Extra – How to Train Your Mind to Positive Thought

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WOTC Extra – How to Train Your Mind to Positive Thought

Training your mind to practice positive thinking enables you to increase your self-esteem and perceived control in your life. Learning how your mind works and how to incorporate positive thoughts can help improve many areas, including work, family and social relationships. Improving your life through positive thinking, however, requires a proactive effort on your part to combat and change your current lifestyle and perceptual attitudes.

Instructions

1.  Identify the internal negative thought patterns your mind uses. Types of negative thought patterns include: personalizing (blaming yourself), filtering (focusing only on the negative) and catastrophizing (anticipating the worst and blowing negative events out of proportion). Think of concrete examples in your own life in which you internalized problems and used these patterns to think negatively about situations.

2.  Practice positive self-talk. Think of a negative situation which you encountered over the past day or week. Turn the negative thoughts you had about the event into positive thoughts. For example, perhaps you experienced a flat tire on your way home from work. Instead of catastrophizing the event, find a way to spin it into a positive experience (e.g., you gained the important skill of changing a flat tire). Practice this positive self-talk for several negative situations or events that you’ve experienced to get into the habit of training your mind towards a different thinking pattern.

3.  Evaluate your thoughts throughout the days and weeks that follow. Periodically stop throughout the day to review your internal thoughts to determine if they have been mostly negative or positive. Think rationally about the negative thoughts which you do encounter. Find ways to spin those negative thoughts and train your mind to see them in a positive light.

4.  Create a positive thoughts journal. Spend time each evening or morning reflecting and writing down good things that have happened in your life or throughout the day. Acknowledging good events and positive experiences then writing them down helps improve your thinking habits and trains your mind to think positively.

5.  Find healthy ways to deal with stressful events and situations. Develop and keep an exercise routine several times a week. Exercise and regular physical activity stimulate brain chemicals that improve your mood and boost energy levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Spend time each day in meditation, focusing on clearing your mind and on relaxation. Meditation decreases the negative effects of stress and rejuvenates the mind and body.

6.  Surround yourself with positive friends and family members. Negative people who continually focus on the bad and are unsupportive may only re-enforce negative thinking habits. Alternatively, making friends with and spending time with supportive individuals may help you achieve clarity when troubling situations arise.

Article By Matthew Schieltz, eHow Contributor

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Daily OM for January 13th – Making Life Yours

Making Life Yours
Perception

by Madisyn Taylor

A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize the hidden potential for fulfillment in every event.

There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. The individuals who move through life joyously have not necessarily been blessed with lives of abundance, love, success, and prosperity. Such people have, however, been blessed with the ability to take the circumstances they’ve been handed and make them into something great. Our individual realities are colored by perception—delight and despair come from within rather than without. Situations we regard as fortuitous please us while situations we judge inauspicious cause us no end of grief. Yet if we can look at all we have accomplished without dwelling on our perceived misfortune and make each new circumstance our own, the world as a whole becomes a brighter place. A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize and unearth the hidden potential for personal and outer world fulfillment in every event, every relationship, every duty, and every setback.

The universe is often an unpredictable and chaotic place, and the human tendency is to focus on the negative and assume the positive will care for itself. But life can be no more or no less than what you make of it. If you are working in a job you dislike, you can concentrate on the positive aspects of the position and approach your work with gusto. What can you do with this job that can turn it around so you do love it. When faced with the prospect of undertaking a task you fear, you can view it as an opportunity to discover what you are truly capable of doing. Similarly, unexpected events, when viewed as surprises, can add flavor to your existence. By choosing to love life no matter what crosses your path, you can create an atmosphere of jubilance that is wonderfully infectious. A change in perspective is all it takes to change your world, but you must be willing to adopt an optimistic, hopeful mind-set.

To make a conscious decision to be happy is not enough. You must learn to observe life’s complexities through the eyes of a child seeing everything for the first time. You must furthermore divest yourself of preconceived notions of what is good and what is bad so that you can appreciate the rich insights concealed in each stage of your life’s journey. And you must strive to discover the dual joys of wanting what you have. As you gradually shift your perspective, your existence will be imbued with happiness and contentment that will remain with you forever.

The Daily OM

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The Daily Motivator for December 9th – Start the ball rolling

Start the ball rolling

Motivation leads to action, and action leads to more motivation. If you’re  not motivated to do anything, do a little something anyway and start the ball  rolling.

Even the smallest positive step can begin to create positive momentum. Take  that small step, feel the tiny wisp of motivation and momentum, and let it carry  you to the next modest step.

Even if it doesn’t seem to accomplish anything, a small, initial positive  action does in fact achieve something of great consequence. It gets you  going.

Once you’re in motion, you’re much more likely to stay in motion. The longer  you stay in motion, the more likely you are to keep going.

The best thing to do when you don’t feel like doing anything, is to do  something. Remind yourself that although you may be severely unmotivated, you  can take a small action anyway.

No matter what your situation or level of motivation may be, there’s some  little something you can do. Do it now, get the ball rolling, and let the power  of positive momentum push you forward.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Daily OM for Dec. 2nd – An Unwavering Connection to the Infinite

An Unwavering Connection to the Infinite
Worth

by Madisyn Taylor

Your worth is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, or how much you have accomplished.

Though much of who and what we are changes as we journey through life, our inherent worth remains constant. While the term self-worth is often used interchangeably with self-esteem, the two qualities are inherently different. Self-esteem is the measure of how you feel

about yourself at a given moment in time. Your worth, however, is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, your good works, or how much you have accomplished. Rather it is immeasurable and unchanging manifestation of your eternal and infinite oneness with the universe. It represents the cornerstone of the dual foundations of optimism and self-belief. Your worth cannot be taken from you or damaged by life’s rigors, yet it can easily be forgotten or even actively ignored. By regularly acknowledging your self-worth, you can ensure that you never forget what an important, beloved, and special part of the universe you are.

You are born worthy—your worth is intertwined with your very being. Your concept of your own self-worth is thus reinforced by your actions. Each time you endeavor to appreciate yourself, treat yourself kindly, define your personal boundaries, be proactive in seeing that your needs are met, and broaden your horizons, you express your recognition of your innate value. During those periods when you have lost sight of your worth, you will likely feel mired in depression, insecurity, and a lack of confidence. You’ll pursue a counterfeit worth based on judgment rather than the beauty that resides within. When you feel worthy, however, you will accept yourself without hesitation. It is your worth as an individual who is simultaneously interconnected with all living beings that allows you to be happy, confident, and motivated. Because your conception of your worth is not based on the fulfillment of expectations, you’ll see your mistakes and failures as just another part of life’s journey.

Human beings are very much like drops of water in an endless ocean. Our worth comes from our role as distinct individuals as well as our role as an integral part of something larger than ourselves. Simply awakening to this concept can help you rediscover the copious and awe-inspiring worth within each and every one of us.

The Daily OM

The Daily Motivator for Nov. 26th – Inner state of being

Inner state of being

Anxiety is not created by your situation, or by what you must do about your  situation. Anxiety is the result of your attitude and your perspective on the  situation.

To be free of anxiety, you don’t necessarily have to change the situation or  avoid doing anything about it. What you can do is change your attitude, your  perspective and your expectations.

In fact, your attitude ultimately is not dependent on your circumstances.  Your attitude is whatever you choose it to be.

As surely as you have learned to react to certain things with anxiety, you  can teach yourself to respond instead with peaceful confidence. That response is  just as realistic, and much more positive, healthy and enriching.

Keep in mind that it is because of your choice that you become annoyed,  frustrated, angry, fearful and filled with anxiety. Keep in mind that you always  have another, more positive choice.

Make it your intention to choose peace, positive purpose, confidence and  generous, effective action. Your inner state of being is always your choice, so  always make it the very best, most empowering one.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Daily OM for Nov. 21st – Permission to Simply Be

Permission to Simply Be
Working through Transitions

by Madisyn Taylor

During the pause between achievements, many people begin to question what their life is about.

The elation we feel when we have learned an important lesson, achieved a goal, or had a big breakthrough can sometimes be met with a period of downtime afterward. During this period of transition, we may feel unsure and not know where to turn next. Many people, during the pause

between achievements, begin to wonder what their life is about. These feelings are common and strike everyone from time to time. Human beings are active creatures—we feel best when we are working on a project or vigorously pursuing a goal. But there is nothing inherently wrong with spending a day, a week, or even a month simply existing and not having a plan. Just be. It won’t be long before you embark upon your next voyage of growth and discovery.

The quiet lull into we which we fall between ideas, projects, and goals can make life seem empty. After accomplishing one objective, you may want to move immediately on to the next. However, when your next step is unclear, you may feel frustrated, disconnected, or even a mild depression. You may even perceive your lack of forward momentum as an indicator of imminent stagnation. To calm these distressing thoughts, try to accept that if your intent is personal growth, you will continue to grow as an individual whether striving for a specific objective or not. Spending time immersed in life’s rigors and pleasures can be a cathartic experience that gives you the time you need to think about what you have recently gone through and leisurely contemplate what you wish to do next. You may also find that in simply being and going through the motions of everyday life, you reconnect with your priorities in a very organic, unforced way.

The mindful transitional pause can take many forms. For some, it can be a period of reflection that helps them understand how their life has unfolded. For others, it can be a period of adjustment, where new values based on recent changes are integrated into daily life. Just because you’re not headed swiftly to a final destination doesn’t mean you should assume that you have lost your drive. The stage between journeys can become a wonderful period of relaxation that prepares you for the path that will soon be revealed to you.

The Daily OM

Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, November 17th

Even if we are in touch with our most basic needs today, the earthy Taurus Full Moon at 10:15 am EST might seem to oversimplify a complex situation. Although we have much to gain by resolving conflicting data as quickly as possible, we’re wise to apply common sense before reacting emotionally. The Moon’s entry into airy Gemini at 7:06 pm liberates us from practical restraints by temporarily highlighting what we say rather than what we do.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your desire to do something different may be so strong sometimes that you don’t think about the financial aspects of your dreams. Today’s Taurus Full Moon highlights your 2nd House of Money, encouraging you to consider the costs of your plan before you decide to go ahead with it. It’s smarter to stop and figure out whether or not you can afford your journey prior to packing your bags. Pursuing a goal is quite different from just imagining it.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your current intensity today could overpower others, but luckily you have the sense to realize that your unrestrained communication might be a bit intimidating. The Full Moon in your sign challenges you to stay connected to your feelings, even if they complicate your life. Although your emotions are uncharacteristically strong, don’t try to suppress them just because it’s more comfortable. Nevertheless, it’s still wise to soften your approach when you ask for what you want.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your current discomfort might be unavoidable today while the Taurus Full Moon is illuminating your 12th House of Secrets, making it difficult to understand your feelings. However, you may not be able to escape the irrational dimensions of your heart. Even if you are more secure in the logical realm of words, you should still try to overcome your uneasiness. Sharing your emotions with a good friend won’t be as hard as you think, and could quickly help transform your resistance into acceptance.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Normally, you worry about what might go wrong before you start a new project, but today you may be ready to jump right in. Fortunately, the Full Moon lights up your 11th House of Social Networking, bringing you much-needed support from your friends and coworkers, even if everyone doesn’t share your point of view. Keep in mind that being receptive to other people’s perspectives increases your chances for success.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may believe you can reach your goals if you are persistent today because the determined Taurus Full Moon brightens your 10th House of Status. Unfortunately, others aren’t likely to agree with you just because you’re passionate about your plans. Nevertheless, you might not be able to escape being in the public eye now. Even if you feel awkward, just be yourself and don’t make such a big deal about getting your way. Success could be yours if you just let things unfold at their own pace.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your confidence receives a much-needed boost today from the determined Taurus Full Moon traveling through your 9th House of Big Ideas. You are very certain that your solution is a viable one, yet your feelings can still distract you from what you need to do. Allowing your mind to wander could turn your accurate observations and excess energy into irrationality and laziness. It’s not wise to take on too much now; instead, be smart and work small changes into your daily routine to make the most of the moment.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You can’t easily express what you’re feeling today because the Taurus Full Moon stimulates your 8th House of Intimacy, possibly activating emotions too strong to put into words. Your fear of being unable to control the direction of a conversation might stop you from saying anything at all. Nevertheless, it still may be more sensible to take a risk and share what’s in your heart. Even if you don’t get everything you want, you can rest assured that others know exactly where you stand.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Today’s

dependable Taurus Full Moon lights up your 7th House of Partners, tempting you to rely on someone’s support more than you should. Instead of compulsively expressing all your thoughts and feelings because you want his or her approval, consider keeping some things to yourself. Ironically, others find it easier to give you what you need when you are acting more emotionally secure. Ultimately, your most important ally is yourself

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Even if you resist the changes that are unfolding at work, you still might not get your way today. Luckily, the Taurus Full Moon shining in your 6th House of Self-Improvement suggests that you can be happy as long as you aren’t too attached to outrageous fantasies. Instead of trying to reach for the stars now, moderate your expectations and seek joy closer to home.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Don’t waste your energy worrying about whether or not your current actions will have lasting value. Although today’s Taurus Full Moon offers you solid ground on which to stand, the stability seems to be short-lived. Even if the situation changes quickly, what you do now sets the tone for what follows in the days to come. A positive attitude and a constructive plan will serve you well.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Emotional satisfaction can be yours now if you don’t get too distracted by your long-term goals. Having lofty ambitions is admirable, but not if they stand in the way of the time spent with your family and friends. Today’s Taurus Full Moon emphasizes your 4th House of Roots; instead of worrying about the next big project at work, focus your energy on cultivating the joy in your personal life. There is no better moment than the present to share your love.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Emotional satisfaction can be yours now if you don’t get too distracted by your long-term goals. Having lofty ambitions is admirable, but not if they stand in the way of the time spent with your family and friends. Today’s Taurus Full Moon emphasizes your 4th House of Roots; instead of worrying about the next big project at work, focus your energy on cultivating the joy in your personal life. There is no better moment than the present to share your love.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your attention is shifting from what is happening now to thinking more about your future. Nevertheless, you cannot change gears until you’ve met your current responsibilities. The down-to-earth Taurus Full Moon energizes your 3rd House of Communication, requiring you to be practical, even if you want to fantasize about the distant horizon. Don’t avoid your obligations. Demonstrate your dependability first so you can then confidently focus on nurturing your dreams.

Daily Motivator for October 30th – Focus on the good things

Focus on the good things

Your mind is astonishingly powerful. Focus that power on the good things.

Your thoughts create the landscape in which you experience life. Make that  landscape empowering in a positive and fulfilling way.

Even if something is very small, you can make it enormous in your life by  choosing to intensely focus your thoughts upon it. So focus on what you wish to  make bigger, and not on what you want to avoid.

Let your thoughts center around all that you love, respect, admire and  treasure. Give positive power to each of your moments by giving positive focus  to your thoughts.

Sure, there are plenty of negative things that can quickly capture your  attention. That’s why it is important to be able to just as quickly put yourself  back into a positive perspective.

By all means deal with the bad things as necessary, while keeping your  primary focus on the good things. Make the best use of the mental power that is  yours by keeping it pointed in a positive direction.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Daily Motivator for Oct. 10th – Energy of intention

Energy of intention

Life can often leave you feeling stuck or trapped in an undesirable position.  Yet no matter how confining your situation may be, there is always a positive  way forward.

Even though your options may be very limited, you do still have some powerful  choices. Even in a difficult, highly challenging situation, there are real and  present possibilities for great improvement.

The first thing to do is to refuse to see yourself as a victim. By taking  full responsibility for your situation, you give yourself the power to change it  for the better.

Next, instead of fretting about the way things are, develop a clear and  compelling vision of how you want your life to be. Somewhere within the realm of  possibility is a realistic goal that will make things much better for you.

Find that goal, focus on it, refine it, and make it so desirable that you  cannot help but move toward it. Fill your awareness with your vision of a  positive outcome, working enthusiastically and relentlessly to find and follow  the way.

You’ve spent your entire life making things happen. Take control of the  energy of your intention, and get yourself where you choose to be.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Daily Motivator for Oct. 8th – Looking happy and being happy

Looking happy and being happy

Happiness is not based on the way you appear. Happiness is an authentic state  of being that you can choose.

When you are truly happy, people around you will no doubt see it. Yet there’s  so much more to being happy than merely looking happy.

If you’re striving to impress others with how happy you are, you’re not happy  at all. Let go of the striving and the needs, and allow happiness.

You can be happy doing nothing. You can be happy doing anything.

Happiness does not come from the situation the person is in. Happiness comes  from the person who is in the situation.

Be the person to allow happiness. And you can experience it at any and every  time and place.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for February 14th is 15: Humility

15: Humility

Thursday, Feb 14th, 2013

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Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as the erosion of a great mountain fills the valley. It is the way of nature to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.

The most successful and happiest people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue that supplies the balancing power, as humble people are not prey to the many illusions that grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.

Your I Ching Hexagram for February 12th is 39: Temporary Obstacles

39: Temporary Obstacles

Tuesday, Feb 12th, 2013

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Have temporary obstacles been blocking your way? In the course of trying to reach a goal or to fulfill a personal ambition, obstructions inevitably present themselves. This is not always a bad thing. Obstacles, difficulties and even setbacks that are eventually overcome often turn into assets. Without irritating grains of sand, oysters would never make pearls.

The obstacles pointed to here are not permanent, yet they are in the way. As when a large boulder falls in the road, the best course of action is usually to go around it, rather than to try to move it out of the way. Temporary obstacles must be seen for what they are — temporary — and should not be allowed to take on too much significance.

A positive aspect of even the most difficult obstacle is that it may cause a person to turn inward, and gain greater depth and character. While the ignorant bemoan their fate and seek to blame their problems on others, the wise seek the cause of the problem within themselves. Through this type of introspection, obstacles become a means for personal growth and self-discovery.

Without air resistance, no plane would ever fly.

If you are facing temporary obstacles, try not to be overly concerned. Obstacles are a part of achieving every goal and furthering every undertaking. Setbacks and reverses can affect morale, but keeping up your self-confidence in the face of challenges is part of a successful solution to many of life’s problems. Obstacles of short duration are best handled with a yielding attitude. Go around the rock, don’t put your shoulder to it.

Your I Ching Hexagram for Feb. 10th is 62: Attention to Detail

62: Attention to Detail

Sunday, Feb 10th, 2013

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Ambitious undertakings are not in order now, but attention to small matters brings progress. Such is the case of a person whose resources are meager, but who, through modesty and perseverance, rises to accomplish great things.

The key to success when small potential influences the larger scene is to avoid pretentious ambitions and grandiose goals. The power of the small is served by slow and steady advancement, and succeeds through an honest awareness of its own limitations, without reservation.

Modesty stemming from recognizing your limitations is a fine quality, but it can be seen as weakness if it is not accompanied by conscientiousness. It is important to understand the demands of your situation, and not to expect success in big things right now. The wise person recognizes the nature of the time. So, know your own role, carefully attend to details and act with humility, and you can achieve your goal even with few resources.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, February 10th

We can manifest our dreams from the seeds we plant as the ingenious Aquarius New Moon at 2:20 am EST marks the beginning of a new emotional cycle. But we must manage our exuberance because energetic Mars forms a dynamic square with powerful Jupiter, unleashing unbridled enthusiasm. Although a false sense of confidence tempts us to make commitments we can’t keep, a looming Venus-Saturn square counters our optimism with a more serious attitude.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your future may be looking bright now that the Aquarius New Moon lands in your 11th House of Hopes and Dreams, making it difficult for you to contain your excitement. However, you must be careful because you could be more gullible than usual. Your friends’ schemes for world domination might not be as sound as you think. Solutions appear closer than they actually are now, so keep your enthusiasm up while proceeding with common sense.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You may be stressed out by your own career plans now as you realize the commitment of time and energy it will take to achieve your goals. The Aquarius New Moon falls in your 10th House of Public Responsibility, yet you might feel restrained by the expectations of your partner or parents. Unfortunately, you can’t easily choose between work and family, so split your time equally during the next couple of weeks. Keep your eyes on the future while managing your relationships in the present moment.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You have so many things going on all at once that it may be difficult to finish everything you start. Your goals are set high and the Aquarius New Moon in your 9th House of Big Ideas has you believing you can accomplish more than usual. Although you have the skills required to do the job, you still might not be able to reach the stars. Avoid disappointment by finding satisfaction in each and every little task you do.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You could have unusual ideas about how to work with your colleagues today, but you might want more freedom of movement than you actually have in your current situation. The innovative Aquarius New Moon activates your 8th House of Transformation, yet you don’t have much latitude for experimentation now. If you want to gain the cooperation of others, don’t risk muddying the waters by revealing too much about your feelings. Instead, maintain clear boundaries between your personal and professional worlds for the best results.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You are like a magnet for brilliant people now that the eccentric Aquarius New Moon stimulates your 7th House of Relationships. Unusual companions will likely play an important role in your immediate future. However, your assertive approach can complicate a situation, so it’s wise to let others take the lead in social interactions today. Although you may be infused with self-confidence, stay cool and work toward being more cooperative rather than blazing your own trail.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Clean your closets, organize your information and sort through your files today. But do it in your own unique way because the individualistic Aquarius New Moon’s presence in your 6th House of Self-Improvement is a cosmic permission slip to be weird as you go about your chores. Don’t worry about involving others now as you establish your routine. An early spring cleaning will give you a new lease on life.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Use whatever technology is available to share your creative and fun-loving side today. The futuristic Aquarius New Moon falls in your 5th House of Self-Expression, inspiring you to try something new. But your idealistic desire for spontaneity is at odds with your practical need to finish your chores. Take a computer break to draw a picture, write a poem or play a game before getting back to more serious endeavors. Be responsible, but give your inner child permission to come out and play.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might have unavoidable domestic responsibilities that require you to stay home and take care of personal business today rather than heading out into the world. The unpredictable Aquarius New Moon lands in your 4th House of Emotional Security, encouraging you to find shelter from the storms of life within the safety of your family. Don’t worry about any other activities you are missing; there will be plenty of time to chase your dreams another day.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Today’s Aquarius New Moon in your 3rd House of Communication may make your life rather hectic as the complexity of your schedule increases. You might want to let the less critical issues slide, but you probably enjoy the energy as you bounce around from one thing to another. Just be sure to follow through on the details or they will come back to haunt you later on. Thankfully, your friends and family can help you stay on track with their confidence in your success.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Aquarius New Moon activates your 2nd House of Possessions, emphasizing money issues over the next couple of weeks. Maybe there is growing uncertainty in your cash flow or, perhaps, you need to juggle resources to cover expenses. Be wise and plan how to use the days ahead to stabilize your financial condition. Although you might be overly optimistic one moment and cautious the next, tempering the extremes is your best bet.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Insightful mental flashes bring you a new awareness about a current relationship as today’s New Moon in your sign puts you in touch with your emotions. You may need to explore ways to increase your personal freedom if you feel constrained by someone close to you. However, if you are already feeling independent, you might actually seek security from a partnership. Either way, stand between your dreams and reality so you can draw the two closer together.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Oftentimes your dreams are elusive and slip away before you have an opportunity to write them down. Now, as the electric Aquarius New Moon stimulates your 12th House of Soul Consciousness, the images are more vibrant than ever and can even overflow into your waking life. Fantasies may be subtle but are also quite powerful. Making time to drift into the hidden recesses of your imagination inspires you to realize your fullest potential.

Your I Ching Hexagram for February 7th is 33: Retreat

33: Retreat

Thursday, Feb 7th, 2013

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All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-timed retreat is a good way to stay on the path to ultimate success. Tibetans know this.

Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat demands quick and nimble movement — taking up a new position before you are damaged by the current situation. You are not admitting defeat by temporarily retreating, but simply increasing your options, and preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back in order to develop countermoves for the future. Timing is critical, as is how well you position yourself after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.

Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool-headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture. Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-pity.

Waves of progress are, by their nature, short-lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-down cycles of life. When the wave is behind you, ride it in; when it’s not, lie low. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can ‘fix’ any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check and you will be better prepared to find creative openings.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Feb. 6th is 7: Discipline

7: Discipline

Wednesday, Feb 6th, 2013

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The most successful general is not the one that triumphs in battle, but the one who is able, through strength of a resolute discipline and the personal power that results from that, to achieve victory without spilling blood. This is why for the effective leadership of any organization the key virtues are clarity, decisiveness and conscientiousness. The most effective team or partnership marches with a single purpose — a dedication to a common goal that is held dear by all. Otherwise, even with an excess of external discipline, unpopular wars are seldom winnable.

Let power be held in check by the acceptance of a common discipline, and submission to a higher authority. Look to the common good. When life is in balance, evil impulses are checked by human decency; parents die before their children; leaders lead and followers follow. If you hold or aspire to a position of leadership, remember that the true leader speaks to and captures the hearts of the people and articulates a clear, simple vision that unites them as a team.

In the realm of government, the relationship between the army and state is critical. Only when the state is economically prosperous can the army be strong. Only when the army is disciplined can the state be protected from disruptive outside forces. For this balance to be preserved, government must be steady, and mild toward its own people. When balancing strong complementary forces, modesty and generosity at the center can be a magnetic force that keeps relationships intact. Coordination of all elements is essential for success at this time.

 

 

Today’s I Ching Hexagram is Jan. 23rd is 28: Excessive Pressure

28: Excessive Pressure

Wednesday, Jan 23rd, 2013

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Something is out of balance. This hexagram points to some pressure that is threatening stability and needs correcting. But if a dam is about to burst, moving out of the way is the first priority.

When a person in a sagging mine shaft feels the earth begin to tremble, it is time for quick, instinctive action and nimble footwork. At a time like this, only extraordinary measures will work. When the roof is collapsing, run first, choose your destination later.

Extraordinary times bring out the best and worst in people. Natural disasters bring with them stories of great heroism — but also looting and rioting. When the pressure is on, powerful moments present opportunities to make positive gains. Everything is in a state of flux. One can either move towards positive change and improvement or towards stagnation.

This may be the moment you’ve been waiting for. Although a current challenge may seem to be more than you can handle, remember that a flood reaches its high-water mark for only a few brief moments, and then begins to subside. Action must be taken now to ensure opportunities for success later on. You will never discover the true extent of your own abilities until you, at least once in your life, dive into a crisis with complete abandon, dedicating every ounce of your energy, every fiber of your being, to the cause at hand.

Dare to win.

 

New Year’s Resolutions

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

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 1 is 54: Careful Affection

54: Careful Affection

Tuesday, Jan 1st, 2013

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Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction, and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person’s lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those that are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.

If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Dec. 12th is 58: Joy

58: Joy

Wednesday, Dec 12th, 2012

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

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

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