Tag: Shopping

Entering the Mouth of the Dragon

Entering the Mouth of the Dragon

This ritual, Entering the Mouth of the Dragon, will likely be one of the most interesting, enlightening experience of your magical career if you approach it with the right attitude. It is a ritual that can be repeated whenever you want, as many times as you wish. Since a magician on the ultimate spiritual path is constantly seeking and being initiated, a single initiation ceremony is not considered either adequate or a sign that nothing further is needed in the way of knowledge. Initiation must be a periodic, ongoing experience, a striving for greater contact with higher powers that has no end.

Many of the ancient pictures and carvings of humans being devoured by dragons may in fact be a symbol of initiation. It is difficult to know whether someone is entering or leaving the dragon’s mouth. To a dedicated magician, this path into other planes is well-worn; she/he never feels they have learned all there is to know. The magician follows the Otherworld path confident that she/he is not the first to do so, nor will she/he be the last. The magician is driven by an inner yearning for growth on all levels of her/his being.

The experiences gained during this meditation-type ritual can help you make changes in your life, pick up your spirits when you are down, provide you with new insight and goals. It will be rare that a magician comes out of the experience with nothing. Of course, if you put nothing of your energy into the experience, you are likely to get little in return. Remember dragons work as co-magicians only when there is an exchange of energy.

During this initiation ritual, you will be going in meditation into a huge cave shaped like the mouth of a dragon. This is best done on a Full Moon or bright noon. For 24 hours before the ceremony, try to remain aware and conscious of dragon power. You will find it flowing through all kinds of people, objects and happenings. Just before entering the ritual area for initiation, take a cleansing bath with at least some salt and perhaps a little dragon’s blood powder in the water. Be certain that you have your magical name chosen. Dress in your ritual apparel. Carry any selected magical jewelry to the altar; do not wear it until it has been consecrated.

Supplies: pentacle disk, dragon pentacle, water chalice with a little fresh water in it, dish of salt, wine chalice, black (left) and white (right) altar candles, sword, wand, incense burner, initiation or blessing incense, dragon’s blood and thyme, dragon mirror, gong or bell.

Set altar in the center facing east. Make certain that you will not be disturbed once you have cast the circle. This may mean silencing the telephone and hanging a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Instrumental music also helps to set the mood and mask background noises.

Begin the ritual by going to the east. With your sword in your power hand (the one with which you write), “draw” your magical circle on floor around your ritual area. Do this by pointing the sword at the floor and seeing great flames shooting from it. Move clockwise around the circle with this flame; end by overlapping it in the east. While drawing the circle, saying:

BY DRAGON POWER, THIS CIRCLE IS SEALED.

Return to the altar. Point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:

DRAGONS OF SPIRIT, HIGHEST OF DRAGONS AND MOST POWERFUL, BLESS THIS ALTAR WITH YOUR FIRE. LET US BE ONE IN MAGICK, O DRAGONS GREAT AND WISE.

Set the water chalice on the pentacle. (The water used in the chalice is not to be confused with the water you collect from various watery power spots.) With the wand in your power hand, circle the chalice three times clockwise with the wand and say:

AIR, FIRE, EARTH, BRING POWER FORTH,

WATER OF LAND AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.

Hold the chalice high, say:

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Sprinkle the water lightly around the circled area, beginning and ending in the east.

Set the dish of salt on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:

WATER, AIR, FIRE, HEAR MY DESIRE.

SALT OF EARTH AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.

Sprinkle a few grains of salt to each corner of the altar. Circle the incense burner three times clockwise with the wand. Say:

FIRE OF DRAGONS, FIRE OF EARTH,

YOU ARE PURIFIED. BRING POWER FORTH.

Circle the incense and herbs three times clockwise with the wand. Say:

INCENSE MAGICKAL, INCENSE BOLD,

AWAKE THE DRAGONS, AS OF OLD.

I CALL YOU PURIFIED.

Put a small amount of incense onto the burning coals. Lift the burner by the chains and touch it lightly to the pentacle. Lift it high over the altar, say:

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Then carry it clockwise around the circle, beginning and ending in the east. Return it to the altar.

Kneel before the altar with the sword in both hands. Mentally, dedicate yourself to the study of dragon magic. Project your interest and love of dragons as strongly as you can. Continue this for several minutes. Then rise and point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:

BEHOLD, ALL DRAGONS AND RULERS OF DRAGONS,

I AM (magical name), A MAGICIAN WHO SEEKS DRAGON MAGICK.

WITH (name of sword) IN MY HAND, I ENTER THE REALMS OF THE DRAGONS.

NOT FOR PHYSICAL BATTLE, BUT FOR KNOWLEDGE AND POWER.

I GREET YOU, O DRAGONS, ANCIENT AND WISE, AND AWAIT YOUR BLESSING AND GUIDANCE.

Continue holding the sword outstretched until you feel the blessings of the dragons.

When the flowing power of the blessing has lessened, lower the sword. Still holding the sword in your power hand, take the dragon pentacle in your other hand and go to the east. Point the sword at the eastern position and hold up the dragon pentacle facing outward. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say:

FROM SAIRY’S (sair’-iss), RULER OF THE EASTERN DRAGONS FAIR,

COMES NOW THE WONDROUS POWER OF AIR.

Feel the power of Air entering your body. When the flow stops, go to the south. Hold up the pentacle again. Draw and invoking pentagram with the sword; say:

FROM FAFNIR (far’-near), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH,

COMES CLEANSING FIRE FROM DRAGON MOUTH.

Feel the power of Fire entering the body. When the flow stops go to the west. Again hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; say:

FROM NAELYAN (nail’-yon), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE WEST,

COME THE POWER OF WATER, THREE TIMES BLEST.

Draw into yourself the power of Water. Go to the north. Hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; saying:

FROM GRAEL (grail), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE NORTH,

THE POWER OF EARTH DOES NOW COME FORTH.

Draw into yourself the power of Earth. Return to the altar. Lay aside the sword and dragon pentacle. Add more dragon’s blood powder and thyme (or other appropriate incense) to the incense burner.

Lay any magical jewelry on the pentacle disk and touch it with the point of your sword. Say:

BY DRAGON POWER, I CALL YOU PURIFIED.

BY DRAGON FIRE, I CALL YOU BLESSED.

BY DRAGON MAGICK, I CALL YOU POWERFUL.

THROUGH DRAGON WISDOM, I WELCOME YOU.

Slowly pass the jewelry through the incense smoke. Then put it on.

Take up the mirror, the Eye of the Dragon. Hold it before you and gaze deeply into it. Picture yourself as a confident magician of dragon magic. Say:

I AM A SEEKER OF DRAGON KNOWLEDGE.

I COME WILLINGLY FOR INITIATION.

INTO THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON I GO OF MY OWN FREE WILL.

WELCOME ME, DRAGONS OLD AND WISE.

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Lay aside the mirror and sit before the altar. Either lay the sword across your knees or at your feet during this meditation.

Close your eyes and mentally see before you the mouth of a huge cave. It is shaped like the mouth of a dragon. Inside, from some deep terrestrial fire, comes a red glow. Long drops of stone hang around the opening like teeth. Enter the cave and follow the dim passageway deep into the Earth. After many twists and turns, you will enter a circular subterranean chamber with crystals embedded in the walls. A gem-encrusted altar stands in the center of the floor. On the altar is a jeweled chalice.

At the four cardinal points of the circular chamber you see deep pits or cracks in the floor. From these pits comes the red glow of fire from deep under the Earth. The chamber is lit by their light alone. Sometimes you see the shadowy forms of dragons around the dim edges of the chamber.

Stand before the altar and announce to the dragons that you have come for initiation. Be sure to call yourself by your magical name. You will feel power sent to from all sides by the half-seen dragons. Listen for any messages that they may give you.

Finally, you will hear the deep voice of a dragon saying, “Drink of the cup.” Visualize yourself lifting the heavy jeweled cup and drinking the contents. You will feel dragon magic coursing through your body, seeping into your bones. Thank the dragons, and follow the dim corridor upward until you reach the cave opening. Open your eyes and return to the here and now.

Rise and set the wine chalice on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:

CUP OF POWER, CUP OF MIGHT,

DRAGON MAGICK, BE HERE THIS NIGHT.

Drink the wine, saving back some to be poured outside on the ground later as an offering to the dragons. (If it is not possible to pour the offering outside, leave it on the altar for about an hour.)

Now is an excellent time to chant and use free-form dancing. Invite the dragons to share in the raised energy and your joy of being a magician. Talk to them about your hopes and dreams. And listen to see if they have suggestions or words of encouragement for you. This is an opportunity for close friendship to be forged.

To close the ritual, take the sword and go to the east. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE EAST.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Go to the south. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Go to the west. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE WEST.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Finish by going to the north. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:

GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE NORTH.

AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.

Return to the altar. Raise both arms say:

FAREWELL TO YOU, O DRAGONS FAIR,

FIRE, WATER, EARTH AND AIR.

TOGETHER WE MAKE MAGICK WELL

BY POWER DEEP AND DRAGON SPELL.

IN PEACE GO NOW. RETURN ONCE MORE

TO TEACH ME MAGICK AND ANCIENT LORE.

DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!

Cut the circle with a backward sweep of the sword across the boundary line. Extinguish the altar candles. Clear the altar of all tools. You have now entered the mouth of the dragon and become an initiate into dragon magic. Being an initiate does not mean mastery of magic. An initiate is a beginner on the path.

A Little Humor for Your Day – You Know You’re a Redneck if…

You Know You’re a Redneck if…

Your yard has been proposed as a new landfill site.
Your kid’s birth announcements include the phrase “rug rat.”
Your pocket knife has ever been referred to as “Exhibit A.”
Your sister has a “Soldier of Fortune” subscription.
Your wife is sister and your daughter
You’ve ever stood in line more than 1 hour to get your picture taken with a freak of nature.
Your bank checks feature pictures of dogs fighting.
You’ve ever stabbed someone’s hand while reaching for the last pork chop.
On Christmas eve, you left Santa a beer and a Slim Jim.

Fun Humor

Your Ancient Symbol Card for November 6 is The Hand

Your Ancient Symbol Card for November 6

The Hand

Although the exact meaning may vary, The Hand is a symbol of some form of personal power in many cultures and religions. The presence of The Hand is an indication that your personal powers are at or near their zenith. The Hand suggest a time when you should leave your mark on the world.

Today’s Tarot for November 6th is The Hermit

The Hermit

Wednesday, Nov 6th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.

While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.

Hildegard is Jumping for Joy, Guess Why?

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Hildegard is jumping for joy because it’s…..

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Archangel: Raphael

Candle colour: Yellow

Incenses: Lavender or fennel

Crystals: Citrine or yellow calcite

Use Wednesdays for spells for money-making ventures, learning new things, passing examinations and tests, house moves and travels, overcoming debt and repelling envy, malice and deceit.

Where possible, work in a windy place or when the clouds are moving fast across the sky.

Good Wednesday Morning To All My Dear Family & Friends!

Witchy Comments=
THE ABC’S OF A WICCAN LIFE

by Victoria Marty

 

Accept others as they are. We are all individuals.

Belief in yourself is a necessity.

Concentration is important in any endeavor, both magickal and in life.

Do what you will, so long as it harms none.

Empathy is an important life skill… learn it, practice it.

Find strength in yourself, your friends, your world and your actions.

God is multifaceted… the Lord and Lady, all deities take many names and faces.

Help others every chance you get.

Intelligence is something that cannot be judged on surface.

Judge not… what you send out comes back to you!

Karma loves to slap you in the face. Watch out for it.

Learning is something that should never stop happening!

Magick is a wonderful gift- but it is not everything.

Nature is precious. Appreciate and protect it.

Over the course of time your soul learns many lessons. Make this life count!

Pray.

Quietness both physically and mentally restores the soul; meditate often.

Remember to take time for yourself as well as others.

Spells can help you, but you must also help yourself!

Tools can only do so much… they are not the foundation of all.

Unless you enjoy worrying, keep a positive mindset!

Visualize the success of your goals before you set out to achieve them.

Wisdom can often be found in the least expected places!

Xenophobia (a hatred of those different from you) is a path to misery.

You are a beautiful person who is capable of anything!

Zapping away all of your troubles is not going to happen

Today’ Tarot Card for Nov. 5th – Strength

Strength

Tuesday, Nov 5th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

 

The Witches’ Magick for Nov. 5th – Pheonix Power Unbound

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Pheonix Power Unbound

To give your self the power of the pheonix.This will last for 5 moons (5 days).

The following ingredients are needed
Your staff or what ever you use. 5 red or black unused candles

Draw a pentagram on the ground. Place the candles at each point.Stand in the middle and hold up your tool.Now chant the folowing 3 times.When done blow out one candle for each day that passes.

Black flame,
Phoenix claim,
Spirits around,
Give me power unbound.  

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Archangel: Samael

Candle colour: Red

Incenses: Dragon’s blood or cinnamon

Crystals: Jasper or garnet

Use Tuesdays for spells for courage, change, independence in home or business life, for overcoming seemingly impossible odds and for passion.

Where possible, work near a fire or a bonfire or with a huge red beeswax candle as a focus; alternatively work next to a flowerbed or large vase of red, orange and/or yellow flowers.

“Me Time”

“Me Time”
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Author: Ashley Rose

Many people have their morning routines. It is sad to think about how many people just rush around making sure they have everything for the day. Their mental list may be: shower, clothes, papers for work, lunch, car keys… where are the car keys? But what happened to: breathe, “Hello flowers”, me time?

I never realized just how much even a few minutes could change the way I see the world. Even if a person has to set their alarm five minutes earlier, it is worth it. I’m lucky that I don’t have to be to work till 11:00 AM. So, my morning “me time” usually lasts about a half hour.

Every morning starts off with me opening my bedroom door to three awaiting cats (Daemon, Ireland, and Loki) . I get followed down the stairs as they tell me what they need. Some mornings it is food and water, others just love. And then there are the days they want to go right outside.

After I take care of my ‘kids’, I start making my tea. I’m not a kitchen witch, nor do I grow my own herbs. Some may say that I cheat. But, I buy my green tea at the store.

As I let my tea steep I head outside to my sanctuary. It is a work in progress, but yet still so calming. To give you a mental picture… There is lattice up around the patio (to keep the little ones from slipping through the bars of the gate) . Also, along the top are flower boxes, sitting on the concrete walls. Inside are beautiful cacti.

The flower boxes were put up because Daemon liked to jump over the six-foot concrete wall. The cacti were chosen because I live in the desert and they are hard to kill. You can also find a patio table out here. Along the wall of the house are paper lanterns and two beautifully sounding wind chimes. And, the latest addition: a new garden area.

One weekend my boyfriend and I got some bricks, potting soil, honeysuckle, and a hibiscus. The former eyesore is now a small, but beautiful, garden area. They only thing missing is a fountain (coming soon) .

Now that you hopefully have a mental picture of the patio, we move on towards the front of the house. Through the gate on the left is a bell. This was not placed for magickal purposes or for looks. The bell was put up for all the ignorant people who couldn’t figure out how to open our gate. Honestly, it isn’t that hard! [Sorry sidetracked] On the left are bushes along the whole side of the house. A humming bird feeder is the latest addition. Hopefully it will be joined by some bird feeders soon.

This brings us to the right side. There are lots of plants starting to pop up. If a person looks close enough they could find many bugs crawling around here.

Further down the sidewalk is the magickal area. Two palm trees are growing along side a rose bush. Inside the rose bush is where the mischievous fairies live. I know they are there because of two reasons. One section of lattes (held up with lots of zip ties) just fell down one day. And, occasionally a flower box will fall down. Now one would think the wind would cause this. But they always fall when there is no wind at all…

The last area to describe is the front. There are plans to add at least three more rose bushes here. But for now a lone birdbath stand on the rocks. In front are four dirt circles. As of right now nothing can be seen in these circles. But, soon they will show signs of new flowers growing.

Now that I’ve described my sanctuary, lets get back to my morning routine.

The first thing I do is real out the hose and remember to turn on the water. Yes, there has been a morning here or there where I stare at the hose wondering why it isn’t working. What happens when I’m not awake yet!

I like to start out front. I hose off the birdbath if it needs it and then add more water to it. The circles of dirt get watered next. Then I move along to the palms, rose bush, and new seedlings. I always warn the fairies before I start spraying their home with water.

After the front and side are watered I take time to observe and talk to the plants. I’m sure my neighbors think that I’m crazy. But, that is ok to me. It really does take some time to learn to listen to the plants. But, once you do they can tell you a lot. With a little extra love plants do seem to grow better.

Next comes watering the patio area. Some days I water the cactus and other days I don’t. Some of them tell me when they need watered and just how much. I also water my new garden area too.

Once everything is watered I grab my tea. I sit in my special chair and just feel the magick around me. I take time to stare at the sky and watch the clouds. Then I listen to all of the songs around me. I let the powers of my tea infuse me.

Some days I take a little extra time to ground myself. I try to let go of all the negativity that surrounds me. I let the warmth of the sun burn them away. It’s amazing how taking a deep breath and feeling the warmth of the sun can calm me. And this only takes a few measly seconds!

On occasion I’m graced by the presence of a hummingbird. I like to watch them flutter around. They really are a beautiful bird. My ravens are another favorite of mine to watch.

While I’m taking time for myself, so are my cats. Most days they all find a place to lie out in the sun. That is until a fly comes along. I usually get a laugh as they chase them around. Ireland also likes to talk to the pigeons. If only I really knew what she was trying to say.

Before I go back in the house I thank the Goddess for letting me spend some time with her. I take one last deep breath as I cross the thresholds back into the real world. This was my ‘me time’.

Let’s talk Witch – To Rhyme or Not To Rhyme

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To Rhyme or Not To Rhyme, That is the Question?

It is traditional to have spells rhyme; it is said to give them more power. Who said this, and whether or not it is true, I can’t say. That’s tradition for you. But I can tell you that I prefer, most of the time, to have my spells rhyme (sometimes just every other line). Rhyming adds rhythm and a sense of formality to a spell, and that can also help to focus your will.

On the other hand, if rhyming makes you uncomfortable, and you spend most of your time struggling to find something that rhymes with “checkbook,” then by all means, don’t bother. In the end, it is better to be at ease with what you’re saying than it is to follow tradition, don’t you think.

No matter which God or Goddess you call on or how beautiful your rhyme scheme, if you mean to ask for “the perfect man for me” and actually ask for “a good man” –and end up with some guy literally name Goodman–you’re going to wish  you’d spent a little more time picking the right words instead of the rhyming words.

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for November 1st

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Leave yourself a choice. It is a sorry state of affairs when a person’s life becomes so regimented that it is impossible to make even one change in plans. There is a story about a gentleman who kept a record in minute detail of his living and every cent he earned so that he could make a trip abroad. The record keeping became such an obsession that when he could make the trip he took along crackers to keep from eating in the dining room aboard ship. The journey was nearly over before he discovered the price of his meals was included in the fare.

How much do we miss by refusing to accept the bounty of choices? “If only” and “I wish” are so over used. We bind ourselves daily by refusing to recognize the volume of opportunities open to each of us. All of life is not free, but there is much available for our personal selection.

Dr. William S. Sadler wrote of a woman who was so orderly and systematic in her living that she inquired of her minister how to go about dying since she had never done it before. Living in a systematic world is possible, but there are limits to what we can prepare for and about which to be orderly. Daily we meet and settle many small emergencies, and some not so small. And it is our developed ability to meet these things successfully and on the spur of the moment that makes a well-rounded individual.

But the steady, uniform methods of doing things do not necessarily mean a person is ready to meet every situation in life. In fact, such living often makes change practically impossible when change is sorely needed.

Order is heaven’s first law. But order means first things first. A place for everything and everything in its place. Then, if we’ve learned how to live, we never have to worry about the art of dying gracefully.

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Daily OM for November 1st – The Death and Rebirth of Self

The Death and Rebirth of Self
Life Transitions

 

by Madisyn Taylor

 

Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life.

 

Sometimes a part of us must die before another part can come to life. Even though this is a natural and necessary part of our growth, it is often painful or, if we don’t realize what’s happening, confusing and disorienting. In fact, confusion and disorientation are often the messengers that tell us a shift is taking place within us. These shifts happen throughout the lives of all humans, as we move from infancy to childhood to adolescence and beyond. With each transition from one phase to another, we find ourselves saying good-bye to an old friend, the identity that we formed in order to move through that particular time.

Sometimes we form these identities in relationships or jobs, and when we shift those areas of our life become unsettled. Usually, if we take the time to look into the changing surface of things, we will find that a shift is taking place within us. For example, we may go through one whole chapter of our lives creating a protective shell around ourselves because we need it in order to heal from some early trauma. One day, though, we may find ourselves feeling confined and restless, wanting to move outside the shelter we needed for so long; the new part of ourselves cannot be born within the confines of the shell our old self needed to survive.

We may feel a strange mixture of exhilaration and sadness as we say good-bye to a part of ourselves that is dying and make way for a whole new identity to emerge in its place. We may find inspiration in working with the image of an animal who molts or sheds in order to make way for new skin, fur, or feathers to emerge. For example, keeping a duck feather, or some other symbol of transformation, can remind us that death and rebirth are simply nature’s way of evolving. We can surrender to this process, letting go of our past self with great love and gratitude, and welcoming the new with an open mind and heart, ready for our next phase of life.

Daily OM

 

 

 

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for October 31

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

James Russell Lowell once wrote, “No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him.” Each of us has been given a talent. It may not be some great shining thing that will attract attention and bring fame. But living has become so intricate, so great in detail, so fine in its workings, that it requires that skill of all men.

Every time we touch something, hear, see, and feel, we are using the results of other peoples talents. Too many take their own abilities for granted and see a task as just another job. But that isn’t true, because no matter how small your part may seem, it takes its place in the world of living as important and necessary as the greatest talent.

The secret of a successful talent is in its use. The most minute gift was put there for a purpose and we should never belittle it but gratefully devote our attention to developing its perfection.

There are a number of self-improvement books on the market today. Among them are excellent etiquette books teaching us the correct way of doing things and how to live more graciously with our fellow man. But one can be quite learned and lose the benefit of keeping the social graces with oneself.

You owe it to yourself to quit belittling your abilities in thought or word. Self-respect is a necessity in order to keep on good terms with oneself

You owe yourself spiritual growth – the ability to enter a church reverently and to sit quietly in your own preparatory service before the formal service begins.

It is your duty to fill your mind with the better thoughts, the sweetening of the nature and a measure of tolerance – for you will make mistakes, but there should also be the power to forgive oneself, to go on from there.

To be on good terms with oneself is to worry less about violating the rules of good behavior with all others

_________________________________________

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

A Little Humor for Your Day – Pumpkins or Men, Which are better? lol!…

Thirteen Reasons Pumpkins Are Better Than Men

(Sorry guys!)

1. Pumpkins don’t accuse you of loosing the TV remote!

2. Pumpkins respond quite well to negative re-enforcement!

3. Pumpkins make better pie!

4. Every year you get new Pumpkins to choose from!

5. Pumpkins always greet you with a smile!

6. If you don’t like the way a Pumpkin looks, just make up another face!

7. If a Pumpkin starts smelling up your place, just throw him out!

8. Pumpkins don’t expect you to cook while they are growing 24 hours a day!

9. You can clean up Pumpkins in just minutes!

10. Pumpkins don’t hide their feelings!

11. Pumpkins don’t stare at other pumpkins!

Overview of Your Chinese Horoscopes for Oct. 31st

CHINESE ASTROLOGY: YEAR OF THE SNAKE

October 31st

Powerful influences are very favorable to your career, but you must remember to be diplomatic and accommodating. Many projects to which you give much importance will be hatched out, as if by magic. Beware of excessive perfectionism — it will only lead to disappointment. This is a good sentimental climate: You will strengthen your existing ties, or perhaps you will begin new and charming relationships.

How The Various Astrology Signs Go Trick-or-Treating

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How The Various Astrology Signs Go Trick-or-Treating

Aries pushes the others aside to get to the door first.

Taurus will only eat the finest of Swiss chocolates.

Gemini goes around the neighborhood once, changes costumes and goes around again.

Cancer stays at home and gives candy to the other trick-or-treaters.

Leos plan their costume for months, then won’t go out because someone else had the same idea.

Virgo wears a neatly-pressed suit and tells everyone they’re a bookkeeper.

Libra is still standing in front of the closet trying to decide on a costume.

Scorpio isn’t in it for the candy.

Sagittarius will manage to wander to the next town.

Capricorn makes a list of all the houses that give good candy and the optimal route to take.

Aquarius builds the costume out of spare flashlights and spends all night tinkering when it shorts.

Pisces skips the whole thing to compose poetry to the Moon.

Funniest Jokes On The Internet

 

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for October 30th

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Why is it that the things we love so much can cause us so much pain, and perhaps without realizing it? Why is it that we find so much to worry about in all the “what ifs” that cross our minds with such persistence? What makes fatigue follow us through the hours and drain away precious strength that we need to help us in our daily routine?

All the things that plague us daily have one common cause-fear. To some, fear is a constant companion. We may call it by many other names such as necessity, time, busyness, demands, but all of these can be forms of fear.

Fear produces the most mental, physical, and spiritual fatigue that has ever overtaken humans. It rushes us so that we have accidents. It drains us of strength to resist illness. It tells us we cannot produce enough to meet the demands upon us. And it builds within our minds such dire images so that we cannot face the simplest.

Fear has one antidote. It is not to stop worrying and take it easy, but it is faith. Adverse conditions cannot break us in the face of faith. Faith allows us to look fear in the eyes with such confidence that it loses its power over us.

English divine, Fredrick William Robertson, wrote, “To believe is strong. Doubt cramps energy. Belief is power.”

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

The Magick of Life

The Magick of Life

Author:   Crick  

Have you ever taken a moment to notice the magick of life?

While walking along a country road, the reeds off to the side begin to waver to and fro. Is there a Sylph at play? Or is it Father Time heaving a sigh as he passes through?

Have you ever had the pleasure of listening to an old bullfrog bellowing out the blues? A grand old song of love lost and of love yet to be realized. An adage of life presented by way of the lyrics of nature in a symphonic way.

Have you watched as a caterpillar goes wafting along a rough barked tree? She is a beautiful metamorphous in motion, a budding mystery waiting to transform into a colorful and majestic form. From earth to sky, a wonderful delight forever touching our souls. The magick of life in a brief expanse of titillating color.

Have you ever noticed mother spider silently gazing over her web of silken strands. A superb artisan as she quietly guards the doorway to a special realm. Hers is an ancient lesson in patience. Sitting off to the side as a master shaman stealthily traverses from this realm to that using the glistening web as a mystic gateway into orbs of awareness floating about just beyond our senses.

Have you listened to the crescendo of a community of crickets as they sing in unison? First softly then loudly, then softly again, never missing a beat. An exercise in harmony, an everlasting bond of harmony. An awareness of their surroundings woven into the tapestry of their opera.

Such is the magick of life.

Have you ever noticed tiny dewdrops glistening like little diamonds clinging to the tall green blades of grass? An Undine child in the making perhaps as Father Sun draws them up into his warm embrace. Or perhaps a treasure forever in the making and yet never to be harvested.

Have you ever watched as a solitary leaf floats lazily out of the sky? Going this way and that and yet with a sure purpose. Directed by the currents of the breeze, much like life that is influenced by the changing winds of society. And yet a steady yet unseen goal looms before it.

Have you ever watched as a mother bird feeds her young? A bond of love stronger then steel and yet undetected by the human eye. The continuation of life, a magick ever so strong. For love can lead to birth as well as to death.

And so the wheel turns.

Have you ever watched as a black snake silently slithers across a path? A symbol of evil to some and yet seldom seen. Misunderstandings leading to fear, spiraling about in the darkness of ignorance. And yet knowledge will bring you back to the depths of understanding. And such awareness leads to tranquility and peace.

For such is the magick of life.

Have you ever watched a busy colony of ants? Oh the magick that resides within. A common purpose and involvement by all. No obstacle too great. No task too small. Surely lessons here to be learned by those who seek out such mysteries.

For the magick of life offers lessons not to be seen nor heard but to be felt and absorbed when we open up our hearts. Some teach that humans tower above nature. But as pagans it’s our way to be as one with life. For nature is life and the magick that she offers transcends all such misguided beliefs.

Have you noticed?

Deep within the forest, mother bruin lies within the embrace of hibernation, new life forming within her womb. An ancient ritual practiced through the ages. Have you ever wondered about her dreams as she sleeps through the frigid months of winter?
Now that is the magick of life.

Have you ever stood at the waters edge and watched as a mighty fish comes bursting through the surface of its watery domain? Perhaps it is carrying a message of truth and wisdom from He who resides in the murky depths.

Awaken witch, to the wonders of this realm. Listen to all that your ancestors knew to be true. Perhaps it is telling you to shake off the detritus of the mind and to feel with your heart that which is your destiny to experience as a pagan.

Far too long such knowledge has been suppressed by man; let nature be your ears and eyes.

Have you ever listened to the lone cry of a coyote during the moon lit night? A primal reaction to an awareness that has always been and will always be. Shaman quietly smiles in acknowledgement as his brother bids him welcome.

Such, my friend, is the magick of life.

Have you ever come upon the empty shell of a cicada clinging silently to a tree?

It would appear that death in place of life is in evidence; however a metamorphism onto a greater reality is the result of such an event. For death is the balance that creates life, one without the other is an energy, which has not come full circle, a partial reaction to what must be in order to be complete.

Have you ever sat amidst a field on the edge of dusk as an owl goes gliding quietly by? Some would say a witch in flight. Striking fear into its potential prey as it wings by on its deadly mission. And yet even fear has its place in the magick of life.

As pagans of whatever path, we too have something to contribute to the cacophony of magick that swirls all about us like a silent mist contained within the fog of reason.

Freeing our minds from the shackles of fears and insecurities that such knowledge brings to those who are not of pure heart is a step forwards towards such a contribution.

Acknowledging that such wisdom is within our ability to accept is a gift of awareness and acceptance that has been sorely lacking by so many of our species.

Throw off the blinders of prejudice and ignorance and allow yourself to be a student of life.

For the path of the pagan is truly the magick of life.