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Daily OM for Monday, March 5th – Little Gurus

Little Gurus
Learning to Follow

 

When we approach children with the awareness that they can teach us, we automatically become more present ourselves.

As grown-ups, we often approach children with ideas about what we can teach them about this life to which they have so recently arrived. It’s true that we have important information to convey, but children are here to teach us just as much as we are here to teach them. They are so new to the world and far less burdened with preconceived notions about the people, situations, and objects they encounter. They do not avoid people on the basis of appearance, nor do they regard shoes as having only one function. They can be fascinated for half an hour with a pot and a lid, and they are utterly unself-conscious in their emotional expressions. They live their lives fully immersed in the present moment, seeing everything with the open-mindedness born of unknowing. This enables them to inhabit a state of spontaneity, curiosity, and pure excitement about the world that we, as adults, have a hard time accessing. Yet almost every spiritual path calls us to rediscover this way of seeing. In this sense, children are truly our gurus.

When we approach children with the awareness that they are our teachers, we automatically become more present ourselves. We have to be more present when we follow, looking and listening, responding to their lead. We don’t lapse so easily into the role of the director of activities, surrendering instead to having no agenda at all. As we allow our children to determine the flow of play, they pull us deeper into the mystery of the present moment. In this magical place, we become innocent again, not knowing what will happen next and remembering how to let go and flow.

Since we must also embody the role of loving guide to our children, they teach us how to transition gracefully from following to leading and back again. In doing so, we learn to dance with our children in the present moment, shifting and adjusting as we direct the flow from pretending to be kittens wearing shoes on our heads to making sure everyone is fed and bathed.

Precious Pup of the Day for March 5th

McCarty, the Dog of the Day
Name: McCarty
 Age: Two and a half years old
Gender: Male Breed: Dachshund mix
Home: Ashland, Virginia, USA
This is my baby boy McCarty. He is named after a Detroit Red Wings Hockey player. McCarty is a Dachshund/Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix. He looks like a dachshund. He is tan in color with white under his neck, nose and tip of his tail.

He has a very human like nature. He loves his mom and whines like a baby every time I leave. He knows the words “car”, “go”, “ride” and any signs of me leaving such as putting on my shoes, grabbing the car keys or purse. I usually have to spell out the words if I am getting ready to leave the house so he won’t get upset. He loves to cuddle with me in bed every night just like a person; under the covers and head on the pillow. He follows me from room to room to get my attention. He loves to play with toys that have squeakers and anything that has stuffing. Once the squeakers and stuffing are out, I just add the remains to his toy basket that is full of destroyed toys.

I got McCarty at nine weeks old and he is two and a half now and weighs a whopping seventeen pounds. I think mommy needs to cut down on the treats a little! McCarty is everything I need to keep me company and is loved so very much!

Calendar of the Sun for Monday, March 5th

Calendar of the Sun
5 Hrethemonath

Navigium – Poseidon’s Day

Colors: Blue and blue-green of the sea
Element: Water
Altar: Set with sea-colored cloths, figures of dolphins, the figure of a ship, a compass, and a great bowl of salt water.
Offerings: Sea salt. Face some emotion that seems overwhelming to you.
Daily Meal: Fish. Seafood. Seaweed.

Invocation to Poseidon

Great Bull from the Sea
Crashing against the rocks
Master of the waves and depths
Foaming horses champing wild
Break against the yielding shore
And you, Lord of bitter brine,
Sink not our ships as they make their way
From safe harbor to safe harbor.
And we shall sing the praises of Poseidon
Earth-shaker, loudest voice
In the world between heaven and underworld,
The voice that booms up from the depths
Of every water-borne soul.

Chant:
Earth-Shaker
Storm Maker
Lord of the Wave

(The compass is then passed from hand to hand, and each person in turn says, “Guide me in my navigations, Lord of the Unending Waters, and bring me safe home again.” The bowl of salt water is then passed hand to hand, and each splashes a bit onto their heads. The rest is poured out as a libation.)

(All join hands including those girl children who wish it, and dance in a circle.)

Removing Hexes/Curses

Removing Hexes/Curses 

Items you will need:

Old Cooking pot

Black Candle

Water

Get yourself an old cooking pot, place a black candle in the center, fill the pot with water until it is 2” below the wick of the candle. Light the candle and say:

“If truly hexed or cursed I am, let it break with quench of flame.”

Then stare into the flame and see all the negative energy being drawn into it. When the candle burns down to the water level, and the flame sputters out, say:

“So Mote It Be!”

Dig a hole and empty the water into it. Now bury the candle. It is done.

Removal of a Spell #2

Removal of a Spell #2 

Items you will need:

Oil

1 white candle

1 black candle

Best time to perform spell:

First Saturday after Full Moon

On a Full Moon

Spell:

Rub and light the candles, saying:

“On the Eave of ( ) I cast a spell

And the effect I created I must now quell.

Specifically ( ) May this spell be lifted.

And I now be gifted specifically with ( ).”

Revive Your Magickal Powers

Revive Your Magickal Powers　

On the night of the full moon, anoint a purple candle with vanilla oil. While anointing raise energy and focus it into the candle. See it glow with magick. Light the candle and go outside (if possible) or near a window where you can see the moon. Place the candle on the ground or windowsill. Reach your arms out to the moon and say:

“I ask for your power on this night,

By the powers of the stars above me.

So Shall It Be!” 

Visualize your arms and hands soaking up the powers of the moon and into your body. Put out the candle and leave it on your altar overnight. The next morning, repeat the spell with this chant. 

“Oh dear Lord of sky and sea,

Lead your magick into me,

By soil, wind, flame and sea,

This is my will.

So Mote It Be!” 

Soak up the powers of the Sun. Go to your altar and light the purple candle from the night before and meditate on it until it burns out.

Calendar of the Sun for Saturday, March 3rd

Calendar of the Sun
3 Hrethemonath

Festival of the Girlchild

Colors: Any mix of bright colors
Element: Water
Altar: Lay cloth of bright colors. On this day, let girl children below the age of their first blood come into the house and lay upon the altar their most beloved dolls and toys, and hang pictures that they have drawn, and set on the altar what food they would offer to their toys, of their choice, to be provided by the house.
Offerings: Give gifts to girl children, especially of time and attention and companionship.
Daily Meal: What the girl children choose, so long as it is within the eating rules of the house.

Invocation to the Sacred Girlchild

March gales April rainbow
Breath indrawn in anticipation
Hair whipping wild
May sunlight June bonfire
Electric passion beneath the ribs
Cat dancer in the coals
March storm April dew
Cool laughter bubbles up inside
Wading in the rushes
May clover June narcissus
Ankle-deep in sun-warmed loam
And the green-scented grasses
She is the boundaries of her own universe
And is She not her own most wonderful creation?
She will grow and change and die
Yet at this moment She does not care.
Maiden, adorn us with flowers.
Teach us to throw snowballs
to topple the defenses of dignity and pride.
Teach us to weep unabashed
And laugh unafraid.
Never let us lose your friendship
Lest we be lost to ourselves.

(All join hands including those girl children who wish it, and dance in a circle.)

The Wicca Book of Days for March 3rd – PeachyProspects

The Wicca Book of Days for Saturday, March 3rd

Peachy Prospects

The Hina Matsuri is celebrated on March 3rd in Japan, the intention of this “Girls’ Festival” being to ensure the lifelong health and happiness of young girls. Each household displays a set of hina dolls, representing the Japanese emperor, empress, and members of the imperial court, which must be put away promptly when the festivities are over, otherwise, it is thought, the family’s daughters’ marriage prospects will be harmed. Peach blossoms are also cut and arranged amid the dolls, which is why the Hina Matsuri is also called Momo No Sekku, or the Peach Festival.

Beautiful Blossoms

Peach blossoms symbolize longevity in Japan, so if a Prunus persica tree is flowering in your garden, why not cut a few twigs for your altar or home? Apple blossoms would do just as well, for the apples guarded by such goddesses as the Norse Idun were said to bestow eternal youth upon those who ate them

Spring Equinox Ritual Potpourri

Spring Equinox Ritual Potpourri 

A small cauldron filled with homemade potpourri can be used as a fragrant altar decoration, burned (outdoors) as an offering to the old Gods during or after a Sabbat celebration, or wrapped in decorative paper and ribbons and give as a wonderful gift to a fellow brother or sister of the Craft. 

45 drops rose oil

1 cup oak moss

2 cups dried dogwood blossoms

2 cups dried honeysuckle blossoms

½ cup dried violets

½ cup dried daffodils

½ cup dried rosebuds

½ cup dried crocus or iris

Mix the rose oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and then store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

Simple Exercise to Familiarize Yourself with the Elements

Simple Exercise to Familiarize Yourself with the Elements

To better feel and understand how these elements affect us, do this simple exercise:

Collect four items, one to represent each element and locate a compass. Weather permitting, find a spot outside – if not indoors will do.

Choose a spot where you will not be disturbed. Have your journal and something to write with.

Find north on the compass…and face that direction. If you are seated in a chair, move to face that direction.

First close your eyes and gather impressions about the compass point. After a few minutes, write down your impressions.

Now, hold the element you chose for Earth and the North, and close your eyes. Open your mind and feel the impressions of this element and how it relates to compass point. Think about how it corresponds to you and the Universe.

When you have finished write down your thoughts.

Continue through each element, facing the compass point that corresponds to the element…and finish by writing your feelings and thoughts on each one.

With the element of Spirit – focus on a golden light coming down from the heavens and filling you to the brim. When you have completed this, write down again, your thought and feelings.

Compare your notes with the properties of those elements described above. Were you connected to one or more of them? Did you feel more power in one direction? This will help you become attuned and more apart of the universe  you are apart of. Do this as a meditation every now and then also; to remind yourself to simplify.

　

Spellbound’s

Book of Spells

A Collection of Simple Spells

Volume 1

Kelli James Klymenko

Circle casting in Spells and Magick

 Circle Casting in Spells and Magick 

Long before circles were adopted by ceremonial magicians, they have appeared in folk tradition as people for thousands of years have danced in circles around a festival fire. They offer power as well as protection.

In essence you can cast a circle anywhere for any kind of spell or ritual (a visualized one using your index finger takes seconds). If someone is being spiteful at work, you can swivel round in a circle in your chair casting a circle close to your area (about an extended arm span all round) so that nasty words bounce off or are diverted back to the speaker.

Any circle you create should enclose yourself your altar and tools, if you are using them, and anyone working with you to create an enclosed protected place of concentrated power. Even if you are carrying out a whole spell with words or in your mind you can cast a visualized circle of light.

Psychic Protection

 

 Psychic Protection

Finally comes the all-important issue of protecting yourself psychically while your cast spells or carry out rituals.

Casting a circle and/or a magical square offers you a great deal of psychic protection as does the process of grounding yourself after a spell.

Also doing spells only for positive purposes and with good intent is in itself protective. There is no point in standing within circles, squares or triangles if you are summoning up dark forces or playing about creating elemental thought forms. If what you are doing makes you uneasy or you couldn’t tell your best friend, mother or sister (if they are generally sympathetic towards magick) what you are up to, don’t. That is the basic rule. The following may also help.

Set an earth crystal, an air crystal, a fire crystal and a water crystal that you have sprinkled with a sacred water mix that you have sprinkled with a sacred water mix at the main direction points around a room or an area where you are working. As you set each one, ask for the protection of light and goodness(or dedicate each to a special deity).

Alternatively, use an ordinary round dark brown stone for the north, a white one for the east, a reddish one for the south and a pinkish grey for the west. The north and west stones should be round or diamond shape and the others pointed.

Wash the crystals or stones in running water after the spell or ritual.

You can designate the four traditional archangels to the four watchtowers, external direction points around the room, your outdoor circle of your altar.

Light four angel candles and place them halfway along each actual or visualized line of magick square or round your circle at four main direction points.

Even if you don’t cast a circle for a simple spell you can picture the four angels or substitute angels of nature for the four archangels. Though the conventional element archangels do have ecological foci, you may prefer to choose a nature angel for each element especially for out door magick and use his herbs, crystals and candle colour to complete your protection.

Shower Gel

Shower Gel

Try to find a natural shower gel, fragrance free, as a base. If you want to add just one essential oil, do so and shake well. For every 5 fluid ounces, add 15 to 25 drops.

Shower gel combination

(Knight of the Dark Mountain)

5 drops Swiss pine

3 drops Clary

2 drops Grapefruit

1 drop Lemongrass

1 drop Sandalwood

Curse Breaker Incense

Curse Breaker Incense

2 Parts Sandalwood

1 Part Bay

Burn at night near an open window if you feel “cursed.” Though curses are rare, if we believe we are cursed, we are. Therefore smolder this incense and visualize it banishing all negativity from you. Repeat this ritual for seven night during the Waning Moon, if possible or desirable.

Old Fashioned Witch Soap

Old Fashioned Witch Soap

4 lbs. lard

13 oz. lye (1 can)

5 cups cold water

1 tbsp. lavender oil

1 tbsp. patchouli oil

1 cup fresh strawberry juice

¼ cup dried soap bark herb (optional)

In a large enamel or iron kettle, melt the lard over very low heat. (Never use metal) In a separate pot, stir together the lye and the water. Heat lard until small bubbles begin to appear – do not boil.

Remove from the heat & slowly pour the lye solution into the lard. With a big wooden spoon, stir in the lavender & patchouli oils, the strawberry juice & soap bark herb. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour into 2-inch deep greased pan & allow to cool overnight. Cut the soap into squares and leave in the pan for at least 3 days before removing. Place the Soap bars on waxed paper & allow them to age in a draft free area approximately 4-6 weeks before using.

Natural Remedies: How To Remove Callouses On Hands

Natural Remedies: How To Remove Callouses On Hands

A callus is a thickening or hardening of the skin.They form as a result of friction or pressure against the skin.In general, calluses are normal and natural. They are part of the body’s defense system.For example, Since they have never walked, infants have very tender feet. They have no calluses.But adults often have hard, even horny calluses.People that are frequently barefoot may develop calluses on their feet that are asthick and hard as leather.

Calluses on the hands form as a result of pressure or friction, just like calluses on the feet.Guitar players, manual laborers and gardeners all know about calluses on the hands.Archers sometimes develop thick calluses on the first three fingers of their dominant hand.That’s the hand that pulls the bow back and looses the string.Gymnasts, especially male gymnasts, often form thick calluses on their hands from the vaulting horse, the rings etc.In other words, friction against their hands causes the skin to toughen to protect the hands.

 

Of course, like any other natural process, it can go farther than we’d like.When calluses get too thick they can interfere with sensitivity and dexterity.It can be like wearing a thick pair of leather gloves at all times.Just the way thick calluses make hands look can motivate some people to remove their calluses. And no one wants to touch a loved one’s sensitive skin with rough, hard hands.

Never try to remove calluses by cutting or slicing without medical supervision. The risk of infection is too great.Besides, there are easier, less painful ways to remove a callus.

The first step in removing a callus is to soften it.You can do this as simply as soaking in the bath for a while, or by rubbing moisturizing cream into your hands.If your are not allergic to wool, many people find pure lanolin to be among the very best moisturizers available.Of course, your local pharmacist has many, many moisturizers on his shelves.

If your callus is relatively thin, moisturizing may be all that’s needed.Simply keep it moist, rub it a little and in a few days it will be gone.For thicker and harder calluses, you may have to use a pumice stone or sandpaper to sand it down.Under no circumstances should you cut or shave a callus. If your callus is so thick and hard that sandpaper and moisturizers will not soften it, you should see a medical professional.

The best way to remove a callus on the hand is to avoid it.Since calluses on the hands are simply the result of friction or pressure, they can be easily avoided by wearing gloves, or by avoiding work!

When you work with hand tools like shovels, rakes, hoes, etc. a good pair of work gloves is your best defense against calluses. Proper fit is important, since an ill-fitting glove may rub and cause more calluses than it avoids. Of course, a daily moisturizer couldn’t hurt!

Fennel Tea As A Natural Healer

Fennel Tea As A Natural Healer

Fennel Tea has many natural healing attributes. This article gives several different mixtures and how they can be used to promote the body’s natural healing ability.

 

Fennel tea is used to promote a healthy appetite and good digestion. Fennel tea is so gentle it can be used for infants and children. To prepare fennel tea, take one-cup boiling water and pour over one to two teaspoons crushed fennel seeds. Let stand for ten minutes and then drain. Drink this mixture three times per day, to relieve abdominal cramps, upset stomach, colic or bloating. You can add other herbs such as caraway seeds and anise seeds to this mixture.

Fennel tea is also used to help alleviate symptoms of whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis and other upper- respiratory infections. To prepare fennel tea to aid in alleviating these symptoms, you will need one-ounce fennel seeds, one-ounce anise seeds, and two-third ounce marsh-mallow root and two-third ounce thyme. Take all the herbs and mix together. Then use one teaspoon of herb mixture per one cup of boiling water. Let mixture stand in water for ten minutes and then strain to remove undiluted herbs. Drink this mixture three times per day.

This mixture of milk also helps relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain, mix one cup warm milk with one tablespoon crushed fennel seeds, let stand for two to three minutes, strain and slowly drink warm milk.

If breastfeeding, an old folk remedy to relieve sore nipples or relieve an infection, is to soak a cloth in warm tea and apply to the infected area of the skin. Apply this compress up to three times per day.

Fennel tea is also good for eye inflammations, to prepare this mixture take one-half cup water and add two teaspoons crushed fennel seeds and bring mixture to a boil. Let cool for ten minutes, then soak a cotton cloth in mixture and place on eye for fifteen to twenty minutes. It is best to do this is a dim lighted room.

Calendar of the Sun for February 28th

Calendar of the Sun
28 Solmonath

Matronalia – Day of Juno Lucina

Colors: White and purple
Element: Air
Altar: On a cloth of white and purple set ten white candles in a row, a silver chalice of white wine, and incense of flowers.
Offerings: Candles, placed around the altar.
Daily Meal: White breads. Pasta with white sauce.

Invocation to Juno Lucina

Hail, Queen of Light!
Within each of us,
Buried deep beneath
The everyday layers of Life,
The sweat and toil and cries,
Lies the spark of genius
That of old was called Juno.
You speak to us, O radiant queen,
From that small point of light
Deep in our souls
When all seems most grey.
May that light shine ever
Within us, and let us
Never fail to find that voice
Like a single jewel
In the palm of our hands.

Chant: Lucina Lucina Lumen Lumen

(All light votive candles and place them on the floor around the altar as they chant, and then the wine is poured out as a libation to Juno Lucina.)

All four elements protection spell

All four elements protection spell

A powerful spell that invokes the elements to protect you from harm.It really works based on me,family & friends who used it

The following ingredients are needed:

1 blue candle
1 red candle
1 green candle
1 white or grey candle

to make the spell stronger.
dragons blood
salt
or anyother protection herbs/stones

cast your circle in a quiet & peaceful place.put the candles inside the circle in the following order/direction,north=green candle,east=white/grey candle,west=blue candle,south=red candle.If you have…put any herbs/stones for protection in the middle of the circle.light the candles from north & clockwise,when lighting them say *i invoke the element of earth to the north* & so on.BTW green=earth,white/grey=air,blue=water,red=fire.

when all the candles are ready then you can stand or sit in the middle or outside of the circle.relax & say *i invoke all the four elements by my side all that wish me harm shall not pass,so mote it be!

start off with north & say *earth protect me from north & around,block & crush thee threat* *air protect me from the east & around,blow& send back all thee threat* *fire protect me from the south & around,burn & banish all thee threat* ^water protect me from the west & all around,wash away & cleanse all thee threat* thank the elements =)