Let’s Talk Witch – Love Spells – Before you can fulfill your goals through spells, you first need to take inventory of your love life. c. 2013

Love Spells

Before you can fulfill your goals through spells, you first need to take inventory of your love life. The following questions should give you a fairly clear idea about the patterns that run throughout your intimate relationships. Once you identify your patterns, it’s easier to change them.

*Describe your ideal intimate relationship.

*Describe the worst intimate relationship you ever had.

*How would you rate your present sex life If you’re involved, is your significant other romantic

*Are you romantic

*If you’re involved, is your relationship emotionally satisfying

*What, if anything, would you change about this relationship

*If you’re not involved, jot down five important

*List five things that make you feel good.

Loving yourself is a definite prerequisite for casting any love spell. It sounds simple enough, but so many of us have grown up believing that we aren’t worthy, aren’t attractive or intelligent enough, aren’t this or that. Before you try any love spell, spend a little time uncovering your beliefs about yourself.

If you’re holding on to negative beliefs about your worth as an individual, take a tip from author Louise Hay and adopt this simple yet powerful affirmation: “I love and approve of myself.” Say it out loud, write it out, and post it on your mirrors, your fridge, and wherever else you will see it frequently. Yes, you probably will feel a bit foolish at first, but that just means the affirmation is working. When you repeat something often enough and back it with positive, uplifting emotion, your unconscious mind gets the message.

The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need (The Only Book You’ll Ever Need)

Singer, Marian; MacGregor, Trish (2012-08-18).

Symbols and Customs of Lupercalia

Blood
Blood played an important role in the observation of the Lupercalia. The blood of the animals sacrificed at the festival was smeared across the foreheads of two young priests with a knife-perhaps to symbolize death without actually killing anyone. Some accounts of the early observation of this festival say that the youths had to laugh after the blood had been wiped off, which may have been another symbolic act designed to prove that they had been reborn or revived.

Red, the color of blood, is still closely identified with the celebration of VALENTINE’S DAY on February 14. There is reason to believe that what started out as a pagan fertility ritual was eventually transformed into a Christian feast in honor of St. Valentine. Then the Christian festival gradually turned into a secular celebration of young lovers. If this is the case, then the red that dominates so many modern Valentine cards may have derived from the sacrificial blood of the Lupercalia.

Februa
The skins of the goats sacrificed at the Lupercalia were cut into long, thin strips, from which whips were made. The loinskin-clad youths ran through the streets, whipping everyone they met. Women in particular were eager to receive these lashes, as they believed that the whipping would cure infertility and ease the pains of childbirth.

The goatskin thongs used as whips were called februa. Both this name and the name of the month in which the festival was observed, February, were derived from the word februum, which was an ancient instrument of purification. Whipping certain parts of the body with an instrument believed to possess magical powers was considered an effective way of driving off the evil spirits that interfered with human fertilization. The goatskin thongs were believed to possess such powers.

Running around the settlement on the Palatine Hill in Rome wearing the skins and carrying the februa appears to have been an attempt to trace a magic circle around the city to shut out evil influences. This would make the Lupercalia a precursor of the ceremony that came to be known as “beating the bounds.”

Goat
In pre-Christian times, the goat was a symbol of virility and unbridled lust. Christians saw the goat as an “impure, stinking” creature in search of gratification. In portrayals of the Last Judgment, the goat is the creature who is eternally condemned to the fires of Hell, and it’s no coincidence that the devil has many goatlike characteristics. In the Middle Ages, witches were often shown riding through the air on goats, and the devil appears as a male goat whose rump the witches kiss.

If the Lupercalia was primarily a fertility ritual, it makes sense that the women were whipped with thongs made from the skins of an animal identified with lust and virility. But why was a dog sacrificed as well? It is important to remember here that the Lupercalia was both a fertility rite and a purification rite, held to protect the fields and herds from evil. Perhaps dogs were involved in the sacrifice because they are the traditional guardians of the sheepfold.

Goats today are considered a symbol of sexual drive, and February is the month during which they mate.

Milk
After the Luperci were smeared with the blood of the sacrifice, the blood was wiped from their foreheads with wool dipped in milk. Just as the blood symbolized death, the milky wool was symbolic of new life, because milk represents the source of life. Some scholars have theorized that the milk was a symbol of sperm and the red symbolized menstrual blood. According to an ancient theory of procreation, new life came from the union of white sperm with red menses.

Today, red and white are the colors associated with VALENTINE’S DAY.

Wolf
The Latin word for wolf is lupus, from which both the Lupercal (cave) and the Lupercalia derived their names. While the festival may originally have been held in honor of the she-wolf who cared for Romulus and Remus, wolves also represented a threat to the herds on which the early Romans depended for food. The wolf is therefore a symbol not only for the wild, unrestrained forces of nature but also for the benevolent guardian of helpless creatures like Romulus and Remus.

Why were the priests called Luperci? The word Lupercus might have come from a phrase meaning “to purify by means of a goat”; or it might have come from a combination of lupus and arcere, meaning “he who wards off wolves.” Whether the Luperci were protectors from wolves or wolf-priests who took the form of wolves as a means of bringing them under control is a question that has never been satisfactorily answered. Some scholars suggest that the dead revealed themselves in the form of wolves, against whom the community had to be defended.

FURTHER READING
Biedermann, Hans. Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them. New York: Meridian Books, 1994. Fowler, W. Warde. The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic. New York: Macmillan Co., 1925. Henderson, Helene, ed. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2005. James, E.O. Seasonal Feasts and Festivals. 1961. Reprint. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 1993. Lemprière, John. Lemprière’s Classical Dictionary. Revised ed. London: Bracken, 1994. Santino, Jack. All Around the Year: Holidays and Celebrations in American Life. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1994. Scullard, H.H. Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1981.

Article published on The Free Dictionary

Origins of Lupercalia

Type of Holiday: Ancient

Date of Observation: February 15

Where Celebrated: Rome

Symbols and Customs: Blood, Februa, Goat, Milk, Wolf

Colors: Red and white, in the form of BLOOD and MILK , both played a part in the earliest observance of the Lupercalia. Nowadays these are the colors associated with Valentine’s Day, to which this ancient festival has been linked.

Related Holidays: Valentine’s Day

ORIGINS
The Lupercalia was a festival in the ancient Roman religion, which scholars trace back to the sixth century B . C . E . Roman religion dominated Rome and influenced territories in its empire until Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the third century C . E . Ancient Roman religion was heavily influenced by the older Greek religion. Roman festivals therefore had much in common with those of the ancient Greeks. Not only were their gods and goddesses mostly the same as those in the Greek pantheon (though the Romans renamed them), but their religious festivals were observed with similar activities: ritual sacrifice, theatrical performances, games, and feasts.

The Lupercalia festival was held in honor of the WOLF who mothered Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin founders of Rome. During the original Roman celebration, members from two colleges of priests gathered at a cave on the Palatine Hill called the Lupercal-supposedly the cave where Romulus and Remus had been suckled by a she-wolf-and sacrificed a GOAT and a dog. The animals’ BLOOD was smeared on the foreheads of two young priests and then wiped away with wool dipped in MILK . The two young men stripped down to a goatskin loincloth and ran around the Palatine, striking everyone who approached them, especially the women, with thongs of goat skin called FEBRUA . It is believed that this was both a fertility ritual and a purification rite. It may also have been a very early example of “beating the bound, or reestablishing the borders of the early Palatine settlement.

There is some confusion over which god the Luperci or priests served; some say it was Faunus, a rural deity, and some say it was Pan, the god of shepherds who protected sheep from the danger of wolves. All that is certain is that by Caesar’s time, the annual ceremony had become a spectacular public sight, with young men running half-naked through the streets and provoking much good-natured hysteria among the women. February 15 was also the day when Mark Antony offered Julius Caesar the crown. Thanks to this historic event, and Shakespeare’s account of it in his play Julius Caesar, the Lupercalia is one of the best known of all Roman festivals.

It is interesting that such a rustic festival continued to be celebrated in Rome for centuries after it had been Christianized. Its survival can be partially credited to Augustus, who rebuilt the Lupercal in the first century B . C . E ., thus giving the celebration a boost. It continued to be observed until 494 C . E ., when Pope Gelasius I changed the day to the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. There is some reason to believe that the Lupercalia was a forerunner of the modern VALENTINE’S DAY: Part of the ceremony involved putting girls’ names in a box and letting boys draw them out, thus pairing them off until the next Lupercalia.

Source:
The Free Dictionary

To Soothe A Sad Heart

Items You Will Need:

White, blue, or pink candle

Lavender essential oil

Flowers

Incense

Light the candle. If using oil, dab a bit over your heart chakra. If using incense, light it and waft some of the smoke toward your heart. Put both hands over your heart, then say the following:

“Sad am I and full of woe

My heart is sore and tattered

The world of late has not been kind

And it’s left me feeling battered.

I ask the Gods to soothe my heart

And help my spirit soar

Ease my pain and heal my wounds

So I might smile once more.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for February 18th is Love

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Love

Love indicates that love is either present in our life or a distinct possibility. Be open to all possibilities, remembering that true love is given freely, without condition, and does not have to be earned. This is the kind of love we want to welcome into our life and to give to others. Be open to new ideas, and beware of judging against someone in an unloving manner. When Love appears, return to the place where you can love yourself and then seek out the same love from others.

As a daily card, Love suggests that for those who are currently in a relationship the opportunity to deepen the bond is present. For those who are single, Love implies that the prospect for them to begin a romantic relationship is very strong at this time.

Daily OM for February 14th – A Gift of the Heart

A Gift of the Heart
Letting People Know You Love Them

by Madisyn Taylor

If you love someone, let them know.

It’s easy to take our feelings for granted and to assume that the people we care about know how we feel about them. But while those we love are often quite cognizant of our feelings, saying “I love you“ is a gift we should give to our loved ones whenever we can. Letting people know you love them is an important part of nurturing any kind of loving relationship. Few people tire of being told they are loved, and saying “I love you“ can make a world of difference in someone’s life, take a relationship to a new level, or reaffirm and strengthen a steady bond. Everyone needs to hear the words “I love you.“ Three simple words – I – Love – You. When you declare your love for someone you admit to them that you care for them in the most significant way.

It can be difficult to express your love using words, particularly if you grew up around people that never expressed their affection verbally. But you should never be afraid to say “I love you“ or worry that doing so will thrust you into a position of excessive vulnerability. It is important to share your feelings with those that matter to you. Part of the fulfillment that comes with loving someone is telling them that you love them. Besides, love exists to be expressed, not withheld.

If you love someone, let them know. Don’t be afraid of the strength of your emotions or worry that your loved one won’t feel the same way. Besides, the words “I love you“ are often best said to another without expectation of a return investment. As each one of us is filled with an abundance of love, there is never any worry that you’ll run out of love if your expression of love isn’t said back to you. Saying “I love you“ is a gift of the heart sent directly via words to the heart of a recipient. Even though it may not always look that way, love from the heart is an offering that is always unconditional and given without strings attached. That is the true essence of the gift of “I love you.”

The Daily OM

About the Origins and History of Valentine’s Day

By N.S. Gill, About.com

The origins of Valentine’s Day may be a bit disappointing. Valentine’s Day is probably named for a saint. Its transformation into a love-fest seems to have been catalyzed by a single Englishman in the 14th century — well beyond the termination date for bawdy Roman fertility festivals, like the Lupercalia.

Chaucer first linked the February holiday of Valentine’s Day, a martyred saint’s day, with romance, and even then, not really romance, but birds mating. Then, after some centuries of an increasingly popular association between Valentine’s Day and romance came the development of cheap-to-mail paper Valentine’s Day cards and the birth of an American holiday in the mid-19th century.

It may not be fair to say that Valentine’s Day has its origin in antiquity, but there were romantic spring holidays (Gamelion and Lupercalia) and a St. Valentine or 2.

Valentine’s Day Saint #1:

There may have been a real Valentine, a 3d-century priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban against wartime marriages. According to legend, Valentine performed secret marriages until he was discovered, put to death, and buried on the Flaminian Way. [See Oruch for why this doesn’t work historically.]

Valentine’s Day Saint #2:

There’s another legend in which a Valentine, persecuted for helping Christians, restored the eyesight of his jailer’s blind daughter, and then maintained a secret correspondence with her to which he signed his name “your Valentine.”

Another Derivation of Valentine:

Even more speculative is the notion that Valentine’s name was originally “Galantine,” signifying “gallant,” a word with more obvious associations with courtship. The shift in consonant to “v” is explained as the way medieval French peasants pronounced the letter “g.”

Valentine was a popular name among the Romans, with emperors named Valens and Valentinian.

Christianization of Lupercalia:

Another theory is that Pope Gelasius I replaced the pagan festival of Lupercalia with the Christian Feast of the Purification, which was celebrated on February 14, 40 days after Epiphany. This is based on Bede who wrote about pagan customs in February, and not specifically Lupercalia. Oruch says it wasn’t until the 16th century that the pagan ceremony of Lupercalia was said to be behind Candlemas (February 2).

February’s Special Holidays:

Imbolc, Oimelc, Brigit’s Day, The Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, Ground Hog’s Day, and Candlemas are all holidays that occur in the first half of February. Some believe the Christian holidays are simply renamed pagan ones.

References for Origins of Valentine’s Day:

“The Fashioning of a Modern Holiday: St. Valentine’s Day, 1840-1870,” by Leigh Eric Schmidt; Winterthur Portfolio Vol. 28, No. 4 (Winter, 1993), pp. 209-245.
“St. Valentine, Chaucer, and Spring in February,” by Jack B. Oruch Speculum, Vol. 56, No. 3. (Jul., 1981), pp. 534-565.

About.com

SInce It’s Valentine’s – Test Your Kissing Knowledge Quiz!

Test Your Kissing Knowledge!

Care2 Healthy Living Guest Blogger

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here is some kissing trivia, compliments of Marc Liechtung, DMD, principal in New York-based Manhattan Dental Arts, a practice that specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Test your kissing knowledge, and start smooching your loved one!

The Questions:

1. True or False? Kissing can cause cavities.

2. True or False? You burn 5 calories in a one-minute kiss.

3. True or False? The average woman will kiss 25 guys before she’s married.

4. The average person will spend, overall, approximately ____ kissing in their lifetime:

A) 2 days

B) 2 weeks

C) 2 months

5. 50% of all people have their first kiss before the age of…

A) 14

B) 16

C) 18

6. True or False? Only 60% of people in the world engage in kisses on the lips.

7. True or False? The record for kissing the most people in the shortest time is held by Alfred Wolfram, who kissed 800 people in 8 hours.

8. What was the first film to show a couple kissing?

A) Casablanca (1942)

B) Romeo and Juliette (1968)

C) The Kiss (1896)

9. True or False? In all countries, anyone over the age of 14 can kiss, with consent.

10. According to legend, any person who kisses the Blarney Stone in Ireland will be endowed with the gift of:

A) great kissing

B) soft lips

C) gab

______________________________________

The Answers:

1. True or False? Kissing can cause cavities.

True. If you kiss someone who may have bad bacteria in his/her mouth, their saliva could pass the bacteria on to you, thereby causing cavities. On the other hand, according to Dr. Liechtung, others believe that kissing may actually prevent cavities since saliva is the body’s natural way of cleaning the mouth.

2. True or False? You burn 5 calories in a one-minute kiss.

False. The average one-minute kiss burns 26 calories. Kiss those calories goodbye!

3. True or False? The average woman will kiss 25 guys before she’s married.

Answer:

False. Start your engines! The average woman will kiss 79 guys before she’s married.

4. The average person will spend approximately this much time kissing in their lifetime:

A) 2 days

B) 2 weeks

C) 2 months

Answer:

B) The average person will spend an estimated two entire weeks of their life kissing. That’s 20,160 minutes kissing in a lifetime.

5. 50% of all people have their first kiss before the age of…

A) 14

B) 16

C) 18

Answer:

A) 14

6. True or False? Only 60% of people in the world engage in kisses on the lips.

False. Ninety percent of people in the world engage in kisses on the lips. People in other cultures, such as Eskimos, rub noses.

7. True or False? The record for kissing is held by Alfred Wolfram, who kissed 800 people in 8 hours.

False. In September 1990 Alfred Wolfram kissed 8,001 people in 8 hours – over 16 people a minute – at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

8. What was the first film to show a couple kissing?

A) Casablanca (1942)

B) Romeo and Juliette (1968)

C) The Kiss (1896)

Answer:

C) John C. Rice kissed May Irwin in 1896 and became the first couple to be recorded kissing in the film The Kiss.

9. True or False? In all countries, anyone over the age of 14 can kiss, with consent.

Answer:

False. In December 2007, South Africa Banned Kissing involving anyone under the age of 16, regardless of consent.

10. Any person who kisses the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of:

A) great kissing

B) soft lips

C) gab (great speaking skills and flattery)

Answer:

C) According to legend, any person who kisses the Blarney Stone in the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland, will be endowed with the gift of gab.

———————

To keep your mouth kissable, Dr. Liechtung suggests daily brushing and an annual visit to your dentist for a check-up. For additional information please go to www.ManhattanDentalArts.com

Daily Feng Shui News for Feb. 14th – ‘Valentine’s Day’

On Valentine’s Day you can give yourself roses in order to attract a true and lasting love. Take two pink, long-stemmed roses and remove the thorns. Place them in a white vase and position this on your bedside table. After three days, replace the roses with two new pink roses. After another three days, replace the roses again for a total of six roses in nine days. Feng Shui says that this powerful cure will attract the perfect partner into your life. If you already have one of those, then putting two pink roses in a vase in your ‘Romance/Relationship’ (far back right-hand corner) will enhance your existing relationship. Happy Valentine’s Day.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, February 14th

Romance takes center stage today, but not just because it’s Valentine’s Day. The dramatic Leo Full Moon at 6:53 pm EST focuses our attention on issues of the heart. But the conceptual Aquarius Sun shifts the spotlight from personal love to a more social context. A lunar square to stern Saturn can harden our feelings and make us question relationships in general. Thankfully, the Sun’s trine to superhero Mars could save the day with a happy ending.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You have high hopes and are willing to take a risk to fulfill your heart’s wishes today. You might not want to take no for an answer because the exuberant Leo Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance encourages you to expect too much from love. Tempering your dreams with a bit of realism may be enough to prevent disillusionment in relationships. Persistence may work in your favor now as long as you remember to be sensitive to the feelings of others.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Although jumping on a plane might not be possible now, you are still tempted to escape by going somewhere far away in your mind. But this is a time to be practical, not dreamy when it comes to what really matters. The Leo Full Moon in your 4th House of Roots is a reflector that shines a bright light on family issues. Fantasies only distract you from the real love that could be found at home. Real emotional comfort is closer than you think.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You have a few tricks up your sleeve today when it comes to expressing your attraction to someone special. The playful Leo Full Moon highlights your 3rd House of Communication, inspiring you to take a chance when it comes to love. However, you could overdo it by getting carried away with your feelings. Being confident is one thing, but too much bravado on your part might spell an early end to your evening. Remember, a healthy interaction is a two-way street so be willing to receive as well as you give.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

There could be an upcoming change in your income status or, perhaps, a shift in a business partnership. The bright Leo Full Moon illuminates your 2nd House of Money, so you might be more concerned with the bottom line than you are with romance now. Nevertheless, look at everything in a broader context. Practice compassion for others who may be experiencing uncertain times, too. A quick reality check today will give you a more balanced perspective; money can’t buy you love.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may need to show a bit of caution in the romance department today, even if you know exactly what you want. The melodramatic Leo Full Moon floods your 1st House of Personality, possibly stressing your relationships and temporarily turning your life inside out. You could become overly defensive if someone stands in your way, so remind yourself that it’s not necessary to express everything you feel. Waiting until tomorrow before saying what’s on your mind will probably be better off for everyone involved.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might feel invisible today, especially if you think that someone special isn’t taking notice of you. Don’t fight the natural flow of energy as the Leo Full Moon illuminates your 12th House of Privacy, hiding your emotions from view. Nevertheless, your actions will still have the impact you want. Save the flowery speeches and love letters for some other time. Just let behavior do its magic. Even the most subtle gestures will have positive impact if your heart is in the right place.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You might decide to play it low key today and keep your personal feelings to yourself. However, you expressive Leo Moon falls in your 11th House of Social Networking, encouraging you to get involved with a group activity. Although you might resist at first, you’re like to find pleasure in your participation once you overcome your initial anxiety. Let go of your personal desires and melt into the group experience for now. Surprisingly, you can derive a great deal of emotional satisfaction by being part of something larger than yourself.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

People are likely to stand up and take notice of you today, but the recognition you receive may be professional rather than personal. Fortunately, the theatrical Leo Full Moon brightens your 10th House of Public Status, empowering you to reveal your feelings to someone special. You’re at the top of your game now and it’s rather easy for you to shift the focus from business to pleasure if you are romantically inclined. Don’t be afraid to make your move as long as you pay careful attention to the reactions you receive.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You might be dreaming of a trip with your partner or special friend, but travel plans could require extra attention today as circumstances change. Even the simplest of dinner plans may have to be modified at the last minute. Ultimately, the bold Leo Full Moon in your 9th House of Adventure reminds you to focus on your personal needs and do whatever it takes to reach your destination. The details may be unstable, but don’t lose sight of your goal. Following your bliss sometimes requires perseverance and hard work.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You may have to revisit a financial decision today that could alter you evening plans. Instead of making a unilateral decision, it’s smarter to check in with your friend or partner. It could take courage on your part to reveal your vulnerability, especially with the proud Leo Full Moon falling in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Don’t slip into the trap of pretending that everything is fine if it’s not. Taking a risk and sharing your concerns could be the key to increased intimacy.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Don’t focus on your shortcomings today, especially if you’re worried that someone doesn’t like you as much as you like him or her. Today’s emotional Leo Full Moon in your 7th House of Relationships is opposite the Sun in your cerebral sign, reminding you of the sharp contrast between your subjective feelings and objective reality. Your performance might fall short of your expectations, but you may be judging yourself harsher than anyone else does. Simply doing the best you can will likely be more than enough.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although someone you love might rain on your parade today, your positive attitude may be enough to chase the bad emotional weather away. However, you won’t find your way back to the sunny side of the street unless you take a chance and give your imagination free rein to explore a new avenues of expression. The Leo Full Moon is lighting up your 6th House of Details, so paying attention to the little things can make the difference between failure and success. A bit of forethought and follow-through goes a long way.

Your Weekend Horoscope for Feb. 14 – 16

Weekend Love Horoscope

February 14-16: Hearts and Flowers

Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

This Friday is Valentine’s Day which means that life should be all about romance. But will the planets cooperate this weekend? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding YES!

On Friday a Full Moon will occur in the most romantic sign of all — Leo. This is the king of amore and you can anticipate great fulfillment if you and your sweetie have plans for a night on the town. Expect grand gestures, indulgent gifts and exquisite love making. Leo pulls out all the stops when it comes to giving love. He does everything over the top so you can anticipate feeling completely adored — even worshipped — by the one you love. You’ll also reciprocate this magnanimous spirit effortlessly which will only enhance your mutual Valentine’s Day affair.

Late Friday night the Sun will be at a fine angle to Mars which will only up the ante in the bedroom. Yes, sparks WILL fly! Then, on Saturday the Moon enters pragmatic Virgo. The energy of Friday’s Full Moon will affect you all weekend but once the Moon moves into Virgo there will be more practical attention given to each other. Saturday and Sunday love will be in the details.

Valentine’s Day Horoscopes 2014

The cosmos go to emotional extremes

Jeff Jawer on the topics of valentines day, love, horoscopes, holidays, astrology

Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday in 2014, bringing extra opportunities to celebrate the romantic mood of this holiday … which is intensified further by a Full Moon in dramatic Leo the same day! We can all expect the big gestures and extravagant emotions associated with this outgoing Fire sign. However, serious Saturn in skeptical Scorpio forms a tense square to the Full Moon, casting a shadow of doubt on our high hopes. It’s wise, perhaps, to underplay feelings to avoid unpleasant mood swings. But get more info from your sign’s horoscope to see if your heart will feel the heat of the cosmos this Valentine’s Day!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Your heart may be pounding hard with the outgoing Leo Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance. It’s tempting to let your feelings get the better of you, but isn’t that what this day of love is all about? Well, just don’t be overly extravagant in expressing your feelings because sobering Saturn is part of the day’s story. Its hard angles to the Sun and Moon suggest that a bit of self-restraint and patience is appropriate now.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Even if your expectations are high, it’s wise to keep them within a reasonable range. Today’s Full Moon in Leo could trigger powerful feelings, especially at home, but they can swing dramatically from over-optimism to doubt and fear. Finding a middle course will allow you to enjoy the day without the stress of spending or hoping for too much. Appreciate what you have rather than counting on roses falling from the sky.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

While it would be nice to have plenty of leisure time to celebrate this day of love, taking care of business is likely to become your priority. Don’t make elaborate plans because the complications involved may not be worth the effort and expense. Enjoying the company of a caring person while attending to your usual tasks can, strangely enough, wind up being more satisfying than dinner in a 5-star restaurant.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Celebrate this special day by making a simple plan and sticking to it. While the Full Moon in extravagant Leo might tempt you to raise your romantic hopes to the highest level, there’s something about a meal in a quiet, out-of-the-way place that’s likely to arouse romantic feelings. Avoid impulsive behavior because this holiday can add heat to a slow cooking romance, while going too fast could lead to burnout.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

The Full Moon in your expressive zodiac sign should make this a dramatic day. Your emotions can run the gamut from exhilaration to despair and back again. If you enjoy a wild ride on your powerful feelings, you’re in for a good time. But if you’d like some peace and comfort, lower your expectations and plan on a relaxed and pleasant experience instead of one that aims to be remembered forever.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

A luxurious evening in a private setting could be a perfect way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. The extravagant Leo Full Moon occurs in your private 12th House where getting away from it all is ideal. Make this a magical time when you’re free to be as bold and playful as possible. Avoid crowded and well-lit places to share a dark corner where your imagination creates a secret, out-of-this-world atmosphere.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Celebrating this lovers’ event with a group might not sound like the most romantic idea, but it makes sense this year. That’s because today’s enthusiastic Leo Full Moon falls in your 11th House of Friends. Think of this as a time for a party rather than a private experience. Having fun with others is especially desirable because it takes some of the pressure off of spending the evening with just one person.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

This Valentine’s Day has an aura of seriousness that makes a simple event more desirable than an extravagant one. Sobering Saturn in Scorpio forms a potent 90-degree square to today’s brash Leo Full Moon, which can take the air out of a balloon that floats on high expectations. Cooking a special dinner or planning a quiet evening in a familiar setting offers the comfort that expensive gifts are less likely to provide.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

A playful Leo Full Moon adds an extra degree of romance to this special day. This dramatic lunar event occurs in your 9th House of Travel, which makes planning a trip an ideal gift. If you can’t do that, take in a foreign movie or eat out in a beautiful ethnic restaurant. Enjoy the evening without making elaborate promises though, because serious Saturn is lurking in the wings to bring the hammer down on unrealistic expectations.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The expectations of your partner could be extremely high with today’s bold Leo Full Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy. This could turn out to be a very romantic time, but you’ll probably need to plan it carefully to fulfill your expectations. Surprises are unlikely to prove successful, because knowing exactly what’s going to happen will provide a sense of safety and comfort needed to get the closeness you want.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

You’re usually a pretty chill and relaxed individual, but that doesn’t appear to represent your mood today. A Full Moon in dramatic Leo falls in your 7th House of Relationships to make this a highly emotional day. You or your partner might not want to do anything elaborate and would prefer a quiet evening at home. One big gesture, though, can spur romance without taking too much time or costing too much money.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Your romantic soul should soar on this special day thanks to a Full Moon in dramatic Leo. However, this event occurs in your 6th House of Work and Details, which can complicate your social plans. Take care of all the tasks that you can in advance to free up the time and energy needed to celebrate without distractions. Just don’t let a minor problem push buttons that turn it into a mess that makes it harder to have fun.

The Witches Spell for Feb. 14th – SPELL TO ATTRACT TRUE LOVE

SPELL TO ATTRACT TRUE LOVE

You will need:
pink candle
jasmine incense
rosemary

Light the jasmine incense. As you do so imagine the kind of person that you want to spend the rest of your life with.

Note: this should not be a specific person but the things that you want in a person.

Say the qualities that you want in true love out loud as you light your pink candle.
Then say this as you sprinkle rosemary over the flame:

These are the things I want in you
A man/woman who’s loving, loyal and true
I ask of the spirits of all those above
To send me my one and only true love

Say this as many times as needed and then extinguish the candle.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, February 14th

Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Valentine’s Day

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Full Moon 6:53 pm

The Full Moon is the time of greatest power.

Moon Sign: Leo

Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Incense: Thyme

Color: White

Kissy, Kissy, Kissy, Happy Valentine’s Day, My Sweets! ((Great Big Bear Hug))

You came into my life unexpectedly,
and everything took a turn for the better.
Your warm eyes, your laugh,
the sincere way you speak,
and the kindness you showed me,
all became a part of my life.

As you unfolded yourself to me,
I discovered more and more beauty.
I have never seen so much
gentleness in one person.
Without even knowing it,
you were slowly making a place
for yourself in my heart.

It used to seem so hard at times
to feel so close in a relationship.
But it’s so easy to feel close to you.
I can’t tell you how nice that feels.
I realize now that I had never known
what it meant to be loved
until I was loved by you.

– Laura Baker –

Love Poems and Quotes

A Little Humor for Your Day – Elderly Couple Anniversary

Elderly Couple Anniversary

An old couple celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary in their home.

“Just think,” the old man says, “we were sitting here at this same breakfast table, naked as jaybirds, 50 years ago.”

“Well,” the old lady snickers, “what do you say — should we get naked?”

The two immediately strip to the buff and sit back down at the table. “You know, honey,” the little old lady says slyly, “My breasts burn for you now as they did 50 years ago.”

“I’m not surprised,” replies the old man. “One’s in your coffee and the other is in your oatmeal!”

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, February 13th

We’re not satisfied with doing everything the same old way today as doors open, revealing exciting new pathways through familiar territory. Luckily, we aren’t restrained by tradition now as the rebellious Aquarius Sun agitates unconventional Uranus. Although the lively Leo Moon harmonizes with Uranus, further enticing us into the future, unrestrained enthusiasm can lead to trouble. Like it or not, there are lessons to be learned from the past.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You naturally assume you’re ready for nearly anything but you might have some lingering doubts today, even after you say yes to an intriguing offer. Perhaps your uncertainty stems from being acutely aware of the consequences of your actions. Or maybe you are reminded of a past event when your immediate reaction created more trouble than it was worth. A touch of self-restraint now could be enough to prevent your world from turning upside down.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You might have to shift your attention to an unfolding domestic drama now that the Moon is visiting your 4th House of Home and Family. You may be so busy at work lately that you’re not spending sufficient quality time with your loved ones. Let those who are special to you know how you feel or they could end up wondering if you care anymore. A little bit of authentic affection goes a long way to make everyone happy.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your unrealistic expectations about your schedule encourage you to think that you can take time for your own pleasure today. But it’s easy to set yourself up for failure now by wanting too much. Big ideas must be pared back over the days ahead or you might hit a wall of resistance. It’s better to constrain yourself voluntarily than to wait for unpleasant circumstances to suddenly stop you in your tracks. Choosing a more responsible approach improves your chances for success.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Demonstrating your love with tenderness is usually easier than making grandiose gestures. But you could do things differently today, snagging someone’s attention by overplaying your part in a drama. After all is said and done, you may feel embarrassed, wishing you hadn’t made a scene. Although there’s no need to overstate your feelings now, you don’t have to apologize if you do. There’s nothing wrong with sharing your heart.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Avoid the temptation to express yourself in a melodramatic way today because you could shock others if you go too far. Although everything feels urgent now, it’s wise to turn down the volume on your intensity. Thankfully, the drama will begin to subside after tomorrow’s Leo Full Moon, yet you may end up wishing you kept some of your secrets to yourself. Remember, you don’t have to share all of your fantasies; some things are better left to the imagination, instead.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might experience an exciting epiphany today that empowers you to break free from an old pattern at work. Unfortunately, endless logical analysis isn’t a viable substitute for direct action. Even if you know what to do now, you’re still limited by how you see yourself in relationship to others. Experiment, be outrageous and imagine possibilities you haven’t yet considered. Believing in magic can make amazing things happen.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Making the most of your time today is the most meaningful gift you can give to yourself and others. Be courageous; stepping into your leadership role and setting a good example are the smartest ways to give your coworkers an inkling of what they can do. If you settle for less now, then that’s what you’ll inadvertently pass along to everyone else, diluting the shared experience. Seize the moment and your allies will happily follow along.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your need for peace and quiet comes and goes in waves today, but you can’t justify an escape until you meet your previous obligations. Of course, you are naturally inclined to honor the promises you made to help others, instead of just taking care of your own needs. Although it may seem impossible at first, you can have it both ways now if you’re willing to take a risk. A radical approach might be the key to finishing up your work early, leaving time for your well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you technically agree that rules are necessary to maintain order, it’s still fun to dream far beyond the accepted norm. Unfortunately, you don’t like to feel restrained by the same laws that govern everyone else. You are so enthused by the potential of the moment now that you may not even consider what’s right and what’s wrong. Luckily, cosmic energy is on your side, so taking a calculated risk is a good idea today; you can always philosophize about it after the fact.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You want to demonstrate how intuitive you are now and might go out of your way just to let others see you in action. Sharing your inner process with those closest to you can be exhilarating, but the interpersonal dynamics may grow complicated if you are insecure about your current approach. It’s not time to worry about anyone’s reaction to your quirky behavior. Just trust your hunches today; they won’t likely steer you wrong.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are short on patience now, especially with those who want your attention so badly today that they do a song and dance to get it. You just can’t understand why anyone would need to put on such a performance since you are usually so good at recognizing people’s contributions. Although you prefer to ignore someone’s selfish behavior, you may be better off today indulging others for the sake of group harmony.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You have a lot on your plate today, but your coworkers might not be aware of your strong commitment to get things done. Your hard work may go unnoticed at first but don’t let your need for recognition be your only motivation. Still, receiving praise is satisfying, as long as you don’t quit before your tasks are completely finished. Satisfaction from a job well done can be surprisingly sweet.

Mercury Retrograde on Valentine’s Day

Love gone wrong…

Jeff Kishner on the topics of valentines day, mercury retrograde, blogs, astrology

Healthy relationships depend on open communication. Unfortunately, on this Valentine’s Day the communication planet is intent on throwing a few screws into your plans. Mercury, from our perspective on Earth, moves backwards in the sky about three times a year, 22 days at a time. When Mercury goes retrograde, signals get crossed, mail gets lost, and delays and mix-ups are the order of the day. This year, Mercury turned its heels on Feb. 6 … and won’t right itself until Feb. 28.

Sure, your computer might malfunction or your bus might be late. But on Valentine’s Day, what counts is how love can go wrong. Here are just some of the things that can happen when Mercury tramples on your relationship:

• Your ex calls, and your current partner answers the phone.

• You send a sexy IM to your boss instead of your date.

• That Valentine’s Day card you sent to your long-distance “friend” comes back with “Returned to Sender” stamped on it.

• You accidentally make public your private online photos of you and your loved one … you know, those pictures.

• You forget to sign out of your email, and your partner reads that flirty email correspondence between you and your co-worker.

Mercury brings back past communications. When it’s retrograde, you’re supposed to wrap up unfinished business. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is not the best time for old relationships to pop up out of nowhere.

The solution? If you haven’t been completely honest about your past at this point, the most romantic of days is probably not the best time to come clean. Take some necessary precautions. When you leave the computer, double-check to make sure you signed off. Think twice before you hit “send” on that email. And know that Mercury, the trickster, will surely have something up his sleeve that you haven’t anticipated.

And on that special night, it can’t hurt to talk about all the good things that have built up to this moment. When the bad stuff rears its head, you’ll at least have had a wonderful evening to buffer the blows.

Valentine’s Day: Another Kind of Love

Spread love to everyone during this Aquarian holiday

Jeff Jawer on the topics of love, blogs, astrology, aquarius

Valentine’s Day is this Friday, February 14. The holiday that celebrates romantic love seems to have nothing to do with the saint for which it was named. Its association with amour began in the 14th century, about 1000 years after the death of St. Valentine. Although it’s a great way to sell chocolate and flowers and, hopefully, to open hearts, the astrological association with the holiday is almost as strange as its connection with a martyred priest.

The Sun is always in Aquarius on February 14. This is the sign of the Water-bearer but it’s not a sentimental Water sign. Aquarius is an Air sign characterized more by the head than the heart. Aquarius is about friendship, community and collective ideals rather than couples. It tends to be chilly, using the intellect to step back from the messy world of feelings to achieve understanding with the mind. Aquarian love is universal rather than personal and usually needs some emotional breathing space and independence to counter the confinement of intimacy.

Valentine’s Day, like Aquarius, is more about an idea than about reality. Its origins in the 14th Century reflect the romanticism of the Middle Ages … which was a model for spiritual rather than erotic love. (Robert Johnson’s book “We” is a good source of information on this subject.) Romantic yearning represented a desire for a divine connection, not personal pleasure. The partner was a symbol for God and the desire to experience sacred union. This model comes closer to Aquarius because it’s an ideal instead of a physical reality.

A higher plane

But the myth of romance has permeated culture for so many centuries that we’ve lost sight of its higher meaning. The unspoken expectation of becoming complete within a relationship is bound to produce disappointment. While personal love can be a delicious affirmation of our desirability, and intimacy serves as a bulwark against isolation, human partnerships usually fall short of our highest hopes. The familial, emotional, physical and financial connections we share within them have their divine moments but cannot confer immortality or answer life’s biggest metaphysical questions.

Romantic love comes with strings attached. Desire, jealousy, conflicting values and contrasting tastes are tests for even the most harmonious couples. Chocolate, flowers, champagne, a good dinner and great sex go a long way to erasing the illusion of our separateness but cannot eliminate it entirely. And depending on one person as the source of love is not an Aquarian formula for fulfillment … being part of a community is.

The sign of selfless love

One connection Aquarius has with romantic love is its opposition to Leo. The Lion is the sign of the heart and represents the personal experience of amour. It’s the rising of excitement we feel in the chest when someone arouses our feelings. It is the expression of affection that flatters others and warms ourselves. Yet if Leo is the heart, Aquarius is the circulatory system. The Water Bearer distributes, which is an important message about another kind of love. It is the love of humanity, called “agape” by the Greeks.

Agape aligns with Aquarius’ community consciousness and represents a less personal but equally noble expression of the human heart. Giving to others without expecting anything return is generosity of the highest order. It is a reminder that a truly Aquarian Valentine’s Day gift would be a contribution to a charity or acting as a volunteer for an organization. We can still give our chocolates and flowers for personal romance but contributing to people in other ways will make this day of love even more complete

A Little Humor For Your Day – ’21 Reasons Why Chocolate is Better Than Sex, lol!’

Twenty Reasons Why Chocolate Is Better Than Sex

1) You can GET chocolate.

2) Chocolate satisfies even when it has gone soft.

3) You can safely have chocolate while you are driving.

4) You can make chocolate last as long as you want it to.

5) You can have chocolate even in front of your mother.

6) If you bite the nuts too hard the chocolate won’t mind.

7) The word “commitment” doesn’t scare off chocolate.

8) You can have chocolate on top of your workbench/desk during working hours without upsetting your co-workers.

10) You can ask a stranger for chocolate without getting your face slapped.

11) You don’t get hairs in your mouth with chocolate.

14) With chocolate there’s no need to fake it.

15) Chocolate doesn’t make you pregnant.

16) You can have chocolate at anytime of the month.

17) Good chocolate is easy to find.

18) You can have as many kinds of chocolate as you can handle.

19) You are never too young or too old for chocolate.

20) When you have chocolate it does not keep your neighbors awake.

21) With chocolate size doesn’t matter.

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