Tag: Wine tasting descriptors

Plant Kingdom Helps and Hints

Plant Kingdom Helps and Hints

The fresher a plant (or a plant preparation) is the better it responds to magical energy, unless you leave that item where it  will receive constant charging.

Dry plants and plant parts are fine for convenience, but they don’t have the magical vitality fresh ones do because the vital oils (and life energy) are  also “dry.” Mind you, there are cases when the dry quality may help your magic, such as when performing a good-weather spell!

The essential oil from a plant is a perfectly good substitute for fresh parts. Just be careful–these oils can be harsh on the skin, and some are toxic to  pets.

Growing your own magical plants and harvesting them at a traditional tie (e.g., Midsummer’s Day) does seem to boost the magical energy within.

If you have to buy plants from a supplier, organic plants have the best magical potential (chemicals can obscure magical intention). Also, find a supplier  you can trust. One green leafy thing looks a lot like another, and not all companies are honest in their packaging.

Along the same lines, as you collect plants for magical work make sure to carefully label everything both inside and outside the container. Always trust this  rule: If you’re not sure what it is, don’t use it!

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, October 1

We are ready to initiate action and tackle new projects today with the Moon in courageous Aries. We may even jump into circumstances before thinking about the consequences. Fortunately, change works in our favor as the Moon trines lovely Venus this afternoon. However, we might hit a speed bump when the Moon opposes stern Saturn just before shifting into earthy Taurus at 7:26 pm EDT, slowing us down enough so we can regain a sense of balance.
Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Hurry up and finish what you already started, or begin something new while you still have a chance. Either way, you’re feeling the pressure to take action right away as familiar surges of urgency wash over you like waves upon the beach. Between moments of active inspiration, you also may feel somewhat moody until the evocative Moon leaves your sign this evening. Although allowing time for contemplation is healthy, don’t let self-doubt hijack your day.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’s as if something is tickling your psyche today, yet it’s difficult to tell exactly what it is or where it’s coming from. You feel inspired, but you don’t have a clear strategy for applying your creativity. Your daydreams may be so vivid now that you’re standing on unfamiliar ground. Nevertheless, pay attention to your visions because they can help guide you through the days ahead.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may think that there’s no limit to what you might accomplish today, but actually there’s only so much you can juggle at one time. You must make some difficult choices now if you want something of lasting value to come from your current efforts. Don’t be a jack of all trades and a master of none. Setting priorities seems painful at first, but you’ll feel a whole lot better once you do.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You want to make major progress at work now that the Moon is illuminating your 10th House of Career. However, it’s difficult to stick with just one project because your thoughts are running in several directions. Instead of attempting to focus on the most practical tasks at hand, let your fantasies take you where they will today. A deadline might slip under the radar, and, luckily, others are willing to adapt to your schedule. Currently you are more successful if you work at your own pace.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The pace of your life continues to settle down today. You Lions have been on the go for a while and it feels good now that you can grab a catnap or two. However, the focus isn’t on sleeping — it’s all about dreaming. Your subconscious is releasing powerful messages, and you may learn something very significant about yourself if you take the time to decipher the symbols.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you might want to sit back and enjoy the day, you quickly grow anxious when you’re idle for more than just a few minutes. Logically, you know you should be able to take some time for yourself, but you keep worrying about all the unfinished work that still needs to be done. Instead of trying to escape now, concentrate on your goals for the day. Thankfully, your extra effort pays off and you should be able to completely relax this evening.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

It’s a rather noisy day and you prefer your life to be a little less hectic now. It’s not that there are too many things going on at once. It’s just that everything requires a little more of your attention than you expected. You wish that you could rely on others to help, but they have their own agendas to keep them busy. Get creative and take responsibility for your own destiny the best you can. Your calendar will become easier to manage as the week wears on.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Although your intentions are good and you enjoy the appreciation you receive, you may feel overwhelmed if you take on too much work. You might be afraid of the proverbial straw that could break the camel’s back — and the camel is you. But there’s nowhere to run. Take a deep breath and accept that you need to follow through with your word to the best of your ability. Fortunately, the cosmos comes to your aid and things could work out much better than you expect.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You feel driven today and have enough energy to do whatever must be done. You are moving into a highly optimistic phase where you might have a difficult time separating the reality of the situation from your belief that everything will be fine. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel of consciousness now, or you could wake up to find yourself crashing into reality. There’s nothing wrong with positive thinking as long as you accept the facts.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Situations can manifest today that require your immediate involvement. You are great when it comes to organizing events, especially in the midst of dealing with minor crises. The problem is that your solutions may defy practical logic now. Make no mistake about it; this is a test and you can pass with flying colors if you trust your feelings and your intuition. Remember, the force is with you.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The energy seems a bit more settled today than it did yesterday. However, you might not even realize that you’re through the eye of the storm and are coming out on the other side now. The skies are clearing and clarity is returning. You are a survivor because your individuality prevents you from losing yourself completely to the agenda of others. You’ve had to fight for what is yours. Take time to reflect on your journey and appreciate your accomplishments.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The currents of your feelings may be flowing too strongly for your taste today. You might be anxious because your emotions are in a state of transition. Don’t panic; you’ll be fine if you trust the process. Just think of yourself like a surfer riding the waves that arise from the depths of your imagination.

Spell of the Day for September 29: Charm Protection Spell

Charm Protection Spell

 

Items You Will Need:

Small Clear Crystal

An Acorn

Rosemary

Mandrake

Green Silk or Cotton

 

The Spell:

Take a small clear crystal, an acorn, some rosemary and mandrake and a bit of green silk or cotton. It doesn’t need to be a big piece. Cast your circle and creating a pouch from the herbs, bless them with each Element saying:

“While this dwells within, there will be protection without. Cleanse and charge this charm, Element of against all who wish me ill!”

Now hang this somewhere not too obviously, like hiding it in a corner or over a window. This will protect you till Samhain when you should burn it in the sacred fire, crystal and all. If it is not too tainted, the fire will just cleanse the crystal and you’ll be able to retreive it from the ashes but I always recommend just getting a new one.

Some Simple Spell Correspondences (Part 1)

SOME SIMPLE SPELL CORRESPONDENCES

numbers, colors, and objects meanings

Abundance: 12, green, silver, coins, found money, baby plants, the

sun.

Adaptation: Red, yellow, 7, 10, liquid, anything that can be turned

or bent without breaking, clay.

Anger: 1, 13, white, white flag, dove, items to represent the focus

of the anger, breakable or tearable things, fires that can be

extinguished.

Art: tools of art, goddess image, artistically inspiring items,

yellow, blue ribbon, 5, 7, 10, 12, lunar herbs and foods.

Balance: Triangle, hourglass, scales, stilts, balance beam, 2, two of

anything, pentacles, Yin and Yang symbol, mirror images.

Banishing: red, white, silver, black, 6, 8, soap and water, soil,

items that can be turned inside out or reversed, counterclockwise.

Beauty: 3, 21, pastel colours, classic artwork, mirror, make-up, swan.

Blessing: hand, anointing oil, 2, warm colours, water and other

elemental symbols, halo, gold light.

Choices: pendulum, penny, coins, straws of different lengths, 10,

grey, black, white.

Cleansing – 2, 8, 40, agate, chrysolite, soap and wash cloth, bath or

shower, washing machine, sink.

Communication – pink, 2, amethyst, beryl, carnelian, Hematite,

telephone, stationary, pencils, pens, typewriter, computers.

Conscious mind – warm golden colours, amethyst, coral, books, glasses,

desks, 1.

Courage – red, gold, 8, beryl, Hematite, swords, gloves, iron crosses,

purple heart, pens, lions.

Dedication – 6, 13, purple, anything sticky, dog.

Discernment – silver, stones, malachite, purple, 7, 5, any substance

that can be cleared away (flour, sugar etc.)

Divination – yellow, 5, all divinatory tools (Tarot cards, crystal

ball etc.)

Doubt – garnet, tourmaline, 10, bright colours, any items representing

balance.

Ecology – 9, 12, green, globe. Picture of earth, soil, natural things,

rustic things, dried leaves, musk.

Employment – tin, 4, 6, 13, first earned dollar bill, position vacant

advertisements, green, orange.

Energy – topaz, red, orange, 8, 40, flags, bread, incoming tides,

items that expand and rise.

Fear – tea, amethyst, sardonx, red, silver.

Fertility – 7, 12, east wind (Eurius), storks, rabbits, pregnant

goddesses, eggs, cheese, agate, coral, jade, green, yellow, knots

Forgiveness – moonstone, alexandrite, white, 2, 9, anything to

represent the area of discord.

Friendship – jade, pink, 12, 2, picture of friends, interlocking

symbols.

Foundations – lead, earth colour, 1, 3, 12, soil, farms, trees, root,

anchors.

Ghosts – candles, wind items, ouija boards, personal things of the

person being contacted, sheets, agate, lodestone, turquoise,

(to protect from ghosts = jade, jasper, malachite, pepper, beans)

goals – bullseye, dart board, target, arrows, ladders, steps, 4, red,

orange, brown, daisy, ant, agate, beryl, jade.

Gossip – 4, 8, 9, carnelian, worms, fire, binding items such as

paperclips, staples and clothes pegs.

Grief – jet, 1, 21, balms, feathers, tea, cocoa, chocolate.

Grounding – 1, 6, 12, cellar or low rooms, soil, trees, brown

Habits – representation of the habit, yeast bread dough (which rises

to better things), soda left to go flat (represents negative energy),

ashes, butterflies, red, green.

Harmony – pale blue, white, 2, 3, gentle music, objects where several

items come together to form beauty (floral arrangements, fabric),

scales.

Health – 3, turquoise, amber, coral, bandages, ankh, red cross, red,

blue, green, orange juice, chicken soup.

Heart break – carnelian, coral, 8, tissues, rose quartz.

Humour – agate, feathers, kittens, otters, gag gifts, toys, bright

colours, fool tarot card, clowns.

Identifying (people and objects) – clay balls (uncovering thievery),

tea leaves, flour or dust, beer, 5, yellow, dowsing tools.

Imagination – yellow, birds, butterflies, winged creatures, clouds,

closet, kites, 3rd eye, inner child.

Inspiration – 7, beer, tea, bright colours, green, yellow, light, open

windows, open eye.

Intuition – lamps, coffee, water, all fluids, mushrooms, eggs, key

holes, silver, yellow, green, 5.

Jobs – money, job advertisements, status symbols, company logos, 13,

meat, gourmet foods, symbols of security.

Joy – agate, balloons, cake, cheese, feathers, honey, sugar, jelly,

blue.

Judgement – amethyst. Birds, coffee, mushrooms, gold, blueish purple,

10, magnifying, glass, scales, calculator.

Kindness – supple items, things that soften or smooth, sandpaper,

fabric softener, skin lotion, charity organisation logo, flowers,

cookies, orange, 9.

Kinship – interlocking web or chain, spider web, trees, roses, coat

of arms, broom, knots, bread, jade, pink, 1, 9, 12, warm and cozy

items, picnic tables, bbq.

Knowledge – books, glasses, library, school, desk, notepad, light

bulb, sharp items, computer, yellow, gold, sunflower, 3, 4, 6, 10

Leadership – medals, crowns, rod of leadership, elevated chair, lions,

grasshoppers, amethyst, honey wine, gold, redish purple.

Liberation – birds, wings, broken chains and cords, untied knots,

cleansing spices, garlic, amethyst, ashes, 4, 40.

Love – 2, 3, 12, heart, doves, lovebirds, flowers, cupid, mead.

Luck – 1, 4, 7, personal lucky, number, 13, dragonfly, rabbits foot,

fish, rainbows, wind, ships, champagne, found items, black cats.

Lust – chocolate, cherries, red

Magick – moonstone, amber, silver, quartz, 7, 13, elder, eggs,

athame, wand (etc.), circle, pentagram, purple, woven items,

candles, “witch animals” such as cats.

Mental abilities – amethyst, books, glasses, computers, keys,

diplomas, 6, 10, yellow, gold.

Money – green, silver, gold, anything that grows and expands, wallet,

chequebook, pay stub, piggy bank, wishing wells, alfalfa, allspice,

almond, moss agate, moonstone, shells.

Movement – red, yellow, vibrant colours, batteries, electric

generators, sneakers, active clothes (tracksuits), cars, bikes, train

(etc.), clouds, water, roads, blenders, matches, animals and insects

known for swiftness, bees, birds, air, 40.

Nature – animals or plant costumes, masks, pictures, seasonal

representations, gardens, woods, places of nature, green, brown, 9,

12.

Negotiation – binoculars, glasses, things that have the ability to

smooth or cool, ice, blenders, white, pink, yellow, gold, amethyst,

carnelian, open hand, flexible items, 2.

New endeavours – pinky orange, new brooms, keys, chimes, open doors,

chicken, cheese, agate, 3, 4, 6.

Nightmares – agate, amber, malachite, pyrite, white, blue, gold, 6.

Oaths – carnelian, agate, amethyst, knots, communal cups, neutral

places like the middle of a bridge, 2, X rune.

Obtaining – agate, beryl, jade, Hematite, spiders, targets, brass

rings, pointers, anything that helps solidify other items (flour,

gelatine), 4, red, orange.

Omens – divination tools, eyes, grey hair, yellow, 5, dirt, birds,

feathers, candles, copper, reflective surfaces, bowls, round

crystals, moonstone.

Openings – open windows, open books, open doors, starting line in a

race, keys, handles, hammer, shovel, archways, can openers, camera, 1,

yellow-green, brown.

Organisation – computers, calculator, pen, notepad, clock, broom,

filing cabinets, drawers, 2, 3, 10, gold, yellow, fish, amethyst,

coral.

Overcoming – steps, ladders, iron, balloons, cleansing herbs, element

fire, salt, items that are loosened, untied shoes, 4, 8, 10, red.

Passion – chocolate, eggs, “energy foods”, red, orange, onyx,

candlelight, 2, fire related items.

Passages – butterfly, chameleon, hoops, fire pits, keys, doors,

archways, woven or flowing things, almond, butter, salves, agate,

element air, purple, blue.

Peace – bridges, open hands, pale blue, amethyst, 2, white.

Power – electrical outlets, batteries, blender, quartz, topaz, gold,

red, orange, 8, your hair, lion, powerful animals.

Prejudice – east wind, anything that softens and smooths, an iron,

skin lotion, carnelian, amethyst, open hand, eyes, ears, 2, 3, blue,

white, black.

Prosperity – 4, 12, north wind, fish, dragonfly, anything that

thrives in your area, shells.

Protection – coral, malachite, topaz, image of a shield, sprinkled

water, fence, white light, dog, circle, 6.

Quests – primary colours, 4, 13, 40, birds, horses, holy grail,

chalices, shoes, thread, moonstone, rock crystal, footpaths, east wind

Quick mindedness – yellow, gold, 10, amethyst, rabbit, snap of the

finger, coin flips, alarms, light bulbs, sharp items, east wind.

Quiet – white, pink, black, dark blue, stars, snow, ear, finger to

lips, bed.

Recovering items – 2, 4, yellow, blue, agate, amethyst, chicken,

string, circle, boomerang, magnet, magnifying glass, dowsing rod

Relationships – bridges, cake, cups, jade, knots, dog, woven or

connected items, 2, 3, 9, 12, 13, pink, orange, cocoa, paperclips,

things that join or unite other items.

Remembering – fish, 5, 8, 10, books, notepad, photo, computers,

carnelian, dragons, elephant, tortoise, long living creatures,

yellow, gold.

Roles – masks, costumes, chameleon, flexible and fluid or variegated

items, 4, 6, 8, 10, curtains, make-up, mirrors.

Safe travel – car, plane, inspection stickers, road map, guidebooks,

cameras, coins, moonstone, turquoise, shoes, white.

Separation – % symbol, fire, cut cords, scissors, knives, partitions,

things that can be stored or put out of sight, ashes, oil, salves,

blue, black.

Sleep – pillows, quiet music, bed, blankets, yawning, topaz, sheep,

bears, caves.

Speech – wax lips, silver tongue, cue cards, soup, coffee, ham,

quartz, carnelian, gold, red, yellow, 8.

Teachers/teaching – pointers, chalk, white robes, amethyst, agate,

magnets, sun, books, keys, gold, green, 4, 8, 10, 12, 21, brown.

Technomagic – item in need of repair, tools, instruction manuals,

amethyst.

Tenacity – sticky items, red coals, immovable objects, ants, orange,

red, 3.

Thrift – mouse, shopping coupons, pennies, leftovers, bank, change

purse, jars, bottles, food wrap, measuring cups, macaroni and cheese,

bread, cords, twist ties, yellow, green, 10, anything that stretches.

Transformation – fires, ashes, caterpillar, butterfly, eggs, flower

buds, seeds, food processor, moon phases, phoenix, masks, pepper, 8,

anything that changes.

Unconscious mind – ink, wax blots, silver, white, moon, water, eyes,

7.

Understanding – ear or open hand, binoculars, glasses, items that

improve vision, amethyst, keys, light bulbs, candles, sunlight, 40,

5, orange.

Unions – rings, flower garlands, contracts, cups, triangle, wax

seals, tied knots, celebratory decorations, cake, agate, 1, 2.

Versatility – modelling clay, play-dough, rubber band, water,

chameleon, cats, winds, 5, 12, wax, anything which changes.

Victory – finishing line, flags, thumbs-up sign, agate, Hematite,

ants, rubber tree, 4, blue, red, gold.

Viewpoints – ladders, telescopes, birds, binoculars, glasses, lamps,

5, “which came first, the chicken or the egg”.

Virtue – glove, sword, coat of arms, jade, agate, amethyst, rock

crystal, 9, 13.

Visions (dreams) – pizza and other unusual combinations of food

stuffs, yellow, eye pads, topaz.

Weather – water, drums, fires, bird calls, smoke blown in a certain

direction, jasper, knots, elemental colours, weather symbols,

creatures of very specific climates, objects associated through

folklore with specific weather patterns (like red sun = rain).

Web weaving (networks) – spider webs, things that connect, tape,

string, paperclips, chain, baskets, phone lines, chain letters, trees.

Wisdom – sage, 5, owl, agate, amethyst, purple, old people.

Wishes – wells, coins, candles, bottles, rainbows, 4 leaved clovers,

7, dandelion, feathers, first star in the sky.

Youthful outlook – falling star, chalk, crayons, toys, garnet,

balloons, jelly, cookies, candy, traditional children’s food (eg.

Fairy floss), white, pale yellow, open windows, swings, slides.

Zeal – cheering, pompoms, young playful animals, red, 6, fire element,

sausage.

 

Reference:

Witches of the Craft at Yuku.com

Daily Horoscopes for September 22

It’s time to balance our lives by creating harmony in our relationships, especially if we are excited or worried about what’s ahead. The Sun’s entry into Libra the Scales marks the Autumnal Equinox, encouraging us to review our accomplishments and failures before taking the next step. Although Libra is an Air sign that moves us into mental realms, the Moon’s shift into practical Capricorn at 3:20 pm EDT reminds us to keep our feet on the ground.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Partnerships grow more demanding when the Sun enters your 7th House of Relationships today. Although you can be very generous, there are times when you simply forget about other people’s needs. Stopping long enough to consciously consider what someone else wants helps to make things run much smoother throughout the rest of the year.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may not realize how much others look up to you now, yet every little thing you do impacts them strongly. However, you could be less concerned with someone else’s perceptions today than you are with completing your chores. It’s tempting to narrow your vision and only concentrate on maintaining your regular routine. But don’t let your need to focus on details get in the way of being fully present for your friends and family.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You may not feel very practical today, so it’s wise to enjoy your fantasies without trying to turn them into reality. Thankfully, there’s nothing wrong with losing yourself in your daydreams for a little while; this harmless escape can even be rejuvenating and inspiring. Just make sure you know the difference between the idle wanderings of your imagination and what’s actually expected of you in the real world.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Your activities are likely to become more home-based as the Libra Sun moves through your 4th House of Roots. The next few weeks are ideal for nurturing yourself and your loved ones. You might even consider traveling — physically or metaphysically — all the way back to the place of your origins. Remember, going deep now strengthens your foundation for the months ahead. Learning something about your past enables you to be more successful in the future.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your schedule is filling up fast and life is getting busier now that the Sun is illuminating your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. But complexities arise if you cannot manage your time effectively because your tight schedule can be quite unforgiving. Don’t get discouraged if you fall behind; just be honest with everyone affected and continue to do the best you can. Your heroic efforts are appreciated more than you know.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your uncertainty over a fundamental issue might have made a recent decision rather difficult. Now, a new wave of confusion can sour your actions with doubt as the Sun enters your 2nd House of Values. However, there’s no need to change your mind or alter your plans today, even if you aren’t sure of yourself. Hang tight; your confidence will return in a few days. In the meantime, sorting through your options gives you one more chance to make the right choice.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your clarity is acutely sharp now as the Sun enters your sign, enabling you to make intelligent decisions that are based upon your special ability to objectively see both sides of an issue. Fortunately, sentimentality won’t lead you off course today. Just accept subjective artistic leanings as lovely muses; incorporate what you can, and leave the rest for another day.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The Sun’s shift into your 12th House of Endings is a reminder to complete current projects and tie up as many loose ends as possible. There’s no reason to waste your limited energy by starting anything new now. Lying low and avoiding the spotlight allows you to focus on the more personal aspects of your life. It’s wiser to wait until the Sun enters Scorpio next month to make your next big move.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your friends and family may be hard to read today, leaving you uncertain about their place in your current plans. Unfortunately, your ideas might not be as crystal clear as you thought, creating problems you haven’t yet considered. Don’t blame your lack of confidence on anyone else or you will just drift farther away from your real goals. Accepting responsibility for your attitude now inspires you to do something about it.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your career is on your mind now as you wonder about your future. Fortunately, your professional objectives may be clearly illuminated during the weeks ahead as the Sun moves through your 10th House of Public Responsibility. However, this emphasis on your work can strain your personal life as obligations distract you from your emotional connections with those closest to you. Just remember that establishing greater balance in your life might be more important than job success alone.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are pulled in two directions today as the Sun’s shift into fellow Air sign Libra brightens your life with an easygoing feeling about your future. However, the Moon’s stressful square to the Sun reminds you of all the things you wanted to do but haven’t yet accomplished. Your best strategy is to remain optimistic without losing touch with reality. Staying in close communication with someone you trust can help you keep your dreams alive.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You may feel uncomfortable today if someone shares too much information with you. No matter how pressing the situation is, there’s a part of you that doesn’t want to deal with what’s really happening. Although you might actually believe that whatever you don’t know can’t hurt you, it’s just not true. Even unexpressed thoughts have their impact, so it’s smarter to show your concern, ask questions, and listen to the rest of the story.

Calendar of the Sun for September 21

Calendar of the Sun

21 Halegmonath

Mielikki’s Day

Color: Forest green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of dark green place a bowl of spring water surrounded by pine branches, and around this place the figures of many wild animals of the forest. Drums should surround the altar, with a hunting drum taking pride of place.
Offerings: Leave food out in the wild places for the creatures who live there.
Daily Meal: Wild game, if possible.

Invocation to Mielikki

Mistress of the forests,
Green mother of all the wild things,
Clear-skinned crone, fair to look upon,
Take the golden keys from the ring at your thigh
And unlock the storehouse of which you are the keeper,
The storehouse of Tapio, your husband.
Unlock the forests to the hunters,
Shift the forest stronghold
On the days of the prey-search!
Delicate forest maiden,
Mead-mouthed bride of Tapio,
Protect well your flocks and herds
Down to the least squirrel and bat,
For we know that you love them all well.
We will not steal from your pantry
Without your leave, without your blessing,
So send us that blessing when the winter comes
And our bellies are cold and empty.
Kindly forest mistress, honey-sweet crone,
With your fingers and hair adorned with gold,
Green-cloaked dame of the thicket,
Red-shoed lady of the swamp,
Bless us with your bounty
For we come always with respect.

(All should come forward and take the drums, and a drum circle should commence. Any who are moved to do so can dance, taking on the forms of wild animals, in honor of Mielikki.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

How To Hold a Hearth and Home Rite for Mabon

How To Hold a Hearth and Home Rite for Mabon

By Patti Wigington

Mabon is a time of balance, and it is the time to celebrate the stability of the hearth and home. This ritual is a simple one designed to place a barrier of harmony and security around your property. You can do this as a family group, as a coven, or even as a solitary. If you live in an apartment, feel free to adapt the rite as necessary. The key here is to focus on the perimeter of your personal space, whether you have a half-acre yard, a big rural spread, or a downtown condo.

Here’s How:

  1. You’ll need the following items:
    • A bowl of fresh earth from your yard
    • An assortment of iron nails* (railroad spikes work nicely if you can get them)
    • A brown or green candle to represent the land

    There is no need to cast a circle before beginning this rite, because you will be casting a magical perimeter as part of the working.

  2. Begin at the entrance to your property that sees the most traffic. If you have a yard and house, this will likely be the end of the driveway, where it connects to the street. If you live in an apartment or town home, you may wish to use your front door, or the hallway in front of your door. You may want to put your supplies on a tray or in a bag, if you’re doing this alone. If you have other people participating, give each person some items to carry. You can do this rite at any time of the day, although evening may be better if you don’t want your neighbors to come over and ask what you’re up to.
  3. Place the bowl of earth at the entrance to your property. If you like, you can place it on a table, or you can just set it on the ground. Place your hands into the bowl, and feel the cool soil on your fingertips. Feel the energy of the earth, traveling from the ground, up into the bowl, through the dirt, and into you.
  4. Focus on the bowl of earth, and say:

    Earth, symbol of security and stability, bring peace and harmony into my home at this season of thanksgiving. May my family be well, my house be a haven, and my table be one of hospitality. May the earth, the soil, the land, ground me and protect me and those whom I love, and that which I call mine. My property shall be a safe place, a secure place, a harmonious place for all those who enter. As I will, so it shall be.

  5. Leave the bowl in place, and begin slowly walking around the perimeter of your property, traveling in a deosil, or clockwise, direction. Feel the energy of your land, and the way in which you connect with it. Is there a tree you particularly love? Or the big rock where the kids always sit? Or that weird piece of root that you trip over every time? Consider why your property is home instead of just a place to live. Even if you live in an apartment, you can do this — what about that creaky spot by the door that your mom always hears when you come in late? All of these make a house personal and connect us to it.
  6. Periodically — and depending on how many iron nails or railroad ties you’ve got — stop and touch the ground. Drive a nail or spike into the dirt – iron is known as a protective material  throughout many cultures. As you push it into the earth, say:

    Iron spike, in the ground, protect my home, my family and me. Keep out that which would cause us harm.

  7. Repeat this with each iron nail or spike, until you’ve placed a protective barrier around your property. By now, you should have returned to your bowl of earth at the entrance. Light the green or brown candle, and place it within the bowl. Pack the earth lightly around it so that the candle doesn’t topple over. Say:

    Dark and light, equal parts at the time of Mabon. Fire and earth, together. Balance, harmony, security, these things shall be mine.

  8. If there is a particular deity of your tradition that represents hearth and home, now might be a good time to call upon them asking for assistance. If you do so, be sure to make an offering in their honor. If you choose not to call upon deity at this time, just take a few moments to reflect on your home life, and the things that mean security to you. When you are finished, bring the bowl with the candle inside, and place it in a spot where all can see — on your hearth, or the kitchen table — and allow it to sit until the candle goes out. When the candle has burned away, return the earth to your property.

Tips:

  1. Even if you just live in one room of a home, you can still do this rite. Simply adapt it so that you’re going around the perimeter of the room, beginning with the doorway. Instead of pounding iron spikes into the ground, you can tuck a small nail up under the edge of the carpet.
  2. It has been pointed out that in some areas, the ground may freeze enough to push iron nails out of the ground, which could cause problems once things warm up – no one wants a small child to step on a rusty nail! If you live in an area where this may be a problem, you may wish to remove the nails at certain times of year, or at the very least, check to make sure they are securely in the ground.

What You Need

  • A bowl of earth
  • Iron nails or railroad spikes
  • A green or brown candle

Daily OM for September 11 – Underneath the Noise

Underneath the Noise

Hearing the Whisper

by Madisyn Taylor

There is beauty and power when we listen to the whisper.

You may have noticed that if you want to speak to someone in a noisy, crowded room, the best thing to do is lean close and whisper. Yelling in an attempt to be louder than the room’s noise generally only hurts your throat and adds to the chaos. Similarly, that still, small voice within each of us does not try to compete with the mental chatter on the surface of our minds, nor does it attempt to overpower the volume of the raucous world outside. If we want to hear it, no matter what is going on around us or even inside us, we can always tune in to that soft voice underneath the surrounding noise.

It is generally true that the more insistent voices in our heads delivering messages that make us feel panicky or afraid are of questionable authority. They may be voices we internalized from childhood or from the culture, and as such they possess only half-truths. Their urgency stems from their disconnectedness from the center of our being, and their urgency is what catches our attention. The other voice that whispers reassurances that everything is fundamentally okay simply delivers its message with quiet confidence. Once we hear it, we know it speaks the truth. Generally, once we have heard what it has to say, a powerful sense of calm settles over our entire being, and the other voices and sounds, once so dominant, fade into the background, suddenly seeming small and far away.

We may find that our own communications in the world begin to be influenced by the quiet certainty of this voice. We may be less inclined to indulge in idle chatter as we become more interested in maintaining our connection to the whisper of truth that broadcasts its message like the sound of the wind shaking the leaves of a tree. As we align ourselves more with this quiet confidence, we become an extension of the whisper, penetrating the noise of the world and creating more peace, trust, and confidence.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Sept. 11 – ‘Make Your Bed Day’

It’s time to get up and celebrate ‘Make Your Bed Day’ as today you will learn how to make your bed work for you! Feng Shui espouses many ways of how the favorable positioning of your bed can have a big positive influence. For example, the ‘Command Position’ is the most powerful of all bed positions in that it allows fortune to find you while you sleep. In this position the bed should sit as far from the bedroom door as possible. It should face the door but not in a way where your feet are directly across from it. The theory here is that the farther your bed is from the room’s entry door, the more control you will have over your sleeping space and your entire life. You won’t be surprised or startled easily and you’ll have time to react to events as they unfold. Speaking of unfolding, Feng Shui also maintains that sheets, blankets, quilts and comforters should always be clean and in good condition. And the bed should be made every day in order to establish order in the bedroom that will spill over into your life. Now for the secret ‘Bed Shui!’ Keep a smooth and rounded crystal ball at the foot of the bed on the side that you don’t sleep on in order to keep smooth and harmonious relationships all around you. All of these cures make for some really sweet dreams!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com