GrannyMoon’s Weekly Feast 11-18 Oct 2020! Thanks for reading my blog!

Blessed be my little witch. To those who came before and those who will come after, know that the Goddess is with you always. Thank you all my dear readers…be blessed. ~GrannyMoon

Remember dear humans, fresh air, sunshine, and communing with nature is the best medicine. It is good for our immune system. It also lifts the spirits and it breaks up the monotony of “social distancing!” How are you doing?

Dark Moon – Time to Rest
New Moon – Time to Begin New Projects; Birth; Attraction
Waxing Moon – Time to Grow; Increase
Full Moon – Time to be Fulfilled; Abundance
Waning Moon – Time to Banish; Decrease
Last Sliver of Moon – Time to Die; Letting Go
Dark Moon – Time to Rest Again
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Light A Candle Today!

In many different traditions lighting a candle is a sacred action. It expresses more than words can express. It has to do with gratefulness. From time immemorial, people have lit candles in sacred places. You may want to begin or end your day by the sacred ritual of lighting a candle on this gratefulness. Or you may want to light a birthday candle for a friend. One single guideline is all you need: Slow down and do it with full attention.

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The First Days of the Seasons
WINTER Monday, December 21, 5:02 A.M. EST

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Current Moon Phase: WANING MOON

Time: From Full Moon to Dark Moon (approx.14 days)

Goddess Aspect: Crone

Associated Goddesses: Cailleach, Banshee, Hecate, Kali, Morrigan

Magickal Attributes: Banishing Releasing the old, removing unwanted negative energies, wisdom, psychic ability, scrying, reversing circumstances. Workings on this day are for banishing magick, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity, physical and psychic cleansings.

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October
12th Indie Author Day at many local libraries and bookstores, celebrating local authors whose books are published by small presses (not the big guys in New York)
13th Mercury becomes Retrograde
14th National Dessert Day. Also, on this day in 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh was published. (Happy birthday, Pooh!)
14th Vetrablot
16th New Moon (1:32 PM, MST)
18th Birthday of herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, 1616-1654. His 1654 book, The Complete Herbal, has never been out of print.

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CoventryCreations.com
New Moon in Libra October 16, 2020
Living with Moon Magic by Patty Shaw

The New Moon in Libra on October 16th is the perfect time to do a little moon magic around love. Let’s revisit a powerful spell from our Witches Union library to help you increase your commitment to having love in your life Smith to help you along.

Coventry Products you’ll need are Affirmations Love, Soul Mate, Inner Beauty candles, and Love Magic Witches Union Patch. Other items you will need: Metal mixing bowl, water, and olive oil.
The Spell:

During the three nights of the New Moon, October 15, 16, and 17th, fill the bowl ½ way with water and drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into the water. Place the bowl to the edge of the table so you can look into it easily and put the Love Magic patch under it. Place the Affirmation candles evenly behind the bowl, ideally so the flames reflect in the water.

Allow your thinking to slow down and slip into a relaxed meditative state while staring into the water. With your pointer finger, stir the water clockwise and chant, “Devotion, partner, consort, mate; a love divine, none can break.” Repeat the chant as many times as you need to, allowing yourself to let go of any expectations of what is about to happen. Stare into the moving water and allow pictures to grow in your mind of who this person is. If you already know them, open up to the message of how to make a deeper lifetime connection. Even if you don’t see anything in this moment, a clearer understanding will gradually be born over the next 24 hours.

One by one, extinguish the candles and quickly drizzle the molten wax into the water. Look for any images that may appear in the cooled wax forms. If you don’t understand what the message is at this moment, take pictures, write down your impressions, and look up the symbols. Once your message is clear, create an incantation to draw the lifetime of love to you. To complete the spell to create a lifetime of love, relight the candles and repeat your incantation 3 times. Do this every day until they are consumed, never leaving a burning candle unattended.

Lighten up your life with help from products from Coventry Creations http://www.coventrycreations.com and advice from Storm Cestavani, Astrological Life Coach, http://www.stormcestavani.com. Discover your potential in your Akashic records with Patty Shaw, http://www.healingwithpattyshaw.com.

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Biddy Tarot
http://www.biddytarot.com
The card drawn for this week is:
The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents an established set of spiritual values and beliefs. It’s often correlated with religion or other formal doctrines.

Before you can discover your own belief systems and make your own choices, you are being encouraged to learn fundamental principles from a trusted source.

Work with a teacher or guide that can teach you about spiritual values and beliefs. If you’ve already mastered a particular field of study, you may be taking on the role of teaching others.

This is a good time to explore the framework of your belief system. Consider exploring your spiritual or religious heritage. Are there any family traditions or sacred rituals that you have been neglecting?

If you have been lacking ritual and tradition in your life, you are being asked to commit to spiritual practice. Create a regular practice such as daily prayer or saying grace before a meal.

Ask the Tarot: To what belief systems and principles do you subscribe?

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The Witch
From The Halloween Oracle

Earth, Air, Fire and Water
A woman lovely, a woman strange
Weaver of the worlds, Moon’s Daughter
Witch: The Catalyst for Change

You can weave your own destiny and change through magick!

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High Priestess Training
http://GoddessSchool.com

The entire course takes 15 months to complete (four levels). Tuition covers lessons, assignments and instructor feedback. In addition, students may download guided meditation exercises and be eligible for Sabbats, Esbats and retreats with the Sisterhood. The entire fee for each level is $120 (payment plan available), sixteen lessons in each level, except the last.

Ceremonial Cords and frame-able Completion Certificates are awarded as membersvcomplete each level.

Level I – Initiate of the Sisters of the Burning Branch – White cord
Level II – Adept of the the Sisters of the Burning Branch- Red cord
Level III – Priestess of the Sisters of the Burning Branch- Black cord
Level IV – High Priestess of the Sisters of the Burning Branch – Green cord

You Might Also Be Interested In:
http://goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/index.html
http://www.goddessschool.com/courses/natural/naturalwitch.html
http://goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/healingarts.html

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Heartwings Love Notes 952 Comfort Me with Apples

Heartwings says, “An apple a day has many health benefits and tastes good too!”

As I write this, I can smell the applesauce cooking in my slow cooker. Made from unpeeled, cut apples, and simmered a while with half cider and half water, to cover, my applesauce needs no further seasoning or sweetening. Once cooked, I put it through my trusty food mill-I picked mine up at a yard sale, however they are available both in stores and on the internet. The money you save on canned or otherwise processed applesauce will soon pay for the food mill and your applesauce will be more nutritious.

The peel contains much nutritional value. This is lost in most if not all commercial applesauce. As to apples themselves, the old adage about an apple a day is confirmed by research on the internet. Astonishingly good for you, raw apples have an enormous health benefit ranging from vitamins, minerals, and fiber to a low calorie content. The fiber is also said to be more satisfying and in studies with people using apples as a snack showed them losing weight compared with those using foods o equal calorie value. Cooked apples also have many benefits.

According to the internet, apples received a bad rap in the story of Adam and Eve because of a pun. In the original Biblical writings, the substance Adam and Eve consumed that got them ejected from the Garden of Eden was simply a seed bearing fruit: a fig, a pomegranate or even a pear. However, when Jerome was instructed by his pope to translate the Bible into the Vulgate, i.e. into Latin for church use, he made a scholarly joke. The Latin name for apple is malus. This word translates both as evil and as apple. Thus the poor apple became potentially perceived as evil.

There are many good reasons to enjoy apples, and many ways to prepare them. Sauteed apples and onions as a side dish takes them out of the category of dessert. Here’s another, Apple Squash bake: Apple Squash Bake, created when I had to stretch one acorn squash to serve 4 instead of 2. Preheat oven to 325; butter a 9X13 glass baking dish. Alternate peeled slices from 1 or 2 apples and 1 acorn squash, halved and sliced. Mingle ¼ cup honey or maple syrup, 3 Tbs soft butter, 1 Tbs prepared mustard (optional but good) and pour over them. Bake 45 minutes at 325and serve to 4. Enjoy!

May your food be your medicine so that you are eating healthily.

Blessings and Best Regards, Tasha Halpert

PS Do you have favorite apple recipes to share? I’d love to see them. Your responses to my columns truly make my day and I so appreciate them. Write me here or at tashahal@gmail.com. For more Love Notes and other goodies, visit my web site at http://www.heartwingsandfriends.com.

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Llewellyn’s Spell-A-Day
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World Homeless Day
BY TESS WHITEHURST

It’s World Homeless Day, a day dedicated to reducing homelessness around the world. Today, create a prayer candle for Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, the patron saint of people who are homeless. (After his request to be a monk was refused several times, he released most of his possessions and lived on the streets of Rome. After his death, many miracles were attributed to him.) Print out or create an image of him and paste it onto a jar candle. After lighting the candle, ground and center your energy. Call on Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, and ask for guidance on how you can best help those who are homeless in your area.

While the candle is still burning, research local charities and choose at least one small way to support one of them, perhaps by giving clothing, food, time, or money. Optionally, post your good deed on social media to inspire others to observe this day as well. Extinguish the candle.
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First Winter Harvest
BY BARBARA ARDINGER

Sukkot, which ends today, is a harvest festival that dates back to the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Today is also the traditional Germanic Winter’s Day, for in October the energetic tides of the dark night of the year are getting noticeably stronger. Today is a good day to think about what you might do with your winter.

Place symbols of harvest (perhaps a mini-ear of corn or some wheat) and winter (a crone goddess, amethyst, onyx) on the north side of your altar. Recite this invocation:

Preparing for winter’s season today,
I treasure my harvest and look ahead.
Come, dear winter, bring
peace with your holiday,
For we know in time will rise
what once seemed dead.

Speak your wishes for the coming season of rest and regeneration to the crone and keep your symbols on your altar until Imbolc. Use what you learn to welcome whatever winter may bring.
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A Stone’s Throw Spell
BY JAMES KAMBOS

This is the feast day of an obscure saint from Great Britain, Saint Keyne. She’s best remembered for her holy enchanted well in England. Wells are magical places. They’re portals to the earth and to the underworld. This spell will help rid you of a problem.

First, select a stone you like and hold it tightly. Think of your problem. Walk around a well three times while chanting this charm three times:

The problem I carry with me today,
I forbid to stay.
Go, I demand, be on your way!

At the end of the third chant, toss the stone with force into the well. Don’t linger; walk away quickly. If you can’t find a well, do the same chant while walking in a circle three times near the edge of a pond or a calm lake.
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New Roads Tarot Spell
BY CERRIDWEN IRIS SHEA

Our year will be over at the end of the month. It’s time to start thinking about what you want to achieve in the next cycle.

Gather these supplies:

• 5 tarot cards: the four aces and the Sun
• A green candle (for physical manifestation) in a holder

Lay out the tarot cards. Place the Sun card in the middle, with the Ace of Pentacles above it (north/earth), the Ace of Swords to the right (east/air), the Ace of Wands below (south/fire), and the Ace of Cups to the left (west/ water). (Note: If you identify swords with fire and wands with air, switch them.) Light the green candle and say:

Ideas meet passion meet creativity
meet manifestation. I open myself
to new roads of positive abundance
and experience. So mote it be.

Spend some time meditating with the lit candle, then extinguish it. Repeat the process for nine days. Be alert to new opportunities and take them.
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Taking Out the Garbage ( Disposal)
BY ARI MANKEY

While we don’t wish harm on an yone, sometimes we just need to get a bad egg out of our lives. As Kitchen Witches, we like to use things that are readily available in our house for magick, like our garbage disposal.

If there’s a person or habit you want out of your life, write their name on a piece of paper and mix it with something you’re going to send down the garbage disposal. As you mix the name and the (most likely) old, moldy food, say:

I wish you no harm, but
it’s time to go away.
Down and gone from me
you’ll now stay.
I grind and chop up that
which doesn’t serve me.
The gears have ground and the
spell is done. So mote it be!

If you don’t have a garbage disposal in your sink, a trash can will work just as well.
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Bibliomancy
BY MELISSA TIPTON

Close your eyes as you focus on a question and say:

I call upon my higher self to guide
me to the information that is correct
and good for me at this time.

Spend a few minutes in meditation, centering and connecting to your higher self, then select a book from your shelf, allowing intuition to steer your choice. Open the book to a random page, and let your finger fall on a passage. You will do this process three times, flipping to a different page in the book for each selection. Use your intuition to interpret each passage as follows:

Passage 1: What is the most important thing I can start doing in regard to my situation?
Passage 2: What is the most important thing I can stop doing in regard to my situation?
Passage 3: What lesson does this situation contain?

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Folklore Spell
BY ELIZABETH BARRETTE

To honor the folk traditions of your people today, hold a folklore party with friends or family members who share your traditions. Serve traditional foods, and dress in appropriate clothes if you have them. Sing favorite songs about folk heroes or practices. Take turns reciting or reading aloud folktales that you love. Tell your life story as a folktale, with yourself as the protagonist.

Discuss or study the customs, superstitions, and folk magic of your people. At the beginning and end of the celebration, and between the various activities, chant this rhyme to help focus energy on the transmission of folklore: “Tell me a story, or sing me a song. Teach me the old ways we’ve kept so long.” This spell makes it easier and more fun to learn folklore. It may be performed at any time of the year, indoors or outdoors.

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How to Keep a Dream Journal

Dream analysis is more of an art than a science, but there are numerous creative benefits.

Do it first thing. The key to recording dreams is speed and immediacy. The feeling of a dream’s logic slipping away the moment you try to explain it to someone else is a familiar one: Keep your dream journal and a pen close at hand. That way, you can jot down everything you remember when you first wake up—whether that’s in the middle of the night or the next day.

Write in the present tense. Describing your dream world in the present tense, as if it is happening again in real-time, may help you resurrect details and follow the action more clearly.

Try to capture emotions, not just plot points. Get in the habit of noting how your dream self felt in any given situation. Were you apprehensive inside of this dream? Was it in a familiar setting? Was there an aspect about that dream that was thrilling, or did it terrify you?

Track your sleep cycles. You are dreaming most deeply during your REM cycle (or rapid-eye-movement cycle), for about two hours at a time. Understanding how long it takes you to cycle through the different stages of your sleep patterns may allow you to record dreams immediately post-REM, when your brain has returned to a semi-alert state.

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5 Ways to Love Your Body
By Carrie Myers Smith

While many of us have an easy time showering other people with love, we find that Cupid has yet to hit us with the “body love” arrow. Don’t wait for Cupid! Begin today to start appreciating, accepting and, yes, even loving your body.

1. Stop picking yourself apart

Let’s face it: No matter how close to perfect your body may be (and just what is the perfect body anyway?), chances are, there is something you would change about it if you could. Even celebrities and models who have been stamped with the media’s “perfect body” rating have body parts they dislike – their feet, their hands, their ears – and they don’t necessarily have high self-esteem either! Rather than pick your body apart, look at your body as a whole and…

2. Consider the marvelous functions of your body

There are millions of microscopic functions that go on in our bodies every day, and you don’t even have to think about them. They just happen! Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis or a tragedy, such as a brush with death, a go-around with a disease, or a debilitating accident for some women to realize that their bodies weren’t so bad to begin with and that their body hang-ups were a big waste of time. Don’t let that be the case with you! How much time are you spending each day worrying about your weight, your body shape, the size of your rear? What could you be doing during that time? Maybe you’re supposed to be the first female president, but you’ll never know because you’re too busy obsessing about your abs!

3. Get real

Did you know that most of the images you see on television, movies and magazines aren’t even real? A model for a magazine cover goes through hours of professional hair and make-up, has professional stylists dressing them in clothes that flatter their angles, top photographers who know their “best side,” professional lighting, and that’s all before the chosen photo goes to a company where they can remove stray hairs, wrinkles, blemishes and “extra” curves. Sometimes Model A’s head is stuck onto Model B’s body. What you see is often a fabrication.

And it’s not just fashion magazines that are creating a fantasy. Most of today’s “fitness” magazines are following suit. On top of airbrushing and computer generating their models, fitness magazines now need to audition their models to be sure they’re strong enough to just do basic exercises! Muscles are even airbrushed in! It’s time to get real! Find real role models who emanate the qualities you desire. Educate yourself about what really goes on “behind the scenes.” And realize that no one naturally “glows” the way those models in the magazines do!

4. Change your inner dialogue

It’s been said that we teach others how to treat us. If we believe that, the message that comes across to others is that we are not worth being liked, loved or treated with respect. Most of it comes from what we’re not even saying. Choose to believe that you are worth taking care of and that you have the right to be respected and treated with dignity – and act like it!

5. Take care of your body

Diets, pills, quick-fixes, binging, not exercising, over-exercising–all these things disrespect one of the greatest gifts you have been given: your body! You only get one per lifetime, so give it the respect it deserves. You will not only feel better, but you just might become someone else’s role model!

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What Is Your Cat Saying To You?
A Guide To Cat Body Language And Communication
By The Editors

What does it mean when a cat meows? Here is a look at what your cat is saying to you when it moves its ears, widens its eyes, rubs its nose on you, or uses any other cat body language!

Have you ever wondered what it means when your cat purrs? We know that you feel the love when they let you rub their belly, so find out what all these little gestures mean according to catspeak!

Because most of an animal’s speech involves body language, posture, and gesture, the key to understanding your cat is learning to read its body language. Vocal speech, in the sense of sounds with a particular meaning, also exists, but it is secondary.

Most actions included here exist in combinations rather than singly. Thus, a cat with slit eyes and ears hard down will probably also be arched or tense, whereas a cat with narrowed eyes and ears slightly down and to the side may also be purring and will be relaxed.

WHEN CATS MOVE THEIR EARS
If the ears are hard forward: The cat is alert, interested, and ready to move. If you’re holding your cat and the cat suddenly looks at something and pricks her ears forward, she may be getting ready to jump, either to pounce or to run.
If the ears are forward but relaxed: The cat is also relaxed, aware of her surroundings but not alarmed.
If the ears are slightly down and to the side: Usually seen when the cat is very relaxed and happy. Eyes will be closed or slit; the cat is usually purring.
If the ears are back but not flat: The cat is agitated, threatened, may jump or run away. The cat may also hear something behind it.
If the ears are flat back on the head: The cat is angry, threatened, frightened; may scratch if cornered.
Cat ears alert

WHAT A CAT’S TAIL TELLS YOU
If the tail is high, relaxed, and waving: The cat is relaxed, happy, confident.
If the tail is trailing behind body but not held low: The cat is relaxed but alert.
If the tail is held low: The cat is cautious; it may be looking for a safe place, especially if the body is also held low to the ground.
If the tail is bristled: The cat is fearful or aggressive; other body cues will tell you which.

CAT BODY LANGUAGE
If the back is arched, the cat is on its toes, standing sideways-on: The cat is fearful and may fight, but will probably run.
If the back is arched, and the cat is standing face-on: The cat is aggressive and will almost certainly fight.
If the body is relaxed, soft, feet tucked under or kneading: The cat is relaxed.
If it rolls on its back: The cat is very relaxed, trusting. A cat does this when it is absolutely confident of safety. It may also be asking you to play or rub its stomach (proceed at your own risk).

CATS COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR EYES
If the eyes are wide: The cat is alert. Other cues will tell you if the cat is relaxed or threatened.
If the eyes are narrowed: The cat is alert, but may be fearful or aggressive. Look for other cues.
If the eyes are lazily open or closed: The cat is relaxed.
Pupil dilation is also important: Wide pupils can signal high interest, excitement, or possibly fear or aggression.

CAT CUES FROM WHISKERS
If the whiskers are hard forward: The cat is alert, interested, perhaps sees a threat, prey, or food.
If the whiskers are back: The cat is calm, relaxed.
If the whiskers are bristled: Usually seen with other cues that indicate fear or aggression.

CAT VOICES: WHAT DOES A MEOW OR PURR MEAN?
Meow: Cats tend to use meows more with humans than with other cats, though there are exceptions. To communicate with each other, they use a range of vocal signals, and some cats will use meows in this case, too. Kittens mew loudly when they’re hungry or frightened, but once they’ve stopped being dependent on their mother, they also stop this kind of calling behavior. When you hear your cat meowing, it is generally talking to you—so pay attention!

Hiss: This is fear and threat. The cat is saying, “Back off.” Depending on how confident the cat feels or whether it is in its own territory, it may fight or run. You can use the hiss to tell your cat to stop doing something—this will get its attention and usually stop the behavior.

Yowl: This is a step up from the hiss and is definitely a threat. The sound is “wow-wow-wow,” but modulated: “woOOOowwwoooOOOoowwwooOOOoow,” with the middle of each “wow” rising both in pitch and volume. A cat making this sound is getting ready to fight and may scratch if you try to touch it. Use the yowl to move a strange cat off your property. Yowling can also indicate discomfort or emotional upset. A smothered or muffled yowl may indicate a hairball coming up.

Purr: The jury is still out on precisely how the purr is produced. It may be a vocalization, or it may be produced by some other means. However it’s produced, this is a multipurpose sound. The purr usually indicates relaxation, trust, and well-being, and a cat may purr itself (and you!) to sleep. A nursing mother will purr while the kittens nurse, and they purr along with her. This seems to be a bonding and reassuring sound related to the later adult “relaxed” purr. Adult cats often purr while grooming each other.

Occasionally, a cat will insert a trilling sound into the purr. You usually hear this when you’re holding and petting the cat, not when the cat is simply purring to itself or another cat. This is referred to as “singing.”

Cats also purr over prey. There is a theory that the purr acts as a hypnotic on the prey animal and reduces its struggling.

Finally, an injured cat will sometimes purr, but the purr is deeper and raspier and quite loud. While the relaxed purr, the nursing purr, and the trill are accompanied by kneading, the prey purr and the pain purr usually are not.

Chirp: This is an abbreviated sound, “prrt” or “prrt?,” almost like a purr cut short. It usually happens as a greeting between cats that know each other well. Cats will also sometimes use the chirp to respond to a human voice. Some cats do a chattering sound, very soft and sometimes accompanied by a silent or almost-silent meow. They usually do this when they’re frustrated by seeing prey that they can’t get at, like that squirrel dancing in front of the window.

CAT GESTURES
Finally, cats make a number of very communicative gestures.

Kneading: This is a holdover from kitten behavior. A nursing kitten kneads its mother’s belly to promote the flow of milk. An adult cat may knead a person who is holding it to indicate contentment. If the cat’s claws are sharp, this can be a painful experience! A contented cat will sometimes extend and curl its toes (and extrude and withdraw its claws) while it’s purring, even if there’s nothing to knead.
Nose-rubbing: A cat that rubs its nose and cheek on you is marking you and indicating that you belong to it.
Arching: A cat that arches against you, sometimes even standing up on its hind feet, is asking for attention and wants to be petted or even picked up. A cat that flops against you is indicating trust.
Head butting: If your cat butts the top of its head against you, this is affection, pure and simple.
Grooming: Occasionally, cats will groom their people and may even bite gently. This is a variation on parent behavior, where an adult cat grooms a kitten and sometimes takes it gently by the nape to make it hold still. Cats will sometimes carry this affectionate behavior to the extent of rasping the skin away, so interrupt it before it gets to that point!
This is not completely exhaustive, but by paying attention to the rudimentary vocal and gestural vocabulary of your cat, you’ll more easily be able to figure out what it is telling you—and you’ll be less likely to be scratched!

Love your cat? Learn about what signs your cat might give you when it’s sick.

—by Elizabeth Creith for The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Elizabeth hails from Canada, owns a local pet shop and farm, and has an extended family of many, many cats!

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MULLED APPLE CIDER

Nothing tastes better than hot Mulled Apple Cider on a cold day or evening. Plus, it fills the house with a delicious fragrance.

“Mulled” simply means that the cider is heated with spice. It’s similar to steeping tea.

If possible, use unpasteurized apple cider for best taste. However, even regular apple juice will do in a pinch, given all then nice spices.

Adults may add bourbon or rum if desired. Just pour a tablespoon into an empty mug and pour the mulled cider on top.

Mulled Apple Cider With Orange

INGREDIENTS
1 gallon apple cider
3 cinnamon sticks, broken into 3-inch pieces
8 to 10 whole cloves
1 lemon or navel orange, sliced crosswise
Optional: Fresh ginger (2-inch piece, peeled, and cut into thin slices)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large stainless steel or enameled pot, combine all the ingredients. Slowly bring just to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a heat-proof pitcher and serve the mulled cider warm.

Note: You can also use a spice bag and just remove the spice bag when done simmering.

Serve in a mug with one of the cinnamon sticks!

YIELD:
Serves 8 to 10.

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Finding Gifts in All

Before bed each night, take the time to review your day and review the gifts you received.

When we have good days, we often find ourselves going over the details later, enjoying them a second and third time as we feel the joy of our good fortune. When we have bad days, we may find ourselves poring over the details of our misfortunes. However, we can reframe those bad days by making it a daily practice to spend some time before going to bed each night to review the gifts we received that day. Regardless of our evaluation of the day — good, bad, mediocre — we can call forth the many blessings that were present. This practice transforms our consciousness as it reveals the fullness at the heart of our lives.

Some days it’s easy to recount the gifts we’ve received; on other days, we have to look harder for the offerings of the day, but once we do, we will find there are always quite a few. We can keep it simple and be grateful for the fact that we have a roof over our head, nature, food, and our health. Once we have fully experienced these gifts, we can move outward to the gifts that may require a little more thought such as the gifts of forgiveness, tolerance and acceptance that we may have learned that day. We can also always be grateful for the people in our lives who support us, no matter how bad our day may have been.

Just reviewing the many positive offerings in our lives provides a context for our difficulties that puts them in proper perspective, but we can also make an effort to see the gifts even in adverse circumstances. This can be challenging and may require some practice before it feels authentic, but we have all had the experience of a disappointment or loss leading to a surprising gain. Just remembering this and trusting the give and take of life can help us to remember that sometimes the best gifts of all are the ones we don’t recognize right away. In addition, the lessons we learn in the face of adversity are offerings in their own right, allowing us to count patience, wisdom, and fortitude alongside the other gifts of the day.

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The Ultimate Backyard Bonfire
http://www.ghosthuntingtheories.com/

Bonfires and scary tales – what autumn should be made of. It may be the start of Fall, but the heat has us beat. An easy and cheap way to usher in the season is a backyard bonfire. Let’s escape for a moment into bonfires and nighttime rituals –

Bonfire Recipes

Banana dessert (I make this on every camping trip) Take a banana, slice it down the middle lengthwise. Spread peanut butter, put in miniature chocolate chips. Wrap in foil. Heat a few minutes. Eat with a spoon.

Classy smores Heat two marshmallows over fire until gooey. Lay out a cookie (any type), put some Hershey’s candy bar rectangles on it, slide the marshmallows onto the chocolate, place another cookie over top.

Cones: Sugar cones filled with chocolate, fruits, nuts, pretzels, marshmallows, wrapped in tin foil and heated.

Building a Bonfire

Sturdy logs, kindling in between, seems like a no-brainer, but some folks have trouble starting their fires and keeping them growing. You can also use dried up bark or stripping from a pine tree to help get the initial flames going, but kindling (small twigs) and bigger logs help in the different phases of building a fire and making it roar.

Bonfire Tales

Campfire Tales (from this site that has more). The key to good campfire tales is to play up the urban legends, escaped maniacs, killers, ghosts, and woodland monsters. Tell the story as if it were a true event that occurred in the past (think Blair Witch Project).

La Llorona: Once there was a widow who wished to marry a rich nobleman. However, the nobleman did not want to raise another man’s children and he dismissed her. The widow was determined to have the nobleman for her own, so the widow drowned her children to be free of them. When she told the nobleman what she had done, he was horrified and would have nothing more to do with her. As she left him, the widow was overcome by the terrible crime she had committed and went to the river, looking for her children. But they were gone. She drowned herself and her spirit was condemned to wander the waterways, weeping and searching for her children until the end of time.

Ghost: The train rumbled around him as he adjusted the throttle. The night shift was always the toughest, in the engineer’s mind. He had rumbled through Timpas a few minutes ago and was on his way to Thatcher. Not a bad stretch of road, and there was no better train in the entire Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.

He stretched a bit and yawned, trying to stay alert. And then he gasped. The lights had picked up the figure of a beautiful woman with long red-gold hair and wonderful blue eyes standing near the tracks. Too near! He sounded his horn to warn her away and then he realized that the light was shining right through her. She was a ghost!

She stepped into the center of the track, laughing and beautiful. She disappeared seconds before the train rushed through her. And then she was there, in the engine cab next to him. The scent of roses filled the air. He stared at the ghostly vision, bewitched by her beauty. With an enticing smile, she wrapped ghostly arms about his neck and kissed him. And was gone.

Dazed (and disappointed!), the engineer finished the run to Thatcher in a trance, completely forgetting to stop at the station. The fireman had to pour water on his head to snap him out of it.

The engineer decided not to tell anyone about the ghost, fearing for his job. But he was plagued by curiousity. Finally, he confided the story to a close friend who was a fellow engineer. To his surprise, the friend had heard about the ghost before. The ghost’s appearance on the train was by no means uncommon. No one knew who the woman had been in life. But she always appeared on that stretch of track after dark, beckoning to the men on the railroad crew with a bewitching smile. Sometimes, said his friend, sometimes she would come right onto the train!

“Better not tell your wife about it,” his friend advised. The engineer never did.

Maco Light On a night in 1867, at the small Brunswick County station of Maco fifteen miles west of Wilmington, a slow freight train was puffing down the track. In the caboose was Joe Baldwin, the flagman. A jerking noise startled him, and he was aware that his caboose had become uncoupled from the rest of the train, which went heedlessly on its way. As the caboose slackened speed, Joe looked up and saw the beaming light of a fast passenger train bearing down upon him. Grabbing his lantern, he waved it frantically to warn the oncoming engineer of the imminent danger. It was too late. At a trestle over the swamp, the passenger train plowed into the caboose. Joe was decapitated: his head flew into the swamp on one side of the track, his lantern on the other. It was days before the destruction caused by the wreck was cleared away. And when Joe’s head could not be found, his body was buried without it.

Thereafter on misty nights, Joe’s headless ghost appeared at Maco, a lantern in its hand. Anyone standing at the trestle first saw an indistinct flicker moving up and down, back and forth. Then the beam swiftly moved forward, growing brighter and brighter as it neared the trestle. About fifty feet away it burst into a brilliant, burning radiance. After that, it dimmed, backed away down the track, and disappeared.

It was Joe with his lantern, of course. But what was he doing? Was he looking for his head? Or was he trying to signal an approaching train?

In 1889 President Grover Cleveland, on a political campaign, saw the mysterious light, as have hundreds of people throughout the years. But in 1977 when the railroad tracks were removed and the swamp reclaimed his haunting grounds, Joe seems to have lost interest in Maco. At least, he has not been seen there lately.

It may not be bonfire weather yet, but you might try a modified version – how about candlelight and a classic movie for those kind of nights –

How about the sentimental scent of a bonfire?

Bonfire Fragrance: Our version of Bonfire has a decidedly American, point of view. We remember a less complicated and less regulated time, when we would rake the fallen, dried maple leaves from the lawn into large piles, which our fathers would burn, making the bonfires of our youth. It is that smell of burning maple leaves that is the heart of our Bonfire cologne. What recollections does it raise for you?

)0(

Gilberto’s New Office
by Stephen Halpert

Gilberto felt restless at home and was eager to get back to work, but his doctor was against it, and rightly so. He was still recovering from the concussion inflicted on him the night he saved Joey. He continued to suffer piercing headaches and occasionally his balance was challenged. Still, Gilberto wanted Maria to at least see his new office.

His vice presidential office on the executive floor at Atlas was twice the size of his old one, with modern comfortable furnishings.
Proudly, he showed Maria his name engraved on a brass plaque on his office door, as well as on his impressive teak desk.
“Wow!” Maria exclaimed as he escorted her inside. “No wonder you want to be back at work. What an incredible office. Just look at that.” She pointed to his state-of-the-art computer system with its oversized screen.
Gilberto smiled broadly. “Now I can communicate with every Atlas office nationwide.” He took a big breath. It felt like his chest would burst.
Maria smiled and took his hand. ” After you take us home, Rosa and I are going maternity clothes shopping.”
Gilberto nodded and wondered what to say. It seemed to him Maria was keeping her pregnancy to herself and he felt a little awkward. He shrugged. “You know best,” he said lightly.
Maria smiled. “You want to go maternity clothes shopping with me?”
He shrugged again. “Go ahead, read my mind. I’d like watching you when you’re undressing, trying things on.
She smiled. “That arouses you?”
“Everything about you does that,” he grinned. “Simple as that.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He laughed. “Especially if I can be with you in your dressing room.”
“I don’t think they let men do that. Store policy. But I’ll give you a fashion show when we’re home.”
He put his arm around her waist. “Well, maybe you’ll pick up something lowcut and off the shoulder.”
She laughed. “That’s not maternity fashion. The idea is mostly for loose fitting and comfortable.” Then she kissed him. “Don’t worry Gilberto you won’t feel left out. You are after all our baby’s father. I hope you won’t mind Rosa having a baby shower for me.”
“Where’d that come from?” He looked ever so slightly downcast.
She smiled. “Maybe I can read your mind a little.”
He frowned. “You mean I can’t come?”
“Why don’t you and Ramon go do something fun instead? A baby shower is for the mother and other women.”.
“Whatever you say.” His words came out slowly.
Looking down from his office window Maria noticed the same vehicle the agents had driven when they came to his condo. She pointed for him to look.
He frowned. “What’s that all about?”
“I wonder,” Maria said. “Are they suspicious of something?”
“Suspicious of what?” Gilberto scoffed. He was annoyed plus he felt as though he were on the verge of a bad headache. Since the accident they seemed to come on all too often.
“Don’t be upset,” he said as calmly as he could. “Maybe they keep their eye on Karibe’s friends. I wouldn’t worry if I were you. More important things to think about.” He changed the subject abruptly. “Besides, I want to be sure you have a first class delivery at the hospital.”
“No,” she shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d like to deliver our baby at home the way I did before, with the same midwife who delivered Joey. I’ve already spoken with her,” she put her arms around his neck. “And we’ll attend her birthing classes together. You’ll like that.
His face reddened. “This makes no sense. What do you mean midwife?” He sputtered his words. “It’s the modern age. We’re not peasants. We don’t live in the country and tend cows where women deliver their babies in some field.”
His eyes bulged and his lips trembled. “We’re not indigent. Our medical insurance is first class. We can afford the best medical treatment. Why mess everything up with those old-fashioned crazy ways?”
She looked out the window. The car was gone. She looked back at him. Her face was stern. “What do you mean crazy ways?”
“It’s the modern age. Midwives went out with witches and weird medicine” he said.
Her face reddened, but she spoke quietly. “I’m sorry you feel this way. But it’s how I want our child to be delivered. Please let’s not argue about this.” She tried to hug him, but he pulled back from her.
She’d never seen his face look the way it did. He was breathing heavily. She began to feel alarmed.
He clenched his fists. “I’m serious about this. Maria, I want you to get first class medical treatment, not put yourself in the hands of some witch who uses leeches and God knows what else. You and the baby could die.”
Her stomach lurched. Softly but firmly she said: “A midwife is not a witch. Don’t ever let me hear you talk that way, ever! She’s trained in child delivery. She uses modern medicine not leeches. Where did you come up with weird stuff like that?”
The pain between his eyes intensified. “I read books you know,” he growled. “I know a few things about life. Real life. Not that crazy patriarchal crap you’ve been suckered into believing.”
Her voice rose. “What real life?” She said angrily. “The middle ages? Today midwives are trained and have established, certified skills.”
He slammed his fist on his desk. “You won’t listen to me! You never listen to me. You think you know everything. You’re just like your mother. It’s always your way or the highway.”
His dizziness intensified. He knew he needed to stop, calm down, drink water, stay centered. He staggered and fell into his new leather office chair.
` “Gilberto,” Maria cried out. “What’s wrong?”
He couldn’t seem to speak. His face paled, his body shook.
She went to him, tried holding him, stroking his face. “I love you so Gilberto but sometimes you amaze me. Where you’re at right now isn’t you at all. It’s some other guy hiding in your body. Please just breathe.”
Without a word he slumped over. His face rested on his desk. Hurriedly she took his phone, saw the phone numbers of the Atlas employees, and dialed Ramon.
Taking a deep breath, she said, “I’m in Gilberto’s office. Please help. Something’s wrong. He’s passed out.”
Moments later, Ramon waved smelling salts under Gilberto’s nose. Soon, he regained a semblance of consciousness. Ramon pushed his leather desk chair to the elevator and together he and Maria got Gilberto into their car.”
“Take him to the E.R.,” Ramon said getting into the back seat.
)0(

Weekly Horoscope
Sunday, October 11, 2020
by Georgia Nicols
https://www.georgianicols.com

All Signs
This is not an ordinary year. The last time Saturn and Pluto lined up in Capricorn was 500 years ago in 1518. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was during the American Revolution. The last time Mars was retrograde in Aries was 32 years ago in 1988. Currently, retrograde Mars is sowing seeds of havoc, worry and doubt from Sept. to mid Nov. However, when Mars stops being retrograde in Nov., things will improve. When Saturn leaves Capricorn in Dec., things will improve. When Mars is past its “shadow” in early January, things will improve. This is what we need to know! Until then, remember the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”

Aries (March 21-April 19)
Four signs have the worst of it this year (everyone has the worst of it!) You are one of them. Initially, when your ruler Mars entered your sign, this was great! (Mars is in your sign every two years for six weeks.) But this year, Mars is here for six months! In one way, this gives you energy, drive and confidence! And now for the small print. When Mars is retrograde, the very opposite occurs. You have doubt, worry and question things. Your energy will be hard to control. You might lash out at others in anger and then feel lacklustre and depressed. Relations with partners and authority figures will be testing. Tune in next week to find out — will John leave Marsha? And is Marsha’s baby his?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
All this energy in Capricorn is tough for many signs but for you, it’s weirdly supportive because it’s happening in your fellow Earth Sign. Primarily, you feel the fallout from everything else happening to everyone around you. However, Mars is “hiding” in your chart for this six-month window, which is a tad uncomfortable. This creates frustration and self-denial. It definitely makes it hard for you to get credit for what you do. It also makes you give the wrong impression at times, which you find mortifying. Your best bet is to work alone as much as possible. Fortunately, issues related to home and family are supportive; plus, partners are on board. Be the voice of reason in the confusion around you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This continues to be a playful time! Whether it’s sports, social occasions, fun with your kids or just good times – you are making things work for you! Bravo! Of course, nothing is perfect, which is why you might be at odds with a friend or a group this week. Very likely, these arguments will relate to disputes about shared property or shared responsibilities. Whenever you try to solve this problem – you meet with obstacles from someone. Yikes! Fortunately, Venus is in your House of Communications right now and this will sweeten your words and make you charming and reasonable with others. Which, of course you are!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are the four signs that are having extra challenges this year. You have been determined to achieve your goals, which is why you are focused and ambitious. (Although lately, that ambition has been wavering.) The biggest hurdle you face is dealing with partners and close friends. At times, it’s wonderful; at times, it’s horrible. Things are blowing hot and cold. This is because while Saturn and Pluto oppose you, lucky Jupiter is there as well, softening everything and at times, breaking through with laughter and delight. Avoid power struggles with parents and family members this week. You don’t need this. (Nobody does.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
The demands on you every day are substantial because you are busy with errands, appointments, increased reading, writing and studying, plus conversations with siblings and relatives – and more! Plus, you have to meet the demands of your everyday world. Family discussions and home repairs are likely. Despite disputes that might be health-related or related to your job, you will be charming because Venus is in your sign. (A blessing.) Actually, this is a good time to buy wardrobe items for yourself. Fortunately, Venus softens your words and takes the edge off your irritation with others. (Even in bad times, good things can happen.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You have money on your mind as well as assets and possessions. Because this is your focus, this will be where you have difficulties dealing with others. Whether it’s shared responsibilities or shared ownership, there will be glitches and challenges. This week, expect disputes about who is responsible for what or who owes somebody or who owns something. It might involve your kids – their care and education? It might also involve sports or a vacation or a social occasion? The placement of Mercury will keep you fast talking and fast-moving. Don’t let arguments with others ruin your life (and theirs). Find that olive branch. (Check under your bed.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Four signs have it extra tough this year, and you are one of them. It’s true. For six months, Mars is opposite Libra, while all this heavy-duty stuff takes place in Capricorn, which is a 90 degrees relationship to Sun. Not good! (Well, not easy.) I’m not going to say the good thing about banging your head against the wall is it feels so much better when you stop. (Oops I just did.) What you have to keep in mind this week is that any challenges that you have with others are probably power struggles. Is it that important to have the last word? (Of course, it is.) Is it that important to be in charge? (It feels good.) As I’ve said before, you can be right – or you can be in the relationship.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This week you are best served working alone or behind the scenes. It’s also a very good time for you to define goals about what you want for your new year ahead. When you have goals, it makes future decision-making much easier! (“No, I’m not going to Fiji. In fact, I’m never going to Fiji.”) See how easy that is? Be patient with people you meet because this is where you will encounter some snags, which are really a battle of egos. You must remember that you are powerful, strong-willed and scary when you’re upset. (You don’t think you are – but others do.) Be nice! And remember the password for when things are tough: “Dark chocolate, now!”

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This week, relations with friends and groups are challenging. It might come down to, “Who’s in charge?” “Who’s on first?” You might also have challenges with kids or a romantic partner. What are you fighting about? Or is it a power struggle that is subtle but it makes you grind your teeth at night? Remember that optimism and a positive frame of mind are food for your soul. More than any other sign, you thrive on optimistic hopes for your future. Ben Franklin said, “Trouble knocked at the door but hearing laughter – hurried away.” It’s also important to get physical activity outside every day. What you want overhead is sky!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This year has been life-changing because all the big stuff has been taking place in Capricorn. Pluto has been in your sign since 2008. (First time in your life.) Saturn has been in your sign since 2009, (first or second time in your life). Jupiter has been in your sign all year. Well, in Dec. 2020, both Jupiter and Saturn will leave Capricorn. Lucky Jupiter will then enter your House of Earnings! (Yay!) Pluto will stay in your sign until 2024, then leave, never return again in your life. Them’s the facts! Meanwhile, Mars, which is normally in Aries for six weeks, is in Aries for six months! This is challenging, especially from Sept. to Nov. Robert Schuller said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” It’s hard to see the picture when you’re inside the frame.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You need to get away from all this! Unfortunately, it’s not easy to travel. Nevertheless, what you want is adventure and an exciting distraction! Perhaps you can create this? It simply requires an inventive mind, something you have in abundance. (Hey, nowadays, a person can have an adventure just stepping outside their front door!) However, your challenge will be to avoid arguments about politics, religion and racial issues because these are passionate, important matters, which you care about because you want to make the world a better place. Instead of focusing on differences, look at what you have in common and start from there. Everyone wants to be happy.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money squabbles and worries might take place this week. You might be at odds with someone in discussions about shared property, inheritances or insurance issues. You might also be at odds with a group or a member of a group who disagrees with how a certain amount of money or funding should be allocated. Step back and try to see the bigger picture. Perhaps you can heed the advice of Billy Connolly? “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes!” There is nothing wrong with a little levity when things get tense. Fortunately, issues related to your job and your health look positive.

)0(

Weekly horoscopes beginning Sunday, 11 October 2020

If youre born within cusp period (16 to 26 of any month); youre advised to read horoscopes of both signs covered by that period. You`re in the border; you may have influences from houses within those signs.

Outlines are longer versions; consists of every possible detail of everyday and based on three parts of each sign: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Decan; that is, any of three divisions of 10° within a sign of the zodiac. Even if you know or don`t know your Decan; I recommend, please read all three Decan.

Aries
Personal theme: I am!!
Fire & cardinal sign: March 21 — April 19

Your horoscope for this week:

Theres a difference between things not going as expected, which they wont, and genuine problems. Once you understand that apparent obstacles are encouraging you to explore options you previously rejected or which are unfamiliar, youll tackle them with enthusiasm. For now, its about what youre learning. Decisions? Everybody else may be in a hurry, and youre getting impatient. Actually, however, they can and should wait.

There is fresh scope for change. Take advantage while you can. Your mind is overflowing with ideas on how to spice up your life and relationships. Just remember that when it comes to joint activities, you need your partner`s cooperation. You sense a need to keep your friends separate from business activities. Trust your intuition as if may not be a good idea to mix the two. If a friend falls out with a workmate, you will feel torn between loyalties.

Climbing a mountain can seem like such a good idea. The prospect of adventure and pushing yourself forward is exciting. Lets hope though, that those thoughts carry you past the Suns opposition to Mars on Tuesday and Mercurys retrograde station midweek. A good image might be leaving Everest base camp confident that you will conquer its summit, but discovering within just a few metres that you dont have the physical reserves needed and that your map is with someone oblivious to your need to see it! By Thursday it should be obvious that you need to dig ever deeper into reserves. This though, is something that you may be more than prepared to do knowing now that you have full support from a group offering excellent backup even if they`re not climbing the mountain with you.

Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20

Your horoscope for this week:

While nothing and nobody could undermine the power of your ruler Venuss presence in the portion of your chart that accents who and what you love, and lifes joys, the everyday difficulties youre facing wont vanish. Juggling matters of this nature may seem challenging; but when you realise its only about maintaining the status quo, not organising lasting arrangements, youll relax. Take each day as it comes.

Youre about to find yourself up to your eyes in job related matters. If you are unemployed, new commitments you take on for a charity will be more time consuming than anticipated. Be careful that some people dont start to take advantage of your kindness. Sometimes it`s the simplest of things that can make a world of difference. A child will be gushing with excitement to tell you about their recent experiences. Their happiness will be infectious.

Midweek Mercury stations retrograde in your opposite sign. Its quite possible that at least one individual or more likely, a group, will have marched you up to the top of a hill but left you wonderingwhy?. You might wonder about their game plan. The march might seem like a total waste of time. Actually, that might not be true: as it may now be clear that a team can pull together. The problem lies further up the command chain with lack of clarity about their objective. So yes, the second half of the week could prove super demanding; testing your resilience, persistence and strength to the full. On the upside, it should be obvious that youre gaining enormous respect and that your profile is enhanced.

Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20

Your horoscope for this week:

This is an unsettled week during a changeable period. Once you understand that, youll actually enjoy the twists and turns that arise, especially in arrangements that have seemed hopelessly stuck. The secret is to explore for the sake of what youll learn or who you`ll meet, but to avoid making lasting decisions. Knowing that, focus on discovery. It will pay off in many, and unexpected, ways.

Be careful about what you say to someone before you have found out exactly who you are talking to. Once you are formally introduced, it could turn out they are your new boss or a friend`s partner. You will be relieved you did not reveal your true thoughts about a certain person or incident. An event you had been going to skip will be more fun than anticipated. With numbers being restricted, you will feel more comfortable and less anxious.

You wont be the only sign beginning the week on a wave of enthusiasm and anxious to get on with things. Nor will you be the only sign to encounter difficulties midweek. The combination of the Suns opposition to Mars, and Mercurys retrograde station should put a spanner in the works for most people. You might wonder which team you want to support. There might also be health or working condition issues to resolve before you can move forward. What should now be clear however, is that there is no going back and that between now and mid-December is aclearing up time`; letting go of old responsibilities and connexions so that soon you can move forward in entirely fresh direction. Archiving and space clearing may be tedious but essential.

Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22

Your horoscope for this week:

Obviously, youre more relaxed when you know whats coming, today, this week, in a month or even next year. However, the current twists and turns are triggering disarray. The trick? Its to spot how you sometimes cling to the familiar, even if its holding you back or painful. Youve let go of similar arrangements in the past, often to your relief.. Its the same now.

Over the past few months your priorities have been changing. Dont be afraid to let people know you cant keep taking on more responsibilities when you already have enough on your plate. With so much going on, you havent had time to consider your life or your future. Youre thinking more clearly now and you will make some good decisions. You are no longer letting emotion cloud your judgement. Enrolling on a training course is a strong possibility.

Fasten your seatbelt, this could be a bumpy ride – but not for long. Your enthusiasm wont run out, but it might park on the horizon short-term. The difficulty is the Suns opposition to Mars across the backbone of your solar chart midweek, which is followed by Mercurys retrograde station but then, delightfully, by the Libra New Moon. Yes, your career could be jolted, -but perhaps youve known you been altering direction for some months. Now may be the time to review latent talents and interests – especially those requiring research. You might even consider registering on a course that concludes before the winter solstice on December 20. The point in all this is that yes, you will need to dig deep into personal reserves, and yes, you could feel angered that others arent protecting you quite as you hoped. Bottom line though is that youre likely ready for challenge but just need to acquire more expertise before you launch forth.

Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22

Your horoscope for this week:

Ordinarily, as a fiery Leo, youd regard obstacles as issues to be battled or overcome. Try that now, and youll realise that youre short of facts, while the circumstances in question are reshaping themselves, so that solutions that work one day, wont the next. True, doing nothing is out of character. Still, you can shed certain once-rewarding arrangements, personal or otherwise. Ultimately, you`ll be relieved you did.

Necessity breeds innovation. Thanks to a situation in which you have to think and act quickly you will come up with some brilliant ideas. Projects that demand initiative and imagination will be the ones you enjoy the most. You`ve always been sensitive to atmosphere and you would love to encourage your friends and loved ones to get on better. Not everyone will understand each other but you can help them accept their individual differences.

Change isnt always a good thing. You know too, that going back isnt always appropriate either. So, it would be understandable midweek, as Mercury arrives at its retrograde station at the very base of your solar chart, if you wondered if youd done the right thing and if any of the dreams you have over this weekend can actually be fulfilled. Property matters seems set it once again require attention with repairs escalating to emergency status. Your world could be rocked by health news that also requires you to take stock. That process could lead you to a major space clearing exercise and re-evaluation as to what is really important. Yes, you may feel that youve done this twice already this year. This though, could be the last burst before you embark on fresh adventure next month.

Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22

Your horoscope for this week:

It seems everything around you is changing. Recognise that, and forget about imposing order on arrangements. Instead, just go with the flow. While out of character, what you learn as you observe lifes twists and turns from the side-lines will revolutionise your thinking about the present and your plans for the future; and, bizarrely, in the midst of all this, youll relax in ways you`ve forgotten are possible.

Giving your support to a special cause will bring you a lot of satisfaction. Your work is making an impact and it will feel good to contribute to something you believe in. People will praise your efforts even though you arent doing this for personal reward. Its all systems go and you will need to act quickly to make the most of some great opportunities. Mixing is a strong theme when important meetings, seminars and online conferences are all highlighted.

Its absolutely not the case that every time Mercury goes retrograde, that communications go haywire too. If there is an issue around Wednesdays retrograde station, its not about present-day miscommunication but understanding of a very deep-rooted past that could be unsettling. This might prompt you to delve deep into archives. What you thought you understood could be way, way different to reality. With both older relatives and older colleagues keen for you to understand how systems have worked before, mentally, by the weekend you could be exhausted. You will need time to process thisnew to you` information which, long-term, could lead to adjusted approach to treasures and finance.

Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22

Your horoscope for this week:

While usually planning ahead is wise, youre urged to wait until youre benefitting from the insights triggered by the Libra New Moon on Friday the 16th. This is partly about what has to change or go; but what may be most exciting is the discovery of ideas or options that previously simply hadnt crossed your mind or werent possible. Now these and other breakthroughs arise daily.

It would be wonderful for everyone to get along but youre finding it difficult to get on the same wavelength as someone you work closely with. You both take a very different approach to the job and you cant ever see yourselves agreeing. This is not a good time to mix business with pleasure. Worries cause stress and sleepless nights. Your partner and others who understand you well will be doing everything they can to make life easier for you.

You surely wont be the only sign to start the week with a wave of enthusiasm. Be prepared that after the Suns opposition to Mars, and Mercurys station midweek, to hit something of a brick wall. This could take financial form: or perhaps it will be a clash of ethics or the feeling that youre fighting a losing battle; and yes, to win, you might need to dig deep into reserves and accept that there are times when life is ugly. Thats the problem with balance: it goes first one way and then the other. By early next week, you may need to alter pace though not necessarily change approach. For now, the realisation that one chapter is coming to an end could hit home and hard. You might then need the support of those whose efficiency is beyond question and who can at least help with practicalities - even if they cant rebalance your scales.

Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21

Your horoscope for this week:

You regard your capacity to focus on both challenges and goals as one of your strengths. Yet, now, as events are undermining the foundation of certain arrangements, youre amazingly upbeat, if not confident. Thats as it should be. Whats next is only now taking shape. While this could mean making tentative arrangements, youll learn from every twist and turn, so savour them as the gifts they are.

You want to make progress. Youre tired of putting plans and projects on hold. This encourages you to be decisive and you will be quick to make up your mind. Others will pause to weigh up the pros and cons but even if it seems as if youre acting out of character, you will make some instant choices. A friend or partner is under a great deal of pressure. Details of a project have been overlooked and you might find yourself taking on something just to help them out.

You probably know that Mercury turns retrograde three times in any year. It doesnt always do so in the same area of the Zodiac, so Wednesdays retrograde station in your sign is important. That it comes within 24 hours of the Suns opposition to Mars (one of your ruling planets), suggests that you will be in the spotlight. This could affect relationships especially. Primary of these is your relationship with yourself and your health needs. This doesnt necessarily mean that anything is wrong, but it is perhaps time to give yourself full attention. It might also be that you have concerns about a work colleague no longer able to handle stress. It`s not your role to carry their burden but yes, perhaps you can assist them in prioritising.

Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21

Your horoscope for this week:

Ordinarily when faced with obstacles, youll figure out the quickest way around them, then act swiftly. However, youll soon discover it`s about learning from each, in its unique way. While initially this may seem painfully slow, what you discover about circumstances, others and, often, yourself will compensate for having to bide your time. Better yet, each day will offer something new for you to discover..

An online friend is starting to rely heavily on your help, advice or counselling. You can understand why, at first, they needed someone to talk to but now they are expecting you to help them make decisions and this does not sit comfortably on your shoulders. Nip this in the bud now and insist they make their own choices. There are a number of places you might find the peace and solace you crave. If you can`t travel far, you will find comfort through replaying happy memories in your mind.

Its a rare Sagittarius who can be accused of not thinking big. Yours is the sign of the adventurer, the optimist and educator. Yet even you could be in a flap midweek when it seems all is coming unstuck. As you probably know, there are three periods in any year when Mercury turns retrograde. This doesnt always happen in your sign and its station this week is in neighbouring Scorpio. This might prompt soul searching. Perhaps its a long time since you considered what your faith really means to you; and yes, its possible that it will be tested. You might also wonder how you can assist those whose goals seem unattainable in a much altered Covid-19 world. Offering tangible practical support is one option. Colleagues though might appreciate simply talking through their difficulties. In fact, this could be a cosmic test in listening..

Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19

Your horoscope for this week:

The fact is, youre in for a week of twists and turns. Unsettling as they seem when they arise, ultimately, youll recognise them as breakthroughs, often in forms as unexpected as theyll prove to be welcome.. For now, whats most important is simply exploring what arises, because what seems least promising could lead to amazing ideas, experiences or encounters. The challenge? Just how won`t be immediately clear.

Mistakes have been made and you are getting the blame. You don`t want to get anyone in trouble but at the same time, they should not be laying the blame on you.. Those around you seem unconvinced by your explanation. Try rephrasing your words as you may not have made everything clear. A romantic relationship can be propelled onto heady heights of happiness. It has been so worth making an effort to get to know someone close even better.

On Tuesday, the Sun and Mars straddle the backbone of your solar chart. Think about that for a moment: its considerable pressure. At a literal and basic level, you need to take care of your back. Of course, its also possible that family pressures will be considerable. Dont allow yourself to be coerced into moving large pieces of furniture! It would be understandable too, if pressures at work were such that you were hugely irritated and, possibly in a fit of anger pushed yourself away from a desk injuring yourself in the process. With Mercury turning retrograde midweek, there is also the possibility of a team coming unstuck. So yes, the second half of the week looks decidedly messy. You might even wonder whether or not you`re in the right place or at the right time. Issues of power and responsibility will likely surface; prompting you to consider just how much you can realistically cope with.

Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18

Your horoscope for this week:

One of the most bizarre characteristics of this week is that while events will be swirling around everybody, and causing a certain amount of disarray, you`ll also be having a wonderful time meeting people and exploring options as exciting as they are unexpected. Some would involve changes. Explore these, too, but keep things flexible. Whatever seems vaguely appealing now could turn into something remarkable, and soon.

This is not a time to bury your head in the sand. A work project youre in charge of needs attention. People will be looking to you for guidance. An electrical or plumbing problem at home needs fixing and a financial matter also needs some urgent consideration. All these things, no matter how much youre in the mood to ignore them, are important. If you don`t manage to put them to rights this week, there could be serious repercussions.

Mercury stations at the apex of your solar chart midweek. This isnt something that happens every year. It should mark a pause moment when you reflect on aims and objectives and indeed, also reassess assets and property. Adjustment to your career is probable. That this station occurs within 24 hours of the Suns opposition to Mars suggests your thinking will be coloured by decisions taken by others – possibly breaking up a team. This would of course be unsettling and yes, you may feel the need to stand your ground and champion the rights of others and your own. Resistance though is likely futile. As 2020 draws to a close, fresh opportunities beckon. There is no looking back. Between now and Jupiter`s arrival in your sign on December 20 is for space clearing and preparing the way.

Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20

Your horoscope for this week:

While every sign is influenced by the unsettling weeks events, you could easily get drawn into the dramas shaking things up, if not shoulder the blame for matters that have little to do with you. In fact, whats unsettling for others could lead to breakthroughs for you. The trick is to explore everything, but avoid commitments until you know exactly who and what is involved.

Some useful connexions will be made at a conference or seminar. New doors are starting to open for you. You wont be slow to find out how you can benefit through getting involved in new work and community projects. Youre interested in a variety of ideas and people will be persuasive. Dont let anyone persuade you into taking on extra work or responsibilities you dont feel ready for. Remember too there is a limit in what you can do in a day.

However enthusiastically you greet the start of the week and yes, your optimism could be great, it might be as well to be prepared for your boat to be rocked by news as early as Tuesday. There is high probability that at least one person will be unable to fulfil obligations; and yes, this is likely to be ultimately, unsettling; but the Suns opposition to Mars is followed by Mercurys station in another of the Water signs suggests an image of a fishing boat enjoying calm waters and bringing up good catch being hit by squall. Preserving the catch and aiming back for shore takes priority. There`s also the high probability of needing to help those (Leo or Aquarius?) adjust. Recall that these are Fixed signs of the Zodiac and super-resistant to alteration of plans.

Posted by: arif uk pepper.buoy@yahoo.co.uk

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