The Waning Moon
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
- Chinese proverb
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
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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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Current Moon Phase: WANING MOON
Time: From Full Moon To Dark Moon (approx.14 days)
Goddess Aspect: Crone
Associated Goddesses: Callieach, 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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What’s Happening?!?
January
The Goddess Calendar – Month of Hestia runs from 12/26 – 1/22
Celtic Tree Calendar ~ Birch – December 24th to January 20th
Jan 13: In pre-Christian Ireland, the Feast of Brewing was celebrated about this time
JAN 16: Festival of Ganesh: God of Success
JAN 17: In the English West Country, this is the traditional Wassail Night—time to wassail your apple tree!
JAN. 17-18 Tu B’Shevat – Jewish Festival of Trees, celebrated with tree plantings and orchard blessings. Originally honored Old Canaanite-Hebrew Goddess Asherah.
JAN. 18: DAY OF DANU Celtic Mother Goddess
JAN 20: Today is the feast day of St. Sebastian, patron saint of gardeners.
JAN 21: The Celtic Month of the Rowan begins today. (Read about it in China Bayles’ always-thymely Book of Days)
JAN. 21 – FEBRUARY 17 – CELTIC MONTH ROWAN MOON
Associated with Brigid and Imbolc. Power, success, and travel.
JAN 23 : National Handwriting Day.
JAN. 24: Norse Heathen celebration honoring Thor. A mid-winter feast.
JAN 25: Today is National Irish Coffee Day. (And yes, coffee is indisputably an herb!)
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Face to Face Workshops with GrannyMoon at Sticks and Stones
Join us at https://www.meetup.com/Witchy-Wednesdays
The Magick of Crystals: 12 PM – 2 PM – Jan 15
WitchCrafting: 1 PM – 3PM – Feb 5
The Herbal Cauldron 1 PM – 3 PM – Feb 12
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High Priestess Training with GrannyMoon
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 members complete each level.
Level I – Initiate of the Sisters of the Burning Branch – White cord
Level II – Adept of 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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Learn About Herbs with GrannyMoon!
There is so much to learn about herbs! In Herbalism 101, we cover 21 herbs, and you will start your own personal Materia Medica, that we will build throughout the next levels. We will cover the basic aspects of herbs. From culinary to magickal, medicinal to ornamental. As well as the many modalities of herbs!
During this course, in addition to the on-line lessons and hands-on projects that you do at home, I will be sending you articles, and information, as well as questions about your own personal use and research.
I look forward to walking this green journey with you! I love herbs and I hope that you do too or will learn to!
There are 10 lessons in each level and there is no time limit for completion. You may study at your own pace! There are no texts to purchase.
For more info or to join my class, click here!
http://goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/healingarts.html
The cost for Level 1 is $50.00 or $150.00 the entire online Healing Arts Course (1-3) which includes a free Reiki certification course when all three are ordered at the same time!
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Natural Witchcraft with GrannyMoon
Welcome to a journey to learn about yourself and your hidden powers. Wise women and men have existed for thousands of years and still exist throughout the world. They know Mother Earth as the ultimate healer, and have learned to utilize the gifts of of nature. Inside each person is a being of wisdom, deeply connected to the phases of the moon and the tides of the sea. All we need to do is trust our innate wisdom.
This will take 13 weeks of study and hands-on practice. But it should be fun for you too! We start with the basics!
~What You Need To Know First!
~Your Inner Witch
~The Informed Witch
~Your Witchy Genealogy, Finding Your Ancestors
~Much Much More
This is not Wicca! You don’t need expensive accoutrements or other fancy trappings! All lessons are done weekly with GrannyMoon through e-mail, with personal feedback.
Course requires purchase of one text book! You may buy this new,
used or you may already have it! “Way of Natural Magick” by Nigel Pennick
All Students Welcome!
A 13 week course on-line course.
$150.00
Those completing this course will receive a certificate in Natural Magick!
Payment Plan Available
3 payments of $50.00
Payments Plan!
Contact GrannyMoon at:
GrannyMoonsMail@yahoo.com
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The Goddess School Grimoire
http://www.lulu.com/shop/sotbb-Goddess-school/the-Goddess-school-grimoire/hardcover/product-762380.html
Hardcover: $39.45
Softback: $26.95
eBook (PDF): $6.25
The Goddess School Grimoire is a collection of recipes, artwork, poetry, prose, prayers, rituals, spells, and practical Goddess wisdom put together by the teachers, students, alumni, and friends of The Sisters of the Burning Branch Goddess School. The sisterhood is dedicated to restoring spiritual balance by returning the Divine Feminine to her rightful place and by assisting women in their personal and spiritual development. Since being founded by Head and High Mother Priestess Grandmother Moon in 2000, The Goddess School (GoddessSchool.com) has grown into a large and beautiful global community of women.
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Last Quarter Moon of January
Tonight, the moon will appear to be split perfectly in half (one light, one dark) making this a great time for justice and harmony spells.
This is further enhanced by the moon’s current location in the diplomatic realm of Libra– the Scales of the Zodiac.
While the First Quarter Moon on the opposite side of the moon phase cycle encourages balance through increase, tonight’s Last Quarter Moon is all about finding balance through decrease.
Recommended spellwork for tonight includes reducing tension, banishing negative energy, and easing any burdens you may be carrying.
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Llewellyn’s Spell A Day
Hat Day
JANUARY 15, 2023 BY EMYME
If you are one of those people who puts off taking down all the holiday decorations, perhaps this is the day to do just that and make what may be seen as a chore into fun.
As you remove decorations, set aside the care-worn tree trimmings and baubles. Do not discard them. Next seek out a hat that has seen better days. With magickal intent, combine the two. Using your imagination, a needle and thread, and some glue, create a headpiece fit for a goddess or god, or the Lady and Lord. Save the hat in a hat box or other sturdy container. You now have a wonderful conversation piece. Wear it to a holiday event or use it as a wall or table decoration next year. Don’t forget to cleanse the hat with burnable purifying herbs before storing it.
As you do so, chant:
These items have served me
well over the years.
New life they find as creative memories.
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The Sweet Smell of Sustainability
JANUARY 14, 2023 BY ESTHA MCNEVIN
Balancing our books is an eternal journey of karma and self-sustainability. We can be profoundly impacted by the energy of the quarter moon today as Libra and Capricorn begin to calculate our course in life. The following anointing oil is formulated to draw wealth and fulfill our need for balance. Our finances and our karma can have a lot in common. Use this oil on your bookkeeping journal or wallet and wear or carry it to business meetings that favor a healthy bottom line.
Place the following ingredients in a 2-ounce amber glass vial with a roller:
- 8 drops vanilla extract
- 8 drops pure essential wheatgrass oil
- 8 drops pure essential bergamot oil
- 8 drops pure essential orange flower oil
- 8 drops pure essential sage oil
- 8 drops pure essential sandalwood oil
- 8 drops pure essential lavender oil
- 8 drops pure essential mulberry oil
- 8 drops of sweat from your own brow
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Find Your Voice Spell
JANUARY 13, 2023 BY CERRIDWEN IRIS SHEA
January 13, 1910, was the first public radio broadcast in New York City, and it featured Enrico Caruso and other Metropolitan Opera stars. I love radio, so in homage to this day, I created this “Find Your Voice” spell.
You will need a pen and paper. Take three deep breaths, and think about where you feel you aren’t being listened to/heard in your life. Write a list. Example:
When my friends and I talk
about where to go out, my
suggestions aren’t used.
When you finish the list, take three more breaths. Now rewrite each item, turning them into positive statements. Example:
My suggestions delight my friends,
and we have a wonderful time.
Go outside with the rewritten list. Face south, for action and identity. Speak the list.
The next time you are in one of the negative situations, remember your positive rewrite, and speak up to make it happen.
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Magical Year Resolution Spell
JANUARY 12, 2023 BY TUDORBETH
With the holiday celebrations w ell and truly over for another year, now is the time to make your New Year’s resolutions into solid plans.
At the post-holiday sales, buy yourself a journal. Using numerology, add the digits of the new year together:
2023 = 2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7
Thus, the magical year number for 2023 is seven. Using this powerful number, make seven resolutions for the year. Think about your ultimate dreams and what your heart truly desires, and write them down in your journal. Then look at them and say three times:
2023 is my year.
Magical manifestations of seven,
Empower my resolutions to
make my year heaven.
Work toward your plans throughout the year and check on them halfway at Midsummer. Tick the ones that you have accomplished and repeat the spell for the remaining resolutions. Use the power of seven throughout the year to manifest the life you want.
Each year, add the digits of the year the same way, and use that magical number to power your resolutions.
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Eleven for Justice
JANUARY 11, 2023 BY BLAKE OCTAVIAN BLAIR
Eleven is a most magical number! In just about any spiritual or occult system, the number eleven is celebrated as having wonderful energetic associations. Today is the eleventh day of the Gregorian new year, so let’s harness some of that energy to make magic fitting for our times.
Currently we are seeing valiant fights for justice by people from marginalized populations. The scales have been tipped against many people for far too long, and balance is being sought. The eleventh card of the major arcana in the tarot is the Justice card. Tarot’s Justice is cosmic justice, justice with a capital J. It’s not an individual’s opinion of what is right, but the Truth of Justice.
For this spell, gather eleven tea light candles in safe holders, and place them in a reasonably large circle on a table or other safe space where they can be supervised. Place an image of Justice from your favorite tarot deck in the center of this circle. And as you slowly light the candles, recite:
Justice! Justice! We call
upon your power,
On this eleventh day, full of power.
We ask that you arrive
at a timely hour.
May the Truth of Justice win
out at the appointed hour!
Extinguish the candles.
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Seeking New Knowledge
JANUARY 10, 2023 BY MICHAEL FURIE
If you have ever searched for just the right book or new area of study but weren’t quite sure exactly what you wanted, then this spell may help. You will need a small blank notebook, a white candle, and a candleholder.
Hold the notebook in your hands and visualize that it is filled with exactly the new information you wish to learn. Set the book down and pick up the candle. Envision a bright orange light (a color of Mercury and learning) streaming down your arms and into the wax. Place the candle on the notebook, light the candle, and say:
Words of power, a brand-new course,
Seeking knowledge from a new source.
Candle’s flame, now light my way,
to ideal form and topic for me.
As I do will, so mote it be.
Allow the candle to burn for as long as it is safe, then extinguish it.
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Embodied Consent Spell Protection
JANUARY 09, 2023 BY DALLAS JENNIFER COBB
This spell requires your body and voice, and repetition. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, arms at your sides.
Step forward with your dominant foot (if you are right-handed, then you are right-footed) while pushing away with your palms facing out in front. Say, “No.” Step back to your neutral starting position.
Step forward, raising your arms forward, with palms facing down toward the ground, and say, “Maybe.” Step back to neutral.
Stand firmly with your feet hipdistance apart. Roll your shoulders back, with arms loosely at your sides, palms up, and say, “Yes.”
Envision a situation that requires your consent. Practice using your voice and body to respond. Practice “stepping into it” and saying what is needed: no, maybe, or yes. Feel the power of embodied consent.
When you repeat this practice 300 times, you develop muscle memory. And when you repeat it 3,000 times, you create new neurological pathways that will make future access to these skills almost automatic. Then, without having to think about it, you can practice embodied consent even when confronted with a sudden stressful event. And that embodied consent is the magic we most need to use in a crisis.
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The Poe Museum
The Birth of Edgar Allan Poe.
It is once again the month of that most dreadful occasion… the birth of Edgar Allan Poe. It is also the first month of the second century of the Poe Museum. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate these momentous milestones with us this month.
Looking for a way to honor Poe’s birth and to help us steward his legacy for the next 100 years? Considering making a donation to the Poe Museum and support our mission: illuminating Poe for everyone, evermore.
Dress in your Gothic finest and get ready to have a marvelously macabre time! As part of our centennial celebrations, our friends at Shockoe Sessions Live will host The Poe Redux, music and spoken word concert inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Performers include Chance Fischer, Ant the Symbol, and Saint Samuel. Get your tickets here! Can’t make it in-person? The Poe Redux will be live streamed on shockoesessionslive.com.
Birthday Bash 2023
January 21st – 23rd
Happy 214th Birthday, Edgar Allan Poe! Join the Poe Museum for three days of festivities as we mark the end of our 100-year anniversary. This extraordinary event will feature live music, readings, food trucks, beer, wine, entertainment, programs and much more. This is a party to die for!
See the Schedule of Events Here
January 23rd, 7pm at the Dominion Energy Center
Join us in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Poe Museum! Writers R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death, Black Panther) take the stage to honor the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, dubbed the “master of the macabre.” Listen to insights from two of the most talented writers of our time, and discover how Poe’s strange and groundbreaking works still influence our world today…
Purchase tickets here
Not sure what to wear for our party to die for? Pre-order our 2023 Birthday Bash tees to look drop-dead gorgeous.
“I have no desire to live since I have done ‘Eureka.’ I could accomplish nothing more.”
Edgar Allan Poe said this about the last book he published before his death. “Eureka” was a controversial and somewhat confusing book that Poe considered to be his masterpiece. Join Chris in the Curator’s Crypt to understand the book and its impact.
You could have seen this video a week early! Join our Patreon for exclusive first viewings of Curator’s Crypts and behind-the-scenes access to our collection: patreon.com/poemuseum
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What Does 111 Mean? Why You Keep Seeing It And How It Signals New Beginnings.
Story by Olivia Munson, USA TODAY •
According to numerology, the number one represents the start of things. Whether it be a new journey or path, maybe you’ve seen a high frequency of repeating ones lately.
Angel numbers are repeating number sequences often used as guides for deeper spiritual exploration with each numeral having its own significance.
In a conversation with numerologist Novalee Wilder, USA TODAY dives deeper into the number one, its angel number meaning and how it can inform your relationships and career.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
What are angel numbers? Beginner’s guide to angel numbers and what they (could) mean.
What does 111 mean?
From 11:11 on the clock to a total of $1.11 on your receipt, this angel number can signal a new journey of self is on the horizon, said Wilder. The angel number is also associated with confidence, motivation and independence.
“One is new beginnings, the start of things, creation,” Wilder said.
The repeating sequence of one is also centered around ego and the individual. The angel number 111 means to be present and ready to engage with whatever is coming your way, said Wilder.
While you may not have the right tools ready for this new path, one energy is self-assured. Seeing the angel number 111 signifies confidence within yourself and motivates your own strength and decision-making when opportunities are sent your way.
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Using Yourself as a Pendulum
Using your body as a pendulum, is another tool you can use to access your higher wisdom.
Learning to trust our intuition is something that can connect us with our higher selves. Sometimes it might not seem easy to do this. Our thoughts and minds often get in the way. But by accessing our innermost self, we will find that the information we receive is usually what we truly need at that moment. One of the techniques that allows us to really get in touch with our deepest font of wisdom is using our body as a pendulum. The simple act of letting our physical being lead us in a certain direction can offer us extremely deep insights and help us find the answers we seek.
Many of us may have tried using a pendulum or crystal on a chain as a dousing tool to acquire the information we need to make decisions or even find lost objects. Using our bodies puts us much more closely in tune with our being. The process of using your body as a pendulum is to ask your higher self a question and wait for your body to respond in either a forward-tilting or backward-tilting motion. The first step is to really understand how our higher self communicates with us by centering our bodies, asking ourselves the directions for “yes” and “no,” and noting which way our body moves. For a lot of people a forward motion is “yes,” and your body tilting backward is a “no” answer. It is easier to start with simple questions at first to understand how our higher self communicates with us. As we become more used to the messages we receive and how we process them, we can start asking for more specific things such as what dosage of herbs to take or which foods would best nourish our bodies. Using this technique in the grocery store or when shopping for vitamins and remedies can be extremely helpful.
Since we are always present in our bodies, understanding how we can use our bodies as pendulums is a tool we can use at any given moment in our lives. Letting our bodies tell us what is happening inside of us will in turn help to guide us through not just daily but also major life decisions. The more we allow our bodies to open up and share with us the connection it has with our deeper self, the better able we will be to truly access the knowledge we hold so deeply within.
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The Druids Garden
Daydreaming and Mind Wandering as a Creative Practice
~Dana
What do Salvador Dali’s Persistence of Memory (the painting with the melting clocks), Elias Howe’s invention of the lockstitch sewing machine in 1845, and the Beatles’ song Yesterday, have in common? They all were ideas that first emerged in dreams. Dreams, where we spend up to 1/3 of our lives, are fertile soil for us to explore and expand our creative practices.
Dreaming is recognized by researchers[1] to be a place where we can have a much more creative space of mind because we are not bound by external input nor our own self-imposed limitations—the mind is literally able to go anywhere, do anything, and be anything. Daydreaming in many ways mimics more deep sleep dreaming, where the mind is again free to wander, to create, to explore. Because of this, both daydreaming and dreaming are powerful creative tools, and one you can harness to build your creative practices, generate ideas, and create a more fanciful view of the world.
Just so you know, going to continue to write about how to foster bardic arts and creativity in your life due to the new challenges present with Artificial Intelligence successfully replacing human creations. I feel like it is a really important time to speak to the value and importance of human creativity, how to foster creativity, and how to make creative practices accessible to all people. Some of you may remember that I was OBOD’s 19th Mount Hameus scholar, where my research explored the role of the bardic arts in the druid tradition, and I’m continuing to explore these themes with new research and work in these areas. Previous posts in this series include taking up the path of the bard parts I, and II, practice makes perfect, the fine art of making things, bardic arts as spiritual development, rituals to enhance creativity, cultivating the flow of awen in our lives, the bardic arts and the ancestors, visioning the future with the bardic arts, and creativity to support mental health. So let’s continue our journey in exploring the bardic arts as a core part of spiritual practice and being human with–daydreaming!
This post specifically explores the practice of daydreaming to cultivate creative thoughts and ideas, and in two weeks, my post will explore dreaming, including dream recall and lucid dreaming. There’s actually a great deal of published research on these topics, which is pretty cool! So let’s dive in!
Daydreaming and the Spark of Creativity / Awen
Daydreaming is most often described as mind-wandering or focused thought that is not directly related to the present. In other words, your thoughts stray from the task at hand or the present, and you have thoughts and experiences that take you somewhere else–you envision conversations, you have fantastical experiences, or think about completely other things–all while being awake. Daydreaming is something that humans all do, but of course, our productivity-focused, insane industrial culture discourages such activity and frames it in a negative light.
Daydreaming can take you into fantastical worlds in your imagination and can be rich and fertile soil for creative ideas to emerge. We can think up fantastical tales, consider the steps through which to engage in a new project or even journey deeper into our own imaginal realms. What isn’t in the literature, of course, is that there can be little difference between what the experts would call daydreaming and what a druid might recognize as journeying on the inner planes. More on that later.
Despite these cultural inhibitions, daydreaming has a considerable scientific body of evidence to show that it fosters and stimulates creativity. For example, if you are stuck on a particular problem, one of the best things to do is take a break from the problem, do some mundane activity (walking, sitting, being in nature), and allow the mind to wander and daydream for a time, to let your subconscious work out the problem. By stepping away from “productive” work, you are more likely to generate the kinds of creative ideas necessary to solve the problem at hand[2]. This principle doesn’t just apply to people who are engaged in creative acts (like creative writers) but also to those who are trying to solve pressing professional problems (like physicists). Thus, by not paying attention for a while, you allow your subconscious to come up with ideas. This works not only over a short period of time but a longer one–you can set aside a problem you are not making headway on and allow it to rest for a while and ideas will often come to you.
Research also shows that some people have a tendency to daydream more than others—those who do have more creativity[3] and may have more spontaneous ideas and insights (Druid translation = Spark of Awen!) [4]. I wonder about this research–is it a “tendency” as researchers claim, or maybe it’s just allowing yourself the time to get lost in other places and cultivate a rich inner life. More on that is below.
Fantastical Daydreaming
Different kinds of daydreaming exist, and some types of daydreams generate more creative ideas than others. Researchers have found that many daydreams may be about mundane life, e.g. you are thinking about “what ifs” in mundane life or working to solve upcoming problems in daily life, or they are sexual in nature. So basically, these kinds of daydreams extend mundane life. These mundane daydreams are not associated with higher levels of creativity activity or ideas. Those are just you working through various issues or having some fantasy time in your mind.
Entering the Dreaming (Hawthorn card from the Plant Spirit Oracle Deck)
Two kinds of daydreams are particularly linked with creativity – those that are “fantastical” and those that are “personally meaningful.”[5] Fantastical daydreams are as the word suggests—they are otherworldly, supernatural, weird or somehow outside of mundane reality. In druid terms, it sounds like fantastical daydreams are all about cultivating a rich inner life: they are the places we may journey to in our inner worlds, the spirits we encounter, and the beautiful landscape of our inner spiritual life.
The other kind of daydream that is linked with higher creativity is a meaningful daydream. Meaningful daydreams are those of increased personal significance or value to an individual. Individuals who engage in these two kinds of daydreams are those that have higher creativity and generate more novel ideas.
This research makes a lot of sense—while creativity itself is often defined in multiple ways, one of the core ways it is always defined in this research is the ability to come up with novel and useful ideas or uncommon approaches to solve problems. That is, it is all about linking things not commonly linked together or seeing novel ways of doing something. Other definitions include unique and meaningful personal expressions and art–but all of these different facets of creativity are supported by this body of work.
The Boundaries Between Daydreaming and Spirit Worlds
Since I’m a well-published learning researcher and a druid, I understand the kinds of limitations of these studies–what can and can’t be said. Modern researchers can’t or won’t acknowledge that spirit worlds exist, there’s no way to know how many of these fantastical, meaningful daydreams are actually interactions with spirits, inner planes, and spirit worlds. One would assume that at least some of these are, even if the participants and researchers don’t use those terms.
So I’ll step into my own experience to fill in this space. I do think there’s what I would call intentional spirit journeying, for example, going to an inner grove or safe space, interacting with spirits and guides, or going on other kinds of spiritual journeying. These are intentional deep meditative spaces where you are engaging in these as a spiritual practice. For most people, we work to have these experiences–setting up safe and sacred spaces, setting aside time, and making spiritual intentions. Is that the same as daydreaming? Not really, but I would be it gives us the same result.
But there’s also daydreaming that is much less intentional and maybe happens in different times and places. Your mind wanders for 10 minutes while looking at the sky. You make up a fantasy world in your head that you like to return to. This can be more whimsical and fantastical–perhaps a story you are writing in your head, diving into a photograph to see where it leads, or other less formal things. Are these part of your inner world? Sure.
The difference here seems to be in intention. When I go intentionally into the inner planes, I have committed to that journey and maybe I have specific goals or things I want to accomplish. When I lay by the stream and daydream for 10 min, I don’t have such a strong intentional goal. The daydream goes where it wants to go, just like a little puff of milkweed fluff carrying a seed into the wind. Both of these are useful and in my experience, both can offer creative inspiration. (For example, my 48 card Plant Spirit Oracle was painted as part of a set of intentional inner journeys while I worked through the Celtic Golden Dawn pathworkings).
Fostering Daydreaming in Your life: Activities and Approaches
Daydreaming to fantastical realms Daydreaming to fantastical realms
Knowing that there are different kinds of daydreams and that more fantastical and meaningful daydreams foster creativity, we can support our creative practice by intentionally creating space for daydreaming. People often daydream without realizing it, but we can be intentional in making this a habituated practice.
So the first thing to do is allow yourself permission to daydream. See it as an investment in your creative path, in cultivating the flow of Awen in your life, and in developing your bardic skills. Recognize that if you commit to doing anything and do it regularly, it will come more easily and naturally to you. So just give yourself permission to enjoy the practice of daydreaming without the slog of modern-day expectations.
Then: create space to daydream. This is less formal than meditation or spirit journeying, it’s really just a free space for the mind to rest and wander, for the subconscious to rise to the surface, and to see what happens. At least once a day, find a spot where you are comfortable, and simply lay down and allow the mind to wander. Lay in bed, sit on the grass, drink some tea, or sit by the steam and daydream. For a time, allow the mind to meander. Don’t have a purpose Think about fantastical things, other worlds, perhaps even places you’ve visited before. Create narratives of people and ideas in your head. See what happens.
Even a short amount of daydreaming each day can help more generally foster your creativity and allow the awen to flow!
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Appreciating Suggestions
People will always have an idea about how you should live your life, but your idea is the only one that matters.
As children, our parents had dreams for us. They wanted us to do well in school, and to do whatever was necessary to reach our highest potential. Later in life, friends may try to set us up with their idea of the perfect partner or the perfect job. Spouses may have agendas for us, too. People close to us may have ideas about how we should live our lives, ideas that usually come from love and the desire for us to be happy. Other times, they come from a place of need within them—whether it is the parent who wants us to live out his or her dreams or the friend or spouse who wants us to play an already-defined role. Whatever the case, we can appreciate and consider those people’s input, but ultimately we must follow our own inner guidance.
There may come a time when all the suggestions can become overbearing. We may feel that the people we love don’t approve of our judgment, which can hurt our feelings. It can interfere with the choices we make for our lives by making us doubt ourselves, or filling a void with their wishes before we’ve had a chance to decide what we want. It can affect us energetically as well. We may have to deal with feelings of resistance or the need to shut ourselves off from them. But we can take some time to rid ourselves of any unnecessary doubts and go within to become clear on what we desire for ourselves.
We can tell our loved ones how much we appreciate their thoughts and ideas, but that we need to live our own lives and make our own decisions. We can explain that they need to let us learn from our own experiences rather than rob us of wonderful life lessons and the opportunity to fine-tune our own judgment. When they see that we are happy with our lives and the path we are taking to reach our goals, they can rest assured that all we need them to do is to share in our joy.
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Beauty
All we have to do is look for beauty, and she is there all around us at any given moment.
Beauty speaks to us in soft whispers or bold declarations. She calls on us to gaze in awe at her splendor. We are enticed by beauty. We adore her, idolize her, and even court her. Beauty seduces all of our senses. Beauty’s seduction can be as obvious as the striking good looks of a man or woman or as subtle as the charms of a shaggy dog with loving brown eyes. We find beauty in the wonders of nature. Beauty offers us a symphony of colors with every sunrise and sunset and reveals to us her brash power through a storm at sea. Beauty teases us through the shy smile of a child and delights us via the brilliant flashes of fireworks. Beauty sometimes piques all of our senses at once, appealing to our taste buds, as well as our eyes and nose, when she appears in the form of a deliciously baked cake. Beauty calms us with floral scents and excites our aural lust through the passionate sounds made by an orchestra.
Beauty can be cruel, and our pursuit of her can be in vain. We may go to the opera in anticipation of finding beauty there, and she may bore and disappoint us. Instead, beauty lavishes her attention on another suitor who may be more appreciative of her charms. Or, we may try to capture beauty’s essence in a photograph, painting, or sculpture, and still she is nowhere to be found. Beauty will forever inspire works of art, and she will always pose for her portrait, selecting the artist who is most worthy of her catching her likeness.
Depending on our personal tastes, beauty can be found in every color, flavor, scent, and texture. She lives among the poor, as well as the rich, and appears in the faces of the young and the old. She is at home in the city, as well as the country, decorating skylines as well as landscapes. She is the ultimate shape shifter. Beauty is a weather beaten barn beloved by one person and an awesome testament of naval craftsmanship revered by another. Beauty knows no bounds, and we can find her everywhere. All we have to do is look for beauty, and she is there.
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French Lentil Soup Cremini Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes & Thyme
~Dr. Weil
Serves 8-10 + vegan, gluten free
Nutrients Per Serving:
Calories 181
Fat 0.6 grams
Saturated Fat 0.1 grams
(2.7% of calories from fat)
Protein 10.0 grams
Carbohydrate 33.4 grams
Cholesterol 0 mgs
Fiber 11.1 grams
Recipe courtesy of Hollyhock, from the cookbook Hollyhock Garden to Table.
This Mediterranean-inspried soup has meaty French lentils, sweet potatoes and mushrooms of your choice.
On cool, damp nights, there’s nothing that warms the gullet more than a robust Mediterranean-inspired, wholesome stew. This soup is thick with meaty French lentils, sweet potatoes and mushrooms of your choice.
Ingredients
2 cups coarsely chopped onion
1 tbsp coarsely chopped garlic
2 cups thinly sliced cremini mushrooms
8 cups water or vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups French lentils, rinsed
2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
1 cup coarsely chopped celery
2 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
3 bay leaves
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp pepper
2 cups fresh tomatoes, cubed
1/4 cup red wine
Instructions
In a large soup pot, dry sauté (no oil) the onion and garlic on medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Don’t worry about the browning that starts on the bottom of the pan; this will enhance the rich flavor of the soup.
Add the water or stock, lentils, sweet potatoes, celery and remaining herbs and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, and cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the fresh tomatoes and red wine and simmer for another couple minutes before serving.
Cook’s Tip: Other than our confusion, sweet potatoes and yams have no relation whatsoever. Varieties of sweet potato range from the pale, light-fleshed dry tuber to the much-loved sweet, orange moist one. On the other hand, almost all of the world’s yams are cultivated in West Africa and can grow up to 150 pounds each. You’d be hard pressed to find one at your corner market.
– Moreka Jolar
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How You Affect Others Daily
You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small.
As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other’s energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we’ve just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.
Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person’s entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other’s lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.
To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember this as you go out into the world each day.
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Why Do Cats Move Their Ears Around?
By Susan Logan McCracken
One talent felines possess is the ability to move their ears independently. But why do they do this?
One talent felines possess is the ability to move their ears independently. Although recent research shows that humans move their ears slightly when a sound piques their interest, only about one in five people can move their ears intentionally. For most people the movement is involuntary. That ability may make the person a YouTube star or the life of the party, but it doesn’t come close to the way cats swivel their ears. But why do they do this?
Pinpoint sounds
One of the reasons cats move their ears is to pinpoint and identify what they are hearing. By moving their ears toward the sound’s direction, cats improve their hearing by 15 to 20%.
More than 30 muscles are involved in moving a cat’s ears, which can swivel 180 degrees. With a frequency range of 45 hertz to 64,000 hertz, cats not only have the broadest frequency range when compared to dogs, rabbits and humans, but they can hear higher and lower frequencies than all of them.
In comparison, dogs use 18 muscles to move their ears and can hear from 67 hertz to 45,000 hertz. Rabbits can swivel their ears 270 degrees, rotate them independently of each other and simultaneously listen to sounds coming from two different sources. Rabbits’ ear talent supersedes that of dogs and cats in some respects, although their range of hearing is narrower, falling between 360 and 42,000 hertz. Humans have similar hearing ability to dogs at lower frequencies, but at higher frequencies, dogs, cats and rabbits prevail. The human range of hearing frequencies is 64 to 23,000 hertz.
Communicate feelings
Cats’ ears are also an important part of their body language to express emotion.
? When a cat’s ears are pointing forward, he’s typically content. Contentment is also signaled by an erect tail that’s slightly curved at the top, along with head bumps and purring. Cats welcome affection and attention when they are in this mood.
? When their ears are pointing straight up and accompanied by wide-open eyes and an alert stance, something they hear has their attention. If they rotate their ears quickly, something may have triggered their hunting instincts. This is a good time to get out their favorite interactive toy.
? Ears pointing sideways show fear that could lead to aggression. Give your cat space when his ears are in this position. Flattened ears pointing backward indicate a cat who is about to attack, bite or scratch. These are two ear positions, which can be accompanied by aggressive or defensive body language, indicating that your cat needs to be left alone. Signals of aggression include arched back, low and stiff tail, direct stare, hissing and growling. Signals of fear include crouching, tail curved around the body, hair standing on end, hissing and spitting.
? Similar to this position, when a cat’s ears are low and facing outward, she might not be feeling well. Cats are good at faking that everything is OK, but sometimes their ears betray them, so pay attention to the position of the ears and other body language. Cats also often hide when they’re not feeling well.
Because these ear positions may be similar, keep an eye on your cat’s body language, vocalizations and other behaviors.
Cat ears, along with their vocalizations and other body language, are prolific communicators. Their sense of hearing, in addition to other heightened senses and numerous talents, make them an impressive species that honor us with their companionship.
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Georgia Nicols Weekly Horoscope : Sunday, Weekly Horoscope: Sunday, January 15, 2023
All Signs
This week the Sun moves into Aquarius for four weeks, triggering a heightened sense of rebellion and independence in the world. People will fight for their beliefs. There will be news in the media about aviation or space travel because Aquarius rules the skies (rocket technology, aviation, astronomy and astrology). Aquarius is also associated with the gathering of likeminded individuals to fight for a cause. It’s the energy behind Greenpeace, Amnesty International and trade unions. The New Moon on Saturday (and Sunday) is an excellent time to set intentions and make resolutions. This year I resolve not to make resolutions. I’m going to live with myself.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You’re heading into a four-week window of increased popularity! You will see friends more; and you’ll be more involved with groups, clubs and organizations. You will enjoy the company of creative, artistic acquaintances. (A friend could become a lover.) Please note: This is actually the best time of the year for you to define future goals. Goals give you a clearer focus on what is important. More clarity in decision-making. Better control over your future. And of course, they give you a sense of purpose. With Jupiter in your sign now (a once in 12 years event) –you have permission to think big!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
For the next four weeks, the Sun is at the top of your chart. This occurs only once a year and when it does, it symbolizes that you are thrust in the light of the Sun – like a spotlight on you. And this light is flattering! Therefore, even if you don’t do anything different or special, others will admire you and see you as competent, capable and successful. (Good lighting is everything!) Since this is a blessing, make use of it! The next four weeks are the perfect time for you to make your pitch and do whatever you can to advance your agenda. Some of you look so good to others, you will begin a romance with a boss.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The next four weeks are exciting because you want to explore and discover new things! You want to travel. If you can’t travel, you will travel through books and film. You might take a course? You might study a new language? You will enjoy meeting people from other cultures and countries. (Some of you will fall in love with someone “different.”) This will be an exciting time for you because let’s face it, you hate to be bored. You need new and exciting stimulation! (Is that a bright shiny object, under the table?) Meanwhile, fiery Mars continues to be in your sign boosting your energy and giving you drive and enthusiasm for life. Make the most of this blessing that lasts until the end of March. Lucky you!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This year, Jupiter is at the top of your chart, which happens only once every 12 years. Expect a promotion, public recognition, and the increased esteem of your colleagues. Meanwhile, in the next four weeks, you will focus more than usual on shared property, inheritances, reducing debt and dealing with insurance issues. All that boring stuff that doesn’t go away on its own. Fortunately, you will also attract money and gifts to you. With Mercury opposite your sign, enjoy important discussions with partners, spouses and close friends. Seek intellectual stimulation – anything from cheerful banter to spirited, philosophical debates.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
In the next four weeks the Sun is opposite your sign. (Happens only once a year.) This means you will need more sleep. Take naps. Respect your need for more rest. (It’s just what’s happening.) You will also have a stronger than usual focus on close friends, business partners and spouses. Because you will have more objectivity to see these relationships, you will have a better chance to grasp your role in the relationship, which means you can see how to improve how you relate to those who are closest to you. Major bonus! Normally, it’s tough to see ourselves objectively. (“I know what I’m doing – you, not so much.”)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Count on being more productive in the next four weeks because you will really want to work. You will work hard and you will work smart. This is why you will try to be efficient and effective in everything you do. You will make lists and you will tackle them with determination. And you will be pleased with how much you get done! This same high standard will extend to your health, which is why you can expect to get on a health kick about eating better and getting more exercise. (“I’m almost perfect!”) Fortunately, relations with work colleagues are pleasant and mutually supportive. In fact, a work-related romance will begin for some of you.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Oh joy! Expect happiness and good times in the next four weeks because the Sun is travelling through your fifth house of play and amusement. This will give you a strong urge to get out and have a good time. Start to make plans for dinner, the theatre, movies, sports events and laughter with friends at Happy Hour. Expect more involvement with children as well. All your relationships will be more playful and lighthearted. Your energy level will be higher than usual. You will accomplish a lot with minimum difficulty. This is a great time to take a vacation and fun times. Romance will abound! Nevertheless, you will tackle home repairs and family discussions.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is the only time all year that the Sun is at the bottom of your chart for four weeks drawing your attention to home, family and domestic matters. You might be more involved than usual with a parent. You will give more focus to your home, where you live and to family relationships. Redecorating projects, as well as entertaining at home, will be rewarding. This makes sense because group discussions and conversations with others, as well as meeting new people and taking short trips will appeal to you. Start to make serious plans about how to improve your job or get a better job because this will happen this year. Count on it. Likewise, you can improve your health.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Fasten your seatbelt because the next four weeks are busy! You might take short trips. You might read, write and study more than usual. You will certainly be busy with errands, appointments and fun diversions. Ever the Truth Seeker, you might discuss profound topics with others or sign up for a course or learn a new language. (“Cenare?”) This will be a time for you because you will find your everyday surroundings more pleasant and agreeable. Not only will you enjoy the everyday beauty around you, you might also, at a deeper level, realize there is a considerable amount of love in your everyday world. It’s time to alphabetize your blessings.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Your focus on money, cash flow and earnings will be strong in the next four weeks. Keep your eyes open for financial opportunities because this is a favourable window for financial negotiations. Borrowing money will be easier. Admittedly, you will spend money on beautiful clothing, jewelry and art. (Keep your receipts.) (And the box.) Meanwhile, Mercury is in your sign, which means you will put a great deal of yourself into whatever you have to say, which is why you’ll be convincing and persuasive! Admittedly, your mind will be busy, jumping from topic to topic. Be aware of this. This is a good time to examine your relationship to the things that you own. Get rid of dead weight! Who needs it?
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The Sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks. This is something that happens only once a year. The New Moon will also be in your sign on Saturday giving you a chance to take a realistic look in the mirror to see how you can improve the image you create on your world. Ideas? In fact, this is an excellent time for you to buy wardrobe goodies. Why not look your best? When you look good, it’s a gift to your friends. They are certainly more pleased to encounter you looking great instead of down at the heels. (Think about it.) This is a lovely window of time because with Venus in your sign, you find it easy to be charming and diplomatic with everyone. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
At this time of year, your “personal year” is coming to an end but your new year will not begin until your birthday. That means that the next four weeks are like a time of limbo for you. You’re double parked. However, it’s the perfect time to think about defining personal goals for your coming year ahead. After all, goals keep you on track and make future decision-making easier. They also give you a sense of purpose. Write down a few things that you hope to achieve in the coming year ahead. One thing is certain, for the first time in 12 years lucky, moneybags Jupiter will be travelling through your House of Earnings this year. Oh yes – you will get richer! This is also a good time to tackle home repairs and renovations to pull your act together.
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Weekly Horoscopes Beginning Sunday,
Sunday, 15 January 2023
If you’re born within a cusp period (16 to 26 of any month); you’re advised to read horoscopes of both signs covered by that period. You’re on the border; you may have influences from houses within those signs.
Outlines are longer versions; consist of every possible detail of everyday and are 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:
This week isn’t just about dealing with tasks swiftly. It’s about tackling a range of persistent obligations and, equally, troublesome misunderstandings. This won’t be easy. Still, you’ll not only put them to rest, the resulting insights will explain their cause and ways to avoid them in the future. Yes, this requires patience; and, yes, it would be worth it.
Traces of some unfinished discussions remain. These can be concluded if others are willing to reach an agreement with regard to these matters. If someone refuses to talk, you may have to make decisions without their input. Reading an old diary or journal will make you realise what has been holding you back in the past. You’ve been putting other people’s needs before your own. As you move forward, you would be wise now to start thinking of yourself.
Your ruling planet Mars, has now stationed and will be joined in direct motion by Mercury mid-week. Until Friday, the focus is on clearing things up: which includes both misunderstandings and general archiving. It would be wise to make use of this period given the swathe of work that is likely headed your way soon after next week’s New Moon. There is high probability that someone in authority is rethinking a plan that was formulated last September. It may be that more than a little modification has to take place. Your opinion is valuable. Your understanding of how costs have risen and how these could be addressed makes you a valuable member of the team. Mid-week, anticipate that you will be asked to carry extra responsibility.
Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20
Your horoscope for this week:
You’ve long dreaded rethinking familiar elements of your life. Now, suddenly, this isn’t just happening, you realise how beneficial changes would be. The secret? For now, focus on what you’re experiencing, not the impact of events on past memories or future plans. Things will come together, and far better than you’ve imagined possible. However, just how will remain unclear for some weeks yet. Is patience required? Absolutely.
Once you get bills up to date you might enjoy a short spell when you won’t have to give so much thought to financial matters. If this seems like an impossible dream, consult a money management expert who has experience helping people in your situation. Make good use of your imagination to turn liabilities into assets. You might make some extra money through teaching, writing or showcasing your talents. Someone who admires your work will make you an interesting offer.
For approximately 30 months in every 30 years, Saturn passes over the apex of your solar chart. It’s been doing that since December 2020 and will leave this zone in March. Before then, a professional career crisis is probable. There are decisions that need to be taken. Tempting as it may be to make these early this week, note that Mercury is retrograde in another of the Earth signs. You may have more information if you hold on until after next week’s New Moon. That doesn’t render this time redundant. Indeed, with Mars now in direct motion, you could resolve financial ramifications and prepare a new budget. This should be about valuable exercise – particularly if undertaken with the assistance of a Capricorn who has seen all of this before and has valuable experience.
Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20
Your horoscope for this week:
Your ruler Mercury has been retrograde since 29 December, triggering considerable confusion. You’ve learnt lots, but will be relieved it resumes forward motion on Wednesday. This, in turn, begins a new, and powerful, cycle. It also gives you a clear perspective on existing plans and future arrangements. Tempting as it is to rush into what works, first, focus on disentangling yourself from past confusion. The resulting clarity will change everything.
Gossip fills the air. As well as being intrigued by what you hear, you will want to find out more. A talk with a neighbour who never seems to miss a thing will give you all the information you need. In business, future success will depend on taking advantage of information from an insider source. Think about volunteering for a charity organisation you have always admired. You will be making some good contacts behind the scenes.
Mars is now in direct motion in your chart. Although it might seem that you’ve been holding back in recent months in fact, you’ve probably been dialoguing furiously. Now you can see an end in sight. First there are ongoing difficulties with paperwork and particularly, with e-mails that may have gone astray. Finding these before your ruling planet Mercury turns direct on Wednesday appears imperative. It’s entirely possible that you are now involved in a complicated game of fact-finding. Determining exactly who should carry the can for recent errors of judgement, is one possibility but could find that an Aquarius hones in on the problem and the time management that will be required if this issue is to be resolved before Saturn arrives at the apex of your solar chart in March.
Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22
Your horoscope for this week:
If you’re still wrestling with the insights triggered by the Cancer New Moon on 6 January, it’s no surprise. While certain matters were clear cut, others combined past misunderstandings with ongoing dramas. Tempting as it is to impose order on these, wait and watch. What you learn, both from events and others’ actions will reshape your thinking and future plans; and in the meantime? Relax. You’ll be glad you did.
It is going to take time to achieve some of the goals you are setting for yourself now. You’re aware of the hard work that’s ahead and you know too that it will be worth it in the end. You aren’t ready yet but there will be opportunities to show off your talents later in the year. A friend who can be forgetful and careless will ask to borrow something that has sentimental value. If you feel you can’t trust them not to lose it, refuse their request.
You won’t be the only sign who would benefit from using this week for space clearing. Now that Mars is at last moving forward, it’s time to tidy up the mess that been created – more or less since Halloween. With that done, and as Mercury arrives at its station in your opposite sign midweek, and with a work colleague, you can make plans for what can and should be achieved before March. It won’t be surprising if Gemini, Libra and Aquarius colleagues bring you ever more problems to solve and yes, you could feel overwhelmed with the sheer number of tasks that have to be tackled. Note that yours is one of the Water signs. It’s imperative that you have time to ‘feel’. The problem with others being in states of chaos, is that more thought and feeling is required. It would be wise – especially as the Moon passes through another of the Water signs over Monday and Tuesday, – to ensure that you’re given personal space and solitude to process. To this end, you could ask a Capricorn to act as gatekeeper.
Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22
Your horoscope for this week:
While you can act swiftly on certain matters, others can’t be rushed. Once that’s clear, you’ll do what you can, then focus your attention on enjoying here and now pleasures – and there are plenty to enjoy. The secret? Regard each as an experiment, so avoid even thinking in terms of long-range plans. Those will come, but not until the powerful Leo Full Moon, on 5 February.
A family disagreement will turn out to be a storm in a teacup so don’t waste time worrying about it. Put your mind, instead, to work, career or study assignments. Accepting the chance to teach or enrol on a training scheme could be a stepping stone to future job success. An after-work date later in the week will not only prove profitable but it will also be a lot of fun.
In just over a week’s time, there will be the annual New Moon in your opposite sign. This one is particularly special as it’s the last where Saturn will also be moving through Aquarius. This marks a potential fresh beginning for a professional partnership. This week, with Mars now in direct motion, you could do much to pave the way, delegate where necessary, and determine which teams work best. Yes, this will likely lead to a shakeup as Mercury arrives at its direct station on Wednesday but could be super productive. What has been the case for so long, is that property matters need attention. It would appear that you’re coming to yet another turning point with these, and that by delegating and deploying, you could yet arrive at the outline for sound project management that begins after next week’s New Moon.
Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22
Your horoscope for this week:
Usually, when getting things organised, you check out details carefully. However, changes are so sudden you couldn’t possibly have anticipated them. Instead, focus on letting go of the past. This both keeps you busy and clears the way for what’s appearing now and continues over the coming weeks. Final plans? Urgent as they seem, there’s no rush. They can, and should, wait.
You have plenty to do but it shouldn’t all be about work and responsibility. Mix in some family activities, socialise and think about ways to add some fun to your days. Spending time with a housemate will avert emotional tension in the home on Wednesday. Someone is asking too many questions about your personal life. Don’t feel guilty about being suspicious of their motives and don’t be surprised if you feel an increasing desire to get away from it all as the week ends.
Yes, you probably could get a degree in worrying! – you might even get an ‘A star’ rating. That though, is generally unproductive energy. After months of fretting as Mars turned retrograde, that planet now being in direct motion should make real difference. Before your ruling planet Mercury turns direct midweek, you could yet mastermind a brilliant – yes brilliant -clearing up exercise. Those of your sign tend to have fabulous eye for detail and can see precisely what tasks need to be addressed and how they should be tackled. You’re also good at time management. Putting these traits to use should prove a super productive. The key is to have everything in order as much as possible before next week’s New Moon. It’s after then, and with Uranus also in direct motion, you could be ‘off to the races’.
Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22
Your horoscope for this week:
Your talent for organising your own life, events and, often, the plans of those around you so diplomatically is unique. Now, however, in certain situations you’ll need to stand your ground, either to eliminate confusion or ensure others recognise who’s in charge. Tempting as it is to sidestep such responsibilities, they need your gentle but firm touch; and move swiftly. Next week will be too late.
Get to know someone you have just met better before bringing them home to meet your family. There’s nothing worse than having people think there is more to a relationship than there actually is. A strange incident concerning a neighbour will pique your interest. There are questions you would like to have answered but you won’t want to make your curiosity too obvious. If you agree to new plans a partner is making this could mean having to end an old commitment.
With Mars now in forward motion, dressing to impress may be more important than usual. Yet Mercury is retrograde at the base of your solar chart. This is perhaps a case of wearing something old or yes, even borrowed. You clearly need to move on and get back to business with ideas that have been incubating since last September. This week seems to be all about juggling the past with the future: a theme that began to play in 2022 but which is now coming to its conclusion. Not long after next week’s New Moon, there is high probability of developing a fresh working pattern.
Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21
Your horoscope for this week:
For ages you’ve been thinking about and, possibly, discussing potentially far-reaching changes. Deep down you know they’re wise, yet you dread the disruption and uncertainty. Overcome those doubts and plunge in. This shifts your perspective, and is both revealing and reassuring. What’s more, you’ll spot potential in situations you’ve regarded as pointless. Now you realise that, with only a little patience, just how worthwhile they can be.
Trusting a friend or colleague to take care of your possessions could be a wrong decision. Someone could lose something that is important to you. Even if it looks as if a group project is going to proceed with ease, don’t drop your guard. Later an upsetting incident will require you to take on a leadership role. Arguing over trivial issues will waste time and deplete your energy. Encourage others to focus on activities that are likely to bring worthwhile results.
Mars is now in direct motion, but Mercury doesn’t turn direct until next Thursday. For most signs it’s a case of proceeding with caution. Progress can and likely will be made in a financial partnership. You could also effectively sow the seeds for a project scheduled for launch in late March. First though, it may be necessary to address past errors or miscalculations. Your ability to hone in on exactly what ought to have been done, and how necessary repairs can be carried out gives you an edge. It’s probable that Aries, Leo and Sagittarius colleagues will be particularly appreciative. What they may sense and you may know, is that by the time Mercury turns direct on Wednesday, that you’ll have a revised schedule in place and motivated those who have to be involved to accept new timelines and complete a project before next week’s New Moon.
Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21
Your horoscope for this week:
It’s unlikely you’ll have problems with the current dramatic and, often, sudden changes. However, others will. While some will merely complain, a few will actively battle them. Distract them if you can; but if that’s not possible, ensure you’ve back-up plans, for yourself and any joint efforts. Most of all, recognise that because changes are inevitable anyway, the more flexible your attitude is, the better.
Events early on will seem like an intense replay of some recent happenings. You might wonder why you have to go through it all again. This time round, it will all finish on a much happier note and you are unlikely to see another repeat, much to your relief. A creative skill that is uniquely yours will receive an encouraging push forward, thanks to the support a powerful executive is willing to give you.
Expect others to be in action mode as Mars is now in direct motion in your opposite sign. You imagine too, that they are like cars that aren’t quite refuelled. They could stutter – at least until Mercury turns direct mid-week. Fact is, that their plans are probably not yet thought through. This week is all about tidying up loose ends. You might also find yourself irritated with a Gemini, Libra or Aquarius who is full of futuristic thoughts, but clearly unwilling or unable to accept responsibility for past errors. These issues need to be resolved and fall to you to point out misjudgements mid-week. In so doing you are perhaps also lining yourself up to take on new responsibility in a couple of months’ time.
Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19
Your horoscope for this week:
With the retrograde Mercury actually positioned in Capricorn, the errors it’s triggering accent certain persistent issues. In some cases, you’ll deal with them swiftly, while in others, gathering facts will take time. However, with this cycle continuing until the 18th, there’s no rush. Knowing that, take advantage of this opportunity to seek, and remedy, the source of that ongoing confusion.
Someone who has your best interests at heart will give some good advice. Whether a tip concerns your job or finances, don’t dismiss this as being unnecessary. You won’t be sorry if you follow their sensible suggestions. A surprise offer is in store and this could result in you travelling with someone you would never have expected to share a journey with. Be sure not to let limited thinking prevent you from taking up this exciting opportunity.
It should be abundantly clear that errors have been made and probable that the wrong personnel is in place. Teambuilding may not be possible for a couple of weeks yet. Of course, it could be that at least one person has decided to move on. Whatever, where work matters are concerned, it’s unlikely that things will run smoothly. Perhaps owing to change of personnel, or the clearly divided attention by those who are supposed to be operating to a schedule, you may need to put your foot down super firmly as Mercury arrives at its station in your sign on Wednesday. It’s perhaps only from then that new schedules can be put in place. The art may be to give others time to accept responsibility and for you, in the meantime, to determine how communications could be improved.
Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18
Your horoscope for this week:
Usually, your quick mind is an asset. However, with so much in transition, you could easily misunderstand the origin of, or solution for, certain dilemmas. Knowing that, focus on exploring their source and, where helpful, seeking others’ guidance. The resulting insights will be as unexpected as they are timely. Explore them in depth. Final plans? Be patient. You’ll still short of facts.
You are often eager to please and you will think of other people’s needs before your own. Whether it is a close partner, old friend or a stranger you meet on the street, if someone could do with some support, you will be the first person to offer it. Just remember that your own needs are important too. You might also look into ways to improve your career situation. This is a great time to go to a job interview.
Figuring out exactly what you don’t know – and how you set about acquiring information – is a big theme. This week is all about working out which courses are available, and which expertise you could access with ease. It should be apparent that there are holes in your learning and that these need to be resolved. Planning this before Mercury turns direct at the end of this week should be considered wise. Good advice will likely come from a Scorpio. Renewed contact with those who live and work far away is probable too. Indeed, it may be company with international connection that makes real difference to your career-world. With the New Moon in your sign next week, preparation is essential so that you’re well positioned for new offers.
Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20
Your horoscope for this week:
For ages you’ve known that you’ve no choice but to live with certain persistent issues until the facts are clearer. While this week’s timely revelations help, you’re still mystified what to do about those dilemmas. The answer? For now, nothing. Wait, watch and learn. Meanwhile, declutter elements of your life that have become overwhelming. This will take time, but be well worth the patience and effort required.
Some luck, early in the week, will be in connection with your career. Joining forces with a talented friend will help you get the job you have been hoping for. If a housemate wants to talk about matters that are money related, at least let them see you are as keen to resolve this situation as they are. Be prepared to make many phone calls before a question regarding an unexpectedly large bill is resolved.
If you haven’t already thought about making improvements to your environment, this should be the week to do so. Yes, costs have probably risen. Even so, it should be apparent that you need to take action – and soon. Obtaining revised estimates, replanning, rewording or re-anything are the big themes between this Monday and Mercury’s direct station (Wednesday). With Mars direct in one of the Air signs, you should find that Gemini, Libra and Aquarius friends are rushing to complete tasks which you know ought to have been resolved months ago. Irritation is probable. Yet amidst the storm, you could arrive at new ways of thinking about your social media presence and generally, how people make access to you. It may be important before Friday, to have your CV revised and even, to review your signature.
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