Thanks for reading my blog!
Believe in love.
Believe in magic.
Believe in others.
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your dreams.
If you don’t, who will?
- Jon Bon Jovi
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: FULL MOON
Time: Approx. 14 days after New Moon (energy lasts from three days before to three days after actual full moon)
Goddess Aspect: Mother
Associated Goddesses: Danu, Cerridwen, Gaia, Aphrodite, Isis
Magickal Attributes: Fruition Manifesting goals, nurturing, passion, healing, strength, power. Workings on this day are for protection, divination.”extra power”, job hunting, healing serious conditions Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.
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What’s Happening?
FEBRUARY
FEB. 1-14 Greek festival of God Dionysus – in which vines were pruned and sprinkled with wine, accompanied by ritual singing and dancing.
FEB. 7: Greek Day of Selene: Moon Goddess
FEB. 11: VELES
FEB. 14: Norse Family Festival – Celebrated as Valentine’s Day
FEB. 15: Lupercalia (Festival of the Wolf): Pan’s Day—Honoring the Lord of the Wilderness, Animals, and Fertility. Coming of Spring.
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Face to Face Workshops with GrannyMoon at Sticks and Stones
Join us at https://www.meetup.com/Witchy-Wednesdays
The Herbal Cauldron 1 PM – 3 PM – Feb 12
The Magick of Crystals: 12 PM – 2 PM – Feb 19
WitchCrafting: 1 PM – 3PM – Mar 5
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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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This Week’s Astrology Forecast
Astrology Forecast brought to you by Storm Cestavani
February 6 – February 12, 2023
We start the week off with Mercury in Capricorn forming a sextile to Neptune in Pisces. You may feel more receptive to the emotions and needs of others and will find it easy to relate to their current concerns.
Towards the middle of the week, you will crave excitement as Venus sextiles Uranus in Taurus. Your daily routine may feel stale and boring, and you need to find activities that inspire you.
This weekend, we dive into deep waters as Mercury conjoins Pluto in Capricorn. You will focus on intense matters and are willing to dig deep to find solutions to your problems.
Recommended Candles: Mercury (Astro Magic), Emotional Balance (Blessed Herbal), Everything and then Some (Wicked Witch Mojo)
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Llewellyn’s Spell A Day
Balancing Lunar and Solar Energies
FEBRUARY 05, 2023 BY DALLAS JENNIFER COBB
Today is the full moon! We all know about today’s powerful lunar energies for working magic; however, we can work a special bit of balancing magic by bringing in some solar energy. Why don’t we have a meditation and a toast to balance?
This evening, after the moon is visible in the sky, pour or brew yourself a drink with solar energy. Try a nice glass of local mead, which is made from honey, or perhaps choose a hot cup or thermos of a decaffeinated tea of your choice with some honey stirred in. Honey has fiery, masculine, solar energies that balance out the moon’s watery, feminine, lunar energies.
Raise your drinking vessel in a toast to the full moon. Take a sip of your libation and bask in the moonlight, meditating on the fact we all contain a mix of these solar and lunar energies within us. As you take another sip, visualize yourself balancing these energies as your solar-inspired drink moves down through your body and you bask in the gentle lunar light.
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Kitchen Witch Intentions
FEBRUARY 04, 2023 BY DALLAS JENNIFER COBB
There is no need to buy special ingredients to work magic, cast spells, or change consciousness at will. Just reach for these magical kitchen basics.
Whether you’re cooking, baking, or stewing, adding common ingredients with strong scents can increase magical energy. Today, as you prepare food for yourself or another, set an intention of what you want to convey, instill, or magnify, then use an herb, fruit, or spice to fix the intention in the food, inviting the energy into yourself, your food, and your kitchen.
To invite love, protection, and feelings of belonging, use cinnamon. Need comfort, quieting, and soothing? Try chamomile. For energy, memory, and attention, choose coffee. Want a calm, mindful focus? Choose lavender. To promote clearing, cleaning, and uplifting, use lemon. You can add clarity and inspiration with mint, promote abundance, success, and enlightenment with orange, and nurture a sense of wellbeing with vanilla.
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Push It Protection Spell
FEBRUARY 03, 2023 BY ANDREA TAYLOR
Salt and pepper are not just good for seasoning food—they’re also used for magickal protection. This is because salt neutralizes negative energy, and pepper acts as a potent guardian against harm. You can prepare this protection spell nearly anywhere and anytime. You will need a plate, some salt and ground pepper, a spoon, and a small pouch.
On a plate, make two equal-size mounds, one of salt and one of pepper. Hover your right hand over the mounds, then start mixing them together with your fingers in a clockwise motion. Push your intention for protection into them as you repeat this phrase:
Salt and pepper, protect me from harm.
Do this for at least three minutes. When you feel they have absorbed your will, use a spoon to gather the powder into the pouch. To use it, take a pinch of the powder with your left fingers and throw it while pushing the protective energy out with your hand. Take a deep breath and walk away.
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Sadness Be Gone Spell
FEBRUARY 02, 2023 BY TUDORBETH
February 2 is an auspicious day for many: it is Candlemas, Imbolc, and Groundhog Day. Moreover, February can be one of the coldest months in the Northern Hemisphere, with snow heavy on the ground. Fragile snowdrop plants begin to push their way up through the frozen land to greet us, a sign that the earth is once again emerging from her winter sleep. In Hedgewitchery, we often call Imbolc the Snowdrop Festival.
The festivals around this time are regarded as celebrations of light, as the light is dawning after a dark winter’s night. Further, even though magic is within everything, there are a number of traditional symbols of magic. One in particular is the bell, which is said to drive away evil spirits, including the winter blues. In the Craft, bells are used to invoke the Goddess or to call the elementals and to drive away winter and sadness.
If you have been suffering or feeling low, cast this spell today to renew your spirit and embrace the coming of spring. You will need a bell of any size, a white candle, and a snowdrop plant or a picture of one. If you don’t have a bell, there are lots of videos online of a bell ringing, or you might have a bell sound effect on your phone.
Safely light the candle and look upon the snowdrop. Hold the bell in your left hand (if you’re using one) and say:
Festival of light,
Release the pain that I feel
When thrice the bell peals.
Then slowly ring the bell three times and blow out the candle. Watch the smoke rise, taking your pain with it.
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Creativity Imbolc Spell
FEBRUARY 01, 2023 BY SAPPHIRE MOONBEAM
At sundown we begin to celebrate Imbolc, the Celtic festival in honor of Brigid. She is known as a goddess of wisdom, poetry, and inspiration, among other things. Imbolc is also a fire festival, a celebration of the return of the light. The light and fires of Imbolc represent a luminous, radiant hope after experiencing harsh, cold winter days. Fire is the element of transformation and passion. It is a perfect time to renew and transform your creativity.
A simple way to celebrate Imbolc is to light a white candle to “spark” your creativity and celebrate the return of the light. Once your candle is lit, cup your hands around the candle at a safe distance and say:
On this Imbolc night, as my
candle burns bright, help my
passion and creativity reignite.
Safely extinguish the candle once you are done.
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Feast for Hecate
JANUARY 31, 2023 BY CERRIDWEN IRIS SHEA
By January 31, some of the ambitions we had on the 1st have lost momentum, and we feel disjointed. It’s a good time to ask Hecate for guidance and blessings.
Clean your house, and cleanse it with the smoke of lavender and rosemary incense.
Hecate is connected to the crossroads. Take two yards of black fabric and two yards of white fabric. Create a crossroads on your floor by putting the pieces of fabric at right angles to each other, and place a table in the middle of the crossroads.
Now make a simple meal. Decorate the table with candles, keys, and offerings of honey, arranged in groups of three, on a black and white cloth.
Ask for Hecate’s guidance in anything where you feel you are at a crossroads. Eat the feast and let the candles safely burn out.
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Spell to Wipe Away Debt
JANUARY 30, 2023 BY TUDORBETH
The bills are in and repayment on those Christmas and New Year festivities may have taken a toll on your bank account. It’s time to put some action into your finances. If you have debts, especially credit card bills and loans, then do a manifestation spell to consciously wipe them away using this snowball practice. This spell involves paying off the smallest debt first, then snowballing that money and carrying it on to the next bill until you are completely debt-free.
Write down your debts on a piece of white paper, and look at them and acknowledge them. Don’t be frightened; instead, accept them. Then safely light a green candle and imagine a snowball wiping away those debts, starting with the smallest one, until it wipes them all clean whilst gathering momentum and growing larger.
To manifest a debt-free life, think of how you will feel when you’ve paid everything off and then, while holding the paper in your left hand, say:
Snowball, snowball, rolling bright,
Debts disappear with all my might.
Blow out the candle, and keep the paper in a special place where you can see it every day to acknowledge it but not where everyone can see it.
Make a conscious effort to pay the debts off. Contact the credit card, loan, or debt company to arrange a repayment plan and ask for them to lower your interest rate. Actively pursue clearing those debts. Show the universe how capable you are, and keep imagining that snowball wiping away all those debts
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Heartwings Love Notes 1070: Small Victories
Heartwings says, “Being grateful for small victories is better than complaining about any losses.”
I’ve read that one of the first skills a child learns is to let go. They must be born with the instinct to hold on, as any mother with long enough hair knows. It makes sense, because they need o hold onto their mothers or anything else to keep from free falling into danger. Once they learn to let go, they delight in doing it. I remember my little ones sitting in the family high chair gleefully dropping things onto the kitchen floor. We all grow up and learn various skills that serve us until the day they don’t. I clearly remember learning to tie my shoes. My dear nurse Emily had me stand bent over my shoes until I learned to do it. I was in nursery school, aged three, perhaps almost four, depending on the time of year. Called the Woodward School, it had blue double doors. I can see them still. My finger dexterity was never to become perfect, however I did get good enough to tie laces or untangle knots, until one day I developed Parkinson’s and the dexterity dwindled.
I remember how difficult it was in first grade trying to improve my penmanship. In time I managed to learn to write at least reasonably well, until once again, Parkinson’s took over and unless I focused very carefully my handwriting would shrink more and more as I wrote a sentence. However, I did find that by printing rather than using cursive that my writing shrank less. The ability to focus and write slowly has enhanced the clarity of my handwriting, and this is something for which I am grateful. It is a small victory in the midst of abilities that without my being able to stop doing so, are beginning to fade.
I have had to give up the pride I once took in skills I had worked on and developed. Being able to do things I once took for granted as accomplishments has transmogrified into taking pride in the smaller victories I am able to manage. I had a teacher who once said, “Rather than lament that roses have thorns, be glad that thorns have roses. I remember that the roses in my father’s garden had large thorns yet they smelled wonderful. Often the roses of today have no thorns to speak of, yet they do not have much of a scent either. Still, they are lovely.
While I have lost some of the abilities of which I was once so proud, I have gained others for which I am grateful. I have become more patient because I must be, otherwise I would be all too frustrated. Being patient with myself means I am able to be more patient with others. I have also become more compassionate, and now I have more compassion for others and am more forgiving. While these could be considered small victories, they are also big steps in being more comfortable with myself and kinder, and by extension, with others as well.
May you remember to take pleasure in your personal victories no matter how small.
Blessings and best regards, Tasha Halpert
PS I so appreciate any comments you may have to share, or stories of your own victories. It always warms my heart to hear from readers. Thanks for sharing. Please write me at tashahal@gmail.com. For more love notes, see my website at http://www.heartwingsandfriends.com.
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The Druids Garden
Dreaming Primer: Lucid Dreaming, Dream Recall, and Exploring Dreamscapes for Creativity
~Dana O’Driscoll
The average human being will sleep approximately 229,961 hours over the course of their life. Dreaming, including working on dream recall and lucid dreaming, can offer us gateways to cultivating a rich inner life and in supporting our spiritual and creative practices. In many spirit-led cultures, dreaming and sacred dreams have a tremendously powerful role; dreams can help guide and shape us and offer teachings, lessons, and inspiration. But in western culture, people assume their dreams are by-products of their waking hours, and often don’t know how to work with them in any intentional way. Dreams can be very powerful forces of creative flow and insight in our lives. Given how much time we spend in dreams, this represents a great opportunity to explore spiritual practices tied to dreaming. Today’s post specifically explores how to use dreaming to support ongoing creative practices and creative work, including setting intentions, dream recall, and lucid dreaming.
This post is part of my ongoing series on creativity and spirituality, which I consider to be of critical importance due to the rise in AI designed to strip us of our own creative gifts. Last week’s post explored how daydreaming and mind-wandering can support creative practices. Today we’ll explore the other side of this–dreaming–and how dreaming can also cultivate a rich creative practice and inner life. 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–dreaming!
What is Dreaming?
Entering the Dreaming (Hawthorn card from the Plant Spirit Oracle Deck)
Before we get into how to engage in dream seeding, lucid dreaming, and dream recall, it is useful to explore what we mean by dreaming. Let’s start with some cultural assumptions about dreaming and take a moment to examine our own assumptions.
In the West, dreams are considered completely part of our subconscious, that is, they are tied to our brains and are seen as our brains processing the day’s experiences, working through things, and connecting us to ourselves. We can see this from work like Carl Jung, who writes:
“Dreams are impartial, spontaneous products of the unconscious psyche, outside the control of the will. They are pure nature; they show us the unvarnished, natural truth, and are therefore fitted, as nothing else is, to give us back an attitude that accords with our basic human nature when our consciousness has strayed too far from its foundations and run into an impasse.” –Carl Jung, Collected Works Volume 10, paragraph 317
This perspective is a useful place to start, but if we are seeing creativity as a sacred act tied to spiritual practice, it is insufficient for our purposes today.
If we look at cultures beyond modern Western ones, we can see that dreams are much richer and spirit-filled. In this view, dreaming is a way to not only connect with ourselves but also connect with spirits (ancestors, deities, etc), receive their lessons and teachings, and travel in a world that is just as real as our own. We can see dreams at work in various ways with the cultures that influenced modern Druidry, including the Welsh. In the Mabinogion, The Dream of Rhonabwy, where Rhonabwy has a three-day dream where he visits the time of King Arthur. Ettlinger (1946) in “Precognitive Dreams in Celtic Legend” shows that some of the most ancient sources show the power of dreams for the Ancient Irish. Dreams were powerful portents and signs and were considered divinatory, visionary, and healing. She notes a number of different ancient Irish stories where prophetic dreams lead kings to avoid conflict or seek it out, and they often sought out advice to interpret their dreams. We see similar philosophies in existing indigenous traditions today.
For example, in Black Elk Speaks, much of the teachings that Black Elk conveys to his people were passed to him through his dreams. The Aboriginal Australian Dreamtime is a critical part of Aboriginal spirituality and is recognized as the essence of who they are as people. As described by Clanchy (1994), the Dreamtime dates back at least 65,000 years and part of it includes stories of how the universe was created, but also land that they inhabit, the spirit of the place.
What I’m presenting here is just a small piece of various cultures’ beliefs about dreaming beyond ourselves and into the world of spirit/the divine. Dreams can be as real as the waking world, a place where we can be inspired, gain ideas for creative practices, journey, and cultivate a rich inner life.
So you might think about how you view dreams–do you see them as fully internal? Do you value them? Do you believe that you can receive messages from them? Do you actively cultivate and seek out dreams and dreaming? Do you see them as sacred? Thinking about these questions can help you take your own sacred dreaming and allow you to connect with them for creative practices.
Before I get into the next section, I want to share two things. First, I feel like I am very much still learning my way into these practices–while I’ve been interested in dreaming and dreamwork and have been doing it for years, I still feel like there is a lot of untapped potential in my own dreaming practice. Second, I have found that the more that I am committed to embracing and cultivating a rich inner life (meditation, ritual, spirit-focused, time in nature, bardic arts), the more that I am able to engage in these practices in much more depth. But, if I have too much screen time, I am falling off in my ritual work, etc, am consuming media before bed, the dreams also seem to be elusive. I feel like sacred dreaming is a package deal–cultivate an inner life in a few areas (ritual, meditation, limiting consumption of media/screens) and all are enriched.
Lucid Dreaming, Dream Recall, and Exploring Dreamscapes for Creative Practices
Dreaming is a very powerful form of creative activity that can lead to the spark of awen and new ideas, that can help us solve problems, and that can support us as creative people. Like daydreaming, a large body of research exists on the connections between dreaming and creativity, including how to engage in lucid dreaming and dream recall to support creative practices.
Sleep studies show that REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is the deepest form of sleep, is both the most vivid form of sleep and the kind of sleep that fosters the most creativity[1]. REM sleep is also where the brain creates associations and connections between otherwise unrelated information. Lucid Dreaming, where the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and can sometimes shape their dreams, also takes place during REM sleep. Lucid dreaming is one gateway to creativity, and thus, can be a very powerful tool to learn and work with as part of your own growing creative practice.
Many people have the ability to spontaneously lucid dream, approximately 55% of adults can share at least one lucid dream experience while 23% of people can lucid dream at least once a month[2], a whole body of research has explored how to help people more successfully lucid dream. Lucid dreaming begins with dream recall—the International Lucid Dream Induction study[3] found that people who could recall their dreams had a much higher likelihood of successful Lucid Dreaming. Once people learn how to recall their dreams, they can then engage in lucid dreaming, both of which can foster creativity, new ideas, and new insights. Thus, exploring dreaming is a worthy practice for any aspiring bard! For the rest of this post, we will explore how to recall your dreams, lucid dream, work with your dreams creatively, and seed your dreams for future creation!
Learning how to Recall Your Dreams
So, let’s start with Dream Recall as a step into the act of sacred and creative dreaming. Like other dream methods, a combination of several is likely to be the most successful. Humans have been dreaming and experiencing sacred dreaming back into our pre-history, and thus, you are hard-wired to work with your dreams in powerful ways. Even if you are frustrated at first or do not get the results you want, keep persisting and you will be able to recall your dreams in time.
Mugwort – the dreaming herb. This is mugwort from my Plant Spirit Oracle Mugwort – the dreaming herb. This is mugwort from my Plant Spirit Oracle
Mnemonic for Dream Remembering. Using a simple phrase that you chant to yourself and continue to repeat as you fall asleep is a simple method to start to remember your dreams. Say something like, “I remember my dreams” or “when I wake up, I will remember my dreams.” This method is based off of the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams in the psychological research, discussed below.
Recording of Dreams in Bed. Find a way to record your dreams while you are still in bed. For this, I recommend either a small journal that can stay on your nightstand or a recording device (like on a phone) that can allow you to speak your dream aloud while still in bed. I actually prefer to use my phone for this–I simply hit the record button and I can use it even when it’s dark, without turning on the light. Later, when I wake up, I listen to the recording and write down the details in a dream journal.
Stay in bed and attempt to remember. Stay in bed as you work to recall your dreams–as soon as you get up and make the transition from sleeping to waking, you may find that you will recall less and less, and eventually, the mundane pushes the dream completely from your mind. By staying in bed, as close to sleep and dream as possible, you will be able to remember more.
Keep a Dream Journal. Work to keep a dream journal for all of the dreams you can remember. The dream journal can help you keep a record of dreams over time. You can revisit the journal and see patterns, creative ideas, and more come forth.
Seeding your dreams. I also have had a lot of success with “seeding” my dreams by engaging in rituals, meditations, and/or chanting right before bed. See the last section of this post for more information.
Embrace herbal allies. Mugwort has been known throughout the ages in multiple cultures to be a dreaming herb–she offers you more powerful and intense dreaming. She is a common plant that grows throughout temperate regions of the world. She is very easy to grow and easy to use–you can burn her as incense or as a smoke-clearing stick, drink her as tea, smoke her (alone or in a smoking blend), make an oil and anoint yourself or a candle for meditation before bed, take a bath adding mugwort, etc. Any of these interactions allows you to connect with Mugwort’s dreaming energy. Other herbal allies can also help you relax and fall asleep–chamomile or catnip are wonderful teas to enjoy before bed.
Be consistent. Even if you aren’t recalling any or many dreams, keep engaging in the approaches above. Eventually, with enough perseverance, you should be able to remember your dreams. Remember that this is a gift from the ancestors, something that they cultivated and brought into our present. Thus, like the flow state and the bardic arts, these are ancestral gifts. Our ancestors want us to have them. Give it time.
Working with the Remembered Dream to Enhance Creative Practices
The dream is like the seed of something that you can plant and watch grow. The dream is the spark of awen that leads to creation, healing, and growth. You want to keep working with your dream after you have it to ensure it is nurtured to grow. Another metaphor here is that the dream is like bringing home a package wrapped in gift wrap with a bow. To really know what’s inside you have to work with it further.
Exploring dream symbolism! Exploring dream symbolism!
Writing down your dreams is an outstanding practice if you want to use dreams for creative practices. Write down the details of your dreams, ideally as many as you can, but certainly, ones that are powerful or notable in some way. Consider returning to read these dreams at various intervals–maybe later the same day or maybe even a week or month later to gain new perspectives.
Exploring symbolism and the content of the dream. One of the things that Jung’s subconscious perspective gets you is to recognize that any images or symbols you experience in a dream are unique to you as they are a product of your subconscious, or, as we’ve explored here, they may be messages from spirits. Thus, dream dictionaries aren’t really useful–I don’t recommend them. Rather, you want to think about what the specific symbols mean to you. How do you interpret them? What comes to mind?
Use brainstorming techniques with the central focus/theme of the dream. You can use a technique like mind-mapping or freewriting to explore the dream further. For mind-mapping, get a blank sheet of paper and put the dream/seed of the dream in the center. Then just brainstorm, branch out, and see what comes to mind. For freewriting, start by writing down a summary of the dream and then keep writing–write without worrying about if your grammar is correct or your sentences are complete. Just write to generate ideas and see where the writing goes.
Use the dream as a seed for creative meditation. You can also use the dream as a seed for meditation. For this, a process called discursive meditation (which we practice in AODA) works quite well. In discursive meditation, you start with a theme (in this case, the image/theme/symbol/idea from your dream) and then allow your mind to follow the theme and generate ideas. If you get too far off of the theme, you work your way back to the theme (just like you would follow the wrong path back to the right path). Thus, you can use this meditation form–a form of highly focused thought–to explore the dream in more detail.
Spirit journey back into the dream to explore more. Using spirit journeying techniques, you can go back into the dream and explore further. Open up a sacred space and protect yourself. Invite a spirit or guide with you if you’d like, and then step back into the dream, or into a specific scene of the dream. Astrally explore this as much as you feel the need to, seeing what may spark your ideas or creative energy.
Let your subconscious play. Use mind wandering or daydreaming here, using the dream as a starting point and seeing what happens.
Sit down with your bardic instruments (body, paints, carving tools, pen and paper, etc) and create from the dream. Use the dream as a seed for creation. Paint the dream, compose the song that you received the first notes of in the dream, write poetry about the dream, and bring the dream to life in some way. You are essentially giving the ream as giving the dream life, shape, and manifestation.
Talk about the dream. Tell the story of the dream to someone else. Ask them to ask questions to you about the dream–how did you feel? why is that important? See where the conversation takes you.
Lucid Dreaming – Research-Based Strategies
Once you are able to recall your dreams, you can move into practicing lucid dreaming. Again, Lucid dreaming is when you are aware that you are dreaming; this awareness may give you more control over the dream.
The following are some of the research-based techniques that can assist you in developing the ability to regularly have lucid dreams. You can try all of these techniques or start with one and see what works best for you. The International Lucid Dream Induction study found that a combination of these techniques was most effective to support lucid dreaming. The second, third, and fourth techniques should be done in bed when you are in a comfortable position.
Reality testing: Reality testing is when you, throughout the day, pay attention to if you are dreaming or waking. The goal is to habituate yourself into this practice—if you regularly make it a point to ask if you are dreaming or waking during your waking hours, you can ask the same question when you are lucid dreaming. Ask yourself the question, “Am I dreaming or awake?” repeatedly throughout the day to habituate the question in your mind. This can be combined with breathwork. The reality test in the lucid dream, then, allows you to recognize you are in a dream. Typically this technique is only successful when combined with the two techniques below.
Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD). MILD gives you a phrase or chant to say while you are falling asleep to prime your mind to remember. You can say some version of “next time I am dreaming, I will remember I’m dreaming.” Repeat the phrase (silently or aloud) as you are falling asleep. You simply will yourself to remember.
Wake back to bed. This third technique is when you wake up in the middle of the night (intentionally or unintentionally) and then use the MILD technique as you are falling back asleep, especially as REM sleep often comes in the middle of the night, so when you fall back asleep, you should now be in REM and able to lucidly dream.
Senses Initiated Lucid Dream Technique (SSLID): This technique works to condition the senses into a state that is supportive of lucid dreams. It has three steps, which are done in a cycle of repetitions before bed:
Step 1: Vision. Close your eyes and keep your eyes completely still and relaxed. Focus entirely on the darkness behind your eyelids. You may see patterns, images, dots, lights, or nothing at all. Don’t try to see anything, just stay relaxed.
Step 2: Hearing: Fully attend to what you hear. You may be able to hear sounds from outside or in your house; you may also hear your own heartbeat. Regardless of what you hear, just attend fully to your hearing and stay relaxed.
Step 3: Body: Fully attend to the sensations of your body and sense of touch. Feel the warmth, the temperature, how your body feels, the blankets and pillows. Relax and passively observe this sensation.
To successfully perform this technique, you should first take 3 seconds for each of the steps and cycle through the senses four times. Then, take 20-3 seconds for each step and do another four cycles. Do not count, just estimate and move on. Do this and then work to normally fall asleep after completing the cycles
Lucid Dreaming – Spiritual Strategies
Beyond the research-based strategies above, you can also do various kinds of rituals, meditation, and prayer to assist in lucid dreaming.
Spirit Request technique: Just like with dream recall, you can make a request (prayer, lighting a candle, ritual) to ask your spirits/deities/guides to assist you in lucid dreaming. Perhaps you already have a spirit/deity in your life that could assist with this work. For example, as an animist who works deeply with plants, I would spirit journey to the spirit of Mugwort, who I know (and have met through ritual work and depicted in my bardic work). I would ask Mugwort to assist me with lucid dreaming. I would make offerings to her, work with her, and cultivate a longer-term relationship with her as part of this request.
Ritual Sleep technique. Another aid to both dream recall and lucid dreaming is ritual sleep. Ritual sleep is when you open up a ritual space (sacred grove, sacred circle, whatever method you use), do meditation, prayer, or other activities, and then before you close the space, you go to bed. Sleep becomes part of the ritual you are enacting. When you wake up in the morning write your dreams down and then close the sacred space. There are so many possibilities for how you can use ritual sleep!
Creative Priming for Dreaming, Daydreaming, and Lucid Dreaming
Creative priming for dreaming (art by Dana O’Driscoll)
Most of the time, dreams can reflect our lives, or maybe may seem quite random. But, just as dreams can be a seed for the waking world, you can also seed your dreams and try to nudge your dreams in certain directions for working on creative problems or tasks.
Once you have started to lucidly dream, go to town. Bring your creative instruments with you just like you would in the mundane world. Ask the spirits in the dreamtime for inspiration. Do rituals for inspiration, see if you can visit and flow with the awen in the dreams. Speak to the ancestors. Dream and bring those dreams into reality.
To do this, you can try any number of approaches:
Chanting the words and/or holding an image firmly in your mind as you fall asleep
Ritual or meditation right before bed on the topic
Prayer or Spirit requesting: ask spirits/deity/higher powers to guide your dreams.
Chanting the “Awen” as you go to sleep to be inspired and connect to the flow.
Conclusion
This post got a little long, but there’s just so much good stuff to explore with sacred dreaming, lucid dreaming, and dreaming for creativity. If we think about things that make us truly human, that AI can never replicate, it is finding creative experiences in our dreams. Since we sleep every night, this is a wonderful opportunity to more fully build a creative, inspired inner life and encourage the flow of awen in our bardic arts! Blessings and sweet dreams!
Ecospirituality Course: I wanted to share that I will be one of the guest instructors in an upcoming zoom-based EcoSpirituality Course being hosted by Nate Summers. There’s an early bird discount for the course till Tuesday.
References
[1] Walker, Matthew P., Conor Liston, J. Allan Hobson, and Robert Stickgold. “Cognitive flexibility across the sleep–wake cycle: REM-sleep enhancement of anagram problem solving.” Cognitive Brain Research 14, no. 3 (2002): 317-324.
[2] Saunders, David T., Chris A. Roe, Graham Smith, and Helen Clegg. “Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50 years of research.” Consciousness and cognition 43 (2016): 197-215.
[3] Aspy, Denholm J. “Findings from the international lucid dream induction study.” Frontiers in Psychology (2020): 1746.
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How To Make Anti-Inflammatory Golden Milk
If you want to increase the amount of anti-inflammatory foods you consume, this Golden Milk recipe is a delicious way to begin. Anti-Inflammatory Golden Milk, also called turmeric milk, is a popular beverage throughout Asia and is known by some as “liquid gold.” Similar to Turmeric Tea, Golden Milk offers up a creamier texture through the addition of coconut milk, and increases the anti-inflammatory health benefits with the addition of ginger.
The health benefits of our Golden Milk recipe come primarily from three ingredients: turmeric, ginger and black peppercorns.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice – and a relative of ginger – that is a featured ingredient in Indian curry dishes. It is also what makes American mustard’s color a distinctive bright yellow. Turmeric has been used in medicinal and culinary settings for centuries, and is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. The chief active component of turmeric is curcumin, which is usually taken as a supplement.
Turmeric tea is the traditional favorite drink in Okinawa, and may be linked to the long life span of the residents there – some of the longest-living people on the planet.
Turmeric Health Benefits
Numerous studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects turmeric and curcumin provide, including:
Liver Health: Curcumin may help to delay liver damage that in some instances could lead to cirrhosis.
Cancer Prevention: Turmeric reduces – by up to 40 percent – the levels of carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These form when meats are barbecued, boiled or fried, and evidence links increased consumption of foods with HCAs to stomach, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancers.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: As mentioned above, turmeric is part of the curries that are eaten daily in India. This may help explain the low Alzheimer’s disease rates in that country – it is less than one-fourth the rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the US in people aged 70 to 79.
Preventing Skin Cancer: Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of melanoma, the most serious and potentially dangerous form of skin cancer.
Relieving Arthritis Pain: Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, and studies of the efficacy of curcumin have shown positive changes in arthritic symptoms.
Turmeric may also be useful as an anti-depressant.
Learn more – see Dr. Weil talk about the health benefits of turmeric.
Why Is Ginger Good For You?
Ginger is a root of the Zingiber officinale plant. A natural anti-inflammatory agent prized for its ability to address nausea and digestive issues, medicinally ginger has been used to relieve symptoms associated with motion sickness, arthritis, bursitis, and more. As a culinary spice ginger is popular in Asian and Eastern dishes, and adds a zesty, spicy flavor profile to foods.
Watch Dr. Weil discuss the health benefits of ginger.
The Health Benefits of Black Pepper
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is native to Asia and the most popular spice in the world. Black pepper is the whole, partially ripened fruit of the pepper plant, and offers up a variety of health benefits: not only is it is a proven antibacterial agent, but it has the potential to protect against cancer, as the compounds in this spice help protect the integrity of DNA.
Getting The Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Turmeric and curcumin are poorly absorbed from the G.I. tract, but taking turmeric along with piperine enhances absorption. Piperine is a constituent of black pepper, and Indian cuisine often uses turmeric and pepper together. This Golden Milk recipe includes black pepper, to enhance the health benefits of turmeric.
Golden Milk Recipe
Perfect for an evening drink just before bed, here’s Dr. Weil’s recipe for Golden Milk:
Heat 2 cups light, unsweetened coconut milk (or almond or soymilk)
Add 1/2 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
Add 1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh turmeric
Add 3-4 black peppercorns
Heat all ingredients in a saucepan
Stir well
Bring to a simmer and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
Strain and sweeten to taste (if desired).
Here’s a video demonstration of How To Make Anti-Inflammatory Golden Milk.
Simple and delicious – enjoy!
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Gratitude: The Power Of Positive Thinking | Andrew Weil, M.D.
Optimists tend to explain bad events as due to a temporary external cause and have a generally positive view of life’s ups and downs. Because optimists tend to actively engage in planning and problem solving, they may experience less anxiety and stress than pessimists. Research suggests that positive thinking and optimism can impact health. Positive emotions are associated with a decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol, along with improved immune function, and reduced disease risk. Even simple laughter may boost immunity, relieve pain, lower stress, and even help protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure.
Here are several proactive, health-beneficial steps to feeling more optimistic:
Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequatedeep sleep.
Consider writing in a gratitude journal. Make mental or actual notes throughout the day of things you are grateful for or text yourself as they come to you or occur. At the end of the day, spend a few minutes before bed writing these down in a journal. Both feeling and expressing gratitude can go a long way to affect positive mental change.
Breathe! My breath exercises are just the ticket to help activate your parasympathetic response and promote calm in stressful events.
Confide in someone – your significant other, a good friend, or a trusted family member. And don’t be nervous if you feel you need professional help in problem solving or just need a trained ear to speak with.
You’ve all heard the saying: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Instead of bristling at life’s annoyances, try to view them calmly and curiously.
Look for humor in difficult circumstances. It can help brighten situations and keep negative emotions at bay.
Truly try to view the cup as half full instead of half empty.
In appropriate situations, relinquish control and learn to just go with the flow! This can be quite liberating.
Take a news detox. Too often the news media and social media lead toward a focus on the negative. Spend time unplugged from these sources and instead invest in positive stories or experiences.
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Murder in Grafton Center, Part 1
~Stephen Halpert
Dedicated with appreciation to Robert B. Parker
I picked Susan Silver up at Logan airport. We got onto the Pike west to Grafton. When we spoke last night, I had told her about Bob Park’s sudden death. She insisted on leaving her Jungian conference in Cleveland and flying back to Boston.
The calling hours were at Bob’s home on Brigham Hill Road from 2 to 8. We had time to stop for lunch.
Susan looked ravishing. A new chocolate cashmere jumpsuit outlined her sleek trim figure. Her streaked blond hair was perfect and her makeup gave the impression she hadn’t used any.
She studied the menu at the historic Inn on the town common. She frowned. “Bob never ate right, and all that booze was noticeable especially in his recent writing.”
“And he’d always gloat over some artery clogging recipe he’d create.”
Susan sipped her sparkling water. “You’d best be careful too. At your age eating poorly is best replaced by having fun doing something else.” She grinned.
I decided on the grilled tuna and seaweed salad.
We sat by the window at the inn across from one of the three churches facing to the town common. The cute waitress with a blond pageboy recited the luncheon specials. Susan chose the Cobb salad. She looked around the inn’s rustic interior. “Tell me everything.”
“This morning’s news said he died at his desk. His wife found him when she got home. Massive coronary.”
My mind went back to the night before when Juice had called. “Boss is gone,” he said. “Right in the middle of writing a new chapter, his ticker gave out!”
I was in my Back Bay office overlooking Arlington and Marlborough Street. “Just like that? Nothing funny?”
“How should I know? You is the private eye. I’m just your faithful Afro American companion.”
The waitress brought out lunch. I asked her if she had known Bob.
“Everyone in town knew him,” she said wistfully. Then she grinned. “Especially the ladies. He liked to teach them about gourmet cooking.”
“Anyone in particular,” I said.
“Everyone in particular.” Then she looked blank and beat a hasty retreat.
“The plot thickens.” I tasted the tuna.
“What plot? From everything you’ve said it sounds like his heart gave out. Happens every day.” Susan noticed another couple taking a nearby table. “Hello there, Sherry,” she waved.
“Susie!” The hefty brunette smiled. “I’m so sorry we have to run into each other on such a sad occasion. I’d like you meet Jess Stone, Chief of Police of Divinity, MA.”
Susan smiled at Sherry. “Just like you said, he does resemble Clint Eastwood.”
Jeff seemed to enjoy the compliment. “And you must be Dr. Susan Silver, the celebrated Cambridge shrink. Even in her sleep Sandy talks about you.”
“If I ever dared to call you a shrink …” I mumbled.
“And you’re Spence.” Her eyes lit up. “I’m Sherry Burke. My father always speaks well of you.”
I nodded. “Is he enjoying his retirement from Boston PD?”
“He’ll never completely retire.” Sherry said. “Now he’s a weapons annalist for Homeland Security. He couldn’t stand being alone at home 24/7 with mom.”
The blond waitress appeared at their table. “Can I bring you anything to drink?”
“Iced tea,” Jess said with a sigh. He looked across at Sherry.
“Same,” she smiled.
“Here for calling hours?” Susan said.
They nodded.
“This whole thing is blowing my mind,” Sherry said. “Just the other day we talked and Bob told me he was planning a European vacation with his wife over Christmas. Apparently, she’s been on the go and they hadn’t had much quality time together.”
The waitress brought their iced teas and they ordered.
“Wives require lots of time.” Jess said.
“Look,” Susan said. “There’s Juice.”
Juice, trim and muscular sat down at a table near ours. With him was the attorney Rita Danvers, tall, curvy, and attractive. Rita smiled cordially at Susan.
Susan smiled. “And you must be that lady lawyer Spencer speaks so well of.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Rita grinned. “Considering…”
The blond waitress reappeared. “Can I bring you something to drink?”
Juice, wearing a black turtleneck and jeans looked up. “Imported French Champagne. Tragedy calls for something bubblier than soda pop.”
“I’ll check with the bartender,” she scurried off.
I introduced Rita and Juice to Sandy and Jess.
“How are you, Chief Stone?” Rita gave him an imperceptible wink.
Jeff nodded and gazed around the rustic dining room. “I’d have thought Bob would have lived in Boston or even Manhattan. I can’t quite picture him out here in the woods.”
“Grafton’s not too far from Clarke in Worcester where he lectured on creating effective detective fiction,” I said.
“Or even somewhere on the North Shore near Divinity,” Sherry said. “I wonder if there’s any night life around here? Or do people in Grafton watch PBS and lights out by ten?”
“Night life’s easy to find,” Jesse said. “All it takes usually is booze and two people drinking it.”
“We don’t know anything about Bob’s private life,” I said.
Rita frowned and examined her manicure. “You mean our Mr. Monogamy lead a double life? Is that what you’re insinuating?”
“I wouldn’t make any assumptions,” Susan said. “He adored his wife. Or the next thing you know one of us might start suggesting foul play.”
(To be continued)
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Georgia Nicols Weekly Horoscope : Sunday, February 05, 2023
All Signs
As this week begins, Mercury is waltzing with Neptune, which makes us feel dreamy, imaginative and lazy. By midweek, storybook romance is in the air and some will feel swept off their feet! But caution: Although high hopes will lead to delightful escapes; some will encounter disappointment due to unexpressed expectations. By Friday, we have X-ray vision and powerful problem-solving abilities. We will see solutions and grasp deeper understandings. “Watson! Look up! What so you see?” “I see millions of stars.” “Watson, what do you conclude?” “Well, astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. What does it tell you, Holmes?” “Watson, you idiot. Someone has stolen our tent!”
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Be careful. At the beginning of the week, you will idealize a parent, teacher, boss or someone in authority. You might develop a crush on this person. You will have a bias toward them and will believe whatever they say. But do they really know what they’re talking about? By the end of the week, you will know. In fact, not only will you know, you will have an intense, realization that strips away illusion and gets to the bottom of things. This makes sense because once again, like back in 1994, you are entering a two-year window when you will let go of beliefs, attitudes, belongings and relationships that are no longer relevant. To quote Groucho Marx, “Go! And never darken my towels again!”
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You’re sitting pretty this week because the Sun is still high in your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. People respect and admire you! Meanwhile, you might get carried away with philosophical discussions. You might have dreamy aspirations to travel somewhere exotic. Romance with someone “different” might blossom, which could put a new spin on travel plans. However, by the end of the week, your ability to grasp the essence of political, religious and philosophical issues is so profound, you might have an epiphany. Or an argument with someone? Or you will teach your ideas? So much to learn. So much to share.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Many of you will develop a crush or fall in love with your boss or an authority figure this week. This could be a fleeting feeling or the beginning of something long-lasting? You might also have fantasies and daydreams about how to spend money you don’t have. Perhaps these ideas include money from an inheritance or shared income or someone else’s wealth? (One can always dream, can’t they?) Travel and exciting escapes will also appeal. By the end of the week, you will see solutions and ways to strip things down to the bare essentials in order to build them up into something better. You want results!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
It’s been a slog since early 2020. Many of you have had to get along with less. This year with Jupiter at the top of your chart, you look good to others, even successful! It appears your fortune is changing! Perhaps this is why this week you feel affectionate or in love with someone close to you. You admire them. This might also be why, at the end of the week, you have an intense discussion with them. This exchange will be no holds barred. The truth will be exposed. You want to get to the bottom of something. This discussion will have a strong impact on them or you or both. Perhaps you want to convince them of something or they want to convince you? Be wise, and listen.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You need more sleep. Acknowledge this need. As this week begins, you are idealistic about your work. Perhaps you hope you can make a meaningful change in your life or the lives of others. Meanwhile, your Spidey Sense is tuned in, especially with respect to coworkers. You might be astonished at the insight you have about others, that you never realized before. This could lead to a crush or a work-related romance. By the end of the week, you are ambitious! You want to strip things down to the bare bones so that you can identify a problem and then fix it. You might also take this approach to a health issue. Nothing wrong with finding our what’s going on!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
This is an eventful time for you. In many ways, it has some of the same qualities that life brought to you back in 1994. Certainly, you are entering a testing time for partnerships and close relationships. (Just as you did back then.) This could be brought on by a crush or falling in love with another person? Certainly, at the beginning of the week, your relations with kids as well as romantic partners is idealized, almost in a fairytale way. By contrast, by the end of the week, an intense discussion might reveal what is really at play. The emperor has no clothes! One thing is certain, romance will be magnetic and mesmerizing this week. Nevertheless, you will still be productive.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is another week when you want to get out and schmooze! You’re visiting restaurants, theatres and enjoying social times with others because it feels good! At the beginning of the week, relations with a family member will be sweet and mutually affectionate. You might make travel plans. You will also make a lovely impression on coworkers, which could lead to a crush or an affectionate bond. At the end of the week, intense family discussions might take place. You might also tackle home repairs. The upshot of this energy at the end of the week will be that you want to make something better. You want improvements and solutions.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This year will be a huge improvement over the last three years because Saturn will be in your fellow Water Sign, which will support you. Your energy to work will dovetail with what’s happening in your life. This means you will accomplish as much as possible. It will also be a time of preparation so that you can make your world stronger against future difficulties. As such, you can also build up your physical strength. Meanwhile, enjoy idealistic, impossible romance this week! Likewise, enjoy playful times with kids, sports events and social outings. At the end of the week, lighten up! You don’t have to convince everyone to agree with you. Or do you?
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
You’re entering a window, similar back to 1994-95, when you want to secure your home base to feel reassured about where you live and what you can provide for your family. Caution about spending money on luxurious items at the beginning of the week. Save your receipts. This is great week to entertain at home. You will enjoy short trips and discussions with daily contacts. At the end of the week, you might decide to adopt a budget. Or you might make plans to attack your belongings and keep what you want and recycle or turf what you don’t need. This is all part of the bigger plan of creating a home base that works for you. “I want curtains! I’m not living in a fishbowl.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Your idealism is aroused at the beginning of the week, which is why you might daydream “what if” scenarios for the future. Daydreams are good. They allow us to try on different possibilities for our future. What size fits best? Because you are entering a two to three-year window when you might have a residential move or a job change (or both), you’re thinking about a lot of options and possibilities for your future. By the end of the week, you might have an intense discussion with someone. Or you might flip this intense energy and direct it toward yourself by taking a realistic look in the mirror to see how you can improve your image. After all, appearances are everything.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
More than any other sign, you will feel a huge relief this year beginning next month. Saturn has challenged you since March 2020. Small wonder that your optimism will return in a big way! “I have a future!” As this new optimism builds within you, this week, you will think of ways to make more money as well as spend it. “Shops must be visited! Money must be spent!” You might buy a beautiful gift for someone midweek. Meanwhile, by the end of the week, your mental acuity will be off the charts. Research will be productive. A profound epiphany might occur. You will see that the past is now the past and the future is whatever you make it.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This year and next are a dramatic change for you. And a welcome one! It means you will have finished your journey through the Dark Night of the Soul. You gave up many things in the last few years – places, possessions, people, relationships and perhaps even countries. This year marks the beginning of a new 30-year cycle for you where you will reinvent yourself. Not only that, this year you will get richer! Romance will be affectionate and friendly this week. (A friend might become a lover.) At the end of the week, a powerful discussion might prompt you to change your future goals. Keep an open mind.
Weekly Horoscope:2023 Annual Forecasts are now available.
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Monthly Horoscopes for February 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 month:
As a quick-thinking Aries, you’ve a knack for spotting anything from an issue that needs attention to an opportunity, taking action on it, then moving onto whatever is next. During February, however, you’ll find even seemingly simple matters require more thought, often in greater detail, than you expected. While initially this may be irritating, you’ll soon be fascinated by what you’re learning and the resulting discussions with others. These aren’t just informative, they’ll broaden your horizons in ways that, previously, you’d never imagined possible.
A financial upset forces you to make last-minute changes to a cherished plan. Don’t panic; a bigger and better opportunity will emerge. On the 5th, the Full Moon finds you moving away from a hobby or person that you’ve outgrown. Give yourself permission to move on to greener pastures. A professional talk will go extremely well on the 10th; you could be offered a raise, promotion, or a high-powered job on this transformational day. The New Moon on the 20th is perfect for taking a well-deserved break from work and personal responsibility. Reward yourself with a nap, spa treatment, or lavish gift. Investing in your happiness will cause a significant glow-up. Neither a lender nor a borrower be on the 21st; it won’t pay to mix friendship with finance. Take immediate advantage of a big sale on technology or equipment on the 22nd. Use your powers of negotiation to get an extraordinary deal.
Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20
Your horoscope for this month:
Certain pivotal decisions are nothing new. However, they’re now urgent. Some involve domestic matters or relations with those closest, a few, practicalities. While the New Moon on 21 January, kick-started this cycle of exploration and discussion, the process continues throughout February. Be patient. Most situations are so complex, they’ll remain your focus during the coming months. If others are in a hurry, explain why delays aren’t just inevitable, they’re necessary. Then make a point of exploring every option. What seems least likely initially, could work brilliantly in the long run.
Inconsistent behaviour will undermine your career progress on the 4th. If you make a promise, stick to it, even at the risk of taking a temporary financial hit. The Full Moon on the 5th prompts you to walk away from a domestic problem that is draining your energy. Find a living situation that allows more freedom. Working with a respected expert will inspire a creative project on the 10th. Friendship could quickly turn to romance on the 15th; trust your intuition in this matter. It won’t steer you wrong. Do your best to satisfy your employer’s demands on the 16th; you’ll be richly rewarded for going beyond the call of duty. On the 20th, the New Moon will tempt you into attending a fun social gathering. You’re sure to make some interesting new friends at this event. Don’t insist on getting special treatment at work on the 21st, when all your colleagues will be expected to shoulder extra burdens.
Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20
Your horoscope for this month:
Those around you are complaining about the range of undecided plans currently causing delays. However, as an inquisitive Gemini, you’re fascinated by the facts revealed so far, and await what’s next. True, this is delaying organising future arrangements; but it’s also broadening your horizons in terms of existing plans and options you’re eager to explore. Practical Saturn’s link with the Sun, on the 16th, clarifies the circumstances. From that point onward, you know what you’re seeking, and begin doing it with enthusiasm.
Unexpected developments will throw a monkey wrench in travel plans on the 4th. Instead of getting upset at this change of events, assume that the revised plan will be even better than the original. The Full Moon on the 5th brings in a surprising communication about a test or application. Remember that whenever one door closes, another opens. The 10th is an ideal time to apply for a loan, grant, or scholarship; don’t be daunted by lots of paperwork. A creative project or proposal will get an enthusiastic reception on the 15th; seize this incredible opportunity to showcase your artistic talent. On the 20th, you’ll get a lovely opportunity to work behind the scenes with talented people. This is the beginning of an exciting professional chapter for you. Be a little more forceful than usual with a respected expert on the 22nd; they’ll admire your drive. This is a great time to take a bold risk.
Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22
Your horoscope for this month:
It won’t have been easy; but if, during late January, you managed to avoid being drawn into others’ dramas, you’ll begin February free to explore promising and, often, unexpected ideas or opportunities. Tempting as it is to rush into organising things, focus on learning about what’s on offer and, as important, who’s involved. This won’t just be informative, it could lead to other, equally interesting, encounters. Final arrangements? Be patient. For now, focus on letting go of anything burdensome and, especially, exploring options that show promise.
A friend’s instability wreaks havoc with your finances on the 4th. It’s time to stop bailing out this troublemaker; let them accept the consequences of their actions. The Full Moon on the 5th makes you yearn for more money; it’s time to develop a prosperity consciousness. Cultivate a sense of abundance instead of dwelling on feelings of loss. A conversation with a business or romantic partner will change things for the better on the 10th. Get straight to the point, and don’t be afraid to address sensitive subjects. Sharing your expertise on the 15th will be richly rewarding. Don’t be surprised if someone expresses romantic interest in you on this magical day. On the 20th, the New Moon makes it possible to book a trip you’ve been dreaming about for months. This adventure could improve your professional prospects, too. A thoughtful gift from an admirer will make you glow with happiness on the 22nd.
Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22
Your horoscope for this month:
As a fire sign, you’ve a gift for thinking and acting swiftly. However, the events triggered by the Leo Full Moon, on 6 January, will have been so complex that, as February unfolds, you’ll still be seeking facts and wrestling with decisions. These aren’t just keeping you intrigued, what you’re learning and who you’re meeting are adding to your life in unexpected ways. Explore every encounter, knowing while some are temporary, others won’t just be lasting, a few could change your life.
Tension between your personal and professional lives will rear its ugly head on the 4th. Have a blunt conversation with your romantic partner or best friend about your priorities now; you can’t afford to neglect your job. On the 5th, the Full Moon finds you breaking away from a restrictive professional role. Give yourself permission to pursue a job that allows you to flourish and grow. A flirtatious conversation makes you glow with happiness on the 11th; it’s fun to joke with someone who understands your sense of humour. On the 16th, a romantic interest will try to rain on your parade; remain stubbornly optimistic. The New Moon on the 20th is perfect for getting up close and personal with an ardent admirer. It will be virtually impossible to resist your charm on this magical day. Listen to a friend’s encouragement on the 30th; let their praise prompt you to take a risk in love.
Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22
Your horoscope for this month:
Ordinarily you’d avoid proceeding with a plan when short of facts. The problem? With the foundation itself shifting, what you organise must be flexible. Knowing that, take things one day at a time. You’ll soon realise you’re less stressed. Better yet, you’re free to focus on what you enjoy doing and, equally, to be with those individuals who matter most. Some plans have taken a great deal of your time and, occasionally, left you feeling drained. The sooner you began rethinking and simplifying those overwhelming arrangements, the better.
Don’t pay attention to a teacher with restrictive beliefs on the 4th. You’re smart enough to develop a winning philosophy of your own. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to come to terms with a nagging fear. Instead of sticking to a dull but familiar situation, venture into new territory. Someone will express romantic interest in you on the 10th; it’s nice to be appreciated for your distinctive allure. A heartfelt declaration on the 15th could prompt you to embark on a relationship, make a romantic commitment, or renew sacred vows. Work responsibilities will drain your energy on the 16th; take frequent breaks and get lots of sleep once this busy day is over. The New Moon on the 20th opens the door to a passionate relationship; your personal life will become a lot more exciting. Arguing with an immature person will be a waste of valuable time and resources on the 21st.
Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22
Your horoscope for this month:
As a Libra, you’re always aware of others’ needs and challenges, and seek ways to be helpful, ideally, discreetly. Yet with the current swift pace of change, discussion is vital. While this is time-consuming and also accents issues you were hoping to sidestep, you’ll soon realise how worthwhile those frank discussions, and even temporary solutions could be. Be patient. For now, focus on what you’re learning; and finalising plans? Think in terms of the Libra Full Moon on 6 April. The results will be worth waiting for.
Focusing on debts can cause them to expand on the 4th. If you’re having trouble making ends meet, make a list of all the blessings you enjoy, both material and spiritual. What you focus on will expand, including finances. On the 5th, the Full Moon causes a rift in your social circle. Walking away from a manipulative person will cause you to breathe a massive sigh of relief. Negotiating a mortgage or lease is favoured for the 10th when your powers of persuasion will be powerful. Pursue a job that speaks to your heart on the 15th; your chances of landing a position that feeds your soul are very strong. The New Moon on the 20th is perfect for launching a fitness routine that includes a spiritual element. Your improved health will make you very attractive to romance. Beware of spending money on things that don’t bring prolonged happiness on the 21st.
Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21
Your horoscope for this month:
True, the sudden changes that begin in late January and continue into February are unsettling. Yet they’re also leading to once-unimaginable breakthroughs. Tempting as it is to organise these, for now, wait and watch. While you’re learning a lot, the foundation on which these are based is shifting, and as you’ll discover, for the better. What’s more, you’re more relaxed about ‘going with the flow’ than, only recently, you’d have imagined possible. The resulting insights will benefit you in many ways, and for a very long time.
A close partnership causes strife with your home life on the 4th. It’s time to decide whether this relationship is worth disturbing your inner peace and personal space. The Full Moon on the 5th prompts you to walk away from a work situation that makes you miserable. You’re making bold strides for the sake of your own happiness; give yourself a handsome reward for this bravery. Learning a specialised skill on the 10th will dramatically improve your earning potential; be patient and allow yourself to make mistakes. The 15th will be a blissfully romantic day for you; get ready to fall head over heels in love. If you’re already in a relationship, your partner won’t be able to contain their adoration for you. The New Moon on the 20th is wonderful for launching a creative project or embarking on a romance. Criticism from a surprising source will arrive on the 21st; take these remarks as constructive comments.
Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21
Your horoscope for this month:
Usually, you’re not only easy-going about sudden changes, if life’s too predictable, you’ll stir up excitement yourself. However, during February, you won’t always welcome or even understand seemingly random changes. Tempting as it is to challenge these, instead focus on learning about them. This won’t just be informative, it will revolutionise your thinking regarding the matters in question and people involved. That, in turn, will broaden your horizons in wonderful ways, and better yet, encourage you to begin exploring new territory, in terms of your priorities, and your life.
Anxious thoughts take a toll on your health on the 4th. Take this opportunity to release a stressful situation, even if it means taking a temporary financial loss. The Full Moon on the 5th illuminates some beliefs that have been working against you. Instead of obeying conventional wisdom, adopt a liberating philosophy. Limiting attitudes aren’t helpful for a free spirit like you. An exciting financial opportunity is yours for the asking on the 10th. Don’t be afraid to ask for more money than is originally offered; you have more power than you realise. Wonderful news about a dream home or family matter will reach your ears on the 15th; it’s time to celebrate. The New Moon on the 20th inspires you to improve your living situation; it’s a great time to put a down payment on a home or rent a nicer place. This relocation will put you in the path of an attentive admirer.
Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19
Your horoscope for this month:
Although January’s powerful planetary activity will have triggered discussions and those, in turn, decisions regarding practical matters, you’ll begin February with a range of unanswered questions. However, you’re restless and eager to broaden your horizons, via ideas and activities. The challenge? You’re overwhelmed. Actually, that’s exactly what’s needed. For now, and the coming months, focus on exploration. What you learn and who you encounter will revolutionise your thinking. That, in turn, will lead to a thrilling new chapter of your life.
Don’t overextend yourself financially on the 4th. Buying a loved one a lavish gift won’t secure their affection; impress them by spending quality time together. On the 5th, the Full Moon will cause you to end an emotional or financial association that feels suffocating. Advancing your financial and emotional interests is strongly favoured for the 10th when people will be impressed by your intelligence and charisma. The 16th is one of the best days of the year to increase your fees, ask for a pay rise, or interview for a lucrative job. The New Moon on the 20th will pave the way for a lovely pleasure trip. Visiting a waterside retreat will soothe your ragged nerves. You might even decide to relocate to this part of the world. Throwing a temper tantrum on the 21st will undermine your earning ability. Summon your patience when dealing with repeated delays; this, too, shall pass.
Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18
Your horoscope for this month:
It’s said that planning ahead is wise. However, judging by February’s twists and turns, you’re better off dealing with each day as it unfolds. While this agrees with your independent streak, others could be annoyed, if not feel unsettled. Reassure them you’ve a plan, but can’t discuss it just yet. Then make a point of exploring every idea or offer that comes your way. While few will last, each will be informative. The challenge? Ensuring you’ve enough time to be with those who matter most.
Beware of imposing your will on a relative or close friend on the 4th. By showing respect for a person’s free will, you’ll forge a path to a better relationship. The Full Moon on the 5th triggers an intense talk about a business or romantic alliance. You may decide it’s time to go your separate ways. Connecting with an audience should become much easier on the 11th; this is a good time to go on a job interview, first date, or audition. Finding your dream job is a distinct possibility on the 15th; contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be miserable to earn a fortune. A greater measure of authority will be given to you on the 16th, thanks to your intelligence, work ethic, and determination. On the 20th, the New Moon will deliver a lovely opportunity to work from home. This arrangement will be both financially and emotionally rewarding.
Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20
Your horoscope for this month:
You rarely think about the benefits that come with your Pisces intuition. However, during February, you’ll rely on those instincts, and in a range of settings. The problem? Not everybody shares your talent for spotting, first, pressing changes and, equally, worthwhile new ideas. When making decisions, ignore those who distrust instinctive feelings, such as yours. This, then, frees you to explore in ways you’d once have avoided, simply because it upsets others. Now you’re free to do what you want and, importantly, to be true to yourself.
Beware of blurting out secrets on the 4th, as you want to maintain an important person’s trust. On the 5th, the Full Moon finds you wrapping up a job that has been getting on your nerves. It will be a real relief to move on to greener pastures, even if you don’t have any more work in the pipelines. The best way to find a fresh work opportunity is to network, especially on the 10th. Attending a party or social gathering on this day could be very profitable for you. The 15th will be an especially romantic day, as your natural good looks will be strongly emphasised. Prepare to turn heads wherever you go. You’ll be stepping into your power on the 18th; instead of looking for opportunities, they will find you. The New Moon on the 20th is perfect for manifesting a short pleasure trip or fascinating class. Make a wish; it will come true.
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GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 
What an abundance of knowledge. Blessing to you as well, GrannyMoon.
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