GrannyMoons Weekly Feast: 19 Mar 2023

Spring Chant
By Ivo Dominguez, Jr

Joy In The Gold Buds Of Spring. Passion In The Greening Leaf
Joy In The Rising Day. Passion Neath The Glowing Moon
Come Swelling Tides Of Spring. Fill Me With The Promise Of Green

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?
Herb of the Year for 2023: Ginger ( (Zingiber officinale). Named by the International Herb Association

Flower of the Month for March: Daffodil

March is National Women’s History Month

MARCH

MAR. 18: To APRIL 14 – CELTIC MONTH of ALDER

MAR. 20: To April 17 – GODDESS MONTH OF COLUMBINA

MAR. 20: – Ala Festival (Nigerian)
– Iduna’s Day (Norse)
– Alban Eilir (Celtic, Druid holiday)
– Spring Harvest Festival (Egyptian)

MAR. 20: Iroquois Maple Ceremony

MAR. 20-21: Sumerian Festival – celebrating the return of Dumuzi (God of Life and Death) from the Underworld to be with Inanna (Goddess of Life) for the verdant part of the year.

MAR. 20 or 21: OSTARA SABBAT: Spring Equinox; The Goddess of Spring.Spring Equinox aka Vernal Equinox aka Ostara. Marks the beginning of Spring. Days and nights are exactly equal, the sun rises and sets in the exact east and west. This holiday represents the first creation, but also the annual creation (planting so crops grow each year) and most symbolic, the perpetual creation. Fertility symbols abound such as eggs and rabbits. Spring or Vernal Equinox begins a forty day period which culminates with May Day, another fertility Spring festival of ancient origin. The other three forty day periods are: Fall Equinox (Sept 22 or 23) to Halloween/AllSaints Day (Oct. 31, Nov.1), Dec. 25 to Imbolc/Candlemas (Feb 1 or 2) and of course, Lent. Lent is the forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday every year.

MAR. 21: New Moon in Aries

MAR. 21: Quetzalcoatl – Aztec celebration of the feathered snake god, Quetzalcoatl at Vernal Equinox.

MAR. 24: Feast Day of Archangel Gabriel whose name means, “The High One’s Hero,” or “Hero of God,” or “Power of God,” or “Might of God.” Note this day comes one day before Annunciation Day when Gabriel performed his most famous task. Since 1970, the Catholic Church no longer recognizes this day for Gabriel, ending a thousand year plus tradition by opting to lump him in with Raphael and Michael for a Feast of the Holy Archangels Day on Sept 29. Originally the Church had an angel for each of the four “corners” of the year, the solstices and equinoxes. It was the Church’s only recognition of these “pagan” holy days.

MAR. 25: Lady Day – honoring the Crone as Grandmother; Mother of the Mother.

MAR. 31st -Apr 2nd: Dark Side of the Con at Dark Force Fest
A dark alternative convention happening at The Sheraton in Parsippany, NJ.

MAY
Virginia Psychic Fair 2023
Sun, May 7, 2023, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22031
Special Metaphysical Event.

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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 – Mar 19
WitchCrafting: 1 PM – 3PM – Apr 2
The Herbal Cauldron 1 PM – 3 PM – Apr 9
The Magick of Crystals: 12 PM – 2 PM – Apr 16

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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
March 20 – March 26, 2023

This week, we usher in the change of the seasons as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring because the Sun moves out of Pisces and into fiery Aries. We also have the planets (Sun, Pluto, and Mars) changing signs and a New Moon in Aries.

Recommended Candles: Reversing (Aunt Jacki’s Ultimate), IDGAF (Mars – Astro Magic), Emotional Balance (Blessed Herbal)

Astrology Forecast brought to you by Storm Cestavani

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The Equinox Is Tomorrow

The 2023 March equinox will arrive at 21:24 UTC (4:24 p.m. CDT) on Monday. Also called the vernal equinox, it’ll mark the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. No matter where you are on Earth, the equinox brings us a number of seasonal effects, noticeable to nature lovers around the globe.

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SPRING EQUINOX/OSTARA MARCH 20, 2023

In the Northern Hemisphere, we mark the Spring Equinox also known as Ostara on March 20.

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” — Sitting Bull

Spring has finally arrived! March has roared in like a lion, and if we’re really lucky, it will roll out like a lamb. It’s the time of the vernal equinox if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s a true marker that Spring has come.

The Wheel of the Year – Occurs on or near the Spring Equinox, when day and night are equal. It is a time of balance where unnecessary things, thoughts and habits are thrown away to make room for the new.

Other names for the Spring Equinox are Alban Eilir, Gwyl Canol Gwenwynol, Lady Day, and Ostara.The feel-good factor about this day, however, is that the first official astrological day of spring hints that high temperatures are not far off.

As the winter ends traditionally Native American people celebrate their thanks with prayers for surviving the bitter, cold days and the struggles they had to overcome. With spring everyone begins to enjoy the bounties of the earth once more, as plants and animals show new life again. The land turns green, wildlife flourishes and people are filled with anticipation for the coming of summer, the time of harvest.

It’s important to remember that the dawning of spring has been observed for a long time in many other cultures as well. Traditions vary widely from one country to the next. March 20 also welcomes Ostara which is celebrated in spring season as a way to honor the richness and wealth that Mother Nature has brought to humans and creatures. Spring is considered as the period of growth, happiness and love. In this time of a year, everything is woken up from winter and they are full of vitality.

Springtime is a wonderful season to celebrate with much merriment and shared feasts, as families gather together, dancing and enjoying the gifts of the land. Just as those in ancient times find a reason to give thanks for being here another day. Do something special to honor the fact that you are still here. Celebrations and rituals are important in our spiritual walk.

It is a time to offer thanks in prayers, celebrations and gratitude to the Great Creator who is watching and filling those who care with blessings.

Spring is almost here! Ostara, otherwise known as the Spring Equinox is coming soon! Are you ready? What are you planting in your garden this spring? Find out in a Springtime Reading.

Spring Blessings,
Cherokee Billie

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NEW MOON MARCH 21, 2023 IN ARIES
March 11, 2023

The March New Moon is the most powerful of the year and brings a lot of change – whether you’re ready or not. So Get ready for a fresh start!

This change cannot come quickly enough!

Let’s face it – 2023 has been full of false starts and confusion for many people. But this fiery New Moon in Aries is about to propel you headfirst into a Brave New World and bright new future. So if you have had a slow start to your new year, prepare yourself for action-packed excitements and complete vibe shifts.

This new Moon occurs the day after the Spring Equinox, March 20, 2023. Because of its timing the spring equinox is going to bring in more energy than normal for this new Moon.

This New Moon comes barreling forward at exactly 0 degrees in the sign of the Ram – as Pisces season 2023 shudders to an end. Say hello to the Spring Equinox 2023 and new beginnings.

If the stars wanted to signal to us that this is major initiating energy, they could not have been less subtle. This New Moon is making a bold and fiery entrance that will be noticed because remember, this is the start of an entirely new chapter in our personal lives as well as across the collective.

This is a time when there can be a great society-shifting, culture-defining, headline-grabbing news kind of changes and transformations. You cannot ignore this New Moon.

New moons are fresh energetic slates, when we get to put our mind’s eye to what we want to grow as the moon’s light thrives. This month, what is it that you need to nurture emotionally, spiritually, and intuitively? The moon rules over our emotional and energetic bodies, and our intuition.

To celebrate this New Moon, think of ways to exhibit creative self-expression, to tap into your spirit, journaling around themes of feelings and making art that connects with your highest self.

All this energy is like a huge cosmic green light to start something you’ve always wanted to get off the ground but didn’t have the willpower, energy, or courage to get started. It’s begging all of us to cast our fears and doubts aside, to know we have the stars supporting us as we face new ventures and adventures.

Now is the time to plant seeds of intention. This is because the actions we take and even the thoughts we have and believe during New Moons take on extra weight and significance.

March is an extremely busy month with a lot going on and a lot of cosmic energies to play with. The best way to navigate through the month is to join the flow and trust that the Universe will guide you to wherever you need to be.

Life may take some unexpected twists and turns this month, but keep remembering your deeper truth, and work hard to clear any beliefs or thought patterns that are rooted in outdated thinking.

Use the energy of this month to elevate your heart, to elevate your mind, and to elevate your soul. Stay in balance by meditating, checking in with yourself, and remember to recharge whenever you get the chance.

To help you receive some guidance for the month of March, check out any of my various intuitive services to give you that guidance that you may feel lacking at this time.

This is going to be a wonderful month and take advantage of all that is coming to you and embrace it with love and light.

If you’ve ever wondered how to manifest or when – the New Moon is a perfect time.

How will you meet this new chapter? For the most Accurate Reading Contact Me. I have a special reading for this New Moon.

New Moon blessings,
Cherokee Billie
https://cherokeebilliespiritualadvisor.com/pages/contact-me

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Llewellyn’s Spell A Day

Pain Relief with Airmid
MARCH 19, 2023 BY EMYME

The females in my family are prone to headaches, migraines, and backaches. Several years ago I had surgery to correct one cause of pain, which in turn threw my spine out of alignment and brought on other pain. I explored all healing options, consulted with numerous medical practitioners, and sought relief from Reiki, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, essential oils, crystals, yoga, and meditation. All of that brought only temporary relief.

A permanent reprieve from the aches and pain finally came after I retired from my full-time employment. When I fully realized the extent of my discontent and set my retirement date, I was freed from the constant, chronic discomfort.

You can call upon Airmid, a Celtic goddess of healing, when you need relief from pain:

Airmid, open my mind to
alternative methods of relieving
pain and discomfort. Bless me with
creative strength at all times.
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Spirit Spring Cleaning
MARCH 18, 2023 BY TUDORBETH

The circle shape is a magical symbol we can call upon. The magic circle is the protective circle we draw when performing a ritual, casting a spell, or sending healing, because a circle represents both spirit and matter.

Our ancestors built houses that were not square but round, because this provided more protection from the elements. A circular design is both flexible and strong, and is safer in severe weather conditions. The circle is also found in nature, from stones and the ovoid shape of eggs to the earth itself. Places like Stonehenge, Avebury, and Newgrange are some of the oldest monuments in the world and have stood the test of time. To the ancients, magic was a part of their lives, and the magic of a circle was a powerful force.

Cleanse your home now and free the spirit of winter or summer (depending on which hemisphere you live in), allowing for the next season’s energy to enter. Cleanse and create your own protective space by spraying magic holy water made by adding one tablespoon of salt and two drops of spikenard essential oil to a spray bottle of water.

Go from room to room spraying the water, creating a circle in each room. Imagine you have a golden white light around you as you say these words:

Cleansed and cleaned within this space,
Seasons passing at a pace.
I cast the circle round and round,
Forever protected, safe and sound.
No harm, no negativity, shall pass to me,
For I am safe within my circle round.
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Sweeping in the Luck
MARCH 17, 2023 BY MAT AURYN

Saint Patrick’s Day is often associated with the concept of luck (the luck of the Irish). Jupiter, the planet that governs luck, is in fiery Mars-ruled Aries now, so we’re going to tap into those aspects.

For this spell we will be using two common household spices that have associations with luck: nutmeg (ruled by Jupiter and associated with the element of fire) and allspice (ruled by Mars and corresponding with fire). You will also need either your besom or your household broom.

Sweep all the dust and dirt outward from your front door, with the intention to sweep away misfortune. Sprinkle the nutmeg and allspice in front of your door and then sweep it into a tidy line as close to your front door as possible, drawing near you good luck and fortune while chanting this verse:

By the Spirit and the elements four,
Blessings come knocking on my door.

My fortune has now become unstuck.
My life is abundant with my good luck.
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Tea for Prophetic Dreams
MARCH 16, 2023 BY JASON MANKEY

For this spell you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon mugwort
• 1/2 teaspoon rose petals
• 1 teaspoon peppermint
• 1/2 teaspoon lavender
• 1/2 teaspoon chamomile
• Honey to taste

Mix the ingredients well and steep them in boiled water for ten to fifteen minutes. As they steep, stand over the teacup and recite the following chant:

Tea of dreams, tea of wonder,
Bring me visions while I slumber.
Aid me in my sacred rest.
Guide me on my psychic quest.
Provide the answers I must know.
As above, so below.

Drink the tea at least thirty minutes before you go to bed or take a nap. When you wake up, write down any interesting or pertinent visions from your dreams in your journal.
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A Daffodil Love Spell
MARCH 15, 2023 BY JAMES KAMBOS

Ruled by Venus, daffodils are spring’s flowers of love. During the days of the old-time herbalists, daffodils were sometimes used in love spells. They were frequently placed on the altar during the casting of a love spell.

For this spell you’ll need two daffodils with their stems intact. You’ll also need one pink and one light blue ribbon. As you think of your spell’s intent, but without thinking of anyone specific, tie the daffodil stems together using both ribbons. As you tie them, say:

With a ribbon of pink
and a ribbon of blue,
I bind these flowers of love together,
To bring me a love special and true.

Place the daffodils in a small vase of water and set it on your altar. Wait for love to come to you. After the daffodils fade, respectfully place them in a compost pile or lay them on the ground in a wooded area.
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Saturnian Cycle Oracle Working
MARCH 14, 2023 BY DEVIN HUNTER

Something major is happening right now. Saturn has just crossed the threshold into Pisces, ushering in a new era of collective soul-searching and reflection that will last roughly thirty years. During this period we are going to break down spiritual walls and redefine what spirituality means to us as a collective. Find out what this cycle means for you specifically by performing this easy reading, which can be done with tarot, runes, or any draw system of divination. Draw five lots and place them in a pentagram pattern, starting at the top:

Position 1: What you are bringing with you from the last Saturnian cycle
Position 2: What your personal challenge will be during this cycle
Position 3: Unseen influences to be aware of
Position 4: Overall personal theme for this cycle
Position 5: Message from Spirit to you about this cycle
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Four Seasons of Magic
MARCH 13, 2023 BY BLAKE OCTAVIAN BLAIR

Today, begin a new magical tradition for celebrating the seasons. Pick a spot in nature that you find especially sacred, striking, and spiritually significant. Choose a place that you can access easily within an hour radius of home. Visit it today in the current season. Soak in its energy and the feelings you perceive as well as what you can visually see, smell, touch, and hear. Make note of all the sensory experiences of this place in this season. Remember to make an eco-friendly offering to the land.

Then make a commitment to revisit this exact same location in all four seasons. Each time, take note of the changes at this place as you progress through the Wheel of the Year. You might like to journal about each visit. You will build a relationship to the spirits of place and with the land in which you live as you become familiar with your sacred place throughout the year, through all seasons and weather.
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Heartwings Love Notes 1076 Learning by Doing

Heartwings says, “Experience is a grand teacher we can learn from by paying attention.”

Oddly, I can still remember learning to tie my shoes. I was living with my grandmother at the time, along with my caretaker, Emily. She was with my parents until I was eight, at which time she left to get married and raise her own family. I was fortunate to have her as my first teacher. She was a special and loving person, a kind of second mother.

That same year I had another lesson I remember all too well. Because I really preferred being home to going to school, I managed to fall into the Boston Esplanade lagoon where we youngsters were being taken for a walk. The thinking of my four-year-old mind was that I would be able to go home to stay. To my dismay, I was taken back for a change of clothes and returned to school for the rest of the day.

My life, like that of most people, is filled with incidences of learning by experience. Like the time I was helping my friend’s mother get ready for a dinner party: I pulled out the silverware drawer in their big sideboard too hard. Alas, the drawer turned over and deposited the entire contents on the rug. I was quite embarrassed. Our drawer at home usually stuck. I learned not all drawers do the same.

Had someone warned me of the consequences of those actions, I would have missed two valuable lessons. As I thought about that, I began to understand the necessity of allowing people to make their own mistakes. Of course, if someone would incur severe hurt or injury or cause real harm by an action, it is important to warn her or him. However, if the situation is not dire, ofttimes it may be better to keep silent. How are we to learn if not by experience? No amount of doing things without error will teach what happens if we make a mistake.

I was reminded of this recently when my husband was about to do something I considered unwise. I thought to speak up, and then instead let him go ahead, and he learned something. On the other hand, sometimes it is a good idea to speak up. Recently when we were shoveling the snow off the car, I neglected to tell him I was opening the trunk. Just then he pushed the snow off the roof and directly into the opening I had so thoughtfully provided! Naturally, the trunk filled with snow we had to remove, together with the items stored there waiting to be elsewhere.

We laughed at our miscalculation as we cleared off the unexpected deluge of snow. My philosophy is that things can always be worse, therefore rejoice for what is and be grateful, regardless. Life presents many teachable moments. For instance, when I am working on a job together with someone else, it may be wise either to speak up or to be mindful of what the other person is doing.

May your experiences prove helpful and cause you to learn to do better.

Blessings and best regards, Tasha Halpert

PS Have you got a story to share about an experience that was helpful? I do so love it when readers write to me. Thanks for doing so at tashahal@gmail.com. You can read more Love notes at http://www.heartwingsandfriends.com .

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S. J. Tucker REMINDER: ONLINE SHOW MONDAY NIGHT MARCH 20!

Hi, yall! ONLINE SHOW REMINDER for this coming MONDAY NIGHT! Join me if you can, just $5 to get your virtual seat: https://onlineconcertthing.com/product/s-j-tucker-2023-03-20-0630-pm-cst/

GRAB A SHAKER if you’ve got one and can watch the show while I’m live-I’m planning to be fully live for this one, and my librarian co-conspirators have asked me to lead a shake-a-long for at least one song during the concert. The kiddos watching along in Dubuque at the county library will be MAKING shaker eggs and maracas during the show! Can you guess which song I’m planning for this?

More info on my two shows this month, online March 20th & Tampa/Thonotosassa, FL March 31 with Muses on the Road: https://sjtucker.com/tour

Support the Red Album fundraiser here if you like: https://gofund.me/aec4feee (It’s going strong, approaching 11k now!)

In addition to our Red Album production fundraiser there, each musician contributing a song to the Red Album release gets to invite TWO PEOPLE to sponsor their track especially, for $75 or more. If you’re interested in being one of my two “Devil at the Door” sponsors, send me an email at sjtuckermusic@gmail.com. The opportunity is first come, first served and will remain open through April 30th.

I have a new interview this week, courtesy of Colleen DuVall & her podcast, Women Who Howl at the Moon! This was my first time on the show, and we had a great time chatting about music & magic. Enjoy it here: https://on.soundcloud.com/354cj

Love, and hope to have you in the chat Monday evening,

Sooj

PS, come support the music & hear my newest, unreleased song, the first one I’ve written for 2023: https://www.patreon.com/sjtuckermusic

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Bad Days
We all have bad days and within these days is usually a gem of a gift waiting to be opened.

We all have days from time to time when it feels like the world is against us or that the chaos we are experiencing will never end. One negative circumstance seems to lead to another. You may wonder, on a bad day, whether anything in your life will ever go right again. But a bad day, like any other day, can be a gift. Having a bad day can show you that it is time to slow down, change course, or lighten up. A bad day can help you glean wisdom you might otherwise have overlooked or discounted. Bad days can certainly cause you to experience uncomfortable feelings you would prefer to avoid, yet a bad day may also give you a potent means to learn about yourself.

You may consider a bad day to be one where you’ve missing an important meeting because your car stalled, the dryer broke, and you received a piece of very bad news earlier in the morning. Multiple misfortunes that take place one after the other can leave us feeling vulnerable and intensely cognizant of our fragility. But bad days can only have a long-term negative effect on us if we let them. It is better to ask yourself what you can learn from these kinds of days. The state of your bad day may be an indicator that you need to stay in and hibernate or let go of your growing negativity.

Bad days contribute to the people we become. Though we may feel discouraged and distressed on our bad days, a bad day can teach us patience and perseverance. It is important to remember that your attitude drives your destiny and that one negative experience does not have to be the beginning of an ongoing stroke of bad luck. A bad day is memorable because it is one day among many good days – otherwise, we wouldn’t even bother to acknowledge it as a bad day. Know too, that everybody has bad days, you are not alone, the world is not against you. Tomorrow is guaranteed to be a brighter day.

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4 Ways to Interpret Tarot Cards That Turn Up Repeatedly
BY ANNA

Hands Shuffling Tarot Cards
Ru-Lee StoryIt happens to every tarot reader sooner or later: no matter how thoroughly you shuffle, you find yourself pulling the same card again and again. You’ve read the entry in your guidebook of choice, but you still can’t figure out why it’s turning up so often! More often than not, this is a sign that there’s some aspect of the card’s message that you aren’t taking on board. So how can you make sense of whatever it’s trying to tell you? Here are four straightforward ways to open up to your clingy card’s message!

1. Research
   If you have other guidebooks on hand, read the appropriate entry from a few of them. Google the card and read descriptions from different sites. I even find it helpful to see how different decks portray the same card. It can be enlightening to get multiple viewpoints on a card’s message, because every artist and author brings their own flavor to the interpretation. And don’t ignore the card’s reversed meaning. Even if you don’t usually read reversals, you may find an angle you hadn’t considered.
2. Reflect
   Set aside some time to clear your mind and focus on your card. You can meditate, journal, or even doodle. The important thing is to still your mind and body as much as possible, and to let any connections or associations occur to you spontaneously. Don’t dismiss anything that floats through your mind. It might not seem to make sense in the moment, but it may suddenly click into place later!
3. Enact
   For my new book Your Tarot Toolkit, I created activities for every single card in the deck. I find that doing something helps me get the message in my bones, even doing something relatively simple. If your card is a Wand, dedicate some time to creativity or physical activity. If it’s a Pentacle, do something practical like budgeting or housework. For Cups, spend time with a loved one. For Swords, choose something intellectual like writing a letter or reading a book. And for the Major Arcana, do something difficult or unusual for you, like calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in ages or attending an event that isn’t your typical scene.
4. If all else fails…let it go
   At the end of the day, if you’re still drawing a blank on what the heck the card is trying to tell you…give yourself permission to let it be for now. You may be so mired in the situation that you can’t see it clearly yet, and that’s okay! Odds are good that you’ll look back later and realize, “Oh, that’s what the Eight of Pentacles was saying over and over!” And in the meantime, you can just roll your eyes and smile knowingly every time it turns up in your readings.

For further activities, reflection questions, and affirmations for your tarot practice, check out Your Tarot Toolkit!

Our thanks to Ru-Lee for their guest post! For more from Ru-Lee Story, read their article, “4 Steps to Turning Your Daily Tarot Draw into a Powerful Affirmation.”

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Experiences With Multiple Meanings

The refined impression you glean from your experiences after contemplating their significance, can add a new richness and texture to your life.

Though we humans are self-aware, we nonetheless cannot distance ourselves from the world around us and have a natural tendency to ascribe meaning to all that we experience. The significance we perceive in our experiences is rooted in our observation of patterns as they relate to ourselves. One situation has the power to teach us about life because it exposes us to something unfamiliar. Another touches our emotions deeply by enabling us to see how fortunate we are. Yet our initial impressions of an experience may not wholly reveal the true significance of that occurrence because our full response to an experience is like an onion with many layers that all have disparate meanings. Consider that a sunrise may stun us visually while simultaneously evoking memories of childhood and reminding us that each new day is a rebirth.

If you take the time to examine your experiences closely, you will discover that your original impressions may only be a part of a larger story of significance. Peeling away the layers of an event or incident can be a fun and interesting process if you allow it. To begin, relive your experience in your mind’s eye and from multiple perspectives if possible. Your interpretation of any situation is based not only on facts but also on feelings, beliefs, and your values. As you ruminate upon your experience, spend a few moments contemplating how you felt when it began and how your feelings had changed by its end. Ask yourself what abstractions, if any, it awakened in your mind. If an experience stirs up questions within your soul, it may be that in striving to answer them a new layer of meaning may reveal itself to you.

The significance of an experience may remain hidden to you for some time. The meaning of an event can change when viewed from another context or may only become apparent after intense meditation. An incident that seemed superficial may unexpectedly touch us deeply later in our lives. If you take a truly open-minded approach to your examination of each new level and do not shy away from revelations that could prove painful, you will learn much about your relationship to the world around you. And the refined impression you glean from your experiences after contemplating their significance can add a new richness and texture to your life.

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HAND SYMBOLISM ON GRAVESTONES
Cathy Wallace, 1847

Hand symbolism on gravestones can reveal how our ancestors lived and what they believed.

One of the most common gravestone symbols on tombstones is the hand. There are clasped hands, pointing fingers, hands holding objects, and more.

Finger Pointing Up
Fingers pointing upward indicate that the departed has gone to heaven and beckons grieving loved ones to look up.

This finger is pointing to the stars, which represent heaven.

Simple sleeve cuffs evolved into elaborately carved cuffs.

Finger Pointing Down
A hand with a finger pointing down represents the hand of God. The swirls at the top are symbolic of clouds or heaven.

The chain represents the family. Notice that it has a broken link. That separate link is symbolic of the deceased.

God is reaching out with one finger to bring them to heaven to join their departed family members.

Handshake
Handshakes on gravestones from the early 1800s showed just the hands themselves – no sleeves – so they appeared almost like severed limbs. Later gravestone styles added cuffs to the wrists.

The origin of the handshake dates back to at least the 9th century BC in Assyria. It signified a token of peace, as the hand was extended without weapons. The shaking up and down may even have been a means of verifying that there was not a dagger or knife up the other person’s sleeve.

In ancient Rome, handshakes were a symbol of loyalty and friendship. Clasped hands were even stamped on Roman coins.

Handshakes also denote that a person’s word is their bond, a giving of a sacred trust.

In the case of gravestone symbolism, handshakes can mean a final farewell or an eternal bond between the living and the dead.

Clasped hands were sometimes meant to portray the link between a married couple.

Notice the details on this hand symbolism. The fingernails are well-defined, as is the clothing.

Cuffs with lace, buttons, and trim show the departed came from a family that was well-to-do.

Sometimes one hand in a handshake is very stiff, showing that the person is dead, while the other hand has bent joints, indicating that the person is alive. The hand on the left is usually the one belonging to the deceased.

This is a symbol of farewell between the living and the dead. It is often accompanied by the words “Gone but not forgotten”, “Rest in Peace”, or “Good-bye”.

If you see one stiff hand in a handshake on a family gravestone – and there are male/female cuffs – it can be a clue as to which spouse died first.

Finger in a Book
The finger pointing upward is sometimes combined with an open book, representing a Bible.

This symbol suggests that the Word of God is the pathway to heaven.

Finger and Flowers
Again, the finger pointing up means the soul has gone to heaven. Open flowers symbolize that the deceased was in the full bloom of life.

This gravestone features a broken stem with a drooping blossom in the hand. This means that the person’s life was cut short.

Looking at the age of death at the bottom, we can see that this young lady died at the age of 17 years, 5 months, and 10 days (17Y, 5M, 10D).

The finger on this hand is pointing slightly upward toward a wilting flower and a bird. The drooping flower and bud show that this woman’s life was cut short and her body has died. But the bird is a symbol of her soul, which has taken flight to heaven.

Double Hand Pillar
This pillar grave marker in Hamilton, Indiana has a hand pointing upward for both the husband and the wife.

Both the height of the pillar and the pointing fingers remind cemetery visitors to look upward to heaven.

Hand from Heaven’s Veil
A handshake beneath a veil symbolizes someone in heaven reaching out to the deceased to bring them into God’s presence.

On this little girl’s gravestone, the hand of God reaches from behind heaven’s veil to lift a banner with her name on it up to Himself.

The Final Act

Looking at this gravestone, one might think of the final act of a play. Or taking it even more literally, the hand on the stage could be a “stagehand”. But alas, this is not what our ancestors were thinking of!

The hand is a symbol of action or a person’s deeds. It shows that the deceased is ready to leave the stage of life and move beyond the veil into the afterlife.

It is a reminder that there is more to life after one dies. This life is just one act in a much longer play.

One person leaves the stage and the curtain goes down. But the play must go on! It must go on for those on both sides of the veil.

Hands of Priesthood Blessings
Hands that are held in this position are a symbol on Jewish gravestones for those who have inherited a priestly heritage.

The majority of those who have this priestly heritage have had the last name of Cohen – a name that literally means “priest” in Hebrew. They are those who have descended from Aaron, the brother of the ancient prophet Moses.

Aaron’s priesthood rights have been passed down from generation to generation. Those who inherit this right or power use it to perform priestly duties.

One of their priestly duties is to hold their hands as pictured on these gravestones when offering an Aaronic benediction or blessing over the Jewish people.

To learn more about Jewish gravestone symbols, click HERE.

Holding Back the Hands of Time
This gravestone from Zydowski Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland is symbolic of “turning back the hands of time”, “turning back the clock”, and “turning to the past”. The mask and harp represent the deceased’s accomplishments in theater and music.

Hands Holding an Anchor
This hand is holding an anchor. Sometimes an anchor was carved on the gravestones of seamen since it was their last resort in a storm. But more often, an anchor on a gravestone was a symbol of hope.

The Bible references an anchor in connection with hope in Hebrews 6: 18-19, saying, “. . . lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast”

Those without hope may be like a ship tossed on the sea with their emotions being carried in every direction. The anchor would remind family members visiting the grave to hold on to the hope of seeing their loved one again.

To members of Freemasonry, the anchor represented well-grounded hope, a life well-spent, and eternal tranquility.

Handshake Beneath a Crown
The crown typically symbolizes Christ, who is also known as “The King of Kings”.

A handshake beneath a crown indicates the deceased is being welcomed to heaven through the power of Christ’s resurrection.

Hand Holding a Cross
A hand holding tight to a cross is also a symbol of one who follows Jesus Christ. It indicates hope for resurrection.

Hand and Heart
The heart on a hand symbol implies a loving welcome to heaven to one who has lived a life of love and service.

A heart on a hand is also a symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization derived from English Oddfellows orders of the mid-18th century.

The Independent Order of the Odd Fellows is sometimes referred to as The Triple Link Fraternity. This is a reference to the Odd Fellow symbol of a chain with three links with the letters “F”, “L”, and “T” in them.

The letters in the three links represent the fraternity’s guiding principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Praying Hands
Hand symbolism was much more common in the 1800s than it is now. Praying hands are the most common hand symbol on gravestones today.

Holding Hands
In 19th-century Dutch society, it was taboo for those of differing faiths to be buried together. So a wall was built in Netherland’s Roermond graveyard to divide those who were Protestant from those who were Catholic.

In defiance of this cultural custom, Colonel J.W.C. van Gorkum, a Protestant man who served with the Dutch Cavalry, and his noblewoman Catholic wife, Lady Josephina Carlina Petronela Hubertina van Aefferden, were buried in their assigned cemetery sections but the hands on their gravestones reach across the barrier.

The couple had been married for forty years and will now hold hands throughout eternity.

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Master Points
by Stephen Halpert

Harry Silver opened the carefully wrapped package he had just received from the auction house in England. He smiled, feeling pleased as he opened the leather-bound edition of the Collected Essays of Sir Isaac Newton. He looked at it and stroked the cover.
His wife Bessie came into the kitchen. She peered at the old volume. Newton? Didn’t he discover a lot?”
“More than that,” Harry said. “He virtually reinvented mathematics.”
She frowned. “Harry how can there ever be more than a lot? Sometimes I don’t understand where you’re coming from or even for that matter what you’re getting at.”
He smiled and leaned back in his chair. “Back when I was in school, I read Newton’s essay about the world coming to an end sometime between 2050 and 2070.”
She sighed. “Now that’s not a happy thought.” She wrinkled her brow. “But maybe by now it all got fixed.”
Harry frowned, “I’m afraid he came to that determination hundreds of years ago using pure mathematics.”
Bessie looked pensive. “Things can change, Harry. Besides people make predictions like that all the time.”
Harry shook his head, reached into the cabinet and took a can of sardines., He carefully pealed back the lid and forked them onto a plate. “And nothing has changed since his calculations. If anything, global warming could speed up the process and make things a whole lot worse.”
Bessie wrinkled her nose, “And when is this all supposed to happen?”
Harry rolled his eyes and chewed, concentrating on the taste of his sardines. “Who knows, give or take fifty, seventy years from now?”
Bessie’s expression changed. “That’s terrible. But you are absolutely sure he was accurate?”
Harry nodded. “Bessie, mathematics doesn’t lie. “
He got the pitcher of ice tea and took two glasses from the cabinet. “Bessie, it’s just one of those things we can’t do anything about.”
“Oh no.” She shook her head. “Maybe that’s how you feel Harry. But before I do anything, I’ll have to consult Sarah, my astrologer. She knows about things like this.” She poured them both tea.
He slid a slither of sardine onto a cracker. “And?”
“Well if she goes along with it I think we better sell the cottage at the Cape, and I’ll cash in my master points.”
“Why bother? Besides, maybe you can take them with you wherever we end up.”
Lips firm, she shook her head. “Oh no Harry I don’t think they’d transfer. Ever since Charles Goren, The Master Point Association became very strict about things like that. Otherwise, people could start throwing their master points around like confetti.”
He nodded and patted her hand tenderly. “lf I were you, I’d keep all this under your hat. There’s no need to cause panic. After all it’s not for fifty to seventy years from now. But whatever you do please don’t bring it up when you go to the beauty parlor or by breakfast the whole world will know.”
Her eyes widened and she said firmly, “Harry you don’t have to worry about confidentially. Believe me, whatever’s said at Madam Swank’s Salon stays at Madam Swank’s Salon. That’s one of the unwritten rules of cosmetology.”
He smiled and carefully swallowed another slither of sardines. “Besides Bessie it’s not like this is happening tomorrow.”
She looked at him intently. “Harry how long have we been together?”
“Forty some odd years.”
She nodded. “Yes, and do you remember on our anniversary you said those forty years went by faster than a speeding bullet. Those were your exact words.”
He looked quizzical. “I remember that line from Superman on the radio. What are you getting at?”
“Well if what Newton said proves to be true then we’d better start making plans; sell off what isn’t useful. Maybe put our money into gold. “She lowered her voice. “You could sell your baseball card collection and I’d send my mother’s China to auction.”
His voice rose. “Sell my baseball cards, why?”
She touched his hand. “Harry you can’t take them with you. Even if we were to survive, they’d probably get all soggy and ruined. That I’m sure about.”
His voice was even more emphatic. “I don’t want to sell my baseball cards. I’ve had them as long as I can remember.”
“Harry it’s a known fact that when there are floods, things get wet. Think about it. And I’m sure that when the world ends it won’t be a pretty picture.”
He seemed momentarily stymied. “Maybe we should just forget this whole conversation. Forget I even mentioned it.”
Her eye widened. “How can I? You’ve told me something terrible and awful. I can’t just shove it aside. It’s dominating my mind.”
“I’m sorry Bessie. But when we got married, we agreed not to keep secrets from each other.”
She sighed. “Oh, go ahead and keep your baseball cards but don’t blame me if they get all wet and mildewed.”
“Thank you.” He finished the last of his sardines.
“But because you’re known as the Mattress Czar of Pawtucket maybe you should think about having an end of the world sale. Get ahead of your competition.”
He looked quizzical. “Why? If the world’s going to end then why would anyone even think about buying a new mattress or box spring?”
“Harry if this is true; if the world’s really going to explode like Newton said, then the only place I’d want to be is with you in our bed holding hands. And when you think about it, a new box spring and mattress would make our final hours a little more comfortable.”
He looked surprised. “You really think that?”
Now she sounded emphatic. “Of course I do! And when she read my astrology chart, Sarah said that beyond anything else, I’m practical.”
He sighed and shook his head. “Bessie this is all a little premature.”
She shook her head. “Remember that speeding bullet remark Harry. After all, time flies.”
He took her hand. “Bessie let’s just forget all about this for now. You hang onto your mother’s china, and I’ll keep my baseball cards. And just to make you feel better let’s go away for the weekend. Didn’t you say there was a bridge tournament in Portland you wanted to sign up for.”
She shook her head and lowered her voice. “Oh, Harry none of that seems important to me anymore. What good are more master points when I won’t have anyone to play bridge with, assuming we even survive? And if we do, I probably wouldn’t be able to find a dry deck of cards amidst the rubble.”
Harry put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her. “Tell you what, let’s go to supper, and afterwards just to be on the safe side, I’ll get you a few dozen decks to put all around the house. That way you’re bound to come up with at least one that’s dry.”

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8 Weird Cat Behaviors That Stump Kitty Parents

By Rita Reimers

Is your cat’s bizarre behavior normal — or a reason to call the vet? From head butting to putting toys in the food dish and beyond, we talk about some weird cat behaviors and why they happen.

Cats are known for their mysterious ways and off-the-wall behaviors in general. There are some cats, however, where those weird cat behaviors are just so quirky and bizarre that you don’t know if you should laugh or call your vet.

Here are eight weird cat behaviors that I’ve come across, and I will attempt to explain just why some happen. Does your cat do any of these?

1. Staring at the wall
   A gray cat staring.
   Does your cat just stare at the wall?
   Have you ever seen your cat sitting perfectly still, just staring at the wall? My cats do that quite a lot. So then of course I start looking around, trying to figure out what they see that I don’t.

While it’s a common and harmless habit most cats have, it does tend to make me wonder if my cats are a bit like Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense!

2. Knocking things over
   It’s common for cats to play with their prey, but considered a weird cat behavior when they ‘re knocking things to the floor.
   It’s common for cats to play with their prey, but considered a weird cat behavior when they ‘re knocking things to the floor.
   Particularly when I am busy working in my office, my cat, Sonny, will come along and randomly knock objects to the floor. It seems the more I ignore him, the more things end up on my floor.

While it’s common for cats to play with their prey — and this behavior has been likened to that — I’m not so sure that’s always the case. Personally, I think Sonny is trying to annoy me just enough so I’ll get up and open the bag of treats for him.

3. Stealing things
   An excited cat playing with a toy, about to pounce.
   Does your cat steal things from you? Photography ©sjallenphotography | Thinkstock.
   We’ve all seen those videos of cats stealing things from the neighbors and bringing them home. The reason it’s so funny is that cats really do take things that don’t belong to them, and quite regularly.

When cats steal and then hide things, they’re mimicking the hunt they would be doing in the wild, burying their catch to eat later. My friend Linda laments, “My cat, Karma, is smart enough to open the jar where I keep my hair ties, take one, then put the lid back on. I am running out of hair ties, and I am bitter!”

4. Head butting
   Head butting is just one weird cat behavior you might notice with your cat. .
   Head butting is just one weird cat behavior you might notice with your cat.
   Bonk, bonk, bonk! That’s the sound of a cat hitting a person with his head, trying to get some attention. Head butting, or bunting, as is the proper term, is a very high honor a cat bestows upon those accepted as members of his tribe. As he bunts, he’s also marking them with his scent, declaring his ownership.

This weird cat behavior is used solely for social bonding, showing friendliness and acceptance. I also think this is how cats poke us to get our attention; my Punkin does this if I take too long to pet him when he sits next to me on the sofa.

5. Putting toys in the food dish
   Kitten playing with a toy mouse on the floor.
   Do your cat’s toys end up in the food dish?
   My friend Linda sent me a photo the other day. Her cat, Kizzy, had put a toy in his empty food bowl after he had eaten his dinner. “Why does he do this?” This is another throwback to the wild when, as a wildcat, Kizzy would have been outside hunting and gathering food.

Some cats will put their toys in their food dish as a safe place to keep them for later, just like a cat in the wild would bury his catch to hide it from predators. “Oh that makes sense,” Linda says. “He never did that until we brought Karma home.” Sounds to me like someone doesn’t want to share his toys!

6. Teeth chattering and chirping
   Cat looking out a window at birds and birdseed.
   Does your cat chatter and chirp?
   Did you ever hear a cat chirp? Usually it’s accompanied by the gnashing of teeth, which sounds like someone’s teeth chattering in the cold, and whiskers that stand on end. I saw my cat, Simon, doing the chirp n’ chatter the other day when he was staring at the wall. Turns out, he was watching a tiny little bug who was just out of reach, so he couldn’t swat it down.

Frustration and excitement often cause the chattering behavior, especially when they see birds outside that they cannot hunt. I’ve seen my spoiled house cats staring out the window at birds, frustrated they can’t get to their prey. Believe me, they’re happier with the prey-in-cans anyway; no work required!

7. Zooming from room to room
   A hyper or excited cat with his mouth open and arms stretched wide.
   Why do cats get the zoomies?
   Wait, what was that orange streak? Why its Colby suddenly deciding he MUST run RIGHT NOW with all his might from the living room into my office and back. “Zoomies” are how cats burn off their pent-up energy, left over from their hard day of hanging around the house waiting for supper.

Um OK, but why right then? And why at top speed in the middle of the night when the house is very, very quiet? Maybe your cat has a vendetta against you, and payback is, well you know, a zooming cat keeping you up at night!

8. Playing/sleeping in boxes
   A cat hanging around in a box is another weird cat behavior that raises some questions.
   A cat hanging around in a box is another weird cat behavior that raises some questions.
   We’ve all heard “If I fits, I sits” when explaining the cat-in-box syndrome. Even large cats in the wild will sit in a box given the opportunity (Google it and see!). But just why do cats love boxes so much?

A deep box is a cozy place to curl up for a nap, hidden away safely from predators while they take a comfortable snooze. Add a blanket to the box, or not — either way, cats love to cozy up inside. When our Chewy.com order comes, the cats can’t wait for the brand new boxes to be emptied, so they can claim new napping spots.

And let’s not forget the great fun they have tearing the cardboard into tiny bits, all over my carpet. Yeah, thanks fellas!

The bottom line on weird cat behaviors
These are just a few of the weird cat behaviors that are oh-so-common in the feline world. We can play into some of them and have a wonderful time bonding with our kitties in their zany little moments, now that we understand what drives them.

Rita Reimers’ Cat Behavior Coaching has helped many cat owners better understand their feline friends. Visit RitaReimers.com to read her cat behavior blog or to book a cat behavior coaching session. Rita is also the CEO/owner of JustForCatsPetsitting.com. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Catster magazine. Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting area of your vet’s office? Click here to subscribe to Catster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home.

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Weekly Horoscope: Sunday, March 19, 2023
All Signs
Three planetary changes occur this week. The first is the Spring equinox when the Sun crosses the equator creating equal day and night. This means the Sun will be in Aries for four weeks. The second change is that Pluto will move into Aquarius for 3 months. (The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was 1778-1798. Power to the people! “Off with their heads!”) Pluto returns to Aquarius in 2024 to stay until 2044. And finally, after being in Gemini for seven months, this week Mars moves into Cancer. (Normally, Mars is in one sign for only six weeks, once every two years.) We will feel this! Of course, change is always happening, but some things are more noticeable than others. Like when someone answers the door naked.

Aries (March 21-April 19)
You’re looking at a powerful four weeks ahead. The Sun, Mercury and lucky Jupiter will all be in your sign, which is empowering. You’ll have more energy, more drive and more focus! This is your chance to rejuvenate yourself. And as the Sun starts to dance with Jupiter, you will feel physically and psychologically pumped. You will attract money to you; and will buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Get ready for increased chaos and activity on the home front due to renovations, visiting guests or home repairs. Whatever it is – you can handle it. “I’ve got this.”

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your personal year is coming to an end; but your new year won’t begin until your birthday. This means the next four weeks are like a time of limbo. Nevertheless, with Venus in your sign, you’ll be charming and diplomatic. You will certainly feel the shift of Mars because this will make your communications more direct and forceful. In the next six weeks, you will say what you mean and mean what you say! You might also sense that a change in your career or life direction is taking place. It’s starting now but will magnify by next year. Meanwhile, lucky Jupiter enters your sign in mid-May, to stay for a whole year, which brings great good fortune! (After that, you’ll get richer.) Oh boy.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Big change this week! For the last seven months, fiery Mars was in your sign. (This is unusual because usually Mars is in your sign for only six weeks every two years.) So, for over half a year, you’ve been strutting your stuff and giving everyone orders. You have learned what it’s like to have the upper hand and use it. Naturally, you might have come on too strong for some. Now you will enter a friendly, four-week window where you might hang out with younger people more than usual, and be involved with groups. You will start to work hard for money because you’re certainly going to spend it. It’s all good.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You’re entering a powerful window this week because fiery Mars moves into your sign to stay for six weeks. This will pump you with energy, enthusiasm and aggression! Meanwhile, for the next four weeks, the Sun will be at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight, which makes everyone admire you and think that you’re the cat’s meow. (Oh yes, you’ll be impressive.) Meanwhile, expect fun times with friends, especially creative, artistic types. In fact, for some of you, a friend could become a lover. You might start to see the beginning of change in how you share property with someone. Even your values are starting to change. It’s major.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Your urge to travel, seek adventure and have a change of scenery will be strong in the next four weeks. Do whatever you can to satisfy this desire for new stimulation. Whatever you do will be pleasant because Venus is at the top of your chart making you look attractive to others. This means that wherever you go, you will schmooze successfully and be popular. However, closer to home, you might start to feel some rumblings and change that affect your partnerships and closest relationships. You’ll feel the need to flex your muscles and demand more independence and freedom. Not surprising considering your theme song is, “Whatever Lola wants – Lola gets.”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Like Leo, you want to travel for pleasure and see the world! You will also enjoy learning and studying, especially deep truths that make you think. In the next four weeks, you will feel more passionate and more intense about everything, including physical intimacy. But you will feel just as passionate about financial matters, inheritances and how to divide and share things. Your worldview is changing now because you’re beginning to think more about your external goals and how you want to achieve them. Teamwork will be important. In fact, some of you might be involved competitively with a group or an individual. You’ve decided to throw your hat in the ring and go after what you want!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
For the next four weeks, you will need more sleep than usual because the Sun will be opposite your sign, which means it is as far away as it can get (in your chart) – and the Sun represents energy. This also means your focus on close friends, partners and spouses will be strong. Ironically, you will have more objectivity to view these relationships, which is an opportunity for you to see how to improve how your role in the relationship. Meanwhile, back at the starting gate, fiery Mars will be at the top of your chart, (something that hasn’t happened for two years.) This will arouse your ambition as never before! In addition, Venus will also arouse your romantic passion! It might even attract money to you. Fascinating times ahead!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You might be surprised at how much energy you have in the next four weeks to work and be productive. Suddenly, you will set the bar high because you want to get a lot done and do it as efficiently as possible. These high standards will likely extend to your health as well, which is why you will do whatever you can to boost your health. With Venus opposite your sign now, relations with others are warm and mutually supportive. Meanwhile, Mars will stir your desire to travel, explore, discover adventure and meet people from other cultures so that you can learn and enrich your world. In a subtle way, you might start to see that your home scene is changing in a direction that will give you more freedom. So many changes….

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Lucky you! The next four weeks are play city for your sign. Slip away on a vacation if you can. As the world traveller of the zodiac, you hardly need an excuse. Meanwhile, you want to work hard and party hard! Romance will flourish. Accept invitations to social outings, sports events, the theatre and fun get-togethers with others, especially younger people. Relations with coworkers are warm and mutually supportive. The only fly in the ointment is that you might encounter disputes about shared property, debt, inheritances or insurance issues. Something is a bit testy here. (Privately, your sex drive is amped!)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Home, family and your private life will be your primary focus for the next four weeks. Expect to have family discussions, especially about home repairs or ways to expand your home. You might even be thinking about a change of residence. Warm relations with children as well as romantic rendezvous’s will delight. Accept invitations to social occasions because they will please you. Admittedly, Mars is opposite your sign now for the next six weeks, which can provoke conflict with others, especially partners, spouses and close friends. Consider this an opportunity to practice patience, a precious virtue. Cocoon at home as much as you can, interspersed with exciting opportunities to socialize. Sweet!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The pace of your days is accelerating! Short trips, appointments and errands plus increased discussions with siblings, relatives and neighbours will be one reason you’ll be busier than a one-armed paper hanger. Ironically, you want to entertain at home and redecorate your digs; and at the same time, you’ll be busting your buns at work for the next six weeks to show the world what you can do. (Gasp!) You want to get things done, which is why you’re ready to defer tomorrow’s pleasure for today’s work. Naturally, you want the credit. (And why not?) Meanwhile, Pluto moves into your sign for the first time since more than two centuries ago! Many of you will dramatically change your appearance now or next year.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Money, cash flow, earnings plus issues with possessions are your strong focus in the next four weeks. Look for ways to boost your income because you can do this. Trust your moneymaking ideas. Meanwhile, you want to play and have fun! Many will spend money on vacations, social outings, the theatre or sports events and fun activities with children. It’s a great time to socialize because Venus is in your House of Communications, sweetening your words and smoothing your relations with siblings, relatives and neighbours. One lovely detail is that your positive frame of mind will plant the seeds of appreciation within you, making you notice the beauty of your daily surroundings. Gosh.

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