Happy Valentine’s Week!
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
The NEW MOON always rises at sunrise
And the FIRST QUARTER at noon.
The FULL MOON always rises at sunset
And the LAST QUARTER at midnight.
~The New Orleans Mistic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
)0(
Goddess Month of Bridhe, begins 1/23 – 2/19
)0(
Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) January 21 to February 17
)0(
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Moon
Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)
Goddess Aspect: Maiden
Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona
Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiration, Energy, Vitality, Freedom. Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)
Perform magic on waxing moons to attract a new quality or behavior, to increase the light within, to attain personal and spiritual growth and greater awareness. The quarter moon suggests a period of overcoming obstacles and continuing on the path to growth.
)0(
Honoring the Goddess Every Day at GoddessSchool.com
So mote it be!!
)0(
Each And Every Day A Feast Day!
Embrace It!!!
)0(
The GoddessSchool
http://GoddessSchool.com
High Priestess Certification and Ancient Mystery Teachings
Now Taking Students!
High Priestess Mystery School Training
E-mail me ASAP for an application!
GrannyMoonsMail@yahoo.com
http://Goddessschool.com/
)0(
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
)0(
GrannyMoon is Founder and Mother High Priestess of GoddessSchool, Sisters of the Burning Branch, dedicated to the Feminine Divine. Living in the Washington, DC suburbs, she attended LDS Seminary, Former staff member and student of the Esoteric Theological Seminary, is an ordained Metaphysical Interfaith minister with doctoral degrees in Theology and Divinity, since 1999. She is a current board member of the Northern Virginia Pagan Pride Day, charter member and former counsel and board member of The Order of the White Moon. A scholar of ancient mysteries, Doula, Reiki Master, Herbalist and Lifetime Member of Herbal Healer Academy, Inc. and former VA State Representative A.R.E.N. Alternative Religions Educational Network. She has dedicated her life to the study and teaching of the Esoteric.
Join me! GrannyMoon@Goddessschool.com http://Goddessschool.com Saturday’s with GrannyMoon!
Face to Face classes at Sticks and Stones – 11037 Lee Highway · Fairfax, VA
I teach classes on Saturdays 12-2, except the last Saturday of the month. On the last Saturday of the month I host the Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat – open to all – a group of solitaires who celebrate the wheel of the year. 7:15 – 9:00PM
GrannyMoon’s Herbal Witches Cauldron – Every last Saturday of the month. Explore a new herb or two and work on a hands-on project with us. 4-6PM
WitchCrafting – February, Saturdays Noon – 2PM
Teach a witch a spell and she can do that spell. Teach a witch the craft and she can do magick!
GrannyMoon, Teaching the Craft for over 20 years!
)0(
GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Moon Day Hail Luna! Hail Mani! Energy: Female Ruler: The Moon Magicks involving the subconscious, healing, emotions, love, spirituality, healing wounds, children, small animals, women’s mysteries,mothers, sisters, female partners, wives, instincts
Today’s Magickal Influences: Agriculture, Domestic, Long Life, Medicine,
Travels, Visions, Theft
Today’s Goddesses: Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gaeleach, Ida, Artemis [Whom The
Greeks Associated With Bast], The Witches, Yemaya, Erzulie, Bast
Incense: Myrtle
Perfumes: White Poppy, White Rose, Wallflower
Monday – Wear pearl, moonstone, or crystal. Use an emerald for amulets.
Color of The Day: Silver, Grey, White
Colors for Tomorrow: Red
Candle: White
Cooking on Monday will improve magics for creativity, insight, maternal
nature, and Goddess-related efforts. ~Quote from Magickal Martha
)0(
Hail Tyr! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Tyr’s or Tiu’s Day Day of Mars, Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw (from whom it is named), Tuisco,. Magickal influences are: Passion, courage, aggression and protection, vitality, passion, ambition and raw, unabashed power. Mars energy makes the mind acute.It is lucky to meet a left-handed person on any day except Tuesday – then it’s an ill omen. A superstition from areas of England that were ruled by the Danelaw, because the day is named for Norse God Týr who sacrificed his right hand to bind the Fenris Wolf. #FolkloreThursday
Tuesday – Wear a ruby, star sapphire, or emerald. Use topaz for amulets.
Today’s Magickal Influences ~ Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical Strength
Be cautious-especially while traveling.
Today’s Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Soorejnaree, Pingalla, Anna, Aine, Danu,
Yngona, Bellona, Aida Wedo, Sun Woman
Perfumes: Hellebore, Carnation, Patchouli
Incense: Lignum Aloes, Plantain
Color of The Day: Red
Colors for Tomorrow: Yellow
Lucky Sign: Tuesday Is The Lucky Day For Aries
Candle: Red
On Tuesday, cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success!
)0(
Hail Odin! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Woden’s or Odin’s Day
Energy: Male Ruler: Mercury – Rules healings, the mind – Use for magick
involving mental issues, learning, higher education, addictions,
communications, travel, young people, messages, perception, self-expression,
artists, poets, and writers
Wednesday – Wear amethyst, star ruby, or lodestone. Use turquoise in amulets.
Today’s Magickal Influences: Conjurations, Predictions, Knowledge, Writing,Eloquence
Incense: Cinnamon, Cinquefoil
Perfumes: Sweetpea, Lavender, Mastic, Frankincense, Cloves
Color of The Day: Yellow, Grey
Colors for Tomorrow: Purple, Indigo, Blue
Candle: Yellow
Lucky Sign: Wednesday Is The Lucky Day For Gemini And Virgo
Today’s Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya,
Devi-Kali, Hella, Rhiannon, Coatlique, Maman Brigette, Sekhmet, Hathor
)0(
GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Thor’s Day Hail Thor!
Energy: Male
Ruler: Jupiter
attracting more of what you have.
Today’s Magickal Influences ~ Luck, Religion, Healing, Trade And Employment,Treasure, Honors, Riches, Legal Matters,
Use Growth, Expansion, Prosperity, Money, Business, Attracting More
Thors Day – Wear sapphire, cat’s eye, or carnelian. Use sapphire in rituals.
Today’s Goddesses: Juno, Hera, Kwan Yin, Mary, Cybele, Tara, Mawu, Mlaba
Mwana Waresa, Ishtar, Nuit
Perfumes: Stock, Lilac, Storax, Aloes
Incense: Nutmeg, Henbane
Color of The Day: Purple, Indigo, Blue
Colors for Tomorrow: Light Blue, Pale Green
Lucky Sign: Thursday Is The Lucky Day For Sagittarius And Pisces
Candle: Blue
)0(
Hail Freya! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Freya’s Day
Energy: Female Ruler: Venus – Rules lovers and pleasure, affairs of the
heart – Use for magick involving love, peace, beauty, gentleness, women’s
problems, healing, protection, lovers, ease, pleasure, affairs. Resolve
quarrels today!
Friday – Cast love spells on Fridays. Wear blue robes and use turquoise, ruby, emerald or cat’s eye.
Today’s Magickal Influences: All Love Matters, Friendships, Affection,
Partnerships, Money, Sex
Today’s Goddesses: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wedo, Eve, Venus,
Freya, Frigg, Diana, Aset [Isis], The Witch Of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique
Incense: Saffron, Verbena
Perfumes: Stephanotis, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris
Color of The Day: Light Blue, Pale Green
Candle: Green
Colors for Tomorrow: Black
Lucky Sign: Friday Is The Lucky Day For Taurus And Libra
Saint Jegudiel represents Friday
)0(
Hail Loki! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Saturn and Loki’s Day
Day of Seatere, Seater, and Saturn and of Loki, the Norse god of tricks and
revelry. Saturday is ruled by Saturn, whose Magickal influences are:
longevity, endings, and homes. Saturday comes under the influence of Saturn.
Saturn’s influence directs our attention toward routine chores, customs, and
conventional traditions. Saturday is a good day for furthering our ambitions
through perseverance, patience, responsible action, and a sense of purpose .
Saturday – Wear turquoise, labradorite, or diamond. Use amethyst.
Saturday is a good day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving
spirit communication, meditation, psychic self-defense, binding, and
locating lost things or missing persons.
Today’s Goddesses: Ops, Rhea, Tellus Mater, Gaia, Eartha, Ge, Tonantzin,
Asherah, Anath, The Shekinah, The Matronit, Mary, Gula, Herodias, Oddudua,
Demeter
Today’s Magickal Influences: Duties, Responsibilities, Finding Families,
Works Of Magic, Buildings, Meditation, Life, Doctrines
Today’s Energies: Female – Rules obstacles, overcoming blockages – Use for
magick involving overcoming limitations, the elderly, endings, deaths,
blocks, constrictions, and those restricting you.
Incense: Pepperwort, Assodilious, Black Poppy Seeds, Henbane, Lodestone,
Myrrh
Perfumes: Hyacinth, Pansy
Color of The Day: Black
Colors for Tomorrow: Orange, Gold and Yellow
Lucky Sign: Saturday Is The Lucky Day For Capricorn And Aquarius
Candle: Black
)0(
Hail Sunna and Sol! GrannyMoon Says Today is: Sun Day
Energy: Male
Ruler: The Sun
Rule health, prosperity, leadership, joy, and protection – Use for magick involving happiness, prosperity, joy, healing, protection, power,
leadership, ego, authority figures, fathers, husbands
Today’s Goddesses: Sunne, Frau Sonne, Aditi, Igaehindvo, Amaterasu, Arinna,
Izanami, Ochumare
Sunday’s Magickal Influences: Health, Healing, Confidence And Hope, Prosperity
Incense: Mastic, Palaginia
Perfumes: Heliotrope, Orange Blossom, Cloves, Frankincense, Ambergris, Musk,Myrrh
Sunday – wear topaz, sunstone, or diamond. Use pearl in crafting talismans.
Color of The Day: Orange, Gold
Colors for Tomorrow: Silver, Gray, White
Lucky Sign: Sunday Is The Lucky Day For Leo
Candle: Yellow
)0(
Lupercalia, a Very Old Pagan Festival
In the Old Roman religion, there was a festival called Lupercalia, who took place between the 12th and 15th of February[1]. It is a very ancient festival who comes from the Etruscan civilisation (800-264 BC). It was celebrated across Italy and Gaul.
Lupercalia honoured the god Lupercus, who is the wolf-aspect of the god Faunus. Faunus, the oldest god of the Romans, is the typical horned-god figure and is commonly associated with the greek god Pan.
The Lupercalia festival is about purification, to bring prosperity and fertility to both the people and the land. With time, the festival became associated with the foundation myth of Rome. The festival took place in the cave of Lupercal, where the legend tells that Romulus and Remus were suckled by the she-wolf named Lupa. Since Romulus and Remus were the founders of Rome, it tells us how important the Lupercalia festival was to the Romans.
The Pagan Ritual
The ritual took place at the Lupercalia Altar, in the Lupercal cave. First, there was a blood sacrifice involving two orders of priests and priestesses: the Luperci (Brothers of the Wolf) and the Vestal Virgins (Priestesses of the domestic goddess Vesta).
The Luperci performed the sacrifice of a male goat and a dog and the offering of salted mealcakes prepared by the Vestal Virgins.
Afterwards, there was a rite of purification. The foreheads of two Luperci were anointed with blood from the sacrifice, then cleansed with a wool cloth soaked in milk. Then, the two priests were expected to smile or laugh.
The Lupercalian Festival in Rome: Cupid and Personifications of Fertility encounter the Luperci dressed as dogs and goats.
This rite was followed by a sacrificial feast, were februa thongs were made from the skin of the sacrificed animals. The Luperci wore them and ran, naked, in the City of Rome, around the hill surrounding the cave.
Here’s how Plutarch[2] described it :
“many of the noble youths and of the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. And many women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped in delivery, and the barren to pregnancy.”
How Lupercalia Became Valentine’s Day
Although Lupercalia was banned with the persecution of paganism around 381 by Pope Theodosius, the people continued to celebrate it until at least the reign of Pope Gelasius (492-496).
The hypothesis stating that Valentine’s Day replaced Lupercalia is controversial: some researchers claim that Lupercalia was replaced by Candlemas by Pope Gelassius, but others say that there is no evidence to prove it.
Furthermore, other historians claim that there is a link between the Lupercalia customs and our modern Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Nevertheless, the resemblance between the old festival and our modern holiday are striking. If one looks at all the symbolism around the Valentine’s day gifts and decorations, the similarities are hard to ignore: the red and white hearts and flowers, the chocolate, the celebration of love and sex, everything conveys the cult of fertility and purification.
How to Reclaim Lupercalia
If you feel compelled to incorporate the old Lupercalia customs in your modern spiritual practices, keep reading! I have listed here a couple ideas about how to give a second life to the ancient customs.
Altar Decorations
A modern Valentine’s Day altar idea.
Decorate your Sacred Space with colors evoking fertility and purification. Colors like red, pink and white are perfect for this. Bonus tip: add some black to banish negativity.
To decorate your altar or shrine, any Valentine’s Day decorations will do. Otherwise, if you want to distinguish your ritual from the commercial holiday, choose natural altar elements like real flowers (you can choose other flowers than roses, as long as it is red, pink or white) or crystals (pink quartz looks great).
Then, add some incense and herbs evoking fertility or purification, like cinnamon, cacao, vanilla, cardamom, rosemary, thyme, sage, and so on. Include some Horn God or phallic symbols. Don’t be afraid to be creative!
Celebration Ideas
If you want to celebrate Lupercalia, here’s a list of ideas:
Make an offering of red meat to the Horned God.
Plan a romantic meal with your date or loved one
Anoint yourself with red wine to replace the blood sacrifice; then, wipe it with a cloth soaked in milk.
Cook your own mealcakes (I found this recipe)
Visit a cave near of where you live
Honour your own nudity by dancing in front of a mirror
Make a smile meditation
Take a ritual bath
Make spells of fertility and love
Try something new to spice up your sexual life
Take a simple walk in your city while wearing a talisman or crystal to attract love
Listen to music about Lupercalia. Here’s my favorite one by Faun.
That’s all I had for today! I hope you found this post interesting. I will definitely adopt one of those ideas for my own pagan Valentine’s Day celebration!
Love & Light,
-Tsona at https://www.thetetraktys.com
Sources
[1] “Lupercalia”, Encyclopeadia Britannica, 1911.
[2] Plutarch, Life of Ceasar.
)0(
Llewellyn’s Spell a Day
Spell for Youthfulness
Spell Date: Monday, February 4, 2019
Use this new moon spell to help you retain a youthful glow. Place a round mirror outside at night to catch the rays of the new moon’s light. Be sure that the mirror is clean and free of any smudges or fingerprints. Retrieve the mirror before moonset and gaze into it so that you can see both your face and the moon reflected in the glassy surface. Envision your face being flooded with moonlight, erasing any impurities and smoothing any wrinkles or rough patches. Say into the mirror:
“I am beautiful like the moon, born
again and born anew! Rays of moon
and starry sky, put a twinkle in my eye!”
Smile into the mirror to complete the spell. Keep this mirror out of the sunlight and gaze into it only at nighttime to give yourself a boost of beauty and freshness.
This post was written by Melanie Marquis on February 04, 2019
)0(
Manifesting Happiness
Spell Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Today is Lunar New Year in China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia, and Tibet, and 2019 is the year of the Earth Pig. The last animal in the Chinese zodiac, Pig is compassionate, generous, and diligent. Earth pig is communicative and popular among friends. Today, set an intention to cultivate happiness from within.
Envision yourself happy from within. What do you look like? Feel like? How are you changed?
Now that you are not dependent on outside stuff or people, ask:
“What within me brings me happiness?”
Write it down. For the next fourteen days, devote a few moments daily to cultivating these qualities of character or these personal practices. Let happiness from within grow with the waxing moon and set the tone for the year to come.
This post was written by Dallas Jennifer Cobb on February 05, 2019
)0(
Messages from Reindeer
Spell Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Today is Sami National Day, a day of celebration in Norway for the Sami people. These shamanic people are renowned for their connection to reindeer. The Sami are famous reindeer herders. Reindeer are also used to pull sleighs, and the Sami culture holds Reindeer as a spirit of great power. All parts of deceased reindeer are used for practical and sacred purposes and treated with reverence. There are many hypotheses that Santa’s sleigh being depicted as driven by reindeer may have roots in Sami shamans’ multifaceted relationship with reindeer.
Perhaps the spirit of Reindeer holds a message for you too. Create sacred space according to your tradition, and enter a state of altered consciousness, either through shamanic journeying or meditation. Visit the spirit of Reindeer. Ask it what wisdom it has to share with you. Journal on your experiences.
This post was written by Blake Octavian Blair on February 06, 2019
)0(
Feel the Rhythm
Spell Date: Thursday, February 7, 2019
On this day in 1964, the Beatles landed for the first time in the United States. Their arrival is legendary. When the feet of those four young men touched US soil, a shock wave was sent across the world that is still going. The Beatles’ music and style set off rhythms and pulses of love that resonated deeply with our souls and intentions for a better world.
Today, grab your favorite drum, tambourine, or rattle. If you have none of these, clap your hands. Bang on your drum, shake your rattle or tambourine, or clap your hands, slowly at first, then faster and faster, until you can feel the beat in your soul. When the rhythm reaches a crescendo, let loose a whoop or a holler. Know you are energetically connected to the rhythms of the universe. Know you are a rhythm that can send good vibrations across the world.
This post was written by Najah Lightfoot on February 07, 2019
)0(
Creative Romance Month
Spell Date: Friday, February 8, 2019
Everyone knows about Valentine’s Day, but February is also Creative Romance Month. This can mean spicing up a current relationship, seeking a new one, or celebrating things like platonic romance.
This spell requires hearts, such as beads or chocolates, one for you and one for your partner(s). Use red for sexual romance or pink for platonic. Hold your heart and imagine what you have to give. Hold your partner’s heart and focus on what you wish to receive. If you have some current partner(s), give your heart to them and keep theirs on your altar. If not, you can leave yours in a public place such as a park to signify your openness to new relationships.
In any case, take time today to do sweet and quirky things for people you love, whether the relationship is erotic or not. Affectionate gestures increase the amount of love in your life.
This post was written by Elizabeth Barrette on February 08, 2019
)0(
Ice Lolly Spell
Spell Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019
In these dark months we really start to miss the power of the sun. This edible spell draws upon solar energy, reminds us of summer, and is a tasty treat all in one.
For this spell you will need ice lolly (Popsicle) sticks, reusable ice lolly molds, and orange juice.
On each ice lolly stick, use washable nontoxic marker to write a goal, such as love, prosperity, or friendship. Place one stick in each ice lolly mold. Set the orange juice in direct sunlight for a moment or two, charging it with the warm, illuminating, joyful energy of the sun. Fill the lolly molds with the juice, then place in the freezer overnight. Each lolly will absorb the intent of the goal written on the stick.
As you eat the frozen treats, take into yourself the power to achieve your goals, boosted by solar energy.
This post was written by Kate Freuler on February 09, 2019
)0(
The Parking Space Word
Spell Date: Sunday, February 10, 2019
I’ve received fan email for this spell, which I’ve published in various places, including earlier almanacs, so I’m repeating it this year. No matter where we live, if we drive a car, we need to park it somewhere. Whether we’re at work or at the mall or at home in an urban neighborhood that has more multi-family dwellings than there are parking spaces, we need to park our car.
Speak the Parking Space Word:
“ZZZZZAAAAAAZZZZZ.”
Speak it loud and with great energy. It seems to work best if you plan ahead and say where you want to park. Speak the Word, therefore, when you turn a corner or enter the parking lot:
“ZZZZZAAAAAZZZZZ.
Parking space at________.”
Be aware that the Word doesn’t always work immediately. Sometimes you have to drive around the block or around the lot. Repeat the Word every time you turn a corner. It will work.
This post was written by Barbara Ardinger on February 10, 2019
)0(
Happy Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the Lunar new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.
If you were born during these years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, this is your year!
Those born under the sign of the pig (also called the boar) are aware, honest, tolerant and make and keep good friends. They tend to expect the same from everyone else and more often than not they end up disappointed.
Those born in the year of the pig tend to have excellent manners, work very hard and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Usually very gallant. When they do something, they do it with all their heart. They have tremendous fortitude.
They are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. They are also incredibly naive. The quest for material goods could be their downfall.
The Pig person is simple, sturdy, courageous, persevering, resolute, sociable, peace-loving and patient, trusting, sincere, diligent, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous and passionate. They can also be self-indulgent, condescending, fatalistic, and materialistic.
Discover more traits of the Pig/Boar here https://www.peacefulmind.com/project/pig
How to Celebrate
Prior to New Year’s Day, Chinese families decorate their living rooms with vases of pretty blossoms, platters of oranges and tangerines and a candy tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit. On walls and doors are poetic couplets, happy wishes written on red paper. Families thoroughly clean their homes in order to sweep away any misfortune and make way for good luck. Windows and doors are decorated with delicate red paper cutouts and poetic couplets (pairs of corresponding lines of poetry) that express people’s joy and hope for the New Year.
A Lunar Celebration
The lunar celebration brings fireworks, red packages and beautiful lanterns parading through the streets of Chinatown. The dragon dance is performed with a large custom head of a dragon and many people following behind in costume resembling the dragon’s body.
These are common customs and traditions observed during the Chinese New Year period. Most importantly, many families gather for large reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve and also pay respectful visits to their relatives as part of the New Year celebrations.
Who You Are
The lunar calendar has a sixty year cycle. In Chinese Astrology, the five basic elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, which make up all matter, are combined with the twelve animal signs of Rat, Oxen, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar/Pig to form the sixty year cycle. One’s Chinese horoscope is based on which lunar year in this sixty year cycle one was born. Which one are you?
https://www.peacefulmind.com/energy-medicine/feng-shui
Auspicious Crystals for the Year of the Pig
Pig Birth Stone: Ruby (fire) Wealth, Joy, Love, Sexual Energy and Power are keywords associated with this warm, energizing stone. Ruby is known to strengthen physical and the emotional heart (or Heart Chakra), especially after mental exhaustion. Famous for enticing love, courage, and confidence, vitality, stamina, strength, leadership.
Petrified Wood (wood) This “stone” is most noted in helping us to investigate past-life experiences. It is a warm earthy stone, which is used at the Root Chakra, encouraging one’s survival instincts and is grounding. Petrified Wood is also believed to energize the Heart Chakra. At the “heart of the tree” is a seed that grows.
Yellow Jasper: (earth) This stone is a methodical and meticulous worker of practical, down to earth solutions, promoting organizational abilities and courage to assertively tackle a variety of problems. It fosters and nurtures and its energy is used for grounding and protection.
Snow Quartz (metal) White represents metal and is the Observation Stone. Like the introspective and contemplative time of winter, this unique stone allows us to notice more the actions around us, both good and bad, helping us to perhaps see ourselves a little better. It can help us to meditate on parts of our personality that we admire and those we need to change.|
Aqua Aura: (water) benefits the Throat Chakra for improving communications. It is used by crystal healers and others to calm the emotions and the emotional body. It is a powerful stress reliever. It is strong energy for reducing or eliminating anger. The crystal’s energies will release old wounds and help your emotional healing.
~ Create a five-star grid with each crystal placed in a circle from left to right – wood, fire, earth, metal, water. Within the circle, you can place your “wish” for the year. On a piece of paper, write down your wish/intention and place it in the center.
~ Some rituals place a candle in the center of the circle. Light the candle, and place your “wish” underneath it. Some people light the wish paper on fire and place it in a dish to burn. Releasing the wish into the Universe.
~ Some rituals burn incense in the center of the grid.
~ Another idea is to stack 3 oranges in the center of the grid.
~ Make the grid on the floor or yoga mat, large enough so that you can sit in the middle of the stones. Use this as a contemplative or meditative space to find your thoughts, pray or just to sit or lie down for a little respite from a long day.
~ Choose one stone and carry it with you for the day in your pocket, purse or as a pendant.
~ Place each stone in the coordinating rooms in your house. (See our Bagua map (https://www.peacefulmind.com/energy-medicine/feng-shui)
Whatever your wish or intention, this is the perfect time during the Lunar New Moon to create your path and move forward.
Happy New Year!
Andrew Pacholyk, MS L.Ac
)0(
Tarot Card of the Week
by Brigit
The card drawn for this week is the Ten of Cups
What a perfect message for the week where we typically celebrate love! This week you’ll be feeling the abundance of love that’s available to you (be it divine love or earthly love). Practice gratitude for the life of connection and bliss you’ve created by trusting your intuition.
There is a sense of wholeness, completion, and alignment in your relationships with others this week. Your intuition has the answers as to what will continue to fulfil you, so tap into your inner wisdom and follow your heart.
Remember, even though this card heralds positivity for your relationships with others, it also indicates abundance and fulfilment in your connection with yourself and the divine. Take the time to meditate on this connection if you want to really bliss out this week!
Ask the Tarot: “What brings me happiness?”
)0(
Heartwings Love Notes 866: Mindfulness is a Useful Practice
Heartwings says, “There are many ways to practice mindfulness.”
Have you ever hit the wrong key on your computer or even your cell phone and had something you have been working hard on disappear? How frustrating that is! The worst part of the experience is that you probably don’t know what you did wrong. If you are fortunate you can go backward to retrieve what is lost. Many times that may not work. It helps to be mindful while working with machinery of all kinds to avoid accidents. In my experience computers and cell phones are excellent teachers of mindfulness by way of practice.
All one needs to do to practice mindfulness is to pay attention. Meditation is helpful, however, it is what happens after you get up and go about your day that really makes the difference. Most of us, those who do not have the luxury of sitting with a teacher, spiritual leader, or in an ashram or other spiritual place, would find it useful to include the practice of meditation in our daily lives. For me that means stopping whatever I’m doing and sitting still for twenty minutes.
I sit down with Stephen, set the timer and spend twenty minutes bringing my mind back from its usual wanderings. They include thinking about what I need to do next, what I might have forgotten to do, the letter I mean to write, etc. When I notice I’ve drifted, I need bring my mind back. Then it all begins again. I use my breath as a point of focus and visualize a burst of light. That keeps my mind steady until I drift off again. Some days are easier than others. However, it is not what I accomplish in those twenty minutes that makes this worth doing; it’s the ability to pay attention that that I gain for the rest of the minutes in my day.
As I get older I find that it is more and more important to focus on just what I’m doing or trying to do at any given moment. When I don’t I make foolish mistakes, lose my way or my keys, and waste time trying to fix what I messed up when my mind wandered. This is why I am grateful for my computer as well as my cell phone that give me so much helpful practice in keeping my focus. Thus I am less likely to trip over the stray shoe in my path or the lose track of the item I may otherwise misplace. Being absent of mind gets easier with age. The practice of mindfulness is a wonderful hedge against that pitfall.
Whether or not you meditate, may you be able to practice paying attention.
Blessings and best regards, Tasha Halpert
Have you tried meditating? Do you have issues with focus? I love to hear your stories! Let me know if this article was useful to you. And also, you might enjoy Up to my Neck in Lemons, my latest book with recipes, poetry, and insights into turning Life’s Lemons, into Lemonade To have you autographed copy, please send $15. To Tasha Halpert at P.O.Box 171, North Grafton, MA 01536, or you can also purchase your copy on Amazon.
)0(
Sexy Scents for Love and Romance
by Andrew Pacholyk, MS L.Ac ~
Peacefulmind.com
Try something new and different with your lover. Combine the art of massage with the magic of aromatic massage oils. This sensual mix stirs the senses and can send sparks flying between sweethearts. Also try diffusing any one of these oils in the air to spark the senses!
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that some smells send certain noses into ecstasy and others into furious twitches. Check in with your partner to find out which scents allure, and which sends their nostrils flaring.
Some sexy essential oil are:
Lavender: This exceptional healing oil is one of the most fragrant and most recognized oils on the planet. This makes a beautiful starting point if you (and your partner) are attracted to this gentle floral scent. Used in everything from toothpaste to laundry detergent, lavender is one of the top essential oils.
Jasmine: is a bold, sweet scent. Jasmine is the greatest aphrodisiac of all. These night blooming flowers are picked at their height to bring out one of the most sexy scents. Associated throughout history with the compassionate Goddess of the Moon, Jasmine, grown along the Nile in ancient Egypt, is represented Isis, the Egyptian Mother Goddess who held the secrets of fertility, magic and healing.
Clove: this spicy, bold essential oil is a powerful aphrodisiac! Clove has been used for centuries to bring heat and passion to any situation. This warming essential oil is perfect to add into any recipe or oil blend when you want to bring on the heat!
Patchouli: is a sweet, earthy scent. Its smell is intense and spicy. From an energetic point of view, Patchouli, like Jasmine, is warm and yet anti-inflammatory in action. It combines a calmative property with a gentle stimulating effect that uplifts the spirit! Patchouli is a sweet and grounding harmonizing fragrance!
Neroli: is distilled from bitter orange trees. It has a refreshing, spicy aroma and is known for its sensual, exotic effect. Neroil oil is emotionally unifying and soothes with harmonizing effects. Described as both sensual and spiritual, Neroli helps to re-stablish the link between a disconnected mind and body. Neroli paves the way for a gradual release and allows us to recall hope and joy!
Ylang Ylang: is a rich fragrant oil that means “flowers of flowers”. A scent to perfume the body or use for an euphoric massage. Ylang Ylang is relaxing, sexualizing and euphoric. The ecstatic sense of merging is inherent in Ylang Ylang. Like Jasmine, this oil helps to reunite our emotional and sensual natures, aspects of our being that need to contain each other and unite.
Rose: The Mother of All Flowers, the Rose has amazing powers of love, trust and self acceptance. Roses are representative of faith, hope and love and has the qualities to restore the very center of one’s being. A gentle tonic of the heart, the compassion of the Rose is seen through it’s ability to heal emotional wounds. When loss, rejection or sorrow has injured our capacity for nurturing and self love, Rose oil brings a sweet and gentle comfort, binding the “heart strings” from the Heart to the Mind. Rose oil’s psychological properties lie mainly in its effect on the mind, the center of our emotional being. Rose oil calms and supports the heart and helps to nourish the soul!
Choosing a scent is half the fun. Use these oils to perk up any room with natural fragrance. Use them in the bath water for a sexy and romantic experience. Diffuse them in the air in the bedroom. Massage one or two oils into your pulse points at the wrists, neck and tops of the feet. Burn these oils in the form of incense. There are lots of creative ways to work with essential oils!
Sexy Massage Oil
Blend together in a dark glass bottle or dark colored plastic bottle:
~1 cup jojoba, canola, sunflower or safflower oil (base oil)
~1 drop clove
~ 3 drops lavender
~ 5 drops neroli
~ 9 drops rose
Turn the bottle over and over a few times to blend oils then massage the oil in and around the erogenous zones and the pulse points on the neck, wrists, groin, inner thighs and tops of feet.
Romantic Diffuser Blend
In a diffuser, add 7 drops each of:
~ Patchouli
~Ylang Ylang
~Rose
Allow this enticing blend to permeate any space that you would like to encourage love and romance. Or diffuse it in any room in the house!
Intriguing Bath Oil
Run a bath a hot water. Just before turning off the water, add these essential oils, allowing the churning water to blend them into the bath. You can both take a dip in this sexy blend of oils in order to get things started or at the end of your time together!
~7 drops of Lavender
~ 9 drops of Jasmine
~ 11 drops of Neroli
)0(
The Energy Of Honesty
By Madisyn Taylor
Speaking our truth may involve risking rejection, but when we allow ourselves to follow the flow of life, we are supported.
As children most of us learn that honesty is better than dishonesty, and we may not question this beyond whether or not to do what we’re told. As adults, however, we can go deeper to examine our choices as investments of energy with predictable risks and returns. When we speak the truth, we affirm what already is. This is like using a paddle when the stream is already moving the same direction. We are already supported by the universe and its energy flow, so we don’t need to exert much energy, leaving more for other pursuits. But dishonesty redirects a portion of our energy against the flow, which requires extra effort. In addition, it creates an alternate reality that requires further energetic input to be maintained. So we can easily see that we are best served when we work with the flow of the universe.
Life is not always clearly defined, so we may find it useful to follow our choices to their logical conclusions. We may feel that little untruths are harmless, but they can be like small cracks that weaken an overall structure over time. Even giving someone a compliment or trying to protect them can create problems later when the alternate reality we’ve created becomes the basis for further actions. Even if the actions that follow are honestly done, the underlying unstable foundation of dishonesty will threaten to topple things eventually. This can lead to further energy being spent on keeping things hidden, working to remember the tales we’ve spun and fearing the consequences of being found out. Life doesn’t need to be this draining, but we can make the choice to free ourselves from the bonds of dishonesty at any time.
Speaking and living our truth may involve risking, among other things, the possibility of rejection. But when we allow ourselves to follow the flow of life, we are supported. We can then use our energy to cultivate physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and to create our dreams, rather than leaving ourselves too drained to even maintain our existence. Today we can make honesty our choice in every interaction, bringing the nurturing power of the universe’s energy into our lives to bring positive, lasting results.
)0(
18 Practical Uses and Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil
By Jodie Walker
Essential oils have been used by cultures around the world for ages, and they are often considered one of the most helpful traditional medicines by health experts around the world. Of all the essential oils available, Helichrysum is often seen as one of the most famous and useful ones for its ability to cure colds, infections, and insomnia.
There are many ways to use Helichrysum oil. You can apply to the desired location or directly inhale it. You can also consume it, but do keep in mind that the essential oil must be at therapeutic grade for it to be safe for consumption. In this article, we’ll take you through the benefits of the oil and give you some ideas to use it for your next camping trip.
What is Helichrysum?
Helichrysum, commonly referred to as immortelle, is an aromatic herb which belongs to the Asteraceae family. This is a family of common plants such as daisies, asters, strawflowers, and sunflowers. The plant is native to the regions bordering the Mediterranean, so if you have trekked or camped in the countryside of Italy or Spain, chances are you have seen this herb on the rolling plains.
The herb itself grows in bushes and it features velvet leaves and bright yellow flowers which produce a soothing, calming fragrance.
The practice of extracting and using Helichrysum essential oil has existed since ancient days. Traces of Helichrysum essential oil usage spread across Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Portugal.
However, despite its extensive usage throughout our history, there have been few medical studies into this kind of essential oil and its benefits. Hence, the oil remained a traditional medicine for years.
Recently, scientific interest in the plant has soared, resulting in many high-quality research papers. These papers confirm that the oil contains special properties that make it a great antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent. Today, Helichrysum essential oil is sold widely for commercial usage.
Helichrysum essential oil is usually extracted from the Helichrysum Italicum, but other variants exist, each with certain special properties. The extraction process often involves steam distillation of the flowering tops of the flower to extract the essential oil.
The resulting oil can be pale yellow or reddish, depending on many factors. Because it can take a huge quantity of flowers to create pure Helichrysum essential oil, most essential oils on the market have had jojoba oil added to them to dilute the smell and save cost. The beneficial effects are still retained in the oils though.
Uses and Benefits
Helichrysum oil has been extensively used since thousands of years ago, thanks to its beneficial effects for the body. Here are 20 most important uses and benefits of Helichrysum essential oil, especially for the outdoors.
Improve skin health
When you are exposed to the great outdoors, your skin is at risk of being bruised, blistered, and infected. Helichrysum essential oil has anti-bacterial qualities, so it can be used to help fight the germs on your skin after a day strolling in the forest, which can be potentially serious.
It can also help you deal with simple pimples, acne, or infection marks effectively thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory property. Finally, if your skin is dry and rough after a long day working, dab a little bit of Helichrysum essential oil on it to make it more humid.
Use as a massage oil
Helichrysum oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory property, which makes it a good choice as a rubbing oil if you are bruised or are facing chronic conditions like arthritis. Recipes for the best Helichrysum massage oil can vary from person to person, as each of us responds differently to pain, so be sure to understand you or your fellow campers’ skin first before applying the massage oil.
A digestive aid
If your stomach is used to city foods, you might face some difficulties digesting food in the outdoors, even if you have brought your own canned food. To counter this, Helichrysum essential oil will help ease your digestion.
The essential oil is a timeless diuretic agent, and it has been praised for this property since days immemorial. To use the essential oil as a treatment for digestive problems, add a few drops to a cup of tea, or oil capsules and drink the tea.
Improve respiration
Even though the outdoor survival environment is much more refreshing than city air, deep forests or high mountains can sometimes challenge your respiratory system. Helichrysum essential oil contains a lot of anti-oxidants, which help to cleanse the lungs and other organs.
It also induces higher breath rate because of its fragrance. This, in turn, increases your body temperature and oxygen in blood cells, making you more impervious to cold and mountainous weathers.
Prevent fungal infections
When you are outdoors, bacteria is one of your most pressing concerns. Fungi can also cause nasty infections if you are not careful. Fortunately, Helichrysum essential oil is naturally filled with anti-fungal agents, which help your body to combat fungi, most notably the dreaded candida.
Relieve kidney stones
Kidney stones can sound scary, especially if you are a hundred miles from the nearest medical station. Helichrysum oil, when mixed with a bit of lemon, can help to relieve the symptoms of kidney stones after a short while. Of course, conventional treatment is still highly recommended.
Helps strengthen the immune system
Your immune system is always working hard to fight bacteria, and if you are outdoors, you will need it more than ever. Helichrysum oil contains several antibacterial agents which will help to fight off dangerous bacteria or even simple viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1.
Soothe hemorrhoids
There can be a few things worse than getting hemorrhoids when you are camping. Although relatively harmless, hemorrhoids can cause you considerable pain and discomfort. To ease the pain, simply pour some drops of Helichrysum oil on a cotton ball, and then apply it to the affected area. You can also add the oil into a warm bath to achieve better results.
Treating insomnia
Some of us can have a pretty difficult time adjusting to sleeping in a new environment. Especially if it’s a rough environment such as on the mountain or deep in a forest.
Helichrysum oil is especially soothing and calming, which makes it a perfect treatment option against insomnia. Simply add a few drops to a cup of tea, or consume the oil directly if your oil is of therapeutic grade, and enjoy it as it lulls you to sleep.
Treat wounds
A study in 2017 has set out to test the wound-treating property of many essential oils, and Helichrysum oil was one of them. The study found that, other than common anti-inflammatory properties, the oil also involves tissue remodeling. This confirmed its capability to treat non-threatening wounds.
Mental burnout
An outdoor camping trip is generally a relaxing experience, but it can also be quite taxing and stressing for your mental health if you are not properly prepared.
A small study published in 2013 on the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Helichrysum oil helped participants recover from mental fatigue noticeably faster than other oils. The next time you feel mentally burn out, dab a bit of Helichrysum oil on your forehead before you rest for maximum effect.
Anti-aging treatment
As we grow older, our skin inevitably gets more wrinkled and less elastic. Helichrysum essential oil has been used as a traditional anti-aging treatment by people since ancient days. It can help to bring back the elasticity and suppleness to your skin. Even better, Helichrysum essential oil greatly helps with cell regeneration, a vital process in increasing your body’s resistance against aging.
Tinnitus and hearing loss
Because Helichrysum essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory agents, it may be helpful in treating tinnitus or hearing loss. However, the effectiveness varies as the tinnitus could be caused by a different factor other than inflammation, rendering the oil ineffectual.
Treat constipation
Constipation is a nasty condition, especially if you are outdoors. Helichrysum essential oil can be your savior in these situations, as its soothing effect will help to relax your muscles and soften the stool.
Enhance your heart
Helichrysum essential oil contains anti-inflammatory agents which help to improve the condition of your blood vessels and the health of your heart in general. It will also lower blood pressure and improve smooth muscle function.
Flea control for dogs
Surprisingly, Helichrysum essential oil is particularly effective as a natural medicine for your pets. It can help with flea control on your dogs. However, do remember to dilute the oil beforehand, and consult the doctor to see if it is safe to use on dogs. This essential oil should never be used on cats because our feline friends cannot bear with it.
Antifungal treatment for dogs
In an experiment, researchers used a compound oil containing Helichrysum oil and others to treat fungal infection on a population of dogs. The results were quite positive as 20 dogs were cured using this compound, suggesting that Helichrysum oil can be helpful in antifungal treatment for canines.
Treat Colds
Colds are terrible to endure, and it is even more annoying if you are on a camping trip. Like most other essential oils, Helichrysum can help you fight off the cold if you consume some drops through a cup of tea, or directly if your oil is of therapeutic grade.
Precaution
Helichrysum essential oil might be rich in benefits and uses, but there are still some precautions. Here are some of the most important ones:
Do not use the oil undiluted as this can damage your skin
Do not consume the oil unless it is graded for therapeutic purpose
Always test on a skin patch first to see if you will develop allergic reactions
Call the doctor immediately if you develop a rash on the area of application
If you are pregnant, consult a doctor before using the oil
Avoid extended exposure to the oil
Exercise extreme caution when used on children
Conclusion
Helichrysum essential oil is great traditional medicine. It is particularly helpful in several outdoor situations, making it an indispensable addition to your outdoor first aid kit. It is also readily available, as the market now stocks hundreds of variants of high-quality Helichrysum essential oil. The application is simple as well!
This oil will make itself a perfect companion on your outdoor camping trip. However, if serious conditions do arise, do not hesitate to rush for the hospital and opt for conventional treatment as essential oils cannot completely replace modern medicines.
Author’s Bio: Jodie Walker is a full-time writer and a keen essential oil enthusiast. She believes that there’s an essential oil for everything and loves the benefits that it provides. Her favorites include Sweet orange oil and Peppermint oil for a quick perk me up.
)0(
Reactions to Life Events
By Madisyn Taylor
Our past experiences, can and do, influence our emotional reactions and responses to present events.
Our experiences color everything. The events of the past can have a profound effect on how we see our lives now and what we choose to believe about our world. Our past experiences can also influence our emotional reactions and responses to present events. Each of us reacts to stimulus based on what we have learned in life. There is no right or wrong to it; it is simply the result of past experience. Later, when our strong feelings have passed, we may be surprised at our reactions. Yet when we face a similar situation, again our reactions may be the same. When we understand those experiences, we can come that much closer to understanding our reactions and consciously change them.
Between stimulus and reaction exists a fleeting moment of thought. Often, that thought is based on something that has happened to you in the past. When presented with a similar situation later on, your natural impulse is to unconsciously regard it in a similar light. For example, if you survived a traumatic automobile accident as a youngster, the first thing you might feel upon witnessing even a minor collision between vehicles may be intense panic. If you harbor unpleasant associations with death from a past experience, you may find yourself unable to think about death as a gentle release or the next step toward a new kind of existence. You can, however, minimize the intensity of your reactions by identifying the momentary thought that inspires your reaction. Then, next time, replace that thought with a more positive one.
Modifying your reaction by modifying your thoughts is difficult, but it can help you to see and experience formerly unpleasant situations in a whole new light. It allows you to stop reacting unconsciously. Learning the reason of your reactions may also help you put aside a negative reaction long enough to respond in more positive and empowered ways. Your reactions and responses then become about what’s happening in the present moment rather than about the past. As time passes, your negative thoughts may lose strength, leaving only your positive thoughts to inform your healthy reactions.
)0(
Stephen Halpert
Magee 6
I was in the back of the cruiser, ready to go with Aunt Bea, Sippi and Snowflake to see the vet. Snowflake, sitting up front on Aunt Bea’s lap, wouldn’t be quiet or make nice. She knew she was going to a vet to have her collar removed. What could be bothering her?
Aunt Bea hummed Amazing Grace. I yawned; her voice soothed me into a quick nap.
Finally Sippi said. “Put her in the back seat. Maybe Magee can help calm her down.”
Yeah, sure. Thanks a lot, I thought.
Snowflake glared at me.
. “Maybe,” I tried, “you’d feel better if we snuggled together.”
“Keep away from me, weasel. Don’t think like that.”
“You know any weasels?”
“Never met one until you.”
Then I heard myself say . “I want to lick your paws.”
“Stop bothering me Magee. You’re not my hero.” Her eyes were glassy, watery.
I wanted to comfort her. Maybe even lick her, but feared best not.
Then in a sly voice I could hardly recognize: “You don’t care I called you weasel?”
“I care, but I’m a cop. I’ve been called worse.
She yawned, “I can’t believe a runt like you’s a cop.”
I ignored her crack. “Why so frightened about your collar?”
That made her wail piteously.
“Everything ok back there Magee?” Sippi said.
I yipped back.
Aunt Bea chuckled. “Sippi I think Magee’s different from any other dog I’ve ever known.
“Got that right,” Sippi laughed.
Snowflake got closer and put her paw over mine. “Help me Magee; help me get away.”
I didn’t want to respond or go there with her. “I want to lick your paws and make you feel good.”
Her entire expression changed. Her mouth twisted, ready to bite. She growled.
. I stayed focused. Good cops talk slow. Keep it light or so Marjorie always said. “You’re so adorable. Beautiful, so incredibly lovely. I hope you know that.”
She closed her eyes, laid back on the seat. “I’ll die if they take away my collar.”
I didn’t expect to hear that. “Why?”
.
She sighed and looked at me. “If anyone tries to remove it, it will explode and we’ll all be dead.” She huddled into herself and closed her eyes, her paws trembling.
Hearing that I wished I could figure out what to do about it, but I couldn’t.
The vet’s office was in the big shopping mall by the lake. Sippi parked, took me from the back seat and clipped on my leash. She set me down. Aunt Bea reached in for Snowflake..
A big black sedan peeled into the parking lot and pulled up beside Sippi’s cruiser. Two giant bald men climbed out. Light gleamed on the gold tooth of one as he headed toward me and Sippi. As he reached for his holster he glared and spat out some words in a language that wasn’t English.
The other man said something in the same language and started around the car toward Aunt Bea.
I barked hard. Sippi jumped back inside. She grabbed her pistol. And aimed it toward the first giant. Her prompt action left me standing on the pavement.
“Aunt Bea! Get back in.” Sippi yelled.
If Aunt Bea heard, she paid her no mind.
Then both men went straight for Aunt Bea and Snowflake.
Sippi jumped out, crouched down and yelled “Stop, Police.”
They paid no attention, grabbed Snowflake out of Aunt Bea’s arms and pushed her aside. Jabbering to each other in their strange language, they started back to their black sedan.
I couldn’t let them take her. I ran at them barking; maybe a greyhound could get there faster than me, but I tried.
The first one pulled out his pistol and aimed it at me. I dove under the their black sedan.
Suddenly another car pulled up with Raven and two more FBI agents. Raven ran over to the man holding Snowflake and, scooped her out of his arms like he was recovering a a loose ball in a basketball game. Sippi went to Aunt Bea and helped her up. An agent grabbed one of the men and wrestled him into submission.
I couldn’t let the other giant get away. His car door was still open. I growled and leapt for him. My teeth ripped into his neck. Moments later the second FBI agent pushed me aside most impolitely, grabbed him and pulled him out onto the ground.
I ran over to Raven. He was holding Snowflake, talking softly to her, stroking her gently. Two police cruisers appeared. Chief Mallory climbed out and looked around. “Where’s Sherlock?”
I ran over to him. When I got close I dropped the small patch of skin I’d gotten from Gold Tooth’s neck into Mallory’s hand.
Mallory chuckled. “Way to go! At this rate you’ll be getting another fancy citation from the Governor.
I wagged my tail. What he said sounded nice but how could I tell them what Snowflake had told me about her collar that would explode.
To be continued.
)0(
Weekly Horoscopes Beginning: Sunday, 10 February 2019
If you`re born within cusp period (16 to 26 of any month); you`re advised to read horoscopes of both signs covered by that period. You`re in the border; you may have influences from houses within those signs.
Outlines are longer versions; consists of every possible detail of everyday and based on three parts of each sign: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Decan; that is, any of three divisions of 10° within a sign of the zodiac. Even if you know or don`t know your Decan; I recommend, please read all three Decan.
Aries
Personal theme: I am!!
Fire & cardinal sign: March 21 — April 19
Your horoscope for this week:
For ages you`ve been trying to break away from restrictive situations. Wednesday`s encounter between your ruler Mars and Uranus triggers exactly such events, although they may be in a form very different than you`ve anticipated. Still, when you look back on these, you`ll realise they were better than anything you`d imaged possible. Better yet, once you`ve learnt more, you`ll also be thrilled with the outcome.
A project you took on as the year began has brought problems to you that you never expected to have to encounter. Now you are starting to see positive results, you will decide it was worth all the effort. Reward yourself with a fun outing or spa treatment. Exciting letters, phone calls and communications have something to do with an offer you won`t want to refuse. Take this opportunity to do something that that you have wanted to do for ages.
Midweek, Mars (your ruling planet) and Uranus align in your sign for the last time in eight decades. This singularly important event could see the spotlight fall on you. That may be because you blow your top or in some way shock or amaze. Whatever, you should perhaps give careful thought to how you are going to make a graceful exit after this. Whatever you choose to do, you may have such singular impact that it takes others some days to adjust. Note too, that this week Mercury begins an extended stay in neighbouring Pisces. You can think of this as slowed traffic where drivers have to acknowledge the position of others and give way at times. It would appear that midweek you won`t be willing to give way. Later, there may be a manoeuvre you simply have to do to avoid accident. Note too, that on Thursday, Mars begins its journey through Taurus. It`s then, that you really do have to think of the financial implications of steps taken. In short, exciting as this week should be, the ramifications of actions are something you need to think about carefully.
Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20
Your horoscope for this week:
Understandably, you`ve been avoiding unwelcome changes. Yet now they`re inevitable. So, let go, living one day at a time. This isn`t just wise, Thursday`s move by Mars into Taurus kick-starts an exciting cycle of growth, although often in unexpected ways. For now, focus on exploration. Gradually, you`ll be intrigued enough to learn more, until suddenly you`re excited about plans you`d have rejected only days before.
A community event might seem a little disorganised. You hate to be a wet blanket, but you can see this project is on the verge of falling apart. You may be asked to rescue this venture from disaster. It will be a challenge but it`s not impossible to create order out of all the chaos. Someone in the family is being too prohibitive and forbidding. They may not realise how they are upsetting everyone, and they need to be made aware of how unreasonable they have become.
Before next weekend Mars will have arrived in your sign. Though it makes this transit every couple of years, this one is different and arguably special. That`s because in early March, Mars will be joined by Uranus in that sign. It is then that you could be all systems go – demanding and pushing forward at a pace that takes others by surprise. In a sense, this week is all about setting the scene. Making clear your unhappiness at present arrangements may be necessary. Take care that you don`t blow your top midweek and have one of your bull in a china shop moments. It would then take some time to recover and presumably, to make abject apology. Fact is that you most likely come to the end of the road with one arrangement. Consider though, is it the case that you need a dramatic finish? Is that really necessary and can you go your own way and still maintain a respectful working relationship?
Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20
Your horoscope for this week:
Despite the current unsettled mood, even sudden changes are breaking up old and, mostly, restrictive patterns and leading you into new territory. While you`re happy to explore your options, others are eager to turn ideas into decisions. Let them, but continue to discuss various ideas. What you learn will be informative now but will also shape your priorities as the coming weeks and months unfold.
With you being more impetuous than normal, you could be about to jump into a situation without looking before leaping. An impulsive decision will feel liberating and you are willing to live with the consequences no matter what the risk. Meeting new people will broaden your social horizons. Projecting a confident image is creating a favourable impression. An elusive newcomer will intrigue you and your social success increases your desire to make others happy.
Mercury, your ruling planet, has now begun a long-term transit of the apex of your solar chart. It won`t conclude this until mid-April. Anticipate that between now and then there may be many days when you have no clue as to whether or not you are coming or going. This week that might be particularly apparent when others appear to throw their toys out of the pram midweek, and you`re left unsure as to what it is that they really want. Note however that on Thursday, Mars moves into Taurus. This brings a different energy altogether. Though it`s likely to take a few days to clear up the earlier mess, even before the weekend you could get some sense as to what it is that others are after; and yes, you may well draw the conclusion that a certain person is being manipulated. Whether or not this behaviour can be halted would obviously depend on personal circumstances. It`s probable however, that over the next few weeks the art will be to not inflame the situation any further, and indeed, give someone space to explore their options. Determining what`s right for you and your career will likely take a couple of weeks yet. It`s probable though, that with Mercury in this position, an interesting opportunity will be presented.
Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22
Your horoscope for this week:
Obviously, you want to turn the current crop of intriguing ideas into lasting arrangements. However, with so much unsettled, around you but also others` plans, you`re better off focusing on what you`d like to see done, even if that means going it alone. This won`t be forever, and once others are able to join in, you`ll have things organised just the way you want.
Making improvements to your home will be a good use of your time and creativity. You will know how to get the most out of money spent on redecorating. You might also have some good ideas for cost saving efficiencies. At work, your popularity among colleagues is growing. Workmates are happy to let you lead the way and thoughtful gestures from your boss will make you aware of how you have made a respected name for yourself.
For the last time in over eight decades Mars and Uranus align near the apex of your solar chart. This singular event affects all signs obviously. For you though, it could mark a fairly dramatic change of career direction. This is likely to have come about through networking and yes, could be an extra ordinary advance that takes you on the next stage of a career journey that will likely last for about seven years. True, the opening bars of this may be tricky to negotiate. You may not know which theme tune or what which task to give priority. Bear in mind that Mercury has now begun an extended stay in another of the Water signs, Pisces. Mercury`s move through this area of your solar chart enhances your creativity. Yes, there may well be moments when you feel you have far too many irons in the fire; and yes, it is likely to be mid-April before you know which should be given full attention. For now, there should be considerable excitement about these opportunities. Note however, that a degree of paperwork, budgeting and costing will likely demand very close attention and scrutiny. In this, you may be indebted to someone born under one of the other Cardinal signs of Aries, Libra or Capricorn who guides you through this maze.
Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22
Your horoscope for this week:
After weeks of wrestling with plans, and mostly struggling to get others` support for your ideas, suddenly it`s all falling into place. If this means making a few compromises, do so. Within days you`ll be discussing ways you can organise things so everybody`s happy; but, ironically, what you learn will take you into new territory in terms of here and now ideas and future arrangements.
When it comes to family matters, your subconscious knows what`s best. Listen to your intuition. If you are a parent, it can be a struggle to juggle family and job commitments. There may also be the need to find a new child minder, school or nursery for a child. Various money obligations and cash commitments need attention. Once you`ve paid your bills, check that insurance policies and other long-term financial agreements are up to date.
For the last time in over eight decades, the two planets Mars and Uranus (which have a reputation for firecrackers and extra ordinary moments of genius), come together in the Fire sign of Aries. True, they will meet in other Fire signs before then: this though, accents the foreign affairs and legal area of your solar chart. They also meet just before Mars arrives at the very apex of your solar chart.. Property matters might well consume the waking hours of many born under Leo. Of course, you don`t have to act, but that may be thrust upon you. Whether this is within your work or domestic scene, it might be as well to be prepared to have to react or at least feel to have to react quickly. This issue is unlikely to go away and could indeed become something much bigger in March (clearly much depends on your actual birthdate). From the working point of view, anticipate a whole new swathe of extra work to be headed your way. Your design skills may well be needed. With Mercury beginning its extended stay in the sign of Pisces, it could be that a project begun now does not conclude until almost the Full Moon in the middle of April, but could in fact be a major factor in gaining you considerable reward and respect. Certainly, this may be something you eventually want to feature on your CV.
Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22
Your horoscope for this week:
It`s taken ages; but endless investigation and analysis have given you the clarity necessary to get things organised. Except, suddenly, circumstances are changing yet again. That`s fine. In fact, it`s good, because it means you can forget those struggles to make lasting plans and adopt a different approach, one that`s about arrangements so flexible they can ride out all the current, and coming, twists and turns.
A job move will give you a chance to try something you`ve never done before. Someone in a position of authority can see your potential and is happy to give you their support even if you lack the necessary qualifications or credentials. Not having as much leisure time as you`d like is frustrating. Someone at home is starting to feel neglected and you may have to promise to arrange your plans around your partner, a parent or an elderly relative, later in the month.
There is just over a week to go before the Full Moon in your sign. This particular lunation seems to be more important than the normal one for this time of year – perhaps because that event coincides with Chiron leaving your opposite sign and moving on into Aries. This week the stage is set. It may be that a colleague determines that it`s time that they moved on or that they reviewed their hours. Their announcement (made most likely made midweek), will likely send shock reverberations; and yes, it is possible that you might even have a sense of panic by Friday. Note though, that yours is a very finely tuned nervous system. It takes you time to adjust to new conditions. With the prospect of a new working relationship (which might actually be something you`ve needed for some time), you could, given a little time, feel anxious to get started. As they say, the only thing to fear is fear. Being prepared and ready for whatever is thrown at you is rather different. The good news is that with Mars moving into another of the Earth signs on Thursday, that preparation should stand you in good stead so that any fears you do have at the end of the week are quickly allayed next week.
Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22
Your horoscope for this week:
For ages you`ve managed to avoid confrontations with those whose attitude or behaviour is an increasing issue. Finally, you`ve reached a turning point, not because of the individuals in question but, rather, exciting new pursuits are demanding your attention. This means dealing with, or ridding yourself of, distractions. Weigh up your options now, so when you need to make your move, next week, you`ll be ready.
You are trying to be organised and sensible, but you can`t plan for every eventuality. A lot will happen very quickly and not all of this will be what you expected. Although you might feel overwhelmed, you are also learning how you react to certain motivations and emotional triggers. Your health and diet are becoming your first priority. If you feel concerned about an ailment or allergy that bugs you now and again, take immediate preventative measures.
For the last time in over eight decades, Mars and Uranus meet in your opposite sign. That event is followed by Mars moving into the other Venus-ruled sign of Taurus. The two factors together suggest a distinct turnaround with regard to relationships of all kinds. Noting that as of Sunday Mercury will be moving through Pisces, it`s entirely possible that a great deal of work is headed your way, and that you now need to give careful thought as to exactly who you want to work with and how. Recall too that the lunar nodes are presently travelling over the career area of your solar chart and that a change of direction – though agreed, much depends on your actual birthdate, is probable.. What happens this week could be truly exciting and take you off in a direction that feels wholly comfortable. Yes, this decision will most likely be made on Thursday, and yes, you might need a few days out to recover from the sheer emotional stress after having made that decision. It`s probable though that by next week`s Full Moon on 19th, that the starting blocks of this initiative will soon be underway.
Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21
Your horoscope for this week:
Long ago you made promises to yourself, most about long terms goals or, bizarrely, things you`d absolutely never do. Being a Scorpio, you`ve stuck with these, resolutely. Now, however, you`re realising circumstances have evolved, if not changed dramatically and so, too, must these commitments. Letting them go could be challenging but, once you`ve done it, you`ll realise you`re finally free to pursue long-cherished passions.
It`s important to keep on top of finances. Whether you are saving up for something special or you are trying to balance everyday expenses with your regular income, by the end of the month you will have devised a more sensible budget. A business deal will open doors that have been previously closed to you. This is one of those times when who you know is more important than what you know so it`s more important than usual to have wide network of contacts.
Two planets change signs this week: The first, Mercury, moves into Pisces another of the Water signs on Sunday. This year that planet has an extended stay in that sign – which covers both the risk and speculation area of your solar chart and the affairs of the heart area. The two are linked. Anticipate that not only might your social life take off, but that you be tempted to do things you wouldn`t normally do. Actually, much of this may be due to the fact that on Thursday Mars moves into your opposite sign. It may be that you feel compelled or propelled by others to act. Yes, there is a possibility that much of this will be driven by a physical need. It might also be – and please consider this carefully, – that you`ve had far too much on your plate of late and that you need to share the work load. Rather than assuming that what`s dumped on your desk has to be done, you could perhaps give careful thought to the fine art of delegation and teamwork. Exhausting as it may be to find the right people to work with you, this would surely be a productive use of your energy and lead to success before the end of the month.
Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21
Your horoscope for this week:
Usually, you`re not only easy-going about change, you welcome it. However, certain events, ideas or offers are in direct conflict with longstanding plans or passions. While ordinarily you`d stick with them, you`re feeling restless. In questioning these, you`ll begin exploring options you dismissed, some ages ago, others recently; but, in every case, it`s time to say farewell to those outdated commitments and focus on the future.
The idea of a holiday really appeals. Once you`re away from familiar places, you will see life from an entirely different perspective. If you can`t get away, a little armchair travel will help you broaden your intellectual horizons. You will be given the chance to shift a project into high gear, but this is something you aren`t yet ready for. It isn`t often you feel a need to hold back but heed your intuition. Don`t speed ahead until you`ve read the road ahead.
It might be as well to anticipate a hiatus of activity toward the end of this week. For the last time in over 8 decades, Mars and Uranus align in another of the Fire signs, Aries. This aspect is particularly important in that it occurs at the very last degree of Aries: almost bordering into the sign of Taurus. It`s entirely possible that it will be a partner who experiences some kind of emergency and that your assistance will be required. It may be that a long journey needs to be planned. Of course, the other possibility is that it will be someone returning from afar who brings with them news that threatens to destabilise, but which actually requires a joint approach. Note that before the Full Moon on 19th, Chiron (the planetoid orbiting between Saturn and Uranus) makes its move into Aries. Given that this accents an area of your solar chart associated with higher education and yes, long-distance travel, it may be that your particular expertise is required in a situation involving both of these elements.
Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19
Your horoscope for this week:
There`s no avoiding sudden, and seemingly disruptive, changes. Ideally, instead of battling them you`ll focus on learning about what they offer. This won`t just be interesting, the resulting insights promise to revolutionise your thinking and, as a result, the options you`re considering, now and for the future. Most important, instead of creating a master plan, you`ll allow your destiny to unfold in its own time.
A senior colleague thinks they know best and even though you disagree, you won`t want to argue. Channel your frustration into a project that you can do on your own and think about looking for a more congenial and comfortable place to work. A partner`s practical suggestions will make it possible to increase your savings. You won`t begrudge putting a certain amount of money into a fund on a regular basis as this is an investment in your long-term happiness.
In just over a week`s time, and neatly coinciding with the Full Moon on 19th, Chiron (the planetoid that orbits between Saturn and Uranus) arrives at the very base of your solar chart. Ahead of this event, Mars and Uranus, for the final time in over eight decades, similarly align in Aries. It`s entirely possible that a family emergency or asset management crisis, will require you to review your long-term strategy. Your career will likely be affected. Note that it`s probable that in the last couple of years you`ve gained a reputation for problem-solving. Now you may need to use that talent closer to home; and yes, for some Capricorns, this may be the moment when they decide that they actually want to work from home base. This though is presumably a decision that will not be taken lightly and will require particular type of discipline and mindset. Your personal chart would need to be reviewed to assess the viability of this approach. In the interim it`s very likely that a crisis this week will involve someone significantly younger who may need you to speak for them. The fact that this problem cannot be resolved in a matter of days could be troublesome to all. It`s probable though, that if anyone to pace themselves for the long haul, then those of your sign can.
Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18
Your horoscope for this week:
While you`ll seek advice beforehand, you`re independent by nature, so make your own decisions. However, even you will have little choice about the events triggered by Wednesday`s encounter between impetuous Mars and your ruler Uranus. Unsettling if not annoying as what arises seems now, when looking back, you`ll recognise them as the breakthroughs that they are. Knowing that, for now, focus on exploring their promise.
Dreams and hopes you have cherished for years get an unexpected boost. You still have a long way to go but you will be pleased with this sudden development and you can now see the way ahead more clearly. Domestic pursuits will bring you happiness and contentment. Take this opportunity to redecorate a dreary room. Bright colours seem to spur your creativity, but there`s no reason why you can`t ask an artistic friend for advice on wallpaper, fabrics and furniture.
For the last time in over eight decades, Mars and one of your ruling planets, Uranus, align in Aries midweek. This could coincide with an emergency involving either a work colleague or neighbour. Another possibility is that travel chaos will require you to think and act quickly. Whilst it would be understandable if you were resentful of being pushed into action before you feel ready, it may be that this incident leads to your greater involvement in something about which you feel passionately. Note that before next week`s Full Moon, Chiron will be firmly established in Aries. Your problem-solving abilities than now need to move in fresh direction. Communications and indeed the written word will likely require increased attention. You may also find – and especially now that Mars has arrived at the very base of your solar chart, – that you are aware of the need to revamp your environment, improve your asset management and perhaps give thought to furniture arrangement and its general repair and upkeep.
Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20
Your horoscope for this week:
After weeks of wrestling with complex situations, and having to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself, the tide is turning. Suddenly you`re able to discuss your ideas and, better yet, make decisions. It`s just with so much in transition, you`re unsure what`s best. Discuss your options with others. They`re up to date and, better yet, willing to be helpful. Together you can devise a plan.
Be flexible about social plans. News received may not be what you expected to hear, but once you`ve had a chance to think about it, you might like the idea. So instead of resenting any changes, look on this situation as an opportunity to become more flexible. Working quietly in the background is the best way to further your personal plans and projects. The spotlight has always made you feel self-conscious and uneasy, but sometimes it`s very difficult to avoid.
You may be pleased to learn that before next Tuesday`s Full Moon, Chiron will have left your sign and won`t return there for a few decades. Chiron is associated with healing and problem-solving. It is also is recognised as having a maverick quality. It could be that you`ve been doing too much ducking and diving in recent times and that post-Chiron`s entry into neighbouring Aries, need to straighten things out a little. That may be necessary after the chaos that`s set to coincide with an alignment of Mars and Uranus midweek. It may be that a storm which has been brewing some months finally breaks. The good news is that as of Thursday, Mars moves into Taurus. Whilst Mars is not usually regarded as a stabiliser, on this occasion it could bring the kind of energy that you need. It may be that either a neighbour or work colleague requires the kind of attention that brings out the best in you. In focusing on this rather that squandering energy that you feel the rare satisfaction of doing a task really, really well.
Posted by: arif uk <pepper.buoy@yahoo.co.uk>
)0(
Every Day is Earth Day! Love Your Mother!
)0(
Goddess Blessings!
Live Well – Laugh Often – Love Much
High Priestess Training
http://GoddessSchool.com
Healing Arts and Pagan Studies
http://Goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/index.html
http://Goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/healingarts.html
Herbs!!! Herbs!!! Herbs!!!
Interested in herbs and healing? Learn with GrannyMoon!
The Healing Arts Certificate Program Four great courses! Buy three get one free!
http://Goddessschool.com/Paganstudies/healingarts.html
WordPress: http://about.me/granny.moon
Follow Me On My New Facebook Page!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/GrannyMoon/195999690442789
https://www.facebook.com/GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
My Old Facebook Page!
(Facebook says I cannot add friends here because I have too many, so I made a new page!)
Twitter @GrannyMooninVA
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/granny-moon/3a/137/444
http://grannymoon.tumblr.com/
GrannyMoon’s Weekly Feast
https://grannymoon.wordpress.com/
Subscribe to the The Witch,Crystals,Herbs,Celtic,Astrology Daily
http://paper.li/GrannyMooninVA/1467483042
Teach a witch a spell and she can do that spell. Teach a witch the craft and she can do magick!
GrannyMoon, Teaching the Craft for over 20 years!
“We all come from the Goddess
And to Her we shall return
Like a drop of rain, going to the ocean”
)0(
“May the circle be open, but unbroken,
May the love of the Goddess be ever in your heart.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
And Merry Meet Again!”
Goddess Bless!
GrannyMoon
GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 