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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Goddess Month of Coll (Hazel) August 5 to September 1
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Celtic Tree Calendar: Month of Kerea begins 7/11 – 8/8
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Current Moon Phase: The Waning Moon
Waning Moon means the moon is decreasing in size, moving from the Full Moon towards the New Moon. This is a time for spells that banish, release, reverse. This is a time to break bad habits or bad addictions, to end bad relationships. This is a time of deep intuition and a time for divination.
At this time the moon represents the Goddess in her Crone Aspect, give praise to Hecate, Morrigan or one of the other Crone Goddesses. The period of the waning moon lasts about 14 days.
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Honoring the Goddess Every Day at GoddessSchool.com
So mote it be!!
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Each And Every Day A Feast Day!
Embrace It!!!
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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/
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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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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 us! GrannyMoon@Goddessschool.com http://Goddessschool.com GrannyMoon occasionally teaches classes, and on the last Saturday of the month hosts 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
Face to Face classes at Sticks and Stones – 11037 Lee Highway · Fairfax, VA
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
Coming Soon – Reiki Classes
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Hail Luna! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Moon Day
Energy: Female Ruler: The Moon – Rules emotions, protection, healing, and
women’s mysteries – Use for magick involving the subconscious, healing,
emotions, love, spirituality, healing wounds, children, small animals,
women’s mysteries, the female side of men, 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
Lucky Sign: Monday Is The Lucky Day For The Sign of Cancer
Cooking on Monday will improve magics for creativity, insight, maternal
nature, and Goddess-related efforts. ~Quote from Magickal Martha
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Hail Tyr! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Tyr’s or Tiu’s Day – the day of Mars…also Ares, Tiwaz, Tuisco, and Tyr. Tuesday is ruled by Mars
Magickal influences are: Passion, courage, aggression, and
protection. Tuesday comes under the influence of Mars, the planet associated
with vitality, passion, ambition, and raw, unabashed power.
Mars energy makes the mind acute, and the body restless; therefore, on
Tuesday we are likely to exert ourselves physically and take action to
achieve goals. This day is dynamic and high-spirited, and the prevailing
energies may include carelessness and destructiveness as well, so it is good
to be cautious-especially while traveling.
Tuesday – Wear a ruby, star sapphire, or emerald. Use topaz for amulets.
Today’s Magickal Influences ~ Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical
Strength
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
Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success
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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, ClovesColor of The Day: Yellow, Grey
Colors for Tomorrow: Purple, Indigo, Blue
Candle: Purple
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
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Hail Thor! GrannyMoon Says Today Is: Thor’s Day
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
Thursday – 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
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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
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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
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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
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Llewellyn’s Spell a Day
Oyster Shrine for Creativity
Spell Date: Sunday, August 5, 2018
English folklore tells us that eating oysters today will bring good luck for the rest of the year. Oysters have long symbolized luck and love, and in ancient Egypt oyster shells were worn as protective amulets. If you eat some oysters today, save and clean two shells to create a shrine grotto to the mother of pearl, the embodiment of creation.
Stand the shells up vertically (the widest part should be the base) and lean them together to make a conical grotto. Use a drop of glue to secure them. Place the grotto on your altar and set a tealight candle inside. Light the candle and say:
“Maker of pearl,
The moon in a shell,
I create my fate
With your help and this spell!”
Keep the shrine on your altar until the year’s end, repeating the incantation each time you relight the candle or when you experience a burst of creativity.
This post was written by Natalie Zaman on August 05, 2018
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Grounding with the Stone People
Spell Date: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Saturdays are a good day for cleansing and protection magick. I consider grounding and centering oneself to be a form of this type of magick. One of my favorite ways to do this is to work with the spirits of the Stone People.
Take a hike in a natural area from which you’d be allowed to take a stone. When you find a stone that calls to you, ask it if it would like to work with you. If it agrees, this Stone Person will be your new helper for this spell. Leave an earth-friendly offering in its place.
Anoint the stone with holy water, then hold the stone and enter an altered state through meditation or rattling. Ask the stone to use its earthy powers to ground and center you, bringing you balance and protection by merging with its spirit. Keep the stone. Repeat as necessary.
This post was written by Blake Octavian Blair on August 04, 2018
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Fire Cleanse for Self-Love and Sexual Power
Spell Date: Friday, August 3, 2018
Today, the conditions are right to cleanse away old, unloving thoughts about your body, sexuality, and appearance. Kindle a bonfire or campfire, or make a fire in an outdoor fire pit. (Or just gather a lighter and a cauldron or pot that is safe for burning.) As you sit before the flames (or cauldron), make a list of every negative thing you regularly think about your body, sexuality, and/or appearance. Then say (or yell!):
“I am now ready to let these things go!”
With that, throw your list into the flames (or burn it in your pot). As it burns, feel the flames burning away all old negativity from your body and energy field and filling you with a passionate new love for yourself. Say:
“I am a radiant divine child! I am
divinely beautiful, lovable, and
sexy! I now own my power and
live my beauty! Blessed be.”
This post was written by Tess Whitehurst on August 03, 2018
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Water Balloon Blessing
Spell Date: Thursday, August 2, 2018
You can easily add the element of water to any spell by using moon water or performing the spell in your bath tub, but this is a bit more fun for a hot summer day.
Gather your friends and/or family, along with an assortment of colored balloons and herbs. Using color and herb correspondence charts, choose a balloon color that goes along with your intention, as well as herbs to help back it up. Fill the balloon partway with water. Push in some herbs and then fill it the rest of the way. (It’s easier to put the herbs in if the balloon is not filled all of the way.)
Partner up with someone ( you can share your intention with them if you want, but you don’t have to), and have them burst the water balloon on you and let the “blessing” wash over you. Then do the same for them!
This post was written by Kerri Connor on August 02, 2018
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First Harvest
Spell Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Lammas is the traditional first harvest, when the early wheat was baked into loaves. Instead of harvesting wheat today, harvest what you’ve “grown” so far this year.
Set a tiny sheaf of wheat or other grain or something else that signifies harvest on your altar and cast your circle. Think about what’s been happening in your life this year. Consult your journal or maybe old emails. What metaphorical seeds did you plant earlier this year? What has grown?
Shuffle your favorite tarot deck and draw one card for each month so far. If you like, draw major arcana cards for February, March, May, and June and minor arcana cards for January, April, and July. Lay them in a row and do a personal reading. Then draw one more card. This is a pointer to your potential future. What might come to you in the next two harvests this year?
This post was written by Barbara Ardinger on August 01, 2018
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Thanking Your Plants
Spell Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
If you have a garden or even a single herb or vegetable plant, this is an appropriate time of the year to give gratitude not only to these specific plants but to their realm in general.
Fill a large cup or watering can with fresh water and place your hands over it, mentally sending white light into the vessel to charge the water with the power of blessing. Go to your garden and lightly water your plants, connecting with them and sensing the vital bond that humans share with their world. As you water the plants, say:
“Respect and due reverence shall
now be paid, my heartfelt thanks
for your sacrifice made; shoot and
leaf and full-grown stalk, sacred
plants who have served my needs;
harvest time shall now unlock, the
gifts from Earth their magic freed.”
This post was written by Michael Furie on July 31, 2018
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Cleansing with Sugar and Salt
Spell Date: Monday, July 30, 2018
To add a bit of cleansing magick to your daily routine, acquire a small jar of sea salt and a small jar of pure cane sugar. Get a vanilla bean and cut it in half. Bury half of the bean in the sugar and the other half in the salt. Enchant the salt by focusing energy with your right hand while drawing the energy from the cosmos above with your left hand. Focus your mind on the mighty healing powers of the earth element. While you do this, say:
“Creature of salt, of sea, and of
earth, I empower you with purity
and protection. So mote it be!”
Do the same with the sugar, but say:
“Creature of sugar, of tropics, and
of earth, I empower you with
sweetness and grace. So mote it be!”
Cap both jars. You may choose to add the sugar to food and drink so that you can invoke its gently cleansing vibrations. You may choose to sprinkle the salt at your doorways to allow only the good stuff inside your home. There are numerous possibilities, so follow your intuition and have fun!
This post was written by Raven Digitalis on July 30, 2018
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Heartwings Love Notes 839 Don’t shoot the Messenger or Ignore the Message
Heartwings says, “Our bodies do their best to alert us to problems, it behooves us to pay attention!”
So many of the ads I see on TV are for medicine, both prescription and over the counter. It makes me wonder if we are all really that ill or in need of fixing? Perhaps we are, yet I wonder too whether if instead of trying to alleviate symptoms with medicine, we might do better were we to pay more attention to how and why they have arisen. I am speaking about digestive issues in particular, though others are equally as important.
Of course there are serious illnesses that require intervention and the use of various prescribed medicines. However there are other conditions that will respond well to changes in lifestyle and most especially to changes in dietary habits. I well remember how when I was only in my forties, someone a decade older told me how important it had been for her to reduce food intake as she aged. She told me she got by on two meals a day. Different people will do better with different plans, however reducing intake is key is key to helping us be healthier.
The symptoms of the acid reflux so many experience are often a result of overeating, eating foods we do not digest well, or eating poor food combinations. As we age, the production of our digestive enzymes diminishes. Many comfort foods we once enjoyed become at best indigestible or at worst dangerous to our health. Yet many of us continue to eat as though we were in our twenties and still growing. While trends in eating come and go, for instance (carbohydrates good, fats bad now reversed), one truth remains: what and how we eat are irrevocably connected to our physical, mental and emotional health and well-being, not to mention our weight.
What can we do? Chewing is vital. Busy with our lives and impatient of meals perceived as mere interruptions, many of us swallow food half chewed, washing it down with liquid. This does not allow for the incorporation of digestive enzymes, not to mention roiling the stomach with acid from feelings of haste. Instead we could slow down and taste the food as we chew. TV ads counsel taking this or that medicine. By so doing we are effectively killing the messenger: the symptoms that tell us we are doing something harmful to ourselves. When we pay attention to the message we can learn how to better treat our bodies and prolong our good health.
May you find good ways to nourish your body and stay healthy.
Blessings and best regards, Tasha Halpert
PS I am always happy when readers share their thoughts with me. Do please email me with comments or questions.
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Athena: Firm But Fair
(From What Would Goddess Do? A Journal For Channelling Divine Guidance by Anita Revel)
Athena-inspired women know no fear, or that’s the face they present to the world at least. They are firm but fair; the iron foot in a velvet boot. Rest assured, you can be a tough, independent, clever and resourceful woman, but do not be afraid to explore your weaker side too.
Mantra: Courage
Gemstones: Moonstone, lapis lazuli, dark aquamarine
Essential Oils: Goddess-ence Athena* blend for the base chakra
Affirmations
My battles are easy enough to win ~ from Affirmation Goddess, Express Your Way to Happiness
I release negative elements from my life
I kick butt with an iron foot inside a velvet boot
I feel supercharged when I de-clutter
I express my truth for my highest good
I am a diplomatic diva
Her Story
Zeus’ favourite Goddess Athena was the beautiful warrior queen who stood guard over the ancient city of Athens.
She was adopted as the patron of the arts and craftspeople of Athens, and her brave swordswomanship made her an inspiration to the military forces. Athena’s grace and intelligence were underlying qualities to her immense courage and strength.
Her Modern Energy
If Athena is talking to you today, it is likely you are experiencing moments when everything seems to be on top of you – but each time you conquer another difficulty, you feel on top of the world.
Ask yourself why you are entering cycles of seemingly impossible tasks, only to surmount them then search out more. The rush that achievement brings provides you with an endorphin surge that is addictive – you are compelled to seek out bigger and better challenges to sustain your habit.
If this sounds familiar, you may be presenting a strong and courageous face to the world, but really you’re drawing on your strength rather than devoting time to explore your weaknesses. It’s time to unclutter your life of all the issues dragging you down – the lower you are dragged down the harder you have to fight to get back on top. Do you really want to stay this exhausted?
Pick up your sword and declare battle against the clutter in your life. There is as much satisfaction to be found in simplicity as there is in resolving complexity.
Reconnect With Your Inner Athena
If you have clothes in your wardrobe you haven’t worn in a year, give them away. If you have books on your shelf that you know you are not going to read again, pass them on. What junk is lurking in your drawers that you haven’t used (or even laid eyes on)? Throw it out! Toss out sticky bottles of who-knows-what at the back of your fridge – fill it instead with fresh fruit, and top up with water ready for each new day to come.
As the wheel of the year turns, clear your immediate environment, and be boosted by how much lighter you feel.
What would Goddess do? wwgd journal for getting answers to the question
What Would Athena Do?
… If she were in your situation, she would rally her courage and lead by example. She would inspire others with her diplomacy, determination and willingness to help out for the greatest good of all.
How are you using your sword this week?
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Ozark Encyclopedia – A – Ashes
by Mountain Man Traditional Healing
https://ozarkhealingblog.com
Shoe ashes for bleeding – “If a patient is suffering from a deep cut or knife thrust, some power doctors burn the sole of his shoe and apply the ashes to the wound. This is said to stop bleeding and make the cut heal without “blood poisoning.” If the cut is on the right side of the body, the right shoe is burned; if the left side of the body is injured, the healer burns the left shoe.” ~Randolph OMF 124
For blood poisoning – “Put water on wood ashes and apply for blood poisoning.” ~Parler FBA II 1530
In water for nail puncture – “For nail puncture in the foot, get ashes and put in very hot water, stir well. Put your foot in this mixture and soak for sometime.” ~Parler FBA III 2656
Parler, Mary Celestia Folk Beliefs from Arkansas (FBA)
Randolph, Vance Ozark Magic and Folklore (OMF)
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How to Brew Herbal Sun Tea
by Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs
Cool down with delicious, thirst-quenching herbal sun tea. Follow a few simple steps to enjoy a variety of refreshing flavors that are perfect for front porch sipping. Solar tea has never tasted so good.
Fresh organic herbs produce healthier, more refreshing teas, so pick your ingredients straight from the garden or buy from a local grower. All you need to make solar tea is a quart canning jar (good for preserving the herbs’ fragrant oils and properties), water, coarsely cut herbs of choice and sunshine.
To start, toss a half cup to 1 cup of fresh herbs into the canning jar. With practice, adjust this amount to suit your taste and the plants’ nature. Add water, a lid, and a few shakes. Place the jar where it will receive full sunlight, such as on a rooftop, open field or driveway. If possible, give the mixture a couple more shakes throughout the day. You will learn how long to brew certain teas for the desired taste.
As the sun goes down, the tea should appear rich and translucent in color. While still warm, shake the mixture, strain the contents and use the plant material for mulch. Pour fresh tea on ice and enjoy.
Two-ingredient blends
Alfalfa leaf with lemon verbena or red clover blossoms
Chamomile with hibiscus flowers
Elderflowers with peppermint or yarrow
Fenugreek with alfalfa or mint
Hibiscus flowers with rose hips
Marigold petals with mint
Mullein with sage, chamomile or marjoram
Pennyroyal with any of the other mints
Peppermint with spearmint
Rosemary with hibiscus flowers
Sage with lemon verbena
Strawberry leaves with Woodruff
Yarrow with peppermint
July Evening Tea
1 large fresh monarda flower
A dozen fresh lavender flower heads. Compatible additions include lemon balm leaves, lemon verbena leaves, and chamomile flowers.
Lemon Blend Tea
Mix equal parts fresh lemon balm leaves and fresh lemon verbena leaves. Add grated lemon peel (about 1 tablespoon per cup of lemon herbs). Optional lemon herbs may be added, such as lemon-scented geranium leaves and lemon thyme. Add some calendula petals for color.
Orange Mint Tea
Use a citrus-flavored mint, such as orange bergamot, or any mint herb. Add grated lemon and orange rind, cloves, cinnamon, and calendula petals or? Lemon Gem’ marigold leaves.
Sun Tea: Brewing Tips and Herbal Tea Recipes
Ashley November Jones shares her method to making healthful sun tea, and her herbal-infused sun tea recipes for peppermint-flower tea, peppermint-rosemary-pennyroyal tea, fenugreek-peppermint tea and licorice-flax tea.
Here for the hot weather ahead is a perfect alternative to the usual summer soda pop orgy: a healthful drink made by a simple and inexpensive process, in limitless variety and with very satisfying results. I call it sun tea.
How to Brew Sun Tea
The secret of this summer specialty is that any herbal infusion you can make with the help of a tea kettle can also be made in the sun. All you need is:
[1] A wide-mouthed, clear glass jar with a watertight lid or another secure seal
[2] Water
[3] The herb of your choice (cut coarsely)
[4] A sunny day
First, measure out the herb into the jar. A rough guide to quantity is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried plant material to 4 or 5 cups of water or 1 to 1-1/2 cups to the gallon, but these proportions can be adjusted to suit your own taste and the nature of the ingredients. Roots and seeds tend to make stronger infusions than do leaves and flowers and are generally used in smaller amounts. If you cut your herbs fresh, you’ll need about twice as much as you would if the makings were dried.
Pour the appropriate amount of water over the herb in the jar, screw on the lid, give the container a few shakes, and set it where it will receive full sunlight all day long. A rooftop, open field, driveway or similar shade-free area is ideal, but if none is available, keep an eye on the “teapot” and move it on out into the sun as any shadow approaches. Give the mixture a shake whenever you think of it.
As the day ends, bring in your tea. It will be warm and should look rich and clear in color. Open the jar and take a sniff. The aroma should be full and tantalizing.
While the brew is still warm from the sun, shake it up and dump the whole contents of the jar into a strainer placed in a bowl large enough to hold the liquid with room to spare. (Use the dregs to mulch house plants.) Before the infusion cools, add enough honey — say 1/4 cup or so per quart — to flavor the drink to your liking. Stir the mixture well with a spoon, wire whisk or your clean hands to make sure all the sweetening dissolves. Lemon or other fruit juices may be included at your discretion or can be substituted for the honey. (Next time around you may want to drop a few raisins or bits of dried or fresh fruit into the tea — for extra tang and sweetness — before you set it out to brew .)
Finally, rinse out the “teapot” to remove the dregs and funnel the finished drink from the bowl back into the jar, making allowance for whatever extra liquid you’ve added. I always drink any tea that won’t fit back in the jar as a kind of celebration and to check out the flavor. Some of the combinations you’ll come up with will be heady indeed! (Remember, though, that the beverage always seems more potent warm than chilled.)
Your solar tea can then be refrigerated, or, if you’d like a little carbonation, leave the brew tightly capped at room temperature for a while — two hours at the most — and then chill it. The result is a bubbly, slightly intoxicating beverage. This fermentation may not occur in all teas but is worth trying for.
Although I’ve never attempted to make herb mead, wine or beer by the above method, I’m sure the process would work. Warning: If you try such an experiment, be careful to use all the precautions that go with the preparation of any fermented drink. A capped thermos of ours burst its inner container one summer when we accidentally left it out on the kitchen counter overnight with only about a tablespoon of honeyed solar tea inside.
The following are some of our favorite concoctions. (You’ll notice, incidentally, that the first recipe calls for a brewing time of longer than one day. This is occasionally desirable to increase the tea’s strength, but at some point, the drink will degenerate — we’ve found three days of steeping to be the limit.)
Experiment!
Peppermint Flower Tea Recipe
Mix together the following dried materials:
3 parts by weight of peppermint leaves
2 parts each by weight of rose hips, orange flowers and red hibiscus flowers
Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of this mixture to every quart of water, and add 3 or 4 whole cloves per quart (optional).
Set the tea to brew in the sun for 1 to 3 days. Strain it and add 1/4 to 1/3 cup, honey.
This mixture is especially good when allowed to carbonate. For variety you could add to the jar — before brewing — a few raisins, a slice or two of orange or lemon, the peel of the same citrus fruits, etc.
Peppermint-Rosemary Tea Recipe
For each quart of tea, use the following dried herbs:
2 to 3 tablespoons peppermint leaves
1 to 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves (and flowers)
Sunbrew, strain, and sweeten the tea. This beverage is very relaxing.
Fenugreek-Peppermint Tea Recipe
For each quart of tea, use the following dried herbs:
2 or 3 tablespoons fenugreek seeds
1/4 to 1/3 cup peppermint leaves
Proceed as above. The resulting brew is good for a cold, and tasty too.
Licorice-Flax Tea Recipe
For each quart of tea, use the following:
1/4 cup licorice root
2 to 3 tablespoons flaxseeds
Proceed as above (brew the mixture for one day only). Sweeten the tea with honey and add fresh lemon juice. The resulting beverage is demulcent and helpful in soothing sore throats and easing coughs. It’s the best drunk at room temperature for medicinal purposes.
The quantities given are for dried herbs used singly and should be adjusted if you’re making a blend. Measure the ingredients without packing them down in the cup.
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Stephen Halpert
Murder In North Grafton, Part 1
Detective Tom Winslow placed the unsolved crimes file on his desk. With a sigh he turned on his PC , went into the kitchen of his small cottage on the pond and took out beer from the fridge. He turned on the downstairs lights and tried to relax. Since Viet Nam relaxation never came easy to Winslow.
On the counter beside the toaster oven he saw a frosted chocolate cake in the shape of a horseshoe. Beside it on the counter a politely printed note read “Congregations on your retirement.”
Winslow chuckled. Must have come from some of the clowns in the squad room. Practically everyone in North Grafton knew about his collection of antique horseshoes. He and Ruth had collected them together for years.
Why they hadn’t presented it to him at the station during his informal retirement celebration was anyone’s guess. He smiled, patted his stomach and took a plate from the cabinet above the counter. His device sounded. .
“Winslow.”
“Jim,” Chief Homer Redtoe said. “Sorry to bother you. I know you’ve got leave time but the new policewoman’s here and I’m assigning her to you for orientation.”
“Thanks!” Winslow sighed. “Can’t say I’m especially enthusiastic about breaking in another rookie, especially a woman.”
“Know how you feel.” Redtoe’s voice glided between friendship and stubborn authority. “Not to mention she’ll be initiating our new canine corps.”
“Aren’t puppies a little over budget?”
Redtoe ignored him. “She’s reporting in the morning. Take her out for coffee, drive her around, show her the Chinese restaurants to avoid. You’ll be finished and back home by noon.”
“Sure! No problem.” It was getting dark. Winslow looked out across the pond. He thought he saw a shape on the other side by the edge of the woods.
“Not a problem. Just planned on fishing and going over a cold case that still bother me. I hate unfinished business. What’s her name?”
Redtoe’s voice softened. “Every good cop’s annoyed when there’s no arrest. “Bopp. Sippy Bopp. Maybe you’ve heard her name if you follow the WNBA.”
“I stick with the Celts.”
All-star until she blew out her knee. Went back to school and got her degree in Criminal Justice–high scores at the Academy. Comes from a famous musical family.”
“An amateur you mean. A text book cop who thinks by the book until her Dirty Harry persona kicks in.”
Redtoe winced but choose to ignore Winslow’s crack. “Her Aunt’s the famous jazz vocalist Bea Bopp.”
“I know all about Bea Bopp,” Winslow said. “Loud mouth that advocates for pot and can’t keep herself out of the papers. Bump up against her attitude and she’ll sick the ACLU on you.”
Redtoe looked out his office window. It had started raining. He lowered his voice. ” Tom this kid seems like she could make a first class cop; especially with the right mentor, one who can show her how to sidestep the quicksand.”
Winslow winced at Redtoe’s paternalism.
His chief continued: “She’s got lots of attitude herself. Totally enthusiastic! Wants to be a good cop. She even was genuinely embarrassed when I brought up her aunt.” Redtoe checked his watch. It was nearly five. “Should be a piece of cake. We’re not exactly LAPD after all.”
Winslow cut a slice of cake. “If you think it’s quiet around here now you should have grown up here when North Grafton was called New England Village and locals called Grafton Center the Holy City.”
Redtoe laughed.
“Sure,” Winslow said. “Not to change the subject, but Chief who were the
clowns who left the chocolate horseshoe cake in my kitchen?”
“Search me,” Redtoe frowned. “Cake? What cake? No one mentioned a cake.”
“Someone just waltzed in here and left it.” Winslow said. “Someone who must have has a key. Probably one of Ruth’s lady friends from church who heard I was retiring.” He swallowed a bite of cake.
“And Tom, she’s a sweet kid. Just show her the ropes.”
“What ropes,” Winslow said. “Town’s too small for ropes. More likely I’ll show her a ball of twine.”
“Ten four,” Redtoe signed off. It was raining harder. He went to his closet, took out his raincoat and started for home.
Winslow took another big bite. Probably too much before supper but so what! He was celebrating. So, what if I get fat, he thought. Who cares? Ruth had always warned him when he’d start to put on weight. If he complained about it she’d say that’s why men have wives. Ruth the perfectionist; but that was then, and she had managed to beat him out by two years in their race to the cemetery.
It tasted too sweet. Whoever had baked it had used too much sugar or whatever artificial sweetener they put in cakes these days. The subtle hint of almond seemed to burn his tongue. Must have come, he thought from one of those pricey high-end bakeries on Shrewsbury Street.
He finished his beer. It was raining harder. His head began to swim. His mouth went dry. His eyes blurred. His throat tightened. He started sweating. He couldn’t find his breath. As he stumbled forward three shots flew through the open kitchen window and ripped into him.
“What the?” He felt the dull thud of the bullets and then the awful pain. Mercifully it didn’t last long. He looked up. Ruth was coming toward him, her arms outstretched, and the biggest smile he’d ever seen on her face. (To be continued)
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Finding Our Own Paths
By Madisyn Taylor
Beginning our spiritual path is highly personal and we all enter a path that speaks to us, even if it is different than our neighbor.
Entering into our own spirituality is a private journey. Each of us will be drawn to a different gateway to begin on our personal path to awakening to a greater experience of ourselves. Even though we may be taught certain philosophies or beliefs as children, we still need to find our own way of understanding and applying them in our lives. For those who are raised without a spiritual framework, they may not even know their process as a form of spirituality. But at some stage in their lives, whether in youth or adulthood, they are likely to recognize the resonance of their beliefs, the ring of truth in their philosophy, and their dedication to their chosen purpose.
Our inner guidance will lead us, so that we will be drawn to the right doorway for us–a doorway that only we can recognize by the way it makes us feel inside. It could be a picture of an angel or the gift of a crystal. We may meet someone special who shares their experiences with us in a way that we find intriguing. While visiting the home of an admired friend, we may notice a book or statue of a diety, and ask why they chose those tools. Or a word or phrase may catch our attention in a song, or a lecture. For some they may find their way by walking through the experience of illness before they begin the search for what will help them to truly heal, while others may seek physical improvement and stumble across yoga or meditation–only to find that it leads them to an unexpected place beyond the body.
As we awaken to ourselves and to life, we will become more attuned to what is right for us. The universe speaks to all of us through infinite channels, but we each have our own frequency. Others may share what worked for them, but only we can decide what truly makes us feel inspired, awakened, connected, fully conscious, aware and alive. Whatever our path, it is perfect and is meant especially for us.
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Weekly Horoscopes beginning: Sunday, 05 August 2018
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:
One of the benefits of being an Aries is your ability to respond swiftly to unexpected developments, especially those you`re currently facing. Ironically, because you`ll be short of facts, you`re better off taking things slowly. What`s more, because this applies to a range of matters, from practicalities to issues involving others, the time you spend gathering information will pay off, now and in the future.
Work and money matters will benefit from your practical way of thinking. It will be a relief to share some of your responsibilities with someone whose knowledge and know-how you admire. You know it won`t do you any good to splash out on items you don`t really want or need and would rather save as much of your income as possible. News about an older relative will give you food for thought. This revelation could make you change your mind about a future family get together.
As Uranus comes to its first station in neighbouring Taurus it may be necessary for you to take financial stock. Another possibility is that your personal code of ethics will be tested. You could yet surprise yourself. Remember that we are in that period between eclipses when it`s not uncommon to change direction. A further and strong possibility is that a business partnership that`s perhaps been developing `on the kitchen table`, will gather momentum. This could take off after Mercury stations mid-August having been boosted by the Solar Eclipse in another of the Fire signs in two weeks` time (19th). In short, it seems that your creativity is about to go into top gear and that at least one person will identify commercial possibilities they want to explore with you. The tough part will surely be dealing with essential practicalities. Tedious and boring as these may be, you either need to grapple with these or delegate them: perhaps to someone born under one of the Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn, so that an opportunity isn`t missed.
Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20
Your horoscope for this week:
Eclipses are about breakthroughs, and with that on 27 July and the solar eclipse, on 11 August, accenting the structure of your life, change is in the air. You may already have made some; and be planning others. Or, possibly, you`re battling them all. Worrying as these seem, they`re a vital next step. The sooner you make that move, the more swiftly you`ll discover why.
A neighbour is making so many demands you are growing tired of their company. They don`t seem to realise you have a life of your own. You did have plans you were looking forward to, but their constant interruptions stop you getting on.. At least relationships in the workplace are more harmonious. You can rely on some background support and your boss will be surprisingly helpful. Thanks to their encouragement, you will find answers to a professional problem..
Uranus arrived in your sign just a few weeks ago. It now appears to stand still. This station is the first of its kind since the 1930s. Bear in mind that we are also between eclipses and that Mars is retrograde at the apex of your solar chart: it could be that this is a cosmic `pause moment`. Reflecting on how far you`ve come, what opportunities have opened up since the middle of May and which alliances you now want to embrace will surely require careful thought. Mercury`s fusion with the Sun at the base of your solar chart mid-week suggests that this may be the moment for soul-searching. It`s likely to be after next weekend`s Solar Eclipse before you move any plans forward. For now, assessing the practicalities and yes, in this instance giving careful thought to how your daily routine would be affected by developments, could prove the wisest use of your time. Something you might reflect on, is your delegation skills and whether or not you really are ready to give up a routine task. Consider: in doing so, you could free up time for something you might enjoy even more.
Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20
Your horoscope for this week:
When your ruler Mercury is retrograde, as it will be until the 19th, there tends to be considerable confusion. However, because you`re in a period of change anyway, the insights you gain while untangling that chaos more than justifies the effort required. If there`s any challenge, it`s those who`re in a rush. While you can`t avoid plans or decisions, you can ensure they`re regarded as flexible.
E-mails won`t open and when they do, you aren`t sure that what you read is meant for you. Text messages from people you haven`t seen for a while don`t seem to make any sense. If written words are confusing, try picking up the phone and talking or better still, wait until you meet up to discuss anything important. There is a lot of talking going on in your home and future family events are being created. Plans you are working on now should come to fruition in about four weeks` time.
Your ruling planet, Mercury, has a key role to play this week. Yes, it`s retrograde and yes, it`s moving through one of the communication zones of your solar chart. It`s true too, that it has an important conjunction with the Sun mid-week. All this suggests a potential change of direction. Recall too that we are between eclipses and that Uranus has just reached its first station in Taurus since the 1930s. These conditions are unusual. You could think of this as being a `traffic hold-up`. Whilst midst this you could consider whether you were going in the right direction anyway. It may be that you either need to take a detour or reverse. True, you perhaps don`t need to act until after Mercury stations on 19th. For now, listening to the advice of others and their views as to possible hold-ups ahead, should give you ample to think about. Fact is that you may have been on one treadmill the so long, that it`s no longer just about getting off this treadmill but thinking about what your long-term future should be.
Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22
Your horoscope for this week:
There`re no escaping this week`s complexities. While plans must be made, you can do so with the knowledge changes are inevitable. This ensures that when the inevitable twists and turns arise, things can be easily reorganised. In certain cases, this enables you to take advantage of the resulting breakthrough, in the world around you, in certain alliances and most importantly, in your own life.
You appreciate the comfort and security a close and loving relationship. You are strongly committed to the ones you love, and you take your relationships seriously. Withdrawing from the public gives you a chance to catch up on family matters and to spend quality time with your partner. A money settlement, tax refund or loan will make your home life more comfortable. You might decide to decorate a drab room or add some modern conveniences to your kitchen.
You might recall the just a few weeks ago Uranus entered Taurus. This is its first visit to that area of the zodiac since the 1930s. A good keyword for this placement is desire. Of course, this affects all signs of the zodiac. However, with Venus crossing the very base of your solar chart from Tuesday, there`s high probability of you identifying exactly what it is that would restore emotional balance and provide the fuel for you to develop career interests. True, it could take until early September for some of these plans to be implemented. This week though, and especially as the Sun fuses with Mercury on Thursday whilst the Moon is in your sign, you could come up with a business plan that has considerable merit. It`s probable that soon after next weekend`s Solar Eclipse (11th) that you`ll put in place the cornerstone of a career objective that develops quickly in the next couple of months.
Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22
Your horoscope for this week:
As a fire sign, you have an instinctive understanding that what seem disruptive events are actually opportunities, although possibly in disguise. These are being ushered in by the powerful Leo eclipsed New Moon, on the 11th. This cycle of change and growth began in mid-July, so while what arises now may seem sudden and in some ways be unexpected, it`s also speeding up certain existing arrangements.
You may need to be more diplomatic than usual with some people. A neighbour is acting strangely and there is tension in the home. Some tact is called for. Take extra pains not to hurt a sensitive friend. A community event will try your patience. A radical difference in opinions could put a meeting on edge. Cautious types will reject your ideas, but other open-minded individuals will give you the green light. Your creative ability makes you a valuable member of the team.
The solar eclipse in your sign comes next weekend (11th). Before then Uranus stations at the very apex of your solar chart. Unless you were alive in the 1930s, you have no prior experience of this. View this as a potential `lightning flash` moment. It could indeed be that you experience moments of genius. It`s quite possible too, that property matters will be affected. Unsettling as this may be for some signs of the zodiac, for you, there might be a moment of clarity when you determine exactly what it is that you want and what you`re prepared to do to get it. Yes, this will likely mean reviewing discussions that took place in the second half of May. If financial matters were involved then, you may now need reviewed advice from an adviser. It`s probable that by the time the Moon reaches your sign on Friday, that you will be 100% clear as to what it is you want and the timeframe that is acceptable to achieving it.
Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22
Your horoscope for this week:
Ordinarily, one of your greatest strengths is your capacity to find practical solutions for even very complex situations; but with your ruler Mercury retrograde until the 19th, and the resulting persistent chaos, focus on devising the variety of quick fixes that will keep things going, but which reshape themselves as circumstances do. Lasting plans? Ideally, they`ll wait until early September`s Virgo New Moon.
You could do without the company of a female friend who has no faith in herself. Your sympathy might bolster her self-esteem temporarily, but she can`t seem to shake herself out of the doldrums. This relationship is like a lead balloon, weighing you down. You may need to step back for a while. A housemate is hoping for your agreement to splash out on some gadgets for the home. Encourage them to buy a device that will save you all time and money.
It would be entirely understandable if you felt that you were being messed about. Certainly, it seems likely that discussions you thought were over will be opened up yet again. This is actually not abnormal on those dates in the year when the Sun and Mercury appear fused (as happens this week). That this happens whilst the Moon is in the sign that brings out the warrior in you is unfortunate. It would be wise not to overreact and to hold the thought that what transpires is entirely normal for the period between eclipses. Note that Uranus reaches its first station in Taurus this week too. This is a new vibration for all signs.. Many could feel stopped in their tracks and perhaps a few, electrified by the possibility of developing opportunities. The art is surely not to panic but instead to keep copious notes of meetings. It`s access to these that could put you in the driving seat next week and win you much respect.
Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22
Your horoscope for this week:
You`re painstaking when making plans; but not everybody is, which means that during this particularly unruly period, certain irresponsible individuals are trying to blame somebody else for their unwise decisions and the resulting chaos. Be tough. First, consider the impact their poor judgement has on you and your life, then deal with dilemmas in that order. The rest? Forget them. Actually, they aren`t your problem.
Family plans will bring you pleasure as you meet up with relatives you haven`t seen for simply ages. Spending more time with your loved ones will revitalise you and may inspire you to book a trip to a place that has fascinated you since childhood. A work project is starting to bore you and dull your initiative. If you`ve lost interest in your job you may need to look for something new. You have many skills and will soon find a position that is more rewarding.
Just as Venus arrives in your sign on Tuesday, Uranus has its first station in Taurus since the 1930s. You may know that Taurus is also ruled by Venus. This then could be a significant moment for those of Taurus or Libra. Bear in mind that there is a solar eclipse next weekend and that this offers a fresh start for all signs. This week is all about preparing for a change of pace. There is likely much for you to consider – especially between 9th and 11th. It could be that a career development, though exciting, is also potentially unsettling. A review of your management skills is likely overdue. Bear in mind that no fewer than five planets are presently retrograde. Review, retrenchment and reappraisal should work well. Take time then to do what those of your sign do so very well, list the pros and cons of making certain moves. Though it`s unlikely that much can be implemented before the end of the month, the clearer you are as to which moves are best and where adjustments could be made along the way, could yet prove a wise use of this week`s planetary energy.
Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21
Your horoscope for this week:
Watching plans, you`re passionate about come undone is no fun. While, ordinarily, as a determined Scorpio you`d battle to restore these, your instincts say to let them go. Illogical as it seems, trust those feelings. The actual circumstances have changed, as have your own priorities. While you`re unaware of this now, you`ll soon be thankful events prompted you to make this top to bottom rethink.
An unexpected turn of events may cause you to pull out of a group project. You had wanted this to be successful, but some people were assigned to the wrong jobs and have made a mess of it all. Someone close is behaving strangely and you sense they are keeping something from you. This might annoy you when you have always been honest with them. If others aren`t going to share their thoughts, you`re inclined to keep your own ideas to yourself.
For the first time since the 1930s, Uranus stations in your opposite sign. It`s probable you don`t have that earlier experience. Think of this as being taken on a sudden detour – or a traffic jam that forces you to consider your general direction. Note too, that with no fewer than five planets presently retrograde, and a Solar Eclipse at the weekend highlighting the apex of your solar chart, that you could yet move your career in new direction. Of course, it may be that you`re already committed to a path and can`t deviate from that until there`s an opportunity – possibly after Venus enters your sign in September. Whatever, this week seems to be about thinking through your present position and doing some elementary planning that considers experiences you`ve enjoyed since the Lunar Eclipse at the end of January.
Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21
Your horoscope for this week:
Usually, you`re easy-going about changes in plans and even dealing with quirky people; but now, events and, as much, a number of encounters are raising questions, if not actually upsetting. Actually, this is good. That`s because certain arrangements but, as much, your views about several much-cherished plans need a serious review. Face those issues head on, and you`ll soon learn why this is of such importance.
You want one thing and those closest to you want another. What are you doing to compromise? Why don`t you suggest arranging it, so you have time together to share each other`s interests and time apart to carry on other activities independently? It`s important to devote more time to your personal development. A course of study will be enjoyable and will put you in touch with like-minded people. New activities help you expand your horizons and make you a better person, all round.
It might help to be aware that no fewer than five planets are retrograde and that we are in a period between eclipses. This is a time for reflection. With Uranus stationing in Taurus for the first time since the 1930s, all signs would do well to take time out to reflect. This, together with the Solar Eclipse on Saturday, 11th, brings the promise of a fresh start. True, it might not be possible to implement all plans until early September. The planning though begins this week. In your case, and much driven by the needs and demands of others, you might wish to take stock of routine that`s been dictated by someone else`s needs but which hinders you. Considerable discussion might be needed to redress this balance. There`s also the possibility of learning that an administrative mistake will require attention. Though this could yet turn in your favour, it might nevertheless be disturbing when this news arrives.
Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19
Your horoscope for this week:
Quite rightly, you pride yourself on your quick responses to exciting ideas and offers and, as much, to problems; but now a lack of information, uncooperative individuals or your own confusion are preventing you acting. This is frustrating, but timely. On the 13th, the forthright Mars returns to Capricorn, kick-starting a decisive period. After that, you`ll know what to do and have the conviction necessary.
Everything you do seems to take double the usual effort. Are you forcing yourself to stick with tasks you aren`t up to? It is in your nature to do whatever you can to keep on top of responsibilities, but you may need to take things easy for a few days. Don`t be tempted to try a fad diet or exercise program as a means to restore your equilibrium. If you are thinking about embarking on a new health regime, talk to a medical professional before you take the plunge.
Soon after Saturday`s Solar Eclipse, Mars, presently retrograde, returns to your sign. You could then view this week as being a re-fuelling time ready for take-off early next week. The optimum condition for this exercise would surely be to be away and perhaps on holiday or at least experiencing a different daily rhythm. Note that Uranus arrives at its first station in Taurus on Tuesday. This represents a pause moment for everyone. True, it might also bring with it surprising developments.. Given that by then Venus will have arrived at the apex and career zone of your solar chart, it could be that you hear of changes within your working scene that will have major repercussions in September. Having space to consider the implications would surely be helpful. It might also be that in conversation with someone born under one of the Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, that you see where they`ve been stuck and how you could help them to realise one of their dreams, – whilst also freeing yourself of certain responsibilities.
Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18
Your horoscope for this week:
For the past six months you`ve been juggling intriguing but unsettling encounters and offers. You`ve taken advantage of some, been uncertain about others and a few have vanished. It`s been exhausting and exciting. Consequently, you`ll be relieved you`re getting a break. Take advantage of this time to review what`s worked and what hasn`t before the next round of decisions begins, early in the new year.
You have always been good at improvisation. When a situation calls for creative thinking, you will be the one who comes up with the best suggestions. Your positive attitude will inspire people to try different methods and you will find it fun to experiment. Changes coming up in your personal life will require a considerable amount of thought. In this area you won`t want to take action until you know how a loved one feels about new possibilities; so, ask them.
Saturdays (11th) solar eclipse is in your opposite sign. This special New Moon signals a change in partnership direction. True, this might not be immediate. It`s probable though, that ahead of this Eclipse you`re already well aware that changes need to be made. This might well require going back over old ground before you can move forward. Bear in mind that on Tuesday, Uranus stations at the base of your solar chart. This is its first station in this area of the zodiac since the 1930s. In all probability you have no earlier experience of this. It might be as well to be prepared to be surprised or even shocked by announcements made by others. It could be that they`re planning a move. Career-wise though, this could open up a new avenue. Whilst perhaps not delighted at the prospect of taking on extra responsibility, it may be that by seizing an opportunity, that you put yourself in good position ahead of Jupiter`s arrival in your sign in a couple of years` time. Creating a long-term plan could feel imperative.
Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20
Your horoscope for this week:
Often, you`ll take the blame for the mistakes of others, out of compassion or because it`s easier than explaining what`s what. Now you must be tough or risk paying a price, in terms of responsibility or, possibly, money. State the facts to those who need to know what`s what; and be frank. That done, turn your attention to other, far more worthwhile, elements in your life.
Setbacks in a new work program will make you wonder whether you should return to old methods. Persevere and the problems will melt away. The offer of some help will give you a chance to make up for lost time and you will start to feel you are making some progress. You might read a text message from a friend a dozen times and still feel confused about what they are trying to say. A quick phone call will enlighten you and might even give you something to laugh about.
It`s probable that in the approach to Saturday`s Solar Eclipse (a special New Moon) that you`ll feel the need for a fresh start. Hopefully Uranus` station on Tuesday (which coincides with Venus entry into Libra), will offer the perfect pause moment for rebalancing and reassessing. It may be that all this is driven by an administrative communication that makes clear that there has been an error in earlier paperwork. Though it could take until nearly mid-September for this to be cleared up, (and yes, it would be understandable if you felt highly irritated by the amount of work involved), this might also offer a sound platform operating differently generally. It`s perhaps time to adopt a new daily rhythm and routine. You might also give thought to health matters and whether or not a diet is supporting you as it should. Making adjustments now could pay dividends even as early as Mercury`s station on 19th.
Posted by: arif uk <pepper.buoy@yahoo.co.uk>
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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”
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“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 