Luna's spirituality blog

On a good note, it's Earthday! Celebrate the good things.

2013-04-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

The unfolding comeback story of the American bison. No story of the American West would be complete without mention of the bison, the grand icon of the Plains, the thunder of its hooves heard for thousands of years across a sea of prairie stretching from the Mississippi to the Rockies and from Canada to Mexico. The largest land animal of the Americas, the bison (or buffalo) dominated its world and became the stuff of legend to early explorers and to the Native American tribes that revered it, hunted it and depended on it.

Once considered “ecosystem engineers” – animals that profoundly affects their environment and all species living there – bison altered the prairie ecosystem by carving pathways and creating wetlands by wallowing and trampling. They fertilized the vegetation and provided food for hunters and scavengers.

Birds, prairie dogs, coyotes, wolves and pronghorn antelope all thrived in a land sculpted by millions of bison, roaming free.

The struggle to survive
These iconic animals were brought to near-extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, victims of massive overhunting and of the westward expansion of a swelling American population. Perhaps 1,000 surviving bison were kept privately, while, by the turn of the 20th century, fewer than 50 remained in the wild. Like the passenger pigeon, they seemed doomed to annihilation.

But the bison refused to quit. With the help of pioneering public and private conservation efforts, and with help from notables such as President Theodore Roosevelt, bison numbers increased yearly; today they number nearly 500,000. More than 90 percent of these, though, are raised domestically for meat. Fewer than 30,000 make up conservation herds, and only 5,000 are not confined by fences. Many of these also contain cattle genes, a result of early efforts to produce hardier cows or more docile bison.

Bringing the icon home
The World Wildlife Fund is working hard to improve the bison’s status and benefit the northern Plains ecosystem. By partnering with Native American tribes, public and private land managers and other conservation groups, the WWF hopes to spearhead the restoration of bison herds, benefiting both the health of the ecosystem and communities. By returning multiple healthy herds to more than 100,000 acres of northern prairie, the WWF and others hope this vast, overlooked ecosystem will again flourish with full biodiversity, shaped in large part by this keystone animal’s presence.

“The plains bison is emblematic of the power and prominence of the American West’s sweeping prairies. They are an American icon,” says Martha Kauffman, managing director of the WWF’s Northern Great Plains Program. Its goal is simple: to restore bison and their ecological role to portions of the northern Plains in South Dakota, Montana and neighboring states.
Doing it right
Returning thousands of bison to the land must be done responsibly, with those who own and manage the land. Creating solutions to address the concerns of neighboring landowners will also be a key in gaining public support.

To that end, supporters have identified existing areas in the northern Plains large enough to accommodate substantial bison herds. These include the American Prairie Reserve in Montana; the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota; the Fort Belknap and Fort Peck reservations in Montana; and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. Each has the acreage to support herds large enough to conserve the bison’s genetic integrity and restore its keystone ecological role, while also minimizing potential conflict with ranching concerns.

A spiritual connection

Native American connections to the bison run deep, so tribes across the country are joining with other groups to bring the bison back. “It’s time to stand up and rally around this animal, which is sacred to us and so important to the future of Montana,” says Mark Azure, director of the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department. He says that carving out a place for bison on reservations can again contribute to Native American well-being.

Kauffman agrees: “Bison hold enormous spiritual and cultural significance for Native Americans and are a potent symbol for the future of the Plains. WWF is working to support the tribes’ vision of returning bison to their lands.”

The legend survives
A coalition of organizations has proposed to make the bison our country’s national mammal. The bison could soon stand beside the bald eagle as a national symbol of strength, freedom and survival. From dominion to near extinction and back, it’s an epic story of an icon’s will to endure, and of the efforts of a broad band of differing peoples pledged to help the bison return to the life it once knew, out there on the Great Plains of North America.

To read the article in full, visit: http://causes.msn.com/earth_day_2013#section=article_6_3

Like soccer? Be thankful you don't play this guy....

2013-04-22T11:08:00.003-04:00

Luis Suarez bites Branislav Ivanovic, the second time he’s bitten an opponent during a match. Fresh off being named to the shortlist for PFA Player of the Year, Luis Suarez continued his history of bizarre and vicious in-game violence during Liverpool's match against Chelsea on Sunday by biting Branislav Ivanovic on the arm like a giant, rabid zombie squirrel. Suarez conceded a penalty and earned a yellow card for a handball in the box in the 56th minute, which allowed Eden Hazard to score a go-ahead goal for Chelsea.

Less than 20 minutes later, a seemingly innocuous battle for position between Suarez and Ivanovic led to the Liverpool striker burying his face in Ivanovic's arm and taking a bite before the Chelsea defender shoved him off. Despite Ivanovic's brief protest, the referee apparently didn't see the incident, but it will surely be reviewed by The FA in the coming days.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/luis-suarez-bites-branislav-ivanovic-second-time-bitten-164952953--sow.html

I seriously do not get how people think and what goes on in their mind. To me, this man is disturbed with mental problems and needs to be in pysche ward for treatment. He is out of control and mentally unbalanced. Children are better behaved then this man. Oh the shame. It's a game-someone will win and someone will loose-its the nature of the sport. Not a life or death game like in the ol Roman days......

Noteworthy News-keep protesting-change can happen!

2013-04-22T10:58:00.000-04:00

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian police arrested a second man on Monday in connection with the rape and torture of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi and parliament was adjourned twice amid an uproar about the crime which has rekindled popular fury at widespread sexual violence.

The anger echoes the response to the gang rape of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist on a bus on December 16. She later died of her injuries. Protesters are angry authorities have failed to prevent more such crimes.

Police say the child was abducted on Monday last week and kept in captivity by two men in the basement of the building that she lived in with her family. Neighbors say they found her two days later after hearing her cries.

Media reported several other attacks on children over the weekend, including that of a nine-year old girl in the north-eastern state of Assam, who had her throat slit after being gang-raped, TV channels said.

A man was arrested at the weekend for the attack on the five-year-old and is due to appear in a Delhi court this week. The second suspect, in his early 20s, was arrested early on Monday at a relative's house in the eastern state of Bihar on information received from New Delhi, local police chief Rajeev Mishra said.

"He was arrested about 1 a.m.," Mishra said. "...Delhi police and local police made a combined effort to arrest him."

Brutal sex crimes are common in India, which has a population of 1.2 billion. New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures.

But most such crimes go unreported and justice is slow, according to social activists, who say successive governments have done little to ensure the safety of women and children.

The December 16 attack brought thousands on to the streets in protest and provoked national debate about the rising number of vicious attacks on women, putting the issue firmly on the national political agenda a year before elections.

Activists planned a fourth day of street action amid heavy security in Delhi after protesters tussled with police and tried to reach the homes of India's leaders at the weekend. The protesters are calling for Delhi's police chief to resign.

The five-year-old girl's name has not been revealed, but media have nicknamed her "Gudiya", or doll. She has undergone surgery and was in stable condition on Monday, a doctor at the hospital where she is being treated told reporters.

To read more on this article or to read it in full, please see:
http://news.yahoo.com/second-man-arrested-india-girl-rape-chaos-parliament-074552630.html

Check out my online store.

2013-04-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

Love shopping? Looking for something unique for a particular person? Or maybe just a little something for yourself-to add to your decor, to treat yourself for a job well done, to just pamper yourself.....whatever you are looking for, come browse my little store.

It's a simple little store. A portion of all orders goes back to the community and I donate to many charities and foundations. What does this mean? This means that a portion of each reading/interpretation is given to charity. A few charities that are not mentioned below are the MS Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital, many animal shelters (SPCA, HSUS, WWF, FARM, Best Friend Animal Society, Alley Cat Allies In Defense of Animals, ASPCA just to name a few), Lupus and Cancer Centers. Rest assured, that your business is a blessing to others and that you play an important part/role in it. Thank you so much for your patronage and support.

Please browse my store at: www.lunasgiftsntreasures.com and please check out what's for sale and auction on ebay at: http://www.ebay.com/sch/scdarcher/m.html?item=271190809628&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f243b5c1c&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

What is up on ebay usually differs from what is on my online store. See something on ebay and don't want to wait for auction to end, email me through eBay. Many items are in stock and ready to go.

Thank you for your patronage. Brighest blessings to all.

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How to banish and remove roadblocks.

2013-04-09T15:47:00.000-04:00

Let's talk a bit about life. We all have ups and downs. What would life be without them?

For many people, a new year is a new beginning. Resolutions are made, lessons were learned, karma visited, chapters ended and were closed, things got left behind, new beginnings started, etc, etc, etc. Seasons change and so do people. What once was good, is no longer serving that purpose. If you think about it and reflect on your life so far, how many changes have you witnessed? Does it seem that you have lived many lifetimes just in this one alone?

Four months ago, 2012 ended and 2013 was welcomed in. Making New Year's resolutions is the easy part. It is usually the follow through to starting and beginning to manifest those goals that gets a little tricky. Failed resolutions can happen for a number of reasons.....lack of willpower or discipline, lack of knowledge of how to reach your goal, or other 'roadblocks' - mental, emotional or physical impediments to reaching your goal. Or maybe as time went by what seemed like a good idea then, isn't so good of an idea now. So now what?

If your ideas don't seem to be going in the direction you had hoped, do you just give up? I would like to hope not. Just because a roadblock is your path doesn't mean that it needs to stay there. It's a hurdle, so face it, deal with it and jump over it.

The first thing you HAVE to do is figure out what exactly your roadblocks are. Sometimes this can be really difficult, as it means admitting some things about yourself that you don't like or don't want to think about. In order to move on and broaden, you must deal with this. If you aren't happy with yourself, you will never be happy with anyone, person or thing until you are at peace with yourself. The whole point of this ritual and any associated spellwork is to break down barriers, and you must first start from the inside and work out. Your single worst enemy can be and often is.... yourself. Do you have the confidence to ask others for help when you need it? Do you listen to the people who do want to help you succeed or try opening your mind to their ideas and expertise? Do you procrastinate and remain idle with decisions or duties that must be tended to? Are you afraid to stand up for yourself, or are you the type that steals ideas from others and takes credit for it or how about belittling other people without a care? Identifying the less than stellar qualities about ourselves is the biggest step in breaking down barriers to manifesting goals through both magickal and mundane means. Take the time to investigate yourself and why you aren't where you want to be. Before doing any magic, you need to know what to work on. You must figure out how to break habits and create new healthier ones.
Still not sure? Having issues? Try this spell to reflect inwards and find what blocks that are keeping you from happiness, harmony or success with what you desire. Make sure you have the time and a very quiet environment, with nothing to distract you, such as a cell phone, radio, tv, pet, loud noises or children. It also helps if the room is fairly dark but that you are able to see well enough to write. Bright lights or open can be distracting. Make sure to give and allow plenty of time so that you aren't rushed to finish. It should be performed during the new moon phase while the new moon energy is still in force. You must be ready to face things you might not want to when you perform this so make sure you are open to learning things about yourself that you might not like and face things you may already know but have been unwilling to accept.

You will need:
· Sage or a smudge stick
· Black mirror - if you do not have a black mirror, use a black iron cauldron or a black bowl filled with water will work just as well.
· A picture or amulet of Ganesha, the Hindu deity known as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of Beginnings. A picture printed off your computer will be fine.
· One white candle, one dark blue candle and one black candle with holders. Candles that are 6" or taller or small pillars work best for this)
· White unlined paper and a pen - **do not use recycled paper** (as you do not want whatever the paper was used for in the past to come through in your spell).
· Candle scribe or toothpick
· Any oil to help you open the third eye chakra, such as Vision, Frankincense, Jasmine or Sandalwood
· Incense used for divination, such as Divination, Lemongrass, or Apollo. (To make Apollo incense, mix together 4 parts Frankincense, 2 parts Myrrh, 2 parts Cinnamon, and 1 part Bay. Grind in a mortar and pestle and sprinkle over hot charcoal just before you begin your ritual).

Using the sage or smudge stick, smudge yourself, your supplies and the area you will be working in well-corner to corner to corner to corner. You want to remove any residual energy, negative or positive. Like the New Moon, you want the area you are in to be a blank slate, with as little to influence you as possible. Place the mirror or bowl of water in the center of your altar or workspace. This spell is best done sitting down, so if your altar is tall, you may want to move your altar cloth, items and supplies to a table or the floor.

Place the black candle to the top left of the mirror or bowl, Ganesha in the center top, and the white candle to the top right. Using your scribe or toothpick on the black candle - start at the top, draw a picture of an eye and the Dagaz rune symbol, below that your name, and at the bottom the words, "I accept what I see". On the white candle-same thing-start at the top, draw a picture of the Sun, the Jera rune symbol, your name and the words "New Beginning" and place your incense and burner above Ganesha.

Do what you normally do when you start by calling your corners, watchtowers, elements, etc. (basically do your opening that you are used to, comfortable with or that your tradition requires). Anoint your crown, third eye, heart chakras and inner wrists with the oil. Seat yourself before the bowl, and light your black candle. Repeat these words three times:

I call upon the blessed air,
Blow deep within and lay me bare.
Show me what I need to see,
Give me strength and clarity.
Let me face what I am shown,
And have no fear of the unknown.
I set this spell three times three,
As I will, so shall it be.

Gaze into the black mirror/bowl, clear your mind and focus on allowing yourself to see what it is that is blocking you from peace, harmony, success, or the things you desire. This experience is different for every person - it is the facing the shadow self. You must be ready to explore truths about yourself, your relationships, the situations you are in that you don't like or find very hard to admit. Finding these truths is crucial to breaking the barriers that are keeping your from what you want. As they come to you, write them down on the paper. Makes notes about what you are seeing and feeling as well as any images you see in the mirror/bowl.

The length of time this process takes varies for everyone which is why you must have the time to do it and not be rushed. When you feel it is time to stop, then do so. You may feel tired, angry, depressed... It's okay to feel these emotions/feelings as it is important in breaking down these barriers and is a crucial part of manifesting what you truly desire. If you are tired, go lay down. If angry or depressed, holster that and do not allow it to manifest. Take a break. You can come back later, after being refreshed and relook at your notes or meditate on your feelings and what images appeared to you.

Using your candle scribe or toothpick, carve your name into the dark blue candle. Anoint it with the same oil you used to open your Third Eye. Place the notes you took during your black mirror meditation underneath the holder.

Light the blue candle, then the white candle and say these words three times:
Ganesha, this I ask of you,
Let me now begin anew.
Untie the ropes that hold me back,
Shown here now in mirror black.
With wisdom of the aging crone,
I face now the great unknown.
I set this spell three times three,
As I will, so mote it be.

When the candles have burned down completely, take the leftover wax and wick of the blue candle and the picture or amulet of Ganesha and place them in a small charm bag in your car. Take the wax and wick leftover from the black candle and bury it in the ground. Take the leftover wax and wick from the white candle and place it near the front entrance of your home, such as under the welcome mat or in a flower pot.

I hope you find your answer and that the healing can now begin for you. You are never to old to start anew, revise, reinvent and refresh yourself. Brightest blessings to all.

**As with any spell, treat with utmost respect. Always honor those deities you believe in and do not disrespect them. Always thank them and the corners/watchtowers for their wisdom and guidance.**

Banishing spell for the new moon

2013-04-03T16:45:00.000-04:00

I have many people contact me due to a variety of reasons. Lots of people are opening their minds and are returning to the ways of the old. One subject that is always popular is the subject of banishing. So here, I will touch on the subject.

The moon plays a very important role in all our lives. Whether you acknowledge this or not, it is true. Throughout history, the moon has always had an aura of mystery and magic about it. It has endless stories and folklore told about it passed through generations, it is clearly shown in movies and is mentioned in novels and countless books, whether to add mystery, romance, spookiness. It is no secret that the moon is tied to the ebb and flow of the tide, as well as the cycle of women's' bodies....the Maiden, Mother and Crone. Moon mysteries cross every culture and continent, is endless and there are countless celebrations and rituals involving the moon that go back beyond recorded time.

The full moon is the most powerful point in the lunar cycle for witches. Many traditional spells begin with, "By the light of the full moon.....". The full moon is brightening, enlightening, and inspiring. However, another extremely powerful time in the moon's cycle is often underused, or even ignored. This is the dark of the moon, or new moon. Example, the full moon reflects our magic, emotions, and divination outwards, the dark of the new moon brings them inwards. It is the absence of light, and the mysterious unseen forces. It is the dark mysteries, the deep recesses, shadowed self...the Crone in all her magnificent glory and wisdom.

The new moon is a time to reflect and do some introspection. (As a Mercury retrograde is also known for). The new moon is the time to look inward-find what is blocking you from progressing forward in the manner you desire and keeping your idle or at a standstill. Its the perfect time for doing some fundamental examination so you can decide what habits need to be broken and what relationships need the ties cut and should end. The new moon phase is the point where the old has disappeared and the new has not yet come. The moon's magnificent magical cycle is in a short hibernation before beginning to draw in energy to grow and manifest again. Decisions can be made, old wounds healed, what was cloudy will become clear. Old skins can be shed and left behind to make way for the fresh and new things forthcoming.

People familar with astrology know that the new moon occurs when the sun and moon align in the same astrological sign. This makes it a powerful time to set goals and begin new projects, then to perform spellwork to help them manifest. As the moon waxes, so too will the intention you set forth at the new moon.
The new moon is also a superb time for negative or reversing magic like bindings, banishing, and purging. Use the new moon phase to break bad habits/relationships or to distance yourself from any situation that is causing chaos, drama, or other difficulties. Break the chains of addiction, unhealthy eating, controlling people.
This spell is used to banish-whether it be a person, habit, or a situation that no longer serves you.

What you will need:
Black Candle
Red Candle
Banishing Herbs or Blend - If you don't have this available, try mixing two tablespoons each of rosemary, mugwort, and juniper all together. Add 1/2 tablespoon of cloves, myrrh, and copal to the mixture.
Charcoal Tab
Banishing oil to anoint the black candle - like Run Devil Run or Banishing. (If not available use an essential oil like frankincense or even basil.
Wishing oil to anoint red candle - like a purchased blended oil like Wishing or Mojo oil, or if not available, use an essential oil such as cinnamon
Fireproof Cauldron - this spell is best done in a medium or large cauldron. It does require working with flames, and therefore needs a deeper well. I would not recommend a 'baby cauldron' for this. That is to small.
Clean unlined paper or parchment-not recycled paper.
Dove's blood ink, quill, or black marker
Tongs or long tweezers
Candle scribe or toothpick
Banishing incense- clove, frankincense, basil, or banishing
Envelope
****Pitcher of water - this is just in case of emergency. When you are working a spell using fire, it is important to take precautions in case you drop or knock over something.

On the black candle (Banishing candle), write what it is you want to banish from your life (depression, bad habit, destructive behavior, abusive person, bad luck, sick/illness). **Write from the bottom to the top.** Anoint this candle with the banishing oil, focusing on what you want to banish. On the red candle (Quick Action candle), write from the top to the bottom what you wish to happen (be happy and full of life again, quit smoking, have good luck, get well, find employment, a new vehicle). Anoint it with the wishing oil, while focusing on what you want to come in to your life.

Light the charcoal tablet and place it in your cauldron. The charcoal tab will crackle and spark. This is normal - just let it run its course. The charcoal will begin to turn gray, much like the charcoal you use on a charcoal grill. When it begins to turn gray, it is ready to use.

On the paper, write what it is you wish to happen. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, write, "I rid myself of the hold that my tobacco/nicotine addiction has on me." (I'm sure you get my drift here).

On your altar, place the Banishing candle to the left, the cauldron in the center/middle, and the Quick Action candle on the right. Have the banishing mix ready in a small dish.

Start your ritual as is your normal way or as your tradition requires. Using the incense stick, light your candles, and blow out the flame on the incense and place the incense stick in holder. If you have prepared a spoken spell, chant or prayer, say it now. Using the tongs, pick up the parchment, and repeat what you have written three times. Touch a corner of the parchment to the black candle, then immediately drop it in the cauldron. Sprinkle the banishing herb mix over the paper and the charcoal.

Once the ashes in the cauldron have cooled, pour the leftover contents into the envelope. Lay the envelope flat, then tip the black candle (first), then the red candle (second/after the black) over the closure of the envelope allowing the candle wax to drip on the envelope seal, then press your thumb into the sealing wax. After the candles burn down and are spent, take the leftover wax, wicks and the envelope and go dispose of them in a trash receptacle well away from your home, your work, or any place you frequently visit or go.

As with any spell, respect it, the elements, the spirits you call forth to help and guide you.

Brightest blessings to all. In light and love.

Magickal Gardening

2013-04-01T14:39:00.000-04:00

Let's talk about how plants, both inside and out, can affect the energy of a space. Some people like to incorporate Feng Shui principles and practices into their living/working space environment. Not to mention the importance of plants in spellcraft and spiritual practice. For those not familiar with this ancient philosophy, Feng Shui is the art of arranging your physical environment around for the natural harmony of the space and to insure the free flow of positive qi, or energy.

Many people use Feng Shui in their spiritual practices as it can make you feel better, relaxed, peaceful, more spiritual, at ease or even inspired. There are many books out about this subject. You can start at your local library and browse through before you decide to buy any books on the subject and this will help you get and idea and feel for what Feng Shui is all about. Scott Cunningham discusses it in The Magical Household, and Raymond Buckland in Wicca for Life.
Principles of Feng Shui seem to go hand in hand with witchcraft/Wicca. Magick is all about using energy to manifest dreams and desires, break bad habits, heal from situations that have hurt us. Feng Shui is about creating the environment for that same energy to flow freely and positively in the proper direction to manifest desires more quickly and easily. An example is like driving on an open country road, cruising at a certain speed with no obstacles and driving on your work commute with traffic-slow, stop, brake, brake, brake, move an inch and stop again......ug, all the obstacles to overcome just to make it to work can be exhausting and frustrating. Feng Shui principles work the same way by creating a free flow of energy. When you move and arrange objects a certain way, it keeps that positive energy from being blocked or slowed down which helps in reaching the positive goal sooner. Thus, giving good positive results.
Gardening isn't just for outdoor plants. It does include indoor plants and their placement is an important part of Feng Shui. Immobile objects like buildings, walls and large furniture can be in the way which blocks the flow of qi. Items or objects are referred to as 'cures' and are used to redirect the energy around the object. Plants, along with mirrors, crystals, statues, and other objects are often used as cures.

Take a look around your neighborhood. Houses, garages and buildings are set at certain angles to each other, thus it creates what is called a 'poison arrow' in Feng Shui. This is very common in coves and cul-de-sac neighborhoods. For example, you may have a nasty neighbor-someone who is mean or rude, lets the property go and ruin the look of the neighborhood, have temperment issues or kids who are troublesome. Depending on the angle that their home is positioned, it could be due to the 'poison arrow' and that it is directing all of that residual negative energy directly at them. Or if you feel grouchy and uneasy, perhaps it's that the 'poison arrow' is pointing in your direction. To help allieviate this problem, plant a tree or shrub between the arrow flow and your home. This is very effecient in blocking the arrow, which alleviates the negative energy being directed your way. Alternately, if there is any sort of large foliage, such as shrubs or trees blocking the exterior doors or walkways of your home (even if it is one you do not use), then trim them back or relocate them to a different spot in the yard. Positive qi must have open access to the entrances of your home or business to insure good luck and prosperity. The same is true for front and back porches......if they are covered in broken furniture, clutter and dead plants, what sort of energy do you think they attract? Remove the clutter and replace broken pots and dead plants with live ones that represent the sort of energy you want to attract. Try a bright colored pot or flowering plant to attract joy, creativity and positive energy. There is no better place for this cure than on your front porch. A low maintenance easy care plant I recommend for porches is the pansy or snap dragon. They have beautiful coloring, coming in white, pink or red, purple, yellow and all grow well in shady area's and require almost no maintenance. Even types of begonia and marigolds are easily grown. Certain types of flowering plants can shed olds flowers as new ones are produced, which eliminates the need for pruning or dead-heading, however depending on how much you enjoy hands on gardening and getting your hands in Mother Earth, you may have to dead head or remove the wilted blooms by hand which is not hard to do. Plants can be inexpensive, very lively and helps to alleviate stress and add beauty. They are perfect for apartment balconies, window boxes, and any size pot in front of your home or business. In cold climates, they can be brought indoors to a sunny window during the winter and may continue to bloom.
From a magical perspective, plants can be and are used to attract luck. There is a Good Luck Plant, Money Plant and Leprechaun Plant and many other to choose from. Many varieties of plants grow well inside in a window or sun room in pots or placed on a counter or any other area that receives several hours of sun.
Suggestions for outdoor plants used in Feng Shui include but aren't limited to the following:

Aloe Vera - well known for amazing healing qualities plus an added benefit is that it has long spiky leaves to help provide protection from evil and negativity. It is perfect for people who live in dry desert environments and in areas that have freezing temperatures, it should only be grown indoors.

Azaleas - a very popular flowering shrub and comes in an array of different colors. It will thrive in a variety of growing conditions. They attract energy for beauty and sexual potency. There are too many varieties to mention - check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.

Chrysanthemum - Mums are great for fall gardens. Mums symbolize a life of pleasure leading to a happy retirement.

Ivy - is used to camouflage ugly walls and stop erosion, is easy to care for andcomes in many varieties. Ivy has a mind of its own, and if it's left to its own devices, it will climb up pillars, walls, will spread out over the ground quickly. There are dozens of varieties, and it will grow in a variety of climates. Ivy encourages fidelity in relationships and is a guardian plant. Try ivy in with perennial flowers in hanging baskets on a porch. The ivy is just stunning when it starts to cascade over the sides of the baskets.

Jasmine - If you are familar with Goddesses and Deity's, you would know that this plant was sacred to Diana (Artemis), Rhiannon (Epona), Shiva, Vishnu, and countless others. It blooms at night and is representative of our relationship with the moon and its magical qualities. Jasmine attracts love energy (sexual and emotional). Jasmine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions and it requires a great deal of sun. Jasmine can get quite large depending on the area. You can use the flowers for making oils, dry them for making tea...sensational plant. If you have it outdoors and a gentle breeze blows, it can waif through your window and take you to a mystical, magical, whimsical place.

Lavender - Used in magic for peace, tranquility, restful sleep and is great to calm a household especially with children and pets who are highly energetic. Lavender has a wonderful aroma and can be an outdoor plant as well as an indoor plant. It is a natural insect repellent, and grows in a wide variety of conditions. Left alone it will cover a hillside in no time, helping to prevent erosion. Dry the flowers for use in potpourri, charm bags, and oils.

Mint - Many varieties of mint, including catnip, are beautifully suited for growing outdoors in beds, planters, or pots. Mint attracts money and prosperity. Dry the leaves for use in charm bags, teas or tonics, or use fresh in beverages or food. Mint tends to grow and flourish quickly so be careful when growing as it will take off like wild fire.

Roses - love, love, love them! Roses are by far my favorite thing to grow - roses equals work and can be finicky and need care and tending to (depending on the variety) and are not for the faint of heart by any means. They REQUIRE pruning, dead-heading, fertilization, and watering to thrive. They are subject to a number of pests and diseases-black spot especially and beetles. If you are interested in trying your hand at growing, check out some horticultural societies that provide education on which grow best in your area and visit local nurseries to find out what they recommend for your area and soil type. Roses attract love and friendship, but should not be placed next to the entrance of the home, as the thorny bushes create disharmony for those who enter. Dry the petals for use in oils, charm bags, tea and potpourri.

Trees - Oh how I love trees. Trees are our connection to Mother Earth and along with plants, helps to provide the oxygen we breathe, and always adds beauty and balance wherever they are planted. All cultures have some type of tree lore.....like the ancient Celts named their months after trees.

Here is a small list of trees that come to mind for certain purposes:
•Apple - peace
•Beech - learning and wisdom
•Cherry - beauty, abundance and joy
•Elm - attracts positive energy
•Holly - protects from evil spirits
•Oak - strength and masculine energy, personal power
•Peach - long life, and symbolic of the divine
•Pine - longevity, protection from evil spirits
•Willow - protection from evil and gentle, peaceful energy

I hope this will plant a seed within you to try out Feng Shui or at least add some liveliness to your environment and surroundings.

Blessed Be to all.

An interesting story for those who love folklore.

2013-03-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Welsh Goddess - Cerridwen

Cerridwen embodies all three lunar aspects of the Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone although she is primarily worshipped in her Crone aspect, by and through her Cauldron of Wisdom, Inspiration, Rebirth and Transformation. The cauldron in her story has an intimate association with femininity, together with the cave, the cup and the chalice, and the association of femininity with justice, wisdom and intelligence goes back to very ancient times. Her cauldron is the primary female symbol of the pre-Christian world, and represents the womb of the Great Goddess from which all things are born and reborn again.

Cerridwen was originally worshipped by the people of Wales. It is told that she lived on an island, in the middle of Lake Tegid, named after her husband, with her two children, a beautiful daughter, Creidwy, and a very ugly son, Afagdu. To compensate her son for his unfortunate appearance, Cerridwen brewed a magickal formula, known as "greal", which would make Afagdu the most brilliant and inspired of men. For a year and a day, she kept six herbs simmering in her magickal cauldron, known as "Amen", under the constant care of a boy named Gwion.

One day, while Gwion was stirring the cauldron, a few drops of the bubbling liquid spattered on his hand. Unthinkingly, and in pain, Gwion, sucked his burned hand, and, suddenly, he could hear everything in the world, and understood all the secrets of the past and future. With his newly enchanted foresight, Gwion knew how angry Cerridwen would be when she found he had acquired the inspiration meant for her son.

He ran away, but Cerridwen pursued him. Gwion changed into a hare, and Cerridwen chased him as a greyhound; he changed into a fish, and Cerridwen pursued him as an otter; he became a bird, and she flew after him as a hawk; finally, he changed into a grain of corn, and Cerridwen, triumphant, changed into a hen, and ate him.

When Cerridwen resumed her human form, she conceived Gwion in her womb, and, nine months later, gave birth to an infant son, whom she, in disgust, threw into the water of a rushing stream. He was rescued by a Prince, and grew into the great Celtic bard, Taliesin.

The image of her cauldron, holding the magickal potion of wisdom, is the mythical origin of the Halloween image of a cauldron-stirring hag, making up her witch's brew. The brew had to simmer for a year and a day, a common passage of time in Celtic lore. A festival in her honour is celebrated on July 3rd, and the pink sow, a symbol of fertility, good fortune and enrichment, is said to be her matron animal.

Created by Kerritwyn and taken from The White Moon Gallery.
Image from Something Wiccan This way Comes

Romance spell

2013-02-12T18:19:00.000-05:00

This is great for any time or occasion. I know people who use this as their Valentine Day spell. This is used more to keep the openess, love and communication between two people alive. This is not to bring a new love to you or to find a lover.

You will need:

rose incense or an oil warmer with rose oil and a tealight
Red candle
Pink candle
Strawberries and/or pink marshmallows
Melting Chocolate-milk, white or dark-your choice

Set up an area in your kitchen and light the incense/oil and the candles.

Melt the chocolate in the usual way and once its melted, dip the strawberries and marshmallows in to coat them - as you do so say these words:

Lover,, come eat with me
Come easily here but also stay free
Come with love, joy and desire to share
Free to leave again should you care
Enjoy time together
No matter Mother Nature's weather

Blessed Be, So Mote It Be!!

Share the chocolate coated items with your lover, knowing they remain free to do as they choose. You can also substitute any fruit or nuts that have aphrodisiac qualities as well as the strawberries. Feel free to use your own words and verses to personalize the desired affect you want to have. As always, visualize your intent with harm to none and no bending of will.

Some fascinating reads about cultures and folklore

2013-02-08T14:49:00.000-05:00

I have stumbled across some really interesting reads. There is a new show that comes on the History channel called the Vikings. I wanted to delve a bit into that time period. As I was doing so, I come across the below articles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology_in_the_Low_Countries

http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/gods.html

Enjoy and brightest blessings to you!

What is the Ankh?

2013-01-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

Signs and Symbols: The Ankh (Also worn as a talisman)

The Ankh is one of the most famous and widely used symbols of Ancient Egypt. It appeared in hieroglyphic text and iconographic art all over ancient Egypt. Yet, there is much debate over the origin of the symbol. Gardiner (who composed the standard sign list) suggested that it was a sandal strap. This part of the sandal was called 'nkh but it is not clear whether this name was applied retrospectively because of the similarity in shape. Others have suggested that it was a totem representing male and female reproductive parts, a sun on the horizon with the path of the sun before it, and a ceremonial girdle. It may also have been associated with the "Sa" (the hieroglyphic symbol which represented magical protection) and has also been linked to the Tjet (also known as the "knot of Isis") which has also been described as a ceremonial girdle.

The symbol is also an Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph which represents the hieroglyph ´nh (ankh) meaning "life" or "breath of life". The glyph appears in an incredible number of inscriptions and was often used as a decorative device. Many of the gods of Egypt are depicted bearing an Ankh to represent their vivacity and immortality. Occasionally the god (or goddess) extends the Ankh to the Pharaoh, indicating both the gift of life and the purification of the subject.

The Ankh was also associated with life after death. The dead were sometimes referred to as "ankhu" and sarcophagi were also known as "neb-ankh" (possessor of life).

Taken from Ancient Egypt Online (I hope this helps) Brightest blessings.

New Year, new you, new career?

2013-01-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

Here we are again saying good bye and departing from one year and welcoming in the new hopeful year. For some, 2012 was harsh with people losing their homes, jobs as well as many other circumstances. Here is a little spell to help with employment that I have in my BOS.

It is an oldie but a goodie. As with any spell, be sure to do in the correct moon phase. I would emphasize that once work comes your way, bury the silk in mother earth and allow it to rot, this is returning it to the earth. You should use green silk as that has the color corresponding to wealth. The nine knots represent the power of 3x3. You do this spell in the New Moon and continue for the next 14 nights until the Full Moon. ***Remember to send always, always send thanks and blessings once the spell has worked to keep the balance even and show appreciation.

You will need a 13 inch long green silk cord or cotton yarn (some type of natural fiber). Be sure to cleanse and purify the cord/yarn before using. Spend at least one day/night holding the cord and visualizing your intent. Put your intent and energy into it. Be sure that you are looking for a job at the time of doing this. You will have to do your part so the magick can do it's part.

Feeling jinxed?

2012-12-17T15:38:00.000-05:00

In my line of work, it is quite common for someone to bring up the subject of feeling jinxed. People will write in, call or ask me in person about this subject. They are just hit with such bad and poor luck that they feel they have a hex or the evil eye upon them.

There are many reasons why this can occur. People can be jealous or envious of something that someone has or has going for them.

There are many spells that can be done to 'undue' this situation but it is always good to know where the problem lies or who has cast the 'negative' spell upon you.

If you should know who is casting the negativity upon you, you can do the Mirror Spell. I would highly recommend this spell, but YOU MUST KNOW WHO is wishing the harm upon you. As with all spells and all intentions, Lady Karma and Ms. Divine Justice is watching. Remember the law/rule/creed of Karma and threefold.

As I stated above, the Mirror Spell can be used when you KNOW someone is directing bad or negative energies/words/deeds your way. It is a very strong way to work the 'return to sender' magic. You can use any mirror to do this, but you must make sure that it is facing in the direction of the persons house or their place of work while you recite the spell (it doesn't need to be compass point or latitude/longitude perfect). First, you must ensure the mirror has been cleansed and blessed. **Do not use the mirror of your choosing for the spell for any other purpose afterwards until you thoroughly cleanse and bless it again.**

You can always strengthen this spell by adding other devices to it-like a black candle for protection, dragon's blood incense or oil for protection and help amplify against negativity, use crystals such as amythest, black obsidian, tigers eye (blue or red), jasper, citrine - many to choose from. Wear the color black to cast the 'return to' spell since this is the color of protection and hold or wear your pentagram and decorate your altar, if you can.

Here is how the spell SHOULD read: (Start with a plain mirror-no writing upon it)

This mirror I place before my name,
Returning negativity from whence it came,

This mirror protects me from words and deeds
Returning the hate to where it breeds.

(Name of person) take heed in the words I speak
Lest you get harmed by what you wreak.
As is my will, I ask you now
Bestow the charm that I have sown.
So Mote It Be!!

You can adjust this spell to suit your own purpose and needs to make it more personal, but remember you need to know from which direction the harm is coming from.

**As with any spell, do not dabble unless you know what you are doing. It's not a game, its a way of life. Repurcussions can and may happen. Be sure to do your spell in the correct moon phase. Always protect yourself. Once spell is over, let it go. Mother Universe will do her work at her will. ***

What is the 'Evil Eye?' How do I know if it's upon me?

2012-11-12T16:36:00.000-05:00

Everyone at one time or another will have a run of 'bad luck' here and there. It don't matter who you are. At one time or another, we will all experience some negative things in this lifetime. It's a learning lesson and if you do not heed and learn from it the first time, it will keep repeating until you do learn from it...so heed it, recognize it and break the habit so it will not repeat.

There are instances where a run of sheer poor luck/bad luck could be caused via a curse/hex. Sometimes, you can just feel it, yet at other times, you are in the lurch wondering. For those of you wondering, there is an easy way to find out....
The Evil Eye is an ancient belief in many parts of the world and is commonly thought to be caused by envy. It is believed that some people have the power (even within their eyes) to cause harm to another through jealousy or hatred. What I mean by 'within their eyes' is that some people can look at a person or a picture of a person and cast the evil eye upon the person. In some cases, a curse can and will be involved as well. There are many ways to combat the Evil Eye but first of all you need to know whether it has been put on you.
Diagnosing the Evil Eye:

You will need:
1). A bottle of spring water/ moon water
2). Olive Oil
Pour room temperature water into a bowl. Put 3 drops of olive oil slowly into the water. If the drops merge together then the Evil Eye is present, if they stay separate then you are clear. This is based on the knowledge that separate drops of oil will stay isolated when placed in water - should they merge then there is something amiss.
****Do not perform a removal of the Evil Eye without performing this test first. As with all things magickal, the echoes will return to you if the spell is not necessary.*** People who are highly vibratory or in tune with themselves can use any way to determine this. Some use crystals or meditation. I find that most highly sensitive people are just annoyed or amused by this and have their own methods of dealing with. Some people are protected by their 'force field' so they are not affected by any of this and tend to send a warning back stating - Do not do this again.... Removing the Evil Eye

So, once you have diagnosed the Evil Eye as being present, there are a number of things you can do to remove it. A very simple way is a talisman to protect yourself such as the Evil Eye bead/disc (which was usually blue or green-but now comes in many colors) which is believed to 'outstare' the Evil Eye itself, protecting the wearer from the harm that has been directed to them. I find this is better used as an instrument of protection AGAINST having the Evil Eye put on you in the first place. If you do not have that, here is another way to remove it:

You will need:
1). A lemon
2). 9 Iron nails-must be iron-do not substitute

Take the lemon and visualize the lemon as the eye itself. Drive the 9 nails deeply into the lemon, visualizing the nails piercing an eyeball and put to one side. **Be careful that you do not visualize a specific person's eye. Whether you think it's them or not, this can have disasterous consequences for both you and that person.**

The lemon should have started to decay after 3 days which shows that the removal has worked. If the lemon is still fresh after 3 days, you will need to repeat this using a fresh lemon. By doing this, you are externalizing the evil eye, thus placing it away from you so as not to cause harm to yourself.

Once the lemon has started to decay, you will need to bury it in mother earth, preferably far away from you. The nine nails represent the power of 3x3, and iron itself is considered a magickal metal of protection and luck which is why iron nails are used.

Blessed Be and brightest blessings to all. As with any spell or writing posted, I am not liable for any action you take in reference to anything posted.

Clearing a space by smudging.

2012-10-12T14:38:00.000-04:00

In recent weeks, I have had many people write in to ask about smudging. Smudging is a simple but potent way to clear a space from negativity.
A smudge stick is a dried bundle of sage or white sage. At times lavender, rosemary or cedar will be included in the bundle. The smoke from a smudge stick can cleanse anything that is holding negativity from crystals to houses/workplaces or work spaces. There are times when I would recommend a saging for a new item that you purchase especially if it comes from an antique store, wiccan/witch store, a new tarot deck, jewelry and the list goes on. It's always good to clear a new tarot deck before you start to season it and the same with other items. You want to clear all negativity from it before you wear or use it. Even if an item is blessed, you never know-the mail carrier could have had a bad day the negative vibes could rub off on item if it's not protected well.

If you do not have a sage stick/wand, you can use sage leaves-as long as they are dried out first.

You will need:

1). A smudge stick (bought ones are fine)
2). A large feather/implement to 'waft' the smoke, ie. fan
3). A cauldron/bowl to catch ash and embers.
Light one end of your smudge stick and allow any flames to die down or blow the flame out so it is just smoking like an incense would do. Then you can walk around with it in your hand or place it in your bowl or cauldron so it is easier to carry.
Smudge your house or workspace by walking in and around each room, wafting the smoke with the feather, making sure you get the smoke into all the corners and over the upholstery. As you do so, recite some wording to cleanse the space. (Something like - negativity beware, here comes the cleansing spirits of Earth and Air (air for the smoke, earth for the herbs). I cleanse this space so negativity make haste, away with bad, in with good. Peace, comfort and calm will return and remain, this space is cleansed like an invisable rain. Light and love, blessed from above, as I will it, so mote it be, Blessed Be)! I am sure you get the gist of it. Make up your own wording and walk through the rooms/area and bless each one.

If you work with a specific deity, you can ask the Spirit element (deity) you choose to ask for help or simply replace with 'Goddess'.
To smudge an object, simply hold the particular object in the smoke of your smudge stick and say similar words to those above - as with all spellwork, you can create your own words to say or simply adapt the words I used above and revise them for your particular need. You can also light the smudge stick, place it in your cauldron on a heat proof surface and leave it smoking for a while to allow the smoke to dissipate around the space. This works well also.

You should try to do this every month or you can repeat as needed or as often as you feel neccessary.

Sukkot Celebration & Festivities

2012-09-30T14:04:00.000-04:00

The Feast of Tabernacles (Feast of Sukkot or Feast of Booths) is a celebration - Christian festival (the Season of our Joy) about the establishment of the 1000 year messianic kingdom to be set up at the second coming of Yeshua the Messiah (Christ). It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals God gave the children of Israel in the Bible (Leviticus 23). It was during these festivals that the Israelites would bring their offerings and firstlings to the Temple in Jerusalem and enjoy a feast!

Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles ) is not a "Jewish festival", but rather a "Hebrew" festival, for it was given to all the Israelite tribes, not just Judah. Today, it would be observed by all of God's people since ". . . if ye be Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal 3:29).

To learn more about Sukkot like it's origins, laws and prayers, please check out the following website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot

Brightest blessings to all.
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The Jewish Feast of the Tabernacle, Sukkot, begins at sundown on Sept. 30, 2012, and ends at nightfall on Oct. 7. The Festival of Booths, as Sukkot is also known, is observed from the 15th to the 21st of the Tishrei in the Jewish year of 5773.

For the eight days and seven nights of Sukkot, Jews traditionally eat and sleep in a sukkah, a temporary dwelling with a thatched roof, from which the holiday gets its name. Two other components of the holiday are inviting guests, or ushpizin, and waving the four species, known as the lulav and etrog.

Sukkot is one of three biblically mandated holidays for which the ancient tribes made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday is based on the verse: "Every resident among the Israelites shall live in booths, in order that your [ensuing] generations should know that I had the children of Israel live in booths when I took them out of the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 23:42-43). The sukkah is a physical remembrance of the "clouds of glory" that surrounded and protected the Israelites as they wandered the desert after escaping from Egypt.

The commandment regarding the "four species" -- the lulav (palm, willow and myrtle) and etrog (citron) -- also comes from chapter 23 of Leviticus: "And you shall take for yourselves on the first day [of Sukkot], the fruit of the hadar tree [myrtle], date palm fronds, a branch of a braided tree, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for a seven day period" (23:40). The lulav and etrog are held together and, after reciting a blessing, waved in six directions -- forward, backward, left, right, up and down -- in acknowledgment of God's dominion over all creation.

Another important aspect of Sukkot is welcoming of guests (ushpizin in Aramaic) into the sukkah. While people actually invite friends, family and strangers into their hand-built temporary homes, on each night of Sukkot a different ancestral guest, leading the entire group of "holy shepherds," is said to enter the sukkah, and Jewish teachings are invoked in their names. The ushpizin -- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David -- embody seven different spiritual paths that, together, bring humanity and all of creation to a more perfected state: Abraham is lovingkindness, Isaac is strength, Jacob represents harmony, Moses is eternality through Torah, Aaron is divine splendor, Joseph is spiritual foundation and David embodies sovereignty.

Do you believe in dreams? If not.....why?

2012-09-30T11:20:00.001-04:00

I have touched on this subject a few times in the past. Do people dream? Do they remember dreaming? Why do some people think that they don’t dream? Why do some believe that dreams are just fluff? Can we really learn from our dreams?

Actually, dreams are really important. It can tell you how to deal with and all about a problem you will face and how to overcome that problem. But only if you listen and pay attention. These are the ways in which your own higher guidance or ‘spirit’ communicates with you through the dream realm. Some people believe that you are communicating with God, himself, through the messages of dreams or His angels, which are also considered your angels. God also has many names, Buddha, Allah, Great Spirit in the sky, etc. No matter who you believe in and what you call Him, remember we are all in His hands and he does communicate with us.

In my other articles, I have touched on the different parts of dreaming. Just in case, I’ll explain it again, there is the beginning, which can give you the time, place and people involved. There is the presentation, which is basically the appearance of the dreams problem coming to light. Then, there is the climax. This is where the transformation has taken place and the situation or catastrophe is unveiled. And, finally, there is the conclusion or the closing phase of the dream. Are you starting to understand what I’m talking about?

I do have some customers who do believe in power of dreams and the interpretation of them. For some, they wake up and jot it down. For others, in order for them to get the full benefit, they find it helpful to keep a dream journal. Either way, it all works out. However, the longer we wait to write down our dreams, the more apt we are to omit details or just forget about them altogether. Even if you just write down a few key details, it helps to trigger the memory at a later time when you are writing or typing them out to have interpreted. I keep a journal for dreams so I can refer back to it and if I don’t understand the lesson, I will at a later time when I am presented with the situation. This way, I am able to keep using the lesson and knowledge throughout my lifetime. Another way to look at the dream journal is that by keeping one, we are sending a message to God that we hear Him and that we take what He says seriously. Many people actively ask God to speak to them through dreams. For those of you who do not believe in the power of dreams, then the information may not generally be volunteered to you. It may or it may not - it all depends on you and your open mindedness to it. It’s there for the taking, but if you do not heed it, then it may disappear until you ask for it.

The details of a dream are important, no matter how minute and small you think it is because it would not be put in the dream if it wasn’t significant in one form or another. If we don’t pay attention to these small details, we’ll miss the valuable information and messages to be received. Dreams are like a puzzle and the pieces need to be put together in order to solve the mind mystery and understand and unlock the message that is meant for us. Dreams don't always mean what you think they do. Dream meanings are not the same as waking meanings. For example, if you die in a dream, it is not foretelling that you or someone will depart this earthly realm. Or if your teeth are falling out, it doesn't signify that you have a periodontal problem. The same holds true for dreaming that you are at an AA or NA meeting-it doesn't mean that you will suffer the effects of being addicted to drugs or alcohol. I have studied dream interpretation for over a decade and have much professional experience with the subject and giving guidance. I can’t stress the point enough that you should be careful and not assume that you know the interpretation of the dream through your own personal and natural way of thinking. By trying to do that, you run a risk of having a marred and unclear version of what God wants to speak to you about, especially if you end up taking the details of your dream literally, and using your natural and personal way of thinking to figure it out. Instead, you must consider trying to understand their symbolic nature. Because dreams are usually symbolic, what they look like on the surface is often not at all really what they are about or what the point trying to get across is.

Drawing the interpretation of our dreams solely from dream books is another mistake to be avoided. Dream books can be useful and do have an advantage, however, your dreams are highly personal, and meanings of details and purpose in them are often tailored fit to you specifically. Dream books list what certain items have meant commonly to many people, or may fall in a category but it does not necessarily follow that an object must mean this or that or even what the dream book says it represents.

If and when you are ready for some insight, please don’t hesitate to check me out. This is one of my unique gifts. I have much experience with this wisdom and guidance.

Remember, we are all in God's, Allah, Great Spirit, Buddha, God/dess hands. Brightest blessings!

(Article written by L.A. 3/08: reposted 9/12 - any duplication of article is prohibited without authors consent)

Tools of the witch.

2012-09-27T17:58:00.000-04:00

In the past few weeks, many have wrote in to me asking questions about certain tools that are used by witches, High Priestess', etc. and the role these tools play when doing rituals and prayers. So, let me touch on a bit of that. Below you will find a list of items and hopefully this will anwser some of those questions.

Tools of the Craft - Bell

The bell can be used to represent male and female. The Outer shell of the bell would represent the female while the hammer/clapper represents the male. Bells can be used to mark the time, to purify the air of unwanted influences, aid in the calling of spirits or help create an altered state of consciousness.

Bell Folklore

In Europe, the bell is used to announce a death and even as a means of protection.

In Italy, bells are often attached to livestock to help prevent them from getting the Evil Eye. They are also attached to household pets to protect them from baneful spirits. (Taken from Pagan Lore)

Don't have a bell, that's okay, a singing bowl can be used instead of a bell. This is a metal bowl that 'sings' when a wooden stick is drawn along the edge of the bowl. The sound and vibration is said to clear the air of any negativity before doing altar work or to draw spirits near when doing seance work.
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Tools of the Craft - Altar Pentacle

The pentagram has existed for thousands of years. For some people the word “pentagram” may associate with worshiping the devil, but the fact is that in the past, it was used as a protection sign from evil and was even used by the Catholic church. Today it is a Wiccan symbol of faith.

A pentagram is a five-pointed star. The pentagram is known as the endless knot because it’s possible to draw it with a continuous motion, without lifting your pencil or writing utensil.

A pentacle is a pentagram inside of a circle. It can be made of wood, stone, metal or clay. It is a very powerful protection symbol and Wiccans usually put it on an altar. Pentacles and pentagrams can take material form or be completely abstract-whatever your preference. If you should draw a pentagram in the air above a certain object, it will be just as protected as if you had put a material pentacle on it or next to it. Pentacles and pentagrams have always been associated with mystery, magic and protection from evil.

A little history: The pentagram became first associated with evil during the Inquisition in the form of Baphomet, a goat creature, which was considered a demon and a personification of the devil. It was believed that the pentagram represents the devil‘s goat head. If you should turn it upside down, that is the symbol that is used and most associated with devil worship.

The corners of a pentagram represent the Akasha (or Spirit Self) and the four elements, the substances which are responsible for all living things. Some pentagrams have colored corners, when each color is associated with a specific element (water – blue, fire – red, air – yellow, earth – green, spirit – white or purple). Some witches believe that the pentagram is a personification of the trinity of the Goddess (Maiden, Mother and Crone) and the dual-unity of the God (light and dark). Yet in some other traditions, the corners of the pentagram represent the four elements and the magical intention. Spirit is at the heart of the pentagram and is connected directly with each of the corners.

For more on the pentagram, see my other blog specifically about the pentagram by clicking here.
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Tools of the Craft - Boline

The boline is a white handled knife and usually has a curved blade, like that of a crescent moon. It is used for more practical uses than the athame. Examples of using the boline would be harvesting and cutting herbs, inscribing candles with symbols, sigils or even cutting ritual cords. Unlike the athame, the boline is used in the physical process of magical works (like ritual cutting as an example). The boline serves for the physical plane while the athame serves for work in the spiritual/astral plane.
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Tools of the Craft - Chalice

Ah, the chalice or otherwise known as the cup, is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice (or cauldron or bowl) is or can sometimes be placed in the West as well.

Chalices can be of any material. Many use silver or pewter. (WARNING-be careful with untreated metals especially when serving wine). Ceramic ones are now becoming quite popular and are very readily obtainable and available. Some Witches prefer to have many different kinds for using in the variety and many different types of rituals. Practitioners will tend to avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence plus it's ill affects should you drink from it. So be sure to read and understand what your chalice is made up of and made out of by checking the label or box it comes in. And as with any tool used in ritual, always cleanse and bless it before using.

The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle in a coven so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice. Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner. This pays honor/homage and respect to the Source.

The chalice is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess and is associated with fertility. It is used for drinking and for the offering of libations to the gods. It is believed that to drink from the cup is to drink of life.

Something to think about.

2012-09-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, The mouse proclaimed this warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched,raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and said,"There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap. ....Alone....

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it. It was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient, chicken.

But his wife's sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well...She died. So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you, remember --- When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY. OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a FRIEND. Blessed be and Amen!

The Pentagram Symbol

2012-09-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Pentagram symbol (as I have stated before in other blog postings), is one that is near and dear to my heart. And surprisingly, many people do not understand it's true meaning. Some find it a sign of evil and others a very treasured and sacred symbol. To me, it is a very sacred and powerful symbol. The pentagram, throughout history, has long been believed to be a potent protection against evil, a symbol of conflict that shields the wearer and the home. The pentagram has five spiked wards and a womb shaped defensive, protective pentagon at the center. The pentagram (amulet/talisman) can be made of nearly anything - stone, metal, wood, or even a combination of them. Just choose something that appeals to you.

The Pentagram is a symbol of a star and at times, it's encased within a circle. Always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each has its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit/self. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. All these things contribute to life and are a part of each of us. (For example, your astrology sign can tell you what element you are closely related to). To wear a pentagram necklace or other form of jewelry, is to say you feel the connection with the elements and respect the earth.

A pentagram may be open, without a surrounding circle. This is the active form symbolizing an outgoing of oneself, prepared for conflict, aware, active. (One wearing an open pentagram must be physically aware of the danger of sharp points sticking in their skin from time to time). As a pagan religious symbol, the open pentagram represents an open, active approach.

A circle around a pentagram contains and protects. The circle symbolizes eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature. The circle touching all 5 points indicates that the spirit, earth, air, water and fire are all connected and is the passive form implying spiritual containment of the magic circle, in keeping with the traditional secrecy of witchcraft, and the personal, individual nature of the pagan religious path, of its non-proselytizing character.

Up until medieval times, the five points of the pentagram represented the five wounds of Christ on the Cross. It was a symbol of Christ the Saviour. Today, the pentagram is criticized by modern Fundamentalist Christians, as being a symbol of evil. The church eventually chose the cross as a more significant symbol for Christianity and the use of the pentagram as a Christian symbol gradually ceased.

The pentagram may be inverted with one point down. The implication is of spirit subservient to matter, of man subservient to his carnal desires. The inverted pentagram has come to be seen by many pagans as representing the dark side and it is abhorred as an evil symbol. Fundamental Christians, indeed, see any form of pentagram as such. However, these are recent developments and the inverted pentagram is the symbol of Gardnerian second degree initiation, representing the need of the witch to learn to face the darkness within so that it may not later rise up to take control. The center of a pentagram implies a sixth formative element - love/will which controls from within, ruling matter and spirit by Will and the controlled magickal direction of sexual energies. This is another lesson of initiation.

Now let's talk about the number five. The number five has always been regarded as mystical and magical, yet essentially 'human.' We have five fingers/toes on each limb extremity as well as five senses - sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. We perceive five stages or initiations in our lives - eg. birth, adolescence, coitus, parenthood and death. The number five is associated with Mars, representing and signifying persuasiveness, spontaneity, daring/bold nature, action or a change in course. In Christianity, five were the wounds of Christ on the cross. There are five pillars of the Muslim faith and five daily times of prayer. Five also represented the virtues of the medieval knight - generosity, courtesy, chastity, chivalry and piety as symbolized in the pentagram device of Sir Gawain. The Wiccan Kiss is Fivefold - feet, knees, womb/abdomen, breasts/chest, lips/mouth. The number 5 is prime. The simplest star - the pentagram - requires five lines to draw and it is unicursal; it is a continuous loop.

So, as you can see, wearing the pentagram as a pendant is a great way to express your faith, but also to wear your protective talisman any where you go. I hope this helps to dispell the negative stories that the pentagram has so underserving received.

When Pentagram Night rolls around (February 26), it is a symbolic gesture to reaffirm your dedication to the craft of Wicca and The Old Ones. Most who celebrate this night, will do a dedication and make offerings-which is the norm.

Blessed Be/Brightest Blessings to all. In light and love.
(First posted by L.A. in 11/08).

Dog watches over his master - who is in the grave.

2012-09-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

Talk about pulling and tugging on heartstrings....what a story. It's sad but honorable. People do not give animals the praise that they deserve. There is so much out there about how people hurt, abuse and abandon their pets that it just sickens me. I, personally, would starve to make sure that my furball babies are fed, warm and loved to pieces. Animals are very smart and deserve so much more credit for their existance as well as owning our hearts, forever love and being cherished. They do so much for us, like guard and protect us, love us unconditionally, are always happy to see and welcome us, give us exercise, laughs and tons of entertainment, they help to lower our blood pressure, they know when we don't feel well or are upset, can predict seizures and they can play a part as the culprit when our children do something mischievious as well as work with the police, military and help with the blind and disabled. Give these precious creatures credit where credit is most certainly due.

Now back to the article:

Dog stands guard over deceased owner's grave

An extremely dedicated dog has continued to show its loyalty, keeping watch on its owner's grave six years after he passed away.

Capitan, a German shepherd, reportedly ran away from home after its owner, Miguel Guzman, died in 2006. A week later, the Guzman family found the dog sitting by his grave in central Argentina.

Miguel Guzman adopted Capitan in 2005 as a gift for his teenage son, Damian. And for the past six years, Capitan has continued to stand guard at Miguel's grave. The family says the dog rarely leaves the site.

"We searched for him, but he had vanished," widow Veronica Guzman told LaVoz.com. "We thought he must have got run over and died.' The following Sunday we went to the cemetery, and Damian recognized his pet. Capitan came up to us, barking and wailing as if he were crying." Adding to the unusual circumstances, Veronica says the family never brought Capitan to the cemetery before he was discovered there. "It is a mystery how he managed to find the place," she said.

Cemetery director Hector Baccega says he and his staff have begun feeding and taking care of Capitan. "He turned up here one day, all on his own, and started wandering all around the cemetery until he eventually found the tomb of his master," Baccega said. "During the day he sometimes has a walk around the cemetery, but always rushes back to the grave. And every day, at six o'clock sharp, he lies down on top of the grave, stays there all night."

But the Guzman family hasn't abandoned Capitan. Damian says the family has tried to bring Capitan home several times but that he always returns to the cemetery on his own. "I think he's going to be there until he dies, too. He's looking after my dad," he said.

To read the article from it's source online, click here: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/dog-stands-guard-over-deceased-owner-grave-six-190556479.html

To my fellow tarot readers & mediums-be safe out there.

2012-09-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Many people have often asked me why I do not do face-to-face readings anymore. No, I have never been physically hurt or had a negitive situation in which I had stopped doing them. I find that with age, and because I know myself so well now, that I just prefer to do email readings. Even over the phone, I've had times where the customer's dog will bark, the kids come home or they are doing dishes and I can hear the water running and pots/pans clanging and all that will distract me. Plus, people have a way of hearing what they want and then they zone out everything else I am saying to them. So they end up missing important details that I'm trying to get across and I am bombarded with five other questions when I'm still stressing to get out the answers received for their original question. That is the reason why I so LOVE email readings. I can concentrate on the person's energy and question to receive the insight they need. Not all readers can work this way. Some love the phone readings. Some love face to face readings. I, personally, just do not care for either anymore. Love and light to all. And now, back to the purpose of this blog:

To all my reader friends: This is so scary. Be careful out there. (This did not happen to me but it did to another Medium).

It is with great sadness that I write this post today. This afternoon I was asked to visit an elderly lady to give her a reading. I have not been doing house parties (under police advice-as they said it was not too safe these days) plus, due to recent issues as most of you are aware of.
However, I thought this was ok and felt I would be safe. Bottom line, the person was fake (fictitious) and the person at the house address knew nothing about it! When leaving the house, I was attacked by two men, who knocked me down to the ground and really hurt me...they where showering me with verbal abuse and were intent on causing great physical harm to me. They where not aware that Kev was in the car and he was just turning it around when he saw it....after a long pursuit they lost him as the area was unknown to us....Because of this, I will NOT be doing any house parties..I am sorry if this causes any issues for anyone, but right now I can not. Although I will recover, my fear may remain for a while....

Like I said, this did not happen to me personally but this is a status I've just read off another Mediums wall, so BE CAREFUL OUT THERE PEOPLE!!

In light and love,
~Luna

Tarot question special - running now!

2012-09-13T14:22:00.002-04:00

Got questions? Need some guidance with a situation? Are you worried about something? Well, if so, here is your chance to have some of those questions answered and to find some peace.

I'm running a special on tarot questions....meaning that each question you have will be answered discreetly, confidentially and within a few hours time. Only $6.00 per question. But hurry, this is only a limited time special.

Interested? Use section for Tarot reading or 3 & 5 questions and fill in your questions. I will answer you promptly. Paypal is the only method of payment I will accept and you will be invoiced for payment. Click here to get your questions in now before the special expires.

Where does your path lead?

Blessed Balsamic Moon! A magickal time!

2012-09-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

Happy & Blessed Balsamic Moon to all. (September 12-14) This is the Wishing Moon and a great time to put wishes out there in the air. It is also called and known as the Witches Moon - a time to bring to mind those who need healing. Feelings invoke healing - meaning the deeper we feel, the deeper we heal.... This 'Wishing Moon' with Venus trine Uranus is an opportunity to invoke true love, world peace and creative prosperity. The deeper we feel, the more Moon magic we invoke for the new lunar cycle. This Balsamic Moon is most powerful as it comes before the 7th New Moon of the zodiacal year (when the world is created anew). Shadows before the New Moon can be cleared through deep breathing with paying close attention to the light of the crown. This is the time to invoke the new creation.

~Love and light to all.

The Great Chestnut Tree's of Europe are dying!

2012-09-08T09:15:00.000-04:00

How incredibly sad is this? My neighbor has a towering chestnut tree in her back yard. It is a gorgeous tree. When you see it combined with other tree's, it's just a stunning tree-standing tall and proud. The squirrels just love this tree and the treat so nourished and protected by the tree. The article below just breaks my heart.

GHENT, Belgium (AP) — Visit the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris and chestnut trees greet you as you wander among graves of luminaries such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. When Anne Frank was in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, the view of a monumental chestnut tree was one thing that cheered her up. In Cambridge, England, the two-century-old chestnut standing outside King's College chapel has become a beloved icon. In all those places — and over much of Europe — the horse chestnut tree is under threat.

Sometimes they crash across boulevards and smash cars, unable to bear the weight of their own foliage. At other times, city officials move in and cut them down before they collapse. In high summer, their leaves can become so rusty it feels like October. As autumn approaches, many stand naked while other trees still wear their crowns of green.

The culprits: a moth that produces leaf-eating larvae and a bacterium that makes trunks bleed and die. In a sense it is almost like a lethal cocktail," said Dr. Darren Evans of the University of Hull. "If it is under attack by moths, it is probably going to be more susceptible to this bleeding canker — which will kill it." A cure? Not immediately in sight. "It has spread throughout most of northern Europe," Evans said of the leaf miner moth in a telephone interview. "We still don't really know whether there is any effective way of controlling it." The same goes for the bacteria.

Without any clear reason, the moth became rampant and spread through much of Europe about a decade ago. In Britain, it first surfaced in Wimbledon in 2002 and soon spread across England and Wales. It has flourished across the continent. The moth lays eggs in leaves and the larvae start devouring them, causing foliage to turn color as soon as July. The rusting robs the tree of vital sunlight for key months and, weakened, some fall prey to other diseases such as fungi.

The moth was soon joined by a bacterium that came from the Himalayas and causes chestnut bark to bleed an oozing sticky liquid, sapping the tree and in many cases causing death. "The worst case scenario is that we lose most of our horse chestnut trees to this bleeding canker," Evans said. In Britain, which has up to 2 million chestnut trees, a 2007 survey showed that up to half could be infected with the disease. In countries like Belgium, France and the Netherlands, the alarm has also been raised.

There is historical precedent for the fears: At the turn of the 20th century, a fungus caused a mass extinction of the American chestnut tree in the eastern United States.

Europe's chestnuts came first from the Balkans and were introduced in western Europe about 500 years ago. It is a hallmark of cities rather than forests and, especially during the Victorian era, became a favorite for stately lanes, parks and squares.

In Ghent, Belgium, last month, a huge chestnut suddenly collapsed along the upper Scheldt river, smashing a car along a road usually busy with cycling students. As in many places, city councils have been increasingly checking the health of chestnuts and, if there's any doubt, cut them down as a safety precaution.

The chestnuts are all gone this summer from the city's Groentenmarkt medieval center, depriving weary tourists of reprieve from the sun.

The chestnuts, or marroniers, in Paris are also part of the attraction at Pere Lachaise. But last year, visitors could walk ankle deep through rusty leaves in the middle of July.

It's a problem all over Paris," said cemetery conservator Martine Lecuyer, although she said heavy rainfall made this year a little better.

In Amsterdam, officials are scrambling to try to save chestnuts within the famed canal belt. For Anne Frank's tree, help came too late. The 150-year-old tree, affected by the moth and fungi, weakened progressively and crashed to the ground two years ago.

If the darkest predictions prove true, many Britons will mourn chestnut trees as the passing of part of their youth: The game of "conkers," in which children take turns trying to smash chestnuts, was once a popular pastime on playgrounds across the country.

Just as bad for chestnuts is the way people deal with the problem: On Ghent's Groentenmarkt, the new trees are now linden, and the example is followed in many parts of Europe. "Many local authorities are then no longer planting horse chestnut trees because they fear — what is the point in planting something that is going to be susceptible to attack," Evans said. "Essentially, we could lose an entire new generation of horse chestnut trees."

To read the article on the web, click link below:
http://news.yahoo.com/great-chestnut-trees-europe-dying-080321320.html