The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 1, 2021

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 1, 2021

Good Morning Beautiful Souls and welcome to a new year! Grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.

Blessings, Cat

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June is named after the Roman goddess Juneo, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. .”

June 8 World Oceans Day

June 10 New Moon at 3:52 am PST/ 4:52 am MST/ 6:52 am EST // Celtic Tree Month of Oak begins

June 14 Flag Day

June 15 Worldwide Day of Giving

June 20 Mid Summer/ Summer Solstice/ Father’s Day/ Sun enters Cancer

June 22 Mercury goes direct

June 24 Full Moon 11:39 am PST/ 12:39 pm MST/ 2:39 pm EST

Spirit Library: Healing & Shifting Consciousness (a message from Kate Spreckley)

We are in a window of time that holds a very powerful space for real change both internally and externally. With Mercury now in retrograde we have the opportunity to shift how we think, how we perceive ourselves and as a result how we live.

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Danu’s Irish Herb Garden: Cleansing the Land

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Spiritual Unite: UNDERSTANDING OUR PSYCHE IN GEMINI
The third zodiac sign is Gemini, ruled by Mercury the psyche in Gemini is the social butterfly and are known for their boundless energy and can be very talkative and sometimes very hard to read, they run from the 22nd of May to the 21st of June.

UNDERSTANDING OUR PSYCHE IN CANCER
The fourth sign of the zodiac is Cancer, it runs from the 22nd of June to the 22nd of July, psyche in Cancer are known to be quite inconsistent, as they seek security but also long for adventure.

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ThoughtCo: How to Make a Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows, or BOS, is used to store information you’ll need in your magical tradition, whatever it may be. Many Pagans feel a BOS should be handwritten, but as technology progresses, some use their computer to store information as well.

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Connecting with your Heritage

This was a pretty big request for my channel, and I’m excited to finally share this part of my journey with you all! Like always, this vide is from my experience and perspective based off my experience as an Italian-American witch and folk practitioner,

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MBG: 3 Expert Tips For Finding A Fragrance To Match Your Mood (& Align Your Chakras)

Finding your fragrance—be it a signature scent or just your perfume for the day—is an art form. You may think of it as nothing more than a spritz and an afterthought, but it’s so much more than that, says fragrance expert, reiki healer, and founder of Perfumerie Mindy Yang on a recent episode of Clean Beauty School.

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Yeyeo Botanica: Incense varieties you don’t know | Tips for choosing the best incense for you!

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Elephant Journal: 3 Mindful Alternatives to Seated Meditation.

Traditional seated meditation may hold a hallowed place in the meditation world, but it’s definitely not the only way to practice mindfulness.
The benefits of a regular mindfulness practice have proved to be legion, including relieving stress, reducing anxiety, increasing focus, and alleviating chronic pain

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Treehugger: Swifts Can Fly More Than 500 Miles in a Day

One of the most interesting things about swifts is that they get together in late spring and summer for what is known as “screaming parties.” Sometimes dozens of birds will gather and careen through the air in tight formations, all the while shrieking as they dive and soar and avoid hitting chimneys and trees.

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EarthSky News: The Crow, Cup And Water Snake In June

At nightfall tonight, or any June evening, look in a general southward direction for Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, Spica appears overhead or high in the north. Spica is your jumping off point to three faint constellations: Corvus the Crow, Crater the Cup and Hydra the Water Snake.

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Patheos-Pagan: Looking For Signs in All the Wrong Places (Fivefold Law Blog)

During my freshman year of college, a guy I knew was walking to class, and not at all questioning his life choices, when the headless body of a freshly killed dove landed at his feet.

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Inner Journey: THE GIFT OF JOY

“Joy is prayer – Joy is strength – Joy is love – Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with Joy.”
— Mother Teresa

Some people unconsciously believe it’s not okay to feel more joyful than the people around them. Out of a mistaken sense of caring, they squelch their joy and tune in to the sadness of the one they are with.

In truth, joy is one of the greatest gifts we can give to people around us. Those who are unhappy need our joy, not our sadness.

“Never miss a joy in this world of trouble … that’s my theory! … Happiness, like mercy, is twice blest: it blesses those most intimately associated with it and it blesses all those who see it, hear it, touch it or breathe the same atmosphere.”
— Kate Douglas Wiggin

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

I vote for funny, easy, and breezy For smiles, giggles, and winks. Serendipities, happenchance, and surprises. Friends, strangers, and admirers. Pink, purple, and green. And blue jeans.

This morning.

Or tomorrow morning, if you read this late.

But that’s just me.

It’s already started,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Pickle-Fried Chicken

Use brine left over from your favorite pickles to add flavor and keep your fried chicken moist.

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Magical Correspondences for Tuesday

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness

Element: Fire

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Star Signs: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Power Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs & Plants: Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Sacred Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Deities include Ares, Lilith, The Morrigan, Tiwaz, Tyr

Tuesday is ruled by Mars. Today’s energies align with all things masculine such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. It can also be used for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.

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Daily Wisdom
June 1, 2021

Self
“We never remark any passion or principle in others, of which, in some degree or other, we may not find a parallel in ourselves.”

-David Hume (1711-1776)

The more we get to know our self, the more we understand that we are so much the same as everyone else. Sometimes it’s like we’re all living the same life. We have so much in common. There are times when we recognize each other as brothers and sisters, and there are other times when we just say: “That’s me!” And that’s the truth. We’re all connected.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: Judgement

It may be a busy, perhaps chaotic, day but underneath it all will be a prevailing sense of good will. Judgement tells you that people will wish you well and want to help you, no matter how much work they create for you. You may enjoy a cheerful outlook, too, that will last all day and make you productive and popular. Enjoy some good times with people today.

astrology.com

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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily post are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.

I invite you to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com

Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Cat’s Morning Bits for February 5, 2020

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for February 5, 2020

Good Morning Beautiful Souls, grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.

Blessings, Cat

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In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light.
In summer, quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.
-Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

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Natural Living ideas: How To Grow Luffa & Turn Them Into Sponges

Luffa (sometimes spelt loofah or loofa), otherwise known as a ridge gourd, is a popular fruit to grow in the garden, but often not for food, but for making sponges.

Much of the marketing of luffas, shows the sponge in a seaside setting, surrounded by pretty shells and the like, leading many to believe they’re some kind of “Sponge Bob,” or the remains of an ocean creature, but they’re actually the fibrous flesh of the mature luffa gourd.

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ThoughtCo: How to Use Spring Flowers in Magic

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers, in particular, are often connected with a variety of magical uses

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EarthSky News: Moon and Gemini February 6 and 7

At present, the waxing gibbous moon is bright enough to erase many stars from the blackboard of night. But you’ll likely still see the two bright Gemini “twins” – the stars Castor and Pollux – in the moon’s glare. Another bright star is nearby; it’s Procyon, brightest star in the constellation Canis Minor the Lesser Dog, also known as the Little Dog Star.

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Patheos-Pagan: Impossible Shapes: Devotion

This is a post that originally appeared on the 3 Pagans and a Cat website on June 20th, 2018. It was an attempt to put devotion, faith, and the experience of the divine into language. It was an attempt at expressing the numinous. I am no more able to describe the experience it attempts to convey now than I was then. Some things just are. You’ll know them when you feel them.

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Inner Journey:

LIVE LIFE FULLY

“Time is life. It is irreversible and irreplaceable. To waste your time is to waste your life, but to master your time is to master your life and make the most of it.”
— Alan Lakein

Refuse to feel USED by life! Make full use of it instead.

To do this, we initially need to take control of the time of our lives. Time management is life management, from the inside out. It’s an INSIDE job. You already have everything you need. You have the power to create a life of meaning, fulfillment and joy.

Your challenge is to find what works for you! Review the literature but make your own decisions. To do this, you’ll need to:

Get to know yourself — your desires and passions, rhythms, styles, challenges, needs and habits.

Be aware that you always have choice. Claim your independence and power to choose what is right for your life, moment by moment.

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
— M. Scott Peck

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Ever wonder how many angels you have?

All of them.

They insisted,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: One-Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Making healthy swaps and including variety through ingredients, colours and textures helps keep mealtime satisfying and liveable. Using butternut squash in macaroni and cheese reduces calories without sacrificing flavour or comfort.

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 31, 2020 “Imbolc Edition”

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 31, 2020 “Imbolc Edition”

Blessings, Cat

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“Candlemas’ is the Christianized name for the holiday, of course. The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. ‘Imbolc’ means, literally, ‘in the belly’ (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings. The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the new year grows. ‘Oimelc’ means ‘milk of ewes’, for it is also lambing season. The holiday is also called ‘Brigit’s Day’, in honor of the great Irish Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smithcraft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of
midwifery).”
– Daven’s Journal – Imbolic

gardendigest.com

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Pagan Library: Bulb Planting Earth Chant by Eileen

breath of the stone is strange to me
i know it lives as i can’t see
force of the earth is strong and free
sustenance and beauty be
born of the stars and sprang from the ground
Mother, Goddess all around
Wheel must turn as the seasons show
what lies dead shall surely grow.

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ThoughtCo: Smooring the Fire—A Prayer to Brighid
Alexander Carmichael was a folklorist and author who spent nearly five decades traveling around the highlands of Scotland collecting stories, prayers and songs. His most noteworthy work, the Carmina Gadelica, is an interesting blend of early Pagan tradition mixed with the influences of Christianity. Smooring the Fire is from Carmichael’s Carmina Gadelica, published 1900, and is a Gaelic hymn to Brighid, honoring the tradition of smooring, or dampening, the hearth fire at night, and particularly on the night before Imbolc.
An Tri numh (The sacred Three)
A chumhnadh, (To save,)
A chomhnadh, (To shield,)
A chomraig (To surround)
An tula, (the hearth)
An taighe, (The house,)
An teaghlaich, (The household,)
An oidhche, (This eve,)
An nochd, (This night,)
O! an oidhche, (Oh! this eve,)
An nochd, (This night,)
Agus gach oidhche, (And every night,)
Gach aon oidhche. (Each single night.)
Amen.

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Brigid’s Cross

At Imbolg, the Maiden aspect of the Goddess might be represented in a great variety of ways — by a simple ear of dried corn, a figure made of grain at Lughnasadh, or straws or wheat braided into an intricate design. One representation of the Goddess is Brigid’s Cross. Although the original design may well have been made from rushes, wheat versions have been recreated for centuries. Make a cross for each room in the house to invite the blessings of the Goddess into them.

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Patheos: Brighid the Dawn Goddess of Imbolc and Spring

The Goddess Brighid is one of the oldest and most popular Celtic deities. She is a paragon meaning that she is used as a standard to live up to or for mortals to be compared with.

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Today’s DIY: Imbolc Craft–Frozen Earth Cups

Crafting a take-home ritual for Imbolc celebration attendees.

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The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Groundhog Day 2020
Groundhog Day Forecast, History, Folklore, and More

Groundhog Day comes from our agricultural past and marks the halfway point to the spring equinox. Here are the facts and folklore about Groundhog Day. It’s much more than a wacky weather prediction from a plump marmot!

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Patheos- Raise The Horns: A Solitary Imbolc Ritual

I’ve always loved the quiet nature of Imbolc. As someone who first discovered Witch- craft in the American Midwest, early February was always a time of cold, snow, and at least another month of winter. But despite the cold, Imbolc always spoke to me of pos- sibilities.

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EarthSky News: See Mercury beneath Venus at dusk

Live in the Northern Hemisphere? If so and you’ve never seen the planet Mercury – or even if you have – take advantage of your golden opportunity to see Mercury after sunset these next few weeks. February 2020 showcases a good evening apparition of Mercury at northerly latitudes.

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Inner Journey:

Capture your inspiration!

“Ideas can come from anywhere and at any time. The problem with making mental notes is that the ink fades very rapidly.”
— Rolf Smith

Insights and inspiration come to us for a reason. Don’t let them disappear on you!

When a great idea pops into your mind, write it down and capture it. Keep a mini-journal or piece of paper with you at all times.

Reflect on your insights. How might you anchor this great idea so it enhances your life?

“Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.”
— Nolan Bushnell

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

When you don’t know what you want it’s probably time to begin enjoying what you have.

You’ve done so well for yourself,

The Universe

tut.com

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Recipes for a Pagan Soul: Imbolc

Food and drink: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poppyseed cakes, muffins, scones, breads, all dairy products, peppers, onions, garlic, raisins, spiced wines and herbal teas, chives, curries, honey, and lamb

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Magical Correspondences for Imbolc

Date: February 2

Names: Imbolc, Candlemas, Imbolg, Oimealg, Brigids Festival of Lights, Lupercus

Colors: White, Yellow, Orange, Red or Light Blue

Herbs: Bay, Basil, Benzoin, Angelica, Myrrh, Blackberry, Heather, Iris, Violet

Sacred Stones: Bloodstone, Amethyst, Turquoise, Garnet, Onyx

Deities: Brigid, Ceres, Demeter, Dagda, Cerridwen, Eros, All virgin goddesses/gods of love and fertility.

Food & Drink: Dairy products, raisins, creamy soups, olives, leeks/shallots. White wine, milk, soy milk or water

Symbols: Ploughs and garden tools, brooms, candles, yellow flowers, Brigids crosses, Bride dolls.

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Daily Wisdom
January 30, 2020

Beginnings & Endings

“Every exit is… an entrance somewhere else.”

-Tom Stoppard

This sounds like an optimistic way of looking at things. It’s the same as “when one door closes, another one opens.” But it’s so true. Look at the opportunities that arise when something ends. All that energy has to go somewhere – so new situations and circumstances are created. It’s exciting! Change is good. Beginnings are good.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: The Magician

You have a magic touch today. The right word or action at the right time can instantly turn things around and morph a challenge into an easy opportunity. This is not something to take for granted or to exploit, though. Use your power with a very light touch, if at all. It’s possible that a mere thought or unspoken intention could have influence.

astrology.com

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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily posts are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.

I invite you to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com
Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 16, 2019

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 16, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
-Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

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Spirit Library: Mystical Essense & Luminous Realms Of The Soul

Mystical Essense

Your identity is shifting more and more to the soul self as this is the essence that must now guide you forward. As a result, a deep purification process is underway releasing you from chains of old wounds and past experiences. Feelings of fear and anxiety are being triggered as long suppressed emotions, neglected grief, pain and suffering rise to the surface to be cleared

https://spiritlibrary.com/spirit-pathways/mystical-essense-luminous-realms-of-the-soul

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Spirituality & Health:

CBD for Anxiety
BY KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER
Anxiety disorders, a group of mental-health issues, affects about 18 percent of the adult American population, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The organization reports that these disorders, which can include general anxiety, panic disorder, society anxiety and others, are actually highly treatable, but that few people seek treatment. One of the promising new ways to treat anxiety is CBD, so let’s take a look.

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2019/01/14/cbd-for-anxiety

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MBG: Super Blood Moon, Wolf Moon, Or Lunar Eclipse? Why January’s Moon Is All 3

January 16, 2019 — 7:30 AM

As this Sunday night, January 20, bleeds into Monday morning, people around the world will take a collective look up to watch one of the year’s more anticipated celestial moments.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/blood-moon-supermoon-how-it-got-its-name

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Daily Good: The Difference Between Fixing and Healing

Encounter the mystery of life and living with Krista Tippet and Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, wise physician, author and founder of the Remen Institute for the study of Health and Illness.
Through hearing these powerful stories we can sense that our losses, our illnesses have helped us to live fully and to heal not only ourselves but those whose lives we touch. Life is full of losses and disappointments, and the art of living is to make of them something that can nourish others.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2207/the-difference-between-fixing-and-healing-on-being/

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MNN: How to help succulents survive winter indoors

If you grow cactus and succulents as houseplants, here’s the best thing you can do to get these warm-growing, sun-loving plants through the cold, dark days of winter: Lose your watering can.

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-help-succulents-survive-winter-indoors

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EarthSky News: Moon near Aldebaran January 16 and 17

On January 16 and 17, 2019 – the waxing gibbous moon passes in the vicinity of Aldebaran, an ex-pole star, a famous zodiac star and the brightest star in the constellation Taurus the Bull.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-aldebaran-ex-pole-star

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Patheos-Pagan: After Magickal Burnout: Five Ways To Get Your Power Back

Last week, I wrote a post about Magickal Burnout and how it happens. Magickal burnout is real and Witches are dropping off broomsticks, everywhere. In such icky times, we can’t afford to lose our Witches.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/doubletoilandresist/2019/01/after-magickal-burnout-five-ways-to-get-your-power-back/

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Inner Journey:

WHY MEDITATE?

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
— Buddha

Meditation is considered an essential practice for those who seek self-knowledge and self-mastery. Why? Basically, meditation brings awareness of how our minds work. Over time, we become watchers, able to detach from the thoughts and emotions that play out in our minds.

With this detachment, we gain the freedom to choose whether or not to act on our thoughts and emotions. We learn to distinguish between objective reality and our mental and emotional dramas.

“Only in quiet waters things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.”
— Hans Margolius

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

What is it that you’d really, really like to see happen in your life, but have not visualized in a really, really long time?

Right!

Well, let’s just say conditions are now favorable and it’s time to rock-and-roll.

Go on,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Chinese Mustard Greens and Shrimp Soup

This soup is very versatile. You can eat this as is, paired with rice or even add some noodles into this soup. This is one of my favorite soups and very quick to make with just a few ingredients.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Chinese-Mustard-Greens-and-Shrimp-Soup.html

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Magical Correspondences for Wednesday

Intentions:Rules healings, the mind, Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters, Addictions, Young People, Messages, Perception, Self Expression.

Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and, Opalescent colors and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender

Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya,
Devi-Kali, Hella, Rhiannon, Coatlique, Maman Brigette, Sekhmet, Het Heret
[Hathor]

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Daily Wisdom
January 16, 2019

Moments

“I always say to myself, what is the most important thing we can think about at this extraordinary moment.”

-Francois de La Rochefoucauld
There are no ordinary moments – each moment is new and unique, so each moment is extraordinary. We can fill that moment with extraordinary thoughts, extraordinary deeds, extraordinary attention. We can choose to think of peace, to recognize beauty, to experience joy. This moment is ours, and we can choose what to do with it.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 4 Psychic Tools to Jumpstart Your Intuition

With shows out like Long Island Medium, Psychic Detectives and Hollywood Medium, many people are interested in learning to awaken their own intuitive abilities. Some psychics believe this is a gift given to a select few, but this is simply untrue. Psychic ability is a natural sixth sense we all have. It’s a muscle that simply needs to be strengthened through practice.

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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily post are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.

I invite you to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com
Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Celtic Tree Month of Willow (Saille (Sail) April 15- May 12.

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Cat

Celtic Tree Month of Willow (Saille (Sail) April 15- May 12.

peaceful-pond-1366717

“The willow tree plays the water like a harp.”
Ramon Gomez de la Serna (Spanish Writer, 1888-1963)

The Tree:

The willow tree is associated with the element of water and they grow best in or near damp or wet areas. They love growing on or near riverbanks and actually help to stop soil erosion. They are impressive trees that can grow up to 80 feet in height. There are many varieties of willows throughout Europe and North America, including globe, white and weeping and they make excellent shade trees. All willows produce long fuzzy catkins in the spring before the leaves appear. They have thick, ridged bark and long thin leaves. As anyone with willow trees can attest to they are messy trees and are what is called “self pruning” as they tend to drop copious amounts of branches when it’s windy. Willow can also be a shrub which can be found growing along creeks and in marshy areas.

Healing:

In healing willow is used as an all around pain reliever and is the main ingredient in aspirin. It is also used to treat fever, chills, bursitis, menstrual cramps, chronic dysentery, worms and edema just to name a few. It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and an antiseptic. It has also recently been shown to delay the formation of cataracts and lower the risk of male heart disease. It can also be used as a wash to treat poison-ivy, corns and cuts. For more information on the healing properties of willow visit: https://www.homeremediesweb.com/willow-bark-health-benefits.php

In Myth & Magic

Willow is a symbols of new journeys, and of contact with the otherworld. The Celts have a creation myth that involves this tree. It is said that in the beginning there were two scarlet colored sea serpent eggs that held the sun and the earth. These eggs were hidden among the branches of a great willow tree to keep them safe. When the eggs hatched, they brought forth all life.

Willow is also the embodiment of female and lunar energy. She is the ebb and flow of water and governs the cycles of both woman and earth. The month of willow brings the wonder and enchantment of spring, moon related magic, strengthening of intuition and new wisdom. Her connection to the moon can bring visions and the understanding of dreams. To dream of a willow tree is said to mean that a rival will take your lover.

In Northern European folklore willow was associated with death and the words “wicked and witch” are said to be derived from it’s name, however if you place the branches in your home those within will be protected from evil. Other associated folklore includes knocking on this tree to avert evil and yes this where the saying “Knock on wood” originated. If you carry a piece of willow on your person it will instill bravery and remove the fear of death. If there is a willow growing near your home it will protect you, and if you need to get something off your chest, tell it to a willow tree and your secret will be held fast. Talismans of willow twigs and leaves can be made for love, friendship and loyalty.

As a magical name Willow is one of emotion. It is also a flowing and loving name for a serious moon worshiper!

Willow People

People born in the month of willow tend to be empathic and intuitive and are said to be able to access ancient memories easier than most other people. They have a deep love for beautiful things and can be honest to a fault. Willows also accept change easily and are quick to grab opportunities that come their way. On the down side willow people are subject to mood swings and can have trouble reasoning things out. They can be hard to get to know and demanding which makes them hard to live with at times.

Correspondences:

Folk Names: Pussy Willow, Saille, Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, Withe, Withy

Magic: love, fertility, protection, intuition, healing, contact with fairies and elementals, moon magic.

Deities: Artemis, Hecate, Aradia, Sarasvati, Ishtar, Dana, Diana, Ceridwen, the Morrigan, Belil, Poseidon, Arawen, Brigid, Mercury

Sacred Stones: Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Mother of Pearl

written by Cat from the following sources:
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland
Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes
crystal-forest.com
dutchie.org

Photo from freeimages.com

Celtic Tree Month of Alder March 18th to April 14th

Posted on March 18, 2018 by Cat

old-tree-1-1315209

Celtic Tree Month of Alder ( Ffearn (FAIR-n) runs from March 18th to April 14th.

Alder is a member of the Birch family and is native to the British Isles, Europe and North America. These trees require a great quantity of water and can reach 65 feet or more if left to grow undisturbed. The tree itself grows in a rough cone shape with branches that are evenly spaced down its long trunk, The leaves are roundish and finely toothed and in the spring it produces flowers and catkins. The wood from this sacred tree comes in a number of colors. When an alder is cut down the wood changes from white to reddish-yellow that bears a remarkable resemblance to blood. This caused our ancestors to believe that the tree bled when cut and therefore it was considered unlucky to cut one down. The wood is oily and water resistant and in past times was used for shields, the foundations for houses and is still used today in cabinetry and door making.

In healing alder has been used as a substitute for quinine. It has also been used to treat parasites, inflammation coughs, poison ivy, toothache, sprains and strains. On an interesting side note the inner bark is a great natural pesticide.

In Myth & Magick

The time surrounding the Vernal Equinox is and was important in the wheel of the Celtic year. The alder represents free will and liberty. In some places today it is still a crime to cut down this sacred tree. The person who is dumb enough to cut one down is seen as the cause of any trouble that happens in his neighborhood. The alder tree is also associated with courage and the evolution of spirit. This tree spirit can be called upon for help during disputes, where you need to see clearly to make the right decision or when you simply need to draw and bring forward you own inner strength.

Alder is associated with all four elements ( earth, air, water, fire) and is great for elemental magick. Flutes can be made from the wood and whistles from young alder shoots can be made to summon air elementals. It is also considered sacred to the Fae and as such is good for fairy magick. The leaves and twigs can be used in charms and talismans for protection. Dyes can be made from the bark, flowers and twigs to dye ritual robes. Red: Bark/ Green: Flowers/ Brown: twigs.

Alder People:

People born in the month of Alder make excellent oracles, they can tell you like it is and manage to do it gently. However, alder people must remember not to abuse their power, and just like the tree itself they tend to mature slowly. Alders are powerful and make steadfast allies, they are trailblazers who set the pace for others to follow. If you are an alder person, just remember to slow down once in awhile and take a good look around you.

As a magickal name Alder works well for people who tend to be secretive and changeable or for those with fire signs. Choosing this name can bring out sensitivity in people who have trouble letting it show.

Other Correspondences:
Names: Tree of Fire

Deity: Bran, Proteus, Branwyn, Freya, Cailleach, Teutates and Ares.
Animals: Snake,Fox, Hawk, Gull, Raven

Use in Spells for: Weather, Spiritual growth, Teaching, Banishing, Protection, Healing

Written by L Bolotin from the following sources: dutchie.org crystal-forest.com Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster Whispers from the Woods, Sandra Kynes Old Tree Photo from stock-xchng.com

Cat’s Bit’s & Pieces: Celtic Tree Month of Ash – February 18 – March 17

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Cat

cropped-116_0076

Celtic Tree Month of Ash – February 18 – March 17

“The Ash Tree is thought to contain the key to Universal knowledge and understanding within it’s winged seeds.” (author unknown to me)

Tree Information:

The mighty ash tree can grow up to 130 feet in height, it can be found in Europe and North America and is a member of the Olive family. This tree will stop growing when it reaches approximately 60 years old. It’s believed that by that time the tree has obtained its full growth potential. Ash trees are easily recognized by their black buds, small springtime flower clusters and the inch long winged seeds that stay on the tree until autumn when they fly off like tiny helicopters. The leaves of this tree grow in multiple oval leaflets and provide some nice orange to purple fall color.

Ash is a hardwood tree and it’s wood is strong, flexible and shock resistant. It for these reasons that it is used for making oars for boats, ax handles, sports equipment and wagon wheels. Ash was also a favorite of the ancient Celts who used it for spear shafts.

Ash spears were considered a powerful magical tool of Celtic Shamans, even more so than the wand. It was a symbol of the Shamans strength of will and personal power.

The ancient Egyptians also used ash wood for bows and arrows, and had great quantities of it imported. Wiccans and Pagans traditionally use it for making Besom handles.

Ash Lore:

The Celts associated the ash tree with sea and the underwater kingdom of Tethys. It is also associated with the underworld and sacrificial deities, representing leading the soul into the afterlife. Celtic myth calls Ash the tree of enchantment and it is said the the Welsh Magus Gwydion made his wands from its wood. Druid wands were made of ash as are the pipestems of the sacred Lakota pipes.

This tree also appears in Norse myth as the world tree Yggdrasil, World Tree or Cosmic Ash. This tree spans the the universe. Roots deep into the earth and the heavens supported by its mighty branches. The ash tree was seen as spanning the world and the world within each person. The ancient Druid phrase ” Know yourself and you will know the world” pretty well sums it up. It also shows us how we are linked with the world around us.

In Magic

In magic the ash tree (wood, leaves, seeds) can be used in the following spells (charms etc.), creative endeavors, protection, attracting things, love, healing, fertility and transitions.

Charms of ash wood were used for protection against storms and drowning. It was also used as a love charm. You were to place an ash leaf in your left shoe and then you would be sure sure to meet your future spouse. Double leaves were lucky as were leaves with equal sections on both sides of the center leaf vein. However you would be unlucky in love if the ash tree on your land didn’t grow seeds every year.

As a magical name Ash is perfect for a true warrior and leader, one who is comfortable with themselves and their abilities. It is generally thought of as a mans name but could also be used for a strong woman.

Born in the Month of Ash

People born in the month of Ash tend to be ambitious but with an egotistical side. They also tend to overachievers and need to be the best in everything they do. They do not care for criticism earned or not which makes them highly sensitive. On the upside they are reliable, intelligent with artistic talent, and make faithful lovers. Ash people also seem to have a dual personality which makes it hard for others to understand their true nature and motives behind their actions.

Correspondences for Ash:

Names: Venus of the Woods, Tree of Water, Hoop Ash, Rowan
Deities: Eostre, Frigg, Frey, Dagda, Odin, Hel, Llyr, Poseidon
Sacred Stones: Quartz Crystal, Coral
Animals: Butterfly, Snipe, Crane, White Hound, Snake.
Element: All
Spells: Strength, Protection, Prosperity, Healing
Color: Green, pale blue

compiled by Cat from the following sources: the crystal forest
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster
Tree Totem.com

Photo by Karolina Michalak/freeimages.com

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by a “clowder” cats. This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to L.Bolotin/Cat 2007-2018

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts! See Our Products!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

Cat’s Bits & Pieces: Imbolc Is The Time For Strong Roots

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Cat

CBP February

Cat’s Bits & Pieces: Imbolc Is The Time For Strong Roots

Traditionally the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc is celebrated from the evening of February 1st until evening on February 2nd The purpose behind Imbolc was to celebrate the first early signs of spring. One of which was when the sheep give birth and begin nursing their new lambs. Imbolc is also mentioned in early Irish literature and was a pagan festival dedicated to the goddess Brigid. Later when it became a Christianized observance called St. Brigid’s Day. It was also called Candlemas by the ancient Greeks. There are celebrations of spring all over the world, each one similar as well as different. If you look closely at the Pagan traditions you will find a mix and match of traditions. It’s what makes it interesting.

The truth is that we don’t really know how it was celebrated by our ancestors, but for those of us who follow the Earth Based Traditions Imbolc celebrates new beginnings and growth. Growth meaning not only the coming planting season but personal and spiritual growth as well. One common ritual involves dedicating or re-dedicating yourself to both your craft and your patron goddess, a new project or simply making yourself the best you can be. It would be fair to point out that, in case anyone is interested, that “choreographed rituals” are not my thing. I prefer to keep things on a much simpler scale, candles, prayer and planting a few Thought Seeds.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

I start my observance a few days ahead by checking my outdoor plants. My chrysanthemums, hyacinths and a few tulips are pushing away the mulch and reaching for the light. This exploration of spring wouldn’t be complete without a trip out to the desert. Grandmother Desert hold her secrets close to her dry, stony breast. There are no visible signs of spring but it’s. At this time of the year her energy is heavy and building toward a slow emergence of new life. but now it’s quiet, so quiet that you can hear voice of the breeze. That same breeze carries with it the scent of wet earth and it’s here that the first “sign” of spring can be found. It’s one of the few times that the desert smells “green”. As you look around you see there is no green, it’s simply a promise of the new things to come. A promise of new things, a dedication of continued growth, a taking stock of what you have to work with.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

This what we do at Imbolc. We’ve had time since the Winter Solstice to decide where we want to go and what we need to do. We have gathered the seeds that will be planted today and the time has come to bless each one and surround them with intent and loving energy. Care for these tiny seeds as if they were children. They need your attention and focus to flourish. Take your time. Don’t force or struggle. Nurture your Imbolc seeds with care and as they grow so shall you. Strong roots make a strong foundation for which all else can built upon.

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Imbolc Correspondences

Other Names

Candlemas, St. Bridget’s Day, Lupercus (strega) Candelaria (mexican), The Snowdrop Festival, Festival of Lights, Oimealg, Imbolg

Deities of Imbolc
All Virgin/Child Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and young Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.Imbolc Symbolism
Growth and renewal, reunion of the Goddess and the God, fertility, dispensing of the old and making way for the new.Symbols of Imbolc
Bride Dolls, burrowing animals, ewes, besoms, white flowers, candle wheels, Brigid’s crosses and ploughs.

Herbs for Imbolc
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh,Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc
Pumpkin & Sunflower seeds, poppyseed cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, raisins, spiced wine and herbal tea.
Incense of Imbolc
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc
White, light yellow, silver

Sacred Stones of Imbolc

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan.

Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry & Gifts!

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet

This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat

Cat’s Bit’s & Pieces: Celtic Month of Rowan

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Cat

Celtic Month of Rowan January 21 – February 17

TREE INFORMATION

The Rowan tree is also known as the Mountain Ash and are members of the rose family. They can be found growing among ancient settlements and ruins in Europe where they grow “like weeds”, although many of these trees were planted there as well. Rowans can grow almost anywhere and do well in poor soil, which would explain their growth in many areas. It grows well in high altitude and can grow up to 40 ft in height and produces flowers in May, after which come the red berries. The berries are said to be sacred food of the gods which were jealously guarded and kept away from man. The tree itself has a round , open top crown and the leaves which turn red in the fall are 4-8 inches in length and oblong with serrated edges along the point. The berries grow in clusters and each berry has a small design that resembles a pentagram on it. It was this pentagram “design” that linked this tree to witchcraft during the 15th and 16th centuries, it’s reputation became so negative that herbalist’s stopped using it for fear of being labeled as a witch.

The bark from the Rowan tree is used for tanning and making dye and the berries are edible and make great jams and jellies. The berries are also still used in herbal medicine as a tea for treating diarrhea and they are very high in vitamin C which make them useful for treating colds.

ROWAN IN MYTH & MAGICK

Rowan is also known as a fairy tree and as such it is not advisable to cut branches from the tree itself. If you need to cut branches from one you should always leave the Fae a gift of yourself, like hair or fingernail clippings. By using this tree it is said that you will be protected by the Fae themselves. However, fallen branches are the best if you are going to use the wood. Rowan is thought to be one of the sacred druid trees and can be found growing near many of the ancient stone circles and it played a main role in some of their ceremonies.

In popular folklore Rowan trees could be planted next to your home as protection against lightning and to promote good luck while sprigs of Rowan could also be hung over doors in the home to ward off the evil eye or if you wore one, it kept the fairies from kidnapping you. They were even planted in churchyards to watch over the dead and protect the living from ghosts. One very popular European custom that was still being used approximately 100 years ago was the construction of rowan wood crosses. These “ornaments” of protection were made from twigs and tied with red thread. Every home had one over the front door as did seedbeds, barns and pigsty’s. They were also given to babies before they could be baptized. At Beltane the berries were sewn into a circle, and hung over windows to prevent lightning strikes or strung into necklaces to ward off the evil eye. The berries were also added to healing charms to help the patient to recover faster.

Runestaves were at one time made from Rowan wood simply because of it’s protective powers as are wands and dowsing rods.

Use Rowan in spells for blessings, grounding & centering, protection, warding against psychic attack, protection against enchantment.

ROWAN PEOPLE

People born in the Month of Rowan are visionaries and strong humanitarians. They are very passionate in what they believe in and can lean toward over-zealous at times. New Moon Rowan people (born in the 1st two weeks of the month) are easily frustrated with others who fail to see or help with the greater awareness of issues like racism, bigotry and gereal ignorance. Full Moon Rowan People (born in the last 2 weeks of the month) tend to make big promises, which are usually more than they can handle. They come through to an extent but are unable to completely follow through.

CORRESPONDENCES

Rowan is also known by these names: Delight of the Eye, Quickbeam, Ran Tree, Sorb Apple, Wicken Tree, Witchtree, Thor’s Helper

Deities: Dagda, Brigid, Hecate, Thor, Cerridwen, Vulcan, Pan, Herne, Brigantia

Animals: Ducks, quail

Sacred Stones: Peridot, Smoky Quartz, Diamond

Written by Cat from the following sources:

the crystal forest
controversical.com
dutchie.org
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster
Tree Totem.com

Photo Rowan Glory freeimages.com

Cat’s Bits for Dec. 31- Jan 6, 2018: January’s Full “Wolf” Moon

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Cat

Cat’s Bits for Dec. 31- Jan 6, 2018

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January Events:

Jan. 1: Happy New Year!

Jan. 1: Full “Cold” Moon at 9:24 pm EST

Jan.15: Martin Luther King Day

Jan. 16: New Moon at 9:17 pm EST

Jan. 19: Sun Enters Aquarius 10:09 pm EST

Jan. 21: Celtic Tree Month of Rowan begins

Jan. 31: Blue Moon and Lunar Eclipse at 8:27 am EST

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January Correspondences:

Nature Spirits: Brownies and Gnomes

Sacred Herbs: Cones, Nuts, Holy Thistle, Marjoram

Colors: Blue-Violet, Black, White

Flowers: Crocus and Snowdrop

Tree: Birch

Animals: Coyote and Fox

Birds: Blue Jay and Pheasant

Power Flow: Sluggish, below the surface, beginning and conceiving. Protection and reversing spells. Conserving energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else. Getting your various bodies to work smoothly together for the same goals.

(Moon Magick, DJ Conway)

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January’s Full “Wolf” Moon

Monday, January 1, 2018 at

6;24 pm PST

7:24 pm MST

9:24 p.m. EDT

Welcome to January, the first month of the new year. On Monday, January 1st we celebrate the Wolf Moon. The Native Americans named this moon the Wolf Moon because during the long dark nights the wolves were hungry and would often howl outside the lodges of the people. Other names for this full moon include the Cold Moon, Winter Moon (Colonial), Holiday Moon (China), Quiet Moon (Celtic), Ice Moon (neo Pagan), Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winter and the Chaste Moon.

This year our January moon is in Cancer. This may be an emotional time since Cancer deals with things on the emotional level. One of the keys to this moon lies in listening. If you can be a good listener you may learn some things about yourself and your own inner workings as well as helping someone else. We may also feel the need to stay close to home or if we are away from home become homesick. House blessings, comfort foods, comfy pajamas may also be on the docket. This is also a wonderful time for introspection so don’t be afraid to get to know yourself or your Goddess a little better! This moon is a good time for magical workings involving hearth and home, as well as inner exploration, spiritual advancement and developing closer relations with your chosen deities.

The January moon traditionally honored the Chinese deity Ch’ang-O, who was the goddess of the bedchamber and the protector of children. Other goddesses for January include Freya, Inanna, Hera, Sinn and Sarasvati. To honor this moon try wearing the colors white, black and silver and adorning yourself with hematite, garnet, jet, onyx or chrysoprase.

The Full Moon itself offers powerful energy for rituals of prophecy, divination and protection. Any spell-work that requires extra energy, such as finding a new job or healing serious conditions, is best begun during the full moon. Also for love, gaining sacred knowledge, legal matters, attracting money and prophetic dreams.

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat

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