There comes a time when we must sort out the people in our lives. Sometimes we outgrow them. Sometimes we drift apart or sometimes they cause so much drama that it’s just not worth it. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and make you feel good about life and about yourself and who appreciate you doing the same for them. The new year is a good time to sort through your “subscriptions” and cancel the ones that are no longer in your best interest to hang on to.
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.
Stay healthy, Stay safe!
Blessings, Cat
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December’s Events
Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day
Dec, 10 Hanukkah
Dec. 14 New Moon at 8:16 am PST/ 9:16 am MST/ 11:16 am EST
Dec. 29 Full Moon at 7:28 pm PST/ 8:28 pm MST/ 10:28 pm EST
Dec. 31 New Years Eve
Dec. 31 Hogmanay
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Spirit Library: Reflection & Integration (a message from Kate Spreckley)
In these last weeks of 2020 a deep and profound healing is taking place. With this healing our consciousness is expanding gifting us with the ability to connect with the new that is birthing within us.
The Real Life of the New Orleans Voodoo Queen | Marie Laveau
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Spiritual Unite: CAN SPIRIT GUIDES APPEAR IN YOUR DREAMS?
In this article we discuss spirit guides in dreams. You should be aware that spirit guides often visit you in your dreams, if you are the lucky one to notice them, then you could be receiving advice and guidance.
For thousands of years, people have looked up at the moon and wondered about its divine significance. It should come as no surprise that many cultures throughout time have had lunar deities–that is,
MBG: How To Ring In The Full Cold Moon (AKA The Final Full Moon Of 2020)
Come nightfall on Tuesday, December 29, the final full moon of 2020 will grace our skies. If there was ever a time to dip into a little full moon magic, it’s now, as we close out an unquestionably tumultuous year.
Daniel Dancer is an art-activist who creates and films gigantic living paintings made of people that only make sense from the sky. Why? To bring people together, often young students, to create flashes of beauty that teach tangibly about the power of unity, the importance of nature, and the impermanence of just about everything. Listen as Dancer elaborates on the many lessons that the community can take from these ephemeral art actions. { read more }
Be The Change
Learn more about Respectful Revolution, an organization that seeks to document positive action and inspire change. { more }
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The Witch of Wanderlust: Using Pendulums in Your Craft
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Elephant Journal: Cancer Full Moon & Last Full Moon of 2020: Out of the Past & Into Present. {December 29th}
I am a Cancer Sun and Cancer Ascendant. My identity in this lifetime seems garnished with the nostalgia of the past, memories, and fixations on “lost times,” “lost loves,” and “lost chances.” The Cancer nature is strong in me.
Reindeer are known around the world as the fictional sidekicks of Santa Claus, but in polar and mountainous regions, they are very much real and sometimes abundant.
EarthSky News: Last full moon of the decade, again
To many, the last full moon of the decade came last year, on December 12, 2019. But purists will call the December 2020 full moon the last full moon of the decade. It happens on December 29 or 30, depending on your time zone (more full for the Americas on the night of December 29; round and full on December 30, too
Patheos-Pagan: Young Diana: The Unbroken Spirit Of Girls & Wild Goddesses
The scenes of young Diana Prince in Wonder Woman 1984 moved me to tears. It wasn’t the special effects, the scenery, or the script. It was the fierce spirit of a girl, uncrushed by external society, played perfectly by Lily Aspell.
Pagan Playlist: Stolen Child – Loreena McKennitt With Lyrics
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Inner Journey: ONE STEP AT A TIME
“What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.” — Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Does the prospect of changing and growing seem monumental to you? Just too much to tackle?
Then consider this approach. Take a simple step of affirming your openness to experience more or something new. Or a different first step might be to let go of judgment by embracing the neutral. Begin to see the people, activities and things around you as neither good nor bad.
A journey is made of many small steps. Don’t focus on a far-off destination if you’re not clear how to get there. Build a foundation that is solid for you. We get to new places one step at a time.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” — John Wanamaker
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
You know, I think a big reason I like this season so much, is because it’s one of the few times during the year when masses of people take it upon themselves to “be the difference” in the lives of others… without asking me to do it for them.
Which gives me hope that the day’s not far off, when they’ll do as much for themselves.
Tally-ho, ho, ho –
The Universe
tut.com
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Today’s Recipe: Terri’s Spicy Vegetable Smoothie
This is so healthy and delicious, I could drink it every day. Compare to commercial vegetable juice; this has no added salt and doesn’t need it. Switch up your veggies, fruits and spices and try different combinations.
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 December 29, 2020
Goals “The going is the goal.”
-Horace Kallen, 1952
This is another way of saying that the journey, not the destination, is our goal. We’re hear to be in the game, so we might as well play. Sometimes we have a good run, sometimes we score, and sometimes we fall down. As long as our heart is in it, we’re making progress.
-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: Strength
Trust yourself to be able to handle absolutely anything today. It should be an easy day, and all you have to do is face whatever demands are made of you and then deliver what you can. You will not disappoint, even if you have to postpone doing or giving something. Trust that everything is working smoothly under your competent guidance, do your best, and have no regrets.
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.
It’s time to start thinking about what we want in the new year. Ask yourself “What do I want for ME in the new year?” or “What can I do for myself that will make me happier or bring me joy?” You have the power, the magic to create great things for yourself. Think about yesterday’s quote about hope. The spark that is hope is also the spark of your own magic. Each fuels the other to create a flame from that tiny spark. Embrace the magical blessings that warm your heart and spirit.
December’s Full “Cold” Moon Tuesday December 29, 2020
Time: 7:28 pm PST/ 8:28 pm MST/ 10:28 pm EST
The final full moon of 2020 seems to have fewer names than other months. However our ancestors called this moon the Cold Moon, The Bitter Moon, Long Nights Moon, and the Big Winter Moon. It is during this month that the nights are at their longest and winter blankets the land in it’s cold grip. This is probably where the name Long Nights Moon originated. Our Old English/Anglo-Saxon ancestors called it the Moon Before Yule. Both names are appropriate for this season. The time of midwinter is indeed long and the moon sits just above the horizon seemingly forever.
The Cold Moon honors deities like Minerva, Osiris, Athena, Persephone and Hades. It is the perfect time to finish tying up loose ends and working through any remaining darkness from the past year. Take time to acknowledge the hardships and struggles that you have gone through and embrace the cycles of life, death and rebirth. It is through the experience of the dark times that we learn sun and warmth will alway cycle around and we will survive and continue, changed in ways that aid our personal cycle of growth. The work we do during this full moon will help us to welcome the rebirth of the Sun with open hearts.
To celebrate this full moon try wearing the triple goddess colors of white, red and black and adorning yourself with rubies, moonstone, serpentine or obsidian.
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.
Stay healthy, Stay safe!
Blessings, Cat
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December’s Events
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Dec. 26 Kwanzaa
Dec. 29 Full Moon at 7:28 pm PST/ 8:28 pm MST/ 10:28 pm EST
Dec. 31 New Years Eve
Dec. 31 Hogmanay
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Spirit Library: Final Throes of a Great Release (a message from Kate Spreckley)
This year has been a time of massive awakening and transformation and with the new cosmic cycle we have moved into the possibility of a new life and a new direction is emerging. As a result, we may be reflecting on why we are here,
Herbal Jedi:3 Powerful Practices for setting Solstice/NewYears Intentions and Manifestations
Solstice and New Years Blessings Herbal Jedi Community. I appreciate all the time and energy each one if you have put into watching these videos and growing your own earth medicine Kin-nections.
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Spiritual Unite: OWL SPIRIT GUIDE MEANING – THE MYSTERY OF THE NIGHT
Our spirit guides are exactly what they sound like – spirits that guide us through our journey here on Earth.
Most are loved ones or soulmates, some are interested souls and permanent guides, and some take the form of a spirit animal.
During the different phases of the moon, you may wish to perform rituals or spells based upon your magical needs. While incense isn’t mandatory for a good ritual, it certainly can help to set the mood.
MBG: Mark Your Calendars Now: These Will Be The Retrogrades & Eclipses Of 2021
Eclipses happen four to six times a year, bringing sudden changes and turning points to our lives. If you’ve been stuck in indecision about an issue, an eclipse forces you to act. Unexpected circumstances can arise and demand a radical change of plans
Elephant Journal: 5 “Enlightened” Ways to tell someone to Go F*ck Themselves
Is anyone else working toward better versions of themselves? Yeah, I’m on the path too. But in the meantime, we also have to acknowledge that we are still samsaric beings, edging ever-so-slowly toward enlightenment.
Every explorer, scientist, and naturalist carries a notebook for jotting down observations, drawing sketches of species they’ve come across, outlining maps for newly explored areas or taking notes about seasonal changes.
EarthSky News: Moon passes in front of Taurus the Bull
On December 26, 27 and 28, 2020, look for the bright waxing gibbous moon to shine in front of the constellation Taurus the Bull. On December 28, as seen from North America, the moon appears almost to clip the top of Orion’s upraised club. Still, officially, the moon is near the border of Taurus then.
For years now my family and I sing one special song during our Yule celebration. “Deck the Halls.” Why? Because it is without a doubt (in my opinion) the most pagan of the traditional holiday carols. Not to mention it is fun to sing and we all know the lyrics.
Pagan Playlist: Loreena McKennitt – La Serenissima
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Inner Journey: REAWAKEN YOUR CURIOSITY
“What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult.” — Sigmund Freud
Why is this so?
Young children possess what Zen calls ‘beginner’s mind.’ They are awed and fascinated with the wonder of the world, open to discovering and experiencing new things. Anything is possible. Life is a great adventure.
For almost all of us, the systems that ‘educate’ us to be adults stifle our natural joy and curiosity. We lose touch with our innate appreciation of life. We forget how to dream.
The blessing is that with attention, patience and love, we can reawaken our sense of wonder. We can again dance with life.
“The mind WILL be free, or it will be dead.” — Grace Llewellyn
higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Yellow Curry Fried Rice
This curried fried rice is a meal in itself! The flavors are exotic and wonderful and this dish is really filling.
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood Planet: Moon Star Sign: Cancer Angel: Gabriel Power Colors: Silver, White and Gray Herbs& Plants: Night Blooming Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris Sacred Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood
Deities include Artemis, Diana, Luna, Selene, Thoth
Monday is ruled the Moon. Today’s energy best align with spell work that deals with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.
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Daily Wisdom December 28, 2020
Goals “It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.”
-Goethe (1749-1832)
We learn about the importance of setting goals, and we know how good it feels when we reach those goals. But at the same time, we need to remember that each step is an important part of our progress. We need to recognize this, and celebrate that we are moving forward. We are learning and growing every day
-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The Empress
Everything you touch or talk about today is going to get bigger, so be careful with your words and actions. While today will be easygoing and agreeable, a few days from now something you set in motion today may come back in a bigger form. Watch out for exaggeration, even about good things. Go light on the flattery, and even sincere compliments, since it all may become grander than you intend.
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.
As we prepare to say goodbye to the old year we are given a reminder about hope. Hope is like a spark that lives within us and is something that we must nurture to fully appreciate. The last year has been crazy, scary and often dark but we have persevered and made it through because we have hope that things will get better. It will happen a little at time. Find your “hope spark” and embrace it. Feed it each day with optimistic intentions and loving kindness. Never give up… you’ve totally got this!
Christmas Eve is a time of magic. It fills the the heart and spirit and is the essence of joy and compassion. Even though this year has been challenging to say the least we can still embrace the beauty of the season. Hold your family a little closer this year, even though many will be at a distance. Create some new traditions that embody the magic of the day. After all you are a creator so make the day a special one!
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.
Stay healthy, Stay safe!
Blessings, Cat
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December’s Events
Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Day
Dec, 10 Hanukkah
Dec. 14 New Moon at 8:16 am PST/ 9:16 am MST/ 11:16 am EST
Dec. 29 Full Moon at 7:28 pm PST/ 8:28 pm MST/ 10:28 pm EST
Dec. 31 New Years Eve
Dec. 31 Hogmanay
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Spirit Library: Wisdom of the Earth & Stars (a message from Kate Spreckley)
With the Solstice and Great Conjunction, a massive shift occurred opening the doors to Creation. As a result, greater amounts of cosmic energy is flowing within us reconnecting us with the ancient wisdom of the Earth and the stars
The Celtic Tree Month of Birch or Beith/Beth runs from December 24th – January 20th.
BIRCH LORE
Birch is the beginning of all things (life) and it is opposite of last months tree Elder (death). This month is symbolized by the unconscious self and raw wild force of the natural world.
ThoughtCo: Full Moon Pagan Ritual for Releasing and Purging
New moon ceremonies have to do with creation, manifestation, birth, and rebirth. It is the full moon that completes the cycle. The full moon is the representative for marking a time for death or change. It is also a time for gathering up your wits and tying up loose ends. Basically, the full moon symbolizes the end chapter, shedding light on the things that we no longer need to hold on to.
MBG: How To Work EFT Into Your Well-Being Routine—Morning, Noon, & Night
As we bid farewell to an unusually stressful year, all of us are looking forward to a fresh start in 2021. But with so much uncertainty still in the air, keeping up with a daily well-being routine will be essential in the coming months.
The Anunnaki Gods: The Astronaut Gods of the Sumerians – Sumerian Mythology – See U in History
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New Year Eve Spell
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Elephant Journal: A Winter Ritual of Trust for Our Wounded Inner Child.
Somewhere in your past, someone broke your trust. There might be many times that your trust has been broken since then, but there is a first time. It might have been a childhood best friend spilling your secrets to another. It might have been a parent telling you that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. It might have been a sibling locking you in the closet when they knew you were afraid.
Treehugger: The Beautiful Icelandic Tradition of Giving Books on Christmas Eve Book lovers will want to adopt this tradition, which melds literary and holiday pleasures into a single event.
EarthSky News: How to catch the elusive green flash
It’s not hard to see a green flash with the eye alone, when sky conditions are right, and when you’re looking toward a very clear and very distant horizon. That’s why those who live near an ocean tend to report green flashes most often. A sea horizon is the best place to see them.
When I wrote Psychic Witch, I dedicated it to the four largest influences in my life in chronological order that they influenced me: Silver Ravenwolf, Christopher Penczak, Laurie Cabot, and Devin Hunter with a note to each.
Pagan Playlist: Andvevarljod – Song of the Spirit-weavers (Skaldic version)
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Inner Journey: STEP BY STEP
“The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.” — Sydney Smiles
When I get overwhelmed by the number of tasks on my to- do list, I remind myself that the only way to get anywhere is step by step. And I cover the most distance in the journey of my life when I take a moment to decide which step will bring the greatest rewards.
“Often he who does too much does too little.” — Italian Proverb
“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” — Source Unknown
higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Eggnog Cheesecake III
This is a delicious cheesecake for eggnog lovers. The secret to a smooth cheesecake is to cream the cream cheese in a food processor for several minutes.
Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success
Element: Earth
Incense: Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter Star Signs: Sagittarius and Pisces Angel: Sachiel Power Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo Herbs & Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak, Dill, Borage, Patchouli Sacred Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise
Deities include Juno, Jupiter,Thor, Zeus
Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. Today’s energies influence all matters involving material gain and spell work for general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, legal issues, luck, gambling, and prosperity.
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Daily Wisdom December 24, 2020
Family “Family life! The United Nations is child’s play compared to the tugs and splits and need to understand and forgive in any family.”
-May Sarton, 1970
I’m sure we all have our stories! What would we do without our families? Good or bad or indifferent, the families we have somehow have helped us to become the people we are today. Through our family we can see our connection to the world. And as our family grows, with children and grandchildren, cousins and in-laws, we are presented with more opportunities for learning and growth. It’s interesting that there has been a rise in the popularity of genealogy and family tree research lately. Through these studies our connections throughout time become apparent. The world becomes smaller, and we don’t feel as isolated when we start looking at our roots.
-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The Hanged Man
Things may not be going the way you like, but this is no time to give up. Whatever went wrong yesterday or last year is no excuse to stop trying to make things right. Be honest with yourself and do what you can to at least not make matters worse. There’s nothing that can’t be forgiven, repaired or replaced. Keep the faith and keep going
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.
The Celtic Tree Month of Birch or Beith/Beth runs from December 24th – January 20th.
BIRCH LORE
Birch is the beginning of all things (life) and it is opposite of last months tree Elder (death). This month is symbolized by the unconscious self and raw wild force of the natural world. The tree itself is a symbol of birth, initiation and sacrifice. It is also associated with horned animals like goats and stags as well as the Horned Gods like Cernunnos, Dagda and Pan. Other names for this tree are Tree of Birth, Lady of the Woods. The Irish Gaelic word for this tree is “Beith”, which is derived from “Achadhbeith” meaning “the field of birch trees.
TREE INFORMATION
This tree is very common in Europe where it is known as the Silver Birch, it is also grown in North America under the name “weeping birch”. The leaves are long and egg shaped with notched edges. The slender trees have silvery white bark which is close to the color of poplar and aspen and to the untrained eye these trees may look the same. Birch can grow up to 100 feet in height and will do so unless they can take over their favorite soil which tends to be sandy, in which case they like to spread out in low clumps. In fact birch trees grow so well that they are the first new trees to sprout up in cut areas. This may be the reason that they are associated with rebirth and birth.
Birch Trees/ Vaclav Pastucha freeimages.com
BIRCH IN HEALING
This tree does have a few healing properties. The inner bark is said to be a good pain reliever as are the leaves which as tea, can be used for rheumatism. The sap produces syrup and from the bark comes flour and beer.
BIRCH IN MAGIC & MYTH
Birch is particularly useful for spells involving healing, fertility, new beginnings, blessings, protection, growth, love, and creative inspiration. It is also one of the nine sacred woods used in the sabbat fire and is a representation of the Goddess. Charms made of birch twigs were given to newlyweds to promote fertility and cattle were lightly struck with birch rods for the same reason. Brooms were traditionally made from birch, the twigs were called “Besom twigs” and love spells can be written on strips of birch bark that have been gathered during the new moon. This tree also plays an important role in the pagan tradition of jumping the broomstick which is part of the handfasting ceremony.
Broom/ Kay Pat freeimages.com
The birch can be found in folklore as well. Baby cradles were made from birch wood because it was thought to protect the innocent. On the Isle of Man criminals and lunatics were “birched” in a serious effort to drive out evil.
In Wales during the 13th-14th Centuries lovers were said to meet under these trees in the “house of leaves”. As a token a remembrance for these occasions wreaths would be made from the leaves of the tree. There is also and English/ Irish custom that took place on December 26th called “the huntin gof the wren.” The old year or the “wren” was hunted down by the new year which was symbolized by the robin, and was said to carry a birch twig in it’s claws.
To choose Birch as a magical name is cleansing and promotes your inner light. It would be a good name for a caregiver or for someone who seeks to make positive changes in politic for social issues.
ABOUT BIRCH PEOPLE
Birch people have a marvelous ability to be uplifting to others. They do not care for excess in any areas of their lives and like to promote a calm and content atmosphere where ever they go.
CORRESPONDENCES
Deities: All Horned Gods, Pan, the Dagda, Cerrnunos, Thor, Freya, Frigg, Cewrridwen Sacred Stones: Quartz Crystal, Fluorite Colors: White and Dark Green
sources:
the dutchie.org, The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster crystal forest.com treetotem.com
The Desert Path 
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