The power of music is an amazing thing. It can boost our mood and take us away to another place where we can let go of our worries. We all have our favorite genres. Today I challenge you to listen to something new. There are so many artists and styles to choose from so pick something that you have never listened to and let it open a whole new world!
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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April Events & Holidays
April 15 Celtic tree Month of Willow begins
April 22 Earth Day
April 22 New Moon at 7:25 pm PST/ 8:25 pm MST/ 10:25 pm EST
April 23 Ramadan
April 24 Arbor Day
April 30 Walprgis Night
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In the springtime: April violets glow
In wayside nooks, close clustering into groups,
Like shy elves hiding from traveller’s eye.
-Thomas Buchanan Read (1822-72)
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Spirit Library: Internal Authority
There is a profound purging and clearing occurring which is initiating many life change events and transformations. Layers and layers of energetic patterning is being released and healed preparing us for a totally new cycle that is pregnant with the possibilities of a whole new life.
The ankh, also known as the Key of Life, is probably one of the most easily recognizable and best known ancient Egyptian symbols. It represents eternal life and in many ancient carvings Egyptian deities and Pharaoh’s are shown holding it.
While the origins of the Ankh are unclear, archeologists say that in the ancient language the word means quite literally “Life”. One theory as to the symbol itself says that the loop on top represents the womb (feminine) while the cross at the bottom represents the penis (male) and when the two are put together life is formed from it. It is also said to symbolize the elements of both water and air. In pagan tradition’s these elements are considered life-giving.
When the Ankh is used as an amulet it is believed to give the wearer good health and longevity and protection against evil and negative energy.
by Cat
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ThoughtCo: How to Cleanse or Purify a Sacred Space
In many magical traditions, it is considered important to purify or cleanse a space before any sort of ritual can take place. There are several different ways of doing this, and how you do it will depend in part upon the rules or guidelines of your tradition
Many in the spiritual community believe that every person has an aura, an energy field that exudes a certain color, immediately surrounding them. While not usually visible to the naked eye, an aura’s color—be it red, green, purple, or a combination of many shades—can be photographed and analyzed during an aura reading.
1. If the dreamer is wearing the glasses, then he will soon see the world in a different light and learn from it.
2. If someone known to the dreamer is wearing the glasses, then that person has a special interest in the dreamer. If the dreamer does NOT know the person, then there may be many who are “keeping an eye” on him.
3. If the eyeglasses are not worn, but lying alone somewhere, then the dreamer needs to view something through different eyes.
Astrological parallel: Pluto, Scorpio.
Tarot parallel: Death.
astrology.com
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Daily Good: Seeking Solitude in Nature: A Meditation Teacher’s Story
“By the time we’re 60, we will have been alive for almost 22,000 days on this planet, rarely, if ever, stopping to watch just one. By immersion into nature in solitude, we allow the natural human to become entrained to the nature of the planet we are part of. I had been camping in solitude in nature — on a hill over the ocean on the coast of California — as I have done twice a year for the past 20+ years. I jokingly call it my “People Fast”, which I have always assumed I needed since, as a meditation teacher and an actress, what I do in the world involves intense and intimate interactions with people, and I figured that we always need an opportunity to “clear out” and refresh or reground ourselves. But there is more to it than that — at least for me.” Meditation teacher Stephanie Nash shares more. { read more }
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Today’s DIY: Quiet Witchcraft || Focus Spell ||
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The Wild Hunt: Eco-fairies – Old or New?
Today’s offering is from guest contributor John Kruse. Kruse is author of Faery, recently published by Llewellyn Worldwide, and is also author of the book Victorian Fairy Verse in which the evolution of fairy ideas in Victorian times is fully set out.
MNN: The 2024 total solar eclipse may ‘outshine’ 2017
The first total solar eclipse in nearly a century not only injected a much-needed sense of awe about astronomy into our culture, but also introduced a golden age of eclipse watching. In the 21st century, 10 total solar eclipses will send the moon’s shadow over U.S. soil, with six of these events passing over vast swaths of the country
The green flash image at the top of this post was taken by Jim Grant, an EarthSky friend on Facebook. He captured it off the coast of Ocean Beach, California, and identified it a mock mirage green flash.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: Witchfest Online Talk: Magical Herbs and Food
Children of Artemis, who run Witchfest, Witchfest Midlands and The Artemis Gathering events in the UK asked me if I would like to record a talk for them to run in their ‘Witchfest Online‘ event. Which of course, I was more than happy to do.
“Nourishing the soul is the process of drinking at the life stream, coming back to one’s true self, embracing the whole of one’s experience – good, bad, or ugly; painful or exalted; dull or boring.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Spiritual teachings sometimes counsel a need to let go of the ego. In our view, though, ego and personality are essential players in our theatre of life. Personality is the vehicle for Spirit to evolve through form. Soul sparks the potential that exists within the personality.
We don’t want the ego to disappear – we want it to open to divine guidance so the two may work together in alignment.
And so the path of personality aims to build a healthy, skilful ego. Ironically, only a strong, mature ego can take responsibility for carrying the consciousness of soul.
“How do we nurture the soul? By revering our own life. By treating it as supremely important. By reaching for the best within ourselves. By learning to love it all, not only the joys and the victories, but also the pain and the struggles.”
— Nathaniel Branden
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
You’re beautiful enough.
You’re special enough.
You’re sexy, playful, and fun enough.
You’ve worked enough.
You’ve cried enough.
You’ve been grateful, generous, and kind enough.
Okay, then?
The Universe
tut.com
_________________________ Today’s Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins
Scrumptious enjoyment awaits you in this hybrid breakfast/dessert muffin recipe! Create a muffin batter with flour, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, brown sugar, butter, lemon zest and vanilla. Spoon half the batter into muffin cups, then portion out dollops of cream cheese beaten with confectioners’ sugar along with small spoons of strawberry jam. Cover with the remaining batter and bake until golden. Then watch your entire brunch crowd make them disappear!
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Wednesday
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender
This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom April 15, 2020
Parents
“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”
-Benjamin Spock (1903-1998)
Dr. Spock was speaking here about parenting – but doesn’t this apply to just about anything in life? We know stuff! Instinctually, intuitively, and intellectually – we have the tools to figure it out if it’s not immediately obvious to us
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The Hanged Man
Has all of your sacrifice been for nothing? Do you feel like you’ve been moving toward a goal that only seems to be getting further away the harder you work for it? The Hanged Man urges acceptance of your current state of affairs, and suggests that reflection will lead to peace. Freedom doesn’t have to equal loneliness, and letting go isn’t the same as giving up.
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.
With so many things unavailable to us right now we find that our attitude of gratitude is being put to the test. Today’s Quote is a reminder of several things.
First, embrace the Tiny Miracles that are part of everyday life.
Second, there is always ONE GOOD THING that happened today. Find it!
Third, things could truly be worse. Look around and acknowledge what you have. Not everyone is so lucky.
Spend a little time today (and every day) making a list of the things you are thankful for, or the things that made you smile. Write them down and put your list somewhere that you can see it often. Your really do have so much to be grateful for!
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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April Events & Holidays
April 15 Celtic tree Month of Willow begins
April 22 Earth Day
April 22 New Moon at 7:25 pm PST/ 8:25 pm MST/ 10:25 pm EST
April 23 Ramadan
April 24 Arbor Day
April 30 Walprgis Night
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April the Beautiful, with streaming eyes,
Weeps o’er the havoc that rude March has made.
The dales are musical with her sweet sighs,
Tears mark her footsteps o’er the moistened glade.
-John Askham (1825-94)
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Emergence Magazine: Dark Skies
by Bear Guerra
“Given the myriad ways in which humans have all but severed our connection to the natural world, perhaps none will prove to be as profound as the loss of the night sky and of our connection to the dark.”
The vast majority of the world’s population now lives in a location that is perpetually bathed in artificial light, stifling our ability to see beyond our own world and into the vast universe.
ThoughtCo: Legends and Lore of Beltane, the Spring May Day Celebration
In many cultures, there are different legends and lore surrounding the Beltane season–after all, it’s a time that marks fire and fertility, and the return of new life to the earth. Let’s look at some of the magical stories about this spring celebration.
Pioneer Thinking: Tea Tree Oil
This powerful oil is a must have in your medicine cabinet. Not only is it good for health applications, it can also be used as a natural disinfectant and household cleaner.
1. Motion, movement away from one thing and towards another.
2. Speed, acceleration.
3. Freedom.
Astrological parallel: Sagittarius.
Tarot parallel: The Chariot.
astrology.com
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Daily Good: Finding Beauty in a Broken World
“I think what is being asked of each of us right now [is to become] really fully who we are so that we can be of use. And it is scary. But I think the risk is worth it. And what do we lose and what do we sacrifice if we are not fully present, fully engaged, fully embracing who we are?” Tami Simon speaks with Terry Tempest Williams, a writer, naturalist, environmental activist, and author of several books including, ‘Finding Beauty in a Broken World.’ { read more }
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Today’s DIY: HERBAL HAIR RINSES FOR HEALTHY HAIR!
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Elephant Journal: Isolated but Not Separated: One Breath at a Time.
As we can not go out, so we have to go in.
Anger, frustration, despair…
Thank you for teaching us how to feel it all.
MNN: How to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly
Dragonflies and damselflies are closely related and may seem at first glance to be like twins. But once you know what to look for, telling the two members of the order Odonata apart is a piece of cake.
There are four details that even the most inexperienced bug watcher can use to identify if the insect is a dragonfly or a damselfly. They are the eyes, body shape, wing shape and position of the wings at rest.
EarthSky News: Moon, 3 planets, before daybreak April 14-16
Before daybreak these next several mornings – April 14, 15 and 16, 2020 – watch for the moon to flit by three morning planets: Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. Around the world on April 14, the moon’s illuminated side points right at this compact line-up of planets.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: What is Druidry?
Many Traditions of Druidry:
Modern Druidry is quite different that the image of old Celtic wise men the word Druid conjures. These days there are a number of different kinds of Druid organizations. There’s ADOA or the Ancient Order of Druids in America, founded in 1912 as a fraternal order similar to the Masons.
Pagan Playlist: Celtic Woman – Tír na nÓg ft. Oonagh
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Inner Journey:
FOLLOW THE 80/20 RULE
“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.”
— Nido Qubein
The 80/20 rule says that on a list of 10 tasks, only 2 of those tasks will return 80% of the value of the entire list. Look at your ‘to do’ list for today. Which tasks are directly related to what you most want in life? Find the 2 high value items on your list and tackle them first. These tasks are the ones that really move us forward.
Many of us actively avoid the top 2 priorities because they are more challenging than the rest. If they are to lead us to worthy goals, they are undoubtedly asking us to move into new territory in thinking and acting, and this can be scary. But this is also REWARDING!
“Don’t kid yourself: it’s because you’re doing all those C’s (low priorities) and NOT because you haven’t any time, that you don’t get to do your A’s.”
— Alan Lakein
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
Of all the luck! Can you believe it?
You. In paradise. Now. Exactly as you are.
Exactly as it is.
Do you have any idea how many souls in the unseen wish they could be in your shoes? Wish they could see through your eyes? Wish they could feel what moves in your heart? Have your friends? Share your loves? Face your fears and your beasts?
Oh, heck yeah, your fears and your beasts! Are you kidding? Especially your fears and your beasts! Because from where they are, it’s so much easier to see how soon they will pass, how triumphant you will be, and how much more they’ll make possible.
Tallyho,
The Universe
tut.com
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Today’s Recipe: Mexican Taco Meatloaf“
My Mexican grandmother would use leftover corn tortilla chips in our meatloaf and everyone loved it! They all wanted seconds along with the recipe. A delicious Mexican-American comfort food.
__________________________________ 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
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants: Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and, Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger
Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom April 14, 2020
Parents
“If there is something that we wish to change in our children, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves.”
-Carl Jung (1875-1961)
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All relationships are a mirror for us. Is there something we want to change about our parents? Our friends? Our spouses, or ex-spouses? Maybe we need to see if that is something we can change in ourselves. We have the relationships that we have so that we can learn more about ourselves. We don’t always want to admit it, but we learn something even from the people who we see as a negative influence in our lives. And when we learn the lesson that negative turns into a big positive!
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The Hanged Man
Has all of your sacrifice been for nothing? Do you feel like you’ve been moving toward a goal that only seems to be getting further away the harder you work for it? The Hanged Man urges acceptance of your current state of affairs, and suggests that reflection will lead to peace. Freedom doesn’t have to equal loneliness, and letting go isn’t the same as giving up.
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.
Our quote today asks us to just believe and have faith. The things we believe in shape who we are. They bring us strength and happiness. They help us to grow and create our lives. Even in the darkest times, our beliefs bring us strength, courage, and happiness. They also bring us the peace and hope that we need right now. Dust off your beliefs and bring them out into the light!
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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April Events & Holidays
April 15 Celtic tree Month of Willow begins
April 22 Earth Day
April 22 New Moon at 7:25 pm PST/ 8:25 pm MST/ 10:25 pm EST
April 23 Ramadan
April 24 Arbor Day
April 30 Walprgis Night
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The bluebird knows it is April, and soars toward the Sun and sings.
-Eben Eugene Rexford (1848-1916)
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Spirit Library: Dawning of a New Age (a message from Kate Spreckley)
We are at the dawning of a new age. An age that is exposing the energetic soul blueprints we need to manifest our new reality. Our soul blueprints are an energetic framework which contains our pure potential. As such it powerfully influences every word we speak, every thought we have and every idea we hold
In many magical traditions, healing rituals are performed in tandem with a petition to the god or goddess of the pantheon who is representative of healing and wellness. If you or a loved one is ill or off-kilter, whether emotionally or physically or spiritually.
A symbol of security.
1. If the gloves are brand-new, this symbolizes financial security.
2. If the gloves are long evening-type gloves, or gauntlets, this means security in love matters.
3. Losing gloves indicates temporary setbacks, and dirty or worn-out gloves imply difficulties, but all still imply security in the long run.
astrology.com
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Daily Good: Into the Chrysalis
“Chrysalises both inspire and baffle me. The thought that a caterpillar can crawl into a sac made of its own body and dissolve its form and come out as a butterfly is a cliched image of transformation, but holy crap. Stop for a moment and really think about that. Does the caterpillar know this is going to happen? If it does that shows some tremendous trust. If it doesn’t, then that shows some incredible courage. It just hangs out there, isolating itself from the rest of the world and changing in ways it can never understand.” Chris Corrigan shares more in this short passage. { read more }
Be The Change
Take a moment to consider whether you are resisting or inviting your own transformation in the chrysalis of this time. What response does the butterfly’s process evoke in you?
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Today’s DIY: Simple Cottage Witchcraft
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Elephant Journal: Could your Dharma be the Medicine we all Need?
Many of us have become aware that our current reality in the time of this outbreak, isolation, and our climate crisis is the universe and earth shaking us up in order for us to move into divine alignment.
MNN: How to become a backyard naturalist right now
Take part in the City Nature Challenge.
During the coronavirus pandemic, many people who aren’t essential workers find themselves spending a lot more time at home. And as they settle into new daily routines, they’re heading outside to find comfort in nature.
Long ago, the Coma star cluster represented the Lion’s tufted tail. It is a beautiful cluster, well worth taking the time to pick out in the night sky. You can see Leo from the suburbs, but you’ll need a dark sky to find the cluster. In mid-evening now, as seen from mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellation of the Lion will be high in the southern sky. You’ll see the Lion at nightfall, too, though more in the south-southeastern portion of sky.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: Witch on Fire-side Chats: Moon Water with Flower Essence
In this Witch on Fire-side chat video, I demonstrated my process for awakening and charging the water bowl for use on the altar. Then I discussed preparation of a charged moon water which began with creating a flower essence.
Pagan Playlist: Come Little Children (Sarah’s Theme) from “Hocus Pocus”
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Inner Journey:
FILL UP YOUR TANK
“How do we keep our inner fire alive? Two things, at minimum, are needed: an ability to appreciate the positives in our life – and a commitment to action. Every day, it’s important to ask and answer these questions: ‘What’sgood in my life?’ and ‘What needs to be done?'”
— Nathaniel Branden
I have found there’s a very different quality to my action when it springs from a sense of abundance as opposed to a feeling of being impoverished.
When I sense I’m not good enough or that I don’t have enough, I feel driven to be better and to have more. Whatever I do takes effort – there’s an element of struggle involved. And this makes sense because there’s no fuel – I’m working on an empty tank.
When I’m feeling abundant, I act out of my own inspiration. I’m rich and full and so the energy flows naturally. This action at times feels almost effortless.
It’s important to remember that we don’t need money to be abundant. All we need is appreciation of all that we have.
” …what I focus on in life is what I get. And if I concentrate on how bad I am or how wrong I am or how inadequate I am, if I concentrate on what I can’t do and how there’s not enough time in which to do it, isn’t that what I get every time? And when I think about how powerful I am, and when I think about what I have left to contribute, and when I think about the difference I can make on this planet, then that’s what I get. You see, I recognize that it’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do about it.”
— W. Mitchell
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
Ever wonder why some of those who achieve incredible success, amass fortunes, and enjoy sizzling relationships seem so unlikely?
It’s because intelligence, looks, even creativity, come in a distant second place to believing. Achievers achieve because they believed they would, and so the heavens and earth were moved.
I believe in you,
The Universe
tut.com
_________________________ Today’s Recipe: Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
“A totally indulgent monkey bread made surprisingly easy thanks to refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Loaded up with layers of fresh apples and toasted walnuts, this pull-apart bread fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg while it bakes and looks stunning on your breakfast or brunch table.”
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Monday
Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconciliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and, Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood
Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom April 13, 2020
Parents
“How true Daddy’s words were when he said: ‘All children must look after their own upbringing.’ Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”
-Anne Frank (1929-1945)
We could place blame, point fingers, wallow in pain from all the things that “should” have been “if only” blah blah blah… But there comes a time when we must stand on our own two feet and recognize that we create our own future. We create our own present. We have choices to make every day. Look within. Find that strength and move on
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The World
The World card signifies forward movement, and it reminds you that you can’t just sit back and wait for what you want to come to you. Today is the time to take action, because taking a step in any direction is better than sitting still. Work on making yourself content with who you are before you ask anyone else to take on that same monumental task.
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.
No one has ever said that life was easy or perfect. There is only life and we do the best we can with what we have. But there are times, like right now for example when everything seems to have fallen apart and obstacles are everywhere. However, we have choices. We can choose how we deal with what’s going on. We can make the most with what we have right now or we can wallow around in self-pity and despair. Find happiness and gratitude in the small, simple things. It not only helps you but those around you as well. What will you choose today?
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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April Events & Holidays
April 12 Easter
April 15 Celtic tree Month of Willow begins
April 22 Earth Day
April 22 New Moon at 7:25 pm PST/ 8:25 pm MST/ 10:25 pm EST
April 23 Ramadan
April 24 Arbor Day
April 30 Walprgis Night
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A violet by a mossy stone,
Half-hidden from the eye!
Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.
-William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
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Spirit Library: Dawning of a New Age (a message from Kate Spreckley)
We are at the dawning of a new age. An age that is exposing the energetic soul blueprints we need to manifest our new reality. Our soul blueprints are an energetic framework which contains our pure potential.
from Wise Woman Herbal Ezine: Make your own Bottled Sunshine.. by Corinna Wood and Lee Warren
There is no other medicinal herb that bespeaks more of sunshine than St. Johnswort, or St. J’s, as we fondly call it. It loves sunny open places, blooms at the height of summer solstice, soothes the skin after sunburn, and even brings sunshine into our lives through its mood elevating properties.
Beltane falls on May 1 in the Northern Hemisphers (it’s six months later for our readers below the equator) and is a time to celebrate the fertility and greening of the earth in spring. By the time Beltane rolls around, sprouts and seedlings are appearing, grass is growing.
MBG: 3 Calming Breathing Techniques That Will Help You Stay Positive
I, like so many people, am finding it challenging to remain positive these days. Though I’m fortunate enough to be able to stay inside, cabin fever is setting in, my family is getting on each other’s nerves, and there’s a steady stream of adrenaline-producing news in the background.
1. If the dreamer is having difficulties, help is on the way.
2. If in the dream the doctors are making a diagnosis or suggesting treatment, the dreamer should pay attention. What they’re saying may relate to a hidden health issue, or a psychological or emotional issue that needs attention.
Astrological parallel: Virgo, Pisces.
Tarot parallel: King of Cups.
astrology.com
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Daily Good: Healing Our Relationship to Reality
“As human beings we are hardwired to search for stability, security, certainty and a sense of control in our lives. And yet, life by definition is perpetually in flux, it is famously unpredictable, riddled with uncertainty and fundamentally uncontrollable. These realities are the ground on which we practice. And practicing on this ground invites us into the heart of paradox. The paradox of finding joy in the midst of relentless change, the paradox of discovering balance in the midst of uncertainty and of finding our true agency in the midst of a surrender.” This piece explores what somatic practices like yoga can offer as we navigate the realities of existence.{ read more }
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Today’s DIY: A Simple Way to Add Witchcraft to Your Everyday
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Patheos Pagan: The Corner Crone: Reclaiming a Solitary Practice
The full moon rose, large and luminous and glowing, flaming in the twilight, as creamy as buttery-fresh milk. Up, up she rose through the latticework of the oak trees, framed in a tangle of criss-crossed branches and cotton boll clouds. And there stood I, physically alone in my sacred grove of oaks and palms yet profoundly connected to All That Is with a vibrance I hadn’t experienced in a very long time.
MNN: How to share Earth with other animals
A renowned biologist wants us to set aside half the planet for wildlife, part of a growing effort to avert the first man-made mass extinction.
EarthSky News: Use the Big Dipper to find the Little Dipper
So you say you can find the Big Dipper, but not the Little Dipper? This post is for you. Here’s the view northward on April evenings. At present the Big Dipper is high in the north during the evening hours. Notice the two outer stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper. These two stars – called Duhbe and Merak – always point to Polaris, the North Star. Find Polaris, and you can find the Little Dipper.
For millennia mankind has turned to the natural world for answers to the mysteries of life. The laws governing all things both seen and unseen can be understood through observation and interaction with nature. Our lives are inextricably linked to the natural world no matter how sterile and far removed our lives have become.
Pagan Playlist: Damh The Bard – Ceridwen and Taliesin
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Inner Journey:
PERFECTIONISM
“We have the need to be accepted and to be loved by others, but we cannot accept and love ourselves. The more self-love we have, the less we will experience self-abuse. Self-abuse comes from self-rejection, and self-rejection comes from having an image of what it means to be perfect and never measuring up to that ideal. Our image of perfection is the reason we reject ourselves the way we are, and why we don’t accept others the way they are.”
— Don Miguel Ruiz
“The maxim ‘Nothing but perfection’ may be spelled ‘Paralysis.'”
— Winston Churchill
“After enough mirror gazing, we all develop our ‘cosmic sense of humor.’ We no longer try to be perfect, or try to get all our work done in time. We become content with whatever life brings. Just to deal with what comes up without crucifying ourselves or others is enough of a challenge.”
— Paul Ferrini
“Good enough never is.”
— Debbi Fields
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
A coincidence?
Do you think it’s just a coincidence that you look exactly as you do?
Do you think your height, the color of your eyes, or the sound of your voice were accidents?
Do you think your insights into life, your gifts of perception, or your sense of humor were the result of random genetics?
No. You are exactly as you now are, with every freckle, trait, and charm, because they all added up to how you could make the biggest difference with your life in time and space, while having the most fun.
In appreciation,
The Universe
tut.com
_________________________ Today’s Recipe: Dave’s Big Raisin Cookies
Here is Dave’s Big Raisin cookies, the best you can find.
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Friday
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and, Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmarosa, Rose, Yarrow
Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom April 10, 2020
Meaning
“One needs something to believe in, something which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one’s life has meaning, that one is needed in this world.”
-Hannah Senesh (1938)
It’s that passion, that purpose, that spurs us forward in life. We know that there is more to life than just paying the bills and hanging out. But that “more” is different for each one of us. Understanding that Life has meaning is one thing, but we must also understand that our own lives have meaning. We’re here for a reason. And it’s up to each one of us to discover just what that reason is and to embrace it whole-heartedly!
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: Justice
Be an impartial observer in your own love life today. Instead of complaining that things aren’t fair, try to be honest and loyal even if you don’t get the same in return. Serve as a peacemaker. Justice says that there’s no use in trying to keep track of all of the ways you’ve been wronged, because everything evens out in the end.
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.
Fear and anxiety are very real for a lot of people right now and while I’m not a shrink I can tell you that these things can take over your life if you let them. Too often we get freaky over the “what ifs”. The key lies in keeping things in perspective and knowing what you can control and what you can’t. If you are struggling with this take a moment and read today’s quote. Ground, center and clear and just breathe.
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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April Events & Holidays
April 12 Easter
April 15 Celtic tree Month of Willow begins
April 22 Earth Day
April 22 New Moon at 7:25 pm PST/ 8:25 pm MST/ 10:25 pm EST
April 23 Ramadan
April 24 Arbor Day
April 30 Walprgis Night
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A flower is looking through the ground,
Blinking at the April weather;
Now a child has seen the flower:
Now they go and play together.
-Harold Monroe (1792-1814)
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Spirit Library: Contemplate & Re-Evaluate (a message from Kate Spreckley)
In this time of rapid awakening and transformation it is becoming abundantly clear that we have to stop expecting someone else to make our lives better, the world healthier or the environment cleaner. We need to stop looking to governments, politicians and so called leaders to change our reality.
Wise Woman Herbal: An Invitation to Arrive by Astrid Grove
One of my greatest passions is to arrive fully present in each moment and support others to do the same. I trust my inner knowing that this is each of our birthright. The lessons that show up in my life continue to reveal this truth to me. And so it is.
April’s showers have given way to rich and fertile earth, and as the land greens, there are few celebrations as representative of fertility as Beltane.
MBG: Mercury Retrograde 101: What This Transit Means & How To Navigate It
Even if you don’t know much about astrology, you’ve probably heard “Mercury retrograde” mentioned in a hushed, worried tone before. As one of the most hyped-up astrological transits—up there with new moons, full moons, and eclipses—Mercury retrograde often gets a bad rap
1. If you were wearing the costume, you’re hiding your true self from someone – or perhaps from everyone in your circle. If you take it off, something will cause you to drop the façade very soon.
2. If you are only one amongst many wearing a costume, especially if some of the others were children, this portends an amazing and totally unexpected – but nonetheless favorable – turn of events.
astrology.com
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Daily Good: The Art of Waiting
“”Time is the substance I am made of,” Borges wrote in his spectacular confrontation with time, “Time is a river which sweeps me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger which destroys me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire which consumes me, but I am the fire.” We are indeed creatures of time who live with it and in it, on the picketed patch of spacetime we have each been allotted. But if time is the foundational baseboard of our being, what happens to the structure of our lives in a culture of doing? That is what Jason Farman explores in Delayed Response: The Art of Waiting.” Maria Popova shares more in this post. { read more }
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Today’s DIY: My Spiritual Morning Routine
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Elephant Journal: 10 Things to Do When You Get Up Before the Sun.
My little girl is not a fan of sleep.
The thing is, I am.
Between the two of us, we manage to compromise—most of the time.
MNN: How to read books for free during the pandemic
Libraries are closed. But during the coronavirus pandemic, we all need to get lost in a good book now more than ever. Fortunately, there are ways you can get your literary fix for free even when you can’t leave the house.
EarthSky News: Zodiacal light juts upward to Taurus
The mysterious zodiacal light is often visible after dusk or before dawn from the tropical regions of the world. But at temperate latitudes in either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, your best chance of catching the zodiacal light in the evening sky is in late winter and early spring – or for the few months centered on the spring equinox.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: Witch on Fire-side Chats: Fire Incense on Charcoal, Demo and Recipe
In this Witch on Fire-side chat video, I demonstrated the process of burning loose, magickal incense blends on charcoal tabs, using my own Elemental Fire Incense blend. That recipe and magickal process are shared in this article!
“I do not accept any absolute formulas for living. No preconceived code can see ahead to everything that can happen in a man’s life. As we live, we grow and our beliefs change. They must change. So I think we should livewith this constant discovery. We should be open to this adventure in heightened awareness of living. We should stake our whole existence on our willingness to explore and experience.”
— Martin Buber
higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe
Today there are “likelihoods,” no concretes, no absolutes, nothing predestined or set in stone, just “likelihoods.” And the ones that will come to pass will all pivot on you and your thoughts.
Tallyho,
The Universe
tut.com
_________________________ Today’s Recipe: Chewy Crispy Coconut Cookies
Crispy, chewy, coconut, oatmeal, cornflake cookies. Wow are these good!
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Thursday
Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oakmoss, Star Anise
Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom April 9, 2020
Meaning
“The need to find meaning in the universe is as real as the need for trust and for love, for relations with other human beings.”
-Margaret Mead (1972)
It’s the age-old question: What is the meaning of life? Living this quest is as natural as breathing. It’s how we learn and grow, all a part of the process of life. We reach out to each other, for comfort, for love, for definition. And many times it is in our relationships that we find the meaning that we seek.
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
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Daily Tarot: The Magician
The Magician encourages you to take positive action. Once your mind is made up, it’s hard to change it. Determination and creativity are your most admirable qualities now, and they will help you reach your desired goal. You have confidence in your corner, which takes a lot of the anxiety out of making the first move, taking things to the next level, or generally excelling at all things related to love.
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.
The Desert Path 
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