The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 24, 2021

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 24, 2021

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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December Quotes

“Every year at just this time,
In cold and dark December,
Families around the world
All gather to remember,
With presents and with parties,
With feasting and with fun,
Customs and traditions
for people old and young.”

Helen H. Moore

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Greater Levels of Expansion, Unity & Consciousness
Kate Spreckley

Collectively and individually, we are moving through a galactic shift that is empowering and assisting us in weaving our soul into our material existence.

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Foraged Winter Tea

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Spirituality & Health: Reading the Tree Leaves

BY MEGAN SHOOP-VOLZ
Practice dendromancy by reading trees’ leaves and branches for insight, creating runes, and brewing faux mistletoe tea! Read more.

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Learn Religions: Rose Quartz Meditation
Clearing the Heart Chakra

This rose quartz guided meditation, meant to help heal hurts of the heart, is excellent for group gatherings. A leader will be needed to serve as the meditation guide to read the italicized text below. Be sure to have a supply of rose quartz crystals for your gathering.

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MBG: Heard Of Florida Water? Here’s Why It’s The One Thing Your Rituals Are Missing

If you’ve never heard of Florida water, let’s get one thing out of the way first: No, this is not the water you’ll find in the state of Florida. Rather, it’s a special liquid that’s believed to help enhance any number of rituals.

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Daily Magick Snippets

Bell

The Bell can be used to invoke the Goddess during ritual. The sound of a bell can clear space, and ward off evil spells and spirits. It can help to open and close a ritual. It is associated with the divine feminine.

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5 Wonderfully Weird Christmas & Festive Legends – (Exploring Festive Folklore)

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Elephant Journal: Imaginative Alternatives to the usual Tired New Year’s Resolution.

Thoughtful challenges, habit-forming rituals, and the convenient excuse to simply learn something new—without the overwhelming pressure to transform into a beautiful butterfly by the end of the year.

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Treehugger: The Marvel and Magic of Reindeer Antlers

If you’ve ever wondered where reindeer get their powers from, look no further than those towering crowns of bone.

OK, so science hasn’t actually proven that reindeer can fly and thus I can neither confirm nor deny that magical power.

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Patheos-Pagan: O Holy Night(s)
IRISANYA MOON

I grew up Catholic, steeped in the holy. And my bones remember hours in pews and my mind remembers how many glorias there are at the end of a Christmas mass.

And today, I remember ritual.

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Pagan Playlist: RITUAL MUSIC ☥ AWAKEN YOUR INNER WITCH ☤ 639 HZ

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Inner Journey:

FREE TO CHOOSE

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”
— Sigmund Freud

In his book Nobody’s Victim, Christopher J. McCullough explains, “In order to live your freedom, you must first accept reality. ‘These are the choices, and given those choices, which do I choose?’ Whether the option you select is pleasant or painful doesnot alter the fact that, given reality, this is your preference.

“To live your freedom, it is helpful to stop and ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ and then notice whether, given the options, you are choosing what you really want, or whether you want to choose something else…. Sometimes the exercise of freedom involves naming your poison — all choices may lead to outcomes that are in some way painful. But the real pain is that of feeling powerless — denying your freedom.”

“Freedom is man’s capacity to take a hand in his own development. It is our capacity to mold ourselves.”
— Dr. Rollo May

higherawareness.com

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Today’s Recipe: Our Top 20 Most Cherished Christmas Cookies

Deck the halls with Christmas cookies! As we enter the peak season for cookie baking, we want to honor the top 20 holiday cookies that you, our Allrecipes community, have told us you love to bake and share again and again.

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Magical Correspondences for Friday

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Matters of the Heart

Element: Earth

Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Star Signs: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Power Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs & Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly

Sacred Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmarosa, Rose, Yarrow

Deities include Aphrodite, Eros, Freya, Venus

Friday is ruled by Venus. It’s 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) can be done 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.

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Daily Wisdom
December 24, 2021

Ambition
“Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.”

-St. Francis de Sales

What you are is peace, love, truth, creativity, joy – and so much more. Why would you wish to be anything else, or anything less? Be what you are, be who you are, and together we will light up the world.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: The High Priestess

Even if it’s a busy day at work or with loved ones, it may still be an introspective kind of day when you need to frequently take a quiet moment to reflect. Be organized and perform your tasks well, but also find those quiet instances when you can make sense of your feelings and impressions. You can get a great deal done today, and feel inwardly satisfied about it.

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 December 23, 2021

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 23, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

“Now the seasons are closing their files
on each of us, the heavy drawers
full of certificates rolling back
into the tree trunks, a few old papers
flocking away. Someone we loved
has fallen from our thoughts,
making a little, glittering splash
like a bicycle pushed by a breeze.
Otherwise, not much has happened;
we fell in love again, finding
that one red reather on the wind.”

Ted Kooser, Year’s End

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: A New State of Being
Kate Spreckley

The Solstice brings forth a new season and represents a significant jump in our journey. It marks a great turning point and the beginning of a whole new cycle of life. As the energy of the Solstice continues to move within our world, we are called to remember that in this incredibly powerful time we are expanding beyond the past and into a state of being that we have never experienced before

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Ninhursag: The Mother Goddess (Mesopotamian Mythology Explained)

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Spirituality & Health: 20 Go-To Mental Health Mantras for the Season

BY SHANNON KAISER

As you deck the halls, keep these intentional mantras in mind to relieve holiday stress, anxiety, and depression.

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Learn Religions: How to Hug a Tree
Hugging Trees Is a Feel-Good Experience

Certainly, you have heard the phrase Hug a Tree before, but have you ever taken a moment out of your day to actually do this? Although some trees, like people, are more huggable than others, they all need a hug now and again.

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MBG: 4 Ways To Care For Your Inner Child When You’re Home For the Holidays

As we grow up, we absorb and program information that we will call on for the rest of our lives. During the formative years of zero to eight, we form patterns that influence how we react to others, how we feel about ourselves, and when we go into fight/flight/freeze mode.

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Today’s DIY: Sleep with This for Deeper Dreams! | Yeyeo Botanica

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Elephant Journal: Happy Solstice to All. {Poem}

Solstice Blessings.
The nights have been getting longer,
darkness making itself known;
Past memories floating to the surface
asking us to pay attention and be shown.

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EarthSky News: Why are the stars so bright tonight?

Look outside on a northern winter (southern summer) evening. You’ll see many bright stars. The evening sky also looks clearer and sharper than it did six months earlier, assuming no clouds are in the way. Why?

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Patheos-Pagan: Best Witchcraft & Magickal Books of 2021
JASON MANKEY

Can one really determine the “best books” in a given calendar year? I’m going to say no, simply because there’s no way to possible read every book in a given year.

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Pagan Playlist: Wiremux’s The Witchcraft Song Collection – Chants, rites, spells, dance songs

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Inner Journey:

OPPORTUNITY

“We are continually faced with great opportunities which are brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems.”
— Margaret Mead

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”
— Francis Bacon

“What is opportunity, and when does it knock? It never knocks. You can wait a whole lifetime, listening, hoping, and you will hear no knocking. None at all. You are opportunity, and you must knock on the door leading to your destiny. You prepare yourself to recognize opportunity, to pursue and seize opportunity as you develop the strength of your personality, and build a self-image with which you are able to live — with your self-respect alive and growing.”
— Maxwell Maltz

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Hubba, hubba, hubba! Isn’t this a fun time of year? Lights everywhere, mistletoe, eggnog… and all the receiving!

Indeed, because when you receive, not only do you affirm your own worthiness and open the way for more, but you make possible even greater joys for the giver.

Tallyho, ho, ho,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Delicious nutty cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar. These are perfect for any special occasion.

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Magical Correspondences for Thursday

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 23, 2021

Ambition
“We can always redeem the man who aspires and strives.”

-Goethe

We do what we want to do. When we want to achieve, we achieve. When we want to change, and learn and grow, then we take the steps we need to take to do just that. It starts with a thought, with a decision.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: Death

You may be tempted to backtrack a few times today and fall back on some old habit or procedure that used to work better than it does now. After enough of this, you’ll get the message that it’s time for a change, or at least a different approach. You don’t need to have the same old conversation over and over.

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 December 22, 2021

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 22, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

“Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something
very beautiful, something which compels our understanding.”

Earl W. Count, 4,000 Years of Christmas

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Solstice Rebirth
Kate Spreckley

Solstices are always about shedding the past and opening to the new. The cycle of the sun represents the cycle of our lives and reflects the natural flow of energy moving inward and outward, indicating that are times to grow, times to pause, times to shed and times to learn.

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Sekhmet (Ritual & Meditation Music)

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Pioneer Thinking: Snuggle Up with a Cup of Hot Chocolate

Nothing quite warms you inside and out as a steaming cup of hot

chocolate. Here’s two of our tasty recipes.

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Learn Religions: Hogmanay: Scotland’s Winter Celebration

Hogmanay (pronounced hog-ma-NAY) is the Scottish holiday that celebrates the new year. Observed on December 31, festivities typically spill over into the first couple of days of January. In fact, there’s a tradition known as “first-footing,

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MBG: Everything You Need To Know About Capricorn: Personality Traits, Compatibility & More

Capricorn is the 10th sign of the zodiac (December 21 to January 20) and it’s represented by the sea-goat, a mythological hybrid (like the Sagittarian centaur) that’s a cross between a goat and a fish. A cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, Capricorn (or Makara, in Vedic astrology) energy is honest and wise.

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Candle Burn Meanings. Must Watch! | Yeyeo Botanica

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Elephant Journal: The Reason we Keep Seeing the Numbers 2, 22, 222 or 2222.

Many people report seeing the number 2 in various forms, whether it is 2, 22, 222 or 2222—and there is a spiritual reason for this, although it is unique to each individual. While there is a general reason for the number appearing, only the person who keeps seeing the number will be able to work out the exact reason why.

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Treehugger: 10 Exciting Facts About Mount Rainier National Park

At 14,410 feet in elevation, Mount Rainier easily towers over smaller rivals in the Cascade Range. With its snow-covered volcanic cone, Mount Rainier is also the most recognizable feature in its namesake national park, located roughly 50 miles south of Seattle.

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EarthSky News: Comet Leonard in outburst, again?

Comet Leonard is 2021’s best comet
Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) – 2021’s best and brightest comet – is now in the evening sky for Northern Hemisphere observers. We heard on December 15, and again around December 19-20, that the comet had brightened more than expected. Is it having outbursts as it nears its closest point to the sun in January?

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Patheos-Pagan: Creating Meaning in Our Lives
DECEMBER 19, 2021 BY JOHN BECKETT

Last week’s post Do You Really Want To Find Your Destiny? discussed the differences between destiny, a calling, and finding meaning in your life.

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Best Tarot Decks of 2021!

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Inner Journey:

BE ON VACATION – TODAY!

“A loser seldom lives in the present, but instead destroys the present by focusing on past memories or future expectations.”
— Muriel James

I had been feeling really tired, and so I began planning a one-week vacation. I became aware of how desperate I was to leave responsibilities behind and simply do nothing for a while. Fortunately, I quickly realized how insane it is to expect one little week that is months away to meet all my needs for freedom, joy, play and relaxation.

Life is only worth living when we experience the gifts of vacations in delicious moments, day in and day out. Qualities like freedom, play and joy do not depend on external conditions. They can be realized any time, if we open to their presence right now.

I’m happy that I will be going on vacation, AND I’m doing more to look after my needs as they arise each day.

“You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today; for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.”
— Harriet Martineau

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

What if you were to see your every action and inaction in this life so far, your every strength and weakness, your every hope and fear, as proof of your divinity?

We do.

Let’s take a selfie,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: 10 Easy Christmas Cookies for Once-a-Year Bakers

Everyone goes cookie-crazy at Christmas. Speaking personally (but not complaining) I’m surrounded by cut-out cookies with more icing detail than a painting, or gingerbread men that seem almost realistic.

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Magical Correspondences for Wednesday

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters

Element: Air

Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planets: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Star Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Power Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs & Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Sacred Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

Deities include Athena, Hermes, Lugh, Mercury, Odin

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to spell work involving inspiration, communication, 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.

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Daily Wisdom
December 22, 2021

Ambition
“The most absurd and reckless aspirations have sometimes led to extraordinary success.”

-Vauvenargues

When the Wright Brothers were building their flying machine in the backyard, you can bet that some of the neighbors were calling them crazy. Good thing that didn’t stop them! But when we dream big, that’s when big things happen – because we make them happen! There are no limitations, so why limit our ambitions?

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: The Empress

Be ambitious today, in a subtle way, and meet with a lot of cooperation and good will. Your ambition does not have to be grandiose. Concentrate on small projects and sweep away a lot of loose ends and complete things that have been long lingering. Act and speak with authority, and be fully respected. Do as much as you can today, and don’t look back.

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 December 21, 2021 “Yule Edition”

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 21, 2021

Good Morning & Happy Yule! 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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December Quotes

“So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!”

Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Move Fearlessly Forward
Kate Spreckley

It has been an epic journey thus far as the spiralling energies of creation have prepared us for this powerful moment. With the Full Moon this past weekend we have reached the final stages of rebirth and stand now on the brink of a new era. Tomorrow’s Solstice is the moment of our rebirth where we will step fully into the infinite nature of our soul and begin a new journey.

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How to celebrate Yule 🌲 5 Yule & Winter Solstice ritual ideas

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Spirituality & Health: Ritual for Winter Solstice Magic
BY JULIE PETERS
Set a circle with others (real or virtual) to cast a solstice spell on December 21. Grieve the past year’s losses and invite hopes and wishes for the next.

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Learn Religions: Sacred Plants of the Winter Solstice

In most modern Pagan traditions, plants and their folklore are an integral part of belief and practice. In particular, many of the Sabbats are associated with the magical properties of different plants. Yule, the winter solstice, falls around December 20 – 22 in the northern hemisphere, and near June 20 – 22 if you live below the equator. Let’s take a look at Yule, and seven plants that often correspond with the season.

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MBG: 8 Rituals For The Winter Solstice 2021: How To Make Your Own Light

Take a deep breath as we enter this time of the winter solstice on December 21 in the northern hemisphere. Think of it as a sacred gateway: an ending and a new beginning. With all the noise of 2021, it is time for some much-needed quiet and inner nourishment. Mother Nature is asking us to reflect, recalibrate, and strengthen our ability to shine in the world.

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Exemplore: Seven Crystals for Yule
CLAIRE

What Is the Energetic Significance of Yule?
Yule is regarded as a time of reflection, transformation and hope, as well as a time to recognise and acknowledge our blessings. It is a good time for rituals and other workings connected to rebirth, renewal and new beginnings. Other correspondences for Yule include:

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Today’s DIY: DIY Yule Decorations Crafted with Oranges – Wheel of the Year – Magical Crafting

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Elephant Journal: A Winter Solstice Ritual to Set our Intentions for the New Year

Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year.
We honor this time, just as our ancestors have done since the beginning of time—to honor the cycles and seasons, and to remind us of the ever-changing flow of life that we are part of. The duality of spirit and Earth emerge to bring new life into the old growth.

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EarthSky News: All you need to know: 2021’s December solstice

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest nights and shortest days of the year. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is having short nights and long days. The 2021 December solstice moment – when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky – will happen on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 15:59 UTC (9:59 a.m. CST; translate UTC to your time).

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Patheos-Pagan: A Solstice of Stillness, A Moment to Reconnect with the Heart
IRISANYA MOON

“The term ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator (called declination) appears to stand still.” – Farmer’s Almanac

Becoming still is not celebrated. In a culture that asks for production, movement, excelling, and competing, the last thing to do is to stop. To rest. To reconnect.

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Pagan Playlist: Lisa Thiel – Yule (Winter Solstice Song)

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Inner Journey: EXPERIENCE STILLNESS

“My greatest wealth is the deep stillness in which I strive and grow and win what the world cannot take from me with fire or sword.”
— Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

If our minds are always busy, they don’t get time to do basic maintenance – to sort, tidy up and take out the trash. If we don’t periodically clear out space in our minds, there’s no room for new ideas to take root.

Where do you find stillness each day and each week? Plan for quiet time, relaxation and stillness daily, even if it’s only for 5 or 10 minutes.

“For peace of mind, we need to resign as general manager of the universe.”
— Larry Eisenberg

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Haven’t all the years you’ve spent being Santa Claus, been more fun than all the years you spent waiting for Santa Claus?

And not just for the joy you’ve helped place on your favorite faces, but for your ability to act instead of wait. Acting makes the suspense bearable. It gives you a starring role. Time passes more quickly. And best of all, it makes possible your dance with life as you network and mingle with other dancers.

And so it is in all things including those dreams that have placed their trust in you… act, don’t wait.

Happy Hallelujah, Santa Claus!

The Universe

tut.com

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The Kitchen Witches Cookbook: Dark Wolf’s Yule Wassail
darkwolfwitch:

Wassail Cider is one of my most favorite drinks in the winter, so I figured I would share my recipe with you all!

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Magical Correspondences for Yule

December 21 (approximately)

Colors: Red, Green, White, Gold, Silver

Sacred Stones: Turquoise, Peridot, Serpentine

Herbs: All evergreens, holly, mistletoe, ivy, pine/fir cones, cinnamon

Symbols: Yule Log or Tree, evergreen wreaths, holly/mistletoe, cinnamon sticks, bells,

Deities: The Holly King, Odin. Osiris, Hathor, Ixchel, Hecate, the =orns, all winter fae

Food & Drink: Roast fowl, ham, apples, oranges, nuts, mulled cider/wine

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Daily Wisdom
December 2021

Ambition
“Once you say you’re going to settle for second, that’s what happens to you in life, I find.”

-John F. Kennedy

Whatever we put out there comes back to us. What we give, we get. The energy we create is the energy that we use to propel us forward. When we strive for the best, that’s where we go.”

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Ethony: Yule Tarot Spread

Solstice Blessings to everyone for we are about to experience the longest night of the year. It is the time of year that many religions and spiritual paths celebrate the birth of sun deities and the turn of the wheel that sees the days slowly but surely getting longer.

Yule carries the themes of death and rebirth, reflection, being generous with others less fortunate and being the light in the darkness.

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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 December 20, 2021

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 20, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

“Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day.”

Christmas Carol

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Daily Tarot Girl: Tarot Reading for Dec 20 – 26
December 19, 2021
For this week’s reading, I’m using the Modern Love Tarot by Ethony Dawn…

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How to Grow a Deeper Appreciation for the Winter Season | feat. @Eihwaz Initiations

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Spirituality & Health: 20 Go-To Mental Health Mantras for the Season

BY SHANNON KAISER

As you deck the halls, keep these intentional mantras in mind to relieve holiday stress, anxiety, and depression.

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Learn Religions: Yule Ritual to Welcome Back the Sun

The Longest Night of the Year
The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the year — and that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. It was a time of celebration, and for rejoicing in the knowledge that soon, the warm days of spring would return, and the dormant earth would come back to life.

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MBG: Astrologers Say This Week Could Bring Clashes: Here’s When To Tread Lightly

It’s beginning to feel a lot like solstice! Here’s what to expect as we officially head into winter this week, from the AstroTwins.

This Tuesday, December 21, will the shortest day of the year for those living in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Daily Magick Snippets: Magickal Names From Stones

Lapis: (pale mauve/blue to bright blue with gold flecks)

This is another water name and helps promote a cheerful disposition, tranquility and peace.

source:The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland

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Treehugger: 10 Reasons Why Grand Teton National Park Is Worth Seeing

Grand Teton National Park spans approximately 310,000 acres across northwest Wyoming and is located just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.

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EarthSky News: Longest days accompany the December solstice

What is a day? You might casually talk about a day as a period of daylight. Or you could measure a day in relationship to the sun or the stars. Astronomers use the term solar day to describe a day relative to the sun.

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Patheos-Pagan: Ring Out Solstice Bees
DECEMBER 18, 2021 BY THUMPER FORGE

It has been a rough month, y’all.

I’d forgotten how demoralizing looking for work can be. I’ve been sending out résumés nonstop and applying for positions left and right, and I keep finding jobs at which I’d excel but are just out of reach:

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Pagan Playlist: Mix – Yule music pagan

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Inner Journey:

STRUGGLING WITH A DECISION?

“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.”
— Dale Carnegie

My anxiety level spiked the other day as I wrestled with whether to choose option A or option B. I was so afraid of making the wrong choice!

And then I remembered, with deep gratitude, Susan Jeffers’ sage advice: There are no wrong decisions! Whatever we might choose in life will bring valuable experiences if we are open to receive them.

“Lighten up! Whatever happens as a result of your decision, you’ll handle it!”
— Susan Jeffers

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

When you look around at those in the world who flourish, thrive, laugh, and love; those whose lives are filled with friendships, adventure, and abundance… aren’t they, more often than not, first and foremost, the dreamers?

You so have it made,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Easy Sugar Cookies

Quick and easy sugar cookies! They are really good, plain or with candies in them. My friend uses chocolate mints on top, and they’re great!

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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

Element: Water

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 20, 2021

Ambition
“The significance of a man is not in what he attains but rather in what he longs to attain.”

-Kahlil Gibran
We can learn a lot about ourselves by looking at our goals and our desires. There’s a reason why we want what we want. And we wouldn’t want it if it weren’t attainable. We learn and grow on the way to our goals.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.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 December 16, 2021

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 16, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

“Deep at the bottom of the well no warmth has yet returned,
The rain which sighs and feels so cold has dampened withered roots.
What sort of man at such a time would come to visit the teacher?
As this is not a time for flowers, I find I’ve come alone.”

Su Shi, Visiting the the Temple of Auspicious Fortune Alone on the Winter Solstice

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Embrace Where You Are
Kate Spreckley

As we stand at this point in our evolution we are embarking on a new cycle, a new journey, which is bringing into balance the prevailing forces of creation. With this balance, the feminine and masculine energies are equalizing allowing our heart, body, mind, and spirit to merge with our soul and bring forth the energetic blueprint of our new lives.

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Fortress of Lugh: Ancient Indo-European Winter Words

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Spirituality & Health: Druidry for Beginners
BY DANA O’DRISCOLL
Interested in modern druid practices? A longtime practitioner shares a druid meditation and explores three paths that connect nature, creativity, and the divine.

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Learn Religions: Eight Things to Hang on a Pagan Holiday Tree

Just because you’re not celebrating the Christian holidays doesn’t mean you can’t have a holiday tree – lots of Pagans do, and it’s perfectly fine if you want to. However, one thing you may notice is that many seasonal ornaments are rooted in the traditions of Christianity — angels, baby Jesus, wise men, that sort of thing

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MBG: This Zodiac Sign Will Have A Fresh Start Under 2021’s Final Full Moon

We’re coming up on a full moon this Saturday, December 18, at 11:36 p.m. EST, and it just so happens to be the final full moon of 2021. Depending on your zodiac sign, this astrological event may impact you differently—with one sign in particular poised to have a major moment in the spotlight

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Daily Magick Snippets

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Flower: Carnation and Narcissus

Trees: Ash, Birch, Chestnut,, Oak , Vine

Bach Flower Remedy: Agrimony

Essential Oil: Gardenia

Planet: Jupiter

Lucky Day: Thursday

Element: Fire

source: flower and tree magic by Richard Webster

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Today’s DIY: 6 PAGAN YULE AND WINTER SOLSTICE DECORATION IDEAS

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Treehugger: 10 Reasons Why Grand Teton National Park Is Worth Seeing

Grand Teton National Park spans approximately 310,000 acres across northwest Wyoming and is located just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.

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EarthSky News: All you need to know: 2021’s December solstice

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Patheos–Pagan: How to Break Spiritual Ties that No Longer Support You
JOHN BECKETT

Did you make a commitment to a religious or spiritual group that you are no longer a part of? Are you still officially a member of a religion you no longer follow?

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Pagan Playlist: PAGAN YULE: HEATHEN IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

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Inner Journey:

COMMITMENTS TO SERVE

“Our deepest need is for the joy that comes with …knowing we are of genuine use to others.”
— Eknath Easwaran

Holding an intention to be in service shapes our overall attitude towards life in many ways. For example, it brings a greater sensitivity and awareness of others, a commitment to harmlessness, a willingness to put others’ needs before our own and a desire to be in harmony with all.

An attitude of service also involves a willingness to be served when we truly need support.

“… there is no such thing as just existing. Everything is in service to everything else. Existence is giving and receiving. A stone gives and receives no less than a saint.”
— Jacob Needleman

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Everyone here knows a little secret that somehow has escaped you, so far:

Considering where you began and knowing what you knew, no one in your shoes could have done better.

No one. Not even me.

You’ve come a long way, baby –

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Honey Butter Yule Ham

The ham yields a moist, sweet taste. The honey butter baste makes it extra right.

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Magical Correspondences for Thursday

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 16, 2021

Enjoyment
“All the great pleasures in life are silent.”

-Georges Clemenceau

What is the sound of love, joy, or beauty? These are things we recognize because we feel them, we know them. Great composers have tried to express this with music, and great poets have tried to put it into words. And yet love and joy and beauty are too big to be captured on any canvas, or any recording. We can close our eyes, we can listen to the silence, and find them anytime.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: Wheel of Fortune

You may have made careful plans or scheduled everything to perfection, but there are too many variables today to allow most of your plans to play out. Things may come up, one after another, and make this a scattered day. This is temporary and probably will have little impact on tomorrow, so just flow with it best you can and don’t let the instability bother you

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 December 15, 2021

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 15, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Bridge Between Worlds
Kate Spreckley

December is always a month of transition as the energies, shifts and changes of the past year intermingle with the incoming energies of the New Year. However, this December brings us to the end of a very long and demanding cycle of healing and growth where we get to leave the old behind and step into the next chapter of our lives

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Yule Altar | Tips, ideas & Book of Shadows || Forest Witch

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Spirituality & Health: 5 Ways to Decorate and Invite Peace Into Your Home

BY LAURA BENKO
Set yourself up for a more meaningful, peaceful holiday season by creating a spiritual space within your home.

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Learn Religions: Yule Goddess Ritual for Solitaries

Yule is the time of the Winter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it’s a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female, but it’s also easily adaptable for a small group of people.

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Pioneer Thinking: 12 Fragrances to Uplift The Spirit
While there are many fragrances to uplift the spirit and will aid intuition, here are 12 scents that will alter consciousness and increase your ability to contact and communicate with spirits, angels and spirit guides, along with Nature Spirits.

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MBG: How To Use Feng Shui To End The Year On A High Note

The New Year always promises an exciting fresh start. But today, I want to back up and focus on ending this year on a high note.

The holiday season can be an amazing time to create momentum for sailing into the new year ahead with a deeper sense of meaning and connection. Here are a few fun ways to clear space in your home and finish 2021 strong:

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Daily Magick Snippets: Magickal Names From Stones

Jasper: comes in many colors and patterns)

This name encourages the development of your own inner beauty. It’s good for the person who has been hurt in the past but has come through such difficulties with grace. It is a survivor’s name.

Adapted by Cat

source:The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland

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Treehugger: Biscayne National Park: 10 Facts About This Natural Treasure Trove
A living coral reef, shipwrecks, mangroves, 600 species of fish, and more.

Arriving at Biscayne National Park, with its vast mangrove forests and peaceful waters, it’s hard to believe that the still scenery is so close to bustling Miami.

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EarthSky News: Aldebaran, Bull’s bloodshot eye, near moon December 15, 16, 17

Look for reddish star Aldebaran – the fiery eye of the Bull in the constellation Taurus – near the moon on December 15, 16 and 17, 2021. Aldebaran is part of a V-shaped group of stars – the Hyades – that forms the Bull’s face.

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Patheos-Pagan: The First Solstice: A Story That Never Was But Is Again

The Winter Solstice is as old as the Earth. It’s a natural event that happens every year whether there are humans around to observe it or not. It’s also humanity’s oldest holy day – it’s certainly the oldest holy day still celebrated in our time

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Pagan Playlist: Blackbriar – Fairy of the Bog (Official Music Video)

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Inner Journey:

ARE YOU IN INTEGRITY?

“In order to live a rich life, everything about who you are must be one, in alignment, and in pure harmony.”
— Suze Orman

For clear and honest expression, our thoughts, speech and actions must all be congruent. We will not stand in our power if we are inadvertently sending mixed messages-if we say one thing and do another.

I found it helpful to consciously identify the values that matter most to me. With these values in mind, it’s easier to ensure I’m living them.

“Honor your integrity and you will be repaid many times over with increased prosperity.”
— Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Now be honest and think of all your dreams that have already come true.

A lot, right? Tons. Actually, you’re legend.

Now, do you remember how before all the big ones came true, when you were pushing, reaching, and striving; hoping, wishing, and praying; you’d think to yourself, “Then I’ll be freer… then I’ll rock… then I’ll know all things are possible… how happy I will be!”?

Let’s keep those promises,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: OREO Cookie Balls

Can’t decide between cookies and confections? You don’t have to! These chocolate-covered cookie balls feature a filling of cream cheese and crushed cookies.

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Magical Correspondences for Wednesday

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters

Element: Air

Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planets: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Star Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Power Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs & Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Sacred Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

Deities include Athena, Hermes, Lugh, Mercury, Odin

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to spell work involving inspiration, communication, 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.

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Daily Wisdom
December 15, 2021

December 15, 2021

Enjoyment
“The man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.”

-Henry David Thoreau

A walk in the park. A child’s laughter. A hug from a friend. The first blooms in spring. What brings a smile to your face? Life is filled with things to enjoy. It’s up to us to find them, and enjoy them.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: Temperance

A little emotional distance is called for to keep things peaceful and working smoothly. You may be very sentimental or attached to certain issues or other people’s opinions of you but don’t let this rule how the day goes. Don’t let anyone casually or ignorantly hurt your feelings. They may not even know what they’re doing. Stay functional and keep your emotional guards up.

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 December 14, 2021

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 14, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

“A tule fog
fills the sky–
Yuletide. “

Michael P. Garofalo, Cuttings

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Final Stages of Rebirth
Kate Spreckley

With the opening of yesterday’s 12:12 portal a greater influx of light is flooding the planet and accelerating our process of rebirth. This energy is powerfully activating and awakening our light body and will bring us into greater balance and alignment. As a result, over the coming weeks we will experience a dramatic upgrade that will support the reunification of our physical form and our soul.

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Discover the Real Forgotten Uses of Bayleaf. MUST WATCH!

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Spirituality & Health: Lemony Ginger Winter Immune Tonic BY LAURA PLUMB

This simple recipe is a formula to kindle the inner fires, promote healthy circulation, and hydrate the tissues

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Learn Religions: Winter Nights Yule Incense

Scents have a way of making time stand still for us sometimes, and the aromas of the winter holidays are no exception. For many people, re-creating the smells and emotions of our childhood, or even of some distant ancestral memory, is part of the magic of the Yule season.

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Journey Into Dreams:Zombies Dream Meaning
Zombies in our dreams can be terrifying but can be a symbol for transformation and how you currently deal with stress.

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MBG: Activate Your Intuitive Gifts With This Ancient Healing Technique

You’ve heard of intuition, and you’ve probably also heard of reiki, but you may have never considered how these two things can work together. Here, we look at how reiki can strengthen intuition, plus how to work with the particular types of intuition, or “clairs,” that you have, to tap into your own innate intelligence.

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Treehugger: Portugal Creates Europe’s Largest Marine Reserve
It moves the world closer to the goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030.

Portugal on Monday announced the creation of the largest marine protected area in Europe.

The new reserve protects 2,677 square kilometers (approximately 1,034 square miles) around the Selvagens Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic that sits halfway between the Canary Islands and Madeira.

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EarthSky News: Mirfak is the brightest star in Perseus

Mirfak, the brightest star in the constellation Perseus, lies high in the east on December evenings. It makes a great companion to the sky’s most celebrated eclipsing binary star, Algol, the Demon Star.

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Patheos Pagan: Anne Rice and Her Impact on My Life
JOHN BECKETT

Novelist Anne Rice died Saturday, December 11, from complications related to a stroke. She was 80. She wrote over 30 books about…

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Pagan Playlist: Gods Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk | | Winter Solstice song

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Inner Journey:

SING YOUR OWN SONG

“Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable.”
— Brenda Ueland

Great forces are directing you to conform to the patterns of your society. You have DNA that has been handed down from generation to generation, coding repeated behaviour patterns into your being. You have archetypal energies setting the standards for how you behave as a man or a woman, as husband or wife, as father or mother …. You are immersed in consensual reality, whereby the world around you reflects societal understanding of how life has been and is to be.

At the same time, you have an even greater force within you inspiring you to wake up and recognize the reality of who you are. This force, the creative power underlying the entire universe, is urging you to create brand new standards of reality.

The status quo is blind to our creative power. Create a brand new world for yourself, one that meets your deepest needs, and you will help raise the quality of consciousness of the entire world.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
— Gandhi

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

When you hear words that hurt, distract, or disappoint, at minimum, a silent whisper of gratitude is due the soul who unwittingly risked friendship with a spiritual giant, so that you might sooner understand that words needn’t ever hurt, distract, or disappoint.

Tallyho,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints

Shortbread thumbprint cookie filled with raspberry jam, and drizzled with glaze.

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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
December 14, 2021

Enjoyment
“Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence.”

-Henry Chester

One of my favorite quotes ever is from Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Enthusiasm can take us very far. Enthusiasm is the expression of that joy of life, of living, of participating, of just being. There’s a reason why people say that enthusiasm is contagious – it is! We respond to it, and can’t help but feel it ourselves.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: The Tower

Your emotions and instincts are working overtime today and this can distract you from doing the simplest of things. Whatever difficulties you encounter today – and they should be small ones – you will create more problems for yourself by being too psychically overactive. If someone is preoccupied with you and wishing you to have a rough day, you’ll know it but maybe not know who it is.

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 December 13, 2021

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 13, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.”

Robert Frost, Nothing Gold Can Stay

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Daily Tarot Girl: Tarot Reading for Dec 13 – 19

For this week’s reading, I’m using the Tarot of the Sweet Twilight – a super cool and trippy deck that I’ve barely used!

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The Household Spirits of Yule || Pagan Happy Hour

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Spirituality & Health: The Spiritual Meaning of Water
BY AMINA SHAZI
Water is a representation of wisdom, peace, and purity. Its spiritual meaning lies in its reflection of the human spirit and the interconnection of all creations

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Learn Religions: Blessing Your Yule Tree

If your family uses a holiday tree during the Yule season–and many Pagan families do–you might want to consider a blessing ritual for the tree, both at the time you cut it down and again before you’ve decorated it.

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MBG: Why Astrologers Say This Is The Week To Find Your Kindred Spirit

This week offers us a chance to reassess our current relationships (romantic and otherwise)—and form some powerful new ones. Here’s your horoscope, from the AstroTwins:

On Monday, red-hot Mars is on the move, exiting Scorpio’s intense cauldron and zipping into passionate, adventurous, worldly Sagittarius until January 24.

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Molasses Ginger Cookies for Enhances Magick and Spell Success

Elephant Journal: Sacred Conversations: a Message from the Universe.

Many who identify as spiritual hold the belief that everything happens for a reason, and everyone we encounter over the course of our lives is our teacher.
I’ve long held these beliefs myself, and yet it wasn’t until recently that this was really put into perspective for me

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Treehugger: 12 Unexpected Facts About Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park

For such an arid, stark landscape, Petrified Forest National Park has a remarkably dissimilar past. The southern Arizona park sits in a desert and receives just about 10 inches of rain a year. Quite the contrast to when this was once a humid, lush swampland inhabited by giant reptiles—and even dinosaurs.

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EarthSky News: Geminid meteor shower 2021 peaks December 13-14

2021 Geminid meteor shower and the moon
The Geminid meteor shower – always a favorite among the annual meteor showers – is expected to peak in 2021, on the night of Monday, December 13 into Tuesday, December 14. The Geminids are a reliable shower for those who watch around 2 a.m. local time from a dark-sky location. We also often hear from those who see Geminid meteors in the late evening hours.

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Patheos-Pagan: Fallow Season ~ Burnout, Fatigue, and Sacred Rest

Within the world of agriculture, there is a vital part of crop growing known as letting land “lie fallow.” To fallow a piece of earth is to leave it deliberately unsown – to let it rest. This time of rest allows more fertility to gather in the soil, guaranteeing a better crop later.

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Patty Gurdy feat. Fiddler’s Green – The Yule Fiddler (Christmas Time Is Coming ‘Round Today)

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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

Here’s a clue on how to know when new experiences, like you’ve never experienced before, are about to transform your life, even though nothing seems to be happening.

For the first time in your life, even though nothing seems to be happening, you start saying and doing things that you’ve never said or done before.

Oh yeah,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe:

Gingerbread Cookie Recipes
Gingerbread cookies are a must for the holidays, from gingerbread people to gingerbread houses.

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Magical Correspondences for Monday

Element: Water

Deities include Artemis, Diana, Luna, Selene, Thoth

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Daily Wisdom
December 13, 2021

Enjoyment
“Enjoyment is not a goal, it is a feeling that accompanies important ongoing activity.”

-Paul Goodman

If we’re doing what we love, then we’re not really working at all. “Work” can be enjoyable. Look at all the joy we can get out of one day, from enjoying our homes, our meals, our family and friends, and our time spent in nature. This is important activity.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.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 December 10, 2021

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 10, 2021

Blessings, Cat

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December Quotes

On the first day of winter,
the earth awakens to the cold touch of itself.
Snow knows no other recourse except
this falling, this sudden letting go
over the small gnomed bushes, all the emptying trees.
Snow puts beauty back into the withered and malnourished,
into the death-wish of nature and the deliberate way
winter insists on nothing less than deference.
waiting all its life, snow says, “Let me cover you.”

Laura Lush, The First Day of Winter

gardendigest.com

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December Events

Dec. 4 New Moon/Solar Eclipse at 11:43 pm PST/ 12:43 am MST / 2:43 am EDT

Dec. 18 Full Moon at 8:35 pm PST/ 9:35 pm MST/ 11:35 pm EDT

Dec. 19 Venus Retrograde until January 29

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve & celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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Spirit Library: Remain Stable & Steady
Kate Spreckley

As we move towards the weekend and the 12:12 portal the incoming energies are initiating deeper shifts and bringing greater healing. As a result, our rebirthing process is being amplified increasing the rate of our contraction and expansion.

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Ocean Keltoi: The Heathen Celebration of Yule: Ancient and Modern (and was it stolen?)

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Spirituality & Health: Elemental Fashion: Wearing Earth, Air, Fire, & Water

BY ALYSSA COUTURE

Bring nature’s elements and the living ecosystem into balance by exploring color, fabric, design, and the therapeutic properties of clothes

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ThoughtCo: Setting Up Your Yule Altar

Yule is the time of year when Pagans around the world celebrate the Winter Solstice. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, this will be on or around December 21, but if you’re below the Equator, your Yule celebration will fall in June

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Today’s DIY: Yule Greeting Cards, Watercolor Winter Solstice Greeting Card – Wheel of the Year – Magical Crafting

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Elephant Journal: Embrace the Winter Season with Ayurvedic Wisdom.

Everything changes, and winter is here.
Nature is becoming still and ready for deep rest. It’s time to slow down, get cozy, and relax into our roots, allowing this season to replenish our bodies, offering the perfect balance to the natural cycles of life.

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Treehugger: How I Give Back to My Garden to Thank Nature
All too often, we think about what our gardens can give us and not about what we can give back.

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EarthSky News: Menkar is the Whale’s alpha star

Menkar in Cetus the Whale
Menkar (Alpha Ceti) is only the 2nd-brightest star in the constellation Cetus the Whale, after Diphda, or Deneb Kaitos, otherwise known as the Whale’s Tail. Why was Menkar designated as the Whale’s alpha star, when it’s not the constellation’s brightest? It might be because Menkar sits closer to the ecliptic, which marks the sun’s yearly circuit in front of the background stars.

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Patheos-Pagan: 9 Ways to Find Joy in Yule
LISA WAGONER

Confession: December is usually a hard month for me. I find the frenetic energy/grouchy people combination hard to bear, and the “bah humbug” leaves my lips more often than not.

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Pagan Playlist: Magic Fantasy Music – The Last of Her Kind ( Epic Emotional )

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Inner Journey:

DISTINGUISH PERSONALITY DESIRES FROM SOUL NEEDS

“Human history is the sad result of each one looking out for himself.”
— Julio Cortazar

We indulge ourselves when we seek to meet our longings through desires of the personality. We indulge ourselves when we buy more clothes to make us happy, when we eat another snack to ease the hunger, when we have an affair to feel powerful or loveable. Any pleasure we get, if we get any at all, is shallow and short-lived.
The only lasting satisfaction can come from meeting the deep spiritual needs of the soul. We discover what we are really after in life when we identify the spiritual qualities and needs that lie behind our desires for material pleasures.

“But life lived only for oneself does not truly satisfy men or women. There is a hunger in Americans today for larger purposes beyond the self.”
— Betty Friedan

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Met up with the dearest, little angel over the weekend but she was really sad.

She asked, in the sweetest of angel voices, how there can be so much love in the world, yet so few feel it. How there can be so much beauty, yet hardly anyone sees it. And how there can be so many miracles, yet most are ignored.

So, I reminded her of something far more important. I reminded her that whether or not one knows of the love, they are still bathed in it. Whether or not they see the beauty, they still add to it. And whether or not they recognize the miracles, they still perform them, every single day.

Then we both just beamed.

Tallyho,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Chef John’s Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

My favorite fall soup of all time, roasted butternut squash soup is cheap, easy, nutrition, and absolutely delicious. If you’re feeling like something a bit more substantial, try this topped with a handful of crispy bacon or diced ham.

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Magical Correspondences for Friday

Friday (feminine)

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Matters of the Heart

Element: Earth

Sacred Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmarosa, Rose, Yarrow

Deities include Aphrodite, Eros, Freya, Venus

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Daily Wisdom
December 10, 2021

Memories
“It is memory that provides the heart with impetus, fuels the brain, and propels the corn plant from seed to fruit.”

-Joy Harjo, 1991

Memory is part of the karmic cycle. Memory creates a desire, which then causes us to take action. That action then creates another memory, and we go around again. In the movie “March of the Penguins” we could see how the penguins had some kind of genetic memory that took them on the same journey year after year. It’s memory that makes birds fly south for the winter. In this way our memory can help us learn and grow.

-Lissa Coffey coffeytalk.com

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Daily Tarot: Strength

It may be fun to take a risk or two, but this is not the day for it. You can fight your way through any difficulty, but why make work for yourself or put yourself in harm’s way? Remember, harm comes in more forms than just what is physical. If you need to blow off steam and exert your power, maybe take it to the gym.

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/

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