The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 12, 2019

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 12, 2019

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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Hot July brings cooling showers,
Apricots, and gillyflowers.
-Sara Coleridge (1802-52)

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Spiritual Unite: Blue Star Spiritual Meaning – Fresh Start For Earth

The Blue Star spiritual meaning relates to the teachings of the Hopi culture in North America, a tribe of Native Americans that foretold the coming of European settlers.
Their teachings speak of nine signs that precede the final cleansing of humanity

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/blue-star-spiritual-meaning/

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ThoughtCo: Lammas/Lughnasadh Rites & Rituals

Looking for rites and rituals for your Lammas or Lughnasadh celebration? Here’s where you’ll find ways to celebrate the harvest, honor the gods of the fields, and pay tribute to the Celtic god Lugh.

https://www.learnreligions.com/lammas-lughnasadh-rites-and-rituals-2561564

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Elephant Journal: Celebrate your Small Wins in Life.

Challenges are called challenges for a reason.
When you’re facing a tough time, it can feel impossible not to get discouraged. Challenges push you in different ways to grow into a better version of yourself, even if that means breaking down before you can get back up.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/07/small-wins-wont-change-the-world-but-they-can-change-your-life-dina-al-mahdy/

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Daily Good: Creating Welcoming Space

“Hospitality means creating welcoming space for the other. Henri J. Nouwen notes that the Dutch word for hospitality, gastvrijheid, means ‘the freedom of the guest.’ It entails creating not just physical room but emotional spaciousness where the stranger can enter and be himself or herself, where the stranger can become ally instead of threat, friend instead of enemy.” In a time when it is more crucial than ever for humanity to revisit its relationship to strangers, this passage from Sr. Marilyn Lacey shines like a beacon.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2355/creating-welcoming-space-sr-marilyn-lacey/

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Daily Tarot: The Star

You can make today memorable purely by the strength of your unfailing hope for all things to work out for the best. No matter how muddled the events of the day, how confused or how many mixed messages people give you, especially at work, your innate hopeful spirit will cut through most of the mist and give you good results. Look forward to many satisfying encounters, however little or much gets done.

astrology.com

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MNN: 11 things you didn’t know about opossums
There’s a lot to admire about these quirky critters.

Pity the poor opossum. The oft-maligned marsupial definitely suffers from an image problem — it is frequently perceived more as a giant, dirty, scavenging rat rather than a cute creature of the wild. But whether you love them or hate them, North America’s only marsupial has a set of unique characteristics that might transform aversion into affection.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/11-things-you-didnt-know-about-opossums

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Wise Woman Herbal: The Rhythms of Life
by Ann Marie Fryer Wiboltt

Today I went for a walk in my garden, which is nestled among the fields and woods with late summer flowers. It was humid and hot. The leaves of the near by maple trees had begun to turn yellow and orange, one by one spiraling to the ground. I felt the warmth of the air touching my skin and the wet, flexible soil below my feet. With my awareness I began to sense life itself. I sensed inwardly how the earth breathes and changes. I entered into the blue of the sky; let it permeate my whole being and felt the reverence that embraces the earth. I was filled with joy and reverence of just being.

http://www.wisewomanmentor.com/articles/7339439

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EarthSky News: Moon to sweep by Jupiter July 12 to 14

On the evenings of July 12, 13 and 14, 2019, watch for the bright waxing gibbous moon to swing by the giant planet Jupiter. Fortunately, the king planet is so bright that this world can easily withstand the lunar glare. After all, Jupiter is the 4th-brightest light in the heavens, after the sun, moon and planet Venus. Venus is a morning object, virtually lost in the sun’s glare now, so there’s no way to mistake Venus for Jupiter in the July evening sky.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-to-sweep-by-jupiter-july-12-14

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Patheos-Pagan: The Most Dreaded Cards in the Tarot & How To Embrace Them

It’s time for your annual reading or perhaps, you are having a crisis and need some insight… you head to your favorite reader and as the cards are slowly being turned over…one by one… your anticipation gets carried away. Secretly, you are hoping that the reading goes well and you do not get any ‘bad’ cards.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/thefairytalewitch/2018/08/the-most-dreaded-cards-in-the-tarot-how-to-embrace-them/

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Inner Journey:

A FOCUS ON YOU OR ME?

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

Are you more self-conscious or other-conscious?

Watch your motives for the day. Are they generally about you (your own desires and needs) or are they about others and their needs? There are no right and wrong answers here.

We must guard, though, that we aren’t using service to others as a means to get our own ego needs met. If we are, we would be wise to meet our own needs first so our interactions with others are not primarily self- serving.

“We are able to be of service to those who suffer only to the extent that we have been able to transform fear in our own lives.”
— Robert Sardello

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Deity: Bast

Areas of Influence: Bast, the Egyptian cat Goddess had numerous areas of influence that developed over time. She became both a nurturing mother figure and a terrifying avenger.

https://www.goddess-guide.com/bast.html

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A Note from the Universe

Some people smile to make friends.

Others smile to look younger and live longer.

And then there are those, Cat, who so totally get life, that smiling is all they know.

Cheese,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Morning Chia Detox Drink

Chia seeds are a healthy addition to anyone’s breakfast. This morning detox drink also contains honey and tumeric to jump start your day.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Morning-Chia-Detox-Drink-1.html

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Magical Correspondences for Friday

Intentions: Love, Pleasure, Affairs of the Heart, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Peace, Healing, Beauty, gentleness and Women’s Issues.

Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron, Verbena 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, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris

Goddesses: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wedo, Eve, Venus, Freya, Diana, Aset [Isis], The Witch Of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique

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Daily Wisdom
July 12, 2019

Uncertainty

“The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.”
-Erich Fromm

I think this is kind of like “necessity is the mother of invention.” What makes us learn and grow and propels us forward is uncertainty. If everything were certain we would get lazy pretty quick- Instead we are constantly challenged to find solutions and better our conditions.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Mercury Cycles again- Keeps life Interesting!
Life happens in Cycles. We are in the midst of another cycle with Mercury Retrograde (July 7th to August 2nd), so expect this next month to be an interesting one. Don’t groan, learn to love mercury! I…

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 11, 2019

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 11, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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The summer morn is bright and fresh,
the birds are darting by
As if they loved to breast the breeze
that sweeps the cool clear sky.
-William C. Bryant (1794-1878)

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Spiritual Unite: Hawk Spirit Animal – Take The High Road

Your hawk spirit animal appears in your life when you are optimistic, you need a higher perspective, or you would benefit from a more systematic approach.
This is a powerful spirit animal that flies into your awareness during spiritually active times in your life

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/hawk-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: Lammas Cooking & Recipes

Lammas, or Lughnasadh , is the time of year when the gardens are in full bloom. From root vegetables to fresh herbs, so much of what you need is right there in your own back yard or at the local farmer’s market. If you’re one of our gluten-free Pagan readers, be sure to read the article about celebrating Lammas when you’re on a gluten-free diet. Let’s take advantage of the gifts of the garden, and cook up a feast to celebrate the first harvest at Lammas

https://www.learnreligions.com/lammas-cooking-and-recipes-2562188

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Daily Good: Unexpected Art in Unexpected Places

What happens when we look more closely, whether with the naked eye or equipment? Incredible details come into focus, bringing with them the possibility of beauty and interest we might never have conceived of. Imagine what would occur if you suddenly zoomed in on all those things you have lying around your house and studio or rusting outside. What new art might be inspired by such “stuff”? Mikra Knaster shares more in this piece

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2263/unexpected-art-in-unexpected-places-mirka-knaster/

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Daily Tarot: The Star

astrology.com

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Elephant Journal: Remember This when you feel Fat, Unlovable & Not Good Enough.

I am not strong because I have an iron will and Protestant work ethic.
I am not strong because I can slap a game face on and pull myself up by my bootstraps.
I am not strong because “I wish a mother f*cker would.”
I am strong because one day, I decided to love myself exactly as I am.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/03/remember-this-when-you-feel-fat-unlovable-not-good-enough-angela-meyer/

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MNN: The red-cockaded woodpecker is making a comeback

Endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers were once common across the Southeast U.S. The mostly black-and-white birds made their homes in pine forests, drilling holes in the trees to search for insects. But with increased logging, much of their habitat was lost. As the trees diminished, so did the woodpeckers.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/red-cockaded-woodpecker-southeast

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EarthSky News: Moon’s near side is its dark side

Tonight, while the moon is a few days shy of meeting up with the king planet Jupiter, let’s see if we can make out the dark areas on tonight’s waxing gibbous moon. These smooth, low-lying lunar plains are called maria, the plural for the word mare, the Latin word for sea. You should be able to see the darkened portions on the moon with the eye alone. The dark maria on the moon’s near side – the solidified remnants of ancient lunar seas of molten magma – make the near side of the moon reflect less light than the far side, which has fewer maria

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moons-dark-side-faces-earth

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Patheos-Pagan: Sea Charm for Protection

Last month I was out of town much of the month. Part of my travel was to San Francisco for a lovely well needed vacation. The second part was to attend my 2nd year at Pantheacon. It was a fantastic time, and I will be blogging about some of the things I learned very soon. However this blog is all about a Sea Charm for protection.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/waterwitch/2015/03/sea-charm-for-protection.html

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Today’s Deity: Kali

Kali comes from the Sanskrit root word Kal which means time. There is nothing that escapes the all-consuming march of time. In Tibetan Buddhism Her counterpart is male with the name Kala. Mother Kali is the most misunderstood of the Hindu goddesses. The Encyclopedia Britannica is grossly mistaken in the following quote, “Major Hindu goddess whose iconography, cult, and mythology commonly associate her with death, sexuality, violence, and, paradoxically in some of her later historical appearances, motherly love

http://goddess.ws/kali.html

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Inner Journey:

REVIEW AND RECOMMIT

“Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just think: When we are driving, we know where we want to go and we plot out our route. When we plan and prepare a meal, we follow a recipe and monitor the food as it cooks.

How much attention do we give to planning the direction of our lives?

Taking the time to review our quality of life gives us a chance to re-evaluate what we are doing and where we want to go. It lets us fine-tune our direction, to ensure we are on track for what we most want.

Stop and think about your last 6 months. What did you learn? What would you like to do differently? Where do you want to recommit?

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.”
— A. A. Milne

“Always have a plan, and believe in it. Nothing happens by accident.”
— Chuck Knox

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

It’s not the career you choose the friend you marry, or the path you take that determines success or happiness in life, but that each day, in some small way, you seek to amaze as much as be amazed.

You “Wow” me,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Creamy Garlic Sauce

This is a delicious and easy-to-make garlic sauce. It’s based on a Lebanese garlic sauce I get at one of my favourite shops, but this comes out to being about 1/5th the price (and has no chemicals)! I like using this alongside my meat dishes, as a roast veggie dip, or swiped on breads and crackers.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Creamy-Garlic-Sauce.html

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Magical Correspondences for Thursday

Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health/ Healing, Religion, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success, Trade and Employment

Incense: Cinnamon,Henbane 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

Goddesses: Juno, Hera, Kwan Yin, Mary, Cybele, Tara, Mawu, Mlaba Mwana Waresa, Ishtar, Nuit

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Daily Wisdom
July 11, 2019

Uncertainty

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don’t let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.”
-R.I. Fitzhenry

We live in a world of uncertainty. No matter how hard we plan or schedule or try to control things, the truth is that anything can happen, at any time! We can embrace that, and take what comes- or we can live in a state of apprehension. But we can’t change the “unknowingness” – that’s just a part of life, so we might as well enjoy it!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 27 Common Things That Prevent Our Happiness
Instead of looking outwards for happiness, simply look within at all the ways you are preventing yourself from being happy in this very moment — and work on letting them go. To get you started,…
Read More……

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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 July 10, 2019

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 10, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Cool in the very furnace of July
The water-meadows lie;
The green stalks of their grasses and their flowers
They still refresh at fountains never dry.
-John Drinkwater, British poet (1882-1937)

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Spiritual Unite: Kangaroo Spirit Animal – Embrace Change

The kangaroo spirit animal appears in your life when you are ready to escape a bad situation.
It lends you the strength to take the initiative and take back control over your destiny.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/kangaroo-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: Lammas History: Welcoming the Harvest

At Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, the hot days of August are upon us, much of the earth is dry and parched, but we still know that the bright reds and yellows of the harvest season are just around the corner. Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields. Now is the time to begin reaping what we have sown, and gathering up the first harvests of grain, wheat, oats, and more

https://www.learnreligions.com/history-of-the-lammas-harvest-celebration-2562170

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Spirit Library: No Act of Love is Ever too Small (a message from Ann Albers)

Hi Dear Friends!

No act of love is every too small. The angels talk about trusting the impulses that arise from within and I’ll share some practical ways you can do so 🙂

Love you all!

♥ Ann

Message from the Angels

https://spiritlibrary.com/ann-albers/no-act-of-love-is-ever-too-small

©Ann Albers, http://www.VisionsofHeaven.com

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Daily Good: Uncomfortable Place of Uncertainty

“We weren’t trained to admit we don’t know. Most of us were taught to sound certain and confident, to state our opinion as if it were true. We haven’t been rewarded for being confused. Or for asking more questions rather than giving quick answers. We’ve also spent many years listening to others mainly to determine whether we agree with them or not. We don’t have time or interest to sit and listen to those who think differently than we do.” Margaret Wheatley shares more in this excerpt

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2354/uncomfortable-place-of-uncertainty-margaret-wheatley/

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Elephant Journal: 25 Quotes to Soothe your Inner Weirdo.

Ever since I could form my own thoughts and understand what people around me were saying, I always remember being labeled “different,” “eccentric,” or the ever-popular “someone who just marches to the beat of her own drum.”

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2017/10/25-quotes-to-soothe-your-inner-weirdo/

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MNN: What does Mercury in retrograde mean?

Three or four times a year, planet Mercury is said to go retrograde — that is to say it moves in an opposite direction to planet Earth. Planets move from east to west around the sun, and when Mercury turns to move from west to east instead, that’s when Mercury is in retrograde. Many refer to this time of year as simply Mercury retrograde.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/what-does-mercury-retrograde-mean

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EarthSky News: We go between Saturn and the sun July 9

Our planet Earth flies this week between Saturn and the sun, bringing Saturn to what astronomers call opposition. Opposition is a big milestone each year for observing the ringed planet Saturn, or any superior planet (planet orbiting the sun outside Earth’s orbit). When we fly between a superior planet and the sun, the planet is generally closest to Earth and brightest for that year. Saturn’s opposition comes on July 9, 2019, at 17:00 UTC.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/saturn-closest-and-brightest

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Patheos-Pagan: The Magic of Spaces, Places, and Things

For as long as I can remember, I have talked to everything: trees, insects, doors, birds, coats, the ocean, electronics, my paintbrushes, my room – basically everything animate and inanimate that I come into contact with.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/tempest/2019/01/the-magic-of-spaces-places-and-things.html

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Inner Journey:

THE SOURCE OF ANGER

“Anger is that powerful internal force that blows out the light of reason.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

How does anger typically surface in your life?

We usually get angry at someone, don’t we? We judge that someone has done something wrong and we want them to be punished.

In truth, the actions of others are never to blame. It’s our thinking – our blaming and judgment – that causes the anger. And we blame and judge because we have a need that has not been met.

In his book ‘Nonviolent Communication,’ Marshall B. Rosenberg advises that rather than blame others, we are better served by directing our energy towards meeting our own needs.

He offers a simple tool for change. Instead of saying, ‘I am angry because they …’ we can say, ‘I am angry because I am needing ….’

“At the core of all anger is a need that is not being fulfilled.”
— Marshall B. Rosenberg

“How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”
— Marcus Aurelius

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

The reason your thoughts become things besides your insistence, was so that you could always change whatever you didn’t like.

“No exceptions, full on, without judgment, all things possible, as soon as possible, sky’s the limit, where they have chocolate, please, now, thank you…” you were quoted.

Nice word-train,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Ginger Cookies

I have been experimenting making ginger cookies and quite by accident I left off 1/4 cup of flour. They came out better, thin and crisp with tiny holes in them. If you like the taste of ginger and molasses, you will love this flavorful, cookie.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Ginger-Cookies-2.html

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Daily Tarot: The Empress

Everything you touch or talk about today is going to get bigger, so be careful with your words and actions. While today will be easygoing and agreeable, a few days from now something you set in motion today may come back in a bigger form. Watch out for exaggeration, even about good things. Go light on the flattery, and even sincere compliments, since it all may become grander than you intend.

astrology.com

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Magical Correspondences for Wednesday

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

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

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

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Daily Wisdom
July 10, 2019

Uncertainty

“The unknown is what it is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybody scurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, all that… Accept that it’s unknown, and it’s plain sailing.”
-John Lennon

Why is it so difficult for us to just accept the unknown? We tend to feel like we have to “make” things happen. Sure, we must take action, and work towards our goals – but at the same time if we could also relax and know that however things turn out, that’s the way they’re supposed to be. The process itself is really where we learn. And at the same time, since everything is changeable, and everything is possible, we can always start again!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Signs, Symbols, and Warnings From the Archangels

Have you ever wondered which of the Archangels is with you and what are the signs to let you know they are there? What is the best way to work with them and how they can help you?

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 9, 2019

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 9, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Sing a song of seasons,
Something bright in all,
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall.
-Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94)

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Spiritual Unite: Meaning Of Peacock Feather – Physical And Spiritual

The meaning of the peacock feather holds important symbolism for many cultures across the globe.
From the shamans of tribal cultures to Buddhists in the east, peacock feathers have formed an essential part of ritual and belief for much of history.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/meaning-of-peacock-feather/

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ThoughtCo: Make Your Own Besom

The besom is the traditional witch’s broom. It’s associated with all kinds of legend and folklore, including the popular notion that witches fly around in the night on a broomstick. In addition to being good for playing Quidditch, the besom is a great addition to your collection of magical tools.

https://www.learnreligions.com/make-your-own-besom-2562738

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Here’s What The Stars Have In Store For You

On Tuesday, a Saturn transit will bring some structure to all spontaneity.
With Cancer season in full swing, it’s been easy to indulge in life’s comforts, refreshing your glass (and everyone at the table’s) with another pour of “frosé”; nibbling on whatever’s in the fridge. Nothing wrong with that! But when these mindless diversions start turning into habits, you might be numbing out. Tuesday, July 9 could snap you back to awareness, when disciplinarian Saturn in Capricorn opposes the Cancer Sun.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-from-the-astrotwins-july-11-to-14-2019

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Did you know…

Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.

http://www.pickyourown.org/blackberries.htm

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Elephant Journal: A Manifesto for those who are Done with Love, Light & Positive Vibes Only.

I don’t believe in “positive vibes only.”
I don’t believe in only “love and light.”

Show me your darkness instead.
Terrify me. Surprise me. I want to see the real you beneath your sparkling smiles that don’t last for long.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/07/a-manifesto-for-those-who-are-done-with-love-light-positive-vibes-only-ilda-dashi/

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Daily Tarot: The Chariot

If you’ve been working hard toward some goal or specific result, you could see victory today. Feel like a winner, project the confidence of a winner, and perhaps behave as though you have already won. Keep your spirits high no matter what happens and be pleased with how many people are happy for you. No matter how huge or trivial, it is still a big step forward.

astrology.com

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Tetraktys: Lughnasadh Gratitude Ritual: A Bread & Beer Celebration

Hello readers! This week, I am writing about the pagan holiday of Lughnasadh (pronounced Lunasah), which is celebrated on August 1st. First, I will explain the origins of Lughnasadh, then I will share with you a simple gratitude ritual that you can perform on your own to celebrate it. So let’s get started!

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/lughnasadh-gratitude-ritual/

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EarthSky News: Moon and Spica on July 8 and 9

On July 8 and 9, 2019 – as the setting sun closes the curtains on the day, and the darkening skies bring out a myriad of far-off suns – let the moon introduce you to a special star. The bright star to the east of the moon on July 8 is none other than Spica, the sole 1st-magnitude star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-and-spica-on-july-8-and-9

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Patheos-Pagan: Magickal Fatigue: When You Need Inspiration

There comes a time every year when you are just worn down, worn out, and tired. Exhausted, fed up, tired of people, tired of the day-to-day drudge. Maybe it happens more than once a year. Maybe you save it for special occasions. You have what can be termed Magickal Fatigue, and what you need is inspiration, oomph, motivation, just something.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/witchindeed/2019/07/magickal-fatigue-when-you-need-inspiration/

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Today’s Deity: Astarte

Astarte, also spelled Athtart or Ashtart, great goddess of the ancient Middle East and chief deity of Tyre, Sidon, and Elat, important Mediterranean seaports. Hebrew scholars now feel that the goddess Ashtoreth mentioned so often in the Bible is a deliberate conflation of the Greek name Astarte and the Hebrew word boshet, “shame,” indicating the Hebrews’ contempt for her cult. Ashtaroth, the plural form of the goddess’s name in Hebrew, became a general term denoting goddesses and paganism.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Astarte-ancient-deity

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Inner Journey:

FINDING CONTENTMENT

“When the sun rises, I go to work. When the sun goes down, I take my rest. I dig the well from which I drink. I farm the soil which yields my food. I share creation. Kings can do no more.”
— Chinese proverb

Do you sense the peace and contentment that can come from an appreciation of one’s place in the cosmos?

How do we get there with the complexities and pressures of our current lifestyles? Perhaps it’s a matter of becoming aware of what we truly have as opposed to what our egos believe we need. If we look closely, we may find that our ego ‘needs’ are just desires.

When you find yourself longing for something, stop and ask, “What is missing from my life? Is it a need? What are the essential qualities of what I seek? How can I experience that now?”

“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.”
— John Bunyan

“Try to be like the turtle — at ease in your own shell.”
— Bill Copeland

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

The main reason someone moves mountains, wins friends, influences people, amasses a fortune, or anything else is because they thought they would.
You can do this,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Tex-Mex Spiced Lentils

I am trying to eat less meat. Lentils are a healthy and economical way to do that. These are quick and easy to prepare and are delicious. You can freeze if desired.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Tex-Mex-Spiced-Lentils.html

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Magical Correspondences for Tuesday

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

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli, Lignum Aloes, Plantain

Perfumes: Hellebore, Carnation, 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

Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Soorejnaree, Pingalla, Anna, Aine, Danu, Yngona, Bellona, Aida Wedo, Sun Woman

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Daily Wisdom
July 9, 2019

Uncertainty

“Every area of trouble gives out a ray of hope, and the one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.”
-John F. Kennedy

Isn’t this uncertainty such a great concept? It sure helps us out when we make a mistake! We can change things, make them better. Nothing is set in stone, that’s just the way it is – life is fluid, moving, changeable – and that is good for us. There is great potential in uncertainty- it means that ANYTHING, and everything is possible.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: High Anxiety: Conquer Your Fear
On this earth, you’ll never run out of things to worry about, but when you adjust the way you worry, you don’t have to scrabble through life. Here are several coping strategies for overcoming…
Read more………………

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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 July 8, 2019

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 8, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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A moon-flooded prairie; a straying
Of leal-hearted lovers; a baying
Of far away watching dogs; a dreaming
Of brown-fisted farmers; a gleaming
Of fireflies eddying nigh, –
And that is July!
-James N. Matthews (1852-1910)

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Spiritual Unite: Koala Spirit Animal – Relaxing Is A Must

When the koala spirit animal appears in your life, it is a message that you need to slow down, take some time off and reconnect with your energy and with nature.
These marsupials are native to Australia and live an arboreal lifestyle, hanging from the branches of its favorite eucalyptus tree.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/koala-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: How to Hold a Gratitude Ritual

For many Pagans, autumn is a time of giving thanks. Although this is the most obvious around the Mabon holiday, if you live in the United States, most of your friends and family will be giving thanks in November. If you’d like to tie in to that a little, but with a Pagan flair, you might want to consider doing a short gratitude ritual as a way of expressing your own thankfulness

https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-hold-a-gratitude-ritual-2562296

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MBG: Ready For Bold Self-Love? Try These 4 Tone Ups For The Heart Chakra

There are over 700,000 heart attacks reported each year in the U.S., and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in this country. Rightfully so, conventional medicine puts a great deal of effort toward preventing heart disease. And yet, our nation continues to die of heartbreak—literally. Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity can be very effective, yet I believe there is an additional dimension to the heart that requires an entirely different kind of support.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/hearth-chakra-healing-4-exercises-to-open-a-blocked-chakra

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Daily Good: The Daily Opportunity in Randomness

“The physicist Leonard Mlodinow changes how we think about the agency we have in shaping our own destinies. As a scientist, he works with principles like Brownian motion, by which Einstein helped verify the existence of molecules and atoms. As the child of Holocaust survivors, he dances with the experience we all have: that life never goes as planned, and yet the choices we make can matter. The course of your life depends on how you react to opportunities and challenges that randomness presents to you, he says.”

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2353/the-daily-opportunity-in-randomness-on-being/

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Daily Tarot: The Tower

People may be expecting or needing you to be laid-back and easy to deal with but your own inclinations may make you seem more difficult and demanding. You may see yourself as just being direct while others consider you as being tactless. Save yourself a lot of grief and use extra care with your words and actions. If someone gets bent out of shape, try to catch it instantly and stop it as soon as you can.

astrology.com

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Elephant Journal: Real Awakenings are Not Elegant—they are Messy, Ugly, Shattered & Raw.

I want to have an awakening like they do in the movies.
You know, where the protagonist experiences their quantum shift with elegance and grace, leading us, the audience, into a wonderful montage (complete with awesome music) of all the ways their life will now improve.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/05/awakenings-help-us-find-what-we-are-looking-for-our-beautiful-selves/

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MNN: How old bras are saving injured turtles

With the right expertise, it doesn’t take much to repair an injured turtle shell.
Wildlife rehabbers glue the broken shells back together and then hold the pieces firmly in place with wire.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/animal-rescue-group-uses-bra-clasps-repair-turtle-shells

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Today’s Deity: Erecura

Erecura or Aerecura /ɛrɪˈkjʊərə/ (also found as Herecura or Eracura)was a goddess worshipped in ancient times, often thought to be Celtic in origin, mostly represented with the attributes of Proserpina and associated with the Roman underworld god Dis Pater, as on an altar from Sulzbach. She appears with Dis Pater in a statue found at Oberseebach, Switzerland, and in several magical texts from Austria, once in the company of Cerberus and once probably with Ogmios. A further inscription to her has been found near Stuttgart, Germany.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erecura

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EarthSky News: Use Big Dipper to find Polaris

Tonight, use the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major the Great Bear to find the sky’s northern pole star, Polaris. This is the star around which the whole northern celestial sphere appears to turn throughout the night. That’s because this star is located nearly above Earth’s northern axis. In times past, wanderers on the northern face of Earth used Polaris to stay on course

https://earthsky.org/tonight/big-dipper-points-to-polaris-aids-in-finding-thuban-2

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Patheos-Pagan: 11 Cool Places to Visit in the Secret Country of Yourself

Your Unique Inner World
The secret country of yourself is your unique inner world. Your visions and dreams happen there; it is the birthplace of inspiration. There you may engage with your past and future selves, dance the fire with your spirit guides, connect to the archetypes that make up your personal pantheon. The possibilities are endless!

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dirtheartwitch/2019/07/cool-places-secret-country-yourself/

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Inner Journey:

SELF TALK IS REVEALING

“If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.”
— Chinese Proverb

What passes over your lips each day?

Are your words typically negative, critical, gossiping, deceptive, illusory, justifying, blaming, manipulative and argumentative? Are they more uplifting, inspirational, positive, questioning, beautiful, loving, universal, truthful, accepting and supportive?

The throat is our center of expression. Who we are sneaks out in our attitudes and in what we say.

“Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.”
— Pearl Strachan Hurd

“The wise weigh their words on a scale with gold.”
— Bible

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

In times of great stress and great joy you are completely surrounded by loved ones in the unseen who adore and support you, wanting to share whatever you’re experiencing.

So, at those times, if you can remember to be calm and quiet and go within, you’ll feel them, you’ll remember them, and you’ll benefit most from their presence.

“Look, Cat is smiling… Whoohoooo!!!”

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Kidney Bean Salad Recipes

Kidney beans are often an ingredient in three bean salad recipes, but they can be used alone to create delicious bean salads.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Kidney-Bean-Salad-Recipes.html

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Magical Correspondences for Monday

Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconcilliations, Voyages, Dreams, Medicine, Visions 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

Goddesses: Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gaeleach, Ida, Artemis [Whom The Greeks Associated With Bast], The Witches, Yemaya, Erzulie, Bast

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Daily Wisdom
July 8, 2019

Uncertainty

“If we insist on being as sure as is conceivable… we must be content to creep along the ground, and can never soar.”

-John Henry Cardinal Newman

“Playing it safe” is a choice – but if we make that choice every time, life could get boring. Sometimes it’s good to take a risk, to leap into uncertainty with both feet! Maybe we’ll fall, and maybe we’ll fly- but we won’t know “for sure” until we’ve actually done it!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Natural Living Ideas: How To Make Your Own Rose Water & 14 Ways to Use It

Beautifully fragrant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and edible, rose water is an extremely versatile item to have on hand.

Save dollars and ensure the purity of your product by making your own DIY rose water – a surprisingly simple process.

https://www.naturallivingideas.com/rose-water/

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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 July 5, 2019

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 5, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve’s is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.
-Robert Burns (1759-96)

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Spiritual Unite: Merkaba Star Meaning – Amazing Healing Benefits

If you are looking for the Merkaba Star meaning, then you have joined a journey of discovery that is millennia old.
In physical terms, the Merkaba Star is a type of crystal that is a vehicle for ascension

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/merkaba-star-meaning/

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ThoughtCo: Jar Spells in Folk Magic

In many traditions of folk magic, particularly in North America, a spell is sealed inside a jar, bottle or another container. This serves a number of purposes – the first being that it keeps the magic concentrated, and prevents it from escaping before the spell has been completed. The other nice feature of a jar or bottle spell is its portability – you can take it anywhere you like, whether it’s buried under a doorstep, tucked into a hollow tree, placed gently upon your mantle, or dropped into a port-a-john

https://www.learnreligions.com/jar-spells-in-folk-magic-2562516

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MBG: 5 Natural Ingredients You Can Use As DEET-Free Mosquito Repellent

We’re smack in the middle of summer, and that means time at the beach, days in the sun, and unfortunately, for many of us, being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Next to humidity and sunburns, bug bites are definitely on the list of summer’s downsides

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/natural-alternatives-to-deet-mosquito-repellant

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Herbal Muse: Garden Moonrise Tea

With the calming properties of lemon balm and skullcap, this colorful herbal tea blend is the perfect way to greet the sunset after a long day of tending the garden

https://www.herbalmusings.com/single-post/2014/08/09/Garden-Moonrise-Tea

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Elephant Journal: 25 Days of Gratitude for a Life Well-Lived.

I meditate early morning outside on my back lawn overlooking a lagoon that feeds into the Caribbean Sea.
It is serene. The waves come and go like the hundreds of thoughts that are running through my mind. I hear the birds having their first conversations and experience the new shades of amber appearing on the horizon. A soft cool breeze blows playfully through my hair.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/07/25-days-of-gratitude-for-a-life-well-lived-veena-chatani/

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MNN: 10 cats that act like dogs (but still have kitty traits)

There are dog people, cat people and people who want a little bit of both. Perhaps they don’t adore the standoffish-ness that many felines are known for, yet they crave the independence of a kitty.

https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/photos/cats-act-like-dogs/dog-kitties

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EarthSky News: See Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown

Tonight, look for the constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown. You’ll need a pretty dark sky to see it, but, if you have one, the constellation is easy to pick out because it makes the shape of the letter C. Hopefully, tonight’s waxing crescent moon won’t be too intrusive, but remember that the last week of July 2019 will offer deliciously dark skies.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/corona-borealis-the-northern-crown-2

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Patheos-Pagan: Erupting With Truth Under The New Moon

A while ago, I ran an experiment to look at the energetic blocks people carry in their chakras. By experiment I don’t mean in a measurable, white lab coat way. No, not at all. More like this: sitting at home with a pendulum and remotely connecting with 80+ strangers (well, people who like me on Facebook so loosely acquainted) who had volunteered to be energetically spied upon by me.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/awaywiththewitch/2019/07/erupting-with-truth-under-the-new-moon/

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Inner Journey:

DAILY FORGIVENESS

“As long as you don’t forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind.”
— Isabelle Holland

We cannot avoid daily resentment and thoughts of guilt. They are a part of human nature. What we can do is release their grip on us. We can forgive others and ourselves daily.

Forgiveness requires nothing in return. There are no conditions. It gets rid of old baggage and clears up unfinished business. It leads us to a life of authenticity, lightness and directness. Forgiveness is the highest form of letting go of resentment and ego.

True forgiveness is more than an apology, understanding and acceptance. There is an element of recreating and re-imagining. There is a need to envision ourselves as more loving, interdependent, courageous and compassionate. Forgiveness requires honouring the sacred journey of learning about life – our life and others’.

“Whatever we have done, we can always make amends for it without ever looking back in guilt or sorrow.”
— Eknath Easwaran

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Take advantage of low prices on zucchini and blueberries. I used frozen zucchini from last years garden and frozen blueberries from Dollar Tree. I used my toaster oven and it was done in 45 minutes.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Blueberry-Zucchini-Bread.html

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Magical Correspondences for Friday

Intentions: Love, Pleasure, Affairs of the Heart, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Peace, Healing, Beauty, gentleness and Women’s Issues.

Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris

Goddesses: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wedo, Eve, Venus, Freya, Diana, Aset [Isis], The Witch Of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique

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Today’s Deity: Chandi

Chandi (Sanskrit: Caṇḍī) or Chandika (Caṇḍika) is a Hindu deity. Chandika is a form of Durga/parvati.Chandika is the combined power of all gods, she represents the total power of Brahman. Chandika is a powerful, terrifying form that manifested from the combined energies of all gods to destroy evil. Chandika form is said to be extremely ferocious and inaccessible because of her anger. She cannot tolerate evil acts. Chandika does not like evil doers and becomes terribly angry on seeing them. She slays evil doers without mercy. Her anger is expressed in Devi Mahatmya. A seven-year-old girl is also known as Chandika in Sanskrit scriptures

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Spirit Library: Hidden Potentials (a message from Goddess of Creation channeled by Shelly Dressel)

Frequently we seek to create change in our lives. While there are many reasons we may have for change, sometimes we are pulled back into what we have in the past because that is our vibration. Sound familiar? It is!

https://spiritlibrary.com/goddess-light/hidden-potentials

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Tetraktys: ll About Tarot Magick : 10 Ways to Use Tarot in Witchcraft

Since the Tarot possesses many layers of interpretation, it can be used in many ways in magick. Therefore, I divided this article in four categories: Representation, Readings, Spells and Meditation. Those are the four most common methods of using Tarot in witchcraft.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/tarot-magick-10-ways-tarot-witchcraft/

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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 July 3, 2019

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 3, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven without repose;
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays.
-Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94)

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Spiritual Unite: Lynx Spirit Animal Meaning – Use Your Patience

The Lynx spirit animal appears in your life when there are hidden forces in your life.
Lynx spirit animal symbolizes:

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/lynx-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: Holding a Pagan Blessing Ritual for New Babies

In a powerful scene in the landmark miniseries “Roots”, his jubilant father holds the infant Kunta Kinte up to the sky, and says, “Behold, the only thing greater than yourself.” In the same miniseries, many years later, the adult Kunta Kinte does the same thing with his own child, despite the fact that they are thousands of miles from his homeland.

https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-hold-a-baby-blessing-ritual-2562529

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MBG: Feeling Stuck? Here’s An Exercise To Help You Discover Your Life’s Purpose

Are your needs for general physical health, safety, and human connection basically met? Are you looking for something else—an understanding of your purpose beyond the basics? Do you know that you have work to do in the world but you’re not quite sure what it is or how to do it?

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/feeling-stuck-heres-an-exercise-to-help-you-discover-your-lifes-purpose

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Daily Good: What Does it Take to Be Racially Literate?

Few people really believe that race does not affect their lives in some way, but most of us are unwilling to admit it. We avoid discussing these differences and do ourselves a disservice. Priya Vulchi and Winona Guo are two high school students who decided it was time to bring this discussion out in the open. The key, they say, is to face the issue with both our hearts and our minds, for our minds lead us to understand and our hearts lead us to care.

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8177

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Elephant Journal: 14 Surprisingly Inspirational Quotes from Someone who Doesn’t Give a F*ck.

Mark Manson, author of best-selling books The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck and Everything is F*cked: A Book about Hope, looks at self-help with a cold eye.
He believes that happiness requires struggle and that positivity is a side effect of handling the negative things in our lives.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/07/14-surprisingly-inspirational-quotes-from-someone-who-doesnt-give-a-fck-david-baumrind/

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MNN: National park poster artist aims to inspire a new generation of nature lovers

Rob Decker visited his first national park when he was 6 years old. That trip to Yosemite made an impact. Two years later, on a 10,000-mile cross-country trip with his family, Decker visited five more national parks. He photographed them with a Kodak Duaflex camera with black-and-white film and was hooked.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/national-park-posters-rob-decker

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EarthSky News: Watch for a young moon after sunset

Over the next few evenings – July 3 to 6, 2019 – watch for the young moon in the west after sunset. Fresh from the July 2 South American solar eclipse, the moon will be a very thin crescent and hard to catch on July 3. But, especially if you live in the Americas or on an island in the Pacific, you might catch it shortly after sunset.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/go-young-moon-hunting-after-sunset

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Daily Tarot: 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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Patheos-Pagan: Foxglove: Digitalis and the Faery Realm

The Queen of Elphame, the Faery Queen is an important figure in traditional witchcraft. With her consort the King of Elphame they rule over the People of Goda as they are known in the initiatory tradition based on the teachings of Robert Cochrane, the Clan of Tubal Cain. Foxglove or Digitalis purpurea, one variety of the plant has gone by many names that indicate its connection with the Faery Realm and the beings that populate it.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/poisonersapothecary/2019/07/02/foxglove-digitalis-and-the-faery-realm/

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Inner Journey:

CONTEMPLATE UNITY

“Poverty is in separatism. Abundance is in unity.”
— Torkom Saraydarian

Watch for those times when you perceive yourself to be separate from the rest of the world. When you find yourself feeling uncomfortable, threatened or isolated, remember Neale Donald Walsch’s words: “there’s only one of us in this room.”

When we perceive differences in thinking and behaving, we might remember that these are merely different expressions of the one universal life force. We can release judgment as to whether those differences are right or wrong or good or bad. We can drop the labels that divide the world into pieces, and simply appreciate the rich variety of ways that energy can manifest as form.

“If we are to achieve a rich culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.”
— Margaret Mead

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Deity: The Three Norns

There are three Norns (Old Norse: “Nornir”) in Norse mythology and they live at the well Urd in Asgard (home of the Gods and Goddesses). Their names are Urd “What Once Was” (Old Norse “Urðr”), Verdandi “What Is Coming into Being” (Old Norse “Verðandi”) and Skuld “What Shall Be” (Old Norse “Skuld”), the three Norns are the Goddesses of fate in Norse mythology.

https://norse-mythology.net/norns-the-goddesses-of-fate-in-norse-mythology/

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A Note from the Universe

Of course you’re strong enough.

Or what would be the whole point?

Go forth,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Strawberry Lime Cake

This is an elegant looking yet easy to make cake for these warmer months. The juice from the strawberries seep into the sponge and makes for a really moist cake. Using both the juice and the zest of the limes really gives it a nice kick. I hope you enjoy this cake!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Strawberry-Lime-Cake.html

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Magical Correspondences for Wednesday

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

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Daily Wisdom
July 3, 2019

Meditation

“The very best and utmost attainment in this life is to remain still and let God act and speak in thee.”

-Meister Eckhart
All the wisdom of the universe can be found in silence, can be experienced through meditation. When we are quiet, we allow spirit in, we are in-spired! This is how we get the answers we seek, this is how God communicates with us.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Tetraktys: The Wheel of the Year in Wicca – A Complete Guide

The Wheel of the Year is at the core of the Wiccan practices and it is used by a lot of modern witches. If you follow the Wiccan path, understanding it is a crucial step in your spiritual journey. What is it exactly? Why do we practice it? How does it work? In this article, I am sharing with you all I know on this topic. You will learn that following the Wheel of the Year goes further than simply observing the eight Sabbats.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2019/wheel-of-the-year-wicca-guide/

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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 July 2, 2019

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 2, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Now summer is in flower and nature’s hum
Is never silent round her sultry bloom
Insects as small as dust are never done
Wi’ glittering dance and reeling in the sun
And green wood fly and blossom haunting bee
Are never weary of their melody.
-John Clare (1793-1864)

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Spiritual Unite: Spider Spirit Animal Meaning – Control Your Dark Side

When your spider spirit animal appears in your life, it symbolizes your creativity, feminine energy, and patience.
It can also warn you of your dark side, and to be wary of your temptations and desires.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/spider-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: Do Pagans Believe in God?

So you’re interested in Wicca, or some other form of Paganism, but now you’re a little worried because some well-meaning friend or family member has cautioned you that Pagans don’t believe in God. Oh no! What’s a new Pagan to do? What’s the deal here, anyway?

https://www.learnreligions.com/do-pagans-believe-in-god-2561833

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MBG: How To Tap Into The Emotional Force Of Tonight’s New Moon In Cancer

This July 2, the Cancer new moon, which is also a powerful partial solar eclipse, offers a healing moment to open our hearts and be more demonstrative with our loved ones. The zodiac’s Crab is all about security, and this new moon asks us all to examine: What does “home” mean to you?

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/new-moon-july-2019-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-cancer-moon

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Daily Tarot: The Hanged Man

Possibly a romantically disquieting day, you may begin to suspect that your love is not being returned, at least not in kind. Or perhaps you can’t bring yourself to return the affections of an ardent admirer. This might feel even worse. The head and heart don’t always speak the same language or have the same opinions. Be strong and as kind as you can.

astrology.com

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Elephant Journal: 7 Buddha Quotes that will bring Peace to your Chaos.

If someone can help us in solving modern-day problems with the help of just a line or a quote, then that lifesaver is none other than lord Buddha.

Siddhartha Buddha or Gautama Buddha was a sage who influenced a lot of people with his teachings and beliefs. The meaning of the word “Buddha” is “the enlightened one” or “the awakened one.”

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/06/some-quotes-by-lord-buddha-for-living-a-positive-life/

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MNN: What to see in the night sky in July

While fireworks will dominate the evening skies on the Fourth of July across the U.S., the rest of the month will feature visual spectacles of a different kind, from the full Thunder Moon to close encounters with other planets.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/space/blogs/what-see-night-sky-july

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Today’s Deity: Diana

In Roman mythology, Diana (lt. “heavenly” or “divine”) was the goddess of the hunt and moon and birthing, being associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals. She was equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, though she had an independent origin in Italy.

https://www.crystalinks.com/diana.html

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Patheos-Pagan: Working With “Tarot For Troubled Times” By Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed

I’ve been a fan of Theresa Reed since long before I met her, and then she became one of my favorite people of all time. When I heard she had, with Shaheen Miro, co-authored a new book called Tarot for Troubled Times, I was delighted. This book is what we all need right now. It’s a navigational tool in troubled times

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/doubletoilandresist/2019/07/working-with-tarot-for-troubled-times-by-shaheen-miro-and-theresa-reed/

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Inner Journey:

INTUIT AND DO IT

“If doubt is challenging you and you do not act, doubts will grow. Challenge the doubts with action and you will grow. Doubt and action are incompatible.”
— John Kanary

To reap the greatest benefits from intuition, we need ACTION. Be in motion. Act as if your highest expectations have already happened. Be in front of more opportunities and people. Let go of any blocks or attachments. Create mental space and physical space. Plan your work and work your plan.

Miracles rarely happen by doing nothing. Most miracles happen through other people.

What actions can you take that will move you towards your goals?

“Never forget that life can only be nobly inspired and rightly lived if you take it bravely and gallantly, as a splendid adventure in which you are setting out into an unknown country, to meet many a joy, to find many a comrade, to win and lose many a battle.”
— Annie Besant

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

You could always send a golden thought balloon to the most rocking possible version of your future self, and thank them for reaching back to you with inspiration, hunches, instincts, and impulses, to help you bridge all gaps, connect all dots, and leap tall buildings… you know, to bring about your quickest merger.

Love mergers,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Watermelon Cookies

You really have to allow yourself some space and time to make these. They are time consuming, but I won First Prize in 1998 at the Oregon State Fair for them, so for me, they were worth it.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83580054.tip.html

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Magical Correspondences for Tuesday

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

Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli, Lignum Aloes, Plantain

Goddesses: Aset [Isis], Soorejnaree, Pingalla, Anna, Aine, Danu, Yngona, Bellona, Aida Wedo, Sun Woman

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Daily Wisdom
July 2, 2019

Meditation

“You are used to listening to the buzz of the world, but now is the time to develop the inner ear that listens to the inner world. It is time to have a foot in each world, and it can be done.”
-Saint Bartholomew

It’s all about balance. Rather than getting inundated by the buzz of the world, we can tune in to the silence, turn on that higher frequency and experience what really matters. And then the beauty of meditation is that we bring that experience of stillness back into our activity, and find that life is just so much easier and more fulfilling. We are better able to feel the joy that is always there.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 6 Ways Moms Can Spiritually Nurture Themselves

Wearing caked on makeup from the prior day because you crashed on the sofa. Walking around with formula stains on your sweater and it’s too late to go back home and change. Such a glamorous life most bleary-eyed mothers live. Ordering diapers, having enough butt cream are normal.

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 1, 2019

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for July 1, 2019

Blessings, Cat

_________________________

When the heat like a mist veil floats,
And poppies flame in the rye,
And the silver note in the streamlet’s throat
Has softened almost to a sigh. It is July.
-Susan Hartley Swett (1860-1907)

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Spiritual Unite: The Third Eye, The Pineal Gland: How We Are Connected To The Cosmos

It all comes down to the mystical Third Eye. The Third Eye is an inner visual organ and a concept in mysticism.
It refers in part to the Ajna chakra of Eastern spiritual traditions. The Third eye is said to be the gate that leads into the spaces of higher consciousness within.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/the-third-eye-the-pineal-gland-how-we-are-connected-to-the-cosmos/

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ThoughtCo: Sun Worship

At Litha, the summer solstice, the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Many ancient cultures marked this date as significant, and the concept of sun worship is one nearly as old as mankind itself. In societies that were primarily agricultural, and depended on the sun for life and sustenance, it is no surprise that the sun became deified. While many people today might take the day to grill out, go to the beach, or work on their tans, for our ancestors the summer solstice was a time of great spiritual import.

https://www.learnreligions.com/history-of-sun-worship-2562246

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MBG: A Dancing Ritual For Rejoicing During The New Moon In Cancer

In today’s world, if you have the means and the time to commit to self-growth, doing so can be nearly addicting. It provides an opportunity for perfectionists like me to stay in the zone of continuous self-work—without taking a moment to just rejoice.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/new-moon-in-cancer-2019-a-dancing-ritual-for-rejoice

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Daily Tarot: The Sun

Not only may you be inherently happy today, you’ll be able to explore all manner of intellectual problems, puzzles, and concerns. Great satisfaction can come from even the smallest insight, and if you can connect with the right person, you may have a conversation that will enrich and inform you for months to come. You may be attracted to more difficult problems today, and you’ll be up to the challenge.

astrology.com

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Elephant Journal: July’s Astrology Report: 2 Dark Moons, 2 Eclipses (Plus “You Know Who” is in Retrograde).

When’s the new moon? There’s an eclipse? What sun sign are we in? Is it Mercury retrograde again?
These are the questions I receive daily from my tribe. It’s so much easier to follow the natural cycles of the cosmos when we don’t have to search for each bit of information separately.

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 28, 2019

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 28, 2019

Blessings, Cat

_________________________

Ten o’clock: the broken moon
Hangs not yet a half hour high,
Yellow as a shield of brass,
In the dewy air of June,
Poised between the vaulted sky
And the ocean’s liquid glass.
-Emma Lazarus (1849-87)

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Spiritual Unite: Moth Spirit Animal Meaning – Blinded By The Light

Your moth spirit animal signifies that you are hiding your problems from yourself and others around you.
It also represents optimism in the face of adversity, as well as searching for the light in your life.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/moth-spirit-animal/

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ThoughtCo: Magical Days Of the Week

In many traditions of Paganism, days of the week are very important aspects of effective spellcasting. For example, spells to do with abundance or prosperity could be done on Thursday, because it is associated with riches and desire. When casting a spell concerning business or communication, one might prefer to work on a Wednesday due to its associations.

https://www.learnreligions.com/magical-days-of-the-week-2561697

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MBG: For The Judgy Among Us: 6 Things That Happen Every Time You Judge Someone

It may seem there’s something natural, even good about judgment. After all, just about every time our eyes alight on someone or something, we judge it as good or bad based on how it stacks up against our inner ideal of how things should be.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-judging-others-is-bad-for-us-and-how-to-stop-being-judgmental

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Daily Good: What We Should Know About Animals

It’s easy to assume that animals experience happiness (just think of a dog wagging its tail), but what about higher-level emotions and qualities like selflessness, empathy, or even love? In “Beyond Words: How Animals Think and Feel,” conservationist Carl Safina shares stories from decades of observing animals and combines it with new brain research to paint a picture of animals’ emotional landscape that sounds remarkably like our own. In this interview, he shares a story about a wolf who selflessly tries to distract other wolves from attacking his sister, and a whale who saves a seal. He also suggests that animals’ experience of life is not a limited version of our own, but rather a more vivid one.

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/150714-animal-dog-thinking-feelings-brain-science/

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Elephant Journal: Venus & Cancer: A Powerful & Romantic combination to Deepen our Connections. {July 3 to 27}

From July 3rd to 27th, love and beauty planet Venus is in the sign of sensitive and romantic Cancer, allowing us to deepen our connections.
This marks a few blissful weeks where we can be softer, sweeter, and more attuned to the feelings of the people around us.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/06/deepen-your-connection-with-venus-in-cancer/

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MNN: What to see in the night sky in July
Saturn shines all month and Neptune’s at its brightest point all year.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/space/blogs/what-see-night-sky-july

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Today’s Deity: Meretseger

Meretseger (Mertseger, Merseger, Mereseger) was the goddess of the necropolis at Thebes (Waset, in the 4th Nome of Upper Egypt). Her name means “She Who Loves Silence”. She was believed to live on the mountian which dominates the skyline at Thebes and rises above the valley of the Kings and Queens. The mountain (known as “dehent”) formed a natural pyramid, and the word for “pyramid” in Egyptian was “mr” which formed a pun on the first sylable of her name.

https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/meretseger/

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Daily Tarot: Temperance

Instinct and impulsive action will cause more trouble than they can solve today, so spend more time reasoning things out and being careful about what you say and do. Asking questions is a good idea. It will get you information you need, and show how thorough, bright, and capable you are. It might take a bit longer, but it will save time and effort in the end.

astrology.com

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EarthSky News: See moon and stars of Taurus before sunrise

The moon is soon to swing by the Pleiades star cluster and star Aldebaran, which rank as the two most prominent signposts in the constellation Taurus the Bull. The moon swings to the south of the Pleiades cluster on June 29, 2019, and then to the north of Aldebaran on June 30, 2019. Finally, the moon will meet up with the planet Venus in the glow of morning dawn on or near July 1, 2019

https://earthsky.org/tonight/see-moon-and-taurus-before-sunrise

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Patheos-Pagan: Regional Cultus: Building a Local Religion

I have lived in Nebraska all my life. These rolling hills, wide rivers, and endless horizons have shaped me, made me who I am. When I first became interested in Paganism, I learned about Danu, Sequana, Sulis. River Goddesses from all over Europe are honored by Pagans in America.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/heathenatheart/2019/06/regional-cultus-building-a-local-religion/

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Inner Journey:

Soul lives in connection

“We all seek Soul. While Soul is always present, it doesn’t appear in our lives automatically. Soul requires our attention and reflection. Offering our respectful regard to the Soul is a way of loving it, caring for it,nurturing it.”
— Benjamin Shield and Richard Carlson

How do we experience soul in our lives?

It’s so simple! STOP AND PAY ATTENTION! Soul lives in connection. Whenever we are present and conscious, soul emerges.

To easily experience soul, find something you love to do and immerse yourself in it. Consciously savour a favourite piece of music. Consciously enjoy a walk in nature. Really experience your breathing and the pounding of your heart as you exercise. Really be present to your partner, your kids, your pet or another, and you will know the contentment of soul.

“I think that whenever soul is present, it’s because what you’re doing, whom you’re with, where you are, evokes love without your thinking about it. You are totally absorbed in the place or person or event, without ego and without judgment.”
— Jean Shinoda Bolen

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Cucumber and Watermelon Salad

While the combination may sound strange, cucumber and watermelon combine to make a delicious salad.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Cucumber-and-Watermelon-Salad.html

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Magical Correspondences for Friday

Intentions: Love, Pleasure, Affairs of the Heart, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers, Peace, Healing, Beauty, gentleness and Women’s Issues.

Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow, Apple Blossom, Musk, Ambergris

Goddesses: Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Aida Wedo, Eve, Venus, Freya, Diana, Aset [Isis], The Witch Of Gaeta, Chalchiuhtlique

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Daily Wisdom
June 28, 2019

Colors

“Black was bestlooking… Ebony was the best wood, the hardest wood; it was black. Virginia ham was the best ham. It was black on the outside. Tuxedos and tail coats were black and they were a man’s finest, most expensive clothes. You had to use pepper to make most meats and vegetables fit to eat. The most flavorsome pepper was black. The best caviar was black. The rarest jewels were black: black opals, black pearls.”
-Ann Petry, The Narrows, 1953

Black is elegant, and mysterious. Black is often said to be the absence of color, but I think it deserves a place as a color itself. The fashion world certainly couldn’t function without it! Maybe black has gotten a bad rap because it is associated with the villain’s hat – but black, like white, is like a canvas, and we can paint on it most vividly!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Action Steps ~ Learning to trust your Knowing
Taking action steps can be confusing when you are waiting for a sign! How do you know when it is time to act and when it is time to wait and allow? When you have been working towards important goals and…
Read more………………..

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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/

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