The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 2, 2019

Posted on January 2, 2019 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for January 2, 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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Janus am I; oldest of potentates;
Forward I look, and backward, and below
I count, as god of avenues and gates,
The years that through my portals come and go.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82)

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Spirituality & Health

A Call for Revolution: Rebels for Peace
BY HIS HOLINESS THE 14TH DALAI LAMA
At eighty-two, I am ready to say my goodbyes. According to my age, I am a man of the twentieth century, but my yearning for peace, so deeply rooted in me, makes me feel that I belong more to the future of the world, and to the younger generation. In that sense, you and I are the same age, the age of renewal.

The end of my life and the first part of yours are at a crossroads. The point where our paths join is like that brief moment when night and dawn meet in the sky. It is no longer night, but it is not yet daybreak. A new day is being born. It is as though one page is turning on the horizon to the next one. It is up to you, my young friends, to write the next chapter of our history. I hope it will be the most beautiful and joyful chapter in the entire memory of humankind.
Read more.

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2018/12/31/a-call-for-revolution-rebels-for-peace

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MBG: How To Give Your Home A Feng Shui Makeover — In One Day

After years as a feng shui consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how interior design can transform people’s lives in positive and uplifting ways. The month of January is actually considered the best time to prepare for a feng shui makeover since it falls right before the Chinese New Year and during a time when many of us are dedicated to self-improvement of some kind.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-feng-shui-your-home-in-one-day

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Daily Good: Thinking About New Year’s Resolutions?

“In past years, youve probably targeted minor vices — eat fewer snacks, exercise more, whatever your particular self-admonitions may be. But it is too easy to get lost in the particulars — and in the negatives. This time around, try something a little different.”

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2173/thinking-about-new-year-s-resolutions-ted-fischer/

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Herbal Muse: How to Make Spiced Preserved Lemons

You may have come across a recipe at some point that called for preserved lemons but didn’t have a clue as to what they were. Preserved lemons, also known in various parts of the world as country lemons, lemon pickles and leems, are widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian and Moroccan cuisines. In Morocco, in particular, they are called Hamad m’rakhad, L’hamb Mssayr and most affectionately as Lim mraqqed, which means “lemons put to sleep.” Preserved in a brine of lemon juice, salt and spices, the lemony flavor of the fruit is wildly enhanced while its tartness on the tongue is tamed. Read more…

https://www.herbalmusings.com/single-post/2018/12/28/Spiced-Preserved-Lemons

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Spirit Library: New You Humor

Dear Ones,

You are preparing for a new year and new you.

You believe you are no different than before you initiated your transition. Yet, you have become belligerent when feeling pushed, belittled, or ignored. You also feel more joy than you anticipated mere days ago.

https://spiritlibrary.com/brenda-hoffman/new-you-humor

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EarthSky News: Earth closest to sun on January 2-3

Tonight – January 2, 2019 according to clocks in the Americas – we reach Earth’s closest point to the sun for this entire year. That closest point comes at 11:20 p.m. CST (central U.S.) on January 2. It’ll be the morning of January 3 for Europe and Africa … later in the day January 3 for the rest of the world (January 3 at 5:20 UTC; translate to your time zone). Astronomers call this special point in our orbit perihelion, from the Greek roots peri meaning near and helios meaning sun.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/earth-comes-closest-to-sun-every-year-in-early-january

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Patheos-Pagan: A Three-Part Spell for Self-Love and Esteem

Winter is hard. Especially the start of the new year. The holidays take their toll, even when they’re really good times. And after the holidays, there is the cleaning and putting things away and then everybody goes back to work. We’re not really thinking about self-love.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dirtheartwitch/2018/12/three-part-spell-self-love-esteem/

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Inner Journey:

LONELINESS

“When humans find themselves surrounded by nothing but objects, the response is always one of loneliness.”
— Brian Swimme

Soul lives through relationship and it is in soul that we find meaning. We can have meaningful relationships with people, animals and other beings, projects, ideas and ideals.

How much time do you devote to building relationships with things?

“Loneliness is caused by an alienation from life. It is a loneliness from your real self.”
— Maxwell Maltz

“No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence.”
— George Eliot

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

In time and space, friends adore you, strangers admire you, and physical laws fear you.

OMG – Is this like “_______ World,” or what?

You can have it all,

The Universe

tut.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
January 2, 2019

Authenticity

“The highest courage is to dare to appear to be what one is.”

-John Lancaster Spalding

The key word here is “appear.” So many times it’s just easier to put on a mask, to play a role, to go along with what is expected of us. But the courage is in being authentic, in being true to ourselves and our convictions. Being true to ourselves is one thing – but showing the world who we are is another. Do we dare risk judgement? When we are authentic we answer to ourselves, we know that to appear to be anything other, anything less than “what one is” is heart-breaking.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 6 Ways to Regain Your Joy

Learn how to cultivate this beautiful, elusive emotion.

Joy is unlike any other emotion. Unlike happiness, which we often feel as a result of things outside of us, joy is something that is cultivated internally. It is a unique combination of satisfaction, peace, and intense positivity that provides what many describe as a spiritual experience.

https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/6-ways-to-regain-your-joy.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=6&ppc=&utm_campaign=Angel&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter

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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 January 1, 2019

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for January 1, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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With the old Almanack and the old Year,
Leave thy old Vices, tho’ ever so dear.

-Proverb

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Spiritual Unite: Succulent Plant Symbolism – Relationship With Water And Romance

The Succulents are a family of plants that are characterised by thick, fleshy parts that are used primarily to store water.
This family of plants includes cacti, aloe and asparagus – alongside dozens more.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/succulent-plant-symbolism-relationship-with-water-and-romance/

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MBG: The Complete Zodiac Guide To 2019. What’s In The Stars For You?

Plant your soles on solid ground, but don’t take your shoes off and get comfortable just yet. This year’s cosmic lineup is an interesting mix of grounding earth-sign energies and motivating fire-sign mojo. After several intense years that have yanked our emotions all over the map, we need to stand firm—if only to regain our centers. But once we reconnect to our truths, it’s time to mobilize!

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/2019-astrology-guide

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Daily Good: Home: The Movie

World renowned photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, released “Home” on World Environment Day, June 5, 2009. Shot in 54 countries and 120 locations over 217 days, “Home” is almost entirely composed of aerial footage showing how everything on earth is interconnected. Though the visually stunning images inspire a sense of awe, wonder, and appreciation for our home planet, this film was produced to awaken a collective conscience and responsibility. “Home” poses the prospect that unless we take responsible action to protect the earth’s resources, we risk losing the only home we may ever have

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=2241

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Tetrakyts: Mindfulness in 2019 – 5 Mindfulness Tips for the New Year

2019 is coming and people are starting to make new resolutions for the new year. If you’re a spiritually minded person, as most of our readers are, there’s a good chance that some of your resolutions will involve spirituality, and I know that a lot of you will want to increase your mindfulness.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/mindfulness-in-2019-5-mindfulness-tips-for-the-new-year/

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MNN: Woodland animals leap from the screen in Finnish photographer’s work

When most people think of Finland, they likely imagine a country of sprawling forests and winter wonderlands where everyone is content and has a respectful relationship with wildlife.
Helsinki University student and photographer Ossi Saarinen has lived in Finland his whole life, and his work reveals his passion for nature and animals.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/woodland-creatures-finnish-fairyland-setting-ossi-saarinen

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EarthSky News: Earth closest to sun on January 2-3

Tonight – January 2, 2019 – we reach Earth’s closest point to the sun for this entire year at 11:20 p.m. CST (central U.S.). It’ll be the morning of January 3 for Europe and Africa … later in the day January 3 for the rest of the world (January 3 at 5:20 UTC; translate to your time zone). Astronomers call this special point in our orbit perihelion, from the Greek roots peri meaning near and helios meaning sun.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/earth-comes-closest-to-sun-every-year-in-early-january

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Patheos-Pagan: Saying No to New Year Resolutions

I hate New Year Resolutions. Hate. It’s an active waste of energy, this hate, but whenever I hear folx talking about their resolutions for 2019, my ass begins to twitch. It’s a real problem. A personal problem, naturally, but real enough for me.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/kacealexander/2018/12/no-new-year-resolutions/

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Inner Journey:

SPIRITUAL PATHWAYS

“In any way that men love me in that same way they find my love: for many are the paths of men, but they all in the end come to me.”
— Song of God, Bhagavad Gita

Spirit – the life force – exists in everything. It follows, then, that ANY path, any encounter is spiritual if we have the awareness to see it as such. Going deeper, going higher, emptying, connecting, believing or disbelieving, bouncing off the bottom, experiencing the heights, in pain, in ecstasy ….

Too often, we search afar for our own purpose when it is in our lives all the time, waiting for us to express it more openly. Bring greater awareness to each encounter and situation in life. Tune in to what you are inspired to do, who you are inspired to be. Your answers are waiting for you to pay attention – every moment!

“…focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”
— Greg Anderson

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Ever notice how those who give their all to just “getting by,” usually do?

Yeah.

Then you must wonder, too, why they don’t just give their all to rocking the flippin’ world?

Costs the same.

Just another one of life’s mysteries,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Turmeric Morning Shot

This is my morning turmeric shot I have every morning. I make little batch and store in the fridge. This lasts 1 week for 2 people. Turmeric is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for thousands of years – even as medicine.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Turmeric-Morning-Shot.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
January 1, 2019

Authenticity

“To be nobody-but-yourself – in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”

-e.e. cummings
When you think about all the advertisements and magazines and commercials that encourage us to buy and be made-over and to do this and that to improve ourselves, it’s a wonder there’s any individuality left at all! We tend to want this actor’s hairstyle and that model’s figure – or that politician’s power and this athlete’s paycheck. All of these “things” are held up to us as the ideal. And yet, we know, deep inside, that what is REAL is so much more than that. Though we’re inundated by the mega-media machine, we must keep reminding ourselves that what we have to hold onto is who we are, and that is invaluable.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Affirmations to Move Past Pain
Affirmations are a simple tool we can use to feel better about ourselves. Use these affirmations to help you overcome the past and focus on moving forward.

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 31, 2018

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 31, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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“ I don’t know what the big deal is about old age. Old people who shine from the inside look 10 to 20 years younger. ”

– Dolly Parton

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Spiritual Unite: Juniper Tree Symbolism – Purification And Healing

The natural world has long held much symbolism for people from every culture and tradition.
The Juniper tree appears in many European cultures, particularly in English, Scandinavian and Icelandic traditions

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/juniper-tree-symbolism-purification-and-healing/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Here’s What’s In Store For The First Week Of 2019

This week’s horoscope from the AstroTwins explains why you should be finishing out the year getting really reflective and spending your New Year’s Day cozying up to a divination deck.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-december-31-january-6-2019

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Daily Good: They Sang with a Thousand Tongues

This season of turning, things going to ground with the promise of new life to come, has many stories from many cultures. It can be easy to get caught up in the fear of unfamiliar stories making the ones we use to give us hope in the cold and dark of winter. Another frame might serve us better. In this essay by Bayo Akomolafe provides the hopeful frame of many voices harmonizing in a joyous chorus. All the voices, all the stories are necessary and critical. And no single story can carry the tune.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2147/they-sang-with-a-thousand-tongues-bayo-akomolafe/

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Elephant Journal: The Winter Solstice is not just One Night—it’s a Phase

The winter solstice is the longest night of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere).
It is a turning point in the cycle of the year. In the silent, stillness of the deepest night—light is born.

The birth of light is a symbol of the potential within you, within each of us: to find purpose, meaning, direction, and joy in life—particularly when things seem dark. Every life has its winter solstice times, when there’s more darkness than light.
Darkness is not a mistake.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/the-winter-solstice-is-not-just-one-night-its-a-phase/

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DailyOM: Judging Others

To acknowledge that we have judged and why, is the first step to a path of compassion.
Though it is human to evaluate people we encounter based on first impressions, the conclusions we come to are seldom unaffected by our own fears and our own preconceptions. Additionally, our judgments are frequently incomplete.

https://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/articledisplay.cgi?aid=65991

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MNN: Why paper books and the independent bookstore aren’t dead

I love books, and to an irrational degree.
In books, I find psychological and emotional refuge, education and deep wisdom that I just don’t find elsewhere. My passion is connected to the words and the form they come in — printed pages bound together. So I’m not afraid to admit that when I read an article about how print book sales had risen (modestly) and e-book sales had declined (a bit) and that the number of independent bookstores had increased over the past year, I shed tears of joy.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/books-independent-bookstore-arent-dead

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EarthSky News: On the 1st mornings of 2019, watch the moon sweep past 3 planets

Happy New Year! Here’s a cool coincidence that you’ll enjoy. The first several mornings of the 2019 will feature a waning crescent moon sweeping past three planets in the early morning sky. Look east, the direction of sunrise. You can’t miss Jupiter and Venus because they are so bright! Mercury is also bright enough to be visible to the eye, but it rises only shortly before sunrise now and so is seen only against a background of bright twilight. Use binoculars to catch Mercury is you need to

https://earthsky.org/tonight/mornings-jan-1-2-3-4-2019-3-planets-moon

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Patheos-Pagan: On a Pagan New Year

Last year on the Patheos Pagan Facebook page I posted a meme on January 1st wishing everyone who likes our page a Happy New Year. A follower there was a bit upset about it because they seemed to believe that celebrating the New Year on January 1 is some sort of Christian tradition, or goes against the idea that there’s an established “Pagan” or “Witch” New Year.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2018/12/on-a-pagan-new-year/

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Inner Journey:

DID YOU FIND JOY?

“The future, higher evolution will belong to those who live in joy, who share joy, and who spread joy.”
— Torkom Saraydarian

Joy, as the energy of love, is the highest vibration on this planet. Everything in the universe is energy; it can be measured and reduced to vibrational frequencies. It’s a universal law that as we think and feel we vibrate, and as we vibrate we attract. When we are in the high joy vibration, we attract what is for our greater good.

The Ancient Egyptians saw Joy as a sacred responsibility. They believed that upon their death, the God Osiris would ask them two questions: “Did you bring Joy?” and “Did you find Joy?” Those who answered ‘yes’ could continue their journey into the afterlife.

For at least the next week or two, ask yourself these two questions each and every day:
• Did I bring joy?
• Did I find joy?

“Man loves because he is Love. He seeks Joy, for he is Joy. He thirsts for God for he is composed of God and he cannot exist without Him.”
— Sathya Sai Baba

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Do you think it would be cheating, knowing all that I know, if I placed a bet on your inevitable happiness, success, and saunter?
Good. Because I have. It was called the “Big Bang,” and every moment of every day I walk in your shoes.
I knew what I was doing.

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Waffles

I got this idea for a bacon and cheese stuffed waffle after I saw my brother use leftover Christmas ham and cheese inside of a waffle… and it was awesome! I used a simple pancake mix and just added water to make the batter. I used cheese that melts nicely; smoked gruyere and mozzarella. These waffles are fabulous on their own or with a dipping sauce of equal parts mustard and mayonnaise. Enjoy!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Bacon-and-Cheese-Stuffed-Waffles.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
December 31, 2018

Authenticity

“Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Who are you? Or maybe the question is, “who have you decided to be?” We all have roles to play, but our true self is so much greater than any of them. We can identify with the role, or we can choose to see ourselves as the role-player. Our roles come and go and change and grow – and our true self proceeds along through all of it. We can play any role we want to play, do anything we want to do. When we know who we really are, all of this comes easily to us, and we can keep it in perspective

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: How to Craft the Best New Year’s Resolution
It is that time of year again. January 1 st is upon us, and most of us will be making our resolutions to do something to improve our lives. We may resolve to lose weight or pay off our debts or take up…

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 28, 2018

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 28, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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There he stands in the foul weather,
The foolish, fond Old Year.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82)

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The Wild Hunt: New archaeological finds in UK shed light on Pagan past

WALES – After a summer in which the drought brought to light a number of interesting archaeological finds in the UK and Ireland, the rest of 2018 has proved almost equally fruitful, with two major discoveries shedding light on our Celtic ancestors and their way of life. One of these finds is large, the other

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 26, 2018

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 26, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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“ The door of opportunity won’t open unless you do some pushing. ”

– Anonymous

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Thought.co: 14 Magical Tools for Pagan Practice

Often, when people first discover Wicca or some other form of Paganism, they rush to go buy every single magical tool they can find. After all, the books tell us to buy this, that, and the kitchen sink, so you better hustle on over to Ye Local Wytchy Shoppe and get stuff. Remember, though, magical tools have an actual purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the magical and ritual items that many Wiccan and Pagan traditions use in some capacity. Remember, not all traditions use all of these tools, and they don’t always use them in the same way.

https://www.thoughtco.com/magical-tools-for-pagan-practice-4064607

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MBG: How To Clear Negative Energy At Home Using Grocery Store Staples (Yes, Really)

Feng shui is based on the idea that when you clear away negative energy at home, you create more room for flow or “chi”—something we can’t necessarily see, but we can feel.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-clear-negative-energy-at-home-quickly-and-easily

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Daily Good: Grateful Changemakers: Karma Kitchen

The first Karma Kitchen opened in Berkley, CA in 2007. It began as an experiment of a “gift economy”. An economic system where goods and services are gifted – with no strings attached!
What a culture shift!! This model puts people in the position to receive kindness from strangers, inviting us to see from a different perspective. This is such a beautiful exploration of change in our behavior of consumption to one of contribution, from our perception of lack to one of abundance and community.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2151/grateful-changemakers-karma-kitchen-the-gratefulness-team/

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Elephant Journal: Eclipse Season Kicks off 2019 with a Bang: Here’s how to Make the Most of It.

I always get excited about a fresh new year.
So many potential energy shifts. Pushing away the labors of the past year in exchange for something shiny and (as of yet) untouched, seems mysterious and appealing. I mean, we can hope, right? Astrologically speaking, January’s a brand-new month in a brand-new year and yet, we’re still going to be working on the same themes we’ve worked on throughout 2018.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/eclipse-season-kicks-off-2019-with-a-bang-heres-how-to-make-the-most-of-it/

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MNN: How chicken soup makes you feel better, according to science
Revealed: The secret to chicken soup’s medicinal properties

When you’re sick, there are few things more nourishing than a warm, savory bowl of chicken soup. Though soup recipes vary, chicken broth is a remedy for cold and flu symptoms utilized around the world; its magic is recognized almost ubiquitously.

https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/how-chicken-soup-makes-you-feel-better-according-science

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EarthSky News: Northern Cross upright in west now

Tonight, look for the Northern Cross. It isn’t as famous as its counterpart – the Southern Cross – visible from the Southern Hemisphere or the northern tropics. But the Northern Cross also looks like a cross, and it’s pretty easy to spot. It’s a large, noticeable star pattern.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/northern-cross-stands-upright-on-december-evenings

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Patheos-Pagan: Witchy Resolution & Resolve, or How I Will Support my Magickal Practice in the New Year

I’m not necessarily a resolution sort of person. And yet, every year, I make some.
Every year.
But if this year’s messages and encounters have taught me anything, it’s that I can do more to support my magick

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/chargedbythegoddess/2018/12/witchy-resolution-resolve-or-how-i-will-support-my-magickal-practice-in-the-new-year/

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Inner Journey:

THE FACE IN THE MIRROR

“Our inability to see beauty doesn’t suggest in the slightest that beauty is not there. Rather, it suggests that we are not looking carefully enough or with broad enough perspective to see the beauty.”
— Rabbi Harold Kushner

Who are you? You can gaze at your reflection in a mirror but you’re not likely to see your true likeness. You are beautiful, unique, perfect. Do you see that?

The world needs you to see how whole and complete you are — now. Can you begin to own your divinity? The world needs you to know who you really are so you can be the mirror for others.

“The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing.”
— John Muir

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Garlic and Herb Snowflake Bread

This is a cute snowflake shaped pull-apart bread for the holidays. It’s filled with garlic and herbs. Serve by itself or with marinara sauce.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Garlic-and-Herb-Snowflake-Bread.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
December 27, 2018

Blessings

“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”

-Abraham Heschel
Think of the odds, think of what it took to get us here, in this particular body, at this particular time. So many events had to occur exactly the way that they did for us to exist right now. What if your mother hadn’t met your father? The “what ifs” are endless! But somehow everything fell into place miraculously to create this life that you’re living. So now we’re here – and what we gain from this experience, how we learn and grow and make this blessing really count, is all up to us!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 6 Things to Remember When You’re Struggling to Forgive

Forgiveness is difficult, especially when we’ve been hurt deeply by someone. We all struggle with forgiveness at some point in our lives, but handing on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge only cause self-imposed suffering.

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 25, 2018

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 25, 2018

Blessings, Cat

_________________________

The short holiday day of talking by the fire,
floating on snowshoes among
ancient self-pollarded maples,
visiting, being visited, giving
a rain gauge, receiving red socks,
watching snow buntings nearly over
their heads in snow stab at spirtled bits
of sunflower seeds the chickadees
hold with their feet to a bough
and hack apart, scattering debris
like sloppy butchers, is over.

-Galway Kinnell (1927-2014)

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Spirituality & Health

5 Meaningful Holiday Traditions
I once heard that kids spell love T-I-M-E. I often think of that with my own kids, but I think it’s also true for adults. What adult wouldn’t want a little more time off for the holidays? A little more time to spend relaxing by the fire. A little more time with a loved one who is no longer with us. This holiday season focus on meaningful traditions, whether that translates to time spent in peaceful solitude and reflection as you head into the new year, or time spent with friends and family. Here are five ways to create meaningful new holiday traditions

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2018/12/24/5-meaningful-holiday-traditions

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MBG: Why I Don’t Do New Year’s Resolutions & What To Do Instead

I am on my tiptoes every New Year’s Eve, caught up in the magic of something new this way coming. “Auld Lang Syne” is in my ears reminding me to honor the past that brought me here as I ask everyone around me what their favorite part of the year was and why. The clock winds down, and I close my eyes for my kiss, confident my new life is beginning the very next day. It is pure magic and wishful bliss.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/skip-resolutions-new-year-intentions

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Daily Good: Okagesama

Okagesama is the awareness that what is inside the walls of your house or under the skin of your body or any aspect of your life and experience are elements that cannot be seen. They are in the shadows and in order to see them, we have to look very deeply. Gregg Krech writes that we have to see with more than our eyes. There are unseen forces in our lives that make them possible. When we reflect on this and try to identify all the unseen forces that make a thing or an experience possible, we discover that it is endless. We discover that what is in the shadows doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, but that once we bring the light of awareness to it, we often find that it is love.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2150/okagesama-gregg-krech/

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Elephant Journal: The Big Box of Astrology for 2019: Change is Coming Your Way.

*Whether astrology is science or magic, we’re open to most things, if they may be of benefit. ~ Ed.

Too many of us are bruised, battered, and worn from 2018’s energy.
One of the things that most of us enjoy about astrology is its ability to give us some indicators into where we go next.
Astrology is not just about what lies ahead—it’s about the past and present, too.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/the-big-box-of-astrology-for-2019-change-is-coming-your-way/

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MNN: Why and how you should start a sit-spot routine
Spending time in nature has proven health benefits, and this habit will help you reap those positive rewards.

I’m sitting on deep green moss at the base of an old Sitka spruce. Sunlight is filtering down through a canopy of pine and alder, vine maple and salmonberry. On my right, a small creek tumbles over rocks and fine silt, wraps around the little knoll I’m on and continues down a small green ravine into a sedge-filled marsh.

https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/how-find-sit-spot-and-start-sit-spot-routine

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EarthSky News: Moon and Royal Star on December 25 and 26

These next two nights – December 25 and 26, 2018 – you might see the moon and Regulus, the Royal Star, coming up above your eastern horizon before your bedtime. If not, you can always get up before daybreak to view the waning gibbous moon and Regulus much higher up in the sky.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-and-royal-star-on-december-25-and-26

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Patheos-Pagan: WHEN IT’S NOT ABOUT THE VIRGIN

What is this dark time of the year, when it’s not about belief, whether the biblical or the pagan?
Without the cards, the first thing that fell into my head as a quick answer was a favorite line from the movie All the President’s Men: ‘If it ain’t sex, follow the money.’
Right.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/cartomancer/2018/12/23/when-its-not-about-the-virgin/

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Inner Journey:

WHAT’S IMPORTANT?

“Where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going. Rather than always focusing on what’s urgent, learn to focus on what is really important.”
— Stephen Covey

Time management is all about making decisions. At each step of the way, we want to choose activities that best support what we want to do with our lives. To do this, we need to be clear about our short and long-term goals.

Here’s a general question to ask yourself often: “Is this the best use of my time in terms of meeting my goals?” Sometimes, of course, we don’t have any choice. But ask yourself honestly, “Could I take more control if I really wanted to?” Often, we play the victim because we don’t want to make the effort to change our behaviour.

“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.'”
— Lao-Tzu

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Baby souls follow.

Young souls lead.

But old souls are just as happy to dance alone.

Not that I’m spying on you,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Caramelized Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are extra yummy, sweetened by being caramelized, and studded with cranberries. The onions and garlic give it a nice smoky flavour. I love the green and red look for the holidays. 🙂

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Caramelized-Cranberry-Brussels-Sprouts.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
December 26, 2018

Blessings

“The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things of life.”

-Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson says “do not grasp at the stars” as if to say- don’t worry so much about things you don’t have, things that are out of your reach. Instead, focus on the task at hand, and see the beauty and the blessings which are right here, right now. We can’t appreciate what is right in front of us if we are looking off into the distance.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 6 Things to Leave Behind in the New Year
Life is too short to give fear, regret, and bad habits a place in this next year.
I love New Years. Something about new beginnings and chances to improve always gives me a feeling of hope and excitement. Plus, I just love champagne. It’s almost as invigorating as the idea of letting go of “the old” things you want to forget or habits you want to change. Like running like an Olympian to catch the kids’ bus every day. Or drinking that second (okay fourth) cup of coffee before three.

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 24, 2018

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 24, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,
A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;
Blinks but an hour or two; and then,
A blood-red orange, sets again.

-Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94)

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MBG: Get Ready, Because The Last Week Of 2018 Will Be A Roller Coaster

On Monday, Neptune squares Mercury, and it’ll speak to our soft, emotional sides.
This Monday, December 24, head-in-the-clouds Neptune muffles logical Mercury’s input levels as the two lock into a dynamic square. This compassionate combo could turn events into pure poetry. Raise a touching toast, even if you scrawl it impromptu-style on the back of a cocktail napkin.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-december-24-30-2018

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Daily Good: Dealing with the Darkness of What Humans Do to Humans

The darkest capacities of humans to hurt fellow humans and destroy the natural world offer us the challenge of shifting our consciousness to discover what humanity can achieve through awareness, to create something alive and dynamic instead. Two organizations, Rising Women Rising World and FemmeQ have identified five of the outstanding qualities of feminine intelligence –available to men as to women — that could enable us to achieve tangible long-lasting results through awareness.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2169/dealing-with-the-darkness-of-what-humans-do-to-humans-scilla-elworthy/

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Elephant Journal: Crazy Coincidence or Wink from the Cosmos? Finding Meaning in Synchronicities.

Last week, I taught a class to a group of seventh and eighth graders using the metaphor of a tree to talk about life and all the different elements important we must have in order to grow.
For example, how a tree’s roots represent our foundation and what we need to help us stay grounded, and its fruit—our dreams and the gifts we came here to share.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/crazy-coincidence-or-wink-from-the-cosmos-how-to-find-meaning-in-synchronicities/

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MNN: This 100-year-old Mexican Christmas tradition involves carving giant radishes

The city of Oaxaca, Mexico, has a creative way to bring attention to the harvest, particularly the cherished radish crop. Dating back to 1897, market vendors would carve the vegetables into various figures to make their radishes look more appealing. The mayor created a festival around the carvings — La Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/Night-of-radishes-unique-mexican-christmas-tradition

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EarthSky News: Moon and Gemini on December 23 and 24

On December 23 and 24, 2018, the waning gibbous moon – just past the solstice full moon – passes to the south of the two brightest stars of the constellation Gemini. These two stars are noticeable for being bright and close together. In sky lore, they represent the starry eyes of twin brothers. One star is Castor, and the other is Pollux. On these nights, the moon is also passing to the north of Procyon, the Little Dog Star

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-and-gemini

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Patheos-Pagan: Inviting in the New: Another Witch’s New Year Plans

I like the new year. I like new things, new spaces, and new shifts in my own awareness and action. The invitations to do something different, to make something better, and to expand who I am in my heart — and in the world.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/chargedbythegoddess/2018/12/inviting-in-the-new-another-witchs-new-year-plans/

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Inner Journey:

WHERE’S YOUR ATTENTION?

“Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention.”
— Greg Anderson

What do you usually focus on: problems or solutions?

When our mind dwells on a problem, we stay stuck. Woe is me! But when we can shift to ask how we might achieve a solution to our problem, our subconscious mind, thinking and creativity move into gear. New possibilities open up.

Get in the habit of asking for solutions!

“Every choice moves us closer to or farther away from something. Where are your choices taking your life? What do your behaviors demonstrate that you are saying yes or no to in life?”
— Eric Allenbaugh

higherawareness.com
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Today’s Recipe: Pretzel Rolo Turtles (Gluten Free)

Several years ago, our daughter made these for me, gluten free, and brought them when she came for Christmas. They were delicious and I have been wanting to try to make them ever since but never seemed to get around to doing it until today. I try not to eat a lot of sweets but when it’s Christmas, I go wild. Oh, gosh! These are so good and so quick and easy to make

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Pretzel-Rolo-Turtles-Gluten-Free.html

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Magical Correspondences for Monday

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
December 24, 2018

Blessings

“Yes, there is a Nirvanah: it is in leading your sheep to a green pasture, and in putting your child to sleep, and in writing the last line of your poem.”

-Kahlil Gibran

Our blessings are right in front of us, every day. The little things that make us happy, those are the things that make life worthwhile. It’s easy to see the big blessings, they get our attention – but the sweet, simple, small events that make us smile, for those we must be grateful, too.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 7 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is an essential part of building happiness. It helps us realize what we have and helps puts situations into perspective. Gratitude is the expression of being thankful and having an attitude of appreciation and not taking things for granted in life. The benefits of practicing gratitude are infinite

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 18, 2018

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 18, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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If the world seems cold to you,
kindle fires to warm it.

-Lucy Larcom (1824-93)

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Spirituality & Healing: CBD Oil for Insomnia
If you toss at night, glowering at the clock in frustration, you’re not alone. About 60 percent of Americans have insomnia a few nights per week, if not more often. This can be caused by stress, illness, medicines or other factors, and is more likely to affect females and those aged 65 and older. While there are many ways to treat insomnia, some people are turning to CBD oil for relief. You may have wondered if it’s worth a try, so let’s take a look at CBD for insomnia

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2018/12/17/cbd-oil-for-insomnia#

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Daily Good: Consider Your Wake

Many of us like to consider the impact we make as a “footprint” we leave behind. But what if instead of a footprint, we imagined our actions leaving a wake? In this article, Andy Smallman explores how the metaphor of a boat in the water can be applied to our daily decisions and interpersonal exchanges. Just as a boat creates waves that affect the vessels around it, so too do our words and actions influence the unfolding of our days and the relationships with those whom we encounter. “Among the things I like about the wake image is that a wake is strongest when it’s new and close, and it comes in contact with lots of things as time passes,” Smallman writes. “In this way it is significant both right away AND in the future, the form of significance just being different.”

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2156/consider-your-wake-andy-smallman/

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Elephant Journal: A sweet, no-nonsense Holiday Survival Guide for Empaths & HSPs.

I have a confession to make before we dive in…
Sometimes, I dislike the words “empath” or “highly sensitive person (HSP).”

Maybe it seems to imply specialness—that we’re more special than other people, but I don’t believe that’s true.
Everyone is unique.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/a-sweet-no-nonsense-holiday-survival-guide-for-empaths-hsps/

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MNN: Sensitive Santas help autistic kids find the spirit of the season

The holidays have plenty of hustle and bustle, and it can overwhelm children on the spectrum. Sensitive Santas can help bring seasonal joy.

https://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/stories/sensitive-santas-help-autistic-kids-find-spirit-season

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EarthSky News: Longest days accompany December solstice

When we say the longest days of the year come each year around the December solstice, we’re talking about the day not as a period of daylight, but as the interval from one solar noon or midday to the next. In December, a day – one rotation of Earth relative to the noonday sun – is about one-half minute longer than the average 24 hours.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/longest-days-of-year-accompany-the-december-solstice

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Patheos-Pagan: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

The Calvinist idea that success is a sign of divine favor is dead wrong. It’s bad theology and it doesn’t hold up to even a casual examination of how the world actually works. I’m pretty sure most Pagans agree with me here.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2018/12/what-you-cant-see-can-hurt-you.html

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Inner Journey:

THE FACE IN THE MIRROR

Who are you? You can gaze at your reflection in a mirror but you’re not likely to see your true likeness. You are beautiful, unique, perfect. Do you see that?

The world needs you to see how whole and complete you are — now. Can you begin to own your divinity? The world needs you to know who you really are so you can be the mirror for others.

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Some folks are already wondering whether or not you’re “for real.”.

Same thing happened to all the other legends.

They’ll see,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Marmalade

I was craving my mum’s homemade orange marmalade the other morning but had ran out of it. She uses lots of orange zest in hers, which I love, so I thought I’d try to remake it with a bit of a twist in my Instant Pot… because I wanted it in an instant! I added fresh cranberries to it since we have so many around for the holidays. What a tangy delight! I’ll be making plenty of jars to give out for the holidays.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Instant-Pot-Cranberry-Orange-Marmalade.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
December 18, 2018

Experience

“A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.”

-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
So where do these insights come from if not from experience? They come from the infinite wisdom of the Universe. We can tap into it at any time through meditation. Everything we need to know is right there for us. Meditation gives us direct experience of the spirit.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 8 Facts to Remember When Life is Unbearable
You can find the silver lining today.

A friend stepped over the smoldering debris of where her house once stood. Tripping over melted photo frames, broken pieces of furniture, the sound of broken glass being crushed beneath her feet added to the misery

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 17, 2018

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 17, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the day’s,
Lucy’s, who scarce seven hours herself unmasks;
The sun is spent, and now his flasks
Send forth light squibs, no constant rays . . .

–John Donne (1572–1631)

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Pioneer Thinking: Aromatherapy Bath

In this article we will discuss various oils and their benefits when used in a aromatherapy bath. We will also provide a great recipe for you to use when you are taking your next aromatherapy bath.

https://pioneerthinking.com/aromatherapy-bath

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: This Is The Perfect Time To Cozy Up With A Book — Astrology Says So

On Thursday, the sun trines Uranus, and it’ll bring out your inner bookworm.
Seasonal traditions are popping up at every turn, but feel free to color outside the lines this Thursday, December 20, when the Sagittarius Sun sends a solar-charged current to innovative Uranus in Aries. With a willingness to experiment, this once-per-year trine can awaken the slumbering genius within. Need a boost? Read books and watch TED talks by inspiring thought leaders.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/17-23-2018

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Daily Good: How to Live a More Courageous Life

When confronted with fear, the brain will seek relief in the form of old coping habits if left to its own devices. However, there are things we can do to help it change course. If we set the stage for courage, our awareness of what happens to us becomes our greatest ally. “The more you interrupt the old fear-based habits and replace fear-based responses with responses to boost courage, the more you create a ‘courage habit.’ By living your life with courage, you’ll be more likely to make the changes that will lead to greater fulfillment — whether that’s embarking on a new relationship or job, or helping to save the world.” In this article from Greater Good, five tips for changes in your life that will make you aware of how you experience fear, and support courage

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2158/how-to-live-a-more-courageous-life-kate-swoboda/

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Tetrakyts: The Pagan Origins of Christmas – From Paganism to Christianity

hristmas is coming and a lot of Neopagans will be celebrating it as “Yule”, on the 21st of December. The Neopagan Yule is loosely based on the Germanic festival of the same name, and I say loosely because we don’t have much information about what the original Pagan festival was, as most of the information we have on Germanic Paganism comes from Christian sources. Nevertheless, religions always build on what is already there and for this reason, you’ll see that a lot of Christmas elements actually have Pagan roots.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/the-pagan-origins-of-christmas-from-paganism-to-christianity/

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MNN: Conservationists plant a ‘super grove’ of redwood trees cloned from ancient stumps

A new “super grove” of endangered coast redwood trees arose today in California, thanks to a nonprofit group that planted 75 saplings at a park in San Francisco.
Since their species is endangered, any new community of coast redwoods would be welcome news. Yet these 75 saplings are also newsworthy for another reason: They’re all clones, born of DNA that conservationists retrieved from ancient redwood stumps. Now growing together at the Presidio of San Francisco, they carry on a valuable genetic legacy that dates back thousands of years.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/super-grove-redwood-tree-clones

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EarthSky News: Orion’s Belt and the Celestial Bridge

Tonight – December 16, 2018 – the constellation Orion rises in your eastern sky around 7 to 8 p.m. Orion climbs highest up for the night around midnight local time (the time on your clock no matter where you are on the globe). It then sits low in your western sky around 4 to 5 a.m. Notice the three stars at the mid-section of Orion. We know these stars as Orion’s Belt, but the Aymara people of Bolivia, Peru and Chile call them a Celestial Bridge.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/orions-belt-and-the-celestial-bridge

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Patheos-Pagan: Don’t Worry Be Happy and Other Abusive Folk Wisdom

At least a couple times a week I see a meme that says something along the lines of “your problems are nothing compared to what other people are going through – be happy.” And there are always comments that say “yes – people don’t realize how good they have it.”
These memes make me very angry.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2018/12/dont-worry-be-happy-and-other-abusive-folk-wisdom.html

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Inner Journey:

DO YOU LOVE YOURSELF?

“At the heart of personality is the need to feel a sense of being lovable without having to qualify for that acceptance.”
— Dr. Paul Tournier

How do you see yourself as unlovable?

Take a few minutes to write down why you perceive yourself to be unlovable. Look at the list and see if you can identify where those characterizations originated. Can you pinpoint old messages from parents, teachers, and friends that led you to negative conclusions about yourself? Are those messages valid today?

The beliefs we adopt as children usually don’t hold when we view them objectively as adults. Can you let them go? Can you begin to see yourself as a unique expression of life, a genuine gift to the world?

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
— Buddha

“Limitless like the ocean are your excellent qualities.”
— Dalai Lama

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Give with a truly glad heart for the sole purpose of the good it will do, and whatever you give shall return to you, multiplied, as if on wings, covered in sparkles.

Richly,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Pineapple Coconut Carrot Cake

A very sweet, moist, and fruity carrot cake, that is based on this recipe. Carrot cake can be dry so I am glad that the pineapple helped solve that. I am doubling the baking time because it literally took twice as long as what the link said.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Pineapple-Coconut-Carrot-Cake.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, Reconciliations, Voyages, Dreams, Medicine, Visions and Merchandise

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
December 17, 2018

Experience

“We learn geology the morning after the earthquake.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Aren’t we funny? This is so true! Sometimes it takes something to “shake us up” so that we can learn. And then we do – we learn from our experiences, both positive and negative. All of life is our classroom; every day there are lessons for us. It’s up to us if we want to do our homework and be prepared – and a lot of that is basically keeping up our spiritual practices. Or, we could goof off and take our chances that we won’t get hit with a “pop quiz!” Whatever happens, we will eventually figure it out.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Making the Holidays Meaningful
For many of us, the holidays are disappointing. They are neither magical nor meaningful time. I find that to be incredibly sad. In my opinion, regardless of whether you are Christian, Jewish or atheist,…
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 December 14, 2018

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 14, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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In drear nighted December,
Too happy, happy tree,
Thy branches ne’er remember
Their green felicity-
The north cannot undo them
With a sleety whistle through them
Nor frozen thawings glue them
From budding at the prime.

-John Keats (1795-1821)

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Beliefnet Astrology: Six Ways Crystal can Change your Life

People have been calling me the Crystal Chick for years. I love crystals and their ability to subtly but profoundly change our energy, health and aura. We use crystals in computers and clocks but they can be very helpful in our personal lives. There are six main areas in which crystals can change your life for the better.
https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/astrology/6-ways-crystal-can-change-your-life.aspx#ffhERpcqfDiswcYo.99

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MBG: This Is What Actually Attracts People To You

Over time, I’ve learned to understand words like “beauty” and “attractiveness” in a different way—not in terms of physical appearances but in terms of what I refer to as radiance. Radiance is that je ne c’est quoi that spins heads when you walk into a room. It creates a door where there was once a wall. It has nothing to do with age, body shape, or physical features.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/more-attractive

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Daily Good: 8 World-Views and Practices by Mark Nepo

Since prehistoric hunters had to work together in order to survive, people have had to learn how to share both the workload and the harvest, and the problems and the joys. Through the centuries, traditions have formed and complexities have grown. But the health of all community depends on how we treat each other. This article explores eight worldviews and the practices they offer. Each can help us stay wholehearted, authentic, and in true relationship to life and each other.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2157/8-world-views-and-practices-by-mark-nepo-mark-nepo/

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MNN: 8 things to know about the winter solstice

“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night,” quipped Steve Martin — and indeed, even a day with less sunshine can feel a bit dark. Our world depends on the light radiating from that big star we traipse around, and when it’s in short supply, we feel it. But if you count yourself among those who don’t love waking up before the sun rises and getting off work after it has set, things are about to lighten up. Hello, winter solstice!

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/8-things-know-about-winter-solstice

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EarthSky News: Time to look for Mercury and Jupiter below Venus

Now – mid-December 2018 – it’s time to get outside in the early morning and try to spot our sun’s innermost planet, Mercury. Look east, the sunrise direction. You can’t miss super-bright Venus. Mercury is below it, near the sunrise point. If you look extra hard with the unaided eye or binoculars, you might spot bright Jupiter near the horizon, too, on a line with Venus and Mercury.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/seek-for-mercury-beneath-venus-at-dawn

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Patheos-Pagan: Yule Shopping? What To Get For The Witch Or Pagan Who Has Everything

Odds are pretty likely you’re still shopping for holiday gifts, or perhaps you haven’t even started yet. And maybe you have that friend whom you know is either a witch, pagan, polytheist, or some general form of occultist. What in the name of the gods above and below can you get them that doesn’t look like some generic “Here’s a random candle, knock yourself out!” type of a present?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/teaaddictedwitch/2018/12/yule-shopping-witch-pagan/

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Inner Journey

REVIEW YOUR LIFE

“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
— James Levin

Take a few minutes today to reflect on what has happened recently and to put the last week in perspective. What made an impact on you this last week? What do you want to set as a goal for next week?

Reflection helps us step back from the details of our lives and see the bigger picture with fresh eyes. It’s worth a few moments of your time. Review your week and come up with at least one conclusion, insight or learning and write it in your journal.

“Just because we increase the speed of information doesn’t mean we can increase the speed of decisions. Pondering, reflecting and ruminating are undervalued skills in our culture.”
— Dale Dauten

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Today don’t think or say, “I’m tired,” “I’m hurt,” “I’m angry.” Don’t even think or say, “I’m happy.”

Instead, think and say, “I’ve chosen to be tired, hurt, angry.” Or better still, “I’m choosing to be happy.”

You don’t get “hit” by feelings, you feel them based on your perceptions, and you perceive based on your beliefs, and you believe as you choose.

You are your words,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Holiday Veggie or Fruit Tree

A festive holiday centerpiece can be created with vegetables or fruits for family gatherings and parties. This page contains holiday veggie or fruit tree.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Holiday-Veggie-or-Fruit-Tree-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.

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
December 14, 2018

Service

“If we could all hear one another’s prayers, God might be relieved of some of his burden.”

-Ashleigh Brilliant
We are here as angels, emissaries, to do God’s work, to help each other. We can hear one another’s prayers if we just listen. We are all one in spirit, and we all want the same things – love, respect, acknowledgment, a purpose. Think about all that we can do for each other to provide those very important things. It could be so simple, and so beautiful, and mean so much.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 6 Easy Tricks to Feel More Confident

Confidence is something that almost everyone alive today wants. Single people proclaim loudly that confidence is seen as sexy. Employers claim that confident employees are a must. Even parents teach their children to value confidence.

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