The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 14, 2019

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 14, 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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In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

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Spirit library: Invocations for the Mystical Month of May (a message from Patricia Diane Cota-Robles)

Saint Germain and Mother Mary are assisting Humanity in powerful and brand new ways during this Mystical Month of May. You and I have the ability to exponentially expand their Holy Endeavors by invoking the NEW frequencies of the Violet Flame of Forgiveness and the NEW frequencies of the Resurrection Flame and the Flame of Enlightenment

https://spiritlibrary.com/patricia-diane-cota-robles/invocations-for-the-mystical-month-of-may

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ThoughtCo: Chamomile

Chamomile is a popular ingredient in a number of magical rituals and spell workings. The two most commonly seen types of chamomile, or camomile, are the Roman and German varieties. While their characteristics vary slightly, they are similar in uses and magical properties. Let’s look at some of the history and folklore behind the magical use of chamomile.

https://www.learnreligions.com/chamomile-2562019

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MBG: What ‘Synchronicity’ Really Means & How To Recognize One When It Happens

Carl Jung defined synchronicity as “a meaningful coincidence,” as opposed to something coincidental that happens and has no greater significance. In the examples below, I’ll share some recent synchronicities from my own life that occurred over the span of one week and how I discerned that these coincidences held greater meaning for me

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-synchronicity-means-and-3-examples-of-what-it-looks-like

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Daily Tarot: The Chariot

It may start out as an ordinary day but a situation may arise that uncovers talents that you had no clue you had. Be adaptable and be willing to say, “Yes, I’ll give that a try,” rather than automatically saying, “Well I’m not sure. I’ve never done that before.” Be positive, optimistic, and sure of yourself. It’s the perfect day to learn something useful and profitable as well as exciting

astrology.com (daily newsletter)

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Daily Good: Who is Mother?

Matt Hopwood is a writer, storyteller and founder of A Human Love Story. He has traveled widely to gather peoples experiences of love and connection. In 2018 after the death of his beloved grandmother – he wanted to explore the role of mother in our lives and communities. Matt eventually grew the awareness of the sense of Mother in himself. He shares with us his yearning to nurture, the longing to give love, to hold, to create, posing the question – Can I mother too?

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2271/who-is-mother-matt-hopwood/

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MNN: What are the different types of lightning?
From ball lightning and blue jets to elves and sprites, thunderstorms have a lot of tricks up their sleeves.

Although we tend to think of lightning as a bolt that crashes to the earth from the sky, lightning can strike the ground or hit inside clouds or the air. According to the U.S. National Severe Storm Laboratory, there are five to 10 times as many lightning flashes inside clouds as there are cloud-to-ground strikes. Here’s a look at the different kinds of lightning that could occur during a thunderstorm.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/types-of-lightning

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EarthSky News: Bright star Vega on May evenings

Vega is a lovely star to come to know. When I was first learning the night sky, more than 40 years ago, I spent hours, days, weeks, months poring over charts and books. So I sometimes came to know the names and whereabouts of certain stars before seeing them in the night sky. One soft May evening, I happened to glance toward the northeast. I was thrilled at the sight of Vega – gleaming, sapphire-blue – and surprisingly bright for being so low in the sky.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/look-for-vega-in-the-northeast-in-springtime

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Today’s Deity: Taranis: The Thunderer
by Bill Blank
The name Taranis derives from the Celtic (or Indo-European) root ‘taran’ meaning thunderer or thunder. A bronze figurine was found in Le Chatelet, France and is dated to the 1st to 2nd century BCE. It shows a wise, patriarchal being holding a lightning bolt and a solar wheel. As one who grew up in the Western traditions, this figure is almost instantly recognizable as Jupiter, only the solar wheel giving away the fact that this is a Celtic and not a Roman figure…

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The Wild Hunt: Speak from the Heart

Last Saturday, I did something that I’ve never done before: I led a ritual without a script.

In my family’s tradition of Wicca, the responsibility of holding a sabbat carries with it the expectation that one will write a new and original ritual. That’s not to say that every ritual is completely idiosyncratic – they’re still obviously all Wiccan rituals, and they share a ritual grammar that would be instantly recognizable to anyone generally familiar with Wicca

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 13, 2019

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 13, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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May is a green as no other,
May is much sun through small leaves,
May is soft earth,
And apple-blossoms.
-Amy Lowell (1874-1925)

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Spiritual Unite: The Mirror Effect Of An Empath

We have all experienced it, being around someone who has either taken an instant dislike to us, or a bizarre resentment suddenly appears in those we have known for some time.
There may be no clear reason for this change in their behaviour. No matter whether they try to hide their feelings or not, an Empath can sense their loathing and it does not feel good!

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/the-mirror-effect-of-an-empath/

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ThoughtCo: Make a Simple Magical Herb Bundle to Hang on Your Door

Herbal magic is an ancient art and an important element of most Wiccan practice. Each herb has a different purpose and power. It’s easy to create magical herb bundles:

https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-make-herb-bundles-2562028

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Here’s How To Prep For The Year’s Only Full Moon In Scorpio

Some major planetary shifts are taking place in the sky this week. Here, the AstroTwins walk us through how to navigate it all.
On Wednesday, Venus and Mars change signs and push us to focus on our relationships.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-for-may-13-19-2019-by-the-astrotwins

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Today’s Deity: Oshun, African Goddess of Love and Sweet Waters

Across many ancient civilizations throughout the world, love was placed under the domain of a certain deity, usually, but not in all cases, a goddess. In the Classical world, for instance, there were Venus and Aphrodite, love goddesses of the Roman and Greek pantheons respectively. In the ancient Near East, love was personified in such goddesses as Ishtar and Astarte. Further afield in West Africa, the Yoruba people believe in a love goddess by the name of Oshun

https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-africa/oshun-african-goddess-love-and-sweet-waters-002908

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MNN: There’s a tree in this North Carolina swamp that’s at least 2,624 years old

There’s a specific stand of bald cypress trees along the Black River in North Carolina that are some of the oldest trees in the country. Locally known as the Three Sisters Swamp, there are several trees in the group known to be more than 1,000 years old.
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/scientists-discover-tree-least-2624-years-old

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Tetraktys: The 13 Wiccan Esbats Explained

Traditionally, an Esbat is a gathering of Wiccans happening during the night of the Full Moon. The purpose of an Esbat is to celebrate the Full Moon, honor the Deities and practice magick. Esbat rituals are part of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year along with the eight Sabbat

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2019/wiccan-esbats-explained/

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EarthSky News: Look for the legendary green flash

It’s not hard to see a green flash with the eye alone, when sky conditions are right, and when you’re looking toward a very clear and very distant horizon. That’s why those who live near an ocean tend to report green flashes most often. A sea horizon is the best place to see them.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/see-the-legendary-green-flash

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3 Pagans & A Cat: What’s In a Name?

This past Sunday, Car and I renewed our marriage vows in a handfasting during a Beltane ritual. The event was held at Artes and Craft, and officiated by our friends Pat and Paul, who in addition to co-owning the store are the High Priestess and Priest of a local coven.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/agora/2019/05/3-pagans-a-cat-whats-in-a-name/

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Inner Journey:

SMART QUESTIONS TO KEEP HANDY

“Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”
— Anthony Robbins

Last time, we talked about questions to avoid. Today, let’s consider some that are truly empowering:
• Is there a message for me in this experience?
• What’s the gift in this situation?
• What can I learn from this?
• What’s the most loving thing I could do now?
• What’s the most important thing for me to focus on now?
• What would I do if I knew I could not fail?
• What would I do if there were nothing to fear?

“A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.”
— Francis Bacon

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Dreams come true, that’s what they do. The only variable is when.

For the slow approach: Resist. Attach. Insist. Deny. Stop. Second guess. Whine. Argue. Defend. Protest. Cry. Struggle. And ask others, when you know the answer yourself.

For the quick approach: Visualize. Pretend. Prepare. Dodge. Roll. Serpentine. Do not waver over intentions, but over methods. Show up, even when nothing happens. And give thanks in advance.
You knew that,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Crispy Tuna Cheese Puffs

These little crispy pockets of tuna and cream cheese are an excellent appetizer or side to a meal. I came up with them because I adore crab rangoons, but don’t always have those ingredients handy. I always have tuna and cream cheese around! These can be pan fried or baked. I’ve added both methods in this recipe.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Crispy-Tuna-Cheese-Puffs.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
May 13, 2019

Body

“We should conduct ourselves not as if we ought to live for the body, but as if we could not live without it.”

-Seneca the Younger (5? BC – AD 65)

There is a kind of mindfulness that we need to observe when taking care of the body. We need to exercise, but not overdo. We need to eat properly, but not too much. This is a precious package that is ours to take care of. And when we take care of the body, it takes care of us. We all have this in common. We may look so different on the outside – different shapes, sizes, colors, ages, whatever. But on the inside- it’s all the same basic equipment. What makes us “tick” is all the same “stuff.”

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily post are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.

I invite you to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com
Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 10, 2019

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Cat

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 10, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Month of bees, and month of flowers,
Month of blossom-laden bowers;
Month of little hands with daisies,
Lovers’ love, and poets’ praises;
O thou merry month complete,
May, thy very name is sweet!
-Leigh Hunt (1784-1859)

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Spiritual Unite: Benefits Of Waking Up At 3am – Perfect Time For Soul Work

Waking up at 3 am regularly can be frustrating, especially if you function particularly poorly on broken sleep. But did you know that there are benefits to doing this?
People who are undergoing awakening or ascension to new energy levels tend to wake up at 3 am regularly

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/benefits-of-waking-up-at-3am-perfect-time-for-soul-work/

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ThoughtCo: An Introduction to Wildcrafting

In addition to growing your own magical herbs in your garden, in many areas you can harvest herbs from their natural environment—in the wild. This is known as wildcrafting, and is becoming a popular pastime. If you’re one of the many Pagans or Wiccans who enjoys working with herbs, you may want to look into wildcrafting.

https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-wildcrafting-2562016

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MBG: The Best Way To Relieve Stress, Based On Your Personality Type

Let’s face it: Relaxation has never been so complicated. From acupressure to Zumba, from breathwork to salt scrubs, the health world today is filled with ideas for de-stressing. Sorting it out can be a stress-maker in itself. How are you supposed to know where to begin?

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-relieve-your-stress-based-on-your-personality

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Bellaonline: Car Cars – Dream Symbol
A car is our personal transportation vehicle, and what is going on with the car in your dream reflects how your life is going.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art300860.asp/zzz

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Today’s Deity: Epona

In Gallo-Roman religion, Epona was a protector of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. She was particularly a goddess of fertility, as shown by her attributes of a patera, cornucopia, ears of grain and the presence of foals in some sculptures. She and her horses might also have been leaders of the soul in the after-life ride, with parallels in Rhiannon of the Mabinogion.

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

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Oak & Olive: One Ring to Balance All

I have written a lot of spells over during my time writing for Llewellyn’s almanacs. Ones where you can make something crafty are among my favorites. This wreath for balancing your home’s energies is a simple, easy spell to complete

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/oakandolive/2019/05/one-ring-to-balance-all/

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EarthSky News: Why can’t I find the Milky Way in May?

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere this month, searching for the starlit band of the Milky Way during the evening hours, you won’t find it. That’s because, on May evenings, the plane of the Milky Way lies in nearly the same plane as that of our horizon as viewed from the northern part of Earth’s globe. The starlit trail doesn’t cross the dome of your sky after sunset in May. Instead, it lies nearly flat around your horizon on May evenings

https://earthsky.org/tonight/milky-way-galaxy-flat-around-horizon-may

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Patheos-Pagan: The Spirits of Nature are Terrifying

I am an easily impressed person. A lot of things stir awe in me, and often a healthy amount of fear. Looking over the edge of a high cliff, standing in the vastness of the ocean, watching the waters rise dangerously in the creek near my home; these things make me afraid. So while I adore the spirits of the land and the waters, and I revel in their beauty, I acknowledge that sometimes they are absolutely terrifying.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/heathenatheart/2019/05/the-spirits-of-nature-are-terrifying/

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Inner Journey:

HOW DO YOU PLAY YOUR ROLES?

“What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are.”
— Epicetus

When we are basically unconscious, we live according to social roles. We perform as sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, employers and employees, as society expects us to.

As we grow in awareness, we gain the freedom to bring our own unique perspectives to these roles. We can express ourselves authentically and creatively, without letting our roles dictate how we should behave.

“Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.”
— Katherine Mansfield

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Every act of kindness gets the nod, opens the heart, dampens the fear, turns the page, ups the ante, tips the point, heightens the joy, changes the world, rows the boat, adds to the love, and if you’ve been rather extraordinary lately, turns Thursdays into Fridays.

See?

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Banana Walnut Spread

This is an easy to make banana walnut spread that will up your plain toast to make it taste like warm and comforting banana bread. You can lessen or add powdered sugar to your taste. The banana’s ripeness also plays a role in how sweet it is. No baking required!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Banana-Walnut-Spread.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
May 10, 2019

Learning

“I am still learning.”

-Michelangelo (1475-1564)

Michelangelo was a master – no one would dispute that. And yet, he knew there was always room for growth. I think we go around a little too confident in our own skills, and then we get reminded that we still have much to learn. We drive around everywhere, especially here in Southern California, almost on auto-pilot, not really aware of what we’re doing… until one day we get a ticket, and our attention turns to the laws of the road while we’re sitting in traffic school. There are spiritual laws that we know about, too, but are we paying attention to those? We can always learn more.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Spirit Library: I am the Light of Quan Yin (a message from Gillian MacBeth-Louthan)

Quan Yin is such a beautiful expression of the Divine Mother. She is known as the Great goddess and Mother of Compassion and Mercy, and is loved and revered throughout the world no matter religious beliefs

https://spiritlibrary.com/gillian-macbeth-louthan/i-am-the-light-of-quan-yin-0

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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 May 8, 2019

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 8, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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In May beholds the blooming wild,
And hears in heaven the bluebird sing,
‘Onward,’ he cries, ‘your baskets bring,-
In the next field is air more mild,
And o’er yon hazy crest is Eden’s balmier spring.’
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

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Spiritual Unite: Blue Eyes Dream Meaning – Be True To Yourself And Others

Through dreams, we have our closest experiences with the astral energies of the universe. By examining our dream life, we can unlock the wisdom locked within us and use that to guide us through our waking life.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/blue-eyes-dream-meaning-be-true-to-yourself-and-others/

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ThoughtCo: Frankincense

Frankincense is one of the oldest documented magical resins–it’s been traded in northern Africa and parts of the Arab world for nearly five thousand years.

https://www.learnreligions.com/magic-and-folklore-of-frankincense-2562024

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MBG: 10 Really Quick Ways To Create A Higher Vibe Home

When it comes to fostering happiness, practices like meditation, yoga, exercise, healthy eating, energy healing, and, of course, doing more of what you love every day are certainly helpful. But did you know that your home can also help promote a more cheerful life?

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/10-things-to-do-at-home-to-promote-positive-energy

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Daily Good: Searching for Meaning Purpose and Patterns

Underneath many of the problems facing us today lie personal choices. Many of us are not only dissatisfied with the immense global problems we face but also with the quality of our own lives. One way to address these global challenges by connecting their solutions to smaller choices we already want to make in our personal lives. Sky Nelson-Isaacs lucidly explains how we can move into rhythm with the flow of life so that Life can move into harmony with our highest goals. Read this excerpt from the book, “Living In Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World” to discover how we can even enjoy the dance

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2287/searching-for-meaning-purpose-and-patterns-sky-nelson-isaacs/

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Today’s Goddess: Spider Woman (Na’ashjéii Asdzáá)

Name: Spider Woman
Tribal affiliation: Navajo
Name in Navajo: Na’ashjéii Asdzáá
Also spelled: Na ashje’ii ‘Asdzáá
Pronunciation: nah-ahsh-jay-ee ahs-dzah (Navajo)
Type: Goddess, spider, wise woman
Related figures in other tribes: Spider Grandmother (Hopi)

Spider Woman is one of the most important deities of traditional Navajo religion. Unlike the Hopi Spider Grandmother, the Navajo Spider Woman is not considered the creator of humans, but she is their constant helper and benefactor. Spider Woman was the adviser of the heroic twins Monster-Slayer and Born-for-Water, taught the people the arts of weaving and agriculture, and appears in many legends and folktales to “save the day,” protect the innocent, and restore harmony to the world.

http://www.native-languages.org/spider-woman.htm

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MNN: 5 surprising facts about Leonardo da Vinci

You might imagine a Renaissance icon like Leonardo da Vinci would be all out of surprises for us. It’s been 500 years and we’re still gushing over the man’s body of work, which runs a staggering gamut from invention to sculpture to science to literature.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/leonardo-da-vinci-surprising-facts-death-500-year-anniversary

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EarthSky News: Beetles steer by the Milky Way

When dung beetles grab a prized bit of food, they hurry off in a straight line. To be able to do this, they have to be able to see the stars.

https://earthsky.org/space/beetles-steer-by-the-milky-way

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Patheos-Pagan: The Merry Month of May

Beltane isn’t just one day, at least for me. It’s a season. After a few years of seemingly endless winters, May seems like a definite “put the flag in and stake your claim” declaration of Spring. Feels like a bit of relief, doesn’t it? Plants are blooming, you can really start working on your garden, clothes seem lighter, and the sandals come out. It’s always Beltane in our hearts, we say. But what if it’s not?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/witchindeed/2019/05/the-merry-month-of-may/

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Inner Journey:

A FOCUS FOR PARENTS

“Parents: persons who spend half their time worrying how a child will turn out, and the rest of the time wondering when a child will turn in.”
— Ted Cook

One of our responsibilities as parents is to become independent of our children.

Andrew Schneider notes that many of us feel inadequate as parents because we assume we are totally responsible for them, but we are not.

Schneider says, “Their soul is in charge of their lives, and nothing that you do can greatly interfere nor greatly help. Who you are as a being and what you model is the important reality.”

How specifically can we support our children? We want them to feel nurtured and valued. We want to support them in learning how to provide for themselves. And we want to help them build good relationships.

“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.”
— Frank A. Clark

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.”
— Hodding Carter

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

It may seem as if others can add to, or take from, what you have and who you are yet at the end of every day, what you have and who you are is entirely a function of your thoughts, beliefs, and expectations.

Ungawa,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

This curry is by far one of my family’s favourite meals. It’s creamy, savoury, spicy and has a hint of sweetness. This version uses chicken, potatoes and carrots, but you can use any mix of meats and/or vegetables and it’s an absolute delight

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Thai-Yellow-Curry.html

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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
May 8, 2019

Learning

“It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows.”

-Epictetus (A.D. 55? – 135?)

The most important ingredient in learning is an open mind. We need to approach each experience willing to take in the lesson and see the growth in ourselves. We can begin anytime, we can begin right now!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Simple Tips for Being More Courageous
Some people say you should release your fears or rise above them. Others believe fear is a friend that comes to teach lessons that will, ultimately, make us stonger. We asked our readers to share…
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 May 7, 2019

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Cat

CMB green

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 7, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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New flowery scents strewed everywhere,
New sunshine poured in largesse fair,
“We shall be happy now,” we say.
A voice just trembles through the air,
And whispers, “May.”
-Sarah C. Woolsey (1835-1905)

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Spiritual Unite: How To Know If You Are A Starseed – Shedding Light On Earth Missions

Have you always felt like you don’t belong here? Have you ever felt like an outsider among humanity?
If you have, you might be one of the small percentages of people on this planet that are what is known as Starseeds

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/how-to-know-if-you-are-a-starseed-shedding-light-on-earth-missions/

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ThoughtCo: How To Draw Down the Moon

What is Drawing Down the Moon?
In this beautiful and powerful rite, the practitioner invokes the Goddess directly into herself (or himself, as the case may be). In some variations, a High Priestess (HPs) may go into a trancelike state and speak the words of the Goddess, or it may be a formal monologue calling upon the Goddess in her many forms.

https://www.learnreligions.com/how-to-draw-down-the-moon-2562862

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Inner Happy Hour: Poetry Practice

Poem: take an ache, make it sing
BY TYLER KNOTT GREGSON

Poetry gives us a chance to express ourselves in a unique and profound way. Poet, photographer, and artist Tyler Knott Gregson insists, “It does not matter what the song sounds like, it does not matter what the lyrics end up being, it’s just giving all the aches in you, the positive and the negative, the space to realize themselves.”

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2019/05/05/poem-take-an-ache-make-it-sing

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Pioneer Thinking: How to Make Seed Bombs

Seed bombing has been popular in urban areas for some time. But the idea is applicable for other areas as well. What is seed bombing? It’s a fun, easy, and environmentally friendly way to plant large or difficult to reach areas. Children especially seem to enjoy the fun so it makes a good family project.

https://pioneerthinking.com/bombs-away-with-seed-bombs

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Elephant Journal: Astrological Forecast: the Best way to Make Use of May’s Full Moon.

The planets in the sky are always bringing us lessons, wisdom, and guidance.
Whether the teachings are smooth or difficult depends on who you talk to, but the “effortless versus arduous” question is largely tied up in the amount of resistance we feel to wanting to do the work presented.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/05/is-powerful-pleasure-allowed-the-astrology-of-may/

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MNN: Every year, this hummingbird comes back to the man who saved him

Even sitting in his driveway, Michael Cardenaz makes an imposing figure.
Muscled, tattooed and downright massive.
Then there’s that steely law enforcement strand that runs through every fiber of his being: 14 years with the sheriff’s office. SWAT team member and, now, Homeland Security agent

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/hummingbird-rescue-michael-cardenaz-returns-georgia

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EarthSky News: Leo? Here’s your constellation

Leo the Lion is one of the easiest constellations to identify in the night sky. April and May are great months to spot it

Of the 13 constellations of the zodiac, Leo the Lion ranks as one of the easiest to identify in the night sky

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/leo-heres-your-constellation

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Patheos-Pagan: Hoodoo How We Do Four Thieves Vinegar

Four Thieves Vinegar is one of the most popular Hoodoo potions around. So popular in fact, you might not even know it has it’s roots both in Southern Conjure and European Folk Magick. It’s entertaining history even comes with a biblical story.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/voodoouniverse/2018/09/hoodoo-how-we-do-four-thieves-vinegar/

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Inner Journey:

Why are you here?

“You can come to understand your purpose in life by slowing down and feeling your heart’s desires.”
— Marcia Wieder

What do you love to do? What gives you greatest meaning in your life? Let your answers trickle through and keep a record of the key words that come up.

Life becomes so much richer when we choose to live from our heart.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
— Steve Jobs

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

It’s time we had that little talk.

You know, about life, how it started, and where it might go…

First, there were a few thoughts.

Then, there were a few things.

Yeah, that’s what we said, “Wow!” But after eons and eons the novelty wore off because absolutely nothing ever changed.

Until there were new thoughts.

Get the picture?

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

These little squares of joy are like a cross between cookies, dessert bars, and peanut butter cups. They taste like a lot of hard work, but they could not be easier. Give these a shot! You won’t be sorry.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/No-Bake-Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Squares.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
May 7, 2019

Learning

“A primary method of learning is to go from the familiar to the unfamiliar.”

-Glenn Doman, How to Teach Your Baby to Read, 1964

Simple steps. And yet the unfamiliar often scares us, so that first step is the most difficult! Why not just step into the unknown? If we really want to grow, we’ve got to learn, and that means that we might have to start doing things differently to make space for that in our lives. No risk, no reward.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: The Blessings of Boredom
If you’ve ever had kids, you’ve heard the familiar lament, “I’m bored!” Kids always say that to parents, as if boredom is a major tragedy. As mature adults, we are less melodramatic if we are bored.

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 3, 2019

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 6, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Hebe’s here, May is here!
The air is fresh and sunny;
And the miser-bees are busy
Hoarding golden honey!

-Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836-1907)

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Spirit Library: May 2019 Energy Report

Welcome to May, a month of madness, mayhem, and miracles which everyone will experience according to what’s going on in their energy field and on their life path. We have some big things happening this month at the collective level, the culmination of the work we have been doing all year. So if things start happening in your life and you experience mayhem instead of miracles, take a good look at what you have really been asking for because the energy is moving quickly now and manifestation works according to our deepest, often hidden intentions. Buckle up, keep your hands and feet in the car and enjoy the ride, the roller coast has started

https://spiritlibrary.com/jennifer-hoffman/may-2019-energy-report

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ThoughtCo: The Green Man, Spirit of the Forest

For our ancient ancestors, many spirits and deities were associated with nature, wildlife, and plant growth. After all, if you had just spent the winter starving and freezing, when spring arrived it was certainly time to give thanks to whatever spirits watched over your tribe. The spring season, particularly around Beltane, is typically tied to a number of pre-Christian nature spirits. Many of these are similar in origin and characteristics, but tend to vary based on region and language. In English folklore, few characters stand out as much–or are as recognizable–as the Green Man

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-green-man-spirit-of-the-forest-2561659

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Mercury Is About To Give Us All A Pair Of Rose-Colored Glasses

On Monday, Mercury moves into Taurus and asks us to find the magic in the everyday.
Look up from that mobile screen and take in the beauty of the world around you. Beginning this Monday, May 6, mindful Mercury decamps to slow-jamming Taurus, adding a decadent dimension to our interactions

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-for-may-6-12-2019-by-the-astrotwins

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

The Wheel of the Year represents the never-ending cycle of the seasons. As the wheel turns, the seasons change, and when a year has passed, the cycle starts over. Just like a calendar, it regroups the eight Wiccan Sabbats that are observed throughout the year

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

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Elephant Journal: Using the Body’s Natural Defenses to Help us Relax: a 5-minute Meditation.

Sometimes, I find it impossible to unplug myself from the chaos of this busy world we live in.
I’m pretty much always on the move and often feel overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, not to mention the constant interruption of notifications (thanks to the glorious invention of the smartphone).

I’m so busy, in fact, that I have to actively relax. As in, I have to actually schedule “time to relax” on my calendar.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/05/using-the-bodys-natural-defenses-to-help-us-relax-a-5-minute-meditation-becki-sams/

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MNN: What is plant blindness?
When we don’t notice the green all around us, it’s bad for the planet.

Imagine taking a walk in the woods and seeing a deer or a rabbit. You’ll no doubt remember the encounter — it might even be the highlight of your outdoor adventure.
But what about all the plants, trees and flowers you passed while hiking? There’s a good chance you paid little attention to the greenery on your path

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/what-plant-blindness

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EarthSky News: Young moon, Mars after sunset May 6-8

These next several evenings – May 6, 7 and 8, 2019 – find an unobstructed horizon in the direction of sunset, and watch for the young moon and the planet Mars to pop out in your western sky as evening twilight gives way to darkness. Be sure to look for the moon rather soon after sunset on May 6 because the lunar crescent will be quite thin and may set before nightfall (depending on where you live worldwide).

https://earthsky.org/tonight/young-moon-mars-after-sunset-may-6-8

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Patheos-Pagan: Awesome Moments are Magick

The definition of magick is a tricky one. It is slippery and misty. It is something that is elusive and undulating. Trying to define it is like trying to hold a fistful of sand. You almost get it, but it tends to slip right through your fingers. One of my favorite definitions of magick comes from Dion Fortune said: “magic is the art of changing consciousness at will”.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/thewitchesnextdoor/2019/05/awesome-moments-are-magick/

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Inner Journey:

ARE YOU HAPPY?

“It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere.”
— Agnes Repplier

Are you happy?

Don’t answer too quickly. Sit with this question for a long time and you’ll be introduced to brand new dimensions of who you are and of what matters in your life.

“Happiness comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable.”
— Leo C. Rosten

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Have you ever wondered why trees are such a happy lot?

They’ve mastered patience.

Not bad for wood, huh?

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Sweet Potato Chips

I am always looking for ways to preserve food and make it delicious. I was given a bag of huge sweet potatoes and decided to dry them. My first attempt was not that great to eat as a snack, so a friend suggested cinnamon and brown sugar – yum!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73524512.tip.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
May 6, 2019

Learning

“What we learn to do, we learn by doing.”

-Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

There’s a difference between theory and practice. We may know how to meditate – all the technical points and benefits of meditation that we hear so much about. But until we actually meditate ourselves, we haven’t really learned anything about it! On a recent episode of the TV comedy “Frasier,” Frasier and his brother were trying to learn how to ride a bike by reading a book. Now we know how silly that is! And yet, that’s the same kind of thing we often do in our spiritual practices. We read about prayer, and chanting, and mantras – but to really “get it” we’ve got to do it!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: What Your Favorite Flower Says About Your Personality?

Which of nature’s stunning flowers are you most drawn to? Your favorite flower can do more than just beautify your surroundings. The characteristics of these remarkable plants may give some insight into your personality traits.

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 3, 2019

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 3, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You’re one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you’re two months back in the middle of March.
-Robert Frost (1874-1963)

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Spiritual Unite: How To Recognize Your Soulmate – 4 Sure Fire Ways To Know

For most people, finding love is the first reason for living.
We spend our whole lives looking for that one person, and when we find our soulmate, we experience the kind of joy that is all too rare

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/how-to-recognize-your-soulmate-4-sure-fire-ways-to-know/

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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: An New Moon Practice To Help You See The Divine In The Everyday

I spent the last five days at a meditation retreat contemplating awareness and space, and one message kept coming loud and clear: Meaningful change begins in the body, not by escaping the body.
For eons, different spiritual traditions have considered the body the space of evils: unholy, dirty, and shameful. Something to want to tame and control.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/new-moon-may-2019-an-embodiment-ritual-to-harness-taurus-energy

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Daily Good: Becoming a Blessing

“A good story is like a compass, it points to something true and invites us to orient our own direction according to it and perhaps to live a little better.” With these words Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen proceeds to tell stories that enthrall and enchant and indeed help to orient us and guide us to seek to live better. She shares stories of her grandfather, whom she calls a “flaming mystic,” that were told to her as a very young child and yet still resonate for her today. She speaks of the power and web of connection among people and how that can be evidenced by blessing each other out loud. This video itself is a blessing to be cherished and shared.

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8341

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Witchwood Teahouse: So… I made Moon Water. Now What?

Moon, Sacred, or Holy Water is one of the many staples I keep stocked in my magickal cabinet. The moon is the symbol of the Divine Feminine and the Holy Mother Goddess. She is nurturing, bold, and unapologetic in her brilliance. She is emotion and because of this, we are deeply connected to the moon’s energy. When a full moon is building, we might feel ourselves becoming a little irrational, angry, or irritable. Our emotions are great indicators of what we should work on in our lives as we seek out balance and stability.

http://www.themagickkitchen.com/so-i-made-moon-water-now-what/

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MNN: Why do bumblebees have stripes?
Think of them as a warning label.

If you’ve ever seen a bumblebee rummaging clumsily in the garden, you’ll know those aren’t racing stripes. The genus bombus is known neither for grace nor speed.
But what you may not have known is that those stripes come in hundreds of different patterns. You’d be forgiven for not taking a closer look. Even though bumblebees aren’t the stinging type — only females even have stingers and they’re reluctant to use them — these little buzzing balls can seem a little intimidating

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/why-do-bumblebees-have-stripes

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EarthSky News: Eta Aquariids before dawn May 4, 5 and 6

Before dawn these next several mornings – May 4, 5 and 6, 2019 – watch for meteors in the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower to streak across the heavens in an inky dark sky unmarred by moonlight. We expect the morning of May 5 to showcase the peak number of meteors. But try the morning before and/or after as well, as this meteor shower has a relatively broad peak.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/star-hop-to-the-radiant-of-the-eta-aquarids

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Patheos-Pagan: Bird Migrations and the Stars: The Science Behind the Connection

Birds and Stars in the Lore
Birds are often connected to transformation, the Otherworlds, and death. In the Lithuanian tradition the souls of the dead are said to turn into birds and fly along the milky way, which they call Paukščių Takas, The Way of Birds, or Vėlių Kelias, The Way of Souls. The Estonians called it Linnutee, The Bird Way, and the souls are said to be lead by a white bird with the head of a woman and the souls she leads take the form of a goose, duck, diver, or bluebird.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dandelionlady/2019/04/bird-migrations-and-the-stars-the-science-behind-the-connection.html

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Inner Journey:

WHAT IS YOUR BODY SAYING?

“Many people treat their bodies as if they were rented from Hertz — something they are using to get around in but nothing they genuinely care about understanding.”
— Chungliang Al Huang

“As we explore the extraordinary interplay of energies between the many aspects of our personality — our needs, unconscious reactions, repressed emotions, aspirations and fears — with the functioning of our physical system and its capacity to maintainm itself, we soon realise how very wise the body is. With its intricately detailed systems and operations it portrays infinite intelligence and compassion, constantly giving us the means to understand ourselves further, to confront issues we are not looking at, and to go beyond that which is holding us back.”
— Deb Shapiro

Scan your body with your awareness. Are you experiencing any aches and pains? Any stiffness?

What might your body be trying to tell you about how you are living your life?

“Your body is the ground and metaphor of your life, the expression of your existence. It is your Bible, your encyclopedia, your life story. Everything that happens to you is stored and reflected in your body. In the marriage of flesh and spirit divorce is impossible.”
— Gabrielle Roth

“What is always speaking silently is the body.”
— Norman Brown

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

My own personal policy as the Universe is to only do those things that I want to do, with whom I want to do them.

That’s part of the reason I’m always hanging around you.

Hungry?

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipes

Not only are they delicious but chocolate banana smoothie are packed with good nutrients as well. They make a great fast breakfast option and can also give you nice recharge after a workout.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Chocolate-Banana-Smoothie-Recipes.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
May 3, 2019

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: What Does Your Palm Say About Your Personality?
The marks on your hand can reveal information about your characteristics.

Have you been curious about the lines on your palms? According to Psychic Library, “palmistry reveals individual personality and character traits through the study of the shape, size and lines of the hands and fingers”. The practice of palmistry started in India, where it is still a common practice to this day.

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 2, 2019

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for May 2, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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The woods were full of deer;
and running
everywhere
fresh water-
brooks, rundles,
springs and creeks.

-Charlies Reznikoff (1894-1976)

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Spiritual Unite: White Owl Totem – Giving You Laser Sight

The White Owl is an animal with strong symbolism across many different cultures.
If the White Owl is your animal totem, you can be expected to have a lean towards connecting with natural wisdom, insight and intuitive vision.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/white-owl-totem-giving-you-laser-sight/

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ThoughtCo: Including Kids in Pagan Practice

As the modern Pagan movement progresses and evolves, the Pagan community has grown to encompass people of all age levels. Those who discovered Paganism as teens or college students two or three decades ago are now raising their own children, and so the demographic within the Pagan community is constantly changing. It’s not uncommon at all to meet families in which one or both parents are Pagans or Wiccans, and they may have kids who follow a variety of religious paths.

https://www.learnreligions.com/include-kids-in-pagan-practices-2561804

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Spirit Library: Magical Breakthroughs – May 2019 Energy Forecast

Hi my friend,

We have so much to catch up on, so let’s get right to it!

Magical Experiences

The month of May will offer us a combination of energies that will help us create more magical experiences and synchronicity in our lives, in a grounded and steady way.

https://spiritlibrary.com/emmanuel-dagher/magical-breakthroughs-may-2019-energy-forecast

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Elephant Journal: How Empathy Improves our Relationships—All of Them.

No two humans are exactly alike.
From different upbringings, experiences, genetics, personalities, and dispositions, it’s unlikely for anyone to walk through life without conflicting with someone else’s beliefs. Disagreements are inevitable.

Since human connection is so important to our well-being, how do we resolve human conflicts healthily, in order to have strong, long-lasting relationships?

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/04/how-empathy-improves-your-relationships-all-of-them/

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MNN: 11 astonishing facts about jellyfish

Did you know jellyfish have outlived the dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years, and some have been to space?

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/11-astonishing-facts-about-jellyfish

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EarthSky News: Arc to Arcturus, spike to Spica

Tonight, look outside in the evening and learn a phrase useful to sky watchers. The phrase is: follow the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike (or speed on) to Spica. You can use this phrase in any year.
First locate the Big Dipper asterism in the northeastern sky. Then draw an imaginary line following the curve in the Dipper’s handle until….

https://earthsky.org/tonight/follow-the-arc-to-arcturus-in-may

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Patheos-Pagan: The Birth of Artemis

To Artemis
I sing of Artemis, whose shafts are of gold, who cheers on the hounds, the pure maiden, shooter of stags, who delights in archery, own sister to Apollo with the golden sword. Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow,

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adamantinemuse/2017/02/birth-goddess-artemis/

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Inner Journey:

FIND PEACE INSIDE

“All spiritual disciplines are done with a view to still the mind. The perfectly still mind is universal spirit.”
— Swami Ramdas

Getting into the habit of meditating, praying and/or resting daily helps us pull back from our preoccupation with the material world. In silence and solitude, we have an opportunity to pay attention to what’s happening inside rather than outside.

When we do this consistently, we learn to relax and to quiet and detach from our mental chatter and our turbulent emotions. As we begin to witness ourselves in personality, we also begin to experience our soul.

“Meditation may require a lifetime to master, but it will have been a lifetime well spent.” If you want to judge your progress, ask yourself these questions: Am I more loving? Is my judgment sounder? Do I have more energy? Can my mind remain calm under provocation? Am I free from the conditioning of anger, fear, and greed? Spiritual awareness reveals itself as eloquently in character development and selfless action as in mystical states.”
— Eknath Easwaran

higherawareness.com
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Wise Woman Herbal: Got Ramps?!

Worthy of its own festival, ramps are a springtime rite celebrating a Southern Appalachian delicacy. Smelly as a ram in spring, ramps get their nickname from the Old English word “ramson” for wild garlic. They are also affectionately known as the spring onion, wild leek, and in French, ail sauvage and ail des bois, which translates as (no surprise!) wild garlic.

http://www.wisewomanmentor.com/articles/7310369

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Today’s Recipe: Homemade Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is one of our favorite morning beverages and we make it at home from fresh harvest cacao beans. The beans are sun dried, cooked and grinded then placed into molds to form blocks or bars of raw unsweetened chocolate. We call them “tablea”.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Homemade-Hot-Chocolate.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
May 2, 2019

Understanding

“Much learning does not teach understanding.”

-Heraclitus (540?- 480?)

Where do we find understanding? It doesn’t just come from education. It isn’t just in books. How easy that would be it if were so! Understanding is not something that is generated in our minds. It starts with our mind, but whatever it is becomes understood when it finds its way into our heart. We understand because we can relate, we can identify, we can see that we are not separate from that which we seek to understand.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 21 Reasons Driving Inspires Us
We asked readers what inspires them most about driving. They told of their passion for becoming one with their cars and hitting the open road. They shared special moments behind the wheel enjoying…
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 April 29, 2019

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for April 29, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

-Langston Hughes (1902-67)

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Tetraktys: A Wiccan Blessingway Ritual – How to Have a Spiritual Baby Shower

I have great news to tell: I am pregnant with my first child! So, last week, I celebrated my passage into motherhood with a ritual. I wanted something different from the traditional baby shower, that would be more meaningful to me. I did a little bit of research and I decided to have a Blessingway ceremony. In short, a Blessingway is a woman-centered ritual that celebrates the journey into motherhood

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2019/wiccan-blessingway-ritual-spiritual-baby-shower/

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Spiritual Unite: Synchronicity: The Universe’s Software Programs

Despite the recognition that Carl Jung has received throughout the last century or so, the importance of his work still cannot be stressed enough. The real beauty of Jung’s work was his ability to conceptualize a variety of esoteric, even shamanistic concepts through scientific, empirical observation.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/synchronicity-the-universes-software-programs/

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ThoughtCo: Recipes for the Beltane Sabbat

Beltane is a time to celebrate the fertility of the earth, and the return of spring blossoms and blooms. It’s a season of fire and passion, and when many of us honor the wild and lusty god of the forests. Beltane is a time for planting and sowing of seeds; again, the fertility theme appears. The buds and flowers of early May bring to mind the endless cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth that we see in the earth. Try one of these seven seasonally-appropriate recipes for your Beltane celebrations!

https://www.learnreligions.com/recipes-for-the-beltane-sabbat-4126076

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MBG: This Week Kicks Off With A Retrograde & It Could Shake Up Your Foundation

On Monday, Saturn goes retrograde and reminds us to make sure we’re operating from a solid foundation.
Are you forging ahead against all odds? It may be time to pull the brake on that strategy when cautious, conservative Saturn pivots into its annual retrograde this Monday, April 29. For the second consecutive year of three

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/your-weekly-horoscope-for-april-29-to-may-5-2019-from-the-astrotwins

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Daily Good: Butterflies Without Borders

Change is the only constant. And things are going to be different, not better or worse, just different. Our first impulse in the face of overwhelming change is often to resist and try to stop it from happening. How would it be if we could transform our fear into energy influencing the inevitable changes of life? Learn more about how some courageous people are learning to influence the changes facing Monarch butterflies

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8300

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Elephant Journal: How to create an Energy Sanctuary & Altar in your Home, Bedroom, or Office with Crystals & Gemstones.

I first started learning about energy and crystals while working as a RN years ago.
I was in my first year as a new nurse—feeling exhausted, unbalanced, and stressed out, I was desperate to try anything.
I went to a shamanic healer who told me that I had unwanted negative energies in my aura from working in hospitals and, not only that, I was bringing them into my home.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2019/04/use-crystals-gemstones-to-make-your-home-an-energy-sanctuary-partner/

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EarthSky News: Moon and Venus grace eastern morning sky

Late April and early May 2019 present the moon and the planet Venus adorning the eastern sky before sunrise. From most places worldwide, these two brilliant worlds can be viewed at dawn if you’re blessed with clear skies and an unobstructed horizon. After all, the moon and Venus rank as the 2nd-brightest and 3rd-brightest celestial bodies, respectively, after the sun. Unfortunately for far-northern latitudes, like Alaska, viewing the moon and Venus will be extremely difficult because the moon and Venus rise about the same time as the sun at those far northern latitudes

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-venus-grace-eastern-morning-sky

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Patheos-Pagan: Preparing for Beltane and the Love Spell of Life

I never believed in love spells.
But he was walking away from me, pulling away from me. And I wanted nothing more than to bring him back. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I trusted in a book whose name I can’t remember now.
I chanted something. Burned something. I’m sure a candle was involved. Red, of course

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/chargedbythegoddess/2019/04/preparing-for-beltane-and-love-spell-of-life/

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Inner Journey:

Labels limit us

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
— Lao Tzu

How do you define yourself, to yourself and others? Are you first and foremost a husband/wife? A mother/father? A bus driver, dentist, musician … ? A Christian, Muslim, Jew …? A nag, joker, dreamer …?

Be aware that any label puts limits on you. Today, experience how it feels to let go of the labels to rest in ‘I am.’ Feel the freedom, the spaciousness, the infinite potential of simply being.

“With every breath, the possibility of a new aspect of self arises.”
— Wayne Muller

“As long as I am this or that, I am not all things.”
— Meister Eckhart

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

For the one who continues failure becomes impossible.

Phew!

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Easy Japanese Croquettes

These “croquettes” are easy to make, and yummy with the crispy outside, and soft insides with potato, onions and ground beef. They can be served with rice, shredded cabbage or fruit. This is a real easy dish to make, and a great way to also use left over mashed potatoes when you have them.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Easy-Japanese-Croquettes.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
April 29, 2019

Understanding
“Those who understand only what can be explained understand very little.”

-Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830-1916)

There is so much more to this world that what we can actually see and hear and feel. There is so much that is without explanation, but that is beyond explanation. There are unlimited possibilities all around us, at all times – how could we even venture to guess what they all could be? When we realize that our lives can open up to these possibilities, we allow understanding to pour in and nourish us.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily post are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.

I invite you to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The dusty ramblings of a desert pagan. https://thedesertpath.com/

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com
Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Cat’s Morning Bits for April 26, 2019

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Cat

CMB canva sm
Cat’s Morning Bits for April 26, 2019

Blessings, Cat

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While the bright radiant sun in centre glows,
The earth in annual motion round it goes;
At the same time on its own axis reels,
And gives us change of seasons as it wheels.
-The 1793 Old Farmer’s Almanac

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The Wild Hunt: US Festival Roundup: Beltane and Litha Seasons

– This article continues The Wild Hunt series on U.S. festivals of interest to the Pagan community. We briefly summarize information about upcoming festivals that are open to the public and may be of interest to the community.

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