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 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

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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

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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

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 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 21, 2018

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 21, 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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Coffey Talk: Numerology of the Number 9
And finally we complete our numerology series with the number 9!

For those born on day 9, 18 or 27, Mars is your ruling planet, and the qualities of Mars are also in you. Mars is depicted as a strong masculine figure, dressed as a warrior. The qualities of a warrior include a strong sense of purpose, duty, order, and discipline. 9 people express this, as well as courage, patience, and self-confidence. 9’s can also be short-tempered, restless, argumentative and egotistical. Those under the influence of Mars enjoy sports, hunting, politics, and martial arts. They are competitive, but also good sports.

Mars is a planet of fire – it has an intense heat that is hard to take. This makes 9 people restless, it’s hard for them to sit still, they are always on the go and involved in activities. They’re always prepared for a battle, so they can create enemies with their constant state of alertness to danger. 9’s are outspoken and volatile, they are easily provoked and explosive. They are fiercely independent and have lots of energy. They can go to extremes as they are fearless. They have a strong sense of responsibility and they hate to be criticized. But since they are so domineering they often bring resentment and criticism to them.

9’s have been described as being like coconuts – hard on the outside and sweet on the inside. They are kind to people who work under them. They like to have authority and control, without it they get bored. Honor and prestige drive them. 9’s need attention, and spend a lot of their energy to get it.

Tuesdays and Fridays are lucky for 9 people, especially when they fall on a 9 day, or days 3, 6, 15, 21, 24 oe 30. Reds and pinks are auspicious for 9’s as red is the color of Mars. They can wear it, decorate with it, use it in every way to help them feel fresh and energetic. Coral is the best stone for 9’s. They can also use red stones like carnelian or jasper.

When you see the number 9 repeated it is a sign that something needs to be completed. It could be a project or a relationship that needs resolution. Think about what you need to finish up, so that you can move on and be productive.

Sharon Osbourne and Vin Diesel were both born on 9 days.

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MBG: Today Is One Of The Most Spiritual Days Of The Year. Here’s What It’s Trying To Tell Us

Today is the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year and the darkest time in Earth’s northern hemisphere. It also marks the beginning of the sun’s life cycle as it starts growing in strength again. Even though life appears cold and dead outside, this is actually a pivotal moment in the cycle of growth.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/winter-solstice-2018-how-to-welcome-it

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Daily Good: Leftover Women Take Over the Marriage Market

In China, a woman who is unmarried by age 25 is considered a “leftover woman.” She feels like an outsider, and in a culture with great respect for parents, she may feel like a failure. A group of such women went to the Marriage Market and put up large photos of themselves, and messages like “don’t give up love for suitability” or expressing the wish not to marry. Their fundamental message is “Don’t let pressure dictate your future

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8284

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Elephant Journal: 10 Rituals I use to Welcome Light Back into my Life in Time for the Winter Solstice.

Life is full of ups and downs, and winter has traditionally been somewhat of a bummer for me.
The seemingly endless cold nights, paired with missing long lost loved ones during the holidays, and lack of garden fresh vegetables have normally found me lying in a heap of tears on my living room floor.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/10-little-rituals-i-use-to-welcome-light-back-into-my-life-in-time-for-the-winter-solstice/

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EarthSky News: December full moon falls within a day of the solstice

December 22, 2018 will bring the final full moon of the year, falling less than a day after the December solstice. How close are the solstice and full moon in 2018? The solstice is December 21 at 22:23 UTC. The full moon is December 22 at 17:49 UTC. So the solstice and full moon fall less than one day apart. That means that – although the Northern Hemisphere has its longest winter night on December 21 – the lamp of a nearly full moon will light up the nighttime from dusk until dawn.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/full-long-night-moon-on-december-22

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Patheos-Pagan: May The Light Keep You

Now is the time when the light wanes, and darkness grows, and people come together during this time of year to reconnect with one-another.
When I look at our major holidays and celebrations during this time of year, I find in them this theme of light and illumination.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/naturessacredjourney/2018/12/5739/

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Inner Journey:

YOU ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

“He who would be serene and pure needs but one thing, detachment.”
— Meister Eckhart

We are the ocean — vast, deep, powerful and rich. Nourishing and nurturing. Dive down into the dark stillness of being. Sense the rising and falling of surface thoughts and emotions, sometimes gentle, sometimes violent. Always shifting. Always in motion.Draw back and watch the waves of your life at play. Know you are the unfathomable depths — surface agitations can’t disturb you. Know that you are bigger than the little things that aggravate you.

“The bird of paradise alights only on the hand that does not grasp.”
— John Berry

“It’s best not to get too excited or too depressed by the ups and downs of life.”
— Dalai Lama

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

The great thing about feeling deep, profound, earthshaking love, is that you can start with anyone.

Next,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Angel Snowflake Sugar Cookies

This is a recipe that I got from my mother over 40 years ago. She called them drop sugar cookies, so I renamed them this year. These are crispy cookies that melt in your mouth. Almost every time I take them to a potluck party, I am asked for the recipe.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Angel-Snowflake-Sugar-Cookies.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
December 21, 2018

Experience

“What is it which is bought dearly, offered for nothing, and then most often refused? Experience, old people’s experience.”

-Isak Dinesen, 1934

We learn from our experiences. And it is our privilege to share those experiences with other people. We’re here to help each other. Whether or not we learn from each other is an individual choice. The gems of experiences that are collected over the years form a treasure chest of wisdom that longs to be distributed. Why not tap into that wealth? And in turn, we’re giving someone the gift of being recognized and valued.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 10 Self-Care Tips for a Happier Life
These 10 self-care tips are what you need to live a happier life. You need to step back and take some time to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Using these tips will help you relax and reenergize…

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 19, 2018

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 19, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Now see stern Winter nearer draw,
Sol’s feeble rays refuse to thaw.

-William Cole (1919-2000)

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Spiritual Unite: Red Chakra Meaning And Its Significance

Red is the colour of the Root chakra or Muladhara. This is the first of the seven primary chakras, and it deals with our base needs and wants.
The Root chakra is often overlooked for the more metaphysical, high-minded chakras that deal with consciousness, oneness, love and other “noble” ideals.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/red-chakra-meaning-and-its-significance/

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MBG: 5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Using Ayurveda To Heal Digestion & More

Ayurveda is gaining prominence in the mainstream, as yoga becomes increasingly popular, and fashionable eateries serve turmeric lattes (aka Golden Milk) and bliss balls (aka Ladoos). That said, many people in the West are still confused about this ancient philosophy and how to integrate it into their everyday. Since releasing my ayurveda-based cookbook East by West, I’ve found that people often have a lot of misunderstandings about what ayurveda actually is. Here are the top five myths, busted:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/biggest-myths-about-ayurveda-busted

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Daily Good: Native Women Reclaim Land Plot by Plot

In the San Francisco Bay Area, demand for land seems endless. Property values are sky-high, rents are backbreaking, and people just keep coming. Over 2 million more are expected to settle here by 2040. Today’s land rush is nothing new. For more than 200 years, there has been a run on Bay Area real estate a relentless wave of colonization, then suburbanization and now gentrification that left the Ohlone, the Bay Area’s first people, landless. Corrina Gould, a Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone leader and her partner in crime Johnella LaRose, who is Shoshone-Bannock and Carrizo; founded the Sogorea Te Land Trust in 2012 to reclaim Ohlone land in the Bay Area.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2167/native-women-reclaim-land-plot-by-plot-julian-brave-noisecat/

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Elephant Journal: This Winter Solstice, we become New Again

A few decades ago, I didn’t give winter solstice the time of day.
Instead, I regularly attended or hosted summer solstice parties.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/this-winter-solstice-we-become-new-again/

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New study dispels the green thumb myth that intimate attention is good for plant growth.

There are a lot of New Agey gardening tips that abound. Some gurus recommend playing music for your houseplants, or having conversations with them, or even giving them gentle massages or an intimate touch now and then. Most of these practices are probably more for the benefit of the gardener than the garden, but generally innocuous enough.

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/plants-really-dont-be-touched

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EarthSky News: December solstice starts shortest season

The December solstice will come on December 21, 2018, at 22:23 UTC. That’s 16:23 (4:23 p.m.) CST on December 21 for those in the central time zone in North America. It’s when the sun reaches its southernmost point for the year. This solstice marks the beginning of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, and the start of the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. And, no matter where you are on Earth, it marks the beginning of your shortest season

https://earthsky.org/tonight/years-shortest-season-starts-with-december-solstice

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Patheos-Pagan: Ded Moroz: The Cruel & Kind Grandfather Frost

Ded Moroz is a Russian character in a similar vein as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and St. Nicholas. His name translates to”Old Man Frost” or “Grandfather Frost”. Ded Moroz has a very similar appearance to Santa, except he tends to be depicted as wearing blue with snowflake embroidery, having a wizard’s staff, and unlike his counterparts has a female companion. His female companion is his granddaughter Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/matauryn/2018/12/17/ded-moroz/

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Inner Journey:

BIG MIND, LITTLE MIND

“It is the mind that makes one wise or ignorant, bound or emancipated.”
— Sri Ramakrishna

Zen distinguishes big mind from small mind. Big mind identifies with its process, is impersonal and participates universally. Big mind is unlimited possibilities, deeper understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, insight, connectedness, attention.

Small mind is self centred and focuses only on itself. It is compulsive, limited, reactive and mechanical. Small mind feeds on itself — fear reacts to fear, judgment reacts to judgment, anger sparks more anger.

Always seek higher perspectives and you will in time find freedom.

“If a pickpocket meets a Holy Man, he will see only his pockets.”
— Hari Dass

“Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open.”
— Lord Thomas Dewar

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Whenever feeling utterly bamboozled or bored by life, seek a higher perspective.

Because being bamboozled or bored, means there is one.

Yeah,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Roasted Chickpeas

I had never thought about eating chickpeas until I saw a cooking demonstration on our local TV station. They were tasting them and saying how good they were. I pulled up the recipe on their website and the recipe they have is from Chop Chop magazine.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Roasted-Chickpeas-1.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 19, 2018

Experience

“If it be knowledge or wisdom one is seeking, then one had better go direct to the source. And the source is not the scholar or philosopher, not the master, saint, or teacher, but life itself- direct experience of life.”

-Henry Miller (1891-1980)

There are all different ways of learning and growing. There are amazing works by brilliant people available to us at any time. And we can gain so much from the words of our fellow man. But where did they get these insights? At some point, the knowledge has to be experienced to be understood. And when it is understood, then it can be expressed. We all know what lessons we have learned from our experiences. And this is a big part of why we’re here – to experience life, to learn and to grow.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 5 Ways Archangel Michael has Your Back

All of the archangels are helpful entities, but Archangel Michael appears to be the archangel who shows up most regularly in our lives. While each archangel has access to enormous power and grace, archangels can at times have a subtle presence, or be working on your behalf behind the scenes without your knowledge, but Archangel Michael seems to have a more immediate, pronounced presence. Archangel Michael is an especially “hands on” archangel.

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 13, 2018

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 13, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas,
so many happy months will you have.

-Old English saying

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Tetraktys: 10 Ways to Celebrate Yule Without a Coven

Hello witches! If you didn’t know already, Yule is the pagan and Wiccan celebration of the winter solstice. This year, it will happen on December 21st. Did you know that a lot of Christmas traditions have pagan roots? For this reason, it’s very easy to celebrate the winter solstice and the holidays from a pagan point of view. This article contains my top 10 ideas to celebrate Yule. You don’t even need to be in a coven to do them!

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/10-ways-yule/

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MBG: Beware: Mercury Retrograde Vibes Won’t Wear Off Until This Day

Emerge from the depths and clear away confusion! On Wednesday, December 6, 2018, messenger planet Mercury snaps out of a befuddling three-week retrograde backspin through outspoken Sagittarius and then Scorpio’s chamber of secrets

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/mercury-retrograde-december-2018

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Daily Good: Eight Ways to Stand Up to Hate
There’s no denying it anymore: Hatred is erupting all over the United States, after having long simmered beneath the social surface. In less than one week, the Southern Poverty Law Center has tallied more than 400 incidents of “hateful intimidation and harassment”—and millions of Americans now fear becoming victims of verbal and physical assaults, possibly thanks to some very threatening and violent language coming from the very top of our society.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/1532/eight-ways-to-stand-up-to-hate-elizabeth-svoboda/

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Elephant Journal: Making Space for Grief During the Holidays.

Grief caught me by surprise this Thanksgiving.
Like holidays sometimes do, the day of gratitude fell short of my expectations. Our house was messy, the kids were restless and spending too much time in front of screens, and my husband and I kept snapping at each other.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/making-space-for-grief-during-the-holidays/

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MNN: ‘Sesame Street’ takes on homelessness

In its nearly 50 years of teaching children (and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of adults) about the world, “Sesame Street” hasn’t shied away from addressing tough issues. Characters on or associated with the program have grappled with death, HIV, bullying, racism, LGBTQ+ rights, autism, immigration and parental incarceration over the years.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/sesame-street-takes-homelessness

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EarthSky News: Christmas Bird Count starts December 14

The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count is one of the longest-running citizen science projects in existence- it was started on Christmas Day in 1900 and is still going strong. During the event, people venture outdoors to designated areas and count the types and numbers of birds that they see and hear over the course of one day. The data are used to keep track of the health of bird populations in North America. This year’s count runs from December 14, 2018 through January 5, 2019.

https://earthsky.org/earth/audubon-annual-christmas-bird-count-starts-december-14

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Patheos-Pagan: 6 Easy Ways to Bring More Magick to Your Yule

Samhain is often considered “The Witch” holiday, but I disagree! Yule is packed with Magick. But are you looking for a few new things to add? See below for easy ways to bring even more Magick to this special time.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/doubletoilandresist/2018/12/yule/

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Inner Journey:

LOVE LIFE AND YOURSELF

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
— Lao Tzu

There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.

We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.

“It matters not Who you love, Where you love, Why you love, When you love, Or how you love, It matters only that you love.”
— John Lennon

“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?”
— Frank Scully

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Living in time and space, Cat, just might be the scariest, most heartbreaking, and lonely path an angel could ever choose.

Until, of course, they realize that being scared doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference, broken hearts can still love just fine, and that feeling lonely doesn’t mean they’re actually alone.

Then they’ll laugh an angel laugh, fluff their wings, and dare a new dare all over again.

Love your halo,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

A twist on the classic sugar cookie recipe, these almond horns are perfect for a Christmas tea or enjoyed alongside hot cocoa on a snowy afternoon.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Almond-Crescent-Cookies.html

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Magical Correspondences for Thursday

Incense: Cinnamon,Henbane Nutmeg and Sage

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

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Daily Wisdom
December 13, 2018

Service

“All altruism springs from putting yourself in the other person’s place.”

-Harry Emerson Fosdick
It’s all about empathy. We are all one. We share so much that we can understand another person’s heartache or sorrow. We can relate to each other. We want to do what we can to alleviate pain. This is how service begins.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 10 Commandments for a Smart and Simple Life
Once your priorities are firmly in place you can stay focused on living as simply and effectively as possible. Here are ten commandments for living a smart and simple life.
Read more…………………

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

I invite you to check out my websites!

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

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

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