The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 31, 2018

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 31, 2018

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

– Dolly Parton

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Spiritual Unite: Juniper Tree Symbolism – Purification And Healing

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

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

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

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

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

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Daily Good: They Sang with a Thousand Tongues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DailyOM: Judging Others

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Patheos-Pagan: On a Pagan New Year

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

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

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Inner Journey:

DID YOU FIND JOY?

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

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

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

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

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

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

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

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Waffles

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

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Bacon-and-Cheese-Stuffed-Waffles.html

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Magical Correspondences for Monday

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

Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

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

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Daily Wisdom
December 31, 2018

Authenticity

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

-Eleanor Roosevelt

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

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 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

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 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 10, 2018

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for December 10, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Welcome, friend! St. Nicholas, welcome!
Welcome to this merry band!
Happy children greet thee, welcome!
Thou art gladdening all the land.

-Mary Mapes Dodge (1831-1905)

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Spiritual Unite: Meaning Of Butterflies Crossing Your Path – Is It A Message?

Nature is often complicit in guiding you through life, and when butterflies cross your path, it is often a metaphysical message or symbol.
There are even some instances when these butterflies may be old souls or the souls of passed loved ones.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/meaning-of-butterflies-crossing/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: How Will You Finish Off 2018?

On Wednesday, Mercury enters Sagittarius, and things could get intense.
After an extended spell of gaslighting, muddled messaging and “Wait…whaaaat?” moments, the truth will become more than self-evident this week. On Wednesday, December 12, Mercury, the cosmic communicator, joins a planetary posse in take-no-prisoners Sagittarius. With the illuminating Sun and candid Jupiter already firing arrows in the Archer’s domain, we won’t just let the cat out of the bag—we’ll be fiercer than a tiger mom when it comes to defending principles and ideals.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-december-10-16-2018

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Herbal Muse: How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Medicinally, elder has been used for bruises, purging, to deter insects, as an eye wash and to treat colds and flu for centuries. Of these applications, the last holds particularly veritable promise. In fact, elderberry is one of the most important remedies to be found in your medicine chest when it comes to beating the sniffles.

https://www.herbalmusings.com/elderberry-profile

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Elephant Journal: I’m a Witch—& you Probably are, Too.

I haven’t always identified as a witch.
It took a breakup and a skilled healer named Paul to connect me to my witch roots.
I’ll keep the story short, because I want to get to the part where you, dear female reader, say, “I think I am also a witch!” or, “I am a witch, too—get me out of this broom closet!”

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/12/i-am-a-witch-you-probably-are-too/

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MNN: Is there any true wilderness left?

On one hand, there’s no place on Earth human beings haven’t made an impact. The burning fossil fuels has led to heavy metal contamination in fish, birds and other animals on entirely separate continents from the power plants. Climate change melts ice sheets around the world. A plastic cup used once ends up in a whale’s stomach in the middle of the ocean, killing him. Sea salt harvested from an unpopulated coast contains microplastics.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/there-any-truly-wild-land-book

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EarthSky News: See a celestial Chariot in December

Tonight, or any one of these long December nights, you can find the constellation Auriga the Charioteer. The Heavenly Chariot – with its brilliant yellow star Capella – starts the journey in the northeast at early evening, flies overhead around midnight and finishes up in the northwest at dawn

https://earthsky.org/tonight/celestial-chariot-high-overhead-around-midnight

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Patheos-Pagan: Pagan Groups: Greater Ability Means More Responsibility

I believe in you. I believe in every reader. My faith that my words do wonders for people I will never touch carries me to continue.
I believe in my grove. I believe in every member. My faith that my works do wonders for them carries me to continue.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/fromacommonwell/2018/08/pagan-groups-greater-ability-means-more-responsibility/

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Inner Journey:

SEEK YOUR LIMITS AND BEYOND

“If you’re proactive, you don’t have to wait for circumstances or other people to create perspective expanding experiences. You can consciously create your own.”
— Stephen Covey

Connect with the edge, the unknown, of your experience. Allow this pull towards unexplored territory to take you to new dimensions of yourself. Allow life to touch you in new ways. For this is how we truly live life. Become more alive as you grow through your consciousness barriers. Ask questions that seek answers beyond yourself. The depth of life is revealed as you go further into it.

“Nothing is lost upon a man who is bent upon growth; nothing wasted on one who is always preparing for – life by keeping eyes, mind and heart open to nature, men, books, experience – and what he gathers serves him at unexpected moments in unforeseen ways.”
— Hamilton Wright Mabie

“Nurture great thoughts, for you will never go higher than your thoughts.”
–Benjamin Disraeli

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

So much to be thankful for, huh?

Yet so little time.

Let me start with you –

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Cranberry Orange Relish

I love cranberries at the table for all my holiday meals, and this is a vibrant version to serve alongside your meats and veggies. It only uses a handful of fresh ingredients with zero fuss of cooking anything down. This was a hit at my Thanksgiving party, and will be making an appearance for Christmas!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Cranberry-Orange-Relish-1.html

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Magical Correspondences for Monday

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

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Daily Wisdom
December 10, 2018

Service

“There is no greater satisfaction for a just and well-meaning person than the knowledge that he has devoted his best energies to the service of the good cause.”

-Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
All of us who have devoted our time and energy to worthwhile causes know the satisfaction that Einstein wrote about. It’s heart-warming. It’s validating. And in many ways, it’s addictive! There are so many good causes that it would be impossible to contribute to every one. When you find one or two that really speak to you, that you can really get behind, then go for it! Get involved, and be of service.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: The 5 Types of Guardian Spirits Watching Over You

When it comes to learning about the spiritual world, things can quickly get confusing. From all the different types of guides that are out there, it can be hard to understand what each spirit does and who is watching over you. How do you communicate with your spirits if you don’t even know who they are

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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 3, 2018

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for December 3, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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The winds are out with loud increasing shout,
Where late before them walked the biting frost;
Whirling the leaves in their wild sport about,
And strewing twig and limb are path acrost.
-Jones Very (1813-80)

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Tetraktys: Ritual Bath Spell for Love and Good Fortune

Ritual baths have a very long history in magick and spirituality. All religions and spiritual traditions around the globe have their own type of ritual bath. From a magickal point of view, baths spells are a type of natural magick. They use the properties of the water element combined with herbs and oils to achieve varied purposes.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/ritual-bath-spell-love-good-fortune/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: The Last New Moon Of 2018 Is Coming & It’s An Important One

On Wednesday, the Sun will square Neptune, and it could cloud our judgment.
Caution: Low visibility ahead. As the week begins, you may feel like you’re driving through fog. For one thing, on Wednesday, December 5, the Sun will be shining its bright beams into Neptune’s haze as the two form their biannual square (90-degree angle). The smoke machine effect of this combo can cloud your best judgment, making it hard to see situations for what they really are.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-december-3-to-9-2018

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Herbal Muse: Sweet Orange Essential Oil May Help to Reduce Pain

The next time you’re in pain, reach for sweet orange essential oil – not for your sore spot, but for your nose.

Sweet orange oil is obtained from the fruit of an evergreen tree native to China and cultivated in warm climates throughout the world. Like the fruit’s juice and pulpy flesh, the essential oil extracted from the rind has a bright, sweet aroma that most people find very pleasing. The heady fragrance of orange oil is due to the presence of monoterpenes, most notably limonene, also referred to as d-limonene.

https://www.herbalmusings.com/single-post/2018/11/30/Sweet-Orange-Essential-Oil-May-Help-to-Reduce-Pain

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Daily Good: Sailing the Winds of Grace

A book fell out of a bookcase, fell all the way down the stairs — not just any book, but a book that held a letter Mother Teresa had written to Rosalie Giffoniello six years earlier. Rosalie had a question: “Can I volunteer at one of your orphanages? Are there special needs children I could help?” Mother Teresa had written back, but Rosalie wasn’t quite ready. She stuck the letter in a book. Six years later she was in bed wondering, “What should I do this summer?” That’s when she heard a book fall down the stairs. It was the one that held Mother Teresa’s letter: “Come to India.” Giffoniello’s life changed at that moment.

http://www.conversations.org/story.php?sid=583

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Elephant Journal: Protecting your Personal Boundaries the Buddhist Way.

Recently, a reader sent a thoughtful question:
“What is the difference between wisely stepping out of one’s comfort zone into more openness to life and consciousness vs. a lack of healthy and loving personal boundaries.”
Given the current state of the world, this is a timely question.

Yes, it can be hard to see that edge. Often it’s more difficult to maintain healthy, peaceful, and strong personal boundaries than it is to be vulnerable enough to connect with others.
There’s an old yogi story that will help us dive deeper into this topic.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/11/protecting-your-personal-boundaries-the-buddhist-way/

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MNN: Why does snow make the world so quiet?

Hush. It’s snowing outside.
At least, doesn’t it feel like that when snowflakes make their grand entrance, pirouetting from the sky like tiny, twirling ballerinas?

And we’re pressed up against windows, eyes wide open. Or outside, all giddy smiles with tongues eagerly outstretched.
Snowflakes look good. They even taste good. But they sound like … nothing.
So what gives? Does a good snowfall really take the whole world’s breath away?

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/why-snow-makes-world-quiet

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EarthSky News: Moon and Venus December 2 to 4

In the coming mornings – December 2, 3 and 4, 2018 – look eastward before sunrise for the moon and Venus. If your sky is clear, you can’t miss them! They’re always the brightest and second-brightest celestial bodies, respectively, to light up the night sky. Plus – around now – Venus is at its maximum brightness for this morning apparition, with its greatest illuminated extent falling around December 2.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-venus-at-dawn-december-2-to-4

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Patheos-Pagan: On Developing Skill in Magic

Every skill is used to transform the world. From carpentry to medicine to law, skill is the way we take knowledge and apply it into the world to create change. In this respect, the skills of magic are no different.

People who do not study magic tend to either place it on a pedestal or cast it in a ditch. They hold that either magic can accomplish anything or nothing.
Even when we first start to learn magic, we tend to fall into one of these camps. Magic either needs to prove nothing to us, or everything.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theothersideofthehedge/2018/12/on-developing-skill-in-magic/

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Inner Journey:

FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH

“Life is complex. Each one of us must make his own path through life. There are no self-help manuals, no formulas, no easy answers. The right road for one is the wrong road for another … The journey of life is not paved in blacktop; it is not brightly lit, and it has no road signs. It is a rocky path through the wilderness.”
— M. Scott Peck

We each have our own pathways to develop both personally and spiritually. They are based on our character and past experiences. No one else can identify our paths for us. Tune in to your inner guidance system and follow its direction.

“What every man needs, regardless of his job or the kind of work he is doing, is a vision of what his place is and may be. He needs an objective and a purpose. He needs a feeling and a belief that he has some worthwhile thing to do. What this is no one can tell him. It must be his own creation.”
— Joseph M. Dodge

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

To what extremes would you go to bring about your heart’s fondest wishes, to manifest your greatest desires, and to live your boldest dreams?

OMG – Did you just say visualize daily and take baby steps?!

Speechless,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Herbed Chicken Rolls in Cherry Sauce

Here comes a winner-winner chicken dinner from my personal cookbook. This chicken breast is rolled up with herbed garlic butter, then cooked in a tart cherry sauce. It’s a beautiful meal for these colder evenings… and I think quite pleasant visually! Enjoy!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Herbed-Chicken-Rolls-in-Cherry-Sauce.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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Beliefnet: 10 Steps to Eliminating Resentment in Your Day

Most of us have experienced some level of resentment at one point or another in our lives. Many of us may feel resentment often, maybe even constantly. Resentment can spiral out of control, fester in our lives and begin to take over our thoughts, actions and even our wellbeing. Resentment can overwhelm our innate sense of joy and ease.
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/wellness/galleries/10-steps-to-eliminating-resentment-in-your-day.aspx#G7bxZjAofUM2ZCdw.99

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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 November 26, 2018

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for November 26, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
But we read this book, anyway, over and again.

-Alberto R�os (b. 1952)

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Tetraktys: Ego Death – How to Get Rid of Your Ego

I’ve said it before on this blog and I’m not alone in saying it: your ego is your enemy. Usually, when we think about our own suffering, we tend to stay at a superficial level. You tell yourself that your suffering is caused by things such as a lack of money, mean people around you or past failures. All of those things have a root cause which is much deeper, and that is the fact that you keep clinging to your sense of pride, or your ego.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/ego-death-how-to-get-rid-of-your-ego/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: A Once-A-Decade Transit Is Asking All Of Us To Think A Little Bigger

On Monday, the Sun and Jupiter are asking us to think big.
Are you thinking big enough—and broad enough? Even if you’re certain that you are, challenge yourself to stretch just a liiiiittle bit further this Monday, November 26. The reason being? Fortuitous Jupiter and the dashing Sun are hosting their annual meetup, and this year, they’re throwing a homecoming party in expansive Sagittarius, which is the red-spotted planet’s provenance.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horsocope-november-26-december-2-2018

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Daily Good: Sustainability and the Sacred

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Sufi teacher and author, implores us to change our present global predicament by changing our consciousness. Our current mindset sees Earth as a resource. He argues that this worldview creates a sense of separation and one in which we have forgotten the sacred nature of the Earth. If we embrace the sacred in all of life, we will remember our primal relationship to the Earth, reconnect with an ancient knowing and respond from a place of balance. This is the nature of real sustainability and what we need to avoid ecological disaster.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2144/sustainability-and-the-sacred-llewellyn-vaughan-lee/

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Elephant Journal: The Miracle of feeling Dark when everyone else is Light

This day and age, with so much Insta-positivity, we are told—during our darkest times—to just hang in there.
To “grow through what you go through.”
Yes, the miracle of darkness at various points in life is that the light eventually replaces it. However, when in the depths of the bleakest night, hearing watered down positive quotes can be less than helpful.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/11/thanksgiving-pleasantries/

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MNN: How a stray cat and music changed this man’s outlook on life

Sarper Duman has become something of an internet sensation because of how cute his cats look when he plays the piano. As you can see in the video above, they’re entranced by the music, and, in some cases, by him.

https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/stray-cat-and-music-changed-mans-outlook-life

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EarthSky News: Watch for the moon and the Twins

On November 25 and 26, 2018 – before going to bed, look for the moon in your eastern sky. It’ll be a bright waning gibbous moon, and you might notice two bright stars in its vicinity. These stars are noticeable for being both bright and close together on the sky’s dome, and that is why – in legends of the sky – they often represent Twins.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-in-gemini-near-castor-and-pollux

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Patheos-Pagan: Building a Devotional Practice with the Land

Working with High Days is a wonderful thing, but High Days come and go eight times a year. What can someone do if they want to develop a monthly, weekly, or daily practice? This series of articles will investigate building a devotional practice with the Three Realms, namely, Land, Sea, and Sky. Lunar-based devotional practices will also be discussed as part of the Sky realm.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/fromacommonwell/2018/11/building-a-devotional-practice-with-land-sea-and-sky/

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Inner Journey:

DARE TO RISK

“To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.”
— Leo Buscaglia

Daring to risk is an essential step to self empowerment. This is the key to breaking out of stuck thinking and behaviour. It is about breaking through the comfort zones and barriers. It is about experiencing new levels of mind and feelings. It is about experiencing more life.

“A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.”
— George Bernard Shaw

“Only those who risk going too far can know how far they can go.”
— Unknown source

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

The good news is that really and truly there’s never, ever been any such thing as bad news. And you’ll see this one day, if you don’t already.

Not that you weren’t one heck of a rebounder when you thought there was…

Tallyho,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Pineapple Cookies

Try making delicious cookies with a pineapple flavor as a special treat for the lovers of this tropical fruit, in your home

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Pineapple-Cookie-Recipes-1.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
November 26, 2018

Time

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.”

-Maria Edgeworth (1801)

We don’t need to plan too far ahead, sometimes it’s better to go with the flow. If we are living in the now, doing good work and making good use of our time, everything is going to unfold exactly as it is meant to. It’s the same thing as “you reap what you sow.” Invest minutes and reap hours – Sow kindness, love and compassion and reap those rewards – an abundant harvest awaits!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Making Self-Care a Lifestyle
Many of us wrongly think that “self-care” is the same thing as being “selfish.” Nothing could be further from the truth. It is only when we take care of ourselves that we are able to properly take care…

Cat’s Morning Bits for November 19, 2018

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for November 19, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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Besides the Autumn poets sing,
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the Haze.
-Emily Dickinson (1830-86)

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Tetraktys: Zen, Stoicism and How to Deal With Difficulties

We all face difficulties from time to time. Nobody can go through life without having to deal with all sorts of tough decisions and situations, and thus, we need to learn to face those. Sadly, it’s not always easy, and therefore, one might feel overwhelmed when the time comes to actually respond to those situations if he has no clue on how to approach them.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/zen-stoicism-and-how-to-deal-with-difficulties-a-short-guide/

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MBG: Why You Need To Release Your Emotions — For The Sake Of Your Health

How many times have you heard this advice about dealing with painful emotions? “Stop being so sensitive. Suck it up and move on.”
When others tell you to bury your feelings, it makes you question yourself and the messages your body is trying to send to you. Think about how many times today you’ve attempted to push away a painful feeling by scrolling through social media, bingeing on Netflix, or using food, alcohol, or addictive substances to avoid emotions.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/suppressing-your-emotions-physical-health

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Karma Tube: The Man on a Mission to End Loneliness

Mike Niles had a high paying job in London, but felt that something was missing from his life. He gave up his lucrative position to start a charity, b:Friend, to help to eliminate loneliness among isolated elders. In Niles’ home town of Doncaster, a quarter of its elderly population is classified as “chronically lonely” by Age UK. An idea that took root after he visited an elderly neighbor who was lonely has led to what he calls the best job he has ever had. The companionship among the befrienders and their older neighbors show the true meaning of community.

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8240

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Elephant Journal: Not today, Gratitude: when Being Real is better than Being Grateful

Sometimes gratitude is hard.
Yesterday a friend of mine texted me a link to an online gratitude course, with the reminder: “We all need gratitude!” and my immediate thought was, “Nope, not today we don’t.”
And I closed that text like a cyber hot potato.

I felt a fleeting twinge of guilt. Because practicing gratitude is so good, and so important, and so helpful.
I know this.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/11/not-today-gratitude-when-being-real-is-better-than-being-grateful/

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MNN: 5 animal tracks you can identify in your yard

Have you ever wondered who visits you backyard when you aren’t paying attention? Or perhaps you don’t suspect anyone at all … though you’d probably be surprised to know how many critters come visiting your yard or the park down the street.
If you’re interested in growing your skills as a naturalist, learning animal tracks is an excellent place to start. There are a handful of common species likely to hang out in most suburban and even urban yards, which means you might not even have to leave your own neighborhood to gain skills in animal tracking.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/animal-tracks-you-can-identify-your-own-yard

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EarthSky News: Use Big Dipper to find star Capella

Tonight – or any autumn or winter evening – if you can see the Big Dipper, use its famous pointer stars (which point to Polaris, the North Star) to find the bright golden star Capella in the constellation Auriga the Charioteer. The top two bowl stars point toward Capella, as we depict on the chart at the top of this post.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/big-dipper-bowl-points-to-bright-star-capella

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Patheos-Pagan: What Fictional Witches Can Teach Us About Pursuing What We Really Want

The Book of the Beast is a plot device in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. It exists in that fictional universe and nowhere else.1
About three episodes into The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina a thought occurred to me. If I had seen this show when I was 16 or so, I would have been saying to myself “where is that book? I want to sign it!”
And a moment later I realized that thought was revisionist history. I would have done no such thing.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2018/11/fictional-witches-teach-what-we-really-want.html

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Inner Journey:

LIFE AS A MIRROR

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
— C.G. Jung

We get clues about our unconscious programming if we watch our reactions, responses, feelings and thoughts about other people and events. Ask yourself: How do I judge or stereotype people? What pushes my buttons? What makes me angry or fearful or sad?

The outer incidents that trigger these reactions in me simply MIRROR my own nature. If I didn’t have beliefs around the issues that upset me, where would my reactions come from? If I didn’t have some internal reference, I wouldn’t react at all.

When outer events spark a reaction, we need to look inside to explore what’s going on.

“We discover in ourselves what others hide from us and we recognize in others what we hide from ourselves.”
— Vauvenargues

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Next time you feel fear either right after a major decision or just before one, it usually means you’re exactly where you need to be.

Nice,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Recipes Using Acorn Squash

There are many delicious ways to use this nutritious fall vegetable in casseroles, soups, pies and filled with stuffing

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Recipes-Using-Acorn-Squash.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
November 19, 2018

Passion

“Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.”

-Henri Amiel (1821-1881)

Passion is such a primal human trait. We all know what it is, what it feels like. Whether it is passion for a person, place, or activity, passion is what carries us forward to new and greater heights of life experiences. And it is through these experiences that we learn more about ourselves, and are able to express ourselves. Our passions show us who we are, and what we can do.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Lessons From the Peanuts Gang

Has it really been over 60 years since we first laid eyes on Charles M. Schultz’s first “Peanut” comic strip? What started as a comic strip in the 1950s became a legacy to readers young and old. Our favorite baldy Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Pigpen will always be the bedrock in pop culture. As the holidays approach us, one can’t help to think of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” as part of your tradition and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/galleries/lessons-from-the-peanuts-gang.aspx#dToLsvKRAZTJqXzM.99

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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 November 12, 2018

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Cat

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Cat’s Morning Bits for November 12, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds,
-November!

-Thomas Hood (1799-1845)

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Spiritual Unite: Higher Realms Of Existence – A New Energy Coming

In total, there are twelve realms of existence or dimensions of consciousness. Most of the time, we are only really concerned with our physical world but there are higher realms of existence that we encounter during our journeys. So let’s take a look at those higher realms of existence and how they differ from the 3D world we experience

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/higher-realms-of-existence/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Everything You Need To Know To Crush This Week’s Tricky Transits

November 12, 2018

On Thursday, Mars enters Pisces, and daydreaming will ensue.
Just when you thought you were going to plow through those end-of-year work assignments, you could get diverted to the Enchanted Forest…or onto some other random but fascinating quest. This Thursday, November 15, make-it-happen Mars floats into dreamy Pisces until December 31.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/november-12-18-2018-horoscope-including-a-mercury-retrograde

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Daily Good: Unity and the Power of Love

“Unity holds the essential vision that we are one living, interconnected ecosystem — a living Earth that supports and nourishes all of its inhabitants. If we acknowledge and honor this simple reality, we can begin to participate in the vital work of healing our fractured and divisive world and embrace a consciousness of oneness that is our human heritage. This is the opportunity that is being offered to us, even as its dark twin is constellating the dynamics of nationalism, tribalism, isolationism, and all the other regressive forces that express ‘me’ rather than ‘we.'” Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee shares more in this thoughtful essay.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2133/unity-and-the-power-of-love-llewellyn-vaughan-lee/

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Elephant Journal: Enlightenment doesn’t Care how you Get There.

Some years back, I came across a most empowering gem that gave me permission to expand.
It’s from the spiritual author, Thaddeus Golas:
“Enlightenment doesn’t care how you get there.”

This bit of wisdom profoundly changed my relationship with a well-worn spiritual path.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/11/enlightenment-doesnt-care-how-you-get-there/

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MNN: This Snail Wrangler will make you love snails

If we’re lucky, we find a passion in life — something that endlessly interests us and about which we care about deeply. Marla Coppolino is such a fortuitous person: Snails are her passion.
It started early — she was just 7 years old when she found tiny land snails in the backyard of her New Jersey home. “Some of them were not much bigger than a pin head — they were teeny-tiny. I

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/snail-wrangler-marla-coppolino-make-you-love-snails

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EarthSky News: Find Hercules between 2 bright stars

Tonight, try locating one of the coolest constellations up there. The constellation Hercules the Kneeling Giant can be seen ascending in the east-northeast on these Northern Hemisphere spring evenings. You can find Hercules between two brilliant stars: Arcturus and Vega. The chart at the top of this post shows the sky for around 9 to 10 p.m. local time (10 to 11 p.m. Daylight Time), when the constellation Hercules, and the two stars so essential for finding it, are well up in the northeastern to eastern sky.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/two-stars-lead-to-constellation-hercules

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Patheos-Pagan: Wicca: Not as Stupid as You Think

I think it was Jason Mankey, quoting his wife, who quipped that, “Hating Wicca is the new black.” Between the latest incarnation of Wicca vs. Traditional Witchcraft (minus the sassiness of Cochrane and Valiente that originally made it interesting) and “Wiccanate” privilege, the Wiccan heyday seems to be over.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/oathbound/2015/08/wicca-not-as-stupid-as-you-think/

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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 tobe. 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

Low days exist to remind you that you still have choices.

High days exist to remind you of how fast you rebound… among other things.

Boing,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Glazed Pomegranate Pork Ribs

I came up with this recipe when I was actually craving a tart apple pork dish, but had no apples. Luckily, we have an abundance of pomegranates sitting around, so pomegranate pork was to be made. I can now report that this has my tart apple pork beat.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Glazed-Pomegranate-Pork-Ribs.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
November 12, 2018

Laughter

“Laughter is the lightning rod of play, the eroticism of conversation.” -Eva Hoffman

Look in any women’s magazine and you’ll find some sort of survey that ranks “sense of humor” as one of the most attractive qualities in a person. We love to laugh, and we love people who can make us laugh! Laughter builds wonderful connections between us. We let down our guard and allow ourselves to just enjoy the moment.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Easy Ways to Practice Gratefulness

When you’re running late to work, your child spit up on your new shirt, and the phone is ringing off the hook it can be hard to find any silver lining. Instead, frustration and anger build that ultimately gets taken out on those around you. When you’re stuck in moments like these, it can be hard to see any positive forces.
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/wellness/easy-ways-to-practice-gratefulness.aspx#XVvvQS4voSh12QQ4.99

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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 November 5, 2018

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for November 5, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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The sparkling fields of dewy grass,
Woodpaths and roadsides decked with flowers,
Starred asters and the goldenrod,
Date Autumn’s hours.

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Spiritual Unite: The Mystery Of Rising Sign In Your Horoscope

Before we begin and get into all sciency stuff, let’s make sure you are familiar with the concept of Horoscope.
Horoscope is an account of the exact position of all the planets and stars at the time of one’s birth. It attributes towards forecasting future predictions and also the characteristics of an individual. Based on this date, time and location sphere, everyone is assigned a specific zodiac sign which represents a particular set of traits and features. It is also referred to as the life sign.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/the-mystery-of-rising-sign-in-your-horoscope/

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MBG: Weekly Horoscope: Some Crazy Astrological Happenings Fall On Tuesday’s Election Day

Some interesting astrological happenings are coming our way on Election Day in the U.S.
How will history be shaped this Tuesday, November 6? That question has been hanging in the balance for many U.S. voters who have been counting down the days to a watershed midterm election. And astrologically, this day is no less tide-turning.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/weekly-horoscope-november-5-11-2018

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Daily Good: A Call to Caring

“At the heart of caring is an ‘and’ not an ‘or’. Deep within us lies a potential that transcends our artificial limitations. Can we embrace the possibility that we are fully capable of caring globally, in every direction — that the compass of our caring could open 360 degrees?” In his new book ‘Caring’ Tibetan lama Tarthang Thulku dives deep into an exploration of caring the potent antidote it offers to the ills of our time. The following excerpt, authored by his daughter shares thoughts on how to create a more caring world

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2131/how-to-create-a-more-caring-world-tsering-gellek/

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Elephant Journal: How to Stop Spewing your Past all Over your Present.

An old lover of mine recently posted on social media:
“You’re going to date a few cowards before you meet someone brave enough to love you.”
My initial response: What a fucker.
My sarcastic response: Jeez, thanks.
My annoyed response: But wait…I thought you didn’t believe in love?
My snarky response: Shit…she must be brave to love you.
My snarkier response: Mirror mirror.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/11/how-to-stop-spewing-your-past-all-over-your-present/

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EarthSky News: Watch for Taurid fireballs!

Various sources give wildly different dates for the peak date of the long-lasting South Taurid meteor shower (active from late September to late November). November 4, 2018 is one of those predicted dates. Thus both November 4 and November 5, 2018 are good nights to watch for meteors, possibly featuring a higher-than-average rate of South Taurid meteors.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/south-taurid-meteor-shower-in-november

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Patheos-Pagan: Pan-Celtic Hoofbeats: Finding Your Patron Deity

I notice a lot of new Pagans asking how to find a patron deity. They often sound worried about not having one yet, or not sure how this miracle is supposed to take place.
Newbies, this is a crone speaking. You are fine as you are. Take your time. You will never have it all figured out, anyway! Run like hell from anybody who says they have!

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/agora/2018/11/finding-your-patron-deity/

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Inner Journey:

INSPIRED TO CHANGE?

Are you getting the most benefit from these short Inner Journeys? Here are some ways to progressively stimulate more and more growth and change from these messages:
•Read them quickly for momentary inspiration and move on to the next email.
•Print them and keep them visible so you are conscious of the message during the day.
•Take just 30 seconds and write in your journal as little as one word or a few sentences about how you connect with each message.
•Take just 3 to 5 minutes to relax, reflect and contemplate on the messages that touch you. And then write a short note in your journal.
•When a message really hits home, make the effort to explore the program that delves into that topic more deeply.

At a minimum, if a message strikes any nerve at all, take a few seconds to become aware of what nerve was struck and what it means to you.

This process builds awareness, and awareness brings change and growth – automatically!

“Everyone stumbles over the truth from time to time, but most people pick themselves up and hurry off as though nothing ever happened.”
— Sir Winston Churchill

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

There’s not one person on Earth who’s there for the same reason as you:

Finding and celebrating YOU.

Whoop,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Simple Carrot Cookies

Most kids don’t like veggies. Here’s a tricky recipe that will make kids eat vegetables. Deceive them with with healthy goodness of these carrot cookies.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Simple-Carrot-Cookies.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
November 5, 2018

Beauty

“Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face.” -Kahlil Gibran

When does life unveil her holy face? When we remove the veil of illusion before our eyes. We see things so obscured by the pressures and demands of our lives. Never mind the forest for the trees – we don’t see the blessings for the bills! But every once in awhile, it catches us by surprise. We are moved by beauty. It is a gentle reminder of God’s presence. Maybe it’s a dandelion growing through a crack in the sidewalk – a sign that life is meant to be lived despite any obstacles. Maybe it is a neighbor’s smile, or a beneficial “coincidence.” In any case, our lives are beautiful, we are beautiful, even if we need to be reminded of it every once in awhile.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: Getting Through Hard Times
If there is anything I’ve learned in life, it is this: We do not grow in character during the good times. When life is easy, when there is enough money to pay the bills, and when all our relationships…
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 October 29, 2018

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for October 29, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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In fields of bush clover and hay-scent grass
the autumn moon takes refuge
The cricket’s song is gold.

-Margaret Gibson (b. 1944)

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Spiritual Unite: How To Heal A Karmic Relationship

Do you feel a strong sense of familiarity when you meet someone? Like you know this person from a different time? It will dumbfound you, but it will also pull you closer towards them, because of a strong sense of curiosity bubbling inside your mind. You’ll feel an incredible longing for something you never even wished for.

https://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/6-keys-of-a-karmic-relationship/

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MBG: How To Call Out Hurtful Behavior While Still Exercising Compassion

So someone you like, love, or respect crosses a line. They say something that you don’t like. They send an email that you find dismissive. They overlook an important issue. They make a hurtful joke. A lover. A colleague. A client. A friend. What do you do?

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/call-out-offensive-behavior-while-still-exercising-compassion

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Daily Good: Failure Is Afraid of You

When confronted with the possibility of failure, we become afraid. We are so afraid of failure that we combat it by metaphorically beating it, sweeping it away, or hiding it in a deep hole. What might happen if we lit a candle and looked at our fear in the light of wisdom, compassion and even joy? Discover how fear of failure can be transformed in this short essay from the blog DailyBeloved.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/2108/failure-is-afraid-of-you-bonnie-rose/

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Elephant Journal: Halloween: This Time of Year gives us the Chance to learn Life’s Greatest Lesson. {Book Excerpt}

This time of Halloween, Samhain, Day of the Dead, longer nights, colder weather, and winter’s looming arrival is a good time to contemplate death.
Death has much to teach us.

One of the most significant tests we ever face is death. And, because of his gravity, his apparent finality, he jolts our soul.
For we often don’t get things done till the deadline. We might delay fully living if we did not hear the tick, tick, tick of time.

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/10/halloween-this-time-of-year-gives-us-the-chance-to-learn-lifes-greatest-lesson-book-excerpt/

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MNN: 11 amazing examples of insect camouflage
Some of these bugs might be indistinguishable from their surroundings. Can you pick them out?

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/11-amazing-examples-of-insect-camouflage/blending-in

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EarthSky News: Tonight, find the Andromeda galaxy

Tonight, now that the moon is in a waning gibbous phase and gone from the sky in early evening, find the Andromeda galaxy, the great spiral galaxy next door to our Milky Way. It’s the most distant thing you can see with your eye alone. It’s best seen in the evening at this time of year, assuming you’re in the Northern Hemisphere.

https://earthsky.org/tonight/find-the-andromeda-galaxy-in-autumn

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Patheos-Pagan: Samhain is What You Make of It

There always seems to be so much more Witchcraft and Paganism than usual at Samhain. Some of that is because there’s often just more to do. For many of us there are just more rituals to partake in, and there’s something about Autumn and Halloween that just feels like Witchcraft. You might blame the thinning of the veil for this, or maybe it’s the chillier weather, or shorter days.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2018/10/samhain-is-what-you-make-of-it/

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Inner Journey:

GO FOR PASSION!

“There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life.”
— Frederico Fellini
How do you ration your passion?

In what situations have you experienced your life to the fullest? Do you live your passion as fully as you can? How do you limit your experience of passion?

Passion emerges when your essence expresses itself. How do you stop yourself from fully expressing who you are?

“Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.”
— Henri Frederic Amiel

“We could hardly wait to get up in the morning.”
— Wilbur Wright

higherawareness.com
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A Note from the Universe

Curiously, while you’re discovering the God within you, I’m discovering the You within me.

Thanks,

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Violet Tea

Dried leaves and petals from your violets can be used to make a lovely tea. Add honey and enjoy!

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Violet-Tea-Recipe.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
October 29, 2018

Self-Knowledge

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”

-Henry David Thoreau

As a spiritual community, we talk a lot about “who we really are” and becoming “more of our Self.” But wanting it and actually achieving it are two different things. The first step is understanding what it is we’re really after. And it’s not fish! Self-knowledge is something intangible, and invaluable.

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 9 Ways to Live an Authentic Life
If you’re struggling with redefining your life and need some insight – check out these nine ways to live an authentic life.

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