The Desert Path

The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 25, 2018

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Cat

CMB canva sm

Cat’s Morning Bits for June 25, 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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Oh, the summer night
Has a smile of light,
And she sits on a sapphire throne.
-Barry Cornwall (1787-1874)

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Spiritual Unite: Cord Cutting Spiritual Meaning And Guide

We collect many soul connections during our lifetime, and sometimes (for whatever reason) we need to sever one or more of those connections. This is what we mean when we talk about cutting the cord in a spiritual sense. But what exactly does this entail, and what are the effects?

http://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/cord-cutting-spiritual-meaning-and-guide/

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MBG: Aura Readings: What They Mean & Where To Get One

Your aura is the distinctive energy that surrounds you. And we all have one! Each of us is made up of energy that lets off a vibration that can be both felt and seen. It’s how you can instinctively know if something negative has gone down in a room as soon as you walk in or feel people creeping up behind you.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/aura-readings-101

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The Tetraktys: How to Let Go of Things You Can’t Control and Enjoy Yourself

Recently, I’ve been writing a lot about anxiety. There’s a reason for it: it seems to be the leading cause of disability among my peers. The key to fighting anxiety is what the title suggests: letting go of things you can’t control. Sadly, it’s often easier said than done, so that’s why I will try to give a few hints on what you can do to be able to let go more easily so that anxiety stops being an impediment to your life.

https://www.thetetraktys.com/2018/how-to-let-go-of-things-you-cant-control-and-enjoy-yourself/

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Elephant Journal: How to Harness Mindfulness for our Best Full Moon Yet.

Even in the spiritual and new age realms, we are not immune to the feeling of fear or of losing control; unfortunately, for some, the full moon can be filled with worry of both of these things.
We are creatures that can easily be swayed by others opinions

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/06/how-to-harness-mindfulness-for-our-best-full-moon-yet/

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MNN: Beauty of the Milky Way captured in a crystal ball

The magical properties ascribed crystal balls may be nothing more than the stuff of legend, but we’re going to go ahead and call astronomer Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos a wizard anyways.

A self-described photo ambassador and operations staff astronomer at the European Southern Observatory in Santiago, Chile, Muñoz-Mateos recently captured one of the more unique views of our own Milky Way. As he described in a recent Instagram post, it all started with a trip to the local flea market

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/space/blogs/beauty-milky-way-captured-crystal-ball

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EarthSky News: Latest sunsets follow summer solstice

For people living around 40 degrees north latitude, the latest sunset of the year will happen in another day or two, on or around June 27. And in the Southern Hemisphere, at 40 degrees south latitude, it’s the year’s latest sunrise that’ll happen around then.

http://earthsky.org/tonight/at-midnorthern-latitudes-latest-sunsets-of-the-year-in-late-june

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Patheos-Pagan: Magic on the Pacolet

At a time in human history when dystopian movies and literature and news reports of global warming’s dire consequences breed like mosquitos in an algae-encrusted pond, it’s good to know there is a place called Pearson’s Falls.
That’s why I included poems celebrating nature, such as “Summer Solstice Tree,” in my cautionary, eco-feminist, book, Gaia’s Cry

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/naturessacredjourney/2018/06/magic-pacolet/

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Inner Journey:

A NEW LOOK AT PROBLEMS

“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.”
— Theodore Rubin

Our lives really begin to change when we learn to shift our perspective on ‘problems.’

From a spiritual perspective, problems offer our best path to growth. Like it or not, pain gets our attention. Discomfort also challenges the ego’s perception that it is in complete control of life. This opens the door for soul’s guidance.

If we want to be rid of the problem, we need to shift from denial and resistance to accept that this situation is present. We need to be willing to truly feel our experience to allow the energy of emotions to move through.

Finally, we need to explore what belief is giving rise to our distress. When we realize the belief is faulty, our shift in perspective resolves the problem. The solution always lies within us.

“No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
— Source Unknown

higherawareness.com

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A Note from the Universe

Every desired change must happen in thought first. This, of course, is the “hook” to living in time and space

Anyone can think happy thoughts when they’re happy, wealthy thoughts when they’re wealthy, healthy thoughts when they’re healthy. It takes someone highly unusual to imagine things differently than how they now see them; not that it’s hard to do, but it can seem so pointless and ineffective that most won’t ever bother.

You crafted the stage you’re now on so that you’d be pushed on to discovering your power, with dreams worth pursuing and the passion to care. Ultimately learning that success comes fastest when you see through life’s illusions, to that which gives them rise: your thoughts, beliefs, and expectations.

This is what you most need to know. There haven’t been any accidents, you haven’t made any mistakes, and the perfection of everything now happening in the world and in your life, will one day boggle your mind.

Close your eyes and visualize, every single day –

The Universe

tut.com

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Today’s Recipe: Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing

This is a delicious and zesty dressing made from a handful of ingredients in just a few minutes. It makes a great dressing for a salad, a drizzle on tacos, or a dip for veggies and chips. I made this one pretty garlicky. To tone it down, use just one clove of garlic.

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Cilantro-Avocado-Yogurt-Dressing.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
June 25,2018

Thoughts

“The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy.” -Florence Scovel Shinn

We’ve heard it time and time again, in a million different ways: we reap what we sow. When we plant apple seeds, we get apples. When we plant broccoli seeds, we get broccoli. It’s the law of nature and we all understand it! Now we need to take it to the level where we understand that when we plant seeds of encouragement, that’s what we receive in return. When we spread happiness, we get happiness back. When we give love, we get love. There’s no mystery to it, that’s just the way it is!

-Lissa Coffey

coffeytalk.com

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Beliefnet: 7 Reasons Smiling is Beneficial

Meow, hiss and back off! Does this sound like you beyond the typical morning and well after the alarm goes off? Well, you little old grumpy pants, you better start changing that terrible disposition by smiling. Yes, even if it is forced.
Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/7-reasons-smiling-is-beneficial.aspx#WktQOSdQr1Q3xVsF.99

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

I invite you to check out my websites!

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

Cat’s Treasure Trove …. an eclectic collection of jewelry & gifts! https://thedesertpath.com

Sacred Spirals (the place where all paths meet)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

Cat’s Morning Bits for April 5, 2018

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Cat

CMB Flowers and Coffee

Cat’s Morning Bits for April 5, 2018

Blessings, Cat

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“ One can acquire everything in solitude–except character. ”

– Henri Stendhal

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MNN: 13 inspiring quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.

King’s famous words are a reminder of how to live in any era.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s name is synonymous with the civil rights movement that swept the nation in the ’60s. He fought for equal rights for African-Americans at a time when segregation was prevalent. From his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington in 1963 to his famous Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery, King was a beacon of hope during a dark time in American history. He advocated for non-violence, preaching love, acceptance and equality while pushing for change.

https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/inspiring-quotes-martin-luther-king-jr

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Beliefnet: Dream Building Lessons From The Movies

Movies allow us to experience our grandest dreams. They inspire us, take us on journeys, and offer new perspectives.

They plant ideas and give us the visual language to describe and understand them. Full of symbolism and metaphor, quotes and history, and the possibilities of tomorrow, they share the dreams of others that have become realized, and help us to experience our own.

http://www.beliefnet.com/entertainment/galleries/dream-building-lessons-from-the-movies.aspx#iH4tECqresAz1xiV.99

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mindbodygreen: How To Make Your Small Space A Sanctuary

As a yoga teacher, wellness blogger at Om & the City, and proud dog mama living in New York City, my home is my sanctuary. Whether I’m trying to drown out Manhattan traffic to tune in to my meditation practice, streaming my favorite soul 1970s tunes to test a yoga flow, or asking Alexa to turn on a podcast while I’m cooking, Sonos helps me take control of the big city noise and fill my home with the sounds that enhance my life. In small urban dwellings like mine, listening better truly means living better.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-sound-can-transform-any-small-space

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Spiritual Unite: When You Experience 4th Dimension Spiritual Awakening

When we experience 4th dimension spiritual awakening, we move from a perspective of the world rooted in the physical to a higher level of perception. Where we begin to see that the trappings of the third dimension are meaningless in comparison to what lies beyond it. This is a time of significant personal development and the stepping stone towards 5th-dimensional

http://www.spiritualunite.com/articles/4th-dimension-spiritual-awakening/

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EarthSky News: Before dawn this weekend Moon, Saturn, Mars

Watch for 3 worlds – the moon, Mars and Saturn – very late at night. Best views will be just before dawn Saturday and Sunday.

Cat’s Morning Bits for January 30, 2018

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Cat

December’s Full “Cold Moon” on 12-3

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Cat

December’s Full “Cold” Moon

Sunday December 3, 2017 10:47 am EST / 8:47 am MST / 7:47 am PST

The moon will be sitting in Gemini, influenced by Neptune and shaking hands with Mercury in Retrograde (until Dec. 22nd). This means that mischief is afoot and deception is the keyword. Be careful of taking things at face value as they may not be what they seem. Keep your energy close and be careful of whom you share it with. Oh, and did I mention that this is a Super Moon?

The final full moon of 2017 seems to have fewer names than other months. However our ancestors called this moon the Cold Moon, The Bitter Moon, Long Nights Moon, and the Big Winter Moon. It is during this month that the nights are at their longest and winter blankets the land in it’s cold grip. This is probably where the name Long Nights Moon originated. Our Old English/Anglo-Saxon ancestors called it the Moon Before Yule. Both names are appropriate for this season. The time of midwinter is indeed long and the moon sits just above the horizon for what seems like forever.

The Cold Moon honors deities like Minerva, Osiris, Athena, Persephone and Hades. It is the perfect time to finish tying up loose ends and working through any remaining darkness from the past year. Take time to acknowledge the hardships and struggles that you have gone through and embrace the cycles of life, death and rebirth. It is through the experience of the dark times that we learn sun and warmth will alway cycle around and we will survive and continue, changed in ways that aid our personal cycle of growth. The work we do during this full moon will help us to welcome the rebirth of the Sun with open hearts. To celebrate this full moon try wearing the triple goddess colors of white, red and black and adorning yourself with rubies, moonstone, serpentine or obsidian.

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by a “clowder” of cats.

December Moon graphic and photo (C) L Bolotin

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. All written work and are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017

Cat’s Bits for Nov. 25 – Dec. 2 The Celtic Tree Month of Elder

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Cat

CBP November

Cat’s Bits for Nov. 25 – Dec. 2 The Celtic Tree Month of Elder

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November Events:

Nov. 25 Celtic Tree Month of Elder begins

December Events:

Dec. 3 Full Long Night’s Moon at 10:47 am EST

Dec. 3 Mercury is Retrograde at 2:34 am EST until Dec. 22

Dec. 13 -20 Hanukkah

Dec. 21 Winter Solstice / Yule and Sun enters Capricorn at 11:28 am EST

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve and Celtic Tree Month of Birch begins

Dec. 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Kwanzaa

Dec. 31 New Years Eve

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The Celtic Tree Month of Elder: November 25 – December 22nd

The theme for this month is death, rebirth and the return of light. The month begins with the dark time of the year and ends with the birth of the sun at the Winter Solstice. Other names for this tree are Frau Holle (German), Eldrum, Ellhorn, Boure Tree, Lady Ellhorn. The word Elder comes from the anglo-saxon word “aeld” meaning fire. Evidently the young branches have hollow stems which make them useful in making a fire.TREE INFORMATION

The elder tree is both a tree and a shrub and are members of the honeysuckle family. The shrub grows to about 30 ft. while the tree grows to around 50 ft. Both varieties like damp places along the woods edge. Elder has incredible regenerative power and can quickly regrow branches and roots. The tree has beautiful white flowers in the spring, growing in formations that resemble a bridal wreath. The flowers become reddish-black berries and make the most wonderful jellies, jams and syrups. The branches of the elder tree have a strong resemblance to bones when peeled of their bark. In the middle of the branches is a spongy center that looks similar to marrow. An unsuspecting person might actually believe the bare branches to be human bones!

ELDER IN HEALING

Elder is also a medicinal plant, the berries and flowers have many uses. However, it’s good to point out that the on the whole elder is considered poisonous. The dried berries and flowers make wonderful tea which is high in vitamins A, C, iron, Calcium and Potassium. This makes it beneficial for colds and sore throats. A distilled version of the flowers is good for treating cuts, burns and scrapes. Please keep in mind that if you pick elder berries make darn sure that they are ripe. Unripe elder berries cause severe diarrhea.

ELDER IN MAGIC & MYTH

The Elder has long been associated with Witches but it appears in Christian myths as the tree of doom. Judas was said to have hung himself from one and the cross of Jesus was made of Elder wood.

The Celts believed that these trees were homes to the Sidhe and treated them with respect, when cut the tree produces a reddish sap that made people believe that the spirit within the tree had been hurt. It is considered very bad luck to harm one but if you must cut or prune an elder tree one should always ask permission first. It is also bad luck to make a cradle for a baby out of elder, this is because of the trees association with death. Planting an elder tree near your home will create good relations with the fae as well as bringing prosperity to the home and it’s inhabitants. Even today there remain some taboos against burning the wood. Placing elder wood on your windowsill will keep vampires away, you can also wear it to the same effect. The folk lore about vampires is said to be much older than the the use of garlic.

Use elder for spells of banishing, faery magic, healing, protection and prosperity. Elder wood is also good for making magical tools, but remember to ask first!

As a magical name Elder is good for the person who is serious about magic. It also invokes mystery, luck and a sturdiness of character.

ABOUT ELDER PEOPLE

People born in the Month of Elder can be wonderful healers and seers as well as gifted musicians. They are slow to mature and waste time and energy on things not worth while. They can be very curious about profound subjects and study these things intensely. As healers or seers, elder people must choose their words carefully as they can be very persuasive with their speech. They must be careful not to sway the thinking of others and let them make their own decisions.

Correspondences:

Deities: The White Goddess, Danu, Cailleach, Boann, Hel, Frey, Vulcan, Venus
Animals: All white animals, raven, pheasant
Sacred Stones: Red Jasper, jet, bloodstone

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Elder Tree picture by Michael & Christa Richert/freeimages.com

Compiled and written by Cat from the following sources:
the crystal forest
controversical.com
dutchie.org
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

Celtic Month of Reed: October 28-November 24

Posted on October 28, 2017 by Cat

wetlands-at-sunset-1409535

Celtic Month of Reed: October 28-November 24

The month of Reed represents the mysteries of death and the hidden roots to all life it is sometimes called the “tree of doom” although it’s by no means a tree. It is also the symbol for Samhain which is the beginning of the Celtic New Year.

PLANT INFORMATION

Reed is a marsh growing plant and while it is not considered a tree, it was named as such by the druids. This was due to the fact that like a tree, reed has a deep, dense root system. While reeds are found all over the world. From the humble reed the Druids made sacred darts and arrows. Pens were also crafted from reeds and were a sacred symbol of wisdom and scholarship. The reed can reach 12 ft. in height in marshy areas and usually in thick stands. The dried stalks produce a dry rattle that can have an eerie sound. The roots and seeds can be ground into flour. The the Celts and later people of the British isles, also used this plant to thatch their roofs. A well thatched roof kept all kinds of weather out and depending upon the kind of reed you used a reed roof could last for 15 to 75 yrs. And in many places woven reeds make beautiful baskets. Reeds were also a cheap substitute for candles, if you soaked them in fat they could be burned.

“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.”
~ William Sharp

IN MYTH

In mythology reed is connected with Pwyll the ruler of the Underworld. Pywll was given a sacred stone for safekeeping. This Stone was said to represent the divine power of The King and Queen and thus this humble plant was associated with royalty. Ancient Mediterranean people also associated reed with royalty as did the Egyptians. They made scepters from reeds and if the scepter broke it was thought that the King had lost both virility and vitality.

IN MAGIC

In magic Reed has the following uses: Growth, Healing, Harmony, Willpower, Loyalty. Reed is said to be useful when one is ready to expand their awareness both spiritually and mentally as well as balancing your energy. And as a herb for Samhain it can be used in spells for travel to the otherworld and for Shamanistic soul retrieval.

Reed, although not a tree but a grass-like plant, is usually associated with Samhain, the Celtic New Year.
The Reed Moon means winter is approaching. It is a month of turning our energies toward hearth and home. The tree symbolizes family, fidelity and trust.
Reeds are burned to honor household spirits and a family’s patron deity; and in ancient Scotland, a broken reed was an omen of familial betrayal.
Reeds may be placed through your home, especially the kitchen area, to bring the blessing of unity to your family.
Reed represents the turning within that we must undergo to nurture our souls hunger for spirituality.
The reed’s qualities include protection, spiritual progress and hunger for truth

“Man is only a reed, the weakest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.”
– Blaise Pascal

REED PEOPLE

People born during the month of Reed can be cocky, arrogant and uncompromising which gives them a forceful energy. Reed people are not competitors but rather the catalyst that makes things happen because they have great dramatic flair and plenty of passion. This dramatic flair helps them to role play well and you will rarely see a Reed person show weakness although on the downside they can take great pleasure in pointing out weakness in others. However they are fantastic caretakers of both property and family and make strong friends. As a magickal name Reed is wonderful for caregivers or if you wish to give your personal energy a boost.

CORRESPONDENCES

Reed:
Names: Sedge, Sweet Flag,
Animals: Kingfisher, Wild Goose, Owl
Element: Air, Earth and Water
Deities: Pywll, Rhiannon, Morrigan, Poseidon, Coventina, Manannan Mac Lir, Arawen, Pluto
Sacred Stone: Jasper, Chysophrase, Aquamarine
Color: Light Green

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Photo: Wetlands at Sunset by Lisa Langell freeimages.com

Written by CatSister/LBolotin from the following resources:
The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland
Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster
treetotem.com

A Creative Mind: Cat’s Angel Message for October 2, 2017

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Cat

AutumnAngelbyCat 2

A Creative Mind: Cat’s Angel Message for October 2, 2017

October’s Theme: Divine guidance and messages. Thoughts, ideas, insights, or even warnings. These messages are important for us personally, emotionally and spiritually so work on staying open to the information that you receive.

The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions.

– Antony Jay

102: We all know that problems and issues can pop up out of nowhere and effectively blindside us. . If you are currently experiencing this, whether it’s something new, something old or a reoccurring issue help is on the way. The Sacred Source (Goddess, God) along with the Angels and Ascended Masters will always offer assistance. Be clear in your request and believe that all will be well and a solution will present itself. Stay open to receiving the guidance and messages that will come to you and be willing to try unconventional or creative solutions. Your ability for creative thinking will play an important roll this month so don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

Facing problems can often leave us confused as to what to do next. Archangel Michael gives us the confidence that we need to commit to the course of action that we know is best. The Ascended Master Solomon help you navigate difficult situation and shows you that nothing is impossible and the Egyptian goddess Maat shows the truth behind confusing issues along with the necessary steps to find a solution. Our Sacred Stones for today are Angelite, Celestite and Apophyllite which promote communication with the angels and the Divine, while moldavite promotes communication with the Ascended Masters.

Bright blessings for a magickal day!

Cat

I invite you to share my work as long as no changes are made and to check out my websites:

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The place where all paths meet at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Daily readings are written by Cat. Angel graphic is created and (C)LBolotin 2016-17.

Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 : The Celtic Tree Month of Ivy

Posted on October 1, 2017 by Cat

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Cat’s Bits for October 1-7 : The Celtic Month of Ivy, Sept 30- Oct 27

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October Events:

October 5: Full Harvest/Blood Moon at 2:40 pm EST

October 9: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 19: New Moon at 3:12 pm EST

October 23: Sun enters Scorpio at 1:27 am EST

October 28: Celtic Tree Month of Reed begins

October 31: Samhain / Halloween

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ivy-leaves-1368326

Celtic Month of Ivy

“Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,
That creepeth o’er ruins old!
Of right choice food are his meals, I ween,
In his cell so lone and cold.
The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed,
To pleasure his dainty whim:
And the mouldering dust that years have made
Is a merry meal for him.
Creeping where no life is seen,
A rare old plant is the Ivy green.”

Charles Dickens: The Ivy Green

IVY LORE

The Celtic Month of Ivy / Gort/ Gwinwydden runs from Sept 30- Oct 27

The ancient Celts and in particular the Druids, held ivy in high regard. In Wales ivy was related to the goddess Arianrhod, and was used in her ritual of opening a portal into the Otherworld, also known as the dark side of the moon and the Realm of Faery. This realm is symbolized by the butterfly and gives ivy a mysterious and mystical aspect. (If you look closely, ivy leaves resemble butterfly wings) Persephone is also associated with this month, this begins the time when she departs for the underworld for the dark half of the year. This month is time of settlement and reconciliation as it relates to karma. This month also corresponds to the Hunters Moon (aka Harvest or Blood Moon) which is this month’s full moon. It relates to female hunting animals wolf (Brigid), boar (Garbh Ogh), Lioness (Sekhemet)

Ivy is associated with the Goddess because it grows in a spiral. It is also sacred to the God Dionysus and during the Bacchanal people would run around waving the thyrsus which was actually fir branches that were wrapped with ivy, and the ancient Greeks would give a wreath of ivy to newlyweds as a symbol of fidelity.

PLANT INFORMATION

This “super vine” has great strength because of it’s ability to force it’s way into solid rock and it was powerful enough to kill a full grown oak tree. Ivy is another “Celtic tree” that is not a tree, and depends upon a real tree to give it support. It is a member of the Ginseng family although it is considered an evergreen. It also represents the ever blooming aspect of the human psyche. It develops yellowish flowers in October and then black berries.

Ivy is a POISONOUS plant and while it is said to have been used for medicinal purposes (like curing hangovers and cleansing wounds) I would highly recommend AGAINST it , as all parts of this plant are poisonous.

IVY IN MAGIC

In it’s magical role ivy protects against evil spirits negativity and all forms of disaster, it is used in healing rituals and is a symbol of loyalty and longtime friendships. It can be used in love charms to promote fidelity. As a magical name Ivy denotes strength and to give someone ivy as a gift state’s “attachment” and be mine forever.

IVY PEOPLE

People born in this month have great stamina and talents that can bring them great public honors. Ivy people also tend to radiate success even when they are not so fortunate. They are colorful and unique individuals who can be manipulative and use their power ruthlessly to get what they want. The key for Ivy people is not to abuse this power.

Deities: Dionysus, Artemis, Ariadne, Bacchus, Osiris, Arianrhod, Danu, Hel, Persephone, Rhea, Frey, Ogma, Cerrunos

Sacred Stones: Opal, Chrysoberyl, Alexandrite

Colors: Blue and light brown/tan

Animals: Butterfly, swallow, mute swan, lark

written by CatSister 2010 sources:
The New Book of Magical Names by Phoenix McFarland
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Whispers from the Woods by Sandra Kynes
dutchie.org
controverscial.com
crystalforest.com

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

It’s About Change: Cat’s Angel Message for September 25, 2017

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Cat

Autumn Angel

It’s About Change: Cat’s Angel Message for September 25, 2017

September’s Theme: Life Purpose. Sometimes we have a clear vision of what that is and sometimes we don’t. Many of us fall into the second category and that’s OK! Remember that everything you do has an impact on your world and the people in it and around you. Life Purpose can be very simple, like making “tiny miracles” happen for others or even making your own life or the life of a loved one better. Sometimes the small things are the best!

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.

– Albert Einstein

925: Yesterday we talked about the changes headed our way. However, some of you may be experiencing them now. Remember that faith is an asset (faith in self and Spirit). It will help you move forward and will invite new things into your life. Today’s number (25) is about action and rising above any obstacles that you encounter. Since change is necessary for growth be sure to embrace the resources you have (like your support system) as they will help you to live life to the fullest and create fresh new ideas and prospects. Combine this with confidence and strength and step into your power to make things happen. The secret to change lies in acceptance and the ability to let things unfold naturally.

If you feel yourself lagging in the areas of faith and confidence call on Archangel Michael. He helps us to find the inner power to commit to what we believe in and boosts courage and self esteem. The goddess Hecate in her maiden aspect helps us with new beginnings. She can help us to see things in a new and fresh perspective which we need when change comes knocking and the Hindu god Ganesh helps clear all obstacles from our path. Our Sacred Stone for today is Black Banded Agate which provides energy and support when we start all forms of new things.

Bright blessings for a magickal day!

Cat

I invite you to share my work as long as no changes are made and to check out my websites:

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The place where all paths meet at https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredSpirals/

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Daily readings are written by Cat. Angel graphic is created and (C)LBolotin 2016-17.

Cat’s Bits for September 10-16: Autumn Reflections

Posted on September 10, 2017 by Cat

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Cat’s Bits for September 10-16: Autumn Reflections

Note: This week’s offering is an older one that I happened across the other day. Since it struck a cord and seemed relevant to my thoughts, I decided to share it with you! Cat

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September Events:

Sept 20: New Moon at 1:30 am EST

Sept 21: International Day of Peace

Sept 22: Fall Equinox/ Mabon and Sun enters Libra at 4:02 pm EST

Sept 30: Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins

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The Canvas

The canvas of the summer is made of shades green;

Emerald, jade and serpentine with many in between.

When the harvesttime begins the Lady takes up her brush;

She starts to add new colors, vibrant, bold and lush.

Carnelian, garnet, amber dots the forest floor;

She lets it dry a day or so, before she adds a little more.

She works with slow precision as she paints each leaf with care;

Ash, oak and aspen glow; with gemstone hues everywhere.

When the landscape is complete she adds a turquoise sky;

Wild geese and soft white clouds gently sail on by.

To the lady we give thanks for the beauty that she brings;

Each season is a masterpiece that helps our spirit sing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ KODAK Digital Still Camera

Autumn Reflections

by Cat Bolotin 2006

This year the change of seasons has put me in a reflective mood, leaving me with the conclusion that autumn is an odd season. Some years the change happens slowly, while other times it happens over night. There are times that it arrives early and other times when summer seems to have no end and autumn is a long time coming. Maybe I notice these things because autumn is a dramatic season………………

This year autumn is early, as I write this, the month of August isn’t even over with and already the autumn faeries have been busy. There are splashes of yellow in the aspen groves and small patches of red in the ground cover. The pine trees are dropping their cones and the black tailed squirrels are busy harvesting the fallen treasure. Only the scrub oak remains unaffected, while they are loaded with acorns, they will be the last to decorated by the faeries. Yesterday, my husband and I were hiking to our hunting spot with our friend John. As we were walking through a pocket of pine and aspen John said “Look! This is my favorite part of fall!” He was holding a beautiful red and gold aspen leaf, about the size of a quarter, almost reverently in his fingers. “Aren’t they amazing? Hey! Did you ever press them in wax paper when you were a kid?” I nodded and smiled “Yep, sure did!”

Like spring, there is something about autumn that brings out the joy in people. These seasons are also in between times. Hot and cold, light and dark, life and death. Spring brings the miracle of rebirth, while autumn reminds us that nothing is permanent and everything passes away. The wheel of the seasons turns……….. The Great Wheel also corresponds with the Sabbats, of which there are greater and lesser. It has occurred to me that there are greater and lesser seasons as well. To me spring and autumn are greater seasons because they ultimately bring about the greatest changes in the form of rebirth and dying off. Summer and winter are times when things slow down and level out. They flow into the more dramatic seasons of spring and autumn. This theory may be obvious to some and debatable by others. Either way, it’s something to think about.

During this time of magick and beauty, I hope that you too will reflect on the coming seasons as well. As humans we tend to “ignore” the subtle things. While we dutifully honor the Sabbats we miss the miracles of nature that lead up to them. By slowing down and observing the subtleties of change that each day brings, we can connect more fully to the natural world. It is my belief that the Goddess asks this of each of us and whether we do it or not is up to the individual. Each season should be enjoyed in it’s time and the connection to the other seasons acknowledged. For it is through awareness, the beauty and miracles that surround us are more easily seen and enjoyed.

The wheel of the seasons turns in a seamless flow, each blending with the next and containing it’s own unique magick……………………….Can you feel it?

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/

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