Thought for the Day: May 25, 2017 (New Moon)

Happy Thursday and New Moon Blessings!

I don’t know about you but the this last New Moon cycle has been a bit odd. Normally this moon phase is a time for new beginnings, careers, relationships and drawing new prosperity and abundance. Not this time, maybe it was the retrograde planets or it could just be me…………….. who knows…….. Anyway, today we start a new cycle with a clean slate. It’s also the time to fill out those New Moon Abundance Checks to help start the new cycle off with positive intent. Below is the information for today’s New Moon.

New Moon occurs at 3:44 p.m. EST, this cycle starts the day of the New Moon and will last for the next 3 1/2 days.

This month’s New Moon is in Gemini. Gemini is ruled by Mercury which means that is a good time for spells and workings that involve communication.  If you are wanting to learn something new this is a good time, and promotes courage for people who tend to be shy. Keep in mind Mercury tends to move quickly and Gemini can cause things to get a bit “wonky’ so make sure your intentions are clear and concise.

I’m SO ready for this new cycle ….. how about you?

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Thought for the Day: May 18. 2017

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Happy Thursday, we have rain today and  the flowers are loving it, my cats…………..not so much! Sometimes it’s the small things that make us the happiest and quite often other people have  nothing to with it.  We are each responsible for our own happiness, it is something that we create and nurture. You are not responsible for everyone else’s happiness although there are selfish people who would have you believe otherwise.

Our challenge for today is to acknowledge the little things that make YOU happy! For me it’s the smell of rain and wet earth, time spent with my mom, snuggles with my cat Sixx (I’m sure there will be more to add to my list)……..so what makes you happy today?

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I invite you to check out my other websites:
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Thought for the Day: May 17, 2017

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Happy Wednesday, we’ve made it to the middle of another week!

The rain is coming, we had a brief shower yesterday out of a sunny sky and the scent was a magickal experience. Our resident pair of nesting ravens are out and about this morning and as always they have a lot to say. The male has  a deep gravelly voice and he’s “chuckling” over something his mate has said on her flyby. We have a light breeze, a frontrunner for the storm coming in, the trees are whispering and our big  wind chime is singing to itself. This is one of my favorite times of the day, the world feels reborn, new……..fresh. It’s a calming and peaceful way to start the day. Nature has that effect and if we allow it’s energy to fill us we can start the day in hozro, harmony.

 

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Cat’s Bits for May 14-20 The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn

CBP Cactus

Cat’s Bits for May 14-20, 2017

The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn

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May Events:

May 13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins

May 14: Mother’s Day

May 25: New Moon at 3:44 pm EST

May 27: Ramadan begins

May 29: Memorial Day

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A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.

John Muir

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(Photo by Plamen Radev: freeimages.com)

The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn
May 13th to June 9th.The Tree

The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn or thorny hedge. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, although it can reach 30 feet, and is  popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is exceptionally hard and fine grained, and burns quite hot. The new growth on a Hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 400 years old. The Hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for this holiday.

This tree has a dual reputation. To the Greeks and Romans the flowers were lucky and used for weddings. However, the Europeans associated the Hawthorn witches and was therefore unlucky.  The Irish Brehon word for hawthorn means “harm” and centuries ago in Asia the flowers were not brought into the home as they were associated with death.

In Healing

In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism. (Remember, always consult your doctor before adding any herbs to your regimen)

In Myth & Magic

In mythology, the Hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (Hawthorn) open, which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the Hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.

Because of it’s nasty thorns it is believed that the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus at the Crucifixion was made from Hawthorn branches.

The Hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities, and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. It could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.

Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of Oak, Ash and Thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.

To dream of pink Hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.

Hawthorn People

People born during this month are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and those they consider family.

Correspondences

Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic.

Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels

Deities: Danu, Frigg, Thor, Brigid, Vulcan, Dagda, Goibaniu, Cardea

Sacred Stones: Topaz and Amethyst

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!

Cat

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry and Gifts!  http://catstreasuretrove.weebly.com

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

Sources for this article are:

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
Tree Totem.com

Dark and Rich: Cat’s Angel Number for May 13, 2017

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Dark and Rich: Cat’s Angel Number for May 13, 2017 

May’s Theme:  Change – Growth – Embrace New Adventures

I want to live darkly and richly in my femaleness.  ~ Anais Nin

513: Today is the 13th and contrary to popular belief this number is anything but unlucky. The number 13 corresponds to the goddess archetypes and the sacred feminine as well as our own intuition. Today the Goddess is asking each of us (regardless of gender) to embrace our sacred feminine energy. This helps us on an emotional level and allows us to nurture and tend to the new growth that we have uncovered during our “weed pulling” activities.  With things changing for the better it more important than ever to spread positive energy and plant new thought seeds where you can!

Work with the feminine archetypes and goddesses today. Abundantia helps us to attract good fortune and abundance. Aine helps us learn how to increase our faith and find enjoyment in life. She is also a fertility goddess who assists child conception and all forms of personal growth. Brigit offers protection and turns us in the right direction best suited for our progress. Kali promotes courage, focus and helps us to meet the goals we have set. Maat provides clarification for issues that have caused us confusion. Saint Therese helps to soothe troubled emotions.

Our sacred stone for today is Rose Quartz, it’s a great crystal to have on hand. This gentle stone soothes emotions and helps us find unconditional love for ourselves and for others. It strengthens our ability to provide empathy and helps us to find loving relationships. Rose Quartz pushes away negative energy and helps us to release buried emotions and emotional conditioning that no longer serves us.  What a great day for an emotional bubblebath!

 

Blessings for a magickal day!

Cat

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

Cat’s Aimless Ramblings: Desert Wisdom

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The desert is an amazing place. In just a few short weeks it has gone from barren to full of life. Spring is short and the flowers will make the most of it before the hot, dry season ahead. Today there is a riot of color ,red, pink, purple, fuchsia and white,  among the green of rabbitbrush and the grey-green of sagebrush. The birds are out enjoying this breezy spring day as well and the air is filled with song. Horned larks zip from shrub to shrub and meadowlarks, my personal omen of spring, call to each other across the wash. Suddenly there is a chuck-chuck and a flock of Chukar race across the road, orange high tops flashing as they make for the safety of the tall grass. The big boys are out too. A golden eagle glides the currents above the Bookcliffs, almost motionless at times. A pair of red tailed hawks are cruising over Dogtown and for a time the prairie dogs are silent. A tiny kessler hawk passes us with a frowning eye as if he thinks that we have invaded his territory………maybe we have.

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Very soon with the arrival of summer all of this green will disappear. While the rabbitbrush and sage hold their color the rest change to shades of brown. They have not died it’s more of a stasis than anything else. They patiently wait and hold their reserves close. Doling them out as needed, setting boundaries if you will, with the changing environment around them. The animals adapt as well making changes in their routines to best meet their needs for survival. The similarities between man and nature are obvious to those who allow themselves to truly see.

There are lessons to be learned here as well. The desert teaches us to be patient and observant.  It teaches us about adapting to whatever life throws at us and it invites us to expand our focus to encompass the whole picture and not just the pieces we want to see. It ask us to see the beauty that surrounds us but also be willing to see the hidden beauty that reside in all things. And lastly that everything has it’s season, whether it’s long or short,  and that nothing lasts forever.

Each visit to this sacred place, my sacred place leaves me in awe. It fills my heart with peace and cleanses my spirit. It is my hope that whomever reads these humble words has a place or finds a place like this in which to go and be healed.

Adventure on my friends!

Written by and copyright to LBolotin 2017/ Photographs property of LBolotin

Please feel free to share this work as long as no changes are made.

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May’s Full “Flower Moon

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May’s Full  Flower Moon
5:42 pm EST

“Dancing midst the flowers beneath the full moon’s light,
the wee folk tend the gardens on this soft spring night.”

May is the time when flowers seem to be everywhere and is most likely why the Native Americans called this moon the “Flower Moon”.

This full moon keeps the spring theme of new beginnings and fertility rolling. Everywhere you look there is new growth. This is a great time to sow seeds in both your outdoor and inner gardens. Career, finance and prosperity are good areas to concentrate on for new beginnings. This month which started with the fire sabbat of Beltane is still keeping things burning. Lust, passion and renewed vigor put a bounce in our step as we move toward the new things this moon has to offer.

To celebrate this fiery month and full moon, wrap yourself in reds, oranges and yellow or wear warm stones like amber ,garnet and ruby. Take special care to nourish your inner garden this month. If you set intentions or thought seeds for yourself last month, remember to take steps to help them grow and move forward.

On a very light note, I have been “asked” to remind everyone that brings out the garden fairies! This Full Flower Moon is a wonderful time to welcome the “Wee Folk” in your home and yard. This is a great activity particularly for children. Leave gifts of pretty stones, crystals, shiny beads and other glittery objects in your flower beds and planters. Hang small decorations in your trees and shrubs. The Fae appreciate gifts and love to be remembered!

“On the breeze their laughter floats and magic fills the air,
unveiling nature’s treasure, her gifts with you they share.”

Full Moon Blessings!
Cat

Cat’s Treasure Trove: An Eclectic Collection of Jewelry & Gifts! www.catstreasuretrove.weebly.com

Cat’s Bits for the Week of May 7-13: Silence of the Spirit

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Cat’s Bits for the Week of May 7-13: Silence of the Spirit
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May Events:

May 10: Full Moon at 5:42 pm EST
May 13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins
May 14: Mother’s Day
May 25: New Moon at 3:44 pm EST
May 27: Ramadan begins
May 29: Memorial Day

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True silence is the rest of the mind,
and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body,
nourishment and refreshment.
– William Penn

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Sometimes we want to get away from the busy and hectic city life to find solace in the raging waves of the ocean pounding on the rocks or the turbulent splashing of a bubbling waterfall. At other times we are amazed by the immovable silence of a mountain or the gentle caress of a river overjoyed at its union with the sea. The topography of a region speaks to each one of us, a secret language that people from all facets of life understand and relate to.

Stuti Garg

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Article for the Week:  Silence of the  Spirit

Goddess,
Guide me along the path to stillness.
Grant me the power to truly hear the wisdom within the silence.

What is silence? Webster’s says “Silence is the absence of sound or noise”. But is it? Even in moments of true silence there is noise, it’s soft but it’s there. That little hum as if someone is speaking to you on a frequency to high or fast to comprehend. I find my silence in nature surrounded by the energy of Mother Earth and Father Sky. Natural places are healing places that can do more for a person’s mental state that any doctor or drug. Each person is drawn to different locales and climates. For me it is the desert and the mountains. They fill and refresh my spirit,  and they soothe my battered and weary old soul. I visit them to find my silence…………….

Here on the lake it is quiet, away from the noise and the hum of the city.
Although quiet may not be the right word because the air is alive with sound.
This is a different kind of silence, and the silence we find at home is nothing compared to this.

At home you can hear the distant hum of traffic, a train, people, white noise. Here there is only the voice of the wind, accompanied by the avian chorus and the whisper of the pines as they speak to each other in their native tongue.

As the cares of the mundane world fall away I am left with a peaceful feeling of solitude.
It overtakes me slowly and seems to move with the ebb and flow of the lake. It fills me with a rhythm like a distant heartbeat.

I am warm and content in the sunlight, watching it sparkle upon the water. Overhead
a heron soars on silent wings, lazily circling. I envy his view from up there and wonder how the sun and water appear to him, or if he notices them at all.

The energy I feel is healing, cleansing, silent, in a way that it is not in the confines of the city.  heavily populated areas have a way of suppressing the natural energy of the earth and of nature. It changes it somehow and makes it less………………pure.

Sitting here in the silence that is not quite silence, sharing energy with the seen and unseen, I find myself pondering the question of silence.

True silence starts within the center of our being. It is the gift of hearing and seeing what goes on around us and within us in a new way. It grants us the ability to be one with the Divine Source and all of nature. To embrace true silence we must first learn to be still.

Breathe and be still…………
Open yourself to the source
Breathe and be still…………
Allow your senses to guide you
Breathe and be still…………
Breathe in the stillness
(C) LBolotin 2017

Bright Blessings for a Magickal Week!
Cat

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