Messages In This Digest (23 Messages)

1a.: Re: Fwd: Moon Photography

Posted by: "carol calvert" carolcalvert2003@yahoo.com carolcalvert2003

Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:10 am (PDT)

Beth,
Very pretty pictures,Thabk you so much,as I missed that big moon rising.

Much Love and Many Prayers,
Carol L. Calvert

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From: Beth Patterson <purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com>
To: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, April 11, 2011 11:16:43 PM
Subject: [13Witches] Fwd: Moon Photography

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>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>From: Karen Izykowski <izykar@yahoo.com>
>To: liz <FireCatSekhmet@aol.com>
>Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:28:33 -0700 (PDT)
>Subject: Fw: Fwd: Moon Photography
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>thought you would enjoy these Liz :)
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>Beth
>Blessed, Mystical, Magickal Cats
> &
>Curious, Creative, Clever Bunnies
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2a.: Fw: Daily Ray of Hope

Posted by: "Beth Patterson" purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com purrrpaws4444

Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:40 am (PDT)

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Photo Credit: Donna Smith
Location: Port Orford, OR
The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

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Beth
Blessed, Mystical, Magickal Cats
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Curious, Creative, Clever Bunnies

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3.: Secret Homemade Uses for Eggs

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:05 pm (PDT)

Secret Homemade Uses for Eggs
The egg is one of the most versatile items used in cooking, but its list of uses does not really end within the borders of a frying pan. It can be used in many other activities including arts and crafts, skin care, creation of musical instruments and even gardening. If you have plenty of spare eggs at home, you can try out the some of these cool egg-based items. Egg yolks are rich in Vitamin A that moisturizes skin and keeps it healthy. Mix a couple of yolks together and add a little water. You'll get a facial cleanser that helps delay some of the signs of aging.

The egg white cleanser is a good supplementary material for its yolk-based counterpart. If the yolk facial cleanser prevents skin aging, the egg white cleanser smoothens the skin. It removes the puffiness beneath the eyelids, blurs the pores and makes the skin tighter. You can alternate both facial cleansers nightly for maximum results.

The egg is a natural moisturizer, making it a good ingredient for shampoos. To create egg shampoo, crack an egg and mix the yolk with olive oil and water. You can start using the solution once it lathers. Apply the egg shampoo on damp hair for a few minutes before rinsing. The egg's fat and nutritional contents will add shine and bounce to your hair. This shampoo is perfect for hair damaged by pollution, chlorine and excessive sunshine.

If you want to add color and style to your pastries, just decorate them with egg yolk-based paint. Prepare the paint by mixing the egg yolk with 2 ml of water. Place the mixture in different containers then add food coloring to each. Now, you can paint cool patterns on your cookies right before baking them. The paint not only adds design, but it also gives your pastries a richer flavor.

In terms of getting nutrition, small plants often get bullied by weeds and larger plants. To ensure their survival, you can plant them in soil that is half-filled with egg shells. The calcium from the shell will promote the young plant's growth and keep it healthy. When the plant reaches the height of three inches, you can transfer it to your garden. As for the eggshell, you can use it as a pot for another plant or use it as compost material.

Eggs, being nutritious food products, can provide soil with enough nutrients to make your garden plants healthy. When making compost, simply mix crushed eggshells with the green component. The calcium content of your compost will greatly increase, making the soil richer. Your plants, in turn, will be more robust.

Egg white can be used to clean and restore leather. Its thick and sticky base easily removes dirt from a leather surface, upon scrubbing. The base also forms a protective covering on the leather that gives the surface luster and some protection from temperature changes. To prepare the cleaning solution, crack two eggs and separate the whites. Place the whites in a bowl and you can start cleaning your leather items.

Scattering crushed eggshells on the leaves of plants can keep soft-bodied pests away from your plants. Snails and slugs, known as notorious leaf eaters, will hurt their bellies if they run over the jagged corners of crushed eggshells. Once they get hurt, they will move away from your garden as soon as possible.

With the current popularity of the acoustic setup, many live acts use egg shakers as percussion instruments during their gigs. You can create an egg shaker by removing the egg's contents while maintaining its shell intact. Put two teaspoons of uncooked rice or mung beans inside the shell, then cover its opening with tape and superglue. When your egg shaker is ready, you can practice using it with the acoustic guitar. You'll be amazed at how a small simple-sounding instrument can blend well with the guitar's music.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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4.1.: Today's Quote

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:29 pm (PDT)

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

- Oprah Winfrey

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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5.1.: Elder's Meditation of the Day

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:36 pm (PDT)

Elder's Meditation of the Day - April 12

"Dissimilar things were fitted together tomake something beautiful and whole."

-- Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE

Sometimes we look at something close up andit appears to be ugly; but then we drop backand look at it as a whole and it is beautiful. If welook at an insect close up, it may be ugly, butif we drop back and look at the whole insect itbecomes beautiful. We can drop back evenmore and observe what its role and purposeis, and the insect becomes even more beautifuland whole. How are we looking at ourselves?Are we focused on something ugly aboutourselves, or are we dropping back andlooking at ourselves as a whole? We all havepurpose, and we are all beautiful.

Grandfather,today, let mesee the beautyof the whole.
from www.whitebison.org

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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5.2.: Elder's Meditation of the Day

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:49 pm (PDT)

Elder's Meditation of the Day

"Together we can end the Holocaust against the environment."

-- Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

We are all familiar with the Holocaust against the people. When this happens we feel bad and we vow never to let it happen again. We need to seriously examine what human beings are doing to the Earth and the environment. Many species are extinct and many more will become extinct during the next 10 years. We are methodically eliminating life that will never return again. Today, we should take time to pray real hard so we wake up before it is too late.

Great Spirit, today, I pray for us to awaken to what we are doing.

from www.whitebison.org

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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6.: Beltane--Holiday Details and History

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:05 pm (PDT)

Beltane -- Holiday Details and History

Beltane is the last of the three spring fertility festivals, the others being Imbolc and Ostara. Beltane is the second principal Celtic festival (the other being Samhain). Celebrated approximately halfway between Vernal (spring) equinox and the midsummer (Summer Solstice). Beltane traditionally marked the arrival if summer in ancient times.

At Beltane the Pleiades star cluster rises just before sunrise on the morning horizon, whereas winter (Samhain) begins when the Pleiades rises at sunset. The Pleiades is a cluster of seven closely placed stars, the seven sisters, in the constellation of Taurus, near his shoulder. When looking for the Pleiades with the naked eye, remember it looks like a tiny dipper-shaped pattern of six moderately bright stars (the seventh can be seen on very dark nights) in the constellation of Taurus. It stands very low in the east-northeast sky for just a few minutes before sunrise.

Beltane, and its counterpart Samhain, divide the year into its two primary seasons, winter (Dark Part) and summer (Light Part). As Samhain is about honoring Death, Beltane, its counter part, is about honoring Life. It is the time when the sun is fully released from his bondage of winter and able to rule over summer and life once again.

Beltane, like Samhain, is a time of "no time" when the veils between the two worlds are at their thinnest. No time is when the two worlds intermingle and unite and the magic abounds! It is the time when the Faeries return from their winter respite, carefree and full of faery mischief and faery delight. On the night before Beltane, in times past, folks would place rowan branches at their windows and doors for protection, many otherworldly occurrences could transpire during this time of "no time". Traditionally on the Isle of Man, the youngest member of the family gathers primroses on the eve before Beltane and throws the flowers at the door of the home for protection. In Ireland it is believed that food left over from May Eve must not be eaten, but rather buried or left as an offering to the faery instead. Much like the tradition of leaving of whatever is not harvested from the fields on Samhain, food on the time of no time is treated with great care.

When the veils are so thin it is an extremely magical time, it is said that the Queen of the Faeries rides out on her white horse. Roving about on Beltane eve She will try to entice people away to the Faeryland. Legend has it that if you sit beneath a tree on Beltane night, you may see the Faery Queen or hear the sound of Her horse's bells as She rides through the night. Legend says if you hide your face, She will pass you by but if you look at Her, She may choose you. There is a Scottish ballad of this called Thomas the Rhymer, in which Thomas chooses to go the Faeryland with the Queen and has not been seen since.

Beltane has been an auspicious time throughout Celtic lore, it is said that the Tuatha de Danaan landed in north-west Connacht on Beltane. The Tuatha de Danaan, it is said, came from the North through the air in a mist to Ireland. After the invasion by the Milesians, the Tuatha faded into the Otherworld, the Sidhe, Tir na nOg.

The beginning of summer heralds an important time, for the winter is a difficult journey and weariness and disheartenment set in, personally one is tired down to the soul. In times past the food stocks were low; variety was a distant memory. The drab non-color of winter's end perfectly represents the dullness and fatigue that permeates on so many levels to this day. We need Beltane, as the earth needs the sun, for our very Spirit cries out for the renewal of summer jubilation.

Beltane marks that the winter's journey has passed and summer has begun, it is a festival of rapturous gaiety as it joyfully heralds the arrival of summer in her full garb. Beltane, however, is still a precarious time, the crops are still very young and tender, susceptible to frost and blight. As was the way of ancient thought, the Wheel would not turn without human intervention. People did everything in their power to encourage the growth of the Sun and His light, for the Earth will not produce without the warm love of the strong Sun. Fires, celebration and rituals were an important part of the Beltane festivities, as to insure that the warmth of the Sun's light would promote the fecundity of the earth.

Beltane marks the passage into the growing season, the immediate rousing of the earth from her gently awakening slumber, a time when the pleasures of the earth and self are fully awakened. It signals a time when the bounty of the earth will once again be had. May is a time when flowers bloom, trees are green and life has again returned from the barren landscape of winter, to the hope of bountiful harvests, not too far away, and the lighthearted bliss that only summer can bring.

Beltane translated means "fire of Bel" or "bright fire" - the "bale-fire". (English - bale; Anglo-Saxon bael; Lithuanian baltas (white)) Bel (Bel, Bile, Beli, Belinus, Belenos) is the known as the bright and shinning one, a Celtic Sun God. Beli is the father, protector, and the husband of the Mother Goddess.

Beltane is the time of the yearly battle between Gwyn ap Nudd and Gwythur ap Greidawl for Creudylad in Welsh mythology. Gwyn ap Nudd the Wild Huntsman of Wales, he is a God of death and the Annwn. Creudylad is the daughter of Lludd (Nudd) of the Silver Hand (son of Beli). She is the most beautiful maiden of the Island of Mighty. A myth of the battle of winter and summer for the magnificent blossoming earth.

In the myth of Rhiannion and Pwyll, it is the evening of Beltane, that Rhiannon gives birth to their son. The midwives all fell asleep at the same time, as they were watching over Rhiannon and her new baby, during which he was taken. In order to protect themselves, they smeared blood (from a pup) all over Rhiannon, to which they claim she had eaten her son. The midwives were believed, and Rhiannon was forced to pay penance for seven years. She had to carrying people on her back from the outside of the gate to the palace, although rarely would any allow her to do so. The baby's whereabouts were a mystery. Oddly, every Beltane night, one of Pwyll's vassals, Teirnyon Twryv Vliant, had a mare that gave birth but the colt disappeared. One Beltane night Teirnyon Twryv Vliant awaited in the barn for the mare to foaled, when she did, he heard a tremendous noise and a clawed arm came through the window and grabbed the colt. Teirnyon cut off the arm with his sword, and then heard a wailing. He opened the door and found a baby, he brought it to his wife and they adopted Gwri Wallt Euryn (Gwri of the Golden Hair). As he grew he looked like Pwyll and they remembered they found him on the night Rhiannon's baby became lost. Teirnyon brought Gwri of the Golden Hair to the castle, told the story, and he was adopted back to his parents, Rhiannon and Pwyll, and and named by the head druid, Pryderi (trouble) from the first word his mother had said when he was restored to her. "Trouble is, indeed, at an end for me, if this be true".

This myth illustrates the precariousness of the Beltane season, at the threshold of Summer, the earth awakening, winter can still reach its long arm in and snatch the Sun away (Gwri of the Golden hair). "Ne'er cast a clout 'til May be out" (clout: Old English for cloth/clothing). If indeed the return of summer is true than the trouble (winter) is certainly over, however one must be vigilant.

On Beltane eve the Celts would build two large fires, Bel Fires, lit from the nine sacred woods. The Bel Fire is an invocation to Bel (Sun God) to bring His blessings and protection to the tribe. The herds were ritually driven between two needfires (fein cigin), built on a knoll. The herds were driven through to purify, bring luck and protect them as well as to insure their fertility before they were taken to summer grazing lands. An old Gaelic adage: "Eadar da theine Bhealltuinn" - "Between two Beltane fires".

The Bel fire is a sacred fire with healing and purifying powers. The fires further celebrate the return of life, fruitfulness to the earth and the burning away of winter. The ashes of the Beltane fires were smudged on faces and scattered in the fields. Household fires would be extinguished and re-lit with fresh fire from the Bel Fires.

Celebration includes frolicking throughout the countryside, maypole dancing, leaping over fires to ensure fertility, circling the fire three times (sun-wise) for good luck in the coming year, athletic tournaments feasting, music, drinking, children collecting the May: gathering flowers. children gathering flowers, hobby horses, May birching and folks go a maying". Flowers, flower wreaths and garlands are typical decorations for this holiday, as well as ribbons and streamers. Flowers are a crucial symbol of Beltane, they signal the victory of Summer over Winter and the blossoming of sensuality in all of nature and the bounty it will bring.

May birching or May boughing, began on Beltane Eve, it is said that young men fastened garland and boughs on the windows and doors of the young maidens upon which their sweet interest laid. Mountain ash leaves and Hawthorne branches meant indicated love whereas thorn meant disdain. This perhaps, is the forerunner of old May Day custom of hanging bouquets hooked on one's doorknob?

Young men and women wandered into the woods before daybreak of May Day morning with garlands of flowers and/or branches of trees. They would arrive; most rumpled from joyous encounters, in many areas with the maypole for the Beltane celebrations. Pre-Christian society's thoughts on human sexuality and fertility were not bound up in guilt and sin, but rather joyous in the less restraint expression of human passions. Life was not an exercise but rather a joyful dance, rich in all beauty it can afford.

In ancient Ireland there was a Sacred Tree named Bile, which was the center of the clan, or Tuatha. As the Irish Tree of Life, the Bile Pole, represents the connection between the people and the three worlds of Bith: The Skyworld (heavens), The Middleworld (our world), and The Otherworld. Although no longer the center life, the Bile pole has survived as the Beltane Maypole.

The Maypole is an important element to Beltane festivities, it is a tall pole decorated with long brightly colored ribbons, leaves, flowers and wreaths. Young maidens and lads each hold the end of a ribbon, and dance revolving around the base of the pole, interweaving the ribbons. The circle of dancers should begin, as far out from the pole as the length of ribbon allows, so the ribbons are taut. There should be an even number of boys & girls. Boys should be facing clockwise and girls counterclockwise. They each move in the direction that they are facing, weaving with the next, around to braid the ribbons over-and-under around the pole. Those passing on the inside will have to duck, those passing on the outside raise their ribbons to slide over. As the dances revolve around the pole the ribbons will weave creating a pattern, it is said that the pattern will indicate the abundance of harvest year.

In some areas there are permanent Maypoles, perhaps a recollection of ancient clan Bile Pole memory. In other areas a new Maypole is brought down on Beltane Eve out from the wood. Even the classical wood can vary according to the area tradition is pulled from, most frequently it seems to be birch as "the wood", but others are mentioned in various historical documents.

Today in some towns and villages a mummer called Jack in the Green (drawing from the Green man), wears a costume made of green leaves as he dances around the May pole. Mumming is a dramatic performance of exaggerated characters and at Beltane the characters include Jack in the Green and the Fool. The Fool, and the Fool's journey, symbolism can be understood in relation to Beltane as it is the beginning of beginnings, the emergence from the void of nothingness (winter), as one can also see the role of the green man as the re-greening of the world.

Traditionally in many areas Morris dancers can be found dancing around the Maypole. Morris dancing can be found in church records in Thame England going back to 1555. Morris dancing is thought to have originated many centuries ago as part of ancient religious ceremonies, however it seems that Morris dancing became associated with Mayday during the Tudor times, and its originating history is not all that easily traced, as is the way with many traditions.

The Maypole dance as an important aspect of encouraging the return of fertility to the earth. The pole itself is not only phallic in symbolism but also is the connector of the three worlds. Dancing the Maypole during Beltane is magical experience as it is a conduit of energy, connecting all three worlds at a time when these gateways are more easily penetrable. As people gaily dance around and around the pole holding the brightly colored ribbons, the energy it raises is sent down into the earth's womb, bringing about Her full awakening and fruitfulness.

In Padstow, Cornwall, Beltane morning a procession is led by the "obby oss" a costumed horse figure, in a large circular banded frock and mask. The procession is full of song, drums and accordions. Professor Ronald Hutton of Bristol University points out that the first account of the Padstow May Day 'Obby 'Oss revelries was written in 1803. He offers evidence however that, like English Morris Dancing, its origins lie in English medieval times. This does not discount the possibility that its roots lay in the foundation of the fertility rites of Beltane, a more politically correct transmutation of fertility acts.

There is also a Queen of May. She is said in many areas to have worn a gold crown with a single, gold leaf at its front, in other areas her crown was made of fresh flowers. She was typically chosen at the start of the Beltane festival, which in time past was after sundown on the eve before Beltane day. Many accounts mention both a May Queen and King being chosen, whom would reign from sundown the eve before the Beltane day to sunset on Beltane. Among their duties would be to announce the Beltane games and award the prizes to the victors. The rudimentary base of this practice can be drawn back to the roots of Beltane festivities, the union of the Goddess and Her Consort, the joining of earth and sun, the endowment of summer. The Goddess has many guises: Danu - The Great Mother, Blodeuwedd (the Flower Bride), Isolt (Iseult, Isolde) and many, many others. The consort can also take many forms including the Green Man, Cernunnos or Tristan.

As Beltane marks this handfasting (wedding) of the Goddess and God, it too marks the reawakening of the earth's fertility in its fullest. This is the union between the Great Mother and her Young Consort, this coupling brings new life on earth. It is on a Spiritual level, the unifying of the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine to bring forth the third, consciousness. On the physical, it is the union of the Earth and Sun to bring about the fruitfulness of the growing season.

It is customary that trial unions, for a year and a day, occur at this time. More or less these were statements of intent between couples, which were not legally binding. The trial marriages (engagements) typically occurred between a couple before deciding to take a further step into a legally binding union. It seems ancient wisdom understood that one does not really know another until they have lived with them, and when you live together things change and we change, as well. With this understanding unions were entered upon, first as a test period, and then if desired, a further commitment could be taken. It through always knowing that it is only through the choice of both to remain, that the relationship exists favorably.

May, however, according to old folklore is not a favorable time for marriages in the legal and permanent sense. There is reference after reference in the old books of this belief, and according to my Irish grandmother, May is not the month to marry, woe is to had by those who do. I can understand the premise of this folklore, May is the Goddess and God's handfasting month, all honor would be Hers and His.

Water is another important association of Beltane, water is refreshing and rejuvenating, it is also imperative to life. It is said that if you bathe in the dew gathered before dawn on Beltane morn, your beauty will flourish throughout the year. Those who are sprinkled with May dew are insured of health and happiness. There are other folk customs such as drinking from the well before sunrise on Beltane Morn to insure good health and fortune.

The central color of Beltane is green. Green is the color of growth, abundance, plentiful harvest, abundant crops, fertility, and luck. White is another color that is customary, white brings the energies of cleansing, peace, spirituality, and the power to dispel negativity. Another color is red who brings along the qualities of energy, strength, sex, vibrancy, quickening, health, consummation and retention. Sun energy, life force and happiness are brought to Beltane by the color yellow. Blues and purples (Sagittarius energies: expansion, Good Fortune, magic, spiritual power, Success), and pinks (Venus energies). Beltane is rich in vibrant color, lighting the eyes and cheering the Spirit as we leave the dreariness of winter behind.

It is customary to bake a colorful fruit and spiced filled bread for festivals in the Celtic lands, traditionally this festival bread is sweet dough made with sweetmeat and spices. In Scotland they are the bannock - Bonnach Bealtain - for Beltane, in Wales - Bara Brith, Ireland it is Barm Brack and in Brittany Morlaix Brioche. For Beltane this bread was made the eve before Beltane day, is it said that the bread should not allow it to come into contact with steel during preparation (steel is harmful, deadly to the faery folk).

Bannocks are actually uncut scones originally cooked on a griddle. Wheat does not grow well in the Highlands, originally bannocks were made with oat or barley flour made into dough with little water and no leavening. Traditionally, a portion of the cake was burned or marked with ashes. The recipient of the burnt cake jumped over a small fire three times to purify and cleanse him or herself of any ill fortune. Offerings of bannocks and drink are traditionally left on doorsteps and roadways for the Faeries as an offering, in hope of faery blessings.

May is the month of sensuality and sexuality revitalized, the reawakening of the earth and Her Children. It is the time when we reawaken to the vivid colors, vibrant scents, tingling summer breezes, and the rapture of summer after a long dormant winter. It is a time of extraordinary expression of earth, animal, and person a time of great enchantment and celebration.

The excitement and beauty of Beltane can not be better expressed than through the gaiety and joy of our children. There is not doubt "spring fever" hits at Beltane, and hits hard. Children are full of unbridled energy charged up and ready to go! Children always amplify the seasonal energies and the thrill of their change, they bring richness and merriment wherever they go.

It is the child's unrestrained expression of bliss and delight that is what Beltane is all about. It is the sheer joy of running through fields, picking flowers, rapturing in the sunlight, delighting in the fragrance of spring, dancing in the fresh dew covered grass. Our children guide us through the natural abandonment of our adult sensibilities and show us how to take grand pleasure, warmth and bliss from the gift of Beltane.

Blessed Beltane to you and yours!

Christina Aubin
Beltaine 2000

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=holidays&id=2765

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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7.: Chimp Yawning Evidence of Empathy

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:06 pm (PDT)

Chimp Yawning Evidence of Empathy

ATLANTA (UPI) -- When chimpanzees yawn they are not just sleepy, butare showing evidence of empathy -- just as humans find yawningcontagious, U.S. researchers say.

Matthew Campbell and Frans de Waa Yerkes of the National PrimateResearch Center at Emory University in Atlanta discovered chimpanzeesyawn more after watching familiar chimpanzees yawn than after watchingchimpanzees they don't know yawn.

"The idea is that yawns are contagious for the same reason thatsmiles, frowns and other facial expressions are contagious," the studyauthors say in a statement. "Our results support the idea thatcontagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy, because thebiases we observed were similar to empathy biases previously seen inhumans."

The researchers studied 23 adult chimpanzees housed in two separategroups. The chimpanzees viewed several nine-second video clips ofother chimpanzees in both groups, either yawning or doing somethingelse. They yawned 50 percent more frequently in response to seeingmembers of their group yawn compared to seeing others yawn.

The authors note chimpanzees live in small communities whereunfamiliar individuals are by definition members of a separate socialgroup. Therefore, the in-group/out-group distinction may be moreabsolute in chimpanzees than in humans.

The finding is published in the journal PLoS ONE.

Copyright 2011 by United Press International

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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8.: Star Hopping

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:06 pm (PDT)

Star Hopping

http://www.astrocentral.co.uk/starting.html

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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9.: Tarot and Wellness

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:09 pm (PDT)

Tarot and Wellness

Tarot images have been used to create positive affirmations, or explore the emotional background of an illness. This will certainly do no harm, it might even do considerable good.

Tarot can be used as a tool to explore the realms of wellness, the harmony of mind, body and spirit. The most potent applications of any symbolic therapy will be to reach the body through the gateway of the unconscious, that part of us we do not see, we cannot touch, yet we can bring into harmony with our total being and trust that it will open our world to the Universal abundance that is available to all of us.

Our well being does not just cover the physical and mental self. We draw strength from our Higher or Innerself to stimulate and develop our creativity, our intuition, that "gut" feeling we all experience. It is that voice within that sets off alarm signals when things start to draw negativities around us.

When we discover this mind-body connection, this helps us to maintain a positive outlook. In this respect, Tarot has a lot to offer.

On a very basic level, working with Tarot stimulates and strengthens right brain competence, the most synthetic, intuitive and creative side of the brain.

Tarot has been used in meditation for some time. To take this further, think about what aspect of the psyche or of the body is in need of strengthening or nurturing. Then choose a card that feels right to you. Use this card in meditation as you ponder on results you hope to achieve.
Low energy or lack of motivation might call out for the directed energy of the Chariot or the Sun.

Distractibility or nervousness could require the focused inferiority of the Hermit. An upset stomach might be calmed by Temperance

Insomnia could be abated by the Moon. As well, the Moon offers the encouragement to deal with the"shadows," those nagging hurts, pain, frustrations, guilt and even vindictiveness that keeps you awake at night. It encourages you to be prepared to face the "unknown," that is Tomorrow.

Empress conditions: feminine body-related, fertility-related, reproductive disorders, PMS, eating disorders. What Empress character does one have too much of? Try to balance with the High Priestess, if there is a need to be more in touch with one's psychic energies; or the Sun, if there is a need to be more rational and less emotional.

James Wanless, creator of the Voyager deck found himself with chronic fatigue syndrome. This low-energy syndrome might need the boosting energy of the Charioteer the Sun, driven by a highly demanding career, he lost his balance, slipping in over identification with the Chariot. His remedy was to focus on the feminine, passive energy of the Empress.

There are many ways the Tarot images can be employed therapeutically. In her book, Cynthia Giles goes on to say to turn to proactive attitude and consider how Tarot can be incorporated into a fitness program. Tarot and other symbolic therapies should be considered as tools for wellness, not as treatments for disease.Use your imagination. The more you know about Tarot symbolism, the more connections you'll be able to recognize. Reference: {1}Cynthia Giles: The Tarot, Methods, Mastery and More
Bonnie Moss write to inspire her readers to reach deep within, to find that important connection between mind, body and spirit. She draws from her life experiences and her deep interest in everything metaphysical. Read more articles on her Web site: http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com
Article Source: NewAgeArticles.com

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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10a.: Improve Your Karma

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:11 pm (PDT)

Improve Your Karma
5 simple ways to do it
by Jessalyn Marchal

Even if you're not afraid of being reincarnated as a dung beetle for your misdeeds in this life, you can still benefit from improving your karma. Having peace of mind at the end of the day - knowing that you've done your part - is a feeling that we can all enjoy. We're not talking about grand gestures here - just be kind to yourself and to others. It's pretty simple when you get right down to it.
Love yourself
You've heard it a million times - love yourself! Are you still not sure what it means? It means that you take total responsibility for youâ€¦ no excuses, no judgment, no self-doubt. Accept yourself as the total package that you are - the good, the bad and the unruly curls handed down from your mother. History is filled with people who have done remarkable things - and they weren't perfect. George Washington had wooden teeth, and Marilyn Monroe reportedly had a sixth toe - so accept what you've got. Work with it, not against it. Then pry your gaze away from the mirror and see yourself through someone else's eyes - you might be really surprised to know that your co-worker admires your sense of style, or that your mate finds your generosity unbelievably attractive. When you're able to view yourself in a loving way, it's a lot easier to see the goodness in others, too.

Just do it
Is your "to do list" a mile long? Procrastination is a tricky beast, and sometimes the reasons you don't complete things may even feel altruistic - for instance, you didn't have time to do laundry because your best friend was going through a crisis that you needed to talk them through. If you're stressed-out because you're not taking care of yourself and your priorities, you're not able to really focus outward and truly help others. Give yourself permission to take the "me" time that you need - so you'll be able to genuinely, whole-heartedly give to someone else.
Be a good Samaritan
Give your change to the homeless man on the corner, or help an elderly neighbor with her groceries. Look people in the eye when you say "hello, how are you?" These little things might mean more to the receiver than you know - you can't really weigh the benefits of kindness, but you can try to remember that the next person who needs jumper cables could be your mother. If you see a person in need, why shouldn't you be the one who isn't waiting for "someone else" to take care of it?
Let someone off the hook
Whether you need to forgive a big thing or a little thing, releasing someone else from the bonds of judgment frees you both up to do something better with your time. You don't have to call up your ex to let them know that you forgive them for that time they stood you up - but you can write out your feelings, come to terms with them - and then let them go. We've all got better things to do than hang on to useless emotional garbage. We've all made mistakes, and we've all been "that guy" who cut another driver off on the freeway. Smile, bless them, move on - it's really never worth it to dwell on anyone's past mistakes.
Pay it forward
Feed someone else's expired meter, or use the "donate to charity" option at your local Coinstar machine. Pay for the car behind you at the drive-through windowâ€¦ giving to a stranger gives them the idea to give to another stranger, who in turn may help someone else. Being a positive force in a relatively negative world may seem a little kooky at first, but the chain reaction started by your little spark may have unseen impact on people you've never even met - that is powerful stuff.
Good karma doesn't have to be about long hours spent in meditation, or grandiose deeds like selling your belongings and moving to India. Every day, there are people in our path who could use a kind word or deed - let it start with you, and let it start today.

http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/2555/Improve_Your_Karma.aspx

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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11a.: The Synchronicity Game

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:13 pm (PDT)

The Synchronicity Game - How To Play
Adapted from Dreamways of the Iroquois, by Robert Moss (Inner Traditions,
2005).

Recognizing synchronicity in our lives can help us to follow our deepest
intuitions, even when they run counter to conventional wisdom and logic. Notice
coincidence, chance encounters, and the play of symbols all around, and you
will notice synchronicity. It can be a series of homing beacons, alerting us
to the fact that we are not alone, that we have invisible sources of support,
and that we are on the right course even when the whole world seems to be
going the other way!

Play this insightful game to invite synchronicity to be your guide!
You can invite synchronicity to be your guide by putting your question to the
world. Say there is a special theme on which you would like guidance, or a
question in your life that needs an answer.

You can carry that question or theme in your mind (and maybe on a piece of
paper).
The first unusual or striking thing that enters your field of perception will
be guidance to you from the world, a direct message to your soul.
The message may come on a bumper sticker or logo on the truck in front of
you, in the flight of a bird, in an overheard conversation, the black dog that
just happens to be boarding the same plane, or in the amazing green-and-yellow
bug that lands on your wrist.

Shop for Supplies
Dreamways of the Iroquois
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caremailgreeting&o=1&
p=8&l=as1&asins=1594770344&fc1=000000&=1&lc1=0000f
f&bc1=000000<1=_blank&IS2=1&f=ifr&bg1=ffffff&f=i
fr

Copyright: Adapted from Dreamways of the Iroquois, by Robert Moss (Inner
Traditions, 2005). Copyright (c) 2005 by Robert Moss. Reprinted by permission
of Inner Traditions.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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12.: Spiritual A--B--C's

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:16 pm (PDT)

Spiritual A-B-C's
Find inspiration from A to Z
by Jamie Nishi

"A" may be for apple and "D" is for duck, but in our ABCs of Spirituality, "A" is for aura and "D" for the Dalai Lama. We've put together this playful list as a reminder that spirituality can be found in everything - even in the alphabet. Did we forget a word or phrase that has special significance to you? Have some fun by adding your own keywords or sayings. You can even pull it out and add to it during your next dinner party. It's simply an entertaining way to stay in touch with what enriches your soul!

A is for Aura and Astrology
B is for Be Yourself and Breathe

C is for Clarity and Compassion

D is for Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama
E is for Energy and Enlightenment
F is for Follow Your Bliss
G is for Guardian Angels and Gratitude
H is for Health and Healing
I is for Intuition
J is for Joyful Journey
K is for Kindness and Karma
L is for Love and Laughter
M is for Mindfulness and Meditation
N is for Nirvana
O is for Om
P is for Psychic Power, Peace and Prayer
Q is for Quiet Time
R is for Respect and Relaxation
S is for Spirituality and Spa
T is for Treat Yourself Well
U is for Understanding
V is for Virtues
W is for Well-Being and the Way

X is for Excellence In All Things
Y is for You Are Your Own Best Friend
Z is for Zen and Zodiac
Now you know the ABCs of Spirituality!
http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/1763/Spiritual_ABCs.aspx

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

You never know how much you know until you know how much you'll never know.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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13a.: Premonitions

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:18 pm (PDT)

Premonitions
Ah, that knowing feeling
by Red

It's a beautiful day, and life is going on pretty much as it should. You are minding your own business, going through the motions of your daily routine, when out of the blue you get a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. While you may not be able to put your finger on why, what, when, or where, your instincts are telling you something is going to happen. You are having a premonition.

Most of us, myself included (and I'm a psychic!), misuse the heck out of the word "premonition." Yet it is a word that conveys what you are experiencing in a manner that most people can relate to. The word itself is much more simplistic than what most people think. A premonition is nothing more than an advanced warning - one that comes by way of feeling anxious or uneasy. Its signals are too subtle to be noticed by the conscious mind. When we get a feeling that something is going to happen, the usual sense is that whatever it is, it may not be good.

Instinct
We all have instincts we need to learn to trust, rather than ignore. Of course, that can be hard to do. But lives have been saved by not boarding that plane, or by driving a different route to work after having a premonition. How many times have you thought that the car in front of you was about to make an irrational move, and it did? You probably wrote it off as "good instincts," but to say you had a premonition would actually be correct.

You would think, me being psychic and all, that I could tap into my own premonitions when they happen, right? Wrong! Ignoring that internal warning when I was 20 cost me a car (my pride and joy), and landed me in the hospital for Thanksgiving. My boyfriend had asked me to stop at the store on my way home. I hadn't planned on making any stops, and was rather annoyed that he asked, since there was a major snowstorm brewing. I immediately got that feeling that I shouldn't do it - that I should go straight home. But I pushed my unease aside, and I stopped. I shouldn't haveâ€¦and still wish I hadn't. Those precious ten minutes were just enough time for the storm to hit, the bridge to freeze, and a car without its lights on (that otherwise would have been behind me) to sail by unnoticed. I plowed right into it.

Anxiety
So you have that nagging not-quite-right feeling in your gut - or butterflies, even. Now what? First, think about all the little things that you may have forgotten to do. Try not to let your mind start racing with nightmarish theories of everything that could go wrong. If you still can't shake this feeling, you're in full-blown premonition mode.

Many clients call when they have that feeling - in hopes of finding out what it means. One client's feeling regarded her mother, who had fallen and broken her hip. It isn't unusual for me to confirm or deny a feeling regarding a cheating lover or spouse in a reading. Not every premonition will manifest or be revealed, because we all have the opportunity to avert the danger if we trust the advice from our gut.

Trust
Speaking of trust, and as difficult as it may be, don't let your thoughts and theories lead you astray. All the mental explorations of looming disaster are more likely to make your sense of uneasiness grow. Allow yourself to go through a quick mental checklist of what this feeling might mean - but if nothing rings true with your mind and body, then you'll want to trust your intuition to guide you through anything you may need to face.
Logic
Your feeling could be something, or it can turn out to be absolutely nothing - but it would be wise to pay closer attention to things as you go about your day. Sometimes the strangest triggers can turn a premonition into something more, but obsessing typically isn't one of them - because your logical mind gets in the way. Random thoughts may make more sense, or patterns may start to appear. Or, you may have completely forgotten about your sense of distress, and WHAM! - the answer becomes clear.
More than a feeling
While a premonition starts out as just a feeling, it often turns into a sense of knowing - even if you don't understand why. Random thoughts may not feel so random, or patterns may start to appear. These little things are what you need to pay attention to - let your intuition be your guide.
For some people, these psychic flashes are fleeting moments - possibly few and far between. Just remember that premonitions don't happen to stress us out. They are there to keep us healthy, wealthy, and wise. And the best thing to do at all times, is to pay attention. It's that simple.
http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/2217/Premonitions.aspx

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

~You never know how much you know until you know how much you'll never know.~

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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14a.: Ritual Basics

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:26 pm (PDT)

Ritual Basics

If you belong to a coven, you will learn from others how to do rituals and likely how to write your own. How rituals are organized and performed will differ from tradition to tradition, and from coven to coven. If you are a solitary, then it is up to you to learn about doing ritual.

You can just limit yourself to pre-written rituals, but you will likely want to start creating your own at some point. Even the pre-written ones can seem intimidating until you grasp the overall basic structure of a Wiccan ritual. Not all rituals need to have all these components, but this is a good outline for a basic ritual.

Cast the Circle
The first thing you need to do is cast your circle. The space within your circle is sacred, and considered to be 'between the worlds'. Not only does your circle keep out unwanted energy, it also serves to keep your energy in. You may want to cleanse your space with a ritual sweeping or with some incense before you begin.

Call the Quarters
The Quarters (also sometimes called Watchtowers) are the guardians of your circle. They are usually directional and/or elemental in nature. The exact wording on how to call the quarters is varied, and can be adapted to your needs. You might consider these Watchtowers to be the solid corner-posts of your circle.

Invoke Deity
If you are not familiar with any specific Gods or Goddesses, you can always just call on the Lord and/or Lady. Over time, you can research the various pantheons and learn about the different Deities out there. You may invoke certain Deities just get to know them better, or choose Deities that represent the energies you want for your ritual. You should always be respectful, and ask Deities to join you.

Raise Energy
If you are performing this ritual with a specific goal in mind (a spell), then you need to raise energy before you do that spell. It's your energy and will that drives a spell. If your ritual is to celebrate the Sabbats or to give thanks to the Gods, then you may not feel the need to raise any power. Methods for raising energy could be dancing or chanting.

Purpose of Ritual
This is the central part of the ritual process. If you are working a specific spell, now is when you do that, using the energy that you've raised. Worship, celebration or giving thanks could also be part of your ritual.

Ground Your Energy.
You raised energy earlier, and now you must ground it. Release the remaining energy down through your body and out into the Earth. Even if you are indoors, and your feet aren't truly touching the Earth, you can still visualize your energy dispersing this way. Depending on the nature of your spell, you may find that most of the energy is used up in your spellwork.

Thank Deity
I'm sure this part is obvious. If you've asked a Deity to join you in your circle, you must then thank them when the ritual is complete.

Release the Quarters
Similar to thanking the Deities. You've called the Quarters to assist you, and when you are done, you should thank them and release them.

Release the Circle
The step will return your ritual area back to 'normal space'. Most circle casting techniques that you will find are written with both an opening and closing portion to the text.

Cakes and Wine
It's traditional to eat after ritual, and this can be a social part of the ritual if you are working in a group. It doesn't have to literally be 'cakes and ale'. You may choose to use foods that suit the nature of the ritual. This is another aspect of the grounding you did earlier. By eating and drinking, you can focus yourself back to the physical world.

This is only an outline, to help you put the features of a ritual into context. You can find more details in our Circle Casting section, on how to call the Quarters and cast the circle.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to be creative and to experiment. The best way to become comfortable in ritual is to "just do it".
http://paganwiccan.about.com/library/basics/blrituals.htm

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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15.: Spirit Houses Spell

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:28 pm (PDT)

Spirit Houses Spell

Invite the magical beings of the earth and air into your life by
placing a spirit house in a protected part of your garden or near a window
inside your home. Paint and decorate a small wooden birdhouse with runes,
flowers, stars, spirals, geometrical figures, or whatever you like. Sprinkle dried
herbs inside, and hang colorful ribbons or a garland of flowers from the
perch. Let the spirits know their new home is ready by waving a stick of burning
incense over the roof and around the sides. Make sure a few whiffs of the
fragrant smoke enter the spirit house.

by Lynne Sturtevant

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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16.: Mark Twain on 'The Witches' Rede'

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:30 pm (PDT)

Mark Twain on "The Witches' Rede"

It hardly seems possible that it has been 100 years since Mark Twain
sat down and dictated his thoughts about The Witches' Rede, leaving to
posterity what is surely the most clear-headed explanation ever attempted of this
critical and central tenet of modern Witchcraft.

Okay, that really didn't happen.

But it might as well have. Because it was sometime around 1904 or 1905 that
Mark Twain composed a short story called "The War Prayer." It's not easy to be
sure just when it was written because Twain's publisher rejected it, saying
that it was too controversial. It was based, in part, on Twain's opposition to
the Philippine-American War of 1899-1902. Twain agreed with his publisher's
assessment, commenting that it would probably have to wait until after his death
before it could be published. As with the comet, Twain proved to be prophetic.
"The War Prayer" didn't see the light of day until its first printing in
1923.

Yet this deceptively simple short story is far more profound than a mere
anti-war rant. Indeed, it is an exploration of one of the most basic guidelines
for ethical human behavior. Modern Witches refer to this same idea as "The
Witches' Rede", and tend to couch it in archaic English: "An it harm none, do what
thou wilt," thus rendering it nearly unintelligible to all but the initiated.
Reading the antiquated "An" as the more contemporary word "If," the Rede
translates into the modern idiom as something like "If you harm no one, then you
can do what you want."

Every Wicca 101 instructor ever born has spent a considerable amount of time
schooling newbies on all the ramifications of this simple phrase. The first
thing they will usually point out is that "harming no one" may be harder than it
sounds, since "no one" includes oneself! And the second thing they will
mention is that even the most "positive" of magical spells may carry a hidden
payload that is detrimental to *someone*. Thus, one has to be careful to scrutinize
each new spell for possible hidden agendas. And if a harmful effect is found,
then, by the law of the Witches' Rede, that spell should not be worked.

It is to this second point that Mark Twain addressed himself in his brilliant
essay, "The War Prayer." Naturally, he doesn't speak of Witches casting
spells. Instead (and rather delightfully, considering the subject), his setting is
a prayer service in a Christian church, on the eve of a great war. As the
minister delivers an impassioned plea for God's aid in granting a military
victory, the service is disrupted by an aged stranger who enters, claiming to be a
messenger from God. He says that he has been commissioned to put into words both
the spoken, and the unspoken, portions of the congregation's prayer!

Then, in words that would do credit to any Coven elder, he explains, "If you
would beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke
a curse upon your neighbor at the same time. If you pray for the blessing of
rain on your crop which needs it, by that act you are possibly praying for a
curse on some neighbor's crop which may not need rain and can be injured by
it." This is the very essence of "An it harm none." From there, he goes on to
explain what the congregation is *really* praying for when they implore God for a
military victory. Controversial? Unfortunately. Timely? Never more so.

But don't take my word for it. Head to your local library and check it out
for yourself. Or, if you're near your computer, just fire up your browser and
point it to "www.warprayer.org." It only takes a few minutes to read, but you
will be the richer for it. True, Mark Twain may not have been a Witch, but he
certainly would have understood, and agreed with, the Witches' Rede. And I know
of more than one Book of Shadows that includes a special page of honor for
"The War Prayer."

by Mike Nichols

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

You never know how much you know until you know how much you'll never know.

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that's clear-I will choose Free Will.
"Free Will" ~Rush~

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17a.: Woman's Prayer

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:32 pm (PDT)

Woman's Prayer

Great Spirit, I am Mother.
I was made by You so that the image of Your love
Could be brought into existence.
May I always carry with me
The sacredness of this honour.

Creator, I am Daughter.
I am the learner of the Traditions.
May I carry them forward
So that the Elders and Ancestors
Will be remembered for all time.

Maker-Of-All-Things, I am Sister.
Through me, may my brothers be shown
The manner in which I am to be respected.
May I join with my sisters in strength and power as a Healing Sheild
So that they will no longer bear the stain of abuse.

Niskam, I am Committed Partner:
One who shares her spirit,
But is wise to remember never to give it away,
Lest it become lost,
And the two become less than one.

I am Woman.
Hear me.
Welal'in.
Ta'ho!

Native American (Mi'kmaq)
source: Submitted by Beliefnet member Namaskara-mudra

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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18.: Feng Shui Tip for April 12, 2011

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 4:58 pm (PDT)

Daily Feng Shui Tip by Ellen Whitehurst for Tuesday, April 12

Legend states that the month of April was actually named after he Roman goddess of love Aprilis. Other legends share that this month was really named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of both beauty and, of course, love! No matter who or what, one thing clear is that big love is in the April air. If you have a raging case of spring fever and simply can't wait to get someone else all hot and bothered, you might want to bring the heat with a few well-placed candles. In both ancient Rome and Greece it was standard operating procedure to petition the favors of the gods by using an open and illuminating flame. Take two pink candles and put them in white ceramic candleholders. Of course, you can always substitute clear glass or cut crystal if white ceramic isn't handy. Position those flaming love attractants in the Romance area of your bedroom, and light them once a day for 27 days straight days. If you skip a day you'll need to begin again. Think pink but don't worry about those candles burning all the way down every day. All you need to do is light them and then declare your intention to bring a perfect partner into your love life. Then extinguish them so you can get blown away with a hot new love of your own. All roads might lead to Rome or Greece, but this one will lead straight into your heart!

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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19a.: The War Prayer by Mark Twain

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:13 pm (PDT)

The War Prayer
as mentioned in the post 'Mark Twain and the Witches' Rede'
by Mark Twain
It was a time of great and exalting excitement. The country was up in arms, the war was on, in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism; the drums were beating, the bands playing, the toy pistols popping, the bunched firecrackers hissing and spluttering; on every hand and far down the receding and fading spread of roofs and balconies a fluttering wilderness of flags flashed in the sun; daily the young volunteers marched down the wide avenue gay and fine in their new uniforms, the proud fathers and mothers and sisters and sweethearts cheering them with voices choked with happy emotion as they swung by; nightly the packed mass meetings listened, panting, to patriot oratory with stirred the deepest deeps of their hearts, and which they interrupted at briefest intervals with cyclones of applause, the tears running down their cheeks the while; in the churches the pastors preached devotion to flag and country, and invoked the God of Battles beseeching His aid in our good cause in outpourings of fervid eloquence which moved every listener.
It was indeed a glad and gracious time, and the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war and cast a doubt upon its righteousness straightway got such a stern and angry warning that for their personal safety's sake they quickly shrank out of sight and offended no more in that way.
Sunday morning came -- next day the battalions would leave for the front; the church was filled; the volunteers were there, their young faces alight with martial dreams -- visions of the stern advance, the gathering momentum, the rushing charge, the flashing sabers, the flight of the foe, the tumult, the enveloping smoke, the fierce pursuit, the surrender!
Then home from the war, bronzed heroes, welcomed, adored, submerged in golden seas of glory! With the volunteers sat their dear ones, proud, happy, and envied by the neighbors and friends who had no sons and brothers to send forth to the field of honor, there to win for the flag, or, failing, die the noblest of noble deaths. The service proceeded; a war chapter from the Old Testament was read; the first prayer was said; it was followed by an organ burst that shook the building, and with one impulse the house rose, with glowing eyes and beating hearts, and poured out that tremendous invocation:

God the all-terrible! Thou who ordainest,
Thunder thy clarion and lightning thy sword!

Then came the "long" prayer. None could remember the like of it for passionate pleading and moving and beautiful language. The burden of its supplication was, that an ever-merciful and benignant Father of us all would watch over our noble young soldiers, and aid, comfort, and encourage them in their patriotic work; bless them, shield them in the day of battle and the hour of peril, bear them in His mighty hand, make them strong and confident, invincible in the bloody onset; help them crush the foe, grant to them and to their flag and country imperishable honor and glory --
An aged stranger entered and moved with slow and noiseless step up the main aisle, his eyes fixed upon the minister, his long body clothed in a robe that reached to his feet, his head bare, his white hair descending in a frothy cataract to his shoulders, his seamy face unnaturally pale, pale even to ghastliness. With all eyes following him and wondering, he made his silent way; without pausing, he ascended to the preacher's side and stood there waiting. With shut lids the preacher, unconscious of his presence, continued his moving prayer, and at last finished it with the words, uttered in fervent appeal, "Bless our arms, grant us the victory, O Lord and God, Father and Protector of our land and flag!"
The stranger touched his arm, motioned him to step aside -- which the startled minister did -- and took his place. During some moments he surveyed the spellbound audience with solemn eyes, in which burned an uncanny light; then in a deep voice he said:
"I come from the Throne -- bearing a message from Almighty God!" The words smote the house with a shock; if the stranger perceived it he gave no attention. "He has heard the prayer of His servant your shepherd, and will grant it if such be your desire after I, His messenger, shall have explained to you its import -- that is to say, its full import. For it is like unto many of the prayers of men, in that it asks for more than he who utters it is aware of -- expect he pause and think. "God's servant and yours has prayed his prayer. Has he paused and taken thought? Is it one prayer? No, it is two -- one uttered, and the other not. Both have reached the ear of Him who heareth all supplications, the spoken and the unspoken. Ponder this -- keep it in mind. If you would beseech a blessing upon yourself, beware! lest without intent you invoke a curse upon your neighbor at the same time. If you pray for the blessing of rain on your crop which needs it, by that act you are possibly praying for a curse on some neighbor's crop which may not need rain and can be injured by it.
"You have heard your servant's prayer -- the uttered part of it. I am commissioned by God to put into words the other part of it -- that part which the pastor -- and also you in your hearts -- fervently prayed silently. And ignorantly and unthinkingly? God grant that it was so! You heard the words 'Grant us the victory, O Lord our God!' That is sufficient. The whole of the uttered prayer is compact into those pregnant words. Elaborations were not necessary. When you have prayed for victory you have prayed for many unmentioned results which follow victory -- must follow it, cannot help but follow it. Upon the listening spirit of God fell also the unspoken part of the prayer. He commandeth me to put it into words. Listen!

"Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth into battle -- be Thou near them! With them -- in spirit -- we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe. O Lord our God, help us tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with their little children to wander unfriended in the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames in summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it --
For our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet!
We ask it, in the spirit of love, of Him Who is the Source of Love, and Who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all that are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.

(After a pause.) "Ye have prayed it; if ye still desire it, speak! The messenger of the Most High waits."
â€¦
It was believed afterward that the man was a lunatic, because there was no sense in what he said.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

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20.1.: Aromatherapy Tip

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:49 pm (PDT)

Pink Grapefruit Salt Scrub

A real treat!

1/2 Cup Sea salt

1/4 cup Sweet Almond Oil or any other carrier oil.

8 drops Pink Grapefruit , 2 drops Geranium

Add essential oil to Almond Oil, Pour it over salts and stir to
blend.

To use, gently massage into damp skin and rinse with warm water.
from www.aromathyme.com

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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21.: Handmade Body Moisturizer Recipe

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:50 pm (PDT)

Handmade Body Moisturizer Recipe

Like fresh food, this will go bad after a certain period of time. If you
donâ€™t think youâ€™ll use it within three months, store it in the refrigerator.
Makes approximately 2 cups

1 cup filtered water, cold brewed tea, orange blossom water, or rose water

¾ cup oil such as olive, almond, unrefined coconut, or avocado

3 tablespoons grated beeswax

Optional: a few drops of essential oil of your choice, for fragrance

1. Set up a blender and pour in the water. Prepare clean, dry glass jars for
packaging and have them nearby.

2. Put the oil and the beeswax in a Pyrex measuring cup. Place the cup in a
pan or small pot and pour in water to reach about halfway up the cup. Bring
the water to a gentle boil, and heat the oil and beeswax until the beeswax
melts. Youâ€™ll know when the wax is melted because you wonâ€™t see it anymore.
As soon as the wax is melted, remove the cup from the water and let the oil
cool for 2 minutes.

3. Turn on the blender and start blending the water at medium speed. Remove
the stopper in the blender lid so you can pour the oil through the top while
blending. Slowly pour in the oil and the mixture will begin to emulsify. If
there is still some water on the surface, turn up the blender and blend the
mixture 30 seconds to a minute longer. If youâ€™re using essential oil, blend
it in now.

4. With a clean rubber spatula, transfer the cream to the glass jars. Cover
the jars with cheesecloth for an hour, or until theyâ€™ve reached room
temperature. Placing the lid on the jar when this is warm will cause
condensation to form under the lid, which will water down the lotion and
form bacteria. When the lotion is cool, screw on the jar lids. Store at room
temperature for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.

http://www.readymade.com/blog/fashion/2010/12/20/handmade_gift_idea_natural_
body_moisturizer

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
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22.: Names for Healing Circle, 4/13/2011, 12:00 am

Posted by: "13Witches@yahoogroups.com" 13Witches@yahoogroups.com

Tue Apr 12, 2011 8:51 pm (PDT)

Reminder from: 13Witches Yahoo! Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/cal

Names for Healing Circle
Wednesday April 13, 2011
All Day
(This event repeats every week.)

Notes:
If you have any requests for healing energies or candle-lighting please send them in for the Healing Circle, which is done every Wednesday Night.

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miercuri, 13 aprilie 2011

[13Witches] Digest Number 7379

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