Enchanted Forest February 2014 Magazine

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Pagans And Wood Stoves

Posted by Harobed
The weather is frigid and I'm now using a wood stove again for heat.So I thought I'd post about the magical properties of the woods we burn.before I wrote this I scooted around online for info pertaining to this subject and was appalled to find that the infinitesimal bit of info that was out there was expounding on burning Cedar! People never burn Cedar ,Pine Sassafras ,or any evergreen in your fire places or wood stoves .......These woods are rich in the resins that create creosote which in turn creates chimney fires! These should be burnt only outside never in ! Hard woods are whats best to burn inside ,they produce a lot of heat for a long time and burn down to a nice coal bed before turning to ash. Always keep a teapot of water on your wood stove to put humidity into the air ,this keeps your nose from bleeding a protest over the dry heat:) I like adding "warm" herbs to my water such as cinnamon ,cloves ,or allspice ,sandalwood etc .....these with a pinch of salt and mugwort will purify your homes' energy and sweeten everyone's aura. If you really want to set a spell then you can write it on your kindling (or if your lazy a piece of parchment) and pop it in the fire ,this along with the appropriate herbs in your pot will send your spell sizzling out into the aether. Below is a list of the magical properties of some of the hard woods suitable for fire places or wood stoves . Have fun and stay warm!!!!! Rowan Pyrus aucuparia Also called the Mountain Ash, and Quickbeam for its powers of bestowing and enhancing life, Rowan is sacred to Capricorn. It especially bears the power of the Dark Goddess, the Crone aspect of Mother Earth, and through her the power of fiery Abban, Vulcan, Lord of craft, mountain, and metalwork. Rowan flowers and bright orange berries are marked by the pentagram, symbol of the five Elements; the berries, often retained through Winter, symbolize the endurance of Life through the dark of the year.

Also called Witchen or Witchbane Rowan has been considered the enemy of all evil witchery, and protects against one being carried off to Faerie against one's will. A tree of astral vision and protection, particularly good for warding off evil spirits, Rowan traditionally is said to avert storms and lightning, and bring peace. The fondness of songbirds for Rowan berries, gives the tree a link to the bards, and the Goddess Brigid in her role as Muse of poets. It is a tree associated with serpents and dragons and sacred places, the leylines or dragon-lines of Earth energy. The dragon embodies primal energy, a strong force of creativity and natural flow, which cannot be "slain" or "tamed". Dragon energy is drawn into harmony when we enter into partnership with it by directing it in a Rowan wand. Its Elvish name, Luis, comes from the root lu "time" also found in luras "to judge." Elves frequently hold their judicial assemblies under old Rowans. Especially suited for magick giving form and order, ritual, growth, fertility, protection, women's autonomy, poetry, weaving and spinning, and geomancy or work with ley lines. Ash Fraxinus excelsior Sacred to Virgo and its ruler Mercury, planet of intellect and reason, Ash is a wood associated with many divinities. The number of its house is nine (thrice three). One of the few surviving Druid wands of old, found in an archeological dig, was made of Ash with a sunwise spiral design, symbolizing Ash's links to the Sun. So generally magical is the Ash that it is the wood used for Yule logs and Maypoles, and in some traditions the brooms of witches. Ash is as much attuned to Elemental Water as Earth, and so is the consummate wood of growth and fecundity, mothers and daughters, and female sovereignty. It is a wood of balance and the marriage of opposites. Well-suited for shamanic magick, protection, and to enhance one's skills at any art or craft, magick of wells and caves, Earth as the vessel of water, finding roots or working with plant roots, magick of horses, oceans, conquest, justice, and weatherworking. Maple Acer campestre Sacred to Alban Elved (the Autumnal Equinox) because of its fiery red and orange colors as its leaves turn. Poised on the equinox, it is linked to both Libra and Virgo, Hazel and Ash. Maple's sacred bird is the Great Horned Owl who is herald of the coming Feast of Samhuinn with its magick and mystery.

The owl is a bird associated with wizards and wisdom, and the bearing of messages in the night. In North America, especially in its northern parts, the Maple is a dominant tree with many varieties, including the sugar maple from which maple syrup was made by the Native Americans. As such it is associated with the life-giving sap of the trees, providing food and sweetness for those who treat it with respect and care. Maple is a strongly masculine wood, somewhat rebellious and tough, but with a beautiful smooth grain; hard, yet excellent for carving. Well-suited to spells of sending and communication, binding, transmutations, creation, revolution, rebirth, healing, beauty, art, and abundance. Elm Ulmus campestris. One of the tallest ancient forest trees, graceful in its chalice shape, Elm is sacred to the Great Goddess in her form as Wise Grandmother. Manifest in the planet Saturn. Elm is also called "Elven" for its connection to the Elves and Faerie mounds, and so to burial mounds, and to death as the doorway eternal life. In recent times, as many ancient Elms have been killed off by Dutch Elm disease, the tree has come to symbolize and embody the struggle of Nature against humanity's destruction of the old forests through short-sightedness or the transportation of diseases from other parts of the world. Elm's spirit is majestic and expansive, rooted and wise. Well-suited to magick of Earth and invocation of the Goddess, healing, fertility, gardening, rebirth, destiny, wisdom., passage from one life (or phase of life) to another, metamorphosis, endurance. Hawthorn Crataegus oxyacantha Hawthorn or Whitethorn is sacred to Aquarius. It is a tree of defense with its twisted branches and sharp thorns, and it holds the power of lightning. Some loremasters say it can detect the presence of magick because it is a tree in which magical powers enter the manifest world from beyond. Well-suited for all protective magick and all magick aimed at strengthening one's magical powers, spells of control, or warding, sending, detection, concealment, weatherworking. and protection against lightning and evil spirits. Oak Quercus The most powerful and sacred of Druid woods, Oak is magically linked to the constellation Leo.

It holds power to draw lightning or the bolt of inspiration. The Sun, which rules Leo, is the source of life and light.. Oak is one of the longest lived trees, thus embodying great wisdom as well as strength. The name Duir is related to dwyn, "door," or "portal," the great door of a manor dwelling. It is also, of course, often linked to drwyd, "druid" or "wizard." As the wizardwood, there is no more magical wood for wandmaking and it is especially noted for enhancing the endurance of spells against time and counterspell. The acorn is associated magically with a helmeted head and so to the crown chakra. Natural branches of Oak are often twisted and gnarly and have a coarse, dark grain. It is a hard and heavy wood. Especially suited to magick of kingship and wise rule, personal sovereignty, authority, power, protection, sealing or opening doors, endurance, and invocation of wisdom, fertility, and abundance Hickory Hickory is sacred to Obraash, God of the Sun, Hickory is a hard and close-grained wood, with solar energies similar to Oak. The hickory nut is linked to the solar plexus chakra. It is especially suited to magick of abundance, wholeness, power, presence, command, discipline, acquisition, giving of gifts, and the finding of direction. Cherry Prunus avium Cherrywood is sacred to Ambash, God of the Hunt Cherrywood is red in color and darkens with age and exposure to the sun. Its companion stones are obsidian and sard. Its sacred bird is the Red-tailed hawk. Cherrywood carries the energy of the magical Will through which magical intentions are directed into the outer world of manifestation. Cherrywood is imbued with the power of making and doing, achievement, and self-assertion over obstacles and critics. It is the pure energy of Will and desire. The cherry fruit is magically linked to the root chakra and so to sex and birth: the life force of attraction and renewal. Its sweet-scented flowers evoke eroticism and the power of love in its more subtle forms as well as the essence of springtime with its powers of renewal. Especially suited to invocations and blessings of sacred fires, spells of finding, hunting, conflict, war, competition, sex, passion, communion with animals, unification of groups or tribes, and the amplification of magical will.

Walnut Juglans regia Sacred to Vashaan the Lord of Winds and Lightning, Walnut partakes of Elemental Air and Fire. It is perhaps the consummate wood for weather magic. The shape of the walnut nut connects it magically to the head, and so to the crown chakra. Walnut wood ranges from light to very dark and is well-suited to wand carving. It is especially suited for wind and weather magick, spells of expansion, vortices, enhancement of the powers of breath, spells to cast or avert lightning, teleportation and astral travel, and inspiration. Beech Fagus sylvatica Sacred to Obraash the Sun lord, whom the Elves call Alba, Beechwood is closely related to Oak. The Beech tree is a large and spreading tree that bears edible nuts. It was particularly valued by the ancient Celts -- and the Elves -- as a nut used to fodder animals, especially the sacred swine. Beech is the family of trees to which Oak belongs, thus is Beech sometimes called Atarya Dwyrion, "Grandfather of Oaks." The wood of the Beech has a superb grain that finishes most beautifully. Magical operations especially applicable to Beech include: spells of information, especially seeking old wisdom; invocation of ancient guardians or Ancestors; research into old writings and the runes; magick of the Summer Solstice, culmination of desires; magick of victory. Alder Aldus glutinosa Alder is sacred to the constellation Pisces, the Fishes. It is a wood which lasts a long time submerged in water and is often found on river and lake banks Magical operations most applicable to Alder include: protection against drowning and death; death curses and shielding against them; shielding against all ill-omens and destructive emotions; cultivation of the vision of inner and outer worlds; bridging of the above and below; preparation for conflict; shielding against unwanted intrusions from beyond

Birch Betula alba Sacred to the festival of Alban Eiler (Vernal Equinox). In the Celtic Ogham Beith is accorded prestige as the first tree, one of the trees that emerges first to establish a new forest, a harbinger of youth and springtime. It is often associated with the beginning of the year. It is a tree of beginnings in general and of the Bards, as the first grade of the Druid order. The Bards are according first honor as the singers of the Creation epics, those who sang the worlds into existence. Birch is also a wood with great powers to purify and discipline, to create the new forest in service to the great trees that will come after, such as the oak and ash and maple. Birch forest is young and so birch is linked to youth and all things new. It is especially suited to magic of new beginnings, spells of youth and fresh starts, bardic enchantment, creativity, procreation, renewal and rebirth, purification, and spells for discipline and service The Firewood Poem Beechwood fires are bright and clear If the logs are kept a year, Chestnut's only good they say, If for logs 'tis laid away. Make a fire of Elder tree, Death within your house will be; But ash new or ash old, Is fit for a queen with crown of gold Birch and fir logs burn too fast Blaze up bright and do not last, it is by the Irish said Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread. Elm wood burns like churchyard mould, E'en the very flames are cold But ash green or ash brown Is fit for a queen with golden crown Poplar gives a bitter smoke, Fills your eyes and makes you choke, Apple wood will scent your room Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom Oaken logs, if dry and old keep away the winter's cold But ash wet or ash dry a king shall warm his slippers by.

DREAM ............
Posted by BZ

nchanted orest rapevine

Look for the Enchanted Forest Grapevine for a list of awesome discussions and post from members of the Forest.. this was to help cut down on mail confusion in your inbox. So always look for this share is always good information from the site!!!

How to Start Your Day Happy

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff

By Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed (with a couple of comments by Stacy of Redcliff) bedWere in the midst of a deep winter chill and long dark days as I write this. Doesnt it always seem more difficult to bounce out of bed feeling optimistic and cheerful when its dark and dreary? However, Ive come to realize that starting the day in a positive frame of mind is a choice I make. Here are a few ideas Ive experimented with that make it easier. Begin Your Day Harmonically Theres not much that gets me more rattled than loud noises first thing in the morning. The traditional alarm clock sound is guaranteed to get me upset. Choose your tunes! On most smart phones, theres a setting for the music or sound thats played on your alarm. I have some lovely Japanese Temple music that sets the rhythm for my day. That may not be your cup of tea, but try out some new melodies that will awaken you in just the right way. Set the Alarm 15 Minutes Earlier and Meditate Dont you just love hitting that snooze button? But, instead of coming wide awake and bounding out of bed, consider meditating. You dont even have to sit up! Simply observe your breath. Breathe in for a count of 4 to 5, allowing your belly and chest to expand, and breathe out, also for a count of 4 to 5, allowing a feeling of peace to envelop you. You may want to repeat a mantra or affirmation such as, I begin my day in peace. Or, All is well. You may also just want to lie there thinking of all the things you feel grateful fora warm bed, your kids, a job, a roof over your head.(Stacy: I'd have to modify this and meditate when I have the house to myself, I can turn the ringer off, no one's around making noise, and I can light some candles and incense) Read a Motivational Quote or Passage There are so many forms of inspirational wisdom out there on the web as well as in books, apps and Daily Word calendars. Many authors have newsletters that you can subscribe to that give you a thought for the day. This can provide a perspective for the day that keeps you going in a positive frame of mind. My favorites are Daily Word, The Daily Motivator, and Hazeldon. (Stacy: Or you can check out the Daily Quotes group here on Enchanted Forest) Just Sit in Silence

We have so few moments in our multi-tasking world today to sit quietly. But what better way to begin your day? No need to carve out a half-hour or more of meditation time. Simply sit on the deck, porch or your favorite chair, just being still. Inspiration and creative ideas come more easily when youre being still and quiet. Check in With Your Intuition Intuitive wisdom often arrives when you least expect it. However, one of the ways to elicit its guidance is by asking questions. Whats the best way to improve my mood today? What could I do to create more abundance in my life? What are three things I could do today to find a great job? Pay attention to any images, feelings, inner whispers, aha moments, or dreams. Those are the main ways that intuition communicates.

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Creations

Meditation Practice and Benefits

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff
I have a love/hate relationship with meditation. Id LOVE to have a regular meditation practice, but I HATE how much I stink at it. It seems I can never get comfortable, if I shut the door to keep my beloved pets out, then they scratch at the door, and inevitably I forget to turn off my email notification or the phone ringer. Once I get past those annoyances, then there is my Monkey Mind. I try to concentrate on my in breath and out breath and meanwhile Im thinking of what to make for dinner. Ive tried guided meditations from youtube, but I have high standards: I dont like the background noise too loud, I dont like narrators that have nasal-type voices, and Im picky on the scenarios they talk about. An acquaintance told me Im starting my practice with too much ambition (I usually aim for 10 minutes). Instead, she suggested that I should start with 2 minutes or so and then progressively increase my meditation time. She also advised that I should forgive myself and not be so hard on myself, as developing a meditation practice takes time. So, I want to hear tips from those reading this post on how you get past the annoyances I outlined above. How do you silence your Monkey Mind? Do you do guided meditations, in/out breath meditations, loving kindness meditations, etc.? Any tips you could share would be immensely appreciated.

So why do I want to develop a meditation practice? Because of all the benefits (mind, body, spirit) that Ive read that meditation imparts. The following is a list of 50 benefits of meditation that I found on binauralbeats.com. (sorry, couldn't get the link to work) If you havent tried binaural beats, well thats another post! So here they are, the 50 Benefits of Meditation: 1. Relaxation Whats more relaxing than getting home from a hard day of work and cracking open some brewskies? Meditation is. I guarantee it. 2. Reduce Stress Feeling a little stressed out? Its the #1 stress reducer.

3. Inner Peace Have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of true inner peace? Through meditation this can easily be accomplished. 4. Healing The scientific evidence for meditation healing the body mentally and physically is extraordinary. 5. Still the Mind Does it seem like your mind is always on a race-track? Learn how to gain control over your thoughts. 6. Quiet the Outside World Stuck in the day-to-day rat race can take its toll on you. Create your own personal quiet time to erase the outside world, even if its just for a moment. 7. Self-Discover Do you truly know who you are? I mean truly know. Want to find out? Try meditating. 8. Fulfillment Feel a much greater purpose of being. 9. Intuition Raise your intuition and live a much more guided life. 10. Consciousness I believe that one of the greatest ways to raise your level of consciousness is through meditation. 11. Better Sleep Getting enough sleep is a crucial factor to our health and sense of well-being. 12. More Energy Instead of drinking that morning cup of coffee to get you through the day try a meditation morning session.

13. Astral Projection Meditation allows us to quiet the mind but stay consciously aware which is what is needed for astral projection. 14. Improved Immune System One scientific study showed that people who meditate have a much better immune system 15. Increased Awareness Instead of going through life like a zombie like most people do, become much more aware and live more consciously. 16. Shift Your Mood If you are feeling depressed or angry then meditation can transcend you to a much greater and enjoyable mood. 17. Spirituality Spiritually grow at an incredible rate and become much more connected to the source. 18. Happiness As we discover more about who we are, live a much healthier life, remove stress, become more in control of our thoughts, etc. we become much more happy then we were before. 19. Prevent Heart Disease Another scientific study showed that people who meditate are at a much lower risk of heart disease. 20. Pain Reducer Instead of taking pain medicine try meditating and focus on healing your pain. This can be much more effective then any medicine you take. 21. Gain Personal Insight You will learn things about yourself that you never imagined.

22. Compassion Gain a greater sense of love and compassion. Not just for your friends and family but for the entire universe. 23. Reduce Blood Pressure Science found that when people with high blood pressure start to meditate then it will significantly drop to healthy levels. 24. Find Solutions The answers to all of our problems are inside of us, if we just stop and listen. 25. Increased Memory Your memory will dramatically improve. 26. Chakras Its the best way to balance and open your chakras. 27. Focused Intentions The power of focused intentions is extraordinary. Shift all of your energy into that one intention and make it much more powerful. 28. Thought Control Most people have a lot less control over their thoughts then they think. This is the greatest way to learn how to control them. 29. Shift Perception Get a new perspective about life and about yourself. 30. Improve Concentration As we become more in control of our thoughts and mind we can dramatically improve our concentration. 31. Become More Creative The core of our creativeness can only be found in the silence of our minds.

32. Spirit Guides Come in contact with your spirit guides and allow them to help you grow even more. 33. Personal and Spiritual Growth Its the #1 tool for personally and spiritually growing to higher levels than we ever imagined. 34. Live in the Now Alan Watts says it best, Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment. 35. Break Bad Habits Quitting bad habits and addictions can be extremely challenging but with meditation it becomes much easier. 36. Inner Euphoria After you learn how to fully meditate you will experience complete bliss and euphoria throughout the entire day after a meditation session. 37. Purify Your Mind By controlling your mind you can filter through all of your thoughts and remove all of the negative things. 38. Improve Psychic Abilities By meditating we raise our vibration to higher frequencies, which improves our psychic abilities. 39. Slow the Aging Process With all of the health benefits of we can actually slow down the aging process and even reverse it. 40. Control Over Emotions As we gain control over our thoughts we also gain control over our emotions. 41. Lower Cholesterol Another scientific fact.

42. Connectedness Meditation allows us to get a greater sense of connectedness to everyone and everything around us helping us realize we are all apart of and connected to something much greater than ourselves. 42. Handle Well Under Pressure Squeeze an orange and you get orange juice. What happens when you are squeezed under pressure? Do you shut down, become stressed, fearful, or angry? Improve your ability to handle well under pressure. 43. Career Find your true purpose and calling allowing you to choose a career that is right for you. 44. Reduce Headaches People who meditate regularly will rarely ever experience a headache. 45. Set and Reach Goals Quicker As we are able to control our thoughts and intentions, we will reach our goals much quicker. 46. Manifesting As you focus your thoughts you are able to manifest your desires much more efficiently. 47. Relationships Whether its a relationship with your significant other, friend, or coworker meditation will dramatically improve your ability to connect and grow with them. 48. Inspiration Looking for a little inspiration? Everything you need is inside of you. It just takes some digging in the silence of your mind to get it out. 49. Remove False Limitations We can achieve anything that we put our mind to. Remove the self-imposed negative limitations that we have created. 50. The Most Thrilling Experience You Will Ever Have! Meditation will take you on a journey that you cant ever imagine until you try

I Will See You Again

Posted by BZ

The sun shall rise, and sure to set. His time has come, have no regret. His life he lived, we sure all know. A better place, he has to go. Rejoice today it's at an end. And he will see us, once again Corina Coburn

Symptoms of Inner Peace Poem

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff
by Saskia Davis A tendency to think & act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past expereinces An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment A loss of interest in judging other people A loss of interest in judging self A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others A loss of interest in conflict A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom) Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation Contented feelings of connectedness with others & nature Frequent attacks of smiling An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen An increased susceptibility to [accept] love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it WARNING! Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed, and it is possible that people, everywhere, could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. If you have some or all of the above symptoms, please be advised that your condition of inner peace may be too far advanced to be curable. If you are exposed to anyone exhibiting these symptoms, remain exposed at your own risk.

Shamanism - Totems that Comfort

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
by Ravenari The other day I was writing a response to someone who was asking me something about totem animals. To paraphrase the situation; this person constantly had totems in their life that pushed them hard, and made them feel constantly challenged. They were confused and upset, because they didn't always feel like they had the energy to be challenged all the time. Sometimes all they wanted was comfort, or reassurance. I have seen this sentiment expressed before, in many places, and so I asked them if they had ever thought of putting the mental and spiritual call out there for totems or spirit guides who would simply offer comfort and succour. They responded with surprise. It had never occurred to them that it's possible to have supportive spirits in their life, and so they laboured under the idea that spirituality always had to be hard, and a struggle. After my email, they searched out a totem animal that would provide comfort when things were very difficult; and things progressed well for them spiritually after that. Spirit helpers and totem animals can help with a lot of different things. They can be the energies that take you apart during an initiation, they can be the ones to tell you to 'get your act together!' and the ones to give you a metaphysical kick up the backside to get you back on track, they can be the ones to offer advice in a difficult situation, or offer silence to remind you that you really can figure it out on your own; honest. They can be the creatures we are terrified of, or the ones we adore and admire, and they can be animal energies we didn't know we could appreciate until they came into our lives. But they can also be the energies that simply love us for who we are. The totems that soothe us when things are hard. They might be the animals that offer comfort without us 'working' for it. Who take us in when we are broken and overwhelmed and give succour in exchange for our seeking them out in a crisis or a hard time. Heron is the animal energy that offers this to me. It's quite strange, really, because although I have always loved herons, I have mostly seen them as bold, powerful, graceful animals. And if you look at how most herons raise their chicks; they are not perhaps the animal you'd immediately associate with softness and love. But then animal totems are also unpredictable, and heron chose this for himself in my life; I didn't choose the role for him.

As some of you probably know - animal totems never just fit into a box of select keywords. I mean sometimes they do, but very often they don't. That's why it's so important to go beyond the dictionaries in your personal relationships with totem animals, but that's for another article! The heron that comes to me is a super-sized white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae). He very rarely says anything, and only comes into my life and lays his wings upon me when I think I cannot go on; when I think I cannot keep loving and caring for myself; when I just need some help. He doesn't ask for anything in return, though he has my love and gratitude always, and he has never pushed me away. That being said, I do not work with him as much as I could, because accepting comfort, and reassurance, and unconditional love is - of itself - very challenging for me, and for many of us. It's why so many of us don't even think about searching out or asking if there are any energies in our lives that would offer these valuable things to us. And no wonder, when so many of us struggle to offer comfort and succour to ourselves when we most need it. We are so often pushing ourselves past the next frontier, throwing ourselves into the next challenge, worrying we won't be good enough, or simply forgetting that accepting love, peace and comfort (from ourselves, as well as from spirits) is a form of valid spiritual nourishment; just as giving others love and comfort is as well. For those of you who work with spirits of any kind, are there any who simply offer you comfort, love and reassurance? Did they come to you at a tough time in your life? Or did you have to search them out? If you have no spirits of energies in your life that could offer this, why do you think this is the case? Do you think you would benefit from knowing there was someone other than human who you could approach for succour?

Homemade Natural Hand Sanitizer

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff
Ingredients: 5-10 drops lavender essential oil 30 drops tea tree essential oil 1 Tablespoon witch hazel extract or high-proof vodka 8 ounces 100% pure aloe vera gel teaspoon Vitamin E oil Directions: Add essential oils and Vitamin E oil to a small glass bowl or container and swirl to mix. Add witch hazel (or alcohol) to the oils and swirl again. Add this mixture to the aloe vera gel and mix well. If you choose to use squirt bottles or small containers, you might want to use a funnel to save on making a mess and wasting products. Shake gently before each use. (Sanitizer should last several months with the addition of Vitamin E to help preserve the ingredients.) Source: Matt and Betsy Jabs My Research on the Ingredients: Witch hazel = astringent, tightens pores (which reduces the chance for bacteria and such to enter skin) Tea Tree Essential Oil = anti-fungus, anti-bacterial, anti-virus Lavender Essential Oil = Antifungal, analgesic, antiseptic Vitamin E Oil = antioxidant, preservative, heals burns and scars Aloe Vera Gel = (don't confuse with aloe vera juice) - soothes and repairs skin. When the gel is applied directly to skin, it not only replenishes lost moisture, but also heals minor wounds, burns, rashes and lesions. Other: This recipe made about 9 fluid ounces My husband's comments (who is very picky): "My hands don't feel sticky, greasy, or dried out." My daughter thought that the tea tree oil was too "strong and scentsy" for her preference. It's an acquired smell, I suppose. Be sure to label and date your batch because its shelf life is approximately 9 months I put my mixture in an amber glass spray bottle. Note, it is not gel, like the typical alcohol-based hand sanitizers, it is more of a liquid and one squirt was sufficient for me.

Essential Oil Blending Tips

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff
What You Need to Get Started: Gloves: Keep in mind that you are working with undiluted essential oils and you do not want to get any on your hands Dropper, Pipettes, or Reducer Caps: Most essential oils come equipped with a reducer cap, but if there isn't one, keep some droppers or pipettes on hand. Small Glass Storage or Blending Bottles: 1/24, 1/8, or 1/4 oz bottles work well depending on the blend. Perfume Blotters or Cotton Balls: To smell and observe your creations transform as they evaporate. Pen and Paper: To write down the amounts of each oil used. Towels: Just in case! Essential Oils: A nice selection of staples (top, middle, base aromas) and maybe some special treats like rose and ylang ylang. And of course, your nose! When creating blends, only work with a small amount at a time. Talking mere drops of oil here. You don't want to mix up 1 oz of a blend right away, not like the result, and end up wasting all that precious oil. A nice starting point for your formulation is 10 drops. This amount is easy to work with as parts and converts nicely for figuring percents: 10 drops (or parts) equaling 100% of the blend, 5 drops (or parts) being 50% of the blend. This gives you a formula that can be used to recreate your blend in any size you need. Be sure to count accurately while blending and keep a written list of each oil and how much you add! You'll definitely want this information later. For example, one of my all time favorite blends contains 4 drops/4 parts/40% Lavender oil, 4 drops/4 parts/ 40% Clary Sage Oil, and 2 drops/2 parts/20% Neroli essential oil, making an easy blend of 10 drops or 10 parts or 100%. Keep in mind the different notes of an aroma as you blend. You will want to include top note oils, middle note oils, and base note oils. Your goal is to create a blend that you enjoy throughout all of the stages of evaporation. Once you have completed a blend, put some on a perfume blotter or cotton ball and inhale to see how the aromas evaporate. I like to do this initially and the next day to see if I still enjoy the aroma or want to make any adjustments. Getting creative and tweaking recipes is the fun part of experimenting with scents! Adapted from the Mountain Rose Blog

12-Step Program for Simplifying Your Life

Posted by Stacy of Redcliff
(Disclaimer: Dr. Dyer refers to God. I think his advice works equally well whether you choose to substitute Goddess, the Universe, Source, etc.) My 12-Step Program for Simplifying Your Life By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Here are 12 very specific tools for simplifying your life. Begin using them today if youre serious about hearing that ultimate call to inspiration. 1. Unclutter Your Life. Youll feel a real rush of inspiration when you clear out stuff thats no longer useful in your life: If you havent worn it in the past year or two, recycle it for others to use. Get rid of old files that take up space and are seldom, if ever, needed. Donate unused toys, tools, books, bicycles, and dishes to a charitable organization. 2 Get rid of anything that keeps you mired in acquisitions that contribute to a cluttered life. In the words of Socrates, He is nearest to God who needs the fewest things. So the less you need to insure, protect, dust, reorganize, and move, the closer youll be to hearing inspirations call. 3. Clear your Calendar of Unwanted and Unnecessary Activities and Obligations. If youre unavailable for Spirit, youre unlikely to know the glow of inspiration. God will indeed work with you and send you the guidanceand the peopleyou need, but if youre grossly overscheduled, youre going to miss these life-altering gifts. So practice saying no to excessive demands and dont feel guilty about injecting a dose of leisure time into your daily routine. 4 Be Sure to Keep Your Free Time Free. Be on the lookout for invitations to functions that may keep you on top of societys pyramid, but which inhibit your access to joyful inspiration. If cocktail parties, social get-togethers, fund-raising events, or even drinking-and-gossiping gatherings with friends arent really how you want to spend your free time, then dont. Begin declining invitations that dont activate feelings of inspiration. I find that an evening spent reading or writing letters, watching a movie with a loved one, having dinner with my children, or even exercising alone is far more inspiring than getting dressed to attend a function often filled with small talk. Ive learned to be unavailable for such events without apologizing, and consequently have more inspired moments freed up.

5Take Time for Meditation and Yoga. Give yourself at least 20 minutes a day to sit quietly and make conscious contact with God. Ive written an entire book on this subject called Getting in the Gap, so I wont belabor it here. I will say that Ive received thousands of messages from people all over the world, who have expressed their appreciation for learning how to simplify their life by taking the time to meditate. I also encourage you to find a yoga center near you and begin a regular practice. The rewards are so powerful: Youll feel healthier, less stressed, and inspired by what youll be able to do with and for your body in a very short time. 6 Return to the Simplicity of Nature. Theres nothing more awe-inspiring than nature itself. The fantasy to return to a less tumultuous life almost always involves living in the splendor of the mountains, the forests, or the tundra; on an island; near the ocean; or beside a lake. These are universal urges, since nature is created by the same Source as we are, and were made up of the same chemicals as all of nature (were stardust, remember?). 7 Your urge to simplify and feel inspired is fueled by the desire to be your natural selfthat is, your nature self. So give yourself permission to get away to trek or camp in the woods; swim in a river, lake, or ocean; sit by an open fire; ride horseback through trails; or ski down a mountain slope. This doesnt have to mean long, planned vacations that are months awayno matter where you live, youre only a few hours or even moments away from a park, campground, or trail that will allow you to enjoy a feeling of being connected to the entire Universe. 8 Put Distance between You and Your Critics. Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded in their search for simplified inspiration. Give those who find fault or who are confrontational a silent blessing and remove yourself from their energy as quickly as possible. Your life is simplified enormously when you dont have to defend yourself to anyone, and when you receive support rather than criticism. You dont have to endure the criticism with anything other than a polite thank-you and a promise to consider whats been saidanything else is a state of conflict that erases the possibility of your feeling inspired. You never need to defend yourself or your desires to anyone, as those inner feelings are Spirit speaking to you. Those thoughts are sacred, so dont ever let anyone trample on them. 9 Take Some Time for Your Health. Consider that the number one health problem in America seems to be obesity. How can you feel inspired and live in simplicity if youre gorging on excessive amounts of food and eliminating the exercise that the body craves? Recall that your body is a sacred temple where you reside for this lifetime, so make some time every single day for exercising it. Even if you can only manage a walk around the block, just do it. Similarly, keep the words portion control uppermost in your consciousnessyour stomach is the size of your fist, not a wheelbarrow! Respect your sacred temple and simplify your life by being an exerciser and a sensible eater. I promise that youll feel inspired if you act on this today!

10 Play, Play, Play! Youll simplify your life and feel inspired if you learn to play rather than work your way through life. I love to be around kids because they inspire me with their laughter and frivolity. In fact, if Ive heard it once, Ive heard it a thousand times: Wayne, youve never grown upyoure always playing. I take great pride in this! I play onstage when I speak, and Im playing now as I write. Many years ago I was given a tremendous opportunity to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The man who took a chance on me, booking me even though I was an unknown at the time, was a talent coordinator named Howard Papush. It was my first big break, and I went on to appear on The Tonight Show 36 additional times. Now its my turn to say thank you to Howard. Hes written a wonderful book titled Whens Recess? Playing Your Way Through the Stresses of Life, which I encourage you to read. (Howard also conducts workshops that teach people how to play and have fun in life.) In the book, Howard shares this great quote from Richard Bach: You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self. I couldnt agree moreby all means, get back in touch with your real, playful self, and take every opportunity to play! Notice how it makes everything so sweet, and so simple. 11 Slow Down. One of Gandhis most illuminating observations reminds us that there is more to life than increasing its speed. This is great advice for simplifying your life in fact, slow everything way down for a few moments right here and now. Slowly read these words. Slow your breathing down so that youre aware of each inhalation and exhalation... When youre in your car, downshift and relax. Slow down your speech, your inner thoughts, and the frantic pace of everything you do. Take more time to hear others. Notice your inclination to interrupt and get the conversation over with, and then choose to listen instead. Stop to enjoy the stars on a clear night and the cloud formations on a crisp day. Sit down in a mall and just observe how everyone seems in a hurry to get nowhere. By slowing down, youll simplify and rejoin the perfect pace at which creation works. Imagine trying to hurry nature up by tugging at an emerging tomato plant youre as natural as that plant, so let yourself be at peace with the perfection of natures plan. 12 Do Everything You Can to Eschew Debt. Remember that youre attempting to simplify your life here, so you dont need to purchase more of what will complicate and clutter your life. If you cant afford it, let it go until you can. By going into debt, youll just add layers of anxiety onto your life. That anxiety will then take you away from your peace, which is where you are when youre in-Spirit. When you have to work extra hard to pay off debts, the present moments of your life are less enjoyable; consequently, youre further away from the joy and peace that are the trademarks of inspiration. Youre far better off to have less and enjoy the days of your life than to take on debt and invite stress and anxiety where peace and tranquility could have reigned. And remember that the money you have in your possession is nothing but energyso refuse to plug in to an energy system thats not even there.

Chats with Susun Weed

~ Third Monday of every month ~ Please join us with Susun Weed every month as she discusses different Herbal topics. Very informative and helpful to all. Check the dates below and time sand hope you can come by and visit and check out some of Susuns classes

scheduled time for all chat sessions: Eastern - 7 pm Central - 6 pm Mountain Time - 5 pm Western - 4 pm Australia (Melbourne) - 9 am UK - 12 am

The Best Herbs for Pain Relief

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
The Best Herbs for Pain Relief By Gina Mohammed, Ph.D. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the home of a gracious woman who deals in antiques. As I admired the many fine pieces displayed there, I came to realize that I, too, am something of a period piecea baby boomer whos fundamentally sound but sporting the odd creaky hinge or two. Fortunately, the herbal apothecary holds promise. Its medicines are good alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for chronic, mild to moderate aches and can reduce the need for prescription drugs. More than 100 plants are known to have pain-relieving properties, but some are really outstanding. Reporting on herbal painkillers for arthritis, a review of clinical trials in the Clinical Journal of Pain says devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), capsaicin from hot chiles (Capsicum spp.), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from seed oils, and certain blended herbal extracts are especially good. Other studies indicate broader painrelieving benefits from these as well as two traditional favorites, white willow (Salix spp.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita). Herbal Rx: Devils Claw and Capsaicin Devils claw is a South African herb with medicinally active roots. This herb eases muscular tension or pain in the back, shoulders and neck. A popular treatment for osteoarthritic pain, it may ease rheumatoid arthritic pain as well. The herbs active ingredients are harpagide and harpagoside, both iridoid glycosides with analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory actions. Devils claw extract has been shown to reduce osteoarthritic hip or knee pain by 25 percent and improve mobility within a few weeks. Rheumatoid arthritic pain may also be reduced and mobility enhanced within about two months. Devils claw extract is considered safe at the typical dosage of 750 mg (containing 3 percent iridoid glycosides) taken three times daily. It is also available as tincture (use 1 teaspoon up to three times daily) and tea. It should not be taken with blood-thinning medications and may not be safe during pregnancy or for young children, nursing mothers and individuals with liver or kidney disease, or digestive system ulcers.

Capsaicin puts the heat in hot peppers. It manipulates the bodys pain status by hindering pain perception, triggering the release of pain-relieving endorphins and providing analgesic action. Commercial capsaicin-containing creams such as Zostrix, Heet and Capzasin-P are used topically for arthritic and nerve pain. Creams containing .025 percent capsaicin can significantly reduce osteoarthritic pain when applied to joints four times daily. A higher concentration of .075 percent works best for peripheral nerve painsuch as that from diabetic nerve damage, HIV and pain following cancer surgery. When using topical capsaicin products, be sure to avoid touching your eyes and other sensitive areas. Capsaicin also can be taken internally to help with chronic digestive discomfort, or dyspepsia: A daily dose of 0.5 to 1 grams cayenne, divided and taken before meals, reduces pain, bloating and nausea over a few weeks. If you like to munch hot peppers, rest assured that they do not aggravate stomach ulcers as is commonly believed, and they actually might protect your stomach from prescription-drug damage. Healthy Oils Help Relieve Aches and Pains Gamma-linolenic acid is one of the good fats. It may help the body produce the kinds of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (hormone-like substances that influence the immune system and many other processes) that can reduce inflammation. It curbs rheumatoid arthritic pain, relieving morning stiffness and joint tenderness. Some evidence indicates that GLA also can help migraine headaches and mild diabetic nerve damage. Borage (Borago officinalis) and black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oils are the richest sources of GLA, containing up to 25 percent and 20 percent, respectively, while evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), a traditional source, delivers 7 percent to 10 percent. The recommended daily dose for rheumatoid arthritis is 1 to 3 grams GLA supplement, and for mild diabetic neuropathy 400 to 600 mg daily. GLA is not an overnight fix and may take up to six months for significant relief. Also, long-term use may lead to inflammation, blood clots or decreased immune system functioning. A safe route to introduce a little GLA into your diet is by eating a handful of black currants regularly or spreading the preserves onto your morning toastyou might as well enjoy your medicine! More Pain-relieving Herbs To complete your anti-pain arsenal, consider these herbs: Arnica (Arnica spp.), available in creams and tablets,relieves osteoarthritic pain in the knee and pain following carpal-tunnel release surgery. It contains helenin, an analgesic, as well as anti-inflammatory chemicals. Apply cream twice daily; use tablets according to package directions.

 Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic boswellic acids that can soothe pain from sports injuries and also can help osteoarthritic knee pain. Take 150- to 400-mg capsules or tablets (standardized to contain 30 percent to 65 percent boswellic acids) three times daily for two to three months. Clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) is a popular home remedy for a toothache. Apply a drop or two of this excellent anti-inflammatory directly to your aching tooth or tooth cavity. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds are stocked with 16 analgesic and 27 antispasmodic chemicals. It makes a pleasant licorice-flavored tea and is especially good for menstrual cramps. But avoid the herb while pregnant or nursing because of its estrogenic effects. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a remedy many people swear by for headaches, including migraines. Feverfew can reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches when taken regularly. It is available in 60-mg capsules of fresh, powdered leaf (1 to 6 capsules daily), or 25-mg capsules of freeze-dried leaf (2 capsules daily). You can also make teasteep 2 to 8 fresh leaves in boiling water, but do not boil them, since boiling breaks down the active parthenolides. Gingerroot (Zingiber officinale) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate digestive cramps and mild pain from fibromyalgia. You can take 1 to 4 grams powdered ginger daily, divided into two to four doses. Or make tea from 1 teaspoon chopped fresh root simmered in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is great for stiff musclesit has nine muscle-relaxing compounds, more than just about any other plant. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is recommended by the German Commission E for sore throat. Not surprising, considering its nine anesthetic, 10 analgesic and 20 antiinflammatory compounds. To make tea, simmer about 2 teaspoons of dried root in a cup of water for 15 minutes; strain. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or glaucoma. Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are herbs you should be sprinkling liberally onto your food, as they are replete with analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds. (Oregano alone has 32 anti-inflammatories!) Mix and match these garden herbs into a pain-relieving tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried herbs, steep 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Aromatherapy: Experience the Sweet Smell of Pain Relief Ever thought of using your nose to help ease your pain? Volatiles in essential oils can easily enter your body via your olfactory system and adjust brain electrical activity to alter your perception of pain. Clinical aromatherapists commonly use lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and damask rose for pain relief and relaxation. A report from Nursing Clinics of North America says that massage with lavender relieves pain and enhances the effect of orthodox pain medication. Lavender and chamomile oils are gentle enough to be used with children and, in blends, have relieved childrens pain from HIV, encephalopathy-induced muscle spasm and nerve pain. Both oils contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic chemicals, and exert sedative, calming action. Rose essential oil contains pain-reducing eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and geraniol; but the reports author suggests it may also alter perception of pain because it embodies the soothing aromas of the garden. Time-tested Herbal Aids White willow bark is one of the oldest home analgesics, dating back to 500 b.c. in China. Modern research confirms old-time wisdom, showing it helps back, osteoarthritic and nerve pains. Willow bark contains apigenin, salicin and salicylic acid, which provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-neuralgic actions. At the end of a four-week study of 210 individuals suffering from back pain, reported in the American Journal of Medicine in 2000, 39 percent of those who had received 240 mg of salicin daily were essentially pain-free, compared to 6 percent of those given a placebo. Individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip also are helped. Willow bark can be purchased as standardized extracts and teas. If you have access to white willow and wish to make your own, collect bark from a twig (never the main trunk). Use about 2 teaspoons of bark to a cup of water, boil, simmer for 10 minutes and cool slightly. Because salicin concentration is low and widely variable in willow bark, you may need several cups to obtain the equivalent of two standard aspirin tablets. A word of caution: Willow should not be given to children, due to the risk of Reyes syndrome, nor used by individuals with aspirin allergies, bleeding disorders, or liver or kidney disease. Willow may interact adversely with blood-thinning medications and other antiinflammatory drugs. Also, willow tends not to irritate the stomach in the short term, but long-term use can be problematic. Peppermint is a famous antispasmodic for digestive cramps, while its essential oil is used as a local topical anesthetic in commercial ointments (Solarcaine and Ben-Gay, for example). Germanys Commission E authorizes use of oral peppermint oil for treating colicky pain in the digestive tract of adults. However, peppermint oil shouldnt be used for colic in newborn babies, as it can cause jaundice.

Several double-blind studies of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome demonstrate peppermint can significantly relieve painful abdominal cramps, bloating and flatulence. In the largest study, reported in the Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers administered either enteric-coated peppermint oil or a placebo to 110 individuals three to four times daily, 15 to 30 minutes before meals, for four weeks. The study found peppermint significantly reduced abdominal discomfort. Take a 0.2- to 0.4-ml enteric-coated peppermint capsule three times daily. (Enteric coating prevents stomach upset.) For mild stomach discomfort, try a tea from fresh or dried peppermint leaves. The menthol in peppermint relaxes the muscles. Its antispasmodic and analgesic effects also can help relieve headaches, possibly including migraines, when applied to the forehead or templesdilute about 3 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Herbal Blends and Other Old Friends Were also hearing more about commercial herbal mixtures for pain relief. Two apparently promising ones are avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and Phytodolor, both from Europe. Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables are a complex mix of sterols, pigments and other substances found in the oils, and initial trials suggest that a daily dose of 300 mg soothes hip and knee osteoarthritic pain by anti-inflammatory actions. Phytodolor, with a 40-year history in Germany, is a liquid extract of European aspen (Populus tremula), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). The extract helps muscle and joint conditions, including osteoarthritis; it contains salicin and other chemicals with anti-inflammatory and possibly antioxidant properties. Dont discount the psychological dimensions of pain in everyday aches. For instance, most headaches have psychogenic causes (such as anxiety, depression and stress), rather than vascular causes (dilated or distended blood vessels in the brain). Psychogenic headaches tend to be diffuse, often feeling more like pressure than pain, and often are accompanied by muscular tension. Vascular headaches, including migraines, respond more readily to painkillers, whereas emotionally induced ones might benefit more from herbs with calming or sedative properties, such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or valerian (Valeriana officinalis). It shouldnt be surprising that pain is multidimensional, and our tools for combating it need to be also. When youre suffering from creakiness or other discomfort, consider the possible causesdisease, physical strain, nutrient deficiency, chemical sensitivities, allergies or emotional stress. Then you can access the herbal apothecary effectively and appropriately, to fully restore your well-being.

Spirit Guides
Posted by SoaringEagleSpirit
The term Spirit Guide generally makes reference to one or more entities who watch, teach, heal, and help you on your physical journey into spiritual awareness. They are above in higher frequency, while you experience the physical below. Communication is generally telepathic, clairaudience, with archetypes and visual imagery, clairvoyance, observed during meditation, dream time, or just learning how to focus, look and listen to messages received. Some people call this method of connection, channeling. The more you practice, the easier it gets. The number of spirit guides one has various within that person's experiences. The strongest connection is with the aspect of your soul referred to as your Twin Flame dual aspects of a soul, above and below, programmed to seek reunion to feel complete, oneness. The twin soul reference to 'spirit guide' remains with you until you rejoin when leaving the physical body. Spirit guides can go by many names. Often they connect with more than one people at a time, using identities that are comfortable to those they communicate with. Spirit guides may be viewed as any type of non-physical, perhaps an alien ... however they are perceived. Each guide generally comes to you for a specific purpose - creative abilities, healing issues, spiritual development, etc. A guide can save you during an accident, by entering your body or stopping time. I have discovered that people who live in balance have humorous spirit guides and manifest positively in the physical, faster now than ever before, and in a healthy way. Those with mental illnesses, even unrecognized, yet sensed, will attract negative experiences and blame it on their guides or dark forces. Not true in most cases. Guides ... are there to do just that ... guide you to the positive. If the voices in your head confuse you, place you in conflict, and drive you crazy, please seek professional help and get evaluated, especially if you deal with substance abuse. To help get a point across, spirit guides work with you 'above' to create viable synchronicities that occur below. Synchronicities, in general, are experiences created by your soul to bring you into greater awareness. Author : Unknown

Imbolc Lore
Posted by Whispr
Imbolc Lore (February 2nd) Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth. The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun. Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time. Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.

Deities of Imbolc: All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus. Symbolism of Imbolc: Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new. Symbols of Imbolc: Brideo'gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs. Herbs of Imbolc: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers. Foods of Imbolc: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas. Incense of Imbolc: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh. Colors of Imbolc: White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown. Stones of Imbolc: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise. Activities of Imbolc: Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo'gas and Bride's Beds, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.

INNER UNDERSTANDING
Posted by Michael Forbus

"A further sign of health is that we don't become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it's time to stop struggling and look directly at what's threatening us." ~Pema Chodron ---------------------------------------------Finding Silence I am busy from early in the morning until late at night. I am rarely alone. Where can I find a time and place to contemplate in silence? Silence is something that comes from your heart, not from outside. Silence doesnt mean not talking and not doing things; it means that you are not disturbed inside. If youre truly silent, then no matter what situation you find yourself in you can enjoy the silence. There are moments when you think youre silent and all around is silent, but talking is going on all the time inside your head. Thats not silence. The practice is how to find silence in all the activities you do. - Thich Nhat Hanh, from "The Heart of the Matter" --------------------------------------------Creating Separation It seems that we are continually trying to create distance between ourselves and experiences, especially those that seem to be unpleasant. We name our experiences and feelings, we create words like "that", "it", "good", "bad" or "stuff" creating separation when talking about our internal difficulties. Can you find any separation between you and any expieriance? Is there anything separate from the whole? With Holy Golden Metta and divine love to all, Miguel

Shamanic Smudging
Posted by Whispr
Shamanic Smudging by Stephanie Yeh Shamanic smudgingor just smudgingis an age-old tribal tradition which has been used for centuries to create harmony and peace. There are many different shamanic smudging ceremonies, and different tribes use a variety of herbs for smudging. To define it more clearly, shamanic smudging is the burning of herbs or incense for cleansing, purification, protection of physical and spiritual bodies, banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space. You can use smudge sticks (herbs that are tied into a bundle for easier handling), braided herbs and botanicals (like sweetgrass) or loose herbs (burned on charcoal or mugwort, or in a firepit). Shamanic smudging releases the energy and fragrance of the herbs and botanicals so they can heal, cleanse and purify. In many traditions, shamanic smudging involves a four directions ceremony or prayer, which sends specific kinds of smoke or prayers into the four directions. Different tribes have different smudging prayers that program the smoke to do a specific action, such as cleansing or aiding in divination. In general, shamanic smudging can be used in daily life for practical purposesto restore physical, mental and emotional balance; to shield against negative energies; to cleanse yourself, your magickal tools and your space; and to restore you sacred space. COMMON HERBS USED IN SMUDGING Although different tribes and traditions use different herbs for shamanic smudging, some of the most popular herbs include desert sage, white broadleaf sage, juniper, pinon (sometimes in resin form), sweetgrass, copal (in resin form), mugwort, lavender and sacred tobacco. Here are some general uses for the different herbs often used for smudging: - PINON RESIN Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a pleasant and meditative fragrance. Is cleansing, strengthening, warming, and used by Native American cultures for its spiritual and healing properties. Produces a thick stream of smoke, and is excellent for refreshing the senses and reviving a tired soul.

- COPAL GOLD RESIN Primarily fire and water elements though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. When burned, the scent is sweet, resinous, slightly woody, mildly earthy and spicy. Was a holy incense used by the peoples of Mesoamerica. Traditionally used as incense in divinatory and cleansing ceremonies. The resin contains aromatic chemicals called terpenes, which make it volatile and flammable. Used by Mayan shamans prior to ingesting mushrooms. - MYRRH RESIN Primarily earth element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Produces a lot of smoke when burned, very earthy, piney scent. Gathered from an almost leafless Middle Eastern shrub called the Commiphora Molmol. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in rituals of Healing and Passing. It is one of the ingredients used by the Egyptians to embalm bodies. Useful for spirituality, meditation, happiness, release, transformation, strength, confidence and stability. - FRANKINCENSE RESIN Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Is the resin of an African tree and produces a rich, dense smoke when burned. Used extensively in meditation and healing. In numerous religious traditions, frankincense's spiritual scent was believed to confer divine blessing. Pliny the Elder mentioned it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning. - DESERT SAGE Primarily air element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a somewhat sharp, light and refreshing scent. One of the most sacred herbs among Native Americans. Used to purify the mind, body and spirit before prayer, meditation, ritual or ceremony. Also used to purify sacred items such as pipes, magical tools, tarot decks and eagle feathers. Can be used for area, house and personal cleansings. Some people carry a small amount of Sage in a pocket or medicine pouch to insure personal and spiritual safety. - JUNIPER Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a sharp, piney scent. Excellent to stimulate and revive when tired in body, mind or Spirit. Used in ancient times for ritual purification of temples. Smoke believed to aid clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact with other worlds. Burned during the Plague to resist disease - LAVENDER Primarily air element. Has a light, aromatic and refreshing scent. Useful for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep. Also reduces depression, grief and sorrow. Aids in meditation and divination, and often said to aid in manifestation. Known as Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike and Lavender. Traditionally associated with fairies and elves

- WHITE BROADLEAF SAGE Primarily air element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. This is a broad leaf sage is highly prized for its strong aromatic properties (strongest of the different types of sage). Considered the king if all sages. Excellent for meditation, divination, smudging, cleansing and purification. - YERBA SANTA LEAVES Traditionally used for enhancing psychic abilities, magical protection, healing and spiritual strength. Excellent for meditation and divination. Said to be ruled by the moon. One Native American tribe rolled the leaves into balls, dried it in the sun and chewed it for a natural mouthwash. - HIBISCUS FLOWERS Primarily fire and water elements. Produces a sharp, invigorating scent that lasts for a long time after burning. Often used in divination and psychic communication. Excellent for rejuvenating the senses and restoring life force. - ROSE FLOWERS AND PETALS Primarily water element. Produces a heavy, warm, aromatic scent with just a hint of sharpness scent lasts a long time after burning. Excellent for meditation, divination, increasing psychic abilities, contacting powers and beings in other dimensions and psychic communication. Also traditionally associated with attracting love, conferring peace, stimulating sexual appetites and enhancing beauty. - SWEETGRASS Primarily air element. As its name suggests, sweetgrass produces a sweet and light fragrance that does not last for long. Excellent for cleansing sacred space. Sweetgrass is a rare grass which is found growing wild in very few places. Traditionally, sweetgrass is believed to invite the good spirits. You can burn these herbs singly or in combination with each other. One good combination that covers all four magical elements of air, fire, water and earth is pine resin and sage (either desert sage or white broadleaf sage). This combination is appropriate for general use, cleansing, ceremony and ritual. WHEN TO SMUDGE YOURSELF Smudging yourself on a daily basis can be very helpful in keeping yourself balanced and maintaining a peaceful state of being. However, you should definitely use shamanic smudging techniques when youve been around people who are ill, depressed, fearful, angry or generally emotionally unbalanced; before meditating to create a calm state of being; when youre feeling blue or depressed; or when youve been under a lot of stress.

Smudging yourself is easy. If youre using a smudge stick, light the smudge stick on a candle flame. Hold the stick in the flame until there is a lot of smoke and the stick is burning well (thats why a candle is better than a matchit can take a while to get the stick really smoking). Using a feather (or feather fan) or your hand, gently fan the smoke onto your body, starting at the top of the body and moving downward. Get the back of your body as best you can (its often easier to use a smudge pot and loose herbs for this). When youre done, inhale a little of the smoke (just a little!) to purify your insides. If youre using a smudge pot or Firebowl and loose herbs, light the herbs (using selflighting charcoalnot the barbeque kind!) until it is smoking well. Then, put the Firebowl on the ground and stand over it with your legs spread and feet on either side. Weave back and forth in the smoke until you have been thoroughly cleansed. Clothing is optional for this approach, and smudging in the nude is recommended for a more thorough cleansing. Again, when youre done, inhale a little of the smoke to purify your insides. People often feel more relaxed, lighter and brighter after smudging. If youre going to use the smudge smoke during meditation, use a charcoal burner or Firebowl, light the herbs and enjoy the scent and smoke as you meditate. Meditating with these herbs often produces a deeper and longer-lasting state of relaxation and contemplation. ___________________ Stephanie Yeh is co-founder of the Esoteric School of Shamanism and Magic

Daytime Meditation Ritual of Hedgewitch

Posted by Hedgewitch
Some might tell you to find a sacred place but all places are sacred. Some might tell you, you need to be in the forest, or by the sea, or on a mountain, but any place will do. Some might tell you, you need tools, candles, athame, wand, a representation of The Lord and Lady, a bit of salt and maybe a bell or incense. You need none of these things. For you have everything you need within yourself, the greatest tool of all, your mind. You can lie down if your body is incapable of sitting, but I have found over the years sitting works best for me as it becomes so peaceful so utterly enjoyable as I am embraced in my ritual I could drift into sleep. I do not live in a city; and so, most often I tend to do this outside, but I am physically disabled so when the weather is to slippery for me to attempt to venture outside my rituals are done within the confines of my home or porch. The clothing I wear is always something that makes me feel comfortable and in the right frame of mind for what I am about to do. I cannot tell you what that would be for you; it is something you will have to figure out for yourself. I do not bath first after all I bath every day. If for some reason I feel I need a vibrational change that would be different, I might consider it. Sit on the ground with no cover beneath me, palms soft dropping where they wish. I will not go into the meditation I use as that would be a set of classes but suffice to say once I am in a meditative state I envision a circle surrounding me. I let the color of the circle change as it wills as it circles me for color is irrelevant. Then I wait.... Waiting is the best part... open.. exposed..venerable... The elements greet me sometimes one by one, sometimes all at once, and sometimes I must encourage them. The sun warms my face with a caress, a light breeze trickles my nose with a piece of errant hair. The ground beneath me grows hard reminding me it is there. The earth ever present it's scent sometimes green and growing. My fingers always seem to find their way into the soil at my sides or between my legs as if they are seeking to take root. If the soils is damp the then element of water has greeted me as well if not it takes but a lick of my own lips to be blessed with the greeting as well as I am a being made up mostly of this element myself. My time here can be short, or it can be long it all depends on how much time I need to rejuvenate my soul as I am connected with nature far more than with any pantheon. When it thunders and lightening and rain pours from the sky, it is just another chance for a similar meditation. (If you need to do this in the house sit near a window where the sun comes in, open it if you can. If you cannot you will have to envision much more while in meditation)

Look for part 4 now in Scribd

Psychic Self Defense

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
What is your chance of being psychically attacked at some point in your life? It is fairly high, the evidence suggests. That does not necessarily mean that you will be victimized in a dramatic, life-threatening way, but it is distinctly possible that at some time or another you will incur the wrath of someone whose anger at you will find paranormal expression, whether your attacker realizes it or not. (If he does realize it and knows exactly what he is doing, you could be in for a very harrowing time.) But fierce, concentrated anger can trigger malevolent psychokinesis or bring an evil elemental into the picture, even if the human agent doesnt know that such things are possible. Ours is an intensely stressful, violent, competitive age. There is much negative energy polluting our psychic environment, and growing numbers of people are turning to the occult. Most of them, fortunately, are doing it with the best of motivesto enhance their own spiritual development and to play their own small parts in the evolutionary betterment of the human race. As in any human endeavor, however, there are those who use their powers for destructive ends. The occasional press accounts of ritual killings of people and animals represent only the tip of the iceberg. Much of the negative occultism is not occurring on a physical level. In a society that officially rejects the "psychic" as superstitious foolishness, practitioners of occult evil have virtually free rein to prey on helpless persons who have no idea how to protect themselves. Most of all, remember: You dont have to be a victim. You have the power. It is in your aura. All you have to do is to recognize and tap it. You will be astonished at what happens to you. You will be able to draw on two worlds: the material world and the spiritual worldand you will never be the same again. Protection from psychic attack is merely the first step on the path to new worlds of adventure and enlightenment. Are you ready for the journey? While psychic self-defense is just one element of a total program of psychic well-being that involves daily exercises to channel spiritual energies and strengthen your aura, there is no reason that you should remain without psychic protection starting right now! Take an object that you can wear or keep with you at all times. A ring or wrist watch will do, but a bracelet, necklace, or waist-chain is better. Clean the chosen object in some way: the feeling that it is really clean should culminate what youve done. Seat yourself comfortably, preferably with your back straight, your feet together, and the chosen object held loosely in your strongest hand.

Close your eyes and physically relax your body. Breathe slowly and evenly. With each in-breath feel a flow of energy rise from your feet to the top of your head, and with each out-breath feel that energy flow from the top of your head to your feet. Feel yourself calmly growing in strength as the energy flows through your body. After ten or more breaths, when you feel strong and alert, visualize a sphere of pure white light just above your head and know that this is your own Highest Selffree of all fear and pain, pure in the Divine Force that is everywhere. Visualize that sphere forming an egg-shape of intense blue light all around you, and know that this is your psychic shield that will protect you from harm as it grows in strength. Continue breathing gently and evenly, feeling the strength in your body while holding this image. Grasp the chosen object tightly in your hand, and feel that strength suddenly surge into your hand and into the object. Hold that object, hold that feeling, and hold the image of your psychic shield all around you. Project that fully charged battery, constantly energizing your psychic shield. You are protected! But psychic well-being depends on a daily program. Start that as soon as possible so that you grow in strength and spiritual resources.

7 Powerful Steps Towards Wisdom

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
"I changed my mind." These are four of the most powerful words in the English language. They can prevent you from being manipulated into an undesirable outcome, and launch you forward on the road to personal and spiritual growth. Depriving yourself of the freedom to change your mind will lock you into a rigid mindset that can hamper your successes and your development. Early in life, you may have been led to believe that it's not good to change your mind. There are numerous words with negative connotations associated with those who do change their minds: fickle, indecisive, hesitant, unsure, wavering, erratic or wishywashy. You'd much prefer to be known as steadfast, decisive, confident and sure right? Skilled manipulators use this near-universal conditioning against you every day. For example, has a salesman ever asked you, "Are you in a position to make a decision today?" Once you agree to this proposition, you'll feel pressure to "make a decision today," and buy the product, even if you have reservations. After all, if you don't buy, you'd likely be considered "indecisive" by either the salesman or your own self-doubting ego. But this is not what changing your mind is all about. Changing your mind means that after thinking about the subject or after gathering more complete information, you came to a different conclusion - a better and more informed decision. This is not being indecisive. It's being logical, prudent and wise. Let's look at this matter from a different perspective. What would happen if you weren't allowed to change your mind? You'd spend all your free time watching cartoons, eating ice cream or playing tag. Or, more seriously, you'd be forced to believe the sun revolves around the earth. Your evolution on every level depends on your ability to assimilate new information and "change your mind" as to what it means and how it applies. Psychologists call the unease you feel when you hold two conflicting opinions cognitive dissonance. The theory is that you will be naturally unwilling to simultaneously hold two apparently contradictory beliefs in your mind, and will attempt to modify one or the other to minimize the dissonance or conflict.

If you told the salesman that you "would be in a position to make a decision today," and yet, you actually felt that you needed more time to gather additional information and think it through, the uncomfortable feeling in your gut would mean that you were experiencing cognitive dissonance. The skilled salesman would then try to use this to push you into a buying decision today! If he lets you think it over, you may not make the purchase or may buy from someone else. For example, it's almost never a good idea to buy a new car after talking to only one dealer! Imagine what would happen in instances involving somewhat more deep-seated beliefs. You think so-and-so is the best candidate, or such-and-such is the finest restaurant or this-or-that company produces the fastest car. To complicate matters, also imagine that you are on record as publicly stating that so-and-so is the best candidate, the finest restaurant is such-and-such or the fastest car comes from this-or-that company. You have invested your credibility in this belief. What happens when new evidence comes along that contradicts this deep-seated belief? Most likely, you'll immediately discount it. Not only do you have the dissonance associated with trying to hold two contradictory beliefs in your mind simultaneously, but, even worse, if you accept the new idea, that might mean the first one was WRONG and you've lost your invested credibility! How would most people handle the situation? Most people don't like being "wrong;" so, they would either ignore the new idea, or, even worse, come up with all sorts of counter arguments as to why it's wrong, vehemently defending their original position. In extreme cases, they may outright lie to others and to themselves, just to avoid the cognitive dissonance. To an independent observer, this appears totally irrational. To a student of human behavior, it is understandable. As mystics, we're after the truth. Consequently, if it turns out that the second idea is more accurate, serves us better, or is otherwise superior to the first, we owe it to ourselves and to others to accept it, at least until a better idea comes along. We may be forced to utter three words that are even more powerful than "I changed my mind":
"I was wrong." Being able to admit a mistake is a sign of humility, which is a prized mystic virtue. It does not mean you're a doormat or that you are subservient to somebody else. Acknowledging your having been mistaken about anything, and then changing your mind after gathering more complete information and thoroughly thinking things through is a sign of being logical, thorough, thoughtful and wise. Your prime allegiance is to the truth, regardless of where it originates. There is tremendous freedom in uttering these powerful words. Your cognitive dissonance vanishes. You don't have to expend any energy defending the idea of "being right." You are free to pursue the truth without baggage. Once you get into the habit of allowing yourself to say "I changed my mind" and "I was wrong" (7 words), you will experience newfound freedom. You will have taken 7 powerful steps towards the mystic virtue of wisdom.

WHAT to Do If You Were Born with Magical Gifts

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
While it is true that there is no actual distinction between so-called muggles and magicians, there are certain people who come into this lifetime with more magical skills than others. These skills are usually the result of magical practice in past lifetimes. Whether you are particularly sensitive to psychic vibrations, can read other people's thoughts, or can heal with energy, developing your magical gifts is important. It will probably also be easier for you than for the average Joe. <><> How to Further Develop Your Magical Gifts <><> For most people born with magical gifts, control ends up being the main problem. For instance, if you have the magical gift of hearing other people's thoughts, you may feel overwhelmed every time you step into a crowded situation. If you can heal with energy, or manipulate energy, you may be adversely affected when you come in contact with someone who has negative energy. <><> What's happening? <><> Instead of you using your magical gifts, your magical gifts are using you. Not good. So control is the key. And how do you develop control? There are three magic rituals that can help with control. >> Magic Ritual #1: The Electric Blue Spiral Electric blue is the energy that forms galaxies, and is also the energy associated with most psychic vibrations. It is the same color that is at the base of a gas flame, very bright and very intense. If you have trouble controlling your magical abilities in certain situations, you can focus on electric blue energy to stay in control. Specifically, you want to see an electric blue spiral spinning inside your chest, near your heart chakra. If you were to "look down" at the blue spiral, you want to see is spinning clockwise. Some people see a laser-like spiral while others see more of an amorphous flame. The goal is to focus all of your magical energy into that spiral.

When you focus on the spiral, your attention (and your energy) is fully contained within yourself. You are shielded, both from projecting your energy outward and from absorbing unwanted energies from other people. This is a useful magical ritual for helping just about anyone control and focus their magical gifts. >> Magic Ritual #2: The Electric Blue Bubble Another way to use electric blue energy in a protective magic ritual is to visualize yourself completely enclosed in a whirling electric blue bubble. Once you can visualize the bubble, see unwanted energies from other people bouncing off this bubble shield. If you easily read thoughts but don't want to hear anyone else's thoughts in a crowd situation, visualize those thought forms hitting your bubble and bouncing off. This kind of visualization "programs" your shield to protect you against specific things, like thoughts or negative energies. Thus you want to be specific when visualizing what is bouncing off your shield. >> Magic Ritual #3: Wear a Faery Star Psychic Shield The Faery Star is a seven-pointed star, unlike the five-pointed star of the pentagram. The star is created by combining a four-pointed square with a three-pointed triangle in such a way to that it creates a constantly circulating shape, or a constantly circulating shield. The Faery Stay psychic shield is a useful tool because, once keyed, it becomes an eternally spinning shield. Unlike the pentagram, which always requires a "push" from outside to set it in motion, once set in motion (by keying it with electric blue energy) the Faery Star never stops rotating. Also known as the Elven Star, this septagram symbol is sacred to many Wiccan and tribal traditions because the number seven is sacred. The number seven is related to the seven planets, the seven notes of the diatonic scale, the seven directions (North, South, East, West, above, below, and within), and the seven colors of the rainbow. Once keyed, the Faery Star can be used at any time to help you control your magical gifts. Use it as a talisman. Whenever you feel your energies spinning out of control, just reach for your Faery Star pendant (most people wear it on a chain around their neck) and it will ground your energies as well as protect you from unwanted energies.

Waves of gratitude
By Jen Helvie
Waves of gratitude Splash upon my soul The giddiness that follows Is unmistakable Pure love Love for me My life The universe The riptide of life Has taken me In its swirling vortex Of possibilities It has given me a glimpse Of the future Of whom I am to become While I float along On the waves of life My heart is over flowing With abiding joy and love The essence of it Spills into my throat And the laughter It brings Escapes through my lips I like who I see I love who I am And the possibilities Of my life Are outstanding There are no waves crushing me today Today I glide along On the heartbeat of the sea And spread love to all those I encounter ~ Jen Helvie ~ 1.14

PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING

Posted by BZ I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.

Dalai Lama

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