May 1st, 2008 : Happy May Day and Beltaine Blessings! "Beltaine" is celebrated lat in the evening of April 30th over into May 1st; but many Pagans will wait for the astrological occurrence of the Sun reaches 15º of the fixed sign of Taurus, symbolized by the Bull. This is the Third Cross-Quarter Day. It celebrates the maturity of the God to manhood and the union of the God and Goddess, and Her fertility. A popular Sabbat, the emphasis is on fertility. Because the Christian Fathers couldn't figure out any replacement for this celebration, they outlawed it. This is the time to go into the forest and fields for "A'Maying"... sexual restrictions are dropped and even old married Folk might slip off wedding rings and what the rings imply. Consenting adults only!
Another aspect of the holiday is to work "Water Magick" in the dawning light of May 1st. Cleansings in streams or natural lakes, or even the ocean. Cleaning out natural springs and wells. "Dew Magick" by the ladies for eternal beauty is done May 1st morning as well, going out in the dew and washing their faces in the moisture. "Water Witching" of all kinds is done but it has to be from the time the Sun first starts peaking over the horizon, to stopping when the grass is dried in the Sunshine. I've also seen this called "Wild Watering", but that name makes me think of somebody running through the bushes peeing on everything. My own great grandmother caused a scandal because she faithfully each year, went out to wash her own face in the dew. She said if it was good enough for her own mother and grandmother, it was good enough for her.May Day also brings in the old English May Pole tradition was of a phallic symbol, marking the return of vitality, passion and consummated hopes. Old dating occurs May 5th, with the Christian holidays of "Walpurgisnacht", Feast of (St.) Walpurga, and something called "Roodmas", which I leave to you to learn more about.
Today Tarot key is the White Knight of Knighted Cups... invitation, opportunity, promotion, lovers. He does indeed protect lovers and loving devotion between couples. But he also represents invitations into good situations, such as job promotions or new jobs that are better than the old ones... as such, this key came up prominently in a layout, the same morning just hours before a new job landed in my husband's lap.
April 20th, 2008 -- Hi everybody, today I am celebrating, hubby and my 34th Wedding Anniversary. How about that? <s>
Today's card is the 6 of Rods, Universal Waite deck. I first learned to call this the "Gypsy key" for a person that wanders about instead of settling down and yet, this is a key that speaks of persevering against all odds, of conquest and triumph over the things that seem set out o defeat you. As most of you know this card really works for us, because after so many years someplace we didn't want to be and a job that was increasingly unpleasant, one year ago, April 13th, hubby had a whole new job offer just drop into his lap. That new job meant earning what he should be for his position, moving to where we wanted to live and just all around change in our lifestyle for the better. In other words... triumph over adversity. Thank all that is Holy!, as well as both of our still small voices, who guided us and gave us strength through it all.
AND it is now ready to unveil -- www.ShiAbbey.com
Hope you enjoy! Den ;)
- Mood:
jubilant
Hello everybody, I just wanted to explain why I haven't gotten the last 2 sermons posted. Last weekend I spent 3 days uploading my ShiAbbey project & then spent this past week, getting feedback from the women involved (several hundred of them), and making corrections, etc. I had actually planned to announce it this recent weekend however the Domain Name forwarding won't kick in and there seems no obvious mistake on my part.... just one of those little gremlins.
Meanwhile, I would like to tell you about a great LiveJournal spot over at :
http://coppermoon.livejournal.com/
It is people like this who keeps the gov't secrets out there for anybody who wants to pay attention. And if you don't agree, you are given links to go look things up for yourself.
Todays card is the 5.Hierophant : a key that speaks of subjects religious and the people in charge of such. Kinda funny when we have the new Pope visiting this country. These thoughts came to me in mediation...
"If the Great Spirit were a Hierophant, it would be merciful compassion that is unjudgemental, unbiased, complete and faithful... it would be parental love, firm and staunch."
I believe we should respect such people who are in charge... I do not agree though that we should follow them blindly. Not asking questions and believing what you are told, how you are told... that is just wayyyy to easy!
Think about it... Blessings!
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thoughtful
- Mood: thoughtful
I hope everybody who observed it, had a nice Easter holiday... many Blessings!
- Mood: content
March 20th, 2008, at 01:48 am / eastern daylight savings... Spring Equinox aka Ostara.
About March 21 is the "Vernal Equinox" and the pagan celebration of "Ostara" (os ter uh) -- the festival marking the start of Spring; and if you are into Astrology, you might note this is the first day of Aries, first Zodiacal Sign. This fire festival celebrates the Mother Earth's fertility and return of the God (Sun). A time of new beginnings, and reproduction... the day of Esther who dances with bunnies about her feet and an egg in one hand. When the god Pan, dances with her and together they encourage the Rites of Spring.Also celebrated as Eostar; and of course the better know Easter. Some will celebrate the astrological timing as Lady Day, and then the next Full Moon as Ostara. Old date being March 25th. Fertility symbols of bunnies and eggs carried over into the present celebrations.
Now how the heck did egg-laying bunnies show up? Well the Lady Eostar had a pet bird who laid eggs for her, but one day Eostar turned her bird into a rabbit -- who continued to lay eggs. Some stories say She was angry at Her bird, other say it was just a curious whim.
Today's card is the Queen of Pentacles and what is funny, on the Universal Waite deck I use, there is indeed a bunny near her throne. I like to think of this Queen as the kind benefactress behind the scenes, where nobody ever knows she stays doing her good works. Our Queen here is Lady Charity herslef, as seen from key #6 Pent and continues here with htis passage for the Queen --
1 Cor.13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in aniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Happy and Blessed Ostara! DenElder
- Mood: happy
March 17th, St Patrick's Day. I hope everybody takes time to look us the history of the man whose name was Maewyn Succat and who was kidnapped from Roman Britannica at the age of 16 by Irish pirates, and spent 6 years in slavery before he escaped and made it back home to his family. Baptized as Patricius, he would later return to Ireland, where he'd learned their language and culture as a slave, but as now the famous missionary.
Today's card is the 14. Temperance, the "My Guardian Angel Key" which speaks of doing things in moderation, harmony and balance... with a good dose of patience thrown in for good measure. It is having self satisfaction that you listened to your still small voice, worked hard with honesty and everything all worked out because you did so. You see at this point, you are not being spiritual on special days and religious holidays... you are daily living your spirituality and it is paying off. Congratulations!- Mood:artistic
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tired
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 -- The Page of Cups is a bright, colored fellow; with the ocean waves behind him and a fish poking its head out of the boy's cup, to say "hello" to him. Often we take meanings of a youth who his studious and intelligent, and being trustworthy as well.
For anybody who wonders about the odd "squiggle" near the bottom right-hand foot... that is actually the initials of artist Pamela Colman Smith. The prominent pink shade is for "love" and "soothing" energy. The fleur-de-lis, long linked to the French monarchy; is associated with Mother Mary, although other to the Holy Trinity. So ladies, you can easily associate this card with "a message from Mother Goddess/Holy Mother", if you so wished.
This Page in Tarot Readings, is all about childhood innocence. It is a card that says - what you see is what you get. There is no lies here, no beguiling words that hide an ulterior motive. Simple spiritual faith, can also be meant. It is "Trust". And we know there is a lot of spirituality going on here because of the ocean waves. The fish has long been a simple of Christianity as well but we can look at our fish too as... the messenger of the water. That is, Pet Fishy here can be the still small voice, messenger of the Great Divine, as surely as a fish is a messenger of the ocean. And such a design can be associated with various religions... but the still small voice -- everybody has one. Try to listen to yours!
PS: I am recovering but very tired. Thank you to all who sent a kind thought or prayer my way! I know it helped (((hugs))) ...Den
- Mood: tired
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It's a time to re-evaluation your motives and goals. Such as ...how are you placed in your own spirituality? ...where do you stand with your Supreme Being? Are you so self-centered or narrow-viewed that "God" has to hit you with lightning to get your attention?
Some times we get so lost in our own little problems we forget the bigger picture. I's easy to do if you are working, juggling a family, and other various tugs for your attention. But we have to remember our own spirituality too, no matter how complicated life gets. "Take time to smell the roses" people used to say to each other. Good saying. Just a few precious moments each day gives you time to stop, take a deep breath, and listen for that still small voice within. It is a little moment very important in its brief touch between us and our Divine. Just don't wait until lightning hits to do it.
- Mood: thoughtful
I am totally torn on the issue. I've seen an aunt who died over two weeks from an illegal, botched abortion. It was ghastly! But that was decades ago and things change. In this age we have birth-control means, condoms, knowledge of STD's, and place to drop off newborns, no questions asked. Abstinence is a growing acceptable choice. Stop the pregnancy before it ever happens! But rape and incest happens... birth control is not always 100%. What then?
Empress is potential. Every child is born with potentials... even to grow up and be a President. Not many will be Einstein's and Mozart's and such. But thousands of ordinary people have changed this world... lighting their little corners of the world. It is truly wondrous the potential of every single child to cause change.
Personally, I want more and more modern alternatives available, so women don't get pregnant in the first place, if she doesn't want to... and if she does get pregnant, she deserves a safe alternative designed to her individual circumstances. This is not a clear-cut, black & white choice to make. Empress simply reminds a woman to think carefully about what might be; consider all her options; and no matter what decision she makes with her pregnancy, to accept it as hers. Life is potential. Life's termination should not be lightly taken.
Unfortunately such a woman has all the responsibility on her own shoulders for the most part, even if molested. Fortunately she has the still small voice to help her through such choices as now lay before her. May the Goddess give her strength not to be bullied one way or another.
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sad
Valentine's Day, 2008 -- The card, 6. Lovers, can be about true lovers or it can be about making decisions between two things. I would like to address some thoughts to the obvious sexuality of this depiction with two naked people. What the heck is wrong with Americans, that so many of us think we have the right, to impose our personal opinions (read : biases) on other consenting adults?
I'll tell you what it is. It is the hypocrisy of Christianity that turned natural urges into something sinful, an act to be ashamed of. We are natural beings with natural urgings... urgings that God himself gave us... and yet punishes if we share these urges with another consenting adult? Oh, PO-leeze! If our natural urges are so evil, then we wouldn't have been born with such urges. The only thing that is "ugly" about consensual sex, are gutter-minded people who self-righteously would force their morals on everybody else.
At one time a left-handed person was thought to be devil-touched and the child forced to use their right hands, so they didn't become insane or dangerous criminals. Some day, I hope this sexual phobia that infests so many, will fall into the same category. We humans are not inherently evil, nor is sex between consenting adults.
However, both adults are responsible for their sexual activity and must accept that responsibility to behave in a manner that does not involve a married person being cheated on; prevents unwanted pregnancy; and does not spread STD's.
Did you know that the "arrow in the heart" is a sexual symbol; the arrow a phallic symbol and the heart is not a heart but a symbol for the female genitalia. And red roses... they just got banned again is certain regions of the world and to get caught selling a red rose can get you in an awful lot of trouble.
Happy Valentine's Day, dear readers. Love You!
- Mood: optimistic
Sunday, Feb. 10th, 2008, from the Universal Waite deck. Five of Swords.
This often has interpretations of "being defeated", of being "humiliated". While it might mean the total defeat of somebody, it can also mean the recovery from serious illness, too. Or depending on what other cards are about, it can mean "taking back what is rightfully yours". Personally, I find it a card dealing with the adversity that comes along and recovering from it... look, they are walking away from the guy with all the swords. They live to fight on another day.
Because Swords deal with thoughts and logic, we must consider these interpretations too. Logical thought combined with #5, the chaos number. What might this be? Gossip, lies, exaggerations, and unfounded facts... and what are you going to do about them.
Then there are some battles that must and should be fought... and their results are great wins for the forces of Good, making all the more important too, the great sacrifices it took to win. Making those sacrifices and hardships, worth the sacrifice for the greater good of the majority.
Think about your life right now. What battles do you fight? Should you be fighting them? Are they worthwhile? Are they worth the suffering you might suffer... or cause suffering in others? Don't know? ...then I suggest you stop to listen to that still small voice of yours, so that it can tell you whether it is better to stay and fight... or simply walk away.
- Mood: calm
The first few days of Feb have many celebrations. We watch for the groundhog's shadow to forecast the length of winter on the 1st. The Christians made the 2nd, Candlemas, when they made and blessed their candles. There was and still is -- Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Light, Oimelc which means "Ewe's Milk" and celebrated lambing time, Snowdrop Festival, February Eve, among others. For the Pagans it is also a traditional time for self dedication or initiation. Brigit's Day, a.k.a. Feast of Brighid, is the Irish holiday falling on Feb. 2nd as well, celebrating the famous Triple Goddess, who dates so far back into antiquity, that Christianity couldn't "tame" her completely into a saint.
Around February 2nd, and this year it's the 4th, there is Imbolc meaning "In the Belly" and is the marking of the first stirrings of Spring and waxing light, as the Goddess recovers from giving birth to the God. It is the Second Cross Quarter Day, thus astrologically occurs when the Sun reaches 15º of Aquarius, symbolized by Spirit.
Today's card is the 9 of Swords, the "Nightmare Card". Do not despair though, because this is actually a card of "hope". How so? Because, we always wake up from our nightmares, no matter how bad they are, to find things are as they should be. Now there is no doubt that some "nightmares" in life are hard to wake up from but we always do. Everybody has a "nightmare" time in their life, often called the "dark hour of the soul" or other such metaphor.
Actually, this card works very well for this holiday season. It is a time to shake yourself awake, and get on to the better things in life, the things that make you happy again. Don't dwell on the past until you are so stuck there you can't move forward. Sure the past may hurt, tell me about it! ...but it won't do anybody any good to dwell there for the rest of your life. It's Spring!, so get out there and grow too. If you need help, such help is as close as -- the still small voice, that lives within your own heart.
PS: I want to wish my sister Arielle, a very happy birthday! May she have many more... luv ya!
- Mood:accomplished
How old is that comfy TV chair? How old the ragged old PJ's or ratty old shoes. Why do we keep them? ...because they are familiar and comfortable. Sometimes though we have to say good-bye and move on. Unfortunately this can go for the significant other in our life too. Or when I had this card come up on my last three old kitties, when it was time to say "good-bye".
When this card comes up for you, listen to that inner voice to guide you. Let the answer come to your heart then face it with courage. Blessings!
- Mood: thoughtful
Martin Luther King Day - Jan. 21st, 2008
I wish everybody would take the time to look up what this visionary man was all about. Anti-segregation, anti-war, equal rights for all. He came on the scene when America was being burnt to the ground by rioters and preached for calm and change thru peaceful protest. Personally, having lived in that time, I think he kept things from getting even worse than they were and should be credited for such. However few people can get pass more than his first few words of "some" speech...yeah, well, look it up folks, ok? "I have a dream" was a beautiful expression of the human soul. I remember the first time I stood a the Lincoln Memorial in Wash. DC because among my first thoughts was the day of that speech and the changes it helped bring to America.
For those new to my writings, I use the Universal Waite and today's card is the 10 of Cups... contentment, joy, security, happiness. It is my opinion that the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, is filled with riches for the soul instead of riches for the body. Cups speak of emotions and feelings, so we know there is a feeling of fulfillment. But the day is about a man, with a dream of equality for all.
At the time, Dr. King was being reviled in my childhood home. On the news was the various cities on fire and a great carnage, from an angry people. I say "people" because while I understood some of what was going on, to me they were just "people" without color distinction. Seeing this and my father's ranting, I understood a great deal of Dr. King's message. I was just a twitty little kid and I "got it". I hope all of you who read here... I hope you have "it" too. Can't find it? Then just quietly think about these things then listen to your own, still small voice. It knows all about "it" <wink> and can guide you.
- Mood: thoughtful
Our card is the 4. Emperor -- power, confidence, authority, domination. He is the person in charge from the very top of the body in question. He is the president, the owner, the CEO. He looks at his realm, not as a dictator but as the ultimate father figure, full of paternal pride and worry for those in his care. For while Emperor speaks of absolute power... and we all know that absolute power corrupts absolutely. This Emperor stands up and sets his ego aside and does what he thinks is for the good of all... not what is good for his own self interests. This is an emperor people follow because he has earned their respect and love... not because they are scared of him or his henchman.
I say this about applying Emperor to your own life -- “Real power is something that comes from within Self. It generates its own authority and is self-validating. It does not come via deception, nor does it bluster threats. It does not lord it over others when it is right. It speaks with a voice of compassion and tolerance, accompanied by the Wisdom of the still, small voice.”
Sooooo... what kind of Emperor are you?
- Mood: good
Jan. 6th (Sunday), 2008 holiday -- way back when, the Eastern Church took Jan. 6th, also associated with the Winter Solstice because of that ever changing calendar system; and it would later become the "Feast of the Epiphany" (Manifestation); this dating also honored the Magi (Feast of the Three Kings), who brought their gifts to the Christ-child (guess it didn't matter that Magi means Magicians and Astrologers). Also associated with the Epiphany was when "Jesus was baptized in the river and the dove sat on his head" and the miracle of "changing water into wine" at the wedding. The latter associated with the Festival of Dionysus, a wine God; celebrated (you should have known this was coming!) on Jan. 6th. In some countries like Italy and Spain, their children get their gifts on Epiphany Eve. To have good luck for the coming year, "do not take down your Christmas tree until Epiphany" is an old wise tale.
The 6th is also "Three Kings Day" to honor Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar who followed the Star to Bethlehem to find Jesus in the stable. Also linked to children is the fact that Danny Thomas was born on Jan 6th and this generous entertainer went on to be founder of St. Jude Children's Hospital. But this is also a legendary time among Celtic practitioners, with Triple Goddess stories speaking of Good triumphing over Evil.
Today's card was the 6 of Pentacles (another #6 ?!) . A man is giving away coins to the poor. It is a card that speaks of generosity, philanthropy, charity, giving and sharing. Notice too, that this is another 'scales' key... he holds the scales in one hand while coins fall from his hand. The message is clear... give when and where you can, and give generously.
In childhood, and again as an adult learning among the Pagan folk... I was taught that when I received some great "gift" in life... some real major "blessing!" right when I really needed it... to "gift" back. And to gift back with a thankful heart, with an amount that "hurts". I am not talking about surviving a car crash... then lighting one lousy candle! No, I am talking of showing that you appreciate what was done for you! About you giving back in some manner to the point you groan under the strain of it.... yet *not* minding the burden, because you are so grateful.
Charity doesn't "begin at home"... it begins with a heart that appreciates its blessings. Listen to your still, small voice... it'll tell you when and where to give.
- Mood: contemplative
Monday 31st at noon, World Peace Day. To my hand came the 7 of Cups. This card speaks of our "daydreams and fantasies". Those things involved with our "wishful thinking". Egads! Is world peace nothing more than wishful thinking? Perhaps so, when you consider human behavior but you know what? So world peace is never going to happen... wish for it anyway! Pray for it. Put your heart and soul into doing your part to make it so. Start in your own little corner of the world. Listen to that little voice inside to help you to know, what you might do to do your part for world peace.
It just boggles the mind what could be accomplished, if instead of fighting among ourselves, we put all those resources of war, to resources for peace and the benefit of our world. I am part of a group that believes in non-violent social change and the use of diplomacy. That "war" has no legitimate credentials in the modern world; except when all else has failed; and lives are threatened; and there is a consensus of world leaders. Sure we support our military personnel 100%, since they go where they are told to by the politicians, with courage and self sacrifice... but that very courage and self sacrifice should not be used in casual manner. Just because we have a big army is no reason to use it. Too bad politicians and war-mongers aren't more like the peacemakers of this world, more "diplomat" than "attack dog".
It's World Peace Day... I pray to all that is holy that in the future we have more like little Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, with his "Heartsong" mentality... than we do the shoot'em up cowboys of the world, who thinks "guns blazing" is how to achieve peace. Happy New Year to all of us!
- Mood: hopeful
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