On a good note, it's Earthday! Celebrate the good things.

The unfolding comeback story of the American bison. No story of the American West would be complete without mention of the bison, the grand icon of the Plains, the thunder of its hooves heard for thousands of years across a sea of prairie stretching from the Mississippi to the Rockies and from Canada to Mexico. The largest land animal of the Americas, the bison (or buffalo) dominated its world and became the stuff of legend to early explorers and to the Native American tribes that revered it, hunted it and depended on it.


Once considered “ecosystem engineers” – animals that profoundly affects their environment and all species living there – bison altered the prairie ecosystem by carving pathways and creating wetlands by wallowing and trampling. They fertilized the vegetation and provided food for hunters and scavengers.

Birds, prairie dogs, coyotes, wolves and pronghorn antelope all thrived in a land sculpted by millions of bison, roaming free.


The struggle to survive
These iconic animals were brought to near-extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, victims of massive overhunting and of the westward expansion of a swelling American population. Perhaps 1,000 surviving bison were kept privately, while, by the turn of the 20th century, fewer than 50 remained in the wild. Like the passenger pigeon, they seemed doomed to annihilation.

But the bison refused to quit. With the help of pioneering public and private conservation efforts, and with help from notables such as President Theodore Roosevelt, bison numbers increased yearly; today they number nearly 500,000. More than 90 percent of these, though, are raised domestically for meat. Fewer than 30,000 make up conservation herds, and only 5,000 are not confined by fences. Many of these also contain cattle genes, a result of early efforts to produce hardier cows or more docile bison.

Bringing the icon home
The World Wildlife Fund is working hard to improve the bison’s status and benefit the northern Plains ecosystem. By partnering with Native American tribes, public and private land managers and other conservation groups, the WWF hopes to spearhead the restoration of bison herds, benefiting both the health of the ecosystem and communities. By returning multiple healthy herds to more than 100,000 acres of northern prairie, the WWF and others hope this vast, overlooked ecosystem will again flourish with full biodiversity, shaped in large part by this keystone animal’s presence.


“The plains bison is emblematic of the power and prominence of the American West’s sweeping prairies. They are an American icon,” says Martha Kauffman, managing director of the WWF’s Northern Great Plains Program. Its goal is simple: to restore bison and their ecological role to portions of the northern Plains in South Dakota, Montana and neighboring states.
Doing it right
Returning thousands of bison to the land must be done responsibly, with those who own and manage the land. Creating solutions to address the concerns of neighboring landowners will also be a key in gaining public support.

To that end, supporters have identified existing areas in the northern Plains large enough to accommodate substantial bison herds. These include the American Prairie Reserve in Montana; the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota; the Fort Belknap and Fort Peck reservations in Montana; and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. Each has the acreage to support herds large enough to conserve the bison’s genetic integrity and restore its keystone ecological role, while also minimizing potential conflict with ranching concerns.

A spiritual connection

Native American connections to the bison run deep, so tribes across the country are joining with other groups to bring the bison back. “It’s time to stand up and rally around this animal, which is sacred to us and so important to the future of Montana,” says Mark Azure, director of the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department. He says that carving out a place for bison on reservations can again contribute to Native American well-being.

Kauffman agrees: “Bison hold enormous spiritual and cultural significance for Native Americans and are a potent symbol for the future of the Plains. WWF is working to support the tribes’ vision of returning bison to their lands.”

The legend survives
A coalition of organizations has proposed to make the bison our country’s national mammal. The bison could soon stand beside the bald eagle as a national symbol of strength, freedom and survival. From dominion to near extinction and back, it’s an epic story of an icon’s will to endure, and of the efforts of a broad band of differing peoples pledged to help the bison return to the life it once knew, out there on the Great Plains of North America.

To read the article in full, visit: http://causes.msn.com/earth_day_2013#section=article_6_3

Like soccer? Be thankful you don't play this guy....

Luis Suarez bites Branislav Ivanovic, the second time he’s bitten an opponent during a match. Fresh off being named to the shortlist for PFA Player of the Year, Luis Suarez continued his history of bizarre and vicious in-game violence during Liverpool's match against Chelsea on Sunday by biting Branislav Ivanovic on the arm like a giant, rabid zombie squirrel. Suarez conceded a penalty and earned a yellow card for a handball in the box in the 56th minute, which allowed Eden Hazard to score a go-ahead goal for Chelsea.


Less than 20 minutes later, a seemingly innocuous battle for position between Suarez and Ivanovic led to the Liverpool striker burying his face in Ivanovic's arm and taking a bite before the Chelsea defender shoved him off. Despite Ivanovic's brief protest, the referee apparently didn't see the incident, but it will surely be reviewed by The FA in the coming days.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/luis-suarez-bites-branislav-ivanovic-second-time-bitten-164952953--sow.html

I seriously do not get how people think and what goes on in their mind. To me, this man is disturbed with mental problems and needs to be in pysche ward for treatment. He is out of control and mentally unbalanced. Children are better behaved then this man. Oh the shame. It's a game-someone will win and someone will loose-its the nature of the sport. Not a life or death game like in the ol Roman days......

Noteworthy News-keep protesting-change can happen!

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian police arrested a second man on Monday in connection with the rape and torture of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi and parliament was adjourned twice amid an uproar about the crime which has rekindled popular fury at widespread sexual violence.


The anger echoes the response to the gang rape of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist on a bus on December 16. She later died of her injuries. Protesters are angry authorities have failed to prevent more such crimes.

Police say the child was abducted on Monday last week and kept in captivity by two men in the basement of the building that she lived in with her family. Neighbors say they found her two days later after hearing her cries.

Media reported several other attacks on children over the weekend, including that of a nine-year old girl in the north-eastern state of Assam, who had her throat slit after being gang-raped, TV channels said.

A man was arrested at the weekend for the attack on the five-year-old and is due to appear in a Delhi court this week. The second suspect, in his early 20s, was arrested early on Monday at a relative's house in the eastern state of Bihar on information received from New Delhi, local police chief Rajeev Mishra said.

"He was arrested about 1 a.m.," Mishra said. "...Delhi police and local police made a combined effort to arrest him."

Brutal sex crimes are common in India, which has a population of 1.2 billion. New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures.

But most such crimes go unreported and justice is slow, according to social activists, who say successive governments have done little to ensure the safety of women and children.

The December 16 attack brought thousands on to the streets in protest and provoked national debate about the rising number of vicious attacks on women, putting the issue firmly on the national political agenda a year before elections.

Activists planned a fourth day of street action amid heavy security in Delhi after protesters tussled with police and tried to reach the homes of India's leaders at the weekend. The protesters are calling for Delhi's police chief to resign.

The five-year-old girl's name has not been revealed, but media have nicknamed her "Gudiya", or doll. She has undergone surgery and was in stable condition on Monday, a doctor at the hospital where she is being treated told reporters.

To read more on this article or to read it in full, please see:
http://news.yahoo.com/second-man-arrested-india-girl-rape-chaos-parliament-074552630.html

Check out my online store.

Love shopping? Looking for something unique for a particular person? Or maybe just a little something for yourself-to add to your decor, to treat yourself for a job well done, to just pamper yourself.....whatever you are looking for, come browse my little store.

It's a simple little store. A portion of all orders goes back to the community and I donate to many charities and foundations. What does this mean? This means that a portion of each reading/interpretation is given to charity. A few charities that are not mentioned below are the MS Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital, many animal shelters (SPCA, HSUS, WWF, FARM, Best Friend Animal Society, Alley Cat Allies In Defense of Animals, ASPCA just to name a few), Lupus and Cancer Centers. Rest assured, that your business is a blessing to others and that you play an important part/role in it. Thank you so much for your patronage and support.

Please browse my store at: www.lunasgiftsntreasures.com and please check out what's for sale and auction on ebay at: http://www.ebay.com/sch/scdarcher/m.html?item=271190809628&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f243b5c1c&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

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Thank you for your patronage. Brighest blessings to all.

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How to banish and remove roadblocks.

Let's talk a bit about life. We all have ups and downs. What would life be without them?

For many people, a new year is a new beginning. Resolutions are made, lessons were learned, karma visited, chapters ended and were closed, things got left behind, new beginnings started, etc, etc, etc. Seasons change and so do people. What once was good, is no longer serving that purpose. If you think about it and reflect on your life so far, how many changes have you witnessed? Does it seem that you have lived many lifetimes just in this one alone?

Four months ago, 2012 ended and 2013 was welcomed in. Making New Year's resolutions is the easy part. It is usually the follow through to starting and beginning to manifest those goals that gets a little tricky. Failed resolutions can happen for a number of reasons.....lack of willpower or discipline, lack of knowledge of how to reach your goal, or other 'roadblocks' - mental, emotional or physical impediments to reaching your goal. Or maybe as time went by what seemed like a good idea then, isn't so good of an idea now. So now what?

If your ideas don't seem to be going in the direction you had hoped, do you just give up? I would like to hope not. Just because a roadblock is your path doesn't mean that it needs to stay there. It's a hurdle, so face it, deal with it and jump over it.

The first thing you HAVE to do is figure out what exactly your roadblocks are. Sometimes this can be really difficult, as it means admitting some things about yourself that you don't like or don't want to think about. In order to move on and broaden, you must deal with this. If you aren't happy with yourself, you will never be happy with anyone, person or thing until you are at peace with yourself. The whole point of this ritual and any associated spellwork is to break down barriers, and you must first start from the inside and work out. Your single worst enemy can be and often is.... yourself. Do you have the confidence to ask others for help when you need it? Do you listen to the people who do want to help you succeed or try opening your mind to their ideas and expertise? Do you procrastinate and remain idle with decisions or duties that must be tended to?  Are you afraid to stand up for yourself, or are you the type that steals ideas from others and takes credit for it or how about belittling other people without a care? Identifying the less than stellar qualities about ourselves is the biggest step in breaking down barriers to manifesting goals through both magickal and mundane means. Take the time to investigate yourself and why you aren't where you want to be. Before doing any magic, you need to know what to work on. You must figure out how to break habits and create new healthier ones.
Still not sure? Having issues? Try this spell to reflect inwards and find what blocks that are keeping you from happiness, harmony or success with what you desire. Make sure you have the time and a very quiet environment, with nothing to distract you, such as a cell phone, radio, tv, pet, loud noises or children. It also helps if the room is fairly dark but that you are able to see well enough to write. Bright lights or open can be distracting. Make sure to give and allow plenty of time so that you aren't rushed to finish. It should be performed during the new moon phase while the new moon energy is still in force. You must be ready to face things you might not want to when you perform this so make sure you are open to learning things about yourself that you might not like and face things you may already know but have been unwilling to accept.

You will need:
· Sage or a smudge stick
· Black mirror - if you do not have a black mirror, use a black iron cauldron or a black bowl filled with water will work just as well.
· A picture or amulet of Ganesha, the Hindu deity known as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of Beginnings. A picture printed off your computer will be fine.
· One white candle, one dark blue candle and one black candle with holders. Candles that are 6" or taller or small pillars work best for this)
· White unlined paper and a pen - **do not use recycled paper** (as you do not want whatever the paper was used for in the past to come through in your spell).
· Candle scribe or toothpick
· Any oil to help you open the third eye chakra, such as Vision, Frankincense, Jasmine or Sandalwood
· Incense used for divination, such as Divination, Lemongrass, or Apollo. (To make Apollo incense, mix together 4 parts Frankincense, 2 parts Myrrh, 2 parts Cinnamon, and 1 part Bay. Grind in a mortar and pestle and sprinkle over hot charcoal just before you begin your ritual).

Using the sage or smudge stick, smudge yourself, your supplies and the area you will be working in well-corner to corner to corner to corner. You want to remove any residual energy, negative or positive. Like the New Moon, you want the area you are in to be a blank slate, with as little to influence you as possible. Place the mirror or bowl of water in the center of your altar or workspace. This spell is best done sitting down, so if your altar is tall, you may want to move your altar cloth, items and supplies to a table or the floor.

Place the black candle to the top left of the mirror or bowl, Ganesha in the center top, and the white candle to the top right. Using your scribe or toothpick on the black candle - start at the top, draw a picture of an eye and the Dagaz rune symbol, below that your name, and at the bottom the words, "I accept what I see". On the white candle-same thing-start at the top, draw a picture of the Sun, the Jera rune symbol, your name and the words "New Beginning" and place your incense and burner above Ganesha.

Do what you normally do when you start by calling your corners, watchtowers, elements, etc. (basically do your opening that you are used to, comfortable with or that your tradition requires). Anoint your crown, third eye, heart chakras and inner wrists with the oil. Seat yourself before the bowl, and light your black candle. Repeat these words three times:

I call upon the blessed air,
Blow deep within and lay me bare.
Show me what I need to see,
Give me strength and clarity.
Let me face what I am shown,
And have no fear of the unknown.
I set this spell three times three,
As I will, so shall it be.

Gaze into the black mirror/bowl, clear your mind and focus on allowing yourself to see what it is that is blocking you from peace, harmony, success, or the things you desire. This experience is different for every person - it is the facing the shadow self. You must be ready to explore truths about yourself, your relationships, the situations you are in that you don't like or find very hard to admit. Finding these truths is crucial to breaking the barriers that are keeping your from what you want. As they come to you, write them down on the paper. Makes notes about what you are seeing and feeling as well as any images you see in the mirror/bowl.

The length of time this process takes varies for everyone which is why you must have the time to do it and not be rushed. When you feel it is time to stop, then do so. You may feel tired, angry, depressed... It's okay to feel these emotions/feelings as it is important in breaking down these barriers and is a crucial part of manifesting what you truly desire. If you are tired, go lay down. If angry or depressed, holster that and do not allow it to manifest. Take a break. You can come back later, after being refreshed and relook at your notes or meditate on your feelings and what images appeared to you.

Using your candle scribe or toothpick, carve your name into the dark blue candle. Anoint it with the same oil you used to open your Third Eye. Place the notes you took during your black mirror meditation underneath the holder.

Light the blue candle, then the white candle and say these words three times:
Ganesha, this I ask of you,
Let me now begin anew.
Untie the ropes that hold me back,
Shown here now in mirror black.
With wisdom of the aging crone,
I face now the great unknown.
I set this spell three times three,
As I will, so mote it be.

When the candles have burned down completely, take the leftover wax and wick of the blue candle and the picture or amulet of Ganesha and place them in a small charm bag in your car. Take the wax and wick leftover from the black candle and bury it in the ground. Take the leftover wax and wick from the white candle and place it near the front entrance of your home, such as under the welcome mat or in a flower pot.

I hope you find your answer and that the healing can now begin for you. You are never to old to start anew, revise, reinvent and refresh yourself. Brightest blessings to all.

**As with any spell, treat with utmost respect. Always honor those deities you believe in and do not disrespect them. Always thank them and the corners/watchtowers for their wisdom and guidance.**

Banishing spell for the new moon

I have many people contact me due to a variety of reasons. Lots of people are opening their minds and are returning to the ways of the old. One subject that is always popular is the subject of banishing. So here, I will touch on the subject.

The moon plays a very important role in all our lives. Whether you acknowledge this or not, it is true. Throughout history, the moon has always had an aura of mystery and magic about it. It has endless stories and folklore told about it passed through generations, it is clearly shown in movies and is mentioned in novels and countless books, whether to add mystery, romance, spookiness. It is no secret that the moon is tied to the ebb and flow of the tide, as well as the cycle of women's' bodies....the Maiden, Mother and Crone. Moon mysteries cross every culture and continent, is endless and there are countless celebrations and rituals involving the moon that go back beyond recorded time.


The full moon is the most powerful point in the lunar cycle for witches. Many traditional spells begin with, "By the light of the full moon.....". The full moon is brightening, enlightening, and inspiring. However, another extremely powerful time in the moon's cycle is often underused, or even ignored. This is the dark of the moon, or new moon. Example, the full moon reflects our magic, emotions, and divination outwards, the dark of the new moon brings them inwards. It is the absence of light, and the mysterious unseen forces. It is the dark mysteries, the deep recesses, shadowed self...the Crone in all her magnificent glory and wisdom.

The new moon is a time to reflect and do some introspection. (As a Mercury retrograde is also known for). The new moon is the time to look inward-find what is blocking you from progressing forward in the manner you desire and keeping your idle or at a standstill. Its the perfect time for doing some fundamental examination so you can decide what habits need to be broken and what relationships need the ties cut and should end. The new moon phase is the point where the old has disappeared and the new has not yet come. The moon's magnificent magical cycle is in a short hibernation before beginning to draw in energy to grow and manifest again. Decisions can be made, old wounds healed, what was cloudy will become clear. Old skins can be shed and left behind to make way for the fresh and new things forthcoming.

People familar with astrology know that the new moon occurs when the sun and moon align in the same astrological sign. This makes it a powerful time to set goals and begin new projects, then to perform spellwork to help them manifest. As the moon waxes, so too will the intention you set forth at the new moon.
The new moon is also a superb time for negative or reversing magic like bindings, banishing, and purging. Use the new moon phase to break bad habits/relationships or to distance yourself from any situation that is causing chaos, drama, or other difficulties. Break the chains of addiction, unhealthy eating, controlling people.
This spell is used to banish-whether it be a person, habit, or a situation that no longer serves you.

What you will need:
Black Candle
Red Candle
Banishing Herbs or Blend - If you don't have this available, try mixing two tablespoons each of rosemary, mugwort, and juniper all together. Add 1/2 tablespoon of cloves, myrrh, and copal to the mixture.
Charcoal Tab
Banishing oil to anoint the black candle - like Run Devil Run or Banishing. (If not available use an essential oil like frankincense or even basil.
Wishing oil to anoint red candle - like a purchased blended oil like Wishing or Mojo oil, or if not available, use an essential oil such as cinnamon
Fireproof Cauldron - this spell is best done in a medium or large cauldron. It does require working with flames, and therefore needs a deeper well. I would not recommend a 'baby cauldron' for this. That is to small.
Clean unlined paper or parchment-not recycled paper.
Dove's blood ink, quill, or black marker
Tongs or long tweezers
Candle scribe or toothpick
Banishing incense- clove, frankincense, basil, or banishing
Envelope
****Pitcher of water - this is just in case of emergency. When you are working a spell using fire, it is important to take precautions in case you drop or knock over something.

On the black candle (Banishing candle), write what it is you want to banish from your life (depression, bad habit, destructive behavior, abusive person, bad luck, sick/illness). **Write from the bottom to the top.** Anoint this candle with the banishing oil, focusing on what you want to banish. On the red candle (Quick Action candle), write from the top to the bottom what you wish to happen (be happy and full of life again, quit smoking, have good luck, get well, find employment, a new vehicle). Anoint it with the wishing oil, while focusing on what you want to come in to your life.

Light the charcoal tablet and place it in your cauldron. The charcoal tab will crackle and spark. This is normal - just let it run its course. The charcoal will begin to turn gray, much like the charcoal you use on a charcoal grill. When it begins to turn gray, it is ready to use.

On the paper, write what it is you wish to happen. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, write, "I rid myself of the hold that my tobacco/nicotine addiction has on me." (I'm sure you get my drift here).

On your altar, place the Banishing candle to the left, the cauldron in the center/middle, and the Quick Action candle on the right. Have the banishing mix ready in a small dish.

Start your ritual as is your normal way or as your tradition requires. Using the incense stick, light your candles, and blow out the flame on the incense and place the incense stick in holder. If you have prepared a spoken spell, chant or prayer, say it now. Using the tongs, pick up the parchment, and repeat what you have written three times. Touch a corner of the parchment to the black candle, then immediately drop it in the cauldron. Sprinkle the banishing herb mix over the paper and the charcoal.

Once the ashes in the cauldron have cooled, pour the leftover contents into the envelope. Lay the envelope flat, then tip the black candle (first), then the red candle (second/after the black) over the closure of the envelope allowing the candle wax to drip on the envelope seal, then press your thumb into the sealing wax. After the candles burn down and are spent, take the leftover wax, wicks and the envelope and go dispose of them in a trash receptacle well away from your home, your work, or any place you frequently visit or go.

As with any spell, respect it, the elements, the spirits you call forth to help and guide you.

Brightest blessings to all. In light and love.

Magickal Gardening

Let's talk about how plants, both inside and out, can affect the energy of a space. Some people like to incorporate Feng Shui principles and practices into their living/working space environment. Not to mention the importance of plants in spellcraft and spiritual practice. For those not familiar with this ancient philosophy, Feng Shui is the art of arranging your physical environment around for the natural harmony of the space and to insure the free flow of positive qi, or energy.


Many people use Feng Shui in their spiritual practices as it can make you feel better, relaxed, peaceful, more spiritual, at ease or even inspired. There are many books out about this subject. You can start at your local library and browse through before you decide to buy any books on the subject and this will help you get and idea and feel for what Feng Shui is all about. Scott Cunningham discusses it in The Magical Household, and Raymond Buckland in Wicca for Life.
Principles of Feng Shui seem to go hand in hand with witchcraft/Wicca. Magick is all about using energy to manifest dreams and desires, break bad habits, heal from situations that have hurt us. Feng Shui is about creating the environment for that same energy to flow freely and positively in the proper direction to manifest desires more quickly and easily. An example is like driving on an open country road, cruising at a certain speed with no obstacles and driving on your work commute with traffic-slow, stop, brake, brake, brake, move an inch and stop again......ug, all the obstacles to overcome just to make it to work can be exhausting and frustrating. Feng Shui principles work the same way by creating a free flow of energy. When you move and arrange objects a certain way, it keeps that positive energy from being blocked or slowed down which helps in reaching the positive goal sooner. Thus, giving good positive results.
Gardening isn't just for outdoor plants. It does include indoor plants and their placement is an important part of Feng Shui. Immobile objects like buildings, walls and large furniture can be in the way which blocks the flow of qi. Items or objects are referred to as 'cures' and are used to redirect the energy around the object. Plants, along with mirrors, crystals, statues, and other objects are often used as cures.

Take a look around your neighborhood. Houses, garages and buildings are set at certain angles to each other, thus it creates what is called a 'poison arrow' in Feng Shui. This is very common in coves and cul-de-sac neighborhoods. For example, you may have a nasty neighbor-someone who is mean or rude, lets the property go and ruin the look of the neighborhood, have temperment issues or kids who are troublesome. Depending on the angle that their home is positioned, it could be due to the 'poison arrow' and that it is directing all of that residual negative energy directly at them. Or if you feel grouchy and uneasy, perhaps it's that the 'poison arrow' is pointing in your direction. To help allieviate this problem, plant a tree or shrub between the arrow flow and your home. This is very effecient in blocking the arrow, which alleviates the negative energy being directed your way. Alternately, if there is any sort of large foliage, such as shrubs or trees blocking the exterior doors or walkways of your home (even if it is one you do not use), then trim them back or relocate them to a different spot in the yard. Positive qi must have open access to the entrances of your home or business to insure good luck and prosperity. The same is true for front and back porches......if they are covered in broken furniture, clutter and dead plants, what sort of energy do you think they attract? Remove the clutter and replace broken pots and dead plants with live ones that represent the sort of energy you want to attract. Try a bright colored pot or flowering plant to attract joy, creativity and positive energy. There is no better place for this cure than on your front porch. A low maintenance easy care plant I recommend for porches is the pansy or snap dragon. They have beautiful coloring, coming in white, pink or red, purple, yellow and all grow well in shady area's and require almost no maintenance. Even types of begonia and marigolds are easily grown. Certain types of flowering plants can shed olds flowers as new ones are produced, which eliminates the need for pruning or dead-heading, however depending on how much you enjoy hands on gardening and getting your hands in Mother Earth, you may have to dead head or remove the wilted blooms by hand which is not hard to do. Plants can be inexpensive, very lively and helps to alleviate stress and add beauty. They are perfect for apartment balconies, window boxes, and any size pot in front of your home or business. In cold climates, they can be brought indoors to a sunny window during the winter and may continue to bloom.
From a magical perspective, plants can be and are used to attract luck. There is a Good Luck Plant, Money Plant and Leprechaun Plant and many other to choose from. Many varieties of plants grow well inside in a window or sun room in pots or placed on a counter or any other area that receives several hours of sun.
Suggestions for outdoor plants used in Feng Shui include but aren't limited to the following:

Aloe Vera - well known for amazing healing qualities plus an added benefit is that it has long spiky leaves to help provide protection from evil and negativity. It is perfect for people who live in dry desert environments and in areas that have freezing temperatures, it should only be grown indoors.

Azaleas - a very popular flowering shrub and comes in an array of different colors. It will thrive in a variety of growing conditions. They attract energy for beauty and sexual potency. There are too many varieties to mention - check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.

Chrysanthemum - Mums are great for fall gardens. Mums symbolize a life of pleasure leading to a happy retirement.

Ivy - is used to camouflage ugly walls and stop erosion, is easy to care for andcomes in many varieties. Ivy has a mind of its own, and if it's left to its own devices, it will climb up pillars, walls, will spread out over the ground quickly. There are dozens of varieties, and it will grow in a variety of climates. Ivy encourages fidelity in relationships and is a guardian plant. Try ivy in with perennial flowers in hanging baskets on a porch. The ivy is just stunning when it starts to cascade over the sides of the baskets.

Jasmine - If you are familar with Goddesses and Deity's, you would know that this plant was sacred to Diana (Artemis), Rhiannon (Epona), Shiva, Vishnu, and countless others. It blooms at night and is representative of our relationship with the moon and its magical qualities. Jasmine attracts love energy (sexual and emotional). Jasmine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions and it requires a great deal of sun. Jasmine can get quite large depending on the area. You can use the flowers for making oils, dry them for making tea...sensational plant. If you have it outdoors and a gentle breeze blows, it can waif through your window and take you to a mystical, magical, whimsical place.

Lavender - Used in magic for peace, tranquility, restful sleep and is great to calm a household especially with children and pets who are highly energetic. Lavender has a wonderful aroma and can be an outdoor plant as well as an indoor plant. It is a natural insect repellent, and grows in a wide variety of conditions. Left alone it will cover a hillside in no time, helping to prevent erosion. Dry the flowers for use in potpourri, charm bags, and oils.

Mint - Many varieties of mint, including catnip, are beautifully suited for growing outdoors in beds, planters, or pots. Mint attracts money and prosperity. Dry the leaves for use in charm bags, teas or tonics, or use fresh in beverages or food. Mint tends to grow and flourish quickly so be careful when growing as it will take off like wild fire.

Roses - love, love, love them! Roses are by far my favorite thing to grow -  roses equals work and can be finicky and need care and tending to (depending on the variety) and are not for the faint of heart by any means. They REQUIRE pruning, dead-heading, fertilization, and watering to thrive. They are subject to a number of pests and diseases-black spot especially and beetles. If you are interested in trying your hand at growing, check out some horticultural societies that provide education on which grow best in your area and visit local nurseries to find out what they recommend for your area and soil type. Roses attract love and friendship, but should not be placed next to the entrance of the home, as the thorny bushes create disharmony for those who enter. Dry the petals for use in oils, charm bags, tea and potpourri.

Trees - Oh how I love trees. Trees are our connection to Mother Earth and along with plants, helps to provide the oxygen we breathe, and always adds beauty and balance wherever they are planted. All cultures have some type of tree lore.....like the ancient Celts named their months after trees.

Here is a small list of trees that come to mind for certain purposes:
•Apple - peace
•Beech - learning and wisdom
•Cherry - beauty, abundance and joy
•Elm - attracts positive energy
•Holly - protects from evil spirits
•Oak - strength and masculine energy, personal power
•Peach - long life, and symbolic of the divine
•Pine - longevity, protection from evil spirits
•Willow - protection from evil and gentle, peaceful energy

I hope this will plant a seed within you to try out Feng Shui or at least add some liveliness to your environment and surroundings.

Blessed Be to all.

An interesting story for those who love folklore.

Welsh Goddess - Cerridwen

Cerridwen embodies all three lunar aspects of the Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone although she is primarily worshipped in her Crone aspect, by and through her Cauldron of Wisdom, Inspiration, Rebirth and Transformation. The cauldron in her story has an intimate association with femininity, together with the cave, the cup and the chalice, and the association of femininity with justice, wisdom and intelligence goes back to very ancient times. Her cauldron is the primary female symbol of the pre-Christian world, and represents the womb of the Great Goddess from which all things are born and reborn again.

Cerridwen was originally worshipped by the people of Wales. It is told that she lived on an island, in the middle of Lake Tegid, named after her husband, with her two children, a beautiful daughter, Creidwy, and a very ugly son, Afagdu. To compensate her son for his unfortunate appearance, Cerridwen brewed a magickal formula, known as "greal", which would make Afagdu the most brilliant and inspired of men. For a year and a day, she kept six herbs simmering in her magickal cauldron, known as "Amen", under the constant care of a boy named Gwion.

One day, while Gwion was stirring the cauldron, a few drops of the bubbling liquid spattered on his hand. Unthinkingly, and in pain, Gwion, sucked his burned hand, and, suddenly, he could hear everything in the world, and understood all the secrets of the past and future. With his newly enchanted foresight, Gwion knew how angry Cerridwen would be when she found he had acquired the inspiration meant for her son.

He ran away, but Cerridwen pursued him. Gwion changed into a hare, and Cerridwen chased him as a greyhound; he changed into a fish, and Cerridwen pursued him as an otter; he became a bird, and she flew after him as a hawk; finally, he changed into a grain of corn, and Cerridwen, triumphant, changed into a hen, and ate him.

When Cerridwen resumed her human form, she conceived Gwion in her womb, and, nine months later, gave birth to an infant son, whom she, in disgust, threw into the water of a rushing stream. He was rescued by a Prince, and grew into the great Celtic bard, Taliesin.

The image of her cauldron, holding the magickal potion of wisdom, is the mythical origin of the Halloween image of a cauldron-stirring hag, making up her witch's brew. The brew had to simmer for a year and a day, a common passage of time in Celtic lore. A festival in her honour is celebrated on July 3rd, and the pink sow, a symbol of fertility, good fortune and enrichment, is said to be her matron animal.

Created by Kerritwyn and taken from The White Moon Gallery.
Image from Something Wiccan This way Comes

Romance spell

This is great for any time or occasion. I know people who use this as their Valentine Day spell. This is used more to keep the openess, love and communication between two people alive. This is not to bring a new love to you or to find a lover.

You will need:

rose incense or an oil warmer with rose oil and a tealight
Red candle
Pink candle
Strawberries and/or pink marshmallows
Melting Chocolate-milk, white or dark-your choice

Set up an area in your kitchen and light the incense/oil and the candles.

Melt the chocolate in the usual way and once its melted, dip the strawberries and marshmallows in to coat them - as you do so say these words:

Lover,, come eat with me
Come easily here but also stay free
Come with love, joy and desire to share
Free to leave again should you care
Enjoy time together
No matter Mother Nature's weather

Blessed Be, So Mote It Be!!

Share the chocolate coated items with your lover, knowing they remain free to do as they choose. You can also substitute any fruit or nuts that have aphrodisiac qualities as well as the strawberries. Feel free to use your own words and verses to personalize the desired affect you want to have. As always, visualize your intent with harm to none and no bending of will.

Some fascinating reads about cultures and folklore

I have stumbled across some really interesting reads. There is a new show that comes on the History channel called the Vikings. I wanted to delve a bit into that time period. As I was doing so, I come across the below articles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology_in_the_Low_Countries

 http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/gods.html

Enjoy and brightest blessings to you!

What is the Ankh?

Signs and Symbols: The Ankh (Also worn as a talisman)


The Ankh is one of the most famous and widely used symbols of Ancient Egypt. It appeared in hieroglyphic text and iconographic art all over ancient Egypt. Yet, there is much debate over the origin of the symbol. Gardiner (who composed the standard sign list) suggested that it was a sandal strap. This part of the sandal was called 'nkh but it is not clear whether this name was applied retrospectively because of the similarity in shape. Others have suggested that it was a totem representing male and female reproductive parts, a sun on the horizon with the path of the sun before it, and a ceremonial girdle. It may also have been associated with the "Sa" (the hieroglyphic symbol which represented magical protection) and has also been linked to the Tjet (also known as the "knot of Isis") which has also been described as a ceremonial girdle.

The symbol is also an Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph which represents the hieroglyph ´nh (ankh) meaning "life" or "breath of life". The glyph appears in an incredible number of inscriptions and was often used as a decorative device. Many of the gods of Egypt are depicted bearing an Ankh to represent their vivacity and immortality. Occasionally the god (or goddess) extends the Ankh to the Pharaoh, indicating both the gift of life and the purification of the subject.

The Ankh was also associated with life after death. The dead were sometimes referred to as "ankhu" and sarcophagi were also known as "neb-ankh" (possessor of life).

Taken from Ancient Egypt Online   (I hope this helps) Brightest blessings.

New Year, new you, new career?

Here we are again saying good bye and departing from one year and welcoming in the new hopeful year. For some, 2012 was harsh with people losing their homes, jobs as well as many other circumstances. Here is a little spell to help with employment that I have in my BOS.

It is an oldie but a goodie. As with any spell, be sure to do in the correct moon phase. I would emphasize that once work comes your way, bury the silk in mother earth and allow it to rot, this is returning it to the earth. You should use green silk as that has the color corresponding to wealth. The nine knots represent the power of 3x3. You do this spell in the New Moon and continue for the next 14 nights until the Full Moon. ***Remember to send always, always send thanks and blessings once the spell has worked to keep the balance even and show appreciation.

You will need a 13 inch long green silk cord or cotton yarn (some type of natural fiber). Be sure to cleanse and purify the cord/yarn before using. Spend at least one day/night holding the cord and visualizing your intent. Put your intent and energy into it. Be sure that you are looking for a job at the time of doing this. You will have to do your part so the magick can do it's part.