tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15256806289590167272024-03-12T23:41:16.837-04:00Wicca: What's the Real DealWicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the MisconceptionsDayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-13211291071943753242013-02-19T16:12:00.001-05:002013-02-21T16:10:12.417-05:00Wiccan response to ‘Fox and Friends’ hosts’ take on the Wiccan faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">After viewing a recent video of a
portion of last Sunday’s <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm41k7tNhVI&feature=player_embedded">Fox
News and Friends Weekend</a></i>, it becomes necessary to respond to the
disturbing discussion between the show’s hosts, Anna Kooiman, Clayton Morris,
and Tucker Carlson. The show’s hosts did little more than belittle Wicca
and its practitioners. Readers can view the clip from the show above.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The show’s hosts, primarily Tucker
Carlson, purposefully mock and ridicule the Wiccan faith and its adherents, and
the hosts’ comments are unprofessional, unethical and unwarranted.
Carlson willfully attempts to make Wiccans, and anyone that acknowledges the
faith system as valid, appear ridiculous. His assertions and many of the
statements offered by his co-hosts have no sound basis in fact. The
commentary on the show only serves to belittle an entire population of people
that the hosts of <i>Fox News and Friends Weekend</i> really know nothing
about.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">First, Clayton Morris mentions the
Wiccan and pagan population and questions whether or not they make up a large
percentage of the population. Tucker Carlson responds with: “I do, they
don’t.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">This response is interesting since
there are no clear statistics on just how many pagans and witches there are, so
how can Carlson possibly know more than anybody in the entire world about the
pagan population. The majority of population surveys are mere estimates,
but if one bases an understanding on any estimates (including the notion of a
“large population” as subjective,) one will find that the pagan population is
considerable. A little bit of research reveals that according to 2001
statistics, there are an estimated 200,000 to 768,000 Wiccans and pagans in the
US alone, depending upon the cited source. Additional research reveals
that the US population of Wiccans is doubling about every 30 months and in
Scotland, the Neo-Pagan population is doubling annually (source: <a href="http://www.washington-baltimore-paganclergy.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/wiccaprofile.pdf">http://www.washington-baltimore-paganclergy.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/wiccaprofile.pdf</a>).
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The <a href="http://www.pluralism.org/">Puralism Project at Harvard University</a> has
a variety of statistics sources, several of which make estimates related to the
pagan population. In 2000, the Covenant of the Goddess, a highly regarded
pagan organization, suggests that there were about 768,400 pagans and witches
in the US. The Ontario Consultants from <a href="http://www.tolerance.org/">Tolerance.org</a> suggest a population rate of
750,000 (with a 50% margin rate for all errors) and The Witch’s Voice estimates
a population of 1 million pagans and witches in the US and 3 million
worldwide. Additionally, When Carlson says that there are more
Zoroastrians than Wiccans in an effort to make the population of Wiccan and
pagan practitioners appear small, his efforts do not negate the validity of the
Wiccan faith, diminish the significance of the faith system to its followers,
or devalue the tremendous spiritual fulfillment Wiccans derive from their
religion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Clayton Morris then mentions the
University of <i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/diversity.missouri.edu/get-involved/religion/holidays.php">Missouri’s
Guide to Religions: Major Holidays and Suggested Accommodations</a></i> and the
Wiccan and pagan holidays included in the guide. Nowhere in the guide
does it say that pagans and witches need to have all of their holidays
recognized. In fact, if the hosts take a look at the guide, eight Wiccan
holidays are mentioned, not 20 as it is erroneously mentioned in the hosts’
conversation. (<i>and yes I can name them all</i>). The eight
holidays include Samhain, Yule, Candlemas (also called Imbolc), Ostara (also
called Spring Equinox), Beltane, Summer Solstice (also called Litha), Lammas,
and Fall Equinox. If one looks under each of the holidays in the guide,
there is a description of the holiday along with some information detailing
pagan practices. However, there is no mention of any recommendation
whatsoever to stop planning exams or significant study activities. Thus,
despite the fact that Wiccan holidays equal about one-fifth of the 46 holidays
mentioned, there are no recommendations that would suggest to faculty members
of the university to allow the holidays to influence academic planning. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Wiccans do not choose their religion
based upon the number of holidays in the faith system. For Clayton Morris
to say such a thing is ridiculous and is tad amount to saying that a Christian
is a follower of Christ because they like to take Christmas and Easter holidays
off each year. When Carlson later asks how many Wiccans can name all of
their holidays, guessing about 50%, again such a comment is completely out of
line. Any Wiccan who is a sincere practitioner will have little
difficulty telling anyone about the eight seasonal sabbats celebrated on a
yearly basis. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">In the discussion, Carlson mentions
that the downside of Wiccanism is “that it is obviously a form of witchcraft,”
and this statement raises two questions. First, does Carlson know
anything about real witchcraft at all? Since he identifies the “upside”
as being a “ton of holidays,” and he states, “Every Wiccan I have ever known is
a compulsive Dungeons & Dragons player or is a middle-aged, twice-divorced,
older woman living in a rural area who works as a midwife,” it is clear he
knows little. When he co-host Clayton Morris pipes in his view and says,
“and [Wiccans] like a lot of incense,” the extent of their knowledge about the
Craft and its practitioners is made brutally clear. Therefore, knowing as
little as the hosts of Fox <i>News and Friends Weekend</i> do about witchcraft,
Wicca and its adherents, what puts them in the position to judge? Second,
witchcraft is a downside for who? If the practice is not right for the
hosts of <i>Fox News and Friends Weekend</i>, that’s perfectly fine, but why
then is it necessary for the show’s hosts to devalue the practices and beliefs
of others? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">As far as Samhain (Halloween) being
a major holiday for Wiccans, the day is one for honoring deceased
ancestors. The hosts mock one of the most sacred sabbats, suggesting it
is not something to take seriously. Then Clayton Morris suggests that
Halloween is an event that has more to do with paganism than Wicca. Here
it should be mentioned that paganism is an umbrella term for people who do not
follow the major Judeo-Christian religions, and Wicca is just one branch of paganism.
A bit of research will reveal to the hosts of the show that modern Halloween
practices are actually pagan based practices. If they had read the
university’s holiday guide more thoroughly they would have been able to read
the full description of the holiday on the university’s website that reads as
follows:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">“One of the four "greater
Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to
celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the
past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and
other significant changes in life. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">G</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">eneral Practices: <i>Paying respect to ancestors,
family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who
have died." </i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Wiccans honoring of Halloween is no
different from when Christians honor the death and resurrection of Christ on
Easter. Just as Easter holds tremendous significance to those who follow
Christ, Samhain holds great meaning for those who are adherents of Wicca.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">As for the interview with Tammy
Bruce with her suggesting that Wiccans and Pagans are being used for political
purposes and to devalue tradition, the question arises, how do our equally
valid traditions devalue the traditions of other faith systems, especially when
the university’s guide has no recommendations to make any academic changes for
Wiccan holidays whatsoever? How does the integration of Wiccan traditions
“downgrade” other traditions through an “anti-tradition action?” With
confidence in speaking for the majority of the Wiccan community, Wiccans are
pleased to have come as far as to have their holidays acknowledged as
celebratory events. Nowhere have Wiccans demanded academic accommodations
for them. Of course, if Wiccans did start asking for holiday
accommodations, there would be absolutely nothing wrong with doing so.
Again, Wiccan celebrations are just as significant, important and meaningful as
holidays in any other religious tradition. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Anna makes mention of when
Christians in the U.S. say “Merry Christmas” to others it is sometimes viewed
as pushing one’s faith on others. In part this sentiment is true, and the
issue works both ways. A Christian might be highly unappreciative of
someone wishing them a “Blessed Samhain” or a “Blessed Lammas.” <b><i>The
underlying message in such situations is that it is important for everyone,
Christians, pagans, and people from all faith systems to have consideration for
others. Whether we agree with someone’s religious values or beliefs is of
no import. What is most important is that we respect one another and act
in considerate ways: this is something the hosts of “Fox and News Weekend”
failed to do.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">There is a petition on Causes.com
looking for Wiccan practitioners who want to demand an apology from the hosts
of <i>Fox and Friends</i>. Interested individuals can sign the petition
at the following link <a href="http://www.causes.com/actions/1733105-demand-fox-news-apologize-to-pagans-and-wiccans">http://www.causes.com/actions/1733105-demand-fox-news-apologize-to-pagans-and-wiccans</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">A Facebook page has been
established, demanding an apology from the show’s hosts as well at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FoxNewsPagan">https://www.facebook.com/FoxNewsPagan</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The co-hosts of Isis Paranormal
Radio are planning a discussion on Sunday, Feb. 24 related to the show and the
hosts’ commentary. Interested individuals can listen to the live online
radio show at 1 PM ET at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isisparanormal">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isisparanormal</a>.
Listeners can join in the conversation, call into the show, and express their
opinions in the chat room.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Article by: Dayna Winters, a Wiccan
and the co-author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Whats-Breaking-Through-Misconceptions/dp/0764339087/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361306781&sr=8-1&keywords=Wicca%3A+What%27s+the+Real+Deal%3F" target="_blank"><i>Wicca: What’s the Real Deal?
BreakingThrough the Misconceptions</i></a>.</span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-50951135449013671812012-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:002012-11-01T06:00:10.860-04:00Yuletide Greetings for the Witch in Your Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Acknowledging the holidays
celebrated by the special Witch in your life is a wonderful way to express
appreciation for and understanding of a very unique aspect of your loved one.
When December rolls around, why not add a personal flair based on an
understanding of what this season means to those close to you who practice
Wicca? By doing this you can deepen your understanding of what this time means
to your loved one, while also showing that you are willing to acknowledge a
large part of what spiritually fulfills the individual.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Unlike many other holidays, there is
a great deal of overlap in seasonal celebrations this time of year with pagan
and Wiccan celebrations. In fact, unlike<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a> Samhain which
may take some practice to get used to, the Wiccan celebration in late December
bears a name with which most of us are familiar: Yule. It is important to note that many traditions
and customs later carried out during December festivals such as Christmas, St.
Stephen’s Day, and other Winter Holiday traditions originated in pre-Christian,
pagan cultures. The roots of many of these traditions still hold strong in the
modern Wiccan and Pagan celebration of Yule, or Midwinter or Winter Solstice.
This holiday occurs circa December 20-22, depending on the year. It marks the
beginning of winter. A great example of a special tradition for Yule is the
decorative or functional Yule Log, or an evergreen log with holes drilled along
the side for candles. Holly, Mistletoe and other natural accessories of winter
are very important and symbolic, as well as beautiful accents used during this
holiday. Even wreaths and other remnants of nature’s stoic survival in the
harsh winter months make great Yule gifts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As it marks the heart of winter in
the northern hemisphere, this holiday is a fire festival. Any gifts that bear
the mark of fire, from candles, to warm spicy foods and ciders, to specialty
stews or toasty warm blankets, carry the energy of this holiday: warming the
heart and home and uplifting the spirit in an otherwise dark time of year.
Gifts that capture the light are a great way to acknowledge this season as
well, and can be given in the form of sparkling, glittery or shiny
ornamentation, jewelry, and household accents. Gold colors are significant this
time of year as they relate to the Sun and this is being the holiday marking
the “rebirth” of the Sun God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While most symbols of Yule are close
enough to other winter holiday décor and symbolism to be compiled together in
one big politically correct happy family, acknowledging the specific
celebrations of one you know to be Wiccan can be deeply heartwarming. When in
doubt consider that since Wicca is a nature based religion, most symbols
reminiscent of winter holidays that stem from the natural world will be held in
high esteem. Go for the holly, mistletoe, and pinecones in decorative or
fragrant arrangements, even the reindeer as symbolic of the “Stag King”
(fertility representative of the God) or any variety of candles or representations
of warming and fire. Choosing gifts carefully can help you avoid awkward
moments on the holiday and during family or workplace gatherings. With the right gifts you can demonstrate that
you took the time to choose seasonally appropriate gifts for the known Wiccan
in your life: gifts that show an understanding and respect for Wiccan holiday
customs and traditions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-46872674606230575242012-10-10T11:50:00.000-04:002012-10-10T11:50:38.960-04:00The Devil You Know….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Fuzzypeg/Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When the Devil
card appears in a Tarot reading people have strong reactions. “Does this mean I
am evil?” they ask, or “Is evil around me?” they wonder. Neither is the case,
although the second fear comes closest to the implication of this card. The
Devil appears stark and sinister, a demonic looking beast seated
authoritatively, smugly watching as a distortion of the “lovers” stand in
chains at his feet. There is often black or dark backgrounds, flames appear and
we know this is an indicator of difficulties encountered by the Querent in his
or her journey. The Devil in Tarot is a helpful indicator, though. Not to be
confused with the presence of evil, this card represents the presence of an
interpersonal type of evil; the enslavement brought on by compulsion and
addiction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is no
surprise that during prohibition alcohol was likened to and called “the devil”
or a “demon” and people describe embarking on rehabilitation processes as
personally being called to “face their inner demons.” A popular Irish folk song
calls Whiskey the “devil” and “Demon Rum” was a popular term in days past to
conjure the reality of those living with alcoholism, and alcoholics, in
American history. The Devil here is not portraying an evil person or entity, it
is alerting the Querent to the fact that their life is being drained and slowly
overtaken by some form of compulsion or addiction. Looking at the other cards,
or discussing this with the Querent can often yield clues as to what that
addiction is. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Regardless of
the external vehicle for one’s addiction, it is a force to be reckoned with. It
assumes a position of power, becoming an obsession and taking priority over all
other goals and relationships. High moral posturing aside, those who have been
acquainted with the demon of addiction know all too well that no one is spared
its influence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A loving parent
will follow the inner obsession with their child in the sidelines; a dedicated
worker will find their career infiltrated by the infestation of their
addiction. It creeps in gradually with allure and seduction and slowly takes
hold, taking no prisoners. Usually before one realizes it, the wondrously
gratifying illusion they have been pursuing has brought havoc to their lives
and relationships, naturally they simply try to leave, only to find they are
fastened in place by heavy chains that are not so easily unlocked. Just as the
fellowships of AA and NA propose that it takes a power greater than an
individual to restore “sanity” in the grips of an addiction, so do we see the
powerful clutches holding the Querent in slavery, likewise sucking away any
chance at spiritual progress so long as the Querent remains in bondage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When this card
appears, there is a need for some higher intervention, a greater perspective,
and a force larger than will or ego to help break the chains tying the figures
to each other and the Devil. What that powerful benevolent force will be will
depend on the situation. It will involve some form of spirituality that has
been missing from this dark vacuum of compulsion and obsession, but the type
and manner can be varied based on the individual’s lifestyle and circumstances.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When the Devil
appears be ready to face facts; something that began as rewarding and
pleasurable, fun and positively reinforcing, has taken on a life of its own.
What has enslaved you? What do you feel you cannot live without? Are there
relationships that have become compulsive, needy and codependent? Has work
become an obsession, draining energy from you and keeping you from nurturing
other goals? Are substances like alcohol, pills, drugs, or even food carrying
more significance than they should? Are processes such as gambling, cleaning,
exercising or care-taking defining you more than your spiritual path, leaving no
room to have a life? These questions can be difficult to answer because as dark
as the Devil is, this card also represents a sense of need and often
accompanies a belief that the substance, behavior, or relationship is needed
and that without it life would not be manageable. This is a false illusion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It can be useful
to contemplate both the Devil and Lovers card and meditate on what has been
missing, what is needed to set the figures involved free again. As always don’t
hesitate to seek professional help if matters seem to be beyond your personal
control, and when the Devil card appears there is a pretty good chance things
have reached that point. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-11013047408746077892012-09-11T16:57:00.000-04:002012-09-11T17:04:07.067-04:00Temperance - Finding the Right Combination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzduowQZKznXqmU4KdymyKVQu6INepdw-eM401kQDJE6wDG6EDx8Q05oJhyphenhyphenBfuapCnlQpaNzz4ddFj8ZMEAz5uqtLZJxmhU4xwoLmzD4mI1umc7IeusDOPrFxVBRizERaiOTGv05QwCo/s1600/Jean_Dodal_Tarot_trump_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzduowQZKznXqmU4KdymyKVQu6INepdw-eM401kQDJE6wDG6EDx8Q05oJhyphenhyphenBfuapCnlQpaNzz4ddFj8ZMEAz5uqtLZJxmhU4xwoLmzD4mI1umc7IeusDOPrFxVBRizERaiOTGv05QwCo/s320/Jean_Dodal_Tarot_trump_14.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Fuzzypeg/Wikimedia Commons</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">While navigating
the landscape of the less desirable within the Major Arcana of the Tarot, The
Fool has encountered a challenge requiring Strength, has been hung out to dry
as the Hanged Man, and has recently undergone the transformation of Death. Now
a light beckons. A peaceful landscape, a serene pool and a divine winged figure
present what will perhaps be a relief after all. The Temperance card promises
calm, tranquility and balance. It promises these things, but does not
automatically grant them. With Temperance, we must conquer the challenge of
patience and prudence. This is no easy task in a modern era in which most would
rather be scraped from head to toe with straight razors than have to wait for
delayed gratification. The Temperance card reminds us of the need to cultivate
patience. The right combination will be found, success will be had, and
accomplishments will be achieved. Just not right now. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Death brings a
transformation and sometimes painful losses. Temperance brings a challenge to
the soul as well - that of a gradual emergence into relief. The Fool would love
to tear through the kitchen throwing ingredients into a skillet to whip
together an impromptu stir fry which just might be tasty. Zest for life and
enthusiasm pulling the reigns, caution and reason nowhere to be found.
Temperance on the other hand, carefully hand picks the finest quality foods,
carefully combining one at a time into a slow cooker, allowing the aroma to
waft through the air. Dinner will be served - eventually. Luckily we know that
with Temperance, our reward will be worth the wait. Now as for the whole
waiting thing….</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Temperance
challenges us to delay spontaneous reactions. We must re-examine our motives,
and strive for balance. If we are used to acting in complete control and flying
solo, we are now faced with the need to share, to admit that we have not
perfected every skill and to find the blend of talents, resources, strengths
and capabilities to bring about a more ideal combination. Esoterically speaking
it is a card of Alchemy, purification through combining the right increments of
the right elements. This requires a knowledge that spans beyond the comfort
zone and allows for gradual exposure to ideas or skills that may be foreign or
new. Compromise, combination, pulling creative forces together, this is the
nature of Temperance. There is no dash to the finish line here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">This card suggests
processes involved that contribute to a whole. Assembly, separate skills
brought together for a common good, specialization and cooperation and harmony
and contribution as part of a team rather than for individual gains. When this
card appears it is a reminder that as good as you are at your trade or niche,
it is by combining talents with others of equal skill in complimenting areas
that completion is found. You may be required to exercise patience while
working as a team or coordinating or collaborating on a project over which you
do not have complete control. It is a card of acceptance, surrendering,
cooperation and moderation of efforts. It is also a card of creative energy,
bringing the best of your abilities to the fore, combined with the best
resources in your surroundings, including other people, and bringing together
various facets to find completion, refinement and achievement. Just as the
Magician earlier in this process granted the lesson of wielding one’s thoughts
to manifest in reality, Temperance raises this lesson an octave. It is not just
the refinement of one’s thoughts and restraint of one’s reactions that
cultivates success, but the discipline of one’s own mind and collaboration of
skills with others to serve a common good.</span></div>
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Article by: Angela
Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in
Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-14565724716090321752012-09-05T13:22:00.003-04:002012-09-05T13:23:34.282-04:00Three Pagan Pride Days in September<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">By Dayna Winters Original posted on <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/pagan-pride-day-three-new-york-based-celebrations-september-2012">Examiner.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">New York-based pagans looking to express their pride in
their pagan identity can attend one or more of the three Pagan Pride Day
celebrations scheduled in September 2012, including events in Rochester,
Liverpool, and New York City slated on Sept. 8, 15, and 29. All of the events’
hosting organizations will be accepting donations from event visitors that will
be used to benefit specific charities or causes. Pagan Pride Day is a yearly
celebration hosted by different pagan-oriented groups and organizations around
the world. The mission of the hosting organizations is to spread a message of
religious tolerance and to educate others about pagan religions, traditions,
and practices. <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/pagan-pride-day-three-new-york-based-celebrations-september-2012">Read
more</a>…</span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-50774848593442437582012-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:002012-09-01T09:28:52.128-04:00Samhain Gifts the Witch in Your Life Will Appreciate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">It must be said that there are as
many types of modern Witches as there are types of modern people. Perhaps
birthday gifts for your loved one are easy to figure out. After all, you know
them first as a person, and then as a Wiccan. What better way to surprise your
loved one by coming up with a gift for those other special occasions? Even
better, imagine the look of joy and surprise when your loved one receives a
card, gift, and “Happy Sabbat” greeting? The smiles of course will be followed
by gasps of “How did you know what Sabbat it is?!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This easy guide will help you to
stay in tune with the special times of celebration for the Witch in your life
as well as typical gifts that correspond to these celebrations. Bear in mind
that there are many traditions in the Wiccan faith and some traditions may use
alternate names etc. The gesture of acknowledging the special days for your
loved one will likely exceed any unintended mistake such as a card saying “Happy
Lammas” instead of “Happy Lughnasadh” but when in doubt, ask your loved one or
one within the Wiccan community for clarification.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Samhain - Celebrate
the New Year early </b>-
that is early for you, and right on time for the Witch you love. October 31<sup>st</sup>
marks the entry into the darker half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
This is no secret to you, you know the days are shortening and the air is
cooler. What you may not realize is that to your Wiccan loved one this is a
tremendously special day. It is not only one of the few days that it is
socially acceptable to be “Witchy” in full force, but it is also a time where
the veil between the living world and afterworld dissipates. This makes it a
special time to commune with ancestors, perform divination, and honor the deceased. Special gifts for this
Sabbat include anything that could honor and recognize the life and legacy of
those who have passed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Some creative ideas are Photo or
other memorials, scrapbooks, even an electronic slideshow setting photographs
of the ancestors and deceased loved ones to appropriate music. A family
heirloom or relic of another time is another special gift for this time of year
as it reconnects the Witch to his or her past and heritage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then there is the fun through horror
angle. Some Witches enjoy entertainment found in ghost stories and this can be
a great time to set the mood for the Sabbat by having a marathon ghost story
night with special themed dinner. <i>Perhaps
Ghoulish Goulash! </i>Playing up the excitement and even romantic reminiscence
of other times presented in ghost stories with a special meal prepared in a
traditional style (maybe even a family’s traditional recipe) can also set the
tone and connect the events of the night to the heritage and ancestors, and
provide another link from past to present. Be sure to consider what types of
ghostly entertainment your loved one favors. There are some forms of horror or
ghost stories that some Witches find offensive. If unsure, stick with ghost
stories based on real events, or even historical or legendary tales that
conjure up a connection to the past and the dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Divination is traditionally
associated with this Sabbat as well. After all, the veil between the realms is
gone, intuitive sight is clearer, and hey, its New Year, who wouldn’t want a
glimpse of what is to come? If your loved one has a soft spot for one type of
divinatory method, a gift related to that would be perfect this time of year. A
new deck of Tarot cards for example, or a beautiful decorative box in which to keep
the tried and true deck they have used for years. A new set of runes can be
easily made for little money from scrap wood chips or purchased inexpensively. Don’t
forget that just like hairdressers seldom cut their own hair, sometimes Witches
enjoy a real treat of having someone else divine for them, and Samhain makes a
great Sabbat for giving the gift of a date to take your loved one to a local
reputable psychic reader for a truly meaningful experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Since this is one of the few times
that black taper candles are easily found, a heartfelt and economical treat can
be a surprise of black taper candles as well as incenses and other ritual
supplies that any Witch can never have enough of! Also consider a handmade
greeting card expressing a sincere “Happy Samhain”. The best gift ever, is the
joy of knowing someone cares enough to remember to say “Happy Samhain!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-79181045975600571492012-08-30T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-30T12:25:53.721-04:00Fairly Take and Fairly Give - Voluntary Simplicity for Wiccans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The
term “Voluntary Simplicity” refers to a conscious choice of lifestyle in which
one focuses not on gaining more, but strives to find the threshold of “enough”
in order to feel content. Sociological studies have demonstrated that for most
people there is a threshold of security attained through material goods and
income level at which point most individuals feel content. Raise their level of
wealth even slightly above this threshold, and surprisingly, contentment gives
way to anxiety, pressure, depression, doubt, and misery. A greater number of
people worldwide are awakening to this concept that abundance exists in a
delicate balance, and that while having too little to survive contributes to
emotional stress, so does having too much! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The
movement toward consciously choosing less material gain beyond a point of basic
comfort is not new and can be traced back as far as ancient times when Greek
philosopher Diogenes, credited as the “First Cynic,” openly rejected a life of
hard work in pursuit of more “stuff” and instead, chose to live as he saw a
truly free man to exist- without strings attached to the burden of material
goods and the toil required to make, keep and maintain them. While not everyone
would want to follow Diogenes or even more modern examples like Thoreau,
seeking simplicity has become a popular way to de-clutter not just the home,
but life itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Historical
surges of simple lifestyle movements have often held some form of moral or
religious connection as well: one may think of the Amish for example, shunning
both the excesses of modern luxuries and also being detached from the stress
brought about by email, cell phones, cars etc. For Wiccan practitioners
however, the value of “voluntary simplicity” resonates just as much as for
followers of monotheistic religions. In fact it is a fundamental part of Wiccan
belief to strive for balance, avoid excess and live in harmony with nature
rather than seeking to dominate one’s environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This
is not to say that acquiring income, assets and material goods makes one
“un-Wiccan.” There are as many different facets of the Wiccan religion as there
are practitioners. However if you are looking for a way to tone down the
pressures in your life, simplify your needs, and reconnect to the voice of the
Goddess in nature who may have recently been drowned out by the roar of emails,
faxes, summer homes, car repairs and other noises of the “rat race;” exploring
Voluntary Simplicity can be a great way to reconnect with your physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs- and for once, tune out the rest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Keep It Simple</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Starting
small is important to any lifestyle change, especially one that runs counter to
most of what our culture has promoted in the form of upward mobility. Turning
off the “more” switch and finding the “enough” factor requires one to tune in
to a form of intuition. As a Wiccan, you are no stranger to intuition. You look
for it in perceptions, synchronicity, and sensations in the body. You seek
inner guidance in dreams and mediation and you know that there is a more subtle
and deeper voice than that of the never-resting ego that rules the “more”
button. Breaking away from the “more” race and sitting in the contemplative
silence of the present moment is an art that Wiccans no doubt engage in to
support many of their ritual and spiritual practices. Why not use the same
process to silence the voices of advertising, the compulsive draw to obtain and
improve, upgrade and climb the ladder, settling instead into the comfort of
experiencing what already surrounds you?
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Start slow</i>: use the following steps to explore
ways to incorporate Voluntary Simplicity concepts as part of your Wiccan
lifestyle. There are various degrees to which people engage in the simple
lifestyle and not all forms will work for you. The goal is not to undercut
things you value or engage in martyrdom or self deprivation. The goal is to
simplify, and to be more conscious around material and financial decisions: to
“fairly take and fairly give,” a little more mindfully. Try the following experiments to scale down
your lifestyle, the Wiccan way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fairly Give</b> - We all know the joy of donating
no longer used goods and clothing to a worthwhile charity. Don’t save this
habit for seasonal or special occasions, make it more of a habit! Set aside a
box to fill with items you have not used in 6 months, or things you only think
about when you see them (and still don’t use even when you think about them).
Don’t panic, you don’t have to donate them for another 3 months. In that three
month time if you run to the box to retrieve and use something, take it back
out and put it away. If you haven’t used it in the three months, it is time to
bless someone else who needs it by making a donation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Let’s Make A Deal</b> - Help humanity, the Earth, and
yourself! Make a deal with yourself and your family that each day that you drive
the car you will find something in the home to donate to a charity. Yes it sounds extreme and that is why it is a
challenge. Remind yourself that the act of driving takes a toll on yourself and
the Earth, and so by donating to those in need you are balancing the scale,
taking and giving, and perhaps being more conscious of your choices to drive or
find alternative transportation. Still too overwhelmed by the thought of daily
donations? How about aligning special days with donations such as the new and full
moons, Sabbats, and other cyclical markers aligned with the Wiccan faith<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Separation Anxiety</b> - Learn to separate the objects you
hold on to from the emotions attached. Wiccans know full well that all objects
carry energy, but also that energy can be summoned from a distance. It might
take many tries to let go of some clutter because of fond memories attached to
the objects even though they weren’t and likely wouldn’t be in use for a long
time. The acknowledgment that memories and conscious thought do not disappear
with the release of an object made it easier to finally let go of a significant
amount of clutter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There
is a good feeling in knowing that someone in need will benefit from items held
hostage by nostalgia. As Wiccans we transcend time and space barriers to
practice meditation, astral travel, and Magick, therefore we can remind
ourselves that we don’t need tokens of fond times to re-experience them. Some
people even prefer to take a picture of the items to trigger memory and then
donate the item itself. Go at your own pace. The important thing is to keep
what you value but allow yourself to release what no longer serves you. This
can even be done as a ritual and akin to a cleansing process. Remind yourself
that by releasing what you don’t need you are opening up room for new abundance
to come your way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Induce a Black Out</b> - Plan a day during the week and
stage a black out. Turn off and unplug any items that are not essential for
support of life in the home. You may choose to keep the fridge plugged in but
the computers, clocks, TV’s, radios etc. must go- just for one day. You may be
amazed at the level of connection you find with nature and loved ones, and the
sense of recharging after a fast from the electronic world. For an added
challenge, try fasting from the cell phone and iPod as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Air Your Clean Laundry</b> - At 91 years old, my grandmother
has never had a clothes dryer. The act of hanging laundry rather than using a
dryer not only helps the Earth and preserves the clothing itself, but is also a
great way to commune with the elements and interact with nature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Take Time Out</b> - Invest in quiet time every day.
Meditating, sitting or walking in nature, all of the latter actions make it
essential to unplug and to tune out the mundane world. Whether you can only
spare 5 minutes or an hour, treat yourself to this luxury and you will quickly
feel the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Eat Your Leftovers </b>- Open up your creative streak and
make Magick in the kitchen. Americans waste a horrendous amount of food every
day. This is not only bad Karma, it hurts Mother Earth. Recycling is not just
for bottles and cans, but applies to reusing parts of meals that are still good
for one, or even 3 days, or ideally until they are gone. Being more conscious
about portions also helps avoid wasting food. There is no reason a meal has to
stay the same day after day. Have fun creating new dishes and combinations
using last night’s leftovers. You can even make a game out of having family and
loved ones guess what’s in the stew, casserole, salad, or stir fry!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These
are just some basic ideas to help scale down your life to reconnect and find
serenity. By sharing these experiments
with friends you may be amazed at how your introduction to a simpler life both
alleviates stress and opens up doors to explore a life of freedom, abundance
and excitement!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article
by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a
Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the
co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-73969354165707395842012-08-27T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-27T11:33:00.461-04:00The Magickal Workout<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">If exercise has become synonymous
with torture, it is time for a fresh perspective. Why not bring the recognition
of Magick and energy from your Wiccan or Pagan practice into the work out for a
full body-mind-soul charge? To begin, we need to flex one of the most important
parts of the body- the brain! Decide for yourself why it is important to engage
in physical activity. Better health? Less stress? Endorphins? Once you have
clarified the basic reasons you have been working out in the first place, it is
time to extend beyond the mundane in true Witchy fashion and start to discover
what more the practice of regular physical activity has to offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Could this half hour to hour of time
dedicated to the body be a way to seek solace in your physical form, while
realigning energies of your body with your intentions for the day? Why not make
the work out a sacred time, free from distractions, out of reach of the demands
of work, home and other obligations? What if the process of working up a sweat
was also the process of cleansing the body of toxins, refreshing you cell by
cell? The view of exercise begins in the brain. Extend your list of reasons to
be active further now, including benefits to your mood, as well as cultivation
of a specific type of energy. Now that you are closer to the zone, let’s
explore other ways to make Magick at the gym!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sacred Time for the
Body</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If an exercise routine has become
boring it is time to reclaim the routine! Instead of a chore, consider this
time - however long or short it may be- as sacred time. This is your body’s
time to play! The experience of your body stretching and moving is a gift to be
cherished. This is your time to let the parts of your body that have been
cooped up at a desk or in mundane routines thrive and wander through movements
that you don’t typically get to enjoy. This is also your uninterrupted sacred
time. For your next routine of whatever length you can devote to yourself
without interruption, unplug or silence the phone. Limit distractions like
television. If music helps to charge you for your work out, that’s fine: set a
playlist on your music player and use this and not clocks or watches to keep
the boundary of time in which you will relish in movement for the sake of
reinvigorating your body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sacred Motion for the
Body</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Forget bicep curls, jumping jacks,
or stair climbers. These terms are boring and lack life. When you engage in
lifting a weight toward you, imagine that you are pulling forth refreshing
energy. Align your actions with spiritual intent and expand the meaning of the
motions you are making. Your movements are sacred, filled with energy both
expanding and constricting, bringing harmony and growth. Consciousness makes
all the difference. When running, try to align your physical sensations of your
motions with a purposeful sense of spirituality. The legs are not just
repeating the same forward movement; they are carrying you through the breeze.
Jumping Jacks are not a means of repeatedly pounding your feet on the floor
while flinging your arms carelessly, they are an opportunity to raise energy
from the Earth below you and collect energy from the sky above you, this energy
being drawn in as your arms lower and collected when arms are outstretched.
Explore other ways motion common in your exercise of choice draws or repels
energy, and then add the factor of intent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Visualize</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As you engage in the practice of
cycling, swimming, weight lifting, walking or other physical activity,
visualize in this delineated time of sacred communion with the body, and what
you are striving for too. It may be a mental representation of a goal, each
motion bringing you closer to your dream. It may be a color or image
representing the energy cultivated in your exercise. Consider the process of
exercise much like the process of raising energy in a magickal circle, you are
building up this energy with some kind of intent which can be as magickal or
mundane as you would like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Release and Cool Down</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Don’t forget the importance of
cooling down the body. This provides a transition time between your sacred
motion and re-emergence into the mundane world. This is an opportune time to
release the energy raised during the work out. Visualize sending out the excess
energy raised to take its course toward manifesting that which you intended. It
should be for positive ends at all times. Stretching will open up the body to
realign and adjust, allowing for more energy to refill and replenish. Use this
time to focus on refilling your system with renewed energy, intending any
stagnant, negative, or residual energy having dissipated through the cleansing
activity. You have allowed motion to regulate and refill your body’s energy.
Don’t forget the cleansing power of water as well, and be sure to stay well
hydrated even if you don’t think you need it. Remember, water is powerful and
can be charged to provide another source of reinforcement to your original
intention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As always the goals of these
practices are to bring connection to the body and not to cause harm to one’s
self or others. If the body is giving signals that certain activities are
beyond your current capacity, then activity should be modified to prevent
injury. This should be a process of celebrating and joining with the body, not
fighting against it.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-64136598490386635622012-08-23T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T15:41:50.560-04:00The D Card – The Meaning of the Death Card in the Tarot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tarot has gained a sinister
reputation thanks to popular media conveniently manipulating certain cards to
add flash and suspense to horror and mystery stories. You can already imagine
the card referred to in this article, the skeleton on horseback bearing a black
banner and armor, passing by the poor and powerful, all pleading for mercy but
none receiving it, a sunset in the background. It is, of course, the “Death”
card. Easily mistaken for a literal
death, this card has amassed the power to invoke fear in those who do not
understand the purpose of Tarot and the archetypal and symbolic power of its
images. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When consulting the Tarot it is not
advisable to inquire about physical death. The answer serves no purpose and
will be unclear anyway. Life contains a million endings none of which may be
due to a physical death, and the lifespan brings a million changes before one
is released from mortal binds. The Death card does not mean the end of one’s
life is near. It bears a sinister energy because it represents that which most
of us, if we are honest with ourselves, fear more than actual death - living
through change that we have no control over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Recall the lessons of the Hanged
Man, release through acceptance and development of a new perspective. After
experiencing some degree of sacrifice, loss, and stagnation, the Hanged Man
becomes wiser. For all his time contemplating (after all there wasn’t much else
he could do in his situation…) he emerges with a new vision and it is not
likely what he would have wanted had the crisis never occurred in the first
place. He is set back on his feet, but the road he must walk is no longer the
carefree daredevil path of the Fool, it is a lonely and sorrowful path through
transition, through Death’s domain. It is as if life has set him free to
experience growth and transition, but it is far from paradise. A major change
is at hand, and some endings are part of this. The Death card portends a large
scale transition that redefines the self. Whether it is “good” or “bad” is
irrelevant. It is happening whether you like it or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Growing pains accompany any
transition. Adolescence brings excitement, new ways to test boundaries, and
painful heartache that accompanies exploration into relationships, independence
and limits. The Death card brings a similar rite of passage, an initiation into
a new chapter in one’s life. One must be willing to surrender ideas, attitudes,
and perhaps even important identity roles and relationships that have been
outgrown and are not suitable for this transition. This tends to be a slow
process of metamorphosis where we learn one stage at a time what will lie ahead
and what more sacrifices and adjustments we need to make. Death brings
awakening. We cannot hold on to old illusions as we walk this road and the
bleak horseman is there to remind us that endings are beyond our control but
give way to new motion, new growth and new connections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ever wonder if a butterfly misses
being a caterpillar and dreads the instinctual pull toward cocoon building?
Ever consider if they resist the process, mourning the loss of so many legs and
the security of life without wings? Likely we simply see the final product as
so graceful and beautiful that one would never think that a butterfly would
grieve its new shape and abilities and miss its previous identity. Yet here we
are, facing the Death card and without the security of knowing we will emerge
with greater abilities, gifts, and growth than we started out with, we cling to
what we have known, begging the horseman to pass us by with minimal “damage.” Death is here to remind us that change brings
new opportunities and that by letting go and accepting the transition we can
embrace our new beginnings with the grace of the butterfly.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-68741803680278442532012-08-16T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-16T13:31:22.638-04:00Rope with a View- The Hanged Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">A
journey through the early Major Arcana cards brings us face to face with
Magicians, Priestesses, wise guides and teachers. We experience limitations
within large systems and the freedom of the open road. We find the support of
powerful leaders and loving, nurturing guides sympathetic with our cause and
concerned for our well being. We journey forward, maturing with each lesson
encountered and gradually the challenges become more sophisticated. We must
share, maintain boundaries, keep our cool in the face of danger, and have faith
that justice in the universe will eventually prevail. Our sense of integrity is
challenged, as is the concept of our capabilities and limits. With each lesson
we find ourselves able to prevail, to initiate change, to make choices and to
come out triumphant, learning and making gains each step of the way. Then it
happens… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We
thought we knew bad times, feeling invincible in the face of dilemmas overcome
one by one. It was only a warm up. The greater tests still remain. The Hanged
Man reminds us of this. Having to choose
between the lesser of several evils is hard enough, but when the Hanged Man
appears, it may feel as though choice itself is no longer even a factor. The
Hanged Man is suspended from a tree by a rope tied around one ankle. From his
outstretched leg he dangles, bound and powerless, while his other leg bends at
the knee, foot tucked into the knee of his straight leg like an upside down
“4”. He is without mobility. The
carefree stride of the Fool is stripped from him. In the midst of this dilemma
his face betrays no panic, but rather appears serene and contemplative. A halo
crowns his head. It is as if the Fool has decided to take advantage of his
situation by absorbing as much of the unusual view as he can - and being
content with this for the time being. Indeed, he makes it look so easy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Assuming
most people no longer are under threat of hanging we may wonder what type of
situation in modern life could parallel that of this unfortunate man. Is he
being punished for a crime or as a traitor? In that case, we may assume, he is
deserving of his fate! Have enemies conspired against the Fool so that he can
be hung out to dry as a scapegoat? Perhaps then, he is an undeserving victim.
The key to the Hanged Man’s situation is powerlessness, the lack of mobility
and lack of ability to effect change to one’s surroundings. This is not for
lack of trying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The
Hanged Man represents a significant event that leaves one in a state of inertia
and inability. In modern day this can be likened to being physically limited
suddenly by an illness or injury, or a prolonged experience of life being “on
hold” in spite of any effort you may take to initiate change again. Make no
mistake, this is not a matter of the bus being late or not having the money to
buy the mansion of your dreams and being stuck with a mere four bedroom house.
This is a condition in which one is experiencing sacrifice, an intense
experience of futility, an obstacle or burden that one will carry for a period
of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The
situation surrounding the Hanged Man is not one that bends to our previous
logic and lessons. Working harder will not loosen the ropes, in fact it may
intensify the pain. Begging, pleading, bargaining, and putting forth more
effort will also not prove advantageous now. It may seem like all is lost, but
rest assured that is not the case. After all, we still have 9 more cards to go!
<i>So what does the universe want from us?
Why are we being tortured, punished, or even abandoned? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Liberation
for the Hanged Man will come, but it will be an inside job first. Our feelings
of betrayal, anger at the Powers that Be, or loss of hope in the world is part
of the internal prison that would exist even if a passerby kindly cut the ropes
and released the Hanged Man from his tree. The events precipitating this
difficult time stand to strengthen us, from the inside out. We are forced to
accept external situations beyond our control and not to our liking. We are
forced to find new meaning, new definitions. In a sense, “being hung upside
down” forces us to consider a new view of the world not accessible to us before.
We are forced to take a new perspective. Just like Odin, we are forced to learn
a new vocabulary, develop new insight into the world through the loss of many
of our previous senses. As Odin was suspended from the World Tree, sacrificing
an eye but given the wisdom of the Runes, we are compelled to stretch our
strength, limit our control, accept our situation and gain a greater, deeper
understanding through sacrifice. When contentment and acceptance have been
found through this new understanding, we will be released.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article
by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a
Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the
co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-70553105311907710912012-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T09:45:00.582-04:00Divine Justice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXkB_agUXF8kyGIEZ5MvFBA4gUDjf54lexzo2CV7HH6pM_rRM-XYdHIt1syJLlZsyfiVZZKa1PmPT36Uq7Z-6v6BXO8WEEkJVf9cCiavsgG_wrCYtPQ5uXZFyFa70H4lqHv5hPmuNVak/s1600/justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXkB_agUXF8kyGIEZ5MvFBA4gUDjf54lexzo2CV7HH6pM_rRM-XYdHIt1syJLlZsyfiVZZKa1PmPT36Uq7Z-6v6BXO8WEEkJVf9cCiavsgG_wrCYtPQ5uXZFyFa70H4lqHv5hPmuNVak/s200/justice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The Tarot card often numbered 11 is
the Justice card. It typically portrays a female figure, blindfolded and
holding a scale in one hand, a sword in the other. This card holds great significance in the
spiritual and mundane world. While most Major Arcana cards reverberate
powerfully through the individual’s life sending significant messages
pertaining to growth and development, the Justice card does this and more. It
holds a microscope over the life of the querent and cautions that not only are
spiritual matters unraveling to produce powerful Karmic feedback, but these
lessons are also playing out in mundane life at this time. It is likely the querent
will deal with matters of justice, legal issues and consequences of various
sorts in their daily life as a means to echo the larger spiritual message
carried by this card.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So what are the ramifications of
Justice on the grand scale? Justice portends returns. These can be good or bad
depending on what the querent has been cultivating karmically and spiritually.
This card should serve as a warning to remember basic spiritual principles
surrounding consequential thinking and if all else fails, should summon the
great lessons inherent in Murphy’s Law - if something can go wrong, it will.
This is not a card of doom and gloom per se, but it reminds one to not cut
corners, even if “everyone else” seems to be getting away with it. Justice
bears a reminder that we are never truly in a situation where “no one is
looking” that we have a higher authority of one form or another to answer to,
even if that authority is none other than the chain of events our actions set
into motion. The Justice card appears to remind the querent of their integrity
and not to compromise this at any cost. To do so now would ensure retribution
on a large scale. This is not the time to park where you are not authorized,
speed, or “borrow” office supplies for personal use, no matter how clever your
ego can be in justifying why you are entitled to bend the rules. The Justice
card is a reminder that there is a grand balance in the universe even when this
may not appear to be the case. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When involved in a conflict with
another, the Justice card warns one to play fair, and if need be, fight fair.
Even if it appears that others are gaining an advantage by cheating. It will
all be brought into balance, Justice reaffirms, but may require patience. This
card can be difficult for people to grasp because it entails forms of justice
beyond what human beings are used to expecting to see enforced in the mundane.
When we feel slighted or wronged we expect instant results, many times in the
form of monetary compensation or punishment of the offender. When we do not see
these results, or worse, when we see punishment doled out that does not seem to
“fit the crime,” it can be easy to lose faith and question the purpose in doing
the right thing in the first place. This card is beckoning one to expand the
understanding of justice to more than the “tit for tat” bargaining that occurs
in court rooms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Justice card asks you to expand
your faith and understanding beyond the mundane and remember that Justice is
not executed solely by mankind, but exists in the balancing act performed in
nature and the universe that brings harmony on a much larger level. This can be
frustrating, as we all would love to be the fly on the wall when our adversary
gets their just deserts. We may not get the pleasure however, and must have
faith that our actions bring the returns we deserve, as do the actions of
others. When this card appears it is a reminder to uphold one’s own truth and
integrity even if it means waiting for the slowly cultivated spiritual balance
brought about by Karma rather than instant gratification one may desire through
vigilante measures. It is possible you will be called to account for your
actions whether in a court, police station, or through some type of authority
in the workplace, family or community. It is also a portend of being involved
in conflicts or legal issues whose resolution will be much more advantageous as
long as you ensure you are not bending or breaking the rules yourself. If you
have acted outside of your highest ethics, use this time to amend the situation
in a way that is appropriate. Come clean with others, act to balance the scales
and amend broken trust. If it is not possible to directly “fix” the situation,
learn from it and take efforts to promote positive and help to others where you
are able. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Likewise if it seems that you have
lost out in a conflict or situation that was not resolved to your immediate
liking, take heart, you will likely find positive returns you could not have
planned or anticipated coming your way from a higher authority than the mundane
court and government systems. Strive to be open to the return of your positive
actions in whatever form they may take. Avoid feeling like the victim at this
time as to do so may limit otherwise benevolent gains that are blessings in
disguise.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-27414094717717640722012-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-09T10:04:04.121-04:00Spinning with The Wheel of Fortune<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Of the twenty-two Major Arcana Tarot
cards, the Wheel of Fortune is one of the more exciting and suspenseful cards.
The images typically depict a wheel strewn with characters or figures in
various forms of conquest and stages of evolution or regression. In some
traditional decks the phrases “I will reign,” “I reign,” or “I have reigned”
also accompany this image. The Wheel of Fortune represents the presence of fate
and circumstances beyond prediction.
Obviously someone consulting the Tarot wants to know the nature of
future events. To draw the Wheel of Fortune can portend luck and fortune
itself, but often leaves one with an air of suspense and anticipation. The
meaning of the Wheel carries a bit of a contradiction in concepts. Things are
afoot that will reroute your destiny, alter your fate and change the course or
your plans. Do not get too rigid in your own expectations, for what you get
will be what you could never have anticipated. There is nothing like a dose of
“expect what you least expect” to make one’s brain hurt and heart race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Wheel of Fortune is a card
beckoning one to open up to more spontaneous occurrences. “<i>’You will be taken care of</i>” Lady Fortune reassures, “Just <i>not according to the plans YOU designed</i>,”
she adds, perhaps with a smirk. This card signifies new beginnings, a ripe time
for change, and a strong likelihood that what comes your way will be an array
of doors opening, new opportunities knocking, and blessings landing at your
feet. What could be wrong with that? Nothing, as long as you are not so busy
tied to your carefully crafted and well controlled plans for the future that
you fail to go with these changes and be open to the flow of new possibilities.
There is a required compromise here. You will find luck and opportunities for
success coming your way but they will not be the dreams you thought you were
chasing. They may also not be the roads you thought you would take to get to
your destination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the Wheel of Fortune appears in
a layout, Fate has a greater plan. The Powers That Be are lining you up for
success, but in order to get there you must surrender to a bit of a
rollercoaster ride. It is as if you were planning a vacation to a moderately
nice hotel and along the way were caught up in anticipating every minute of
your trip being spent in accordance with what the brochures, websites and
advertisements promise will be a fun filled time. When you arrive however, a
mistake has been made, your room is not available, and just as your visions of
recreation are shattered you are offered an even better room, at an even better
price. Doors have been opened up that you could not have planned for and if you
are able to get past the fact that your well laid plans have been disrupted -
you might have a far better time than you originally planned! When the Wheel of Fortune presents itself
things are shaken: those who had power or had power from a role or status they
held, may find themselves having to seek status and identity elsewhere. The
Wheel turns, and what used to define success will now change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Largely this remains a promising
card. The biggest precaution to consider when this card appears is how tightly
you may be holding on to your own definition of yourself, your success and your
value. Are you holding on to one vision and one dream so tightly that you cease
to allow new blessings to enter your life? If so, the transition brought by the
Wheel of Fortune may be difficult to adjust to; regardless of whether you are
ready or not, surrendering to changes around you will ultimately work in your
favor. After all it is the Wheel of Fortune, not the Wheel of Crushed Dreams! <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></div>
</div>Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-46285766598400359022012-08-07T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-08T08:51:35.996-04:00The Hermit-Illuminated by Inner Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Hermit is a mysterious figure in
the Major Arcana of the Tarot. He is weathered and wise and has walked a
solitary path free from the binds of social constraint and opinion. He has
mastered the strength to forge his own road and does not rely on the opinions
of others. He is not void of interaction however. In fact, the Hermit holds a
lantern to light the way for any who choose to seek his guidance. He does not
seek out students but rather patiently awaits those who would join him in
search of the road not often traveled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Hermit stands on a precipice on
a desolate snowy mountain. He looks down where the light from his lantern
illuminates a path to be taken by those willing to climb to his ascended but
lonely heights. His message brings an invitation to turn within one’s self and
likewise turn away from the noise found in the external world. He awaits those
who would learn mysteries not often recognized by the mainstream and signals a
spiritual if not solitary journey. He also harkens the need to detach from the
crowd or more importantly, from the influences of the crowd. Your path, he
suggests, lies outside of what those close to you may envision for you. This
suggests that it is time to recognize that your pursuits will be taking you
down an uncommon path, and that your solutions are not to be too heavily
influenced by the mainstream, for their answers will not solve your problems,
your situation has become unique and you strive for an original resolution that
is spiritually satisfying regardless of the risks involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This card also marks a time of
learning great valuable lessons. The Hermit is a passive teacher. He is ready
to bestow wisdom on others but requires the majority of the effort to be made
by his students in the classroom of daily life. The Hermit suggests a time of
meeting influential gurus and role models of an unconventional nature and of
choosing to follow minority examples rather than majority opinions. It is time
to disconnect from mundane chatter and busy work and dig deeper within to align
your actions and attitudes with your most spiritual aspirations regardless of
short term losses. This card appears to suggest a deeper truth and more
integral road awaits you but requires some searching and decision to forego
popular opinion to develop in ways that are more spiritually nourishing. This
is a great time to take up meditation, monitor your dreams, and become aware of
life’s unlikely teachers. It is also a time of evaluating priorities for their
value in your highest evolution vs. the service of that which others want for
you more than you may desire for yourself. Asking yourself “whose ambitions am
I serving?” and reflecting on what and who you are following are key questions
when the Hermit appears. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This card also carries a reassuring
message to those who have felt abandoned or alone. In solitude there is
opportunity for the development of wisdom. Without the distractions and
commotion of outside influences one can begin to hear their inner guidance.
With a solitary path one has the freedom to adapt and choose what is in their
best interest, with guidance that speaks to their truest ambitions. In this
sense being alone ceases to be a reason for distress and becomes a temporary
phase promoting growth and evolution.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-74554087586896525022012-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-06T09:37:18.776-04:00Strength and the Greatest Weapon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Major Arcana of the Tarot
outlines archetypes experienced by mankind for centuries, depicting both the
joyful moments of our lives and also the trials we face in our quest for
purpose. Among the first card in the Major Arcana to signify the more challenging
aspects of our collective experience is the Strength card. This card
traditionally shows a virtuous youth suppressing or appeasing a lion, typically
with a gesture that involves the figure’s hand being inside of or covering the
lion’s mouth. This is a posture that depicts a very dangerous situation in
which one would expect disastrous results. There is an air of calm in this
card. The lion in the scene acquiesces to the gentle prompts of the youth and
although the beast has the instinct and ability to do tremendous damage - it
does not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the lesson of the strength
card. Who is the observer? Both the youth and the lion exist within you. Both
the power to subdue aggression and win through logic and poise, as well as the
ability to maul one’s enemy exist in each of us. This card presents to remind
us that we have the capability to flex our physical muscle in aggressive or
intimidating ways, but perhaps should reconsider doing so. This card also
signifies situations in which one’s strength of will is put to the test. How
much aggravation can you stand before the lure of letting your lion run free
and teach your opponent a lesson becomes too much to subdue? The answer,
Strength tells us, is that you can tolerate a lot more than you believed
yourself capable of, and to prove it you are given this s<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a>ituation
as a test, and as a gift. It is your opportunity to choose a higher road and to
wield your greatest weapon - the control of your mind - to positive effect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the card of beating the
odds, of outwitting your opponent, of stamina and endurance. Of course this
implies a struggle or conflict of some sort otherwise there would be no need to
summon one’s strength and reinforce one’s ability to win through reason and
logic. In spite of the conflict at hand, it is presented through this card that
the challenge will be overcome but it is essential to not allow base instinct
to over-ride rationality. This is easier said than done. The tests one
encounters, particularly when security, survival, or the safety of loved ones
are at stake, produce a natural drive to act out of primal instinct. In fact
matters perceived as threatening are not even processed through the logical,
developed part of the brain in the frontal cortex. Stimuli perceived as threatening is
immediately sent to the primitive part of the brain where alert signals are
sent all through the body in order to respond in survival mode. Therefore
biology has placed an obstacle in the way of acting on the more refined
expectations of modern day society. Regardless of this disadvantage in our
wiring, the truth remains that most situations are not as dire as they
initially appear, and even the significant conflicts present opportunities for
development and transcendence if we choose to allow ourselves to restrain
impulse reactions and allow our deeper strengths to emerge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Who then is the true King of the
Forest? The lion able to tolerate encounters with a human, or the lion who acts
only out of initial instinct? When Strength appears it is time to examine your
strengths and assets and the proof that you have always found a way to thrive
in spite of your surroundings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-30231774895768757682012-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:002012-08-02T10:09:41.465-04:00Revenge and Magick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ei8gUQdPYsQqDTvtJVCELExxmO8uX5i08H5LjvpQPHS6QrFLmiw8WcC13GisvUT7vwtS4xRQIf3zuK1YaU6Xjd20dfxwKsSDuwCf78xZ7CaEU_lVIBjn-OWDKgTwpxXaOAwghFWHCAA/s1600/anger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ei8gUQdPYsQqDTvtJVCELExxmO8uX5i08H5LjvpQPHS6QrFLmiw8WcC13GisvUT7vwtS4xRQIf3zuK1YaU6Xjd20dfxwKsSDuwCf78xZ7CaEU_lVIBjn-OWDKgTwpxXaOAwghFWHCAA/s200/anger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Anger can work like a drug. It
intoxicates as it compels one to obsess on how they have been wronged, and how
glorious it would be to execute revenge on those who are perceived to be the
source of the injustice. It is said that anger is a shield, typically hiding fear.
When we perceive we have been wronged it is easy to imagine cultivating the
perfect revenge. What happens when a practitioner of Magick becomes angry and
begins to imagine the perfect revenge? Unlike “keying” someone’s car, students
of Magick know full well that they have a resource literally at their
fingertips which mundane authorities may never connect to them. It becomes
tempting to want to unleash anger through Magick with the goal of revenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is where spiritual and Magickal
ethics become paramount. If one has absolutely no spiritual ethics or code of
conduct this becomes concerning, as this is the equivalent to anarchy in the
spirit realm and is beyond the scope of this article.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Assuming that there is a core desire to live
in harmony with others, to not act in destructive ways, and to promote
spiritual growth and development, we can explore how impulsive reactions
prompted by fantasies of revenge and harmful Magick can actually sabotage one’s
spiritual growth and cause more damage than good in the long run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The belief that all life is energy
and that energy remains attached to living and nonliving things for at least
some time is the basis of most Magickal practices. It therefore makes sense
that thoughts, imagination and words carry a subtle energy as well. When this
energy is of a more primal nature and is fueled by anger, jealousy, or
resentment, it carries a vibration that is synchronized with these states.
These states naturally are temporary emotions, but nurturing these states can
lead to an increase in the energy given to the emotion. One begins to cultivate
a garden of anger, possibly even hatred. Even fantasizing about revenge and
punishment to those who seem to have done you wrong breeds an increase in this
energy. Suddenly, the fixation on these people, events, and the emotional
states that one associates with them, results in a narrow focus, a mission to
seek revenge or spread the anger and hurt to others. The energy accompanying
these thoughts and feelings is not healing. It does not refresh or rejuvenate.
In fact it may be heavy, oppressive, bitter, leaving one feeling hollow and
resulting in despair and the reinforcement of a “victim” role. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">To direct one’s mental, spiritual or
physical energies toward seeking revenge through Magick would therefore
intensify the energy that contributes to a great deal of the pain one is
already experiencing. Compare this to someone who is unhappy to be covered in
mud, but digs deeper and deeper into the mud puddle to find a source of water
with which to clean themselves. The process becomes counterproductive. This is
before one even considers Karma or beliefs about retribution and return. This
is solely looking at the quality of energy one exudes by becoming too immersed
in reminiscing about the<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a>ir loss or grief and seeking
revenge as the solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now as to the consequences of using
Magick for revenge or to harm, even when one feels justified; many
practitioners of Magick operate with some code of beliefs regarding actions and
consequences. In our modern societies we mistake natural consequences with
value judgments. We have developed such elaborate systems of justice - often
based more on illusions of righting wrongs than on realities of bringing order
and maintaining peace, that we forget the core concept of consequences.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> When a choice is made, it sets into motion a
progression of next steps. If one spends the rent money on a vacation, then one
faces eviction. It is an objective process made only moral or subjective by
one’s human interpretation. If one feels a sense of entitlement to a vacation
regardless of other obligations, then one may feel a personalized sense of
attack at being evicted for not having the rent money. It is not a matter of
one choice or another being “good” or “bad.” It is merely a matter of one
choice leading to one act followed by an outcome. Bring this concept back to
Magick, if one expends energy, the vital life force, on negative, angry,
hostile causes, then one will have little energy left for creating growth,
healing and positive. Likewise, the energy spent on the negative will also
breed more negative, in the long run creating an abundance of raging anger and
resentment with very little inner peace to serve as a buffer or to refill a
depleted system. Perhaps this is why many simplify this process by
acknowledging that the type of energy one “puts out” is the type they will “get
back” usually at a greater intensity. Well, it is only natural, is it not? If I
have a potato garden and a pepper garden and I tend to the peppers to a greater
extent, I will logically have more peppers than potatoes! The same goes for the
type of energy one cultivates through focus and intention.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Potential consequences of not
heeding this conventional wisdom and pursuing revenge through Magick can be
disastrous.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> By breathing life into
powerful negative emotions, one potentially sets the stage for the return of
such emotions in force. This return of negative energy not only has the
potential to harm the practitioner, but to also bleed into other relationships
or goals which one holds dear. This happens on both an energy and mundane
level. By focusing on the negative one fails to cultivate much else therefore
mundane blessings and opportunities are missed or vanquished. In a spiritual
sense, the use of Magick to bring harm to another even out of revenge, returns
the quality of the energy to the sender. In the end choices remain; however,
one must remember that in battle if one chooses to throw flaming sticks at an
opponent, expect to become burnt as well. By and large one must ask; “Is it
worth it?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Anger and pain can serve as great
teachers and motivators and it is not suggested that they not be used to
influence Magickal working that can have the outcome of personal growth and
transcendence of obstacles. If a painful situation brings anger and resentment,
but these emotions are dealt with on a human level, but inspire one to use
Magick to enhance one’s own healing process, bring greater understanding, or
help achieve growth from crisis, then the energies have been channeled to bring
benefit rather than harm. It is also not uncommon for some practitioners to
appeal to higher spiritual manifestations of Justice, be it Goddesses such as
Ma’at or Gods such as Jupiter, to allow the Deities to intervene as they will.
This can be helpful because it allows a sense of connection to the Divine to
foster the security of knowing one can let go of the need to control or “fix”
the situation and allow higher forces in the universe to take charge. It also
allows one to regain perspective on their personal role in the universe as part
of a greater framework.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>. <br /><br /> </span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-65057069551528688822012-07-30T15:28:00.000-04:002012-07-30T15:28:58.822-04:00Lammas – The Sabbat and Its Meaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Lammas (pronounced <i>La-mus</i>) is one of the eight days that Wiccan practitioners celebrate. The sabbat marks another turning of the seasonal wheel of the year, and the day is sometimes referenced as Lughnasadh (pronounced <i>LOO-nə-sə</i> or <i>Loo-ne-sah</i>) or the Bread Harvest. In the Northern hemisphere, this holiday starts on August 1 and in the southern hemisphere, the day is honored on the first of February. This is a day that is considered a greater sabbat: a day considered as consisting of elevated energies and which mark the earliest beginnings of a seasonal transition.<br /><br />Lammas is a sabbat that follows Summer Solstice, and the holiday is recognized as the day when we honor the earliest beginnings of the autumnal season. While seasonally we are still in the summer months, we acknowledge the fact that fall will be coming soon: this day is one of three harvest celebrations. At Lammas, both spiritual and mundane growth over the course of the past year is explored. The day marks a time when we can “reap what we have sown” and express our appreciation for what we have harvested in our lives, while simultaneously considering the new seeds we will plant in the coming year for a future harvest. Lammas is seen as time to express our gratitude for all that we have been given and earned. We can also share our appreciation for the harvest and abundance experienced during the months of spring and summer. This day is honored with fasting, a ritual, and with a feast often consisting of grains, bread, fruits and vegetables from the harvest.<br /><br /><b>The Full Moon on Lammas</b><br /><br />This year, there are two full moons occurring in the month of August – the first will occur on Lammas, August 1, 2012 and will appear at 11:27 pm EDT, 10:27 pm CDT, 2:27 PM MDT, and 8:27 PDT. Since Witches gather to celebrate esbats during the full moon, this will make Lammas doubly special – it will serve as a day for Sabbat ritual and feasting as well as a full moon gathering. The second full moon this month is set to occur on August 31, so there are two esbats to be had during the month. Some practitioners may choose to celebrate esbat practices on both days, while others might prefer focusing on Lammas rites of August 1 and esbats for August 31. The second full moon in the month is considered a “blue moon,” so called because the appearance of the second moon in a month does not occur often – in fact, it will be the last blue moon to occur until the year 2016!<br /><br />The full moon occurring on Lammas is known by a variety of names; Native Americans referred to the moon as the Sturgeon Moon, and it has also been called the Dog Moon and the Red Moon. The Red Moon is so called because the moon will appear with a reddish hue as it rises in the sky; for ancient fishing tribes, this full moon was called the Sturgeon Moon since it was the season when Sturgeon can be caught with ease. Identifying the moon as “Dog Moon,” is making use of the reference to the Latin phrase <i>diēs caniculārēs</i>, meaning “Dog Days:” a further reference to the Dog Star Sirius, a star that is part of the Canis Major constellation, and the hottest days of the year; in ancient times was as believed that the sultriest days of the year were so hot becomes of the star’s proximity to the Sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Dayna Winters - Co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions</i>. More information about the book and the author is available at <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-35580936688665356672012-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:24:32.139-04:00In For the Ride of Your Life - Reflections on the Chariot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The card numbered 7 in the Tarot is the Chariot. This card depicts a warrior about to arrive to receive a hero’s welcome - or a bittersweet homecoming, the end result is dependent on a few variables. The Charioteer is decked out in formal attire patterned with stars, a crown, and ornamental zodiac symbols upon his belt; they are typically faced forward, confrontational, and commanding. Hoisted off the ground by the Chariot, they are a cut above their peers on foot. The Chariot is different from the cards we have seen thus far in that it is the first card to represent something more than a concept embodied by or in an individual. It is a vehicle. It is describing a process or tool, not so much a persona.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Chariot is the journey, the process, the unfolding of events. The characters in the card are important but work as part of a whole. The Charioteer commandeers the vehicle, but he alone does not manifest his ultimate victory. He relies on two Sphinx who pull the chariot. One is white, one black, reminiscent of the pillars in the High Priestess card, representing the internal, intuitive, and receptive nature as well as the outward, active, and projective powers. These two opposites provide a balance but in the present situation they also represent two opposing drives or forces that bring progress to a halt. A stalemate is reached and further action is delayed until the Charioteer finds a way to overcome the stagnation caused by these two drives cancelling each other out. Success is not out of the picture, nor is the near completion of a project or task, but the chariot is brought to a halt by a conflict that forces closer examination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The opposing forces in this card are not typically signs of outside interference. It is not an enemy caravan that blocks the road ahead, nor is it debris left by a careless traveler. It is a part of the vehicle itself that has ceased to work. The wheels of the chariot have been sabotaged not by foreign intervention, but by a breakdown within the vehicle itself, namely the forces being called forth to drive it in the first place. We see the Sphinxes as being part man and part animal, and in this card, the forces that create motion to begin with; in this sense, they are not an innate part of the Charioteer but have become a part of his process of action, behavior, routine, and conquest. They have served him well for the majority of his journey but suddenly what has been driving him will no longer suffice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is the message in this card. Ideals are important, the finish line is within reach, and outwardly, much effort has already been expended. What remains is the internal work, the recognition of forces that compete rather than enhance each other. This is where one must now focus to recharge their mission and find an integrated source of motivation, mission, and power to continue onward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a mundane sense these obstacles can look like someone who has put effort into getting an education to prepare them for a career only to fall victim to last minute doubts and fears that slowly sabotage the launching of what would otherwise have been a successful business. It could also be the nagging doubts that keep one from making a significant positive change to their lifestyle even though a part of them relentlessly dreams about this change. It is the vision of having what you have worked for and desire, darkened by the tension and anxiety about what it would mean to finally have the results you want. Stalling, or worse, self sabotage are possible here, but so is growth, transcendence, and success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The key is in finding the energy to push forward. When the Chariot appears, success can be yours, but internal re-organization needs to occur. Old baggage, outdated thoughts and routines are weighing you down and will not allow you to pass the crossroads successfully if they are not dealt with soon. In order to reach success a full commitment must be made, and this involves belief in one’s self and willingness to take risks in order to finish the journey rather than settling for “good enough.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal? She is a professional tarot reader. For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-8660746693855417432012-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:16:41.815-04:00The Lovers - Opposites Attract<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Lovers card represents the
archetype of the ideal couple- the unification of the soul through the
encounter with one’s “other half.” </span><span style="font-size: small;"> In a
reading it brings a message of encounters with those who will foster development
of cooperation and integration. The Lovers does not harken desperate clinging,
or controlling, manipulative dynamics in which the word “Love” functions as a
leash keeping one person bound to the other. This type of relationship is
described by the Devil card showing codependency. The Lovers are able to stand
as two individuals whose union brings a sense of integration. Their connection
fosters growth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This card does not always indicate
romance. Its presence suggests harmonious involvement with another. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> It can represent partners in business, one
person possessing a set of skills, but lacking key ingredients to launch an endeavor,
the other providing the “missing pieces” allowing the growth of the business
itself. In fact, the Lovers is not about couple-hood. It is about joining
energies to produce an end result more powerful than the efforts of either
individual alone. It is the Divine Marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In some instances this card does
speak to the romantic love. Specifically it is the process of being in a
relationship. When this card appears examine the cards around it and
positioning in order to more deeply discern in what ways they need to be more
open to receiving and giving within relationships, what is the missing
component to “birthing” success? What are the components that are strong, or
lacking in the current situation?.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> If
the reading pertains to romance, this card is an indicator of balance and an
equal give and take. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It is worth noting that
relationships can change and the Lovers card can serve as a barometer of
stability in a relationship. When both parties are healthy, the Lovers card may
appear in positive positioning (right side up, not surrounded by cards which
diminish its meaning).</span><span style="font-size: small;"> However, as time
passes assume that one partner becomes ill, or suffers a crisis such as
unemployment or stress. It is not uncommon to now see the card appear in a
reading in a reversed position or surrounded by challenging cards. This does
not indicate that the relationship itself has reached its expiration date. Rather,
it is an indicator that balance needs to be restored, that one party is
overcompensating for the other, or becoming sidetracked by issues of control
rather than mutually beneficial reciprocity. It is very important to remember
that relationships can have a life of their own and are too complex to judge
based on the presence of one card at one moment in time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the Lovers card appears in
challenging or reversed position, explore in what ways control is being used in
a relationship. Has focus been placed on one’s self or partner as an object
rather than an individual? Are one person’s needs being sacrificed to meet the
needs of the partner? Is the connection between partners weakened or in
jeopardy? These questions can help discern why the relationship is no longer
thriving and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a>ways to restore balance can be explored. It
is essential to remember that Tarot readings reflect momentary scenarios and
are no substitute for common sense. It is unwise to remain in a relationship
which is toxic or dangerous just because at one time a Tarot reading showed a
good connection between two people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The wisdom of the Lovers is that of
being open to nurturing the connection between two who, together, birth a
unified and powerful whole. Be it a physical family, a business, or a stronger
combined presence, the Lovers are about the alchemy of energy combined between
two people when mutual respect and harmonizing of opposites are the focus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
She is a professional tarot reader.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>. </span></div>
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Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-57555731717101494422012-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:16:04.601-04:00The Hierophant- Law, Morals and Other Boring Matters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Empress and Emperor bring
inspiration and backing to increase personal development based on individual
mentoring, guidance and nurturing. The individual’s development and goals are
at stake and just as a young child’s dreams or preferences are attended to by
encouraging grownups, so do these archetypes seek to nurture the individual
needs of the querent, in hopes that their influence will be a positive
contribution. As the individual matures through the encounters with archetypes
in the Tarot deck, one arrives at the first indication that, as the saying goes
“it’s not all about you.” Such is the oppressive but useful lesson of maturity
brought by the Hierophant. The Hierophant is a guide and a helpful one at that,
but his skills and assets are expressed through the presentation of structure,
hierarchy, rules, ethics, and systems that prove helpful to those willing to
align with a large established structure in order to learn and develop. The
Hierophant is less tolerated by maverick souls, individualists who struggle to
compromise for the greater good, and who fail to see that traditions have a
purpose even if the customs are not of individual preference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Hierophant brings lessons and
messages concerning alignment with or appeals to a large organization in hopes
of gaining access to the many benefits of this structure. The individual is not
in charge and must grasp this. It is not about what the company (church,
agency, government, and club) can do for you, it is what you can do for the
company etc. This is embodied within this archetype and the best way to gain
and grow as an individual is to find the humility, compromise and teamwork to
be part of the whole. By doing so one is gaining security, wisdom, knowledge of
a trade or profession, specialized skills, and support they would not have
without the backbone of this large organization. In return, one must
temporarily forego the need to claim the throne. With the Hierophant you are a
worker bee, not the Queen, but stand to benefit from the association you’ve made
as part of a hive. This card speaks to networking, organizations and in
particular affiliations with institutions of higher education, philosophy, law,
religion, government etc.; hierarchy and bureaucracy exist within this
structure, but so do great gains and benefits for those able to compromise and
apply themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In Tarot’s early days this card
would be considered (and was sometimes called) the “Pope” and embodied the
association with one who rules a religious faction in the physical realm and is
given ultimate respect and authority, not in the secular sense but in sense of
philosophical purpose. This card was considered more than just a King or other
type of ruler, but an overseer who was on a mission that contained a moral or
ethical agenda, translated into human structures and systems. Just as a large
religious organization relies on human qualities to enforce and teach concepts
pertaining to the abstract/spiritual (and thus may fall victim to losing touch
with its mission) so can the Hierophant reflect an organization or system that
has wisdom, ancient learning and philosophical underpinnings in its core
mission, but may lose its way in the drudgery of the mundane world. A subtle
meaning in this card is the possibility of losing touch with one’s vision by
getting lost in the mundane, appealing to or affiliating with a large
organization in which one’s individuality is compromised can be another message
in this card. When this card presents look for interactions with colleges,
religious institutions, government agencies, large hospitals and organizations
that have a humanitarian mission, but are established within a large hierarchy.
Even institutions themselves such as that of marriage or other significant
rites of passage can be indicated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The tone this card takes largely
depends on one’s individual reaction to the notion of being part of a larger
system. It is reassuring for those who seek comfort in tradition and support,
but may feel oppressive or confining to those who want to forge their own road.
The key lesson is to grow in wisdom and skills through affiliation with this
organization. It need not be a lifelong confinement to service, but can
represent the process of maturity, transition and learning from the role of
bringing service to a larger common good which can strengthen the character
even when or if one moves on from ties to this institution in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal? </i>She
is a professional tarot reader.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> For more
information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real
Deal? </i>visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-40373198254518767992012-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:15:39.030-04:00The Emperor - Power and Protection Earned With Integrity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If the Empress is the Divine Mother
here in the physical realm, her counterpart is the fourth numbered card, the
Emperor. Interesting to note that in Tarot the masculine spiritual energy of
attraction precedes the feminine spiritual beacon (Magician/High Priestess),
but the tangible source of nurturing and creation arrives before the masculine
representation of power, authority, and structure. First creativity is given
life and nurturing, and then one encounters the essence of more masculine
physical power, the domain of the Emperor. It is as if the Empress nurtures the
potential for success and abundance and the Emperor awaits the arrival of such
abundance in order to begin to establish the structure and authority necessary
to wield power with integrity. The Empress represents growth and profit, the
Emperor provides the backing to make sound decisions, protect one’s hard earned
territory and assets, and establish authority in a mature responsible way. The
Emperor is the archetypal father figure. He is generous but not doting. His
role is to provide and to counsel. He has the ability to defend those who need
his intervention, but will not bestow his resources lavishly upon those who
have not earned his respect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Emperor is the essence of power,
authority, and stability. He is a grounding force but is also a leader, a
warrior and a seasoned and wizened guide. He wears the appearance of a
confident, stern ruler who shows evidence of his experience in battle, but
currently rules from his throne. He has earned his place in his kingdom and
waits patiently to see if you are earning your place as well. He has resources
to spare when needed, but does not give in lightly to any requests for
aid.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> In modern cultures we do not look
to an Emperor for the final say, for protection or opportunities to work for
our families and homes. We do however seek the opportunities to show our
integrity, to prove our work, to obtain intervention and guidance when new
tasks are beyond our scope of experience. The Emperor is the energy of
developing stability and protection and learning to handle your own personal
power without unfairly crushing others (even if you can) but also without
holding back out of fear or insecurity. It is through the Emperor that we learn
to develop in our careers, set boundaries with our children and families,
protect our homes, and assert ourselves in all relationships. The Emperor helps
us rise to the challenge of recognizing our own power and knowing how and when
to use it. He is not a warrior for the sake of dominion, and warns against
overpowering others out of greed or conquest alone. He brings the influence of
the stern, but fair ruler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If the Emperor appears in a reading,
issues of power, authority, discipline, resources, territory, protection and
assertiveness are at play. The Emperor may represent issues with one’s own
father or dynamics that evolved from the relationship with the father, but
extend beyond just this one individual into a pervasive response, a pattern
that emerges when we are confronted with authority, restriction and power. For
some this will mean accepting the lack of control in situations in which one
must collaborate with others, or managing confidently when dealing with a boss
or other authority. For others this may mean tapping in to your own sense of
confidence and authority, to assert yourself rather than turning unspoken
concerns into anger, depression, or self pity. This is a card calling you to
action as the Emperor brings the energy of Mars and Aries, and commands
attention and motivation to work toward achieving what you want, but perhaps in
the confines of an already established hierarchy. Whether the message is to
bring a voice to your needs and assert yourself or to recognize the value of
allowing those in power to assist you by appealing to mutually beneficial
goals, this is a crucial card for developing independence and navigating
through issues of power assertion. There may be the need to appeal to an
individual or organization that holds control over resources crucial to your
goals. The Emperor stands as an ally to those who are able to find their voice
and assert their needs. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: <i>What's the Real Deal?</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> She is a professional tarot reader.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> For more information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> visit
<a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-7727871494636086612012-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:15:15.195-04:00The Empress and the Search for Abundance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Empress sits in a lush fertile
garden, sometimes accompanied by signs of growth such as a rabbit. She is the
symbol of physical feminine power, although this is not indicative of any disrespect
to the High Priestess, who also symbolizes the power of the feminine. From the shadows, sending intuitive cues to
those who read between the lines, the High Priestess commands a subtle respect
and wields the power of the subconscious and mystical. The Empress, however, is
the ruler of the Divine Feminine in the material plane; hers is the domain of
the tangible, the nurturing life sources in the world around us, the bringer of
abundant harvests and the nurturer of physical needs. In this way she is the
quintessential Earth Mother and represents many things. She is growth and abundance and a sustaining
source of nourishment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It is exciting to have the Empress
present in a Tarot reading, as she signals that growth and promise of filled
potential are waiting or nearly here. She portends profit for hard labor,
available growth and development that will be eventual and will bring material
growth and gain. The number three is associated with this card, for expansion,
the trinity of Divine Feminine and the number of growth even within human
relationships (speaking of fertility). In traditional readings some would look
at the Empress as a sure sign of physical fertility and pregnancy, but this is
not always the case. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Whether in business, relationships,
finances or health, the Empress shows that the blessings of our work’s profit
awaits. The abundance we sought will arrive, our hard work pay off. There are
some times that we do not see the immediate presence of the Empress. We have
worked hard and do not feel rewarded, or our advancements do not seem to be
enough. Our abundant garden does not seem as green and vital as our neighbor’s.
It is crucial to call on the power of the Empress to help bring us closer to
the source of vitality and growth as it is often associated with money, but may
come in a variety of forms. The nurturing guidance of a powerful and self
confident female boss brings invaluable gifts that extend beyond a week’s pay;
the granting of a business opportunity that will allow one to grow and spread its
influence, eventually acquiring wealth as a result: these are also the gifts of
the Empress. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Empress wants to inspire growth
and expansion and this can mean numerous opportunities to grow as an individual
and break out of restrictive comfort zones by taking new risks, especially with
the support of groups or teams of three. She is reminding us not to abandon our
growth as human beings and not to settle into lazy complacency whether material
comfort surrounds us or not. When we have reached a reasonable degree of
success she is a reminder of our obligation to spread and share our wealth by
showing others the generosity we have been shown. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In a reading in which the Empress is
somehow compromised, reversed, or surrounded by challenging cards, her message
is to examine if and how our own growth and creativity is being stifled. Are we
conducting busy work and making no progress? Are we limiting ourselves and not
allowing the full harvest to unfold? Are we inadvertently squandering the
blessings we may have been given or missing opportunities to grow and expand? Most importantly are we ignoring the
connection to feminine power that comes through the process of creativity,
failing to nurture ourselves and those around us? The Empress is a reminder to
connect to the archetype of the Mother and recognize the abundance and
opportunities for growth and success.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a
Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the
co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real
Deal? </i>She is a professional tarot
reader. For more information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> visit
<a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-81547900488300988192012-07-18T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:14:27.818-04:00The High Priestess and Receptivity to the Mystic Guidance from Within<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It has become so simple to search
the Internet, dial the phone, or consult the media for answers when we feel the
need for guidance. We have grown accustomed to asking questions for which
direct, concrete answers are available at the push of a button. This process is
convenient when a simple solution is all we need. Pizza for dinner or pasta?
What time does the bus arrive? How much does an oil change cost? There is a
finite solution to these mundane questions.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
The High Priestess is beyond this routine domain. Her guidance is there
to speak to our intuition and guide our spirit. When we are faced with a
situation that does not have a clear cut resolution, or seek answers not easily
handed down, we are calling on the High Priestess for help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Consider the very routine decision
of what to make for dinner. The media, commercials, doctors, and even the
influence of children and family may have an interest in guiding your decision.
Your knowledge of nutrition sways you in one direction, while the input of your
spouse offers other ideas. Your kids want you to lean toward junk food, and the
influence of the day’s fast pace and pressure nudge you toward making choices
that are convenient to save time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> These
are external factors that guide decisions. The kids will say “let’s have
burgers and French fries again!” The spouse may respond by encouraging
sandwiches which are less work, the nagging reminder of healthy eating may be
prodding you to consider salads and grains, and the last twenty minutes of
television are lulling you toward brand</span><span style="font-size: small;">
X, Y, and Z convenient frozen entrees. No one is asking what makes sense
for you and allowing your intuition to solve this problem from the inside out.
If this confusion stems from the process of making dinner, contemplate the
murky web of influences and feelings entangled in more serious decisions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Enter the High Priestess. She is not
here to tell you the healthiest, quickest, most satisfying meal to make for
dinner. Her role is to question what you want and need in order to solve the problem
you face. She provides guidance, but her cues are prompts to return the focus
to the inside. She is the Mistress of what is beneath the surface. If you have
grown used to quick answers that remove personal accountability and block your
need to access your intuition, you will find her style frustrating. She does
not provide the solution, but reminds you of how to find your own answers. She
is a spiritual guide and is constantly guiding you to seek beyond the immediate
and be receptive to her many forms of help. She is the teacher whose impact was
long lasting because she allowed you to experience your gains and losses first
hand rather than giving you the answers ahead of time. She is the voice of
inner knowing without needing a logical or rational explanation. She has spoken
to you in moments when you made a decision based on an internal sense of right
or wrong, regardless of external influences, and came out secure in your
decision. She is the vague sense that something more exists that you must then
seek out for yourself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The High Priestess possesses great
wisdom but also knows better than to cheapen her guidance by forcing it on
others. She is a ready and patient guide but you must be open to approaching
her and receptive to what emerges from her messages. She is guidance through
unconventional lessons and teachings. You will know her influence when you are
given the chance to obtain answers and wisdom from the situations around you
but not from being told how to act. There is a sense of intuitive connection
she brings as well and when this card appears it is time to remain open to
dreams, meditation, the messages that are heard when the chatter dies down and
we are forced to contemplate in quiet.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
The moment in the story of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy realizes the
true power of the slippers she has worn all along thereby accessing her ticket
back to Kansas is reminiscent of the power of the High Priestess.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real
Deal?</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> She is a professional tarot
reader. For more information about <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i> visit
<a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-25025938874969475472012-07-16T18:54:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:13:57.122-04:00As Above, So Below. Lessons From the Magician<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The first numbered card in the Major Arcana
of the Tarot is the Magician. This figure stands with wand in hand toward the
sky, and with index finger of the other hand toward the ground. He is crowned
with a Lemniscate for infinite power, and a self-consuming serpent rests around
his waist. Before him is an altar adorned with the tools of Magick; cup,
pentacle, sword and wand. A lush garden of roses and lilies grow around him.
The Magician is the force that brings what you have had on your mind. It is the
lesson your mother told you about being careful just what you wish for, lest
the desire to stay home from school results in catching a nasty cold, or the object of your affection falls for you -
only to reveal their true nature as a less than trustworthy partner. The
Magician is also the beacon of opportunity, with the power to focus intent and
will to manifest desire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
When an old friend suddenly pops into your mind and you end up running in to
them the next day, or when you contemplate buying a new appliance only to learn
unexpectedly that a neighbor is looking to get rid of the same item, these acts
of random fortune seem to carry an energy of magic and excitement. It is as if
the universe has heard your desire and granted you the opportunity to see your
dreams come true. The job that would be perfect if only it existed….but it
does!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Take hold of these synchronistic opportunities and let the Magician help you
transform your desire into your reality. The Magician is a powerful figure and
not one to be taken lightly. He represents a latent power within us all to
bring forth what we desire. Take care, what we desire and what is best are not
always congruent. The Magician carries a force of action, and it is up to the
individual to discern which actions carry integrity and which merely get the
job done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The power of the Magician also carries a
warning against wasting mental energy on that which is not truly productive.
Jealousy, resentment and vengeance do not aid in development, however appealing
they may seem. The power to manifest, stagnating on these toxic emotions, will
bring self destruction. Instead of fantasizing about misfortune befalling an
adversary, why not expend the energy to better one’s self? This is what it
means to carry the power of the Magician with integrity. Such integrity is not
innate however. The Magician can be a trickster and can provide a satisfying
allure of getting lost in one’s desires without consideration of higher
attributes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Let the Magician’s powerful potential help you unlock the latent ability to
make your dreams come true by focusing your energy on that which will bring
abundance, even if it means working diligently to avoid negative thinking or
comparing one’s self to others. The Magician appears to bring the message that
you are capable of accomplishing your dreams and realizing your goals with a
clear and focused mind, one not distracted by doubt and negativity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real Deal? She is a professional tarot reader.For more information about Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>. <br /> </span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-12326694547118081942012-07-13T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:13:38.875-04:00Playing the Fool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The noise of modern
day life permeates the psyche bringing a barrage of stress and burdening the
spirit. How wonderful it would be to let down the baggage of responsibility and
restriction, to be relieved of the oppressive strain of the rat race and to
follow your own drummer no matter how risky the path may seem. When you feel
crushed beneath the weight of worry, when creativity eludes you, it is the
energy of the Fool that is needed to restore balance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
In Tarot, the Fool is the first card, numbered zero. The figure of a youth
prancing lightly staring at a vast sky, undisturbed by the proximity between
his feet and the edge of a cliff, followed close behind by his loyal and
cheerful dog. A rose held high in one
hand, knapsack in the other. The Fool is the energy of youth, freedom, spontaneity
and unbounded joy. This card does not speak to intelligence or lack thereof.
Indeed the Fool is quite wise. He knows the value of the moment, of dreams and
of taking risks. The Fool is naturally inclined to let go, to be creative and
to think outside the box. Breaking tradition and bringing anxiety to onlookers
who fret over his careless ways, the Fool brings lessons that the modern era has
forgotten in our rush to the finish line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Lesson one - </b>Have faith. There is no
guarantee of the security of the ground beneath one’s feet. The institutions
and structures to which one loyally clings are a false illusion of hope. There
is only one moment at a time to be in one place at a time. Certainty is not
real. All we truly have is the choice to have faith that our intuition and choices
will serve us well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Lesson two -</b> Keep it simple. The
Fool carries a small bag. It is enough to support his needs on his journey. The
fool is not racing down a highway in an SUV. He is traveling on foot carrying
a small pack of essentials. The Fool knows that with “stuff” comes burden, and
he has chosen to carry less stuff in hopes of experience, opportunity and freedom
to move swiftly without the weight of obligation of being bound to the material.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lesson
three -</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">
Trust your best friend- The Fool is not lonely, he is accompanied by the
timeless symbol of loyalty and companionship, a dog. Establish trust in those close to you and
lean on friends when in need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Lesson four -</b> Look up: it is the sky
that guides the Fool, not the ground. He does not aim for the lowest point, but
the highest and is master of his own path. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lesson
Five -</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">
Be open to new beginnings regardless of age. The Fool is not afraid to risk a
path that is close to the edge of where most find their footing and security,
but he remains on solid ground. The card leaves one guessing just how close the
edge the Fool will venture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This alone is up to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of <i>Wicca: What's the Real Deal?</i>
She is a professional tarot reader.
For more information about <i>Wicca:
What's the Real Deal?</i> visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1525680628959016727.post-78407991598571288682012-07-11T06:00:00.000-04:002012-07-29T12:12:44.373-04:00Divination and Children - Ethical Considerations and Warnings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Unconventional as it may be, popularization
of the Tarot in occult and mainstream media has resulted in an increased
interest in divination and Tarot reading as entertainment. When it comes to
hosting a party for children however there are some ethical and practical considerations
to keep in mind. First and foremost, consider the age and developmental level
of guests at your event. Very young children (lower grade school) may have
little understanding of and attention span for the broader benefits of a Tarot
reading, even if done solely as entertainment.
Be clear when speaking to a prospective Tarot Reader about what your
expectations are and the audience the reader will be addressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It would be awkward for a serious
Tarot reader to arrive at a party with 7 year old children who are expecting a “Madam
Fortuneteller” show for fun only to try find that time is dragging tortuously
as the reader attempts to explain the virtues of having drawn the Queen of
Swords to a child in a serious fashion.
If a child requests a “Tarot Reader” (or “fortune teller” or the like)
as entertainment for a party, discuss with the child what their vision of this
entertainer will be and explore whether they are really seeking a replication
of a scene in a favorite movie (and maybe stick to a movie theme) or if they
are hoping for information from the subconscious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While it is important not to
underestimate the intelligence of children, it is also vital to consider the
true purposes of both the party and the art of divination. If the two are
difficult to reconcile for the event you are planning, perhaps it is best to
consider a variation on the theme. It is,
in general, also much more cost efficient to have someone dress up
“fortune-teller” style strictly for show and entertainment purposes than it is
to hire someone who is a serious Tarot reader with a skill to offer when the
crowd is seeking more image than substance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You should always be cautious about
the ramifications of hosting a party for youth with the entertainment provided
by a Tarot reader. On the one hand it is delighting to know that the general
public is releasing its collective fears of the Tarot and arts of divination
and embracing these practices more openly. On the other hand, Tarot is still
considered by many to be dangerous, intimidating, or blasphemous. If you do not
espouse these views, it can be difficult to imagine that there are those who do
hold Tarot as evil or harmful, but these are the beliefs of some people today
and to introduce this art as entertainment for the child of someone who has
strong opinions against such arts is asking for interpersonal - and possibly
legal - trouble. If you have decided that the youth in attendance at your event
will be able to appreciate Tarot readings - for entertainment or not - it is
important to make very clear to their parents what your plans are. Some Tarot
readers will even insist that each child’s parent signs a written consent form
clearly stating their permission for the child to have a reading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Assuming that the children in
attendance are of an age to enjoy a Tarot reading, and their parents are in
agreement with this entertainment, one must next consider the purpose of
readings for children. There is a philosophy among some readers that even with
permission from parents the line between “self exploration” through Tarot and
“fortune telling” should not be crossed with children. In these cases Tarot can
still provide a fun and enjoyable way to stimulate exploration of the child’s
strengths, dreams and obstacles they are overcoming without the framework being
set that “you WILL go to dental school…” or “you WILL someday live in a house
on a farm with 4 cats…” etc. While it
can be said that all people to some degree are impressionable and can be
influenced to act or not act based on a Tarot reading, with children this is
much more the case. Therefore some readers feel it is their ethical obligation
to not use Tarot to tell children specific outcomes so as not to imprint narrow
possibilities that would then discourage the child from important parts of
their development. An example of what readers of this mindset may do in a
reading, rather, would be to sit with the child and explore the symbols on the
cards selected and describe the meanings of these symbols in terms of what they
mean for the child’s present life, and discuss what that could mean in terms of
the child’s growth or future goals, but in an open ended way. Dazzling the
audience with “I told you so” fortune telling is not the goal here; but make no
mistake, open ended readings remain a fun and exciting method of reading for
kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Other readers may choose to read for
children and adults in the same manner, but it is worthwhile to inquire when a
reader is contacted for the event to gain an understanding of their philosophy
when it comes to reading for children. It is also wise to explain to the
audience what will take place in the reading.
It is important to remind the children - and their parents - that
readings are legally considered as “entertainment” and that some of the
pictures may look happy, some cards may look sad or scary, but the images are
symbols that tell a story much like if one was watching a show on TV or looking
at a picture. The symbols hold meaning for the individual but do not bestow
“bad” or “good” things upon them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Older children may crave more
concise direction in a reading; there has been an increase in requests for
Tarot readings at graduation and Sweet 16 parties, and other events for teens
and young adults. It can be easy to overlook the innocence in youths who are
older and closer to their adulthood, however it remains important to keep in
mind that until a certain age, children are considered minors and remain
impressionable. Thus, respectfully
communicating with their parents about divination at the event is still
advised. It is also possible for older youth to gain more from an engaging
Tarot reading: one that can raise questions and help them to express themselves
or explore issues presented in the reading.
The same reading does not need to be “future telling” or involve forecasting
the future as this can limit the goals and expectations of a young person who
is still trying to figure out what direction he or she wants to take in any
given situation. Tarot readings can be
very beneficial however, as a tool to reflect on potentials, opportunities,
skills, obstacles, and the various issues in the present that the individual
can then act or reflect upon too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1525680628959016727" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Article by: Angela Kaufman. Angela is a Priestess for the Dragon Warriors
of Isis Coven in Upstate, New York, and the co-author of Wicca: What's the Real
Deal? She is a professional tarot
reader. For more information about
Wicca: What's the Real Deal? visit <a href="http://www.wwtrd.webs.com/">http://www.wwtrd.webs.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Dayna Wintershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03756788079488974996noreply@blogger.com0