DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the various articles in this ezine are not necessarily the views of Spirit Circle, but rather the views of the individual authors.
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Spirituality in the Twenty First Century
By Charles Grooms
Will spirituality in the twenty first century be any different than spirituality in the twentieth century?
Before we can answer the above question, we have to define spirituality. Any time that I do something like this, I like to start off with the dictionary definition, just so that everyone knows that I really do know what that is. Then I like to refine the definition to cover our spiritual viewpoint. So I turn to that authority on words, Webster. And Webster says:
Spirituality:
1 : something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such
2 : CLERGY
3 : sensitivity or attachment to religious values
4 : the quality or state of being spiritual
Hmmm, it looks like #4 is the only one that really applies to us. Lets take a look at what they have to say about the word "spiritual":
Spiritual:
Well, it looks like the crew at Merriam Webster looks upon spirituality as primarily related to the church. So we will have to come up with a definition that applies to us as spiritual people. To me, being spiritual means constantly being aware of spirit. "Being aware of spirit," what do I mean by that? Well, obviously there are spirits of various levels around us at all times, and we can be aware of them and their presence. We also need to be aware of their level. Being spiritual also means being aware of the spiritual energies around us, and what kind of energies they are. It also means being aware of the spiritual energies that we generate and also how we can use spiritual energies, and then using them constructively. And finally, being spiritual means being aware that our human bodies are only shells, temporary suits of clothing that we are using for a short period of time, and that the real us is a spirit, eternal and immortal. So in reality, being spiritual is being aware that you are a spirit, and means that you are aware of yourself. I know that everyone thinks that they are aware of themselves. But for the vast majority, that self awareness is a shallow thing that only scrapes the surface. Very few people are truly self aware, very few see the full scope of their own being.
So we have come up with a working definition of spirituality. Therefore, we can get to our original question, "will spirituality in the twenty first century be any different than spirituality in the twentieth century?" I think that it fairly safe to say that it will be quite different. Let me explain that. According to Webster, the word "spirituality" dates from the 15th century and the word "spiritual" dates from the 14th century. During all but the latter part of the twentieth century, the dictionary definitions that I listed above were very valid, and their meanings go back 500 or 600 years. Spirituality was something that most people would take out and dust off for services on Saturday or Sunday and perhaps on Wednesday evenings, depending on what their religion was. Then they would put it back in the box until next time, their spiritual obligations had been fulfilled.
During the latter part of the twentieth century, things started changing. The Earth itself started moving into a higher spiritual energy. And this has been having a profound effect upon many people. Prior to this time, there were very many people who had absolutely no interest, or very little interest in things spiritual and have been suddenly finding themselves developing new awarenesses. They have been going through an "awakening." Some of these people who had little if any interest in things spiritual are now living a spiritual life 24/7. This process started out fairly slow, and has been slowly accelerating. Some of us got our wake up calls fairly early. This was so that we could prepare ourselves to help the masses as they got their calls.
My observations have been that those that have been getting their wake up calls fairly recently seem to be making progress much faster than did the majority of those that got their calls say, thirty years ago. And the reasons for that are fairly simple. First, the spiritual energies all around us are higher, which facilitates those awakenings. And there are more "awakened" people around to help those that are presently awakening than there were 30 years ago. And also there is much more printed material available than there was 30 years ago. Finally, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of groups and organizations around whose major goal is to help others with their awakening. Many of those groups are online where they can reach people all over the world.
This has also created an interesting phenomena. I think that if you could talk to the administrations of most of these organizations, they would tell you the same thing. People flock to these organizations, join them and then sit back waiting for enlightenment to fall upon them. And it just does not work that way. Once we pass that initial stage of awakening, which in a sense is an enlightenment, we have to work for what we get. Spirit drops much of that first part on us, after that, any further growth and enlightenment that we gain is basically dependant on our own efforts and our own involvement in our development.
Even though the majority of those who have been going through an awakening are sitting back waiting for enlightenment to descend upon them, there are still many who are busting their fannies working for their own enlightenment, they have an insatiable hunger to know more and achieve more. These are generally older souls who have an inner awareness that there is something more, and they want it. These souls will be spiritual leaders of the future.
I have said that the Earth itself is moving into a higher energy level. This process will continue for some time. Eventually it will reach a level where many of the younger souls that presently live on the planet will not be able to reincarnate here again, and those that are presently living here will find it to be very "uncomfortable." And they do not like it. So they are fighting it. They fight the change by creating a lot of negativity in the world. They are actually fighting a lost cause, but their efforts will make the major changes far more drastic than they would be otherwise. The Earth will cleanse itself.
Those of us who are being positive can also make a difference. By constantly consciously projecting healing energies, cleansing energies and transmuting energies to the world, we will make the major changes far less drastic than would be the case if we do not make the effort.
It is my belief that after the major changes have taken place, the majority of the people still living on the planet will be of the 24/7 spiritual variety. Constantly aware of their own spirituality. So spirituality will be quite different than what it has been.
May you be one of them.
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Oh To Live in Peace!
I have never known violence to solve any problem in one's life or to create a more peaceful world. Whether it is two small children fighting over a toy, children trying to take control of a school playground, or Countries trying to enforce their wills upon their own citizens or the world population as a whole.
A family where violence is the key to their involvement with each other always ends in tragic loss. Violence breeds violence, and with violence all forms of sanity love and reason are abandoned.
It is hard to stand up and say, NO War! To take a side against your country, to have your patriotism questioned. Pride in one's country does not mean you have to stand by as your elected leaders lead you down a path you know in your heart and spirit is wrong. It would be wrong to stand by as a sheep to slaughter and allow your countries action without voicing your belief and opinion. For people are their principles.
To stand up for peace is not easy and especially after September 11th. Fear, tension and uncertainty keeps many individuals from voicing their true beliefs and follow what they in their hearts know is right and just. You are not weak, a coward or a traitor if you believe in peaceful solutions to non-peaceful situations.
We must always work for peace, we must always pray for peace.
Edmund Burke a philosopher noted,
"The only thing necessary for the triumphant of evil is for good men to do nothing."
This is a very good statement. We as spiritually minded people, who are reaching and seeking our higher consciousness, must act accordingly. We must be advocates of Peaceful means, strive to promote love, increase the light of others and be those who pick up the torch of freedom, peace and human rights. There are always options, These options are choices that design what our lives are and will become.
Fear, anger, hatred, poverty, ignorance are all enemies of peace, these are what terrorist and nations use to control to build their negative actions upon the citizens of the world. We must use the tools we know and have learned. That Love, trust, more love, tolerance, jobs, empowerment, acceptance, education and still more and more love, light and healing, will be the means by which we can and will learn to live in a state of peace.
In our hate and mistrust, we are only enforcing what we wish to stop. Master Jesus gave the most powerful concept to mankind, when he encouraged people to love their enemies and those that prosecute you. It isn't the people in Iraq that hate you; they are only victims of what they are told and see as much as people within this country. It is governmental leaders or countries who are in conflict with each other; it is a matter of "politics" not people.
If we respond in fear and ignorance we make the point of looking at the world and it's citizens noticing those differences that we all process, and reacting to what we do not know nor understand.
In dealing with people and nations, if we look at them, try to learn as much as we can, and take those differences and not respond to those with fear, but with tolerance that each of us are different and have that right to be so. Look at each with the face of your divine god or goddess upon them; show them the same love that they too deserve.
I have since I can remember, thought not of myself as just an American, but a citizen of the Universe, realizing that there was much more to life and to this human existence than just me and the land I was born. You do not have to like the differences, but you must try to at least accept the fact that people and nations are different and have the right to be so.
There will always be disagreements between nations and individuals and for the most part these are acceptable, It is how nations and individuals handle the "situation". Gandhi said and I feel it defines this perfectly, "Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress."
If we all agreed, how would we grow as individuals and as nations? Without conflicts to learn from and grow because of.
Can we make a difference? We sure can!
Mother Teresa said and I quote, "Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person."
Peace begins with me, with you, it is where you yourself, take those steps to do what you can, understand, learn to see the "god" or "goddess" in those you fear, it is there, sometimes buried deeply but there just the same. You can watch your thoughts, as not to encourage negative or hateful energy. It only fuels the flame. Send love, light and healing to those who need it the most. And to those who hold the world in their hands for divine inspiration and wisdom.
We all have chosen this time, in this place
We are all here for a reason. We are the hope the "envisionaries," the carriers of light. It is our duty to act to what is going on with love, offer healing worldwide and individual.
We are to show to the world that there is another way, a higher vision. Peace is possible, when all humankind and all nations, learn to act from the heart to a heart.
©2003 Joyce Chandler
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Spider
The Spider is my totem. I know! Wince, gag, cringe, get it over with. I felt the same way in the beginning. Some people have a bear, a wolf, an eagle. ME? I get a spider. JOY OF JOYS! Actually, now that I have learned so much about spider, I'm truly honored that Spirit has manifested itself in this way. I've learned a LOT about where I've been and where I'm going as a result.
I had never given much through to totems in the past. At the time when Spider came into my life I had little knowledge of Native American spirituality or any other Shamanic practice. However, beginning in 1997, Spider popped up and demanded acknowledgement!
In July 1997 I moved into a new home. The house did have a spider infestation. I LOATHED spiders so I exterminated. There was a small one that had a web over the patio door. I let her stay because I figured she would eat insects the defected into my home.
I started having weird visions of a sort. I know it sounds corny. I would be sleeping. When I woke up, I would open my eyes to see a large lanky spider hanging from the ceiling RIGHT in front of my face. It was about a foot away and seemed tangled and struggling in it's own silk. Either that, or it was spinning thread VERY quickly. This image was SO real that I would jump back in fear. The image would fade moments later. This became an occurrence so common that I got used to it, and I would blink it away upon rising.
I also started have dreams of spiders. It seemed to be every night, and even in the dream I would pause and say, "OK, WHAT does this mean!?!" I was getting irritated because, as I said, I loathed spiders, and dream time is MY time darn it! LOL Spider webs are beautiful, and even spiders are admirable, from afar. However now they seemed to be EVERYWHERE so I decided to do a little research. I now have learned to listen when Spider pops up, and her messages seem to be instantaneous now that I am open to them and have come to admire Spider. Here is some of what I have compiled over time. I hope you find it enjoyable.
Spider is known for creativity, weaving fate, the universal communicator in all worlds, all planes and all times. Spider says, "Pay attention to what I'm saying." And you better. LOL Spider says "Be true. Speak truth" Spider has the ability to create her own world and to walk the fine line between this and all planes. Her paths are many but lead to one center...the same destination in the end. Stepping from her path in any direction she will journey to a multitude of different places effortlessly and has the ability to return RIGHT NOW. Spider is a RIGHT NOW kind of totem. No two ways about it.
In the creativity aspect Spider lends to the written word and painted feelings, any art medium that allows true expression of self. People who are writers often have a Spider totem.
Spider is in SEVERAL traditions but usually carries the same messages through them all. In India she is Maya, the weaver of illusion. In Greek and Scandinavian practices she is symbolic of the Fates. Everyone knows of Ariadne. In Native American traditions she is Grandmother, the link between the past and future. The spider awakens creative sensitivities. The web usually takes the form of a spiral shape, which is a traditional symbol for creativity and development...of evolution. The spider found within a web tells us that we are the center of our own world, and it is what we make it. We weave the world we want around us. We are the keepers and the writers of our own destinies, the web being thoughts, words, feelings and actions.
Spider has a two sectioned body, making it look like a figure eight, and has eight legs. So, it's linked to the mysticism associated with the geometric form of the figure 8. Turned sideways, this is the symbol of infinity, the wheel of life, flowing from one circle to the next.
Spider teaches you to maintain balance in all aspects. The past vs future, physical vs spiritual, male vs female, etc. It teaches you that everything that you do now is weaving the tapestry of what you will encounter in the future.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card (from cyberwitch)
Anyone with a spider totem will benefit from meditation on this card. The card has to do with rhythms: rise and fall, flow and flux...it's linked to the energies of honor and fame, and the sensitivities necessary to place ourselves within the rhythm of Nature.
The spider has become associated by mystics and in mythology in 3 predominant expressions of magick: (from cyberwitch 1998...I think)
Spider is the guardian of ancient languages and alphabets. It was believed that the first languages where spun into the web of the spider and that is where men got them. This is why the spider is considered the teacher of language and the magick of writing.
The spider has long been associated with death and rebirth. Part of this may be b/c some of the females kill the males after mating. B/c it is constantly building new webs it also has a lunar symbol, with ties to the waxing and waning of the moon. For those with a spider totem, this pattern is a reminder to maintain balance and polarity in all aspects of life. Through polarity and balance creativity is also stimulated.
Most spiders are poisonous. This is how they kill or stun their pray.
Tarantulas are a large variety of spiders and it's hairy. It's mouth is on it's underside. It is poisonous but would not affect the average adult more than a bee sting would. They also spin thread, but don't wave webs. They dig a burrow in the dirt and hide. When they feel something walking around the opening, they will jump up, grab it and pull it in!
Most spiders are delicate. If you drop a tarantula, it will break and die. Spiders combine strength and gentility for survival. This is an important lesson if your totem is Spider. Spiders can maintain balance and easily walk on tiny threads. To walk the threads of life and maintain balance has been one of life's mysteries for ages. Myth and lore often speak of individuals who have learned to walk the threads between life and death, waking and sleeping, physical and spiritual. This is part of what Spider medicine can teach.
Most people have little or no contact with the bigger spiders, but often see a variety around the home. Many of these serve vital functions, killing more harmful insects being one. Most often spiders move in the dark, and into inaccessible areas. This reflects much about how to express the creative energies. Don't be afraid to employ it in seemingly inaccessible corners. Weave your creative threads in the dark and when the sun hits them they will glisten with intricate beauty.
If the Spider has come into your life ask yourself some important questions:
Remember that the spider is the keeper of knowledge and of the primordial alphabet. It can teach you to use the written language with power and creativity so that your words weave a web around those who would read them.
Some of this info came from Animal Speak by Ted Andrews, some from Cyberwitch and others are parts of random bits I have picked up from time to time. A friend asked about spider recently, and I thought you all may enjoy reading about her too.
Blessings!
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DRAGON SPEAK
Flamme of Anama~Tiene I am called, do not fear my appearance child, I am as gentle as your Gilamere. It is true I give the continence of dread and brimstone, but the is only to frighten your kind away, only to protect.
Come closer child, sit here on the tip of my tail. I give you my word by all dragons no harm I will bring upon you.
There...let me have a look at you, t'is been a long time since I have viewed one such as you. Harmless enough...but that was not always so.
In the days before our exile from this realm your kind were not so sociable. Chasing me, hunting me...not giving me any rest. Why is it your kind must destroy all you do not understand? Why is it you felt us your enemy? We did not come looking for you...we wanted to be left in peace to live our existence away from your kind. But in your minds there was no room upon this Earth for creatures such as us.
But then again you have done this to others not of the dragon race. The Unicorn....such a gentle creature and the faerie race all left this realm. if you did not kill them with sword you did it with your minds. How you ask child?
You became civilized...educated, you lost the purity of heart and soul, you lost the belief in magic, in wonder and you are poorer for it. When your children come to you with dreams and tales of dragons, elves and faeries, you tell them they are not real, only imaginary...how sad!
Look at me child, Am I not real? Touch my flaming scales, feel my breath upon your face, look into my eyes and see my soulfire burning. Oh...I am real, as real as you! Why else would your kind have written so much about us, granted mostly in the negative sense, but most of that is false, to justify a meaning to our end. You were a stupid lot in those days, believing everything your leaders spewed out of their mouths.
Have you changed? Your history answers NO...your kind still believe what you are being told by those in power. Why did your kind believe the lies about us? Why did they not find out the truth? If you would have, I would not be sitting here telling you my story...no...instead we would be in Anama~Tiene. Oh...that was a beautiful land, the redness of it's earth, the warm springs bubbling gently and the lava beds...oh how I loved to be within their warmth. But that was long ago, only in my memories.
You know child...I really do believe your kind os every so
slowly starting to change. That little light within your
heart is slowly coming to life. I have heard within our
realm whispers of your Elders telling you...they're children our stories. It has started child, the day of the day of the dragon is coming back, maybe not in your life time, but there is the next life and the one after that. Be sure you will see your kind and mine on this Earth as friends once again.
Till then you have us in your heart to call upon. Whenever you have need of us, call to us with pure heart and we shall offer our help, our strength, our protection and our magick.
Within your dreams under the night sky call us by the magick you hold and we will be with you to help where we can.
Remember the magick child, you hold it within your
heart....remember!
©1999, 2003 Forestwife
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BIRTH STONES OF MARCH
Once again, I come before you with information to dazzle, amuse and hopefully expand your knowledge a tad. As before the Information gathered here comes from a variety of sources and give no guarantees that what worked for others (including Moi) will give the same results for you. On the other hand, who knows what awaits when you and a Stone connect. So, if my efforts give you inspiration, or insight into possible NEW ways to utilize the Powers of Geomancy, then (aside from getting me out of doing the dishes 'cause I look busy) my efforts have been rewarded. So Read on and whatever comes, may it be enjoyable. Please note that any "medicinal" uses for the Stones should NOT be considered as substitutes for "Proper Medical Treatment". Questions, Comments, and Accolades welcome to Mark at "theotherhalfs@aol.com.
General Birth stones of March:
JASPER: Yet another one of those unspecified selections: Red, Royal Plume, Wonderstone, Wild Horse, Rose Eye, Bat Cave, etc. All Jaspers, and all with different "traditional use" mythos's. In as much, however, since Red Jasper (by Name) is one of the Stones of Aries and will talked about below, I think I'll talk briefly (and from strictly personal observations/experiences as I can't find any other "working" references regarding the stone) about one that I'm most fond of : Dalmatian Jasper". I've found it works well to dispel despondency and loneliness, opens my eyes to a feeling of connective ness with other "life forms" around me and a sense of belonging to larger family than previously realized. I've also found that for minor healings/ pain relief on self and the cats and dogs I've tried it on it works quite well. No luck with actual "communication" between species, but (sticking my neck out more than a little) I'd say that it has helped expanded my sense of "empathy/unconscious communication/those unidentifiable feelings" with some and seems to promote quicker "trust" when coming in first contact with strangers. Whatever.
JADE: Calming, Soothing, Healing (protecting against illness and relieving distress/unwell ness). A Balancer of Chakras, and promoter of Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Justice, Courage, Consciousness Raising (both Re: within and with out stimulating meditative and dream voyaging and the remembrance and interpretation of them) and Stimulator of Mental Sharpness and Reasoning ability. The "Sacred Stone" of China as it was not Just a gift to Humanity, but also a direct connection to the Jade Emperor, Father of the Gods. Said to draw Love to possessor and retain/nurture it between partners when exchanged. Also considered a Money attractant. Medically, has been used in the treatment of disorders of the Heart (literally and figural), Hips, Kidneys, and Spleen. In Elixir form, reported to smooth and lubricate skin, and stimulate hair growth when rubbed into scalp. One reference I found said it was believed (but not by who) that Jade could be used to "invoke" certain types of Weather. One throws a piece of Jade (with conviction and focus) into still water and the ripples created will return in the form of storm clouds bringing Rain, Sleet, Hail, or Snow depending on what you were requesting. Have not tried this and no doubt won't until I get the sump pump running again and/or until I find some reference as to how to "banish" what was summoned.
AQUAMARINE: Adds Expanse and Depth to Meditations, aids in attaining Innocence and Purity of thought and purpose, clarity of Vision/Understanding of situations and relationships. Protects user and user's property against "harm" during "Water" travel (on, above, and below) including from Sea Sickness. Ward against Idleness and Slander. Used in treatments for Throat soreness and congestion, relieving nervous disorders, Glandular problems, and general malaise of the Throat, Jaw and Teeth. Promotes "stability" between significant others. Note: Aquamarine has been historically(by the ancient, and possibly current, Greek/Roman/Egyptian Sailors) connected to "the Sea" and Water of all types and a majority of the Deities thereof. So, in my opinion any "workings" of"water" nature (actual or symbolic) can only be aided by utilizing this Stone.
BLOODSTONE: Red and Green Breaker of Ties, remover of Blockages, and Opener of Doors (metaphorically-unless you have a REALLY big hunk). Protection, Strength, Healing, Fertility, Love/Sex. Best known, however, for it's legendary ability to stop flowing blood from wounds (apply with pressure to wounded area and soon bleeding stops). Also, used to calm fears, promote courage, protect one in battle, attract wealth, and stimulate plant growth, longevity and good health. Worn to prevent miscarriages and ease childbirth, increase physical strength, AND, if anointed with fresh Heliotrope "sap", will "dazzle the senses" of those around you and thus make you 'unseen" by them. Helps to channel Earth/Life related energies and connections. Stimulates workings of whole body, detoxes and purifies blood, kidneys, bladder and liver. Has been used in the treatment of/for Leukemia, Anemia, and Pneumonia. Interesting Note: As Bloodstone is "tap" by workings, the red spots/flecks are said to fade as the stone's power weakens. To re-energize, one should bury the stone in the earth for 3 days and 3 nights.
FOSSILS: Longevity, and Transmutation of Possible into Probable. Past Life regression via tapping, it's "Organic" Energy field via Psychometry or Meditation. May also be used to "tap" the Elemental forces that brought about "fossilization"; Air, Fire, Water and Earth and/or used as a "tap/link up" with current Animal/Plant life of a similar general Family (aquatic, aerial, land based, amphibious; you get the idea). No "medical" uses in treatments (aside from the belief that ground dinosaur bones can be aphrodisiacs), but Hardening of Arteries, Kidney Stones, Stiffness of Joints, Cramps and being turned to Stone due to Magical backlash all symbolically come to mind. Be an interesting field of research.
The Stones of Pisces (3/1-3/20):
AMETHYST: Stone of Spirituality, Contentment, Transformation, Protection, Healing and "Clean" living. The name comes from the Greek meaning "without intoxication" which, in turn, is derived from a legend/myth of a young nymph named "Amathea" who was being "stalked" by the God Bacchus. Finally, in desperation, she asked Dianna for protection and the Goddess, in turn, transformed her into a precious gemstone (note: Be very careful of what you think you're asking for). Bacchus, broken hearted, gave the stone it's color in remembrance of (a) His Love, (B) Wine/Grapes, (C) both, neither, who knows. And gave it the power to protect any who wore it against the "disagreeable" effects of Wine (including detecting poison in drink/food. Supposedly loses it's color when it touches those "extra" additives), and any worldly "addictions". And interesting carry over of this legend was that the early Christian church choose the color purple and "issued" an Amethyst ring to it's Bishops as a mark of their Spirituality/cutting ties with worldly temptations. Also, a traditional protection against Harm and Bringer of Success in Battles and Ventures handed down by the Romans, who got it from the Greeks who "borrowed" in from the Egyptians. Used to treat Headaches, Insomnia, Heart, Blood, and Digestive tract disorders including those of the Skin, Teeth and Stomach. Balances the energies of the Auras affecting the whole body state; physical, intellectual and emotional); transmuting the Neg. into Pos. and amplifying it into every part of ones internal/ external existence. Traditional Ward against "Evil" Witchcraft, "Dark Sendings", Impure Thoughts/ Feelings and all forms of disease and contagion. Promote successful outcomes in the affairs of Heart and Pocketbook. Used in treatments of Nervous disorders and Sexual dysfunctions. A soothing, smoothing stone for life's little "learning experiences".
One Note of Warning: Found a reference that while Amethyst absorbs and transmutes "negative" energy and then projects it as "positive" it will "clog up" after awhile and stop working and that it can Not be emptied or cleansed, but must be returned to the Earth and replaced. Have no idea of the validity of this, but would love to hear from anyone this has happened to.
BLOODSTONE: See Above. (My, that was easy.)
MOONSTONE: Traditionally; Fulfillment of Desires of Heart. Promotes Restful sleep and Pleasant dreams. Draws forth, empowers ands enhances Feminine energies, aspects and attributes in one's nature. Stimulates confidence and composer. Aids in the acceptance of What IS while adding booster to those activities that most insure a bright future. Historically referred to as "a Traveler's Stone" used to protect you and yours while traveling-especially across water and/or in the "Dark" areas during Meditation or Self Examination. Used to insure ease of pregnancy, childbirth, PMS, and Change of Life stress. Also said to be preventive/cure for Insanity/Lunacy. Historically it has been, and still is, a Symbol of the Moon and the Feminine archetype and thus carries all it's "metaphysical" potentials.
SUGILITE: Worn/carried/invoked for Aid in times of Doubt and Trouble, this Stone (judging from what little "traditional;" usage I could find) can be considered "Rose Quartz w/ Attitude". It works to attract and promote Awareness, Wisdom, and Understanding of one's surrounding, connections, and place/role in the "Grand Scheme of Things". It draws to the user an infusion of the "Forces of Light" and dispels thoughts, attitudes, and/or unconscious habits that are self-defeating/destructive/negative. Works to balance All Chakras into harmonious attunement with each other and the body's/mind's surroundings. Considered, medically speaking, to be a general purpose healing Stone both drawing out aches and pains and correcting the causes of them on any and all parts of the body. Reported to dispel Anger, Jealousy, Prejudice, Fear, and Paranoia both in User and User's Social contacts. Also called "Royal Azel" and/or "Royal Lavulite"( if you happen to be looking for some) and ranges in color from shocking Pink to a deep Wine purple for those into Color correspondences/workings
The Stones of Aries (3/21-3/31):
RED JASPER: combining the Energy of Fire with Strength of Earth, this Stone has been traditional used from general protection and energization down through history. As a Meditation aide brings focus and "enlightenment" into shadowy areas by enhancing Remembrance and Interpretation of Dreams and Symbolic visions especially working on the subconscious to identify/pin point those that are or will be of most importance down the line. Said to help with Stomach, Liver and Digestive disorders and front line fighter of Infections, Fevers, Night Sweats, and who knows possibly even Hot Flashes. Said, if carried or worn, to enhance Beauty and Grace. Said also to promote Sexuality while at the same time dispelling "unnatural Lusts". (Got me; I haven't a clue which are/are not "unnatural". Ask your Mother.) Also protects against blood loss in battle and general poisoning (at peace talks?).
BLOODSTONE: See Above. (And YES, Aries Does seem to have a lot of "Blood" related Stones. Read on)
ROCK CRYSTAL (i.e.- Clear Quartz): Alrighty; in as much as Quartz is the most common "stone" form on the planet (that we know of) and the Foremost Receiver/Transmitter/Amplifier of Energy of all sorts, all I can say is that what you want to achieve can only be helped along by using Quartz. Kind of a "Miracle Grow" of the Rock Kingdom. One of, if not THE, "Swiss Army Rock". I counted, in my books, 67 different recognized Quartz forms (different formations of matrix and combinations with other materials) and didn't bother with the color combinations within some of the categories, however consider these" specialization tools" for very specific workings. In short, go with the Clear and work with the Rule of Connection (All are connected and can be "tapped" by any within the "family") and if You've got a Will, then Rock Crystal will help pave the way by boosting and/or drawing to you the energy you need and sending it forth as a force to be reckoned with. ( Note: Had an inquiry re: Types/Forms of "Rock Crystal" and their "specialized" properties. Well, like I said there are a batch of them and while I'm not going to deny YOU the many joys of researching them, I'll will give you the names of the different "types" as a starting point: Activation (Left) Quartz, Activation (Right) Quartz, Aperture, Barnacle, Bridge, Buddha, Natural Carved, Channeling, Cluster, Convoluted, Cross, Curved, Double Terminated, Elestial, Etched, Faden, Generator, Growth Interference, Horn of Plenty, Jacare, Japan Law (Single & Twin), Key, Laser Wand, Lens/Sheet, Manifestation, Nodule, Pinnacle, Pocket, Rainbow, Record Keeper, Scepter, Reversed Scepter, Seer, Stone, Self Healed, 7&8 Faced, Shovel, Singing, Spade, Spiral (left and right), Tabby, Trans-Channeling, Transmitter, Transformer, Twin, and Window. And these are just the "Clear/ Pure" Quartz types.)
GARNET: Energy booster and transformer of/to both physical and spiritual bodies. "Spirit" uses include strengthening physic shields, clearing/cleansing and balancing Auras and Chakras, and redirecting "self" energy from "passion" to "purity"(oh? See below) promoting sincerity, devotion, cooperation, and understanding in both user and between those he/she meets. Physical/Mundane uses include treatment of Depression, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Heart/Blood disorders and a Stimulant for Sex drive and Reproductive system (in a "pure" and "non-passionate" way I presume). Historically, thought and used as Ward against blood sucking insects such as Fleas and Mosquitoes. (Sorry. No Referents to Vampires/ Lawyers found. Might be worth a shot however.)
RUBY: Stimulates and re-vitalizes whole body and mind via blood circulatory and nervous systems. Used to enhancing desire/ state of being towards "nobility", selflessness and compassion for all living things by aiding one to visualize one's connective ness within Universal system. Used to treat heart and blood disorders, staunch blood flow from open wounds (and prevent the on the Battlefield), ward against miscarriages, fevers, infections and poverty by drawing money to user. Also, FYI, also known as the "Carbuncle" just in case you ever run across such a reference.
And that more or less brings us to a close..well, almost. There was such an enthusiastic response to my "Day/Rock" tie in last month (i.e.- no Actual threats of physical harm if I ever did it again) that I thought I'd try and find something (besides Bloodstone) for the Ides of March. Alas and alack, I had no luck until one morning I was reading the label of my vitamin bottle (I already read the cereal box; basically NO plot, characters-cartoonish, and dialogue two dimensional. Probably be on the TV Fall line up)
And discovered that along with all the vitamins each tablet contained 19 "essential" Minerals!!! So, I "Et Tu, Brute". And with that, I'm gone..
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The Spring Equinox is known by many names around the world, which is not uncommon with holidays. A few examples of this are Ostara,
Easter, Eastra's Day, and Lady Day. The earth awakes from its cold winter slumber, much like a bear waking up from hibernation and stretching upwards to the warm rays of sunshine. Flowers soon burst forth from the ground to delight the senses with their beauty and aroma. With the Goddess and God growing to maturity so once again the mating season begins. This day has a balance of light and dark, and even eggs stand on end. Each day hereafter offers more light then the one before, encouraging more activity and energy.
There are many traditions surrounding this holiday, all which
celebrate its meaning. The rabbit has long been a symbol of this
time, due to the association it has with fertility. The phrase "mating like rabbits" should be more then enough to explain
their relation with fertility. Another marvelous tradition would be the coloring of eggs. The egg happens to be another symbol of
fertility, for obvious reasons. The tradition is speculated to
originate from the earlier days when people would hunt for bird eggs in the woods. Many wild birds lay eggs that are pastel in color, and since mating season is in full swing, there are several eggs around the Ostara season.
To make this holiday more enjoyable you may wish to decorate or cook! Before that though, I'd like to present a few common associations to aid in your own creations and crafts; Pastel colors are very common due to the previously mentioned wild bird eggs. Pine, hickory, sandalwood, and acorns are all common with this festival, along with jasmine, iris, and dogwood. Any flower that springs up can be used to decorate the home, Altar, or make wreaths. You can find these flowers in the wild, or ask your florist for violets, tulips, daffodils, daises, et cetera.all of which are associated with Ostara. If you do not have the space for vases full of flowers, then try making your own potpourri. Although it is preferable to have dry flowers in potpourri, fresh is all right, just toss them regularly to avoid molding. Also try adding some sandalwood, jasmine, and/or any other smell you enjoy to the mix. Cooking with grains and sprouts are always very welcomed at this time. You can take any bread or quick bread recipe and add some sprouts to make it Ostara bread, which would be great for an after ritual snack. In addition to multi grain
and sprout breads you can also enjoy any braided loaf, hot crossed buns, or sweet rolls. Ostara is a wonderful time to bless seeds for the months ahead. Lastly, the spiral is a wonderful symbol for this time; spiral flower wreaths are but one idea to try.
On this day be sure to take a walk outdoors. Take in everything
nature has to offer; the symphony occurring at the local pond, the birds building a nest in a near by spot. Whatever you choose to do on this day be sure to enjoy it fully, and even if just for a moment celebrate life!
Author: Wyld Wytch
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The spring equinox is one of the four great solar festivals of the year. Day and night are equal, poised and balanced, but about to tip over on the side of light. The spring equinox is sacred to dawn, youth, the morning star and the east. The Saxon goddess, Eostre (from whose name we get the direction East and the holiday Easter) is a dawn goddess, like Aurora and Eos. Just as the dawn is the time of new light, so the vernal equinox is the time of new life.
The New Year
I like to celebrate the festival of Nawruz, Persian New Year, which falls on the spring equinox. We fix a special dinner of seven food dishes that begin with `S.' Since we don't know the Arabic names for food, we use English words and eat salad, salami, soup, squash, etc. The table is decorated with a mirror, a bowl of water with one freshly-picked green leaf floating in it, a candleabra containing a candle for every child in the house, a copy of the Koran (or other sacred text), rose water, sweets, fruit, a fish, yogurt and colored eggs.
The Coming of the Spring
Gilbert Murray in Five Stages of Greek Religion writes about the
passion behind the Greek celebration of Easter:
Anyone who has been in Greece at Easter time, especially among the more remote peasants, must have been struck by the emotion of
suspense and excitement, with which they wait for the announcement, "Christos aneste," "Christ is risen!" and the
response "Alethos aneste," "He has really risen!" [An old peasant
woman] explained her anxiety: "If Christ does not rise tomorrow we shall have no harvest this year." We are evidently in the presence of an emotion and a fear which, beneath its Christian colouring and, so to speak, transfiguration, is in its essence - a relic from a very remote pre-Christian past.
Resurrection from the Dead
In ancient Rome, the 10-day rite in honor of Attis, son of the great goddess Cybele, began on March 15th. A pine tree, which represented Attis, was chopped down, wrapped in a linen shroud, decorated with violets and placed in a sepulchre in the temple. On the Day of Blood or Black Friday, the priests of the cult gashed themselves with knives as they danced ecstatically, sympathizing with Cybele in her grief and helping to restore Attis to life. Two days later, a priest opened the sepulchre at dawn, revealing that it was empty and announcing that the god was saved. This day was known as Hilaria or the Day of Joy, a time of feasting and merriment.
Sound familiar? Easter is the Christian version of the same myth.
Even the name Easter is stolen. It comes from the Saxon dawn-goddess Eostre, whose festival was celebrated on spring equinox. The date of Easter is still determined by the old moon cycle. It is always the first Sunday on or after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
On Good Friday, Christ is crucified, a willing sacrifice. Altars are stripped, candles extinguished to represent the darkness of the grave. But on Easter, light springs from darkness, Christ rises from the tomb. If you've never attended an Easter vigil, I highly recommend it. (I usually go to a Russian or Greek Orthodox church, so I don't know what the ceremony is like in other Christian churches.) Shortly before midnight all the lights are extinguished and the thronged church is dark and silent. Everyone is holding an unlit candle. The priest lights the Paschal candle, which has been ritually blessed and inscribed with the year. He then lights the candles of those nearby, who light the candles of their neighbors, until the church is ablaze with light and filled with song.
According to my Catholic missal, one of the prayers used during this part of the service (which is called the Service of the Light) goes like this:
We pray you, therefore, O Lord, that this candle, consecrated in
honor of your name, may continue endlessly to scatter the darkness of this night. May it be received as a sweet fragrance and mingle with the lights of heaven. May the morning star find its flame burning, that Star which knows no setting, which came back from limbo. Christ is like the morning Star because he descended into Death (the Underworld) and emerged again, like Attis, like Kore, like Inanna and Ishtar.
Eggs and Seeds
Seeds are like eggs. While eggs contain the promise of new animal
life, seeds hold the potential of a new plant. In ancient Italy in the spring, women planted gardens of Adonis. They filled urns with grain seeds, kept the in the dark and watered them every two days. This custom persists in Sicily. Women plant seeds of grains - lentils, fennel, lettuce or flowers - in baskets and pots. When they sprout, the stalks are tied with red ribbons and the gardens are placed on graves on Good Friday. They symbolize the triumph of life over death.
Celebrating
This is the traditional time for a great spring feast and the
decoration of the table is as important as the food. There are many traditions from which to choose: Nawruz, Passover, Easter, St Joseph's Day, Maimuna - all are variations on the theme of the spring feast, in which every item is symbolic.
Helen Farias in her seasonal newsletter, Octava, points out that
certain foods are associated with springtime festivals: cheese,
butter, eggs, pancakes, wheaten cakes, hot cross buns. Since this is a time when young animals are being born, milk is now available for making cheese and butter. In Poland, according to Dorothy Spicer in The Book of Festivals, a little lamb made of butter or sugar is placed in the center of the Easter table, which is laden with food and decorated with eggs, red paper cut-outs and festoons of green. Eggs symbolize new life, of course, and wheaten cakes, grain. In Italy, colored eggs are baked in braided loaves of bread on Easter, combining the two symbols. Hot cross buns, a traditional Easter food, may be very ancient. A wheaten cake marked with a cross was found in Herculaneum, preserved since 79, and may have been used in the spring rites.
Decorating Eggs
A few years ago, I finally purchased the appropriate tool, a kitska (I got mine in the art supply department of our local university bookstore), and started making pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). You place a bit of beeswax in the funnel of the kitska, then melt it over a candle flame and draw on the eggshell. It helps to have a lathe to hold the egg if you want absolutely even lines. Begin with a white egg and put wax on all the areas you want to stay white, then dye the egg yellow and cover all the areas with wax which you want to remain yellow, and so forth through orange, red and a dark color (brown, purple or black). When the egg is done, place it in a low temperature over for a few minutes to melt the wax, which is then rubbed off to
reveal the intricate designs and glowing colors of your egg. I love the delicacy of the designs, the smell of the wax and the candle, and the trance-like quality of the whole process.
This is a great project for doing with a group. In the Ukraine, only women created these special eggs and they did so at night, when the children were asleep. If you want to use the eggs as talismans, they should be raw and whole (not blown out). Decorate them with symbols of the qualities you wish for yourself and your family and friends in the coming year. For example, draw sprouting leaves on an egg and bury it in your garden to help stimulate your plants.
Blessing and Planting Seeds
Add another layer of meaning to this ceremony by choosing seeds which represent the things you want to grow during the new year- - wisdom, understanding, patience, etc. Visualize those qualities coming into full bloom in your life as you plant your seeds.
Sources
from http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/
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1 : of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : INCORPOREAL
2 a : of or relating to sacred matters
3 : concerned with religious values
4 : related or joined in spirit
5 a : of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena b : of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : SPIRITUALISTIC
- spir·i·tu·al·ly adverb
- spir·i·tu·al·ness noun
© 2003 Charles Grooms
By Joyce Chandler
Submitted by Medea
1. Magick and energy of creation. It is a symbol of creative power, reflected in it's ability to spin the web.
2. Assertiveness of the creative force; of keeping feminine energies of creation alive and strong. (i.e. the female black widow eats the male after mating).
3. Spiral energy; the links to the past and future. Meditate upon the web: Are you moving toward a central goal or are you scattered and going in multiple directions? Is everything focused? Are you becoming involved and/or self absorbed? Are you focussing on other's accomplishments and not your own? Are you developing resentment because of it, for yourself or them?
1. Are you weaving your dreams into reality?
2. Are you not using your creative opportunities?
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4. Do you need to pay attention to your balance and where you are walking in life?
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6. Do you need to write?
7. Are you inspired to write or draw and you are not following through?
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tazuriel@tazurielslight.com
FLAMME OF ANAMA~TIENE
by Forestwife
Copyright © 1995-2003 Wyld Wytches Web
For more information visit: www.wyldwytch.com or www.wiccanmail.com
In many traditions, this is the start of the new year. The Roman year began on the ides of March (15th). The astrological year begins on the equinox when the moon moves into the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries, the Ram. The Greek God Ares is equivalent to the Roman Mars for whom the month of March is named. Between the 12th century and 1752, March 25th was the day the year changed in England and Ireland.
March 25, 1212 was the day after March 24, 1211.
Although we saw the first promise of spring at Candlemas in the
swelling buds, there were still nights of frost and darkness ahead. Now spring is manifest. Demeter is reunited with her daughter, Kore (the essence of spring), who has been in the Underworld for six months and the earth once again teems with life. The month of March contains holidays dedicated to all the great mother goddesses:
Astarte, Isis, Aprhrodite, Cybele and the Virgin Mary. The goddess shows herself in the blossoms, the leaves on the trees, the sprouting of the crops, the mating of birds, the birth of young animals. In the agricultural cycle, it is time for planting. We are assured that life will continue.
Murray then goes on to recount the myths of the Year Gods - Attis, Adonis, Osiris and Dionysus - who like Christ die and are reborn each year. These gods are always the son of a God and a mortal woman. The son is a savior who saves his people in some way, sometimes through sacrifice. He is the vegetation, dying each year (at harvest) to be reborn in the spring.
Eggs are one of the symbols of this festival since they represent new life and potential. Folklore tells us (combining two themes of the season) (and Donna Henes has demonstrated in public egg-balancing ceremonies in New York City) that eggs balance on their ends most easily at equinox. Z Budapest in Grandmother of Time says that eggs were dyed red (the color of life) on the Festival of Astarte (Mar 17). The beautifully decorated eggs from the Ukraine (pysanky) are covered with magical symbols for protection, fertility, wisdom, strength and other qualities. They are given as gifts and used as charms.
Blend ideas from the many traditions described above to create your own ceremony to honor the spring. Decorate with budding twigs, flowers, willow catkins, sprouting bulbs. Red and green are the colors of this festival. Red represents blood, the blood of sacrifice and life. Green symbolizes the growth of the plants. Honor various spring deities with their flowers: Narcisus and Hyacinth with those blooms, the red anemone for Adonis, violets for Attis, roses and lilies for the goddesses.
This is one of my favorites ways to celebrate spring. I've decorated eggs with nail polish, with food coloring and vinegar, with commercial egg dyes and with natural dyes. Pauline Campanelli in The Wheel of the Year describes many natural substances that dye eggs. One of my favorites is boiling a single onion skin with a few eggs to get a soft orange. A handful of onion skins produces rust, a half teaspoon of turmeric gives a sunny yellow and beet juice and vinegar make pink. If you boil eggs with vinegar and several of the outer leaves of cabbage and allow them to cool overnight, the eggs will be a bright robin's egg blue, but they must be handled carefully since the dye comes off easily.
Several years ago, my family celebrated with a very simple but
effective ritual, based on the ceremony suggested by Nancy Brady
Cunningham in Feeding the Spirit. Each person chose a seed or bulb that was meaningful to them. We blessed the seeds with a prayer from Campanelli: Now is the dark half of the year passing. Now do the days grow light and the Earth grows warm I summon the spirit of these seeds Which have slept in darkness Awaken, stir and swell. Soon you will be planted in the earth To grow and bring froth new fruit Blessed be! We sat quietly and visualized our plants in full bloom. Then we invoked each of the four elements necessary for the plants' growth. We placed the seed in a pot of soil and patted down the earth, poured water on it, breathed on it to represent air and held the pot over a candle (or up to the sun, if outside) to represent the element fire (the warmth of the sun).
Budapest, Zsuzsanna E, The Grandmother of Time, Harper & Row 1989
Campanelli, Pauline, The Wheel of the Year, Llewellyn 1989
Cunningham, Nancy Brady, Feeding the Spirit, Resource Publications 1988 [I believe this is out of print] Farias, Helen, Octava no longer exists but some of Helen's writings on seasonal holidays can be found in back issues of The Beltane Papers.
Murray, Gilbert, Five Stages of Greek Religion, Doubleday 1955
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