Serenity Sunday

Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year, for the Celts divided the year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle, just as the Celtic day began at night. For it was understood that in dark silence comes whisperings of new beginnings, the stirring of the seed below the ground. Whereas Beltane welcomes in the summer with joyous celebrations at dawn, the most magically potent time of this festival is November Eve, the night of October 31st, known today of course, as Halloween.

My List:


1.) My kids


2.) My pets


3.) Fond memories


4.) Great friends


5.) Apple cider


6.) Glowing candles


7.) Foggy mornings


8.) Hay rides


9.) Brisk walks


10.) Extra blankets

Silly Picture Of The Week

I'm really not sure how that can possibly be comfortable!

Oak Tree Spells

Oak Leaf Protection Spell


While burning a fire, take an oak leaf and using a twig with a burnt end write the name of
that which you wish to protect. Think of the oak tree from which the leaf came from
sending out protection vibes into the earth by means of it’s roots to protect that which you
wrote. Place the leaf in the fire to allow the energy to also be released into the air.


Protection Charm Blessing 
During the full moon or whatever time you think may be best take the charm and hang it
from the branches of an oak tree. The tree will help in charging and blessing it for
protection.


To feel strong or gain courage 
Place your hands on the bark of an oak tree. Ask the tree to aid you in making you as strong as him/her. Visualize the tree lending you courage and strength. Say allowed: “This tree takes no breaks from the beating winds


"This tree takes no breaks from the hard rains
This tree takes no breaks from the dry droughts
This tree takes no breaks from the harsh weathers
As the tree stands strong during the storm so do I
So mote it be!”


To release anger or sadness 
Talking to an oak tree can bring a great peace to anyone who tries it. Oak trees have been
known as great trees of wisdom and while it may seem silly the tree will listen and help
you to rid yourself of unwanted emotions.


Tree Meditation 
Sit on the ground with your back against the tree. Close your eyes and connect yourself with the earth. You should be able to feel the tree you lean on in a new way. You should be able to feel it’s roots sinking into the depths of the earth and the branches and leaves reaching for the blue sky. Now focus only on the tree. Merge yourself with the tree. Feel yourself sinking into the tree where you back was leaning on it. You are now inside the tree and no longer just sitting beside it. Reach out with your mind and “touch” the tree; feel what it feels and see what it see

The Hierophant

"I would like a story," says the salamander to the Hierophant.


"And what would you like to hear, little one?" The words come slowly. Each syllable seems to be drawn from deep within, pulled up from an individual rootlet. The salamander is used to it, and patient.


Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
from Shadowscapes companion book


The Hierophant card can be seen as a positive card in a tarot spread... It represents someone in search of higher truths and who is spiritual in nature. Customs and traditions are highlighted and it suggests that we can all find comfort in our culture, especially during hard and difficult times. It is time to get back to basics, like the ancients from our past did.


The Hierophant is someone who is able to see through the superficial and get straight to the heart of the matter. He has a healthy connection with life and living, someone who has experienced life in full and now has the experience and wisdom needed in order to teach others, like that of the wise old tree we see in this card.


He is a spiritual teacher and represents gateways to a higher consciousness reached in a ritualized way.The Hierophant can be considered to the link between the higher plane... he teaches by word and example as the wise old tree to the salamander.


The Hierophant encourages us to find freedom through knowledge and exploration. He may indicate that it is a good time for you to seek counsel from someone that is more experienced. You may be longing for structured spirituality, perhaps in the form of religious services.


This might be a time where you are in the process of finding meaning for your life and you may be questioning you own behavior. In a tarot reading, the Hierophant encourages you to look within and explore your truths and it may be telling you to adopt a more conventional way of thinking.

Deck Review- Teaser

Recently I received a self published, utterly amazing deck and I have been working with it for the past week, in fact I can't seem to put them down! It's charming and uncannily accurate if not a bit cheeky at times! I spoke with it's creator and she graciously agreed to give me an interview to go along with my review, I'm so psyched! This week I will be gathering my questions and her responses and preparing to write my review for next Tuesday, so hang tight, it will be a terrific post...tune in next week to see just what this fabulous deck is!

Recipe Of The Week

Pumpkin Roll Out Cookies

Ingredients:
3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup canned or fresh cooked pumpkin
1 egg yolk
1 tsp pure vanilla
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
pinch Salt


Preparation Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine with electric mixer the butter, brown sugar and orange zest.
3.Add the pumpkin, egg yolk, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add the flour and spices.
5. Mix with your hands to create a soft dough.
6. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Divide dough into two pieces.
8. Roll out each piece to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface.
9. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
10. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
11. Decorate with favorite frosting and candies.

Serenity Sunday

May you listen to your longing to be free.

May the frames of your belonging be large enough for the dreams of your soul.

May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart

...something good is going to happen to you.

May you find harmony between your soul and your life.

May the mansion of your soul never become a haunted place.

May you know the eternal longing that lies at the heart of time.

May there be kindness in your gaze when you look within.

May you never place walls between the light and yourself.

May you be set free from the prisons of guilt, fear, disappointment and despair.

May you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you,

mind you, and embrace you in belonging.

- John O'Donahoe

My List:


1.) My kids


2.) Calliope and Niko


3.) Great friends


4.) Kind words


5.) Carving pumpkins


6.) Hot spiced cider


7.) Hezicos Tarot


8.) Scary ghost stories


9.) Halloween decorations


10.) Quiet time

Silly Picture Of The Week

Synchronized Napping

Prosperity Spell

Prosperity Spell

This spell is best worked on a Sunday or a Thursday during the waxing moon.


Tools:
Cauldron with burning charcoal inside
Basil, Chamomile and Sage (all are herbs associated with prosperity)
Cup of water
Dish of salt or earth
Athame or wand


~ Cast the circle however you choose.
~ Invite the Lord and Lady to your circle in whatever manner is most comfortable to you.
~ Cast the herbs onto the burning charcoal while visualizing your goal -whether it be bills that you need to pay or whatever reason you are seeking financial help.
~ Sprinkle a few drops of water and salt or earth upon the charcoal.
~ As you move your athame or wand over the cauldron clockwise, to blend the energies, say:


"By the powers of air, fire, water and earth,
I release this spell.
I ask for Divine guidance as I seek help this day.
With harm to none,
this spell be done."


~ Spend a few moments in meditation, visualizing the smoke from the cauldron carrying the energies out of the circle and into the universe.
~ Thank the Lord and Lady for the assistance in your magickal working.
~ Release the circle.
~ Ground and center yourself.

Blackford Cottage Tarot Bags

I come across some interesting sites in my interweb travels and recently I've come across a great site for tarot bags called Blackford Cottage tarot bags. I love my tarot decks and these bags are absolutely, hands down, the best bags I've come across! Leslie Kallunki lives in NW Oregon overlooking the very gorgeous Columbia River with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She's been making these fantastic bags for seven years now on Ebay and another two on Etsy. 

The bags themselves come in two sizes, regular that fits most tarot decks and a larger size to fit bigger sized decks as well as rosary bags that you can perfectly fit a pendulum in which is what I use mine for. I also ordered three of her tarot bags because unlike most bags you find on the internet, these are padded and provide a little bit of extra protection for extra special decks.

The patterns are simply lovely and you can even special order certain fabrics for your bags based on which deck it will be guarding. The pricing is absolutely fantastic with the most expensive bags no more than $10.75 which is great for any budget and you will even find discounted bags for as little as $5.00 each! I can't say enough how great these bags are and how fantastically they protect my favorite decks, I hope that you will all stop by Blackford Cottage and peruse her selection of wonderful Tarot bags and maybe even custom order one for your prized deck.

You can also find Blackford Cottage on FaceBook too, please go check them out, I guarantee you will like what you see...just tell her Lizzie sent you!

Deck Review- Decks For Youth

There's a great deck for youths and beginners today, it's called the Tell Me Tarot. The Tell Me Tarot, the creation of Arik Eyal and Nir Cassuto and even says on the box, all you need to do is “Ask a question; Choose a card; Receive an answer!”

This deck is made up of 78, nicely laminated, Rider Waite style cards approximately 2.75" x 4.75" but does not come with the traditional LWB (little White Book) because the meanings are printed on every card however there are four cards that briefly explain a few spreads and different ways to use the cards.  Each card also has keywords and a  + or  - symbol that lets you know if the answer is a positive on or a negative one and if there is no symbol, the answer may vary.

Some examples of these cards are:

The Tower = Positive Changes (+): Unexpected breakup or destruction is required to release you from old chains and promote your growth.

Ten of Pentacles = Success (+): Happiness, wealth and joy are inherent and long lasting. Good family life. Success in reference to your question.
Nine of Wands = Standby (-) You have many past achievements. Now you feel confused and stuck. Proceeding with allow more success.
Eight of Swords = Chains (-) You are restricted by your own realistic, negative thoughts. Positive thinking will release you.

The first card I always look for in a deck is the moon and in this deck the keyword is "Vagueness" with a little - sign and the meaning of "You have difficulty seeing reality as it is. Re-examine the situation, as your inner fears aren't realistic. The picture shows a crescent moon overhead with grass parted down the middle and the traditional crayfish by water, the picture itself is simplified a bit for the beginner but evokes the feel of the card along with it's keyword and definition. Sadly my scanner was not cooperating today so I could only scan a few cards, I apologize!

 This is a great deck for youth or someone just beginning to read the Tarot and would make an excellent gift for any occasion. The Tell Me Tarot is simple and straight forward an an excellent introduction into this wonderful art.

US Games Systems
ISBN: 978-1-57281-631-2
Author: Arik Eyal
Artist: Nir Cassuto

Recipe Of The Week

Three Bean Salad is a salad from your pantry and fridge: Canned and frozen beans are the secret behind this attractive mix that includes crunchy celery and earthy cumin.


Ingredients


~ 1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame (8 ounces)
~ 1/4 cup olive oil
~ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
~ 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
~ 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
~ 1/2 cup chopped red onion
~ 2 cups thinly sliced celery
~ 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
~ 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
~ 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
~ 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
~ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Cook edamame in a 1 1/2 - to 2-quart saucepan of boiling salted water, uncovered, 4 minutes. Drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Heat oil in a small heavy skillet over moderately low heat until hot but not smoking, then cook cumin, stirring, until fragrant and a shade darker, about 30 seconds. Pour into a large heatproof bowl. Add edamame and remaining ingredients to cumin oil and toss to coat. Let stand 10 minutes for flavors to blend.

Serenity Sunday

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

My List:


1.) My kids


2.) Terrific friends


3.) My pets


4.) Chilly nights


5.) Cool sunny days


6.) Colored leaves


7.) Packages in the mail


8.) Crystals


9.) Blackford Cottage tarot bags


10.) Croaking frogs

Silly Picture Of The Week

Calliope takes over my basket of rose petals for a bed

House Cleansing Spell

Take a large bowl of sea salt and sprinkle a pinch or two over the exterior doorways and windowsills of your home. Make certain you get each and every one.Choose the room that has the strongest negative feel to it. Light a white candle. In a large fire proof bowl combine the following:


~ 1 tablespoon powdered garlic
~ 1 tablespoon peppermint
~ 1 tablespoon ground clove
~ 1 tablespoon dried/powdered thistle 
~ handful or two of sweet grass, sage or dried oak leaves


Carefully light the mixture so that it smolders, giving off an aromatic smoke. Leaving the candle lit, carry the bowl in to each room and repeat the following:


"In the name of the Eternal Lady and Lord I bid thee part.
I consecrate and clear this space.
Let nothing but joy linger here."


When you have done each room, return to the first, set the bowl beside the candle and wait for the remaining mixture to burn out. Take the ash outside and sprinkle it over the grass/flowerbed/etc, thereby returning it to the Mother.

Seven Of Swords

The Seven of Swords usually refers to deception and betrayal. We can see the thief seems to be sneaking off with some swords but the soldiers in the distance may be well aware of his actions. He may be caught simply because he was not careful enough. As we all know, it's often very difficult to "get away with something." When we do something in secret and think we are safe and undiscovered, something goes awry and our secret is revealed to our embarrassment.


This card urges caution when attempting to use cunning to gain an advantage, because it could very well backfire upon us. The Seven of Swords also may refer to the need to act shrewdly and the long run, deception does not produce the reward we desired and may in fact cause much damage to our relationships and reputation


In a reading, this tarot card is an indication that caution and wisdom are necessary in the face of a temptation to achieve gain by dubious means. Sometimes the Seven of Swords means that you are running from something - commitment, responsibility, hard work, love. You may be letting problems slip because you don't want to deal with them but we have to face what has to be faced and the Seven of Swords lets you know when you might be making things worse by running away.