Welcome to The Sunday Stew and a revamped blog :) After this past week of online crazy, I've done some review and have decided to update my blog and take things in a different direction (more on that on Monday). I'll still be featuring The Stew each week, not to worry :)
Loren Morris is on a blogging break for a bit, Alan is off this week, but we still have some wonderful treats for your mental and spiritual enjoyment.
Today is Grandparents Day in the United States. As a gushing grandmother, I wish all of my fellow grandparents a wonderful day! Speaking of the United States, there is a critical vote coming up in Congress this week regarding Syria. Every citizen should take the time to get to know all sides of the issue at hand, the international laws surrounding it, and then contact his/her congressperson to voice an opinion.
The evening of the 13th begins Yom Kippur. I wish all of my Jewish friends an easy fast.
And now, it's on to The Stew...
Happy Birthday this week to Hex Parker, Marie Benesch, Andrea Riggs, Donald F. Millward, Josh Sweitzer, Lisa Souder Prescott, Roxyanne Young, Amber Caudell, Heather Sargent Baker, Star Moonwind, Paul Shortis, Sean Michael Ciaran, and Susan Severyn! May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, peace, good health and the very best of life in abundance!
Clik here to view.
The Sound of Silence
"Hello darkness, my old friend..." - I'm probably not the only one who loves that evocative first line or the soothing melody of this song. In my mind I picture the singer stepping back into the dark where it is silent to make sense of it all. Once the noise and distraction shut down, then it's easier to get clear. This is what most of us learn with regular meditative practice. But the song goes on to describe noises, distractions where "people talk without speaking"; Words are spoken not to add more clarity but create more din. The peace and quiet of the dark are much more preferable to cacophony. And there may be wisdom to find while there.
Keep Dancing,
Clik here to view.
Witch Doctor's Animal Sacrifices Pollute Water Supply
Spell Binding: A Witch's Power to Wow 351 Years After Death
Sri Lankan Witch Doctor Dies in Failed Exorcism
Pagans hosting workshops; meet and greet event in Caribou
Russia: Pagan punished for felling cross
Epidemic of babies thrown into trash cans a revival of pagan custom of ‘exposure’: Catholic deacon
Driven to Paganism?
Clik here to view.Good September Morning, everyone! Are you ready for another week's worth of Pagan Lore? Then let's take a look at the upcoming week in history and lore........
Sunday, September 8
On this date in the year 1875, the Theosophical Society (an organization dedicated to spreading occult lore and ancient wisdom) was founded by Madame Helena Petrova Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, William Judge, and other occultists. Blavatsky was the author of many books, including "The Secret Doctrine" and "Isis Unveiled". She passed away in 1891.
Monday, September 9
In China, chrysanthemum wine is traditionally drunk on this day each year to ensure long life and to honor Tao Yuan-Ming, a Chinese poet who was deified as the god of the chrysanthemum.
Tuesday, September 10
The Ceremony of the Deermen is held every year at dawn on the first Monday after Wakes Sunday (which normally falls on or near this date). As part of the ceremony, held at Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, England, the Deerman, wearing antlers and carrying clubs surmounted with deers' heads, escort two young men dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian across the village. On this date in the year 1930, Carl Llewellyn Weschcke (former Wiccan high priest and owner of Llewellyn Publications) was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1972 he was initiated by Lady Sheba into the American Celtic tradition of Witchcraft, and in 1973 he helped to organize the Council of American Witches.
Wednesday, September 11
In Egypt, a centuries old festival called the Day of Queens is celebrated annually on this date in honor of Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra, who were also regarded as Goddesses.
Thursday, September 12
On this date in the year 1902, actress Margaret Hamilton was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is best known for her memorable role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. She died on May 16, 1985, in Salisbury, Connecticut.
Friday, September 13
Egyptian All Souls' Day. Every year on this date, the ancient Egyptians celebrated a religious festival known as The Ceremony of Lighting the Fire. Sacred fires were lit in temples in honor of the spirits of the dead and the Goddess Nephthys, protectress of the dead and Queen of the Underworld.
Saturday, September 14
In ancient Rome, the Feast of the Holy Cross was celebrated on this date in commemoration of a supernatural vision of a cross in the sky, as well as a battle victory of Roman Emperor Constantine I. On this date in the year 1692, the Witch trial of two Pilgrim women opened in Stamford, Connecticut. One was found not guilty; the other was convicted and sentenced to die, but was later reprieved by an investigating committee. On this date in the year 1486, ceremonial magician Agrippa von Nettesheim was born in Cologne, France. He was skilled in the arts of divination, numerology, and astrology, and wrote several books that had a great influence over Western occultism. He died in Grenoble, France in the year 1535.
While this isn't Pagan lore, today is Grandparent's Day, so I'd like to wish all of you who have grandchildren a very lovely day! See you all next week with another edition of Pagan Lore,
Karen
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As the months of this year tick away, I’m looking at the calendar. Just a month or so ago I thought this year would never end. Now I’m here 2 weeks before Pagan Pride Day and then October. It is truly amazing how time has flown by.
We've had a few milestones this year. My Grandmother passed away. The kid turns 26 this year. Hubby and I will celebrate our 11 year anniversary. I’ve gained friends and lost friends. I’m very excited to say that I’ll be vending at Pagan Pride Days in Raleigh on the 21st of this month.
I've learned a great deal this year. Some of it sad, some of it hard lessons that I really needed to learn.
Currently my sparkle is very low. I’m struggling with a lot of issues and doing my best to stay positive.
I thought about taking this week off. Not submitting anything for the Stew because I didn't have anything happy to talk about. Then I realized that part of who am I am, is not only the shiny happy sparkly part but this part as well. The dark, moody, angry part. The part that takes over and becomes assertive when I feel as though I’m not being heard. It’s the part that takes over and stands guard over my feelings when they've been trampled upon.
This part is not a protector. It does not want to fight the fight. It wants to crawl in the bed and not speak to anyone. It wants to hide away from everyone. It wants to delete everything and never show up again. It isn't easy living in this head, and fighting these demons. Lucky for me, these periods go by quickly. Unlike many people living with bipolar or other major depressive disorders, mine last at the most a few days. The longest a week.
The battles I've fought over the last few weeks and seeing “friends” behave in such an unsavory way has a huge emotional toll on me. With my disorder and with my Sun in Pisces, I absorb the emotions of those around me no matter what they are.
Astrolabe had this to say about this:
“Sun is in07 DegreesPisces
Extremely sensitive and emotional, you absorb the emotions of others (whether positive or negative) like a sponge. Emotionally vulnerable, you are easily upset and tend to cry readily. You are at your best when you can structure your environment in such a way that you are surrounded by positive, upbeat people. You are very helpful and understanding of the needs of others. Indeed, at times this can be a disadvantage, because you can be a sucker for anyone who needs help. Shy, dreamy, romantic in nature, you delight in retreating into your private fantasy world. Just be careful that you do not get lost in it! Trust your intuitions -- you may be quite psychic.”
I do cry easily and I do feel what others feel around me. I sometimes am more angry at friends who betray each other than the actual person being betrayed. It’s very strange to me. I hear all the time, it’s not your fight. This doesn't concern you. You are not the one being attacked, when at my very core, I feel a deep stabbing pain. Sometimes it’s unbearable.
I have to keep saying to myself:
This is a feeling. Feelings are not forever.
Feelings come and feelings go.
Today I feel “insert feeling.”
“Insert feeling” is not forever.
“Insert feeling” comes and goes.
“Insert Feeling” does not define me.
I am not “insert feeling”.
That’s why I wrote this today, and is why I shared this on The Stew. Today I may not be happy, and maybe some of you out there are not happy. But these are feelings. Feelings do not last forever. It will get better. This is part of the process of growing; this is part of the sparkle and shine.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
Confessions of a Modern Witch
www.sosannascloset.com
Loren Morris is on a blogging break for a bit, Alan is off this week, but we still have some wonderful treats for your mental and spiritual enjoyment.
Today is Grandparents Day in the United States. As a gushing grandmother, I wish all of my fellow grandparents a wonderful day! Speaking of the United States, there is a critical vote coming up in Congress this week regarding Syria. Every citizen should take the time to get to know all sides of the issue at hand, the international laws surrounding it, and then contact his/her congressperson to voice an opinion.
The evening of the 13th begins Yom Kippur. I wish all of my Jewish friends an easy fast.
And now, it's on to The Stew...
Happy Birthday this week to Hex Parker, Marie Benesch, Andrea Riggs, Donald F. Millward, Josh Sweitzer, Lisa Souder Prescott, Roxyanne Young, Amber Caudell, Heather Sargent Baker, Star Moonwind, Paul Shortis, Sean Michael Ciaran, and Susan Severyn! May this be your best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you joy, peace, good health and the very best of life in abundance!
Kestril's Song of the Week
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The Sound of Silence"Hello darkness, my old friend..." - I'm probably not the only one who loves that evocative first line or the soothing melody of this song. In my mind I picture the singer stepping back into the dark where it is silent to make sense of it all. Once the noise and distraction shut down, then it's easier to get clear. This is what most of us learn with regular meditative practice. But the song goes on to describe noises, distractions where "people talk without speaking"; Words are spoken not to add more clarity but create more din. The peace and quiet of the dark are much more preferable to cacophony. And there may be wisdom to find while there.
Keep Dancing,
Kestril
In the News
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Witch Doctor's Animal Sacrifices Pollute Water Supply
Spell Binding: A Witch's Power to Wow 351 Years After Death
Sri Lankan Witch Doctor Dies in Failed Exorcism
Pagans hosting workshops; meet and greet event in Caribou
Russia: Pagan punished for felling cross
Epidemic of babies thrown into trash cans a revival of pagan custom of ‘exposure’: Catholic deacon
Driven to Paganism?
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Good September Morning, everyone! Are you ready for another week's worth of Pagan Lore? Then let's take a look at the upcoming week in history and lore........Sunday, September 8
On this date in the year 1875, the Theosophical Society (an organization dedicated to spreading occult lore and ancient wisdom) was founded by Madame Helena Petrova Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, William Judge, and other occultists. Blavatsky was the author of many books, including "The Secret Doctrine" and "Isis Unveiled". She passed away in 1891.
Monday, September 9
In China, chrysanthemum wine is traditionally drunk on this day each year to ensure long life and to honor Tao Yuan-Ming, a Chinese poet who was deified as the god of the chrysanthemum.
Tuesday, September 10
The Ceremony of the Deermen is held every year at dawn on the first Monday after Wakes Sunday (which normally falls on or near this date). As part of the ceremony, held at Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, England, the Deerman, wearing antlers and carrying clubs surmounted with deers' heads, escort two young men dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian across the village. On this date in the year 1930, Carl Llewellyn Weschcke (former Wiccan high priest and owner of Llewellyn Publications) was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1972 he was initiated by Lady Sheba into the American Celtic tradition of Witchcraft, and in 1973 he helped to organize the Council of American Witches.
Wednesday, September 11
In Egypt, a centuries old festival called the Day of Queens is celebrated annually on this date in honor of Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra, who were also regarded as Goddesses.
Thursday, September 12
On this date in the year 1902, actress Margaret Hamilton was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is best known for her memorable role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. She died on May 16, 1985, in Salisbury, Connecticut.
Friday, September 13
Egyptian All Souls' Day. Every year on this date, the ancient Egyptians celebrated a religious festival known as The Ceremony of Lighting the Fire. Sacred fires were lit in temples in honor of the spirits of the dead and the Goddess Nephthys, protectress of the dead and Queen of the Underworld.
Saturday, September 14
In ancient Rome, the Feast of the Holy Cross was celebrated on this date in commemoration of a supernatural vision of a cross in the sky, as well as a battle victory of Roman Emperor Constantine I. On this date in the year 1692, the Witch trial of two Pilgrim women opened in Stamford, Connecticut. One was found not guilty; the other was convicted and sentenced to die, but was later reprieved by an investigating committee. On this date in the year 1486, ceremonial magician Agrippa von Nettesheim was born in Cologne, France. He was skilled in the arts of divination, numerology, and astrology, and wrote several books that had a great influence over Western occultism. He died in Grenoble, France in the year 1535.
While this isn't Pagan lore, today is Grandparent's Day, so I'd like to wish all of you who have grandchildren a very lovely day! See you all next week with another edition of Pagan Lore,
Karen
Sparkle and Shine with Sosanna
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
As the months of this year tick away, I’m looking at the calendar. Just a month or so ago I thought this year would never end. Now I’m here 2 weeks before Pagan Pride Day and then October. It is truly amazing how time has flown by. We've had a few milestones this year. My Grandmother passed away. The kid turns 26 this year. Hubby and I will celebrate our 11 year anniversary. I’ve gained friends and lost friends. I’m very excited to say that I’ll be vending at Pagan Pride Days in Raleigh on the 21st of this month.
I've learned a great deal this year. Some of it sad, some of it hard lessons that I really needed to learn.
Currently my sparkle is very low. I’m struggling with a lot of issues and doing my best to stay positive.
I thought about taking this week off. Not submitting anything for the Stew because I didn't have anything happy to talk about. Then I realized that part of who am I am, is not only the shiny happy sparkly part but this part as well. The dark, moody, angry part. The part that takes over and becomes assertive when I feel as though I’m not being heard. It’s the part that takes over and stands guard over my feelings when they've been trampled upon.
This part is not a protector. It does not want to fight the fight. It wants to crawl in the bed and not speak to anyone. It wants to hide away from everyone. It wants to delete everything and never show up again. It isn't easy living in this head, and fighting these demons. Lucky for me, these periods go by quickly. Unlike many people living with bipolar or other major depressive disorders, mine last at the most a few days. The longest a week.
The battles I've fought over the last few weeks and seeing “friends” behave in such an unsavory way has a huge emotional toll on me. With my disorder and with my Sun in Pisces, I absorb the emotions of those around me no matter what they are.
Astrolabe had this to say about this:
“Sun is in07 DegreesPisces
Extremely sensitive and emotional, you absorb the emotions of others (whether positive or negative) like a sponge. Emotionally vulnerable, you are easily upset and tend to cry readily. You are at your best when you can structure your environment in such a way that you are surrounded by positive, upbeat people. You are very helpful and understanding of the needs of others. Indeed, at times this can be a disadvantage, because you can be a sucker for anyone who needs help. Shy, dreamy, romantic in nature, you delight in retreating into your private fantasy world. Just be careful that you do not get lost in it! Trust your intuitions -- you may be quite psychic.”
I do cry easily and I do feel what others feel around me. I sometimes am more angry at friends who betray each other than the actual person being betrayed. It’s very strange to me. I hear all the time, it’s not your fight. This doesn't concern you. You are not the one being attacked, when at my very core, I feel a deep stabbing pain. Sometimes it’s unbearable.
I have to keep saying to myself:
This is a feeling. Feelings are not forever.
Feelings come and feelings go.
Today I feel “insert feeling.”
“Insert feeling” is not forever.
“Insert feeling” comes and goes.
“Insert Feeling” does not define me.
I am not “insert feeling”.
That’s why I wrote this today, and is why I shared this on The Stew. Today I may not be happy, and maybe some of you out there are not happy. But these are feelings. Feelings do not last forever. It will get better. This is part of the process of growing; this is part of the sparkle and shine.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
Confessions of a Modern Witch
www.sosannascloset.com
Sunshine's Meanderings with Kathleen Lane
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Moon Sign Craziness
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Moon Sign CrazinessIt must be nice and calming to have a Sun sign and Moon sign who get along with each other better than Virgo and Aquarius. My sun is in Virgo and that is fine. It is a nice Earth sign and works well with my left-brained side. It is the side of me that makes lists and then makes lists of my lists. The side that always knows where everything is, never misplaces things and can get dressed in the dark because my clothes are arranged by type, color, etc. It drives my son crazy since I get very twitchy about clutter and have my herbs and spices arranged by category and alphabetized. And I hate it if someone puts once of them in the wrong spot.
On the other hand, Aquarius is not only my rising sign but my moon is stuck squarely there. Don't get me wrong. A large part of my family are born in that sign but I am stuck with both of them. Life would probably have been easier if my moon were in a water sign rather than air, but you don't get to pick and choose.
Years ago I read somewhere that your sun sign is how the world sees you and your moon sign is how you see yourself. The Aquarian side of me is the one that paints, plays instruments and has midnight epiphanies. It is the side that marches, pickets and sees the colors in everything. It is the side that comes up with crazy ideas but is not the follow through side. The Virgo has to pick up the slack when the Aquarian goes on to some other idea or theory or project. It is the right-brained part of me that can't stand certain colors and closes her eyes and points to a map and then pulls up stakes and moves to where the finger pointed.
My Virgo side analyzes everything to death and always balances the checkbook to the penny and arranges my socks by length and then by color. My sister is also a Virgo and she and I are a great deal alike. Both systematic, organized and gardeners and I can go into her kitchen and find anything. But there the similarity stops. Her moon is in Cancer and she gets her feelings hurt easily and "wears her emotions on the end of her nose". I tend to not let anyone get real close emotionally and rarely get my feelings hurt.
Oh well, you have no choice but to play the hand you are dealt and my husband thinks it is funny how different the two sides of my personality are. He has learned to deal with whichever is on top at any given time and just laughs when Aquarius wants to take a spontaneous road trip with no warning or Virgo wants to clean the attic.
Uncharted Seas with Cap'n Dave
We live on a planet with millions of other people. Our resources are stretched thin, corporate conglomerates control who gets what, everyone is at war with everyone else in the Middle East, Christian religious extremists are demanding that science takes a back seat to twisted and warped beliefs that have nothing to do with what Christ taught, and all of this negativity gets piped into our brains at the speed of light thanks to the Internet.
What’s more, it gets posted and re-posted, liked and shared so that more and more people can then begin arguing about it and increasing the negativity!
Our world is besot with anger, hatred, prejudice, homophobia, fear, terror, paranoia, and superstition.
Let’s reflect, shall we?
Here’s us…on a ball of rock, hurtling through space in a solar system that is dwarfed by our own sun, which in turn is dwarfed by others, and still others, and still others, which are all dwarfed by our galaxy, and it in turn by still others, and it by the whole of the universe…does it really matter one whit whether gays and lesbians get married? Will it destroy us all if everyone receives a living wage? Or has a roof over their heads? Or a country to call home? Or the advances of science which brought us things like the Internet and iPhones that these extremists use to spread their anti-science message?
Can’t we all just stop for a moment, breathe, shake it off, and calm the hell down?
We are so wrapped up in this that we are neglecting what’s truly important:
Life.
Toward that end, here is a picture of my cat, Zoey. Why? Why not?
Did you smile? Then my work here is done.
Ashé.
Mid-Air Moxie with Adelina Soto Thomas
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Transforming the Negative-Elementally
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Transforming the Negative-ElementallyLook at it…Call to it….Name it….and then…bury it deep into the Earth; release it to the Winds; purge it with Fire; Let the Water wash it all away….The negative feelings we hang onto…the grudges…the anxiety…all just burden us with such a cloud of smoke and ash that we feel our very souls cannot breath. We often get so caught up that we don’t consider how the buildup of negative energy can take a toll on us until we are already overwhelmed and depressed. It is challenging to ourselves to be more cognizant of the elements we want to be more closely connected to or aligned with.
We can incorporate invoking Elemental spirits into simple, daily acts that can transform negative energy, strengthen us and leave us refreshed and able to move forward unencumbered. Below are some of the simpler ways that I have taken to transforming and ridding myself of the negative emotions and energies that have affected me…
Bury the negative in the Earth: Think on the negative energies that are in your body. Close your eyes and feel where they are centered. Keep your feet on the ground and send the energy down out of your body and back into the Earth. Or write down who or what is bothering you and bury it under some soil in a yard, park, or even a flower pot…the key is to imagine the negative energies being transformed and growing into something beautiful. You can also take a small object (say, a key…) and hold it in your hands while meditating. Focus on releasing all the negative energy into that key. Then bury that key in the ground or in a dish of salt….
Release it to the Air: Write down what is bothering or stressing you out. And no…I don’t mean type it on a computer I mean WRITE it down. There is a specific energy that is channeled when writing…that energy is connected to the element of Air. So grab a pen and start keeping a journal! If you are able to go outdoors somewhere…Hold a handful of flour, spices, or even bits of paper. Focus all the negative energies into your hands….then throw it into the Air and let the winds blow them away from you. A fun way to release the negative is by blowing bubbles. One negative thought…one bubble. Keep going until you run out of bad stuff to release or liquid soap (hopefully the former!)…
Purge it with Fire: Another method of ridding oneself of negative energies is to write down what is wrong and then burning the paper in a candle or other fire. I have used a cauldron in the past to hold any bits of paper that I would burn. I caution you on this-while this is a very powerful way of transforming negative energy- it’s also an excellent way to burn your house down if you aren't careful. Make sure you have taken precautions before attempting this.
Let the Water wash it away: Many people do a ritual bath before doing any kind of Magickal working or before celebrating the Full Moon or special holiday. A ritual bath or shower is also one of the easiest and most effective ways of getting rid of negative energy. Just taking a hot shower and imagining the negative energy as dark, dirty gunk that is being washed down the drain is very empowering! Sometimes, the simple act of washing your hands or face is also enough to get rid of negative energy.
What other ways can you rid yourself of negative energy? Think on these other suggestions and how the Elements are at work when you engage in them: Go for a walk or run. Dance. Paint a picture. Cook a Meal. Meditate. Read.
What is most important is being more mindful as you practice. You can do this kind of Elemental work daily. If you are focusing your intention then even the simple act of making and having a cup of morning coffee can be an exercise in transforming negative energy by using all the Elements and leaving your mind, body and spirit free and clear as you start your day.
How? Ask Kallan…I’ll bet she knows…
Come visit Adelina over at Mid-Stride Moxie!
The Spice with La'Trice Lott
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The “brrr” months are finally here. I don’t know about anyone else but, this Witch is excited. It means the wonderful colors and cool weather are close at hand which means, I’ll soon be able to pull out my sweaters, hoodies, and BOOTS! My lovely boots, oh how I've missed you. . .but, I’m getting head of myself. We’re still getting temps in the 90s around these parts, and I’m still averse to doing any cooking that requires the use of my stove. So, this week’s culinary delight is a salad recipe I clipped from Better Homes and Gardens. It makes great use of all the locally grown corn in my area right now, as well as the cherry tomatoes, and basil I have growing in my kitchen garden. This salad works well with either chicken or steak. Its paleo-friendly and gluten free but, can also be used as the main course when pair with a nice crusty French bread
Clik here to view.
The “brrr” months are finally here. I don’t know about anyone else but, this Witch is excited. It means the wonderful colors and cool weather are close at hand which means, I’ll soon be able to pull out my sweaters, hoodies, and BOOTS! My lovely boots, oh how I've missed you. . .but, I’m getting head of myself. We’re still getting temps in the 90s around these parts, and I’m still averse to doing any cooking that requires the use of my stove. So, this week’s culinary delight is a salad recipe I clipped from Better Homes and Gardens. It makes great use of all the locally grown corn in my area right now, as well as the cherry tomatoes, and basil I have growing in my kitchen garden. This salad works well with either chicken or steak. Its paleo-friendly and gluten free but, can also be used as the main course when pair with a nice crusty French bread.
Fresh Corn Salad
Ingredients
· 1/2 cup cider vinegar
· 1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar
· 1 teaspoon kosher salt
· 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
· 4 ears fresh corn
· 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (soaked in ice water for 20 minutes and patted dry)*
· 1/2 cup peeled and seeded cucumber, finely diced
· 1/2 cup red or orange sweet pepper, diced
· 1/2 cup cherry or pear tomatoes, halved or quartered
· 3 tablespoons parsley, finely torn
· 1 tablespoon basil leaves or buds, pulled apart
· 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeno, seeds and veins removed, very finely diced* (optional)
· 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
· 1 - 2 cups small arugula leaves
*soaking the onion will take out the bite and leave it crisp and sweet.
Directions
1. In a glass bowl whisk together vinegar, sugar, the 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper until sugar
is dissolved. Let dressing stand while preparing salad.
2. Cut corn kernels from cobs. In a large bowl toss corn and remaining ingredients except sea salt and
arugula leaves.
3. To serve, transfer salad to large serving bowl. Season with the 1/2 tsp. sea salt. Add the dressing and
gently toss in arugula leaves. Serve immediately.
This Week in Astrology
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September 8: Moon Void of Course from 8:26pm -9:44pm then moves into Scorpio
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September 8: Moon Void of Course from 8:26pm -9:44pm then moves into ScorpioSeptember 9: Crescent Moon phase at 12:43am
Mercury moves into Libra at 3:07am
Good day for business after 3:07am
September 10: Moon goes void at 5:21am through the rest of the day.
September 11: Moon void ends at 2:35am and enters Sagittarius
Venus moves into Scorpio at 2:15am
September 12: First Quarter Moon- 1:08pm
Moon goes void at 1:08pm for the rest of the day.
September 13: Moon Void of Course until 5:55am then moves into Capricorn
Good day for business after 5:55am
September 14: Good day for business until 7:16pm. Moon will go Void for the rest of the evening.
Weekly Tarot: Six of Pentacles
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| Morgan Greer Tarot |
"(Success): A time of prosperity and profit. Success and generosity in material things. Power and influence turned to noble pursuits. Philanthropy, and the balancing of physical and spiritual life. May suggest gifts or aid to one in need". ~Facade
Key words and phrases: having, giving, receiving, generosity, learning, drawing boundaries
The six of pentacles can mean a time of getting to know what it means to have money, or being the recipient of wealth. It can also mean a time of delving deeply into what really matters to you- whether that's acquiring wealth, knowledge, power or love. Most of all, this is about who controls your life. Is it a parent using money as a means of control? A tyrant who dominates through bullying? A teacher who learns from her students? A friend who withholds support at a time of need? Or, is it that you aren't sure who is in control? It's time to reflect on these things, set your path to your own decision-making through wisdom, knowledge and a loving spirit; and then, take control of your situation, remembering that the only person you can truly control is yourself.
Weekly Totem: Woodchuck/Groundhog
I had a visitor in my front yard yesterday afternoon. He sneaked into the tall plants out front so he could check out the neighborhood happenings. He was very interested in the sound of my neighbor's lawnmower and began sitting up to check it out. He ran underneath my car (like a cat) and then snaked his way around until he could get a good view. The mower ended up sputtering a bit, then revving up again. That scared him enough to take off back to the safety of my front yard. We have a large wooded area behind this row of townhomes, so I was really surprised to see he'd wandered that far away from home. But, I've found that groundhogs are full of delightful surprises. I've also found that when a totem wants to get a message across, they will appear in the most unlikely places :)
Woodchucks (also known as ground hogs) can sometimes be mistaken for beavers. They are similar in appearance, but beavers are larger and have a big flat tail. They belong to the marmot family, and are one of the few animals in the world who truly hibernate in the winter. A groundhog can dig a hole up to 35 feet deep. They are smart, curious and extremely aggressive when threatened.
As a totem, their message is one of digging deep into our selves.. reviewing our emotions, goals and dreams to find the answers that are already within- if we just dig deeply enough.
Groundhog also teaches us about setting boundaries. Someone may have recently crossed yours, or vice versa. The best resolutions always come with respect, and from the heart.
Woodchuck/Groundhog is also good at helping those who are students to dig deeply and retain knowledge.
Key words and phrases:
Meditation
Introspection
Setting Boundaries
Learning
Dreams
Hibernation, and seasonal changes
The Shameless Plug
This week's Shameless Plug is for Sandi's Enchanted Garden. She has some of the most amazing hand-made products you are ever going to find on the net. Her candles are stunning. Here.. take a look:
She does so much more than just candles! Take a minute to peruse all of her items! She has the best prices I've seen for Pagan supplies, and to know they are hand-made with loving care means even more.
Click HERE for her Etsy Shop or you can also stop by her Facebook Page and see her wares, say hello and tell her Kallan sent you :)
These are her Sabbat Candles
This is one of her Elemental candles
Click HERE for her Etsy Shop or you can also stop by her Facebook Page and see her wares, say hello and tell her Kallan sent you :)
That's it for this week's Stew. Mull. Digest. Enjoy!
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