[Source:  This blog post was originally published at my blog Magickal Connections and is an excerpt from my book, "The Spiritual Feminist".]

Cerridwen
Her Story:
Cerridwen is the Welsh goddess who is most noted for her cauldron of transformation.  She brews potions for divine inspiration and wisdom; and from the depths of this cauldron, all womankind will benefit.  She also has the ability to disperse justice with a cold eye to mercy.  Cerridwen is the ultimate Queen of shape-shifting, transforming herself to meet the need, to confront a challenge, to survive a confrontation, able to render herself unrecognizable to an enemy.

One of the triple goddesses, Cerridwen is the Crone aspect, sharing the pedestal with her counterparts: Blodeuwedd (the Maiden) and Arianrhod (the Mother).  She is a goddess of the moon, ruling prophecy, as well as the powers of death and rebirth.
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A woman’s life is in a constant state of transformation.  From the moment we leave the womb we begin our journey through this mortal experience as someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone’s wife, someone’s mother.  But in the course of this journey, when does the time come to shed all these titles and to discover the inner woman, who we really are, without the burden of other people’s expectations?  And how are women able to transition within these roles without losing their sense of identity completely?

This is where the energy of Cerridwen comes into play.  We can learn
from this goddess the secrets of complete transition; temporary transition; and transitions that are necessary for our survival; transitions that give us an advantage over an adversary, advantages over our own self-doubt, as well as the tools and expertise to take on new roles with confidence and success.

Embracing the Goddess:
Invoke Cerridwen when you are challenged by life’s varied roles, when
you need special skills and talents to maneuver through an experience.  Invoke this goddess when the desire within you for transformation is so powerful it cannot be ignored.

Cerridwen’s Correspondences:
Herbs: gardenia, lily, lotus, moonwort, poppy
Animal: white sow
Color: blue, silver
Planet: Moon
Day: Monday
Element: Water
Feminine Face: Crone.
Symbol: the cauldron

Copia
Her Story:
Copia is a Roman goddess of abundance, wealth, and the harvest.  She’s often depicted carrying a Horn of Plenty, known as a “cornucopia”, filled with the bounty of the earth:  grains and fruit.  This goddess is celebrated with offerings of wine and food.  The “Goddess of Plenty”, she embraces abundance with enthusiasm.
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In theory, everyone living in this nice shiny modern world should be rolling in plenty– plenty of food and clothes, and baubles and bling, plenty of opportunities for good health care, a nice home, a good education; but that is not the case.  Our world is still steeped in the “haves” and the “have-nots”.  There are still serious issues that women of the world are facing, and it’s time for women of the world to unite and even things out a bit.

Below are a variety of charities to think about.  If you want to make a difference closer to home, consider starting a local charity in your neck of the woods…Women (and the Goddess) can make a difference:

1. Violence
V-Day:
93% of funding goes to programs
Active in 81 countries, V-Day works to end violence against women and girls. Its hallmark? The Vagina Monologues, put on by volunteers to raise funds for local antiviolence groups. In countries where shows aren’t possible, V-Day gives grants for programs– such as the V-Day Safe House in Kenya, which helps girls escape female genital mutilation. V-Day has raised over $30 million in eight years.
vday.org

2. Children
Save the Children:
90% of funding goes to programs
Ten million children under 5 die each year, including 4 million newborns. A critical goal of Save the Children?– saving the lives of these infants in 18 of the world’s poorest countries by providing infant vaccinations and health care for pregnant women. Sponsor a child for $28 a month, or earmark your dollars for initiatives, like educating girls or providing microloans for women. Celeb moms Debra Messing, Courteney Cox, and Maria Bello showed their support through an eBay auction to benefit this nonprofit organization.
savethechildren.org

3.  Women’s Fund
Women’s Funding Network:
85% of funding goes to programs
Looking to help women but not sure where to give? Consider WFN, a coalition of private and community foundations around the world. In the past 20 years, its 115 funds have given more than $200 million to a wide variety of women’s and girls’ organizations. How does it work? As with a mutual fund, you designate your money for the fund of your choice, then that fund distributes grants to smaller nonprofits. The best perk? WFN monitors each fund, so you don’t have to.
fundforward.org

4.  Workplace
National Partnership for Women and Families:
86% of funding goes to programs
Sexually harassed at work? Afraid you’ll lose your job because you’re pregnant? There are now laws to protect you, thanks in part to the National Partnership. This group has fought for every major policy advancement that has helped women and families in the past three decades. The group fights for national legislation but can help individuals find resources needed for their own battles.
nationalpartnership.org

Embracing the Goddess:
It was drummed into my head throughout Catholic parochial school the concept of poverty as a positive and spiritually uplifting state.  Quite frankly, I don’t find anything about poverty uplifting.  It represents a constant struggle for survival, a constant struggle to take care of your children, to keep a home, to live a life with dignity and joy.  Quite frankly, poverty sucks, and I don’t find one thing about it desirable or admirable in any way.

Neither would Copia.

Invoke this goddess and call upon her for the energy of abundance and fertility, wealth and hedonistic delight.  Honor the goddess spirit in you that claims your right to all the good things in life.

Copia’s Correspondences:
Herbs: oleander, patchouli, wheat, oats
Animal: hamster, packrat, squirrel
Color: green, brown
Planet: earth
Day: all seven
Element: Earth
Feminine Face: Mother
Symbol: cornucopia (Horn of Plenty)

Cybele
Her Story:
Cybele is a Roman goddess, “Mother to the Gods”, and the patron goddess of transsexuals and transgendered individuals, particularly males.  Her ancient followers were ritually castrated transsexuals.  She is the goddess of nature and fertility, presiding over caves and mountaintops.  Cybele protects city dwellers from invaders and war.

When her husband, Attis, was castrated and died of his wounds, it was Cybele who resurrected him.  She was celebrated with wild festivals of music and dancing, unabashed pagan enthusiasm, and orgies.
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The goddess Cybele brings to me one word:  tolerance.

If tolerance is to manifest in the world, it must be accompanied by education, understanding, empathy, and love.  A human being’s sexuality and spirituality are two things that cannot be cubby-holed.  Our western culture, modern as we like to think we are, is severely restrained and judgemental in both of these departments, particularly in certain areas of the United States, and absolutely in certain mid-Eastern countries.

It’s okay to be gay, it’s okay to be transgendered, transexual, or any other sexual orientation.  It’s okay to be Pagan, it’s okay to follow natural earth-based religions, or indigineous forms of spirituality, or to follow nothing at all.  It’s okay not to be Chrisitian (or Jewish, or Muslim).  It’s okay not to be straight.

It’s all okay…really, it is.

People are terrified and paniced by something that they don’t understand, or something that they mis-understand.  They are cirflumexed by anything that is different, or anything that they have been conditioned to view as wrong or evil.  It’s time to shine a light on the world and accept every individual as a unique and glorious being.

Embracing the Goddess:
As Cybele protected ancient cities from the onslaught of invasion and destruction from enemies, so she can be invoked today to protect our metropolitan areas from the threat of terrorists.  Invoke this goddess and take advantage of her power to shield us from terrorist attacks.

For those people living in the world as transsexuals or transgendered individuals, this is the goddess to call upon for protection and for the celebration of your unique individuality and the ability to live your life true to yourself, in peace and harmony with the rest of the world.

Cybele’s Correspondences:
Herbs: hemp, pansy, skullcap, lady’s slipper
Animal: chameleon
Color: black, rainbow
Planet: Saturn
Day: Saturday
Element: Earth
Feminine Face: Mother
Symbol: mountains, rainbows, the peace sign

Demeter
Her Story:
Demeter is the Greek goddess of the harvest, considered “Mother of the Harvest”.  This agricultural goddess, credited for bringing the knowledge of plowing and sowing to the world, heralds a return to the growing season as her myth implies:  She ventures into the underworld to rescue her daughter, Persephone, bringing springtime growth and fertility back to the land.

Demeter is especially sensitive to those who are experiencing suffering and grief, and she will assuage these afflictions when called upon to do so.  She is one of the triple goddesses, sharing the triad with Persephone (the Maiden) and Hecate (the Crone).
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As I’m writing this, it’s springtime, and ironically I’m getting ready to plant my annuals– herbs, and vegetables, and those stalwart staples like petunias and pansies and marigolds.  If you’re planning a garden, or if you’d like to add some magic to your garden in the form of herbs and greenery, here’s a list of three plants that I’m going to be purchasing in the coming week:

Lavender
Gender: masculine (or projective)
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Magickal Energies: love, sleep, romance, purification, destressing, communication, enhancment of creative energy

I most often use lavender in mojo bags and poppets aimed at romance; for mojo bags kept beneath pillows to enhance sleep; for candle spells to remove negative and stressful energies from an individual, from a set of circumstances, or from a particular space. Burn a yellow candle dressed in Witch’s Oil and rolled in crushed lavender before beginning a project connected with communication, such as a writing project or assignment, or a personal letter. Keep a bowl of lavender by the computer for this same magickal enhancement, because this is an area that is engulfed in the energy and act of communicating with others. Finally, at the end of the day, drop a sprig or two in your bathwater to destress, to find peace and comfort, to shed the energies of all those people with whom you’ve come in contact with all day long.

Rosemary
Gender: masculine (or projective)
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Magickal Energies: protection, cleansing, purification, exorcism, healing, beauty/youth

I use rosemary for cleansing a space of unwanted negative energy. You can add it to the water you’re going to use to scrub the floor; burn it, using the smoke to magickally smudge an area; hang dried bunches of the plant in the four corners of a room, over the threshold of doorways, or above the windows. I’ve made a tincture of rosemary to use as an astringent for my face:  I took a nice size bottle, filled it with spring water, added a pretty sprig of rosemary and let it sit and seep overnight, in the moonlight. The next day you can remove the sprig of rosemary, though I chose to leave mine in the bottle, and refrigerate. To apply it, just pour a little on a cotton-ball and use it to wipe down your face after you’ve washed your face as usual to remove makeup. Not only is the rosemary good for your complexion, you are tapping into the magickal energy of this herb to preserve the appearance of youth and beauty.

Embracing the Goddess:
In the throes of suffering, when your world is at its bleakest, remember that there is a divine presence who can help you weather this difficult period in your life.  Call upon this goddess to sustain you, to support you, to carry you when you’re too worn out by life to walk the path.

Demeter is the patron goddess of my garden, bringing her energy of fertility and agricultural growth and abundance to my sacred outdoor spaces.  Leave an offering of grain or fruit for the wild things, knowing that this goddess will be drawn to this offering and your space as well.

Demeter’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  grains/oats, barley, wheat
Animal:  burrowing animals that awaken with spring
Color:  green
Planet:  Earth (Gaia)
Day:  all seven
Element:  Earth
Feminine Face: Mother
Symbol:  cornucopia filled with fruits and grain

Eostre
Her Story:
Eostre, sometimes called Ostara, is a Saxon/Germanic goddess of Spring.  “Eostre” is an ancient word meaning “spring”.  This goddess celebrates the spring equinox, the beginning of this season, and a return of fertility to the world.  The Christians high-jacked Eostre’s festival to celebrate the resurrection of their Christ, along with her symbols of rejuvenation and fertility:  the hare and the egg.

It’s interesting to note that the date of the Christian holiday of Easter moves every year.  It always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.  There is no escaping our pagan roots.
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Just as Christ and Buddha and Mohammed, and all the other gurus of enlightment and spirituality, grasp the hand of their initiates and lead them onto the path of their philosophy, so too does the goddess Eostre.  She will lead you to the threshold of rejuvination, allowing perhaps one backward glance to see where you’ve come from so you will appreciate where you’re going to.  She will forge new cobbled roads of life, with plenty of sights to see and interesting places to stop.  She will cast a fertile shadow on your ambitions, allowing you to acheive more than you dreamed possible.

Eostre is galvanizing positive energy.  She is birth (spring) after you’ve experienced death (winter).  She is the epitome of what all human beings need to sustain themselves.

Eostre is hope.

Embracing the Goddess:
Just as spring returns to the earth out of the depths of winter, along with light and fertility, so too can we rise from the depths of despair and the dark places to enter the world of light and promise.  Call upon Eostre when you need assistance leaving darkness and adversity behind; she’ll gladly take you by the hand and lead you into the light.

Eostre’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  springtime flowers, flowers with yellow,
pink, and blue blossoms
Animal:  hare
Color:  yellow, pink, blue
Planet:  Earth
Day:  all seven
Element:  Earth
Feminine Face:  Maiden
Symbol:  decorated eggs

Tags: goddess, inspiration, womensissues, myths&legends,

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[Source:  This information was originally posted in my blog, Magickal Connections, and is an excerpt from my book "The Spiritual Feminist"]

Black Tara
Her Story:
Black Tara is a Tibetan goddess of power, worshipped in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.   She reigns over will power, and she has the uncanny ability to measure our actions to our motives, which is why you want to be very sure you have the purist of intentions when calling upon this goddess.  Black Tara administers tests for the soul, determining our evolvement and our spiritual enlightenment.  She rules over spirits, exorcisms, and healing of both the body and the mind.
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Will power: Black Tara, give me the strength and will power to make healthy choices, healthy choices for body, mind, and spirit.

Motives:  Black Tara, give me the wisdom and insight needed to see the truth in people, to find their shadow side, and to seek out the light.

Spiritual enlightenment:  Black Tara, lead me by the hand, down the path of the goddess, that I may embrace Feminine Divinity in all its beauty and glory.

Spirits:  Black Tara, introduce me to my spirit guide, that this Spirit may be with me from this point on, to lead me, to guide me, to warn me, to protect me.

Healing:  Black Tara, heal my body, that I might thrive and grow and enjoy the physcial world; heal my spirit, that I may connect with the Divine and follow my destiny; heal my mind, that I will see clearly, love clearly, and grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Embracing the Goddess:
Summon Black Tara when you are spiritually clearing and cleansing a space.  Call upon this goddess when healing is in order, when you feel the need to clearly view someone else’s intentions, when your will power needs strengthening, and when you desire spirit contact.

Black Tara’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  cloves, garlic, henbane, wolf’s bane
Animal:  raven
Color:  black
Planet:  Saturn
Day:  Saturday
Element:  all four
Feminine Face:  Mother
Symbol:  female Buddha

Blue Tara
Her Story:
This goddess is worshipped in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.  She is a goddess of liberation and is the ultimate goddess for women to call upon when they need help escaping a negative life situation.  Her energy is used to cleanse negativity and to restore positive aspects to your life.  Blue Tara is a protectress of women.
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I am
I am strong
I am wise
I am a goddess

I am
I am capable
I am intuitive
I am a priestess

I am
I am gentle
I am responsible
I am a mother

I am
I am loving
I am faithful
I am a wife

I am
I am __________
I am __________
I am a __________

I Am!

Embracing the Goddess:
Call upon the energy of Blue Tara when you are a mother, a wife, a daughter, a girlfriend, and you find your safety and well-being threatened by negative or abusive behavior.  Blue Tara will wash away the source of this negativity, leaving the path open for you to escape, to find your way home, to discover a new road and a new destiny.  This goddess will give you the courage and the strength to break the chains that bind.

Blue Tara’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  lemongrass, fennel, sage, anise,
eyebright, slippery elm
Color:  yellow, blue
Planet:  Mercury
Day:  Wednesday
Element:  Air
Feminine Face:  Mother
Symbol:  the full moon

Brighid
Her Story:
Brighid is the Irish goddess of the Sacred Flame; often referred to as the “White Goddess”, she is also another of the triple goddesses.  Brighid rules the realms of poetry, healing, smith-craft, inventions, and craftsmanship.  She is the “Keeper of the Holy Wells and Rivers”, where many go to seek healing; she’s also ruler of the “Sacred Flames of Creativity”.  Her festival is celebrated February 2, called Imbolc, a celebration of the return of spring and fertility to the land.
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For women across the board, for women coming out of the darkness, weathering the storm, to greet the sun, the blue sky, and a new age of fertility and personal growth, the magic and energy of Brighid will welcome  you with open arms.

How many women out there feel hopelessly caught up in the dark places their lives have become?  How many women out there have lost sight of the light, the meaning and purpose of their personal journey?  As Brighid returns the world to springtime and fertility, so this ancient Irish goddess will return you to the path you were meant to travel, the journey you were meant to make.  She will help you see the light, refocus, regain your personal sense of worth and well-being.

As Brighid bursts upon the world, dancing within the rays of golden sunshine, so shall you re-learn the dance of life.

Embracing the Goddess:
As Brighid heralds the return of the sun and a period of fertility to the earth, so can she imbue your life with renewed fertility, promise, and growth.  Invoke this goddess and embrace her energy when you need a burst of creative influence, when you need the touch of a magical muse upon your shoulder, when you need inspiration from the ancient winds of time, when you’re in need of healing, whether it be of mind, or body, or soul.

Brighid’s  Correspondences:
Herbs: basil, bay, celandine, benzoic
Animal: lambs, ewes
Color: blue, yellow, white
Planet: Sun
Day: Sunday
Element: Fire
Feminine Face: Maiden
Symbol: Sun, Brighid’s Cross

Cailleach
Her Story:
Called “The Scottish Hag”, Cailleach is a blue faced crone so close to death that her face is often portrayed in a skeletal form.  She is also, ironically, considered the creatrix of nature– the wilderness, the landscape, and wild things in their most beautiful aspects.

This goddess is the personification of winter, and it’s this season which she dominates.  It’s said that Cailleach rams her staff into the ground, creating the three months of winter and the natural “death” of nature that is associated with it.  She rules the time from Winter Solstice to Imbolc, when the maiden Brighid will awaken the land to springtime, growth, and fertility.

The Cailleach is the harbinger of our fears and death.  Again, there is an irony to this goddess, in that she is also considered a great sorceress, a healer, and a mid-wife.  But when you think about it, it may not be so ironic after all.  Birth and death are the two biggest transitions that we face in life, and they are not so different.  They’re just two journeys headed in opposite directions.
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Through the centuries women have been told in our male dominated societies that they “can’t”.  They can’t do this, they’re not strong enough to do that.  Women have run the gauntlet of male imposed restrictions over the course of history, from not being allowed to own land, not being allowed to have a voice in politics, not being allowed to hold certain jobs, and not being allowed to reach their full potential in endless arenas of life.  A lot has changed, and there have been improvements, particularly in our western world, but this is not yet true for women on a global level.

The Cailleach runs shrieking through the mists of time, hammer and staff in hand, to scream the truth…You can!  You can!  You can!  Remember this, her lesson.  Take up your own hammer and staff, build your life, build your world, build your dreams, reach your goals and succeed.  Succeed with all the fervor of this old Scottish hag in all her glory.

Embracing the Goddess:
Women can and do accomplish tasks and reach goals that are overtly dominated by males in our society.  Embrace the Cailleach when you need the strength and stamina to break molds and forge new ground.

Cailleach‘s Corresdpondences:
Herbs: dandelion, eye bright, slippery elm, star anise
Animal: wolves, deer
Color: yellow
Planet: Mercury
Day: Wednesday
Element: Air
Feminine Face: Crone
Symbol: hammer, staff

Ceres
Her Story:
Ceres is the Roman goddess of agriculture and the mother of Prosperpina.  She influences the harvest (growth), motherhood, fertility, as well as maternal love and responsibility.

The ancients explained spring time with the story of Ceres and the tremendous maternal love she had for her daughter.  Cere’s daughter Prosperpina was kidnapped by Pluto, a god of the underworld, to be his bride.  Ceres was so outraged, and even more so after she learned that Prosperpina’s father Jupiter had given his approval, that she decided to roam the world of men disguised as an old hag, cursing the planting and harvests so that a famine ensued.  Jupiter realized the only way to stop Ceres was to appease her and bring their daughter back, but it was too late.  Prosperpina had been given food by Pluto while in the underworld, and anyone who eats in the underworld will no longer be able to leave it behind; but Prosperpina escapes for four months every year, and during this time the world flourishes with new growth, plants, grains, and harvest.

From springtime till harvest Ceres is reunited with her beloved daughter.
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I stand in the middle.  On one side is my mother, on the other side is my oldest daughter.  There are estrangements on both sides, the reasons petty and lost in time, hazy and forgotten, so long ago it was.

Why and how do family members cut each other off, particularly mothers and daughters?  What links are broken, what connections lost?  How do the bonds get cut; where do the feelings go; how does an individual suddenly, and without warning, simply stop acknowledging the existence of a family member?

As the goddess Ceres would not give up until her daughter was brought back to her, neither will I give up until my mother acknowledges me, establishes communication, and we find common ground on which to continue a relationship. Neither will I give up until my daughter and I are reunited, if not on the same page, at least within the same book.

Through the power and energy of this goddess, Ceres, through her example of tenacious love and devotion to her daughter, I cast the magick and light the candle for reconciliation.

The daughter deserves the attention and affection of her mother; the mother deserves the attention and affection of her daughter.

So mote it be.

Embracing the Goddess:
For mothers who need to reconnect with their daughters, for daughters who need to reconnect with their mothers, invoke Ceres for success in these ventures.  Invoke Ceres to amplify and radiate the undying love and devotion a mother has for her child, for her daughter.  Invoke Ceres for fertility– physical fertility, as well as fertility and growth in other aspects of your life.

Cere’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  barley, wheat, corn, buckwheat, rye
Color:  green, brown
Planet:  Gaia (Earth)
Day: all seven
Element:  Earth
Feminine Face:  Mother
Symbols:  scepter, basket of fruit and flowers, grains

Tags: goddesses, pantheons, womensissues, mythsandlegends, pagan, inspiration,

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[Source: my blog, Magickal Conections; the Goddess Connection posts are excerpts from my book, The Spiritual Feminist]

Athene
Her Story:
Athene is the Greek goddess of wisdom, considered the “Wise Warrior”, able to temper the fighting spirit with balance, a sense of purpose, and ethics.  She was not born from a mother’s womb, but it’s said instead that she was fully formed from the head of Zeus and came into being wearing battle armor.
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Why do so many of the goddesses encompass the spirit of a warrior?  Why?  Athena reminds us that not all battles are won with brawn, but by intelligence, patience, quiet fortitude, and perseverance.  However, do not underestimate her.

“We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way.”, says Athena.

And the best implication here:  We can do this.

Where does your strength come from?  What is it that runs through your veins that is reminicent of your ancestors?  Within each of us lay a personal lineage rich in history, culture, and tradition.  Who am I?  Who am I– really?  For many of us, these answers will come easy; but for others, it will require an effort to seek and search out, through mists of time perhaps, the answer to such a simple question…Who am I?

Sometimes knowing where you came from is just as important as knowing where you’re headed.

Embracing the Goddess:
Immersed as we are in feminine physical bodies, tied as we are to our fathers, their names, and their reputations; we can become as warriors when the inclination and the need arise.  Call on Athene when you wish to delve into your personal history, when you wish to study and search out your forebears.  Call upon Athene when it’s raw bold energy that’s needed, when delicacy is put on the back burner, and you need to kick some ass, whether figuratively or literally.

Athene’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  cloves, allspice, holly, wormwood, ginger
Animal:  owl
Color:  red, orange
Planet:  Mars
Day:  Tuesday
Element:  Fire
Feminine Face:  Maiden
Symbols:  olive tree

Aurora
Her Story:
Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn, and as the dawn brings us a fresh new day, so Aurora brings us light and renewal.  It’s said that Aurora holds the power to open the gates of heaven, thus allowing her brother, the Sun, to travel across the sky.  Her children are the four winds and the constellations, reaffirming Aurora’s connection to the heavens.  This goddess grants rejuvenation.  She also possesses the wonderful power to wash away our deeds and misfortunes, granting us a clean slate on which fresh beginnings can be made.
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I will honor Aurora by calling on her children, the four winds, knowing that her energy comes with them:

North Wind: bring with you a breath of fresh air in the form of common sense, a quiet will, the ability to stand steadfast in the face of calamity.  Connect me to the physcial realm, to the element of Earth, that I may experience it’s joy and appreciate its beauty.

East Wind: bring with you a breath of fresh air in the form of intelligence, curiosity, a willingness to learn new things, the chance for a new beginning, and the miracle of transformation.  Connect me to the mental realm, the element of Air, that my mind may grow and expand, that I continue to learn throughout my life, that I will be ripe with new ideas and amazing revelations.

South Wind: bring with you a breath of fresh air to banish those things in life that are halting my progress, to throw light on the darkeness of deception, to renew vitality and vigor.  Connect me to the element of Fire to fan the flames of passion in my life: passion for a cause, passion for my lover, passion for life.

West Wind: bring with you a breath of fresh air to heal body, mind, and spirit; to cleanse my soul and clear my space; to make fertile anything in my life that will benefit from fertility; to make heard that inner voice which guides me.  Connect me to the element of Water to bring me dreams: prophectic dreams, dreams to bring messages from the dead, dreams to enlighten me through my spirit guides.

Embracing the Goddess:
We all have regrets in life.  Aurora allows us to find relief from these regrets, setting the energy right, allowing us to move forward with our lives, to try again, to make amends, to move on.  Remember:  a new dawn means a new day, which means a second chance.

Aurora’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  fennel, lavender, marjoram, eye bright
Animal:  bird, butterfly
Color:  yellow, blue
Planet:  Mercury
Day:  Wednesday
Element:  Air
Symbol:  feathers, aurora borealis

Baba Yaga
Her Story:
Baba Yaga is a Russian goddess, an ancient witch and “Mistress of Magick”.  She dwells in the forests, so it’s said, and for those brave enough to tread through the woods, or those brave enough to invoke this hag goddess, she will answer one question that you put to her.

Baba Yaga highlights the shadow side of life, all of those dark places conventional society says we should avoid; yet in truth, all those places we must investigate and explore in order to learn our life lessons and to grow and mature as women.  This goddess controls time and the four elements.  She is the “Keeper of Wisdom”, and she controls the spirits.
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Imagine being able to ask the Divine one question and receive an answer.  What would your question be?  What is it you seek from the anwer?

Using the correspondences listed below, set up an altar to honor and to invoke Baba Yaga.  Write your question on a slip of paper and offer it to her, knowing that you will receive an answer.

Allow Baba Yaga to connect with the Crone in you…She’s there, you know, no matter what your age; she’s there, waiting in the shadows to dispense wisdom, to celebrate life’s lessons, to lead the way on this incredible journey called Life.

Embracing the Goddess:
Modern society avoids the Crone, often viewing her as ugly and frightening.  She is anything but.  The Crone aspect of the goddess is rich with wisdom that can only come from experience and maturity.  She is beautiful when depicted as the hag, every line and wrinkle a story.  She is a teacher and mentor to young women and women in the midst of motherhood and life.  The Crone is the shadow side of the goddess that we need to embrace.  She does not represent the end of our journey; she represents completion and accomplishment.

Baba Yaga’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  absinthe, mugwort, skullcap, sage
Animal:  raven
Color:  black
Planet:  Moon (the waning crescent)
Day:  all seven
Element:  Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Feminine Face:  Crone
Symbol:  mortar & pestle

Bast
Her Story:
Bast is the Egyptian cat goddess known as the “Mother of Cats”.  She’s often depicted as a graceful woman with the head of a cat.  She’s also known as the “Goddess of the Ointment Jar”, the creator of perfumes and oils, and it’s definitely her energy which will aide you in the preparation of such, including magical oils.

This is another Egyptian goddess credited with being a guardian of the household, a protectress of women and children.  Bast’s energies are also connected to the moon and sunrise; anointing (of course, the oils); health and prosperity; love, fertility, sensuality; and music.
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Cats: The Magical Creature Behind the Goddess

In the first place, they usually come to you, you don’t acquire them; and if you happen to, they may disappear quickly, quietly, and mysteriously; leaving hardly a trace that allows you to remember they were ever there.

They return like actions for like actions, like emotions for like emotions.  If you are cruel, they will return this action in kind, with the grasp of a jaw, or the swiping rake of a claw.  If you are gentle, so shall they be, calmly and matter-of-factly washing your hand or your cheek as they would one of their own kind, showing in their own way their acceptance of you– in spite of your human condition.  O’ joy, you are considered worthy!

Human outbursts are generally met with two reactions, either a quick departure which wreaks of not only fear but severe disapproval, or an intense stare of disdain, which wreaks of superiority and quiet wisdom.  They refuse to remain in the company of one who would wish them ill.  They refuse to remain in the company of one who offends their senses.  They are what they are, and they do as they do, and in the process they cross paths with the human race and our wearisome state of being.  They know, they figured us out long ago.

Embracing the Goddess:
My household is a household filled with cats and cat energies.  The essence of Bast is called upon here for a variety of magic: for protection, both for our cats and for the humans who inhabit this house, as well as during the preparation of magical oils.  There is a mystery to this animal that wreaks of old magic and ancient ways.  Embrace the wisdom you see in the eyes of a cat, knowing that this goddess is close by.

Bast’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  catnip, mint, allspice, dragon’s blood
Animal:  cat
Color:  red, orange
Planet:  Mars
Day:  Tuesday (cat magic)
Element:  Water, Fire
Feminine Face:  Maiden
Symbol:  sistrum

Baubo
Her Story:
Baubo is the Greek goddess of laughter and music.  She has the ability to release inhibitions, to unleash the bawdy side within us all, to sexually liberate the most stuffed of stuffed shirts.  Baubo is the spirit of laughter and merriment.  She offers us the wonderful liberation that is freedom from judgment.  In Demeter’s time of sorrow, when her daughter Persephone was abducted, Baubo attempted to lift Demeter’s sadness and depression with music, so the myth goes.
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Freedom from judgment:  some people have no idea how constrictive, how oppressive, how debilitating this can be, to be judged by other people, to be held up to someone else’s yardstick of success or propriety.

Invoke Baubo to break the chains that bind.  Invoke Baubo to rediscover your own worth, your own potential.  Invoke Baubo to discover your inner strength, your inner wisdom, your personal power and magic.

So many people throughout my life have told me who I am, what I must do, what I can’t do, what I have to complete, and what I will never be able to accomplish…and then I met the Goddess.

Embracing the Goddess:
When dark and gloomy surroundings, circumstances, or people are weighing you down, invoke Baubo to lighten the tone, to release pent up energies.  This is the goddess who will help you let down your hair and loosen up; but be careful with her energy.  Ask yourself just how loose you want to get.

Baubo’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  eyebright, star anise, slippery elm
Animal:  gooney birds
Color:  yellow
Planet:  Mercury
Day:  Wednesday
Element:  Air
Feminine Face:  Maiden
Symbol:  tambourine

Tags: newage, goddesses, pantheons, womensissues

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[Source:  origininally posted @ my blog ~ Magickal Connections]

Airmed
Her Story:
Airmed is an Irish goddess of healing, witchcraft, and magic.  This goddess is most noted for healing those who have fallen in battle.  Airmed could be called the patron goddess of the green witch and herbalist, for as the myth goes, when her jealous father murdered her brother Miach, Airmid wept over his grave, and from her tears sprouted the healing herbs now found upon the earth.  However, her father lashed out once more, throwing to the wind those healing herbs which Airmed had so carefully gathered in her cloak.  Thus, the healing herbs of the world were scattered to the four corners, and for this reason it’s said that no single individual will ever know all the secrets of these plants.
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A pinch of this, a pinch of that, a leaf of sage, a leaf of mint, a petal from the rose, and so it goes and goes and goes:  Green Witchcraft.  This is the ultimate practice in cottage (or “kitchen”) witchery.  It brings to mind the stereotypical image of the witch gathering herbs, a basket over one arm, a sharp knife (her bolline) in the other hand, murmuring to herself, leaving a blessing with each plant and the nature fairies connected to it in the form of a silver coin, sacred words, a gentle touch.  The green witch is going to use the herbs she’s so carefully collected to create oils and other magickal potions, bent over her steaming cauldron of brew, dried herbs hanging from the kitchen ceiling in an array of color and scent.

How many people feel the “magick” within flowers, herbs, wild flowers (aka weeds), but they don’t fully understand just what it is they feel or why?  Why are some individuals drawn to a favorite flower?  What’s your favorite flower?  Look up it’s magickal properties, and you may be very surprised at the connection.  There’s a bit of the green witch in us all, deep inside, buried with all the other dormant ancient knowledge and practices of our ancestors.  It’s time to open this door, to reconnect with nature.  It is magick waiting to happen in the form of infinite possibilities.

Embracing the Goddess:
During these times of modern conflict and battle, embrace the goddess Airmed by invoking her energy for protection and healing to those men and women serving in the armed forces.

Airmed’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  patchouli, mugwort, bittersweet
Animal:  Eagle (American Soldiers)
Note:  when invoking Airmed’s energy for healing warriors, call upon the animal energy, the totem, that is connected with your country.
Colors:  green, pink
Planet:  Earth (Gaia)
Day:  Sunday, Friday
Element:  Earth
Feminine Face:  Mother
Symbols:  the sword, battle gear, plants and greenery

Aphrodite
Her Story:
Aphrodite is the “Goddess of the Sea”, the Greek goddess of love and war, which at first sounds conflicted, yet there are similar elements to each.  This is the goddess of both marriage and illicit affairs, her energy geared to the passions found within both.  She is also recognized as the goddess of battles and wars, and in this too is an irony, as romantic relationships can often contain these elements as well as the more conventional and desired emotions.  Aphrodite is the epitome of physical beauty and pleasure.
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What is true beauty, and who’s yardstick are we measuring ourselves by?  Just how idealistic has our culture, our society, become?  Is our obsession with youth connected to our cultural view of what’s beautiful– and what’s not?  Why do we view elderly people, particularly women, as ugly?  Is this why the Fashion Lords feel compelled to label clothes “age appropriate”, so elderly women are kept covered, so we don’t view their wrinkled skin and aging bodies?  And why is it that other cultures don’t seem to reflect this repulsion for older women?

In African communities that are naturally sparsely dressed, you see all ages (men and women) with exposed bodies, and everyone appears to be accepted as is; in fact, no one seems to give it a second thought.  We are a vain, youth obsessed, perfection driven society.  The only way that this stigma can be broken is if women stand up and be heard, shed light on this issue, unite, and make some noise.

It’s time to reclaim the term “beauty”, to redefine it, to embrace womanhood– in all of its ages and stages– as beautiful, magickal, and miraculous.

Embracing the Goddess:
Invoke Aphrodite when you need more self-confidence in yourself, in your personal appearance; when you need assistance with romantic relationships or disputes.  Call upon this goddess for love spells, spells of beauty and youth; call upon this goddess when romantic energy is desired and the flames of passion need some fanning.  Expect her response to be swift and sometimes unexpected.

Aphrodite’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  apple, roses, catnip
Animal:  dove
Color:  red, pink, green
Planet:  Venus
Day: Friday
Element: Water
Feminine Face: Maiden
Symbol:  the mirror

Arianrhod
Her Story:
Arianrhod is a Welsh moon goddess.  She rules not only the moon, but the stars and sea as well.  She’s often referred to as “The Silver Wheel of the Sea”.  This is a goddess of prophecy and dreams, and it’s her energy which is desired for divination by seers and psychics.  Arianrhod is also the ruler of reincarnation, karma, and magical realms.  She radiates feminine authority and feminine power.  A “Time Keeper” of the universe, Arianrhod is one of the five goddesses of Avalon, the legendary island inhabited by priestesses who serve the Mother Goddess.
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The woman entered the grove with a sense of grace and quiet composure.  She walked slowly and carefully through the trees, silently, with only the occasional whisper of her breath or a barely audible footfall.  She walked through the grove until she saw that which she was seeking: a silver pool of light filtering through the trees, filling a small clearing ahead.  Lifting her arm, she gently brushed aside the branches of a young maple tree and stepped into the clearing, into the brilliant glow of the full moon.

The woman reached for the clasp at her neck, and the long robe she
was wearing dropped to her feet, leaving her to bathe within the silver light in naked splendor, her body energized by the moon’s ethereal glow.

Standing straight and tall, her feet slightly apart, the priestess raised her arms before the moon and began to invoke upon herself its energy, to draw down within herself the magic of the moon and the power of the Goddess.

Embracing the Goddess:
Call upon Arianrhod for second sight, to enhance your already natural female intuition.  Call upon Arianrhod when you need to see that which cannot be seen in any natural way.  This goddess will also lend her powerful and graceful energy to esbats, reveling in the magic of the Moon and the
priceless spirituality found within.

Arianrhod‘s Correspondences:
Herbs: apple, catnip, lilac, raspberry, strawberry
Animal: owl
Color: blue, silver
Planet: Moon
Day: Monday
Element: Water
Feminine Face: Mother
Symbol: Moon

Artemis
Her Story:
Artemis is known as “The Virgin Huntress”, a Greek goddess of the hunt.  She personifies independence, strength, and the warrior within each of us.  She protects young girls until the age of marriage, defends those who are weak, and is said to be a protectress to those women enduring childbirth.  Her energy is pure of intention, yet incredibly strong, not for the feint of heart.
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Women can be weak because we’re told we are.  Don’t believe everything everyone tells you.  Deep inside every woman is a rich well of strength that might lay dormant until life’s circumstances trigger this dragon, until there is a need, an urgency, for the warrior within her to rise to the surface.  It will happen in the spark of a moment; it will be like putting a flame to a stick of dynamite; it will be explosive, miraculous, amazing, and significant to everyone connected to this woman and to this woman herself.

Know that there is a warrior within you.  Know that you are so much stronger than anyone tells you; stronger even than you think.  Know that nothing and no one can dominate you, that you are in control of your destiny.  Know that you are a supreme being, complete within yourself, independent, trail-blazing, competent, and awe-inspiring.  Live your life in a manner that honors the warrior goddess within.

Embracing the Goddess:
Call upon Artemis for courage, strength, and protection, especially protection of maidens…for yourself, your daughters, your nieces, your granddaughters.  As she exudes the essence of independence and individualism, so she will teach you to embrace these attributes within yourself.

Artemis’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  wood sorrel, barley, patchouli, primrose
Animal:  deer, bear
Color:   green, brown
Planet:  Earth
Day: all seven
Element:  Earth
Feminine Face: Maiden
Symbol:  bow & arrow

Astarte
Her Story:
Astarte is the Mesopotamian goddess of love and war.  This might, at first, seem oddly conflicting, but on reflection there are more similarities than differences.  Her name literally means “star”; and she is the companion and the power behind the moon.  Astarte is considered Queen of both the morning and evening stars, Venus and Mercury.

She rules the spirits of the dead.  As a love goddess, the energies she influences include sexual experiences, physical passion, marriage, female sensuality, and feminine independence.  As a warrior goddess she influences battles, conflicts, and victories.
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After fifteen years of marriage and six children, I was sitting in the courtroom during our divorce proceedings when my soon to be ex-husband’s attorney pointed a finger in my direction and said to the judge, “She’s unemployable.”

How crushing were those words in the face of the fact that I would soon be  reckoning with the daunting responsiblity of supporting a large family on my own.  Already paniced by the idea, aware of the fact that the last fifteen years as a housewife left me with virtually no work history or references, this comment was a like a final blow to my self-confidence.

But this callous remark, passed off with such finality, did something else– it made me angry.

Deep within the center of me, hidden by the housewife and mother, lay something that had been dormant and repressed for a very long time.  Deep within me, the warrior goddess was stirring, coming to, blinking her eyes in the bright light of necessity, shaking the sleep and cobwebs from her wits. She stood unsteadily to her feet, and as she did so, the earth trembled, the trees shook, the sky darkened.

The warrior goddess was ready to do battle, ready to beat the odds, ready to prove her adversaries wrong.  She was ready to build upon her strengths, to cash in on her intelligence, to flex her mucles in the arena of life.  The warrior goddess was ready to take on the world…and succeed.

Embracing the Goddess:
Women can invoke the goddess Astarte when they are fighting to reclaim their independence, when they are seeking to explore the intimate side of their femininity, when they are in need of strength, direction, purpose, and a touch of the warrior spirit.  Know that within each gentle feminine soul, there resides a steely and daunting heroine just waiting to be awoken.  Call upon her when you need her.

Astarte’s Correspondences:
Herbs:  bay, clove, marigold, hyssop (Fire);
apple, calamus, hibiscus, thyme (Water)
Animal: dove
Color:  yellow, pink, green
Planet: Mercury, Venus
Day: Tuesday, Friday
Element: Fire, Water
Feminine Face: Maiden
Symbol: sphinx, star

Tags: goddess matriarchaldivinity myths&legends

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[Originally posted in my "personal" blog, Every Cat Has a Tale, March 2015]

Confession #8...My Facebook Foibles :)

I love to look up People-I-Haven't-Seen-In-Years. 

This has been fascinating. Remember, I'm 57, I've had a long time to meet a lot of people.  What's really maddening is when I can still see a face from the past in my mind as clearly as if no time passed at all, but I can't remember a name!  I'm also highly amused at the times I've actually sent a message to a former classmate or acquaintance, only to discover that I've been snubbed, or blocked, or both-- I find this puzzling, but the human psyche is a mystery (and apparently they're not as excited about this as I am).  I've also been absolutely delighted when a chance encounter leads to an incredible connection in the form of FB messages, and in a couple instances, a phone call and a chance to reconnect.  It's priceless.

By the way:  I could've sworn that there was a FB page for Mitchell Senior High, Class of 1975 (Mitchell, SD).  In fact, I know there was, I remember my childish delight upon it's discovery, oohing and ahing over a slew of classmates that I discovered while immersed in a happy daze of nostalgia.  I'm afraid I went slap happy messaging several of these people, my messages exuberant and expectant.  It was fascinating to see how these people had aged, some really well, some not so much (unrecognizable-- I would've passed them on the street).  And to see children (and even grandchildren!), and what they were doing now, what parts of the country they had dispersed to, ad infinitum.  However, my enthusiastic exuberance must have been too much-- this page disappeared, but not before several of my former classmates had blocked me. 

     Karen-- I really wanted to hear the story behind your photo with Paul McCartney!
     Dan-- I remember gym class with you, the last year before Gym was segregated forever between boys and girls.  We were in a race, sitting on some sort of a board with wheels-- we were partners, and I think we won!
     Randy-- first boy I ever had a crush on (Junior High), interesting.  But I would've passed you on the street without recognizing you.  Not that you aged badly, not at all, you just look totally different. 
     LaDawn-- I absolutely idolized your athletic prowess, and the incredible way you could play that ball game and beat the shit out of everyone-- you know, where the ball is attached to a pole by a rope and you have to slap it and wind it up around the pole.  I never won, and I rarely lasted more the 5 seconds, but one day you were so kind, and you played very gently with me for about five minutes so I could get the feel of it at least.
     Mike-- grade school...remember the rule?  When the bell rings to come in, you weren't suppose to throw balls, games were suppose to stop.  You broke this rule and hit me in the nose with a football.   I still owe you one, buddy.
     Jenny-- it's been a wonderful experience to connect with you!  I wish we would've found a way to do this years sooner, to break the invisible high school boundaries of cliques and popularity.  We were kindred spirits and never knew it.
     Kay-- it was a delight, our catch up phone conversation.  You have the same sweet gentle voice that I remember.
     Mr. Miles-- I bought my last horse from you, the last horse I owned before I gave them up forever to stay at home and have babies.  She was our most cherished pet, your little black mare.

I try to connect on FB with local people who are "challenging".

I'm nice-- really, I am.  So I can't quite understand why someone I actually know in real life wouldn't want to be my friend on FB.  In fact (and this sounds so conceited, but I think it's true)...I'm actually interesting, in that I do unusual things and have unusual interests.  I would think their curiosity would be peaked at least.

I've tried more than once with three ladies in this area:  Michele, Amy, & Nancy.

I find this so challenging, and I must be a glutton for punishment, or I'm just really dense, but I gave it a shot again.  We'll see what happens.  Mind you, I don't expect to be Bestest Buddies, or anything like that, but it would actually be nice in some way I can't even define to be connected with individuals within the community.  (I'm not "Typhoid Mary"-- really.  You won't catch witchcraft fever, or develop any compulsive urges to cast spells or tell fortunes, or anything like that.  It's not contagious.)

So there is Confession #8...I'm a FB stalker-- for lack of a better word.

This is a photo of my FB page-- taken during the writing of this blog post!
 

Edit-- I just thought of something else!... I've been married several times, the result being I have lots of Ex's-- sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, step-children, and oodles of other connections from those families and those times.  I find it fascinating to look people up from years past and catch up by reading their facebook pages...I don't know if anyone else does this, or it's just my own weird quirk.  I don't generally try to connect with these people, but if I knew they wouldn't be offended, I could happily reconnect and shoot the breeze with any and all of them.  I think it would be interesting.  I don't hold grudges and harbor no ill feelings. (See-- I told you I was nice!)

Tags: socialmedia, blastfromthepast, ex's,

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Memoir: January 13, 14, 15, 16, 1991
(unedited)

*Note:   I was watching TV during the evening of January 16th, 1991, when the networks were suddenly interrupted, and I literally got to watch the beginning of a war.  It was amazing and chilling at the same time.  I kept my wits enough to jot down some details, so I could record it in my diary later.  It's one of those moments that you never forget.

Sunday, January 13, 1991

Watch the news religiously.  A feeling of great apprehension, as though something disastrous is about to happen.  As though we were standing on the edge of an abyss.  Yesterday Congress voted to back the President.  It was "the most historic day in Congress since war on Germany was declared".

5pm-- kids both asleep.  Waiting for news.

Lovely day today-- D. made breakfast, lunch at McDonalds (to Anne's delight), and then shopping (at Wal-Mart)-- shirts and pants for the children.

Nice, but still not "spring-like" out.

Chilly.

Monday, January 14, 1991

The eve of war?

I feel on pins and needles, as though some personal decision or tragedy or event were imminent. 

For weeks, then months, we have been wondering conjecturing, guessing-- Will there be war?  Will there NOT be war?

Anne Lindbergh's book, "War Within, War Without", diaries and letters during WWII are brought into sharper focus, given new meaning and definition.  It gives you more understanding of the nations' feelings, tensions, and apprehensions then.  In many ways, those same feelings are probably being repeated now.

I feel just sick thinking of all the innocent civilians, particularly the children, who may be caught up in this.

War seems to be such a hideous thing.

Tuesday, January 15, 1991

Excerpts of letters written to Lois and Janice:

"...then all this news-- War?  No war?  War?  No War?  Keeps you on pins and needles and is very unnerving (at least it is to me, is it too you too?)  I told D. this morning, about feeling in a rut, and when I stopped to think about it, I'll bet there are hundreds of thousands of US men and women in Arabia who would give anything to be here at home in a nice safe boring rut!

The news is so grim.

Here around Omaha SACS (Strategic Air Command) has beefed up security and Offut Air Force Base, and Epply Airfield too.  And the big Fort Calhoun Nuclear Power Plant has done the same too.  Reporters couldn't even get into SACS.

They say it is very dangerous for US servicemen and their families in Germany-- think of Thad and Julie and their babies!

Pan Am and TWA have cancelled most of their European flights.  Did you hear, last night, that our Coast Guard has now been put on alert to watch for any threats to our ports! 

Did you see what the biggest (and latest) sales item in Israel is?...a Plexiglas doghouse with a filter system to protect the family dog from a poison gas attack.  Of all things, did you ever?

No, nothing new here.  I've been glued to the TV during news time lately..."

He is absolutely irresistible now.  It's hard, sometimes, to put him down and go do something I should be doing.  He loves to be played with and smiles and coos and "talks" back to you and giggles out loud.  he also growls like a little bear-- very low and sometimes loud.  It's a funny, masculine sound.  Anne can really keep him entertained for a while now.

I see you are keeping somewhat a breast of the war news.  I can't believe it.  It makes me think of how it must have been for Americans before WWII. You know, everyone talks about it, you watch the TV for news of it, it's all you see in the papers-- makes you feel saturated by it.

They really emphasize the dangers of terrorism in this country too.  I told Lois, they've warned people to be careful of places where large crowds may gather, places of finance, etc., airports particularly.

Wednesday, January 16, 1991

D. told me this morning that the president of George Hormels company has received a threat of violence against the Hormels plant here in Fremont-- they have a government contract supplying food to the American troops in Saudi Arabia.  I was not surprised.  I'd been thinking of this possibility weeks before. 

Last night on the news:  Heathrow Airport in London surrounded by army tanks and armed soldiers.  Eerie, surreal sight.

APPROXIMATELY 5:40pm...The War Has Begun!

5:40pm...American attack on Bagdad

6:00pm...Rihad (Arabia)-- sirens.  Confirmation (military) of war.

7:00pm...British are up.

7:10pm...French are up.

8:00pm...President Spoke.

Tags: memoir, diary, war, world event

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Aquarius ~ 10/Swords (reversed)

There’s nothing worse than being nailed to the wall, other than being pinned down and cornered to do something you were hoping to get out of, or being called out on the rug to explain yourself or your actions– and this last one is going to be a spine tingling adrenalin rush experience for some of you Aquarians.  This is always a difficult card when it rears it’s ugly head, and for many of you, you didn’t see this coming (until now).  The best thing about this card is that it’s reversed.  Many of you are going to claw your way out of an unpleasant confrontation, or situation, and find solid footing once more.  Kiss the ground when you get there, and make sure this doesn’t happen again, do what you have to do, change what you have to change.

Capricorn ~ King/Swords (reversed)

Something is left unsaid.  Communication is not happening, and it has to be resolved before it’s too late.  There are reasons and ways in which things that need to be said, may never be heard.  Make sure you have no regrets.  Don’t be afraid of sounding silly, don’t be afraid to face disagreement, don’t be afraid to be wrong, don’t gloat if you are right.  The words lay like a choking parcel of food caught in the throat.  Don’t swallow them.  Open your mouth and set them free, along with your conscience, your soul, and your peace of mind.

Pisces ~ 3/Swords

Some of you may face heartbreak or disappointment.  Lessons are learned, wounds will heal.  Life will pick you back up and carry you forward on your path, mercilessly marching you towards new horizons and experiences and awakenings.  What we learn from heartbreak, pain, and sorrow is that it’s not the end, but only a pivotal point on our journey.  Be strong, ride the waves, wait out the storm.  Calm seas and peace await once the clouds have parted.

Aries ~ The Tower

Many of you are going to be called upon to endure great changes and disruptions in your life.  For some it may be connected to relationships and family, for others it could be jobs and careers, and for still others it will be something unique to you and your personal experience, earth-shattering, life-changing.  Oh, how we fight major life transitions, kicking and screaming our way through the storm, even when we know that things will be better when we reach the other side.  Many of you Aries will be put to the test, stretched beyond your limits, tried by fire, tempered like steel.  This is where you find out how strong you really are.

Taurus ~ Temperance (reversed)

This card is all about balance in our lives, and since it’s standing on it’s head for you, there’s a problem in this area.  Many of you may find yourselves feeling up in the air, either overwhelmed with work, or not getting enough hours; some of you may be experiencing unexpected upsets with health issues, which so often kicks our lives out of balance on a variety of levels.  You’re like a cat right now, Taurus, in free-fall.  You’re going to have to figure out what you have to do to turn yourself around so that you land on your feet.

Gemini ~ Knight/Cups (reversed)

For some Gemini, the Knight-in-Shining Armor fairytale is going to remain a myth.  For some of you this may mean that you have unrealistic expectations, and if you don’t lower the bar to a more human level, no one is going to pass the test, no one is going to be quite good enough.  Developing a successful relationship with someone means that you learn to accept their very human flaws (This doesn’t mean that we “settle” for losers, which is the flip side of this coin.).  It means that human beings aren’t perfect, and everyone has their own little quirks; and if we meet someone and fall in love, you learn to accept the WHOLE person, quirks included.

Cancer ~ 7/Cups (reversed)

Many of you Cancers will be making very important decisions during this period, and some of you will not be facing all the facts and may even be colorizing your choices and decisions with rosy glasses and less than a solid grip on reality.  Be sure to honestly look at all the questions in order to find all the answers.  Study the choices and brutally asses whether you can make them work in the real world.  In order to have a successful game plan, you have to have a logical and realistic course of action.  Now, go for it, Cancer!

Leo ~ 4/Pentacles (reversed)

Many of you Leos may have issues coming up that you’ll find rather challenging during this period, and some of these issues will involve relinquishing control (a horror scenario for strong and independent Leo).  You may also be faced with unexpected financial circumstances that require substantial payments, which means breaking into savings, which means parting with your dearly beloved and precious golden coins.  I know, Leo, you lovingly tend your growing nest egg and having to slice it open and remove a chunk is going to be difficult and unpleasant.  Never fear, once this issue is resolved, life will resume as before.

Virgo ~ The Moon (reversed)

You will find yourself surrounded by deception.  Either someone isn’t being honest with you, or you are not being honest with yourself.  Some Virgos might feel that they’ve entered the twilight zone.  There’s a very thin line between reality and fantasy, and when you find yourself in an extremely stressful unpleasant situation, it can make recognizing this line very difficult, which can make it dangerous on a variety of levels.  During this time, seek out individuals, spiritual practices, or professionals to help you find the answers you need.  It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help making right decisions, or getting through traumatic or challenging circumstances.

Libra ~ Princess/Pentacles

Messages and answers to financial issues will be forthcoming in a very timely manner.  Some of you Libras will discover previously unknown facts, or knowledge, that will benefit upcoming decisions and will also shed light on circumstances, or people, surrounding you.  Knowledge is power, the more you have, the stronger you’ll be.  There’s s solitary flair about many of you Libras, intent on personal self-discovery, with a renewed interest in old and unfinished projects.  Make your own kind of magic during this period.

Scorpio ~ 6/Pentacles

“The more the merrier” will be your mantra at this time, Scorpio.  Where before there was not enough, now you will have a surplus.  However, don’t let your guard down, don’t waste precious time or opportunities that come your way.  Continue this forward progression with right action, solid common sense, determination, and a strong work ethic.  It’s time for many Scorpios to climb the ladder to success.  We so often talk about setting goals, but we so seldom stop and relish the accomplishment of meeting those goals.  Do this, Scorpio.

Sagittarius ~ Knight/Pentacles

For some of you Sagittarians bouncing merrily through this year, you’re going to find yourself stopped short by the need for quiet practicality.  Solid common sense, thorough and slow thought processes to work through an issue, are going to assure your happiness continues through 2017.   Don’t be rushed into making any decisions.  Remember, the show can’t go on until you say it does.  The wonderful grounding aspect of this Knight will bode you well, reconnecting you to Earth energy and the solidity you need at this time.

I hope you have enjoyed your daily tarot/astrology
advice and insight.

THE TAROT PARLOUR

Tags: tarot, horoscope, astrology, sun signs, moon signs, rising signs,

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This little blog series is turning out to be rather cathartic.  I'm having to reach waaaaay back, into my youth actually, before my time came to be a Pagan Mom.  After I became a Pagan Mom, I was way too busy with babies and toddlers, diapers and laundry, cooking and cleaning, and finally Home-Schooling to really do anything considered Confession-Worthy.

So this is a deep dark secret that I've carried for over a quarter of a century, 32 years to be exact. (I feel like I should have a drum roll here.)

When I was 25 ( a sweet young Thang'), I had an affair with my dentist.

He was 25 years older than me (actually 49, soon to be turning 50); and I realized at the time (smart young Thang' that I was), that his affair with me was sort of a panicked grasping at his own youth, an escape from the idea of his own mortality.  His mindset was that he could stay connected with his youth and virility and all that by having a relationship with me.  He could somehow stave off the dreaded 50th birthday.  He was a man going through a mid-life crisis.  I knew that when he finally turned 50, he would realize that the world was not going to end, that everything would be okay, that he could slide comfortably back into his everyday mundane life with his wife of umpteen years, and normality would return.

And it did.

I have never regretted this experience.  I never regretted the relationship because I went into it with my eyes wide open, knowing that this was a temporary connection, that there was no real future as far as a lasting relationship went.  And I was so young (and just beginning to explore the world), so I wasn't ready for that type of thing anyway.  This was an adventure!

I know, I know-- the morality of it all.  I'm sure there are lots of people who will be more than happy to point out the pitfalls of this situation, and they would actually be right. 

I would NOT encourage women to begin a relationship with a married man-- ever!  First, because most women would not be able to go into it as honestly as I did, with no expectations and with such a realistic picture.  Most women would be setting themselves up to be hurt and to face incredible disappointment.

Ladies-- I learned several things during this short-lived adventure, and I'm going to share them with you now:

1.  There is no future with a married man-- no matter what he tells you-- he's living a fantasy through you.  He is not going to a) leave his wife, or b) risk his business and his livelihood.

2.  His wife is never the horrible, awful, asexual, ugly, dullard that most husbands tell other women she is.  When (and if) you ever meet her, you most likely will find a charming, lovely, hard-working, patient woman who's spent years putting up with this wayward husband because she honestly loves him.  They've spent a great share of their lives together, and they created a family that extends to children and even grandchildren.  This woman actually deserves a metal.

3.  If he cheats on one wife, what makes you think he won't cheat on the next one?  (Think about it.)

I have to admit that there were a couple perks I took away from this little adventure:

1.  My teeth were incredible during this period, absolutely gorgeous, they were Super-Model-Material.

2.  I still can't look at a dentist's chair without smiling.

Tags: confessions, personal, stories, experiences,

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My mother passed away yesterday unexpectedly. Although we didn’t have a close relationship, I still feel that I knew her very well, and I have a small story to share ~ My husband and I moved to Fremont several years ago along with an exodus of other Hormel employees from all over the US. Not surprisingly, one day my husband ran into a coworker who was also from South Dakota, an older gentleman who had known my husband as a confirmed bachelor. Surprised that he got married, this man asked Duane who his wife was, and my husband told him. The man became very excited, “I remember her mother!” this man said. He went on to tell the tale about watching this very beautiful young woman who would regularly cross a field near his home on horseback. And this was a memory that was still sharp and vivid in his mind. It is a statement about my mother, her passion for horses, and her youthful and exquisite beauty, that 30+ years later, just the memory of watching her brought a rise of excited admiration and awe, and a sparkle, to an old man’s eyes. RIP Mom.

Tags: mother, passing, death, memorial,

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