The Day after Valentine’s Day
Previously I always had a special Valentine’s Day spell but this year I did not for several reasons: first I feel that the many different love spells I offer cover all the avenues of love and there was no need to add yet another love spell, especially a one day only spell when my other spells are perfectly sufficient. Secondly, I didn’t feel like casting on Valentine’s Day.
I had many wonderful Valentine’s Day’s with my husband Sandy over the course of our marriage. Sandy wasn’t always the greatest gift-giver (especially when we first got married, he would panic and ask my mother what to get me) but then as time went on, he got better at it. For Valentine’s Day it was always jewelry and some of the nicest pieces I’ve ever gotten mostly all from a New Orleans designer named Mignon Faget.
Sandy knew me and knew my taste in jewelry perfectly. Occasionally for other holidays he might get me something from Kirks Folly, Lori Bonn or Robert Lee Morris, but almost always it was Mignon Faget.
Sandy didn’t go in for candy or flowers. He mostly liked to buy me little “I love you” gifts, when I collected vintage Coca-Cola items, Sanrio, San-X (Japanese kawaii stuff) or a CD of music he knew I liked, magazines he knew I liked to read but didn’t subscribe to and books.
Even though I had plenty of Valentines this year (counting all the nice greetings from clients & friends), I thought of Sandy and how perfect our Valentine’s Days together were. I was truly blessed to share my life with him and especially on such a romantic day. There are some people who think Valentine’s Day can never live up to their expectations and now four years after losing him, I know what they mean because it can never live up to the Valentine’s Day’s I’ve already had.
So from here on in the witchy world of my existence, Valentine’s Day will be a witch’s day off.
But Leap Year? I’ll be working that day my dears!
2012: The Year of the Dragon
Since the Dragon is my patron familiar I am excited about this year’s Chinese New Year (which begins January 23rd) which is the Year of the Dragon. I am offering a special spell this year only based upon the Chinese Zodiac that is called the Chinese Dragon Wish Spell. This is the only year I will be offering this spell until 2024 so I highly recommend taking advantage of it.
The Dragon is a powerful symbol in all mythology but especially so for the Chinese since it was the symbol of the divine Emperor. The emperors throne was called the “Dragon throne” and according to the Confucian ideal the whole earth should be influenced in a positive way by the shining example of the emperors life.
My patron familiar is a green and purple dragon (which is both earth related and mystical related), a European Dragon, four-legged and with one set of wings. In European mythology the Dragon tends to be a fierce and dangerous creature wheras in Chinese mythology it is a creature of benevolence and good fortune.
Chinese Zodiac – Dragon
Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.
While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!
Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.
Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.
Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.
Dragons and the 5 elements Metal Dragons – Years 1940 and 2000
Metal strengthens this already strong sign. Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.
Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012
Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.
Wood Dragons – 1904 and 1964
Wood Dragons also are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.
Fire Dragons – 1916 and 1976
A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.
Earth Dragons – Years 1928 and 1988
More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.
Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.
My Gratitude List
With 2012 about 20 hours from beginning (at least here on the East Coast in the US) I thought this might be a good time to reflect upon the year that was for me and where I offer my deepest gratitude.
1. For my mother most specifically – she never gives up on me and has endured more than her share of watching me hard-scrabble through difficulties in life that no mother would find tolerable. Although sometimes she lets her Scorpio sting do the talking, for the most part she gives love and kindness when I know it must be extremely trying to do so. I know there are many things about me that she might not understand but I am grateful that she tries and keeps communicating with me.
2. For my brother Raymond – he may not know this but I think of him always with great affection and love. We’ve had a troubled relationship at times (we are only 10 months apart in age) but my love for him never wavers and I always want the best for him in his life. I’m glad he found someone (Lisa) to share his life with.
3. For my dear friend Suzanne – I know this has been a rough year and I am sending you all the magick possible that this new year will manifest beautifully. You inspire me with how you continue your education. You are fearless.
4. For my new friend Vanessa – your friendship is one of the best things that happened to me all year. It’s unusual how we came together as friends but triumphant in that we have surpassed such things and found help and support with each other.
5. For my wonderful clients – I am there for you always, offering to lend my ear, my magick, my support however I can to make your dreams and desires real. I share your joys and fears and elation as we work our way through spells and readings to make your lives better. You help me to make mine better by letting me help you.
6. For my dear friend Foo – you are always with me, you touch every part of my life in some way even though we are hemispheres apart. Writing with you and working on creative projects is one of the best things in my life. I am thrilled for your new family and the future.
7. For the lost ones – how I miss you my dear departed husband. My beloved familiar. My grandmother.
8. My extended family – my cousin Rick and how he is living his authentic life, my Auntie Marcia and Uncle Richard (my favorite Uncle, no secret here) who have a truly inspiring marriage and my Aunt Diane who is my mother’s best friend and does not hesitate to be truthful and honest to me through her. You are all in my thoughts and I am grateful to have you in my life.
9. My girl kitty Lucy and my mother’s kitty Timmon – thank Goddess for kittehs!
10. One of my favorite Beatles quotes sums it up for me:
“And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
Blessed Yule
This is the spirit of Yule and one I treasure and value. I hope you all enjoy your holidays and have the brightest blessings for the New Year. Today I will be celebrating Yule in a small ceremony this evening with friends and family as well as casting spells for extra power tonight. This is a wonderful day to cast and hopefully it will be nice and cool this evening for the bonfire and burning of the Yule Log.
I’m making some big changes around the homestead in the coming year, moving altars and doing some redecorating with sacred objects as well as cleaning the house out of tons of witchy clutter (and other kinds too). I’m eager to streamline things and look forward to what the new year will bring.
I also plan on upgrading the sites (which are somewhat overdue) including re-purposing my original site magickrituals.com, as I have talked about doing for some months now. There are many good things in store and I hope you will be with me my dearest friends and clients.
Believe
I was discussing this recently with a potential client. She found herself in a heck of a situation with a lover and was looking at magick as a way to clear things out and get them back to a positive place. But in our discussion she revealed that she didn’t really BELIEVE in magick so she didn’t know what could be accomplished with it.
Since magick uses your focused will and intention, perhaps it could be argued that you don’t actually need to believe in the magick itself as much as you believe in your own focused will and intention. However I would countermand that by saying that in all my years as a witch I have never seen magick done in accordance with focused will and intention manifest without BELIEVING it would. Thus magick can only truly exist and manifest if you BELIEVE that it will.
So what can I do to help someone who comes to me not believing in magick? Can I still help them? Can I still cast for them?
If they are willing to keep an open mind and open heart then yes, absolutely. Fortunately I believe in magick and since I will be doing the casting this is what is needed most.
That said I think that many people DO believe in magick, they just don’t realize that they do.
The Power of Eleven
Magick:
Since Angels communicate often using repeated numbers I decided the right spell to celebrate this once in a lifetime opportunity was an Archangel Spell. I chose Archangel Michael since he is my patron Angel and the Abundance Spell which I have cast for many years. In this instance it is the best abundance spell of its kind, fast-acting, long-lasting and will never be cast like this again in my lifetime.
“Angels often communicate messages to you by showing you sequences of numbers. They do this in two ways. First, they subtly whisper in your ear so you’ll look up in time to notice the clock’s time or a phone number on a billboard. The angels hope you’ll be aware that you’re seeing this same number sequence repeatedly. For instance, you may frequently see the number sequence 111, and it seems every time you look at a clock the time reads 1:11 or 11:11.” – Doreen Virtue
Spiritually:
The spiritual meaning of number eleven is quite diverse.
The number 11 is thought of as a “master” number in numerology because it is a double digit of the same number. When this occurs – the vibrational frequency of the prime number doubles in power. Meaning, the attributes of the Number One are doubled. So, the very basic & primary understanding of the Number One is that of new beginnings & purity. When we see this digit doubled as with the 11 – then these attributes double in strength.
In numerology the number 11 represents higher ideals, invention, refinement, congruency, balance, fulfillment, vision.
The 11 carries a vibrational frequency of balance. It represents male & female equality. It contains sun and moon both – while holding them both separate. Perfect balance.
Consequently, constant reoccurances of Elevens often signal us to be aware of our balance. Balance emotion, thought, spirit – balance of masculine, feminine, – work, play – joy, sorrow – - – Elevens are magical messages asking us if we are centered or out-of-whack.
When we add 1+1 (eleven reduced) we get two – which is also a balance number – two’s also deal with equality, justice, calm, kindness, tact, and duality.
Those who recognize the spiritual meaning of number Eleven in their lives are obviously quite sensitive to many vibrational frequencies. The fact that this number is observed when the Elevens appear is indicative of a reflective, thoughtful and intuitive soul.
Elevens often present themselves to psychically connected people. I believe this is the Universe sending us a message to be a part of an event – yet maintain your integrity as you do so (again, balance).
If you observe the Eleven – as two straight lines side by side – together they serve as a full meaning – two figures forming one value – one image. However they do not touch – they are together yet separate.
As we deal with energy in our lives it is integral for us to understand that we are all at once a part of it – yet we have the option to separate. The spiritual meaning of number Eleven deals directly with our involvement with the progression of life and reminds us however, that we must not be a slave to our self-involvement.
Mathematical:
The number eleven is the fifth prime number (contrary to popular belief, the number one ( 1 ) is not a prime number).
The base numeric number system lends itself to some interesting peculiarities as relates to the number eleven.
Gambling:
Blackjack players love the number eleven. It usually means time to double down, but not always.
Dice players love the number eleven. On the come-out roll, it’s as good as the number seven. Do not ask the crap dealers how to bet 11 the hard way…
The number eleven is a popular lottery number. This results in the per-person payouts being a little below average when eleven is one of the winning numbers.
The number eleven is a popular keno number. One wonders if the casinos and slot machine manufacturers make use of that fact…
Weather:
The Great Blue Norther of 11/11/11:
“One-hundred years ago, November 11th, 1911: The Great Blue Norther descended upon America. The day started fine; there were even record highs for that time of year. Then it all changed; temperatures began to drop. Within the space of ten minute: the temperature dropped 40 to 50 degrees; by midnight a 66 degree temperature drop was recorded. There were dust storms, thunderstorms, tornados, and blizzards. Over 300 deaths were reported.”
In the interests of full disclosure: NOAA.gov reports that sudden 50 degree temperature drops, though unusual, are not that rare.
The Great Blue Norther acquired its name not from the extreme temperature changes, but from the accompanying weather phenomena.
All Hallows Eve
Rather then post another description of what fun we witches have on Samhain I thought I’d talk about my plans for the day (& night!)
This has been an incredibly active casting month for me – I’ve been casting nearly every night for the entire month. I took a little break while I was working on some other projects but for the most part it’s been solid witchiness all month and I’ve loved it.
The weather is appropriately fallish and getting very cool at night which is perfect for the bonfire in the firepit. I use recycled paper (and coffee grounds) logs that burn wonderfully and clean. They also smell very nice. Things can get a little smoky once I start tossing herbs around but that’s part of the experience.
I’ve been doing the same ritual at Samhain now for many years but this year I want to cast some special spells on the day so I will do a shortened version of the ritual then just have a nice feast with my mother. very low-key, quiet, honoring those who have passed on.
I like to get a little wild with my feast, we have ale and I get some catered items from Publix so I don’t have to do anything but put out our party in the living room. I decorate the dining room and set-up all kinds of candles and spooky displays. We don’t have kids trick or treat here so it’s just reflective conversation, casting and then feasting.
Birthday Party
I’m just hours away from my birthday. Still working too – a witch’s work is never done!
I was thrilled to see many people take advantage of my birthday sale and I will be continuing it into next month. I will also be featuring my new 11-11-11 SPELL upcoming next month which I am so excited about. I cannot believe that this is the second to last spell of this kind I will be casting for the rest of my life. It is blowing me away. I will give you a hint – this is an ANGEL SPELL!
I’m not doing anything too awfully special for my birthday but taking a day off.
Those of you that have been keeping up with my private blog posts know otherwise what has been going on with all that and I will have another update soon.
I will also be discussing the 11-11-11 Spell is much greater detail.
Happy Birthday all my Libra brothers & sisters!
Loss
I was saddened to hear the news that the lead actor in the Starz series Spartacus, Andy Whitfield passed away at age 39 of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I watched the show when he starred in it and was not able to get back into it after he left because of his illness.
Andy Whitfield was a great looking man, fit and healthy, in the prime of his life. While no one deserves to die from cancer, it hit me very hard to see this man cut down at the height of his fame and the pinnacle of his fitness. He played Spartacus, a hero, a warrior, and he infused the character with a great deal of depth which could have been left wanting in another actor’s hands.
I think about his wife and what she’s feeling right now having lost her beautiful man. I know what it’s like to lose someone to cancer having lost my husband three and half years ago when he was perfectly healthy and then suddenly got sick quickly, went into the hospital and was dead in ten days time.
I hope his wife had time to make peace with her husband’s dying. Though I suspect you can never make peace with such a thing.
I’m still trying to figure out how to go on without my husband.
Maybe you don’t ever really go on – maybe you just do something else.
It all ties in together – how you get from here to there, how you put one foot in front of the other and proceed.
I send my heartfelt prayers to his wife Vashti and their two children at this time of great loss.
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