Sunday Magick

Sundays are ruled by The Sun and are associated with Solar energy. On a Sunday you can empower your life and magick by accessing this masculine, fatherly, solar energy in your rituals or meditations.

Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange, Red Deities: Apollo, Ra, Horus, Sol, Atum, Helios, Amaterasu

Archangel Michael


For Meditations or Rituals on a Sun-Day focus on: Fathers, Masculine Energy, Authority Figures, Leaders/Leadership, Power, Prosperity, luck, vitality, energy, money/wealth, growth, protection, courage, strength, self preservation, the self/Ego, fire magick, candle magick, solar magick, life force, willpower.

SUNDAY HOUSEHOLD MAGICK The Sun is the Ego - or the self that we show outwardly to the world. In terms of the home - this is our front yard, the porch, windows, doorways, and entryway. Sundays are a good day to clean up and bless these areas of the home - like cleaning ourselves up before a date or interview; these outer parts of our home are the "first impression" of the home for visitors, friends, family and even yourself!

The windows are where the sunlight enters the home, so cleaning and blessing these can help us welcome Solar energy into our homes. Clean the windows and windowsills while focusing on the intention of your desire flowing into the home (luck, prosperity, protection, etc - choose your intention from the list above!)

Yard Work or a barbeque (if weather permits) are good ways to honor Fire energy while also blessing the home, yard, and self.

Sun-days are also a good day to honor the ancestors - especially male ancestors or strong leaders, soldiers, and fathers on the family tree. Honor the living male family members too - clean up or bless a part of the home they use the most, or cook them a special meal or help them with a project.

Sun Magick can be done in so many ways around the home. Use the above suggestions to create your own Sun-Day rituals and home blessings.

Invisible Illness Awareness Week - 30 Things Meme

 

30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know – 30 Things Meme

1. The illnesses I live with are: Chronic Migraines, Sciatica, Chronic Neck Pain (possibly undiagnosed Degenerative Disc Disease), Clinical Depression (Depressive Disorder), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia
2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: Depression and Migraines were diagnosed at age 18 (1998), though the migraines at that time were Episodic, not Chronic.  Migraines became chronic when I was 32 (2012). Chronic Migraines are defined as 15 or more days of migraine a month.
3. But I had symptoms since: Depression/anxiety since early teen years. Sciatica and neck pain developed gradually over the years starting around 2003
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Listening to my body and allowing myself more rest and self care.  As a mother this is sometimes hard.
5. Most people assume: I have had people assume that I am lazy.  Calling out of work with a migraine I have had bosses and co-workers assume that I am lying.  I have had bosses assume I just had a hangover and tell me "you shouldn't drink so much" even though I hardly ever drink alcohol.  I have had friends and co-workers assume that I was using drugs because of being pale, thin, and having a "glassy look" to my eyes.  (even though I don't even take prescription narcotics or use other drugs)  I have had people assume that I am just seeking attention.
6. The hardest part about mornings are:  Getting out of bed!  Sometimes this is because of pain - I just want to stay in bed!  Other times this is because I didn't get much sleep, or didn't really get restful sleep - and I am just so very tired!
7. My favorite medical TV show is: House MD - I love the sarcasm and wit - and also love the medical mysteries of trying to figure out what an illness is without definite obvious symptoms
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: My smart phone!  When I have days that I need to stay home and stay in bed, it helps me feel connected to the world and my friends rather than isolated and alone.
9. The hardest part about nights are: Getting comfortable, falling asleep, staying asleep.  Pain in my neck and hip mean that I must change position often.
10. Each day I take 7 (average) pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) Nortiptyline 20 mg daily - this controls my migraines and reduces the number of occurrences.  Without it I get migraines almost daily.  Ibuprofen to help with pain.  Some Vitamins.
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: am still seeking the right fit for me.  I am open to hearing about and trying new things - but it bothers me when people offer unsolicited advice or say "you should try this" - or when people assume I haven't tried a certain thing yet.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I think I would choose something more visible - simply because I wouldn't have to worry about people assuming I was making things up.
13. Regarding working and career: I worked as a waitress for many years.  I am not currently working. It became much harder to work when my migraines became chronic and I would need a job with employers who were very understanding of my need to take frequent time off and avoid certain things.
14. People would be surprised to know: I am afraid every day.  Afraid of when that eventual "big one" (migraine) will hit again.  Afraid of how bad the pain will be today. Afraid of not being a good enough mom for my kids, and not being a good enough wife to my husband.
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: There is no cure for chronic migraines.  They can be controlled, and symptoms can be treated, but this neurological condition is permanent.
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Make new friends who understand and accept me.
17. The commercials about my illness: Drive me crazy!!  The "Excedrin Migraine" commercials really piss me off!  Very few people with migraines actually get relief from that medicine.  It is very good for a headache.  But does not really work for a true migraine - which is NOT a headache. And people who take any Over The Counter Medicine for Chronic Migraines are at risk for getting MOH - Medication Overuse Headache - which is a SEVERE, extremely painful ongoing migraine that is very hard to get rid of!  This can occur when you take any kind of medication more than 3 times a week.  This is not explained to people.
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Being able to go out without worrying about "will this cause a migraine"? or "how long can I be out before my back pain is too much for me?"  Just going out and not having to take medications with me, just in case - and needing to leave early or cancel plans altogether.
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Quality time with my family.  Driving at night (glare from headlights is not good)  Rollercoasters and carnival rides (not a good idea)  Certain foods and drinks.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Crafts.  Jewelry making, paper crafts, writing, blogging, learning about medicinal herbs
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Take my family out on a fun day trip somewhere they really want to go.
22. My illness has taught me: A lot of self-awareness.  Being constantly aware of the signals my body gives me, because paying attention to those early warning signs is the difference between staying home or ending up in the emergency room.
23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: When people refer to my migraine as a "headache".
24. But I love it when people: offer support in the form of friendship, listening, offering help (not just offering advice but offering to do an actual thing for me)
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "Progress, not Perfection" - it reminds me that whatever small steps I take during the day are worth celebrating - even if the job isn't done, and even if it's not perfect - I did a thing and that is awesome!
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: Find a doctor who will really listen to you.  Research as much as you can.  Try different  things on your own terms - and if it doesn't work for you, move on to something else.
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: my own ability to handle things - I am stronger than I ever imagined.
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Help me with the kids!  Taking the kids out for awhile so I can rest while also knowing that my kids were getting attention and having fun!
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: I want to help spread awareness.  Not just for migraines, but for all kinds of conditions that aren't visible.  There are many people who are struggling to get help, get a diagnosis, and have people take them seriously but their condition is not visible so they aren't taken seriously.
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:  Happy!  Loved!  Understood!

Autumn Equinox - a poem

Autumn Equinox

I have survived the fiery kiln of summer
baked and purified under life-giving Sun
- that light so bright and strong
I craved it all winter,
yet somehow found it stifling and harsh
during those strong summer days.

Now I find
crisp cold mornings
balanced by hot cider and warm evening blankets.
Busy active days
balanced by quiet stillness of night.

I am finding balance again at the equinox
as I stand here on tip-toe at the precipice
between life and death, equal day and night will find me -

dancing

between consciousness and dream.

Looking behind, I gather my harvest.
Looking ahead, I gather my harvest.
It all somehow feels simultaneously
too small, and too
BIG.

I take this hardened shape of my spirit
purified in the fires of summer
and I paint it all the gold and red and orange shades of fall.
I glaze it with the cool rains of autumn.
Dying leaves fall from trees,
and old fears fall from my hair like dandruff;

I brush it all aside
and prepare a bed for myself
to welcome the coming dark nights of dreaming.
I dig down deep into the sleeping clay
of next year's creation.

W.J.M "Hestia's Muse" September 19, 2015

Mercury Retrograde Housekeeping Challenge!

It's Mercury Retrograde time again!  (This current Mercury Retrograde is September 17 to October 9th of 2015.)
You probably know that Mercury Retrograde isn't a great time to start any new projects, but it IS a great time to go back and finish up anything you started before!  Revise, edit, repair! 
As far as the household, Mercury retrograde is great for releasing excess belongings.  Get rid of clutter and trash and use this time to focus on releasing that which no longer serves you! Review my previous blog post; Clutter As a Block To Spiritual Flow to remember why this clutter can be so detrimental - and how freeing it can be to let it go!

I found this great list of simple challenges on Pinterest.  It's perfect for a Mercury Retrograde because it is a 21 Day challenge!  Mercury Retrogrades usually last about 3 weeks (21 days) and this gives you a simple area of focus for those days!

If you follow ("Like") my facebook page I will be putting up daily reminders for each challenge.

Have fun, keep it simple, and let this retrograde be a time of releasing that which no longer serves you in order to welcome positivity into your life in unexpected ways!  And you may find some great things to donate to charity!

What I'm Reading - Booknificent Thursday

I'm joining in at This Linky Party for Book Reviews - Booknificent Thursdays!

 

What I've been reading;

 

The Codex Alera (series)

 

I just finished the last book in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher.  I devoured this series of six books in about 4 or 5 weeks.  I love Butcher's Dresden Files series and I wanted to check out his other series - I'm so glad that I did!  It has a different style and far different setting than the Dresden Files series.  The Codex Alera series is set in a world quite different than our own.  Alera is a realm of humans, yet each human has the ability to control a "Fury" - best described as an Elemental.  Some people can control more than one element, some people just one or two.  Except for Tavi - our main character who has never had any ability with Furycraft whatsoever.  In a realm where your position and level of citizenship depend on your level of Furycrafting ability - life isn't going to be easy for Tavi. 

Very early in the series we learn that there are other races of beings in realms outside of Alera - beings that Alera has consistently been at war with.  Within the realm of Alera itself a Civil War is brewing as there is no clear heir to the throne and a power struggle to claim the throne begins.  Through the six books we follow several characters in their adventures.  There is war, subterfuge, mystery, action, love and more.  These books have it all and are a great series for anyone who loves fantasy fiction.

 

The New Vesta Secret

 

I began reading The New Vesta Secret by Debra may Macleod.  If you follow my blog you know I have an affinity for Vesta.  I was thrilled to find an author who is renewing and helping create a modern Spiritual path honoring Vesta.  The author walks you through her own life and how she discovered and reinvented this path for herself.  I'm very much enjoying this book and it has renewed and uplifted my own spiritual home practice

 

Grimoire For The Green Witch

 

I'm reading Grimoire For The Green Witch by Ann Moura with a Pagan Book Club.  I'm enjoying the perspective of Green Witchcraft.  There is a lot of helpful information and spells, rituals, recipes, etc in this book.  Will review further when I am finished.

 

 

Card of The Week - The Chariot - Kitchen Tarot

from The Kitchen Tarot by Susan Shie

I decided last night to draw a card for the week; both for study and inspiration/guidance.  I used The Kitchen Tarot by Susan Shie and Dennis Fairchild (Hay House Publications).  I love the imagery of this 22 card deck.  Featuring only the Major Arcana, each card is drawn like a quilt and features imagery and symbolism of the kitchen.  Perfect for a Kitchen Witch or Hearth Witch, or anyone who loves the kitchen!

The Chariot in this deck is interpreted as The Rolling Pin.  I love that so much!  In the classic RWS version of this card, many people notice that the Chariot doesn't actually have any wheels.  They wonder, how can it symbolize progress if it's not going anywhere?  Well The Rolling Pin helps you picture that type of progress.  In the kitchen, standing in one place and not really going anywhere, you can make a lot of progress.  It's the type of progress that comes from being firmly rooted; grounded.  The focus of self-discipline.  On the rolling pin featured on this card it says, "Groundedness and the ability to accomplish tasks on the physical plane. Victory of self-discipline. The Chariot belongs to the Activist, leadership, courage, a strong will.  The independent Amazon Warrior directs her will from a strong central self - balanced and whole.  Don't mess with The Chariot"

Affirmation; "I am heading in the right direction at a healthy pace."

As you continue through your week, being grounded and having self-discipline will be important.  Don't be too hard on yourself, but recognize that your progress comes at the pace that is healthy for you.  Resist the urge to compare yourself to other people, but when the time is right - step forward to be a leader, teacher, or motivator for others.  Trust in your own willpower and have faith that your hard work IS moving you forward toward your goal.

For more information of this card's meanings click here.

Housekeeping and The Law of Attraction

I've been writing a series of blog posts about Magickal Housekeeping and the spiritual aspects of the home, room by room.  Starting with the spiritual power of Clearing Your Space and getting rid of clutter I've challenged myself and my readers to begin to declutter the home.  I've so far covered the Bathroom and the Bedroom and will be moving on to the Kitchen soon.

This post is a bit of a follow-up on the original post on this series - Clutter As A Block To Spiritual Flow.  I wanted to talk again about the Law of Attraction.  As mentioned in my original post, Clutter and mess can be a factor in slowly draining away energy, or blocking the flow of energy in your home.  The best of intentions and the positive thinking that are crucial aspects of the Law of Attraction can be diminished if your home is in disarray.

Trust me, my home is far from clean and organized!  I'm probably the last person to be telling someone else how to get organized!  But, I've recognized it as a challenge for myself and have learned a lot over the past few years.  My housework has become a spiritual practice - giving it meaning instead of letting it feel like a chore that I do grudgingly.  I often fall behind on my goals and upkeep - I suffer from Chronic Migraines that end up limiting how much I can do from day to day.  When I feel good, I often spend my time playing "catch up" on the chores like laundry, dishes, and basic cleaning. This is part of why I'm challenging myself to de-clutter and get organized.  It is much easier to maintain and "catch up" when there isn't all this extra stuff cluttering up the place!  Plus I know I have felt a difference in a room that has less junk.  When the things in a room all serve a purpose - and they are all either useful or beautiful - the room functions as it is designed.

Here are some of my thoughts about The Law of Attraction and how it applies to the home and housekeeping:

• Everything around you elicits some kind of emotional response or thought.  The pile of papers on your desk that need to be organized - makes you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or panicked at the thought of those upcoming bills or things to do.  The beautiful trinket that is a family heirloom and makes you think of a beloved family member can bring feelings of comfort or belonging.  The gift that was given to you by an Ex - while it is nice and you like it, just reminds you of the failed relationship or the anger associated with that person.  The clean countertop with a beautiful vase of flowers makes you feel refreshed and joyful every time you walk past it.  Now, thinking of the Law of Attraction and how our thoughts and feelings attract things to our lives - which of the above examples would you want around you?  It's easier to maintain the positive thinking when you're surrounded by things that promote feelings of positivity.  And much harder to maintain the positive attitude when things around you are consistently making you feel stressed, regretful, or sad.

• What are you thinking of while you clean the house?  If you're thinking "I hate doing this." or feeling angry that other household members haven't helped out as much as they should; what effect is that having on the Law of Attraction?  If you can maintain some level of mindfulness while you do your chores, however - you can change those simple jobs into a beautiful experience.  While you wash the dishes, try focusing on feelings of gratitude.  After all if you have dirty dishes it means that you had food to eat.  You have running water and dishes to eat off of.  When you sweep or mop the floor you can visualize sweeping away the negativity or any stress that may have entered your home.  When you fold the laundry you can focus on feelings of love and protection for each family member.  There are many ways you can turn those chores into active meditations or spiritual rituals.  And then they become a powerful source of positivity to contribute to the Law of Attraction, rather than moments of frustration or anger that are attracting the wrong sort of energy.

• Taking care of your home is a strong expression of LOVE - for yourself and your family.  I love the website www.FlyLady.org and the methods FlyLady teaches.  Her primary message is that cleaning your home is a powerful act of Self Love.  F.L.Y. stands for "Finally Loving Yourself" and she teaches that creating simple routines and doing little things every day to bless your home is simply another act of self care.  Just as we must care for our body with healthy diet and hygiene, we must take care of our environment as well.  Not only does it do the obvious part of providing a sanitary place to eat and sleep; it also promotes an environment that is good for our mental and spiritual health.  Avoiding the stress of trying to find some important paperwork that was lost in a pile of clutter.  Feeling more empowered to go about the tasks of the day because you have a plan, a routine.  Having more time to focus on the things that truly bring us joy and satisfaction. 

Having a "Perfect" home is not the goal.  It's about creating a home that is functional to what you need it to be; a place of rest and safety.  I've come to accept the fact that I'll never be perfectly organized and tidy.  I'm okay with that.  But I've listed some attitudes and tools that have helped me maintain a sense of control.  A place to start and things to remember when I'm feeling bogged down or overwhelmed.  As a person with a chronic illness I have trouble sticking to daily routines because not every day comes with the energy or ability to do even the smallest tasks.  I'm working on creating habits that help me on my good days and my bad days.  Getting rid of clutter is just a part of the process; as well as having a spiritual purpose or mindfulness behind the tasks that I do.

Good Luck and Blessed Be!

This post was inspired by the writing prompt at The Pagan Experience for more posts about the Law Of Attraction from Pagan Blogs click here