Ripples of Compassion

Early yesterday morning, I ventured to a local grocery store. A few people (I'm talking five tops) were also pushing their freshly sanitized cart through the aisles, mindfully working our way around the dedicated workers who were stocking ravaged shelves.

My route to the fresh produce took me passed the meat section. The butchers were placing signs, "Limited Time" and "Buy one Get One Free", on the display case of pasture raised chicken and beef. One butcher commented to another, "Well, the main crowds won't show 'til lunchtime." The other man grunted in acknowledgement.

I had thoughts of what may happen when more people heard about the sale, no less the fact that a store had fresh meat available - a stampede, grabbing, bullying - all to get what they probably don't really need out of a panicked, fear-driven mindset.

Though I didn't need all the extra meat that such a sale would grant me, I picked up chicken, ground beef, and a roast, noting the older woman tentatively looking at the butcher's offerings. Her aura was pale - the root chakra colors barely discernible. In my mind, I heard a soft feminine voice ask, "Please help". Placing the meat in my cart, I proceeded to get the produce that I had planned.

After checkout, I sought out the woman. She had moved only a few feet from the meat counter and was poking an arthritic bent finger around a well-worn change purse, looking into it, then glancing back at the meat selection.

I approached her and placed the bag of meats (and eggs and pasta which were also offered at "community aid" prices), into her cart. As she watched my gesture, her eyes welled with tears. It was then that I recognized her. The mother of a former client A client whom loved and cared for her mother. A client whom had died a year ago.

The woman, at first, did not want to accept the food, graciously saying I should give it to someone who really needs it.

"I'm an old friend of Denise. Your daughter was altruistic and compassionate as well as a dynamo business woman. Please accept the food in her name."

The woman's tears stopped and she smiled wide.

"She was.", replied the elder as she shook her head in acceptance and gratitude.

We parted ways and as I was placing my bags into the car, I saw her speaking with one of her peers. They waved and approached me. Elsa, I now know her name, introduced me to, Betty, whose husband had died last summer. (This, I've learned, is how introductions and conversations can begin among some people who are over 85.) It came to light that Elsa and Betty were friends who have not seen each other in some months. They bemoaned it not being wise to embrace during "this crazy thing", as they referred to the social distancing constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Betty was struggling since the death of Lou and when Elsa learned of her dear friend's plight, gave her half of the grocery items that I had gifted her.

Elsa's aura was brighter now. The shaky and diminished root chakra was more settled and her heart shone brilliantly. She told me that even though current events have put her in a place of nutritional need, what truly hurt her the most was that they made it nearly impossible for her to help people. Clearly, the apple that was Denise, did not fall far from the Elsa tree.

We agreed to keep doing the little things we could to help people and to meet for a vodka, "Or three!", chimed Betty, once this craziness passes.

I left them while they chatted and devised a plan to pool their resources, cook, and disperse small meals to their friends.

Spread ripples of compassion folks! And always be kind.

Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty,

If it is full, may it be again

(Ripple, The Grateful Dead)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=671AgW9xSiA

The Ash Moon

 The full moon brings revelation through dreams and creative vision. It emphasizes the balance and integration of the spiritual and practical dimension of our life experience. 

The lunar months are associated with a sacred tree, or in some cases a vine or reed. Each tree is a spiritual presence as well as a portal into a shamanic world of magic and meaning. The tree exists in the physical world, as well as the dimensions beyond, and is a bridge between them.

The concept of a Celtic Tree calendar was first seen in the works of Edward Davies in the 19th Century. Davies researched the Ogygia and the Book of Ballymote. This research was further developed by Robert Graves in his book The White Goddess, and then expanded upon by Ross Nickhols, the founder of the legendary Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. One cannot ignore the importance of trees in Celtic history. Celtic mythology reveals many trees; even more than the ones included in the calendar, to have important standing in ancient lore. Some were known for their medicinal properties, others were considered sacred domiciles for spirits, while still others had symbolic meaning for specific tribes throughout the ancient world.

Regardless of whether the Tree Calendar can be traced back to ancient Celtic ancestors, we cannot discount what it has become. Modern pagans who are of Celtic heritage or associate with Celtic beliefs have embraced the wisdom of the trees and use the calendar as a guide throughout the year to develop and enhance their connection with nature. It's grown to become a valuable spiritual tool and has become the basis for many ritual practices.

The ash trees were enormous in ancient Europe; towering high above the landscape with a thick trunk and deep roots. The Celts interpreted three distinct aspects from this tree; expansion, growth, and higher perspective. The incredibly complex root system symbolized remaining grounded despite how much growth was taking place in one's life.

This belief was perfectly aligned with the esoteric message of the ash. The Druids and the Norse peoples believed all the realms were connected via branches of a giant mystical ash tree known as Yggdrasil.

In Norse mythology the ash was considered the axis of the cosmos upon which the god Odin hung for nine days and nights in a sacrificial act to receive hidden wisdom which came in the form of runes. This connects the ash tree and its sacred month - February 18 through March 17- with the Hanged Man in the tarot. The Hanged Man implies a suspension, a time of flux, waiting for illumination, perhaps a need for sacrifice. In our materialistic, competitive culture sacrifice becomes a shadowy thing; we end up sacrificing the sacred, sometimes we sacrifice our very selves to false gods. I offer an alternate definition of the sacrifice called upon by this tarot card; that of a gift or offering of time set aside for love, kindness, self-care, and seeing a situation from a different perspective. 

Share Your Chiron Healing

Astronomers originally classified Chiron as an asteroid with a strange orbit. But as they observed Chiron they discovered a comet-like tail, at which point it was reclassified as a comet. Through science's continued observation of this celestial body and the progress made in astronomical classification, today (according to Dr. Marsden of the IAU Minor Planet Center) Chiron is classified as both a comet and a minor planet.

For the sake of this entry, I use Chiron in its asteroid sense, categorizing it as many astrologers do, with other asteroids such as Vesta, Hygeia, and Juno.

According to Greek mythology, the centaur Chiron was a healer, philosopher and teacher who, ironically could not heal himself. Chiron is called the "wounded healer" because it represents the archetype of imperfection and loss which, when integrated, leads to compassion and understanding of others' suffering and provides the ability to serve as a helper and healer for others. The placement of Chiron in our natal chart can reveal a core wound that may take a lifetime to work through. Don't distress over this! Our Chiron placement is also our secret power! As we grapple with pain, we gain wisdom that we can pass on to others like a magic salve. In fact, the symbol for Chiron is shaped like a key since unlocking its powers opens up a portal to deep, inner peace.

This asteroid's energetic influence will play a role in both our personal lives, and in the collective overall. During Chiron's recent transit through compassionate Pisces, we found healing via artistic channels such as music, poetry, and our imagination. The collective learned the true meaning of divinity, surrender, and universal love. Now that Chiron is in a nine year long transit through Aries (ending in 2027), we will experience challenges of our personal identity, self-confidence, and overall sense of self. During this time we will be able to tap into our individuality so that we can confidently move towards our personal mission. We are in our right to be completely and authentically ourselves and this Chiron transit will help us learn how to defend ourselves and heal others.

Chiron is sort of a cosmic contradiction, considering it represents both our wounded childhood and our biggest superpower. Chiron orbits between two intensely oppositional planets - uptight, restrictive Saturn and liberated, revolutionary Uranus. Its role as the metaphysical mediator can help us synthesize the energy of both. Where do we hold ourselves back (Saturn) and where we can be constructively rebellious (Uranus)? We must understand both extremes in order to find the middle ground. In, "Astrology and the Rising of Kundalini", Barbara Hand Clow refers to Chiron as the "rainbow bridge" between Saturn and Uranus. Aptly named, since integrating the full spectrum of emotions is the key to wholeness.

We help ourselves when we help others. Digging into our Chiron natal chart position can help us uncover hidden or dormant strengths that will empower, enlighten, and guide others.

The following list contains the Healing Gifts available to each Chiron astrological placement:

Aries (1st house) - Empowering people to embrace their individuality, channeling anger into creative expression, fearless individuality, and modeling independence

Taurus (2nd house) - Creating serene environments, savvy financial planning, holding down the fort during turbulent times, calm in the storm, and teaching traditional wisdom

Gemini (3rd house) - Cooperation, mediation, communication arts, play-based learning, inclusivity, and the use of wit and humor as a tool for connection

Cancer (4th house) - Empowering women, nutritional wisdom, nourishing with food, and creating a safe haven for community

Leo (5th house) - Using the arts to uplift and spread a positive message, playfulness and healthy hedonism, and empowering others through authentic self-expression

Virgo (6th house) - Being a storehouse of practical wisdom, creating empowering media, and creating structures to help people improve their lives

Libra (7th house) - Diplomacy, fostering peaceful communication and harmonious compromises, creating beauty and heart-opening experiences

Scorpio (8th house) - Helping people through extreme life passages, turning "trash" into treasure, and soul-deep sexual healing

Sagittarius (9th house) - Fostering diversity, revealing higher truths with compassion, creating conscious media, and using laughter as medicine

Capricorn (10th house) - Utilizing resources to provide for everyone, levelheaded leadership, and environmental consciousness

Aquarius (11th house) - Uplifting idealism, social justice and activism, fostering Utopian communities and a sharing economy

Pisces (12th house) - Helping people let go of limiting beliefs, spiritual and esoteric leadership, and helping people live out their dreams and goals

Reflect and Prepare

The new year is a new opportunity. Many of us use the turning of the calendar year to think about where we are and where we want growth. We set goals for how we will navigate the coming year differently.

When goals are set by mindlessly going through the motions, there is little chance of success. We may see a small amount of progress but it doesn't feel satisfying. Taking time to reflect offers us the opportunity to know ourselves better. When we know ourselves, gaining clarity of what we want and determining the goals necessary to achieve them become less burdensome.

Life is a journey and the questions we ask ourselves are the fuel needed to propel us.

Without intentional reflection we are vulnerable to forces more proactive than us and run the risk of reacting impulsively with limited information.

Asking ourselves reflective questions can jump-start our learning. When we are more aware of our interests and desires, we can create goals that align with what we want - not what we think that we are supposed to want. Below I have listed sample questions that you may want to consider asking yourself during the final six weeks of 2019. Choose to reflect on one question a week, or more if you feel moved to do so. Keeping track of what you notice through this activity will give you key insights to yourself and help you create goals best designed to support you through 2020.

1. What are the first thoughts that come to mind about 2019? Are these positive, negative, or neutral?
2. What life lesson or lessons did I learn during 2019?
3. What new thing did I learn this year?
4. How did I effect people around me in 2019?
5. What did I do for myself during this year?
6. What did I do for my community this year?
7. How did I help others during 2019?
8. How did others help me in 2019?
9.What is my favorite accomplishment from this year?
10. How often was I able to truly feel "in the moment" during 2019? What was I doing?
11. What felt difficult in the past that was easier this year?
12. Did I try and fail? Did I try and succeed?
13. What, if any, frustration came up again and again?
14. What joyful experiences did I have?
15. What tested my limits? How did I react?
16. Based on my experience of 2019, what advice would I give to someone?

Ripples of Empowerment

Let's support each other in making this world the best that it can be.

 This is not an ideological concept. 

The world is changed by those people who can feel the suffering, 

and then show up to take action.

In the wake of what has been a steady stream of both human-made and natural disasters, many people (myself included) have been left feeling that they just cannot take any more. We may experience compassion fatigue (the deep exhaustion that comes from prolonged empathy) and feelings of powerlessness, anger, or frustration. While these feelings are completely normal, they alone do nothing to create actual change. Our normal habits of sharing posts on social media, watching repetitive news reports, and complaining to friends can do a lot to further our feelings of anger and helplessness; however, they do very little for the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.

My personal process, at times, does involve a bit of "off-gassing" or venting to a close friend or two. Sometimes voicing aloud, my initial reaction to news that triggers me or causes a visceral reaction in me, allows me to view it from a new and detached position. The feeling is then outside of me and I can assess it (and myself) in a clear and discerning light. I do not, however, allow myself to sit and wallow in the muck that gets thrown out there. I take the time to regroup myself and determine what action (if any) I will take.

If you are having any of these feelings now, or have experienced them, here are a some reminders and suggestions of what can be done to regain your sense of balance, effectiveness and empowerment.

1. Ground yourself.
Give yourself the opportunity to really experience you initial response. Take time to feel sadness, shock, grief, confusion, or whatever emotions may be arising. Feel love for those who are suffering, including yourself. Invite feelings of safety and comfort into this space and stay connected to the deep sense of 'being' that is always present inside of you no matter what is happening in life. Commit to a practice that helps keep you in touch with this grounded state of being - walk in nature, do some yoga, practice mindful breathing exercises, or meditate. Eat well and sleep soundly. You will be more effective when you come from this centered place.

2. Avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Be careful not to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Focus on what you can affect and thrust that other people will take care of the issues that matter to them. We are, after all, in this together. Take time to look at the positive outcomes from challenging situations, such as the way adversity can bring people together. Sometimes our "go-to" is to focus on the negative things. The reality is that billions of positive things are happening at every moment.

3. Remember that "feeling bad" about things changes nothing.
While it is important to feel these events fully, we lose our power when we let feelings of sadness, anger, or fear replace our ability to act. Remember that these feelings are messengers telling us that we want things to be different, that we want change. Acknowledge your feelings, listen to their message, and then let them empower you to make a difference.

4. Focus on issues that speak to your heart, and do something about those.
No one can do it all. It is best to focus on one or two things you can do well, and then commit fully to your cause. Trust that you will be the best at what inspires your heart the most. Then consider how yo can best make a difference. Maybe you can give your time to directly help the situation. Alternately, you and use your voice to educate others about a cause. Perhaps you are able to make a monetary contribution. The more you feel and see yourself taking action and making a difference, the more passionate you will be about continuing to create change.

5. Find community.
We can do more together. Sometimes we are afraid to act alone, but when we harness the power of community, we are empowered by this connection and collaboration with others. Build on the energy that comes from working collectively with like-minded people toward a greater good. We might often think that we do not have enough time to help, when in reality, we do. Recognize that saying, "I don't have time for that" is a softer way of saying, "I don't prioritize that." Reflect upon how you prioritize your time and make appropriate changes. Create a new normal for your prioritization of time that includes time for selfless service.

6. Practice self-compassion, patience, and positive self-reflection.
We often only see what we "could have done" or "should have done", which is discouraging and minimizes the importance of our efforts. One of the most important parts of serving is to reflect on what you did and why it helped. This creates positive mental imprints and releases endorphins in the brain, increasing your chances of being proactive again and improving your efficacy.

7. Take care of yourself.
Depleting ourselves of energy inhibits our ability to help others. Make sure that you are leaving time for self-nourishment. Identify, then reduce or eliminate activities that may seem relaxing but are actually increasing your stress (like scrolling through social media, or mindlessly having news shows run in the background). It is important to remain committed to the practices that keep you grounded and connected to your true, unchanging self - those things that speak to your heart. Proactive activities that can strengthen you, inspire you and keep you peaceful in the midst of adversity may include meditation, prayer, and the powerful art of positive energy. Flood yourself with love, presence, and compassion.

8. Be resilient and avoid discouragement.
Remember that change does not happen overnight. There will be harsh reminders that progress is not always linear, neat, and tidy. Remember, also, that adversity does not denote a lack of progress. Progress takes time. Have faith that you are planting seeds that will ultimately blossom into positive change.

Divine & Enlightened

Oh, Beltane - how I celebrate your hope and revel in your energies!

Beltane is a festival having to do with heat, passion, spontaneity, survival, fertility, balance and joining.

Think of Beltane as a wedding feast celebrating fertility. The Goddess, now ripe and receptive, unites with the Sun king and will, in due course, give birth to the crops of the fields that will nourish us throughout the year. This is a time to not only recognize life but to also take action on the activities and projects planned and begun during the Vernal Equinox.

Much of the tradition and ritual associated with Beltane has to do with marriage and fertility. Long-ago, it was important to recognize this season, for a good harvest could come only from fertile soil, ample rain and care given to the crops as they matured.

So, too, must we recognize the pivotal impact that a balanced union of the Divine Feminine with the Enlightened Masculine has on our personal, local and global communities. Care must be given to cultivating humankind. 

When speaking of feminine and masculine energies, we are reminded that one could not exist without the other. When we try to understand what it means to be male, what it means to be female, we observe not only differences in our outer form, but diversity at the very core. Let us not react in fear to what we see. Instead, when these differences and insights are revealed, let us embrace and honor them. For the fundamental truth remains - part of our selves lives within the other.

At this stage in the development of the universe we shall only progress as the Divine Feminine and Enlightened Masculine converge. If reconciliation of our differences ceases, we will lose sight of one another (each other) and lose as well, our ability to recognize our selves in the other. We must view each other through the eyes of curiosity and wonder. There must be understanding among us to effectively heal and move beyond any preconceived or displaced notion of injustice and injury. We (each of us) must strive to rise above ourselves (our egos) and release the limiting bonds of emotional and psychological wounds. For we each hold within ourselves these qualities and, through the mirror of the other, see our complete Self.

Humankind is elevated through Man's (the Enlightened Masculine's) ability to embrace the qualities of the Feminine. Man's protecting spirit, acceptance, appreciation, courage and willingness to work in unison with the Feminine will bring into focus the energy of Love and Oneness. Without this we (as individuals and as the Whole) along with our world will perish.

What are the qualities of the Enlightened Masculine?
Through his conviction of purpose and use of skillful means, Man is the navigator through obstacles and the builder of cities (kingdoms). Through perseverance Man explores - discovering and retrieving that which is Pure and Real. While Man creates anew, Woman contains and nurtures what has been created.

What are the qualities of the Divine Feminine?
She is the Cradle of Ageless Wisdom, the Strength of Unfolding Creation, the Ferocity of Necessary Destruction (cutting away that which is false), the Safeguard of Home and Innocence, and the Nurturer of Life and Death.

The whole and vital question for each of us (all of us) is, "How shall the Divine Feminine and the Enlightened Masculine recognize one another?" and, "Do we recognize each other now?" Man and Woman are Husband and Wife, bride and bridegroom to Evolutionary Creation. The Light that emerges when each individual finds all these qualities within her/himself shines upon a Blessed Marriage. The result of which is not only the realization of Divine Love, but bringing it to true fruition. Love is a sacred reserve of energy.

In our society, which has a tendency to stereotype and pigeon-hole, we must constantly focus on achieving our full potential. We, (in our culture), tend to separate things. We put up fences (or walls) - dividing, "ours" and blocking out, that which is "other's" - forgetting we are all interconnected. When we stop and go within, we are deeply made aware of our essential essence. We are more than a body, more than gender, more than our sexuality, more than a name - we are Divine Spirit. We discover the wonderous Mystery within us (within each of us) and become conscious of the fact the other person is a reflection of the same Mystery. Through feeling this sense of togetherness - that we are as One - we must learn to share those resources of Love and Light that are inside us.

It has become brutally obvious to see the great imbalance, destruction and cruelty that has happened to humans and Mother Earth, caused by the lack of inner harmony and balance within each individual's Inner World. Every human being contains both masculine and feminine energy. These opposites unite and untie us - forcing us to find our spiritual center. It is the coming together of these two energies that will make a difference.

Love will always find a way and the new energies coming to Earth are the energies of merging and allowing. The merging and allowing of the Divine Feminine and Enlightened Masculine to interact, intertwine and, together;  transcend. 

Find more mystical musings at 

https://audioboom.com/channels/4991359

Planetary Energies

Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology and celestial intelligence in an attempt to bring the most effective results. I am going to present the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week and the best day to perform different types of magick or ritual.

You do not need to spend hours drafting and interpreting intricate star charts in order to give your workings a planetary boost. By applying basic principles of planetary timing, you can align your ritual or spellwork with the most helpful planetary influence.

Records show that the concept of planetary correspondences to the days of the week, dates back to Babylonian astrology. They assigned a planet to rule each day, then divided the day into planetary hours. Planetary magick was re-discovered by medieval magicians who looked to their world for inspiration. The tradition of using different days, and specific hours, for particular types of magick can be seen in the Key of Solomon, a 14th century text that presents a typical example of Renaissance magick.

For our purposes, the sun and moon are utilized as planets. This approach is based upon the interpretations of the skies by ancient astronomers. I am also going to stick to the planets and days and skip the individual planetary hours. Keeping the information simple makes it more accessible and user friendly...feeling overwhelmed cramps one's flow.


The Sun -- Sunday
Because of the Sun's role as light-bringer, illumination is the theme for Sunday workings. Its energy can add a sparkle to money magick and add a warmth to health intentions and the Sun relates to vitality and success. It is also related to new beginnings, self-confidence and courage. Sundays are great days for beginning new projects, giving fresh momentum to older ones, improving health and calling for professional success to you.

The Moon -- Monday
Much of the folklore surrounding the Moon focuses on this astral body's changing looks. It is traditionally associated with psychic concerns and our human desires to shift our emotions, energies and situations. Throughout history, cultures worldwide tracked the Moon and noted its cycles, sometimes encrypting this information in the alignments and designs of their architecture.

Mondays are ideal days for working with the subconscious thought introspection and dreaming. Scrying, development of psychic abilities and utilizing cartomancy for personal insight each benefit from the Moon's energies this day, as do workings for emotional health. Because of the Moon's influence on the tides, Mondays are good for any type of water ritual or magick. It is a potent day to create travel amulets and to cleanse magickal tools.

Mars -- Tuesday
Utilizing the assertive powers of Mars can add tremendous power to workings that initiate big change, call upon action, week victory and expand our strength.

Tuesdays are good days to activate protective talismans, reinforce your home's barriers (both energetic and physical) and to cultivate personal energy. Traditionally, Tuesdays were for blessings cars and machines, forges and new gardens. (A side note for those whom may be wondering when to cast those "not-so-nice" workings; Tuesday's warring Mars energy is what you want.)

Mercury -- Wednesday
The energy of the messenger god, Mercury, makes Wednesday an appropriate day for all types of communication and divination. Workings for travel, luck, creative thinking and business endeavors will be bolstered and given fleet momentum when conducted on a Wednesday. Mercury rules over the acquisition of magickal knowledge, aids in travel between the worlds and guides the souls of the dead.

Last month, I made a horse hide drum and recently learned that Wednesdays are beneficent days for drumming. That aspect, combined with my love of divination and natural proclivity for spirit communication, has made for some potently deep work.

Jupiter -- Thursday
This planet is beautiful, slow and stately, qualities that ancient magicians interpreted as themes of abundance, judgment and wisdom. Thursday is a great day to perform workings for legal matters, faith and long lasting prosperity. This is an auspicious day to purchase property, sign contracts, bestow blessings on family, friends and your home.

Venus -- Friday 
Venus encourages us to celebrate the joy in the realms of music, food, the arts and love. It is also a day to utilize when we need to honor our personal struggles in these areas.

Because Venus is closely connected to the natural world (it is our morning and evening star), Friday is a beneficial day to harvest herbs and plants that will be used for magickal purposes. Infuse potions, perform mirror magick and take ritual baths with the joy of Venus on Fridays.

Saturn -- Saturdays
Saturn, the Lord of Endings. According to astrology, Saturn's position helps us learn from life, set the past behind and to move forward.

In some circles, Saturday has gotten the reputation as an inauspicious day for magickal workings. Personally, I do not subscribe to this thought. I find Saturdays a fine day for banishing and binding works, as well as a very powerful day for ancestor communication and mediumship. It is also a good time to understand our personal limits, establish personal boundaries and to bolster self-discipline.


Will your rituals or workings fail because they are not aligned with a particular planetary energy? NO! Work your energy when you can and if you feel the need or a strong pull to, for example, throw down some luck mojo on a Sunday instead of of a Wednesday - do it!

For me, over the years, something that I have appreciated about taking the time to incorporate planetary magick into my practice, is that it helped me slow down, center and proceed in a mindful way. It helped me establish discipline and preparation that added strength to my self-confidence and thus, to my workings. I also felt that the knowledge that thousands upon thousands of like-minded people around the world were working similar energies on those days, added potency to whatever I was doing. The ability to tap into that collective, while adding my own frequencies to the mass, has been insightful, humbling and empowering; there is strength in numbers after all.


Bright Blessings!

I wish you peace and grace.
~ Amber

For a deeper look into The Key of Solomon, as well as other fascinating sacred texts, 

click the link below. 

h ttps://www.sacred-texts.com/grim/kos/index.htm