November's Super Moon & Things to do during a Full Moon

This year, the full moons of October, November and December all take place when the moon is at its closest point of approach in its orbit around Earth — a so-called supermoon.  

October's supermoon occurred on Oct. 16. The next supermoon will be November's full Beaver Moon, which is expected to reach the peak of its full phase on the morning of Nov. 14, at 8:52 a.m. EST (1352 GMT), but it will appear full to the casual observer in the day before and after the main event. It is the second of three consecutive supermoon full moons for 2016.  

This full moon will be not only the closest and brightest supermoon of 2016 but also the largest since 1948, Bob Berman, an astronomer at the Slooh Community Observatory, told Space.com. What's more, the full moon won't come this close to Earth again until Nov. 25, 2034, according to a statement from NASA

Quote from http://www.space.com/34515-supermoon-guide.html

Every Full Moon is vital in renewing energy and reviving intent. It can help you release negativity, thoughts that no longer serve you, and break habits that are holding you back. Thus, connecting with the Full Moon can empower you to make changes in your life that you may have been contemplating and invite new and brilliant vibrations into your life!

Take a little time to celebrate the full moon and maximize your existence:

× on the night of the full moon, step outside and find a grassy private area to sit or lay down and contemplate the moon.

× make an altar with candles, shells, water, whatever speaks to you and set it up in view of the moon. Breathe in the strong lunar energy and push out any negativity that resides.

× take a piece of paper and write insecurities, fears, habits, things that are keeping you from being your best self, then let those things go by burning the paper and symbolically banishing them. As you burn them away you might feel overwhelmed, take comfort in the guidance of the moon and remember that you have within you brilliant traits and strengths to replace that which no longer serves you.

× meditate. Whether through a guided meditation, listening to relaxing music or complete silence, take a minute outside, close your eyes, take deep breaths and just be present and feel what's going on inside of you.

× girls: have a girls night with close positive friends and talk about things that you're passionate about, make art, watch a show and discuss it, have a few drinks, go out on the town, whatever you'd like!

× have a bonfire and swap stories, listen to music, dance, have fun and let go of negativity.

× let your creativity flow, be inspired by the moon whether to paint, draw, dance, hike, pick flowers, write, or anything else that inspires you.

And don't forget to charge your crystals!

Herb Spotlight: Cottonwood Trees

In springtime, when the forest is waking up, as I walk along the river that winds its way through my town, the little wispy white flowers fall from the cottonwood trees and I collect from already fallen branches (a gift from the recent storm) and gather the not yet sprouted buds, covering my fingers in sticky red resin. One of mother nature's healing gifts, cottonwood resin contains a special medicine that has the power to soothe sore muscle, ease the pain in arthritic joints, and help heal damaged skin.

Crystal Spotlight: Amethyst

Amethyst, the protector, is a very powerful stone, guarding against stress and negative environment energies. It vibrates with a quiet calm and enhances higher states of conscious and meditation.

Worn over the heart, amethyst helps you to strengthen discipline, overcome blockages, and enhance spiritual awareness.

Herb Spotlight: Peppermint

Peppermint leaves, which grow on beautiful curling vines is easy to care for and will also give you a great yield compared to other herbs. Peppermint has a sweet, fresh scent that will clear your sinuses, ease a headache, help with indigestion and other stomach problems, and can calm anxiety and stress.

Harnessing the Power of Autumn & Major Arcana to Inspire Change

Well Met dear souls! Thank you for taking the initiative to head over to this post, you have taken the first step in becoming your best self!

In this Article, I will talk about why Autumn is such a good season for making positive changes and continuing on your path of personal growth. I also have prepared two tarot spreads you can use to find the things you need to change, accept some maybe unexpected truths about yourself, and the wisdom you need to make decisions.

Have you ever felt that disquiet in yourself when the seasons change? With the change in our surroundings (especially winter to spring and summer to fall, the most extreme of the seasonal changes) comes a shift in the energy around us, which can cause disharmony within you and is a great time to take a look at the things in your life; negative ruminations, diet, exercise, personal relationships and career path, anything that you feel like may be off or is no longer serving you. Some things that may invigorate you in one part of the year may tire you in another. For example, I love to trail run. This is something that I pick up every spring and put to sleep every fall. I love it but I’m not going to bundle up in the dead of winter to go run an icy dangerous trail, so during that time I do yoga and other exercises. During the middle of summer, the hottest point of July is another extreme and so I usually don’t hit the trails too much then either, preferring to lift weights and take walks in the warm night air. Find what works for you in every season! We are meant to constantly be growing and using the seasons to affect positive change in our lives is a great way to do this!

Change is important! It keeps us present and alive. It’s one of the only constant things that you can rely on and therefore important to accept and welcome it into our lives rather than avoid the inevitable.

While Spring is more of a time for detoxification, to refresh and revive your mind and body, Fall is the time of death and rebirth. Whatever changes are calling to you this season, honor them. If you feel inspired to try a new class or job or follow a dream you have had for a while, start to seriously consider the steps you could take to start down the path you’ve been too afraid to step foot on. If it’s diet, celebrate the bounty of fall harvest by including more vegetables and stopping at local fruit stands. Incorporate more and better exercise by getting out into nature, which is scientifically proven to decrease negative ruminations and anxiety.  If it’s love, welcome the sacred intimacy and calm that cannot be achieved during the busy months.

Fall is a time for focus. The crazy noises and sights and smells of summer are starting to cool down, we’re settling into a calmer, quieter time. It’s much easier to hear yourself and listen to your inner voice. Whatever changes need to be made, listen to your intuition and make decisions based on instinct. This change is the Earth’s energy encourages us to move forward, out of the now and into the new.

I have two spreads to help you encourage growth in yourself and inspire real change. Choose whichever calls out to you more, or both! I found the idea for these spreads on a tarot forum, then tinkered around with them to create something perfect for our purposes. For an especially powerful reading, separate the Major Arcana cards in your deck from the others and use just those to do your reading. While all the cards hold wisdom and great meaning, using just the Major Arcana for these readings (or any) can help focus your readings, provide strong messages and sometimes give you much needed wake-up call!

Creating a Change Spread

......1...6......
3...............4
.....5......2….

1. Present situation that needs change
2. Foundation - personal reason for the change
3. Physical action
4. Attitude adjustment
5. Foundation - what cannot be changed
6. Situation after the change.

Direction Spread

…..5…..
3……..4
.....2.....
.....1.....

1. My strengths/talents (the raw clay with which to work)
2. What steps I can take to use my strengths as a vocation (how to mold
the clay)
3. Spiritual/inner influences
4. Practical/outer influences
5. The path I should take (the finished clay vessel)

Thank you for reading this article! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them and I will answer swiftly! I hope you are able to use this information and tarot spread outline to make real positive changes in your life!

*          *          *

The Autumn Equinox marks the balance between light and dark and is also known as Mabon by Pagans and Wiccans. To celebrate Autumn, several of us have banded together to support YOUR Equinox Journey, offering tarot and oracle card spreads; information on how to work with the Colours of Autumn; tips on working with your Inner Cauldron; new additions for your Art Journal; creative writing tips; working with Lilith; the journey of Persephone, Demeter and Hades, and much much more. To read the next article in the Fall Tarot Blog Hop, "click here." 

12 Ways To Use Rosemary

While I am a lover of all the herbs, there are a couple of them that have many different uses and medicinal properties, you can cure and aid many ailments and health concerns with just a few plants. Even if you’re in an apartment, you can grow one or two herbs by the window or on the front porch. Pick a few herbs that can be used with all sorts of variety, like cooking, medicinal, skin care, etc. It would be best to research each herb yourself to see what would be best for your specific needs, but if you’d like a few ideas, my favorite is Rosemary. (If you’d like a couple others, try Lavender, Basil, and Peppermint as well!)

Why Rosemary?

Let me tell you a little bit about Rosemary and why it’s such a miracle plant.  Rosemary (also known as Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used in traditional medicine for years. Rosemary can relieve muscle and nerve pain, boost liver function, improve circulation, cure adrenal fatigue, aid in digestion and eliminate bad bacteria. Rosemary also will help give antioxidants a boost, helping fight off infection and disease.

HARVESTING ROSEMARY

First of all, to correctly harvest Rosemary, all you have to do is cut off the top couple inches of each little plant (make sure you leave it a little room to keep growing, don’t snip too far!) and it’ll keep growing! Pruning your plant daily or weekly (depending on how big it is, use your judgment) can actually help your plant stay healthy and not overgrow its pot!

HOW TO CORRECTLY DRY THE HERBS

Hang your rosemary upside down in small bundles in a dry area out of the sun (which is said to remove color and aroma from the herb, though I’ve been unable to find any article yet with scientific reasoning to prove this to me as of yet) I still do it anyways just in case! It makes sense to me that the sun would also evaporate the natural oils in the herbs too quickly and while you want your herbs dry, you don’t want them stripped of medicinal qualities and taste. Drying can take anywhere from a day or two to a week depending on how big your bundles are. Once they are dry, store them in a covered jar (again, out of the sun) until you are ready to use! Some say to strip the leaves from the stems before storing, but I like to leave them on the stems right until I use them! Though this takes up more space, many sources I have read from (many being chefs) say you get the most flavor/aroma from keeping them on the stem until ready for use.

You are now ready to use your rosemary! Completely dried herbs are safe from mold and bacteria and will keep for 6-12 months if kept in an airtight container.

Rosemary has many medicinal and holistic uses you would not expect. But we’ll start with the most obvious use of Rosemary: Cooking.

ROSEMARY IN COOKING

Rosemary is very aromatic and flavorful, perfect to use for both sweet and savory dishes in the kitchen. Here are a couple ways to use rosemary you might not have tried. If you have any more, feel free to post them in the comments! I love trying new things with my herbs.

Make a rosemary-infused olive oil by placing several sprigs of rosemary in a glass jar with enough olive oil to cover the herb, let sit for 2 weeks or more, it will get stronger the longer you let it sit. You strain the rosemary out of the oil or leave it in and put it in a bottle with a spout and just let it strengthen over time. When you use it up, get rid of the rosemary and do it again with fresh sprigs.

Make a rosemary-infused vinegar the same way as above, or you could even store them together with the rosemary. Or infuse the vinegar with a different herb (like basil or oregano) than the oil and get different flavors/properties!

Make garlic & rosemary butter by putting the desired amount of butter into a glass mixing bowl with chopped garlic and rosemary, use a wooden spoon to fold in the herbs and garlic in, tearing and smashing them into the butter, add a 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice and a dash of salt per 8 Tbs. butter. Put into a glass container. If refrigerated, can last for up to a month.

Make frozen Rosemary cubes by pressing freshly chopped rosemary into ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze, store the cubes in a Ziploc bag or dish and take out at any time to use for vegetables, soups, smoothies, etc.

Make a rosemary & lemon salt for poultry, vegetable or fish dishes by taking a jar, press fresh rosemary in the bottom, squeeze the juice of one large lemon per about 16 ounces of salt, and pour the salt on top. Shake it and let it sit in a cool dark place. The longer it sits, but the stronger it will get but you can use it immediately, just let it keep sitting. When it’s gone, throw out the rosemary and start with a fresh batch.

SKIN AND HAIR CARE

Rosemary hair rinse tonic

For this simple but powerful hair tonic you will need vinegar, (I prefer apple cider vinegar but you could also use regular white) enough dried rosemary to fill ½ of whatever jar you are using, and a glass jar with non-metal lid (use glass, cork, wood or plastic.)

Place rosemary into glass jar. Pour vinegar over the rosemary. Cover with non-metal lid (vinegar ruins metal). Let sit in a cool dark place for 1-2 weeks. Use cheesecloth or a tight mesh strainer to strain the rosemary. Pour into a glass tincture bottle with a dropper or spray attachment.

To Use: Drop (or spray) all over your scalp. Let it sit on hair for about 5 minutes (the time it takes to shave your armpits or use a body scrub) and then rinse with water. No other shampoo or conditioner is needed this shower/bath. Use once a week to stimulate hair growth, cleanse chemicals and soothe an itchy scalp.

For my Rosemary hair growth oil, I like to make it in a little glass tincture bottle with a dropper so that you can drop it without mess or waste onto the ends or specific area of focus. For this one, I like to use essential oils instead of homemade infused oil because I love the way the EOs interact with coconut oil. So along with Rosemary oil, I like to add tea tree oil (melaleuca) because not only is it fabulous for both your hair and skin, it also encourages growth and smells fantastic. Add 15 drops each of these oils to ¾ parts of coconut oil and fill the remainder with jojoba oil. (Another great oil to use in this recipe? Hemp seed oil, which is chock full of Omegas 3, 6 & 9, moisturizes the scalp and strengthens hair. For those unfamiliar with hemp seed oil, hemp seed oil is made from a different type of the Hemp plant than marijuana and does not contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or THC)

Make a comforting Rosemary sea salt scrub and bath salt by combining ¾ parts Sea salt (Epsom salt can also be used instead of sea salt for those with sensitive skin) with ¼ baking soda and adding an oil (choose one of the skin/hair boosting oils from the Rosemary hair growth oil above, like coconut, jojoba or hemp and also consider castor oil, a skin healing oil that won’t leave your skin dry.) Add rosemary essential oil or herbs, or both, and any other oil or herb you’d like. (My favorites are rose petals, rosemary, lavender and chamomile, with lavender, rosemary, and melaleuca oils.) Mix all these ingredients together and add to a glass jar. Shake before using, settling of the oils in natural.

Use the powerful healing effects of rosemary in this Healing Herb Salve including Rosemary, Cottonwood Bark, Chamomile, Lavender and any other herbs you’d like to add to your choice of oil (again, choose from one of the options above) and soak the herbs in a glass jar (metal lid is fine this time) for at least two weeks. Then, strain the herbs from the oil with a cheese cloth or close mesh strainer and warm in a double boiler or a saucepan on low. Add 1-ounce beeswax to every 6 ounces of oil (a 1:6 ratio, a little more beeswax for a harder salve, a little less for a more gloss like salve) I don’t add any essential oils to this recipe so it can be safe for any burn, bruise, bump or bite.

NATURAL DEODORANT

Did you know that really the only reason deodorant is necessary is because of your diet? Eating a lot of dairy products, sugary drinks, and processed foods are all hard to digest and causes your body to eliminate toxins by producing heavy, stinky sweat! Eating more herbs like rosemary, along with basil, mint and others, drinking more water and reducing the amount of those other foods/drinks can decrease the odor in your sweat, making deodorant unnecessary. I personally very rarely use deodorant! If you’d like more information on the dangers of deodorant and how to switch, check out this useful article on the dangers of deodorant.

NATURAL BUG REPELLANT

Burn dried Rosemary in a safe dish near your patio or area you want to keep mosquito free, or on a rock next to a campfire as the thick cloying smoke and smell are repugnant to bugs, especially mosquitoes.

If you have a diffuser, put a couple drops of rosemary oil in it and a drop of peppermint to keep away those pesky pests.

BODY AND ORAL PAIN RELIEF

Since Rosemary is a natural pain reliever, there are many ways to use this magical plant for healing. For external pain and sore muscles, wrap the herbs in a hot, wet towel and apply it to the area or drink a tea made with rosemary for oral pain relief, sore throat and should help loosen mucus, or relieve congestion by boiling water and adding to large bowl, stir in a few sprigs and hold your head above the steam, covering your head with a cloth or towel to make sure none escapes, and breathe in deeply. (NOTE: You can also add Lavender to help with headaches and stress, or peppermint to help clear your sinuses and lessen headaches.)

I hoped you liked these uses for Rosemary! I didn't add any metaphysical properties or uses for rosemary because I wasn't sure of the interest but I might add it in later.
Please comment your experiences with these uses and any other ideas you might have! Namaste!

6 Ways to use Lavender Daily

Lavender, a soothing and potent flower, has been used medicinally for centuries by many different cultures. In early Egypt, mummies were embalmed with shrouds soaked in lavender, as it would keep insects away and help to preserve them. Ancient Rome used lavender in purifying baths, giving lavender the Latin name Lavare, which roughly translated, means “to wash.” It was meant to purify the body of toxins. Lavender is said to have many healing properties. When Medieval Europe was hit by the plague, herbalists would instruct the people to wrap sprigs of lavender around their arms and legs to keep the Black Death at bay. In World War I, nurses used lavender to wash clothes, to cool burns, and as an antiseptic for wounds. Today Lavender is often used to calm the nerve, release anxiety, and relax the mind. It can relieve a headache, migraines, and insomnia. Lavender can be used to help the uneasy mind to sleep, the anxious nerves to relax, consistent pain to ease.

Here are six of my favorite ways to incorporate more Lavender into my daily routine. Try them out!

Lavender sea salt bath soak & scrub

Make a comforting sea salt bath soak & scrub by combining ¾ parts Sea salt (Epsom salt can also be used instead of sea salt for those with sensitive skin, or a mixture of the two) with ¼ baking soda and adding an oil or several oils (choose a skin & hair boosting oil, like coconut, jojoba or avocado and also consider castor oil, a skin healing oil that won’t leave your skin dry.) Add lavender essential oil or herbs, or both, and any other oil or herb you’d like. (My favorites are rose petals, rosemary, lavender, and chamomile, with lavender and melaleuca oils.) Mix all these ingredients together and add to a glass jar. Shake before using, settling of the oils in natural.

Lavender relax and sweet dreams pouch

One of my favorite ways to use lavender is to throw a handful (or a couple handfuls) of the dried flower into a thin pouch (choose one you can see and smell the contents from the outside) and add other herbs, (rose petal, rosemary and mugwort are my personal choices) and simply keep the pouch under your pillow at night. I like to inhale from it deeply before going to sleep, and having it under your pillow will also lightly emanate the scent. You can also refresh the scent of the lavender buds by adding a couple drops of lavender essential oil every now and then. If you are so inclined, you could also add a clear quartz crystal, amethyst, selenite or any other relaxing or dream boosting crystal to help encourage lucid dreaming and a deep sleep.

Lavender healing salve

Use the powerful healing effects of lavender in this Healing Salve, including Lavender, Rosemary, Cottonwood Bark, Chamomile, and any other herbs you’d like to add to your choice of oil (choose from one of the options above) and soak the herbs in a glass jar (metal lid is fine this time) for at least two weeks. Then, strain the herbs from the oil with a cheese cloth or close mesh strainer and warm in a double boiler or a saucepan on low. Add 1-ounce beeswax to every 6 ounces of oil (a 1:6 ratio, a little more beeswax for a harder salve, a little less for a more gloss like salve) I don’t add any essential oils to this recipe so it can be safe for any burn, bruise, bump or bite.

Lavender lemonade

For 12 cups (about 1 pitcher) of water, squeeze or juice 6 large lemons, add 5 drops of lavender oil, 1 cup raw honey, and 1 cup of dried and crushed lavender flowers and blend. Feel free to add lavender sprigs and mint leaves for garnish.

Lavender face wash

Try ditching your store bought face wash in favor of a natural, only 5 ingredient lavender face wash! I used Lavender because it is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and Tea Tree oil for its skin healing and anti-bacterial benefits, along with a couple drops of strong frankincense to heal scars and clean pores.

Ingredients:

¼ cup water

¼ cup castille soap

½ tsp. avocado or jojoba oil

¼ tsp. vitamin E oil

5 drops lavender

5 drops frankincense

Combine and store in a glass jar.

Lavender hair rinse tonic

Apple cider vinegar (or regular white) enough to cover the flowers.
enough dried lavender flowers to fill ½ of whatever jar you are using
glass jar with non-metal lid (use glass, cork, wood or plastic.)

Directions:
Place dried lavender into glass jar. Pour vinegar over the lavender. Cover with non-metal lid (vinegar ruins metal). Let sit in a cool dark place for 1-2 weeks. Use cheesecloth or a tight mesh strainer to strain the lavender flowers. Pour into a glass tincture bottle with a dropper or spray attachment.

To Use: Drop (or spray) all over your scalp. Let it sit on hair for about 5 minutes (the time it takes to shave your armpits or use a scrub) and then rinse with water. No other shampoo or conditioner is needed. Use once a week.

Daily Tarot

Today our card is the Ten of Staves! I was a little sheepish to draw this card this morning because it represents being overburdened and working too hard! (Which is exactly what I have been doing) The active energy of the suite of staves is held back by this card, which can lead to frustration. The nature of the Ten of Staves suggests that some of these burdens are not yours willingly, that they may have been put upon you by an outside influence and therefore the attitude toward them is a resistant one.  Lighten your load! The appearance of this card invites you to put first what is really important and to find ways in which other burdens may be eased. This can be achieved by asking for help, delegating responsibilities that should not be yours, and most importantly by making a simple change in your outlook towards these responsibilities, accepting that which you must do, and things that you have allowed others to pile upon you must be cast off. 

Stress Sick Tea Recipe

Sorry for not posting for a few days, I got sick with cold/strep symptoms: a sore throat, swollen nodes, headache, body ache and so I went home to my parents house to let my mother take care of me and went on a fast of everything except water and this sick tea composed of lemon, honey, cayenne pepper, ginger, and chamomile. This Stress Sick Tea Electuary is one of the new items that will be available in my shop in the update later this next week.

But, to make your own basic similar sick tea, here's a recipe.

Boil two cups of hot water, pour into heat-safe mug.
Add:
1 lemon, cut in halves.
1 Tbs. powdered ginger or several slices of ginger root, whichever you have is fine.
1 Tbs. honey or to taste
1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper or just a dash if you can't handle that much.
a tea bag of choice: peppermint, chamomile or green tea all have medicinal properties and could help the taste.

WHY EACH INGREDIENT IS IMPORTANT:
Lemon will help detoxify your liver and is chock full of Vitamin C, Calcium and other vitamins and minerals that will help your immune system fight off bad bacteria.
Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, can help with indigestion and nausea, bloating and boosting the immune system.
Honey is antibacterial and antifungal which can help fight off infection and also soothe your sore throat.
Cayenne is one of the most important and powerful ingredients in this tea, as a cold-busting and bacteria fighting antifungal and anti-irritant it can also help with headaches, digestion and help produce saliva.

Another important thing to do when you're sick is NOT TO EAT SUGAR OR PROCESSED FOODS! I personally just fast with water and this tea, but if you can't do that, eat soups or soft foods without too much dairy or sugar.
Hope this recipe helps you! Namaste!

Full Moon Astrology 8/18

As we draw nearer to the full moon and Lunar Eclipse on thursday I thought I'd provide a little insight on the current astrology and what this means to you.

As Venus squares to Saturn, we might have a feeling of isolation, being alone, misunderstood and needing to connect with people who really respect our values. If you need support, guidance or comfort, now would be a good time as Venus enters with good communication, understanding and patience.
Venus in Virgo is about refining, purifying, polishing, ways to make our talents and passions work for us in the world. Venus is a deeply psychological and emotional planet, representing an increase in understanding and insight. You may feel empowered with the coming of the full moon, more validated at work, more understood by your partner. Venus also rules how we handle money, and how our self-worth ties into how successful we can be.

Clear out all of the negative emotions and things you are holding onto while we move into Aquarius, as aquarius is a positive force with potential and direction. 

Remember: the full moon is a good time for completion as it is at its fullest and is strongest right now which encourages good communication, moving past fears and attachments, and seeing the results of your actions. This is a time to set good things in motion! If you have been flip flopping back and forth on a decision, this is a great time to harness the decisive energy of the moon and lunar eclipse into helping you make a change. 

If you have any questions feel free to comment!

Blessed be!

Tarot Reading Revealed

Well Met! Today is a lovely new day! I have some insight for you on preparing for the full moon throughout the rest of your weekend and the beginning of your week!

If you haven't picked a card, head back one post to ground your energy and pick the card that suits you best.
















If you picked Card #1
The Ten of Pentacles is a very fortunate card, dealing with abundance, success, security and signifying that you are being treated very well in the way of material wealth right now. It also symbolizes a desire for permanence, stability and a lasting future. Change is an unavoidable part of life, but constant change is uncomfortable. We need a stable environment and to be working towards a secure foundation in life. Choosing this card may signify that now may be the time to settle down and make arrangements that will work for you far into the future and for the rest of your life.

If you picked Card #2
Seven of Vessels (reversed)
This card is very different from the first card as it is ever moving, forming and reforming, representing creativity and imagination, creating fantasies and wishful thinking, perhaps lacking focus and commitment and just flitting from one idea to the next. It can also signify that you are being offered many choices, standing in a field of possibilities and having the opportunity to look at them all and choose whatever calls to you most. Be careful though, because the reversed nature warns of being disorganized, lazy, indecisive, procrastinating and neglecting your health. Having fun and being free is important, but don't let yourself become stagnate.

If you picked Card #3
Ace of Pentacles
The ace is a symbol of possibility, growth, trust, and prosperity. The appearance of this card in a reading shows that a seed of productivity has been planted in your life although you may not yet recognize it. This seed could take many forms, it could mean finding a center within yourself, a focus and clarity to put your effort and personal power into achieving a goal. It could also represent a gift, opportunity, encounter or event, some synchronisity or colliding of forces.
When you recieve the Ace in a reading, examine your life to see how you can ground your energy and solidify your life. This is not a time for drama, fantasizing or daring. It is a time to be real and center yourself. Build a foundation of trust within yourself and with those that are close to you. Seek out comfortable, reliable experiences that make you feel secure. Focus also on the natural world to stay grounded, make sure to take walks, go hiking or camping, spend time in parks, etc. As much time away from cars and offices and streetlights as possible.

This was such a fun reading to do! Please comment with some insight on your card and how it answered your question or helped provide guidance. Blessed be!

Tarot Reading for this weekend and a GIVEAWAY on Monday

Let's pick a card to guide you through the weekend and to the beginning of your next week. Please, close your eyes. Relax. Take several deep breaths and a minute to ground yourself.
Pick one of these three cards:



Tomorrow I will reveal the three cards after you have had a day to ponder the questions you have going into this weekend and prepaing for the full moon next week. What do you want to know? What subject would you like some insight into?
...
Also mark your calendars, because on Monday morning (8/15) I will be hosting a givaway on instagram for a Healing Altar Kit and free 5-card tarot readings with this deck.
---
These cards were pulled from my new deck, the Tarot of the Cloisters, an old, out of print deck bought used for me as a gift from a loved one. I'm just getting to know this deck so I will be awarding free readings from this deck, so I can learn the cards and how to communicate them better as well as hopefully provide guidance to others and spread a little more understanding and peace. How to get a free reading? Comment on my blogposts, subscribe by email, go follow my instagram and enter my giveaway, like and comment on a couple pictures, share the giveaway, i'll be messaging several like-minded souls to do a reading for them as a thank you for spreading the word.

Crystal Spotlight: Kyanite

Blue Kyanite is known as a 'universal bridge' for its high vibrations and transferring energy rapidly. It is great for opening yourself up to others, promoting positive communication and providing a base for transfering (both giving and receiving) healing energies. Very good for meditation as it aligns the chakras and and brings about a calming state.
Kyanite is one of only two minerals (the other being citrine) that do not retain or build negative energies, making it excellent to aid in clearing and cleansing other crystals, as it doesn't need clearing or cleansing itself.
Wearing or using Kyanite can inspire loyalty, co-existence and fair treatment of others. It is very useful in working through disputes and repairing damaged relationships. In work situations Kyanite can help bridge the gap between different ideas and opinions, encouraging good communication and teamwork.
If you have lost your way or your direction in life, Kyanite is very useful in helping you sort your thoughts and dreams and figure out where you want to go. It can also help break cycles of self destructive behavior. Wear over the heart to help examine all aspects of yourself and provide guidance.

Blessed be!

Just a side note, I have wire wrapped Kyanite healing pendants in my shop! These are high quality crystals that have been personally wrapped by me. Check them out! and use the code GRANDOPENING for free US shipping!

Tarot Reading for the week:

Hello everyone! I'm looking for a new job right now which can be exciting but also definitely a struggle! So I thought I'd draw a few cards for some guidance and strength. Here's what I came up with! It's always good to take a look at what you're doing and how you'd like to change it, and hopefully it will speak to you as well. This also fits in very well with the advice from yesterdays post about 8/8!

Card one:  Two of Wands

Question: Why did this happen?

The Two of Wands shows a need for a fresh start, to explore new places and to follow your dreams. The last stage of your life you spent doing or being something and being very good at it. Now, you have a desire to step out of your comfort zone, stretch your reality and explore unfamliar territory.

This card indicates that you may be facing a major change in your lifestyle, that you have outgrown the boundaries you previously placed on yourself and you are ready to reach out and make those changes. 

Card two:  Ten of Swords (reversed)

Question: Am I on the correct path?

This card represents the end of a difficult time in your life, that the pain and stress you have been plagued by is coming to an end, and that the road ahead of you is rising above the darkness you previously were surrounded by. Material things become less important and the spiritual journey closer and more connected to you than ever.

Reversed, the ten of swords reminds us that for real changes in your life to be lasting, they must take root inwardly as well. Everything about the situtation and the attitude behind it needs to be examined before you move forward.

Card three:The World (reversed)

Question: What is the main obstacle facing me?

The World card is all about completion and renewel and represents a shift in your perspective and new beginnings. 

When reversed, the World suggests that events may be slowing down for you, things may feel stagnant, you may be frustrated by being on a plateau or blocked from moving forward and up. 

Don't let yourself get too hung up on this, because there are changes happening underneath the surface that you aren't able to see or feel. Once you are able to empower yourself enough to move forward, these changes and possiblities will make themselves known to you.

Card four: Knight of Pentalces (reversed)

Question: What is helping me?

Your approach to life must be simple and straightforward. Stay grounded and you will reap the benefits of your hard work and discipline. 

Reversed, the card suggests that lately responsibilities have been weighing too heavily and because of that you have been stressed and burdened. Shed that which you do not need to worry about and concentrate on the things that matter!

Card five: Four of Cups

Question: How can I continue making progress?

This card in a reading suggests that help will come from an unexpected source. Keep your eyes open for all possibilities because the solution to your problem may come about in a surprising way. It is your responsibility to pay attention when these opportunities arise because they aren't going to wait around forever. Be wary of your own stubbornness and determination to do things your way, as your way may not always be the most effective. 

Hope this was able to help you as much as it did for me!

Blessed be!

PS: found this tarot spread outline and questions in a post on tarotforum.net , reading by me.

8/8: a day for Empowerment!

Good Morning everyone! Today is 8/8 which I recently learned that in Numerology, the number 8 brings personal empowerment in the material world. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is only about money! This is a time to celebrate your own personal power, to take a hard look at your short and long term goals and realize that you have the energy and strength to manifest them if you retain a strong sense of self. Know that all goals take hard work!

Today is a great day to look at your finances, and if they are not where you need them to be, sit down and make a plan to get them where you want them! Same goes with your body and your diet! You are a beautiful human being and you should take the best possible care of your self! 8 is not a soft number but symbolizes work and strength and logic. If you aren't where you want to be then take a hard look at what you're doing. Are you eating right? Are you getting enough exercise, enough sleep? If you want real change you have to MAKE real change. Don't let this get you down! You have the power to manifest the things you want. Now get out there and make it happen!

Ways to celebrate the Fall Harvest

With the upcoming Autumn (hooray!) comes a shift in the mood of the earth that accompanies every changing season. I thought I'd write a post on some of my favorite ways to celebrate fall as well as some that have been shared with me! Please comment anything you like to do that I haven't mentioned!

1. Go on a walk! Around the neighborhood or a nearby park would be good, but the most effective option would be to go to a nearby forest, lake, mountain, river, desert, or canyon, whatever nature you have around you, go out in it. Go far enough from other people that you have some time alone, just you and the living, breathing earth below, around, and above you.

2. If you have a garden, flower beds, fruit trees, etc, give some extra face time to your plants, spritz them with water and maybe even treat them to some natural plant food (can be found in sprays or soil like form, and contain extra nutrients. You can also sit and read out loud to them, sing to them, trim heavier leaves, branches, etc. This extra attention will strengthen your little plants and encourage them to grow big and full.

3. If you don't have a garden that's okay! Go to a nearby farmers market and purchase some fruits, veggies and herbs from them, it's supporting local farmers, plus it's fresher and MUCH better for you than anything you'll find in a grocery store! Maybe even buy a few extras to give to a friend or family member. Fresh fruits and vegetables don't cost much and you have no idea how much that gesture can do for someone who may really need it! Pay it forward!

4. Host a Dinner, BBQ or a Bonfire, invite your close friends and/or family and ask everyone to bring a homemade dish that reminds them of fall and the harvest. Everyone gets to try things that they may not have tried before and you don't have all the work of cooking fall upon you! Light some citronella candles to ward off pesky bugs and the aroma is also pleasing and encourages good conversation!

5. (Optional) Now this one is for those of us that are inclined towards rituals and spell work.
Set up your sacred circle outside! It's not that hard to throw some candles, crystals, sage and salt or whatever you'd like to use into a tote and take it out into your backyard or even better, on a hike into the local nature.

Hope you enjoyed these suggestions! Again, if you have any more I'd love to hear about them! I'm sure I'll be updating this post as I think of more as well. :)
Honestly the most important thing is kindness.
Blessed be!

Crystal Spotlight: Citrine

Citrine, a bright yellow/clear stone represents using imagination and will for manifestation of dreams, passions and hard work. It is a stone of the sun and has warm energizing and comforting vibrations. It is used in meditation to wake up the chakras and and to clear your mind of any fog and stimulate your soul into action. Encourages creation, imagination and transformation. 
It is a joyful stone with bright energy which lights up many aspects of lives of those who work with it. It has energies of good fortune and good luck, though these may appear in unexpected ways. Use to encourage a fresh beginning and be open to new pursuits.
🔮
Just got a whole batch of these lovelies in!Some of these will be in kits, some will be wire wrapped into pendants, etc 
😘⭐



Use code GRANDOPENING for free shipping.

Healthy Veggie Breakfast Burrito Recipe

Hi everyone! I wanted to try making some freezable breakfast burritos that were healthy and in which I knew all the ingredients (because yikes! those burritos in the freezer aisle are sketchy!)
Try it out, switch it up as you please and let me know what you think!

Healthy Veggie Breakfast Burrito
1 orange bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper (but you can use whatever colors you want)
2 small zucchini squash
one yellow onion
red quinoa
black beans
hemp oil (but you could use olive or coconut)
3 brown eggs, scrambled with nutritional yeast, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper
green chile sauce
fresh spinach

Made three burritos, double as necessary

I added feta cheese but that is definitely optional
an egg substitute could be exchanged for the eggs to make this recipe vegan. :)

Welcome to my Blog!

Well Met! I am Emily Rose, a cat lady, a Leo, a gypsy, a witch-in-training and also just a regular 24 year old broke girl and I will be posting on a variety of earthy, holistic, health and witch related topics! I am a bubbly emphatic eclectic old soul in a young body living in the attic of an old house downtown in a small city in the middle of nowhere; just starting to discover the world of magick, herbs, oils, crystals, sacred geometry, astrology, divination and so much more! I made this blog so I could not only have a place to gather all helpful information on all my favorite topics, but also to share with you things old and new!

I recently opened an online shop called A Witch In The Attic. This has been a dream of mine for a while that through the encouragement of my friends and family as well as my own hard work and determination has finally been made into a reality! It's very small right now but it's growing! I sell a variety of products, my personal favorite being my homemade altar kits- themed multi-use spell kits that include everything you need plus instructions to do a variety of rituals, such as Good Fortune, Protection and Strength, Healing, and Opening Your Third Eye. I also sell Teacup Candles, wire wrapped jewelry and homemade body products!

Please check it out, maybe favorite a few things!
www.etsy.com/shop/awitchintheattic
I'm also on instagram as @awitchintheattic and on facebook as A Witch In The Attic! Connect with me! I'm very interested in becoming acquainted with like minded souls.
Thank you and Blessed be