A Spell For Balance

Air Element Studies, Lesson Two

Air Pollution and What We Can Do about it.

A Spell For Balance

by Starhawk, from "The Earth Path"

"When you are faced with a choice to do something small in service of the Earth that requires some sacrifice [or change] on your part, stop first, breathe and ground and say;

"I offer up this (walk, bus ride, effort of recycling, creation of a compost pile, money spent on an energy saving light bulb... etc.) to the greater balance and healing of the Earth.  Let this small act be like a ripple that grows into a wide circle as it moves outward, leading to greater change.  With every breath in as I (walk, ride, compost, enjoy the light...etc), I will remember my gratitude to the ancestors for the miracle gift of air.  With every breath out I will renew my love and commitment to the balance"."

If you haven't yet, choose something you can do to help prevent and clean up air pollution.  Make a commitment to do it, say this prayer, and remember to breathe in and out slowly and feel gratitude, respect, balance, and intention every time you do whatever it is you have chosen.  No matter how small it seems, it is an act to restore balance and show your love for the Earth and respect to your Ancestors.

This is one small thing I have done so far.  I bought a second trash can for my kitchen, and I labeled it so my kids know to use it for items that can be recycled.  This helps them remember to sort the recyclables from the regular trash, which means we should be recycling a little bit more every week!  I am going to say the above prayer every time I empty this trash bin into our Recycling Collection bin that the city provides for us.  

Air Element Study - Lesson 2 - Air Pollution

Air Element Study, Lesson 2

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day!  Even though realistically we know that EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY, I thought our next lesson on the Air Element in our Elemental Studies should be on Air Pollution and a few things we can do about it.

Please make an effort this week to pick some things in your lifestyle you can change that can help reduce Air Pollution.  There are some ideas for things you can do in these posts;

Air Pollution Info & Solutions (for kids)

Air Pollution - what you can do at home

Air Pollution - what you can do while traveling

Make a list of some of these things and add it to your Air Element section of your Book of Shadows or Element Journal.  If you want, just make a list of the things you can do.  You can even write down a pact... a promise to the Air Element to do one or two of these things, and dedicate the action you take to the Air Element & the God & Goddess.

I have also posted some prayers, meditations, and messages from the Angels and Faeries to help us focus on this problem at a spiritual level.  If you choose, you can copy or print copies of these for your Book of Shadows or Air Element journal as well.

Environmental Awareness - Message from the Fairies (including a meditation and affirmations you can add to your Book of Shadows or Journal)

Pollution - Message from The Angels

Prayer to remove toxins from the Air - not posted yet... coming soon!

Environmental Magick Spell Guide - coming soon!

Fresh Air Spell - Coming soon!

Tarot For Kids; Ace of Swords

The Whimsical Tarot by Dorothy Morrison is a kid-friendly deck of tarot cards based on Nursery-Rhymes and Fairy Tales.  It is a great Tarot deck for young children, or for the young at heart!  Since our Elemental Studies are geared towards lessons and exercises we can do with our children, I thought that I would share some info from this card deck as we go along.  (On a side note, in this deck the suit of swords is said to represent Fire.  Different decks, depending on their authors and creators may sometimes alternate the association of Swords with Air or Fire, and Wands with Fire or Air.  Even though this deck's book describes this suit to be associated with the Fire Element, I find their meanings ring true for Air Element as well.  For the purpose of solidarity in our studies, we will study the suit of Swords in this deck, despite the differences in the author's view of elemental correspondence.)

Before you begin, you may want to go over The Ace of Swords with your child from my previous post.  Depending on your child's age and level of understanding, interpret as you see fit.

The Ace of Swords

The Whimsical Tarot, by Dorothy Morrison, Illustrated by Mary Hanson-Roberts.  

U.S Games Systems

I claim no ownership or copyright of this image, it is shared here as information between friends!  No copyright infringement intended*

From the guidebook;

Depiction: A Mighty Sword

Description: "The Ace of Swords is perhaps, the most aggressive card in the tarot.  That's because it speaks of strength, courage, and victory.  It drives home the importance of the ability to stand up for what we believe in, and the other things that we, as humankind, hope are in our power to accomplish.  For this reason, The Ace of Swords is always shown as a sharp. double edged blade - the standard weapon of choice in many ancient wars.  As symbolized by the dragon's head hilt, this particular blade is one of ferocity and experience.  It knows what it is to go to war, fight courageously, and return.  It knows the glory of winning, and power and freedom of victory.  But it also knows the pain of defeat and has experienced the darkness of poor planning. All of this makes for a very balanced blade."

Advice: "When the Ace of Swords appears in your life, you have achieved some sort of victory.  Get out the laurel wreath and prepare an acceptance speech for your rewards.  This is a turning point in your life, a day you will always remember.  It commemorates a time to take up a cause, fight courageously for it's principles, and win against all odds.  Remember what it takes to be a good winner.  Give some thought to your opponent or the crisis you face.  Remember too, that the Ace of Swords is not only razor sharp and bears a double edge, but it is much heavier than it's counterpart, the fencing blade.  Understand that a great deal of strength and responsibility is necessary to wield it with grace and honor.  With that in mind, make sure you are up to the task before you grab it's hilt.  If you are, it will always serve you well.  If not, you may just slip and cut your own throat."

~ Dorothy Morrison

Take a look at the words in bold print.  These are some of the key meanings of this card.  Keep in mind that this sword does not actually represent physical fighting or aggression and violence.  This is more of the fight of willpower, the fight of the mind, the intellect, and the power of words.

Have you ever heard these phrases?
"Sharp-witted"

"Sharp-tongue"

"Words are like a double edged blade."
"Cut to the truth of the matter."

Think about these phrases for a few minutes.  Write down what you think they mean before you continue reading.

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"Sharp-witted" is a way to refer to someone who is witty and smart, usually very quick to speak.  Someone who is referred to as "Sharp" in this way is usually very intelligent and good with words.

"Sharp-Tongue" - Words can hurt.  When someone is called sharp-tongued it means that their words are often hurtful, spiteful, or cruel.  They use the power of their words to cut people down.  When you read the above advice about the Ace of Swords, it said a great deal of strength and responsibility is necessary to wield your sword with grace and honor.  Your sword is your words, your voice.  Are you using it with honor and responsibility?  Are your words kind, or are you sharp-tongued?

"Words are like a double-edged blade". - just like above... words can hurt.  Your words can cut other people's feelings.  But a double-edged blade means that there are two sides of this sword that are sharp.  If one side is cutting someone else, the other side can cut you.  When you use negative words, it hurts others, but it also hurts YOU.  Like attracts like.  What you say about others can come back on you and hurt you.  Also, what you say about yourself can be just as hurtful.  Try not to speak poorly of yourself, criticize yourself, or put yourself down.  They may feel like "Just words", but they cut you very deeply.  And with the double-edged blade, when you speak badly of yourself, it also hurts the people who love you... because they just want you to be happy and know that you are loved.

"Cut to the truth of the matter."  Why do you think the imagery of "cutting" is used in reference to finding the truth or gaining knowledge?  You don't actually have to CUT anything when you are learning, studying, and seeking the truth.  But the phrases "Cut to the heart of the matter," "Cut to the truth of the matter," and "Cut to the chase" all deal with finding truth and getting to the point.  This just goes to show how human kind associates the Mind and Words with Swords!  It's like we see problems like Fog, restricting vines in a jungle, or ropes that bind us.... but we know that if we use the power of our Mind and our Words, we cat slice through the vines, cut through those ropes, and fight our way through the fog to find the truth!

Your words and thoughts are powerful.  You have just been given a very powerful sword.  If you use it wisely and responsibly, you may someday be Knighted or become a King or Queen!  Your journey through the suit of Swords and the Air Element has begun! 

Elemental Studies Series!

My oldest daughter has been learning about Pagan Spirituality, Wicca, Witchcraft, Tarot, and Astrology with me off and on for quite awhile.  She wanted to get serious about her studies, so I started creating "lesson plans" based on learning some basics in the books she has, and my own collection of books as well.  Recently we decided that we would start learning about the Elements - one at a time and really getting into each element in depth!  So I have lots of lessons, activities, crafts, and spells planned out for us to do together.  I realized this would be a great blogging opportunity - to write about what we are learning and what we experience!  I am hoping many people will want to follow along... these lessons will be great for beginners, and for those who have been following a Pagan Path for many years!  They will be kid-friendly so if you have children that you are raising on a Pagan Path, this will give you some guidelines and lessons to follow to help them learn about each element.  We are so excited to be starting this series!

Our first element of study, since it is Spring here in the Northern Hemisphere, will be the AIR ELEMENT!  "Lesson One" will be posted soon!!  I hope you will join us and would love to hear your feedback!  The first thing I suggest you get is a 3-ring binder or a notebook, if you don't already have a "Book of Shadows" or a Grimoire to use.  You will end up with a whole section dedicated to the Air Element, Air Magick, Air Meditations, and your own personal experiences!  So who's with me?  Let's get started!!

12 Days of Yule, Day 3

Following along with Patti Wigington's 12 Days of Yule Devotionals, plus my own inspirations from her daily prayers, Today's journaling/blogging suggestion was this;

My Journaling / Blogging suggestion;

What are your favorite winter traditions? Many of them probably involve warmth and family time; Sitting around the fireplace, cuddling under blankets, drinking hot chocolate or hot apple cider, baking cookies and other treats.... etc. Write about your favorite ways of getting warm or share a favorite winter recipe. Spend some time with your family or close friends, sharing warmth of a fireplace (or a home nice and toasty from the heater or stove) and make some memories to write about!

(from http://journalyourselfawake.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-yule-day-3.html )

This evening I spent time with my children, doing "wintery" things together.  My oldest daughter is in 8th grade and she is in chorus at her school.  Tonite was their winter concert, so myself and my two younger children went to the school to watch them perform.  After some very proud mommy moments, plus some great Christmas music, we headed home for pizza, hot chocolate, and Christmas movies in the living room with the heater on.  We watched the classic black and white Shirley Temple movie; Heidi, while cuddling on the couch.   That movie was one of the movies we (My parents, brother, and I) always watched when I was a kid during the holiday season, and it felt great to carry on the tradition with my own children.  Spending time together, drinking hot cocoa, being warm and just feeling good about being under the same roof together while it's cold outside - isn't that just THE BEST part of winter and Yule??   Today's Yule Devotional Prayer by Patti Wigington was a Prayer to the Winter Goddess; and I think that in a way- the cold winter nights awaken the Mother Goddess within us all... male or female, mother, father, childless or child, the cold and dark nights encourage us to become closer to each other, and awaken our own nurturing instincts.

"O! Mighty Goddess, in silvery ice,
watching over us as we sleep,
a layer of shining white,
covering the earth each night,
frost on the world and in the soul,
we thank you for visiting us.
Because of you, we seek warmth
in the comfort of our homes and hearths."

After our "warm fuzzy" evening, I sent the kids to bed and had a bit of a dark moon ritual.  I asked the Goddess of Night, Nyx, to help remove boundaries and blocks within my life, and in a sense - I gave my darkness TO the Darkness.  I release the old that no longer serves me, to make room for the new and the blessings of the future which will begin with tomorrow's New Moon and onward through the Yule / Solstice season.  I also did the cord braiding ritual, calling on Nyx's daughters - The Fates, to help me more clearly see the choices that lay ahead of me so that I can move forward with wisdom.  I hope this Dark Moon night has brought you rest, healing, comfort, and nurturing, and that tomorrow's New Moon is the beginning of great blessings for all of you!

Blessed Be!

Hestia, Housework, and Headcovering

This post is going to be pretty long.  (yes, Longer than most of my blog posts, which admittedly can get pretty windy!)  But I've been working on it for a while now and it's something near and dear to my heart so please bear with me!  The upcoming theme for Pagan Blog Project is the letter H, and this fits perfectly with something that has been on my heart and mind for the past couple weeks... three "H" things actually; Hestia, Housework, and Headcovering!
For many years I wasn't particularly drawn to any one Goddess, God, or Pantheon.  I was content just calling The Divine, or Great Mother/Father, or "Lord and Lady".  Then my studies of astrology led me obviously to Greek Mythology and I really resonated with the stories of the Greek Pantheon.  At some point I stumbled upon Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth.  For the first time, I really felt connected to a specific Goddess.  I felt Her call me, I heard Her spirit from somewhere deep inside me and I finally knew what it meant to be called upon by a specific Goddess... something I had heard other Pagans, Wiccans, and Heathens talk about but had never fully understood.
Since then, I have heard the call of other Gods and Goddesses, they come to me at different times to teach me in their unique ways.  I may work with a different Deity from time to time, but in the end, Hestia is always there.  She is my Flame, she opened the door for me to understand that it is possible to work with specific aspects of The Divine - and through that understanding I have found myself working more and more with The Goddesses in all aspects of my life.  Following is some basic information about Hestia and her counterparts.  (If you are familiar with the history/mythology already and are pressed for time, you can scroll down to the section called "Me & Hestia"... but you might learn something here as well.)
HESTIA
Hestia was the first born of the Olympians, her sisters are Hera and Demeter, and her brothers are Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.  When her father, Cronus was told that he would be overthrown by one of his children, he swallowed all of them (except for Zeus... he thought he swallowed Zeus but only swallowed a swaddled rock).  Eventually, Zeus overcame Cronus and forced him to spit out his siblings... they were all "released" in the reverse order of their birth, so Hestia was last.  She is often referred to as "The First and the Last" because of this.  She refused to marry either Poseidon or Apollo, and eventually swore herself to perpetual virginity, becoming the domestic opposite of Aphrodite.  Zeus assigned Hestia the role of maintaining and keeping the fires of the Olympian Hearth.  Some stories make reference that Hestia could have gone to join her brothers and sisters on Mount Olympus and become one of the Olympians, but she didn't take up the offer and instead let Dionysus take the place as the 12th Olympian God, again attesting to her attitude of service and a degree of passiveness.
Hestia's name means "Home and Hearth" and she is The Goddess of The Hearth-fire, or Goddess of the Home.  Prayers and offerings were made to Hestia to keep the home fires burning, to keep the household strong, healthy, and warm.   The people responsible for honoring Hestia were usually the head women of the household, and it is believed that Honoring Hestia "both first and last" before every hearth fire was lit or each meal was prepared was probably a very common practice.
VESTA
Hestia's Roman counterpart is Vesta* - the Virgin Goddess of the Hearth, Home, and Family.  Vesta's presence was symbolized by the burning of sacred fires in homes and temples.  Vesta was particularly important to women, since the home fire (hearth fire) was the central source of Food and heat for the home... therefore Vesta / Hestia is the center of a Housewives' focus and gratitude. 
Although neither Hestia or Vesta had any children, their role in the Home and the household is very similar to that of a Mother Goddess.  She was seen as the great nurturer... as Fire represented not only the means to survive, but also represented wisdom, inspiration, focus, community, purity, power, and even divination.  In ancient Rome, some women would devote themselves to become keeper's of Vesta's temple and become "Vestal Virgins".  They would take a vow of celibacy and commit part of their lives to keeping Vesta's temple flame lit and tending to her temple.  Legend has it that if a convicted person crossed paths with a Vestal Virgin, he would be released from his penance.  The Vestal Virgins were known for being kind and graceful. After their time of devotion, a Vestal Virgin could choose to marry, it did not necessarily mean a lifetime of celibacy and devotion, though many probably chose to continue their life of service to Vesta even after their time had been fulfilled.A couple previous blog posts involving Vesta - New Moon Purification Ritual, and Vesta/Virgo.
(*note - by pointing out Vesta as Hestia's Roman counterpart, I'm not saying she IS end all/be all the same Goddess.  Some people get kinda touchy about this.  I'm saying that in each culture there are similar stories that blend the lines between Goddesses, Gods, myths, folklore, etc... because regardless of distance and time, the Human Experience is essentially the same...and I find that many different cultures and pantheons have "crossovers" and "Counterparts" who share very similar attributes and in some ways teach us the same things about our human nature.  Personally I see all Goddesses as different aspects and faces of The Divine Feminine, so I do see Hestia and Vesta as one in the same, but this is not to say that this is what others should see or feel also.  And this leads right into my next point, which may be controversial)
The Virgin Mother Mary (?)
Personally, I see a connection between Hestia and Vesta and the Hebrew Mother Mary.  Hestia and Vesta are both usually depicted as veiled or wearing some kind of head covering, as is the Virgin Mother Mary.  They are all virgins, although Mary did bear a child but the stories still depict her as a virgin anyways.  Vesta is represented in historical drawings and carvings with an Ass (donkey/mule), and the Mother Mary is also associated riding an ass from when she rode pregnant into Bethlehem.  Catholic nuns who devote their lives to service of God, wear headcoverings, and take vows of celibacy bring to mind the Roman Vestal Virgins. I recently found a votive prayer candle in the religious candle section of my local grocery store that depicts "The Sacred Heart of Mary", with a picture of Mary and the glowing heart within her chest is burning with a bright orange fire. Hmmm.  The connection seems obvious to me and even though I know most pagans are probably not comfortable working within the "Christian Pantheon", it's something worth considering.  (The Sacred Heart of Mary candle now resides on my permanent home altar to Hestia and Vesta)

My home altar to Hestia

Me and Hestia, hangin' out at home.
My personal relationship with Hestia comes from my own position as the "head woman" of my household.  As the housewife, mother, and wife, it is part of my daily life and responsibility to run the household.  My house (and many modern homes today) doesn't have a central hearth fire, or even a fire place.  The Greeks paid honor to Hestia with offerings of the fat from animals, which served as oil to keep the fire lit.  (Pretty simple and straight forward, yes?  Make an offering of Oil to the Fire and it keeps burning.)Today, we don't need to literally keep a fire lit in our home, but we do have certain things we need to do to "keep the home fires burning"... cleaning, cooking, paying the bills.  So I honor Hestia by attempting to keep my home running as smoothly as possible.  I like to re-create the "First and Last" concept of honoring Hestia by praying to her first thing in the morning and again at night.  Simply saying "Good Morning and thank you for this day." and maybe asking for help or blessings for the day ahead; and then saying a prayer of gratitude at bedtime.  I like to light an orange candle to do this, but it's not necessary - if I'm rushed for time or low on candles, just pausing to honor Her is enough.  If I really need an extra boost during the day, to tackle some household chore or for focus and motivation to clean house when I really don't want to clean, I might go to Hestia again... spend some time meditating with her, talking to her, praying to her.  She is pretty good at reminding me that my home is my sacred place in this world, and that in taking care of my home I am taking care of my spirit, my family, myself, and... as a bonus, honoring Her.  She is also pretty good at reminding me that serving others (namely my family) is a respectable and beautiful thing.  As a person who is "Domestically Disabled"; allergic to housework, NOT born organized, and easily distracted, Hestia has become my "Go-To" Goddess for motivation and support in all things household-related.  She is a big supporter of the FlyLady program and I think the FlyLady concepts of breaking down housework into Morning and Evening routines is something that Hestia is particularly fond of (which reminds me, I need to get back on my routines!)

Headcovering
And now we come to the final portion of my Letter H related blog post, although I did not have to force these concepts together, they all go together in my home!
A couple weeks ago, I was cleaning my bedroom and found this scarf that I have never worn as a scarf.  I have used it for a small altar cloth from time to time, or to wrap a deck of tarot cards in... but it had been stuffed in a drawer for awhile, unseen and forgotten.  When I found it, I paused, and felt that gentle urging of Hestia, saying "keep this out".  So instead of putting it back in the drawer, I put it on my altar, folded neatly next to my Hestia Statue.  I didn't know what on earth I was going to use it for, but I figured it's purpose would come to me if I just listened.
Maybe only one, or two days later, I stumbled upon a facebook conversation about Pagan Headcovering.  I was intrigued, I had never heard of or considered that headcovering, or veiling would be a pagan thing to do... except for in cases of the people who like to dress up in robes and hoods for ceremonial magick and rituals.  I learned that a lot of Pagan / Witchy women feel drawn to headcovering or veiling in their daily lives as a way of honoring and connecting to their deity.  And guess what Goddess kept popping up in articles, blogs, and conversations about Headcovering?  Hestia, of course!  The bells are going off in my head at this point, as I had just placed that scarf next to Hestia on my altar, trusting that she would let me know how she wanted me to use it...
I joined the facebook group called Covered In Light and met a wide variety of women who choose to veil, or cover their hair as a spiritual practice.  I started asking questions and reading discussions and learned that for each woman, there was a very different and very personal reason for choosing to cover.  Some find it very comforting.  As empathic people, wearing a headcovering can help you feel more grounded, and more protected from the unwanted energies of other people.  Some women commented that they felt more intuitive when covered; and spoke of wearing a headcovering when doing tarot or oracle readings or for going to ritual.  Some women felt it was a call to modesty, and a practice of declaring their status as either a married woman or as someone devoted to the Goddess.  Not all the women here were called by Hestia or Vesta, but there is quite a wide variety of deities and pantheons that seem to have brought these women to the practice of veiling.  Many women commented that once they started headcovering, they felt more connected to their Goddess, more feminine, sexier, more powerful, and more comfortable in their roles at home.  Some feel drawn to cover their hair/heads in public, while others feel drawn only to do it while at home.  The wonderful thing about the group Covered In Light is that through this diversity, all the women are supportive and tolerant of each other.  No one says, "This is how or why you should cover", but it is all about learning about eachothers' reasons and experiences, learning from each other, and supporting one another.
So I began that very day to experiment with headcovering and find out exactly what it meant for me.  I have discovered that if I put on a headcovering when I say my morning prayers to Hestia, I stay more focused on my housework through the day.  Feeling the scarf on my head reminds me that my daily tasks are a reflection of my devotion to the Goddess, to myself, and my family.  In other words, the headcovering keeps me mindful, living in the present moment.  It is very much like an active meditation.  I also feel more intuitive about what housework needs to be done.  Sometimes it's hard to know where to start in a home with three children where the messes abound.  But when I am covered - instead of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, I tend to feel more peaceful and less worried about everything that needs to get done.  I'm easier on myself, easier on the kids, and happier with the progress I make.  It becomes less about how much I get done, and more about the loving attitude I come to each small task with.  Mostly I feel very comfortable with my head covered, but if I start to feel uncomfortable, I take that as a cue from the Goddess that my "work" is done.  I take the headcovering off and take a break to do something for myself - like read a book or play on the internet... so in this sense I feel that headcovering has made me more aware of how I take care of myself as well.  I'm overdoing things less, taking more time for myself, and feeling overall more connected with Goddess than ever before.

me, wearing my scarf with a headband

Another thing I have noticed when I am covered; I feel a lot more in-tune to not only The Goddess and Divine, but to messages from my family.  First of all, when I am covered and cleaning, I am having a lot more of those inspired moments when something I have been thinking about suddenly makes sense, or I get inspired ideas for art and craft projects, blog and journaling ideas, etc.  Today for example, I put on my headcovering and said my devotional prayers to Hestia, intending to get as much housework done as possible.  I got a little cleaning done, but the one thing that kept coming to mind was this blog post.  Different points I wanted to make, different thoughts of what to write.... finally I stopped resisting and just came to sit down and write!  I am feeling like wearing the headcovering takes that energetic flow from The Divine and my Higher Self that flows through the crown chakra, and instead of that energy flowing away from me; being covered helps pull those energies down into my third eye, throat, and heart chakras to be assimilated from there.  Before experiencing this, I would have assumed that wearing something on my head might block this flow from the Crown Chakra, but now I am experiencing quite the opposite.  It comes right back to the way that Covering just keeps me in a higher state of awareness; fully in the here and now.  I'm a lot more aware of what my children and husband are saying to me, what they need from me, and what they feel... but without their feelings overwhelming me.  As if the covering works as a kind of filter, I can understand my children's feelings without getting wrapped up in the emotion and frustrated by my empathy.  I'm becoming a better listener, and I'm also much more aware of the words I say and how I treat others when I am covered.
I'm personally not drawn to wearing the covering outside of my home or in public.  I don't feel like Hestia is calling me to cover at all times, but just when I want to feel more connected to my role as a housewife and mother.  For me, it is something that keeps me more centered and grounded while at home... although I have kept my scarf on to make a couple quick trips to the grocery store. 
When I first started veiling, I drew an Angel card from the "Daily Guidance From Your Angels" oracle card deck by Doreen Virtue.  This is the card I got; (This was the day after joining Covered in Light and only my second day covering)

I had been asking myself if this was really right for me, really something I needed to do or wanted to do.  This angel is Covered!  I looked through the deck and there is not a single other angel card that depicts artwork of an angel with it's head covered in any way!  Later that day I felt an urge to go to the mall and just walk around.  I didn't really have money to spend, but I just kept feeling that nudge to "Go!"  So I went, and found another beautiful scarf, on sale!  I knew it was my gift from the Goddess and the Angels for listening to my heart, so I bought it for myself.

feeling just beautiful!

Here is a wonderful prayer to Hestia that was written by another member of Covered in Light and I have been using it when I veil before going about my household duties;

"Hestia,
Keeper of the flame
Goddess of the Hearth
Gentle Hestia,
Eternal Virgin,
Sister, Daughter,
Veiled one
Bless this the hearth
Of Thy sister,
She who comes
Veiled before you
May the flame
Never be extinguished
May your blessing and spirit
Always abide here"
 ~ ZedralZ/Nar

And this is my own prayer that I wrote that I use to connect with Hestia each morning and night;

"Oh beautiful Hestia, you who are both First and Last, Goddess of the Home and Keeper of the Hearth Fire, may your Love and Light continuously burn in this home.  Show us each how to live in unity, peace and love.  Guide us each to bring blessings upon this home through the service of our own unique gifts.  Thank you, Hestia, for your lasting blessings and presence here!"

And I also wanted to share this one with you.... and Invocation to Vesta by Doreen Virtue;

"Beloved Vesta, please bring your flame of Divine Love into this household and light the fire of kindness, compassion, and understanding within everyone who lives in and visits this home.  Help us burn away any fears concerning love, and to feel warm and secure."

So I understand this has been an incredibly long blog post, and I truly thank and appreciate those of you who have actually read the whole thing!  This is a post that contains many things near and dear to my heart and I have been inspired to share with others!

In Love and Light,
Lady Josephine

Update 4/13 - Look, another blog about Hestia which also mentions Headcovering!  http://witchfire02.blogspot.com/2012/04/pbp-hestia.html

Mommy Time Monday - Week of Thanksgiving!

Mommy Time Monday! Each week I'll draw and post a tarot card from The Housewives Tarot and share it with you. So go ahead, sit down and take some time for yourself, you never know what inspiration and advice The Housewives may have for you!

This week is going to be a busy one for most of us - whether you are a mom, wife, housewife, or even if you're a dad, husband, or single person of any gender.... it's the week of Thanksgiving!  At least here in the United States it means family gatherings, time off from work, kids out of school.... and lots of food to be prepared and eaten!  So for this week's Mommy Time Monday card I have drawn three cards for us rather than just one!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Let's see what the week has in store for us and what advice our Housewife archetypes have for us! (also, my scanner still is not working.... so these photographs of the cards will have to do!)

Card 1; 5 of PentaclesWhoops!  This housewife is off to a rough start... she's dropping dishes and has broken some of her valuable fine china.  This card represents to financial and monetary setbacks that many of us are experiencing right now.  It's been a rough year and the economy has had more downs than ups and this might be effecting our outlook on the upcoming holidays.  The 5 of pentacles often reminds us that there is more to life than money and struggles... and sometimes it's the simple things right in front of us that will bring us the most happiness.  (see classic card meaning and image here)  I feel this card is warning us that some of our plans for a perfect holiday might experience an upset of some kind... after all... Mercury is in it's slowing stage and will go into retrograde on Thanksgiving day!  But this doesn't mean we should hide in the bomb shelter for the next week... just remember that things usually aren't as bad as they seem!  After all... even though this housewife will now have to go buy a new set of dishes for the big day, I'll bet she ends up happier with her new set than she was with the old one!

The guidebook with this card says; "CRASH!  That's the sound of the stock market - and the stack of dishes you just dropped.  The 5 of Pentacles indicates a heavy financial loss.  What you must remember, however, is that in reality you've lost nothing.  Gravity and misfortune may have claimed your tableware, but it cannot smash your mojo.  Your meatloaf is still unsurpassed, and your pimento-gelatin molds are to die for.  Collect the broken pieces, whip out the Krazy Glue, and get started on repairing the damage."

Card 2; Page of Wands

This little messenger looks like he's here to stir up some trouble!  With family gatherings looming in our futures there's bound to be some Fire Energy... and from the look of this card we may have some unconventional mischief to deal with.  But this page is here to bring us some creativity, and a little bit of fun.  Whatever stresses the holidays bring upon us, it's time to take on the attitudes of this Page...confidence, courage, creativity, and enthusiasm.  He may have ripped his dress pants while riding around on that hobby horse... but it was a sight that the family will be laughing over for years to come!  The Page of Wands encourages us to have a positive outlook and try to think outside of the box to find where our true happiness lies.  Listen to your heart and go for it!  (Classic card image and meaning here) While there may be some setbacks and major stresses this holiday (5 of Wands)... we will do best when we take on the energy and attitude of this card.  And, if you have young children around for the holidays (yours, or someone else's).... enjoy their enthusiasm and let yourself join them in play and imagination.... it will make a difference and you will get thru the holidays AND nurture your Inner Child!

The guidebook from the deck says; "The Page of Wands usually denotes a charismatic child with an active imagination and a wellspring of energy.  A fun-loving explorer, he likes being the center of attention.  He may indicate the need to find a creative use for a skill you long thought merely functional.  This card can also herald the need for growth to bring your dreams into reality."

Card 3; 6 of Cups

Ahhh ... a card of refreshment and enjoyment.  There's nothing like enjoying your favorite beverage... and having enough to share with others! (Classic card meaning and image here)  This card speaks of enjoying the simple things... and enjoying the company of others.  A time of reminiscing over your childhood, exploring traditions, revoking memories, and being reunited with people from your past.  This card reinforces the previous card's advice to nurture and release your Inner Child.... despite the stress of the holidays, try to let yourself just enjoy it, and see it all through the eyes of a child again.  Remember what it was you enjoyed about this holiday before you had to worry about buying groceries, traveling, dealing with in-laws, cooking, and cleaning.  There was a simplicity, beauty, and love in the air that you could taste, see, smell, and actually enjoy because you weren't wrapped up in grown up "reality".  So see it that way again... there's no reason you can't.  Find it in yourself to focus on that energy of Giving and Gratitude, enjoyment of the company of others, pleasure in the little things, and take a walk or two down memory lane!  It's going to be the best way to get through the Thanksgiving Week! 

The guidebook with this card says; "The six of cups conjures up memories of days gone by, youthful expeditions, and long-lost loves.  The "coming home" card, it may signal a reunion with a childhood friend or even the rekindling of old romance.  Pucker up and savor the sweet and sour taste of nostalgia!"

I hope you all have a wonderful, enjoyable, and Safe holiday week!  Enjoy!

-----------------------------------
The Housewives' Tarot, by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum, Quirk Publications
I claim no ownership of this deck, it's artwork, or the shared message from the guidebook.
If you would like your own personal reading with The Housewives' Tarot, come check out the Domestic Divination section of my website! Have a Blessed week! ~ Lady Jo

Halloween Giveaway #1 - Halloween Bow!

My friend over at Treegold & Beegold is having her first giveaway!  She has made these cute little Halloween Bows and you can enter to win one by leaving a comment on her blog!  Check it out, these are so cute and I want to get some for my girls!
http://treegoldandbeegold.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-bow-giveaway.html

Parenting with the 5 Love Languages

I recently read the book 'The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman and it really inspired me to be a better wife and learn how to show my husband love in the way that he will fully appreciate and understand.  For anyone in a relationship I would recommend that book and I think that knowing and understanding the 5 Love Languages can improve all of your relationships!  While I was reading that book I was thinking a lot about how I could apply the concept with my children, and I was pleased to find that there is a book written specifically about using the 5 love languages with children!  I have been reading through this book and it has left me with a lot to think about, and it has definitely inspired me to be a better parent to my three children!e

You can find this book on Amazon!

This book explains the 5 Love Languages in detail, so even if you haven't read the first book you will gain a good understanding of them.  Each chapter goes over a specific love language and how you can express that language to children.
The Five Love Languages are;
Physical Touch
Gifts
Acts of Service
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
you can read more about each love languages here.

One of my favorite concepts of this book is that all of us have "A Love Tank", and like a car if it is full of gasoline it will run better, but if it low or empty it will begin to have problems.  The Five Love Languages give us clues and tips as to how to help fill the "Love Tanks" of our family members.  With children, when their Love Tank is full they will be a lot more receptive and less defiant.  If their Love Tank is empty or low they will begin to act out as a way of testing whether or not you really love them, or out of fear or anger that their emotional needs are not being met.  Additionally, knowing their Love Language will help you know what you can do to fill that Love Tank!  It's like knowing what kind of gas or oil your car needs for optimal performance... if you keep filling it up with the wrong stuff, you may be wondering why it isn't performing well enough or having problems.  You may say "I Love You" to your child every day but if they aren't receiving love from you in the Love Language that they understand, they may be doubting your words, because they just don't feel it.
Another main point I have gathered from this book is that children need to be loved in all five love languages.  This not only helps ensure that their Love Tank is full, but it teaches them the value of all the different ways to express love and helps them become more balanced individuals.  The difference is you should focus on giving them "an overdose" of love in their primary love language, as this is what will mean the most to them and truly speak your love to them loud and clear.
Figuring out your child's Love Language isn't easy.  The book does include a quiz (also found on this website) but relates that the best way to actually figure out your child's primary love language is to watch your child's reaction to the different love languages as you express them.  Once you figure out what your child's primary love language is, continue speaking all five love languages but make sure you give them "extra" of their primary love language.

Here is a list I compiled of ways to express each of the 5 Love Languages.  I wrote this list with my own children in mind so feel free to come up with your own and add to the list!

Speaking The 5 Love Languages to Childrenexpress your love in these 5 ways every day!

Physical Touch;Hugs, Kisses, Pat on the back or head, Back rub, Back scratch, massage, foot rub, Brush their hair, paint their nails, manicure or pedicure, hold hands, cuddle, tickle, wrestle (physical play), have child sit in lap while watching tv or reading a book.

Words of Affirmation;Specific compliments, "Good Job", Thankyou's and words of gratitude, specific praise for accomplishments, randomly tell them something you like about them or some way you are proud of them, say "I love you" often and with inflection, play the "I Love You because..." game (go back and forth with parent and child exchanging words of why they love each other.)

Gifts;Gifts for no reason (does not have to be costly!), special surprises, gifts and cards on special occasions, make a gift of picture for the child, make a collage of photos of the child or a special time you had together, love notes (hidden in lunch boxes, backpacks, or bedroom where the child will find them), stickers, rewards, hide a gift to be found and give the child clues on where to find it, gift of a movie or trip to a favorite restaurant, make every day items a "present" by how they are given (If you wrap up that new toothbrush or those new socks, the "giving" becomes the focus!)  The gift of an ice cream cone or a Popsicle!

Acts of Service;Help with their homework, help with a project, brush their hair or give them a manicure or massage, make a special snack for them, make their favorite meal, help them learn a new skill, help them study, help them fix things, help them clean their room or help them with their chores.

Quality Time; Read together, watch movie or tv together, play a board game or cards, spend extra time at bedtime to tuck in/say prayers, set aside daily time to talk together, do a puzzle, make a meal or snack together, do arts and crafts or coloring together, do chores together, eat together, take walks or hikes or bike rides together.

Obviously there are so many ways to express each love language!  I really encourage any parent to read the book to understand the full nature of the Love Languages and how they should be used.  I have found it inspiring and I am (slowly but surely) changing some of my own behaviors in order to better fill those "Love Tanks" of my children!

The book also covers how the love languages are important in other areas of parenting, such as discipline, anger, and even in how a child learns.  It has a chapter on Love Languages for single parent homes or divorced parents too.  Learn more here.... http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Ways to Nurture your Inner Child

In keeping with the theme of my previous two blog posts, I thought it would be fun to list 13 ways to Awaken and Nurture your Inner Child!



1. Eat healthy foods.  Think to yourself, would I let a child eat this way?  Chances are, you wouldn't let a child drink that soda or eat that junk food... so why do you let yourself eat that way?

2.  Get enough sleep.  Don't stay up too late!  Again... think of how you would care for a child.  Would you let them stay up this late and then still expect them to go through the next day without being grumpy and sleepy?  Why do we have different expectations for ourselves?

3.  Color!  That's right... get some crayons, markers, or colored pencils and some paper and let yourself draw and color!  This can be very theraputic!  Don't judge your artwork for perfection... once again... would you tell a child that their drawing is not good enough?  No, you would praise them and tell them how beautiful it is!

4. Read a book.  Read something light hearted and fun!  As a child we love a good story, and a good book has the power to transport us to another land or another time.  If you have a favorite book from your childhood, consider re-reading it.  Or, try reading something new!  Your inner child will love a new adventure, fantasy, or mystery novel!

5. Listen to some favorite music from your childhood.  What music reminds you of your childhood?  Music has a powerful ability to awaken the Inner Child by returning us to a time when we felt happy and peaceful.  Find some of that music that takes you back to a happy time in your childhood and listen to it!

6. Watch a movie you enjoyed when you were a child.  We all had a favorite movie, cartoon, or sitcom we loved to watch as a child.  Take some time to find and watch something that makes you smile and laugh... even something that makes you cry!

7. Play outside!  Don't make excuses about the weather... if it's too cold or there is still snow on the gound, bundle up, make a snow man, splash in some rain puddles!  If it's warm, take some time to play in the dirt, get your hands dirty digging for worms, making mudpies, and working in your garden or planting a tree or flowers!  If it's hot outside, put on some sunblock and go swimming or play in the sprinklers!

8. Go to a zoo or museum.  Look at some animals or learn something new!  To a child everything is new and amazing!  Find the joy in learning again!

9. Dance and Sing!  Turn up the music and let yourself dance and sing along!  You can even do this while you're doing housework!  Let yourself bounce and waggle however you want... a child doesn't care if anyone is watching.... so just dance like no one's watching and let yourself laugh and sing!

10. Play Dress-Up.  Every child likes to play dress up!  Find something in your closet you haven't worn for awhile... even that fancy dress or your nice Sunday Suit... put it on and just let yourself feel "Dressed Up" for awhile!  Ladies, Do your hair, paint your nails, do your make up... but do it a little differently than you would normally do it.... let yourself experiment and play the way a little girl plays with her mom's make up!

11.  Look for Fairies.  Find magic in every moment!  You can do this however you choose... it can be as simple as just taking time to notice the magic of a blooming flower or a magical moment in nature, or building a "Fairy House" to welcome the fairies into your home, garden, or yard.

12.  Treat others with kindness and compassion.  Children love pleasing others.  What can you do to bring a smile to someone's face, or warm someone's heart?  Chances are you have multiple opportunities in a day to show random acts of kindness and compassion to people... seize the moment!

13.  Love yourself the way your Gaurdian Angel loves you!  I got this idea from Delia at Open Your Heart Project.  This blog post outlines a simple meditation and awareness activity that will help you to love yourself the way your Gaurdian Angel loves you! - Love Yourself The Way Your Gaurdian Angel Loves You!




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Peace Of Mind

Yesterday at my Yoga class we did a meditation on Awakening the Inner Child.  (For more info on Awakening your Inner Child, see my previous blog post)  After our meditation I did a reading for the group with the Healing With The Fairies Oracle cards by Doreen Virtue.  After a short meditation to contact the fairies, I asked them what advice they had for us and our Inner Children, and this is the card we received...

Peace of Mind

the guidebook written by Doreen Virtue has this to say about this card;

"Make peacefulness your highest priority.  Commit to taking steps to ensure peace of mind, and take those steps without delay.

    Peace of mind isn't something you have to earn or acquire, since your true self is already peaceful.  Instead, it requires being like a sculptor with a block of marble, who works with this material until the masterpiece is revealed.  If you'll make peace of mind your main focus, you'll inevitably feel a great sense of relief.

    Steps that create peace of mind include being honest with yourself, living according to your inner guidance, being helpful and kind to others, practicing meditation and yoga, eating only healthful foods, avoiding toxins, maintaining healthy sleep habits, avoiding negative people and media, surrendering your problems to God, communing with nature, simplifying your life, and saying no when you need to.

Affirmation: My mind is now peaceful, and I know that all my needs are automatically taken care of.  I can rest easily, assured that all is well."

We talked about how this lesson might apply to the Awakening of our Inner Child.  A child who is nurtured and loved naturally has Peace of Mind.  When they are raised in a nurturing and happy environment, they are not stressed and naturally will connect with The Divine and see the beauty in everything around them.  If we apply this same concept to our Inner Child... and take the time to praise, nurture, love, and uplift our own pure inner spirit, this Peace of Mind will come to us naturally.  When we treat ourselves with the love that we would treat a child, our spirit becomes open to the wonders of the universe and we truly can have the Peace of Mind that  a child has.  Try to see the world through the eyes of a child, and then treat yourself the way a child deserves to be treated; eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, spend time in nature, and treat others with kindness and compassion... make peacefulness your priority and watch as peace makes it's way into your heart and mind!

Awakening Your Inner Child

• At my yoga class last night we did a meditation on contacting and nurturing our inner child. With the music playing we all sat in a meditation position and found our inner child so we could send them love and compassion and get to know them. It's not the first time I've done an Inner Child meditation... but I haven't done this often enough!
• 
  My inner child - a curious and playful little blonde girl was so happy to have me come visit.. she just couldn't sit still! I ended up laying on my belly, with my knees bent so my feet were up in the air, waggling back and forth; my elbows bent and my head propped up on my hands... the way I used to lay on the floor to watch a movie. (like in the picture above) Once I was laying in this position and letting my inner child get the movement she wanted to have, I just stayed there with her, talking to her... telling her all the things a child needs to hear.

.
I love you.
You're Beautiful.

You're so smart.

This is fun, what should we do next?

My inner child wants to watch The Sound of Music. My inner child wants to dance. My inner child wants to color and draw. My inner child wants to read a book, go out in nature, look at horses, ride a swing....

• Really, I can do any of these things... I think this meditation showed me how easy it would be to nurture my Inner Child by doing these things; and how peaceful and joyful I can feel after just spending a few minutes with my inner child. In the class we talked about how children need nurturing and love or they become angry, depressed, and act out. It is the same with our Inner Child, which is the root of our innocent nature... a part of us that is truly connected to the Divine. Spending time with our Inner Child and sending her/him loving and nurturing feelings will help awaken our natural connection to The Divine. A child that is well nurtured and loved is trusting, loving, has peace of mind, and can naturally see the Fairies and Angels or feel their presence. You can stop by "Open Your Heart Project" to read more about awakening your Inner Child and opening your Heart (my Yoga instructor's blog!)http://openyourheartproject.blogspot.com/

I remember a couple years ago I read about making an altar to honor your Inner Child. Just set up a small table or area with things that you liked as a child, things that make your Inner Child happy. This area is meant to show Honor, Respect, and Love to your Inner Child, as well as remind you to take time with her/him each day. So today I set up this little altar....

I have a Tinkerbell painting I've been working on with my daughter, a couple little unicorn figurines, some crayons and crystals, and my favorite childhood book, "Wait Till Helen Comes" by Mary Downing Hahn. I haven't read that book since I was 12 or 13, but I think it's time to read it again. I will also be trying to find more time to color, paint, play outside, and yes, I might even watch The Sound of Music!

Last night after our meditation I drew a card from the Healing With The Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue. We asked the Fairies to bring us a message... and that message seemed to go perfectly with our journey to Awaken our Inner Child.... I will tell more about that in the next blog post!

Parenting Astrologically - part 1 - Delineate!

As an aspiring Astrologer, I find the many subjects and aspects of Astrology fascinating, and I still feel that there is So Much to learn! Really, one could spend a lifetime just exploring one Natal Chart with all it's nuances and intricacies! My interest in Astrology ebbs and flows - sometimes I feel ready and motivated to dive into it's depths, and other times I feel too overwhelmed. (Interestingly enough, the flow of my interest has a strong correlation with current moon and sun sign activity; yet another subject to add to the list of things to explore!)
As a mother, I have a strong interest in understanding my children's charts. Theoretically, understanding your child's astrological personality; and how it relates to yours, could be an amazing parenting tool. There are surprisingly few books and websites about using astrology in parenting or with children, but I hope to write a series of blogs here with my thoughts and findings as I explore my children's natal charts.
So, last night I stayed up late, looking over my first-born's chart. As I said before, I feel that one could spend a lifetime just analyzing one chart, so I realized I needed to organize my thoughts and have a purpose here rather than just breaking it down. I want to be able to understand my daughter, and hopefully her chart can help me understand the bits of her personality that mystify and confuse me. I mean, 11 years old is a very confusing age! How can I, a Capricorn, help my pre-teen Aries through the difficult and confusing times ahead of her? (Middle School, boys, friends, High School?? EEk!!) Where to begin? "DUH... "I thought to myself. "Begin at The Beginning! DELINEATE!"

To Delineate an astrological chart, you simply break down the signs and planets into Qualities - namely Elemental and Triplicities. This will be part one of exploring my Miss Zee's chart and my own.
Here is Miss Zee's Chart -

Breaking It Down


THE ELEMENTS
Miss Zee is an Aries Sun(Cardinal Fire), Leo Rising (Fixed Fire), Aquarius Moon (Fixed Air).
She has a dominance of Fire Signs (5/13), with her Sun, Jupiter, Ascendant, and Pluto all in Fire Signs. Fire Signs are Active, Enthusiastic, and Independent. Fire signs enjoy being leaders or the center of attention, are very passionate and can have "fiery" tempers. Her Sun and Ascendant in Fire Signs tells me that the Fire Aspects of her personality are quite strong and this is how she will be seen by others and Fire Energy is how she will react to most situations.
Miss Zee also has some strong Air Sign Qualities, with her Moon, Uranus, and Neptune in Air Signs. Air Signs are intellectual, valuing communication, learning, and relationships. This tells me that Miss Zee's fiery passions and enthusiasm will likely be focused in areas which involve learning, intellect, and friendships and family relationships. With her Moon in an Air sign I can see that this intellectual side of her is more a part of her Inner Self, her "shadow self"... not a part that she will always show; but a part that drives her nonetheless.
Though Miss Zee only has two planets in Water Signs (Mars and Mercury) - one of these two planets has heavy weight in her chart. Mars is the ruler of Miss Zee's Sun Sign, Aries. This tells me that her the Active, Enthusiastic, Leadership qualities of her Aries personality are often driven by the Emotional, Intuitive, and Nurturing qualities of Water Energy.
The Elemental Energy that Miss Zee would have trouble accessing is Earth Energy. Venus and Saturn are the only two planets of her chart that reside in Earth Signs, and neither one of these planets have especially heavy weight in relation to her Sun, Ascendant, or Moon. A lack of Earth Energy reflects a certain lack of stability and practicality, and certainly explains her daydreaming, over-active imagination, hyperactivity, and trouble getting grounded or centering her energy.

As an Earthly Capricorn, I'm sure that this lack of Earth energy in my daughter is a big part of what can be so frustrating for me when dealing with her. Recognizing this huge difference in our Elemental make-up will definitely shine a light on some intricacies of our Mother-Daughter relationship.

TRIPLICITIES
Miss Zee is predominantly a Fixed sign. With her Ascendant, Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all appearing in Fixed Signs within her chart, there is no question that these aspects will strongly appear within her personality. Fixed signs are stubborn, resistant to change, perfectionists and like to see things through to the end. They are not usually the initiators or leaders, but once placed in a position of leadership or authority they will see things through to the end. With a lack of Mutable and Cardinal Energy, Miss Zee may at times be shy, and lack a certain versatility and adaptability. It can be hard for fixed signs to adapt to change.


Let's take a brief look at some of the Qualities of my own chart;


Lady Josephine;

I have a Capricorn Sun (Cardinal Earth), Capricorn Ascendant (Cardinal Earth), and Scorpio Moon (Fixed Water)

I have a heavy dominance of Earth Signs (7/13) with my Sun, Ascendant, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in Earth Signs. The ruler of my Sun Sign (Capricorn is ruled by Saturn) is one of these planets in Earth, giving quite Heavy weight to my Earth Energy. This abundance of Earth energy makes me Practical, Stable, Grounded, and focused on success.


The other elements are not nearly as strong in my chart, but Water is the next in line for influencing my personality - but only because of the heavy weight of the presence of my Moon in Scorpio. My Inner Self, my "shadow self" is driving by the watery energy of emotion, intuition, and nurturing qualities. It seems that Miss Zee and I have this underlying Water energy in common, though hers is expressed through Mars and mine is expressed through the Moon.

I have a definite lack of Fire Energy in my chart - with Neptune being the only planet present in a fire sign, and not a very influential or "heavy" planet at that. Perhaps this is why, although I love my daughter with all my heart, I can find her quite exhausting to be around. Her fiery enthusiasm and energy tends to confuse and bewilder my Earth energy, which prefers to be more contained and steady.

TRIPLICITIES -
My Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable aspects are more balanced. With only slightly more weight given to Cardinal Energy due to my Sun and Ascendant being Cardinal Capricorn, this is the slightly more dominant part of my personality; giving me Enterprising, Initiating, and Outgoing traits. There is a balance between my Mutable and Fixed energies, indicating that I can adapt when needed, but I can also resist change and be stubborn at times. This balance among these astrological triplicities can probably be both one of my greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses as a parent. I am adaptable and can change my reactions and actions, but this may also mean that I am not consistent, and we all know that children crave consistency - something that may be especially important to my "Fixed Sign" daughter.

CONCLUSION -
As you can see, you can learn a lot by simply delineating a chart. I haven't even begun to explore the positions of the planets in individual signs, Chart Type, Decantes, Aspects, etc. Yet the basic understanding of the Elemental differences between my chart and my daughter's chart lays the groundwork for a more complete understanding of our relationship. It begins with understanding the relationship between Fire and Earth (our dominant elemental energies). Think about how Fire and Earth act together in the physical world. Fire is a neccessary part of the life cycle on Earth. With fire we find comfort, cook our food, and protect ourselves. Yet if it is not contained, fire can destroy Earth, burning up all it's nutrients and rescources. On the other hand, Fire needs Earth.... without Earth providing the fuel, fire cannot burn. Interestingly enough, Earth can be used to put out fire, shoveling scoops of dirt onto a flame to smother it is one of the most efficient ways to put out a fire.
With Fire and Earth, it is a delicate balance. They need eachother, yet they can just as easily destroy eachother. My challenge as a parent of Miss Zee will be to nurture her and help her find balance and stability as she lacks that Earth energy; yet at the same time to avoid being "burned up" by her fire energy and to avoid "smothering" her flame with my Earth energy. I know that at times over the past 11 years I have failed at finding this balance in many ways. Yet maybe now, understanding the root of this imbalance and the nature of our differences and strengths, we can work together to find balance and support eachother in a way that only Fire and Earth could do! With an understanding of the relationship of our delineated charts, I also recognize that it is important for me to let my little Fire sign explore her independence and to not be too controlling (and yes, as a Capricorn Mom, sacrificing control can be very challenging!). It is also important for me to be understanding that my daughter's Fixed nature requires patience when it comes to any change in routine or environment, and that consistency will be something that gives her comfort. Giving her the opportunity to act and react independently, but acting as a gentle and patient guide and a stable place to find comfort and strength is what she needs from me as a parent.

Kid-Free Monday

Did you know that Paul McCartney started an organization called "Meat Free Monday". Supposedly, if people don't eat meat just one day a week, it will help not only our health, but the environment and economy as well. You can check it out here; http://www.meatfreemondays.co.uk/

Anyways, my Monday was NOT Meat-Free. But it was Kid-Free (almost, anyways) Writing the title of this blog made me think of that Meat-Free Monday thing. Here's how my day was on Monday... with my Facebook Status Updates as the template for this journal...

Mood; Relaxed
Listening to; the helicopter circling somwhere nearby
Today I; Pampered myself... to the max!

My weekend was exhausting. Work friday nite. Work all day Saturday. Work Sunday. as normal. Then add a birthday party with something like 13 kids and 7 adults at my house, after work on Sunday. It was so much fun, though at times a little overwhelming. I would endure it again (and probably will) for the sake of giving my children good birthday memories.
On Saturday, Mr. X went to my mom and dad's house. He will be back sometime tomorrow. So today, Monday, once the girls went to school I experienced something I have not experienced in 4 and a half years or more. Being Alone. No kids, no company, no husband, just me and the animals. I could have spent the day cleaning up from the birthday party, but why would I want to waste this rare occurance? I rested. I pampered myself.

my status updates throughout the day:

"Day with no kids, Phase One. Took a bubble bath (a long one). Shaved my legs (slowly and carefully). Got dressed (slowly, in a liesurely fashion). No TV, no radio, just silence and doing things SLOWLY."
{Never underestimate the value of being able to do things SLOWLY and QUIETLY. I mean, it's not that I never take bubble baths or shave - though I will admit I should try to do the latter more often - but just doing these things without worrying about what the child is getting into... what a remarkable feeling. And getting out of the tub and being able to slowly dry off, apply lotion, slowly get dressed.... delicious!!}

"Day without kids, Phase Two. Gave myself a facial. Burt's Bees Orange Essence facial cleanser, Avon Porefection avacado mask, Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner, and Burt's Bees Marshmallow Vanishing Creme. My face feels lovely! I'm thinking about dying my hair....."
{Once again... just cherishing the moments of being able to do something for myself without rushing. Mom, dad, seriously... can you take Mr. X on a school day more often?}

"Day w/ no kids, Phase Three. Mmmm... Honey Walnut Shrimp, Lo Mein Noodles, and Cream Cheese Rangoons! Yep, I got Panda Express for lunch! Eating in SILENCE, then I'm gonna dye my hair! Goin' from Dirty Blonde to Strawberry Blonde!"
{Yes, I went and got lunch, and it didn't involve a happy meal. It also didn't involve running around the house trying to find Mr. X's shoes, yelling at him to keep his seat belt on, begging him to please eat his food, or telling him "no, sorry, I can't afford to get you dessert and you didn't even finish your meal so why would I do that anyways?" Lunch... for ME. sigh.}


After that the girls came home from school so I wasn't kid-free anymore. I had the lovely experience of talking to Miss Zee about Periods. They had "The Class" in school today and she brought home some pamphlets and had some questions. I was proud of myself...I think I handled it well. It's not the first time we have talked about this stuff - but she wanted a few more details about The Curse this time...but I think she and I are both a little less worried about it now. I think she has a couple more years before it happens anyways....

Next, I was going to watch a movie with the husband, but he fell asleep on the couch. So I decided... "when in Rome...", and I laid down on the other couch and took a nap too. Miss Zee did her homework and read "My Side Of The Mountain", and Princess A played games on the Computer (Kidzui). I woke up at 5:30 and decided that tonite was the perfect night for Pizza. So I got some pizza and then we watched the movie....

"Day with no kids, finale...Postponed watching the movie... took a nap on the couch instead. Woke up at 5:30 and went to get pizza from CiCi's, then came home and watched Julie & Julia... what a great movie that was!! What a wonderful, relaxing day this was!! Feeling refreshed, but I miss my Xan-Man!"
{Yeah. I miss him. Crazy, huh??}

I loved that movie. It made me want to cook something. It made me want to write and blog. I just wish I had something worthwhile to blog about. I need a project like Julie. No, I'm not going to cook my way thru Julia Child's cookbook... I'm just sayin'... I need a project worth blogging about.

Random Act of Kindness # 1

It was recently brought to my attention that over at a blog I follow, Domestic Witch has started a "Random Acts of Kindness Campaign" for the month of March! I wish I had found out about it sooner, but it's only the 3rd so I am jumping in!
The Challenge; Random Acts of Kindness. If you look for them there are opportunities all around you, random moments when kindness can happen. I think this campaign is a really great idea, it reminds us to be mindful and watch for these moments, and then act on them, as we try and complete as many Random Acts of Kindness as we can during the month of May. If you're interested in joining us, click the icon at the bottom of this post!
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Random Act of Kindness #1
There are some kids that live around the block who com and play with my kids after school. A girl and a boy, and from what I understand, there have 3 more siblings at home. They are being raised by thier mother, and I'm not sure what the situation is with their father. None of my business, really. These are the type of kids, you can tell they are poor. I mean, heck, I'm poor, but I feel like taking these kids under my wing... I can just feel and see that their family is probably worse off than mine when it comes to some things. If I have enough, I will give them snacks and drinks while they are here....
Anyways, today while they were playing in the back yard, I went out to see how they were all doing and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Princess A's pink tricycle sitting by the fence. It's been sitting there for a month or more, untouched. She outgrew it a long time ago. So I asked the children, you have a little sister, right? "Yeah, she is 3" Hmm. Princess A, you don't need this bike anymore do you? "No, I'm too big now." Bingo.
When the two neighbor children left to go home, they carried with them a pink tricycle for their little sister, whom I have never met. But I'm sure she is happy with her 'new' bike.

Poop.

Yes. Poop has been the recurring theme of my day. As a mom, I'm sure you've had one of these days too. As I wash my hands, again, I am asking myself, "Why?" What have I done to incur the wrath of the Sewage Monster?

First thing, to start my day, I woke up knowing that the time had come for decisive action. My 4 year old son, who had not pooped in 3 or 4 days, woke up with his stomach hurting. The extra water and fiber I had been giving him for the past 2 days had not yet yielded any results, and I knew it was time to pull out the heavy artillery. Fleet's Pedia-Lax mini Liquid Glycerin Suppositories. I've had this box of child's size mini enema things in the back of the bathroom cabinet, hoping I would never have to use it..... Well, I'll spare you the details but within 10 minutes my son was feeling much better, though quite shaken and a little sore.

Having dealt with this mini emergency first thing in the morning, before my coffee was not the greatest way to start my day, but I pushed through, emerging with a smile to help my older children get ready for school. This included curling their hair with the curling iron because it was picture day. Hurrying around the house trying to find backpacks and jackets in order to make it to the bus stop on time, a horrible smell reached my nostrils....

I quickly found the source of the smell, in the middle of the hallway. Dog Poop. Not only dog poop, but Stepped In dog poop. Tracked from the hallway, to the kitchen, through the Dining Room, and onto the Living Room carpet. There in the living room stands my six year old daughter, oblivious, and the dog, looking guilty. Okay.... I can handle this. Deep Breath. Ooops, don't take a deep breath, it stinks in here. Hold your breath. Wipe the poo off my daughter's shoes with a paper towel, then pick up most of what I n from the floor. The rest will have to wait because we're going to miss the bus if we don't go Now.

Okay. A walk was nice. Back home, I mop the floor. Muttering to myself because I just mopped this floor yesterday. Of course.

My son is hungry today. Guess that he must be feeling better. Later, a friend shows up and we decide to go to the Mall. Just walk around and get some lunch. It was nice to get out of the house, have some adult company for awhile. Don't get me wrong, I had a good day, but while we were at the mall I began to notice the recurring theme. On our way into the store, a dirty diaper laying on the curb and I almost walked into it. Nice. In the mall, my son suddenly starts having stomach cramps and we have to run to the back of a department store so he can use the bathroom there... not a fun experience for either of us.

At home, much later in the day, I walk outside to see what the kids are doing in the back yard, and you guessed it... I stepped in dog poop. *SIGH* Well, at least it wasn't in the house, and out here I can use the grass to wipe my feet and not track it through the house. At least it was me and not one of the kids who would have tracked it through the house... I think I would have had a melt down.

Then, just a few minutes ago, my son screams, "I HAVE TO POOP!" But my husband is in the bathroom. I try to urge my son to use the other bathroom, but he refuses... he wants his Spongebob toilet seat and his step stool, remembering the horror of the bathroom at the mall where he had to use the "big" potty. Of course, he didn't make it. So here I am again, helping him change out of his underwear and using half a roll of toilet paper to clean him up, asking myself, "WHY?"

But you know, sometimes being a mom is all about Poop. Makes us appreciate the times when it is about bruises, or snacks, or cartoons, or kisses. It made me thankful that none of my kids are in diapers anymore, a time when I dealt with Poop a lot more often... and perhaps I had forgotten. It reminded me of how much they have grown up, how much we have all been through, and that if a little poop every now and then is the worst I have to deal with, then I am truly Blessed.