There Is Only Now

It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front door and take a left turn to May of last year, any more than we can take a right turn to December 2010. Nevertheless, we can easily miss the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time playing “catch up” to the moment that we just let pass by. During moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander. We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

When we begin to corral our attention into the present moment, it can be almost overwhelming to be here. There is a state of stillness that has to happen that can take some getting used to, and the mind chatter that so often gets us into our heads and out of the present moment doesn’t have as much to do. We may feel a lack of control because we aren’t busy planning our next move, assessing our current situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous. Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day, remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.
Daily OM

Herbal Charms

Herbal Charms are simple to make, and have many uses. They can be hung
or placed anywhere inside your home, wherever you feel they would
benefit you the most. They can also be worn, whether during ritual, or
in a time when you feel you need their specific energies/influence.
They can also be placed outdoors, hung from eves, nestled in the
garden, or hung from trees. Charms are used for many purposes, and can
be powerful talismans. Charms can be made from any type material, and
can be plain or embroidered with symbols, symbols can also be drawn or
painted on. Cord can be threaded into cloth in a drawstring fashion,
or simply tied.

What you will need:
(Refer to individual charm 'recipe's' for specifics such as colors,
herbs, etc)

* Cloth - cut in circular shape, approximately 6 inches in
diameter (or desired size)
* Cord or Yarn - 3 strands, cut in 3 ft lengths ( or desired
lengths to be braided) or use a single cord if preferred.
* Paper – I use any type, but you may prefer hemp or something you
consider special for writing
* Pen - One that is dedicated to magickal writing (anything
special to you-even a Bic will do, so long as it is dedicated, meaning
you use it specifically for the purpose of ritual or spellwork)
* Cauldron –or any fireproof container (dedicated for use in
spellwork)
* 2 candles
* Incense
* Salt bowl– any type
* Water bowl –spring water, well water, river/lake
* Mortar & Pestle
* Herbs, gemstones, and coins, feathers, etc, according to
specific charm

Preparation:
Identify purpose of charm.

1. Gather all materials. This includes all herbs, gemstones, &
necessary tools. Gemstones should be cleared of all prior energies.
You can do this in many ways, but here are the most practical for me.
1. Gently wash stone with cool water, place outside atop
another stone or on the earth for 1-3 days. The stone absorbs
moonlight and sunlight, and is naturally refreshed. This is my
preferred method.
2. Rinse stone with cool water. Dry well. Place in a bowl of
salt, completely cover the stone. Let rest for 24 hours, Uncover and
rinse well.
3. Bury stone in the earth. Let sit for 1-7 days. (Don't
forget where you buried the stone/s!) The longer the stone remains in
the earth, the more earth energy it absorbs.
4. Place stone in small bag, tie off. Place bag in a body of
water, such as a Lake or Stream, for 24 hours. This is a nice concept,
but it freaks me out to think that my stones are so far from home, and
could wash downstream…

Gemstones do not need any further treatment. Once they are cleared
they should be placed in a dark place (such as a box to contain
energies) until ready for use.

Candles
Candles (unless homemade for specific purpose) should be dressed, and
dedicated for the purpose. Focus on the intent of the charm, massage
candles with Essential Oil of choice. I massage from middle to bottom
first, then from middle to top. You may also wish to carve special
symbols into your candles, but it is solely up to you. If you prep
candles in advance, wrap them in a white or light colored cloth and
store in a dark place away from direct sunlight until ready for use.
The light color (white) deflects energy, so your candles will maintain
their purpose. Or, you may store candles in an airtight container,
like Rubbermaid, and keep in a cupboard or somewhere out of sunlight.
(Just a sidenote - I wouldn't use the rubbermaid for food after you
have used it for candle storage, it absorbs the scent of the EO. Also,
do not store other candles with your dedicated ones!)

Writing
I use magickal writing in much spellwork. If you choose to use
writing, you will want to prepare your writing in advance. Think about
your purpose, and write it out on scratch paper until you've decided
that it is right to you. When it feels right, you will know it. It
will roll off your tongue, and have a certain "feel". Memorize your
writing, if possible, but keep the written copy with you during ritual
just in case! You will be chanting it as you prepare your charm. I
often use a magickal alphabet such as Theban, to rewrite the chant
during ritual, just prior to assembly of my charm. (Theban and other
magickal alphabets can be found in Silver Ravenwolfe's books, To Ride
a Silver Broomstick, and To Stir a Magick Cauldron.)
I will not be using my personal chants for the following charms. I
feel it is important that each individual write or speak their own
heart, it lends more personal power to the spell.

Ritual:
Make sure all items are placed on the alter, alter cloth, or in the
ritual space before you begin. It is no fun to find that you are
missing a key element once you are knee deep and shoulder high in
ritual! Do not forget your notes, or BOS! Man, I hate it when that
happens!

Spend a moment in relaxation and quiet meditation. Meditation will
vary depending on intent. Ground and Center. Raise power, define
circle. Follow your normal methods for opening ritual. Once you have
drawn circle, and are in the appropriate mind state, you can begin to
assemble your Charm.

1. Visualize your goal with as much emotion and intensity as you
can! Feel your goal with the desired emotion, see your goal
materialize. This is a key part of all magick. Try to hold the
visualization strong in your mind throughout the entire process.
2. Begin chanting your purpose (you don't have to chant if you
don't want to – but it helps to read your goal aloud at least once, to
reaffirm)
3. Translate your chant into writing while visually projecting it
on to the paper. (or copy it from your draft) You may use English, or
any other language/alphabet you are comfy with, and holds power for you.
4. Place cloth for charm atop paper containing your writing.
5. Charge stones by holding in your hand for a minute or so while
visualizing your goal.
6. Charge herbs by grinding together with mortar and pestle, OR in
the same manner as the stones were charged. (Some herbs will NOT be
ground)
7. Add all ingredients to center of cloth, while projecting your
goal. (Don't overfill cloth, you want to have enough room to tie)
8. Carefully slip magickal writing from underneath charm cloth,
ignite with candle flame, let burn to ash inside cauldron or fireproof
container.
9. Place ash from writing atop all other (already assembled)
ingredients
10. Braid your cord (if appropriate)
11. Tie off bag with one knot
12. Pass Charm through salt (earth), candle flame (fire), incense
smoke (air) and sprinkle with water (uh….water? ?)
13. Hold the charm in your hand, or drape around your neck. Charge
it with as much energy as possible.
14. Tie additional knot(s) in cord, bind spell.

Relax, ground energy and open the circle in your usual manner. Cakes
and Ale, anyone?

Now, on to the Charms!

Dreams
(Increase dream cognition)

Moon Phase :Waxing
Candle color: Blue
Incense: Vanilla
Cloth: Dark blue
Cord: Silver, Gold, Royal blue
Herbs: Marigold petals, Cinnamon, & Yarrow
Stone: Moonstone or Amethyst
Any dream symbol, such as paper stars, star confetti, a silver
earring, or silver & gold glitter.
1 small white feather


Dreams
( To aid sleep)


Moon phase: Any
Candle color: light blue
Incense: Sandalwood (replace with whatever is relaxing to you)
Cloth: Pink or blue
Cord: White or Silver
Herbs: Lavender, Hops, Mugwort
Stone: Moonstone
Dream symbols, if desired


Love
(To attract a lover)


Moon phase: Waxing or Full
Candle color: Red
Incense: Rose or Amber
Cloth: Red
Herbs: Roses, (both dried buds and petals, preferably red or pink)
Lavender, poppy seeds, and/or cherry blossoms
Cord: Red, white and pink
Stone: Rose Quartz or Amber
If trying to attract a lover for a long term relationship, also use a
gold or silver ring in charm.


Love
(To strengthen existing relationship)


Moon phase: Waxing or Full
Candle color: Red & pink
Incense: Dragon's Blood, or Amber
Cloth: Yellow or pink
Cord: Red
Herbs: Lavender, Thyme and Willow leaves
Stone: Rose Quartz or Sapphire


Self Confidence
Moon phase: Full or waxing
Candle color: Red
Incense: Frankincense
Cloth: Purple
Cord: Purple, silver & gold
Herbs: Yarrow & Thyme, with Gardenia or Lavender
Stone: Tigers Eye or Amethyst
Include personal item in charm, such as a lock of hair, or piece of
jewelry.

Protection
Moon phase: Any
Candle color: White
Incense: Sandalwood or Patchouly
Cloth: Blue
Cord: Blue, white and silver
Herbs: Angelica (if you have access to it) Foxglove, Mugwort & Moss OR
Anise, Clover and Fennel.
Stone: Tigers Eye or Obsidian

Addiction
(to overcome)


Moon phase: Waning
Candle color: Silver
Incense: Sandalwood
Cloth: Silver or White
Cord: Blue, purple and silver
Herbs: Caraway, Nutmeg & Thyme
Stone: Large Amethyst


Prosperity


Moon phase: Waxing
Candle color: Green
Incense: Jasmine
Cloth: Green
Cord: Green (use light, medium and dark green braided)
Herbs: Mint, Vervain, and Wheat
Stone: Jade or Opal


Include 3 coins in charm, a penny, a nickel and a dime. Add one piece
of jewelry (for the gnomes) that is silver, such as an earing.

Divination
(Wear charm while using divination tool of choice)


Moon phase: Waxing
Candle color: Purple or Dark blue
Incense: Clove
Cloth: Deep purple
Cord: Silver
Herbs: Clove, Cherry, Dandelion
Stone: Tigers Eye or Jet


Happy Garden


Moon phase: Waxing or full
Candle color: Green
Incense: Any floral or fruited scent (rose, jasmine, peach, apple…etc)
Cloth: Brown or green
Cord: Yellow, orange & red
Herbs: Any you have grown yourself. This can include anything from
dill, basil or chives to grasses, clover, alfalfa, dandelions, and
even leaves from trees or shrubbery, or houseplants for that
matter…anything at all that you have helped care for. Stones: Jade or
Agate
Add Essential oil to herbs in the charm to please the Fae . Try adding
a drop or two of jasmine, rose or other floral scent. This will please
Ondines as well!


Peace


Moon phase: Any
Incense: Lavender
Candle color: Blue
Cloth: Blue
Cord: White
Herbs: Lavender, Pennyroyal, Gardenia
Stones: Aquamarine, Blue Tourmaline

St Francis Day (Italy)

Hybla

Themes: Earth; Ecology; Nature; Animals

Symbols: All Natural Objects

About Hybla: This Sicilian goddess presides over earth and nature, tending to all its needs. She also gave birth to humanity and inspires greater earth awareness within us.


To Do Today: Saint Francis of Assisi’s life is celebrated today because of his gentle relationship with nature, which he considered a family member (often calling animals “brothers and sisters”). This is why he became the patron of many environmentalists. To remember him and honor Hybla’s spirit, which he so powerfully displayed, say a prayer for the earth today.
Invoke Hybla’s nurturing energy with words like these:

Earth Mother, look upon your child.
Look upon
The plants - restore the earth’s greenery.
Look upon
The animals and protect them from more harm
Look upon the waters and purify each drop.
Look
Upon the winds, and cleanse the air.
Take the
World gently in your caring arms, and love it back
Into wholeness once more. Amen.


Tuck a flower petal or leaf in your pocket or shoe today to keep Hybla’s earth awareness close by. And, if you have pets, today is the perfect time to bless them. Give them special foods, find no chemical pest repellents, and pamper them with extra love. Remember, life is a network: showing kindness to one strand extends that energy outward to the web.


(c) 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco - Copyright 1998

On this date (approximately), a Cementation and Propitiation Festival was once celebrated by the Native American tribe of the Cherokee. The purpose of the festival was to remove the barriers between the Cherokee people and the deities they worshiped.

Walking The Red Road October 3

I wonder if the ground has anything to say? I wonder if the ground is listening to what is said? I
wonder if the ground would come alive and what is on it? Though I hear what the ground says. The
ground says, It is the Great Spirit that places me here. The Great Spirit tells me to take care of
the Indians, to feel them aright. The Great Spirit appointed the roots to feed the Indians on. The
water says the same thing. The Great Spirit directs me, feed the Indians well. The grass says the
same thing, Feed the Indians well. The ground water and grass say, the Great Spirit has given us
names. We have these names and hold these names. The ground says, the Great spirit has placed me
here to produce all that grows on me, trees and fruit. The same way the ground says, It was from
me man was made. The Great Spirit, In placing men on the Earth, desired them to take good care of
the ground and do each other no harm…

Chief Young, Cayuse, 1855

Meditations with Native American Elders

“Spiritual Values are an Attitude.”
Leonard George, Chief Councilor

Attitude is a direction which we follow. If you have a
positive attitude, it means you will lean towards a
positive direction. If you have a negative attitude,
it means you will lean away from the Spirit.
Therefore, if we lean towards spiritual values, then
our actions will become significant and important. If
we lean away from spiritual values, our actions will
become insignificant or unimportant. For example, if
we value love, we will lean towards it; we will prefer
to express and embrace it.
Great Spirit, teach me the significance of spiritual
values.

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A Cherokee Feast Of Days

Give others the benefit of doubt. Never imagine that
someone has wronged you because of the way things
look. Appearances deceive even the smartest people.
Check things out. What is the truth?
Sometimes people do things that we don’t think they
should do. We can’t definitely know what motivated
them to do what they did—just as they can’t know what
definitely motivated us to do a particular thing. So
why question motives that we can not possibly know?
Save yourself the pain and frustration of imagining
that others have wronged you. If you seek it, the
truth will come because you cared enough to look for
it.
Indians have principles of truth, honesty, generosity,
equity, and brotherhood.
CHIEF LUTHER STANDING BEAR, LAKOTA