Pick Axes and Crow Bars Used To Destroy Pagan Place of Worship

This infuriates me to no end. A pagan stone circle/place of worship was viciously attacked in what is obviously a religious hate crime.  The site, located at the University of Lampeter in south-west Wales, was hacked to pieces using pick axes and crow bars.  So much damage was done that the site is now closed because it is completely unsafe.  Furthermore, this isn't the first time the University of Lampeter's Pagan Society has had to deal with vandalism at the site. "The pagan circle, which has been vandalised often in recent years, is also the subject of regular litter and debris clean-ups following impromptu parties by groups at the site."

This is yet another example of ignorance, lack of understanding and unwillingness to mind your own business and allow people to worship how they see fit.  I hope the vandals are caught and the site is rebuilt with added security.

Follow the link to the full article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2067945/Attack-ancient-pagan-stone-circle-investigated-police-fears-religious-hate-crime.html

~Amethyst~

Even Stonehenge Lies About Its Age

I've yet to make my way to Stonehenge (at least in this lifetime) but I've always felt very connected to it.  So I get very excited every time there are new discoveries at the site. Recently researchers discovered  " two large pits on the east and west sides of Stonehenge suggest that the area may have been recognized as a sacred site at a much earlier date than previously thought".  Stonehenge is a place of such mystery that I firmly believe it will never reveal all of its secrets and there will always be something new to discover.  I can't wait to be there for Summer Solstice!!!


Follow this link to the full article:
 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/stonehenge-pits-discovery_n_1118602.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009


~Amethyst~

Time To Burn My Yoga Pants!!!

I knew I was avoiding going to yoga for a reason.  Apparently yoga is evil which must mean all exercise is evil.  Therefore I will continue to sit on my couch and not feel guilty about avoiding my morning work out.  Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's head exorcist, recently stated that "yoga is Satanic because it leads to a worship of Hinduism and all eastern religions are based on a false belief in reincarnation”.  Hmmm....  This guy may be onto something.  Downward facing dog sounds like something sinful to me!


Follow this link to full article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/8915691/Harry-Potter-and-yoga-are-evil-says-Catholic-Church-exorcist.html

~Amethyst~

11/11/11 Success!

What an amazing day!

We got set up at the top of a hill (since the area we wanted to set up at was closed) overlooking the Pond about 7 minutes to 11:11am. Our friend Corinne and another gentleman, Joshua, who just happened to bump into her and wanted to meditate in the Park as well joined us (don't you just love "coincidences" like that?)

At 11:11am, I began playing my singing bowl to announce the beginning of mediation. It was truly beautiful. Such peace was felt and such energy was built. Me and Joshua at one point had to put a hand down to the Earth to ground the energy! We meditated for about 20 minutes. The energy afterwards was amazing. So happy, excited, and new! We sat there going from peaceful observation of the natural beauty surrounding us, to complete chatter boxes about world (and otherworldly) events, and back again.

It eventually got a wee bit nipply out (not to mentioned we needed to find a toilet...FAST), so we made our way to the nearest restroom. Which was conveniently located in FAO Schwartz - one of the most famous toy stores in the USA. What better way to keep the positive energy going then to play with toys?? So much fun (and nostalgia!) was had there.

Now we had intended to keep the energy flowing through our bodies by eatting healthy on this day. Yeah...that didn't happen. We were hungry and were continuing with the theme of "what would make us happy?"

One word: IHOP

Don't judge us.

So frickin delish.

From there we went to an AMAZING bookstore called Namaste Bookshop (if ever you are in the NYC area, you gotta check it out! http://namastebookshop.com/) to buy some stones and some books (that always makes me and Amethyst happy).

Then we headed back to our apartment and ordered some pizza ( Ah crap. I swear we intended to eat better that day!) and play some board games. We stopped at 11:11pm to do another meditation and then it was off to dreamland feeling happy and energetically exauhsted yet wonderful.

Thanks to all who participated in the global "5 Minute" 11/11/11 meditation and to our friends who came out to Central Park on Friday. Love and Light to you all!

~*Atreya & Amethyst*~

Corinne and Amethyst (lookin gangsta, I might add)

Pic of the 11/11 moon (taken by Amethyst) 

November Full Moon

Blessed Full Moon!!!

November's full moon is aslo called the Beaver Moon (no laughing). Back in the day, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It's also referred to as the Frosty Moon.

This month the full moon is in Taurus.  It's a time to focus on things on the material plane and physical achievements.  Taureans are persistent, stubborn, down to earth survivors.  They generally seek emotional fulfillment through tangible and simple things in life. Basically money, sex and food (trust me, I'm a Taurus).  So this full moon is a good time to focus on what is lacking and needs some attention in your life.  Do you have enough? Do you have to much? Do you need to create more balance for yourself?  Does your self esteem need some tending to?  Do you feel secure?  Do the things your trying to manifest need more attention?

The Taurus full moon is a great time for spells involving money, investments, and your work life. Also, the Taurus full moon can help you develop the persistence and patience that you'll need to see projects through to the end.  Taurus is a loving and sensual sign as well and this full moon will be helpful for spells pertaining to committed relationships.

Have A Blessed Full Moon!!!!

~*Amethyst & Atreya*~

11.11.11

I'm sure by now you've heard at least some reference to the date 11/11/11.

This friday means different things for different people. To some it's a day of reflection. To others - a joyous intergalactical celebration and awakening. There are even some who see this as another possible doomsday. And then there are those who just see this as a day to make a REALLY big wish (Do you remember doing that when you were younger? Making a wish at 11:11?? Haha! Still do. Don't judge me.)

Regardless of your beliefs, Amethyst and I (and quite a few other people it seems as well!) were thinking how great it would be if we all took AT LEAST 5 minutes of our time to send out Light and Love to Mother Earth and the Universe on Friday. Preferably at 11:11AM (or PM). Can you imagine the effects?? No?

Well here's an exerpt from a very interesting article that I found on Collective consciousness and group meditation: 

"Dr. Hagelin cites numerous studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique that measure, using advanced statistical analysis, the power of group meditation to change the social climate: 'In the summer of 1993, this approach reduced crime by 26 percent in Washington, D.C. An earlier study on the Lebanon war showed profound reductions in open warfare. These results have been confirmed repeatedly through extensive research published in leading, peer-reviewed scientific journals.'"

So hear me out...if we all took at LEAST 5 MINUTES on Friday to send out positive energy, we believe we can really make a difference.

For those 5 minutes you can:

MEDITATE

DANCE

SING

Or you can Peter Pan it and THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS! Your most favorite memories filled with Love are always great vibration picker-uppers!
However you spend the time, make sure it's something positive.

And if at 11:11, we can all visualize a brilliant white light covering Mother Earth and flowing into her core, I think that would be the cherry on top.

If you can spend more than 5 minutes, EVEN BETTER.

And this goes out to everyone all around the world! And I know we all can't coordinate to do it exactly at the same time. Actually, I think it might be better that way. It'll go from one country to the next. Like we're all at a huge spiritual baseball game and doing the WAVE! (you're visualizing it, aren't you?)

Check for any local 11/11/11 gatherings where you are. Some of the more popular ones are in Sedona, AZ (AHHH! We wish we could go!!). I tried to see if there were any gatherings near us. And there are, only most take place in the evening. There were none that I could find in the morning. So...why not make one ourselves?

For those of you in the New York tri-state area, Amethyst and I invite you to join us at The Pond in Central Park. We'll be there gettin our meditation on in the morning (probably around 11AM). Please feel free to stop by! Ideally, we would like to set up on the grassy south eastern end of the Pond. There are stairs that go right to the location (near the corner of Central Park South and Grand Army Plaza.) It might rain the night before, so please bring mats or blankets to sit on. There is also a beautiful large rock across from the grassy area over looking the Pond. If we're not on the grass, we'll be there! We'll probably have a sign  ;)

Hope to see some smiling faces join us! If not, remember...it just takes 5 minutes wherever you are. Blessed Be.


~in lak'ech ala k'in~

~*Atreya*~

Links:

Collective Consciousness and Meditation
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeanne-ball/collective-consciousness-meditation_b_822288.html

Blog post about the numerology aspect of 11/11/11
http://sladeroberson.com/numerology/the-meaning-of-11-11-11.html

Are You Balanced Yet?? Phewww, Me Neither!

So I'm bored as usual and roaming around facebook and other miscellaneous websites when I came across this.  "7 Simple Life Tips -- From Mexico's Huichol People"  I freely admit that I am guilty of skimming articles and of sometimes reading a quarter of an article and then giving up.  But for whatever reason this article held my attention.  At first I thought what could these folks possibly say that I haven't heard a million times.  But then I started reading. Usually articles that tell you how to improve your life want you to stand on one foot, facing east, balance a cat on your head, and count blades of grass all while chanting "OHM".  But this one is very different.  The steps are simple and have been working for the Huichol people since they live to be 110 years old.  Atreya and I have a lot of these covered, especially the laughter part.  If I incorporate the missing steps then maybe reaching crone status won't be that difficult.

   

Link to the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brant-secunda-and-mark-allen/life-balance-tips_b_1074916.html
 
"Adapted from "Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You



Whenever we teach seminars, a common theme among participants is their desire to find more balance in their lives. They work too much, eat too much, and spend too much time obsessing about things that aren't important. On the flip side, they also complain that they sleep too little, lack passion in their relationships, and have too little motivation and energy.


Most complaints of this sort can be traced back to one culprit: a life out of balance.


During the 12 years he lived with the Huichol people and apprenticed with their 110-year-old shaman, Brant observed that these beautiful people laugh all day long, rest and relax while they work, are exceptionally healthy and happy, and live to unbelievably old ages. Despite the demanding physical work of keeping their mountain village humming and thriving, there was always plenty of time to tell or listen to a story, to play a game, or to be still and take in nature.


Unlike us, the Huichol people don't wake up each day bummed out that they have to go to work, or worried that they're overeating, or exhausted because they couldn't sleep. What's their secret? What can the Huichols teach us about balance?

We have adapted some of their beliefs and practices into seven simple strategies you can try right away. They can make an enormous difference in the way you feel every day.


1. ) Bring balance to your life with exercise.
It's unnatural to sit most of the day. New studies show that sitting is bad for your heart and your spine, and it makes you fat. But it's also an unbalanced way to live. (If you were unable to move or be active, you would be keenly aware of how out-of-balance your life felt!) Start with a daily walk -- simple and effective -- and watch how it rounds out your day. Before long, your daily exercise may be the part of your day you look forward to most.


2.) Develop a relationship with nature.
Why do we say "ahhhh" when our bare feet first step onto a sandy beach? Why do we feel awe when we're somewhere where we can see a brilliant, starlit sky? It's because human beings are part of the natural world, and having a connection to nature feeds our spiritual self. Try spending time in nature at least once a day (walking to and from your car doesn't count!). Notice how extreme thoughts and moods calm down when you're outside.


3.) Quiet the mind to relieve stress.
This simple stress-management exercise, adapted from the Huichol shamans, is a valuable tool that helps you quiet your internal chatter. When your mind is racing with negative thoughts, sit comfortably (preferably outside) and visualize yourself going into a sacred stream of light and energy coming from your heart. Next, find the silent, tranquil place between thoughts that pop up and try to stay there. If a new thought develops, gently deflect it and feel yourself surrounded by the stream of energy and light. Practicing this technique will help you balance your mind and moods.


4.) Bring your caveman to the table.
Many of us don't appreciate the key role food plays in relieving stress. We're not talking about eating a pint of ice cream when you're anxious. We're talking about giving our body foods that keep it functioning at its optimum level -- foods that are easy to digest, deliver a steady source of energy as our body uses them, and provide high-quality nutrients that fuel our brain, balance our hormones, build muscles and bones, and support the organs and systems of the body. The caveman, without ever reading a book, ate these foods in the right proportions. Caveman eating could be summed up as a moderate variety of foods, in moderate portion sizes, and nothing processed.


5.) Clear your mind with laughter.
One of the first things Brant noticed about the Huichol people is that they were always laughing, joking around, and smiling (sometimes at his expense). Lightness and laughter are as much a part of their daily life as hauling heavy loads up steep mountain paths. Practice clearing your mind of burdensome or depressing thoughts by joking around. Think of something in your burdensome situation that's funny and exaggerate it. Share your observations with someone who will appreciate them. The better you get at doing this, the lighter and happier you will feel.


6.) Enliven your day by introducing change.
It's not natural to do the same thing every single day. It throws you out of balance. For the Huichol people, every day brings a new challenge and routine, which is why they don't seem dull or listless, the way we sometimes get when the monotony of our job or routines drag us down. One way to stay mentally fit and balanced is by mixing up your daily routine. If you work 9-5, try working 8-4. If you always check your email first thing, do something else for the first hour. Rearrange your bedroom furniture. Ride your bike to work.


7.) Let repetition inspire you.
A lot of ask us, "How can I live a balanced life if I have x number of things to do and I have to keep doing them day after day?" If you struggle with boredom from doing the same activities over and over at work or at home, do what the Huichols do when they have to plant an entire hillside with corn by hand, one kernel at a time. They embrace the repetition. Start to see chipping away at the same tasks day after day as a powerful way to accomplish your financial, professional, and personal goals."


Go out and find your balance!!

Bright Blessings,
Amethyst

(Inspired by Amethyst )

Stone Of The Month For November 2011 - Clear Quartz

STONE OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2011 - Clear Quartz

    The stone of the month for November 2011 is clear quartz.  Clear quartz is amazing and every healer, witch, pagan, etc should have multiple pieces of it in their arsenal.  Clear quartz is one of those crystals that I can't stop myself from purchasing.  It's easy to find and is abundant all over the world. 

 

The Controversial Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull.

 

 

  Silicon dioxide or quartz can take many forms.  You may find pieces that are six sided and come to a point (termination) or you may find quartz clusters that have multiple points.  Quartz comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes.  You'll find quartz in granite deposits and sedimentary rocks (like sandstone).  Clear quartz isn't always completely transparent.  During the formation of quartz small bubbles of air or water may become trapped causing the quartz to take on an opaque tone.  The more bubbles, the opaque or milky the quartz will look.  These bubbles and other faults within the quarts are what create the rainbow effect some crystals have when held to the light. 

 

**Cool Fact: Some crystals including amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smokey quartz etc are clear quartz that have been colored by various impurities.**

Quartz is an all purpose stone when it comes to healing. Some people refer to it as the 'master stone' or 'universal stone'.  Clear Quartz can be used for :

• Cleansing. Clearing away psychic debris and impurities from the energy field or aura.
• Cleanse, amplify and focus energy levels in the body.
• Balances/harmonizes the home. Place in your home to cleanse the energy and enhance peace.
• Balances the chakras.
• Clearing negative energy from a space or person.
• Trouble studying? Use clear quartz to help with focus and retaining information.
• Amplifies the power of other stones/crystals.
• Meditation Meditation Meditation
• Clear Quartz can be programmed! They will reflect and amplify the intentions of the person working with it and thus increase the potential for the intentions to take form.  **The controversial Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull was found in 1924 and is believed to be an ancient Maya artifact.  The skull exceeds perfection because it is carved from a solid piece of clear quartz that, even with todays' technology, cannot be replicated.  Many people believe the skull is programmed with ancient knowledge that will be revealed in 2012.**

Before working with crystals they must be cleansed and charged.  If your crystal is dirty (dirt, mud, etc) wash it with warm water and let it sit in the sun to dry.  Next we need to clear the vibrations the crystal picked up between being mined and finding its way to you.  I use sage for this but you can use whatever you prefer for cleansing purposes.  Light the sage and hold the crystal in the smoke.  How long you hold the crystal in the smoke will vary depending on how vibrationally heavy the crystal feels.

 

Next, soak the crystal in a mixture of sea salt and water.  I use one large pinch of salt for every crystal.  Make sure the water is clean (you can also use rain water) and the bowl should be something other than metal (I use ceramic).  Once the quartz, water and salt are mixed together place it somewhere safe so it won't be knocked over and let it bath in full moon light for an entire night.  In the morning remove the crystals from the water and allow them to dry.  You can take the process a step further and allow the crystals to sit in direct sunlight for an entire day.  At the end of this process your quartz is clean on physical and vibrational levels. It's charged and ready for use.  I keep crystals all over my home because I like the balancing energy they provide.  Each grouping of crystals has a quartz crystal with them to amplify their effects. 

 

Interesting tidbit:  Do you have trouble sleeping?? I've had insomnia for as long as I can remember and in recent years it became exceptionally bad.  Until one day someone pointed something out to me that I could've slapped myself for not realizing myself.  My altar is in my bedroom right next to my bed.  What's on my altar? -Crystals  What do crystals emit?? - Energy  Am I sensitive to those energies???  - YES   So I took this persons' advise and removed all the crystals from my room leaving just a few behind and what happened? I sleep so much better, not perfectly but better. I bring the crystals in when I'm meditating or doing other work with them and then back to the living room they go.  If you have trouble sleeping take a look at the crystal situation in and around your bedroom.  The crystals could be the culprit!!    

 

Clear Quartz.  Pretty to look at, great all purpose crystal.  Will help you meditate, cleanse your home and aura, balance your chakras and remember the answers for your next midterm exam.  Using it for the same purpose on a regular basis will program the quartz and amplify your intentions.  And if you have trouble sleeping remove it from your room for a few nights and see what happens.  Your sleep may improve like mine did.  How do you use clear quartz??

 

Bright Blessings

~Amethyst~

 

 

Source: Crystals by: Jennie Harding

HERB OF THE MONTH - November

Herb Of The Month For November 2011  -  Mugwort

The herb of the month for November 2011 is Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).  Mugwort is a pretty versatile herb and I make sure I have it at all times.  Mugwort has been around the block a few times because it has a ton of folk names. Some of them are: Artemis Herb, Artemisia, Felon Herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor's Tobacco, and St. John's Plant. Mugwort is a feminine herb and it's ruling planets are Venus and the Moon. Earth is its ruling element. 

Mugwort and my exploding herb cabinet. 

Psychic powers, astral projection, prophetic dreams/visions and healing are just a few things mugwort can be used for.  The herb has been associated with everything involving divination for as far back as I can research.  Drinking tea infusions* of mugwort will reveal: prophetic visions, new perspectives on current situations and insights into new spiritual possibilities. 

Feeling a little blocked creatively??  Psychic abilities out of tune?? Taking a cleansing bath in some mugwort will help unblock you and adjust the ears for your psychic channels.  Burn some mugwort during spell work dealing with dream work, astral travel, and psychic abilities of any kind.  To aid your divinitory workings place a few leaves of mugwort around or under your crystal ball or scrying bowl/mirror. Mugwort is also used for protection.  Add it to protection charms and spells for a little extra umph.  Use sage and mugwort smudge sticks (for smudging see Herb of the Month October 2011) to cleanse and protect your home. 

**How many of you know that your divination tools and crystals need to be psychically cleansed on a regular basis? When I started out I was in the dark about a lot of things and this was one of them. An infusion of mugwort and lukewarm water can be used to cleanse your divination tools (scrying mirror, scrying bowl and crystal ball) and the crystals/stones in your home. 

Cleansing divination tools and crystals using mugwort and water.
You need: 1) The items that you want to cleanse and a full moon.  2) A bowl large enough to hold your items.  (I prefer a large ceramic bowl and avoid using metal.) 3) Clean, lukewarm water. You can also use fresh rain water or water from melted snow.  4)Mugwort

-Place mugwort in the bowl. (I use two - three large pinches.)
-Place the items your cleansing in the bowl on top of the mugwort.
-Poor the water over the mugwort and the items.
-Place the bowl on a window sill, balcony, porch etc. Make sure it's somewhere safe, it won't be knocked over and the moonlight is hitting the bowl.
-Leave the bowl there all night.  The next morning dry the items that were in the bowl and poor the water into the ground.

Now your tools and crystals are cleansed and recharged.

WARNING - Some stones will dissolve in water!!  I found this out the hard way.  Before soaking a stone do some research and make sure it won't mind being submerged in water for long periods of time.  If not, wash it by hand and place in the moonlight. **

Will mugwort kill me?   No
Mugwort is not poisonous, can be ingested and handled with your bare hands.  Fresh mugwort relieves burning and itching when applied to the affected area on the skin. A mugwort infusion can be used to alleviate stomach pain.  Please keep in mind that anything in high doses may not be good for you and you should avoid mugwort is pregnant or breast feeding.***

Interesting tidbit: Mugwort is hung over doorways in China to prevent evil spirits from entering.

So that's mugwort in a nutshell.  It's great for protection and all things involving divination.  Adding it to protection spells, charms etc will lend some extra power.  I always keep my jar of mugwort full and panic a little when I run low.  Couple it with sage to cleanse and protect your home.  Drinking a tea infusion of mugwort will reveal prophetic visions and dreams (add a little honey or agave to it....trust me). Please feel free to ask questions and leave comments.  How do you use mugwort??

Bright Blessings,
~Amethyst~





*"An infusion is water or oil in which plants have been steeped. Most often the liquid is hot or boiling when it is poured over the herbs. The herbs are then allowed to steep until the desired strength of flavor is achieved. Water infusions are often called tea or tisane."

***I am not a doctor and I don't play one on TV. Do your research before you consume any herbs via potions etc.


Source:
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by: Scott Cunningham
The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients by: Lexa Rosean
Witchipedia.com