BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality New Age Monthly AstroTarot Forecasts

For continuity and clarity sake:

'lyssa wrote:



My response:

Oh, thanks Janet for reposting that... I got really lost there for a bit in this thread, and then saw you'd reposted for my benefit. I really appreciate that.

You're welcome for the remembrances, it helps me too ya know... as whatever I do for others I also do for myself. Everything mirrors itself.

Don't you know it, that's the very heart of it, being careful what you wish for. I'm not sure what I wished for, lol... but it is going to happen. I've had several people say they have had messages to the effect that I just need to hang in there, like you said, they feel I have some very "big" things coming up. We'll see... I kind of think this current "thing" is a "test" of some sort... to see if what I've learned so far and put into practice about Universal Law I'm actually "sticking" to, and have truly integrated it and am being honest (true to myself) in my growth. *That's* discernment. So far, so good... I haven't strayed from my personal understanding of Truth. I don't think I will either... I had another "test" today, involving more money that I "could have" had, and I let it go, because it's not completely honest in how it would come to me, so I "lost" that income as well. It involves my mother and her manipulative ways. I need to remain true to myself if I want to be worthy of the responsibilities the Universe is about to "dump" on me, whatever that may be, lol...

I would go so far as to say that I choose *nothing* in life, it choses me, whatever it is, speaking of decks "choosing" their owners. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> That's where the being careful for what I wish for thing comes in... I need to be willing to accept what my destiny is (I did *not* say fate, I don't believe in that, for clarification), and make my choices... to live in harmony with Universal will.

That comes from the realization the other day about the Pagan saying "'An it harm none, do what you will"... it means I must find my will, my *purpose*, my will as it is *aligned* with my Higher Powers and the Universe, and *follow that*, be true to myself, and don't harm anyone in the process. How's that for spiritual. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The craftwork... is items that are used for spiritual enjoyment/enhancement. Incense burners (clay), altar curtains (macrame'), altars themselves (macrame'), faerie scenes, string art used to make symbols like pentagrams, tarot bags, sacred object bags(like amulet bags but bigger)/baskets, hanging floating candle holders (macrame'), robe belts (macrame'), and I'm also considering learning how to make earthenware for cooking in, and many other things besides, lol... Thanks for the well wishes Janet, I appreciate that as well. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think I'm actually really excited about future possibilities... even though today was a very rough day for me as far a self-control goes. I worked my last day at my second part-time job on Saturday, so now next Saturday will be my first Saturday off in well over a year and a half... and I have Monday off as well for President's Day, WooHOO!! lol...

'llysa

Wow, that is a wonderful service you're providing, 'lyssa: providing sacred tools and accessories for others. You're filling a very important niche! Do you have a website? Homestead.com provides a great service for those who don't know html; you can even register your own domain name through them. Homestead is where I built my http://JanetBoyer.com website.

As far as tests...well, everything can serve as a test, really. However, I think when our "survival archetypes" are animated (Child, Saboteur, Prostitute, and Victim), that's when we really feel the tests...because our very survival (real or imagined) is on the line!

Do you happen to have a copy of of the book Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss? I can't help but see all the chakra challenges you're going through right now...and triumphing over, it would seem! Passing up the chance to make money can certainly seem like a loss, especially with the Prostitute archetype. Because you refused this easy way to make money--a way that would violate your personal ethics--you didn't "sell out"...which is the challenge of the Prostitute. (The "light" side of the Prostitute is not seeling out for personal gain or comfort.) I have people trying to get me to go back to do phone readings, and I make a lot of money doing so. But it's draining...not life giving. For me, to do phone readings when I know I won't enjoy it would be "selling out".

Being true to yourself, expressing yourself, learning from life's wisdom...wow! That would apper to be the 3rd, 5th, and 6th chakra. Honey, you really were have a Tower experience, because everything that can be shaken will be shaken in a Tower experience! But it looks to me that you're doing just fine, especially since you have optimism and enthusiasm about the future.

"An it harm none, do what you will" I really like this saying. According to Caroline Myss, the sacred truth of the Sacral (2nd chakra) is "Honor One Another". The sacred truth of the Solar Plexus Chakra (3rd chakra) is Honor Oneself. The tricky thing is living in a balanced way to where you honor both yourself and others...or, chose not to dishonor either. What a challenge!

How wonderful that you'll get our first Saturday off in a long time! You rest up, and remember that the Universe is taking care of you. Enjoy yourself, and have fun. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (And I'll expect a report on all the nurturing/fun things you did.) LOL! Just kidding! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well, I hope it works, filling that niche, lol... we'll see. I don't have a website yet, no, but I'm thinking about it. Not sure if that's the right thing to do yet or not... the "plan" now, as it stands, is to get enough product made to run a renfest/art fair circuit this summer, and see how it goes... I've had a lot of "good" feedback on it, like from you, so it may work. Thanks for the link, btw, I have it written down, and will check it out. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh, that makes perfect sense on the survival and chakra symbolism associated with the tests I mentioned... why didn't I think of that, lol... yes, my survival "feels" like it is being "threatened", lol, but it sure feels good to take what I've already learned to deal with the current "crises" and live to tell my story this time. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I do, in fact, have the Anatomy of the Spirit book, but haven't had time to read it yet, along with several other key books I've been finding and "grabbing up", lol... hopefully this new "schedule" of whole weekends off will give me the time to start delving into those books.

I can so relate to what you're saying about chosing what to do for ourselves... if it feels like it is sapping our energy, then why do it??? Yeah... "not life giving" is very dangerous.

That's the very thing, that balance, and it is tricky to be sure... but that's exactly what I'm saying about finding one's purpose and *following it*, taking care not to harm anyone in that process... "harm none" means, specifically, that you don't have "permission" to manipulate people, places or things just to get your "needs" met. You have to follow your purpose authentically, honestly. Besides, if you're doing that (manipulating), you are NOT living in alignment with your purpose, you are instead operating on ego, and what you *want*, rather than what you need. So, with that said, it is easy to find the balance if you are being honest with yourself. The balance isnt' the difficulty... it's the self-honesty. TO Thyne Own Self Be True... exactly.

And I can already give you a "report", lol... I actually will have 3 days off my first weekend I discovered... because of President's Day, and my workplace considers that a holiday! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> So, I will have 3 days to begin making craftwork... THAT is going to be the most nurturing thing I can think of! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> lol...

Thanks for the support Janet, it feels wonderful! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Fae hugs for all,
'llysa

Wow! I've been "away" for a while - and look what's going on! :-)

Frankly, I wouldn't mind at all being judged by my "fruit" - and I get a little tired of those who don't respect "An it harm none" or, as my father used to say, "my rights end at your nose!" (With a fist stopped just short of said nose!) :-) One Wiccan I read a while back says that there's a reason that phrase is put BEFORE "do what ye will!"

Anyway, I don't have much time to write - or catch up on reading - right this instant, but wanted to say a quick hello. It's good to see the AstroTarot Forecast is up - I'll print a copy to share with hubby.

And I'll also get back to my Rituals thread. I have some new takes on that after the past week and a half. We lost our cocker spaniel (we had gotten her for my mother-in-law when she was still living alone - they moved in with us and our greyhounds - and then Mom died almost two years ago, so she became "ours"). She became ill very suddenly - or at least exhibited symptoms very suddenly. We think it may have been some form of cancer, but we'll know more in a week or two.

Anyway, now that's she's gone, our daily rituals with the dogs are all out of sync, and my male greyhound is taking this especially badly. But all that's for another thread! :-)

Thank you, Janet, for dealing with our "friend" in such a professional and gentle manner. It can be hard sometimes to maintain such cool with this type of situation.

Oh, before I go - you asked if The Circle Within wasn't a Wiccan book. Yes, it is, but, even though I'm not Wiccan, I've found a great deal of wisdom in it. Sometimes I think that some of the differences between religions just come down to semantics. One of the reasons I won't refer to myself as a Pagan, although in many ways that best describes my beliefs, is that it's such a "trigger" word for some people.

We change the meanings of words over the years, butcher expressions, etc., and sometimes that leaves us with no way to express what was the original meaning of a word or expression without having it misunderstood.

Anyway, I need to fix breakfast, wake the greyhound and give her pills and breakfast, and get my day moving so that we'll be on time for today's appointment! :-) But I'll be back soon - and we'll take a look at the Forecast over breakfast, I promise! :-)

Mary

One quick thing - this color is driving me nuts, too! I went to my preferences, and, under Display, it says, among other things, "colors" - but when I bring up that page, there is no setting for colors?

Has anyone else taken a look at this? Maybe, Janet, you, as moderator, have some control we don't have?

Gotta go,
M.

More at a later date, but I just wanted to let you know, Mary, that I have no control over these colors. You can email the webmaster with your comments and suggestions, however. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Mary, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet. *big hugs* Something like this certainly does interrupt the normal patterns of our life.



Too bad he/she didn't choose one of the options given to them; he/she would have been free to air their thoughts, as they saw fit, just on another thread. He/she chose "none of the above", however...

I totally hear ya re: trigger words! I don't have anything against Wicca, mind you. It's just every book I've ever picked up about it has been about spells, magic, how to manipulate everything in sight... I'm just not into that. The way you make it sound, though, this book is full of wonderful universal wisdom. I'll have to check it out! I love learning about relevant truths from various paths. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You take good care of yourself Mary...and tell your husband hi for me! I'll see ya here whenever you get the time and inclination. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi again!

Oh Janet, I know just what you mean about so many Witchcraft and Wiccan books being just - or mainly - about spells. If that's your path, great! But it's not what attracts me to Wicca. I find myself in sync with many Wiccan beliefs, and even agree with those who talk about infusing "magic" into daily lives - by which they usually mean living aware and putting that good energy into everything they do.

But The Circle Within isn't a spellcraft book at all. In fact, she starts off by saying that there are lots of spellcraft books out there if that's what you're looking for. So, if it comes your way, I would highly recommend it, whatever beliefs you hold.

In my family, I was the least magical by birth, and the most interested in it. My sister has many traits of the natural witch, but has chosen a Christian life. That's fine, but I'd like to see her find more peace and joy in it. Lately there has been a certain amount of stress and strife in her church, and that bothers me for her sake. She is in a period - a long period - of change in her life - planning retirement, trying to decide whether she really will move to another state when she does, what kind of work she'll do after retiring, and so forth. The last thing she needs is for her church to be more a source of stress than of support.

My mother was another who could "see" sometimes, and had other traits that would have made it easy for her to embrace a Wiccan path, but she was born at the wrong time and into the wrong life. She dabbled with crystals, and meditation, and a hundred other alternate paths, but, when it came right down to it, never had the courage to follow an alternate lifestyle. Maybe if she'd stayed in NYC, but small-town New England was a bit more difficult place to be different.

As for me, I've just never been able to fully "believe" - for myself - in Spellcraft, so I take what I like about Wicca, and accept that I'll probably never be a Witch.

As far as manipulating, the best Wiccans I know are quick to remind newbies that the energy you put into the world always returns eventually, and that manipulation is the surest way to see this! :-) Many of them say that it never really works anyway, whether it comes back to bite you in the a--, or just doesn't affect what you wanted it to in the first place.

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As for the colors, I will send a message to the webmaster. I was just surprised to see the descriptive blurb mention colors, and then have nothing come up on the next page. I'm afraid they may have disabled it when they set up the new site (BOY, I hope not! I'm "migraine-y" today, and this is not helping at all!).

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'llysa -

Congratulations on your craftwork! Creativity is such a boost to the spirit! (One I need right now too.)

If I might make a suggestion, based on my own experience? Don't start out by selling from your own website unless you have one or both of two things:
A great customer base already who'd prefer to buy from you online, and/or
A really great way to "drive" customers to your web site.

I've sold online (cookie molds - new and retired "secondary market" designs) both from my own web site and from eBay, and eBay is a great way to establish a customer base. Sure, you pay fees there, and I know it's not as cheap as it once was, but the tools they offer are wonderful!

I stopped selling when my mother-in-law was sick, and am just now getting back to it, and I'm not even going to bother selling from the web site for now. I'm also not going to accept checks or money orders for the time being - just PayPal.

I got so tired of dealing with bouncing checks - even from repeat customers! - and waiting for payments to reach me. I don't have a lot of space here, so having orders backed up was a real nuisance.

There are some wonderful options available at eBay, too - BuyItNow with immediate payment required, so that you don't have an auction end early, and then have the buyer renege - or delay making payment.

Just remember to factor the fees into your prices. And HAVE FUN with it! :-)

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AstroTarot Forecasts:

Yes, that's what we're here for, isn't it? :-)

I haven't seen any sign of mine being true yet this month, but that doesn't mean it won't! We've still got a while left in the month! I'm a Sag, so I'll be on the lookout for problems with authority - government or otherwise.

My husband, the Pisces, is still scratching his head over his. He's retired, so "work" didn't mean anything to him - but we all work, don't we? Life's work, volunteerism, etc. I think I'm seeing more of the truth in his reading than he is - maybe he doesn't want to?

Oh well, I have a feeling that at the end of the month, we're going to look back and both go, "Aha! Now I see it!"

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Janet, are you still doing astrology charts? David has expressed an interest, so I was thinking of that for his birthday present. I've actually gotten both our charts in the past, and started working on interpretations, but I'm still just learning, and it's slow going. I had to put it down for a while to handle some other things, and haven't gotten back to it for a couple of months. I try to pick it up occasionally and chip away at it - probably not the best way to learn, but I am a Sag, after all! :-)

Well, I'd better get going. Our daughter's stethoscope came back from the engraver yesterday, so we want to mail it out to her. She's going to need it soon for her clinical work. How sad that everyone we know recommended having her initials engraved on it so that it would be less likely to be stolen! I'd like to think that health care workers are above that kind of thing, but I gather they're not!

My best to you all - thank you for being here - and thanks for the kind words. We miss Penny terribly. She was a spaniel, and I had a really hard time getting to know her, after many years of sighthounds, but she was just such a loving sweet thing - she just wormed her way right into our hearts!

Blessings,
Mary

Hi Mary!

It really does sound like a wonderful book. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think of "magic" as something that's supposed to be quite normal and ordinary: co-creating your life with conscious intention.



Please explain! I'm fascinated by what you've said. What is a "natural witch" and what are the traits? What does it mean to be "least magical by birth"?



Yes! On my personal site, at http://www.JanetBoyer.com/SiteMap.html, you'll see a link for Personal Astro and Relationship Astro. Those are the links with more information about Astrology Charts. As your learning about understanding Astrology, I'd be glad to answer any questions for you if I can help. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (Or at least refer you to a great book that addresses your questions!)

Re: Sag and Pisces with February's AstroTarot Forecast. With Sag, an individual could examine how he/she "powertrips"...how they exert authority--whether that be self-authority (the way we "govern" ourselves on a myriad of levels) or how we exercise authority over others (even through manipulation, bossiness, or passive aggressive tendencies). The Emperor is very Yang; this energy "establishes" what the Magician has brought into being through bridging heaven and Earth...and playing with the elements. The Emperor is also about protection, and the excution of new projects. Think of your relation to power, as well. (Authority and power go hand in hand.)

For Pisces, (3 of Stones, reversed) "work" can mean vocation, volunteerism, etc. If one is retired, this card could signify needing to challenge oneself with a meaningful outlet...the practical application of "good works", taking personal risks, expanding one's horizons, etc. Your husband may have a dream or goal that he's been thinking about, but is not willing to get a "backbone" to bring it forth...perhaps thinking its "silly" or a "waste of time" or just not wanting to take the physical, practical steps to bring it about.

I hope this gives you both additional food for thought!

Re: the stethoscope. Honey, the title or profession of a person (even if they're "ministers"), does not denote strong character or ethical standards! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You mention that Penny was a sighthound. Does this mean she helped someone to "see"? (I'm not familiar with the term.)