Unconditional Love is the driving force behind everyday heroes.  Sometimes we don’t have to look much further than beyond our own mother…

Unconditional Love – A Story of Being Adopted

via thinksimplenow.com

By Bud Hennekes

It’s safe to say that one of the greatest feelings in the world comes from the warmth of being unconditionally loved. Whether that mean the love of your spouse or partner, or the connection you share with your mom or dad. Or even the loving bond between your siblings and friends.

I’m extremely grateful for all the love that I’ve had in my young life. But the truth is, there are many parts of the world where unconditional love is lacking. With wars taking place each and every day, messy political battles, starvation, and greed; the world needs you more than ever.

Because even in the darkest of alleys, remains the fact that we as humans are meant to love.

I wrote this essay nearly 4 years ago during my sophomore year of high school, and to me, it captures the essence what unconditional love really is. Certainly, my birthparents weren’t the only ones to show me this mysterious force, but the story carries an invaluable lesson that you can probably relate with.

Unconditional love is the solution to all of the worlds’ ills.

While the details of this story may differ from yours, I ask you to go forth and share the light within you.

 

This is a tribute to my birth parents – because of their unconditional love I am able to share my passions with the world – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The night before, I couldn’t sleep. I lay awake tossing and turning. What was I to expect? What was I to call them? Mom? Dad? I will never forget the day I hugged my birth parents for the first time in a mid-sized chain restaurant. I was 12 years old.

“But why?” I often recall asking my mom, when the subject of being adopted came up. “Because they loved you honey,” she would patiently reply.

Ever since I can remember, my parents have been nothing but honest with me concerning adoption. For this reason, I have become comfortable openly talking about adoption.

I’ve always found it funny, how when a person I know discovers I am indeed adopted, they are always afraid to ask questions. Now, I know they are just trying to be respectful, but I have nothing to hide.

My parents’ honesty and candor regarding adoption has caused me to admire the both of them, greatly. I realize that not all children are as lucky as myself. I have heard stories of adoptee parents who have hid the fact from there children that they were adopted.

This saddens me deeply. Being adopted is nothing to be ashamed about. I am truly grateful for how my life has turned out thus far.

Ryan (at 9 months) who taught the editor (Tina Su) the meaning of unconditional love.

My birth mom at the time of her pregnancy was not married to my birth father, their relationship anything but stable. Receiving news that she was to have a boy, she began to think.

She couldn’t stand the thought of me not having a father; a father to play catch with me outside in the backyard; a father to take me camping on the weekends; a father to give me the always dreaded “birds and the bees” talk.

For this reason my birth parents agreed, for my own well-being that I was to be put up for adoption. For my birth parents to put up their only son for adoption, shows how much they loved me. To do what they did must have been one of the hardest things they had ever done; but when it came down to the future of their baby boy, they knew what they had to do. To this day I thank them.

My parents always wanted to have kids, and like many other families, adoption didn’t even register in their minds. They tried to have kids the “normal” way. Nothing. They tried again and again and again. Still nothing.

Finally after a visit to the doctors they discovered that having biological kids were not part of God’s plan. For a couple whose only dream was to raise their own children, this discovery became -as my parents recall- “one of the lowest points of their life.”

Biological kids may not have been in God’s plan, but the man up stairs had something else up his sleeve.

My parents – still distraught over their inability to have their own children – had nowhere else to go, they turned to prayer. It wasn’t long before their prayers were answered, in a form a of a phone call. A friend of my mom, who ran a daycare center, knew of a lady who’s sister was putting her baby son up for adoption.

My parents jumped on the bandwagon. With in a few weeks I was in their hands. Who said not being able to have biological kids was a bad thing?

It was finally the day! The day I was to finally meet the two people who brought me into this world. I picked out my favorite pair of jeans, a nice t-shirt, and a sweatshirt – in which an outline of snowboarder gracefully covered the front.

My dad, mom, little brother, cousin, and I were to meet my birth parents for lunch. I had been waiting for this moment all my life. Who was I going to look more alike? My mom? My dad? My mind was bombarded with questions on the drive (which seemed like forever) over to the restaurant. We got to the restaurant and parked.

With every passing moment, my heart began beating faster and faster, for reasons I can’t explain. At the last moment I became scared, so scared I almost couldn’t move. We opened the door to the restaurant and walked in. Off to the side, there was a couple with a table reserved. The couple – my birthparents.

The next few minutes are hard to recall, as it all happened so fast. All I remember is hugging both my birth mom and birth dad and feeling a sense of joy fill my body. I was the luckiest kid in the world. I had four parents who would give the world for me. I had seen pictures of my birth parents as a child but nothing beat a real life photograph of them.

We continued on to have lunch, which was filled with lots of questions – none concerning adoption, of course. What was my favorite color? (blue) and so forth. I can honestly say that was one of the best meals I ever had.

Every day, I thank God for how things have turned out in my life. It is amazing how our lives are a mere result of cause and effect. If one small piece of my past were altered, it would change the world today. I respect my birth parents for giving me up, for doing what they thought was right, at the time. This is a pure act of love.

To say they were successful in providing me with a good life would be an understatement. They provided me with the best life a kid could ask for.

I also thank God for not allowing my mom and dad to have biological children, for if that were to have happened, I would have not been adopted by some the most loving parents in the world. I wouldn’t be who I am today, without their guidance and knowledge. This is all part of God’s plan and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

About the Author: Bud Hennekes is an 19 year old college student who believes in living your passions and shares his insights at his blog A Boundless World. His hobbies vary depending on the day but more often than not he enjoys: reading, writing, conversation, meditating, and changing the world. Feel free to subscribe to his blog here.

 

 

Our Holiday celebrations reflect who we are.  They provide us with an opportunity to connect with the unique cultural heritage that through its traditions forms our memories, our history and our identity.  Celebrate yourself!

 

Article by: Kala Ambrose

via examiner.com

Inside each of us at some point in our life, we begin to question our identity. This speculation and musing stems from the desire to establish a connection with something greater while aspiring to answer the age old question that sages, philosophers, fools and scholars have pondered since ancient times. The question that mystifies, delights and frustrates all who attempt to answer it is, Who Am I?

For most of us, the starting point in answering this question, is to first look at our roots and where we come from. The passage of time allows us to reflect upon our history. The holidays and festivals established in our culture create memories with friends and family which are integral to defining who we are and what we revere. Each new generation pulls from these experiences and moves forward taking what we hope, is the best of our heritage to provide a foundation from them to derive comfort and a sense of belonging in the world.

Each country has their unique cultural heritage, formed over hundreds of years of experiences collectively and individually. For the mass majority of people in the U.S., our ancestors arrived here as strangers in a strange land and keeping a bit of their identity and cultural customs helped ease the homesickness on holidays and kept happy memories alive. The U.S. is described as the ‘great melting pot’, rich with a vast mix of cultures enhancing the vibrancy and variety of the country, some of which I just celebrated while returning recently to visit my home state of Louisiana to spend some time in the great city of New Orleans.

As a nation, the U.S. may have one of the most unique cultures, due to the fact that the culture focuses on hopes and dreams for the future, based on the belief that with hard work, perseverence and a bit of luck, one can accomplish anything they desire. As Americans, we are by large, self-made people. For most of us, our ancestors came to this country with little in their pockets, full of hopes and dreams to create a new life. The results have ranged from spectacular to catastrophic, but most would willingly choose one day of freedom in their newly adopted country than to live where they were previously. Self-made people by nature are gutsy, they have that spirit and drive to follow their dreams and using their talents and wits, they succeed. They also have pride in who they are and remember what their parents taught them about respect for those who paved the way before them.

People in the U.S. identify themselves as Americans, but a great majority also love to connect with where their ancestors came from before moving to the United States. Ask any Brit here on vacation, that as soon as an American hears their british accent, they immediately have to ask what part of England they are from and then explain that their great great great great grandfather came from England. This almost always is both amusing and perplexing to the Englishman, who would never think of asking an American in London a similar question. Though back in the 80′s, I did have a conversation with a British woman over the phone, who when finding out that I was living in Texas, wanted to know if I personally knew J.R. and the rest of the Ewing family from the tv show Dallas.

Here in the U.S., we share our pride of our cultural heritage the American way – by throwing a block party and everyone’s invited. I’d like to go on record in saying that this custom may be one of the most important cultural influences of our history. From Mardi Gras, to St. Patrick’s Day, Chinese New Year, Oktoberfest and Cinco De Mayo, Americans love to celebrate and participate in these events around the country, regardless of their own ethnicity. With carnival beads around my neck on top of my Kiss Me, I’m Irish tee-shirt, to eating moon cakes and dressing on occasion like a St. Pauli Girl, I’m as guilty as the rest of them.

Opinions on these celebrations are as diverse as the people in our country. Some feel it cheapens the historical significance of events, by diminishing them to the level of food, alcohol and party favors. Many decry the fact that Americans by large are ignorant of history. I’m not so sure that’s the case, I’ve encountered people all around this country, who have wonderful stories of history, of their home towns, their states, their city blocks, and their farms. History is relative and varies in importance in conjunction to the situation of each individual.

What most Americans understand is the importance of ‘living in the now’. Our ancestors taught us this lesson, they did not focus on what they had left behind or how things used to be, they just rolled up their sleeves and got busy creating their new life. This may be one of the greatest legacies that they have taught us and when we follow our dreams, we honor them and our heritage, both from the past and present.

As a history buff, I’ve spent a great deal of my life studying comparative religions, cultures, philosophies and ancient rites and rituals. I do this because I enjoy it and it’s a personal passion. I also understand that one does not need to know the entire history of a culture in order to participate in a festival. If we really desire to delve into historical significance, let’s begin with the fact that Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico. It is not celebrated nationally in Mexico and has nothing to do as many think, with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo acknowledges the victory of the Mexican army over the French in a battle in Puebla. Surprised?

So why celebrate Cinco de Mayo? The real question may be, Why not? Commemorations like Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and Octoberfest present the opportunity for Americans to share their cultural pride, heritage and customs with others. These celebrations have inspired school districts across the country to connect these events with lessons plans in geography, history, dance, art and music. In some cities, museums exhibitions and events are connected to the festivities, along with parades and city wide events. And, yes, in many bars and restaurants across the country, people will gather to drink a Guinness on March 17th, a Beck’s in October and a Corona on May 5th. They will raise their glasses in a toast, some in memory of their ancestors, others with pride of their heritage and many who are living in the now, in recognition that we are all one, a band of brothers and sisters called humanity. Here collectively on earth, as we seek to understand who we are, there are days when we still feel like strangers in a strange land. Life passes quickly and for many Americans working hard every day, taking the time to pause and break bread, or corned beef and hash, brats and sauerkraut or chicken enchiladas, with a few friends is a time honored tradition. As an optimist, I see the possibility of greater cultural respect and integration with each generation who shares and participates in these events.

So join me in shaking your maracas and margaritas on Cinco de Mayo. Dance with joy, share some enchiladas with a friend and since we can’t all get to Cabo, Cancun or Cozumel today, live in the now and make it your fiesta getaway for a day. Personally, I’m all for more celebrations and suggest that we root next for Bastille Day, July 14th, right after we make Mardi Gras a national holiday!

I believe wholeheartedly that every success story is backed by a very important ingredient: INTENTION.  Yes, all the New Age Gurus tell us that desire, focus and positive thinking are the forces that drive manifestation, but ask any Spiritual Worker from any era and they will tell you that unless you are clear in your intentions you will not see them come true.  Read below to learn more about how Spiritual Manifestation is achieved…

 “”Spiritual Manifestation is the theory that through regular meditation and positive, constructive thought, you can make your dreams and desires become reality. Spiritual manifestation revolves around the New Age concept of the Law of Attraction. This idea has recently been popularized in American media by such things as the book “The Secret” and the sitcom “My Name Is Earl”. Simplified down to a single statement, the Law of Attraction states that think and act in a positive way, good thing will happen to you, but if your think and act negatively, bad things will happen to you.

This concept has been around a long, long time, from the ancient Hindu concept of “karma” to its many modern forms such as “Positive Thinking”, “Mental Science”, “Pragmatic Christianity”, “Religious and/or Divine Science”, and “Practical Metaphysics”.

There is a significant difference between these practices, however, and spiritual manifestation. While many of these practices aim for vague, random “positive things” to happen to you (as karma often does to comic effect in “My Name Is Earl”), it is aims for much more targeted, specific results to make your dreams and desires come true.

Spiritual manifestation holds that if you really want something and truly believe it’s possible, it will happen. On the other hand, if you dwell on what you don’t want to happen, giving it lots of thought and attention, that will probably happen, too.

HOW DOES SPIRITUAL MANIFESTATION WORK?

Spiritual manifestation operates on three levels: the spiritual, the psychological, and the physical. Each level requires its own explanation.

On the spiritual level, it is believed that thoughts have an energy of their own, which attracts whatever the person is thinking of. This energy itself is neither positive nor negative-it simply is. In order to harness this energy to your benefit, one must practice for things:

1. Know what you want.
2. Ask the universe for it.
3. Feel and behave as if the object of your desire is on its way.
4. Be open to receiving it.

On the psychological level, spiritual manifestation is considered a form of the “self-fulfilling prophecy”. If one is convinced their dreams and desires are unattainable, they will only make a half-hearted attempt, be overly receptive to any obstacles as a signs of impending failure, and eventually become discouraged and give up.

On the other hand, if one is convinced their dreams and desires are attainable, even inevitable, they will react differently. They will throw themselves into the task, working hard to achieve their dream. They will view obstacles only as temporary setbacks, a Stumbling Block rather than a Road Block, and view any sign of success as prove that their dreams are slowly becoming reality.

Finally, on a physical level, advocates of spiritual manifestation point to a potential scientific explanation for how this works. Scientifically, human thought is just a biochemical process of neurons being transferred between different synapses in the brain. However, this transfer of neurons creates an electrical current-tiny, sure, but measurable.

This electrical current also generates a tiny magnetic field. Keep in mind the brain has tens of thousands of synapses firing at any one time.

Proponents of spiritual manifestation argue that these electrical and magnetic waves carry content, not just meaningless static, although we do not yet have to tool to measure and confirm this theory. Advocates of spiritual manifestation argue that through mental training and meditation, people can control their thoughts, and thus the bio-chemical and bio-magnetic energy emitted by their brain waves. Although this has not yet been proven, it is an interesting scientific theory.””

By: Amanda Isbitt

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Spiritual Information Meditation

Spell Casting can be as varied and diverse as the person that practices magic.  However, there are a few things that every magic practitioner can do to obtain the optimal results from their work…

Tips For Casting Spells

via spellsofmagic.com

There are many things which will contribute to a success or failure of a spell. Any of the following, or a combination of the following can help you in your spell casting.

 

1. The Moon phase
   The proper Moon phase is one of the keys to success in Spell casting. Just as a farmer may plant his seeds or how fish spawn on the full moon during the full moon, a full moon can help you with your spells, but some spells work better on other phases of the moon. Selecting the right moon phase is sometimes easier then others.

   There are 4 phases of the moon, and each phase lasts for 7 days. For example many people think the ‘Full Moon’ phases is only one night, but they are wrong, the ‘Full Moon’ is actually the 3 days, the day of, and the 3 days after the date where the moon is the fullest. The following are the phases:

   • New Moon – During this phase spells which get rid of things will have the best success rates.
   • Waxing Moon – During this phase spells which gain things (money, hair, etc) will be at their peak.
   • Full Moon – All magic is much more powerful on the night of the full moon, during this phase spells which deal with power and magical energies will be at their strongest.
   • Waning Moon – During this phase spells which deal with the doing away of destruction of things will work best.
2. The proper materials and supplies
   You must use the correct ingredients. For example do not use a green candle in a love spell, use a red one. Keep the green candle for money spells. All the ingredients for all the spells may be purchased from our online store, or you may try to find the items in your local shops or elsewhere online.

   Magical ingredients also have a greater effect when they have already had a charmed spell placed on them.

3. The mental condition of the Practitioner
   When casting a spell you must be focused on the spell, the target, and the emotions of the spell. When casting a love spell you must have love in your heart, not hatred. Likewise when casting a hex you must have hatred for the person you are casting the spell on. If you are in a happy mood an exil spell will not work. You must also believe completely in the spell and the power of magic.
4. The experience of the Practitioner
   The more experience you have with magic, the greater the effect of the spell you will cast. If all you do is cast a spell once a month you will not be able to cast powerful spells. You must cast many spells and become familiar with the feel of magic before you are able to control it fully.

   Too often people get frustrated after only casting one or two spells and give up on magic. Usually it will take a few times for a spell to work successfully for new spell casters. This will quickly vanish though, once you have cast a single spell correctly, casting other spells becomes easier.

5. The Magical Energy built up by the Practitioner
   There are many spells and rituals which will build up your magical energy and power. It is best to practice magic by casting this type of spell. This way you get more experience, but at the same time you are building your magical powers. The more magical energy you have built up, the more powerful your spells will be, this is very important when casting spells against others who also have built up their magical powers.
6. Your belief in the magic you are working
   You must believe in the spell you are casting. If you do not believe the spell can not possibly work. Magic is not a game or a toy to play with. You must commit yourself to magic and the powers of it when casting spells.
7. The will of the Universe
   No matter how good your ingredients are, how much power you have, you can not change the will of the universe.
8. The right Spell
   Obviously. If a spell doesn’t work for you it may be the wrong spell, or it may be the right spell but any of the above other things like the moon phase, your mood, the ingredients or something off may be off. Keep a notebook of all the spells you have cast, when and where and where you got the ingredients. This way you will know which spells work best for you

The Secret Code of the Celts

Learn more about the ogham associated with your Celtic Astrology sign

Explore the mystery of your Celtic tree sign. A custom Celtic Astrology report offers ancient wisdom, giving you a fresh look into your unique nature.

 

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by Stephanie Dempsey

via tarot.com

Created around 600 B.C., the ogham alphabet was created by the Celts as a secret code. This code was used to write magic spells that only elite members of society could understand. Each ogham corresponds to a Celtic astrological sign. Inscribing special items with the ogham associated with your Celtic sign can attract luck, protect you from harm and heighten your unique personal powers.

Beithe (December 24 – January 20)
Associated with the Birch Tree, Beithe symbolizes beginnings, change and fresh opportunities. Invoke the power of this ogham when you need to make an important transition. Beithe is also linked to the color white; its sacred animal is the cow. People born under the sign of the Birch Tree are renowned for having a fresh, unusual outlook, and can capitalize on this gift by inscribing personal items with this letter.

Luis (January 21 – February 17)

Luis is linked to the Rowan Tree. This ogham represents insight, prescience and discernment. Focus on this letter when you need to make an important decision. The color red is associated with Luis. Its sacred animals are the unicorn and bear. Those born under the sign of the Rowan Tree are blessed with excellent taste, which can be strengthened by inscribing this ogham onto their personal possessions.

Nuin (February 18 – March 17)
The Ash Tree is represented by the ogham Nuin. Nuin symbolizes peace. Anyone born under the Celtic sign of the Ash Tree are loners and frequently need to escape the chaos of public life. Inscribing personal items with the Nuin ogham will afford the tranquility this sign needs to exercise its considerable creativity. This Celtic letter is linked to the color green; its spirit animal is the snake.

Fearn (March 18 – April 14)
Fearn is tied to the Alder Tree. It represents moral and physical courage. People born under the sign of the Alder are famous for their bravado. Marking personal possessions with this ogham will enhance these qualities. This Celtic letter is also linked to the color red. Its spirit animals include the red fox, ram and stallion. Invoke the power of Fearn when you need to make a bold move.

Saille (April 15 – May 12)
Linked to the Willow Tree, Saille embodies the principles of intuition, creativity and artistry. People born under the sign of the Willow are renowned for their vivid imaginations. Inscribing their personal property with the letter Saille will heighten these abilities. This ogham is associated with the color yellow; its spirit animals are the hare and the cat. Channel the power of Saille when you need to take a new and inventive approach.

Huathe (May 13 – June 9)
Representing the Hawthorn Tree, Huathe embodies the principle of restraint. Hawthorn Tree people are patient, thoughtful and hopeful. They can enhance these qualities by marking their personal property with Huathe. The color purple is tied to this ogham, as are the goat and dragon. If you need to wait for something important, focus on this Celtic letter. It will prevent you from jumping the gun. Focusing on this symbol can also fill you with optimism.

Duir (June 10 – July 7)
Associated with the Oak Tree, Duir represents protection. Oak Tree people are distinguished by their reliability, diligence and emotional strength. Anyone born under this sign will benefit from inscribing their personal possessions with this ogham. Duir is linked to the color black. It is also tied to three spirit animals: the white horse, the lion and the salamander. If you’re about to undertake a difficult project, invoke the power of Duir.

Tinne (July 8 – August 4)
Tinne is represented by the Holly Tree. People born under the sign of the Holly are celebrated for their physical strength and star power. Marking personal possessions with this Celtic letter can enhance these abilities. This ogham is tied to the color silver; its spirit animal is the war horse. If you want to get noticed, channel the magical power of this Celtic letter. It’s also a good ogham to draw when you’re going on a job interview or audition.

Coll (August 5 – September 1)
The ogham Coll represents wisdom, and is linked to the Hazel Tree. People born under the Hazel sign are prized for their intellect, maturity and perspective. Hazels would do well to inscribe their personal property with this letter. Coll is linked to the color brown; its spirit animal is the salmon. Invoke the power of this ogham when you need to trust your head over your heart. It’s also a good letter to channel when you’re about to take a big test.

Muin (September 2 – September 29)
Linked with the Vine, Muin symbolizes the power of prophecy. People born under the Celtic sign of the Vine are blessed with foresight. Inscribing their personal property with this ogham can strengthen their powers of perception. Vine people are also uninhibited; if you’re self-conscious, you may want to meditate on their special letter. Muin is associated with pastel colors; its spirit animal is the lizard.

Gort (September 30 – October 27)
Representing the Ivy plant, Gort symbolizes progress. People born under the Celtic sign of Ivy are famous for their willpower. They can vault over obstacles through sheer determination. Ivy people can further intensify their focus by marking their personal property with this ogham. Gort is associated with the color blue and is also linked to the boar. Meditating on this Celtic letter can keep distractions at bay.

Ngetal (October 28 – November 24)

Tied to the Celtic astrological sign of the Reed, Ngetal symbolizes unity. Reed people are celebrated for their open-minded attitudes and worldly sophistication. These qualities will be heightened when Reed people inscribe their personal property with this ogham. The color orange is linked to this letter, as are three spirit animals: the dog, the stag and the rat. Whenever you need to step out of your comfort zone, focus on this Celtic letter.

Ruis (November 25 – December 23)
Associated with the Elder Tree, Ruis represents maturity. Elder people are known to be wise beyond their years. When they mark their property with this Celtic letter, this trait becomes more pronounced. The Ruis ogham is also tied with the color gold; its spirit animal is the badger. Anyone seeking to come to terms with a difficult situation would be wise to invoke the power of this letter. Ruis can also help you heal from prolonged emotional pain.

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Each springtime Mother Nature wisely presents us with hope and renewal.  Follow its lead and use this magical time to clear your physical and spiritual clutter with some simple and fun Spring Cleaning Rituals… 

SHARED via spiritnow.com

Spring Cleaning Rituals For Good Fortune Is it time for a bit of Spring Cleaning in your life? With the new season in full swing, you can make this more of this dull chore by attaching magical significance to what you are doing.

First of all, clearing all clutter from your house is not just a necessary act. It is also a mandatory part of Feng Shui. According to the laws of this ancient art that keeps positive energy flowing into your life, clutter simply acts as a barrier to good fortune in your life. Walk around your house with a garbage bag and throw everything out that you don’t need.

 

To reinforce your intention of getting rid of all bad energy and everything that is holding you back in life, make sure you travel around your home in a counter clockwise circle.  Walking counter clockwise from the front door and then through every room is a ritualistic way of banishing bad energy from your home. As you throw things out, think of what objectionable person or situation was attached to the object and imagine it disappearing from your life.

You should also do the same counter-clockwise walk around your home while you are sweeping up. Start in at the front door and move in a circular direction sweeping and dusting until you are done. Then take the broom that you used to clean your place and throw that out as well. Then go out and buy yourself a new broom. This symbolizes the “fresh start” that is associated with spring time.

Yet another nice ritual you can do at the start of spring is to hang a broom above your front door. This is supposed to be a good luck charm that prevents bad energies from entering your life. Beneath it hang a horse shoes which keeps good energy from leaving your home.

If you really have had a bad winter, then it is a good idea to buy sage bundles and light them. The best way to light these bundles, which are thick sticks of dried grass that have been tied together, is to take a big metal bowl with a bit of water in it beneath around with you. That way you can hold the lit bundle of sage, which tends to burn with a quite large flame that can easily get out of control, over the water so you can douse it quickly if you need to. You can buy commercial sage bundles in novelty shops, occult shops, and new age supply stores and you can also get them online. Different types of grasses and herbs like lavender or sweetgrass are also sometimes mixed in with the sage as well to add even more qualities to the ritual cleansing of a space. For instance, a sage bundle with lavender in it will bring an extra dimension of peace to your space and a bundle with sweetgrass in it brings healing.

Part of spring cleaning efforts should also be to remove any furniture that is out of style or broken. The same goes for appliances. These broken objects sit around collecting dust and also, according to the laws of Feng Shui, bad energy that can bring sickness and malfortune.

This is also the time to throw out any old clothes, which is symbolic of your ability to constantly reinvent yourself as time goes on. Gathering any clothes that don’t fit or that you don’t wear anymore and giving them to charity is an excellent idea because it fits in with the principles about good karma. The more things you give away, the more good fortune that will come back to you to fill the void that ridding yourself of these material goods has created.

If you have any old photos hanging around, especially if they are of relatives, it is time to clean them, hang them and place them on your eastern wall. This will help bring you good fortune. If you have posters of famous people, hang them on your south wall or northwest wall to attract good energies that can help you in your career.

If you have any pools, ponds, or birdbaths in your yard, it is also a good idea to clean them of any leaves, dirt, or debris of any kind. This is because flowing water around your property symbolizes money coming into the house. Dirty or clogged water can also symbolize a block to prosperity.

You can also attach a little magical intention to your choice of cleaning solutions as well. Orange scented cleaners bring you joy and happiness. Pine scented cleaners bring money and protection. Ammonia and camphor chase away bad energies and evil spirits. Lemon or lime scented cleaners symbolize emotional and mental control.

You can also use air fresheners in the same way. A lavender scented air freshener brings peace and calm to a house. A berry scented freshener brings love and friends to the door. Vanilla or cinnamon scented air fresheners bring matrimonial bliss. Rose and orchid scented cleaners bring romance.

Choosing products that are nontoxic or less-toxic also helps the environment, as it eliminates or lessens toxic chemicals used in manufacture and toxic waste.

Attaching spiritual significance to Spring cleaning is not a silly or superstitious idea. It has been practiced by all kinds of different cultures for centuries. Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in cultures around the world – and for purposes beyond simply removing dirt. In China, for example, the agriculturally-based springtime New Year’s celebration is preceded by a thorough housecleaning, both to remove accumulated grime and to rid the dwelling of any evil spirits that have taken up residence so they don’t come into the New Year.

Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It’s a major project of home revitalization: to make everything new by removing dust and dirt, to make sure everything is in good repair, and to put things in order, so that you will have everything in your household in working condition for the coming year.

A great way to complete your Spring Cleaning ritual is to fill every room in your home with a vase of flowers to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

The month of February is charged with love and romantic energy.  We have dedicated February to bringing you the best love rituals and  advice we could find to make this your most romantic year ever…

~*Those Ol’ Gypsy Love Rituals*~

 

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via mojomoon.net

 

I have divided these spells & rituals into 3 different categories so that you may find what you are looking for quickly. At present these are all that are available. They’re From Bucklands Book entitled “Secrets Of Gypsy Love Magick”

 

Love Magick

I started with what I get asked for most. It seems everyone & I literally mean “everyone” has trouble finding/deciding on that perfect someone at some point in their life. After all, you are looking for your soulmate, your one true love! Nothing can be left to chance….
Which is why the Romani’s devised these Love Spells & Rituals… to help make things appear more clearly & to smooth the path to beautiful,intoxicating drive-you-mad love!

 

To Attract a Lover

This is when you have a lover but he or she is not as attentive as you would wish. You know they love you but…

Sit before a dying fire and gaze into it, clearing your mind of all but thoughts of your lover. Have a small basket of laurel leaves between your knees.Keeping your gaze fixed on the fire, dip your left hand into the basket, take out a handful of leaves, and toss them onto the fire. As they burst into flames, chant out loud the following:

“Laurel leaves that burn in the fire,
Draw unto me my heart’s desire.”

Wait until the flames have died down, then repeat the action. Do it a third time. Within 24 hours your lover will come to visit you.

To Make Yourself Known to Another

If you love another and they don’t seem to notice, then this can bring you to their attention.

You need to find their footprints in the earth. You then dig up this footprint (more correctly, the earth in which it is impressed). Take the earth to the nearest willow tree and, making a hole in the ground at its base, put the footprint earth into the hole, filling it over with the original dirt. As you are burying the footprint this way, say:

“Many earths on earth there be,
I make my love know unto thee.
For He is the flower and I the stem;
He the cock and I the hen.
Grow, grow willow tree!
Sorrow not for the likes of me

From then on you will find that the person you yearn for will indeed start to notice you.
Where it goes from there, of course, is up to you.

The Revealing Peel

To find if the one you love will become your spouse, do the following.

In the morning, as soon as you arise, peel a small lemon. Keep two equal pieces of the peel, each about the size of a half-dollar. Place the pieces with the insides together and the peel sides out, and put them in your right-hand pocket or in your purse. Leave them there all day.At night, when you undress for bed, take the peel from your pocket or purse and rub the legs of the bed with it. Then place both pieces of the peel under your pillow and lay down to sleep. If you dream of your love, then you will surely marry him/her

To Rid Yourself of an Unwanted Lover
Some people are wooed by persistent would-be lovers, those who won’t take no for an answer and who won’t leave them alone. This is the ideal spell for such a situation. It should be done during the waning cycle of the Moon – meaning, after the Full Moon and before the New Moon.

Have a roaring fire going, then go outside and pick up two handfuls of dry vervain leaves
(you can place them on the ground ahead of time, if necessary.) As you pick them up,shout out the name of the one you wish to be rid of. Turn and go into the house(or cross to the fire if this is all done out in the open) and fling leaves onto the fire with the words:

“Here is my pain;
Take it and soar.
Depart from me now
And offend me no more.”

Do this for three nights in a row. You will hear no more from the unwanted ones.

To open the way for one who loves you

 

The seeker should set a wineglass on the table. Then suspend a ring(traditionally the mothers wedding ring but any ring will do) from a length of silk ribbon. Holding the ribbon between thumb & forefinger,as a pendulum,with the elbow resting on the table ,let the ring hang in the mouth of the wineglass. Initially you should try and keep the ring still.

In a loud, clear voice call out your own name followed by the name of your would-be love. Repeat the name of your love twice more (3 times in all).
Then thinking of him/her allow the ring to swing until it “chinks” against the side of the wine glass once for each letter as you spell out their name.

Now take the ribbon and tie it about your neck ,allowing the ring to hang down on your chest over your heart. wear it for 3 weeks. Every Friday repeat the above ritual. By the end of the third week , if it is meant to be , then the loved one will come to you.

To find the initials of your future spouse

 

For this ,using the brightest red apple with the longest stem you can find (anywhere except off your own tree). Sit by the fire and hold the apple by the stem as you gently twist it. For each twist given, state a letter of the alphabet (in order). The letter stated as the stem breaks free from the apple is your spouses first initial.

Toss the stem into the fire. To get the last initial ,peel the apple skin off carefully in one long peel. If you mess up,you have to start again with a new apple, so be careful.

When done,take the peel in your left hand & toss it over your shoulder so that it lands on the ground behind you. Turn around and see what letter’s shape the peel has taken on in it’s fall. That is the first letter of your future spouses last name.

If the apple peel should break when thrown ,that means that it is going to be a stormy relationship/courtship and that there will most likely be more than one instance in which you will consider calling the whole thing off.
 

 To view your future spouse

In a room on a table covered with a black cloth place a clear goblet of water which is filled to it’s brim. Next to the goblet ,on the left, burn a white candle. This should be the only light in the closed ,silent room. On the right, burn some appropriate incense such as Frankincense,Jasmine or Sandalwood.

Close your eyes and relax by taking a few nice deep breaths as you envison the faces of possible spouses in front of you. Keep your eyes closed as you repeat the following three times:

Scry,scry,scry for me

 Bring the face that I must see.

Let me gaze on my future mate,
To know which lover will be my fate.”

Clear your mind of everything so that you are ready to accept whatever you see. When ready ,open your eyes and gaze down into the water and glimpse the face of who will become your spouse.

Is he/she the right one for me?.

 

Using a pendulum(at least 7 inches in length) & an article that connects you to him/her. (hankerchief,watch,ring,photograph,letter,article of clothing etc..)
Simply sit with the object in front of you and hold the pendulum over it. Hold the pendulum so that it is suspended about an inch or so above the object.
Concentrate your thoughts on the person in question. Is he/she the right one for you? Think of both their good and bad qualities.Then recite the following three times in all:  

“Av,mi Romani mal
Pawdel dur chumbas
Av kitane mansa?”

 

As you say the verse,the pendulum will begin to swing . If it swings back and forth(towards and away from you) then the answer is “yes”,that person is right for you.
If it is swinging in a circular motion instead,then clockwise also means “yes”.
If swinging side to side or counter-clockwise than “no” they are not the one for you.
 

To bring out the love of another (Courage Spell)

 

This does not interefere with a persons free will. It only gives them the courage to state what is on their mind. It is for when you feel that they are in love with you but do not have the courage to act on their feelings. If it turns out that they do not actually love you as you thought ,no harm done as if that is the case,it will simply not work on them.

To be done at the same time for 7 Fridays in a row with it ending on the one closest to the beginning of a Full moon. (Not after,but before it is full.)

Take a pink household candle or taper and divide into 7 equal sections by marking it with 6 rings of equal size. As you light the candle ,call out the name of that who you think loves you. Then say:

 

“Gana be with me in all that I do.
Gana please bring me a love that is true.
Give him/her the strength to put into words
his/her feelings ,and sing like the song of the birds.”

 

Think about that person for a few moments. Envision them coming to you and declaring their love for you then repeat the chant. Keep doing this until the candle has burned down to the first line then pinch the cande out and put it away until the next friday.
On the last friday,keep chanting until the candle burns itself out.

To make one you love notice you

 

Find their footprint in the dirt. Dig up the earth that has been stepped upon. Take the earth to the nearest willow tree and making a hole in the ground at it’s base, put the footprint earth into the hole,filling it over with the original dirt. As you bury the footprint this way,say:

 

“Many earths on earth there be ,
I make my love known unto thee.
For he(she) is the flower & I the stem;
He (I) the cock & me(she) the hen
Grow, grow willow tree!
Sorrow not for the likes of me.

 

From then on you will find that the person that you yearn for will indeed start to notice you. Where it goes from there is up to you.

To make a lover more attentive

 

Sit before a dying fire & gaze into it, clearing your mind of all but thoughts of your lover.
Have a small basket of Laurel leaves between your knees. Keeping your gaze fixed on the fire ,dip your left hand into the basket,take out a handful of the leaves & toss them into the fire. As they burst into flame ,chant out loud the following:

 

“Laurel leaves that burn in the fire,
draw unto me my hearts desire”

 

Wait till the flames have died down ,then repeat the action. Do it a third time . It is said that within 24 hours your lover will come visit you.
 

To rid yourself of an unwanted admirer

To be done during the waning phase of the moon

Have a roaring fire going then go outside and pick up two handfuls of dry vervain leaves(you can place them on the ground ahead of time to stay accurate to the legend,if necessary).
As you pick them up shout out the name of the one you wish to be rid of . Turn and go into the house (or cross to the fire if this is all done out of doors.) and fling the leaves into the fire with the words:

 

“Here is my pain
take it and soar
Depart from me now
and offend me no more”

 

Do this for three nights in a row . You will hear no more from the unwanted one.

 

~*Romani Herbal Love Baths*~

 

Gypsies of earlier times were really not heavily into bathing but this was with good reason …
Being nomadic had it’s drawbacks & with any type of well-travelled person, it was found that there was a great appreciation of water when it was available. Since it was not always easy to come by ,it was used both sparingly and with discretion. It was thought that it best never to waste water on the body when it may be desperately needed for drinking later.

Despite all this, there were many times when a bath was a necessity rather than an extravagance and at these times ,it was not only taken but had to be taken in a certain manner…an herbal bath to promote affairs of the heart, for instance.

Romani women have been long known for their time-honored recipes for herbal baths, They were especially concocted for those times when it was really important: to attract a love, to seal a lovers contract, to repair a damaged love etc…
Here are some examples to try for yourself.ENJOY!

Bath Recipe #1
Into your bath water or in a small muslin tea or herb bag drop Rose Petals and Jasmine Flowers, a small number of Mint Leaves & some Comfrey Root.
Let them steep for at least five minutes or place bag under running water as the tub fills, then you can either get into the bath immediately or pull the ingredients out first and then get in(if you did not use a bag).
Most Romani’s leave the herbs and flowers in with them.

Bath Recipe #2
Rosemary and Carnation Petals in equal parts plus half the amount of Lavender. Add a sprinkling of Rose Fennel and Thyme.

Bath Recipe #3
Mint, Lavender & Marjoram steeped together first on the stove for at least five minutes. Then add a sprinkling of Rose Petals and pinch of Basil.

Bath Recipe #4
Prepare a pot of herbal tea containing one teaspoon each of Rosemary, Valerian, Vervain, Mint, and Cinnamon beforehand. Let it steep for about ten minutes, then pour into the bath water.
Sprinkle on top about a half teaspoonful of Lovage (dried and powdered).

Bath Recipe #5
Simmer a quarter cup of Lavender and a quarter cup of Rose Petals in a quart of water for 15 minutes, then add to your bath water.

Bath Recipe #6
Simmer a quarter cup of Hops and a quarter cup of Marjoram in a quart of water for 20 minutes, then add to your bath.

Bath Recipe #7
Simmer a quarter cup of Peppermint and a quarter cup of Linden Flowers in a quart of water for 15 minutes, then add to your bath water.

Generally, the above can be done with either fresh flowers/herbs or dried ones. While soaking in your bath, you should concentrate on your desire, be it to bring love, heal a rift,consummate a union, incite passion etc….

Romani women are known as some of the most beautiful women in the world. How do they get that way? Were they all simply born beautiful? Many ,but not all…… And those who were not have some very closely guarded secrets to make it appear as though they were….I share these secrets with you now, just as Mr. Cunningham did with us….

Facial

1.To wash your face with dew every morning is believed to keep the complexion clear. Rain water also has been used, but these days of acid rain give pause for thought.

2. A Gypsy skin freshener is made up of one part malt vinegar (apple cider vinegar will do) to eight parts of water. This is also a good hair rinse.

3. A favorite Romani facial is a mixture of one egg with one tablespoon each of honey and milk. Beat together, this is applied to the face and neck and left on for a period of ten to fifteen minutes before being washed off with warm water followed by cold water.

Hair Concerns

1. If you have very dry hair, warm some olive oil and apply it to the hair. Work slowly over the head, working the oil in and being careful to especially cover the ends of the hair with oil. Then dip a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your hair. When the towel has cooled, reheat it and wrap it around again. Do this for a total of an hour, then thoroughly shampoo the hair.

2. For men, a tea made from Wild Cherry Bark is thought to be an excellent hair tonic and hair restorer. A strong mixture worked into the scalp over a period of time is said to grow hair on a bald man.

3. A tea from sage is not only a good hair dressing, but will also bring back the hair’s natural color when it is starting to grey.

4. Some Romani women will take a lock of their hair and bury it at the foot of a Willow tree. This is said to promote luxuriant growth, making the hair glossy and attractive.

5. If you cut your hair at the New Moon, it will grow rapidly and richly. If you cut your hair in the waning cycle it will grow very slowly.

6. Many a Romani will never brush her hair in artificial light. She will either do it in the daylight or will sit outside and do it in the light of the Moon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

via mojomoon.net

A wise person once said that “age only matters if you are a cheese”.  I couldn’t agree more.  Finding your soul partner can come at any age. All it takes is opening yourself to receive the blessing…

I Married My Soulmate at 44

 

By Arielle Ford 

I didn’t meet and marry my soulmate until I was 44. It was in my early forties that I decided to find my soulmate using everything I had ever learned about manifestation, psychology, spirituality, and the Law of Attraction.

My intentions became crystal-clear while I simultaneously cleared out the clutter in my house and in my heart. I learned and invented techniques, rituals, visualizations, and prayers that helped me prepare my body, mind, spirit, and home for an amazing relationship.

They worked! I met my husband, Brian, who has exceeded all of my desires and expectations. He was and is everything I ever wished for. Here’s what I know for sure: finding true love is possible for anyone at any age. To manifest your soulmate, here are the top 10 things to do and remember.

Read the first soulmate tip.

Arielle Ford is the author of The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction (Harper One). She lives in La Jolla, Calif., with her husband. Visit her at www.soulmatesecret.com.

 

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